VOTER turnout for the 17th Sabah General Election reached 45.5 per cent by 1pm on Saturday, with the Election Commission reporting that nearly half of the state’s 1.7 million eligible voters had cast their ballots in the first five hours of polling.
Early voting recorded a turnout of 92.5 per cent, involving 17,615 security and postal voters.
Meanwhile, despite the steady flow of voters, polling proceeded smoothly across Sabah, with authorities reporting no major disturbances.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said monitoring teams had observed “a steady and orderly flow of voters” since stations opened at 8am.
“The discipline and maturity demonstrated by Sabah voters contributed significantly to the calm and efficient conduct of the democratic process,” he said during a visit to SJKC Chung Hwa in the Api-Api constituency.
“Overall, the situation is good, orderly, and well-managed. There are no major issues that could raise concern or alarm among the public.”
By noon, police had received 157 reports linked to election offences, mainly involving damaged campaign materials, political provocation and the removal of party flags.
Mohd Khalid said 86 investigation papers had been opened and referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, while several cases were handed to the Election Commission and one to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission following allegations of online slander and political provocation.
He warned that firm action would be taken against anyone who disrupts public order on polling day, stressing the police’s commitment to ensuring an orderly conclusion to the electoral process.
Mohd Khalid also noted that no flood incidents had been reported, though cloudy weather was expected later in the afternoon.
“I urge voters to come out early to avoid congestion or unfavourable weather. Conditions are clear for now, and no flooding has been reported,” he said.
Reaffirming that the state polls remained “fully under control”, he said the police would maintain a strong presence to safeguard public safety and ensure polling proceeds peacefully until the close of voting. - November 29, 2025
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