The Election Commission can save up to RM10mil in logistics costs if the Sabah elections and general election are held simultaneously, Berita Minggu reported.

Commission chairman Tan Sri Ab. Rashid Ab. Rahman was quoted as saying that if the two elections were to be held separately, the cost would amuont to RM20mil.

"The cost is for transportation, such as for helicopters and boats.For example, as many as 10 parliamentary constituencies require helicopter services as there are 46 voting districts and 80 voting stations," he said.

There were nine parliamentary constituencies which needed boat services as they involved 33 voting districts and 47 voting stations, he added

Abdul Rashid said term of Sabah's state goverment would end on April 12 and if it were to be dissolved by then, the state elections must be held before June 12.

Asked if the commision faced any problem in carrying out the elections, he said the problems that usually arose were during the campaigning period when party supporters breached regulations.

In an unrelated issue, Mingguan Malaysia highlighted a report saying that open burning of padi stalks was the only effective way of clearing such fields.

Department of Environment director-general Rosnani Ibarahim said that at present there was no new method to be used as an alternative to open burning.

"Like it or not, open burning will still have conducted to clear the land as it is affordable, easy and is a successful way to eradicate diseases that affect padi stalks," she said.

However, she said that farmers had to abide by regulations set by DOE to avoid causing accidents such as the 21-vehicle pile-up at the 59th kilometre near Kobah last week.

Rosnani saud other methods of burning the cut padi stalks at separate areas was impractical and involved additional cost for farmers.