A Danga Bay destination for Asam Pedas

 

This is a mall destination at Danga Bay for Asam Pedas – a traditional sour and spicy stew simmered with a choice of fresh seafood and vegetables – served bubbling hot in a claypot.

 

Facade of Port Asam Pedas by Sang on the 
ground level of Beletime Mall, Danga Bay

I joined my media friends at Port Asam Pedas, opened adjacent to Sang Gerai on the ground floor of Beletime Mall at Danga Bay, for a taste of their much-touted Asam Pedas in claypot, among other kampung dishes that traditionally complimented it.

 

While every state, every district and even, every family may have their own recipe for Asam Pedas, this version is prepared in a recipe that tastes bold yet balanced, with a gentle heat that deeply satisfies.

 

The distinct flavour of this rich Asam Pedas is enhanced with bunga kantan or torch ginger flower, pineapple puree, cracked black pepper, daun kesum (laksa leaves) or Vietnamese coriander and dried prawns with a dash of toasted belacan or shrimp paste.

 

Executive Chef Abdul Kadir Razak
presents Asam Pedas in claypots
and its complimentary dishes 

I listened with interest as Chef Abdul Kadir Razak, the Sang Group’s Executive Head Chef, shared with us the “secret recipe” to preparing his version of Asam Pedas served in a claypot.

 

I did not hesitate to voice out my thoughts that if he was sharing his “secret” with us, it will no longer be a secret!

 

The affable chef responded with a wide smile, saying that anyone may have his recipe but the real secret was in fact, the hands that prepared the dish.

 

He was pleased to share that the Sang Group sourced for the freshest seafood locally from suppliers in Penawar, Pengerang and Batu Pahat, and that their restaurants prepared dishes from fresh-caught and not frozen seafood.

 

Diners may pick additional fresh
items to add to their Asam Pedas

He was proud that the fish soup stock used in their Asam Pedas recipe was made from the bones of fresh fish, slow-boiled for four hours to extract the fish essence.

 

Chef Kadir went on to say that every order for Asam Pedas was cooked ala-minute and closely timed so that the claypot was served bubbling hot to the table.

 

By the time the steaming claypot was served and the lid opened, the seafood and ingredients within should be cooked to perfection.

 

On hearing this, the seafood connoisseurs among us nodded in agreement when Chef Kadir described the pleasure of tasting the texture of the flakey fish.

 

Asam Pedas prepared with whole prawns

Port Asam Pedas, as its name describes, is a destination for Asam Pedas prepared with chunks of ikan merah or Red Snapper along with tomato wedges and lady’s fingers.

 

Diners are welcome to personalize their claypot at an additional cost – served in two sizes – with fresh items like squid, prawns or choices of fish, like mackerel or sting ray, picked from a Fresh Seafood counter.

 

Chef Kadir said fans are familiar with the dishes that best compliment the taste of Asam Pedas, eaten with steamed white rice.

 

Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ayam Masak Kicap
and Ayam Masak Merah [Clockwise]

Traditional pairings include Telur Dadar (egg omelet), Ulam Kampung (platter of fresh village greens with a spicy dip), Kobis Goreng Udang Kering (cabbage sauteed with dried shrimps), Peria Goreng Telur (bitter gourd stir-fried with egg) and Kangkung or water spinach stir-fried in chili belacan or garlic and onion.

 

Other recommended fish dishes are kampung-style Gulai Ikan or fish curry and Singgang Serani, a home-style fish soup infused with the flavours of fresh turmeric and galangal.

 

Popular choices of chicken dishes include Ayam Goreng Berempah (spiced fried chicken), Ayam Masak Merah (fried chicken coated in spicy tomato sauce) and Ayam Masak Kicap (fried chicken in dark soy sauce).

 

Sang sauces [Left to Right] Sang Chili Pedas,
Sambal Kicap and Chili Nasi Ayam

Speaking of sauces, I spied jars of Sang sauces lined up in a row. Looking closer, I discovered that each jar was labelled, Sang Chili Pedas, Sambal Kicap and Chili Nasi Ayam.

 

While I am familiar with the typically Johor penchant of enjoying Pisang Goreng or deep-fried bananas dipped in Sambal Kicap (spicy dark sauce), I was pleased to discover that the Johor Malay community was also particularly fond of adding a dollop of Sambal Kicap to savour with their Asam Pedas dish.

