On Sunday 14th April 2019, 12 members of the Yap family, or rather, the Yeo clan, gathered atop the Simpang Lima Chinese Cemetery for the annual Cheng Beng grave cleaning ritual.

My elder and younger brother were not present at the above cemetery due to poor health.

It was atop the hill, that my son informed me that the readers of the my blog had requested that an article on “E Hailing” be written on the topic soon.

Yours sincerely being extremely busy the past two or three months lately, let made a promise that such an article will indeed be written for readers perusal.

Frankly speaking, I have not been quite in touch with the “E Hailing” concept of transport.

For reader’s knowledge, both the Road Transport Department (J.P.J) and the Minister of Transport , Y.B. Anthony Loke had made announcements of the ‘E Hailing” as far as 2 to 3 months ago.

In fact, the institute to which I am currently attached will be conducting a “E Hailing Course” for the taxi drivers, bus drivers and car rental owners (Taxi Owners and Kereta Sewa Owners).

Firstly, my institute is a 5 Star Category institute. Its is located at
the 5th mile, Kampung Jawa Road in Klang.

Suffice to let known that the above “Kursus” will be held
on:

Date: 25 April 2019

Duration of Course: About 6 hours.

Cost: RM200

Organisers tell me a 60 Question will be held at the end of the course. Passing mark is 48 or 80%. Registration is currently open to all those who are interested.

The post E Hailing Course For Drivers in Klang appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Picture source: The Star Online

“Bridges” are man’s greatest architectural contraptions.

When young, I used to sing a nursery rhyme “London bridge is falling down, my fair lady”.

The Japanese army, built the famous Bridge of River, using thousand of British soldiers manpower and it was said they unfortunately perished during the 2nd World War.

Some 5 years back, the P.K.R., took over the Selangor government. Through good governance by the above, Selangor’s financial status quickly made it one of the richest state.

The then Menteri Besar Dato Khalid Ibrahim, announced the state government would finance the building of Klang 3rd bridge. This is to help ease the daily traffic jams faced by the people of Klang.

Upon the former Menteri Besar’s departure from office, the succeeding new Menteri Besar, Dato Azmin Ali, and his P.K.R. affiliates decided to continue with the construction of the 3rd Klang bridge.

Happy to announce that today, some 5 or 6 years later, “this” bridge is now finally completed.

This bridge is unfortunately out of the public limelight. Nothing much was heard about it because this bridge is infact located in the outskirt of Klang town.

Who is the contractor that built this bridge? I really don’t know.

The 3rd Klang bridge stretches from Riverside Road, near the famous Chinese Snake Temple to across the Klang River to Sungai Pinang in North Klang.

Recently, my youngest daughter and I tool the opportunity to travel across this latest architectural wonder.

Although nothing compared to our famous Penang Bridge, this 2 lane bridge will make crossing the Klang River in a matter of a few minutes.

At night, the bridge is Klang town’s latest amazement. We even managed to take snap of the Klang river itself.

After crossing the Klang river, you will land up near Hai O’s building adjacent to Jalan Kapar, about 2 1/2 miles from Klang town.

From there, a person can be connected to the various KL Highways which will take you to Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya.

Presently, the bridge is not congested. As more and more learn about this new bridge, I am sure traffic will increase.

To end this story article about Klang’s 3rd bridge, do you know that Klang also has another bridge outside of town in Taman Cannought Power Station?

Before this new bridge was built, Cannought Bridge was in reality, a wooden bridge, which only allowed one vehicle to cross at a time.

I was told by a university mate of mine, Abdul Rashid, who resides in Taman Goodwood in South Klang, he was crossing this infamous bridge one night around 12 midnight.

Upon entering the above bridge, Rashid discovered a white Volkswagen entering the bridge on the opposite end.

Both driver had already traveled quite some distance. As such, neither was willing to back up or reverse.

There was actually no way both cars could pass each other. The bridge was definitely too narrow.

Both cars then came abreast each other. When both cars met, my friend Rashid turned his head to look at the driver of the white Volkswagen had no face at all!

Rashid told me he was shivering in his pants. His whole body trembled. He was in shock.

What was the apparition that he had witnessed that horrible night.

A faceless ghost perhaps.

Sad to say, Rashid passed away a few years back of heart attack. Whether you choose to believe what I’ve related to you is up to you.

The post New Klang Bridge Completed – It Was A Promise Kept appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

The “Monkey” scrambled off quickly. And the “Rooster” fluttered in.

Geomancists and Feng Tsui experts, like Joey Yap announced 2017 would be a good year.

My wife, Mary, was amongst those feeling ecstatic that the Rooster year would be a good year for me. All because I am a “Rooster”.

Hopefully, she is right!

When talking about Chinese New Year, one should mention a few things – Chinese observance of prayers to our ancestors and forefathers on New Year’s Eve and also the New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner, which all Chinese observe.

My family, consisting of 3 brothers and one sister, maybe small, but I’m proud to proclaim “we” do hold our CNY reunion dinner faithfully every year.

I’ve heard numerous stories of families, bigger, larger and more well to do ones which quarrel and squabble over the question of holding this auspicious and meaningful event.

My family, should rightly thank our Siamese aunty, the former Mrs. Lim of Teluk Pulai, Klang.

It was the above wise old lady that gave us her maternal advice.

