KUALA LUMPUR: Signal jamming devices will not be deployed during the upcoming Bersih rally this weekend, says Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (pic).

"No, the issue does not arise," the Communications and Multimedia Minister told reporters here when asked if authorities would be using jamming devices to block cell phone signals over the two days of the planned rally.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would only monitor social media platforms, blogs and websites that give publicity to the rally.

Speculation was rife that jammers would be installed at several places in the city centre during the rally to prevent protestors from communicating with each other.

In anticipation of this, some protestors were reported to have downloaded the FireChat app on their mobile devices, which enables peer-to-peer connection via Bluetooth so they can communicate in areas without Internet connectivity.

FireChat is often used as a communication tool during civil protests.

Earlier, Salleh launched the iMalaysia app and game here in conjunction with Merdeka celebrations on Aug 31.(from thestar.com.my)