Fireflyz February 2019

Official FireFly In-flight Magazine

February 2019

Your free copy or read online at fireflyz.com.my

New

Chapter FIREFLY WELCOMES NEW CEO, PHILIP SEE

12 HOURS IN SITIAWAN, PERAK / INSIDER'S GUIDE TO PUTRAJAYA / SAVOUR CHICKEN RICE / AND MORE...

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Contents February 2019

4 CEO's Message 6 Editor’s Note 6 Letters 8 Agenda Events and happenings

10 Comfort Zone Where to stay

12 Bites Where to eat

14 Quench Where to drink

28

Perspective

Firefly CEO Philip See

22

Insider's Guide Putrajaya, Malaysia

16 Applify Cool apps to download for your mobile devices

17 Tech’ Up Must-have gadgets

18 Savour Chicken rice

20

32 Tracker

Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia

34 Humble Beginnings

Honeymoon heaven

12 Hours

Bliss zero waste store

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58 Reads

Books you should be reading

46

The essential guide to Chinese New Year

PXHERE

Open Journal

54

Pack Up

42

Travel essentials for him and her

Street Chef

Yoon Yik Wan Rojak

52 Health & Fitness Partner workouts

56 MY List 10 things and facts about Malaysia

38

First Drives Volvo XC40

60 At The Movies What’s showing in the cinemas

63 Firefly News 66 Network Map 68 Fleet & Service Info 70 Viewfinder Lantern festival

72 #FlyFireFly Our Instagram Stars!

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CEO's Message

FIREFLY EDITORIAL ADVISOR CEO, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd Philip See Editorial Committee Izra Izzuddin, Saisundary Sundra Kumar PUBLISHED BY FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K) CITTA Mall, 3rd Floor, No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 7845 4543 Web: www.fireflyz.com.my Email: customer_care@fireflyz.com.my

SPAFAX MALAYSIA Business Director Sue Loke sue.loke@spafax.com EDITORIAL Editor Julie Goh julie.goh@spafax.com Deputy Editor Eris Choo eris.choo@spafax.com

Art Director Euric Liew euric.liew@spafax.com

Writer Noel Foo noel.foo@spafax.com

Graphic Designer Nurfarahin Kamarudin nurfarahin.kamarudin @spafax.com

Hello Guests, Greetings and welcome to the February issue of Fireflyz!

Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for having me onboard Firefly. It's a huge privilege and an honour, as well as a great responsibility to take on the role as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, and I pledge to do my best.

I want us to be your first choice on every trip that you take. Delivering a seamless journey that connects millions of passengers and businesses is our core mission. I’m truly excited about what Firefly has in store to elevate your travel experience. We can do better and will keep listening to you as we strive to become the top performing airline in Malaysia and the region.

We know how important it is to get you to your destination on time – whether it is for a work endeavor, or to be there for a family member.

If our performance has not met your expectations, I am committed to understanding how to better meet your needs.

I am thrilled to be here, and excited about many of the things we’ll be working on in the near future. We come to work every day for you.

This month we celebrate reunion and love, so go home and be with your loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all who are celebrating Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai! May the Year of the Boar be filled with prosperity, wealth and good health for each and every one of you; and to the rest, do visit fireflyz.com.my to check out our best holiday packages and promotions for Valentine’s Day. Thank you for your consistent support and for being a loyal passenger with us. Huat ah!

•

Philip See Chief Executive Officer

February 2019

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ADVERTISING & MEDIA SALES Sales Manager Sales Manager Sales Manager Vannes Ching Emmy Aiza Khairul Adzman vannes.ching emmy.aiza khairul.adzman @spafax.com @spafax.com @spafax.com SPAFAX Chief Executive Officer Niall McBain Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Simon Ogden

Managing Director, Asia Pacific Jean-Marc Thomas

Spafax EMEA Nick Hopkins nick.hopkins @spafax.com

Spafax USA Mary Rae Esposito maryrae.esposito @spafax.com

Spafax Europe Tullia Vitturi tullia.vitturi @spafax.com Spafax UK Steve O’Connor Steve.OConnor @spafax.com Spafax Asia-Pacific Agnes Law agnes.law @spafax.com

Spafax Canada Laura Maurice laura.maurice @spafax.com Spafax South America Deborah Mogelberg deborah.mogelberg @spafax.com

PRINTER Times Offset (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (194695-W) Times Subang, Bangunan Times Publishing, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 5628 6888 Fax: +603 5628 6899 Firelyz is published monthly by Spafax Networks Sdn Bhd for FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K). No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Firefly. All rights reserved. Copyright @ 2019 by Firefly. Opinions expressed in Firelyz are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Firefly and/or Spafax Networks. They are not responsible or liable in any way for the contents in any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Editorial inquiries and inquiries concerning advertising and circulation should be addressed to Spafax Networks. Firefly and Spafax Networks accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustrations and other editorial materials. The Editorial Team reserves the right to edit and/or re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless they are accompanied by sufficient return postage.

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Editor's Note

Letters

“W

ork hard in silence, let your success be your noise.” That’s a quote

by American singer and songwriter Frank Ocean, and it’s a personality trait that is as rare as a sunflower in the desert these days. To me, it sums up Philip See, Firefly’s new Chief Executive Officer.

WINNING LETTER

Firefly is my go-to choice for domestic trips as the fares are affordable and it’s more convenient to travel from Subang rather than having to drive all the way to KLIA. Having travelled with Firefly over 20 times now, my experiences have all been positive, and I like that the cabin crew are always happy to serve with a smile. The seats are comfortable, and while there are no movies to watch onboard, the in-flight magazine is enough to keep me entertained throughout the flight. Speaking of Fireflyz, I’m liking the new look and feel, and the focus on neighbourhood stories such as the guide to Subang and where to get the best appam in KL! Looking forward to more of such stories.

Jen Cheong

When we were making preparations to interview Philip for our cover story this month, we couldn’t find much information about him from the Internet. We spoke to mutual acquaintances and found out bits and bobs. Not much. The man is an enigma.

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA

I sometimes take a flight on Firefly from Subang to Kota Bharu to visit my parents, so I will flip through your magazine during the short flight. I was surprised to find a whole article dedicated to Subang. There were some interesting highlights in there, though I think that there is so much more to eat around here than the article mentioned. The nasi lemak at Warisan Sambal Opah in USJ is my favourite – you can see long queues of customers early in the morning and late at night. I hope to read more about interesting places to eat in upcoming issues.

But when we sat down to speak to Philip, it was refreshing. It was refreshing because we were hearing his stories for the first time, there were no preconceptions. We were peeling back the layers to discover a down-to-earth person, who enjoys his work as much as his travels. I won’t let on much but will let you read all about him.

On 5 February, about a quarter of the world’s Chinese population will usher in the Year of the Boar. Chinese New Year festivities will continue for 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. In Malaysia, the 15th day is celebrated by the Hokkien community and is known as Chap Goh Meh. Discover what other rituals and traditions make up this major festival.

Mohammad Khairuddin SUBANG, MALAYSIA

I’m not what you would call a frequent flyer of Firefly, but I’ve flown often enough to notice the revamp of your in-flight magazine. I really like the new design. It has a modern look and feel, and the layout is pleasing to the eye. The content is also much more interesting now with a good variety of topics.

The story about New Year’s traditions around the world in the January issue was quite a good read. I also have to give a shout-out for the appreciation of my state specialty, assam laksa! Keep up the good work!

From dreamy canals to white sandy beaches, we’ve compiled a list of the most romantic destinations for your honeymoon. We hope these stories inspire you – be it to pack your bags to travel or to take action to start living a more eco-conscious life. See the story of Bliss in our Humble Beginnings section. Write to us at ffmedia@ spafax.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Lim Jian Ming

To our readers celebrating, Gong Xi Fa Cai. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

PENANG, MALAYSIA

•

Julie Goh

We’d love to hear from you!

Editor

Write to us at ffmedia@spafax.com and stand a chance to win a 3D2N stay in a Deluxe Room at Mei Hotel Penang, Letters may be edited inclusive of breakfast for clarity and brevity, for two worth RM456.

and will be published in the language in which they are written. Please include your full name, contact number and location when writing to us.

ON THE COVER Philip See

LOCATION One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia MAKE UP Dermalogica / Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

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Agenda

Upcoming

Events EVENTS FROM MALAYSIA AND AROUND THE WORLD TO CHECK OUT

Island Beats

Dance until you drop at UnKonscious, Asia’s biggest trance festival on the beach. Make the weekend getaway to Phuket and enjoy two nights of dancing by the sea to the beats of 12 international trance artists, including Giuseppe Ottaviani, Simon Patterson, John Askew and Cold Blue. When the sun comes up, get the most out of what Phuket has to offer by exploring the island, savouring its best restaurants or enjoying fun beach activities.

When: 8 – 9 February Where: Paradise Beach, Phuket, Thailand unkonsciousfestival.com

Classic, With A Twist

Twelfth Night is a Shakespearean comedy that tells the story of the love triangle between the shipwrecked Viola, Duke Orsino, and Lady Olivia. However, having this tale retold by the HandleBards, an energetic British all-male cast of cycling actors equipped with knee-high socks, suspenders and a wicked sense of humour is sure to crank up the funny factor more than a few notches. Bring the whole family and have a good laugh at this production, presented by Gardner & Wife Theatre.

When: 14 – 20 February Where: PJ Live Arts, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia gardnerandwife.com

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Heart-warming Tale

Based on the classic Roald Dahl tale, Matilda The Musical, the multiple award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company makes its Asian debut this month at the Sands Theatre, Singapore. Follow the adventures of the child genius Matilda Wormwood as she outwits the oppressive adults in her life. Young Singaporean talent Sofia Poston stars in the titular role for this musical, written by Dennis Kelly with original songs composed by Tim Minchin.

When: 21 February – 10 March Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

MANUEL HARLAN

MANUEL HARLAN

HELEN MAYBANKS

MANUEL HARLAN

marinabaysands.com

History Through Dance

Next month, Istana Budaya plays host to Formosa by the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. Choreographed by the group’s founder and artistic director Lin Hwaimin, Formosa is a tribute to Lin’s homeland in the form of a story told through abstract contemporary dance, as a metaphor alluding to Taiwan’s turbulent past. The ambiguity in the intensity of the dancers combined with the projected background script leaves audiences to form their own interpretations of Lin’s highly acclaimed work.

When: 16 – 17 March Where: Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/inxoartsandculture

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C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Central Location

Travelodge Central Market is a no-frills, service-focused hotel catering to both business and leisure travellers who want fuss-free accommodation that allows them to be up and about as they explore the city. The 198-room hotel is just a short walk away from Central Market and Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur’s key tourist shopping attractions, with easy access to the rest of the city through nearby public transportation hubs. The Lodge, a multipurpose lounge in the lobby area, provides a space for guests who want to work or unwind over a drink or two. The hotel also has an on-site food and beverage option as the result of its partnership with reputable local café Antipodean, which provides quality coffee and all-day breakfast dishes.

Address: 7, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia travelodgehotels.asia

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Upscale Living

The opening of Hyatt House Kuala Lumpur, Mont’Kiara marks the brand’s first extended stay hotel in Southeast Asia. Located just minutes outside the city centre in the upscale neighbourhood of Mont Kiara, guests are just a short walk away from excellent dining options, retail and niche lifestyle stores, as well as a vibrant nightlife.

This new hotel is currently the largest Hyatt House in the world, boasting a full three-meal restaurant, 300 square metres of meeting space, a 24-hour workout room, infinity sky pool and the TEN 37 Skypool Bar. Guests can stay in one of 298 spacious and comfortably designed guest rooms and suites, and enjoy the nutritious Complimentary Morning Spread, served daily.

Other unique services include the H Market, where one can get snacks and sundries, as well as laundry services and a menu to borrow items such as phone chargers and razors.

Address: G-2, Arcoris, 10, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hyatthouse.com

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SINGAPORE

Luxury Abode

Housed in a restored 19th century colonial-style heritage building, Six Senses Maxwell offers a luxurious holiday experience to guests while staying true to the sustainable practices that define the brand. The hotel boasts 138 guest rooms and suites, each decorated to pay homage to the nation’s unique position as the crossroad between Eastern tradition and Western heritage.

Its two restaurants, Murray Terrace Brasserie and Cook & Tras Social Library, as well as its three bars also boast classic European interior decoration while serving up exquisite dishes made from sustainably sourced and organically grown ingredients. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop lap pool, gym, spa pods set to open in the first quarter of 2019, and full access to facilities at the nearby Six Senses Duxton.

