MELAKA: Candidates and political parties involved in the state election have shown a high level of compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP), says the Melaka deputy police chief.

       Senior Asst Comm Datuk Razali Abu Samah said the level of compliance was as high as 95%, which was very commendable given the strict SOP set by the authorities to keep Covid-19 infections at bay.

       He said SOP violations mainly involved house-to-house visits.

       “Other violations were campaigning at eateries and wearing attire with the logos of political parties.

       “We also have cases of holding press conferences at open spaces without observing physical distancing,” he said yesterday.

       SAC Razali added that police issued 11 compound notices between Oct 25 and yesterday for SOP violations.

       He said the Health Ministry issued two compound notices while other monitoring authorities issued three.

       “The notices issued by the police amounted to RM84,000 while those issued by the Health Ministry totalled RM114,000.

       “As at yesterday, there were 397 activities recorded mostly related to visits to parties’ election operation rooms, walkabouts and visits by candidates and party leaders,” he said.

       SAC Razali added that no elements that posed a risk to public order have been detected throughout the campaigning period thus far.

       However, he said that the police received 130 reports related to the polls and 41 investigation papers have been opened. Investigations were initiated under the Penal Code, Communications and Multimedia Act, Election Act, and Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (National Recovery Plan) 2021, he added.

       In an unrelated matter, a prominent national leader of a political party was being investigated for uploading an inaccurate post on the Melaka election.

       It was learnt that the leader had placed unfounded content on his Facebook account, which prompted Melaka police to lodge a report against him.

       The leader had apparently claimed that a respected figure in Melaka had shifted his support to his alliance and had wanted a change in the administration of the state government after Nov 20.

       When contacted, Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said that seven reports had been lodged against those uploading incorrect, insulting or demeaning material on social media platforms.

       “Online shaming in relation to the Melaka election is still prevalent despite police reminding political parties and candidates to use social media judiciously.

       “There is insulting and libellous as well as inaccurate content being circulated that is tantamount to inciting hatred,” he told The Star.

       DCP Abdul Majid said that police have also set up a special team to monitor social media platforms on a 24-hour basis.

       “The team consists of three groups that take turns to monitor posts to ensure social media is used in a healthy manner.

       “They will keep tabs on any attempt to disrupt public order or insult political parties.

       “When an offence is detected, the police will lodge a report so that a fair investigation can be conducted,” he added.