MUARA TUANG: Early voting involving army personnel and their spouses at the Muara Tuang camp in Kota Samarahan has started with strict SOP by the Election Commission (EC) in place.

       The process will take place until 5pm on Tuesday (Dec 14), involving a total of 12,585 registered voters comprising soldiers and their spouses, said the First Infantry Division’s corporate communications unit.

       It added that in the Stakan seat there are 4,838 registered voters comprising soldiers and their spouses at the Muara Tuang camp (2,321 voters) and the Penrissen camp (2,517).

       At the Muara Tuang camp to cast their ballots was Army Chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain and his wife, Commander of the Army Eastern Field Command Datuk Mardzuki Muhammad and his wife as well as Major General Datuk Dzulkafli Mustaffa and his wife.

       “The early voting process took place smoothly with strict adherence to SOPs such as wearing face masks, discipline distancing and using hand sanitisers.

       “Voters are also told to come in stages to avoid overcrowding at the voting centre,” said the First Infantry Division.

       The EC’s Stakan returning officer Muhammad Nizam Nang said there was strict compliance with SOP.

       “Temperature scans and MySejahtera check-ins are also required,” said Muhammad.

       Muhammad also said the EC was targeting a 70% turnout for early voting.

       Early voting for the Sarawak state election is on Dec 14 while polling on Dec 18.