KOTA KINABALU: Uncertain weather with heavy rain almost every evening throughout this week has affected campaigning for the 17th Sabah state election, especially in the interior areas with hilly roads, log roads and temporary bridges.
In the West Coast of Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Papar, Penampang, Putatan, Ranau and Tuaran, the weather on Friday (Nov 28) morning brought heavy rain, while Tawau and Sandakan had fair weather in the morning.
The candidates' campaigns in several areas such as Pensiangan, Nabawan, Sook, Tulid, Tenom and Kimanis were marred by slippery roads, rising river levels and limited inland access, causing many last-minute changes to campaign schedules.
In Sook and Nabawan, unfavourable wet gravel roads forced several candidates’ convoys in the afternoon to change their schedules or postpone them.
The weather conditions not only slowed down the campaign tempo, but also made it difficult for candidates to reach the District Voting Centre (PDM) which is located far inland and can only be accessed using four-wheel drive vehicles.
In highland areas such as Kundasang and Tambunan, heavy rain followed by thick fog not only reduced visibility but also made the roads more slippery, making travel difficult at night.
A check on the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website found that rain is expected to hit several places in Sabah on Saturday’s polling, particularly in the morning.
Meanwhile, thunderstorms are forecast to hit most places in the interior in on Saturday afternoon, while rain is expected at several places at night.
Some 1.76 million voters will vote in the 17th Sabah polls on Saturday in 73 state constituencies.
For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php - Bernama
