JOHOR BAHRU: The war of flags of contesting parties in the Johor state election is heating up, especially in the southern part of the state.

Apart from the flags of Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and PKR, also visible are those of the 'new competitors'.

Checks by Bernama found that flags of the new parties have been erected in many strategic spots.

Among them, Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA) flags with a black background and white letters have sprung up along roadsides, especially in the areas contested by the party, including the Puteri Wangsa state constituency.

Parti Pejuang Tanah Air's (Pejuang) white and Pantone blue flags are flying and adorning much of the main routes towards the city.

Apart from that, flags of Parti Bangsa Malaysia, Parti Sosialis Malaysia and also Perikatan Nasional have sprung up at strategic locations to attract the people's attention.

The flag of Sabah-based Parti Warisan, however, was less visible around the city compared to other new parties.

The Election Commission set polling day on March 12 and early voting on March 8.

-- BERNAMA