www.ipohecho.com.my FREE COPY IPOH echoechoYour Community Newspaper issue 84

October 16-31, 2009 PP 14252/10/2010(025567) NEWS LET US STAY HOME GOPENG WHITE ‘THE NATION’S Students beg WATER RAFTING MOST ENVIRONMENT government to allow FRIENDLY CITY’ completion of – A VISION FOR IPOH studies in Malaysia 4 8 11 hat does one Malaysia Wmean to me? ith so much being W bandied about 1Ma- laysia, Ipoh Echo took to the SURVIVORS streets and asked people of different ethnicity and dif- ferent ages what 1Malaysia meant to them. Last issue OF THE TIN ERA featured comments from those born after Merdeka. In this issue we feature comments from those born before Merdeka.

ndependence means Ia lot to people of my generation. I have gone through thick and thin and had experienced coloni- sation firsthand. First the British, then the Japanese and finally the Communist terrorists. When the coun- try gained its independ- ence there was much jubi- Meng Seng Engineering then and now lation. Although life was hard initially, efforts by a people-friendly govern- How some foundries are faring 20 years after the collapse ment ensures prosperity of the tin industry continued on page 2 continued on page 7 2 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper Reinventing and Moving Up the Value Chain – Keys to Survival

he tin mining industry 1980. When the tin indus- challenging jobs at any innovated, automated and Tthat started in the late try collapsed, its owner time. grew along with the new 19th century had brought Liew Chee Ming looked Yoon Steel is currently customers and to greater prosperity not just to the to the palm oil mills for expanding and upgrading heights. miners that operated the business and took on what- its facilities in anticipation As one 3rd generation mines but also to the sup- ever orders it was handed. of their next upturn. “This interviewee stated, “We porting service industries. Through innovation and downturn isn’t going to just reinvented ourselves These would include the sheer grit the company is last forever. Besides pric- and moved up the value foundry and engineering now a Turnkey Contractor es are depressed so it is a chain. If we sat still we’d establishments, which in manufacturing palm oil good time to expand”, said be dead by now”. So the turn was supported by the mills throughout the pe- Choy. tin may be gone but the hardware and spare-parts ninsula and east Malaysia. For these companies, support and servicing busi- shops. A common trait of unlike so many others that nesses have moved on to At the turn of the 19th these companies is all of folded up with the tin in- greater heights. Testimony century, mining for tin was them plough back their dustry, they capitalized on to the tenacity and creativ- a labour intensive affair profits to upgrade their what they knew best. They ity of the Perakean people. and it became a problem equipments and improve sought new markets that for the miners when there their facilities to enable utilised similar technology, was a labour shortage. them to take on new and JAMES GOUGH With the onset of the gravel pump the Kinta Valley saw TAMAN PENGKALAN TIARA LAKE PARK an increasing use of west- ern technology. A mine which used a gravel pump, a monitor and a hydraulic he Tiara Lake Park before the collapse of the cast steel due to its dura- in Taman Pengkalan elevator was classified as tin industry. Most were T a hydraulic mine as a large bility. According to Choy Tiara is the first in Ipoh located along Lahat Road Toong Seng , GM for Yoon built to incorporate new water supply was required up till Lahat and Pusing for its operation. Steel the company then themes of safety and secu- village. was the only local compa- rity. The gravel pump The majority of these would ‘suck up’ gravel in ny that provided this serv- According to Total foundries offered the basic ice to the dredges. Before Investment (TI) Homes which tin would be mixed foundry services of pro- with sand, mud and water them the Multi National managing director, Tan ducing metal castings and Chan Choon Yen won the lucky draw grand prize of a and transported to pal- companies of Bradken and Fun Kwai, 49, the Tiara making parts using ferrous fully automatic Toshiba washing machine at the Tiara ongs where the heavier tin United Engineers were the Lake Park road planning is or non ferrous alloys. The Lake Park “Get to Know Your Neighbour” event. Chan’s would be segregated from only two that provided cast unlike any other in Ipoh. common alloy processed brother received the prize from TI homes chairman, other light minerals which steel products. “The large area al- then was cast iron. Also realising its over lowed us to design and Chong Heng Kiong (right) on his behalf. are then swept away with Indeed, back then dependence on the tin in- build the village with The developers con- the tailings. when one drove along to help safeguard the resi- dustry it initiated to diver- novel ideas such as the sider these measures to pro- The gravel pump in- Lahat Road to Menglembu dential area. Selected me- sify its products to cater ‘S’ curve”, said Tan at the tect the residents’ homes as troduced in 1906 had 449 one would see rows of dium range terrace houses to the quarry industry in opening of the show vil- part of their corporate so- in operation in 1925. By workshops on both sides of as well as all the semi- the early 80s. The vision lage in Pengkalan. cial responsibility. 1963, 87% of the Chinese the road. That sight gradu- detached houses will also took off especially with the “The roads are built The 261 acre plot is tin output came from grav- ally faded away when the be equipped with security government’s goal of com- around curves to slow designed to emphasize demand for tin declined alarm systems. pleting the North-South down speeding vehicles the greenery and peace of in the mid 80s. The work- “Security is an impor- Highway. In the early 90s without the use of too nature. There is a 79-acre shops have gradually been tant factor in today’s world, an initiative to market its many road bumps”. lake built in the heart of the interspersed by furniture where crime is fast rising. products overseas has paid “We have even in- urban village that height- showrooms and even nasi We included this service off handsomely and the cluded a bicycle and mo- ens the ambience. kandar outlets. to promote the safety of company currently exports torcycle lane on the roads Of the 230 units com- One foundry that is the area and eventually we 85% of its production an- around the housing area”, pleted in phase one, only still in operation till today hope that the residents will nually. he said. 30 units are left. is Chun Kung Engineering form their own commit- Meng Seng Engineer- For the first year, TI tee to maintain it”, said TI (CK), its premises still lo- ing (MSHK and MSBB) Homes will provide secu- Homes executive director ISTA KYRA cated along Lahat Road. It started their foundry in rity guards without a fee began its operation manu- John Chong. SHARMUGAM facturing gravel pumps and water pumps for the WHAT’S Mr Choy Toong Seng. tin mining industry. Its HAPPENING GM of Yoon Steel Managing Director Lam el pump mines. Kar Weng is the third gen- SUNWAY The final western in- eration that is still manag- COLLEGE IPOH novation introduced to ing the business. Seeing BEACH PARTY the tin industry then was that it was over dependent (Halal Event) the bucket dredge or tin on the tin industry “we be- dredge. The first tin dredge gan designing pumps for Theme: Hawaiian Rave, was started by Malayan Tin palm oil mills way back 23rd Oct 2009, 6.30 p.m. Dredging (MTD) at Batu in the 70s”. Today its core to 11 p.m. at: Lost World Gajah in 1913. By 1952 business is manufacturing there were 39 dredges, industrial pumps and has of Tambun. Organised all operating in the Kinta 200 models of different by SCREAM – Student Valley. types in production. Council Representatives Another foundry that As with all mining ac- of Sunway College Ipoh. tivities there was a lot of has evolved to greater wear and tear on the min- heights is Yoon Steel. The Tickets: Public – RM50 ing equipment. Hence the company was founded in Sunway students – equipment required regu- 1937 by Loke Chee Pun RM25. Highlights: Belly and moved to its current lar maintenance. Gravel dance performance, ex- pumps needed to be re- site at Kuala Kangsar Road placed regularly and this in 1964. Its Executive citing games, BBQ din- gave rise to the foundry Director is Jimmy Loke ner, free dip at the hot and engineering industry Yoon Chee also a third springs, music and danc- in the Kinta Valley. generation foundry owner. According to A glaring difference ing. Add-on: Free salsa FOMFEIA (the Federation with Yoon Steel is it has lessons. Attire: Beach or of Malaysian Foundry always broken away from swim wear, casual and the norm. When it moved & Engineering Industry fun. Association) Secretary to its current premises it Lai Weng Keong, there began servicing the tin Contact: Emily Soon was an estimated 100-200 dredge community. The – 016-5969300 or Ivan foundries and engineering wear parts used on dredges Goh – 012-5168835. workshops in operation were manufactured using Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31, 2009 3

www.ipohecho.com.my IPOH From the Editor’s Desk Fathol Zaman Bukhari echoYour Community Newspaper A TIMELY RESPONSE Confusion over figures would not have happened if they are made simple and comprehensible to the media…

