Police are carrying out a nationwide exercise codenamed 'Ex Ballot III' yesterday and today to prepare its force for the 13th general election.

According to a police Facebook posting, the exercise will not be carried out in Sabah to enable the police force there to focus on the current situation in Lahad Datu since a group of Filipinos had encroached into Kampung Tanduo near Tawau in Sabah two weeks ago.

"The exercise to be carried out in Perak will use a live exercise method and involve all districts. Districts in Perak to undergo such training are Ipoh, Manjong, Taiping and Kerian," said police in a Facebook posting.

Police in the same Facebook posting said training in other states would be focused at the respective state police headquarters.

The main objective of the exercise is to expose police personnel to the real-time operation during the general election and equip them with the necessary experience to handle situations in a professional manner.

The Facebook posting urged the people should to be not alarmed by the presence of police in large numbers in Perak today and tomorrow.

- Bernama