Credit : MalaysiaGazette
MELAKA, November 4, 2026 – Police are investigating, under the Election Offences Act 1954, the alleged distribution of Deepavali food baskets and cash at the Rim Japerun Complex in Jasin during the 16th Melaka State Election campaign, as Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders traded views over a police report lodged against BN’s Rim candidate, Bernama and other outlets reported.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said in a statement on the night of November 2 that a report had been received in Jasin over the alleged distribution of food baskets and about RM50 in cash in conjunction with Deepavali at the complex. He said the incident was also linked to the presence of a BN candidate’s representative and was being investigated under Section 10 of the Election Offences Act 1954.
Police received six election-related reports in all, four of them over campaign flags and materials allegedly broken, removed, torn, burned or damaged. These included 22 campaign flags lost or damaged in Ayer Keroh, about 150 PH flags believed to have been broken in Rembia, PH flags allegedly removed in Ayer Limau and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) campaign materials allegedly damaged in Paya Rumput. Another report concerned a statement by Seremban MP Anthony Loke Siew Fook, which he said was being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“No further information can be provided at this stage as the cases are still under investigation,” Dzulkhairi said, adding that the Melaka Criminal Investigation Department was working to identify those involved. He advised the public to remain calm, act within the law and avoid speculating about the reported incidents.
The Rim complaint was raised by PH on November 2, when a coalition representative lodged a police report at the Jasin district police headquarters against BN candidate Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar, the incumbent for the seat, Bernama reported. PKR central leadership council member Siti Aishah Shaik Ismail alleged that Khaidirah had attended an event at the complex, which previously housed her office, where contributions were handed to about 30 recipients. She said the food baskets carried the label of the Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ), that photographs and recordings had been given to police, and that the evidence would also be submitted to the Election Commission (EC).
Melaka BN chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said on November 3 that, based on preliminary information, the hall had been used by MPJ to distribute aid to the Indian community, and that Khaidirah was there to visit a voting area rather than to take part in the programme, Astro Awani and The Star reported. He said he would leave it to the authorities to investigate.
BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking in Jasin on the same day, urged all candidates and parties to campaign in a clean manner and to follow democratic rules. “This is a democratic country. We contest according to the rules, and we hope unnecessary issues will not be raised and prolonged. What is important is that on Nov 14, we will see where the support of voters in Melaka lies,” he said, as reported by Bernama. The Star quoted him as saying that the coalition campaigned within the rules and that other parties had also held events attended by their ministers and deputy ministers.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari responded on November 4 that lodging a report was a proper channel to seek an investigation and not an act of desperation, Sinar Harian reported. “PH does not pre-empt the outcome of the investigation, but BN also should not play down a matter that has yet to be decided,” he told a press conference in Hang Tuah Jaya. He added that aid must continue with clear procedures, free from campaign interests.
Khaidirah faces PH’s Esma Eazreen Husin in a straight fight for Rim. Polling day is November 14, with early voting on November 10.
Our thanks to Bernama for sharing this story with LNA. Additional reporting from MalaysiaGazette, The Vibes, The Star, Astro Awani and Sinar Harian.
About The Author
