KULAI: Based on the analysis of previous elections, the upcoming Johor state election will see at least 60% voter turnout, says Pakatan Harapan candidate for Bukit Batu Arthur Chiong Sen Sern.
He said voter turnout increased by about 30% from the March 2022 Johor state election to the general election held in November the same year.
"The previous state election was held in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, causing many outstation voters to be unable to return home to vote.
"When the general election was held later that year, after the pandemic had eased, we saw a significant increase in voter turnout.
"So, this time we are confident that the number will be higher," he said.
Chiong, who is defending his Bukit Batu seat in a five-cornered fight, said this at a press conference at his service centre on Sunday (July 5).
On the campaign, Chiong said he has seen an encouraging response from the public, including in areas where support for the coalition was previously weak.
"However, we will not take it lightly and have been campaigning from 7am to midnight every day. We have also been holding multiple ceramahs to ensure our win.
"In the previous election, I had only one week to physically meet voters as I was infected with Covid-19 and had to be quarantined.
"This time, I have the full campaign period to meet voters," he said, adding that the election momentum has been improving day by day.
On a separate matter, Chiong said his officers had also filed a police report at the Air Bemban police station on Saturday (July 4) over the alleged sabotage of his campaign materials.
"We found party flags thrown into a drain and my billboard was torn.
"It is disappointing to still see something like this happening," he said, urging all parties to campaign harmoniously and not be hostile towards one another.
Earlier, Chiong also presented a seven-point pledge to Bukit Batu voters, which includes a programme to bridge local talent with players in the data centre industry.
He also pledged to continue efforts to widen the FT001 road connecting Johor Baru and Ayer Hitam, upgrade the Kelapa Sawit Health Clinic, provide free tuition classes, eradicate the use of vape and drugs, boost the tourism industry, as well as improve school facilities.
