KajoMag, Author At KajoMag

Breeze Malaysia brings water relief to Sabah villages

Published on May 18, 2017

Breeze Malaysia collaborates with Global Peace Foundation for it’s Water Treatment Campaign to benefit 1,050 people with access to clean water

The happy faces of the Kampung Nalasaran and Kampung Padang kids after getting access to clean drinking water with the new water filters sponsored by Breeze in partnership with Global Peace Foundation (GPF).

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May 2017: As part of its commitment to sustainable living, Breeze Malaysia is bringing access to clean water to 1,050 villagers in Sabah, in partnership with Global Peace Foundation.

Breeze Malaysia through its Water Treatment Campaign held late last year successfully raised RM50,000 in contributions. For every Breeze laundry detergent purchased, RM1 was set aside.

All funds collected has been used to install new water filtration systems for Kampung Nalasaran, Kampung Padang, Nabawan and a school in the area – Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sepulut. Over 23 water filtrations systems were installed within these locations which will benefit 385 residents in the villages and more than 700 students of SMK Sepulut.

Students of SMK Sepulut in Sabah having their first drink of clean filtered water at their school.

Vincent Chong, Marketing Director, Unilever (Malaysia) Holdings Sdn Bhd said, “Water is a fundamental need for every human being and it is devastating to see that some people still do not have access to clean drinking water. At Breeze, we want to be able to assist the communities in getting safe, treated clean water which will in turn encourage good health and hygiene practices.

Moreover, the water treatment campaign also stems from the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a global commitment made by the company to help 1 billion people to improve their health and well-being by 2020. On this note, we are also grateful to the customers of Breeze and the Global Peace Foundation who shares our vision in making sustainable living commonplace and work together in driving sustainable change for the community.”

Previously, the villagers relied on hilltop gravity-fed water for their daily usage. Water is collected from the hilltop using self-made pipes and on rainy days or wet season, the water quality gets worse as it gets polluted with dirt and other debris flowing through the pipes.

The Sabah villagers helping with the set-up of the water filter. — The villagers helping with the set-up of the water filter.

Meanwhile for SMK Sepulut, the school which has dormitories for its students had to source for water from a nearby river. Due to the lack of treated pipe water, the students had to purchase drinking water from a vending machine at their canteen.

In line with the installation, Breeze and Global Peace Foundation also provided training for the communities on the usage and maintenance of the water filter.

“For people in these communities, they had to make do with the water source they can access to, regardless of quality and safety of the water. Often the women had to carry heavy buckets of water for daily usage. Drinking untreated water carries a lot of health risks such as water-borne diseases like cholera or diarrhea. Thus providing the water filtration system will definitely improve their health and social well-being,” said Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation.

[Standing] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation explaining the usage and maintenance of the water filter provided by Breeze and Global Peace Foundation to the community at the training.

“The water filtration system is simple in design and easy to use. It requires no electricity and comes with an ultraﬁltration membrane cartridge to remove 99 per cent of particles, bacteria and other microbial debris to allow clean, purified water of between 70,000 -100,000 litres to last for several years,” added Dr Teh.

“We have been struggling for years over the issue of clean water. Now that we have the new water filter, we don’t have to worry about this anymore. Thanks to Breeze Malaysia and Global Peace Foundation for their assistance,” said Sidin Andin from Kampung Padang.

For more information, log on to Breeze Malaysia’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/breezemalaysia.

[Middle, seventh from left] Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation on behalf of Breeze, presenting the LifeStraw® water filter to the villagers in Sabah.

Top 5 Places To Go in Kuching For That Panini Craving

Published on May 15, 2017

Lifestyle

Panini is not a typical dish you normally look for in Kuching… but that doesn’t mean you won’t have those cravings for this grilled sandwich-y goodness.

In the name of our love of food, KajoMag went on a mission to look for the best place to find Panini (so you wouldn’t have to).

By checking out these top five spots, you might be able to complete this list everyday this week:

Munch Café

Munch Café serves a blend of local as well as Western dishes; varying from a steaming hot bowl of noodles to a plate of thick and toasted sandwiches.

At Munch Café, their plate of Panini consists of two pieces of Focaccia bread grilled to perfection stuffed with chicken slices, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, served with a side of salad, which cost RM12.80.

desert munch cafe — Cool sweet dessert (Photo source from Munch Cafe facebook page)

Other items available in Munch Café worth trying includes scones, their bagel with smoked Norwegian smoked salmon (my current favourite), mee sua as well as the various types of cool desserts which are perfect for hot weather.

