Distribution centres to be set up in Perak to stabilise prices of greens
Monday November 20, 2006
PUTRAJAYA: Two distribution centres will be set up in Perak in an effort to stabilise the prices of local greens, especially in the run-up to the festive season.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said these centres would act as a converging point for vegetables and fruits grown in Cameron Highlands.
“At these centres, vegetable and fruit farmers will be encouraged to sell their produce directly to the wholesalers, without having to go through many middlemen.
“In the long run, we hope such a move will benefit consumers by reducing the prices of greens, particularly when there are still some unscrupulous traders who continue to take advantage of the festive season by increasing the prices of goods during the festive season.
“We have found out that usually, the prices may increase during this period by a few sen, but by the time these reach the consumers, it will have increased manifold,” he told reporters after launching the Smart Consumer Day seminar here on Monday.
Shafie said the ministry was currently discussing with hypermarket chains Tesco and Giant to manage these centres, which would serve markets in the northern and southern regions of the peninsula respectively.
“We hope to set up these centres by the middle of next year, the latest by August or September.
“We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of such a scheme because we hope to set up similar centres in other parts of the country as well as to handle the distribution of fish and marine products at the country’s many jetties,” he said.
On the supply of sugar in the country, Shafie said the manufacturers in the country were still required to increase production by 50%.
“The directive is for them to increase production until such time when the ministry feels is no longer necessary,” he said. - The Star.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Council issues second stop work order
Council issues second stop work order
Saturday November 4, 2006
CAMERON HIGHLANDS district council has issued its second order against a developer to stop work on an eight-unit shoplot project in Tanah Rata.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said for the time being, the developer was only allowed to build a new retaining wall after the existing one collapsed following a landslip last week.
The landslip had cut off portions of a hill right in front of two houses in Lorong Perdah, raising fear among residents living directly above the project site.
“We have been monitoring the project from time to time. From now on the developer has to adhere to our safety requirements before they can continue,” said Mohd Noor when contacted yesterday.
It was reported on Wednesday that one of the residents, housewife Caroline Tuijthof, 46, claimed the project had caused cracks to appear in the foundation of her house.
”We hope the developer could at least build a stronger retaining wall with proper drainage to check landslides,” she said.
However, another resident who only wanted to be known as Chendru, 39, denied that cracks had appeared in his house after the project started.
“The cracks have always been there,” he insisted.
Lebih Jaya Development Sdn Bhd director Low Ah Keong had said they had started building the second retaining wall in stages. He said the wall would be 9m high and would be completed in three months. - The Star.
Saturday November 4, 2006
CAMERON HIGHLANDS district council has issued its second order against a developer to stop work on an eight-unit shoplot project in Tanah Rata.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said for the time being, the developer was only allowed to build a new retaining wall after the existing one collapsed following a landslip last week.
The landslip had cut off portions of a hill right in front of two houses in Lorong Perdah, raising fear among residents living directly above the project site.
“We have been monitoring the project from time to time. From now on the developer has to adhere to our safety requirements before they can continue,” said Mohd Noor when contacted yesterday.
It was reported on Wednesday that one of the residents, housewife Caroline Tuijthof, 46, claimed the project had caused cracks to appear in the foundation of her house.
”We hope the developer could at least build a stronger retaining wall with proper drainage to check landslides,” she said.
However, another resident who only wanted to be known as Chendru, 39, denied that cracks had appeared in his house after the project started.
“The cracks have always been there,” he insisted.
Lebih Jaya Development Sdn Bhd director Low Ah Keong had said they had started building the second retaining wall in stages. He said the wall would be 9m high and would be completed in three months. - The Star.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Residents living in fear after landslip
Wednesday November 1, 2006
By Christina Koh
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Portions of a hill in Tanah Rata here has been cut for an eight-unit shop lot, allegedly causing cracks and fear to families living on the same slope.
Just above the project of the affected slope in Lorong Perdah lives housewife Caroline Tuijthof, 46, who claimed that the project had caused cracks to appear in the foundation of her home.
The final straw was when a landslip occurred last week, aggravated by heavy rain, causing a 3.6m-wide section of the foundation of a neighbour’s house to collapse, said Tuijthof.
The landslip had also caused the collapse of its existing retaining wall that had helped support the slope, she said.
“At its worst, there is only one metre of ground from my neighbour’s house and the edge of the cliff. I don’t dare let my five-year-old daughter Joy play around here,” she said.
“We want to know how the Department of Environment (DOE) allowed the project.”
Tuijthof wanted the construction to stop until the developer could guarantee their safety, failing which, the family wanted the developer to at least build a stronger retaining wall with proper drainage so that their homes would not be vulnerable to landslides.
Her jewellery seller husband Ong Boon Beng, 51, said it seemed as if the developers were only concerned about finishing the project, which began in May this year.
Another resident K. Mogan, a nature guide, said the developer cut a large part of the hill, right up to their houses, until he felt like his home was at the edge of the hill.
“I’ve been scared out of my wits but feel a bit safer now that the developer has put in some sheet piling,” he said.
Cameron Highlands DOE branch head Ajis Hamjah said the department approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 0.2ha project on March 31 this year.
“As far as I know, this is the smallest project in Malaysia with an EIA. Under the Environmental Quality Act, an EIA is only needed for projects exceeding 50ha. However, an EIA was provided here under the development guidelines,” he said.
Lebih Jaya Development Sdn Bhd director Low Ah Keong said they had started building a second retaining wall in stages, which would measure over 9m high, in three months’ time.
“It’s very safe. We have already received all the approvals and documentation from the DOE and council,” said Low.
Asked if their piling works could have caused the landslip, Low said: “We do not know. Since it has already happened, what matters now is building the retaining wall to rectify the situation.” - The Star
By Christina Koh
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Portions of a hill in Tanah Rata here has been cut for an eight-unit shop lot, allegedly causing cracks and fear to families living on the same slope.
Just above the project of the affected slope in Lorong Perdah lives housewife Caroline Tuijthof, 46, who claimed that the project had caused cracks to appear in the foundation of her home.
The final straw was when a landslip occurred last week, aggravated by heavy rain, causing a 3.6m-wide section of the foundation of a neighbour’s house to collapse, said Tuijthof.
The landslip had also caused the collapse of its existing retaining wall that had helped support the slope, she said.
