www.ipohecho.com.my FREE COPY DELIVERY The Ipoh Echo is being delivered right to your doorstep by your newsvendor. IPOH Call your news vendor echoechoYour Voice In The Community NOW! 30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – July 16-31, 2010 PP 14252/10/2010(025567) issue ASK YOUR NEWSVENDOR 101

Come and Join Us in Celebrating our 100th Issue Milestone Presenting ‘Voices of The Ipoh Community’ An evening of song and dance showcasing Ipoh’s homegrown talents. Friday, August 6, Impiana (ex Casuarina) Hotel, 7.30 p.m. Priced at RM550 per table or RM55 per ticket. Dinner, lucky draw prizes including two Firefly tickets to Singapore. Call Leong:05-2495936 or Veronica: 05-2495937. Gazetting Kinta Nature Park A Contribution For Future Generations By James Gough

Photos by Jek Yap and Ooi Beng Yean

inta Nature Park, a heritage from the tin mining industry in the Kinta Valley, is acclaimed to be one of the Kbiggest bird sanctuaries in the country. Its existence is however threatened by the incursions of commercial activities. Wildlife conservationists are worried and want the authorities to do something to protect the park quickly. The park emerged after mining operations ceased and the ponds surrounded by secondary jungle began to attract more than 130 species of birds. One of the islands in the cluster of 14 pristine ex-mining ponds has also become the largest heronry in the country. It will be a waste if the potential of developing the area as a tourist attraction is ignored. It could be the best place for bird-watching. Almost 60% of the birds are listed as totally protected or protected under the Protection of Wild Life Act 1976. Continued on page 2 2 July 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Threat to Its Existence

he threat to the exist- mercial fish farming. for years. gazetted we will mark the Tence of the park is Other commercial There are at least 2 boundary and stop all com- Ecotourism Activities very real. There have been activities in the area in- huge duck farms in the mercial activities within, According to Lee, due to reports of instances where cluded sand extraction and area and the nutrient run- similar to what is being its size MNS had proposed a whole pond with five duck farms. Although the off from that is very dam- done at Royal Belum.” the park to be divided into breeding species of 2,000 authorities are readily ad- aging to the freshwater three zones which would water-birds is located, had mitting that such activities ecosystem. Sand mining About The Park cater for the public such as been fenced up with the are illegal, somehow they appears to be sporadic. The Kinta Nature Park is the current visitors centre, intention of starting com- have been operating there School groups which were located 6 km south of Batu another zone for recrea- there have counted at least Gajah. It is a strip of land tional activities like camp- 5/6 truck loads per hour wedged between the Kinta ing and hiking, and a third leaving the area, causing a River on the west and the zone for natural habitat. “If real problem for the many railway track to the east. MNS Vice Chairman the park is able to recover bee-eaters that nest in the The Kampar River is on Lee Ping Kong and rejuvenate naturally it area (bee-eaters nest in the south. It covers an area has the potential to be simi- sand banks). As the sand of 900 hectares of mining commercial activities must lar to an open zoo where banks get destroyed, so are land that had been dredged be stopped. Sand mining visitors can drive in and the bee-eaters. for tin. By mid 1980’s when contributes to deforestation view animals living in their Ten years have the tin industry collapsed, ,while duck farming and natural habitat. It would be passed since the Perak the land was left idle al- fish harvesting affects our contribution to future Government announced lowing it to rejuvenate and the supply of food; all of generations.” that the park is in the proc- heal itself. In time it began which severely affects Eco-Resort Director, ess of being gazetted as attracting water-birds and the ecosystem within the Bridget Hedderman a wildlife sanctuary, yet had become a habitat for a park.” who operates the Roots nothing has been done. If variety of wildlife. According to Lee the Eco-Resort at Tanjung all goes well, it will be of- Rambutan, has included ficially gazetted as a State the nature park as one of Nature Park soon. her tour destinations, and According the state describes the park as “com- chairman of tourism, Dato’ pletely amazing. It’s the Hamidah Osman, the plan largest heronry in Malaysia has been approved. “ Now and it is easily accessi- we have to identify which ble”, Bridget rated the site department is going to at 9 out of 10 in quality. manage the park as it re- Over the last four months quires manpower for main- Bridget has exposed three taining the park, keeping groups of students from the visitors’ area clean, Singapore, Hong Kong and tidying the parks and also locally to the park. enforcement of the rules Dato Hamidah with students from the Hong Kong Jek Yap of Kinta governing nature parks. School Heritage told Ipoh Echo “Once the park is One of the ponds, number of birds recorded that Kinta Heritage has Lake Pucung, is over 41 ha nesting on Pucung Island a committed to maintaining KOON YEW YIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FINANCE/ wide. It is where the visi- year ago numbered 3,000. cleanliness of the park and ACCOUNTANCY DEGREES tor’s area and observation With the disruption to the will send a clean-up crew tower can be found over- ecosystem MNS has noted twice a week to clean the Pre-degree or Foundation Course looking an island, where a drop “of more than 50% toilets and other public Pays for all the fees and cost of living until the PTPTN loan is secured. five major families of her- of the bird population.” The areas. The gazetting of Criteria: ons and egrets have made park is also a safe haven to the park is also timely and • Scholarship based on eventual acceptance by UTAR it a permanent home. a large number of small would be a positive factor • Total family income is less than RM2,000 per month. The Malayan Nature mammals such as otters, should the proposal to turn • No payback, only the commitment to help other poor students Society (MNS) in the mid and civet cats (musang) the Kinta Valley into a tin and has a record of 80 spe- heritage site become a when financially solvent after graduation. nineties, being aware of the potential biodiversity of cies of flora and fauna, one reality. Send request with IC details, proof of family income to: this location, made a pro- of which is the endangered According to Hamidah [email protected] posal to the relevant state Vanda Hookeriana, a par- the park is “an environ- authorities to set aside the ent species of the orchid ment that cannot be cre- area as a gazetted nature Vanda Miss Joachim. ated. In fact we can pack- park to be used for recrea- A quick check with age this park together with tion, tourism and educa- the District Officer of the dredge which is just a tion. Kampar, Encik Ahmad few km from the southern According to Mr Kamaruzamman Hisham, boundary of the park and Lee Ping Kong, MNS who has jurisdiction over promote it as a living herit- vice-chairman, the State the park, revealed that his age”. Government in 2001, then office had stopped issuing Apparently Lee is under Menteri Besar Dato’ sand mining licenses two not the only person who Seri Tajol Rosli, approved years ago. As for the duck sees potential in gazetting the creation of the Kinta farms, Ahmad claimed, this park as a nature park. Nature Park. At the same “There are no duck farms. Ipoh Echo hopes that all time the state government If there are please make a the promises made will be- built the existing infra- report to us and we will come reality soon. structure such as, the take action.” observation tower resting huts and public toilets at a total cost of RM625,000 and indicated it would subsequently gazette the area as a nature park. Unfortunately till today, the park has yet to be officially gazetted which “is a cause for concern for Illegal fishing MNS”, said Lee. “Illegal Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 16-31, 2010 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH From the Editor’s Desk echoYour Voice In The Community

WAY TO GO, IPOHITES! It’s a mind game. We simply don’t have the resolve and wherewithal

