Men Detain Nine Buses, Claiming They Ferry Phantom Voters

KUALA TERENGGANU, March 7 (Bernama) -- A group of men, believed Pas supporters, detained nine buses carrying about 350 university students from the Klang Valley and north of the Malaysian peninsular, claiming that they ferry phantom voters for tomorrow's polls.

The commotion began at about 5am in Kuala Ibai when about 150 men threw stones at five buses passing through the main road into this city and ordered the drivers to stop at a carpark in front of the Tengku Tengah Intan Zaharah Mosque purportedly for inspection.

Four other buses were also subjected to the same predicament when passing through the area.

Terengganu Chief Police Officer Datuk Ayub Yaakob said that after being alerted of the incident, the police despatched about 100 to 150 personnel to the scene to ensure the safety of the bus passengers.

The number of Pas supporters later swelled to 300 but some of them dispersed when it was time for Subuh prayer, he told a press conference here today. Initially, the police could only bring two buses carrying mostly female students out and escort them to government administrative building Wisma Darul Iman where their parents were waiting.

The other seven buses were taken out of the scene in stages after the police managed to disperse the group even though several of them did not stop throwing stones at the buses.

"The situation was put completely under control at about 7am though there were still men gathering in smaller groups by the roadside," Ayub said.

He said the police also received a call for help to escort five buses in Marang heading for Kuala Terengganu to ensure the safety of the passengers. When asked whether it was true the buses carried phantom voter, he said: "The police have checked the passengers and found that they are higher learning institute students who are registered voters and taking the bus to cast their votes in their respective areas tomorrow."

Ayub said that following the incident, the police received reports of two buses having their screens smashed and bodies dented.

"I would like to give a stern warning on all parties not to stop or detain any bus ferrying home voters wishing to fulfil their obligation," he said.

He said the police would not hesitate to take action under Section 341 of the Penal Code for wrongful obstruction and Section 3(n) of the Election Offences Act.

-- BERNAMA