KOTA KINABALU: No gatherings have been permitted in the Menara Kinabalu area here except the Karnival Ria Kinabalu event tomorrow.
The carnival is organised by the Community Development Officer Unit (UPPM) and the Sabah government.
Sabah police chief Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said their personnel would be deployed in the area to ensure public safety.
He added that this measure was due to information received about a group of individuals intending to hold a gathering in the area.
"This gathering has been rejected as it does not meet the conditions required to be held in that location.
"Our aim in rejecting this gathering is to ensure the peace, safety and well-being of visitors attending the carnival," he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference at the Sabah police contingent headquarters (IPK Sabah) today.
Jauteh added that an unauthorized gathering could create unease, especially for children, mothers and elderly visitors at the carnival.
He added that the police would ensure that the group did not disrupt the ongoing carnival.
"We will ensure they do not enter the area by implementing several measures to prevent this group from trespassing into the location.
"We are concerned that if this group gathers and another group comes to provoke them, it could lead to undesirable incidents.
"Given the large turnout expected at the carnival, police preparations will correspond with the number of attendees," he said.