SARAWAK POLICE READY TO DEPLOY PERSONNEL FOR UPCOMING SABAH POLLS

KUCHING, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak police are ready to provide manpower and personnel to help maintain security during the upcoming Sabah state election.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said as the contingent closest to Sabah, the Sarawak Police are always on standby and prepared to be deployed at any time if required.

“We are monitoring developments related to the state polls in Sabah and remain in a state of readiness. We will extend whatever assistance necessary to ensure the smooth running of the election process, including during the campaigning period and other related activities.

“Since we are the contingent nearest to Sabah, naturally, most of the manpower support will come from Sarawak,” he told reporters after attending the Sarawak Police Commissioner’s monthly assembly at the Sarawak police contingent headquarters (IPK), here today.

Elaborating further, Mohamad Zainal said the number of personnel to be deployed has yet to be determined and will depend on the requirement and request from the Sabah contingent.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said a total of 9,500 officers and personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would be deployed for the Sabah state election, which involves 73 state assembly seats.

He said the deployment would include monitoring more than 3,500 polling channels and ensuring voter safety throughout the election period, with special logistical requirements such as helicopters being considered for interior areas.

Mohd Khalid said the Sabah police have requested between 1,000 and 1,500 additional officers and personnel to be mobilised to the state during the election period.

-- BERNAMA