Something Out Of Kajang - The Ancient Chinese Art of Face Mask Changing

During my visit to Shenzen Cultural Village, China, we had dinner along with this performance of Changing Face Mask often done with a blink of an eye and no matter how many times you watch and wonder how it is done. Watch Closely! Don't Blink!

Dangerous Junctions - Kajang Traffic

I have seen Kajang traffic grew by leaps and bounds since 1978 especially I obtained my driving license. The first thing I did was to invite my friend Ng Yen Tien (migrated to Australia), together we left on a 200km journey exploring Kuala Lumpur from 11.00pm till 4.00am with my father's car which run on diesel and for less than $8.00, at todays petrol prices probably you will be able to reach Mid Valley, period. Driving in Kajang in those days was really stress free unlike today, drivers need to be considerate be it driving slow or fast and always remember that there are others who are also using the road like you. I did have my fair share of receiving traffic summons and accidents and with that comes the experience knowing how to avoid the avoidable situations like not "speeding" at certain stretch of the road at a certain time if you know what I mean, and being cautious and attentive otherwise it will be a costly affair.

There are three dangerous junctions in Kajang where I find that by placing proper signboard and traffic lights with proper maintenance, many accidents could have been avoided. Due to maybe "tidak apa attitude" people just complained or "curse" when approaching this junctions and once they pass through it, they would nod and forget about it. For the poor fella who are involved in accidents in these junctions just have to experience the hassle of making police reports and insurance claims.

The first Junction is the Bandar Teknologi Kajang entry and exit, here I could not understand since its opening till today and after numerous accidents and near misses, still there are no traffic lights installed. Every time when I visit my friends who lives there, after that if you want exit towards Semenyih you will need to be very patient as there are many vehicles coming from Semenyih. Last I heard is that there are road works going on but for how long?. And till the day they finally install the traffic lights..."That will be the day..." as the song goes.

The second Junction is in town, in front of RHB bank, cars coming in from the Jalan Semenyih road is the right of way going towards the Metro Plaza direction but cars coming from left (Taxi Station) sometimes think that they have the right of way, so what happens, somebody will be starring like you have to give way or else... and some just bull doze their way through. If somebody just refuse to give way, accidents would result. There use to be a "Stop-Look-Go" road sign but it is missing maybe due to scrap metal collectors or poor maintenance, the authorities concerned should provide regular inspections to ensure that road signs are in place.

The third Junction is the many entry and exit points along Sungai Chua road from BP station to Vinny Plaza. There are just too many entry and exits without proper road sign. Sometimes cars going in and out where ever is convenient to them but dangerous to others. Either install road dividers or have proper road signs.

If you have further comments put it here and I believe with enough complaint and suggestions the MPKj and the counsellors would take note and especially with the expected up coming general elections, their actions will be scrutinized.

Kajang High School

In the year January 1973, I had been transfered to Kajang High School (KHS) the most prestigious school at that time, it was all male school only to have its history rewritten when they admit girls for the Form 6 classes. Everything was strange and different because in the primary school at Hill Street Kajang we had new buildings but in KHS it was colonial design, the building looked very stately like and very grand. As the main building was built in April 1 1930 and its opening was graced by His Royal Highness Sultan Alaiddin Suleiman Shah K.C.M.G. Sultan of Selangor. As the years past the building at its present site undergo many changes to what it is today. The picture on the right is the right wing, photo taken from road leading up to the main complex.

As boy scouts member we would always be active during most of the school's activities like sports day, cross country run etc. and on other occasions we would camp at our scout house (use to be located just behind the present KHS hall). During our camps we would collect bamboos from the opposite hill (now Bukit Mewah) and build many gadgets like tables and chairs just to test our scouting skills. And at night we would have campfire gatherings and our seniors would tell stories about KHS from ghost stories to the Japanese occupation and especially there were secret tunnels on the border of KHS and the Hockkien Cemetery. So during the day we went looking for secret tunnels and we found them, with fear and anxiety we climb down one particular tunnel which was about 6 feet deep and once inside there were connecting underground tunnels. It was dark except for the sun light through the tunnel, it was covered with cobweb we dare not venture further as it was near the cemetery, pretty scary for a young boy scout.

Sleeping in the school class rooms was also "hair raising" experience, at one particular dark night around 20 of us decided to sleep in the classroom in the main school building and somewhere after midnight, we were still awake and we heard footsteps along the corridor, without hesitating we rush out to see who it was. There was no one............. except.............. ... foot steps...........was clearly heard, really hair raising experience. Till today things still happened in the night without explanation.