It’s self-serve, meaning that customers will have to get their own eating utensils, dipping sauce or extra plates at the utensil counter provided in front of the café. The Munch Café is open from 6.45 am until 3 pm every day except Sunday.

Check out their Facebook page to know more: https://www.facebook.com/MunchCafe/

The Museum Café and Shop at The Main Bazaar

MCS — The interior of Museum Shop and Cafe

Located at the Main Bazaar in Kuching, the exterior of the cafe looks more like an antique shop.

Entering the Museum Café and Shop is like stepping into a part of the Sarawak Museum itself.

Every inch of the place is either covered in shelves filled with traveling books, cabinets showcasing beautiful jewellery for sale and precious trinkets.

It might be tricky walking around the café as it is cramped with small tables and chairs for customers.

However, it the best place to relax and chat or even read a book during a rainy day while enjoying a cool drink.

Taking advantage of the Instagram-worthy background, I spent about 15 minutes trying to take the perfect picture of my food before giving up and devouring my Smoked Duck Panini with cheese.

Besides smoked duck, customers can opt to have beef bacon, turkey ham, chicken, tomato, onion or tuna Panini.

Curious about what the café looks like? Why not pop by on Wednesdays for their weekly talk. From 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm, the talk features various topics on hobbies, interest and travel.

You may also check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/sarawakmuseumshopandcafe/

Tease by Jase’s Tea Room

Panini served with a side of french fries

At RM16, the Panini served at Tease is a bit more costly than those mentioned in this list.

That being said, I find the Panini – served warm with a side of French fries on a wooden platter – completely satisfactory.

I think the best way to devour this wholesome goodness is by downing it with a glass of milkshake — I think the best way to devour this wholesome Panini goodness is by downing it with a milkshake

Located at Icom Square, Tease is that sort of place to go if you have a last minute assignment to complete.

Those who prefer a private yet comfortable space to be alone might find a decent sized spot with a cushy sofa in the corner of the café partially hidden by a book shelf, while those who might come in with a large group may opt for the long cafeteria style table with high stools.

The natural light coming through the glass windows makes you feel like you are outdoors.

To know more about this café, check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/teasebyjasestearoom/

Coffee Obsession

Filling and savoury without being too overwhelming

I had some difficulty spotting this café (located at Lorong Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce) the first time, as it is located on the first floor.

For RM9.90, the beef slice Panini that I had for lunch was filling without being too overwhelming.

The soft wholesome bread complements the smokiness of the beef slice and the crunchy texture of the lettuce. It is an easy and pleasant meal for those who are in the mood for a light lunch.

Besides the one I’ve sampled, you can also opt for other choices such as the chicken or turkey ham slices.

Besides the food, my favourite feature of the café is the book shelf in the middle of the eatery. So while waiting, you can read a book or magazine to fill up the time.

Popular for a small gathering party, the café will sometimes be closed for big parties, so bear in mind to check their Facebook page for their opening status.

Coffee Obsession is open from 12 to 11.30 pm every day except Thursdays.

Check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeobsessioncafe/

Seattle Coffee & Tea Kuching at Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites

Paninia dn sandwiches offered at Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching (Picture source from Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching) — Panini and sandwiches offered at Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching (Picture source from Seattle Tea & Coffee Kuching facebook page)

Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites is strategically located in close vicinity to Kuching’s historical sites.

Surrounding the hotel is the Sarawak Museum, St Thomas Cathedral, the Textile Museum, Sarawak Museum Department and the old Courthouse.

Even the building itself has a colonial style facade to match the heritage sites surrounding the area.

Seattle Coffee & Tea is located at the right corner inside the hotel and so you can get nice view overlooking the roundabout of Padang Merdeka and the old cathedral while enjoying a sip of hot coffee to go with your Panini, priced at RM14.

Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleCoffeeAndTea/

If you have other suggestions on where to get Panini in town, just let us know at KajoMag!

PHOTOS: DBKU Orchid Park, a perfect place for plant lovers

Published on May 8, 2017

Travel

If you are a visiting botanist or horticulturalist to Kuching, the number one place you must visit is DBKU Orchid Park.

Constructed in November 2007, the park was finally opened to the public on May 5, 2009. The garden is made up of two areas – the nursery and the display area and houses a collection of more than 75,000 plants!

The entrance sign may say ‘Orchid Garden’ but it was upgraded to Orchid Park back in 2013.