Address: 2, Cook Street, Singapore, 078857 Singapore sixsenses.com/hotels/maxwell/ destination

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Service-Focused

No frills and a focus on quality service is what defines Hilton Garden Inn Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman South. Tailored for travellers on the go, the hotel has 267 guest rooms and is situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit district, with easy access to public transportation via the Chow Kit Monorail station. All-day dining is available at Garden Grille, but those in a hurry can opt for a quick snack from the 24-hour grab-and-go Pavilion Pantry. The rooftop is the place to unwind, with a swimming pool, and Rooftop 25, a bar with great views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Those who do not want to miss their regular workout regimen can access the 24-hour Fitness Centre next door at Hilton Garden Inn North.

Address: 452, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/ index.html

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B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

Casual Comfort Food

Some combinations work no matter what and at M Café & Bar it’s all about comfort food and classic cocktails. Located in Sri Hartamas and giving off a bit of a hidden bar vibe – it’s the one with the bright yellow door beside Raj’s Banana Leaf. The café itself is a bright, unpretentious space where one will find pasta dishes, burgers and typical Malaysian dishes like Hainanese chicken chop and laksa. What diners are really raving about is the humble nasi lemak, the ultimate Malaysian comfort food comprising slow cooked beef rendang, sambal and anchovies with fragrant rice.

Happy hours are daily from 4pm to 8pm for beer and whisky, or try classic cocktails like the Whisky Sour or an Old Fashioned.

Address: 44-1, Jalan 28/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/mcafebarkl

Caribbean Cuisine

There’s a Caribbean restaurant in the (in)famous Chow Kit area in Kuala Lumpur within a lovely gentrified shophouse – all tropical shades and ambiance. Joloko’s menu is a mélange of Caribbean flavours with dishes inspired by the cuisines of Cuba, Jamaica and the rest of the West Indies. This is food with centuries of influences from Arabia to Africa so expect a variety of exotic tastes. Mains are for sharing like the Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Ropa De Vieja (traditional Cuban dish of pulled beef and rice). There are a good variety of starters that double up as bar snacks like ceviche, grilled goat ribs and the moreish guava glazed prawn tostadas.

The wine list comprises natural, organic and biodynamic labels, while mezcal and tequila are the stars at the bar.

Address: 43, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia bar-joloko.com

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Fun French Dining

Named for the old French word for ‘entire’, Entier is an elegant eatery that serves avant-garde French cuisine and celebrates nose-to-tail dining, using every part of the animal or vegetable in its dishes. A spacious dining area, private booths and warm décor combine to provide an atmosphere of casual luxury. Located in Alila Bangsar, the view is the perfect backdrop for indulgent meals. The kitchen is helmed by Japan-born Chef Masachi Horiuchi, who blends French cuisine with precise Japanese techniques – evident in specialty dishes like the chicken roasted in a salt crust dough, and the cured Scottish salmon with konbu cream and seaweed dashi. The ‘fun’ in this dining experience comes with a menu that has been designed to be paired and shared, so everyone gets a taste.

Address: Level 41, Alila Bangsar, 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia entierfrenchdining.com

Asian With A Twist

FOOK KL is one of the latest entertainment spots to hit the city and offers diners a sophisticated space to enjoy a meal and continue with drinks and socialising at the lounge after. Taking its name from the Chinese word for ‘prosperity’, FOOK KL is perched on a hillside just above the bustling streets of the city centre, and with its luxe furnishings and décor, promises to be a sultry escape from the buzz of daily life. Contemporary Asian fusion cuisine is the name of the dining game with modern interpretations of traditional Southeast Asian dishes served in sharing portions. Pair the meal with one of the farm-to-glass cocktails or a glass of organic wine from the bar.

Address: 19, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/FOOKKLCITY

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B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

Casual Comfort Food

Some combinations work no matter what and at M Café & Bar it’s all about comfort food and classic cocktails. Located in Sri Hartamas and giving off a bit of a hidden bar vibe – it’s the one with the bright yellow door beside Raj’s Banana Leaf. The café itself is a bright, unpretentious space where one will find pasta dishes, burgers and typical Malaysian dishes like Hainanese chicken chop and laksa. What diners are really raving about is the humble nasi lemak, the ultimate Malaysian comfort food comprising slow cooked beef rendang, sambal and anchovies with fragrant rice.

Happy hours are daily from 4pm to 8pm for beer and whisky, or try classic cocktails like the Whisky Sour or an Old Fashioned.

Address: 44-1, Jalan 28/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/mcafebarkl

Caribbean Cuisine

There’s a Caribbean restaurant in the (in)famous Chow Kit area in Kuala Lumpur within a lovely gentrified shophouse – all tropical shades and ambiance. Joloko’s menu is a mélange of Caribbean flavours with dishes inspired by the cuisines of Cuba, Jamaica and the rest of the West Indies. This is food with centuries of influences from Arabia to Africa so expect a variety of exotic tastes. Mains are for sharing like the Jamaican jerk chicken and ropa de vieja (traditional Cuban dish of pulled beef and rice). There are a good variety of starters that double up as bar snacks like ceviche, grilled goat ribs and the moreish guava glazed prawn tostadas.

The wine list comprises natural, organic and biodynamic labels, while mezcal and tequila are the stars at the bar.

Address: 43, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia bar-joloko.com

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Q u e n c h : W h e r e To D r i n k

Retro Vibes

The rooftop bar trend has hit Kuala Lumpur hard and they all boast that amazing view of our iconic skyline. What sets The Swimming Club apart is that although it’s on the 11th floor of KL Journal Hotel, it’s not swanky like the other rooftop bars, which lends to its cool charm. Retro vibes rule here with tropical prints, flamingos, funky neon lighting and pretty pink shades.

Come here for sunset drinks – the Assam Boi Mojito and Kaffir Lime Margarita are a real treat – and stay on to party with the various themed nights and eclectic mix of DJs and music. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a bar menu with snacks like chicken popcorn, nachos and katsu bao.

Address: Level 11, KL Journal Hotel, Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/swimmingclubkl

Hidden Gem

The hidden bar concept is a popular one – getting word from your friends, looking for the entrance, having a laugh when you don’t find it the first time round.

The Establishment is located in Publika, which is an unlikely place for a hidden bar. Known as a speakeasy by invitation (all you have to do is call and tell them you're coming), the bar is open Mondays to Fridays from 6pm, and Saturdays from 9pm. It’s not particularly easy to find, which is part of the fun. Hint: look for Pak Omar’s Nasi Lemak Kukus and figure it out from there. This is a cosy venue and a good option if you’re looking for a casual night out with friends.

On Saturdays, it’s all about the ladies with Girls Just Wanna Have Fun themed nights, so expect some surprises. For reservations, call +60 17 968 5766.

Address: Block A1-G2-07, 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur establishment.my

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Cocktails at Queens

Zouk Singapore has added a new member to its fold and it’s a little different from what you would expect from one of the top clubbing names in the world.

Named after one of the most famous boroughs in New York, Queens is all about Hip Hop, from the music to the culture; with innovative cocktails created to represent the four pillars synonymous with the genre – DJ-ing, MC-ing, Breakdance and Graffiti. Mixologist Ashwin Raj has been a Young Bartender of the Year contender twice and offers exotic renditions like the Willdabeest (green pea-infused vodka, celery, lemon) and the Blaq Poet (campari, pineapple rum, lime juice, espresso, cardamom), all guaranteed to get you in the mood for a night of great drinks and company.

Address: 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery Singapore 179022, Singapore facebook.com/ zouksingapore

Sipping Gin with Mrs Jones

Located along a row of decades-old shoplots in the Petaling Jaya neighbourhood, Mrs Jones’ Parlour specialises in gin – infusing their own gins with fruits and herbs, and stocking labels from all over the world. Keeping to the space’s original layout, this charming bar’s décor and furnishings oozes local nostalgia.

The cocktail menu may be succinct, but just tell the bartender your preferred taste profiles and you’ll be served with a specially customised concoction.

Food is provided by the café downstairs, or go for the special pairing menu with bar bites that complement the drinks perfectly.

Address: 617a, Jalan 17/10, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia facebook.com/MJonesParlour

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Applify: Apps In Focus

Festive

February

Between - Private Couples App

PUBLISHER: VCNC COST: Free – Micro-transactions for sticker packs available; subscribe to Between Plus starting from RM10.99 a month or opt for a lifetime subscription at RM114.99

WITH BOTH CHINESE NEW YEAR AND VALENTINE’S DAY JUST AROUND THE CORNER, THIS IS THE MONTH WHERE PHONES WILL BE BUZZING WITH MESSAGES. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO SHARE FESTIVE GREETINGS OR WANT TO SPREAD THE LOVE, HERE ARE A FEW APPS TO EXPLORE.

There are a few apps that allow couples to interact among themselves privately and Between is one of the notable ones out there. More than just a private messenger and media sharing platform, one of its notable features is the shared calendar function, which is especially good for busy couples to plan date nights. Those who invest in Between Plus will have access to a much wider range of features, including the removal of ads, allowance for higher quality photos and longer videos, as well as exclusive sticker packs and themes.

Facejjang

PUBLISHER: Sangmin Bang COST: Free – Video packs priced from RM4.13; six-month subscription for full access to paid videos priced at RM24.22

Greeting Cards & Wishes

Many people enjoy sticking their face or the faces of their friends over the bodies of dancing pop stars and making a video out of PUBLISHER: 123Greetings it. The concept is not new, but COST: Free – Pro Upgrade Korean app Facejjang seems to priced at RM12.99 (Android) be trending right now, as a way and RM12.90 (iOS) a year to have a good laugh and pass the time. About half of the videos Greeting Cards & Wishes is a fairly simple greeting card must be purchased, but the app app with thousands of animated greeting cards to has several free ones in stock, choose from that can be sent to family, friends and including festive-themed ones, associates via email as well as popular social media and which must be downloaded messaging apps. Import contacts to set up a calendar separately from Google for birthdays and receive notifications for them. The All apps are available on Play. Created videos app has a fairly large repository of videos to choose Google Play and Apple Apps store, can then be shared on from. For a small annual subscription fee, the Pro except Facejjang a wide variety of social (Google Play upgrade removes all ads and provides early access only) media platforms. to new e-cards.

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Te c h U p : G a d g e t s

1

Snap Away

2

The Nokia 8.1 is a smartphone made for photography buffs.

Its 12MP main camera with Zeiss Optics has a 1/2.55” super sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels for precise light enhancement. The 20MP front camera on the other hand, allows for the capture of night-time selfies by combining four pixels into one clear super pixel.

RRP: RM1,899 nokia.com

Your Story To Tell

Measuring just 12cm in length and weighing 116g, DJI’s Osmo Pocket is said to be the smallest stabilised camera in the market. The three-axis mechanical gimbal can shoot 4K/60fps videos, as well as 12MP photos for footage worth sharing every time. When turned off, it folds into itself for easy storage.

RRP: RM1,460 dji.com

2 1 3

4

3

4

Set The Mood

Gamed To Go

The Blade Stealth by Razer has been refreshed with a near bezel-less display. This ultraportable laptop is now over 60 percent thinner, but still packs a punch. It offers up to 13 hours of battery life, as well as NVIDIA GeForce graphics and four upward-firing speakers equipped to boost audio with greater clarity.

RRP: RM5,860 razer.com

Sony’s Glass Sound Speaker is best described as a portable ambiance maker. While the glass tube plays crystal clear audio in every direction – for music that sounds as if it is being performed live, a dimmable, warm LED mimics a lantern or candle to transform the surrounding space’s atmosphere.

RRP: RM3,199 sony.com.my

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S a vo u r Text Richard Augustin / Photos 123rf, Tourism Malaysia

“The dish today is commonly associated with Malaysian, Singaporean and Hainanese cuisine.”

OTHER TYPES OF CHICKEN RICE

Chicken Rice

Ingredients

•1 whole chicken •salt to marinate •1 pc peeled ginger (5cm)

PRACTICALLY FOUND ON EVERY STREET CORNER, THIS STAPLE DISH IS CONSIDERED THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD IN MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES.

•1 chicken stock cube •1 tbsp sesame oil

N

Rice

o trip to Malaysia is complete without sampling a plate of chicken rice.

With origins dating back to Chinese immigrants from the Hainan province, the dish today is commonly associated with Malaysian, Singaporean and Hainanese cuisine.

