www.ipohecho.com.my echoechoYour Community Newspaper FREE for collection from our office and selected outlets, on 1st & 16th of the month. 30 sen for delivery to your house by news vendors within . RM 1 prepaid postage for mailing within , Singapore and Brunei. issue August 16-31, 2009 PP 14252/10/2009(022651) 80 NEWS TIME TO GET IPOH DELEGATION H1N1 – MORE THAN Breaking News: SERIOUS IN VISITS SINGAPORE A NORMAL FLU Daily Flights to Singapore will start from ENGLISH ON 1ST FIREFLY September 1 2009. FLIGHT “Approval to land daily is 95% confirmed and we should get the green light soon.” This 12 was informed to Ipoh Echo by Firefly MD 4 6 Eddy Leong on August 14. IS PERAK SERIOUS ABOUT PROMOTING TOURISM?

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Name: Deborah Yaw Quen-Yi Occupation: Student Hobbies: Perak is not short of attractions, both natural and man-made. Neither does it Singing and Dancing The quality I lack the infrastructure. Its greatest asset is its people and as proud Perakians, we admire most: would love our state to make major strides in tourism. But our hearts and minds Sincerity, humility, loyalty Ambition: do not act in tandem to achieve the desired results. There is no standardisation To Fulfil all my plans and we appear to have learnt little from past mistakes. continued on page 2 in life 2 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

Tourist Information Split in Two Creates Confusion for Tourists

ur reporter paid a He could have told me ate to display the com- that have just arrived. visit to the Tourist about the flea market near O monly worn attire of the Most of the passengers had Information Centre, Ipoh, Pasar Besar. There are sev- various ethnic groups, pickups and during the 20 near the Ipoh Padang re- eral buildings of note in and preferably, on less minutes after the Firefly cently “I am not a jet-setter the locality and one only European-looking man- plane landed 4 taxis were but have done a fair bit of has to look up to the ho- nequins. Several of the waiting for pickup and travelling and my share of rizon to see what Ipoh is shelves held awards to do only one passenger hired backpacking. The best port famous for – the limestone with DBI or MBI. Others a taxi. A Parlo Tours van of call of any country is its hills with its breathtaking held DBI or MBI issued was waiting outside to pick tourist information centre treasure troves. He men- souvenirs. How these dis- up passengers. The booths where practical advice is tioned none of these but, plays will interest tourists at the airport looked der- provided freely.” after much prompting, is a little moot. elict and most were empty. The staff in the tourist insisted I visit the Azlan Excellent photos of A big sign board had a centre in Ipoh are friendly. Shah Museum in Kuala Ipoh adorned the walls. taxi number and taxi fares But that is insufficient. Kangsar. So much for sites Perak Tourism Information Centre? The Ipoh tree, Ipoh’s shops printed. There are several inade- in Ipoh and so much for Persistence pays and I was fascinated with the and roads in the earlier half Echo did a quick quacies at the Ipoh Tourist showcasing Ipoh/Perak to one staff member thumbed remarkable black and of the last century, with round up on tourist infor- Information Centre. Would the world! through a highly informa- white photos depicting brief explanatory words mation at the hotels. At we expect a tourist to write A good map detailing tive booklet “Perak: The various major timelines in Bahasa Malaysia be- Impiana Casuarina, we in and complain? Maybe locations of particular at- Land of Grace” which in Ipoh’s history. All the neath them. Do we expect got a Parlo Tours brochure one in a thousand would. tractions relative to known was kept in a drawer at the write-ups were in Bahasa foreigners to understand and the latest issue of the The other 999 would sim- transport links and major counter. Unfortunately, this Malaysia for the benefit of them? The opportunity to Perak Tourist newletter at ply go home and tell others towns is always helpful. solitary booklet was not for foreign tourists who could educate and inform how the reception desk but only of our incompetence. However, very few attrac- distribution because it was read Bahasa naturally! Ipoh came to be named is when asked for as they At the Ipoh centre, I tions are highlighted on out of stock. An order had Ipoh has a fascinating lost. If we are catering to were not on display. In started by asking about the the various maps in the been placed in November array of majestic buildings the local crowd it is a let- Syuen Hotel, one brochure Matang mangrove reserve many booklets. The tourist or December 2008 – eight with various architectural down, as few will venture entitled ‘PERAK The and was promptly told that struggles to see if the place months earlier! influences. A short his- to the centre. Land of Grace’ was pro- I had come to the wrong he wants to visit is off the Few, if any, of the tory – type of architecture, A few days later, duced from an unmanned place for information. It is beaten track, close to the staff have knowledge of the topical points, the per- I contacted the Gua shop lot, while at Tower frustrating to be told that, highway, near the coast or the Ipoh attractions. One son responsible for such a Tempurung attraction and Regency, the same bro- especially after coming to whatever. staff member had been on project, the dominating in- the centre for details. was told to phone yet an- chure was proffered from fluence – would have been other number. After much the reception counter. At How many tourists or of more interest. A short locals are aware that tour- persistence, another person Heritage Hotel, we found walking tour, like in the finally came on the line to the same brochure plus the ism in Perak is split into university town of Oxford, two – one state-led and the give me the information I Perak Tourist newsletter at would be good. This re- wanted. I was informed the concierge. All of them other federal? Apparently, quires detailed planning, only Ipoh-based attrac- that the caves were closed had to be requested for, not a good and interesting on a Friday, ostensibly for readily displayed for easy tions are handled by this write up for the tour-guide particular centre. If tour- repair and maintenance. browsing. and possibly incorporate a This was never mentioned So the unsuspecting ism in other Malaysian short stop at a typical cof- states is handled in a simi- Archived Picture of Ipoh Railway Station in any of the leaflets or tourist can get information fee-shop in the old town by the staff at the Tourist on Ipoh and Perak but it lar fashion, how is one to for a cool refreshing drink. know which tourist centre No knowledge of the white-water rafting trip Information Centre. The does require some effort. covers which sites? attractions only because she had been leaflets also failed to men- The process might be lik- I then asked about war on a private visit. Nothing tion suitable clothing and ened to that of dentist pull- Friendly But Not memorials or any relics beats experience and I feel footwear. ing out wisdom teeth. A Helpful or ceremonies connected that frontline staff should painful process. So what is I was reluctant to go to to any of the world wars. be sent on these trips. Airport and Hotels, a tourist going to say of his the other tourist centre. I I even enquired about Certainly not their bosses Information Scanty experience in Ipoh? had posed as a newcomer God’s Little Acre in Batu who sit in air-conditioned At the Ipoh Airport, the Our efforts to promote to Ipoh and told them that Gajah where several plant- comfort, away from the in- Information counter was tourism is disjointed, lack- I did not know what the ers and Commonwealth formation-hungry tourist. manned but they did not ing cohesion and a sense of city had to offer and was servicemen lay buried. Having achieved very have tourist information purpose. Talk is good only open to suggestions. The The staff were unaware little, I wandered around or brochures. The bro- if accompanied by action response was, “where you of its existence or that a the centre. The displays chures are kept in the Duty and if tourism is to suc- want to go?” Could the remembrance ceremony look ‘tired’. The glass Officer’s room but there ceed in Perak, we need a staff overlook the fact that is performed every June. fronted cabinets beneath At the left portion of wasn’t one on Perak. There concerted effort by all con- only a stone’s throw away Instead, I was told to visit the displays or photos, the building, two man- were some brochures cerned to provide all of the was Concubine Lane with the ‘chee–na-tap’. A crash were used to store booklets nequins were decked in (mainly private locations, accompanying services to its colourful history? Or course in pronunciation or leaflets. It resembled a Japanese costume. What i.e., Grand Kampar Hotel, go with the hype. the Clock Tower? Or the would be beneficial as brightly lit storeroom. these costumes have to do My Gopeng Resort & Lost Indian quarter with its ‘chee-na-tap’ happens to with Perak escapes me. World of Tambun) in the blinding array of dazzling be the outside Tourists Cannot Read Nevertheless, it would Arrivals enclosure, acces- Mariam Mokhtar and saris and assorted goods? the railway station. Bahasa have been more appropri- sible only to passengers the Ipoh Echo Team Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH From the Editor’s Desk Fathol Zaman Bukhari echoYour Community Newspaper REVENUE COLLECTION AND GRADING OF EATERIES Serious flaws in revenue figures. Council should concentrate on restoran mamak, kopitiams and warongs instead of McDonald, KFC, Starbucks etc…. mong the issues some 35,059, are owing comes from the annual require constant scrutiny. Araised by the mayor in the council RM15.07 mil- assessment rates payments his opening remarks at the lion in unpaid assessment how can a balance budget Enforcement Actions Ipoh City Council’s month- bills for the accounting be proclaimed by city The council’s enforcement ly full-board meeting on period of January to June hall every two years? The division had conducted Friday, July 31, were rev- 2009. The three problemat- method of computation is, over 32,000 enforcement enue collection, grading ic areas within Ipoh where therefore, suspect. actions within the January- of eateries and enforce- the amount is highest are June 2009 period. This had ment. As expected Mayor Pengkalan with 4,517 de- Grading System netted over RM800,000 in Roshidi Hashim needed faulters worth RM2 mil- Ipoh City Council has fines for the council’s cof- the extra boost to start the lion, Bercham, RM1.32 adopted measures to main- fers. The formation of the ball rolling. Revenue col- million with 8,682 default- tain a high health, safety anti-litter squad last year lection got top billing in ers and Menglembu with and quality standards of had borne some positive his address to the council- 5,244 defaulters worth food served at eateries. results. Over 1,500 com- lors. Between the period of RM1.08 million. Earlier this year it intro- pounds worth RM242,940 January to June this year, Although Roshidi hall mobile team is hard Menglembu records a duced the food premis- were issued to litterbugs RM70.37 million was col- claimed that the on-going at work. But on closer in- figure of 5,244 defaulters es grading system. Of within the six-month dura- lected. The figure, said the debt recovery exercise spection these houses are with RM1.08 million in the 3,107 licensed food tion. Only six compounds mayor, was RM6 million had been successful, a vacant and the owners un- debt. In Pengkalan 4,818 premises in Ipoh, 1,350 were served for open more than the amount gar- closer look at the problem traceable. Since the houses defaulters owed the coun- (43.5 per cent) are eateries. burning, netting a paltry nered for the same period areas proves otherwise. are empty and the owners cil RM2.86 million in As of end June 2009, 556 RM1,500. The number of in 2008 – a 9.21 percent- Bercham is high on the list missing how is the council 2008. However, this year premises were inspected complaints regarding un- age increase correspond- for a number of years al- going to serve them no- Pengkalan has 4,517 de- and graded. Out of this collected rubbish and ille- ingly. ready. However, there are tices, let alone post a court faulters and RM2 million only 35 obtained Grade gal dumpsites had dropped discrepancies in the figures order? And if auctioning in bad debts. Something A, the remaining having dramatically. Coordinated Discrepancies In Figures quoted. Based on records of household items is nec- is not right with Roshidi’s merely scraped past the efforts by the council’s Roshidi attributed the suc- received, the number of essary, as provided in the figures. They seem to fluc- qualifying marks. The top mobile reaction team and cess to an improved billing defaulters in Bercham in council by-laws, how is tuate over time for some achievers, unfortunately, the anti-litter squad was system and thanked the 2008 was 8,645 and the this to be done when there inconceivable reasons. A are mainly international the reason, said Roshidi. accounting department for sum owing was RM3.1 are hardly any movable more accurate representa- fast-food franchises such However, the rubbish a job well done. Default million. Why the sudden items in the houses? These tion is, therefore, desirous. as McDonald, Kentucky heap next to the TNB sub- payment had been reduced drop to RM1.32 million uncertainties will negate Correct computing is a Fried Chicken, Starbucks, station at the Greentown from RM41.16 million to when the number of debt- the mayor’s efforts at keep- necessity, especially when Coffee Bean, etc., where Nova Complex remains an RM35.26 million over the ors for both periods is al- ing the council debt-free. the mayor is making an all- stringent health standards eyesore in spite of numer- corresponding period. The most identical? important pronouncement are being determined not ous complaints by tenants. council, said the mayor, Pink-coloured council Figures Do Not Compute at the start of an equally by city hall but by the fran- Ironically, this seemingly would continue with efforts notices are plastered on In Menglembu the number important monthly full- chisers. It is the ubiquitous innocuous yet noxious to recover its dues. Based the doors of the defaulters’ of defaulters in 2008 was board meeting. restoran mamak, kopitiams dump site is located within on Roshidi’s report, errant homes, a good indication 4,666 with RM3.04 mil- And if 70 per cent and warongs, which ordi- a landed property owned house owners, numbering that the much touted city lion in arrears. This year of the council’s revenue nary Ipohites frequent that by MBI. 4 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

