Warning to US Citizens in KL area...US Embassy

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RECEIVED THIS EMBASSY NOTICE TONIGHT 7/30...Jim

Americans are advised to avoid the Merdeka Square, Central Market and Sogo Department store areas of Kuala Lumpur the afternoon of Saturday, August 1 due to planned, unsanctioned demonstrations by competing groups supporting and opposing Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA).  Police have issued orders against both groups, will block roads to prevent access to the area, and are prepared to disperse demonstrators if necessary.
 
According to press reports, one set of demonstrators plans to gather at Pasar Seni (Central Market), Masjid Negara (National Mosque) and Padang Merbok (Persiaran Tun Ismail/Jalan Parlimen behind National Bank), then proceed to Merdeka Square at about 2 pm; the other will gather at Sogo shopping complex, Masjid Jamek and Masjid Negara.  Both groups plan to converge on Istana Negara, where confrontations could occur.  We expect police presence to be heavy in all of these areas.
 
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if unavoidably caught within the vicinity.
 
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information Sheet for Malaysia can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada, or for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
 
Americans living or traveling in Malaysia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.  Registration allows us to contact you in an emergency and provide updated information on travel and security.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and can be contacted at:
 
Phone (24/7):   03-2168-5000
Fax:                 03-2148-5801
Website:          http://malaysia.usembassy.gov
E-Mail:            mailto:klacs@state.gov

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hi, jr6020,

Many thanks for passing on this advisory to all of us.