Kinabatangan, Lamag by-elections enter final campaign phase with moderate approa

KINABATANGAN, Jan 17 — Campaigning for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections has been moderate in its first phase, with candidates focusing on small-scale events and door-to-door outreach as the second phase begins ahead of Jan 24 polling.

Bernama observed that most candidates opted for face-to-face approaches and small group ceramah rather than large-scale events to woo voters.

The seven days since Jan 10 were calmer than the Sabah state election on Nov 29, with limited flag displays except in some areas.

Geographical spread, limited road access, and reliance on water transport posed challenges for all five candidates in reaching voters.

The campaign is expected to intensify in the second phase before ending at 11.59 pm on Jan 23.

Barisan Nasional's Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar said he has visited 19 of 27 polling district centres in Kinabatangan to understand local needs.

"Every concern and request from residents will be carefully assessed before being made the basis for action," he told Bernama.

BN's Lamag candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob reported reaching 80 per cent of the constituency in the first week.

Parti Warisan's Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman said his campaign achieved about 50 per cent coverage and will focus on remaining areas.

Warisan's Mazliwati Abdul Malek claimed full constituency coverage, while independent Goldam Hamid covered 70 per cent of Sukau and Lamag.

The by-elections follow the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5, with Kinabatangan having 48,722 voters and Lamag 13,899.

Polling is on Jan 24, with early voting on Jan 20, and vote-tallying at Dewan Sri Lamag.