Fireflyz November 2019

November 2019

Your free copy or read online at fireflyz.com.my

Where New

Meets Old AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BRICKFIELDS, KUALA LUMPUR

12 HOURS IN KUANTAN, PAHANG / STREET CHEF NASI LEMAK / TRACKER WINTRY WONDERLANDS

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Contents November 2019

4 CEO's Message 6 Editor’s Note 6 Letters 8 Agenda Calendar of events and happenings

10 Comfort Zone Where to stay

22

Insider’s Guide

Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

48

Street Chef Chinese-style nasi lemak

12 Bites Where to eat

14 Quench Where to drink

16 Tech’Up Must-have gadgets

21 Savour Ais Kacang

18

12 Hours

Kuantan, Pahang

28 Perspective Filmmaking brothers Feisal and Iskander Azizuddin

32 Property Focus Light at the end of the tunnel for Malaysia’s property market

November 2019

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38

Tracker

PASCAL GERTSCHEN

World’s best snowy escapes

52

Open Journal 58 Pack Up

Fluffy soufflé desserts

44

Insta-worthy jewellery

First Drives Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup

60 Reads Crime/Mystery/Thriller

62 At The Movies What’s showing in theatres

64 Firefly News 66 Network Map 68 Fleet & Service Info 70 Viewfinder World’s longest tube water slide

72 #FlyFirefly Our Instagram Stars!

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CEO's Message

FIREFLY EDITORIAL ADVISOR CEO, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd Philip See Editorial Committee Izra Izzuddin, Saisundary Sundra Kumar PUBLISHED BY FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K) CITTA Mall, 3rd Floor, No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 7845 4543 Web: www.fireflyz.com.my Email: customer_care@fireflyz.com.my SPAFAX MALAYSIA Business Director Sue Loke sue.loke@spafax.com EDITORIAL Editor Julie Goh julie.goh@spafax.com Senior Writer Eris Choo eris.choo@spafax.com

Art Director Euric Liew euric.liew@spafax.com

Writer Noel Foo noel.foo@spafax.com

Graphic Designer Nurfarahin Kamarudin nurfarahin.kamarudin @spafax.com

Contributors PY Cheong, Caramella Scarpa, Rubini Kamal, Fong Min Hun, Elaine Lau

A warm welcome to Fireflyz this November!

ADVERTISING & MEDIA SALES

As we buckle down for the last two months of the year, let us remind you that there’s still time to achieve your travel goals before the year is over. It is a great time to enjoy a getaway or staycation to help keep your work-life balance in check. You will be surprised by the difference a weekend rest away from home can make, even if you’ve used up all of your annual leave for the year.

Subang and Penang, being our main hubs, represent modern and convenient city airports. They are the perfect touchpoints for leisure and business travellers. We are blessed that our convenient locations put us within reach of top destinations for weekend getaways; including to or from Langkawi, Kuantan, Phuket, Singapore, Banda Aceh and Kota Bharu. Planning to have your year-end holiday in Langkawi? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered! We now have extra flights to Langkawi just for you. Find additional flights to Langkawi this December at only RM109 one-way, by booking at www.fireflyz.com.my.

We continue to find ways to offer exciting products and services for our customers to ensure that we remain your preferred airline while at the same time, continue being competitive. We will soon be introducing additional offerings aimed at making it even easier for you to choose and customise products according to your needs and preferences.

Whatever your reason for travelling with us today, we are thrilled that you have chosen Firefly Airlines, and we look forward to seeing you on board with us again soon.

•

Phil Chief Executive Officer Firefly Airlines

November 2019

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Senior Sales Manager Shirley Chin shirley.chin @spafax.com

Sales Manager Emmy Aiza emmy.aiza @spafax.com

Sales Manager Vannes Ching vannes.ching @spafax.com

Sales Manager Khairul Adzman khairul.adzman @spafax.com

SPAFAX Chief Executive Officer Niall McBain Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Simon Ogden

Managing Director, Asia Pacific Jean-Marc Thomas

Spafax Middle East Jelle De Mey Jelle.DeMey @spafax.com

Spafax USA Mary Rae Esposito maryrae.esposito @spafax.com

Spafax Europe Tullia Vitturi tullia.vitturi @spafax.com Spafax UK Steve O’Connor Steve.OConnor @spafax.com Spafax Asia-Pacific Agnes Law agnes.law @spafax.com

Spafax Canada Tracy Miller tracy.miller @bookmarkcontent.com Spafax South America Francisco Azocar francisco.azocar @bookmarkcontent.com

PRINTER Times Offset (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (194695-W) Times Subang, Bangunan Times Publishing, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 5628 6888 Fax: +603 5628 6899 Firelyz is published monthly by Spafax Networks Sdn Bhd for FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (346606-K). No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Firefly. All rights reserved. Copyright @ 2019 by Firefly. Opinions expressed in Firelyz are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by Firefly and/or Spafax Networks. They are not responsible or liable in any way for the contents in any of the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. Editorial inquiries and inquiries concerning advertising and circulation should be addressed to Spafax Networks. Firefly and Spafax Networks accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustrations and other editorial materials. The Editorial Team reserves the right to edit and/or re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless they are accompanied by sufficient return postage.

