Johor Polls: Home Ministry Weighs Special Fast Lane For Voters Returning From Singapore

BATU PAHAT, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry will study the need to establish a special fast lane at the country's entry points to help Malaysians working in Singapore return to vote in the upcoming Johor state election.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter would be given due consideration once the Election Commission (EC) announces the key dates for the snap polls after its special meeting this Friday.

"We at the ministry, particularly the Immigration Department and other relevant agencies, will respond accordingly after the EC makes its announcement," he told reporters after attending the Home Minister's Citra Negara programme at the Advanced Technology Centre (ADTEC) Batu Pahat here today.

The EC is expected to announce the dates for nomination day, the campaigning period, and polling day during Friday's meeting.

Saifuddin Nasution said if polling day falls on a Sunday, traffic congestion involving Malaysian commuters from Singapore might not be critical, as weekend traffic across the Johor Causeway and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link is usually dominated by Singaporeans entering Malaysia.

However, he said a different scenario could arise if polling day falls on a Saturday, as many Malaysians working in Singapore still have to work that day.

"Whatever can help facilitate Johor voters' participation in the democratic process on polling day, we will accommodate to the best of our ability," he added.

The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1 with the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, paving the way for the 16th state election.

-- BERNAMA