www.ipohecho.com.my FREE COPY IPOH echoechoYour Voice In The Community July 1-15, 2014 PP 14252/10/2012(031136) 30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – issue ASK YOUR NEWSVENDOR 192 VACANCIES • Front Office • Housekeeping • F&B • Engineering • Kitchen • Steward • HR • Finance • Sales & Marketing A New Luxury Hotel VENUE Thong Fook Corporation, A-2-2 Persiaran Greentown 2, in Ipoh Greentown Business Centre, Ipoh • 313 Rooms & Suites • 6 F&B Outlets WALK-IN INTERVIEW MASS HIRING INTERVIEW • Extensive Facilities Date Time Date Time • Ballroom & 8 Function Rooms 1 - 4 July 2014 9.00am - 6.00pm 12 & 13 July 2014 9.00am - 6.00pm • Rooftop Infinity Pool 7 - 11 July 2014 • Connected to Ipoh Parade Shopping Centre 011 - 26 536 123 [email protected] /weilhotel Don’t Worry,

Be Happy at HappyBy SeeFoon8 Chan-Koppen

Hand carved wooden toilet roll dispenser

Lobby, Happy 8 Old Town Lobby/lounge in Pasir Putih – notice wooden chandelier & handrail

agical, whimsical, stunning, creative, and certainly Happy, are words that come to mind when one is called upon to describe the Happy 8 retreats in . Even these descriptions fail to convey the sense of awe and Mwonderment I felt on arriving in Kuala Sepetang in search of the Happy 8 Retreat. In search was the operative word as there is no signage, no arrows, no indication whatsoever as to the location of this wondrous retreat but as Kuala Sepetang is such a tiny village, it wasn’t long before I spied the eagle perched on top of a brown wooden building with a large number 8 sign beside its feet. Manager Shirllay Cheong had given me clear instructions to look out for it. Continued on page 2 Happy 8 Kuala Sepetang – notice wooden eagle on roof 2 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Meticulous planning, careful orchestration and creative flair

hen the confusion began. The large banner emblazoned across the front said of a fat fish on the floor Makanan Laut Kang Kao and underneath across the open entrance…a sign greeted me as I stepped saying…Fish Dealers! So I called Shirllay again for help, only to be told to walk through two magnificent T slabs of highly buffed straight through the Fish Dealer’s entrance. Hesitantly, I proceeded and as I passed a fisherman on my left cleaning a tank natural wood which full of freshly caught squid, Shirllay came out and led me into the lobby lounge of the frame the entrance. The Happy 8 at Kuala Sepetang, relieved that I had passed my obstacle course of sorts. legend on the fish is a very quaint one. The Alice in Wonderland Setting fish is named ‘Yasoh’ Once inside the Happy 8 Retreat which was opened early this year, I felt like Alice in a term Tan had picked Wonderland, as everywhere I looked, there were wonderful sights created by a team of up in China which is artisans from the stand alone pieces of art like the fish chandeliers made from wooden used often when one is fish traps; to the handpainted walls, doors and even floors, all painstakingly created by happy. The fish symbol was developed for the hand and almost defy word descriptions. Recycled art with old zinc roof sheets Perched on the banks of the Sungai Sepetang, the Happy 8 Retreat has 34 rooms, Yasoh expression by each uniquely themed, nestled in the midst of the well-known fishing village of Kuala Tan and his team and Sepetang. Here, the retreat can arrange eco-tours to watch the fireflies of Kampung the ‘mother’ fish greets guests at the entrance while the ‘father’ fish guards the rear of Dew, dolphins around the Matang area, visit the Matang Mangrove swamps and watch the building. Guests are also invited to pick up a souvenir of their stay by taking one of migratory birds or even feed the small baby ‘Yasohs’ which are miniatures of the same fish, hand painted on seeds of the eagles which abound in a the Ipoh Tree. Who can resist a happiness souvenir like this? And a memento of Ipoh to nearby location. A charcoal boot. factory, fish and cockle farms nearby provide more tourist Treasure Trove of Delights activities. For couch potatoes Happy 8 in Old Town is a treasure trove of delights. Recycling has been done with verve like myself, the retreat itself and flair, from using provides ample options to the old zinc roof slabs chill and relax. One can sit Inside Happy 8 and converting them on the terrace and enjoy the Old Town – note into dazzling works magnificent sunsets, watch hand painted of art (see pics on the fishing boats unloading walls and this page) to painting the catch of the day or simply exhaust pipe exhaust funnels in ‘Yasoh’ Fish admire the artefacts dotted colourful stripes to greeting guests around the retreat. The night become part of the I spent in Kuala Sepetang, I decor; to stand alone had the pleasure of sleeping art pieces made with in a room where the bed is a old wood and banister converted old fishing sampan, reinforced to support a handrails made with comfortable mattress. gnarled roots from Baby ‘Yasohs’ – hand painted trees felled in Falim. on seeds of Ipoh Tree Passion for Wood Even the old banister The same sense of wonder is even more prevalent in from a 200-year-old the other two accommodation options in Ipoh, the one in Old Town on Jalan Market house has been framed and the other in Pasir Putih in Jalan Shah Bandar in Taman Happy. Only pictures can on the wall in the lobby to become part of the decor. convey to the reader how winsome and appealing these individual pieces of art and The decor is totally eclectic, with everything hand hewn, etched, carved, painted design are, calling for attention from the moment one steps through the portals of these and created with great care and attention. And it all pulls together. Not a single item feels three places. out of place; every eccentricity charming and whimsical and every piece tells a story. Owner and proprietor Tan Kai Lek, a most unassuming man and almost media Visitors and guests can spend hours just looking, touching and feeling the ambiance shy, who owns and runs one of the largest wood work and furniture manufacturing of this hospitality charmer, sitting right smack in the middle of Old Town Ipoh. And factories in Ipoh, called Bukit Merah Wood Products Sdn Bhd, told me that he had been collecting old wood for a very long time. Added to his passion is the serendipity of having skilled Nepalese paint artisans and Indonesian wood carvers in his factory and the idea for the Happy 8 retreats was born.

Happy 8 at Pasir Putih The first of these is a 5-room guest house in Pasir Putih, which opened in 2012. Situated in a quiet enclave in Happy Garden in Pasir Putih, Tan put his creative mind to work and with his team of artisans, painted, carved and developed an enchanting hideaway that is as tranquil as it is exciting. Two horses in Bas Relief greet one just inside the main gate. Inside the converted bungalow, painted art murals adorn the walls (including the air conditioners!) exuding a tropical ambiance; while outdoor showers in the en suite bathrooms provide a connection with the elements in total privacy. In one bathroom, painted tropical foliage adorn the walls while a wooden bathtub carved from a solid piece of wood, takes centre stage. Wooden doors, intricately carved in bas relief and finished in paint for spectacular effect lead into the bedrooms. Small groups of up to 15 people Happy 8 Old Town Cafe with handpainted walls – note bird’s nest on painted tree (with additional mattresses which can be arranged) to top off the experience, to sit in the cafe and sample the many delectable sweet and can be accommodated here savoury treats on offer. for meetings. According Happy 8 rates for Old Town and Pasir Putih begin at RM288 per night during the to Shirllay, this retreat is week and increasing by RM100 per room category on weekends and public holidays very popular with foreign while rates at Kuala Sepetang begin at RM268 for the rooms with no view and with the guests who fall in love with same weekend and public holiday surcharges. Rooms with balconies and views go for the pictures they see of the higher rates and family rooms sleeping four are also available. All rooms are en suite, retreat online, as I’m sure have tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and rates are inclusive of some of our readers will do breakfast. so here on this page.

