Outstation voters making early travel plans ahead of Johor polls

As the Johor state election approaches, voters residing outside the state are making early travel arrangements to ensure they can cast their ballots. Polling day is set for July 11, with early voting on July 7 and nomination day on June 27.

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I am really looking forward to it and would not allow distance to prevent me from making my voice heard through the ballot box.

Balqis Muzakkir, a 20-year-old accounting student, is preparing to vote for the first time. She intends to drive to Pontian on July 10, the day before polling, to participate in the democratic process. Muzakkir expressed her eagerness to vote, stating she would not let distance prevent her from making her voice heard.

Assistant sales manager Tan Sheau Hui, 53, who works in Singapore, is also planning an early return. She will take a half-day off on July 10 to travel back and avoid the anticipated heavy traffic. Tan emphasized that voting is more than a civic duty; it's about being part of something larger.

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I plan to cross the border early to avoid heavy traffic, as many Malaysians are likely to be returning home to vote.

The Johor state election was triggered by the dissolution of the state legislative assembly on June 1. In the previous state election on March 12, 2022, the Barisan Nasional coalition secured a significant victory, winning 40 out of 56 seats.

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It is about being part of something bigger, not just fulfilling a civic duty.