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Living Costs: UP! UP! and AWAY! By Ili Aqilah

sk any Malaysian and they will agree that the hike in prices on groceries and GST charges are two primary factors that create hardships in their lives. Before Athe implementation of GST, dining out used to be cheaper but nowadays, some restaurants would even charge GST on each menu item and when the bill comes, pay a further 10 per cent for service. Many now opt to cook at home, buying raw materials such as meat, vegetables and seafood at the market. While this certainly saves money, it is hard to deny how much the prices on groceries have increased over the years. Hence the question remains, with the rising cost of living, how much can we save? Continued on page 2 1001 SIDES OF IPOH nown fondly as the “Town That Tin Built”, Ipoh has its origins from the booming tin outcrops believed to be trade of the 1880s. From a humble beginning Ipoh has transformed into a bustling over 250 million years Kmetropolis bursting at its seams. The town was accorded city status in May 1988 and old. The more popular from thence there was no looking back. ones are the Kek Look Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel portal, has accredited Ipoh as the 6th most Tong Cave, Tambun Cave preferred destination to visit in Asia. and Sam Poh Tong Cave. The fourth biggest city in , Ipoh is famous for its unique limestone caves and Ipoh is noted for its heritage setting. The city’s 45 historical buildings, built during the British colonial era, are a sight to behold. The Ipoh Railway Station, one the biggest, is nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Malaysia”. The ideal way to experience this nostalgia is by taking a trip, either on foot or on bicycle, along the city’s heritage trail. It will take you through Old Town passing by some historical buildings and sites. And while you feast your eyes, don’t miss out on the exciting range of menus from over 50 hipster cafes dotting the city. With their unique concepts and reasonably-priced food, it is little wonder why Ipoh is regarded as a food haven. Drop by Gerbang Malam (night flea market), Kong Heng Square or Concubine Lane for some creative souvenirs. On weekends, check out Pasar Karat (Memory Lane) for a wide range of collectibles. Then head over to Little India, another shopping paradise, for some more excitement. Lost World of Tambun, a one-of-a-kind water theme park, is filled with natural hot springs. It boasts a sandy beach complete with rolling waves. The park’s mini zoo is the perfect place to view animals endemic to this region. Your visit to Ipoh will not be complete without sipping the now renowned Ipoh white coffee, a traditional beverage with a slight twist. And before leaving don’t forget to buy some Tambun pomelos, the best citrus fruit this side of the world. 2 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

Ringgit’s Drop – Everyone’s Worst Nightmare

ccording to Bloomberg Market’s website I would look for the brand I favour, look at the price and reports, on November 2016 the Malaysian then compare. With the bad economy we are facing today, Ringgit value dropped to its lowest since I just settle for cheaper brands. I wouldn’t mind buying in A bulk if it is cheaper,” said Felicia, 35. 1998. There are many reasons that contributed to the drop including the recent U.S. election, where Donald Back in 2015, the Minister for Agriculture and Agro- Trump was elected the 45th president after Barack based Industry, Datuk Seri advised Obama and also the alleged 1MDB scandal that everyone to consider urban farming due to the increasing involved some top people in the corridors of power. cost of living. In fact, back in March 2014, the government How does the drop in value of the Ringgit affect allocated a RM1 million fund to launch the urban farming grocery items? With the weakened value of the project and received over 5000 participants. The urban Ringgit, there are higher import costs. Retail sectors farming project is about having your own vegetable and such as restaurants, fashion boutiques, furniture stores, herb garden in confined places; fit for those who are living electrical and electronic goods and grocery stores are in small houses or apartments. Growing plants in pots or directly affected. recycled containers would address space constraints. Natasha Gideon Syahirah Sazeli Another option to consider is to plan your finances. Property Take Syahirah Sazeli, 28, for example. While studying as Aside from daily items, property prices also face the a postgrad student at a local university in Ipoh, Syahirah same issues, if not in a worse way. The prices can’t go up so high because the majority makes sure that everyday, she does not spent more than RM15 on meals. buyers are locals who are struggling with limited disposable income. While interested “Although my scholarship has helped me, I also work as a part-time teacher at a local property buyers are looking for affordable housing, say RM400k, developers are tuition centre. I don’t earn much, so I have to make sure that I get my finances in control. mainly pushing out properties worth RM500k to RM700k. I rarely go to fancy places for dining nor would I buy new clothes. I always go for cheaper “It is affecting the market. Banks are tightening their loans so property sales are meals and frankly, I prefer buying clothes at ‘bundles’ shops because most of the items slower. However, buyers should take advantage of the purchasing power they have now. are not only in good condition but also cheaper. Why would I spend more when I can go Do your research and go for developer packages as they have rebates and freebies. It is for less?” added Syahirah. definitely better to buy now because once the economy goes back to being slightly more stable, you will miss out on all these deals and such,” said Natasha Gideon, 27, a real Is Ipoh Still a Cheap City to Live in? estate negotiator at Zerin Properties. Although Ipoh isn’t as busy as , the cost of living is definitely getting Natasha added that the dropped value of the Ringgit has different effects for different higher. Food prices aren’t as cheap as it was before and this goes for all kinds of food investors. While some are buying because they have stronger currencies, many are still including signature local dishes such as curry noodles and white coffee. Yong Tau Foo sceptical about the property market. The price hike may not affect local buyers like can cost from 70 sen to RM1 per piece and your favourite kueh can cost 50 sen to 90 sen middle income earners but are affecting commercial properties. per piece. Although there are still shops that retain their prices, it is definitely harder to find them these days. Of course, the food is cheaper compared to Kuala Lumpur but the Same Items, Different Prices price is slowly increasing. The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism has listed out 22 goods In terms of the property field, there are still reasonable prices for buyers who are under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Among items on the list are: sugar, salt, cooking considering purchasing an asset or two. With Uber and GrabCar in Ipoh, hopefully the oil, wheat flour, chicken, diesel oil, petrol motor spirit and motor gasoline of all grades. cost of public transportation will be cheaper. Under this act, retailers must follow the control prices set by the ministry or they may With the bad economy and price hikes, it is definitely getting harder to maintain a have to pay a fine and even face getting jailed. comfortable lifestyle. Involved parties need to work hard to restore the Ringgit value in While nothing much can be done for controlled items, how about items that are not order to lower the cost of living. Until then, there isn’t much that we can do but to earn on the list? Such as rice, condiments, milk and vegetables? A visit to three grocery stores more, save more and be wiser when spending our hard-earned money. in Ipoh showed different stores are selling the same items at different prices. For example, 510g Adabi Oyster sauce is being sold between RM5.90 to RM6.09 and Sunwhite’s 5kg AAA Special Jasmine Fragrance Rice is priced from RM30.99 to RM32.50. The gap between these prices, although not big, can still have negative effects over the long term and since they are not controlled goods, will the price increase more? “My two children are staying with me, so I usually allocate RM50 a week for groceries. Before this, with RM50, I can get my veggies, chicken and fish and still have some balance. But now, RM50 is barely enough to even just buy vegetables,” said Mages Suppamah, 64. Mages, a housewife, buys her groceries daily at the wet market and night market. Mages believes that items at supermarkets could cost more than she can afford. As for former teacher, Hasnizah Jalaluddin, 55, her monthly pension allowance, is now not enough due to the groceries price hike. “There are four of us at home. I’m in charge of buying groceries. I spend RM300 to RM400 a month just for groceries. My family and I only eat twice a day, breakfast and dinner and when we do go out, it would cost roughly RM60 to RM80. I do receive a pension, but with the price hike, it’s impossible to make ends meet,” added Hasnizah. Sixty-six-year-old Ah Sau, a housewife, is frustrated by the incessant price hike for daily necessities and commodities. “For instance, the 12-kg tank of cooking gas used to be just RM12, now it is RM28! Toiletries such as hair shampoo and sanitary products have also risen in cost. Even though the elderly like us opt for low sugar in everything we consume, we are still paying more every year for the same cup of coffee at the hawker centre! Plus, the fact that the value of our ringgit is shrinking, exacerbates the situation,” she lamented. Feeling the pinch, her family of four uses everything sparingly, prioritising necessity over desire. “A penny saved is a penny earned,” she quipped. Options to Save With grocery prices getting higher and higher, it is hard to be choosy. Hence many have devised little tips and tricks to save. “For me, I would go for promotional items. When buying goods at the supermarket, Customers buying groceries at Ipoh Central Market Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 3 IPOH echoecho From The SO IT’S OKAY TO MARRY RAPISTS Editor’s Desk For someone who has been raised in a male-dominated environment, changing his mindset is definitely difficult. melatah (Malay for unintelligent babbling). Perhaps he is one big babbler like some of his senile and over-the-moon mak ciks (aunties) in . Come on, Shabudin we are not some kampong hillbillies whose IQ is on par with you. Stop patronising us and start treating us as equals and By Fathol Zaman Bukhari with a modicum of dignity. The problem with some parliamentarians, on both sides of the political divide is, they still consider the rakyat as cannon almost hit the roof on hearing fodder to be used as and when it suits their fancy. Datuk Shabudin Yahaya’s Allow me to delve a little on Shabudin’s less-than-civil view about rape rationale about rape victims victims. It has much to do with the paternalistic Asian values and traditions, I of which are a party. I was raised in such an environment and marrying their perpetrators to reduce social evil. The Member my conclusions are never far from the truth. Within the Malay community, of Parliament for Tasek Gelugor, and other Asiatic communities, women are considered inferior and are and an Umno bigwig seldom taken seriously. must be in his element (delirious My late father had constantly reminded my mother and my three sisters is more appropriate) when he made that they “are only to be seen and not to be heard”. Women’s role is to bear this startling revelation during the debate on the Child Sexual Offences against Children children and to serve the needs of the men folks. “Their inherent physical and mental Bill at the on Tuesday, April 4. “The future of rape victims is not bleak if weaknesses are their undoing,” said my ustaz (religious teacher). And since this is being they are married to their rapists,” he remarked. repeatedly drummed into our heads, it soon becomes the truth. Shabudin’s simplistic reasoning may have to do with his background and upbringing. “A lie told once remains a lie but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth,” said Being a former syariah court judge he must have arbitrated such cases in his court and Joseph Goebbels. Hitler’s propaganda minister knew what he was talking about. had passed such judgment. In spite of his stature as an MP and a former syariah court For someone who has been raised in a male-dominated environment changing his judge, my impression of him is of someone who is lacking in imagination and intellect. mindset is definitely difficult. This is how the MP for Tasek Gelugor thinks and feels and A misogynistic dreamer perhaps, one who believes that women are second-class citizens that explains why he made such a statement when debating the Sexual Offences against by all reckoning. Children Bill. To Shabudin’s closed mind, it’s perfectly fine for a rape victim to marry I feel he is better off tending to his dwindling rubber plot in Tasek Gelugor than the rapist as it is a form of salvation. It is a way to resolve social problems afflicting the priding himself in being a lawmaker rubbing shoulders with the country’s who’s who in Malay Muslim community, he insisted. Parliament House. The bill was eventually passed. The inclusion of a clause making But like any other politicians, worthy of their salt, Shabudin was quick to dismiss unlawful was rejected for reasons of expedience. The legal age for marriage in Malaysia the allegation as something trivial. He told reporters the following day, Wednesday, April is 21 years old without parents’ consent and 18 years with parents’ consent while the legal 5, that he was being misquoted by the media. “My statement was taken out of context,” age of consent is 16 years old. he retorted. He had the gumption to claim that the media report was “inaccurate and On another note: I refer to Mariam Mokthar’s piece titled, “Ipoh’s Station Hotel to be misleading and borders on fake news”. Since Donald Trump raised the issue of fake news given a New Lease” in Ipoh Echo Issue 255. Those who think that such a development relating to public turnout at his inauguration ceremony on January 20 in Washington, the would take place should have a good look at the date of the issue. It’s April 1. You know phrase, “fake news”, is on the lips of many who feel they are being wrongly quoted or what that day denotes. represented. Isn’t Shabudin aware that parliamentary proceedings are being recorded in the EYE HEALTH — Preparing for Cataract Surgery house’s Hansard? Transcripts and video clips are available for viewing on request. He must be foolish to think that the rakyat, like him, have poor memory and are prone to Ipoh Echo’s EYE HEALTH series continues with Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr S.S. GILL talking to us about things to be done before you go for cataract surgery. t is always helpful to begin preparing for the day of your cataract surgery ahead of time in order to make the expe- Irience less stressful. A checklist that you may find helpful might include the following: Dr. S.S. Gill REVIEW YOUR MEDICATIONS Resident Consultant ALWAYS provide a detailed list of all medications one week Ophthalmologist, before surgery as some of these may need to be adjusted. Hospital Fatimah Never withhold information on any medication or medical problems that you may be having. If you are on medication to reduce blood clotting (antiplatelet medication) you may be required to stop taking them several days prior to cataract surgery. Generally, cataract surgery is bloodless but in some instances adjustments may still need to be made for some medication. Also, with diabetic medication, the dose on the morning of the surgery may be omitted by your doctor if you have been told to fast prior to surgery. If you are hypertensive, you will still need to take all your antihypertensive medications on the day of surgery. Do not stop taking these medications unless instructed. ARRANGE TIME AWAY FROM WORK You may need a few days or perhaps even a few weeks off work after surgery depending on the nature of your job. This would be especially so if you have a demanding job or you work in an environment that is dusty or hot. Sorting this time away from work before going for surgery takes away unnecessary stress. ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORT Arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital on the day of your cataract surgery. This should include transport arrangements on the day after your surgery too as you will need to go back to be examined on the first post-operative day. EATING AND DRINKING Pay special attention to any special instructions given regarding meals on the morning before surgery. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to your surgery. Depending on the type of anaesthesia planned, you may be instructed to eat a light breakfast or be fasting before coming to the hospital. HYGIENE On the day of the cataract surgery, your face should be free from makeup, eyeliners, cosmetics, ‘pottu’ or powders of any kind. You should also have a thorough hair-wash and shower on the morning of surgery. Wash your face well with a mild soap.

