STEPPING BACK INTO TIME ?

THE QUESTION IS ASKED.  There is no problem to dwell into the past as records are available but to wish things as they were would be an impossibility . You too may have lived in the years past and your vivid memories could easily be awaken to remember the distinct. 

Today as we approach the 56th year of celebrating Merdeka and seeing the 'Jalur Gemilang' ( the national Flag) wavering in the breeze as they stand on poles and staffs of buildings and vehicles, we would recognize that we have gone past that time line, possibly  adding a score more or less. Surely things are still vivid in our mind. One thing for sure a ride on the ferry crossing the Penang Channel recently brought back quint memories of shipping at the Alor Setar harbour.  

Wow! Is there a harbour at Alor Setar town? Could a ship traveled upstream from Kuala Kedah and anchored in town? No one who has not seen the old river would ever vouch that it is possible. Sungai Kedah as it is now would not even allow a fishing trawler to go upstream from its estuary. Kuala Kedah would be its last stop. Alas such a situation has taken place in many of our towns in the country.

I remember seeing ships as big as in the picture below or the size of the ferry that ply the Butterwoth - Penang channel anchoring in the town in the early 1950's. Alor Setar just like many other towns in Malaysia is a riverine town and communication or trading to other parts of the country in days before Merdeka (1957) depended on shipping as the main avenue. Large cargo would not be transported by road or railway as both were inadequate for the purpose. Therefore it was always a thrilling moment when as a youngster I would see ships mooring at the town harbour after coming upstream from the estuary at Kuala Kedah six or seven kilometers away. 

Daily the ferry boat from Langkawi would also come in to anchor at the jetty in town. The blasts from the ship's horn added to the excitement as people crowd the riverside to see a larger than live transportation came in slowly to moor itself by the wooden jetty at Tanjung Chali.

It is a picture framed in my mind that is impossible to forget and the sight of the ship in the Penang harbour seen on 14 August 2013 while on the ferry moving across the channel conjured the reality of things. Thus this write up or looking back into the past. 

Unfortunately even the jetty in the town has been demolished. No one who had never seen the jetty and especially the ship at anchor there would ever believe the reality of things. Looking at the current site and river condition, we would likewise agree with them.

Cries for 'river beautification' or 'the restoration of our riverine beautification' would not bring back its past grandeur and usage. We have truly destroyed our natural beauty and its importance through neglect and destruction. The Alor Setar river in the past would be bluish as sea water flowed in upstream. Now it is muddy and brownish and don't expect youngsters to jump in and having a swim there.

This is a recollection I would like to share with friends who may have seen the same situation transpired in their towns when shipping was the main source of transportation or when custom and marine department offices were located in your town rather than at the estuary of the river now. Thankfully the old marine and custom building is intact though not serving its old function excepting defining its true identity. 

Several photos as displayed below may help to define the truth and the calamity that has fallen on other riverine towns in the country and every where. We would like to define this as development. Hard to agree!     

A cargo ship the like of which was once seen in Alor Setar town ages ago which anchored to load timber, rice and other natural products for shipment to Penang and Port Klang as well as unloading supplies for the town. Barges the likes we often see at Penang were towed in to the harbour. Now it is even unlikely to find such barges at Penang. How fortunate to find a picture in my collection.   

              

The Penang Ferry built so that it could ply into shallow waters too.

These barges were a plenty in Penang in the 1950's but gradually disappeared as containers and port facilities improved with time. Then they too made their way to Alor Setar harbour before. The river no doubt was deep enough.

 

A scene even upstream from Alor Setar specifically at Anak Bukit where boat racing could even take place as the river was wide and the water deep and flowing.

A picture taken in 1962 on a boat leaving Brunei Town for Labuan. Yes large ships too could anchor at the harbour in town. Now they stop at Muara Port away from the city. The harbour in town has become out of bound for ocean going ships. The next two pictures show that it was possible before.

In 1962 the Brunei River with its jetty in town would see even navy and cargo ships anchored in its waters. I was fortunate to have captured these scenes on camera reminding me what was already a gone thing in Alor Setar. Never did I realize this scene would repeat here in Brunei because when I visited the city in 2011 no ocean boats plying the Borneo - Singapore and Malaysia could lower their anchors in the Brunei River anymore.

Alor Setar town.  Believe it or not, ocean going ships used to anchor here with a jetty built by the side of the brick  walls. The white washed building with two flags wavering in the breeze was the former custom and marine office. The shops along Jalan Pekan Cina by the river was the busiest part of the town. Now gone with the wind and so too the once busy part of Alor Setar known as Pekan Cina and Pekan Melayu.

Today we hear talk of upgrading and bringing back live to the water. Million of Ringgit would be needed to bring back its austere lives. Rather why not save those rivers not yet polluted and still breathing, halting all the mistakes we had created that have turned the 'old' rivers to what they are now.

