Kota kinabalu: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has identified about 15 hotspots requiring heightened security measures for the 17th Sabah State Election, with particular attention on several locations around Kota Kinabalu and the east coast. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail revealed that these areas were flagged based on several factors, including political issues and the anticipated involvement of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khalid stated that the situation is not unique to Sabah, noting that all states in the Peninsula face similar circumstances as elections draw near. To ensure peace and order, PDRM plans to deploy personnel, including from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and, where necessary, assign the Light Strike Force (LSF) or Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).
The Inspector-General of Police shared these details during a press conference after a special meeting with PDRM personnel at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters (IPD). The meeting was held in preparation for the upcoming state election.
Mohd Khalid further elaborated that PDRM will deploy 9,300 officers and personnel statewide to maintain security across the 73 state seats contested. This deployment includes 4,300 officers and personnel who will be stationed at 25 nomination centres throughout the state to manage traffic, monitor administrative buildings, and safeguard Istana Seri Kinabalu.
Additionally, an additional reserve force of about 1,200 personnel will be on standby, with their deployment contingent on the state police chief's assessment, factoring in elements such as weather conditions during the Northeast Monsoon.
The Inspector-General of Police also took the opportunity to remind all political parties, NGOs, and organisations to refrain from any form of provocation throughout the state election period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and public order.
The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled early voting for November 25, with the official polling day set for November 29. According to EC statistics, a total of 1,784,843 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election, comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, as well as 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.