Make sure you have a permit for talks, says police

KUCHING: Sarawak police on Tuesday reminded political parties not to hold talks or public gatherings without a permit.

State Commissioner of Police Deputy Comm Mohmad Salleh said 24 permits had been applied for and approved so far, but he believed there could have been several gatherings which took place illegally.

"Why create difficulties when we can give approval. It's a simple matter, just go to the district police headquarters, fill out the form and submit it and the OCPD will approve it if the conditions are met.

"We can approve the application in 48 hours. If they need it in 24 hours or 12 hours, we can consider giving the permit," he said on Tuesday after meeting representatives from the Sarawak United People's Party, DAP and PKR at the state police headquarters.

Dep Comm Mohmad added that those found guilty of holding illegal assemblies or talks could be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000 and jailed not more than a year.

"To me the penalty is quite serious. That's why we encourage political parties to apply for a permit," he said.

He informed that the police had not yet received reports of untoward incidents related to the elections.

"It's been quiet so far. Campaigning may peak next week and we hope things will not turn rowdy," he said.

He added that 6,846 personnel would be deployed throughout the state starting March 4 and would be in place for polling day duties by March 6.

--THE STAR