Interest Group Pahang (IGP) - Recently Updated Pages

Battle for survival - Heritage buildings

abrnadzrah — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:06:35 CST

The battle for survival

Yvonne Yoong
Fate, is seems, is dealing a cruel blow to one of Kuala Lumpur’s grandest mansions, which is holding on to the legacy of its past by the barest thread of its existence. The object in question is none other than Bok House, in the heart of the city’s bustling Golden Triangle just a stone’s throw from the Petronas Twin Towers. And the issue is nothing less than its total demolition – in favour of a proposed 60-storey highrise mixed development. How strange this must all seem to the old dame, whose courts once boasted the company of the crème de la crème of society. If her walls could tell tales, they would perhaps whisper memories of enchanted evenings and velvet nights bathed in the moonglow of fine company within their opulent embrace. Like a diamond with many facets, the house was the epitome of elegance and fine living. The language of aesthetics was one she was well acquainted with. Nothing but the finest marble imported from Italy would do for her floors and verandahs, while marble statues, worth a reported US$35,000 then graced the internal framework of the mansion. Fate was in her favour then, thanks to an owner fuelled with riches due to the boom in the tin and rubber industries. The late Chua Cheng Bok never doubted for a moment that his house would outshine every other mansion on the street, and every house in the city. The Bok House, after all, was conceived out of a labour of hard work. And, in many ways, a labour of love. Chua, it has been told, had set his heart on marrying a rich man’s daughter but was deemed unworthy because of his humble origins. He then set out to either impress or spite the girl’s father by building a symbol of his love across the road from the man’s house at 121, Jalan Ampang. However, it is dubious whether he ever got her hand in marriage. Beyond bricks and mortar Fortune was kind to Chua, and saw to it that his years of toil and determination was rewarded with a wealth that could allow him to build a mansion the likes of which had never been seen in Kuala Lumpur in then Malaya. Rising from the ranks through sweat and hard work, Chua’s early start as a poor migrant slaving away in a spice shop by day and mending bicycles and carriages at the Red Light Corner in Ampang by night eventually led him to establishing the Cycle & Carriage company in Singapore in 1899 with his brother. By the 1900s, Chua was in the league of Malaya’s other influential Chinese towkays then, and helped to shape Kuala Lumpur by building many properties, including the Coliseum café and Coliseum cinema along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. In Ipoh, Perak, where his Cycle & Carriage outlet (the main dealer for the country’s Mercedes-Benz marque) planted its Malaysian roots in 1906, he built the Chua Cheng Bok Building on Jalan Chua Cheng Bok. In 1926, Chua put his money where his heart was and engaged the expertise of Swan & Maclaren of Singapore to build Bok House. Completed in 1929, it lived up to its owner’s expectation of a mansion that showcased a neo-classical Greek style – considered the “epitome of civilised society” – and was adapted to suit the tropical weather with its generous verandahs and balconies. Patterned after a Palladian villa, Greek columns and architectural classical elements complete with imitation classical statues reigned supreme in its front hall. Inside, there was a mixture of East and West influences with European art and stained glass displayed alongside Chinese mother-of-pearl furniture and Peranakan tiles. No cost was spared, no detail too trivial to consider. In 1958, Bok House was converted into a fine dining French restaurant, Le Coq d’Or. Interestingly, Chua and his family preferred to live in the rear portion of the mansion for over 20 years – a portion that was sadly demolished in 1999 with the approval of the authorities. Once gone, forever lost Because of Bok House’s cultural and social significance and its “high level of authenticity with very significant architecture”, Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust), is understandably concerned about her fate. Its president Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid recently said the house could be demolished soon as an application to develop the site has been made to Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). “If such an act is permitted, it would be an ignominy and constitute an act as infamous as the demolition of the Eastern Hotel in KL and the Metropole Hotel in Penang,” he said. His protest was supported by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) president Dr Tan Loke Mun, who expressed hope that Bok House will “be listed in the National Heritage Register to protect it from further deterioration and imminent destruction”. He also appealed for it to be gazetted as a National Heritage Building under the National Heritage Act 2005. “If Bok House is demolished, KL would lose another building of significant architectural interest and soon, (the city would have) no architectural history left,” Tan pointed out. A check by NST-Property with DBKL confirmed that an application has been made for a 60-storey mixed development and it is awaiting feedback from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. Meanwhile, a recent New Straits Times report quoted Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim as saying that under the National Heritage Act 2005, a listing of heritage items and sites will be created. The report also said a Department of National Heritage has been set up and a commissioner appointed. A Heritage Council will also be formed with plans for awareness campaigns to be launched. The Act, introduced with the aim of maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s treasures, will reportedly see a heavy penalty meted out on offenders infringing it. Rais was also quoted as saying that the Government “can give grants to the owners to maintain or promote their premises for posterity”. However, while it is understood that there is “no limit to the grant, and each case will be determined on merit”, Rais did mention the “need to be practical”. “Even if a building qualifies as a heritage item, we may not be able to register it if the owners do not agree. We would not like to force the matter. “For example, the owners of the Le Coq d’Or building on Jalan Ampang may want to do something that will improve the value of the building. The commissioner will have to be very practical then,” he was quoted as saying. Which leaves us to wait with bated breath the final outcome of Bok House. It is interesting to note that the late Chua had specified in his Will that that the mansion must remain in the family for four generations – and must not be sold until the year 2025. One report even states that thereafter, it should be turned into a free school. Will it survive? Only time will tell.

