With the 14th General Election just around the corner, many Malaysians took to their social media pages to voice out their inability to go back to their hometowns to vote because of the lack of transportation and not to mention the financial burden that comes with it.
Seeing people’s grouses, one Twitter user using the handle @AnnieVeee tweeted that whoever didn’t get bus tickets to go back or is afraid to drive back to their hometowns alone could opt to carpool.
Her tweet, which was made in an attempt to encourage more people to go back to their hometowns to vote, used the #CarpoolGE14 hashtag to quote Droupr, a local app for safe carpooling.
Little did she expect, the hashtag became a big hit with social media users overnight and generated enough interest to catch the eye of local writer Nizam Bakeri.
Nizam, who wanted to play his part to help people to go back to vote, then created a Twitter account using the handle @CarpoolGE14 to reach out to more people.
Rojak Daily recently spoke to Nizam to learn more about the initiative.
Nizam said he happened to see @AnnieVeee’s tweet on his timeline and thought the carpooling initiative was a great one.
“Right after the announcement of the general election date, I read so many tweets from people sharing their concerns about not being able to return to their polling stations.
“I saw a tweet from @AnnieVeeee using the hashtag #CarpoolGE14. I thought, 'Hey, why not?'. I re-tweeted a couple of tweets using the hashtag and thought that this is a tiny contribution that I could make to the country for GE14.
“I then created a Twitter account and shared the password with her because she created the hashtag. She was a total stranger. I just saw her tweet and did my thing,” he said.
Thanks to https://t.co/NbgKQ0LJhv - now you can find your carpooling match easier.
Go to: https://t.co/KwK1oKiSUo
And follow the instructions on the page. All the best! #CarpoolGE14 pic.twitter.com/QrYidmUEmE
— #CarpoolGE14 (@CarpoolGE14) April 13, 2018
Nizam, who did not expect the huge reaction that the hash tag received, was blown away by it all.
“The response has been overwhelming. The @CarpoolGE14 account amassed more than 1,000 followers in just two days. The hashtag also trended on Twitter. I'm so glad. This shows our unity and kindness as Malaysians,” he shared.
Nizam said to date, no big sponsors has come forward to initiate anything, just regular Malaysians doing what they can to help others out.
From: Melaka
To: Subang jaya
Date: 8/5
Time: 5/6pm
Meeting Point: Mcd, Melaka mall
Available Seats: 2-DM
— . (@fuckedyfucks) April 15, 2018
-Students are welcomed
-Minyak tong2#carpoolGE14 #PulangMengundi
“But it's heartwarming to see a couple of small businesses lending a hand to join this good cause. Some are offering free meals and free baju raya (seriously!) on certain routes.
“I surely hope more big sponsors could come forward for this initiative. It is a celebration of democracy and it should be fun!” he added.
Wow, look at these numbers (updated as of 18/4/2018). Keep it up, fellow Malaysians! #pulangmengundi #undirabu #CarpoolGE14 #PRU14 #GE14 #jombalikundi pic.twitter.com/xQUldUYJq6
— #PulangMengundi (@PulangUndi) April 19, 2018
Nizam said the initiative is slowly growing bigger, especially with press coverage.
“It is challenging to know the exact numbers but what we can tell is we already received many tweets saying that they have found their travel buddies thanks to the initiative.
“We have two weeks to go before 9 May. So, hopefully more people will benefit from this small project,” he said.
Travelling with strangers, may however sound dangerous, especially for ladies. Nizam said safety is always the utmost priority of the initiative.#CarpoolGE14 (nak tumpang)
From: Kl
To :Alor Setar, Kedah
Meeting Point: KLIA2
Date: 8 May (night)wish can carpool return to KL also.
— Cthajaromar (@cthajaromar3006) April 16, 2018
FROM: Shah Alam / Subang
TO: Melaka
DATE & TIME: 8 May 2018
MEETING POINT: Boleh bincang
AVAILABLE SEAT(S): 2Radio/Song Playlists: Dari M daud kilau sampai ke Sigur Ros.#CarpoolGE14
— Firdaus 🤨 (@AFirdausAzis) April 22, 2018
“We include safety precautions on our Twitter bio. We also constantly remind the hashtag users to verify their travel buddies by getting some form of identification and perhaps meeting them up before the travel date to get a little familiar with them.
“We have also suggested the netizens to check out carpooling app such as @droupr for a safer carpooling option.
“Whatever it is, do not compromise your safety. They were suggestions for the ladies to travel with ladies and that is a great idea,” he added.I’m driving back to Melaka from KL. Just pitch in for fuel n tol fare!
From : Kampung Baru, KL
To: Masjid Tanah
Date: 7 May
Time: 8pm
Available: 3 seats
Meeting Point: Near City Center/KL Sentral#PulangMengundi #CarpoolGE14Back to KL 9 May 8pm onwards
Please help RT!
— Syahirah Mohamed (@MohamedSyahirah) April 17, 2018
So, if you're looking for a ride home - or if you want some company during those long hours of driving - why not lend a hand (and four wheels) to help those in need?
Sumber Malaysian Turns Tweet Into A Full-Blown #CarpoolGE14 Movement