30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – ASK YOUR … · an example of how different races could...

105

FREE COPY

IPOHechoechowww.ipohecho.com.my

Yo u r Vo i c e I n T h e C o m m u n i t ySEPTEMBER 16-30, 2010 PP 14252/10/2010(025567) issue30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP –

ASK YOUR NEWSVENDOR

Continued on page 2

Pg 3Pg 4

Pg 11

Pg 12

HISTORICAL PAPANby Jerry Francis

The century-old mining town of Papan, which was recently featured in a TV series of the town’s own World War II heroine, Sybil Kathigasu, hangs on the price of tin. It is like a “barometer”: each time the price goes up, there is talk of relocating the town.

Hangs on Tin Price

A historical relic – Istana Raja Bilah

IPOH ECHOWISHES ALL OUR

READERS

Pg 9A Royal “Walkabout”Royal Concern 2011 Budget Dialogue

interview with the Perak Family Health Association

A Homeless Man and His Best Friend

2 Your Voice In The Communityseptember 16-30 2010 IPOH ECHO

Criteria:• ScholarshipbasedoneventualacceptancebyUTAR• TotalfamilyincomeislessthanRM2,000permonth.• Nopayback,onlythecommitmenttohelpotherpoorstudents whenfinanciallysolventaftergraduation.

Send request with IC details, proof of family income to: [email protected]

KOON YEW YIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FINANCE/ACCOUNTANCY DEGREES

Pre-degree or Foundation Course PaysforallthefeesandcostoflivinguntilthePTPTNloanissecured.

This has been going on for the past three decades, the reason being that the town

is sitting on an untapped rich alluvial tin ore deposit, while all around it had been mined. The deposit is estimated to be worth millions of Ringgit.

In fact, Papan is not the only town in the Kinta Valley which is said to be sitting on a “pot of gold”, most oftheminingtownsdotoo.AmongthemareGopengandKampar.EvenunderneathIpohPadangisbelievedtoberichwithtinore–atestimonyoftheoncerichestalluvialtinfieldintheworld.

Relocation DeferredHad it not been for the collapse of the tin mining industry following the drop of tin price in 1985, the town would have been relocated and the area mined, and Papan –situated about 20 kmwest of Ipoh –would have beenswept away by the tin sludge.

Actually,preparationstorelocatePapanwerealreadymade in late 70s by amining company, which ownedmuchoftheland,andin1977,about60householdswererelocated to Kampung Papan Baru, along the old Ipoh-Lumut main road near Pusing.

But, the drop in tin price caused the plan to be deferred. Since then the town has gradually turned into a sleepy hollow as its future hangs on the price of tin.

Most Mining Towns Sitting On a ‘Pot of Gold’Old residents of the town, most of whom are retired

miningworkers,areusedtosuchtalks.“Actually,wearenot worried by talks of relocation anymore,” commented aslimelderlyman(whowantedtobeknownonlyasAhChong) when met in the almost deserted town. He claimed tobeaformergravelpumpoperator.

Adjoiningthetownisavillage,comprisedofwoodenand zinc houses with some old abandoned mining equipment among them.

Revival Not ConduciveAccording to mining sources, the escalating cost ofoperationandtheshortageofskilledminingworkershavenotcreatedaconduciveatmospherefortherevivaloftinmining in the state.

As mine after mine gradually ceased operationsfollowing the collapse of the tin mining industry after 1985, most former mining workers went abroad or found other jobs since losing their employment. As a result,minersdonothavetheconfidenceorwillingnesstotakethe risk to mine the town.

Papan Owes Its Fame to War HeroineAs the heroine of the Japanese Occupation, SybilKathigasu, once livedon theMainStreet ofPapan, thetown had become well-known through books written by her as well as others about her exploits, and a TV-series was shot on location.

It was from one of the two rows of concrete dou-ble-storey shop-houses dur-ing the JapaneseOccupationthat Sybil ran a clinic with physician husband, Dr. A.C. Kathigasu. They gavemedical aid to the MalayanPeople Anti-Japanese Army(MPAJA)andForce136op-eratives,whowerehiding inthe hills behind Papan.

Arrestedandtorturedbythe Japanese, she eventuallydied from the wounds suf-fered as a prisoner of war. Sybil, a Eurasian, was the only Malayan woman everawarded the George Medalforbravery.

Therefore, Papan is known by many, not as a

historical mining town but be-cause of Sybil’s story.

Heyday and Racial HarmonySince as far back as the mid 19th century, Papan has been an example of how different races could mingle and liveandworkinharmony.ItwasalumbersettlementofMandailingandChinese.

MandailingsfromWestSumatracametoPapanaftertheKlangWar,andsettledinlate1870sandearly1880s,

aftertheirleader,RajaAsalwasawardedminingrightsto the land and later the penghulu-ship.

Papan became the administrative centre for KintaValley’s tin-mining activities and in its heyday had apopulationof38,000.

Duetotheabundantalluvialtinandwith13minesin operation, Papan grew rich. Streets were laid out by the1890sand,bytheturnofthe20th century, the main streethadmorethan100shop-housesandpublicbuild-ings. The Papan mosque was completed in 1888, built in thecharacterofthemosquesinMandailingwithalargetimber hall and a double-tiered roof.

The mosque still stands today, next to the Istana RajaBilah–theresidenceofRajaAsal,whichwasbuiltin 1896.

Rich Heritage NeglectedAlthough,therehavebeennumerouscallsfromthepub-lictopreservePapanasahistoricalsiteandturnIstanaRajaBilahintoamuseum,itissadthat,despiteitsrichheritage, Papan has been neglected.

In late 1991, the Museum and State ReligiousDepartments stepped in to lay claim to the town’s his-toricalsites,namely,IstanaRajaBilah,themosqueanditsMuslimcemetery.

TheMuseumDepartment indicated in1992 that ithad plans to restore the historical sites. Since then, the buildings have become further dilapidated and filledwithovergrownbushes.

Itisyetanotherproject,whichfailedtotakeoffinPerak.All talks of preserving the buildings have beenjustthat,talk.

Therefore, Papan remains uninteresting and unno-ticedbymostvisitorstothestate.EventheresidentsinIpohdonotbothertovisitthetownorknowwhereitislocated.

Perhaps, the screening of the movie on the lifeof Sybil will generate some curiosity from among Malaysianstovisitthehistoricaltown,whichhasthepo-tential of becoming a tourist attraction and be listed as a “mustvisit”pioneerminingtowninanytouritineraryoftheCityThatTinBuilt.However,firstthetownanditshistorical buildings need to be spruced up.

Renewed Interest as Tin Price Picks UpNow with the price of the metal picking up, there isrenewed interest in the revival of tinmining in Perakand there may be another round of talks on relocating Papan.

Already,prospectingoftinoredepositsinthestatehasstartedandnewtinmineshavestartedtooperateinUpperPerakandthecoastalareas.

Main street of Papan

The entrance to Kampung Baru Papan

VACANCY

Base in Ipoh International SchoolJalanKelabGolf,Ipoh

WorkingHours:7.00a.m.-4.00p.m.Call: 019-3219952/012-2277202

Retail Assistant

Your Voice In The Community september 16-30 2010IPOH ECHO 3

by Fathol Zaman BukhariFrom the Editor’s Desk


Yo u r Vo i c e I n T h e C o m m u n i t y A ROYAL “WALKABOUT”

Raja Nazrin Shah, with Datuk Bandar (left) and State Secretary, at an illegal dump site

We d n e s d a y , September 1, 2010 will be

a day to remember for Ipohites. It marks the day when the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, went on a “walka-bout” to see the ugly side of the city in person. The heaps of uncollected gar-bage, indiscriminately disposed at illegal dump-sites, and not too well concealed, were simply revolting.

What really prompted aniconofthePerakRoyalfamily to do the inevita-ble? I pin it down to iner-tia and indifference on the part of those entrusted with the cleanliness of the city, which was once dubbed the cleanest in the country. The days of the Seenivasagambrothers are long gone and in their place came the current crop of city elders whose interest in hygiene is questionable. It took the likesofRajaNazrintogetthingsmoving.

The episode leading to the “walkabout” start-ed at Stadium Perak on the morning of Tuesday, August31whenVIPsandthe rakyat gathered for the annual Merdeka pa-rade. The RajaMuda hadenquired with the state police chief whether he was aware of a so-called “Zone of Pollution Fire and Noise” going by its

Why have the authorities turned a blind eye? Why have repeated complaints fallen on deaf ears?

acronym ZOPFAN. TheRajaMudawasalludingtoa letter written by an irate resident to Ipoh Echo. This set alarm bells ringing and soon the aide to the police chief was on his mobile calling me for details of the letter.