 

It was also a pleasure to savour steamed rice “flooded” by Asam Pedas gravy, rich with seafood flavours, and the best way was to eat it the traditional way – by hand.

 

The best way to eat Asam Pedas is the
traditional way - by hand!

With its location linked to Sang Gerai, a sister restaurant in the Sang Group – they share the same entrance – diners at Port Asam Pedas are also welcome to order Sang Gerai bestseller items like the Chicken Rice set topped with Chili Nasi Ayam, and stir-fried rice noodles, Char Kway Teow.

 

Two choices of Halal menus to enjoy in one destination gives diners more reason to visit Port Asam Pedas at Beletime Danga Bay. Diners who drive should take advantage of convenient indoor parking within Beletime mall.

 

Port Asam Pedas @ Beletime Danga Bay [Halal certified] is at G-68, Ground Floor of Beletime Mall (Next to Gate 2 and Sang Gerai), Persiaran Danga Perdana, Country Garden, Danga Bay 80200 Johor Bahru. For reservations, Tel: +6019 735 7556.

Healthcare Centre opens in Pulai Springs

 

Over the years, the Pulai Springs Resort has earned a proud reputation for hospitality and comfort.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the official
opening of Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre

After nearly three decades in hospitality, the Pulai Group is aware that true wellbeing goes beyond comfort as it begins with good health.

 

So their venture into healthcare was a natural progression to provide attentive, compassionate and high-quality care supported by a dedicated and experienced team of medical professionals in a wide range of medical services.

 

The opening of the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre as an Ambulatory Care Centre is a meaningful step into the healthcare industry to provide health, wellness and care to the community.

 

With resort general manager, Sunny Soo [Far
Left] after the ribbon-cutting ceremony

It was a pleasure to witness the grand opening of the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre recently in a special ceremony graced by Johor State Executive Council member for Health and Environment, YB Tuan Ling Tian Soon, and attended by business partners and distinguished guests.

 

The ceremony kicked off with a doa selamat, a prayer tradition to bless the event.

 

In his opening address, Director of the Pulai Group, Chris Mah, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved for their support throughout their journey in presenting this healthcare center, from conception to completion.

 

One for the album, at the main entrance to
the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre

He was proud to draw attention to the center’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality and compassionate healthcare to patients that reflect the same values that Pulai Springs Resort upheld in hospitality for nearly three decades.

 

“Our aim is simple: to provide a healthcare environment that combines modern medical services with warmth, reassurance and trust,” said Chris Mah.

 

YB Tuan Ling Tian Soon was escorted
around the premises to inspect the facilities

“With Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre, we are expanding our philosophy of care beyond hospitality into health and wellness,” he added.

 

He was pleased to announce that the opening of the Healthcare Centre marked Phase One of the Pulai Group’s long-term vision for healthcare.

 

Future plans included the development of a full-fledged hospital on the adjacent land that will expand into specialist care and comprehensive medical services for the growing Pulai community.

 

YB Ling inspecting the facilities in the
Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre

In his speech, YB Ling commended Pulai Spring Healthcare Centre for its focus on blending modern medical care with warmth and attention, which aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all Johoreans.

 

“Facilities like Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre demonstrates how the private sector can partner with the public sector to strengthen healthcare for the community,” said YB Ling.

 

“I am confident that this Centre will become a trusted healthcare provider for all residents in Pulai and Johor, a place where people not only receive treatment but also feel cared for, understood and supported,” he added.

 

At the reception desk

The Centre’s grand opening continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an invitation to YB Ling to sign the official opening plaque.

 

Following Chinese traditions, the opening ceremony was completed by a lion dance performance by a pair of dancing lions to the beat of dramatic drums and crashing cymbals.

 

Led by the pair of dancing lions, the VIP guests were welcomed into the healthcare center to inspect the facilities. After the site inspection, guests were invited to enjoy refreshments.

 

Live cultural dance entertainment during
the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebration

The opening ceremony coincided with the Pulai Springs Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebration hosted with corporate clients held at a nearby event hall, which served a sumptuous buffet spread complete with live music and cultural dance entertainment.

 

The Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre is now fully operational, bringing a new standard of accessible, professional and compassionate healthcare, ready to serve the public.

