However, the meteorological department predicts thunderstorms and intermittent heavy rain in the evening in parts of the country, which could lead to flash floods.

“We don’t expect any floods linked to the monsoon between October and November,” the department’s deputy director for operations, Lim Ze Hui, told Astro Awani.

The annual monsoon season usually occurs between November and March the following year.

Lim’s forecast was made after he was asked to comment on claims that the most suitable time to hold a general election was between October and November as the amount of rainfall during the period would not surpass the average.

Lim said it was difficult to predict when floods would occur. However, the department expects most states in Peninsular Malaysia to receive rainfall of up to 900mm in November.

Last week, Umno leaders agreed that the general election should be held this year, with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a party vice-president , given discretion on proposing a date for the dissolution of Parliament.

The opposition meanwhile has cited monsoonal flooding among the reasons for delaying the elections. Parliament’s term ends in mid-July next year. Under the constitution, elections to the Dewan Rakyat must be held within 60 days of Parliament being dissolved.