JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 (Bernama) — Early voting for the 16th Johor state election proceeded smoothly across Johor today, with no untoward incidents reported at polling centres involving police personnel and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said no complaints or incidents had been reported so far that could affect the integrity or smooth conduct of the early voting process.
He said the overall voter turnout would only be known after all polling centres closed later this afternoon.
Asked about the campaign period, Ab Rahaman said most police reports and investigation papers opened involved acts of vandalism targeting campaign materials, including party flags and political billboards.
Asked about the status of a police report lodged against former Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, he said investigations were still ongoing.
Previously, police confirmed receiving 153 reports nationwide over Mohd Puad’s claim that the Johor Palace had interfered in the dissolution of the state assembly.
Meanwhile, in Mersing, early voting at the Kem Iskandar army camp also proceeded smoothly after the polling centre opened at 8 am, with no untoward incidents reported.
Eligible military personnel arrived in an orderly manner to cast their ballots.
Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman spent about 15 minutes observing the voting process at around 11 am.
He also received a briefing from 21st Special Forces Group (21 GGK) commander Maj Gen Datuk Ahmad Shuhaimi Mat Wajab, accompanied by Mersing district officer Jamil Hasni Abdullah.
All three candidates contesting the Tenggaroh state seat were also present at the polling centre to observe the early voting process.
A total of 64 polling centres opened simultaneously at 8 am today to allow 20,607 registered early voters to cast their ballots.
The polling centres will close in stages between noon and 6 pm, depending on their location and the number of registered voters.
A total of 172 candidates are contesting 56 state seats in the state election, with polling involving more than 2.7 million registered voters scheduled for Saturday.
For the latest updates on the election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
— BERNAMA