KOTA KINABALU (Sept 26): Polling in the 16th Sabah state election today has been proceeding smoothly, with Election Commission (EC) workers ensuring that all involved abide by the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
EC and the Health Ministry view seriously the challenges of conducting an election amid the Covid-19 pandemic and have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth polling process.
In fact, a voter who was detected with high temperature was taken to a special tent for further checks before being allowed to vote at Sekolah Kebangsaan Serusup in Tuaran.
EC workers were also seen going out of their way to help voters cast their ballots.
An EC worker even carried an elderly man, Nursalin Darun, 65, to the voting channel at SMK Bukit Garam, Kinabatangan as soon as he arrived at the polling centre to cast his ballot.
Some voters displayed great determination to vote, as evident among those who came in wheelchairs and with the aid of walking sticks.
Hasnah Mukai, 70, of Tuaran was among those who voted in the Sulaman constituency, turning up at the polling centre early to avoid the anticipated crowds.
“I’m already old. I came early to reduce the risk of getting infected (in a crowded place). I hope all voters will come out early and fulfil their responsibility. Make a wise decision,” she told Bernama.
Another senior citizen, Mary Ogiu, 82, of Tambunan also voted early, at SK Pekan, Tambunan at about 9am.
Former Communications and Multimedia Minister and BN’s Usukan candidate, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, voted at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Chung Hwa, Kota Belud while Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking, who is contesting in Moyog, voted at SK Sugud, Penampang at 9.40am.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew, the PKR candidate in Api-Api, voted at SK Sacred Heart, Kota Kinabalu at 10.05am while Sabah Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor cast his ballot at 10.10am at SK Serusup, Tuaran.
For more stories on the Sabah election, click here.