 

Pulai Springs Resort and Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre is located at Persiaran Bukit Pulai Satu, 81300 Johor Bahru.

 

For enquiries, Tel: +607 291 1999.

Email: info.acc@pulaisprings.com

 

For more information, visit official website: www.pulaispringshealthcare.com

A sneak peek into The Straits

 

Last month, I received an invitation to visit The Straits Medini but I had to decline as I was still abroad. This month, my Marketing Communications friend, M S Bobby, followed-up with me to seek a mutually agreeable date for tea at The Straits Medini.

 

Facade of the entrance to The Straits Medini

I have had the pleasure to work with M S Bobby in recent years while she was attached to international brand hotels, opened in Johor Bahru. After a brief hiatus in her hometown, she was back in Johor again and keen to let me have a sneak peek into a resort opened in Afiniti Medini, that aims to redefine senior living here.

 

Having participated in various events held in the Afiniti Medini since its opening in 2016, I am familiar with this integrated development in Medini designed for premium wellness living, established in a strategic joint-venture between Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd and Khazanah National Berhad.

 

I thought that the location of The Straits Medini within Afiniti Medini was ideal as it was complimented by the presence of the Gleneagles Hospital Medini, the Mall of Medini and Legoland Malaysia resort, all just a few minutes walking distance away.

 

Front entrance into the lobby
at The Straits Medini

Johor Bahru certainly needs a premium standard senior care facility for independent and assisted living in well-designed premises and I looked forward to my sneak peek into what was ready to meet the quality of life our seniors deserve.

 

My thoughts were on the seniors who worked hard to provide for their families, supported their children’s education and sent them abroad for further studies. These children achieved their education goals and went on to promising careers but many also decided to settle down abroad.

 

A turntable to play favourite vinyl
records to enjoy music together

While globe-trotting seniors may travel abroad to visit with their children and enjoy holidays together, there will come a time when seniors no longer wished to travel. Similarly, as young people get on with busy careers, their visits with parents may be less often.

 

For all couples, one partner will leave before the other and the surviving spouse will then live alone or in the company of a helper. Many seniors are highly-accomplished people who are still full of life and able to contribute to the community. But the lack of social connection may result in loneliness and mental health issues.

 

In their sunset years, these seniors who had worked hard and saved hard, deserved comfort and a quality of life with proper healthcare. They deserved a place where the elderly and retirees may continue to be active and where high-quality life and care was provided for those who are semi-dependent or needing some social life.

 

A comfortable lounge for tea
or a cosy chit-chat time

With these thoughts in mind, I made my way to The Straits Medini to meet with Bobby for my peek into the resort that promises to redefine the art of senior living.

 

It was good to reconnect with Bobby again and be introduced to the team led by CEO, Elvira Tan, who warmly welcomed me in.

 

From the lobby to the lounge and reception area, the ambiance was distinctly charming with Straits-born or Peranakan elements that reflected its Straits identity.

 

A guided walk-through of the premises gave me the impression that this was a boutique senior care facility that matches with the tastes of seniors who know how to enjoy their retirement.

 

Cosy nooks to rest and relax

The well-appointed furnishing and fixtures in the residential suites featured resort quality amenities and cutting-edge technology, designed for the safety of residents.

 

Each suite offers open-plan living and dining areas, a well-equipped kitchenette, spacious bedroom and stylish ensuite bathroom.

 

I liked that the bathroom, in particular, was installed with safely handles and sensors that are electronically linked to a closely monitored system that will ensure swift emergency responses.

 

Safety handles and sensors
are installed in the bathrooms

Elvira told me that residents are free to customize their own spaces to meet with their own tastes and are welcome to cook their own meals. Alternatively, they may order-in from the in-house kitchen or dine with other residents in the brasserie.

 

There was also a wellness center for residents to pamper themselves at the spa and stay well-groomed with the services provided by the nail spa and hair-dresser. A gym that features exercise equipment suitable for seniors, was provided for residents to stay fit.

 

This resort aims to provide a safe haven for seniors that welcomes multi-generational interaction in the Games rooms for board games and mahjong, and karaoke sing-along sessions. Yes, there was also a theatre to screen shows while viewers relaxed, stretched out on comfortable armchairs.

