Lebih dua bulan tak tengok si boolat ni, dah bertambah booooooolat rupanya si Atilia ni. Atilia ni merupakan anak buah chek yang kelima. Jangan terkejut ek. My big brother memang produktif sikit. Jangan marah ya bang Joe. Memang hakikat. Mama n abah chek kaya dengan cucu dari abang chek ja la. Yang sulung, Puteri Nor Adlina Irisha -8tahun, yang kedua Putera Adam Afdlin -6tahun, yang ketiga Puteri Nor Adriana Alya -4tahun, yang keempat Puteri Nor …. Alyssa (tak ingat nama) -2tahun dan yang latest ni Puteri Nor Atilia …. (pun tak ingat nama penuh) -4bulan. Hebat tak big bro chek ni.. Sampai nama dorang pun chek payah nak ingat.

Baru-baru ni balik kampung dan g jenguk si boolat ni dah bertambah tembam. Mak dia cakap berat 8 kilo. Geram sangat. Puas gomol pipi dia. Gebu gila. Untuk pengetahuan, kesemua anak-anak big bro chek ni bulat-bulat belaka. Chek pun tak tau depa ni semua ikut baka sapa.

Apa-apa pun kehadiran kelima-lima “pam-pam” ni memang menceriakan kami sekeluarga. Setiap seorang daripada pam-pam ni chek pernah bela waktu depa kecik-kecik dulu. Ada la jg air tangan chek yang lekat kat pam-pam tu. 

- Isabella Bird, 19^th century English traveler and writer

Every genius has his roots. Each marvel springs from a source. In 1925, a young sailor from Lho’ Seumawe in Acheh by the name of Teuku Nyak Puteh settled in Penang to marry a quiet lass from Butterworth, Che Mah Hussein. As the modest couple began a new life in a village, it is unlikely they could in their wildest dreams have imagined that they would have a son who would some day become a legend.

P. Ramlee became just that; an icon whose stature rang across the continent, the most consummate entertainer – actor, director, singer, composer, storyteller and Malaysia has seen or is ever likely to.

It all began at a tiny address in Penang island – 4A Caunter Hall Road – a humble house typical of a Malay kampung structure raised on stilts with attap-thatched roofing, corrugated sheets of iron, and wooden floors.

Ramlee was born on March 22, on the festive day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri – of 1929. After 44 days he was taken to his parents’ home in Kampung Jawa, but in later years kept coming to Caunter Hall till his groundbreaking move to the illustrious studio of the Shaw Brothers in Singapore.

Along his career, he was awarded the best male actor for Anakku Sazali at the Asian Film Festival in Tokyo. While his Pendekar Bujang Lapok won the best comedy at the same festival held in Kuala Lumpur, and also he was given an extraordinary award as Asia’s Most Versatile Talent for his performance in Ibu Mertuaku.

When he died of a heart attack at the age of only 45 years at his last home in Kuala Lumpur, he had acted in 60 films and directed 37. He has also crooned more than 250 original songs – including tunes that are now immortal classics such as Bunyi Guitar, Malam ku Bermimpi, Jeritan Batinku and the immensely melodious Jangan Tinggal Daku.

In fact, unknown to many, Ramlee’s original name was Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh. His father, the Achehnese sailor, later changed it on the advice his elder brother.

Leeazlin Johan, 30, a true fan of P. Ramlee described that loosing the big star as him was such a big waste. He also feels proud because P. Ramlee was born in Penang, his hometown.

“Until today, there were no artist that down to earth like P. Ramlee and can replace his place and there is Jalan P. Ramlee where his house was situated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fatimah Abu, 58 said that she still likes watching all P.Ramlee’s movies.

“My family really likes watching P. Ramlee’s movies especially Pendekar Bujang Lapok, Laksamana Doremi, Ibu Mertuaku and lots more. I had never got bored and had been watching it almost 30 times through her life,” she said.   

Today, coconut trees still sway near Ramlee’s birth place and children in surrounding village can be heard at play just like ages ago. The portraits of Teuku Nyak Puteh and his wife Che Mah now hang within the house that 75 years ago ushered in a child destined for stardom, and everything started in Penang.

