Semporna: Preparations for the candidate nomination process this Saturday, ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN), are proceeding smoothly in Semporna, which covers the Senallang, Bugaya and Sulabayan state constituencies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Semporna District Officer Mas Syazwan Masood, who also serves as the Returning Officer, stated that the nomination process will be held at the Semporna Community Arena Hall. Election preparations, including logistics for island areas under Semporna’s jurisdiction, are on schedule.
Mas Syazwan highlighted that voters in remote areas such as Denawan Island, which borders the Philippines and has about 157 registered voters, have been considered. A polling station will be set up on the island, located about an hour from Semporna town, to ensure voters can cast their ballots comfortably.
He also mentioned that six early polling centres will open in Semporna for security personnel, part of several improvements aimed at ensuring a smooth polling process.
Meanwhile, acting Semporna police chief DSP Jaafar Hakim announced that several main roads leading to the nomination center will be closed from 5 am to 12 noon this Saturday. The affected routes include Jalan Semporna-Tawau, the junction near KFC Semporna, Bulatan Gong to Dataran Lepa (Jalan Causeway), Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Habirun Extension (Taman Cahaya junction) to Jalan Tun Fuad, and Jalan Majinji near the Ninso Semporna building.
Traffic diversions will be implemented in front of the Semporna District Office, redirecting vehicles toward Hospital Road and Jalan Simunul. Motorists heading to the new Seafront area are advised to use the route from the roundabout near Hospital Semporna, with an additional diversion near the mosque toward Pasar Tongtalun Road.
Jaafar urged the public to plan their journeys early, use alternative routes, and follow police instructions to ensure smooth traffic flow on nomination day. He reminded all candidates and their supporters to comply with election laws and to avoid any actions that could disrupt the nomination process.
The Election Commission has set Nov 15 as nomination day, Nov 25 for early voting, and Nov 29 for polling day in the 17th Sabah State Election.