Kampung Bilit residents cross the risky Kinabatangan River by boat to vote, facing crocodile dangers and transport shortages to fulfil their civic duty.
KINABATANGAN: Residents of Kampung Bilit Seberang undertook a perilous river crossing to vote in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections today.
Tourism worker Siti Zamziah Zaini, 42, began her journey with family and neighbours from the village jetty at 8 am.
They travelled together by boat across the Kinabatangan River to reach the polling station at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit.
The 10-minute crossing requires vigilance due to the known risk of encountering crocodiles, locally called “adu-adu”.
“In our Orang Sungai language, we call them ‘adu-adu,’ which is a term of respect, like ‘grandmother,’” Siti Zamziah said.
She explained that cultural norms include asking for permission to pass so the crocodiles do not disturb them.
“We’ve encountered crocodiles before, but we remain hopeful and proceed with caution,” she added after casting her vote.
A further challenge for villagers is the scarcity of private boats for the journey.
Many rely on tourist boats or hitch rides with others in the community.
Siti Zamziah said neighbours often pool money to buy boat fuel to travel together and support each other.
For this mother of three, such logistical hurdles do not override her responsibility as a voter.
The Election Commission reported a 23.31% turnout in Kinabatangan and 20.18% in Lamag as of 10 am.
Voting is proceeding under clear skies with the EC hoping for a final turnout exceeding 65%.
Vote tallying will occur at Dewan Sri Lamag with official results expected by 10 pm.
The Kinabatangan by-election is a three-cornered fight involving BN, Warisan and an Independent candidate.
The Lamag state seat features a straight fight between BN and Warisan.
These by-elections were triggered by the death of incumbent Bung Moktar on 5 December last year.
