Shaik's Kuala Lumpur

Thaipusam 2011

2011-01-26T10:46:00.000+08:00

Thaipusam this year was on January 20. I thought that I should visit the Batu Caves to share some of the photos here.

The crowd was already there and the people were inching their way both ways on the stairway.

A large screen was hanging so that the people could have a better view of the happenings there.

This is only my 2nd time at the Caves and I could recognize some of the devotees from last year fulfilling their vows again this year.

With the kind of weather we have here, it's a good idea to have devotees well hydrated.

This lady was sitting there seemingly oblivious to the crowd. At places like this, one is never sure if the person is fulfilling their vows or just plain loony.

Among the many young devotees fulfilling their vows.

While most of the children were carrying milk kavadis, this young man had taken a bigger challenge.

I overheard this young devotee asking his father to attach the stalk of neem leaves to his pot of milk. I think the leaves were given to him along the way, by another devotee.

I used to belief that the devotees go into a sort of a trance like state to enable them to carry their kavadis...

... but seeing how conscious the devotees are during the whole process, I now think that it is a question of 'mind over matter'. The person preparing the devotee also needs to be experienced in what they are doing.

Having said that, I need to add that the energy, exuberance, music and chants that take place there can cause some people to get into a frenzy, or enter into a trance, and become unconscious of their surroundings as I witnessed happening to the young lady below:

After awhile her friend managed to bring her back to consciousness, but both she and friend appeared extremely exhausted after that.

As always, crowds provide an opportunity for any enterprising person to make some money.

This shows that photographers can create their own fun wherever they go.

Sometimes I wonder if clowns have a place at a religious event, but then again, who am I to judge?

These people know their target audience.

"Cleanliness is next to Godliness," they often say, but even a religious function such as this generates so much litter. Hindus are not alone in this. Muslims, Christians, Buddhists in fact any religious function where crowds gather generates large quantities of litter, what more non-religious ones.

Maybe this is a blessing as now we have a common issue to discuss in any inter-faith forum, and it does not involve any 'fundamental doctrine' issues which could become very sensitive.

Early Morning at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

2010-12-18T11:56:00.001+08:00

I seem to be more busy since falling out from the rat race. There are more people clamoring for my time than before. I'm also finding time for things I like to do which I could not do earlier.

One of my current daily routines is an early morning walk around the lake at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Lake Gardens). The view is fabulous. I brought my camera along the other day and these are some of the shots I want to share.

There are a lot of people at the gardens at that early hour. These include those who use it as a short-cut to get to their places of work; workers of the local authority (DBKL) who are there to maintain and up-keep the gardens; and people who use the tranquility offered by the gardens at that hour to exercise, to socialize (this is particularly true of the older visitors), and generally to have fun.

There is, however, another side to the gardens, which I feel is disheartening, that is the littering. Based on my Bukit Tabur experience, I realize that people who take care of themselves are also the ones who will take care of the environment and everything else around them. Those who 'couldn't care' are those with a low self-esteem and low self-respect. Maybe some of the NGOs who are shouting about this and that 'rights' should actually be looking into these two aspects of Malaysian life.

This reminds me of a Tamil song I heard long ago, where part of the lyrics translates something like: 'before you start demanding your rights (urimai), look at how well you are discharging your responsibilities (kadamai)'.

The above are just some of the 'less distressing' shots of the littering problem there.

One of the rules or by-laws of the park states: "No dogs allowed!" So while there are plenty of stray cats around, you'll never see a dog at the gardens.

Pesta Chow Kit Kita (part 3 - last part)

2010-12-10T21:46:00.001+08:00

They came from all over.

A visitor checking out the leaflet that was distributed.

Local artistes were on hand to lend support to the event.

The highlight was the unveiling of the Chow Kit map mural by the VIP guests...

... who were non other than the young participants themselves.

One of the activities was the walk-about tour of the area with small skits being performed by the participants.

A short briefing to those who registered for the walk-about.

One of the stops was Jalan Chagar, where I grew up.

A game of marbles anyone?

One of the children playing badminton with a racket made of cardboard. Guess who he was portraying...

... ME! (The banner says, "Rubbi as Uncle Shaik.")

Every of the children performing had an adult 'side-kick' as a safety precaution.

In addition to those on took the tour, passes-by also stopped by to watch the performances.

Each of the performances was based on an actual person in the Chow Kit area...

... and it was carried out as close as possible to where event took place.

The two street painters at the graffiti wall.

The local arts community lending support to the event. Sorry that I'm not able to identify them. (My age shows, doesn't it?)

The facilitators being recognized. Kudos for their untiring efforts working with the children.

One for the album, the children and the volunteers that day pose for a group photo.

Three cheers for a job well done.

I'm so looking forward to Phase 2.

Pesta Chow Kit Kita (part 2)

2010-12-08T21:29:00.000+08:00

At about 11.30 a.m a street parade was held to promote the Pesta and to invite the local inhabitants to the event.

This is part of the Faces of Chow Kit photo exhibition.
Chow Kit is more than just Malaysians of Malay, Chinese and Indian origins. It includes the various groups from Sabah and Sarawak such as Kadazan, Dusun, Iban, Penan and others. A sizable community of peoples of Indonesian, Thai, Myanmar, Nepali, Bangladeshi and other Asian nations also exist here. Of late peoples of African and Middle Eastern countries can be seen here. Chow Kit is a true melting pot of all peoples of the world.

The street parade was lead by the White Percussion Unit who had volunteered to perform at the Pesta.

The local 'Arts' Community has been very supportive of the whole project.

Don't be fooled by the pieces. It's not always chess, sometimes it's just checkers thats played here.

The parade went right through the Chow Kit market. Here the volunteers are handing out leaflets about the Pesta.
Leaflets and posters had been distributed in the area during the past few days, however it was not as 'noisy' as today's distribution.

This is the way 'ayam pencen' (lit. pensioned or retired chicken - layers that are past their prime laying age) is prepared for sale.

My friend, Farook, who has a 'teh tarik' (tea) stall in the vicinity of Masjid Pakistan came out with his son to check out the 'commotion'.

An elderly Chow Kit 'regular' studying the leaflet.

The parade ended in about an hour.

"Where is my portrait?" is probably on his mind.

"Is that me?...naw... cannot be."

Visitors to the Pesta were just as colourful at the Pesta itself.

A crowd is always a good location for any enterprising person.

I liked this.

It was hard work for the volunteers but it was fun too. I don't know if the banner at the back (LUCU is Malay for funny) had anything to do with it, but these volunteers were having a whale of a time.

To be continued.....

Pesta Chow Kit Kita (part 1)

2010-12-07T14:01:00.000+08:00

The Pesta Chow Kit Kita was on the 21NOV10, so I'm coming very late with this post. Then again, better later then never, they say.

The Malaysian Insider was among those who covered the event. I especially like this article as I'm visible in the last photo.

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia also has some excellent photos of the event.

