Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said alternative venues such as Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok were proposed to the organisers but rejected.

He said while police respect the public’s right to assemble, the chosen venue was deemed unsuitable based on intelligence and a joint security assessment with other enforcement agencies.

“The Ampang Park MRT area is only 500m from the red zone demarcated for the Asean Summit, which is part of the active protocol route and where the delegates are staying. It is far too close to their hotels.

“Therefore, the rally will not be permitted. If organisers insist on proceeding, we will disperse the gathering and take action in accordance with the law,” he told a press conference today.

Fadil said between 1,000 and 1,200 participants are expected to attend the rally, scheduled from 9am to noon tomorrow.

He added that no political parties are involved in the rally at this stage.

“We urge the public to cooperate to ensure the smooth running of the Asean Summit, which is crucial to safeguarding Malaysia’s image internationally. Police will not compromise with any party that violates the law,” he said.

The rally is expected to take place near the Ampang Park MRT station next to the Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Ampang junction, about 1km from the US embassy.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow to join regional leaders for the 47th Asean Summit.

Yesterday, around 700 people staged a protest outside the US embassy over Trump’s visit to Malaysia for the summit.

Amid heavy police presence, including the Federal Reserve Unit, the demonstrators were heard chanting “Reject Donald Trump”, with some carrying placards telling him to “go home”.