GE15: flash floods disrupt election campaigning in Penang

BUKIT MERTAJAM – Some 80 people remained at flood relief centres in Bukit Mertajam, Tasik Gelugor and Kepala Batas as Penang battled flash floods during the height of campaigning for the 15th general election.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, who oversees flood relief efforts, said the flood evacuees are currently sheltered in schools, which have been converted into relief centres.

The number is down from a high of 300 persons initially when the waters rose, mostly in Prai

Election campaigning was disrupted last night on the mainland, as candidates from various parties scrapped their ceramah walkabouts to offer help to flood victims.

Phee thanked the volunteer firemen and rescue workers who worked round-the-clock to resettle those affected by the rising waters and to clean up the debris left behind.

Meanwhile, DAP’s Bukit Mertajam candidate Steven Sim Chee Keong will hold a media briefing soon to provide updates on flooding in his district.

Floored by both floods and flu, Sim, who lost his voice took to social media last night to relay updates on what was happening, appealing for help from Good Samaritans.

Phee said he hopes that the worst is over for now, so campaigners could return to their schedules ahead of polling day this Saturday.

The weather forecast for today is sunny with intermittent rainfall later in the day – The Vibes, November 12, 2022