SHAH ALAM: Nearly 200 hotspots that might see some trouble during the state elections have been identified and police are zeroing in on these places to ensure a smooth process, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The new Inspector-General of Police said based on intelligence gathered, 190 hotspots have been identified in the six states involved.
“These areas are defined as ‘locations where troubles would most likely occur’.
“A total of 70 hotspots have been identified in Selangor, followed by Terengganu (66), Kedah (20), Negri Sembilan and Kelantan (16 each) and two in Penang,” he told a press conference yesterday after a briefing session on preparations made by Selangor police for the state election.
Bukit Aman, especially the Crime Investigation Department and the Special Branch, would monitor these areas closely to ensure a smooth election process, the IGP said.
“We want to ensure that the rakyat can fulfil their obligations as voters without worrying about their safety,” he added.
Razarudin said flexible deployment of manpower would be carried out nationwide during this period.
“If any state faces a shortage of manpower, additional personnel will be deployed from other states or Bukit Aman.
“For example, Selangor police have some 14,000 personnel. About 10,000 will be deployed for the polls while the remaining 4,000 will carry out other core duties,” he said, adding the state was expected to get an additional 2,000 people as backup if the need arises.
“Those deployed for the elections will start their duties three or four days prior to nomination day and continue until after polling,” said Razarudin, who is making his rounds to the six states to oversee police preparations for the elections.
The country’s top cop has repeatedly warned that stern action would be taken against anyone, including politicians, who touch on royalty, religion and race (3R) issues during the state elections.
“Police will not compromise on taking action against those who touch on these sensitive issues.
“Even I will be investigated if I utter issues on 3R,” said Razarudin when he was asked to comment on a statement made by a politician, who insisted that issues relating to 3R could still be raised during campaigning.
The IGP had previously said the 3R issues, if brought up, would bring disharmony and public disturbance.
“For political parties and candidates, they should know the dos and don’ts during elections, and they should heed the laws related to elections,” he said.
