The "new normal" which everybody has to observe at today's polling day for the Chini state by-election seems not a burden to voters, instead, it makes it easier for them to exercise their right as responsible citizens.
Bernama talked to some of the voters and they all concurred that the new normal is making the voting process smoother and faster, compared to the experience they had at previous elections.
Mohd Ali Ismail Ideris, 32, a person with disability (OKU) who cast his vote at Felda Chini 3 Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) Class, said he hoped some of the changes that were implemented in this by-election would be maintained at future elections as they were user-friendly for people like him.
"I came (to the polling station) according to the time recommended by the Election Commission (EC) and I did not have to wait long. Everything was done in less than 10 minutes, despite having to go through the necessary procedures, like having my body temperature checked.
"It was easy because I knew which polling stream to go to. Before (in previous elections), I used to have to wait for half-an-hour to vote, despite arriving at 8 am because everybody arrived at the polling station at the same time," he added.
Mohd Ali, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident 12 years ago, also said the assistance provided by the election workers in facilitating movement of voters at the polling station prevented the presence of many people there.
For Salmah Sidek, 76, from Felda Chini 3, who is wheelchair-bound, said this by-election provided her with a new experience.
"It was easy because there were people (EC staff) around to help, including to put on the glove for me before I cast my vote.
"At the previous election, I had a finger dipped in permanent ink after I had cast my vote, this time they (EC staff) used brush to mark my finger with the ink," she added.
A private sector employee, Mohd Asrul Ishak, 39, who left Cheras, in Kuala Lumpur , at 4 am today to arrive here in time for polling, said he was impressed by the preparations made by the EC in ensuring a smooth election process in keeping with the SOP to curb the spread of COVID-19.
"There was no where crowded with people at the polling station, as well as at the tent to check the body temperature, at the waiting area or the attendance counter," he said, adding that policemen were present to remind voters to comply with the SOP, including on social distancing.
Another voter, Wan Mahani Wan Ali, 66, said she went to the polling station based on the time stated on her voter's card, which was between 8 am and 10 am, to avoid the crowd.
As for her children, she said, there were recommended to go out to their respective polling station after 10 am.
"I kept reminding them to follow the time recommended by the EC in their voter's card. There are reasons as to why the EC did so," she added.
The Chini state by-election is a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional's (BN) , Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, who is a Felda Chini second-generation settler, and two independent candidates, businessman Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, and blogger Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49.
The by-election was held following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun, 60, at Kuala Lumpur Hospital due to a heart attack on May 7. Abu Bakar was Chini state assemblyman since the 11th general election in 2004.
In the 14th general election, Abu Bakar retained the Chini state seat with a majority of 4,622 votes, after securing 10,027 votes against PAS candidate Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim, who obtained 5,405 votes and PKR's Mohamad Razali Ithnain, with 1,065 votes.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Jul 04 2020
The new normal is making the voting process smoother and faster, compared to the experience they had at previous elections. - Photo Astro AWANI
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.