MUAR: The Election Commission (EC) has permitted for ceramah and talk sessions in the state election to be extended until midnight.
In a statement today, it said the updated Johor polls standard operating procedures (SOP) will only allow for campaigning activities such as ceramah and talks to be held at party offices and official operations rooms with a participation limited to 100 people.
"The events will be limited to 100 people or up to 50 per cent of space capacity, whichever is lower, to ensure the physical distancing of at least one metre is complied with. All attendees must be wearing masks.
"The number of attendees include the organisers; secretariat; speakers and participants.
"Ceramah and talks cannot be held after 12am. Campaigning events cannot be held at open premises or public places.
"The amendments and addition of the Covid-19 SOP for the 15th Johor state election takes effect immediately," the statement said.
On Feb 18, the EC issued the Johor election SOP, which stated that ceramah, talks and campaigns can only be allowed for two hours and not after 10pm.
The commission also requires organisers to obtain permits from the police for such campaigning activities.
The SOP received mixed views. On Feb 22, Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin called on the EC to relax the stringent SOP because it would be difficult for parties to introduce their candidates. He also said it will be impractical to only allow ceramah to be held at the operations centres where not all voters are available to simply drive up to the venue.
Further information on the SOP for the Johor election can be accessed via the EC's official website at https://www.spr.gov.my.
Polling day has been set for March 12. Nominations were on Feb 26 and early voting is on March 8.