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NEWS IPOH – DENGUE MOONLIGHT A FIREFLY 10 MINUTES A DAY SERENADE AWAY KEEP THE MOSQUITOES AWAY 3 8 10 HOOKED ON HAWKERS

The economic downturn has brought more people out on the streets in Ipoh, literally. As more people are losing their jobs and livelihood, many have resorted to starting their own food business and many hawker stalls are mushrooming in the city. Will this trend help boost or denigrate Ipoh’s reputation as a food haven, known for its hawker specialties and other restaurant delectables? Continued on page 2 2 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

Proliferation of hawkers resulting from economic downturn

poh has always been fa- is carrying out regular in- Imous for its food, and spection on food safety as people come all the way well as ensuring that the from , Kuala Lum- hawkers are licensed and pur or even Malacca to comply with regulations. have lunch or dinner dur- Licenses are only issued to ing weekends. applicants who satisfy the Ipoh Echo spoke to a stringent requirements. new hawker who started a New Sites food stall about 9 months ago because there were In order to cope with signs of an economic down the increase in the number turn which is affecting his of hawkers, existing hawk- company. He observed that er food courts are being a number of companies extended and new sites are downsizing and have are being identified. Over offered their staff VSS the past 2 years MBI has (voluntary separation opened 2 hawker centres, scheme) or reduced their one in Kampong number of work days and and the other in Klebang. with it a pay cut. However only few hawk- Being a proactive sort, ers have opened stalls pre- he decided to set up a stall ferring rather to set up in at night while he was still more popular locations. working, in anticipation of En. Johari, Pmg. being laid off. His reasons Pengarah Kesihatan Busy Food Court Bandaraya, said that his for going into the hawker hawking in non approved department was responsi- business were simple: rel- premises and without a ble for issuance of hawker atively low risk and low license. Hawker centres licences as well as enforce- capital; coffee shops usu- must have basic amenities ment. Hawkers must be ally rent out their space for such as piped water, vaccinated before they can RM8-20 per day which in- electricity, proper waste start operating and must cludes water and electric- disposal, clean toilets and attend a Food Hygiene ity, so if the hawker busi- wash basins to wash hands. Course. It is mandatory ness does not take off there However it is questionable that not only the proprietor is minimum loss. Hence whether they can actually but all employees attend he has not applied for a cover the vast number of this course. license yet in case it does stalls that open up. not work out and the rea- He added that errant hawkers are issued with son for his anonymity. Hazardous Practices summonses and those Not all hawkers set Problems arise when without licenses are fined. up and rent space in coffee hawkers do not dispose of However, quite often those shops with running water their of food waste prop- who have been summoned and electricity though. A erly with drains becom- plead for leniency because large number set them- ing clogged, giving rise they are unable to pay the selves up by the roadside to scenes of rats running fine. En. Johari concluded and as more hawker stalls around in stalls. When no that the street food sector proliferate, some from ex- piped water is available, must be included in urban cellent home cooks while vendors will wash their planning and development others out of sheer ne- dishes at home at the end to make it a sustainable cessity and survival, the of their shift but if clean business. This will pre- primary concern for the dishes run out and business vent the creation of illegal general public is the mat- is brisk during business Mobile Hawker Stall hawker centres. ter of hygiene and health hours, they’ll rinse dishes The Hawker Manage- standards. in a pail of water. Add to ing outside. Many feel that sibly, parasites, may linger Health Minister Datuk Seri ment Unit inspects this, the fact that some do as long as there is no food in the body and symptoms Liow Tiong Lai announced hawkers twice a month to MBI Involvement not clean up after closing poisoning after eating at a can manifest later. in June 2009 that the Health ensure that they comply Dato’ Abdul Rahim, and the resultant situation particular place, the food The new Food Ministry would expand its with hygiene standards Acting MBI Secretary, may be hazardous to the is clean. This is a wrong Hygiene Regulations Act Food Safety and Quality and takes action against said that he was aware of consumer. perception as non-hygienic 2009 which was passed Division and stall operators errant hawkers. Action is the problem. He assured It is a common prac- food preparation can have earlier this year is expect- would be monitored more also taken against those that the Health Department tice for hawkers to pre- long term effects on the ed to be implemented ear- closely. pare food with their bare body. The bacteria and pos- ly next year. Meanwhile, A. JEYARAJ hands as well as accept- ing payment themselves. Currency, because of its TIPS FOR CONSUMERS ON CHOOSING HAWKERS: high turnover, being passed •Wearing clean and proper attire (apron) by JAYAMERY PAUL from hand to hand, is the •Wearing head cover (scarf, cap) single most contaminat- ing source of bacteria and •Have good personal hygiene (short and clean fingernails, not smok- simultaneous handling of ing, spitting, coughing onto food, not using bare hands to handle food and money contrib- cooked food, using a clean towel, not licking and using fingers to utes to food borne illness. taste food) The same person should not handle food and cash. •Cooked food not stacked on top of another during display, storing or serving Wrong Perception •Use separate towels for wiping tables, utensils and for drying hands C o n s u m e r s International discovered •Food not prepared near toilets or drain that 30 percent of consum- •Not located very near to the roadside and heavy traffic ers in the Klang Valley and •Using clean glassware and plates (not cracked or chipped) Muar fell ill after eating •Clean and safe areas for food preparation street food, according to a survey carried out last •Free from pests including cats, dogs, rodents, flies, insects, birds and year. The finding should be vermin applicable to Ipoh as well. •Observe good personal hygiene and handling practices Most consumers do not of- •Food should be covered ficially lodge a complaint Fixed stall in hawker centre – note food behind glass for •Order preferably hot-freshly-cooked food by the portion. hygiene purposes when falling ill after eat- Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH Editorial echoYour Community Newspaper IPOH – A FIREFLY AWAY PRO-ACTIVE COUNCILLORS was an eye 2008opening year for most residents of Ipoh City who until last year did not know who their local councillor representing each of the 22 zones was. When a new batch of councillors was sworn-in, in July, they freely shared their mobile numbers and some even their email addresses with their residents. K.H. Tan & wife at Taman Wah Keong. Notice the 2 tone shades on the wall of the Where they used to drain – denoting the new and older walls. take their issues to the twice within ten days. Mrs state assemblyman, the 10) late last year, the turn- Tan showed me a photo of residents have now found out by the residents was the flood where the back L-R: Hanson Lau (PCCCI), Dato Gan Tack Kong themselves with a local more than the MBI work- lane was a flowing stream (FMM), Angelina Fernandez (Firefly), Dato’ Khadri voice acting between them ers. This prompted Mayor of water. Two years ago (DPMM Perak), Lim Si Boon (MICCI) and Yap Fu Fah and MBI instead, a state of Roshidi to comment that when Tan complained to (Parlo Tours). affairs which they’re hop- he was pleased with the MBI an inspector came but ing will continue. new development. irefly Managing Di- Friday and Sunday. The no action was taken. Ipoh Echo was in- A new development rector Eddy Leong flight time takes 1 hour 20 This time when Liu F formed that zones 8 and 10 indeed. Apparently the and his team were in Ipoh minutes and departs from got involved he solved were active and decided to positive actions of pro-ac- June 8 to announce the Changi Low Cost Terminal the problem by raising the check them out. tive councillors have man- much anticipated com- Singapore at 2.50 p.m. drain’s wall by 2 feet. All Zone 8 consists of the aged to raise the bar of civ- mencement of the Singa- From Ipoh the departure this was done in less than housing estates of Tembok, ic consciousness which has pore-Ipoh flight effective time is 4.45pm. The ATR Dr Ng Yook Sun from 2 months. “He was so fast. Taman Cherry and Taman been dormant for a long July 12 2009. 72 500 aircraft can seat Taman Hock Lee. I was so shocked”, ex- Lim while Zone 10 com- time. Hopefully the new The event was held 72 passengers. The 1 way claimed Mrs Tan. batch of recently sworn in prises Simee, Taman Ipoh Zone 10’s councillor at the State Secretariat (all-in) fare from Ipoh to Indeed when a gotong- councillors will perform and Taman Canning. was Mr Liu Then Tui. Complex. Seen in attend- Singapore is RM88. royong was organised at likewise. That would be a Dr Ng Yook Sun is the ance was the MATTA Everyone in attend- Mariaville and Ave Maria g gain for Ipoh. chairman of the residents Perak Team, Perak ance was looking forward Convent (also in Zone committee for Ipoh JAMES GOUGH Hoteliers Association Sec. to the inaugural flight. Garden and Canning General Nicholas Chan, Apparently the sentiment Garden. His first meeting the heads from the FMM from Singaporeans was with councillor Liu was a ANNOUNCEMENTS and various Chambers of similar. At a launch on working 3-hour walkabout Commerce. June 6 in Singapore the to see first hand their Perak Academy talk: ‘China & the Asian Century’ A n g e l i n a Firefly team received a lot issues. The next day by Mr Bunn Nagara. Friday, June 19, 2009, 7.30-9.30 Fernandez, Firefly’s of enquiries about the Ipoh councillor Liu together p.m. at: Level 11, Tower Regency Hotel, 27 Jalan Dato’ Head of Marketing and flight. Additionally the with the contractors Seri Ahmad Said, Ipoh. Entrance Fee: RM40 per per- Communications briefed Ipohites living and work- cleared clogged drains, son (inclusive dinner). The talk focuses on the rise of the attendees about the ing there indicated they tidied up the uncut grass China; its development and the consequences within, operation. planned to use the flight and removed uncollected The route will op- regularly. Paul Devadason of and its impact on the East Asian region and the world. branches. erate 4 times per week Taman Idris The speaker is a political analyst, columnist and Assoc. JAG To identify the root Editor of Star Publications (M) Bhd, an award-wining on Monday, Wednesday, Councillor for Zone 8 cause of flash floods in his journalist and a specialist on East Asia. Please call or was Y.Bhg En Rajasegaran. area Dr Ng and councillor email for reservation: Tel.: 05-5478949 (Wai Kheng); Mr Paul Devadason, the Liu went out one rainy day Email: [email protected]. chairman of the residents and inspected every drain committee of Taman Idris junction from Taman Hock Century Ride 2009 starts at 7a.m. on July19. A 160- and Taman Cherry in- Lee to Fair Park. They km non-stop event for road bikes only. Starts from Bkt vited Rajasegaran to their concluded that the culvert Kinding to , and back. Limited residents meeting where under the bridge at Fair to 500 riders. For details visit www.kricycling.com they discussed their issue Park was small causing or contact Michael Beh (018-500288), Choy (018- of clogged drains, clear- the flow of water to bottle- 9500226) or Alice Chim (012-5068369). Registration ance of bulk rubbish and neck. According to Dr Ng, closes on July 12. flash floods. Not only did Liu did a report which was Rajasegaran sit through handed to the Mayor. All registered proprietors of Prima Ipoh Condomini- the entire 3-hour meeting For Tan Koon Hock, a um are invited to attend the 2nd Management Corpora- but showed up the very businessman and resident tion AGM on June 17 at 6 p.m. at the condo’s com- next day together with of Taman Wah Keong, munity hall as the first MC has been declared as valid contractors and had trees Simee, “councillor Liu is by MHLG. Notice is hereby given to Ng Wing Hong to trimmed, dried and dead more than just a friend”. make complete handover of the management to the first branches removed and “You can never find this MC body within 7 days. clogged drains cleared. kind of person”, added his Not only were the wife. Honest, Trustworthy Driver available for employ- residents pleased but they Behind Tan’s house ment immediately. Boss family imigrated. Good with were so impressed that is a monsoon drain which children. Call: Ipoh Echo (05-2495937). they registered their resi- for twenty years had never dent committee with the overflowed. Two years ago Registrar of Societies and when PLUS began widen- now are officially known ing the highway between CLASSIFIEDS as ‘Pertubuhan Penduduk Jalan Tasek and Jalan Honest, Trustworthy Driver available Taman Idris dan Taman Kuala Kangsar they no- for immediate employment. Boss family Cherry’. “We now have an ticed the water level rising imigrated. Good with children. ‘official voice’”, said Paul whenever it rained. This Call: Ipoh Echo (05-2495937). proudly. Their only out- was because water from standing issue now is flash two streams was being di- floods which, according verted to the drain, or so To Advertise to Paul, was a “major en- they were told. Even dur- Call: gineering problem which ing a light rain the water Ramesh Kumar would require funding to level would rise. tackle the issue”. Last year it overflowed 016 5531092 4 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

