Despite heavy rain and physical challenges, elderly voters in Johor were among the first to cast their ballots in the 16th state election, showing strong civic spirit.
JOHOR BAHRU: Despite their advanced age—with some relying on wheelchairs—senior citizens were among the first to arrive at polling stations across Johor today, demonstrating their determination to fulfil their civic duty in the 16th Johor State Election.
A Bernama survey at several polling centres found that many elderly voters arrived even before 7 am to avoid crowds and possible rain, while also ensuring they could complete the voting process before attending to their daily routines.
At the polling centre at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaa Cina (SJKC) Kulai Besar in the Bukit Batu constituency, 70-year-old Gan Hin was among the earliest to arrive, reaching the venue at 6.40 am before heading to his job at a farm in Indahpura.
“My employer gave me time to fulfil my duty as a voter before reporting for work. I make it a point to vote in every election,” he said.
Another senior voter, Sapiah Abdul Rahman, 74, said she deliberately came early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the polling centre.
“I feel excited…it’s like Hari Raya. I am in good health, so I really enjoy being able to come out and vote, and also meet up with friends,” she said at the polling centre at the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Community Hall.
Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, 84-year-old Rohani Sohod, who uses a wheelchair, was also among the first voters to arrive at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Melati to cast her vote.
Salma Wahid, 74, who has voted in every election since 1981, expressed hope that more young people would turn out to vote, saying their ideas and perspectives are vital in shaping Johor’s future.
In Muar, heavy rain failed to deter voters, particularly senior citizens, from arriving early to cast their ballots.
Private sector retiree P. Gunasekaran, 63, said he chose to vote early due to concerns about the weather and to complete the process before attending to other commitments.
“I headed out early because I was worried about the rain. It rained on polling day during the last state election, too, but it was heavier this time. The rain started around 4 am, stopped briefly, and then intensified again at about 7.30 am.
“I woke up at 4 am, got ready, and left home at 6 am, arriving at the polling centre around 7 am,” said the Maharani constituent who cast his ballot at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Muar.
Also opting to vote early was retiree Rokiah Yunos, 80, who left home after performing the dawn prayers to avoid any inconvenience should the rain continue.
“I left the house at about 7.30 am. Alhamdulillah, I didn’t have to wait long. As soon as I arrived, the polling centre gates opened, and I was able to vote immediately. I have never missed fulfilling this responsibility, although this time I came earlier than usual because I was concerned about the rain,” she said.
More than 2.7 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots today to elect representatives for 56 state seats contested by 172 candidates across 1,076 polling centres throughout Johor.
