18-year-old first-time voter rushes to Darau polling centre before work

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 29): Eighteen year old Mohd Haikal George arrived early at SK Likas this morning to vote for the first time.

Haikal, who is from Kampung Likas and votes under the Darau state constituency, said he was excited to finally take part in the democratic process.

“I’m very excited because it’s my first time voting. It feels like I’m becoming an adult.

“I’m the youngest in my family. The others will probably come to vote later in the afternoon,” he said.

While many of his friends would also be voting today, Haikal noticed he was the only one his age for his polling stream.

“From what I can see, there are no voters my age here right now. It feels like I’m the only 18-year-old at this polling centre.

“I hope more people my age will have the spirit to vote so we can see improvements in our area,” he said.

When Haikal woke up at 8am, there was a light drizzle which prompted him to rush to get ready, as he needed to vote before heading to work at a shopping mall by 9am.

Asked about his hopes for the new or returning state government, he said better basic infrastructure, starting with safer roads, topped his list.

“I just want the roads to be fixed,” he said, recalling how his motorcycle was badly damaged recently after hitting a large pothole near a cemetery.

He also hopes to see better waste management.

“Put up signboards telling people not to throw rubbish everywhere,” he suggested.

Street lighting is another concern.

“There are no street lights at night so it’s very dark. One night I was walking to get a haircut and didn’t see a drain. I fell right into it,” he said.

Despite the morning rush, Haikal said he was proud to have fulfilled his responsibility as a first time voter before heading off to work.