www.ipohecho.com.my FREE COPY DELIVERY The Echo is being delivered right to your doorstep by your IPOH newsvendor. Your Voice In The Community Call your news vendor echoecho NOW! August 16-31, 2010 PP 14252/10/2010(025567) 30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – issue ASK YOUR NEWSVENDOR 103 3 4 9 12 Exposition Or Imposition ? Letters: Ipoh My Home Town A Timely MBI’s Shameful Boost for ICW ‘ZOPFAN’ A Big Letdown for Residents.

KAMPAR – From Tin Mines to Tertiary Education

By JERRY FRANCIS

ampar, like most mining towns in the rich alluvial tin deposit region of the , plunged into a depression when the international tin price collapsed in October, 1985. Several tin mines on which the Ktown’s economy largely depended, gradually ceased operation. Also affected were scores of supporting industries, such as foundries, hardware shops, machinery workshops and timber traders. As a result, thousands of workers lost their jobs. Without any alternative employment opportunity available, most of the young people left as immigrant workers to Japan, Taiwan, Europe and the United States and sent their hard earned money home to their dependants. Kampar founded in 1887, thus became like an old-folks and children’s home. However, in just over two decades, Kampar has emerged from the tailings of the tin mines into a fast growing hub for tertiary education in . Continued on page 2 2 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community A Miner’s Vision

he revival of Kampar mining land surrounded nomic boom of Kampar Tempurung and the old tin the delicacies. However the Twas possible largely by lush greenery and lakes is shown by the number dredge in Chendrong as construction of the North- because of the vision of a was allocated by the Perak of commercial banks (8) among the tourist attrac- South Highway soon made former veteran tin miner Government to UTAR. which have their branches tions. the detour to Kampar too Tan Sri Hew See Tong, The university was in the town. With its popu- As for his role towards tedious and foodie visits who gave a kiss of life to officially opened on June lation on the increase to tourism, Hew said he, to- dwindled. With the new an otherwise dying min- 1, 2007. UTAR has pro- well above 70,000, the gether with some former focus on tourism, Kampar ing town. gressed steadily to be a sub-district was upgraded miners, were working on should soon see the full Hew, a miner since comprehensive university to a full district – the 10th setting up a gravel pump buses returning, making 1949, was an advisor for providing “a diverse port- in Perak last year. mines museum to be lo- Kampar a full destination a number of years to the folio of undergraduate and cated in the township. rather than a detour. International Tin Council postgraduate programmes Tourism Potential “We want to show the (ITC) in London, which with a niche in research Having seen Kampar turn young generation and the was established in 1956 and consultancy”. around to become a hub generations to come, the APOLOGY to manage a buffer stock of tertiary education is not contribution of the tin min- to keep the tin price at a Tan Sri Hew See Tong Future Developments sufficient for Hew to rest ing industry to the econo- steady level until 1985 Under its second phase when its buffer manager Need for Progress of development, UTAR is could no longer maintain Despite some critics ac- constructing a grand-hall the price due to rising cost cusing him of having a with a capacity for 3,500 of production and an in- personal agenda, the soft- people and a number of crease in production by spoken Hew crusaded on lecture theatres. Currently, non-member countries. As with his vision to bring UTAR has an enrolment of a result ITC collapsed and progress and new hope to 12,500 students and TARC so did the tin mining in- the residents of his birth- has 2,100 students. dustry in the country. place. “I felt we needed to Bandar Baru Kampar he Ipoh Echo wish- “After the tin min- do something and so de- has about 4,000 houses, ing industry collapsed, I cided to make Kampar a Tes to apologise to 300 commercial buildings, Sathasivam @ Siva (pic) managed to carry on until hub of tertiary education”, two government schools, the drop of the tin price he said. Main square of Bandar Baru Kampar for causing him any em- a large supermarket and barrassment or inconven- became unbearable”, said Hew then went on my of the country as well a seven-storey hotel. on his laurels. “My dream ience when his picture the 79-year-old Hew at a to persuade Tunku Abdul as remind the residents of Housing developments are is to see Kampar become was published in issue casual interview in a cof- Rahman College (TARC) the town’s heritage”, he still underway. both a hub for tertiary edu- 102 page 11 of the Paper. fee-shop. to set up a branch. His of- said. The Federal Govern- cation and a tourist desti- The picture was intended fer of five shop lots at a The old town was ment is proposing to build nation. to show him as one of the New Township nominal rental of RM1 once famous for its chick- a satellite hospital in the “There is potential vendors working very dil- On ceasing mining opera- per year and a donation of en clay-pot rice, chicken township to cater to the for tourism development igently to deliver newspa- tions in 1989, he decided 20.2ha of his ex-mining biscuits and fish-ball noo- residents of Lower Perak in Kampar and its sur- pers daily. Siva has been to diversify and use his land for the college’s per- dles. Bus-loads of tourists and MARA is planning roundings”, he claimed. delivering newspapers to ex-mining land just north manent site was too good were known to make a bee- to set up its university at He pointed out the bird the Ipoh Echo office every of Kampar town for hous- to refuse. line to the town to savour nearby Gua Tempurung. sanctuary in the area, Gua day. ing and industrial devel- And with the support With plans for expan- opments. And so, a new of Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sek sion by the two education township – Bandar Baru (former MCA president), KOON YEW YIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FINANCE/ institutions, the student ACCOUNTANCY DEGREES Kampar, sprang out in the he managed to get TARC population is expected midst of the vast sandy to come in and the branch to hit well above 20,000. Pre-degree or Foundation Course landscape. campus was constructed Kampar is therefore Pays for all the fees and cost of living until the PTPTN loan is secured. In 1990, he also de- and officially opened on primed to move further Criteria: cided to stand as a Barisan May 18, 2003. Today, the with the education sector • Scholarship based on eventual acceptance by UTAR Nasional’s candidate for branch campus, surround- as the main driving force • Total family income is less than RM2,000 per month. the Kampar Parliamentary ed by beautiful scenery of its economy. constituency, but was and lakes, offers outstand- • No payback, only the commitment to help other poor students Providing accommo- when financially solvent after graduation. narrowly defeated. Sub- ing facilities and resources dation and essential needs sequently, in 1995 he re- that further promote excel- of the students alone of- Send request with IC details, proof of family income to: contested the seat and won, lent teaching and learning. fers great prospects to the [email protected] and continued to be the MP economic and commercial for Kampar for another two UTAR activities of the township terms until 2008. Hew was also instrumental as well as the old town. This gave some clout in getting the University Already, restaurants, ho- to his efforts. Hew’s hope Tunku Abdul Rahman tels, internet cafes and re- was to develop the new (UTAR) to set up its main tail shops are among others township to be a catalyst campus in the new town- thriving in the town. in bringing much deve- ship. It was with the help of Confidence in the eco- lopment and growth to the two former Menteri Besars region. of Perak, Tan Sri Ramli He started off by Ngah and Datuk Seri Tajol luring three foreign Rosli, and an MCA leader electronic companies to set Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan up their operations in the that a 520-ha piece of ex- new township and provide employment for about 7,000 workers.

