The best places to go
Sunday May 27, 2007
FROM the various beautiful islands and hill resorts around the country to shopping complexes and even Pizza Hut restaurants, there were certainly a wide variety of destinations students love to visit in Malaysia.
Entries for the C4R: The Place to Go contest proved that islands like Langkawi, Redang and Tioman were the most popular destinations, followed closely by Taman Negara, hill resorts like Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, as well as Kuala Lumpur.
Other entries highlighted lesser-known attractions like Rawa Island in Johor and the fireflies in Nibong Tebal, Penang.
Some students proved that there's no place like home with their favourite destinations being their kampung or grandma's house.
A special thanks goes out to English teacher P. Vinothani for sending in the highest number of entries for this contest – 64 entries from her school, SMK Seksyen 1 Bandar Kinrara, Selangor.
Although we received many creative and convincing entries, unfortunately, we can only award the best 15 students with Pizza Hut vouchers worth RM100 (see table).
Congratulations to the winners! Look out for your Pizza Hut vouchers in the mail.
This is the final monthly contest organised by Star-NiE and Pizza Hut for the year. The focus now shifts to our annual nationwide contest, Campaign 4 Rewards (C4R) 2007, which was launched on May 8.
More delicious pizzas and great prizes await both students and teachers in this contest!
The Star-NiE pullout and Stuff@school are published every Wednesday during the school year. The two pullouts come free with the daily paper exclusively to schools that subscribe to The Star.
Schools interested in ordering the paper at a special price can call The Star’s customer care unit at 03-7967 1777 from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. -- The Star.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Book errant farmers for using excesive banned chemicals
Minister: Book errant farmers
Saturday May 19, 2007
MUAR: Take action against them – that is Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's message to the authorities for farmers who have admitted to using excessive or banned chemicals.
“We are very concerned with any excessive use of pesticides or any banned chemicals on our greens. If farmers have admitted to using them, they should be booked,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a Maulidur Rasul function in Kampung Hujung Tambak, Grisek, near here, on Thursday night.
Muhyiddin said it was shocking that some farmers were willing to admit using or importing banned chemicals.
“We have laws and regulations and the Health Ministry can enforce the laws,” he said.
On the issue of fake guava-apple hybrids highlighted by the Consumers Association of Penang, Muhyiddin said the matter should not arise because it was against the law for anyone to use dangerous artificial colouring on their products.
He said the farmers might not be involved in making such hybrid fruits but some other parties could have done so and sold them to visitors at Cameron Highlands.
“We will investigate the claim and I want samples of the hybrid fruits to be tested for dangerous chemicals before we can act on the producers,” he added. -- The Star
Saturday May 19, 2007
MUAR: Take action against them – that is Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's message to the authorities for farmers who have admitted to using excessive or banned chemicals.
“We are very concerned with any excessive use of pesticides or any banned chemicals on our greens. If farmers have admitted to using them, they should be booked,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a Maulidur Rasul function in Kampung Hujung Tambak, Grisek, near here, on Thursday night.
Muhyiddin said it was shocking that some farmers were willing to admit using or importing banned chemicals.
“We have laws and regulations and the Health Ministry can enforce the laws,” he said.
On the issue of fake guava-apple hybrids highlighted by the Consumers Association of Penang, Muhyiddin said the matter should not arise because it was against the law for anyone to use dangerous artificial colouring on their products.
He said the farmers might not be involved in making such hybrid fruits but some other parties could have done so and sold them to visitors at Cameron Highlands.
“We will investigate the claim and I want samples of the hybrid fruits to be tested for dangerous chemicals before we can act on the producers,” he added. -- The Star
Thursday, May 17, 2007
DID duo claim trial to CBT
DID duo claim trial to CBT
Thursday May 17, 2007
KUANTAN: An engineer and a senior technician with the Cameron Highlands Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) have claimed trial in the Sessions Court here to a criminal breach of trust case involving RM115,560.
Mohd Jais Sulaiman, 43, of Bandar Indera Mahkota, and Abdul Mokhtar Othman, 56, of Bera, are said to have submitted a false document four years ago for a certificate of practical completion in a contract to build houses and other related work at an orang asli settlement in Sungai Ubi, Ringlet, Cameron Highlands.
In the document, they claimed that the project had been completed on June 26, 2003 and taken possession the following day, when work in fact had yet to be completed.
