“Based on early voting, turnout exceeded 92 per cent, but with these conditions we hope to achieve more than 60 per cent, similar to the previous state poll,” EC chairman says - November 28, 2025
EC foresees preliminary results from Sabah state election to emerge by late evening, though severe weather may affect turnout and could force limited postponements in areas facing floods or landslides
THE Election Commission (EC) anticipates that early results from tomorrow’s Sabah state election will be available by 10pm, with the full count likely concluded around midnight—weather permitting.
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the commission was working towards releasing complete results before 12am, but cautioned that heavy rainfall forecast across several districts could affect operations.
“We cannot commit to an exact timing given the weather. But we will try to resolve everything by midnight,” he said during an inspection of ballot-box procedures at Dewan Seri Sulaman.
Polling will begin at 7.30am and close at 5pm, though some island constituencies will shut as early as noon due to logistical constraints. Helicopters will be used in 85 remote or island areas to collect ballots and documentation, with four-wheel drives and boats deployed elsewhere.
Ramlan urged Sabah’s more than 1.7 million voters to exercise their democratic rights despite the unsettled weather.
“I call upon all registered voters to come out, fulfil their responsibility and choose their representatives in the State Legislative Assembly,” he said.
The EC has warned, however, that voter turnout could be affected by the expected afternoon thunderstorms.
Ramlan said the commission was preparing for potential disruptions but would only postpone or suspend polling in cases of severe disaster.
“We anticipate some impact on turnout because of the weather. Based on early voting, turnout exceeded 92 per cent, but with these conditions we hope to achieve more than 60 per cent, similar to the previous state poll,” he said.
He emphasised that delays or extensions would not be granted unless circumstances reached the level of a major emergency.
“Only in very serious situations such as major floods, landslides or areas being completely cut off can the EC postpone or suspend polling under established SOPs,” he said.
Local disaster committees would be mobilised to assist voters in affected zones, including deploying boats or small craft if certain routes are submerged.
“If it is only flash floods or general bad weather, polling will proceed as usual.”
A weather survey on the MetMalaysia website shows that thunderstorms are likely across large parts of the interior tomorrow afternoon.
The EC has therefore encouraged voters to arrive early, equipped with raincoats or umbrellas, and to prioritise safety. “We urge voters to come early because we cannot predict the weather,” Ramlan said.
He reiterated that no additional polling time would be provided under normal circumstances.
Polling at most centres will end at 5pm, with selected island stations closing between 12pm and 12.30pm due to transport requirements.
Ramlan added: “I appeal to all 1.7 million registered voters in Sabah to take this opportunity to choose their representatives. Take necessary precautions and vote early.”
Meanwhile, several main roads in Kota Belud will be closed or diverted tomorrow to ensure a smooth voting process for the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly Election, which will take place at Dewan Masyarakat Tun Said Bin Keruak.
Kota Belud District Police Chief, Superintendent Shahrudin Mat Husain, said the closures will begin as early as 6 a.m. and remain in effect until voting concludes.
“The affected routes include the Usia Roundabout (the junction leading to Dewan Masyarakat Tun Said), the Aloi Roundabout (the junction heading to the temple), as well as the access road to the bazaar,” he said in a statement.
Shahrudin advised motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time and use alternative routes to avoid congestion in the affected areas.
“We hope everyone will cooperate and follow the instructions of on-duty police officers to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout polling day,” he added. - November 28, 2025
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