SINGAPORE - Six Malaysians are under investigation in Singapore after initiating a campaign calling on fellow Malaysians there to return home to vote in Malaysia's general election.

Police said in a statement that they responded to an incident near Tampines Central last Sunday "involving persons gathering with placards". When the police arrived, the participants were asked to disperse and they complied.

One participant, Mr Liew Sze Ping, said that a dozen of them had begun their campaign at 10am in crowded areas near Bugis and Tampines.

Mr Liew said those in the group had walked about quietly along pavements, carrying posters and placards, without disturbing the public order.

He said police personnel had approached them about 4pm, requesting them to go to a police station to assist in investigations.

They were told that they were being investigated under the Public Order Act.

Under the Public Order Act, a police permit is required to hold a public assembly or conduct a public procession.

Mr Liew stressed that their action is for a good and noble cause - persuading Malaysians in Singapore to return home and vote on May 5.

A large number of Malaysians work in Singapore, and they could have a significant impact on the election results if they vote.

Prior reports have said that bus and air tickets from Singapore to various towns in Malaysia are fast selling out.

This article appeared on news website Malaysiakini yesterday. For more reports on the Malaysia General Election, visit www.malaysiakini.com

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Here is the full statement from Singapore Police Force:

On April 14, 2013, police responded to an incident involving persons gathering with placards in a public space. Police are investigating the offence under the Public Order Act.

Under the Public Order Act, a Police permit is generally required to hold any public assembly or conduct any public procession, regardless of the number of participants, the purpose of which is:

(a) to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government;

(b) to publicise a cause or campaign; or

(c) to mark or commemorate any event.

Police would like to remind the public that conducting such activities without a Police permit is illegal in Singapore.

Foreigners should also refrain from importing their domestic political activities into Singapore.