PONTIAN: THE upcoming Tanjung Piai by-election, with its nomination day on Nov 2, has become a boon for hoteliers and homestay owners following an increase in accommodation bookings.
Owners of several establishments, including Semerah Garden Hotel, Rossa Rimba Terjun Homestay and Astana Homestay said the bookings were made by supporters of various political parties.
Semerah Garden Hotel owner Cheah Yuan Jun, 25, said all 23 rooms in his hotel were fully booked.
“We have four types of rooms and offered them at rates between RM115 and RM188. All have been snapped up.”
Astana Homestay operator, Yahya Omar, 60, said undoubtedly the bookings would continue due to the number of programmes expected to be held during the two-week campaign period.
“(As for me), we are ready to add more rooms if there are more demands. Our homestay has five bedrooms, three air-conditioned living rooms and a kitchen. The rate is RM500 per night.”
The by-election is due to the death of Tanjung Piai incumbent Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafik on Sept 21.
The 42-year-old deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department died at the Pontian Hospital from a heart attack.
In the 14th General Election Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng representing Barisan Nasional lost the Tanjung Piai seat by 524 votes.
Dr Farid garnered 21,255 votes compared to Wee who secured 20,731 votes. Polling has been fixed on Nov 16.