Penang is widely known as the Pearl of the Orient. Penang is one of Asia’s most famous islands. Its natural beauty and exotic heritage have been attracting curious visitors for centuries.

Travel guides have referred to it as a place of mysterious temples and palm-shrouded beaches while literary giant Somerset Maugham is known to have stayed on the island and spun tales about the romance of the white planter in South-East Asia.

Today Penang is very much an amalgam of the old and the new – a bustling port, a heritage city and an industrial base. Perhaps it has more to offer per square mile than any other place in the world. For sheer variety of locales, cultures and foods, Penang is hard to beat. In its capital Georgetown, modern skyscrapers rise from one of Southeast Asia’s largest collections of intact prewar buildings. Manufactures of sophisticated electronic goods compete for space with wet markets and old temples. Where else can you find a century-old church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple, and a Muslim mosque all within a five-minute walk from one another? Likewise, tall urban structures stand beside the red-tiled roofs of Chinatown and “Little India” is just across the road, while the Malay kampungs lie on the outskirts. The seamless melding of the many peoples of Penang is best reflected in the delicious hawker foods (available around the clock) and the adherence to traditions and customs. Festivals abound throughout the year.

Should one wish to get away from the busy city, the idlyllic beaches and soothing hills are but minutes away, while the industrial free trade zone, the “Silicon Valley of the East”, and the international airport are equally accessible.

Penang or its Malay name of Pulau Pinang is made up of a turtle-shaped island, a total of 292 square kilometers, and a strip of land called Seberang Prai on Peninsular Malaysia about 48 kilometers wide.

Since 1985, the island has been joined to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. Alternatively, travellers arriving from the mainland can hop onto the ferry and take a 20-minute ride across. There are also international flights that connect directly to the international airport on the island.

Name calling

Early Malays call it “Pulau Ka Satu” or “Single Island”. “Pulau Pinang” is the Malay name for Penang. Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means “Island of the Betel Nut Tree”.

The British renamed it “Prince of Wales’ Island” and its township “Georgetown” (after King George III). After Malaysia’s independence, the name reverted to “Penang” and “Pulau Pinang”. Georgetown still stands as the city’s name, but Malays refer to it as “Tanjung” (Headland). To further complicate matters, locals commonly refer to the city and island simply as “Penang”.

The strip of land on the mainland is still called “Province Wellesley” and “Seberang Prai”. Many places and street names are still undergoing change as colonial names are being exchanged for Malay ones.

Penang is also attached with such romantic titles by its admirers: “Pearl of the Orient”, “Gateway to the East”, and “Isle of Temples”.

Penang Beaches

Penang and its beaches cannot been separated. Although there was a big disaster occurred in December 2003, it does not a reason for the tourists to abandon it. Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah and Pantai Teluk Kampi is the famous beaches in Malaysia.

Batu Feringghi’s atmosphere and feel can be likened to Patong Beach in Phuket. At night, the entire road along the beach is transformed into a hive of activity as traders set up stalls and proclaim the areas as a night market. During this time, visitors can see the wide variety of goods on sale from trinkets to T-shirts and even taste local culinary delicacies like Assam Laksa.

Teluk Bahang offers a peaceful environment and breezy wind. It is near by Batu Feringghi. Those who crave isolated beaches should go to Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut.

Tanjung Bungah is located closely to Georgetown. It is hidden among lush greenery and rocky landscapes. Some claim that the views of the horizon from the beach are simply the best in Penang.

Pantai Teluk Kampi is the longest stretch of beach in the Penang National Park. Between February to April, Teluk Kampi becomes a special place for sea turtles to nest.

All these beaches are not only for swimming and resting, but some of the visitors likely choose these places for their wedding or honeymoon at here. Josephine Lee Eng, 34, which married for two years, admits that she feels comfortable with the beaches.

“Since I came here for a seminar in 2005, I had fallen in love with this place and this is my second anniversary at here. I wish to spend my anniversary at here every year,” she said.

