KUALA LUMPUR: Police have erected a series of roadblocks and intensified security in strategic locations around the capital ahead of the planned "Turun Anwar" rally scheduled for tomorrow, which is expected to draw crowds of up to 15,000.

Roadblocks were observed as early as 11pm yesterday, particularly on major highways and key access roads leading into the city centre. The checks were largely concentrated in densely populated urban areas and routes that serve as main arteries into downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Among the identified hotspots were Jalan Gombak, Jalan Kuching, Ampang, Jalan Putra Perdana, Pudu, the Cheras-Kajang Expressway, Jalan Loke Yew, Old Klang Road, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, Jalan Bangsar, and Kajang.

Police personnel manning the roadblocks appeared to allow most vehicles through, intervening only when suspicions were aroused. Nevertheless, the heightened presence was clearly intended to act as a deterrent and to maintain order in the lead-up to the protest.