The police are to give added focus to four 'hot' areas in Perak to ensure a smooth campaign and polling in the 13th general election, deputy inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar ( below ) said today.

NONE He said police were prepared for any possible trouble in the four areas, which he named as Taiping, Sungai Siput, Ipoh Barat and Batu Gajah.

The police had also identified several individuals who might spark chaos during the period, he told reporters after a briefing on GE13 with the Perak police in Ipoh.

Khalid reminded people attempting to cause trouble during the election campaign and polling to perish the thought because the police would not hesitate to take firm action against them.

On the readiness of the Perak police for GE13, he said he was satisfied with the preparations in terms of personnel and equipment.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced April 20 and May 5 as the dates for nomination and polling, respectively, for GE13.

Khalid received a cheque for RM518,372.15 from Perak Chief Police Officer Mohd Shukri Dahlan for the Royal Malaysia Police Welfare Fund.

- Bernama