Police have suggested that those wishing to hold Christmas carol processions in conjunction with Christmas Day on Dec 25 should apply for a permit at the district police stations in their respective areas.     

Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said the application of permits to hold religious activities was not compulsory previously, but for the sake of public safety, the organisers were encouraged to apply for the permit.     

"We are very flexible, but it will be good if they inform us. By informing us, we can control the processions to ensure public safety and control traffic," he said after closing a sports meet, here today.     

Commenting on the claim that there were forged registration forms for the application of aid under the RM500 subsidy programme, Ismail said the police did not receive any report on the matter     

"Anyone who knows about the scam should make a police report and we will then take action," he said.     

When tabling the 2012 Budget in October, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had announced a subsidy for households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below.      

- Bernama