Keratan Akhbar tentang Jenjarom Tahun 50-an

Assalamualaikum semua. Aku tengah bercuti ini. Tak macam korang, cuti aku macam orang belayar serata dunia. Berbulan-bulan. To be exact, sebulan 16 hari. Ya, betul lah tu...macam kelasi kapal. Tapi aku bukan kerja itu. Kepada yang dah lama mengenali aku, tentu tak payah nak berteka -teki lagi. Yang first time jenguk blog aku ni, mungkin tertanya-tanya..kerja apa sampai lama betul cutinya tu? Untuk tambahkan pening kepala korang, dalam setahun aku bekerja hanya 190 hari. Selebihnya (175 hari) aku goyang kaki. Itu tak termasuk lagi cuti am dan hujung minggu....Hahaha...macam bos, tapi aku kuli je. Nak bagi korang lagi sakit hati kat aku, aku kerja setengah hari tak sampai...Dari pukul 7.30 pagi sampai 1.00 tengah hari..itu sahaja. Dah pening dah? Tak tahu nak teka? Korang pikirlah sendiri. 

Jadi untuk mengisi dan membunuh masa (istilah Inggeris ,To kill time), aku pun belayarlah satu dunia tanpa beralih kerusi. Hmmm...itu pun tak faham...aku surf internet ler...Maka banyaklah yang aku terjumpa...kisah-kisah lama yang berlaku di sekitar Telok termasuk Jenjarom dan Sijangkang. Banyak jugalah berita yang aku dapat, Syiok juga baca surat khabar lama-lama ini. Tapi kebanyakannya dalam bahasa Inggeris. Sebab itu ler Dr. M susah payah suruh kita semua belajar cakap omputeh. ini ler salah satu sebabnya...hahaha...Aku akan translatekan (terjemahkan sedikit intipati berita itu tapi idak ler semua satu perkataan demi perkataan.. Mati ler teman, yeop...Sejak bila pulak orang Telok jadi orang Perak ni? Malaysia boleh..Malaysia Baguuuuz..hihihihi.

 Berita dekat bawah ini tentang Jenjarom tahun 50-an. Lepas itu baru tahun 60-an, 70-an dan 80-an kalau ada, ok? Hek Eleh...Mana berita tentang Telok? Sabor dulu, yeop.. Macam cerita hindustan juga, hero kalah dulu...nak bagi korang saspens dulu..Lepas Jenjarom, Baru ler Telok dan Sijangkang...Lagipun...ikut suka aku ler..hahahaha. Korang bacalah.ya...

Kebanyakan cerita tentang Jenjarom ini kisah komunis dan kampung baru. Berita tentang Jawa di Jenjarom. Takde lah, wak. Nanti bila aku ingat, aku tuliskan nama surat khabar dan tarikh laporan berita, ok? Pleasant reading, everybody.

Pertama, yang ini berita tentang ribut yang telah melanda Jenjarom, Telok dan Sijangkang pada tahun 1953

Kedua, berita tentang demam campak yang membunuh 5 orang kanak-kanak 

 Yang ini pulak tentang komunis simpan duit bernilai RM13,000 dalam hutan.

 Kisah General Templer yang nasib baik tak arwah apabila kereta dia tergolek dog on the way to kampung-kampung baru Cina dengan tujuan untuk memaki hamun Cina dekat situ pasal bantu komunis

 Yang inin pulak tentang Pembantu komunis ditangkap di sekitar Jenjarom...Ramai jugak..27 orang.

 Ini pulak kisah penyamun getah di Jenjarom

 Cerita mahkamah tentang penghantar maklumat kepada komunis dijatuhkan hukuman 6 tahun oleh mahkamah KL.

 Sekolah Cina dibuka di Kampung Baru Jenjarom

 Kisah polis makan rasuah pasal lepaskan Cina masa perintah berkurung..padan muka korang.

 Kemalangan membabitkan seorang berbangsa India di Jenjarom

Indeks Halaman Utama

Aku Kontraktor: Buat Rumah Sendiri di TPG

Salam buat semua. Hari itu aku balik kejap kat Telok.  Jumpa keluarga time cuti sekolah ni..Aku pun jalan-jalan tengok rumah saudara yang baru pindah kat taman perumahan di Jalan Perepat. Aku tumpang seronok bila anak-anak saudara dah ada rumah milik sendiri.Tapi bila dia beritahu aku harga hampir 200K, aku terperanjat beruk. Iyalah. Mana taknya? Untuk rumah teres 20X60' sahaja. Itupun dia rasa beruntung kerana tempat lain lagi tinggi harganya. Aku mengiyakan kata-katanya walaupun dalam hati aku tak berbaloi. Aku yang Allah berikan sedikit tanah pusaka di Telok pun masih tak buat rumah. Hanya semak samun dan lalang sahaja yang tegak. Mungkin ular sawa sebesar tayar kereta selesa tinggal di sana. Tapi nak buat camne? Walaupun ada tanah pusaka yang sekangkang anak kera, tapi berlapis-lapis nama dalam geran. Separuh nama dalam geran tu dah expired. Maka anak-anak yang hidup pergi ke Pejabat Tanah kat Telok Datok dan tambah lagi 6,7 nama baru. Tanah semakin kecil, nama semakin ramai..Nak buat macam mana? Hakmilik ramai! Kalau nak buat rumah, mungkin bangsal lebih layak dipanggil. Bukan kerana bahan binaannya. Tapi memang kecil saiz tanahnya! Tak tahulah aku kalau ramai-ramai pakat buat flat. Tapi mana nak cengkau duit untuk buat flat? Nak makan pun masing-masing seluk poket dalam-dalam, inikan nak miliki rumah atas kayangan. Tapi untuk bahagian aku adik beradik, aku dah congak-congak (atas angin jer). Seorang, lepas faraid, dapat ler tanah 18X70 kaki persegi. Kalau nak buat sebuah seorang, memang kecil. Tapi kalau buat Semi D atas dua tanah lot tu (maknanya 36X70 kaki persegi), memang selesa. Siap ada porch masing-masing dan tanah lebih kat belakang dapur lagi. Itu oklah. Dah selesai satu bab. Kini, masalah kewangan pulak timbul. mana nak dapatkan duit selonggok untuk buat rumah semi D itu? Nak pinjam bank, no way.Takde bank yang waras nak bagi pinjaman atas tanah banyak nama. Yang kedua,  kalau adapun, boleh ke dapat RM165K seorang? Impossible,impossible. Tak tahulah mungkin dah suratan takdir, ada tanah tapi hanya sekadar atas kertas jer, tak dapat dimanfaatkan. Back to square one.

Tapi manusia yang diberi akal tidak seharusnya berputus asa. Kena cari jalan atau rakan kongsi....hahaha ya, rakan kongsi. Cari orang yang nak buatkan kita rumah secara percuma TETAPI beri dia hak menyewakan rumah tersebut selama beberapa tahun untuk dia dapatkan modal balik berserta keuntungan. Kita sebagai pemilik tanah dan rumah bolehlah dapat sedikit dividen atas keuntungan tersebut. ATAU kita boleh juga sewa balik rumah 'kita' tu dan duduk sehingga habis tempoh perjanjian.Serupa sewa belilah. Akhirnya, walaupun mungkin selepas 10-15 tahun menyewa, akhirnya rumah itu milik kita secara mutlak.

