Western Road Penang Christian Cemetery MPPP registration form download

Friendly reminder to all affected by the MPPP notice on the Western Road, Penang Christian Cemetery which will close the registration exercise on Tuesday November 30, 2010. You can download the forms here. The first page is the main form that you have to complete the details.  The second page is actually the reverse side of first page.  You can print it on the reverse side to save paper and planet Earth. 

The third page is the form for use by the public to make an enquiry on the burial plot detail.

These forms were obtained by my brother-in-law when they went to collect the form personally yesterday.  Thank you for your kind assistance.  I am a little disappointed with the MPPP for its failure to make the forms available for download at its website.  I contacted them about a week ago and told them that it is a  little hassle for us to go from Bukit Mertajam to collect the form at Komtar complex or the site office at Western Road.  The persons told me to give them my email address or faxed number and they will send it to me.  Sadly, there was no follow up despite my further contact to them and short messages service.

Please be advised that the counter staff mentioned that there will be no extension of time to submit the form.

If you have been trying in vain to locate some of the documents which could have been misplaced or lost, please do not fret. Here is a tip from a good Samaritan. You can still submit the form with whatever information you have in hand and then follow up with MPPP later.  Alternatively, there is a suggestion that you go to Commissioner of Oaths to make Statutory Declaration on the matter and submit it together with the completed form.

Hope you will share this with your friends and relatives who are affected by the notice.

A Visit to Kuala Juru Fishing Village by BigFootHill

Dawn at Kuala Juru Fishing Village

Sun rising behind the swamp and Kuala Juru village

"Sampans" or small boats lying on cockle shells bank of the jetty

Wednesday November 17, 2010 was a public holiday in Penang State of Malaysia in conjunction with the celebration by the Muslim faith brethren especially for the Pilgrims who have performed their Hajj pilgrimage at Mecca in Saudi Arabia with their family and friends.  On this special day, the less fortunate, poor and needy are remembered and taken care of by the blessed Muslims when they went to mosques to perform prayers and thereafter sacrificed some cows and cut it to pieces to be distributed to the community. I remember those days some decades ago, when I was living in the Royal town of Arau, Perlis, another northern state of Malaysia, the folks there were very excited about the Festival of Pilgrimage also known as Festival of Sacrifice or Hari Raya Aidil Adha,
As early as 5.00am, the Muslim folks will wake up and get to round up the herd of cows and goats to be sacrificed near the mosque compound.  A group of them will help to hold down the animals and tied them to the coconut trees while the local butchers will perform the task of killing and cutting the animals for distribution to the needy in the community. Usually the Royal Highness "Raja" or King of Perlis and his royal family households will contribute towards purchasing of most of the animals to be sacrificed for that day. Thereafter, the folks will go visit the graves to pay their respects for the departed kins who are buried there and clean up the compound. In Perlis and other northern Malays states, the declared Public Holidays are two days to celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice by Pilgrims.  The other "Hari Raya Aidil Fitri" or "Hari Raya Puasa" or Festival to celebrate the end of Fasting month of Ramadan is celebrated with two days of Public Holidays.

My mom and her friends will tell us children not to look at the action of the killing of the animals as they said that the old superstition that once the boys looked at the action, the boys will be naughty and cruel.  I belief our moms would want to spare us from the frightening sounds and cries of the animals when they are killed after the prayers' rituals and to spare us from watching the horrors of bloods oozing out from the killing of the animals we use to chase away from our backyards, or to see the lifeless carcass after the meat have been cut for distributions. These grand old stories are told again and again each time we come to celebrate the festival annually. 

Coming to back to the picture of the small fishing boats, I was excited to celebrate the festival by sacrificing my sleep and waking up early at 6.00am and getting my family to join me to watch sunrise at Kuala Juru at Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang.

The Kuala Juru Fishermen Association

 

It was also an opportunity for me to catch the life of the villagers at Kuala Juru.  We arrived the place at about 6.30am and went all the way to the end of the road where it stop at the foothill. The nearest house was some 50meters away.  We were the only ones there while the place was still very dark and misty.  My two companions were feeling spooky when we passed by the local Muslim cemetery and they wanted to turn back. Well, I never been there before and so it is better to be safe and so we turned back to the nearest point which have bright street lights and it happened to be near the Kuala Juru Fishermen Association as in the above shots.

