More than two dozen individuals have been detained by the police near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre ahead of a protest against price hikes organised by the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes).

At about 2.45pm, seven PAS' party volunteers, including one woman, were picked up outside the KLCC Jalan Ampang entrance and brought to the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters for questioning.

Almost simultaneously, near the Ampang Park LRT station, another five women and three men were also detained in connection with the rally.

Malaysiakini reporter Syed Jamal Zahiid was also picked up. He was detained while questioning a police officer over several arrests near the Ampang Park area.

Malaysiakini office has contacted Dang Wangi OCPD Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman to vouch for the identity of Syed Jamal who then assured that the journalist would be released after giving his statement.