Dirt VigilantesI had never anticipated itto be that serious. Afterall, Ipoh Echo, as a matter of course, has been high-lighting this glaring impro-priety since the day of its existence. We have evenencouraged our readers to become ‘dirt vigilantes’

(IEIssue87)tooverseethemenace. We front-paged the issue with this broad headline,“CallingAllDirtVigilantes!” and implored our readers to “protect our city from being swarmed by rubbish.” They were told to send photographs of dirty spots and information of their locations for publi-cation. This is our duty as a community newspaper.

The plea howeverstruck a chord with none other than the RajaMudahimself. The crown prince has taken it upon himself to rid the city of this blem-ishbyvisitingZOPFANinperson.And the rest, likethey say is history.

Kudos to the RajaMudaforhavingdone theunthinkable.

BadlandThe complainant’s fear is not unfounded. The 100-acre site is a former tin-mining area and is located below the Kek Lok Tong cave temple in RapatSetia. It is covered withsecondary vegetation, adisused mining pool and is hemmed in on all sides by housing estates. The land is privately ownedand has been left idle for a long period of time. Illegal activities have taken rootand are causing much inconvenience to thoselivingnearby.

Of concern to the residents is open burning which is done at night to avoid detection. Chickenfarming and vegetablegardening accentuate the chaotic make-over of thislittle badland. It does not bode well for those wishing to enjoy some peace ofmind away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

ReasonsWhy have the authoritiesturned a blind eye on an otherwise sensitivespot? Why have repeatedcomplaints fallen on deaf ears? Why the disinterest shown by those in power? Could there be a more sinister reason behind the lack of action? The answer given by the Mayor isinconsequential but if it is the gospel truth then it

opens a can of worms.

Political PressureAccording toRoshidi, theCouncil had in the past, contacted the owner and warned him to fence up his property. However, politi-cal pressure had negated his efforts at correcting the wrong-doings. So, it is not politically right to right the wrong. This is indeed a shame.

In dispensing justicethe Council should act without fear or favour. Itshould be above boardand remain impartial. The well-being of ratepayers is paramount, not that of the privileged few who havethe political clout to dictate their own terms.

The Raja Muda haspaved the way. So, MBIit is your duty to follow through.

IE 87 Cover Story highlighting the problem

Headlines about this problem in past issues


PUBLISHERipoh echo sdn Bhd (Regd No 687483 T) No 1 Jalan Lasam30450 ipoh Perak Darul RidzuanTel: (605) 249 5936Fax: (605) 255 2181email: [email protected] EDITORIALFathol Zaman BukhariG. sivapragasamJerry Francis

REPORTERJames Gough

GRAPHIC DESIGNRosli Mansor Ahd Razali

MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION MANAGERRamesh Kumar

WEB ADMINISTRATORTitus Raj

PERMISSION AND RE-PRINTSMaterials in ipoh echo may not be reproducedin any form without the written permission of thepublisher PRINTERKonway industries sdn BhdPlot 78, Lebuhraya Kampong Jawa11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau PinangTel: (604) 644 7507

Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) 05 2451 500999 (emergency)Ipoh General Hospital 05-253 3333

Ipoh Ambulance 05-522 2506993 (emergency)

Ipoh Fire Brigade 05-547 4444/994(emergency)

Perak Immigration Dept05-5017100Perak Water Board05-254 6161Ipoh City Council (Complaints)05-208 3378/9Perak Anti-Corruption Agency05-253 1982State Secretariat05-253 1957Railway Station05-254 7987Airport05-312 0848Registration Department05-528 8805

Tenaga Nasional Berhad 05-253 2000

Lembaga Air Perak 1800-88-7788

Directory Service 103Perak Women for Women Society012-521 2480012-505 054705-5469715 (office)

AA Ipoh019-574 3572017-350 8361

USEFUL CONTACTS

Get your FREE copy of the Ipoh Echo from:Canning Gdn: Ariff Store,40JalanLeeKweeFoh. New Wing Fook Merchant,56JalanLeeKweeFoh. Lourd Enterprise,7LorongCecilRae.Ipoh Gdn: Muhibah Hair Stylist,103JalanDatoLauPakKhuan. Mama’s Home Baked Bread Stall(after7pm),AnekaSelera.Ipoh Gdn South: Pasar Mini Manaf,17JalanS.A.Lingam.First Gdn: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd,50,JalanNgWengHup.Labrooy Road: LSF Sun Li Hardware Sdn Bhd,16AJalanLabrooy.Meru: Golf Reception Counter,MeruValleyGolf&CountryClub.New Town: Ruba Rubi Ent154,JlnSultanIdrisShah.Tel.No017-5048531 Chan Sam Lock Photo Studio,77-81JlnSultanIdrisShah. M & A Securities Sdn Bhd,52AJlnSultanIdrisShah. Pooven Enterprise(oppSuperKinta),5JlnDatoOnnJaafar. S.Y. Dry Cleaning & Laundry,1JlnChungThyePhin.Simee: Newsvendor(morning),OppositeSimeeMarket.Bercham: Perniagaan Sagayah,22A,PersiaranBerchamSelatan8,TamanDesa Kencana.Tel:Maniam(014-3035697).Tmn Ipoh Jaya: Rasu Enterprise,271JalanGunungRapat.Tmn Tambun: Bawal Jaya Enterprise, 66 Psrn Desa Tambun 7, Desa Tambun.Tiger Lane: Perak Academy,28JalanSultanAzlanShah.Golf Club Road: Fitness Junction,2JalanKelabGolf.Ulu Kinta: Sai Ram Petrol,PSSSunwayCityTambun,LotPT303545,

SunwayCityTambun,MukimHuluKinta.Tel:05-5421704SITIAWAN P.N. Book Centre,7JalanDatoAhmadYunus.

Call:

The Perak State Governmentheldthefirst of its four dia-

logue sessionson the2011Budget at the State Banquet Hall on September 6.

It was organised by StateFinancialOfficerDato’Jamaluddin Al Amini binHjAhmadwith the aim of

2011 Budget Dialogue

JAG

explaining how the budget was prepared and how the projected expenditure for2011wastabulated.Itwasalsotoheartheviewsandexpectations of the partici-pants.

The participants were shown a slide presenta-tionofbudgetfiguressince

2001outliningtheincomeand expenditures includ-ing the projected data for2011.

The presentation also indicatedhowtheapproved2010supplementarybudgetofRM80millionwouldbeused. The breakdown was RM30 million for public

welfare projects such asstreet lighting forvillageswhile RM50 millionwould be for investmentpurposes.

The first group ofparticipants was made up of the Village Heads (JKKK) throughout thestate.Notablyabsent(andnotedbyJamaluddintoo),were the Village Heads from the Chinese NewVillages.

The dialogue proper started after the slide pres-entation.Twenty-four vil-lage chiefs shared their views requesting “moreappropriate allowances” and suggesting that “drain-age for the villages” begiven priority instead ofstreet lighting.

Generally the hour-long dialogue session heardpassionateviewsona wide range of issues to

whichJamaluddinrespond-ed that “all issues would be taken into consideration” though adding that there were “limitations”.

The dialogue panel included Meor HidayatIsmail, State Director of the Ministry of Rural andRegional Development,Dato’ Ir Dr. Sefry Kamal, State JKR Director, andDato’ Hj Abu Bakar HjSaid, Director of the State Economic Planning Unit.The moderator was State DevelopmentOfficerDato’HjZainalAbidin.

AccordingtoJamalud-din the next dialogue group will be held with the Intellectuals/Universitiesfollowed by the Chambers of Commerce groups and lastly the NGOs with thedate of the next dialogue happening immediately afterHariRaya.

Glass is now an indispensable part of an architects’ creativetoolbox.Inmaindoors,slidingdoors,living

hall, stair-case, bedroom windows, dry and wet kitchen splash-backsoreveninbathroomwalls,glassismakingwavesinarchitecturalandinteriordesign.

Architectsandinteriordesignersuseglassnotonlyforitsaestheticvaluebutalsotomove,bendandcapturelight. For today’s sophisticated homeowners after a dis-tinctivelook,glassisthenewstatussymbol–somethingthe guy next door doesn’t possess.

The “Stained Glass Overlays(SGO)”, “Sand-Etched Glass(SEG)” patterns and “Glasskote ColourGlass(GCG)”providekeyoptionsandthewidearrayofcoloursanddesignthemesgiveyouaverywiderangeto enhance mood and create aesthetic spaces, nooks and cornerstosuityourindividualstyleandfancy.