Just then, a small lorry arrived to pick up loads of cockles packed in recycled plastic bags used for packing sugar.  In those days back in Arau, Perlis, I followed my mom to the market near the Arau Railway station, the cockles were delivered by the wholesalers in bags of gunny sacks which were environmental friendly.

Roller washing and filtering equipment to clean and pack the cockles in bags

The escalating conveyor to help lift the bags when loading into lorries

By then, we watched and talked to the men briefly and then walked to the jetty.  We looked for the sunrise but it was not the best place to view as it was partially blocked by the hill at Kuala Juru and the swampy trees.  So we just took some pictures and after some thirty minutes, there were two fishing boats passing through the river mouth of Sungai Juru which was how the place is named after Kuala Juru.  I did not manage to get the picture of the boats passing by as they were quite fast while I was still trying to adjust my camera setting.

Later we came across two senior adults or uncles and greeted them, Both of them have been staying here for more than sixty years and have been fishermen mostly rearing and harvesting cockles besides trapping the crabs, prawns and the mantis prawns or for living.  The place was quiet as that day was a public holiday and most of the Muslim fishermen were taking a day off. Behind the picture of the two uncles are the sheds occupied by local fishermen and a Thai "tom yam" (a kind of sour and spicy soup cooked with fish and prawns) restaurant owner originated from Southern Thailand.  There is only one common bathroom and toilet for the people staying there according to the uncles.

Pakcik Nordin and Pakcik Ismail

Brightly lit cement pathway to the jetty

Sampans docking at the jetty

As we were chatting with the uncles, my two companions were attacked by the little "kamikaze" mosquitoes and they retreated to the brightly lit areas to avoid being bitten by them. Soon we saw the swallow birds flying above the sky and then the white herons were hovering above the river mouth and landed on the banks and shallow parts of the river to catch and eat the little fish or crustaceans.

Herons

Fishing boat powered by motor passing by towards the sea

The landing jetty at Kuala Juru

The netting traps and ropes on board

two newer boats with red linings

Hunting for breakfast?

After the sky turning brighter, we can see the swamps clearer and there were more boats docked at the wooden jetty used for landing.  Up in the dark blue skies, we saw air planes taking off from Penang International Airport at Bayan Lepas towards our direction and over us.

The airline flying crossover to Kuala Juru

The Plane! The plane!...Welcome to Fantasy Kuala Juru

The seafood restaurant

Children playground opposite the Kuala Juru Fishermen Association

We then drove over to the other side of Kuala Juru which is near to the other restaurant and went to the end until we came across a quarry where there was new jetty being constructed by the Kuala Juru Fishermen Association.

New under construction landing jetty at the other side of hill of Kuala Juru

The new under construction landing jetty overlooking the Penang Second Link which is also under construction

Sunlight rising above the hill at Kuala Juru shinning upon the crossbars .

The hill and granite quarry at Kuala Juru

 

A sunny reflection on the pool of water at quarry at Kuala Juru

On the way out, we discovered a gem and scenic view of Big Foot Hill which look like we were on a narrow and winding road to the Swiss Alpine...ha.ha..so we really enjoy the holiday on a tight budget with airlines all over at Kuala Juru.

Big Foot Hill like a scenic Swiss Alpine

The narrow, long and winding road out from Kuala Juru quarry to Bukit Mertajam or Big Foot Hill or 大山脚

Please note that there is a different in the version with regards to Prophet Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac(Ishak) bore by his wife Sarah in reference made to the Holy Bible as compared to the Holy Qur'an which mentioned Abraham's son name as Ishmael(Ismail) bore by the Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, Hagar (Siti Hajar).  

Please see my earlier post "Looking for Church at Bukit Mertajam to celebrate Christmas" by clicking here : http://bigfoothill.blogspot.com/2010/11/looking-for-church-at-bukit-mertajam-to.html "

It reminded me of the story in the Bible book of Genesis Chapter 22 Verse 1 to 19 of Abraham offering his son, Isaac, as the sacrificial lamb to God and of his obedience to God and God's blessing upon him and his descendants of nations on the earth. Article is copyrighted by and courtesy of Focus Radio link http://www.facingthechallenge.org/gen22.php " 

Credit goes to the Ministry of Information of Malaysian Government for the information of the Festivals and public holidays.