A foreigner student, Lim Yuan Jue, 20, said that she loves the nature of the beach and it is really a relaxing place.

“As I reach here, I thought that I was at Bali or Phuket as seen on television. The beaches is so beautiful and I feel satisfied”.

Penang Dishes

Among Penangites, Assam Laksa is the trademark for their dishes. A bowl of steamed spaghetti-sized rice vermicelli is first generously garnished with finely sliced vegetables including onions, cucumber, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds).

Onto the mixture is poured a steaming hot curry soup that is sour and thick with fish meat. A spoonful of fish paste is provided for those who favour the addition.

Balik Pulau is the famous place for its Assam Laksa. The corner coffee shop opposite the T-junction leading into the main and only street of Balik Pulau houses the most popular laksa stall in the village. Both varieties match in quality. The sour variety has maintained its sharp yet exciting flavour and aroma over the years and the fish content is thick yet smooth.

Zurina Abu Bakar, 37, a housewife said that she grow with the Assam Laksa. The taste is totally different especially the taste of sour and hot. She also explained that Penang Assam Laksa does not eaten with eggs as usual.

“Asaam Laksa is part of me. Every week I will come and buy it. Once you try, you will addict to it,” she said.

Besides that, other famous dishes in Penang are like Sor Hor Fun, Char Koey Teow, Nasi Kandar, Koay teow th’ng, Banana Leaf Rice and Pasembur.

Penang Heritages

Penang also known with its fascinating places like Kek Lok Si, Acheen Street Mosque and Lorong Kulit. All these places are more interesting rather than new places such as new shopping complex, Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza.

Kek Lok Si had existed since 1905 and until today, these priceless heritage relics still exist in the temple archives.

Among the myriads of magnificent buildings found in the sprawling complex that constitute the Kek Lok Si, the one that stands out as a shining beacon is the Pagoda of Rama VI, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Thai monarch himself. Known popularly as the Wan Fo Pau T’a, or “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas”, it towers just over a hundred feet and is reputed to be the largest pagoda in Malaysia.

Sitting in the center of the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the statue of Maitreya, the “Laughing Buddha”. Clutching a sack containing gifts of good luck for humanity, he radiates happiness and prosperity. He is the “Buddha of the Future”, or the “Buddha to Come”.

Often referred to as “the jewel in the crown of heritage temples” in Malaysia, the Kek Lok Si was initially established as a branch of the Buddhist “Vatican” in Fujian, China. Heavily influenced by the Mahayana Buddhist sect, the original complex consisted of a series of simple monasteries, prayer halls, and landscaped gardens.

Known not only for the beauty of its historic buildings (which attract thousands of tourists every year), the Kek Lok Si is first and foremost a centre and repository for Buddhist teaching and Chinese culture.

If Kek Lok Si for the Buddhist, Acheen Street Mosque is for Penang Muslim community. Established in 1808, the Acheen Street mosque is the oldest extant mosque in Penang and one of the most statuesque in Malaysia. Its architecture incorporates and reflects the various communities of Penang ,Achehnese, Anglo-Indian and Chinese. The influence of the latter is clearly seen in the pagodaesque octahedral minaret. The octadic form of the minaret is repeated in the inner and outer columns which flank the prayer aisles. Other interesting architectural features include the swallow-tailed roof, fanlights and well.

According to the history, during Japan’s war in Penang, this mosque had been exploded by bomb. Uniquely, the mosque was not damaged at all.

“My grandmother told me that this is the unique mosque because it had been bomb and it did not collapsed, still standing as where it was,” said Ahmad Daniel, 25, who stayed near the mosque.

The Acheen Street mosque is significant in more ways than one to the history of Penang. Its conservation not only restored the mosque itself and the surrounding properties but also revived the traditional and historical lifestyle and activities which used to govern the area. The result is a breathtaking image of the mosque and its immediate environment. The Acheen Mosque restoration clinched the Restoration and Preservation Award from the Ministry of Higher Education, Saudi Arabia in 1999. The award was conferred for the first time in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Actually, Penang is only a small island but rich with its heritages. Every single place has its own values which it is valuable. This is the main reason why Penang is being called as The Pearl of The Orient.