Happy 8 at Old Town For reservations: Happy 8 in Old Town with Ipoh Main: 05 243 8388 13 rooms each with its own GM Shirllay Cheong: 016 5214 353 unique theme, opened in Happy 8 @ Kuala Sepetang (N 4° 50.117’ E 100° 37.655’): 05 858 2188 the third quarter of 2013, Happy 8 @ Pasir Putih (N 4° 34.835’ E 101° 4.744’) in a converted shophouse 8 Jalan Shah Bandar, Taman Happy, 32650 Ipoh. on Market street, in the Happy 8 @ Ipoh Old Town (N 4° 35.731’ E 101° 4.707’) 46 Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh. area known for its heritage Hand carved bathtub, basin and painted walls – buildings. A giant painting Happy 8 Pasir Putih Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 1-15, 2014 3 IPOHecho From the Editor’s Desk ROOTING OUT TERROR GROUPS By Fathol Zaman Bukhari The authorities have in their custody potentially dangerous criminals who can cause unimaginable harm to innocent lives...

was caught off-guard when a Malay Mail reporter called me one recent afternoon to get my views The police unit, numbering a score, was under the I regarding the arrest of a Royal Malaysian Navy command of Superintendent Nafri Junaidi and his personnel in . The 31-year old seaman was number two, Deputy Superintendent Lawrence among three men who were arrested in for Lim. Both were the best that the Police being part of a militant group that planned to undertake ever had. It was their thoroughness in planning suicide bombings and attack missions in Syria and and execution that resulted in the eventual Iraq. elimination of the elusive Down River Group 1 My comments were sought on the premise that and 2 and the Oya Mukah Tatau Group of the I was a former serviceman who had served in the defunct North Kalimantan Communist Party. Malaysian Army. The questions posed by the reporter Lawrence Lim committed to memory the centred on the likely threats such an incident would names, characteristics and habits of all members have on the integrity of the , of the insurgent groups operating in the Rejang per se. I responded that if we let our guard down there area. In fact, there was a price on his head but was a likelihood that we would suffer in the long run. the insurgents did not get to execute the order. Once the impregnable walls of the nation’s security Although the arrest of the Islamic militants forces are breached there is no telling what will happen may not have the same impact as the surrender next. of Ubong anak Nuing, the notorious lban Back in the days when we were battling communist Suicide bomber Ahmad Tarmimi Maliki commander of the Oya Mukah Tatau Group in terrorists the problem was less pronounced, as the 1986, the outcome is equally significant. threat was mainly confined to within the country. It was largely a battle of attrition over a It is all about nipping it in the bud. The authorities have in their custody potentially misshapen ideology, one promoting capitalism and free market and the other the nuances dangerous criminals who can cause unimaginable harm to innocent lives. This scenario of socialism with a heavy dose of Chairman Mao’s doctrine on guerilla warfare and is being repeated daily in Syria and Iraq where a sectarian battle between Sunnis and people’s war. The target was the same, the decadent British Empire where the sun never Shiites is raging. sets. Incidentally, Ahmad Tarmimi Maliki, 26, a factory worker from had the Being a battle of the minds getting the populace on the side of the righteous was the dubious distinction of being ’s first ever suicide bomber. Tarmimi drove an number one priority. Thus psychological warfare was the name of the game. And who explosive-laden SUV into an elite Iraqi police unit headquarters in al-Anbar on May 26 could do it better other than the Police, as they were the ones who had the resources and blowing himself up in the process. It is individuals like Tarmimi that we should be wary the means to make ends meet. of. The Special Branch (SB), consisting mainly of Chinese personnel, was the best Religious extremism is fast taking root in this country and this is not something weapon ever deployed to combat the threat emanating from the outlawed Malayan pleasant. Communist Party (MCP). The SB covert activities during the (1948 to 1960) and the Second Emergency (1975 to 1989) were legendary. The Special Branch was considered as “one of the finest establishments of its kind in the world.” EYE One SB officer managed to gain sufficient trust from the MCP to be ordered to ARE OTC EYE DROPS OK? infiltrate the Special Branch. He in turn fed false information to his communist party HEALTH “friends”. It was reported that the second-highest ranking official in the MCP was a Ipoh Echo’s EYE HEALTH series continues with Consultant Eye Special Branch agent, who was executed when his true identity was uncovered. Surgeon Dr S.S. GILL talking to us about the dangers of eye drops I had my share of interactions with the Special Branch when my battalion was bought “over-the-counter” (OTC). operating in RASCOM (Rejang Area Security Command) in Sarawak in the mid-1970s. very so often I get patients walking into my consultation holding a plastic bag full of eye drops that they had bought over-the-counter Eand instilled in an attempt to solve an eye problem. The reality is that some of these OTC eye drops may not be as safe as they may appear to be. In fact, some of these eye drops are actually dangerous when used without supervision. A month ago, I had a phone call from a pharmacist friend of mine who sounded really distressed because a customer of his who had purchased eye drops from him without a prescription, was Dr. S.S. Gill Resident Consultant complaining that it had made him lose his eyesight! It is not uncommon Ophthalmologist, for Malaysians to self-medicate and purchase eye drops alongside their Hospital Fatimah regular monthly vitamins. Ask any pharmacist about this and they will tell you that this is true of many Malaysians. This is because there are no proper regulatory laws in our country controlling the purchase of even prescription eye drops that in the EU or USA would require a doctor’s certification (prescription) before they can be dispensed. Let’s look at some of the possible problems of indiscriminate unsupervised usage of OTC eye drops that are available so easily in Malaysia.

GENERAL SYSTEMIC REACTIONS Eye drops too may react with any oral medication that a person may already be taking. Some of the drug interactions with these medications may be serious resulting in changes of blood pressure, abdominal discomfort, weakness, palpitations and breathing difficulties. This is the reason that a patient is always asked about medication history before they are prescribed eye drops particularly for chronic eye diseases like glaucoma. INCREASING EYE PRESSURE AND CATARACT FORMATION Some eye drops that contain steroids may make a person feel comfortable in the eyes but when used long term can cause cataract formation and also cause a potentially blinding condition called glaucoma. All such eye drops must only be instilled under supervision by a medical professional. LOCAL EYE ALLERGIES Eye drops too may cause eye allergies. Ironically for some individuals, they may even react adversely to the eye drops used to treat eye allergies, meaning that they may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients or even preservatives present within the eye-drop bottle. INCREASING EYE REDNESS Some manufacturers advertise that their products are able to “get the redness out of the eyes” making them look white and bright. These eye drops often contain ingredients that will constrict the blood vessels of the eye for a short time. Using these eye drops may temporarily solve the problems of a red eye but eventually can lead to more eye redness as it wears off (rebound hyperaemia). These eye drops generally do not address the underlying cause of redness. TAKE HOME POINTS Avoid purchase of unprescribed OTC eye drops as they may cause more harm than you may realise. Always seek professional help taking note that most eye drops require proper medical supervision when you are on them. Do not continue using unprescribed eye drops indefinitely without proper eye monitoring. For more information, call Gill Eye Specialist Centre at Hospital Fatimah 05 545 5582 or email [email protected]. 4 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

PUBLISHER Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) Tips for coping with

