CHINI voters are encouraged to head out and cast their votes tomorrow but must be mindful to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlined by the Election Commission (EC), said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

Being the first by-election held since the Covid-19 pandemic began, he urged voters to carry out their responsibility and at the same time ensure safety by taking precautionary measures. 

“This is the first by-election held in Malaysia since the pandemic began. 

“Although there are many strict SOPs introduced and issued by the EC, voters are called upon to carry out their responsibilities and cast their ballots.

“Voters who are staying outside are also required to return to their village to fulfil this responsibility. 

“Voters and personnel involved in the by-election have to comply with every SOP set and announced by the EC,” he said at his briefing today. 

A total of 20,816 people out of 20,972 ordinary voters are eligible to vote tomorrow, while the remaining 156 are postal voters.

The by-election will see a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, and two independent candidates, Tengku Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, and Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49.

Yesterday, the Health Ministry said it was mobilising about 140 medical and health personnel on polling day for the by-election. 

Deputy Health Minister Noor Azmi Ghazali said six personnel, comprising four doctors and two public health assistants, will be stationed at each of the 13 polling centres in the constituency. 

Noor Azmi said three ambulances will also be placed on standby for emergencies on that day. 

He said voters with symptoms will be allowed to vote but will be strictly monitored by ministry personnel. 

Ismail Sabri today urged voters to prioritise safety. 

“In this new normal, social distancing should be practised and face masks worn when casting votes, especially in crowded polling centres,” he said. – July 3, 2020.