Basis of Comparison of the increase in the believe that a revision has of the worst affected ar- Kudos to Puan Normala number of property owners been made by MBI when eas are Taman Merry, Kg Latiff, the Public Relations who settle their dues on a no such revision was made Tersusun Tasek, Medan Officer of Ipoh City yearly basis rather than in the last 15 years. Klebang Restu, Taman Council, for having re- half-yearly. The figures, *Telco Towers. The Utama, Taman Indah Sakti, sponded to my discourse however, are computed on proliferation of telco tow- Kem 2 Briged, Taman Sri on revenue collection in a half-yearly basis result- ers in Bercham is a cause Cempaka, Taman Ramai Ipoh Echo Issue 80 (August ing in the almost identical for concern by residents and Balai Polis Buntong. 16-31, 2009). Her letter al- number.” living in this suburb. ludes to the following: However, a test conducted Overpriced Bridge “*The basis of com- Comments by a team from Universiti There has been much parison is incorrect as the Ipohites, on the whole, Tenaga Nasional on August speculation and debate on figures compared are be- appreciate the efforts taken 20th found that the level the cost of the new Sultan tween that of August 2008 by City Council to recover of radio frequency radia- Iskandar Bridge along and June 2009. It should its monies as the council Sultan Iskandar Bridge under construction tion was much lower than Jalan Sultan Iskandar be between June 2008 and needs funds to manage the by being open and honest. Buntong Harmoni, Kinta the approved international (Hugh Low Street), pres- June 2009. Assessment city. It is no mean task to And the mayor can make Heights, Sungei Pari limits. Such assurances, ently under construction. rates bills are issued twice administer a city of over his walkabout less frequent Towers and Waller Court said the mayor, would not The bridge is estimated to a year. The difference be- 600,000 if the council has if this cardinal rule is are known to have rented allay fears in residents of cost about RM10 million. tween August 2008 and to play a cat-and-mouse observed. out their flats to others at the dangers posed by radi- A conservative estimate, June 2009 is huge because game with rate payers. a profit. They charge be- ation. The council needs to calculated at RM3,000 per June is the end of first half Confusion over fig- Full-Board Meeting tween RM200 to RM300 adopt a more proactive ap- sq metre of bridge, does not while August is beginning ures would not have arisen Some of the matters dis- a month higher than the proach and be more trans- reach RM3 million. And if of the second half. if they are made plain, cussed at the September amount they pay the coun- parent. An independent the cost of ‘beautification’ *Action by MBI to simple and comprehensi- Full-Board Meeting held cil. This is a gross abuse survey is most appropri- were to be factored-in it paste warrants on the ble to readers and the me- on Thursday, October 1st, of privilege and the coun- ate rather by a party with would not even breach the premises of errant house dia. Since the report is in 2009, are the following: cil will act to root out the vested interests. RM5 million mark. Can owners has the desired Bahasa Malaysia making *Revenue Collection. problem. Eviction notices *Dengue Menace. the Perak Public Works impact as opposed to sense of the gobbledygook Property owners owe a will be served on these er- The dengue menace con- Department explain the what is claimed in the ar- takes plenty of effort. sum of RM55.52 million rant few and they will be tinues to plague the city. princely sum? ticle. Owners of these va- Ipohites have an aver- to the council in unpaid told to move out. The va- There are 924 reported cant properties have ap- sion for council meetings assessment rates at end of cant flats will then be given cases within Ipoh between Road Resurfacing proached the council with as they are a drab affair August 2009. This amount to the ‘illegal’ tenants. January to September 19th, MBI is on a spending spree the warrants to settle their with little to cheer. Why represents an increase of *Assessment Rates. 2009. The council will squandering much needed dues. This is indicative that not make such meetings RM2.71 million (5.14 per There has been much con- continue with its efforts funds on road resurfacing. the action is effective. The more appealing to the citi- cent) over the correspond- fusion over increased as- to contain the disease and Some RM30 million has council too has initiated zenry? Suggestions have ing period in August 2008. sessment rates of late. The implores residents to keep been set aside for this on- legal actions on owners been made in the past to Those who have difficulty confusion arises because their compound clean. A going project about town. who refused to respond in have meetings after office in settling their outstand- property owners who have total of 372 compounds Do these roads really need spite of the warrants. This hours and to loosen restric- ing bills can do so in in- been paying their assess- worth RM8,750 had been a makeover? Some are is the standard procedure tions on attendance and stalments. They can appeal ment rates based on an issued over the said period. still in good condition. prior to litigation. dress code. But they have to the council for consid- empty lot have now to pay However, these compounds Ironically, roads in high- *The number of de- fallen on deaf ears. eration. rates based on the rental were never served on the end suburbs are preferred faulters in Bercham for Doubts will not be * Abuse of Privilege. rates of buildings built offenders. They were let over those in poorer neigh- years 2008 and 2009 is created if the council is Some tenants of MBI- on the vacant plot. The off with just a verbal warn- bourhoods. Why the dou- almost identical because prepared to go the distance owned flats such as change in rates led some to ing, said the mayor. Some ble standard?

4 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper

by G. SIVAPRAGASAM PUBLISHER THINKING ALOUD Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) ‘THE NATION’S MOST ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY CITY’

No 1 Jalan Lasam – A VISION FOR IPOH 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan f Ipoh is to progress repair and road shoulders tors where they disappear. Tel: (605) 249 5936 Iit needs recognition. overgrown with grass and With a little effort and Fax: (605) 255 2181 Recognition requires a shrubs. Recently when I some resources this defi- Email: james@ipohecho. specific value that distin- made the same journey I ciency could be addressed. com.my guishes it from other cit- was pleasantly surprised to The whole city could be EDITORIAL ies. This begins with a note substantial improve- linked with walkways Fathol Zaman Bukhari vision of what it wants to ment. The streets have with pedestrian crossings G. Sivapragasam be acknowledged for and a been paved, grass has been at appropriate locations. Wern Sze Gill mission to realise it. There cut, trees and shrubs have Covering the walkways waste into compost which massive. This could be im- was a time when Ipoh was been trimmed and the city would significantly in- could be purchased by the plemented. The existing REPORTER known as the cleanest looks cleaner and neater. crease pedestrian traffic at James Gough authority for use in public parks and gardens could be town. But over the years The mayor must be all times of the day. parks and gardens. upgraded and better man- GRAPHIC DESIGN/ the reputation has dimmed complimented for bring- The public transport An incinerator could aged to make it more user PHOTOGRAPHY and to regain something ing this change. Since tak- system that serves the City be established to burn all friendly at all times of the Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali lost is next to impossible. ing office he has obviously is perceived as the poor that cannot be recycled. day. Something new is needed been going around and man’s transport. The sys- MARKETING & The incinerator that is built Conserve our natural to deliver impact. A gar- directing these improve- tem must be upgraded so could be one that is de- heritage: Ipoh has more DISTRIBUTION den city could have been ments. However not all that everyone can use it. MANAGER signed to generate market- than its share of rivers but Ramesh Kumar appropriate but this tag the defects have been ad- An electrical tram system able energy. all of them have become has been acquired by too dressed and there still re- would make a major dif- Activities related to open sewers. They need to WEB ADMINISTRATOR many cities. I would like main pockets where prob- ference. It would not only recycling and conservation be cleaned and activities Kelvin Leong to suggest a tag that is as- lems are visible. Perhaps be pollution free but would could be introduced as an that pollute the rivers sociated with an issue that the public should be en- encourage all sectors of so- PERMISSION AND RE- extracurricular activity in forbidden. has emerged as the most gaged to assist the city ciety to use it. schools so that an environ- Steps could be taken PRINTS critical in today’s world – authority to take progress Waste – Management Materials in Ipoh Echo may ment conscious culture is to conserve our limestone not be reproduced the environment. My pro- to another level. A system of waste is a major ex- cultivated. outcrops, karst formations, in any form without the posal is that we plan and could be created whereby pense of the City. The cost Blend with nature: limestone cliffs, caves, written permission of the achieve acknowledgement volunteers are given the is growing. It is a mat- Currently the roads of fauna and flora. publisher as the most environmen- opportunity to identify ter of time before we run Ipoh Inner city serve as Action could be taken tally friendly city in this faults and notify the au- out of space for landfill PRINTER thoroughfares for vehicles to preserve our remaining country. thorities. dumpsites. Landfills also travelling from one end of rain forests that survive in Konway Industries Sdn pose a current and poten- Bhd the city to the other. They the outskirts of the city and Plot 78, Lebuhraya Improvements Steps to Take tial danger. If the sites are do not support the busi- declare them as protected Kampong Jawa However, before we pro- As for our ambition not properly lined there nesses located in the in- areas. 11900 Bayan Baru, ceed to this level we need to be an environmentally is leaching could pollute ner city resulting in many Pulau Pinang to get our basics in order. friendly city, the general the ground water system. main street shops being Preserve Our Buildings Tel: (604) 644 7507 In this respect, I believe rule is simple: identify all Recycling and burning are closed and the remaining Preserve our built we have made a great activities that pollute and the only viable alterna- ones devoid of custom- heritage: Several build- USEFUL CONTACTS deal of progress in the last damage the environment tives. ers. On the other hand the ings in the city are poorly year. Until a year ago, for and take steps to reduce or Recycling needs to City’s Shopping Malls are maintained. They reflect a several years it was my eliminate them. It may not be introduced on a large Ibu Pejabat busy and crowded. The poor and depressed image routine every morning to be possible to achieve this scale. It could begin with Polis Daerah (IPD) reason for the difference of the city. The situation walk around the whole overnight but the follow- bins that allow separation is that whilst the shopping also does not encourage 05 2451 500 city. Though the City ap- ing steps could be the right of waste at source. The 999 (emergency) malls deliver a pleasant redevelopment or restora- pears sizable it takes only direction. present system of allow- and vibrant atmosphere, tion, as restoring one shop Ipoh General Hospital an hour to go round the Transport: Private ve- ing rubbish bins for each the inner city delivers a de- house does not enhance 05-253 3333 whole of the inner city’s hicles are the biggest pol- household needs to end. pressed feel. value if the neighbouring Ipoh Ambulance commercial and adminis- luters of the environment. Large bins could be placed However, it is possible houses remain in disrepair. 05-522 2506 trative district. During the We could reduce this by in strategic locations in the to revive these businesses Commence a campaign to 993 (emergency) journey I used to note unlit making the city pedestrian residential areas that en- by transforming the inner put all the units in order. street lights, missing man- friendly and improving our able waste to be separated city it into a mall-like en- If owners of private build- Ipoh Fire Brigade hole covers, wires hanging public transport system. at disposal enabling col- 05-547 4444/994 vironment. This could be ings do not comply – ac- out of lamp posts, clogged The inner city is well lection for recycling. achieved by reducing the tion should be instituted (emergency) outlets to the drainage provided with pedestrian Households could be road size and restoring the against them. Perak Immigration Dept system, walkways in dis- walks. But there many sec- encouraged to turn kitchen old shop houses. The space Buildings and even 05-5017100 that is generated by the re- clusters could be declared Perak Water Board duction of two lanes can be as heritage sites and re- 05-254 6161 devoted to trees, pedestrian stored by providing in- Ipoh City walkways and features that centives. Panglima Lane Council(Complaints) enhance the experience of (Concubine Lane) which 05-253 1515 the shopper. In time busi- is steeped in history could Perak Anti-Corruption nesses will locate them- be revived by restoring Agency selves there. Such a revival the buildings and devoting 05-253 1982 can be observed in many it for business activities parts of the world. that reflect our rich past. State Secretariat The objective is to Ancient industries that are 05-253 1957 create a cityscape with fast disappearing (cane Railway Station plants, attractive signage, craft, sign board making, 05-254 7987 fountains, well-maintained bamboo blinds manufac- Airport buildings, public art, street turing, etc.) could be lo- 05-312 0848 performances, etc., that de- cated here. Registration Department livers residents and visitors 05-528 8805 an experience. Local Agenda 21 A city park within Local Agenda 21 is a Tenaga Nasional Berhad the inner city – The fea- programme that provides a 05-253 2000 ture that identifies Ipoh is framework for implement- Lembaga Air Perak the limestone outcrops. ing sustainable develop- 1800-88-7788 We need to select an area ment at the local level. It with this feature and create aims to build upon existing Directory Service a park, something in the local government strate- 103 nature of the botanical gar- gies and resources (such Perak Women for dens in Penang. Gunong as Corporate plans, veg- Women Society Ciroh could be a city fea- etation management plans, 012-521 2480 ture with the surroundings and transport strategies) to 012-505 0547 landscaped with water. better integrate environ- 05-5469715 (office) The previous government mental, economic and so- obtained the services of cial goals. AA Ipoh a consultant to provide a This could serve as 019-574 3572 proposal for the creation of our guide to realise the vi- 017-350 8361 a park in the Gunong Rapat sion. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31, 2009 5