Yes as we see Malaysia coming to age in its 56th year, let's give a thought to the past gleaming back at its peace and beauty that fortunately touched us in all its majesty once.

Are we missing something?

1 SHAWAL (HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI)

Today is Thursday 1 Shawal 1434H / 8 August 2013 and Muslims through out the world celebrate Aidil Fitri the first day of Shawal after leaving behind the previous month of Ramadan, which saw Muslims observing the fast for the whole month beginning dawn to sunset. It is a great festive day seeing families getting together even meaning many returning home to their bases even if stationed or working in other parts of the country or even outside the country. This annual gathering allow parents to meet their siblings and other close relatives and friends. For today specifically Muslims are forbidden to fast though for the next six days starting tomorrow they may do so as so specified religiously.

For today especially visits to homes would mean being entertained to delicious servings of various kind of food and delicacies. Never the less it is the gathering with audible wishes of 'forgive and forget' or 'ampun dan maaf' between one another young and old, parents and siblings. The morning starts with the community gathering for the 'Aidilfitri' prayer at the nearby mosques and thereafter the love ones adjourning to the graves of their dear departed to offer prayers and respect. 

  

Children especially enjoy this special festive days as they receive envelopes containing 'duit raya' from their elder relatives as well as their parents. The more energetic boys and girls who made their ways to the 'open houses' will gain a good collection laughing their way homes at the end of the day.

From the news report we hear that thousands gathered at two  open houses held at Istana Negara Kuala Lumpur and Seri Perdana Putrajaya respectively held earlier in the day today. "Open House' will be held in other places too in the next few days throughout the country identifying the uniqueness of our Malaysian society.

Our visit to our neighbour early today meant that we had the golden opportunity to meet with Dato Paduka Mukhriz the Menteri Besar of Kedah and his wife. The Menteri Besar likewise would hold an 'open house' at Seri Mentaloon the official residence on 10th August 2013

                        

 The families meeting with the Menteri Besar of Kedah and wife.

 Later in the day, the ' open house' concept saw its great success when families and friends convened at our home. It is an golden opportunity to meet with families far and near as well friends. Like wise we too take the opportunity to visit other homes as well binding closer unity and friendship.

This is one of the great virtue of Aidilfitri when we come together and forgive and forget apologizing for faults, mistakes or whatever that have transpired between one another in the past. The children especially live on to remember the celebration, the delicacies and the envelopes with Aidilfitri Ringgit Malaysia enclosed as token for the visits to homes.

Nonetheless families never failed to remember the dear departed, missing them for their non presence at this juncture and celebration.

RAMADAN THE QUESTION. HOW DO YOU BREAK THE FAST ?

Ramadan is the fasting month for Muslims. It strikes a lasting impact each year it comes around. Much as it heralds the first of Shawal after a month of fasting during the day and celebrated by all, it necessarily bid a farewell with thoughts whether we would be fortunate to welcome the month again the coming year. The religious obligations that we performed during Ramadan far outstretched any other months in the Muslim calendar.  

This morning the attention is focused at looking the current obligations of Muslims breaking fast at sunset. 'Obligations' to an extent when we depart from our home and instead break fast outside thus not being with the whole family. Maybe the attractions and callings or invitations do take us away from the family and allow us to be with others for the occasion.  

A, With friends and neighbors at the mosque.

No you do not have to travel away from home but just arrive in time at the local mosque for reading of the prayer and helping where necessary with the jumaah. You simply sit with the rest of the neighbours and breakfast with the the call of the 'azan' The dishes are served either by the mosque officials or the caterer. No one lingers for the maghrib prayer soon calls upon all to be in the mosque. All will leave for home after the prayer and prepares to return for the Isyak and Terawith prayer soon after. Much as at our local mosque only the male jumaah attend the breakfast session, there are mosques which see the family attending the breaking of fast. This surely assures a healthy growth in the community. 

 

B, At a hotel or restaurant in the city. 

Advertisements in the newspapers and hoardings outside hotels and restaurants invite customers to breakfast at these places. Naturally they showcase the delicacies and menus that are attractive in combination with the price set. A family which takes to this invitation will naturally pay a RM 50.00 per person or more, not counting that they have to leave home to arrive at these establishments. Naturally the atmosphere added to the 'luxury' of the establishment not forgetting the display of dishes which catch your eyes.

      The servings that tempt you but the how much can you eat?

No this now appear as a display item at the restaurant, though they must have been a hit before

This was all that come to be placed on the dining plate.

       At a middle eastern restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

C, At home or a restaurant in town particularly at Restoran TT Gajah Alor Setar

 

We offer a good rate for breaking of fast at RM 20.00 per person with the homely atmosphere and local dishes added in. This is just like breaking fast at home too. A surau on site offers the necessarily need of the guests.