For more information, please call Gill Eye Specialist Centre, Hospital Fatimah 05-5455582 or email [email protected] 4 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community PUBLISHER Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) Will parents act only after their 153 Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Darul Ridzuan. Email: editorial@ipohecho. unlicensed teenage-driver kills? com.my THINKING EDITORIAL n March 24, a 16- Fathol Zaman Bukhari year-old girl from G. Sivapragasam OKuala Nerang in ALLOWED , took her father's car GRAPHIC DESIGN by Mariam Mokhtar Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali for a spin, invited a friend Luqman Hakim Md Radzi to accompany her and a few minutes later, she was Alam took his sister's car without MARKETING & involved in a crash, which telling her, and he was shot dead DISTRIBUTION killed a motorcyclist. having been mistaken for a robber. MANAGER He was only 14 and his crime did Deanna Lim On March 28, JPJ staff visited 36 schools not warrant being shot. REPORTERS throughout Malaysia to In Malaysia, laws are flouted all Ili Aqilah Yus Amirul tell students about their the time, but in a population of 30 Tan Mei Kuan million, it is shocking that we have Nabilah Hamudin road safety campaign. I Leanne Tan am not suggesting that around 7 million unlicensed drivers. their four-day safety They are a danger to themselves, PERMISSION AND RE- campaign was prompted and pose a risk to other road users. PRINTS by the Kuala Nerang When will parents teach their Materials in Ipoh Echo children the traffic rules? If a child may not be reproduced accident; but it comes in any form without the at a time when parents Pic from wants to ride the family vehicle on a written permission of the need to take stock of their public road, then the parent should publisher. children's irresponsible pay for the child to learn to drive and pass a test. It is not good enough merely to obtain a licence; the vehicles must also be PRINTER acts on public roads. Ultimate Print Sdn. Bhd., At a community outreach programme, in Chemor, roadworthy and have insurance coverage. Lot 2, Jalan Sepana 15/3, on April 3, the JPJ director-general, Nadzri Siron, denied As events have shown, parents appear to be unable to control their children, or know Off Persiaran , what their children get up to, and have children who appear not to think it necessary to Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah reports that JPJ was issuing summonses to students who Alam, Selangor. had broken traffic laws purely as a way for the department ask for permission to use their parents' vehicles. to make money. On the contrary, he claimed that the If we want out roads to be safer, then parents have to do their bit at home. A lot of safety campaign was to teach students, most of whom lives could have been saved, if the parents had provided a bit more discipline for their were motorcyclists, to respect traffic laws. children. Nadzri claimed that 3642 motorcycles were checked USEFUL by the JPJ, and that teenage motorcyclists were responsible Source:http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/26/please-forgive-my-child- CONTACTS for 2450 offences. dad-pleads-to-family-of-woman-killed-in-crash/ Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah He said that the majority (764) of the offences were (IPD): committed by students who did not have valid licences, Dr Lee Mun Toong 05 2451 072 (CCC) ABOUT LASIK Consultant Eye Specialist Surgeon KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital 05-2451500 (District) and 346 students had failed to wear helmets when riding 05 2451 222 (Operator) their motorbikes. 999 (emergency) The other serious offences were committed by Goodbye to Glasses with Femto LASIK Ipoh General Hospital: underage motorbike riders, students with expired road poh Echo spoke to Yap Siew Fong, a 37-year-old lady, who 05-208 5000 underwent the Femto LASIK laser surgery back in February 993 (emergency) tax, students who did not have insurance and students Ipoh Fire Brigade whose vehicles had been modified. I2010. 05-547 4444/994 During the community meeting, Nadzri said that “Before the treatment, I was extremely short-sighted since (emergency) I was 5 years old. I have a thin cornea thus I could not see Perak Immigration Dept his department had also issued 1349 notices to meet the 05-5017100 parents of the students who had violated traffic rules. His very distant objects. My lens power was very high (-13.00D). It Perak Water Board aim was to advise the parents to teach their children about hindered my participation in sports such as swimming or playing 05-254 6161 the traffic rules and regulations. badminton. Plus, my eyes felt strained all the time and my 1800-88-7788 Two years ago, the Transport Minister, Liow Tiong spectacles felt heavy,” Yap said. Ipoh City Council Dr Lee Mun Toong, consultant eye specialist surgeon at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hotline: 05-255 1515 Lai, launched the MyLesen initiative at the Surfine Hitech General: 05-208 3333 driving institute and told reporters that the government Hospital, performed the procedure on her in Feb 2010. Perak Anti-Corruption was keen to encourage the 6.7 million unlicensed drivers “I was amazed that the laser treatment lasted only for a few seconds and it Agency: 05-526 7000 was almost painless as well as blade-less. After screening my eye, I was ready and motorcyclists, to obtain valid driving licences. State Secretariat for the treatment. There was no long a waiting list so it was done the next day. 05-253 1957 Liow said that the statistics from 2014 showed there Post-surgery, there were a few free of charge Railway Station were around 14.2 million licensed drivers and riders in follow-up treatments to check on my eye for 05-254 7910 Malaysia and that each year, around 600,000 new driving Airport: 05-318 8202 my recovery process,” Yap explained. The eye Registration Department licences were issued. screening process was also free of charge as 05-528 8805 He said that 43% of motorcyclists who did not possess well. Tenaga Nasional Berhad a valid licence, were under 26 years old and potentially Before the existence of Femto LASIK, the 05-208 8000 posed the most serious risk to themselves and others. Directory Service: 103 older procedure uses the conventional blade Perak Women for Women Liow said that between 2010 and 2012, police and it drove away patients due to their fear of Society statistics showed that unlicensed motorcyclists accounted prickling pain, slower recovery and possibility 05-546 9715 (office) for 32% of road deaths and 27% of serious injuries. AA Ipoh flap complication. With Femto LASIK coming 019-574 3572 So, is the Kuala Nerang accident last month, a wake- into KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, it has been 017-350 8361 up call for parents? Is it just another accident involving drawing in a steady increase of patients opting teenage unlicensed drivers on Malaysian roads? for the procedure thanks to its attractive aspects Is the Johore Baru accident in February, involving of being almost painless and patients can say teen race-bikers another wake-up call for parents to goodbye to their spectacles immediately post- To Advertise discipline their children, or have modern-day parents procedure for most cases. abandoned their parental responsibilities? With her now corrected vision over IPOH In the Kuala Nerang accident, the motorcyclist's body the past 7 years, Yap does not need to put echoecho and her machine were dragged for 21m before the car, on spectacles anymore which is a great victim and motorcycle ended up in a ditch. The 65-year- convenience. “I can do everything now!” she old victim left behind a husband and six children. She was shared. killed on the spot. What does it feel like undergoing the Femto LASIK for the first time and being The teenager's father claimed that his daughter had completely awake throughout the whole procedure? This is what Yap had to say: not previously driven his car, and he said that he did not “Initially, I was nervous, facing all these modern machines. But it was done really know why she had taken it without his permission. fast and smoothly. During that day, (also my birthday!) Dr Lee was a comforting Sadly, the teenager is among the millions of people presence and the team did their best to assist me. in Malaysia, who drive without a valid licence. She can't “I trust and have confidence in Dr Lee. Hence, I would definitely recommend have one yet, as she is too young to drive legally. him to my family and friends,” she concluded. This 16-year-old is one of many children who Femto LASIK costs RM2999 per eye. Deanna Lim regularly drive without a license. Can they pretend not For more information, readers can call Lee Eye Specialist 05 254 4388 or email at to know anything about the laws of the country? Do their [email protected]. Also visit their Facebook page: LASIK Services at 016 501 7339 parents not advise them? KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital. A few years ago, Aminulrasyid Amzah from Shah Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm (Mondays to Fridays), 8.30am-1pm (Saturdays). Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 5