Beautifully designed shophouses in Bandar Baru Kampar Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO August 16-31 2010 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH echoYour Voice In The Community From the Editor’s Desk by Fathol Zaman Bukhari EXPOSITION OR IMPOSITION ? Traders impose their will on organisers rather than the other Exposition of farmers, fishermen and way around. This is not progress… It is most disheartening to stock-breeders. see how well-meaning in- tentions are being exploit- Opportunities ed for selfish reasons. The Although both promote much heralded Wenzhou different products, their Brand-name and Quality aims are almost identical – Products Exposition and to create economic activi- the Perak Agrofest 2010 ties in a confined space and bore witness to this fla- provide a window of op- grant display of self-serv- portunity for both budding ing profiteering. and seasoned entrepre- The Wenzhou Expo- neurs. The exposition will sition was held at Stadium allow buyers and sellers to Indera Mulia Ipoh from meet at an appointed place June 24 to 27 while the and create an atmosphere of the products on show at this a cunning ploy to keep ised that there is a thriv- and goods. They must be Perak Agrofest was held at conducive to dialogue. The the Chinese section were inquisitive visitors away? ing chocolate-making fac- cashing in on the coming Ladang Infoternak Sungai opportunity to interface leather goods, furniture, Could it be the language tory near Sunway City in Ramadan month to make a Siput (Utara) from August with potential clients in a machines, tools and ap- barrier? I have no way of . It makes fanciful quick buck. 5 to 8. The former was to non-hostile environment is parel. telling. Judging from the chocolate products for ex- The objective of the showcase Wenzhou’s qual- what the participants seek mood, their presence was port to neighbouring coun- festival, that is: “to provide ity products such as leather and cherish. Secretive merely to fulfil an obliga- tries. farmers, fishermen and wares, furniture, machi- The Wenzhou Expo- In spite of the huge influx tion – to be part and parcel stock-breeders an oppor- nery and apparel consist- sition was divided into of visitors there did not of the show. Agrofest tunity to promote and sell ent with the lifting of trade two sections, one for the seem to be much interac- The objective of the It was a different ball game their products”, was lost in restrictions between China Chinese the other for the tion between buyers and trade exposition was to over at the Perak Agrofest the mayhem. and ASEAN nations. The locals. Nearly 150 booths sellers. “They seem so se- exhibit Wenzhou quality in . Traders Perak Agrofest, on the oth- in the Chinese section cretive,” complained one products which would then paid between RM1,400 to Profits er hand, is an annual agri- were taken up by traders old timer. “I’ve been trying be manufactured in Perak RM1,600 to rent a booth A straight-forward expo- cultural festival organised from Wenzhou. Local trad- to get them to tell me more for the world market. And for the four-day agricul- sition has inadvertently by the state government to ers filled some 34 booths about their products but to since this was the major ture festival. At a typical become an imposition. honour the contributions in the local section. Most no avail,” he added. Was thrust of the exposition, the festival of this nature, one Traders impose their will traders’ lack of interest in would expect to see agri- on the organisers. Profits, retailing was only too ob- culture and aqua-culture not promotion is the buzz- Yes! Your Mother’s Will Is Valid but with a Thousand vious. Little wonder their products and livestock word. This unfortunate de- Apologies It Is Not Functional by Peter Lee presence at the stadium such as dairy cattle, sheep, velopment will have a neg- ended a day earlier on June goats and ducks on show. ative impact on progress. 26 while the local traders A mini-petting zoo is man- And however much the ccasionally, I have been asked by family members remained till closure time datory. But that was not the organisers may want to of the deceased to explain some of the contents in O on June 27. case. At least a third of the disclaim the allegations of the will written by the deceased themselves or with the Interestingly, there more than 600 booths were profiteering, the sad truth assistance of someone else. One of the wills shown to was much to see in the taken up by traders selling is there for all to see. me left me no choice but to tell the son that ‘Yes! Your local section. I never real- Thailand-made garments mother’s will is valid but with a thousand apologies it is not functional.’ In this will there are two executors appointed jointly and it has 2 witnesses which makes the will valid. However, I discovered further that two of the joint executors appointed are the brothers of the deceased, one of whom is paralysed and bedridden. The other is now recovering from heart surgery. Both of them are in their 60s, illiterate and have also been depending on the financial assistance of the deceased. The will further states in one paragraph that all the movable and immovable assets in the estate must be given to the deceased’s three grandchildren aged 13, 10 and 8 equally without mentioning anything further. Apparently, during the lifetime of the deceased, she had been financing all the living expenses of the three grandchildren because the father of the children who is her son was incapable of caring for his children financially and also had a sour relationship with her. In addition, she also could not trust her husband either. The first question to ask is how is this will going to function when the executors are in such poor health? Presuming that one of them recovers, then how is he going take up the responsibility when the will states that two executors must act jointly and to replace them with another person would require the consent of all the beneficiaries of the deceased? Then there is the issue of distribution which states that all movable and immovable assets must be given to the three grandchildren. So, how are the grandchildren going to receive these assets when they are still minors knowing the fact that they need the money on a daily basis? Assuming that you are in this position and still alive, you can avert or minimize this problem by choosing the right executors. You may not make a perfect choice but at least choose executors who are trustworthy, not too old and healthy. However, if you have a problem like the above, then it is strongly advisable to choose a trustee company like Rockwills Trustee Bhd. to be the estate’s main executor because it has the expertise, impartiality, professionalism and perpetual existence. If all your grandchildren are still minors then it must be clearly written in the will how much money deriving from the movable assets such as bank a/c, investments in unit trusts and share market is required to finance their living, medical and education expenses on a monthly basis and when is it going to end? With regards to immovable assets such as landed properties, it is up to you to determine at what age your grandchildren are going to receive these assets. Anyone above 18 years old would be able to register themselves as owners of assets. Since all your assets are going to be frozen if you pass away, then you are strongly advised to set up a private trust such as an insurance trust to provide immediate funding for your grandchildren while the executor/s wait for the probate to unlock your assets. Peter Lee is an Associate Estate Planning Practitioner (Wills & Trust) with Rockwills International Group. He is also an Islamic Estate Planner providing Wills & Trust services for Muslims. He is based in Ipoh and can be reached at: 012- 5078825/05-2554853 or [email protected]. 4 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

PUBLISHER Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd letters (Regd No 687483 T)

