EC secretary Mohamed Elias Abu Bakar said as of 12.30pm, voter turnout had only reached 25%.

“We hope that people will come out to vote. They still have time until 5.30pm,” he said when met by reporters.

The EC is hoping for a 75-80% voter turnout in Balakong, with Elias previously saying that polling hours had been extended to 5.30pm as an encouragement to voters.

The Chinese-majority state seat, which has 61,219 registered voters, fell vacant after its assemblyman Eddie Ng died in a car crash in July.

The by-election sees a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Wong Siew Ki, 32, and MCA’s Tan Chee Teong, 40.

Wong is contesting under the PH logo, which is making its official debut this by-election.

MCA meanwhile is using its own logo instead of the Barisan Nasional symbol. MCA made the decision citing “internal reforms” following its poor performance in the May 9 general election.

Responding to media complaints that the polling station chief at the SMK Cheras Perdana centre had barred the press from entering, Elias said this was due to a miscommunication.

About 20 media personnel were reportedly refused entrance into the school and had to take shelter from the rain at a nearby bus stop.

“I wish to apologise for this miscommunication,” Elias said. “Let me make it clear that media personnel are allowed into polling stations, but not the polling area where voters cast their ballot papers.”

He said he had received similar complaints during the Sungai Kandis by-election as well as from several other polling stations in Balakong today.

“I will see to it that this miscommunication is addressed,” he added.