“At its worst, there is only one metre of ground from my neighbour’s house and the edge of the cliff. I don’t dare let my five-year-old daughter Joy play around here,” she said.
“We want to know how the Department of Environment (DOE) allowed the project.”
Tuijthof wanted the construction to stop until the developer could guarantee their safety, failing which, the family wanted the developer to at least build a stronger retaining wall with proper drainage so that their homes would not be vulnerable to landslides.
Her jewellery seller husband Ong Boon Beng, 51, said it seemed as if the developers were only concerned about finishing the project, which began in May this year.
Another resident K. Mogan, a nature guide, said the developer cut a large part of the hill, right up to their houses, until he felt like his home was at the edge of the hill.
“I’ve been scared out of my wits but feel a bit safer now that the developer has put in some sheet piling,” he said.
Cameron Highlands DOE branch head Ajis Hamjah said the department approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 0.2ha project on March 31 this year.
“As far as I know, this is the smallest project in Malaysia with an EIA. Under the Environmental Quality Act, an EIA is only needed for projects exceeding 50ha. However, an EIA was provided here under the development guidelines,” he said.
Lebih Jaya Development Sdn Bhd director Low Ah Keong said they had started building a second retaining wall in stages, which would measure over 9m high, in three months’ time.
“It’s very safe. We have already received all the approvals and documentation from the DOE and council,” said Low.
Asked if their piling works could have caused the landslip, Low said: “We do not know. Since it has already happened, what matters now is building the retaining wall to rectify the situation.” - The Star
Friday, October 27, 2006
Camerons still place to relax in
Friday October 27, 2006
I REFER to the letter, “Bad holidays in Camerons” by Anita Qiu of Penang (The Star, Oct 26).
To me, spending your holidays in Cameron Highlands isn’t bad at all. It is just a matter of when you go there.
Qiu went to the highlands two days before Hari Raya. Therefore, she should expect that there would be a terrible traffic jam as people were rushing back to their hometowns or heading for holidays.
Illegal parking at Cameron Highlands could be avoided if one visits the resort during a non-festive season.
Parking has always been a problem as there is not enough parking space. The problem becomes worse during festive seasons.
However, I agree the multi-storey car park does not serve its original purpose of providing parking space for buses.
This is because of the poor architectural design. The building is too low and narrow for any vehicle.
Water supply has been insufficient on the highlands since a long time ago and during a festive season, consumption increases.
If there are fewer people on the highlands, then the problem with the water supply could be avoided.
In conclusion, Cameron Highlands should not be classified as a poor tourist spot because these problems occur mostly during the festive period.
It is indeed a great spot to relax in if you choose the correct time to spend your holidays there.
LIM ZHI YUEN,
Teluk Intan.
I REFER to the letter, “Bad holidays in Camerons” by Anita Qiu of Penang (The Star, Oct 26).
To me, spending your holidays in Cameron Highlands isn’t bad at all. It is just a matter of when you go there.
Qiu went to the highlands two days before Hari Raya. Therefore, she should expect that there would be a terrible traffic jam as people were rushing back to their hometowns or heading for holidays.
Illegal parking at Cameron Highlands could be avoided if one visits the resort during a non-festive season.
Parking has always been a problem as there is not enough parking space. The problem becomes worse during festive seasons.
However, I agree the multi-storey car park does not serve its original purpose of providing parking space for buses.
This is because of the poor architectural design. The building is too low and narrow for any vehicle.
Water supply has been insufficient on the highlands since a long time ago and during a festive season, consumption increases.
If there are fewer people on the highlands, then the problem with the water supply could be avoided.
In conclusion, Cameron Highlands should not be classified as a poor tourist spot because these problems occur mostly during the festive period.
It is indeed a great spot to relax in if you choose the correct time to spend your holidays there.
LIM ZHI YUEN,
Teluk Intan.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Bad holiday in Camerons
Thursday October 26, 2006
IF the authorities have no idea how to deliver the promise of local tourism, then please don't bother to promote it.
My family came to Cameron Highlands on Sunday. We rented one of the apartments, and within a span of just slightly over 24 hours, we began to regret spending our holiday in this so-called highland resort.
First, the traffic jam was terrible. I am not talking about the jam on the highway. That was insignificant when compared to the traffic jam in Cameron Highlands itself.
Illegal parking was rampant along the main road in Tanah Rata as everyone parked everywhere except in a building designated as a car park.
Their inconsiderate parking (and even double-parking while waiting) narrowed the already narrow street, causing massive jams to build up.
There is a reason why no one wanted to park in the designated multi-storey building. The new building's design is very bad. The lanes leading to and from the car park are so narrow that motorists will inevitably scratch the sides of their vehicles.
Even the clock has also stopped working in the building. Buses and taxis which are supposed to use the building are also avoiding it, thus adding to the congestion.
It is a sheer waste of taxpayers' money. But no one is learning because new traffic lights (which serve no real usefulness except to take up valuable parking lots) have also been set up along the narrow street.
Our woes culminated the next evening with the water authority cutting off water supply. Though a second dam has already been built, they claimed there is not enough water.
If that is the case, then Cameron Highlands should be taken off the list as a local tourist destination.
Can you imagine no water to wash our dishes and crockery during dinner time?
And not enough water to wash, bathe or flush the toilet?
Can the town council and water authority please explain?
ANITA QIU,
Penang.
IF the authorities have no idea how to deliver the promise of local tourism, then please don't bother to promote it.
My family came to Cameron Highlands on Sunday. We rented one of the apartments, and within a span of just slightly over 24 hours, we began to regret spending our holiday in this so-called highland resort.
First, the traffic jam was terrible. I am not talking about the jam on the highway. That was insignificant when compared to the traffic jam in Cameron Highlands itself.
Illegal parking was rampant along the main road in Tanah Rata as everyone parked everywhere except in a building designated as a car park.
Their inconsiderate parking (and even double-parking while waiting) narrowed the already narrow street, causing massive jams to build up.
There is a reason why no one wanted to park in the designated multi-storey building. The new building's design is very bad. The lanes leading to and from the car park are so narrow that motorists will inevitably scratch the sides of their vehicles.
Even the clock has also stopped working in the building. Buses and taxis which are supposed to use the building are also avoiding it, thus adding to the congestion.