     Beliau yang turut merasmikan Minggu Integriti menekankan bahawa nilai murni merupakan elemen penting yang harus ada pada diri pelajar.

     “Nilai yang bermula dari manusia, tumbuh dari kesedaran fitrah dan dizahirkan melalui hati yang bersih,” ulas beliau semasa menyampaikan ucapan.

     Beliau juga amat bersetuju dengan penganjuran program ini kerana nilai murni ini berkait rapat dengan disiplin dan perlu dicambah di kalangan pelajar.

     Majlis yang turut dihadiri Naib Canselor USIM, Profesor Dato’ Dr. Abdul Shukor bin Haji Husin berharap objektif program ini dapat dicapai dan seterusnya melahirkan graduan Muslim yang berminda dan berpesonaliti kelas pertama.

     Seorang pelajar, Norhamizah Adenan, 22, menyifatkan program ini amat bertepatan dengan misi universiti dan mampu melatih diri dengan lebih berdisiplin.

     “Program ini bagus kerana ia memberi kesedaran untuk membina sahsiah dalam pembentukan modul insan.

     “Disiplin juga mencerminkan keperibadian diri dan ianya perlu dipraktikkan dalam program seperti ini,” jelasnya.

     Seorang pelajar yang ditemui, Siti Halimatun Saadiah, 25, berkata “Program sebegini perlu diteruskan agar ia memberi kesedaran betapa pentingnya integriti dalam menguruskan urusan seharian”.

     Antara pengisian program yang bermula pada 28 Jan hingga 1 Feb ialah Kempen Sebarkan Salam, Pameran Rencana dan Penjagaan Keselamatan, Pertandingan Kolej Kediaman Terbaik, dan Penguatkuasaan Etika Pakaian Pelajar.

     Setiap fakulti turut mengambil bahagian sepanjang Minggu Integriti ini dengan menganjurkan program-program yang dapat membina dan mengukuhkan lagi integriti pelajarnya.

     Seorang pensyarah Fakulti Pengajian Bahasa Utama, Arnida Abu Bakar, 32, berkata “Pihak fakulti telah menyediakan pelbagai program Bengkel Plagiarisme dan Lawatan Sambil Belajar”.

     Menurut pelajar fakulti ini, Rafidah Shapuan, 24, dia menyokong penuh program ini kerana ia menenam semangat perpaduan di kalangan warganya.

     “Program seperti ini mampu mengeratkan hubungan sesama kami di samping melatih diri untuk lebih berdisplin,” ujarnya.   

     Majlis perasmian tersebut turut diserikan dengan persembahan pentas oleh warga USIM seperti deklamasi puisi, nasyid dan sketsa. 

Tapi realiti hari ni, amat susah untuk mencari teman yang betul-betul ikhlas. Amat susah untuk menjadi ikhlas terhadap teman kita itu. Tetapi mencuba untuk menjadi ikhlas semaksima mungkin adalah yang terbaik dalam ikatan persahabatan yang suci.  

Perasaan ditikam oleh sahabat sendiri ialah sesuatu pengalaman yang amat menyakitkan selain kehilangan orang tersayang. Pasti akan meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam dalam hidup seseorang itu. Walaupun persahabatan itu berterusan sehingga beberapa tahun, namun sukar untuk me’mantaian’kan tali persahabatan atas paksi keiklasan. Sanggup berkongsi susah senang, tawa dan tangis. Adakah terlalu susah untuk menjadi seorang yang berterus-terang? Biar sakit sekarang dari ditikam dari belakang.

Lebih menyakitkan ialah teman yang boleh berpura-pura dihadapan kita bak pijak semut pun tak mati. Tetapi dibelakang kita pula ibarat pijak raksasa pun boleh penyet. Lebih baik tidak berkawan dari mendapat kawan yang berperangai sebegini. Hanya pandai mengambil kesempatan ke atas orang lain tanpa mengambil kira perasaan kawan sendiri dan orang lain. Hanya dirinya yang betul dan orang lain salah. Berkawan untuk kepentingan sendiri tanpa menghiraukan kepentingan oran lain.

