A peek into the Dato' Jaafar Building

 

The Dato’ Jaafar Building on Bukit Senyum in Johor Bahru, now home to Muzium Tokoh Johor or the Museum for Johor Notable Personalities, was the official residence of the first Menteri Besar of Johor, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad.

 

Archive photo of the Dato' Jaafar Building
from the 1800s used with my story on
Johor's Historic Hills and Palaces

In my story on Johor’s Historic Hills and Palaces first published in Life & Times, a section of The New Straits Times in March 2015, I shared that the official residence of Johor’s first Menteri Besar, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad was Sri Gambir, located on Jalan Dato Menteri 1/1 at Bukit Gambir, a site between Jalan Yahya Awal, Jalan Gertak Merah and Jalan Mahmoodiah.  

 

In 1893, Dato’ Jaafar built another home on 100 acres of land at Bukit Senyum which was modelled after Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country mansion with four square towers in Derbyshire that belonged to the Duke of Devonshire.  

 

A section of the building facade
as it looks now

It is believed that he named the mansion, Senyum (Malay word for 'smile') because when he sought permission from Sultan Abu Bakar, the Sultan conveyed his approval with a smile.

 

After the demise of Dato Jaafar in 1919, the building was renamed Dato’ Jaafar Building and used for various purposes before turning into Muzium Tokoh Johor.

 

This charming old building in the city should not be mistaken for another new building by a similar name, designed and built in Kota Iskandar, the new State administrative centre in Iskandar Puteri.

 

Dubbed, the Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad Building, this building complex houses the office of the Johor Chief Minister, the offices of the State Executive Council, the State Secretary’s office and other government departments.

 

The ticket counter on the Left wing 
of the Ground floor of the building

This sprawling building designed with five floors in Kota Iskandar, was also named after Johor’s first Menteri Besar, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad, the father of Dato’ Onn Jaafar.

 

Johoreans who are familiar with the Dato’ Jaafar Building on Bukit Senyum may have passed this grand old mansion countless times but have never been inside simply because, for many years, public entry was restricted. Another reason was probably due to the urban legends linked to this historical building.

 

In fact, I only stepped into part of the Dato’ Jaafar Building in 2018 [only for a refreshment break!] when I attended a Johor Heritage Foundation event, Bicarawara Tokoh – Lada Hitam dan Gambir, which was held in the adjacent building.

 

A flight of wooden stairs in the
Dato' Jaafar Building

Regardless of urban legends, students of architecture will still find this building fascinating and an interesting subject for study.

 

I discovered this when I joined an event in 2023, organised by UTM in partnership with KALAM, the shortform for Pusat Kajian Alam Bina Dunia Melayu or the Centre for the Study of Built Environment in the Malay World. My experience at this interesting event was documented in, Passion to Preserve Heritage Buildings.

 

Recently, after the Dato’ Jaafar Building closed for renovation and upgrading work in the Muzium Tokoh Johor, I received an invitation from Curator of the Museum, Haziera Ramlan, to a preview of the Museum before it opened to the public.

 

She explained that this invitation was for a Simulation Tour and Curatorial Advisory Session that aimed to gather feedback to help them enhance their storytelling approach, improve historical accuracy and visitor engagement strategies.

 

Interesting flights of
central stairs in the building

 

I was delighted to accept this invite, ready to share my knowledge and experience to help position Muzium Tokoh Johor as a centre for authoritative and well-curated historical presentation.

 

Museums and heritage galleries are a favourite destination of mine and among the most memorable were my experiences at the British Museum in London, the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Images of Singapore Museum on Sentosa Island.

 

More recently, I had the privilege to experience the National Museum of Australia and the very well-curated Australian War Memorial, a must-visit site in Canberra.

 

Dato' Onn Jaafar was the
seventh Menteri Besar of Johor

On the drive to the museum that afternoon, I was mindful to exit the Inner-Ring Road to Jalan Tebrau and across to the slip road that bordered the MBJB building before comfortably reaching the entrance to the Muzium Tokoh Johor.

 

Escorted by Hazeira and her team on a tour of the museum from the Ground Level to the two levels above, we lost track of time as we were deeply engaged with discussing areas of improvement for visitors to benefit from exploring and having a meaningful experience in the museum.

 

It was interesting to observe that the museum had employed modern technology in various parts of the exhibits to narrate history and heritage, and even brought to life, an animated figure that represented Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad!

 

In addition to Johor history and Royal family members, among the sections in the museum were galleries for Notable Johor Personalities in Politics, in the Chinese community as well as in Sports achievements, and a separate gallery for team JDT.

