State Election: Candidates must obtain permits - Kedah Police

ALOR SETAR - The Kedah Police reminded political parties about the requirement to obtain permits for any gatherings related to the State Election campaign.

Kedah Police Chief Datuk Fisol Salleh stressed that failure to comply could lead to organizers being fined up to RM10,000 for violating Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act (APA) 2012 (Act 736).

According to him, rally organisers must submit their permit application to the district police chief at least five days prior to the scheduled date.

"Any assembly held before the announcement of candidates falls under the jurisdiction of the Peaceful Assembly Act.

"Permit applications can be submitted via registered post with acknowledgment of receipt, fast delivery, or in person," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Fisol also pointed out that during the election campaign period, candidates are permitted to hold public meetings, gatherings, shows, open entertainment, or deliver speeches openly, provided they have obtained a permit from the district police chief.

"The Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5) comes into effect after the candidates are announced by the Election Commission (EC) on the day of nomination until the day the results are announced.

"Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes an offence under Section 24B(3) of the same act, which may result in imprisonment not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding RM30,000, or both," he added.

He highlighted that common offences during the election season include speaking without a permit, incitement, rioting, defamation, and distributing seditious materials.

"The police will take stringent action against individuals who violate the Election Offences Act 1954, the Sedition Act 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Penal Code.

"The Kedah Police is committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining peace in the state. We expect the cooperation of all parties to ensure a smooth state election process without any untoward incidents," he stressed.

Fisol noted that the Kedah Police will collaborate closely with all relevant agencies, particularly the EC, to ensure a seamless democratic election process in the state.

"We are fully prepared to handle the three phases of the state election, namely the nomination of candidates, the campaign period, and the voting day.

"To maintain safety and order throughout the state election, a total of 4,794 officers and policemen of various ranks have been stationed across the state.

"Out of this number, 3,035 members will be assigned to the EC, 646 members will act as Voting Center supervisors, and the remaining personnel will be stationed within a 50-meter radius," he explained.

Kedah Police have also received assistance from officers from Federal Police, Police Reserve Volunteers (SPSDRM), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), totaling 8,207 officers.