Atourdesignerglass studio, aesthetics and safetygohandinhand.“Wecannothaveabeautifulpieceofart glass that creates a focal point in your home, and yet not possess inherent safety features. This is dangerous,” says William Yee, the owner of Excellent Focus Sdn. Bhd. Breathtaking quality art glass should capture the imaginationoftheviewerandeliminatetheconcernofthe danger of glass itself.

Ourlatest“SEG”productshavebeenenhancedwitha fingerprint (stain-free) technology unlike previousmodels. The “SGO” products are the all-time favoriteformaindoors, staircasewindows, livinghalldividersand kitchen cabinets. Both “SEG”& “SGO” productsare custom made according to your requirement regard-less of glass shape and size. The bright and crystal clear colourtemperedglass“GCG”productsworkwellwithany wall to create the impact of space.

Forpeaceofmindonyourinvestment,kindlyinsiston the10-yearwarranty card.Bewareof imitation.Totakefinequalityartglasstothenextlevelinyourprecioushome, please contact: William Yee at 016-5500818.

Shine up your home

The dialogue panel (l-r) Meor Hidayat, Dato’ Jamaluddin Al-Amini, Dato’ Hj Zainal Abidin, Dato’ Dr. Sefry Kamal and Dato’ Hj Abu Bakar

ADVERTORIAL

KUKU SPA Hand & Foot Care

Allequipmentfullysterilised.NailArt,ParaffinTreatment.

Manicures,Pedicures.12LorongTamanIpoh1,IpohGardenSouth.Tel.: 012-5122300 or 05-5451399.


ReCiPe By MARGARITA LEE

Ingredients:1 kampong chicken4 tbsp sesame oil4-6 pieces black wood

ear “fungus” (soak in water to soften, cut into strips)

100gmgingerroot(cutinto thin strips)

¼cupgingerjuice(from mature ginger)

100mlglutinousricewine

½ cup water or chicken broth

Method:Rinsechickenand1. drain; cut into bite-sized pieces.Heat pan and sesame 2. oil; stir fry ginger root until fragrant and add in chicken pieces; stir fry for 1 minute, add in gingerjuiceandwater,

turn heat to low and simmercoveredfor10-15minutesoruntilchicken becomes soft.Addinricewine,3. bring mixture to boil.Pourintoserving4. bowlandserve.

Chicken with Rice Wine

Places to try:Restoran Wong Fee Kee ● , Bercham

1.00-8.00p.m.;price:RM3-4 Verytasty–pork,spareribs,fishhead,eel,fish&chickenarealsoavailable.

Restoran Wing Hoong Lapan, ● 51JalanYangKalsom(NewTown) 12.00p.m.-9.00p.m.;pricefromRM3.50 Hasabout5varieties:beef,pork,chicken,fish–tastywithlotsofingredients.

Big Tree Food Garden ● ,OffJlnTokong,BehindTuckKeeRestaurant,PasirPinji 7.30am-3.00p.m.;price:RM2.70-4.60 Ricenicelydissolvedandnottoothick–ingredientsgenerous–gerupafishwith nice gingery taste.

Leong Kee Restaurant ● ,153JalanPasirPutih 6.00p.m.-midnight(closedonWednesdays);pricefromRM3.50

HAWKeR FOODCantonese Rice Porridge (Juk)

This rice porridge, also referred to as congee, has many functions; from simple toddler

food to the preferred food when one is sick and in recuperation. Easily digestible and nutritious, hospitals serve it as soft diet. It’s basically ricecooked in a lot of water and the consistency depends on the amount of water added. When fish,chicken,pork, innards,preservedvegetables,choppedsaltedegg, thinstripsofginger,etc.areadded,itbecomesadeliciouslyrichmeal.ApopularporridgeisChu Chap Jukwhichhaspork, fried intestines, liver, pig’sblood; servedpipinghot andsometimes topped with pieces of yau char kwai (deep fried crullers), garnished with spring onions, and accompanied with sliced cili padiinsoysauce.Itisverytastyandisone meal that is good to the last spoonful.

OurnextfoodreviewwillbeTHOSAIEmailyourfavouriterecommendationsto:[email protected]

I have been hearing thename of Sauk being bandied around for

quite awhile from my friends who have beenpromising to take me there and finally like all thesesocial arrangements which take time to organise, we got a group together one Sunday morning and followed the leader in a procession of cars heading towards Kuala Kangsar. Sauk is a Chinese new village located betweenKuala Kangsar and

Lenggong. We followed the North-South highwayfrom Ipoh and exited at Kuala Kangsar toll. It took us only forty minutes to reach our destination.

‘New Old Street’The restaurant is easy enoughtofind.Situatedonthe main road right next to a huge arch proclaiming “Kampung Baru Sauk”, the Restoran Baru LauKai (meaning ‘New OldStreet’) is on a corner lot with only a few tables and spillingontothepavementintheeveningsnodoubt.

Wild Caught River FishSauk is famous for its freshwater fish, usually

brought inby localfisher-men who fish the riversfor wild freshwater fish.On the day we were there, the freshly caught fish ofthe day was the Jelawat or Sultan fish which wepromptly ordered.Awordof caution here: do ask for thepriceofthefishbeforeordering or you may be caught with a whopping big bill.

Our Sultan fish thatday which was big enough for our group of eight, came steamed to perfection with justsoyasauceandginger.

It was steamed with scales on,keepingthefleshinsidejuicily tender and meltedin my mouth instantly. Sultanfishisknownforitsextra fattiness and the parts aroundthestomachandfinare particularly yummy. RM70for1kilo.

Not content withonefish,we took thepro-prietress’ recommendation and ordered the steamed Belida belly. This is yet anotherveryfattyfishandthe belly is the best part. This came steamed with a ‘tauchu’ (fermented bean paste) sauce of garlic and chillies.RM40.

Signature DishesNext came their signaturedishes, the homemade Yin Yang fishballs, one deep fried and the other steamed, each one succulent and bouncy (measure of a good fishballbyChinesegour-metstandards)RM1each;followed by their pièce de résistance, the ‘Ham Dan’ sotong or salted egg fried squid. Usually just bat-

tered and deep fried, or done with salt and pepper, squid is not an easy ingre-dient to prepare well. This dish was far from the often over-fried,stringyanddryofferings of many other restaurants. This squid was springy, the salted egg addingjusttherightdegreeof texture and salt to the light batter and fried justenough to done-ness with-out turning rubbery. This dish alone was worth the drivetoSauk.RM15.

By this time we were all ‘fished out’ what withyet anotherfishydish, theIndonesian prawns, fol-lowing (lightly curried, mild and the prawns veryfresh). So we ordered the Pig’s stomach sautéed with onions, chillies and pineapple, very tastywiththe pineapple lending a

By See Foon Chan-Koppen

[email protected]

SeeFoon Takes A Leisurely Sunday Drive To Sauk

Restoran Baru Lau KaiNo.S-22,KampungBaruSauk,33500KualaKangsar,Perak.Tel.: 012-793 9670 or 012-527 1319.Opensdailyfrom10.30a.m.to10.00p.m.Twooffdayspermonth(notfixed).Callbeforearrivingtoconfirm.

touch of sweetness to the fiery chillies. Toppingup the whole meal with a Sayur Paku (jungle fern)fried with sambal belacan, RM7, and the dry fried ‘kuay teow’ or flat ricenoodles, RM15, broughtour group to happy satia-tion as we wended our way slowly back to Ipoh.

Only RegretOur only regret at the end of the meal was missing out on the braised giant frog’s legs which apparent-ly during the season from mid October onwards, can reach up to 6-8 inches long. We promptly made a resolution to return when the time was right!

Pics by Christian DiGiovannaMusings On Food


letters

LikemanyMalaysianswhodo not have themeans to afford private healthcare,myparents(mydad’saretiredcivilservant)visitthegovernmenthospitalfortheirmedicalneeds.OnAugust 28, a Saturday, Iwent to the IpohGH’s Pharmacy to collectmymother’s medicine.

We reached the hospital at about 11.15 a.m. There were at least eighty people there withonlyonecounteropen.Thiswasat11.30a.m.!Onecounterwithaharassedlookingpharmacist (I don’t blame her dedication); with Saturday being a weekend, common sense dictates that since there would be many people, the management of the hospital shouldhavehadthenecessarysensetoassignmorethanonepharmacisttobeonduty.

