Although we are merely weeks away from the 15th General Election (GE15), it seems that many of our youths will not be able to perform their duties to vote simply because it’s something they can’t afford.
According to former Election Commission (SPR) Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, approximately 1.4 million higher education students are unable to return home to vote due to financial constraints.
However, along this worrying figure, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel, as various organisations have stepped up to help out such students.
It was recently announced that DAP Penang will be helping students especially from the B40 group to return home to fulfill their responsibilities as Malaysians.
In a statement released on their social media pages, they announced that they have launched the ‘LET’S GO BACK VOTE TO SAVE MALAYSIA IN GE15’ campaign.
The campaign was launched following the feedback they received from the public regarding students who are unable to return to their hometowns to cast their votes due to financial constraints.
“We will reimburse the TWO-WAY transport fare of IPT students in Penang who want to return to their hometowns outside Penang to vote.”
The terms and conditions include:
- The subsidy is only for B40 students who study at an IPT within the State of Penang returning to vote at a Voting Center designated by the EC in their hometown in a state other than Penang,
- The distance of the hometown must be at least 50km from the Penang border,
- Travel tickets must be dated between November 16 till November 21,
- Ticket out of Penang is for before November 19,
- Ticket back into Penang is for after November 19,
- The subsidy rate will be given in full according to the receipt price of bus and train tickets only,
- The subsidy is limited and based on ‘first come, first served‘.
Those interested may check out here, while those interested in applying can click here.
What do you think of this initiative? Should others offer similar ones?
Also read: GE15: Approximately 1.4 MILLION M’sian Students Can’t Afford To Go Back Home To Vote