The event was to start at 2.00 p.m. but the place was a hive of activity when I got there about mid-morning.

Some of the mock road signs with the portrait of the persons after whom the roads are named and a short write-up.

A bit about the project, taken from a banner hanging there. For more information visit ChowKitKita.com

One of the facilitators/volunteers busy on a display.

When you volunteer as a facilitator, you pay your own expenses (which includes anything and everything you or the children may need to use), manage the children under your charge, do all the hard work - basically you are a full time / unpaid worker for the children. Your reward - maybe your photo will appear in an obscure blog such as this.

The make-shift stage being erected.

One of the major objectives of phase 1 of the project, mapping the places of worship in the area.

Paper models of the places of worship. There's a Masjid, two Gurdwaras and a number of Chinese Temples, some of which are exclusive family affairs.
There are even a couple of churches in the area, but due to the sensitivity of the parishioners they cater to (including guest workers, sex workers, reformed addicts and other 'out-casts' of society) they requested that their privacy be respected.

Some of the volunteers for the day listening to a briefing by the facilitators.

Some of the children behind the 'street name' portraits.

Artist and model posing for me.

To be continued...

Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

2010-11-18T11:27:00.000+08:00

On Wednesday (17NOV10), Muslims in Malaysia celebrated Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice. It is the greater of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims (although it doesn't appear that way here in Malaysia) and commemorates the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim AS (Abraham). It also marks the end of the Hajj or annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Here as elsewhere in the Muslim world, animals are slaughtered as sacrifice and the flesh is distributed amongst near of kin and the poor. I was at a surau near my house to witness the event.

The surau at Medan Idaman is also known as the Surau Arab due to the large number of Middle Eastern worshipers who come here. The Eid khutbah (sermon) here was in Arabic and English.

Cows waiting to be slaughtered. Some children trying to feed them. For some of them, this is probably the first time they are seeing cows up close.

I wanted to take a shot of the little boy because of his ethnic clothes but the two older ones insisted on being photographed together.
The two older boys were teasing the younger one for being dressed like a Pakistani. I don't understand Arabic but I could feel the essence of the teasing and it also helped that among the words used was the word 'Bakistani'.

Little holes like the above have been dug to assist in the slaughter...

... with one large hole to bury any unwanted parts like entrails and etc.

Weighing scales are also ready for distribution of the meat...

... as are cutting tools.

Of course one must make sure that the knives are sharp.

Slaughtering in progress.
A total of 8 cows were slaughtered here, a relatively small number when compared with the Masjid Pakistan in Sentul where over 20 cows and a similar number of goats were sacrificed. The crowd witnessing became less and less for the subsequent cows as people began to get involved in the skinning and preparation of the meat for distribution. I did take photos of the whole event, however I think it best not to display them here as there may be those who find it offensive.

The supplier also provided T-shirts for the volunteers.

A child covers his nose as one of the cows entrails was being cleaned.

The meat has been chopped, weighed and packed ready for distribution.

Traditionally the meat is divided into three portions, with one portion for the person on whose behalf the sacrifice is performed, one portion for kin and relatives and one portion for the poor and needy. The meat is distributed raw.

Brickfields Revisited - Toddy Shop

2010-11-04T10:52:00.001+08:00

When I did my postings on Brickfields earlier, I thought that I had covered a good portion of the area. As I was not aware of a toddy shop being there, I was surprised at a recent news paper report that the toddy shop is to be demolished to make way for development. While at Brickfields, I thought I'd check it out. I did have to ask for directions though.

The toddy shop is a little nondescript place at one end of Jalan Berhala.

I have passed here a number of times on my walk about, but as the place only opens at 10.30 a.m. I didn't notice it before. The building looks similar to the one in Chow Kit that was around many years ago.
This is a Government Toddy Shop i.e. not just licensed, but owned and operated by the Customs' Department, a relic of our colonial past.
By the way operating hours are between 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., so don't think of trying this place for some late night boozing session.

The furniture consists only of long wooden benches and table.
I suppose if regular chairs were provided, it would be easier to throw them at each other. (I know I'm being judgmental here, but hey, I'm no saint.)

Serving utensils are only plastic mugs.
I recall that in those days in Chow Kit, there used to be some enterprising people who used to rent out enamel mugs of various sizes. The owners' sign and the rental price (5c, 10c etc) used to be painted prominently on the mugs. Business was brisk during the evenings and every morning they had to pick up the mugs belonging to them

There is a little temple attached to this toddy shop.

The sign says that it is the Sree Maha Kaliamman Kovil, Kuala Lumpur.

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali.

It is interesting to note that some toddy is offered to the guardian deities there before the shop commences for business for the day.

Toddy is made from the sap of that oozes from the coconut inflorescence and is allowed to ferment naturally. There is no distillation process involved. Click here and here for some interesting photos.

Toddy is cheap, about RM1 per liter, cheaper than what plain iced water (ais kosong) costs in some restaurants and definitely much cheaper than bottled water. Is it any wonder then that it is the poor man's alcoholic drink of choice.

Brickfields Revisited - Little India

2010-11-03T21:30:00.002+08:00

When talking of 'Little India' in KL, the Jalan Masjid India area comes to mind. Maybe we can include Lebuh Ampang as well.

However, of late, there has been a lot of fuss about Brickfields being 'Little India'. There is a sizable Tamil population in the Brickfields area, but that is also true of Sentul and there are 'Indian' settlements in Kampung Pandan, Air Panas and Selayang/Batu Caves areas among others.

Anyway, its been a while since I've been to Brickfields, so I decided to pay the place a visit.

Although, the Prime Minister of India has already visited and officiated the area together with our own Prime Minister, the area still seems very much a 'work-in-progress'.

Large designs representing 'kolams' have been painted on the roads.
Kolams are usually done in front of Hindu homes especially in South India. It is traditionally done using course ground rice flour and provides food for ants, birds and other small creatures.

Street lights have been changed.

A contemporary sculpture of a traditional dancer has been erected there - probably symbolic of embracing modernity while holding on to our culture and traditions.

A fountain with Indian motifs has been placed at the junction of Jalan Travers and Jalan Tun Sambanthan.

Colorful arches have been erected along part of the road.
Personally, I think that these are a waste of money and will soon turn into an eyesore with bills and posters plastered on them and unlicensed traders using them to display their wares.

This restaurant is being renovated to give it the 'ethnic' look.

Businessmen are quick to capitalize on a good thing. This is now 'Najib's Corner'.

I chanced upon this lorry delivering banana leaves to the many restaurants here and elsewhere. Looking at this load, there must be large plantations to provide these quantity of leaves daily.

The Global Indian International School is along Lorong Abdul Samad. I seem to have missed this school during my earlier post.
The GIIS is established by the Global Indian Foundation, a Singapore based non-profit foundation. Click here for their website.

I was wondering why these two Catholic Chinese schools have not merged as one when they operated from the same premises. Then I realized that one is a girls' school while the other is all boys.