It is a sheer waste of taxpayers' money. But no one is learning because new traffic lights (which serve no real usefulness except to take up valuable parking lots) have also been set up along the narrow street.
Our woes culminated the next evening with the water authority cutting off water supply. Though a second dam has already been built, they claimed there is not enough water.
If that is the case, then Cameron Highlands should be taken off the list as a local tourist destination.
Can you imagine no water to wash our dishes and crockery during dinner time?
And not enough water to wash, bathe or flush the toilet?
Can the town council and water authority please explain?
ANITA QIU,
Penang.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ramadhan Buka Puasa Time!
It is the start of Ramadhan, and boy, it is that time of the year where a whole lot yummy delicious food stalls are set up everywhere. Just behind my office, as usual there will be this long row of stalls selling all kinds of food from Malay style mixed rice selection, nasi lemak, barbequed chicken, and grilled seafood.Yes, the ever popular grill seafood guy here is back again! And he remembered me and my wife too! After a one long year of absence, his stall has now been upgraded from the simple giant umbrella shelter to that of a small roof tent! It is a much better shelter than that of a flimsy giant umbrella. Sure it takes a little longer to set up and pack away when the day's activity is over. It makes for a very presentable Hari Raya Buka Puasa stall!
And yes, the sound of sizzling seafood grilling on his hot pan, and the wonderful aroma sure attracts lots of patrons. Me included! If my wife was around, she would certainly 'ta pau' his tilapia fish, giant sotong and ikan pari-pari (stingray). Hey, we are not taking any revenge on the stingray for piercing our beloved Animal Planet Crocodile Dundee guy - Steve Irwin; we Malaysians just love to eat just about anything that's worth eating or allowed!My wife and I are not the only guys who are fond of his grilled seafood varieties, the long waiting list from patrons standing around for their order to be fulfilled is a tantamount to his great tasting fare. I think it must be his delicious marinating sauce. He applies quite a generous amount on his cooking, sandwiched with banana leaf to give that oo-la-la one of a kind mouth watering taste to his seafood.
And if I pack back the food, my pet cat Casper will be clamoring for a piece of it. He would stare at me and make sad sounding cat meows, and if I ignore him too much, he would jump onto the dining table, resulting in a quick reprimand for his drastic action!
"No, Casper! Down boy!" and of course I will get an earful from my wife about having a cat that just wants his own way and cannot quite be properly trained, and how unhygienic it is for a cat to walk around the dining table where the food is laid and so forth and so on... I think I spoil my pet cat too much! And yes, he will get a few pieces of it and he would gladly munch it all down and having satisfied himself. Will sit around enjoying our company. Sheesh, my cat has it way too easy!
Well, the Ramadhan will go on for a month till the Hari Raya Puasa which falls on the 24th and 25th October. So I will get to savour all the buka puasa delicacy just behind my office for one whole month and yet again!
And as for Cameron Highlands? Well they still have the night market, and they do have lots of food to offer. But you won't be able to find any grill seafood there; perhaps you might want to start one yourself?Wishing all my Muslim readers and friends a happy Hari Raya Puasa!
See also my last year blog/article:
Buka Puasa Time!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Hotel Equatorial Promotion
As the Ramadan fasting month draws near, there will be a flurry of promotion going on with the various hotels. Hotel Equatorial Cameron Highlands is no different and has tie-in with a Southern Bank Direct Access credit card.
I received this voucher together with my recent credit card statement. And it says here RM388 per room for 4 nights consecutive stay, but as usual there is a limitation, you can only stay during the weekdays from Sunday to Thursday.
These are the low visiting period that's when the tourist visiting Cameron Highlands are few and in between. Still at RM388 per room for 4 nights consecutive stay, that comes to about RM97 per night. That's not too bad considering that if you stayed at the shop house hotels like Jasmine Hotel, Parkland, Kowloon etc in Brinchang or Tanah Rata would be about around this price range already.
But wait, there is more! They are also offering:
• Simpang Pulai Toll Rebate - Enjoy a rebate off your one way Simpang Pulai entry toll receipt. Terms & Conditions apply (yea, yea as usual please read the fine print!) • Discount for Breakfast - Stay and enjoy a 20% discount on Food & Beverage at Coffee Shop.
But do take note that on the weekdays, the Brinchang night market will not be open except during the school holidays. So if you really enjoy going to "pasar malam", don't be disappointed that it is not available during your weekday stay. But I do know we Malaysians has the "shop till you drop" kind of syndrome, or even window shopping if you just take a look at the crazy traffic at the various giant malls that we have during the weekends!
Well you could carry out other healthy activities instead of just shopping! There are many sights and attractions and things to do in Cameron Highlands.
If you are a Southern Bank Direct Access credit card holder and plan to use your vouchers you can find out more about it at: http://www.equatorial.com/da or give them a call at 1-800-88-1800.
For more info check out Hotel Equatorial Cameron Highlands webpage.
Aw, not a SBB Direct Access credit card holder? Well you could check out the Cameron Highlands Hotels and Accommodation list which I have compiled.
Happy traveling!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Stay for free at Teluk Dalam Resort
Could this be true? Stay for free at Teluk Dalam Resort Pangkor? Not really. There is a catch; it says here just pay RM70 per person per night for breakfast and dinner. So if you are going on a twin share basis that comes to about RM140 per night. Not entirely free if I would say so.
The reason they are coming up with this promotion from 25th September to 20th October, 2006 is because of Ramadan fasting month. I guess it will be low peak season until the Hari Raya weekend begins from 21st till 25th October.
Well if you think this is a good deal you can call them and make a booking.
Oh, you may be wondering why I'm promoting Pulau Pangkor. Well, I'm just taking a break from my usual Cameron Highlands articles. But if you want to find out more about Pulau Pangkor you could check out Peter's Pulau Pangkor website.
But he is not here in Malaysia at this moment. He emailed me to inform that he is now in Laos for a short cycling adventure. Ah, he seems to have all the time in the world to bike around all day long! Well, not all of us mortals get the luxury to go for holiday whenever we like. Hopefully one day I will have the same kind of luxury.
Meantime, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go! :)
Cheerio!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Farms and agriculture in Cameron Highlands
Fama To Build RM10 Mln Collection And Distribution Centre
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) is setting up a collection and distribution centre for agricultural produce to help farmers maintain the quality of their products.
Its chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, said the centre would also serve as a training centre to prepare farmers in facing the global challenges in the agriculture sector.