Found in coffee shops, street corners, stalls as well as food courts, the wholesome and delicious dish is a staple favourite amongst the lunch crowd. The beauty of chicken rice lies in its simplicity – poached or roasted chicken served with beansprouts, soya sauce, sliced cucumber, rice cooked with chicken broth and the signature chilli sauce made with ginger and garlic.

It’s also got a Michelin-star to its name, with Singapore's Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle being awarded the accolade in 2017. The humble hawker stall now has bragging rights to having the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal.

To find a plate of tasty chicken rice isn’t that hard – and neither is making a serving at home for your family and friends to enjoy.

•

Sauce (mix well and set aside)

•1 tbsp sesame oil •2 tbsp light soy sauce •250ml chicken stock •salt and pepper to taste •450gm rice •60 ml vegetable oil

Chilli Sauce

(blend well and season)

•4 red chillies •2 tbsp grated ginger •3 cloves garlic chopped •1 tbsp lime juice •2 tbsp chicken broth •salt and sugar to taste To garnish: coriander sprigs, sliced cucumber, fried shallots and sliced spring onion

CHICKEN RICE BALLS The state of Malacca is renowned for delivering its own spin on chicken rice. Instead of bowls of rice, the dish is served with rice that’s shaped into golf ball-sized spheres along with either braised or steamed chicken.

Method

•Pound the ginger and add into a large pot of water

seasoned with salt and chicken stock cube and bring to a boil. Once the stock is ready, reduce the heat to allow the stock to simmer.

•Gently place the chicken into the pot and allow to cook for approximately 45 minutes.

•Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and place it into iced water. Allow it to cool for ten minutes before removing. Let the chicken dry before seasoning with sesame oil, then place it on a plate or hang it up with a hook.

•To make the rice, heat oil in a pan and add in ginger, garlic and shallots. Stir the mixture slowly.

CLAYPOT CHICKEN RICE A variation of the dish that’s prepared and cooked in clay pots with bite-sized bits of chicken, soya sauce, sliced waxed sausage and salted fish, with an occasional egg dropped in for good measure.

•Once garlic begins to brown, stir in rice and mix well until the ingredients are evenly coated.

•Place rice in a cooker and add in chicken stock

and salt to taste. For extra flavour, add a tablespoon of margarine.

•Cook until rice is done and fluff with a fork and set aside.

•Gently slice the chicken into pieces and place on a

plate along with sliced cucumber. Drizzle the sauce over it and garnish with coriander sprigs, spring onions and fried shallots.

•Serve with hot rice and a side serving of chilli sauce.

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•4 cloves garlic •2 shallots sliced •5 cm ginger (bruised) •600ml chicken stock •salt to taste

NASI AYAM A Malay spin on the chicken rice consists of either roasted or fried chicken served with rice occasionally cooked with margarine or stock and sweet soya sauce as well as chilli sauce.

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12 H o u r s Text Alexandra Wong / Photos SooPhye / Illustration Lauren Rebbeck

Mee suah making

Small-Town

Escape

over 500 pieces of rare photos, settlers’ garments, domestic equipment, farming and forestry tools, and musical instruments, the museum is an absorbing time capsule – it even retains the antique wells that once supplied water to the entire area. Head up to the rooftop of the new annexe building, as it offers the best skyline views of the town.

A COASTAL TOWN JUST AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM IPOH IN PERAK, MALAYSIA, THERE IS MORE TO SITIAWAN THAN MEETS THE EYE.

9.00am

Start your day with one of Sitiawan’s greatest culinary pleasures: kampua mee. A type of egg noodles – think wonton mee, only wheatier and almost pasta-like – kampua mee is liberally tossed with dark soy sauce, served with fried onions, crunchy bean sprouts, pork and lard. Many shops sell this dish, but the best is at Kampung Koh Noodle Store; look for a cluster of stalls under a big tree opposite the Petronas petrol station. Wash it all down with a glass of cold kopi peng (iced coffee). Just a short drive ahead, Nan Wah Kopitiam, an open-air food court shaded by cooling

11.30am

Refresh yourself with Malaysia’s favourite dessert at James Cendol, which occupies a prominent site before the Maha Mariamman temple on Jalan Lumut. As memorable for its food as its staff’s uniform (they sport white long sleeved shirts and red bow ties!), James and his family have been dishing up bowls of homemade cendol (mung bean threads) topped with shaved ice, aromatic coconut sugar and red beans, since 1974.

trees, serves a wide variety of both popular local dishes and funky fusion creations.

10.00am

Sitiawan Settlement Museum, just across the road from Kampung Koh Noodle Store, was put together by volunteers and private funders to preserve the history of the early Fuzhou settlers in the region. Originally started in 2003 from a humble twostorey wooden building that served as a parsonage for the Pioneer Methodist Church next door, the museum expanded into a four-storey annexe that opened in September 2018. Containing

12.00pm

The adage “make hay while the sun shines” might well have been coined for

Sitiawan’s famous mee suah makers, who rush to hang the long silky strands of noodles out to dry on wooden stands when the sun is out. While this popular product is available at most Sitiawan retail shops, you can get freshly made noodles at the home factory of veteran mee suah maker Ling Choong. Now in his 70s, he opens only for three hours or so each day at No. 66, Jalan Tazali, so call ahead at +6016 5031329 or +605 692 5410 before dropping by.

1.00pm

You’ve seen how mee suah is made, now taste it at Bei King Hotel & Restaurant, a decades-old culinary institution synonymous with classic Fuzhou food. Aside from red wine mee suah, try the braised trotters, hot and sour fish maw soup with bamboo shoots, and a steamed glutinous rice dessert with mashed taro, peanuts, raisins and longan – a Bei King specialty that must be pre-ordered.

2.30pm

When in Sitiawan, the kong

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MUST-EAT

Pioneer Methodist Church

piah (a type of Chinese pastry) is unmissable. The best is said to be at Cheong Cia Gong Pian, a familyrun bakery that has been churning out these Fuzhou biscuits for twenty years.

Founder Cheong Hiong Koh is credited as the innovator who added salty fried onions as a filling to enhance the original biscuit. His tweak on the recipe obviously worked; a perpetual queue ensures up to 1,500 biscuits are snapped up daily.

3.30pm

Grapes may be native to

Mediterranean countries, but that didn’t stop enterprising couple Shuhaimi Ishak and Siti Saloma Saad from successfully cultivating over 2,000 grapevines under greenhouse conditions in Saloma Vineyard & Nursery, their 0.4-hectare farm outside Sitiawan. Come at the right season (harvesting takes place three-four times a year) and spend a fun hour of grape-picking; you pay for what you pick. For the botanically inclined, grapevine seedlings, soil and fertiliser are also available for sale.

Gawk at the row of towering monuments sculptured by Xiamen craftsmen, including the biggest (14.6 metres) Tua Pek Kong statue in Malaysia, or take a relaxing stroll in the small but atmospheric mangrove park nearby.

This is your chance to do last minute shopping for Sitiawan specialties from the souvenir shops in the temple compound. Stay on to catch the beautiful sunset at the waterfront.

7.00pm

Being a coastal town, Sitiawan has good and cheap seafood restaurants aplenty.

You can’t go wrong with local favourite Kampung Amu Coconut Villa Seafood, a spacious open-air restaurant that sources fresh seafood from nearby fishing village Pasir Banjir. Try sar chiu, tiny sweet-fleshed fish that are a local specialty, and the signature flower crabs steamed with egg white.

While waiting for your orders to arrive, sip on fresh coconut juice to end your Sitiawan sojourn on a sweet note.

4.30pm

Head up north to Pasir Panjang and pay your respects at the Tua Pek Kong temple. Occupying an ocean-facing site overlooking the Straits of Malacca, the over centuryold Chinese temple became a hugely popular attraction following a facelift that reportedly cost RM7.5 million several years ago.

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KONG PIAH: Inside chewy and outside crispy – a bit like a bagel – kong piah is a pastry only found in Fuzhou strongholds like Sitiawan.

Typically made from wheat flour, yeast, salt and lard, the biscuits are baked in a heated tandoor. Kept in a freezer, the biscuits can last for months and only need to be popped into the toaster.

KAMPUNG KOH CHILLI SAUCE: Spicy, sour, sweet and tangy, the garlic-andvinegar laced chilli sauce is synonymous with Kampung Koh, one of the villages that make up Sitiawan.

RED WINE MEE SUAH: The long smooth thin strands of mee suah are said to signify longevity. In Fuzhou communities, the first day of Chinese New Year is typically ushered in with a one-dish meal that consists of tender chicken pieces and mee suah served in a sweetsavoury broth flavoured with ginger, sesame oil and red rice wine lees, the ingredient responsible for its distinctive fiery hue.

17/01/2019 10:28 AM

Insider’s Guide Text Farah Zul / Photos Samsul Said

Model City

THERE’S MORE TO MALAYSIA’S ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL OF PUTRAJAYA THAN JUST GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

T

he Federal Territory of Putrajaya may be known among locals mostly as a collection of government ministries but dig a little deeper and you will find that the city has a lot to offer visitors – from beautiful architecture featuring modern and Islamic designs to well-maintained green spaces and tourist attractions. In conjunction with Federal Territories Day in Malaysia this month, we look at what you can see and experience in the city.

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123RF

The Putra Mosque or ‘Pink Mosque’ at dusk

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TOURISM MALAYSIA

Visit Attractions

Putrajaya is home to several beautiful mosques, including the picturesque Putra Mosque. Sitting by the shores of a man-made lake, the Islamic place of worship combines Middle Eastern architecture with traditional Malay designs. It is often referred to as the Pink Mosque due to the rosy pink granite used on its walls and dome, both of which are intricately embellished.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

Another must-visit is the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque – also known as the Iron Mosque due to its sleek and modern steel architecture. From afar, the mosque appears white, owing to the glass-reinforced concrete and fine glass façade. Look for the unique mihrab (niche indicating direction of the Kaaba in Mecca for praying) wall within, which is designed to look as if the Quranic verses inscribed on it are suspended in mid-air. Another feature that sets the Iron Mosque apart is the absence of a minaret – usually a must for any mosque.

(top) The Seri Saujana bridge lit up with colourful lights at night (middle) Cruise down Putrajaya Lake to enjoy a scenic view of the city (inset) Putrajaya’s numerous parks are popular for picnics (bottom left) The Moroccan Pavilion

Photo enthusiasts should head to the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden.

Famous as a venue for wedding photo shoots, the Lingnan-style garden was built as a gesture of goodwill between the two nations, and features elements of mountain, water, stone, calligraphy and plants in its design. Take a stroll through the serene settings, and a moment to appreciate the beauty of the pond and sculpted Bonsai trees around the pavilion.

The Moroccan Pavilion in Presint 1 is an Instagrammer’s dream. The remarkable construction showcases Moorish architecture usually found in places like Cordoba and Granada in Spain. Like the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden,

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TOURISM MALAYSIA

Insider’s Guide

(top and middle) The ChinaMalaysia Friendship Garden

the pavilion was built to symbolise the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Morocco.

Entering the pavilion, visitors are greeted by a water fountain in a courtyard modelled after the Lion’s Court in Alhambra, Spain. The walls of the courtyard are adorned with calligraphic verses from the Quran, while inside the galleries are examples of Moroccan decorative arts such as zillij terracotta tiles, moucharabieh screens and muqarnas ceilings.

(bottom) Plenty of green spaces like this in Putrajaya

Be One With Nature

When Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad envisioned Putrajaya back in the late 1980s, he wanted to build a city in a garden. Today, there are many green spaces within the capital for the public to enjoy picnics, cycling and even boating.

TOURISM MALAYSIA 123RF

With the tropical weather in Malaysia, it is best to visit the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens in the morning or late evening.

The biggest botanical garden in Malaysia covers an area of over 92 hectares and is divided into three sections – flowers, ornamental plants, and plants for preservation and research purposes.

Walk through the Explorer’s Trail along the Canopy Bridge to see the treetops. Since the garden is relatively young, it will take a few more years to see the trees grow into huge tall specimens. Descend from the bridge and there are more plants to discover, such as heliconias, and a vine garden. There are over 700 species of plants to be found here, making a trip to the garden both educational and recreational.

Bird watchers, ready your binoculars at the Putrajaya Wetlands Park – easily one of Putrajaya’s best-kept secrets. The man-

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Insider’s Guide

OTHER FOOD SPOTS

PADI HOUSE, GALERIA PJH

Serves a variety of Western cuisine, steaks and chops. They are known for their black pepper chicken chop and Thai-style fish finger rice.

