POLICE have opened 18 investigation papers following 19 reports of election-related offences during the first 11 days of campaigning for the Melaka state election, including vandalism, arson and fighting.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said no arrests had been made so far, with most cases involving damage to property and the burning of political party flags.
The cases are being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and Section 435 for mischief by fire. Other reports involve alleged incitement and threats.
Despite the complaints, Dzulkhairi said the campaign period had remained largely peaceful, with no major disturbances reported.
A total of 669 police personnel have been deployed to monitor campaign activities, while 3,332 officers and personnel will be assigned to security duties on polling day on November 14.
He said the Cantas team would also be deployed, warning that police would not hesitate to make arrests if supporters caused disturbances.
Dzulkhairi urged political party supporters to respect the law and refrain from intimidating or pressuring voters.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) is investigating claims that its website was targeted in a cyberattack during the election period.
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said he was awaiting a full report on the incident before the commission issued an official statement.
“I have yet to receive a full report on the matter. Once we receive it, the EC will issue a statement.
“We hope the cyberattack will not affect our website, as it is crucial to the conduct of the election,” he said after inspecting early voting at SK Kem Terendak today.
Ramlan said the EC was working with the relevant authorities to protect its systems against attempts to breach their security.
Asked whether the commission would lodge a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), he said the EC was already coordinating with the relevant agencies on the matter.
Early voting for the Melaka state election is being held today, with voters across the state going to the polls on November 14. - November 10, 2026