He said the collection and distribution centre, costing RM10 million, would be built on a two-hectare site in Sungai Burung here.
"The free trade agreement with Thailand and Indonesia will bring huge challenges and competition in the distribution of agricultural produce, especially for local produce," he added after a dialogue with farmers' associations here.
He said the proposed centre would also serve as a centre for packaging and grading of the farmers' agricultural produce.
"Most of the farmers here use rattan baskets to carry their agricultural produce and this damages the vegetables, while they also do not have facilities to grade and pack their produce," he said, adding that this resulted in the vegetables not meeting the wholesalers' standards, causing the goods to be sold at lower prices. -- BERNAMA
More info about Kea Farm and Markets.
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) is setting up a collection and distribution centre for agricultural produce to help farmers maintain the quality of their products.
Its chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, said the centre would also serve as a training centre to prepare farmers in facing the global challenges in the agriculture sector.
He said the collection and distribution centre, costing RM10 million, would be built on a two-hectare site in Sungai Burung here.
"The free trade agreement with Thailand and Indonesia will bring huge challenges and competition in the distribution of agricultural produce, especially for local produce," he added after a dialogue with farmers' associations here.
He said the proposed centre would also serve as a centre for packaging and grading of the farmers' agricultural produce.
"Most of the farmers here use rattan baskets to carry their agricultural produce and this damages the vegetables, while they also do not have facilities to grade and pack their produce," he said, adding that this resulted in the vegetables not meeting the wholesalers' standards, causing the goods to be sold at lower prices. -- BERNAMA
More info about Kea Farm and Markets.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Are you having your cuti-cuti in Malaysia?
Are you planning a holiday this coming National Day on the 31st August? Yes, the public holiday falls on Thursday, and many people (me included) is eyeing to take Friday off thus making it into a one long weekend. Yea!
So where do you intend to head off? Within Malaysia or go for an overseas adventure travels? Sure got our Tourism Ministry worried.
Tourism Minister wants Malaysians to holiday at home more
Lack of Malaysians travelling locally worries tourism minister
Wednesday August 16, 2006
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are not travelling a lot domestically and this gives the Tourism Minister much worry.
“Our people are unaware that there are lots of places to visit in our country,” said Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
“We want our people to spend their vacations in Malaysia as we are worried that there may be more Malaysians visiting other countries than foreign tourists coming to Malaysia.”
He said the ministry would re-examine its plans to encourage Malaysians to travel domestically.
“For example, Gua Tempurung is for the adventurous traveller. If you want a change of weather, you can go to the highlands such as Bukit Tinggi, Genting Highlands, the Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill,” he told reporters at the briefing on the Langkawi International Boat Exhibition (Libex) at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday. - The Star
So where do you intend to head off? Within Malaysia or go for an overseas adventure travels? Sure got our Tourism Ministry worried.
Tourism Minister wants Malaysians to holiday at home more
Lack of Malaysians travelling locally worries tourism minister
Wednesday August 16, 2006
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are not travelling a lot domestically and this gives the Tourism Minister much worry.
“Our people are unaware that there are lots of places to visit in our country,” said Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
“We want our people to spend their vacations in Malaysia as we are worried that there may be more Malaysians visiting other countries than foreign tourists coming to Malaysia.”
He said the ministry would re-examine its plans to encourage Malaysians to travel domestically.
“For example, Gua Tempurung is for the adventurous traveller. If you want a change of weather, you can go to the highlands such as Bukit Tinggi, Genting Highlands, the Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill,” he told reporters at the briefing on the Langkawi International Boat Exhibition (Libex) at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday. - The Star
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Travel Malaysia, go Cameron Highlands!
Recently spotted this hotel promotion in the News Straight Times (NST) papers on the 8th August 2006. It gives you a fair idea about the current room rates in Cameron Highlands. Perhaps it might interest you to take a holiday in Cameron Highlands?
For more choices of hotel accommodations, apartments and guesthouses, check out the Hotel Accommodation, Apartment, Guesthouse list.
Hotel Equatorial Cameron Highlands
Equatorial Cameron Highlands' RM88 Giveaway Deal. Now faster with the New Simpang Pulai Route. Discounted rates starting from RM188++ per room per night with daily RM88 Food & Beverage spending credit, also accorded per room per night basis. Unsued credit will be refunded at 50% of its value upon departure. For reservation, please call 05-4961777, toll free Malaysia 1-800-88-1800 or access www.equatorial.com
Iris Hotel
Iris House Hotel located in Brinchang Town, Cameron Highlands. All rooms with private balcony. Restaurant, function room and seminar package available. Weekday room rate RM78 and RM98. Tel: 05-4911818, fax 05-4912828.
Rosa Passadena, Cameron Highlands
Rosa Passadena, Cameron Highlands. 3-star hotel with 120 rooms. Western, Chinese and local restaurant, function rooms, karaoke outlet. Weekday room rate RM128 nett/room/night (twin sharing) with breakfast. For rates during weekends/holidays, call 05-4912288, fax 05-4912688, email rospsdn@streamyx.com
Strawberry Park Resort Cameron Highlands
Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands.
Package from RM198++ per Studio room per night (2 persons) including RM70 Cash vouchers! Commissionable to bona-fide travel agents. Tel: 605-4911166, Fax: 605-4911949, Email: reservations@strawberryparkresorts.com
And don't forget to visit the wildly popular YTL Cameron Highlands Resort Hotel. Sure it is very expensive, at least have a cup of tea and scones there to enjoy its ambience!
Friday, July 28, 2006
A Light Hearted Cameron Highlands Trip Account
I've just received an email from Idil, a regular Highlander Newsletter Reader, recounting his eventful trip to Cameron Highlands from Singapore to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, then from there travelled on to Cameron Highlands and finally returned to Singapore.
Phew! I don't know how he did it, but it sure looks really complicated to me. Anyway here is his story. Read and enjoy!
Jan.
Allo'
here is my "blog"...
15 Jun
- 0500 - Hired van and myself depart Singapore and proceed to North-South highway to Machap
- 0630 - Exit NS Highway at Tangkak heading to Segamat
- 0700 - Leave Segamat for Route 12 towards Gambang
- 0800 - JPJ road block...
i. Passenger Van got into trouble as no 3rd brake light... argued as the prior to entry permit approval, Puspakom have inspected and cleared the van.
ii. Van driver not having "Malaysian" bus driving lesen - Told them to call Johore Bahru JPJ as they are "not aware" of Singapore lesen is "different" from Malaysia.