(top left) Indoor rock climbing at the Putrajaya Challenge Park

made wetlands are a wildlife sanctuary, where one will be able to spot more than 100 species of birds such as jungle fowl, painted storks, pelicans, swans and Buffy Fish owls. For a bird’s eye view of the area, climb up the 18-metre lookout tower.

(top right) Enjoy a bird’s eye view on a hot air balloon ride (bottom) Cycling is also a good way to see the city

If you prefer to stay on ground, there is the flamingo pond where you can take a peek at the beautiful flamingos and Mandarin ducks. There are also white swans, Egyptian geese and herons at the lake. Lucky visitors might even spot a couple of small-clawed otters!

and flying their way through a slew of obstacles – perfect for a fun day out with the family.

If water sports is more to your liking, then stop by Marina Putrajaya where you can try out fly boarding, stand-up paddling, water-skiing and sailing on Putrajaya Lake.

Family Getaway

Scenic best describes the sights in Putrajaya. Tour the capital in a new way

Opt For A Challenge UMAI CAFÉ, PRESINT 2

A popular lunch spot among civil servants, the restaurant is well known for its crunchy cucur udang (prawn fritters).

NASI LEMAK ROMLAH, PRESINT 8

This nasi lemak stall serves a marvellous crispy fried chicken with sambal (chilli paste) to go with the rice cooked in coconut milk.

When it comes to adrenaline-pumping action, Putrajaya has plenty to offer.

The Putrajaya Challenge Park in Presint 20 has some of the best extreme park facilities in Southeast Asia, with three main attractions: an indoor rock wall climbing complex, a skate park and a thrill park as well as mountain bike trails. Attempt the mammoth trapezoid-shaped climbing wall, which is 42 metres wide and 20 metres high or ride along the bike trail which covers 9.1 kilometres through hilly terrain, rubber estates and palm oil plantation.

For an indoor option, there is District 21 within the IOI City Mall.

The post-apocalyptic-themed adventure sports centre sees participants climbing, riding, sliding

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Insider’s Guide

by going on a hot air balloon ride at the Skyrides Festival Park in Presint 2. The tethered Skyrides helium balloon soars 152 metres above ground and offers a spectacular view of the entire Putrajaya Lake and famous landmarks such as the Palace of Justice, Seri Wawasan Bridge and the Alaf Baru Monument. There are other activities to enjoy here such as the SkyWarrior obstacle course, SkyKids Warrior and SkyDemo where you can try your hand at batik painting.

“The Food Truck Hotspot in Presint 14 offers Western food such as pizza, pasta and chicken wings, alongside Malaysian favourites.”

(top) Snacks on skewers at the Food Truck Hotspot

Another way to see Putrajaya is on a sightseeing cruise, which departs from Jeti Putera in Presint 1. Soak in the atmosphere on a perahu dondang sayang – a traditional wooden boat with an open design – or go for a modern, air-conditioned boat and enjoy dinner onboard while watching the sunset.

(bottom left and inset) Tuck into scrumptious Malay fare at Nasi Lemak Royale Kedah

Food Trails

Putrajaya may not be known as a food haven, but there are a surprising number of culinary gems to be found.

Slot in lunch or dinner at Nasi Lemak Royale Kedah which, despite its name, serves nasi kandar (rice served with a wide range of

(bottom right) The lakeside dining area is a perfect place to chill out

side dishes). Some of the must-tries include the fried chicken, as well as the different types of curry.

For added variety, the food court in Presint 9 has a wide range of Malay delicacies such as mee rebus (noodles in thick gravy), kacang pool (bean stew), chicken rice, and ikan bakar (grilled fish) at affordable prices.

Putrajaya has also joined the food truck bandwagon. The Food Truck Hotspot in Presint 14 offers Western food such as pizza, pasta and chicken wings, alongside Malaysian favourites like roti john (fried minced meat and egg sandwich), nasi kerabu (rice with traditional Malay salads) and mee bandung (noodles in soup with assorted ingredients).

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P e r s p e c t i ve Text Eris Choo / Photos Syaiful Azuan Abdul Fatah / Art direction Euric Liew Makeup Dermalogica & Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics / Hair Davines Haircare Location One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Taking Charge

FIREFLY AIRLINES WELCOMES A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND HE’S KEEN ON CONTINUING THE COMPANY’S VISION OF PROVIDING VALUE, GOOD SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE. FIREFLYZ SITS DOWN WITH PHILIP SEE FOR A CHAT.

N

ot much is publicly known about Philip See – but there is perhaps a reason to his low profile. Speaking to the man himself, one gets the impression that he prefers to let his work do the talking.

See, who took on the role of Firefly CEO in January, certainly has the right experience to take over from predecessor Ignatius Ong. Despite being only 38 years old, his extensive portfolio covers various disciplines, from finance and business to consulting, strategy and networking.

witnessing the hustle and bustle of the airport hub. His initial ambition was to be a pilot, but when that did not work out, he did not pursue it further.

“I graduated at a time when there was an economic depression, and finding a job was difficult. I was lucky to get a job offer in investment banking, so I took it,” he relates.

The youngest of three children, See graduated in chemical engineering from the Imperial College London – a “natural choice”, as his father and brother were both engineers – but adds that his interest in aviation stems from his childhood.

In 2004, See’s road led him back to aviation, when he was asked to join Malaysia Airlines as part of the Turnaround Management Office. He left the airline in 2010 for a stint in consulting, before rejoining in 2015 as a network planner.

“When I was in Primary Two, my family and I went to the United States to visit my father, as he was undergoing cancer treatment there. We took Malaysia Airlines, and I was touched by the warmth and hospitality of the cabin crew,” he recalls.

Currently, See holds two roles – Firefly CEO, and Head of Network and Strategy at Malaysia Airlines.

“This is temporary until we find a replacement for my role at Malaysia Airlines.

Thankfully, Firefly already has all the systems

Transiting in Tokyo, a young See became enamoured with the idea of air travel after

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them to build partnerships, but at the same time, work on our own as well,” he elaborates.

As a regional carrier, Firefly has simpler operations, but that does not mean there are no challenges.

“Our network is limited by our technology, such as our ATR planes which have a one-hour flight range so the opportunity for growth and expansion in terms of routes is relatively limited,” he points out. Instead, See says they will look to improve their network structure, as well as deliver more frequencies at the right time for passengers.

“I don’t view my job as a 9 to 5 thing.

I work from home and sometimes on weekends, but I also go on week-day breaks.”

“The fact that we operate from Subang Skypark is a huge plus, as it is convenient for travellers and the infrastructure is great.

We have good aircraft, and we’ve built a decent brand; one that resonates with passengers in terms of providing good service, on-time performance and reliability,” he enthuses.

Another edge that Firefly has over large organisations is the team’s nimbleness and agile response. “Having worked at Malaysia Airlines and now at Firefly, I can feel that the team’s ability to explore new things is immense, thanks to its small size. It feels more entrepreneurial,” he says.

See's career in aviation took off in 2004 when he joined Malaysia Airlines

and processes in place, so my task in the first few months is to help the team problem-solve and see to any issues,” he adds.

See aims to keep the airline’s vision and mission alive, by delivering a seamless experience for corporate customers, and added value for leisure travellers.

“We run short-haul flights, so the customer is essentially with us for only an hour or two on the plane – but we want the Firefly experience to extend beyond the cabin, from the time they book to the time they arrive at their destination,” he says.

See cites an example of how the Firefly office’s open layout encourages staff from different departments to communicate with one another. “It also creates a family bond, and as a result, you see a warmth that is reflected in the cabin crew and among our staff in general,” he says.

As for See’s working style, he reveals that he is guided by data and analytics to make decisions, but believes that trust is also important. “It comes back to having absolute clarity about the vision, mission and values in which we run the business. The parameters you give your team in terms of how they can execute

Firefly has always been built on partnerships and collaborations, a point that See hopes to expand on. “We are part of the Malaysia Airlines Group, so we’ll work closely with

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P e r s p e c t i ve

See's mission is to ensure Firefly continues to provide good service, reliability and a seamless travel experience for passengers

QUICK FIRE-ROUND Go-to place for a night out? Fuego at Troika Sky Dining in Kuala Lumpur.

a plan without interference is crucial, and that framework is applied in all decision making,” he expounds.

Juggling two roles is hectic, but See finds time to take a break. “I don’t view my job as a 9 to 5 thing. I work from home and sometimes on weekends, but I also go on week-day breaks. My view of life and work is very much integrated and balanced,” he quips, adding that he enjoys hiking in his spare time. He is also passionate about solo travel.

“I’ve done the Trans-Siberian alone, travelling from St Petersburg to Vladivostok, and I did the Camino de Santiago trial, a 500-kilometre pilgrimage walk in northern Spain. I also love Iceland and Saudi Arabia. Renting a buggy and going around the sand dunes was totally fun,” he reminisces with a smile.

See has a soft spot for Italy, for its diverse scenery, great food and vibrant culture. It was also where he had one of his most unforgettable travel moments.

Travelling with friends in a rented car, the group was robbed and See lost his passport.

Favourite activity to de-stress? Hiking.

Best place for a vacation? Italy.

“In retrospect, it was a great lesson, as it made me realise I can be quite calm under pressure. It gave me the courage to do things alone, not just in travel but life in general,” he shares.

On Sundays, See devotes his time to Catholic Sunday school as an assistant principal, managing about 2,000 students, as well as organising catechisms and activities for the community. His interest in teaching was inspired by his mother, who was an educator.

“Initially, I wanted to use teaching as a training ground to help me communicate better. I mean, if you can convince teenagers about God, I’m sure you can convince employees about a business plan!” he laughs.

“Over time I realised that it wasn’t about me. Whether you like it or not, your talents are God-given, and it’s about how you use those talents to reach out and connect to other people that really matters,” he concludes.

•

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Greatest fear? Not having my family around.

What is the quality you like most in a person? Someone who is chill.

Because I’m the opposite!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Business class seats on long-haul flights.

Favourite food? Ipoh chicken rice at Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya.

Most overused word? So. Favourite past-time? Reading.

Sneakers or shoes? Shoes.

Beer or wine? Wine.

Coffee or tea? Coffee in the day, tea at night.

Cats or dogs? Dogs. I have two mongrels, named Masam and Manis.

When meeting people for the first time, what do you usually say?

Call me Phil.

If a movie was made about you, which actor would play you?

Rami Malek.

17/01/2019 11:39 AM

Tracker Text Tracey Petherick

Honeymoon

Heaven Seychelles

CAPE TOWN TOURISM

FROM BEACHES TO ROMANTIC HOTSPOTS AND BEYOND, THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD.

Beach-loving newly-weds are spoiled for choice in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Everywhere you look there is bright powdery sand dotted with palm trees and granite boulders, flanked by lush hills and bright blue waters. Choose from the world-famous and utterly enchanting Anse Source d’Argent, picture-postcard Anse Lazio or secluded Anse Marron, and don’t forget your snorkel. Healthy reefs with gorgeous coral gardens teem with marine life – you might even see a whale shark. Back on land look out for giant tortoises on Curieuse and tropical birds galore.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is buzzing with worldclass culture and cuisine, but it’s the city’s natural assets that will really take your breath away.

Table Mountain National Park offers stunning landscapes and sweeping views – for a truly romantic experience, watch the sunset from Signal Hill or hike up there under a full moon. Wildlife fans can visit the penguins at the charming Boulder’s Beach or take a private wildlife cruise around Table Bay, while thrill-seeking honeymooners can go cage diving with sharks. Brace yourselves for some seriously dramatic scenery at Cape Point. As the Indian and Atlantic oceans collide against towering cliffs, you’ll feel as if you’re on the edge of the world.

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Venice, Italy

PEXELS

One of the most romantic places in the world, the ‘floating city’ of Venice is built on islands in a Mediterranean lagoon.

Marble palaces, dreamy canals and secret alleyways abound and the only way to get around is on foot or by boat. A honeymoon here is all about soaking up the seductive atmosphere and embracing historical beauty. Must-sees are the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco, but to escape the crowds take a private gondola ride through San Polo or seek out a sotoportego – a Venetian tunnel of love.

Phuket, Thailand

With its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, vertical cliffs, secret caves and lush tropical forests, Phuket is the perfect place for newly-weds who love raw natural beauty. There are breath-taking views across the island (head to Karon Viewpoint and Black Rock for two of the best) and some of the finest sunsets in the world. Soak up the sun on one of Phuket’s 30 beaches or jump on a boat to the laid-back Phi Phi Islands. When you’re done with all that chilling out, take advantage of Phuket’s other big draw – its nightlife!

