MELAKA: A total of 299 traffic personnel, including 130 reinforcements from other contingents and formations, are scheduled to be on duty tomorrow, polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election, with a focus on areas surrounding polling stations.
Melaka Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) chief Superintendent Muhammad Zaki Ramat said a total of 3,332 police officers and personnel had been deployed to ensure public safety and order on polling day.
He added that traffic personnel had also been stationed along various entry routes into the state, including highways, federal roads and state roads, to ensure smooth traffic flow.
“We believe that most voters returning from outside Melaka have already arrived in the state. We are also aware that Melaka tends to get somewhat congested on weekends due to the influx of tourists, the arrival of voters accompanied by their families, and the presence of party supporters who have already gathered here.
“Therefore, our priority for tomorrow is to ensure smooth traffic flow, with a specific focus on areas around the polling stations,” he told reporters after appearing at the MelakaFM studio here today.
Muhammad Zaki said Bukit Aman had also provided high-powered motorcycles for traffic personnel to use throughout their deployment for the 16th Melaka State Election.
He noted that areas receiving particular attention included the Kesidang constituency, which has more than 50,000 voters, as well as Kota Laksamana and Ayer Keroh, both of which also have large numbers of voters.
“Traffic monitoring will cover main roads and routes near polling stations in six constituencies, namely Gadek, Kelebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Keroh, Bukit Katil and Bemban, where four-cornered contests are taking place,” he said.
Muhammad Zaki added that the police had also established a special team tasked with clearing routes obstructed by accidents to ensure voters’ journeys remained unaffected.
“We do not want any excuses for voters being unable to cast their ballots due to traffic congestion or other issues. Should any incident or accident occur, please notify us. We have a dedicated response team ready to clear the scene promptly.
“We will do our utmost to ensure that all field operations and traffic flow remain smooth, so as not to disrupt the voting process,” he said.
He also advised the public to plan their journeys in advance, follow the instructions of traffic personnel and avoid parking their vehicles in a way that obstructs the passage of other road users. He also urged people to give priority to the elderly and persons with disabilities at polling centres.