While carrying our late father ashes on a launch into the stormy seas of the Straits of Malacca one bright morning, some 25 years ago, the above mentioned lady told me and my brothers, “You have lost your father, now it’s up to you all to keep your families together.”

Those words have remained entrenched in us ever since.

A decision was reached amongst our brothers, my eldest brother B.H. Yap and younger brother, B.K. Yap and myself that upon father’s demise in 1987, that no matter what , we would hold our Chinese New Year dinner at one of my sibling’s home without fail every year.

And so, as it came to past, this year’s “Year of the Rooster” reunion dinner was held at my house located in Jalan Meru, Klang.

The Yap family, consisting of my sister Molly, and her husband Mr Ooi, her children, my brother’s family and their daughters-in-law and spouses, numerous grandchildren, congregated by 7:00 pm on the 28th of January 2017 for the Yap family Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner.

First of all, let it be known to readers that the event was a simple pot luck affair with all participating brothers and sister contributing one or two dishes to the function.

Speaking a little bit more about this particular dinner, we might not have a roasted pig and expensive fish and prawns, but what we laid out at our reunion dinner table were basically what we Peranakan folks fancy to eat.

There was mee goreng, our favourite dish. There was of course roasted pork meat too. My last sister-in-law prepared steamed fish with salted vegetables, a favourite amongst our family members.

Acars or pickles made by my younger sister was a mouth watering preparation available. Prawn sambal curry with pineapples stood up amongst the other dishes that night. Salted egg omelette made again by my sister was yet another mouth watering dinner dish.

Although the reunion dinner just took place days ago, to tell you the truth, I am in fact forgotten much of the dishes that we laid out that night.

With cold drinks and iced longan, believe me, the 20 or so people that attended the reunion dinner had a joyful and enjoyable time this Rooster new year.

All in all, our reunion dinner lasted until around 10:30 pm that night. Cousins, brothers and sister, their spouses, their many children and smaller grandchildren such as Erne and her sister Jane, ate up until their heart’s content.

For the first time, this Rooster year ended up with the taking of a group photograph where all members of the Yap family, totaling more than 20 members partook. The photograph taken will serve as a remembrance to us all in the years to come!

The entire Yap Family

The Yap Seniors

The Yap second and third generation

One more thing before I forget is that this year reunion dinner is special as my youngest daughter Lin, who has been away for quite a while working in Qatar, the Middle East, is back home to be with us. As parents, my wife and myself feel very happy that she can make it back home this time around.

For her, I believe, she will be capable of tasting all the home cooked dishes such as asam pedas, steamed fish, her mother’s friend Hokkien mee, salted egg omelette and other dishes which she has been missing since the last few years.

My verdict regarding this year 2017 Chinese New Year reunion dinner was a real success in my opinion. Next year, our reunion dinner will be held at my younger brother’s house in Klang Utama.

My younger brother may only possesses a low cost house. Small, thought it may be his home will have to be ready to receive some 20 members of the Yap family next year.

At this moment of writing, I still do not know what animal follows this rooster year yet (*2018 is the year of the Dog).

Finally, my daughter Lin has not been able to achieve her dream of tasting Malaysian durian as yet. Though going back by Etihad Airways on the 3rd of February, she will have to be patient until April when she will be back again once more.

Happy Chinese New Year!

The post Yap Family Welcomed The Year Of The Rooster appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

The singer goes on to fantasies what he would do if he were to become a millionaire one day. Among his dreams if it were to come true, is to travel in a posh airline. And of course, buy an air con too.

Like everyone else, this humble driving school instructor, also has dreams and fantasies. After all, it’s not wrong to “build castles in the air”, so to say.

Winning a jackpot at the casino Genting, striking it big at 4D lottery or even a Social Welfare draw, represents one of my dreams. I may or may not see my dreams come to pass.

Even though the above may seem a one in a million chance, nevertheless, the possibility is always there! Only God knows. Only He determines our fate, I believe.

In the mean time, we have to wait and be patient. Being the kind hearted person that I happen to be, my wife, Mary, is of the opinion that should I happen to strike it rich one day, I wouldn’t be a millionaire for too long.

You see, I care too much for mankind, for the poor and destitute, the forlorn and the suffering. From day one, when and if I become a millionaire, I would begin dishing out aids and donations to one and all.

Didn’t I tell you what kind of person I am right from the beginning?

Before I continue any further, let me divulge to you one thing. As a school boy way back in the 1960’s or 70’s, I once wrote to Madame Zalora in England, I think, asking her about my life and what sort of person I actually was. Her reply to me was straight and simple.

“You”, she advised, will not see fortune easily, because you have a heart that is as big as a “house”. You in fact if far too kind hearted to become a rich person or a millionaire”, so to say.

Now, you know why my spouse holds to her conviction regarding myself.

Before continuing any further with this empirical episode about anyone becoming a millionaire and what not, allow me to relate you a real life story that happened to me.

In the 1980’s, when I was in my Klang primary school days, in ACS Primary school then, my football master, a Mr TS Kon from Kuala Lumpur, who was a humble and kind hearted sort of guy, was said to have been lucky and struck it rich in the lotteries. The above master was said to have won the 3rd prize Social Welfare Lottery draw, winning, believe it or not, a sum or one hundred thousand ringgit.

