ALOR STAR: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon of Padang Serai's 15th General Election (GE15) polling day this Wednesday.
Kedah Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz said the heavy downpours and thunderstorms weather in Kulim and Padang Serai were expected to hit the districts during the afternoon and evening hours from today (Dec 5) until Dec 11.
"The affected areas include Padang Serai during afternoon of the constituency's parliamentary election polling day on Dec 7," he said when contacted today.
Khalil advised eligible voters in Padang Serai to cast their ballot during the morning to avoid the bad weather during the afternoon.
"The public are advised to avoid outdoor activities during the afternoon and evening during this period due to the bad weather," he said.
He also reminded everyone to remain vigilant despite no flash flood warning throughout the period.
The Election Commission has decided to postpone the Padang Serai polls to Dec 7 after the death of Pakatan Harapan candidate M. Karupaiya.
Karupaiya, 69, won the seat in the previous general election after he secured a majority of 8,813 votes, defeating MCA candidate Datuk Dr Leong Yong Kong and Mohammad Sobri Osman from Pas.
Karupaiya, was nominated again by PH on Nov 5 to defend the seat. However, he died on Nov 16, two days after being admitted to Kulim Hospital due to a heart attack while campaigning.
Padang Serai has 133,767 eligible voters, with 81,230 of the voters in Lunas state constituency while the remaining 52,546 voters in Merbau Pulas constituency.