A-G-1, No. 1 Persiaran Greentown 2, Greentown infrequent rubbish collections Business Centre, 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan. he litter we see on our streets, and in our Tel: (605) 249 5936 drains, plus the great piles of uncollected Fax: (605) 255 2181 rubbish, sometimes makes us wonder if Email: editorial@ipohecho. T recycling is low on our list of priorities. You may com.my remember the time when recycling was a part of THINKING EDITORIAL many households. Fathol Zaman Bukhari You may recall how an old man on a trishaw, G. Sivapragasam would regularly visit your house, and pick up ALLOWED old newspapers and glass bottles. You may have GRAPHIC DESIGN by Mariam Mokhtar Rosli Mansor Ahd Razali seen men who collect slops from restaurant Luqman Hakim Md Radzi kitchens, either to turn into biofuel or for feeding livestock. Even the spent cooking oil from the vegetable patches. MARKETING & pisang goreng seller, did not go to waste and was DISTRIBUTION Second. Perishables like leftovers, turned into biofuel. Old tyres were also collected, MANAGER processed foods, or meat bones, which as were tin cans and cardboard boxes. Deanna Lim should not be composted because they Today, these “old men on bicycles” have will attract vermin. They will also FREELANCERS been replaced by men in white vans, driving A. Jeyaraj smell, as they decompose. The amount slowly along the road in which you live. They Emily Lowe of perishables which cannot be turned have a loudspeaker blaring “Surat khabar lama” and “bateri Serena Mui into compost, is usually small and can be safely stored in a proper rubbish bin with a firm, Susan Ho lama”, so that there is no chance of missing them. These secure lid, to stop vermin and dogs rooting through the rubbish. men provide a useful service. They collect your unwanted Third. Non-perishable items. This category can be further separated into: 1) packaging PERMISSION AND RE- bottles, newspapers, and batteries and give you a small PRINTS materials, which includes things like juice cartons, plastic ice-cream tubs; 2) paper and amount of money, in return. Materials in Ipoh Echo cardboard items, like cereal boxes or envelopes; 3) glass materials like empty jars or sauce The best part of the deal is that you do not have to get may not be reproduced bottles; 4) aluminium cans are relatively valuable; 5) batteries and chemicals, should be in any form without the rid of this rubbish yourself. This is especially important for properly disposed off in designated recycling sites. written permission of the the people who do not have easy access to transport to the publisher. If you suffer from infrequent rubbish collection, recycling your rubbish will help you recycling or waste disposal sites. There are some Ipohites to manage your waste better. The non-perishable items will be about 80% of your weekly who complain that the rubbish collection service is too PRINTER rubbish, but they will not smell or attract vermin. Pacific Press Sdn. Bhd. irregular and some bin men have been known to refuse If you store the small amount of perishable waste in a galvanised steel bin, with a lid, No. 37, Jalan SBC 8, to take rubbish if they feel that the house has “too much” vermin will not be attracted to the waste, because they will not be able to reach it, or eat Taman Sri Batu Caves, trash. 68100 Selangor. it. Recycling is easy if you make it a regular habit. Parts of Ipoh used to specialise in recycling, and USEFUL cottage industries congregated in particular areas, such as Jalan Bendahara popularly known as Jalan Botol (Bottle Dr Shan Narayanan CONTACTS Road). As the city grew, these roads were relocated, but the CHILD HEALTH Consultant General Paediatrician, Hospital Fatimah Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah new locations were too far from town and so we gradually (IPD): GENETIC DISORDERS 05 2451 072 (CCC) forgot the art of recycling. genetic disorder is an illness caused by abnormality of chromosome 05 2451 222 (Operator) Recycling has been a feature of Malaysian life for a long or genes. Some illnesses are partly due to genetics and factors in 999 (emergency) time, but as we have grown more modern and progressive, the environment. Ipoh General Hospital: A many of us have become lazy and do not recycle, or drop Genetic disorders are grouped into three categories, Single gene 05-208 5000 disorders, Chromosomal disorders and Multifactorial inheritance disorders Ipoh Ambulance: our litter in bins. We have also grown very selfish, and (genetic and environmental influence). 05-522 2506 prefer others to clean up after us. We indiscriminately Single gene disorders are caused by a mutation in a single gene. 993 (emergency) throw our rubbish out of a moving car, and our lack of civic Mutation means structure of the gene is altered. This alteration can be Ipoh Fire Brigade passed on to subsequent generations in the following ways: autosomal 05-547 4444/994 consciousness is reflected in the state of our drains, rivers, dominant, autosomal recessive and X-linked: In this article I will discuss (emergency) parks, pavements and streets. about the autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance. Perak Immigration Dept We could reduce our rubbish mountain and recycle 05-5017100 Autosomal Dominant Inheritance: Perak Water Board at least 60% of our daily rubbish. At first, it does take a Autosomal genes occur in pairs, with one coming 05-254 6161 little effort, but after a while, recycling will become second from each parent. In an illness inherited as autosomal Ipoh City Council dominant, the individual has an abnormal gene on nature. If you have never heard of recycling, you may well one chromosome, paired with a normal gene on the Hotline: 05-255 1515 ask, “Why recycle?” General: 05-208 3333 other chromosome. Most of the time, the abnormal Perak Anti-Corruption Recycling benefits our environment, and ultimately, gene was inherited from one of the individual’s Agency: 05-526 7000 we will enjoy the advantages of recycling. Recycling saves parents. At times, a new mutation happens in the affected individual and not be present in one of his State Secretariat us and our council, money. Materials which are recycled 05-253 1957 parents. In individuals with an autosomal dominant can be used to manufacture new products. With reduced illness, there is a 50% chance with each pregnancy Railway Station household waste, our landfill sites will not grow so rapidly that the abnormal gene will be passed on to a child. 05-254 7987 An example of autosomal dominantly inherited Airport: 05-318 8202 and we will not be under pressure to source new landfill condition is polydactaly (having extra digits). Diagram Registration Department sites. We also protect the environment, as the emission of 1 illustrates autosomal dominant inheritance. 05-528 8805 greenhouse gases like methane is reduced. Tenaga Nasional Berhad 05-208 8000 If you suffer from infrequent collections of household Lembaga Air Perak rubbish, perhaps, it is time you practise recycling to reduce Diagram 1 1800-88-7788 what you throw out. You could divide your rubbish into Directory Service: 103 three main types: Autosomal Recessive Inheritance: Perak Women for Women In an illness inherited as autosomal recessive, Society First. Kitchen wastes like fruit and vegetable trimmings, the individual has abnormal gene on both 05-546 9715 (office) can be turned into compost for use in the garden. Meat chromosomes. The abnormal genes were AA Ipoh should not be composted because it can attract vermin. inherited one from each of the individual’s 019-574 3572 parents. If the child only inherits an abnormal 017-350 8361 A good sign of a healthy compost patch, is the presence gene from one parent pairing with a normal of worms. They eat the organic matter and churn it into gene from the other parent, the child will be a valuable compost for your garden. There is no need to buy “carrier”, but will not have symptoms (Diagram expensive compost, just turn your green kitchen material 2). To Advertise If two carriers of the same abnormal gene into valuable, nutrient-rich food for your flower beds and have children, there is a 25% chance with IPOH each pregnancy that the child will inherit two echo abnormal genes (one from each carrier parent), and these children will develop symptoms of the disease (Diagram 3). An example of autosomal recessive illness is Thalassemia. Diagram 2 Thalassemia is a blood disorder. In this disorder, the inherited abnormal genes affect the production of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Haemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide (protein) chains, which in adults consist of two alpha (a) globin chains and two beta (b) globin chains. Individuals with thalassemia make less haemoglobin and thus they have less red blood cell cells. They thus have anaemia. There are 2 types of thalassemia, alpha thalassemia (less alpha chains) and beta thalassemia (less beta chains). I will discuss more on thalassemia in the next 05-2495936 article. Deanna Lim Diagram 3 For more information, call Dr Shan’s clinic at Hospital Fatimah 05-546 1345 or 016 501 7339 email [email protected]. Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 1-15, 2014 5 SeeFoon Goes on a MUSINGS ON FOOD Warpath Against MSG

