Melaka Polls: Cast Ballots Early To Avoid Rain – Zahid

MELAKA, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Voters in Saturday’s Melaka state election are advised to cast their ballots early in the morning to avoid possible weather disruptions as the Northeast Monsoon typically brings heavy rain around midday or in the afternoon.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was important to ensure voting proceeded smoothly and help achieve a high turnout.

“I hope the turnout will be higher this time, as projected by the Election Commission (EC), although it is the Northeast Monsoon season and there may be rain.

“I hope voters will follow the weather forecasts and choose a time when it is not raining. If possible, go out in the morning so that, should it rain at midday or in the afternoon, voting will already have been completed,” he said.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman was speaking to reporters after a dinner with the BN campaign machinery for the Sungai Udang state constituency in the 16th Melaka election here tonight.

Ahmad Zahid said voters should keep up to date with information and forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to plan their journeys to polling stations.

During early voting in the Melaka election yesterday, 94.96 per cent, or 9,417 of 9,917 voters comprising military personnel, their spouses and police personnel, cast their ballots. The turnout was close to the EC’s projected target of 95 per cent.

A total of 687,697 voters are eligible to vote in the election, with the EC setting Saturday as polling day. The latest news on the 16th Melaka election is available at https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026.

-- BERNAMA