ON IPOH SeeFoon Hots Up Her Life FOOD Pictures by Tan Mei Kuan By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen [email protected]

iving in Malaysia, we are all used to spicy foods, with each type of cuisine from Malay to Indian and occasionally Chinese (as in LSzechuan) varying the degree of ‘hotness’ according to the regional preference. Malay and Indian dishes are often tempered with a mixture of herbs and spices which tone down the fiery factor considerably but Thai food when it’s hot, it’s really hot. As a group of us discovered recently at Lanna Thai, the new restaurant in Ipoh Garden East (opened in June 2016). With tears streaming down her eyes, Mei Kuan bravely soldiered on, all the while gulping gallons of water. I am a chilli eater and it wasn’t a problem for me. But even then the Thai bird’s eye chillies can occasionally make me hold my breath. Readers can relax though as you can request for the degree of intensity in the dishes when you order. I stipulated no sugar and no MSG which to my delight, the kitchen complied and I found myself in bliss land a’la Bangkok. The whole crew from the kitchen and serving staff are all Thai, a relative of the owner Pim who is married to an Ipohite. Hence the sweet touch in all their dishes which in Thailand is a common trend as the Thais love their sugar. On to the dishes. The s u b s t a n t i a l menu is a thick rolodex with pictures. All my Thai f a v o u r i t e s were there as I proceeded to order up a storm. Echo team to share. We began with The final salad to arrive was the four- the green papaya salad, angled bean salad tossed in a different sauce Som Tum with salted egg. The normal papaya this time. The beans were cut into small salad is usually just papaya with garlic, tomatoes, pieces and combined with minced pork peanuts, and some long beans tossed in a with thick coconut cream drizzled on top wooden mortar and pestle with palm sugar, fish and served with boiled egg – RM15. sauce, some dried prawns and lime juice. This is And just as we were getting satiated, an ubiquitous specialty which you see on many a along came the pièce de résistance which sidewalk in Bangkok and many a Thai ladies’ favourite was the Hor Mok. Similar to our otak- diet food. The addition of salted egg lifted it to another level, otak, the Thai version is inimitable and the lending another layer of taste and texture to the dish which was Hor Mok at Lanna Thai is without peer. Here even more delectable – RM14. was a coconut-ty spicy egg custard chockful The next dish is one of my favourites and something I always order and brimming with seafood, this Hor Mok when I’m in Bangkok and it is the Kor Mu Yang or grilled pork neck. I have instead of either being steamed in banana leaf, seldom found a good one outside of Thailand but here at Lanna Thai, or as in Thailand, in specially designed clay vessels, it’s done to perfection. The neck has a layer of fat around it this was steamed in a whole young coconut which which cocoons the meat in the middle and after grilling gave us the added bonus of scooping spoonfuls of still stays succulent and tender. This is served with a young coconut flesh out with the custard. And tangy, spicy dip which can be tempered to your degree did I mention that the taste was yummilicious? of spiciness. This is usually eaten with sticky rice but as RM25 (RM20 in aluminium foil). we had a whole lot of further dishes to go, we skipped Finally, how can we leave a Thai restaurant it – RM15. without eating their most famous dessert of More porkiness followed with another of my Mango and Sticky Rice (RM12.50)? This favourites, the Nam Tok which is grilled sliced pork we finished with alacrity and wished we had the tossed with fish sauce, chili flakes, lime juice, finely stomach for more. slivered kaffir lime leaves, sliced shallots and topped Even as I sit here writing this, I find myself drooling with ground roasted sticky rice, lending a grainy texture over the remembered tastes and textures and I cannot wait to go to the meat – RM15. back for yet another taste treat. I can certainly recommend Lanna Thai to The prawn cakes arrived piping hot, served with my readers. If you’re not into sugar, then make sure you tell them when you’re a sweet dip which I avoided (only because I dislike ordering. Same goes for MSG and how spicy you want your food. Pim the owner and sweets) and were bouncy and had a bite to it, a sure sign manager will be too willing to oblige as will all their staff. of a good chef. Not spicy – RM20. The next few dishes were all salads as I love the Thai salads and can just make a meal on them. The seafood salad had chunks of squid and prawns, ocean fresh from the Lanna Thai Restaurant market and was seasoned perfectly with the usual fish sauce, lime juice, sliced shallots, 6 Jalan Medan Ipoh 9, Taman Medan Ipoh. chillies, garlic and a tad of sugar – RM18. This was followed by the Yum Woon Sen or Pim’s tel: 019 462 8489 Bean vermicelli salad with similar dressing but with the addition of garlic pips, julienned Business hours: 11am-11pm carrots, scallions, dried shrimp and a teeny bit of minced pork. They were very generous Mondays closed. with the prawns and squid too – RM18. And it's a meal in itself. Good thing I had the 6 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community News France to Ipoh: Michelin-starred Philippe Geneletti poh Echo had an exclusive one-on-one with Michelin- which translates in English to ‘Kitchen crazy a little cracked starred Philippe Geneletti who was at Garvy’s French specimen’. “I think Ipoh has the potential but most of the IFine Dining in Ipoh in conjunction with the 3rd Good people have little knowledge of French dining. I think we just France gastronomy celebration. need to keep up the good work and good communication,” From March 20 to 29, Philippe crafted a 5-course menu he noted. at Garvy’s that best represented France incorporating his Having worked at gastronomic restaurants spanning creative touches. There were the amuse bouche of scrambled across France and United States, he now owns a consulting egg, ‘escargot profiteroles with garlic cream and parsley company in culinary arts named “Geneletti Consulting coulis’, ‘5 spices pan seared foie gras escalope’, ‘home Company”. Currently travelling around the world and sharing smoked salmon served with salted egg hollandaise’, ‘pan his expertise with budding restaurants, interested readers can seared lamb rack paired with butter squash’ and ‘chocolate email him at [email protected] to know more. and dulce de leche’. “The secret for good food is good ingredients,” the “These are traditional dishes with modernised touches. I amiable chef revealed. got the ideas from discussion with the local chefs who would Ipoh Echo also spoke to Dato’ Beh Chun Chuan, founder then tell me about nice ingredients available here. Sometimes, my travels inspire me. and chairman of BP Healthcare, on the latest updates of the French fine dining restaurant Plus, I like to try out new ideas,” Philippe told Ipoh Echo. which was a brainchild of his youngest son, Garvy. Regarding his food philosophy, the innovative cooking leader explained: “When I “The response so far at Garvy's towards Chef Philippe is overwhelming. It was visit a different country like this, I always integrate some of the local ingredients and full house for the whole period and diners from everywhere are coming to Ipoh!” he modernise the dish. For example, for the dessert, I use the kaya (coconut jam).” highlighted. Born in the French Alps and living near Paris now, Philippe obtained his first Regarding the reasons for bringing in Chef Philippe to Garvy's, he stated, “First of Michelin star in 2009, becoming one of the youngest starred chefs in France. Having a all, it is so as not to disappoint the French Government and the world best rated chef career that began in 1992, he started as an apprentice at Disneyland Paris. Alain Ducasse for the global "Good Taste" for selecting Garvy's French Fine Dining.” “I’ve been in this field for 25 years now and every position I’ve held is agood Chef Alain is one of the initiators of the Good France project. experience because I am working with different people. When I see the happy faces of “We also want to surprise our customers and ensure satisfaction as we priced it the guests, it just motivates me,” he shared. very affordably at RM188 or £34 for a 5-course meal. It is a great deal at this price and Philippe, the youngest in the family with three sisters and two brothers, also said, “I tremendous quality,” he added. always enjoy watching my Mum cook daily. Thus, my passion in cooking started when In June, Garvy's will be organising the "4 Hands Star Chef", a 10-day dining event I was 15.” featuring two chefs with Michelin Stars, a first in Malaysia! For more information, call “I’ll be back here every three months, for two weeks each time, with new menu and 05 255 8082. The restaurant is located at 275, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Kampar concept. Sometimes, I will also bring along another Michelin-starred chef for exhibitions, Rd), 30250 Ipoh. collaborations etc.,” Philippe added, citing foie gras as his favourite ingredient. Mei Kuan He has a book to his name entitled, ‘Fou de cuisine un peu fêlé des éprouvettes’ Community 13th Perak State Twinning in Brains and Beauty Legislative Assembly t was double joy as 25-year-old identical twins, Olivia Constance Nicholas and Olinda Josephine INicholas, were called to the Bar at the High Court in Ipoh on Wednesday, March 29. Ipoh Echo spoke to the adorable duo who can finish each other's sentences. In October last year, Olivia represented Malaysia for the Miss International 2016 pageant in Tokyo, Japan. “It was amazing as I got to compete against 69 countries around the world. The girls were lovely and we got to exchange cultural vignettes. The most significant event after that is being called to the Bar together with my twin sister, it’s very rare and we managed to do it! It’s a memorable day,” she told L-R: Olivia, Datin Rufina and Ipoh Echo. A big fan of fashion, her go-to look is Olinda something that is both chic and elegant. The beauty queen’s latest involvement in charity included the distribution of food to the indigenous people in Kampung Landap. “Juggling my modeling and legal career, it has been hectic but enjoyable because of my parents’ and sister’s support all the way. he fifth session of the 13th Perak State Legislative Assembly was graced by Now I want to concentrate on my legal career and start practising in KL,” Olivia said. Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim. It was Here’s Olivia one precious advice for all the girls out there: “You can always do two held at the State Secretariat Building, Ipoh on Tuesday, April 4. T things at a time. Multitasking is never impossible.” In his speech, Sultan Nazrin said the state government had collected a total of Their father, Dato’ Fredrick Indran Nicholas, has just been promoted as a High Court RM1.01 billion in revenue for 2016. This is an increase of 5.7 per cent compared judge of Fiji. He was a former Penang industrial court chairman. to 2015. “Eleven departments and agencies have been accorded a five-star rating Alumni of SMK Convent Ipoh, the twins obtained their Bachelors of Laws from for financial management last August,” he revealed. He reminded civil servants the Multimedia University in . Still they love coming back to Ipoh for the food. to defend their honour and dignity by rejecting bribery and the misuse of power Olivia named bean sprouts chicken as her favourite Ipoh food while Olinda cited chee which could cause loss of state revenue. cheong fun (steamed rice noodle rolls). Good facilities play an important role in development, as they provide Meanwhile, Olinda will be joining a criminal law firm in Ipoh. “We love wearing accessibility to the latest information and a wider business market. Besides roads the same clothes till today. Olivia is very much into pageantry and does fashion on a big and highways, railway services have been identified as the backbone of public land scale. For me, I like reading and ballet dancing. My favourite author would be Robin transportation. The ETS, connecting Gemas, Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar, has Sharma of the book, ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’. I like to read law books too,” been operating since 2015 carrying an average of 5400 passengers per day to 8900 she shared. passengers per day in 2016. “My Dad and Mum have been my strength. They have been very strict and molded The Sultan reminded Perakeans to protect nature’s tourism products from us into the persons we are today. My source of inspiration is my Dad,” she added. being destroyed by over commercialisation. The state park at Pulau Sembilan has Olinda’s advice provided the best conclusion to the interview: “Never be discouraged been damaged by irresponsible developers and is now closed to tourists until more by criticisms. Take it as an encouragement to grow. Girls should always have an education concrete measures are taken to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area. to be independent.” In 2013, the government initiated a campaign to plant five million trees within During a subsequent celebration at the Royal Ipoh Club, there was a Sherry toast, a the span of five years. Till December last year, 12.5 million trees were planted all past tradition of the Bar, to wish the twins all the best in their legal careers. over the state, encompassing an area of almost 7000 hectares. The government is Nalini, retired headmistress of SMK Convent Ipoh stated, “What I remember distinctly committed to landscape restoration programmes at the mangrove swamps and the about them is that they wore spotlessly clean shoes every day of the week. Hair neatly- coast to prevent or minimise erosion and reduce the risks of tsunami. tied up with matching ribbons. A good spread of talcum on their faces. Meticulously- During the media conference, Menteri Besar, Dato' Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry pressed pinafores with beautiful smiles to melt any heart. They were always punctual to Abd Kadir said, “In the Sultan’s speech, he has detailed a few developmental issues, school. According to the teachers who taught them, they were cheerful and participated overall analysis of the future and reminders for us. The state government takes actively in classroom discussions. Besides, they volunteered to lead class presentations cognizance of all that. We express our utmost gratitude for his acknowledgement as they were confident and very fluent in spoken and written English.” of our efforts and achievements over the year.” Ipoh Echo wishes them the very best in all their future undertakings. Mei Kuan Mei Kuan Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 7

