Tag Archives: BERSIH

2023 Election Voter Wearing Short Pants Blocked From Voting!

A voter in Penang was allegedly stopped from voting at the 2023 election because he wore short pants! Here is what you need to know!

2023 Election Voter Wearing Short Pants Blocked From Voting!

Sin Chew Daily just reported that a voter in Penang was allegedly stopped from voting at the 2023 election because he wore short pants. The incident reportedly occurred at a polling centre in Berapit, Bukit Mertajam.

According to the incumbent state assembly representative for Berapit, Heng Lee Lee, the voter arrived at the polling station at 7:45 AM, but was ordered return home and change his pants because they did not cross the knee. Her team immediately disputed the order, and the person-in-charge acknowledged the mistake.

When my campaign team heard about the incident, we immediately made our way to the polling centre and spoke to the person-in-charge, where we presented evidence that the Election Commission (EC) did not implement an attire guideline.

The person-in-charge subsequently recognised the mistake and no longer prevented those who wore short pants from voting.

Heng Lee Lee said that such incidents set a dangerous precedent, and shows how “extremist” ideologies have taken root in individuals who now act as “moral police”.

Photo Credit : Sin Chew Daily

This isn’t the first time Penang voters have been prevented from voting in elections because they wore short pants.

Back in May 2018, an Election Commission (SPR) officer was slammed by Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng for blocking a voter who wore short pants from entering the polling station in his constituency of Bagan.

The SPR officer was seen urging the male voter to return home to change, saying:

Other days (you) can (enter). What to do? They do not allow, so go change and enter directly.

The man was ultimately able to vote, but it was not known if he was only allowed to do so after he changed his pants. When confronted, the officer admitted that there was no such regulation prohibiting the voter from entering the polling station to cast his vote.

Truth : You Can Wear Short Pants To Vote In 2023 Election

Regardless of whether it is the 15th General Election, or the current 2023 election, there is nothing prohibiting voters from wearing short pants, or even slippers, when they go to the polling stations to vote.

According to Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act of 1954 (Act 5), voters can wear anything they want as long as their clothes do not have :

the name of any electoral candidate
the symbol of any political party

In other words, if you prefer to wear shorts and slippers, go on right ahead. Or if you prefer to dress up, more power to you!

Some people share photos like this example of the dress code for government offices in Malaysia. Please note that the government office dress code does NOT apply to elections!

You do NOT have to follow this dress code to vote in Malaysia!

During the previous 15th General Elections, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) issued a statement refuting that office dress code claim, as well as the infographic below.

The SPR also stated clearly that the government office dress code does NOT apply in any election polling station.

Voters do not have to dress according to government office attire at polling stations. The EC has not and will not prevent a voter from entering a polling station as long as the voter is appropriately dressed.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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2023 Election : Must You Wear Face Mask + Dress Properly?!

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Must you wear a face mask, and dress properly in order to vote at the 2023 State and Parliament election for Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : 2023 Election Voters Must Wear Face Mask + Office Dress Code!

People are sharing messages claiming that voters must wear a face mask, and follow a specific dress code to vote during the 2023 State and Parliament election for Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan!

Just sharing from another group. 👇

Please wear a mask when you go to vote , they may take this excuse no mask cannot go into voting centre .
So remember to bring your mask with you .
And dress decently. No shorts .

It seems must wear a mask when one goes to vote.. please inform people in your contacts. Tomorrow’s election attire has to be proper. Long pants, shirt & shoes. No shorts, sleeveless t-shirts & slippers. Mostly younger non-Malays wear this way esp shorts and may not be allowed…rugi undi.
Just a gentle reminder.

Truth : No Need To Wear Face Mask Or Office Dress Code To Vote In 2023 Election!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Voters Only Need To Be Appropriately Dressed

The fake news falsely claimed that people cannot wear short pants or slippers to vote at the 2023 election in Malaysia.

According to Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act of 1954 (Act 5), voters can wear anything they want as long as their clothes do not have :

the name of any electoral candidate
the symbol of any political party

In other words, if you prefer to wear shorts and slippers, go on right ahead. Or if you prefer to dress up, more power to you!

This is not just about comfort. It is expected to rain during 2023 election on 12 August 2023, and it may be impractical for voters to wear formal wear.

Fact #2 : Dress Code Photo Only For Government Offices

The photos that people keep sharing (below is just one example) are of the dress code for government offices in Malaysia. You only need to abide by that dress code if you wish to enter a government office.

That government office dress code does NOT apply to the polling centres for the 2023 State and Parliament election in Malaysia. You do NOT have to follow this dress code to vote in Malaysia!

Fact #3 : Face Mask Is Not Required To Vote

While wearing a face mask is strongly encouraged, you will not be turned away from voting if you do not have a face mask.

The World Health Organization announced on May 1, 2023 that COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Following that, Malaysia eased its COVID-19 guidelines on July 5:

wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory on public transportation, or hospitals.
it is only mandatory for people who are COVID-19 positive, and healthcare workers adhering to infection control practices in health facilities, to wear face masks.
quarantine for COVID-19 positive cases was also shortened from seven days to just five days from the onset of first symptoms.

Using face masks by high risk individuals in crowded areas and places with bad air circulation is also highly encouraged.
– Malaysia Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa

On 11 August 2023, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) also issued a detailed statement outlining the election process. There was no mention of face masks being required to vote.

In fact, face masks were NOT even required during the 15th General Election in November 2022!

At that time, wearing a face mask was only mandatory for COVID-19 positive voters! The SPR only strongly encouraged voted to wear one, but it was NOT a requirement.

Fact #4 : SPR Refuted Dress Code Claims

During the previous 15th General Elections, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) issued a statement refuting that office dress code claim, as well as the infographic below.

The SPR also stated clearly that the government office dress code does NOT apply in any election polling station.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did SPR Mislabel GE15 Ballot Box To Cheat Voters?!

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Did SPR put the wrong label on the GE15 ballot box, in an attempt to cheat voters?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : SPR Mislabel GE15 Ballot Box To Cheat Voters!

Voting for GE15 is over, but fake news about the 15th General Election continues to flow…

People have been sharing this video and message on WhatsApp, and social media, claiming that it’s evidence the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) put the wrong label on the ballot box, in an attempt to cheat the voters!

👆SPR, put wrong label on the ballot box.
Pointed out, by one of the voters. Lucky, she was sharp eyed!

They’d pulled, the same dishonest stunt, in GE14!

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SPR-Put-Wrong-Label-On-Ballot-Box.mp4?_=1

Truth : SPR Did NOT Mislabel GE15 Ballot Box To Cheat Voters!

