Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:14:15 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/ iLoveTaiping.com works hand in hand with ForeverBanana.com en-us http://www.ilovetaiping.com/images/logo.gif http://www.ilovetaiping.com/ admin@ilovetaiping.com http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article347.html TAIPING: Policemen are going undercover to detect cyber cafes which provide gambling facilities. Taiping OCPD Asst Comm Raja Musa Raja Razak said that the officers, based in other districts, have been “assigned to gamble” at suspected cyber cafes. “These operators can recognise our local police and so we have assigned those from outstation instead. “After spending some time at a particular cyber cafe where the officer would gamble, we would move in and make the arrest and seizures,” he told reporters at the monthly district police parade here yesterday. He said that unlike illegal video arcades, the cafes installed gaming programs in the computers. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:14:15 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article346.html We are organising a 50th Anniversary Gathering at Legend Inn this Nov 22nd. Please contact me as we have targetted 10 tables to celebrate the occassion. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:13:02 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article345.html A WHOPPING RM16,000 cash prize awaits the angler who gets the biggest fish in the Taiping Open Fishing Competition 2008 to be held on July 27. The second and third prize winners will get RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively. Jointly organised by Taiping Municipal Council and Wakjali Event Management, the competition will be held from 8am to 1pm at Taiping’s Lake Gardens. Registration fee for the fishing competition is RM80. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:16:31 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article344.html RAMPANT jungle clearing activities and shortage of fruits in the jungle are forcing wild monkeys into Taiping town to scavenge for food. Residents in the Larut Matang and Selama district said garbage bins in the town area seemed to be the monkeys’ favourite haunt. At a dialogue called by Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, residents urged the authorities to look into the clearing activities at the jungle fringes to check the menace. “Wild monkeys are not only endangering the safety of pedestrians and children but are also trespassing into kitchens to steal what-ever food available,” said a resident. Kuala Sepetang assemblyman Tai Sing Ng said an operation would be mounted soon to rid the town of wild monkeys following complaints over their growing population. Tai urged those facing the problem to get in touch with their respective village heads. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:16:20 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article343.html KUALA LUMPUR: Textile retailer Kamdar Group (M) Bhd, which dropped a proposal to pay dividends to shareholders after creditors shot down the plan, said it will continue to add new stores despite concerns that consumers may spend less on clothing due to rising fuel and food prices. “We got to take advantage of the situation and be aggressive in our pricing and expansion strategy,'' chief executive Jayesh Kamdar told reporters after the company AGM yesterday. He added that the group was confident of achieving its targeted growth number in the current year ending Dec 31, 2008 (FY08). “We expect a better year ahead based on our performance in the past six months,'' he said. Kamdar reported a slight loss in the first quarter ended March 31 due to taxation. The first quarter is also traditionally the weakest period for the retailer. Over the next two months, Kamdar will open its first two stores in Sabah and Sarawak - one each in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. The company is also waiting for the green light from local authorities for an outlet in Taiping, Perak. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:16:01 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article342.html THEIR durian trees are bearing fruits but orchard owners in Bukit Tupai in Taiping who are expecting a good harvest next month are facing difficulties gaining access to their orchards. They claim that their “traditional” access route beside a dam managed by the Perak Water Board had been blocked by a company which claimed it owned the land. “Since the past six months, we have been unable to use the route,” said one of the affected farmers, Ng Kian Kit, 45. Ng who accompanied state exco member Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu to the site, said the com- pany officials when queried by the farmers over the matter claimed that their property like lorries had been vandalised. “It could be the work of drug addicts but why punish us?” asked Ng. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:15:38 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article341.html When my family and I visited Taiping Zoo over the weekend, we were disappointed because there was nothing much to see despite the entrance fee of RM5 for adults. Seniors pay RM4 and kids are charged RM3. We noticed there were too few animals and the surroundings were not well maintained. