Speaking to reporters after a police briefing at the district police headquarters here Tuesday, he warned that the government is very serious in dealing with such activity and would take stern action against those taking part in this illegal activity.

"I have requested the police to check the situation to ensure that this activity (election betting) is not happening because this is a dangerous activity since it could affect the outcome of the election," he added.

As in any illegal activity, he said that election betting would only deny a true process of election where those involved to dictate the result were merely interested to rake profits, instead of safeguarding democratic process to allow the people to elect a new government.

Candidates and their supporters for the elections were also advised from resorting to provocative approaches against their rivals during the campaign period as this could only stir anger and eventually confrontations to smear the elections.

Warning those wishing to contest and their supporters against making public speeches that could stir negative emotions or racial disruptions, Zainal said all parties should safeguard their image as Malaysians who uphold democracy through peaceful and caring order.

"As in all elections, we wanted the next one to progress in peace and orderly to encourage contituents to choose the candidate or party that is capable to form a new government," he added, while urging the candidates to inform the police before they planned to carry out public gathering so that security assistance could be provided.

On preparation of the police force here, he revealed that more than 100 police recruits would be deployed to Bintulu to complement the current strength of enforcement resource to maintain order during the election period.

Zainal acknowledged that police here headed by OCPD Supt Sulaiman Abdul Razak is confident about handling the situation during the election as well as to assist the Election Commission (EC) in carrying out their responsibility.

"For any time or place, we have a nationwide mutual understanding to mobilise from one district to another or from one unit to another  particularly in tense or critical situation, or whenever the needs arises" he added.

Sulaiman and several other senior police officers from the Bintulu District were also present during the press conference.