In a written parliamentary reply to Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii, Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that postal voting is only allowed for a select few.

They include staff and members of the Election Commission (EC), media practitioners covering the election, select government staff on duty during the election, and army or police personnel.

“For voters from Sabah and Sarawak residing in Peninsular Malaysia, the EC encourages voters to apply for a change in constituency, based on the latest place of residence, to facilitate voting for a general or by-election.”

Ismail said constituencies are determined by one’s registered address.

The EC has also established standard operating procedures to facilitate elections that occur during the pandemic, including frequent sanitisation, ensuring physical distancing, temperature screenings and the use of protective clothing by voters and staff.

Ismail added that the EC was in the process of reviewing and drafting improvements to current safety guidelines, with the health ministry’s help.

“In addition, the EC will also examine and consider the views or suggestions from other parties to improve the implementation of the election process, where health and safety issues are a priority in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.”