SABAHANS who are under quarantine and those who show symptoms associated with Covid-19, such as fever, will be allowed to vote in the state elections, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister said Covid-19 patients will not be allowed to vote.

He said the decision was made during a meeting with the Security Council yesterday. 

“Covid-19 patients in hospitals will not be allowed to vote during the Sabah elections because we are concerned that they might spread the virus,” he said during a press conference in Putrajaya today. 

Ismail said the Election Commission (EC) has set up special voting streams for voters who are ill and have symptoms.

“Those under quarantine must apply for permission from the district health office, so officials can make arrangements with the polling stations and escort them to vote,” he said. 

“However, they are not allowed to go out and vote whenever they like, as there are measures and protocols in place by the Health Ministry and EC for this group of people,” he added.

Ismail also mentioned that house-to-house campaign activities for the election will only be limited to two campaigners per house to ensure social distancing is practised.

The EC has advised that each ceramah be limited to 30 people.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said 270 police personnel in Sabah could not participate in early voting today because they were under quarantine.

A total of 16,877 people are eligible to cast their ballots in early voting and as of 10am today, 35% have voted. Early voting will close at 5pm.

Ismail also stressed that people returning from Sabah do not have to undergo the compulsory 14-day quarantine. However, those with Covid-19 symptoms will have to do a swab test.

Meanwhile, the Security Council will allow sports venues to open until 2am.

“This comes after complaints from venue owners that people usually play futsal and other sports beyond midnight,” he said. – September 22, 2020.