No 1 Jalan Lasam MBI’s Shameful ‘ZOPFAN’ A Big Let 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan Down for Residents Tel: (605) 249 5936 t least four illegal Residents not only housing estates in the first have gone unanswered. as the air is polluted. Fax: (605) 255 2181 companies and dump- have to face constant dawn- place. MBI should take So, nowadays, the disap- The children can- Email: editorial@ipohecho. A com.my ing grounds located along till-dusk open burnings the relevant actions before pointed residents simply not play in the fields and the foot of the hills in which create thick black these illegal outposts cause pray for the Almighty’s those who have vegetable EDITORIAL Rapat Setia Baru area are smoke and vomit-creating further damage both to the intervention as no one is gardens cannot work in Fathol Zaman Bukhari causing sleepless nights smell but also noise from a environment and residents. willing to help them. them because the smoke is G. Sivapragasam for residents. Although nu- toddy shop run illegally in Those residing in Taman The only faithful unbearable and spread all Jerry Francis merous verbal complaints a place meant for growing Desa Rapat, Taman Pinggir Government department over the area. People can- have been made to MBI, fruit trees (orchard). Perdana, Taman Indah, which responds to the resi- not even take any short, re- REPORTER James Gough the complaints have fallen Some of these illegal Taman Harmoni or around dents’ cries is the Fire and freshing and peaceful naps on deaf ears. Residents spots are within five to Rapat Setia Baru know Rescue Department which in the afternoons nor watch GRAPHIC DESIGN here call these ‘black’ ten metres from the near- very well the culprits who dispatches firemen and en- television programmes Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali areas “MBI’s very own est houses. No one knows do the open burnings or run gines within 30 minutes of peacefully because of the ZOPFAN”, the acronym how these factories have the factories but they are calls being made to put out smoke. Even walking about MARKETING & for the Zone of Pollution, been allowed to exist for helpless as countless ver- the black smoke-emitting is very much restricted. DISTRIBUTION Fires and Noise. more than thirty years in bal complaints to the MBI fires. Every morning car MANAGER Ramesh Kumar The MBI always has owners struggle to clean the excuse that the offic- the thick soot which depos- WEB ADMINISTRATOR ers in charge of that area it on the cars. Housewives Titus Raj are busy or on leave. Calls are greatly stressed out to the enforcement chief’s too. The floating dust set- PERMISSION AND RE- office are always politely tles on everything in the PRINTS Materials in Ipoh Echo returned with typical “tuan house. The presence of may not be reproduced sibuk dengan mesyuarat” toddy shops are another in any form without the or “tiada dalam bilik”. nuisance. written permission of the The vast area at the How long should the publisher entrance of the foot of the residents suffer? How long hills is a haven for lorry op- will the illegal factory and PRINTER erators, carpenters and ma- farm owners adamantly Konway Industries Sdn Bhd Plot 78, Lebuhraya sons who are very fond of staying put in those places Kampong Jawa disposing of their garbage continue to contaminate 11900 Bayan Baru, and work-related waste as the environment and affect Pulau Pinang and when they like as no the residents’ health? Tel: (604) 644 7507 enforcement officers are The residents have ever seen in this area. never seen or met any MBI This area, which has enforcement officers or its literally become a short- councillor in the area. USEFUL cut dumping ground for When it comes to the CONTACTS these irresponsible con- collecting of assessment, tractors, equally attracts the MBI is forever ready Ibu Pejabat not only rats and snakes but when complaints are Polis Daerah (IPD) but also a large number made, no one in the ‘cor- 05 2451 500 of drug addicts who burn ridors of power’ hears 999 (emergency) through the rubbish to col- anything. It is a big shame lect metal pieces and other for MBI which is always Ipoh General Hospital 05-253 3333 valuable items. They burn boasting to be the best in tyres, wires, wooden items the country. Datuk Bandar Ipoh Ambulance and plastic causing thick should visit in person to 05-522 2506 black smoke to spread to see the area and talk to the 993 (emergency) the whole area. One can frustrated residents. Will Ipoh Fire Brigade imagine the pain being felt he do that? The residents 05-547 4444/994 by the residents. They are are waiting. (emergency) quite often down with si- A Disappointed nusitis, flu and chest pains Resident Perak Immigration Dept 05-5017100 Perak Water Board 05-254 6161 Minimising Time Ipoh City Council .P. Bala, 49, of the that the team would come (Complaints) Tamil Nesan’s Ipoh the following morning. 05-208 3378/9 S bureau had his laptop It appears from the Perak Anti-Corruption and camera stolen from above incident that the Agency his office on the night of public is still being given 05-253 1982 Get your FREE copy of the Ipoh Echo from: August 5. the run-around and that State Secretariat He lodged a police measures to reduce the Canning Gdn: Ariff Store, 40 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. 05-253 1957 report at the New Town crime rate in Perak have New Wing Fook Merchant, 56 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. police station but was told not filtered down from the Railway Station Lourd Enterprise, 7 Lorong Cecil Rae. 05-254 7987 to go to the Old Town top. Ipoh Gdn: Muhibah Hair Stylist, 103 Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan. police station and report S.P. Bala is not Airport Mama’s Home Baked Bread Stall (after 7 pm), Aneka Selera. the incident to the A Team the only one to give an 05-312 0848 Ipoh Gdn South: Pasar Mini Manaf, 17 Jalan S.A. Lingam. office. alternative version of Registration Department First Gdn: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 50, Jalan Ng Weng Hup. When he got there, their experiences with the 05-528 8805 Labrooy Road: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 16A Jalan Labrooy. he was then told to go police. And still we are Meru: Golf Reception Counter, Meru Valley Golf & Country Club. Tenaga Nasional Berhad back and wait at his office told all is well and crime New Town: Ruba Rubi Ent 154, Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Tel. No 017-5048531 05-253 2000 for the police team A’s has gone down. Chan Sam Lock Photo Studio, 77-81 Jln Sultan Idris Shah. arrival. He waited until So, who and what, Lembaga Air Perak M & A Securities Sdn Bhd, 52A Jln Sultan Idris Shah. 1.30 a.m. but there was no are we to believe? Fotomas, 115 Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar. 1800-88-7788 sign of the police, only a Pooven Enterprise (opp Super Kinta), 5 Jln Dato Onn Jaafar. Mariam Mokhtar Directory Service phone call informing him S.Y. Dry Cleaning & Laundry, 1 Jln Chung Thye Phin. 103 Simee: Newsvendor (morning), Opposite Simee Market. Perak Women for Tmn Ipoh Jaya: Rasu Enterprise, 271 Jalan . Women Society Tmn Tambun: Bawal Jaya Enterprise, 66 Psrn Desa Tambun 7, Desa Tambun. VACANCY 012-521 2480 Tiger Lane: Perak Academy, 28 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah. 012-505 0547 Golf Club Road: Fitness Junction, 2 Jalan Kelab Golf. TECHNICIAN REQUIRED 05-5469715 (office) Ulu Kinta: Sai Ram Petrol, PSS Sunway City Tambun, Lot PT 303545, (BASED IN IPOH) Sunway City Tambun, Hulu Kinta. Tel: 05-5421 704 Experienced in Mechanical/Electrical Work AA Ipoh With Own Transport 019-574 3572 P.N. Book Centre, 7 Jalan Dato Ahmad Yunus. Contact: 05-5487253/019-5590440 017-350 8361 Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO August 16-31 2010 5 MUSINGS ON FOOD SeeFoon finds new Halal Restaurant [email protected] Move over , there’s a new kid on the block By See Foon Chan-Koppen

aving spent many years living in and Hlooking to replicate the taste and mouth feel of the Nasi Padang I grew up with in , I was delighted when Simpang Tiga opened up and I could indulge in all my childhood taste thrills. But as a huge restaurant, it comes with all the accompanying noise and bustle and can be quite distracting when you want to have a decent conversation. Now recently I discovered a more intimate venue where the food tickles my fancy and hits all the right spots on my somewhat jaded and eclectic taste buds.