by Fathol Zaman Bukhari to be and remain clean. Look at Polo Ground. . . e have been in the lot, Roshidi’s response only sensible thing to do Ipohites continue to suffer totally unexpected, mind- Singapore. The streets publication for is the most poignant as it is to have it demolished. in silence. Do we have an ful of the impression we were clean while the road Wover five years provides a glimpse of our Levelling the building is option? Yes, we do but at have about China. shoulders were spotless. and have heard nothing mayor’s thinking and feel- less hazardous to the eyes what cost? The Chinese have, Although there are 5 mil- but stony silence from the ings. and minds than to allow Roshidi comes with since the 2008 Olympics, lion motor vehicles, of authorities on issues raised Roshidi refers to it to decay in full view of good credentials. He made tremendous strides in all makes and models in by this paper. So it is yet Jerry’s piece as misleading, residents. served Tajol Rosli as his developing their cities and Beijing, traffic jams are no another milestone that we believing “it will give a private secretary and then towns. Today Beijing and where near those in Kuala are celebrating because negative perception of Special Committee assumed the post of MBI Shanghai no longer look Lumpur. Surprisingly, there for the first time a serving Ipoh, per se.” We all agree The mayor has alluded to a Secretary before taking like what they were, say are no feral cats and stray mayor of Ipoh responded that looks have plenty to do special committee formed over as mayor in 2008. five years ago. The cities’ dogs running wild like we personally to an article in with perception. “The eyes from among the council- The uncertainty of his re- broad and tree-lined streets see here in Ipoh. Ipoh Echo. Our lead piece see only what the mind is lors to oversee the decay- appointment for a second remind one of the West How could the Chinese entitled, “Are We Ashamed prepared to comprehend”, ing buildings. Tracing the term as mayor was put rather than the East. The do so? Some attribute it to of Ipoh’s Glorious Past” by says Robertson Davies, the errant property owners is a to rest when the Menteri transformation is monu- Communism. But to me, it Jerry Francis (IE 97) has famous Canadian novelist. priority he has justifiably Besar retained him in his mental. Awesome is the is all a mind game. We sim- struck a chord with Mayor imposed as a precondition. post for a subsequent two- word. Chinese haute cul- ply don’t have the resolve Roshidi and he has taken Art, Heritage or Eyesore The committee’s function- year term, effective June. ture is here to stay. and wherewithal to be and the time to write an unso- Perceptive power of the ality is, however, in doubt remain clean. Just look at licited letter giving his or mind transcends the reality as the tenure of councillors Action Plan Chinese Experience Polo Ground. “It’s in your rather MBI’s side of the we see right in front of us. came to an end last June. In his acceptance speech, Sipping coffee at Starbucks blood,” said Venera, my story vis-à-vis the crum- So a derelict building with While waiting for fresh Roshidi had pledged at the entrance to the fa- Uzbek sister-in-law, teas- bling old buildings which windows hanging on hing- appointees, the said com- to assist the MB in mous Silk Street bargain ingly. She is damn right. Jerry had highlighted. es, roof almost non-exist- mittee is being mothballed realising the much- mall in downtown Beijing Way to go, Ipohites! ent and walls crumbling for good measure. Will it touted Governmental recently, I was dumbstruck Way to go! There is much Mayor’s Comments is art in its purest form for be revived? If past experi- T r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l by the modernity surround- to learn from the Chinese Concerned readers have some, heritage for a few ence is anything to go by, Programme and would ini- ing me. It looked as though experience, warts and all. given their two cents and an eyesore for the rest. a revival seems almost un- tiate an action plan to con- I was on Orchard Road, worth by commenting on Whatever the mind wants likely; unless the need is vert the city into a pedes- the piece in Ipoh Echo’s to think, the mere presence too overpowering and the trian and vehicle-friendly website (see www.ipohe- of this dilapidated building, reasons too damning. haven similar in stature to Call: cho.com.my). We received standing perilously, at the While the committee drifts Wenzhou in China. The To Advertise www.ipohecho.com.my 25 comments, the highest convergence of two arterial into obscurity and the fact that our MB has looked IPOH Ramesh Kumar for a single piece of news streets is definitely not the property owners remain towards a Chinese city as a echoYour Voice In The Community thus far. However, out of best sight. Therefore, the faceless and untraceable, fitting model to emulate is 016 5531092

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PUBLISHER Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd THINKING ALOUD (Regd No 687483 T) By Mariam Mokhtar