That is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Video Was Recorded During GE14

The viral message falsely claimed that this video was recorded today, during GE15 – the 15th General Election.

This video was definitely recorded during the 14th General Election on 9 May 2018, because no one in this video was wearing a face mask.

The COVID-19 outbreak only started in December 2019, and became a pandemic only in March 2020. Hence, no one wore a face mask during the 14th General Election.

During GE15, voters are not required to wear a face mask, but generally, most voters will wear a face mask because COVID-19 positive voters are also voting.

The volunteers and SPR officials at the polling station would also be wearing a face mask, because they may have to deal with COVID-19 positive voters.

The most definitive evidence that this was recorded during GE14 is this – the ballot paper colours.

In GE14, the Parliament ballot was orange in colour, while the State ballot was yellow in colour.

In GE15, the Parliament ballot was white in colour, while the State ballot was peach in colour.

As you can see in this screenshot from the video – the ballots are yellow and orange in colour. So this video was definitely recorded on 9 May 2018, during GE14.

Fact #3 : Ballot Box Mix-Up Happened A Few Times During GE14

The mislabelling incident appears to start off with people who voted early accidentally dropping their ballots into the wrong boxes. It didn’t help that the two ballot colours are so similar!

Then people who voted later simply dropped their ballots according to the existing colour in the ballot boxes, without actually checking the box label. That led people to accuse SPR officials of mislabelling the ballot boxes.

In the end, the affected ballot boxes contained a mix of Parliament and State ballots, instead of strictly Parliament OR State ballots.

This was the reason why I recommended that the first voters of the day should check the ballot box labels before dropping in their ballots.

Fact #4 : Ballot Box Mixing Won’t Affect Votes

There was a lot of outrage from voters in GE14, who felt at that time that the SPR would invalidate the votes that were dropped into the wrong box.

The truth is – dropping the ballot into the wrong box will NOT void the vote. As BERSIH explained back in 2018:

This will not impact your vote because before all votes are tallied, all ballot papers will be sorted by colour.

Even SPR officials or voters repeat the same mistake in GE15, this will NOT invalidate your vote.

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media. They are designed to reduce voter confidence in the electoral process.

Regardless of what you may read or see on social media, please have faith in the electoral process, which is safeguarded by the Malaysian civil service and many volunteers.

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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GE15 : What Can Spoil Your Vote, Or Get It Rejected?

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Can improperly crossing the paper ballot spoil your GE15 vote, or get it rejected?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Cross GE15 Paper Ballot In Full, Or Your Vote Will Be Rejected!

Voting for GE15 – the 15th General Election is over, and now, it’s time to count the votes!

An infographic went viral just before GE15, claiming that not fully crossing the paper ballot will spoil your vote in GE15, or get it rejected.

Here’s a summary of what it said, in English:

Voting Criteria

Acceptable Votes
– the number of marked votes meets the required number
– the cross (X) fully occupies the entire box or at least 75% of the box
– in case of mistakes (the cross exceeds the box), the SPR officer must sign his acceptance

Spoilt Votes
– Anomaly : Any marking other than a cross (X)
– Parkinson : Cross not drawn with straight lines
– Dwarfism : Cross is less than 75% of the box
– Gigantism : Cross exceeds the box
– Double Line : Repeated crossing in the box
– Any mistake without a signature by an SPR officer

GE15 : What Can Spoil Your Vote, Or Get It Rejected?

That is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : SPR Labelled The Viral Infographic As False

First, let me point out that the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) labelled the viral infographic as false.

Fact #2 : Only One Vote Per Ballot

If there is one thing you must remember, it is this – you can only mark ONE VOTE PER BALLOT.

If you mark more than once in the ballot – selecting two different candidates, that will cause your ballot to be rejected.

You can mark twice or three times on the same political party or candidate – that’s fine, because your intent is clear – you want to vote for that party or candidate.

What’s not acceptable is voting for more than one candidate per ballot. Doing this will automatically cause your vote to be rejected.

Fact #3 : All Kinds Of Markings Are Acceptable

While SPR asks all voters to mark their votes with a cross (X), your vote will count even if you choose to mark your vote with other markings.

In his 2021 explainer video, the Director of SPR’s Election Academy Hasanul Isyraf, explained that your vote will be counted, as long as the KTM (Head of the Polling Centre) can discern your intention.

So if you mark your ballot paper with a tick (✓), an asterisk (*), a circle (o), or a slash (/ or \) – they will all be accepted, even if they are super small or super large.

But to make it easier for those who are counting the votes, he asked that everyone mark a cross (X) as that is the proper way to mark the paper ballots.

Fact #3 : Lines Do Not Need To Be Straight

At every election, some people will (unhelpfully) advise their friends to bring a ruler, because they claim that the lines must be straight, or the SPR will reject the vote.

That’s also NOT TRUE. You can draw squiggly lines, and the vote will still be accepted.

Fact #4 : You Cannot Write Words On Your Ballot

While different markings are acceptable, you cannot write words on your ballot, even if it is to indicate that you are voting for that party or candidate.

Any writing on the paper ballot will cause your vote to be rejected, even if you wrote “I vote for this party / candidate”.

Fact #5 : You Must Not Mark Outside The Boxed Section

The proper way to vote is to mark your choice in the empty box to the right of your preferred candidate and party.

But the SPR will accept any marking on the candidate’s name or the party’s name.

However, if you mark outside the boxed section, on the empty left side where the SPR stamp and serial number is located – your vote will be rejected.

Fact #6 : Your Ballot Paper Must NOT Be Torn

Before you even mark your ballot, you should make sure that your paper ballot was NOT torn.

It doesn’t matter if the ballot was torn accidentally by the polling clerk, or when you unfold it in the voting booth.

As long as it is torn, you must ask for a replacement ballot. If you don’t, your ballot will be rejected as a spoilt vote.

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media. They are reduce voter confidence in the electoral process.

Regardless of what you may read or see on social media, please have faith in the electoral process, which is safeguarded by the Malaysian civil service and many volunteers.

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Fact Check : Is Semak.Info A Phishing Website?!

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Is the Semak.Info website used to check for GE15 voter information really a phishing website?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Semak.Info Is A Phishing Website!

After the official voter information website by the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) went down a day before the GE15 election day,, people were advised to try an alternative voter information website called Semak.Info.

However, this warning then went viral later that day, claiming that the Semak.Info website is really a phishing website!

The app.semak.info is a phishing site to track your mobile number. Please be informed. Please do not forward. Thanks.