Rustic Ambience Located at the rear of the new TKB building called 1 Casuarina, on Jalan Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah (old Indonesia. Full air- said four Indonesian chefs two pieces; as was the the egg plant with red Rd. for those who still haven’t updated their memory conditioning assures one were specially engaged Kacang Goreng Tempeh, sambal and the bean banks) Pondok Padang can be hard to locate as the sign- of comfortable dining to prepare the dishes and fermented soya bean cake sprouts with tofu. posting is not prominent enough from the main road. although diners have the delicacies. “Padang food is fried with peanuts and The meal was Suffice to say that if you turned in to 1 Casuarina just option of enjoying their basically of Minangkabau sambal – RM2.00. rounded off with the after passing Impiana Hotel (the former Casuarina Hotel) meals indoor or outdoors, origin and we specially The thick, tender addition of their green on the left-hand side, you’ll find Pondok Padang. and service is prompt and hired the chefs from there chunks of white fleshed, sambal, which is a The entrance to the friendly. to ensure that the taste is Ikan Ayam or ‘chicken combination of petai, restaurant resembles a authentic”, he added. fish’, came with a chilli- green chillies and curry “pondok” or attap hut which ‘Proof of Pudding’ On the day I went, we sambal type of sauce that leaves, and their red creates a rustic kampong An array of food behind were a group of 10 and was quite mild and great sambal and of course the ambience. Situated on two glass greets you as you we had sufficient numbers for those seeking a less perennial standby, sambal storeys, the restaurant has enter on your left and here to warrant ordering a belacan. 6 private rooms upstairs you can select from the significant number of which can open up to more than 30 items on dishes so as to really taste offer. But as the saying a cross section of the food goes, the ‘proof of the available. We all ordered pudding is in the eating’ freshly squeezed Umbra and no amount of intimacy juice (a small green fruit form a large room and an and decor will suffice if that is probably from the intimate seating on the the food is not up to par. mango family). I asked ground floor. Pondok Padang however for mine without sugar The tables and chairs lives up to its promise. which was a great idea as are from handmade The outlet’s operations the others were grimacing bamboo imported from manager, Robert Yeoh, over the syrupy taste of their drink.

Ramadan Fare For Ramadan, they are offering a Buka Puasa menu at RM30+ and from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., people can come and take home dishes for Sahor at a 30% discount. Seven menus will be offered during this time with a daily rotation over a week so diners can taste a variety of dishes and not be stuck with the First the Chicken… fiery taste. Gulai Sotong same lot every evening. First to arrive was the Sumbat is interesting. Ayam Goreng Bumbu, Whole squid stuffed with a deep-fried chicken egg and tofu and cooked Bangunan Perdagangan smothered in crispy fried in a lemak gravy was one Casuarina 1, Block spice paste consisting of my favourites. A-G-9 & A-G-11, Jalan primarily of garlic, tasty Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, but a tad on the dry side – Irresistible Fish Head 30250 Ipoh. RM8.90. Another chicken The piece de resistance Tel: 05-2433618 dish that I much preferred of the meal had to be the Open: 12 noon - 1 a.m. which was extremely Gulai Kepala Ikan Merah, tasty was the Ayam red snapper head cooked Gulai, pieces of kampong in a coconut gravy. This chicken cooked in a thick is cooked ala minute and turmeric coconut gravy – takes about 20 minutes. RM6.50. This arrived absolutely hot off-the-stove and the Superlative Rendang fish head was obviously The Beef Rendang was freshly delivered from the superlative, tender pieces market that morning...... of beef blanketed in a rich, with not the slightest hint very ‘lemak’ thick dark of fishiness. Depending on sauce that had none of the the size of the fish head, sugariness of a lot of other the one we had that day local rendang that I have was medium sized and tasted – RM8.50. Pergedil, costs RM35. two patties of potato and Vegetable accompani- meat then deep fried – the ments that we tried were Indonesian hamburger – the Pucuk Paku (jungle were tasty; RM3.00 for fern) in a coconut sauce, 6 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community kampong tales By Yusuf Martin Autism Support Association Conserving for Parents (ASAP) Culture (The Kampar Tin Mining Museum)

undulating Titiwangsa will be unable to do it” Datin Grace Lee is n the autumn of mountain range. The town said Tan Sri Hew See to the right of Roland I2011, Kampar, Perak, surroundings are graced Tong, when I asked him Hifler (centre). Malaysia, will finally re- by a host of lakes which why start building a tin Extreme right is ceive its own splendidly are the result of that area’s mining museum now. Michelle Cheng. unique museum dedicated later-day tin mining indus- “Not ten years later, not try. Kampar and Bandar five years....nobody can to the preservation of its utistic Spectrum Disorder or Autism is a development disorder. Children affected tin mining inheritance. Baru are preserved, do it. Before we had over thanks to the North/South one hundred members, Aby this disorder have difficulty with communicating and interacting with others as Following heritage their behaviour is rigid and they generally prefer a routine and repetitive behaviour. initiatives of the tin muse- Highway bypassing towns now when we get together like Kampar. we are only ten.” The Most times parents discover that their children are autistic after they start school um in Selangor (Klang Tin and only realise the fact when their child is unable to cope with the basic school Museum) and the Sungai In Kampar, antique ‘interested parties’, those buildings, dating back to people concerned with syllabus. Lembing Museum in Parents with autistic children have come to realise that autism is a journey Pahang (dedicated to the the founding of that town, tin and its heritage are still adorn small streets now elderly. The decision requiring much navigation. Realising their reality, a group of parents formed a support memory of tin mining in group, ASAP or the Autism Support Association for Parents to share experiences and that area), the Kampar Tin with many local arts and to construct a museum crafts still found along needed to be made before resources. The association was registered last year in January 2009 with Datin Grace Museum (Gravel Pump Lee as its patron. A year later in January 2010 the group started a school to provide Mining) situated in the the main thoroughfare or it was too late. Tan Sri scattered along intriguing (see cover story), feared academic education for children with autism. brand new town of Bandar According to ASAP adviser Ms Michelle Cheng, children with mild autism can Baru Kampar, is being backstreets. that younger generations The small town may not have the same achieve academically. Some of these children have special abilities (autistic savant) in created by an ex-Kampar music and art and if developed can enable them to earn a living. Not doing anything MP – Tan Sri Hew See for these children will most likely lead to their inability to live independently when Tong – benefactor and pa- they grow up. tron to the new township However their different styles towards learning make it difficult to adjust to the – in line with Perak state’s mainstream classroom. Hence the school was set up with a modified classroom and long reaching ‘From Tin curriculum and teachers trained to deal with autistic children. Mines to Mind Industries’ Currently the school has two teachers and three students. They need teachers initiative. as they intend to take in more students. No two students are ever the same as some The long awaited tin disorders vary from mild to severe. The severe students need to learn living skills such museum, when completed, as communication and how to interact with others and not just academic education. will seek to house reams These children need to be taught the skills needed to adjust to the real world. Since of revealing and original every child is different the school as well as the teacher will actually grow with the photographs, illustrative children. paintings, vital tin min- Of more importance though is the family’s involvement and the parents’ support ing artefacts and a host of group as the child spends more time at home. Through the association’s awareness information pertaining to programmes to educate parents of the methods and therapies to help their children, the the century and a half of parents as well as the teachers feel empowered when performing their job at hand. tin mining in and around Mini At the recently organised talk “Cognitive Education for the Autistic Child” the Kampar area. The Palong by Roland Hifler, more than 80 participants attended. It was noted that 50% of the museum’s main focus will attendees were teachers from government schools while the rest were parents. be on gravel pump mining Hifler is a pedagogue and therapist graduate of the Faculty of Psychology – one form of ‘open-cast’ and Educational Sciences of Geneva University who has over ten years of clinical tin mining, using pumped experience with autistic people. He is also the founder of an autistic children’s water to separate tin ore programme authenticated by Geneva University. He has very generously donated his from the earth housing it time to share his experiences with the local community. JAG in conjunction with a scaf- fold mounted sluice box. To demonstrate the was originally named interest in the preservation gravel pump process to (fairy of their cultural heritage as visitors of the museum, in the clouds), after the the people who have been there will be intriguing mountain dominating the directly involved with tin life-size working models town’s skyline, in whose and its production. of the operation. These shadow Kampar rests. The tin mining mu- models, already under Colonial District Officer seum is planned to open at construction, will be J.B.M. Leech renamed the end of 2011. There is complete with running the town Kampar, after little doubt that the open- water as well as life-like the nearby Kampar River ing of the museum will models carefully crafted (Sungai Kampar) for, in be a major event, even in of concrete, assembled to true colonial style, Leech Kampar’s remarkable his- represent both the work- felt that Mambang Di tory – it will be Kampar’s ings and the tin miners Awan was too much of a first museum and the engaged in the process of mouthful to say. area’s first museum gravel pump mining, mak- “It’s now or never, dedicated solely to gravel ing the process abundantly if we don’t do it now we pump tin mining. clear for novice museum visitors. The aim is to be in- formative to the museum’s visitors and to assist in preserving the memory and heritage of tin mining. The museum intends to be a repository of knowledge about gravel pump tin mining and therefore an educational resource for schools, colleges and the nearby UTAR University, situated amidst the bur- geoning new township of Bandar Baru Kampar. The museum and mu- nicipality of Bandar Baru are set against Malaysia’s Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO August 16-31 2010 7 community

