JOHOR BARU: For Johoreans working in Singapore, polling day meant more than just crossing the Causeway; it meant coming home to make their voices heard.
Among them were childhood friends Nam Zi Sin and Tang Gao Han, who took leave from work and travelled back to cast their ballots in the state election.
Nam, 31, said the journey carried significance because Covid-19 prevented him from voting in the 2022 Johor election.
“I was disappointed because I had to quarantine and missed the election.
“This time, I was determined not to miss it again, so I took a bus home after work on Friday and reached Taman Daya at about 11.30pm,” he said at SK Taman Daya 3, a polling centre in the Puteri Wangsa constituency.
Nam admitted he had briefly considered skipping the trip, but ultimately decided he wanted to fulfil his responsibility as a citizen.
Tang, 30, an equipment engineer, said some friends questioned why he was willing to travel home just to vote.
“I think it’s worth the effort. As soon as the Election Commission announced the polling date, I arranged a shift swap with a colleague because I normally work weekends,” he said.
As a Puteri Wangsa voter, he hopes the next elected representative will tackle longstanding infrastructure issues.
“Puteri Wangsa has one of the largest voter populations in Johor, so better road infrastructure is needed, especially around Hospital Sultan Ismail.
“The hospital is always crowded and parking is limited, so many people end up parking by the roadside, which worsens congestion,” he said.
The issue is a personal one, he added, as his father frequently visits the hospital for treatment.
Maintenance worker Anas Najwan Saifullah Abdul Razak, 21, who voted in Skudai, said returning from Singapore was never in doubt.
“Voting is our responsibility, and every vote matters. I wanted to do my part because I hope to see change and progress in Johor,” he said.
Retail assistant R. Emmanuel Lourdes, 21, who voted in Perling, also took leave from work in Singapore to return home and cast his first ballot.
“I feel really happy to be able to vote and contribute in my own way. It’s an important responsibility for every Malaysian, so I made sure I came back,” he said.
Emmanuel described voting for the first time as a memorable milestone.
“Seeing so many Malaysians patiently lining up to vote made me appreciate how important it is to take part in the democratic process,” he said, adding that he would return to Singapore after polling day to resume work.
Retail worker Peh Kai Ni, 20, who voted at SMK Taman Bukit Indah in the Perling constituency, said she took the day off from her job in Singapore to return home.
“It feels meaningful to finally vote. This is something I’ll always remember, and I plan to vote in every election from now on,” she said.
After casting her ballot, Peh spent the rest of her day with friends, making the most of the polling day discounts and promotions offered by many shops.
