Chikungunya fever
My aunt and her husband were talking about some mosquito transmitted fever with joint pains when we visited her yesterday. They told us the epidermic was spreading in Segamat, Tangkak, Sagil and Muar. The epidemic they were talking about was Chikungunya fever. This disease is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Today, there are 4 reported cases in Malacca.
The outbreak is caused by raining season. Singapore has reported an outbreak in earlier this year in January. Although it is not as deadly as dengue fever, I will take no chance to allow our kids to expose to the Aedes mosquitoes. No outdoor activities in the evening for a while.
One great Sunday out
We have planned to go to a temple at Muar for weeks and finally the day came. We went to pick up grandma at 1030, bought some fruits in the town and heading to Muar around 1130. The journey took around half an hour thanks to the new express way.
We went to Muar to find that temple with Richard some time in April. Being the agnostic me, I haven’t been to such temples in years. Being curious, I went with some hope. But I guess the effect will not come so soon. Those Chinese friends who believe in such “Gods” will understand what I am talking about.
There were many people at the temple and we finished our business around 1445 or 1500. Then we headed to Muar town center for lunch. After our late lunch, we visited an aunt there. Grandma chatted with her sister for a while then home we went.
When we arrived Melaka, we stopped over at Jusco to buy some more fruits and a few shirts. Then we all had our dinner at KFC. Reached home around 2030. We were so exhausted and went to bed quite early.
What a Sunday!
My message to our dearest Prime Minister
Here’s a message I have sent to our dearest Prime Minister at Warkah Untuk PM. I hope he is personally reading all the messages and really put in efforts to ease our burdens and also make changes. Read more
Bukit Bendera
Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill is one of the famous tourist spot. The weather is cooler up there. We took the 2:00PM funicular train up the hill. Single trip takes about half an hour to reach the top. It was the first time for my kids and I to go up the hill. The first time I visited Penang about 30 years (and the last time was about 10 years) ago I did not go to Penang Hill due to some reasons I could not remember. It has got great views along the track and on top of the hill. I recommend to go Penang Hill off peak season when the funicular train is not packed by tourists, otherwise it will be a humid and uneasy experience especially with younger children.
At about 410 meters above sea level, the weather is cooler but no cooler than Fraser Hill. The visibility is not good, indicates pollution on the island. Here you can see the Penang Bridge and Komtar.
Pulau Tikus
Pulau Tikus (Rat Island) is neither an island nor an area infested by rats. It is a name of a place on Penang Island which is said to be named after the actual Pulau Tikus Isle. Despite of its name, it is one of the upper class neighborhood with many mansions, bungalows and colonial buildings, and many high-end condominiums such as those along Gurney Drive.
We went to the Burmese and Siamese Buddhist Temples in Pulau Tikus after visiting Kek Lok Si. Although it is one of the tourist spots, one still can find serenity at both temples comparing to Kek Lok Si. These photos are taken at the Siamese Buddhist Temple which is situated directly opposite of the Burmese Buddhist Temple.
Two high-end condominiums in the background.
The two guardians outside of the temple.
The sleeping Buddha.
Koi
The koi pool at Kek Lok Si. These koi fishes may worth hundreds of thousands or a million ringgit if they are of pure Japanese breed. Looks like they are not the pure Japanese breed. The kids enjoyed feeding the fishes very much.
Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si (or 极乐寺 in Chinese) is a Buddhist temple situated on a hill in Air Hitam in Penang. It is the best known Buddhist temple on the island and possibly the whole Malaysia. My last visit was more than 10 years ago with LA when I was giving talks at USM (Universiti Sains Malaysia).
We climbed up to the temple from the foot of the hill via a passage surrounded by souvenir stores. Sad to say, along the passage way, I saw garbage and many deserted stores. This is an awful site to this famous tourist spot on this pearl of orient.
Nonetheless, the temple is quite well maintained and many beautifying and expansion project are being carried out. IMO, the temple is rather too commercialized. Everywhere money, money, money. Encouraging tourists and Buddhist visitors to donate or buy stuff, good for the island economy (and the temple) but it is overdone. It is no exception in this materialistic world the temple has to seek financial for its survival and continue expansion and beautification to lure tourists. Sad, isn’t it?
The Goddess of Mercy and her two guardians on both side (photos below).
One Malaysian
I have mixed feeling about the 12th General Election which happened two days ago. The giant or the people of Malaysia has finally awaken and spoken. They used their vote to change the government. Although the National Front coalition (Barisan Nasional) has won with simple majority, the call is loud and clear! We don’t want racism. We don’t want corrupt government. We want freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and we want a transparent and efficient government!
This marked the remarkable and memorable day in Malaysia’s history where all three major races, Malays, Indians and Chinese hand-in-hand, heart-to-heart vote for a change. The outcry of the people has transformed into a political tsunami which rocked the entire nation.
Now, we are on our way to one nation, one Malaysian, “Satu Bangsa”! I, including my family, my children and millions of Malaysians will be proud to call themselves “Malaysian” in front of the world. This is the perfect time to say “Malaysia Boleh!” (Malaysia can)
Majority denied!