arden Villa, a magnificent, beautifully preserved Gheritage building on No. 5 Jalan Dr. Nazrin Shah Appeal for Help Kinta Heritage’s (Gopeng Road), was built in the Anglo-Malay architec- tural style by Eu Tong Sen in the early 1900s. Originally designed as an annex to Eu’s nearby palatial residence Generous Offer Eu Chateau-Forest Lodge, the Garden Villa is now under lease to the Kinta Heritage Group who currently manages the building as community and exhibition space. Garden Villa is open for use by any association or group involved in the promotion and preservation of Culture, Nature, History or Arts of Perak. Groups and as- sociations may use Garden Villa to conduct talks, exhibi- tions, gatherings on a FREE OF CHARGE basis… for no more than 10 days at any given time. Commercial bodies may also make use of Garden Villa, although market rates will apply. RN Anyone interested please call Magis at 05-2417055 to book on a first come first served basis. Email: kintaher- [email protected].

Breaking Boundaries single mother, Chin Peck Yen, 40, appeals for Aassistance from well-meaning Ipohites to lessen A talk organised by the Perak Academy the burden of raising her five children. Chin’s husband, radition and progress Islamic Studies at the being a consultant on vari- Chong Wei Yoon, 47, succumbed to injuries sustained T– can one exist along- Faculty of Theology, ous BBC TV programmes after falling from his tractor recently. Since her husband’s side the other or are both Oxford’s oldest faculty. on Islam. Schooled in a death Chin has been living a hand-to-mouth existence. mutually exclusive? This Besides his excellent madrasah, this 34 year-old She does odd jobs waiting and helping at hawker stalls was the basis of an il- academic credentials, Dr Batu Gajahan who plays in . Her meagre income of about RM200 a month luminating talk given by Muhammad has a work- cricket applies his special- can hardly support her family. The eldest, a 13 year-old Dr. Muhammad Afifi al- ing knowledge of classical ist knowledge of Islamic boy is in secondary school while the youngest, a 5 year- Akiti, a Perakean that all Arabic, Byzantine Greek, theology, philosophy and old boy is in kindergarten. “It was fine when my husband Perakeans would be proud Medieval Latin, French science in his pursuit of was alive. But since his demise the future is really bleak of. and German. A stupendous the dynamic relationship for us”, she told Ipoh Echo when approached. Chin Dr. Muhammad Afifi achievement indeed for between science and reli- was evicted from her rented house recently and now emphasised the importance someone so young. gion, fides et ratio, in the lives with her sister-in-law in Ladang Gunung Hijau, of an equitable balance be- Beneath his unas- medieval world. Pusing. Her plight was highlighted by the MCA Batu tween progress, tradition suming countenance lies a Perakeans are proud to Gajah Deputy Division Chief, Dato’ Lee Kon Yin. and knowledge, both secu- great intellect and reservoir embrace this enlightened Those wishing to donate can deposit their money into lar and scriptural. He quot- of knowledge that runs the Anak Perak who has made Public Bank account: 3-1615316-31, in favour of MCA ed the University of Oxford that can be achieved. gamut of the academic his mark in the world and Perak Public Services and Complaints Bureau, or come motto of “Illuminato A first-ever Oxford realm from lecturing, edi- yet has both feet firmly on personally to MCA Perak at: 90-92 Jalan Sultan Idris Dominus Mia” as a fine don from Malaysia, Dr. torial work, scholarly ar- the ground! Shah, 31000 Ipoh. example of the balance Muhammad lectures in ticles and publications to VALERIE CHAN RN 8 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community community User-Friendly Pedestrian Walkways

BI is upgrading Mmany roads and pedestrian walkways in the city. The walkways along Jalan Dato’ Onn Finally! The Electric Train Has Arrived Jaafar in front of the Store Department Store he much awaited Electric Train plying between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur has finally has been upgraded. The Tpulled into the Ipoh’s Railway Station. KTMB subsidiary Electric Train Services pedestrian walkway has Sdn Bhd (ETS) which held a familiarization trip for VIP’s, the media and guests two days been built with gradient before their official launch on August 12, received an overwhelming number of day trip- when it meets cross roads pers that a second train had to be called in to cater to all. to enable people to walk The round trip from Ipoh Railway Station to Kuala Lumpur started at 10:00 AM and comfortably. Wheelchair- had passengers back in Ipoh by 4:00 PM the same afternoon with lunch served on the bound people can also use platform of Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. the walkway. All of the passengers when interviewed commented that the ride was comfortable Railings have been in- with most saying they had an afternoon nap before arriving in Ipoh. stalled in front of the Taxi Their only lament was the ‘high’ promotional price of RM30 per person explaining Lane for passengers to queue up and it also provides safety especially for children, that a couple taking a round trip to KL would have to fork out RM120 when compared to preventing them from running onto the road. a round trip to KL by bus which costs around RM80. The sad part is MBI does not practice this good design in all locations. New pe- Dr. Aminuddin Adnan, ETS CEO said that the company would review the fare to- destrian walkways were constructed along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Maxwell Road). ward the end of the promotional 6 month period and announced that children under 12 Here the pedestrian walkway terminates at right angle to the road. Pedestrians have years of age, the handicapped and senior citizens would be eligible for a 40% discount, to walk up and down. The walkways have short spans and this is inconvenient es- while students get 20% discount. pecially for senior citizens. People were happy when the pedestrian walkway was Regarding the ticketing system which Ipohites had complained of being slow espe- constructed in this busy road but only to find out it is not user-friendly. cially during peak periods Aminuddin stated that an improved ticketing system would be MBI must modify this and have a standard specification for construction of implemented for ETS this month. The new system would enable customers to book their pedestrian walkways. tickets online and was eligible for discounts similar to budget airlines. A. Jeyaraj Aminuddin also stated ETS would review the demand for the service before adding additional trips. ETS had originally scheduled 16 return trips per day but subsequently reduced the number to 10 per day. There will be four return trips to Kuala Lumpur and one right up to Seremban daily. Two of them are express services which leaves Ipoh at 4:00 AM and 2:00 PM with a travelling time between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur of one hour and 50 minutes. The 2:00 Toilet in the Centre PM train goes up to Seremban. The express services from KL Sentral are at 6:20 AM, and 6:48 PM. The three transit services from Ipoh are scheduled at 5:30 AM, 11:15 AM and 6:30 of Little India PM; from KL Sentral at 8:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Travelling time is two hours and 15 minutes. JAG

