KINABATANGAN: For many voters here, returning to polling stations on Saturday (Jan 24) felt routine rather than tiring.
Barely two months after the last round of voting in the 2025 Sabah state election, residents once again turned up at schools and community halls to cast their ballots for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections.
The atmosphere was calm and orderly, with voters moving efficiently as election staff carried out their duties.
Due to the short gap between elections, voters had their pinky fingers inked this time instead of the index finger.
Voting proceeded without disruption across all 36 polling centres.
For some, reaching the ballot box required significant effort. In Kampung Bilit Seberang, residents crossed the Kinabatangan river by boat to reach SK Bilit. Siti Zamziah Zaini, 42, said her family planned early due to limited transport options to ensure they could all cross the river at the same time.
Despite the logistical challenges, Siti expressed hope that her vote would help elect an effective representative for the area. Voters from more remote interior areas like Kampung Kuamut faced even longer journeys, with some travelling six hours by river from Bukit Garam.
Small traders took advantage of the steady turnout outside polling centres, selling pastries and beverages to voters and election workers.
One seller at SK Buang Sayang, known only as Khairul, noted that the morning crowd appeared similar to that of the previous election held in November.
The by-elections were called following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5. As polling continues, attention turns to the counting process at Dewan Sri Lamag, where official results are expected to be announced tonight.
