Malaysia

Protest over MACC chief ends peacefully as police warn on 3R issues and fireworks ahead of CNY

Kuala Lumpur police say rally against Azam Baki concluded without incident and will be reviewed for sensitive content

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 16 Feb 2026 8:09AM

Protest over MACC chief ends peacefully as police warn on 3R issues and fireworks ahead of CNY
Authorities tighten rules on high-impact fireworks before Chinese New Year - February 16, 2026

A PROTEST calling for accountability over allegations involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki concluded peacefully in the capital, with police pledging to review the event to ensure no sensitive 3R issues — race, religion or royalty — were raised.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said approximately 600 officers were deployed to monitor the gathering, adding that organisers had engaged with the authorities prior to the event.

"Speeches were made on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman before the group moved to the Dataran Merdeka area, where it concluded," he said.

"The demonstration went by smoothly, with cooperation from the public. This is what we want," he added.

Fadil said police would scrutinise the speeches and proceedings to ensure no 3R elements had been touched upon.

"The police will take immediate action if there were any," he said on Sunday (Feb 15).

The rally centred on allegations regarding Azam’s purported share ownership. Several Members of Parliament were present, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Wong Chen and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

In his address, Rafizi urged coalition partners to adopt a clear position on the matter, warning that public sentiment could be influenced by their response. He also said further street demonstrations would be organised if an independent and transparent investigation was not carried out.

On Saturday, Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar announced that a special committee chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar had begun an inquiry into the allegations.

Only Low-Impact Fireworks That Do Not Produce Loud Explosions Allowed

Separately, police have tightened restrictions on fireworks and firecrackers ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations on Tuesday, permitting only low-impact items that do not produce loud explosions.

Fadil said any use or sale of fireworks capable of generating powerful blasts would require prior police approval and a permit.

“The police will further intensify patrols, monitoring and intelligence. I advise the public to stop such acts. Be moderate in celebrating and celebrate properly together.

“Do not cause disturbance, threats or discomfort to other members of the community, which may be considered an offence. The police will take immediate action against any violations,” he told a press conference.

He clarified that only fireworks such as ‘pop-pop’ and ‘happy boom’ types are allowed without special permission, while louder explosive devices require police authorisation.

Those who fail to comply may face action under Sections 7 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957, which carries penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both upon conviction. - February 16, 2026

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