MUSINGS ON RETIREMENT LIVING Continuing where she left off on Ipoh as a Retiree’s Resort in issue 82, by See Foon Chan-Koppen [email protected] SeeFoon shines the spotlight on retirees who have taken the plunge and made Ipoh their Malaysian Second Home. Second in a series of 3. MCCLEOD’S MALAYSIAN PARADISE Nearly 60 years ago, a young British soldier, fresh out of school, set foot in Malaya – and so began a love story between Bob McCleod and Ipoh Malaysia, which he now calls home.

home. delight in the warmth “Ipoh is the perfect sunny days, compared to place for us as it has all the cold and often rainy the comforts we need climate back home in while also being far from estled in a house England. the madding crowd,” says within the green hills Bob and Avril love N Bob, lounging comfortably of Tambun Heights, Bob every part of their lives in the traditional sarong and his wife Avril live a in Ipoh. From the warm and a loose cotton shirt life of peaceful content- weather and hospitality of in his beautiful detached ment amidst the sights and the people to the tranquillity property on a hill. sounds of nature. and peace and the wide Well-acquainted with This British couple choice of food and not to Malaysia, Bob had lived is among the increasing mention the much cheaper and worked in various number of people in the cost of living as compared parts of the country, in global village who are to the bigger cities such as plantations and quarries, deciding to make Malaysia Kuala Lumpur or Penang, particularly in the northern as their second home in and even in their home region of the country. their golden years under country. the Malaysia My Second “When we decided Infantry. Ultimately, the on an exclusive secluded Every so often, they They also appreciate Home Plan. to live here under the limestone hills of Ipoh hill slope in Tambun sur- head out to the city centre that the city is also well- For the McCleods Malaysia My Second and the lifestyle it offers rounded by the limestone for a bit of shopping and equipped with excellent their choice was Ipoh, Home programme, we beckoned and won the hills for which Ipoh is fa- stopovers at their favourite medical centres which Malaysia’s Most Liveable considered various places day.” mous. Surrounded by trees local restaurants and offer quality healthcare City including Seremban and Bob and Avril found and shrubs, the house is eateries. services through its And this is where Bob Kuantan, where I first the perfect house on a an open, airy, comfortable Avril is also actively numerous consultants and and Avril McCleod call landed with the British one-acre piece of land home, with a sizeable patio involved in the local chap- experienced practitioners. opening out to the sloped ter of the Malaysian Nature For living the good HAWKER FOOD terraces of the garden. Society while Bob is a life in a city, with all the member of the Malaysian comforts of modern living NYONYA KUIH Living an Active Veterans’ Association. at a fraction of the cost you hose of you old enough will remember Lifestyle “Ipoh is really an ideal would pay anywhere else, Tthe ‘kuih man’ selling Nyonya Kuih As avid bird-watchers who place for those looking for together with the peace, and laksa. Carried on his shoulders and have traveled the globe a quieter retired lifestyle, security and tranquillity of balanced on a bamboo stick, was a red in pursuit of their hobby, especially after a frenetic a small town, Ipoh is the and black tiered bamboo basket lined with the surroundings of their pace during the working destination to head towards banana leaves where the delicious and very home are just ideal as the years”, Bob says adding in Malaysia. colourful assortment of kuih were placed trees also form a haven for that the fact Malaysians “We constantly tell and carted about. (It was quite amazing that birds. are multi-lingual and can our friends how amazing a charcoal stove was brought along to keep the The couple spend communicate in English is life is here for us. Ipoh laksa gravy hot.) their days in Ipoh enjoying a big plus point. has been our home for There are some common ingredients in Nyonya Kuih. Fresh coconut milk custard relaxing times in their “And where else 8 years now, and the with a filling – kuih kochi santan or as a topping as in kuih talam – the bottom green home out on their patio, would you be able to buy provisions under the long layer is made from green pea flour and extract of fresh pandan leaf (screwpine). If it’s meeting friends at the a house like we have and stay visa programme by green it’s probably pandan. Caramelised grated coconut is used as fillings or toppings Royal Ipoh Club and dining live in relative comfort – the Malaysian government as in kuih ketayap and pulut inti; when mixed with Gula Melaka (brown sugar) makes on delicious international with live-in help at that – is just the perfect icing a lovely oozy filling for onde-onde. Glutinous rice goes very well with coconut jam cuisine, cooked at home by on retirement funds?” on the cake for us!” says (kaya) – as in the blue marbled pulut tai tai. Ang koo (aka birthday kuih) comes in red their live-in help. As for the weather, this Bob, “And as far as we are and green – the filling is made from fresh green beans. Baked bengka ubi (tapioca), English couple absolutely concerned, Ipoh is home”. radish cake, kuih sago lapis, seri muka and yam cake (Wu Tow Ko), kuih lapis, kuih kosoi, rempah udang, are but a few more. by MARGARITA LEE