KHS had many outstanding students, one of them who was transfered from another school (Victoria Institution) to Kajang High School was Tan Sri Dato' Dr. David Tan Chee Khoon who was a outstanding boy scout and also a patrol leader. Here is an extract ...

Tan Sri Dato' Dr David Tan Chee Khoon, born on 4 March 1919, was a V.I. student at High Street and later at the new V.I. in 1937-1938. He is perhaps the most renowned and respected Malaysian opposition leader of all time. He was also a most selfless doctor, a tireless educationalist, a humble christian and an avid reader and writer to boot. His two sons- Tan Kee Keong and Tan Kee Kwong - were Victorians (and doctors) as well. The latter was also the V.I. School Captain in 1965 and is now the Deputy Minister for Land and Co-operative Development. Tan Sri was close to his alma mater, and he even attended both the Centenary Countdown and Centenary Dinner in 1993. The following is the story of Tan Sri's inspirational life, extracted from his autobiography, Tan Chee Khoon: From Village Boy to Mr Opposition and from various articles.

If you have interesting stories about KHS you are welcomed and If you happened to be a KHS old boy or Class of 77, they will be having reunion dinner in 7 of July 2007 (7/07/2007) you can contact

Tony Choo 012-3667833 or
Kwan Hock Hai 019-2279209, 03-21635848

Hash House Harriers - Kajang Hash Begining

History

Hashing began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a small group of British colonial officials and expatriates, Cecil Lee, Frederick "Horse" Thomson, Ronald "Torch" Bennett, and a British accountant of Catalan descent Albert Stephen Ignatius Gispert(A.S Gispert), a casual group who would meet after work on Monday evenings to run, following a paper trail, through the environs of Kuala Lumpur to get rid of the excesses of the previous weekend. There was another member of the group, John Woodrow, who is rarely credited as one of the founders as he left Malaysia after the war to return home to his family in Scotland.

After running for some months they were approached by the Registrar of Societies, who advised them that, as they were a "group" they would require a Constitution (the aims of which are reproduced below) and a name. A.S. Gispert (known as "G") suggested the name. Hash House Harriers... Click on this for more hash details

By the year 2007 there are about 2000 chapters (clubs) in major cities and towns. In the beginning Hashing members were strictly Male and only later did they include Females and today there are all male chapters, mixed chapters and even children (to promote as a family outing). The history of Hashing in Kajang begin in the year 1988 and had its first run in Bukit Angkat Kajang. This chapter is known as Kajang Hash House Harriers (KH3, mix chapter) later another mix chapter was form by the name of Hulu Langat Hash House Harriers, followed by Batang Kajang H3 (BKH3, Male chapter). In the year 2000, Cheras Hash House Harriers & Harrierts (CH4, Mix Chapter) and the latest is Kajang Happy Happy Happy Hash House Horrors (subsidiary of BKH3,KH6, mix and includes children). There are many publicity about hash clubs but this slogan says it all "A running club with a drinking problem". Today there are members who are non-drinkers and drinkers.

Each member of the club will host a run regularly at the same time and same day of the week and he or she is known as the hare. He would have to set a run by choosing a run site for eg. Broga Rock Temple, he would enter the trail usually 3 to 4 hours earlier to lay papers to guide the other runners. A good run will typically last from an hour to two where all the runners safely returned to the run site. Whereby members and guest can drink and have a meal. After the "run" members would form a "circle" (informal meeting) to listen to news and jokes where members would like to enjoy their evening among hash friends. Some generous hares (host) would on their "run" sponsors T-Shirts for every member and guest and throw a sumptuous feast usually at a restaurant (NOT compulsory, can be at the run site with a simple meal).

Goldprick Chin says his most memorable run "my first run was at Bkt. Angkat Kajang, the hare was Mr. Tai Lin Yoong, it was such a long run with many hills going up and down it was agony but as soon as I reach the run site it felt dammed good"

Many hashers have many memorable runs which is why they joined the club, to the other hashers out there I am sure you have a memorable experience to share you can always put your story here.

