Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
In general, Sabah and Sarawak voters living in Peninsular Malaysia cannot vote by post just because they live far away from their registered polling centre
If you are registered to vote in Sabah or Sarawak but currently live, work, or study in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, or another Peninsular Malaysian state, you do not automatically qualify for postal voting.
This is because Peninsular Malaysia is still within Malaysia. It is not considered overseas for postal voting under Category 1B.
Category 1B is for Malaysian voters living overseas, not voters living in another part of Malaysia
A Malaysian living in Singapore, Australia, the UK, or another country is outside Malaysia. That voter may apply under Category 1B if they are registered and postal voting applications are open for that election.
But a Sabah or Sarawak voter living in Peninsular Malaysia is still living inside Malaysia. Even if the distance is far, it does not automatically make the voter eligible for overseas postal voting.
When can Sabah and Sarawak voters qualify for postal voting?
Sabah and Sarawak voters may still qualify for postal voting if they fall under an approved postal voting category.
This may include voters who qualify under categories such as:
- Certain Election Commission officers
- Election workers
- Police personnel
- Military personnel
- Media workers on election duty
- Approved agencies or organisations
- Malaysians living overseas
Can you vote at a different polling centre instead?
No. You generally cannot vote at a different polling centre just because it is nearer to where you currently live.
You must vote according to the polling centre assigned to your voter record.
This means you cannot simply walk into a polling centre near where you live in Peninsular Malaysia if your voter record is assigned to Sabah or Sarawak.
Before polling day, check your latest voter details through MySPR Semak so you know which polling centre you are assigned to.
I'm from Sabah or Sarawak, but I'm now living in Peninsular Malaysia. What can I do?
If you have moved permanently, you should first make sure your address with the National Registration Department (JPN) is updated. After that, you may apply through MySPR or an authorised Election Commission counter to change your electoral division.
This process is not immediate, so it may not apply in time if you do it close to an election.
Do students or workers in Peninsular Malaysia qualify?
Students and workers in Peninsular Malaysia do not automatically qualify for postal voting just because they are away from Sabah or Sarawak.
This is a common misunderstanding.
A Sabahan studying in Selangor or a Sarawakian working in Kuala Lumpur is still inside Malaysia. Unless they fall under another approved postal voting category, they generally need to vote at the polling centre assigned to their voter record.
Frequently asked questions
Can Sabah voters in Peninsular Malaysia vote by post?
Not just because they live in Peninsular Malaysia. They must fall under an approved postal voting category.
Can Sarawak voters in Peninsular Malaysia vote by post?
Not just because they live in Peninsular Malaysia. Category 1B is for Malaysians living overseas, not inside Malaysia.
Can a Malaysian staying in Sabah and Sarawak vote by post to his or her hometown in Peninsular Malaysia?
Not just because they live in East Malaysia. Category 1B is for Malaysians living overseas, not inside Malaysia.
What if I live overseas but my voter record is in Sabah or Sarawak?
You may apply under Category 1B if you are registered as a voter, living overseas, and postal voting applications are open for that election.
Where can I check my polling centre?
You can check your voter details through MySPR Semak using your MyKad, military, or police service number.
Related election guides
- Can Malaysians Overseas Vote In A General Election?
- How To Apply For Postal Voting From Overseas
- Who Qualifies For Postal Voting In Malaysia?
- What Happens If Your Postal Ballot Does Not Arrive?
- Postal Voting In Malaysia: Who Qualifies, How To Apply, And What Overseas Voters Need To Know
- What Disqualifies Someone For Voting In Malaysia?
ㅤ
Check your latest voter details through MySPR Semak before polling day.
Last updated: 7 July 2026