I saw this Malay styled wooden house at the end of Jalan Berhala near the Buddhist Vihara.

The Nepali guard stationed there was unable to provide any information on the property except to say that the building is currently unoccupied.

Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz 2

2010-11-01T20:48:00.000+08:00

Any visitor to Shah Alam will notice the absence of cinema theaters, karaoke lounges, Magnum or TOTO outlets there. It is said the HH the late Sultan wanted Shah Alam to be an educational town, especially with the presence of the main campus of the MARA Institute of Technology (now UiTM) there.

It is therefore not surprising that there are branch campuses of 3 universities (UUM, UKM and UTM), a school and teachers quarters along this road commemorating the late Sultan as Crown Prince.

One of the Teachers' Institute quarters.

The primary school along the road.

A poem by our National Laurette, the late Datuk Usman Awang, is prominently displayed on one of the walls of the school.

Another block of Teachers' Institute quarters.

The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) City Campus is located at the Selangor Foundation (Yayasan Selangor) building.

When Kuala Lumpur was still a part of Selangor, the Mentri Besar (State Chief Minister)'s official residence used to be along this road.

A block of UKM Students' living quarters.

This road is also making way for more exclusive residences.

A Petronas LPG Station. One of the few stations dealing solely in LPG in the city.

This station which is besides the LPG station deals in petrol and diesel.

The TH Selborn building is located at the corner of Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz and Jalan Tun Razak.
The TH stands for Tabung Haji, the Pilgrims Fund and Management Board which owns the building.

Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz

2010-10-30T09:34:00.041+08:00

It's been quite awhile since I went on my walk-abouts around KL to share my stories here. The other day I had to send my car for service and had some time on my hands waiting for it to be ready. So I made my way to Chow Kit and started to walk along Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz.

This used to be Princess Road, later renamed Jalan Raja Muda before it's present name to commemorate HH the Late Sultan of Selangor when he was crown prince.

Universiti Utara Malaysia or the Northern University of Malaysia, one of our public universities, has it's main campus in a little town called Sintok in the northern state of Kedah.
Before this building was erected at this site, there used to be a Pakistani food stall selling chapatis and an open-air badminton court with little wooden building attached where many taxi drivers used to meet. I also remember seeing many of the artistes of yesteryears like SM Salim, Mak Enon and others, whose names I cannot recall, in that area.

This is an old building belonging to a co-operative (notice that many of the alphabets naming the building has fallen off). It has always had a Malay restaurant operating here.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia or the National University of Malaysia also still maintains a campus here.
When UKM started their medical faculty, HKL, or the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital then, was their training facility. They have since moved to Cheras at the site where the former Lady Templer Hospital used to be. The new hospital there is the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia or HUKM for short.

As the area is also within the HKL (Kuala Lumpur Hospital) area, the Pediatrics Institute of HKL is also along this road.

This is the Jalan Raja Muda Stadium, formerly known as the TPCA Stadium before it was acquired by the Government in the early 1980s.

The Tamilian's Physical Cultural Association or TPCA was founded in 1914 by a group of Tamil government servants. For more information visit their website here.

The food court next to the stadium is very popular. Parking is limited and double parking is common. So if you visit here and find yourself unable to move out, just be patient, or blast your horn ;-).

The National Cancer Society, Malaysia is located along Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz.

This is not the same as MAKNA, Majlis Kanser Nasional or National Cancer Council. I mention this because I was previously under the impression that NCSM and MAKNA were the English and Malay acronym of the same organization.

For information on NCSM, click here. For information on MAKNA, click here.

Medicine has come a long way since Avicenna (Ibn Sina).

Sungai Bunus cuts across Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz.

At this point, the river looks just like a monsoon drain.

There still are a few such houses still standing along this road.

NAZA, a local conglomerate, has a strong presence along Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz...

... as do other automobile dealers, of both local and foreign makes.

Some of the alternate medicine practitioners of Kampong Baru can be found here.

Hadramawt

2010-10-21T22:52:00.000+08:00

The other day, some of my colleagues gave me a lunch treat. As I do like lamb, they decided that middle eastern fare would be the best option.

So we headed for Hadramawt in Chulan Square. The restaurant claims to be the first Yemeni restaurant in Malaysia.

Hadramawt (or Hadramaut) refers to the region at the south of the Arabian peninsular including Yemen.

There are pictures of Yemen on the wall.

There is ample dining area on the ground level...

...but they also have dining upstairs...

... including an open area where smoking is allowed.

This was not our first time here, and knowing the size of the portions they serve in relation to our appetites, we were economical in our orders.

The food and ambiance are excellent. You can log on here to find out more.

The place is cozy enough for two, but if you want to savor the variety on offer, do get a big enough group to dine there.

Klang Gates Dam Recreational Park

2010-10-19T20:56:00.000+08:00

When going mountain hiking or jungle trekking, a good pair of hiking/trekking shoes is very important. I choose to wear a pair, which I have not used in years, for my hike up Bukit Tabur. As you can guess, the sole decided to divorce itself from the rest of the shoe. Fortunately for me this only happened when I had descended from the hill. Before I walked to my car to change into my spare shoes, I noticed this sign.

A recreation park so close to home! Let me check out the place. So after changing my shoes and with Eugene and Mike in tow, I entered what is the Klang Gates Recreation Park.

First we had to descend a long flight of stairs which has not been cleared in days.

At the foot of the stairs, we are greeted by a wide field with 2 make-shift goal posts, probably erected by the local boys. The grass had been recently cut, but not completely, we can see the at the far end.

Another signboard greeted us as we got closer to the stream.

The place is unkempt and rubbish is disposed of irresponsibly - a vast difference going up Bukit Tabur and going down to the Recreation Park.

A group of youth had gathered there to cool off on that hot afternoon.

Looking at the moss and lichen that colored the waters, I was wondering if the boys would be successful in their quest.

Just then another group of cyclists passed by that area.

They stopped to pose for me.

He had already crossed the stream, but he too wanted to be photographed.

Then they made their way across one by one.

And I was wondering if the boys would have their intention of cooling off fulfilled. I needn't have wondered.

When kids wanna have fun, they'll make their own. What do they care if it is safe or hygienic.

Bukit Tabur, Kampong Klang Gates 2

2010-10-19T13:55:00.000+08:00

It's times like these that make me realize that I'm not as young as I used to be. I only managed up to point 2 of the trail before suggesting that we head back. Nevertheless, I hope to return soon to complete the full track across all points.

The vegetation on the hill does not appear to be very dense and there are a lot of ferns.

Some of the flowers there can also be seen in other parts of the country...

... while some are not so common.

One hiker said that this plant which he called the 'false rhu' (so named as it resembles the rhu or casuarina which is found near our beaches) is only found on this hill.

The hill is part of a quartz ridge. Much of the rocks we see there is actually quartz as can be seen from this broken piece.

Although we didn't track all the way to the peak of the hill, the view even from where we were was spectacular.