ATAUPUN Plan B. Aku tunggu duit pampasan pencen. lepas tu aku buat sendiri. Tak payah nak merayu kat jaga bank. Buat rumah sendiri. Habis cerita. Tak payah hutang bawa ke kubur. Nanti mati susah woii! Tapi apa kepandaian aku? Ketuk paku pun bengkok, inikan nak tegakkan rumah semi D! KAH,KAH,KAH...Baik aku gelak sendiri sebelum aku digelakkan...Sekali lagi..KAH,KAH,KAH.
Fikir punya fikir, apalah bodoh sangat aku ni? Upah jer lah. Duit dah ada selonggok, pilih jer kontraktor yang kita konfiden. Dua bulan siaplah mahligai impian. So aku buat pengiraan sendiri.dan search internet lalu terjumpa perkataan-perkataan skema di bawah:
Kadar harga semasa yang diguna pakai oleh kontraktor bina rumah adalah antara RM110 ~ RM130/ka2 buat masa ini. Kadar harga ini termasuklah upah pekerja, bahan binaan, sistem pendawaian letrik dan sistem paip bagi bekalan air dan ianya hanya sesuai bagi bandar-bandar kecil dan sederharna saja.
Jika keluasan rumah tersebut adalah adalah 1500 kaki persegi maka harganya kos pembinaan rumah bungalow tersebut adalah:-
1500 x RM110 = RM165,000
Pada asasnya kos pembinaan bagi sesebuah rumah adalah terbahagi kepada perkara berikut:-

Jadi, aku baca dan perhatikan betul- betul. Rumah harga RM165K, 32 peratus untung dan habuan kontraktor. Bayangkan untuk kerja tak sampai 2 bulan, dia dapat RM52,800, sedangkan aku nak kumpul sebanyak itu setahun kerja bertungkus lumus, macam kuli batak. Patut ler ramai kontraktor pakai Merz mata belalang! Sorry, bro..no way, man! Aku pun nak jadi macam korang. Apa susahnya jadi kontraktor? Ini bukan rocket science! Kalau setakat baca pelan, aku pun boleh. Lagipun aku nak buat rumah aku jer, bukannya kontraktor sepanjang masa. Please move aside,bro. Give way to the new contractor in town. Me.

Kalau kita yang uruskan sendiri, maka tak perlu lagi khidmat kontraktor. Kitalah kontraktornya! Bukankah ini rumah kita sendiri? Bukannya susah sangat, janji tahu beberapa perkara asas udah ler. Cuma komitmen masa itu perlu. Kalau tak ada masa, forget it. Bayor jer lah RM52,800 kat kontraktor tu. Lagipun itu korang punya duit, bukan duit aku! (sindir nampak?) Dengan RM52 ribu lebih tu, aku rasa aku boleh pergi buat haji suami isteri dan 3 orang anak. Atau aku boleh sedekahkan kat mana-mana maahad tahfiz sebagai sedekah jariah aku sekeluarga. Itu lebih baik daripada aku beri kat kontraktor dan kemudian menyesal dan menyumpah kerana mutu kerja workmanship yang menyakitkan mata dan hati seumur hidup, atau selagi rumah itu tertegak. 

Kalau korang berminat, tak perlu gi sana ke mari.semuanya di hujung jari anda. Dalam internet ini macam-macam ada, emak dan abah je yang tak ada. Luangkan masa cari dan belajar tentang ilmu pembinaan. Bukan kita yang nak buat semua kerja tu. Kita cuma... cari,,selaras,pantau,bayar..itu jer. Oh, ya...lagi satu perkara. Disebabkan duit kita dah banyak yang akan kita laburkan untuk projek ini (memey ler...berpuluh atau beratus ribu, ada baiknya kita buat perjanjian  dengan sub-con kita ...takut kita dipermainkan dan jangka masa pembinaan ikut suka diorang jer. Semuanya mesti melalui lawyer yang korang sendiri lantik. Biar keluar duit lebih sedikit daripada rugi banyak dan terasa bodoh yang bertingkek-tingkek kerana dipermain-mainkan orang. Lagi pun duit pembayaran melalui lawyer korang, mesti diorang akur ngan syarat-syarat yang korang buat. Kalau dah siap 100 peratus pun, jangan bayar habis. Baki lima peratus lawyer akan simpan sebagai jaminan workmanship selama 18 bulan. Kalau tak ada apa-apa komplen daripada korang, baru lawyer lepaskan. Barulah kita ini bos rumah kita sendiri. Barulah senang kehidupannye! Rumahku Syurgaku.

A.Pra Pembinaan
Memahami pelan rumah
Kaedah pengiraan bahan binaan dari pelan.
Penyediaan pelan rumah
Memohon kelulusan pelan
Melantik tukang rumah

B.Peringkat-peringkat pembinaan
- Mengenal pasti sempadan tanah anda
– Mengenalpasti lokasi tapak rumah.(setting out)
– Kerja-kerja memotong/membengkok besi dan membuat kotak formwork.
– Kerja-kerja pengorekkan/penggalian
– Kerja-kerja membina tapak asas
– Membina grd. Beam
– Perkara-perkara yang perlu diketahui berkenaan dengan konkrit
– Tiang- tetulang, formwork dan konkrit
– Lantai konkrit
– Roof beam
– Dinding bata
– Plaster / melepa
– Bumbung
– Kerja kemasan
– Kemasan lantai
– Cara memasang jubin lantai
– Jubin dinding
– Kerja mengecat

C.Pengurusan
Mengurus pembelian bahan binaan
Kualiti binaan
Mendapatkan bekalan air dan letrik.
Mendapatkan sjil layak menduduki ( CF )

Ooops..sebelum terlupa, jutaan terima kasih aku buat pemilik blog ini, banyak pahala korang:
http://bina-rumah.com/wp/pengiraan-kos-bina-rumah-dan-kos-bahan/


Indeks Halaman Utama

Pasar Basah Klang/ Klang Wet Market

Salam. Jumpa lagi kita dalam blog aku ini. Nampaknya korang dah mula menunjukkan minat terhadap sejarah. Tahniah, kerana hanya apabila kita mengambil iktibar daripada apa yang telah berlaku, maka kehidupan kita hari ini dan hari-hari mendatang akan lebih bermakna. Kerana apa? Kerana kita dah ambil teladan benda-benda atau peristiwa yang baik-baik dan kita jadikan sempadan hal atau peristiwa yang membawa keburukan dalam hidup ini. Yang terbaik, ikutlah perjalanan hidup junjungan besar kita Saidina Muhammad Rasulullah (saw), nabi dan rasul akhir zaman ,agar kita tidak tersesat atau disesatkan  oleh syaitan-syaitan berupa manusia mahupun jin. 

