www.ipohecho.com.my

issue 57 Your Community Newspaper echoechoServing the people of Ipoh, , Sg.Siput,Taiping, , , Kampar, , Air Tawar, , Lumut and .

FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. SEPTEMBER 1- 15, 2008 PP 14252/10/2008(007226) 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within . RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. ORGANISED CRIME TARGETS IPOH ECHO Perak’s CPO speaks to Full report – page 2 Editorial - page 4 Ipoh Echo – page 3

Ipoh World Heritage listing? – page 7

The Great Durian Fesitval – page 8

Interview with YB WE REMAIN UNDETERRED Puan Hamidah – page 9 THE COMMUNITY WILL BE SERVED 2 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper THUGS ATTEMPT HIJACKING OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE Vengeance raid aimed at silencing community’s voice Photographs Unprecedented in Malay computer with its 19-inch of expensive, easily act was to instill fear into by Rosli Mansor sian newspaper publish- screen. removable computers in the Echo’s staff. ing history, organized But before doing so, each of these rooms the Climbing the stairs to crime has resorted to vio- they systematically ran- intruders pointedly left the upper floor, the intrud- lent burglary in an effort sacked our offices room by this equipment totally ing gang once more ig- to silence the Ipoh Echo room. untouched. nored expensive computer – Perak’s, indeed the na- Their first attempt at In the main ground equipment at a reporter’s tion’s, only independent breaking into the premises floor foyer where our office desk. It was as if they were community newspaper. was via a rear entrance. manager normally works, completely disinterested Never before has any This entailed initially the attacking gang headed in making away with any- Malaysian newspaper had thing substantial but the to face criminally direct- precise target of their raid. ed, stand-over tactics of Almost certainly us- vengeance and retribution. ing the fire extinguisher as State political leaders, both a battering ram as before, government and opposi- they disintegrated a glass tion, have been appalled door leading from the up- by what is seen as tanta- stairs foyer area and en- The edition the mount to an underworld tered the office of our edi- thugs tried to block declaration of war against tor, Fathol Zaman Bukhari. this paper. Once again they wrenched Perak Menteri Besar, open drawers, seemingly Dato’Seri Mohammad indifferent to contents. Nizar, expressed shock at There was no computer the news. “I’m appalled equipment available in the by this despicable act. It room. The editor always is a direct and quite unac- takes his portable one ceptable violation of some home with him each night. our most valued principles – the right of free speech, TWO ITEMS freedom of the press and the ready exchange of ide- But there were two as,” he said. items in the editor’s desk that at least caught the DETAILS thugs attention. One was a digital camera; the other a We can now reveal de- After smashing their way into the editor’s office tape recorder. Both would tails of the attack launched they took nothing there. have been easily fenced against us hours before our dislodging a steel gate for two separate desk posi- on the city’s stolen goods last issue (Issue 56) was which they accomplished. tions. They broke open all market. due to go to press. However, their attempt drawers and emptied the Instead of stealing There can be no here was thwarted by a contents, scattering them these, the intruders chose question about the two fold heavily locked wooden widely across the floor. to leave them behind – but aim of the onslaught that door. They stole nothing from abandoned in prominent targeted our Jalan Lasam Undeterred, the thugs the desks. Significantly, positions. The tape record- offices between midnight moved to the front of the they even chose to ignore er was left at the centre of on Monday, August 11 two-storey building and a prominently placed petty the editor’s desk top; the and 6 am the following set to work on the main cash folder with its cur- camera, on top of the office morning. protective sliding steel rency notes and a number fax machine – another un- Battering down the door of a ground floor office, First was the intention grill. After wrenching this of uncashed cheques made touched but easily remova- the raiders showed no interest in valuable computer of halting the paper’s free, probably employ- out in favour of the news- ble piece of equipment had equipment in this room. printing process. Second, ing crowbars, they forced paper’s advertising sec- theft been the gangsters’ and equally important, the glass front door and tion. primary intention had been ordered to seize went about their exhaustive was a plan directly entered the ground floor At this point, a par- It was in our graphic and departed, presumably tasks meticulously. geared to threatening and section. Grabbing a wall- ticularly disturbing aspect artist’s room on the upper confident they had fully Officers, like ourselves, intimidating our staff. achieved their objectives. are convinced the Jalan The thugs involved They were to be Lasam attack has been an had been well briefed. proved wrong. attempt to cripple the Echo They zeroed in on the one In their blundering, and, at the same time, to in- piece of technical equip- bull-headed stupidity, the timidate staff. ment retained at the of- thugs had overlooked a As such they feel cer- fice – our central graphics key piece of equipment – tain it has been a deliber- computer – critical to the our back-up system. ate act of vengeance by an paper’s final production Much creative effort, organised group that has process. of course, was lost in the hired thugs to do their dirty attack. But staff members work. READY FOR and stringers rallied mag- The group, it is felt, is TRANSMISSION nificently. angered by our reporting ef- Working with the forts to date and apprehen- This computer con- back-up system and long sive about future prospects tained the August 16 is- into two following nights, should we continue inde- sue’s complete graphics they were able to re-design pendent publishing fully that were to have been Issue 56. adhering to the principles of transmitted to the Penang Also coming to our freedom of the press. printers on the afternoon assistance were our print- In this context, police of Tuesday, August 12. ers with a specially rushed investigators have been pay- Nor was the finance manager’s office spared, although the attack Employing cutting production effort. The re- ing close attention to stories here appeared more methodical. implements brought with sult: Ipoh Echo’s Issue 56 we have covered over the them expressly for the pur- mounted fire extinguisher, of the raid occurred. The floor that the gang finally met its exact publication months and those on which pose, the commissioned they smashed their way intruding gang pocketed a spotted what it had come schedule. we are currently working. burglars, believed to through glass and wooden collection of staff calling for – the Echo’s main com- Police were quickly Additionally, they have number no more than two doors in order to gain en- cards. Such cards are val- puter. Smashing through on the scene following our sought our assessments as to or three, cut through nu- trance to the three main ueless to anyone but the yet another glass door, they report to their headquar- who, we consider, might be merous connecting cables ground floor offices. person identified on them. snipped the cables, lifted ters. Investigators brought behind this quite extraordi- and removed the entire Despite the presence The clear intention of this out the only prize they in fingerprint experts who nary and sinister break-in. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 3

www.ipohecho.com.my By Fathol Zaman Bukhari IPOH From the Editor’s Desk By Fathol Zaman Bukhari echoYour Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AND THE STATE’S POLICE Following organised crime’s attack on our offices, Ipoh Echo’s editor, Fathol Zaman Bukhari, together with reporter, James Gough, met with Perak’s Chief Police Officer (CPO), Dato’ Zulkifli bin Abdullah, for an exclusive interview. The aim: to explore the vital and inter-related issues of current crime, public safety and how the state’s community newspaper might assist police in crime prevention measures

