Fireflyz September 2020

September 2020 read online at fireflyz.com.my

Happy

Malaysia Day! UNITY IN INDEPENDENCE

12 HOURS KUALA TERENGGANU / PERSPECTIVE PRESERVING SARAWAK’S ETHNIC MUSIC / TRACKER 5 IDYLLIC ISLANDS IN MALAYSIA

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Contents Spetember 2020

44

Humble Beginnings

Cheesemaking in Sabah

4 Hello From Firefly CEO 6 Inside Look

Happy Malaysia Day!

12 Travel Trends The #newnorm of dining out

16 MY List

5 things and facts about Malaysia

Where to stay

31

22 Bites

Alena Murang: The sound of ethnic music

18 Comfort Zone

Where to eat

Perspective

24 Quench

Where to drink

25

12 Hours

Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

35 Tracker

5 island destinations in Malaysia

40 Street Chef Mee jawa in Selangor

48 Pack Up Sports-inspired watches

50 Viewfinder

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Perak

51 Firefly News 52 Firefly Checklist 53 Firefly Safety Measures 54 Network Map 56 Fleet & Service Info 58 #FlyFirefly

Our Instagram Stars!

Hello From Firefly CEO

Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan and Happy Malaysia Day to my fellow Malaysians, global citizens residing in this wonderful country, and to travellers who have fallen in love with Malaysia, our unique culture, its people and of course, the delicious food.

This is the time of the year when we are usually inspired to reflect on what it means to be a Malaysian, while appreciating the history of our nation: the hardships endured by the pre- and post-Merdeka generation, the struggles and sacrifices of our founding fathers and freedom fighters to gain independence for the country. All that, and more, enables us to thrive harmoniously in this multi-ethnic country.

On the travel front, there were a couple of public holidays in August (Awal Muharram and Merdeka Day) and in September, there is Malaysia Day. We hope you’ve chosen (or are planning) to fly to one (or more) Cuti-Cuti Malaysia destinations, to explore the hidden gems of Malaysia and discover the distinct local treasures that this beautiful land has to offer.

Last month, we introduced a new and exciting travel pass called Firefly Passport. It is great value-formoney as it allows you to take an unlimited number of flights to various domestic destinations in a 3-month period for only RM399 (or RM699 for 6 months).

I highly recommend booking your next travel package with Firefly Holiday, as the combo of flight ticket plus accommodation (including 4- and 5-star hotel options) are made affordable and convenient.

And turn that simple vacation into a dream holiday!

We are also pleased to announce the launch of Firefly's new mobile app, with enhanced features and a more user-friendly interface. Make sure you download it, as we have special offers just for our mobile app users.

In the coming months, I’m looking forward to more travels — for work — and a personal holiday at one of the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia destinations. Perhaps we’ll see each other at the airport! Meanwhile, take care of each other, stay safe and make sure to pack your hygiene essentials.

See you on board soon! •

Phil Chief Executive Officer, Firefly Airlines P/S: Check out our easy guide and tips on how to FLY S.A.F.E. on fireflyz.com.my

FIREFLY EDITORIAL COMMITTEE CEO, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd Philip See Marketing & Communications Sheila Ibrahim Koo Kee Wai Khoo Sian Chun Syaiful Azuan Abdul Fatah 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

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Fireflyz 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 Fireflyz 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.

NOW AVAILABLE at our website and outlets

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Inside Look

September 2020

Text Eris Choo Photos Eris Choo,123rf, Shutterstock, P. Ramlee Memorial House

6

Happy Malaysia

Day!

OFTEN OVERSHADOWED BY HARI MERDEKA ON 31 AUGUST (WHICH COMMEMORATES MALAYAN INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITISH RULE), MALAYSIA DAY IS NO LESS IMPORTANT, AS IT CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF THE MALAYSIA WE KNOW TODAY.

M

alaysia is home to over 33 million people, composed of various races, cultures and beliefs. From a young age, Malaysians are taught the values of respect, tolerance and understanding, which have enabled our society to live in harmony despite the different races and religions. The peace and stability that we enjoy, however, would not have been possible without immense sacrifices.

Inside Look

September 2020

7

How It All Began

Malaya and northern Borneo were under British rule for over 150 years.

While the British brought sweeping changes to the region in areas such as education, roads, and facilities, there were calls to form an independent nation — one unfettered by the influence of foreign powers.

It was a long and hard road that took years of negotiations, but on 31 August 1957, the Federation of Malaya — consisting of nine states on the Malayan peninsula — declared its independence and sovereignty on the hallowed grounds of Padang Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

The idea of merging the Federation of Malaya with Brunei, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was first mooted in 1961

by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Affectionately known as the ‘Father of Malaysia’, he was a key figure in the country’s fight for independence, and would go on to play a pivotal role in the formation of modern Malaysia.

At the time, Singapore was still a British Crown colony, and much of the north coast of Borneo was also under British rule. Following numerous talks, the Cobbold Commission was set up to find out if citizens of North Borneo and Sarawak supported the formation of Malaysia. Singapore held its own inquiry, while Brunei opted out altogether.

On 9 July 1963, Tunku together with representatives of states that wished to join the new Malaysia, flew to London to sign the Malaysia Agreement. The agreement included a 20-point memorandum from Sabah and an 18-point memorandum from Sarawak, with special provisions on religion, education, language, administration and economy, among others — meant to safeguard the autonomy and rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Once the agreement was signed, the Federation of Malaysia — made up of Singapore, Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah — was born.

Inside Look

September 2020

8

A Historic First

The announcement of Malaysia Day was held at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. Tunku shouted ‘Merdeka’ seven times — as he did during Malaya’s declaration of independence six years prior — to an eager crowd of over 30,000 spectators. The atmosphere was electric and jubilant. A massive human graphic display formed the words ‘Hidup Malaysia’ (Long Live Malaysia).

Celebrations were also held in the newly accepted states, with parades and cultural performances. In Sabah, the main event was held at the Jesselton city field, where Tun Muhammad Fuad ‘Donald’ Stephens, sworn into office as the state’s first chief minister, was outfitted in the national Kadazan attire.

Meanwhile in Sarawak, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, the first chief minister of the state, read the Proclamation of Sarawak’s independence at a ceremony in Kuching.

The Separation

Malaysia did not come to be without birthing pains. Indonesia and Philippines strongly objected to its formation; the former claimed Malaysia represented a form of neocolonialism, and the latter staked its claim on the northeastern part of Sabah as its territory.

Beginning 1963, Indonesia’s President Sukarno adopted a policy called Konfrontasi, which saw violent conflict (with battles mostly taking place in the jungles of Borneo) between the two countries that lasted until 1966.

Tanah Melayu or Malaya, with its prosperous trading ports such as Temasek (its name was later changed to Singapura), Melaka and Pulau Pinang, are part of the history of our nation.

However, post-Merdeka, the union with Singapore was also short-lived; deep political and economic differences between the ruling parties of Singapore and Malaysia exacerbated racial tensions. It was a difficult decision that tore many families apart, as some opted to stay in Malaysia, while others took to calling Singapore their new home. Singapore eventually formed its own republic on 9 August 1965 — less than two years after it first joined Malaysia.