No 1 Jalan Lasam ight the Perak state sity is lost forever? What 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul government’s con- happens if the water catch- Ridzuan M Tel: (605) 249 5936 troversial cable-car project ment area suffers irrevers- Fax: (605) 255 2181 linking Taiping to Bukit ible damage? What will Email: editorial@ipohecho. Larut, go the same way as happen to the residents if com.my the Penang botanical gar- they were never consulted dens project dubbed ‘the about any developmental EDITORIAL fallen arches’? Both these proposals in their area? Fathol Zaman Bukhari G. Sivapragasam projects were opposed by Jerry Francis the residents of Taiping, Oldest Hill Resort and NGOs, because they Bukit Larut or Maxwell REPORTER would destroy and violate Hill is the country’s old- James Gough the serenity of its natural est hill-resort. The water environment and pristine catchment area provides GRAPHIC DESIGN beauty. water to over 500,000 Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali BUKIT LARUT CABLE-CAR: POTENTIAL This cable-car project households. Besides, the MARKETING & may be another white el- Matang Mangrove Forest ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER DISTRIBUTION ephant, but it would cer- reserve requires water MANAGER tainly cause irreversible from Bukit Larut, as do lo- Ramesh Kumar Latest Revival damage to Taiping’s water cal industries. The second was when catchment area. Many are Pakatan’s Nga Kor Ming WEB ADMINISTRATOR unhappy that the authori- Development Attempts Titus Raj encouraged the RM60m ties had to lie low when the The first attempt to de- cable-car project because PERMISSION AND RE- protests were at its peak, velop Bukit Larut involved people could reach the PRINTS but surreptitiously crept the construction of a multi- peak in 11 minutes as op- Materials in Ipoh Echo in to resurrect the project story hotel on the hill and posed to 30 minutes by may not be reproduced when the protests disap- another in Taiping’s Lake in any form without the Land-Rover. He mentioned peared. Gardens. This was dur- a horrific 1,000 visitors per written permission of the ing Menteri Besar Ramli publisher hour if the cable-car was Questions Ngah Talib’s tenure and it operated at maximum ca- Menteri Besar’s comments Maxwell, in Taiping. She PRINTER What happens if the project needed the intervention of pacity. caused consternation. He described the beautiful Konway Industries Sdn Bhd fails to attract the so-called the Sultan to halt the de- In the third and latest Plot 78, Lebuhraya said, “An Environmental Perak countryside and hills development? What hap- velopment. revival of the project, the Kampong Jawa pens if the rich bio-diver- Impact Assessment re- around Taiping in her book, 11900 Bayan Baru, port is not required as the ‘The Golden Chersonese’. Pulau Pinang project does not involve She described the ‘bracing Tel: (604) 644 7507 Get your FREE copy of the Ipoh Echo from: Canning Gdn: Ariff Store, 40 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. major development – no air’, ‘the cool nights’ and New Wing Fook Merchant, 56 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh. trees would be felled or talked of her fascination Lourd Enterprise, 7 Lorong Cecil Rae. clearing of land”. with the flora and fauna of USEFUL Ipoh Gdn: Muhibah Hair Stylist, 103 Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan. The MB mirrored the hills. CONTACTS Mama’s Home Baked Bread Stall (after 7 pm), Aneka Selera. Nga Kor Ming’s proposal Ipoh Gdn South: Pasar Mini Manaf, 17 Jalan S.A. Lingam. that the project would not Fragile Eco-System damage the eco-system, Today, conservationists Ibu Pejabat First Gdn: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 50, Jalan Ng Weng Hup. as there would be minimal have discovered that Bukit Polis Daerah (IPD) Labrooy Road: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd, 16A Jalan Labrooy. Meru: Golf Reception Counter, Meru Valley Golf & Country Club. hill-cutting with helicop- Larut is home to small 05 2451 500 ters being used during con- animals such as the rhinoc- 999 (emergency) New Town: Ruba Rubi Ent 154, Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Tel. No 017-5048531 Chan Sam Lock Photo Studio, 77-81 Jln Sultan Idris Shah. struction. eros hornbill, large moths, Ipoh General Hospital M & A Securities Sdn Bhd, 52A Jln Sultan Idris Shah. butterflies, birds, beetles, 05-253 3333 Fotomas, 115 Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar. Window Dressing monkeys and Pope’s Pit Ipoh Ambulance Pooran Enterprise (opp Super Kinta), 5 Jln Dato Onn Jaafar. However a quick tel- Viper. 05-522 2506 S.Y. Dry Cleaning & Laundry, 1 Jln Chung Thye Phin. ephone survey suggests With a cable-car, the 993 (emergency) Simee: Newsvendor (morning), Opposite Simee Market. intense disagreement and constant stream of day- Tmn Ipoh Jaya: Rasu Enterprise, 271 Jalan Gunung Rapat. disapproval of the cable- trippers will have dire con- Ipoh Fire Brigade car project. sequences on the fragile 05-547 4444/994 Tmn Tambun: Bawal Jaya Enterprise, 66 Psrn Desa Tambun 7, Desa Tambun. Tiger Lane: Perak Academy, 28 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah. Environmentalists and ecosystem of Bukit Larut. (emergency) Golf Club Road: Fitness Junction, 2 Jalan Kelab Golf. concerned citizens quickly At present, the limit on pointed out that such assur- people, because of trans- Perak Immigration Dept Ulu Kinta: Sai Ram Petro, PSS Sunway City Tambun, Lot PT 303545, 05-5017100 ances were only window- portation, becomes a good Sunway City Tambun, Mukim Hulu Kinta. Tel: 05-5421 704 dressing. One retired plan- protective mechanism. Perak Water Board SITIAWAN P.N. Book Centre, 7 Jalan Dato Ahmad Yunus. 05-254 6161 tation manager said, “Once Thus, another ‘Pulau the project starts, there is Redang situation’ is avert- Ipoh City Council little chance of stopping ed – when huge visitor (Complaints) it. The government will numbers destroyed the is- 05-208 3378/9 have to pay compensation land’s coral reefs. Perak Anti-Corruption to the company involved. Agency Helicopters will surely Foresight and Vision 05-253 1982 drive away the small ani- needed State Secretariat mals that live there.” The development and con- 05-253 1957 servation of Bukit Larut re- Railway Station MB’s Statement quires foresight and vision. 05-254 7987 Challenged Our other hill stations have Airport Many expressed their lost their charm and have 05-312 0848 disappointment with the become too commercial- Menteri Besar saying no ised, polluted, congested, Registration Department Environmental Impact warmer (in temperature) 05-528 8805 Assessment was needed and they suffer massive lit- Tenaga Nasional Berhad because, “the project did ter problems. 05-253 2000 not involve major develop- Once Bukit Larut is ment”. ‘modernised’, with food Lembaga Air Perak A Taiping student now outlets and other amenities 1800-88-7788 studying in Singapore said, for our instant entertain- Directory Service “He is neither an environ- ment and gratification, the 103 mentalist nor a conserva- destruction will accelerate. tionist. He is not qualified Politicians should Perak Women for Women Society to make such statements.” not sacrifice our natural One-hundred-and- treasures in the name of 012-521 2480 012-505 0547 twenty-one years ago, progress and development. 05-5469715 (office) Isabella Bird, a Victorian, What will we leave our went on an expedition to children, if there was noth- AA Ipoh Malaya, and stopped off ing to appreciate and con- 019-574 3572 at the home of Perak’s tinue to protect, on behalf 017-350 8361 Assistant Resident, W.E. of future generations? Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 16-31, 2010 5 BUSINESS There is Money in Waste OBITUARY here is plenty of mon- lected and they, with the or agriculture crops.” That, Tey to be made from rest from the country, will according to Leong, does Man with a Vision waste and the govern- be provided with the fol- not exclude human and an- ment is prepared to help lowing benefits: imal wastes. “So, IWK and for Ipoh City Council those who want to venture a. Complimentary train- the pig-breeders can also By Jerry Francis into the biomass sustain- ing in biomass technol- be considered”, he said. able production industry. ogy. The briefing for SMEs poh’s second Mayor become a reality. Speaking during a media b. Funding and financing in Perak is on Thursday, Dato’ Ismail Shah He knew where briefing recently, Technical opportunities. July 29, at Tower Regency I Bodin was a man with a the weaknesses Adviser to Switch-Asia c. Coaching service for Hotel, Ipoh. vision – to see Ipoh’s City were as he had Programme, Dato’ Leong biomass commerciali- For details on the pro- Council become a caring been the secretary Kin Mun, said that his sation projects. gramme, contact Project one. of the then munic- team was on a promotional Biomass is defined as Secretariat, Ms Cherrie During his tenure ipal council from drive in Pahang, Kedah, “a form of biological mat- Choong, at 03-8884 8882. (1993-95), the city council 1985 to 1989. Johor and Perak to invite ter that can be utilised as The Secretariat is located became caring for its em- Ismail would SMEs keen on participat- a kind of fuel or in other at 20, Jalan Diplomatik, ployees and caring for the move about in- ing in the programme. industrial processes. The Presint Diplomatik, 62050 residents, in line with the cognito in his pri- Between 5 to 10 biomass most common kinds of Putrajaya. national call for a caring vate ‘Beetle’ (car) SMEs in Perak will be se- biomass are wood, grass FZB society. to make surprise “We want everyone to inspections, in- One-Stop Cultural Programme a Hit think of Ipoh City Council cluding checking as one with a big heart”, he on rubbish col- khat (Arabic writing) and told me once. “We want lection, clogged kite-making. to stress to the people, drains and over-grown Ismail’s illustrious Mutalib was present particularly the council’s bushes. career began in 1965 at the closing of the employees that we do care In spite of his heavy as secretary of Tapah programme at Gerbang about their welfare. In this work schedule, Ismail was District Council and Malam recently. “It’s a way, we hope to instil con- also actively involved in later as ADO in Kuala roaring success judg- fidence in the employees various voluntary works. Kangsar, Selama and ing from public’s feed- for their dedicated and ef- He was also the hon- Sungai Siput before leav- back,” he told Ipoh Echo. ficient service to the resi- orary commander of the ing for a course in Japan. “Gerbang Malam is the dents.” Battalion 503, Territorial On his return in 1974, right choice of venue.” In return, said Ismail, Army and deputy presi- he was appointed as the The show, he said, the city council expected dent of Perak Cultural first general manager was in concert with the the co-operation from all Council. of the State Agriculture he one-stop cul- various communities in 1Malaysia concept ea- residents to make the city Wherever he served, D e v e l o p m e n t Ttural programme, the country. The weekly gerly pursued by the gov- beautiful and efficient. he left with distinctions. In Corporation and served a brainchild of Encik show at Ipoh’s night mar- ernment. “There is tour- Thus, he launched his mot- Parit as the Perak Tengah until 1979 before be- Abdul Mutalib Abdul ket (Gerbang Malam) has ism potentials too,” said to “We Care – Excellence District Officer, he was coming District Officer Rahman, the new direc- received positive response Mutalib. Through Teamwork”, soon instrumental in starting of Perak Tengah and tor of the Department of from shoppers, casual visi- The programme after his appointment. a payment-by instalment Taiping and later as Arts and Culture Perak tors and foreigners. Events could be a money-spin- His vision was not scheme to recover the State director of Land (Jabatan Kesenian dan on the card include tradi- ner provided it is being merely lip service, but large amount of arrears on and Mines. Kebudayaan Perak), is tional songs and dances, properly packaged and also action oriented and he quit rent. In Manjung, he Ismail, 71, a mem- a hit with Ipohites and skits and sketches and promoted. “It should be led by example, qualities ensured the popular Teluk ber of the Dewan Negara visitors alike. It show- martial arts. Additional continued,” he insisted. which are quite rare these Batik beach was not being Perak, died of blood poi- cases the cultural herit- activities on the final night RM days. As a ‘no nonsense’ littered, and in Taiping, he soning on June 26 and age and diversity of the were Chinese calligraphy, man, he immediately set cleared street stalls and was buried at the Gurap his brand of administration petty traders by relocating Muslim Cemetery on to ensure his vision would them. Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

ARTS AND CULTURE A Cultural Night with Ipoh’s Own Wind Orchestra here was something Tfor everyone at the inaugural concert of the Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra on July 4. Opening to a sold-out audience, with 6 months in the making, the 50 odd musicians, led by artistic director and conductor Eugene Pook, certainly did “get their act togeth- er”, as so aptly put by the organising chairperson, Tan Ling-Li. This was made possible by the two vocalists: Estee Pook two more songs, Stars vision and generosity and Alan Low, and several and Stripes Forever, be- of Dato’ K.K. Lim and guest musicians, gave the cause it being the USA other sponsors. concert that added touch. Independence Day, From symphonic The members of the or- and Barry Manilow’s to classical renditions, chestra comprised students Copacabana, to the de- big-band pieces to hit from different schools light of the audience. movie themes, pop tunes and people from differ- The concert was a to old-time favourites ent walks of life coming great success to say the in Chinese, Malay and together for the first time, least, and for those of us English, the audience was showing that beautiful mu- that were there, we look truly entertained. Three sic can be produced under forward to more; for soloists: Joost Flach the right direction. those who missed it, they (oboist), Foo Cheong The concert ended can certainly look out for Lin (saxophonist), Philip with calls for an encore, the next one! Boey (GuZheng), and and the orchestra playing VWSL 6 July 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