Community Nosh News By Ili Aqilah Live from MBI Black District 1902 fter operating hy Black District? informally for Simply because almost a year, Wthe cafe is a hidden A place where guests can dine Radio MBI now has a proper studio for its on scrumptious food, while six budding deejays to listening to local bands or operate from. playing foosball or darts. The facility, located Located in front of Ipoh’s iconic on the first floor of the Dato Tahwil Azar food court, Council’s main building, the cafe has been operating was officially opened by since early March this year. Mayor Dato’ Zamri Man The cafe has a local, on Thursday, March 30. It western and fusion menu to cater is equipped with state-of- to the taste buds of all foodies. the-art audio equipment Their Crazy Cheesy Tortilla and systems. (RM9.90) is a combination of Zamri took the crispy toasted tortilla with a opportunity to go on humble portion of cheese and air highlighting issues Pepperoni Tortilla (RM11.90) affecting Ipohites and how is also another must-try from the radio could benefit the menu. them on the whole. He Customers are also encouraged listeners to welcome to try the Lava utilise this new medium to interact with the Council. Meatball, good at RM9.90; “Our presenters are Council staff themselves. Members of the public can make meatballs served with fries and complaints through the radio, which has been operating since June last year,” said Zamri special sauce that is guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s craving and for those who are looking to reporters. for a heavier meal, the cafe does have plenty of options including the new spice-infused “Radio MBI is a medium for Ipohites to contribute ideas and opinions in helping to rice served with grilled lamb and salad. transform Ipoh into a green, clean and vibrant city. And to wash down the meal, guests can try one of their signature drinks, the “We’re trying to serve Ipohites better by providing them a new medium to channel Milosaurus priced at RM8.90 or opt for a lighter drink called the Herbal Soda, good at their ideas and thoughts. RM6.90. “From our records, we’ve Ipohites calling from Australia when they travelled abroad Currently being the only cafe with a spiral staircase at the entrance, Black District with their families,” said Zamri. 1902 also opens for artistes especially Ipohites to promote their art such as painting, Being the first and only radio station among local councils in the country, Radio sculpture or even photos. This was part of their initiative to build up more crowd for local MBI has prepared a number of interesting programmes for airing. They are, Teh Tarik art enthusiasts. The cafe has both smoking and non-smoking sections and parties can also Roti Canai, Hello Ipoh and Irama Global. The radio goes on air five days a week from be held via reservations. Monday to Friday between 8am to 5pm. It can be accessed online via radio.mbi.gov.my. The cafe is located at No.13, 2nd Floor, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, 30300 Ipoh. The Incidentally the six radio presenters were trained by Radio Televisyen Malaysia. cafe opens everyday from 6pm to 1am. Check out their latest menu updates and more at www.instagram.com.black_ Nabilah Hamudin district_1902. 8 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Community Firdaus, The Kuey Teow Seller Clean Perak Campaign rom a distance Mohd Firdaus Mohamed Nor looks like any Frun-of-the-mill char kuey teow seller by the roadside. But looks can be deceiving. The 34-year-old entrepreneur from Manjoi has been blind since he was 21. He depends on his other senses to prepare this mouth-watering dish. “I fell into a drain when I was four. My parents thought nothing about it and didn’t send me for medical treatment,” said Firdaus. Unfortunately, his sight began to fail over time forcing him to wear glasses at eight. The situation worsened when he was 14. At 21 he was categorised as a B2 blind, meaning he is partially blind. “Although I’m considered partially blind, I can’t see anything during the day. At t was a busy morning for Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. With night it’s blurry. I can’t see anything with my left eye,” he added. a rake in his hand and clad in a white T-shirt and black pants, he was seen sweeping, However, being visually impaired did not deter Firdaus from obtaining a Diploma raking and collecting rubbish at several spots in the city on Friday, March 31. in Hotel and Catering from Keris College, Ipoh. He began his career in the hospitality I Accompanied by Mayor Dato’ Zamri Man and Dato’ Rusnah Kassim, Executive industry doing his practical at Damai Laut Resort followed by stints at hotels in Pulau Councillor for Women Development, Family, Community Welfare, Housing and Local Pangkor, Lumut and Teluk Batik for six years. Government, he went about his job with much gusto and energy. “I felt uncomfortable working in hotels as I was always on the receiving end. I was It was the start of the “Perak Yang Bersih” (Clean Perak) Campaign which was teased and bullied by my peers who disliked my overt dependence on their help to move launched simultaneously at all of the state’s 12 districts. around,” he lamented. Zambry, and his team, assembled at his residence at 6.30am before heading to their Mohd Firdaus is the proud owner of ‘Char Kuey Teow Lagend’ in Manjoi. He has first point, the Medan Kidd bus terminal. Along with council workers, they cleared the been in the food business for the past two years. clogged drains, swept the area and collected rubbish. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” goes the old saying. They then proceeded to the railway station, the Dato Sagor food court and Concubine Firdaus started his business with a small stall at Meru Impian. His stall was without Lane before congregating at Ipoh Padang for the official launching ceremony. Zambry tables and chairs and orders had to be taken off the cuff. But Lady Luck was on his side. took the opportunity to greet everyone he met along the way. Business began to pick up and the good news soon spread. Not being able to expand Attended by some 4000 people consisting of government officials, members of non- on his limited space at Meru Impian, Firdaus moved to Kg Dato’ Ahmad Said in Manjoi. governmental organisations and school students, the launching ceremony was held in a Having identified a suitable location, he built a much larger stall complete with tables, very informal manner. chairs and shade for the convenience of his appreciative customers who loved his fried The campaign, said Zambry, was aimed at keeping the city and the state clean, green kuey teow. and vibrant. Its other objective was to instil awareness in the public about cleanliness. “I provided them both hot and cold drinks making it a complete eatery, albeit by the “Today is the beginning of making Perak the cleanest state in the country. I want the roadside,” said Firdaus, who now dreams of opening a cafeteria in the near future. public to make cleanliness their culture. I’m setting the ball rolling by doing it myself. He cooks about 5kg of kuey teow daily. The price ranges from RM4 to RM6.50 a “There’ll be those who’ll criticise me, but I don’t care. Let them say whatever they plate, depending on the ingredients. want to say. This isn’t a political stunt. I’m doing this for the state and the people,” he “My most-sought-after dish is ‘Char Kuey Teow Special Cheese’. It comes with stressed. prawns, chicken, cockles and cheese. He told reporters that the idea came about after his many walkabouts in the city Those keen on tasting Firdaus’s yummy char kuey teow can visit his roadside stall either alone or with the mayor and his staff. which operates daily from 6pm to 12pm. “Many of the places aren’t clean. I want to change people’s mindset. They should Address: No. 3133, Lebuh Rajawali, Kampung Dato Ahmad Said Tambahan 2, learn to pick up and dispose rubbish properly, as they walk down the street. We’ll be Manjoi, 30020 Ipoh. Mobile number: 012 527 8435. making cleanliness as part of local councils’ KPI,” he added. Nabilah Hamudin The campaign, said Zambry, would not be a one-off thing. It would be regular affair, held either weekly or monthly at all districts. Free Software for NGOs Nabilah Hamudin River Run 2017

nstitut Darul Ridzuan (IDR) has organised a series of courses on Digital Technology lthough it was held for the first time, Perak River Run 2017 was no for NGOs. The first course on digital literacy was conducted by trainers from Microsoft disappointment. Iand they outlined the development of digital technology and how NGOs can apply Flagged off at Kinta Riverfront sidewalk, the run on Sunday, April 2, saw over new technology in their activities. A 700 participants from various parts of Malaysia taking part. Some came as early as Tips and shortcuts were given for using programmes such as Word, Excel and 6.30am. PowerPoint. Guidelines were given on how to prepare an effective PowerPoint Among them was Dato’ Shahrul Zaman Yahya, Executive Councillor for Human presentation. Resources, Youth and Sports. Looking energetic and upbeat, Shahrul led the crowd to the This was a hands-on programme and each participant was provided with a Microsoft start line and flagged off the event. He then joined the runners. Surface Tablet. The participants could carry out the instructions on their own and have The 4-km run was co-organised by Kinta Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) the feel of it. and RAT Adventure Consultant in conjunction with World Water Day. As part of their CSR programme, Microsoft and other tech companies are donating Project manager, Fikri Amir said, apart from creating awareness on river and water software like Office 365, Google Drive and others to eligible NGOs. NGOs interested pollution, the run was also aimed at highlighting the importance of water to our lives. in getting free and discounted software can log on to www.techsoup.asia to get further Running on the banks of the iconic Kinta River, the participants had to cross four information. obstacles. It was exciting to see the participants undergoing a hose shower which was The second course on Digital Marketing was conducted by Suhaimee Saahar, a one of the obstacles. It made the River Run unique from similar runs held in the state so lecturer from UITM who is on study leave. He also gave a hands-on course and guided far. the participants to create their own web page and set up of a Facebook page for marketing Zumba and aerobics were held to entertain the runners and members of the public purposes. NGOs may not have a product to sell, but they can use the marketing strategy who came for their daily morning walk along the river. After the run the participants to publicise their activities, solicit for funding and seek sponsors. This was a practical gathered at the Home of Silveryouth for the much-anticipated lucky draw. course which can be put to use by NGOs and in fact a few participants had set up their Perak JPS director Juhaimi Jusoh told reporters that the event will be an annual own web page. NGOs can use modern technology to publicise their activities. affair as the response was encouraging. A. Jeyaraj Nabilah Hamudin Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 9 PCSH Community Day 2017 erak Community Specialist Hospital (“PCSH”) is a non-profit hospital that has stood to serve Pthe community since 1904. Holding true to its founding vision and mission to provide affordable quality healthcare to the people, PCSH continues to foster closer relationship with the general public by frequently engaging the community through different activities.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, PCSH will be organizing a Community Day on Saturday, 22nd April 2017 to provide free healthcare consultation and health screenings to the public. The half day event will be held from 8am to 1pm at PCSH, Ipoh. Free Consultation by Specialists During the day, 9 medical volunteers from PCSH will be giving FREE consultation (excluding procedure or treatment) for the first 20 patients in their respective clinics, from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Participating consultants include: 1. Dr Chen Yoke Chuan, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Health Screenings & Blood Donation Campaign 2. Dr Pang Ay Minn, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist In addition, there will also be various health screening booths set up to provide 3. Dr Manivannan, Urologist services to the public. Areas of screening include blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI 4. Dr Loo Chin Sum, Nephrologist & Internal Medicine measurement, bone density test, eye screening, diabetic neuropathy screening, otoscopic 5. Dr Ravindran, General & Colorectal Surgeon (hearing) examination, and hair scalp analysis. The PCSH Resident dietitian will also be 6. Dr Ng Seng Yew, General Surgeon giving free dietetic counseling to those who come. 7. Dr Tan Keng Lu, Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Surgeon 8. Dr Janarthan, Orthopaedic Surgeon Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh is complementing the day’s activities by setting 9. Dr Rajinder Singh, Psychiatrist up a blood donation corner at the lobby of the hospital. Donors are most welcome to participate in this campaign from 8:30am to 1pm. Besides, there will be various informational health talks with Q&A sessions conducted by following consultants. Interested audience can come and learn more about the topics Goodie Bags Available shared. As an appreciation to the public support over the years, individuals who sign up for selected health screening packages or donate blood will receive a goodie bag. It consists 1000am Dr Lo Wan-Yi, Paediatrician on “Common Illness in Children” of BioGrow Oat BG22, Jasmine rice pack, notepad, pen, products sampling, just to 1100am Dr Yeoh Tze Ming, Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic & Hand Surgeon on name a few. “Skin Cancer” 1200pm Ms Sylvia, Audiologist on “Hearing & Hearing Loss”, Perak Community Specialist Hospital is located at 277, Jalan Raja Permaisuri 1230pm Ms Hee Han Hui, Speech-Language Pathologist on “Speech & Communication Bainun (Jalan Kampar), 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. Disorders” Call them at 05-2419000 or visit www.pcsh.com.my for more info.