Truth : Semak.Info Is NOT A Phishing Website!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Semak.Info + App.Semak.Info Are Different Pages

First, let me point out that Semak.Info, and App.Semak.Info are two different pages on the same website. Think of them as two different rooms in the same office.

Semak.Info is the public-facing page, where users can check their GE15 voter information. Think of it as the information desk at your office.

App.Semak.Info, on the other hand, appears to be the website administrator’s page. Think of it as the back office.

That’s why it has a login page, just like how your back office would have a door with a lock – so that the public can’t just walk inside.

Fact #2 : Phishing Websites Masquerade As Genuine Websites

Phishing (pronounced as fishing) is a social engineering attack that attempts to obtain your login information, or personal information like credit card and bank account numbers, etc.

Hackers accomplish this by creating fake websites that look like the real website, to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your bank account login and password, or your security questions.

The Semak.Info page does not ask for any login or critical personal information, so it is not a phishing website.

The App.Semak.Info page is blank, with a simple login function. It does not pretend to be an SPR or banking website, and so it is also not a phishing website.

Fact #3 : Semak.Info Is Owned By DAP

When Semak.Info was first circulated, I too was concerned about this “unknown” website. But a quick check showed that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) was the one promoting its use on Facebook.

I did a little digging, and confirmed that the Semak.Info domain is owned by the Democratic Action Party. It also looked like they bought the domain, and developed the website for GE14, way back in 2017.

Fact #4 : Phone Number Used To Send WhatsApp

Some people asked me why this Semak.Info website would require a phone number, when the official SPR website does not require one to obtain voter information.

What they may not realise is that the DAP team added a WhatsApp messaging feature to their Semak.Info website.

Once you key in your phone number and identity card number, the website will give you your voter information. At the bottom though is a blue Whatsapp [sic] button.

If you click on that button, the website will attempt to send a WhatsApp message to that phone number you keyed in earlier, with key voting information.

It doesn’t automatically send the message. You are given a preview of the message, and you will need to tap on the “Continue to Chat” button to actually send that message to the phone number.

Fact #5 : You Can Use A Fake Phone Number

You may be worried that the DAP team could be harvesting your phone number, and tying it to your identification card number.

Frankly speaking, that kind of data is already easily available and sold (illegally) to marketers and scammers alike. So no one actually needs to “scam” you into keying your phone number.

If you are worried, you can use a fake phone number with this website. Just key in any 7-digit number, with a legitimate 3-digit telco prefix (like 011, 012, 017, 018, etc.), and you are good to go.

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media. They are designed to suppress voter turnout in the 15th General Election.

Regardless of what you may read or see on social media, please take the time and effort to cast your vote. This is not only your right, it is your responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia.

Remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. Democracy only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad government!

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Will Your Phone Get Hacked While You Vote In GE15?!

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Will your phone get hacked while you are voting in GE15?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Your Phone Will Get Hacked While You Vote In GE15!

This warning has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that your phone will get hacked while you are voting in GE15!

The post is long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

For first time voters, it might be tempting to bring your phone along with you to document and record your experience voting for the first time.

However, the Election Commission (EC) has announced that the use of mobile phones inside polling stations will not be allowed.

As such, you may use your phone to kill time while standing in line, but you’d have to surrender your phone once you collect your ballot paper.

But, according to a Malaysian self-taught ethical hacker, this might not be the wisest move.

In a Twitter post that has gone viral, Twitter user @BeardtimusPrime shared that leaving your phone unattended and in the hands of volunteers at polling stations raises many security bells.

In a response to an infographic about the on-the-day process, he said that you should never leave your smartphone unattended and if you had to, you should at least put security tape over the USB/Lightning port before handing it over.

How could that be possible?

In an interview with WORLD OF BUZZ, the Twitter user explained that the issue lies in the fact that you’d be handing over your phone to volunteers, with close to zero vetting and background checks.

“Physically handing over your device is the worst thing to do when it comes to security. It’s similar to sharing passwords.”

He then explained that there are various ways hackers could access your data with your device in their hands and that simply turning off a smartphone doesn’t truly turn it off unless you were to take the battery out which requires special tools.

“Malware injection is still possible as the device will be in a ‘soft-off’ state,” he explained.

He then shared an explainer video on how hackers could easily access your data simply by plugging in what appears to be a standard cable which would allow them to remotely control and access your phone.

The video showed how people who have managed to access your phone would be able to read your messages, send messages from your phone and other worrisome things.

If you’d like to find out more on how exactly this can happen, checkout the video below (tap link to view video).

We hope that this will serve as a reminder to never leave your phone unattended. Are you still planning to bring your phone to the voting stations?

Show less

Truth : Your Phone Won’t Get Hacked While You Vote In GE15!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Phones Are Left On KTM Table In Individual Boxes

First, let us establish some basic facts about how phones are “surrendered” before voting in GE15:

Each polling station (Saluran) will have two voting booths, allowing two voters to mark their ballots at the same time.
The KTM (Ketua Tempat Mengundi – Head of Polling Station) will have two cardboard boxes – one for each phone.
On the way to the voting booth, each voter will place his/her phone into one of the two cardboard boxes on the KTM’s table.
After casting the ballots, the voter will retrieve his/her phone from the cardboard box.

The polling clerks and the head of the polling station (KTM) will NOT touch any phone. Voters must place and retrieve their phones by themselves.

Fact #2 : There Are Many Witnesses In Each Polling Station

Each polling station has at least one police officer, three polling clerks and a KTM (Head of the Polling Station), as well as two or more observers.

That’s seven or more people arranged along three sides of the room, which means the phones placed on the KTM’s table are visible to all of them. Any attempt by anyone but the voters to handle the phones would be instantly noticed.

Fact #3 : KTM Is Usually A Teacher Working In That School

In Malaysian elections, schools are generally used as voting centres, with classrooms converted into polling stations.

Usually, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) appoints teachers of the same school as the KTM – head of each polling station.

While this does not mean some of these teachers are not secretly awesome hackers in their spare time, it means that your phones are generally being watched by teachers.

If you can trust school teachers with your kids, you can certainly trust them to WATCH OVER your precious phone.

Fact #4 : Marking Your Ballots Take Less Than A Minute

The only time your phone is out of your view is when you are marking your ballots in the voting booth.

How long do you reckon it takes to mark X on one or two ballots, and fold them? Maybe 10 seconds? 20 seconds if you are slow. No matter what – your mobile phone will only be out of sight for less than a minute.

