A gem of Mr DIY PLUS opens in Johor

 

With stores opened in malls and residential areas for customers’ convenience, local brand Mr DIY has earned a reputation as Malaysia’s favourite home improvement retailer.

 

Mr DIY Group's team at the Grand Opening
of Mr DIY PLUS with Head of Marketing,
Alex Goh [3rd from Right]

The success of Mr DIY since it was established in 2005 had led Mr DIY Group (M) Berhad to progress with sister brands like Mr TOY in 2019, Mr DOLLAR in 2020 and Mr DIY Express in 2021, while the first Mr DIY PLUS store opened in Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur in 2022.

 

The Group is also a master franchisee of the EMTOP brand in Malaysia with its first EMTOP outlet opened in 2023.

 

The much-anticipated grand opening of Mr DIY PLUS in Mid Valley Southkey Johor Bahru marks the Group’s 1,300 outlet in a layout that covers over 33,000 sq ft of floor space, attractively displayed with a range of products from the Group’s brands including Mr DIY, Mr DOLLAR, Mr TOY and EMTOP.

 

Mr DIY mascots and team members dance to
a current popular tune at the store entrance

When I arrived, a large crowd had gathered at the store entrance, eagerly awaiting the countdown to the store opening on Level One of The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey.

 

Among the media friends were Mr DIY team members, identified by their staff tunics, sipping drinks and nibbling on snacks that were also offered to new arrivals like me.

 

While the entrance to the store was carefully concealed for the opening gimmick, I observed that the outer walls were draped in what appeared to be crushed tin foil that reflected light with an eye-catching sparkle.

 

Mr DIY PLUS welcomes customers to shop
for a wide range of products here

As the MC welcomed us and shared his spiel about the store concept, I soon learnt more about this store’s design.

 

It was interesting that the store’s design concept drew its inspiration from the positive spirit of the Johor people and reflected the multi-faceted nature of the Southern-most state – its long history, vibrant economy, rich culture, modern outlook, its unique position as a Gateway to Peninsular Malaysia – which makes Johor state a true gem.

 

The mention of Johor as a jewel or gem struck a familiar chord not only because I am a true-blue Johorean but also because one of the stories featured in my 2017 MPH Non-Fiction Bestseller, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage, was Johor’s Many Names, a piece that discussed among other things, how the word Johor was derived from an Arab-Persian root word, Jauhar, which means jewel.

 

Having fun with the sensors of
this interactive LED wall

In his opening address, Mr DIY Group’s Head of Marketing, Alex Goh, reiterated how they have honoured Johor state with such a unique design concept.

 

“We are committed to bringing fresh concepts that captivate our customers. The Jewel theme for this store pays homage to Johor, a progressive and dynamic state – a true gem.

 

Inspired by this, we have created an exceptional retail journey that engages the senses and celebrates the Johor spirit,” said Alex Goh.

 

“Johor Bahru’s vibrant community and growth make it an ideal location for this flagship store,” he continued.

 

“Mr DIY PLUS at Southkey offers a lively, engaging shopping experience that meets daily needs, celebrates Johor’s spirit and delivers, ‘Always Low Prices.’

 

A section of the shop floor in Mr DIY PLUS

We are dedicated to being more than a retailer; Our aim is to be part of the community, creating a welcoming space for customers,” he added.

 

Once the opening gimmick and formalities were over, the doors were opened to welcome us in to explore and experience an all-new shopping experience.

 

In line with the Jewel theme, this store features a grand gemstone-inspired entrance as well as a shiny, mirrored finish, Ruby-red diamond art and geometric designs.

 

Customers in the queue at the pay-point

The Jewel art pieces at the center of the store captures Johor’s identity and heritage with intricate, gemstone inspired designs.

 

Designed as more than just a shop floor, this store also features engaging and interactive experiential attractions, an interactive LED screen with motion sensors, dedicated promotional areas, a workshop and event space, a ‘retail-tainment’ zone, a permanent children’s playground and an artistic Infinity Room.

 

To celebrate its grand opening, a series of fun activities and promotions are lined up for customers from now till Sunday, November 24.

 

Mr DIY PLUS is on Level One of The Mall,
Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru

Customers are invited to take part in the 1300 Challenge, Air Rush Challenge and Karaoke Showdown, then post on social media to receive Free mystery gifts.

 

For a minimum spend of RM30, RM50 and RM80, customers will receive Free Gifts daily (while stocks lasts) or may take part in a Spin & Win game to win prizes. (Check in-store for Terms & Conditions.)

