SEREMBAN: They came from Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Muar and Pahang – for many outstation voters, there was only one thing on their minds – the ballot box.
Nur Farah Arina Abdull Sittar, 28, said being able to vote was enough of a reason to make a brief trip back to her hometown before heading straight back to Muar for work.
"I just returned home late Friday night and was stuck in traffic when I made the journey down.
"Although it's my second time voting, it's still very exciting as our voices can be heard at the ballot box
"At the end of the day, we want a government that works for the rakyat," said Nur Farah Arina, who came with her father.
Nur Farah among the many young Malaysians working or studying outside Negri Sembilan who returned home to vote, with many arriving late Friday after enduring heavy traffic on major highways.
Jean Wong, 18, was another who made the trip down from Shah Alam.
"I returned home just for this purpose. My parents also advised me to come earlier in the day to avoid longer lines," said the university student.
First-time voter and polytechnic student Ayu Sofia Abas, 19, said she felt nervous before entering the polling station but said the experience made her more confident about voting in future elections.
"The three hours of travel was worth it. The voting was not as complicated as we thought it would be," said Ayu Sofia, who came with her cousin Nur Laila Tun Aqma, also 19.
Both also said their parents encouraged them to exercise their right to vote.
Retirees Ng Wee Chean, 71 and Kuah Siew Guat, 67, also made it a point to convince their children to come back and vote.
"It was the first thing we thought of when we learnt about the elections. The entire process was also smooth from start to finish, even better than when we previously voted," said Ng, who has been voting ever since he turned 21.