 

Wide corridor that links the 
brasserie to the activity rooms

As we chatted over cups of tea, I learnt that while this was just the pre-opening stage, the resort was already hosting weekend staycations with groups who were keen to explore and experience this premium standard of senior living that was now available in Johor.

 

Elvira shared briefly that this was Phase One of the resort with plans ahead to open The Straits in Penang and also abroad. With what was already in place in Johor, we look forward with eager anticipation, to how this resort will serve our seniors here.

 

The Straits Medini is located within the Afiniti Medini, No. 3 Jalan Medini Utara 1, Medini Iskandar, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia.

 

For enquiries and appointments to view the show units, send your message via WhatsApp to Tel: +65 8819 7222 or send email to: contact@thestraitsresorts.com

 

For more information, visit website: thestraitsresorts.com

Memories of the Soo Peng Hang Press

 

I recently had a visitor from the US who was keen to explore more about Johor’s culture and heritage. After we visited a bookshop and the Sultan Ismail Library, I thought that he would be interested to see some vintage books on Johor at Galeri Sejarah Johor or the Johor History Gallery.

 

Facade of Soo Peng Hang Press [Right]
at No. 48 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Johor Bahru

My visitor, Professor Sanjay Krishnan from Boston University, whose teaching and researching interests included Post-Colonial and World Literatures, responded with much interest when I suggested to check out a collection of old books at the Gallery.

 

Professor Sanjay had read Encouraging the Reading Habit a piece I published in 2017, from My Johor Stories blog and was in search of some old books that he once read at the Sultan Ismail Library when it was then located in downtown Johor Bahru, next to the main Post Office. His quest for these old books brought him to Johor Bahru again.

 

The signboard for Soo Peng Hang
Press was faded but the
Chinese version is still legible

He said that in his previous visit to Johor Bahru, he managed to buy a copy of My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage, from the small stock available from JARO, or Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation.

 

In this visit, he was pleased to get a copy of My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment of the trilogy of My Johor Stories from JARO, and had me autograph it for him.

 

[After the global pandemic, all the MPH bookstores in Johor Bahru were closed so I obtained permission from MPH to keep a stock of books for sale in Johor.]

 

On our way to the Gallery, I gave Prof Sanjay a brief introduction to Mohd Fariz Johari, the curator of Galeri Sejarah Johor. For his passion in seeking and discovering ancient artifacts, he was nicknamed Johor’s own, “Indiana Jones.”

 

I explained that this young man started to showcase his private collection of Johor artifacts in the mall and over time as his collection increased, this space gradually expanded to a wider wing on Level One.

 

Then when Mohd Fariz Johari discovered the trilogy of My Johor Stories, he bought a set of my books to add to his collection of books on Johor in the Gallery.

 

Professor Sanjay Krishnan [Right]
at the Galeri Sejarah Johor

I also prepared Professor Sanjay to see an eclectic mix of artifacts which may not be clearly labelled but it would be interesting for vintage treasure-seekers to browse around and hear interesting anecdotes from the gallery assistants.

 

So when we arrived at the Gallery, I let the helpful gallery assistant escort my visitor around while I made a quick survey to see what was “new” among the artifacts.

 

A glance around showed me that there was a great number of additions to the collection. I was able to identify the familiar vintage photographs of the Johor royal family members and scenes of Johor Bahru in a bygone era, inherited from the former Johore Heng Photo Studio.

 

In 2023, this vintage photo studio was among the destinations of heritage traders featured in My Johor Stories Heritage Walks but as it was a sunset trade, the family who used to run this photo studio, decided to cease its operations in 2024.

 

I am pleased that I have documented the story of the Johore Heng Photo Studio in My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People.

 

Among the “new” artifacts I saw in the collection was a cloth banner woven with Chinese characters draped over the door of a wooden wardrobe. I do not read Chinese but I was able to deduce that it should be from the now defunct, Soo Peng Hang Press, one of the earliest printing companies in Johor Bahru.

 

Samples of kuda calendar with the
Soo Peng Hang Press brand

It was an intelligent deduction because this banner was on the same wooden wardrobe where I saw samples of old kuda calendars printed with the Soo Peng Hang brand, hanging there. These one-month-at-a-glance, traditional calendars earned its name from the horses printed on the dates when there were horse-races.