Ipoh Echo: Dato’, as you It’s over 40 per cent of the the youth and students in are aware Ipoh Echo is overall crime rates in Per- the district or an area. the only community-based ak. And it’s being commit- Ipoh Echo: How bad is newspaper in the country ted by youngsters out for a the Mat Rempit menace? and we have been around fast buck or to cannibalize It’s quite rampant at Polo since 2005. Do you think parts for illegal road racing Ground. we can be of use to the Po- - the Mat Rempit. That’s CPO: The problem is un- lice? why we need to educate der control. My men are CPO: I have been reading the young. The community keeping areas such as Polo your paper regularly. If I re- policing provides us an op- member correctly, in one of portunity to interact with continued on page 11 your editorials, you men- tioned about the police not wanting to divulge infor- mation about a police per- sonnel who was allegedly involved in snatch theft. Yes, I believe Ipoh Echo has a role in the community and can be of use to the Police. It can also be a good platform for CPO Dato Zulkifli (centre) and ACP Zulkapli speak with Ipoh Echo Editor, the people to voice their Fathol Zaman Bukhari grievances. I’ll take up the offer but Sungei Senam Police police vehicles. Next Ipoh Echo: I received a call it will be on a need basis Station for a brief. I come enforcement from ACP Zulkapli about when there is information hope Ipoh Echo will do a agencies like the Rela and, the editorial piece and had that I need to pass on to the coverage on this. finally, the public in the explained our position. We public. You can check with We have just acquired form of Rakan Cop and were in the dark on actions ACP Zulkapli. 168 patrol cars and they are community policing. This taken in respect of the of- Ipoh Echo: Dato’ our of- being distributed all over is an effective method of ficer and this in spite of our fice was burgled recently. the state. I have instructed ensuring public safety and enquiries with the station. The thieves took away our all the district police chiefs protection. Like I have CPO: I appreciate the graphics computer, CPU to react quickly to distress said our physical presence power of the media. You and a printer. We suspect it calls from the public. is essential. have a role to play in so- was premeditated as other Physical presence is Ipoh Echo: What sort of ciety and so do the Police. items of value were spared. important Patrol cars make crime is high on your list? However, I feel it’s better The Police were quick to their rounds in crime- CPO: Motor cycle theft. that we cross check with respond as three patrol prone areas with their one another before making cars appeared at our place. lights flashing, especially any assumptions. My staff Someone doesn’t like what at night, to make their and I are always prepared we are doing. presence felt. It is a form to help. I have my monthly CPO: Whom do you sus- of deterrent. press conference for the pect? Ipoh Echo: Dato’, with benefit of the media. You Ipoh Echo: It could be any- the recent petrol and die- can get the latest at this one based on the reporting sel price hike do you see meeting. Other than that that we have done recently. a corresponding increase you can get information Anyway the theft has been in crime, especially petty first hand from heads of reported to the Police and thefts since people are re- departments. Crime related they are investigating. I ally hard-pressed now? news from the CID chief, hope it will be over soon. CPO: Not really. In fact the drug-related crimes from What are some of the plans rate in Perak is on a down- the narcotic chief and so and policies undertaken by ward trend. There has been forth. ACP Zulkapli is the you to ensure public safety no significant increase in head of management and currently? criminal activities - petty the PR department comes CPO: Besides Rakan Cop or serious. under him. If necessary, there is the Community Ipoh Echo: Have you you can meet me too. My Policing initiated nation- been able to keep crimi- doors are open. wide last month. nal activities in check and Ipoh Echo: Thank you. We This is a more what are the steps taken to will liaise with ACP Zulka- proactive approach and a ensure public safety and pli for all matters relating good platform for members protection? to Police business in future. of the public to be involved CPO: Base on statistics Is that okay with you? in crime prevention. we have been successful. CPO: Yes, do get in touch Community policing Compared to the same pe- with him. He should be able involves the Police, the riod last year the rate be- to provide the information public and NGOs within tween January 1 to August that you need. We must a police district. Assisting 14, 2008 saw a 3.5 per- avoid miscommunication. them will be the Jabatan centage reduction overall. Ipoh Echo: I am offering Perpaduan which caters The national figure is 5 per the State Police a column for the Rukun Tetangga cent. I hope to achieve this in Ipoh Echo to make an- scheme. The SungeiSenam by year’s end. nouncements from time to community policing is one Policing involves time. fine example. these three tiers. Upfront CPO: Thanks so much. Get on to the OCS is our MPVs or mobile 4 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

PUBLISHER EDITORIAL We are Ipoh’s most effective Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED voice. Ipoh Echo is an inde- It never occurred to us that there might be people har- intrusion of thugs into our Jalan Lasam premises. No 1 Jalan Lasam pendent community bouring deep seated ill-will towards a newspaper that 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul As reported in our news coverage this issue, the newspaper published by only seeks to serve the community. Ridzuan thieves carted away our graphic computer, cpu and a Perakians for Perakians. Tel: (605) 249 5936 Of course, an independent newspaper, like Ipoh printer – the very technical nerve centre of our publishing It is distributed free of Fax: (605) 255 2181 Echo, wherever it publishes, will have supporters and de- work. They obviously knew their target. charge. Our costs are EMail: ipohecho.jag@ tractors. That remains a fact of life and a most healthy one To provide a break-in camouflage for their actions, defrayed by gmail.com at that. Foremost on the plus side for us, we are not sub- they destroyed office doors and rummaged through our advertisements placed servient to anyone. Therefore, we are able to report things drawers – but without taking anything of value. It was EDITORIAL by businesses and as we see them rather than as we are directed. a clever ruse but not quite clever enough to conceal true private individuals Regrettably, much of our nation’s media functions Fathol Zaman Bukhari motives. within the state. They James Gough under strict directions and control. We, fortunately, are at Organised crime has hit Ipoh Echo and the intentions see the big advantage liberty to publish news deemed beneficial for Ipohites no are obvious - to shut us up by way of intimidation and in dealing with us – our GRAPHIC DESIGN/ matter how this might aggravate certain quarters. Indeed, fear. Someone, or some group, is obviously not happy fortnightly publication PHOTOGRAPHY we have been doing just this for over three years. Despite with what has been reported – or is being investigated. gives their ads more all sorts of pressures, attempts to ignore us and efforts to Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali Their intentions are quite clear. mileage at less cost. put us in what is considered our rightful place, we have Yu Azman Bin Hamid But let it be known that intimidation will not work So, next time you want survived. It is a strong point in our favour. with us. Let it also be known that we will work tirelessly to buy or sell a house, MARKETING & All this may not go down well with some. Perceptions with the authorities to bring those responsible for this un- a car, a dog or a cat, DISTRIBUTION differ with individuals and groups. Basic to our publish- precedented outrage to justice. please call our MANAGER ing philosophy, though, is the recognition of differing Ipoh Echo will not succumb to threats and will con- Classifieds at: views and the right that these be heard. Having said that, tinue to do what it does best – serve as the community’s Ramesh Kumar (05) 549 5936 a resort to violence and intimidation in order to exhibit fair and unbiased mouthpiece. No act of criminal bullying or 016 553 1092 one’s dissatisfaction is clearly unacceptable. PERMISSION AND RE- will deter us. We know peace-loving Ipohites are behind Ramesh Kumar PRINTS And this is exactly how we view the recent after-dark us. They are our strength and our inspiration.

Materials in Ipoh Echo may not be reproduced THINKING ALOUD By G. Sivapragasam in any form without the written permission of the publisher MINERS URGE GOVERNMENT

