Early turnout at Ayer Kuning by-election as first voter casts ballot at 8am

TAPAH - The Ayer Kuning by-election kicked off this morning with a steady flow of voters turning up at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ayer Kuning, eager to fulfill their duty.

The first person to cast her vote was 26-year-old Nor Shakira Aktar Ali from Kampung Tersusub Tanah Mines.

Shakira, who arrived just as the polling station opened at 8am said she wanted to vote early before heading to work.

"This is the first time I’m voting. I’m heading to work after this, so I came early," she said.

Right after her was 75-year-old retiree P. Raman, who lived nearby.

"It’s our duty to cast our vote," he said adding that he made it a point to come early every election.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek will also cast his vote at SK Ayer Kuning, today

There was a noticeable sense of enthusiasm among early voters, with many showing up well before the polling station opened.

Voters began gathering as early as 7.40am, with some taking cover from the light morning drizzle while others waited in line.

Volunteers were on hand to assist the elderly and ensure everything ran smoothly.

With the weather remaining uncertain, many voters said they preferred to come early to avoid the afternoon rain.

Polling will continue until 6pm, with results expected to be announced later this evening.