The Selangor state election, along with elections in five other states, has finally concluded after a period of candidate speculation and two intense weeks of campaigning. The media personnel, including myself and my teammates, are relieved that the elections are over and we can return to covering local council matters and other events in the Klang Valley.
These past few weeks have been exhausting for the media, as we had to keep track of the election candidates’ campaign schedules and try to get interviews or quotes from them regarding certain issues. While technology and platforms like WhatsApp have made communication and information-sharing easier, not all candidates were prompt in sending out their schedules or keeping the media informed about their movements.
Discovering popular morning and night markets is a positive in covering the state election. — Filepic
To compensate for this, social media platforms were sometimes used to update daily campaign schedules. Political parties and candidates with social media-savvy youth-centric teams were particularly helpful in this aspect. Their platforms were regularly updated, making it easier for people to know their whereabouts throughout the day.
However, not all parties and candidates adhered to a specific schedule, making it harder for the media to track them down. After attempting to follow them on their campaign trails a few times, my colleagues and I eventually gave up due to the time-consuming nature of the task.
Despite the challenges, covering the Selangor state election had its upsides. One candidate pointed out that it led to the discovery of new places to eat. Additionally, I became familiar with the locations of morning markets, night markets, and popular recreational spots in some constituencies, as candidates often visited these high-traffic areas to meet voters in person.
During my coverage, I had the opportunity to visit a food court in Puchong that left a positive impression. The cleanliness, organization, variety of food, and ample parking space made it a place I would likely revisit if I’m in the area. Moreover, observing the hustle and bustle at morning and night markets was enjoyable, especially witnessing how some of the night markets have become trendy and offer unique items appealing to the younger crowd.
While one might argue that certain items can be bought cheaper online, shopping at a night market allows me to assess the product’s quality and suitability to my preferences. Additionally, purchasing from local traders supports their livelihoods and the local economy, which is a significant factor for me.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