PRINTER TO REVIVE TIN MINING

Konway Industries Sdn In Ipoh Echo’s July 16 issue, we ran a feature from our Singapore correspondent, Bhd Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- Andrew Symon, exploring the possibility of a tin revival in the . His story pong Jawa 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau prompted widespread public interest. Here G. Sivapragasam, our regular Thinking Pinang Aloud columnist, discusses the intriguing prospect with tin industry authority, Dato’ Tel: (604) 644 7507 Chin Lean Choong. The first of Siva’s two-part interview follows Siva: We understand that Useful contacts was an experience shared Siva: What reasons have kg; triggering the collapse RM50/- and RM35/- per the Perak Chinese Min- by all producing countries. you for this optimism? of the tin market. kg. Perak Main Police Staion ing Association recently Whilst many countries Dato Chin: First, the At the time of the col- Almost the entire 05-245 1222 petitioned the Perak State continued this activity or price of tin has risen sub- lapse, the surplus stock, consumption of tin is by 999 (emergency) Government to revive the revived it soon after what stantially, second, we can accumulated by the Buffer industries that use it as an Ipoh Main Police Station mining industry in Perak. is the reason for the indus- show that mining activities Stock was 70,000 tonnes ingredient that constitutes 05-253 2222 What response are you ex- try to continue in slumber are not environmentally excluding the surplus stock a very small fraction of pecting? in Perak? damaging and, lastly as at mines and USA’s strate- their product resulting in Ipoh General Hospital Dato Chin: On May 15, Dato Chin: Whilst the the government policy was gic stockpile of 180,000 05-253 3333 the price of tin relatively 2008, the Association sub- tin price caused the ini- based on the first two fac- tonnes. insignificant in the overall Ipoh Ambulance mitted a memorandum tial collapse other factors tors, we are hopeful it will Hence the protracted final output cost. 05-522 2506 urging the State Govern- emerged to prevent revival be changed. depressed tin price from Siva: What is the viability 993 (emergency) ment to revive this indus- namely the perception that Siva: Whilst the price 1986 to 2003 at RM I5/- of this activity at RM 35/- Ipoh Fire Brigade try in Perak. In the memo- it was environmentally un- levels are attractive today per kg. The situation, how- per kg in Perak? 05-547 4444 randum we have detailed friendly and a State policy what is the guarantee that ever, has changed. Dato Chin: Presently, 994 (emergency) out how tin mining could that discouraged mining it will not go down and The annual con- in Perak, the cost of Tenaga Nasional Berhad be revived. We have also activities. there is the repeat of the sumption of tin has stead- production at an open 15454 addressed the various con- Siva: Could you elabo- 1986 scenario? ily increased, rising from cast/gravel pump tin mine cerns that have often been rate? Dato Chin: Commodity 209,000 tonnes in 1993 to is about RM 35/- per kg Lembaga Air Perak advanced for not doing so. 1800-88-7788 Dato Chin: The pro- prices that are determined 339,000 tonnes in 2004, working on an average We believe that we have tracted slump in tin price by international market tin metal stock has been grade of 0.4 kpcy (0.309 Directory Service made a very persuasive from 1986 to 2003 during forces are subject to price completely liquidated and kg/m3). 103 case for revival and are which the price of tin av- fluctuation. It is brought the US strategic stockpile This factor together Rakan Cop confident that the response eraged about RM 15/- per about by changes in de- has been reduced to about with our comparative edge 05-240 1999 from the State Government kg forced many mines to mand and supply of the 3,500 tonnes as at January in infrastructure over other Perak Women for will be positive. close. During this time commodity over a busi- 2008 and is expected to be producing countries and Women Society Siva: Perak was a domi- there emerged the percep- ness cycle. The price of tin completely exhausted by the availability of sufficient 012-521 2480 nant player in this industry tion that mining was an was stabilized under the year end. private sector risk capital 012-505 0547 and the Nation still pos- environment hazard that International Tin Agree- Further there has not to undertake exploration sesses the second largest caused water and air pol- ment (ITA) between 1956 been any discovery of new and prospecting activities deposit of this mineral in lution and damaged the and 1990. Before 1983, deposits or any significant delivers Perak the ability the world. What caused us natural landscape. This ITA members controlled new investment in any of to sustain the industry once www.ipohecho.com.myAdvertise in to falter necessitating re- led to a government policy over 75% of the world tin the tin producing coun- revived. IPOH vival? which has prevented large production. tries. Brazil’s production, Siva: What makes you echoYour Community Newspaper Dato Chin: For a century tracts of mining land to be However, after 1984, for example, has been de- confident the consumption Perak was a major producer exploited for tin. producing countries under creasing steadily from the will remain at this level? Classifieds of tin and indeed the metal Siva: Does the Association the ITA controlled less than high of 50,200 tonnes in Dato Chin: Two factors. Appointments was the prime mover harbour any hope for the 60% of world tin produc- 1989 to 9,600 tonnes in Tin, already a vital of the State’s economic revival of this Industry in tion due to the emergence 2007. ingredient to the development. However Perak? of Brazil as new major tin As it takes 5 to 10 manufacturing of many Call: commencing about 20 Dato Chin: Certainly, producer which unfortu- years to commission a industrial products, Ramesh Kumar years ago the industry hence the memorandum nately coincided with the new mine from explora- being a non-toxic metal experienced a worldwide to the government. The slowdown of industrial tion to production in the it is increasingly being Marketing Manager slump causing a decline of Chamber is very confi- activities in the developed short to medium term, we substituted for other toxic Tel : (605) 2495936 the industry in this State. dent that this industry can countries. The Buffer Stock can safely assume that the metals such as lead. As it was left un-arrested it Fax : (605) 2552181 not only be revived but it operation administered yearly world tin consump- Then, there’s the has become almost extinct. could once again play an under the ITA ran out of tion would remain at about emergence of China and Mobile:016 5531092 Siva: You would agree that important role in Perak’s money to defend the floor 320,000 tonnes with the tin India as major consumers the downturn in tin prices economic growth. price of tin at RM29.15 per price averaging between of tin. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 5

ISSUES TO WATCH A NEW MAYOR ADDRESSES A FRESH TEAM OF COUNCILLORS MBI convenes its full board meeting In his first official meet- ZONE 2 ZONE 10 ZONE 19 ZONE 21 ing as Ipoh’s new mayor, (Kuala Kuang, Chepor, (Kg. Simee, Taman Ipoh, (Kg, Rapat, Pengkalan (Lahat, Bukit Merah) Roshidi Hashim, pledged Meru) Taman Canning) Pegoh, Pengkalan Gate) LEE KIN CHIEW to give his utmost to serve AYYATHURAI A/L DING POI KOOI MOHD. ZABIDI B. ([email protected]) the residents and endeav- A C H U T H A R A M A N (012-5225727) ABDUL LATIF ZONE 22 our to resolve their prob- (013-5211840) ZONE 11 (012-5303125) (Sengat, Rapat Jaya, lems. ZONE 3 (Perpaduan, Ulu Kinta, ZONE 20 Changkat Larang) He outlined the roles (Tawas, Tasek, Ipoh ) (, Rapat RADZI B. ZAINON of councillors, saying they Grove) DR. NGIAM SWEE KEAT Setia, Taman Song Choon) (019-2826743) should establish close rap- DATUK FRANCIS LEE (012-5199472) NG LAI HOONG port with residents and lis- YEW HEAN ZONE 12 (012-5919727) PETER KHIEW ten to their woes. ([email protected]) (Buntong, Silibin) New scenario at MBI? ZONE 4 M. KULASEGARAN (Kinding, Tg. Rambutan, (MP) (012-5034346) Putra) ZONE 13 CHEAH POH TING (Greentown, Pekan Lama, (016-5558766) Medan Kidd) ZONE 5 YIP MUN CHIEN ( B e r c h a m , T a s e k , (012-5173361) Dermawan) ZONE 14 CHEAH POU HIAN (Chempaka, Taman Golf, (016-5558766) Lumba Kuda) ZONE 6 LIU THEN TUI (Jelapang, Taman Pertama, ([email protected]) Rishah) ZONE 15 Mayor Roshidi Hashim SURESH S/O HARI (Sg. Rokam, Ipoh Jaya, The mayor announced KRISHNAN Ampang) (012-5885119) DR. KHAIRUDDIN B. that two officers from the SUTRA SHOP council would be assigned ZONE 7 ABDUL MALIK to each councillor to assist (Gugusan ) (019-5060440) them with administrative SHAMSUL KAMAR B. ZONE 16 tasks. ANI (017-5894485) (Pekan Baru, Tebing ZONE 8 Tinggi, Pasir Pinji) YOUR COUNCILLORS (Tembok, Taman Cherry, WONG YOON CHOONG AND HOW YOU CAN Taman Lim) (012-5385555) REACH THEM RAJASEGARAN A/L V. ZONE 17 N. RAJAH (012-4580841) (, ) ZONE 1 ZONE 9 CHAN TONG TUAN (Khantan, Chemor, (Kepayang, Fair Park, (012-4966123) Klebang) Bandar Ipoh Raya) ZONE 18 WAN AHMAD TARMIZI DATO’ MOHD. ARIFF B. (Pasir Puteh, Seri Kinta, B. ABDUL AZIZ SHAFFIE Kuala Pari) (Tel no: 0195101772) ([email protected]) LIOW YEONG LIH (016- 5375703)

