Joining A Public Gathering

What “Permitted” Means in Kuala Lumpur

In Kuala Lumpur, not every public gathering is treated equally. According to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, organizers must notify the police of their plans, but they no longer need to apply for a permit from local authorities. Organizers are required to inform the police at least 10 days before the event.

However, Dataran Merdeka, the historic square in central Kuala Lumpur, requires a permit from the Datuk Bandar, the city mayor, even if the event is otherwise notified as permitted. The Datuk Bandar has the authority to approve, refuse, or attach conditions to any permit requested for activities in Dataran Merdeka.

Everywhere else, an assembly, meeting or procession can be held in a public place on notification alone. Dataran Merdeka is the exception, not the rule.

On the Move through Stations and Trains

Organized activities on trains are treated as special events and are subject to stricter regulations by the national railway, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). After a 2024 incident, KTMB announced plans to enforce stricter guidelines for future events held on its trains. This means that any organized activity on a KTMB train will likely require special permissions and may be subject to limits on the size, duration, and behavior of participants.

When moving through stations and trains, participants should expect to follow the instructions of KTMB staff and security personnel. This may include restrictions on the movement of the crowd and limits on the duration of the gathering. Watch KTMB’s own announcements in the days before: they are where a change of rule for a train event shows up first.

Shared-Space Etiquette in a Crowded City

When participating in a public gathering, it's essential to remember that you're sharing space with other residents, shoppers, and commuters. To keep the city accessible for everyone, participants should:

• Avoid obstructing footpaths, roads, or public transportation
• For public events, ensure that any sound systems are handled or the effect on others in the vicinity on residents, shopkeepers, buses or private cars is at minimum level
• Be mindful of the presence of shops, businesses, and residents in the vicinity, and do not block their entrances or disrupt their daily activities
• Follow the instructions of local authorities or private security

It's also crucial to keep the public space clean and accessible after the event. Participants should not leave behind any trash, debris, or other unwanted items. There is no published clean-up protocol; the working rule is to leave the space as usable as you found it.

What the Reader Should Check Before Going

Before participating in a public gathering, it's essential to verify a few key details:

• Check the event's official status: While most events no longer require a formal permit, some high-profile venues like Dataran Merdeka still require a permit from the mayor. Verify the event's official status with the organizer.
• Confirm the venue and time: Double-check the gathering's location and scheduled time, as these can change at the last minute. Organizers typically provide updates on their social media channels or through official communications.
• Familiarize yourself with transport rules: If your event involves using trains or buses, be aware of any special event rules or restrictions from the transport operator. KTMB, for example, has strict guidelines for organized events on their trains.
• Follow official guidelines: Even without a permit, participants should follow the guidelines set by local authorities or the event organizer to ensure a safe and respectful gathering for all.