Melaka Polls: Candidates Turn To Ground Campaigning To Win Over Votes

MELAKA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Following the conclusion of the nomination process for the 16th Melaka State Election last Saturday, candidates have stepped up their campaigns, employing various strategies to reach out to voters ahead of polling day on Nov 14.

Most candidates have lined up as many as 10 activities daily, beginning early in the morning and continuing until late at night, in a bid to engage with as many voters as possible.

Coffee shops remain among the most popular campaign destinations in the mornings, providing informal settings for candidates to gauge public sentiment and discuss local issues with residents over breakfast.

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Asahan state seat (N.10), Datuk Dr Fairul Nizam Roslan (second, left), interacts with local resident Kok Nai Tong (left) while campaigning for the 16th Melaka State Election.

The campaign trail then continues with walkabouts at wet markets, business premises and other high-traffic areas, followed by community engagement activities, including attending wedding receptions and tahlil (prayer) gatherings, to strengthen ties with local residents.

Recognising the importance of young and first-time voters in determining the outcome of the election, some candidates have also visited community sports facilities to connect with the young generation, while seeking to win over fence-sitters.

Despite the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Duyong constituency, Poo Long Suan, believes that face-to-face engagement remains invaluable, particularly in understanding the needs and concerns of the people.

"In this day and age, having a presence and popularity on social media is necessary. Even so, I believe it is far more important to go out into the field and meet the people directly," he said.

Sharing a similar approach, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Asahan, Datuk Dr Fairul Nizam Roslan, has also prioritised direct engagement with voters to hear their views and concerns firsthand, while strengthening existing relationships with the community.

"Through this approach, I was touched to discover that some residents still remember the assistance they had received from me, even though it was given without expecting anything in return," he said.

Besides participating in small-group dialogues alongside their respective party leaders to present their campaigns and policies, most candidates have also adopted house-to-house visits to bring themselves closer to the constituents.

PH candidate for Taboh Naning, Junainah Sahat, said her strategy of visiting homes and engaging with residents at eateries and roadside stalls enabled her to reach a wider cross-section of the community.

"Furthermore, I am leveraging social media platforms, particularly through TikTok Live sessions, to engage with younger voters, whom I have observed to be less visible in social and community activities in the Taboh Naning area," she said.

PH candidate for the Taboh Naning state constituency, Junainah Sahat, said her strategy of visiting homes and engaging with residents at eateries and roadside stalls enabled her to reach a wider cross-section of the community.

"Furthermore, I am leveraging social media platforms, particularly through TikTok Live sessions, to engage with younger voters, whom I have observed to be less visible in social and community activities in the Taboh Naning area," she said.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.

For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.

-- BERNAMA