POLLING for the Chini by-election has been smooth despite the introduction of the new standard operating procedure (SOP).

Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Azmi Sharom said 49% of the 20,816 voters had fulfilled their duties as at noon.

“We have visited the polling stations and found that the level of compliance with the SOP has been satisfactory, except it is a bit difficult when comes to social distancing.

“In general, however, as voters are waiting for their turns to cast their votes, the SOP compliance has been good, except that it is slightly slower than usual as there are new processes introduced including wearing gloves and so on.”

He said after checking the voting process at the Dewan Semai Bakti, Felda Chini 3 today.

Azmi added there were no incidents involving supporters of the candidates.

He said the by-election would also serve as the best platform for the EC to review the new SOP introduced and to make improvements if needed, for the next general election.

The by-election was held following the death of incumbent Abu Bakar Harun, 60, at Kuala Lumpur Hospital due to a heart attack on May 7. Abu Bakar was Chini state assemblyman since the 11th general election in 2004.

The Chini by-election saw 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. – Bernama, July 4, 2020.