MEROTAI, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov 2 2025 – Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today affirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Sabah is fully prepared to ensure security during the upcoming Sabah State Election (PRN), while simultaneously launching the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Madani Inspiration Program in the region.
The press conference was held in Marotai, Sabah, attended by senior officials including Dato’ Awang Alik Jeman, Chief Secretary of KDN; Dato’ Muhammad Razali Wahab, Federal Secretary of Sabah; and Dato’ Ruji Haji Ubi, former Chief Secretary of KDN who is also a local native.
Saifuddin explained that the KDN Madani Program is conducted almost every month across the country to introduce the functions of agencies under KDN and to channel infrastructure allocations at the village level. “This program is hosted by the Ministry’s Chief Secretary. In fact, previously when Datuk Ruji was KSU, we visited Kampung Matahir. This is the format of our program,” he said.
He emphasized KDN’s primary function is to maintain public peace and order through its agencies such as the National Registration Department (JPN) and PDRM. Saifuddin also promoted the MEKAR (Planting Love for the People) program, which brings JPN services directly to communities to resolve issues related to citizenship and identification documents.
On crime, the minister warned that online scams are on the rise and cause significant financial losses. “Although index crimes remain in the same pattern, cyber crimes are increasingly on the rise,” he added.
Concurrently with the program, KDN allocated RM1 million under the Madani initiative for school facilities, recreational areas, and mosques in Kampung Kijang, Marotai – specifically at Masjid Nur Naqwah and the Kampung Kijang Community Hall – through the Border Visit and Protection Agency (AKPS).
Sabah Police Preparations Ahead of PRN
When asked about the level of security and Sabah Police preparations ahead of the PRN, Saifuddin stated that the Sabah Contingent’s strength is currently around 10,000 personnel, with a freeze on leave orders issued except for specific cases.
“I received a briefing from the Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Jauteh, a few weeks ago that police preparations to carry out duties in facing the Sabah State Election – where candidate nominations begin on 15 November and polling day on 29 November – are at a state of full readiness,” he clarified.
He added that if needed, police strength would be augmented with personnel from the Ipoh Federal Police Headquarters (IPK) Sarawak. Training and simulations, including monitoring ballot box movements in remote areas, have been conducted according to schedule with relevant agencies.
Saifuddin emphasized two main police functions: ensuring voters feel safe and calm to cast their votes, viewing the PRN as a “democracy festival,” and protecting the Election Commission (SPR) and its officers from threats, intimidation, or any form of pressure.
“PDRM, as the largest enforcement agency, is now at full readiness to face the upcoming election date,” he concluded.
This program is part of KDN’s efforts to interact directly with the people, with previous locations including Kuala Terengganu, Kampung Sungai Nipah in Pantai Merdeka, Taiping, Baling, Besut, and Kota Belud.