Hash Runs every Week, For further information contact the below hasher (Normally each hash member will be baptized with a new name hence the funny names)

Kajang Hash House Harriers (KH3-Mix Chapters), Approx. 140 members, Runs every Saturday at 6.00pm
Contact Hasher Mr. Funtoong H/P 013-3388236

Hulu Langat Hash House Harriers (HL4-Mix Chapters), Approx. 100 members, Runs every Saturday at 6.00pm.
Contact Hasher

Batang Kajang Hash House Harriers (BKH3-Male Chapters), Approx. 100 members, Runs every Wednesday at 6.00pm.
Contact Hasher Mr. Goldprick Chin H/P 019-3383005

Kajang Happy Happy Happy Hash House Horrors (KH6-Mix with children chapters). Runs on alternate Sundays at 5.00pm
Contact Hasher Mr. Half Chicken H/P 012-6557093
he is the owner in the mentioned "Barbecue Chicken, Duck and Pork- Kajang Food"

Cheras Hash House Harriers & Harriettes (CH4-Mix chapter), Approx. 180 members, Runs every Tuesday at 6.00pm
Contact Hasher Mr. Funtoong H/P 013-3388236

Recent Addition:-

Danau Toba Hash House Harriers (DTH3)

Founded by Ibrahim Wong (member of Batang Kajang Hash

House Harriers (BKH3)) on the 9th July 2004. Co-founders: Lau

Lin San, Cowlin, Bicycle Man, Crazy Guy, Crazy Horse, Sakai,

Fatty Dragon, Pig Leg, Big John Silver and Piss Off.

Inaugural run (Thai Tao Run) was held on the 17 June 2005

at Phuket Island, Thailand. Men hash only. Runs monthly

on the 3rd Friday at 1800 hours.

Contact Ibrahim Wong at 016-316 7666.

Happy Hashing

Barbecued Chicken, Duck and Pork or Chicken Rice - Kajang Food

Years even before western fast food came into existence, Malaysians already started on the many varieties of Asian food available throughout the day and night and in many towns and cities. In Kajang town which is famously known as the 'Satay Town' where travelers will stop to enjoy the barbecued meat skewed with a short stick. There is another type of barbecued meat which others have slowly come to enjoy is the 'char siew fun' or 'char siew kai'.

Tucked away in a coffee shop next to Kajang's wet market is a stall called 'Leck Kee' which is actually a branch of the 'Leck Kee' of Semenyih Town. It operates during lunch hour from 11.00am to 3.00pm and are sold out usually by 2.00pm. Patrons sometimes have to queue for a table and sometimes a long queue for take away orders. The shops here used to be from Kajang Bazaar ( aerial view of Kajang town, the right hand side of the round about) and consists of many small eateries, sticker shop, newspaper, barber etc..

The 'char siew' or roasted pork belly is a mixture of fats and lean meat has a nice dark reddish colour and authentic tastes. Other than this dish you can try the 'char siew kai' (barbecue chicken), 'char siew up' (barbecue duck) and 'siew nyoke' (roast pork). Once you arrived at this stall you can't help noticing the stall owner with his stylish dyed hair. He can be quite snappy when your order is confusing to him or when there is a long queue but having our meal here on many occasions you find him sometimes amusing. He is also known as 'half chicken' or 'pun chaq kai' to many of his patrons, he got his name by being a member of the Batang Kajang Hash House Harriers club (will post a story about the Hash clubs of Kajang later).

Another Fire - Early Morning News 4th April 2007 - Kajang News

This morning a few shophouses was on fire just in front of Metro Plaza and TNB office, billowing black smoke is seen from far. Roads from the Main Street, Jalan Reko, Jalan Tukang and Jalan Sulaiman was closed to traffic causing a massive jam. By noon the fire was brought under control by firemen from Kajang Fire Station. Reports by Patrick Chin from nearby shops reported that the Bicycle shop (corner shop facing Metro Plaza) was completely destroyed, second shop selling home plastic wares was almost completely burn only front portion left standing and the third shop's (Bonanza) back portion was destroyed. A sad incident for owners and espcially for the Home Plastic wares whom had experienced from a previous fire, (see story - Big Fire in Kajang Town). Sources said that the fire may have been caused by tenants cooking on the second floor of the bicycle shop, others says due to a short circuit. What ever is the caused will be investigated by the authorities. At this time there is no report of casualty but damages to property and stock could amount to a RM1 million. Photographs will be posted once it is obtained from friends who took pictures of the incident.

Click to view more photos

Watch Video

The Fried Hockkien Mee - Kajang Story

If you look at the aerial view of Kajang Town, you will notice to the right of the roundabout and also the right of the Shell Petrol Station, that is the location of Kajang Bazaar and due to development they have all moved to various places like behind Mendaling Street and Medan Selera on the right of the Kajang Market. In those days other than Satay the other talk about food is the fried Hockkien Mee (thick chinese noodles). I use to frequent this busy restaurant called CHIN KEE RESTAURANT located in store no. 57, Kajang Bazaar. It also boast of a record dishing out a huge 80kg of Hockkien Mee in one night, that is roughly equivalent to serving about 800 person at this restaurant. Chin Kee Restaurant chief cook and proprietor was the late Mr. Low Lee Chin

Today you can savour this original taste of Chin Kee Restaurant style of cooking handed down to his youngest son Robert Low who operates a fusion of asian and western restaurant call FELICIDAD RESTAURANT & CAFE (please ask him what the name means) located at No. 75A Jalan 1, Taman Sri Langat, Jalan Reko. In the 60's my family and myself included used to frequent this hockkien mee along with other dishes which is just as tasty. In those days there weren't many food stalls and sometimes even at 2.00am when we feel hungry, we would just grab a bicycle and come out here to eat this favorite tasting mee (definitely better than instant noodle).

