Kinabatangan & Lamag By-Elections: Early Voting Concludes with 93% Turnout

KINABATANGAN, El Sky News – The early voting phase for the Kinabatangan Parliamentary and Lamag State Assembly (DUN) by-elections concluded successfully this afternoon, showcasing a high level of civic engagement among security personnel.

High Participation Rate

According to the Election Commission (EC), 93% of the 196 registered early voters—primarily consisting of police officers—cast their ballots. The polling station, located at the Kinabatangan District Police Headquarters (IPD), opened its doors at 8:00 AM and officially closed at 5:00 PM.

EC Chairman, Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, who personally monitored the proceedings, praised the efficiency of the process. He noted that the voting was conducted in a calm and orderly manner without any reported incidents.

Securing the Ballots

Following the closure of the polls, the ballot boxes have been moved to a secure police lock-up. In accordance with standard electoral procedures, these boxes will only be opened and counted on the official polling day, scheduled for this Saturday, January 24, 2026.

The by-elections were triggered following the passing of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, in December.

Final Countdown to Saturday

As the early voting phase ends, political candidates are entering the final stretch of their campaigns. For the main polling day on Saturday, the EC has forecasted a total voter turnout of approximately 65%.

However, officials warned that logistics in the Kinabatangan region remain a challenge due to its vast geographical landscape. Some polling centers in remote areas may close earlier than scheduled on Saturday to mitigate risks associated with unpredictable weather and to ensure the safe transport of ballot boxes.

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