EC ready for tomorrow’s Sabah polls; reminds parties campaign ends at midnight tonight

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 28): The Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) has completed inspections of voting equipment, including ballot boxes, election ink, ballot papers, and voting booths, to ensure readiness for Sabah’s polls tomorrow.

The inspections are aimed at verifying that all materials and equipment are complete and in good condition.

“All of the items have been distributed to the presiding officers for each polling station (stream),” said EC Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus in a statement.

He added that 28,533 personnel will be on duty for the 17th Sabah state election.

“For the 17th Sabah state election, a total of 882 polling centres and 3,559 streams will be opened for voting purposes,” he said, noting that 1,742,934 voters are registered to cast their votes.

“The EC hopes that all voters will fulfil their responsibility by coming out to vote,” he added.

Khairul explained the use of ballot boxes per stream depends on the number of voters and candidates:

• One box for fewer than 450 voters with 7–12 candidates.
• Two boxes for more than 450 voters with 7–12 candidates.
• Two boxes for fewer than 450 voters with 13–14 candidates.
• Three boxes for more than 450 voters with 13–14 candidates.

“The use of more than one ballot box is due to the large size of the ballot papers and the need for sufficient space to accommodate all marked ballot papers on polling day,” he explained.

Regarding voting times, Khairul advised voters not to wait until the last minute and to follow the recommended times via the MySPR Semak application.

“Nevertheless, voters may still vote at any convenient time from 7.30am to 5.30pm or according to the gazetted hours of the respective polling centre,” he said.

He also reminded voters to bring their MyKad and voting information note, which will help polling clerks verify names and ensure smooth operations.

“This voting information note will facilitate the polling clerk in checking the voter’s name and help to ensure the smooth running of the voting process on polling day,” said Khairul.

Voters can check their polling centre, stream, and serial number through https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my, the EC hotline at 03-8892 7018, or via the MySPR Semak app.

“Voters are reminded not to hand over their MyKad to any party other than election officers,” he advised.

Employers are urged to allow registered voters reasonable time to vote, as provided under the Election Offences Act 1954.

Khairul also reminded all contesting parties that the official campaign period ends at 11.59pm tonight.

“After this period ends, all parties must cease all forms of campaign activities, including canvassing for votes, including outside polling centres and through social media channels such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and others,” he said.

He warned that parties or candidates are prohibited from opening or maintaining campaign booths on polling day, which is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954.

All campaign materials must also be cleared within the time stipulated under the Act and local authority by-laws.

Khairul also reminded voters that mobile phones are not allowed inside polling stations. Notices prohibiting phone use will be placed outside and inside polling areas.

He said mobile phones must be placed in designated areas after receiving the ballot paper and collected after voting.

“The implementation of this new voting procedure can be referred to through the ‘10-Step Voting Procedure’ poster which explains the voting process in full.

“Voters are also reminded to always safeguard the secrecy of their votes,” he said.

All voters, candidates, and officers entering polling centres must not wear clothing or accessories displaying any party or candidate logos, symbols, slogans, or campaign materials, including half-face masks.

“Failure by voters to comply with or any breach of the stipulated provisions may result in voters being prohibited from entering the Polling Centre by election officers,” he said.

Khairul urged all parties to adhere to election laws and ethical standards to ensure a smooth, orderly process.

“Any violation of related laws may be subject to action,” he warned.