Orkney Isles, Scotland

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VISIT SCOTLAND

The remote Orkney Isles, off the north coast of Scotland, offer a blissfully secluded honeymoon destination with magical scenery (look up Scapa Flow) and incredible Neolithic sites.

It’s also a prime location for seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis. On clear dark nights, these electrically charged displays of green, purple and red are mesmerising – and wonderfully romantic. Unless you’re visiting in the height of summer, you might need to pack rain jackets and warm sweaters – but the opportunities for peaceful strolls along deserted beaches or snuggling up in front of cosy log fires will make it all worthwhile.

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Humble Beginnings Text Tan Lee Kuen / Photos Soo Phye

Fast forward to today and it is almost impossible to imagine a world without plastic; almost half of which is meant for single use – stuff like plastic bags, food wrappers and plastic bottles for drinking water. Disposable plastic is one of the biggest contributors to the waste problem, filling up landfills and clogging up waterways. Loke opened Bliss in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to do her bit in helping combat plastic pollution and the waste of resources.

At Bliss, the store is package-free.

Customers bring their own bags and containers, paying for bulk items by weight. Travellers have popped by Bliss and filled up little 100ml carry-on bottles with shampoo. If a customer does not have a container, there's a selection of recyclable containers left behind by other customers or friends that they can use. Additionally, Loke doesn't print business cards, offers no receipts and passes out no flyers.

Want

(left) Loke set up Bliss to combat plastic pollution (top and bottom) Soaps, cleaners and other products for sale

Not,

Bliss, which opened its doors in July last year, carries a range of personal care products such as shampoo, body wash and soaps; cleaning supplies like detergent and dishwashing liquid; and multi-use sanitary napkins and beeswax wraps, versatile pieces of cloth that can be used to wrap and store food. There is

Waste

Not

SELLING THE ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE.

B

liss Zero Waste Store founder, Loke Poh Lin, remembers growing up in a Kuala Lumpur that did not use plastic. This was back in the 1960s. “Plastic bags did not exist for us then. We used baskets for shopping and tiffin carriers for packing food,” she says.

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Humble Beginnings

even a small selection of woven baskets from Helping Hands Penan and jewellery made from recycled materials.

(bottom) Bliss shares a space with Mingle Cafe in Chinatown

ahead and do it," she says. While she is ever grateful for the space that she currently has, she would like to have a proper shop one day so she can expand her products to include bulk food items and fermented goods. Right now, she uses whatever space is available to her in the café. The counter on which she displays her soaps is used as a breakfast counter in the mornings, and she has to clear and set up every day.

One of the biggest challenges of the store has been describing what it is to walk-ins. "Few people know or have heard of the concept of the shop, they simply don't know what it is. Since there are soaps on display, they would ask if Bliss is a soap shop," says Loke who takes it as an opportunity to start a conversation about sustainability.

Loke has always been eco-conscious – recycling and composting her waste – but it wasn't until late 2017, as she was packing up her house to make room for renovations, that she re-examined her entire lifestyle.

"I was selling and giving away so many things and yet, there was still so much left. I felt like I was drowning in things," she says. She became interested in the zero waste lifestyle, a philosophy that encourages the reuse of all products, so that no trash ends up in the landfills or the ocean.

Bliss is not the only shop of its kind in Kuala Lumpur but competition is not of great concern to Loke. In fact, she gleefully hopes to inspire others to take steps in opening similar shops. "There should be package-free stores like this in every neighbourhood," she said.

“Recycling alone is not enough.

Instead of taking on so much that we need to recycle, how about not taking on so much at all.”

"My purpose with Bliss is not to make money as long as we are sustainable. It'll be a very limited loop if it's just about selling products. It is about introducing the

"Recycling alone is not enough.

Instead of taking on so much that we need to recycle, how about not taking on so much at all," she reasons. As she started to question her purchasing decisions, she sought help from zero waste communities on Facebook to manage the materials that entered her home. Inspired by her new-found knowledge, she took the proactive decision to open Bliss "to give people access to products that will help them lead a more impactful life."

Formerly in publishing and marketing communications, Loke had no entrepreneurial experience.

Undaunted, she began by researching for local stockists, which the zero waste community were open to sharing. Her biggest obstacle was finding a venue for her shop. As fortune would have it, her friends, also owners of Mingle Cafe, invited her to set up on their premises.

Bliss was opened in 10 days.

On the business side of things, Loke has learnt not to overthink. "I rely a lot on my gut now and instead of overanalysing every decision, I'll just go

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possibilities that the zero waste lifestyle holds."

(top left) Workshops for making soaps are sometimes held on the premises (bottom left) Loke hopes to raise awareness on zero waste by changing shopping habits (top right and circle) Beauty products such as face packs and foot scrubs

BLISS ZERO WASTE STORE 55 Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (inside Mingle Cafe) CONTACT: 011-11642900 facebook.com/ BlissZW

Her mission is to raise awareness about zero waste, and she wants to be more active in giving talks and running related activities. She recognises that it is about changing the way consumers shop and the way we view convenience. "It's very difficult to change mindsets. In the small picture, we want to show them that it is possible to start with small steps and that it is affordable. It's not painful nor is it impossible just as long as there is a want to do it," she says.

One Saturday a month, Loke hosts a repair workshop to teach people how to mend their clothing, whether it is sewing on a button or replacing a zipper.

Friends have also hosted workshops on making soaps and beeswax cloths on the premises.

Bliss is open six days a week, with Tuesdays off, and Loke sometimes struggles with the long hours. In the end, it is the will to make a change that drives her to continue.

"I thought to myself, what kind of world am I leaving my grandchildren with? Imagine what we can achieve if everyone realises they have the power to do something today instead of putting it off until tomorrow," she says.

•

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F i r s t D r i ve s Text Richard Augustin / Photos courtesy of Volvo Car Malaysia

Swede

Crossover WITH ITS CUTTING EDGE DESIGN AND FEATURES, THE VOLVO XC40 SETS THE BAR HIGH IN THE PREMIUM COMPACT SUV SEGMENT.

M

ore than a decade ago, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who would give a Volvo a second glance. As its German rivals surged ahead with exciting new products, the Swedish marque struggled to find an audience, leaving the brand lagging behind.

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That’s not saying that Volvo made boring cars, but it made cars that just didn’t strike a chord with the masses. Beyond its safety trump card, which is synonymous with the Volvo badge, the models just weren’t appealing enough. The turnaround though happened when China’s Geely Auto took control over the Swedish passenger carmaker in 2010.

(from top) Premium, modern and dynamic, Volvo’s XC40 is the perfect compact crossover vehicle for the discerning urban driver

The changes that followed with the new owners were just what the well-established brand needed. Models such as the S90 sedan and the V90 wagon as well as the XC90 SUV, helped revitalise the brand amongst consumers. In 2015, the brand managed to sell over 500,000 units, the largest volume ever in the brand’s history.

Today, the Volvo brand is continuing with its upward trajectory and is taking the fight to the more popular German rivals. Its latest offering in the compact crossover segment is certainly proof of that.

Sharper Image

The moment it rolled off the assembly lines, the Volvo XC40 immediately became a certified contender in the premium small SUV

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F i r s t D r i ve s

segment. Built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the new XC40 enjoys the range of groundbreaking technologies that were first introduced in its larger siblings, based on the larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). It is well designed, proportionate and undoubtedly a head-turner, especially with its sharp muscular lines and aggressive looking front. As such, it isn’t surprising to see the XC40 come away with the well deserved win as the 2018 European Car of the Year.

Versatile Performance

The XC40 that we were handed the keys to is equipped with the brand’s highly-innovative, 2-litre Drive-E powertrain, outputs a total of 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque, which is ample for a SUV of this size. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the XC40 reportedly does the century sprint in 6.4 seconds and can return 7.7 litres for every 100 kilometres travelled. Its performance numbers and handling should prove sufficiently exciting for most and for those looking to put this set of wheels on dirt roads instead of the tarmac, they’ll find the XC40 more than up to the task.

Safety Still First

Passenger In Mind

If you were to pinpoint what exactly sets the XC40 apart from its rivals, you’ll find the answer inside the vehicle itself. The model has been developed to cater to the demands of the urban dweller with ample and functional storage compartments placed throughout the cabin.

The interior design strikes a perfect balance of aesthetics and function, with storage areas within the door compartment for a laptop or tablet as well as water bottles and credit card and service card slots within the dashboard. A small foldaway hook, perfect for small shopping bags or take-away bags, has been added to the glove compartment with the driver’s seat featuring storage large enough for a mini tablet or other smaller items. To further reduce clutter, the centre console also features wireless charging.

(top) Interior and exterior of the vehicle (middle) Wireless charging (bottom) The XC40’s modern design and sharp muscular lines

As you’d expect from a vehicle with the Volvo badge, safety is top notch in the XC40. The compact SUV not only boasts award-winning safety features but also innovative technologies such as semi-autonomous driving and driverassistance technologies. The model’s main features include Pilot Assist, the latest generation of City Safety (autonomous collision mitigation and avoidance, including pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation and Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake.

Conclusion: The Compact Crossover To Beat

In terms of features, design and technologies, Volvo has created a certifiable alternative against makes such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz within the premium compact crossover segment. The model, which is available in the R-Design trim on local shores, ticks all the boxes in being a dynamic, premium and innovative runabout that modern drivers will love to have as a daily drive. The XC40 is not only challenging its European rivals for honours, but for the foreseeable future, may have just put them on the defensive.

•

The XC40 T5 R-Design is priced at RM255,888, excluding road tax, registration and insurance.

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TOYOTA MALAYSIA

New In Showrooms

PROTON HOLDINGS BERHAD

Eighth Generation Camry

The Toyota Camry was first introduced on Malaysian shores in the early 1990s and since then it has stood as one of the country’s most preferred D-segment sedans amongst local drivers. The eighth generation Toyota Camry will undoubtedly continue that success with class-leading features, proven reliability and performance as well as a new expressive design. The all-new model utilises the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which gives it a more streamlined and futuristic outlook along with a modern interior.

The Camry is only available as a 2.5V variant, featuring a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC all-aluminium Dual VVT-i engine paired with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission, offering 184Ps and 235Nm of torque. The new model also arrives with a Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB).

The All-New Toyota Camry 2.5V is priced at RM189,900 on-the-road without insurance.

New Triton

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unleashed a new Triton pick-up for the Malaysian market. The updated Triton benefits from fresh aggressive styling courtesy of Mitsubishi’s Motors Dynamic Shield design language, affording it a sportier front with bold athletic lines. Underneath the hood, the model is powered by the award-winning 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with 181 PS of power and 430 Nm of torque. The pick-up is driven by a six-speed auto transmission with Super Select 4WD II with Off-road Mode, which makes it highly adaptable to varying terrain. It also scores top marks on safety with a number of advanced features including Forward Collision Mitigation, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Auto High Beam.

Proton’s First SUV

The Proton X70 is priced from RM99,800 to RM123,800 on-the-road without insurance.

The new Triton is due to be launched in the first quarter of 2019 with an expected retail price of between RM100,000 and RM140,000 on-the-road without insurance.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA

After a lengthy delay, the first sport utility vehicle bearing the Proton badge is finally in showrooms. Priced from just under RM100,000, the Proton X70 marks a new chapter for the Malaysian automotive brand. The model, which is based on the Geely Boyue, offers several local touches within the exterior design such as the revised grille and front. Inside, the Proton X70 features a well laid-out cabin with luxurious touches along with modern refinements including an advanced Integrated Cockpit Information System, complete with an eight inch Android based touchscreen with 32GB of internal memory. The system is also Wi-Fi enabled for mobile hotspot capability.

The Proton X70 is powered by a 1.8-litre Turbocharged, Gasoline Direct Injection engine, offering 184Ps and 285 Nm torque. The powerplant is paired with 6-speed automatic (6AT) with switchable drive modes and a manual sequential shift.

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Husband and wife team Wan Yoon Yee (left) and Loke Kam Heng at their rojak buah stall in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur

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Street Chef Text David Ong-Yeoh / Photos Raymond Ooi

Delightful

Mix

HAWKING ROJAK BUAH IN TTDI, KUALA LUMPUR FOR THE PAST 19 YEARS.

T

here is a little something for everyone in rojak buah that makes it such a popular Malaysian hawker dish.

Translated as fruit salad, the pungent, sweet, salty, spicy and satisfying mix is usually eaten from the afternoon onwards, as a light lunch or a substantial snack.

