Johor bahru: The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) received a total of 56 police reports and opened 18 investigation papers related to election offences throughout the 16th Johor state election campaign period from July 27 until yesterday. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that in the last four days alone, a total of 32 police reports were received and 10 investigation papers related to election offences were opened.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these cases involved two investigation papers under Section 4a(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954, addressing the offence of spreading ill-will or hostility, as well as Section 24b of the same act. Another case involves Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, concerning election campaign offences and its limitations. Additionally, eight investigation papers under Section 427 of the Penal Code have been opened for committing mischief resulting in the loss or damage of property.
Ab Rahaman highlighted that throughout the Johor election campaign period, a total of 3,484 permit applications were received, with 3,215 approved. A total of 3,182 political programmes and activities were monitored to ensure compliance with the law, maintaining public safety and order. He emphasized that Johor police will continue to enhance preparedness, monitoring, and enforcement throughout the election period, and any law violations will be addressed firmly, fairly, and with integrity.
He urged the public to obey the law, respect the democratic process, and cooperate with officers to ensure a peaceful, safe, harmonious, and orderly election atmosphere. Commenting on today's early voting, Ab Rahaman announced a voter turnout of 95.42 percent among PDRM personnel, equating to 11,511 voters, with the voting process proceeding smoothly without any incidents.
He also mentioned that 643 PDRM personnel exercised their right to vote by post since last Tuesday, with postal ballot papers being accepted until this Saturday before 5 pm. According to Ab Rahaman, a total of 12,706 officers, policemen, and spouses are registered as early voters for this Johor polls.