If you want to trek up Bukit Tabur, it would be a good idea to look up the Bukit Tabur blog which has been set up by Agnes Tan a regular Bukit Tabur kaki. (I came across the blog when googling Bukit Tabur.)

Bukit Tabur, Kampong Klang Gates

2010-10-18T17:38:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, I attended a photo walk organized by Nikon. There I met Eugene, a fellow photo enthusiast.

I have always heard of some hill in the Klang Gates Dam area, more so since the fatal accident involving some doctors from Ampang, but I have never been there nor do I know it's location. So when Eugene suggested that we hike up there and catch the sunrise, I accepted.

Last Saturday morning I met Eugene and another friend, Mike, at the MRR2 junction with Jalan Genting Kelang, and proceeded though Taman Melawati to the Klang Gates Dam entrance.

There were already a number of vehicles parked there, which meant other hikers had already started their hike up the hill.

The original entrance to the trail has been eroded, and in it's place is a gully.

I was expecting a highly commercialized spot, being so close to the city, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was not so.

Some laminated warning notices have been placed there by well wishers to remind hikers to be careful and to keep the area clean.

I couldn't help noticing the absence of plastic, paper and Styrofoam rubbish which usually is associated with many of the 'nature' trails that I've been to.

Although the area would come under the Ampang Jaya Municipality, I could not see it being maintained by them.

My theory is that hikers are a special breed of Malaysians who know how to take care of their environment, like keeping it clean, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Hikers come in all shapes, sizes and ages.

Don't miss the opportunity of capturing some photos of yourself in the environment...

... and if you're hiking when the sun is already up, don't forget your sun-block.

Eugene and Mike checking the outcome of their shot.

People, People, People - Part 2

2010-10-13T21:32:00.000+08:00

Here are the rest of the stolen shots:

A friend asked my why I include vagrants and such, to portray the peoples of KL. To me, it takes all kinds to make KL what it is.

People, People, People

2010-10-12T22:54:00.001+08:00

Kuala Lumpur is not only what you see on tourist posters and pamphlets. KL's not only the buildings - grand, not so grand or crumbling. It's mostly about people: living, breathing people. Local inhabitants, visitors or guest workers, the beautiful and not so beautiful, busy or at leisure, they all contribute towards making KL the great place it is.

Here are some stolen shots on a Sunday morning (10.10.10) in the vicinity of Imbi, Bukit Bintang and Berjaya Times Square. I was taking part in a Charity Photo Hunt organized by Nikon Malaysia in aid of the Malaysian Association for the Blind. These shots are not part of the hunt.

To be continued....

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 8) - Final Part

2010-10-06T19:52:00.000+08:00

As I mentioned earlier, this was my first visit inside a Gurdwara. Just like all the children, I too was interested to find out how Sikhs worship. The priests who were taking us around were ready to oblige.

Even approaching the Guru Granth Sahib is an act of reverence.

The priest first recites some silent 'mantra' while waving a special wand over the Book.

Uncovering the Book is in itself a ritual that is done with the full honors and reverence that is due to the Guru Granth Sahib.

The priest began his recitations, while we stood around in apt attention listening. The language was foreign, but being mostly Muslims (who are used to the Quran being recited in Arabic) it wasn't wholly strange.

(In case you're wondering, I did have permission to take the above close-up shot.)

Based on Wikipedia, I gather that the 'root statement' of Sikhism is the Mul Mantra which roughly translates as "There is one God, truth by name, the creator, without fear, without hate, timeless in form, beyond birth, self existent, (known by) the grace of the Guru."

Similar to the commencement of the recitation, the ending is also full of rituals.

We next wondered about the traditional musical instruments present there, and again the priests obliged us with a short stanza from their hymns.

The hymn was about the unity of all of humanity. The priests also answered the children's questions about Sikhs and their culture.

After thanking the priests for their indulgence and assistance, we took our leave. But before leaving, there's time for a group photo.

My utmost thanks to Fahmi Reza and the Chow Kit Kita project children for allowing me to share their walk-about with them.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 7)

2010-10-03T21:05:00.001+08:00

After Masjid Pakistan, we headed for the Gurdwara near the Chow Kit Market.

A final briefing on the protocols of entering a place of worship....

...and then we reach our destination.

The basic rules about entering the Gurdwara are clearly displayed.

This is also my first time visiting a Gurdwara, I was definitely excited.

Fahmi had made prior arrangements and we were met my one of the priests at the Gurdwara.

A head scarf is provided for those of us who needed it - heads must be covered for those entering a Gurdwara.

In the top photo, the Senior Priest is helping one of the children with his scarf, in the bottom photo, it's Fahmi who's doing the honors.

I wondered about the taps, similar to those found at Masjids, that were available at the entrance of the Gurdwara. We are to wash our hands and feet before entering.

On the way to the main prayer hall, we passed some smaller halls which we were informed are used to hold smaller functions.

Even in the smaller hall, there is the 'alter' holding the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.

The main hall is huge. This is said to be the largest Gurdwara in South East Asia. Traditionally, ladies and gentlemen sit on their respective sides of the hall.

Directly opposite the entrance, at the far end, is the Guru Granth Sahib.

We were witnesses to the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib by the Chief Priest - it will be the next and last post in the Chow Kit Kita series.

This is a view of the outer corridor of the main prayer hall.

The prayer hall is generally bare but this framed image of the Khanda did catch my attention.

The Khanda is one of the most important symbols of Sikhism and is commonly found on the flag of the Sikhs.

It contains a double-edged sword, a Khanda, in the centre representing knowledge of God. The circular Chakkar represents the eternal nature of God and oneness of humanity. It also means there is only one God, never beginning and never ending. The two single-edged swords, Kirpans, represent Miri, temporal power or political sovereignty, and Piri, spiritual sovereignty.

Source: Wikipedia

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 6)

2010-10-01T20:25:00.001+08:00

From Jalan Chow Kit, we went to Masjid Pakistan which is off Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz.

There, we were introduced to Mr. Shah Mohamed, a member of the Masjid Committee. Mr. Shah is a veteran at the Masjid and is fondly referred to as 'Chacha' which means uncle or more accurately 'father's younger brother'.

According to Chacha, the original masjid was in High Street (now Jalan Bandar) near the police station. The current location was offered for the Masjid when the Government acquired the original site for road construction works. The Masjid was completed in 1963, funded by the Pakistani community here.

The main prayer hall on the ground floor. Notice the mihrab (prayer niche) and mimbar (pulpit).

I remember worshiping at the masjid during the early days. In those days, the main prayer hall was on the first floor. The ground floor was without walls and used for feasts and other such activities.

The prayer area on the first floor. The top floors are only opened on Fridays and other occasions like the two Eid's (Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji).

The place for ablution on the first floor which is now the storage tank supplying to the many faucets on the ground floor.

The children interviewing Chacha (holding on to the gate standing, next to Fahmi)...

