Voters across Sabah turn out early despite light rain for state election, with high early turnout observed at multiple polling centres.
KOTA KINABALU: Voters across Sabah’s west coast braved morning drizzle to cast their ballots early in the 17th Sabah State Election.
A Bernama survey found voters gathering as early as 7 am with umbrellas in hand, though all 882 polling stations officially opened at 7.30 am.
High early turnout was observed at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bahang in Penampang, SK Pekan Ansip in Sook, SK Serusup in Tuaran and SMK Bukit Garam in Kinabatangan.
Elderly voters were among those who turned out early to exercise their democratic right.
At SK Kokol in Tuaran, voter Canisius Einus, 32, said he arrived early as he needed to accompany his wife to vote in another district later.
“I hope everyone comes out to vote early. It’s our civic duty,” said the schoolteacher.
Election Commission staff were on standby to assist voters entering polling lanes, providing wheelchairs for those who needed them.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department urged voters via Facebook to plan their journeys carefully amid the rainy conditions.
Voters were advised to stay alert and follow the latest weather information through MetMalaysia’s website, the myCuaca app and official social media channels.
Meanwhile, Bernama observed a landslide along the main road leading to SK Kokol in Tuaran, though the route remained passable to motorists. – Bernama
