KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will tighten security measures at strategic locations, including state palaces, that might be the focal points of certain parties after the results of elections in six states are announced this Saturday (August 12).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said this is to ensure post-election safety and public order, and added that security at state palaces is vital as the police do not want any disruptions, especially during the middle of the night, after results were announced.
“We do not want the palace or the Sultan in the state to be disturbed in the middle of the night by anyone attempting to be sworn in.
“We will ensure the transition of the state government peacefully takes place, following the Constitution,” he said at a special media conference in Bukit Aman earlier today.
Razarudin said the police have already prepared safety and public order assignments for nomination day, early voting, and the campaigning period as soon as the State Legislative Assemblies in the six states were dissolved.
36,492 officers and personnel were mobilised for various duties for the state elections, including the Federal reserve unit, the Air Wing, and the General Operations Force.
“This includes guarding and carrying ballot boxes for safekeeping in emptied lockups,” he said.
Razarudin also guaranteed the safety of all parties, including candidates, supporters, and voters to come out to vote without fear.
“I know with the police on duty throughout the election and after the results are announced, I want them to come out to vote without fear of being restricted or stopped.
“I, as IGP, and my deputy Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, the state and district police chiefs in the six states that are holding elections are prepared, and you all can come out and vote safely,” he said.
Traffic congestion is expected at several polling centres, but the police will be able to manage the situation.
“Voters need not worry about traffic at schools as traffic police will manage the flow of traffic this Saturday,” Razarudin said.
Voters in six states will go to the polls to elect their new state governments this Saturday. The Kuala Terengganu by-election will also be held simultaneously on the same day.
— Bernama