 

Meanwhile, entry to the indoor playground and the Infinity Room is Free of Charge.

 

Visit Mr DIY PLUS at Unit F-040 & 041, First Floor, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru, Johor. Open daily from 10am to 10pm.

 

For more information, visit Mr DIY website at www.mrdiy.com and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Brick-tacular Holidays magic is here again!

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with festive fun celebrated in Brick-tacular Holidays, on from now till 5 January 2025.

 

Photo session at the entrance to 
The Beginning at Legoland Malaysia Resort

Come join the wonder, excitement and surprises in dazzling live shows, exclusive holiday workshops and special character appearances. To add to the festive fun, guests also stand to win daily prizes from the Advent Calendar Draw.

 

Be sure to catch the showtimes for Holly Jolly Shows like the Brick-tacular Illusion Show from Friday to Sunday, December 15 to 31.

 

Then plan come ready to join the Brick-tacular Parade, complete with marching bands and live performers from December 21 to 25.

 

While exploring the park, look out for the LEGO Snowmen hidden in Miniland. Try to find all eight to unveil their secret name and take home a Special Christmas Token.

 

Live stage performances at The Beginning

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture special shots with friendly mascots like LEGO Santa, The Wizard, Toy Soldier and Ollie the Dragon.

 

During the Brick-tacular Holidays season, guests will discover plenty of fun starting at The Beginning.

 

Build your very own LEGO holiday cupcakes and decorate them to your heart’s content or design your best LEGO ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.

 

Build to Give Workshop area

If you are up for the challenge, show off your speed-building abilities and see if you can beat the clock to build a LEGO candy cane.

 

LEGO fans are welcome to join an exclusive Build & Create Workshop led by Malaysia’s first-ever Master Model Builder, Zariq Mohd Ali.

 

At the recent launch of the Brick-tacular Holidays attractions, CS Lim, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, was proud to introduce Master Model Builder, Zariq, as LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort’s ambassador who joined the team to help design, produce and host exciting events.

 

CS Lim [Left] introduced Malaysia's
first Master Model Builder,
Zariq Mohd Ali [Right]

Lim said that Zariq’s outstanding skills, artistic vision and lifelong passion for LEGO stood out from among the finest LEGO talents in a nationwide search for Malaysia’s first Master Model Builder.


From crafting stunning LEGO models for the park, to leading hands-on workshops and interactive play sessions, Zariq will be bringing the magic of LEGO to live in new ways at the resort.


Born in France, Zariq lived in several countries including Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand before settling down in Kuala Lumpur.

 

He holds a degree in International Relations and Economics and speaks five languages like English, Malay and French with conversational-level Chinese and Spanish. 


“This is truly my dream job! LEGO has been a constant companion throughout my life,” declared Zariq. 


Zariq [Right] guiding a young LEGO fan
in building his LEGO model

“Growing up, my family moved around a lot and one of the few things that stayed with me during this time was LEGO. Being able to share my love for LEGO with others feels like the opportunity of a lifetime.

 

I’m excited to get started and hope to bring the same joy that LEGO has given me over the years, to the kids visiting LEGOLAND Malaysia,” he added.  


“We are thrilled to welcome Zariq to the team as our first-ever Master Model Builder in Malaysia,” said CS Lim.

 

Create LEGO ornaments to
decorate this Christmas tree

“The response to our search was overwhelmingly positive, with so many ccreative and talented builders who applied. Ultimately, Zariq stood out from the rest with his strong passion, creative vision and how he embodies our LEGO DNA of learning through play.

 

We can’t wait to see the amazing experiences he will create for our guests and the inspiration he will provide to young minds across Malaysia,” he continued.


LEGOLAND Malaysia is proud to be part of the Build to Give initiative, joining with all 10 LEGOLAND Resorts and 29 LEGOLAND Discovery Centres worldwide on a global mission to spread joy.

 

In the spirit of giving, guests are invited to join the Build to Give workshop and create your own LEGO heart. For every heart built and shared on social media with #BuildtoGive, LEGO will donate a set to children in need, helping to bring the gift of play to those who need it most.

 

Capture your favourite photos here!


So plan to arrive early to enjoy all the festive fun at Brick-tacular Holidays with LEGO Santa and his magical friends performing, Season of Giving Kick-offThen rock around the stage to Ollie's Holiday Groove, sing along with the Wizard's Festive Tune and cheer on your favourite dancers during the Elves vs Toy Soldier dance battle. End your fun-filled day with the heartwarming performance of, Farewell Finale, a perfect ending to your Brick-tacular Holidays experience.