If you are familiar with the names Lady’s Slipper (Paphiopedilum Sanderianum), Coelogyne Pandurata, Bulbophyllum Beccarii and the Vandal Dearei, then you have to visit this garden.

But if you come with almost zero knowledge on orchids like yours truly, you might need to squeeze some effort to appreciate the place.

My biggest disappointment after visiting the garden was the lack of information and signage. While not all plants came with a sign, those that did only displayed the names of the plants without any extra information, leaving me with more questions than answers after my visit.

For instance, was this orchid endangered? Where could this particular orchid be found? Is this orchid endemic to Borneo?

These were just some of the questions that popped up in my mind while I was going around the garden.

Nonetheless, the park is strategically located within the vicinity of the Astana and Fort Margherita, making it a good place for a quick visit, especially for tourists.

Plus, admission is free and it is open to the public every day from 9.30am to 6pm, except on Mondays.

Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a sunhat. If you have a DSLR camera, the garden is perfect for macro photography – I brought mine and I was happy how the photos turned out in the end.

But I need help to identify these beautiful orchids so drop some names in the comment box if you recognise some of these beauties!

PHOTOS: DBKU Orchid Park, a perfect place for plant lovers — Plant 1

World record for the largest crowd of people dressed in cat costumes

Published on May 5, 2017

News & Features

Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) managed to create a new Guinness World Records for the largest crowd of people dressed in cat costumes at Kuching Amphitheatre on Apr 4.

To successfully form the record, there must be at least 250 people dressing up in cat costumes gathered for at least five minutes.

The official result was Aiffa managed to bring together 440 people dressed as cats.

The world record attempt was held in conjunction with Aiffa 2017.

All the participants received an exclusive Guinness World Records t-shirt each.

Relish in authentic Korean food at The Kimbap, Kuching

Published on April 30, 2017

Culture

Kimbap is a famous Korean delicacy made from rice, various thinly sliced ingredients like fried egg, sausages, cucumber and carrot rolled up in a sheet of seaweed.

The word ‘kimbap’ literally means seaweed rice as ‘kim’ or ‘gim’ means seaweed while ‘bap’ cooked rice.

Here in Kuching, thousands of miles from where kimbap originated, is an eatery dedicated to this famous dish.

Located at Brighton Square along Jalan Song, The Kimbap prides itself as a pork-free Korean restaurant providing a variety of yummy Korean food at reasonable prices.

Diners can enjoy all kinds of kimbap like tuna mayo, spicy tuna, bulgogi ssam (marinated beef cabbage wraps), garden salad, chicken among eight others.

My personal picks are the beef, kimchi and cheesy kimbap; great for light lunch takeaways or for a simple outdoor picnic.

Beside these rolled rice delicacies, you can also fill up your tummy on other Korean delights.

For those who are big fans of the Korean ramyeon, you can also choose what to order with your noodles.

Ramyeon is similar to Japanese ramen as both are believed to share their roots from China’s lamian (hand-pulled noodles).

The Kimbap serves kimchi ramyeon, cheese ramyeon, dolsot ramyeon (dolsot means hot stone pot) and crispy chicken ramyeon.

If you prefer a noodle dish more native to Korea, order some japchae. It is a glass-like noodle made from sweet potato, stir-fried in sesame oil together with thinly sliced carrots, spinach and mushrooms.

The Kimbap also adds thinly cut beef to their japchae, making it almost a balanced meal instead of a side dish.

Besides this classic Korean noodle dish, they also serve rice dishes like bibimbap, omurice (rice omelette) and soup.

Some Korean food outlets in Kuching offer bibimbap served in plastic or ceramic bowls.

At The Kimbap, you can choose dolsot bibimbap where your bibimbap will be served up in a stone bowl to keep it sizzling hot. It is perfect for those who like their food warm.

Are you a big fan of fried chicken?

With a choice of Crispy Fried Chicken, Daebak Chicken (‘daebak’ is Korean slang for jackpot) and Spicy Chicken to choose from, foodies can skip KFC or Ayam Goreng McD.

Don’t forget to keep those tissues within arm’s reach – the Daebak Chicken and Spicy Chicken are covered in a sumptuous, flavourful sauce.

The Kimbap has a well-curated selection of Korean teas – brown rice green tea, buckwheat tea, Solomon’s seal tea, aloe vera tea, honey citron tea, honey jujube tea and ginseng tea.

