Johor Police Open Eight Election-Related Investigation Papers as State Poll Campaign Remains Peaceful
JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Johor police have opened eight investigation papers involving alleged election-related offences during the first six days of campaigning for the 16th Johor state election, while maintaining that the overall security situation across the state remains stable and under control.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the investigations cover various offences reported since campaigning officially began on June 27.
According to him, five of the eight investigation papers were opened between June 29 and Thursday following reports of suspected offences linked to the election period.
Among the cases under investigation is one involving alleged mischief by fire, which is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code.
Police are also investigating two separate incidents under Section 426 of the Penal Code relating to alleged acts of mischief.
In addition, two other cases have been classified under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which covers acts of mischief resulting in property damage or financial loss.
Ab Rahaman said that despite the investigations, the election campaign has generally proceeded in an orderly manner across Johor.
He said the police assessment indicates that public order and security have remained peaceful throughout the campaign period, with no major incidents disrupting election activities.
The police chief also provided an update on permits issued for political events during the campaign.
From June 27 through Thursday, police received a cumulative total of 2,037 permit applications for election-related programmes and activities.
Of that number, 1,849 applications were approved after organisers fulfilled the required conditions and regulatory requirements.
Focusing on the period between June 29 and Thursday, Ab Rahaman said police received 1,617 permit applications, with 1,435 subsequently granted approval.
He added that law enforcement personnel monitored 1,155 political events during the same period to ensure campaign activities complied with regulations and did not pose risks to public safety or order.
According to him, the close monitoring forms part of the police’s responsibility to facilitate a peaceful election process while ensuring candidates, political parties and members of the public are able to participate in campaign activities safely.
Ab Rahaman stressed that police will continue to enforce the law impartially throughout the remainder of the campaign period.
He said authorities will not compromise with any individual or organisation found to have violated election-related laws or other criminal provisions during the state polls.
Investigations into reported offences will continue in accordance with existing legal procedures, and action will be taken wherever sufficient evidence is established.
The Johor Police remain committed to carrying out their duties professionally, fairly and with integrity to preserve public confidence and ensure the electoral process continues in a safe and orderly environment until polling concludes.
