Following an ugly Christmas eve celebration in Penang where two People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel were attacked by rowdy revellers, the police today warned of firm action against anyone who causes chaos on New Year's eve on Thursday.

Penang police chief Ayub Yaakob said he had recalled to duty all his police officers and personnel on leave.

"I hope the revellers will know their limits and, at the same time, we will be rational in our action," he told reporters.

Last Friday, two Rela personnel were injured after they were set upon by a group of 10 men in Persiaran Gurney here.

In the 12.30am incident, the Rela personnel were punched and kicked and hit with crash helmets after they refused to release a friend of the attackers who was held for being a nuisance to passing motorists.

A Bernama TV cameraman was punched on the lips and several newspaper reporters were shoved by the group when they tried to cover the incident.

Ayub said the police would bring along video cameras on New Year's Eve and enlist the assistance of Rela personnel as well.

- Bernama