Two sides of the same coin In determining the fate of Bok House where the outcry from the public is to save the mansion, what is the onus on the owners of the mansion? The business of ringgit making sense is oftentimes fraught with difficult decisions: After all, upkeep of the premises can be a costly affair. In the face of inconvenient maintenance and the battle of surging costs, if put in the shoes of the trustees including Chua Chwee Ng, Chua Wye Man and Chua Yong Man, are there any other options? A check with property consultancy Knight Frank Ooi & Zaharin Sdn Bhd director Sarkunan Subramaniam reveals that land along this stretch of Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur can range from RM800psf to RM1,000psf. “Bok House is special and part of a grand history that ties us back to our past when KL was just a small tin mining town,” said Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) president Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid. However, acknowledging that the issue of conservation is not an easy balance, whereby it can be hard to persuade someone not to sell or develop his or her property on the basis of it being valuable to the nation, he nevertheless believes in the potential adaptive re-use of this former residence as has been the case with many heritage buildings all over the world. A former Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) president and BWM council member Jimmy Lim said that in order not to disadvantage the owners, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) could transfer the land’s development rights to another property. Already being practiced in other countries, he believes this is a practical solution. This will perhaps go a long way in urging public and private owners to “conserve and preserve their historic buildings and environments” while promoting, as Ahmad Sarji put it, “their sympathetic adaptation to new uses, so as to ensure their future viability and relevance”. This proposal to transfer development rights was mooted by BWM some years ago, but unfortunately, no action was taken by the Government. Hopefully though, on the wings of a new awareness, it will find its way into the National Heritage Act. This is in keeping with the belief that the built environment is a reflection of national identity and thus, should be preserved for the future. As Lim said: “As long as it’s on Malaysian soil, it’s our asset, it’s our national treasure. “It’s the same as us having a museum, a Malaysian heritage or Malaysian estates. They all make up Malaysia’s national treasures.”

Through the years
* In 1942, during World War II, the Japanese requisitioned Bok House. It was occupied by the Yokohama Specie Bank. * After the war, the British forces used the mansion to house its air force women. It was subsequently returned to the family, and thereafter, a businessman turned Bok House into a fine hostelry. * In 1958, Kuala Lumpur’s premier nightclub and restaurant, called Le Coq d’Or (or The Golden Cockrel) located at the front portion of the mansion opened its doors. The Chua family continued to occupy the house in the rear quarters that was a modest house on its own. * From the 1960s till the early 1970s – its heydays – Le Coq d’Or was considered the place for fine dining in KL and found its way in many guidebooks and notable architectural publications. * In 1982, Bok House was acknowledged as a heritage building in the Kuala Lumpur (Draft) Structure Plan. * In the early to mid 1980s, Bok House was placed in the list of Grade 1 buildings on the “Senarai Bangunan Yang Dicadangkan Untuk Diwartakan Di Wilayah Persekutuan” produced by Jabatan Muzium & Antikuiti. (As recently as 2004, it is still believed to be on this list) * In 1999, the rear quarters was demolished to widespread public outcry and protest. Till today, the back portion of the lot has yet to be developed. * In 2001, Le Coq d’Or, renowned for its French cuisine, was closed after 43 years in operation. It was subsequently stripped of its furniture, fixtures, doors and windows. * Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) has noted that the physical condition of the building has today deteriorated badly. Many of its fittings and fixtures are believed to have been removed and the original floors, windows and doors have been badly vandalised. * On March 1, 2006, the National Heritage Act 2005 came into force. * In a press statement released last month, BWM proposed that Bok House be listed in the National Heritage Register to protect it from further deterioration and imminent destruction. Bok House meets at least five of the criteria for declaration as a National Heritage.

Bandar Baru

abrnadzrah — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:02:32 CST

Empat bandar baru jana pembangunan ekonomi

BAKAL BERUBAH: Jalan Gambut ini antara
jalan yang akan dijadikan Jalan Voulevard.
BANDAR Indera Mahkota akan dibangunkan sebagai satu metropolis merangkumi pembangunan beberapa pusat penempatan berdekatan seperti Jaya Gading, Gambang, Beserah, Balok dan Tanjung Lumpur dalam Rancangan Pembangunan Perbandaran Kuantan.

Bagi perancangan jangka panjang, Kuantan akan dibangunkan sebagai satu konurbasi meliputi pembangunan sehingga ke Kemaman di utara dan Pekan di selatan.

Untuk mencapai strategi pembangunan spatial itu, empat bandar baru dicadangkan, iaitu Bandar Baru Indera Mahkota II, Bandar Baru Gambang dan dua bandar Baru Pelancongan, iaitu Cherating dan Tanjung Sepat.

Semua tanah kosong dalam kawasan bandar akan dimajukan semula melalui ‘infill development’ bagi memantap dan memperkemas lagi struktur perbandaran Kuantan.

Sehubungan itu, imej dan reka bentuk kawasan pusat bandar Kuantan akan dijadikan lebih menarik dengan pembangunan semula tebing Sungai Kuantan sebagai ‘riverside promenade’ yang serba lengkap dengan kemudahan ‘esplanade’ dan Menara Kuantan berfungsi sebagai mercu tanda utama bandar Kuantan.

Perancang Bandar Unit Rancangan Pembangunan Kuantan, Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa Malaysia, Manmohan Singh, berkata seni bina dan fasad beberapa jalan utama di pusat bandar juga akan diubahsuai untuk melambangkan imej pembangunan korporat dan pusat beli-belah berbentuk bazar.

“Identiti Jalan Bukit Ubi akan dipertingkatkan sebagai laluan protokol dan laluan utama ke bandar Kuantan pada masa depan dengan hiasan jalan yang moden dan menarik serta landskap berkonsep ‘boulevard’.

“Kawasan Padang Lalang akan dibangunkan semula kepada pembangunan perniagaan berkonsepkan ‘small office home office’, manakala kawasan tebing Sungai Kuantan di Tanjung Lumpur akan dibangunkan untuk perniagaan secara ‘corporate promenade’ di mana akan diwujudkan Kuantan Trade Center,” katanya.

Bagi meningkatkan ekonomi desa, beberapa kawasan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana dicadangkan seperti di Bukit Goh, Cherating, Beserah, Cheruk Paloh, Paya Bungor dan sebagainya.

Dari segi sumbangan kepada sektor pelancongan, kualiti persekitaran semua kawasan pelancongan sedia ada akan dipertingkatkan dan aktiviti pelancongan bandar atau ‘Urban Tourism’ akan dipromosikan secara lebih agresif.

Selaras dengan hasrat mewujudkan masyarakat madani dan bandar sejahtera, satu Dataran Sivik turut dicadangkan dalam pusat bandar Kuantan di Jalan Gambut di mana warga Kuantan dapat menikmati kegiatan seni dan kebudayaan.

Komponennya merangkumi sebuah Muzium, Amphiteater, Galeri Kesenian dan Pusat Kebudayaan.

Warga Kuantan juga akan dapat beriadah di Taman Awam peringkat wilayah baru, di Tanjung Putus yang menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan rekreasi bertaraf tinggi dan moden.

