EC urges voters to check recommended voting times

Ahead of polling for the 15th general election (GE15) tomorrow, the Election Commission (EC) is advising voters to go to the polls according to the proposed times as noted on the MySPR Semak application.

EC secretary Ikmalrudin Ishak said 20,853,681 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in GE15 and the Bugaya state by-election in Sabah tomorrow.

He said the commission hopes all voters will do their duty by going out to vote.

He said if voters are unable to follow the suggested polling time for whatever reason, they can still vote any time between 8am and 6pm in the peninsula and from 7.30am to 5.30pm in Sabah and Sarawak.

"Voters are advised not to vote at the last minute," he said in a statement today.

Therefore, voters are advised to check voting information at https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my or contact the EC hotline at 03-88927018 / 03-88880040 or through the MySPR Semak application.

Ikmalrudin said voters should also wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and sanitise their hands at the polling station.

He said the EC has reviewed all voting equipment including ballot boxes, election ink, ballot papers, and other miscellaneous items for use in the voting process.

All equipment has been distributed to the heads of polling stations (KTM) at each voting channel, he said.

Voting will be held at 8,958 polling stations involving 38,348 streams, with a total of 363,515 people assigned for duty in the polling process.

Ikmalrudin also reminded employers that it is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954 to prevent workers who are registered voters to go out to exercise their rights.

Contesting parties are reminded to end all campaign activities at 11.59pm tonight.

"All parties cannot appeal for votes including outside polling stations and also through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

"The EC also reminds all parties and candidates that they are prohibited from opening, building, or maintaining booths on polling day because the activity is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954," he said.

Ikmalrudin said Covid-19 positive voters should contact the district health officer directly to obtain further information to facilitate voting.

He also said voters who bring along their handphone must keep it in the place provided after receiving the ballot paper and take it back after voting.

Anyone not sure of the voting process can refer to the 10-Step Voting Procedure poster.

He said all parties entering polling stations should not wear shirts, hats, face masks, or carry any material with names, emblems, symbols, pictures of political parties or candidates, or any campaign material which may display or connote any campaign tagline, slogan, or emblem.

"Any voter or individual who fails to comply with the stipulated provisions may be prevented from entering the polling station by election staff," he said.

"The EC hopes that all parties comply with the laws, regulations, and election ethics to ensure the election process can be conducted smoothly and that public order would not be undermined. Any violation of laws may be subject to action," Ikmalrudin said.

- Bernama

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