1,710 cops on duty during by-election period

PONTIAN: A total of 1,710 police officers and personnel will be on duty during the course of the Tanjung Piai by-election, says Johor police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Kamaruddin Md Din.

He said this would include about 100 personnel from the state criminal investigation department, who would be stationed here between Oct 31 until Nov 17.

Another 845 officers and personnel will be deployed from other districts and Bukit Aman as well, he said.

“We have divided the task into three phases namely the nomination process, the campaign, and the result day so that we can ensure each process runs smoothly,” he added.

He said the deployment was part of the state police plan to monitor and attend to any police reports related to the by-election.

“They (police) will be divided into four teams that are specifically tasked to handle all police reports regarding this by-election whether it involved statements made on social media or during the speeches during campaigning.

“We will act accordingly if there are any elements that go against the law,” he said during a press conference at the Pontian District Police Headquarters here yesterday.

Comm Mohd Kamaruddin added that all the reports they receive would also be processed faster and sent to Attorney General’s office for further action.

The Tanjung Piai seat fell vacant after the death of its MP Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafik from complications following a heart attack.

In the 14th General Election, Dr Farid of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia defeated Barisan’s Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng of MCA and PAS’ Nordin Othman.

The Election Commission has fixed Nov 16 for polling day and early voting on Nov 12 while nomination is on Nov 2.