Semporna voters urged to vote on May 5

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM )director-general, Datuk Mohammad Mentek, today gave an assurance to local residents, especially voters, not to fear to come out to vote on polling day on May 5.

As Malaysians, they could exercise their electoral rights freely without feeling scared or worried, as the security in and around Semporna district has been tightened.

Security personnel have been deployed on land and in surrounding islands, he said.

"Voters should not listen to rumours. The security situation here has significantly improved.

"If there are rumours to scare off voters, immediately contact the Semporna district police headquarters to get accurate information," he told reporters after visiting the district police headquarters here Saturday.

Mohammad said he was satisfied with the state of preparedness of the police in Semporna in the run-up to the polling day.

He said voters should not be unduly worried as security forces would be on standby at every polling station to monitor the situation.

"We'll also beef up security in and around the nearby islands to give confidence to existing and potential investors that the islands are safe for investment," he added.

Semporna district has been placed under ESSCOM, which encompasses Kudat, Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Lahad Datu districts, to prevent intrusion by Sulu terrorists from southern Philippines from recurring.