Beberapa kemudahan baru yang dicadangkan dalam pembangunan termasuklah perpustakaan negeri di bandar Kuantan dan Pusat Sukan Antarabangsa di Bandar Baru Indera Mahkota II.

Manmohan berkata, semua kawasan yang dikenal pasti sebagai sensitif yang sedia ada akan dikekalkan secara mampan bagi memastikan ia dapat dinikmati generasi akan datang, termasuk kawasan hutan simpan, kawasan persisiran pantai, kawasan santuari penyu, kawasan berbukit dan kawasan tadahan air.

JEJAK PAHLAWAN

abrnadzrah — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:59:44 CST

Jejak: Mat Kilau isytihar diri di masjid

Oleh Shaarani Ismail

Pejuang Melayu Pahang didakwa meninggal dunia pada 22 Oktober 1895 dedah diri sebenar di Pulau Tawar pada 1969

PAHLAWAN terbilang Melayu, Mat Kilau tidak hanya berjuang menentang penjajah di negeri kelahirannya, Pahang malah turut sama menyemarakkan semangat perjuangan bagi menebus maruah bangsa dan agama di negeri jiran iaitu Terengganu dan Kelantan.

Anak kelahiran Kampung Masjid Pulau Tawar, Jerantut itu adalah anak kepada orang besar Pahang, Imam Rasu yang turut dikenali sebagai Tok Gajah.

Sekitar 1890-an, berlaku pemberontakan rakyat di Pahang yang marah dengan tindakan British mengambil alih tugas memungut cukai dan hasil daripada pembesar negeri yang dilantik.

Antara yang menerima akibat daripada campur tangan pentadbiran British di Pahang adalah pembesar negeri iaitu Tok Gajah dan Datuk Bahaman.

Kesan daripada itu, bermula siri pemberontakan di kalangan pembesar negeri hingga mengakibatkan mereka diburu British kerana menentang penjajah.

Rentetan daripada peristiwa itu, British mengisytiharkan perang terhadap beberapa pembesar Pahang dan mengarahkan mereka ditangkap serta dihukum.

Bagaimanapun, Mat Kilau dan beberapa pembesar lain berjaya melarikan diri dan menyebarkan semangat perjuangan menentang penjajahan di negeri jiran iaitu Kelantan dan Terengganu.

Perjuangan Mat Kilau mendapat sokongan padu daripada dua tokoh ternama kedua-dua negeri iaitu ulama terkenal Terengganu, Tokku Paloh dan Abdul Rahman Limbong serta Tok Janggut di Kelantan.

Melalui kerjasama dan sokongan padu yang diberikan, Mat Kilau yang agak mahir dengan ilmu hutan menyusup masuk ke Terengganu dan Kelantan melalui beberapa laluan khusus yang hingga ke hari ini laluannya masih tetap digunakan khususnya pencari gaharu.

Dipercayai, terdapat tiga laluan yang digunakan Mat Kilau untuk ke Terengganu dan Kelantan bagi mendapatkan sokongan penduduk di kedua-dua negeri itu.

Antaranya, laluan dari Kampung Bantal di Jerantut ke Kampung Pasir Raja di Dungun, laluan dari Jerantut ke Pasir Nering, Hulu Terengganu dan laluan dari Jerantut ke Gua Musang Kelantan.

Bagaimanapun, laluan yang kerap digunakan Mat Kilau dan pengikutnya bagi mengelakkan diri daripada British adalah laluan antara Kampung Bantal ke Kampung Pasir Raja.

Penentangan Mat Kilau yang berterusan terhadap British menyebabkan dia menjadi orang buruan yang paling dikehendaki dan dicop sebagai penderhaka oleh Inggeris menyebabkan beliau mengasingkan diri dan hidup berpindah randah dari satu tempat ke satu tempat.

Pada Oktober 1895, laporan akhbar Inggeris yang diterbitkan di Singapura, iaitu The Straits Times dan The Free Press menyatakan "Ketua Pendehaka, iaitu Datuk Bahaman ditahan pemerintahan Siam. The Free Press pula menyatakan Mat Kilau yang melawan ketika ditangkap cedera pada muka dan kepala. Kecederaannya dikatakan parah dan dia mati dalam perjalanan ke hilir Kota Bharu disebabkan kehilangan darah yang banyak.

Dengan tersiarnya berita kematian Mat Kilau oleh akhbar The Free Press keluaran 22 Oktober 1895, maka tamatlah riwayat pahlawan Melayu itu.

Bagaimanapun, apa yang sebenarnya berlaku tidak diketahui kecuali beberapa orang sahabatnya seperti Mustafa Awang Mat (Jusoh Rimau), Pendekar Tok Demali, Raja Ibrahim (Pak Him), Mat Kelantan dan beberapa orang lain.

Disebabkan Mat Kilau dicop sebagai 'penderhaka' oleh Inggeris, maka terpaksalah Mat Kilau mengasingkan diri dan berpindah dari satu tempat ke satu tempat dan akhirnya bermastautin di Batu 5, Jalan Kuantan-Gambang. Sejak 1930, Mat Kilau terpaksa menukar namanya buat beberapa kali dan akhirnya dia memakai nama Mat Siam.

Pada Disember 1969, Tuhan menggerakkan hati Mat Kilau yang pada itu memegang kad pengenalan diri K/P 2044778 dan bernama Mohamad bin Ibrahim, memperkenalkan dirinya yang sebenar. Untuk mengelakkan dirinya daripada menjadi tumpuan ramai, Mat Kilau bersetuju mengumumkan dirinya di kampung kelahirannya.

Atas daya usaha Omar Mat Kilau, pahlawan Melayu itu dibawa ke kampung asalnya iaitu Kampung Masjid, Pulau Tawar.

Pada Jumaat 26 Disember 1969, Mat Kilau pergi ke masjid di Kampung Masjid untuk bersembahyang Jumaat. Selepas sembahyang, Mat Kilau membaca Quran dan kemudian mengisytiharkan dirinya sebagai Mat Kilau.