Do you actually believe any hacker would have the time to hook up your phone to any cable, never mind hack it, in less than one minute?

Fact #5 : Juice Jacking Requires Cable To Be Plugged Into Phone

What this “ethical hacker” is referring to is called juice jacking. Juice jacking requires a cable to be plugged into your phone. It cannot happen wirelessly, because it relies on USB vulnerabilities.

As noted in Fact #1, you will place your phone into a large cardboard box. You will be able to see that there are no cables present.

While you are marking your vote, the box containing your phone will be fully visible to at least six other people in the room, if you discount the “nefarious KTM who is secretly an evil hacker”.

Even a “nefarious KTM who is secretly an evil hacker” will have trouble taking your phone out of the box, without any of the other people in the room noticing, never mind actually plugging in a cable.

That’s why the real risk of juice jacking isn’t that 20-30 seconds you spend voting in GE15, but when you plug your phone into a free USB power socket.

If you are paranoid, just cover your phone’s USB or Lightning port with tape, before you place it in the designated box.

Fact #6 : Juice Jacking Vulnerabilities Have Been Mitigated

As ethical hackers reveal security risks like juice jacking, Google and Apple have taken measures to mitigate the risks.

Both Android and iOS, for example, no longer allow the phone to be mounted as a drive when plugged in over USB. You will get a prompt asking you to confirm the step, which is not possible for the hacker to do without first unlocking the phone.

There have also been many Android and iOS security updates that patch vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to juice jacking attacks. That’s why it’s so important to keep your phone operating system updated.

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media.

Remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. Democracy only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad government!

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Were Waxed GE15 Ballots Used To Skew Early Votes?!

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Did SPR use waxed paper ballots to skew early votes by soldiers in GE15?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Waxed GE15 Ballots Used To Skew Early Votes!

This warning has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) used waxed paper ballots to skew early votes by soldiers in GE15!

Sharing from Support Invoke group:

Just recently in Sabah, soldiers who have voted early, revealed that, next to the Pakatan Harapan (eye logo) where they draw the “X” was slippery, as if the area was printed with a layer of wax, making the “X” difficult to stick/draw on the ballot paper. So when you do find your ballot paper is like the above mentioned…. request Kerani 3 to replace with a new ballot paper. Everyone be alert & careful!! Remind others too to watch out. Do the necessary to make your vote valid!!

Truth : No Waxed GE15 Ballots Were Used To Skew Early Votes!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Pakatan Harapan Does Not Use Eye Logo

The viral message falsely claimed that Pakatan Harapan uses the eye logo.

Pakatan Harapan’s logo is the word Harapan in white, with a stylised arrow replacing the middle A, on a red background.

The eye logo is actually used by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) because it symbolises the black eye their leader, Anwar Ibrahim received in 1998.

Fact #2 : PKR Candidates Use PH Logo In Sabah

In October 2022, Anwar Ibrahim stated that Pakatan Harapan member parties will use the red PH logo in Peninsular Malaysia, but leave it to Sabah and Sarawak party leaders to decide whether to use the same logo, or their individual party logos.

However, PKR Sabah chose to use the Pakatan Harapan logo for their candidates. That means the ballot papers for Sabah will show the Pakatan Harapan logo for PKR candidates, as the candidate and logo list for P.167 (Kudat) below shows.

Therefore, it is impossible for any Sabah ballot paper to feature the “eye logo” which is only used by PKR, and not Pakatan Harapan.

In short – the claim that soldiers in Sabah found it hard to vote for Pakatan Harapan / PKR candidates there is false.

Fact #3 : Early Voters Vote Based On Their Own Constituency

Like postal voters, early voters do not vote according to their current location, but according to their constituencies.

That means soldiers in Sabah will vote for their hometown constituencies, unless they opt to change to a different constituency.

Again, this confirms the viral message is lying – the Pakatan Harapan candidates would be using the red PH logo, and not the PKR eye logo.

Fact #4 : Ballpoint Pen + Pencils Have Hard Nibs

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) will provide either a ballpoint pen or a pencil in voting booths for your use. You can also bring your own ballpoint pen or pencil.

But unless you intentionally bring your own soft felt tip pen to mark your vote, you will have no problem marking your vote even if the ballot paper was waxed.

That’s because ballpoint pens and pencils have hard nibs, that will scratch through any waxy surface to make a mark on the paper below.

Fact #5 : No Report Of Waxed Ballot Papers

Early voting in Malaysia was conducted on Tuesday, 15 November 2022. Yet, there has been no report of waxed ballot papers being used in any early voting.

Even if the government was covering up any official reports, police officers and military personnel who encountered such ballot papers would have complained about it on social media, if not to the media.

Fact #6 : Improper Paper Ballots Can Be Exchanged

In the event you encounter any issue with your ballot paper – whether you believe it was tampered with, or was marked in advance, you can complain to the SPR officer in charge of the polling station.

If the SPR officer confirms that there is a problem with the paper ballots, you will receive replacement ballots

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media.

Remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. Democracy only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad government!

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Malaysia GE15 Election : Do’s And Don’ts Of Voting!

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Here is a quick summary of the do’s and don’ts of voting on GE15 – the 15th General Election in Malaysia!

Malaysia GE15 Election : Please Do This!

Here is a quick summary of what you should do, when you head out to vote in the 15th General Election on 19 November 2022.

Check Your Voting Details

Before you leave home, please make sure you check your voting details using the SPR Semakan Daftar Pemilih (Electoral Roll Review) page.

At the very least, find out where is your voting centre and its opening and closing hours, which may have changed from the last election.

While this is not necessary, it would be good if you can note down your Saluran (polling station) number. This allows you to avoid checking for your Saluran at the SPR barung, and directly head to the polling station=.

Bring Your Original Identification Document

This is the only thing you must absolutely bring with you to vote in GE15 – an original identification document. Here is a list of what is acceptable:

MyKad identification card
Malaysian passport
Malaysian driving licence
Temporary identification document (JPN. KPPK09)
Official JPN Receipt for Lost Identification Card Report (JPN. KPPK11)

Please do not bring a photocopy of your identification document. It must be the actual identification document.

Wear A Face Mask

Wearing a face mask is mandatory for COVID-19 positive voters.

All other voters do not have to wear a face mask, but it is strongly encouraged to wear one, as it will help prevent any potential infections by COVID-19 positive voters.

Practice Safe Distancing

Ensuring a proper physical distance is mandatory for COVID-19 positive voters.

All other voters do not have to maintain a physical distance, but it is strongly encouraged to do so, as it will help prevent any potential infections by COVID-19 positive voters.