Latest news up to this point of time, People’s Front coalition has denied 2/3 majority seats of the National Front coalition by winning 76 seats in Parliament. There are 222 Parliament seats contested and the National Front coalition has won 108 seats. It needs to win 112 seats to be in majority.
The people’s front coalition has won 76 seats, DAP 27, PKR 25 and PAS 24. The people’s front coalition has taken on Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Selangor and they are likely to take on Perak.
If the national front loses 2/3 majority, the coalition leader, Abdullah Badawi will face tremendous pressure in the coming party assembly and face step down. Let’s hope Malaysia will have a new remake.
Lim Guan Eng to be CM
It is confirmed that Guan Eng is the new Chief Minister of Penang. DAP will form a new government in Penang together with PKR. It will be a government for all Malaysians, he said. Well done!
I believe the new government in Penang will be a good start to reform Malaysia and her economy and internal security which all Malaysians are longing for. If the People’s Front can prove to Malaysians that they can run the government more efficiently, a bigger wind of change will be most likely to take place again in the next election.
Please, do your jobs well and don’t let the people down. Ganbatte kudasai!
The Awakening
The giant (Malaysians) has finally awaken! The wind of change is here. What took you so long? Huh?
IMHO, Raja Petra should be the top key person who helps stirring up the wind of change. His speeches are marvelous and inspiring. If you wish to watch his speeches, search for “Raja Petra” or “RPK” in YouTube.
And the latest news, Lim Guan Eng from DAP will be the next Chief Minister of Penang. This will be confirmed in the morning or on Monday. Anyhow, good luck to Guan Eng and DAP and please give the people all your best.
A Political Tsunami
A political tsunami is happening right now in Malaysia. Today is the polling day for the 12th General Election in Malaysia. The People’s Front (Opposition Parties) is taking on the ruling coalition (National Front) by storm. The People’s Front will be forming a new government in Penang which had been ruled by the ruling coalition for 40 years!
The wind of change is blowing furiously. This has voiced out people’s inner voice to have a change of the government. A tsunami is rocking the whole Malaysia right now. Logon to MalaysiaKini for more latest results/reports.
Long live Malaysia! Long live Malaysians!
The Politicians in Malaysia
Politicians are clowns, comedians and liars. Well, as I get older (and wiser?), I see clearer and deeper, I see more contrast and colors in the dramas and personalities they portray. These clowns have low IQ and even acted more childish then children.
It is so sad that there are still many people have been deceived by their disguise. Luckily, there are also many young people are starting to see the awful faces of these stupid politicians. Hopefully, these new forces from the younger generation may one day change the country.
Dataran Pahlawan
Dataran Pahlawan is the new shopping mall opposite Mahkota Parade which was opened sometime ago. But we did not have the chance to visit the place until today. It was a nice place to hang around for locals and tourists.
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Melaka river is flooding
When we were in town for Nik’s 4 months old ceremony, we passed by the Melaka river at Jalan Bunga Raya and saw the river was flooding into Kampung Morten. I heard places like Taman Merdeka (Batu Berendam) the water was over 4 feet deep! This monsoon season was really taking toll on Melaka people. Many roads were closed due to flood.
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I was quite worried last night as the water level in our drains were very high. Another 3 inches the water would overflow. I woke up a few times to check the drain.
Flood in Melaka
I went to downtown to have my certificate framed. When I was on my way home taking Batu Berendam way, I saw some cars stalled around the junction turning to Bukit Sebukor. There was a flood there and still many drivers risking their cars going through the flood.
I had to make a detour to avoid the flood. While I was driving head on, I saw a petrol kiosk was flooded. The detour had built up some traffic congestion. When I finally got to Leboh Ayer Keroh, the traffic there was long. I took another detour through Taman Sentosa to get to Bukit Beruang. And yet, another traffic congestion. Most of the cars heading to Ayer Keroh were taking alternate route through Bukit Beruang. That’s the reason for the heavy traffic going into Bukit Beruang.
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Yummy crab
LA likes to eat crab. I like to eat crab too but I am lazy to peel its shell and I dislike the messiness. LA ate quite a lot of crabs before she delivered Nik. The Chinese believes if the pregnant woman thinks of eating something, her husband must get the food she likes. Otherwise, the baby will become greedy when she grows up! It’s Chines folklore.
After LA’s massage at my parent’s, we passed by a restaurant beside a temple. I went down to buy her a crab in sweet and sour sauce. I bought a small bottle of Guiness Stout. It has been a long time since my last Stout in the mid 1990s! While I was waiting for the crab at the restaurant, I saw an old man ordering Stout. I did not know why I had the urge to drink Stout after so many years.
We came home and set in the dining room to eat the crab with toast breads. Umph… yummy! 
D and R like the crab and the sauce with toast breads too!
Michal, if you are reading this, can you remember we took you to this restaurant for seafood? You were so enjoying the crabs! We wish you will come visit us again and we can have crabs party. I can’t remember if I made you a picture eating crabs. I am going to go through my CD archives to find out.