Yoon Yik Wan’s version of rojak buah is chock-full of ingredients

Penang-style version of the ubiquitous hawker dish.

“Customers like our rojak because there are lots of things in it,” says Wan and although it is a sort of salad, she does not recommend eating it to lose weight unless the sauce is reduced.

One obvious difference is the gooey black sauce they use, which is based on a recipe Wan’s father learnt from his sifu (master) over 30 years ago but modified slightly over the years.

The sauce has three parts to it comprising shrimp paste, an optional chili paste and a home-made blend of taucu (fermented bean paste), palm sugar, brown sugar, oyster sauce, chicken stock and flour. The second generation rojak seller blends everything

The main ingredients are freshly sliced tropical fruits and vegetables – fresh young papaya for the crunch, sour green mango for the brightness, guava for some bulk, pineapple for a sweet contrast, water spinach as the obligatory green requirement, yam bean for its bite and some refreshing cucumber.

Its complex flavours are certainly not something to be trifled with if one does not have at least an intermediate level experience with Malaysian cuisine. Because it is a mix of so many things, each mouthful is a bit of a surprise as it will be a different combination of ingredients that slightly alters the taste and texture.

Of course, not all rojaks are made equal, and there are some outstanding ones in Kuala Lumpur – such as the version offered by the Yoon Yik Wan rojak van in the upscale suburb of Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

It has been at the same location for 19 years and customers can be seen approaching the van from the moment Loke Kam Heng secures his usual parking spot somewhere in front of the 7-11 store, and his wife Wan Yoon Yee opens up the panels.

Working under a small canopy, Wan has little time to chat and immediately gets to work slicing, then mixing the ingredients in a 10-year-old ochre-coloured porcelain bowl that only rojak sellers seem to have.

She also processes individual requests and takes orders that begin from RM6 for a normal sized portion, or upsized ones for an additional RM1 – good for big eaters or for sharing. They sell about 90 portions a day and more on weekends.

To complement the mélange of textures, the couple add chopped roasted peanuts, home-made prawn crackers and chunks of deep fried Chinese crullers to their northern,

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Street Chef

(clockwise from top left) Some of the ingredients used in rojak buah such as a special sauce, fruits, vegetables, fried Chinese crullers and chopped peanuts

together deftly using a single ladle in proportions that have been honed by years of experience.

Seasoned regulars who are in the know might also ask for the birds eye chili paste which is only added upon request to ramp up the heat, while slightly altering the taste profile of the sauce. Another optional extra is the home-made fried preserved cuttlefish for the advanced aficionados of the dish that adds tons of umami and additional texture to the dish.

goes to the market each morning to select the best fruits, vegetables and other ingredients for the day.

Available separately stuffed with shredded cucumber and doused with the sauce or added to the rojak itself are crisp toasted home-made tofu puffs that Loke is in charge of.

Parking in the commercial area is a challenge, but experienced customers have Wan’s number, so they just call ahead and cruise by later to pick up their orders – along with some home-made soya bean milk to make it a complete meal. For added convenience, customers can also use selected e-wallet services. “We have to keep up with the times too,” says Wan.

While the couple are usually at the site by 1.00 pm and remain until 6.00 pm, Wan’s day begins much earlier, as she

Having been with the couple for as long as they’ve operated their stall, the

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(top) The van they operate from is as old as the business (left) Rojak buah is not complete without the thick gooey sauce

rojak buah van is almost an institution in the area, and is one of the things that Malaysians returning from overseas often look for, according to Wan. “It has a multiracial appeal.

Everyone eats it, even westerners,” she says. “I’ve had customers return with their children, and I’ve watched them grow up eating my food. I’ve also had customers who tell me they crave my rojak buah when they’re overseas. That makes me proud and happy,” she adds with a smile.

YOON YIK WAN ROJAK Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia CONTACT: 017-870 8813

While Wan does not plan to retire anytime soon, she is keen on keeping the recipe alive – by passing it on to her son. He continues the tradition of making rojak buah, selling it at a stall at the Little Giraffe Book Club in Balakong in the district of Cheras.

•

Yoon Yik Wan Rojak opens from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

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Open Journal Text Karin Chan

The

Essential

Guide To

Chinese

New Year STEEPED IN HISTORY AND TRADITION, THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST IMPORTANT CHINESE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR.

W

hen exuberant Chinese songs play on loop in the malls, storefront mannequins strike poses in bright red apparel and pineapple tarts appear by the tins on shelves, that can only mean one thing: Chinese New Year is here.

The new year holds great significance for all Chinese people as an expression of Chinese customs and traditions, connecting them around the globe in shared celebration of a common history and culture.

With Chinese New Year being celebrated this month, let’s take a look at the elements that make it one of the most recognisable and vibrant festivals in the world.

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123RF

February 2019

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BRIAN JEFFERY BEGGERLY, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Open Journal

What is Chinese New Year?

Many folk legends surround Chinese New Year. One of the most popular is the tale of Nian, a monster that would awaken on the first day of the year to wreak havoc on a nearby village. A god appeared and told the terrified villagers that the creature feared the colour red and loud noises. Thus, the villagers hung red decorations, banged drums and set off fireworks to scare it away – a tradition that continues till today to ward off evil spirits.

123RF

It is said that the Chinese concept of celebrating a new year began over 3,000 years ago at the start of the planting season in agrarian China.

People would make sacrifices and pray to the gods and their ancestors for fruitful harvests, peace and good health. When the Chinese calendar was invented based on the lunar phases, the new year then fell on the first day of the calendar – hence the term ‘lunar new year’ – and still does to this day. The celebration lasts for a full moon cycle of 15 days and takes place around January to February.

(inset) Decorations usually symbolise luck and good fortune

The Chinese believe that the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac take turns to become ascendant every year, and each animal also presides over everyone’s fortunes for that year. The story is that the Jade Emperor, ruler of all heaven, hosted a race among the animals to see which of them would make it into the zodiac, with the crafty Rat coming in first and the Pig finishing last. According to legend, cats chase rats to this day because the Rat tricked the Cat into not showing up for the race.

(right) Yee sang is a raw fish dish that is eaten during Chinese New Year in Singapore and Malaysia

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123RF 123RF

(top) Cookies, biscuits and snacks such as pineapple tarts are popular during the festival (bottom) Nian gao, a sticky rice cake, is offered to the Kitchen God in return for a good ‘report card’ about the family in heaven

A Culinary Celebration

Food is a major part of any celebration and Chinese New Year is no exception.

The reunion meal, traditionally dinner, and held on the eve of the first day, is the most important meal of the festival.

People travel great distances to return to their hometowns – usually the husband’s side of the family first – to have dinner with their extended relatives.

Homonyms carry great influence in Chinese New Year culinary traditions, with certain food or dishes considered desirable if they sound similar to auspicious phrases. Fish, or yu, sounds like the word ‘excess’, used in the proverb nian nian you yu to mean a yearly abundance of fortune. The Hokkien word for pineapple, ong lai, sounds like ‘good fortune is coming’; while the pronunciation for mandarin oranges can also represent ‘luck’.

Red-lidded plastic tins of traditional cookies are a common sight in homes for entertaining guests with, particularly pineapple tarts and egg rolls as they represent good luck and fortune.

123RF

Another traditional sweet is the glutinous rice cake, or nian gao. Legend has it that the nian gao was left out for the Kitchen God to eat, so that when he made his annual return to heaven to report on the households, his mouth would be stuck partially closed and he would only be able to mumble sweet (good) things.

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SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Open Jour nal

All cleaning stops on the first day of the celebrations, as the Chinese believe you may sweep away your good luck. People will also go vegetarian on this day to cleanse the mind and body, including abstaining from onion, chilli and garlic, which are considered excessively stimulating. It is also a time to give thanks to the gods and remember the ancestors, offering prayers for blessings of good health and fortune in the new year.

Family always comes first in Chinese tradition and people will spend the first few days of the new year with their families, usually including extended relations. Everyone will don bright

(top) Prayers are offered to ancestors as well as deities (inset) Red lanterns are part of the decorations in homes, business premises and shopping malls (right) Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD

The new year is also a time for spring cleaning. Most families will clean their homes thoroughly and adorn their houses with festive Chinese decor including red lanterns, calligraphy couplets and paper cuttings, along with pots of chrysanthemums, peach blossoms, money plants and bamboo.

Each of these items symbolise auspicious wishes, ranging from good health and fertility to good fortune in wealth and career.

PXHERE

Auspicious Traditions

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PXHERE

PXHERE

Open Journal

new clothes – white and black are no-nos – and visit each other with gifts of chocolate, cookies or tangerines.

Auspicious phrases such as Gong Xi Fa Cai are used liberally in greetings, and if they incorporate the zodiac animal of the year, or its homonym, so much the better.

(left) Red packets with gifts of money are given to children and single adults (right) Lion and dragon dances are an integral part of the celebrations

Happy Days

While every day during the Chinese New Year celebrations is symbolic, some are more widely celebrated than others. The seventh day, also known as the day when mankind was born, will see people in Malaysia and Singapore eating yee sang, a raw fish salad unique to these countries.

Children and single adults will receive money in hongbao (red packets) from married couples, known as ya sui qian. This practice seems to have its origins in another demon-related folktale; older folks used to give children red strings of threaded coins to ward off the evil spirit Sui, which would make children sick. Since sui is also a homonym for ‘age’, this has now become ‘money to keep you from growing older’ as everyone is said to turn a year older during Chinese New Year.

Chopsticks in hand, diners will toss piles of fish, jellyfish, ginger and other raw ingredients together as high as they can while shouting good wishes. The higher your toss, the better your luck! The dish is so popular that it is now eaten at any time during Chinese New Year.

The ninth day is the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who will be feted with sacrificial feasts and loud firecrackers on the eighth night by the Hokkien people. A roast suckling piglet is usually the centrepiece of the feast, complemented by fruits, vegetables and other traditional offerings. Many folktales say that the Jade Emperor once saved villagers hiding from enemies in sugarcane fields; as a result, sugarcane is also burnt with paper offerings as thanks.

Lion and dragon dances shake up malls and streets for the festive period in honour of the Nian legend and to usher in prosperity. Guided by the pounding beat of Chinese drums and the sharp crash of cymbals, the lifelike ‘lions’ will gambol about on the ground and perform acrobatic tricks on poles topped by small, circular platforms. They will also ‘eat’ tangerines and lettuce and distribute them to the audience. If a lion gives you a tangerine slice, eat it – it’s good luck!

The 15th and last day is known as Chap Goh Meh, or Chinese Valentine’s Day in Hokkien. Previously, it was considered a good day for matchmaking as young women would go out to visit temples in their finest clothings, hoping to catch a suitor’s eye. These days, ladies visit lakes and ponds to throw tangerines in with their phone numbers written on them, while eager gentlemen wait with nets on the opposite side to fish them out – and hopefully make a connection.

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YOU CAN STICK TO IT.

Health & Fitness Illustration Nurfarahin Kamarudin

Get Fit, Together COUPLES WHO WORK OUT TOGETHER STAY TOGETHER, SAYS FITNESS GURU KEVIN ZAHRI. HE SHARES SIX TOTAL BODY WORKOUT EXERCISES THAT ONE CAN DO AT HOME WITH A PARTNER.

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ove is in the air this February. Quite literally, if you’re reading this onboard! Don’t worry though – I’m not here to share dating tips. Instead, let me stick to what I do best and share some super fun body workouts that you can do with your spouse, friend, child or partner.

Partner Stork Balance

Preparation: Stand side-by-side with your partner. Hold him or her by their waist.

The Challenge: Raise your outside-facing arm above your shoulder. Next, lift and bend your outside-facing leg so that your toes touch the corresponding knee. Hold this position for 20 seconds, change sides and repeat. For a challenge, bend forward whilst extending your bent leg behind you so that your body forms a straight line and is as parallel to the floor as possible.

Tips: Bend your standing knee for better balance. Keep your standing foot as close as possible with that of your partner.

Benefits: Straight core balance exercise.

A quick word of caution for those with pre-existing injuries – avoid any of these exercises that may further aggravate your condition.

Let’s get into it!

Russian Sit Challenge Preparation: Decide which partner will do the push-ups and which will do the crawling. You will switch roles later.

The Challenge: As one partner does push-ups, the other will run around and crawl underneath the partner until they have completed 10 push-ups. How? When your push-up partner reaches the top of the push-ups (arms are straightened), crawl as fast and as safely as you can underneath your partner. Upon exiting the crawl, you run around your partner as he completes a push-up, and repeat the process.