 

Looking for Church at Bukit Mertajam to celebrate this Christmas?

Bigfoothill was looking forward to last Sunday November 21, 2010 as it was a day to celebrate his friends' Birthday at the church after the Sunday Worship Service.  On the same day, the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon was held at the Penang bridge which were closed to public since 1am until 10am.  Another special event was also held in Penang Polo Ground to commemorate the World Walking Day on this beautiful Sunday.

Special Birthday cake for my friend made of Glutinous rice cooked and steamed with turmeric

The curry chicken in spices is delicious and tasty eaten with the yellow glutinous rice which got its color from the turmeric

Two cakes for the two brithday friends

The birthday cakes were special as one is made of yellow glutinous rice  which is rice cooked with turmeric which gave its yellow color which the Chinese people use to celebrate thanksgivings on the "full moon" or approximately the child's one month old birth, served together with curry chicken and red colored eggs on the occasion of one month old birth of the child. As with the Malay friends, they will hold the thanksgiving ceremony feast known as "Hukum Aqiqah" for the sons and daughters.

It reminded me of the story in the Bible book of Genesis Chapter 22 Verse 1 to 19 of Abraham offering his son, Isaac, as the sacrificial lamb to God and of his obedience to God and God's blessing upon him and his descendants of nations on the earth. Article is copyrighted by and courtesy of Focus Radio link

Main view of Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church (BMBC) main gate along Jalan Kulim, BUKIT MERTAJAM

Here are a few snapshots of Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church (BMBC) which is located at 2209, Jalan Kulim, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang.

The Red Cross that looked like the Rising Sun

View of the high ceiling at the main sanctuary

BMBC One Another Church

Vision and the Church

It is easy to find when you are coming from the direction of Bukit Mertajam town center beginning from the Traffic Police Station  opposite the Summits Shopping complex which is next to Fire Brigade Station at Jalan Aston.  Follow the traffic towards Jit Sin (Private)Secondary School till the T-Junction in front of Hong Leong Bank and then turn left towards Jalan Usahaniaga (one way traffic flow) . Go along till you turn right and pass through EON Bank on your left and reach the Bukit Mertajam Rest House at the T-junction. The Bukit Mertajam Rest House which is opposite the Bukit Mertajam Covent School along Jalan Kulim, where the one way traffic loop starts as you enter BM town for traffic travelling from Kulim.  Turn left at Bukit Mertajam Rest House and proceed for about 300 meter and you will see Kim Sen Primary School (SRJK[C]Kim Sen) on your right followed by the new St Anne Church( Note: Please do not confuse with the St. Anne's Sanctuary which is located at the same vicinity as the old St Anne's Church) further down Jalan Kulim.

"New St Anne's Church" opposite Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church along Jalan Kulim, BUKIT MERTAJAM, Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang

The old St Anne's Church established since 1888

The St Anne's Sanctuary at the right wing vicinity of the Old St. Anne's Church

BMBC - The Church with a Big Tree in front

BMBC main Aisle

Pews on both sides of the main aisle inside BMBC's sanctuary

Murial on the side wall inside BMBC

Unique shaped high ceiling and the  Red Cross at the main sanctuary

Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church is just opposite the new St Anne's Church and the Shell petrol station.  As you can see, the description of the direction to the BMBC is lengthy. So whenever the BMBC members invite their friends to the church, they will tell them it is "THE CHURCH with  A BIG TREE IN FRONT" along Jalan Kulim if you are lost.

View Larger Map
BMBC is a member of the Malaysian Baptist Convention.  It is also a member of NECF Malaysia. It was planted by mother church Georgetown Baptist Church.

