“After work, many people will come out to vote. Some are returning from far and might be caught up in highway traffic due to the long weekend,” Shaik Hussein said.

“Despite the initial low turnout, the numbers will pick up.”

As of 2pm, with four hours left for polling, the turnout was 44.5%. Previously, the unity government said it was hoping for a turnout of 65% or higher to ensure victory.

Shaik Hussein, who contested the Nibong Tebal parliamentary seat, of which Sungai Bakap is one of the three state seats, in 2018, said the voter turnout in the afternoon could be crucial in determining the outcome of the by-election.

“They say Sungai Duri is a PAS stronghold. No, it is not. Previously, it was an Umno stronghold.

“That is why we have been focussing on reaching out to members, especially those who supported PAS in the last election.

“Umno voters are key in this election. If 50% of Umno voters support PH, it could determine the winner,” he said.

PH candidate Joohari Ariffin said he had also noticed a change in Umno supporters, who had pledged to support him wherever he went.

“We are confident of taking the 36% Malay support that is needed to win,” he said.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow also said he was hoping for a voter turnout of at least 65%, as long as the weather remained favourable.