www.ipohecho.com.my

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS IN IPOH echoechoYour Community Newspaper Serving the people of Ipoh, Chemor, Sg.Siput,Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Gopeng, issue Kampar, Batu Gajah, Air Tawar, Sitiawan, Lumut and Teluk Intan. JERRY VANDERBILT FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. 30 sen for delivery to your house by news 65 vendors within . RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within , and Brunei.

JANUARY 1-15, 2009 PP 14252/10/2009(022651) INDULGENT DELIGHTS 2009 WISHING ALL READERS A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR MISS ECHO JANUARY

Name: One of six delectable suites in Indulgence Boutique Hotel Amanda Fong Occupation: Julie Song has single-handedly put Ipoh on the culinary Student lifestyle map, winning yet another international Hobbies: recognition for Most Innovative F&B Personality from Travelling HAPA, Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2008-2010 Reading The quality I Regional Series. This will be the fourth international admire most: recognition for excellence that has made her passion, Loyalty Indulgence Restaurant and Living synonymous with fine dining and living not only in Ipoh but throughout Malaysia. (More on page 2). 2 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper INDULGENCE RESTAURANT AND LIVING - IPOH’S VERY OWN Hobby turned Passion

or Julie, it all began as Julie’s passion for fine to Sunday, Julie tested the Budaya, Julie brought her Fa hobby for cooking cuisine continued una- market. magic touch in decorating that turned into an all- bated while in University When the response to the fore and created a consuming passion, a love in London where she was positive, Julie reno- whimsical ambiance com- affair of thirteen years would use every opportu- vated the whole shop in bining eclectic touches that has seen her small nity to dine in exclusive August that year and a new with comfort and luxury. cafe in Canning Gardens restaurants and observing fuller menu with proper Nooks and corners lend in- evolve into the “grande the highly synchronised main courses was created. timacy to cosy tete a tetes dame” holding court on dance of food service and The restaurant has since while curtains delineate Jalan Raja DiHilir, that fine dining. “Never in my gone from strength to spaces for some measure of is Indulgence today. wildest dreams then did I strength. In February 2000, privacy. “It started with day imagine that I would end it expanded into two shop Numerous editorials in trips to KL with close up as chef and owner of lots with the addition of a Millionaire Asia, Flavours, girlfriends to sample the a precious jewel that is Jazz Room and three pri- Cuisine, The New Straits top restaurants and trips Indulgence today.” vate dining rooms. Private Times, The Star, and The abroad to taste the best parties and big functions Edge lauded Indulgence that the West had to offer,” CAFE IN CANNING became the mainstay of and its food. And so began Julie said as she looked GARDENS the business and soon Julie Julie’s journey towards in- back with nostalgia. “Then was catering for some very ternational stardom, bring- we moved from tasting After a long and futile important functions in- ing recognition and visitors other chefs’ cooking to do- search for decent west- deed. to Ipoh. ing it ourselves and began ern food in Ipoh, the kind sharing pot-luck lunches in of wholesome, honest, CATERING FOR ENTREPRENEUR OF one another’s houses. My “unMalaysianised” fine SPECIAL FUNCTIONS THE YEAR All dressed up for a banquet mother was a great cook cusine that she had been and loved baking and it exposed to, Julie opened Some functions of October, 30, 2003 ), Best Innovative but at certain peak seasons became a natural for me Indulgence Cafe in May note included the occa- marked a very important F&B Personality and 7 there is a waiting list. It has to follow in her footsteps. 1996. Utilising half the sion when the ambassa- day in Julie’s life when she Finalist Awards 2008- a small but growing fan Even in my school days I shop and serving only dors of European countries was awarded a Platinum 2010. club of its own with people was baking cakes and shar- cakes, good coffee, sand- had an audience with the award from World Asia coming from Europe and ing them with my class- wiches and some snacks, Sultan at the Royal Palace. Publishing for Excellence in BOUTIQUE HOTEL the USA, guests who come mates regularly”. opening from Thursday Indulgence catered a five- Hospitality: Entrepreneur INDULGENCE to explore Ipoh and its sur- course lunch after the of the Year 2003-2004. rounds. ambassadors presented This award recognises ded- Julie is one hospital- Indulgence Restaurant their credentials. Another ication in the hospitality ity entrepreneur who does and Living, Ipoh, was fea- grand affair was the field and attainment of the not rest on her laurels. In tured recently in a half hour Cartier special dinner at highest standards in which- November 2007 Boutique show on Astro Awani in a private mansion in Ipoh ever category nominated. Hotel – Indulgence Living October 2008 as “Destinasi where Julie provided a World Asia Publishing opened its doors to much Malaysia’. Further inter- special four-course menu. embarked on a Hospitality local curiosity and scepti- national publicity is on In April 2002, Oxbridge Asia’s Personalities Book – cism. “How will she sur- the cards, bringing with it held their annual dinner a coffee table book named vive with the rates she’s more exposure for Ipoh, a at the Casuarina Hotel ‘The Pinnacle’ which fea- charging? The Ipoh market welcome development for and Indulgence provided tured the industry’s se- will never support such ex- what has always been con- the catering at the banquet lected creme de la creme of travagance!” the naysay- sidered a sleepy backwater room. These are just some hospitality who have made ers were whispering with between the vibrant attrac- of the special outside ca- significant contributions in malice. With two themed tions of KL and . tering that Julie excels in. their respective fields. Julie suites and four themed Tourism officials need was nominated as one of deluxe rooms, another of to take note of the contri- NEW PREMISES the most outstanding indi- Julie’s dreams turned into bution being made by Julie viduals and was featured in reality. A lot of thought Song as she has single- As the demand for this inaugural edition. and pleasure went into cre- handedly put Ipoh on the her catering grew, more ating her rooms, each one international culinary and and more companies were OTHER AWARDS a different mood and am- lifestyle map. Ipohites too clamouring for space to biance, reflecting not just should be proud of their host their events and Julie Soon after, recognition the hospitality aspect but own home-grown talent. began looking for bigger came fast and furiously also creating a lifestyle for Her strap-line in advertise- and better premises. The for Julie: Best Western her guests. ments and her web site says new Indulgence Restaurant Cuisine Chef Personality Now a year later, she is it all: and Living opened in 2005-2006, Best Western proving her critics wrong. “Indulgence Restaurant November, 17, 2005. Cuisine Restaurant 2006- Not only does Indulgence and Living will always be Taking over an old 2007, culminating in Boutique Hotel get the Ipoh’s very own”. mansion on Jalan Raja Regional Series (Malaysia, room rates of RM420++ SFCK Julie with latest award DiHilir opposite the Taman Singapore, and and RM620++ it charges Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH From the Editor’s Desk echoYour Community Newspaper