Sesungguhnya, segala takdir itu adalah ketentuan daripada Allah swt. Memang kita pernah dijajah, tunduk kepada kemahuan bangsa-bangsa keparat, Inggeris dan Jepun, tetapi kehidupan harus diteruskan. Sememangnya ada hikmah di sebalik penjajahan ini. Sultan kini sedar baginda hanyalah boneka atau kuda kayu Residen Inggeris, dengan cuma menerima elaun sebanyak 2,000 pound sterling setahun. Baginda hanya wujud di khalayak ramai dalam upacara-upacara rasmi kerajaan  dan keagamaan serta adat istiadat Melayu sahaja. Rakyat lebih mengenali pengurus-pengurus estet, pendaftar di pejabat tanah, Pegawai Daerah, OCPD di balai polis daerah yang semestinya berbangsa Inggeris daripada Orang Besar Daerah yang menjadi wakil sultan di setiap daerah. Keturunan diraja tiada keistimewaannya lagi. Mereka  kini setaraf dengan orang lain, tiada beza. Cuma panggilan Engku, dan patik sekadar panggilan hormat terhadap golongan bangsawan ini suatu masa dahulu. Realitinya, yang berkuasa Inggeris, bukan Sultan.

Tapi ada baiknya juga penjajahan ini. Tiada lagi hamba tebusan yang menjadi amalan biasa golongan diraja ini. Segala harta khazanah negeri kini milik rakyat, bukan lagi milik sultan. Pembangunan di sana sini. Walaupun Inggeris itu penyamun, dan sememangnya rakyat sendiri mengerti, kehidupan rakyat semakin baik. Melayu dulu yang penuh kepercayaan tahyul dan tolol kini menjadi Melayu moden yang berilmu serta mengikut peredaran peradaban manusia zamannya. Negeri diurustadbir sebaiknya oleh Inggeris. Walaupun ada yang akan berkata, umpama keluar mulut harimau, masuk mulut buaya, rakyat tidak rugi apa-apa kerana sebelum ini pun mereka tidak pernah memiliki apa-apa kekayaan negeri pun. Hanya kehidupan kais pagi makan pagi,kais petang makan petang, sebelum mata terpejam ,menyahut seruan Ilahi. 

Wow, panjang juga intro aku kali ini.  Maaf, aku tidak berniat nak 'sekolahkan' korang semula. Maklumlah aku dah terbiasa begitu di sekolah kerana aku seorang guru@pendidik.Hihihi...jangan marah.

Kali ini aku nak bawa korang mengimbas kembali suasana di Klang sekitar 1970-an dan awal 1980-an. Klang dan Telok memang tak dapat dipisahkan. ibarat irama dengan lagu. Sememangnya TPG di bawah lingkungan pengaruh Klang. Ramai orang Telok bekerja dan bersekolah di Klang atau Port Klang. Ramai  juga yang mencari barang keperluan harian atau bulanan mereka di Klang. Bahkan di Klanglah mereka berhibur. Dengan jarak hanya 10 batu (16 km),Telok sebahagian daripada Klang walaupun terletak dalam daerah yang berbeza. Satu mercu tanda Klang yang kini tiada lagi ialah Pasar Besar. Terletak tidak jauh dari tebing Sungai Klang, kedudukannya sememangnya strategik kerana betul-betul di tengah-tengah aktiviti ekonomi Klang masa itu. Secara tepatnya, lokasi pasar besar ini di tebing Klang Utara, berhampiran Pasar Jawa dan Emporium Makan. Sekarang pasar ini dah tak wujud lagi. Pasar borong Klang sekarang dah dipindahkan ke Jalan Meru, sebelah Klang Parade. Bila? Korang tanyalah sama itu MPK.

Aku tahu pasar ini dah lama wujud kerana Klang sudah ada sebelum kedatangan British lagi. Cuma aku nak fokuskan ketika zaman Inggeris tadbir Klang sahaja kerana ada data-data sejarahnya. Sebagaimana di bandar-bandar besar seperti di Taiping, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban dan sebagainya,ketika era kolonial dulu, lokasi pasar telah dirancang dalam pelan induk pembangunan Klang. Bahkan rekabentuknya hampir sama. Ketika aku melayari internet aku bertembung gambar-gambar pasar yang terletak di Taiping dan Ipoh. Itulah juga wajah pasar Klang ketika aku kecil-kecil dahulu. Hampir sebiji! Pasr ini terdiri daripada 2 blok bangunan, satu blok sayur sahaja, lagi satu pulak blok ikan dan daging. Pasar babi memang diasingkan. Masih dalam satu bagunan tetapi berkepung. Bukanlah emak abah aku setiap hari ke sini untuk beli lauk harian, cuma kalau keluarga aku merancang untuk buat kenduri tahlil atau kesyukuran semestinya kami berbelanja di sini kerana lebih murah dan banyak pilihan. 

 Kemudian aku terjumpa pulak senarai harga barangan pasar dalam  warta rasmi kerajaan, The FMS Government Gazette tahun 1916 dan 1925. Lagilah aku teruja untuk buat perbandingan harga dengan harga semasa kita, iaitu tahun 2008 dan yang terkini 2013. cuma korang belek-belek dokumen-dokumen  di bawah. Murah betul taraf hidup dulu-dulu.  Tapi korang mesti ingat, nak cari duit bukan senang. Diorang dulu kerja kampung jer..setakat sayur dan ikan boleh petik dan pancing sendiri. Rumah tak payah bersewa.Tak macam sekarang kerja berlambak-lambak tapi semua kena bayar, sampai masuk jamban pun kena 30 sen. Adoyai.....

Untuk maklumat korang yang tak familiar dengan beberapa unit ukuran dan timbangan masa itu, di sini aku 'sekolahkan' korang sikit. Hehehe...

1 pikul= 100 kati

1 kati=600 gram

1 lb.(pound)= 500 gram

1 ela= 0.91 meter

Yang lain tu, lu pikirlah sendiri.HAHAHA..Oklah, sampai kat sini sahaja pertemuan kita, jumpa lagi lain kali, insyaAllah.

Pasar Basar Klang

 Bandingkan pula dengan harga sekarang 2008

 dan 2013

Indeks Halaman Utama

Suasana Ketika Perasmian Jambatan Bellfield, Klang

The Federated Engineering Company won the contract to build the first road bridge across the river Klang, (see right) which was completed in 1908. George with James Craig was in charge of the construction. It had four spans with a total length of 560 feet and cost $143.633 when it was completed in September. "The spot where the opening ceremony was to take place was also lavishly decorated and surmounted by a red awning and the bright garments of the native spectators added to the picturesqueness of the scene. 

His Excellency the High Commissioner and party, which included Mr. Claud Severn, Private Secretary, Capt. Gay, A.D.C., Col. Nelson, Commanding R.G.A. Major Ford, Army Service Corps and Mr. T.H. Reid of the Straits Times, travelled up by the Seamew. They were met at Port Swettenham by the Resident-General, Sir William Taylor, K.C.M.G., Mr. H.C. Belfield, British Resident, Selangor, Mr. C.E. Spooner, C.M.G., and Mrs. Spooner, who had arrived there by special train. His Excellency was met at Klang station by Mr. J. Scott Mason, D.O., Klang, and Mr. G.D. Russell, and the party proceeded by motor to the bridge. Here a guard of Honour of 50 police was stationed under Mr. W.W. Douglas and a large crowd had assembled, including a detachment of 200 Klang schoolboys. A feature was the large number of Malay ladies present decked out in brilliant attire. 