 

For more information on the Brick-tacular Holidays event at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, visit https://www.legoland.com.my/explore/shows-entertainment/brick-tacular-holidays/ or visit the official Facebook and Instagram pages for details and tickets.

Modern cafe for traditional food

 

While heading to the grocers at Sunway Citrine Hub with the main objective to get everything on my grocery list, I have passed the adjacent Sunway commercial square numerous times without noticing the businesses that were opened here since 2022.

 

Facade of the corner cafe, Warung Ekspres

Recently around lunchtime, I was in the Sunway neighbourhood– this time, without any grocery list – determined to explore and experience the lunch options here.

 

Accompanied by Florence, my food-tasting friend who is also my navigator, we obeyed the driving directions set out in the Sunway commercial square which took us around the one-way lanes – more than twice on some lanes – to the look at the cafés, restaurants and kopitiams that were opened for lunch.

 

With no particular destination in mind and feeling not quite famished yet, we also took time to look at the menus provided outside, to consider the food options so as to reach a decision on where to dine.

 

A section of the cafe with a
poster of the Causeway
 and the Johor Bahru skyline

As we surveyed the commercial square, we observed that a healthy number of people were already seated and eating at the kopitiams and cafés – proof of the popularity of the cuisines served – and a positive sign that business was not only thriving but also meeting the tastes of diners.

 

We were delighted to discover that in addition to kopitiam favourites, the cuisine choices here included Malay, Korean, Thai and Peranakan Nyonya food, each with its own merits while some menus were best tasted with a group and not just two diners.

 

As we completed covering all the lanes in our survey of the commercial square, it was time to narrow down our choices and take a pick of which destination for our lunch.

 

When we saw the signboard at the corner café for WARUNG EKSPRES, the smaller print that read, JOHOR BAHRU, along with an illustration of a traditional batu lesung or stone mortar and pestle in their brand identity, caught my eyes.

 

As we walked into the café, I believed the mortar and pestle visual and the name, Johor Bahru, probably made the decision for us.

 

A section of the counter within the cafe

It was simply uncanny that we stepped into this café only to be welcomed in by the Operations Manager, Prakash Nambiar, who was familiar with me from when we met for special events and reviews at Food & Beverage establishments like EightLido and Bottle & Glass.

 

Such a pleasant surprise and a warm welcome simply made Warung Ekspres a good choice for lunch but I wisely held back from forming any conclusion until we had our dining experience.

 

When we were comfortably seated indoors, a glance through the glass-paneled wall revealed that there were tables occupied by diners in the outdoor section.

 

Florence and I took our time to study the menu with photos that listed a selection of popular Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Beef Noodles and Lamb Satay along with Johor specialties like Mee Bandung, Asam Pedas Ikan, Laksa Johor and Soto Ayam, among other local favourites.

 

A kids' play area occupies a section of the cafe
 
When Florence spotted her favourite, Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Penyet, on the menu, she did not hesitate to pick this item for her lunch.

 

As for me, it was a matter of making a choice for now because looking at photos of the mouth-watering dishes made me feel rather hungry.

 

I then picked Soto Ayam, a Malay-style chicken broth served with rice vermicelli or rice cubes or nasi impit, topped with shredded chicken, bean sprouts and begedil, a deep-fried meat and potato patty.

 

While waiting for our meal to be served, we arrived at a unanimous decision to come back again to try other choices on this interesting menu.

 

A serving of Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Penyet

Meanwhile, we observed that diners were leaving and arriving – many who appeared to be regulars – so we were pleased to have stumbled upon this corner café that day.

 

With an illustration of a batu lesung designed within their brand identity, I was quite confident that the kitchen with prepare their spices with fresh ingredients from scratch using a baru lesung, no less, to maintain authenticity in local recipes.

 

And when our orders were served, I was pleased to observe that the two different side sauces for Nasi Kerabu and Soto Ayam, were indeed own-made and rather tasty.

 

A serving of Soto Ayam

While we were eating, I could not help overhearing the conversation at the next table between Prakash and the diner who brought to his attention, that her expectation of her dish was not met.

 

From their animated chat, I figured that her order was same as mine for Soto Ayam and that she expected the carb in the chicken soup to be nasi impit but instead, it turned out to be rice vermicelli.