Inside Look

September 2020

9

Then And Now

We have come a long way as a nation. Thanks to rich natural resources, openness to trade, and a willingness to foster good relations with our neighbours and the international community, Malaysia is now the fourth largest economy in Southeast Asia, and the 27th most competitive in the world.

The country is also rich in natural and man-made wonders, from ancient rainforests and tranquil beaches, to modern architectural marvels such as the Petronas Twin Towers. Our diverse culture and cuisines are also strong draws for tourists.

There has always been, however, a disconnect between Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak; they are, after all, separated by the South China Sea. While Merdeka is often celebrated

with pomp in the capitals of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia Day celebrations are much more subdued, and observed only in Sabah and Sarawak. It wasn’t until 2010 that it was declared a national holiday by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in order to foster a sense of unity and togetherness.

This year, the usual parades for both Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day have been suspended, but the government has nevertheless, announced a celebratory theme — Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares) — marking the country’s efforts in fighting the novel coronavirus, and the importance of looking out for each other during this difficult time.

Let us take this opportunity for quiet and thoughtful reflection on the ties that bind us to our beautiful and blessed country: Malaysia.•

Inside Look

September 2020

10

No parade? No problem! Here’s how you can get into the spirit of Malaysia Day, whilst observing social distancing protocols.

Visit A Historic Place Relive history at historical landmarks such as Dataran Merdeka, where the country’s independence was proclaimed. The field faces the Sultan Abdul Samad building, another historic building, which once housed the offices of the British colonial administration.

Also nearby is Tugu Negara (National Monument), a gigantic sculpture that commemorates the soldiers who died in battle during the Japanese occupation in World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which took place between 1948 and 1960.

Enjoy Delicious Local Food If there’s one thing Malaysians are united in, it’s our love for food. Go on a foodie trip and indulge in the myriad of cuisines Malaysia has to offer: nasi lemak for breakfast, Sarawak kolo mee for lunch, kuih muih for tea and murtabak for dinner! Or cook up a feast and enjoy a homecooked meal with loved ones.

Watch An Old Film Or A Historical Documentary Most TV channels offer special programmes for Merdeka, including talent performances with a patriotic theme, as well as old films and documentaries chronicling the history of our nation. Or binge on classic films and songs by our national icon, P. Ramlee.

Inside Look

September 2020

11

Photos P. Ramlee Memorial House

Tan Sri P. Ramlee or Teuku Zakaria Bin Teuku Nyak Puteh (his birth name) was an artistic legend in cinema and music. He had no parallel in the world of classic Malay entertainment. At the height of his career, his fame reached as far as Brunei, Hong Kong and Japan. He was involved in 66 films and composed over 400 songs prior to his untimely death at the relatively young age of 44.

Must-Watch P. Ramlee Movies Bujang Lapok (and its entire series) Before Hollywood made sequels popular, there was the Bujang Lapok series consisting of five comedy films. They essentially revolve around the lives of three over-aged bachelors, Ramli, Aziz and Sudin, who are also best friends.

Anak-ku Sazali In this timeless classic, the actor shows off his acting chops, playing dual roles as both the father and the son in the story. Ramlee’s superb acting netted him the Best Actor award at the 1957 Asian Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan.

Ibu Mertuaku A tragic love affair is always a crowd puller.

The movie won Best Black & White Photography at the 10th Asia Pacific Film Festival in 1963, with Ramlee also bagging a special award for Most Versatile Talent.

5 Must-Listen P. Ramlee Songs

P. Ramlee was a Renaissance man, gifted with exquisite talent in acting, directing, screenwriting, and songwriting. He also wrote and performed his own songs — some of which won awards — for many of his films. He drew inspiration from his wife, and the love of his life, Saloma, who was also a gifted singer and actress in her own right.

Hang Tuah A historically inspired masterpiece that will move and inspire you. A perfect watch for Merdeka and Malaysia Day. P. Ramlee is a grand master of comedy, heart-wrenching dramas and social commentary. Check out his other iconic films : • Labu Labi • Madu Tiga • Do Re Mi • Nujum Pak Belalang • Tiga Abdul • Sarjan Hassan

Here are a few of P. Ramlee’s masterpieces: • Di Mana Kan Ku Cari Ganti • Getaran Jiwa • Tiada Kata Secantik Bahasa • Jangan Tinggalkan Daku • Bunyi Gitar

T r a ve l T r e n d s

September 2020

12

Text Arista Kwek

The #NewNorm of

Dining Out MISS DINING OUT? GET ACQUAINTED WITH NEW DINING PROTOCOLS AND REGULATIONS BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT AGAIN TO YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT

N

othing can quite replace the pleasure of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee at your local kopitiam, or gathering with loved ones over a delicious meal at a restaurant. As dining in restaurants is now permitted during Malaysia’s RMCO (recovery movement control order) phase, here’s how you can do your part to make responsible dining your new normal. This will also help to keep community infection rates low, which in turn allows restaurants to continue operating.

Clear And Present

Support restaurants that have the #newnorm dining SOPs in place, and prioritise safety — yours and their staff. The latter should be healthy, and proactive in enforcing the following:

3. Proper safety distancing measures — while the maximum seating capacity of each table is at every restaurant’s 2. Ensure you check in via scanning the discretion, there should be at least QR code on the official My Sejahtera a 2m distance between tables. app, or the SELangkah app (for The spatial layout should also allow those in Selangor), to facilitate customers to move about and queue contact tracing. up, where required, while maintaining a 1m distance from each other.

1. Take your temperature before you enter the establishment.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

September 2020

13

Plans, With A Twist

1. With physical distancing in place, restaurants will have a reduced seating capacity.

Make your reservations ahead of time, or dine during off-peak hours — some restaurants may offer promotions to encourage this — and it also means you’ll have the advantage of minimising your contact with others.

2. Dine alfresco, if the weather permits. It’s believed that improved air circulation outdoors reduces the risk of being exposed to airborne particles.

3. Plan a foodie getaway with your friends — coastal areas like Langkawi or Pontian are wonderful places to get your fresh seafood fix, while being treated to sublime ocean views.

4. Or you could simply go on a café-hopping trail, but set yourself the challenge of checking out hidden gems.

Bring Your Own?

1. Besides the personal stuff you’d need (mobile phone, mask, and other #newnorm necessities such as hand sanitisers and wet wipes), pack along a couple of spare masks and reusable, resealable plastic bags; the latter to store your mask while you dine or for other emergencies.

2. You can also consider bringing your own (properly cleaned or sanitised) cups and utensils. Some restaurants may offer disposable utensils but bringing your own can certainly help to reduce your carbon footprint, which is encouraged, considering the amount of disposables currently consumed during this pandemic.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

September 2020

14

Keep It Clean

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after every meal; if a water source isn’t available, use hand sanitisers.

2. Communal hygiene is just as important — avoid sharing food with people outside of your household (i.e. friends). So skip the shared hotpot and buffet meals as these meal formats pose a high contagion risk.

3. Expect a contactless dining experience — printed menus (which has exchanged hands plenty of times) will be replaced by digital menus, some accessible by a QR code. Suggest the idea to the restaurant if such an initiative is not yet in place.

4. Contactless payment methods through e-wallet apps like GrabPay, Maybank E-Wallet, Touch N’GO, and Boost are also handy options.