raders in Little India are unhappy with the construction of a public toilet in Tthe centre of the business area. The toilet is being built on the location of a memorial fountain. Siew Few Yuen, Proprietor of Ipoh Goldsmith Sdn Bhd said that MBI did not consult them on this. Another trader Amir Bacha of Malliga Fancy Store who had already made complaints in the Tamil press, wondered how MBI could do this? It is customary for Indians and Chinese to offer prayers after opening the shop in the morning. Does MBI want them to offer prayers facing the toilet? And then for the rest of the day the traders have to face the toilet. The traders are adamant that instead of giving explanations, excuses and justification, MBI must immediately demolish the toilet. The Prime Minister always says that his is a people friendly government and yet it appears that MBI does not adopt this policy. Unilateral decisions have been made without consultation of the people affected. The traders are also partly to be blamed. Instead of each individual making a statement, they should get together and submit their proposal to MBI. Knowing the poor track record of maintenance in Malaysia, the toilet will not be properly maintained and there will be a stench in the area. During Deepavali, Thaipusam and other Indian festivals when a large number of people will be using the toilet, the whole area will stink of urine. The work on the project seems to have come to a standstill. When I visited the site during mid morning on a week day, no one was working. The whole area is fenced and people cannot see what is going on inside. MBI must inform the people there when the project will be completed including the final cost. In future when MBI carries out this type of community projects it must hold public hearings to get input from the people. A. Jeyaraj Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO August 16-31 2010 9 news roundup Special Announcement Jeyaratnam Campus Avoiding Blindness he incidence of blindness among Malaysians is on Tthe rise. According to a recent survey, some 0.4 per cent of the country’s population suffers from some form of blindness. That means almost 110,000 Malaysians have problems with their eyesight. In an effort to combat this scourge, the Rotary Club of Kinta has initiated actions to educate the public on the seriousness of the problem. “We have to target the source,” said Dato’ Dr. M. Subramaniam, the club’s newly elected president during his opening address at the start of a seminar on eye-care for teachers and trainee teachers. The seminar held at Impiana Hotel Ipoh on Thursday, August 5, was attended by over 100 teachers from in and around Ipoh. he Jeyaratnam campus was launched by Tan Sri TDato’ Seri V. Jeyaratnam recently. In his welcome speech Jeyaratnam said that from its humble beginnings in 1982, Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah (YSIS) for the Disabled has grown to build its own campus at a cost of RM4.2 million which has been named after him. Ipoh My Home Town The campus would provide skills training in both certificate and diploma levels and has a unique iconic structure. Its design is in the shape of a man in ased on his experience with building the IpohWorld a wheelchair, the international logo for disability. The Bdatabase and blog at www.ipohworld.org and by college would have all the facilities needed for a college- popular demand from the large number of readers of the style, skills-training institute with hostels, lecture halls site, Ian Anderson has agreed to edit a new book entitled: and other amenities. “Ipoh My Home Town: Personal Reminiscences of He added that it would be difficult to raise funds Growing Up in Ipoh”. An artist’s impression of what especially in Ipoh since they have to go to the same the book may look like is shown here. Already he has organisations and people year after year which is gathered several articles and photographs from a range unpleasant. of people many of whom no longer live here, but more Dato’ Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir who officially stories are needed to make this publication a success. launched the Campus said the State Government The oldest contributor so far was born in 1920 but recognises the good work done by (YSIS) and added that By the word “source” Subramaniam was referring anyone who was born before 1995 may submit articles for a start he would donate RM100,000 on behalf of the to school kids. “Efforts at correcting eye defects are best and photographs via [email protected] and those state. done when the victims are still young,” said Dato’ Dr. whose submission(s) are published will receive a free The ceremony included a march-past by the Balaravi Pillai, the Head Consultant Ophthalmologist book. The length of the articles should be between one disabled and presentation of certificates to those who had of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh (Ipoh General and two typewritten pages (Times New Roman 12 or completed caregivers training at the centre. Hospital). Dr. Balaravi warned the audience against similar) and should be truthful memories of being a child AJ falling for gimmicks such as the buy-one-get-one-free in Ipoh. Where possible, relevant photographs should be catchphrase favoured by many optical shops. “These provided with the articles. so-called opticians are not trained and are no experts in As a guide to how your memories might be written eye care”, he remarked. “You have to visit a government down some of the donors have described the street or hospital to get expert advice and attention.” area they lived in and the people that lived there. Others Promoting BAHASA MALAYSIA In a brief ceremony preceding the seminar, CIMB have targeted life under the Japanese, the Emergency, Bank Bhd, represented by its Greentown branch manager, cinemas and entertainment, childhood games and sports, Mr. S. Manivel Subramaniam donated RM101,200 to while some have included the hawkers and traders who Rotary Club of Kinta to fund the club’s community called in the street, the shophouse they lived in or life projects. at school in Ipoh. The field is therefore wide open and The bank has been actively pursuing its corporate whatever you remember about your childhood in Ipoh social responsibility (CSR) programme and has provided will be welcome. much financial assistance to the needy via social Some more guidelines on the project may be found at organisations like the Rotary Club of Kinta. Preventing http://www.ipohworld.org/blog/?p=1878. blindness is one of the bank’s favoured CSR initiatives. By the way, Ian has a word of advice to those who FZB are concerned about their grammar or spelling. You can stop worrying and start writing right now as Ian will put these little problems right before the book goes to the printers. GUESTS We look forward to reading the new book, but remember its success depends on your contribution, so from Fukuoka please support this worthwhile effort to document Ipoh’s history.