Pengisytiharan itu menggemparkan orang ramai sehingga Kerajaan Pahang menubuhkan sebuah jawatankuasa untuk menyiasat. Jawatankuasa itu dibentuk pada 8 Januari 1970. Beberapa orang ditemuramah bagi membuktikan bahawa Mat Siam itu adalah Mat Kilau. Setelah disahkan, pada jam 10.30 pagi Khamis, 6 Ogos 1970, Mat Siam diisytiharkan sebagai Mat Kilau oleh Menteri Besar Pahang, Raja Tan Sri Yahya Mohd Seh.

Setelah empat hari pengumuman pengiktirafan terhadap dirinya dibuat, Mat Kilau meninggal dunia kerana uzur. Usianya ketika itu dipercayai 122 tahun. Dengan kematiannya itu, beliau tidak sempat menceritakan kisah perjuangannya lebih lanjut.

some lessons in life

abrnadzrah — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:24:24 CST

A long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.
Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.
Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."
The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health , time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.
One day when we look back , we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.
Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition . Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.
So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!
Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
Watch your words ; they become actions.
Watch your actions ; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character .
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny .

Selling an idea - Biodiesel

abrnadzrah — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:24:56 CST

http://24sevenart.com/soapsm.wmv

http://24sevenart.com/washingbiosm.wmv

Gunung Tahan

abrnadzrah — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 02:37:32 CST

L I F E S T Y L E

Parenting

Thursday November 23, 2006

Bonding at the peak By HARBAN SINGH GUNUNG Tahan at 2,187m is the highest mountain in the peninsula and local trekkers dream of conquering it. I too have similar dreams but with a difference. I wanted to scale the mountain with my 15-year-old daughter. As a nature enthusiast myself, I wanted to use this opportunity not only to cultivate greater interest in our country’s rich biodiversity but also to build a stronger bond with my daughter. And so it was that after my daughter, Karen, finished her PMR exams last month, we set out on this adventure of a lifetime. The four-night five-day trip to Gunung Tahan in Pahang entailed an 88km journey from base camp in the park headquarters at Taman Negara Merapoh, Pahang. We took the night train from Johor Baru; it was another 10 hours before we reached Merapoh via the Gua Musang railway station.

Day One It rained heavily, making the river-crossing treacherous. Leeches had a field day. We had at least two dozen leech bites between us. As this was “tiger territory” with one of Malaysia’s highest concentration of tigers, we were vigilant but there were no traces of wildlife except footprints and elephant dung. Hornbills flying low were a sight to behold, especially the large Rhinoceros hornbills which made loud noises. Karen was awed by the vibrancy of the tropical rainforest. Camp Kor, the first camp site, had one of the cleanest rivers around. All throughout the five-day journey, we drank water straight from the stream. The water tasted so good! On the first day, we were so tired that we slept for 14 hours to compensate for the lack of sleep on the train.

Day Two Karen had a tough ascent as the terrain was steep and very ragged at certain patches due to erosion and the uprooted trees. A heavy four-hour downpour had wiped out our tent. The limited camp spots at Kubang campsite further dampened our spirit. We both cried in our hearts. It was a nightmare but I had to portray a situation of hope even though it was so cold relocating to a new site. I was all drenched. This was the fifth time I was climbing Gunung Tahan. I have trekked parts of the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountains in my younger days. For Karen the hike opened up a new world. To date she had only trekked Gunung Ledang and other lower mountains.

Karen Kaur Harban crossing the river during the trek up Gunung Tahan, in Pahang.

Karen was captivated by the beauty of nature and driven by a strong desire to make it to the peak safely.

Day Three We woke up to the sounds of barbets and cicadas, and knew that it would be our most challenging day. Another seven to eight hours of hiking and we would reach the peak. In fact, the peak would be in sight after two hours of trekking. Our tired legs were going to get a reprieve soon. The trek was tricky as the muddy paths and thorns, especially after the Belumut camp site, hampered progress. The previous night’s rain created water cascades along the paths and movement was difficult. At the Bukit Botak camp site, which was an hour’s hike to the peak, the strong chilly winds almost proved too much for Karen. She was nearly overcome by exhaustion. Thankfully she held on, and after a short rest and a warm drink, she recovered quickly, much to the delight of our guide Mohd Darek, or better known as Mat. My prayers were answered. Guides, incidentally, are compulsory for all Gunung Tahan ascents. We reached the peak on Friday, Oct 13. It was almost 7pm. The view was scenic though the haze was apparent. We camped at Bukit Botak, which had an elevation of 1,943 meters. Anticipating cold temperatures at night, we wore layers and layers of clothing. We had a perfect night’s sleep, which was interrupted only by the wind and some rats outside the tent. Most trekkers now scale Gunung Tahan from the north via Merapoh town as opposed to Kuala Tahan in the South in Pahang.

Father and daughter at the peak of Gunung Tahan.

Day Four It was a beautiful morning. Clear blue skies greeted us. Karen was still in a daze wondering if she had really conquered Gunung Tahan. The descent was exciting as we trekked to Camp Kor, guided by our torch. It was 8.30pm when we reached the camp site. This was the moment of truth that revealed Karen’s character – cool, calm and collected. I knew all our efforts over the years to help her develop into a well-balanced person had borne fruit. She was adaptable and ever ready to render service whenever required. She was generous in sharing her favourite food and chocolates with the guide and her dad. A good indication of a team player. Playing mentor and coach to my 15-year-old daughter on her maiden trek up Gunung Tahan was intriguing. She passed with flying colours despite taking several falls, getting wet several times and almost falling sick. I was overjoyed that leeches hardly bothered her following several orientation trips to Taman Negara Kuala Tahan and Endau Rompin. It is through such activities that I formed a strong bond with Karen. We appreciated the need to support and help one another to reach our destination. I especially enjoyed inculcating life-long trekking and management skills (making decisions, planning and logistics) to Karen. Now that I am in my early fifties, my ascent is slower when we come to steep gradients. Karen is very understanding of my slower pace, while I fully comprehend her initial resistance to steep downhill climbs which were taxing to her young legs. Often, though very tired during trekking, she would ask, “Are you okay, daddy?” I would reciprocate too. These are precious moments which I cherish.