5. For your safety as well as those around you, keep your mask on at all times till you’re ready to eat. After the meal, put the mask back on.

Be Generous

Have patience. Understand that service might be a little slower as many establishments find their footing and navigate the best way to work with the new regulations. A little kindness goes a long way, and besides a simple thank you, practical ways to show your support include tipping if you can afford to, and being considerate by keeping your mealtimes short.

That way, your favourite restaurant can enjoy a higher turnover rate, and more diners will get to savour the pleasures of dining out too.•

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MY List

September 2020

Photos Tourism Malaysia / Unsplash / Shutterstock / Wikimedia Commons

5

Things & Facts About

1

Marvellous Malaysia

Religious Complex

Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, Kek Lok Si, Si, is located in Penang.

The most impressive highlights within the temple grounds is the seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI, as well as the 36-metre-tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

2

Slick Move

The S Serve or Sidek Serve, is a tricky badminton move credited to the Malaysian Sidek brothers, who were professional badminton players in the 1980s and 1990s. The controversial serve was banned by the International Badminton Federation as it was seen to give an unfair advantage to one side.

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MY List

September 2020

17

3

Colourful Ascent

There are 272 steps leading up to the Batu Caves Hindu temple complex in Gombak, Selangor.

The temple’s staircase received a major makeover in 2018, when its steps were painted in the colours of the rainbow.

4

The Innocent Maiden

One of Langkawi’s most popular attractions is Makam Mahsuri, Mahsuri, tomb of the beautiful Mahsuri. Legend has it that she had married the love of her life, but while her husband was away at war her jealous mother-in-law accused her of adultery. The villagers executed her but when she was pierced with the ceremonial dagger her blood flowed white, thus proving her innocence.

5

Of The Land

The Penan are an indigenous group of people from Sarawak. Once nomadic hunters and gatherers who lived off the bounty of nature, logging and illegal deforestation have devastated much of their forest home. Most of them now live in permanent settlements with agriculture as their main source of income.

PHOTO: THOMAS QUINE @ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

September 2020

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Tranquil Escape

Expect a new standard of seaside luxury when One & Only Desaru Coast opens on 6 September 2020. Spread across 128 acres of unspoilt wild flora and fronted by a secluded coastline of pristine golden sand, the resort offers a breathtaking collection of Junior Suites, Grand Suites and an exclusive Villa One, all equipped with private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, and thoughtful Malaysian-inspired design features. Perched on the edge of this secluded coastline amidst lush greenery is Ember Beach Club. Helmed by critically acclaimed Chef Andrew Walsh, expect exciting culinary offerings inspired by the age-old tradition of open-fire cooking infused with Asian flavours. There’s also a curated range of activities to check out. oneandonlydesarucoast.com

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

September 2020

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Convenient Location

Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Diamond Triangle, Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur makes the ideal base for exploring the city. The 650-room hotel is linked to Sunway Putra Mall, and features nine room categories, all tastefully furnished and complemented by amenities. Leisure facilities include a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool, while the hotel’s F&B outlets offer delicious local and international fare. From now until 31 December 2020, the hotel is offering three room deals: 15% Off Best Available Rate, Stay 3 Nights & Pay 2 Nights, and the Buy Now & Stay Later. These packages provide guests with benefits such as 24hour FlexiStay, complimentary room

upgrades, exclusive privileges and discounts, and more. For its guests’ peace of mind and comfort during their stay, the hotel has implemented its #SunwayStaySafe programme, which comprises almost 30 protocols of heightened cleaning practices. sunwayhotels.com/sunway-putra/

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

September 2020

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SABAH, MALAYSIA

Idyllic Getaway

Chill out at Gayana Marine Resort, a picturesque destination nestled on Gaya Island’s Malohom Bay, off the coast of Sabah. Boasting 45 overwater tropical villas with incredible vistas of nature, from the azure blue waters of the South China Sea to lush jungles and mangroves, the resort offers a blissful respite. It also has a spa, palate-pleasing dining venues and an on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre dedicated to the propagation of endangered giant clams and coral reefs.

Free up your weekends for a staycation from RM550 nett per room per night at the resort’s Rainforest Villas, or RM850 nett for the Ocean Villas. This exclusive rate is available from Fridays to Sundays, until 31 October 2020. As a gesture of tribute, healthcare workers booking the Rainforest Villa will be upgraded to the Ocean Villa (subject to availability). echoresorts.com/gayana

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Stay, Play and Party

Planning a staycation in Kuala Lumpur?

Book a room at MoMo’s KL, a new social boutique hotel in the heart of Chow Kit that makes a great base from which to explore the city. Its 99 micro rooms exude minimalist chic and come equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The PlayGround is MoMo’s dynamic lobby that doubles as an event space — playing host to everything from food pop-ups and standup comedy routines, to poetry slams and DJ parties. If you need to grab a quick bite, there is MoMosita, a self-service taco bar.

This space transforms into a cool hangout spot at night that serves cocktails and beer. stayatmomos.com

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

September 2020

22

Cross-Culture Nosh

At Phuket Babas, classic recipes from Malaysia’s Peranakan cuisine and Thailand’s aromatic fare get a new spin. That familiar Peranakan favourite called babi pongteh (fermented bean paste and pork stew)?

Here, it’s Spanish pork belly in bean paste sauce, served with pickles and mashed potatoes, while Bangkok and Bologna happily coexist in a pasta version of pad thai — pasta in a rich meaty ragu sauce is topped with a sprinkling of peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic oil, coriander and lime.

Another must-try is the otak-otak (grilled fish cake) lasagna — the usual meat (or vegetables) between sheets of pasta is replaced with otak-otak, and is served with a daun kaduk (wild betel leaf) cream sauce. Some of its cocktails follow a similar Southeast Asian theme: the gin-based Red Ruby and bourbon-based Thai Tea Old Fashioned, are but two. phuketbabas.com

PHOTOS: PHUKET BABAS

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

September 2020

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A French Romance

Helmed by a husband-andwife team, Le Gourmandin takes pride in offering classic brasserie-style dishes, honoured through slow and meticulous preparations. Duck dominates the menu: take your pick from locally sourced duck breast with orange sauce, duck ravioli or tagliatelle with sliced duck in mushroom sauce. For burger fans, try the duck burger layered with black truffle and slivers of foie gras. The bistro does not serve alcohol, but offers a list of mocktails instead.

PHOTO: LE GOURMANDIN

le-gourmandin.com

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

September 2020

24

Text Sean Yoong

Bean There, Drank That

BeanMart brews coffee with a twist. Its Costa Rican honey-processed coffee is served in a Chinese tea pot and cup, and comes accompanied by a few coffee beans — customers get to see the bean variety from which their cup of coffee was brewed. BeanMart's barista explains that serving it this way encourages patrons to slowly savour the subtleties of the coffee as the beverage cools. The cafe also offers an ever-changing selection of locally roasted single-origin coffee, as well as playful concoctions like the Rose Amore, which blends cold-drip coffee with roselle-infused rice wine. The kitchen is equally playful with its menu: Try its tortilla-wrapped otak-otak (grilled fish cake) with omelette and youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks), gussied up with dried shrimp sambal for a real kick. facebook.com/883BeanMart

12 H o u r s

September 2020

Text Ian Loh Photos Ian Loh & Tourism Malaysia Illustration Yion Lim

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A Charming Coastal City SPEND A DAY IN KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU, THE MAIN GATEWAY TO THE STATE OF TERENGGANU’S MANY TOURIST DESTINATIONS.