TAILORED APPROACH TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS HAS RESULTED IN SATISFYING CLIENT ENGAGEMENT AlgoMinda Sdn Bhd is and solutions. What is Manufacturing (M) Sdn. for property developers implement ever-evolving have achieved premium a premier provider of more, the company pro- Bhd. and Kurz Production such as Meru Vally Resort technologies, AlgoMinda systems that cater to Information Technology vides on-going systems Sdn. Bhd. The company Berhad and Bandar Baru provides direction accord- present needs and allow Solutions. It specialises in and network maintenance also provides entire net- Klebang. ing to specific requirements for future development. tailoring its approach to services. working systems for This includes advis- of a business concern. In AlgoMinda remains loyal individual client needs. AlgoMinda has en- Politeknik Ungku Omar ing on the implementation, doing so, AlgoMinda team to their clients every step The Algominda joyed successful client and Politeknik Seberang servicing, maintenance member immerse them- of the way. team’s many-faceted ex- engagement, ranging from Perai campuses respec- and calibrating as well as selves into their clients’ Combining the best pertise includes providing multinationals and public tively. upgrading of ‘Touch and environments. Thus, they engineering practices with Information Technology institutions to small busi- To add to their fast Go’ systems. get a complete picture and the right products tailored consulting, LAN/WAN nesses. Some of their loyal growing reputation, With a clear under- are able to deliver answers to specific requirements, networking, deployment, and satisfied customers in- AlgoMinda is currently standing that organisations achieving optimal client AlgoMinda Sdn. Bhd. is integration, migration as clude Yamaha Electronic supplying and servicing all today need experienced ex- satisfaction. the future of Information well as security services Manufacturing, Schindler ‘Touch and Go’ systems perts who understand and AlgoMinda clients Technology solutions. 6 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

FROM MY ALBUM By Quicksilver The Grand Labuan Shuffle When stamps point the way to history

The Grand Labuan on January 1, 1890. Crown type Labuan stamps ity occurred which has, of Shuffle Tracing history Stamps of British were earmarked to be over- course, creating a further through stamps can be North Borneo became printed in Singapore. fascination for us mad the source of endless in- available from 1891. These stamp collectors. trigue. No matter how were conveniently over- OVERPRINTED Interestingly enough, small the territory, if printed in black with the these particular stamps there are stamps connect- word Labuan. The Labuan stamps were sold at the Labuan ed to its past, then there In 1902, Waterlow and were all overprinted post office only but were are stories to be told. Sons printed a new series with the words “Straits still available for use if The island of Labuan is a of postage stamps known Settlements” in two lines. posted at any post of- classic example. as the Labuan Crown type. There was but one ex- fice within the Straits Let me start with a These beautiful de- ception. The 10 cent value Settlements. little background. Labuan signs were from a line en- had the overprint on one began its administra- graved Key Plate depicting line and in lower case. OCCUPATION AND tive identity as part of the a Crown and the words As it happened, there LIBERATION Brunei Sultanate. Labuan Colony surround- were no 4 cent stamps in ing it. the original 1902 Labuan Labuan was occupied SEPARATE COLONY By the time the 1906 stock. by the Japanese and gov- Athens Summer Olympic So, as the values of erned as an integral part of In 1846, the Island Games had concluded, the 12, 16 and 18 cents de- North Borneo. Renamed was ceded to Great Britain seeds of administrative signs were not required, Maida Island or Pulau by the Sultan of Brunei change were yet again be- these values were duly Maida by the Japanese, the and began life as a separate ing planted. overprinted and thus trans- territory was liberated by Crown Colony. Indicative Thus, on October 30 ferred to 4 cent values. Australian Forces in June Postal stamps were issued that year those calling the This proved a difficult 1945. Labuan assumed for the Colony and were in colonial shots in London process as each sheet of its former name and came use from 1879 till 1890 decreed London the trans- fifty stamps had to be put under the BMA or British Eventually, adminis- fer of the Crown Colony to press on four separate Military Administration; it tration of the Colony was of Labuan to the Straits occasions. was then joined to British transferred to the British Settlements. Not suprisingly, no- North Borneo in 1946 North Borneo Company. To prepare for this ticeable variations in which in turn became part This formally took place change, stocks of the the end product qual- of Malaysia in 1963.

Now that you’ve read my account above, see if you can relate the various stamps I am reproducing here to the text. The 11 designs represent the entire range of Labuan postage stamps issued during the period I am talking about.

Ipoh Facts and Fancies By Ho Tak Ming New Town: Staid By Day, Another Story By Nightfall The backdrop of Ipoh’s limestone hills helped achieve a sedate picture If Leech Street in Old lies from the surrounding flush of money. The eating hundreds upon a throw to must be of them who never stalls buying sweetmeats, Town before the First countryside to spend the houses are scenes of jol- the humble coolie whose have a meal under a roof and cigarettes, and ex- World War was more evening amid the gaieties lity and junketting. From stake is represented by a at all. Surely their name is changing gossips.” Chinatown than anything of the place. One visitor to the hotels issue the rasping pile of five copper cents. legion. In the intervals be- else, then New Town Ipoh in 1912 described the sharps of the Chinese fid- “Apart from the res- “The two cinema the- tween one show and the when it was completed in scene: dle, the piercing note of the taurants proper, one of the atres in New Town – the next, there was even more 1909 was a true cosmop- “It is in the nighttime, flute or the raucous shriek- most interesting sights of Ipoh Cinema occupying confusion as the whirl- olis. Here all the local when all the streets are ing of the Chinese singing- the fair is to be found in a Yau Tet Shin’s theatre and pool of mixed national- races gathered at night to aflame with lights stretch- Harima Hall, which be- ity entertainment-seekers have a good time. ing away into long vistas, came the Oriental Cinema pushed their way to their In the daytime it when each several door- in 1915, had crowded respective destinations, the had a staid and respect- way and window frame houses nightly. police pushing them along able appearance, being sends out its splash of in- “The spots outside in their efforts to keep this in reality a modern town. candescent glow, when the cinemas were truly the surge of humanity clear It had no hidden ram- the thoroughfares are heart of Ipoh’s nightlife. of the entrances, and rick- shackle squalid sections. thronged with gaily-clad One observer wrote, “In shaws and cars dashed up Moreover, the green figures sporting the cos- the roadway outside the and down the street. limestone hills encircling tume of every nation in the Cinema a kaleidoscope of Only when the patrons Ipoh tended always to Orient – it is then that one wondrously-clad Malays, of the late show were in- soften whatever was gar- seems to grasp the true in- Chinese and Indians ed- side the theatre, did the ish or bizarre. wardness of the life of the dies around the wheeled tumult die down as the New Town. One of the most traffic. Bicycles make their crowds began to disperse, TRAIN AFTER TRAIN notable features in the Sadly, New Town today pales before its history. way through the press with the vehicles sped away and growth of the New Town is girl as interpreted by the survey of the street stalls, much ringing of bells and the stalls closed. During the day, New the number of restaurants, gramophone. where every kind of ed- shouting. A motor car At midnight a few Town appeared to be only hotels and gaily-furnished “In the gambling ible under the sun seems to splits the press of human- stragglers could be seen sparsely populated, but lodging houses that have houses all is crush and be procurable. To see the ity in twain like the wa- having supper in the coffee with nightfall it assumed a sprung into existence for excitement and one can number of Orientals who ters of the Red Sea divid- shops, with an occasional different aspect altogether. the accommodation of see all types represented frequent these al fresco ing for the passage of the rickshaw still plying the Train after train unloaded this floating population. among the gamesters – food stalls makes one cogi- Israelites. Little groups somewhat deserted streets its crowds of mining coo- Everyone appears to be from the towkay risking his tate as to how many there muster round the street searching for fares. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 7

Singapore online From Andrew Symon MELAKA, PENANG SCORE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE COUP: IPOH NEXT? Architectural heritage in the old town is impressive, fortunately situated in an area largely unmolested by intrusive modern development