... and posing for a group photo before we head for our next and final stop.

Additional Information for the reader-
   As the majority of Muslims in Malaysia belong to the Syafie Madzhab (School of Jurisprudence) most masjids here will also be of the same school. Masjid Pakistan belongs to the Hanafi Madzhab, as does Masjid India.
   Both the Syafie and Hanafi schools belong to Sunni Islam together with the Maliki and Hanbali schools, however, the Maliki and Hanbali schools are not very common locally but one can still meet persons belonging to these schools with the increasing number of Middle Eastern and African communities visiting and residing here.
   While there are differences in the judicial interpretations of the various schools, it is not so apparent in practice, but Syafies visiting Hanafi Masjids do need to be aware of the following:
- There is no recitation of Doa Kunut during Subuh prayers;
- The time for Asar prayers commences about 40 minutes later then that for Syafies.
   Other things to note, which is probably due to the culture in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent, and not to differences between the schools is:
- The Iqamat is usually 20-30 minutes after the Adzan (except for Maghrib);
- There is no long wirid after the Subuh or Maghrib prayers.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 5)

2010-09-30T22:35:00.001+08:00

Continuing our walkabout with the "KrashPad Kids".

We now come to Jalan Chow Kit proper, the road/street after which this whole area is known by.

While the buildings along the road are multi storied buildings and the area has a ethnic Chinese character (now days the area looks like it belongs to foreigners - Indonesians and Africans amongst others) this was once a Malay area.

This is the only house left from that era.

Jalan Chow Kit is named after Loke Chow Kit, a famous tin mine owner and industrialist in KL.

Photo from Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

He also had what is probably the first departmental store owned by a local businessman, Chow Kit & Co.

Photo from: MALAYSIA a pictorial history 1400-2004 by Wendy Khadijah Moore

The building now houses the Industrial Courts. Chow Kit's one time residence is now the PAM (Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia) building near Jalan Tangsi.

Eid Mubarakh - Salam Aidil Fitri - Selamat Hari Raya Puasa

2010-09-11T10:46:00.000+08:00

We have just concluded the month of Ramadhan when me and my fellow Muslims, all over the world, observe the fast from dawn to sunset. As a friend suggested, it is surely justified and worthy to celebrate with pride and fulfillment the completion of a whole month of discipline in thought, word and deed.

Therefore on the appearance of the new moon of Shawal, Muslims rejoice and celebrate Eid'l Fitr or better know locally as Hari Raya Puasa.

One of the truly Malaysian ways of celebrating is by holding 'open house'.

It's food galore, with lemang, ketupat and rendang being a must.
The 'open house' concept is probably an expansion of the 'mutual visitation' (ziarah menziarah) tradition of the Malay Muslim community which has been embraced by every community here in Malaysia. We visit friends and relatives on all festival days, be it Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Christmas. No invitations are necessary, only make sure the person you are visiting will be at home and not 'balik kampung' (gone back to their hometown) or themselves gone visiting.

Politicians, never ones to not capitalize on a good thing, advertise their open houses through the local media. These are the ones which attract both foreign tourists and other local visitors.

This year a cousin hosted an 'open house' which was a 'catered' affair, not the usual home prepared version. In addition to the traditional Raya fair, other traditional Malaysia foods, such as tosai, roti jala, char kue tiaw and ais kacang were also served.

As the day also coincided with the birthday of their son, a magic show was also arranged to entertain the children who were at the open house.

Pop corn and cotton candy was also available.

I remember my childhood, when the cotton candy man used 'peddle power' with the help of his bicycle to spin the candy.

Sentul Raily Station - Revisited

2010-09-05T21:06:00.000+08:00

Remember this:

This is what is left:

My regret is that I did not fully document the Station while it was still there. The top photograph is the only one I took.

The station has been replaced by this new one.

It is big, it is bright, it is spacious.

The train route has also been extended.

A lot of effort has been put into the aesthetics of the building and surroundings.

There is also space for kiosks inside the station.

The station is serviced by escalators and elevators...

... and more seats have been added for the convenience of commuters.

This is the view of the station from the other end.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 4)

2010-09-01T21:56:00.001+08:00

When we come to Jalan Tiong Nam 5, we face Jalan Thamboosamy.

This road connects Tiong Nam Settlement to Jalan Putra which is more an extension of Jalan Chow Kit after Jalan Raja Laut.
No need to guess, Jalan Putra is named after our First Prime Minister.

A street/road named after an Indian (Tamil) in this predominantly Chinese area? Who was he?

photo from 'The Victoria Institution - The
Reminiscence of Mr R Thampipillay'

K. Thamboosamy Pillay was a prominent Malaysian during the pre-independence years and was considered the leader of the Tamil community.

Born in Singapore in 1850, he received his early education at Raffles Institution. He sailed to Klang in 1875 with James Guthrie Davidson, when the latter was appointed Malaya's first British Resident.

He was later transferred to the Treasury where he eventually became chief clerk and acted as State Treasurer on a few occasions. He was sent to India by the Malayan Government to bring over the first batch of Indian immigrants for the Railway and Public Works.

Thamboosamy resigned from Government service in the 1880s and, going into partnership with Towkay Loke Yew, managed the New Tin Mining Company in Rawang.

He was one of the founders and one of the original Trustees of Victoria Institution as well as the founder of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur.

(source: Wikipedia)

We then come to this temple along Jalan Tiong Nam 5. (This is the temple where I first witnessed Chinese Opera during the Hungry Ghost Festival many, many years ago. The temple was just a wooden structure and not so grand in those days.)

It was some sort of festival day at the temple and there was a lot of activity going on. There was also a steady stream of worshipers coming in to pray.

One of the Elder Volunteers at the temple had earlier agreed to meet with the children to brief them about the temple and answer any questions that they may have. See how keen the children are in learning about other cultures.

Something I never knew, a news paper clipping at the temple.

A Spider Did It

On a cobweb - Merdeka

Crowds are flocking to a Chinese Temple in Tiong Nam Settlement Kuala Lumpur to see the word "merdeka" spun by a spider on the web in a palm tree.

It was first discovered by elderly Chinese devotee who gasped with excitement as he say the spider complete the word.

This was shortly after morning prayers on Sunday.

Since the discovery, hundreds of people in Kuala Lumpur have rushed to the temple to catch a glimpse of the spider at work.

Threads of many other unreadable letters also hang on the cobweb.

To protect the palm tree from being trampled by the crowds, the temple authorities have erected a wire fence around it.

(No source or date of the clipping is available.)

Posing for a group photo before leaving the temple.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 3)

2010-08-31T08:38:00.001+08:00

From Jalan Sri Amar, we move along to Jalan Raja Laut.

The children at the overhead bridge, waiting to cross the road. They are in for lesson number 2.