 

On a shelf inside the wardrobe, I saw used pieces of ceramic moveable types used for typesetting. The sight of these items convinced me that they came from the Soo Peng Hang Press.

 

When I lead groups of participants of My Johor Stories Heritage Walks along the promenade designed parallel to Jalan Wong Ah Fook, I would pause along this route to share interesting information on Johor culture and heritage.

 

Among the stops I made along this promenade was a spot opposite the row of shophouses where the Soo Peng Hang Press was once located at No. 48 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. The paint on the old signboard was faded but the faint outline of its name, at least the Chinese version, was still legible.

 

Used pieces of ceramic moveable types
used for typesetting

Flashback to mid-March 2015, ahead of the coronation of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor on 23 March 2015, I had the privilege to meet with Soo Kok Wah, a member of the Soo family who shared with me, his recollections in Coronation Memories.

 

I did not know then that in 2017, I would be involved with a book project in partnership with Think City Johor Bahru, to document the heritage story of the Soo Peng Hang Press.

 

In 2019, this hardcover publication was launched in a simple ceremony witnessed by members of the Soo family. It was uncanny that I had a personal connection with this book project because my dad’s first job was as a typesetter.

 

While I was sad that the Soo family was not able to open their defunct printing press as a heritage gallery, I trust that these artifacts should trigger off recollections of this fine art of printing in a bygone era before the invention of modern printing technology.

 

Visit the Galeri Sejarah Johor for your own glimpse of the artifacts from the Soo Peng Hang Press, the Johore Heng Photo Studio and an array of other heritage items.

 

Galeri Sejarah Johor is at Lot 120, Level One of Komtar JBCC Mall, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor. Open daily from 10am to 10pm. Free Entry.

 

Meanwhile, My Johor Stories books are available from MPH bookstores nationwide and online from mphonline.

 

In Johor Bahru, my books are available at Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) located at Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor. Open from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Tribute to Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim

 

When I read the news about the passing of Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim from a Facebook post by a mutual friend, Edey Suresh, with a photograph of them together, I was deeply saddened.

 

At my book launch event, December 2022;
Dr Badrul [First row, second from Left]

Without a moment’s hesitation, I reached Edey to ask him for more information. And learnt that Dr Badrul bravely battled on but he lost to that dreadful disease.

 

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family of Dr Badrul. No words can comfort especially at the loss of one who was as special as Dr Badrul.

 

I echo the words of Edey who said that Dr Badrul was one who carried himself as thoughtful, kind and always approachable… he was one who chose to listen first.

 

I last met with Dr Badrul as the CEO of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) in December 2022 when he honoured me with his presence at the book launch of, My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment to complete the trilogy of My Johor Stories. The launch of this book was delayed due to the global pandemic.

 

Book Three of My Johor Stories,
delivered to IRDA in 2023

Soon after my third book was launched, IRDA ordered a stock of Book Three, continuing the friendship and support for My Johor Stories started by previous IRDA Chief Executive, Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, who specially ordered Book One (launched in 2017) and Book Two (launched in 2018) from MPH Publishing to present as IRDA corporate premium items.

 

Looking back, I first met with Dr Badrul in 2015 when he was then the Johor Tourism Director, on an introductory walkabout at the Johor Bahru heritage quarter, escorted by none other than our Johor cultural activist, Mr Tan Chai Puan.

 

While I was busy working on the first volume of My Johor Stories, Dr Badrul went on to become Yang Dipertua, Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah. We met again at several community events including one exciting event at Legoland Malaysia Resort in 2017.

 

Me [Right] chatting with Dr Badrul
at the Grants Programme event, Oct 2022

When the economy reopened after the global pandemic and lockdowns, people were still reluctant to gather. As such, the Downtown Johor Baru Grants Programme was initiated to bring life back into the city. In October 2022, this Grants Programme was launched with the grantees in a simple event.

 

My Johor Stories and I were among the grantees who met with Dr Badrul and it was my pleasure to share with him, the plans for a My Johor Stories Heritage Walk in Downtown Johor Bahru. These Heritage Walks, which kicked off in January 2023, gained much interest and participation continued regularly into 2024 and 2025.

 

It is my privilege to honour the memory of Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim with these precious recollections. Rest in Peace, Dr Badrul.