Changing face of Rejang & the heart of Sibu

Not too long ago, just before Christmas, I took a nostalgic boat ride along the meandering Rejang River in Sibu, Sarawak. Ranked the longest river in Malaysia, it is also the busiest. It was the only means of transportation upriver in the old days. Today the chocolate shake-waters remain as busy, with many boats plying the remote riverine outposts.

At the jetty where one used to board the sampans or wooden long boats, the lines were for the ultra-modern air-conditioned ëxpress boats. These boats are better equiped with high horse-powered engines. Although boading these boats are daily routines, it is during Christmas and other festives where one will see an exceptional spectrum of activities. From labourers carrying crates of beer and soda onto the boats , to young urban dwellers heading back to their kampungs to celebrate reunion dinners. It is a fact that the younger population at these outposts are migrating to the urban areas, many of which to bigger cities like KL, JB and Kuching.

Sometimes we do not notice the changes. A picturesque pagoda sits next to the jetty. When dusk sets in, the durian connoisseur will haggle with the sellers. More often than not, this cheap thrill of negotiating is the favourite pastime for many locals. It is also quite fun to split a few durians at the street corners ! Not far from the jetty, there is a night market where all sorts of household wares , clothing and fakes are being displayed. Though most of the product offerings are from China , the customers do not seem to mind. Even the pig heads and bundled live chickens are crowd pullers. A dramatic change , as the night market sits on a public parking area during the day.

Amid these structural and economic changes, the old charms, I reckon , are still intact !

My breath of fresh air

This is my first post so I should share the definition of my breath of fresh air. After 12 years deeply rooted in a gated apartment living in KL, just before Christmas 2007 I decided to pack my things and relocate to a new nest. Hidden away from the ever-crowded and busy stretch of road, I can now put my feet on the grass. You see, for a long time, this place at the end of the road was empty with overgrown grass and creepers. I have the place painted, add some colours to the wall and above all , adopted a 18 month old dog. A new beginning for Toby, his new name. He is quite happy running after the many little frogs leaping in the grass. A far cry from the concrete floors where he used to be caged up. Although not completedly free from noise pollution, I can hear the pretty robins chirping away all day long. It is only at certain intervals of the day that I can hear the prayer calls from the surau , a stone throw away. I knew of this proximity before I relocated here. At least I am reminded to hold steady to my Christian faith every passing day. I much needed this breath of fresh air. Pathforward henceforth should be exciting !