A huge boost for the pro- tourist destination stars. get frozen in time. But you influences in trade and tection and preservation With it comes quite don’t go bulldozing down politics with the original of Malaysia’s historic demanding obligations on large slabs of old property Malay culture and the in- buildings and urban local, state and national to put up skyscrapers. tertwining of all this with landscapes has come governments to protect and To gain UNESCO the immigrant Chinese and with the UNESCO listing preserve those buildings heritage listing, it’s not a Indian cultures. of Melaka’s old areas and and areas that have been matter of having to match Ipoh could argue for Penang’s Georgetown as approved by UNESCO. Egypt’s Pyramids or listing of its old town on World Heritage a similar basis. sites. Certainly there It took seven are some very years of cam- i m p r e s s i v e paigning by the early twen- cities before tieth century the Paris-based colonial struc- United Nations tures such as E d u c a t i o n a l the Town Hall and Cultural (1916), Court Organisation fi- House (1928), nally gave its Railway Station approval. As and Hotel World Heritage (1917). And as sites the demar- the 1909 Birch cated Malaysian M e m o r i a l sites become Clock Tower recognised along recalls, protec- with such fa- tion of British mous places in interests in Southeast Asia Perak, despite as the ancient the resistance ruins of Angkor of local rulers, in Cambodia Ipoh’s Railway Station . . . grand structure with a rich history saw the gradual and the 9th cen- strengthening tury Buddhist Just to reach the point Sphinx, Athen’s Acropolis, of colonial rule temple of Borobudur in where cultural/architectur- or China’s Great Wall. in the latter 19th century Indonesia. al or natural environment Rather, the significance throughout all of Malaya. The battle to have sites can be considered by of a site is judged against But again, the story is them listed has been hard UNESCO’s World Heritage quite wide ranging crite- not just about a few grand fought with local conserva- Committee, governments ria by UNESCO experts. buildings but rather the tionists often at odds with must have already demon- Broadly, the goal is to overall precinct with its local government officials strated their commitment encourage protection of variety of architectures. and property developers. to conserving those areas many diverse examples of Just glance around Ipoh’s Their success is cer- and clear plans in place for the world’s cultural (and Padang. tainly newsworthy as their future preservation. natural) heritage. Buildings they are the first pieces of The applications to and sites need not be an- WHERE ELSE Malaysian architectural/ UNESCO for listings of a cient and spectacular. cultural heritage to be local areas are carried out The aim is not a re- Where else would listed in this way. They by national governments. strictive list of only world’s you find alongside each join Malaysia’s two natu- Malaysia’s right to seek wonders but rather an ever other such a fine example ral heritage sites – the listing (and the obligations expanding array of the va- of Catholic neo gothic – Gunung Mulu National that may flow from that) riety of civilisation’s ar- St Michael’s Institution Park in Sarawak and the follows from its ratification chitectural (and also engi- (1923) – and the Mughal- Mount Kinabalu National of the 1972 Convention on neering and technological) inspired towers and arch- Park in Sabah. the Protection of World achievements and expres- es of the graceful Indian Cultural and Natural sions of different cultures Muslim Sheik Adam MORE THAN A Heritage. and their historical interac- Mosque (1908). MATTER OF The obvious question tions over the centuries. Then there is – or was, TOURISM STARS now posed is this: Does There are now 878 as its present closed condi- Ipoh and Perak wish to sites under the World tion places a question mark So, following their apply for listings? If so, Heritage list – 678 cultural, over its current status – the example, should Ipoh also has to be on 174 natural and 26 mixed. Chinese baroque FMS seek UNESCO World side. In the case of bar and restaurant (1906). Heritage listing for the There is no doubt that Georgetown and Malacca, These and other build- historical old town – the Ipoh’s architectural herit- their historic centres ings in the area all come area around the Padang age in the old town is im- would not be listed sim- together to express Ipoh’s and Railway Station and pressive. What is more, it ply because they contained story and its multi-cultural all its late 19th and early is fairly well concentrated important and sometimes society. 20th century government in an area without too grand buildings. What fi- Here is the town that and commercial build- much intrusive modern de- nally determines a listing was brought into being and ings, schools, mosque, velopment. is whether old streets and fashioned by the tin min- Chinatown and shop hous- Already it presents as buildings represent dis- ing boom of the late 19th es? a good heritage precinct – tinctive and important pe- and early 20th centuries. There is much to be and this could be enhanced riods of local and indeed And it was the economic, gained for a city or re- further with appropri- international history. Thus social and political forces gion economically from a ate restoration of the old the arrival of the West into unleashed by the tin boom UNESCO Heritage listing China town, landscaping Southeast Asia through which also helped shape as it raises its profile on the and strengthening of regu- the Portuguese, Dutch and modern Malaysia – a fact international tourism map. lations to prevent inappro- British become important which surely would rein- But listing is far more than priate new development. ingredients. So, too, does force Ipoh’s claims for a just a matter of gaining This does not mean things the mix of their roles and UNESCO listing. 8 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

PHASES & FACES Musings ROYAL SMILES…THE by See Foon Chan-Koppen DAY THE PRINCESS ARRIVED EARLY THINNING OUT THE It is not often that one ahead of the busload of gets to shake hands with other Kelab Wanita Perak CLOUDS OF DISCONTENT a princess. Recently, 45 members coming in from students of Polyteknik Kuala Lumpur. The modified premise should be: “I think Ungku Omar had On hand to greet her that opportunity. The on her arrival was the See Foon positively, therefore I am happier.” Patron of Kelab Wanita Chairman of Puspanita Perak, Raja Dato’ Seri Polyteknik, Ungku Omar Azureen bte Sultan Puan Hajjah Hafizah. Recently, I heard a med- ness, whether it be positive ers.” We remember every You can remember Azlan Shah presented The Princess called her itation master debunk or negative, it takes over, lesson we’ve ever learnt your ex-wife as being over- them the contributions club members to get their the famous premise upon and both body and mind and live our lives accord- bearing and domineering recommended by the anticipated time of arrival. which western philoso- react accordingly. They ingly. Albeit unconscious- or choose to remember that Polytechnics Students In the meantime, Puan phers have waxed lyrical say it takes 28 days to ly. you were simply tempera- Affairs Department. Hajjah Hafizah attended to for centuries : “I think, make or break a habit. As If we could erase all mentally incompatible. therefore I am” . everyone who’s ever quit our early conditioning We can think that our He went on to propose smoking has told you, the memories I wonder how parents neglected us or that it is our “thinking” unconscious urge to put different our lives would didn’t give us the love and that actually hides our true something between the in- be? attention we needed. nature which is essentially dex and middle finger lin- I do believe we need Or we can choose to pure and unobstructed. gers way after the craving to consciously develop se- remember that they did the I pondered long and for nicotine wears off. lective memory, making best they could at the time hard on this and had an Or take someone certain that those thoughts with the knowledge they epiphany of sorts when I who’s prone to anger. How we choose to play repeat- had. asked myself the question, easy it is to lash out from edly are the kind of posi- “How often have you had unconscious habit at the tive, empowering thoughts BETTER OPTION an original thought?” smallest provocation, when that will help to create and I realised that most of we could instead develop maintain a happy life. “I think, therefore I the time, I am parroting the new habit of “take a am” is certainly true in the and repeating what I have deep breath and count to YOUR CHOICE context of creating a posi- Princess Azureen (second from right) presents the derma been taught, or “caught” ten”. tive successful life. to one of the 45 students from parents, peers, and We can choose to If we’re going to cloud the world around us. think of our mother-in-law our pure unobstructed na- the princess in her office. Members of the Perak What we tend to as the witch or we can re- ture, it is certainly a better Princess Azureen showed Royal Family are well overlook, however, is member that she loves her choice than the habitual no signs of being disturbed known for their punctuality how many of these same son very much and in her whinge-ing and victimis- by all the background and, as it happened, lessons, thoughts, mental eyes, no woman is ever go- ing thoughts that are so flurry. She was her regal Princess Azureen arrived images and emotions we ing to care for him the way prevalent these days. smiling self throughout the ten minutes before the entertain daily. We play she does. As long as we’re re- programme. scheduled time, well JAG them repetitiously, until We can then praise her peating thoughts of lack, they become the habitual When you stop and mothering qualities and resentment, inadequacy CHARITY CAMPAIGN thoughts that colour and consider how much of avert her possessiveness and powerlessness, we’ll shape our world, motivat- your thinking is repeated, for her son. continue to shape a world FOCUSES ON HEALTHY ing and directing every however, you realise we We can think of our- that mirrors those circum- BREAKFASTS other thought, word and humans are not the think- selves as fat or we can stances. act. ers we believe ourselves to choose to think of our- Let’s create a bet- Some two hundred of various Homes with a Once a habit is im- be. As I said in my last col- selves as curvaceous or ter world for ourselves by inmates from five charity nutritious breakfasts while pressed upon conscious- umn, we are “remember- well-rounded. monitoring our thoughts. organisations in the simultaneously educating northern region now look them about good dietary forward to a breakfast habits. S p o k e s m a n of sardines, mackarel, Nariman Jonid said the The Great Durian Festival 2008 tuna and baked beans campaign started in stages every morning. This will with five Homes in the go on for the next three northern region: Yayasan months. Courtesy of Latihan Insan Istimewa Ayam brand, recipients (YLII) Ipoh, Pusat Harian - children, disabled Kanak-kanak Spastik Ipoh, and old folks - from Pertubuhan Kebajikan 21 Homes nationwide Darul Aitam in Alor Setar, are benefiting from the Rumah Kanak-kanak Bakti campaign, touted to be in Kepala Batas and St the first charity initiative Joseph Home in Penang.