North Eastern Monsoon
Now starts the North Eastern Monsoon season. Expect heavy down pour with thunder in afternoon or evening. Hopefully the monsoon rain and wind will help to clear off the smog from Borneo and Sumatra. With the rain, the climate will be cooler, particularly at night. Air will be cleaner without smog and smell. Hooray! Let’s rain please!
Dangerous exposure
It was Monday morning after the long festive break and many people were waiting at the Ayer Keroh Community Clinic. It was Dominik’s inoculation day. D and R had become restless after awhile so I brought D and R to the clinic playground while N and mommy were waiting at the clinic.
While both of them were enjoying the playground, I noticed some of the aluminum columns had no plastic covers on them, exposing the edges. The edges were not sharp but if any kid fell and hit on the edges, it sure would cut the kid badly.
The clinic is nice and clean with air-conditioner but the playground lacks maintenance. Malaysians are good at building nice building/places but when come to maintenance, they do a lousy job.
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Massive traffic jam in Malacca during festive season
During this Deepa-Raya festive season, the Malacca town was experiencing massive traffic jam. Affected areas were J. Bunga Raya, J. Bendahala, J. Temenggong, Lrg. Bukit Cina, Stadhuys to Mahkota Parade, Jonker Walk.
If nothing absolutely necessary, avoid these areas. The city council should have better traffic planning and have more police personnel to man the traffic.
Bad traffics
Just got back from town. I went to town to run some errands. The traffics were heavy. I had no idea why.
I don’t enjoy driving in Melaka nowadays. I hate to go to the town. Heavy traffics, bad drivers with shitty attitude, bad traffics planning, bad roads (perhaps worst in Malaysia) with lots of bumps and pot holes, everything is just bad, bad, bad…
The best Tandoori chicken in Malacca
It is hard to find a good Tandoori chicken restaurant in Malacca. By chance, I came across a restaurant in Taman Kota Laksamana serving Tandoori chicken and other Pakistani cuisine. First, I was just going for a tea with a friend one night. I saw many people came to this restaurant and ordered Tandoori chicken and Naan. Next, I decided to give it a try one day with my family.
The chef himself some staffs are from Pakistan. The Tandoori chicken, Naan, and other Pakistani cuisine have gotten the authentic taste and style. We especially love the spinach potato, Tandoori chicken and their curry.
We think this is the best Tandoori chicken restaurant in Malacca which worth a try. If you visit Jonker Street on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, try to find this restaurant and have a nice supper before return to your home or hotel.
If you enjoy walking at night, a walk from Jonker Street to this restaurant is not too far away. I am sure you will have satisfaction after a delicious meal.
Malacca is developing real fast!
Umphhhh…. What can I write about Malacca?
Well, Malacca is developing real fast. I remembered when I came to Malacca 11 years ago, it was not much of development and the traffic was not heavy. I really liked Malacca then.
Now, although I still like Malacca, I hate the traffics and especially some roads have been converted to one way traffic. It’s kind of mess.
The place I stay was very nice, quiet and cooling at night. Now with the development, it is a busy small town and very hot. Trees are chopped down to develop more housing estates and high rise apartments. More concretes than 11 years ago. Addition to that, the students from MMU (Multimedia University) are causing real havocs. They are very rude and inconsiderate on roads. They don’t care about cleanliness and feelings of their neighbors. They do what they like to do as if they are the only one on earth. They are rude and uneducated bunch of yuppies.
Well, in the other side of Malacca, it is somehow beautiful with its own charms and heritage. Perhaps I will write about these next time.
Scenic Malacca
Here are some scenic photos of Malacca.
Welcome to Malacca’s Blog
I must say this is the first blogs for Malacca (Melaka). There will be some customization work going on from time to time. But you can start blogging.
We want to make this blog enjoyable to read and to serve useful information about Malacca. So please refrain yourselves from malicious posts and be a polite citizen of the world. This can help us to keep moderation to minimum.
You can blog about your experience, views, thoughts, suggestions and anything else you find interesting for others to read. You can also upload photos (no indecent photos please) about Malacca and her people that you find interesting.
So, go ahead enjoy your blogging.
Malacca’s Blog
I have just created Malacca’s Blog. My intention is to share experience, views and thoughts about Malacca. No politics. No flame war. No bias. No advertisement. No non-sense. Just about Malacca and her beauty.
If anyone is interested becoming a member of Malacca’s Blog, please send me your email address using contact form. I will send you an invitation to become a member of Malacca’s Blog.
UPDATE October 24, 2006:
Malacca Blog at http://malaccablogs.blogspot.com is not longer available. I have moved Malacca Blog to my weblog under Travel:Malacca.
马六甲博客成立啦！
马六甲博客成立啦！
如有兴趣加入马六甲博客会员，可和我联络。提供你的电邮箱我将发出邀请加入马六甲博客会员电邮。
马六甲博客 (Melaka blog)
我在搜索马六甲的博客。非常失望。我想成立一个马六甲博客的网站。不知有没有志同道合的马六甲博客愿意一道努力。有兴趣者可和我联络。
Melaka bloggers
I was trying to search for bloggers from Melaka. The result was quite disappointing. Perhaps I should organize a website for Melaka bloggers.
Any supporters?
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