They allegedly submitted the document to the state DID director’s office in Kuantan on Sept 12, 2003, with the intention to claim the last interim payment of RM115,560.
The offence carries a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine of five times the amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Judge Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain granted bail at RM1,500 each and ordered both accused to surrender their passports.
He also fixed June 18 for re-mention. -- The Star.
Thursday May 17, 2007
KUANTAN: An engineer and a senior technician with the Cameron Highlands Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) have claimed trial in the Sessions Court here to a criminal breach of trust case involving RM115,560.
Mohd Jais Sulaiman, 43, of Bandar Indera Mahkota, and Abdul Mokhtar Othman, 56, of Bera, are said to have submitted a false document four years ago for a certificate of practical completion in a contract to build houses and other related work at an orang asli settlement in Sungai Ubi, Ringlet, Cameron Highlands.
In the document, they claimed that the project had been completed on June 26, 2003 and taken possession the following day, when work in fact had yet to be completed.
They allegedly submitted the document to the state DID director’s office in Kuantan on Sept 12, 2003, with the intention to claim the last interim payment of RM115,560.
The offence carries a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine of five times the amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Judge Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain granted bail at RM1,500 each and ordered both accused to surrender their passports.
He also fixed June 18 for re-mention. -- The Star.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Fake guava-apples being sold
Fake guava-apples being sold
Tuesday May 15, 2007
PENANG: Fake guava-apple hybrids are being sold openly at fruit stalls in Cameron Highlands.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the so-called hybrids posed a potential health threat to the people because of the use of artificial colouring.
“It can also taint the country’s image because locals and tourists are fooled into thinking that it is a natural hybrid from Cameron Highlands. There is no such hybrid fruit in Cameron Highlands,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Mohamed Idris said the fruits were being sold at RM10 per pair.
He said artificial colouring was used to fool the people into thinking that the guavas were jambu-apple hybrids.
He claimed that colouring agents brilliant blue and tartrazine were mixed for the light-green effect while carmoisine was used for red colouring.
Mohamed Idris said studies in Britain had linked tartrazine and carmoisine to temper tantrums, poor concentration, hyperactivity and allergic reaction in youngsters.
He said the Food Standards Agency in Britain had been reviewing the safety of such additives since 2000.
“Although the colouring substances are currently permitted under the (Malaysian) Food Act 1983, we need to question why fresh fruits are allowed to be coloured and modified?” he added.
Mohamed Idris said CAP had received complaints from foreign and local tourists who felt cheated after the fruits went bad within a day or two.
He said CAP wrote to the Cameron Highlands health office and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry last week.
When contacted, farmers in Cameron Highlands said they were puzzled by claims that the fruits were being sold there.
Indian Farmers Association of Cameron Highlands president P. Viswanathan pointed out that guavas and jambu-apples were not even grown there.
“There is no such thing. If tourists are complaining about these fake hybrids, the Consumers Association of Penang should show proof,” he said.
Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong also said the claims were “news to him,” adding that the problem might have started from fruit hawkers, not the farmers. -- Bernama.
Tuesday May 15, 2007
PENANG: Fake guava-apple hybrids are being sold openly at fruit stalls in Cameron Highlands.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the so-called hybrids posed a potential health threat to the people because of the use of artificial colouring.
Fruity concern: Mohamed Idris showing fruits that are supposed to be guava-apple hybrids in Penang yesterday. — Bernama
“It can also taint the country’s image because locals and tourists are fooled into thinking that it is a natural hybrid from Cameron Highlands. There is no such hybrid fruit in Cameron Highlands,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Mohamed Idris said the fruits were being sold at RM10 per pair.
He said artificial colouring was used to fool the people into thinking that the guavas were jambu-apple hybrids.
He claimed that colouring agents brilliant blue and tartrazine were mixed for the light-green effect while carmoisine was used for red colouring.
Mohamed Idris said studies in Britain had linked tartrazine and carmoisine to temper tantrums, poor concentration, hyperactivity and allergic reaction in youngsters.
He said the Food Standards Agency in Britain had been reviewing the safety of such additives since 2000.
“Although the colouring substances are currently permitted under the (Malaysian) Food Act 1983, we need to question why fresh fruits are allowed to be coloured and modified?” he added.
Mohamed Idris said CAP had received complaints from foreign and local tourists who felt cheated after the fruits went bad within a day or two.
