Close watch on social media, blogs during Sarawak election

S’WAK POLLS The Sarawak police will tighten security in the state during the 11th state election, including by keeping close watch over the social media, to prevent negative elements that are detrimental to public order.

Sarawak CID chief SAC Dev Kumar MM Sree Shunmugam said this would also include close monitoring of postings and comments published by bloggers and other social media users.

"We will take action against them if their postings and comments are found to be detrimental to public order," Dev Kumar told reporters after welcoming CID personnel of various ranks who arrived at the Miri Airport today to assist in preserving security during the state election.

He said police would also monitor the content of each political talks organised by all contesting parties during the campaigning period.

Nevertheless, Dev Kumar said, right now, the security level in the state was under control.

"We expect the state election process to run smoothly," he added.

Meanwhile, 253 CID personnel are arriving in Sarawak in stages today and they would be deployed to Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Lawas.

Dev Kumar said a total of 1,162 CID personnel, 555 of whom were from the peninsula, would be involved in investigating election offences during the state election this year.

The Election Commission has set April 25 as the nomination day and May 7 for polling.

- Bernama