The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has stepped up its highest level of preparedness ahead of the 16th Melaka State Election (PRN) through a large-scale public order simulation exercise involving hundreds of personnel and multiple operational assets.
A total of 395 officers and personnel, together with 30 operational assets, were mobilised in the two-day exercise aimed at ensuring full readiness to handle any potential scenarios throughout the election period. The initiative reflects a proactive approach by security forces to maintain public order and safeguard the smooth conduct of the democratic process. Such extensive preparations are widely seen as crucial in reinforcing public confidence in a safe and orderly election environment.
Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the simulation served as an important platform to assess personnel competency, command efficiency, logistical readiness and inter-agency coordination under a Whole-of-Government approach. He stressed that the exercise was designed to ensure all agencies operate in a unified and coordinated manner when responding to any incidents.
He added that the exercise was not merely a routine drill, but a strategic investment to strengthen public trust in the capabilities of security agencies in managing election-related situations. It also provided an opportunity to identify and improve any weaknesses in operational procedures before polling day.
Dzulkhairi said the large-scale simulation involved multiple agencies including the National Security Council (MKN), Election Commission (SPR), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). The joint participation, he noted, ensured more effective coordination in managing complex and fast-moving scenarios.
A total of 30 operational assets were deployed, including police patrol vehicles, Public Order Riot Unit (PORU) trucks, ambulances, fire engines, escort motorcycles and communication equipment. These resources were used to test logistical strength and response efficiency in real-time operational settings.
The simulation covered various scenarios such as ballot box escorting, riot control, provocation incidents, fire outbreaks and casualty management in accordance with established standard operating procedures. Authorities also reaffirmed that the situation in Melaka remains under control and stable.
Despite no immediate threat of unrest, Dzulkhairi said preparedness measures were essential to ensure readiness for any eventuality. He added that any shortcomings identified during the exercise would be addressed and refined to ensure a smooth and secure election process.
