More than 50 police officers and personnel were on duty throughout the four days people were paying their last respects to the late Bukit Gelugor member of parliament Karpal Singh until his cremation in the Batu Gantung Crematorium here, last Sunday.
Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said personnel were also stationed at his residence at Jalan Utama and two mobile police stations deployed in the compound of Dewan Sri Pinang during the final paying of respects on Sunday.
"I ordered the traffic police to accompany the hearse when it arrived in Juru all the way to his house at Jalan Utama, on the day he passed away.
Two officers and 20 traffic police were also stationed there (Karpal Singh's residence) to direct traffic and maintain public order," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the Blood Donation Campaign in conjunction with the 207th Police Day celebrations at the Penang police headquarters here today.
It was reported in the Malay Mail today that the state government had hit out at the police for failing to turn up as planned to control the massive crowd gathered at Dewan Sri Pinang to pay their last respects to Karpal Singh on Sunday.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was quoted as saying that the state government would conduct a post-mortem to determine the reasons for the failure of the police to turn up.
Abdul Rahim said two officers and acting state Public Order and Traffic police chief DSP Abdul Rahim Md Din had also attended a meeting with the state government to discuss the final funeral procession route.
He said two officers and 20 traffic personnel were stationed on Sunday during Karpal Singh's funeral procession to the Batu Gantung Crematorium and more than 10 plain clothes policemen were on duty throughout the time people paid their last respect at the Dewan Sri Pinang.
Abdul Rahim said the traffic police were stationed at every junction along the funeral procession until it reached the crematorium namely, Lebuh Farquhar, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Larut, Jalan Burma, Jalan Perak, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Residensi, Jalan Utama and Jalan Scotland.
"The traffic flow was smooth throughout the funeral procession and there were no bad congestion. And so far we have not received any reports about any disturbances or incidents either.
"So I don't understand why the state government is saying the police were not on duty, that's not true. We have photographs to prove it, that the police did their duty to the public," he said.
Karpal Singh, 74, and his personal assistant Michael Cornelius, 39, died in an accident about 1.10 am at KM306.1 of the North-South Highway near Gua Tempurung, Kampar last Thursday.
Bernama
Tue Apr 22 2014
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.