He said CAP wrote to the Cameron Highlands health office and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry last week.
When contacted, farmers in Cameron Highlands said they were puzzled by claims that the fruits were being sold there.
Indian Farmers Association of Cameron Highlands president P. Viswanathan pointed out that guavas and jambu-apples were not even grown there.
“There is no such thing. If tourists are complaining about these fake hybrids, the Consumers Association of Penang should show proof,” he said.
Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong also said the claims were “news to him,” adding that the problem might have started from fruit hawkers, not the farmers. -- Bernama.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Agency to import chillies
Agency to import chillies
Friday May 11, 2007
THE Federal Agriculture Marketing Au-thority (Fama) will import red chillies to overcome a shortage in Penang.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Indus-try Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar said Penang was the only state facing a shortage of red chillies.
“Fama will import chillies from Thailand and Indonesia by this week. The local supply of chillies has been lower than usual due to the weather,” he said after presenting aid from the Poor Students Trust Fund to 10 schools in tasik Gelugor yesterday.
He said Penang got its supply of chillies from Ipoh and the Cameron Highlands but the harvest had been poor due to rainy weather.
“There had also been a 50% increase in de-mand for chillies during April and May as a result of the festive season,” Mohd Shariff said.
He said the price of the chillies in Penang had risen to RM15 per kg compared to its usual price of RM7 to RM8 per kg due to the shortage.
He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry received a complaint yesterday that the price of chillies had shot up.
“They will send their officers to check and monitor the situation closely,” Mohd Shariff added.
The Consumers Association of Penang said in a statement yesterday that housewives had complained that three chillies in Penang markets now cost RM1.50 which was more expensive that a packet of nasi lemak. -- The Star.
Friday May 11, 2007
THE Federal Agriculture Marketing Au-thority (Fama) will import red chillies to overcome a shortage in Penang.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Indus-try Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar said Penang was the only state facing a shortage of red chillies.
“Fama will import chillies from Thailand and Indonesia by this week. The local supply of chillies has been lower than usual due to the weather,” he said after presenting aid from the Poor Students Trust Fund to 10 schools in tasik Gelugor yesterday.
He said Penang got its supply of chillies from Ipoh and the Cameron Highlands but the harvest had been poor due to rainy weather.
“There had also been a 50% increase in de-mand for chillies during April and May as a result of the festive season,” Mohd Shariff said.
He said the price of the chillies in Penang had risen to RM15 per kg compared to its usual price of RM7 to RM8 per kg due to the shortage.
He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry received a complaint yesterday that the price of chillies had shot up.
“They will send their officers to check and monitor the situation closely,” Mohd Shariff added.
The Consumers Association of Penang said in a statement yesterday that housewives had complained that three chillies in Penang markets now cost RM1.50 which was more expensive that a packet of nasi lemak. -- The Star.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Farmers admit misuse
CAP: Farmers admit misuse
By Clara Chooi
Wednesday May 9, 2007
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Up to 90% of the over 4,000 farmers here use banned pesticides on their crops.
This was admitted by a group of farmers here yesterday during a press conference held by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
“It is a known practice. We use it because it is more effective than the permitted pesticides,” said one farmer, who refused to be named.
However, he said the farmers usually stop using the dangerous chemicals on their crops whenever it was close to harvesting time.
“We spray the pesticides once a week during the three-month period while our crops our growing. About a month before harvest, we switch to the permitted pesticides,” said another farmer.
The farmers said that the banned pesticides could be bought from local agents who get their stocks from Thailand.
There are about 15 types of such pesticides including the brands of Super Mac, Lannete, Naporex and Vertimec, which cost between RM25 and RM350, depending on weight and quality.
According to the farmers, at least 70% of the crops were being consumed by Malaysians while the rest were exported to Singapore.
However, they said that the crops for export would be treated with fewer pesticides and would be washed thoroughly before they were packed.
“That is why the Singaporeans are still buying our crops,” said CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow.
He was commenting on Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong’s recent statement that if local crops contained dangerous pesticides, Singapore would have stopped importing them. -- The Star.
By Clara Chooi
Wednesday May 9, 2007
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Up to 90% of the over 4,000 farmers here use banned pesticides on their crops.
This was admitted by a group of farmers here yesterday during a press conference held by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
“It is a known practice. We use it because it is more effective than the permitted pesticides,” said one farmer, who refused to be named.
