KOTA KINABALU: The Election Commission (EC) is taking all necessary steps to ensure everyone follows the new norm during elections.
This was the case for the recent by-elections as well as the current Sabah state election.
During the early voting process at the Kepayan police headquarters on Tuesday, EC staff checked all those entering the polling centre.
They ensured everyone wore face masks, screened body temperatures and took attendance details. The voters were also advised on the use of hand sanitisers.
Designated lines to queue up were organised to ensure early voters practised physical distancing.
EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said standard operating procedures (SOP) were not only meant for voters but also personnel on duty.
"As long as people comply with the new norms, there is nothing to worry about."
According to SOP, he said only a maximum of 250 people were allowed inside any hall for events and campaignings but the number should be fewer if the hall was smaller.
"As for open spaces, there is no problem as long as people follow the SOP. If they violate the guidelines, then action will be taken by enforcement agencies."
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said voters should strictly observe the SOP at all times.
MMA president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said it was crucial to manage crowd control to ensure people followed the physical distancing requirement.
"The EC will need to work closely with the police and the People's Volunteer Corps to ensure the SOP are strictly followed, with face masks worn properly and physical distancing strictly observed at polling centres.
"As voters are likely to be in the queue for a longer duration due to the new norms, people must also observe proper respiratory hygiene."
Dr Ganabaskaran said the clusters detected in Sabah should be a reminder to people to be on their toes at all times when they cast their votes.
"They must protect their health by fully adhering to the SOP," he said.
For more information, go the https://www.infosihat.gov.my/images/media_sihat/normabaharu/HTML/