JOHOR BARU: Candidates contesting in flood-prone areas in Johor have had to adjust their campaign schedule in the run-up to the 15th General Election (GE15) due to the ongoing monsoon season.
Barisan Nasional’s Segamat candidate Tan Sri M. Ramasamy said that the changeable weather had been a minor setback to his campaign.
"It has been hot and cold the last few days in Segamat. I am still going to the ground to meet the people in the constituency," he said.
"There must be a master plan to find a permanent solution to address flood woes in Segamat, as this happens frequently due to the monsoon season," added Ramasamy.
Perikatan Nasional’s Mersing candidate Muhammad Islahuddin Abas said that the district would always be by flooded during this period.
"Continuous rainfall for hours will cause the water level of Sungai Mersing and Sungai Endau to rise, and flooding will occur if it coincides with the high tide," said Muhammad Islahuddin.
"The Mersing district office has issued a warning that continuous rain will hit the district within the next several days. In fact, the last few days have seen rainfall but it is not that heavy," he added
Muhammad Islahuddin then said that some of his campaign volunteers were local fishermen that offered their assistance to help his campaign.
"We have small boats on standby to help flood victims and possibly ferry them to polling centres if flooding hits Mersing soon," he said.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan’s Kluang candidate Wong Shu Qi said that she had experienced thunderstorms while campaigning in the area recently.
"With the monsoon season here, the public should be vigilant.The last couple of days have seen heavy rain hit Kluang, which is a flood prone district and this has impacted my campaign," she said.
Wong added that she would be adding more content and live sessions on her social media accounts to engage as many voters as possible.
"I hope for more sunshine soon, so I can continue my face-to-face campaign," she added.
On Saturday (Nov 12), flash floods hit several areas in Johor Baru, Kulai and Kluang following a heavy downpour while Segamat has been hit with flood since early this month.
Some 276 victims from 63 families are seeking shelter at six relief centres that have been opened in Kulai, Kluang and Segamat.