PUBLISHER THINKING ALOUD by G. SIVAPRAGASAM Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T)

No 1 Jalan Lasam TIME TO GET SERIOUS IN ENGLISH 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul t long last the govern- ical for survival let alone Ridzuan ment has made the de- progress in today’s global Tel: (605) 249 5936 A Fax: (605) 255 2181 cision to revert the teach- world. It is gratifying to Email: james@ipohecho. ing of Maths and Science note that the importance com.my back to Malay and the of this language is being vernacular languages. It is recognised by the nation’s EDITORIAL a bold but right move. The leaders. It is encouraging Fathol Zaman Bukhari government however has that positive steps are being G. Sivapragasam Wern Sze Gill to come out with a clear taken to improve the stand- declaration that the verdict ard of English of the whole REPORTER was not politically moti- pupil population with spe- James Gough vated and the decision was cial care employed to en- based on pure pragmatic sure that those who reside GRAPHIC DESIGN/ lines. The flaw in using in the rural areas are not PHOTOGRAPHY English to teach these two left out. The reintroduc- Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali important subjects was tion of English literature MARKETING & no more clearly verified into the curriculum would DISTRIBUTION than by the feedback that undoubtedly go a long way MANAGER about a 130,000 will fail to improve proficiency in implement this proposal if be fully embraced by the to pursue tertiary level dis- Ramesh Kumar the SPM examinations if the language. As I argued the infrastructure to sup- leaders and the populace. ciplines that are conducted English was made a com- in my article in the 71st port the plan is absent or It must become a national in English. PERMISSION AND RE- pulsory subject. issue of the Echo, mean- ill formed. If done hastily mission implemented with PRINTS Materials in Ipoh Echo may In the face of such ingful progress can only it may lead to mass fail- a well thought out strat- English Essential for not be reproduced an alarming confession, it be made in English if it is ures and result in compro- egy. The government has Malays in any form without the is difficult to fathom how made to come alive and mise in the grading of the to become more liberal in English whilst important written permission of the the majority of students nuances that are peculiar subject. If we truly want to allowing the use of this for all the races in this publisher who obviously have a poor to the language can only achieve a standard in this language. country, is especially es- command of the English be fully grasped through language that will position Even if English is sential for the Malay com- PRINTER us well in the global world not made a compulsory munity. Malays by and Konway Industries Sdn language have been man- literature. Bhd aging to grasp the difficult it has to be real. subject, policies could be large are monolingual and Plot 78, Lebuhraya concepts in science and English Compulsory introduced to motivate stu- in today’s world only the Kampong Jawa maths taught to them in for SPM? Make English Second dents to make an effort to English speaking commu- 11900 Bayan Baru, English. Whilst the teach- The resolve of the gov- Language obtain a good command of nity can afford to be mono- Pulau Pinang ing of these subjects in ernment to improve the I believe that the first step this language. It is a mat- lingual and even they are Tel: (604) 644 7507 English may have advan- command of the English that needs to be taken is ter of delivering rewards to attempting to learn other taged a number who pos- language among all school to popularise the use of those who achieve a pro- languages. It would be pru- USEFUL CONTACTS sessed a reasonable com- children was clearly dem- English amongst the popu- ficiency in this language. dent for the Malay commu- petency in the language, onstrated by the Minister lace. For this we would Malaysian students are nity to acquire proficiency Ibu Pejabat there remained a lingering of Education’s statement need to make English the generally competitive and in another language and nation’s second language. possess an almost fanatical English would be an ideal Polis Daerah (IPD) suspicion that the grading that he was considering on these subjects had been making English a com- There is a great difference desire to excel in examina- choice. 05 2451 500 compromised to make pos- pulsory subject for pass- between treating English tions. A special examina- The sheer numbers of the 999 (emergency) sible a respectable number ing the SPM examination. as a foreign language and tion could be introduced Malay community will de- Ipoh General Hospital of passes. Though it has been fiercely accepting it as a second for this language which termine how well the na- 05-253 3333 resisted, it needs to be language. This is a policy could be conducted as part tion performs on the glo- Ipoh Ambulance Importance of English done. However, the con- decision that I feel would of the SPM examination bal platform. English has 05-522 2506 Recognised cerns of the detractors of find favour with all sec- but kept independent of it. emerged as a vital tool for 993 (emergency) Having said that, there is this proposal have to be ac- tors of society and across A pass in this exami- progress and competitive- the reality that English is knowledged and addressed political divides. Such a nation could be made com- ness in today’s borderless Ipoh Fire Brigade not only important but crit- first. It would imprudent to decision once made has to pulsory for those who ap- world. As the dominant 05-547 4444/994 ply for scholarships or wish community, it is their duty (emergency) to take popular subjects at to take ownership of this Perak Immigration Dept tertiary level. A high grade language and use it effec- 05-5017100 in this special examination tively to propel this nation Perak Water Board could be made a require- into a progressive, modern 05-254 6161 ment for those who want and competitive society. Ipoh City Council(Complaints) 05-253 1515 Perak Anti-Corruption Agency 05-253 1982 State Secretariat 05-253 1957 Railway Station 05-254 7987 Airport 05-312 0848 Registration Department 05-528 8805 Tenaga Nasional Berhad 05-253 2000 Lembaga Air Perak 1800-88-7788 Directory Service 103 Rakan Cop 05-240 1999 Perak Women for Women Society 012-521 2480 012-505 0547 05-5469715 (office) Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 5