Durians galore . . . different varieties . . . eat all you can . . . and free! Apart from meals, the Homes will also receive An August Saturday is a The heavy aroma of manggar, the silat boys RM1,000 each towards operating expenses at Bukit Gantang: the short drive from Ipoh. durian hung heavy in the in their black costumes annual Great Durian air. Your nose led you to of its kind in Malaysia. Similar campaigns by Take the highway north, and two young girls with Festival was on. Baskets reach your destination. The 116,000 Healthy the company will be held turn at Kuala Kangsar then a batik veil each holding a of 20,000 durian fruit Mine did. Breakfasts for Charity in Johor, Terengganu and take the old trunk road tray with a large durian on were available, free of At the site, there were Campaign aims to Kuching. towards Taiping. A slow top. All that on a Saturday charge. The public in- lovely cultural dancers all provide the residents PK drive should get you there morning. cluded ME! in 40 minutes. made up, colourful bunga continued on page 9 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 9

RE-ELECTED AND ONLY TOO HAPPY TO BE OF SERVICE YB Puan Hamidah is still the face for Sungai Rapat/ Gopeng

Assistant Accountant. She talks and courses at the hours, every day. She sees logistics. In two hours a well it can be very suc- was with the same com- Dewan Orang ramai and on average 20-30 residents traveller could already be cessful. pany until 1995. She was, the like. daily. in KL, 2.5 hours to KLIA by then, Assistant Area Hamidah is currently Their issues range and 1.5 hours to Penang. On the new government. Accountant. the State Assembly person from land matters, seeking Air Asia did service Ipoh, Other than the years for Sungai Rapat. Her win her signature for scholar- she points out but they “Four months on and when she was at UiTM, in the recent 12GE is her ship applications and lob- pulled out - didn’t make they are still harping on Hamidah has lived in Ipoh second term in this post. bying for financial assist- money. old issues They are weak. and the Kinta Valley all Sungai Rapat is part of ing to build a house. She Three parties without a her life. Her father worked Gopeng Constituency and has her share of squatter The tourism industry common manifesto will be for the mining company is the only Barisan repre- issues but she claims that in Ipoh. difficult to work together. Tronoh Mines and they sentative in Gopeng. they are not insurmount- You can sense the fric- YB Puan lived in the company’s able - “just takes a little “Eco-tourism prob- tion amongst themselves Hamidah bte Osman ‘mining kongsi quarters’. Issues in her longer to resolve”. ably but it has to be done during our dialogues. And She remembers it fondly as constituency She makes it a point to very well to ensure contin- they are slow.” Perak State Assemblyman a place where one’s front be in the office on Tuesdays ued growth of the indus- for Sungai Rapat / Gopeng door was always open and The usual SLR issue and Friday (10am to 2pm) try.” On the negative Party: Barisan Nasional people were neighbourly. (rubbish, clogged drains to meet her constitiuents. “proverb” remark she Age: 47 She even played foot- and uncut grass) was the Activity in Ipoh Town. made recently. Service centre: ball and learned a bit of main thing. The other main Her views 57612 Kg Tasek Permai Chinese. She is disheart- complaint is damaged On foreign investments: Nothing much can be “It was a mistake. I 31000 Batu Gajah Perak. ened by the present day roads. done. The area is defined. have apologised for it. In Working Hours: intense polarisation among She is quick to add Geographically, Ipoh We have a Gerbang Malam fact Uncle Krishnan (MIC 9am – 5pm. Monday till the different communities. that MBI’s services are is not an ideal location to but residents still prefer to Chairman , Gopeng branch) Friday. She does miss those ‘good indeed not up to standard. attract foreign investments. go to their nearby pasar called me immediately Service Centre Tel No: times’ She summarises the prob- From experience, foreign malams. It would be more then and I explained to him 05-3655 882 When she started lems - “there are insuffi- investors prefer to invest practical to focus on the what had transpired. I did H/p: 019-5731 739 working, she joined the cient funds; the rates had in either Penang or Kuala new townships on the out- tarikh balik my statement Education: Primary and UMNO branch called not been adjusted for the Lumpur due to the better skirts. but it was still highlighted Secondary education at Kampung Sri Indah at Batu last 15 years and there is- logistics connections. She by the Pakatan team. Sekolah Anglo Chinese Gajah and was appointed always a shortfall in col- gives the example of land Her ideal industry for (Ipoh Echo visited Kampar. She majored in the Branch Wanita Chief. lection.” She is fully aware being offered to investors Perak. “Uncle” M.Krishnan sub- accountancy at UiTM Shah She has held that position of these issues as she had for RM10 per acre and yet sequently and he informed Alam . now for 26 years. Hamidah served as a councillor for there have been no takers. The education indus- me Puan Hamidah’s char- Marital Status: Married found it satisfying to help the Pengkalan Pegoh for She doubts that the new try. Our cheap land, good acter does not match those with 4 children. the poor and less fortunate three years. government can do better. environment for study- remarks made as “she Life in politics: in her community. Her service centre is ing and low cost of living helps all communities.”) Upon leaving UiTM, she re- Back then, political located in Batu Gajah, near Ipoh Airport are all the ideal elements He has been working turned to Ipoh and worked activity had its emphasis her house. She literally is required to promote the closely with Puan Hamidah for the Malaysian Mining on educational improve- on call the whole day and She thinks this should education industry. If it is since 2004. Corportation (MMC) as an ment. She would organise keeps her handphone on all not be an issue because of packaged and promoted JAG continued from page 8 . . . durian

One of the gracious young women carrying tempting Apart from partaking of the fleshy fruit, one is treated to cultural dances and musical numbers trays of lovely durian on offer A festival mood reigned. sumed almost two whole Dato’ Mat Isa intro- the trees to hanging nets. cies. Presently, there are 28 dang tok’, inti or ‘coconut I walked around the pieces of different varie- duced a new scheme, “Cuti Dato’ Azalina high- registered Homestay par- filling’, santan and bubur stalls. It was before 10am ties. My favourite were the di Dusun” or “Holiday lighted the success of the ticipants in Bukit Gantang. kacang. so the crowd wasn’t thick D24 fruit with small seeds in the Orchard”. Tourists Homestay product and the At the end, there was There were many oth- yet. I tried several types of and plentiful flesh. would spend a night in a government’s intention to lunch which was another er dishes but I picked these durian. Before the guest of Later, speeches were pondok or hut in the fruit expand it by allocating cultural lesson for me. as I had never seen them all honour, Federal Tourism delivered by the chairman orchard and, among other more grants from her min- Together with the varieties on the same table before. Minister Dato’ Sri Azalina of MTPN Dato’ Mat Isa things, listen to or watch- istry to both the state and of durian I had pulut rice Bagus! arrived, I had already con- and Dato Azalina Othman. the durian fruit drop from parliamentary constituen- and roti jala, beef ‘ren- JAG 10 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper YOUNG PERAK EARLY LESSONS IN RESPECTING Students from participating schools are THE ENVIRONMENT invited to write about or photograph The day Taiping students – and their teachers – got to things/events outside their respective institutions of learning. E-mail looking at mud differently articles to: Twenty seven students serve the environment. in order to leave the local richness of the earth and [email protected] and 40 teachers from The “green” initiative ecology largely undis- did not associate mud SM Sains Raja Tun started off with a briefing turbed. with dirt.” attn: Peter Khiew Azlan Shah in Taiping by personnel at the Forest The sustained devel- Pursuing, a grati- rolled up their sleeves Reserve. Teachers and stu- opment and proper man- fied Baapu claimed wad- and got their hands dents were then divided agement of the Mangrove ing around to plant the MORE THAN A MILESTONE dirty for a noble cause - into groups. Assisted by Forest Reserve at Matang seedlings helped dispel A Chinese primary school will create planting mangrove tree forest rangers, the enthu- by the Forestry Department the negative mental mis- history of sorts when it starts the new seedlings at the Man- siastic participants planted has gained worldwide ap- conceptions that people grove Forest Reserve, Rhizophora mucronata, proval. normally have about mud school term in January 2009 near Matang, near Taiping. the source for a variety of Baapu Shrreraj s/o and swamps. “In fact,” , some 90 kilometres from its present location in Trong Peter Khiew reports

