IPOH, May 9 — As polling stations nationwide opened at 8am today, voters here started queuing up even before sunrise.

Some arrived at the police centres as early as 6.30am, in order to avoid traffic congestions and long queues as voter turnout was expected to be bigger for the 14th general election.

A. Philomenathan, 45, who was among the first to cast his vote at one of the polling centre in SJK(C) Guntong here, said he came early as he wanted to avoid the long queue.

He said he had arrived at the polling centre at 6.35am.

"I’m working today and my company has only given me two hours exemption.

"I was afraid of the long queue as I believe many would be turning out to vote in this election,” he told Malay Mail.

Yan Wai Hoe, 32, a project manager working in Singapore, said he decided to come and vote early so that he can spend the rest of the day with his family.

"I want to finish voting as early as possible and go ‘makan’ (eat) with my family as I will be leaving for Singapore tonight,” he said.

K. Shanutha , 26, a first time voter said she was surprised to see the large crowd who have came to cast their votes.

"I thought there will be a lesser crowd in the morning but I was wrong. I came here at 8am and the queue is already long,” she said.

S. Alakumalai, 61, a Pastor, said he came early as he has to travel back to Parit Buntar to work after casting his vote.

Voters came early to cast their votes as they wanted to avoid the long queue. ― Picture by John Bunyan

"I haven’t changed my address in the system, so I have to come back here to vote,” said Alakumalai who was accompanied by his wife.

Yan Wai Hong, 34, an IT manager who is working in Kelantan said he decided to cast his vote early as to avoid the rain later.

"For the past few days there has been heavy rain in Ipoh and the weather forecast also reported that it would rain in the evening today.

"So it’s better to vote in the morning and we could also avoid the crowd as well,” he said.

In Tambun, hundreds of voters, old and young, began lining up outside polling stations as early as 7.30am. But the process went smoothly, with officials clearing the queue within 10 minutes of the start to polling at 8am.

Perak Pakatan Harapan chief Ahmad Faizal Azumu who is also contesting the parliamentary seat of Tambun and the state seat of Chenderiang, was among the first to cast his ballot at SK Tambun.

Ahmad Faizal is challenging the Barisan Nasional incumbent Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah for Tambun, said he has a lot of respect for his rival, but noted that the people wanted "new things”.

"Our machinery worked well and we tried our absolute best. Most importantly I hope everyone comes out to vote,” he said after casting his vote.

About 14,449,200 voters will be voting in 8,253 polling stations across the state today.

Polling started at 8am and will end at 5pm.

Voters queue patiently for their turn to cast their ballots in SK Tambun, Ipoh May 9, 2018. — Picture by Marcus Pheong