By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen Pics by VWSL

have declared war on Monosodium Glutamate or MSG for short, that ubiquitous flavour enhancer that goes by tis I different brand names and hidden in soup stock powders, stock cubes, prepared sauces and even soya sauce. According to naturalnews.com, “...consumption of MSG causes numerous side effects, including headaches, migraines, muscle spasms, snack menu were the two cheesy items I sampled. nausea, rashes, anaphylaxis, seizures, depression and heart The first was theCheesy Pumpkin, wedges of soft irregularities. MSG is known to cause damage to baked pumpkin topped with melted cheese, mildly the nervous system….When neurons are exposed sweet and oozing with cheese – RM8 and on another to these substances, they become very excited occasion, the Cheesy Portabella, fresh mushrooms and rapidly fire impulses until they reach a state lightly battered and baked with cheese. At RM15.80 of extreme exhaustion. Several hours later these this makes it one of the most expensive item on the whole neurons suddenly die, as if they were excited to menu but worth every ringgit and every bite. death. As a result, neuroscientists have dubbed What caught my eye on my first visit was the listing this class of chemicals ‘excitotoxins’.” of eight items of Stinky Bean Curd, a very unusual dish In my case, I know I’ve consumed MSG when which I learnt to appreciate in Hong Kong where I used I feel dead tired, have an unquenchable thirst and to follow my nose to locate a stall. Unfortunately, they worse symptom of all, my legs and ankles swell were all sold out and I made sure that they were on the up like elephants’ trunks the following day. Hence menu when I returned for my second visit. This dish my declaration of war. But despite my pleas with chefs and requires a cultivated palate as most people find the taste restaurant proprietors, there is no ceasefire in sight so I have and smell objectionable (just as a foreigner would react to gone solo and am now seeking out restaurants who will join our durian) but here at My Home Recipe, Wyman who makes the bean curd my cause. himself, controls the degree of fermentation to ensure that the smell when he One such newly-opened restaurant in Ipoh Garden cooks it is not so potent that he’ll drive his customers away. The dish when South definitely gets my support not only because its it arrived on the table was actually quite mild, chef/proprietor Wyman Lee does not use MSG, but he’s with only a trace of the acrid smell that I fondly also a staunch vegetarian and it’ll be the first vegetarian remember from my Hong Kong days. Deep restaurant I’ve had the pleasure of patronising and not fried and served with a mildly spicy sauce, this regret the meal later. Past experience has taught me to is the only restaurant aside from the occasional avoid vegetarian restaurants like the plague because the stall to be found at some pasar malams, for one mock fish, chicken, meat and all dishes are heavily laced with MSG to to enjoy this dish.There are 8 styles of preparation give the umami flavour. to choose from. I ordered mine deep fried. Well My Home Recipe has an eclectic choice of items on its menu. Here you’ll find worth sampling at RM9.80. Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and of course Malaysian dishes, all vegetarian and My Home Recipe has an extensive menu, with snacks, all prepared without a speck of MSG. And very tasty they are too. dumplings, noodles and rice dishes to choose from. Specials Drinks are fresh squeezed as in the cucumber juice flavoured with a sour plum, of the day can include Nasi Lemak, ‘Chicken’ Rice and beetroot juice, and honeydew melon juice which are all wonderfully refreshing in the Asam Laksa. These change on a daily basis. All the dishes current heat and their green jasmine tea is specially imported from Taiwan. Wonderfully which I sampled on both occasions merit praise, from the fragrant. Juices – RM3; Jasmine tea – RM1.50. Tom Yum noodles to the Sushi rolls, to the dumplings and What I particularly enjoy about the food here is that the sauces served with various the soups. Their noodles are homemade and the Panini bread dishes are not sickeningly sweet as is the tendency of some restaurants where they feel that is on special order for which Wyman provides his own butter in place of MSG, they have to replace lost taste with added sugar. Here, one can actually to the baker to avoid the use of margarine. Coupled with all taste the goodness of the ingredients without their natural tastes being smothered. this wholesomeness is the added bonus that they do not use Snacks MSG and My Home Recipe has now found a loyal fan in me The snack items are perfect for sharing and who will be returning often to lunch here. being there on two occasions, I managed to sample five out of 19 on the menu. The Vietnamese Spring Roll was freshly made, My Home Recipe the rice paper skin soft and pliable and the 44 Lorong Taman Ipoh 1, Taman Ipoh Selatan. vegetable julienne inside crunchy and fresh. GPS: N 4° 36.405’ E 101° 7.145’ The accompanying sauce was slightly tangy Tel: Wyman Lee 012 578 0508/012 501 6339 with the right ratio of sweetness to tartness. Closed 4 days a month. All raw healthy goodness in one bundle – Business hours RM7.20. The Thai Papaya Salad was mildly Mon-Fri: 9am-5.30pm. spiced, topped with freshly roasted crushed peanuts – RM7.20; and the fried Salt and Private booking available after 5.30pm for 25 to 70 pax. Pepper Bean Curd could have done with more salt and pepper but the sauce that came with Sat, Sun, 1st & 15th of Chinese calendar and Chinese feast days: 10am-8.30pm. it provided essential emollients to the mouthfeel – RM4.80. What was spectacular on the

