PORT DICKSON: Some 38,926 military personnel and their spouses have cast their ballots during early voting on Tuesday (Aug 8), says Army Western Field commander Lt Gen Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.

He expressed confidence in the successful execution of the early voting process.

"For now, voter turnout is at 51%, and I am optimistic that we will continue to oversee this voting process with precision and adherence to protocol," he said.

Tengku Muhammad Fauzi personally visited six early voting centres in several states, including Sg Buloh Camp, Kajang, Seremban, Senawang, Gemas, and the Pusat Latihan Asas Tentera Darat (Pusasda).

"I will also exercise my voting rights later to fulfil my responsibility," he told the media after visiting Pusasda.

He also said that strict measures were in place to ensure the safety of all voters.

"We have organised the sessions for soldiers in a staggered manner, preventing overcrowding and maintaining social distancing.

"Covid-19 is not a hindrance to fulfilling our roles as representatives of the country," he added.

Perikatan Nasional candidate Abdul Fatah Zakaria also visited the Pusasda camp at 9.15am.

He expressed his satisfaction with the voting arrangements and commended the smooth procedure observed at the Bagan Pinang early voting centre in the Pusasda camp.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional's candidate, Mohd Najib Mohd Isa said the voting process was held in an orderly manner.

He expressed confidence that the army personnel will support Barisan, citing the party's past efforts in elevating the welfare of soldiers, which he believes will continue in the future.