KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 16 — No special lane will be allocated for Covid-19 positive individuals to vote in the 15th general election (GE15), but they must wear face masks, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said the Election Commission (EC) and his ministry have concluded that it was the best option for these voters, after taking into consideration the resources available and other constraints.
“There cannot be a special lane…we have arrived at the best option after taking into consideration, the available resources and constraints like space and manpower.
“So the standard operating procedure (SOP) is as what has been announced by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah,” Khairy said after attending the ‘Selangkah ke Menara Gading and Townhall Ikon Malaysia Bersama Khairy Jamaluddin‘ programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam campus, earlier today.
On Monday, Dr Noor Hisham said Covid-19 positive individuals who will cast their ballots in the GE15 must wear face mask, while the use of face mask for other voters is strongly encouraged.
Voters who tested positive for Covid-19 are also not allowed to ride in public vehicles, including e-hailing, he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on a viral recording showing him being scolded by a female Sungai Buloh voter, the minister said it was the woman’s right to do so.
“No problem. We deal with voters and I decided to do a walkabout without filtering. We meet every level of society and not just those who supported us. Of course, there will be those who are disgruntled and they are free to express themselves.
“In yesterday’s incident, her sister was asking for assistance which she insisted that we give her immediately. I said that was impossible, as I would be committing an election offence,” he said.
— Bernama
