KUALA LUMPUR – Voter turnout for the Ayer Kuning state by-election remained relatively low by midday, with the Election Commission (EC) reporting a turnout of 34.06 per cent as of 12pm.
Earlier in the day, EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said turnout had reached 26.36 per cent by 11am, which he acknowledged was lower than anticipated. However, he remained hopeful that participation would improve as the day progressed.
“Alhamdulillah, as of 11am, voter turnout stood at 26.36 per cent. We see this as rather low.
“Therefore, I urge all registered voters in Ayer Kuning to come out and cast their votes early, as we are concerned the weather may not hold up,” he said at a press conference at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bidor on Saturday.
He added that based on trends observed in previous by-elections, the commission is optimistic about reaching its target of a 70 per cent turnout.
“So far, the voting process has been smooth, and the situation is peaceful.
“We hope this momentum continues until polling centres close at 6pm.
“The EC is optimistic that voter turnout for the Ayer Kuning by-election will reach the 70 per cent target, and various efforts have been made to encourage voter participation,” he said.
The by-election was triggered by the sudden passing of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, who died of a heart attack on February 22. Ishsam had retained the seat for Barisan Nasional (BN) during the 15th General Election with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-way contest.
A total of 31,281 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this by-election, which features a three-way contest between BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani KS of Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
Separately, Ramlan said the EC had received 36 reports of election-related offences, mainly concerning campaign materials.
“Five of these reports were lodged with the police, and all necessary action has been taken,” he added. – April 26, 2025