Community The Incredible Women of Malaysia he International Women Day falls on March 8 every year. The day is meant to celebrate every woman in the world; both known and unknown. Held first Tin 1914, the day also marks the contribution done by women in various fields including socio-economy, politics, art, sports and more. According to world-renowned journalist, feminist and social-political activist, Gloria Steinem, Women’s Day is a day to commemorate not just one but all women who face struggles in their life, “A woman’s struggles for equality is a story that belongs to no one neither anyone. It is a collective effort of all who care about human rights,” added Steinem. Women have been playing major roles in shaping the world we are in today. For example, in Vietnam, women were one of the bigger groups that helped Vietnam gain its independence in 1945; in fact, there is a section in the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi dedicated to the contribution made by women in Vietnam. Although there is still no women’s museum yet, it is hard to deny women’s significant work in molding what Malaysia has become today. Women in Malaysia are slowly making their name around the world with achievements in various fields. Take Datuk Nicol Ann David for example. The eight-time World Champion for Squash has proven to the world that all it takes to reach the top is hard work, dedication and focus. Not only is she the first Malaysian to win the Malaysian Open Squash Championship and British Open, Nicol also became the first Asian woman to ever reach the World No.1 spot. Nicol went to promote women’s squash during the inaugural Ciudad de Floridablanca; Women’s Squash tournament in South America that coincides with International Women’s Day this year. “It is important for all girls and women that in any field, doesn’t matter if it’s in sports or your everyday life, to set our mind to nothing but greatness,” said Nicol. Another highly influential woman in Malaysia is Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, she successfully pulled Malaysia out from the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, thanks the eldest daughter of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Tun . Not to her incredible meticulous strategies and vast knowledge in finance and business. Her only did she excel in various fields including becoming the president of the Malaysian powerful moves are still being recalled over and over again in all her interviews, the AIDS Council for more than ten years, she also has been writing in her biweekly column issue and her tactics in controlling the matter are being praised including in the CNBC called Musings in The Star newspaper since 1989. Marina also has authored many Exclusive Interview with her on January 22 last year. amazing reads such as “Hidden Voices: True Malaysia Experience of AIDS”, “50 Days: And the list doesn’t just stop with these incredible women. Over the years, we have Rantings”, “In Liberal Doses” and more. seen news of more and more Malaysian women making the rounds and leaving traces It is hard not to mention the Ipoh-born girl, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh in the list of of successful stories and contributions. Such as Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan when she successful women in Malaysia. The international film star who has been acting in more became one of eight recipients of the US International Women of Courage in 2009 and than 40 films and series including the highly anticipated show among sci-fic fans, Star YB Suh Sim when she co-founded the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Trek: Discovery as Captain Georgiou scheduled to air this year. During an interview, Caucus (AIPMC) that promotes freedom and education of democratic process for the Michelle stressed the importance to empower women to believe they can do things people of Myanmar and more. without men, “It is personal to me to make sure that young girls are able to see and feel With this long list of successful women in Malaysia, it is our deepest hope that more that nothing can hold them back,” said Michelle. women would step up and be brave to achieve their dreams. Quoting Lupita Nyong’o Ranked in the top ten central bank governors of the world, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Zeti when she won Best Supporting Actress in 2014, “No matter where you are from, your Akhtar Aziz is the first and only woman to have been appointed as governor of Bank dreams are valid,”. So what are you waiting for? Chase your dream! Negara. She has become one of the remarkable corporate women in the world when Ili Aqilah 10 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Tourism Tourist Arrivals to Perak he number of tourist arrivals to Perak recorded a 20 per cent increase between January and March this year, as compared to the same period last year. T This would help the state achieve its eight-million target in view of the ongoing Visit Perak Year 2017. Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Multimedia and Communications, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi said based on statistics from Malaysia Airport Berhad, Perak witnessed a total of 31,785 tourist arrivals for the first quarter of the year compared to 22,095 last year. “This is the result of the hard work by agencies involved in promoting Perak. “My appreciation goes to Perak Amateur Radio Association for their contributions in promoting Visit Perak Year 2017 via their radio frequencies which are accessible worldwide. This mode of communication has contributed to the increase in tourist arrivals to the state. “The use of amateur radio for communication is widespread. It can reach listeners all over the world through selected frequencies,” said Nolee after officiating Perak Ham Radio Fair 2017 at RTC Gopeng on April 1. The two-day event was attended by some 170 participants comprising members of the amateur radio community in Perak. The event showcased equipment and activities associated with ham radio. They included digital and high-frequency radio communications, Morse code and others. Rosli Mansor City of Colours xecutive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Multimedia and Communications, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi said that Kampar has experienced rapid Edevelopment and has the potential to be a tourism city. “Kampar is renowned since 130 years ago as a tin mining district. It has a lot of historical treasures and a community from all walks of life. “The Battle of Kampar site will be developed as the latest tourist attraction in Perak. Kampar is also an entrepreneur and education hub. “Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir’s idea to brand Kampar as the ‘City of Colours’ is apt because Kampar is already famous for its many historical sites,” Nolee told reporters after launching Festival WOW Kampar at Sport@Grand Kampar on Friday, March 24. Festival WOW Kampar was organised by students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and the Kampar District Office along with Tourism Perak. “This is a community programme that will unite the people around Kampar. It is a platform to promote Kampar and indirectly will spice up Visit Perak Year (VPY) 2017. “VPY 2017 not only contributes to the state tourism sector, it also benefits the local economy. Perak has been accredited by the Statistics Department for four consecutive years with the highest number of domestic tourists. In 2015 the state recorded almost eight million visitors,” she exclaimed. Rosli Mansor

iSpeak A. Jeyaraj Job Opportunities for Graduates in Perak he wall of Jobs Malaysia Office in UTC is covered with A4 papers filled with job graduates. There are many vacancies. Out of curiosity, I had a closer look at the jobs that were available. Most who are hardworking and Tof the vacancies were for general workers, clerical and technician jobs and very few willing to take on any job for professionals. I checked the registry and found that only a handful of people register and are already employed. daily. Surprisingly a high percentage of job seekers are degree and diploma holders. The unemployed graduates It is estimated that there are from 60,000 to 400,000 unemployed graduates in the country. have no initiative and do not If we presume that about 10 per cent of these are from Perak, then we have up to 40,000 have the necessary skills and unemployed graduates. are not willing to improve I went online and searched for “job opportunities for graduates in Perak” and noticed themselves. They admitted that there were very few jobs available for graduates. that in Perak there are not that Pusat Kerjaya Amanjaya (PEKA) is a state-owned agency functioning as a human many companies to absorb the big number of graduates coming out each year. So even capital development centre. It is a one-stop recruitment and entrepreneurship centre. It capable graduates remain unemployed. is the Perak state’s efforts to reduce unemployment. PEKA acts as a liaison between I wanted to meet the State Exco for Education Dato’ Dr Muhammad Amin bin the community and industry to facilitate employment search and create employment Zakaria, to get his views. His office informed that he is very busy for the next two months opportunities. and cannot see me. I wonder why he cannot work half an hour extra to meet me and claim PEKA provides Career Counselling Services, Mini Career Carnivals, Job Placement, overtime. Jobs Perak Mobile Career Roadshow and Skills Improvement Training, all with the aim Top reasons for graduates’ unemployment are given as poor command of English, of channelling the right talents to the right roles for the Perak labour market. poor attitude or character and poor communications skill. Employers also felt graduates PEKA’s main mission is to meet the workforce needs of industries and services lack adaptability, multitasking skills, decision-making skills and problem-solving skills. within the state as well as the development of a skilled Perakean workforce to support the The reasons given are not new. What are the relevant authorities doing? The blame is socio-economic development of Perak. put on the students. Why are the universities churning out unemployable graduates? I spoke to one of the lady officers in PEKA and though her boss was not around During my school days in the fifties my teachers told us only the cream goes to she was willing to talk to me. She informed that PEKA has a registry of unemployed university and what is expected of a university student. Form Six students were groomed graduates mainly from Perak. Most of these graduates have schooling and tertiary for university life. education here and have little exposure to the outside world. During one-day training When I joined Brunei Shell more than 40 years ago, there were only a handful of sessions she said, many graduates fail to turn up in the afternoon. PEKA arranges mock local engineers; the majority were Europeans, mainly Dutch. They were hands-on people interviews at factories to simulate real situations but many graduates do not turn up. It is and worked together with the technicians. My boss always asked whether I had done the an uphill task to motivate them. job myself. He says I must have the feel of doing it. Staff in many organisations are told not to talk to journalists and so many people are Instead of putting the blame solely on the students, I think we must also look into the reluctant to talk to me. One of my friends in an industrial organisation which assists in quality of our institutes of higher learning. Starting from the Vice Chancellor, we have to finding jobs for fresh graduates said that they had a programme to develop 150 graduates find out whether the academic staff are qualified for the job. The problem may be starting and of those who turned up, only ten were engineering graduates and one factory employed from there. all of them. They knew nothing and had to be trained from scratch and could not take the Unemployment of graduates is a national issue, however, as far as Perak is concerned pressure and left. we must attract more industries to set up plants here. Otherwise the situation would not When I spoke to a few academics they said we should not stereotype all the improve. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 11 Business EXECUTIVE SET LUNCH – INDULGE IN THE TIMELESS GASTRONOMIC FANTASY reating yourself to lunch at the Dome Restaurant doesn’t require a special your perfect business lunch. Our highly passionate chefs continually create innovative, occasion. Reserve a table for a lunch meeting at the Dome Restaurant which offers exciting and seasonal menus for delicious working lunches all freshly prepared on the Tthe most affordable executive lunch set on this list. Our golfer’s terrace and glass day of your order. Available from April – June 2017, daily (Mondays – Sundays) from fronted restaurant, commands a breath-taking view of the golf course, providing an 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. idyllic location for a leisurely lunch with friends and family. If you’re looking forward to an efficient lunchtime prix-fixe to entertain a client, Dome Restaurant is all set for For reservation and more information please contact Dome Restaurant at 05 5293358.

