KUCHING: Sarawak police have opened an investigation paper pertaining to an arson case involving political party’s flags in Engkilili.
A police spokesman for the 15th general election (GE15), Supt Douglas Nyeging Taong in a statement, said the case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for arson after a political party’s flags were set on fire.
The Penal Code under this Section carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine, upon conviction.
The investigation paper was one out of four papers opened on Wednesday (Nov 9) after the police received nine police reports pertaining to election offences.
Nyeging said the remaining three investigation papers were opened under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief and causing loss or damage to another individual’s property.
The incident happened in Lubok Antu and Serian districts where one of the contesting political parties’ flags, banners and campaign materials were found vandalised.
He added that they received four police reports regarding actions taken by Election Commission (EC) enforcement officers in taking down banners that violated the conditions and regulations that have been set.
The cases (of banners taken down by EC officers) are being referred to the EC for further action.
Nyeging added that as of Nov 9, Sarawak police have approved a total of 198 permits for political parties to hold their campaigns and political talks throughout the state.
All political parties contesting in GE15 are advised to abide by the laws that are set in place throughout the election duration.
