KOTA KINABALU: The public is advised to avoid the Bersih 5 rally here tomorrow as police may have to use force to disperse the gathering.

District police chief assistant commissioner M. Chandra said the street protest violates the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

“Under the section 4(2)(c) of the Act, police have the right to use force to disperse people from holding street rallies.

“Therefore, it is best for the public not to attend the rally to avoid the risk of getting hurt,” he said in a press conference here.

Yesterday, Bersih 2.0 stated that there will be three points for rally goers to gather here before walking towards the main venue at Taman Ujana Rimba.

The assembly points are LHDN, Sempelang in Sembulan, and Taman Fortuna. Chandra said that the street rally, which will be held in the afternoon, will disrupt traffic flow.

“There will be roadblocks at several locations to ensure smooth traffic,” he added.

Earlier, Chandra said police arrested three locals involved in a syndicate carrying up to 1,206.28 grams of drugs with a market value estimated at RM156,000.-nst