The General Operations Force (GOF) is all geared up to assist the Election Commission in facing the 13th general election.

The director of internal security and public order Salleh Mat Rasid said focus would be directed at the hot areas which could jeopardise national security and public order.

"For the 13th general election, the GOF is all ready to assist and provide whatever help requested by the EC in facing the next general election," he told reporters after closing the GOF basic course in Ulu Kinta, near Ipoh today.

A total of 277 GOF officers and other ranks have passed the three-month course.

The GOF currently has a strength of 14,000 officers and other ranks based in five areas namely the Northern Brigade, Central Brigade, South-east Brigade, Sabah Brigade and the Sarawak Brigade.

Salleh said the total strength was adequate for deployment if the general election were to be held any time now.

Earlier in his speech, Salleh reminded the GOF personnel to always equip themselves with knowledge and skills to be in line with the changing environment.

He said they should also be more proactive and be prepared for multi-tasking in efforts carried out by the police force to fulfil public expectation.

- Bernama