SANDAKAN POLLS | The police have opened six investigation papers based on 12 reports received during the Sandakan by-election campaign as of 12 midnight, yesterday.

Sabah Police Commissioner Omar Mammah said that three of the investigation papers involved poster and bunting mischief reports - two under Section 427 of the Election Offences Act 1954 and one under Section 426 of the same act.

The three other reports were under Section 504 of the Penal Code for disseminating slander which could bring disrepute, Section 24 (b) of the Election Offences Act 1954 for holding talks without permits and Section 10 (a) of the same act on the giving of money to voters.

Four of the investigation papers were referred to the office of the deputy public prosecutor and the results given were no further action (to be taken), he told a media conference today.

He said that the 12 police reports were lodged by the candidates and parties contesting in the by-election.

Omar said during the campaigning period for the Sandakan by-election from April 28 to 11.59 pm yesterday, 362 talks and campaign permits were approved by the Sandakan district police chief.

In the meantime, he said Sabah police had provided 874 personnel comprising 123 officers and 751 policemen for all types of tasks during the by-election.

He gave his assurance that security in the district was under control, including in the territorial waters which were patrolled by the Marine Police Force and the General Operations Force stationed at Pulau Langkayan, Selingan and Nunuyan.

As such, Omar said the public should not be anxious about any security issues because the number of police officers and policemen on duty was more than adequate.

- Bernama