Bring Your Mobile Phone

If you are COVID-19 positive, you should bring your mobile phone with MySejahtera installed, so the KKM officer at the voting centre can check your health status.

All other voters do not have to bring a mobile phone, but may do so.

Sanitise Your Hands

After your identity is verified, you will be asked to dip your left index finger into indelible ink.

COVID-19 positive voters MUST sanitise their hands BEFORE dipping their finger into the indelible ink bottle.

All other voters do not have to sanitise their fingers before or after dipping their finger into the ink bottle, but may do so.

It is recommended that you bring your own hand sanitiser, but the SPR will also provide hand sanitisers at the polling station.

Use A Different Hand To Accept Ballot Paper

The indelible ink takes a minute or so to try, so it is recommended that you use a different hand to accept the ballot paper from polling clerk.

This prevents the ballot paper from being stained by the indelible ink. While this will not spoil your vote, it is still best to avoid staining the ballot paper at all.

Check Your Ballot Paper

Depending on your constituency, you will receive one or two ballot papers – white for Parliament, and peach for State.

When the second polling clerk hands you your ballot paper(s), please check to make sure:

the ballot papers are printed correctly,
they have half a certified SPR stamp and a serial number,
they are not torn or damaged in any way, and
they are not marked in any way.

If there are any irregularities, point them out to the polling clerk and/or ask the SPR officer for assistance.

Put Your Phone In Silent Mode + Surrender It

Before you go to the voting booth, you MUST place your phone at a designated box on the Polling Centre Head’s desk.

To avoid interruptions, please place your phone on Silent mode, before placing it in the provided box.

Mark Only Once Per Ballot Paper

It is important that you make only ONE VOTE per ballot paper. If you mark the ballot more than once, it will spoil the vote and your vote will not be counted.

Mark The Ballot With A Cross

Best practice is to mark the empty box next to the candidate or party of your choice with a cross (X).

While the counting clerks will accept other marking like a tick, or even a slash, it’s best to avoid all doubt by marking your choice with a cross (X).

Mark The Ballots With A Pen

Each polling booth will have a pen or pencil, and both are accepted ways of marking your paper ballots.

If you wish to avoid all doubt your vote will not be changed, you are allowed to bring your own pen to mark your paper ballots.

Drop Ballots Into Correct Box

It may seem obvious, the first voter of the day for each polling station may make this mistake, as the voting boxes will be empty.

So please make sure the White ballot paper goes into the box for Parliament, while the Peach ballot paper goes into the box for State.

Malaysia GE15 Election : Please Don’t Do This!

Here is a quick summary of what you should NOT do, when you head out to vote in the 15th General Election on 19 November 2022.

Do NOT Wear Clothes With Political Names / Logos

There is no dress code to vote in GE15, but voters are PROHIBITED from wearing clothes with names or logos or symbols of any political candidate, or political party within 50 metres of any voting centre.

Anyone who breaks this rule under the Election Offences Act of 1954 will face up to a year in prison, and/or a fine of up to RM5,000.

Do NOT Bring Items With Political Names / Logos

You are also FORBIDDEN from bringing any items – bags, caps, umbrellas, or even earrings and brooches – that have the names or logos or symbols of any political candidate, or political party.

Anyone who breaks this rule under the Election Offences Act of 1954 will face up to a year in prison, and/or a fine of up to RM5,000.

Do NOT Use Your Phone In Polling Centre

You are allowed to bring your phone and use it at the voting centre. However, once you reach your Saluran (polling station), you are NO LONGER ALLOWED to use your phone.

SPR will place notices and posters warning against the use of phones or smartphones inside and outside every GE15 voting room.

Do NOT Take Photo Of Your Ballot Paper

Before marking your ballot papers, you must place your phone in the provided area on the table of the Ketua Tempat Mengundi (Head of the Polling Station).

Please note that it is an offence to take a photo of your ballot papers showing your vote. If convicted, you are subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine of not more than RM5,000, or both.

I hope you found this guide useful. Please feel free to share this out with your family and friends.

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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What Must You Do Before + During GE15 Election?

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Find out what must you do before GE15 – the 15th General Election in Malaysia, and on election day itself!

What Should You Do Before GE15 Election Day?

Thanks to the Undi18 constitutional amendments that expanded voting rights for Malaysian citizens from 15 December 2021 onwards:

the minimum voting age was reduced to 18 years
automatic voter registration – all eligible voters would be automatically registered and allowed to vote

There is no longer a need for you to register to vote, but you should check your voting details at least one day before Election Day.

Use the SPR Semakan Daftar Pemilih (Electoral Roll Review) page, which will give you important information like:

Pusat Mengundi : Location of your voting centre
Saluran : Your assigned polling station at the voting centre
Bilangan : The number of voters assigned to that polling station
Masa Mengundi : Voting time for your voting centre
Masa Keluar Mengundi Yang Digalakkan : Recommended time to go vote
Hari Mengundi : Election day

While it is not necessary to print those details, if you can write them down and bring them to the voting centre, it will help the election clerks speed up your registration.

What Must Voters Bring On GE15 Election Day?

The only thing voters MUST bring is one of these identification documents, in order to qualify to vote on Election Day:

MyKad identification card
Malaysian passport
Malaysian driving licence
Temporary identification document (JPN. KPPK09)
Official JPN Receipt for Lost Identification Card Report (JPN. KPPK11)

In addition to their identification document, COVID-19 positive persons MUST also bring:

a face mask that is worn at all times, except during the facial identification process
a smartphone with MySejahtera installed, for KKM officers to check your COVID-19 status

These are recommended (not necessary) items that voters may choose to bring:

your own hand sanitiser – recommended for COVID-19 voters
your own pen – recommended for COVID-19 voters
your own tissue paper – to wipe off any excess indelible ink

What Voters Cannot Bring On GE15 Election Day?

Voters are NOT allowed to bring any item (like umbrellas, bags, and caps) with the name of any electoral candidate, or the symbol of any political party, into the voting centre.

Voters are also NOT allowed to wear clothes that have the name of any electoral candidate, or the symbol of any political party.

What Should Voters Do On GE15 Election Day?

Step 1 : Once you arrive at your voting centre, you can either :

head directly to your Saluran (polling station), if you already know your Saluran number, or
ask the SRP Barung agent there to check your Saluran number.

Step 2 : Queue outside your assigned Saluran, for your turn to enter the polling station.

Please note that you are NOT allowed to use your phone at the polling station.

