Cast ballots early as afternoon rain expected, Election Commission chief urges Sabahans

TUARAN (Nov 28): Sabah’s 1.7 million registered voters have been advised to head to polling stations across the state early tomorrow.

Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun warned that heavy rain is forecast for the afternoon and this could affect voter turnout.

“We encourage everyone to come out early because we cannot predict the weather these days,” he said during the ballot box inspection process at Dewan Sri Sulaman.

“Based on the latest report from MetMalaysia (Meteorological Department), rain is expected tomorrow and conditions may worsen in the evening. So we advise voters to come early, dress appropriately, and bring raincoats or umbrellas. Safety is the priority.”

Ramlan said the EC has discussed contingency measures with MetMalaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to prepare for any potential disruptions, including floods or landslides.

Standard operating procedures are already in place should serious conditions arise, he said.

Although polling hours will remain from 7.30am to 5pm, certain polling centres in remote or island areas will close from as early as 12.50pm.

Ramlan stressed that, under normal circumstances, polling hours would not be extended.

“There is no additional time given. Only in very severe situations such as widespread flooding or major landslides, can the EC consider postponing or suspending polling, based on reports from the District Disaster Management Committees,” he explained.

To ensure ballot papers and documents reach counting centres safely, the EC will mobilise district disaster assets including boats and four-wheel drive vehicles, as well as helicopters for 85 locations.

Ramlan said overall preparations for the state election have been running smoothly, with ballot verification at official counting centres across Sabah progressing as planned.

He said the EC hopes to see voter turnout exceed 60 per cent, acknowledging that weather conditions may deter some from fulfilling their responsibility.

During early voting on Tuesday, there was a 92.5 per cent turnout of 17,615 voters.

Ramlan said the first results could be announced around 10pm, with counting expected to conclude by midnight.

Reminding voters to adhere to polling rules, he noted that political logos on clothing are not permitted within voting areas.

However, there is no dress code barring clothing such as shorts, provided attire is “decent”.

“To all registered voters in Sabah, please come out and fulfil your responsibility. This is your chance to choose the representatives who will form the next state government,” he added.