 

Then Prakash politely explained that the White bits shown in their photograph was shredded cabbage and not nasi impit.

 

Prakash Nambiar, hands-on in
serving brewed coffee to us

This episode reminded Florence and I about a previous incident where a reader, who happened to be a friend of Florence, went to a restaurant after reading my review and was disappointed that the dish they were served was unlike that photograph of a dish in my review.

 

I regretted that it was my mistake because the photo was of a special dish the merchant presented at the review and was not available on the menu.

 

Since that unfortunate incident where my photo had misled readers, I made it a point to show photos of dishes consistent with the menu so that diners know what to expect when they placed their orders.

 

Our meal continued pleasantly and later, when Prakash approached us for comments about the food, we were ready to give him our best compliments simply by drawing his attention to our empty plates.

 

After lunch we often enjoyed a good cup of hot coffee so when Prakash modestly suggested the freshly brewed local coffee in their menu, we agreed to have a taste.

 

A freshly brewed hot cup of coffee

He proved to be an experienced and versatile hands-on F&B professional who just stepped behind the counter to personally brew and serve us two cups of hot coffee.

 

By this time, most of the lunch crowd had left the café so while we savoured the exquisite taste of the creamy coffee, we also enjoyed a pleasant catch-up chit-chat about mutual interests and mutual friends.

 

I took the opportunity to quiz him about the café, its set lunch and dinner menus as well as those workstation stalls displayed outside. Just as I thought, he confirmed that these stalls were for live cooking stations when private events were hosted at the café.

 

So even before I paid the bill or stepped out of the café, we were already planning for our next visit, keen to enjoy many other local dishes on the menu.

 

Warung Ekspres is located at Unit 1-01 Laman Niaga Sunway, Persiaran Medini 3, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Open daily from 8am to 8pm. For more info, visit official Facebook and Instagram pages for Warung Ekspres.

Farewell, Uncle Cyril and Auntie Terry

 

Cyril Alexander Clark, fondly known as Uncle Cyril to many, left us on October 24 at the ripe old age of 94. Married to Terese Fernandez, they have two children, two grand-daughters and four great-grandchildren.

 

Cyril Clark with our eldest sister, Ruby, at
staff quarters, Kota Tinggi Hospital

Their daughter, Linda, was my classmate from Primary School to Secondary School in the Johor Bahru Convent and over the years, we discovered much in common between us.

 

For a start, both our fathers worked as Hospital Assistants with the Johor Bahru General Hospital (now known as Hospital Sultanah Aminah).

 

But even before Linda and I were born, our fathers already had a relationship, not only as work colleagues but as friends since Uncle Cyril was still a bachelor.

 

Facade of the Johor Bahru General Hospital,
circa 1946

My Johor Stories readers are familiar with my growing-up years while living at our grandfather’s house, a bungalow with an adjacent badminton court, that was once located at No. 154 Jalan Ngee Heng.

 

This property no longer exists as it was acquired by the Government and the land is now part of the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak expressway while only a small portion of our driveway still remained.

 

Until recently, this space was occupied by an enterprising warung operator next to a gigantic advertising pylon, planted there. After the warung had relocated and the shady tree was felled, what is left is only a small, triangle piece of land.

 

Uncle Cyril holding Ruby at the staff quarters,
Kota Tinggi Hospital, circa 1954

I am describing this because the compound of No. 154 faced the side wall of the first unit of that row of double-storey pre-war shophouses that still stands at Jalan Ngee Heng, opposite Wisma Maria and the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

 

In those days, while most of the shophouses operated various businesses on the ground floor, the upstairs were mainly for residential use. As a bachelor, Uncle Cyril became a friend of the family when he was one of the tenants, upstairs at No. 155, a next-door-neighbour to our grandfather’s house.

 

Uncle Cyril was about the same age as our Uncle Roland, grandfather’s eldest son, and around the same time, both of them joined the Johor Bahru General Hospital and were trained as Hospital Assistants.

 

My parents – dad, a Hospital Assistant and mum, a Midwife – were already working with the Johor Bahru General Hospital and when they joined the Health section of the Hospital, my parents were posted to work with the Kota Tinggi Hospital.

 

Incidentally, Uncle Cyril was also posted to the Kota Tinggi Hospital where staff were provided with quarters to live within the hospital compound. My mum told me that Uncle Cyril’s quarters was located opposite their quarters in Kota Tinggi.

