Kemaman by-election draws voters despite over 200km travel, rain

KEMAMAN - Despite over 200 kilometres of travel and persistent rain, dedicated voters returned to Kemaman for the parliamentary by-election, demonstrating their commitment to democratic responsibilities.

Muhammad Amin Mutadeen, a 30-year-old estate officer, rode his motorcycle for three hours from Rompin, Pahang, through the rain, reaching his hometown in Kijal yesterday evening.

"I was determined to vote, so I braved the journey. Thankfully, I arrived safely.

"The clear weather this morning feels like a blessing," he shared after voting at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kijal.

First-time voter Muhammad Azha Sahil Mutadeen, 18, expressed excitement about participating in the election.

"Voting for the first time is a significant moment for me. It's an opportunity for young people to contribute to selecting our leaders," he said.

In a gesture of solidarity with Palestine, the siblings donned Palestinian attire and scarves, advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The by-election saw a contest between Barisan Nasional's candidate, former Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General (R) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar for Pas.

This election follows the Terengganu Election Court's Sept 26 decision, which nullified the victory of Pas's Che Alias Hamid in the 15th General Election (GE15).

The by-election, costing an estimated RM3.5 million, involved 2,102 officers across 49 polling stations with 244 streams.

The constituency, updated until Oct 3, includes 141,790 voters: 141,382 regular voters, 387 police personnel, nine military personnel and their partners, and 12 overseas voters.

In GE15, Pas's Che Alias Hamid secured the Kemaman Parliamentary seat with 65,714 votes, defeating Umno Terengganu Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, who got 38,535 votes.

Other candidates, Rosli Ab Ghani (Pejuang) and Hasuni Sudin (PH), received 506 and 8,340 votes, respectively.