KUALA LUMPUR: Police have beefed up their presence and increased patrols in Petaling Street and its key vicinities, this morning.

They are not taking any chance despite the announcement last night by Red Shirts rally organiser Mohd Ali Baharom that the gathering will not take place.

As early as 8am, roads connected to the tourist bargain shopping hotspot have seen additional police presence, though business seemed to be going on as usual.

Red shirts rally co-organiser and Sungai Besar UMNO division head Datuk Jamal Md Yunos was detained for questioning in Ampang last night, shortly after Mohd Ali had made his announcement which came with a warning of future protests.

The red shirts are demanding Petaling Street, also known throughout the world as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, be opened to Malay traders to do business.

Police sources say despite the cancellation of today’s protest , they are not taking any chances with public safety and order.

The area surrounding Low Yat Plaza in Bukit Bintang has also strong security, with increased police presence.

– NST