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

he latest episode in the admit the distance they steps to reform in the face No 1 Jalan Lasam of this dynamic transfor- 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Tongoing political saga are willing to travel in ef- Ridzuan in Perak was a 72-hour forts of this kind is rather mation of society and the Tel: (605) 249 5936 hunger strike by members modest and the number of radical global changes tak- Fax: (605) 255 2181 of Pakatan Rakyat and its people they have endeared ing place, then we shall Email: james@ipohecho. sympathisers. The intent themselves to who would live to witness the end of com.my apparently was to persuade be willing to make any our beloved Umno.”

the to dis- kind of sacrifice for them This warning to EDITORIAL UMNO is applicable Fathol Zaman Bukhari solve the State Legislative are very few, if they exist G. Sivapragasam Assembly. If they truly at all. equally to Malaysian soci- Wern Sze Gill believed that His Highness To add to the confu- ety as a whole. was going to be moved by sion the police decided to I am certain that I am REPORTER their act to dissolve the As- get into the act by arrest- not alone in wondering James Gough sembly I would think that ing the participants of the when all the politicking is they have completely lost event, including some of going to cease and the seri- GRAPHIC DESIGN/ ous business of managing PHOTOGRAPHY touch with reality. A much those employed to provide the State is going to begin. Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali more pertinent question is legedly fasted for a day, in- the habit of adopting tactics the infrastructure for the I understand that the State whether the Sultan can in tending by this act to bring that has engendered some event. Little harm could Government has created a MARKETING & fact dissolve the Assem- about the full restoration of publicity notwithstanding have resulted from this pro- DISTRIBUTION new think tank to construct bly. Surely they must know peace and stability in the that it may have produced test. Indeed the arrests pos- MANAGER a development plan for the that even if the Sultan is State. Though this event no results. Mind you look- sibly transformed this mi- Ramesh Kumar State. Hopefully this body minded to take their appeal was to have taken place ing at some of our politi- nor event into a significant performs more meaning- PERMISSION AND RE- seriously there is the mat- quietly without fanfare or cians, missing a few meals issue. The authorities need fully than the previous PRINTS ter of certain preconditions much ado, it was neverthe- might do many of them a to realise that often threats one set up under the last Materials in Ipoh Echo may that must be met before less loudly announced by world of good not only for are more effective than the not be reproduced BN government. PR leg- this could transpire. What Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri their health, but the real- actual act, for the unknown in any form without the islators could do a service is more remarkable is that Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir ity experience of what the is always dreaded. Powers written permission of the to the people of Perak by whilst on one hand PR at an unrelated event and poor have to endure day in of arrest need to be used publisher monitoring this think tank, maintains that the Sultan celebrated with a breaking and day out may remind judiciously so that the fear telling us what it is cost- PRINTER has no power to dismiss of fast ceremony attended them of their job. of arrest remains an effec- ing the people of Perak, its Konway Industries Sdn the Menteri Besar, they on by some 1,000 guests at When Gandhi fasted tive deterrent. By using it obligations under the terms Bhd the other hand assert that the Menteri Besar’s offi- he achieved what he set out indiscriminately, its value Plot 78, Lebuhraya of employment and how His Highness can in fact cial residence. So much for to accomplish. This was becomes diminished. Kampong Jawa effective it is in carrying dissolve the whole Assem- sacrifices claimed to have because he was quite pre- The powers that be 11900 Bayan Baru, out its tasks. Pulau Pinang bly on his own volition. been made quietly. pared to fast to death and will do well to pay care- Not to be out done by ful heed to former Prime Tel: (604) 644 7507 I am quite certain that because he was so loved PR’s hunger strike UMNO similar such events will that millions were will- Minister Badawi’s parting USEFUL CONTACTS members avowedly num- follow. Our people have ing to go to great lengths words:- bering several thousand al- to ensure that he did not. “Umno is today at the Our local politicians must crossroads. The path that ou can have the Ipoh Ibu Pejabat LETTER TO EDITOR @ we choose will determine Y Echo mailed directly Polis Daerah (IPD) mail /email whether we continue to re- to your house or place of 05 2451 500 main relevant. Sadly, there work. All you need to do Send your letters to the Editor Ipoh Echo 1, Jalan Lasam, 30450 Ipoh or fax to 05-2552181 or is deposit RM24 with us 999 (emergency) are still those who feel that email to [email protected]. Letters must have writer’s full name, address and phone we do not need to pursue and we will do the rest. Ipoh General Hospital number. A pseudonym may be included. reforms. They believe that The amount is postage 05-253 3333 fee for the delivery of 24 Umno will regain its glory Ipoh Ambulance copies of Ipoh Echo for LARUT HILLS if we revert to the old ways a year. Those interested 05-522 2506 – the old order, by restrict- please call our office at 993 (emergency) Since the departure of the hills and this was taken vision to see the potential it ing the freedom of our citi- 05-2495936 or 016-553 Ipoh Fire Brigade Philip Sankey who was over by the PR govern- holds and the imagination zens and by silencing their 1092 for more details. 05-547 4444/994 the superintendent of ment. Whether it is a rail to carry it out. Sad to say criticism. When posting a cheque, it should be made out (emergency) the hills for many years, service or a cable car, both the State Government has If we revert to the old Maxwell Hills, as it was are hare brain ideas. In the none of these. path – the path will take us to ‘Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd’ and posted to No 1, Perak Immigration Dept then known has been go- first place it is financially The Larut Hills must to regression and decay and 05-5017100 will hasten our demise. If Jalan Lasam, 30450 Ipoh, ing downhill – if you will unsustainable in which case be developed sensitively if Perak, Malaysia. Perak Water Board excuse the expression. it will eventually be left to it is not to lose its natural we do not take courageous 05-254 6161 Not since Sankey, has rot and become an eyesore. attraction and also to serve Ipoh City any of the successive su- There just isn’t enough as an effective catchment Council(Complaints) perintendents shown any traffic to sustain such an in- area. The State Government 05-255 1515 passion or imagination in vestment. Even the present must resist the short-term Perak Anti-Corruption its management. four-wheel drive service is temptation of fast money Agency It’s not that the State under-utilised. proffered by businessmen 05-253 1982 Government has not been I understand that the who want to make a fast State Secretariat warned about the par- Larut Hills is a financial buck without due regard to 05-253 1957 lous state of the hills but drain on the state and as the damage they do to the neither the previous BN such it is reluctant to com- hills. Railway Station mit the required resources 05-254 7987 government nor the ex Before the State PR government took any to keep the hills in a pristine Government embarks on Airport notice. The Perak Tourist condition. Unfortunately, creating yet another white 05-312 0848 Association tried to give proper maintenance is not elephant it should invite Registration Department its input but neither gov- something the state can input from the public as 05-528 8805 ernment wanted to in- scrimp on because that well as the tourism stake- Tenaga Nasional Berhad volve the Association. would only lead to higher holders. It is time the State 05-253 2000 In fact the ex-PR costs later on to put it right. Government involves the Government would not In it’s present state it is a stakeholders in the tourism Lembaga Air Perak even meet the PTA de- disgrace and it will only industry as equal partners 1800-88-7788 spite many requests for a get worse when the hos- in developing Perak’s tour- tel comes into operation. Directory Service meeting. ist potential. The trouble is, our Instead of trying to palm it I am sure the Perak 103 governments think they off to the Taiping Municipal Tourist Association,which Rakan Cop know best when in fact Council which I understand is the umbrella body for 05-240 1999 they don’t. the State Government tried many tourism players, will Perak Women for I understand the to do; it should think of be glad to share its exper- Women Society previous BN govern- ways to make it viable. The tise with the government if 012-521 2480 ment was in discussion hills can be a money earner invited. 012-505 0547 with some businessmen if managed properly. All 05-5469715 (office) concerning the building it needs is the passion to Yin Ee Kiong of a cable car service up want to do it properly; the Penang Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 5