Preparation: Sit on the floor and extend your legs so that the soles of your feet and your partner’s are touching. Then, move a little closer so that your knees are slightly bent. Sit upright, pull your shoulders back, engage your core and keep your hands off the ground.

Imagine you are holding an imaginary durian (fruit) above your chest.

The Challenge: On the word "Go", lift both feet off the ground whilst keeping your soles locked on each other.

Keep holding that durian and maintain balance using your core. Hold for as long as you can and return slowly to the starting position.

Tips: If your partner needs more "space" during the crawl, lift your hips. Beginners, if you are struggling with push-ups, you can stick to elbow-to-straight-arm-planks or simply hold the straight-arm planks until your partner completes 10 rounds.

Benefits: Push-ups are great for the upper body. It works your arms, shoulder and chest muscles, while the running and crawling is a total body movement.

Tips: For beginners, who are struggling with balance, place both hands at the side, behind your back to prevent you from falling over. Need a challenge?

Incorporate side-to-side twists to the hold position, or challenge your partners balance by gently extending your legs to push them off-balance.

Benefits: Great core challenge, but also works the hips.

Push-Up Crawls

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Plank Claps

Tips: When you reach out to clap, be sure to lift your elbow off the ground. Beginners, if you can't make that clap happen just yet, don't worry. Start with normal partner planks and progressively work in the claps over time.

Benefits: Planks strengthen the core muscles, while the claps help to further challenge them.

Preparation: Lie face down facing your partner so that your heads are about two feet away from each other. From this position, lift your hips and body so that only your toes and forearm are touching the ground. Keep your body as straight as possible, look down and don't hold your breath.

The Challenge: Too easy? Try this – without swaying your hips, lift one arm at a time and clap hands with your partner. Try to attempt 10 slow claps, rest and repeat.

Knee Tag Game

Squat Chair

Preparation: Start by standing back-to-back with your partner. Lean firmly into each other but keep your backs straight. Holding hands helps to build trust. Slide both feet outwards so that they are not underneath your knees. This will give you a better position for the actual movement.

The Challenge: Communicate with your partner to slowly sit (squat) into an invisible chair, or until your knees have bent at 90 degrees. Hold this chair position for as long as you can. Slowly return to standing position and repeat.

Tips: For beginners, attempt a 10-second hold and build up from there. More experienced partners should try and hold the position for up to a minute, or incorporate a weighted object that you can pass back and forth above your heads.

Benefits: Great workout for your lower body, such as your quads, glutes and core for balance.

Preparation: Face your partner so that you are about one to two feet away from each other. Take an athletic stance: lean slightly forward, pull the shoulders back, and bend your knees slightly so that the weight is at the front of your foot.

The Challenge: On the word "Go", try to touch your partner’s knees, and vice versa. Both players should move around to avoid each other’s touch. Do it for a minute or until one or both of you call it quits.

Tips: Although it is called "knee tag", feel free to improvise. To avoid high impact on your joints, keep your feet as low to the ground as possible and "glide" across the floor instead of leaping. Try and keep score. Why? Bragging rights!

Benefits: This is a super fun cardio workout. After a minute of laughter and movement, your heart should be pounding (with happiness)!

Want to send some love my way? Tag me in your partner workout photos on Instagram @kevinzahri!

About Cikgu Fitness Malaysia

Kevin Zahri is an award-winning UScertified personal trainer and nutritionist with over 15 years of experience. He is also the founder of Malaysia’s largest weight loss movement called Jom Kurus. Over the years, he has published several books and e-books, written for fitness and lifestyle magazines, and hosted and appeared on TV shows as well as magazines. Kevin is an avid corporate wellness speaker, web entrepreneur and a member of MENSA, the high IQ society. kevinzahri.com

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Pack Up : For Him

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Vibrant Shades

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Uniqlo’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection represents a spirited celebration of colours. Guys get to have their pick of standout colours too – like this crew neck T-shirt in a delicious shade of punch pink.

RRP: RM59.90 uniqlo.com

Down Memory Lane

Oakley is going retro with its Splatterfade collection. Along with playful splashes of handcrafted colouration, it features innovative lenses that make the hues of the world more rich and vibrant.

RRP: RM629 my.oakley.com

Bright &

Beautiful

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THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW SPRING SEASON CALLS FOR A WARDROBE OVERHAUL. ADD A LITTLE COLOUR TO YOUR LIFE WITH CHEERFUL SHADES, FROM SWEET BLUSH AND SUNNY YELLOW TO VIVID WHITE AND MORE.

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Minimalist Cool

4

Updated Design

Say hello to a street savvy version of the timeless Calvin Klein Jeans campus backpack. This metallic design is crafted from lightweight nylon, and finished with a signature monogram logo patch on the front.

RRP: RM799 calvinklein.com/my

The H&M collaboration with Stockholm-based Eytys has produced a range of sleek designs. Shoes come with chunky soles, and adhere to a clean silhouette defined by its vivid white colour.

RRP: RM470 hm.com

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Pack Up : For Her

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Inspired By Nature

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COS looks to the wonders of illumination in nature for its current season’s colourway. An oversized cardigan in bright mustard makes for a standout wardrobe essential, yet still chic enough to be worn on dressier occasions.

RRP: RM390 cosstores.com

Sweet Statement

The Basta 2 bag, designed by Alia Bastamam for Sometime

By Asian Designers, is available in a variety of pretty colours. A soft shade of sweet blush would be best for those looking to complement their delightful personality.

RRP: RM229 sometime.asia

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Latest Look

4

Trail Blazer

Nike’s Blazer Low iD is a pair of customisable sneakers that can take you from the sidewalks into the spotlight. Remix the silhouette with a classic two-tone contrast or keep it evenly coloured in your favourite shade.

RRP: RM358 store.nike.com/my/en_gb

Light-filled patterns or transparent acetates are this year’s big eyewear trend. Ray-Ban’s iconic clubmasters now come with toned-in gradient lenses for a playful take on the well-loved 1950s style.

RRP: RM759 ray-ban.com

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10 things & facts about amazing

Malaysia

123RF

Text Tuvwxyz1234 / Images 1234567890

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Largest Roundabout

Malaysia is home to the world’s largest roundabout. Located in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, the Putrajaya Roundabout has a diameter of 3.5 kilometres and passes through many major landmarks and buildings in the city.

GOOGLE

1

Traditional Game

Batu Seremban is a traditional Malay game of five stones, with two or more players. It is also known as selambut in the eastern and northern parts of Peninsula Malaysia. The objective is to throw designated pieces into the air and catch them before they hit the ground. Despite the name, the game is often played with small triangular pouches stuffed with beans or rice.

SAMPLE 4

3

Population

According to figures by the Malaysian Department of Statistics, there are 32.5 million people in Malaysia as of the third quarter of 2018.

Ringgit

The Malaysian currency’s name comes from an obsolete Malay word for ‘jagged’. It is believed to refer to the serrated edges of silver Spanish dollars, which were widely circulated during the 16th and 17th centuries, when the area was under Portuguese rule. Malaysia officially adopted the name Ringgit for its currency in 1975.

123RF

*Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

*Source: Department of Information, Malaysia

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First National Car 5

The Proton Saga, launched in 1985, was Malaysia’s first national car. The first generation model ran for 22 years before production was finally discontinued and replaced with a second generation design.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

MY List

6

Blue Rice

DAVOCANO/FLICKR

Nasi Kerabu is a popular rice dish from the state of Kelantan. It is served with kerabu (traditional salad of shredded raw vegetables and herbs) as well as various side dishes and condiments such as keropok (crackers).

The rice gets its unique blue colouring from the petals of the butterfly-pea flower, but there are also versions with plain white rice or yellow rice, which is cooked in turmeric.

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In place of a button for the fourth floor in a lift, some buildings in Malaysia have a button for 3A instead. This is because ‘four’ sounds like ‘death’ when spoken in many Chinese dialects.

Hornbills

Sarawak is also known as Bumi Kenyalang in Malay, or Land of the Hornbills. Eight out of the world’s 54 species of hornbills can be found there. The hornbills are important cultural symbols for the ethnic Dayaks as they represent the spirit of God. It’s believed that if one is seen flying over residences, good fortune will follow.

123RF

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Step It Up

The Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon Challenge is a test of physical and mental endurance. Held annually as one of the capital’s most anticipated sporting events, participants kick off with an 800-metre race uphill from the carpark to the lobby of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. They then climb 2,058 steps to reach the Megaview Banquet Hall, 288 metres above the ground level of the tower.

Largest Island

123RF

At close to 750,000 square kilometres, Borneo is the largest island in Asia, and the third largest in the world after Greenland and New Guinea. In the north are Brunei and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak; while the centre and south is home to Kalimantan, which makes up part of Indonesia.

KL TOWER TOWERTHON OFFICIAL

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Superstition

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Reads

The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad focused on the life of Achilles and his lover, Patroclus. At once a comingof-age story and a reimagining of one of the most vivid battles in literary history, Miller’s Song is a breathtaking work that is brought to life through her sparkling prose. Love and friendship are key themes of this seminal piece of literature, and Miller contributes to the overall understanding of the work by hazarding a why to the typical what of the story of Achilles. Forget Brad Pitt’s reluctant, nuanced Achilles; the Achilles of Greek myth is much better approximated by Miller’s brash, arrogant and petulant hero of great ardour.

RRP: RM55.90

The Flame

by Leonard Cohen Cohen is perhaps most famous in this part of the world as the person who penned the song Hallelujah although few would likely admit to liking his particular rendition of the song. The latest (and probably final) installment in his published works, Flame collects unpublished poetry and self-portraits and also includes lyrics from his last album You Want it Darker. Cohen’s poetry is unabashedly dark, but there is always a flicker of a flame somewhere within that darkness that, if coming from anyone else, would be cringey. Flame, ultimately, is an intimate love song – autobiographical and universal in its meaning and precision.

RRP: RM115.90

5 Centimetres Per Second: One More Side

by Makoto Shinkai (Adapted by Arata Kanoh) Writer and producer of Your Name, Makoto Shinkai’s 2007 anime 5 Centimetres Per Second was hailed as a critical success and cemented Shinkai’s status as the next Miyazaki. In the original anime, friends Takaki and Akari are separated from each other when the latter’s parents move to a different part of the country.

Later, when Takaki’s parents too decide to move to the other side of the country, he resolves to visit Akari one last time before they are separated by too great a distance. During their meeting, they realise their feelings for one another but also the futility of hoping for anything more beyond that moment. As the years progress, Takaki continues to be haunted by his first love even as he continues down his own path. This new novel adapted by Arata Kanoh gives readers another side to the story with greater emphasis on Akari’s perspective while leaving the core of the story intact.

RRP: RM70.50

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS Hardcover Fiction & Non-fiction *based on the week of 13 January 2019

Normal People

by Sally Rooney Sally Rooney is a late 20-something phenom whose debut novel, Conversations with Friends, was published in 2017 to massive critical acclaim. Her 2018 follow-up, Normal People, was similarly feted and longlisted for the 2018 Booker Prize. The story follows a young couple, Connell and Marianne, who meet each other in secondary school at County Sligo, Ireland and later at university in Dublin.

Drawn to each other by pure natural chemistry, they are nevertheless caught in an unending cycle of love and hate with circumstances and personalities conspiring to pull them apart.

Rooney captures brilliantly the uncertainty brought about by young love replete with its unwillingness to compromise with its ‘All or Nothing’ battlecry.

More poignant is Rooney’s observation that there is nothing normative about love, and there is no such thing as ‘normal people’.

RRP: RM79.90

THE RECKONING

by George R.R. Martin

EVERY BREATH

TARGET: ALEX CROSS

by Nicholas Sparks

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

Never Anyone But You

by Rupert Thompson Never Anyone But You is based on the lives of two pioneering female French surrealists Marcel Moore, and her partner and lover, Claude Cahun. The latter also happens to be her stepsister, after Marcel’s father marries Claude’s widowed mother when she was 14.

Thompson’s novel details their early lives as lovers and their transformation into their androgynous personas following their move to Paris. There, they strike up close relationships with Paris’ most avant garde and begin their lives as surrealist performers. Their roles quickly change following the occupation of France and the sisters carry out inspired acts of resistance that include planting anti-war leaflets in German barracks and antiwar propaganda throughout occupied France. Never Anyone is a sensitively told story that nevertheless brims with encounters and anecdotes that places the reader front and centre of this magnificent story of creativity, survival, friendship and, of course, love.

