Category: Old Streets

Situated alongside the main street of Kuala Pilah is a memorial arch since 1901, built in honour of the Honourable Martin Lister. Before the British colonial government intervened into political affairs, Negeri Sembilan was nine separate districts ruled by different tribal leaders, with never-ending internal conflicts. Martin Lister was invited and appointed by Sultan/Yamtuan Seri Menanti to improve and develop the local economy. Due to his success in rebuilding the Negeri Sembilan Confederation and restoring peace through his excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills, he was appointed the first British Resident of Negeri Sembilan from 1889 to 1897.

The memorial arch comprised of both Chinese and Western architecture styles, includingthree-bay, four-pillar LingNan elements; calabash and fireball symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity; and Dragon head Carp fish symbolizing bright prospects. There are also Ancient Roman hemispherical arch and Ancient Grecian entablature. Its front side bore trilingual inscriptions, with an English heading, a political timeline in Jawi on the left, and achievements in Chinese on the right. Praises were inscribed on the reverse side.

The upper stream of Muar river cut across Kuala Pilah, where the Minangkabau landed in the 15th century as pioneers. In late 19th century, the British colonial government encouraged land cultivation and tin mining, thus attracting scores of Chinese forefathers, transforming Kuala Pilah from a backward inland village into a main town of newly-founded Negeri Sembilan.

The Chinese community at Kuala Pilah is made up of 1/3 Hakka, then Cantonese and Hokkien, as well as some Hainanese and TeoChew. Each brought upon their religious faiths, thus Sam Seng Keong Temple was founded in 1898 under the leadership of local entrepreneur Tung Yen. The main deities worshipped are Emperor Guan, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang; subdeities being Master Tam Gong, Master Xian Shi, and also other native deities. Following Tung Yen’s liaison with the British colonial government, the temple was allocated permanent land reservation status in 1900. Subsequently the site directly opposite the temple was allocated as a Chinese Pleasure Garden, where a memorial arch was constructed to commemorate Martin Lister who died of illness on his return journey to England.

Nowadays Kuala Pilah is hardly flourishing, traffic just passed through the highway. A lack of industrial zones and unrevealed tourism potential caused slow economical development and mass urban migration. The heritage of Martin Lister Memorial Arch gradually became forgotten by the local population, notwithstanding its trusteeship under the Sam Seng Keong temple committee, hosting theatre and puppetry performances during festive celebrations. The Chinese Pleasure Garden used to be a space for co-curricular activity of the Sam Seng Keong private school. However, neglect in maintenance and repairs led to its decrepit appearance, whereby it was often mistook for an ancient tomb.

An advocate in culture and education, Mr GH Tee was born and bred in Kuala Pilah, but works in Kuala Lumpur. On an occasional hometown visit in 2013, he discovered the miserable condition of Martin Lister Memorial Arch and the Chinese Pleasure Garden, therefore he took an initiative to conserve this historical site. The community barely acknowledge or appreciate its historical value, and were only concerned about the financial prospects of this project. For six years, despite lack of response, he persisted in promoting the historical background of the memorial arch and its importance to the local Chinese guilds, businesses, and relevant government authorities.

Mr Tee’s continual efforts were not in vain, a Committee of Restoration and Beautification of Kuala Pilah Chinese Pleasure Garden was founded last year. Talents from various professional fields work together in restoration, research, fundraising, as well as applying for the memorial arch to be listed as a cultural heritage site. The initiatives and publicity over the year has increased public awareness, gaining beneficial support and generous donations. Currently the blueprint is completed by an architect who specialize in historic building restoration, tender notice and partial works will commence in the near future.

There are a multitude of historical sites reflecting ancient features and local specialties within Malaysia, a collective memory of the residing community, a proof of historical trace. Buildings bear testimony to culture heritage, nevertheless some historical sites were unable to sustain through development, hence falling to ruins or even dismantled. In order to pass on such historical and cultural inheritance to future generations, Mr Tee recommends nurturing and educating the public to inspire interest and passion in conserving historical sites. Times and things may change, the virtues of predecessors should not be forgotten.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen
Malay Subtitles: Lim Ai Ling (Cikgu Pi Chung)

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Sentimental Peaceful Cinematic Piano

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

The flowing Malacca river silently bore witness to several revolutions which took place in this historical city. Situated on the left bank of the city riverbend, Jalan Kilang (renamed Jalan Tun Ali) used to be the pulse of Melaka town, its industrial area played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s economy. Built in 1969, Tun Ali Bus Terminal became a landmark. 

