However, some Malaysians have openly shared their worries of not being able to go back to their hometowns to vote due to their financial situation.

With the noble intention of reaching out to these group of people and help them go back to their hometowns to vote, social media influencer Joe Lee initiated the #PulangMengundi (Malay for “return to vote”) hashtag through his Twitter account, @klubbkiddkl.

The hashtag gained quick momentum and became an overnight hit with social media users.

For a good cause

Speaking to Rojak Daily, Joe, who is also Malay Mail’s digital editor, said the whole thing started from him tweeting to encourage people to go home and vote.

People’s problem with that call came to light when they responded to his tweet.

“One of my followers mentioned that she couldn't afford to do so as it not only requires her to take time off from work, but also expenses.

“She has to head to Ranau, Sabah to vote, while her husband has to return home to Kuching to vote.

“That prompted me to start the hashtag, to look for ‘angels’, or sponsors to help out,” said Joe, who has 165,000 followers on Twitter.

Such an angel, i am so lucky. God bless you!! #PulangMengundi pic.twitter.com/u3wr0oiqiP

— Jughead (@kimberlydaviddd) April 11, 2018

On Tuesday, Joe wrote on Twitter: “Ok..you know what. I’m starting the hashtag #PulangMengundi. If you have problems taking time off to vote, or can’t afford to - please use the hashtag, and maybe someone can help.”

Joe said he understands the situation because his foster son and his son’s wife are in Kuala Lumpur and they have to head home to Kuching, Sarawak to vote.

“I understand that the amount needed to do so is not small. They, and my late father who always stressed on the importance of voting, made me realise how important exercising our responsibility is,” he said.

Anyone who needs help with flight tickets to #PulangMengundi please DM me. I’m based in Hong Kong and can’t go back this time so please let me help those who can. Priority to students and those traveling to/from East Malaysia.

— Mei Tan (@valx) April 11, 2018

Joe explained that he insisted #PulangMengundi to be carried out this way to avoid people from thinking that the notion is politically motivated or backed by any political parties or non-governmental organisations (NGO), to allow sponsors to see the good their donation is doing and to foster closer ties among Malaysians because both the ‘angels’ and and recipients come from all races, religions, backgrounds and ages.

“The general belief is every Malaysians should exercise their rights to vote, regardless of their political believes, and we hope we can get as many Malaysians as possible to go out and do their duty to the country,” he said.

Overwhelming response

Joe said the hashtag unexpectedly ‘blew up’ as more people used it to seek help and reach out to assist.

“The hashtag was trending at number one in Malaysia from late evening yesterday until today morning.

“The response has been overwhelming with some ‘angels’ offering to sponsor multiple flights. Even students who are not eligible to vote, chipped in using their pocket money, to help ease the burden of having to pay for petrol, toll and travel tickets,” he said.

Pledging to help out in #PulangMengundi. DM me if you need help getting back home to vote. I'll be prioritizing students and East Malaysians.

— Eugene Tan (@eugtann) April 12, 2018

Joe was even more enthused when media outlets did their parts to spread awareness about the existence of the hashtag.

“Major media outlets like Reuters, Malay Mail, Malaysiakini, The Star and Channel News Asia have been spreading awareness of our movement.

It's a bit late but i want to thank this person that i never know and never met, fully sponsored my flight ticket for #PulangMengundi Let's make a better choice for a better nation #GE14 pic.twitter.com/AUwq6f9MCL

— Edd (@IdahAsyari) April 11, 2018

“To date, all the sponsors have been individuals, but we have had some responses from smaller companies promising time off, and even some giving their staff allowances for expenses to go home to vote. We encourage sponsors to reach out directly to those they want to help,” he shared.