After they called JB, they release the van with a warning to fix the 3rd brake light. Lost 1 hour at this road block.
-1200 - Reach Cherating and have lunch beside The Legend
-1300 - Proceed to Kuala Trengganu at 60kmh
-1700 - Arrive Batu Buruk Beach Resort, BBBR
-1730 - Quick visit to Pasar Payang as Friday most shops close
-2000 - Dinner at Restoran Nil just beside BBBR - Good food and air-con makan place
-2100 - Stroll along the beach front. Crowds ready for World Cup match
-2230 - Lights out
16 Jun
0900 - Depart to Tasek Kenyir - look see look see. Met the construction workers for the new highway from Kuala Berang to Gua Musang... Highway still under construction.
1030 - Depart to Sekayu Waterfall - piknik
1330 - Return to Kuala Trangganu Pasar Payang
1500 - Return to BBBR, R&R till dinner
1930 - Dinner at "Satay Pantai Timur" Restoran also beside BBBR. Food not as good as Nil's
2230 - BBBR and lights out
17 Jun
0930 - Depart to Cameron Highlands
1100 - Reached Macang, Kelantan and take Route 8 to Gua Musang
1400 - Reached Gua Musang and onwards to the highway to Kg Raja
1700 - 3 km before Kg Raja, road detour to use the old road as the highway was blocked. Presumably due to repairs or landslide??? No signboard to say why-lah
1800 - Reach Stesen Mardi, Tanah Rata and check in English Cottage 2 and 3 bedrooms. Kids run around the yard and surprised to have Astro... so World cup again lah. Cottage fully furnished with bedrooms at 2nd floor, cutleries, rice cooker, fridge,gas stove, tea sets etc.
Parent-In-Law very happy....
1900 - Tar pow dinner after a short walk to Tanah Rata
18 Jun
0730 - Breakfast at Mardi Cafeteria (Open 7am close at noon everyday. Closed on all Mondays)
0830 - Visit BOH at Habu
1000 - Visit Highland Apiary Farm on same road as BOH. This farm was being "built" in my last visit in December and now fully operational. The Towkay very friendly and the honey reasonably priced. A Tualang cost RM40 and if you buy two, he gives you a jam jar sized honey with propolis! Must check this place the next time you go CH.
1130 - Visited the Lakehouse
1230 - Reach Brinchang.... SHOPPING, lunch and tar pow for dinner
1500 - Reach back Stesen Mardi for a walk about the field
1700 - Dinner
19 Jun
0730 - R&R
1230 - Check out Stesen Mardi (On the way to Tapah, surprised to find the restoren at Lata Iskandar already demolished!")
1800 - Reach Guthrie Corridor - NKVE to Nilai Selatan - Purposely skirt around and avoid KL
2130 - Reach Gelang Patah
2230 - Singapore
There you are, my road trip... 1800km start to finish... now my friend aim for December trip, my in-law request a Penang trip.........!!! Not again.....siong lah....maybe I fly with Berjaya air Ex-Seletar airport (Sg) to Redang!
Idil
Complicated...you bet! Road maps bought the latest and armed with at least 3 others such as the JKR road maps,tourist maps and other internet postings! A trip like this needs at least 3months of "research" as I have kids who will scream "toilet!!!!". Also I need to scan the routes with google earth and a few phone calls to friends in M'sia!
The roads in M'sia are indeed getting better and better than say 5yrs before..It was good before but the upgrading is ever ongoing example Kota Tinggi-Mersing are widened and "straightened". Majority of T'ganu bridges are being replaced! Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur with the beautiful mountain scenery....just drive at speed limit and be defensive...the trip is enjoyable this way..trust me...
The only "scary" highway I used before is the one from Kg Raja, Cameron Highlands to Simpang Pulai enroute to Penang....many of the turns are too tight coupled by the gradient and that road will catch you off guard as the speed increases! I passed by a wreckage of a CH 4X4 pickup that overturned after smashing head-on with a Perak registered car in Dec 05 trip... Hope no fatalities....
Ciao....
Idil
Phew! I don't know how he did it, but it sure looks really complicated to me. Anyway here is his story. Read and enjoy!
Jan.
Allo'
here is my "blog"...
15 Jun
- 0500 - Hired van and myself depart Singapore and proceed to North-South highway to Machap
- 0630 - Exit NS Highway at Tangkak heading to Segamat
- 0700 - Leave Segamat for Route 12 towards Gambang
- 0800 - JPJ road block...
i. Passenger Van got into trouble as no 3rd brake light... argued as the prior to entry permit approval, Puspakom have inspected and cleared the van.
ii. Van driver not having "Malaysian" bus driving lesen - Told them to call Johore Bahru JPJ as they are "not aware" of Singapore lesen is "different" from Malaysia.
After they called JB, they release the van with a warning to fix the 3rd brake light. Lost 1 hour at this road block.
-1200 - Reach Cherating and have lunch beside The Legend
-1300 - Proceed to Kuala Trengganu at 60kmh
-1700 - Arrive Batu Buruk Beach Resort, BBBR
-1730 - Quick visit to Pasar Payang as Friday most shops close
-2000 - Dinner at Restoran Nil just beside BBBR - Good food and air-con makan place
-2100 - Stroll along the beach front. Crowds ready for World Cup match
-2230 - Lights out
16 Jun
0900 - Depart to Tasek Kenyir - look see look see. Met the construction workers for the new highway from Kuala Berang to Gua Musang... Highway still under construction.
1030 - Depart to Sekayu Waterfall - piknik
1330 - Return to Kuala Trangganu Pasar Payang
1500 - Return to BBBR, R&R till dinner
1930 - Dinner at "Satay Pantai Timur" Restoran also beside BBBR. Food not as good as Nil's
2230 - BBBR and lights out
17 Jun
0930 - Depart to Cameron Highlands
1100 - Reached Macang, Kelantan and take Route 8 to Gua Musang
1400 - Reached Gua Musang and onwards to the highway to Kg Raja
1700 - 3 km before Kg Raja, road detour to use the old road as the highway was blocked. Presumably due to repairs or landslide??? No signboard to say why-lah
1800 - Reach Stesen Mardi, Tanah Rata and check in English Cottage 2 and 3 bedrooms. Kids run around the yard and surprised to have Astro... so World cup again lah. Cottage fully furnished with bedrooms at 2nd floor, cutleries, rice cooker, fridge,gas stove, tea sets etc.
