‘Early birds’ at polling centres as voting begins

‘Early birds’ at polling centres as voting begins

In Kota Damansara, more than 100 people were seen queuing outside the voting centre as early as 7.30am.

Voters in Kota Damansara waiting for the polling centre at SK Seksyen 7 to open.
PETALING JAYA:
Voting for the six state elections has begun, with some people queuing up as early as 7am to cast their ballots.

In Perai, Penang, retired civil servant Ooi Chiew Seng was among the earliest to arrive at the polling centre at SJKC Chung Hwa (3).

The 72-year-old called on young voters to fulfil their duty as citizens by coming out to vote.

In Kota Damansara, Selangor, more than 100 voters could be seen queuing up outside the polling centre at SK Seksyen 7 before it was opened.

Voters waiting to receive their ballot papers at SJKC Chung Hwa (3) in Perai, Penang.

Among the “early birds” was Ahmad Yusof, who said he was hoping that there would be fewer voters at the time. “But I’m surprised by the turnout,” said Ahmad, who arrived at 7.30am.

In Hulu Kelang, wheelchair-bound Ameen Yee, 56, was among the first to arrive at SK Klang Gate to cast his vote.

Ameen, who was accompanied by his wife Noraini and son Faizul Azhar, said he got up at 6am as he was eager to vote.

In Padang Terap, Kedah, a drizzle did not deter voters from queuing up an hour early at SK Naka.

Voting in the six states – Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu – ends at 6pm.

A total of 570 candidates are vying for the 245 state seats up from grabs.

Election Commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said they are expecting an 85% voter turnout, exceeding the 74.7% turnout in last year’s 15th general election (GE15).

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