State polls: PDRM to monitor social media

KUALA LUMPUR - The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will monitor any provocation or inciting comments on social media during the state election.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the police will take action against any individuals found making statements involving the 3R elements (racism, religion, and royal institutions).

"We will monitor the 3R elements on social media though I believe Malaysians are well disciplined. Therefore, social media users are reminded to always be polite and not to overstep the boundaries when commenting and stating your own opinions," he said when contacted today.

Hazani said the police will also move the Op Cantas team to carry out intelligence, monitoring and taking action against those who try to cause chaos during the state elections.

"The Criminal Investigation Department also has a team in Op Cantas. PDRM together with the Election Commission (EC) will monitor to ensure the campaigning and voting process can be carried out according to the provisions of the law," he said.

Moreover, he said members and officers from other contingents will also help throughout the elections in the six states which is Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan.

"PDRM is always committed to ensure that public safety is under control throughout the state election," he said.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the police had identified 190 locations categorised as hotspots in six states involved in the state polls.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani reportedly said from the total number, Selangor had the highest hotspots identified which were 70 locations followed by Terengganu (66), Kedah (20), Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan with 16 each, as well as two locations in Penang.

He said the locations were identified as a hotspot based on the potential of provocation happening that could affect the public order.

Therefore, to ensure the state election goes smoothly, the police launched Op PRN 6N which will focus on the aspects of voters' safety, voting centres and the location to count the votes.