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