His Excellency was met at the bridge by His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, C.M.G. who had previously arrived by motor, and others present were Mr. M.S.H. McArthur, Acting Federal Secretary, Mr. J. Trump, Director of Public Works, F.M.S., Mr. E.R. Stokoe, State Engineer, Selangor, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mason, Mr. R.W. Harrison, Mr. H.M. Darby, Dr and Mrs. Gerrard, Mr. and Mrs. L.U. Stafford, Mr. and Mrs. W. Towgood, Mr. J. Gibson, Mr. A. Irving, Mr. E.F. Townley, Mr. C.T. Hamerton and Miss Hamerton, Mr. W.R.G. Hickey, Mr. F.O. Sander, Mr. Sydney Smith, Capt. Douglas of the Waterwitch and many others". The bridge was probably demolished during the war by the retreating British.For more on the bridge click here.

George was responsible for the design and construction of many bridges, roads and other works. He also designed the first rubber machinery.

Indeks Halaman Utama

Kisah-kisah Zaman Jepun

Assalamualaikum...apa khabar semua orang kampung? Dari Batu 7 Sijangkang sampailah ke Batu 13 Kampung 'Stereng' Sungai Rambai..Harap-harap sihat-sihat belaka.

Kali ini aku benar-benar teruja nak bercerita pasal zaman Jepun, cerita pasal makan ubi kayu, baju butil tepung dan penampar Jepun. Aku pernah bertanya arwah moyang pompuan dan nenek aku pasal zaman Jepun dulu..tapi paling banyak aku tahu cerita tu daripada mak sedara aku yang baru berumur 5,6 tahun masa Jepun sampai kat Telok. Banyak yang dia ingat!

Ceritanya begini...(cuma aku 'skema'kan sikit untuk budak-budak sekolah buat rujukan sejarah)

Tentera Jepun semakin yakin dan berani mara ke Kuala Lumpur dan Kelang. Pada 10hb Januari 1942 juga tentera Jepun dari Rejimen Watanabe berhimpun di tebing Sungai Selangor, kemaraan mereka kemudiannya ditentang hebat oleh Indian 6115th Brigade di Batang Berjuntai. Jeneral Yamashita amat berhajat menawan Kuala Lumpur dan Pelabuhan Kelang (Port Swettenham), beliau telah mengarahkan Divisi ke-5 tentera Jepun terus mara ke Kuala Lumpur. Pertempuran hebat untuk menguasai bandar Kelang menjadi penentu antara tentera British dan tentera Jepun. Tentera Jepun dari Batalion Oka telah menyekat jalan utama menyeberangi jambatan besi (Jambatan Kota yang asal) yang menghubungkan Kelang dengan Kuala Lumpur. Menurut laporan di pihak tentera Jepun sejumlah 5000 orang tentera British dan India mempertahankan Kelang tetapi tewas kepada 2 rejimen askar Jepun. Askar-askar India British selesai membuat pengunduran melalui Kuala Lumpur pada awal pagi. Jambatan-jambatan diletupkan apabila pasukan terakhir melepasi jambatan tersebut. Jambatan terakhir diletupkan pada jam 4.30 pagi. Jepn bukannya bodoh. Dengan pantas diorang buat jambatan terapung pontoon....

Tambah emak sedara aku lagi....
Semasa kemaraan menuju ke selatan inilah sebahagian daripada tentera Jepun telah masuk ke daerah-daerah tertentu di Selangor seperti di Ulu Langat, Kuala Selangor serta Kelang menguasai kawasan ini tanpa pertempuran hebat. Di Kuala Langat tiada sebarang bentuk pertahanan yang dilakukan oleh tentera British kerana kawasan ini agak jauh ke dalam dari jalan besar.Tentera-tentera Jepun sarna ada berjalan kaki, berkereta, menaiki lori atau berbasikal telah masuk melalui jalan raya yang merintangi daerah Kuala Langat. Kali pertama kemasukan Jepun ke daerah ini telah menimbulkan perasaan takut di kalangan penduduk
tempatan kerana pada masa ini telah berlaku rampasan barang-barang makanan. Tentera Jepun yang sedang keletihan dan kelaparan ini telah mengambil telur ayam, menangkap ayam, itik dan kambing dari rumah orang-orang kampung. Kenderaan-kenderaan orangorang kampung seperti basikal dan beberapa buah kereta telah diambil untuk kegunaan tentera Jepun.

Pada masa pemerintahan Jepun di Selangor juga, penduduk tempatan harus memberi penghormatan kepada tentera Jepun dengan cara menundukkan kepala bila lalu di hadapan mereka. Cara penghormatan begini mesti dilakukan untuk mengelakkan dari sebarang hukuman. Pada kebiasaannya mereka yang enggan melakukan atau engkar akan dihukum dengan cara ditempeleng atau dijemur di tengah panas.

Akibat daripada kegawatan ekonomi yang berlaku, pihak Jepun telah mengambil beberapa langkah-Iangkah untuk mengatasi dan mengawal keadaan ini daripada berlaku berterusan. Antara langkah yang dibuat ialah dengan mengadakan pameran pertanian, menggalakan rakyat menanam untuk makanan sendiri seperti sayur-sayuran,jagung dan ubi kayu. Pihak berkuasa tentera pula dalam usaha memaksa rakyat berusaha sendiri telah mengurangkan bekalan makanan melalui program catuan. Masalah kekurangan pakaian juga sangat serius dialami dikalangan petani dan pegawai kerajaan. Selain itu catuan dan peraturan ketat ke atas barang pengguna turut dikeluarkan.

Semasa pendudukan Jepun, Tanah Melayu mempunyai stok beras untuk setahun, tetapi hampir semua stok beras dihantar ke negara Jepun. Catuan beras dilakukan sejak awal pendudukan walaupun sesetengah kawasan tidak melaksanakan sistem catuan untuk memaksa penduduk menanam padi. Bagi jualan beras tempatan pada mulanya dikendalikan oleh Persatuan Pengedar Beras dan kemudian oleh Pejabat Kawalan Makanan. Walaupun ahli keluarga ramai, namun tentera Jepun hanya membekalkan 10 kati tepung ubi dan satu kati gula untuk seminggu. Bagi tujuan megatasi masalah kekurangan beras, pihak Jepun telah menggalakkan dan memaksa penduduk-penduduk kampung bersawah dan berladang supaya menghasilkan bahan-bahan makanan nampaknya berjaya. Kalau korang nak kaji lebih mendalam lagi, pergilah lawat blog kawan aku ni..budak U jugak...
http://www.myjurnal.my/filebank/published_article/22913/084_108.PDF
 Pendekkan cerita..memang Jepun pendek tu kurang ajar dan zalim giler. Kalau ikutkan aku, mahu aku terajang dan beri penampar Malaya kat manager-manager Jepun yang ada kat Toshiba dan kilang-kilang Batu 10 tu..Kalau diorang tanya apasal, aku kata itu salam perkenalan daripada  arwah atuk nenek aku buat korang, anak cucu Setan pendek Tojo( bukan suku sakat keluarga Toyo, tau).

 Tapi aku sedar, ada juga hikmah setan sepet pendek ni datang Malaya...barulah Melayu bersatu menentang Inggeris secara aman. Sultan-sultan pun tersedar daripada mimpi indah yang didodoikan dek British dan Jepun.

