NIBONG TEBAL: For every couple, their wedding reception may just be the most memorable occasion in their life.
But for Muhammad Shafiq Mohd Rozei, 29, it is made extra special as his "bersanding" ceremony and reception today fell on the same day as polling day for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Thirty minutes before the ceremony on his wife Munirah Yahya's side at 1pm, he rushed to SK Jawi here, about 5km away, to cast his vote.
"Bersanding or not, I tell myself that I have to fulfil my responsibility as a voter.
"This is important as we will be determining our leader," he said when met after casting his vote.
Shafiq, who held his solemnisation ceremony last month, is voting for the third time.
He said they had planned for their wedding reception since the beginning of the year.
"When they first announced that polling day would fall today, I thought I could not make it on time due to my pack schedule. Alhamdullilah, I managed to steal some time to vote.
"While other couples have 'inai' on their hands, I have the blue ink.
"This will be the most memorable occasion for me and my wife for as long as we live. I will remember this my whole life," he added.
Shafiq, who owns a lorry rental business, completed casting his vote about 12.45pm.
He was later joined by his wife, who had just completed her make-up, before making their way together to her house in Taman Seruling Emas.
Munirah, when approached, said she was here to support her husband despite donning her wedding attire.