THE Election Commission (EC) has announced today that polling day for the upcoming Ayer Kuning state seat by-election will be held on April 26, 2025.
EC Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the nomination day for candidates will take place on April 12, while early voting is scheduled for April 22.
"In line with this, applications for postal votes, both domestic and overseas, will begin today," Ramlan said during a press conference in Putrajaya today.
The EC has outlined key preparations for the upcoming by-election, including the appointment of a returning officer, three assistant returning officers, and the establishment of an enforcement team to monitor election activities.
This team will work closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), local authorities, and representatives from the contesting candidates to ensure a smooth and transparent election process.
Speaking at a press briefing, Ramlan said a total of 601 election workers would be deployed to assist with the by-election, which will take place in the coming weeks.
The Dewan Merdeka in Tapah has been designated as both the nomination centre (PPC) and the official vote tallying centre (PPRU).
"A total of 19 regular polling centres with 63 voting stations and two early voting centres with three channels will be operational for the election," Ramlan said. He also noted that the official campaigning period would last 14 days, starting after the candidate declaration on April 12, and ending at 11:59 PM on April 25.
Postal voting applications are now open for both domestic and overseas voters. Ramlan explained that applicants for postal voting in Category 1A (election staff, EC members, police, military, and media personnel) have until April 9 to submit their applications, while Category 1B (Malaysians residing abroad) and Category 1C (agencies and organizations) have until March 20 to apply.
To ensure that all voters are informed about their polling details, Ramlan encouraged the public to check their polling station information, voting channels, and serial numbers via the verification portal at https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my, the EC Hotline at 03-8892 7218, or through the MySPR Semak app, starting March 25.
Ramlan also urged prospective candidates for the by-election to complete and verify their nomination forms ahead of nomination day to facilitate the process.
"We encourage candidates to submit their nomination forms early with the Returning Officer's Office or the Perak State Election Office. This will ensure that the nomination process runs smoothly," he said.
Candidates are also advised to make their deposit payments early to avoid delays on nomination day.
For the upcoming election, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and interested bodies have the opportunity to become official election observers.
These observers will be allowed to monitor the process from nomination day until the election results are announced.
"They will be permitted to observe activities at locations such as the nomination centre, polling centres, vote counting stations, and the official vote tallying centre, provided they adhere to the appointment conditions set by the EC," Ramlan added.
Further details and application forms for election observers can be accessed via the EC's official portal at www.spr.gov.my, with the deadline for applications set for March 17.
In an effort to boost voter turnout, the EC will also be implementing the ‘Jom Kita Undi’ campaign, which aims to encourage the public to fulfil their civic duty.
The campaign will be promoted through various media channels, including electronic media, social media platforms, public announcements via loudspeakers, and the display of banners in strategic public locations.
Additionally, Ramlan confirmed that the EC will continue to broadcast the election process live via selected polling centres or channels on its official Facebook page to ensure transparency and public engagement throughout the election. – March 7, 2025
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