HOW WILL IPOH FARE IN 2009 What some industrial players have to say about Ipoh’s economy

ince September 2008 time of uncertainty? A major consumer on a 6-day week when it for use in the paper in- It is located at Kg Acheh, Sthe world has been Ipoh Echo did a sur- electronic factory is as was all-year-round previ- dustry. Business Manager Lumut. trying hard to gauge vey of the local industrial pessimistic. Sales of their ously. (Operations), Lam Cheong “A survey done by the the extent of the credit sector to better appreciate products during this fes- Despite the gloom Fatt, confirmed that work FMM in November has crunch in America and the problem. Needless to tive season will determine there is a silver lining. The on the new factory is cur- changed rather drastically how it has affected the say, the first to suffer the its future. If sales drop, the General Manager of Top rently underway. “Voith’s in December. Hence we American public. The aftershocks are those in the forecast beyond the next Glove, Tasek, K.Nagapen, operations are semi-auto- will be monitoring the sit- United States is the larg- electrical and electronic six months will be revised said that their order book mated. We’ll require an uation closely” added Gan. est market economy in the sub-sectors. by between 30 to 50 per was “normal for the next additional 100 workers for His sentiment is shared by world and is Malaysia’s cent. Although year-end 12 months” and their Meru the expansion,” he said. David Ho of Hovid Bhd biggest trading part- BUSINESS DOWN orders are traditionally Klang facility was “ex- and Carotech Bhd. “The ner. Whenever America slow, one of its sub-con- panding”. O & G SECTOR next two quarters will be sneezes other nations will A quick check with tractors in Bercham has Top Glove manufac- tough and demand for jump, literally. the few micro chip compa- closed down recently, as tures clinical gloves for FMM Perak Chairman, goods and services are ex- An economic slump nies around Ipoh revealed no assembly job orders hospitals. Their orders Gan Tack Hong, provided pected to be lower in the is expected to cause much that their business has were forthcoming. are seasonal. “We are still a snapshot of the manufac- following quarters.” hardship across the globe gone down by 20 percent The manager of a ma- paying out bonuses to our turing scenario. Beside the On the whole the pros- and Malaysia is no excep- . Most have initiated a jor steel foundry is feeling workers. However, we are electrical and electronic pects for 2009 are not too tion. A drop in external 4-day-work week with no the effects of the melt- cautious with overtime sector, he said, industries rosy. There will be those demand for our goods has overtime. Other initiatives down. His factory produc- payout,” he remarked. linked to the construc- who would be retrenched. affected our export market taken include a plant shut es finished steel compo- Another major glove man- tion sector would also The state government is tremendously. Factories down beginning Christmas nents for the mining indus- ufacturer is rumored to be be affected. “O and G is prepared to tackle the prob- are closing down more fre- till January/February 2009 try. Its export markets are expanding. It is transfer- the only sector not affect- lem head-on but nothing quently now. A sudden in- and compulsory annual mainly USA and Australia. ring a European operations ed,” said Gan.. Kencana seems definitive as yet. flux of jobless Malaysians leave for the staff. These Since prices of metal have faclity to Ipoh. Petroleum, an integrated We have to keep our from Singapore, Hong micro-chip companies been plummeting, orders Voith Paper Fabrics service provider special- guard up lest we get caught Kong and Taiwan will un- now review their perform- are beginning to dwindle. located at IGB Industrial ising in engineering and napping. It is better to be doubtedly have an effect ance on a monthly basis Customers are adopting a Park is another European fabrication services for the prepared than to regret. on our declining economy. rather than the quarterly wait-and-see attitude wait- company that is expand- oil and gas industry is said During hard times cash is How will Ipoh fare in this observed before. ing for the economy to sta- ing its operations. Voith to have a book order well always king. bilise. His foundry is now manufactures dryer fabric beyond twelve months. EDITORIAL JAMES GOUGH CUSHIONING THE EFFECTS OF AN ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN The signs are there for all to see. A marked decline disastrous to factory workers. Carsem of Ipoh is on a is yet to be seen. Already RM2.1 billion is being in demand for goods and services, reduction in the scheduled shutdown reducing the number of working earmarked for refurbishment of police stations, number of working days and the oft-repeated com- days from seven to four. army camps, government quarters, repair of roads, plaints by traders that business is far from rosy. World Bank has encouraged governments construction of community halls and preservation The country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) around the world to spend in order to cushion the of public amenities, on top of existing budgeted ex- growth for the third quarter was 4.7 per cent com- impact of the economic slowdown. Experts fear that penditure for the same purpose. Needless to say, pared to 7.4 per cent in the first and 6.7 per cent in this will cause panic spending by the government in the suspicion that the government will embark on the second quarter. These lower than expected fig- its eagerness to conform to the theory. panic spending is now becoming apparent. ures have prompted the government to revise GDP The downturn is mainly due to the softening in Lowering of interest rates by Bank Negara is growth forecast for 2008 to 5 per cent from 5.7 per external demand and it has affected our exports con- another way to encourage domestic consumption. cent. An even lower figure of 3.5 per cent has been siderably. Exports for the month of October fell by But how will the rakyat spend when they have little estimated for 2009 from the original 5.4 per cent. 2.6 per cent. or no cash to spare? Living on credit is definitely On the domestic front the spiralling cost of liv- The Government has recently announced a RM7 not an option. ing is attributable to the 41 per cent hike in petrol billion package to stimulate the economy in line with A simple way out is to exercise prudence in prices in June. In spite of six consecutive reductions the recommendation made by the World Bank. This your spending and avoid unnecessary wastage. You in the pump price of petrol the impact on living additional fund will only add on to the RM30 billion have to differentiate between what you need and costs is minimal. Electricity is still highly priced. deficit announced in Budget 2009. what you want. This affects industrial players most as it impinges As to whether the RM7 billion fiscal stimulus A difficult choice to make nonetheless, but on their competitiveness. The end-result may prove will be prudently spent for the benefit of the rakyat make you must. 4 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper THINKING ALOUD PUBLISHER By G. Sivapragasam

Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) TODAY WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR

No 1 Jalan Lasam 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan Tel: (605) 249 5936 Our wish list for 2009. Some of the issues that could serve as a basis for Fax: (605) 255 2181 Email: ipohecho.jag@ inspiring unity of purpose. Topping it is the eradication of poverty…. gmail.com we bid goodbye to Perhaps unity could crime is on the increase Technology has emerged What could assist us EDITORIAL As the old year and be attained by identifying and if not addressed it may as the foremost driver in our mission is an iden- welcome the new it might common missions that no become uncontrollable. of communication, dis- tity that defines us as a sin- Fathol Zaman Bukhari be an appropriate time one can possibly object to Perhaps the way to solve it semination of information, gle entity distinguishing us James Gough to reflect on the events and harness the whole na- is to adopt the same method sharing of knowledge and from other nations. At the GRAPHIC DESIGN/ of 2008 and speculate on tion towards its realisation. as was employed to rid the business networking. moment we suffer from an PHOTOGRAPHY what 2009 might have in Often people come togeth- nation of the communist The English language identity crisis. store for us. Year 2008 er in the face of a common terrorists. Conduct an audit dominates this new medi- What brands us as Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali was a momentous year threat or for a mutual ben- of the urban environment, um. By making it our mis- Malaysians is something Yu Azman Bin Hamid globally and nationally. efit. divide them into parcels sion to have all our citizens that we need to discover, A member of a minority Issues that could serve classifying them as white fluent in this language will formulate and claim own- MARKETING & community in the United as a basis for inspiring (crime free) and black not mean that the national ership of. DISTRIBUTION MANAGER States was elected to unity of purpose could be (crime prone) areas. language loses its place of Only then can we lib- lead it, the meltdown of eradication of poverty, re- Structure and implement importance in our society erate ourselves from the Ramesh Kumar First World economies duction of crime, conser- a strategy to sustain the but will provide people an sense of insecurity that resulted in the demise vation of our environment, classification of white easy access to boundless plagues us and assert a PERMISSION AND RE- of age-old financial and increasing the ability of the areas and turn the black knowledge and the entire place in the community of PRINTS business giants and the masses. areas into white. world. nations. Barisan Nasional gov- Materials in Ipoh Echo may not be reproduced ernment that dominated ERADICATION OF CONSERVATION OF OXYGEN PLUS Malaysia since its inde- POVERTY THE ENVIRONMENT in any form without the OXYGENATEDWATER SYSTEM written permission of the pendence lost control of Enriched with 300% more Oxygen than regular water publisher five state governments The NEP proclaims In the future, the Water no one has experienced before