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7.30am

Start your morning like the locals do — with a plate of nasi dagang, which is a breakfast staple in this east coast state. Get in line early at Nasi Dagang Atas Tol 3 — the queue starts at 6.45am! This popular eatery’s version features a mix of soft, fragrant white rice and white glutinous rice that’s steamed to perfection, and served with fish curry (the fish and curry sauce are served separately), and a side of pickled carrots and cucumbers. For an Instaworthy shot, order their special Teh Peng Ombak Rindu — an iced milk tea with overflowing tea foam — which goes well with the spicy food.

Nasi Dagang

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River Cruise & The Crystal Mosque

8.30am

First on the list is Taman Tamadun Islam, also known as The Islamic Civilization Park, which is an outdoor edutainment park located on Wan Man island, about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Make your first stop at Monument Park, where 22 scaled-down replicas of the world’s most well-known landmarks of Islamic culture, such as India’s Taj Mahal, Saudi Arabia’s Masjidil Haram, and Malaysia’s own National Mosque, among others, have been erected. It’s a great way to learn about the spread of the Islamic culture and heritage, and to get a chance to marvel at all the beautiful Islamic architecture in one place.

Another highlight of the park is The Crystal Mosque, one of Terengganu’s

iconic landmarks. Constructed entirely out of steel and glass, the mosque is truly a sight to behold. During the day, the smokecoloured glass sheets that clad the domes and minarets shimmer in the sunlight. At night, the sight is equally mesmerising as the mosque is lit up in a riot of colours that lends it a surreal appearance under the dark skies.

If there’s time, hop onto the River Cruise.

The 45-minute guided sightseeing tour will cruise along the Terengganu River and take you through the city’s old and new attractions such as traditional boat makers at Pulau Duyong, fishing villages dotted on the smaller islands, and the newly opened Terengganu Drawbridge, Southeast Asia’s first tower drawbridge.

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12.00pm

You have to try nasi kerabu, a rice dish that is usually served with ulam (Malay salad), salted egg, fish meatstuffed peppers, and a choice of chicken or beef. Fauzi Nasi Kerabu is the go-to restaurant for this dish.

(Their nasi kerabu even gained a spot on the Top 50 World Street Food Master Awards list in 2017.) Must-eat dishes include the grilled chicken and beef, which are prepared over coal fire, and eaten with sambal belacan.

They are likely to sell out by 1pm, so head there early to join the queue.

1.30pm

Love history? Make a beeline for Terengganu State Museum. The complex itself is a magnificent architectural feature. Based on ancient Terengganu palace designs, the whole museum sits on concrete stilts that rise above landscaped gardens and ponds. There are nine galleries spread over four interconnected buildings where you will find historical artefacts, old textiles, crafts, royal regalia, Islamic arts, information on the development of the petroleum industry, sea faring trade, and more.

Terengganu State Musuem

Nasi Kerabu

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Pasar Payang

3.30pm

A little retail therapy is in order. Make your way to Pasar Payang, a modern twostorey market, where locals go to shop as well. You will find a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket (handwoven fabric), and brassware at reasonable prices. Local snacks made from fish like keropok lekor and keropok Ikan are good souvenirs.

4.30pm

Visit the Floating Mosque at the banks of a man-made lake formed near the estuary of Kuala Ibai River. The adjacent park is also a great place to take a breather.

5.30pm

Chill out at Pantai Batu Buruk. While its name literally translates into ‘Beach of Ugly Stone’, there’s nothing ugly about it.

On a clear day you might be able to spot Redang Island and Kapas Island just off the coast of Terengganu. Strong tides prohibit swimming but you could try kite flying and even horse riding. Note that a street market sets up every Friday, from 3pm onwards.

Floating Mosque

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7.00pm

A seafood dinner at Chinatown is recommended. Kuala Terengganu’s Chinatown is one of Southeast Asia’s earliest Chinese settlements dating back to 1719. This one-street enclave is home to several stately ancestral residences, temples, townhouses, business establishments and many eateries. Golden Dragon Restaurant is your best bet when it comes to fresh, tasty, “dai-chow”-style seafood. It’s also one of few places that serves beer in the city. After dinner, take a stroll towards Turtle Alley — a narrow lane decorated with various artworks on its walls and on the ground, which are dedicated to bringing awareness to the conservation of sea turtles. Then continue towards the Waterfront to burn off all the calories from that seafood feast.•

Keropok Lekor

This traditional Malay fish snack is a Terengganu speciality. It’s made from ground fish meat such as herring, mixed with sago flour, and seasoned with salt and sugar. The mixture is then formed into long ‘sausages’. This fish snack is available in three versions: lekor (long and chewy), rebus (boiled) and keping (thin and crispy). It’s traditionally served with a hot and spicy chili dipping sauce.

Get them from these stores: 1. Sibling’s Keropok Lekor 2. Keropok Warisan Losong 3. Keropok Lekor Dynar Cawangan Utama

P e r s p e c t i ve

September 2020

Text Ian Loh Photos Clash Donerin & Jee Photography

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The Sound Of

Ethnic Music SARAWAKIAN MUSICIAN ALENA MURANG IS KEEPING THE KELABIT CULTURE ALIVE THROUGH MUSIC.

Alena Murang, championing her culture in the way she knows best: through her music

W

ith a population of approximately 7,000 people, the Kelabits is one of the smallest ethnic groups (of the indigenous Dayak people) in Sarawak, Borneo. Today, there are no more than 4,000 people who speak its language, which is in danger of disappearing.

Alena Murang, who was born into the Kelabit tribe, wants to change that. “Music is a part of cultural heritage. But for our people specifically, our stories exist through music. It’s a large part of our oral traditions. Our historical narratives come through songs, because back in the days, there were no written words,” she shares.

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Snapshot Of Achievements •

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•

•

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2016 Debut of ‘Flight’ — a representation of three Kenyah (another indigenous language) and two Kelabit folksongs, with the sape as a focus — produced by Alena’s cousin, Josh Maran.

2018 Released ‘Re Lekuah’ — the first music video produced in the Kelabit language.

2019 Was part of Small Island Big Song (33 musicians across 16 island nations of the Pacific & Indian Oceans), which won the Best Album for 2019 (Asian & Pacific) at the Songlines Music Awards, UK. 2020 Released her first original Kelabit song, ‘Gitu’an’ (Kelabit for stars), which took her and Josh two years to write and produce.

Alena is currently working on a children’s album in the Kelabit language, as well as designing a structure/framework to showcase traditional Dayak dances.

Alena is one of the first few women to play (and sing along with) the sape — not too long ago, it was considered taboo for women to even touch it

It was her English-Italian mother who encouraged the 30-year-old multi-talented musician to explore her cultural heritage. “She is an anthropologist. She spent her life researching arts, crafts, designs and languages. And later on, it was the Dayak culture, and most recently, the Kelabit people.”

