MELAKA: Early voting for the Melaka state polls kicked off early Tuesday (Nov 16) morning as police and army officers as well as their spouses started to queue up eagerly to cast their votes under the new norms.

       At the Melaka police headquarters in Ayer Keroh, many had turned up as early as 7.30am for early voting even before its official process starts at 8am.

       All those at the vicinity were seen observing the authorities Covid-19 prevention guidelines such as observing physical distancing, wearing face masks, use of hand sanitisers, body temperature screening, and recording of attendance.

       A separate special voting tent was also provided for symptomatic voters.

       A total of 11,557 early voters are eligible to cast their votes for the 15th Melaka state election at 31 early polling centres statewide.

       The total number of early voters consist of 9,217 army personnel and their spouses as well as 2,340 police personnel.

       The Election Commission has set Nov 20 as polling day.

       The election is being held following the dissolution of the state assembly after four assemblymen, withdrew their support for former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.