Parent-In-Law very happy....
1900 - Tar pow dinner after a short walk to Tanah Rata
18 Jun
0730 - Breakfast at Mardi Cafeteria (Open 7am close at noon everyday. Closed on all Mondays)
0830 - Visit BOH at Habu
1000 - Visit Highland Apiary Farm on same road as BOH. This farm was being "built" in my last visit in December and now fully operational. The Towkay very friendly and the honey reasonably priced. A Tualang cost RM40 and if you buy two, he gives you a jam jar sized honey with propolis! Must check this place the next time you go CH.
1130 - Visited the Lakehouse
1230 - Reach Brinchang.... SHOPPING, lunch and tar pow for dinner
1500 - Reach back Stesen Mardi for a walk about the field
1700 - Dinner
19 Jun
0730 - R&R
1230 - Check out Stesen Mardi (On the way to Tapah, surprised to find the restoren at Lata Iskandar already demolished!")
1800 - Reach Guthrie Corridor - NKVE to Nilai Selatan - Purposely skirt around and avoid KL
2130 - Reach Gelang Patah
2230 - Singapore
There you are, my road trip... 1800km start to finish... now my friend aim for December trip, my in-law request a Penang trip.........!!! Not again.....siong lah....maybe I fly with Berjaya air Ex-Seletar airport (Sg) to Redang!
Idil
Complicated...you bet! Road maps bought the latest and armed with at least 3 others such as the JKR road maps,tourist maps and other internet postings! A trip like this needs at least 3months of "research" as I have kids who will scream "toilet!!!!". Also I need to scan the routes with google earth and a few phone calls to friends in M'sia!
The roads in M'sia are indeed getting better and better than say 5yrs before..It was good before but the upgrading is ever ongoing example Kota Tinggi-Mersing are widened and "straightened". Majority of T'ganu bridges are being replaced! Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur with the beautiful mountain scenery....just drive at speed limit and be defensive...the trip is enjoyable this way..trust me...
The only "scary" highway I used before is the one from Kg Raja, Cameron Highlands to Simpang Pulai enroute to Penang....many of the turns are too tight coupled by the gradient and that road will catch you off guard as the speed increases! I passed by a wreckage of a CH 4X4 pickup that overturned after smashing head-on with a Perak registered car in Dec 05 trip... Hope no fatalities....
Ciao....
Idil
Thursday, July 27, 2006
17,000 Orang Asli Still Marginalised
17,000 Orang Asli Still Marginalised
Thursday July 27, 2006
By Simon Khoo
KUANTAN: About 17,000 orang asli in the state are still living in a “world of their own” in the fringe of the jungles.
State Orang Asli Affairs Department director Bakar Yunus said the figure constituted some 31% of the orang asli population.
He said there were about 55,000 orang asli living in 263 villages throughout the state.
“A total of 87 villages are in the outskirts without proper basic amenities such as water and electricity.
“The remaining villages are connected to towns and accessible by road,” he said in an interview.
Bakar said among the isolated villages were those in Cameron Highlands, Jerantut and Lipis.
“However, our records show that their numbers are relatively small and dwindling,” he said.
In line with the country’s rapid development, the number was expected to decline further.
“Besides, the pro-active action and measures adopted by the Government have improved their living conditions,” he said.
Bakar said the indigenous people depended on small-scale agriculture and plantation for a living.
“Back in those days, they hunted and collected grubs from the jungle.
“Some are venturing into oil palm and rubber plantation and enjoy a steady income,” he said.
He said the department would work closely with the authorities to ensure the orang asli stayed above the poverty line.
Bakar said the orang asli were now more receptive to changes and willing to come forward to experience new opportunities.
“On our part, we constantly remind orang asli parents on the importance of securing a good education for their children.
“So far this year, a total of 26 orang asli students have registered at local universities,” he said.
Thursday July 27, 2006
By Simon Khoo
KUANTAN: About 17,000 orang asli in the state are still living in a “world of their own” in the fringe of the jungles.
State Orang Asli Affairs Department director Bakar Yunus said the figure constituted some 31% of the orang asli population.
He said there were about 55,000 orang asli living in 263 villages throughout the state.
“A total of 87 villages are in the outskirts without proper basic amenities such as water and electricity.
“The remaining villages are connected to towns and accessible by road,” he said in an interview.
Bakar said among the isolated villages were those in Cameron Highlands, Jerantut and Lipis.
“However, our records show that their numbers are relatively small and dwindling,” he said.
In line with the country’s rapid development, the number was expected to decline further.
“Besides, the pro-active action and measures adopted by the Government have improved their living conditions,” he said.
Bakar said the indigenous people depended on small-scale agriculture and plantation for a living.
“Back in those days, they hunted and collected grubs from the jungle.
“Some are venturing into oil palm and rubber plantation and enjoy a steady income,” he said.
He said the department would work closely with the authorities to ensure the orang asli stayed above the poverty line.
Bakar said the orang asli were now more receptive to changes and willing to come forward to experience new opportunities.
“On our part, we constantly remind orang asli parents on the importance of securing a good education for their children.
“So far this year, a total of 26 orang asli students have registered at local universities,” he said.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Indigenous Art on the Move
Indigenous Art on the Move
Saturday July 22, 2006
Like a gypsy wagon, an indigenous craft stall has been making the rounds in Kuala Lumpur. Leong Siok Hui not only
discovered some curios, but also got a glimpse into the lives of the
artisans.
So you forked out RM9.50 for a rattan bangle. Big deal, you say. But consider this: the jong betek nahat (arm ornament in the Penan language) was handmade by Stanley Jalong, a 30-something Penan who gathered the rattan from the jungle. The bangle was then transported from Ulu Baram in the deep interior of Sarawak by boat, van and airplane to Kuala Lumpur where you bought it.
Now, we’re talking about the real value of this piece of handicraft.