Connie Lim, homemaker How has Ipoh Echo made a difference? poh sar hor fun, Chin Chee Kong, “IIpoh pak kopi, Ipoh General Manager, Meru Valley Resort mali…it’s all about Ipoh. Chan Kok Keong, It’s true Ipoh has changed. up so fast at our Resort Lawyer Some say good, others not and we are always asking so good. We’re two hours for more! Our residents poh Echo has suc- away from KL, an hour and members find Ipoh and a half from Penang. Echo a good read and its “Iceeded exceedingly. I make it a point to read Can’t complain mah. And contents both informative Ipoh Echo? That’s a great and entertaining. every issue which comes out. And I believe I speak step forward for Ipohites. Congratulations on this A journey of a thousand Don’t agree? Let me see milestone and we will for many. There are now echoes everywhere rever- miles begins with small you step forward and do continue to support Ipoh Echo baby steps. better” the paper in every way berating from the 1st issue, opies of Ipoh possible” in and around Ipoh. But as Echo get snapped we all know, Ipohites have “C Wern Sze Gill, left Ipoh in droves over the than now. No matter that Director Media Masters years. Sadly, there are now they be echoes from the Jefri Palpernarvan, Publishing and will be more echoes past or present, in or out of Agency Manager of Ipoh outside Ipoh than Ipoh; what is important is paper all Perakians can call their own. eartiest inside the town. Some call Ipoh’s future and I have no “A it city but Ipoh’s heyday doubt Ipoh Echo will play What an achievement! “Hcongratulations Congratulations to the Ipoh to Ipoh Echo on your was when it was a town an important and lively and was better known then part in this direction” Echo team for working century milestone. From so hard in providing us a very modest beginning, the pleasure of reading Ipoh Echo has not only Malaysia’s only community the paper. We wait with survived but is thriving Dato’ Abdul Rahim Md Ariff, paper! To all advertisers anticipation the day Ipoh in a very challenging Secretary Ipoh City Council out there, you’ve made the Echo goes daily! Keep up environment. Having confident it will chart right choice in supporting the great work!” made its mark as a new frontiers while have been an avid respected community remaining true to its reader of the Ipoh newspaper, I am founding philosophy” “I K. Letchimanan, Project & Finance Director, Y’s Echo. Its content is inter- Men’s Club of Ipoh esting as it touches issues Mr L.S. Lim (Cempaka) of interest to the city folks. e thank you for Its reporting is transparent “Wall the support t’s an interesting and and comments made are and publicity given to our “Iinformative read. fair. My sincere hope is Club via Ipoh Echo. As we Obviously it has benefited for Ipoh Echo to thrive and belong to an international the city’s community in uphold these good journal- organisation, we make many aspects especially the istic values and continues it a point to send your food, features and events to act as mouthpiece for all publication to our brother coverage. Hopefully, we Ipoh residents” clubs overseas. We enjoy look forward to an extra reading Ipoh Echo very presentation and articles page in the contents” much as the standard of are commendable. Dato’ Tomiyasu & Datin Mina Ushiama, Permanent Residents ANAK PERAK have consistently done a By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen wonderful job. We first check See Foon’s arti- cle for good foods and hey say that it runs then we go to heritage in your genes but issue. As we have seen whether it was hear- T the change of Ipoh for ing his parents crooning the past 40 years, we are day and night, or watch- concerned in this subject. ing them perform profes- Please keep highlighting sionally and picking up iva Ipoh Echo!! it to preserve these pre- by ‘osmosis’, Iqwal Hafiz From the first cious assets in Perak. is a young singing sensa- “V stage of 3 protagonists Korekaramo ganbatteku- tion who has set his sights th to 100 issue today, you dasai! on recording in the USA in the performing arts in and following in the foot- Malaysia. Masrah Hijrah Concert, to from Teluk Intan such as steps of his idol Michael name a few. He also per- Jamal Abdillah, Shidee, Jackson. Began Singing at 4 forms for most of Berita Zahid, Dato’ M Daud The journey of success into Harian and Harian Metro Kilau, to perform at the Teluk Intan Boy the world of show business HOME GROWN TALENT events such as: Karnival leaning tower of Teluk Born and educated (at of this young talent began Jom Heboh TV3, Anugerah Intan. SRK St Anthony till Year when he was only four Bintang Popular, Fiesta Iqwal is not one to 3 and then moved to KL) EYES THE BIG TIME years old. The dramatic Media Idola, GP Joran & rest on his laurels. To im- in Teluk Intan, Iqwal rise of this super young Perkampungan Hadhari, prove his standing in the comes from an illustri- Los Angeles, where he his mom, first discovered talent has been breathtak- as a resident artist and has entertainment world, he ous family background. was crowned ‘The Best his exceptional talent. He ing. He had recently made done so since he was 11 will continue to compose His grandmother Toh Suri International Artist’ by de- got support from Ali Mpire Malaysia proud by winning years old. and follow in the footsteps Wati Puan Salasiah Din, is feating other participants (ex-XPDC vocalist) and four gold medals, one silver of his idols: Sudirman one of the 32 Orang Besar from USA, Philippines, Mel Wings (ex-Wings vo- medal and one Hollywood Composing Since 12 and Michael Jackson, in Perak and was the first Guatemala, Africa, Mexico calist). His hardworking Industry Award in the Iqwal has been composing aspiring to succeed like woman football referee and Jamaica, to name a mom, Myn had exposed World Championship of songs since he was 12; one them. Firstly he wants to in Malaysia and Asia. His few. him to International mu- Performing Arts (WCOPA) entitled, ‘Secangkir Kasih’ record an English song in grandfather, Khairuddin 14-Language Talent sic, singing competitions in Los Angeles in five vocal which he performs with America. Many would be Hj Ahmad, currently a col- Iqwal has created his mark and enrolled him in a categories which includes Dayang Nabila. With two cynical at his ambitions lege lecturer, was a teacher by being the first Malaysian prominent music school to Pop, Rock, Contemporary, albums published - Iqwal but for him “nothing is im- and active in Perak foot- to perform at the Kodak polish his skills. Since then Open Style, Original Work. ‘09 & Iqwal 1Malaysia, possible if one continues ball and was deputy presi- Theatre, Los Angeles. This he has performed along Over 5,000 artists from 48 he has set his sights on to pursue one’s dreams”. dent of the Perak Football young talent, not only can side famous artists like: M. countries participated in more achievements. He is Iqwal will be perform- Association. His mother dance well, but also sings Nasir, Ramli Sarip, Zainal the WCOPA. Iqwal was in the ‘Malaysian Book of ing at Ipoh Echo’s 100th Normin Shah Khairuddin in 14 languages: Italian, Abidin, Faizal Tahir, selected twice to represent Records’ for ‘First Artist to issue Anniversary celebra- @ Myn used to sing pro- Spanish, Mexican Latin, Nash, Aishah and Mawi, Malaysia in the WCOPA. compose 1Malaysia songs tions at the Impiana Hotel fessionally and is the guid- Tagalog, Arabic, Hindi, in various concerts such In August 2008, in 6 languages’ (Malay, on August 6. It promises to ing hand that has brought Thai, Korean, Japanese, as Citrawarna Malaysia, Iqwal was again invited English, Mandarin, Tamil, be an exciting event. Iqwal to his current posi- Cantonese, Mandarin, Malaysian Water Festival, to represent Malaysia at Iban & Kadazan) and he tion, at the tender age of Tamil, Malay and English. Citrarasa Malaysia, Festival Websites: ‘The Best New Talent has a grand plan to gather 18, to being acknowledged His first singing attempt Gendang Malaysia, Di www.iqwalhafiz.com Award’ at Kodak Theatre, all the artists originally as one of the top stars was at the age of four when Ambang Merdeka and or www.iqwal.com.my Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 16-31, 2010 7