WELCOME TO "RESTORAN CITARASA TTGAJAH"

IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE RESTORAN, After a break of two days the staff is set to welcome guests for the stretch of Ramadan. We offer a promotion of RM 20.00 p/p for our buffet Ramadan.

For friends and colleagues of KOTASTAR do come and have a look at the restaurant which has been running since Muharram 1434. Not reaching our first anniversary as yet.

This wooden house rebuilt from its old dilapidated condition and forming an attraction of its own, now is used as a surau for visitors that are at the restaurant for 'buka puasa' an addition to the existing one. It's next to the restaurant as can be seen from the picture below.

 We are sure the chefs and the staff have prepared the best for the customers and hopefully this Ramadan will be the beginning to many more in the years forthcoming.

 This is the inside of the wooden house ready for 'maghrib' prayer especially for our guests. Our large parking space and safety add to the facilities that Restoran Citarasa TTGajah offers.

A few months back I was on the top of the building under construction right in front of the restaurant and managed this aerial photo with the greens around. Two days ago, I have a picture of the completed building which now stands right in front of the restaurant. Both now compliment each other positioning at Kilometer 10 Titi Gajah Road.

             

This is the new Tabung Haji Hotel which will see the Haj passengers leaving from here direct to Jeddah or Madinah starting this haj season. It stands directly in front of Restoran CitaRasa TT Gajah and both are landmarks on the Alor Setar Jitra Road and a stone's throw to the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport.

THE KING OF FRUITS

 IT'S THE TIME of the year when the fruit is in season.It is no ordinary fruit but the thorny one at that and better known as the KING OF FRUITS,especially in Malaysia and South East Asia in general where the "durian" is found. The base word 'duri' means thorn and 'durian' applies to it.

Several motor cyclists with special carriers had arrived earlier at Azam's fruit stall to deliver their supply of the fruits. These would be the collectors who had visited the orchards in the area earlier in the morning.

On Saturday morning the 6th of July 2013 I was at Biak a village in the district of Kubang Pasu Kedah to collect several fruits which I have ordered earlier. Knowing there would be a big request for the fruit you would have to make a prior order less you may arrive and come home empty handed or with a mere collections not enough for the group that you expect to come to your function.I needed a fairly large number and therefore the prior order with the request for quality fruits too. Azam the fruit distributor who operates the business from his stall had promised to meet my request.

 

Two boxes had been unloaded and ready for classifications. The likelihood you would be one of many that would find it hard to identify and select the better fruit from the other.

Already the fruits are grouped into size or quality as known by Azam, who has been in business for several years and know from which orchards the fruits came from.

Nine durian fruits of good size and quality from our novice eyes but they have to be opened to discover the actuality of the fruits. However Azam would be able to show the best from his long experience. Now how do you 'break' open the thorny fruits?

They are on the weighing scale. Altogether they weigh 75 kilograms. About sixty fruits of various sizes were entered into the boot of the Volvo car. In town the durian would cost RM 4.00 to RM 8.00 per kilogram depending on the quality. If that was the price I would have to pay a heavy price. For that very reason that's the reason for making the visit to the village and the orchard area itself.

  All that to be taken home and at a price most unexpected. No I will not reveal the price less there is a great rush to the place. Give me a call perhaps we can make the trip together.

Now they are at the restaurant, ready for the guests.

Restaurant Citarasa TT Gajah is ready to receive its guests for the 'khenduri' in conjunction with welcoming 'Ramadan'. held after the Asar prayer. We had the 'jummah' from the local mosque, neighbours and friends. Besides the dishes prepared, the guests had the taste of the local fruits in season and especially the durian. It was a hit as none would miss the opportunity to taste the good and delicious king of the fruits.

Its ambiance, closeness and the friendship of group and community help to usher in Ramadan realizing our obligations; grateful that we are able to welcome the month again with all its distinctions.

The durian was a hit at the gathering as all the fruits turned out to be of good quality and the complete disappearance of all the sixty odd fruits after no less than two hours was testimony to its favouritism amongst Malaysian especially. Nevertheless the current fruit season saw other local fruits making their appearances too. Distinguish them?   

 

  Rambutan, mangosteens and dukong are favourites too. Petai of course cannot be missed.  

Wishing all my Muslim friends all the best of health and may you fulfill all its obligations during Ramadan.

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF A SCHOOL

Members of the staff with the Principal Hj Baharom Othman in 1967.

 The blogger is tenth from left in the front row.

Fifty years ago I was one of the teaching staff at Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Halim Jitra Kedah.

