State polls: Cops identify 70 hotspots in Selangor, says IGP

SHAH ALAM: A total of 190 hotspots have been identified in the six states that will be involved in the coming state elections, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The Inspector-General of Police said hotspots were defined as locations where trouble would most likely occur.

"We have identified a total of 190 hotspots in the six states.

"In Selangor, 70 hotspots have been identified, followed by Terengganu (66), Kedah (20), Negri Sembilan and Kelantan (16 each) and two in Penang," he told a press conference after a briefing on preparations by Selangor police for the state election on Friday (July 7).

Bukit Aman, especially the CID and the Special Branch, will monitor the hotspots to ensure the state elections run smoothly, the IGP said.

"We want to ensure that the rakyat can fulfil their obligations as voters without worrying about their safety.

"Stern action will be taken against any party that causes trouble," he said.

Sufficient officers and personnel will be deployed in the six states with the aim of not wasting manpower.

"If any state faces a shortage of manpower, additional personnel will be deployed from other state contingents or divisions in Bukit Aman.

"For example, Selangor police have some 14,000 personnel. About 10,000 will be used for the elections while the remaining 4,000 will be tasked to carry out other core duties.

"We expect Selangor to receive at least an additional 2,000 personnel as a backup if the need arises," he said.

Those deployed for the elections will start their duties three or four days prior to nomination day until after voting, Razarudin said.

"I will decide on the appropriate number of personnel to be deployed based on recommendations by the Bukit Aman Management Department and based on my visit and briefing at the respective state contingents.

"So far, I have already visited and been briefed by police contingents in Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang and Selangor," he said.

The state elections will be held in Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah on Aug 12.