Tough to topple BN in Tanjung Karang, even without Noh Omar

For four decades, Tan Sing Ka has worked as a fisherman, spending his days in Tanjung Karang where he was born. 

He was once involved in politics at the grassroots level, but these days he doesn't pay too much attention to such matters. All he wants is a solution to the problems around him.

"The roads in front of the jetty here are terrible," he said when met at his small fishing village. 

"If we write a letter asking for it to be taken care of, the authorities ignore us. 

"If the representative asks – now that's a different matter." 

Infrastructure issues aside, residents are also worried about the cost of living, and the expenses of getting by from one day to the next. 

Tan is one of 62,194 voters in the Tanjung Karang constituency who are expected to cast their ballots at the Nov 19 election. 

The incumbent, Noh Omar, won the seat with a majority of 1,970 votes, defeating Zulkafperi Hanapi of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Nor Az Azlan Ahmad from PAS. 

While Noh had successfully defended his seat since 1995, he was not fielded this time around due to perceived clashes with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

Habibah Mohd Yusof is contesting the seat in his stead. 

The Tanjung Karang Umno women's chief is in a five-way fight with Azlan Sani Zawawi (Pejuang), Mohd Rosni Mastol (independent), Zulkafperi Hanafi (Perikatan Nasional) and Siti Rahayu Baharin (PH).

Tan said if Noh had been fielded, he would have been able to continue holding on to his seat. 

Nevertheless, he said Habibah might win, albeit with a smaller margin of votes. 

Azli Ayub, a resident at Kampung Kunci Air Buang, agreed. 

He said the BN stronghold would be hard to shake despite talk of sabotage by Noh's camp. 

"It's true that there are some who are not happy because Noh Omar has become so integrated in the constituency," he said. 

"But the sentiments of the people here are heavily in favour of BN. Even among the youth, there are no signs of them leaning towards any other party." 

Azli said Noh had done much to help the people tackle the issue of floods over the past two decades. 

Today, the area is still struggling with such problems, with water overflowing from the waterline even as the candidates enter the second half of the campaign period. 

But the voters there appear undaunted by the soggy situation. 

"It's our duty to go out and vote," said fruit vendor Mohd Mokthar Yunus. 

"As far as I can, I will go even though it pours on that day."

And he readily admits that he will support BN even though the coalition's candidate has changed. 

Back at the fishing village, Tan said whoever wins must pay heed to the people's grievances. 

"We're not asking for much," he added. "Just to be able to make a living."