Sandakan: The Chinese community's response to programmes organised by Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Gum-Gum state seat, Abdul Said Pimping, has been encouraging.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Said stated that he would continue organising programmes and small-group ceramah sessions to highlight his strengths as a PH candidate, which is now part of the Federal Government. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Sandakan will further boost Chinese community support for PH in the area.

'As we begin the second week of our campaign, I have observed an encouraging response from the Chinese community to the events we've held. The Prime Minister's presence today is expected to further bolster this momentum of support,' Abdul Said informed reporters.

As a former Libaran Fishermen Association chairman, Abdul Said pledged to advocate for the welfare of traditional fishermen, ensuring they receive necessary rights and government assistance, including the fishermen's cost-of-living allowance and equipment aid. He is also determined to continue serving as the representative voice of the people in Gum-Gum if elected in the state election.

Records indicate that there are about 1,600 fishermen in Sandakan, with nearly 800 residing in the Gum-Gum area. The construction of two fishermen's jetties in Kampung Sungai Beruang and Kampung Kuala Gum-Gum, costing approximately RM200,000 under the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), is anticipated to provide significant benefits by offering landing facilities for marine catches.

The Prime Minister, who is also the PH Chairman, is set to arrive in Sandakan to participate in multiple programmes, including an engagement session with Sandakan youth and a meet-and-greet dinner with the Chinese community of the Karamunting and Elopura state constituencies.

The Election Commission (EC) has designated Nov 29 as the polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election.