Flood season polls could pose health risks to voters - doctors' group

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has joined the chorus of voices against holding the 15th general election (GE15) during the flood season.

This is because such an election could expose the people to various health risks, it said.

“We are concerned that if floods occur during the general election period, many Malaysians might be exposed to the risk of diseases, injuries, and death caused by floodwaters.

“Not only is there a risk of injuries and drowning, but floodwaters can also cause water and food-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A, dysentery, and food poisoning,” the association’s president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said in a statement today.

In addition, there is also the risk of Leptospirosis, if a person were to be exposed to the leptospira sp bacteria found in the urine of four-legged mammals such as rats, dogs, cats, and cows, he added.

According to him, without treatment, the disease can lead to serious health issues such as kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory disease, and even death.

Muruga Raj further noted that exposure to floodwater can also lead to conjunctivitis, as well as skin irritation and skin disease.

Coming out to vote during the floods could also pose dangers to the disabled, elderly, and expectant women, he stressed.

Possible shortage of medicine

“Another major concern is the issue of shortages in the supply of certain medicines that are in high demand.

“Most of the medicines that are currently affected will be needed to treat some of these diseases. The last thing we will want is a health crisis at a time when the most needed medicines are in short supply,” said Muruga Raj.

He noted that the government should also plan polling centres during the election, as in recent years, many places that have never before experienced floods are being inundated.

“The country is on the path to recovery from the pandemic and there are finally some signs of economic recovery.

“We hope the prime minister will decide wisely on what is the best for the people,” Muruga Raj said.

“Politics should not be prioritised over the health and wellbeing of the people.”

Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament before Budget 2023 is tabled this Friday.

This comes after the Umno supreme council set a deadline for polls to be held this year.

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