JOHOR BAHRU: Light rain in the morning did not stop members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) from exercising their voting rights and 39 per cent of voters have cast their ballots as of 11 am, according to the Election Commission (EC).
Among the early voters was former Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who is now the director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, who cast his ballot at the Dewan Dato' Onn, Johor contingent police headquarters (IPK).
Ayob Khan said he was still voting in Johor for the Stulang state seat because he needed three months to change his voting address after being transferred to Bukit Aman, effective Jan 25, this year.
"However, after this, I will change to (Kuala Lumpur)," said Ayob Khan who has served as Johor police chief from March 2020 to January 2022. Previously, he was the principal assistant director of Bukit Aman Counter Terrorism, Special Branch (E8).
"If people asked if I miss Johor, for sure I miss it, I have served here for two years," said the police personality who always attracted attention for handling important cases.
Also seen monitoring the early voting process at Johor IPK were Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat and EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak.
A total of 63 polling centres were opened for the early voting process, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Over 22,000 members of the security forces, comprising the ATM, PDRM and the General Operations Force (GOF), as well as their spouses, are eligible to cast their votes today.
Facilities at the Johor contingent police headquarters in Jalan Tebrau here, as well as 10 district police headquarters statewide and some government offices, have been turned into polling centres.
Military personnel will cast their votes at the Mahkota Camp, Kluang; Tebrau Camp, Ulu Tiram; the 10th Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) Camp, Batu Pahat and the 4th Royal Artillery Regiment (4RAD) Camp, Segamat.
A total of 239 candidates are vying for 56 seats in the Johor polls.
The polling day for the Johor state election has been set for this Saturday (March 12).
In MUAR, the Muar district police headquarters' (IPD) Parit Prupok police staff quarters hall; the 6th Battalion GOF Bakri's multipurpose hall and the Parit Jawa police station information room are among facilities used as early voting centres.
Muar district police chief ACP Zaharudin Rasip when met after voting at the Muar IPD Parit Prupok police staff quarters hall, said the early voting process at the polling station went smoothly in full compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the new norms.
"There are also tents set up here to enable any members and officers to be screened before voting," he said, adding that there were 573 voters who were eligible to vote at the polling centre.
First-time voter, Constable Rahimi Ramli, 24, from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, said he was excited to carry out his voting responsibilities today despite having to queue for two and a half hours.
"I woke up as early as 6 am to vote with other members, I must be excited because this is my first voting experience," said Rahimi who has been stationed at the Muar IPD for three years.
Among those present at the early voting centre for the Maharani state seat were Barisan Nasional candidate Noor Farah Shamsudin; Abd Aziz Talib (Perikatan Nasional); Nor Hayati Bachok (Pakatan Harapan); Riad Ahmad (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) and Muhammad Hanis Asmui Md Salleh (Parti Bangsa Malaysia).
Meanwhile, the 6th Battalion GOF Bakri's multipurpose hall, which is the early voting centre for the Bentayan and Bukit Naning seats, has three polling channels opened, namely, one for the Bentayan seat and two polling channels for Bukit Naning seat, involving a total of 976 early voters.
Also seen at the multipurpose hall were four of the five candidates contesting for the Bukit Naning seat, namely PKR candidate Ysahrudin Kusni, Datuk Mohd Fuad Tukirin (Barisan Nasional), Mahadzir Abu Said (Perikatan Nasional) and S. Jeganathan (Independent).
A Bernama check found that the early voting process at the Mahkota Kluang Camp, Mersing district police headquarters (IPD) and Batu Pahat IPD was running smoothly.
All police and military personnel present were complying with the SOP and there was no crowding of voters at any one time.
For the Kluang district, a total of 4,748 early voters consisting of military personnel and spouses, as well as 446 officer and policemen and their spouses, are eligible to vote. A total of 631 police officers and personnel stationed at the Batu Pahat IPD and more than 300 police officers and personnel at the Mersing IPD are also eligible to vote today.
Meanwhile, Mersing district police chief Supt Cyril Edward Nuing said they had received two reports on alleged mischief involving political party flags in the Felda Nitar area and the case was being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Mar 08 2022
Members of the General Operations Force (PGA) fulfilled their responsibilities on the early voting day for the 15th Johor State Election (PRN) at the Multipurpose Hall, Battalion 6 PGA Bakri today. - BERNAMA
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.