Cops keeping an eye on social media during state polls

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will be monitoring social media for provocative or seditious comments during the state elections.

Action would be taken against anyone who insulted or touched on matters related to royalty, religion or race (3R), said Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali (pic).

“We will monitor the cyberwar and 3R issues on social media during the coming elections.

“Social media users are reminded to not go overboard when voicing their views. I believe Malaysians are responsible enough,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Comm Hazani said the police, through the CID, would also conduct Ops Cantas to collect intelligence and take action against any party who tries to cause trouble.

“Ops Cantas is similar to the one conducted during the last general election.

“The police will also work with the Election Commission to ensure the campaign and voting processes run smoothly in accordance with the law,” he added.

He said police officers and personnel from other state contingents would be on hand to help during the elections.

The state elections involve Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan.

It was reported that police had identified 190 hotspots in these states.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said that Selangor had the highest number of hotspots at 70, followed by Terengganu (66), Kedah (20), Negri Sembilan (16), Kelantan (16) and Penang (two).

These locations are classified as hotspots as there is a possibility of incidents that could affect public order.

To ensure smooth state elections, police have launched a special operation, dubbed Op PRN 6N, which would focus on voter security, polling stations and vote counting locations.