The sum may not seem very much to you and I, but do not fait to forget, during the days of 1960’s and 70’s, it was a lot of money though!

Being the prudent and wise person that he was, Mr Kon gave up his teaching practice. He then venture into the printing industry, to be exact the Preston Times, Petaling Jaya.

He was said to have done fairly well. Later on, my master then bought over a lot of shares in Guiness Stout beer industry in Sungei Way.

One more thing, I should rightly let you know is, that my footballer master, I believe, was not too bother about striking it rich, but was more interested in chasing his other dream, which actually was his bubbly, short haired damsel, Rosie, whom he fancied very much.

But as they say, God decide to do things otherwise.

Now, let’s come back to those episode of what I’ll do if I were to become a millionaire one day.

1) Extending assistance to sibling and family.

Coming from a father poor family, with a lorry driver father, my younger days at Teluk Pulai Road in Kampung Martin, to be exact, my siblings, comprising of 3 brothers and a sister, and of course mum, went through a difficult and hard life.

So, it is only right and appropriate that the very first thing I’ll do, if I become a millionaire, is to extend assistance to my siblings. At least, as a brother, to try to lighten the financial burden they have been laden with all these while.

Many people who have struck it rich at the lotteries, win a jackpot or the Social Welfare draw, will, I believe, not hesitate to buy a big house, a big luxurious car, go for an expensive holiday, or even visit the night clubs and what not. But this instructor isn’t like that.

Instead, I will …

2) Donations to be handed to schools and charitable organisations.

Donation to charity organisations will be made. Help to the above organisations will be rendered.

Schools, like my alma mater (ACS), High School Klang, Sultan Abdul Samad, the MGS and Convert Klang and other deserving schools will surely get a share of my donations.

Charitable organizations, the Red Crescent, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Scouting bodies like the 5th Klang Group (ACS) and the 1st Klang Group of High School Klang, will deservedly get my attention, let me tell you.

3) Donations to be handed to churches, temples and Muslim welfare homes and mosques and surau will also be given assistance.

Without a doubt, temples, churches, mosques and all charitable and welfare homes will stand to gain, should I become a millionaire one fine day.

4) Poor folks and families.

There surely must be many poor families in the vicinity of Klang town. Families, who find it difficult to buy their children’s books, pay bus fares, have insufficient money for school tuck shops , meals, buy school shoes and socks for their going children, do not fail to contact this “would be millionaire”.

Don’t forget, they say, it’s easier said than done. After all, how do you know what to say here will be carried out? Unless the Almighty God does what is rightly to be done.

I can go on and on, but as they say, I’ll will first have to strike it rich, and as the famous Hokkien song says, for the moment, I’ll only dream and retort “If I were to become a millionaire, what will I do!”

In the meantime, wish me good luck!

Best of luck to yourself too. Who knows, you might become rich before I do. Why not think carefully about what I have reiterated here in this episode. Anyway, it is worthwhile dream. Think about it, you have nothing to lose but all to gain.

I am the opinion that if ever God decides to alter your life, he surely must wish that you become a good person and expects your to do worthwhile things in your lifetime.

The post If I Were a Millionaire, What Would I Do? appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Amongst the Pakatan Rakyat’s good governance, the state government’s coffers are no longer in the red. Projects like the “free water scheme”, “housing projects”, including low cost houses which people can see coming up in nearby Klang town, in Setia Alam are proofs to the people of Selangor of PKR’s success.

For anyone to claim that Azmin Ali’s government has done all good and nothing bad is certainly incorrect! Take a drive in the night and you’ll certainly see this Bandar Di Raja of Klang enveloped in semi total darkness.

In a way, I agree with anyone such a shameful thing shouldn’t happen at all. Anyway, this is what politics is all about.

People say, “in life, nothing actually is free nowdays”. But do tarry a while this popular English saying might soon be outdated.

Do you know that even if you wish to urinate, you’ll have to pay some 30 to 50 cents for the usage of the public toilets?

But are many people aware that the Selangor government has introduced the free Bas Selangorku service in certain parts of the state such as in Majlis Perbandaran Klang (MPK), Subang Jaya and Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam (MBSA).

People in the above areas can now enjoy free bus rides from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm at night daily.

In Klang, I have seen 2 or 3 new My Selangor Bus stationed at the Klang bus station waiting to ferry people. And the buses are all new ones.

Amongst other things the buses can:
1) Carry 60 passengers.
2) Friend to OKU.
3) Seats are comfortable.
4) The buses also provide Wifi system to passengers too.

Well, what more can you expect.

Syabas and congratulations to Datuk Seri Azmin. Keep up the good work. Well done!

This short article will touch upon on the Selangorku service for MPK only. Efforts to explain the services of other areas such as MBSA and MBSJ will be dealt with at a later stage eventually.

To inform readers about this Selangorku services, people are remaided that the above bus service begins from Wisma Hafiz, Jalan Batu 3 Lama, and if meanders through the royal town and finally ends at its last stop at S.R. Kong Hoe Chinese school in Jalan Batu 3 Lama.

Should readers need any further information, do call 03-3375-5555 or 1-800-88-23826.

Well then, what are you still waiting for. The Selangorku buses are easily recognizable. It is painted in the famous Selangor colours of yellow and red.

Bus Selangorku, as a resident of Selangor, I sure am proud of it! After all, how many states have it anyway.