Day Five A sad day as our expedition in learning, building bonds and experiencing adventure in the world’s oldest rainforest is coming to an end. We took lots of photographs and constantly looked back at the steep gradients and wandered how we ever made it to Gunung Tahan safely. Blisters were beginning to appear and the abrasions were made worse by the earlier leech bites. We trudged along wearily but proud in the knowledge that we had made it to the top together. The call of the distant gibbon echoed my sense of gratitude and accomplishment. Looking back, it was a very fruitful expedition which exceeded our expectations. I don’t think there will be a sixth trip to Gunung Tahan unless my younger daughter Nirel insists. She was sitting her examinations when we scaled Gunung Tahan. As we boarded the train from Gua Musang to Johor Baru, I reflected on our little adventure. It was a holiday as well as a learning session where I managed to instill the love of nature in my daughter and heighten her appreciation of the environment. For Karen it was a “magical Tahan trek” which honed her leadership skills. Karen too taught me some valuable lessons: patience is a greater asset than speed up in the mountains. I climbed Gunung Ledang (1,276 meters) when I was 16 years old, but Karen conquered Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters) at 15. Wow! Isn’t this progress? I believe that as parents we should inculcate the values and skills that our forefathers nurtured and pass them on to our kids in a structured way. There are many ways to teach our children and the hiking expedition proved to be a perfect channel to strengthen the bond between my daughter and I, and for me to impart my skills to her in a fun and enriching way. We have gained so much over five days, building more than just a bond and a relationship. It was an experience of a lifetime which united the hearts of two passionate nature lovers. This is bonding at its peak.

motives

abrnadzrah — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:58:10 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Much less now

abrnadzrah — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 22:23:17 CST

South & East

Monday November 13, 2006

Much less incidence of illegal logging
By SIMON KHOO

simonkhoo@thestar.com.my KUANTAN: Cases of illegal logging have dropped drastically since the amendment to the Forestry Act 1984 provided a heavier punishment to offenders, Forestry Department deputy director-general Datuk Dahlan Taha said.

“For example, an average of 200 cases occurred yearly before the amendment in 1993. “But for the first six months this year, we only detected six cases.

“These cases are not illegal logging per se but are breaching of certain conditions of the licence issued,” he said when met after opening a two-day course on reduced impact logging in tropical peat swamp forests at MS Garden Hotel here recently.

A total of 40 participants from 17 logging firms based in Pahang and Selangor attended the programme.

Dahlan said illegal logging came in three categories.

“The first covers planned logging in a massive scale without any licence or outside the licensed area.

“Secondly, we have encroachment of forest reserves for agricultural activities and settlement, and thirdly, the felling of unmarked trees and other breaches of rules and regulations,” he said.

Dahlan said that most cases committed presently were a breach of conditions and action had been taken against the six offenders, including blacklisting them.

“Most logging firms do not dare to commit illegal logging any more,” he said, adding that the deterrent lies in the mandatory one-year jail term, a maximum fine of RM500,000 and a penalty of 10 times the value of logs felled.

Dahlan said with the advent of technology, they could use the GPS to detect locations besides enlisting the help of police and army personnel to arrest the culprits.

On the peat swamp forest, he said efforts were being taken to educate the operators in protecting the environment and achieve sustainable logging in the areas. He said two equipment – log fisher and rimbaka timber harvester – should be used to minimise damage to the environment.

Presently, there are about 190,000ha of peat swamp forests mainly in Pahang and Selangor.

Foul blow to Peacork breeding scheme

abrnadzrah — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 22:20:20 CST

Foul blow to peafowl breeding scheme

PETALING JAYA: A project to bring back the endangered green peafowl has been dealt a blow, when six of the birds died of Newcastle disease at a private breeder’s farm in Janda Baik, Pahang, four weeks ago.

PHEASANT SURPRISE: Two green peafowls which are part of the project to bring these birds back into the Malaysian forest lowlands.

Locally called merak hijau, the birds were part of a flock of eight birds under a captive-breeding agreement between the breeder and the Wildlife and National Park department (Perhilitan) since early last year. Sources said the two remaining birds would be considered “spoiled goods” as they would be carriers of the disease even if they survived and would no longer be viable for the breeding programme. There are two other breeding centres in the country, one in Jemaluang, Johor, and the other in Sungkai, Perak – both run by Perhilitan. A total of 30 green peafowls, produced by breeder stocks in Europe, were delivered by the World Pheasant Association to Perhilitan last year to kick off the captive breeding programme.

GENERAL IGP MESSAGE BOARD

abrnadzrah — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:32:46 CST

a boat cruising the Pahang River

Here is the Interest Group Pahang message board -- a place to chat, inform and connect with each other. Open to all that are from Pahang or others who are interested in Pahang, and wishes to see the growth, development and a prosperous Pahang. Inshaallah.

.........
Malaysia 's 50 th Independence Day Anniversary
Come 2007, Malaysia will celebrate 50 years of independence. The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals to commemorate the country's Independence or Merdeka Day on 31 August.

It was on 31 August 1957 that history was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted, with the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj leading the people in the famous shouts of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

For more than 30 years, Merdeka Day celebrations have been marked by parades involving uniformed personnel, corporate players, school children, cultural dancers, athletes and Malaysians from all walks of life. However, in recent years, the event has grown into a much anticipated and exciting month-long length celebration nationwide.

This forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration marks a significant milestone in the history of the nation. Join the enthusiastic crowd at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of Merdeka Day for the countdown to the momentous event. Another highlight of the year will be the Citrawarna or Colours and Flavours of Malaysia parade, an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. The event will be held on its grandest scale yet.

Malaysia invites all visitors to share in the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion. Come and be mesmerized by a unique multicultural populace celebrating 50 years of nationhood in harmony and peaceful co-existance. You will truly be fascinated.

WARGA IGP MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT HARI RAYA KEPADA SEMUA

DISCLAIMER:
Mana-mana bahan atau artikel yang dihantar ke IGP sekiranya ianya diambil dari mana-mana sumber lain, pihak kami minta maaf dan memohon agar pihak yang berkaitan dapat menghalalkan penyebaran maklumat atau ilmu tersebut.

Contribute to the threads listed at the bottom of the page or click the "Comments" tab at the top right for the full list.

Start a new thread by clicking "post a new comment" at the bottom right of this page.

Let The Beast Prosper

abrnadzrah — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:08:24 CST

NEW STRAITS TIMES

Features

Cover Story: Let the beast prosper 13 Nov 2006
SAM CHEONG

If the Malayan Tiger is to continue to survive, the public must play its part, writes SAM CHEONG, who was at the recent Tiger Conservation Workshop held in Pahang.

