[6] Talib's poor health condition previously raised concerns among his party members in his branch, who urged him to step down and give way to younger candidates before the 2021 Sarawak state election.

On 15 September 2023, Talib died of kidney complications at Normah Medical Specialist Centre in Kuching, leaving his constituency vacated at the next day.

[14] Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) announced on 25 September that they will not enter as a sign of solidarity to GPS, who are one of the partners in the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional led federal government.

[19] Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) also confirmed its intention to contest in this by-election, having pick Stevenson Joseph Sumbang as its candidate.

A former Royal Malaysian Police personnel, Stevenson will contest in Jepak for the second time, having lost to Talib in the 2021 state election while garnering only 587 votes.