The post SelangorKu Bus Service – We Are Proud Of It! appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Durian tree picture from PINOY PHOTOGRAPHER @Flickr.com

Many more stories about durian remains to be told. The continuation of this article will tell you more stories about it.

Durian trees in Klang, especially in Batu Belah, near Simpang Empat in Kampung Martin (my own kampong), in Telok Pulai Road, were but a few of the places where durians grew.

The “King Of Fruits” garner tremendous interest in many people. As such, hopefully this article will provide interesting reading to many.

In Klang district, durians are not grown on a commercial scale. They are in fact, “garden” fruit trees. Just like jackfruit, mangosteens, pameloes, sentul and ciku trees.

In Part I of my article, I wrote that durian trees should ideally not be grown alone. It’s best to have other durian trees grown beside it. However, trees that are grown in gardens do sometimes end up bearing fruits too.

Cikgu Yusuf, 68, who has since passed away, once grew a durian tree in his garden. It grew up strong and healthy. After about 6 years, it began to bear fruits. Young rascals in the neighborhood stole the fruits. Yusuf was so heartbrokened by the incident.

I once lived in Lorong Raja Muda, Klang. Quite a lot of durian trees grew in this area. My neighbor, Ah Siew and I frolicked amongst the durian trees even during midnight looking for the fruits.

In my institute today, stands a lone durian tree. Its said its fruits are good. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to taste one of them one day.

Durian ice cream from brownpau @Flickr.com

Durians are best eaten fresh. It can however be made into many things. Durian paus, a Chinese delicacy recently made it appearance in Ipoh. Should you visit Melaka, you will surely get to taste Pengat, a famous Malay cuisine.

Durian can also be made into ice cream, biscuits, dodol and sweets as well. Durians’ usage is indeed endless!

To talk about durian growing areas in Klang district and its surrounding areas, mention should rightly be made of Bukit Kapar, a small kampong recluse of some 10 km north of Kapar town.

Foothills are suitable for the growing of durians. In the 1960s, a school boy friend, Mohd Yazid, supplied me and my friends wonderful durians from Bukit Kapar.

Durians above are not big. They maybe small but its taste is heavenly. Believe me, when I say, if you should put an “ulas” of Bukit Kapar durian into your mouth, the taste or sensation would mesmerize you.

Yazid once adviced me, if you do not know how to look for the best durian, just seek out the Kuching Tidur or “The Sleeping Kitten”, as the Malays call it.

The fruit is crooked in shape, likened to a sleeping cat, curled up in slumber. You would have then made the perfect choice.

One of my former colleagues, Mr Tan, from Penang, once resigned from his place of work. Tan was said to have wanted to go back to Balik Pulau, Penang to grow durians. His ambition however failed. His land was reported to have been too acidic.

Had his project been successful, yours sincerely, would surely be visiting Penang Island for durian feasts today!

Do you know that Banting Road or Langat Road, the road that leads one to Morib beach or Goldcoast Beach today, is well known for durians?

Locals say, after the town Jenjarom, durian trees grow a plenty on both sides of the highway!

A group of my school mates once purposely cycled to Morib Beach, about 20 miles from Klang at dawn, just to pick up the durians that have fallen onto the road during the night and early morning.

Datsun 1200 picture from LusoFox @Flickr.com

In quest of The King Of Fruits , I still remember how my Malays colleagues and I travelled in his Datsun 1200 from Sekinchan to Kuala Kangsar town, looking for durians. The mission there may not be too successful I agree, but we got to see the royal town of Perak anyway.

Speaking of durians still, my former colleague, Mr Wong, a former taxi driver, tells me he is currently contemplating going into the durian selling business in Petaling Jaya. Mr Wong has promised me a supply of D24, X.O., Mau Sang Tong and 101 king of fruits. Will this promise materialize is yet to be seen.

To end this second article on durians, my nephew, Simon who resides in Bukit Tinggi, Klang, has an Indonesian maid working for him. The maid told me something which I could hardly believe.

She informed me that there is a lone durian tree growing in one of the double story houses around the vicinity of the Methodist Girls School (MGS) Klang.

The Indonesian maid was right. The durian tree, albeit not too big, was indeed bearing fruits during last season’s harvest.

And finally, one final episode regarding the King Of Fruits. In 1970s, a driving school proprietor friend of mine, Encik Kamaruddin, travelled to Perak in a Datsun C20 van in search of durians.

During the entourage’s journey back to Selangor, one of the instructors named Bob elected to sit behind the van, accompanying all the durians. Bob must have been having a wonderful time opening up the durians all night long!

Durian D24 picture from Ato Belen @Flickr.com

The durian season will soon come to an end. After reading so much about the King Of Fruits, what are you still waiting for?

Do you fancy a D24, D2, a Super X.O., 101 or a Mau San Tong. The choice is yours. Enjoy yourself!

The post My Durian Stories From Yesteryears Part 2 appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

I have been an avid catcher of the above crustacean, the ketam batu variety for more than 20 years. The period stretching from the late 1960s until 1970s.

Speaking about crabs, they Malays consider it makroh. Some on the other hand, say it is haram to consume it. In the seventies, crabs were being sold for about RM15 – RM17 per kilo.

Flower crabs or ketam pasir as it is known, were going for about RM1.50 or so then. Recently, I chanced to observe the above said crab being offered for sale for about RM25 per kilo at the supermarket.