LETTERS IPOH ECHO Bercham Residents the authorities to allow MAKING A Woes Perak Roadways to use Living in Bercham, a the Bercham-Tasek route DIFFERENCE IN developed part of Ipoh, while plying to Klebang, Ipoh Echo retired presons like me, but the Ipoh city council being read THE COMMUNITY as well as other senior just does not bother. Poor around the citizens, feel neglected as people like me have to walk world far as the transport system to work from Bercham to is concerned. Bus service the Tasek Industrial estate. Ipoh Echo even has fans in Switzerland! to Bercham from Ipoh is We had sent our request Ipoh White Coffee for a while. As an Ipohite very irregular, especially to have bus services from Guess what? and one who has traveled on weekends when there Bercham to Tasek through I found Ipoh White Coffee widely, there is no better is no proper schedule. city councillor Lim Huey in one of the large grocery coffee than Malaysian Service has worsened since Shan, but he just ignored stores in the area. What Coffee. taken over by Ipoh Sentral. us. We hope the authorities a pleasant surprise! I LIONEL MUTHIAH Another big problem is that will do something. bought enough to last me Newberg OR, USA many times we have urged CHRIS NG World Heritage Site gunung (hill)? I was interested to read I wonder if it would about Perak’s proposed ap- be more advantageous to Special Announcement plication for five locations include a group of Perak’s he story of the Mother Teresa Reading Shelter was A talk on “Cognitive Education for Autistic Child” as World Heritage Sites, limestone hills rather than Tpublished in Issue 90. Calls from readers wanting to at Hospital Pantai Ipoh, by Mr. Roland Hifler who is Ipoh Echo 99. I assume single out one particular know more about the Shelter and its activities prompted being flown out specially from Geneva at the invitation of these will be applications cave? Or even combining the Shelter to launch My School Programme, specially Datin Grace Lee, Patron of Autism Support Association as five separate sites. the tin heritage with the tailored for children deprived of formal education due for Parents, Ipoh, Perak (ASAP) promises to enhance As a cave fanatic, and relevant caves. to lack of personal documents. Currently seven children current models of management and education for autistic ardent cave conservation- Compared to caves attend the programme and are taught Bahasa Malaysia, children. ist, I was pleased but curi- in East Malaysia, those English and Maths and during break are served snacks and Roland, an educator and therapist, a graduate of the ous to see Gua Tempurung in the peninsula are only drinks. The students are also exposed to creative arts and Faculty of Psychology and the Educational Sciences of on the list. Gua Tempurung babies in terms of length. crafts and enjoy recreational activities. Geneva University, has for ten years, been directing an is certainly an impres- And on a world ranking Since the last article was published, Ipoh Echo education and therapy practice where he gained extensive sive cave. But I wonder they don’t compare. So in readers have visited the Shelter and have encouraged other clinical experience with autistic people. He is the founder what are the justifications my humble view, I would children’s homes to use the facilities. As a result, more of the programme for autistic children authenticated by for singling out this cave like to consider a group of students visit the Shelter on Saturdays to make use of the Geneva University and currently organises and lectures, amongst all the caves in Perak’s limestone hills/ reading facilities. More activities will be planned after sharing his knowledge at conferences in Europe for the Kinta Valley. And why caves rather than one sin- their first anniversary celebration in August. parents and professionals. Anyone with an interest or just the gua and not the gle one. LIZ PRICE The Shelter is open six days a week and needs: involvement with Autism is welcome: volunteers for teaching of 3R, conducting personal Hospital Pantai, Ipoh, Dahlia Utama (4th Floor) development sessions, as well as books and stationary Date: August 8, 2010 (Sunday) Time: 9.00 am – 5 pm items and snacks for the children. Contact Lucy: 017- Contact: 016-5535803 (Pek Imm) and 5699262. AJ 016-4227076 (Charlotte). Fee: RM70.00 COMMUNITY Ipoh Echo OK Tak OK Counseling CLASSIFIEDS Workshop for Teachers THIS SPACE and not acceptable behav- COULD BE iour of adults towards chil- YOURS FOR dren. Dr. Prema said that recognizing a child who is RM32 sexually abused is not as easy as it seems but from the video one is able to pick up clearly, especially from facial expressions, body language and general changes in behaviour, that something is amiss. The only way to rec- ognize this is through ob- servation. These children often become quiet and o r o p t o m i s t ally abused child and how withdrawn. Sometimes International Ipoh and to handle the situation S they even become disrup- Perak Women for Women without causing alarm to tive. Society (PWW) were hosts the child. This workshop If children are taught to a group of 118 repre- was targeted at teachers what is and what is not ac- sentative teachers from the because teachers are often ceptable behaviour from district of Larut Matang the ones who are able to this very easy education and Selama for a one-day spot changes in their pu- programme, we may be workshop called “OK pil’s behaviour. able to stop some of the TAK OK”. This work- Statistics show that sexual abuse suffered by shop whose aim is to teach 85% of sexually abused these innocent children. children what is and what children knew their perpe- Children should be en- is not acceptable behav- trators and Perak has the couraged to speak up and iour from adults, had won fourth highest incidences inform their peers, parents, an International Huright of rape and incest in the friends etc. All too often Osaka Award in 2005. country. the very people the kids They enlisted the ex- The programme which trust are the ones who let pertise of trained coun- is conducted in a very them down. selors Dr. Prema Devaraj sensitive and informative S o r o p o m i s t (Programme Director for manner is designed for International Ipoh will WCC) and Ms. Tasha standard 5/6 pupils so the be working closely with Merican (Project Officer teachers were all asked to Perak Women for Women WCC) to train and share look at the video from the and will continue to moni- their knowledge with eyes of a 12 year old. The tor and follow up with the the teachers from Malay, video was 28 minutes long schools. The next project Chinese and Tamil schools and contained 4 short car- will be held in Kuala on how to recognize the toons and 3 video scenari- Kangsar. signs displayed by a sexu- os involving the acceptable MALIKA RAMIAH 8 July 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community COMMUNITY Pretty Fraulein Wishes To Manjung Red Crescent ‘Balik Kampong’ aving never set foot naïve girl like me. I from Lumut MP, Dato’ Hon Asian soil, Kristin got to learn about cul- Seri Kong Cho Ha. The Hartlich, had no idea what tures, traditions, lan- money, he said, would be to expect when she packed guages and dialects used to purchase much- her bags and bid her little and partake in fes- needed mannequins and hometown near Frankfurt, tivities such as Hari aids which were required goodbye. Kristin hails from Raya, Chinese New for training purposes. a small township that strad- Year and Deepavali. In order to realise the “a dles the Rhine River in This in itself is a gift first-aider in every home” Germany. The place is sur- like no other”, she programme, the chapter is rounded by hills just like added. conducting free training Ipoh. The similarity made During her free for the public. Those who her feel much at home when time Kristin indulges have benefitted include she arrived in the city after in sports. Hockey is ed Crescent members members to uphold the housewives and members a long drive from KLIA. her favourite having Rfrom SMJK Nan Hwa, movement’s principles. He of non-governmental Kristin, an exchange played the game big Manjung attended a 3-day thanked them for the good organisations. “The chapter student, enrolled in Main time in Germany. She is “Malaysians are pret- work camp organised by services they had rendered is prepared to train anyone”, Convent Ipoh and lived also an accomplished mu- ty laid back. Things are the local chapter at the during civil disasters, said Shamugam. with her foster parents, Mr sician, the saxophone being much more relaxed here school grounds recently. festivities and sporting Anyone keen on taking and Mrs Romesh Roy and her instrument of choice. as opposed to Germany. The event was graced activities. Shamugam’s offer can their two grown-up chil- She has taken up cooking Back home, we live a by the chapter’s deputy Shamugam told Ipoh contact him at: 012- dren. seriously and can prepare structured lifestyle where chairman, A. Shamugam. Echo that the movement 5067953. “Malaysia is my sec- exotic Indian dishes in a orderliness is a priority. In his opening address, had recently received a Saminathan ond home”, she remarked jiffy. She attributes this to Living in the fast lane can Shamugam called on the donation of RM10,000 coyly. “I love the food, the her foster mother who her- be very stressful and that weather and the warmth of self is a talented cook. accounts for the many the people. The fact that “Ipoh is a culinary ha- emotional and physi- different cultures and be- ven”, she insisted. “I’m a cal breakdowns among A Lingering Nightmare liefs could assimilate and big fan of spicy food, es- Germans,” she recount- Echo when met. “The live harmoniously under pecially those served on ed. water destroys books one roof is baffling”, said banana leaves.” She spoke Though the idea and electrical appliances. Kristin in obvious refer- fondly of her foster mother. of coming to Malaysia Cleaning this mess is ence to her foster parents “She sent me spices via seemed a novelty at first, so time consuming and who had come to accept snail mail when I was in this pretty fraulein now also back-breaking”, she her as a member of their Germany.” considers herself a bona added. With the UPSR trial extended family. When asked what fide Malaysian. On her examination just around When asked what was the striking difference departure recently, she the corner, she is bracing she cherished most about between Germany and opined, “‘Balik kam- for more problems ahead Malaysia, she marvelled at Malaysia she had this to pong’ will be a term of but is taking things in her the closeness of the typical say. “It’s the mentality and endearment to me.” stride. Malaysian family. lifestyle”, she replied obvi- Ipoh Echo wishes Students and staff “Staying here has been ously prepared for such a her the very best in all her joined in the cleaning-up a great experience for a question. endeavours. tudents and works, the problem DINESH K Steachers of Sekolah remains unresolved. The operations. “It’s become Kebangsaan Tambun school was inundated once a routine”, said a dejected have faced a lingering more on Wednesday, June Puan Ainun Nur Abdul nightmare for the last 15 30. This was the worse Rahman, the Coordinator years without any respite flooding ever, as the school for Special Education. Historical in sight. Their school is compound was a sea of “Hopefully, something can susceptible to flooding water, one metre deep. be done to overcome this due to overflowing waters “It’s terrible”, said nightmare for good”, she from Sungai Pinji nearby. Senior Assistant, Puan implored. Bridge Reopens And despite mitigation Dawiah Mat Isa, to Ipoh RN Bon Odori 2010 @ Meru Valley Resort poh: Bon Odori, a pop- Iular Japanese cultural festival, will be celebrated in Ipoh this year after a six-year absence. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at the award-win- ning Meru Valley Resort in Jelapang, Ipoh, on Saturday the 24th of July from 6.30pm to 10.00pm. The last Bon Odori which was celebrated in Ipoh fter being closed towards the project, com- centuate its beauty as the was held at Padang Ipoh Afor renovation for pletion was well ahead of city’s landmark.” in 2003. almost a year, Sultan schedule. This is the second Organised by the Iskandar Bridge is now The soft reopening of renovation since 1960 Consulate-General of open to the public effec- the bridge was officiated by and it costs the state Japan in Penang, The tive July 2. The century- MB Perak, Dato’ Seri Dr. government RM10 Japan Club of Ipoh, the old bridge had undergone Zambry Abdul Kadir. million. For the record, Perak Malaysian-Japanese repairs, which were ex- The original design of between 16,000 to Friendship Society, to- pected to be completed the 64-metre bridge will 20,000 motorists use the gether with Meru Valley in December of this year. be maintained, Zambry bridge daily. Resort, Kinta Properties However, due to the com- told reporters. “However, a RN and Tenby Schools, the mitment of the contractor tower will be added to ac- event is set to expose Ipohites with a dose of Japanese culture, fun and Japan,” said Mr Teng Khai visitors who purchase a tact: 05-2537530 (Perak food at Bon Odori. tions, and also Bon Odori learn ‘kingyo tsukui’ (gold- Weng, president of the RM20 food voucher book- M a l a y s i a n - J a p a n e s e “There will be a dances. Visitors can sam- fish scooping) and ‘yoyo Perak Malaysian-Japanese let will be entitled to par- Friendship Society), or Taiko Drum performance ple an array of local and tsuri’ (balloon fishing), two Friendship Society. ticipate in a Lucky Draw. 05-5293333/5293353 and Aikido demonstra- Japanese food and also common festival games in Admission is free and For enquiries, please con- (Meru Valley Resort). Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 16-31, 2010 9