Question: Who was Raja Laut?
     YTM Raja Laut ibni al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Shah, born in Kuala Selangor in 1850. Penghulu and Magistrate Kuala Lumpur, member of the Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board, Chairman of the Kampung Bahru Agricultural Settlement.
     Appointed Raja Muda in 1899 but superseded in 1903. However, allowed to keep the title until his death in 1913. (Source: royalark.net)
   When Sultan Muhammad died in 1857 without appointing an heir, Raja Laut, while being competent, was not able to succeed his father as he was the son of a concubine (Raja Asiah). (Source: http://yapahloy.

tripod.com/the_death_of_sultan_muhammad.htm)

Prominent residents of Kuala Lumpur, 1884

(from: MALAYSIA a pictorial history 1400-2004 by Wendy Khadijah Moore)

Raja Laut (cropped and enlarged)

The Chow Kit area is also home to vagrants and homeless people.

A number of NGOs do operate food kitchens and other social services in the area. I think that this is becoming a vicious cycle - more people - more help, more help - more people....... but to paraphrase the words of the late Mother Theresa, 'do it anyway.'

Passing the Thakardas building. The National Library used to be located here before moving to its own premises at Jalan Tun Razak.

I never noticed it before, but there is a Gurdwara (Sikh prayer house) located in this building.

We now arrive at Tiong Nam Settlement.

In all my years of growing up here, I never once wondered about the origins of the name. I just assumed that it was the name of the developer or something. It is one of the earliest Chinese housing settlements in KL but it is now considered a slum according to this article.

According to the same article also the Chinese community refer to this as Tiong Nam Ku meaning the Middle South Area.

According to an interview with Mr. Ong Yoong Nyock, founder of Tiong Nam Logistics Holdings Bhd (I don't think there is a link between the company and the settlement, I was just looking for the meaning or origins of Tiong Nam) published in www.frost.com, he said that the name carries the meaning of East (Tiong) and South (Nam) in Hokkien.

Middle South or East South, either way it baffles me as the area would have been North or North West of KL Town Centre not the South East.

I only remember one Chinese Temple at Jalan Tiong Nam 5. Over the years, a number of residential houses have been converted into Temples.

Posing for group photos in-front of the Temples. For most of the children, this was their first time visiting Chinese temples. Unfortunately, however, these were closed.

Selamat Hari Merdeka

2010-08-31T07:00:00.002+08:00

Wishing all my fellow Malaysians a Very Happy Hari Merdeka.

For those who wanted to watch 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka, here are the links to all 4 parts.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 2)

2010-08-29T23:22:00.002+08:00

This is a replica of the map used for the walk-about session.

After Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, we turned into Jalan Sri Amar.

I have not been able to determine after whom this road is named.

Most probably this street is named after Datuk Sri Amar DiRaja Abdul Rahman bin Haji Andak, but I'm only guessing here. Read about him here.

On one side to this road is the EON Bank building, formerly Wisma Cycle Carrie.

Cycle & Carriage, the distributors of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Malaysia, used to have their show-room fronting Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman with their workshop at the rear, stretching all the way to Jalan Raja Laut.

The children passing the Eon Bank Building.

On the other side is what is known as the Jalan/Lorong Haji Taib area. While this is known to be the haunt of transvestites, prostitutes, pimps, addicts, pushers and other 'bad hats', this is also where local petty traders source their supplies from the many wholesalers operating here. A bakers' supplies store is located here and with the Hari Raya (Eid) festival just around the corner, that place is packed with shoppers.

Who was Haji Taib?
     I couldn't get much information on-line, then I remembered a friend who left a comment in one of my earlier posts saying that he was a decedent of Haji Taib. So I emailed him for information.
      Haji Mohamed Taib bin Haji Abdul Samad (1858 - 1925) was a descendant of Raja Mas and Sultan Baginda of Bukit Tinggi in Sumatera Barat, Indonesia.
     Haji Taib arrived in KL at the turn of the century (1900s) having eloped with his Dutch bride and having been disinherited for doing so. They arrived with only the clothes on their backs.
     His first occupation in KL was that of a street lighter - going out at dusk, adding water to carbide and then lighting the acetylene gas lamps that lined the streets of KL at that time. Later he ended up as a Chief Clerk in the Land Office where he got to know about the best deals and bought them for himself.
     His son, Orang Kaya Haji Abdullah, built on this wealth and in the 1920's owned the whole of Malay Street and Rodger Street, a large portion of the Central Market area and loads in Chow Kit and Kg. Baru.

KL KrashPad - Chow Kit Kita (Part 1)

2010-08-29T08:41:00.002+08:00

Remember in my earlier posting I mentioned that I followed Fahmi Reza and his charges from KL KrashPad on their walk-about on August 7, 2010. This post is the first of a series about that.

logo courtesy of Fahmi Reza

Among the aims of the project are to map the people, the culture/religion and the history of the Chow Kit area. This will be undertaken by a group of children between 13 to 15 years old, with some adult supervision/advise provided by Fahmi and gang.

Why would I be interested? Chow Kit is famous for all the wrong reasons, yet I grew up in the area 'untouched' by all the vices associated with it. (Any vices I acquired or display has nothing to do with the area.) I was aware of the 'goings on' in some nooks and crannies , but the majority there were pretty much normal, decent folks who went about their lives just like anywhere else. So when someone comes up with a project to dispel the 'dark myth' associated with the area, why should I not be interested?

Anyway, back to KL KrashPad and the Chow Kit Kita project. About a dozen children, between 13 to 15 years, have been selected as the pilot group. I was informed that the group was supposed to be multi racial / cultural, but as the visitors to the Pad are predominantly from one ethnic group, they will have to do. The adults facilitating this group, however, are a mixture of ethnicity, religion, cultures and backgrounds - truly Malaysian.

The session started with an introduction, briefing and some small training to prepare the group for the walk-about. The session was friendly and informal, and the 'adult' facilitators don't look very much older than the participants. I was the only 'uncle' there.

It's interesting, when you have a group of children who have only been with their own ethnic/religious/cultural grouping both in school and the community they are from, there is a bias in favor of their own kind; but get them exposed to other ethnic/religious/cultural groups, and what begins as a curiosity is soon replaced by excitement and acceptance when they realize that we actually are not so different, one from another. Kudos to Fahmi and team.

The children ready and raving to go. This shot is also to show a little of the ambiance of the KrashPad, catering to the teen crowd.

The walk about commences...

... let by Fahmi.

First stop and first lesson, "do you know what is the name of this street?" Every one got it right, but when asked who it was named after...

from google images

... every one of the children agreed that it was named after our first Prime Minister.
The Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and Putrajaya are among places named after the Tunku or his full name Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. The Tunku is also known as the 'Father of Independence'.

from google images

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is named after our first King.

Colonel Paduka Sri Sir Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhamed was our first Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Something I didn't know, which I found in Wikipedia, is that he was the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Seri Menanti and the 2nd Yang di-Pertuan Besar of modern Negeri Sembilan.

