Kota kinabatangan: Police have issued a total of 128 permits for ceramah or political talks and campaign activities for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections. These permits were granted amidst preparations for the upcoming elections following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, aged 66.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kinabatangan district police chief, Supt Ravi Duraisamy, confirmed that the permits were issued to candidates from Barisan Nasional (BN), Parti Warisan (Warisan), and an independent candidate. These candidates are contesting in the by-elections initiated due to the vacancy left by the late incumbent. Ravi Duraisamy noted that all applications for permits have been approved and that the candidates are complying with the established guidelines.

Ravi further reported that one complaint was received during the campaign period, which has now been referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Election Commission (EC). To facilitate a smooth polling process for the by-elections scheduled this Saturday, with early voting set for tomorrow, a total of 927 personnel from nearby district police headquarters and the Sabah police contingent headquarters will be deployed.

Additionally, Ravi emphasized the importance of adhering to the standard operating procedures issued by the authorities. He cautioned all candidates, their agents, and supporters to ensure compliance to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.

The Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election will witness a three-cornered contest between Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar of BN, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan, and Goldam Hamid, an independent candidate. Meanwhile, the Lamag state seat will see a straight fight between Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) and Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan).