KUCHING: Sarawak police are seeking the help of other state contingents to meet a manpower shortage for the coming state election.
Acting state police commissioner Deputy Comm Saifullizan Ishak said 75% of the state's police manpower, or 7,469 out of 9,979 personnel, will be on duty during the polls.
"The remaining 25%, or 2,510 personnel, will continue to carry out daily duties as usual.
"However, we are short of 889 officers and men for the election," he told a press conference at state police headquarters here on Wednesday (Oct 28).
DCP Saifullizan said he had written to Bukit Aman requesting the required manpower.
"The additional personnel will most likely come from Sabah, but we leave it to Bukit Aman to make the arrangements.
"We provided assistance during the Sabah election previously, so we hope Sabah is ready to assist us," he added.
The Sarawak Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Monday (Oct 26), paving the way for the state election which must be held within 60 days.
The Election Commission will meet on Nov 6 to decide key dates for the polls, including nomination and polling days.
