State polls: Police ready for all eventualities during and after polling

KUALA LUMPUR: The police are ready to face any eventualities during the six state elections and the post-election period, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The Inspector-General of Police said police would safeguard strategic areas after the election results have been announced.

“Among the locations are state palaces and state government administrative buildings.

“The safety of the palaces is of utmost importance as we do not want any disturbance in the middle of the night after the results have been announced.

“The police will ensure that any possible change to a state government runs smoothly and safely based on the Constitution,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman on Thursday (Aug 10).

The IGP said the deployment of police personnel and officers started prior to nomination day and would continue through the post-election period.

“As soon as the respective state assemblies were dissolved, the police began their duties to ensure safety and public order.

“A total of 36,492 officers and personnel have been deployed for the state elections, including from other units such as the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), the Air Unit and the General Operations Force (GOF),” he said.

He also said the police are committed to ensuring the safety of all involved in the elections, including the candidates and voters.

“They can conduct their responsibilities without fearing for their safety.

“For me as the IGP, Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, state police chiefs and OCPDs, we are ready and you can come out to vote safely,” he said.

Razarudin said since nomination day on July 29, a total of 1,524 police reports were lodged.

“Selangor recorded the highest number with 629 reports, followed by Terengganu (289), Kedah (249), Kelantan (213), Negri Sembilan (111) and Penang (33).

“A total of 26 investigation papers were opened in Selangor, followed by Kedah (23), Penang (16), Terengganu (15), Negri Sembilan (14) and Kelantan (nine),” he said.

A total of four individuals were arrested, he said.

“Most of the offences involved damaging posters and flags of political parties under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief and Section 435 for committing mischief with fire.

“There is only one case that touched on race, religion and royalty (3R), which is in Penang,” he said.