You may wish to know how much the ketam batu crabs cost today. Well, my sister, Molly, and her husband, Mr. Ooi, contend, they come at a price of RM45 – RM50.

To end today’s introductory story on crabs, a few weeks ago, my family, which includes my wife, my son-in-law, my daughter and her children, were at the Siu Siu Chinese Restaurant on the foothills of the famous Then Hou temple in Taman Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur.

Amongst the dishes that we ordered was a crab dish cooked curried style. The above single crab dish was tagged at a whopping RM108, not inclusive of GST, mind you.

Picture of durian by Sodanie Chea @Flickr.com

Beside scrabs, it is fair to tell you that I can likely be considered as a self-proclaimed authority on the King of Fruits, which incidentally, is none other than the “durian”.

As this fruit’s season now happens to be in full swing, with the fruits being now sold in every corner of towns in Malaysia, I believe, therefore it won’t be right if no article is written about it.

The durian stories which I know are indeed many and varied. According to my maternal grandmother, Mdm Ee Siew Mooi, the mum to my mother, Ong Geak Tee, the durian is closely associated with the Lord Buddha. I shall not disclose to you they relationship between the above duo so as not to offend lovers of this fruit.

Should you be a Buddhist, go ask your mother or better, your grandmother about it. She, it is believed, will surely know about it.

Anyway, it case you are not aware, let me tell you that my grandmother fancies eating rice with durians. I still remember vividly, my grandfather, Ong Hock Chuan, a petition writer, purchasing one or two durians each day for his beloved wife.

Before continuing further, reading about the King of Fruits, readers might like to inquire why I consider myself an expert regarding durian. Well, you see, in my younger days, my family and I lived in Klang town. We infact lived in Jalan Teluk Pulai, and the surrounding jungle infested areas of Lorong Raja Muda, Simpang Empat, Teluk Gadong and Riverside Road.

Durian trees by tankahn @Flickr.com

Kampung Martin, which is located in Telok Pulai itself, was in reality my kampung. Alongside durian trees, there were mangosteens, langsat, rambutan trees, duku, guavas and sentul as well.

You name it, all the fruits were there!

Besides this, banana trees grew in abundance. Pisang Ceylon, rastali (King of Banana), pisang embun, pisang tanduk, pisang awak and pisang raja were amongst the few banana varieties I still recall.

I still remember rather clearly then, inspite of the fact that so many years have since gone by, I was then in my teens, around 12 – 16 years old. In Kampung Martin itself, there were roughly 6 – 7 durian trees. There was a huge durian tree which grew to about 100 feet high. Its fruit was, without a doubt, very delicious!

Other durian trees, which were younger and therefore shorter in height, bore equally delicious and fragrant fruits as well. Except for the above durian trees I mentioned, I don’t recall any durian tree growing behind my kampung, that is nearby my alma mater school, ACS Klang.

Talking further about durians, it’s only right that I tell you about a clump of durian trees that grew near Simpang Empat, along Telok Pulai road itself. The above durian orchard, if you may call it, belong to a Mr Ah Poh, who I remember, worked for the TNB.

Durians from those trees, though small, were of good quality and without a doubt, fragrant and of fantastic aroma. The above fruits, were unfortunately for personal consumption only.

Before carrying further regarding the existence of durian trees around the areas of Teluk Pulai, Lorong raja Muda and Jalan Raya West areas, you should rightly be told about a few things I know about durian.

It is said the durian tree cannot be planted alone. Ideally, it should be grown in a cluster. It is believed, durian trees need cross pollination for its fruits to germinate. For this, it is believed, the presence of flying foxes, squirrels and birds play an essential role in ensuring the durian fruit grow successfully.

Secondly, about durian trees, cows are not to be allowed to come near the trees also. It is believed, cow dung and the cow’s urine will cause a major disaster to the durian trees.

A third thing regarding durian trees, which I think one and all should be aware of its durian orchards are affected by carbon monoxide or car exhaust fumes. Believe it or not, there used to be numerous durian trees around Batu Belah area, near the Shapadu Highway. The above trees, near the Arabic School hostel nearby, used to produce quite a lot of durian fruits in my younger days.

Alas, this is not to be the case today. Why?

Has carbon monoxide and exhaust gas been responsible? Your guess I as good as mine.

The Durian by Alex Khoo @Flickr.com

Another fact of fallacy about the consumption of durians, advise lovers or connoisseurs of this fruit believe, is never to consume durians with alcoholic drinks. I will refrain from naming the product or alcoholic drink involved fearing repercussions.

Eating durians with certain cokes might bring about disaster as well. People with high blood pressure problems should also be careful in the consumption of durians. Toe the moderate line seems to be the advice that should be adopted.

I feel it is only appropriate that I divulge to you the below episode. A Malay instructor friend of mine, who is form Meru town, told me a story whereby his mother once had a stroke. A facial palsy attack, you might say.

One day, during the durian season a few years ago, the family were reportedly preparing a Malay delicacy dish known as pengat. My friend’s mother, who was unfortunately down with partial paralysis on one side of her body, could not restraint herself to ask her family for some of this delicious and mouth watering durian concoction.

Durian pengat by Li Tsin Soon @Flickr.com

Believe it or not, upon consuming a spoonful of pengat, my friend’s mother lapsed into a total paralysis altogether. Unbelievable maybe, but it is a true story nonetheless.

