Low Ti Kok

LOW TI KOK (1877 -1942)

Low Ti Kok was born in a village called Kuimei, Anxi District of Fujian Province, China. It was then under the government of Manchu Dynasty, i.e. Guangxu 3^rd Year according to the Chinese calendar. He arrive in Klang at his youthful age of 20 and later moved inland to Serendah, Selangor where he helped his uncle in his business. Three years later he moved to Kuala Lumpur to seek better opportunities. He managed to make his living and with some savings, he went back to his homeland and married a village lady of surname Lee.

Low Ti Kok arrived in Kajang at the age of 28 and started his venture into alcohol and sundries business. Later, he found tin mining and rubber planting a good business which proof him successful and made him a rich man in town. Mr. Low was a philanthropist and had been very generous in contributing to Anti-Japanese invasion of China during the late 1930s. He was elected as Chairman of the Hulu Langat District Nanyang Homeland Aid Committee ( Nanyang Huaqiao Chouzhenhui). Besides his commitment in providing aid to war victims in his homeland, he was the main contributor to the reconstruction of Yu Hua School which was completed in 1918. Today, Yu Hua School Hall is named in his honor. He was also perceived as aides to the British colonialist government in settling dispute within local community and assisted the authority in local development. He was honored Justice of Peace by the Queen besides naming the road in front of Yu Hua School as Low Ti Kok Road or Jalan Low Ti Kok.

Mr. Low passed away in 1942 at his house in Hong Bee Estate in Sungai Jelok. A Grand Funeral procession was carried out after the Japanese surrendered in 1945. His body was buried in the Hokkien Cemetery just behind Kajang High School. Today, the Hulu Langat Hokkien Association building standing along Jalan Timur was formerly the mansion of the late Low Ti Kok, JP.

This article was contributed by
Mr. Lee Kim Sin
email : leekimsin@myjaring.net

Broga Durian and Fruit Season

In July 2007 a group of friends were offered the opportunity to a durian party from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm at the durian orchard for only RM$ 10.00 per person. Our friends decided it was too early to start eating durian at 8 in the morning but we will come prepare by having a very light breakfast so that we will have durian feast later. Ten of them arrived at Broga Rukun Tetanga Post at around 12 and were treated to durians by Ah Leong (on the right) our durian seller cum chief cook of the restaurant (Restaurant 12-12) beside the Rukun Tetangga Post.

KC and myself decided to come in around 2.00 pm and it was the right decision as the first group had eaten almost 30 durian fruits of various type. By this time they started eating mangosteen (local fruit), rambutans and "dokong" a hybrid of "duku langsat". Sometimes human behaviour are predictable for RM$10 they want the money's worth of RM$100. We started enjoying ourselves and by 3.00 pm everyone was "surrendering" and "no more! I can't eat anymore!" but when Kenny another durian seller came to assist by choosing the better tasting variety. They could still eat a few more, greedy Malaysians at his best.

We took a breather and KC who brought a stove and tea pots to prepare tea for everyone. Chan Meng suggested pouring some water into the durian husk for drinking as this is known to reduced the "heat" from our body due to eating durians. Instead of water we used tea and coined a new name "teh O durian".

Later we proceeded to Dragon Fruit Farm (Broga) or Happy Fruit Land which is located about 2km from Broga Town towards Beranang Town to meet up with another group of friends from KL for a trek up Bukit Beranang. After durian feast we wanted to burn up the calories and what better way with a one and half hours trek. As we arrive at the farm our other friends were already eating fruits including durians. None of the first group dare to eat another durian no matter how they coaxed us.

We started trekking along a rubber plantation trail and followed a mark trail up towards a secondary forest and pass through many "lallang" (weed grass) before reaching the peak known as Bukit Beranang where you can view the Beranang Town, Semenyih Town and Broga Town. Later we trek back to the Dragon Fruit Farm, rested and took a bath at the farm and dinner from the fresh farm produce and karaoke away belting songs like Englebert Humperdink, Theresa Teng, Nat King Cole etc. We really enjoyed ourselves and plan to come again.




