 

When our eldest sister, Ruby, was born in 1954, she was an adorable toddler and my mum recalled that their colleagues enjoyed playing with her. Besides the attendant, Maniam, who liked to carry her, Ruby was also a favourite of Uncle Cyril.

 

Precious photo mementoes of Uncle Cyril with Ruby, captured a long time ago at the hospital quarters in Kota Tinggi, are treasured among my dad’s collection of old photographs.

 

Staff quarters at Jalan Dato Wilson was 
flooded on one Christmas Day, circa 1950s

When my parents were transferred back to work with the Johor Bahru General Hospital, our family moved into the hospital quarters at Jalan Dato Wilson.

 

Around this time, Uncle Cyril was also transferred back to work with the Johor Bahru General Hospital and this was where he met with the lovely Terese Fernandez who was then a Stenographer with the Administrative section of the Hospital.

 

For the uninformed, a Stenographer or Steno in short, is one who is skilled in writing in shorthand – an abbreviated form of handwriting – and typing out a transcription of the oral dictation.

 

In those days, Stenos like Auntie Terry who worked with Government Departments, had to pass exams taken every year, in order to receive an annual increment in salary. By the way, Auntie was proficient in shorthand, both in English and Malay.

 

Wedding photo of
Mr & Mrs Cyril A. Clark

Back then, it was common for couples to have formal wedding photos by professional photographers, taken at photo studios, and would develop duplicates to present copies of their wedding photos to family and friends.

 

So in 1956, my parents were among the happy recipients of a copy of Uncle Cyril and Auntie Terry’s wedding photo. I saw this precious photo among the collection of wedding photos my parents received, along with some old newspaper cuttings of wedding photos, as it was then a trend to announce marriages in the newspapers.

 

Linda’s family and our family were among the families who lived in the hospital quarters of the Johor Bahru General Hospital until such time when our parents bought their own homes in residential areas.

 

When our family moved to Larkin Gardens, Linda’s family shifted to Melodies Gardens. However, not long after we stayed in Larkin, my parents were transferred to work with a Health Sub-Centre and was based in Masai for some 13 years.

 

Meanwhile, Uncle Cyril continued to work in the Johor Bahru General Hospital where he developed a strong reputation with a career in the Operating Theatre.

 

I can recall, since Primary School, seeing Uncle Cyril picking Linda up from school in his White Volkswagen (Registration MB 4099). By the way, my dad’s VW was in Blue, registration number, JB 6655!

 

In Secondary School, we had to pair-up for Home Science class. Linda and I were partners for this class where we divided the kitchen tasks between us but I was always happy to do the washing up.

 

Linda and I with the late, great MJ
on our visit to the waxworks exhibition


My siblings and I, who lived with our grandparents in Johor Bahru to conveniently walk to school, would spend our term holidays in Masai with our parents. During these long, year-end school holidays, Linda and I used to have fun writing cards and letters to each other.

 

It was a bygone era – long before the age of email and social media – where the Postman was my favourite man-in-uniform because he was the one who brought me mail from friends and family, near and far, by what we now call, snail-mail.

 

Ahead of the Christmas season, my dad would send Christmas cards by post to a list of people that included Uncle Cyril and Auntie Terry. Likewise, Uncle Cyril would send us Christmas cards and his was always among the first to be received every year.

 

Uncle had a lovely singing voice and made a reputation for himself and Johor when he joined the Talentime, a singing contest held by Radio & Television Singapore (RTS), that was telecast live on Singapore national television.

 

We watched this exciting telecast in Johor Bahru with much pride and I cannot forget how the host introduced Uncle as the ‘Singing Ben Casey’ after a doctor character, Ben Casey, from a popular American TV series (1961 to 1966).

 

His most memorable success in the Talentime was when Uncle was placed among the top three singers. The prize was a wristwatch and Uncle picked a lady’s version because he wanted to present it as a gift to his dear wife, Auntie Terry.

 

Uncle Cyril was not only familiar with our extended family but was also aware of my interest in writing Letters to the Editor. You see, Uncle and my dad were old-school people who enjoyed reading the hardcopy, broadsheet daily newspapers and Uncle often read my contributions about current issues on the Editors page.

 

When Uncle Cyril read my response to a feature about caring for the elderly in a piece titled, Spare a thought for your elderly relatives, published in The New Straits Times on 5 June 1997, he recognized my writing style and guessed the writer was me.

 

Because he was not familiar with my Chinese name, Uncle checked with Linda to confirm if I was the writer. And Linda confirmed with Uncle that the writer was indeed, me!