MUSINGS ON FOOD by See Foon Chan-Koppen HAWKER FOOD LUI CHA (‘THUNDER TEA’) SeeFoon finds urprisingly, not everyone knows what Lui SCha is! Ipoh is one town that appears to ‘jewel’ in Pasir Pinji…. have a proliferation of Lui Cha stalls, owing no doubt to the fact that a large number of local folk come from Hakka origins. It is a Hakka dish that is primarily vegetarian except for the dried prawns that may be included for added flavour. Lui Cha comes in two parts – one is the diced or minced vegetables on white rice topped with roasted peanuts and sometimes poh is a treasure sesame seeds, and the other is the aromatic green soup. Mix the two together and you Itrove of food jewels have a fantastic blend of textures and flavours and a most satisfying meal. The soup is especially in its cache of a blended combination of Chinese green tea leaves, mint leaves, saw tooth coriander tucked-away ‘Tai Chao’ leaves, Thai basil, peanuts and sesame seeds. Traditionally, the soup ingredients are put literally translated to mean in a deep Lui Cha pot and ground with a guava stick until finely crushed and it forms ‘big sauté’ stalls which a paste, and then steeped in boiling water or brought to a boil. If one is hard-pressed to grow into biggish air- find a Lui Cha pot and a guava stick, the trusty old blender works just fine! The array of conditioned restaurants. shredded or diced vegetables can vary but usually one finds mustard green, Chinesekai As I’m always on the lan, chives, French beans, sayur/cangkuk manis or sweet potato leaves, leek, beancurd, lookout for new culinary preserved radish (choy po), black-eyed peas, dried shrimps, etc. Altogether 7 to 9 types adventures, my friends of vegetables and condiments are used. The vegetables are lightly fried in oil and have been most obliging seasoned. Of all the stalls reviewed, only one served raw vegetables as an alternative. in leading me on new If you have not tried Lui Cha, we recommend that you do. Healthy and hearty, you may explorations, exposing just become a fan! me to taste treats I could Eclectic and Extensive Heong Ngan Yu Tsai Chow never find on my own. One Menu Fan, an interesting fried The menu at Sun Poh rice heady with the aroma PRICE such discovery came from NAME WHERE COMMENTS my friend Ginla Foo who Poh is eclectic as well of Thai Basil, and fried (RM) as extensive. While it with tiny white anchovies introduced me to a new JERAM CHAI 17 Psrn Vegetables are tasty and jewel, the Sun Poh Poh is essentially a Chinese and long beans. restaurant, one of its LUI CHA Greentown 7 the soup has lovely mint 3.30 restaurant in Pasir Pinji. 9am - after lunch Greentown and basil flavour. The specialities for which its supporters praise highly is Saturdays closed Business Centre only stall that also has Late Night Precious 012-5818392 uncooked vegetables Jewel their Indian Mee, which is Literally translated, the not unlike a Mee Goreng Vegetables are tasty name means New Precious from any Indian hawker LUI CHA Big Tree Food 3.00 and soup has distinct Jewel, a big bright air- stall. This Indian Mee STALL Garden, Off mint & basil taste. conditioned restaurant however while spiced 10am -2.30pm Jln Tokong, More onions in that, judging by the open with a similar pungency Closed Mondays Behind Tuck Kee ingredients kitchen in the front, must as its street cousins, is & the 15th day Restaurant, Pasir have evolved from its ‘Tai a sophisticated version, (new moon) Pinji Chao’ open-air stall in its having sliced fish cake, early days, to what it is cuttlefish, tow foo pok Saito Fish Roll LUI CHA 43 Tgkt Tmn Tasty and today. or fried bean curd, and HAKKA Ipoh 7, Ipoh Gdn flavourful. 3.30 a generous helping of Other meat dishes 10.00am till after South prawns, served with limau include their many styles lunch Off 2 days kasturi, the small local of presenting spare ribs a month limes – RM10. including the Fo Yim Pai A signature dish is Kuat, their marinated HER PO LUI 494 Jln Sekolah, Lots of their Kwai Lum Heong fried spare ribs, drunken CHA Kg Tawas ingredients. Soup Woo Kuen or Fried Saito chicken, Marmite Chicken 9.30am -3 pm a bit light. 3.50 fish roll mixed with taro and their Chui Pei Heong Mondays closed and given a crunch with Siu Kai, Crispy Skinned water chestnuts. This dish Fried chicken which has to be ordered at least Steamed Pomfret is available only on a day in advance. Wu Tao Saturdays and Sundays. Our next food review will be WAT TAN HOR Unlike most other Mun Pai Kuat or Spare ribs Their steamed pomfret, Email your favourite recommendations to: [email protected] restaurants where the braised with taro is worthy which are medium sized, service staff are staring are very fresh and steamed into space and looking at to perfection. Vegetables ANNOUNCEMENTS their watches at 11.pm, include their Ham Dan Keh Sun Poh Poh is one of Tsee or brinjals fried with PRO MUSICA Concert of Operatic Scenes & Arias (Handel, Beethoven, Donizetti, the few restaurants where salted egg and their Kwai Rossini, Giordano, Puccini, Massenet, Gounod). Saturday, 22 August 2009, 7.45 p.m. you can get a hearty meal Tao Choi Po, baby long at: Ballroom, Syuen Hotel. Admission by contribution: RM3,000, RM2,000, RM1,000 late into the night as they beans fried with preserved per table, RM100 per person (inclusive of dinner). For reservation and enquiries: stay open till 1.30 a.m. So turnip. PSPA 05-5487814 (Sara). showing up at midnight for Prices at Sun Poh Poh a feast or snack is not an are reasonable with an Community Health Campaign by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital issue. Proprietor Wong Ah average dinner working (PCSH). Free screening. Sunday, 23 August 2009, 9.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m. at: Dewan SJK Hing is also the Chef and out at around RM15-20 (C) Thung Hon, Tg Tualang, Perak. For further information, contact: Juliet Choo – between him and his wife, per head depending on 018-5713955. one is assured of a great Thai Basil Fried Rice what has been ordered. Of meal at all times. course, for those looking ‘Teknik Menjawab Soalan PMR 2009’ by Kinta Indian Association Education of note as is their taro Committee. Sunday, 23 August 2009, 8.00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at: K.I.A., 7 Jalan Gurudwara, The decor is basic, braised with dried prawns, for a late night bite, a plate of fried noodles or fried 30200 Ipoh. Admission is free. For registration, please contact: Mr R. Muniandy – the room spacious, with the latter served almost as a 012-5262411. tables well spaced out. The paste with the bits of dried rice will set you back a maximum of RM5-8 per usual plastic chairs provide prawns providing texture. Mayor Roshidi Zone Visit Programme. August 9: Zone 16 (Pekan Baru / Tebing adequate seating and person. Good value for good food at those times Tinggi / Pasir Pinji) assemble at: Pasir Pinji Community Hall. August 26: Zone 09 tables have table cloths. Unusual Dishes (Kepayang / Fair Park / Bdr Ipoh Raya) at: Kg Kepayang Community Hall. September Specialties written out in Unusual dishes here when you’re hankering for food and most restaurants 2: Zone 06 (Jelapang / First Gdn / Tmn Rishah) assemble at: Jelapang Community Chinese and pasted in strips include their frogs legs Hall. All programmes start at 9.00 a.m. on the walls are useful done two styles, either are closed. guides for the Chinese steamed with chicken’s Merdeka Day Carnival 2009 at 2nd Floor Glamour Square, Bercham from August reader but otherwise, essence, Kai Chap Tsing Address: 1334-1335 Jalan Pinji, Pasir Pinji, 31650 28 to August 31. Aug 28@1145am Ballroom and Hip Hop dancing. Aug29@11am Mrs Wong will make the Teen Kai or Kung Po style Fashion Show, 5pm 1 Malaysia Hip Hop Dance Competition. Aug 30: 11am Children recommendations. The which is spicy and laced Ipoh. Tel.: 05 2537273. Open: 5.30 p.m.-1.30 a.m. art competition. Aug 31-4pm Bridal Show, 6pm Singing Performance. For info contact service is prompt and with aromatic curry leaves; Glamour Square: 0165241366 (Abby) or 0165261366 ( Wai See) efficient as the dishes their yellow eels braised Closed: Mondays – every arrive in quick succession. in soya sauce and their Yi fortnight. 6 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

