GE14 | Young Malaysians struggling to make travel plans to return to their hometowns to vote in the 14th general election can now apply for aid from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).

 

The association is crowdfunding buses to and from several destinations for outstation voters who lack the necessary funds.

"The terms (for recipients) are, young voters and students facing economic challenges. So they can ride on the public transportation that we provide," said KLSCAH Youth wing chief Lee Wai Hong at a press conference in the federal capital today.

“For the crowdfunding project, the target is to collect RM40,000. If we get a good response we will also subsidise flight tickets between East Malaysia and West Malaysia for students (who have bought their tickets)," Lee added.

Thus far, KLSCAH has collected enough money to fund seven buses connecting Johor Bahru to Malacca, JB to Negeri Sembilan, JB to Kuala Lumpur, KL to Kuantan, KL to Kota Bharu, KL to JB, and KL to Malacca.

If additional funds are secured, it plans to provide additional buses from JB or Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, Taiping, Alor Setar and Penang, as well as to other routes.

Those who wish to donate, or apply for a seat on the buses, can do so by visiting the website undirabu.com

Lee (photo) said besides regular citizens, KLSCAH also welcomes sponsors from companies or organisations.

Besides KLSCAH, other Chinese assembly halls from other states, namely Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Pahang, have also contributed to the fund.

Undirabu began as a hashtag on social media following the Election Commission's announcement that voting would be held midweek on May 9, a Wednesday.

Following this, netizens began offering to sponsor fellow voters who were facing difficulties securing funds to travel back to their hometowns. This included air tickets to and from East Malaysia, and even overseas.

Facebook user Joanne Chua Tsu Fae, citing Padma Zachariah — one of the individuals associated with the #undirabu hashtag — posted earlier today that more than RM65,000 had been raised through #undirabu, with the total request for funds standing at almost RM48,000 as of 9am today.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office declared May 9 a public holiday, while the Malaysian Employers Federation has said that employers must approve appropriate leave for employees voting outstation.

Aside from #undirabu, #PulangMengundi and #CarPoolGE14 hashtags have also been gaining traction, with many offering carpool rides or to reimburse ticket costs for those finding a way home to cast their ballots.

SITI RAFIAH TAHIR is an intern with Malaysiakini.