IF there is a place where the Malayan Tiger (genus Pantera Tigris) can “live long and prosper”, it has to be in our very own jungles. Despite being threatened by illegal poaching and human conflict in its natural habitat, our nation’s largest cat specie still has a stable population in the wild.

This can be attributed to more than 30 years of conservation work by the Government as well as the direct involvement of non-governmental organisations like the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). Researcher Kae Kawanishi, who specialises in the Malayan tiger, predicts that the number of tigers in the wild will actually increase if their conservation area remains protected from human intrusion and poachers.

She added that there is an estimated 500 to 1,100 cats in the wild based on data collected by remote monitoring work carried out by organisations like WWF and the Department of Wildlife.

“The highest concentration of tigers is around Perak, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan where conservation areas like Belum-Temenggor and Taman Negara are located,” she explained.

Kawanishi was speaking at the first Tiger Conservation Workshop in the Wildlife Department’s Bio-Diversity training centre in Lanchang, Pahang.

Save The Tiger Fund spokesman John Steidensticker said the tiger population in Peninsular Malaysia is remarkable despite the great pressures brought about by the destruction of its natural habitat and conflicts with humans.

Commenting on the long-term action plan on the conservation of the Malayan tiger, Wildlife Department Director Rashid Shamsudin said the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat) will make the necessary recommendations to the Government.

“Efforts to raise awareness among the public is ongoing and I urge people who have information about illegal poaching of tigers to get in touch with us so that immediate action can be taken,” he said.

The department’s Director of Law Enforcement Misliah Mohd Bashir said around one case of illegal harvesting of tigers and its parts is reported annually.

“This is based on official statistics from enforcement activities throughout the Peninsular. The department has also carried out joint operations with the army to flush out foreign poachers.

“Since 2002, we have apprehended more than 75 people, mostly foreigners, for illegal poaching. They have been charged in court under the Wildlife Protection Act and Immigration Act.”

Misliah added that the street price for a tiger is estimated at RM60,000 per carcass. Its body parts and organs are harvested and sold in China where the value is based on the foreign exchange.

Calling it Quit

abrnadzrah — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:47:21 CST

South & East

Saturday November 11, 2006

Mek Bunga calls it quits

By LISA GOH Newsdesk@thestar.com.my

TEMERLOH: After 33 years of service to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, it's finally time for Thai elephant Mek Bunga to retire. Mek Bunga, 68, who has gone blind in both eyessince almost two months ago, is in need of a proper shelter to protect her from the environmental elements.

Conservation centre volunteer Mohd Razali Mohd Noor said Mek Bunga arrived at the centre in the 1970s from Thailand, and has been serving the centre since. “She has helped us save and transport about 400 wild elephants from conflict areas to the national park in the 30 odd years she has been here,” he said.

Mek Bunga at her present enclosure at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Pahang.

Mohd Razali explained that it is no easy feat to move and transport wild elephants due to their sheer bulk, and that was when Mek Bunga, and her contemporary Che Mek, also in her sixties, come in. “After identifying the elephant we need to move, we will drug it.

Then Mek Bunga and Che Mek will flank the elephant and through their brute strength would pull the wild elephant onto a waiting truck.

“Without their assistance, it would be impossible to move and relocate the wild elephants,” he said. However, Mek Bunga, whom he calls the Grand Old Lady, has now retired and deserves a proper “retirement home.”

Mohd Razali said that Mek Bunga went blind due to old age, but she could still respond to her mahouts through voice recognition.

“We feel after all she has done to help her wilder cousins, she deserves a concrete shelter with a proper drainage system, and a high roof for ventilation.

“We would like to appeal to construction companies to provide us with their expertise and material to build her a shelter,” he said.

Those interested can contact the conservation centre head Nasharuddin Othman at Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Lanchang, 20500, Temerloh, Pahang.

Gambar Kaabah Lama

abrnadzrah — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 01:01:33 CST

world’s most beautiful islands

abrnadzrah — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:39:40 CST

Chill out at what time magazine calls one of the the world’s most beautiful islands – right in our own backyard!
-by Joyce Kirsten Wong -

Chill out at what time magazine calls one of the the world’s most beautiful islands – right in our own backyard!

An island that was formerly known as a stopover for fi shermen, sailors and traders is now one of the many tropical islands that foreigners and locals escape to.

Voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands by Time in the 1970s, Pulau Tioman got more than its fi fteen minutes of deserved fame for its lush forest, azure seawater, pristine sands and rich coral reefs.

The esteemed island is situated off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is part of the state of Pahang.

However, most en route travelers take the 90-minute boat ride from Mersing in Johore instead, as that jetty is the closest mainland port to Tioman.

With the availability of an airport on the island itself, those who despise travel by land and water can opt to fl y in to the island’s Tekek Village.

With the absence of proper roads, the best way for one to travel from Tekek to the other parts of the island is by boat.

It is advisable to take the ferry as its fare is roughly RM10-15 per person, compared to the more expensive speedboat.

Despite being faster and more convenient, the cost to ride a speedboat is practically extortionate, at approximately RM30 to ride from one village to another (depending on distance).

If roughing it out is your thing, have a go at riding a 4-wheel drive or hiking from Tekek to whichever one of the six main villages you plan to holiday at.

A path links them all, with much nature to relish on the way.

Tioman’s forest is so revered that it was previously classifi ed by the state government as a wildlife reserve, and has been featured on nature channels Animal Planet and National Geographic.

Many protected species of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles live here, including a few unique ones that were discovered by Professor Lee Grismer and proclaimed as not found anywhere else in the world! Exotic fauna is very much a part of Tioman, so don’t be alarmed if you spot a giant monitor lizard basking outside your chalet or a curious monkey eyeing your food.

Of course, it is the pristine beaches that attract most people to Tioman.

Sunbathing, snorkelling and diving are the main pastimes for those who venture there.

The coral reefs around the island are nearly 6,000 years old and harbour many varieties of sea creatures, including turtles, sharks and if you’re lucky, the rare giant clam.

Also in the surrounding waters are shipwrecks, remnants of the second World War, for you to explore.

One of the six villages on Pulau Tioman is Salang Village.

