It was reported that approximately 1.4 million Malaysian students are unable to return to their homes to vote mainly because of the high cost.
The high cost and the short timings could often become the reason why someone does not go back and vote. However, with Malaysians rallying together in the hopes of encouraging others to vote, there is always an option.
The UndiBanjir initiative recently launched their website which makes it easier to connect you with those who are carpooling to your destination.
As part of the UndiBanjir initiative, @CarpoolGE15 was founded back in 2018 to help Malaysians return home to vote.
Recently, through their #CarpoolGE15 hashtag, Twitter users have begun posting carpool vacancies to their respective destinations for fellow Malaysians who may also need a ride back home.
How to find a ride home?
For those who are looking for a ride home, UndiBanjir has shared tips on how you can go about this:
- Determine your voting location,
- Join one of our relevant Telegram channels which have been divided by state,
- Use the search function to find your exact voting location,
- Contact drivers through the displayed numbers.
For those who are interested to find and join the Telegram channels, you can click the link here.
Malaysian voters in Singapore who are interested in participating are also included. You can find drivers and riders in Singapore through this link.
Get involved as a driver
Are you driving alone to go home and vote, with empty seats in your car to be filled? You can also register as a driver via a form through the website.
By filling the form, UndiBanjir would then help you find passengers.
For illustration purpose only
You can access the registration form here.
What about safety?
Worried about being stuck in a car filled with total strangers? UndiBanjir has also shared a a guideline on what you can do to stay safe.
There are 8 things highlighted in the guideline:
- Verify your identification with the people you’ll be carpooling with by meeting with them face-to-face or via video call prior to the date of departing,
- Calculate and allocate the travel costs respectively among carpool members to avoid possible conflict,
- Avoid giving away personal information that may be incriminating throughout the journey,
- Share your live location with your loved ones while on the journey to ensure your safety,
- Choose a drop-off location that is safe and in the public eye instead of quiet, risky areas,
- Prepare for the possibility of a flood, especially if your area is at a high risk. Pack essentials and survival kits in case you get stranded in a flood area,
- If you’re a woman, try to get fellow female carpoolers to ensure your safety,
- Make sure the car is in good condition and you have insurance.
Drivers can also join in on this initiative by posting through their #CarpoolGE15 hashtag.
Nampaknya Telegram #CarpooolGE15 Johor dah mula meriah. Steady orang Johor dah mula offer seat untuk kongsi kereta.
Nak tau channel Telegram untuk kongsi kereta ke negeri anda #PRU15 kali ini? Tap sini: https://t.co/ioVApBB8Ci pic.twitter.com/k29kxfVA1i
— #CarpoolGE15 (@CarpoolGE15) October 21, 2022
You can find more information via their website or their social media channels.
Kudos to the team behind UndiBanjir and CarpoolGE15 for this amazing initiative. Hopefully this will encourage more Malaysians to go back home and vote this November 19th.
Also read: M’sian Who Lived Abroad Shares How M’sians Rallied Together to Deliver Postal Votes in GE14
