MELAKA: A road accident 18 years ago changed the life of Sjn Siti Nor Maslinda Nordin, but it has not stopped her from fulfilling her duty as a voter.
The wheelchair-bound policewoman was among those in the police force who cast their early votes at the Melaka police headquarters.
Sjn Siti Nor Maslinda, who was involved in an accident while returning from duty in 2008, said she was satisfied with the arrangements made for early voters, particularly the smooth access to the polling area.
Another early voter, Kpl Siti Zahara Yusof, expressed hope that greater attention would be given to the welfare of lower-ranking police personnel amid rising living costs.
The mother of two said improvements to allowances would help ease the financial burden faced by personnel and their families.
“I am hoping more improvements will be made for civil servants, particularly lower-ranking personnel like us.
“The cost of living keeps rising, so we hope allowances can be improved in the future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Insp Kavitha Iyakannu from the state Criminal Investigation Department said she had hoped to be among the first to cast her ballot but was unable to do so.
“I was actually excited and wanted to be the first voter, but I didn’t manage to do that.
“Since I was on duty, I took the opportunity to vote with my colleagues shortly after 8am,” she said.
Asst Supt Muhammad Abdah Mohamad, who has served in the police force for nearly 16 years, said integrity and maturity remain essential in carrying out police duties and exercising voting rights.
The officer, who is attached to the state bomb disposal unit, said preparations for polling day are progressing according to plan.
“We must carry out our duties with integrity, honesty and maturity.
“As we move towards greater progress, everyone should exercise maturity in choosing what is best for the country’s future,” he said.
Insp Yeow Lee Mei also hoped greater attention would be given to career development, promotion opportunities and training for police personnel.
“Improving work-life balance would also help us better manage our professional responsibilities and family commitments,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission said the early voting process recorded a turnout of 94.96%, with 9,417 security personnel and their spouses casting their ballots.
All 31 early voting centres across the state closed by 5pm, bringing the voting process to an end ahead of the Nov 14 polls.
A total of 12,531 early voters were registered for the polls, comprising 9,769 military personnel and their spouses, and 2,762 police personnel and their spouses.
Of these, 9,917 were eligible to vote in person, while the remaining 2,614 were postal voters.
The voting process at several centres, including Kem Terendak in Sungai Udang and the Melaka police contingent headquarters in Bukit Beruang was reported to have proceeded smoothly.
