LABIS: Tan Chong had barely taken sips of his morning coffee when the first of many calls came in.
A resident's car had been hit by a fallen tree after overnight rain. The moment he ended the conversation, another call came for the Barisan Nasional candidate. A resident wanted to alert him that a campaign flagpole had become loose and could pose a danger to passing motorists.
The incumbent MCA assemblyman for Bekok told his team to look into the issue fast as he started to contact the relevant authorities for help.
Seeking another term in the July 11 Johor election, the 61-year-old believes elections are won by years of showing up when people need help.
The calls kept coming. Even while having breakfast at a roadside stall, residents approached him seeking help with everyday issues, despite it being campaign season.
"I try to help. When something happens, I want to go immediately. I speak fast, I eat fast and I like to get things done quickly," he said.
Tan has been in public service for more than three decades.
At 18, he was recommended by the local youth movement to chair an old folks' home, an experience he said marked the start of his lifelong commitment to community service.
Tan said being on the ground also allowed him to spot problems before residents lodge complaints.
Among the projects he had a hand in were securing a bypass road following the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Project, upgrading estate roads and pushing for flood mitigation works.
"I don't just raise issues. I follow them through until they're completed," he said.
During the February 2023 floods, Tan recalled receiving more than 300 WhatsApp messages and over 200 SMSes from residents seeking assistance.
"People were calling for help throughout the night. Many requests are to ask help for personal matters," he said.
Over the past four years, Tan said he had also helped source more than 30 hospital beds and about 70 wheelchairs for residents, regardless of political affiliation.
Tan said there is plenty left to do. If returned for another term, he hopes to further improve estate roads, which remain vital for smallholders transporting their produce.
He also wants to develop Labis and Bekok into an agro-tourism destination by leveraging its durian orchards, forests and improved rail connectivity.
"People are already coming here for durians.
"With better planning, I believe they can stay longer, visit our eco-tourism attractions and create more opportunities for local businesses."
Tan is defending the Bekok seat in a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan's Tay Yok Jiuen of DAP.
