Reports by MOHD FARHAAN SHAH, YEE XIANG YUN and VENESA DEVI
JOHOR BARU: Volunteers from other states campaigning in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections have voted for their favorite Johor dishes.
Campaign worker Kenny Yas voted for sup tulang or bone broth, one of the famous dishes of Johor.
The Kepong Bersatu division chief has been in town since Aug 31 and has had the opportunity to explore Johor’s culinary offerings while campaigning.
Enjoying what the state has to offer: (From left) Kenny, Mohd Rosli, Ngian and Nur Yusairy all have their own favourite Johor dishes.
“The locals told me sup tulang is a must-have when in Johor, and I agree. The broth is flavorful and smooth, and the meat is tender and juicy.
“I am already planning a ‘jalan-jalan cari makan’ trip (a food road trip) with my division members to Johor Baru after the by-elections are over,” said the Sabahan.
Businessman Mohd Rosli Abdul Aziz, who took an eight-hour bus ride from Kuala Terengganu to help Pakatan Harapan’s by-election campaign, named mee bandung as his favorite Johor dish.
“I often visit Johor as I have relatives here. This time, I am here to assist my friend and fellow Amanah member Suhaizan Kayat in his campaign for the Pulai parliamentary seat.
“Despite the busy schedule, I found some time to enjoy my favorite mee bandung at a stall in Kampung Melayu Majidee.
“The dish, originally from Muar, has a unique prawn flavor that is unmatched,” said the 65-year-old.
Selangor DAP member Maber Ngian Shin Huey, who is also involved in the Pulai campaign, highlighted the bak kut teh from a popular chain in Johor Baru as the most delicious dish she has tried so far.
“The Johor version of the dish differs from the darker-colored ones commonly served in Klang. I appreciate that the broth here is cooked with more Chinese herbs.
“I consider it a way to nourish my body since we often skip meals due to the busy campaign activities that go past midnight.
“Pulai is a sizable constituency, and the tasks include putting up flags along the road, managing the sound system during ceramah, and distributing leaflets during walkabouts,” said the 45-year-old.
Nur Yusairy Mansor, who drove for 12 hours from Perlis to Simpang Jeram in Muar to assist Perikatan Nasional’s campaign, named asam pedas as his top pick.
“The first thing the locals served us was asam pedas, as it is one of Muar’s signature dishes.
“The vibrant red gravy and tender fish eaten with hot rice are quite satisfying, and I often have second helpings,” said the member of Arau PAS division.
The 45-year-old businessman enjoys being in Simpang Jeram as it reminds him of his hometown with its laid-back atmosphere and roadside stalls.
“After the by-elections, my team and I will head to Pahang to assist with the Pelangai by-election.
“I am excited to try their specialty dishes while I am there,” added the father of four.
The Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat by-elections are being held following the passing of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who held the MP and assemblyman positions in the two seats.
Polling takes place today.
The Pulai seat features a three-cornered fight between Pakatan-Amanah’s Suhaizan, Perikatan-Bersatu’s Zulkifli Jaafar, and Independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi.
The Simpang Jeram seat will also have a three-way contest between Pakatan-Amanah’s Nazri Abdul Rahman, Perikatan-PAS’s Dr. Mohd Mazri Yahya, and Independent candidate S. Jeganathan.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
