The Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery in Kedah is getting a helping hand from 12 artistes in its campaign for the 13th general election.

It is carried out by the artistes under the "Ziarah Syukur" programme, involving the participation of Datuk Aziz Satar, Datuk Mustafa Maarof, Kuna, Shiera Iskandar, Norlia Ghani, Norniswara, Hail Amir, Salma Mentor, Farah Wahida, Kismah Johari, A.R Badul and Yantzen.

Today, the artistes were at the Taman Wira Mergong Farmers Market to help campaign for Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is contesting the Bakar Bata state seat. They helped to distribute the BN manifesto book to traders and customers there.

One of the artistes, Aziz, said the programme was carried out to remind the people to be grateful for the benefits that they had been enjoying so far.

"This is our way of contributing for BN for what it had done for us.

"Hopefully BN is retained to power because it is proven the only party that cares for the people," he added.

He said the people should look at BN's track and ensure its victory to ensure they could continue to enjoy the benefits.

For Shiera Iskandar, who is voting for the first time this May 5, said she was excited and hoped to the country would continue to be helmed by the current leadership.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Bashah, who is Kedah BN chairman, said the presence of the artistes helped to further enliven the BN campaign.