As six states in Malaysia prepare for elections, many voters are returning to their hometowns to take part in the democratic process and reunite with loved ones. To accommodate the increased traffic, PLUS Malaysia Bhd has bolstered its highway operations along the North-South Expressway. All non-emergency construction and maintenance work has been put on hold during the peak period. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd has also confirmed that a significant number of train tickets have been sold for the election period.
One voter, Vivian Khor, who is currently living in the Klang Valley, will be returning to her hometown of Teluk Air Tawar in Penang to vote in her first state election. She believes that it is important to have a say in her hometown’s future. Another voter, Jay Ratnesh, emphasizes the importance of voting in his hometown of Port Dickson and hopes to have breakfast and lunch with his childhood friends.
Even Malaysian citizens living and working abroad are making an effort to return home to vote. Afiffuddin Noli, a senior analyst and IT consultant based in the Netherlands, has booked a flight with a layover of five hours to vote in the Seri Setia state constituency in Selangor. He believes that young voters making their voices heard is crucial for the future of the country.
Rakyat Supervision, a non-governmental organization, is working to ensure that anyone who is able and willing to vote does so. They have organized free bus services from Johor and Selangor to assist voters in returning to their hometowns. They also help coordinate the postal voting process for those who are unable to make the journey.
The elections also serve as a reunion time for many voters, as they have the opportunity to spend time with their families and old friends. Mohammad Fakkrudin Hasani, a 26-year-old voter, plans to reconnect with his family and old friends in Pengkalan Kundor, Kedah.
Despite the challenges and increased traffic, voters remain determined to have their voices heard and shape the future of their country.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