What I have related to you thus far about durian us only the tip of the iceberg, so to say. The large stock of stories I have on the King of Fruits is only just beginning. Wait until you hear the rest of it.

Unlike the yesteryears that is the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and the 1990s, today, the durian industry in Malaysia has come out to have successfully evolved species and high quality durian fruits.

A few years ago, we saw only the advent of D2 and D23. Yes, they were costly then. If previously, we durian lovers had very few choices to choose from. In 2015, the availability of mouth watering durian fruits of today such as 101, the Musang King, the Super XO series, the Mau Sang Tong and others spell bound durian lovers.

Say what you like about durian, this fruit looks like its not meant for the consumption of Europeans or foreigners. Presently, I am in the process of tutoring an English girl, she is 23 and an internet English language teacher.

The Musang King by Alex Khoo @Flickr.com

Recently, she was asked has she yet tried tasting durian. Her reply was, “I have not”. Anyway, she said she fancies the mangosteens more.

To end this short story about the Malaysian King of Fruits, permit me to tell you one of why my teachers told me as a school boy years ago. He said, Europeans consider the eating of durians as likened to consuming a custard pie in the toilet. Urgh! Or is it? Decide for yourself.

The remaining stories pertaining to this fruit will most likely be followed up in another article on a later date.

The post My Durian Stories From Yesteryears Part 1 appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Isn’t there a law in Malaysia that says, “a vehicle that is sold must have its ownership transferred within 7 days duration”?

Well, that’s what the Road Transport Act 1987 stipulates. A friend of mine, Mr Ong, now nearing 65, experienced this bizarre and unbelievable tale.

I believe, “things always happen to others, and never to me”. Until they happened to me itself.

Want to know what exactly took place? How did such incident take place? Continue reading and find out.

A few years ago, I befriended a young Indonesian couple, Rahmat and his wife. The husband was a very hard working odd job contractor, while his wife worked for a well known chicken rice shop in Klang.

To be frank with you, Rahmat could do almost anything. Once, he even repaired my solar water heater and repaired my old shoes cabinet which incidentally about to be discarded.

Cutting overgrown branches of my mango as well as rambutan trees were amongst some of the other invaluable services which my friend rendered to me. In short, Rahmat was to be a good friend who could be depended upon to perform many odd jobs which a household requires.

However, as the saying “all good things must come to an end one fine day”. Unfortunately, this was exactly what was to happen in the later stages of our friendship. This Indon boy was destined to be enrolled in my driving school establishment sooner or later.

His not having a Malaysian driving license led him to many encounters with the authorities, both the police and the Road Transport Department. And finally, Rahmat made a wise decision to try to get both his motorcycle and car licenses with me.

But Rahmat, in fact faced an uphill task in his quest. You see, they boy had to overcome the Bahasa Malaysia computer Highway Code first. Surprisingly, he being an industrious man that he was, was to finally get through all the tests secure both his B2 (motor) and D (car) licenses eventually.

It would not be incorrect for me to say Rahmat’s gains was to end up as being my loss instead. That was when he began having eyes on my old Perodua Kancil lying forlorn under my rambutan tree.

Allow me to tell you a little bit about the above Kancil. Incidentally, the car was purchased for RM16,000. The car was meant to be my mode of transport when I decide to finally hang up my boots after my instructing days come to end.

To cut the long story short, my Indonesian friend incessantly pleaded me to sell my beloved Kancil to him. And that I finally did. For RM3000, inclusive of transfer. I must readily admit, must be one of the biggest mistake of my life.

Even before the transfer process of the car could be executed by the Puspakom and Road Transport Department could be over, Rahmat, he new owner of my Kancil, chalked up a total of 3 summonses. One issued by the Police and 2 by JPJ.

The JPJ summonses were for beating the traffic light and the other for overtaking on the left or using the road shoulder. Both RM300 fines!


Effort to get my friend to settle summons, especially those by the JPJ, failed. Constant letters of summons addressed to me, gave me and my wife, tremendous headaches. The Kancil, you see was registered under my wife’s name.

To make thing worst, Rahmat and his wife had finally moved to Subang Jaya. Phone calls from me to him were ignored!

It looks as if the owner had finally decided not to adhere to settling the authorities threats of actions. Well, as every driver knows, the latest Op Sikap campaign by the PDRM, to nab errant drivers for non-payment of summonses, finally led me making a decision.

I was eventually led into making what all along was something I hated making. And that is, having to make a visit to the Road Transport Department summons enforcement department located in Padang Jawa, Selangor.

I made my trip there on 1st June 2015.

Although I have to wait for more than 1 hour, before getting the opportunity to meet a senior officer of the department In the interview, it was in fact worth the while, so to say.

Rahmats problems which I faced was finally settled. On the other hand, my encounter with the Senior JPJ lady officer was fruitful and enlightening. I would say I gained quite a lot of information and knowledge from the above officer.

The new things pertaining to laws, regarding the transport industry I gathered during the 1 ½ hour interview benefited me tremendously.

And I finally left the JPJ premises at 2:30 pm feeling much enlightened. A heavy load had finally been lifted from my shoulders, as they say. The JPJ will now blacklist the Kancil.

To JPJ, allow me to express my heartfelt thanks. Once again thank you! You have been of tremendous assistance.

