MELAKA: Barely hours after campaigning for the state election kicked off, there were already reported violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) among candidates and their supporters.

       Datuk Seri Idris Haron, who is contesting Asahan under Pakatan Harapan, said he will advise his supporters not to follow him around after a minor incident involving the police at the Asahan nomination centre in Jasin yesterday.

       “I will abide by the SOPs for the state election in order not to get disqualified.

       “I want to also advise other candidates and my rivals in Asahan to do likewise and avoid being compounded or worse, disqualified,” he said when contacted about the incident where reporters were evicted from the centre after he held an impromptu press conference.

       The former chief minister said there were about 40 journalists and photographers waiting outside the centre and they rushed to interview him when the front gate was opened.

       “It was just a minor incident but a good reminder to candidates like me to observe the SOPs,” he added.

       Meanwhile, Melaka deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Razali Abu Samah said two reports had been received on the flouting of SOP for the polls.

       He said one involved a community hall in Tanjung Bidara in Alor Gajah, and another in Telok Mas, Melaka Tengah.

       He said there were 20 to 25 supporters who had gathered about 100m from the nomination centres but they were told by the police to disperse as it was against the rules.

       Tanjung Bidara is notably being contested by Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh of Barisan Nasional, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin of Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan’s Zainal Hassan.