MUSINGS ON FOOD by See Foon Chan-Koppen More pics at ipohecho on line [email protected] SeeFoon has memories of Milan in Ipoh go there often. Now that I he’ll come back to expose live in Ipoh, I have tried a the underside for you, to few times to reproduce this avoid the risk of getting much loved dish Branzino too much salt on the flesh. salato al’forno (salt baked RM20 for the whole fish seabass) at home but alas and highly recommended without much success. By for those on a low fat and chance I was introduced to as a ‘Tai Chow’ stall at low carbohydrate diet..... love Italian food. And a new restaurant recently indisposed and she played whole and cut in chunks the food court opposite happily on a blanket on the not low salt however. I for serving – RM25 for I I love Chinese food. I that serves a dish quite the Excelsior Hotel, the just love food. Period. In floor behind the cashier’s do miss the extra virgin half a chicken; kale braised similar to the Milanese restaurant is operated by a olive oil that the Milanese fact I don’t believe there version I so miss. The best counter while her mother with whole pig’s trotter, young couple, Chong Tack was busy serving guests. version serves with their Kai Choy Mun Chu Sao – is any cuisine in the world, surprise is that this is a Ming and his wife Chan no matter how unsavoury, Chinese restaurant, newly RM25; Taro braised with Foong Ho. Enterprising and spare ribs, Wu Tao Mun where I cannot find at least opened in Ipoh. dedicated, this committed one dish to enjoy. Pai Kwat – RM10; Mantis Soon Fatt – 15 years duo will not allow any Loving Italian food as Prawn done either Gong young glitches to get in the way of I do, I occasionally hanker Po – RM10 (dried chillies, Located on Jalan their running the business. after one fish preparation dark soya, sugar, cashews) Seenivasagam, Soon Fatt The day I was there, Foong from a pescheria I used or Lai Yau – RM12 (butter, has actually been around Ho had brought her young to frequent in Milan, back fried,) style; and their for about 15 years. Started daughter into the restaurant in the days when I used to frogs legs with fried ginger because her baby carer was fish though. I used to love – RM20. FOOD Extensive Menu drizzling it on my seabass. Two noodle dishes CHEE CHEONG FUN The menu here is Perhaps Soon Fatt may worthy of mention are he review on kopitiams has been postponed to a later issue. We apologise to those of extensive with more consider serving this on their Tai Lok Meen, fat Tyou who are anticipating going on a kopitiam-hopping spree. than 100 items. Lunch the side as an option? Udon noodles fried in Instead, we have done a review of chee cheong fun. The direct translation of items are very popular, Loss Leader dark soya sauce with pork chee cheong fun is: pig’s intestine noodle. The with noodle and rice For the past three and lardons thrown in and noodle when rolled up resembles that of the dishes beginning at a months, Soon Fatt has their fried meehoon or pig’s intestine. The rice noodle sheets are made very reasonable RM3.50 very cleverly promoted vermicelli that comes like from a viscous mixture of rice flour and water. per dish. Their service their sharks fin soup in a pancake, slightly crispy This liquid is poured onto a specially-made flat is friendly and efficient individual tureens at at the edges and laced pan in which it is steamed to produce the square especially from Johnny a the incredible price of with meat, prawns and rice sheets. Some are made plain or with bits young Indian who speaks RM8.00 per portion. At vegetables. of dried prawns or barbecued pork (char siu) perfect Cantonese. that price, I was expecting Soon Fatt is a biggish embedded. The noodle is cut from folded sheets Salt Baked Fish “a’la heavy starch, surima or restaurant, able to seat into strips and looks very much like kuey teow Milanese” synthetic crab, and maybe about 400 people. There but has a much softer texture. Chee cheong fun The Soon Fatt even synthetic sharks fin are 3 private rooms is served with different sauces, namely: chilli version of my favourite but to my delight, the soup downstairs and 2 big sauce, sweet sauce (teem cheong), savoury salt-baked fish uses live was thick without being ones upstairs, each able mushroom sauce (tungku chap), light soya sauce, curry/curry paste; and in Penang, Tilapia and is served on too starchy, with chunks to accommodate 2 tables prawn paste (har koh) too. The noodles are drizzled with oil and sprinkled with roasted a bed of deep fried crispy of chicken and real chunks each. When opened up, sesame seeds, crispy fried shallots and sliced pickled green chillies, before the sauces cellophane noodles giving of sharks fin! This, in the the downstairs room can are poured on. One can opt for all or any of the sauces. It’s basically a ‘personal taste’ it its Chinese flavour. F&B business is known accommodate 4 tables and dish. There is also the ‘Hongkong’ chee cheong fun which is rolled with a filling of Understandably, Tilapia as a loss leader....one dish the upstairs, 5. A recent dried shrimp, char siu and white turnip (sengkuang). We have it from a very reliable being a farm raised fresh sold below cost to draw in lunch in a private room source that the chee cheong fun in Hongkong does not in fact have sengkuang at all. water fish, can occasional- the customers. When I was there saw us sitting 15 at ly have tinges of last there, it was certainly a table (the largest table muddiness but Foong Ho working. Not many they can muster) and all PRICE NAME WHERE COMMENTS assures me that they make ordered the sharks fin but my friends were delighted (RM) all efforts to keep the fish they must have been lured at the new taste treats that STALL (house) 1456 Jln Pasir Noodle is freshly made, Small: 1.70 in previously and found were being introduced. All 1.30~4.00pm; Pinji 5, Pasir soft and can taste the dried Reg.: 2.30 alive in pure water for a few days before serving, the food to their taste and in all a welcome addition Opens: Mon, Tues, Pinji prawns. Sauce is tasty & Big: 2.80 to the Ipoh food scene. Thu & Fri, only has got good chilli sauce. to reduce the chances of kept coming back. NB: if you don’t Hold the ‘teem cheong’ getting a muddy taste. The House Specialties RESTORAN want to wait too if you don’t want it too fish is encrusted in a thick Some house special- SOON FATT long, go to the back sweet. layer of salt and baked, ties worthy of mention at 42 Jalan Seenivasagam, of the house from with skin and scales. When Soon Fatt are their smoked 30450 Ipoh noon onwards to serving, the waiter will Tel: 05-2436864 get an order no. chicken or Yin Wu So remove the salt and when Kai, juicy and succulent 11.00 a.m.-2.30 p.m. finished with the top half, chicken lightly smoked 5.00 p.m.-10.30 p.m. RESTORAN YEI 175 Jln Raja Per- Noodle and sauce tastes Small: 2.20 LOCK IPOH maisuri Bainun good. Pickled green chilli Big: 2.80 Master Chef Ricky Parlanti’s 7.30-9.30am (go (Jln Kampar) a bit sweet. Signature Series recipes early) TONNO E FAGIOLI, TUNA FISH & KIDNEY THEAN CHUN 73 Jln Bandar Noodle is thinner and Small: 2.20 BEAN SALAD 9am-4pm; Timah (Leech St), has a soft texture. Sauce Big: 3.50 (Serves 10) Thursdays closed Old Town is good but can be a bit sweet with the ‘teem 600 gm tuna fish tinned (fresh optional) cheong’. 1 kg white cannellini beans tinned (dry optional) 200 gm onion rings thinly sliced (red or white onions optional) 25 gm Italian, or flat parsley (chopped) KEDAI KOPI 127 Jln Raja Noodle is good and 2.20 400 ml extra virgin olive oil KENG NAM Ekram (Cowan sauce is tasty with 100 ml red wine vinegar 6.30am-1.30pm St), New Town enough chilli. 150 gm mesclun salad Seasoning to taste