 

A section of the gallery for Notable
Personalities in Chinese community

Among the Notable Personalities in the Chinese gallery were Wong Ah Fook and Tan Hiok Nee, Johor pioneers whose contributions to developing Johor in a bygone era were honoured by roads and heritage quarters in Johor Bahru named after them.

 

I was pleased to share with Hazeira and her team that the family of Tan Hiok Nee had got in touch with me last year because they are organizing a grand Bicentennial Celebration for Mejar Cina Tan Hiok Nee, planned for 2027.

 

When I shared with them that the Tan family was already connected with the Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association and the Johor Bahru Teochew Association in the plans for a city celebration for the Tan Hiok Nee Bicentennial event, Hazeira expressed interest that Muzium Tokoh was also keen to participate in this celebration.

 

In the gallery for Notable Sports Personalities, I was pleased to see that my aunt, Dato’ Sylvia Ng, was featured among other Johor sports personalities whose achievements in sports brought much pride to Johor and the nation.

 

Beautiful bannisters on the staircase

Readers of My Johor Stories are familiar with my stories on our family’s badminton achievements that started with, Where Champions were Born about grandfather’s house at Jalan Ngee Heng that featured our grandfather, a four-time Johor State badminton champion in the 1930’s.

 

A summary of the family’s sports achievements is documented in, Badminton Glory Days, compiled under Memories among the collection of stories in My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment that completed the trilogy of My Johor Stories books.

 

As Hazeira led me up and down the ancient staircases, around the verandahs and through to the various galleries in opposite wings of this symmetrical building, I saw how the exhibits were organized in the building and suggested that more directional signs are needed to guide visitors to the various sections and galleries.

 

During my visit, I saw a technical team testing out an elevator installed in the old building to facilitate transfer of the elderly and physically challenged to reach the upper levels. While access ramps were constructed across some of the doorways, I observed that they seemed too steep for the comfortable movement of wheelchairs.

 

Do not be surprised when the image of
Dato' Jaafar Haji Muhammad waves at you!

Even as I learnt that the curating team had worked hard throughout the recent Ramadan and Hari Raya seasons, we agreed that there was still much room for improvement before visitors can have a beneficial experience in the museum.

 

My visit to the museum ended at the rear courtyard on the Ground level where a souvenir shop, prayer rooms, restrooms and a café are located.

 

For your own experience at Muzium Tokoh Johor, look out for updates on social media about the dates and times for pre-opening visits and guided tours.

 

Muzium Tokoh Johor is located at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, Bukit Senyum, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

Joining friends in JARO for Raya

 

Every year, JARO, the shortform for Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation, hosts festive celebrations with their staff in a calendar of social events like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and the International Day for the Disabled.

 

The awning structure constructed adjacent to
the staff canteen at the JARO building

While their Chinese New Year celebrations were usually hosted at the New York Hotel, generously sponsored by the hotel management, the other annual celebrations were held in the JARO premises.

 

After the JARO building was upgraded with a meeting hall, an elevator and a spacious staff canteen, the in-house celebrations were then held in the staff canteen with an adjacent dining section set up under a temporary tent.

 

I am a friend of JARO and always try to attend their celebrations. So when I arrived at the staff canteen for the Raya celebration, I was warmly welcomed by JARO Chairman, Dato Jimmy Low Boon Hong, and JARO General Manager, Joseph Roy Arputham.

 

Dato Jimmy Low helping to serve the
dishes to the JARO staff at the Raya buffet

As we exchanged greetings and pleasantries, it struck me that we were no longer standing under a temporary canopy adjacent to the staff canteen but now it was a permanent structure, constructed complete with lighting and ceiling fans.

 

The gentlemen were pleased to inform me that the awning project with lights and fans were recently completed, generously sponsored by Daiman Development Berhad at an estimated cost of about RM30,000.

 

Dato Jimmy Low said that Daiman Development Berhad have been kindly providing the sponsorship for the temporary tent every year so a decision was made to provide a permanent awning in the JARO premises so that the space can be put to better use.

 

Dato Jimmy explained that he had a long relationship with the late Dato Tay Kia Hong of Daiman Development and was pleased that the Tay family continues in this relationship to support JARO in such a meaningful and practical way.  

 

With Raya music playing in the canteen, it was lunchtime when the staff from these workshops arrived for a festive lunch in their annual Raya celebration. 

 

There was plenty of food to enjoy at
the Raya buffet spread 

It was heartwarming to join in the celebration while the sighted helped the unsighted to their places at the tables and those on wheelchairs were wheeled and parked at the tables.

 

A buffet spread was laid out for the staff to help themselves to the festive dishes from main course items like Biryani rice with chicken and satay, to drinks and dessert.