However, he said the farmers usually stop using the dangerous chemicals on their crops whenever it was close to harvesting time.
“We spray the pesticides once a week during the three-month period while our crops our growing. About a month before harvest, we switch to the permitted pesticides,” said another farmer.
Unsafe: Subbarow showing reporters on Tuesday some samples of the banned pesticides that farmers in Cameron Highlands have admitted using on their crops.
The farmers said that the banned pesticides could be bought from local agents who get their stocks from Thailand.
There are about 15 types of such pesticides including the brands of Super Mac, Lannete, Naporex and Vertimec, which cost between RM25 and RM350, depending on weight and quality.
According to the farmers, at least 70% of the crops were being consumed by Malaysians while the rest were exported to Singapore.
However, they said that the crops for export would be treated with fewer pesticides and would be washed thoroughly before they were packed.
“That is why the Singaporeans are still buying our crops,” said CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow.
He was commenting on Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong’s recent statement that if local crops contained dangerous pesticides, Singapore would have stopped importing them. -- The Star.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Fruitful venture for Jia Fu
Fruitful venture for Jia Fu
Focus on SME's : By Rachael Kam
Monday May 7, 2007
Fertiliser producer Jia Fu Enterprise has diversified into the fruit plantation business, which is expected to overtake fertilisers eventually as the main revenue contributor.
OUTSIDE the bustling concrete jungles of Malaysia, small-scale entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector beaver away to grow their businesses.
With the country's population expanding, Jia Fu Enterprise founder and managing director Jason Ong foresees growth in his chosen business.
“The population growth would definitely lead to higher demand for food produced by the industry,” he said.
Ong, a graduate in Accounting and Finance from Australia, founded the company in 2003 mainly to manufacture organic fertilisers for local farmers in the fruit, vegetable and flower plantations.
The Jia Fu plant in Broga, Negri Sembilan, produces 28 tonnes of powder fertilisers and 6,000 litres of liquid fertilisers a month. Its products are currently distributed to local agents and farmers in Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Cameron Highlands and Pahang.
He said agriculture was the main sector in Johor, Perak, Penang and Kedah.
“We expect to have four more agents this year to expand our distribution network,” Ong said.
The 30-year-old inherited the skills and knowledge to produce organic fertilisers from his father, who has been in this business for over a decade. Ong sources chicken feathers from chicken processing factories to process the raw materials into organic fertilisers.
The company used its own fertiliser products at its orchard and small vegetable farm in Broga, he added.
“When our business starts growing steadily, we will appoint more workers and invest about RM30,000 to purchase new manufacturing equipment,” he said in an interview.
The company now has four employees.
Apart from fertilisers, the diligent young entrepreneur has also diversified into fruit plantation on his family-owned land.
The factory and Happy Fruitland fruit orchard on 13 acres are located in Jalan Broga, near Semenyih. It is about 5km away from the renowned Nottingham University campus and near a famous hilltop Chinese temple.
Ong said that within the area, four acres were allocated for dragon fruits and three acres for other fruits like durians, Thai coconuts, pineapples, papayas and rambutans. The remaining area is taken up by its factory and partly for the vegetable farm.
He said the fruits were sold at the farm and sometimes he would sell to the wet market and fruit stalls when there was a surplus.
On future plans, he said: “We plan to lease a 23-acre land at an oil palm estate in Broga, which is 3km away from Happy Fruitland, within two or three years.” This, however, would depend on the financial results and cash flow position, he added.
“The new piece of land is not only for dragon fruits. We also want to cultivate orchids,” Ong said, adding that by then, its agricultural business would contribute more to the company's revenue than fertilisers.
The company is now focusing on its fertiliser business, which contributes about 90% to total sales. Last year, the company recorded a turnover of about RM160,000 compared with RM110,000 in 2005.
“With the increase in the number of agents and customers, we expect revenue to rise 10% to 15% this year,” he said.
He said farmers were gradually changing to organic fertilisers because they found that chemical fertilisers used for the last 10 years had caused the soil to turn hard and this affected the growing of the plants. “Thus, we foresee a strong potential for our products,” he said.
Currently his parents, Ong Kim Tian, 73, and Fong Choi Ping, 53, are helping to run the business whereas Ong focuses more on marketing.