NAME WHERE COMMENTS PRICE (RM) STEAMED MILK PUDDING QUAT HUAT Ingredients: Stall #21, About 15 500 ml milk AUN Anikaselera, Ipoh varieties. 39 Lintasan 2 eggs Garden. Almost all are 0.60-0.70 Perajurit 10, Ipoh good. 3 tbsp sugar Garden East 3-4 slices ginger Tel: 5462585/ (optional) 012-5285485 Method: Kedai Buah Ban Soon 4.50 per Less than 10 1. Simmer milk and Heng, 55 Jln Lau Pak varieties but pack of Khuan, Ipoh Garden. texture and taste 10s ginger in a pot. Add in Kedai Buah-Buahan are good. sugar and bring it to - Hing Won, 3 Lrg boil. Cecil Rae, Canning 2. Turn off the heat and Garden. stir the mixture until 20- 30% cooler. RESTORAN About 10 Jln Leong Sin 3. Beat eggs and stir in WAH PAN Nam, New Town varieties. The taste 0.50-0.70 Khoo Siew Bee or is about average slowly. 016-5487791 Res.: 36 Psrn Wira but the rempah 4. Sieve mixture into or Lee Vinni Jaya Timur 40, udang is quite ramekins. 016-5487792 Tmn Leow Yan Sip nice. Note: If there is foam in the mixture, please PUSAT KUIH 44 Jalan Tokong, remove with a spoon. New Town More than 10 & KEK KHOO 0.40-0.60 5. Cover each ram- ENG CHEE Tel: 012-5192054 or varieties. Taste is average. ekin with foil. (My lit- 8am-9pm 05-2534386/ tle secret to make extra 2547140 (Res.) Sundays off smooth pudding!) Our next food review will be MEE REBUS & PASEMBOR 6. Steam for 25 min- Email your favourite recommendations to: food@ipohecho. utes. 6 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper

@ LETTERS mail /email We reprint some of our reader’s comments from our online paper. Go to http: //www.ipohecho.com.my/ to read more. Why not subscribe online and get the Ipoh Echo in your email inbox and read the latest Announcements must be sent by fax: 05-2552181; or email: announcements@ipohecho. happenings in your community even before the paper arrives on your doorstep? com.my, by the 9th or 23rd of every month in order to meet deadlines. Announcements by phone will not be entertained. Ipoh Echo reserves the right to verify any announcement before it is published. THE STATE OF was on the Sepang circuit to go back to our Ipoh pink PUBLIC TRANSPORT to catch up with Jensen bus, which I like to call the Perak Lawn Tennis Association is organising the ITF International Junior Championship IN IPOH Button. And somewhere ‘pink hell bus’, I wonder th th th Grade 4 (Under 18). 12 -18 October 2009, 8.30 a.m. at Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh Tennis On 5 October 2009, I near Salak Baru he was if the bus company have a Courts. For further information contact: Lee Kam Boon (Hon. Secretary) – 012-5122190 or had to take the bus back to merely inches away behind proper selection of its driv- email: [email protected]. Kuala Kangsar from Ipoh a slow lorry. I was praying ers. The amount of wear because I had left my car that the lorry will not make and tear the drivers are go- Kechara House Ipoh Study Group: free talk by Dr Chong Wei Min on ‘Qualities of for repair in Ipoh. I took a sudden brake or the result ing to give to the minted Dharma’ on 18th October 2009, 2.30-4.30 p.m. at Wisma Tan Sri Chong Kok Lim, 15B the 5.45 p.m. General Bus would be bloody for all his pink buses will cost them Jalan Che Tak, Off Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh. For further information contact Dr Ming at company new pink bus passengers and him. astronomicaly. No wonder 012-2841009 or Mr Ngeow at 016-6052996. (plate number given). As Alhamdullilah as the many bus and coach com- we left the station there Muslim says, we arrived at panies are closing shop. Ipoh International School will be holding an OPEN DAY for its A-Level programme. 24th was a traffic jam in Ipoh Kuala Kangsar bus station I also maintain that to October 2009 (Saturday) 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. at Ipoh International School, No. 9, Jalan and also the city was be- in one piece. I dare say that a certain extent, the fault Watson, 30350 Ipoh. Tel No: 05-2538530. ginning to get a heavy I am a good traveller be it also lies with the JPJ and downpour. on a train, bus, car or plane the traffic police. Seldom Soka Gakkai Malaysia Perak Branch is hosting the ‘Touring Exhibition of Chia Hoy Sai’s Because of the mas- but this particular journey do we see the authorities Artworks – The Differing Faces of South East Asia’ at: 160, Jalan Pegoh, Taman Lapangan sive traffic jam building up had caused me, nausea and apprehend these rogue Ria, Ipoh, from 23-25th October 2009; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily. Admission is Free. Call Goh: along Jalan Kuala Kangsar, headache till I got home. drivers and bus companies. 012-5102917. I knew immediately when What I am getting at And we are also familiar the driver took a diversion here is the mentality of with the news of bus driv- Mind Science Association of Malaysia (Ipoh Circle) free talks on Mind Power at 5.45 from the rush hour traf- Malaysian drivers espe- ers being prosecuted for p.m. 24th October 2009 at Restaurant Lido Florex, Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar, Ipoh. (1) ‘Power fic that he will be a rogue cially our public transport drunk driving, traffic of- of Words’ by Mr Ng Thian Watt, (2) ‘Power of Thoughts’ by Dr Zailani Begum Bt Md driver. This is a very com- drivers, who have no in- fences and drug use among Ibrahim. Dinner at 7.00 p.m. at the same venue. Please call Ms Wong: 017-5732879 or mon practice for most clination or the mentality others. Joachim Hui: 017-4686136 for details. Malaysian bus drivers. A to put passenger’s safety This year Ops Sikap deplorable one at that. first while performing their is a good testimony of Teknik Menjawab Soalan SPM 2009 class organise by Kinta Indian Association at KIA, 7, th He was driving reck- duty. As far as I see it, their the state our nation when Jalan Gurduwara, Ipoh on Sunday, 25 October (8am to 4pm). Subjects: Bahasa Malaysia, lessly, stopping at bus stop attitude is, “I’m in control it comes to road acci- English, Moral Education and Mathematics. Admission: Free limited to 50 students. Call abruptly and at one point behind the wheel and you dents. Until such time that Mr. R. Muniandy at 012-5262411 to register before October 20. moving the bus before the shut up”. Malaysians learn to be re- passenger alighted. As we It is so different in sponsible and careful road Meru Patchwork Society will be organising a CHARITY BAZAAR on Sunday, 1st approached Chemor, he most advanced countries. users we will never ever be November 2009 from 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. at Meru Valley Resort. Homemade patchwork was driving fast and mak- Using the public transport in the same league of other and a few Christmas items for sale. Proceeds will go to charity. Call Jess – 012-5192008 for info. ing the corners as if he is a joyful experience. But countries. ygbenor Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) Antenatal Class. Saturday, 7th November TIN GALLERY 2009, 2.00-5.00 p.m. at PCSH Conference Room (Level 1). Free admission, light As an expatriate with ticle by Jerry Francis, pro- Kampar, the rebuilding of refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Ms Tham at 05- Permanent Resident status posing that, there should the Yau Tet Shin octagonal 2548918 / 2545594 (Ext. 179) or Ms Selena Yee at 012-5061515. who has lived in Ipoh for be a ‘Gallery of Pioneer market (or Pasar Bulat), a little over ten years, I am Miners’ to complement the the need to improve the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) – Perak Branch organising a Memory a staunch supporter of the newly built Tin Gallery. Ipoh Museum, the preser- Walk at: Taman Sultan Abdul Aziz (Polo Ground), Ipoh, on 8th November 2009, 8.30-11.00 Ipoh Echo, indeed I have This, he is certain, could vation of the Tambun rock a.m. Dress code: white T shirt. Gifts only limited to first 300 registered participants. Please religiously collected and be funded by the tin mining paintings, protection of the call Korina – 016-5608147. stored every copy and of- associations, their mem- limestone hills, Gopeng as ten enjoy going back into bers and families. He also a hometown heritage site, NASAM (National Stroke Association of Malaysia) Food & Fun Fair to be held on th the past and re-reading proposed a well-organised the list is endless, but as Sunday15 November 2009 at: 8 Lorong Pinji, Off Jalan Pasir Puteh, Ipoh.Delicous food, the articles. In doing so package tour to take in far as I am aware little or handicrafts, jumble sales, and interesting games. For info contact Julianna at: 05-32110879. it is evident that heritage all the aspects of Kinta nothing has happened. (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). and tourism (or the lack Valley’s mining heritage. Now far be it for me These are sound propos- to interfere in local affairs, ISPCA (Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Perak) will be holding a of) crop up very regu- nd larly. What is more they als, which surely should be but I must confess I am on Family Day Carnival on Sunday 22 November 2009, 9.00 a.m. at SJK (C) Yuk Choy, 195 Jalan Iskandar Shah. There will be a Food Fair, Walk-a-Dog, Obedience show, Dog Fancy are often linked as would supported by all who live the side of sensible preser- Dress Parade, and Children & Competition. For info contact: Dr Goh at 05-545 5933. be expected, for heritage here, for we would all prof- vation of all types of herit- can be a big money spin- it once they were in opera- age and therefore would be tion, as would our children delighted if the miners and Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday evening from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at ner, bringing in millions YMCA Ipoh. For more information call: Peter 019-5743572 or Matthew 017-3508361. of tourist dollars, pounds, and children’s children. others prove me wrong on yen and the like. However, So can we look to the this occasion and actually it seems to me, on the out- mining community, local come up with the ‘Gallery PERAK JUNIOR the basis of their contribu- son was involved in the side looking in, despite all philanthropists, the city of Pioneer Miners’. But TENNIS tion. tournament. this talk about tourism and council, the state govern- may I respectfully suggest TOURNAMENT Many parents have The guest of hon- heritage nothing positive ment and all those other that, better still would be a congratulated the organis- our (Datuk M. Kavyeas) actually happens. Indeed it agencies involved in herit- larger ‘Gallery of Mining’ e refer to the let- ing committee on the run- has contributed much to could be argued that more age and tourism to spring telling the story of the Wters from ‘An Irate ning of the tournament. the Perak Lawn Tennis and more of the local herit- into action? Well, for Ipoh’s Kinta Valley and its mines Spectator’ in issue 80 and Our officials certainly Association. Otherwise, he age is fast disappearing as sake I do hope so, but I with a special section on ‘Another Irate Spectator’ do not look forward to would not be given such an memories fade, traditions must confess to a feeling of the pioneers, for a small in issue 83 on the Perak the children of such irate honour by the Association. are forgotten and buildings doubt for again in the Echo tin gallery on one site and Junior Tennis Tournament parents participating in An Irate Spectator and disappear under the bull- there have been positive a separate pioneers gallery held recently. tournaments organised by Another Irate Spectator ap- dozer. vibes for a Memorial to on another, may not pro- Though we believe PLTA. pear to be the same person Your Issue 83 was no be placed at Green Ridge, vide the tourist draw Ipoh that both the letters are Lee Kam Boon or closely related if they different in as much as on to commemorate those needs. written by the same per- Hon. Secretary, Perak are not. the back page was the ar- who died in the Battle of Ian Anderson son, the PLTA would re- Lawn Tennis Association I appeal to you and spond as follows: An Irate Spectator to (i) All players have notice t is difficult to under- please help me continue Get your FREE copy of the Ipoh Echo from: of the stoppage of play for Istand why a publication my work as Vice-President the opening ceremony as of two letters appearing to of the Perak Lawn Tennis it was stated in the Fact 1. Ariff Store 5. Kedai K.S. Maran 8. Newsvendor (morning) be so personal in nature Association. Sheet and Entry Form; 40 Jalan Lee Kwee (beside Maybank) In front of Simee is allowed. The Secretary Dato’ Daniel Tay (ii) Prior to the commence- Foh Canning Garden 212 Jalan Sultan Market of the Perak Lawn Tennis Vice-President, Perak ment of the game, it was 2. New Wing Idris Shah Association told me that Lawn Tennis Association announced that play would Fook Merchant 6. Pooran Enterprise there was a briefing be- be stopped for the opening 56 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh 5 Jalan fore the commencement of EDITOR: With the publi- ceremony. Canning Garden Dato Onn Jaafar the tournament that there cation of these letters we Datuk M. Kavyeas and 3. Lourd Enterprise (opp. Super Kinta) would be an interruption consider the discussion of our Vice-President Dato’ 7 Lorong Cecil Rae 7. Rasu Enterprise of play during the tourna- this matter closed. With ref- Daniel Tay have contribut- Canning Garden 271 Jalan Gunung ment. Then the reasons erence to the two previous ed immensely to the Perak 4. Pasar Mini Manaf Rapat Taman for an interruption of play letters published, we wish Lawn Tennis Association. 17 Jalan S A Lingam Ipoh Jaya. were further explained by to state that they are from Ipoh Garden South The honour was accorded me personally to ‘An Irate two different irate specta- to Datuk M. Kavyeas on Spectator’ on the day his tors. Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31, 2009 7