The newly-built terminal replaced the former Hentian Bus Terminal located on Jalan Kee Ann; it is also a multifunctional building. Housed above the terminal is a departmental store chain and an international hotel, whereas on the ground floor are up to 72 retail shops. Anything from clothes, bags, jewellery, newspapers, books, magazines, flowers, fruits, and a variety of food are available. 

As a domestic transport hub, there are eight major bus companies at Tun Ali Bus Terminal operating several routes across the surrounding towns. The terminal is within walking distance from historical sites, opposite a large wet market, the shopping complex upstairs a novel feat during the 70s-80s when entertainment was scarce. This new development introduced vitality to the town centre, being crowded from early morning to late night. Be it students or working adults, loitering during their free time, having a gathering, or going on a date, the terminal is always bustling. Buses of varying colours and sizes line up in rows, causing dust and fume particles to fill the air around the station, the sight of busy conductors and rushing pedestrians, all are collective memories of Melaka folk. 

In 2005, the city council issued an order to relocate the terminal 5km northwards to Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal. Tun Ali Bus Terminal ceased to operate, hence business declined due to lesser crowds. Merchants, including the departmental store and hotel, had to move out or close down due to heavy losses. Some years later, the old bus terminal became neglected, its surroundings overgrown with grass and weeds, stagnant water causes mosquito breeding, frequented by drug addicts and prostitutes, a fire outbreak earlier on brought upon more severe devastation. 

Despite the miserable conditions, a few shop owners decided to stay since the rent is low. It is no longer crowded, but retirees like to gather at the open space on the ground floor to chit-chat and pass time, getting along in harmony regardless of racial difference. Regular customers of the three remaining shops are sure to visit, which are a coffee shop, a tailor shop, and a pawnshop. 

A traditional Hainanese coffee shop, Keng Lim Poh opened its doors concurrently with the old bus terminal. Apart from beverages, they also sell simple meals such as bread, nasi lemak, and economic fried noodles. The second generation owner Lim Sen Jiu took over from his late father 36 years ago, he once had a brief stint at the new bus terminal, however due to lack of customers, he returned to the old site and continued to run the 50-year-old shop. It co-existed with the old bus terminal as the only shop which has not relocated until the end of the chapter. 

Located at the left entrance, City Tailor Shop was established for over 40 years, the septuagenarian tailor Lee Chong Kai moved in from the mens department upstairs into an independent shop. During the glory days, Uncle Lee engaged 5-6 workers, yet he now works alone in his comfortable old age. Last but not least is DJ Pro Enterprise, a pawnshop operated by Uncle Kang Hock Eng, who mainly takes in old gold and pawn tickets. Hailing from Penang, he settled down in this spot due to its being a landmark with ample parking space, 15 years thus passed in a flash. 

At the end of this July, the old bus terminal’s water and electricity supply will be terminated, an ultimatum issued by the landowner under pressure from the city council. The last three shops had to vacate their premises, as the final curtain fell on the old bus terminal. Even though reluctant to leave their familiar workplaces, both the coffee shop and the tailor shop will be permanently closed due to lack of successors, Uncle Lim and Uncle Lee will be retiring whereas Uncle Kang will shift his pawnshop onto a nearby street. The city council will redevelop the old bus terminal along with neighbouring deserted lands, in future they might take on a new look, and continue to flourish in the historical city. 

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : An Inspiration Piano / Ambient Inspirational Documentary Piano

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Upon stepping into Renggam, Johor, a river flows right across the middle of the town, cool breezes sweep over lush greenery on both sides of the riverbank, imparting vitality to the quiet town. Vehicles occasionally whiz pass the clean and spacious roads, residents leading a casual and relaxed pace of life. Rows of shophouses built in the 1930’s stand neatly on the properly planned streets, retaining their original appearance despite being weather-beaten, depicting the rich cultural history of the town.

Surrounded by estates, Renggam seems to be an inconspicuous small town, its former glory barely imaginable. Since development in 1879, Renggam became the British colonial government’s administration centre within Kluang, well-equipped with facilities such as fire station, police station, and courts way before other suburbs. When the west coast railway line operated by the Federated Malay States Railways was fully opened in 1913, one of the stations was situated in Renggam.