IPOH DELEGATION VISITS @ ST LETTERS mail /email SINGAPORE ON 1 FIREFLY FLIGHT We reprint some of our reader’s comments from our online hen the inaugural Singaporeans would be in paper. Go to http: //www.ipohecho.com.my/ to read more. WFirefly flight from charge of development and Why not subscribe online and get the Ipoh Echo in your email Singapore touched down marketing of the estate and inbox and read the latest happenings in your community in Ipoh on July 12 not only in return be granted tax even before the paper arrives on your doorstep? allowances and pioneer did it bring in the Singapore I recently attended the Dato’ Daniel Tay, in- media and tour agents (fea- status”. The SMA is plan- ning to visit Ipoh after Hari Perak Junior Age Group terrupt the tournament tured in IE79) but on that Tennis Championship held games in mid stream as same maiden flight going Raya for follow up discus- sions. at MBI Sports Complex, this would very likely back to Singapore was a Dato Dr Mah leading the Ipoh. The games started at change the momentum high profile delegation delegation to Singapore Perak to Emulate 8.30 a.m. as planned. The of the games and pos- led by Perak State Health, players all went off and sibly the results? The Local Government, Consu- and LTA as “positive bilat- Preservation Work The delegation was also started their games in high explanation offered was mer Affairs and Public eral discussions whereby spirit. Mid way through that it was planned and Transport Committee the delegation was briefed impressed with the pres- ervation work being done the games at 9.30 a.m., all this was to ensure that Chairman, Dato’ Dr on the planning and de- Above Dato S.Veerasingam play was stopped to await the full field of players Mah Hang Soon; State velopment of townships”. and below by the Preservation of Monument Board when the arrival of Datuk Dr M. and parents were there to Education, Science and Mah was pleasantly sur- Dato’ Gan Tak Kong Kayveas, President of the greet Datuk Dr Kayveas Technology Committee prised to discover that the they visited a heritage tem- very organised. Our Ipoh ple. The whole delegation People’s Progressive Party so that it would not be Chairman, Mohamad Deputy Director for the wet markets could benefit (PPP) as guest of honour to embarrassing if there Zahir Abdul Khalid; and LTA was a resident from agreed that the buildings in from this model as it ap- Ipoh needed to be restored officially open the event. wasn’t a sufficient crowd the Menteri Besar’s ad- Sungai Rapat. pears to be very successful Datuk Kayveas lost his present. My second ques- visor on Indian com- and preserved as a tourism and well accepted.” product. way and was late in arriv- tion following from this munity affairs, Dato’ S. Wet Market ing. The ceremony only got is: Is it so vital to give a Veerasingam. Others in Role Model According to Mah, Perak’s Invitation Singapore investors con- underway at 10.00 a.m. good show to Datuk Dr the delegation were Perak MICCI Chairman Lim Si to SMA The young players had Kayveas that they had to FMM Chairman, Dato’ Boon described the discus- tributed 18% of the RM3 The Perak state govern- billion of foreign direct to line up on centre court break the rules of compe- Gan Tak Kong; and Perak sions with the URA and ment formally invited the for one hour listening to tition and stop the games Chairman of the Malaysian LTA as impressive as their investment that came into Singapore Manufacturers the state last year. With the speeches in which they in mid-stream? What has International Chamber of urban planning policies Association (SMA) to had no interest especially politics got to do with Commerce and Industry, enabled their communi- start of direct Firefly flights bring a mission. The SMA to Singapore, Mah hopes to with Datuk Kayveas talk- Tennis anyway? Lim Si Boon. ties to be “livable and vi- indicated their areas of in- ing more about badminton This tournament is meant During their packed brant”. “On our first day see an improvement in the terest which lie in agricul- figures for both investment than tennis. He then pro- to encourage and develop 3-day visit the delega- we were taken on an im- ture, food processing, bio- ceeded to hit three tennis young tennis players. We tion held discussions promptu visit at midnight and tourist arrivals. technology, foundry, and Lim Si Boon summed balls into the crowd and the need to abide by the same with the Singapore Urban to a newly renovated wet lifestyle products such as kids all rushed to grab the international rules and Redevelopment Authority market Geylang Serai in up the introduction of the shoe manufacturing. direct flight quite aptly balls with prizes as incen- courtesies as is practiced (URA), the Land Transport Singapore. It was a double- FMM Perak Chairman tive. This resulted in some worldwide. The events of Authority (LTA) and met storey building with wet saying that it had brought Dato Gan Tak Kong high- “Ipoh closer to the world. kids falling over and possi- this last weekend turned with Singapore’s Senior market downstairs and a lighted that “the SMA had bly hurting themselves. it into a circus. Minister of State for Trade hawker centre selling also Hopefully we won’t be the indicated their interest in best kept secret anymore”. My question as a spectator and Industry, S. Iswaran. sundry goods. It had non- setting up an International is this: Firstly, how could An Irate Spectator Dato’ Mah described his slip floors, running water, Industrial Park on a turn- the organizers, headed by discussions with the URA was disable-friendly and key basis whereby the JAMES GOUGH Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 7