Sebenarnya pepatah Sahabat Jangan Jadi Musibat dah lama dilupakan. Hanya diungkapkan ketika zaman persekolahan dahulu. Agaknya tempias pepatah yang ‘direct’ itu, persahabatan kami masih berkekalan hingga sekarang. Kawan yang bersifat ‘kawan makan kawan’ pun turut insaf. Namun tidak sekarang. Masa dah berubah. Dunia pun semakin tua..

Renung-renungkanlah…

“Adakah anda tahu hubungan antara dua biji mata anda? mereka brkedip bersama, bergerak bersama, menangis bersama, melihat bersama dan tidur bersama meskipun mereka tidak pernah melihat antara satu sama lain. Perhubungan persahabatan seharusnya seperti itu”

Kejadian itu disedari oleh pengadil debat tersebut, Muhammad Marwan Ismail, 29.

“Saya terdengar bunyi percikan api dan terkejut apabila api mula marak dari alat penghawa dingin. Saya rasa ia berpunca dari litar pintas,” katanya.

Khuatir berlakunya sebarang insiden yang tidak diingini, seorang pelajar, Mohd Suhaidi Sautar, 25, bergegas mendapatkan pemadam api dan memadamkan api tersebut.

“Saya kaget melihat rakan-rakan menjerit ketakutan dan teringat pemadam api ada disediakan di luar dewan,” ujarnya.

Berikutan kecekapan Mohd Suhaidi menangani kejadian tersebut telah menyelamatkan keadaan daripada menjadi lebih buruk. Seorang pelajar, Mariana Jusoh, 23, berkata dia amat terkejut apabila melihat api tersebut dan merasa sesuatu buruk bakal berlaku.

“Mujur Suhaidi cepat ambil tindakan, jika tidak pasti penghawa dingin itu akan meletup,” jelasnya.  Sementara itu, seorang pelajar, Norlina Rusli, 24 menjelaskan bahawa dewan yang digunakan itu mengalami beberapa kerosakan teknikal.

“Saya dan rakan-rakan lain ada terhidu bau hangit dan tidak menyangka bau itu datang dari penghawa dingin,” jelasnya.

Akibat dari kejadian tersebut, aktiviti debat yang hangat berlangsung dihentikan sementara  bagi men’sejuk’kan kembali dewan terbabit.  Kumpulan pelajar yang terlibat adalah dari Fakulti Pengajian Bahasa Utama (FPBU), Tahun Tiga yang mengadakan Program Pengkayaan Bahasa di Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort. Ianya adalah susulan dari subjek fakulti yang ditawarkan pada semester ini.

Aktiviti debat yang dijalankan merupakan sebahagian dari pengisian program bertujuan mencungkil dan mengasah bakat baru di samping memperkayakan bahasa Arab di kalangan pelajarnya. 

  Velle Cosmetics kini dibuka di Pusat Kemudahan Pelajar (PKP) dengan menawarkan pelbagai rawatan kecantikan seperti sauna, rawatan muka serta menjual produk kecantikan dan kesihatan.

  Menurut pemilik pusat kecantikan, Fairuz Aini, 24, beliau mahu menyedarkan bahawa pentingnya penjagaan muka khususnya kepada para pelajar.  “Rawatan kecantikan ini bukan hanya golongan atasan atau yang mereka yang berumur sahaja, sebaiknya penjagaan muka bermula dari remaja lagi,” ulas beliau yang turut memiliki sebuah lagi pusat kecantikan di Bukit Jalil.

  Pusat kecantikan ini mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan khususnya para pelajar. Rawatan muka dan sauna menjadi pilihan ramai berikutan harga yang ditawarkan munasabah.

  “Saya memang mengambil kira latar belakang mereka sebagai pelajar dan kesemua produk serta rawatan akan diberi ‘special price’”, jelas beliau lagi. 