our allegiance was courted a helping hand to one an- Terbuka’ tradition. This for reasons of security. Our other. There was not much gives us a chance to get ancestral lands were taken development and the en- together despite our hec- away from us without the vironment was clean and tic lifestyle. Fifty-two benefit of consultation green. years of independence, and compensation. Are Now Malaysia has we should always re- we going to suffer further developed and is still de- main united with SATU under the guise of some veloping tremendously MALAYSIA spirit burn- catchy slogan? I feel and people have changed. ing within us no matter continued from the government needs The younger generation is what comes. Unity is our page 1 to address this identity more materialistic and in- strength and together we problem first before making dividualistic. In those days unite as ‘One Nation’ for all. However, of late promises it has little desire we knew everyone in our (1Malaysia). he slogan 1Malaysia of fulfilling. What is the alaysia is a beauti- neighbourhood but now there has been much de- ful country with a viation from the path laid Tseems so remote and use of 1Malaysia when the M people hardly speak to KRISHNAMAH holds no meaning to the ultimate aim is to enrich multiracial population. their neighbours. However by Tunku Abdul Rahman. Before Merdeka, people RAMASAMY Mistrust among the races Orang Asli community. just one race? we still have our ‘Rumah Physiotherapist We are never consulted on were friendly, united al- has taken centre stage. ways, each of them gave 1Malaysia, therefore, is anything that involves the YOK SERENGKUP a timely wake-up call for nation and have remained A/L NIKI, 70 marginalised ever since. Ex-member Senoi Praq us all to return to the path harmoniously side-by- of righteousness. The only time the Orang Battalion Asli were sought after was side, sharing the bounty of during the Emergency when the land. RAMLAH BINTI The re-engineering ANJANG ABDUL efforts of our Government RAHMAN, 82 have clearly produced some Great-grandmother Creating a climate portunity to walk through where no one race has an those gates. good results except that undue advantage over an- we need to de-emphasise other. NOEL D’OLIVEIRO, 67 on race and stress more Making decisions Retired Teacher on ‘nation’. Every citizen based on individual merit is born equal and the last and not as a result of bias election has told us that or prejudice. we must be treated equal. Recognising the ad- Then, unity and oneness vantages and benefits of a can voluntarily evolve. diverse work force. The Japanese and the Developing an en- Emergency have painfully vironment free from dis- tested us. Our Malaysian crimination, harassment or society has survived. pholding the Consti- The last election is a tution and all that it victimisation. U Dismantling the so- grim reminder that more stands for. genuine all-round efforts Ridding corruption cial, personal and psycho- logical barriers that keep are required to make in the Judiciary and the 1Malaysia a more solid Civil Service. the races apart. Opening the gates of reality! Treating all races y 1Malaysia is a fairly, with dignity and opportunity and where everyone is given the op- Mlittle united nation. CHIN AH WAH, 72 respect. Here, her citizens live Retired Teacher 8 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper LET US STAY HOME ADVERTORIAL Students beg government to allow completion IPOH PADANG CURRY HOUSE of studies in Malaysia he location name may Tbe a somewhat mis- he recent earthquake in leading as the restaurant TPadang on September is on Cowan Street but th 30 , with a magnitude of make no mistake, this is 7.6 on the Richter scale a curry house worth not- RM5.50 and store bought dessert with vermicelli, gave Malaysians a scare ing. Not only is it one of for their loved ones located chicken RM4.50. Their fish cashews, milk, raisins, is the rare curry places that Curry is tangy with just served with the banana there. Most affected were serve appam manis (a spe- the 323 students studying the right balance of tama- leaf meals. With kampong cial pancake crisp on the rind and spices – RM4.50. chicken the banana leaf at the Universitas Andalas. edges with a soft centre, Upon their return home, a Of interest to those who meal is priced at RM8.00, cooked on tiny wok-like love offal is the avail- regular chicken RM6.00; group of 25 students from pans) putu and putumayam Perak ranging from Ipoh, children complete their thing is that the students ability of Goat’s Intestine with kampong mutton (rice based vermicelli in curry on Wednesdays and at RM8.00 and regular Sungai Siput, Kampar remaining education in are home and safe, all we flat round pancakes) eaten Lumut and Grik, decided Malaysia. can do is stay positive”, Saturdays. mutton RM7.00; vegetar- sweet or savoury in the A specialty of the ian is priced at RM4.50. to approach the Perak state “We don’t want to said Zambry. mornings till 11 a.m.; but it government to appeal for send them back for fear “We have to wait for house is the Spinach curry Unlimited servings of veg- serves thosai in all its in- and Onion curry, available etables and rice and papa- the continuation of their of their lives”, said Ng the decision of the cabinet finite varieties – paper, tis- studies in local universi- Cheng Sai, 48, whose son as the Perak State has little on Tuesdays and Fridays dum are offered with the sue, egg, onion, rava, ma- only. Nasi Briyani with banana leaf meal as are a ties or private institutions is a second-year medical jurisdiction over the mat- sala, ghee, and roti canai in Malaysia. student. Some parents also ter”, said Zambry when chicken – Mondays and mixture of chutneys. in 10 variations including Thursdays RM5.00; Nasi And the best treat of According to fourth- cited concerns over the re- asked of the students’ murtabak, all day long! year medical student Devin cent hostility from certain chances of being absorbed Pudina (mint rice) and all? No after effects from So at lunch, like in Nasi Tomato on Saturdays an overdose of MSG! Plus Kumar, 23, the Andalas Indonesian groups toward into local universities. most curry houses in management had offered Malaysians. An arrangement will and Sundays. one can eat in air-condi- Ipoh, one has to settle for Rasam (a sour spicy tioned comfort. the students to return to Munusamy Muniandy, be made with Ipoh General rice to soak up the lus- th soup) and Payasam a sweet SFCK study by October 19 al- 52, is distressed over the Hospital to provide coun- cious gravies, here at Ipoh beit under makeshift tents. length of time the students selling to the students who Padang Curry House, one “We would not be re- will have to delay their may be suffering from can opt for capati, roti ca- turning to a conducive en- studies. post traumatic stress”, said nai or thosai. And speak- vironment to study since “The delay to return to Chairman of Education, ing of luscious gravies, the our houses and campus are the books will affect their Higher Education, ICT, Kampong Mutton RM6.50 in ruins. There has not been educational progress; the Human Resources, Science (fresh slaughtered goat proper electricity or water last thing I want is for my & Technology, Mohd Zahir from the proprietor’s own supply since the tremors”, daughter to be stranded at Bin Dato Abd Khalid. goat farm) is juicily tender said Devin. home without a university Zahir expressed shock with a gravy that is one “I am afraid to go back to go to”, Munusamy said, that none of the students of the best that the Echo there since the area has adding that he was not had undergone proper team has tasted in all of Banana leaf meal with rasam & payasam (L). Clockwise also been plagued by af- keen to send his daughter medical checkups to en- Ipoh. Similarly with the with rice: chicken curry, mutton curry, chicken with dried tershocks and more earth- back to Padang either. sure their physical and Kampong Chicken curry chilli, bayam curry; petai & prawn sambal (in plate), quakes since we returned”, Perak Menteri Besar mental well being. RM6.50, redolent with fried ikan kembong, 3 vege, fried fish & papadum said another student, S. Datuk Seri Dr Zambry The 25 students also well blended spices (an- Patricia, 21. Abd Kadir was at the State received RM1,000 each in other of the proprietor’s RESTORAN IPOH PADANG CURRY HOUSE A prediction of a more secretariat’s office in Ipoh a token of sympathy from well kept secret blends), 93 Jalan Raja Ekram (Cowan St) powerful quake at 8.8 on to hear the plight of the Yayasan Perak. fiery yet bearable for most Vasu – 019-5115137 the Richter scale has made students. ISTA KYRA palates. Regular mutton Operating hours: 6.30 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. everyday parents adamant that their “The most important SHARMUGAM Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31, 2009 9