HEALTH IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH – FEET FIRST eflexology is a non- Rinvasive technique involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health. Its rise in popular- ity in recent years, emanat- ing from China and Taiwan has seen the mushrooming of reflexology outlets in Ipoh ranging from the tiny one shop-lot manned by one or two therapists to the glitzy huge leisure centres clustered near Tesco and Kinta city. Here trained thera- while being massaged! ing with every new friend pists, mainly from China, Bliss! Weary travellers introduced. Besides foot will soothe tired feet and are also in for a treat when reflexology treatments, VS bodies with each one of- they find out that after be- actually offers a variety fering their own brand of ing massaged to slumber, of other pampering treats pampering. Taking a drive they are allowed to carry including spa treatments through Ipoh town will on sleeping for about and facials. Customers can lead the foot reflexology 2-3 hours. Besides that, also check out the gym and enthusiast – or anyone, for shower rooms for the cus- café! These centres are all that matter – to find our tomers together with soap around the Ipoh Garden city with a neat selection and towels are provided. A East area, and there are of foot reflexology centres. foot reflexology treatment more, albeit smaller ones It does not take one with of 45 minutes is priced at around. For example, a particularly sharp eye to RM36. Body Revolution which be able to find one. In fact, is located at No. 33, Jalan they are quite the eye-grab- Happy Hours! Perajurit, Ipoh Garden ber as many of them will Huang Ting foot reflex- East, 31400, Perak. Tel: have large signboards at ology centre employs a 05-5461084. the front of their shop with similar concept to Yat Sum a giant foot printed on. in terms of décor and am- Long History bience; however Huang Traipsing through the vari- Packages Galore Ting does not have shower ous reflexology centres Having a browse through rooms. VS Beauty Centre has allowed me to recog- practice dates back to other. But at the end of the 5457000. these reflexology centres places much importance nise the growing popular- 2330 BCE (Egypt), 2704 day, what is a few ring- led me to discover and on hygiene, so instead of ity amongst the local folk. BCE (China), and 690 git when the outcome and Huang Ting Foot understand the whole ‘re- re-using buckets to cleanse Everyone yearns for a time CE (Japan), and applying experience is what mat- Reflexology. Ipoh Main: flexology experience’ bet- the feet, each booth will to unwind and recuperate pressure to these points ters? Of course, this also No. 35A-C, Jalan Foo Yet ter. The consultants were have its own individual from the real world and re- promotes health benefits depends on what the cus- Kai, 30300, Ipoh. Tel: 05- kind enough to go through foot basin. Also, a crystal flexology is both affordable to the respective organs. tomer is looking for, so in 2557505. Ipoh Garden special packages and treat- gel is rubbed into the feet and beneficial. According Research has shown that fact it does boil down to Branch: Lot 7a, No. 39, ments offered. They also to reduce odour. If that to (The Complete Guide Reflexology has an imme- preference. Personally, I Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah further explained tech- isn’t enough, VS Beauty to Foot Reflexology (Third diate impact on the body, fell for Yat Sum almost im- Utara, Taman Ipoh Garden, niques or practices they Centre does happy hours Edition) by Barbara and and people actually feel a mediately. Now, all you’ve 31400 Ipoh. Tel: 05- incorporate as part of their from Mondays-Thursdays Kevin Kunz), it is based difference in their overall got to do is try them out 5450505. own unique business. Yat from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on a system of zones and health, hence accounting yourselves! Sum reflexology centre, for Further promotions in- reflex areas on the feet and for its increasing popular- VS Beauty Centre. No. example, has a very calm- clude getting a 20% dis- hands each correspond- ity. Yat Sum Reflexology Sdn 219, Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin ing, dim-lit atmosphere, count on treatments after ing to a specific organ or All the centres have Bhd. No.7, Medan Ipoh Shah, 31350 Ipoh. Tel: 05- and they even offer fruits introducing a friend, with area of the rest of the body. different pricings and some 1A, Medan Ipoh Bistari, 3188989. and tea to the customer the discount rate increas- Indeed, this ancient health may charge more than the 31400 Ipoh. Tel: 05- CHONG PEI SHYEN

are either bitten, scratched they can be released. Noah’s Ark and other simi- this occurring is over feed- NOAH’S ARK or return looking worse As with all charities the lar charities through much ing and lack of exercise. Ms Kit Vong (Secretary) than the ones they set out society relies on pub- needed donations to curb Noah’s Ark believes and their committee have to rescue! On a brighter lic donations and help. this situation. that animals as living crea- worked tirelessly to reduce note, once the animal’s The public and Ipoh City Noah’s Ark also pro- tures are entitled to moral the number of strays in the confidence is gained, they Council need to be aware motes respect and compas- and ethical consideration. community. are caught, treated, and of this increasing problem sion for animals through They add to the quality of The society’s main ob- then sterilised. The ani- with strays on our streets. their activities, campaigns human life through their jective is to spay and neu- mal’s daily needs are pro- They must wholeheartedly and education programmes. unconditional devotion ter both pets and strays so vided until such time when support the activities of They provide advice and and love and faithfulness. the unwanted animal prob- support and guidance for They, like many other lem is stopped at source. pet owners and increase charities, try to ensure that These strays once neutered public awareness of its no healthy animal in their or spayed are either found responsibility towards ani- oah’s Ark Natural care is put to sleep. homes or released back mals in society. The public Animal Shelter Ipoh N into the area from which need to be made aware that Charter was set up re- they came. Noah’s Ark unless their pets are within Food for Thought cently with the sole mis- is contacted by the public the walls of their homes “A country is not sion to help and make the who then go on their res- and not allowed to roam judged by how it treats lives of animals a little cue mission. To catch these the streets, they must take it people or children bit better. Since its in- animals is often quite a the responsibility to have but how it treats its ception, the group con- challenge, sometimes tak- their pets spayed or neu- animals” sisting of Victor Oates ing days to catch even one. tered. Many are under the (Chairman), Dr Ranjit One cannot blame the ani- false impression that neu- For further information (Veterinary Surgeon and mal as they are suspicious tering and spaying their contact: Victor Oates – Vice Chairman), Ms Jeya of the dreaded human. pets makes them lazy and 012-5217045 or Dr Ranjit Jeyaratnam (Treasurer), Many a time the volunteers Joy fat. The only reason for – 019-5568292. 8 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

hen 1,692 students Wand 117 teachers ACS IPOH CAN DO YOUNG PERAK by PETER KHIEW of SMK Methodist (ACS) Teachers and students from schools are invited to write about their respec- Ipoh, combined their ef- tive institutions of learning. E-mail articles to: [email protected] forts for a common cause, anything can be achieved, even earning a listing on the Malaysia Book of DRUG EDUCATION Records (MBR) for their eachers at SK Tasek extraordinary team spirit. TDermawan in Bercham The whole school are highly commended virtually roared and for doing a good job in thundered with excitement disseminating information when a recyclathon project A sea of cans about drug prevention to their young charges involving a whopping ball rolling in early January ACS principal Mr 185,640 recyclable cans, through a well-equipped this year. Cheng Sai Lak said be- and highly-informative successfully made it into Perak Education direc- sides inculcating in the the MBR. The cans were drug prevention resource tor Tn Hj Mohd Radzi Abd pupils the inherent value centre. used to construct the Jabar, in congratulating the of protecting the environ- biggest logo, covering an The centre, which school community for ac- ment, the project was also grabbed the top prize in Hajjah Kamariah Mohd area of 1,768 sq metres, complishing an admirable aimed at uniting the stu- with a width of 34 metres the state-level competition alcohol and drug abuse. SK Tasek Dermawan, project, said he viewed the dents from various races for two consecutive years, Walking around the through the teachers and and a length of 52 metres. achievement as a potent towards a common goal The feat, under the human opens its door daily to school, one can notice that pupils’ hard work and team combination of creativity, of achieving the set target pupils on how and why each classroom has charts, spirit, is representing the achievements category, hard-work, diligence, team through co-operation, in- confidently erased the cur- they can be strong and live sayings and graphics which state for the national level spirit and a strong spirit of novation, proper planning without drugs. encourage the young to competition. rent record of 62 sq metres unity. and perseverance. logo consisting of 20,760 Heading the team build self-confidence. We at Ipoh Echo He commended the MBR representative V. of teachers is school She believes that when congratulate the school cans. school for its quest in play- Vijayakumar was present The idea of the head Hajjah Kamariah one’s sense of self and for this outstanding ing a role in the global to officially announce the Mohamad (who constantly self-esteem are strong, the achievement. For more Herculean project was efforts to maximise recy- achievement and handing mooted by teacher Dr D. reminds her pupils to pupils will be motivated to details, visit http://www. cling and to do its bit for a over the certificate to the always say no to cigarettes, choose positive lifestyles. ppdasktd.blogspot.com/ Kathirasan who started the greener earth. school. PERSONALITIES writing of short stories. “In cially when the ideas re- that her motivation to write April last year, I sent five fused to come. Sometimes her book was the dearth of hearted murderer deter- the English society, and of my stories to three dif- it took me weeks to com- local authors and she hopes Adeline Lee - mined to avenge his girl- one of the 12 finalists in ferent publishers. Of these, plete one story”, explained that the publishing of her PUBLISHED AT 18 friend’s death. the ESUM /HSBC /The At the age of 10, when most Silverfish got back to me the 18 year old. book may spur more local Star Public Speaking com- and expressed interest”, However, her hard efforts. She says that she young girls would be play- Always Ahead petition this year. She was says Adeline. Although it work paid off. Lethal wishes to publish a novel ing with dolls, Adeline Lee The eldest in her fam- the runner-up in the State was just the beginning, it Lessons and other stories in the not too distant future. Zhia Ern set herself a chal- ily, Adeline studied in Ave Spelling Bee competition was proof that her work was launched a month af- However, she feels that lenge: to publish a book by Maria Convent Ipoh, a organised by NST and was appreciated. At that ter her 18th birthday. She the characters and plots in the time she was 18. After Chinese school, from the RHB bank last year. time, she was in the midst is grateful that her parents, a novel would be different 8 years, her dream has age of seven. An outstand- At eight years old, her of preparing for her SPM both avid readers them- and more complicated and come true. Her first book, ing student at school, she first story: “My favour- examinations. She was told selves, encouraged her to it would take a much longer an anthology of poignant was selected in 2007 for a ite cartoon character – by her publisher that she read a lot when she was time to complete one. stories drawn from her stringent interview with the Mickey Mouse” appeared needed to rework some of growing up. When she was imagination and past ex- Perak Education Bureau in the Star. This motivated her stories and she should just a two year old toddler, Next Steps periences, Lethal Lesson and became one of her to explore writing fur- contact Silverfish Books her mother exposed her to Next, Adeline will pur- and other stories has the three Chinese ther, leading to frequent after her exams. She did newspapers, thus expos- sue her A-levels at Kolej been published last students in the submission of her liter- exactly that. ing her to the very words Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban month by Silverfish state selected for ary works in local dailies which are now her stock under a scholarship, paving Publications. The the 12th Ipoh- and magazines. When she Difficulties Being in trade. the way for her to fulfil her book is a compila- Fukuoka stu- spoke of her dream about Published dream of becoming a law- tion of 20 stories dent exchange publishing a book before However, publishing a book Encourage Local yer. But she said that she with different program. turning 18 to her parents, was not as easy as Adeline Authors would not give up writing storylines. Adeline they merely thought that expected. Silverfish was Modestly, Adeline con- then either. was also she was over-imaginative very demanding of her and fessed to not being all In her free time, the head and did not take her seri- she had to make an aver- that talented, but by luck Adeline likes to read, lis- ‘A let- editor ously. Little did they know age of four amendments she came to be spotted by ten to music, play the piano ter from of her that she held on to this the past’ for each piece of work. “I Silverfish. She gave credit and learn new languages, dream for many years to didn’t mind rewriting as I to her publisher for having currently Japanese. tells the sto- come. ry of a woman noticed that doing so really given her the opportunity Priced at RM30, Lethal In secondary school, improved my stories. I am of publishing her own Lesson and other stories reminiscing a lost school’s as Adeline’s skills im- love; ‘no regrets’ thankful to my editor Mr book. Adeline counts Amy are available in Silverfish magazine in proved, her writing became Raman for his guidance. Tan and Haruki Murakami Bookshop and other major looks into the Form 5, the more diversified and she mind of a cold But there were times when as her favourite authors. bookstores. president of developed a passion for the I got very frustrated, espe- She went on to explain Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 9