and its two-third major- as its principal objective wealth of nations will be Since 1985 PRINTER ity in parliament. the eradication of poverty defined by the natural re- 20-30 ppm The New Year will Konway Industries Sdn irrespective of race. It is sources it possesses - wa- Bhd see president-elect Obama quite unacceptable that ter, clean atmosphere, Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kam- inaugurated as the 44th this nation with such rich cultivable land and intact pong Jawa president of the United resources still continues to nature. Sustainable devel- 2 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau States and Datuk Seri have citizens who are poor. opment continues to be 100-120 ppm Pinang Najib Razak installed as Getting them out of the only a fashion statement. Tel: (604) 644 7507 the 6th Prime Minister of poverty cycle will not only Natural resources belong Malaysia. As Obama se- enable them to progress but to each and everyone and USEFUL CONTACTS lects those who will form will turn them from being should be calculated as a Get Energized his government, Datuk dependents on society to cost if used, abused or mis- Ibu Pejabat Seri Najib will be final- contributors. Perhaps a managed. Perhaps we need Hurley Marketing Sdn Bhd Polis Daerah (IPD) ising his cabinet. Unlike high powered unit should to apply E.F.Schumacher’s (148706-K) 05 2451 500 Obama who can choose be set up to address this advice in his book, “Small 47 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 999 (emergency) anyone Najib’s selection problem once and for all. Is Beautiful“. Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh Ipoh General Hospital will be tempered by politi- 31400 Ipoh,Perak 05-253 3333 cal realities. REDUCTION OF ENHANCING THE Tel : 605 5466 568 Ipoh Ambulance Foremost, in Najib’s CRIME ABILITY OF THE Fax : 605 5496 968 05-522 2506 mind must be the issue of MASSES Email: [email protected] 993 (emergency) unity. In spite of repeated In spite of what is claimed Hot and Cold Ipoh Fire Brigade proclamations about its the popular belief is that I n f o r m a t i o n 05-547 4444/994 importance and efforts (emergency) needed, we still remain di- Perak Immigration Dept vided. A factor that has of- 05-5017100 ten been blamed for the Perak Water Board continued division is the 05-254 6161 special rights accorded to Ipoh City Bumiputeras. The percep- Council(Complaints) tion cannot be valid as the program is based on an 05-255 1515 economic agenda and uni- Perak Anti-Corruption ty is a social and emotional Agency occurrence. 05-253 1982 The way forward may State Secretariat be to put on the back burn- 05-253 1957 er all issues that divide us, for no matter what we do, Railway Station there will always exist dif- 05-254 7987 ferences. Airport The vast majority of 05-312 0848 the people want nothing Registration Department more than peace and stabil- ity, an opportunity to earn 05-528 8805 a decent living, a future for Tenaga Nasional Berhad their children and a meas- 05-253 2000 ure of dignity. For this they Lembaga Air Perak are willing to empower 1800-88-7788 their leaders. Neither are Directory Service the expectations of the 103 people unreasonable nor Rakan Cop are the obligations of the 05-240 1999 leaders onerous. Problems Perak Women for only arise when some peo- Women Society ple want more than is just 012-521 2480 and authority forgets to 012-505 0547 administer their powers re- 05-5469715 (office) sponsibly. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 5

MUSINGS by See Foon Chan-Koppen [email protected] FOOD A Carrot, An Egg and A Cup of Coffee CHAR KUEY TEOW New Year Resolutions Retold

mother?’

FACING ADVERSITY soft and lose my strength? Her mother explained Am I the egg with a See Foon that each of these objects soft heart, but changes with had faced the same the heat? Did I have a fluid he start of a brand new adversity: boiling water. spirit, but after a death, a Tyear is often a time of fire. Soon the pots came Each reacted differently. breakup, a financial hard- celebration, anticipation to the boil. In the first, she The carrot went in ship or some other trial and and wondering what the placed carrots, in the sec- strong, hard, and unrelent- tribulation, have I become Have you ever met anyone who does not like char kuey coming year will bring. As ond she placed eggs, and in ing. However, after being hardened and stiff? Does teow? – not in Ipoh anyway! What is it about these we begin 2009, the general the last she placed ground subjected to the boiling my shell look the same, noodles, fried with bean sprouts (Ipoh has the best, of pessimistic outlook of the coffee beans. She allowed water, it softened and but on the inside am I course), prawns, cockles and ku chai (chives) – cooked global economy will cer- them to boil, without say- became weak. bitter and tough with to a smoky flavour, which makes one want to savour tainly dampen any ray of ing a word. The egg had an inflexible spirit and every mouth-full? Our ‘team’, through much time and sunshine we may find on After twenty minutes been fragile. hardened heart? effort, picked 4 stalls (it’s a hard job but someone’s got the financial horizon. Yet she turned off the burners. Its thin Or am I like to do it) – and this is how we have rated them: it is precisely at times like She fished the carrots out outer shell the coffee bean? NAME WHERE? GOOD BAD PRICE RATING these that we’re tested and and placed them in a bowl. had pro- The bean actu- (RM) given opportunities to dis- She scooped the eggs out tected its ally changes the Mee Stadium fried Sold out cover gifts of gold within and placed them in a bowl. liquid inte- hot water, the very Goreng & stall #32 enough often by ourselves which can help Then she ladled the coffee rior, but after sitting in Minuman prawns 12.30pm 3.50 condition that caused Seng fresh us rise above the prevail- out and placed it in a cup. the boiling water, its inside the pain. When the water Loong cockles not ing doom and gloom that Turning to her daugh- became hardened. gets hot, the bean releases overcooked meets us at every turn. ter, she asked, ‘ Tell me The ground coffee its fragrance and flavor. what you see.’ beans were unique, how- The longer it is boiled, Night Stadium cockles not No smoky NEW TWIST ON AN ‘Carrots, eggs, and ever. After being in the the stronger the coffee stall stall #18 overcooked taste 3.50 prawns are OLD TALE coffee,’ the daughter re- boiling water, the beans becomes. Like the bean, fresh I am reminded of the story plied. had changed the water. when times are tough, do of the carrot, an egg and a Her mother brought They had infused the water I give more of myself to cup of coffee. her closer and asked her with their special flavour change my external cir- Penang Hollywood cockles not no ‘ku A depressed young wom- and aroma. Banana Restaurant overcooked chai’ to feel the carrots. She did cumstances? When the 3.30 an went to her mother be- ‘Which are you?’ she Leaf Fried Jln Lee prawns are and noted that they were hour is the darkest and tri- Kuey Teow Kwee Foh, fresh moaning how hard life was. soft. The mother then asked asked her daughter. ‘When als are at their greatest do Canning She was tired of fighting the daughter to take an egg adversity knocks on your I elevate myself to another Garden and struggling. It seemed and break it. After remov- door, how do you respond? level? as one problem was solved, ing the shell, she observed Are you a carrot, an egg or The question as we be- Banana Nam Heong cockles not Too wet Leaf Char Kopitiam overcooked 3.50 a new one arose. She felt a coffee bean? and the hard boiled egg. gin this New Year is: How Kuey Jalan prawns are quite that she had reached the Finally, the mother So my thought for the do you handle adversity? Teow Bandar fresh bland. end of her rope. asked the daughter to sip new year is: Which am I? Timah, Old Are you a carrot, an egg or Town Her mother took her the coffee. The daughter Am I the carrot that ap- a coffee bean? to the kitchen. She filled smiled as she tasted its rich pears robust and strong, My New Year Resolution This is a new column we’re running in every issue. If three pots with water aroma. The daughter then but with pain and adver- for 2009 is: readers would like us to review their favorite hawker and placed each on a high asked, ‘What does it mean, sity, do I wilt and become Be Coffee! food, please write in to [email protected]