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Letters

Editor's Note

WINNING LETTER

OMO – an acronym some of us are so familiar with. The ‘fear of missing out’ is a real phenomenon that has become so common that it has caused significant stress in our lives.

F

I owe Firefly for the convenience of the Penang-Kuantan route.

First during Hari Raya, when my husband had to work on the first four days. By the time he finished his shift, the kids would have gone back to school. So we abandoned the idea of balik kampung, until we heard that the route had been reinstated.

Thanks to you, I got to bring my four kids to experience Raya with their cousins, uncle and aunties this year. The bonus point was that I didn’t have to go through the nasty traffic jam too. The second time was when my father had to be admitted to the hospital in Sungai Petani due to heart problems. Driving alone from Kemaman to Sungai Petani was not the best option, especially in that state of mind. Plus, it would take 10 hours on the road. Thanks to Firefly again, I managed to book a flight on the same day and was in the hospital that evening to care for my father. You have no idea what that meant!

In 2013, a team of researchers at Oxford University, led by Andrew Przybylski, conducted a study in which they found that nearly three quarters of young adults suffered from FOMO. In that study, they discovered that the respondents’ fear of missing out caused them to continuously check social media to compare their lives to the supposedly better lives led by others.

Nadiah Abu Hassan

KEMAMAN, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

I fly Firefly practically every week but had given up on the in-flight magazine long ago. Super drab. This time out of sheer boredom, I picked up the July copy of Fireflyz and was pleasantly surprised at the contents. It certainly kept me engrossed throughout. Even took a copy home despite my heavy hand luggage. Keep it up! Oh, can I kindly implore the CEO to change the theme song played during take-off and landing? It’s been the same old song for years, driving me and the crew mad. Add fresh voices and melodies, please. We’ll be eternally grateful.

Whether you suffer from FOMO or not, live your life to the best of your ability. And, of course, that includes travel – because when we travel for leisure, we do so not only for relaxation and entertainment, but also to gain knowledge and exposure to other countries, people and cultures.

When we first thought of what we wanted for this magazine, in line with the airline’s ‘Discovery – See It, Hear It, Sense It, Feel It, Touch It, Taste It’ tagline, we decided that we would showcase what each destination has to offer off the wellworn path. We were going to dissect neighbourhoods, not just cities, so readers can get off the typical tourist trail. And that’s exactly what we have done in the past eleven months.

Lim Eng Chong KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

I love travelling and this was my first time on Firefly with my baby. Onboard, the kind stewardess offered us peanuts and samosa, which kept my baby occupied and allowed me to have some reading time. Two particular topics in the magazine caught my eye. The first was the recommendation on what to do in Langkawi. Packed with information on what to eat and expect, it helped me to plan for the trip. I especially loved the tips on what to bring home as I had not thought of any souvenirs other than chocolates. Secondly, Firefly does not just care about our flight experience but our health too. I read the article about fermented beverages over and over again as I have tried Kombucha and Kefir, and did not know that there are other options such as makgeolli and kvass. I look forward to trying these gut-friendly drinks and can’t wait for my next flight for more enjoyable reading moments.

Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Little India’ or Brickfields is the focus of our neighbourhood discovery this month. With wide sidewalks fronting shops offering almost anything Indian – from banana leaf rice to jewellery to prayer items – go to Brickfields for its lively atmosphere. To escape the urban ruckus, visit one of the temples and churches in the area or head to the Nu Sentral Mall for a spot of retail therapy (page 22).

In our 12 Hours Guide meanwhile, Azman Ibrahim writes that the city of Kuantan has enough of natural beauty, charm and adventure to keep one occupied for a day trip. Don’t take his word for it. Fly there or take a leisurely drive along the picturesque east coast to the city one of these weekends, to discover it for yourself (page 18).

Angeline Ng Geok Kee

And to get you planning for the year-end holiday, if a snowy escape is what you have in mind, our Tracker piece lists the top five spots in the world for a magical winter getaway (page 38).

KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

We’ d love to hear from you!

As always, I hope you find some interesting reading in this issue.

•

See you next month.

Write to us at ffmedia@spafax.com and stand a chance to win Beyond The Remedy skincare set worth about RM509.

Julie Goh November 2019

Your free copy or read online at fireflyz.com.my

Where New

Meets Old AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BRICKFIELDS, KUALA LUMPUR

ON THE COVER

November 2019

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Intricately-designed arches adorn the sidewalks of Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur.

12 HOURS IN KUANTAN, PAHANG / STREET CHEF NASI LEMAK / TRACKER WINTRY WONDERLANDS

PHOTO: RAVINDRAN JOHN SMITH, DREAMSTIME.COM

Editor

Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity, and will be published in the language in which they are written. Please include your full name, contact number and location when writing to us.

Only one winning letter will be chosen each month.