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:15:28 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article340.html TAIPING: Police detained three men and seized 1.16kg of heroin from a hotel room here and a car parked nearby early Monday. About RM10,000 in cash was also confiscated, along with the drug estimated to have a street value of about RM30,000. Taiping deputy OCPD Supt Syed A. Wahab Syed A. Majid said the drug, in granules, was found in six large plastic packets. "Three of the large plastic packets were recovered from the hotel room while three others were found in a Proton Perdana Executive parked outside the hotel," he told a press conference Tuesday. A total of 39 smaller packets were found inside the six packets, he added. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:15:16 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article339.html ABIDE by procedures. This was the advice given by Taiping OCPD Asst Comm Raja Musa Raja Aziz when he handed over nine new Proton Waja to his investigation officers (IO) recently. “Don’t use these cars as if they are your private property and abide with procedures which have been drawn up,” he said. The new 2,000cc cars would be used by IOs from the crime branch, and the narcotics, commercial crime and traffic branches at Taiping district police station. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:15:05 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article338.html RAMPANT jungle clearing activities and shortage of fruits in the jungle are forcing wild monkeys into Taiping town to scavenge for food. Residents in the Larut Matang and Selama district said garbage bins in the town area seemed to be the monkeys’ favourite haunt. At a dialogue called by Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, residents urged the authorities to look into the clearing activities at the jungle fringes to check the menace. “Wild monkeys are not only endangering the safety of pedestrians and children but are also trespassing into kitchens to steal what-ever food available,” said a resident. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:56:29 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article337.html A HISTORY of sorts was created at a primary school, SJKC Hua Lian 3 in Kampung Jambu, in Taiping when robotic science be-came a compulsory subject for its students. The move, launched in conjunction with the school’s Open Day, was believed to be a first in the country, said its Parent-Teacher Association chairman Joseph Lau. He said robotic science was normally taught as a supplementary living skill activity. “In other schools, it is carried out on a voluntary basis but here, all the 1,394 students from Year One to Year Six must participate because it has become one of their subjects,” he told reporters after launching it yesterday. “We believe the new subject is a positive move to realise Vision 2020,” he added. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:56:12 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article336.html KUAN Loo San was the envy of all participants at the Standard Chartered - Volvo Golf Invitation 2008 as he bagged the first prize in the tournament. Kuan, handicap 8, beat about 120 other golfers to emerge as the A Medal champion with 36 points in the first leg of the tournament held at Tropicana Golf & Country Club recently. He walked away with an all-expense paid golfing trip to TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home course of the prestigious PGA Players Championship. In addition to the 4D/3N golf trip to Florida, Kuan also received US$1,000 spending money and a trophy. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:56:00 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article335.html MANGOSTEEN, referred as the Queen of Fruits, has gained the attention of international and local investors. Its trees are found in abundance in Perak. State Industry Development and Information Committee chairman Tai Sing Ng said investors were keen to open a plant to process the fruit for local and global consumption. “Its edible flesh can be canned but its deep reddish purple skin, which was normally discarded, can be processed into tonic drink,” said Tai at a gathering in Simpang to welcome Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, on his one day visit to Taiping recently. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:55:48 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article334.html UNLIKE most of her neighbours at Kampung Larut Tin Sambunagn in Taiping, Zabidah Adnan has been using rainwater for most of her daily needs. The 42-year-old said her retired soldier husband Abdul Rani Ismail decided to install his self-designed water collection system to collect rainwater from their rooftop. “Rainwater flowing from our rooftop is drained into a main water tank which has been fitted with hoses leading into our house. There is a tank outside our house for gardening purposes. