MELAKA: Voters in Kesidang turned out in large numbers from 8am today, heeding calls by election authorities and party leaders to cast their ballots early to avoid midday traffic congestion and forecast afternoon thunderstorms.
The Election Commission (EC) and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had earlier encouraged Melakans to make the most of the fine morning weather.
This followed Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasts of thunderstorms across the state later today.
The call was heeded at SJK (C) Malim, which serves the Taman Asean polling district under the Kota Melaka parliamentary constituency.
The polling district has 8,017 registered voters across 13 voting streams (saluran).
Many residents arrived well ahead of their assigned afternoon voting slots.
Among them was 38-year-old civil servant Ina Sazali, who decided not to wait until later in the day.
“My turn was actually in the afternoon, but because I was worried about traffic jams, I came out early.
“Thank goodness, there wasn’t much of a crowd upstairs,” she said, adding that she planned to drive her younger sibling to another polling centre.
Despite the election being held at state level, Ina said casting her ballot was important.
“We want to choose the best,” she said.
Meanwhile, 67-year-old retiree Baba Pari also opted to vote early to avoid afternoon traffic congestion and possible rain.
Born and raised in Melaka, Baba said he had never missed an opportunity to vote, describing it as a duty every citizen must fulfil.
“Voting in an election is our responsibility as Malaysians. It allows us to determine who we should choose to maintain peace and security for everyone,” he said.
He said it was encouraging to see younger voters joining older residents in casting their ballots today.
“My hope is that young people now understand that voting is a responsibility.
“It determines their own future, as well as that of generations to come,” he said.
In the 16th Melaka state election, Kesidang is the state’s largest constituency, with 54,910 registered voters.
Two-term incumbent Allex Seah Shoo Chin of PH is defending the seat in a three-cornered contest against Perikatan Nasional’s Albert Kok Boon Chang and Bersama candidate Dr Bryan Kek Kit Hun.