MUAR: No police reports have been made so far following alleged harassment of journalists covering the Home Ministry events in Johor, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Ayob said the police gave time for the parties involved to provide an explanation and lodge a report on the matter.
"Currently, the only word we received was from the media club's statement, and no reports have been made.
"So, we will wait for the statements from the ministry involved," he told reporters after visiting the polling centre for the Simpang Jeram by-election at SJKC Pei Chai.
On Sept 5, two alleged harassments of a female journalist covering the Home Ministry events at Taman Anggerik and subsequently at another event by the same ministry at Taman Dahlia in Johor Baru occurred.
The alleged harassment by one of the ministry security personnel occurred when he attempted to obstruct media practitioners during a press conference by the home minister.
He was alleged to have touched the female journalist's hand in an inappropriate manner while she was recording the event.
The security personnel was also alleged to have repeatedly pinched the back of another female journalist's waist to prevent her from carrying out her duties during the press conference.
The Johor Media Club (KMJ) later reminded politicians and their security personnel against harassing journalists and photographers while carrying out their duties.
Its president, Mohd Fauzi Ishak, said the club would not take any harassment of media practitioners lightly and would consider lodging police reports against the perpetrators.
Commenting on the progress of the by-elections, Ayob said the process had been smooth sailing.
"When I visited several polling centres in Pulai and Simpang Jeram, I saw the voting process was going smoothly.
"I hope that everyone will come out to carry out their responsibilities in the democratic process," he said.