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT arious efforts by individuals and groups are underway Vto promote the proper usage of Bahasa Malaysia, especially among the youth of today. One such attempt is by theatre group, Kelab Giat Budaya, through the staging of a play titled, “Izinkan Mimpi Berulang”. The play was held at the Taman Budaya auditorium recently and was eagerly watched by an enthusiastic audience consisting mainly of college students from Ipoh. or these ten Japanese students from Fukuoka their The play focuses on Kak Rokiah, the protagonist, who Fone-week stint in Ipoh was an eye-opener. They champions the uplifting of Bahasa Malaysia which she were here as guests of MBI since Fukuoka is Ipoh’s inherits from her late father, a Malay nationalist. She faces twin city. Although their stay was short they took the insurmountable obstacles by way of an uncompromising opportunity to savour all they could about Malaysians, The family of the late generation of youths who is imbued with Western habits especially the lifestyle of Perakeans. “One experience and ways of living. How she overcomes these difficulties we can never forget is the field trip we made to Batu Julie Lowe Soon Leng becomes the central theme of the play. Gajah, Taiping, , and areas wishes to thank: The Department of Culture, Arts and Heritage Perak surrounding the city. We thoroughly enjoyed the outing Rev. Father Lai and church members of Our was instrumental in getting Kelab Giat Budaya started. and the local dishes we sampled were simply delicious”, Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Ipoh, Incidentally, the department is prepared to provide moral said Yoshimichi Kusake in flawless Bahasa Malaysia. doctors and staff of UMMC (PJ), Ipoh General support, by way of a platform, to any theatre groups Yoshimichi was the team’s spokesman. The students Hospital and Palliative Care Unit, former wishing to do so in the name of performing arts. were treated to dinner hosted by Dato’ Abdul Rahim colleagues of Ave Maria Convent Ipoh, friends and Mat Arif, Secretary of Ipoh City Council at the council relatives for their kindness, love, care, support and building on Sunday, August 8. They were on their final invaluable assistance rendered during RM leg of their visit to Ipoh. RN our recent bereavement. 10 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community sport Century Ride a Success Canadian Taekwon-Do Encik Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin, executive councillor for sports, youth Academy and culture, flagged off the ride. Shahrin Razali from Selangor took top spot with a time of 4 hrs 18 mins. He was the winner in 2007 and 2009. What was most noteworthy about his vic- tory was his age. Shahrin participated in the Veteran’s Category. He took home both the championship and the veteran titles. The organisers were ounder and principal of the Tien Lung Taekwon-Do pleased with the number of Academy of Canada, Mr. Terry J. Wisniewski, paid poh once again became the focal point of cyclists from F sponsorships and hoped for more next year. “The state a courtesy call to the Perak Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri all over the world when it hosted Century Ride Malaysia I government plans to make Century Ride 2011 a calendar Zambry Abd Kadir, at his office recently. Wisniewski 2010 – the fourth since its inception in 2007. They con- event”, said Choong. “This will give the boost it truly de- expressed his desire to work closely with the Taekwon- verged at the start point at Bt Kinding Resort, Tanjung serves.” Do Association of Perak (ITF) on technical matters Rambutan on Sunday morning, August 1. FZB with a view of promoting the martial art between both The ride, covering a distance of 160 km (100 miles), associations and ultimately, Canada and Malaysia. took riders past scenic vistas, over undulating terrain and At the same meeting, Wisniewski introduced the meandering rivers consistent with the geographical features three Taekwon-Do exponents from Perak who had been in the Tg. Rambutan-Chemor-Sg. Siput-Kuala Kangsar accepted by Tien Lung to undergo a one-year intensive hinterland. This cycling extravaganza was organised by training under the apprenticeship programme offered by Kelab Road Runners Ipoh (KRI). the academy. They are Chen Woan Yunn Isabella, 26, “We’re proud that the first century ride was started Benedict Chong Tet Heung, 24, and Dinesh Jaganathan, here in Perak. Presently, this is the only competition of its 23. kind in Malaysia and in the region”, said KRI President, “This is the first time we’re inviting participants Chong Him Shoong. “This event brings the world to our from Malaysia and it so happens all of the nominees are doorsteps.” from Perak”, said Wisniewski who runs five schools in There had been a steady increase in participants from Canada. 300 in 2007 to 545 in 2009 and 603 this year. “Half of them Wisniewski then presented Zambry with the official are foreigners. They come from Europe, Japan and from tracksuit of the Tien Lung Taekwon-Do Academy. the South East Asian region”, said Ernest Balasingam, the Present at the meeting were executive councillor for organising chairman. YB Zainol Fadzi with Ernest and Chong on his right youth, culture and sports, Dato’ Zainol Fadzi bin Haji Paharuddin and the vice presidents of the Perak Taekwon-Do Association, Wan Koon Seng and Kong Wai Chien. OPEN HOUSE at Bukit Kinding WKS n estimated crowd of about 500 people attended Athe “Open House Day” at Bukit Kinding Resort on August 8. The Balinese themed Resort is located just ANNOUNCEMENTS 15 minutes east of Ipoh in . It is stra- Announcements must be sent by fax: 05-2552181; or tegically located within the developing townships of email: [email protected], by the Bandar Baru , Klebang, Tasek and Chemor. 9th or 23rd of every month in order to meet deadlines. Officiated by Managing Director Mr. Edward Tan, Announcements by phone will not be entertained. Ipoh the morning started off with a Lion Dance performance Echo reserves the right to verify any announcement by the Yuk Choy School troupe. Following his opening before it is published. speech, members & their guests were treated to a lunch buffet. “Role of Media in Enhancing NGO’s Ability to Serve Check out www.kinding.com.my for more news the Community” a seminar co-hosted by Perak Women and upcoming activities. for Women Society (PWW) and Ipoh City Watch (ICW). KS Date and Time: Sunday, August 22 commencing at 9 am. Venue: PWW Centre 52, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh. Admission: Free. For details please call Secretary PWW at 012-5212480 or Ms Chong (ICW) at 012-5089753. young perak PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHERS

Teach language skills to teenagers, young adults and working ACS Speech Day adults the interactive way. Experienced, caring and dedicated. Books, syllabus and teaching materials are provided. Expatriates and retired English teachers are welcome. Call: 05-242 7127, 016-559 7127 Send applications by email to: [email protected] or fax: 05-242 7127 CPE Language School, No. 1 & 1a, Laluan Pinji Seni 4, Taman Pinji Seni, 31650 Ipoh.

VACANCY TeamFOCUS Wealth Planners Insurance/Medical Fund/Unit Trust/Takaful/Wills & Trusts Representatives Required Part-Time/Full-Time. Training Provided. he annual ACS Speech Day was held at the school auditorium on July 30. The Attractive Remuneration & Career Development Plan Tevent was graced and officiated by well-known actor, M. Manogaran of TV Contact: Victor Chan, CFP, RFP, FChFP, ChLP, CMFA sitcom ‘Kopitiam’ fame. Mano, an Ipohite, is a former student of ACS. The occasion email: [email protected] was to honour the achievements of past and present students of the school. RN Tel: 016-422 2118 www.teamfocus.com.my Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO August 16-31 2010 11 letter from ulukinta Courtesy, Courage and Discipline

We had an opinion about Best of all, we persevered picking fights with his ful to the commandos for everything….from recipes, and completed our suc- peers. The commando giving him his self-respect. the children, work related cessive gradings. Several instructors in Ulu Kinta The community is grateful issues, husbands, boy- months later, we received became his mentors and to “Sir” for helping ‘trou- friends, mutual friends…. our certificates and belts. confidantes. They mould- bled’ children gain dig- anything! It was fun – like We made “Sir” proud. ed him into a martial arts nity and discipline through being back at school. His words of advice still success. He is a Malaysian martial-arts. We are grate- “Sir”, our young in- ring in our ears, “The champion, with medals ful to “Sir” for his sense of structor, probably felt un- greatest warrior is the one and trophies from his tri- humour, his patience and comfortable admonishing who need never unsheathe umphs, worldwide. placing his trust in us. us. He warned the class, his blade.” “Sir” may be grate- YAM that we would do 10 push- He told us that our ups and 10 laps around the hands and feet were our th training area, each time weapons and that we were OUR 100 ISSUE ANNIVERSARY n uncle of mine used sweat, on the glistening, anyone chatted. never to use them to ‘show A BIG SUCCESS Ato jog the two kilome- smelly and damp mat, It worked. Everyone off’ or to get into a fight. tres to his favourite nasi le- prompted a hurried exit. I suffered and we became When faced with a mak stall, wash two ‘bung- never returned. unpopular. But being old- confrontational situation, kus’ of nasi lemak down Soon after, I joined er, we were the first to tire he told us to simply walk my children in their mar- with teh tarik, then tele- from the punishment. We away. It is as Sun Tzu said Mayor Roshidi tial-arts class. It seemed phone his son to fetch him quickly emerged as model, in the ‘Art of War’: “To receiving pointless dropping them home, in the car. That was quiet, students. subdue the enemy with- commemorative off and picking them up his ‘morning exercise’. Training with a wide out fighting is the greatest plaque from Lim after an hour. So, I killed My friends promptly age range, is stimulating, skill.” It is about courtesy, Si Boon pay their monthly gym two birds with one stone, encouraging and a good courage and self-control. fees, but have yet to attend killed time and killed the way to keep fit whilst Soon after, we all parted poh Echo’s 100th Issue Anniversary Party held at their fitness class. This urge to snack whilst wait- learning something new – company. Ithe Impiana Hotel was a rousing success. is after new purchases of ing. I was happy; they were the art of self-defence. Recently, I was told Even at the last minute there were requests for track suit, trainers, head- not. However, the possibil- It is also good disci- that “Sir” had opened two seats. The guest of honour was the State Tourism band and other accessories ity of sparring with me and pline and as I progressed, martial-arts outlets: A taek- Chairman, Dato’ Hamidah Osman. Present were mayor to look good. kicking my butt seemed the mental and spiritual wondo academy in Bandar Dato’ Hj Roshidi Hashim, Commander 2nd Malaysian The above are clas- attractive. They reluctantly focus helped me free my Baru Medan and a muay Infantry Brigade, Brig-Gen Dato’ Pahlawan Zulkifli sic examples of ‘keep-fit’ acquiesced. mind of outside influenc- thai academy in Tambun. Mansor, Ipoh Echo’s chairman, Lim Si Boon, and Malaysian style. I wasn’t alone. es, helped me achieve my We have yet to locate him Ipoh Echo’s founders and directors, Fathol Zaman I am just as bad. At Another mother joined goals, relieve stress and and offer our congratula- Bukhari and G. Sivapragasam. my first ‘free trial’ in the because her children were manage anxiety. Most im- tions. The 400-strong supporters were entertained by a gym, all went well, until in the class. An older lady, portant was that I found a Who is “Sir”? galaxy of “home-grown talent”, who performed cul- the instructor showing me a grandmother, in her late renewed confidence. He is none other tural dances and sang in various languages in the spirit how the gym equipment sixties, also enrolled. We trained in Sir’s than Bernard Radin, a of 1Malaysia. worked, asked me to do Anyone would think garden. The grass suffered Sarawakian of German- In her speech, Dato’ Hamidah congratulated Ipoh abdominal crunches on the the instructor had difficul- but it was nice in the open Iban parentage who has Echo for its success and hoped it would continue to exercise mat. The thought ty controlling the younger air, with the surrounding made Ipoh his home. He get the support of the residents of Ipoh. of wallowing in some- children. No. He had trou- trees and the backdrop of was once a problem child For more pictures of the celebration, check out ANNOUNCEMENTS one else’s salty and sticky ble with the older women. Ipoh’s blue-green hills. our website at: www.ipohecho.com.my. 12 August 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community community The Thompson A Timely Boost for ICW – Flora Tropika poh City Watch (ICW), Steven Lee and Bah Tony Ifor no apparent reasons, came on the scene. The has virtually disappeared revival would have been from the radar screen. meaningless if the mem- This non-governmental bers of the society were organisation, formed not appeased. “That’s what in November 2002 by prompted me to organ- concerned Ipohites who ise the fellowship dinner wanted a body to repre- at Ipoh City and Country sent them when confront- Club on Friday, July 30 af- ing the authorities, has sorts for within 7 years of ter a failed first attempt.” become a shadow of its formation there had been The dinner was a rous- former self. The organi- six changes in the soci- ing success. All 11 tables sation’s primary objec- ety’s hierarchy. Many had up for sale were hastily tive was to enhance the predicted that Augustine’s grabbed by members and living standards of resi- tenure would go the same well-wishers eager to give dents. It also acted as a way as the rest. It did not the new president a head conduit for residents to happen. He had inherited start. The 100-odd revellers Modern Chinese concept voice their complaints, a problem-riddled society had a fun-filled night and grouses, dissatisfaction high on goals but short on while they dined, emcee etc to the powers-that-be drive. In spite of his busy Ram led them through a a i k o - S t r a i t s Latest models Benz compliments showhouses – the Ipoh City Council. schedule, Augustine still routine of belly dances and TD e v e l o p m e n t s It was active for the first found the time to conduct a spirited singing and musi- Sdn. Bhd. held a Living few years but waning in- an audit and do a long- cal rendition by a Michael Showcase of their devel- terest coupled with inertia overdue spring cleaning. Jackson impersonator and opment The Thompson – almost grounded the so- The society’s accounts a Kenny G wannabe. In his Flora Tropika Residences ciety for good. Attempts were updated and bal- closing remarks, Augustine recently. In a tie-up at reviving the NGO met anced. The membership stressed the importance of with CIMB Preferred with lukewarm responses list reviewed, rewritten fellowship and team spir- Customers Division and as an effective leader was and re-posted. Those lost it. “We’re like a football Ipoh Motors display- inexplicably absent. in transition were recalled team. Each of us has a role ing the latest model of The organisation and reassured. to play. If one fumbles he Mercedes-Benz ML and was in the doldrums and, “A complete overhaul or she can depend on the E-Class, more than 400 despite nudging by well- was necessary as lethargy other for help.” guests nibbled on posh meaning individuals, no has stymied the system,” The new team is not nosh, drank red wine and headway was made. said Augustine to Ipoh only committed but is also oohed and aahed through ment, consisting of 46 security promises peace Lawyer Augustine Echo. “An infusion of passionate. ICW is on the the two model show- bungalows ranging from of mind to the discerning Anthony was elected new blood is imperative right track and its revival homes, one in a con- 6,900 sq. ft. - 8,100 sq. ft. few who can afford to live president of the society to make ICW tick.” That is most timely, as Ipohites temporary décor and the will boast a super deluxe in Ipoh’s most prestigious in March 2009. He was was when fresh faces such brace for fresh challenges other in modern Chinese clubhouse with an infinity residential area. For more number six, a record of as Ms Chong, Ram Naidu, ahead. while a live quartet en- pool, Jacuzzi, gym and all information: Eunice 012- FZB tertained. The develop- mod-cons. Multi-layered 507 5311. PERAK MALAYALEE BUILDING

fter being in exist- ciation’s president. R. Ganesan, Dato’ Dr Aence for 46 years The opening ceremony Balaravi, senior consult- the Perak Malayalee was performed by Dato’ S. ant ophthalmologist with Association (PMA) can Veerasingam, the advisor General Hospital Ipoh and now boast a more regal- to MB Perak on Saturday, some 200 well-wishers looking headquarters of July 31 which coincided from all over the country. its own. Located on the with PMA’s 46th anniversa- The national asso- top floor of a shop lot ry. A cake-cutting ceremo- ciation plans to organise in Bandar Baru, Ipoh ny followed soon after. a lunch with the Prime the building cost the as- Present to grace the oc- Minister on Saturday, sociation RM280,000 casion were the President September 2, at the inclusive of renovation. of the All-Malaysian Malaysian Agro Exposition “We now have a more Malayalee Association, Park Serdang. For details conducive place to hold Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, on the event please call our activities,” said K. Speaker of the Perak K. Letchimanan at: 012- Letchimanan, the asso- State Assembly, Dato’ 5381939. FZB To Advertise Call: www.ipohecho.com.my Ramesh Kumar IPOH echoYour Voice In The Community 016 5531092

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