Thecrowdbecamerestless.Anangryoutburstcamefromanotherpatientwhohadbeen waiting for one and a half hours. I mean come on, these are elderly sick people who arewaitingformedicinetogetbetter,don’tthosehighandmightyNapoleonssittingintheirplushofficeshaveasenseofmorality,don’ttheyknowthatbyeveryminutetheydelay , a person’s life can ebb away? The poor harried pharmacist in counter 5 told the trainees to call the management and to ask the part timers to come in to help, well I was there until 1.15 p.m. when I managed to collect the medicine and until then no one else turned up.

IreckonmylittlestoryabovespeaksalotregardingefficiencyintheMalaysianCivil Service. It is of no use buildingmodern facilities when the peoplemanagingthemareoflowmentality,compassionandefficiency.Takealookatthecountrythatwekickedoutdownsouth,lookathowtheirhospitalsarerunbyamajoritywhoareMalaysiansandlearn,learnbeforethecurtainrisesandourcountryslipsintoarealmofpast glorious empires.

My Adventure at the Ipoh General Hospital’s PharmacyPeter Lee is a man with a mission. He wants to see more

Malaysianswrite theirwills toprotect theirfamilieswho are left behind. He cites data that shows that in Malaysiaalone,morethanRM40billionofcashandnon-cash assets are left by the dead which are not claimed by their heirs. Of this, land and property account for about RM38 billion, RM1.5 billion is with the Registrar ofUnclaimedMonies(savingsaccountsandfixeddepositsin banks and financial institutions) and more than 70millionhasbeen left in theEmployeesProvidentFund.In addition, there are also a million land titles still in the names of the deceased. The only way to stop the increasing amount of unclaimed cash and non-cash assets is to make a will, claims Peter.

Peter started his career as a Company Secretary in 1988and is amemberof theMalaysianAssociationofCompany Secretaries. In providing services to manycompanies he encountered numerous disputes among businesspartnersespeciallythoseinvolvingfamilybusi-nesses. He attributes this to lack of planning or no plan-ning at all as regards succession and distribution of their estatetothenext-of-kinintheeventofdeathofapartner.When this occurs, and there is no will, Peter laments that the next-of-kin are always saddled with innumerable problems with family members overdistribution issues thatwilleventually ruin theirbusinesses. Inaddition,he isoftencaughtinthemiddlebetweenmanyfightsandquarrels.

ThispromptedhimtojoinRockwillsInternationalGroupasaProfessionalEstatePlannerin2003,extendinghisservicestowillsandtrusts,makingithismissiontohelp keep the families of his clients from facing such problems. He is also an Islamic EstatePlannerwithas-SalihinTrusteeBerhad(anassociatecompanyofRockwills)providingIslamicWillsandEstatePlanningservices.

Eventhoughmanyarticleshavebeenwrittenontheimportanceofdoingawill,therearestillmorethan90%ofMalaysianswhohavenotwrittentheirwillbasedonarecentsurvey.PeterLee’sobservationisthatwhensomeonepassesawaytheirprob-lemswillceasebuttheproblemfortheirsurvivingfamilieswillbegin.Sohestronglyurgesalltomakeawillearlysothatthedistributionissuesareresolvedbeforemigrat-ingtoanotherworld.Manyhavetheperceptionthatdoingtheirwill is liketalkingabout their death. So they adopt a wait and see attitude. Peter Lee prefers to look at it simply as peace of mind not only for oneself but also for the family.

It is interesting that Peter has made quite an impact on the Ipoh market with his innovative strategy of taking out advertorials in the Ipoh Echo in every issue where he highlights a different scenario in the ongoing saga of what can happen when someone dies without leaving a will. His cleverly executed campaign and exposure in the Echo has informed an otherwise apathetic Ipoh community on the complications of dying intestate and has won him many clients as a result.

This perfect synergy between satisfied advertiser and local community paper is testimony to the reach and coverage of the Ipoh Echo and should serve as a strong encouragement for other advertisers who have so far been hesitant to advertise. And perhaps convert those who still waste their advertising dollar by going to the national dailies.

personalityA Man with a Mission

RightsoftherakyatascontainedintheFederalConstitutionofMalaysiawerethesubjectofdeliberationduringalivelydialoguewiththeOrangAsliofKampongBatu 14, Tapah on September 4.

Asthecountryprogresses,amendmentsaremadetotheConstitutionbythepassageoflawsenactedbyparliament.Over1,000amendments,mostlytechnicalinnature,havebeenmadesince itscreation inAugust1957.Unfortunately,notmanyMalaysiansareaware of the Constitution, let alone the amendments made so far.

Some of the notable articles within the Constitution which affect the rakyat directly areArticles8,10,12and13.Article8isaboutequalitybeforethelaw.Freedomofspeech,assemblyandtherighttoformassociationsarecontainedinArticle10whileArticle12stipulatescitizens’rightswithrespecttoeducation.Article13relatestotheownershipofproperty and compensation.

Thedialoguewasattendedbyover60villagersfromtheSemaicommunitywhichdominatestheOrangAslisettlementsalongtheTapah-CameronHighlandsroad.ItwasorganisedbyIpohCityWatch(ICW)withtheassistanceoftheMalaysianBarCouncil.ICWPresident,AugustineAnthony(rightpic),gaveanoverviewoftheConstitutionandhowtheaforementionedArticlesimpactedtheindigenouscommunity,perse.

During the question and answer session a member of the tribe asked whether the authoritiescandenythementryintotheirnativelandsforcultivationandhunting.Anotheraskedwhether theconstructionofelectricpylonsbyTenagaNasionalBerhadnearhisvillage contravenes his rights underArticle 13. The questions posed were promptlyanswered by the panel of experts.

“ThespiritofArticle8,therefore,entailsthatanOrangAslicanbenominatedtothehighestofficeinthecountry,includingthatofPrimeMinister,”Augustineconcluded,inobviousreferencetoArticle8oftheConstitution.Hewasgreetedwithaloudroundofapplause from the audience.

ICW’snextstopisKampongTersusunTasek,aMalayenclavenearBercham,Ipoh.FZB

Orang Asli’s Rights

A “sewang” demonstration by village maidens

MBIhasidentifiedatotalof170buildingsalongtheHeritageTrailcoveringOldTownandNewTowntobeincludedintheapplicationforUNESCOWorld

HeritageListing.Of these,36arepermanentheritagebuildingswhichhavebeenincluded in the structure plan.

MayorRoshidistatedthatameetingwasheldinmidAugustandacommitteehas been set up to identify Heritage and Dangerous buildings in town. The commit-teehasidentified63‘Dangerous’buildingsinIpoh.

Subsequently a workshop will be organised by the Buildings Department this year involving the related technicaldepartments todeterminehowbest tohandlethepreservationofbuildingsofheritageandhistoricalvalueandhowtodealwithdilapidated buildings in Ipoh.

In the interim, before the workshop is held, the Departments of Planning, Buildings and Enforcement will enforce and comply with the requirements regard-ingbuildingsofheritageandhistoricalvalue.

Workshop on Heritage and Dangerous Buildings

JAG

community

Inconjunctionwiththeholymonthof Ramadan, the management

of KPJ ISH and Muslim medicalconsultants organised a 1MalaysiaBubur Lambuk Gotong-RoyongonAugust 16 and again onAugust26 due to overwhelming response.Headofservicesandstaffprepared600packsofbuburlambukforbothsessions. The bubur lambuk as well as kurma were distributed to staff and the public.

KPJ ISH Bubur Lambuk 1Malaysia

Daniel Prakash James1September2010

by See Foon Chan-Koppen


community

In conjunction with its first anniversary, MotherTeresa’sReadingShelterlaunched‘MyBook,MyPal

Programme’ to encourage children to read.Rev. Fr. Bernard Paul, Parish Priest of Our Lady

of Lourdes, who launched the programme, wished it success.

Director of the Shelter, Dr. J.Anantham, said thatchildren would be encouraged to borrow books from the public libraries or the shelter and write a brief composition orgiveatalkaboutthebooktheyhaveread.

Dr.AnanthaminformedthattheshelterconductsMySchool Programme and 3R Classes for underprivilegedchildren and those who do not have birth certificates.Currently, the shelter cannot take in more students be-cause of a shortage of teachers.

He requested for volunteers, especially retiredteachersandseniorcitizens,torendertheirservices.Theshelteralsoneedsfundstocoveroperatingcosts.

Contact the Shelter at: 05-2410751; email: [email protected]; or drop by: 112 Persiaran SgPari19,BuntongDua,30100Ipoh.

