CRIME PREVENTION: Taib (third right) and Ismail (right) prepare to flag off the new police motorcycles patrolling unit in front of Plaza Merdeka Mall in Kuching. Fourteen units of Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles were presented to the state in Phase I of the allocation. — Bernama photo
Police fully prepared, committed to ensure 13th General Election runs smoothly
KUCHING: Malaysians should not listen to rumours or be wary of coming out to vote come May 5 as police are fully prepared and committed to ensure the smooth running of the 13th General Election.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar, who gave this assurance, said the public could help make things easier for police by being responsible on polling day.
“Don’t listen to rumours being bandied around by unqualified people. Let’s work towards ensuring peace and harmony. The police will be there to ensure public safety,” he said.
He said this to reporters after the launching of the United Against Crime programme at Padang Merdeka by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday.
On the run-up to the 13th General Election, Ismail said his men had increased patrolling and monitoring efforts at ceramah (political talk) and rallies as the campaign heats up.
Various initiatives, he said, had been taken to prevent untoward incidents, particularly after the explosions in Jawi, Penang, last week.
“After the incident in Penang, we have increased our patrolling efforts.
“All reports have been lodged with regards to this matter and police are investigating. We will make arrests and charge those who acted against the law.”
On Monday, Bernama reported that Penang police were confident of solving the explosion case near a BN ceramah venue in Jawi following several new leads.
Penang police election spokesman ACP Roslee Chik said several more arrests had been made.
The explosion occurred at 10.15pm during Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hong Nan’s talk to some 3,000 people.
The investigation revealed that the explosion came from an improvised explosive device (IED), believed to be the work of an organised professional group. #myvote13 #ge13