For 40 years, Azlan Ayob has installed election flags, evolving from bamboo to PVC pipes as cheaper, durable alternatives for Johor’s polls
BATU PAHAT: Amid the excitement of the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) campaign, which has increasingly shifted to the digital space and social media, party flags lining the roads remain a symbolic form of a “psychological battle” that has stood the test of time.
However, for “unsung heroes” like Azlan Ayob, 58, the evolution of elections in the country is not only reflected in how leaders canvass for votes, but also in every flagpole he has erected over the past four decades.
Azlan, who began sweating it out installing party flags, banners and streamers at the age of 18 in 1986, is among the busiest individuals whenever the election drum beats in the Parit Yaani constituency here.
“Before I realised it, this year’s Johor state election marks 40 years of me putting up flags. Throughout that period, party flagpoles have evolved from bamboo, broomsticks and now Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes,” he told Bernama here today.
Azlan, who is also a part-time electrician, said the idea of using PVC pipes began during the 15th state election after he faced difficulties obtaining bamboo supplies at reasonable prices.
According to Azlan, the price of a single bamboo pole can now reach RM4, while the logistics cost of obtaining them from Pahang through the Orang Asli community is no longer considered worthwhile.
Sharing further, Azlan said he usually chooses one-inch diameter PVC pipes measuring about two metres in length as they are cheaper at RM2 each, apart from not causing itchiness like bamboo, which often irritates the skin during installation.
“A PVC pipe costs around RM2 each compared with bamboo poles at RM4 each and broomsticks at RM3 each,” he said.
He added that bamboo and broomsticks also do not last long as the materials deteriorate easily when frequently exposed to rain and heat, forcing them to be discarded.
“Unlike PVC pipes, for this state election I reused about 1,000 pipes that were previously used during the last General Election (GE). This is my third election using them and it is not impossible that I will use them again for GE16,” he said.
For the 16th Johor state election, he has installed about 2,500 PVC poles throughout the Parit Yaani constituency, besides fulfilling part of the demand in the Parit Raja constituency.
Elaborating on the technical aspects of installation, Azlan said the selection of PVC pipe grades cannot be done carelessly as incorrect thickness could cause the poles to bend or curve when exposed to strong winds.
He acknowledged that as PVC pipes have market value, they require frequent monitoring by election machinery and must be removed immediately after the campaign ends to ensure the assets do not “disappear”.
The 16th Johor state election sees 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, which will be decided by 2,727,926 eligible voters this Saturday.
For the latest news on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor.