Solomon’s seal tea, for example, is believed to be helpful in repairing sports injuries and other acute physical traumas.

I found their honey jujube tea a bit sweet, but it is supposed to be rich in antioxidants and able to help with constipation.

Their list was made complete with the honey citron tea, a traditional Korean drink dating back more than 100 years.

Honey citron tea is great for coughs, relieving sore throats and is an excellent source of vitamin C.

Whether you’re there for the kimbap or tea, The Kimbap is one of the few food outlets selling authentic Korean dishes in Kuching.

Check out their opening hours on their Facebook page: The Kimbap.

20170401_193332 — The Kimbap Daebak Chicken

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International Bornean Frog Race: An ecotourism gem

Published on April 30, 2017

Travel

Other than the iconic species like orangutan and rafflesia, the potential of other wildlife species for ecotourism development in Sarawak can and should be further explored.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) Chief Executive Officer, Wong Ting Chung said this at the opening of the 6th International Bornean Frog Race at Gunung Gading National Park on Apr 29.

According to Wong, “We have a multiplicity of herpeto-species (lizards, snakes and frogs) richly endowed with the said potential. It has not surprised the organisers that this event has become an annual event of the state’s tourism calendar and a good example of how we may build up or cater to a ‘niche market’ for ecotourism.”

Professor Dr. Gabriel Tonga Noweg, Director of the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), also spoke at the event. Tonga in his speech briefed on the objectives of the ‘Frog Race’, which are to educate the public on the need for environmental conservation, to promote the event as an outdoor activity for local and foreign tourists as well as to draw public attention to the threats against sustainable frog populations in the State.

This 6th edition of the International Bornean Frog Race saw the attendance of more than 200 participants from 18 participating countries including Australia, Singapore, Korea and India.

The ‘race’ is held on the last weekend of April every year in conjunction with ‘Save the Frogs Day’.

The event which is listed on the tourism calendar of events of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak and that of Tourism Malaysia is jointly organised by SFC and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

Activities conducted during the 1 ½ day programme included workshops, talks, exhibitions, the highlight being the ‘Frog Race’, in which participants compete to win prizes in various categories of the race, namely Most Number of Amphibian Species Photographed, Rarest Amphibian Photographed, Best Photo Taken with: DSLR Camera, Compact Camera or Mobile Phone

Gunung Gading National Park is best known to host the world’s largest flower of which visitors from the world over flock to view the Rafflesia’s spectacular blooms.

Other attractions at the National Park include its rainforest scenery, waterfalls and the jungle trails which lead to the peak of Gunung Gading.

Wong (second right) and Tonga (right) during the launching ceremony of the race.

PHOTOS: Earth Hour 2017 Celebration at Fort Margherita

Published on April 7, 2017

News & Features

Last Mar 25, The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita joined the rest of the world to celebrate Earth Hour by inviting guests to experience the beauty of the fort in the evening.

*(From right) Brooke Gallery team members Adams Faizul, Liza Sideni and Barbara Hubong Andrew Hului*.

Earth Hour is a global movement in which millions of people, businesses and landmarks set aside an hour to host events switching off their lights.

The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita Earth Hour celebration started with a tour of the fort led by the gallery manager Liza Sideni.

After a session of learning on the rich history of Sarawak under its White Rajahs, the night continued with sharing sessions by local social entrepreneurs.

Under a candle-lit atmosphere, Wee Hung Yee from the WormingUp project shared his journey to tackle food waste problem in Kuching.

Using Pateeworms, maggots of one type of fly found in the jungle, Wee and his team are introducing a new method for food waste disposal instead of using land use.

At the same time, they are also working on raising awareness on high food waste in Kuching.

Heart Treasures’co-founder, Kiew Boon Siew talked about her journey working with autistic youths, those with developmental delay, cerebral palsy, deaf and speech-impaired, disabled, are orphans and/or single mothers.

It is their hope to turn them into artisans with the hope they will become independent one day.

They used recycled materials such as old magazines, card boxes to make handcrafted products such as notebooks and paper jewerly.

Meanwhile, Mohd Saifullah Haini or Seph, shared his experience on starting Spativate which is a social enterprise to activate vacant public spaces and properties in the city.

Their pilot project was held at Seph’s Kampong Muara Tebas by painting a mural at the wall of an abandoned shophouse which used to belong to his late grandfather.

Some 25 patrons attended the inaugural event.

For more information on The Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita, visit http://www.brooketrust.org/.