JELEBU: A Temuan Orang Asli woman drew attention at SK Kampung Putra polling centre in Simpang Durian when she arrived in full traditional attire, complete with a telepok putih, a traditional female headgear associated with the Adat Perpatih custom.
Limah Ujang, 68, clad in a traditional baju opah blouse and batik sarong, looked graceful in an outfit that reflects the cultural heritage of Negri Sembilan, a state closely associated with Adat Perpatih traditions.
The Ibu Soko (female community leader) of the Temuan tribe said she wears the telepok daily, including when she goes to the plantation to tap rubber, with the outfit serving as a visible sign of her status.
“It is comfortable to wear and also serves as a symbol of my role as a female leader in our community,” she said after casting her vote at the centre here yesterday.
Limah, a resident of Kampung Putra, which is located near the polling centre, said she walked to the school after waking up early to get ready.
Although she has voted several times before, she said her children still reminded her of the correct way to mark the ballot paper.
“We elderly people tend to forget things easily, so my children reminded me how to mark my vote,” she said, Bernama reported.
Also casting her vote at the same centre was Ongngoi Mulim, 68, from Kampung Ulu Lakai, who remained determined to fulfil her responsibility despite having to use a wheelchair following a mild stroke.
The mother of two said her enthusiasm for voting had never diminished despite having voted before.
“I was so excited that I woke up as early as 5am, even though my house is very close to the polling centre,” she said.
Another voter with a disability, Apok Kendong, 64, who lost his left leg due to diabetes complications in 2018, also arrived with assistance from his family.
He said his son usually helps him with his daily movements, including visits to the clinic, and had taken him out for breakfast before bringing him to vote.
“I was very excited because we want to choose the government for Negri Sembilan,” said Apok, who first voted in his 20s, with the current state election marking the second time he had participated in a state-level election.
SK Kampung Putra is one of eight polling centres serving the Pertang constituency, and has three polling streams.
The constituency has 12,873 registered voters, including 14 police personnel and their spouses.