Maybe readers would like to know in a nutshell, what my mission in paying a visit to the JPJ was. My wife, was the registered owner of the Kancil when it was disposed.

The new owner, in this case, Rahmat, had committed infringements and received a few summons for it. This instructor, the hubby to my wife had represented her at the inquiry at the Road Transport Department recently. I had to divulge to the JPJ the identity of the new Kancil owner who had been committing one infringement after another.

The post Selling Off An Old Car – This Is What I’ve Learnt appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Have I contravened one of the many sections of the infamous Road Transport Ordinance 1987? Maybe. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even own a driving licence then. How was it possible for me to be served with a warrant of arrest then?

The above ‘warrant’ being referred to was in reality a ‘train warrant’. It was issued to successful candidates selected for a teacher training course to be conducted by the Malayan Government. To provide trainees transportation to its training centres, the Malayan Government had to depend on K.T.M. or the Malayan Railways.

The Malayan Railways locomotive train, if I remember well, departed from Johor Baru, in the south, ferrying trainees all along the way, passing through towns like Batu Pahat, Gemas, Seremban and then finally to the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

It was at Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, that this 21 years old youngster, lugging along 2 or 3 canvas bags, boarded the ‘kereta api’ Tanah Melayu, one eventful morning way back in 1965. And where do you think was I headed for? I was then heading towards Jitra, a small and remote town in Kedah. If I recollect clearly, I was being sent to a fairly large and well-known secondary school, the Sultan Abdul Halim Secondary School, Alor Akar, Jitra, Kedah.

Allow me to tell you about the K.T.M. train which was about to take us through the entire Malayan Peninsula. It was scheduled to pass through Ipoh, then proceed downwards north to Alor Star, Kedah. Eventually, chartered buses were to transport us to our final destination of Alor Akar, Kedah.

The K.T.M. or Keretapi Tanah Melayu’ in those days were unlike our present day trains which we have today. The train those days, in 1965 to be exact, were fueled by diesel. As a result, it emitted a lot of smoke and dust. To be expected, the train was only equipped with ordinary ceiling fans. In our local, hot and humid weather and with thousands of passengers packed like sardines, the condition was most unbearable, believe me.

As I said earlier, I boarded the K.T.M. locomotive at the Railway Station of Kuala Lumpure. I remember the train was so crowded that morning. I could not even find a seat. Can you imagine travelling north, a journey of about 180-200 kilometres in such conditions? It was the beginning of a miserable and unforgettable journey, which was to remain etched in my memory the rest of my entire life. To tell you the truth, nearly 50 years have since gone by, and I’m still relating about it today!

I still recollect sitting on the floor with a few of my close friends, huddled together. We were in fact very near a toilet. But we couldn’t move, not even an inch, so to say. And so, we were unable to go to the toilet to ease ourselves, all the way from Kuala Lumpur to the north. It was something which I would rather not remember at all.

But in spite of the deplorable conditions which existed in the K.T.M. train, some things nice did happen. Destiny had it that I was to meet and make friends in the likes of a Wong C.K., Hakimuddin, Lee K.P, Arul, and a Mr Tan Tung. I have not seen them for years now. But it is my contention, that they are well and still alive today. Albeit, they must be either in their sixties and some may even be in their seventies today.

K.T.M. train services today however has undergone a tremendous change. It boasts of modern, air-conditioned coaches, unlike the trains I’ve mentioned, nearly half a century ago. I dare say, ‘Keretapi Tanah Melayu’ trains are even comparable to the L.R.T. (light transit trains) run by RAPID, which operates from Kelana Jaya to Terminal Putra Gombak.

Permit me to tell readers about the K.T.M. trains that are available today. Just recently , I was opportune to board a K.T.M. train travelling from Klang to K.L. Sentral, and what do I feel about the journey? Before I give you my opinions, let me first of all enlighten you how I came about the be settling foot on a K.T.M. train, of all things!

Well, my close buddy, a fellow driving school instructor of Rakan IKSAN Driving Institute, Meru, Selangor, a Mr. Chin, 73, suggested that I try the K.T.M. train service available today. As so, on Thursday, the 20th February 2014, the two of us parked my driving school (a Kancil 600 c.c. vehicle) at the Bukit Badak halt nerby Taman Connaught, Klang, intending to board a K.T.M. train to Kuala Lumpur.

To tell you a little bit more about K.T.M. trains, let it be known their trains amongst other things:-

i) have special coaches for ladies.

ii) are fully air-conditioned.

iii) the trains follow quite a reliable time-table.

iv) K.T.M. trains, from Port Klang to K.L. Sentral, passes through approximately 13 to 14 sub-stations or ‘halts’.

v) the K.T.M. trains stop at each sub-station for not more than a minute or two only.

vi) all in all, the journey which this writer and his buddy took that morning, took roughly 45 minutes or so. Compare this to bus services provided by City Liner buses and Searanas Bus Services along the Federal Highway, this is indeed ‘fast’.

vii) most attractive of all, senior citizens or warga emas , citizens like your faithfully and his compatriat Mr Chin, we pay a sum of only RM1.80 discounted rate, as compared to bus tickets of RM3.00.

