Police will monitor the presence of certain outsiders who will be coming here to disrupt peace during Sibu parliamentary by-election.

Sibu police chief ACP Shafie Ismail said today, they would not spare efforts to stop troublemakers who came with intention to create problems.

Speaking at a press conference in Sibu, he said all parties involved in the by-election had been told to advice supporters to abide by the law.

"I don't want incidents like throwing of bottles or stones to happen in this by-election. We just can't afford to have lock-ups filled up with election offenders.

He said sufficient number of police personnel would be deployed to ensure that peace prevailed throughout the by-election.

On allegations of illegal betting on the by-election result, Shafie said that no police reports had been received on the matter.

He assured that police had sufficient resources to monitor the issue and would take the necessary action should there be any truth to the allegations.

Shafie advised contesting parties to apply for permits from police before holding political rallies (ceramah).

He said although normally applications should be submitted at least one week in advance, an exception was made to accept applications made in one day.

"Please give all the necessary details to facilitate us in processing the permits," he said while advising speakers to refrain from making derogatory remarks.

Nomination for the by-election is on May 8, followed by polling on May 16.

- Bernama