BOOK REVIEW New Children’s Novel by Ipoh-Born Author Promotes Understanding of Children-related Medical Conditions

Media Masters Publishing ers between the ages of developed alopecia uni- launched a children’s seven to twelve, and offers versalis when he was four What Do You Hope novel “Great Grandma’s a heart-warming tale about years old, resulting in his To Achieve With This Hairloss Remedy” recent- how James learns to cope losing all his hair on his Book? ly. She talks to Ipoh Echo with his hair loss condi- head and body. Since hav- I hope to help young about the inspiration be- tion. ing this hair loss condi- minds gain an early un- hind her new book. There is also a ques- tion, Ethan has received derstanding and appre- tion and answer section many comments and ques- ciation of difficulties Tell Us About Your Book about alopecia at the end tions regarding his bald- and differences existing Great Grandma’s Hairloss of the book, explaining ness as many people have in societies everywhere. Hairloss Remedy by Remedy is the first in the cause of hair loss, who never heard of alopecia Understanding hairloss Rebecca Loke is available a series on Children’s gets it, and how it affects universalis. Ethan had to in children is just one ex- at all major bookstores Concerns published by one’s health. learn how to cope with ample. There are so many and Meru Valley Resort in Media Masters Publishing, negative responses like other concerns affecting Ipoh. For more informa- poh-born author which tells the story about What Inspired You To name-calling, and with a children so we hope to tion, contact: info@me- Iand former SK Raja 8-year-old James, who has Write Your Latest Book? lot of support from family educate young minds with diamasters.com.my or call Perempuan school stu- a condition called alopecia The inspiration for this and friends, he learned to a series of books focusing 05-2495938. dent, Rebecca Loke, to- universalis, or total hair story comes from my 10- develop a positive outlook on children’s concerns. gether with Ipoh-based loss. It is targeted for read- year-old son Ethan, who on his condition. Great Grandma’s

and information on all Echo. “There are 723 following worldwide”, part in friendly matches, ISH FOOTBALL FEVER 32 teams participating administrative staff and Nasirruddin remarked. one of which was with in South Africa. Along 55 doctors on our list. ISH supports sports and TNB, and also in the KPJ with these was a giant TV They donned jerseys of teamwork and they have Sports Carnival whereby screen for the convenience teams of their choice.” A teams for various sports, 20 hospitals participate. of those who wished to huge hamper awaited the like, football, badminton, RM keep themselves updated winners. The hamper was etc. The hospital takes and entertained. The on display on the floor for atmosphere and mood of all to see.” the greatest game on Earth Visitors got to enjoy was encapsulated within the ambience and had a go the confines of the floor. at a game of football from “Staff, both non- the many tables available. ootball fever has not (ISH). The first floor of the medical and consultants, Response from the public Fonly affected the hospital had been turned partook in this month-long was encouraging, as many ordinary man in the streets into a gallery for football competition entitled, ‘My were seen milling around but corporations in the city. aficionados complete with Team is the Champion’”, their favourite teams. “It’s One such victim was the a replica of the World said Ahmad Nasirruddin our contribution to the Ipoh Specialist Hospital Cup trophy, flags, colours Harun, the CEO, to Ipoh game which has a huge HOSPITAL FATIMAH SCHOOL OF NURSING those in need of help with conversion of ‘Nursing Moral, Pengajian Malaysia emotional problems or Aides’ to State Enrolled and Pengajian Agama, all stressful situations) and Nurses (SEN). Ten years taught by full-time and “Palliative Care” (which later, the Malaysian part-time Nursing Tutors. aims to alleviate pain and Nursing Board approved Some Visiting and Resident discomfort to improve the a new conversion training Consultants of Hospital quality of life for patients programme from SEN to Fatimah teach specialised with terminal illnesses). State Registered Nurses. subjects in the School vol- Expansion plans for In 2007, the School untarily on their own time. a new building of the received recognition as Students of the school School are in progress. an Institution of Higher also undergo clinical ex- The groundbreaking cer- Education when it was perience in the wards of emony of the new build- successfully registered Hospital Fatimah, Hospital ing recently took place by the Ministry of Higher Raja Permaisuri Bainun in February 2010 and Education. Ipoh and Hospital Bahagia the building is expected Today, the School Tanjung Rambutan. to be constructed soon. offers two courses, (i) Students of Hospital This double-storey build- Diploma in Nursing; a Fatimah School of Nursing ing will accommodate conversion programme also learn about “Pastoral six new classrooms, staff from Assistant Nurse to Care”, (where counselling offices, a resource centre Staff Nurse (A 7309) and or comfort is offered to and an auditorium. (ii) Certificate of Assistant Nurse (A 7308) – previous- ly called SEN, Both these he Hospital Fatimah class achieved 100% pass- basic courses to become courses were approved by TSchool of Nursing es with one student, Lim specialised nurses”. Dato’ the Malaysian Nursing (HFSON) held its gradu- Soo Mui, scoring highest Simon Chan, the Chairman Board and the Malaysian ation ceremony in June among all student nurses in of the Board of Directors Qualification Agency. 2010 at Hotel Impiana, the 109 nursing schools in of HFSON, said, “Nursing The School, which Ipoh. The climax of the Malaysia. Parents, tutors, is, in many ways, a voca- started at the basement of ceremony was the oath friends, and members of tion. It’s tough treating Hospital Fatimah, is now taken by 41 young ladies. the Board of Directors of people who are sick. I have located at No. 12, Jalan The oath emphasized the HFSON, management and great admiration for the Sultan Azlan Shah, in a disposition these gradu- staff of Hospital Fatimah nurses, and my wishes for building which used to NursesTraining ates need, to carry out witnessed this auspicious them are to be brave, keep house the Congregation of their duties with total event. an open mind and treat all the Brothers of Mercy until dedication as a nurse. Ms Mary Narayana- their patients as equals.” 2002. The curricula of the For more information call: The class of 2009 samy, the Principal Tutor of Hospital Fatimah School include core sub- Hospital Fatimah School Of Nursing comprised 21 students HFSON, when asked about School of Nursing was jects such as Behavioural [A4P2470(PKP614)] who received a Diploma her hopes for the graduates established in 1994 Sciences, Basic Sciences No 12, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, in Nursing and 20 who in their future undertaking (formerly known as City and Nursing Sciences and 31400 Ipoh, Perak. received a Certificate said, “I hope that they will Nursing School) and compulsory non-nursing Tel: 05-254 2084 Fax: 05-253 2084 of Assistant Nurse. The continue to study their post initially began with the subjects such as Pendidikan Email: [email protected] 10 July 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

