13 SEPTEMBER 1972: THE SUNGAI KERIAN TRAGEDY

On September 13, 1972, Malaysia was shaken by the Sungai Kerian Ferry Tragedy, a dark event that claimed 27 lives, including 25 students.

The Incident

• The Cause: At approximately 6:30 AM, a cable-held ferry (known locally as Sampan Kuda) was crossing the river from Bandar Baharu, Kedah, to Parit Buntar, Perak. Heavy rain and a strong current caused the ferry’s cable to snap after three small nuts loosened, causing the barge to tilt and capsize.
• The Victims: A school bus carrying students was on board. As the ferry sank, the bus slid into the river, trapping many inside. The tragedy took the lives of 17 students from SK Methodist Parit Buntar, 8 from SMJK Kerian, and 2 adults.
• The Heroism of S. Annamalai: The ferry operator, S. Annamalai, is remembered as a national hero. He repeatedly dove into the rushing water to save seven children but eventually drowned when terrified students clung to him. 

Aftermath & Legacy

• Infrastructure: The disaster highlighted the dangers of using cable ferries for heavy transport. In response, the government constructed the Sultan Idris Bridge, which was completed in 1974 to provide a safe link between Perak and Kedah.
• Memorials: A memorial monument and a mural now stand at Taman Pinggiran Sungai Kerian to honor the victims and ensure the tragedy is not forgotten.
• Cultural Impact: The event was the inspiration for the 2017 local horror-drama film "9.13 The Returning", which was filmed at the original location.
• Documentary Visuals: The documentary "The Day The River Ran Red" by Shanjey Kumar Perumal contains many of these "heart-breaking images" from his family's private collection. 

Further Readings:

1. Cilisos : The forgotten tragedy of Sungai Kerian that shook our country in 1972. 
2. Orang Perak: Tragedi Sayu di Sungai Kerian yang Harus Diingati. 
3. Astro Awani: Tragedi Feri Karam di Sungai Kerian dikenang hingga kini.

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2/2/206: 9.47 p.m

PULAU JEREJAK

Pulau Jerejak and the Russian cruiser Zhemchug (Pearl) are linked by one of the most dramatic and tragic naval incidents of World War I to occur in Southeast Asian waters: the Battle of Penang.

While Pulau Jerejak is most famous for its dark history as a leper colony and a high-security prison, it also serves as the final resting place for a few of the sailors from the Zhemchug.

1. The Sinking of the Zhemchug (1914)

On October 28, 1914, the Russian protected cruiser Zhemchug was anchored in the Penang Channel (near Swettenham Pier) for boiler repairs and maintenance.

• The Surprise Attack: The German light cruiser SMS Emden, disguised as a British ship with a fake fourth smokestack, slipped into the harbor undetected.
• The Engagement: Once inside, the Emden hoisted the German flag and fired a torpedo at the Zhemchug. A second torpedo struck the Russian ship's magazine, causing a massive explosion that tore the vessel apart.
• The Loss: The ship sank within minutes. Out of the crew, 88-89 sailors were killed and over 120 were wounded.
• The Scandal: The Zhemchug's captain, Baron Ivan Cherkassov, was famously not on board during the attack; he was reportedly staying at the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel with his wife and watched his ship sink from the shore. He was later court-martialed and imprisoned.

2. The Connection to Pulau Jerejak

While the majority of the dead remained with the wreck or were buried at the Western Road Cemetery in George Town, Pulau Jerejak holds a specific piece of this history:

• The Graves: Two (some sources say three) bodies of Russian sailors washed ashore on the beaches of Pulau Jerejak following the explosion.
• The Memorial: Because the island was then a quarantine and leper station, the bodies were buried where they were found. A small, modest stone memorial was erected on the island to honor them.
• Restoration: The monument on Pulau Jerejak, along with the larger one at Western Road Cemetery, has been restored several times by the Russian (and formerly Soviet) government, most notably in 1972 and 1987.

3. Broader History of Pulau Jerejak

Beyond the Zhemchug connection, the island has a multifaceted and somber history:

Era	Function
1868–1960s	Leper Asylum: One of the earliest and largest leper colonies in the region, housing over 7,000 patients at its peak.
1875–WWII	Quarantine Station: Used to inspect immigrants (mostly from India and China) for diseases like smallpox and cholera before they entered Penang.
1948–1960s	Tuberculosis Sanatorium: Established on the southern part of the island to isolate TB patients.
1969–1993	Penal Colony: Became a maximum-security prison known as the "Alcatraz of Malaysia," housing high-profile detainees and gang members.

4. Today

Today, the Zhemchug wreck still lies at the bottom of the Penang Channel, marked by a buoy. The memorial on Pulau Jerejak remains a site of "pilgrimage" for visiting Russian naval vessels, who often send delegations to lay wreaths at both the island site and the Western Road Cemetery.

Note: Access to the Russian graves on Pulau Jerejak can be difficult as the island has undergone various redev

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2/2/2026: 6.39 p.m

1985 - PENANG BRIDGE

This collage captures a monumental chapter in Malaysian history: the opening of the Penang Bridge in 1985. It wasn't just a feat of engineering; it was a symbol of national pride and the rapid modernization of the country.

