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Malaysia's Election Commission (EC) has proposed new draft codes of conduct for upcoming local government elections, seeking opinions from registered political parties by June 30. These proposed rules aim to ensure credible and orderly polls, with the first phase, likely for union parishads, expected to commence in November. The EC plans to announce the full schedule in August.

Following the precedent set in the last national election, the draft extends the ban on posters to local polls. While leaflets, handbills, festoons, and banners will be allowed, they must be made from biodegradable materials, explicitly excluding rexine, polythene, and plastic. Digital campaigning will require candidates and their agents to register all social media platforms and account IDs with the returning officer before commencing online activities. The use of artificial intelligence for dishonest purposes, including the creation or distribution of hate speech, misinformation, distorted images, or fabricated election content, is strictly prohibited. The draft also bars targeting communities based on race, religion, caste, gender, or ethnicity with inflammatory language or exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments for electoral gain.

Further restrictions target campaign activities, banning processions using vehicles like trucks, buses, motorcycles, and boats, as well as torch processions and the use of helicopters. Motorcycles and vehicles will be prohibited within designated polling areas. However, digital caravans or mobile vehicles decorated with biodegradable materials can campaign between noon and sunset, provided they do not obstruct traffic. On sound amplification, candidates and parties are limited to one microphone per ward for street meetings, with usage restricted to noon and sunset. Sound levels must not exceed 60 decibels. The EC has emphasized its commitment to holding credible and orderly local elections, with this consultation marking a significant step in the preparation process.