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:55:37 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article333.html IPOH: The Perak Government is helping to “green” the state by planting 100,000 trees by the end of this year, said state Local Government Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming. He said efforts to identify suitable species and work out the cost were already in progress, adding that local councils have been directed to embark on the exercise. “We are particularly in favour of the raintree, like the ones surrounding the Taiping Lake Garden, as we find it most suitable for the creation of green canopies. “We want to encourage people to walk and if it is not hot, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind,” he told reporters after attending an environmental seminar held in conjunction with World Environment Day yesterday. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:55:26 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article332.html THE task of cycling 9,000km from Malaysia to China does not deter veteran cyclists Mohamad Adnan Osman, 65, and Mazlan Rahmad, 56, who aim to reach China in time for the Beijing Olympic Games in August. Mohamad Adnan, a retired teacher from Taiping, Perak, has trained rigorously for five months by cycling up and down Cameron Highlands. Although a pensioner, Mazlan has the fitness level of a much younger man. The former banker from Kuala Lumpur has been cycling extensively around the country for several years. Both will be leaving their families behind for more than two months and will have to depend on the generosity of strangers they will meet on their journey. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:55:15 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article331.html A COMPANY undertaking a sand mining project in Trong, Taiping, has been urged to fill up a large crater casused by their activities. The crate has been a cause of worry for the residents. Perak State Development Cor-poration (SDC) public relations manager Azizi Mohd Rajab said the local company had been advised to do so after their sand mining lease expires this month. “Several of our officers have conducted a survey on the 20ha site and even held discussions with the company. “The company has been advised to take proactive measures to level the land once they are done with the activities in the area,” said Azizi. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:11:08 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article330.html FORTY-ONE special Scouts from four organisations had a field day during an outing to Taiping Zoo and Cameron Highlands in Perak in conjunction with the third Penang Cheshire Agoonoree last weekend. The special Scouts from Penang Cheshire Home, Penang Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association, Penang Handicapped Children’s Centre and Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Alma were accompanied by 59 volunteers and Scouts. While on Cameron Highlands, they toured Cactus Point in Brinchang, were treated to a dinner at SK Convent in Tanah Rata and visited a night market on their first night on Saturday. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:55 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article329.html Gunung Tahan, Pahang Nestled within the National Park, the highest mountain in the peninsula offers the toughest trek to its peak, a journey to be undertaken only by the tough and strong-willed. It takes seven days to do a return trip on the classic Kuala Tahan trail while the other trails are through Merapoh and via the Kelantan entrance to the national park. Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir, Johor One of the most frequently climbed mountains and with the highest fatalities in the Southeast Asia, Gunung Ledang has clearly marked trails leading to the peak and mesmerizing waterfalls along the way. It is a place shrouded in mystical legends and folklore. There is a very nice resort at the base of the mountain for those wanting to stay overnight. Mount Stong State Park, Kelantan One of the main attractions at the park is Gunung Stong (1,422m), a dome-shaped granite complex more than 500 million years old. Here, the seven-tiered Stong Waterfalls, reputed to be the highest in Southeast Asia, drops from a height of about 990m. Reaching the peak of the falls takes two hours of trekking for about one kilometer on steep inclines. Kinabalu Mountain, Sabah Established as a national park in 1964, Kinabalu Park was designated as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 2000. The park is said to be a rich biological site where a great number of flora and fauna found in the four climate zones flourish. The park is also home to many species of orchids and carnivorous plants. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:43 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article328.html IT pays to keep old receipts as businessman Ang Poh Tit found out recently. Ang, who runs a factory, said the habit had helped him save RM515, the amount he was requested to pay to the district land office as part of the quit rent for his plot of industrial land in Kampung Benggali, Taiping. “The RM515 was actually a discount introduced by the previous Barisan Nasional state go-vernment. “The actual annual quit rent payment was RM2,518 and after deducting the RM515 discount, a move introduced by the former state government since 2006, I need only pay RM1,967 for the plot,” he said. