Veteran actor Mano Maniam from 'Kopitiam' dies at 79
The news was confirmed by his younger brother, Madi Maniam, when contacted by Bernama today.
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Malay Mail
15-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Don't forget the ‘yong tau foo' when you order Hakka mee at this ‘kopitiam' hidden inside Seremban's iconic Templer Flats
SEREMBAN, July 15 — What we have before us is a simple plate of Hakka Mee. Flat yellow noodles, cooked just enough that they still retain a nice chew. Topped with seasoned minced pork and finished with a ladle of clear pork-based gravy. Sliced green onions add a touch of freshness. On the side, a small plastic saucer of pickled green chillies offers a sharp, clean contrast. This is a simple plate, yes, but perhaps its excellence lies in its very simplicity. Laid back vibes at this 'kopitiam' located on the ground floor of Seremban's Templer Flats. — Picture by CK Lim It is fitting, then, that we are in Seremban, where Hakka Mee is supposed to have hailed originally. Specifically we are at Kedai Minuman & Makanan Chop Hup Fatt, an old-school kopitiam located on the ground floor of the iconic Templer Flats in the old town centre. The shop's laid back vibes — not to mention its perfect pairing of Hakka Mee with yong tau foo — draw regulars from early morning till noon. Now this is what we call real charm. 'Kopi O' and 'cham'. — Picture by CK Lim Many early birds come here purely for the coffee and conversation, of course. Chop Hup Fatt keeps its drink offerings simple: robust kopi O and creamy cham are the most commonly ordered; the latter blending the best of both worlds and my personal favourite. The setting is equally straightforward; this unassuming shop has quietly built a reputation among locals for its steady hours, clean tables, and a menu that hasn't changed for decades. Therein lies a lesson for newer F&B operators: you grow a loyal following not by chasing the latest foodie trends (here today, gone tomorrow) but by consistently serving honest, unfussy food that customers can rely on. The unassuming shop has been operating quietly for decades with a loyal following. — Picture by CK Lim Back to the Hakka Mee: The trick here — if you can call it that — is to order your Hakka Mee with an accompaniment of yong tau foo. (Trust me, the regulars all do this so this hardly qualifies as a secret tip.) The selection is basic. You have the usual suspects: tofu puffs, eggplant, bitter gourd, lady's fingers — each stuffed with a bouncy fish paste. There are wantan and sui kao too, for those who love a dumpling or two. Opt for your yong tau foo in soup or fried to order. Lately I found that asking for everything to be fried, even the pieces of yong tau foo you plan to dunk in the soup, adds another layer of flavour to the proceedings. Opt for your 'yong tau foo' in soup or fried to order. — Picture by CK Lim Maybe it's just the extra grease — it probably is — but what works, works. Right? Another standout on the menu is the dry Soy Sauce Mee, which swaps the Hakka Mee's clear pork gravy for a rich, caramel-tinged dark soy sauce. Diners can choose their preferred type of noodles — from yellow mee to fat strands of loh shu fun (silver needle noodles) — or a mix. Toss the noodles together so each strand is slick with savoury sauce and you have a bowl that balances a beautiful plainness with a complex dance of flavours. Soy Sauce Mee — classic Chinese-style dry pork noodles. — Picture by CK Lim If you prefer something spicier, there's the laksa, which arrives rich and inviting, or soup noodles for those who like something with broth. For those looking to take a taste of Hakka cooking home, the shop has introduced a small line of frozen, ready-to-heat items. Dishes such as vinegar-braised pork trotters, Hakka fried pork, and hand-rolled suen poon chee (yam abacus seeds) are available for purchase. Strands of noodles slick with soy sauce. — Picture by CK Lim We are content to have our meal here, to sit at one of the tables and soak in the atmosphere. Neighbours catching up on the latest gossip, workers dropping by for a quick lunch, the morning sun that lights up the open-air courtyard. Chop Hup Fatt may not advertise itself loudly — not many of our Seremban friends even knew of the shop's existence — but it doesn't have to. For long-time patrons, they know they can always return here for the simple fare, for food tastes like home. Kedai Minuman & Makanan Chop Hup Fatt 十四楼合发茶室 Ground Floor, Templer Flats, Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, Seremban Open Tue-Sun 7am-1pm; Mon closed * This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal. • Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.
Free Malaysia Today
31-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Goodnight, sweet prince
From Kee Thuan Chye I woke up to the news that my dear friend and former collaborator in theatre Mano Maniam has died. I feel a deep sense of loss. What do people mean when they say something like that? In my case, it is a loss of someone who makes me feel that all is well with the world when I'm with them, someone whose positive qi (氣) comforts me, and whose knowledge and wisdom teach me things I did not know. Mano was such a person. He was one of the best people I knew, and by that I don't mean just as an actor but as a person. He was a prince among men, and by 'prince' I'm using the positive metaphorical connotation of the word. He was good-natured, jovial, well-spoken, accommodating. He took criticism graciously. I was shamefully brazen when I bluntly said one or two things to him during rehearsal when I directed him in one or two of the plays we worked together on, but he never got defensive or retaliatory. He would take it on board and think about it. He was nothing if not a thinking man. I cherish the many delightful moments we shared working together. Mano was a consummate actor. And an actor's actor as well. He was generous in giving to his colleagues on stage, never attempting to outshine them. He played the role as it should be played, and helped others to do the same with theirs. For all his thespic achievements and successes, however, he never flaunted them. He was ever humble. Despite his stature and reputation, he had no reservations about taking on small roles if asked. He might reminisce about some of his past acting roles but never to boast about them. Mano was a man who experienced many things in life – good as well as saddening. He saw poverty up close in many of the places he visited, and was eloquent and compassionate about it when we spoke. Goodnight, sweet prince. Revel in the sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care. You will still be with us. Always. Kee Thuan Chye is a writer, playwright, actor and an FMT reader. This tribute to Mano Maniam is an extract from a Facebook post. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
BusinessToday
31-05-2025
- BusinessToday
Renowned Kopitiam Sitcom Actor Mano Maniam Passes Away
Malaysia has lost one of its most beloved cultural icons. Mano Maniam, the veteran actor best known for his warm portrayal of Uncle Chan in the iconic 1990s sitcom Kopitiam, passed away peacefully on May 30 at the age of 79. His younger brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed the news to Bernama , saying Mano died of natural causes due to old age. 'Further details are still being arranged with the family,' he said, adding that the funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was more than just a familiar face on Malaysian television, he was a pillar of the local performing arts scene. With a career that spanned six decades, Mano wore many hats: Actor, director, playwright, acting coach and voice-over artist. His dedication to the craft touched generations of Malaysians, and his legacy continues to shape the country's creative landscape. In addition to his work on local TV and theatre, Mano left his mark on the international stage. He appeared in Hollywood's 'Anna and the King' and the Netflix historical drama 'Marco Polo', showcasing Malaysian talent to a global audience. His distinct voice also brought life to Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of Lat's animated classic Kampung Boy . Even in his later years, Mano remained active, conducting acting classes for senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and lending his voice to various projects. He was a cherished mentor to many young artists and a vocal advocate for inclusivity and cultural preservation in the arts. In a poignant twist, Mano was scheduled to receive an award on May 31 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the Indian community and Malaysian performing arts. As tributes pour in from peers and fans alike, Mano is remembered not only for his unforgettable characters and commanding stage presence, but also for his deep humanity, humour and the warmth he brought to every role. Malaysia mourns the loss of a true legend, but celebrates a life that inspired and united generations through storytelling, compassion and art. Related