18/10/2019 11:18 AM

Agenda

Upcoming

Events WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MALAYSIA AND AROUND THE REGION.

Gautier Capuçon

Ouh Là Lah!

It is that time again to immerse in all things French at Voilah! France Singapore Festival.

Reimagined and bigger than ever before, the festival returns with more than 50 diverse and innovative programmes showcasing the spectrum of French culture from the arts, education and science, to lifestyle and sports. A double celebration of the enduring partnership between France and Singapore, the festival brings together artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, scientists and thought leaders from both countries for over six weeks of performances, exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops and lectures.

When: 3 October – 17 November Where: Various locations across Singapore voilah.sg

Art Weekend

Returning for its fourth edition, Gallery Weekend Kuala Lumpur (GWKL) continues to showcase the best of creative talents in Malaysia.

The programme this year includes exhibitions, artists’ talks and special projects, heritage tours, creative workshops, bespoke gourmet experiences and more.

The highlight of the creative weekend is the Luminary Programme, which will host renowned international and local curators, collectors, artists, critics and more for public talks, panel discussions and workshops.

When: 15 – 17 November Where: Participating galleries, museums and F&B outlets in Kuala Lumpur gw-kl.com

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Creative City

PHOTOS: ALL IS AMAZING

The longest-running creative arts festival in Malaysia is back, and it is taking over the city to #reconnectKL. Building on last year’s theme, Urbanscapes invites visitors to explore the city and discover new experiences as it occupies unique spaces in the heart of the city including Medan Pasar, River of Life, REXKL, the back lanes of Lorong Bandar 13 and Lorong Panggung, for over a week of music, arts and films. The festival will also see local and international artists as well as creative communities collaborating to bring KL to life. Don’t miss out on programmes and experiences such as a three-day music extravaganza, colourful art installations, street and interactive arts, and BMW Shorties, the short film competition.

When: 16 – 24 November Where: Various locations in Kuala Lumpur urbanscapes.com.my

Musical Musings

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will be in concert for Modern Reflections, where world events and pop culture converge through music. With Belgian conductor Dirk Brossé, clarinettist Annelien van Wauwe will make her debut, presenting works by composer Philip Glass namely the Heroes Symphony based on David Bowie’s album Heroes; as well as composer John Adams’ The Chairman Dances, a foxtrot for Chairman and Madame Mao; and Brossé’s War Concerto – a musical condemnation of war.

When: 7 – 8 December Where: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

Dirk Brossé

Annelien van Wauwe

mpo.com.my

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C o m f o r t Z o n e : W h e r e To S t a y

SINGAPORE

Colonial Heritage

The Barracks Hotel is one of the newest hotels to open its doors in Sentosa Island, Singapore. Occupying a beautifully conserved colonial building, this exclusive hotel houses 40 guest rooms, tastefully furnished with a mix of vintage and modern décor. Premier second-floor guest rooms come with a balcony while the ground floor rooms enjoy an outdoor patio with direct access to The Barracks Pool and jacuzzi. Staying true to its heritage theme, The Barracks Hotel also offers special private tours for guests to explore Sentosa’s best heritage spots and buildings. Enjoy complimentary local treats at The Living Room, an all-day dining venue that also serves breakfast, evening cocktails and tea-time refreshments.

The Barracks Hotel prides itself on its personalised Equerry Service, providing round-the-clock assistance to guests in everything from ground transfers to bellboy services, in-room dining and recommendations for activities and destinations in Singapore.

Address: 2 Gunner Lane, Palawan Ridge, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099567 thebarrackshotel.com.sg

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Luxurious Sanctuary

Long regarded as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most reputable hotels, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur offers comfort and luxury in 662 guest rooms and suites. Its location along Jalan Sultan Ismail in the heart of the city puts it within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, making it a hotel of choice for holidaymakers and business travellers alike. The lush greenery lining the outdoor areas of the hotel including its swimming pool help ShangriLa live up to its image as a sanctuary in an urban environment. Revitalise in any of the Health Club facilities or rejuvenate with The Spa’s signature treatments. Savour a new level of dining experiences with French restaurant Lafite, the Cantonese cuisine at Shang Palace, Japanese restaurant Zipangu, buffet venue Lemon Garden, as well as the Manhattan-inspired Arthur’s Bar and Grill. Shangri-La is also an ideal choice for large, grand events as its 1,509-square-metre Grand Ballroom can accommodate as many as 1,440 guests in a banquet configuration.

Address: 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia shangri-la.com/kualalumpur

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PHUKET, THAILAND

Sweet Stays

Adding to the already lively Patong Beach area in Phuket is the recent opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort. Situated directly opposite the beach, the resort provides 290 spacious rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace area overlooking lush tropical gardens. Chill out with a cool drink at any of the three swim-up pool bars, the al fresco Blah Blah bar or the Lobby Bar. Enjoy daily buffet breakfast at The Shore or taste a wide variety of à la carte dishes at The Port restaurant. In line with the brand’s signature practice of offering warm DoubleTree Cookies to welcome guests at check-in, the resort will be offering a special Cookie Suite Experiential Package until the end of 2019.

