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SABAH police have detained four men during the 17th General Election (PRN17) campaign period in Tawau for offences relating to vandalism and the dissemination of false information on social media, authorities confirmed today.
Tawau District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin said the arrests followed swift investigative action after complaints were received from the day candidates were officially nominated.
“Seven reports have been received so far, and five investigation papers have been opened,” he told reporters after casting his early vote at the Tawau District Police Headquarters’ multipurpose hall.
“Three of the cases are being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief, while one each falls under Section 500 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 379 of the Penal Code.
“Four men were arrested for their alleged involvement in reported incidents, including damaging party flags and issuing statements on social media that were false or defamatory,” Jasmin added.
He noted that investigations into the social media defamation case, under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, are nearing completion and will be submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor shortly.
“Police will not compromise on any violations of election laws to ensure the campaign proceeds in a peaceful and controlled manner,” he emphasised.
Jasmin also outlined security preparations for polling day on Saturday, which will involve 456 officers and personnel overseeing operations at two vote-counting centres: Dewan Masyarakat Tawau and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Yuk Chin.
“We want to ensure the safety of voters, election staff, and the electoral process is maintained at the highest standard,” he said. - November 25, 2025