JELEBU: For many, polling day is a solemn affair, but for lifelong friends Limah Ujang, Juda Amin and Erah Manap, all in their late 60s, it also came with plenty of laughter.
The three women, who arrived together to cast their ballots early on Saturday (Aug 1) morning, quickly became the centre of attention while waiting in line as Limah and Erah's spontaneous melatah, an involuntary and often humorous startle response familiar in Malay culture, kept fellow voters thoroughly entertained.
Their exchanges drew smiles and laughter from those around them, briefly lifting the mood as voters queued patiently before entering the polling station.
"What?! Yes, yes, this is not my first time voting here. It's my 30th time. Eh, no! What am I talking about?" said Limah, drawing laughter from others in the queue.
Juda then told Limah softly "it's okay, be calm," to which Limah told her "you tell her (Erah) to be calm."
Despite the light-hearted moments, the trio remained focused on their civic duty, joining the early morning crowd determined to cast their votes soon after polling began at 8am.
After voting, Limah, who was wearing a tikuluak, emerged from the polling station proudly displaying her ink-stained finger, marking the end of another election shared with the same friends she has known for years.
"See you again at the next election," one of them joked as the three walked away together, still laughing.
