IN a striking display of civic determination, voters across Kinabatangan undertook arduous journeys, including river crossings and lengthy road trips, to reach polling stations for today’s parliamentary and state assembly by-elections.
For some residents of Kampung Bilit, voting involved an early start and multiple modes of transport. Mohamad Amirudsah Rosli, 31, set off from his home on the opposite bank of the Kinabatangan River at 7 a.m., boarding a five-minute boat ride before driving for about an hour to reach Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Suan Lamba, one of the constituency’s polling centres.
“Even though I only voted in the last state election, I am more excited to cast my vote this time for a new leader,” Harian Metro cited Mohamad saying. “We hope the elected representative will fulfil their duties to the people and do better than before.”
Mohamad also spoke of the ever-present threat of crocodiles in the river, a hazard local residents have learned to manage cautiously over the years.
At the same polling location, 83-year-old Awang Azis used an electric motorcycle, along with a walking stick to support his mobility, to reach SK Bilit, located just five minutes from his home.
“It is not too difficult to come out and vote because the polling station is nearby,” he said. “I hope the elected representative will bring benefits to the people and listen to our concerns and problems.”
SK Bilit serves 586 registered voters and has opened two polling channels. It is one of 25 polling stations in Kinabatangan scheduled to close earlier than the remaining 36 centres.
The school falls within the Sukau state assembly district, roughly an hour’s drive from Pekan Bukit Garam.
These by-elections follow the passing of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on December 5, 2025.
A total of 48,526 voters are expected to participate in the parliamentary contest, while 13,703 voters will determine the representative for the Lamag state assembly seat.
The parliamentary election is a three-way contest among Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar of Barisan Nasional, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan, and independent candidate Goldam Hamid.
The Lamag state assembly seat is being contested in a one-on-one race between Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) and Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan).
Despite challenging logistics, polling at SK Bilit proceeded smoothly, assisted by clear skies and the presence of Election Commission staff at every channel to guide voters and maintain order.
Polling will continue until the scheduled closure at 1 p.m., with candidates including Mohd Kurniawan expected to cast their votes at the station.
The dedication of Kinabatangan residents highlights the lengths voters are willing to go, overcoming physical, environmental, and logistical hurdles to exercise their democratic rights and participate actively in shaping the future leadership of their constituency. - January 24, 2026
