POLITICAL parties are opting for posters and flags over billboards for their general election campaign.

However, even these have been reduced as social media remains the preferred medium for politicians to reach out to voters.

There are fewer posters, flags, banners and billboards in this election than in 2018.

IN GOMBAK, SELANGOR, there are fewer party flags festooning the roads and buildings.

Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Gombak information chief Zafrullah Aris said the party was focusing on locations where flags and posters would be easily seen by voters.

“We (PH) chose to put up posters in the urban centres, towns and housing estates instead of buying billboards at intersections of major roads such as the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) because that would be costly,” he told Bernama.

He said PH was also campaigning on social media because of the lower cost and younger audience.

Setiawangsa Umno Youth head Roshan Zaki Othman agreed social media is the preferred campaign medium for GE15. Nevertheless, Barisan Nasional (BN) flags and posters line the roads and housing estates in the parliamentary constituency.

IN KEDAH, a check by Bernama found no candidate posters in the Kubang Pasu and Alor Setar parliamentary constituencies as of Tuesday. 

Pejuang executive secretary Muhammad Fikri Ahmad acknowledged that the party had put up fewer flags because of limited funds.

“We had intended to flood Kubang Pasu with flags. However, we have decided to place the flags and campaign materials only at strategic locations, such as near traffic lights, highway intersections and night markets,” said Fikri.

IN KELANTAN, flags and banners of several parties are up in Gua Musang.

Taman Putih resident Hamidah Ismail said the residents’ committee put up Barisan Nasional flags and posters since the campaign began.

“Young people in our area suggested that we increase the number of flags. So the village committee members bought 500 bamboo poles at RM1 per pole,” she said.

Abd Rahim Abdullah, of Chin Teck housing estate, said more flags and posters would be put up as the campaign proceeded.

IN JOHOR, party supporters enjoyed themselves time putting up flags and posters overnight they worked to ensure the victory of their chosen candidates.

BN, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Muda flags and posters lined the main road from Parit Jawa to Muar town.

“A week before polling, we will begin putting up the flags and posters on a large scale and even erect billboards,” said Muar Muda committee member Mohd Hairudin Rabun.

He said every night, about 20 volunteers helped to put up 600 flags of various sizes.

IN PENANG, fewer election flags and posters are seen in the city than in the suburbs and villages.

A spokesman said the Penang Island City Council had received 25 applications for election advertising permits.

“So far, we have not rejected any application. We would like to remind all applicants to ensure that the advertisements do not cause harm to the public and road users,” he said. – Bernama, November 10, 2022.