Avoid certain roads ahead of Bkt Selambau by-election

Residents are urged to refrain from using the three roads leading to SM Teknik I in Sungai Lalang owing to the Bukit Selambau state by-election’s Nomination Day which would be held Sunday around 9am.
Police estimate about 10,000 supporters of the various candidates would be around and urged those not involved in the electoral process to steer clear of the affected areas or risk getting trapped in a traffic jam, Kuala Muda OCPD ACP Hashim Ali, said.
Police have also identified routes for the candidates and supporters to use including for them to march onto the centre from 8am onwards.
Pakatan Rakyat supporters and the candidate are to gather at SM Teknik II while the road near the North-South expressway toll booth, would be exclusively for police to coordinate security.
The Barisan Nasional candidate, together with the entourage would meet at the Petronas petrol kiosk in Sungai Lalang and the 11 Independents must gather at the factory areas near Sungai Lalang too.
There would be road diversions along the trunk road of Sungai Petani to Alor Star while heavy vehicles such as trucks, lorries and stage buses, would not be allowed into the constituency Sunday until the nomination was over.
“We will not compromise on security. Everyone involved including the media in the by-election must respect the electoral laws and we would not hesitate to take action,” ACP Hashim told a press conference.
He also said that the police had received assurance from the political parties and Independents who were participating in the election that they would not cause any commotion.
The mass media who are issued the necessary passes to report on the event, are advised to come by 8am to avoid being stuck in both the traffic congestion and the crowd.
Overall, police have deployed 835 personnel for the by-election and 17 beat bases, have been set-up while police are ready to issue some 100 permits for “ceramah” (political rallies).
ACP Hashim said the parameters for approving “ceramah” permits, are that the rallies must be held on the respective parties grounds and preferably indoors.
To date, police have open four investigation papers after reports were lodged by four persons over minor scuffles.