IGP: Cops ready for surge in traffic starting Nov 17 ahead of public holidays, polling day

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is prepared for a huge surge in traffic this coming weekend as many are expected to return to their hometowns to cast their vote on polling day for the 15th General Election (GE15).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the police, specifically the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) will be deployed to ensure the safety of all road users and smooth traffic nationwide.

"We believe most will start their travels as early as Thursday since Friday (Nov 18) and Saturday (Nov 19) have been declared as public holidays.

"Sufficient JSPT officers and personnel will be deployed nationwide," he told reporters after casting his early vote at the Bukit Aman on Tuesday (Nov 15).

The IGP urged all road users and voters who intend to go back to their hometowns for polling day to plan their travels accordingly.

"All road users must abide by traffic rules and regulations so that accidents and congestion can be prevented," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that two days of public holiday and toll-free use of highways await Malaysians who were returning to their hometown to exercise their right as voters on Saturday (Nov 19).

Meanwhile, on another matter, Acryl Sani said the number of cases involving acts of vandalising posters and flags of political parties were fewer compared to previous elections.

"The number of cases (vandalising posters and flags) are relatively small compared to previous years.

"However, we will investigate all police reports thoroughly and in a transparent manner," he said.