RRP: RM89.90

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FIRE & BLOOD

by John Grisham

by Delia Owens

by James Patterson

BECOMING

by Michelle Obama

EDUCATED

KILLING THE SS

THE POINT OF IT ALL

BRIEF ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS

by Tara Westover

by Charles Krauthammer, edited by Daniel Krauthammer

by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

by Stephen Hawking

Snap a photo of the front cover of this month’s Fireflyz and get a 5% discount at Lit Books store.

Address: P-01-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia TEL: 03-7886 6988

17/01/2019 11:43 AM

A t T h e M ov i e s

Alita: Battle Angel

Starring: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Jackie Earle Haley, Keean Johnson Directors: James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez Release date: 14 February 2019 From visionary filmmakers James Cameron (Avatar) and Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), comes Alita: Battle Angel, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. When Alita (Salazar) awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognise, she is taken in by Ido (Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realises that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history, while her street-smart new friend Hugo (Johnson) offers instead to help trigger her memories. It is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX TM & © 2019 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Playing at the cinemas © 2019 METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Fighting With My Family

*Disclaimer: Information is correct at the time of printing

Starring: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden, Vince Vaughn, Dwayne Johnson Director: Stephen Merchant Release date: 14 February 2019 Fighting With My Family is a heart-warming comedy based on the incredible true story of WWE Superstar Paige™. Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige (Pugh) and her brother Zak (Lowden) are ecstatic when they get the once-in-alifetime opportunity to try out for WWE – but when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training programme, she must leave her family and face this new, cut-throat world alone. Paige’s journey pushes her to dig deep, fight for her family, and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

© 2019 WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Margot Robbie, Alison Brie, Will Arnett Director: Mike Mitchell Release date: 8 February 2019 The much-anticipated sequel to the critically-acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all-new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It has been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. The battle to defeat them and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet (Pratt), Lucy (Brie), Batman (Arnett) and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.

How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World © 2019 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Kit Harrington, Craig Ferguson Director: Dean DeBlois Release date: 22 February 2019

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From DreamWorks Animation comes a surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown, and how nothing can ever train you to let go. What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic adventure spanning their lives. In this third instalment, Hiccup (Baruchel) is now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid (Ferrera) in a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female dragon Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destinies are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together – to the very ends of the Earth – to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.

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News & Happenings

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TOURISM MALAYSIA

FireFly News

17/01/2019 12:06 PM

T

Experience Malaysia With Firefly Airlines

here’s no better time to explore Malaysia than now, with the Jom Jalan campaign

by Firefly Holiday. Offering a variety of choices, great convenience and affordable packages, Firefly Holiday is the airline’s one-stop platform for all things travel, from hotel bookings and car rentals to activities and tours, insurance, airport transfers and more.

world’s most beautiful tropical rainforests and beaches. There are packages for all needs, be it yoga, reflexology, spas or exploration.

Passengers can look forward to more exciting things in the pipeline, as the airline is in the midst of working on more collaborations with potential tourism and corporate partners in areas such as medical tourism, ‘be like locals’ packages, ecotourism, attractions, food, adventures and shopping.

Firefly Holiday is the best way to discover Malaysia’s natural gems, including some of the

For beach lovers, Langkawi (photo) offers an abundance of crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and dive tours. Trips are made easier when booked through Firefly Holiday, with a seamless check-in and check-out process at the hotel, while land transportation and airport transfers are also available – leaving more energy to enjoy the multitude of activities on the island.

For foodies, Penang is the place to be as it is world-renowned as the street food capital of Malaysia, where one can dig into famed favourites such as nasi kandar, char kuey teow or laksa. Book packages via fireflyz.com.my and plan a Do-ItYourself itinerary that caters to everyone.

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Net work Map

Sitiawan

BY THE COAST Silky noodles, giant statues of Chinese deities – Sitiawan in Perak has them all.

Spend half a day exploring and eating your way through the small town, on pages 20-21.

Banda BandaAceh Aceh

Firefly Sales Offices & Counters

SUBANG

Subang Skypark Terminal Ground Floor, Departure Hall Terminal 3 Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor TEL: +603 7846 3622 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5 am to 10 pm

PENANG

Departure Hall, Main Terminal Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas TEL: +604 630 6665 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 10 pm

KELANTAN

JOHOR

Ground Floor, Aero Mall Senai International Airport 81250, Johor Bahru TEL: +607 598 7488 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 6 am to 10 pm

INDONESIA

KEDAH

International Departure Hall Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport Banda Aceh EMAIL: aceh@fireflyz.com.my OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 8:30 am to 5 pm

Main Terminal, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport 06550 Alor Setar TEL: +604 714 3911 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 8 pm

LANGKAWI

Airlines Marketing Representative

Selected Airport Ticket Offices

Sultan Mahmud Airport 21300 Kuala Terengganu TEL: +609 667 5377 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 9 pm

PERAK

Floor 3, Room 302, Phuket International Airport Maikhao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 TEL: +66 76 351 477 FAX: +66 76 327 312 EMAIL: phuket@fireflyz.com.my

Level 5, Departure Hall Main Terminal Building Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 64000 Sepang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 12 am

PAHANG

SINGAPORE

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport 16100 Kota Bharu TEL: +609 774 1377 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 9:30 pm

TERENGGANU

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport 25150 Kuantan TEL: +609 538 2911 OPERATING HOURS: Sat to Mon, Wed & Thur; 9 am to 6 pm

THAILAND

Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah TEL: +604 955 9622 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 8 pm

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport 30350 Ipoh OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 5 pm

City Ticketing Office

SUBANG

Lot R-01, 3rd Floor, CITTA Mall No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48 Ara Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia OPERATING HOURS: Mon to Fri: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sat, Sun & Public Holiday – Closed

Departure Hall Row Changi Airport Terminal 2 TEL: +65 3158 8279 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 9:30 pm

KLIA

KL SENTRAL

Level 01, Departure Hall Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KLCAT) Kuala Lumpur Sentral Rail Station 50470 Kuala Lumpur OPERATING HOURS: Mon to Fri: 9 am to 8 pm; Sat, 9 am to 5:30 pm; Sun – Closed

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Ways you can check in aside from the airport : WEB CHECK IN: At www.fireflyz.com.my. Print out the boarding pass yourself. Available for Malaysia domestic and Singapore flights only. For Indonesia and Thailand inbound/outbound flights, check in is through the counter at the airport only.

MOBILE APP CHECK IN: Via Firefly Mobile from your mobile phone. The 2D barcode boarding pass can be scanned at airport security and at the boarding gate. *The Firefly Mobile app is available in Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free.

KIOSK CHECK IN: Check in and print your boarding pass at these kiosks at the airport. This service is available for code share passengers as well.

Putrajaya

Call Centre General Hotline: +603 7845 4543 / Singapore: +65 3158 8279 Operating Hours: Daily 8am – 9pm

*Correct at the time of printing. Please visit www.fireflyz.com.my for more information.

MODERN & GREEN More than just an administrative capital, Putrajaya holds many surprises. Read up on what to see, do and experience in the city on pages 22-27.

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Our Fleet & Service Information

Get acquainted with our service information for a fuss-free travel experience.

On-Time Performance

No-Smoking Policy

Our check-in counters close 30 minutes before departure. Please allow at least 45 minutes for immigration and security clearance. Boarding gates will close 10 minutes prior to departure and late passengers will not be accepted.

Cabin Luggage Handling

ATR 72-500

Manufacturer

Avions de transport régional (ATR) No. of aircraft

12

Height

7.65 m Maximum Fuel Capacity

841 Gallons

Maximum Cruising Speed

Passenger Seating

510 km/h

Length

Maximum range with full passenger load

72 (single class) 27.17 m Wingspan

890 nautical miles (1648.28 Km)

27.05 m

Operation Hubs

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all flights.

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang & Penang International Airport, Penang

Passenger and crew safety onboard our flights is our highest priority.

In compliance with the airline’s policy and in observing Occupational, Safety and Health Regulations, cabin crew are no longer required to stow passengers’ hand luggages into the overhead stowage compartment. This is to minimise occupational hazard and ergonomic risks faced by cabin crew

in the aircraft. Cabin crew on duty will, however, assist passengers travelling with infants, young passengers travelling alone, the elderly, and passengers with reduced mobility.

Passengers who are fit and in good health must carry, stow and secure their own hand luggage on board.

Hand luggage exceeding the 7kg weight limit is required to be checked in before boarding.

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Wheelchair Assistance

Manual self-propelled wheelchairs can be provided for a fee, subject to availability. Please enquire through our Call Centre upon booking.

Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes must be carried on one’s person or in carry-on baggage only. Recharging of the device in-flight is not permitted.

Refusal to Carry or Restraint of Passenger Onboard

Firefly has the right to refuse to carry passengers that they consider to be a potential risk to the safety of its other passengers and crew. We value courteousness. Any form of threat, verbal abuse or violence towards our staff will not be tolerated.

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

For safety reasons and in line with the Regulatory Guidelines, mobile phones and all PEDs must be switched off once aircraft doors are closed. Whilst cruising, devices placed in flight mode may be used. The devices must again be switched off during the approach for landing until the aircraft is parked at the terminal building. Devices transmitting strong signals must remain switched off throughout the flight, until disembarkation. The Captain may prohibit the use of devices that can interfere with the aircraft’s system.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries for portable electronic devices (PEDs), including medical devices must not exceed 2g for lithium metal batteries and 100Wh for lithium ion batteries. All spare batteries, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for PEDs must be carried in passengers’ carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

For PEDs containing non-spillable batteries, they must be 12V or less or 100Wh or less. A maximum of two spare batteries may be carried.

These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

Fresh & Frozen Seafood

Fresh and frozen seafood are strictly not permitted in check-in baggage. They may be accepted in cabin baggage, subject to the destination’s quarantine regulations. They must be properly packed and meet the cabin baggage weight and size requirements.

A maximum of 2.5 kg of dry ice per passenger is permissible if dry ice is used to carry these items.

We reserve the right to refuse carriage if the items are not properly packed.

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View finder Photo 123rf

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Wish Upon A Lantern

W

ith roots dating back thousands of years, the Spring Lantern Festival is a traditional celebration that falls on the last day of Chinese New Year. It is also called Chap Goh Meh (15th night in the Hokkien dialect) in Malaysia and Singapore.

Lanterns represent good fortune and hope, and in ancient times, people took to the streets carrying paper ones, with ‘lantern riddles’ inside being an essential part of the festivities. Some parts of the world with large Chinese communities celebrate by releasing wishing lanterns, or ‘sky lanterns’.

These paper lanterns resemble a small hot air balloon, with a fire lit underneath to carry written wishes up to the night sky. A good place to experience this cultural celebration is at the Pingxi district in Taipei, Taiwan.

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# FlyFirefly

eijawaid

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aiza_yusof

Tag us on Instagram @fireflyairlines and get your photos published. dansiha

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31 likes aiza_yusof Di Cherating, lokasinya berdekatan dengan Holiday Villa. Tidak jauh dari jalan besar. Lanskapnya cantik dan menenangkan... #fireflyairlines #malaysiatrulyasia

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210 like range cru a Your o jalan m o #j eijawaid ys a ireflyholid #f z fly ire #f

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rozi.ahmad_

251 like s dansiha y W ithou t the sta past, you irs of the cannot a rrive at th #Malays e future. iaTrulyAsi a the5elem entskl H appy Ne nick_dk w Year! _lee Hap py New Year

fl ying_julez

16 likes rozi.ahmad_ Sunset at Subang Terminal Skypark. Time well spent with my family, watching the plane and the sun setting.

33 lik annoir es eesca pade Setar city. # F kedah lying abov #work e darula ingtrip man # Alor fireflyz

joeycafe

jey_travel I just saw your recent photos. It looks like your photos are getting better with time!

juwita.an

39 likes flying_julez Hari ini: #Perlepasan dalam negeri dengan #fireflyairlines dari Penang ke Langkawi. Flying Firefly Airlines on their #ATR42 aircraft! misslunavega Nice! shieda58 yes perfect

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es guys…

1,144 lik evening ne Good y zl juwita.an riz G featuring Kunang2 t fin Perfec Nizamari Precision o w o ib w pb

34 likes joeycafe New year, same resolution.

Go on an adventure whenever possible, choose healthy food, activities and people, and accept that not everything will sail your way chrisy82 Move the boat to sail your way ybeljojo Looks like Banjaran!

February 2019

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OBC_FF Feb2019_AIG_Jan-edt.pdf

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