More pics at ipohecho.com.my IPOH IN BRIEF CPO PERAK’S OPEN HOUSE LAUNCHING OF DA MA CAI CRAZY LITTLE STUDENT AID 2009 PROGRAMME THING CALLED LOVE

he launching of Da Ma Cai Student Aid 2009 Tprogramme was held in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan eginning in 2004, as a series of sketches to highlight (Cina) Perak. In his address Yin Yee Yuen, CEO of Bissues affecting marriage and family relationships, Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd, said that for this year touring theatre company, Footstool Players developed a Da Ma Cai has allocated RM1.1 million to be given to full-length performance (110 minutes) entitled, ‘Crazy 350 schools nationwide which would see 11,000 needy Little Thing Called Love’. They gave their penultimate students each receiving RM100 cash to purchase school performance at YMCA Ipoh playing to a packed hall. supplies. This is the 19th consecutive year the programme The performance from the cast of six was, true to life, has been organised and to date 172,000 students have funny, emotional and nothing short of moving. Consisting benefited from the financial aid of nearly RM18 million of 2 Acts and 13 sketches, depicting love, courtship, that was disbursed. marriage and family relationships, there was laughter and Deputy Education Minister YB Datuk Dr Wee Ka PO Perak, DCP Dato’ Pahlawan Zulkifli Abdullah, there were tears. Jointly organised by St Peter’s Church Siong who was the chief guest, said his ministry was Cheld a Hari Raya Adil Fitri open house at his official nd and YMCA, the play transcends religion and race, as supportive of corporate responsibility programmes which residence on Saturday, October 2 . The function was well the values and sentiments portrayed, depict Malaysian provide young Malaysians, opportunities to pursue quality attended by invitees which included heads of departments, culture. The sketches poignantly showed that real love education. captains of industries and members of the public and the brings great joy and also great sadness. Where one does Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong was presented with a Mock press. Stalls filled with local delicacies, cookies, lemang, not keep score, that family is the core of one’s existence Cheque and he handed cash envelopes to the students and ketupat and rendang spread along the edges of Zulkifli’s and come what may, relationships still matter a great deal! representatives of the schools which were recipients of residence. The crowd was spoilt for choice and helped Look for Footstool Players at: www.footstoolplayers.com the aid. themselves to what they preferred most – lemang and and on Facebook. rendang tok. While they feted, the police musical band entertained them with its repertiore of music and songs. TAIPING PEACE INITIATIVE 71st MICHAELIAN REUNION SYMPOSIUM ON LIFE

Pix by Ng Soon Keong, Sin Chew Daily Taiping

he Taiping Peace Initiative celebration was held in hey say a quiet reunion is not a reunion. True to the Tconjunction with the International Day of Peace at Tsaying, the Old Michaelian Association dinners held the Taiping Sentral Mall with an exhibition of posters annually are always boisterous affairs. and pictures, recently. Coordinator Beh Yang Toh called Each year, old Michaelians who had left 10, 25, 40 on people to work together to promote peace and raise and 50 years earlier are called on stage to receive their awareness on the goal of peace. OMA certificates from Brother Vincent Corkery. Attendees included the Honourary Advisor, the This year was no exception with one difference: there symposium on breast cancer, organised by Pantai Territorial Chief of Larut Matang and Selama Dato’ Seri were two ladies in the line up. Maureen Lim and Patricia Dr Hj Wan Mohamad Isa Bin Dato’ Seri Wan Ahmad, A Putri Hospital Ipoh, was held at Syuen Hotel on Oei who did their Form 6 at St Michaels, joined other old Saturday, October 2nd. Aptly named the ‘Ribbon of Life Taiping Member of Parliament YB Nga Kor Ming, state boys who had left 50 years ago. Noted in this lineup of old legislators, and the Polish ambassador to Malaysia, HE Symposium’ after its universal identity, the forum was boys was Michael Yeh and Noel D’Oliveiro. aimed at creating awareness in the public on the disease Eugeniusz Sawicki. Amongst the celebrants at the reunion were other old Dato’ Seri Dr Hj Wan Mohamad Isa Bin Dato’ which afflicts a good number of Malaysians. Participants, boys from the LaSallian institutions of St George Taiping, numbering over a hundred, included nurses, care-givers Seri Wan Ahmah said that individuals or groups should St Paul Seremban, St John Kuala Lumpur, St Xavier spare no effort in promoting the peace agenda, while and members of the public and NGOs. The symposium Penang and St Francis Malacca. is an extension of the campaign on heart diseases and the HE Eugeniusz Sawicki expressed willingness to become The 50s old boys later led the choir in singing the ambassador of peace for Taiping. on-going campaign on breast cancer. Discussions centred school song which literally shook the Red Crescent Hall on the forms of heart diseases and breast cancer, their CLUB’S SOCIAL NITE not once but three times. The night carried on with a impact on sufferers, detection and recovery methods. sing-along of golden oldies like ‘Congratulations’ and Stalls providing information relating to heart diseases and ‘Que Sera’. The old boys also sang ‘When Irish Eyes are breast cancer were set up in the hallway. This provided a Smiling’ for Brother Vincent. touch of gaiety to the whole show. Music for the night was contributed by old boy Joe Dr Dilshaad Ali, CEO Pantai Putri Hospital, Chin who has been playing at OMA dinners for several reassured the media that his hospital was committed to the years now. The old boys ended the annual event that night eradication of the disease and would, in the months ahead, in high spirits as only a good reunion can do. proceed with its awareness campaign in all districts in Perak. “It’s part of the hospital’s responsibility to society, FIRE DESTROYS CAR in particular Perakeans,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Pantai Putri Hospital will continue to provide mammogram tests at a discounted rate to all its walk-in customers. elab Bakti Gunong Kledang (KGBK) Ipoh, a Malay- staff of a banking institution in Ipoh had a rude shock based social club dedicated to the uplifting of the K when told that her car, parked at the Greentown Malay community, organised a social night at Clearwater A car park, was on fire. Chen Yoke Peng, 51, could do Sanctuary Golf Resort, Batu Gajah, recently. The event nothing to salvage her prized possession – a green Toyota was attended by a plethora of Malay luminaries, which Corrolla. “I came to know of the fire after the incident included former federal minister and MB of Kedah, Tan had happened”, she exclaimed. When she arrived at the Sri Sanusi Junid, and other ‘greats’ from the community. scene all she saw was a burnt-out shell of her once proud Among them was former CEO Putrajaya Holdings and possession. The fire was doused by members of the Fire current COO Northern Corridor Economic Region, Datuk and Rescue Department who rushed a fire engine to the Ir. Mohamad Othman Zainal Azim, who is also a member scene. Two other cars parked nearby were saved by the of KGBK. The club is now 32 years old and has grown timely arrival of the firemen. Fortunately, no lives were from strength to strength. It has been on the forefront of the lost. The owner of the private car park was unavailable local social scene by being a generous donor to charities for comment. Investigation is underway to determine the and the underprivileged. cause. 10 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper COMMUNITY NEWS MGS GRADUATION NIGHT

