Cops to deploy 7,000 personnel for Sungai Besar, Kuala Kangsar by-elections

KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed for the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-elections next month.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said of the number, some 5,000 personnel would be stationed in Sungai Besar (Selangor) and the rest in Kuala Kangsar (Perak).
"We are ready to face any eventuality during the (nomination, campaigning and election) process, as we have previous experience in dealing with the two by-elections as both are considered as 'hot' seats.
"Thus, we want all quarters to be more prudent and responsible during the campaigning period, as well as not create a situation that can cause a tense atmosphere," he told reporters after closing the Royal Malaysian Police National-level Quran Recital Competition at Wisma Darul Iman here today.
Also present were Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director, Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani; Pahang police chief, Datuk Seri Sharifuddin Abd Ghani; and, Terengganu police chief, Datuk Rosli Ab Rahman.
The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seats fell vacant following the deaths of incumbents, Datuk Noriah Kasnon, who was also plantation industries and commodities deputy minister, and Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.
The by-elections will be held simultaneously on June 18. Nomination date is fixed on June 5.
Meanwhile, on motorists using the emergency lane, Noor Rashid said the police would not compromise with any quarters who flouted the law, including imposing maximum fines to prevent them from repeating the offence.
Recently, two victims died in an accident at the 228km North-South Expressway near the Simpang Ampat toll exit in Alor Gajah, Malacca following the late arrival of the ambulance as the emergency lane was abused by highway users.
The incident caused public outrage, with many urging the authorities to take action against vehicles found using the emergency lane on the day of the incident.
Subsequently, the Road Transport Department issued 91 notices to the errant motorists to facilitate investigations. If found guilty, they could be fined up to RM300. — Bernama