To end this article on K.T.M. latest train services, I wish to applaud it for providing the public a wonderful and enjoyable train service to the city of Kuala Lumpur. On top of that, train commuters can park their vehicles at K.T.M.’s ample parking lot at Jalan Station in Klang for a fee of RM3-4 per day. Readers who have yet to experience travelling in a K.T.M. train, why not attempt to travel from Port Klang to Kuala Lumpur the soonest possible. You will then be able to decide for yourselves whether what I’ve revealed in this article the truth or otherwise!

I read somewhere, that ‘trains’ in fact ‘stops’ for no one. Even the Queen of England, it is said, has to stop for it to pass through!

The post Travelling On KTM Train After 39 Long Years appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

As a young boy, I still remember very clearly a few brands of well known brands of bikes such as Raleigh, Robin Hood and Sunbeam.

In the alter 1950s and early 1960s, bicycle were sold at around the prices of RM150 and RM250 each. For those who are not aware, every bicycle has an individual number of its own. As such, if your bicycle should be stolen, you can always lodge a complain at the local police station.

And where you may wish to know, is the above number located?

The individual number is embossed on the metal bar which holds up the bicycle’s seat.

Do you know that there are specifically 2 varieties of bicycle?

One for the ladies and the other for the boys or men. And how do you go about distinguishing them?

The men folks bicycles have a cross-bar, which stretches across from the seat to the handle-bar of the bicycle. In reality, one could seat a friend on this bar. Nonetheless, since young, my elders have always advised me that it is an offence permitting a pal or a friend to sit in the above position.

Well then, what about the ladies bicycles?

Ladies bikes, if you should observe it carefully, are built slightly different from gentleman’s bikes as they call it. The ladies bike are built with V shape metal contraptions which connects up the bikes framework.

A bicycle, which is built in such a way, easily allows a lady, especially one who is wearing a skirt to lift her legs across to the other side of the bike in her attempts to get astride a bicycle.

In this manner, a ladies modesty is therefore preserved. Think about it and you’ll surely agree with what I am referring to.

Speaking about bicycles, it would only be fair if mention is made of another type of bicycle which is available in Malaysia. People call it a gentleman’s bike.

This bicycle is in reality meant for adults or gentlemen, so to speak. Tall men seem to prefer such bicycles. They are larger in size and much heavier than normal bikes.

Without a doubt, these bikes costs a lot more money than other smaller bikes. I remember quite vividly my paternal grandfather, Ong Hock Chuan, a well-known auctioneer, owning one such a bicycle. The bicycle in question was not only huge, it was also strong.

And of course, my elder brother and myself always found it difficult to handle it. My grandfather, finally sold this gentleman’s bike to my father for RM300 in the 1960s. My grandfather, who was then in his 70’s, had by then contacted Parkinson’s disease and his hands were trembling. My grandmother eventually felt it was no longer advisable for my grandfather to ride a bike then.

In the early 1960’s, a new form of bicycle was introduced. It was as the Chinese says, half a bicycle and half a motorbike. It was called a moped. I still remember my uncle, Ong Han Leong, who was formerly attached to the East Asiatic Company at Port Klang , riding his moped to our house in Telok Pulai, Klang.

My uncle would ride his moped, when he discovered the machine running low on fuel. I was about 13 or 14 years old then. I was pretty intrigued by the machine at that time.

In the later years following, our country saw the introduction of racing bicycles into the market. Racing bicycles were quite costly. They were however light as they we made of alluminium.

Racing bicycles could go fast as they had gears mechanism. On of top of that, racing bicycles come in bright and attractive colours.

But the above were not the only types of bicycles available in our country. In the early fifties and sixties, trishaws, which were in reality 3 wheeled bicycles, became rather popular in the small towns and kampung areas.

It was said, Penang, which is popularly known as the Pearl of The Orient, mushroomed with trishaws. It became a cheap and popular means of transport with the lower strata of our society.

As I recall, as a young lad, I can still remember distinctly 3 trishaw riders. One was Yunos, the son of Cik Mah, a kuih seller, living in Kampung Bengkali, near Teluk Pulai. Then there was a Sikh trishaw rider named Ranjit, living in Kampung Ponnusamy in Teluk Pulai too.

And finally, trishaw rider, Khee Kang, who was a Peranakan by descent and also a distant relative of mine, should also be made mention of.

It should be reiterated here that the majority of trishaw riders are hard working people who live a rather frugal life.

In Melaka, trishaws which are brightly coloured and decorated with a variety of flags and buntings, still attract foreign tourists who throng the historical city. Penang, mentioned earlier, still possess its fair share of trishaws too. They are indeed very popular amongst foreign tourists even up to this day.

In one of my earlier article, I talked about electric bicycle and how I hope the government will not make the wrong choice of banning the so called electric bicycle. The electric bicycle is infact a boon, an assistance to the older folks, pensioners, kampung folks and especially who may have suffered physical deformities, including those who were born handicapped.

The electric bicycle is indeed a great help to the above group of people. Banning its use would certainly cause much despair to many people, who depend on it as a valuable means of transport.

The humble bicycle is pollution free. Think about its advantages. The government should infact be encouraging people to ride bicycle more. It gives riders good exercise.

Besides, the use of bicycles will lessen traffic jams and environmental pollution. It would go a long way to create a cleaner and healthier atmosphere which we all need. Viva to the bicycles! Why not get one today?

The post The Types Of Bicycle Used In Malaysia appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.