NIBONG TEBAL: Polling for the Sungai Bakap by-election got off to a smooth start this morning.
As early as 6.45am, voters have started queuing up at their respective polling centres.
There are a total of nine polling centres with 65 voting streams for the Sungai Bakap state by-election.
At SMK Bandar Tasek Mutiara here, the earliest voter, Mohd Faizul Arifin, 47, came at 6.45am.
By 7.15am, there were more than 50 people waiting in line.
The school gate was opened at 7.45am to allow voters to go in.
SMK Bandar Tasek Mutiara is located within the Puteri Gunong polling district.
Puteri Gunong has the largest number of voters at 14,417.
At SMK Bandar Tasek Mutiara, a total of 8,482 voters would he casting their ballots in the 13 voting streams, making it the biggest voting centre.
When approached, Faizul said he was surprised to be the first to arrive at 6.45am.
"I did not expect to be the first in line. I came early as I had to rush back to Selama, Perak for a family matter after this.
"But by 7am, the crowd started building up," he said when approached.
Faizul said he would never miss the chance to vote as it was the people's right to decide on their leaders.
This was Faizul's second time voting here, after moving here eight years ago.
The former logistics worker used to stay on the island.
Behind Faizul was Hamisah Mohd Noor, 52, who runs a stall selling an assortment of beverages.
Hamisah said she came early as she needed to open her business.
This was also her second time voting here.
She said she was lucky to have met both candidates while on their campaign trail.
"Both had stopped by my stall before. I also followed them on social media," she said.
Third in line was retired teacher Edah Bujang, 62, and her husband.
"Every election, I would come out early to vote. I am in high spirits. Today is no exception," she added.
Edah said she has been following the candidates' campaign trial on social media and also attended by-election ceramah.
"I stay near the school and sometimes they would have ceramah here, which I attended.
"Voting is a democratic process, which everyone should participate in.
"I find this by-election process very lively but peaceful," she said.
There are a total of 39,279 registered voters in Sungai Bakap. Polling centres opened at 8am.
Today's by-election sees a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.