Alena started learning traditional dance at the age of six and later learned to play folk songs from James Taylor, Judy Collins to Peter, Paul and Mary (her parents had a Golden Oldies chord book) on the guitar. At 11, she and her cousins were taught to play the sape by her uncle, Mathew Ngau Jau, who had noted then, that there were no more than five sape players in Sarawak.

“What drew us to it was the music and the culture. As I grew older, I really appreciated my mum’s and Uncle Mathew’s encouragement to play the instrument,” Alena shares.

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When a chance to play the sape in the US came along, Alena jumped at it and went on a month-long tour. After she returned to Kuala Lumpur, she started playing at open-mic gigs and eventually with a growing interest in her music, Alena decided to become a full-time musician.

Of her debut album, “It’s like playing covers,” says Alena of her interpretation of the songs on the album, while her most recent song release, ‘Gitu’an’, is her first original Kelabit song. It is dedicated to Tepu’ Ngalinuh Karuh, a song master who greatly inspired her music, and the oldest in her tribe who recently passed on.

Alena has performed at numerous music festivals around the world including Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, World Music Festival in Taiwan, Etnosur Festival in Spain, and the Chicago World Music Festival in America.

What’s more important for me is to bring together the right group of people who have the passion for keeping our stories and cultures alive.

She says of her journey thus far: “I never knew I could have a career in indigenous music; that’s not something I ever thought was possible. But I think at the back of my head, I was probably dreaming about it.

“It’s still scary not having a nine-to-five job, but I think when something is your passion and your calling, you can’t really do anything else even if you want to.”

Her two-year stint as a management consultant in Kuala Lumpur gave her a taste of a job with regular hours.

But Alena’s calling is more than just playing indigenous music. She is on a mission: In 2015, she founded ART4 Studio, a social enterprise aimed at fostering positive social and environmental impact through the arts and music. In 2017, she represented Malaysia at the UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris, and subsequently became a youth advisor to UNESCO Asia Pacific.

“What draws me to the sape now is that it’s very calming and meditative. I feel close to my roots, my ancestors and my late grandparents when I play it,” Alena shares about her special relationship with her instrument

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“Our cultural heritage is closely linked to nature. Back when our ancestors made music, they only knew of their natural environment — the oldest rainforest in the world. By default, our music and culture are heavily influenced by the environment.

But I think people have lost their innate connection with the environment. Humans are part of nature; we are not owners of it. I believe music such as sape music can connect people to, and also reminds us that we are part of nature,” Alena says.

Her journey isn’t all smooth sailing; one of the biggest challenges she faces is the lack of development of world music in the region.

“World music is rooted in heritage; almost every world musician has a bigger cause. The industry needs specific kinds of managers, agents, labels, festivals and media. It’s not something the mainstream industry communicates or knows how to deal with, especially with artists who put community and social issues first,” Alena shares.

“Only a handful of elders still remember the songs, and it takes a lot of time to learn a song. It’s not a process I can rush. It’s not how our oral traditions work. I will have to visit the elders in the kampung, sit with them, and receive whatever they want to pass on to me. The process means you learn about their lives, the stories, and the values of the songs. It’s not a music lesson; it’s the connections that matter.

“What’s more important for me is to bring together the right group of people who has the passion for elevating our Dayak arts and a vision for keeping our stories and cultures alive,” Alena says. •

T r a c ke r

September 2020

Text Eris Choo Photos Tourism Malaysia, Pxhere

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Beautiful

Island

Destinations In Malaysia

WHY FLY TO THE MALDIVES OR THE BAHAMAS, WHEN YOU CAN EXPLORE BREATHTAKING ISLAND GEMS RIGHT HERE IN MALAYSIA? PLAN A TRIP TO ONE OF THESE LOCAL ISLANDS FOR A SLICE OF TROPICAL PARADISE — COMPLETE WITH SWAYING COCONUT TREES, SANDY WHITE BEACHES AND CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS.

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Pulau Tioman

It’s one of Malaysia’s most popular islands, yet Pulau Tioman has managed to retain its pristine charm.

The area surrounding the island has been gazetted as a marine park and it teems with aquatic life, including beautiful coral gardens, turtles, rays and reef sharks. There is also plenty to explore on the island itself.

Tucked within its lush tropical rainforest is Asah Waterfall, a stunning staircase-like water cascade that flows into a pool hemmed in by natural granite slabs. If you like rock climbing, then head for Dragon Horns — two 700-metre-high rock monoliths located in Tioman’s south coast.

Another not to be missed, is the Tengku Arif Temenggong Turtle Sanctuary, which is a turtle hatchery and conservation centre located on a private beachfront that is open to visitors during the day.

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Pulau Redang

Part of a marine park, Pulau Redang is the largest island on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and boasts many upscale resorts, budget chalets, public and private beaches, as well as quaint villages. There are also hiking trails where you will encounter a plethora of flora and fauna such as various types of medicinal plants, mouse deers, macaques, birds, and more. Water activities are plentiful:

Pulau Kapas

Located about six kilometres from Marang, off the coast of Terengganu, Pulau Kapas is an underrated gem known for its soft and clean white beaches, reminiscent of fluffy cotton clouds (kapas is Malay for cotton).

Kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are all popular activities, thanks to the aquamarine blue waters of the island’s surrounding marine park. A unique

scuba dive or swim with the colourful tropical fishes at designated snorkelling sites. The iconic More More Tea inn, which was featured in the Hong Kong blockbuster film Summer Holiday, draws crowds of tourists that throng its gift shop for souvenirs and snacks, and who take photos of the colourful wooden building. Travel to Pulau Redang via ferry from the Merang Jetty or the Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu.

feature on Pulau Kapas is the elevated pathway linking several beaches, which allows visitors to conveniently traverse from one beach to another. If you’re planning to spend the night, there are several chalets and camping spots that offer gorgeous views of the sea.

Pulau Kapas is reachable by a 15- to 20-minute boat ride from the Marang Jetty in Kuala Terengganu.

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Pulau Rawa

Surrounded by the azure blue waters of the South China Sea, Pulau Rawa is truly a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This small island off the coast of Mersing in Johor is still relatively untouched, thus earning it the nickname ‘the Maldives of Malaysia’. Rawa is a colloquial Malay term for white doves, and you will find many on the island alongside other wildlife such as Malayan sea eagles and various reptile species. The waters around Rawa are suitable for beginnerlevel snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking, and are home to an abundance of corals and sea creatures, from squid and jellyfish to octopi and blacktip reef sharks. For some heart-pumping action, take a ‘ride’ down the 40-foot-tall waterslide by the beach — straight into the crystal-clear waters below.

Or hike to the top of the island’s hill (the trail is clearly marked) and enjoy the gorgeous sunset.

Rawa is reachable by a 20-minute speedboat ride from Mersing Jetty.

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Pulau Perhentian

The Perhentian islands are the embodiment of idyllic tropical paradise. There are two main islands — Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil — as well as five smaller uninhabited islands. Their pristine white beaches make it easy to while away time — lounge in the shade of an umbrella and enjoy the cool sea breeze, or take a dip in the turquoise blue waters of the South China Sea. Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil is known for its beautiful sunsets, so stay and enjoy the view, or head to the secluded Adam & Eve Beach for a spot of quiet sunbathing.

