Early voting for Slim polls begins

267 cops set to cast their ballots as police say reports lodged over by-election campaign

TANJUNG MALIM: Three police reports have been lodged throughout the campaigning period so far in Slim as early voting begins today.

Muallim OCPD Supt Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said investigations into two cases had been completed and they have been referred to the Election Commission (EC), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The third case involved a police report lodged on Aug 20 about a candidate’s billboard that was splashed with paint at the district polling centre in Changkat Sulaiman in Sungkai.

“The report is still being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

The second report was made on Aug 22 involving a post containing untrue content, he said.

“We have taken the statement from the complainant and so far, he is satisfied with an apology issued by the poster. This case is considered over and it has been referred to the MCMC.

“The third case related to a fair and had been referred to both EC and MACC for further action,” he said.

Supt Sulizmie said as of Sunday, a total of 101 permits for ceramah have been received by the police.

“Seventy-two of them came from Barisan Nasional and 29 from independent candidates.

“One was not approved due to its unsuitable location,” he said.

He also noted that all candidates and their machinery have been following the standard operating procedure (SOP) during the recovery movement control order period.

On the early voting at the Muallim District Police Headquarters today, he said some congestion is expected around the area and motorists are advised not to slow down to watch and cause a traffic jam.

Meanwhile, EC secretary Ikmalrudin Ishak said a total of 267 policemen are eligible to cast their votes today.

“During the process, strict adherence to the Covid-19 SOP will be enforced.

“These include physical distancing, the wearing of face masks, hand sanitising and temperature checks,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He added that early voting will be witnessed by agents of candidates and observers appointed by the EC.

“The process will also be shown live on the EC’s Facebook page.

“The ballot boxes will be kept at the district police headquarters lock-up. The tallying of the votes will be done on polling day at the Tanjung Malim District Council on Aug 29,” he added.