JOHOR BARU: A man drove 120 kilometres but ended up being unable to cast his vote in the 16th Johor state election after he arrived at the polling centre a minute late.
Rahmat Shukor, 57, who is self-employed, expressed his sadness and disappointment at being unable to cast his vote after becoming caught in severe traffic congestion while travelling from Batu Pahat to Johor Baru.
Although he drove non-stop from Sri Medan, Batu Pahat, to SJK (C) Foon Yew 4 here to vote, his journey was severely delayed by unusually heavy traffic starting from the Simpang Renggam Rest and Recreation Area (R&R) towards Sedenak.
"I came all the way from Batu Pahat, not from here. The roads were congested. I have photos, I informed them, and I have proof that we were caught in the traffic jam," he told Bernama outside the polling centre here on Saturday (July 11).
Rahmat said that despite trying several alternative routes to avoid congestion along the main Skudai road, he was unfortunate to arrive only moments after polling had officially ended.
Rahmat had originally planned to return to Johor Baru on Friday (July 10) but decided to spend the night at his late mother's house in Sri Medan because he was exhausted after carrying out plantation and contract work.
The rest of his family, including his wife, had returned earlier on Friday and managed to cast their votes, leaving him as the only family member who missed the opportunity, he added.
Despite his disappointment, Rahmat said he accepted the situation and hoped the democratic process would proceed smoothly.
Voting for the 16th Johor state election officially concluded after all 1,076 polling centres across the state closed promptly at 6pm on Saturday. - Bernama