 Ini tanah air kita...kitalah yang menentukan masa depan dan suratan takdir kita, bukan Jepun pendek atau Mat Salleh hidung tinggi lagi..Kalau korang tak sedar jugak, tak tahulah apa aku nak katakan lagi...

1908: THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KLANG BRIDGE

extracted from the website: 

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/klang_bri.html

The Construction of the Klang Bridge. The Federated Engineering Company won the contract to build the first road bridge across the river Klang, which was completed in 1908. The engineers in charge of the work were George Russell and James Craig.

Add caption

THE MALAY MAIL. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1908

 THE KLANG BRIDGE. SOME PARTICULARS OF ITS CONSTRUCTION.

As the official opening of the Klang Bridge takes place on Saturday, some particulars of the new structure may be of interest. Owing to the development of the rubber planting industry in that part of Selangor which lies between the rivers Klang and Selangor, and the consequent increase in the traffic crossing the river where the town of Klang is situated on the southern bank, the Government decided that it was imperative that the river should be bridged. The bridge which has been erected by the Federated Engineering Company, as contractors to the Government is of the Linville type in four spans of 140 ft. carried on five piers; each pier consisting of two iron cylinders at 22 ft. centres, and braced to each other by horizontal and diagonal steel bracing. The river at the point bridged is tidal, is 560 ft. wide, and has a rise and fall of 17 ft. at spring tides and a current of 6 knots. The contractors commenced work on July 27th, 1907, by building a temporary bridge. It was at first intended to erect this on the screw pile principle, but the plan was abandoned owing to the soft nature of the soil, and, instead, solid drawn flanged steel piles, 8 in. in diameter were driven in from shear legs erected on two barges. These piles were furnished with earth plates 10 ft. from the points. Owing to the “spring” in the blue clay, the piles had to be weighted as well as driven. The spans were 25 ft. centres and the piers were connected at the top by hard wood laid longitudinally upon which were placed sleepers. At the positions for cylinders, special outside piles were driven, both up and down stream. Both the piers and the piles at the positions for cylinders were securely braced. The whole of the temporary bridge was built with Tamil and Malay labour and was designed by Mr. G. D. Russell, manager of the Federated Engineering Co.

CYLINDER SINKING

 Ten cylinders, forming the five piers of the permanent bridge, were supplied and sunk by the contractors. The cylinders below river bed are of mild steel, having a bell mouth 9 ft. in diameter, tapering to 7 ft. 7 ¾ in., the sections being 5 ft. deep. Above river bed, the cylinders are of cast iron 7 ft. 7 ¾ in. in diameter tapering to 6 ft., the sections being 4 ft. deep. The sinking of the cylinders was commenced on Sep. 14th, 1907. The excavation in all cylinders was done on the open system by Chinamen digging the inside and filling cane baskets, which were hoisted to the surface by steam winches. The shore cylinders kept fairly free of water in the blue clay but when sand was reached, at a depth of 60 ft., a large amount of water had to be dealt with, a Pulsometer pump being used to keep the water under control. The south shore cylinders, after passing through 50 ft. of blue clay, 10 ft. of white china clay, 4 ft. of sand and 2 ft. of soft rock, finally reached hard rock bed. After the cutting edges had been packed with Portland cement, the cylinders were filled with concrete hearting. The steam cylinders were taken out along the temporary bridge in sections on trucks and built up on a staging at low water spring tides. 25 ft. of each cylinder was put in at once so that the tops should be above low water mark. The first stream south cylinders sank altogether 12 ft. of their own accord, and, on being pumped out, took a further run of 9 ft. The soils gone through in excavating were similar to those experienced in the south shore cylinders. The first stream south cylinders reached hard rock at 77 and the first stream north at 74. All the cylinders when finished were filled with concrete hearting. Owing to the great depth of water in mid-stream it was considered necessary to assemble 40 ft. of section before sinking the mid-stream cylinders. They reached hard stone at 82 ft. Great difficulty was experienced owing to water in the north shore cylinders after a depth of 60 ft. was reached. Four pulsometer pumps were kept going constantly, and approximately 42 million gallons of water were pumped out before hard bed was reached at a depth of 16 ft. Cylinder sinking was commenced in the middle of September, 1907, and completed in June, 1908. The north and south abutments were built entirely of concrete, reinforced at bottom with steel rails placed horizontally and resting on 125 concrete piles.

 THE SUPERSTRUCTURE.

 To carry the superstructure, 10 additional pipe piles were driven at each span at 28 ft centres and weighted with pig iron to carry 6 tons safe load each. The superstructure was supplied through the Crown Agents for the Colonies by the Horsebay Co., Ltd., Shropshire, and was erected by the Federated Engineering Company in situ. The Linville girders are 140 ft. long and the total effective span of the bridge is 560 ft. The girders are 22 ft. centre to centre, and 21 ft. 6 in. deep between centres of intersections. The superstructure, which was assembled and riveted in position on the temporary staging, was designed to carry a live load of 150 tons per girder, equal to 1.200 tons on the whole bridge. The total weight of the superstructure is 560 ½ tons. The erection of the superstructure was started at the end of April and completed by the end of July. The whole of the erection and riveting of the superstructure was done by Chinese workmen under European supervision. The roadway on the bridge is 19 ft. clear, and is 8ft. 8in. above high water at spring tides. The north and south approaches to the bridge are 30 ft. wide; the south approach having a gradient of 1 in 30 and the north of 1 in 40.

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/klang_bri.html

THE MALAY MAIL. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 1908

http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

From the Singapore Press and Mercantile Advertiser 22 May 1929 Page 2 .." photo taken on the occasion of the opening of Belfield Bridge by Sir John Anderson, many years ago. The photo contains, among others H.H. the Sultan of Selangor, Sir John Anderson, Sir. William Taylor, Mr. ( now Sir) Claud Severn, Messrs. H. M. Derby, R. W. Harrison, F.O. Saunders (Whittall and Co.) G. D. Russell (F. E. Co.) C. T. Hammerton, N. Walker, J. S. Mason (D. O. Klang) Conway Belfield ( Resident), Hiedley, Grandgeon, J. Gibson, C. Harley, H Wooten ( Harper and Co.), E. F. Townley (D. O. Kuala Selangor) Irving, Douglas (C.P.O.) Jack Murray and C. E. Spooner.'