That’s what makes Gerai O. A. (Orang Asli/Asal) unique. Most crafts sold at Gerai come with individual tags naming the artisans, where he hails from and what the craft was traditionally used for. From Semelai weaved mats, Temiar blowpipes to Lun Bawang hand-painted clay beads and Rungus necklaces, Gerai’s products are a showcase of crafts from about 17 indigenous groups in Malaysia.
Run by a bunch of dedicated volunteers, this non-profit mobile stall shows up monthly at the Laman Seni Kuala Lumpur (an arts and crafts bazaar at the National Art Gallery) or a handicraft event in the city.
There’s no rent or utility bills to pay. Volunteers chip in to transport the crafts around, and Gerai’s coordinator Reita Faida Rahim’s apartment doubles as a storeroom. All of the proceeds from the sale of crafts go back to the artisans.
“Gerai was never planned, it just happened,” says one of its founders, craft researcher Reita, 33. With her graphic design background, Reita used to teach design theory and has researched traditional crafts. Two years ago, she was approached by a group of villagers from an indigenous community.
“They wanted help to sell their crafts as they were being exploited by middlemen,” says Reita who did her (diploma) dissertation on batik and later shifted her interest to textile, basketry and beads.
Together with a friend, Raman Bah Tuin, a bamboo flute artisan from the Semai community in Cameron Highlands, they set up an impromptu stall at a college event in Oct 2004.
“The Gerai just evolved from there. We started getting phone calls from buyers or people who wanted us to sell their crafts,” says Reita, whose volunteers include students, activists, craftspeople and even journalists.
“We focus on the minority groups, the Orang Asli communities, because they have fewer avenues for help,” adds Reita.
“It’s not realistic for the villagers themselves to come out and trade all the time. We are just giving them an alternative place to market their crafts.”
Middleman syndrome
For most indigenous craftspeople living in the remote interiors, they count on the middleman to sell their wares.
“But each time a middleman monopolises the market in one village, it creates an avenue for exploitation,” explains Reita.
Some middlemen buy the wares for a fraction of the price and sell them for a huge profit in the cities.
“There were also cases where they took the crafts without paying, then told the villagers they had lost the things and couldn’t pay.”
Reita hands out name cards of the craftsmen to interested buyers.
“You can contact these craftsmen directly, and bypass the middleperson,” says the genial lady. “Hopefully, it’s the first step to empowerment.”
Gerai doesn’t just sell crafts and help create awareness of our indigenous cultures, but it also provides technical help to the artisans. Last month, Reita travelled to Long Tuma, near Lawas, Sarawak to buy some clay beads from the Lun Bawang women.
“We advise them on what designs are saleable in the market,” says Reita. “I taught the (Long Tuma) women how to do earrings, necklaces and beaded bracelets that are cost-effective.’’
Chronicling tradition
In 2003, with the help of the Centre of Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), 13 Mah Meri weavers formed the Tompoq Topoh – Mah Meri Women’s “First Weave” Project. In Mah Meri language, tompoq means the “first weave”, or it can be interpreted as the start of a new beginning.
Grouped under the Senoi sub-ethnic group, the Mah Meri are coastal dwellers living on Carey Island and in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor. Traditionally, fishermen and padi farmers the Mah Meri today mainly work in the oil palm plantation or tap rubber.
In the past, Mah Meri crafts were mostly utilitarian like tikar (mats) for the floor or sentung (basket) to keep rice. Today, Mah Meri craftsmen are renowned for their high-quality woodcarvings while the women fashion pouches, mats and baskets out of pandanus plants.
“The Tompoq project is about weaving, documenting their heritage and earning extra income,” explains Reita. Gerai sells most of the craft made by the Tompoq group.
“Projek ini bagus. Dulu lepak saja, tak buat apa-apa, cuma borak kosong (This is a good project. Before, we did nothing and just chatted when we were free),” says Maznah Anak Unyan, 38, the project leader.
When we dropped in on the ladies on a Saturday morning, they looked exhausted after staying up till 1am the night before to rush off an order of 150 pieces of sungu duri (weaved basket). The ladies get RM10 per basket and can weave up to three baskets a day.
“Most of the kampung women have only primary school education thus the job choices aren’t that great,” Maznah adds in Malay.
“Now, at least we earn an average of RM75 to RM200 a month, depending on the demand.”
Occasionally, the women also perform traditional dances in cultural shows and get about RM50-RM70 per person per show.
Other than Gerai, the ladies sell their crafts directly to visitors on the island or when they go to town.
The concept of Gerai
“Gerai is unique because it is run by dedicated people. And you cut out the middlemen,’’ says COAC coordinator Dr Colin Nicholas. There’s potential for it to be a commercially viable business.”
“And it certainly puts to shame all those people getting profit from the craftsmen,” adds Nicholas.
COAC also provides support for Orang Asli self-development.
“It would be good if Reita takes Gerai online and sets up a handicraft portal. It’s not just for people to buy but to create more awareness,” said Nicholas. W
Gerai O.A.’s next “appearance” will be at Craft Complex, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur from today to July 30, 9am-6pm, for the Forest Products Promotion. For enquiries, call Reita Faida Rahim at 019-751 8686.
Source: The Star
Saturday July 22, 2006
Like a gypsy wagon, an indigenous craft stall has been making the rounds in Kuala Lumpur. Leong Siok Hui not only
discovered some curios, but also got a glimpse into the lives of the
artisans.
So you forked out RM9.50 for a rattan bangle. Big deal, you say. But consider this: the jong betek nahat (arm ornament in the Penan language) was handmade by Stanley Jalong, a 30-something Penan who gathered the rattan from the jungle. The bangle was then transported from Ulu Baram in the deep interior of Sarawak by boat, van and airplane to Kuala Lumpur where you bought it.
Now, we’re talking about the real value of this piece of handicraft.
 |
| Bujam are small pouches crafted by the Mah Meri ladies which were traditionally used to store tobacco and sweets. |
Run by a bunch of dedicated volunteers, this non-profit mobile stall shows up monthly at the Laman Seni Kuala Lumpur (an arts and crafts bazaar at the National Art Gallery) or a handicraft event in the city.
There’s no rent or utility bills to pay. Volunteers chip in to transport the crafts around, and Gerai’s coordinator Reita Faida Rahim’s apartment doubles as a storeroom. All of the proceeds from the sale of crafts go back to the artisans.
