KUALA LUMPUR: The police should have taken a much better approach towards resolving the issue at Low Yat Plaza instead of what has been seen as a rounding-up of workers at the complex, said MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon.

He said the police had driven between 30 and 40 workers to the police station to help in investigations.

Chong said the move on Tuesday had resulted in the unnecessary closure of businesses which were gearing up for the pre-Raya sales.

Prior to the rounding up, 90% of shops had resumed business after the rioting at the plaza on Saturday, he added.

“What is the rationale for the round up?” he asked in a statement yesterday.

Chong urged the police to swiftly act against the thugs who had taken part in the melee as they were easily identified in the pictures and videos being shared on the Internet.

He added that some police personnel were on duty there as well.

Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie criticised the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) over its allegations that ethnic Chinese businesses regularly cheated Malay consumers to get extra profits.

She said racial profiling would only lead to further racial polarisation.

Besides, she said, Malaysian Chinese were known and recognised for their hard work, sacrifices and contributions to the nation.

PPIM president Datuk Nadzim Johan was earlier reported as saying on an online portal that Chinese businesses regularly cheated Malay consumers to make extra profits.

MCA religious harmony bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker described the PPIM allegations – made on a local portal on Tuesday – as irresponsible and uncalled for.