Step 3 : Once the police officer at the polling station lets you in, you need to hand over your identification document (e.g. MyKad) to the first polling clerk.

Step 4 : The polling clerk will verify your details against the electoral roll, and perform a visual identification.

At this point, COVID-19 positive voters must pull down their face masks. Please take care to stand at a distance, and avoid speaking, and quickly put the face mask on after the clerk confirms your identity.

Step 4 : The polling clerk will then ask you to show both your hands, to confirm that you do not have any fingers marked with the indelible ink – evidence that you have not voted yet.

Step 5 : The first polling clerk will hand your identification document to the second polling clerk, and loudly call out your identification card / passport number and name. Please make sure that they are both correct.

Step 6 : You will be asked to move to the second polling clerk, who will hand your identification document back to you.

Step 7 : The second polling clerk will ask you to put out your left index (second) finger, to dip into the indelible ink bottle.

COVID-19 positive voters MUST sanitise their hands BEFORE dipping their left index fingers into the indelible ink bottle.

Step 8 : Head to the next table where the third polling clerk will hand you your folded paper ballot(s).

You will get a white ballot for Parliament, but you may not receive a peach ballot for state – it depends on your constituency.

Just in case the indelible ink on your left index finger is still wet, take your paper ballots using your right hand.

Step 9 : You will now be asked to head to the table of the Polling Station Head (Ketua Tempat Mengundi, KTM), to deposit your mobile phone in the provided box.

Step 10 : You can now proceed to the voting booth, where you can now unfold the paper ballots.

Although ink smudges will not void your vote, try to unfold your paper ballots once the indelible ink has dried on your left index finger.

Step 11 : Choose your candidate by marking each paper ballot ONCE with an X in the empty box on the far right using the provided pen, or your own pen.

Step 12 : Fold the paper ballots once you are done, before you leave the voting booth.

Step 13 : Drop your paper ballots into the respective polling boxes for Parliament (white) and State (peach).

Step 14 : Collect your mobile phone from the table of the Polling Station Head (KTM).

Step 15 : You can leave the polling station, and the voting centre.

I hope you found this guide useful. Please feel free to share this out with your family and friends.

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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GE15 : 4PM to 6PM Reserved For COVID-19 Voters?!

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Is the 4 PM to 6 PM time slot reserved for only COVID-19 positive voters in GE15, because that’s the only time they are allowed to vote?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : 4 PM – 6 PM Is Only For COVID-19 Voters In GE15

People are sharing claims that 4 PM to 6 PM is reserved exclusively for COVID-19 positive voters, with others claiming that COVID-19 positive voters can only vote during that time slot.

Here is one example on social media:

Please go out and vote before 4.00 p.m.

4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is for Covid positive people to vote.

GE15: EC issues guidelines for Covid-19 voters

Truth : 4 PM – 6 PM Is NOT Only For COVID-19 Voters In GE15

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : GE15 Voting Hours Are Fixed On Election Day

First, let me establish some basic facts about the voting hours on GE15 – the 15th General Election.

Voting hours for GE15 are fixed from 8 AM until 6 PM, in Peninsular Malaysia, and from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in Sabah and Sarawak.

As long as you get to the polling centre by those times, no one can deny you entry or the right to vote on election day, the 19th of November 2022.

That said, the SPR can gazette different closing times for different closing times for different polling centres, especially in the rural areas.

So please check the correct opening hours for your polling centre using this SPR link.

Fact #2 : COVID-19 Positive Voters Are Allowed To Vote

COVID-19 positive voters are not pariahs, but fellow citizens who just happened to be infected with COVID-19.

The SPR has stated that they have the same rights as other citizens in voting during the 15th general election.

They just have to follow some simple and common sense rules when they go to vote on 19 November 2022.

Fact #3 : COVID-19 Positive Voters Are At ANY TIME

COVID-19 positive voters do NOT have to only vote from 4 PM to 6 PM, as some people are alleging.

They can go and vote at the official opening hours of their voting centre. If their voting centre opens at 7:30 AM, they can vote as early as 7:30 AM.

There are no restrictions on when COVID-19 positive voters can vote, as long as it is within the GE15 stipulated voting hours.

Fact #4 : 4 PM – 6 PM Are NOT Reserved For COVID-19 Positive Voters

There is no exclusive 4 PM to 6 PM time slot for COVID-19 positive voters, as some people are alleging.

All voters, even if they are not COVID-19 positive, can go and vote between 4 PM to 6 PM, as long as their voting centres are still open.

Some voting centres, especially in rural areas, may close early, so please refer to each voting centre’s official opening hours.

Fact #5 : SPR Recommends COVID-19 Positive Voters To Come 2 Hours Before Closing

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) is merely recommending that COVID-19 positive voters come two hours before each centre’s closing time.

That means 4 PM to 6 PM for Peninsular Malaysia, and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for Sabah and Sarawak.

This is merely a RECOMMENDATION, and is NOT A REQUIREMENT. Just in case there’s any confusion, here is the official statement in Malay, and my English translation:

Pengundi positif COVID-19 digalakkan untuk keluar mengundi 2 jam sebelum tamat tempoh pengundian pusat mengundi masing-masing.

COVID-19 positive voters are encouraged to vote 2 hours before the end of voting at each voting centre.

Fact #6 : COVID-19 Positive Voters Are Given Priority At ALL TIMES

Whenever a COVID-19 positive voter turns up to vote, a Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) officer will escort him/her to the polling station.

Once at the polling station, the COVID-19 positive voter is given priority to vote first, to minimise exposure to other people waiting there.

This personal escort + voting priority is not limited to 4 PM to 6 PM, but throughout Election Day.

In fact, this system of escorting COVID-19 positive voters and giving them priority to vote first is only necessary because there is NO EXCLUSIVE TIME SLOT for them.

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media. They are designed to suppress voter turnout in the 15th General Election.

Regardless of what you may read or see on social media, please take the time and effort to cast your vote. This is not only your right, it is your responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia.

Remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. Democracy only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad government!

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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New SPR Rules On Bringing + Using Phone On GE15!

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The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) just issued a notice on new rules on bringing and using your phone during GE15 – the 15th General Election!

SPR : You Cannot Use Your Phone Inside GE15 Polling Station

At around 10 PM on Monday, 14 November 2022, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) issued new rules on how voters can use their phone when they go to vote in the 15th General Election.

You are allowed to bring a phone or smartphone with you to the voting centre. However, you are forbidden from using your phone once you get to the polling station (Saluran) – the room in which you will receive and mark your voting ballot.