Procedure: Noodle is good and KAFE IPOH 53 Jln Raja 3.00 1. Wash beans with cold water, (if using dried, soak over night boil in salted water CENTRAL Ekram (Cowan sauce is tasty with St), New Town enough chilli. cool and wash). Canning Gdn Chee 2. Flake the tuna into small chunks and lightly fold into the beans together with Cheong Fun the parsley. 6.30am-3pm 3. Add the olive oil and vinegar toss gently and season to taste. 4. Arrange on a platter or in a bowl and garnish with salad and onion rings. Our next food review will be WANTON NOODLES 5. “Serve with love and passion from the heart”. Email your favourite recommendations to: [email protected] 6 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

PARENTING by WERN SZE GILL [email protected] HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – June 21, 2009 he idea for creating a portive as you. Thank you Tday to honour fathers for educating, disciplin- began in Washington by ing and loving us all these woman named Sonora years. Love you always!” Smart Dodd who thought Qi Vin (Melbourne, of the concept while listen- Australia) and Qi Wen ing to a Mother’s Day ser- (Kuala Lumpur), sons of mon in 1909. Mr Tang Siew Kong, Ipoh Having been raised by Garden South. her father after her mother “Dad, you have in- died, Sonora wanted her Janice (2nd left) with dad, Leong Yew Kee & family grained in me, eversince I father to know how spe- Lumpur), children of was really young, the value times that you are there.. Pei-Shyen (left) with dad, Him Shoong & family members cial he was to her. Her Mr Wong Hon Hor, Ipoh Helps us know deep in- of integrity. You never un- father was born in June, derstated the importance of Garden. side, how much you really have helped and guided us best on every occasion. so she chose to hold the “Dear Papa, love you love and care. So thank telling the truth and stand- first Father’s Day celebra- ing up for what is right, and throughout our lives and Thank you.. for being a a lot. Thank you for every- you Dad, for being our tolerated our idiosyncra- figure of hope, a pillar of tion on the June 19, 1910. thing and for being there for Dad.” Janice (), I remember seeing numer- So Father’s Day was born ous examples of you ex- sies with little question. strength, a source of inspi- us always. Happy Father’s Clarence (Singapore) & On this special day, and ration that has guided the in gratitude by a daughter Day!” Edith, Ian, Joanne Jason (Kuala Lumpur), ercising that value in very who thought that her father practical ways. Thanks for despite all our busy lives, Chongs on every measur- & Mummy (Ipoh), chil- children of Mr Leong know that we love you & able length. Thank you.. and all good fathers should dren, daughter-in-law Yew Kee, Wah Keong wisdom imparted to me be honoured with a special over the years… Happy mum dearly and you are for providing us with only & wife of Mr Ong Koon Park. always in our thoughts the best in every situa- day. Ann, Mansion Park. “Dear dad, no words Father’s Day!” Kheong This Father’s Day, Sen (Bendigo, Australia), and minds. Happy Father’s tion, not to mention be- “Daddy, thanks for can express or quantify all Day!” Renee (Melbourne, ing the best bank that of- we asked sons and daugh- encouraging me not to be you and mom have done son of Mr Lim Foh Thye, ters, mostly living outside Canning Garden. Australia), Terry & Eric ten loans without protest. afraid and to put myself for us to make us who (Kuala Lumpur), chil- Thank you.. for being the of Ipoh, to honour their out there; allowing me we are today. We are so “To the most sup- Ipoh-based father with portive and understand- dren of Dato’ Robert Lim best Dad in every possi- to go close enough to the blessed to have a dad as Git Hooi, Ipoh. ble way, who is there for short messages from the edge without falling over. dedicated, caring and sup- ing father in town. You heart…. “Thank you.. for rais- us through thick and thin.” I know you’ve always be- ing not one, not two, but Pei-Shyen (Nottingham, “To a wonderful father lieved in me and that has who has been there always three children, who have UK), daughter of Chong shaped me into the person not exactly behaved the Him Shoong, Ipoh. through thick and thin... I am today. Happy Father’s Happy Father’s Day. Love Day!” – David Lim Tek you dad!” Sam (Kuala Min (Ho Chi Minh, FATHER’S DAY QUOTES Lumpur), son of Col Vietnam), son of Mr Lim Fathol Zaman Bukhari – My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give Say Lay, Ipoh Garden. another person, he believed in me ~ Jim Valvano editor of Ipoh Echo. “Dads are special peo- “Everything you did, “My Father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let ple, no home should be me watch him do it” ~ Clarence Budington Kelland we know you did it all without. We are blessed for us. We love you dad, as a family, to have you The greatest thing a FATHER can do to his children, is and that is forever.” John, here and about. The many to love their mother ~ Anjaneth Garcia Untalan Eli and Angela (Kuala things you’ve done, all the Dato’ Robert Lim with his family Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 7 8 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper

YOUNG PERAK FORMER OLYMPIAN HONOURED And what a day it The 60-piece school band by PETER KHIEW was. Some two thousand member added life and Teachers and students from schools students, teachers and zest to the atmosphere. are invited to write about their guests, which included Last year, Mr Asir respective institutions of learning. parents and former was invited by the E-mail articles to: students, gave a thumping Olympic Council [email protected] and cheery welcome to to witness the athletics Asir Victor when he arrived programme in the 2008 at the school compound. Olympics. MHS GETS REBRANDED AND A NEW NAME

Mr Asir Victor arriving at his alma mater. Looking on is principal Mr Phoon Chong Chee alaysian 400-metres Mr Asir, who studied MOlympian, Mr Asir in the school in the 50s, Victor, who competed in said, “I immediately three Olympics – Tokyo accepted as it was indeed (1964), Mexico (1968) an honour for me to return and Munich (1972), was home to see the school. extremely proud when he What’s more, it’s such a was invited home by his great opportunity to meet ention Methodist pursuing matriculation, di- alma mater, SMK St Mi- the teachers, students and MHigh School (MHS) ploma or A-levels, the core chael Ipoh, to officiate at the athletes”. He currently Ipoh and Ipohites remem- of MHS direction needed its 82nd Annual Sports day runs a vegetable stall in the ber the institution as one reformulating and rebrand- recently. market. which offered a chance for ing to align with current students who could not get educational trends. Hence develop physically, men- some RM3 million to a place for Form Six in a the establishment of Wes- tally, socially and spiritual- renovate and refurbish the government school. Over ley Methodist School Ipoh ly within a caring and safe school premises to render the years, MHS has proud- (WMSI), a private school learning environment. a more conducive learning ly produced hundreds modelled after the popular The school, which environment. In meeting of students who secured Wesley Methodist School started on January 5 this the expenditure, a fund- places in public universi- of Kuala Lumpur. year, currently runs one raising dinner will be held ties and currently serving Chairman of WMSI class each for Form One on July 15, 2009, at Hee in various industries and Dato’ Chin Lean Keat said and Two students, and a Lai Ton Restaurant at 7 corporate bodies. As op- the school seeks to incul- class of some 15 Upper p.m. portunities have broadened cate noble values to nurture Six students, being the For details, call YMCA for SPM school leavers students into wholesome last batch of students from Ipoh at 05-2540809 or the these last few years via op- individuals by providing MHS. school at 05-2545122. tions and opportunities in them with opportunities to Chin said it will cost COMMUNITY NEWS DENGUE – 10 MINUTES A DAY KEEP THE MOSQUITOES AWAY

as it is difficult to reach. Also check the immediate area outside the gate of your house for breeding grounds. 2. The next area is what is termed as ‘no man’s land’ or the parks and recreation areas. Although it is looked after by MBI, “the public too should take an interest to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in these areas”. 3. An area of concern is the construction sites as 25% of the total sites have been positively found to be breeding grounds. So far only one site was issued ll of us are constantly Dato’ Dr Ahmad Razin with a ‘temporary closure’ Aaware that the threat of recently to get his views notice whereby no work Dengue is always around regarding the problem. could be done onsite until us. “The best way to the site was cleaned up. However when Ipoh’s control the spread is the However Dato’ Dr Mayor Dato’ Roshidi says “Cari dan Musnah (Search Razin reiterated that the he won’t allow for leniency & Destroy) method” best way to control the for mosquito breeding responded Dato’ Dr Razin. problem was if everyone related offences, one can be He summed up 3 areas participated in keeping their assured that dengue fever is where mosquitoes breed immediate surroundings a problem. and the action to be taken: clean and tidy by practising And when Menteri 1. Your own house the search and destroy Besar Zambry visits dengue and surrounding space. method. fever patients at Hospital “The best way to control Some locations that Bainun and gets briefed the problem is by spending have been identified as on the dengue situation by 10 minutes every day breeding hot spots are none other than the State to check that all water Taman Cempaka, Lim Health Director, Dato’ Dr storage containers in your Garden and Klebang Jaya. Ahmad Razin, one can be house are overturned”. He Up till the middle of May, certain that the situation is mentioned also to check 321 dengue cases have not improving. the roof gutters which are a been reported in the city Ipoh Echo met with potential breeding ground area. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 9

IPOH IN BRIEF More pics at ipohecho on line THE SPIRIT OF PERAK THINK TANK . . . BUSINESS CARNIVAL 2009 GOTONG-ROYONG

Aminudin Hashim the CEO of Institute Darul Ridzuan

erak Chief Minister Dato’ Seri Zambry recently an- n conjunction with the declaration of Kampar as a new Pnounced the setting of a Perak think tank called Insti- Idistrict within Perak on May 21, a business carnival, tute Darul Ridzuan or IDR. jointly organised by the district office and a local company, The institute, which is an independent body, is to Triple One Enterprise, was held in front of Kampar Hotel. he spirit of gotong-royong is alive and well, at least assist the various state government agencies and GLC’s A number of government agencies, including the Armed for residents of Taman Lapangan SSI Ipoh, a new T to implement the best strategies in the development of Forces, Pemadam and Health Department set up booths residential area near Pengkalan here. Besides ensuring the state. It will also assist in the preparation of the state’s and vied with agencies from the private sector such as that the practice of doing things together and helping annual budget and propose innovative policies towards the Celcom, Maxis, Proton and Perodua for attention from the each other in the spirit of ‘muhibbah’ or goodwill, are goal of being a developed state by the year 2015. hordes of visitors that thronged the day-long carnival. The preserved, the organising committee also sought the as- Zambry also appointed 39 year old Encik Aminudin crowd was entertained to songs from the 60s, performed sistance of the Health Department and Ipoh City Council Hashim as the CEO to head this strategic think tank. by popular Malay singers, cultural dance troupes and ac- to run programmes for the residents like medical screen- Aminudin is a Chartered Management Accountant with 15 complished musical bands in the state. The spectators had ing, checking and eradicating of aedes mosquito breeding years experience in Management Consulting and Corporate a swell time in spite of the sweltering heat. grounds and planting of trees. Analysis who had earlier worked with the IA Group. While the adults got busy with aerobics dancing and The institute which began its operations effective May clearing of rubbish at the housing area, the children dem- 1 will be housed at PTTC Meru Raya. Initially it will have SULTAN AZLAN SHAH OPENS onstrated their skills in the colouring competition. a team of 25 under its employ. POLICE HQ Taman Lapangan SSI has been identified by the Ipoh City Council to be a model residential area within its jurisdiction. PERAK INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DINNER MARKET–A LET DOWN

Parade at the Manjung HQ officially opened the Manjung District HRHPolice Headquarters. The headquarters costing RM53 million was completed in November 2007 and consists of 10 administration and 27 accommodation blocks. Also present at the opening ceremony was the Raja n conjunction with the celebration of its 72nd anniver- Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Bainun, Inspector General llegal hawking outside the Chemor Market premises is Isary, Perak Indian Chamber of Commerce organised of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Perak Menteri Besar Igiving licensed traders in the market a hard time. Veg- Majlis Makan Malam Perhimpunan Usahawan in the Ipoh Dato’ Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. etable seller, Puan Fatimah Abdullah 60, had complained Town Hall. The Guest of Honour was Senator Dato T. In his speech the Sultan of Perak highlighted con- to the authorities several times but no positive action had Murugiah. In his welcoming speech, President B.K. Ku- cerns of white collar commercial crimes. These crimes been taken. The illegal trading continues unabated. The up- mar said that the government has introduced a number of had a wide reaching impact on the business community per level of the market, once filled with traders, has only a schemes to help Indian businessmen and it is up to them and maintaining investor confidence. He urged the police handful left. Most have closed shop due to poor business. to make use of the opportunity. to act firmly and swiftly on them. Shoppers, said Fatimah, preferred to buy their marketing The Chamber took this opportunity to honour He then proceeded to lodge a mock police report at- needs from the illegal vendors as the prices were a lot members who were recipients of titles awarded by HRH tended by Constable Ashida Zakaria from Kedah. When cheaper. “They don’t have to pay rental like we do”, said the Sultan of Perak during his 81st birthday. The recipients asked for her reactions she said she felt “cold and nerv- Fatimah to Ipoh Echo. “Moreover, it’s a lot easier to pick were garlanded and adorned with ponnadai, a shawl with ous” while attending to such a “VVIP”. your way outside the market”, she quipped. The empty golden threads which is the traditional way to honour a One of the events during the opening ceremony was lots have become a gathering place for vagrants, school person. a display of the types of police uniforms that had been truants and drug addicts. If the trend is left unchecked, the The event ended with the launching of a musical worn by the police force since it first started. It was a good Chemor market may soon turn into a white elephant at the audio CD album Paandi Muthukkal comprising of songs snapshot of a time gone by. Indeed the opening ceremony expense of tax-payers. Ipoh City Council needs to react composed by M. Pandian. was impressive. fast to overcome this lingering problem. GATHERING OF VETERANS RETIRED ENGINEER PRAYERS FOR WAR VICTIMS DONATES RM200K

