JOHOR BAHRU: To add to the merriment on polling day this Saturday, a trader here is giving away nasi arab for free to customers by simply showing the indelible ink mark on their finger as 'proof' they have fulfilled their civic duty.

Proprietor of Al-Hanin Restaurant, Zulrahim Yusof, 50, said he is offering packed nasi arab mandy ayam to the first 200 customers to take home in an effort to encourage people to get out and vote in the 15th general election (GE15).

"As a citizen of a country that practices democracy, we must exercise out right to vote and choose a leader who will shape the future of our nation.

"However, nowadays I see that people, especially the younger generation, do not seem to care about this. So, I am just doing my part to get as many of them to cast their ballot this Saturday," he told Bernama here today.

A Tebrau parliamentary constituent, Zulrahim said he is also offering customers a 15 per cent discount on meals at his restaurant this Saturday.


Meanwhile, Liyana Abdul Rahman, 35, who operates Pondok Kueh in Taman Perling here, is also taking the same initiative.

Liyana said she is working together with over 80 home baker vendors, to give away various desserts and cakes for free as a token of appreciation to those who go out to vote.

"Most of our supporters and customers are young people, so we want to create a litte 'excitement' for them on polling day," she said, adding that customers can redeem the offer the following day which is this Sunday.

Liyana, who had the opportunity to exercise her right to vote more than four times, including in the state election last March, said she was doing this to add meaning to the historic event.

A check on social media, found that several other traders including well-known brands such as Tealive Asia, Old Town White Coffee and Marrybrown are also having special promotions in conjunction with polling day this Saturday and to qualify, customers just have to show their inked finger.

-- BERNAMA