A celebration to mark the closure of the Jalan Kuching toll plaza in Kuala Lumpur last night turned ugly when a scuffle broke out between Umno and opposition supporters.

DAP publicity chief Ronnie Liu told malaysiakini today that Umno supporters assaulted DAP member Lim Ching How and started the scuffle that lasted about three minutes involving around 20 people.

About 8,000 people, comprising supporters of both the ruling coalition parties and the opposition, were estimated to have turned up at the toll plaza from 11pm to celebrate the seven-year overdue closure.

The celebration began peacefully with the pro-government supporters lighting up the midnight sky with some fireworks while the opposition members carried lanterns.

"Unfortunately, what started with verbal abuses (between both sides) eventually turned physical when Umno supporters started to snatch the banners brought by the opposition members," said Liu.

He said the banners called for all tolls to be abolished nationwide as well as to protest the new toll rates in Jalan Cheras.

Caught on camera

"We have very strong evidence to show who started the fight as everything was recorded by the video camera," said Liu, adding that it was obvious that the men involved were from Umno as they wore party jackets and carried flags.

Earlier, he said opposition leaders at the gathering had given short speeches to demand the government abolish toll collections nationwide, as well as question how the money has been spent.

Opposition leaders present at the gathering included DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang, Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, PAS central committee member Dr Hatta Ramli and Keadilan Kemaman MP Abdul Rahman Yusof.

They also called for fair compensation for the 100 over staff members of Kamunting Corporation who have served the company, especially those with more than 10 years' service.

No compensation has been given to the workers so far, said Liu.

Police presence

The Jalan Kuching toll was introduced in 1985 following the RM89.95 million upgrading of the road. It was to end in 1996 but the toll collection was extended for another seven years.

By Aug 31 last year, the toll collection stood at RM333.6 million, four times more than the amount invested.

Liu also expressed disappointment over the lack of police presence to keep the crowd in control last night.

He said the assault victim will be lodging a police report tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Keadilan youth exco Badrul Hisham Shaharin said he was disappointed by the gangster-like attitude of some pro-government supporters, who he claimed threw fire-crackers at opposition leaders.