A. Jeyaraj

MY BOOK, MY PAL Programme

Kelab Bakti Gunong Kledang (KBGK) has again come to the aid of theneedybydonating inkind todeservingorganisations and individuals.On

September1,KBGK’snewly-nominatedPresident,Dr.ZakariaAbdulKadirandhiscommitteemembers,droppedbyIpohEcho’sofficetohandoverachequeforRM5,000 toEditor, Fathol ZamanBukhari.Themoney ismeant for the floodvictimsinPakistanwhichwillbechannelledthroughMercyRelief(Malaysia),thenon-governmentalorganisationentrustedwithreliefeffortsinthefloodravagedprovincesofSindandKhyber-Pakhtunkwa.

Dr.Zakaria and his team then left forTamanKlebangRestu for a similarappointment.TherecipientthistimearoundwasPuanZairolRosniMohdNasir,awidow with 5 kids. Zairol’s husband and breadwinner succumbed to lung cancer threemonthsago.ShereceivedRM1,000andahugehamperasdonationsfromtheclub.“Iammovedbythekindnessshown,”shesaid.“ThemoneywillbeusedtobuymuchneededitemsforthecomingHariRaya.”

KelabBaktiGunongKlebanghasbeeninexistenceforover30yearsandiswellknownforitsmanyhumanitarianactivities.However,itpreferstoconductits business with the minimum of fuss and attention. This social club has remained truetoitsobjectiveofwantingtoimprovethelivingconditionsoftheneedy,themarginalised,thedeprivedandtheunderprivilegedbywayofcharity.

FZB

Reaching Out To the Needy

ThemanagementofTasekCorporationBerhad,Ipoh,ledbyitsGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer,Mr.B.T.Gan,tooktimeofftobewiththedisabledandtheunder-privileged

recently.Gan,andmembersofthecorporation’sYoungExecutives’Council,visitedtheLoyalHandicappedandDisabledChildrenHomeAssociationinSilibinandthePerakchapterof theCentralWelfareCouncilPeninsularMalaysia in Jelapang. Itwas for anoblecause– tohandovercashandfoodstuff to these twoorganisations. Itcouldnothavebeenabettertimefortherecipientsastheynotonlybenefitedfromthegenerosityofthevisitorsbutwereentertainedtomusicandsongalongwithfoodanddrinks.

FZB

Time Out for Charity

Theproposal toupgrade theGunungRapatwetmarketwithaRM6millionallocationfromtheFederalGovernmenthasbeenputonhold.MayorDato’

RoshidiHashimsaid that itwasasaresultof the traders locatedat themarketrefusingtoco-operatewiththecitycounciltoimplementtheproject.Thealloca-tions,headded,hadthereforebeenreturnedtotheFederalGovernment.

Go online at www.ipohecho.com.my for the full story.

Gunung Rapat Market Put On Hold

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTDaybreak Charity Food and Fun FairAspartofinitiativestocreategreaterpublicawarenessofitsVocationalTraining

Programme for people with disabilities in Perak, Persatuan Daybreak (Daybreak) will be organising a Charity Food and Fun Fair at its Training Centre at Lot 75242, JalanPulai,RPTPengkalanPegoh,Lahat,Perak,(OppositePinjiPerdana/PoiLamSuwaHighSchool)onSaturday,September25,from9.00a.m.to1.00p.m.

TheeventalsoaimstoraisefundsforDaybreak.Daybreak, which is an acronym for Disabled Adults and Youths Being

Rewarded, Encouraged andAccepted in Kinta, has its training centre located inPengkalan, Ipoh, which is also where the Food and Fun Fair will be held.

According toMsS.K.Yeong,GeneralManagerofDaybreak, this is thefirstfoodandfunfairevertobeorganisedbyDaybreaksinceitsinceptionin1992.

“We open our doors to people with disabilities and those who are physically challenged, of all races and religious backgrounds, who wish to be trained to become self-reliant, independent and integrated members of society.

“Daybreak’sVocationalTrainingProgrammeisaimedatimprovingthephysical,cognitive, perceptional and emotional skills of people with disabilities, towardsdevelopingtheirvocationalskills,”MsYeongexplains.

More than 500 people with disabilities have benefited from the VocationalTraining Programme since 1992. Daybreak currently has 80 trainees under itswings.

Daybreak is also working in partnership with the Perak State Education Department, Special Education Unit, providing skills training for students fromsevenspecialschoolsinPerak.

MsYeongexplainsthateverytraineeisassessedtoidentifyindividualpotential,byhighlyqualifiedphysiotherapistsandfacilitators,bothlocalandfromabroad.

Those interested in the Vocational Training Programme, or know of anyone with disabilitieswhocanbenefitfromthisprogramme,maycontactDaybreakat:05-323 5908 or 05-323 5909.


young perakBidding Farewell

RN

Wednesday,August 18 will remain etched in K.N.Chandran’s memory. It is the day when he ends

his 33-year relationship with the teaching profession. Chandran’s last posting was at SMK Tasek Damaiwherehehadbeenforthefinaltenyearsofhisservice.Since graduating from the Sri Pinang Teachers’ Training College,Penang, in1975hehadserved inanumberofschools in Selangor and Perak.He obtained aMaster’sdegree inEducationManagementfromUniversitiUtaraMalaysiain1997.“It’sbeenarewardingexperienceforme,” he told Ipoh Echo. In his farewell speech he urged his students to work hard and to keep the school’s good name. “Once a teacher always a teacher,” he quipped.

The Malay Language Week, organised by SMKMethodistKamparrecently,wasahugesuccessjudg-

ing from the response received.Anumberofeventsandcompetitions were held to encourage participation among students.Theprimaryobjectiveof theweek,saidSeniorAssistant,EncikZanAsriTasir,wastoimprovestudents’graspofBahasaMalaysiaintheleadtotheupcomingPMRandSPMexaminations.“Thisisbeingoptimisedthroughdebates, essay-writing, story-telling and forums which are conductedinBahasaMalaysia,”saidZantoIpohEcho.“TomaketheeventsmorecompetitiveprizesworthRM1,000are being prepared for winners.” The students were appre-ciativeoftheorganisers’efforts.

Malay Language Week

RN

SMKRapatJayaorganiseda“Ceriathon”forthebene-fitofitsstudentsandtheirparentsrecently.Itwasthe

firstevereventofitskindbytheschool.Thepurpose,saidthe President of the Parents and TeachersAssociation,Incik Wahed Parmin, was to encourage better interaction between parents, teachers and students. “The emphasis is onfunandmerrymaking,”hesaid.Eventssuchaskara-oke, food and fun fair, colouring competitons and others wereheldandallweregearedtowardsachievingthein-tendedobjective.“Parents,teachersandstudentsshouldlet their hair down once in a while,” said Wahed. RN

Leo Club of SMJK Yuk Choy launched a treeplanting project in front of the school recently.

The programme was attended by the School Senior Assistant (Co-curriculum)Mr. SitWaiYin,TeacherAdviserPuanSalmabt.Hj.Yahya,LionMarcusLohand Fong Kah SIang, Chan Kok Hoe, Lee Kar Wai, Chong Siu Hang Leo Clubmembers.According toSit, the programme should be encouraged among the younger generation to green our earth and beautify our urban scenery.

SMJK Yuk Choy LEO CLUB PROJECT

SMK Rapat Jaya “Ceriathon”


news roundup

Ayellow beta dragon fish belonging to a hawkerhasdevelopedimagesofpopularChinesedeity,Wong Tai Sin on its body. The deity, according to Chinese belief, possesses the power of healing.

“While cleaning the aquarium, my son found the fishactingstrangelyandsawtheimagesonitsbody,”saidOngChanPing,68.He is anewspapervendoroperating at the Buntong wet market.

Ongclaimed that thefishhadbrought himandhis family luck. His son got a promotion while his wife won a lucky draw. Whether they were merely co-incidenceshehadnowayoftelling.Thenewsvendorhasbuiltanaltarandoffersfruitsandlitupjoss-sticktohonourthe“arrival”ofLordWonginhishouse.

JP

A GOOD-LUCK FISH

The installation of the balance of 76 CCTVs will be completedoverthenext2years.MBIhadinstalled

24 of 100 proposed CCTVs throughout Ipoh in July.The statement was made in response to a request by Councillor Ceylyn Tay who had requested for CCTVs to

76 CCTVs – Completion Schedule

A total of 7 major religious denominations compris-ing Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoist ChineseMuslimAssociationandSokoGokkai,gatheredattheStateBanquetHallfourdaysbeforeMalaysia’s53rd

Independence Day Celebration to pray for peace and har-mony for state and country.

