Malaysian soldiers helping flood victims in Gelugor, Penang (Photo: Markas 2 Divisyen, Malaysian Army)

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Thousands of people across Malaysia were evacuated into temporary shelters over the weekend, officials said as the seasonal monsoon’s heavy rain prompted turnout and safety concerns for the upcoming general election.

“The prime minister has put the lives of voters at risk by holding elections during the monsoon season and, with climate change, I really fear heavier rainfall across Malaysia,” said Mahfuz Omar, an opposition MP from the northern Kedah state.

Malaysia’s meteorological department has forecast thunderstorms and incessant rain right up until 21 million voters will be able to cast ballots Saturday, with more flooding expected.

The National Disaster Management Agency said in a statement over the weekend that six states in peninsular Malaysia had experienced flash flooding.”A total of 2,388 people have sought shelter in 25 relief centres,” it said.

“I fear voters will not be able to cast their votes if their homes are flooded and roads become impassable,” Mahfuz told AFP.

Mahfuz and others have accused Prime Minister Ismail Sabri of power grabbing by calling the polls almost a year ahead of schedule and while opposition forces are in disarray.

The ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) leaders are confident the early polls will result in a stronger mandate, but critics have said an election could distract the government from dealing with the effects of heavy monsoon rains that typically occur during this time of year, bringing deadly floods to the country’s east coast.

Last year, the Southeast Asian nation was battered by its worst floods in history. More than 50 people died and thousands were displaced in December 2021.

— AFP

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

Survivor rescued as Thai navy continues search for 29 sailors

by Montira Rungjirajittranon PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, THAILAND —  One sailor was found…

Malaysian police seek Interpol’s aid in locating Jocelyn Chia, netizens criticise action as unnecessary

The Royal Malaysia Police plan to seek Interpol’s assistance in locating comedian Jocelyn Chia, according to Bernama. However, many Malaysian netizens argue that pursuing action against Chia is unnecessary, as it would only give her the attention she desires. Chia defended her controversial MH370 joke in a CNN interview, explaining that the context was lost when a clip of the routine circulated on social media. She clarified that the joke was based on the friendly rivalry between Singapore and Malaysia and expressed no ill feelings toward Malaysia.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan to appear in court after ‘unlawful’ arrest

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court, prompting his appearance in court. Although Khan remains in custody, the government plans to re-arrest him if released, leading to further unrest. Khan, who has accused leaders and the military of plotting his assassination, faces numerous legal cases in what critics view as an attempt to stifle dissent. Supporters celebrated the overturning of his arrest, but analysts believe Khan still faces significant challenges ahead of upcoming elections.

Chinese military says ‘warned’ US warship to leave South China Sea

China’s military tracked and warned a US warship to leave waters claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. The US sends naval vessels through the region to assert freedom of navigation in international waters, while China has built artificial islands with military facilities and runways.