On promotional activities, he said the company had been working with some travel agents who arranged day-trip tours to the orchard. Most of the visitors are from Desa Petaling, Puchong, Sungai Long and Kajang.
There are also kindergartens that bring children there on tours and learning trips. Therefore, the company has made a little fishpond next to the vegetable farm and raised some ducks and chickens in Happy Fruitland. -- The Star Biz.
Focus on SME's : By Rachael Kam
Monday May 7, 2007
Fertiliser producer Jia Fu Enterprise has diversified into the fruit plantation business, which is expected to overtake fertilisers eventually as the main revenue contributor.
OUTSIDE the bustling concrete jungles of Malaysia, small-scale entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector beaver away to grow their businesses.
With the country's population expanding, Jia Fu Enterprise founder and managing director Jason Ong foresees growth in his chosen business.
“The population growth would definitely lead to higher demand for food produced by the industry,” he said.
Ong, a graduate in Accounting and Finance from Australia, founded the company in 2003 mainly to manufacture organic fertilisers for local farmers in the fruit, vegetable and flower plantations.
The Jia Fu plant in Broga, Negri Sembilan, produces 28 tonnes of powder fertilisers and 6,000 litres of liquid fertilisers a month. Its products are currently distributed to local agents and farmers in Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Cameron Highlands and Pahang.
He said agriculture was the main sector in Johor, Perak, Penang and Kedah.
“We expect to have four more agents this year to expand our distribution network,” Ong said.
The 30-year-old inherited the skills and knowledge to produce organic fertilisers from his father, who has been in this business for over a decade. Ong sources chicken feathers from chicken processing factories to process the raw materials into organic fertilisers.
The company used its own fertiliser products at its orchard and small vegetable farm in Broga, he added.
“When our business starts growing steadily, we will appoint more workers and invest about RM30,000 to purchase new manufacturing equipment,” he said in an interview.
The company now has four employees.
Apart from fertilisers, the diligent young entrepreneur has also diversified into fruit plantation on his family-owned land.
The factory and Happy Fruitland fruit orchard on 13 acres are located in Jalan Broga, near Semenyih. It is about 5km away from the renowned Nottingham University campus and near a famous hilltop Chinese temple.
Ong said that within the area, four acres were allocated for dragon fruits and three acres for other fruits like durians, Thai coconuts, pineapples, papayas and rambutans. The remaining area is taken up by its factory and partly for the vegetable farm.
He said the fruits were sold at the farm and sometimes he would sell to the wet market and fruit stalls when there was a surplus.
On future plans, he said: “We plan to lease a 23-acre land at an oil palm estate in Broga, which is 3km away from Happy Fruitland, within two or three years.” This, however, would depend on the financial results and cash flow position, he added.
“The new piece of land is not only for dragon fruits. We also want to cultivate orchids,” Ong said, adding that by then, its agricultural business would contribute more to the company's revenue than fertilisers.
The company is now focusing on its fertiliser business, which contributes about 90% to total sales. Last year, the company recorded a turnover of about RM160,000 compared with RM110,000 in 2005.
“With the increase in the number of agents and customers, we expect revenue to rise 10% to 15% this year,” he said.
He said farmers were gradually changing to organic fertilisers because they found that chemical fertilisers used for the last 10 years had caused the soil to turn hard and this affected the growing of the plants. “Thus, we foresee a strong potential for our products,” he said.
Currently his parents, Ong Kim Tian, 73, and Fong Choi Ping, 53, are helping to run the business whereas Ong focuses more on marketing.
On promotional activities, he said the company had been working with some travel agents who arranged day-trip tours to the orchard. Most of the visitors are from Desa Petaling, Puchong, Sungai Long and Kajang.
There are also kindergartens that bring children there on tours and learning trips. Therefore, the company has made a little fishpond next to the vegetable farm and raised some ducks and chickens in Happy Fruitland. -- The Star Biz.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Hitting the road
Hitting the road
By Majidah Hashim
Saturday May 5, 2007
Ever wake up on a Saturday morning feeling adventurous? Well, drag the friends out of bed and get a-rollin’.
You do the whole nine-to-five thing all week, so the least you can do for yourself during the weekend is hit the road.
Trust me, it’s the perfect way to de-stress, being out of the city, letting the miles roll by. With the right company, and soundtrack, you could be on your way to a perfect weekend.
Here are five ideas to tease the road trip junkie in you. The best part of it all is that you don’t need a passport!
