One 20-year-old voter also told FMT that contrary to popular belief, people in the rural areas were aware about such issues as corruption, politics and the economy.

Ain Batrisyia Masram said thanks to technology, information on such issues could be accessed at the touch of a finger.

She said she was ready to move away from “old politics” and vote for a party that could bring change.

“I have my own choice. I’m not just going to follow who my parents might vote for. A party that is determined to bring about changes should be supported.”

Ravindraan, 20, who was excited about voting for the first time, believed that youths would have a huge say on which coalition would form the new Perak and federal governments.

He hoped that young voters would make the correct choice although he admitted that they might be easily influenced and may not be as knowledgeable about governance.

Mahathir Salimi, 19, said he was both excited and confused about voting on Saturday as he was still unsure which candidate to support.

He said that previously, youths like him considered politics as just an arena where politicians would find fault with one another instead of focusing on issues affecting the nation.

“We want peace and harmony and a strong economy, not fighting and bringing up the faults of other leaders. I hope the party that wins the election can do its job well,” he said.

Mahathir added that better internet connection in the rural areas and greater job opportunities were the voters’ priorities.

Some 7.8 million new voters have been added to the electoral roll following the implementation of Undi18 and the automatic voter registration.

Analysts have said they could have a significant bearing on the outcome, while political parties and candidates have amped up their social media presence – even taking to TikTok – in hopes of wooing the first-time voters.