The road was re-named after His Majesty in 1963. Prior to that it was known as Batu Road, possibly because it was the main access road to the tin mines in Batu which I recon was in the area of today's Jalan Ipoh/Selayang/Gombak (think Batu Caves).

The last time I saw a tin dredge in operation in KL was in the 1970s in what is now Taman Danau Kota, off Jalan Genting Kelang.

Hungry Ghost Festival 2

2010-08-27T23:58:00.000+08:00

The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calender (August/September). Generally the 7th month is considered a 'ghost' month and auspicious occasions such as weddings are not held during this month.

On the fifteenth day the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are open and both Taoists and Buddhists would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Intrinsic to the Ghost Month is ancestor worship, where traditionally the filial piety of descendants extends to their ancestors even after their deaths.

Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense, and burning joss paper, a papier-mache form of material items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Elaborate meals (often vegetarian meals) would be served with empty seats for each of the deceased in the family treating the deceased as if they are still living.

Ancestor worship is what distinguishes Qingming Festival from Ghost Festival because the latter includes paying respects to all deceased, including the same and younger generations, while the former only includes older generations.

Other festivities may include, buying and releasing miniature paper boats and lanterns on water, which signifies giving directions to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors and other deities.

- Wikipedia

Today (August 26) is the Taoist ceremony.

While the Buddhist ceremonies were a subdued affair, the Taoist one does provide entertainment for all their guests, this worldly or other worldly. Today there was a movie being shown.

I have not seen one of these outdoor projectors in years and watching the projectionist at work was in itself entertaining.

In any entertainment of these sorts, seats are always left vacant for the many 'other worldly' guests who come a-calling.

There is a lot more food stuff today then there was yesterday. I also noticed that some of the Buddha images have been covered up.

Much of the food is non-halal (not kosher). The amount of meat available is probably the reason why many of the Buddha images have been covered up.

There was a performance by a person in period costume. His movements were as if he was in some sort of trance. The people surrounding, watching him were holding lighted joss-sticks.

He was accompanied by the sound of a cymbal and drums. Being Chinese is not a prerequisite to be part of the performance as the 'drummer' shows.

After his performance, he took a short break.

Food and other stuff were brought to be blessed by the priest. I was admiring the golden lotus on the head-gear of the priest.

Some of the sweets and folded joss paper were distributed amongst the devotees present.

Just then a fire truck passed by.

A large bonfire of 'Hell Bank' notes, joss paper and other paper items were being prepared.

The fire truck moved into place near where the bonfire was being set up, as a precautionary measure against any 'accidental' incident.

I noticed the paper mansion from yesterday was missing, probably already set alight as an offering to the dearly departed. The boat-house was still there to be part of today's offerings.

That's as much of what I could record of this year's Hungry Ghost Festival at Jalan Chengal, Kuala Lumpur. I missed some of the stage performances that were held earlier. Maybe next year I'll be able to record the full event, from beginning to end.

Hungry Ghost Festival 1

2010-08-27T09:32:00.001+08:00

As a kid growing up in KL, the only thing I remember about the Hungry Ghost festival is the Chinese Opera that used to be held at the temple at Lorong Tiong Nam 5. Of course I never understood what was going on, but which kid can resist playing with other kids at night, and without supervision at that.

Later it was the food offerings on display along Jalan Pahang, notably the whole roast pigs with a fruit stuffed in the mouth. After moving to Setapak Gardens in the 1970's, it meant a few days of being stuck in a jam every August/September - the bus being the regular means of transport and the traffic was not as busy as what it is now-a-days.

Recently, the celebrations have been brought very close to where I live and after resisting for a few days, I decided to pay the site a visit last Wednesday (August 25) night. (Also the fact that I had sent my camera to be serviced and only got it back on Wednesday.)

The first thing that greeted me was the smouldering giant joss sticks...

...which would have started off looking like this.

The main activities for the day were over (I was there at 11.00 p.m.) but there were plenty of food offerings along the sides of the tent.

However, the roast pigs were nowhere in sight.

I found out that, that night was a Buddhist celebration, which goes to prove how much of an 'ignoramus' I am when it comes to understanding the culture, beliefs and traditions of my fellow Malaysians

There were various alters dedicated to the different aspects of the Buddha.

This must be the main alter...

... based on the stool for kneeling found here.

There were also other offerings besides food...

... and these looked like they were meant for infants.

There was also this mansion complete with a male servant.

There were also these 'posters' hanging on the wall in Chinese and English.

This is a sample of what was on the posters. I suppose you get the picture, so behave.

Tomorrow is going to be the Taoist ceremony.

KL KrashPad

2010-08-13T07:11:00.003+08:00

In early August, I received this email:

Saudara Shaik,

I came across your Shaik's KL blog while researching on the history of Kuala Lumpur online.

My name is Fahmi Reza. I'm an independent documentary filmmaker. In 2007 I made a short historical documentary called 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka.

Right now I'm working on a community mapping project at a new youth centre in Chow Kit called KL Krashpad, working with Chow Kit teens to map out their community and also do an oral history of the people in Chow Kit.

You mentioned on your blog that you lived in the area on Broadrick Road until 1973. I'm wondering if it's possible to meet up with you to borak-borak and hear stories of your experience growing up in the area.

My phone number is 019-------. Do let me know whether you're free to meet up anytime this week.

Thanks.

Fahmi Reza

A 'filmmaker' reading my blog, of course I was excited, and I made an appointment to meet up for the borak-borak session.

So what is KL Krash Pad? (A Google search came out with more than 5,000 results.) It is a collaboration between the Federal Territories Welfare Department and Yayasan Salam Malaysia to provide an activity centre with a safe, healthy and loving environment (sort of a 'safe house') for children in Kuala Lumpur, specially in the Chow Kit area.

The welfare department is under the preview of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development..

..while Yayasan Salam Malaysia, according to their website, is about promoting the spirit of volunteerism among Malaysians.

It operates from a rented shop-house along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, right opposite Yaseen's the popular nasi kandar restaurant.

It is sponsored by a number of corporate entities which includes Sime Darby and HSBC Bank.

By the way, the community mapping project is called Chow Kit Kita.

logo courtesy of Fahmi Reza

I did follow Fahmi and the children on their first walk-about last Saturday (7AUG10) and I must admit that I probably learned more being with the children than they did from being with me. (I'll save that for other postings)

While you are here, do check out Fahmi's documentary 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka on Youtube. I found it enlightening.

Jaleel's at Selangor Mansion (Masjid India area)

2010-08-11T22:10:00.001+08:00

Ramadhan Mubarakh (Wishing you a Blessed Ramadhan).

Maybe Ramadhan is not the most ideal time to talk about a restaurant that I recently visited, but I haven't been posting anything for a while, so what better subject to resume posting then with food ;-)

I was in the Masjid India area with a cousin of mine, with the intention to stock up on my supplies for Ramadhan. As it was nearing lunch time, my cousin suggested that we have authentic 'Mamak' (Indian Muslim) food as we were in the right area. He even suggested the place.