Nosh News By Susan Ho Vacancy St Mike’s Bistro ● Restaurant Bits & Bobs St Mike's is looking for a chef with n our current 21st century deals. They have old furniture, light ‘disposable’ culture, one would switches, old oil lamps, old lamps, outstanding culinary flair, business not expect to see things from old soft drink bottles, old suitcases, leadership and management skills. I If you are interested, please contact the past, let alone being displayed etc. Don’t be surprised to see your for sale in a shop. However, Bits & old car rims selling there too! You Poonisha at 017 985 2287. Bobs is reliving our past, albeit a can also relive your childhood by more recent one. purchasing old games like the Old Which snacks do you remember Maid, Snap or Happy Family card from your childhood games? What games, blowpipe balloons, Snakes kind of entertainment did you once & Ladders and Pickup Sticks have? Bits & Bobs have things that there! would make you go “I remember Where do they get their items? those good old days”. Dexter Song and Nikhil Roy, For food, they have homemade owners of Bits & Bobs are picky snacks like Pop Ice Sticks, Cendol, when it comes to antique goods Green Bean, Iced Red Bean, homemade Ice-Cream or any vintage items. They usually bring them back to Potong with fruit fillings and Ice Balls (NishiBomb-Sarsi the workshop for restoration to make them functional. and Asam, JineeBee – Rosella and Lychee, NingNong – They pick items from all sorts of places. It could be a Gula Melaka and Lychee, BusyBee – Sarsi and Rosella). random meal at an old joint where they spot something They also have snacks like Panda bubble gums, Asam they like. Jawa, Ikan Satay, Nano Nano, Soda Pops,White Rabbit, Bits & Bobs is located in a small lane right behind Choki Choki, etc. Burps and Giggles in Old Town, with an old trishaw as If you are into antiques, do drop by to get some good their counter. Tel: 017 419 6800. 6 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Community Perak Stamp Fair & Exhibition Urged erak has once again successfully hosted a major event which has brought new interest to the age-old hobby of stamp collecting. The atmosphere at the PUTC venue was brimming with excitement as all present waited with eager to Join Police anticipation for the opening ceremony. The exhibition was put together by the members of the Ipoh Stamp Collection Group under the guidance and direction of its most enthusiastic member Ms Vera Radnell. The hard work and tireless efforts of this lady and the team paid off, as was evident in the wonderful displays of stamps at the exhibition. Everyone had the opportunity to view these displays in an orderly fashion which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. There were beautiful thematic displays of stamps at the exhibitions, ranging from nature to iconic buildings to royalties. The exhibits were very well displayed and were so interesting and informative that it was easy to become immersed in the stories they told. The president of the Philatelic society Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Anuar Basha was spot on, when he said that stamps are pictures of living history and we can learn so much from them. A stamp is basically a small piece of paper with so much to say, if only we stop and really take note of its story and beauty. Yang Berhormat Mohamad Kamil bin Dato’ Shafie, the Director of Tourism Perak was on hand to lend support to this memorable occasion. In his opening speech he applauded the efforts of the Ipoh Stamp Collectors Groups for wanting to share their love of stamps with the people of Perak. He too shared the same passion of stamp collecting as a child but like a large majority of us, his enthusiasm eventually waned as he got older and other hobbies took centre stage. He was enthusiastic about going home to look through his collection and perhaps donate them to the society for he Royal Malaysian Police hopes more Orang Asli will enlist in the General their next exhibition, for which he received a resounding applause. Operations Force, formerly known as Police , a paramilitary unit of There was even an exhibition competition for novice exhibitors to encourage the Police which had played an active role in combating communist insurgents enthusiasm among the new collectors with entries from Malaysia, Singapore, T during the 1970s to late 1980s. Australia, UK, USA and China. According to Commander Northern Brigade, Senior Assistant Commissioner If you had read my previous article, where I mentioned my knowledge on Dato’ Ahmad Sofian Md Yassin, the government has eased entry requirements for stamps was limited to the “lick it and stick it action”, my respect for all things linked Orang Asli applying for the position of police constable largely to attract more from to stamps was further enhanced after attending the Perak Stamp Fair & Exhibition. the community to join the force. I am now keenly looking forward to this being a yearly affair and I urge young and “Orang Asli participation is still lacking with only a handful enlisting in the two old to grab this opportunity to learn more about our beloved country and the world, Praaq battalions in Northern Brigade,” he told reporters while visiting the Orang through stamps. Serena Mui Asli village of Kampong Tonggang recently. “The Orang Asli’s jungle-tracking ability will be an asset to the force. Their predecessors, in the original Senoi Praaq battalion, were similarly tasked during the height of the Second Emergency (1975 to 1989).” As a form of incentive, the government has taken measures to improve the remuneration package by offering new recruits better pay and allowances. “Besides the RM400 special allowance for General Operations Force personnel, they too stand to get a higher pay scale based only on a Peperiksaan Menengah Rendah (PMR) qualification,” said Ahmad Sofian. The Northern Brigade’s two Senoi Praaq battalions, one in and the other in are under strength. The Bidor battalion has 554 men while the Pengkalan Hulu battalion has 439 men. Both battalions are in need of fresh recruits to fill up its ranks. The brigade will conduct more visits to Orang Asli villages in the vicinity to establish cordial relationships with the community and also to encourage aboriginal youths to join the police force. Luqman Boys' Brigade Comes to Perak A Community Effort n conjunction with the government’s on-going transformational programme, the Ipoh Police District is organisingI talks and activities on crime prevention in neighbourhoods within its jurisdiction. The Taman Seri Bougainvillea Neighbourhood Watch held a community policing and dialogue session with the Simpang Pulai police station on Sunday, June 15. The he Boys’ Brigade of Malaysia returned to Perak after a 14-year hiatus by hosting dialogue was to update residents about the 21st National Fiesta and Convention at Bandar Baru, Kampar recently. The break-ins in their area and to suggest Toccasion brought together both local and overseas members from neighbouring ways to prevent such incidents from countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. happening. The theme of the convention was ‘Dream High’, meaning to encourage members “I’ve been living here for two of the brigade to realise their dreams through active participation in community years. The crime rate is relatively development projects and to move forward. low compared to other areas. I am “Youths should be reminded that the sky's the limit. They’d dare to set their goals glad that the Police organised this further and persist harder in achieving these dreams. Failures may come but that’ll talk. It’s informative and helps create create a more resilient person in you,” said Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, the guest of awareness,” said Khairun Azuan, 32, honour during the closing ceremony held at Pei Yuan High School Hall, Kampar. Mah a participant. believes that the Boys’ Brigade is doing an excellent job in shaping the lives of its Ang Chooi Keng, 37, the members through its objectives of discipline, obedience, reverence and self-respect. neighbourhood-watch’s committee member was delighted that the event was well The five-day event saw many interesting activities which included a foot drill attended although it was a Sunday morning. “When I first came here, the crime rate was competition, a band display, singing and dancing contests and a tour of Kampar and high. We residents got together and formed a neighbourhood watch. With the help of the Ipoh. The tour, specially organised for the brigade’s foreign visitors, was to allow Police we managed to reduce criminal activities in the housing estate to a manageable them an opportunity to see the many touristic spots in the vicinity. Yvette level,” said Ang Chooi to Ipoh Echo. Yvette Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 1-15, 2014 7 Property Advertorial From one parent to another: Raising Gentlemen and The Haven Going Strong Ladies s I open the newspaper my heart sinks. Every story speaks of conflict, war and disharmony. AIn the distance, my son continues to share the joy of the sandpit with another infant, free from the prejudices and cultural allegiances that divide humanity. How will education prepare him to be a gentleman, one who focuses on similarities instead of differences; who aims for mutual instead of unilateral benefit or worse still, mutual loss; who unites and leads instead of dividing and conquering? Sadly, traditional examinations train our children to think that there is only one right answer to every question, breeding closed minds. Debates teach them that dominating arguments is the way to work collaboratively. Would a class teaching morals once a week ending in an examination that required students to memorise definitions raise gentlemen and ladies? The International Baccalaureate (IB)’s solution to this question lies in two key initiatives. Firstly, International Mindedness is a mental framework, going beyond the superficial awareness of national fairs, fashion, food and flags; to sincerely listening to alternative and often conflicting points of view, laying aside prejudice and giving due consideration that hief Executive Officer of The Haven Lakeside Residences, Peter Chan, was other people, in their differences may also be right. Secondly, the Learner Profile – a set once dismissed as a fake and a dreamer when he broached the idea of building of ten values translated from the IB mission statement which provides a long-term vision luxury condominiums in Ipoh. Peter was the butt of jokes and was severely of education. This set of ideals include being principled, courageous, caring, reflective and C open-minded.** ridiculed for harbouring such thoughts. Despite much negativity surrounding Peter’s project, The Haven eventually It is the skilful and systematic weaving of activities and questions considering the transformed into what it is today, a heart-wrenching come-from-behind success story Learner Profiles and International Mindedness into the fabric of every class that makes the difference. As students learn about nuclear technology in science they are posed with for the whole of Ipoh to see. questions like: “Does the possession of knowledge carry ethical responsibilities?” They are On his rocky path to success, Peter bagged numerous national and international prompted into discussions about the impact of the nuclear bomb and presented with views accolades and awards, a testimony of his persistence, perseverance and single- from both the victims and the victors. When character development is tied to academic mindedness to make good a promise. Peter’s accomplishment is definitely a deserving knowledge, learning becomes both relevant and meaningful. feather in his cap. Learners advance from basic exposure and exploration in the Primary Years to exciting The Haven held an informal thanksgiving celebration at one of its halls on discussions in the Middle School and finally deep deliberation in the Diploma Programme Saturday, June 14. It was dedicated to the hard-working staff, Peter’s business partners with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class. Learners are encouraged to listen, discuss and and his trusted associates who had remained by his side through thick and thin. It was consider alternative points of view whilst withholding judgement and teachers deliberately also to celebrate the project’s conclusion, which was completed on schedule. do not offer a conclusion. Students are trained not to pursue the correct answer but observe Incidentally, it was also an event to celebrate Peter Chan’s 65th birthday. their thinking and enjoy the diversity of human thought in all its complexity. The Learner Profiles will impart valuable virtues. The discussions about International After four long years, The Haven is still growing strong with most of its Mindedness will nurture a wise person, slow to judge and able to view ideas from multiple condominium units sold. It too witnessed the inauguration of its own resort under the perspectives. Through all the discussions, students develop a deep understanding of the management of renowned Best Western International Inc, the world’s largest hotel uncertainty of knowledge, that there often is no right answer. The result, a gentleman or chain. Yvette lady. This article is the fourth of a 6 part series on education. More exciting articles to come! Dr Vincent Chian is currently the IB Diploma Director of Fairview International School. A former medical doctor working in psychiatry he now spends his time championing News emotional and affective development in education. * Fairview International School currently has 4 IB World Schools across Malaysia; KL, Subang, JB and . Fairview Ipoh will be an international school, with enrolment Ipoh’s Annual open for August 2014. For more information, call 05 313 6888 or email to enquiries_ [email protected]. Memorial Services **For the full set and explanation of the Learner Profiles, kindly visitwww.ibo.org . poh’s annual memorial services were held on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at One is conducted at the Ithe Ipoh Railway Station cenotaph and at Camp Syed Putra, Tambun respectively. Kamunting Christian The primary objective of the services is to provide a lasting memory to those brave Cemetery in Taiping. The men and women who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the country during service here is dedicated to the First World War (1914 to 1918), Second World War (1939 to 1945), the Malayan Commonwealth soldiers, Emergency (1948 to 1960) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962 to 1965). including family members, “Our aim is to impart to future generations of Malaysians the significance of the who were killed during the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for the cause of the nation,” said Malayan Emergency (1948 Dato’ Thambipillay Chairman of Wira Association Malaysia, the organiser of the to 1960). There are about services during his welcoming speech. 50 graves belonging to The services at the Railway Station cenotaph and the Gurkha cemetery at Camp Australians, British, New Syed Putra, Tambun brought together former servicemen local and foreign, High Zealanders and Malaysians. Commissioners of United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Ambassador of Nepal, However, the ones who students and visitors from abroad, especially Australia and New Zealand. visit the cemetery annually The Ipoh cenotaph, built in 1926, is often dubbed “The Silent Sentinel” due to its are members of the National VACANCIES looks and disposition. Over at the Gurkha cemetery in Camp Syed Putra, Tambun some Malaya & Borneo Veterans 100 graves belonging to Gurkha soldiers and their family members are found. Camp Association Australia. Some Data Entry (part time) work online, Syed Putra, formerly known as Sulva Lines, was home to a Gurkha battalion during the of the surviving members and also Agents Req. with comm. height of the Malayan Emergency. of the Australian forces who Scope Online Solutions, No.9, Besides these two services, there are two more which are held outside of Ipoh. served in Malaya during the communist insurgency Hala Datuk 4, Jalan Leong Boon period were present at the Swee, 31650 Ipoh. remembrance service on Thursday, June 12. Tel: 05-2414309, The other is the well- H/P: 013-5111894, 013-5111895. publicised God’s Little Acre in Batu Gajah. The service has been in existence since the 1970s and has grown in stature and prominence each passing year. The organiser is the Perak chapter of the Malaysian Oil Palm Association. This year the Batu Gajah service was held on the morning of Saturday, June 14 preceding the gathering at the Gurkha cemetery at Camp Syed Putra, Tambun. Ipohites, having known the significance of the occasions and their links to the country’s troubled past, have been supporting the events religiously since their inception. One of them is Dato’ Chan Yew Man who has been sponsoring the annual Troops’ Night held at the Royal Perak Golf Club. The dinner, on the evening of Saturday, June 14, was attended by veterans from Commonwealth countries who served here during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation. Dato’ Chan’s consistency in his support is based on his conviction that those who had made the ultimate sacrifices for the country should not only be remembered but also honoured. “That’s the very least we, as peace-loving Ipohites, can do,” he intimated. Yvette 8 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community My Say By Jerry Francis If Can Do It, Why Can’t We?