THE BELFIELD BRIDGE. OPENING AND CHRISTENING BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER HIS EXCELLENCY ENTERTAINED BY THE PLANTERS

The town of Klang wore a carnival aspect on Saturday in honour of the visit of His Excellency Sir John Anderson K.C.M.G.; High Commissioner, F.M.S., to open formally the new bridge across the river. Turning to the right on leaving the station into Main St., a profusion of decoration met the eye of the visitor. The whole length of the street was gay with flags and bunting, evergreens, Chinese silk inscribed rolls, purple, red and yellow favours. The whole street was surmounted by a white canopy and the tout ensemble was a very creditable imitation of Pall Mall on the occasion of a Royal wedding or a jubilee. Turning the corner into Market Street, one arrived at the approach to the bridge. Here two arches had been erected, one conveying a welcome to His Excellency from the Hindu community, and the other expressing similar sentiments on behalf of the India Muhammadan Society of Klang. The latter was adorned with pictures borrowed from the local Tamil theatre. The spot where the opening ceremony was to take place was also lavishly decorated and surmounted by a red awning and the bright garments of the native spectators added to the picturesqueness of the scene. His Excellency the High Commissioner and party, which included Mr. Claud Severn, Private Secretary, Capt. Gay, A.D.C., Col. Nelson, Commanding R.G.A. Major Ford, Army Service Corps and Mr. T.H. Reid of the Straits Times, travelled up by the Seamew. They were met at Port Swettenham by the Resident-General, Sir William Taylor, K.C.M.G., Mr. H.C. Belfield, British Resident, Selangor, Mr. C.E. Spooner, C.M.G., and Mrs. Spooner, who had arrived there by special train. His Excellency was met at Klang station by Mr. J. Scott Mason, D.O., Klang, and Mr. G.D. Russell, and the party proceeded by motor to the bridge. Here a guard of Honour of 50 police was stationed under Mr. W.W. Douglas and a large crowd had assembled, including a detachment of 200 Klang schoolboys. A feature was the large number of Malay ladies present decked out in brilliant attire. His Excellency was met at the bridge by His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, C.M.G. who had previously arrived by motor, and others present were Mr. M.S.H. McArthur, Acting Federal Secretary, Mr. J. Trump, Director of Public Works, F.M.S., Mr. E.R. Stokoe, State Engineer, Selangor, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mason, Mr. R.W. Harrison, Mr. H.M. Darby, Dr and Mrs. Gerrard, Mr. and Mrs. L.U. Stafford, Mr. and Mrs. W. Towgood, Mr. J. Gibson, Mr. A. Irving, Mr. E.F. Townley, Mr. C.T. Hamerton and Miss Hamerton, Mr. W.R.G. Hickey, Mr. F.O. Sander, Mr. Sydney Smith, Capt. Douglas of the Waterwitch and many others.

MR. BELFIELD’S SPEECH.

After His Excellency had inspected the Guard of Honour, while the band played sweet music, the inevitable photograph was taken, and an attempt to place garlands round the necks of the distinguished visitors having been frustrated, Mr. H. Conway Belfield addressed His Excellency as follows:- Your Excellency, This is the second occasion within a few weeks on which you have been good enough to come to Selangor to perform an opening ceremony. We all thank you for your presence here to-day which is the hallmark of your approval of a work which was commenced under your direction and will, we hope, meet with your satisfaction. This structure is according to local standards a work of the first magnitude. It is by far the largest road bridge in the Malay Peninsula, and its dimensions are such that I propose to ask your patience for a few moments while I give you some account of the history of its origin and the details of its construction.

 WHY THE BRIDGE WAS BUILT.

 The first talk about a bridge over the river at Klang started about ten years ago at a time when Mr. Douglas Campbell was District Officer at Klang. At that time progress and development on the northern side of the river was comparatively small, and for some years the proposal was negatived. Three years ago, when the rubber industry had attained larger proportions, Your Excellency paid a personal visit to the spot and decided that a pontoon ferry was sufficient. This having been provided the planters set to work to obtain reliable statistics of the traffic across the river, and the dimensions of the traffic indicated by these statistics convinced Your Excellency and the Resident-General that a permanent bridge was necessary. The contract was therefore arranged.

DETAILS OF THE STRUCTURE

The bridge is of the Linville girder type, and has four spans of 140 feet each, making a total length of 560 feet. The road is 20 feet wide, and the girders are five feet clear above high water level. The weight of the superstructure is 560 tons, or one ton per foot run. The bridge is supported by five pairs of iron cylinders filled with concrete, 522 feet below the river bed, and 204 feet above. The iron weight is 400 tons. The superstructure was sent out from England. The contract provided that the bridge should be completed within 10 months after the arrival of the last span. The last span arrived on June 3rd, and we may say that the bridge has been completed today. Thus the work has been completed 203 days before contract time. The estimate for the bridge, continued Mr. Belfield, was $300,000. The actual cost has been $260,000, so there is a saving of $40,000. This saving has been credited to a variation in the girders, a higher but lighter type having been selected, and also to the fact that no expert engineer has been placed in charge of the bridge-work. I think Your Excellency will be satisfied that the work has been done in a manner careful, efficient and expeditious. I have visited the bridge on many occasions and can offer personal testimony to the perseverance and industry of the contractors’ men and those who supervised them, first of all, Mr. Russell, and then Mr. Craig, who literally lived on the bridge so long as there was a log to sit upon, and had to contend with many unforeseen difficulties in the shape of tide, river traffic, tongkongs etc. It is through his perseverance and energy that the work has been completed so expeditiously and I am sorry he is not with us to-day. The facilities of the bridge, said Mr. Belfield in conclusion, are difficult to sum up in a few words. It brings the estates on the northern side of the river within a fraction of their previous distance from Klang station and town, and I have no doubt they will be spoken to by Mr. Harrison.

MR HARRISON’S SPEECH

Mr. R.W. Harrison said:- Your Excellency. On behalf of the planters of the Kapar and Kuala Selangor districts and the general public of Klang, I thank you for coming to open the bridge. The bridge marks an epoch in the history of Klang, and only those who have had to use sampans and the pontoon ferry with numerous stoppages owing to the breaking of ropes and so on can realise the immense difference which the bridge makes. I believe I am correct in saying that the first step was taken by the planters in 1900, but they did not meet with support from the authorities. Though sundry concessions were made, it was not until August, 1905, that, as the result of a petition, legislation was brought in fixing the charges to be made by sampan-owners, who had previously charged what they liked. Shortly afterwards a pontoon ferry was provided, but this was recognised as being merely a makeshift, and quite inadequate to cope with the growing traffic. Early in 1906 the planters again decided to go into the question and to get statistics. The census taken surpassed all expectations. In ten days the number of foot- passengers was 33,000. Since then the importance of the district on the northern side of the river has greatly increased. In Kuala Selangor 10,000 acres have been placed under cultivation, and the number of immigrant coolies has doubled. The Kapar district last year exported half a million lbs of rubber. If a similar census were taken now, it would prove the foresight of Your Excellency in granting a bridge. In July, 1906, a deputation wanted on Your Excellency, and though it was received most sympathetically, we were in doubt whether our request would be granted. Some months later, however, we heard with gratitude that it had been granted. It gives us great pleasure that Your Excellency should be present at the opening of the bridge. That in so short a time the work should have been completed is marvellous and reflects great credit on all concerned. Mr. Belfield said that a saving of $40,000 had been effected on the bridge. The purpose of the bridge, I take it, is to facilitate transport and the convenience of passengers. I suggest to Your Excellency that, until facilities are provided at Port Swettenham for private sheds, it would be a good thing to pull down those shop-houses over there (on the right approaching the bridge) which, I am told, are, apart from other things, insanitary, and thus allow carts to go direct to the station instead of having to cross the railway twice and pass through the busiest part of town as they do at present. This would benefit Klang and would add the coping-stone to the Klang Bridge.

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPLY.

