Over 6,000 early voters cast ballots in Penang, says state’s top cop

GEORGE TOWN: A total of 6,051 police personnel in Penang have cast their early votes at 28 polling centres for the 15th General Election on Tuesday (Nov 15).

“We also have 187 police officers and police personnel who are in charge of assisting the Election Commission for the early votes,” Penang police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain told reporters after casting his vote at the Penang police contingent headquarters today.

Comm Shuhaily added that as of the 10th day of the campaigning period, the district police chiefs have issued 986 permits for ceramah to be carried out and out of it, 360 have been successfully carried out.

“We expect more permits to be given out in the next few days as we have only a few days left before polling day on Saturday (Nov 19),” he said.

Meanwhile, Comm Shuhaily said 30 police reports were made within the 10 days.

“The police have opened 12 investigation papers and one police inquiry paper.

“The cases are being investigated under Section 505 (B), Section 427, Section 385, Section 500, Section 323, Section 342, Section 457 and Section 420 of the Penal Code; Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998; and Section 24B(4) of the Election Offences Act 1954.

“Three people have been charged with the offences,” he said.

Due to the uncertain weather conditions, Comm Suhaily advised voters, especially in Penang, to always be sensitive and prepared to face any possibility of floods.

“The Penang police will always monitor and provide immediate help to any party, especially those at flood hotspot areas,” he said.

In the event of floods on polling day, Comm Suhaily said the police will be the coordinating agency to aid flood victims.

“If the victims are placed at temporary relief centres, then the responsibility falls on the Welfare Department and Election Commission to ensure the voting process for those involved.