Robert Low who also happens to be my childhood friend is also a Yo-Yo expert who had traveled to countries like Japan, Columbia, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, USA, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Jordan, Thailand & Singapore to participate in Yo-Yo competition. He achieved a world ranking No. 8 at the 2000 Proyo Challenge in Phoenix, Arizona USA. While traveling, with cooking still in his blood he would always find opportunity to learn various types of dishes and one such dish is the Hungarian Goulash taught by an Austrian, Mr. Wolfgang.

Well I found his restaurant in a very unique setting compared to his fathers' and the Hockkien mee is still as good as before mmmmm. He decorates his cafe with Yo-Yos, and collections of his hobbies, interesting. We used to play yo-yo when we were about 12 years old, I stopped but he hasn't, imagine a elderly looking guy playing with yo-yo and if you talk about yo-yo ask him to show you his collection from antique ones to very high tech ones, about 700pcs in his collection. Well if you are not a fan of Hockkien mee you can always try the Hun....Gou.... gee...! I wonder how you pronounce it. If you were to ask around the older generation, I wonder whether they can still remember Chin Kee Hockkien mee.

Broga - A Cool Place to Exercise, Fresh Air and A Great Scenic View

Broga village which is about 8km from Semenyih Town is situated in a valley surrounded by a range of hills on the left and right. The population here I was told by the locals consists of about 500 families living before WWII. Broga town was recently link to a controversial site for the building of a incinerator which spark a nation wide protest from locals to foreigner. To go there just take the trunk road to Seremban from Kajang, go past the Semenyih Police Station and just after the Petronas Petrol Station there is a traffic light, turn left go through a winding stretch of road. Along the way you will pass a sanctuary for the orphan and the aged managed by the Desa Amal Jireh Group (Jireh Charity Village), Which should be operational anytime soon). After that Taman Tasik Semenyih (residential housing area) is also on the left and soon you will come to Nottingham University Campus. You will soon notice a barren hill with a beautiful hilly backdrop. Popularly known as Broga Hill (click on this link for full map and Broga Hill Post)

The primary economic activities here are mainly farming (local vegetables), rubber plantations, palm oil, fishing ponds, fish farming, durian and lately dragon fruit. There is also a famous Broga Rock Temple where people come from near and far to seek divine help and intervention to their lifes. Among other things Broga used to be famous for is restaurant cook wild meat supplied by the orang asli nearby but now banned. Occasionally they may still supplied these illegal wild meat. During the months of June to September which is the durian fruit season and people will come here to enjoy the durians from special grade to the jungle grade. The prices here are reasonable and definitely delicious. There are many trekking trails which lead you to different hill peaks with different scenery and on top of the first Broga "botak" hill you can view the KL Tower on a clear day.

Every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays a group of friends will gather (Rock Temple car park) here just before 6.00pm to trek up the hills. The trekking time will usually take about 1 hour for try the reasonably fit and the normal around 1 1/2 hour. The starting point is at the Rock Temple car park (see top photo). They will walk about 1 km down hill and turn left at the rubber plantation. Another 1 km through the rubber trees and you will start ascending uphill for about 5 - 7 minutes, this will take you past some banana trees, durian, lime and other type of fruit trees. At the top of this first hill you can view part of the valley, you will be enjoying a good workout. Taking a short half minute breather continue the trek down a gentle slope along the rubber tappers trail before turning left steeply through large rocks and boulders. Here on wards for another 15 - 20 minutes it is a steep trek upwards, about 4 short hills before stopping on a flat terrain with various types of fruit trees. The altitude here is around 500 ft above sea level.

Here you can a good view of the valley with the sun setting on the west, sometimes the whole valley is lighted up with some areas cast in shadow. It is a wonderful view and sometimes breezy. From here another 15 minutes a slight uphill slope before a descending all the way to the view point behind the Rock Temple (see 2ND photo). Here you can view the whole of Broga in a panoramic 3D view. For those who still need additional work out can do it here before descending all the way to the car park. You can take a bath and change at the many bathrooms (male/female) located beside the temple. And the Rock Temple is also surrounded by many statues and a beautiful garden at the top. By nightfall the village becomes alive with many bicycles and motor bikes moving here and there. Usually we will have our dinner here before going home. Highly recommended is a little restaurant just beside the Rukun Tetanga Broga office which serves delicious Claypot Fish Porridge and others. Other restaurants nearby (air-con) are also recommended. A great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of a little town Broga.