This package allows guests to stay in the cookie-themed King Deluxe Suite with its dedicated cookie bar, cute cookie-themed decorations and items, as well as cookie-scented candles and bath amenities. The package also includes freebies and discounts off food and beverages at the resort, among other things.

Address: 94 Thaveewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Thailand doubletree3.hilton.com/phuket/doubletree

GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA

Simple Comfort

Located within easy reach of Penang’s lively hawker eateries in the heart of George Town, Mei Hotel Penang offers comfort and warm hospitality in minimalist accommodations. The 96 rooms and suites come in simple and clean designs with all the basic necessities from toiletries to free high-speed wireless Internet and a digital inroom safe. The hotel’s convenient location places it just a short ride away from Komtar and George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Zone, where most of the city’s historic and cultural attractions are found. On a clear day, guests can get a bird’s eye view of the city on the hotel’s viewing deck. There are function rooms available for business travellers to organise meetings and guests can also make use of the small gym for a quick workout.

Although there’s much good hawker food to be had on the streets of George Town, guests can also opt to dine in for breakfast.

Address: 50, Lorong Abu Siti, 10400 George Town, Penang, Malaysia meihotelpenang.com

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B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t

Flavours of Thailand

Krung Thep is named after the vibrant capital of Thailand and is located in one of KL’s latest dining hubs – Republik in Damansara Heights. Thai cuisine is incredibly popular and known for its use of the four main flavours of spicy, sweet, sour and salty; and Krung Thep delivers on all fronts. Its menu melds dishes from the different regions, with the restaurant’s talented Thai chef using the best produce and ingredients. Standout dishes include the Gai Yang Kao Suan Kwang (grilled Ipoh kampong chicken with lemongrass, chili and tamarind), Pla Merk Go Lerk (grilled baby squid with southern Thai curry) and Geng Gwia Warn Neu (green beef curry with sweet basil and pea eggplant).

Address: G05, Republik, 1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia krungthep.my

PHOTOS: THE FARM FOODCRAFT FACEBOOK

Urban Farm to Fork

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The Sphere in Bangsar South has become a foodie destination and with the welcome addition of The Farm Foodcraft, diners now have a restaurant offering well-priced, wholesome, fresh food in a novel setting. There’s an on-site farm and ingredients are also sourced from local producers and farmers.

Choose from an appealing selection of starters, mains and desserts with plans for the menu to change seasonally. Dishes feature a combination of flavours like Lala Land (pasta with clams flavoured with Italian and Chinese herbs and spices) and the Curry Beef Lasagne, which is a tasty take on a classic. Smoothies are another attraction and are made with fruits and vegetables like mangoes, berries, apples, kale and cucumber.

Address: G-01 & G-02, The Sphere, No.1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/thefarmfoodcraft

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North Indian Cuisine with a Twist

PHOTOS: JHANN KL INSTAGRAM

A peek at Jhann’s menu and you will notice how subtly different it is. Traditional northern Indian dishes are given a luxe twist like roti drizzled with Italian truffle oil and the curried Katalan crab cooked in a sambalbased gravy. Diners wanting classics such as Butter Chicken, Keralan Fish Curry, slow-cooked Lamb Korma and Palak Paneer (homemade cottage cheese with spinach gravy) will be pleased to know that these are executed well. There’s a variety of briyani – choose from soft shell crab, prawn or lamb – and different types of naan to accompany the delicious mains. End with a dessert like the flamebaked Gulab Jamun or the tandoor-grilled pineapple with coconut sorbet.

Address: 6, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia jhannkl.com

Ice Cold Treats

Ice cream is one of the most popular types of food in the world and there are very few people who would say no to a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey or Cherry Garcia.

With that in mind, ice cream fans will be happy to know that the first-ever Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop has opened at Sunway Pyramid and offers sixteen flavours including Chocolate Fudge Brownie, New York Super Fudge Chunk and Tonight Dough. Besides the usual cones and tubs, there are sundaes, decadent shakes and ice cream cakes ideal for celebrations. The Scoop Shop will be reducing single-use plastic in-store, by offering biodegradable paper straws and wooden spoons in line with its objective of instilling environmental change.

Address: LG2 ECS 1, Sunway Pyramid, 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia benjerry.com.my

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Q u e n c h : W h e r e To D r i n k

An Ode To Hemingway

The award-winning The Old Man in Hong Kong has opened its first international branch and The Old Man Singapore is all about wonderfully curated cocktails based on Ernest Hemingway’s favourite drinks and his writing. Hemingway was a prolific writer and also known to love a good time, and this bar showcases all of this with nine creative cocktails named after his works and infused with an Asian twist. Try A Farewell To Arms, which sees an exotic combination of butter fat-washed Bulldog gin, Cinzano 1757 dry vermouth sous-vide nori and salted Pernod; or the Green Hills Of Africa which combines rosemary-infused Pisco with turmeric and tamarind cordial, and citrus.

