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JELEBU - A Temuan Orang Asli woman drew attention at the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kampung Putra polling centre in Simpang Durian today when she arrived in full traditional attire, complete with a telepok putih, a traditional female headgear associated with the Adat Perpatih custom.
Limah Ujang, 68, clad in a traditional baju opah blouse and batik sarong, looked graceful in an outfit that reflects the cultural heritage of Negeri Sembilan, a state closely associated with Adat Perpatih traditions.
The Ibu Soko (female community leader) of the Temuan tribe said she wears the telepok every day, including when she goes to the rubber plantation to tap trees, as it represents her role and status as a female leader in the community.
"I wear this telepok every day, including when I go to the rubber plantation. It is comfortable to wear and also serves as a symbol of my role as a female leader in our community," she told reporters after casting her vote at the centre.
Limah, a resident of Kampung Putra located near the polling centre, said she walked to the school after waking up early to prepare herself for voting.
Although she has voted several times before, she said her children still reminded her of the correct procedure for marking the ballot paper.
"We elderly people tend to forget things easily, so my children reminded me how to mark my vote," she said with a smile.
Also casting her vote at the same centre was Ongngoi Mulim, 68, from Kampung Ulu Lakai, who remained determined to fulfil her responsibility as a voter despite having to use a wheelchair following a mild stroke that affected movement in her left leg.
The mother of two said her enthusiasm for voting had never diminished despite having participated in previous elections.
"I was so excited that I woke up as early as 5 am, even though my house is very close to the polling centre," she said.
Another voter with a disability, Apok Kendong, 64, who lost his left leg due to diabetes complications in 2018, also arrived at the polling centre with assistance from his family.
He said his son usually helps him with his daily movements, including visits to the clinic, and had taken him out for breakfast before bringing him to vote.
"After waking up and showering, I waited for my son to take me for breakfast before coming to vote. I was very excited because we want to choose the government for Negeri Sembilan," he said.
Apok said he started voting in his twenties and that this state election marked the second time he had participated in a state-level election.
SK Kampung Putra is one of eight polling centres serving the Pertang state constituency and has three polling streams.
The Pertang constituency has 12,873 registered voters, including 14 police personnel and their spouses.- BERNAMA
