Sg Bakap polls: Social media campaigning proves effective for Pakatan candidate

NIBONG TEBAL: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin has praised the effectiveness of social media, especially TikTok, as an election campaign tool in reaching target groups.

Joohari, who is running in the Sungai Bakap state by-election, pointed out that TikTok is highly popular now as it is easily accessible on smartphones and used by people of all ages.

"Some of our TikTok video posts have received up to 240,000 views. We must stay current and this new campaign strategy works well.

"Our team produces two to three TikTok content pieces daily,” he told reporters during his campaign around Sungai Kechil on Thursday (June 27).

Fondly known as Cikgu Joo, Joohari acknowledged that today’s elections are not just about vying for the position of people’s representative but also about showcasing individual creativity on social media.

"In the 15th General Election, TikTok was mostly used by young people. But now, even the elderly have learned to scroll through the app.

"Although the campaign vibrancy is visible in the flags, the reality is that those who don’t leave their homes still receive information, making social media the most significant platform to woo voters,” he said.

Joohari also mentioned that PH machinery recorded videos of him engaging with voters, which are then disseminated among villagers through community leaders.

"The response seems okay. I believe everything is going well and hopefully, they will come out to vote later,” he said.

The Sungai Bakap by-election this Saturday (July 6) is a straight fight between Joohari and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail.

The seat fell vacant following the death of its assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation. - Bernama