SJK (C) ready for the newly con- has been in Trong, ap- structed RM4.6 million proximately 30 kilome- building named after their tres from Taiping for alma mater. All their lives the past 55 years. The they had associated their single block structure, Padang Gajah school with of wood, is in an isolated a modest wooden single- village near Changkat storey structure. Jering. The population Woo Siew Ngo, 57, comprises small holders, who went to the Chinese Students packing polybags with mud to plant the Transplanting mangrove seedlings into the swamp farmers and plantation village school for her pri- seedlings from the polybags mary education, recalled workers. Over the years, The visit to the timber used for construc- Selva Rajoo said the visit he remarked, “we found the days when pupils of it has groomed pupils – a swampy area was part of tion pilings. was an invaluable learning it fun to be in the muddy all standards had to study number are now success- the“Climate Cool School The day-long pro- lesson to all. He referred mangrove swamp. I hope in one classroom, sharing ful in various fields of en- Project”, an activity or- gramme covered a visit to to the experience of plant- more schools will be al- a long table. She remem- deavour. ganised by Universiti a kiln where mangrove ing seedlings and handling lowed to take part in this Pendidikan Sultan Idris is processed into charcoal mud with bare hands “en- project and more people in and the for both the domestic mar- riching” for him, his fellow will be inspired to par- British Council for stu- ket and export purposes. students and their teachers ticipate in activities ad- dents and teachers to re- Participants were glad to as well. dressed to the issues of search and participate in learn that harvesting is un- “For once,” the Fourth global climate change.” the global effort to con- dertaken with utmost care Former added, “we felt the PK

early training. requirements of existing largest established prop- educational curricula. erty owners in Perak. BRAND NEW PLUSES Speaking to report- Tang said donation so ers, the chairman of far for the school project From January, 2009, the school’s Board of stands at RM 1.51 million. the “new” – or “re-located” Governors (BOG), Tang The developers currently School principal Ooi (right) tells Year Six student Siva – Padang Gajah school will Chun Thong, said the fund the balance. how the latter can improve his badminton be housed in two three-sto- BOG and the Parents – The Padang Gajah bered sitting with four oth- rey blocks. The 3.54 acre- Teachers’ Association sub- BACK IN TRONG school will cease operating ers. grounds will be home to mitted an application to from its present location at Octogenarian Chan 37 spacious classrooms, an the Education Ministry to Meanwhile, it is busi- the end of the year. Over Nin Ngo was among the administration centre, an relocate the school to Ipoh ness as usual in the unob- the past decades it has on August 6, 2004. The ap- trusive surroundings of experienced drastic drops proval was granted a year Padang Gajah in Trong. in student enrolment. The later. Lone student Sivasanthiran reason: the migration of The building plans – arguably the most privi- families who seek better were approved by the Ipoh leged Year Six pupil in the socio-economic situations City Council and construc- country – arrives promptly in the nearby towns. tion work started in August for the school assembly at The student popula- 2007. 7:45 am. tion has thinned over the In April this year, ac- After school hours, on years and as there are no cording to Tang, the school Wednesdays, he has a dose new listings in the school submitted an application to of extra-curricular activi- register, the Trong school the state education depart- ties – the principal engages has to close. Presently, ment for the allocation of him in one-on-one bad- it is being run for one students and teachers, pav- minton and table tennis; student – Year Six pupil ing the way for SJK (C) he wears the Red Crescent Sivasanthiran, son of an oil Padang Gajah to begin its uniform and learns basic Distribution of palm estate labourer. new term in January 2009. First Aid. Siva also brushes flyers in Ipoh Tang further said that up on his Mandarin. A CONSOLATION - OF the school also offers an He is a conscien- areas -3 sen - SORTS option for parents residing tious student. The Echo (A4/A5) in and was informed that, so far, Distribution of But the name SJK (C) its vicinity to send their Sivasanthiran has a 100% flyers outside Padang Gajah will live on, children over to study at attendance record. albeit some 90 kilome- SJK (C) Padang Gajah. Padang Gajah head- Ipoh areas-6 sen During the July visit, tres from its original site. Top photo:The relocated SJK (C) Padang Gajah School. master, Mr Ooi Eh Bee (A4/A5) Tang declared that the re- Last July, an entourage of Lower photo: The new school premises get the quipped: “The lad gets all We also provide location was made pos- villagers, many of whom approval of the visiting villagers from Trong. the attention he gets.” printing of were former pupils of the sible by the strong support The 55 year-old head- school, wept openly when visitors to the new site. assembly hall, a computer of the Bandar Seri Botani master himself who was flyers at afford- they arrived at the new site The 84-year-old volun- laboratory and a canteen. developers, Pinji Botan- assigned to Trong in 2007 able prices. in Bandar Seri Botani, near teered that she had sent all Additionally, there will ics Sdn Bhd, a part of the tutors young Siva. Mr Ooi Call -Sam at : Simpang Pulai. her children and grandchil- be a resource centre and property division in the is asisted by Miss Lim Shu They were not quite dren to the school for their other facilities to meet the Taiko Group, one of the Miin. 012-586 6112 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 11

Young Perak continued from page 3 . . . police PLATFORM FOR UNITY EXERCISES Students interacting with one another can result in a truly harmonious environment The police responding to a public call. The CPO is for quick and fast reaction. Ground under surveillance, members. You may want to and demand thing. Since especially on weekends run a story on them. there is demand there is and at night time. The Chinese com- supply. But we can nip the Ipoh Echo: Public places munity, however, is still problem in the bud by tar- are most susceptible to pet- adverse to Rakan Cop. geting these second hand ty crime like bag snatching Membership among the dealers. They need to be and pick pocketing. What community is still small. warned that buying stolen policing actions are in We want to make re- goods is an offence. I’ll be place? porting of crime fast and meeting them soon and will CPO: I need not go into simple. We have even in- make an announcement to details but we have people troduced text messaging the media soon after. We watching these places - po- in Chinese but it’s slow to met the Perak bankers yes- lice in plain clothes and in catch on. Maybe people are terday and advised them to uniform on beat duties. Re- still unaware of the service. keep their surveillance sys- action time is important. I You can SMS us in English tem in working order. have insisted on my men to and Bahasa. My emphasis, Ipoh Echo: I believe you react in the fastest possible however, is on the response go undercover to have a time. We can’t be every- time. Our standard operat- good grasp of the situation where all the time but if we ing procedure upon receipt in the city and the state and can react fast that’s good of a text message involves to check on your men. Your enough. dispatching a patrol car to comments, Dato’. Early celebration of National Day came to SMK Pinji Ipoh Echo: How success- the crime scene to secure CPO: Yes, I do that and I Some 913 students and chief, said unity and liv- planned. ful is your Rakan Cop pro- the place and then comes have instructed my depart- teachers of SMK Pinji ing in harmony can only Acting principal, gramme? the investigation team. I ment heads and OCPDs to celebrated the country’s be achieved if members of Zahidi Abdul Ghani de- CPO: Well, we are Num- have received several let- do the same. Going incog- 51st National Day earlier the various communities clared that SMK Pinji ber 2 in the country after ters from the public com- nito will provide me a first- when they received 250 understand one another’s school’s student composi- Kuala Lumpur. Presently mending the Police for hand feedback of things flags from Batu Gajah culture better. tion is ideal: 402 Malays, we have over 27,000 mem- their quick reaction. This happening on the ground. Kelab Anak Malaysia. 345 Chinese and 162 bers state-wide. My target is most encouraging. Ipoh Echo: We have cov- Scouts, cadets and mem- MORE JOINT Indians. is 60,000 members by the Ipoh Echo: Ipoh Echo ran ered most of the subjects. bers of the Red Crescent UNDERTAKINGS “The school can be an end of the year. Recently, a cover story on metal theft Thanks so much for your Society came in full uni- excellent platform to forge we had a gathering at Uni- that is so prevalent at the time and effort in making form. All eagerly antici- One way to bring this and instil unity and friend- versiti Teknologi Petronas- moment. What preventive this interview a reality, pated to hang Malaysia’s about is by having more ship,” Zahidi added. Tronoh for students from measures are you taking to Dato’. official colours every- and more activities where Also present at the institutions of higher learn- overcome the problem. CPO: You are most wel- where in their school. communities can interact event were chairman of ing in Perak. Over 2,000 CPO: The biggest culprits come and nice of you to Batu Gajah Kelab with one another. More Batu Gajah Kelab Anak students attended the func- are the scrap metal deal- come. We can now work Anak Malaysia patron, joint activities where peo- Malaysia, Sit Wai Yin and tion. In Ipoh Politeknik ers. They buy these stolen together for a common in- Dato’ Chang Ko Youn, ple can come and work to- SMK senior assistant Kong Ungku Omar has the larg- goods without asking for terest. We’ll keep in touch. who is also state Gerakan gether should therefore be Sin Yew. PK est number of Rakan Cop the sources. It’s a supply Thank you.

