Early closure catches voters by surprise

SEREMBAN: Several voters who turned up to cast their ballots at the Kampung Melang community hall in Kuala Pilah after 2pm were surprised to see the gates to the polling centre closed.

In several clips that went viral, the individuals can be seen expressing their displeasure when they were not allowed to enter the premises.

They can also be heard questioning a polling officer who was inside the premises about why the centre was closed when polls were open until 6pm.

When contacted, Kuala Pilah polling officer Mohd Faizal Abdul Manap said that particular centre was among the few in the constituency that had an earlier closing time.

“The Kampung Melang polling centre closed at 2pm as stated in a government gazette.

“If we do not close it at 2pm, we will be flouting the directive from the Election Commission,” he said, adding that the polling officers were merely following instructions.

Mohd Faizal said voters should have taken note of this and come out earlier to vote.