Johor Polls: Police Approve 4,053 Permits For Talks, Campaign Activities

JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 4,053 out of 4,368 permit applications for the organisation of talks and political campaign activities throughout the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) have been approved for the period from 27 June until yesterday.

Johor Police Chief, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, said that for the period from 7 July until yesterday alone, his department received 884 permit applications, with 838 of them approved after fulfilling the stipulated conditions.

He said that the security and public order situation throughout the Johor PRN process so far has been under control and at a good level.

“All political programmes and activities that have been held are monitored by police to ensure that their organisation complies with the law and does not jeopardise public safety and order,” he said in a statement today.

Ab Rahaman said that for the period from 7 July until yesterday, a total of 17 police reports were received, with four investigation papers related to election offences opened.

He said that the investigation papers involved one case under Section 4A(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954, related to the offence of promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility.

“Another investigation paper was opened under Section 500 of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, related to defamation and improper use of network facilities or services.

“Two more were opened under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief causing loss or damage to property,” he said.

Cumulatively, he said that for the period from 27 June until yesterday, police received 73 police reports and opened 22 investigation papers related to election offences.

He said that any violation of the law would be dealt with firmly, fairly, and with integrity, without compromise.

BERNAMA