Do your part for environmental conservation by volunteering at the turtle sanctuary where you can help preserve turtle nesting sites. Land connectivity on the islands is limited, but you can rent a water taxi to get around. The islands are a 45-minute speedboat ride from Kuala Besut in Terengganu.

Most of the resorts/ ferry services to these islands do not operate during the monsoon season, which is between November and February, so plan your trip accordingly.

Street Chef

September 2020

Text Eris Choo Photos Raymond Ooi

Comfort In A

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Bowl Of Noodles A HUMBLE STALL IN PUCHONG, SELANGOR, BECKONS WITH ITS MEE JAWA AND CRUNCHY KEROPOK UDANG

T

ucked away towards the back of Restoran Wai Wai in Taman Meranti Jaya, Puchong, Selangor, is a humble stall run by Ong Siew Ooi. The stall’s sign board simply states: Mee Rebus / Keropok Udang (boiled noodles/prawn crackers or shrimp ‘cakes’).

Street Chef

Purists would argue that Ong’s mee rebus is a misnomer, since her version is more similar to mee jawa.

In Malaysia, the terms mee rebus and mee jawa (both hail from Java, Indonesia) are often used interchangeably, as the two share many similarities. Both dishes use thick yellow noodles topped with various types of garnishes such as hard-boiled egg, calamansi lime, spring onions and sliced green chillies. The main different lies in

the gravy. For mee rebus, shrimp or taucu (fermented soybeans) is traditionally added to perk up the gravy. For mee jawa, sweet potato and tomato are more commonly added to create a rich flavour.

But Ong is not one to fret about naming conventions. The 53-yearold who hails from the seaside town of Teluk Intan in Perak has been selling the noodles for almost three decades — more than 20 years in her hometown, and three years in Puchong.

“In Teluk Intan, we call it ‘Indian noodles’ in Cantonese because it was commonly sold by Indian hawkers,” says Ong, who first cut

(from top) Ong Siew Ooi and her signature mee jawa; this is comfort food to the tastebuds, tantalising with its contrasting textures and flavours — soft, crunchy, slurpy, savoury and sweet

her teeth on the business helping her mother, who was also a hawker. “I’m not sure if my mother learned it from an Indian hawker, but the recipe I use now was handed down to me when I was young,” she says.

What makes Ong’s version insanely addictive is the contrast of textures and flavours.

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Each strand of noodle is lusciously coated with a delicious sweet and savoury gravy. Floating in the dish are pieces of lightly salted, crunchy fried flour, which offer a crispy contrast and don’t turn soggy if left in the gravy for long. Rounding off the dish are fried tofu slices, a hard-boiled egg, sliced green chillies and fat, juicy bean sprouts.

sweet potato, the slightly tart flavours of tomato, and the creaminess of potato, is cooked each day in a large vat. Ong does not use thickening agents such as flour or corn starch.

“You can tell the difference with some places that use thickening agents or fillers. The gravy tends to be very watery,” she shares.

The secret is to not skimp on the ingredients, says Ong. Her gravy, which incorporates the mild sweetness of

There’s an art to frying crispy, evenly cooked, and not overly greasy shrimp ‘cakes’, says Ong (above, shrimp ‘cake’ added to a plate of mee jawa)

Prior to opening her stall in Puchong, Ong had actually hung up her apron to look after her grandchildren but she grew restless.

In 2017, with the help of her husband Teh Yong Lee, she set up a stall at Restoran 133, a few doors away from her current stall.

“When I first opened my stall, the people here didn’t really know what to make of my noodles. People living in different places tend to have different tastes. And this is not as common or as popular as, say, chicken rice or prawn noodles,” she

says. “I had to throw away a lot of food or donate the leftovers to old folks’ homes.”

Ong persevered and eventually gained more regular customers. Today, she sells an average of around 80 plates on weekdays, and 130 plates on weekends; some of her regulars drive from as far away as Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, just to savour her noodles on the weekends.

“Regulars have my phone number, so they can call me up to set aside a portion for them. Otherwise, when I’m out, I’m out,” she chuckles.

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Her fried shrimp ‘cakes’, which are made with flour, shrimp and chives, are just as popular — she sells over 200 pieces on Saturdays and Sundays. Ong shares that there is an art to frying them — the oil has to be boiling hot. One must also be skilled at controlling the fire and knowing when to remove the cakes from the oil to ensure that they are crisp, evenly cooked, and not overly greasy. These days, Ong’s husband, Teh, helps out with the frying.

Running a noodle business is no walk in the park. Ong and Teh are at the stall by 5am to start preparing for the day — everything is cooked fresh daily — and they are open for business by 6.30am.

They usually close at 1.45pm, or until the noodles run out.

Ong shares that her children are not interested to take over the reins. “We are a small business and we don’t have plans to expand. I think we’ll do it as long as my husband and I make enough for ourselves. It’s also a way to pass the time,” she shares.• MEE REBUS / KEROPOK UDANG STALL Restoran Wai Wai, 149-G, Block J, Tanming Boulevard, Jalan Meranti Jaya 3/1, Taman Meranti Jaya, 47120 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Opens from 6.30 am – 1.45 pm.

Closed on Tuesdays.

Her fried shrimp ‘cakes’, which are made with flour, shrimp and chives, are just as popular — she sells over 200 pieces on Saturdays and Sundays.

Humble Beginnings

September 2020

Text Carolyn Hong Photos Carolyn Hong, Kinarut Cheese

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Cheesemaking KINARUT CHEESE WINS FANS WITH ITS LOCALLY CRAFTED CAMEMBERT, BRIE AND FETA.

In Sabah T

here was once a boathouse on the palm tree-fringed beach of Langkah Syabas Beach Resort in Kinarut, not far from Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah. From the outside, it looked like any other boathouse.

But within it, was a small cold room, which was filled with stacks and stacks of ripening rounds of cheese. This was the first cheese workshop owned by Shelley Blew, 59, who started Kinarut Beach Cheese 12 years ago.

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How It All Started

An Australian who has lived in Sabah for over 30 years, Shelley fell into cheesemaking by accident. In her previous role as the resort’s manager, she had fallen into conversation with fellow Australians who were on holiday in Sabah. The couple, who owned a dairy farm and cheese business on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, told Shelley that they were on their first vacation in 12 years because they have had to ‘babysit’ their cheeses all this while, and couldn’t stay away from their farm for long.

As the conversation flowed, they started musing about making cheese in Sabah. “Cheese is usually associated with temperate climates, but we were assured that it could be done as long as we have good temperature control,” Shelley says.

(top and bottom) The idea of making cheese in Kinarut piqued Shelley’s interest because it was difficult to get good cheeses in Sabah (then); Shelley Blew, ‘accidental’ cheesemaker and owner of Kinarut Cheese

Shelley also has easy access to the main ingredient in cheesemaking: milk. Sabah has a thriving dairy industry located in the cool foothills of Mount Kinabalu.

These farms produce topquality milk with a high fat content necessary for making cheese. She now gets the milk from the government’s milk collection centre, which is able to supply the larger quantities that she now requires to make her cheeses. “They make sure that the milk, which we get is very high in fat content, and ideal for making cheese,” she says.

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The Process

The Australian cheesemakers returned a few months later with cheesemaking equipment such as racks and moulds. It was then that Shelley’s cheesemaking journey started.

