JOHOR BARU – The Tenang by-election in 2011, which was held during a flood, could serve as a guideline in conducting the upcoming 15th general election in Johor during this wet season, said State Secretary Tan Sri Azmi Rohani.
He said the state government had made appropriate preparations, including holding a flood simulation exercise for GE15, based on its experience in Tenang.
“The floodwaters at that time rose to the knees, but there was no need to close polling stations in the area, and the voting process went on as usual.
“However, we admit that this will be among the challenges we may face this time in a number of areas that have been identified (as flood prone),” he told reporters after officiating at the handing-out of writs to 26 electoral officers for GE15 in Johor.
The Tenang by-election was held on January 30, 2011 following the death of its incumbent assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Taha on December 17, 2010.
Azmi said the state government would provide a number of suitable trucks for a smooth election process in the event of floods.
“For example, if equipment or ballot papers are to be brought to the polling stations and the areas are flooded, we will provide the trucks to ensure that the polling stations open at 8am sharp.
“If there are unavoidable hindrances, the electoral officers will directly contact the Election Commission (EC) for a decision,” he added.
Yesterday, the EC set November 19 for polling, early voting on November 15, and nomination of candidates on November 5. – Bernama, October 21, 2022
