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CAMPAIGNING for the 17th Sabah state election officially ends at 11:59pm tonight, bringing to a close two weeks of intensive outreach efforts by all candidates and political parties.
From ceramah sessions to door-to-door visits, social media pushes and poster installations, all campaign activities must cease as the state enters cooling-off hours ahead of polling day.
Tomorrow, 1.76 million registered voters will determine the outcome of a contest that began on 15 November, choosing state representatives they believe can deliver progress and development in their respective constituencies.
A total of 882 polling centres comprising 3,558 polling streams across Sabah will open simultaneously at 7:30am, with closing times staggered between 12:00pm and 5:30pm.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, 17,615 early voters — made up of police and military personnel and their spouses — cast their ballots without incident.
To ensure smooth administration of polling day, the Election Commission (EC) has appointed 25 returning officers supported by 196 assistant returning officers.
The entire state election is estimated to cost RM116.8 million. More than 12,000 police personnel will also be deployed to maintain order throughout the day.
The EC expects early results at approximately 10pm, subject to weather conditions. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), rain is forecast in several parts of Sabah tomorrow morning, with thunderstorms likely in the interior during the afternoon. Rain is also expected in some areas at night.
This election features several crowded contests, with Tulid seeing the most intense race involving 14 candidates. Bandau, Tamparuli, and Inanam each have 13-cornered fights, while Banggi sees 12 candidates vying for the seat.
Overall, 596 candidates are competing for 73 state seats, comprising 525 men and 71 women. Independent candidates form the largest bloc with 74 contenders, followed by Warisan (73), Parti Impian Sabah (72), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (55), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (46), Barisan Nasional (45), Perikatan Nasional (42), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (40), Pertubuhan Kinabalu Progresif Bersatu (25), and Pakatan Harapan (22).
Also in the fray are Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (20), Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (17), Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (16), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (14), Parti Rumpun Sabah (7), Parti Maju Sabah (6), Parti Damai Sabah (5), Perjuangan Rakyat (6), Pertubuhan Gemilang Anak Sabah (3), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (3), and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (3). Parti Bersatu Sasa Malaysia and Pertubuhan Perpaduan Rakyat Kebangsaan Sabah are each fielding one candidate.
Polling for the 17th Sabah state election begins tomorrow, marking a crucial day for voters across the state as they decide its next political landscape. – November 28, 2025