Some 5,500 police personnel will be deployed in Penang for the upcoming 14th general election to control security and safeguard the electoral process.

Penang police chief A Thaiveegan said all Penang police contingent staff were on high alert to face the general election.

"Should we require additional manpower, I will request it from Bukit Aman, but I am confident we have sufficient personnel to handle the situation,” he told reporters after a GE14 simulation exercise for Penang police contingent in George Town today.

At the training, a simulation to handle a riot by party supporters who were dissatisfied with the election results, was also held in the compounds of Dewan Seri Pinang here.

Thaiveegan added that police have also identified hotspot areas during GE14 and the full list would be completed in a week's time.

Commenting on the simulation exercise today, Thaiveegan said he was satisfied with the performance shown and hoped this would be maintained during the general election.

- Bernama