Legend has it that the name Renggam came from the Malay word “renggang”, meaning break apart, due to a mountain in Johor being blown apart by the colossal Indonesian Krakatau volcano eruptions. Under the Kangchu system, pioneers migrated from Hainan, China to cultivate gambir and coffee in Renggam. At the beginning of the 20th century, rapid industrial development induced an upsurge in global demand for rubber. Due to Malaya’s natural advantages in rubber cultivation, the British colonial government encouraged British capitalists to grow the rubber production industry, Chinese estate smallholders also acknowledged the trend and converted to rubber planting. As Renggam prospered, Chinese forefathers established community groups such as hometown guild halls and trade associations for mutual assistance. To date, there are at least five active guild halls in Renggam, organizing activities from time to time to promote interaction between members and local residents.

On an elevated land near Renggam township, a leisure club built entirely of solid wood remained in existence. Back then, this was where British expatriates came to party on weekends. Local villagers relished an anecdote where the British Queen once visited this club during a trip to Renggam. As British expatriates left after Malaya gained independence, a Chinese smallholder bought the club and opened it up for the public. At present, the club’s interior is well-maintained, however its adjacent tennis court ceased to exist. Residents gather here during their free time to play mahjong or billiards, getting along in harmony regardless of race.

Both Chinese pioneers and British expatriates each brought their religion into Renggam. The goddess Mazu is worshipped at the magnificent century-old Tian Hou Gong temple. Situated one kilometre away at the pinnacle of Renggam, is Our Lady of Fatima chapel built by the British, immaculately overlooking the small town for six decades. The chapel hosts two annual celebrations, which is Feast Day in mid-May and Christmas in December. Although these two religions emerged separately, they share the core belief of mutual care. This is probably where the honest and simple lifestyle of Renggam folks originated.

Chinese forefathers who settled down in Renggam were concerned about the education of future generations, hence schooling became a necessity. SJK (C) Chin Chiang in Renggam has been established for nearly a century, with as many as 800 students at its prime between the 1960’s to 70’s. However as global rubber prices dropped steeply after the 70’s, several estate owners replanted palm trees, and younger generations moved to the city in search of jobs, leaving mostly old folks behind. Facing the dilemma of declining student numbers, SJK (C) Chin Chiang officially became a micro primary school since last year, with less than 60 current students.

Having experienced a giant wave of development, the pace of life in Renggam subdued along with the lull of the rubber industry, becoming a quaint little town free from bustle. Deviated from expansions such as tertiary education, industrial parks, and highways, life in Renggam is pleasant and carefree.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Dyathon – Memories from YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

On the main road which connects Bukit Pelanduk to Tanah Merah Site C, cars and motorcycles go to and fro, the road which is about 15 kilometres in length joined several surrounding Chinese villages, and linking many Malay villages as well as an Indian village, being the traffic lifeline of residents in the vicinity, and the main transportation route for stockbreeding, farms and plantations nearby, especially this area used to be the largest swine farm in the country: Chuah.

Chuah belongs to Jimah town of Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, consisting of several Chinese villages which used to be major swine farms: Bukit Pelanduk, Sungai Nipah, Chuah, Tanah Merah Site A and Site C. At the peak of swine farming, there were up to millions of pigs, as well as numerous big and small swine huts and feed mills. When swine farming was flourishing, there was good market demand and great prices, the villagers led a comfortable life. However, a merciless disaster 20 years ago rewrote everything. What remained of the town which used to be busy are two rows of 70-year-old wooden shophouses, no more crowds, only a handful of shops and few customers. The brilliant past of the Chuah region may have faded, however it is unable to shield the vitality of forefathers who worked hard to make a living.

Among them is former school principal Mr See Chung Hee (transliteration), who is 91 years old. In 1949, Mr See (transliteration) sailed southwards to Malaysia from Fú Zhōu, landing in Sungai Pelek, and settled with his family in Bukit Pelanduk. The admirable Mr See (transliteration) has served as vice principal at both SJK (C) Yik Chiao (15 years) and SJK (C) Port Dickson (5 years), working as an educator for over 26 years. In the earlier days, the poor soil condition of Chuah region was unsuitable for farming, only drought tolerant cassava and sweet potatoes could be planted. The diligent FúZhōunese and locals utilise all the resources they could find, using mangrove tree branches and attap leaves to build simple swine huts, and feeding the pigs with cassava leaves leftover from the harvest, raising pigs as an additional source of income.

