Johor polls: Signs point to higher voter turnout than 2022, but rain hits some areas

Voters in Malaysia's Johor state are heading to the polls on July 11 for a state election that observers are watching closely for clues to the nation's political future. The general election is not due until February 2028, making this vote a significant barometer.

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My hope is that Johor will continue to prosper.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. across the state, with 1,076 locations set up for the 2.7 million registered voters. They will choose from 172 candidates to fill the 56 state assembly seats. Early signs suggest a higher turnout than the 55 percent recorded in the 2022 Johor state election. By 11 a.m., turnout reached 26.4 percent, an increase from 21.3 percent at the same time two years prior. The Election Commission anticipates a 70 percent turnout, with reports of sold-out train and bus tickets indicating a strong desire among voters to participate.

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Usually they open the voting centre early and I’m done by 7.30am. I pity the elderly who have to wait and dry themselves out in the hot sun.

Despite the generally positive turnout indicators, some areas faced challenges. Heavy morning rain in Muar dampened participation in the Simpang Jeram and Bentayan constituencies, which recorded the lowest turnouts. Meanwhile, cross-border traffic from Singapore into Johor Bahru on the eve of polling day was moderate, with minimal congestion on the Causeway. However, the North-South Expressway experienced congestion as voters residing in the Klang Valley traveled back to their hometowns to cast their ballots. Some Singaporean social media users encouraged others to avoid shopping in Johor for the weekend to ease traffic for returning residents.

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I hope it will slowly subside.

Individual voters expressed their hopes for the election's outcome. Ally Chang, a 44-year-old accountant, was the first in line at a polling station in Larkin, hoping for Johor's continued prosperity. Retiree Md Sis Talkam, 79, voiced frustration over waiting in the sun, wishing for earlier opening times. In Muar, MUDA candidate Ainie Haziqah expressed concern over the lingering storm clouds affecting turnout. Meanwhile, some Johoreans returning from Singapore described smooth travel, while others faced long journeys back home.

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Let the Johoreans go back with less traffic, Johor will always be there.