The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly before being approached by about eight to 10 officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes.

According to the group, an officer from the Dang Wangi police station questioned whether they had submitted a notification letter to the district police chief.

“Must we now submit formal requests just to use public spaces for peaceful reading and discussion?” it asked in a statement.

The group said it was told to disperse but was not given any reason.

It described the officers’ behaviour as intimidating and unfriendly, creating an unsafe environment for public learning and intellectual engagement.

The group said such gatherings should not be treated as criminal acts, and urged the authorities to rethink their approach to public engagement.

It also said the incident highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of the role of the authorities in protecting civil society and preserving public spaces as platforms for dialogue.

Despite the disruption, the group pledged to continue promoting open and accessible intellectual discourse, especially among youths.

It emphasised that public spaces must remain safe and free for community learning without fear of interference.

FMT has contacted the police and DBKL for comment.