Stockbreeding has a high industrial output value, as well as extending to other industry chains, therefore swine farming in Chuah region grows rapidly, swine huts and feed mills spring up all over the place, each household raises pigs, from a minimum of dozens up to thousands. Back then, breeders lacked hygiene awareness and proper sewage systems, causing the air in the region to be polluted with livestock excrement and feed, as well as the environmental problem of severe river pollution. At the same time, swine farming promoted economic activity in the region of Chuah, the shops and tea rooms are crowded, the town is full of bustle. Swine farmers would settle their affairs in the morning, gathering for chit-chat in the tea rooms at noon, with luxurious cars parked outside the shops, people have ample life essentials, living comfortably.

Circumstances change as times pass, the remaining wooden buildings on the old streets of Chuah overseen three generations, bearing witness to dramatic changes.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : The Leaves Fall from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

“Gu Mao” is the direct translation into the Hakka dialect from the Malay language “Kuala Kubu”, meaning “fortress upon the river”. Located between the rivers Sungai Kubu and Sungai Rening, after the Selangor civil war ended in the mid 19th century (1867-1874), the fortress used to defend against attack from the opposing forces (Tengku Kudin and Yap Ah Loy) remain standing, thus the namesake. 

Due to the strategic geographical location and rich tin cassiterite resources, Kuala Kubu Lama was the pearl in Selangor river. Water transportation along Sungai Selangor and Sungai Kubu played a vital role in the local economy development, as it was the main channel of transporting goods, especially mined tin. The abundance of tin in Kuala Kubu Lama attracted the interests of various mining tycoons to initiate mining activity, e.g. Yap Ah Loy, Loke Yew etc. and the vast majority of Chinese mine workers were Hakkanese who came over from Huizhou, still making up 70 percent of the present village inhabitants. 

The small town of Kuala Kubu Lama leaped into prosperity as Selangor’s second largest town, rivalling Kuala Lumpur in its golden era of tin mining, and was the British colonial administration centre in Ulu Langat. However, the wealthy land faced flood hazards over the years. The ancient dam upstream of Kubu collapsed in 1883, where the flood water destroyed the whole town of Kuala Kubu Lama, generally referred to as “White Crocodile” legend, which is still talked about nowadays. The former town of Kubu (Kuala Kubu Lama) eradicated by the flood is now named Ampang Pecah, meaning broken dam. 

On a side note, the unauthorised changing of Sungai Kubu’s watercourse owing to mass mining and lawless excavation activity damaged the river structure and the riverbed became increasingly shallow, thus causing Kuala Kubu Lama to suffer from flash floods. In 1926, a heavy downpour once again submerged the streets of Kubu, victims of the great misfortune had to emigrate. Hence, the British colonial government relocated the town to a highland three kilometres away north of Kubu – Kuala Kubu Bharu. 

After the new village of Kuala Kubu Bharu was built during the national emergency in 1948, the local residents refer to the two separate areas as ‘the town’ and ‘the village’. In the 1990’s, the new village was renamed to Kampung Assam Kumbang, attributing it to the roselle flowers. 

The historical trace of a town consists of advancement and regression, old and new, destruction and establishment, diminishment and rebirth, not to mention progressing a new history. There is no harm to pay a visit, to listen to the evolution and transformation of the town as time lapses, to experience the depth of history, as well as humanity tales.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : 37.2度雜貨店 Three Seven Two Shop

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Upon first stepping foot in the streets of Kuala Kubu Bharu, looking around, sighting the two rows of shophouses sitting in the town’s main street, directly observing and feeling this rustic yet adorable place likened to a colour palette. Most of the beige cement walls were peeling off, intertwined between them are vibrant doors, window frames, and pillars. As an outsider passing through, the stories acquired here could act as a filler for past historical textbooks. 

The town of Kuala Kubu Lama, which went through the ordeals of collapsed dam, disastrous floods, to currently wholly submerged, is the precedence of Kuala Kubu Bharu. She used to occupy the most strategic geographic edge, being the traffic hub of three states — besides easy access to Kuala Lumpur, northwards to Perak, and eastwards to Pahang, a compulsory passage to the renowned summer resort, Fraser’s Hill. Between the years 1923 to 1926, when the town of Kuala Kubu Lama faced flood torrents, the British colonial government intended to build the first “Garden City” in Malaysia, which will be properly planned and surrounded by greenery — Kuala Kubu Bharu.