His Excellency in reply said:- Your Highness, Mr. Belfield, Mr, Harrison, Ladies and Gentlemen, It has given me great pleasure to be present here to-day, and to hear all these nice things said. It is most gratifying for me to be in a position after so short a time to declare this bridge open. The celerity with which it has been completed reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Russell and his assistants. It must be very gratifying to F.M.S. people that the contract was obtained after competition by a local firm and that the burden of the work has fallen on one whom I may term a local product. Mr. Russell and his family have been connected with the F.M.S. for many years. His father is a respected and valued Government servant and has given not one but many sons to the country. It must be very gratifying to Mr. Russell to have carried the work through so quickly and apparently to the entire satisfaction of those who are concerned with the bridge. I thank you again for the reception you have given me.

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

Before asking His Excellency to declare the bridge open, Mr. G.D. Russell said that they had only carried out the work to the best of their ability. There had been two notable incidents in connection with the work, the first on August 18th when His Excellency visited the bridge and was pleased to express his satisfaction, the second on that day, when His Excellency spoke so well of them. They had received much assistance from the P.W.D., both in men and money, and the latter had helped in many ways. They had also been fortunate in the weather and in local circumstances. The site of the bridge was close to the railway station, and so there was no delay in bringing up materials. He was sorry Mr. Craig was not present to make a better speech than he could. It was above all Mr. Craig to whom credit was due. He had, as Mr. Belfield said, literally lived on the bridge. Mr. Russell then presented His Excellency with a pair of scissors and requested him to cut the red and yellow ribbon who was fastened across the entrance to the main body of the bridge.

TRIBUTE TO MR. BELFIELD.

Before doing this His Excellency said:- I think that it is desirable that this bridge should receive a suitable name. I think it should be called by the name of one who has worked hard in this country for twenty-five years and who in modesty refrained from telling this morning of his own share in the work. I name this bridge “The Belfield Bridge.” (Applause). His Excellency then cut the ribbon and declared the bridge open. Subsequently His Excellency with Mr. Belfield, H.H. the Sultan, Mr. Spooner and Mr. G.D. Russell drove over in motor cars. An adjournment was then made just in time to avoid a heavy downpour of rain, which fortunately kept off just long enough.

A...http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

LETTER FROM:-British Resident, Selangor

TO:- The Resident-General F.M.S.

17 September, 1908

 Sir,

Subject Bonus of $5000 to the Contractors of the Klang Bridge in consideration of efficient and Expeditious work

With reference to the recent completion of the bridge over the river at Klang, I have the honour to submit for your consideration copy of a letter from the State Engineer recommending that the Contractors should be paid a bonus of $5,000 from the savings on the vote in consideration of efficient and expeditious work. I also enclose copy of a minute by the Director Of Public Works endorsing that recommendation.

 2. The proposal is one for which no precedent exists, so far as I am aware, and the reasons propounded in support of the recommendation do not appear to me to be strong. At the same time there is no doubt that the Contractors made special and successful efforts in connection with this work, and though I do not find myself able to recommend the payment, I do not propose to offer objection thereto should you be of opinion that their efforts may properly be rewarded in the manner suggested.

3. The fact that a saving on the provision has been effected is not material to the question under consideration, and should not be put forward as an argument in support of the proposal. I have the honour to be,Sir, Your Obedient Servant,

Sd: H.C.B.

British Resident, Selangor

From National Archives of Malaysia (4776/08). Transcribed by P.C

B...http://www.clairegrey.co.uk/rd_grandchildren/george/gdr_sources.html

LETTER FROM :-

The Acting Federal Secretary, F.M.S.

TO :-The Secretary to Resident, Selangor.

6th October, 1908.

Sir,

With reference to the Resident’s letter No. 4776/08 of the 17th September, 1908, I am directed to inform you that His Excellency approves the grant of a bonus of $5,000 to the Contractors for the erection of Belfield Bridge at Klang. The No. of the High Commissioner’s office correspondence conveying his approval is 1474/1908. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,

S. McArthur Ag:

Federal Secretary, F.M.S

Selangor Government Gazette Sept 25 1908 No. 33 Vol. XIX

Further readings:

http://akubudaktelok64.blogspot.com/2011/06/jambatan-kota-klang.html

Banting Yang Kukenal

Menurut cerita orang-orang dulu-dulu, kawasan Banting ini dahulunya  sebuah hamparan tanah sawah yang sering digenangi air dan dipanggil tanah paya atau lembah. Petani pada masa itu menggunakan bajak atau tenggala yang diheret oleh “banteng” iaitu sejenis kerbau yang memiliki kekuatan tenaga dan garang. Bermula dari nama kerbau itulah kawasan ini diberi nama Banting. Wallahualam.(wah, skema sungguh bunyi intro aku kali ini,kan? Hehehe. Mengikut catatan Inggeris, Banting diwujudkan pada tahun 1916.  Itu cerita dulu.Kini Banting terkenal satu dunia pasal kes pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik Sosilawati dan 3 orang lagi sehingga takut orang luar nak meminang orang Banting....Acah jer.

Cerita aku dengan Banting pulak agak panjang kisah cintanya. Aku kenal Banting sejak sekolah rendah lagi. Masa tu aku bersekolah kat MES Telok Datok..sekolah omputeh termasyhur di Kuala Langat. Jauh tu! Dari Telok ke Telok Datok hampir 10 batu (16km). Kenapa aku bersekolah sejauh itu sedangkan kat Telok ada sekolah kebangsaan? Itu korang kena tanya arwah abah dan atuk aku (Alamat terkini Jalan Pusara a.k.a Alor Pak Datu a.k.a Jalan Kubor). Darjah Satu (tahun 70) , atuk aku yang hantar hari-hari pertama aku bersekolah. Lepas tu, aku  ngan kakak aku naik kereta sewa(prebet sapu) ke sekolah. Darjah 2 aku  seorang jer (akak aku abah aku tukarkan ke SK TPG) naik bas sekolah Cina Botak, Cina Jenjarom tu. Pagi-pagi lagi seawal 5.45 pagi aku, Faizal Timah Lawa dan ramai lagi budak Telok dan Sijangkang dah bertolak menuntut ilmu di sana. Kalau tak silap aku mak aku bayar tambang RM 10 sebulan kat Cina Botak tu. Seronok sekolah kat sana. 

Sampai sekolah jam 6.30 pagi..kitorang mula main galah panjang dan sepak takraw (bawak sendiri ler) sementara tunggu loceng masuk kelas. Apa lebihnya sekolah omputeh ni, aku pun masih blurr..tapi ok pasal semua bangsa ada..lagipun BI aku agak ok berbanding budak SK Telok. itu jer! Walaupun sekolah kristian (aku ingat lagi kat belakang sekolah tu ada gereja kecil dan dewannnya ada piano) tapi aku tak pernah ambil peduli lagipun mana ada father,brother, sister lagi? Ustaz, ustazah,father dan mother, brother,sister aku adalah! Totally Malaysian! Teringat aku masa tu kantin sekolah rendah berkongsi dengan sekolah menengah (sebelah jer).Pengusaha kantinnya berbangsa Cina..Aku telan jer... mana ada fikir-fikir pasal halal haram masa tu ? (Ramai Melayu masih minum dan mencekik di kedai Cina masa tu) Ustazah ngan Ustaz tak cakap apa-apapun....tapi aku sebenarnya tak selalu minum di kantin..pasal aku bawa bekal ke sekolah..maklumlah anak konduktor bas. Aku teringat sampai sekarang kisah prihatin cikgu BI aku (Cina Kristian) tolong jahit seluar aku yang terkoyak masa di kelas, kelantangan dan garangnya Cikgu Singh (berserban) guru darjah 5 aku ketika mengajar BI..Kalau tak siap kerja,maak...berdepik tengah belakang aku kena hantam sama itu Banggali. 
"Kalu saya tembeleng kamu, nanti balik rumah dengar radio ada ngggggg (berdengung telinga)"
Kecut perut aku ngan Benggali tu ..nampak serban dia je..aku dah lari jauh. Takut punya pasal aku lulus penilaian Darjah Lima dengan 1A 4B (A tu English ler).Thank you Sir..