Address: 55 Keong Saik Road #01-04, Singapore 089158 facebook.com/TheOldManSG

Favourite Lucky Ones

PHOTOS: FLO BAR INSTAGRAM

Exposed brick walls, quirky quotes in neon lighting and a penchant for innocent- sounding Lemon Drop shots is what people notice at this first-floor bar. Opening with minimal fanfare, Favourite Lucky Ones – or FLO as it’s more popularly known – is located above Flipp, one of the many eateries in the Persiaran Ampang area. The cocktail list sticks to classics like whisky sours, the inevitable shots and this year’s favourite, the Negroni. There are themed evenings with DJs spinning, of which the Model’s Night has proven popular. Considering its location, FLO could be the answer for a neighbourhood hangout albeit with a very attractive crowd.

Address: First Floor, 24, Persiaran Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia instagram.com/favourite_lucky_ones

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The Perfect Combo

Why hasn’t anyone thought about having a cool bar offering everyone’s favourite drinks – coffee and cocktails? Welcome to Happy Stan – where bartenders and baristas combine their drink-making prowess to offer cocktails, coffee and a combination of both.

Located in Republik, Happy Stan is inspired by the quirky story of Stanton Delaplane, who was a travel writer, known to have introduced the now famous Irish Coffee to the Buena Vista café in San Francisco in 1952. Head here for the heady Manhattan Negroni made with Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Campari, Antica Formula Vermouth, Redemption rye whisky and Angostura 1824 rum; or just a really good cup of joe.

Address: M.06, Republik Damansara Heights, 1 Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/happystan.my

Funky Chinatown Vibes PHOTOS: CONCUBINE KL FACEBOOK

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown area has always had a bit of an eccentric air about it courtesy of the mish mash of seediness, great architecture and interesting history. Many of the old shophouses are enjoying their second wind as restaurants, venues and bars; and with the addition of this speakeasy, the scene just got brighter.

Concubine KL oozes sultry vibes, which is exactly its aim. Housed in a heritage shophouse slightly off the beaten track in the recently rejuvenated area of Kwai Chai Hong, the bar features funky murals, open spaces and the kind of hip décor that makes you want to hang out here all night and take lots of pictures!

Address: Lot 2, Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia facebook.com/concubinekl

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Te c h U p : G a d g e t s *Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

1

Solid All- Rounder

On The Go

2

New from Samsung is the Galaxy A10s. It has a 6.2-inch display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and a 4000mAh battery. The 13MP and 2MP rear camera combo, plus an 8MP front-facing camera, allows users to set their creativity free and snap as they go.

RRP: RM529 samsung.com.my

The Nokia 800 Tough is made for adventures. This durable phone comes with bigger buttons and an anti-slip grip, as well as a flashlight and loudspeaker. It is also designed to combat accidental drops, dust, sand, water and even extreme temperatures.

RRP: EUR109 (RM503) nokia.com

1

2

4 3

3

One To Rule Them All

4

Klipsch’s T5 True Wireless Earphones combines elements of comfort, design and acoustic clarity. It has an eight-hour battery life and portable charging case, along with a crisp, clear sound of both highs and lows for a truly immersive listening experience.

RRP: USD199 (RM829) klipsch.com

For The Bold

Diesel’s latest On Axial smartwatch is perfect for men. It sports rugged pushers and rivets, plus an eye-catching 44mm stainless steel body. The 1.28-inch display offers a variety of animated watch face options – from a rotating globe that users can manipulate with just a touch, to an interactive heart rate dial.

RRP: USD350 (RM1,463) diesel.com

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12 H o u r s

123RF

Text Azman Ibrahim / Illustration Lauren Rebbeck / Art Direction Euric Liew

Charm &

Adventure

NESTLED NEAR THE MOUTH OF ITS EPONYMOUS RIVER, KUANTAN IN PAHANG IS THE LARGEST CITY IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA’S PICTURESQUE EAST COAST; BIG ON NATURAL BEAUTY, CHARM AND ADVENTURE. Teluk Cempedak

Sungai Pandan Waterfall

123RF

12.00 pm

8.00am

Kickstart your Kuantan adventure with a hearty local breakfast. If you arrive by air, a short drive away from the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport is Nasi Kerabu Kemira Bypass at Jalan Pintasan Kuantan’s R&R complex, one of its few outlets scattered across the city. Enjoy your herb rice with accompaniments of toasted coconut and fish kerisik, kuah tumis, boiled salted egg and

town was the centre for one of the world’s largest shaftmining operations for tin, up until 1986. The mine’s tunnels were said to be more than 300 kilometres in length and went as deep as 700 metres.

Spend some time at the Sungai Lembing Museum – explore its tunnels and learn how tin spearheaded the town’s growth and contributed to the state and national coffers for more than 100 years.

solok lada (stuffed peppers), and a choice of grilled lamb, beef or chicken. There is also an array of local kuih and delicacies for you to savour or take away to eat on your onward journey.