 

Steamboat dinner with Uncle Cyril, Auntie Terry,
my parents and our eldest sister, Ruby, in 2011

After Linda and I completed Secondary School, further studies and our careers took us along different paths but our bond, established over the years, kept us close.

 

After their retirement, our parents would meet socially to renew their acquaintance and reminisce about mutual friends. Among the most memorable times we spent together was over a steamboat dinner in 2011 where my sister, Ruby, joined us.

 

Another time was the Thanksgiving Dinner we hosted in October 2012 to jointly celebrate our parents – dad’s 90th and mum’s 80th – birthdays, a grand reunion where Uncle Cyril and family met with former colleagues and members of grandfather’s family who were familiar with him since their Jalan Ngee Heng days.

 

From time to time, Linda and I shared updates about our parents’ health as it was a major concern particularly during the global pandemic years. Thankfully, our elderly folks were kept safe throughout the pandemic.

 

Uncle Cyril, when we met at the
neighbourhood shop in Jult 2021

In 2021, I was on a grocery run to a neighbourhood shop and was pleasantly surprised to bump into Uncle who was also shopping there. It was good to see that Uncle was still up and about but I observed that he had difficulty in walking.

 

Family and friends, familiar with Uncle Cyril and Aunty Terry, are aware that they were a loving couple, often seen together and simply quite inseparable.

 

When Aunty Terry deteriorated in health and had mobility issues, Uncle patiently cared for her to the point when it was necessary to engage a carer to lend an extra pair of hands at home.

 

Aunty Terry was admitted to hospital several times, with the most recent when she suffered a serious bout of pneumonia. Upon her discharge, her health deteriorated further and had to be fed through a Ryles tube.

 

On September 21, Uncle was rushed to the hospital and placed in Intensive Care to monitor his blood condition as his platelet count was dangerously low. This was due to Dengue fever and when he gradually recovered, Uncle was moved to the General Ward for infectious diseases.

 

While his condition was stable, Uncle took a turn for the worse when he suffered a serious lung infection which resulted in breathing difficulties. Upon the doctor’s advice, Linda informed her family members who were based in the UK and Australia, to make travel plans to come back soon.

 

At the funeral for Uncle Cyril

Uncle passed peacefully on October 24, survived by his beloved wife, two children, two grand-daughters, four great-grandchildren and one younger brother.

 

When I joined their relatives, former colleagues and friends, gathered to support the family in an emotional send-off, I met with Uncle’s former colleagues in the Operating Theatre of the Johor Bahru General Hospital.


Retired Nursing Sister Harjit Kaur and OT Nurse Diana Lim had their fair share of anecdotes as they reminisced about working with Uncle in the OT which was then located on the ground floor of the main building.

 

“Cyril was a gem who promoted goodwill and understanding among all of us,” said Dr Maria Fernandez, fondly called Dr Merlin of the Asia Medical Group, as she recalled the time when she was with the Johor Bahru General Hospital.

 

“He was always smiling in spite of the heavy workload and never complained,” she continued, “Sometimes we had to be in the OT for 12 hours at a stretch but the only one who never grumbled was Cyril.”

 

Dr Merlin explained that at that time, there was only one Government hospital in Johor so all the serious medical cases in districts like Batu Pahat, Muar, Mersing, were all sent to the Johor Bahru General Hospital.

 

From meeting well-wishers at the wake, we learnt more about how much they appreciated Uncle’s kindness in helping their elderly at home with medical treatments like changing dressings for wounds or giving them insulin injections.

 

It then occurred to Linda that her dad’s time in helping others with their elders’ home-care was probably why he used to arrive late to pick her from school or was the reason why she waited in the car while he attended to them.

 

As Uncle was diagnosed with Dengue fever, the family decided to get Auntie’s blood tested too, to see if she was also infected and to give her the necessary treatment.

 

At the funeral for Auntie Terry

Two days after Uncle’s funeral, her blood test results were received and it revealed that Auntie was dangerously weak, with many of her organs already shutting down.

 

That night, Auntie was admitted to hospital and she passed peacefully on November 1, just days after her beloved husband had left.

 

As we grieved with the family, we were encouraged that they had done their best to make Uncle and Auntie comfortable and had cared for them in their twilight years.

 

We take comfort in knowing that Uncle and Auntie, who were inseparable in life and apart only for a few days, have gone to a better place – together again, as always.

 

May you rest together in eternal peace, Uncle Cyril and Auntie Terry. God Bless.