There was heavy traffic congestion around the capital city's landmark, Dataran Merdeka, and nearby areas when hundreds of protesters against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) marched to the square and gathered around it.

The protest gathering there was scheduled to start at 2pm.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman nearby was crowded with protesters, mostly wearing red and yellow, as they walked towards Dataran Merdeka, thus disrupting the traffic flow for other road users.

Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin heading towards Dataran Merdeka was also congested due to the protest participants' cars parked haphazardly along the roadside.

Some participants were seen converging in Jalan Raja next to Dataran Merdeka at 1.15pm.

Traffic congestion in the affected area was also made worse by participants gathering on the road while being provocative by shouting anti-government slogans, honking, and jeering and singing using loud hailers.

Kuala Lumpur traffic police chief, ACP Rusli Mohd Noor when contacted, said the traffic situation was still under control but police were closely watching out for any untoward incident.

He said policemen were stationed at various spots to control traffic flow.