Last Sunday the 30th of June 2013 the school achieved its 50th anniversary chalking a historic landmark for the fully residential Malay medium school established in the country. When previously residential schools and those with hostels were English medium, the government of Malaysia went on to start Sekolah Menengah Alam Shah Ceras Selangor followed by the one in Kedah. It was to be the beginning of many that followed their trails. Now Malay fully residential schools plus Mara Colleges offer the best of secondary education to the students throughout the country. SMSAH at Jitra also came to be referred as JENAN taking the name of its location adjacent to a Military base of the early 1940's. 

Reporting in 1964 to the Principal (Dato) Hj Ahmad Saleh as the Senior Assistant of the school, after a tenure of four years in Brunei Darussalam, it was an experience that capped many challenges yet fulfilling. More so it continues to secure strong linkages with the former staff as well as the students that formed the members of the school population in the initial years of its existence and growth. Even now members of the former staff and students meet quite regularly always reminiscing the spirited days at Jenan with all its quaintness, discipline and familiarities. With many short comings in its initial years, the students grew to appreciate what was offered and yet survived with success, never complaining of the inadequacies of the time.Their prowess in the community, public and private sector later justified what Jenan had given them. 

The attendance of more than one thousand two hundred students and guests at the dinner graced by the presence of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong at Dewan Wawasan Jitra was testimony to the school success story. Even one member of the former student amongst others donated a new Proton car for a lucky draw. One lucky former student went home the happiest man of the night with a price worth RM38,000.00 with the lucky draw picked by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong himself.

Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah delivering the speech and receiving a gift at the function.

 

The school carried the name of the Sultan of Kedah, who officially opened the school in 1966 when Dr Mahathir Mohamad was Chairman of the School Board.

      A picture personally taken on the occasion when the school was oficially opened by the Sultan of  Kedah . Present on the stage were Sultanah Bahiyah, The Raja Muda of Kedah and Dato Syed Omar Menteri Besar of Kedah then. Dr Mahathir Mohamed is seen delivering his speech. Notice the furniture and deco of the time.

            The friendship and comradeship endured between teacher and student. At the occasion on Sunday I had this photo taken of Che Gu Hj Omar Saad and Hj Ismail Hj Din a former student of the school in the early 1960's. Both naturally have reached their gray age.

      On another occasion students and teachers met at the Selangor Club Kuala Lumpur for dinner.Such close linkages endured the teacher student relationship. Another shot when the photographer would not be in the picture.

        

These are some of the junior student members of Jenan who traveled from Kuala Lumpur to attend the gathering and were at our home for breakfast on Sunday morning. They happened to be colleagues of our son-in-law Idzfan Idris who also happened to be an Ex SMSAH student. They recognized me as the super teacher being much ahead of their time. It was fun time and a great break for them being away from works in the city.

                    Noted the ex students with two of their teachers at our home in Alor Setar. Che Gu Hj Hashim Abdul Rahman ( in black and blue batik) now resides in Canberra Australia and was the Guru Sains at Jenan 1965  - 1970

On another occasion the Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak was also at the school, with the official opening of 'Seminar Pembangunan Masharakat' ( the old spelling) 5 -7 Sept 1966. Again please notice the layout and the simple chairs used for the national seminar and the school hall without 'air-conditioning' and personal speaker system for the members.

The 30th of June 2013 celebration gave me this opportunity to throw back some of the recorded moments of the past. Thinking back we are blessed to be able to see and be part of the centenary celebration of my former Alma Mater Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid  in 2008 and now the second Malay Residential School of SMSAH at Jenan Jitra Kedah. Where as the former was built during the colonial period in 1908 with English as the medium, the latter came with Independence and formation of Malaysia. Its Bahasa Malaysia media was the giant step that heralded education in Malaysia especially for the rural populace, beginning with two fully residential schools and exploding many more as years progressed.

 

As a teacher and parent you would be happy and glad to learn of your children's success. On one occasion we were at Abu Bakar Omar's house in Kuala Lumpur. He proudly said " Che Gu I have won this price" and showing the reward for his achievement in drama and film. Many of us would have seen this known dramatist in films especially via the TV. Abu Bakar was one of the earlier students at Jenan and began his acting career on the school stage with the play written by Dato Shahnon Ahmad and directed by Hashim Abdul Rahman both teachers at the school then. 

The close teacher and student relationship, continuing after many decades speak well of our linkages with one another. It is this affection which perhaps make teaching the best of all careers. Frankly I would say that you would never get that same respect and honour if ever you are in any other professions after retirement. The teenagers that you knew would remember you much more than the adults that were members of your office or department.

(Orang yang paling bertuah pada malam itu menerima 'kunci'kereta daripada Yang DiPertuan Agong.) 

One lucky ex student who was the special lucky draw winner at the Anniversary Dinner receiving the mock key of a brand new Proton car from Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Yang DiPertuan Agong.