KUCHING: The 12th Sarawak state election has been "most difficult and challenging" due to the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in place during campaigning, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

       The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) election director said while the SOP was strict in urban areas, it was also restrictive in rural areas.

       He said unlike previous elections, public rallies or ceramah and entertainment events were either banned or only allowed with restrictions.

       "Also in the past, there was no need for physical distancing, compulsory wearing of face masks and registering attendance on MySejahtera.

       "Now we could only hold ceramah at designated places with restrictions on crowd capacity and time allowed.

       "We were also not allowed to shake hands with voters, which in the past could cost us votes for being deemed arrogant or proud," he said after casting his ballot at Rh Mendit Unsu longhouse in Spaoh, Betong division, on Saturday (Dec 18).

       On the use of social media platforms to campaign, Uggah said he and his team found it tough going because of limited Internet coverage.

       "It is only in places with good connections that this option is a blessing," he added.

       Uggah, his wife Datin Doreen Mayang and their three children were among the first voters to arrive at the polling station when it opened at 7.30am.

       He is in a three-way contest in Bukit Saban with PKR's Mikail Mathew Abdullah and Andria Dundang @ Andria Gelayan from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).

       The rural Iban-majority seat has 9,523 registered voters.