Sabah police deploy 926 personnel for Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections, with reinforcements from multiple districts to ensure a smooth process.
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 926 police officers and personnel have been deployed in Sabah to ensure the smooth conduct of the Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun (pic) said all personnel would be stationed on the ground throughout the by-election period to safeguard the democratic process.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency comprises three state seats: Lamag, Sukau and Kuamut.
“Kuamut falls under the administration of the Beluran District Police Headquarters, while Lamag and Sukau are under the Kinabatangan IPD,” said Jauteh.
He stated that close coordination is required to ensure there are no disruptions throughout the by-election period.
The police have also received reinforcement from nearby districts, including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Semporna IPDs, as well as the 15th Battalion of the General Operations Force in Sandakan.
The by-elections were called following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5 last year.
The Election Commission has set a 14-day campaign period, with nomination day for both by-elections scheduled for Saturday.
Polling day has been fixed for Jan 24, while early voting will take place on Jan 20.
Jauteh urged all contesting political parties to campaign responsibly and professionally.
He asked them to respect local sensitivities and refrain from raising issues that could incite tension or disrupt public order.
“We also hope that the community in the affected areas will extend their cooperation to PDRM and the EC,” he added.
The electoral roll for the by-elections lists 48,722 voters, comprising 48,526 ordinary voters and 196 early voters.
A total of 36 ordinary polling centres and one early polling centre will be used for the process.