MATURE TREE CUT raduation Night – pinks. All came with their DOWN BY MBI GDisney Masquerade. masks adorned with se- This subject dominated quins and feathers. Some the minds of SMK (P) heart-attack-inducing out- Methodist students, for fits were the highlight of days before the grand oc- the night. Long trains and casion on October 2nd. shawls sent some unlucky Form 5 students scouted students sprawling and the streets of Ipoh and tripping but no casualties raided almost every bou- were reported. tique available. Some went When the girls were fi- shopping with friends, and nally allowed into the ball- some with their parents. room, they were greeted Who in their right mind by the committee members mature tree whose base diameter is about 4 feet was would deny the requests of who had dressed up as dif- A cut down by MBI along Jalan Hassan near Tarcisian the smiling, happy faces of ferent Disney characters. Convent School. Normally MBI men trim the branches the soon-to-be graduating There was a pirate, a mer- of trees along roadsides. However, in this case the tree young women? maid and not to mention was chopped down. I am not an arborist, but visually the When the night of the witch. The occasion October the 2nd descended, began with the customary stump looks healthy. There is so much talk of greening the 5 Finalists For Miss Graduation Night city; but in reality this is what happens. excitement filled the hearts speech from headmistress, The Mayor has been saying that no tree shall be cut of the Graduation Night Mrs Lee Hock Hin as she the event all the girls had of the Graduation Night without his approval and house owners are reminded committee members. The walked around the hall waited for… Graduation Queen, Liew Shi Yun – that they do not have the right to cut down mature trees heat was on, as they pre- greeting different students Night Queen Pageant! 20 Head Prefect of SMK (P) without the approval of MBI. Can MBI give valid reason pared the ballroom of and teachers. girls were selected by the Methodist Ipoh 2009. for chopping this tree? Tower Regency Hotel for After dinner, it was teachers as they assessed The Graduation Night A. JEYARAJ the event. After the final games time for the girls. them according to masks curtain fell at 10.30 p.m. preparations at around 7 They had to make the long- and costumes. After a se- and the Cinderellas were o’clock, a few early arriv- est paper chain, search for ries of tests, only 5 girls picked up by their respec- CAR PARK GETS A als were already waiting items in the scavenger hunt were chosen to enter the tive carriages. No dainty FACELIFT outside the ballroom. Half and construct stable straw finals. glass slippers were left an hour later, the corridor structures. As the girls The night ended with behind but everyone took outside the ballroom was settled down, the Form 4 the prize-giving ceremo- pleasant memories with flooded with colour. The committee members pre- ny to the girls who had them. girls made an entrance in sented their self-choreo- won the games played reds, blues, greens and graphed dance. Finally, earlier and crowning

SPEAKING UP poh Toastmasters Peter Bucher (Pak Peter) IInternational which of Ipoh Toastmasters sponsored SMK Gunong International, was aimed Rapat Gavel Club, played at instilling confidence in host to visitors from the student members to Toastmasters District 51 of speak in public in English. he car park for the public in Hospital Raja Permaisuri Penang recently. The visit Presently, there is only one TBainun (Ipoh General Hospital) has been tarred with coincided with the club’s Gavel Club operational gradient to enable rain water to flow away. Directions and monthly speechcraft pro- in Ipoh. The Ipoh chapter parking bays are properly painted. Previously the parking gramme. The student mem- hopes to have more such area consisted of gravel, sand, mud, stones and concrete bers displayed their oratory clubs to spread the gospel slabs with plenty of potholes. After a shower the whole skills, presenting topics in but is hampered by finan- area became soggy with pools of water. the English language. The cial and personnel con- The public is grateful to the authorities for upgrading programme, initiated by straints. the car park. Culprits who park their cars indiscriminately must be fined. All law abiding citizens would support this. A. JEYARAJ THE FAIR PARK TRAGEDY Could we have prevented it?

he tragedy of two four vehicles that were Tpeople being buried waiting at the traffic lights. in their car while waiting The row of shop houses at a traffic light along Fair was located on a double- Park Road has certainly lane road 50 metres before got Ipoh town folks asking the traffic lights. questions about safety and In view of the trag- the right of citizenry for edy, following so soon basic protection from mis- after the collapse of the The collapsed shop lots haps of this nature. Jaya Supermarket incident ing proactive enough and ments are being compiled In the incident which in Kuala Lumpur in May, stringent in their inspec- let us hope that their find- happened on October 2nd which was also undergo- tions of demolition and ings from this tragedy will around 10 p.m., a row of ing demolition, the local construction sites. help prevent further mis- shop houses undergoing authorities will have to ask While all the reports haps in the future. demolition collapsed on themselves if they are be- from the relevant depart- To Advertise Call: Ramesh Kumar 016 5531 092 Your Community Newspaper IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31, 2009 11 KAMPONG TALES GARBING THE GAZEBO By YUSUF MARTIN locusts. spare 60 lengths of attap, gazebo, and that we need- This annual titivation but no more. ed twice as many as we does not stop at the mere Makcik was working had thought – so, back we enhancement of human flat out (for her) to fulfil trotted to Makcik. anatomy. Dowdy houses a large order – intended Makcik sat squat- are cleansed until they for the Semai villagers in ting on a small wooden ping, as are husbands, and Sahom, who, seemingly, no stool, attap in hand. She a general tidying atmos- longer make their own at- carefully explained that phere envelopes residents tap roofing, and for which no amount of extra finan- as time inevitably slides they had already paid. cial inducement would be towards the feasting days We employed two lo- able to make her part with imilar to many other of Raya. rapidly becoming a dying about re-thatching the ga- cal enthusiastic and ener- the attap lengths she had Scultures, there is a Inexorably caught in art in rural Perak. Too many zebo roof. They declined, getic boys to strip off the promised to the Semai vil- local tradition concern- the spring-cleaning furore, fresh faced young people, intimating that they had no old, tattered, attap and to lagers, and, as Raya was ing the buying and wear- we endeavoured to take desirous of complex hand readymade attap sections. begin renovating our ga- approaching, she would ing of new clothes dur- a second, and then a long phones and ever-newer In desperation, we zebo with the fresh, newly not be making any extra ing the Ramadan period, startled third look at our cars, prefer to work in visited the contractor of woven attap. It was only until after the holidays. We no doubt for the ultimate sieve-like gazebo. Noting factories, call centres or a local rainforest retreat, when the boys started on were crestfallen. glorification of man and the increasingly tatty whatever employment they with wooden holiday lodg- the second side that we re- First Raya came, as beautification of woman nature of the gazebo roof, can discover to help them es roofed in attap, close alised that our attap lengths did our guests. at Ramadan’s conclusion – in our wisdom, we vowed exist in the city, rather than to Gopeng, – but no luck. were too short. The boys The gazebo remained the wondrously celebrative to make amends and sought learn the inherent beauty Eventually, after much had to use twice as many half dressed, waiting for Raya. out a weaver of attap, to of traditional crafts. pleading, the retreat man- lengths on each side. Then the energetic boys to re- Graciously, and in the return our garden retreat to There are fewer and ager referred us back to we came to the dawning re- turn, and waiting for utmost earnest, Ma, Pa, its former halcyon glory. fewer craft makers, with a woman we had already alisation that sixty lengths Makcik to weave the re- Abalong, Abangah and This endeavour proved only the aging older gen- approached – a Makcik were only going to cover maining lengths of attap. Adik troll off to the local to be slightly more difficult erations practising those known for her meticulous- two sides of our four-sided boutiques and, after many than we might have specific arts and trades. In ly methodical, but labori- false starts gain fresh at- imagined. This is despite a very short space of time ously slow work. tire. Refreshed and revi- the obvious fact that we the makers, and the crafts Girding what may Yusuf Martin is an Englishman, now snugly settled talised, they then reappear are ensconced in the rural they and they alone hold or may not have been our in the kampong bosom of Perak. bedecked in all their haute splendour of the Perakean the secrets to, will be gone, loins, we re-visited the in- His writings can be found in The Expat, Senses couture grandeur to balik countryside and, in our and part of the national dustrious Makcik, careful- of Malaysia, The Malaysian Insider (online) and his kampong, in the season; imaginings, potentially cultural heritage will die ly counting the damaged various blogs on the internet. descending upon their surrounded by numerous with them. attap before departure, and His short stories and essays have been pub- relatives to consume the makers of a myriad crafts. So, jumping into our settled on a figure of 60 lished in anthology volumes by publishers such as sumptuous fare provided, In our innocent city- aging jeep, we travelled lengths of attap – fifteen Silverfish, MPH and Matahari, while his voice has and arrive in their truck- eyed naiveté, what we the winding old road to per side. Luckily, and to been heard on BFM radio and his girth witnessed loads devouring all in their could not have known Sahom, to talk to the resi- our immense joy and de- on NTV7. path, like carousing human was that attap weaving is dent Semai kampong men light, Makcik was able to