To join Friends of Broga for a good exercise or just to meet new friends and definitely for the young and old every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can call
Mr. Wong +6012-2897223 or
Miss KC +6019-3339825.

Nasi Lemak - 10 cents p pack THE REAL THING - Pasar Malam Evolution

Back in 70's I could remember every Saturday night there will be this Saturday Night Market that was held in Old Kajang Town Hall at the very site where the new one is sitting. We would walk from home (about 10 mins) and with whatever shillings we saved would spent buying those delicious home make "kuih-kuih" for about 5 to 10 cents per piece. Rural and town folks would gather and set up their stores to sell these items ranging from kuih-kuih, tahu sumbat etc. to nasi lemak (click on the nasi lemak recipe link) (10 cents per pack YES!) and occasionally there would be all kinds of performers like snake charmers and kung fu display that will end up with selling herbs and herbal remedies.

Well today this Saturday Night Market has evolved into Pasar Malam and it is held every night. It has become a full time income for many of these so called night traders, some may be supplementing their income and for others it is a full time job and it can be very lucrative but it is hard earned money. Many types of items can be found in these pasar malam such as food, house hold items, decorative items, fruits, vegetables, tit bits, potted plants, toys (latest designs), latest movies (VCD/DVD) and songs (CD's) yes! and etc.
Prices are displayed (as required by law) and most of the time you can bargain for a price reduction. Depending on your bargaining skill you sometimes get good discounts.

Usually these traders would begin their day at around 5.00pm till 10.00pm and normally at any one time they would occupy the whole street sometimes even two or three street depending on the popularity of the area. They would come in all sizes of vehicles and occupy their favorite spot. Towards the evening when it gets cooler, people would start swarming over the whole area, loud shouts, music and generators would give the place an attractive feel. Customers, some come from near by residential houses in very very casual wear (the opposite when you walk in Mid Valley), some drive from far, some would leave very satisfied and some not so. By 11.00pm the whole area would be deserted and looking like one large dump yard with garbages strewn all over the place and stinks too. Contract cleaners would start cleaning up and usually by morning the place is clean up. Looks like they are here to stay for a long time to come and maybe further Evolution. From Mondays to Sundays they are over the place. Take your pick....

Monday - Bandar Teknologi Kajang, Broga, Serdang
Sg. Chua - comment by Jesmond thx!
Tuesday - Bandar Baru Bangi, Sungai Long

Taman Sri Langat Jln Reko - comment by Carson K.U. thx!

Wednesday - Semenyih (Garden), Asa Jaya
Thursday - Bandar Teknologi Kajang, Jasmin, Sungai Chua
Friday - Sungai Jelok, Balakong
Saturday - Semenyih Town, Bandar Baru Bangi, Bandar Teknologi Kajang
Sunday - Bukit Mewah, Kajang Utama, Sungai Ramal

Big Fire in Kajang Town, 7 shophouses burn to the ground in the 60's

I remember one evening, pitch dark, there was a power cut at our house in Kajang Garden (Desa Bunga Raya). Everyone came out of their house and look up towards the sky, it was red with color and it was filled with smoke. Everyone was wandering what was happening, then came shouts that the town was on fire. Those days there weren't hand phones available and fixed line phones was only available to the rich. My mother was worried because our great grand father's shop was in town, she hurriedly took the bicycle and I sat on the back (common mode of transport in those days). It took her 15 minutes to reach the shop and what a sigh of relief when she saw the shop house intact. It was the opposite row of shop houses that was on fire, people were running here and there and fire engines with their siren howling were approaching. We just stood there like anyone else the fire was burning intensely and I could feel the heat radiating from the fire. People were shouting, and there were still people trapped in the building and some people tried to rush into the burning shop house but were held back by others. It was a tragic sight, the sound of fire crackers, fireworks were shooting dangerously close to other shop houses and shop dwellers were getting worried. Most of the shop houses were made of wood and were considered fire hazards. People were shouting to the firemen "over here the fire is spreading!!!". The fire was brought under control and all in all 7 shop houses was razed to the ground with hot smothering burning wood. They said 3 burn bodies was found the next morning.

How many of you remember that fateful day, many of you may have not been born, you probably could ask around for more details. If you found more stories, post your stories so that many others will read about the history of Kajang.