PORT DICKSON: Unpredictable weather has emerged as a last-minute challenge for political candidates in Negri Sembilan as campaign efforts hit their final stretch ahead of the Aug 1 state polls.
Heavy morning downpours across coastal constituencies like Port Dickson have forced candidates across party lines to pivot their strategies to ensure face-to-face contact with voters is not lost.
Barisan Nasional (BN) Linggi candidate Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli said while outdoor walkabouts suffer the most during bad weather, teams are adapting on the fly.
"When it rains heavily, voters stay indoors, and logistically it becomes difficult for our teams. For outdoor events, we either wait for the rain to ease or readjust our schedule entirely depending on the situation," said Mohd Faizal, who was elected to the seat in 2023. He added that despite the weather, voter enthusiasm remains high.
For BN’s Sri Tanjung candidate, A. Achutan, shifting weather patterns have disrupted daily walkabout schedules at least four times over the past week.
"We plan our routes every night, but morning rain forces changes. Our flexibility is also somewhat limited because each modified venue or event requires an individual police permit," Achutan explained, adding that his team is leaning heavily on online outreach to urge out-of-town voters to return on polling day.
Opposition candidates are making similar tactical shifts. Pakatan Harapan’s Datuk Dr G Rajasekaran said his machinery has moved campaigns under cover, relying on indoor venues and hyper-localised ceramahs to keep momentum going.
Meanwhile, Bersatu’s Bagan Pinang candidate, Sheikh Junaidy Jamaludin, noted that small group meetings and social media have helped plug the gap caused by delayed outdoor events.
"Rain or shine, our priority remains meeting the people and listening to their concerns," Sheikh Junaidy said.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), early morning rain is expected almost daily across Port Dickson and Jelebu leading up to the election, though conditions are projected to ease in other districts such as Rembau, Seremban, and Tampin starting Tuesday (July 29).
