KUCHING: Couples who volunteer together, stay together.

       This can be said for Chua Geok Chan and his wife Doris Koh, who have been dedicating their energy and time as volunteers in many elections.

       “We have been doing this for as long as I can remember, for at least five or six elections,” said Chua, 82.

       Both Koh and Chua began volunteering as election workers when they served as officers in the state Agriculture Department.

       “We look forward to elections, not just to exercise our rights as voters but also to help ensure polling goes smoothly.

       “Now that we have retired and our children are grown up and have their own lives to lead, we have more time on our hands as volunteers,” said Koh, 73.

       The couple were met while they were on duty at SK Sungai Maong Hilir, a voting centre for the Batu Lintang state constituency.

       Chua and Koh, who have been married for more than half a century, said it was their strong belief, commitment and support of their political party which led them to become polling volunteers.

       “We also offered to help during general elections.

       “Age is not a factor when you love what you do.

       “And besides, we enjoy each other’s company,” Koh said.