NIBONG TEBAL: A total of 800 police personnel will be deployed for the Sungai Bakap by-election on Saturday (July 6), says Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad.
He said police will be manning roads and controlling traffic along the routes leading to the polling stations.
"Roads leading to the polling stations will be closed at 5pm on Friday (July 5)," said Comm Hamzah at a press conference at the South Seberang Perai district police contingent here on Friday (July 5).
"Voters are encouraged to come out and vote as early as possible to avoid traffic congestion in the later part of the day. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all, especially the voters.
"Do not give your identity card to anyone other than at the polling stations before casting your vote,” he added.
Comm Hamzah advised voters not to park their vehicles in a haphazard manner or at illegal parking spaces to ensure a smooth traffic flow.
He added that a total of 181 campaign permits were issued to political parties during the election period, which will end before midnight on Friday (July 5).
"A total of five police reports on election offences including vandalism and theft were lodged.
Around 40,000 eligible voters are expected to come out to vote on Saturday.
The by-election is a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail.
It is being held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
