Ayer Kuning: Despite being physically disabled since birth, an Orang Asli woman’s spirit to fulfil her civic duty remained undeterred as she cast her vote in the Ayer Kuning state by-election today. Dalinah Long, 47, who was born with disabilities affecting both her arms and legs, arrived at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Sungai Kroh at about 7.30 am, accompanied by her niece, Trifena Vhiew Teck Seng, 26.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dalinah expressed her happiness in voting, emphasizing her right as a citizen and highlighting the increasing awareness within the Orang Asli community about the importance of voting for their future. Another voter with a disability, S. Puspanathan, 43, also participated in the voting process at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Kuning polling centre. Puspanathan, who lost both his legs to a bacterial infection last year, arrived in a wheelchair accompanied by his wife, M. Vikkeneswari, 40. He received assistance from Election Commission (EC) officers to ensure a smooth vot
ing process, marking his fifth time voting.

Meanwhile, elderly couple Chai Ko Chong, 85, and his wife Loy Mooi Ying, 82, returned to Air Kuning by bus from the federal capital to cast their votes. Despite living in Kuala Lumpur with their children, Chai emphasized the importance of fulfilling their voting responsibility and stated that there was no excuse not to return and vote.

A total of 19 polling centres with 63 channels opened simultaneously at 8 am for the Ayer Kuning by-election. The voting process involved 31,281 voters.