Police identify 15 hotspots for Sabah state election, deploying 9,300 personnel with special units to maintain peace during the voting process.
KOTA KINABALU: Police have identified approximately 15 hotspots requiring enhanced security measures for the upcoming Sabah state election.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the areas were flagged based on political issues and anticipated NGO involvement.
“This situation is not unique to Sabah; all states in the Peninsula face similar circumstances as elections draw near,” he told reporters after a special meeting at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters.
He confirmed police will deploy personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department and special units like the Light Strike Force where necessary.
A total of 9,300 officers and personnel will be deployed statewide across the 73 contested seats.
Some 4,300 personnel will be stationed at 25 nomination centres tomorrow to manage traffic and secure administrative buildings.
An additional reserve force of approximately 1,200 personnel is available for deployment based on the state police chief’s assessment.
Mohd Khalid reminded all political parties and organisations to avoid provocation during the election period.
The Election Commission has set November 25 for early voting and November 29 as polling day.
According to commission statistics, 1,784,843 voters are eligible to cast ballots in this election.
This includes 1,760,417 ordinary voters and over 24,000 military and police personnel with their spouses. – Bernama
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