IPOH, May 15 — Business owners are looking forward to raking in the profits during the upcoming by-election for the Kuala Kangsar Parliamentary constituency.

Hoteliers say rooms will be fully booked by people from various government agencies and ministries by the time election campaigns start.

The owner of Kangsar Hotel, who wanted to be identified only as Tan, 48, said she has been receiving calls for room bookings during the by-election period.

“Many people called about the availability of rooms until May 18, and many have booked for that period,” she told Malay Mail at her hotel yesterday. 

“They are from outstation and these people are coming here because of the by-election, which will start in three weeks.”

Tan’s hotel, which has 15 rooms, is expected to be full by the time the election campaigns get underway.

“I’m confident we will have a full house. During the coronation of Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah last year, my hotel was fully booked and I am expecting the same situation for the by-election.

“We have prepared extra beds, pillows and blankets to avoid any shortage,” she said.

Syatirah Ahmad Shah, 24, the assistant manager at Sinar Restaurant in Lembah, said she will need extra workers during the election period.

“We are expecting a crowd during the election period as Lembah is popular for its food in Kuala Kangsar,” she said, adding she had stocked up on raw materials such rice, flour, eggs and vegetables to ensure sufficient food for customers.

Syarikat Taj convenience store owner, Abu Bakar Siddek Mohamad Ibrahim, said newspapers will be the hot selling item in his store during the by-election.

“During elections, people want to read newspapers to keep them updated on the situation. There will be a demand for newspapers so I’ll take more newspapers from my vendors,” he said.