special function to honour Umno veterans was held he Lim Garden and Kinta Valley branches of the A at the Perak Umno building on May 28. Several of TMalaysian Ceylonese Congress held a special prayer the party’s stalwarts and veterans, including its first youth Koon handing his cheque to Nizar session at Shree Ganapathy Alayam in Persiaran Tun movement’s head, Hj Mior aged 91, a party pioneer, were etired engineer Koon Yew Yin recently contributed Perak, Ipoh, recently. The prayers were dedicated to the present. The get-together was organised by the Perak RRM200k towards Pakatan Rakyat’s election fund. innocent victims of war-torn northern Sri Lanka. The ses- Umno Veteran Club formed in 2006. Menteri Besar, Dato’ Dismayed with the current political situation in “our beau- sion started with yaagam followed by abhishegam (pour- Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, officiated at the function. In tiful state of Perak” he made the contribution saying that, ing of milk on Lord Ganesha). It ended with pooja and his welcoming speech he thanked the old-timers for their “Sooner or later only you can choose the government you the releasing of two white pigeons, as a symbol of peace. loyalty and support for the party. want”. 10 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper TENBY BRINGS IN MOONLIGHT SERENADE, WOWS AUDIENCES IN IPOH, PENANG AND SHAH ALAM! Tenby Schools sponsor Ensemble, giving back to the communities in which they operate enby Schools Ma- forming arts to develop the toire of classical music, Tlaysia recently feted whole person.” including Beethoven’s guests in the local com- Si Boon went on to “Spring Sonata”, “Voices munities to ‘Moonlight elaborate on how young of Spring” by Johann Serenade’, a series of con- people of today soak up Strauss, Dvorak’s “Song certs by the PSPA Inter- the MTV culture and how to the Moon” as well as national Ensemble 2009. much of a challenge it favourites from George Specially performed for was to keep classical mu- Gershwin. Tenby Schools, the Main sic relevant and exciting This was also the first Sponsors of the Ensemble for them. Tenby attempts time that the Ensemble in- this year, the concerts were to do this by building up cluded a Soprano, bringing staged in three locations – musical ensembles com- an exciting new dimen- Ipoh, Penang and Setia Eco prising their own students sion to the repertoire. Miss Park, Shah Alam – essen- in each of the schools, and Mari Moriya, from Japan, tially where Tenby Schools finding innovative ways to stunned the audience and are located. At each of the show young people that stole the show with her venues where the Ensem- classical music need not powerful vocals and fantas- ble performed, audiences be boring and outdated; tic range. Her diminutive were moonstruck by the and on the contrary, that it stature evidently belied the wonderful repertoire fea- is very much in trend, age- sheer power and pitch that turing seven world class less, timeless and appeal- her vocal chords were ca- musicians from around the ing. pable of producing. Ensemble with Tenby and PSPA representatives with Lim Si Boon centre globe. PSPA International In Ipoh, in addition to a private soiree for K.K. Lim with a token of Sponsors, as well as sion for and an apprecia- Tenby Schools Ipoh held appreciation which was other sponsors including tion of the arts, particularly at Meru Valley Resort, a accepted by his wife Datin KLK Berhad”, said Datin the timeless beauty of clas- separate concert was also Stella Lim, on his behalf, Rosalina. sical music, among the performed in conjunc- to thunderous applause. In thanking Tenby young”, Eugene added. tion with PSPA Members’ “Dato’ K.K. Lim’s Schools for its contribu- Tenby Schools was Night at Syuen Hotel, to a passion for the performing tion, Mr Eugene Pook established by Dato’ Lim captive audience of more arts has always been an in- said that he was very en- Keng Kay (Dato’ K.K. than 550 PSPA members spiration to me and PSPA couraged and inspired by Lim) in the year 2004. and guests. The event was endeavours to run with his Tenby’s vision to promote In 2008, he set up SiWu Moonstruck by Mari singing with the ensemble also a tribute to PSPA re- vision for society and to the arts not only among Education Trust in loving “Tenby is delighted Ensemble 2009 featured tiring Patron, Dato’ K.K. carry on his good work to students of Tenby Schools memory of his and his wife to be able to give back to seven international musi- Lim, who had founded the promote the performing but also “the genuine de- Datin Stella’s younger son the communities in which cians performing along- society in 1988 and had arts in Perak.” sire to bring alive classical Lim Si Wu. The Trust the schools operate by side their Malaysian coun- for many years been the “We are delighted to music in the communities now owns and operates hosting concerts for the terparts on one stage, led driving force behind the be able to bring back the in which the schools oper- Tenby Schools in Ipoh, benefit of our students, by its Music Director and society’s objectives and International Ensemble ate”. Shah Alam, and Penang, parents, teachers and staff, clarinetist, homegrown activities. to Malaysia this year, “I am also much im- and aims to set up schools as well as members of the Ipoh boy, Mr Eugene At the event, President thanks to the generosity of pressed by the Music de- wherever they are needed community”, said Mr Lim Pook. of PSPA, Datin Rosalina Dato’ K.K. Lim through partments in the various and viable, to set up teach- Si Boon, CEO of Tenby The other musicians Thong, presented Dato’ Tenby Schools, the Main schools in Ipoh, Penang er training centres, and to Schools Malaysia. in the Ensemble were Miss and Shah Alam, and their provide scholarships to “It is very much in Carmen Lamoine on flute firm commitment to start needy pupils. line with Tenby’s larger vi- (from the USA); Mr Eric individual ensembles with- This is in pursuit of sion to promote a culture Wang on Violin (London); in the respective schools. its vision of A United of performing arts lovers, Mr Chan Wei Shing on “This is the first step World at Peace – through particularly among stu- Cello (Singapore); Miss towards developing a pas- Education. dents of our schools. Our Vicky Chow on Piano vision of A United World at (Canada); Mr Lau Yew Peace through Education, Hann on Viola (Malaysia) does not confine education and Miss Mari Moriya, merely to academia, but Soprano singer (Japan). also translates to educa- Audiences were treat- Kok Kee Boon, Datin Rosalina Tong, Datin Stella tion via music and the per- ed to a refreshing reper- Lim and Datuk Sandra Lee PSPA’s Meet the Musicians Event n conjunction with Eric Wang’s first time in I‘Moonlight Serenade’, Malaysia. Based in London, PSPA organised a ‘meet Eric has just finished doing the musicians event’ in a radio recording in Hong which the seven musi- Kong and is pretty pleased cians shared some of their with the high standards of thoughts on music and musicians of this ensemble. Malaysia. Also sharing the stage is Eugene Pook, who Lau Yew Hann who plays plays the clarinet and is the viola. Lau commented musical director of the en- on the warm friendly peo- semble, is a homegrown ple in Ipoh, and mentioned Ipoh in her view is new and talent from Ipoh. He ac- orchestral debut at the ten- that it was refreshing to interesting with friendly knowledged the power of der age of 10, it is Vicky’s get out of the city life of and thoughtful people all music in bringing the mu- first time in Malaysia. Singapore. It is his first around. On the flute is sicians together and that When asked about her ex- time playing in Malaysia. Carmen Lemoine from this was not only a musical perience here in Ipoh so They also had an op- San Francesco. Carmen exchange but also a cul- far, Vicky is enjoying all portunity to meet music loves to travel and so far, tural one. the different places to eat, students who attended their her first time in Malaysia Vicky Chow, the latest with special mention of workshops in Ipoh where has been a wonderful ex- addition to the ensemble ‘lok lok’ and laksa. they gave personal atten- perience. According to is a Canadian pianist who Echoing Vicky’s en- tion to individuals wishing Carmen, her favourite part has performed extensively thusiasm on the great food to improve their technique of the trip is meeting the as a classical and contem- is Mari Moriya, the so- and have better insight into people here. porary soloist. Making her prano from Japan. Though improving their musical it is her second time here, It is also the violinist, prowess. MINDY OON Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 11

