Surgeon Koh Poh Koon spent the first Saturday following his introduction as the People's Action Party's (PAP's) candidate for Punggol East visiting temples, a community centre, a busy road junction and a shopping mall.

His first stop in the single-seat ward was to a Hindu temple and a Chinese temple, both at Rivervale Crescent.

Dr Koh, 40, told reporters later: "Singapore being a multi-racial and multi-religious society, it's important to understand and touch base with the key religious institutions here because these can be potential flashpoints of unhappiness."

He acknowledged that noise from the temples, especially over festive periods, is a grouse among residents.

"As long as both sides can come to a good understanding of each other's needs, this can be resolved," he said.

His next stop was Sengkang Community Club (CC), where he met caretaker MP Teo Ser Luck to tour the facilities and services.

A new CC is being planned for Punggol East ward, likely to be sited just behind Rivervale Plaza, he told reporters.

Over at the junction of Sengkang East Way and Sengkang East Drive, Mr Teo gave him a rundown of traffic conditions.

Dr Koh then went to Rivervale Mall, where he greeted patrons.

Asked if he had plans to serve as a grassroots adviser in Punggol East regardless of the by-election results, Dr Koh said he would try his best to "help with the grassroots activities".