It was a real struggle at first.

Under ordinary circumstances, cheesemaking entails plenty of trial and error, and patience to learn. It was significantly harder attempting this on a tropical beach! The process requires tender loving care, from when the milk is first pasteurised to when cultures and rennet are added at exactly

the right temperature to set the milk (into curd).

The curds are carefully poured into moulds before they are left in a mould room to acquire (depending on the type of cheese) their distinctive white fuzzy coating.

It takes a month to ripen the cheeses to the flavour intensity favoured by the local market, which is milder than that of standard European cheeses. During that time, the ripening cheeses have to be shifted between chillers set at different temperatures. The temperatures are monitored closely, with minute adjustments made daily based on the external temperatures. A cool day in the rainy season means lower ambient temperatures, which then require a higher chiller temperature,

It took several months of hard work before the first block of cheese emerged under the newly minted name: Kinarut Beach Cheese. Today, the cheeses are sold at Langkah Syabas Beach Resort and premium grocers in Kota Kinabalu

in contrast to a hot day in the dry season.

Shelley encountered numerous pitfalls as she dealt with cheeses that would not set properly or did not ripen well. “I was on the phone a lot to Kangaroo Island!” she says.

The Expansion

Kinarut Beach Cheese was initially made only for the dining tables at Langkah Syabas Beach

Resort — and of course Shelley’s own dining table. To facilitate Kinarut’s ability to supply hotel restaurants, Shelley sought to get halal certification for her cheeses; as her cheeses are made with plant-based rennet, they were able to get the certification fairly quickly. Soon, word began to spread about her locally made cheese, and more orders began to come in from other resorts, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Growing demand meant that cheeses soon began to edge the boats out from the boathouse, until eventually there were no more boats. Cheese had taken over the entire space.

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What’s Next?

Kinarut’s workshop, which moved to bigger premises in Kinarut town, and shortened its name to Kinarut Cheese, produces about 8kg of camembert, brie and feta every month.

Shelley also makes cheddar (a personal favourite of hers) but on a much smaller scale because the process is a lot more laborious; as such, Kinarut produces only about 8kg a month. She’s also been testing out a smoked cheddar, and an onion cheddar, which takes at least six months to ripen to its best flavour.

Of her favourite cheese, she recounts how she had burst into tears upon discovering that her uncle had eaten the last piece of the cheese in her home. Since then, her uncle has given her a block of cheddar every year, at Christmas. And he was tickled to learn that she is now making cheese, she adds.

Cheese is usually associated with temperate climates, but we were assured that it could be done as long as we have good temperature control.

“I wouldn’t call myself a real cheesemaker. To be a cheesemaker, there are many stages to go through, and cheesemakers would be able to make any type of cheese,” she says.

Shelley has plans for a blue cheese; fans of her cheeses are hoping it won’t be too long before they get a taste of it. •

Pack Up

September 2020

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H Game Changers THESE SPORTS-INSPIRED TIMEPIECES ARE PERFECT FOR EVERYDAY WEAR TOO.

ow do you pick what watch to wear? To suit the occasion? To suit your mood? These four watches are designed with specific sports in mind, yet they offer a laid-back, luxurious feel that works just as well for (almost) any occasion.

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Sea Conquest

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Just Brilliant!

Hydroconquest timepieces by Longines preserve the traditional style of diving watches. Rounding up the previous iterations in blue, grey and black, this 41mm Hydroconquest Green in olive green is no exception.

The seamless flow of the hue (an ontrend colour in the watch world of 2020), from the dial and the ceramic bezel, to the rubber strap, makes for a watch that draws second looks, and one that will look right at home in the boardroom as it does in the pool.

With a history of diver-oriented timepieces under its belt, Bell & Ross takes another dive into the same waters and emerges with another ‘first’. The 42mm x 42mm matte black ceramic case of the BR 03-92 Diver ‘Full Lum’ is water-resistant to 300 metres. The pièce de résistance is its dial: Two different shades of luminescent paint (with long durability in the dark) are used — one on the indices and bezel’s numerals, and the other on the entire dial. This green-on-green contrast makes for ease of time-telling even in very dark environments. Limited to 999 pieces.

RRP: RM6,370 longines.com

RRP: RM19,900 bellross.com

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*Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

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Ace That Shot

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The original Big Bang Unico Golf by Hublot, developed with American professional golfer Dustin Johnson, was especially designed with a new complication — its own in-house MHUB 1580 calibre movement — that allows the wearer to keep score of his or her golf game on the move. Similarly executed in carbon fibre and Texalium, this new iteration, the Green Carbon model, carries the same functionalities as its big brother: Buttons to track each hole as you play, add to your score, reset the score function, and a display to keep a running tally. This model comes with both a black rubber strap with carbon fibre details, and a green calf leather strap.

RRP: RM123,800 hublot.com

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4

Setting Sail

Omega has been named the Official Timekeeper — the third time since it began its partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand in 1995 — of the 36th America's Cup, which is set to take place in March 2021.

Accompanying this announcement is the release of a brand new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition timepiece. Sized at 43.5mm and

crafted in stainless steel, this red-blueand-white iteration features the famous “Auld Mug” trophy set into a wave motif design on its case back, through which you can just about make out the Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 movement.

A soft, structured rubber strap pulls it all together. Limited to 2,021 pieces.

RRP: RM27,950 omegawatches.com

View finder

September 2020

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Text & Photo David Wu

Off-Kilter Charm

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he Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, built in 1885, is the most recognisable landmark in this town, which is approximately 160km from Kuala Lumpur. Located on the river mouth of Sungai Perak, its design was inspired by Chinese culture and architecture as the Chinese made up the larger ethnic population living there during the 19th century.

This iconic tower, designated a national monument in 1957, was purpose-built to store water, which the town’s residents could draw from during the dry season. Local

folklore presents various stories to explain the tilting of the tower, although it’s generally accepted that the soft ground on which the tower was erected, as well as the weight of the water in the tank (it’s no longer used for water storage), caused the tower to lean towards the southwest. The base of the structure has since been fortified to curb further tilting, and it’s considered safe for visitors to walk up the stairs within the structure. The huge clock that sits at the top of the tower continues to keep time and it still chimes on the hour. •

July 2020

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Firef ly News 51

News & Happenings

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Firefly Network

9M-FYA, we are cleared for take-off!

Excitement was in the air the week before Merdeka Day, as people rushed to get the fabulous Firefly Passport — an unlimited travel pass to fly to any domestic destination in Malaysia, at an unbeatable price of only RM399, or RM699 for six months. Ultimately, the pass aimed to spark joy and offer a convenient and affordable product for people to

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Firefly Fleet & Service Info

fly — either to balik kampung, explore Malaysia, go on an adventure, have a leisurely vacation with family and friends or even to find a cost savvy option for frequent business trips. Bravo to those that managed to grab this great deal during the sale period. For those that missed this opportunity, fret not – look out for other offers on fireflyz.com.my and and follow us on social media @fireflyairlines.

Firefly Checklist

September 2020

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My Flying Checklist Before booking my flight I’m fit to travel.

My travel documents (MyKad/MyPR/valid passport and other documents) are in order.

I’ve checked the travel updates, and departure requirements as well as arrival requirements at my destination.

