NO special lane will be allocated for Covid-positive individuals to vote in the November 19 general election but they must wear masks, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said.

He said the Election Commission and his ministry have concluded that it is the best option for these voters, after taking into consideration the resources available and other constraints.

“There cannot be a special lane… we have arrived at the best option after taking into consideration the available resources and constraints like space and manpower,” he said after attending the “Selangkah ke Menara Gading” and “Townhall Ikon Malaysia bersama Khairy Jamaluddin” programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Puncak Alam campus in Kuala Selangor today.

“So the standard operating procedure is as what has been announced by health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.”

On Monday, Dr Noor Hisham said Covid-positive individuals casting their ballots in the polls must wear masks while the use of masks for other voters is strongly encouraged.

Covid-positive voters are also not allowed to ride in public vehicles, including e-hailing, he said.

On a viral recording showing Khairy being scolded by a woman voter in Sungai Buloh, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate said it was the woman’s right to do so.

“No problem. We deal with voters, and I decided to do a walkabout without filtering. We meet every level of society and not just those who support us,” he said.

“Of course, there will be those who are disgruntled and they are free to express themselves.

“In yesterday’s incident, her sister was asking for assistance, which she insisted that we give her immediately. I said that was impossible. I would be committing an election offence.”

On Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement today saying Umno elections should not be discussed during the general election campaign period, Khairy agreed with the party vice-president because the focus now should be on the national polls. – Bernama, November 16, 2022.