Kelantan police not seeking outside help for by-election security

Kelantan Police said Friday they can handle security during the Chempaka state by-election on March 22 without the need for reinforcement from outside the state.

State Police chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim said it was estimated that between 600 and 1,000 police personnel would be required for the by-election, nomination for which is on Tuesday.

"We do not anticipate intense competition for the seat. If anything out of the ordinary is to happen, we will seek help from the higher authorities," he told reporters after addressing a community policing programme following Friday prayers at the Pulai Lima Mosque here.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) had announced it would not contest the by-election, saying it would instead focus on flood relief efforts in Kelantan.

The Chempaka seat fell vacant following the death of PAS spiritual leader and former Kelantan menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on Feb 12 at the age of 84.

Earlier, when addressing the gathering, Mazlan said it would be difficult for the police to combat crime without the people cooperating by offering information.

He said crime among youngsters and students was under control but worrying.

This year, up to March 3, some 21 youngsters - 16 students aged 18 and below and five undergraduates - were caught on suspicion of having been involved in drug-related activities, he said.

Mazlan said some youngsters distributed drugs among their peers for a fee and pocketed between RM500 and RM1,000 a month.

"Students not only in the cities but also in the rural areas are getting influenced by the sweet promises of adult drug traffickers," he said.