VOTERS BRAVE MORNING DRIZZLE AS SABAH STATE POLLS BEGIN

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Light rain across Sabah’s west coast this morning did little to deter voters from turning out early to cast their votes for the 17th Sabah State Election.

A Bernama survey at several polling centres found voters gathering as early as 7 am, umbrellas in hand, even though all 882 polling stations officially opened at 7.30 am.

High early turnout, including elderly voters, was observed at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bahang in Penampang, SK Pekan Ansip in Sook, SK Serusup in Tuaran and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Garam in Kinabatangan.

At SK Kokol in Tuaran, voter Canisius Einus, 32, said he arrived early as he needed to accompany his wife to vote in another district later.

“I hope everyone comes out to vote early. It’s our civic duty,” said the schoolteacher.

To ensure smooth voting, the Election Commission (EC) staff are on standby to assist voters entering the polling lanes, providing wheelchairs for those who need them.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) urged voters via Facebook to plan their journeys carefully.

Voters were also advised to stay alert and follow the latest weather information, forecasts and warnings through MetMalaysia’s website, the myCuaca app, official social media channels and the hotline 1-300-22-1638.

Meanwhile, Bernama observed a landslide along the main road leading to SK Kokol in Tuaran. However, the route remained passable to motorists.

For the latest on the state polls, visit the Bernama microsite at https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php 

-- BERNAMA