The complete infrastructure of Kuala Kubu Bharu includes a police station, a cinema, a post office, a fire station, there is even an administration centre on the slope. Perhaps due to the frequent flood hazards earlier on, the city planner Charles Reade arranged major buildings such as the hospital, schools, clubs, and churches to be constructed on a zone higher than the river, as a precaution against the unexpected. In 1931, as heavy floods struck once again, Kuala Kubu Lama became permanently wiped out from the map. Hence Kuala Kubu Bharu, the castle upon the river, bears substantial history since its birth  It symbolises rebirth and hopes of the Kuala Kubu Lama inhabitants who moved over. Originally located at Kuala Kubu Lama and subjected to the calamity, Khing Ming primary school shifted to Kuala Kubu Bharu as well. 

At the present, the small town of Kuala Kubu Bharu dwells 60 kilometres away from the city, at the foot of Fraser’s Hill, an undisturbed safe haven. Adjacent to both hills and waterway, apart from Bukit Kutu and Sungai Chiling waterfalls visited by hiking hobbyists, there is also the magnificent Sungai Selangor river dam, with motorcyclists appreciating the much longed-for scenic views along the way. Returning to the town center, you may find widespread streets, orderly architecture constructions, and converged infrastructure.

Kuala Kubu Bharu, with its serene environment, well maintained colonial buildings stood the test of time and proved their historical trails, composing a tale about diminishment and rebirth since the moment of renaissance.

Text: Shu Yi & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : 37.2度雜貨店 Three Seven Two Shop

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Kampung Baru Rasa is located 50 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur, right in the middle section of Hulu Selangor district, and is a small town with over 120 years in history. In the late 19th century, due to the rich tin mine deposits underneath the land of Rasa, several tin mining entrepreneurs were attracted to the small town to operate the lucrative industry, such as the renowned industrialist Loke Yew and tin mining tycoon Tan Boon Chia who made a fortune here. In the heydays there were up to twenty-odd open air tin mines and five tin dredge ships, bringing upon a bustling town with a sharp population increase, where in the early 20th century the population in Rasa is censused at twenty thousand, just a slight difference in comparison to Kuala Lumpur which houses around thirty thousand people back then.

Tin mining is the main economic lifeline of Rasa, a significant contribution to the nation’s economy, as well as relating to the rise and decline of the town. During the Second World War, all business activity in Rasa was censured and forced to cease operations, the economy stopped from then onwards. Rasa inhabitants suffered severely over the Japanese occupation for 3 years and 8 months, then the British colonial government declared a national state of emergency throughout Malaya and formed new villages, in the meantime carrying out guerrilla warfare against the Malayan Communist Party for 12 years. Afterwards, the development of Rasa slackened, and the population declined, as most of them sought employment opportunities elsewhere.

With the passage of time, the hustle and bustle of former days fall back into peace and quiet. The elder generation, who lived locally for most of their lives, are used to the serenity and amicable daily routine. There are also some members of the younger generation who chose to return to the village, for instance the third generation owner of “Fong Kee Wantan Mee” Mr Lim Zhi Sheng (transliteration), operating the authentic cuisine stall, persisting in producing homemade noodles. Lingering on the streets of Rasa is peace that comes after a time of flourish, as well as rich warmth.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Calm & Inspirational – Ashmaluev from Youtube

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Pengkalan Kempas is like a sleeping town, without any urban development for decades. A temple, a church, a primary school, a wet market, a police station, a historical site which is one of Malaysia’s oldest muslim burial sites, a central harbour, and two rows of double-storey pre-war shophouses, these are all the buildings that made up the small town of Pengkalan Kempas, and all of them are located on the same road, which is the only main road.

Unknown to most, the harbour in this century-old quiet town is an important cultural stronghold in the history of Negeri Sembilan, bearing witness to the bravery of predecessors who overcame hardships in making a living. Due to the harbour being situated at the downstream shores of Sungai Linggi, a strategic geographical location, it has became the essential landing point of the early Chinese south migrants to Negeri Sembilan, and is also the gathering point for overseas Chinese to make a living in Negeri Sembilan. Ever since, the harbour developed from a simple riverside into a busy commercial port. During the British colonisation, it became an important port for the transportation of raw materials (rubber, tin etc.) and groceries (daily necessities, rice etc.), leading the economy lifeline of Negeri Sembilan back then.

