JOHOR BARU, Nov 5 — The Johor police contingent has identified 12 out of 26 parliamentary constituencies as "hotspots” in the state for the 15th general election (GE15), said its state chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat.

He said among the 12 potential problematic areas included the Muar and Segamat parliamentary constituencies.

"Police presence, monitoring and enforcement will be increased in those identified hotspots.

"For GE15, the Johor police have deployed a total of 3,800 policemen to be stationed throughout the 26 parliamentary constituencies in the state.

"The police officers and ranked personnel will maintain peace throughout the campaign period, including the final days leading to polling day,” said Kamarul Zaman after visiting the nomination centre at Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim here today.

Kamarul said he believes that all political party supporters are mature enough and will avoid provocative acts that can disrupt the peace.

"Checks by the police found that the nomination process, involving 26 parliament seats, throughout Johor took off smoothly despite the early morning rain,” he added.

Kamarul said permits to hold political talks (ceramah) can be applied by interested parties starting today.

He said police will assist each political party to obtain the necessary documentation for the permits.

"What is important is that each political party complies with the conditions and rules that have been set to hold campaigns.

"Among the conditions is that the campaign talk’s location must not be too close to another political party’s,” said Kamarul Zaman.