TUARAN: Sabahans may want to get their raincoats ready, as polling day is set to be a wet one.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted across the state today.
Amidst the erratic weather and risks of flooding however, contingency plans are in place to handle any eventuality, says the Election Commission (EC).
Its chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said there are standard operating procedures to manage possible disasters.
“We will act based on information from district disaster management committees. Discussions have also been held with MetMalaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency for any possible disasters during polling day,” he told reporters during a visit to the Dewan Seri Sulaman polling counting centre.
Ramlan added that helicopters will be used at 85 locations to transport documents related to the voting process.
Owing to the erratic weather, he said the EC is hoping for a turnout of more than 60%.
“We advise voters to head to the ballot box early in the day, as forecasts have also indicated a whole day of showers.
“The elements will impact the public’s decision to come out and vote but we are working to improve this,” he said, noting that most polling centres will be open from 7.30am to 5pm.
“This is your chance to vote for your preferred candidate and make your voice heard when it comes to forming the Sabah state government,” he said.
Political parties have engaged with bus operators and have arranged for four-wheel drive vehicles to be on standby to help voters get to the polling centres if there are floods.
Meanwhile, civil defence officials and firemen will focus on emergency and rescue operations before considering assisting voters in the event of floods.
Sabah Civil Defence Department director Mohd Yusoff Samad said in any emergency, their main responsibility is to ensure public safety. He added that other assistance or arrangement on political grounds is out of the department’s jurisdiction.
“Those matters will be handled by the Election Commission or teams appointed by the EC themselves,” he said.
