KUALA LUMPUR: The number of protestors has swelled in various locations around the city centre here, with less than an hour before the Bersih 4 rally kicks off.
Close to Dataran Merdeka, hundreds have filled the streets along Jalan Pudu and Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman (TAR) chanting "Bersih, Bersih", waving flags and blowing air horns.
Similar numbers of protestors have spilled out onto the pavements around Sogo, Pasar Seni and Petaling Street.
Large flags with the Bersih logo are being erected along the streets and carried by participants.
At Dataran Maybank near Pudu Raya, the crowd had swelled to hundreds by noon, with participants blaring their horns at passing cars in the midday heat.
In Sogo, traffic police are monitoring the roads and despite the large number of protestors, the situation is under control.
A convoy of Bersih 4 bicycle riders were also seen making their rounds on Jalan TAR.
While many shops along the Jalan TAR thoroughfare were closed, petty traders have set up shop to cater to the crowd of protestors.
Meanwhile, at Masjid Negara, a bazaar-like atmosphere is shaping up as more stalls selling Bersih merchandise are set up and more supporters gather.
Some supporters are heading directly into the mosque to perform the Zuhur prayers at 1.30pm.
The crowd is expected to swell once prayers are over, and they will be joined by politicians and NGO leaders before marching towards Dataran Merdeka.