Johor polls: Police open three probes as campaigning gets underway

JOHOR BAHRU, June 29 — Johor police have received seven reports related to the Johor state election since nomination day last Saturday until 11.59pm last night.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said that of the total, three investigation papers have been opened involving various offences.

“One investigation paper has been opened under Section 435 of the Penal Code for committing mischief using fire or explosives, while another is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for the offence of committing mischief.

“In addition, another investigation paper has been opened under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“The alleged offences relate to acts or attempts to commit acts with a tendency to incite and improper use of network facilities or services,” he said in a statement issued today.

To date, Ab Rahaman said police have received 420 permit applications for political campaign activities.

He said that of the total, 414 permits were approved to enable various campaign activities to be carried out in accordance under the provisions of the law.

“During the same period, 191 political activities took place and were monitored by police personnel to ensure that each programme complied with the permit conditions and operated in orderly manner.

“Overall, the security situation throughout the state election process had been peaceful and under control,” he said, adding that there were no untoward incidents reported.

Ab Rahaman said police are also intensifying monitoring on social media platforms in collaboration with relevant agencies to detect fake news, unverified information and content containing incitement or provocation that could disrupt public order.

Earlier, several billboards displaying the Pasir Raja Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Fakharuddin Moslim were damaged.

The roadside billboards were believed to have been vandalised by irresponsible parties.

Fakharuddin said that he has yet to lodge a report with the authorities over the vandalised billboards, adding that the incident would not affect his spirit to campaign.

“Let’s campaign healthily and let the people decide their choice at the ballot box,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail today.