ADVERTORIAL BP HEALTHCARE CENTRE currently manages 25 di- why doctors recommend sy services. The ultimate accredited-a quality man- (44 tests) to RM1299 (64 agnostic centres through- regular check-ups as a objective is to provide the agement system require- tests). The BP Healthcare out the country. form of prevention. public with a wholesome ment particular to medical The Ipoh centre,. Group, started 26 Common diseases af- Taking a drop of blood diagnostic and preventive laboratories. Therefore, the at 275, Jalan Kampar, years ago by Dato’ Beh fecting Malaysians are for screening or to identify healthcare screening at an benefits of taking health covering an area of over Chun Chuan in Ipoh, heart ailments, diabetes risk factors is inadequate. affordable price. screening at these labora- 0.4ha, is the company’s initially offered only and hypertension. This is It will be more thorough if BP diagnostic centre tories are obvious. All re- headquarters. It has both healthcare screening mainly due to our life- a comprehensive testing is has two medical officers sults are evidence-based, laboratory and diagnos- services. It has since style where smoking and done. and two specialists on hand BP diagnostic centres tic facilities. Some addi- incorporated diagnos- stress have become com- All BP diagnostic and is supported by nutri- are currently conducting a tional programmes on of- tic testing in order to monplace. Genetics is also centres undertake digital tionists and pharmacists. health awareness campaign fer at this centre include provide a more com- a factor. People may have x-raying and ultrasound All services are ISO9001 and are offering the public Occupational Health prehensive service to these diseases without imaging. They also pro- certified. The centres’ lab- screening packages rang- Services and Community customers. The group them knowing it. That is vide audiometry and biop- oratories are ISO 15189 ing in prices from RM199 Health Education. 6 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

LETTER FROM ULU KINTA writer’s email: [email protected] DISAPPEARING MALAYSIAN TREASURES Modernity has sounded the death knell for the grocers-on-wheels. Soon the “keling-botol” and the “surat-khabar-lama” man will follow suit. Where do we go from here? en years ago, we lost Hong as he sounded his effectively driven business of his motor. TAh Hong, our grocer- horn and waited for one of away. There would be no The attraction with the on-wheels. No, he hadn’t us to open the front gate to more trips from school, roti man continued with died or moved away. He receive him. There would stopping off at Ah Fatt’s my children, till he too found that his little busi- be no more haggling over towkay’s shop to pick out came to an abrupt end. ness just wasn’t viable the price of fish, no more the goods we wanted for It is sad that all these anymore. We pleaded hoots of horror from my home. That was the end of roving peddlers are gone. with him to continue his children as they prodded a personalised and friendly They are a vital link in our services and even offered the fish’s eyes, no more service. It was also the end community especially for to buy from him five days treats for them from Ah of a way of life for many the elderly who are more a week rather than the Hong’s “confectionery” millions of Malaysians or less living on their own, current three. He shook corner, which was the pas- who were brought up with and those who do not have his head, and said qui- senger seat of the van. No the Ah Hongs and Ah Fatts easy access to the shops. etly, “Minta maaf. Ta’ more convenience of the of this world. These men provide boleh. Ini kerja ta’ada wet market being brought Then a few years later, a useful service in more duit lagi”. to our doorsteps without our roti man announced ways than one. They may The mushrooming the hassle of traffic, park- that he too was unable to not give you the variety of hypermarkets and su- ing space and the sweaty deliver any more bread to that a supermarket offers permarkets had sounded smell of the morning shop- the home. but at least fresh produce is Ah Hong’s death knell. pers. Most of all, we missed The grocer-on-wheels, delivered to your doorstep. He took out his ‘Tiga the gossip, especially the the sundry-shop-delivery- They take credit, which su- Lima’ book, tabulated our kinky stuff. Ah Hong was boy and the roti man, much permarkets don’t. They al- household purchases for the local tabloid gossip like the knife sharpener, ice low haggling, which is half the month, cross-checked columnist on wheels. He cream vendor or the bar- the fun of shopping, where- his final figure with my was well placed to know ber-on-the-bicycle of my as supermarkets have only mother’s and graciously about the various comings parents’ vintage were all fixed prices. They save us Other peddlers, like households extra busy, we accepted the money of- and goings in the houses once familiar features of time, transport and parking the keling-botol man and ought to preserve our rov- fered. He put the cash in an where he plied his wares the Malaysian landscape. charges. There is no oppor- the surat-khabar-lama ing peddlers. I, therefore, old biscuit tin, then stashed and he relished in telling I recall as a child tunity to be swayed into man, both of whom pro- urge more households to it under his seat, amongst us every detail. All that Ah waiting excitedly with my buying unnecessary items. vide a useful recycling utilise the services of these the rags, raffia string and Hong represented came to siblings, for the distinc- They all offer a personal service of collecting and people, so as to regenerate plastic bags. After secur- an end too soon. tive hoots of the roti man’s service. They indirectly paying for empty bottles growth into this declining ing the top of the ikan Two years later, Ah motorbike as he merrily help to reduce congestion and old newspapers are trade and preserve our un- keli tank, and the big con- Fatt, our sundry shop de- announced his imminent and pollution on our roads. still around. But for how cluttered way of life. tainer of pickled cabbage, livery boy went the same arrival. His timing was They generate employment long more? YMM he jumped into the front way as Ah Hong. I remem- impeccable. He would be opportunities and most are I dread the day when www.ipohecho.com.my seat, started the engine and ber Ah Fatt plonking the there, come rain or shine. self-employed. And for the newspaper vendor IPOH drove off into the morning sack of rice on the kitchen We would rush forward to- isolated households, he is delivery man or the recy- echoYour Community Newspaper sun waving his right hand floor and the box of cook- wards him as he cut the en- the regular, familiar friend- cling people, tell me they CALL: as he departed. ing oil, cans of beans and gine. We’d throw the loaf ly face and possible link to are unable to provide their FAUZI FOR His little white van soup and other dried food of bread destined for the the outside world. As we services. PLACEMENT with the open back and the stuffs on the table. Wiping house on the nearest chair found with Ah Hong, he I strongly believe that OF ADS various vegetables, sweets the sweat off his forehead, and quickly grab cakes or was also our entertainer. as our nation gets more 019 4404045 and other produce, sway- he told us that that was buns - roti kelapa, or roti These men are our fast developed, our roads more Tel : (605) 2495936 ing madly from hooks at his last delivery. Ah Fatt’s kismis - being firm favour- disappearing Malaysian congested, our lives in- Fax : (605) 2552181 the back, looked like they towkay had instructed him ites – off the back treasures. creasingly hectic and our too were waving goodbye to tell us that their sundry to us. It was the last we shop in Kampar Road was saw of him. going to close down. The There would be no business was losing mon- more toot-toots from Ah ey. The supermarkets had Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 7

