Deploying more cops: CP

Source : DAILY EXPRESS NEWS
Image : Net


Kota Kinabalu: More policemen will be mobilised for the anticipated general elections this year.

Sabah Commissioner of Police, Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said more hands would be needed to look after security, as they expect an increase in the number of voters and polling stations.

"I cannot tell you how many exactly now but there will be more this time," he said after witnessing the closing of the Constable Basic Training by Special Branch Deputy Director, DCP Datuk Othman Ali, at the Sabah police contingent headquarters in Kepayan, Saturday.

"We have identified the logistical and communication needs at the various polling stations (among others) É our men have also gone through public order exercises and equipped with legislative knowledge, to solve any problem that may crop up," he added.

"With the way things are looking now, we expect a smooth election."

Othman was confident that police would not encounter any difficulty in the coming polls, as they have years of experience dealing with such events.

"Going by our track record, we overcame every problem that came our way," he said.

"I do not expect any disturbance or riots, but even if it does occur, we are ready in terms of manpower, strength and equipment you can take it from me, we are fully prepared."

To a question that the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), whose members organised illegal gatherings late last year, might have affected the police's preparation, he said, as far as he was concerned, the matter had been put to rest.

"If you talk about Hindraf, we have already settled the problem the Government has taken appropriate action (against the members) in line with the law.

"(And) there are no different approaches to how police will deal with the polls in the peninsula and Sabah to us, the Hindraf problem has not interfered with our preparations for the polls," Othman said.