It holds more backpacker accommodation – with multiple chalets of different price ranges to fulfi ll a budget holiday – than the other villages.

If you’re one to stray away from the cliché of staying at Berjaya Resort and prefer to share the beach with less crowds, Salang is for you.

A long jetty fi ngers out into the sea, with resorts on both sides.

Take your time choosing where you’d like to stay; if you think the fi rst one you see is satisfying enough, a brisk 10-minute walk up the lane brings you to even more gorgeous chalets with fl owery bushes and lush greenery.

The resorts further in are suitable for those who plan to dive, whereas those who expect to spend most of their time on the beach might want to stay a tad closer.

Most of the beach bums consist of foreigners, suntanning themselves to similar shades of gold brown.

They stay for weeks at a time, spending the entire day from morning to sundown alternating between baking in the hot sun and dipping in the cool, clear ocean.

Should you tan easily and prefer to stay undersome shade, there are trees with hammocks for all at the side.

Remember not to rest under a coconut tree lest a monkey unintentionally shakes the rock-hard fruit onto your sleeping head.

The atmosphere in Salang Village is welcomingly serene with the evident feel of relaxation fl oating around.

Someone reads in a hammock.

Another slowly dozes off whilst listening to their iPod.

Someone else rents a snorkeling mask and fi ns for RM12 and takes a slow paddle in the ocean.

Even the cats are lazing around in nooks and corners of their own fi nding, venturing out now and then to be petted by holiday makers.

The phone reception on this particular part of Tioman is especially bad – which may come as a blessing or a burden.

An Internet café is available at RM10 an hour, alongside a grocery store.

Finding good food is not an issue, as there are cafes and restaurants sprinkled all over the village serving a decent variety of Malay, Chinese and Western dishes costing an average of RM6 per à la carte dish.

Every night, a bar comes to life with booming music, laughter and the clink of glasses as people from different parts of the world meet and make friends.

Some travelers go just to dive and nothing else.

They usually go in groups and book in advance so that they can achieve up to three dives a day.

As most of the corals close to shore have been destroyed, you’d have to go out further to truly enjoy the colourful reefs and fascinating creatures.

Even though effort has been taken to conserve the marine area around Pulau Tioman as a marine reserve, substantial coral has been diminished due to human activities there.

The controversial RM40 million project to build a cargo jetty at Tekek has sparked local protests that Pulau Tioman should be more focused on appreciating nature, rather than attracting tourism with duty-free liquor such as in Pulau Langkawi.

Construction is on-going and we suggest you head there before development really takes over!

Culture helps one think out of the box

abrnadzrah — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:26:56 CST

Culture helps one think out of the box
-by MASAMI MUSTAZA -

MANY have this perception that it’s not cool to venture into arts and culture ‘because it has no future’.

That, says the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, is not true and it is hitting the road to debunk this myth.

It has organised a programme called Tunas Budaya Pemangkin Kesenian to achieve that objective.

The programme is jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage’s Arts and Culture Department with the Ministry of Education.

Considering the problem that children nowadays are more into modern, technology-related pastimes — being glued to the Cartoon Network or playing non-stop on their PS2 consoles — the department’s move has met with praise and success.

“We are trying to change the perception of the public towards the importance of arts and culture,” said Arts and Culture Department assistant director Mohd Zin Mohd Shahid.

“Many people have the impression that there is no future for people in this field and that it is not as important as other areas such as technology or medicine.”

Mohd Zin points out that arts and culture can also bring success and wealth if one has determination and is able to think out of the box.

The Ministry has a financial aid programme for individuals and societies specialising in arts and culture.

There are also aid programmes for companies dealing in the arts and crafts industry.

“Look at our artistes and fashion designers. They’re doing well and making a good name for themselves,” he added.

“Who says that arts and culture are only suited as pastime activities? Being involved in arts and culture adds character to an individual and shows that you’re proud of your heritage.”

With the mission of cultivating the public’s interest in arts and culture, the programme focuses on primary school children with the hope that they will grow up into adults with a love for the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The programme was first executed in 2002 with the formation of cultural clubs in selected schools nationwide.

It has been a huge success in drawing its target audience.

As of June 2006, the estimated number of participants had risen from 470 students in 2002 to 14,170 students in 494 schools. More schools have asked to join the programme.

The programme’s module comprises traditional dancing, theatre, music and top spinning with each club concentrating on only one subject.

The programme culminates in performances by members of the clubs called Kelab Tunas Budaya at the annual Festival Kesenian Kanak-Kanak Malaysia. This year’s festival will take place in Kuantan, Pahang, from Nov 28 to Dec 2.

Besides the festival, talented participants may also be chosen to take part in special programmes organised by the department.

cultural concert

abrnadzrah — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 20:39:07 CST

Sound & Stage > News & Features

Tuesday October 24, 2006

Nagoya orchestra in concert

Flautist Ayako Takagi will be performing the Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major.

UMW Toyota Motor brings the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra to perform at the annual Toyota Classics concert on Nov 4 at the Shah Alam City Auditorium, Selangor. UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota Motor Corporation Japan have been organising the Toyota Classics for the past 17 years, and for at least the first half of that, was one of the pioneering few who were responsible for bringing in World Class orchestras to this country. The Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, formed 40 years ago, comprises 75 professional musicians, and will be making its second appearance in Malaysia under the Toyota Classics banner; its last appearance was in 2000. The orchestra has received the Tokai TV Cultural Prize (1990), the Aichi Prefecture Arts and Culture Prize (19910 and the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award for recording arts (1997), and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. This concert will be conducted by Tatsuyo Shimono, who has trained under the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, and has guest conducted the likes of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Bordeaux Orchestra and Strasbourg Philharmonic.

This year’s Toyota Classics concert will be conducted by Tatsuyo Shimono.

