Ab Rauf urges Melaka voters to cast ballots early amid afternoon rain forecast

Caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has urged voters to cast their ballots early today ahead of expected afternoon rain in the 16th state election.

MELAKA: Caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has urged voters to cast their ballots early today as rain is expected in the afternoon during the 16th Melaka state election.

Ab Rauf, who arrived at SK Jeram in Tanjung Bidara at around 8.30am to cast his vote, said facilities had been prepared to assist voters should wet weather affect polling activities.

“I hope voters will come out as early as possible this morning because rain is expected in the afternoon.

“Nevertheless, we have prepared facilities to assist voters in the event of rain,” he told reporters after casting his ballot.

He said he had been informed that more than 500 people had arrived at the polling centre before 9am.

“Before 9am, I was informed that more than 500 people had already turned up. Alhamdulillah,” he said.

Ab Rauf also expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Election Commission (EC), saying the voting process had been conducted smoothly.

“I can see that the duties carried out by EC personnel are well organised and do not inconvenience voters.

“This is a good effort to make it easier for the people to fulfil their responsibility,” he said.

He thanked Melaka residents, particularly those in Tanjung Bidara, and reminded them to exercise their right to vote.

“I would like to thank all the people of Melaka, especially voters in Tanjung Bidara.

“Let us all fulfil our responsibility today,” he said.

Asked about his expectations for the election results, Ab Rauf declined to elaborate.

“Let’s wait and see. Insya-Allah,” he said.

He is expected to join Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh at 6pm to await the election results.

Melaka voters are casting their ballots today to elect representatives for the state’s 28 legislative assembly seats, with polling scheduled from 8am to 6pm.