Credit : BERNAMA
MELAKA, November 3, 2026 – Melaka police have issued 29 permits for ceramah, or political talks, since campaigning for the 16th Melaka State Election began last Saturday, with no reports of disturbances received so far, Bernama reported.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said Melaka Tengah recorded the highest number of permits at 11, followed by Alor Gajah with 10 and Jasin with eight.
However, he said police had received one report involving an act of vandalism against campaign materials.
“In this regard, I would like to remind all candidates, political parties and supporters to always abide by the law and refrain from any acts of provocation that could undermine public order throughout the campaign period,” he told Bernama on November 2.
Dzulkhairi also repeated his reminder to candidates and political parties not to touch on issues relating to religion, race and royalty, commonly referred to as the 3R, during their campaigns. He said this was to prevent tensions and to ensure that harmony in the country’s multiracial society remains intact.
The police chief further stressed the importance of safety when putting up campaign materials, particularly in high-risk areas such as traffic-light intersections and along main roads, where they could obstruct the view of road users.
He said flags, posters, banners and other campaign materials must be displayed in accordance with the regulations set by the relevant authorities and must not disrupt the flow of traffic.
Dzulkhairi also set out the restrictions on where campaigning may take place. “They are also prohibited from using any mosque, church, temples or other places of worship for election campaigning, as well as government or local authority-owned premises, vehicles or communication equipment for such purposes,” he said.
“Public buildings are also not allowed to be used as venues for political gatherings and campaigns without written permission from the authorities responsible for those buildings or premises,” he added.
He urged all parties to conduct their campaign activities in a mature, prudent and responsible manner so that the democratic process could proceed peacefully and in an orderly environment.
The reminders come in the opening days of a campaign period that began after nomination on October 31, 2026. The figures given by the police chief cover the three districts of Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin, which together account for all 29 permits issued so far.
The permit system allows police to keep track of where and when political talks are being held across the state, while the single vandalism report shows that, so far, the campaign has largely been free of incidents on the ground.
For voters, the message from the police is that campaigning should remain within the law, away from places of worship and public premises, and free of content that could inflame sensitivities over religion, race or royalty.
Polling for the 16th Melaka State Election is set for November 14, 2026, with early voting on November 10, 2026.
This story is based on a report by Bernama.
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