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Free Malaysia Today
25-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Kg Sabapathy folks' annual ‘pilgrimage' reignites true M'sian spirit
The group of residents who worked together to organise the annual unity gathering. (K Parkaran pic) KUALA KANGSAR : Nestled in the heart of the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak is a tiny village called Kampung Sabapathy. Back in the '70s and '80s, there were about 50 families living here. Despite having an Indian name, the families in the village came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Today, the village has partially disappeared due to development. However, the spirit of racial and religious harmony the residents enjoyed decades ago is still alive, thanks to a group of second- and third-generation offspring who, for the past four years, have organised annual reunions for the former folks and their children of Kampung Sabapathy. They say they yearn for the good old days when the spirit of unity among the people was strong. Sulaiman Mengadin, a third-generation Kampung Sabapathy resident, recalled the days when he had neighbours of different races and religions who'd drop by for a meal even without invitation, especially during festivals. 'My friends would come in as if it was their relative's house. My parents and grandparents would welcome them with open arms. They did not serve food which others couldn't eat, and when we went to their homes, they were careful not to serve us things that were not halal. The former residents of Kampung Sabapathy in Kuala Kangsar Perak, who came from different parts of the country just for the gathering. (K Parkaran pic) 'This was a natural understanding that was practised, no need for laws to tell us what to do. Our idea of having this gathering is to show our children the harmonious environment we enjoyed once,' he told FMT. K Kumaraguru, who has taken much pains to get this gathering going despite most of the residents having moved to other states, said his parents had instilled in him and his siblings the importance of respecting those of other races and religions. He said they would tell their children to lower the volume of their radios or televisions during Muslim prayer times, which the kids would gladly do. 'We are probably the only village which organises this kind of reunion with the sole aim of reminding all of us and our children and grandchildren of the true Malaysian spirit that prevailed once upon a time. 'Although the adults likely voted for different parties in elections and had contrasting political beliefs, we were one in the village. But this spirit is totally absent these days. Gatherings like these may help bring back the Malaysian spirit that prevailed decades ago,' he said. Kumaraguru said none of the Muslim attendees even asked if the food served during the reunion was halal as they all knew it would be, just like how they did decades ago. 'This is the beauty of our relationship.' The Samuels, comprising three generations, have never missed the reunions at Kampung Sabapathy. (K Parkaran pic) Sio Foo Soi said he always looked forward to these reunions so he could meet old friends he grew up with there. A man of few words, the 76-year-old grandfather was nostalgic describing the bond he and his friends shared despite being of different ethnicities and religions. 'I enjoy watching everyone mingling like the good old days. Some of my children try to make sure they attend these functions when they can. I hope more people will start attending the gatherings,' he said. Meanwhile Jabin James, 38, a third-generation family member of the village, made sure he attended with his wife and children as he had heard lots of stories in the village from his mother Alice Samuel who was born and bred there. 'We are looking forward to attending the annual gatherings in future as it enriches our souls. Malaysians need more of such events to remind us of where we came from,' he added.
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Man dies in head-on crash with lorry near Kuala Kangsar; four vehicles involved
IPOH, June 19 — A man was killed in a four-vehicle crash in Kampung Merbau Tua, Jalan Baling-Kuala Kangsar, near Kuala Kangsar this afternoon. Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said in a statement today that the victim had been identified as Megat Muhammad Ikram Megd Adeni, 33, from Kampung Luat, Lenggong. He said a call regarding the crash came through at 1.32pm, and seven minutes later, firefighters from the Kuala Kangsar Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the crash site. He said the accident involved the Proton Waja driven by Megat Muhammad Ikram, who was travelling from Kuala Kangsar towards Baling, Kedah, which is believed to have collided head-on with a two-tonne Daihatsu lorry. 'According to information from the public, the accident also involved two other vehicles, a Honda car and a Toyota Hilux,' he said. Sabarodzi said the lorry driver and his assistant sustained minor injuries, while the woman driving the Honda car was unharmed. However, the condition of the Toyota Hilux driver, who is believed to have proceeded to the nearest police station after the crash, remains unknown. He said Megat Muhammad Ikram was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was handed over to the police. Sabarodzi said the injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. The operation ended at 2.50pm. — Bernama
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Taiping court doubles jail time for drunk trailer driver who killed police officer, three family members in 2020 crash
TAIPING, June 18 — The High Court here today reportedly dismissed the appeal of a trailer driver convicted of causing the death of four family members, including a police officer, in a crash on Jalan Ipoh-Kuala Kangsar in 2020. According to Harian Metro, Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin instead increased the sentence for Y Vethri Vel, 31, to eight years' jail and an RM80,000 fine under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. He was initially sentenced in December 2023 to four years' jail and a RM20,000 fine under a Section 41(1)(b) of the same Act for driving under the influence of alcohol, causing death. The crash on 13 February 2020 killed police officer Mohamad Faiz Bakhari, his wife Nik Iedayu Nik Hassan, her sister Nik Ifeka Nik Hassan, and their infant son Mohamad Faqih Irsyad. The court rejected the defence's plea for a bond of good behaviour, citing the severity of the offence. The jail term will run concurrently from 13 June 2025, and the accused will be disqualified from holding a driving licence for three years.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Villager discovers old mortar bomb near home in Kuala Kangsar
IPOH, May 18 — A villager discovered an old mortar bomb in the bushes near her home in Kampung Kandang Hilir, Kuala Kangsar, yesterday. Kuala Kangsar police chief ACP Heisham Harun said a report on the discovery was received from a 30-year-old woman at 7.02 pm. 'A police team was dispatched to the scene, guided by the complainant herself. Investigations found that the bomb was located approximately 30 metres from her house. 'Further investigation confirmed that the bomb contained no explosive material and was safe to be removed,' he said in a statement today. Heisham said the bomb has since been taken to the Bomb Disposal Unit base at the Perak Police Contingent headquarters for further action. — Bernama