 Masuk Darjah 6 aku dah panjang langkah ke Banting. Banting ke Telok Datok dalam sebatu jer.. Tapi aku sebenarnya tak sampai Pekan Banting lagi, cuma kat library lama tepi sungai. Bangunan tu, masa tu aku tengok pun dah uzur benar. kalau nasib tak baik ditelan Sungai Langat..Pokok bakau belakang bangunan tu jer. Aku  seronok ke sana untuk baca dan pinjam buku cerita novel kanak-kanak Enid Blyton (harap ejaannya betul). Untuk ke Banting aku kena lalu merentas pejabat pertanian dan kebunnya...Sambil lalu sambil merasa buah susu yang sedang masak ranum. Aku rasa masa tu abang Allykalam (orang kampung aku) dah kerja kat situ kot? 

Ini jambatan ketiga Banting di tapak yang sama

Lepas tu.ikut tepi jalan raya melintas Balai Polis Banting lama (kini Giat Mara Banting) dan seberang jambatan untuk ke Banting. Masuk sekolah menengah form 1, aku pakai seluar panjang kaler hijau. Aku batch pertama pakai seluar hijau kerana sebelum tu budak sekolah menengah  masih pakai seluar putih..Aku beli seluar panjang pasal masa tu bulu kaki aku dah mula panjang...geli aku tengok budak-budak India dan Benggali masih pakai seluar pendek dengan bulu-buku kaki terserlah. Bukan ke comel dan hensem kalau tutup aurat!
Time sekolah menengah aku asyik bergaduh jer dengan budak-budak Cina. Maklum ler gangster Banting dah mari tercabar kemelayuan aku..Bukan aku yang mahu tapi terpaksa! Aku bukan jenis campur geng..aku buat hal aku tapi Cina malaun nak tunjuk samseng dengan aku...nasib baik tak mampus aku kerjakan! Member-member gengster Melayu aku tabik spring kat aku...tapi ironinya (peliknya) lepas aku belasah anak cina tu, aku pulak yang menangis!

Masa sukan sekolah aku buat kat padang (kini Stadium Jugra). Masa tu aku masih ingat ada tiga batang pokok mangga besar kat tenggahnya..musim buah aku dan kawan-kawan akulah penunggunya...apa saja dapat aku lesing ke arah mangga-mangga tu. Aku faraidkan mangga-mangga tu kat kengkawan. Time solat Jumaat, aku paling bengang. Bukannya apa. engkau orang bayangkan masjid terdekat di Sungai Manggis. Maka menapaklah aku pergi dan balik di bawah panas terik mentari . Setahun lamanya begitu...mudahan-mudahan Allah ampuni dosa-dosaku kerana kepayahan itu. Amin.
                                           Kengkawan aku ramai, Cina, Melayu, India. Aku survey  dah diorang datang sejauh dari Batu Laut bawa ke Olak Lempit dan Sijangkang, paling jauh 15 batu (hampir 23 km) semata-mata untuk ke MES!  Alhamdulillah ramai yang berjaya dan menjadi. Baru ler aku faham visi arwah atuk dan abah aku. Aku meninggalkan MES dan Telok Datok kerana menyambung pelajaran ke Teknik Bukit Piatu, Melaka pada tahun 1980. Sesekali ada juga aku ke Banting untuk shopping dan tengok wayang walaupun aku lebih banyak ke Klang. Kalau adapun aku ke pekan sehari (kini tapak  Plaza MDKLgt) pada pagi hari Ahad untuk beli kuih dan tengok-tengok gelagat orang ramai terutama anak-anak dara. 

                                                                              Pejabat Pos

                                                                    hospital Banting

                                                                     Panggung Lido

Aku juga jarang ke Morib.Yang aku ingat tahun 1972 aku ikut jiran ke sana tengok Pesta Pantai. Jiran aku ke sana pasal berniaga kain. Orang punyalah ramai. Yang seronoknya ada acara naik tiang licin dan berenang kejar itik. Memang kelakar. Kemudian baru aku tahu pesta pantai tu diadakan sebagai ganti Pesta Mandi Safar yang khurafat itu.. Kemudian tahun 1979, ketika aku dan kengkawan tidur dan berkhemah kat Morib lepas SRP. Seronoknya pengalaman buat unggun tepi pantai dan tidur dalam hujan ribut malam tu.

                                                                     Pantai Morib
Dah mungkin jodoh aku dengan Banting masih kuat.Sementara menunggu kerja kosong, aku menarik (istilah memandu teksi atau kereta sewa) kat Banting ke Klang selama 2 tahun. Tahun 1997,balik sahaja dari Sarawak, aku mula bertugas di Jugra sebagai seorang pendidik. Tujuh tahun aku mengutip nostalgia di sana.

                                                              Kg. Permatang Pasir, Jugra

                                                                        Masjid Bandar Jugra

                                                               Istana Bandar, Jugra

Umangai....Harga rumah kat Telok Melambung!

Aduss!..Mengeluh aku bila tengok iklan rumah kat bawah ini..Rumah teres biasa jer..takdelah luas dan besar sangat...standard rumah teres setingkat. Aku syak luas 20' X 72' tu hanya luas lot tanah, bukan keluasan binaan rumah..kalau nak besar, tambah sendiri ler kat tanah belakang rumah ..duit lagi! Jangan tertipu dengan bilangan 4 bilik ..kalau setakat 10' X10' itu standard rumah kos rendah.Layout atau Floor design pun jenis 'short gun' kata mat salleh..buka pintu depan dah nampak pintu belakang...hehehe...Kalau aku,tak nak aku beli rumah camni. Baik beli atas tangan orang rumah kos rendah kat Jalan Mengkuang, taman yang sama..dah siap tambah sampai ke parit belakang lagi...paling lebih pun RM100k..itu pun finishing dia marble atau tiles, bukan cement rendering! Aku rasa Taukeh Cina developer ni cuba speculate market...ya lah untung sabut timbul...kononnya Telok dah sampai  tahap bandar satelit untuk Klang, macam Bukit Tinggi.

Aku cuba buat perbandingan dengan rumah aku kat Seremban Jaya ini, Jarak dari bandar Seremban lebih kurang 8km...lagi dekat  jaraknya antara Telok ke Klang. Teres dua tingkat, 4 bilik 3 bilik air, keluasan binaan 2080 kaki persegi..saiz tanah/lot 22' X70' harga SAMA dengan rumah teres setingkat kat Telok tu. Bukan aku nak menunjuk-nunjuk tapi aku rasa berbaloi beli kat sini...Pasal itu ramai orang KL cari dan beli rumah kat Seremban PLUS kat sini pakai batu bata bakar bukan batu pasir! Korang pikirlah sendiri