[email protected] PARENTING NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTIONS Real parents in Ipoh share New Year resolutions that are doable and practical for 2009 One of the things that basis.” Dr Melanie Hew, want to encourage this my children more, dance usually accompany a mother to Jessica (18), trait amongst my family and twirl my 3-year old new calendar year is the Michelle (16), Hannah by helping those who are girl around so she squeels New Year resolutions (11), Samantha (4). genuinely in need and we more, and carry my digital that 90% of us will make. will not expect anything camera with me when we We love the clean slate SPEND MORE TIME in return. We will practice go out. I will also make it of a brand-new year. WITH FAMILY patience, kindness and a point to date my husband Whatever parenting “In my line of work, I tolerance towards others.” fortnightly, have nightly blunders we have made tend to work late and so I Subasini Uthra, mother to cuppas with him and tell in 2008 (from getting lazy don’t get to spend as much Moganavishnu (11). him I appreciate him more about healthy eating to quality time as I would often than I did last year. SMS-ing through family like to with my family. LAUGH AND RELAX Have a meaningful and dinners), we can breathe This year, I will work on MORE rewarding parenting year a sigh of relief that these the following; keep all As for me, I endeavour ahead for 2009! are all in the past now, appointments as much as to laugh and play with WERN SZE GILL and we can look forward possible within working (10). to a better year ahead. I hours, keep working hours as a dad easier! To sum FAMILY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION too find myself uncon- productive so I can leave INCULCATE LOVE up, start by being a better LAUGHS – 6 months later! AND TRUST husband!” Andrew Ong, sciously reflecting on the early, take an interest in Jan 1st: “I wish to enhance the val- father to Andrea (17) and months that have whizzed my children’s school work We will eat only wholemeal breads and healthy snacks ues of love and trust in my Aaron (14). by, and making a mental and help them with their July 1st: family. I will demonstrate list of resolutions for the homework, watch less TV I will reward my kids with sweets if they finish their my love to them on a daily FAMILY HOLIDAY New Year that will help and interact with my kids dinner! basis as I want my family TOGETHER me improve as a parent. more, and take my family Jan 1st: to know that I love them “I will make it a point to We asked real parents for outings during off days I will make homemade organic soya bean milk this very much and that they take my children for a hol- in Ipoh for their doable and holidays.” Ramesh year can always count on me iday this year as we have resolutions for 2009. May Kumar, father to Delon July 1st: to be there for them at all been busy and have not these short messages in- (10) and Nisha (8). I will allow my kids one can of soft drink every other times. I believe that love had one for many years. spire and encourage us on day and trust are the milestones We really deserve an ex- our journey to becoming OFFER CAREER Jan 1st: in cultivating a loving, tended holiday together, better parents this year! GUIDANCE I will encourage reading by bringing my kids to the “As my older son will be happy and healthy family.” and it will be good just to relax, enjoy each other’s library often BUILD A HOME OF in Form 5 this year, I want Padmaloshini, mother to company and have fun July 1st: PEACE AND REFUGE to help him explore the dif- Perithiv (5), Githikhaa (2). together”. Haslinda binti I will let them watch all the TV they want during “I want to make my ferent possibilities open to weekends and Public Holidays! BE A BETTER Zubir, mother to Mohd home a place of peace and him for his future career. Jan 1st: HUSBAND Shafiq (14), Nur Atiqah refuge for my kids; some- Other than bringing him We will stop eating food in the car this year “I believe that to be a (12), Mohd Firdaus (9). where they can feel loved to the various education July 1st: better father, you must and secure at all times fairs, another good expo- We will throw out all food wrappers at the end of the first be a better husband. ENCOURAGE come what may. I believe sure would be to arrange journey Because my wife is loved SERVICE TO we must love our children to have him observe and Jan 1st: and is contented, my chil- MANKIND unconditionally; this is es- learn from our friends I will make it a point to teach my children some local dren have a greater sense “I believe that Service pecially necessary if you at their respective work- history of security and happiness to Mankind is Service to have teenage children who places.” Siew July 1st: and we are able to com- God, and this sums up are exposed to substantial Chern, mother to Andrew I will show them where I used to eat apom balik after municate well with each how we can all become peer pressure on a daily (16), Jeremy (14), Leanne school other. This makes my job better human beings. I PHASES & FACES ICON CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY Seng Khoon recalls his playing days when he represented Malaya in the Teoh Seng Khoon, the nals, trounced the Danes Badminton, during cipline to achieve excel- only surviving member of 8-1 – not bad for a country his day, was played with lence. Through the Foong the badminton team that most had never heard of. Dunlop and Slazenger Seong Cup, state players won the Thomas Cup in There was no monetary wooden racquets. Training had to fight for the right to 1949, celebrated his 90th gain though – he played was at the mercy of the el- play on the squad. It was a birthday at Indulgence the game for the passion. ements in outdoor courts privilege and an honour to Restaurant recently. The only reward he got and shuttlecocks were re- represent one’s country. Pictured here with his was £3 for winning the used – good as new they People like Teoh Seng daughter Foo Mei Ling, All- doubles with were after sticking back Khoon are the true sports Seng Khoon reminisced Ooi Teck Hock. the fallen feathers. heroes and he serves as an on the halcyon days when Seng Khoon also had No fancy training cen- inspiration to our young the Malayan team beat the a career in the Times of tres, coaches or psycholo- sports men and women. Americans in the semi- Malaya and Straits Echo as gists – one had to rely on finals 6-3, and in the fi- bureau chief. one’s own drive and dis- SFCK 8 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

YOUNG PERAK A GATHERING OF BADMINTON GREATS by PETER KHIEW Malaysia’s badminton greats gather annually at ACS Ipoh Tan Fook in 1998. When Teachers and students from schools Cheah was studying at SK are invited to write about their Cator Avenue Ipoh and later respective institutions of learning. at SMK Seri Kepayang, he already possessed the agil- E-mail articles to: ity and prowess of a great [email protected] badminton player. LOOKING FORWARD ACS IPOH That was when coach TO NEW YEAR Ang Seng Ket recom- mended him to move over to ACS Ipoh. “He had the keenness and commitment of a seasoned player”, said Ang, who was also with the group. Among the players Ang had coached were and Lee Wan Hwa. Many of these badmin- Aspiring badminton players with their mentors ton greats, despite their age, For some 60 former na- Ram Hall whenever the donned national colours in are still around to provide a Twenty boys at the gels, soaps and shampoo, tional and state badmin- group is back for their the 70s and the 80s. helping hand to the younger Tambun Salvation Army the boys were also ton players it has become annual get-together dinner. Cheah Soon Kit, who players. Boys’ Home can now presented with school shoes a ritual to gather for day- studied in the school after look forward to a warmer and socks in preparation long friendly matches at BREEDING GROUND his Form Three, spent most and cosier New Year; for the new school term. SMK Methodist (ACS) of his time practising in Advertise in thanks to members of the Prior to that, 17 inmates Ipoh. ACS Ipoh has the hall. Cheah played for Millennium Heart Caring at the Salvation Army Players like Goh Lai bred many outstanding the Malaysian team since Society, who presented the Home at Jalan Kampar Yong, Ng Kar Lok Thomas badminton players like 1986 in the doubles, part- boys with twenty sets of were also presented with Voo and Koe Lai Yin have Suffian Abu Bakar, Lai nering Ong Beng Teong bed sheets and blankets. similar items. Society’s never failed to play at the King Hing, P. Kavendran from 1986 to 1989 and Soo Besides receiving adviser, Datin Jenny Lim, school’s famous Teerath and Gopal Krishnan who Beng Kiang and Choong toiletry items like shower presented the gifts. CHEF WANNABES Four aspiring chefs com- in Ipoh. The restaurant, named bined their efforts to They spent a tedi- “Mad About Food”, reflects Appointments make their graduation ous four hours to show- the very essence of being a memorable occasion. case “Mad Mad Kerabu”, “mad” in presenting a vari- Call: Armed with culinary “Fantasy Chicken Kebab”, ety of Malaysian dishes. Ramesh Kumar skills they acquired at “Rain Sweet Treat” (scoop It also denotes the Kolej Syuen, Khoo Cheng of vanilla ice-cream served “madness” of the students Marketing Manager Aik, Mohd Eder Adamy with Malay dessert) and in presenting their crea- 016 5531092 Mohd Fadzil, Teo Khaei “Dragonwell Green” (hot/ tions without boundaries Ling and Chan Ken cold green tea). and limitations. Lung impressed their tu- Their efforts were For those wishing to Tel: tors, principal and the worth their while, judging patronise Restaurant Mad (605) 2495936 media by preparing a set by the smiles on every- About Food please call Fax: Exhibiting their culinary skills lunch never tasted before one’s face after the meal. 05-2548486 for details. (605) 2552181 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 9