ADVENTURE by ISTA KYRA SHARMUGAM GOPENG WHITE WATER RAFTING ust 26 km from Ipoh as compared to the usual Jcity, tucked away in time of about two and a the quiet town of Gopeng, half hours. lay a little adventure in the form of a rushing river and Tips for White Water mystical caves that were Rafting In Gopeng once proud communist You’re going to get soaking conquered hideouts. wet, sandy and muddy so: It was an easy 30- 1) Opt for well-worn com- minute drive via the North- fortable shoes. South PLUS highway 2) Wear comfortable and to Gopeng, then another unrestricting attire to ease 15 minutes drive along a physical movement. curvy, narrow road, guid- 3) Wear your spectacles ed by strategically placed instead of contact lenses to signboards that led to avoid contamination from Adeline’s Rest House. the river water. Adeline Kuo, 49, 4) A towel and fresh founded the place in 2004, White water rafting down the Kampar River Bamboo huts made by the Orang Asli change of clothing would in efforts to help the Orang keep you from freezing af- Asli or indigenous people first aid training which he eat some sand, but if you route. One of the very first it was difficult to swim ter the river ride. that lived in the nearby claims is renewed every keep your calm and resist rapids occurred along a bro- across without getting 5) Leave your hand village, Ulu Geruntum and three years. panic, you are most likely ken dam. We were required pulled away by the current. phones and wallets and Ulu Guruh. After a short briefing to float and be rescued”. to row our way through the The only way to withstand other valuable items in the “All our huts are made on the regular safety meas- Before we got on the powerful flows which did the current is to stand up in car; although you may be of bamboo and built by the ures, J summed it in two raft, an inflatable boat, we little to ease our efforts in the river. provided with a waterproof Orang Asli in the area”, words. dunked ourselves in the directing the boat. The tall- Owing to the strong bag, the method is not fool- said Adeline’s son, Ian “Don’t panic.” icy cold water to get ‘com- est and highest rapid is at currents we completed our proof. Lean, 22. “We built the For those who cannot fortable’ as well as over- 3 metres, nicknamed the trip in one and a half hours huts one by one over five swim, the experience of come the sudden shock at ‘Double Decker’ was quite years, and today we have falling into the strong cur- the unfamiliarity of falling frightening as the raft tilt- about 16 huts that can rent might sound terrify- overboard. ed almost vertically down IPOH house up to 150 people at ing. As J puts it, “You may There are altogether the river. One stretch aptly echoYour Community Newspaper a time”, he added. swallow some water and 15 rapids along our rafting named ‘Triple Pleasure’ in- We are the Voice OF, FOR and BY the community. The great river is volves three rapids in close Encouraging the use of English for communication. Sungai Kampar, and the hite water rafting with Adeline costs succession which gave the rafting is approximately ride a roller-coaster thrill. WRM150 per person while cave exploration I had the ‘good fortune’ of e need your participation to be successful. seven to eight kilometres is at RM30 per person. Adeline’s rest house also WWrite in, call us, send us your public down the length of the riv- being thrown overboard service announcements and give us feedback. er. Adeline’s main guide, has packages for a two days and one night stay. in the white water twice, As our paper is distributed FREE, we need your Jamahuri Ahmad Japilos, The first package which includes breakfast as however, apart from little ads to defray costs. Please support us with your well as a three-course meal of lunch and dinner bumps and bruises; I sur- advertising. 27, or ‘J’ as he prefers to Advertising: Ramesh: be called, has five years is priced at RM98 per person. If you prefer a vived and emerged from 016 5531092 or 05 2495936 experience as a guide in five-course meal for lunch and dinner the price the experience a happy Editorial: Veronica: the area. According to J, is RM118 per person while the largest package camper. 05 2495937 there are three guides with where lunch is a six-course meal and dinner is At a spot where the Adeline who are certi- eight courses with barbecue and bamboo soup is river was calmer, J allowed fied in Cardiopulmonary priced at RM138 per person. us to swim and frolic. The Resuscitation (CPR) and current was strong and 12 IPOH ECHO OCTOBER 16-31 2009 Your Community Newspaper

MY SAY JOINT EFFORT NEEDED TO COMBAT DENGUE Don’t Just Fine Households, Punish Local Authorities Too “Dengue is endemic to Malaysia. The number of Malaysians infected with dengue and succumbing to it is much higher than influenza A (H1N1)” by ter in public places where JERRY FRANCIS aedes are found. There must be no practice of his is the message the double-standards when TMinistry of Health is combating dengue. passing on to the public as a warning during the rainy season. There are over 30,600 cases, with about 70 deaths, in the country since January 1st to last month. Perak alone has about 2,430 cases, mak- Aren’t these items, including discarded toilet bowls, An illegal rubbish dump in the so-called affluent area ing the state the third high- contributing to breeding aedes mosquitoes?Who is of Ipoh Garden est after Selangor and the responsible for their removal? Federal Territories of Kuala on seeing me armed with evidence of the authorities’ breeding mosquitoes. Even the move to set Lumpur and Putrajaya. failure to enforce health Any effort directed at up task force teams in eve- The number of cases a camera, walked away embarrassed, without ar- regulations or clear clogged fighting dengue must have ry district in the state on nationwide is expected to drains and ensuring pools everyone – residents, local a search and destroy mis- increase by the end of the gument. The fact that these il- of stagnant water, particu- authorities and relevant de- sion of mosquito breed- year. Yet, how many of us larly at construction sites partments – put their hearts ing grounds can only be will take the warning seri- legal rubbish dumps are breeding grounds for aedes and at abandoned build- and minds together to effective if the people are ously? ings and vacant premises, show their serious intent. vigilant. Generally, Malaysians mosquitoes are not their concern. Yet, they will are cleared. They need to Otherwise, no matter how And, while owners of are very complacent. They show a good example by many anti-dengue cam- premises are being fined are not concerned until readily blame the local authorities whenever there carrying out their responsi- paigns are held or how big for allowing aedes to be they or their loved ones are bilities before conducting the increase in fines against bred in their compounds, affected. What has been is an outbreak of disease in their areas. They failed house-to-house inspections premises found breeding the local authorities too troubling me is to see resi- for mosquito breeding aedes, there will be very should be punished if they dents in a neighbourhood to realise that a mosquito- borne disease, such as den- grounds and impose fines little impact to effectively fail to clear clogged drains feel that as long as rub- on those households found control the disease. and ponds of stagnant wa- bish is not thrown in their gue, can reach their neigh- vicinities, they and their bourhoods too. families are safe. The people must re- PSPA MASQUERADE PARTY As a result many of alise that their health and them are seen daily throw- environment are vital. Studio passionately ing rubbish outside their Therefore, if residents take performed by Derek housing estates and cre- care of their surroundings, Yeap and Ng Jing ating over 20,000 illegal everyone will be living in a Wen and the Salsa dumping grounds within cleaner and healthier envi- sizzled with Gerald Ipoh City. ronment. Goh and Jessica Even those in the af- Of course, the rel- Lee. fluent areas have been seen evant health enforcement Drama was pro- dumping rubbish indis- agencies and local authori- vided by Charles criminately. I had person- ties are not completely Pooley as the Phantom lar fashion show of wed- ally confronted two resi- innocent. They too have of the Opera as he danced ding gowns as the audience dents disposing rubbish at their weaknesses. I could he Perak Society staged a ‘Spectacular with Natalie Yeoh as oohed and aahed at the an illegal dump, and who take scores of snapshots as Tof Performing Arts Masquerade Party’ at Christine. The PSPA sing- wonderful display of haute Casuarina Impiana Hotel ers brought their melliflu- couture from The Wedding recently. It was a fun filled ous voices to the party with Station paraded by ‘Miss and action packed evening Shu Wern Sze and Gavin Malaysia Models’. A bit and not a minute passed Tang singing ‘The Prayer’ of whimsy had the audi- without an exciting pres- and Alan Low and Sylvia ence sit up when a model entation, broadway show, Wong performing ‘What I showed a wedding gown mask competition, singing did For Love’. made up of small balloons and dancing. The Mask Competition (see pix below). A broadway perform- was won by Rachel DJ and Emcee K.T. ance of CATS was present- Deacon, a student at the Pillai kept the banter lively ed by City Ballet Academy International School, with and guests danced the night followed by Latin dances strong competition from 9 away to the invigorating from My Dancesport other finalists. beat of DJ Pillai and the The highlight of the music machine. Well done evening was the spectacu- PSPA!