  Bagi rawatan kecantikan lengkap akan dikenakan sebanyak RM 35, manakala bagi rawatan kecantikan biasa hanya RM 25 untuk sekali rawatan. Malah, pelanggan Velle Cosmetics juga boleh merehatkan badan dengan bersauna dan kadar bayarannya RM 25 untuk satu sesi.

  Seorang pelajar, Norwahidah Shariffuddin, 24 yang telah menjalani rawatan muka berpuas hati dengan rawatan yang diterimanya.

  “Sebelum ini saya telah menggunakan produk yang salah dan mengakibatkan kulit menjadi sensitif. Selepas menjalani rawatan dan mendapat nasihat tentang penjagaan muka, saya berasa lebih selesa,” ujarnya.

  Seorang pelajar yang turut mencuba rawatan muka, Nik Nur Asyikin Nik Yahya, 24, juga yakin dengan rawatan yang ditawarkan.

  “Saya mempunyai masalah jeragat hitam yang tumbuh di wajah dan sekarang jeragat itu telah dibersihkan,” katanya yang mahu mencuba sauna untuk membuang toksin di dalam badan.

  Pusat kecantikan ini sedia menerima tempahan pada hujung minggu sekiranya pelajar berkeinginan membuat rawatan pada hari tersebut.

  On February 13^th 2008, I had done my on field assignment which need me to follow and observe a journalist on how they works.   My journey started at 10 o’clock when I reached at the NSTP office at Jalan Riong, Seremban. Mr. Izawan, Harian Metro’s journalist just arrived and introduced himself. He mentioned that he had to stay back yesterday, editing some news as what had been required by the Harian Metro Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

  The first thing he do after he entered the office is read all the newspapers. Harian Metro, Kosmo, Berita Harian, Utusan Melayu, New Staits Time, The Star are provided to them. They compiled all the newspaper in one place. He also will read all the memo and fax and updated coming event.  Because the office is the branch section, there was only one leader for Berita Harian and New Strait Times while for Harian Metro, Mr Izawan himself.

  I had been informed that there will be a Press Conference at Wisma Negeri. As we reached there, the Press Conference had started. We gathered among all the journalists from various types of newspapers. The sweetest thing was when the Negeri Sembilan’s Menteri Besar announced the dissolve of Dewan Negeri and Parliament. All the journalists said that my appearance on that day bring good luck for them as they were questioning this matter all the time. I also have the opportunity to eat with the senior journalists and they give a lot of advises regarding journalists world.

  I wonder how he will write the news since we do no not have enough information. Then he explain that his member from Kosmo will e-mail him all the details regarding the press conference. Actually I thought that a journalist from one agency will not have a good relationship with others journalists, but I am wrong. Sometimes they also exchange and share any public information among them.

  At the afternoon, Mr. Syarul Derauh, a stringer (part time journalist) have a phone call saying that there is a death cause by the nursery. I take the chance to follow him with his photographer.

  As we reached there, they introduced themselves and their intention for interviewing the parents. The death was a six months baby. In the beginning, the mother seems not ready to revealed all the information and scared if the news appeared in the newspaper. But the journalist keep asking by using his own approach until we have the complete content to make a news. It also suprising me when the photographer also success in persuading the parents involved to take a picture as a proof.

  After we return back to the office, he straightly write the news. What I can said that it is very difficult to make a news lead. They usually write all the content first and follow by the news lead. After he had settled writing the news, he e-mail it to Mr. Izawan, Harian Metro’s leader to recheck. After he satisfied with the news, he will e-mail it to the editor at their headquarters.  If there were no any problems occur, they can end their work around 8 or 9 p.m. Being in this field is very stressful. Therefore, they will stick any words regarding or related to them or other staff at the wall such as “Leman Serik” the headline for Kosmo was being used as one of the staff named Sulaiman Salleh. They work happily although they were in pressure.

  I was very grateful because not only met with one journalists, but more than three. I also had the opportunity to eat with the senior journalists. The photographer also gave me some tips to capture a good picture. The news that we covered together also appeared in the next day newspaper.