10.00 am

After breakfast, head to Sungai Lembing some 40 kilometres away for a bit of history. Once known as the “El Dorado of the East”, this

On your way back to Kuantan, stop by the Sungai Pandan Waterfall deep in the lush Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve. This popular weekend retreat and picnic spot is clean and relatively well-maintained. A short hike will bring you to the stunning 100 metre-high waterfall, as well as a series of cascading rapids of fresh, cool water that flows into natural pools – perfect for a long, relaxing dip. A suspension bridge spans across the running water, offering a great view of the falls and a good spot for an Instagram or Facebook pose. Before you leave, order a kopi kampung, either hot or cold, at one of the stalls nearby to keep you alert on your 30-minute drive back to the city.

1.30 pm

Once you reach the city, head to Akob Patin House on Lorong Haji Abdul Rahman for lunch. This is one of its three outlets in the city and is busiest at lunch time. The star dish is the ikan patin (silver catfish) cooked with tempoyak (fermented durian paste) in a broth that has

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123RF

Pahang’s biggest and can accommodate more than 8,000 worshippers.

A short distance away is the white and blue Ottomaninspired Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque with its imposing multiple domes and minarets. It was built in the early 1990s to replace the previous mosque that featured an equally impressive 1960s-inspired space-age design. Walk around the vast expanse of its interiors and admire the delicate arches and intricate plasterwork that make it one of the most beautiful places of worship in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. At certain times of day, rays of sunlight beam through its many stained glass windows, casting mesmerising blue, green and yellow hues on its floors. The mosque is

3.00 pm

Next to the mosque is the Pahang Art Museum, an elegant, colonial-style building showcasing the works of local artists in various media that include batik, sculptures, paintings and drawings.

Exhibits are displayed on a revolving basis, so you can either check ahead before going or be totally surprised with what the museum’s wonderful exhibition space has to offer.

3.45 pm

One of Pahang’s proudest heritage arts is its centuriesold art of weaving, that has given birth to Tenun Pahang Diraja (Royal Pahang Weave). Made from spun Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque

AZMAN IBRAHIM

Firefly flies to Kuantan from Penang and back. Information on flight routes and schedules can be found at fireflyz.com.my & for hotel deals, visit fireflyholiday.com

2.30 pm TOURISM MALAYSIA

been reduced to a thick and tasty deliciousness – a musteat delicacy when you are in Pahang! If patin is not your thing, the restaurant serves wallet-friendly specialties like gulai daging salai, gulai udang, and a variety of other fish dishes that can be paired with masak lemak pucuk ubi, nangka (jackfruit) or rebung (bamboo shoots) and a selection of ulam and sambal.

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TOURISM MALAYSIA

12 H o u r s

Kuantan Riverfront

COFFEE PLACES

AZMAN IBRAHIM

Sit on a park bench, or at a table at any of the food stalls fronting the river and just watch the world go by – on the promenade or on the river. Nearby, the 180 metre-high Mercu Teruntum tower is nearing completion, promising visitors a 360-degree view of the city from its viewing deck once it opens.

silk yarn, the fabric is favoured by the reigning Raja Permaisuri Agong to wear on special occasions. A gallery that showcases the handwoven fabric in a multitude of colours and designs can be found at the Pusat Pengembangan Tenun Pahang Diraja Kampung Soi, about 12 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

Unfortunately, its workshop in a separate premise nearby is not open to the public.

A section of the gallery displays various items for sale – luxurious fabrics, shawls, neckties, shoes and clutches, bags and pouches, soft toys, souvenirs and knick-knacks.

city centre.

Soak in the stunning view of the South China Sea, then take a stroll on a leafy boardwalk along rocky outcrops that lead to the smaller, quieter Teluk Tongkang Beach.

From the months of October through March – but only when the waves are just right – Teluk Cempedak becomes a favourite haunt for members of a growing surfing subculture eager to test and display their skill, balance and agility. If you feel parched after your walk, head to Loteng Café for a refreshing iced coffee or tea, or a scoop of its smooth, premium coconut ice cream.

4.30pm

6.45 pm

Kuantan’s most famous beach is Teluk Cempedak, a 15 minute-drive from the

8.00pm

If food is still on your mind, Ana Ikan Bakar Petai across the river in Tanjung Lumpur might just be the place to whet your appetite and end your adventure. Choose from about 30 types of fish and seafood to be cooked to order. Go for fish or calamari, or both, smothered in spicy marinade and petai (stink beans), then wrapped in banana leaf and grilled to succulent perfection.

Enjoy the dish with steamed rice or on its own for a satisfying meal unique only to Kuantan. If fresh breath is a priority, head to Lila Wadi Restaurant for a Thai-Western fusion experience. Finish your meal on a sweet note with a slice of mango cheese cake, a favourite dessert from Kula Cakes, the restaurant’s sister outlet in town.

The Kuantan Riverfront or Taman Esplanade is a great place to chill and unwind.

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Jalan Besar in Kuantan boasts a number of cool old-style cafés serving great brews.

