Johor PH opposes municipal council's billboard permit fees during election

Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Johor is protesting a new policy by the Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) that requires permit fees for installing election billboards. PH Johor chairman Aminolhuda Hassan called the move inappropriate and urged a review, emphasizing that election campaigning is a fundamental democratic process, not a profit-driven commercial venture.

Hassan argued that local authorities should facilitate campaigning, especially given the short two-week period allocated by the Election Commission. He pointed out that billboards are primarily for introducing candidates to voters with limited visuals. He also questioned the necessity of the new fees, as candidates are already required to pay advertising deposit fees to local councils and the Election Commission before they can officially contest.

"What is the need for this payment because each candidate has been required to pay an advertising permit deposit to the District Council, Municipal Council, or City Council before being confirmed to contest," Hassan stated. He believes these charges are unreasonable and will create unnecessary financial pressure on candidates and political parties. PH hopes the Kluang Municipal Council will immediately cancel this plan.