More pics at IPOH IN BRIEF ipohecho on line PROMOTING MALACCA INTERFAITH DINNER MINDLESS IN IPOH

The Chief Minister of Malacca, Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam Over 400 guests attended the annual interfaith din- A look at the pile of garden rubbish is enough to turn any- was in Ipoh recently to promote Malacca, a UNESCO ner organised by the Malaysian Council of Buddhism, one off. This unsightly collection of broken tree branches World Heritage Site. The promotion programme titled Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism at Chin Woo is found at the back lane of a housing estate in Bercham. It JOM KE MELAKA was organised by Tourism Malaysia Hall, Ipoh on Saturday, December 13. Executive council- is not something new. Illegal dumpsites appear in all parts and was held at Ipoh Parade. Seen here with the Chief lor, Sivanesan, thanked the diners for their presence and of the city as long as there are mindless residents who Minister is the State Assemblyman for Manjoi YB Dato’ promised a larger turnout next year. He reassured every- don’t give two hoots to cleanliness. When will they learn Nadzri Ismail. A presentation of Malacca culture was held one that the PR-led state government would do its utmost that littering is not only dirty but downright obnoxious. in conjuction with the promotion. to preserve the integrity of all faiths. RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE A CHRISTMAS CONCERT MISS IDEAL TEEN 2008 “It’s not another beauty contest” said Lynnette Tan, the Organiser of YMCA Ipoh’s Ideal Teen 2008. It certainly wasn’t. The con- testants were made up of both boys and girls from the various schools in Ipoh. They had workshops on communication and pres- entation skills. They were also taught to cat walk. On the contest night, 31 participants, dressed in Rum Jungle Bar and Restaurant, in collaboration with SONG or Students Outreach by the New Generation their best had to answer an Chivgas Regal, brought in two international acts recently organised a hip hop Christmas concert at the YMCA on open-ended essay entitled to spice up the city’s night scene. They were DJ Davide Wednesday, December 10, 2008. The event was opened “Money”. Succi and the Asia Dolls. The Dolls is a 3-piece violin to all teenagers from various schools. Starting off the af- Seventeen year old Shanjana and Jane Lam string band from that sings and plays dance music. ternoon was the InFuse band from Full Gospel Assembly Jessica Lee Jiun-Xiu from Wai Chuin. Jelisa also won DJ Davide Succi complemented the band’s performance belting out lively Christian songs which got the crowd Methodist College was the “Most Popular Teen” with background arrangements.The Dolls’ music and singing along. crowned Miss Ideal Teen award. showmanship electrified the night. Together with Davide’s Organiser Sharene Wan explained that SONG was by 2007 winner, Joel MP for Gopeng, Dr. selection of music, in between their performances, the for wayward teens. “Its aim is to reach out to those who Hoo. The first and second Lee Boon Chye, gave away audience was gyrating the whole night through. have strayed and guide them to the righteous path”. runners-up went to Jelisa the prizes. RESIDENTS UP IN ARMS THE SIX-MILE TUNNEL Residents of Taman Tanjung Emas and Taman Unbeknown to many Ipohites there exists a man-made Tanjung Mewah near Tanjung Rambutan showed their tunnel somewhere within the hills behind Sunway City, displeasure by demonstrating recently. The object of Tambun. This tunnel is known to nature buffs as the “six- their dissatisfaction is a petrol station which is under mile tunnel” although in reality it is only about 800 meters construction in their midst. Residents’ association long. It was built by Communist Terrorists during the chairman, Aladin Hamid, said that the petrol kiosk is Malayan Emergency (1948 to 1960). The tunnel was used located less than 10 meters from the nearest house. He by the terrorists to hide food supplies and armaments. feared that the on-going construction would inconvenient It was also a convenient hide-out for their terrorism households. The authorities said Aladin should consider activities in the Ipoh region. The tunnel is a potential the residents’ welfare before approving the project. tourist attraction and should be developed and maintained However, city council’s Director of Town Planning, by the authorities. A deal with the Sunway Group seems Azizuddin Alias, said that the construction of the petrol a likable option. Tourism Perak should take the initiative station was legal. Stop-work order he said could only be and not allow such opportunity to slip by. issued with reasons. ADVERTORIAL THE 3-MINUTE WONDER FACIAL BAR

With a desire to create The sensational Moor facial bar, infused with Hydration MicroAlgae the most effective yet factor (Hma), is formulated and is 100% imported from Europe. convenient facial prod- uct, Eumora was cre- from Austria. It is a rare of years into a rich, black the essence of organic ated – a facial bar that is form of nutrient-rich peat substance in which all the microalgae in energised enhanced by the unique created by the gradual organic and inorganic sub- nano particles. acids which are essential your skins but also heals it. combination of Heilmoor transformation of over stances within the plants H-mA heals and pro- in the production of lipids There is, therefore, no need clay, a natural therapeu- 700 varieties of medical are assimilated into the tects our skin, removes ex- and glucids to help mois- to categorise skin as dry, tic ingredient, with Hma herbs, plants and flowers moor. It is the synergy of ternal irritants and pollut- turise and promote skin re- oily or normal as Eumora Factor, a proprietary which are permanently natural organic substances ants and penetrates deeply covery and regeneration. could treat, improve and complex extracted from submerged underwater or operating together that while continuously hydrat- heal all skin types. algae. underground. Under up gives the Deep Moor its ing it. H-mA also boosts What is the difference be- It is also easy to use. to 60 feet of clay, where it miracle therapeutic and re- the effects of increasing tween Eumora and other Just wet your hands, lather Moor remained cocooned within juvenating qualities. cell energy, thus helping soap/skincare? the facial bar and apply on the Earth and totally pro- to revitalise, repair and re- While most skincare your face gently. Leave it Heilmoor clay is the of- tected against pollution. Hydration MicroAlgae store collagen. MicroAlgae products are 70% water, for 3 minutes and wash it ficial name for the moor Free from the decaying ef- Hydration MicroAlgae has also long been known Eumora is created from off. substance. fects of oxygen, the plant (H-mA) is a unique con- as a rich and natural source 95% active ingredients. Eumora is made with matter undergoes a “ripen- centration of natural active of anti-oxidants, vitamins, It does not just treat the And the result - a healthy, “Tiefen or Deep Moor” ing” process over thousand ingredients, extracted from trace minerals and amino symptoms that you have on shining and smooth skin. 10 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

