Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police are aware of plans for flashmob events nationwide, based on a video that is being widely shared on social media.

He said such events are deemed as illegal assemblies as they are carried out without prior permission from the police.

“The public is advised not to take part in any flashmob or gatherings that do not meet conditions outlined in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. We will take stern action against those organising such events.

“We would like to advise everyone to cooperate and not take part in activities that are detrimental to public peace,” he said in a statement.

Two weeks ago, Amanah Youth chief Sany Hamzah said a nationwide flashmob would be held to urge the government to increase subsidies to reduce the prices of goods.

He said the flashmob would be held at 5.15pm on July 16, which is today, in all parliamentary constituencies in the country.

Two similar flashmob events were held in Johor and Penang recently, with police investigating a group of 30 people for having an illegal assembly in Bukit Mertajam.

Johor PKR organised a similar flashmob in Johor Bahru two weeks ago, with the organisers saying they have complied with the rules concerning public assembly.