IPOH IN BRIEF More pics at ipohecho.com.my GRAND ROYAL OPENING STUDENT TOURISM WARRIORS’ DAY PARADE PROGRAMME 2009

arriors’ Day (Hari Pahlawan) in Perak was observed Won Friday, July 31 at the General Operations Force erak Student Tourism Programme 2009 was launched Northern Brigade camp in Ulu Kinta. The ceremony, held Pby executive councillor for tourism and women‘s at the brigade’s parade ground, was graced by the Raja affairs, Dato’ Hamidah Osman recently. The event, Muda of Perak, HRH Raja Dr Nazrin Shah who took held at the playing field of SMK Anderson Ipoh, was he official opening of the newly upgraded Royal Perak the salute from the full police honour guards. Poetry to aimed at instilling interest in tourism among students. TGolf Club 8 was indeed the grandest club function eulogise the heroic deeds of local warriors was recited “The objective is to create awareness in students on in the silver state this year. It was officially opened by by L/Cpl Mohd Arman Sukor and W/Const Norul Jamna the importance of tourism and its impact on the state’s its Patron DYMM, Sultan Azlan Shah on the morning Mohd Hasin. The ceremony ended with a display of economy”, said Hamidah in her opening speech. of August 8 with the planting of a “Golden Chain tree ( unarmed combat by members of the police , “Students need to appreciate the necessity of maintaining Lophanthera Lactescens). Thereafter HRH and the golfers VAT 69. VIPs and guests, which included retired soldiers the various tourism products in the state.” The school participated in the “DYMM Sultan Perak Silver Jubilee and policemen, adjourned for tea hosted by Perak police field was transformed into a mini carnival with a number Golf Tournament”. A total of 355 golfers participated in chief, DCP Dato’ Pahlawan Zulkifli Abdullah and army of activities in progress. They included a colouring the tournament held in conjunction with Sultan Azlan’s brigade commander, Brig-Gen Dato’ Zulkifli Mansor. contest for pre-school kids, quizzes, traditional games 25 years ascension to the throne. Golfers noted on the While the guests ate they were entertained to songs and and obstacles crossings, such as flying fox, abseiling and morning was the DYAM Raja DiHilir , YAM music rendered by the KL-based police musical band, wall-climbing. There was also a cultural contest involving Raja Kecil Tengah Raja Ashman Shah and previous Ipoh Kumpulan Ghazal PDRM. teams from , , , and Mayors Dato’ Sirajuddin and Dato’ Taalat. Also noticed Perak. It was one fun-filled day for participants. was KLK CEO Dato Seri Lee Oi Hian. Current Mayor Dato’ Roshidi was seen sharing the buggy with CPO FATIMAH’S ONCOLOGY CENTRE Perak Dato’ Zulfkifli. Representatives from 13 affliated BREAKS GROUND clubs from Malaysia and Singapore also participated in the tournament. At the gala dinner held the same night DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah unveiled the plaque of the new club. Approximately 680 guests attended the dinner which was held at the club’s new ballroom. REMEMBERING YASMIN ome 700 fans of Yasmin Ahmad attended a special Stribute called Remembering Yasmin in the HillCity Hotel organised by 34 non-government organisations comprising of Chinese, Malay and Indian groups. The event was organised to show the nation’s appreciation of the late director for her relentless efforts in sowing the seeds of understanding, harmony, unity and humanity among the many races. ospital Fatimah which was started 35 years ago by the Chong Kin Mien, DJ with NTV7, shared his working HBrothers of Mercy, recently held a ground breaking experience with Yasmin and said that she was a team ceremony of their upcoming Oncology Centre (for the player and never exerted her authority on those working treatment of cancer). The ceremony was performed by with her and was willing to listen. Rev. Bro. Peter Berg, the Superior General of the Brothers An interview with TV3 was shown and when asked of Mercy of Trier Germany who was on a visit here. about the 1Malaysia concept, she said that she had been The Oncology Centre will be housed in a new 6-storey propagating this in her films for the past 20 years. She building constructed with 2 bunkers. According to its CEO jokingly added, maybe the concept was copied from her. Dr Lim Chie Kean, Block E, as the new block will be Clips from her signature Petronas advertisements known, will be ready by the end of 2011. When ready it reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural society were screened. will be the second hospital in the state of Perak to provide The function ended with screening of her famous oncology services and will be able to treat 30 patients per award winning movie, Sepet, which was filmed in Ipoh. day. SPORT WOMEN DO MALAYSIA PROUD IN HOCKEY

2 goals were netted by A. the team and the minimal date. Kannagi in the 22nd and time for training caused At the finals, Men’s 37th minutes. some of them to have a Malaysia A again met the What makes their win fever during the finals but Iranian team, their old so amazing is the fact that they pluckily played win- nemesis in the 1st tourna- the team was only selected ningly to the end. ment last year. Malaysia just 10 days earlier prior to Indoor hockey is A again lost 3-2 to Iran the start of the tournament. played on a smaller field who went on to take the Similarly for their coach and is played with 6 play- coveted Sultan Azlan R.Vivekanandan who con- ers, 5 field players and 1 Shah Cup. However the Kannagi playing fast firmed that he started train- goalkeeper. The game is Malaysian Team this time and furious ing the team 10 days ago. divided into 2 periods of around proved a better All members of the ladies 20 minutes. Unlike out- at the same stadium. At that The ladies team posing with HRH Raja match to the Iranians than team are former national door field hockey the game time, there were only men’s Permaisuri Bainun and the winning trophy 6 months earlier. players and this was the is fast paced and the play- teams. This time around 5 On the game of in- he recent 2nd 3-1 in the final to take the first time they were partici- ers have to be in top physi- countries, Malaysia, Iran, door hockey Kannagi has TIndoor Asia Hockey inaugural Raja Permaisuri pating in an indoor hockey cal form to take advantage Uzbekistan, Thailand and this to say: “it’s fast and Tournament held at the Bainun Cup much to the tournament. The experi- of every goal scoring op- Kazakhstan, participated you must be alert; and it’s Indera Mulia Stadium delight of the local fans. ence has left them avid portunity. and ladies’ teams were in- exciting”. was a thrilling affair. Team captain Nor Saliza fans of the indoor form of The first indoor cluded. A notable absentee As a spectator I totally The ladies Malaysia A scored the first goal in the the sport. However, the hockey event was held in was India who pulled out agree with her senti- rush of the formation of team defeated Kazakhstan 8th minute while another December last year in Ipoh just 2 days before the start ments. JAG 10 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

