A CONTINGENT of 926 police officers and personnel in Sabah will be deployed to maintain order and ensure the smooth running of the parliamentary by-election in Kinabatangan and the state assembly by-election in Lamag.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the officers would be stationed across the constituencies throughout the election period to safeguard the democratic process in Kinabatangan, which encompasses three state assembly districts: Lamag, Sukau and Kuamut.
"DUN Kuamut falls under the jurisdiction of the Beluran District Police Headquarters, while Lamag and Sukau are under the Kinabatangan District Police Headquarters. Careful coordination is necessary to ensure there are no disturbances during the by-election," he said at a press conference at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters here today.
He added that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would also be reinforced with personnel from neighbouring districts, including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, as well as the 15th Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA) based in Sandakan.
The by-elections for Kinabatangan and Lamag follow the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin, 66, on 5 December.
The Election Commission (SPR) has set a 14-day campaign period, with nomination day scheduled for Saturday, 10 January. Polling day will take place on 24 January, with early voting conducted on 20 January.
Jauteh also reminded all political parties to campaign in a disciplined and professional manner, respecting the sensitivities of local communities and avoiding issues that could provoke tensions during the campaign period.
"We also hope that the local community will cooperate with PDRM and SPR so that the by-election can proceed smoothly without any incidents that could disrupt public order," he said.
The electoral roll for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and Lamag state seat lists 48,722 voters, comprising 48,526 regular voters and 196 police personnel and their spouses registered as early voters.
A total of 36 regular polling centres, covering 117 polling streams, will be operational, alongside a single early voting centre with one polling stream. - January 8, 2025
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