SET A - PURE BLACK ANGUS BEEF - RM 58.00 Nett SET B - PAN-FRIED SALMON TROUT - RM 43.00 Nett • Soup or Salad of the day • Soup or Salad of the day • Succulent grilled Black Angus Steak with pepper mustard sauce, served with • Medium-well velvety Salmon Fillet cooked to perfection with capers and garden vegetables, potato cake, wok-fried egg and truffle fries tarragon cream, tomatoes & pine nut confits and arugula • Dessert of the day • Dessert of the day

SET C - INDO CHICKEN BROCHETTE - RM 32.00 Nett SET D - SUPERIOR SOY PRAWN & UDON - RM 32.00 Nett • Soup or Salad of the day • Soup or Salad of the day • Indonesian-style tender and juicy Chicken Satay accompanied with sambal • Wok-fried Japanese Udon & Prawn with superior soy sauce, sautéed baby pak penyet starfruit, basil rice, fried tempe berlado and peanut sauce choy and shimeji on the side • Dessert of the day • Dessert of the day

We reprint some of our reader’s comments from our online paper. Go to http: //www.ipohecho.com.my/ to read more. The views expressed in these letters are not LETTERS necessarily shared by the Editorial Board. We reserve the right to refuse or modify the letters we publish. Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) – Another White Elephant? efore the advent of the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), paying one's behind them while they are slowly punching in the details. monthly utility bills was a tedious chore whereby one had to hop from one centre 4. The machine does not accept coins and we are expected to pay more than the required Bto another to settle our dues. When the post office started accepting payments, amount; who benefits from this? settling our bills became less of a chore but nonetheless still troublesome as not all bills 5. You don’t have the exact amount to feed the machine and request for some small are accepted by the post office. When the UTC was established in 2012, paying utility change; don’t expect to get it from the counter. bills was a breeze. I could go after normal working hours, settle all my payments (TNB, TMB, LAP, JPJ, Indah Water, MBI, etc.) and even renew my passport all within one If we are unable to effect payments due to the above reasons are we supposed to come hour while enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the cafes within the centre. This was in back another day or go to another centre? Why are we consumers being subjected to line with the tagline “Urban Transformation Centre or UTC is one of the Government such treatment when the sole purpose of setting up the UTC was for our convenience? efforts and initiatives providing the urban community with key government and private While the objective of the UTC was received with great enthusiasm, has it been defeated sector services under one roof” and our PM’s declaration, “I believe this centre will be by some bureaucratic oversight perhaps? a hit and will be a benchmark not only in terms of facilities provided, but also excellent I have since stopped using the ‘excellent’ services of UTC and taken my business services”. elsewhere more convenient, like a Petronas petrol station for example. However, as the saying goes, “all good things will have to come to an end” and so A Grumpy Senior Citizen is it with the UTC. Of late, the counters at the various agencies in the centre no longer, or refuse to, accept cash payments for reasons I cannot comprehend. There are staff members stationed behind the counters supposedly ‘on duty’ but when you approach them you are directed to the automated teller machines (ATM) to make your payments. “Standing up for your Rights” Now this is where the problem starts: commend Fathol for challenging extremism in our midst in a largely progressive, 1. Usually there is only one, maybe two ATMs in the agency, what happens when the tolerant and peaceful nation. We need thousands and thousands of like-minded ATM breaks down (which is quite regular)? I Fathols, Mariams, Rafizis, etc. who stand up for what is wrong in its own household. 2. I have seen elderly and some people who are unfamiliar with the machines (yours These are moderate minds who will promote genuine peace and harmony amongst the truly included) fumbling and this delay ultimately causes the queue and patience or population. Religious and race politics are divisive and destructive. These tactics are lack of it to grow. used to control the population rather than serve the voters interests. 3. Consumers come with two or more bills to pay, imagine the time you have to stand Ngai C O 12 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Business New Owner Revs up Honda Car Dealership ne of Malaysia’s oldest Honda dealers unveils bigger team, new stock and plans for a new showroom and service centre in Ipoh. O There’s a new owner in the driving seat of Malaysia’s oldest Honda car dealer, Ban Hoe Seng is now Ban Hoe Seng (Auto) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Bonanza Venture Holdings Sdn Bhd (BVH). The legacy of Ipoh’s Ban Hoe Seng lives on and the future of the 60-year-old dealership looks strong, with all 50 staff remaining including the founder’s grandson, Ignatius Chew remaining as Director, integrating the old team with the new. The Chairman of the investment holding company BVH, Dato’ Lim Si Boon is Mr Chew’s nephew. He understands the strong foundations and values of a family business, after taking the reigns from his late father, Dato’ Lim Keng Kay. He said: “BVH is a strong, successful and privately-owned business with a reputation for excellence. “This is a successful and careful merging of family businesses and I am delighted that we can offer all the staff new opportunities within their careers. “The company has committed to investing substantially and is working closely with Honda to develop a new showroom and service centre that will be a benchmark for the future of automotive retailing, based in Klebang.” Work on the new premises in Klebang will start early 2018 and is targeted to open in 2019. The bigger showroom will give buyers more room to view the vehicles on display and offer a more sophisticated customer experience. Bandar Baru Sri Klebang (BBSK) is an ambitious retail spot, with a vibrant L-R: Dato’ Lim Si Boon, Ignatius Chew and Dato’ Lim Kheng Loy. First day, first car residential area and growth corridor in Ipoh covering Tasek to Sungai Siput. BBSK is sold! Dato’ Lim Si Boon and Ignatius Chew hand over the key to the first customer of a successful development by BVH, which is focused on ensuring the area is prosperous Ban Hoe Seng (Auto) Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Lim Kheng Loy, a board member of BVH. for its community. Honda is Malaysia’s number one car in the non-national segment. Boosted stock Business is open as usual. The showroom is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-6pm includes the most sought after models, from the arrival of the seven-seat B-RV to the and Sunday 10.30am-2pm. facelifted City and the compact SUV HR-V. Announcements Announcements must be sent by fax: 05 255 2181; or email: [email protected], 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.