ecently, I read in a national daily how the folks in Kuching take pride in keeping the residents to be rid of them. their city clean and tidy. It made me green with envy because it is a far cry from Our “Dirt Vigilantes” campaign too, has not been successful. The Ipoh City Council our city. Remember, Ipoh was also once, the cleanest city in the country when it appears to ignore it. The only time we had seen some success, a temporary one though, R was when the then Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah (now His Highness the was just a municipality and its presidents and councillors were elected by the residents. However, ever since local government elections in the country were abolished, Sultan of Perak) showed his concern over the rampant illegal dumpsites in Gunung Rapat and Ipoh was upgraded to city status with its Mayor picked from among government about two years ago. servants, the situation in the city has deteriorated. Doesn’t the Mayor and the city councillors realise that they need to set a good At times, the Mayor’s appointment appear to be just ‘a golden handshake’ to loyal example by making a concerted and determined effort to keep the city clean? Only then senior government officers prior to their retirement, while the councillors are usually can they expect the residents to be inspired to give their co-operation. made up of mid-level political leaders from the component parties of the ruling coalition, Mayor Harun’s “gag order” to the city councillors not to speak to the press is also whose appointments are seen as rewards for their loyalty. Therefore both the Mayor and not a good move. The city councillors must be made answerable to the situation in their councillors are not answerable to any electorate or in this case to the ratepayers, but only respective zones. to their political masters for their appointments. And so all efforts to bring back Ipoh’s lost image as the cleanest city have failed. Mayor after mayor continually echoed the same excuse for their failures to keep the city clean. Will the current mayor, Dato’ Harun Rawi, show any impact or will he too echo the same excuse as his predecessors – blaming the failure to a clean and beautiful city on the lack of co-operation from the residents? If such an excuse is to be given every time, then there is no hope at all for Ipoh to be a clean city, let alone the cleanest one. Furthermore, it is unfair to just blame the residents. There are many residents, who are concerned about keeping the city clean. The fact that there have been numerous complaints continually received by the press show that the residents want the city to be clean. Has anyone actually looked into why the folks in Kuching are serious about keeping their city clean and tidy? According to the national daily, shopkeepers start their day sweeping the front of their premises, “some even to the extent of mopping the walkway and clearing drains”. Certainly, they are all not born with such a quality of civic consciousness. So, what had inspired them? Perhaps it is the good governance shown by their local authorities, which have won various international awards. The Ipoh City Council needs to organise a study tour to Kuching to look into why and how the residents were moved into keeping their city clean. We, in the Ipoh Echo, have carried out various efforts to instil cleanliness and beautifying Ipoh. Poorly maintained public facilities, illegal dumpsites, and clogged drains in the city are being continually highlighted to inspire both the city council and

News Army Quran Recital Competition 2014 eadquarters 2nd Malaysian Infantry Brigade was once again given the responsibility to organise this year's Army Quran Recital Competition. H The two-day event, held at the banquet hall of the Perak State Secretariat Building, Ipoh recently was to select an army representative to the Armed Forces Quran Recital Competition to be held in soon. The theme for this year’s army level competition was “Wasatiyyah Tonggak Kesatuan Angkatan” (religion the basis of the forces’ unity). The competition saw participants from the various army formations, training and logistics commands and the Eastern Sabah Security Command taking part. A total of 18 participants vied for positions in the officer, men and women categories. Gracing the event on the final night were General Officer Commanding 2nd Malaysian Infantry Division, Maj-Gen Dato’ Mohd Shukri Ahmad, Commander 2nd Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brig-Gen Mohammad Abd Rahman and commanding officers of battalions and units under the northern formation. The officer category was won by Capt Hajjah Salha Shajila Alang Hashim from 3rd Malaysian Infantry Division while Sergeant Muhammad Hasan Basri Ahmad from 4th Malaysian Infantry Division and Amal Hayati Mohammad from the Army Training and points. Winners took home cash prizes worth RM1500, letters of appreciation and Doctrine Command emerged victorious in the male and female categories, respectively. trophies. The overall champion was the 3rd Malaysian Infantry Division who garnered the most RM Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 1-15, 2014 9

