MELAKA: A total of 3,332 police personnel will be deployed across Melaka on polling day to maintain public order, as investigations continue into 18 cases linked to the state election campaign.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said special response teams would also be mobilised to deal with disturbances and make arrests if necessary ahead of the Nov 14 polls.
“We have prepared 3,332 personnel to maintain security, including at polling centres.
“We also have special teams that will be mobilised if there are any disturbances. These teams will take the necessary action, including making arrests,” he told reporters after observing the early voting process at the Melaka police contingent headquarters in Bukit Beruang on Tuesday (Nov 10).
Dzulkhairi said police had received 19 reports and opened 18 investigation papers involving various incidents during the campaign period.
He said most cases involved acts of mischief, including damage to property and the burning of political party flags.
No arrests have been made so far.
Despite the reported incidents, Dzulkhairi said the overall security situation remained peaceful and under control.
He said 669 police personnel had been deployed throughout the campaign period, with teams ready to respond immediately to any incidents.
“So far, the situation has been peaceful. There have been no serious incidents, and everything remains under control,” he said.
Dzulkhairi also reminded political party supporters to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others on polling day.
“Everyone has their own rights. There should be no intimidation or coercion.
“The situation is peaceful, and it would be a shame if anyone were to disrupt it,” he said.
Earlier, Dzulkhairi said 817 police personnel were expected to cast their ballots at the Melaka police contingent headquarters during early voting.
He said many had arrived early to fulfil their electoral responsibilities before returning to duty.