Living Values Education Programme (LVEP) for children aged 8-14 years from Sunday, Race for a Better Planet in conjunction with World Environmental Day 2017, May 7 April 16 for six consecutive Sundays from 2pm-4pm at Banyan Spa, 40 Jalan Raja at Sunway City Ipoh. Learn about responsible consumerism and environmental Dihilir, Ipoh. Organised by Family Wellness Club. Children will learn values that will sustainability amidst fun and laughter. Lucky draws, fun activities, workshops, help them in their individual development and help to promote a culture of peace, green bazaar, food trucks and performances. Registration fee: RM25. Contacts for harmony and care for the environment. The six values that will be covered in Part registration: Focus Ace 016 566 8810, PK 016 422 8868, Eric 012 505 5526, Cheah 2 are Cooperation, Humility, Honesty, Simplicity, Freedom and Unity. Registration is 016 512 0093 and Alice 012 506 8369 (bike rental). For more info, log in to Facebook: free and all materials needed will be provided. To register, call: Denise 05 242 6866 or Race for a better planet. 012 507 3866 (between 11am-7pm). Hospital Fatimah Public Forum: ‘Oculoplastic Conditions in Malaysia – Visual System An Easter Musical Celebration, Saturday April 22, 6pm-7.30pm at St John’s Anglican More Than Visual Acuity’. Sunday May 7, 2pm-4pm at Conference Room, 4th Floor, Church, Jalan St John, Ipoh. Featuring: Juwita Suwito, PSPA, St John’s Easter Choir Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh. By Dr Ho Shu Fen, new sessional Consultant Ophthalmologist and Samuel & Nneka. Admission is free (300 seating capacity). For more information, & Oculoplastic Surgeon. For more information, contact 05 545 5777 ext 214. contact: St John’s Anglican Church 05 254 8146. Coral Bay Run, May 14 at Coral Bay Resort, Pangkor Island. Scenic run, trophies, PPCS Charity Food Fair 2017, Saturday April 22, 9.30am-3pm at PPCS, 54 Jalan Sultan cash prizes and lucky draws. Online registration: www.event.howei.com. Contact: Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh. PPCS (Perak Palliative Care Society), established in 1995, is 016 566 8810 or 016 422 8868. committed to providing palliative care through home visits to our community who 5th Ipoh International Waiters Race, Sunday May 14, 7.30am-2pm at River Walk @ need it. They have a full​-time team of nurses headed by a medical director. Services Kinta Riverfront, Ipoh. In collaboration with Perak Tourism Association and supported are provided free of charge. Coupons are available at PPCS office. Website: www. by Tourism Perak. About 400 domestic and international participants from hotels and ppcs.org.my. hospitality industries will take part in the event. Further information is available at www.ipohwaitersrace.net. Citizen CPR Course, Saturday April 29, 9pm to 5pm, Dewan Anugerah, 5th Floor, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital. Open to public. Fee: RM75 (adults); RM35 (12 to 19 Calling all 1976 ACS Kamparians! We are having a ‘Back to the 70s’ reunion and years old), including meals. Limited to 30 participants only. Free pocket mask for all celebration gathering on the July 15 at Grand Kampar Hotel, Kampar. This will be a participants worth RM50. For enquiries and registration, contact Pn Aziera/Ms Sarah fun-filled night of reminiscing our schooldays and showing our appreciation to our at 05 240 8777 ext. 8111. teachers besides talent time, stage games, photos from yesteryears, disco, etc. Ticket price is RM120 per pax. Those interested to attend, kindly sign up before April 30. For Sultan Yusoff School Batu Gajah Class of 1967 Golden Jubilee Reunion Dinner, more details, contact Chow 013 360 3338, Ng CF 016 285 5939, Ng SC 012 614 5048, Saturday, April 29. Former students from that class who are keen on attending please Tham 012 253 5368 or Tan 012 250 2999. make your reservations with either one of the following personnel: Gregory Wong 012 517 2858, Dr Bhupindar Singh 012 499 6444 or Gopalan Nair 012 450 2620. Free Arts and Culture Lessons. The Perak Department for Arts and Culture (JKKN Perak) is conducting free music, dance and theatre lessons at its complex along Jalan Caldwell Hospital Fatimah Public Forum: “Dr, Do I Have A Thyroid Disorder?” Saturday April 29, for enthusiasts aged 7 and above. Traditional dance and music: Every Saturday from 2pm-4pm at Conference Room, 4th Floor, Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh. By Dr Kirubakaran 9.30am to 12pm. Children’s theatre: Every Saturday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Adult’s Malapan, new sessional Consultant General, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon. For more theatre: Every Tuesday from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. These lessons will last till the end of information, contact 05 545 5777 ext 214. the year. For information call Fairus at 018 958 9049 or JKKN Perak at 05 253 7001. ‘Simple Living High Thinking’, May 2, 6.30pm-9pm at Tower Regency Hotel, Regency The Dementia Day-care Centre is open daily from 9am till 5pm. The centre also holds 3, Level 11, 6-8 Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said, Greentown, 30450 Ipoh. Organised by support group meetings every 2nd Saturday and Monday of each month. All carers Brahma Kumaris Malaysia. Discover the methods to free ourselves from all situations who have love ones with dementia and others are welcome to attend. These are which demands hard work and live a simple life balanced with high thinking. Free sharing sessions. The centre also welcomes volunteers. For more details kindly call admission. Registration at 6.30pm. Enquiry: Sis. Pooba 011 2338 6188. April at 05 241 1691 before 5pm. Mother Teresa’s Reading Shelter (MTRS) Charity Lunch 2017, Sunday April 30, 11am Garden Market @ PORT Ipoh. Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights, 6pm onwards. Food to 2pm at Church Hall, Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 45 Jalan Silibin, 30100 Ipoh. trucks, book, antiques, vintage comics, collectibles, buskers, bundle, pre-loved items, Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food will be served. For further details contact MTRS etc. Wayang Pacak on Friday and Saturday nights. office at 05 241 0751. St John Ambulance Malaysia Perak is recruiting volunteers who are interested to join the Emergency Rescue Unit, Volunteer must be 18 years to 50 years of age. Training Workshop on Asthma Control, May 7 from 8.30am to noon at St John Ambulance will be provided to all volunteers. Those who are interested call up 05 254 5946 or Perak, 134 Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Ipoh. Organised by St John Ambulance Perak in 012 550 4002 Manin Singh for registration and more details. collaboration with the Perak Chest Society. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. Demos on how to use metered dose inhalers, Dry powder inhalers and Peak Free Simplified Yoga for Beginners. Vethathiri Maharishi Yoga. Every Saturday, Sunday flow meters during the workshop. Those who are interested, call 05 254 5946 Manin and Wednesday. Class starts at 6.45am-8am. Place: Buntong Benevolent Fund Hall, Singh for registration. Jalan Guntong, Buntong Ipoh, Perak. Must bring yoga mat or mat itself. Please call Sivam 016 670 4285 for free lesson appointment. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 13 Arts & Culture Baraka Blue Visited Ipoh Minibus for PORT poh Echo had the exclusive opportunity to meet Baraka Blue; a US-born rapper Iand poet based in Oakland who has performed in North America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. Baraka was in town as part of his 11-day tour in Malaysia where he not only discussed poetry writing but also performed in various stages during his tour. Like many other visitors, Baraka, or his real name Ahmad James, couldn’t help but fall in love with Malaysia. In fact, this is his third time visiting Malaysia and it seems like he will keep on coming back. “The art and literature scene in Malaysia has definitely changed over the anjung Malim District Council (MDTM) presented an Isuzu KIV minibus years. It has been a big privilege for me to (Coaster) to PORT (People of Remarkable Talent) in appreciation for its efforts in not only witness the changes but also to be Tpromoting arts and culture in Perak. part of the community,” said Baraka who PORT Manager Zamari Muhyi said, it was a significant contribution, as the bus has worked before with several talented has a high antique value, despite its condition. “The bus was initially on loan for our performers in Malaysia including rapper programme ‘Malaysia Urban Azam Karnival’ held in April last year. Altimet, Andy from Flop Poppy and “During the event, a total of 16 Perak-born cartoonists did their creative artworks, producer Farahin Abdul Fatah. doodle paintings, on the exterior of the bus. It was returned to MDTM after the event,” During the Baraka Blue Malaysia Tour he said. 2017: Ancestors of The Future, Baraka and The vehicle, bearing registration number ABG 3993, was used by the district council his team were in Malaysia from March 30 for transportation purposes for over 20 years. till April 4. He started the tour in Penang “However, MDTM has decided to donate the bus to us instead. It can still be used. where he held a mini poetry workshop at LUMA Georgetown. While in Ipoh, Baraka spent Some repairs need to be done to make it roadworthy,” said Zamari to reporters. his three-day visit doing poetry readings and poetry workshops held at Rumah Khizanat According to Council president Mohd Syukri Azaari the bus was supposed to be and he took the stage at the second Tempatan Fest held at MBI Square on April 1. disposed of, as its maintenance cost was high and was not longer safe for use. While he has done so well with his collective poetry readings, Baraka is already “Upon reflection, we decided to give it to PORT instead. They know what to do with missing his days as a rapper who raps about spirituality, connections between souls and it. about faith. “The bus now belongs to PORT. I hope it’ll be put to good use. This bus will be a “I am planning to visit Indonesia for a chance to rekindle my soul and my heart. I tremendous asset to its new owner. It too serves as a precious reminder to MDTM,” said want to do more writing and perhaps go back to my roots, rapping,” added Baraka Blue. Mohd Syukri. Baraka’s tour continued to Kuala Lumpur where he had a special talk and poetry The minibus was handed over to Zamari by Mohd Syukri and was witnessed by readings, poetry workshop and attended the Humanity Poetry Night at IIUM Gombak on Dato’ Nolee Ashilin, the Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Multimedia April 4. We hope to see more of Baraka Blue again in Ipoh soon! and Communications on March 24. Ili Aqilah Rosli Mansor Upcoming Event Good or Bad Renovation? Perak International ne of the most visited places in Ipoh has got to be Gerbang Malam; a night market selling gadgets, clothes, food and more. Located at Jalan Tahwil Century Ride 2017 Azhar,O the market underwent a major renovation since July he Perak International Century Ride last year. (PICR) 2017, a cycling race covering The renovation that a distance of 160km (100 miles), is reportedly cost RM3.5 T million includes upgrading expected to receive over 2000 entries, local and foreign. It is scheduled for Sunday, the road and installing May 21. street lights. While the President of Le Velo Cycling Club, renovations were going on, Sharudin Not, said that since registration Gerbang Malam was moved began on January 16, he has garnered over to temporary locations at 1000 entries from Germany, Singapore, Jalan Tingkat Pasar, Hala Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Pasar Baru and Lintasan Australia, Japan, Vietnam and South Pasar Baru near the Urban Korea. Transformation Centre Sharudin anticipated more entries, (UTC) Ipoh. mainly international ones, before registration Gerbang Malam ends on Sunday, April 21. opened again at its original “Since the success of the past two location early this year and the renovation editions of PICR, the race has become increasingly popular with local and foreign was, disappointing. While the street lights cyclists. And with new routes in place, participants will have a whole new experience are a definite help to the 164 traders at the and challenges during the upcoming event,” said Sharudin. market, it was the covastone-based floor The race will start at the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) in Gopeng. The new which is causing problems, not only among route will take participants through Gopeng, Kuala Dipang, Tanjung Tualang, Changkat the traders, but also with the visitors. Tin, Kampung Gajah, Memali, Lambor Kanan, Changkat Melintang, Bota Kanan, “I received complaints from some of Titi Gantung, Bukit Kota, Gelung Pepuyu, Dendang, Talang, Tanjung Belanja, Parit, my customers. Not only is it not stroller- Kampung Piandang, Bemban and Kellie’s Castle before ending at RTC Gopeng. The friendly, some children slipped and fell while distance covered is approximately 160km (100 miles). walking,” said Mohammad Haikal Haruddin, 23, one of the sellers at Gerbang Malam. Sharudin said that PICR 2017 will test the physical and mental strength of participants. Haikal also added that the uneven floor also made it difficult for sellers like him Besides the physical part, the event will help promote Perak as a holiday destination in to push their heavy trolleys, and customers wearing heels have also reported difficulty conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017. walking on the floor. “The journey will take participants past tourist hotspots such as Tempurung Cave, When asked, Mayor Dato’ Zamri Man explained that the floor will be flat, it will Kellie’s Castle, villages and paddy fields,” he said. just need some time, “The covastone floor will gradually be even. I believe it will take at A total of six categories will be contested namely, Men and Women Open, Men least three months until it becomes flat. We hope the public will be patient and wait for a Junior Veteran, Men Senior Veteran, Men Super Senior and Junior Open. while,” said Zamri. PICR 2017 is fully endorsed and supported by the state government, Tourism Perak While there are many other suitable options for outdoor flooring, such as Bluestone, and redONE Telecommunications service provider. Symphony Suites Hotel is the official Cotto, Granite, Travertine, etc., it does make one wonder why Ipoh City Council (MBI) residence for participants. chose covastone instead? Hopefully the floor will be even as soon as possible as it will Readers keen on participating in PICR 2017 can do so by registering online via affect the number of visitors to Gerbang Malam who are mostly families with small event.howei.com children. Luqman Hakim Ili Aqilah 14 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Education Seri Keledang Honours Day 2017 UniKL Convocation o acknowledge the outstanding niversiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) held academic and co-curricular its convocation at Hotel Casuarina @ Meru on Tuesday, April 4. A total of 139 achievements of its students, UBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduates were presented T with temporary practising certificates and took part in an oath-taking ceremony. Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Keledang (SMKSK), Menglembu held its The auspicious event was officiated by the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of UniKL, 29th Honours Day on Friday, March 31. Datuk Seri Dr Adham bin Baba. In his opening speech, Adham reminded the graduates The event was officiated by the chairman not to forget their parents, lecturers and juniors when they're successful. of the school board of governors, Choong “Perform your duty with utmost responsibility and become a good example for Kai Hoong. medical graduates from other universities. When you attend to your patients, do so with Awards were presented to model love and humility. You’ve to listen more than talk. You can learn a lot by listening," said students, high achievers in the PT3, SPM Adham. and STPM examinations, and teachers Trophies were presented to recipients of the Dean's Award, Malaysian Medical who contributed to the success of the Association (MMA) Award, Distinction Award, Best Student Award in Surgery, Primary students. Students who performed well in Care, Psychiatry, Orthopaedic, Paediatric, Obstetric & Gynaecology, Medicine and Public co-curricular activities received awards Health. too. Dr Muhammad Zuhri bin Zainudin, 24, was awarded the best student in Paediatrics, SMKSK boasts a 100 per cent pass the MMA Award and the Distinction Award. He attributed his success to his parents, rate in the STPM examination last year, with five students securing 4As, 30 secured at lecturers, friends and study-group mates who helped and supported him all along. least 6As in the SPM examination, while eight obtained 10As in the PT3 examination. Hailing from Cheras, Selangor, the second of six children, he plans to complete his “Although academics are of the utmost importance, we give equal emphasis on co- housemanship before furthering his studies. Unsure of what the future holds, Zuhri hopes curricular activities as well to ensure the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual to specialise in internal medicine. development of our students,” said principal, Sit Wai Yin. Recipient of the Dean's Award, Dr Wong Pui Seen, 24, said the secret behind her According to Sit, his students had won awards in a plethora of co-curricular activities success was consistency in studying, revision and not accumulating work. ranging from sports to writing and poetry-recital competitions. The school’s Chinese "During times of difficulties, I'd turn to my family and lecturers for support," said orchestra was nominated for the best performance in a competition held in Hangzhou, Wong, the elder of two children. China. Present at the ceremony was Perak Health Department acting director Dato’ Dr The event ended with a dance performance and a musical presentation by the Chinese Rahimi Goon. orchestra club. Leanne & Nabilah Leanne Tan TAM and Quest Sign MOU n MOU signing ceremony between AT e c h n o l o g y Association Malaysia (TAM), represented by TAM president Ir Tang Heap Seng (right) and Quest International University, represented by Associate Professor Dr Yagasena Appanna (left).