A video of a insect stick that looks like a twig.

Kajang High School - Class 77 Reunion

On 7-7-2007, 7.00pm at Prescott Inn, Kajang. About 100 of us gathered together after leaving Kajang High School 30 years ago. Many of us have not seen or met each other for the past 20 to 30 years. How many of us have change, gray hair, bigger face (receding hair line), big belly, heavier and what a laugh as we tried to recall their names.

In pursuit of better life each one of us went our ways discovering bit by bit about ourselves through new experiences. Some went to further their studies, some joined the work force and others venture into business. After 30 years leaving school most of us agreed that the 5 years we spent in secondary school KHS was the most memorable one. It is here the formation of our characters starts to take place forming the foundation and traits of our behavior that will give the uniqueness of each and everyone of us. The teenage years were the discovery years and the belief that we could do no wrong was a myth. Teachers played such an important role with them not realizing it but they played their part of a part time guardian teaching us, guiding us and punishing us when we break the rules. Teachers of those years are unique lots as we come to realize their commitment as a teacher. Teachers then was more focused without the interference and the stresses of todays' lifestyles.

As the emcee, Hock Hai congratulates each and everyone of us for being present in this memorable occasion. Then he proceeded to thank the teachers who were present and the Class of 77 gave a standing ovation and applause in appreciation to the teachers. The Headmaster Encik Mohammad Sani gave a speech, still as witty and humorous and yet commanding showing a glimpse of his past. Teachers that were present were Mr. Hong Foo Wah, Mr. Yong Bang Kuang, Mr. Chin Ket Poh, Mrs. Ong, Mr. Siwnan, Mr. C. Pelly, Mr. Jeyaratnam and Mrs. Sim. Later after dinner, all were treated to a slide presentation showing the past and present. Everyone was attentive as we went down memory lane and some shed a tear or two. As with each passing slide it dawn on us that those memories became clearer and it was a connection that all of us shared.

We took class photos but not all from the past were present and so we join classes for the photo shoot. Later, we had "down memory lane" sharing, Steven Hiew Ming Foong was the first to share his most memorable experienced when how he bit the finger of Mr. Siwnan and finally "apologize" now and a gesture by putting a plaster around Mr. Siwnan's finger. Another was Ragavan who was appointed by Mr. Jeyaratnam to be the class monitor. Ragavan after two weeks requested to resign from his post because he was bullied by the class. Ragavan continued after Mr. Jeyaratnam ticked off the class. Another class mate Heng Ken Ng share the many times he was being slapped ever since primary school till secondary school and he complained that it was a bad experienced. Everyone laughed and had very good feelings from hearing these personal sharing as we began to understand what a bunch we were during those school carefree days.

Finally in closing we requested that we meet again in 2017 and immediately the teachers requested an earlier date (obvious reason "age") and everyone burst out laughing and the committee jokingly promised transportation will be provided. In 10 years time we will be 57 and the teachers will be in the 70's to 80's, how time flies when old friends meet. To those who were not present please leave us a note or your contact here so that Tony Choo and Hock Hai can update the Class of 77 database.

KHS

To view photo gallery click on the photo above

Kajang High School - Poem

My Beloved School
Labor Omnia Vincit

Up on the hill
Standing proud and still
Old and yet beautiful

Is my beloved school.

Born on the 1st of April

Fifty eight years ago,

On a day known as April’s fool,

She was christened

Kajang High School.

Boys and girls go to her,

To acquire knowledge from the wise

teachers,

The country will have brilliant leaders,

With her everyone is happy,

Though sometimes a little naughty,

These carefree and happy days

Will be cherished in the future days,

I wish that time will pass slower,

So that I could stay here longer,

And don’t have to say goodbye

so soon,

To my beloved school.

Pau Kah Heng Form 4 Sc. 1
Written in 1977

The School 7-7-2007 12.43pm

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.

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