Key Highlights of the Moment

• The VIPs: You can see Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah, standing proudly in the foreground. Dr. Mahathir was the driving force behind this project, which was part of his vision to industrialize Malaysia.
• The Car: That car they are standing with is the Proton Saga, Malaysia's first national car. It was launched in the same year (1985), and Dr. Mahathir famously drove a red Proton Saga across the bridge during the opening ceremony to link two of his biggest "mega-projects" together.
• The Bridge Structure: The background shows the iconic cable-stayed middle span. At the time of its completion, it was the longest bridge in Southeast Asia and the third longest in the world, spanning 13.5 kilometers.

Fun Facts About the Opening

Feature	Detail
Official Opening	September 14, 1985
Construction Time	Approximately 3.5 years
Connecting Points	Perai (Mainland) to Gelugor (Island)
Historical Significance	It ended the total reliance on the Penang ferry system for vehicle transport.

Note: The bottom-right photo shows the final stages of construction/paving, giving a great "behind-the-scenes" look at the massive scale of the asphalt work required for the four-lane dual carriageway.

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2/2/2026: 4.38 p.m

CHEONG YOKE CHOY (1873-1958)

Cheong Yoke Choy (1873–1958) was a prominent pioneering figure in early 20th-century Kuala Lumpur. He is primarily remembered as a successful businessman, a major philanthropist, and a leader within the Chinese community.

Key Facts About Cheong Yoke Choy

1. Pioneering Entrepreneur: He was a highly successful tin miner and banker. Notably, he co-founded Kwong Yik Bank in 1915, which was the first local Chinese bank in Malaya.
2. Philanthropist: Often referred to as "The Elderly Philanthropist" (Ci Shan Lao Ren), he contributed significantly to education. He founded the Pak Peng Free School in 1918 to provide free education to poor families and co-founded several other Chinese schools.
3. Community Leader: He held numerous leadership roles, including serving as a trustee for the Xian Si Shi Ye temple and holding positions in various Chinese associations (such as the Kwong Siew Association).
4. Wartime Contributions: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he was a strong supporter of anti-Japanese movements and relief funds. He was appointed president of the Kwang Tung Chinese Home-Relief Association in 1938.
5. Recognition: In recognition of his service, the British colonial government appointed him as a Justice of Peace (JP) and awarded him the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

The Cemetery 

The image shows the Cheong Yoke Choy Cemetery located at Jalan Kerayong, Bukit Seputeh, K.L. (part of the larger Kwong Tong Cemetery grounds).

• Significance: Despite his immense wealth, his final resting place is described as relatively simple, consisting of a tombstone next to burial mounds.
• Legacy: His grandson, Professor Cheong Kee Cheok (a respected economist), eventually wrote a biography about him titled "Cheong Yoke Choy (1873–1958): A Grandson Looks Back" to document his history and values.

Google Gemini AI

2/2/2026: 2.50 p.m

1997: SECRET RECIPE

From humble beginnings in a Petaling Jaya neighborhood to becoming a household name across Southeast Asia, Secret Recipe is one of Malaysia’s most successful homegrown F&B stories.

Here is a breakdown of its history and growth:

The Humble Beginnings (1997)

• Founder: Secret Recipe was founded in 1997 by Datuk Steven Sim (who, interestingly, was a hairdresser before entering the F&B world).
• First Outlet: The very first cafe opened in SS2, Petaling Jaya.
• The Team: It started as a small family operation with just four staff members, including Sim and his three nephews who were qualified bakers.
• The Concept: At the time, Malaysia lacked "casual lifestyle dining." Most places were either traditional coffee shops or fine dining. Secret Recipe filled the gap by offering a space where people could enjoy premium cakes and fusion food in a comfortable, modern setting.

The Big Break (1998–2000)

• Award Winning: The brand gained massive popularity after winning the Best Cheesecake award at the Kuala Lumpur Cake Competition in 1998 for its Marble Cheesecake.
• Franchising: After testing the business model for three years, Sim began franchising to friends in 2000 and eventually opened it to the public in 2001.

Rapid Expansion & Halal Certification

• Halal Status: In 2004, Secret Recipe officially obtained Halal certification from JAKIM. This was a pivotal move that allowed the brand to become a staple for all Malaysians and paved the way for expansion into other Muslim-majority countries.
• Going Global: The brand expanded quickly into Singapore (1999), Indonesia (2003), Thailand (2004), and China (2007). Today, it has a presence in over 10 countries, including the Maldives and Bangladesh.

Key Milestones

Year	Milestone
1997	First outlet opened in SS2, Petaling Jaya.
1998	Won "Best Cheesecake" award; business boomed.
2004	Received official Halal certification from JAKIM.
2014	China’s Fosun International invested RM210 million, becoming a major shareholder.
2016	Launched the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart brand, which became a viral success.
2023	Celebrated the opening of its 350th outlet in Malaysia at 1 Utama.

Fun Facts

• The Name: Datuk Steven Sim reportedly chose the name "Secret Recipe" after it came to him in a dream.
• Beyond Cakes: While famous for cakes, they are equally known for "fusion" dishes like their Laksa, Tom Yum, and Chicken Cordon Bleu, designed to cater to the local Malaysian palate.
• Market Leader: As of early 2026, the brand remains the largest cafe chain in Malaysia, with plans to surpass 400 outlets by the end of the year.

Google Gemini AI

2/2/2026: 2.58 p.m