MBI Round-up Nabilah Hamudin and Leanne Tan Car Free Day Full Board Meeting poh Car Free Day for the month of he monthly Ipoh City Council full-board meeting was held on Thursday, March 30 March was held on Sunday, March 26 at the Council’s designated meeting hall. Iin conjunction with Women’s During the meeting, Mayor Dato’ Zamri Man said that dengue in Ipoh and International Day and World Water Day. T Perak was on the rise. It had claimed six lives within the first three months of the year The Perak State Library organised a compared to one during the same period last year. flower arrangement competition as part Perak recorded 1982 dengue cases of the day’s activity. between January 1 and March 25 as Some 11 women took part. They were given an hour to complete their flower opposed to 1429 cases during the arrangements using fresh flowers provided by the organiser. Some brought their own corresponding period last year. flowers to enhance their creations. Of the number, 1075 cases were One of the judges, P. Janakee said flowers symbolise woman, love and beauty. reported in Ipoh compared to 678 cases Flowers make people happy. during the same period last year. “Women will automatically smile when they receive flowers or see them. There’s The dengue hotspots in Ipoh are a natural bond between us,” said Janakee, who has over 20 years of experience in such Taman Cempaka (48 cases), Taman competitions. Seri Tanjung (43 cases), Pekan Razaki “Some of the contestants are very good. I’m really surprised. They’re very creative (25 cases), Kampung Baru Buntong but they don’t get the correct structural pattern. They can be professional florists with a (23 cases), Taman Mewah Ulu Kinta little more practice. I had a hard time picking the winners,” Janakee added. (21 cases), and Taman Ipoh Jaya (19 Other activities held were Eco Hunt by Perak Drainage and Irrigation Department, cases). Wanita Jom Kayuh by Perak Association of Wives of Civil Servants and Women Civil Tourism Perak Chief Executive Servants (PUSPANITA), full health screening by KPJ Hospital and a traditional dance Officer, Zuraida Md Taib, briefed class by Perak Arts and Culture Department. the Council on the progress of Visit Perak Year 2017 for the first quarter of Assessment Rate Payment 2017. BI had issued Notice E beginning March 1 to property owners who didn’t settle AN APOLOGY their annual assessment rate by February 28. The notice warns defaulters of the Council’s action should they fail to e refer to the article titled, “Rumours Unfounded” by Mei Kuan (Ipoh M Echo Issue 254 dated March 16 to 31, 2017). It is about a stabbing settle their dues by the required date. Their properties would be sealed, as stipulated under Section 147 of the Local Government Act 1976. Wincident involving one of The Haven Lakeside Residences’ residents, a “We’ll seal their properties if they don’t react within 15 days after the notices are lady. And that the incident was fictitious and had taken place within the confines issued,” said Mayor Dato’ Zamri Man. of the resort. The truth is, the incident did take place but it happened outside of After chairing the meeting, Zamri and his councillors visited the newly-established The Haven. The lady was attacked and wounded by a person unknown. The case radio studio located at level 1 of the Council building (see story on page 7). is under investigation by the Police. We regret the error and convey our sincere apologies to the lady concerned. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO April 16 - 30, 2017 15 16 April 16 - 30, 2017 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Wellness By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen Are Your Kidneys OK? World Kidney Day Awareness & Healthy Lifestyle Campaign - 15th April 2017 “Bones can break, muscles can atrophy, glands can loaf, even the brain can go to (kg) by your height in metres (m) and then sleep without immediate danger to survival. But should the kidneys fail, neither dividing the answer by your height again bones, muscles, glands nor brain could carry on.” to get your BMI) of more than 28 by Asian — Dr Homer W. Smith, From Fish to Philosopher norms and slightly higher by western s the whole field of medicine gets more and more sophisticated, medical sub- ones. specialties are springing up like mushrooms after the rain and nephrology is “People generally don’t relate obesity one of these. A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specialises in kidney care to kidney disease,” she chided, “but if a A person is obese, there is more oxidative and treating diseases of the kidneys. The term nephrologist comes from the Greek word “nephros”, which means kidney or renal and “ologist” refers to someone who studies. stress in the body and causes inflammation Nephrologists are also called kidney doctors. Nephrologists are educated in internal which forces the kidneys to work overtime, medicine and then undergo more training to specialise in treating patients with kidney eventually leading to kidney failure. diseases. So weight control is an integral part of Dr Lim Wei Mei is one of these. After receiving her Bachelor of Medicine and keeping your kidneys healthy.” Surgery (MBBS) from University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur in 2004, she became a Dr Lim’s advice for people over 40 Member of Royal Colleges of Physicians, (MCRP) UK in 2008, an Internal Medicine is to have a Renal Function blood test and Specialist in 2010 and a full-fledged Nephrologist in 2014 after having sat for her Board urine test as a baseline to avoid kidney Dr Lim Wei Mei, Exam in 2014. disease. Add to this is to lead a healthy Consultant Nephrologist & Physician In private practice at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital Ipoh since ten months, having lifestyle, and to follow her admonitions moved from Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh where she worked as nephrologist mentioned above for keeping the kidneys from 2014, Dr Lim has worked in hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Teluk Intan healthy. where she was born. But what about those who are prone to forming kidney stones either from genetic “The kidneys are vital for maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte balance in reasons or otherwise? Depending on whether the stones are from calcium deposits or uric the body. We nephrologists are trained to be knowledgeable about medications and acid, the latter being susceptible to drug treatment to lower uric acid levels, stones are clinical pharmacology, high blood pressure management, diabetes management treated by urologists using Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL), the most common treatment and its complications, epidemiology of diseases and infections as well as nutritional for kidney stones. management for prevention and treatment of kidney diseases,” Dr Lim shared. Shock waves from outside the body are targeted at a kidney stone causing the stone “One of the primary diseases that has a devastating effect on the kidneys is diabetes. to fragment. The stones are broken into tiny pieces which are then passed out with urine. As a result, many diabetic patients end up requiring dialysis which is the artificial process SWL works better with some stones than others. Very large stones cannot be treated this for removing waste and excess water from the blood,” she added. way. The size and shape of a stone, where it is lodged in your urinary tract, your health, Another disease causing kidney inflammation is SLE or systemic lupus and your kidneys' health will be part of the decision to use it. Stones that are smaller than erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can cause leakage of protein into the urine, 2cm in diameter are the best size for SWL. The treatment might not be effective in very fluid retention, high blood pressure, and even kidney failure, again requiring dialysis. large ones, in which case surgical intervention may be called for. “Although the causes of SLE are unknown, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or This is where the urologist comes in. A nephrologist like Dr Lim does not perform controlled through various means without necessarily resorting to medication,” she surgical interventions other than inserting a catheter for dialysis. Her job is to monitor emphasised. and maintain balance of your kidney function to ensure that your ‘filtration’ system High on the list for keeping the kidneys healthy and prevention of diabetes is through is working at optimum given your medical condition. After all your kidneys are the diet, followed by exercise, drinking lots of water, having annual check-ups (or even a ‘master’ chemists of your body and taking care of them is Dr Lim’s top priority. simple urine test), not smoking, and avoiding the frequent use of common analgesics for Dr Lim Wei Mei pain relief which causes constriction of blood vessels. Suite 1-18, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital An interesting link to kidney disease is obesity. A person is considered obese when Tel.: 05 240 8777 ext. 8029 (reception) ext. 8030 (doctor) he/she has a BMI (body mass index measured by dividing your weight in kilogrammes Consultation hours: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm; Saturday 8.30am-1pm. Sport MSSD Kinta Utara Tennis Championship 2017 he annual Kinta Utara District School Sports Council (MSSD) Tennis Championship was held from Tuesday, March 28 to Thursday, March 30 at the Ipoh City Council Ttennis courts. The tournament, jointly organised by the Kinta Utara District Education Department, SK Seri Ampang and SMK Gunung Rapat, received over 70 entries. The championship was divided into male and female categories for ages under 18, 15, 12 and 8 years. Winners walked away with medals and certificates. The top five players in the U-18, U-15 and U-12 categories will represent Kinta Utara at the Perak State School Sports Council (MSSPK) Tennis Championship in May this year. According to the MSSPK tennis technical head, Khalid Fadli, Kinta Utara is the only district to incorporate tennis matches for children ages eight and below in the MSSD Tennis Championship. These matches, called mini tennis, are specially catered for young children to provide them with an opportunity to compete in the championship, but at the same time, not be intimidated by older players and the size of normal tennis courts. In preparation for the upcoming MSSPK Tennis Championship, centralised training sessions will be organised to help the players step up their game. Friendlies with tennis teams from other districts will be held. “Our aim is to sweep all six gold medals, and to defend our title as the overall champion in the MSSPK Tennis Championship,” said Khalid. He hoped the Kinta Utara tennis team would play their best during the championship. Leanne Tan Futsal Court UTC for Public Use? egular customers and visitors of Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Ipoh must have noticed the futsal court located in the middle of the building. While it Rmay seem odd to have one, it is a great effort to encourage the youth and sports enthusiasts to come and use the court. However, is the court open to the public? Or is it only for the use of special or private events? A visit to the court shows that it is rarely being used and was slightly dusty. While the mayor has said that the public will need to book first, surprisingly, the court is unlocked. “The futsal court in UTC is made for the public. However, they will need to book first at Ipoh City Council’s (MBI) Community Affairs Department located at Level 8, Wisma Bougainvillea at Jalan Foo Choo Choon.” Since the gate to the court is unlocked, is it still necessary to book the court if no one is using it first hand? It does raise an issue as to why the booking office is located outside the UTC building and why isn’t there any information board to inform the public? Perhaps it is time for MBI to station an officer nearby to monitor and promote the court. For such a strategic court, it would be a shame if the public do not know that it is built for them. Ili Aqilah

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