Monday, April 15, 2013 | Last updated at 16:49 PM
KOTA KINABALU: Police are now fully focused on the coming general election now that the Lahad Datu conflict has eased up and the situation is under control.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the security forces would be facing different challenges as the possible threats could vary compared with the previous elections.
"But we are ready to tackle any problems which may arise from the general election."
He reminded his men to study incidents in the past election as preparation for them to handle any situation they may face in the next few weeks.
"It will help them deal with possible chaos during demonstrations, which can happen anytime. Every personnel should also be on high alert and should clarify information spread in the cyberspace," Ismail said at the state police headquarters, here, yesterday.
Ismail added that while the situation in Lahad Datu was no longer classified as dangerous, Ops Daulat was still ongoing.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said police had released the 32 Filipinos intercepted at sea, about 22km off Pualu Tambisan, near Lahad Datu last week.
"Malaysian police had escorted the group back to the Philippines yesterday at 6pm after their embassy here confirmed that the group was not linked to the Lahad Datu intrusion.
"We received instructions from Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, who decided to close the case against the 32. All of them were released without conditions."
It was reported that the group was heading towards Taganak for a political campaign, but ended up in Lahad Datu because of technical problems.
Among those intercepted was incumbent Languyan mayor Rommel Matba and his security officer, Hassan Abdullah, who was armed with a M-16 assault rifle and two pistols.
To date, 183 individuals have been arrested under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 while 369 people were arrested for other offences.
Earlier, Ismail announced that Hamza was promoted from deputy police commissioner to police commissioner. Another 12 police officers were also promoted.
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