BMBC Sunday Bible Class : 9.00am

BMBC Sunday English Worship Service : 10.00am

BMBC Sunday Malay Worship Service 2.00pm

BMBC Telephone no. 604-5391854

BMBC Email Address: bmbapc@yahoo.com or bmbapc@tm.net.my or bmbc.adm@gmail.com

Misty morning in Bukit Mertajam

View of Big Foothill . from Kota Permai near RT Office (Orange building at the right foreground)

Misty view of one of the basketball courts at Kota Permai

After heavy rainfall last night, this morning the Big Foot Hill a.k.a. Bukit Mertajam was misty. The mist finally went away and it appeared again around 8.50am local time. These shots were taken at Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam near community hall  for Resident.

It was a nice cool weather and it had been months since the last time we had such a misty morning in Bukit Mertajam. It reminded me of Cameron Highlands. Oh..how wonderful if I could sleep a little longer this morning. No..no.. if I am looking for Bigfoot which was reported to have visited Malaysia recently in southern state of Johor which is opposite the causeway to Singapore.

For some residents, it is the usual morning routine exercise and dance in the early hours. For some, it is time to go to work as today is a working day for Penang State as we only have one day Public Holiday. As for the school children, it is just the beginning of the long year-end holidays.

Football field at Kota Permai near community hall

Mist slowly clearing up

Thick mist enveloped the sky around Bukit Mertajam

The mists and clouds were moving away revealing the hills and the blue sky

Every morning, there are residents here doing their morning exercises.  There are dancing lessons and Chinese martial arts exercises conducted at the cemented floor in front of the hall every morning except rainy days and  a certain day of the week.  Majority of the participants are ladies.  You can join in or enroll for the lessons to keep fit and healthy.

Wind was blowing from North West direction

In the afternoon usually after 5.00pm local time, this field in front is also the game place among footballers and the enthusiasts of seven-a-side futsal teams till the sky turn dark. You can find many fans of the English Premier League(EPL), the Spanish La Liga or the German's Bundesliga or the Italian's Serie A playing here, hoping to be spotted by the coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti, Fabio Capello or Jose Maurinho or Mancini or Rafa Benitez. So, if you enjoy kicking and running, here is the place for you.  There is a basketball court if you like man-to man marking.

My beautiful Big Foot Hill

Of course, there is a children playground on one of the corners of the field. You can have fun time with the little ones.  Some of the local residents have also planted some green vegetables and flowering plants on the edge of the field. You can admire the green vegetables or flowers and help to water the garden.

You can pick to sit back on the cement benches to watch the activities or just lying by the side on the green green grass of home if you happen to bring your mat.

As for the night fall activities, there are seasons where on the other corner directly opposite the RT office, Concert or Chinese Opera are held to celebrate the events organized by the little temple there.  On another corner to the left of RT, there is another temple with the big rock which is located along the main Jalan Kota Permai which also held such events in the past at the other corner.  During those seasons, you can take a good peep at the famous local artistes in their colorful and glittering "sexy" outfits when they perform the shows.  You have to put up with some congestion on those avenues and roads as there are many patrons and worshipers lighting incense and giant joss-sticks.  The show is not over till it is past 12 midnight. The musics are loud and clear during these period.

There will usually be some hawker stalls mushrooming nearby by the stage and temples selling foods like famous "Penang Laksa", Prawn Noodles, Cuttlefish dessert with water glory bind or water spinach or swamp cabbage and other type of Chinese desserts

Sun above the shady trees along the edge of field where I was standing while the mist was still clearing up

The peak of Bukit Mertajam with its Ground Satellite Antennas station

The RT hall is also used as the kindergarten which is sponsored by the government for the local community's children in the morning.  So if you are looking for some recreation, sports or meeting new friends, this is the place that help you to get to know your community.

As for those more adventurous and hunting for Bigfoot at Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang, you can begin with trekking up the Bukit Mertajam Hill and see if you can find any giant footprints in the forest.

If you are not looking for Bigfoot then, you can proceed to its market for breakfast which have several food and beverage stalls and then go shopping at the nearby Billion Supermarket at the other part of Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam.

As for those who aspired to be the next Badminton Olympic Champions like our local hero, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, you can train at our public badminton hall right above the market food and beverage stalls at Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, Tengah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Hunt for Bigfoothill using GPS satellite?

Bigfoot in Malaysia go north to Bukit Mertajam next?