‘Nervous but happy’: Young voters share positive first-time voting experiences at Melaka polls

Voters begin arriving to fulfil their responsibilities in the 16th Melaka state election at the polling centre at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Machap Umboo November 14, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 11:41 AM MYT

ALOR GAJAH, Nov 14 — For first-time voter Jacker Fong Zhong Cheng, casting his ballot was not something to be taken lightly, prompting him to do some online homework to ensure he was well-prepared for the occasion.

Fong, 22, a registered voter in the Machap Jaya state constituency, said his preparations included learning the correct way to mark his ballot paper to avoid making mistakes on polling day.

“I arrived here at 8am feeling a little nervous as it is my first time voting, but I am also happy to join other constituents in fulfilling our responsibility as voters.

“Everything has been running smoothly. The polling centre is clean and things are well-organised,” he told Bernama when met at SJKC Machap Umboo here today.

Sharing Fong’s enthusiasm was another first-time voter, Choong Soo Ting, 21, who was equally delighted to exercise her right to vote and have a say in shaping Melaka’s future.

Choong said her father, Choong Yun Wah, 53, had encouraged her and her younger sister to head to the polls, reminding them of their responsibility as Malaysian citizens.

“The voting process was simple and straightforward, with staff on hand to guide us,” she said.

Meanwhile, another first-time voter, Hok Pei Xuan, 22, said she had a pleasant voting experience and was pleased with how quick and easy the process was.

According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 675,166 ordinary voters are eligible to cast their ballots today to elect representatives to the 28-seat Melaka State Legislative Assembly.

Get the latest news on the 16th Melaka State Election at https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. — Bernama