POLICE are investigating 18 cases involving alleged election campaign offences in Melaka, including vandalism and the burning of political party flags, ahead of Saturday's state election.
State police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said 19 reports had been received so far, with no arrests made in connection with the incidents.
He said 3,332 police personnel would be deployed across the state on polling day to maintain public order and ensure security at all polling centres.
Special response teams would also be activated to deal with any disturbances and make arrests where necessary.
"We have prepared 3,332 personnel to maintain security, including at polling centres.
"We also have special teams that will be mobilised if there are any disturbances. These teams will take the necessary action, including making arrests," he told reporters after observing early voting at the Melaka police contingent headquarters in Bukit Beruang today.
Dzulkhairi said most of the cases involved acts of mischief, including damage to property and the burning of political party flags.
Despite the incidents, he said the overall security situation remained peaceful, with 669 personnel deployed throughout the campaign period to respond to any disturbances.
"So far, the situation has been peaceful. There have been no serious incidents, and everything remains under control," he said.
He urged political party supporters to respect one another's rights and refrain from intimidation or coercion during polling.
"Everyone has their own rights. There should be no intimidation or coercion.
"The situation is peaceful, and it would be a shame if anyone were to disrupt it," he said.
Earlier, Dzulkhairi said 817 police personnel were expected to cast their ballots during early voting at the state police headquarters before returning to their duties.
Meanwhile, a total of 20.9 per cent of registered early voters in Melaka had cast their ballots as of 9am today, according to the Election Commission (EC).
Early voting for the 16th Melaka State Election began at 8am, with 12,531 eligible voters expected to cast their ballots.
They comprise 9,769 military personnel and their spouses, as well as 2,762 police personnel.
The early voting process is being conducted under clear weather conditions.
The remaining 675,166 registered voters across the state's 28 constituencies will cast their ballots on Saturday (Nov 14). - November 10, 2026
