Juicy delight: Pomeloes are a major attraction in Tambun, which is a 15-minute drive from the Ipoh city centre. — RONNIE CHIN/ The Star
IPOH: With the final leg of campaigning in full swing, Tambun has been transformed into a bustling business hub, albeit temporarily.
With lots of outsiders coming into town – be it to campaign for various political parties, as curious tourists, or those coming back to Ipoh to vote – Tambun is a hive of unprecedented activity.
Part of it has to do with the tussle for the Tambun parliamentary seat between Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and incumbent MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is also a former Perak mentri besar.
Located about 15 minutes from Ipoh city centre, Tambun is known for its juicy pomelos.
Pomelo farm owner Tan Swee Kong, 55, said pomeloes, starfruits and guava have become attractions.
He said business has been picking up in the last few days as polling day for the 15th General Election draws closer.
Tan said he has seen more cars stopping by his farm, housing politicians and their team members or just people passing by the area.
“I see a lot of cars with outstation registration number plates. The normal folk who come to buy fruits rarely talk about the election,” he said.
Another farm owner, Tun Wah Keong, 63, said business has gradually been picking up.
He said if not for the election, business at this time of the year was usually slow.
“However, now those who are here to campaign, many stop at my place to get pomelos or snacks that I sell.
“Since Tambun is known for its pomelos, people are taking the opportunity to buy freshly harvested fruit,” he added.
Law Voon Hing, 53, who runs a wholesale shop on the busy Jalan Tambun, said many outsiders were seen around town lately.
He also said those selling fruits have seen an uptick in business the past few days.
“While I buy the fruits from the growers here for export, I also have a retail section here.
“People, especially those from other states, are not missing the opportunity to buy the signature fruit (pomelo),” he said.
However, Law said it does not matter who wins in Tambun, what is more important is for farmers to get land titles for the land that they have toiled on for decades.
“A lot of housing development is taking place, and the land to grow fruits is getting smaller by the day.
“Even the fruits sold to me by the farmers are getting less, and I cannot meet the export demand due to that.
“If there is no land left for farmers, Tambun will one day be no longer be able to produce pomelos,” he said.
A restaurant worker, who only wished to be known as Syafiq, 34, said he noticed more people coming to his shop to have breakfast.
“I open my shop early, and mostly campaign team members, and sometimes the candidates themselves, will stop by to eat before they get on their campaign trail.
“I see a lot of new faces and cars with outstation registration plates stopping in front of my shop,” he added.