Thiswasthesecondgatheringofthevariousreligionswhichwas organised by theMultiReligiousGroup andtheCouncil forNon-MuslimAffairswhoseChairman isDato’Dr.MahHangSoon.

GuestofHonour,Dato’SeriDr.ZambryAbdulKadir,in his address to the congregation said he was grateful to thevariousreligiouscommunitiesforconvergingtoprayfor peace and harmony for the state to stand as one nation, saying that “religion does not promote disunity”.

A Merdeka Prayer for Peace and Harmony

Zambrywhowasastudentofcomparativereligions,thenquotedaversefromtheBibleaccordingtoMathew“where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I will be there withthem”whichimmediatelydrewachorusof‘Amen’from the Christian corner.

During the evening, a Quilt (pic) comprising apatchwork of hearts made by single mothers from 4 religions was presented to Zambry.

Thevariousreligiousgroupslatertooktothestageto recite their individual prayers where the Hinduschanted 18 times while the Christians sang songs and prayers in worship.

Whenever the rakyat or owners of landed properties raise complaints, it is usually the local government officials or politicians that come a-calling to review their grouses, that is if they ever come at all.

ThiswasnotthecasewhenresidentsofTamanHarmonyandTamanRapatKoperasiatRapatSetiahighlightedtheirgrousesinalettertoIpohEchorecently.

Thecomplaint–“MBI’sShamefulZOPFANABigLetDownforResidents”pub-lishedonAugust16caughttheeyeoftheRajaMudaofPerak,RajaDr.NazrinShah,whotogetherwithMayorDato’RoshidiHashimandPerakStateSecretaryDato’SeriDr.AhdulRahmanHashiminspectedtheaffectedareasat5p.m.onSeptember1.

It was stated in the letter that there was dusk to dawn open burning, noise from a toddyshopandillegaldumpsites,andcountlessverbalcomplaintstothecitycouncilwere not responded to.

RajaNazrinwasfirsttakentoanillegaldumpsiteatTamanRapatKoperasi.Afterlookingatthesituation,heenquiredwhetherthecitycouncilstaffhadinvestigatedthecomplaint.

Expressingdisappointment,heinstructedRoshiditoimmediatelycleanuptheareaandresolvetheproblem.

RajaNazrinalsosaidthatcitycouncillorsshoulddotheirpartbybringingupanynegativeissueintheirzonesforthecitycounciltotakeimmediateaction.

In an immediate response, the city council took steps to clean the area.Roshidisaid the next course of action was to enforce the law for indiscriminate throwing of rubbishwithoutcompromise,wherebyaphotowouldbetakenandtheoffenderserveda compound.

Royal Concern

Roshidialsoannouncedthatalorryhadbeencaughtinthespecificareathefollow-ingmorningforillegaldumpingaddingthatanoticewouldbeservedtothelorryownerimmediately.

Withregardstoopenburning,Roshidihasprovidedahotlinenumber013-4241612, thenumberofitsDirectorofitsEnforcementUnitAhmadZaidi,forresidentstocall.Complainantsarerequiredtoprovidethelocation(road,landmark)andthetimeoftheburningafterwhichanenforcementofficerwouldbedispatchedtothelocation.Non-uniformedenforcementofficerstoohavebeeninstructedtopatroltheareatocheckforopenburning.Thefineforopen-burningisRM2,000perspot.

RoshidialsoremindedcontractorstoonlythrowtheirrubbishattheBerchamdumpsite and not anywhere else and for the general public to please use a dustbin per house.

ToRoshidi“Cleanlinessisapriority”statingthatthereusedtobe14,000illegaldumpsitesthroughoutthe643sqkmthatisIpohCityoverayearago.

Hehas reduced thenumber to6,000currentlyandhopes to reduce it tozero inayear’s time. “Theonlyway to achieve this is for every resident to co-operate andcommit to keep their premises clean,” he added.

be located in her zone due to regular incidents of crime reported there. Mayor Roshidi reiterated that CCTVswouldonlybelocatedat‘identifiedhotspotsandcrimeprone areas”.

JAG

Mayor Dato’ Roshidi, Raja Nazrin Shah and State Secretary Dato’ Abdul Rahman

Open burning at Taman Desa Rapat; when the wind changes direction it goes into the homes

JAG

JAG


ANNOUNCEMENTSAnnouncementsmustbesentbyfax:05-2552181; or email: [email protected], by the 9th or 23rdofeverymonthinordertomeetdeadlines.Announcementsbyphonewillnotbeentertained.IpohEchoreservestherighttoverifyanyannouncementbeforeitispublished.

Memory Walk Taiping. InconjunctionwithWorldAlzheimer’sDaythePsychiatricEducationSocietyTaipingandtheDepartmentofPsychiatryandMentalHealthHospitalTaipingwillorganiseawalkatTaipingLakeGardensonSaturday,September18commencingat8am.Freegiftsforfirst300registeredparticipants.Registrationtimebetween7 to 7.45 am. For details call Pn Zainab or Pn Wati at 05-8408122/125 KAMI Promotion of Mental Health Workshop ‘Stress Management’ (in English) – Friday, September 24 from 2.30-5.30p.m.atKAMIWellnessCentre,4&4ALebuhPerajurit3/2,TamanIpohBoulevardTimur,Ipoh.Speaker:Dr.CheahYeeChuang,ConsultantPsychiatristHospitalBahagiaUluKinta.Freeadmission.Refreshmentswillbeserved.Limitedseating–pleaseregisterearly.Contact:Su016-5468003orGrace012-5205793.Olympia College Career Fair –September25from9.00a.m.to4.00p.m.atitspremises:18JalanC.M.Yusuff,30250Ipoh.OpeninterviewswillbeheldbymultinationalcompaniesfromPerak,PenangandKualaLumpur.Forenquiries,contact:MrNirmalat05-2433868 or 012-5390020.Persatuan Daybreak Charity Food & Fun Fair –September25from9.00a.m.to1.00p.m.at itspremises:Lot75242,JalanPulai,RPTPengkalanPegoh,31500Lahat (opp.PinjiPerdana&PoiLamSuwaHighSchool).Stallsponsorship,donations&volunteersaremostwelcome.Couponsareonsale.Fordetails,contactLinda,CarolorItaat: 05-3235908, 3235909.MNS Talk: ‘Reliving the Legacy of Gunung Lanno Speleological Expedition 2001’onFridaySeptember24at8.00-10.00p.m.atNo.5JalanGopeng,Ipoh.TalkonnaturalheritageandconservationinterestinregardtoKintaValley’scaptivatinggeologicalfeatures–thelimestonehillsandassociatedcavesystemsbygeoscientistandnaturalistRamliMohdOsman.Seatsarelimited.Forreservation,contact:Eve Leow at [email protected] or call 012-5008723.Story Telling Workshop by Austism Asperger’s Help AssociationonSaturday,September25from3.00-6.00p.m.atDewanSerbaguna,StateSecretariatBuilding,JalanPanglimaBukitGantangWahab,Ipoh.Oralstory-tellingisauniqueartasitisinteractiveandbringsthestoryteller’spersonalityintoit.Ithelpsinthebondingprocessbetweenthestorytellerandthelistener.Suitableforparentswithkidsandteachers.Fordetailscall:MichelleCheah012-5121897 /EmilyGik019-5582633/Shanta 05-5461345.Charity Movie Premiere “Eat Pray Love” in favour of Perak Women for Women Society. Date and Time: Sunday, September26at11.00a.m.,TGVKintaCity,Ipoh.CallYip05-5469715/Halida 012-673382/Yin Pheng 012-5288770 for tickets.Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA):AMusicalDelightwithFluteandGuitarDuoConcert&Workshops.(I)Workshops–Monday,September27at6.00p.m.atPSPAOffice:28JalanSultanAzlanShah,Ipoh.Forfurtherinfor-mationcontact:017-5731069(YimKamLing).(II)Concert–Tuesday,September28at8.00p.m.atTamanBudaya.For details contact: 05-5487814 (PSPA/Sara)or012-5088818 (Witzi Leong).Kinta Medical Centre ‘Travel Wise’ CampaignfromSeptember1-30from8.30a.m.to4.30p.m.onweekdaysand8.30a.m.to12.30p.m.onSaturdays;atKMC,20JalanChungThyePhin,30250Ipoh,attheOut-PatientDepartment.Advicefortravellersprovided,freetestsanddiscountedratesforvaccination.Forfurtherenquiries,contactDr.Amyat 012-5932722.Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) Food FaironSundayNovember7atStJohn’sAmbulanceHQIpoh,134JalanRajaAziz,Ipoh.Stallsponsorships,donationsandvolunteersarewelcome.Couponswill be on sale. For details or enquiries please contact: 016-5608905 (Doreen) or 016-5279515(Rani).MBI’s Community Affairs Department (JabatanHalEhwalKomuniti)isnowrelocatedtoWismaBougainvillea(6th Floor),acrossCentralMarketIpoh.Assuch,alldealingsrelatingtobookingsofsporthalls,sportingfacilities,com-munityhalls,tentsetcaretobemadeatWismaBougainvillea.Thedepartment’snewphonenumberis05-242 2640.