COASTAL STORE: This coffeecum-book and indie music shop is perfect for a caffeine fix while browsing for a good read or a vintage CD or vinyl.

It also holds book readings and music workshops.

KUANTAN PICKERS & KEDAI KOPI: The café, decorated with old memorabilia, serves a variety of coffee, including Vietnamese. Its kacang pool (spiced fava beans), paired with toasted buns, is simply delicious.

TJANTEK ART BISTRO: Retro vibe permeates this joint laden with things of days gone by. Order a latte and a piece of its scrumptious butter cake, sit back and chill to classic Indo-Malay jazz playing in the background.

18/10/2019 10:33 AM

TOURISM MALAYSIA

12 H o u r s

Kuantan Riverfront

COFFEE PLACES

AZMAN IBRAHIM

Sit on a park bench, or at a table at any of the food stalls fronting the river and just watch the world go by – on the promenade or on the river. Nearby, the 180 metre-high Mercu Teruntum tower is nearing completion, promising visitors a 360-degree view of the city from its viewing deck once it opens.

silk yarn, the fabric is favoured by the reigning Raja Permaisuri Agong to wear on special occasions. A gallery that showcases the handwoven fabric in a multitude of colours and designs can be found at the Pusat Pengembangan Tenun Pahang Diraja Kampung Soi, about 12 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

Unfortunately, its workshop in a separate premise nearby is not open to the public.

A section of the gallery displays various items for sale – luxurious fabrics, shawls, neckties, shoes and clutches, bags and pouches, soft toys, souvenirs and knick-knacks.

city centre.

Soak in the stunning view of the South China Sea, then take a stroll on a leafy boardwalk along rocky outcrops that lead to the smaller, quieter Teluk Tongkang Beach.

From the months of October through March – but only when the waves are just right – Teluk Cempedak becomes a favourite haunt for members of a growing surfing subculture eager to test and display their skill, balance and agility. If you feel parched after your walk, head to Loteng Café for a refreshing iced coffee or tea, or a scoop of its smooth, premium coconut ice cream.

4.30pm

6.45 pm

Kuantan’s most famous beach is Teluk Cempedak, a 15 minute-drive from the

8.00pm

If food is still on your mind, Ana Ikan Bakar Petai across the river in Tanjung Lumpur might just be the place to whet your appetite and end your adventure. Choose from about 30 types of fish and seafood to be cooked to order. Go for fish or calamari, or both, smothered in spicy marinade and petai (stink beans), then wrapped in banana leaf and grilled to succulent perfection.

Enjoy the dish with steamed rice or on its own for a satisfying meal unique only to Kuantan. If fresh breath is a priority, head to Lila Wadi Restaurant for a Thai-Western fusion experience. Finish your meal on a sweet note with a slice of mango cheese cake, a favourite dessert from Kula Cakes, the restaurant’s sister outlet in town.

The Kuantan Riverfront or Taman Esplanade is a great place to chill and unwind.

•

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Jalan Besar in Kuantan boasts a number of cool old-style cafés serving great brews.

COASTAL STORE: This coffeecum-book and indie music shop is perfect for a caffeine fix while browsing for a good read or a vintage CD or vinyl.

It also holds book readings and music workshops.

KUANTAN PICKERS & KEDAI KOPI: The café, decorated with old memorabilia, serves a variety of coffee, including Vietnamese. Its kacang pool (spiced fava beans), paired with toasted buns, is simply delicious.

TJANTEK ART BISTRO: Retro vibe permeates this joint laden with things of days gone by. Order a latte and a piece of its scrumptious butter cake, sit back and chill to classic Indo-Malay jazz playing in the background.

18/10/2019 10:33 AM

S a vo u r Text Richard Augustin Photos 123rf & Tourism Malaysia

Ais kacang is simple – just a generous portion of shave ice, covered with a variety of syrups and toppings such as nuts, corn and red beans.

Ais Kacang

SWEET, TASTY AND REFRESHING, AN AIS KACANG IS ALL YOU NEED ON A HOT AND HUMID DAY.

Ingredients

•2 blocks of ice

•2 tsp rose syrup •2 tbsp gula melaka

Toppings

•2 tbsp evaporated milk •2 tsp coconut milk Method

•Using an ice shaving

I

t goes without saying that Malaysians love their desserts and fortunately, we are in no short supply of delicious sweet treats to tuck into. A perennial favourite is the ais kacang or known simply by its abbreviation of ‘ABC’, which stands for air batu campur (mixed ice).

The dessert is simple – just a generous portion of shaved ice, covered with a variety of syrups and toppings such as nuts, sweet corn and red beans. Occasionally, a scoop of ice-cream and slices of fruits such as banana are added for good measure.

You can find ais kacang in coffee shops, hawker centres and food courts all over the country, but you can also make your own once you have invested in your own home electric ice crusher or shaving machine. All you need is copious amounts of ice and whatever toppings you desire, to make a dessert that your friends and family will thank you for on a hot sunny day.

