PETALING JAYA: Some 100 anti-GST protesters clashed with police in front of the Kelana Jaya police station here about midnight, earlier today.
The protesters, who gathered in front of the station since 7.30pm demanding for the release of their comrades nabbed during anti-GST rally at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Department headquarters yesterday evening, turned rowdy upon seeing their friends being taken away in two police trucks.
A series of clash started when a team of police Light Strike Force tried to make way for the trucks, preventing the crowd from approaching the vehicles.
The New Straits Times went to the scene and saw water bottles and other objects flying during the clash, while protesters were seen pushing the policemen's anti-riot shields.
The situation returned calm for a short moment after the trucks, escorted by police patrol cars, left the area.
However, several protesters who were still not satisfied continued to provoke the crowd, leading to another clash.
It only ended when several protesters managed to calm the crowd down.
As of 12.30am, the crowd is still rallying in front of the station.
Meanwhile, Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat said a total of 79 people including 21 women were arrested yesterday following an anti-GST rally at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Department headquarters.
Police had to take action because of the group's provocation, and for trespassing a government's building.
The protesters are being investigated under Section 143 (participating in unlawful assembly), 353 (using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty) and 186 (obstructing public servant’s duty) of the Penal code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for insulting behaviour.