SPR will place notices and posters warning against the use of phones or smartphones inside and outside every GE15 voting room. Here is the official SPR statement, with my English translation:

Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia (SPR) telah memaklumkan kepada semua pengundi bahawa penggunaan telefon bimbit di tempat mengundi (saluran) adalah tidak dibenarkan. Sebagai peringatan, notis atau poster larangan penggunaan telefon bimbit akan diletakkan di luar dan di dalam tempat mengundi.

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) has informed all voters that the use of mobile phones at polling stations (Saluran) is forbidden. As a reminder, notices or posters prohibiting the use of mobile phones will be placed outside and inside the polling station.

This SPR decision will help prevent anyone from taking photos of voters making their choices, and reduce the potential for vote buying and election fraud.

SPR : You Must Surrender Your Phone Before Voting In GE15!

SPR also officially stated that you must place your phone in the provided area on the table of the Ketua Tempat Mengundi (Head of the Polling Station).

After marking and casting your vote, you will then retrieve your phone / smartphone from the KTM’s table, before leaving the polling station.

Here is the official SPR statement, with my English translation:

SPR telah menetapkan bahawa pengundi yang membawa telefon bimbit ke tempat mengundi perlu meletakkan telefon bimbit di tempat yang telah disediakan setelah menerima kertas undi dan mengambilnya semula setelah selesai mengundi.

SPR has ordered that voters who carry mobile phones to the polling station must put the mobile phone in the provided place after receiving the ballot papers and retrieve it after they have finished voting.

This SPR decision will help prevent anyone from accidentally or intentionally taking photos of their votes / ballot papers, and hopefully, prevent vote buying.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Can Postal Votes Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia?

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Can your postal votes be changed by anyone in Malaysia?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Postal Votes Can Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, warning people that postal votes can be changed on receipt in Malaysia!

There’s a push for postal voting for overseas M’sians. Here is my concern: The problem with postal votes is that on receipt in Malaysia the votes can be CHANGED! That why in GE14 the voting forms were hand carried by Malaysian traveller back to KLIA. At KLIA, people fr various states waited to receive the hand carried voting forms & distributed them to their polling stations.

Truth : Postal Votes Cannot Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Sampul A + B Envelopes Are Sealed

After marking their ballots, postal voters will seal them in individual Sampul A envelopes, that are then sealed together with their Borang 2 forms in individual Sampul B envelopes.

For anyone to change the votes, he/she will have to tear open the envelopes, which would invalidate the vote inside. The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #2 : Changing The Vote Would Spoil It

While pencil can be used to mark the ballot, most postal voters will likely use a pen to mark their ballots.

If someone breaks into the envelopes and marks a different choice on the ballot, that will also invalidate the vote – you can only mark once in each ballot.

The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #3 : GE14 Postal Vote Hand Carrying Not Due To Fraud

Postal voting in GE14 was pretty much restricted to Malaysian military personnel, government servants and full-time students residing overseas.

Even though the Election Commission (SPR) granted limited rights to overseas Malaysia to vote by post, less than 8,000 were eligible because voter registration was not yet automatic.

In the end, only 212,834 Malaysians were eligible to vote by post, consisting of :

149,730 election workers, military and police personnel, and members of the media,
7,979 overseas Malaysians

However, the reason why many overseas Malaysians had to resort to the hand-carrying method was because the postal ballots arrived late, and it would take too long to mail them back.

To avoid those postal ballots being rendered void because they could not reach the Returning Officer in their home constituency by 5:30 PM on Election Day, Malaysians banded together to help “hand carry” them.

People flying back to Malaysia brought back the ballots, and handed them over to runners who brought them to each local constituency. However, all this was done to meet the deadline, not to avoid election fraud.

Fact #2 : 1.86 Million Overseas Malaysians Eligible For Postal Voting

In GE15, about 1.86 million Malaysians residing overseas are eligible for postal voting – a vast increase from less than 8,000 in GE14.

That is almost 9% of the total electorate in Malaysia, and for the first time ever – postal voting will have a significant effect on a Malaysian general election.

Hence, it is important to be wary about fake news that are designed to discourage postal voting.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and SUPPORT our work!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is There A Dress Code For GE15 Election Voters?!

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Is there a dress code for voters during GE15 – the 15th Malaysia General Election?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : GE15 Voters Must Follow Office Dress Code To Vote!

People are sharing messages claiming that voters must follow a specific dress code to vote during GE15 – the 15th Malaysia General Election!

Please viral to all the youngsters, male and female, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Ibans, Kadazans Dan Lain lain, Please DON’T wear short pants, Shorts, slippers while going to polling centre to vote. Those with shorts n slippers SPR doesn’t allow to vote.
请向所有青少年，男性和女性，马来人，华人，印度人，基督徒，锡克教徒，印度穆斯林和其他人，前往投票中心投票时请不要穿短裤 & 拖鞋。SPR 是不允许投票。

This typical Govt poster on DRESS CODE MIGHT SUDDENLY APPEAR AT THE GATE OF YOUR POLLING STATION TO CATCH YOU UNAWARE !! … SO BE ALERTED !! SHARE !!

Truth : No Need To Follow Office Dress Code To Vote In GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Voters Only Need To Be Appropriately Dressed

The fake news falsely claimed that people cannot wear short pants or slippers to vote at the 15th general election in Malaysia.

According to Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act of 1954 (Act 5), voters can wear anything they want as long as their clothes do not have :

the name of any electoral candidate
the symbol of any political party

In other words, if you prefer to wear shorts and slippers, go on right ahead. Or if you prefer to dress up, more power to you!

This is not just about comfort. The 15th General Elections will be carried out during the monsoon season, and voters may have to endure pouring rain, making it impractical to wear formal wear.

Fact #2 : Dress Code Photo Only For Government Offices

That government office dress code does NOT apply to the polling centres for the 15th General Election. You do NOT have to follow this dress code to vote in GE15!

Fact #3 : SPR Refuted Dress Code Claims

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) also issued a statement refuting that office dress code claim, as well as the infographic below.

The SPR also stated clearly that the government office dress code does NOT apply in any election polling station.

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Must You Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15?!

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Must you follow a specific voting time at the upcoming GE15 Malaysia general election?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : You Must Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15!

People are sharing two viral messages about following a specific voting time during the 15th Malaysia general election – GE15!

New rules from SPR to make it did to vote this GE15. You need to print out your details from SPR website. You are only allowed to vote 8am to 10am for morning n 2pm to 4pm. Even though it is stated voting time is 10 hours, the guards will not allow people in from 10am to 1pm n voting centers will close 4pm sharp. This is a cheating method for UMNO to win. Make sure you have a given number in your details. Those without number will not be allowed in. Plus no handphone allowed. Please make police reports. This is the biggest scam from SPR.

