Three police cars were damaged in a provocative incident by alleged supporters of a political party, at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Indera Muda, here last night.
Penang police chief, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the incident occurred when a Bomb Disposal Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and a police team were carrying out inspection to prevent any undesired incident on polling day for the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary by-election, today.
"The provocative act should not have occurred because everyone already knew the SOP (standard operating procedure) of the police in carrying out checks at all the polling centres before polling day.
"During the incident, a group from the Bomb Disposal Unit were carrying out a flushing exercise and inspection to ensure that the polling centres were safe for use.
"They (the party supporters) had encircled the area, closed the school gate and damaged the police cars," he told reporters after visiting the polling centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Guar Perahu, here today.
Abdul Rahim said no one was injured during the incident as the police managed to control the situation by discussing with several leaders of the political party who were at the location.
He said police opened three investigation papers on the incident under the Penal Code for firstly obstructing civil servants from discharging their duty, rioting and causing mischief.
"Besides SK Bukit Indera Muda, two other polling centres were also disturbed by the group in the incident yesterday but police managed to control the situation," he said.
He called on party supporters to refrain from provoking the police as they were only carrying out their task to maintain peace and public order at the polling centres.
"The party supporters created provocation so that the police would take action on them which could result in chaos. However, we took the negotiation approach to calm down the situation," he said.
In the incident last night, a police team from the Bomb Disposal Unit were surrounded by at least 300 supporters of a political party in front of the school gate.
It is learnt that the party supporters had obstructed the school's exit by parking their cars opposite the gate, trapping the policemen in the school compound.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahim said 112 police reports for election offences had been received since nomination day on April 25 until early today and police had opened 12 investigation papers.
"As at 10.30 am, the polling process had been smooth and I had also directed policemen on duty to separate the position of the supporters of the (contesting) political parties at the polling centres to avoid provocation between them," he said.
The Permatang Pauh Parliamentary by-election involves a four-cornered contest between Suhaimi Sabudin (Barisan Nasional candidate), Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Parti Keadilan Rakyat), Azman Shah Othman (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) and Salleh Isahak (Independent).
The by-election is being held as the incumbent, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had lost his eligibility as an elected representative after his conviction for sodomy and is now serving a five-year jail term.
Bernama
Thu May 07 2015
Abdul Rahim said no one was injured during the incident as the police managed to control the situation by discussing with several leaders of the political party who were at the location. - Photo Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
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.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
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.