YOUNG PERAK 01 Kinta Scouts 90th A Worthy Concert Rural Spread of Anniversary ICT Vital

enby Schools Ipoh showcased its students’ la- Ttent talents by hosting a production entitled, “The o commemorate its 90th anniversary, the 01 Kinta Power of The Dream” at Politeknik Ungku Omar re- rian District in northern Perak has not missed out on Ttroop of ACS Ipoh, held a jamboree within the cently. The cast consisted of kindergarten, primary, sec- KICT (Information and Communication Technology) school’s compound recently. The 01 Kinta troop has ondary and A-Level students. Their performances had opportunities other districts have enjoyed. The state come a long way since its formation proving that scout- the audience rooted to their seats throughout the show. government has been focused on spreading ICT to rural ing values have never lost their appeal. This year’s The school choir warmed up the crowd with a couple areas for some time and in line with this objective, an theme was “Past, Present & Future”. The objective was of catchy songs. Advisor Mrs Lai Kwong Wa, in her ICT fair was held in Bagan Serai recently to optimise to connect all scouts, old and new, as a means to revive opening speech, welcomed the audience and promised people’s interest. the scouting spirit. Ramesh Muthiah, a consultant engi- them a night to remember. Dance routines – tradition- The one-day fair was officiated by Hussin Mat Ali, neer from Manchester, recounted the movement’s his- al, modern and a fusion of both – were staged. Several the Multimedia and Communication Commissioner for tory and its many luminaries. Senior Assistant of Co- Michael Jackson songs, such as “Heal the World” and North Region. The creativity of students was on display Curricular Activities, Manoharan, described scouting “We Are the World” were sung by the ‘King of Pop’ for all to see. Exhibits by students of Sekolah Menengah as a game of purpose and encouraged members to find wannabes. Skits and sketches acted by primary school Teknik Krian, Bagan Serai, drew much praise from visi- ways to capture the hearts of youths. With a turnout students touched the hearts of many. The sixth form- tors. of over 750 participants the gathering was a success. ers did a fine job with their version of Macbeth. The The objective of the fair had been achieved judging Competitions such as marching, backwoods cooking, highlight of the evening was a musical performance by from the enthusiasm of the huge crowd that came a call- banner designing and others were held. Main Convent “The JEMS” (Josiah Hoo, Eric Lam, Michael Broom ing. Some of the older folks were not that naïve. They took the cooking title while St Michael’s Institution, and Sean Wilson). Organising Chairperson, Mrs. Siva, knew how to handle computers and the many gizmos the foot drill title. Overall champion was Ave Maria attributed the success of the concert to the support given on show. Convent. by students and staff. RN DK DK SPORT A Memorable Visit for Children ERNEST LAUNCHES CENTURY RIDE 2010 he launching of Perakeans is essential to TCentury Ride 2010 make this a calendar event was formally declared in the state,” said Chong. on Thursday, July 8, at The state government and Tower Regency Hotel the tourism department Ipoh. It was officiated by are behind the organisers. Organising Chairman, It will be flagged off on Ernest Balasingam and Sunday, August 1 at 7 a.m. witnessed by members in front of Bukit Kinding of the working commit- Resort, Tg Rambutan. tee and the President of Those who finish the 160- hirty-one children, who are undergoing treatment Kelab Roadrunners Ipoh, km ride within the time Tin the Paediatric Ward of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Chong Him Shoong. limit of 7 hrs 30 mins will Bainun, were taken on a “memorable” trip to Penang Ernest told reporters that be rewarded with a finish- by the Ipoh Rotary Club recently. They visited the Toy a larger number of partici- er’s medal, a T-shirt and an Museum, Chocolate Boutique and Queensbay Mall. There pants would partake in this achievement certificate. If was great excitement and much merriment as the chil- year’s outing. “We reckon from feedback, is gaining we fixed,” said Ernest. you wish for more details dren moved among the exhibits at the toy museum and some 600 riders will con- prominence with a large There are more sponsors please visit Century Ride’s chocolate boutique. The idea to cheer up the children un- gregate at Bukit Kinding number of foreign entries this year than previous. website at www.centu- der the club’s community service project was mooted by Resort, Tg Rambutan.” coming from Singapore, Therefore, there will be ryridemalaysia.blogspot. past president Wu Chee Thutt together with Dr. Akbar Ali This home-grown cycling Thailand and even Japan. more prizes for everyone. com or call Ernest at 012- Hitam Ali and Dr. Chuah Bee Sim and staff members of extravaganza is into its “They simply love the Prizes for lucky draws too 5162687. the hospital. The one-day trip by chartered bus was under fourth edition and, judging challenge and the route are aplenty. “Support from FZB the supervision of Rotarians Cheah Sau Voon and Chan Siew Yee. JF ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements must be sent by fax: 05-2552181; or email: [email protected], by the 9th or 23rd of every month in order to meet deadlines. Announcements by phone will not be entertained. Ipoh Echo reserves the right to verify any announcement before it is published.

Malaysian Nature Society – Kinta Nature Park Field The All-American Boys Chorus Concert on July 27 rides and fun-filled activities. All are welcome. For Trip. Sunday July 18, meet up at 8.30 am at KNP (Tuesday) at Wesley Methodist Church Ipoh Sanctuary, further information, contact: 05-5454344 (office). visitor area. For details, contact Lim Kim Chye (016- 121 Jalan Lahat (inside ACS compound). In aid of the Talk on “Cognitive Education for Autistic Child” by Mr. 553 8431) or Lim Swee Yian (016-422 3895). For the Kesselring Building renovation. Entry by invitation only Roland Hifler at Hospital Pantai Ipoh on August 7 from latest info, log on to www.mnsperak.wordpress.com. for adults and children 6 years and above. Contributions/ 9am-5pm. Fee: RM70. For further information contact: donations at RM200, RM100, RM50 and RM30. For 016-5535803 (Pek Imm) and 016-4227076 (Charlotte). The Perak Society for the Promotion of Mental enquiries, contact: WMSI (Linda/Lai Ping) – 05-2545122; Health presents ‘Vision of Forever’ Odissi. Artistic WMCI (Chee Peng) – 05-2545331; PSPA (Sara) – 05- Y’s Men’s Club Ipoh 45th Installation of the President direction by Ramli Ibrahim and featuring artistes of 5487814; Creative Music Academy (Daphne) – 012- and Board of Directors will be held at Hotel Excelsior Sutra Dance Theatre. July 24, 7.30 pm, State Banquet 5183290; Ebony Guitar (Kee Leong) – 05-2540349. Ipoh (14th Floor) at 7.30pm Saturday, August 14. Hall, Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, Ipoh. For more information, contact: 012-5381939 (K. Contact: 05-5335457 or 012-5056049 (Mr Subain). Ipoh City Watch Dinner 2010. The postponed dinner is Letchimanan) or 016-9719098 (K.N. Chandran). on again. Friday, July 30, at 8 pm, Ipoh City and Country Club, Jalan Kampar. Entertainment and lucky draw on the Portuguese Eurasian Association Perak (PEAP). Are Kinta Medical Centre Antenatal Class conducted by you an Eurasian of Portuguese descent or know of Dr. (Mrs) Dharmini Prushothaman. Saturday July 24, card. For details and reservation contact Steven Lee at 016-5052848 or e-mail: [email protected]. anyone who is but has yet to register with PEAP? If 2.00-4.00 pm. Free admission with attractive gifts. you do, please forward details to: Portuguese Eurasian Light refreshments will be provided. For further Mariaville Kindergarten’s 30th Anniversary Family Association Perak (PEAP), P.O. Box 594, Taman Ipoh, information and registration, call 05-2439590. Carnival on August 7 (Saturday) 9am-1pm. Food, pony 31407 Ipoh. Email: [email protected]. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 16-31, 2010 11