IPOH FACT AND FANCIES by HO TAK MING THE MARKET GARDENERS OF KINTA Part one of two… lthough the Kinta Tin made vegetable gardens. ure for hospital and been transformed into ARush was sparked Apart from his pastoral was13.93%. the well known enormous off by the influx of min- work, Fr. Allard became Conversion to Tin Mines excavations. ers from Larut in the early a farmer just like them, However, the saga Present Greentown 1880’s, not all who came to “with hens, vegetables of Fr. Allard’s Christian In contrast to Batu the Vale of Tin were min- and fruit trees” on his farmers did not end with Gajah, vegetable farming ers. Some of them were farm. He built his wooden just performing a valuable did not quite catch on in market gardeners. chapel on top of the hill at community service (albeit Ipoh because tin mining First Catholic Mission Changkat. His small par- unknowingly). During the provided the greater at- In 1875, just one year ish at first numbered 250, latter part of the Kinta Tin traction. In 1887 Father after the Pangkor Treaty, but began to grow rapidly Rush, fabulous deposits Barillon came to Ipoh, the Vicar Apostolic of as more of the Chinese im- of tin were discovered at which then consisted of Malaya and Singapore, migrants became attracted Rotan Dahan. Land in the only a collection of at- to this mode of livelihood Bishop Le Turdu, sent good.” locality changed hands at tap houses, to found the and were converted to their progress in the Perak Father Jean Francois Allard 1891: “At Batu Gajah astonishing prices. The Parish of St. Michael. Christianity. Fr. Allard was Government Gazette: of the Societe des Missions several lots of garden land amount of tin got out of On the site of the present so busy with his evangeli- 1889: “A short dis- Etrangeres de Paris (MEP) from 2 to 20 acres have Rotan Dahan by the min- Convent of the Holy Infant cal work and with being a tance from the hill on to Taiping to open the first been taken up and are be- ers was considered to be Jesus, he built a flimsy farmer that for months at which the Government Catholic Mission in Perak. ing cultivated by Father the greatest on record in wooden structure which a time the Church had no Offices are situated at Fr. Allard, who had ear- Batu Gajah a Roman Allard’s Christians.” Kinta. A good many of Fr. was his first church, to lier worked with Chinese communication with him Allard’s Christian farmers serve the needs of a hand- Catholic missionary, with Staying Healthy Christians in Malacca and and thought he had “disap- became rich tin mine own- ful of Chinese Catholics a large number of Chinese Unwittingly, the pres- Province Wellesley, built a peared”. ers. nearly all of whom were Christians, have made veg- ence of a large colony wooden chapel on top of a In 1884 when the By 1902, most of the market gardeners. Here it etable gardens. The success of vegetable gardeners hill and founded the Parish British colonialists made vegetable gardens at Rotan was that he laid the foun- they have achieved has led supplying fresh fruit and of Our Lady of the Sacred Batu Gajah the headquar- Dahan had disappeared. dation of a Catholic set- a large number of heathen vegetables at low prices Heart. The Chinese farm- ters of , they The gardeners who had tlement, in a part of Ipoh Chinese to adopt this par- to the numerous mines in ers who had followed him found that the plateau produced so much of the that was then very much ticular form of cultivation the vicinity made a vast from Province Wellesley at Changkat where they fresh greens of Batu Gajah “in the wilds” (the miner in different parts of the difference to the health of started to cultivate the land wanted to build their offic- had comfortably retired C.G. Ogilvie shot a tiger district. The gardeners are the mining community. In around the church. But the es and bungalows was ille- from their earlier occupa- just behind the present St. the most peaceful section the late nineteenth century land was unsuitable for gally occupied by a colony tion. The Perak Pioneer Michael’s Church in the of the population. They when beriberi ravaged the farming and most of the of squatters. The British reported: early 1890’s.) Fr. Barillon supply an important want miners throughout the farmers went over to the gave them an alternative Fruits and vegetables applied to the Perak to the towns, and there is country because of a poor Kinta Valley, which was site at nearby Rotan Dahan that used to be so exten- Government for a hundred a ready sale for their pro- diet consisting of mostly then being rapidly opened for their vegetable gardens. sively grown and locally acres which he allotted to duce.” white polished rice defi- up following the discovery The farmers thrived be- sold in Kinta, are now various Catholic families. cause the soil around Batu 1890: “Father Allard’s cient in vitamin B1 found of tin. colony of Christian mostly imported from However, a good many of Gajah was very fertile, and in fresh greens, Batu Gajah Penang. Strange to relate, the farmers drifted away Changkat, Batu Gajah Fr. Allard’s congregation Chinese at Batu Gajah are stood out as a compara- beginning to plant pepper the imported article is said from vegetable gardening In 1882 Fr. Allard grew to over a thousand. tively healthy place. For to be cheaper. This may be and sold their holdings. asked to be sent to Batu and coffee, and have taken instance, in the year 1894, Perak Gov’t Gazette accounted from the fact About fifty acres reverted Gajah to be with his up several small blocks when the percentage of The District Magis- that very few men plant lo- to Government, which former parishioners. There of land for the purpose deaths to admissions in trate, J.B.M. Leech, took cally, and demand higher later became Greentown, he founded the Parish of near the Station. They are Ipoh hospital was 20.68%, an interest in this peace- prices in consequence. a suburb in which residen- St. Joseph. Together with working with their capital, and in hospital ful community of vegeta- Several old plots of fruit tial quarters were built for his parishioners, he cleared and no doubt will be suc- 19.72%, mostly from ber- ble gardeners and charted cessful, as the land is very and vegetables have now Government servants. the hill at Changkat and iberi, the comparable fig- gone into tin miners’ hands LETTER FROM ULU KINTA writer’s email: [email protected] MATERIAL BLING OR MARITAL BLISS? used to enjoy wed- lery, that one couldn’t help saw at the luxury hotel. For all the talk of pre- dings but not any- being blinded by bling. It Everyone felt part of serving our culture, mo- I more. Lately, they also mirrored a business the crowd and not mere dernity has surreptitiously have become grander, convention with the gath- appendages or props; or crept in by the back-door. more ostentatious, less ering of people from com- there, just to make up the The bunga telur has been personal. Preparations merce, shamelessly ex- numbers. Most had the op- replaced with chocolates, once involved the family changing business cards, portunity to greet the new- cakes or decorative por- and community. Today, amongst other things. lyweds and catch up with celain; this defeats the wedding planners take But this one was a each other. significance of the fertil- advantage. Where previ- vulgar display of wealth. More to the point, the ity symbol. The traditional ously, friends and distant The invitations had been guests were close friends joget has been replaced by relatives would be intro- printed in a neighbouring or family. They weren’t karaoke. And for some, duced to the newcomer, country. And shockingly, royalty or business associ- sponsorship deals by com- these days, weddings are the bride’s mother replaced ates or public figures, in- panies mean that in part ruthlessly exploited for the groom’s bunga mayang vited to inflate the parents’ exchange of the hefty business interests. with her own arrange- perceived self-importance wedding expenses, the Bride and Groom side- ment of porcelain roses in society. newlyweds pose for pho- lined from London. Still dissat- Smitten by Bling tographs holding a brand In one wedding I isfied, she then swapped Can the Malaysian of instant-noodles and attended, the honoured his hantaran with her pur- public really be so smit- ready-for-the-table sauces. chases from abroad. Plainly, tat has taken over guests were royalty from blocked off and covered ten by bling and pompous ended with roast lamb and taste. the various states. The Karaoke Session in tarpaulin, underneath displays of social status? a karaoke session. It was Sadly, for the grand bride and groom looked However, another which guests were served I am amused by stories like a barbecue, with the ostentatious weddings, the insignificant and side- wedding I attended, was as they sat amongst the of unnecessary expense, karaoke reminding me of only ones who will benefit lined. It felt like the state more family oriented and gay decorations of bunga like renovating the house a Saturday night out, un- are the wedding planners, opening of parliament, held at home. The atmos- manggar. just for the wedding, even winding