No-fly zones: Flying drones without authorisation is prohibited during the state elections. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The people have been reminded not to fly drones without authorisation in places of mass gatherings during the coming state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
In a Facebook post, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said the prohibition was to ensure the smooth running of the polls and to prevent untoward incidents, especially in relation to public safety and security.
“This prohibition applies to the three key dates set by the Election Commission (EC), namely nomination of candidates on July 29 (Saturday), early voting on Aug 8 (Tuesday) and polling on Aug 12 (Saturday), and also throughout the 14-day campaign period after nominations,” said the statement.
CAAM said any flying activities, including the handling of drones, that can endanger the public or public properties are governed by Section 4 of the Civil Aviation Act 1969; Regulation 98; Regulations 140–144 of the Civil Aviation of Malaysia Regulations; and Civil Aviation Directives.
Meanwhile, Bernama also reported that Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has advised political parties against putting up posters, banners and flags at the premises and electrical installations of the utility company during the upcoming six-state election campaign.
TNB chief distribution network officer Wan Nazmy Wan Mahmood said the parties were prohibited from putting up the campaign materials on transmission towers, electricity poles, supply boxes, substations and overhead power lines.
“Putting up these campaign materials could prevent TNB employees from gaining access for maintenance work and supply restoration,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Wan Nazmy said TNB also asked for the cooperation of all parties to refrain from digging up the ground in an effort to reduce the risk of touching electric cables and thus prevent electricity supply disruptions due to cable damage.
“This act can invite danger because there is a risk of electric shock. It may also cause power outages at important premises throughout the election process, such as candidate nomination centres, polling centres and official vote tallying centres.
“Our advice is to postpone the digging work first, and if it cannot be avoided, please contact the nearest TNB office to get advice so that all procedures are followed to reduce the risk of supply disruption,” he said.
Wan Nazmy also reminded the public not to hold, carry or install flagpoles under any electricity transmission lines, including flagpoles made of bamboo, which can cause electric shocks.
As a preventive measure, TNB, through routine patrols, will work with the EC and the authorities to take down election campaign materials that risk causing danger and problems to users.
People who see a situation that may threaten the safety of others or affect electricity supply can immediately contact TNB CareLine on Facebook or at 15454 so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent untoward incidents.