“Gerai was never planned, it just happened,” says one of its founders, craft researcher Reita, 33. With her graphic design background, Reita used to teach design theory and has researched traditional crafts. Two years ago, she was approached by a group of villagers from an indigenous community.
“They wanted help to sell their crafts as they were being exploited by middlemen,” says Reita who did her (diploma) dissertation on batik and later shifted her interest to textile, basketry and beads.
Together with a friend, Raman Bah Tuin, a bamboo flute artisan from the Semai community in Cameron Highlands, they set up an impromptu stall at a college event in Oct 2004.
“The Gerai just evolved from there. We started getting phone calls from buyers or people who wanted us to sell their crafts,” says Reita, whose volunteers include students, activists, craftspeople and even journalists.
 |
| Handpainted beads made by the Lun Bawang ladies of Long Tuma, Lawas, Sarawak. |
“It’s not realistic for the villagers themselves to come out and trade all the time. We are just giving them an alternative place to market their crafts.”
Middleman syndrome
For most indigenous craftspeople living in the remote interiors, they count on the middleman to sell their wares.
“But each time a middleman monopolises the market in one village, it creates an avenue for exploitation,” explains Reita.
Some middlemen buy the wares for a fraction of the price and sell them for a huge profit in the cities.
“There were also cases where they took the crafts without paying, then told the villagers they had lost the things and couldn’t pay.”
Reita hands out name cards of the craftsmen to interested buyers.
“You can contact these craftsmen directly, and bypass the middleperson,” says the genial lady. “Hopefully, it’s the first step to empowerment.”
Gerai doesn’t just sell crafts and help create awareness of our indigenous cultures, but it also provides technical help to the artisans. Last month, Reita travelled to Long Tuma, near Lawas, Sarawak to buy some clay beads from the Lun Bawang women.
“We advise them on what designs are saleable in the market,” says Reita. “I taught the (Long Tuma) women how to do earrings, necklaces and beaded bracelets that are cost-effective.’’
Chronicling tradition
 |
| A flute made by the Dusun indigenous group. - Pictures by Tan Lee Kuen & Apoi Ngimat |
Grouped under the Senoi sub-ethnic group, the Mah Meri are coastal dwellers living on Carey Island and in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor. Traditionally, fishermen and padi farmers the Mah Meri today mainly work in the oil palm plantation or tap rubber.
In the past, Mah Meri crafts were mostly utilitarian like tikar (mats) for the floor or sentung (basket) to keep rice. Today, Mah Meri craftsmen are renowned for their high-quality woodcarvings while the women fashion pouches, mats and baskets out of pandanus plants.
“The Tompoq project is about weaving, documenting their heritage and earning extra income,” explains Reita. Gerai sells most of the craft made by the Tompoq group.
“Projek ini bagus. Dulu lepak saja, tak buat apa-apa, cuma borak kosong (This is a good project. Before, we did nothing and just chatted when we were free),” says Maznah Anak Unyan, 38, the project leader.
When we dropped in on the ladies on a Saturday morning, they looked exhausted after staying up till 1am the night before to rush off an order of 150 pieces of sungu duri (weaved basket). The ladies get RM10 per basket and can weave up to three baskets a day.
“Most of the kampung women have only primary school education thus the job choices aren’t that great,” Maznah adds in Malay.
“Now, at least we earn an average of RM75 to RM200 a month, depending on the demand.”
Occasionally, the women also perform traditional dances in cultural shows and get about RM50-RM70 per person per show.
Other than Gerai, the ladies sell their crafts directly to visitors on the island or when they go to town.
The concept of Gerai
“Gerai is unique because it is run by dedicated people. And you cut out the middlemen,’’ says COAC coordinator Dr Colin Nicholas. There’s potential for it to be a commercially viable business.”
“And it certainly puts to shame all those people getting profit from the craftsmen,” adds Nicholas.
COAC also provides support for Orang Asli self-development.
“It would be good if Reita takes Gerai online and sets up a handicraft portal. It’s not just for people to buy but to create more awareness,” said Nicholas. W
Source: The Star
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Scottish Scouts Help Orang Asli
Scottish Scouts Help Orang Asli
By Azliana Aziz
Saturday July 15, 2006
THE South Morningside Explorer Scouts from Edinburgh Scotland which arrived recently, set off from the Equatorial Hotel to Cameron Highlands where they will be spending nine days there helping out the villagers in Kampung Pos Terisu 3.
The team of 22 scouts aged from 14 to 18 years together with six scout leaders will be undertaking two projects in the village, where an adventure playground will be built, and the community reconstructed and renovated.
The projects that are to be carried out by the scouts were initially discussed with the head of Kampung Pos Terisu 3 and it was decided that a playground for the children is the most useful.
“The village has about 70 children and there are no facilities for them,” said expedition leader Neil Mackenzie,
He also added that this project is a good opportunity for the scouts to learn from the orang asli, and vice-versa hence promoting cultural exchange.
There the orang asli villagers will teach the scouts how to select and cut bamboos from the jungle and tie them up to make flooring as well as show them various plants and vegetation growing in the area that can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes.
The scouts will also share with the villagers, details of their lifestyles, culture and tell them about their homeland.
Once their work in Kampung Pos Terisu 3 is completed, the scouts will proceed with three, three-day trips to Terengganu, Cherating and Malacca.
Source: The Star
By Azliana Aziz
Saturday July 15, 2006
 |
| Clad in their Scout uniforms, complete with the kilt, the Scottish scouts are looking confident about their tasks ahead. |
The team of 22 scouts aged from 14 to 18 years together with six scout leaders will be undertaking two projects in the village, where an adventure playground will be built, and the community reconstructed and renovated.
The projects that are to be carried out by the scouts were initially discussed with the head of Kampung Pos Terisu 3 and it was decided that a playground for the children is the most useful.
“The village has about 70 children and there are no facilities for them,” said expedition leader Neil Mackenzie,
He also added that this project is a good opportunity for the scouts to learn from the orang asli, and vice-versa hence promoting cultural exchange.
There the orang asli villagers will teach the scouts how to select and cut bamboos from the jungle and tie them up to make flooring as well as show them various plants and vegetation growing in the area that can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes.
The scouts will also share with the villagers, details of their lifestyles, culture and tell them about their homeland.
Once their work in Kampung Pos Terisu 3 is completed, the scouts will proceed with three, three-day trips to Terengganu, Cherating and Malacca.
Source: The Star
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