COMMUNITY NEWS his is something WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY Tu n p r e c e d e n t e d . Never before has the The Semai of Ulu Geruh create history by celebrating the Day for the very first time International Day of the turnout. “Hopefully, the Gopeng. The time-tested The day-long celebration World Indigenous People state government will take telematches were a definite ended with the prize-giving been celebrated anywhere notice and assist us in the crowd puller. Teams repre- ceremony for winners of in Malaysia until recently. future.” senting various groupings the telematches and attap The Semai community Australian Sarah participated and their an- weaving competition. of Kampong Ulu Geruh, Steward, a first-time visi- tics on the village square Gopeng was the proud tor, was totally ecstatic. “I had everyone in stitches. Rosli Mansor beneficiary of some well- feel so fortunate to be here meaning non-governmen- seeing things at close quar- tal organisations who had ters,” she exclaimed. She pooled their resources to and her family had just observe the United Nation seen a blooming Rafflesia declared, Indigenous at a nearby site and were People’s Day on August 9. Kampong Ulu Geruh Event organiser, thrilled by the whole expe- Although the occasion was is the largest of three Sahak Bah Udai (Ahaa), rience. “There is much po- celebrated a day earlier on Semai settlements in the Chairman of Sahabat tential in this village,” she Saturday, August 8, its sig- Gopeng Forest Reserve Eko-Pelancogan dan declared. “We’ll be back nificance was not dimin- complex. It has a popula- Memelihara Alam Indah next year.” ished. tion of about 500. The ma- (Friends of Eco-Tourism The whole village Kampong Ulu Geruh jority of the inhabitants eke and Nature Conservation) assumed a carnival-like lies at the foothills of the out a living harvesting jun- or SEMAI was coy when atmosphere with much Main Range beneath iconic gle products for sale in the asked by Ipoh Echo what merriment in the air. A Cameron Highlands. It is nearby towns. A few, how- prompted him to observe number of activities were about 10 kilometers from ever, have ventured into Indigenous People Day. organised to keep the visi- Gopeng. The 30-minute the tourism business by “It’s an opportunity to tors occupied – traditional journey along a windy and becoming nature guides. showcase the Semai cul- games, handicrafts, bas- bumpy road takes visitors They take visitors to sites ture, traditions and ways of ket and mat weaving, to past three internationally where the rare and endan- life to the outside world,” name a few. The blow pipe acclaimed holiday resorts. gered Rafflesias bloom he answered. “I am over- stand was well patronised The Gopeng Rainforest and to creeks and salt licks whelmed by the response. by the visitors, consisting Resort being the latest ad- where Rajah Brooke but- It’s totally unexpected,” he mainly of school children dition. terflies congregate. said referring to the large from Ipoh, Kampar and HONEY, WOULD YOU LIKE SOME WILD HONEY? in Perak at the foothills of hours stretching into the assists in bottling the wild the Main Range. Further night. Discarded oil palm raw honey. She said her afield, in , Benji fronds are doused and set husband always insisted hunts in the jungles of on fire. The heavy smoke in maintaining cleanliness Triang near Tasek Bera. produced keeps the bees and quality of the honey. Over the years, Benji at bay while the climber Benji is still undecided has acquired the finer removes the honey-laden whether to engage in the his could be Benji points of handling the bee honeycombs and let them business fulltime, as the TLeong’s pet phrase to hives, which are found on fall to the ground. An honey he collects is just his customers as he pur- Tualang trees, 70 to 80 assistant will then collect sufficient for his regulars in sues his hobby-turned- feet above the jungle floor. the honeycombs. Bottling Sitiawan, Ipoh and Kuala business in Sitiawan. Gatherers know when a hive is done at home or on Lumpur. The medicinal Benji, a former supervisor is ripe for harvesting. “The location and a good outing properties of wild honey and hotelier, took up honey size of the hive is a good will net him between are well known. This is harvesting nine years ago kinds of insects, including Although started as a indication”, said Benji. RM600-RM800. But the the reason that Benji’s as a hobby but the sting of honey bees”, he said. His hobby, Benji is so much Pegs have to be implanted going is tough. wild honey is sought after honey bees has made him youthful experiences come into honey gathering that on the tree trunks to ease Benji no longer climbs by his customers, and his a convert and it has be- in handy in his current today he spends a major climbing. Harvesting of trees to get to the hives supply often falls short of come his passion. “During venture, the result of urg- part of his time in the jungle honey is done after dusk but employs others to do demand. my younger days I used to ing from some old friends hunting for bee hives. His when the bees are in the it while he supervises. SAMINATHAN roam the jungle fringes in who are professional hon- favourite hunting grounds hive. The harvesting Benji’s wife, Madam Lumut and encountered all ey gatherers. are in jungles near Lintang process may take several Chow, a school teacher,

MALAYSIAN AID PROJECT BY BRITISH GIRL GUIDE RANGERS

group of 17 Girl Guide cooks how to prepare who was full of praise and visit, Raja Puan Muda A Rangers (between 16 an English meal for the appreciation for the work presented each of them to 18 years) and 4 lead- inmates. According to done. On their last day it with her book “Heritage ers from Essex, England, their leader, Mrs Ann was heartwarming and a Cuisine of the Abode of were in Ipoh recently to Bailey, the Girl Guide great joy to see the inmates Grace” as well as packed carry out their community Rangers had planned and singing and dancing along food. The British rangers service at the Jelapang prepared the project over a with the group when the were very impressed by Salvation Home for the period of three years. The rangers put on an hour-long Raja Puan Muda’s warm aged. This was one of the rangers financed the trip performance of dances and hospitality and interest in two community services themselves by carrying songs to entertain them. the Girl Guides Movement under their Malaysian Aid out various fundraising The Perak Girl Guides and full of praises for her. Project. The other was projects and enrolled for Association President, Tuanku also expressed her tree-planting in partner- paid courses like masonry DYAM Raja Puan Muda wish to see Malaysian girl ship with R.E.A.C.H. in to equip themselves with Perak Raja Mahani binti guides, especially those in Cameron Highlands. the necessary skills. Raja Haji Shahar Shah Perak, emulate the British At the Home the Hence their finished job who is very supportive Rangers and be more rangers built a brick wall, looked very professional of the Girl Guides involved in community made a cement path, and gained admiration Movement, welcomed service. After all the motto painted chairs and tables from all at the Home them at the Istana Raja of Girl Guide rangers is and planted plants in pots especially Captain Tong, DiHilir. Despite her tight ‘Service to Society’. Community service at the Jelapang Salvation and demonstrated to the superintendent of the Home, schedule and their ad hoc Home for the aged Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 11

PARENTING MOMMY WHAT ARE WE DOING TODAY? [email protected] Ipoh mom, Wern Sze Gill, struggles at being resourceful and creative when dealing with the challenges of raising children and wonders if most parents feel the same way she does….