Business Wellness By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen Childhood Hearing Loss Often Creating Business Opportunities Missed by Parents hildhood hearing loss is often missed by parents. This is the opinion of Dr Rekha Balachandran Consultant Ear, Nose and CThroat (ENT) Surgeon, when Ipoh Echo interviewed her at her clinic in Pantai Hospital, Ipoh. “In many western countries, babies are screened almost as soon as they are born. Through a test known as OAE or otoacoustic emission, signals are sent to the baby’s cochlea and the responses measured. Any hearing loss detected can then be further analysed and a treatment plan drawn up,” said Dr Rekha who has recently started her own private practice after eight years in the General Hospital in Ipoh. In Malaysia, because hearing loss in babies is not automatically tested, Dr Rekha advises alaysia’s Entrepreneurs’ Development Association or PUMM (Persatuan parents with newborns to watch for the following signs in their babies. A newborn should startle Usahawan Maju Malaysia) was first established in year 1993 by a group of at sudden loud noises; recognise mother’s or main carer’s voice between 4-5 months and between young entrepreneurs. Today, the association has members from all over the 10-12 months should be babbling or mimicking sounds. If any of these are absent, it’s time to pay M a visit to the ENT specialist. Often, mild hearing loss is missed until the child attends school when country including Sabah and Sarawak. symptoms may appear as a lack of concentration or manifesting behavioural problems. The association’s Perak chapter honoured its new committee members for the Hearing loss may also occur when children develop what is commonly known as ‘Glue 2014/2015 term at the Ipoh Country Club recently. The installation ceremony brought Ear’ when mucus from the nasal passages accumulates in the ear. Solutions for treating hearing together some 300 people mainly members of the Ipoh business community. Present problems can range from medication, to minor surgery, to cochlear implants for those with total at the event were Tan Sri Chan Ko Youn, the adviser to the Menteri Besar and the hearing loss or to simply wearing proper hearing aids. President of PUMM, Dato’ Tony Looi. Hearing loss in children if left undiagnosed and untreated, can take its toll on the child, According to the Chairman of PUMM Perak, Lim Kee Siang, the association plans the family and the community. “A child is withdrawn when hearing is impaired and usually finds it difficult to make friends. This will usually affect the child’s ability to concentrate in to set up an agency to nurture aspiring young entrepreneurs by creating new business school, affecting his/her development and ability to function. Sometimes a hearing aid will opportunities and providing them with the right kind of information. “We intend on resolve the problem but it is amazing that some parents will turn down that option for fear of the setting up a one-stop centre to provide assistance to young entrepreneurs who wish to embarrassment for the child and themselves. What they fail to realise is that the long-term impact start a business but lack funds and the information needed,” he said. of hearing loss for the child goes beyond simple embarrassment or loss of face.” The association will form more branches in the country to reach out to the business For care of the ear and to prevent hearing loss, Dr Rekha recommends that we do not clean community. It will go on a recruiting drive soon to encourage more young entrepreneurs, our ears with instruments, ear candling or even ear buds. “The outer part of the ear may be wiped both male and female, to join the association. with tissues or a towel but the ear is essentially self-cleaning and we should not tamper with it. If Yvette ears appear blocked, then see a specialist who may sometimes flush them out for you but at the same time, they can also detect if there is a more serious underlying problem.” Dr Suresh Siva The nose, however, is another issue altogether. Regular cleaning of the nasal passages with Orthopaedic Surgeon saline solution is a great idea according to Dr Rekha. This can be self-administered at home with Orthopaedic Health either a kit obtainable from pharmacies or using the Yogic technique of nasal flushing using what is known as a ‘neti pot’. This can help to reduce nasal congestion and clear away the germs OSTEOPOROSIS around the nasal passages especially when one has a cold or flu. ecently while on call in Hospital Fatimah, I have been seeing As for the fear of the Big C or nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) which is one of the more many patients with fractures (broken bones) after minor falls. prevalent cancers affecting, in particular, the Chinese population, Dr Rekha has this advice to Most of these people have Osteoporosis, which predisposes give, “If you notice a swelling on your neck, a persistent nose block or nosebleed, an ear block or R buzzing in one ear or blurring of the eyesight, then go straight to an ENT specialist. NPC can be them to these low-energy fractures, but sadly they are unaware of this potentially serious condition. diagnosed through a scope and if caught in stage 1, has an almost 95 per cent five-year survival rate. So don’t wait.” What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with Dr Rekha Balachandran may be reached at Pantai Hospital, 5th floor Outpatient Centre an increased risk of fractures. The term ‘osteoporosis’ literally means Suite 509. Clinic: 05 540 5408/5409; mobile: 012 317 2301; website: www.pantai.com.my. porous bone. The disease often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs. Why should I be concerned about osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a major health problem and one in two women and Business one in four men older than 50 years will sustain bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. Many of these are painful fractures of the hip, spine, wrist, arm and leg, which often occur as a result of a fall. However, performing even simple household tasks can result in a fracture of the spine if the Second Phase SOHO bones have been weakened by osteoporosis. he Perak State Secretary Incorporated (SSI) and MH Amanjaya Properties Sdn The most serious osteoporotic fracture is a hip fracture. Most patients who experience Bhd (MHAP) signed a joint-venture agreement for the construction of the second a hip fracture and previously lived independently will require help from their family or home phase of the Ipoh SOHO (small-office-home-office) project at Jalan Sultan Idris care. All patients who experience a hip fracture will require walking aids for several months, T Shah, Ipoh recently. and nearly half will permanently need canes or walkers to move around their house or The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at MH Hotel outdoors. and the ceremony was graced by SSI Chairman, Dato’ Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan and What causes osteoporosis? Chairman of MHAP, Dato’ Aminudin Hashim Sambi, the signatories of the MoU. Doctors do not know the exact medical Present as witnesses were members of the state executive committee and the Director causes of osteoporosis, but they have of SSI, Dato’ Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin. identified many of the major factors that can lead to the disease. According to Abdul Pahat, the signing of the memorandum signifies the co- oporation between the two parties. He hopes that the project built on the one-hectare Aging SSI land, will generate additional income for the department. “We estimate that a profit Everyone loses bone with age. After 35 years of age, the body builds less of about RM27 million can be generated from the venture, whereas profits would be new bone and in general, people lose very much lower if we were to just sell off the land,” he said. 1% of bone mass per year. Therefore, Aminuddin told reporters that this is the second joint venture project they have the older you are, the lower your total done since the first Ipoh SOHO project launched in 2011. bone mass and the greater your risk for The project, based on a futuristic concept, will be built with a RM100-million osteoporosis. budget. It will consist of 10 small-office-home-office units, a hotel and an SSI building. Heredity Work will commence in September and is expected to finish in 2016. A family history of fractures; a small, slender body build; fair skin; and Caucasian or Asian Luqman ethnicity can increase the risk for osteoporosis. Heredity also may help explain why some people develop osteoporosis early in life. Nutrition and Lifestyle Poor nutrition, including a low calcium diet, low body weight, and a sedentary lifestyle have been linked to osteoporosis, as have smoking and excessive alcohol use. Medications and Other Illnesses Osteoporosis has been linked to the use of some medications, including steroids, and to other illnesses, like thyroid disease. What can I do to prevent osteoporosis or stop it from getting worse? The most important thing is to get some regular exercise and, additionally, in order to prevent osteoporosis, you should include adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. How is osteoporosis diagnosed? The diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually made by your doctor with a complete medical history and physical examination, DEXA Scan, and specialised laboratory tests. Bone densitometry or DEXA Scan is often performed in women at the time of menopause. If you are over the age of 55 you are strongly advised to be screened for osteoporosis. How is osteoporosis treated? Because lost bone cannot be replaced, treatment for osteoporosis focuses on the prevention of further bone loss. Although exercise and nutrition therapy are often key components of a treatment plan for osteoporosis, there are other treatments as well, including oral strontium which you take as a daily drink, hormone replacement therapy or other drugs which work to increase bone formation and reduce bone loss. For more information, call Siva Orthopaedic Clinic at Hospital Fatimah 05 548 6380 or email: [email protected]. 10 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community Young Perak UTAR Cosplay Motivational Event 2014 Camp for Students Bernadette’s Convent School, Batu Gajah organised a motivational camp recently, specifically for students who will be sitting for the upcoming Ujian StPeperiksaan Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination. The motivational camp was held at Kem Murni in Gopeng, a joint effort by teachers of the school and members of the Parent-Teacher Association. According to the principal, Hajjah Shariffah Hafidzah binti Meorhass, the objectives of the camp were three-fold, to improve students’ performance in the examination, to instil confidence and to provide them with invaluable tips. Some of the factors required to achieve success are motivation, confidence and hard work. With the right kind of support, a person could go a long way. “The reason why we chose to have it outside of the school compound is because the open surroundings will have a positive impact on their well-being,” she told Ipoh Echo. “And hiring outside trainers and facilitators will relieve the pressure for students as a new face is a welcome feature indeed,” she added. Organising chairman, Azizul Azki bin Ahmad, said that other activities are in the pipeline as a follow-up to the camp to better prepare the students for the examination. A total of 127 participants took part in the 2-day camp, along with six teachers and 14 members of the Parent-Teacher Association. Yvette

alling all anime and cosplay lovers! Have you ever imagined your favourite anime characters coming to life? Imagine getting to know them and going out Cwith them? I know I have. The University Tunku Abdul Rahman Japanese Culture Club (Perak Campus) has outdone themselves yet again by holding another amazing cosplay event, UTAR Cosplay Event 2014 recently. There was an amazing display of talented cosplayers who did an excellent job impersonating characters such as Deadpool, Suzumiya Haruhi, Ai Enma from Jigoku Shoujo, Taiga Kagami and Tetsuya Kuroko from Kuroko no Basuke, the elaborate Kamen Rider Diend, the swoon worthy Sebastian from Kuroshitsuji and the list goes on. The performances kept the crowd cheering, laughing and squirming impatiently in their seats during intermissions, barely able to contain their excitement while waiting for the next act to begin. They also had a live band called DGBK who were awesome. Not only that, the emcees were extremely upbeat and kept the audience’s attention with their funny antics and quizzes. The night ended with a comedic skit of Disney’s animated movie ‘Frozen’, featuring a brilliant cosplay of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna and the hit song “Let It Go”. Fans could be seen frantically rushing forward as soon as they announced that there would be a photo-taking session after the show. Kudos to the UTAR Japanese Culture Club. I would love to give you several huge claps and a dozen thumbs up, but alas, I have only two hands. So this article is a testament in appreciation of your performance on a ‘job well done’. If they were to Creating Cohesiveness have it again, I would definitely be there. Front row, wide eyed, a huge smile plastered on my face and laughter bubbling in my throat. Praseetha Nair Among Youths 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. Setrap Puja (English) by the Kechara Ipoh Study Group, Sunday July 6, 1.30pm to 5pm at 73A (1st Floor), Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh Garden, Ipoh. For more information, contact: Mr So 016 532 8309 or Yee Mun 012 522 3200. An illustrated talk by Darryl Collins – ‘From Cambodian villages to cities: Preservation of traditional Khmer wooden houses’, organised by Perak Heritage Society and Sarang Paloh Event Hall, Sunday July 13, 8.30pm-10pm at Sarang Paloh Event Hall, 12-14, Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh Old Town. Admission by donation. Reservations: Peggy 016 523 0711 or Hong 017 506 1875; or email [email protected]. Public Forum on: (1) Liver Cancer; (2) Alcohol & Liver by Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Dr Saravana Kumar, Saturday July 19, 2pm at Hospital Fatimah, Conference Room, 4th Floor. Contact customer service:05 545 5777 Ext. 214. Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner and Book Launch organised by Perak Malayalee Association, Saturday July 19 at Kinta Riverfront Hotel. For details and reservations, call Mrs Sakuntala Nair Rajadurai 017 579 8062 or Mr A. Gopalan Nair 012 450 2620. Blood Donation: A Gift of Life, organised by Hospital Fatimah and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Saturday July 26, 8.30am till 12.30pm at Hospital Fatimah Lobby, Ipoh. Free general blood screening for all donors. Contact customer service: 05 545 5777 Ext. 214. embers of IpohBug held a Korean Shalom Master Chorale at the Riverfront Kechara Earth Project organised by Kechara Ipoh Study Group, Sunday July 27, 9.30am to 11.30am at Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh Garden (in front of Ipoh Garden Post Office). Recycle Hotel and Suites, Ipoh recently. The reason for organising the concert was to save the environment. Items that can be recycled: metal/aluminium, electronic equipment, Mto raise funds for the maintenance of their club and also for upcoming sport plastics, newspaper/carton boxes, paper, old clothes (will be donated to Orang Asli). For more events. information, contact: Mr So 016 532 8309 or Yee Mun 012 522 3200. The chorale, according to IpohBug’s President William Chang, was performed by ACS Ipoh Alumni Dinner 2014. The event will be held at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Suites, the Seoul Women Singers group whose trip to Malaysia was sponsored by a Korean Ipoh ballroom on Saturday, August 2. For details and reservations call Ms Lim05 241 2523, Lau family. “The club is very lucky to be able to raise funds through this concert sponsored Wun Chew 017 882 0608 or Jennifer Ng 012 518 0192. You can also visit its website at www. by the Baek family. We’ll be able to provide better facilities for our members with the acsipohalumni.com. funds obtained,” he said. YMCA of Ipoh Toastmasters Club meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at YMCA, A variety of songs were sung, both in English and Korean, such as ‘Amazing 7.45pm. The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive Grace’, ‘Once upon a Dream’ and ‘Arirang’, a famous Korean folk song. Accompanying learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal performances included a violin and a piano solo. growth. Contact: Ramesh 016 566 2866 or Nuryani 016 594 7258. IpohBug, a non-profit organisation established in 2008, helps youths develop self- The ‘Big Bad Wolf’ Book Sale, July 24-29 from 10am to 10pm at the Perfect Home Living discipline, humility and self-respect through sports and activities that will promote (PHL) Convention Centre in Menglembu, Ipoh. Choose from almost 400,000 books and non- cohesiveness among them. It has the support of many voluntary bodies and well- books that range from fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult titles. Special early bird wishers, including the state government who has donated generously to its cause. promotions for selected items and titles are going for greatly reduced prices with discounts starting at 85%. Yvette Your Voice In The Community IPOH ECHO July 1-15, 2014 11