Idea #1 – Putrajaya
One of the easiest road trips you can do with your family (and camera) is to Putrajaya – and for good reason.
Putrajaya is a living gallery with its abstract and modern sculptures abounding in parks and on the boulevards.
The place is designed with the future in mind. This is reflected not only in its artistic buildings, but its geography and bridges too. Despite being one of the most modern places in the country, Putrajaya has 12 parks to boast of including a botanical park and even wetlands.
Driving to and around Putrajaya is an adventure in itself.
It is located about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and is a labyrinth of surprises. Don’t be afraid to get lost here; the worst you can do is miss an exit and end up among the golden rice fields of Banting, or on the rustic roads of Dengkil.
Either way, it is a trip of interesting panoramas and certainly something to talk about at the office come Monday.
Idea #2 – Ipoh
A couple of months ago, I found myself negotiating the small roads of southern Perak with a bad map in hand and getting lost. I was on a single lane road that ran through a rubber plantation and an oil palm estate . . .
After what felt like 10km or 20km, the trees gave way to an endless expanse of the most glorious green rice fields I have ever seen. The sun shone brightly overhead and far in the distance I could see tiny wooden village houses.
I made my way from Bidor, through Teluk Intan, and up to Pasir Salak. Along the way, I counted the different fruit orchards I passed. Durians, rambutans (and they were in season too!), bananas, mangoes, pineapple, dragonfruit and whole plantations of coconut trees.
Quite overwhelmed, I felt as if Ipoh welcomed me like an old friend when I finally got there.
Idea #3 – Penang
One weekend, I dragged a bunch of friends in my tiny Perodua Kelisa to Penang!
The festive season madness and the school holiday rampage aside, the North-South Expressway is usually a delightful drive. Stop at the Restoran Jejantas in Sungai Buloh for breakfast, then Tanjung Malim for mid-morning coffee and after that, Tapah for lunch.
As you approach Ipoh, look out for the Lata Kijang waterfalls along the highway as it glistens in the sun.
Before you know it, you’re in Butterworth and at the very edge of the iconic Penang Bridge. Driving around an island is a bit of an adventure. No matter how lost you get, you eventually get to where you want – just that you’ve taken a bit longer to reach.
When you’re about a hundred miles away from everything you are familiar with, it really does not matter where you go or how you get there.
Idea #4 – Kota Baru
Here is an idea for those who are interested in a long weekend break: drive to Simpang Pulai, and from there, take the newly built highway and head towards Cameron Highlands.
This place is always a refreshing place to be, no matter what time of year. Have a spot of tea at the extensive plantations, celebrate with a vegetable steamboat and have some strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Your adventure does not end there. Start early the next morning and wend your way to Gua Musang in Kelantan and then Kota Baru for some fresh seafood on the beach.
The third leg of this road trip is said to be among Peninsular Malaysia’s most scenic drives: a drive on the eastern coastal road.
Traversing Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, you will pass quaint fishing villages, makeshift stalls by the beach that sell kampung snacks and mile upon mile of scenic sea and sky all the way to Kuantan.
And anyone knows that when you are in Kuantan, a feast of otak-otak and ikan bakar is in order!
Complete the loop by taking the East-West Expressway from Gambang back to Kuala Lumpur – but don’t forget to stop at Temerloh for some assam tempoyak patin.
Idea #5 – Malacca
Going south for the weekend is a recipe for gridlocks. But, you know what – so what!
I suggest you take the trunk road from Bangi to Nilai (for a secret shopping getaway), and from there to Seremban. Contrary to its somewhat subdued reputation, Seremban transforms into quite the idiosyncratic town over the weekend, which makes for an interesting hunting ground for knick-knacks.
Oh, but don’t stop there. Get back on the road towards Tampin and onwards towards Malacca town.
Hidden among some of the overflowing antique shops at Jonker’s Street are some of the strangest trinkets dating back to early Malaya.
From tiny silk shoes for bound feet, to rust-covered colonial coins, to funky earrings – it’s all here. Even if you end up empty-handed, the experience will be worth remembering. -- The Star Lifestyle.
By Majidah Hashim
Saturday May 5, 2007
Ever wake up on a Saturday morning feeling adventurous? Well, drag the friends out of bed and get a-rollin’.
You do the whole nine-to-five thing all week, so the least you can do for yourself during the weekend is hit the road.