with friends. the hotels, the luxury car but with a little feasting phere was relaxed, without The air had a com- though it was perfect be- Sense of Community hire people, florists and included. The venue was pretence or commercial munity feel about it. fore. Others bedeck their caterers. a luxury hotel in Kuala connotations and thus, had But my happiest and Seemingly, everyone who entire family in one style of My sincere hope is Lumpur, presumably be- more meaning and depth. fondest memory was of a knew the family had been dress, like a uniform, simi- that the symbolic, reli- cause it could accommo- What would have bersanding in a kampong involved in the prepara- lar to the attire beloved of gious union of the two date the several hundred turned out acceptable near Kuala Kangsar. The tions. The wedding dais our politicians when they people who matter, is for guests. Everyone attempt- was unfortunately marred bride’s family lived in a although simple, was taste- appear en-masse in the life, and not just for show. ed to outdo each other in when the celebrations that tiny terraced house but fully decorated, but felt no same batik shirt at some fine clothes and jewel- continued into the night, the whole lane, had been less grand than the one I prize-giving ceremony. YMM 12 IPOH ECHO JUNE 16 - 30, 2009 Your Community Newspaper LEISURE TENGGOL ISLAND TRIP by IPOH MUSKETEERS brief encounter with the Marine Police who were doing their patrols. n the midst of intense The drive home political chaos in Perak, through the country road Iwe have decided to take plying between the east and an exotic aquatic weekend west coast was certainly a in Tenggol Island, Tereng- thrilling experience. Here, ganu, and bring along three we get to see Malaysia’s foreign exchange students natural beauty at its best, a with us to show and share total contrast to the boring with them the tropical albeit convenient highway. splendour of Malaysia. I felt peace, tranquility and serenity passing The Drive There through the kampongs We left Ipoh in the where villagers enjoy their wee hours on Friday daily life at a pace town morning. After a 2½ hour folk can only be jealous The Island And The Dive up their confidence; alongside the turtle. drive on the hilly road via The Night Activities of. I felt transported to At first glimpse the certainly the calm waters The last dive was / Cameron As there was not much my childhood where I felt island looks pristine and clear visibility helped certainly an awesome Highlands, we reached entertainment at night, like a kid again. Chants of and relatively non tremendously in achieving experience and without Gua Musang for a rest stop most of the ‘elderly’ except ‘La-la-li-li-lat-tang-pong’ commercialised, but upon this. We were grateful. us realising it, we went as and breakfast. for the youngsters, turned ran through my head, closer look, traces and The weather was also deep as 30 m at the Tokong The journey continued in early in preparation for memories of pet spiders signs of environmental very kind to us and despite Laut dive site and was on Route 8 at Kampung the following day. (‘Pau fu’) crawling through damages were visible. the occasional rain, the simply overwhelmed by Sungai Aring and we As a result, one thing my fingers, counting the According to the boatman, currents and visibility were the sheer volume of coral, drove through the bumpy most members missed ‘guli’ after a big match the bay used to be covered magnificent and we enjoyed fishes and abundance of Felda Aring estate road was the Green turtle that with the neighbourhood with all types of coral and the underwater world. marine life there. It was for approximately 35 km, crawled onshore to lay kids – wondering where it was impossible to even Divers who were lucky to certainly exciting and fun till we reached the ‘new’ eggs on both nights! On they have all gone? walk to shore, unlike today own an underwater camera where all of us got a chance road with less potholes the second night, two After two hours or where leisure snorkelers were busy snapping away to swim through the rock which serpentines around team members managed to more of this soul-searching can swim to their heart’s while the rest just paddled formations and have close the northern edge of Lake get a glimpse of this rare drive, we came back to content. After a quick slowly to enjoy the scene. encounters with the marine Kenyir, the largest man- sight after deciding to stay Gua Musang, to be greeted unpacking and brief by The big fish were life. Unfortunately, it was made lake in South East awake. We were however by the usual two massive the chalet owners and dive certainly a joy to watch also a shortlived one as we Asia. outraged to discover that rock cliffs, reputedly more instructors, the divers were and while they were not ran out of oxygen pretty After a six-hour or all the eggs from the first than 100 million years old, all ready with the first dive plentiful, they were curious quickly and managed to 475 km of country road night were poached and for a quick dinner before in the evening at Turtle and followed us while stay below for 35 minutes driving, we finally reached it was only on the second driving back to Ipoh via Bay point. So, with all watching our every move. rather than the usual 55. Tenggol Island jetty, night that the chalet owners . which is located on the the heavy dive equipment When we stretched our We were later told that it managed to scare away the strapped around our body, hands to touch them, they will take about three dives left side of Dungun River poachers and secure the Conclusion we walked clumsily like, quickly swam away, like a to fully enjoy the beauty of near Kampung Seberang eggs for hatching. Unsurprisingly, the oversized penguins, to the shy kampong girl running Tokong Laut site. What a Pintasan, 300 metres from foreign students were boat – a routine which we away from intrusive eyes. pity! the new bridge. And we The Drive Back ecstatic with the trip. This were doing daily during The turtles were very In total, we managed still had the boat ride ahead All good things come is what they have to say: our stay. friendly too and on one to squeeze a total of six of us. to an end very quickly. “The island offers We started with occasion, we saw one dives within a span of 36 More than an hour of A broken engine shaft on many different attractions, the easier dive sites to Hawksbill foraging on the hours during our stay but a comfortable boat ride (25 the boat that was to take a destination for the whole familiarise ourselves with coastal sea grass bed. The obviously, nobody was km from the mainland), us back to the mainland family, ce manifique.” the environment and the turtle was surprisingly not complaining. The fatigue with our view of Tenggol was broken and we packed The trip was organised water in order to enjoy shocked by our sudden was easily dissipated Island visible all the ourselves into a smaller by seasoned dive master/ more of the underwater appearance and went on by the enjoyment of the time, we finally reached one and departed. The instructor, T.S. Chin of experience. Such a with his meal and we were sheer beauty of Tenggol’s the mesmerising bay of ride to the mainland was Scuba Venture Ipoh (www. sequence is important for just captivated with the underwater world and the Tenggol Island. uneventful except for a scubaventure.com.my). novice divers to build experience of swimming easy going life there. MAYOR’S CUP JET SKI COMPETITION Lee Yew Kong. For the Tengah Raja Ashman these disused mining ponds 800cc category the win- Shah. are being put to good use ner was Ahmad Dawii Seen also at the event for water sports activities”, Alias and runners up, two was veteran Ipoh photog- said Foo as he clicked furi- brothers, Tee Chun Kit and rapher Foo Kok Kin busy ously away at the speeding Terry Tee. at his craft, “It is good that water scooters. A spokesman for Excellent Realty, Rodney Lee confirmed that the OXYGEN PLUS Mayor’s Cup competition OXYGENATEDWATER SYSTEM will be a regular feature Enriched with 300% more Oxygen than regular water for future city day celebra- Water no one has experienced before Since 1985 tions. 20-30 ppm The patron for the event was YAM Raja Kecil

2 100-120 ppm

he inaugural Mayor’s which 1.8 km was used as TCup Jet Ski Compe- the circuit for the compe- tition was held at Lahat tition. The event attract- Mines, Lahat, on May 31, ed 40 competitors from Get Energized as part of Ipoh’s 21 year’s Perak as well as Selangor city celebrations. The and . An Hurley Marketing Sdn Bhd event was held at the lake official for the event- or (148706-K) location known as Water- ganiser, Kamaruzzaman 47 Jalan Medan Ipoh 2 front City and was jointly Sayuti said the “partici- Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh organised by Ipoh City Hall pation was good as most 31400 Ipoh,Perak and property developer Ex- similar events attracted Tel : 605 5466 568 cellent Realty Sdn Bhd. half that number”. Fax : 605 5496 968 The lake at Waterfront Under the unlimited Email: [email protected] Hot and Cold City covers 150 acres of category the winner was