@ Send your letters to the Editor Ipoh Echo 1, Jalan Lasam, 30450 Ipoh or fax to 05-2552181 or email to [email protected]. LETTERS TO EDITOR Letters must have writer’s full name, address and phone number. A pseudonym may be included. mail /email

were closed was obvi- hours to be served. With He is one politician who faced. He promised imme- ous - Friday prayers. I the advent of modern tech- walks the talk. diate actions by enlisting don’t see why the rush nology the waiting period His response to a text the help of the appropriate to pray as it was just at counters is shortened. message on Wednesday, authorities. around noontime. However, a system is only December 10, 2008 was Wong’s demeanour is On my way out I functional when the people prompt and least expect- a welcome change indeed. noticed a framed certif- behind it are functioning. ed. Wong was at the Ipoh Ipohites are blessed to have icate proudly displayed The Ipoh Garden Post Garden playing field in a an elected representative on the post office’s Office manager is doing jiffy. who is not only responsive A DISSERVICE wall. It was awarded the public a great disserv- Located at the edge of but proactive as well. We to the Ipoh Garden Post ice by displaying the cer- the field, around the corner hope that such a shinning I was at the Ipoh Garden Office in recognition for tificate. It is not indicative of a slip road, is a cluster example is emulated by Post Office on Friday, being an exemplary branch of things happening on the of unkempt bamboo trees other politicians, officers December 12 to pay my at the national level com- ground. You need not be which has seen better and staff of MBI and civil utility bills. It took me al- petition some years back. a rocket scientist to run times. The withered trees, servants for the betterment most 20 minutes to be at- What is the point of fram- an office with the number YOU’RE A GEM nearing the end of their of Ipoh, in particular and tended by the counter staff. ing and displaying it on the of staff available. Just lifespan, pose a danger to Perak, in general. Of the eight counters only wall when service is next don’t allow all to pray or YB Wong Kah Woh (Adun passers-by and residents Yang Berhormat, we two were opened. Since it to nothing? go “shopping” at any one Canning) has proven to be, who frequent the padang. salute you. Keep up the was Friday the only reason Public expectations time. figuratively speaking, the Wong not only agreed to good work and let this not why most of the counters are high. Gone are the days ‘Lee Lam Thye’ of Ipoh resolve the problem post- be just a flash in the pan. when one has to queue for Mohd Taib, Ipoh. for rendering stellar serv- haste but enquired what ice with a human touch. other difficulties they Patrick Goh, Ipoh. More pics at SPORTS ipohecho on line by JAMES GOUGH INDOOR HOCKEY stopping 3-2 which clearly showed that the Malaysians had learnt quickly from their earlier mistakes. From the first whistle the Malaysians matched the Iranians stick for stick but luck was not with NATIONAL TAEKWAN-DO them. Despite two penalty CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 corners, Malaysia went down to Iran 3-2. Both The International advised contestants to for veterans, the first time the Malaysian goals were Taekwan-Do Federation use the tournament as a ever. scored by S.Kuhan. Malaysia (ITFM) held preparation for next year’s The winner in the its national champion- world championship in St. Male Category was Chia ship in Ipoh on December Petersburg, Russia. Yee Leng from Perak while 9 A-SIDE 13 and 14 . Organised by Participants from all in the Female Category it FOOTBALL ITF Perak and held at the states, with the exception was Tor Sock Wei from CARNIVAL Ipoh Parade Shopping of Sabah and Perlis, took Wilayah Perseketuan. The The 5th Ipoh City Complex, it was an excit- part. This year’s champi- winning state was Wilayah International Veterans 9 ing two days for shoppers onship included an event Perseketuan. A-Side Football Carnival given the opportunity to was held from December The victorious Irian hockey team witness some powerful 12-14 at the Ipoh Padang. displays of this particu- The 1st Asian Indoor and hard-fought matches A total of 32 teams from lar form of martial art by Hockey Tournament for right from the first day. Kelantan, Selangor, the participants. the Sultan Azlan Shah Iran, undoubtedly, was the KL, Kedah, Perlis and In his opening speech, Challenge Trophy was strongest of the teams and Thailand took part. Organising Chairman Wan held at the Indera Mulia also the crowd’s favourite. The winner of the Koon Seng, thanked the Stadium from December They were the eventual tournament was MP state government for its 10 to 14. champion beating lesser Kajang B from Selangor support in ensuring the Hockey teams from known teams in their march who beat Pilihan Pasir smoothness of the event. five countries name- to victory. On the first day Mas Kelantan 4-2 on Assemblyman for Tebing ly Singapore, Iran, they thrashed Thailand 8-1 penalties. The score at Tinggi, Ong Boon Piow, Uzbekistan, Thailand and and Uzbekistan 11-1. On the end of 30 minutes officiated at the opening of Malaysia participated. the second day they de- was one all. the tournament. Malaysia fielded two teams molished Malaysia A 7-0. Third placing went ITFM President, (Team A and Team B) However, when Iran to MP Kajang B who Haji Mohd Yaacob Mohd Spectators were treat- met Malaysia A in the final downed MBI A with a Kassim, in his address, ed to some very exciting the scoreline was at a heart- 5-3 scoreline. Jacqueline Lian from Wilayah Persekutuan Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 11 IPOH FACTS AND FANCIES by HO TAK MING LUMUT LOST OUT TO PENANG Lumut was long considered as a suitable port for Perak but the Colonial Government wanted none of that. Penang was still the pick… Teluk Anson (now Teluk location was too far up terests worked against the Federal Council from of the trade of Ipoh. Not spend a fraction of the sum Intan) was the seaport of north to be of much use to Ipoh with the inference Perak, collected more only was the rail journey to develop Lumut harbour. early Ipoh. Although it the tin mines of Kinta. that, like a mushroom that than 10,000 signatures long but trains stopped, not Throughout the 1910’s played an important role Thus, by the early had sprung up overnight, it and petitioned the High on the island, but on the and 1920’s the agitation in the early growth of the twentieth century Perak could just as quickly with- Commissioner, Sir John mainland at a little wharf for a suitable seaport for town, being the point of did not have any suitable er and die as soon as tin Anderson, requesting for in Prai. There the goods Ipoh was a cause celebre embarkation for many seaport of its own. When deposits were exhausted. the transfer of the district had to be trans-shipped to for Ipohites. Successive immigrants participating the idea of a modern port for The country’s port should capital from Batu Gajah to Penang, doubling the costs Unofficial Members of in the Kinta Tin Rush of the Federated Malay States be situated near the Federal Ipoh, and to make Lumut of transportation. the Federal Council from the 1880’s, by the begin- was mooted in 1901, the capital, . It the port for Ipoh. A port at Lumut would Perak raised the question ning of the twentieth cen- Perak Chamber of Mines, was an expensive mistake, Osborne did not an- benefit Ipoh but it would be in the Council. The Ipoh tury it had outlived its under the chairmanship as the Government had to ticipate the vested inter- a death knell for Penang as newspaper, the Times of usefulness. of F. Douglas Osborne, spend millions of dollars ests of the British colonial a port. There was no way Malaya, editorialised the Located on the estuary proposed Lumut. It had an in dredging works to keep authorities. Lumut, which the Governor of the Straits subject countless numbers of the Perak River, its excellent natural harbour, Port Swettenham from silt- was part of Dindings, Settlements (who was also of times. The growth of harbour was not deep the best deepwater harbour ing up. was British territory. It the High Commissioner Ipoh was being hampered enough for big ocean- east of Suez, according However, Douglas belonged to the Straits of the FMS) was going to by high transportation costs going steamers, which after to an informed source. It Osborne was a tenacious Settlements, to which it develop a British territory and by delays in delivery over 20 years of mining in could accommodate the Irishman. He kept pestering was ceded in 1826 because (Lumut) to the detriment of its tin. When was a suit- the interior, was getting entire British Navy. It was the Government to build Perak could not deal with of another British territory able port going to be built badly silted up. Port Weld less than fifty miles from a seaport for Ipoh, with a the pirates infesting the (Penang) for Perak, which for it? But the Government (Kuala Sepetang), on the Ipoh. And if a railway line rail connection. Although coast and offshore islands. was not a British colony would not be moved. In the other hand, had performed were to be built connecting the FMS Railways built a However, it was too far but only a protectorate. pecking order, Penang was magnificently during the it to the richest tin field branch line from Ipoh to away from Penang to be The Governor preferred to more important than Ipoh. Larut Wars of the early in the world, it would be Tronoh, the line stopped effectively administered by spend $20 million to turn The colonial government 1870’s, but its harbour the perfect port, not only dead at the famous Tronoh the Penang authorities; as a the mud creek of Prai into was unwilling to let it be was not deep enough for for Perak but the whole Mines. In 1909 Osborne, result it was forsaken. By a harbour for ocean-going a third-rate port, which it the needs of either Larut country! soon to be appointed the the early twentieth century, vessels, (which turned out invariably would, with the or Kinta. Moreover, its However, vested in- first Unofficial Member of Penang was handling much to be a fiasco) rather than rise of Lumut. BOOK REVIEW “MY ADVENTURE” BY COL ROBERT RIZAL PGB Robert Rizal’s name struck intelligence platoon, to are reaching a new low Poet” are available in soft fear in the hearts of com- achieve the unimaginable and when racial politics cover and sold at leading munist terrorists hell- and earned for himself have taken centre stage. bookstores and newsagents bent on creating havoc national accolades. Rizal It takes us back to a time in Ipoh and Taiping. They for our infantile nation. served with the country’s when race and beliefs were are priced at RM45 and During Operasi Jelaku 6 second most decorated inconsequential. Back to RM35 respectively. You in Sarawak in 1973, Rizal infantry battalion - The an era when Malaysians of can also purchase the personally killed three Third Battalion Royal varied backgrounds made books at Ipoh Echo’s office and, along with his men, Ranger Regiment. a unified stand in fighting and at Perak Academy. accounted for a total of The book is about a common enemy. And to For inquiries call Ong nine. Rizal was bestowed sacrifices, sweat, tears and a time when warriors like at 05-2495936. the country’s second high- courage beyond the call Robert Rizal thrived. FZB est gallantry award, the of duty. It is a story about The book makes good Pahlawan Gagah Berani soldiers who made the reading for those who pine (PGB), at the tender age of ultimate sacrifice so that for a local hero and as 25. He was a captain then. this wonderful country reference for students of The 169-page remains unmolested and military history. autobiography details free. Robert Rizal and Rizal’s second book, the exploits of this mild- the many unsung heroes “Reflection of a Sarawak mannered Iban from the epitomised the resolve Poet, an Officer and a interior of Sarawak. How of young Malaysians Gentleman” is a collection he evolved from a fledgling then who answered the of poems detailing the youngster to a warrior clarion call to help free writer’s coming of age within a period of time. their homeland from the from a student to being an And, foremost, how he clutches of terrorism. officer in the Malaysian motivated men of the Kilat Robert Rizal’s book is Army. Platoon, the forerunner of most timely as it comes at “My Adventure” and the present day combat a time when race relations “Reflection of Sarawak 12 IPOH ECHO January 1 - 15, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

