Floods force evacuations ahead of Malaysia polls

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of people across Malaysia were evacuated into temporary shelters over the weekend, officials said, as seasonal monsoon rains prompted turnout and safety concerns for the Southeast Asian country’s upcoming general elections.

“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 member of parliament from northern Kedah state, referring to Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

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

In a statement over the weekend, the National Disaster Management Agency said six states in peninsular Malaysia had experienced flash flooding.

“A total of 2,388 people have sought shelter in 25 relief centers,” it added.

“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 Ismail 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 Organization leaders are confident the early polls would 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, Malaysia was battered by its worst floods in history. More than 50 people died and thousands were displaced last December.