Around Town with Caroline

Hairdressingthatcaresforyourhair,Machairstudio specialises in perms, cut and colour with

a full range of professional hair products from Italy. DAVINEScontainslessammonia,allowingforuseonallergicskinanditsanti-frizzpropertiesleaveshairsoft and gentle after a perm. Packages on shampoo and blow-dryavailable.

Branded Collection House33,JalanMedanIpoh4,BandarBaruMedan.Tel: 05-5497551

Ipoh’s own branded accessories boutique, as its name implies, carries original brand name bags (beware

of the many copies in the market) such as Burberry, Coach,KateSpade,MarcJacobs,PoloRalphLauren,Designershoes–Coach,MichaelKors,Victoria’sSecretLingerie,andnoteasilyavailableFragrancessuchasJuicyCouture,Abercrombie&FitchandMarcJacobs.

MAC Professional Hair StudioIpoh Parade, Ipoh. Tel: 05-2539000

Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Menteri Besar of Perak

HARI RAYA Celebrations Around Ipoh

Hamidah (seated 5th from right) posing with guests at her home Husni with a group from Makkal Sakhthi

Dato’ Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadziah, State Assemblyman for Tambun and Second Finance Minister

Dato’ Hamidah Osman, The State Assemblyman for Sg Rapat

Musthavepatience,perseverance,isinnova-tiveandabletoworkindependently.Trainingprovided.Minimumqualifications:SPMorequivalent.Please call: Carol at 012-6738422

TEACHER FOR SPECIAL KIDS

VACANCY

JT Linedance Centre17A,HalaBandarBaru18,DesaTambunIndah.Tel: 016-5600240

Linedancingisanactivitythatisbothfunandgreatfor exercise and unlike ballroom dancing, you can

indulge without the need for a partner. Tap and sway to music as you follow the teacher and fellow line dancers in set routines.

Wed7.30p.m.-9.00p.m.;Thurs8.30a.m.-10.00a.m.;Sat9.00a.m.-10.30a.m.$25permonthfor4lessons.

To AdvertiseRamesh Kumar

016 5531092


Yo u r Vo i c e I n T h e C o m m u n i t y


one on one by Mariam Mokhtar

IE: What is the full name of your organisation? What sort of organisation is it?

PerakFamilyHealthAssociation (PFHA),anNGOestablished in 1956, formerly known as Family Planning Association,Perak.

IE: What does your association do and what service(s) does it provide?PFHA has an integration of programmes/services:

A family-planning programme rendering contracep-A.tiveadviceand services to all individuals&couplesthrough its clinics, i.e., supply of oral contraceptivepills&condoms,generalhealthscreening,papsmear,breast examination, menopause management includ-ing HRT, E.C.G. recording, ultrasound examination,I.U.S.D. insertion, Endometrial Sampling, ImplanonInsertion,Polypectomy,MenWellnessClinic(Prostateassessment&doctor’sconsultation),bloodtestspack-ages.AsexualandreproductivehealthprogrammeofferingB. preventive reproductivehealth care services forbothmen and women at its clinics.AnInformation,EducationandCommunication(IEC)C. programmecoveringfamilyplanningandreproductiveissues&generalhealthscreening,conductedathealthcentres, factories, colleges & at community-basedlevel.AFamilyLifeEducation(FLE)programmeadvocat-D. ingsexualityandHIVpreventioneducationtoyoungpeople through outreach programmes in schools &colleges.A Youth Development Programme, the IntelligentE. (INTEYO)Youth Club provides a platform for peersupporttoenhanceyoungpeople’slivingskillsthrougha 3-prong programme approach, i.e., education &training, community services, social and recreationalactivities.

IE: How many branches has the PFHA? Contact details and opening times?

60A Regat Sri Cempaka, Taman Cempaka, 314001. Ipoh,05-5477849(Mon-Fri8.15a.m.-4.30p.m.,Sat8.15 a.m.-1p.m.)Block E1-E4, Ground Floor, Waller Court, 303002. Ipoh,05-2544275(Mon-Fri8.15a.m.-4.30p.m.,Sat8.15 a.m.-1 p.m.)351stFloor,JalanStesen,3400Taiping,05-80723893. (Mon-Fri8.30a.m.-5.00p.m.,Sat8.30a.m.-1p.m.)

IE: Can anyone go to the PFHA?Any individual, regardless whether single or

married.

IE: Your name, role and designation?Mabel Wong, State Manager. I manage overall

associationservicesandprogrammesandhavebeentheYouthAdvisortotheInteyoClubforthepast10years.Iamalsothecreator&principal trainerfor theINTEYOLeadership Camp.

IE: How many staff do you have and what are their quali-fications?

Administrativestaff:5,trainednurses:4,Obstetrics& Gynaecology Specialists: 27 in the volunteer panel,manyadultvolunteersfromprofessionalranksandmanyyouthvolunteers.

IE: There has been a lot of abandoned babies reported in the news. We did not read about it in the past or at least, it wasn’t reported on such a grand scale. Is it because there were fewer abandoned babies then, or are we just better at reporting, now?

NotverysureaboutthisbutIthinktheissueofaban-doned babies has always been there.

IE: Why do you think this (problem of abandoned babies) is happening?

In the general population, there is a lack of under-standing of the needs of young people. Society in general does not understand or does not want to understand that youngpeoplearesexualbeings,thattheirsexualbehav-iour, feelings and emotions arise when they start their menstrual cycle. With this lack of acceptance, young peo-ple are not being guided and supported appropriately.

When there is a dearth of support, acceptance, understanding and proper education on sexuality issues, young people make mistakes. The fear of condemnation from society in general also contributed to the issue of abandoned babies.

Interview with Ms. Mabel Wong, State Manager, Perak Family Health AssociationThis is the 2nd part follow-up to the article in IE 104 page 11, on the Importance of Sex Education for Young People

IE: What can be done to stop or decrease this trend?

Implementation of sexuality education to young people in schools and educating the same to the general public, i.e., education policy makers, school principals, teachers, parents; and instilling the belief that sexuality education is the answer to this growing problem.

IE: How do you think your association can help in alleviating this major problem in society?

PFHA provides clinical services andsolutions to sexuality related health issues. Toalleviatethismajorprobleminsociety,PFHA provides Sexuality Education &Training to school children, young people and teachers.

However,weneedsupport tobeableto do this, i.e., School authorities need to open their doors to us to do ourwork.And as anNGO,we need fund-ing to support us in realising our speciality in Sexuality Education.

IE: Have you any statistics or profiling about parents of the abandoned babies?

No.wedonothaveanystatisticsoftheabove.

IE: To your knowledge, is it (abandoned babies) a major problem in Ipoh and the immediate surrounding area? (Klangareahasanabandonedbabyevery10days).

Sorry,wedonothaveknowledgeoftheabove.

IE: Do women have to be married before they come to your FHA for help? Should they come with their husband or boyfriend or better alone?

Anyindividualcanwalkintoourclinicsforservice.If they need medical counselling, they can come as a couple.

IE: Can teenagers seek your advice?Yes, on hand we have trained peer educators to

workwithyoungpeople,staffonhandprovidesexualityeducation&counselling,andspecialistdoctorstoprovidemedical counselling.

IE: Do you also treat clients who are victims of domestic abuse?

Yes,althoughwearenotknownasprovidingsuchservice per se, we do not turn away a person-in-need.Whentheneedarises,wehavedoctors-on-calltoprovidemedicalfirstaid,andthendoreferralsaccordingly.

IE: Do you charge for your services?A.Yesformedicalservices.B.NochargesforIEC,FLE&youthprogrammes.But

the association welcomes a donation as token to offset running costs.

C.A levied charge for 1/2-day Sexuality Educationworkshop for schools. Otherwise FOC if the associa-tion is able to get funding from external sources like IPPF,MACorUNFPAtoconductsuchprogrammes.

