Battle to win hearts

The Sungai Bakap welcome sign is a landmark in the constituency. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

VOTERS in the Sungai Bakap state constituency will head to the polls tomorrow. They will choose between Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60, and Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin Ismail, 56.

Both candidates have been campaigning tirelessly to win over voters. This include house-to-house visits, political ceramah and social media engagements on platforms like TikTok.

Prominent political figures and Cabinet ministers too have been visiting the area to lend support to their respective candidates.

The people of Ladang Sempah in Sungai Jawi getting a wefie with PKR advisory council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (second left). — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

Key issues raised by voters include the rising cost of living, persistent low water pressure, traffic congestion and frequent flooding.

Participants feted to durians during the Xpresi Generasi Kita: Solidariti Bebas Dadah programme at Dewan Chong Kuang in Sungai Bakap. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Concerns over the diesel subsidy rationalisation and its impact on household expenses have also been highlighted, with some voters feeling that minor reductions in essential goods prices are insufficient.

Joohari (red cap) during a walkabout while campaigning at the Sungai Bakap night market in Taman Pekatra Indah. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Voters are seeking a representative who will remain actively engaged with the community beyond the election period.

The by-election, following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff from PAS in May, will see 39,279 eligible voters casting their ballots.

Abidin (in white) meeting with the people of Bandar Tasek Mutiara in Simpang Ampat.— LIM BENG TATT/The Star

Malays comprise the majority of voters with 59.36%, followed by Chinese at 22.54%, Indians at 17.39%, and others at 0.71%.