PRNNS: Voting underway as early turnout trails 2023 poll figures

VOTING for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election began smoothly on Saturday, with 8.29 per cent of registered voters casting their ballots by 9am, slightly below the 9.49 per cent turnout recorded at the same stage during the 2023 state polls.

A total of 401 polling centres comprising 1,668 voting streams opened simultaneously at 8am, allowing 859,760 registered electors, including 7,391 postal voters, to vote across the state’s 36 constituencies.

Polling stations, located at schools, community halls, public halls and colleges, will remain open until 6pm.

The Election Commission (EC) is aiming for a voter turnout of between 72 and 75 per cent, with preliminary results expected from around 10pm and the final outcome anticipated before midnight.

Before polling day, 14,995 early voters, representing 91.06 per cent of eligible early voters, had cast their ballots on July 28, surpassing the EC’s 90 per cent target.

Among those casting their votes was Barisan Nasional’s Pertang candidate Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who arrived at a polling station in Pertang in a positive mood while celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife, Datin Seri Maziah Mohd Nor.

The incumbent, who is seeking another term in the state seat, was seen sharing light moments as Maziah thanked well-wishers who congratulated the couple on their special occasion.

Jalaluddin is contesting Pertang in a three-cornered battle.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional’s Chennah candidate Siow Kong Choon called on voters to take advantage of the favourable morning weather and fulfil their responsibility by turning up at polling stations.

The Negeri Sembilan MCA Youth chief described polling day as a significant moment for residents to decide the direction of the state.

“Today is the Negeri Sembilan state election and it is an important day for all voters to make their choice.

“Since the weather is very good today, I urge all residents of Negeri Sembilan to fulfil their responsibility by going out to vote.

“I wish all voters a safe and smooth voting process,” he said after casting his ballot at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chun Yin.

Siow is facing a one-on-one contest against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Anthony Loke for the Chennah seat.

Loke, who is Transport Minister and DAP secretary-general, has represented Chennah since 2013 and retained the constituency in the 2023 state election with a majority of more than 2,200 votes.

The Chennah constituency is among Negeri Sembilan’s key mixed seats, with Malay voters making up about 46 per cent of the electorate while Chinese voters account for approximately 44 per cent.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department said most areas across the state’s seven districts — Seremban, Jempol, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Port Dickson and Rembau — were expected to remain clear until noon.

However, heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast in many areas during the afternoon, potentially affecting voter turnout during the final hours of polling. - August 1, 2026