PERSPECTIVE A SHOCKING STATISTIC Combating crime and improving public confidence is numero uno. There’ll be no success without commitment behavior of police person- them. A false sense of se- community, with secu- nel – are also important. curity sets in - that they rity guards. This is very It is convenient for so- can reduce crime. American, very snobby ciety to blame immigrant CCTVs do not reduce and much beloved by the communities or our errant crime. They only deter. nouveaux riche. youth for the increase in Even if we ignore the argu- But what is most im- crime. That is wrong. ment of the minority that portant is that the money Fighting crime is not they are a violation of civil set aside for improvement merely the appearance of liberty and privacy, much and enhancement of our a policeman on our streets can go wrong with these Polis Di Raja Malaysia in a patrol car. Crime can CCTVs. The control rooms should be spent on recruit- only be tackled effectively may not be fully manned. ing more ‘real’ police per- when the public, the police Moreover, CCTVs cannot sonnel, not just on hard- and the criminal justice capture clear images, es- ware or software. agencies work together pecially at night from the MARIAM MOKHTAR and create a form of local glare of artificial lighting. partnership. They have blind spots too.

www.ipohecho.com.my Ipoh is not immune to vi- aware that ultimately, the police presence. A simple Factors for discussion Studies from Europe IPOH olent crime but the wor- cost will be passed on to solution is more policemen should include neighbour- showed that CCTV failed echoYour Community Newspaper rying thing is that such them. For the community, on the beat or police man- hood policing, a stronger as a crime-fighting weap- If you have crime is on the increase. the frequency of crimes in ning a pondok polis. public voice, support for on. Its only success was to the victims, assistance for reduce vehicle crime in car anything There have been armed their area is an indication newsworthy robberies, car ramming, of how safe or otherwise, FIGHTING CRIME witnesses, visits to schools parks. arson, fights that ended their neighbourhood is. to explain the work of a po- The best weapon is for please contact with one or more people The budget allocation We see police cars oc- liceman, community youth the police to interact with James at: being slashed, attacks for the police has recently casionally on the streets, projects, a dedicated police members of the public. 016-5208075 with golf clubs, fatal been increased. Hopefully, but their presence is few support officer to advise Various aspects of crime stabbings of employees in this money will be spent and far between. And businesses and households such as gang crime, drug isolated businesses such wisely and effectively when policemen in their on simple ways to combat and alcohol related crime, as petrol stations and in combating crime and cars do not use their seat- and prevent crime. domestic violence, gun others too numerous to improving public confi- belts, flout simple traffic crime, youth crime, busi- mention. dence in the police.The rules and abuse the law, EFFECTIVENESS OF ness and retail crime, all The cost of business police presence in many our confidence in them CCTV have different solutions. crime affects several - the areas of our city is poor. quickly evaporates. Public In addition, an effective employee, employer, cus- Sometimes, all that is nec- perception of the quality of Less dependence should be crime strategy, should in- tomer, community. While essary in combating youth service provided by the po- placed on Closed Circuit clude ways of tackling re- the effects on the employee Television. Whenever peat offenders. crime or crimes involving lice – speed of response to email : and employer are obvious, these are installed, many Not everyone has the anti-social behaviour, for their calls, paperwork for a [email protected] the customer may not be example, is a highly visible police report, attitude and tend to rely heavily on luxury of living in a gated