PETALING JAYA: With nearly half of Johor’s 2.73 million voters under the age of 40, analysts say young voters could prove decisive in the upcoming state election.
Based on the Election Commission’s (EC) latest statistics, as of May 31, Johor had 2,727,926 registered voters, with those aged between 18 and 39 accounting for about 1.3 million, or 47.6%, of the electorate.
There are more than 710,000 voters aged below 30, commonly known as Generation Z or Gen Z.
The largest voting bloc comprises those aged 30 to 39, numbering 587,888 voters (21.6%), followed by the 21 to 29 age group with 544,657 voters (20%).
Voters aged 40 to 49 make up the third-largest segment at 492,922 (18.1%), while those aged 50 to 59 total 393,780 (14.4%).
According to the EC data, voters aged 60 and above number 543,293, representing 19.9% of the electorate.
The data also revealed a near-even gender split, with 1,364,763 male voters (50.03%) and 1,363,163 female voters (49.97%).
In terms of voter categories, ordinary voters dominate the electoral roll, numbering 2,703,175, while there are 12,041 police personnel and their spouses, and 12,710 military personnel and their spouses.
The EC has set July 11 as polling day, with nomination on June 27 and early voting on July 7.
International Islamic University Malaysia political science professor Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri said younger voters are unlikely to vote as a single unified bloc, with their support expected to be split between progressive and conservative camps.
“Young voters are not really one bloc.
“Though they may decide the upcoming election in terms of numbers, they are divided between progressives and conservatives,” she said.
Syaza noted that it remains unclear which political coalition will ultimately benefit from the youth vote because of shifting dynamics within the Malay electorate.
Based on her assessment of Malay youth voting behaviour, Syaza said many young voters may be socially conservative but are not fully aligned with PAS, instead leaning towards Umno.
She also said progressive youth support for parties such as PSM, Muda and Bersatu is expected to remain limited.
She added that non-Malay voters are likely to continue backing Pakatan, suggesting that Malay youth could become the most influential swing group in determining the election outcome.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar also said young voters will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming state election.
He noted that there are likely to be two segments of young voters.
The first, he said, comprises mostly first-time voters aged 18 to 20 who have no established voting record and limited ties to family political preferences or traditional voting patterns.
“They tend to be more open- minded and independent, often deciding only during the campaign period.
“In closely contested seats, they could be the deciding factor,” he said.
The second segment, comprising voters aged 21 to 39, consists of those with previous voting experience, he added.
Hisomuddin said these voters tend to be more critical and rational in evaluating political parties and candidates.
He said both groups are drawn to candidates who appear fresh, credible, approachable and effective in communicating, particularly through social media.
“Campaigns that are creative, authentic and connected to their lived realities are more likely to capture their attention,” he said.