COMMUNITY IPOH BRIEF “All the world’s a stage, Long Awaited Ipoh-KL Electric Train and all the men and women Service to Start in August merely players” he long awaited Electric Train Service (ETS) plying are Batu Gajah, Kampar, TIpoh, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban will commence Tanjung Malim, Kuala commercial runs on the first week of August. This was Lumpur and KL Sentral, confirmed to Ipoh Echo by the COO of ET Sdn Bhd (a while the Transit Service subsidiary of KTMB), Encik Azizullah Kinayatullah. will stop at all the stations Azizullah, however, could not confirm the actual fare along the way and the price which he said was pending approval by government journey will take two hours authorities. and 15 minutes. The current travel time between Ipoh The ETS, which became possible following the and Kuala Lumpur is two hours 50 minutes. construction of a dual-tracking system, will operate eight The full journey from Ipoh to Seremban will take return trips daily between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. 3 hours. Each train set will consist of 6 coaches with a There are two types of services. The Express Service seating capacity of 350 passengers. The top speed of the will take one hour and 50 minutes and will make six train set is 140 kph. The train schedules and fares to the stops between Ipoh and KL Sentral. The scheduled stops various destinations will be announced later. JAG hese words from forming arts. Rosalina TShakespeare’s As You Ooi, Jeya Jeyaratnam, taught the participants to voice projection and dem- laughter and spontaneity from MGS were seen giv- Like It rang true liter- Chantelle-Shakila Tiagi, laugh at themselves and onstrating how these can during the workshop ses- ing their all in the activi- ally for forty young par- Jeffrey Chew, SylviaWong, shed their inhibitions, thus be exploited for a success- sions. Alexander Joseph ties. Perhaps the question ticipants who attended Jacqueline Thong, Gerald preparing them for what ful and memorable stage (13 years) and his brother that could be uppermost in a two-day workshop re- Goh and Xavier Fong, was to come next. Before performance. Adrian (12 years) felt the everybody’s mind after the cently, organised by Perak in their respective ses- the session was over, eve- The intensive two-day workshop was fun and en- workshop is “To be, or not Society of Performing Arts sions, took the partici- ryone was psyched up and workshop culminated in joyed the new experienc- to be (an actor): that is the (PSPA) Junior Associate pants through their paces, raring to go. stage presentations by the es, while Isabelle Leong question:” (Hamlet). Conference at Taman demonstrating how action, Jeffrey then carried different age groups who (17 years) and her friends R. SANDRA Budaya, Ipoh. The partici- movement, voice, song out a session on ‘Exploring used dance, voice, song pants were introduced to etc. were fundamental to with Song’, highlighting and movement to com- the theatre and the world acting and could take one how music and song could municate their perception Surveillance Cameras of stage production in a to great heights as a stage be an integral aspect of of what ‘Happiness is...’. number of workshop ses- performer. stage performances. The With merely a couple of Being Installed sions with ‘Exploring The conference, over- participants clearly enjoyed hours of rehearsal, it was Stage and Theatre’ as the seen by the president of this session. Chantelle ex- the moment of truth for Within Ipoh City main theme. These young PSPA, Datin Rosalina and plored ‘Action’ and got the the participants when they youngsters to understand proved that they were in- bout 100 strategic locations within Ipoh City are to people whose ages range the organising chairper- be covered by surveillance cameras. Mayor Dato’ from 12-18 and were from son, Doreen Kam, began the significance of move- deed capable of staging A ment and action. Sylvia fast-paced, highly-charged Roshidi Hashim stated this after chairing the city coun- schools around Ipoh, were with an introduction to the cil full board monthly meeting recently. He said that given the opportunity to theatre by Datin Rosalina. meanwhile got the partici- and enthralling perform- pants to exercise their vo- ances. The internal audi- initially, seven CCTVs are being installed and would be draw on their creativity Immediately after that was operational by the end of this month. There will be two and inherent talent in order a ‘Laughter’ session con- cal cords, with hilarious ence of mainly parents results. Xavier had ‘stage were entertained by the operation centres to monitor the CCTVs, one manned to realise their potential as ducted by Jeya who be- by the police and the other (a back-up centre) operated stage actors and actresses. lieved that the ‘feel-good tips’ for the soon-to-be riveting presentations. stage performers, drawing It was an exciting by city council at its premises. City council’s staff is On hand to guide them effects of laughter’ would currently attending hands-on training in Penang on how help raise energy levels. together aspects of imagi- 2-days for the partici- were facilitators with vast to manage the CCTV systems. JAG experience in the per- Through her activities, she nation, body language and pants, as evidenced by the 12 July 16-31, 2010 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community MY SAY A Lingering Problem of FLASH FLOODS

affected areas during the rain. Jalan Fair Park, which cuts across the monsoon drain, formed a dam caus- ing the water-level at one end to rise to above four metres from its normal By Jerry Francis level and where the only culvert is located was a he cause of the fre- whirlpool, as the water quent flash floods was sucked across the road Tin the Ipoh Garden- and gushing out at the oth- Canning Garden areas lies er end to flow into Sungai right under Jalan Fair Park Kinta. at the Jalan Hospital junc- At the Police Reserve The cause of flash floods tion. This is a well- known Unit complex, a number fact, yet for years the Ipoh of staff quarters and cars pending floods. The water retention pool, but it did City Council and the rele- were affected. will rise fast and subside not help,” said Lee. vant departments have not It is ridiculous to expect within half an hour.” Commenting on the taken any remedial meas- one culvert about 4x4 feet Lee, a technical assist- residents’ appeal, city ures. to be able to contain the ant in an engineering firm, councillor in charge of the Every time there is a heavy thousands of litres of wa- has been crusading against zone Ms. Ceylyn Tay, ad- downpour, the areas on ter flowing down from the flash floods in the last mitted that the city council both sides of the monsoon Canning Garden, Hock 10 years. He has even gone is fully aware of the prob- drains from Sungai Senam Lee Park, Ipoh Garden and out in the rains to study lem. She sympathises with up to Ipoh Garden South Ipoh Garden South. the impact of the rainwater the residents and hopes and Hock Lee Park, expe- The culvert was con- and calculated the amount they will bear with the rience flash floods, affect- structed over half a cen- The route of the mosoon drain where floods occuted of water the culvert under problem for a bit longer. ing some 2,000 residents. tury ago before the vast Jalan Fair Park could take. Tay plans to bring up the Worse affected is the housing developments of water by about half and their plight to Ipoh City Armed with such data, he issue before the city coun- Police’s Federal Reserve had taken place upstream. thus overcome the flash Council. had joined force with the cil. “Since it will involve a Unit complex at Sungai No improvement has been floods problem. It is esti- “We are appealing to residents and over the years large amount of funds, we Senam, where the mon- made since to ease the flow mated that the cost of lay- the city council to solve they had made various ap- need the State Government soon drain runs beside it. under the road. ing additional culverts is the flash floods problem peals and suggestions to to help get an allocation for Following continu- Best solution is to about RM500,000. without further delay”, the city council and the rel- the project from the 10th ous heavy rains on June build a bridge to replace This is a small amount said Lee Peng Kuan, vice- evant departments to deal Malaysia Plan”, she said. 27, I received a number of the culvert, but it would considering how it would chairman of the residents’ with the problem, but to This means the af- calls from residents in the be costly. However, “pipe benefit the residents, who association. date, no attempt at resolu- fected residents will have affected areas. As I had jacking” or excavating to have been affected by flash “Whenever there is tion is in sight. “What the to face the impending promised to personally lay additional culverts, floods for about 20 years. heavy rain, especially at city council did about five flash floods as the North- take a look at their long each about 6x6 feet, could Residents of the affected night, the residents in the years ago was to convert East Monsoon that brings lingering problem, I made be cheaper and sufficient areas have formed a resi- affected areas cannot sleep, a children’s playground at heavy rains is just around a quick inspection of the to reduce the large volume dents’ association to bring worrying about the im- Hock Lee Park into a water the corner. Chronic Kidney Disease on the Rise at diagnosis is also an im- ore and more hos- Prevention is better portant factor which pre- Mpitals are expand- than cure. When a person dicts the rate of progres- ing their Dialysis units is diagnosed with early sion to stage five. The and Ipoh’s Pantai Puteri stage chronic kidney dis- more severe the kidney Hospital is no exception. ease (CKD) which is cate- failure is at presentation, Medical News gorised in 5 stages, (stages the more likely that the pa- Today defines Dialysis 1-3) he/she should ideally tient will progress.” as ‘the artificial process co-operate with the neph- In order to delay the of getting rid of waste rologist to be successfully onset of ESRD, Dr Teo (diffusion) and unwant- managed. lists five rules which are: ed water (ultrafiltration) “About 40% of my pa- ●● Good blood pressure from the blood. This tients are undergoing dialy- control – 125/75 mmHg process is naturally done sis,” says Dr. Teo Sue Mei, ●● Good diabetes control by our kidneys. Some a practicing nephrologist in patients with diabetic people, however, may since 1997. She sees about kidney disease have failed or damaged 70 to 80 kidney patients a ●● Stop smoking kidneys which cannot week in Pantai Hospital ●● Low protein diet for carry out the function Ipoh. Unfortunately, “most those with CKD stage properly – they may need of my patients come to three and above dialysis. In other words, me when they are at stage ●● Certain hypertension dialysis is the artificial three or higher”. drugs (e.g., angiotensin- replacement for lost kid- When CKD worsens converting enzyme in- ney function (renal re- to stage five, or end-stage hibitors and angiotensis placement therapy)’ renal disease (ESRD), the receptor blockers) can reduce the leakage of protein to the urine and help slow the progres- patient needs renal replace- liferation of CKD, Dr Teo as well as prompt treat- sion of kidney failure. ment therapy. For the for- lists the main reasons for ment, is important to pre- Family members and tunate few who are able to CKD progression as un- serve kidney function”. friends can also play an get a suitable kidney from controlled diabetes; un- Some patients with important role by remind- a donor, transplantation is controlled blood pressure; CKD stage three will be ing CKD patients of these a viable option. However drugs or herbs that may able to halt or delay the five golden rules. Dr Teo for the large majority of be toxic to the kidneys; disease progression to further added, “Prevention those afflicted, dialysis is infection; dehydration and stage five. “But that de- of kidney disease is the the most popular form of kidney stones, which block pends on the underlying most important aspect. As treatment and the patient the urinary tract. cause for the CKD. For pa- kidney disease is most of- will have to depend on it She further adds, tients with diabetic kidney ten silent in the early stag- for life. “Timely identification of disease, the disease tends es, people who fall under When asked why causes leading to the rapid to progress.” the high-risk group should there is an apparent pro- decline of renal function, “The severity of CKD undergo regular screen- ing.”