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 letters are not necessarily shared by the Editorial Board. We reserve the right to refuse or modify the letters we publish. Parking of Motorcycles Medan Kidd Bus Station I wish to refer to the report entitled, “Malaysia a Shared Nation?” in Ipoh Echo Issue 191 he next day after reading the latest Ipoh Echo (issue 191) on the Medan Kidd in reference to the allotment of parking lots for motorcycles at SMK Anderson according to Bus Station, I spent a half day observing the activities there. It was indeed not race. This is not true as the school does not make such allotment. to my expectation. I took a bus to Bercham and back to Medan Kidd. The driver It has more to do with the behaviour of students who like to park their motorcycles T was collecting fares and at the same time driving. It was morning, with 80% bus load according to their race, presumably because of the trend among students is to make friends along racial lines. This tendency leads to cluster parking resulting in the impression that of people. The driver stopped at one makan stall in Bandar Baru and spent about 16 there is an allotment of parking space according to one’s race. The school does NOT practise minutes taking breakfast. It took an hour and a half to and fro. The bus was again apartheid. parked in the station for about 20 minutes. I also understand that on that day only two Unfortunately, there was no time to follow-up with clarification on this matter during buses were operating that route. the Q&A session as too many were poised to present their views following the thought- I also noted that extra buses from Perak Transit running to the Klebang Chemor provoking lecture by Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, especially on the aspect of racial area had low loads. I just do not understand why extra buses are running as already polarisation in schools. three bus companies are providing bus services. These extra buses could cater to the The fact that students show a tendency to park their bikes along racial lines should not Pasir Pinji or Kuen Woh Yuen area which has long been cancelled. be considered an unusual phenomenon these days. The same tendency can be noticed in the I noted also that no bus schedule was displayed in front of the counters, and the manner in which students take their seats in the school canteen or even the way teachers drivers run the buses as they like. Today the bus departed at 2pm, another driver the cluster themselves in their common rooms and, for that matter, the way occupancy of rooms next day left the station at 2.15pm. takes place in accommodating students or teachers during inter-school games. Another issue is the existence of dirty filthy stray dogs wandering in the waiting In a racially mixed school like Anderson, it is sad to notice that while the students area causing discomfort to some people especially our Muslim friends. and teachers are in the same melting pot, they are not melting into one another. At national It is hoped something will be done. Chris Ng elections, racial composition of constituencies is openly declared and features strongly in discussions predicting possible outcomes of successful candidates or parties. These certainly do not augur well for the future of the nation. The more pertinent questions are, “what has led to this state of affairs?” and “what is Buy SeeFoon’s Food Guide to Ipoh the solution to the problem?” Unfortunately, there were no convincing answers to these questions at the interaction that took place following the lecture. Datin Paduka Marina did Get your copy from stress the need to revamp the education syllabus but surely there is much more that needs to 1. Popular Bookstores RPP RM29 be done – the way teaching is conducted, how student behaviour and discipline are cultivated 2. MPH Bookstores and how everyday matters are attended to need special attention. The role of parents and the 3. SS Mubarak & Sons, Jln Sultan Yussuf (Old Town). Tel: 05-2540416/2431362 PTAs needs to be re-examined in a broader context for the betterment of education. 4. Manaff Store, Jln SA Lingam, Ipoh Garden South. Tel: 05-5459648 The lecture did allude to the fact that racial polarisation may not have happened had 5. Lourd Enterprise, Canning Garden. Tel: 05-5459299 6. Indulgence, Jln Raja DiHilir. Tel: 05-2557051/2426297 there been a single schooling system and vernacular schools abolished – a highly sensitive 7. Royal Ipoh Club, Jln Bkt. Gantang. Tel: 05-2542212/2545646 proposition. In my opinion, Malaysian society has not reached the level of maturity to dwell 8. Burps & Giggles, Jln Sultan Yussuf (Old Town). Tel: 05-2426188 into these matters at present – in fact it may turn out to be political seppuku. 9. Citrus Wine & Dine, Ipoh Garden East. Tel: 05-5451010 Let’s face it. For whatever reason, this is what we have come to be. It is fashionable to 10. Barbeza, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh. Tel: 012-5205877 11. Impiana Hotel Ipoh, Jln Raja Dr Nazrin Shah. Tel: 05-2555555 blame politics and the education system to explain away the situation and we never question 12. Ipoh Downtown Hotel, Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Tel: 05-2556766 or analyse our own individual behaviour. 13. D’Eastern Hotel, Jln Sultan Idris Shah. Tel: 05-2543936 Revamping the education syllabus may help but I feel there is much more to it. It 14. YMCA Ipoh, Jln Raja Musa Aziz. Tel: 05-2540809/2539464 needs cultural reorientation, effective parenting, a change in mindset and revamping teacher 15. Meru Valley Golf Club members’ desk training to generate open-minded teachers who can help churn out Malaysian-minded rather 16. Khimzian Enterprise, 75 Jln Yang Kalsom. Tel: 05-2427381 17. Sunway College Ipoh, Psrn SCI 2/2, Sunway City Ipoh. Tel: 05-5454398 than racial-minded students such that they can become better citizens. 18. Break the Code, Greentown Business Centre. Tel: 05-2420484 The manner in which students park their motorcycles in schools is just a symptom of a 19. Symphony Suites, Jln Lapangan Symphony. Tel: 05-3122288 broader problem that we need to address in a rational manner. 20. Olympia College, 18 Jln CM Yussuff. Tel: 05-2433868 21. Ibis Styles Ipoh, 18 Jln Chung On Siew. Tel: 05-2406888 Anwar Hassan 22. Ipoh Echo’s office PAGE Ipoh Chapter 12 July 1-15, 2014 IPOH ECHO Your Voice In The Community

Published by Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd, A-G-1, No. 1 Persiaran Greentown 2, Greentown Business Centre, 30450 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan and printed by Pacific Press Sdn Bhd, No. 37, Jalan SBC 8,Taman Sri Batu Caves, 68100 Selangor.