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THE People of Sabah braved persistent rain at dawn as the state embarked on its 17th and most fiercely contested election, with almost 1.78 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots throughout the day.
Despite the wet conditions, polling opened briskly across hundreds of schools and community centres, with many electors arriving well before doors opened.
The downpour did little to dampen the spirit of early voters.
Several prominent candidates in Sabah’s 17th election were among the earliest to vote this morning, as polling centres across the state opened at 7.30am.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup was one of the first to fulfil his civic duty.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who is contesting the Sook state seat under Barisan Nasional (BN), cast his vote at Sekolah Pekan Ansip in Sook shortly after the centre opened.
Arthur is facing a five-cornered contest in Sook, which has 20,349 registered voters. The constituency is one of three state seats under the Pensiangan parliamentary area.
Meanwhile in Tawau, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Merotai, Datuk Ruji Ubi, also voted early, arriving at SK Sungai Haji Matahir around 7.30am with his wife, Datin Kamariah Abd Rahman, and their four children. He completed the voting process at approximately 7.45am.
The Bombalai polling centre, which oversees 1,220 registered voters, drew significant media attention.
Three voting streams were opened, and by 7am, voters had already begun lining up in an orderly manner, assisted by police personnel and Election Commission officers.
Ruji was greeted by several voters as he entered the school compound before heading to his assigned stream to cast his ballot. With clear morning weather, voter flow is expected to continue rising toward midday.
The Merotai state seat, under the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency, is witnessing a four-cornered race involving incumbent Sarifuddin Hatta of Warisan, Hasan Haris of Perikatan Nasional (PN), and Rhyme Kassim of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS), alongside Ruji representing PH.
Merotai has 26,179 registered voters. In the previous state election, Sarifuddin secured the seat with a majority of 1,587 votes.
In Tamparuli, senior citizens dominated the first queue at SJKC Chung Hwa as Saluran 1 prepared to open. Many had arrived before sunrise, settling along the school corridor while Election Commission (EC) officers carried out final checks.
With umbrellas folded away and raincoats draped over chairs, the scene was calm and orderly as voters waited their turn.
Healcy Andy Albert Jaikul was among the early voters for the N14 Tamparuli seat, casting her ballot under the supervision of polling officers. Voting continued smoothly as more residents trickled in, taking advantage of the sheltered walkways to avoid the rain.
Despite persistent downpours since early morning, voters in Bongawan turned up in steady numbers today to cast their ballots at SMK Bongawan, one of the key polling centres in the district.
Although polling officially began at 7am, several voters were already waiting outside as early as 6.30am, many arriving with umbrellas in hand as the rain showed no signs of easing.
Streams of voters continued to enter the school compound, most shielding themselves from the weather while maintaining orderly queues.
Election Commission (EC) personnel were seen actively coordinating the process, particularly at the voter verification counters and polling streams. Several officers were also assigned to assist those with special needs, providing wheelchairs and guiding them safely under umbrellas.
The polling centre operates six voting streams, staffed by 39 EC officers, and is expected to serve 3,213 registered voters throughout the day.
The Bongawan state seat is among the most crowded contests in Sabah’s 17th state election, with nine candidates vying for the seat. It was previously held by Dr Daud Yusof of Warisan.
This election sees a diverse lineup of contenders, including Dolores Micheal (STAR), Datuk Mohamad Alamin (BN), Md Haris Md Tahir (Independent), Peter Matinjal (KDM), Hussin Dasar @ Esah (PPRS), Ridzuan Agus Payong (PN), Royston Adven (PIS), and Tan Sri Anifah Aman @ Haniff Amman (GRS).
Earlier, at SK Chung Hwa Tamparuli, EC staff at the entrance reminded electors to “remember to bring your IC” as they finalised registration counters, voter lists and directional aids. Officials said preparations were completed ahead of time, allowing for a steady and uninterrupted flow of voters.
Polling is taking place across 882 centres and 3,559 streams, giving 1.74 million ordinary voters the opportunity to determine Sabah’s next state government. Voting stations will close in stages from midday onwards, with all centres scheduled to shut by 5.30pm. - November 29, 2025