Young voters make up 43.6% of Melaka electorate

VOTERS aged between 21 and 40 account for 43.6 per cent of Melaka's electorate, making digital outreach a key battleground for political parties contesting the Nov 14 state election.

Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the party's information machinery must adopt a more dynamic and youth-oriented approach to engage this sizeable voting bloc.

She said online campaigning should focus on credible information about candidates, their service records, manifestos and policies, rather than smear campaigns or personal attacks.

Azalina also urged all candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the 14-day campaign, comply with Election Commission regulations and avoid provocations involving race, religion and the royal institution (3R).

She called on the public to verify information before sharing it and report fake news, defamatory material, impersonation and 3R-related content to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Suspected election offences should be reported to the Election Commission, police or Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with evidence such as screenshots, links and timestamps retained to support investigations.

Early voting is scheduled for Nov 10, while polling day is Nov 14. - November 1, 2026