Before heading to the airport If I have any symptoms, I’ll go to the doctor immediately.

I’ve packed sufficient face masks, hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes and my hygiene essentials. The Hygiene Kit is also available on baord (approach the cabin crew to obtain one).

I’ll bring my own pen to minimise contamination.

I’ll opt for web check-in and arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior to departure. Manual check-in is also available.

I will also...

Practise physical distancing.

Frequently wash my hands properly with soap and water.

Sanitise my hands before putting on my face mask.

Change to a new face mask every 4 hours, if I am wearing disposable masks.

Remember to change the filter as advised, if I am wearing a reusable mask.

Follow correct etiquette when coughing and sneezing (cover my nose and mouth, cough/sneeze into my elbow, and immediately wash/sanitise my hands afterwards).

Avoid touching my eyes, nose and mouth.

Minimise contact with high-touch surfaces and items.

Scan the displayed QR code or opt for digital check-in before entering any premise/outlet.

Fly safely and confidently with Firefly.

Download this checklist from Firefly’s website.

Firefly Safety Measures

September 2020

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Fly Safely And Confidently With Firefly Download this guide from Firefly’s website

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Pre-flight

Travel update: Check the latest travel updates from authorised sources and also on Firefly’s website: fireflyz.com.my

Booking flexibility for Fly Infinite and Corporate: For Fly Infinite or corporate programme passengers, you may enjoy unlimited changes to your booking.

Web check-in: Check-in online to minimise contact.

Domestic passengers with hand luggae may proceed to security clearance and boarding area with a mobile boarding pass. *Terms & Conditions apply

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Airport facilities & check-in

Entry protocols: Temperature checks and contactless registration will be carried out.

Kiosks and check-in counters: Self-service check-in kiosks are regularly cleaned and sanitised.

Safety and health protocols: Temperature checks and floor/ seat markings are part of the precautionary measures.

Physical distancing: Floor and seat markings indicate a safe distance.

Other services: Special assistance, including wheelchairs are managed according to safety and health SOP.

4

Boarding

Airport lounge

Boarding gate: Contactless security checks and temperature checks are carried out before boarding.

Physical distancing: Admission into the boarding area might be staggered at a given time.

Document verification: Staff will verify your travel documents. Contactless boarding using mobile boarding pass is also possible for domestic flights.

Boarding process: Boarding will be done in small groups, with priority given to passengers requiring special assistance.

5

In-flight cabin

Face mask and hygiene kit: Passengers should always wear face mask on board. Cabin crew will have their face mask on at all times. Hygiene Kit is available for passengers on board.

In-flight refreshments: Snacks are pre-packed and sealed, and beverages are served according to food hygiene standards.

Cabin cleanliness: Cleaning and sanitisation are done after every flight, while disinfection of the aircraft cabin is conducted daily, according to the SOP.

6

Arrival

Physical distancing: From disembarkation to the walkway, arrival hall, baggage collection carousel and exit, safe distancing is highly advised.

Net work Map

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*

Banda Aceh*

(Kuala Lumpur) COASTAL CHARM A gateway city to some of the best of Malaysia’s East Coast, Kuala Terengganu is a must-visit for its culture and scrumptious local food. Read our 12-hour guide on pages 19 – 24.

Stay safe and minimise contact by opting for online check-in: 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 the Firefly Mobile app. Download the app for free from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

KIOSK CHECK-IN: Check in and print your boarding pass at these kiosks in the airport.

This service is available to code-share passengers as well.

*

(Seletar Airport)

*Currently not available due to border closure and travel restrictions. **Correct at the time of publishing. Please visit www.fireflyz.com.my for more information.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

Kuala Terengganu

Net work Map

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Firefly Sales Offices & Counters SUBANG JOHOR Subang Skypark Ground Floor, Aero Mall, Terminal Senai International Ground Floor, Departure Airport, 81250 Hall Terminal 3, Sultan Johor Bahru Abdul Aziz Shah Airport TEL: +607 598 7488 47200 Subang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: TEL: +603 7846 3622 Daily; 6 am to 10 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5 am to 10 pm KEDAH Main Terminal, Sultan PENANG Abdul Halim Airport, Flight Operations Centre, 06550 Alor Setar Mezzanine Floor, TEL: +604 714 3911 Penang International OPERATING HOURS: Airport, 11900 Bayan Daily; 7 am to 8 pm Lepas TEL: +604 630 2489 LANGKAWI OPERATING HOURS: Langkawi International Daily; 5:30 am to 10 pm Airport, 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah KELANTAN TEL: +604 955 9622 Sultan Ismail Petra OPERATING HOURS: Airport, Daily; 9 am to 8 pm 16100 Kota Bharu TEL: +609 774 1377 PERAK OPERATING HOURS: Sultan Azlan Shah Daily; 5:30 am to Airport, 30350 Ipoh 9:30 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 5 pm TERENGGANU Sultan Mahmud Airport, SINGAPORE 21300 Kuala Terengganu 21, Seletar Aerospace TEL: +609 667 5377 Road 1 OPERATING HOURS: #01-03, Singapore 797405 Daily; 7 am to 9 pm TEL: +65 3158 8279 OPERATING HOURS: PAHANG Daily; 7 am to 7:30 pm Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, 25150 Kuantan INDONESIA TEL: +609 538 2911 International OPERATING HOURS: Sat to Departure Hall Mon, Wed & Thur; Sultan Iskandar Muda 9 am to 6 pm Airport Banda Aceh EMAIL: aceh@fireflyz. com.my OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 8:30 am to 5 pm

Airline’s Marketing Representative THAILAND 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 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 holidays – closed Selected Airport Ticket Offices KLIA Level 5, Departure Hall, Main Terminal Building Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 64000 Sepang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 12 am KL SENTRAL Lot L2.23, Level 2 Nu Sentral Shopping Centre 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 10 am to 10 pm (including public holidays); last queue number: 9:30 pm

Call Centre General Hotline: Malaysia +603 7845 4543 (Daily 8 am – 8 pm) Singapore +65 3158 8279 (Daily 8 am – 8 pm)

Our Fleet & Service Information

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Height

7.65m Maximum Fuel Capacity

ATR 72-500

841 Gallons Manufacturer

Avions de transport régional (ATR)

No. of aircrafts

12

Passenger Seating

72 (single class) Length

On-Time Performance

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.

No-Smoking Policy

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

Lithium Batteries

Lithium metal, 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 nonspillable 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.

27.17m Wingspan

27.05m

Maximum Cruising Speed

510km/h

Maximum range with full passenger load

890 nautical miles (1648.28km) Operation Hubs

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

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.

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 2.5kg 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.

Our Fleet & Service Information

July 2020

57

Wheelchair Assistance

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

Cabin Luggage Handling

Passenger and crew safety on board 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.

Electronic Cigarettes

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

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

For safety reasons and in line with the Regulatory Guidelines, mobile phones and all PEDs must be switched off once the aircraft door is 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.

# FlyFirefly

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Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan and Hari Malaysia!

We are grateful for 63 years of independence and the extraordinary journey that unite us.

This special Merdeka collage features healthcare workers, frontliners, Firefly staff, as well as resilient everyday heroes such as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and all of you.

Firefly is 100% Malaysian and we stand with you Malaysia!