chool’s out (again!) your sister.” “But she’s authoritarian in style, or Sand my two active playing with her dollies... those that present learning WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY kindergarteners have been it’s boring!” “Go read a to the child in fun and chewing my ear off on a book.” “But mama, I need invigorating ways. Modern daily basis… The persist- to do something!” “What methods of learning are ent question “Mommy do you want to do?” “I beginning to lean more what are we doing today?” don’t know.” I am begin- and more towards the latter is what I endure these ning to get agitated now… and I am thankful that in mornings before I leave “Let me talk to your sister.” this day and age, getting a for work, and “Mommy “But mama...” “Danyl, child interested in learning what are we doing tomor- please ask your sister to is becoming easier for the row?” is what I will hear come to the phone.” Pause. busy parent. every night for the next “Hello mama” “Hi Sonya... So to all my friends who four weeks. what are you doing?” “I’m reckon I am quite the mad One cannot help but playing.” “Can you please mom, my 2 consolations wonder why it is that ask your brother to play are these... That as long children get so restless with you? Get him to pre- as my kids remain upbeat so easily these days? tend to be the daddy or the about their busy schedules Must their schedule be teacher or something...” and if it reduces my having constantly filled with “Ok mama.” As you can to answer their incessant activities and things to tell… I am grateful I have “What am I going to do do? What happened a daughter! today?” by all means, call to those carefree days programmes 6 out of 7 days programmes! Phew! enjoying their childhood me ‘kiasu’ anytime! where children lived for A ‘Kiasu’ Mom? in the week. They attend and not having to endure Wern Sze Gill the moment and enjoyed Anyone looking at my kids’ a reading programme, Kids’ Programmes long hours at tuition or simple non-structured play schedule would probably a Math programme, Galore other after-school lessons. If you’d like to without bothering what reason that I stand to be swimming lessons and a So what is it with modern- I had certainly not expected contribute to the was to take place later? blamed for their constant Sunday school programme day parenting that we feel things to turn out this way. Parenting Column An example of a recent tele- restlessness especially dur- at our church. And these we should be sending our The irony of it all is that my or have useful and conversation I had with my ing the school holidays. are not counting regular children to a host of learn- kids actually enjoy their unique strategies for 5-year old goes like this... They are, after all, the playground visits or ing programmes in order after-school programmes fostering strong family “Hello son!” “Hi mom… ‘products’ of modern-day cycling sessions, and the for them to get a head start and brand them as fun! relationships, do share Mama what am I going to parenting, and as much as I ballet and music lessons in life? Do children actu- This brings us to them with our readers. do today?” “Anything you hate to be deemed the typi- of which I have stopped ally lose out to other kids the point that I’m trying Email your stories to wish son... you’re on holi- cal ‘kiasu’ (afraid to lose temporarily … Not because if they did not have such to make here. In the ipohecho.parenting@ day.” “But there’s nothing out) parent, my closest my kids did not fancy them opportunities for learning flurry of managing my gmail.com to do!” “Go play with your pals would probably insist but because my schedule and are they ‘left behind’ kids’ activities and their toys.” “But I’ve already that I am one. was beginning to KILL as a result? expectations, I have come played with them.” “Ok My kids will turn 6 and me. And one wonders how Before I had children to the conclusion that just To Advertise then go do your Kumon.” 4 at the end of the year and working parents manage I used to think that I would like parenting, learning Call: “But I’ve already finished already they are enrolled all of the above and at be the last to succumb comes packaged in many my Kumon...” “Play with in a host of after-school least 3 other learning to being a ‘kiasu’ parent forms. You could choose when it came to education. programmes or schools Ramesh Kumar I had visions of my kids that are more rigid and 016 5531092 ADVERTORIAL Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow he only unisex natu- One Stop Solution for Hair Loss Tral (human) hair wig salon in Perak has been operating for 52 years at No. 589 on the main Buntong road next to the Buntong market. The sa- lon was opened by Mdm Yip Foong Ying on 1st May 1957 and is famous, among the villagers, for the special hair bun worn by Indian brides; the sa- lon has had customers spanning 3 generations. Mdm Yip retired in 1994 and her niece, Mary, took over the natural- hair wig business. The The wigs can be washed, regular customers who business is now run by her dyed, permed, re-bonded cannot make it to Ipoh, daughter, Pek Yoke, and according to the style Postlaju’s service is used. Mary. According to Mary, required. To master the skill they cater more for cancer Newly cut hair needs of sewing wigs one needs patients who lose their to be sewn together strand patience and must have hair after chemotherapy by strand; it passes through hair skill foundation. This treatment. 2 sections of sewing skill is priceless and till Since the wigs are before it can be sewn on now the salon has not custom made, each wig the cap according to the found a pupil yet. People is ordered to make to style. Next, the wig will are willing to pay but Mary suit the customer and be sterilised, washed, cut prefers to pass the skill to according to customers’ and permed. The salon has her daughter. needs. One full hair wig, customers from KL, , Mary finds satisfaction in according to the length of Penang, Melaka, who being able to help people hair required, costs from make a day trip for their with their baldness prob- RM300 onwards. wigs to be serviced. The lem. Men and women service could be adding who face hair loss on more hair, changing the For a consulta- the crown, only need a elastic hook, mending the small hair piece to cover side or holes that appear tion, Mary can be up the baldness or, used on the wig. With good care contacted at: 016- to prolong the interval and service, a wig can last 5687259/05-2547917. between hair dying. for 5 years or more. For 12 IPOH ECHO AUGUST 16-31, 2009 Your Community Newspaper A(H1N1) – MORE THAN A NORMAL FLU he death toll in TMalaysia from in- fluenza A (H1N1) as of August 11 is 38 with a total number of 2,253 cases reported thus far. A day earlier the number of deaths was 26 and the day before it was 18. As the fa- talities appear to increase exponentially, Perak ap- pears to have been spared as witnessed by Local Dato Dr Mah(r) with Deputy State Health Director Datin Dr Ranjit Kaur(l) during Government Minister pated to be in the air for a demic stage awareness is the press conference on August 6 Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon’s year so it is best to know critical. You need to know est clinic for treatment. For breathing or shortness of vomiting, not waking up report on the situation in the symptoms and take all what are the symptoms, cases with light symptoms breath, pain or pressure in or not interacting, irritable, Perak on August 6. necessary precautions now. how to recognise them and stay home for 7 days af- the chest or abdomen, sud- flu-like symptoms improve From May 15 till Additionally the whole what to do to mitigate the ter your symptoms begin den dizziness, confusion, but then return with fever August 6 there were 90 community can help miti- spread to the community. or until you have been severe or persistent vom- and worse cough. confirmed cases of A gate the situation by prac- How it is spread: The symptom free for 24 hours iting and flu-like symp- H1N1. For the period tising personal hygiene, A H1N1 virus is spread whichever is longer. Also toms improve but then re- July16 till August 6 the ethical coughing and social IN PERAK from coughs and sneezes limit your contact with turn with fever and worse number of ILI (influenza- distancing. or by touching contaminat- other people as much as cough. (as of 13 Aug 09 like illnesses) cases re- It was just 3 months ed surfaces then touching possible and wear a mask. In children: Fast ported was 98 while a to- earlier that our government 5.00 p.m.) the nose and mouth. breathing or trouble breath- tal of 18 institutions were was trying to keep out the Basic protective mea- Emergency Warning ing, bluish or gray colour Confirmed: 159 reported closed in seven flu virus by screening all sures: Cover your nose Signs skin, not drinking enough districts. As Dato Mah ex- incoming arrivals into the Deaths: 5 and mouth with a tissue In Adults: Difficulty in fluids, severe or persistent claimed, “It is a pandemic. country. Any arrival that when you cough or sneeze. It is all over the globe and showed the symptoms was Throw tissue in trash after Is It A Cold Or The Flu? now all over Perak”. immediately quarantined. use. Avoid touching your According to Dr Mah Indeed an official had stat- nose and mouth and con- SYMPTOMS COLD FLU an average of 95-98% of ed then that the virus was tact with sick people and Fever Rare Characteristic. High (102-104) the patients get through the under control and Malaysia practise social distancing. lasts 3-4 days incubation period. Those was free of the flu. Signs and Symptoms: Headache Rare Prominent that experience difficulties That all changed last Fever, cough, sore throat, General aches Slight pain usual Often Severe are the vulnerable groups month when the virus was runny or stuffy nose, body Fatigue Quite Mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks with underlying diseases transmitted locally and aches, headaches, chills, Extreme exhaustion Never Early and prominent such as obesity, diabetes has since been declared a fatigue and vomiting (25%) Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes among others. For those pandemic. Currently only and diarrhoea (25%). that get through the incu- severe and complicated Sneezing Common Sometimes Sore throat Common Sometimes bation period they develop cases are being admitted If You Get Sick an immunity to the virus. into hospitals. For those showing symp- Chest discomfort, cough Mild to moderate Common. Can become severe The new flu is antici- Indeed at this pan- toms of ILI,visit the near- hacking cough