Melaka polls: 3,332 police personnel on standby, 18 campaign-related cases investigated
Most of the cases involved acts of mischief, including damage to property and the burning of political party flags.
AYER KEROH – A total of 3,332 police personnel will be deployed across Melaka on Nov 14 to ensure public order and security throughout polling day.
Melaka police chief DCP Datuk Wira Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said special response teams had also been prepared to deal with any disturbances and take necessary action, including making arrests, if the situation required it.
“We have prepared 3,332 personnel to maintain security, including at polling centres.
“We also have special teams that will be mobilised if there are any disturbances. These teams will take the necessary action, including making arrests,” he said.
He told reporters this after observing the early voting process at the Melaka police contingent headquarters in Bukit Beruang earlier this morning.
Dzulkhairi said police had received 19 reports and opened 18 investigation papers involving various incidents throughout the campaign period.
He said most of the cases involved acts of mischief, including damage to property and the burning of political party flags. However, no arrests had been made so far.
Despite the incidents, Dzulkhairi said the overall security situation throughout the campaign period remained peaceful and under control.
He said 669 police personnel had been deployed to maintain security during the campaign, with teams prepared to respond immediately to any reported incidents.
He also reminded supporters of political parties to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others on polling day, warning against any form of intimidation or coercion.
“Everyone has their own rights. There should be no intimidation or coercion. The situation is peaceful and it would be a shame if anyone were to disrupt it,” he said.
Earlier, Dzulkhairi said 817 police personnel were expected to cast their ballots at the Melaka police contingent headquarters during early voting.
He said many had arrived early to fulfil their electoral responsibilities before returning to their respective duties.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.
Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place this morning. The 14-day campaigning period ends at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.
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