The doubled cost of the Sarawak state election is due to the rising price of goods, said Election Commission (EC) deputy chief Hashim Abdullah today.

Asked to comment on the matter, the incoming EC chairperson rationalised how the situation today is not the same as during the last state election.

“Many (price) of goods have increased, so the cost will rise.

“Don’t compare with the previous (state) election," Hashim told reporters today at the farewell ceremony of his predecessor, outgoing EC chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.