If you are at the Masjid, the building next to it is the Malayan Mansion. The similar looking building across and slightly away from Malayan Mansion is the Selangor Mansion.

Find your way to the lifts or staircase. You do need to be a little bit brave, but then if you are a connoisseur of street food this should not pose a problem.

The restaurant is on the first floor.

It's relatively clean and tidy inside.

It's owned and managed by the cook. I've somehow managed to forget his name.

The spread isn't that varied. You have a choice of briyani, ghee or plain white rice. There's also the choice of chicken, fish or mutton curry, and some fried fish and chicken. Of course, in typical 'mamak' fashion, the vegetables are over-done.

There are also daily specials like quails (burung puyu), duck or venison (daging rusa). I had tripe (perut) curry that day.

They have flavored anise (jintan manis) and Supari or scented betel-nut (pinang) as breath fresheners at the cashier's counter.

The restaurant is opened from 11.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily serving lunch and dinner. I however forgot to check their opening hours during Ramadhan.

I must say that the food was good (it tasted more 'home cooked', not the 'commercial' taste of many 'nasi kandar' restaurants) and the price was reasonable.

Bukit Lagong

2010-05-10T17:34:00.000+08:00

Some time in April I received an email from my friend Karamjit inviting me to the opening of his Nursery / Landscape business located in Bukit Lagong. Now, I had no idea where Bukit Lagong is.

Fortunately, there was a sketch map attached. When I showed the map to Agip, he said that it's only about 10 minutes out of KL.

So on May 1st, I decided to visit Karamjit.

One of the first things you notice when you turn off after the Gombak Police HQ is the massive development taking place there.

After that there are some cool places for a picnic or family outing.

It's not Ulu Yam or Magic River but...

... public amenities have been provided by the local authorities...

... including a Youth Training Centre.

There is also a surau (Muslim Prayer Room) here courtesy of the religious authorities (JAKIM).

If you were thinking that the Orang Asal (I prefer this term) are some scantily clad, aboriginal people, think again.

The Greenhands Nursery is at the end of the road, next to a rabbit farm.

The nursery is a typical nursery, but Karamjit has plans for expension. Being a friend of the 'boss' I did get a tour of the facility.

The nursery has its own water supply and is stored in tanks located on higher ground.

They burn their own soil, used in planting of potted plants.

The grass turf that they sell is cheap, as they grow their own.

There is also a little stream running trough the facility, if you just feel like chilling out away from the crowded place further down stream. I'm sure Karamjit would love to have you as his guests.

There are also plenty of colorful butterflies and dragon-flies.

With their tag-line "Nurturing Nature", Greenhands is definitely worth a visit. Do buy some plants while enjoying the fresh air so close to town.

A dying trade

2010-04-25T18:16:00.000+08:00

What do you do when your scissors and knives become dull, and cannot be used for the purpose they were meant for? Do you throw them away?

In my childhood days there was the 'Tajam Gunting' man who used to ply his trade riding a bicycle. Housewives (it's always the wife, never the husband) will bring out their dulled knives and scissors to be sharpened whenever they heard his call or the ring of his bell.

Its been many years since I've seen this in KL.

Yesterday I chanced upon a Tajam Gunting man when I was in Sungei Wang Plaza.

This uncle said that he has been involved in this line for over 30 years. He is not stationed here but comes once every few months and his services are sought by the many hair dressing salons that are located here. According to the uncle, you can earn a living (cari makan) but you can never be kaya (rich) in this trade.

Just a note: In those days the sharpening stone used to be attached to the bicycle and the Tajam Gunting used 'pedal power' to spin the wheel.

An appeal to KLites - Help Keep Our City Clean and Beautiful

2010-04-06T20:25:00.000+08:00

A few days ago I was walking from Benteng to Dayabumi through the Central Market area. I choose to use what I thought would be the more scenic view, the walk-way along the river. While the authorities (DBKL) seem to have spent quite a bit in beautifying the place, maintenance is another thing. I think we all share a responsibility to keep KL clean and beautiful.

Cameron Highlands - a Flower Factory

2010-04-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

With the heat wave we're having, the family decided to spend a recent week-end up in cool Cameron Highlands. My cousin was formerly from the Department of Agriculture and, courtesy of one of his friends, we visited a flower factory.

It's quite a big factory and the owner/owners must have spent a tidy sum on landscape and decorations possibly with a view to improving the 'fung sui' of the place.

Although flowers are being grown in the area around the factory, it is not sufficient to cater to the various orders, most of which are for export. So flowers are brought in from the surrounding farms.

The first process is visually grading the flowers and removing excess leaves from the stalks.

The stalks are trimmed to a standard length.

The stalks are counted and bundled with rubber bands.

The bundles are then attached to a machine with a metal bar across that thumps the bundles as they are conveyed from one end of the machine to the other end. This is to get rid of any loose leaves or flowers and the occasional insect or two.

The bundles are then slipped into plastic bags.

The flowers are ready for export... well almost...

They need to be packed into boxes and stored in the freeze room ready to be transported.

The plant waste can be recycled into organic fertilizer, but at this factory they are just sent to the dump.

The factory employs about 60 - 70 Bangladeshi workers, so meals are also provided by the company.

I won! Hurray???

2010-03-16T00:46:00.003+08:00

illustration from: http://www.how-to-build-a-website.co.uk/internet-scam-check.html

I don't normally take part in contests. Even when it involves skills, there is always an element of chance or luck, if you want to call it that, especially with the large number of participants these contests attract.

Recently however, I did take part in a contest. As 'luck' would have it, although I didn't win any big prizes, I did qualify for a consolation prize.

But guess what? To collect my winnings I would have to commit to spending up to RM3,000 over a 12 month period.

Sounds to me like the 'Scratch & Win' scam we hear complaints about. What do you think?

Jalan Ampang - Tun Razak junction to Sultan Ismail junction 4

2010-03-14T20:33:00.002+08:00

Across the road from Hotel Maya is Zouk, a popular night spot. Of course it sometimes gets publicity for the wrong reasons.

The Malaysia Tourism Centre is along Jalan Ampang. I knew this as the Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

I was quite sad when they renamed this building complex as 'Matic', especially when Parliamentary sessions were held here before our Parliament Building was constructed. Although this part of the complex's history is mentioned in their official website, it seems to be down-played for the most part.

The following are some of the photos I took at Matic.

Traxx FM (our tourist radio station) is here.

This rink is used for top spinning...

...note the many holes on the rink floor.

I like the modified 'hurricane' lamp. In the original, one needs to fill the bottom container with kerosene, light the lamp and pump it to allow flow to the bulb shaped wick. It provided a glow much like the florescent lights of today.

The Concorde Hotel has its own entrance to the complex.

Being a tourist destination, arrivals here are by the bus-loads.

The Renaissance Hotel marks the junction with Sultan Ismail.

As I turned towards the Concorde, I caught this skink slithering away.