Trust me, it’s the perfect way to de-stress, being out of the city, letting the miles roll by. With the right company, and soundtrack, you could be on your way to a perfect weekend.
Here are five ideas to tease the road trip junkie in you. The best part of it all is that you don’t need a passport!
Idea #1 – Putrajaya
One of the easiest road trips you can do with your family (and camera) is to Putrajaya – and for good reason.
Putrajaya is a living gallery with its abstract and modern sculptures abounding in parks and on the boulevards.
The place is designed with the future in mind. This is reflected not only in its artistic buildings, but its geography and bridges too. Despite being one of the most modern places in the country, Putrajaya has 12 parks to boast of including a botanical park and even wetlands.
Driving to and around Putrajaya is an adventure in itself.
It is located about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and is a labyrinth of surprises. Don’t be afraid to get lost here; the worst you can do is miss an exit and end up among the golden rice fields of Banting, or on the rustic roads of Dengkil.
Either way, it is a trip of interesting panoramas and certainly something to talk about at the office come Monday.
Idea #2 – Ipoh
A couple of months ago, I found myself negotiating the small roads of southern Perak with a bad map in hand and getting lost. I was on a single lane road that ran through a rubber plantation and an oil palm estate . . . After what felt like 10km or 20km, the trees gave way to an endless expanse of the most glorious green rice fields I have ever seen. The sun shone brightly overhead and far in the distance I could see tiny wooden village houses.
I made my way from Bidor, through Teluk Intan, and up to Pasir Salak. Along the way, I counted the different fruit orchards I passed. Durians, rambutans (and they were in season too!), bananas, mangoes, pineapple, dragonfruit and whole plantations of coconut trees.
Quite overwhelmed, I felt as if Ipoh welcomed me like an old friend when I finally got there.
Idea #3 – Penang
One weekend, I dragged a bunch of friends in my tiny Perodua Kelisa to Penang!
The festive season madness and the school holiday rampage aside, the North-South Expressway is usually a delightful drive. Stop at the Restoran Jejantas in Sungai Buloh for breakfast, then Tanjung Malim for mid-morning coffee and after that, Tapah for lunch.
As you approach Ipoh, look out for the Lata Kijang waterfalls along the highway as it glistens in the sun.
Before you know it, you’re in Butterworth and at the very edge of the iconic Penang Bridge. Driving around an island is a bit of an adventure. No matter how lost you get, you eventually get to where you want – just that you’ve taken a bit longer to reach.
When you’re about a hundred miles away from everything you are familiar with, it really does not matter where you go or how you get there.
Idea #4 – Kota Baru
Here is an idea for those who are interested in a long weekend break: drive to Simpang Pulai, and from there, take the newly built highway and head towards Cameron Highlands.
This place is always a refreshing place to be, no matter what time of year. Have a spot of tea at the extensive plantations, celebrate with a vegetable steamboat and have some strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Your adventure does not end there. Start early the next morning and wend your way to Gua Musang in Kelantan and then Kota Baru for some fresh seafood on the beach.
The third leg of this road trip is said to be among Peninsular Malaysia’s most scenic drives: a drive on the eastern coastal road.
Traversing Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, you will pass quaint fishing villages, makeshift stalls by the beach that sell kampung snacks and mile upon mile of scenic sea and sky all the way to Kuantan.
And anyone knows that when you are in Kuantan, a feast of otak-otak and ikan bakar is in order!
Complete the loop by taking the East-West Expressway from Gambang back to Kuala Lumpur – but don’t forget to stop at Temerloh for some assam tempoyak patin.
Idea #5 – Malacca
Going south for the weekend is a recipe for gridlocks. But, you know what – so what!
I suggest you take the trunk road from Bangi to Nilai (for a secret shopping getaway), and from there to Seremban. Contrary to its somewhat subdued reputation, Seremban transforms into quite the idiosyncratic town over the weekend, which makes for an interesting hunting ground for knick-knacks.
Oh, but don’t stop there. Get back on the road towards Tampin and onwards towards Malacca town.
Hidden among some of the overflowing antique shops at Jonker’s Street are some of the strangest trinkets dating back to early Malaya.
From tiny silk shoes for bound feet, to rust-covered colonial coins, to funky earrings – it’s all here. Even if you end up empty-handed, the experience will be worth remembering. -- The Star Lifestyle.
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