Next month, Shimono will become the first conductor to fill the position of resident conductor of the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra. His debut CD, conducting the Osaka Philharmonic in performances of works by Japanese composer Hiroshi Oguri, was released by Naxos in 2003. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth, the first half of the concert will feature classics from his repertoire, including the famed Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 314, with the flute solo performed by Japanese flautist Ayako Takagi. Takagi is among Japan's most sought after young flautists, thanks to an attractive combination of technique and style that has won her an enthusiastic following. Her list of CD releases reached nine as of June 2005. The orchestra will also perform the overture to the opera Don Giovanni. In the second half, the orchestra will perform works by Antonin Dvorak, Georges Bizet, Gabriel Fauré and Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky. This year, all gross proceeds from ticket sales and corporate donations will be channelled to St Nicholas' Home, Bagan Jermal Penang; Pusat Latihan Pertanian Bagi Orang Buta, Taman Harapan, Temerloh Pahang; and Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Spastik, Johor Baru. Since 1990, through the organisation of the Toyota Classics, UMW Toyota has raised and donated RM4.1mil to 26 local charity organisations. Tickets for the concert are priced at RM70, RM150 and RM250. For reservations call the Corporate Planning Division of UMW Toyota at 03-5123 6740/46 or e-mail classics@toyota.com.my or visit www.toyota.com.my The Shah Alam City Auditorium is located at Majlis Perbandaran, Shah Alam, Selangor. – By Jason Cheah

Kuantan Port new Facilities

abrnadzrah — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:55:11 CST

Kuantan Port adds two new facilities
By SIMON KHOO
KUANTAN: Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (KPC) has added two new facilities for the handling of heavy cargoe and steel pipes due to the rapid increase in cargo and vessel traffic.

The development of these two jetties had resulted in handling efficiency and a faster loading rate. Its managing director Wong Soon Fah said Kuantan Port now has a total of 17 berths, up from 12 berths before privatisation in 1998.

He said some RM300mil had been spent on port development which includes new berths, container yards and providing new equipment for container operations.

“Kuantan Port’s steady growth in its cargo throughput reflects the growing role of the port in supporting the development of the East Coast Industrial Corridor.

“To further enhance this role, KPC had recently joined forces with Kuantan Port Authority to develop and market a 50ha land into a biofuel park.

“Already four biofuel manufacturing companies have confirmed to establish their operations there.

“These four plants will have a total combined production of about a million tonnes,” he told The Star.

In addition to the existing seven liquid bulk facilities, Wong said KPC was presently constructing a new berth dedicated to the handling of biofuel.

“The new berth is part of our preparations to facilitate additional handling demands while beefing up efficiency in the liquid bulk handling operations.

“Piling works are taking place currently and it is expected to be ready in eight months time,” he said, adding that the berth would be 240m long with a draught of 11.4m which could accommodate vessels up to 40,000 DWT.

Recently, KPC had also signed a deal to dredge its 510m long West Wharf at Kemaman Port.

Increase Allocation for Roads

abrnadzrah — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:50:00 CST

South & East

Monday October 30, 2006

Raise allocation for roads, Government urged
By SIMON KHOO
simonkhoo@thestar.com.my KUALA LIPIS: The Government has been urged to increase the allocation for widening of federal roads in the state for the safety and convenience of road users.

Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah said an allocation of some RM80mil was required to upgrade and widen stretches from KM16 to KM98 of the Lipis-Merapoh road. “I hope the Government will seriously look into setting aside a bigger allocation for the purpose starting next year. “The stretches need urgent attention to avoid a repetition of the tragedy which claimed 14 lives when two express buses collided two years ago,” he said during a working visit to Kampung Merapoh here on Thursday.

Earlier, he offered his condolences to family members of serviceman Kpl Mohd Farid Abdullah, 27, based in TUDM Labuan, who was killed during an accident. Three others occupants of the car were seriously injured when it rammed into an express bus at KM66 of the Lipis-Merapoh road.

The accident was just 3km from the site where 14 bus passengers lost their lives in 2004. Sultan Ahmad Shah also took time off to visit several stretches of the Lipis-Merapoh road which were prone to accidents.

He said the Lipis-Merapoh road and several other steep and hilly stretches in the state were dangerous to vehicles and required urgent upgrading work. “I hope construction on this dangerous stretches can take place soon as it would take several years to be completed. “I will leave it to the relevant authorities to plan and upgrade the roads for the benefit of road users and rural development,” he said, adding that the state was grateful to the Government for the construction of the east-coast highway and upgrading the stretches from Kuantan to Pekan, Rompin, Tanjong Gemok and Endau.

Sultan Ahmad Shah reasoned that if road conditions were not improved, it could affect tourism activities and tourist arrivals. “I am confident that with better roads, more outsiders will visit Lipis town here in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007,” he said. He also expressed his regret and sadness over the number of road fatalities during the festive period. “Let’s not point fingers at one another.

Accidents can be prevented if drivers are more careful and courteous on the road,” he said. Sultan Ahmad Shah said motorists should take heed of the latest fatalities and follow traffic rules and regulations at all times. “The people must bear in mind the slogan Pandu Cermat, Jiwa Selamat (Drive Safely, Value Your Life) propagated by the authorities,” he said.

Tengku Abdullah: Hold courses on parenting

abrnadzrah — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:36:45 CST

South & East

Saturday October 28, 2006

Tengku Abdullah: Hold courses on parenting
By SIMON KHOO
KUANTAN: The authorities have been urged to expedite the implementation of parental courses in the country. Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said such courses would help address the increasing incidence of child abuse and neglect. “These courses need urgent implementation as many couples are facing socio-economic pressure in their daily lives. “Relevant authorities such as the Welfare Department should carry out a study on the pattern of divorce cases.

Tengku Abdullah (centre) holding orphan Saidatul Aliya on his lap at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Children Welfare Home in Kuantan during his visit on Wednesday.

“How many cases are happening and why? How it will affect the children, especially their education?” he said during a visit to the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Children Welfare Home here on Wednesday. The visit was held in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations with the aim of bringing some cheer to the children. Tengku Abdullah said, previously, the National Population and Family Development Board had proposed a parental course to guide newly-married couples to be responsible parents. He said the proposal should be given priority as it would ensure parents conducted proper planning and raise their children well. “These courses are useful and beneficial not just to newly-married couples but also to those who already have several children. “Parents can adopt the right principles and give counsel to build strong family bonds,” he said. On a separate matter, he urged the management of welfare homes to give more emphasis to the education aspect. “It is no longer enough just to provide food, clothing and a roof over the head. “They must ensure that residents are brought up properly and be responsible in society at large,” he said. Tengku Abdullah said, through proper education, the residents would be able to live independently in facing stiff challenges and be successful in their lives.

Videoclip siti

abrnadzrah — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:49:09 CST