 

GM Joseph confirmed that 70 fresh whole chicken were provided by My Eco Food (M) Sdn Bhd, for JARO to arrange a caterer to prepare the chicken in two recipes, Ayam Masak Merah and Ayam Berempah.

 

JARO was pleased to let their staff enjoy their Raya lunch together with enough to pack as takeaways to let their families savour the festive goodwill at home.

 

While JARO arranged for the preparation of Nasi Biryani and skewers of lamb and chicken satay, dessert of cakes and cookies were sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru and two types of local kueh were provided by Hotel Grand Paragon.

 

Dato Jimmy Low presented a token of
appreciation to Daiman Development which
was received by Choo Hock Sing

During the celebration, Dato Jimmy acknowledged the kind generosity of Daiman Development for their sponsorship in the construction of the awning and presented them with a token of appreciation in the form of a wooden engraved pewter plaque.

 

This was graciously received by General Manager, Choo Hock Sing, a contemporary of the late Dato Tay Kia Hong and a long-service staff in Daiman Development who continues working with the third generation.

 

In his speech, Dato Jimmy expressed his gratitude for the generosity of every sponsor who contributed towards JARO and the festive menu, thankful for caring hearts who continue to support JARO, one of the oldest NGO’s established in Johor.

 

My relationship with JARO started with being introduced to the quality handicrafts produced by people with disabilities. The lounge furniture in our home was JARO-made cane furniture complete with JARO-tailored cushion covers and we often bought JARO handicrafts to present as Malaysian souvenirs when we went abroad.

 

Over the years, I got to know JARO better as a proudly Johor brand and was pleased to document the JARO story among my collection of stories in My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment that completed the trilogy of My Johor Stories books.

 

JARO staff helping themselves to
refreshing drinks at the Raya buffet

JARO provides training and employment for people with disabilities in workshops that create quality, custom-made handicrafts in the tailoring, basketry and book-binding sections.

 

In addition to receiving training, employment and a salary, JARO also provides staff with EPF savings and SOCSO insurance coverage. As the staff are skilled and gainfully employed, they have a sense of purpose and dignity to live more independently. In fact, some of the trained staff were able to find employment elsewhere and have left JARO to pursue their own careers.

 

Founded in 1952 by Dr Beryl Wilberforce-Smith, a Chest Physician in the Johor Bahru General Hospital, JARO started as a rehabilitation centre for recovering tuberculosis patients. As the Johor Bahru General Hospital was then a unit of the Malaysian Anti-Tuberculosis Association, this centre was first known as the Johore Anti-Tuberculosis Rehabilitation Organisation.

 

A range of delightful desserts
to enjoy at the Raya buffet

It was first located at the Johor Bahru General Hospital, now renamed Hospital Sultanah Aminah, and relocated to nearby Sri Gelam in 1968, into a building that was officially declared open by then Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Dato Hussain.

 

In 1970, JARO was registered as a charitable society to manage a sheltered workshop that caters to the rehabilitation needs for physically and intellectually disabled, spastics, visual or hearing impaired, the chronically ill and those who for personal reasons, have difficulty in getting regular employment.

 

Over the years, JARO has evolved into an established rehabilitation centre, recognized for its quality training and a unique brand of handicrafts for sale.

 

With annual Government grants and public donations, JARO is self-supporting by marketing its products and reinvesting the funds into its daily operations.

 

JARO was recognised as a Social
Hero for their work with the disabled

In the inaugural Iskandar Malaysia Social Heroes Awards (IMSHA) held in 2014, JARO was recognised as a Social Hero for their work with the disabled and honoured with the IMSHA Award in the Human Empowerment category.

 

At the same event graced by Patron of IMSHA, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003 – 2009), JARO also received the prestigious Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Iskandar Malaysia Ultimate Social Hero Award.

 

In line with the JARO tradition of creating handicrafts with materials like rattan, paper and cotton fabrics, their range of updated and eco-friendly products are designed for a new generation of customers who are looking for green living solutions. 

 

As contemporary green consumers value products that are made with materials from recycled or sustainable sources, JARO is poised to remain a popular destination for shoppers who appreciate the JARO brand of quality handicrafts.

 

Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation or JARO is located at No. 18 Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor.  Tel: +607 – 227 5314. Open from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Website: www.jaro.org.my

 

Note: After the global pandemic, all the MPH bookstores in Johor Bahru were closed so readers may go online to mphonline to buy My Johor Stories books. Meanwhile, I have permission from MPH to keep a small stock of books in Johor, some of which are available for sale at the JARO showroom. Thank you.

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