OXYGEN PLUS OXYGENATEDWATER SYSTEM Enriched with 300% more Oxygen than regular water Water no one has experienced before Since 1985 20-30 ppm

2 100-120 ppm

Get Energized Hurley Marketing Sdn Bhd (148706-K) 47 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh 31400 Ipoh,Perak Tel : 605 5466 568 Fax : 605 5496 968 Email: [email protected] Hot and Cold

BETTER ARTICULATION FOR A MORE SATISFYING LIFE Accademia Language vidual home coaching or be Accademia Language Equally, if you Services provides English part of small group tuition Services has over ten years’ feel that learning a new and Italian language class- sessions at in-house train- experience in coaching European language could es to students and working ing. students of different ages, give you the edge in both adults who seek self-im- Whether it is for levels, and backgrounds. business and personal life, provement and assistance work or academic Very satisfactory results taking up Italian language in revision. purposes,individually tai- have been achieved over lessons could be a wise The courses offered are lored syllabus and timetable this period. decision. It could reward professional, up-to-date, are provided every enrolee If you think that your you in many surprising and directly relevant to the who wishes to improve his knowledge of English is and unexpected ways. field of study and work of or her spoken and written limited and thus stops you Good language skills the students. Teaching ar- communication skills in from getting where you as- are essential for success. rangements are planned English. Everyone benefits pire to be, we can help you Taking a good language and implemented to benefit from this Accademia ap- to progress in the right di- course is a good invest- learners who prefer indi- proach. rection. ment. 12 IPOH ECHO September 1 - 15, 2008 Your Community Newspaper

AN ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE Unless addressed intelligently and proactively, festering perceptions may lead ultimately to the rakyat’s loss It could be a deliberate itics, excluding states with pers. How unfortunate.” and not to invite local poli- attempt to shut out the differing political views is The exclusion extends ticians to school-organised five Pakatan Rakyat-led understandably regarded beyond the Games. “I can- functions. state governments from as foolhardy. not touch the State Youth At the annual Perak mainstream sports fund- “I wonder why the and Sports Department Durian Fest 2008 held at ing. What is more, this Sports Minister wants which comes under the Bukit Gantang last August, feeling is shared by all Federal Government,” la- no Pakatan Rakyat lead- five executive councillors mented Seah. “The Director ers were invited to the from the Opposition-led has to seek the permission grand opening by Datuk states. of his bosses in Putrajaya if Azlina Othman, the Federal How did these unfor- he wants to see me or if I Tourism Minister. Yet the tunate concerns material- want to meet him. This is event was held in a state ise? puzzling indeed.” where PR is in power. The Minister of Youth The majority of sports- and Sports, Datuk Ismail APPARENT men representing the coun- Sabri Yaakob, chaired a try presently come from Sukan Malaysia (Sukma Although the Federal Penang, Perak and Selangor. Games) supreme commit- Government has repeatedly Excluding decision-makers tee meeting in early August denied that such an exclu- from these states at min- but representatives from Seah Leong Peng, Perak sion rule ever existed, what isterial-level meetings is the five opposition states State Executive Councillor happens on the ground is tantamount to sabotaging were not invited. for Youth and Sports something else. It is now efforts at improving sports It is widely recognised to target us,” said Seah apparent that the directive in the country. And if this that the biennial Sukma Leong Peng, the Perak to exclude the five PK-led is allowed to fester, sports Games are a source for State Executive Councillor state governments has en- and the rakyat will stand to young sporting talent. It’s for Youth and Sports, in an croached on other disci- lose in the end. been so since their incep- exclusive interview with plines as well. “We are contemplating tion in 1986. The next Ipoh Echo recently. “No Tourism and education organising our own Sukma Sukma Games will be in invitation was ever extend- appear to be two other areas Games and inviting for- Malacca in 2010. Scouting ed and no reasons were where the exclusion order eigners to participate,” said for raw talent should right- given for the exclusion. I predominates. Government a dejected Seah. “It may ly be a collective effort and only came to know of the schools are told not to hang happen if they continue to since sport transcends pol- meeting from the newspa- the Menteri Besar’s portrait alienate us.” FZB Sport ETHICS AND THE COACH Steve Darby on the two major concerns that plague the football game. This fortnight, he discusses the widening use of performance-enhancing drugs As more and more money ately stand out as potential and Australia being given We would be totally floods into the game of areas of concern. I am dis- drugs to pursue the goal naïve to believe that the football, it is a sad reality cussing the first one in this of professional football (of millions of dollars at stake that the dangers of issue. It is drug taking. Not varying codes). to football teams have not unethical behaviour will the use of recreational but On a personal level, tempted people to utilise impinge on to the game. performance-enhancing I have entered dressing the services of pharmacists To define unethical drugs. It is far too sim- rooms in Australia after as well as Coaches. behaviour is very difficult, plistic to say to football- National Youth teams have If a club paid millions as what is accepted as “part ers “just say No.” If, as a played or trained and seen of pounds for a player of the football culture” young boy of 16, one was syringes and other drug- plus wages and that player to one person will not be told, take these pills and taking evidence. was injured, what is the acceptable to others. As you would end up playing Also, whilst working quickest path to returning more money comes into for Liverpool, I deep down as a coach in Asia, my team to playing? the game people will also know what doctor (who The evidence in Italy be tempted to do things to the answer was a top class over the last few years progress in the game that would have professional) points to this. they would not normally been. Yes, was giving the do. And people who may not for the players daily THE ROLE OF not love football at all will money but supplements. EDUCATION enter the game or be on for the pur- In this case the its fringes, to use it as a suit of life’s s u p p l e m e n t s Also, if you were a vehicle for gaining money long dream. were legal i.e. player with three children for themselves. I think many Ginseng, but and a mortgage and It is all too easy to say people in the the Coach in are injured, what is the that this happens in “other game would this situation quickest way back to get countries” what makes also have had no control the next contract? Malaysia so special that been tempt- over the issue as The answer for the we are aloof from ethical ed. Education it was “not my Coach is education and dangers. in these areas did not exist area of concern”. In fact, I regular drug testing with in the 70s. was given the supplements appropriate sanctions. NO EASY ANSWERS Is it naïve to to try! The Coach has the believe that parents or However, speaking to influence to manipulate the These problems unscrupulous others would other Coaches of differing views of a young player; are already entering the not encourage a young sports (from the old eastern hence, it is essential that the domain of the Coach/ player to take performance- bloc), I’ve heard them same consistent message is Manager. There are no enhancing drugs so that lament about having no relayed to the player and easy answers. The only they can attach themselves chance of winning medals the realities of testing. way to get the answers is to a potential money as they couldn’t give their The FAM does conduct debate and to examine the making machine called athletes the correct drugs. regular testing of players. problems and accept that a premiership footballer. They have accepted totally This vigilant undertaking not everything is black and This is not fantasy; there that success at the elite can only be a benefit to the white. are recorded evidence of level in their sport was players and, ultimately, to Two areas immedi- young players in USA drug related! the game.