KUALA LUMPUR — Police have warned of mass arrests if Zamri Vinoth and other organisers defy the Home Ministry’s directive and proceed with a rally against “illegal” houses of worship during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the police would not grant approval for the gathering and had been trying, unsuccessfully, to persuade the organisers to call it off.
“There is no way the rally will take place and we will not allow it to happen. The government has issued strict orders and everyone must comply. We will not compromise,” he told Scoop.
“We are still engaging with the organisers to prevent the rally, but they remain adamant. They do not want to cooperate and are determined to proceed with their agenda. From the police point of view, the answer is clear — we will not allow it to take place.
“If the organisers or their leaders continue to defy the government’s orders, we will carry out mass arrests, as public safety is our top priority,” he added.
The Home Ministry has urged Malaysians to refrain from holding any public rallies this weekend due to heightened security measures in place for Modi’s two-day visit, which begins today and includes bilateral talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that this is Modi’s third official visit to Malaysia. He is also scheduled to meet members of the Malaysian Indian community, as well as business and industry leaders.
The Home Ministry stressed that maintaining public order and observing diplomatic protocol during the high-level visit are of paramount importance.
In a statement released today, the ministry said police would oversee all security arrangements to ensure the visit proceeds without incident or disruption.
Police were also instructed to liaise with organisers of planned gatherings to seek their cooperation in cancelling any assemblies scheduled during the visit.
Zamri, the coordinator of the movement, said the authorities had been formally notified of the assembly in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. He claimed that 141 non-governmental organisations were expected to participate.
Zamri has previously been the subject of 894 police reports over alleged remarks deemed insulting to the Hindu faith.
Political parties, including the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), have also voiced concern over the rally. – February 7, 2026