D.Yes for the youth program – INTEYO LeadershipCamp, a 3-day training programme for schools. Otherwise,volunteeryouthmembersenjoyfor free,youthactivitiesandsexualityeducation&training.

E. Under the SALIN Project (Strengthening YouthFriendly Services & Information) funded by IPPF,young people<24 yrs old can enjoy for FREE, thefollowing Sexual ReproductiveHealth services i.e.,family planning counselling, condoms, oral contra-ceptive, injectables, general check-up, pap smear,breastexamination,pregnancytest&referrals,emer-gencycontraceptives,HIVrapidtestkit,Ultrasoundscreening,RTIscreening&treatment.Please Note: This free service is available at our

clinicsfromnowuntilMarch2011.

IE: Do you maintain confidentiality?Yes,wemaintain confidentiality for all our clients

and patients.

IE: What advice would you give a young unmarried teen-ager if she found herself pregnant?

Pregnancytestconfirmation ●Counsel to give emotional support to the teenager ●first.Counselling on options/choice i.e. seek help from ●

supportnetworklikeacloserelative,parents,discusswith boyfriend etc.Medical counselling by doctors for implications of ●pregnancy and abortion related issues.

IE: Is there any other information or message you would like to give?

First of all, we need to address the misconception of the general public with awareness on sexuality education; that sexuality education does not teach young people how tohave sex. Instead, sexuality education addressesthe attitude, behaviour andmoral values to help youngpeoplemanage their sexual instincts.Another aspect ofthe sexuality education curriculum teaches self-respect and negotiation skills. Such modules build character and equip young people with the right attitude and skills to make the right decision.

We need to be honest about the reality but many are still reluctant to admit that the young people are already engaging in sexualbehaviour.As such,wecannotdenythe young the information because not preparing them will have massive consequences. We cannot stop theyoung people from engaging in sexual behaviour, andletting them have sex without the right information orpreparation, will do more harm. The issue here is whether wewantthemtocontinuehavingunsafeandunprotectedsex and end up with unwanted pregnancies, STIs; or provideouryoungpeoplewiththeknowledgeandskillstoprotectthemselvesduringsex.

AllofusneedtobelievethatSexualityEducationisthe answer to the growing problem of abandoned babies. OuryoungpeopleneedtobegiventheRIGHTtoinforma-tion,knowledgeandskillsinordertoprotectthemselves.

IE:TheIpohEchowouldliketothankMs.MabelWongand the Perak FamilyHealthAssociation for their kindassistanceandadvice.

Mabel Wong (2nd row, 2nd fr left) and staff member Ms Angilin (front row 1st fr right) with the youths at the Cempaka centre. Their strategy is to catch young people early through their youth wing/club INTEYO (Intelligent youth) where Mabel is also the Youth Advisor.

CHARITY MOVIE PREMIERE Sunday, September 26 at 11 am

TGVKintaCityIpohDrinks and popcorn for patrons

CallYip05-5469715/Halida012-673382/Yin Pheng 012-5288770 for tickets

Special AnnouncementJ U L I A R O B E R T S

EAT PRAY LOVEPERAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY


Published by Ipoh Echo Sdn Bhd, No 1, Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan and printed by Konway industries sdn Bhd, Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kampong Jawa, 11900 Bayan Baru, Pulau Pinang.

Sunway City’s Lost World of Tambun has a new attractionforitsnight-timevisitors–hotspringsandspa. Its opening on September 2 was graced by some

250guestsrepresentingboththepublicandprivatesectors,including media representatives. Over RM2 million wasspenttodevelopthesenewadd-onswhichcomeinvariousforms–asteamingcave,agushinggeyser,pools,spasandabistro.Allaregearedtowardsbringingthebestintermsof relaxation and ambience. “These add-ons are designed in suchawaythattheywillappealtothevisitors’senseofwellbeing, especiallyatnight,” saidCalvinHo to IpohEcho.LostWorldofTambun’sHotSpringsandSpaisavailabletovisitorstothethemeparkbetween6.00to10.00p.m.dailyexcept on Tuesdays.

RM

Hot Springs and Spa

“Blue and Sunday” is yet another heart-warming story about a man and his best friend – a dog.

They are a familiar sight among the residents of Ipoh-Canning Garden’s area.WhenevertheyseeBlue,Sundaymustbejustaround–asthereisastrongbondbetweenthem.

Blue,whoseactualnameisGeorgeOoiBanGua,is66yearsold.Hehadbeenwork-inginanumberofprivatecompaniesuntilheretiredabouttenyearsago.

Inallhisworkinglifehedidnothaveapermanentplacetostay.Heusedtosleepinthecompanyvanortheoffice.

Afterretirement,hestayedinaroominKampongKuchai,butwhenallhisbelong-ingswerestolenandwhateverhehadfromhisEPFcontributionwastakenbyafriend,hedecidedtoliveacarefreelifeandsleepwhereverconvenient.

“Ifoundthisdog,thenjustapuppyaboutayearagoinadrainonaSunday,andsonameditSunday,”saidOoi,aformerstudentofAngloChineseSchool.Thedoghassincebecome his trusted companion.

Ooi’s eyesight has been deteriorating since about three years ago after a motorcycle accident,anddoctorshavesaidthatnothingcouldbedonetorestorehissight.

Recently,OoiandSundayhavetakenresidenceunderatreenearPeople’sProgressiveParty(PPP)pondokinIpohGarden.Beingadumpinggroundfortrash,itisinfestedwithinsects,wormsandlitteredwithleavesanddeadtreebranches.

Ooilikestocookhisownfoodandisoccasionallysuppliedwithlivefishwhichhecooks.Hebuildsafireunderthetreeeverymorningtokeepoutmosquitoesandflies.Sofarhehasbeenlivingonhandoutsforhislivelihood.

He is particularly thankful to a kind ladywhoprovides himwith food and fruitsregularly.Heishappybecausehisfriendsvisithimandisfreetodowhathewants.

Recently,YMCAIpohledbyitspresidentDato’DanielTay,heldagotong-royong to keep the place under the tree clean.

TheywerejoinedbyPPPpresidentDatukM.Kayveas,whoofferedaplaceforOoiinsidetheparty’sofficebutthereclusepolitelydeclinedtheoffer.“Iamlostforwords,”saidKayveas.“We’lldowhateverwecantomakehislifebearable.”ThosemanningtheIpohBaratofficewilltaketurnstolookaftertheoldtimerandhisdog,Sunday.

A. Jeyaraj

A Homeless Man and His Best Friend

Thisphotograph(above)ofMasjidUbudiah inKualaKangsarwon the topprize in the “1Malaysia Perak Heritage Buildings Photography Contest2010”heldinconjunctionwiththeMerdekaDaycelebration.

ItwassubmittedbyAndrewNgKeatSeong,whoreceivedRM3,000.Thesecondprize(RM2,000)wenttotheRoyalMuseumalsoinKualaKangsarsubmittedbyTeohHueWang,andthirdprize(RM1,000)wenttotheAllSaintsChurchinTaipingsubmittedbyFooSayBoon.OthersincludedfivemeritprizesofRM200eachand20consolationprizesofRM100each.

Atotalof801entriesofbeautifularchitecturalbuildingsthroughoutPerakweresubmittedtothecompetition,whichwasheldfromJune18toAugust23.

ItwasorganisedbytheIpohBaratMCAYouthtogetherwithGerakanBeliaBersatuMalaysiaandPertubuhanFotoImegPerakandwasopenedtoallphoto-graphy enthusiasts.

TheobjectiveofthecompetitionwastogettheresidentsinPeraktonoticethevarious“hidden”oldarchitecturalbuildingsconstructedtothenormsofvariouseraand cultures.

“We feel the best way to get the people to notice these beautiful buildings in theirmidstistopublicisethem,perhapsevenpublishthephotographsinabook,”saidAngHengSwan,amemberoftheorganizingcommittee.

He added that despite many of the buildings being demolished to make way forredevelopment,therewerestillover100ofsuchbeautifulbuildingsinIpohandmore in other towns in the state.

Angfeelsthatsuchbuildingsneedtobehighlightedandtogettheauthoritiesandownersinterestedinpreservingthem.

“Theyareourheritageandneedtobesprucedupaspartofthebeautificationplans for the towns,” he said.

There is a proposal to hold an exhibition of all the photographs submitted to the competition.

Photo of Masjid Ubudiah Wins Top Prize By Jerry Francis

Datuk Kayveas talking to Blue under the tree.

30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – ASK YOUR … · an example of how different races could...

Documents

Transcript of 30 SEN FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP – ASK YOUR … · an example of how different races could...