Check your voting time. It’s not d same like before where you can go anytime. Because of Covid, you are given your voting time. If one don’t follow d voting time given might not be allow to go in d voting hall to cast their vote.

They didn’t announce it. Another dirty move. 😡 Pls share with friends n relatives.

Truth : You Don’t Need To Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : GE15 Voting Hours Are Fixed On Election Day

The fake news falsely claimed that people are only allowed to vote at a specific time given by the SPR, for example from 8 AM to 10 AM in the morning, or from 2 PM to 4 PM in the afternoon.

The voting hours for GE15 – the 15th general election in Malaysia are fixed from 8 AM until 6 PM, in Peninsular Malaysia, and from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in Sabah and Sarawak.

No one can deny you the right to vote between those official polling hours on election day, the 19th of November 2022.

That said, the SPR can gazette different closing times for different closing times for different polling centres, especially in the rural areas.

So please check the correct opening hours for your polling centre using this SPR link.

Fact #2 : Recommended Voting Hours Are A Suggestion, Not Rule

People may be confused by the SPR listing (in bold red colour, no less!) the recommended voting time (with my translation in English).

Masa Keluar Mengundi Yang Digalakkan

Recommended Time To Vote

The recommended 2-hour period varies from person to person, and is merely a suggestion, not a rule. You do NOT have to follow the recommended voting hours.

The recommended voting time appears to be SPR’s attempt to minimise crowding by spacing voters out into 2 hour slots. It is up to you to follow their recommendation, or come whenever it’s convenient.

However, to avoid missing out on the opportunity to vote on GE15, please come at least an hour or two before the 6 PM deadline!

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Must You Sanitise Hands After Dipping In Indelible Ink?!

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Must you sanitise your hands after dipping your finger in indelible ink during the GE15 general election?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : You Must Sanitise Hands After Dipping Finger In Indelible Ink!

This warning has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that there is a new requirement for the 15th General Election (GE15) to sanitise your hands, after dipping your finger in indelible ink.

According to the viral message, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) requires you to use a hand sanitiser after you dip your finger in indelible ink.

A new requirement this election. They’ll be asking you to sanitize ur hands after you’ve dipped ur finger in the ink (a KKM requirement).

Pse remember not to sanitize the ink finger, as the alcohol will dissolve the ink & cause it to smudge even before you vote.

So bring along a tissue & be careful not to allow the ink to stain urself, clothing & most importantly ur ballot paper.

You may ask the Ketua Tempat Mengundi (KTM) for a replacement ballot paper if any strains do occur, it’s their prerogative to give or not.

Truth : No Need To Sanitise Hands After Dipping Finger In Indelible Ink!

This is yet another example of election FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : You Are Not Required To Sanitise Your Hands

While the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) recommends good hand hygiene, either using soap and water, or a hand sanitiser, it did not issue any new requirement for the 15th General Election.

You are NOT required to sanitise your hands before or after dipping your finger in the indelible ink. That is simply fake news.

Fact #2 : Indelible Ink Usually Contains Biocide

Indelible ink used in dipping bottles usually contain a biocidal agent to prevent transfer of pathogens from one voter to another.

Hence, you are not required to sanitise your finger after dipping it in indelible ink.

Fact #3 : SPR Labelled Message As Fake News

Just in case you don’t believe me, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) labelled the viral message as fake news on 9 November 2022.

The message that is circulating is fake and don’t trust any information from unreliable sources. Refer to the SPR website spr.gov.my for the actual voting protocol.

BERSIH – The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections also labelled this viral message as “false” and “misinformation”.

Fact #4 : Indelible Ink Cannot Be Washed Off Using Alcohol

The indelible ink used in Malaysia has an organic pigment to instantly colour the finger, and a small amount of silver nitrate for more permanent staining.

The silver nitrate is the indelible part of the ink, staining dead skin cells (including your fingernail and cuticle) on exposure to ultraviolet light. It can only be removed as your skin cells are replaced, and you grow new nail.

You can clean off the organic pigment in hours, but the silver nitrate stain on the finger will typically stay for 3-4 days, while the stain on the fingernail and cuticle area will last 2-4 weeks.

Fact #5 : You Should Let Indelible Ink Dry Before Voting

Regardless of whether you want to sanitise your hands or not, you should always let the indelible ink dry after dipping your finger in the bottle.

This is a standard procedure when voting – to avoid smudging the ballot paper, which may invalidate it. Fortunately, indelible ink dries quickly, so smudging is usually not a problem.

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You Must Surrender Phone Before Voting In GE15!

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The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) just introduced a new requirement – you must surrender your phone before voting in the 15th General Election!

GE15 : You Must Surrender Your Phone Before Voting!

At 2:15 PM on 9 November 2022, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) issued an infographic detailing the 10 steps you need to take to vote on the day of the 15th General Election (GE15).

Eagle-eyed Malaysian netizens quickly spotted Steps 6 and 9, in which there is a new requirement to surrender your phone before voting, and collecting it back after you have voted.

Many people have asked me if this is true, as there was never such a requirement in the past.

It also did not help when people shared fake news claiming that phones are not allowed to be brought to polling stations during GE15.

You Can Bring Phone, But Must Surrender It Before Voting!

In the past, you are allowed to bring in your phone, even to the voting booth. However, you are not allowed to take a photo of your ballot paper.

In fact, it is an offence that will subject you to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine of not more than RM5,000, or both, if you are found guilty.

I checked with SPR and BERSIH and confirmed that this is a new but legitimate requirement in GE15.

You are allowed to bring your phone or smartphone to the polling station, but you must surrender it at the table of the Ketua Tempat Mengundi (Head of the Polling Station).

After marking and casting your vote, you will then retrieve your phone / smartphone from the KTM’s table, before leaving the polling station.

This will help prevent anyone from accidentally or intentionally taking photos of their votes / ballot papers, and hopefully, prevent vote buying.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir himself asked the SPR (belatedly) to ban people from bringing their phones to the polling stations. One has to wonder – why didn’t he ask them to do this for all those years he was Prime Minister? #eyeroll

In any case, this is genuine news, so please share this article out, and let everyone know.

You can still bring your phone, but you must surrender it before voting, and you can only use it to selfies and photos after leaving the polling booth.

Happy voting to all Malaysians!

Just remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. It only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad one!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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