POLICE have launched an investigation into allegations of voter bribery linked to the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, as election-related enforcement efforts intensify in the final days of campaigning.
Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said one of three newly opened investigation papers concerns suspected bribery under Section 11 of the Election Offences Act 1954.
He said the investigation followed a report lodged on Tuesday by a 29-year-old man.
“According to the report, he claimed to have received a WhatsApp message stating that a political party candidate had obtained information that an unidentified individual intended to distribute money as inducements to ‘white voters’,” Alzafny said in a statement on Wednesday.
Police have also opened an investigation under Section 427 of the Penal Code for alleged mischief resulting in loss or damage to property.
A third investigation paper has been initiated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, Section 4(a)(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 over the alleged dissemination of seditious election-related content and information on social media that could disturb public order and breach existing laws.
Alzafny said police received 62 election-related reports between July 18 and July 28, resulting in 19 investigation papers being opened.
He added that police approved all 76 permit applications submitted on Tuesday for political ceramah and campaign activities after organisers fulfilled the required conditions.
Cumulatively, police have received 638 permit applications since July 18, of which 612 have been approved.
“Every approved political programme and activity will continue to be monitored to ensure compliance with the law and to safeguard public safety and order,” he said.
Separately, Pakatan Harapan (PH) said it would leave investigations into the alleged vote-buying claims to the Election Commission (EC).
PH Communications Director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said all allegations arising during the election period fall within the commission's jurisdiction.
The Communications Minister added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stands ready to provide technical assistance, including digital verification and forensic analysis of any disputed online content.
“Investigations should be carried out by the Election Commission during the election period, while agencies such as MCMC are prepared to assist by conducting verification and digital forensic examinations of content uploaded or circulated online.
“Any allegations raised should be referred to the Election Commission,” he said during a community event at Felda Bukit Rokan Barat.
Fahmi also cautioned voters against an expected increase in misinformation during the final days of campaigning.
He warned that false information, recycled videos and content taken out of context were likely to spread more widely, particularly through WhatsApp, with the potential to influence voters ahead of polling day.
“I expect the final two or three days before polling to see a growing trend of false information being circulated, especially through WhatsApp.
“There will be inaccurate information, partial narratives and old videos being recycled.
“I urge everyone to exercise caution and treat any information received through WhatsApp with scepticism. Verify it first through mainstream media or official news organisations,” he said. - July 29, 2026
