Kota Kinabalu: Some 7,028 police officers and personnel are tasked with peacekeeping the 15th General Election and Bugaya state by-election on nomination day (today) and polling day on Nov 19.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the State’s force would also be receiving 604 additional manpower support from the auxiliary police and another 4,370 from the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) for all 26 centres in Sabah.
He said they have identified 10 hotspots - Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, Papar, Kudat, Libaran, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau where security would be beefed up.
“Some 86 areas have been identified to be hard to reach by vehicles and would require helicopter assistance for ballot box transportation purposes.
“They are Beluran, Pensiangan, Kudat, Kinabatangan, Sipitang, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Ranau, Penampang, Kota Belud and Semporna,” he said in a statement, Friday.
Idris added that some 2,141 Sabah policemen will be deployed for nomination day.
Meanwhile, he urged political supporters to refrain from provocations, blocking traffic and using drones at nomination and polling centres.
In the spirit of democracy, he called on the people to ensure a smooth polling day.
“Candidates, agents and supporters are urged to obey the Election Offences Act 1954 and relevant laws,” he said, adding that anyone present at nomination day is subject to police order.
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