GEORGE TOWN, Oct 31 — Penang police have identified at least three parliamentary constituencies regarded as hotspots in the state in the upcoming 15th general election.
State police chief, Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said this finding was based on a number of incidents during the GE14, namely, obstructing and attacking the vehicles carrying the Election Commission’s (EC) staff as well as police vehicles.
“In GE14, there were three hotspots comprising Permatang Pauh and Batu Kawan on the mainland and Balik Pulau on the island out of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Penang. Hence, police will pay more attention to these hotspots with regards to security.
“Police hope that supporters of all the contesting political parties will be responsible by following the law and procedures set and not repeat the past provocative actions to the point of causing tension and disturbances,” he said at a news conference, here, today.
This time, the EC has set polling for November 19, early voting (November 15) and nomination of candidates (November 5).
Mohd Shuhaily said Penang police had drawn up the duties to ensure a smooth and safe election and the campaign period not marred by unwanted incidents.
He said police had divided the tasks into two main scopes as requested by the EC to protect the safety of 1.8 million residents of Penang, with 1.2 of them being voters during the period from the nomination of candidates until the end of GE15.
He added that 4,514 police officers and other personnel or 73 per cent of the Penang contingent would be on duty throughout the election process following discussions including on the task details with the EC and other agencies since a month ago.
Mohd Shuhaily said Penang police had also sought assistance from Bukit Aman in monitoring the websites or social media accounts that disseminate false information or provocative messages for action to be taken against the perpetrators to avoid any unwanted situation.
“We (police) also advise that all party supporters conduct their election campaigns in a mature manner and to control their emotions so as to prevent any ruckus that can result in a bad perception of the parties contesting.
“We will always be monitoring the developments during GE15 and legal action will be taken against the provocateurs and trouble-makers,” he added. — Bernama