With the passage of time, road construction development brought upon convenience in transportation, gradually replacing water transport, hence the busy harbour fell back into peace and quiet. Pengkalan Kempas is no longer use for loading and unloading goods, losing its former bustle, the pace of the small town’s development slowed down, the lack of diversified economical projects causing younger people leaving to seek employment outstation, only the elders remain in town gathering for chit-chat. Moreover with the construction of the North-South Expressway and Kuala Linggi Bridge, shortening the travel distance between Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, causing Pengkalan Kempas to be a hidden gem, no longer a place that must be passed while travelling between these two states, dealing a heavier blow to the economical activity of Pengkalan Kempas.

At present, what remains of the two rows of old shophouses on the street are a tea shop, two grocers, a family-run shop selling freshwater prawns and fishing equipment, a motorcycle mechanic, the rest are converted into dwellings, some are left empty. The only micro-school in town —— SJK (C) Yik Hwa Pengkalan Kempas, used to be housed upstairs one of the shophouses in the street, as the number of students increased, a few deceased Chinese school forebearers initiated the building of a school, moving into the current site, to date the school has around 50 teachers and students.

The old town with a century’s history keeping records of forefathers who worked hard in cultivating unexploited land; the ever-flowing Sungai Linggi bearing blood and sweat of numerous forefathers who survived uncertainty and dangers. This sentiment should be preserved for future generations.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : By The River from Felt Music

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Cease to struggle and you cease to live.

20 years ago, a merciless virus brought upon a disaster to Chuah area, reaping over a hundred lives, crumpling the swine farming industry in Bukit Pelandok, which used to be the largest swine farm in Southeast Asia, and the neighbouring Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah. The Nipah virus outbreak caused a massive shock, and the whole nation was thrown into panic. The government then declared curfews, evacuated villagers from the stricken region, as well as began the greatest pigs culling movement in order to contain the disease. This rewrote the future plans of almost 80% of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah villagers who relied on swine farming to make a living, as they lost their source of income, dealing with a heavy blow.

20 years later, the virus outbreak may have changed the appearance of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah, however it did not break the tenacious wrestling spirits of the villagers, who are unyielding, eventually transforming the village to develop in other industries such as plantation and tourism. Under the cooperation from the village committee and villagers, sprouting new vitality into the rustic village of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah, for instance winning runner-up in the national most beautifully decorated new village contest, and the first village in Malaysia to name its roads in Chinese characters after local fruits, and the establishment of Sungai Nipah Time Tunnel Museum, recording the building history of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah as well as the Nipah virus outbreak.

A calamity which destroyed a peaceful and prosperous village, and caused the villagers to suffer both physically and mentally where bystanders would not be able to comprehend. Even so, being optimistic, and having faith that the sun will shine after the rain, the skies remain blue, and a rainbow will appear across the sky, a multicoloured arc.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Piano Ambient – Ashmaluev from Youtube

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Bagan Parit Baru is a small fishing village with only 60 households, with a population of around 300 people. The fishing village is located at the northmost point of Selangor at the northwest border, separated by Sungai Bernam from Hutan Melintang fishing village in Perak. The majority of villagers make a living by fishing, therefore the houses are mostly built along the seashore. Most of the village inhabitants originated from TeoChew, 90% of them having the surname Kee, hence also known as the Kee village. 

According to dictation from elders, if calculating since the establishment of SJK (C) Poay Chneh, the opening of Bagan Parit Baru port has been almost 90 years. At the beginning there was only one house in the village, gradually the numbers increased. Therefore the villagers used to refer to the village as “single cottages” (in TeoChew dialect), instead of “Parit Baru”. There is not much infrastructure and facilities in the fishing village, only two temples and one grocery store, nevertheless the authentic seafood restaurant attracts a multitude of tourists who come all the way just for the food. 

At times when the tidal waves are especially strong, the front of the houses will be flooded, thus being the best entertainment for kids, jumping fearlessly into the water to play. The simple and quiet fishing village offers a comfortable lifestyle, however it faces the same problem of population outflow as other rural villages. The booming scene of about a hundred households in the olden days were no longer, now that people left and their houses dismantled, leaving behind wooden stakes, as the ocean breeze swept over the remains of the boom.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Out My Window 120 from Elias Music

COPYRIGHTS 2019 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD