Reports by MOHD FARHAAN SHAH, YEE XIANG YUN and VENESA DEVI
JOHOR BARU: The verdict is in as volunteers from other states campaigning in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections have cast their vote for their favourite Johor dishes.
Campaign worker Kenny Yas’ vote went to sup tulang or bone broth, one of the dishes that Johor is famous for.
The Kepong Bersatu division chief has been in town since Aug 31 and has had the opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure in between campaigning.
Enjoying what the state has to offer: (From left) Kenny, Mohd Rosli, Ngian and Nur Yusairy all have their own favourite Johor dishes.
“The locals told me sup tulang is one of the must-haves while in Johor and I agree. The broth is flavourful and smooth, the flesh is tender and juicy.
“I am already planning a ‘jalan-jalan cari makan’ trip (a food road trip) with my division members to Johor Baru after the by-elections are over,” said the Sabahan.
Businessman Mohd Rosli Abdul Aziz, who took an eight-hour bus ride from Kuala Terengganu to help Pakatan Harapan’s by-election campaign, named mee bandung as his favourite Johor dish.
“I visit Johor often as I have some relatives here. This time round, I am here to help my friend and fellow Amanah man Suhaizan Kayat campaign for the Pulai parliamentary seat.
“Although the schedule is hectic, I managed to find some time to enjoy my favourite mee bandung at a stall in Kampung Melayu Majidee.
“The dish, originally from Muar, has a unique prawn flavour which is not found elsewhere,” said the 65-year-old.
Selangor DAP member Maber Ngian Shin Huey, who is also helping to campaign in Pulai, said the most delicious dish she has tried so far was the bak kut teh at a popular chain in Johor Baru.“The Johor version of the dish is different compared with the darker-coloured ones usually served in Klang. I like that the broth here is cooked with more Chinese herbs.
“I see it as a way of nourishing my body since we often skip meals to keep up with the hectic campaigning activities which go past midnight.
“Pulai is quite a big seat and the work that entails includes installing flags by the road, manning the sound system during ceramah, and handing out leaflets during walkabouts,” said the 45-year-old.
Nur Yusairy Mansor, who drove for 12 hours from Perlis to Simpang Jeram in Muar to help with Perikatan Nasional’s campaign, said his top pick is asam pedas.
“The first thing that the locals served us was asam pedas because it is one of Muar’s signature dishes.
“The bright red gravy and tender fish eaten with hot rice is quite satisfying and I find myself having second helpings,” said the Arau PAS division member.
The 45-year-old businessman said he enjoys being in Simpang Jeram as it is a laid-back town dotted with roadside stalls, which reminds him of his hometown.
“After the by-elections are over, my team and I will be heading to Pahang to help with the Pelangai by-election.
“I look forward to trying out some of their specialty dishes while I am there,” added the father of four.
The by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat are being held following the death of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was MP and assemblyman respectively in the two seats.
Polling is today.
The Pulai seat sees a three-cornered fight between Pakatan-Amanah’s Suhaizan, Perikatan-Bersatu’s Zulkifli Jaafar and Independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi.
The Simpang Jeram seat will also witness a three-way contest between Pakatan-Amanah’s Nazri Abdul Rahman, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya from Perikatan-PAS and Independent candidate S. Jeganathan.