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:29 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article327.html FISHERMAN Johari Sidan expects many development changes when a new village chief is elected in Kampung Mentri, a predominaly Malay inhabited fishing village in Kuala Sepetang near Taiping. “The previous village chiefs, appointed by local political mas-ters, didn’t care much about our welfare,” he said while waiting for his turn to register as a voter to elect his village chief under a move introduced by the Perak Government. Citing an example, Johari, 47, a father of nine said the villagers’ demand for a new settlement area was never entertained. “The village is heavily popu-lated and the houses are built so close to one another, just like a squatter area. “We hope the soon-to-be elected village chief will bring our grievances to the state authority,” said Johari, adding that he had high hopes that the new state government could help him and others in the village legalise their prawn-catching activity. Johari said although the vil-lagers’ pukat sorong fishing method was illegal, it was the only means to enable fishermen like him earn a decent living. “We had to play hide and seek with the authorities manning the sea but that’s our life and we have no other choice,” he added. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:19 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article326.html KUALA KANGSAR: Squatter families in Perak who are displaced by the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double track project will be provided with lots to rebuild their homes, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. He said various agencies, particularly the Land and Mines Department, were speeding up the relocation of the affected families, numbering more than 500, to alternative sites. “The move to relocate them is meant to expedite the double track project,” he told reporters after attending a closed-door meeting involving heads of government departments here at the Kuala Kangsar district office yesterday. The relocation exercise expected to be completed by end of July would also involve the rebuilding of several surau and two temples, added Nizar. Housing, Local Government, Education and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming who was also present said that apart from getting housing lots, each of the affected squatter family would receive RM300 monthly to rent a house over a two-year period apart from an ex-gratia payment of RM1,000. “We hope it’s a win-win situation that won't delay the double track project,” said Nga. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:06 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article325.html SHOPKEEPERS in Taman Kota Jaya in Taiping, Perak, are unhappy that the drain in front of their shops is clogged with garbage. U. Rajoo said contractors appointed by the Taiping Municipal Council should go there regularly and not every six months. “Mosquitoes are breeding there,” he said. Another shopkeeper, C. Shanmugam who is also Kampung Dew Barat Rukun Tetangga chairman said the council should assert its authority on the contractors as they were not doing their job. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:09:54 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article324.html SAND mining activities in Perak, which has large tracks of disused ex-mining land, have brought good income to the state. However, villagers, especially in Trong, Taiping, said such activities should be stopped or closely monitored. “There were no crater-like formations here previously but now the land is in a mess,” said Trong village chief Othman Hasan who accompanied Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shahrum to a site owned by the Perak State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). Othman said the site was a levelled one a few years ago but sand mining activities had made it unsuitable for any economic activity. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:09:42 +0800 http://www.ilovetaiping.com/Article323.html Top favourites The first anniversary of Sunday Metro is on May 6 and to celebrate, we reveal our top 10 foods for the year! 1. Egg Tart Recommended: Choy Bee Biscuit or Simee in Kampung Simee market, Ipoh; Fung Wong Biscuits, Jalan Hang Lekir, KL; Tong Kee Confectionary, Jalan Tun HS Lee, KL; Nam Heong Restaurant, Old Town Ipoh; Yuen Garden Dim Sum, Jalan Kenari, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Puchong, Selangor. 2. Ais Kacang Recommended: Swatow Lane Ice Kacang, Penang; Mustafa Cendol, Jalan Teluk Sisek, Kuantan; Men Kee Food Court, Jalan Tun Ismail, Seremban; Berkeley Garden Restaurant, Berkeley Roundabout, Klang; Penang Village, Putrajaya and Hartamas Shopping Centre, KL. 3. Banana Leaf Lunch Recommended: Krishna Curry House, Jalan P.P. Narayanan (formerly Jalan 222), Petaling Jaya; Ashoka, Perak Stadium, Ipoh; Passion of Kerala, Brown Garden, Gelugor, Penang; Sri Paandi Restaurant, Jalan Cantek, Section 5, Petaling Jaya; and South Indian Aiyengar Restaurant, Pines Condominium, Brickfields, KL. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:09:31 +0800