•

(palm sugar) syrup •2 tbsp sweet red beans (canned) •2 tbsp palm seeds

machine, shave ice into fine flakes and portion them into two separate bowls.

•Drizzle the evaporated milk, coconut milk, rose syrup

and gula melaka syrup over the ice flakes according to taste.

•Portion the red beans, sweet corn, palm seeds and grass jelly over the ice.

•2 tbsp cream-style sweet corn (canned)

•1/4 cup grass jelly

(cut into small cubes)

•2 tbsp roasted peanuts (unsalted)

•Sprinkle the roasted

peanuts on top and serve immediately.

•Add a scoop of ice-cream to make it a truly indulgent treat (optional).

SWEET SENSATIONS Beat the heat with these refreshing local desserts.

LENG CHEE KANG SAGO GULA Sometimes served with MELAKA ice, but oftentimes This dessert of warm, this refreshing sago pearls mixed dessert consists of with coconut a mixture of jellies, milk and topped dried fruits and other with palm sugar ingredients, served in a syrup is sheer lotus seed soup. Leng decadence. It’s chee kang is renowned a delicious sweet for its cooling treat that makes properties, which is for a perfect end why it remains to any spicy meal. a popular pick November 2019 amongst Malaysians.

CENDOL Another perennial favourite, this iced sweet dessert consists of green rice flour jelly mixed with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup over shaved ice. It often comes with a portion of red beans, and optional extras such as pulut (sticky rice).

TAU FOO FAH This soybean pudding is commonly sold from food trucks found in wet markets. Normally eaten hot but occasionally cold, the dessert is made from scoops of fresh soft soybean curd or tofu pudding and served with a ginger-based gula melaka or white sugar syrup.

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Insider’s Guide Text Patsy Kam / Photos Raymond Ooi

Welcome to

Little India A CULTURAL MELTING POT, BRICKFIELDS OFFERS A MYRIAD OF ATTRACTIONS FOR FOODIES, SHOPPERS AND RELIGIOUS DEVOTEES. November 2019

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an

Insider’s Guide

c

or

O

nce the central depot for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad - the main rail operator in Peninsular Malaysia dating back to the British era Brickfields is one of the oldest enclaves in Kuala Lumpur.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

Obtaining its name from the days when it was a massive clay pit and the centre of the brick-making industry, it is also known as KL’s Little India due to its high percentage of Indian residents and businesses.

Today, the area is a convenient hotspot for tourists and city dwellers as KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur’s primary transportation hub, is located here.

The area teems with activity at all hours of the day, and is even more colourful at night.

Start from the Vivekananda Ashram, a building established by Sri Lankan Tamil immigrants in 1908. A bronze statue stands at the centre of the institution, in memory of Swami Vivekananda. The jury is still out on the private property, whether it should be preserved as a heritage site or redeveloped. In the meantime, the institution is still operating, offering religious classes and prayer events.

Historical Trail

Beyond being a cultural zone, Brickfields also has a rich history – some of its places of worship are over a century old. One of the best ways to get a feel of this part of town is to walk about on your own.

(from top) Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple; bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda

Down the road is St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church that is part of the Diocese of Chennai of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The cathedral is said to have its roots in Oriental Orthodoxy, touted to be established by the Apostle Thomas in Kerala, India in AD52.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

On Jalan Berhala is a string of religious structures, including the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple, started by the Sinhalese Sri Lankans in 1894. The main building features a reclining Buddha and is open to visitors who want to offer prayers or to just have a look. The usually peaceful and quiet temple becomes one of the busiest during annual Wesak Day celebrations.

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Along Jalan Scott is the Sree Veera Hanuman temple, one of the busiest and largest temples in the area. Despite still being under reconstruction (for some years now), devotees continue to throng the religious building, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays and during

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TOURISM MALAYSIA

TOURISM MALAYSIA

exploration. Home to a department store, numerous local and imported clothing brands, F&B outlets and a cinema, you can even shop for groceries here.

Hanuman Jayanthi, a festival dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. For some artistic reprieve, there’s Wei-Ling Gallery right opposite, showcasing works by contemporary Malaysian artists.

To get down to the real business of shopping, however, go to the streets, specifically the Indian market along Jalan Tun Sambanthan where you will find rows of shops selling traditional sarees and other Indian attire, textiles, accessories, flower garlands, aromatic spices, steel pots and more.

If you’d rather not roam the streets, you can also find everything under one roof at New Malliga Enterprise which has an amazing assortment of Indianstyle costume jewellery, pooja (prayer) products, spices as well as decorative items at wholesale prices.

What’s For Tea?

After walking around, you might be feeling a little peckish. Brickfields has plenty of light bites to tide you over until your next meal.

Across the river is Thean Hou Temple located just off Jalan Syed Putra, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Featuring a six-tiered building that combines modernistic architectural style and traditional designs with ornate carvings and statues, the temple gives a good view of Kuala Lumpur city as it is set on a hill. Built by the Hainanese community in 1894, it is a popular stop for tourists and worshippers who want to pray in the grandiose prayer hall.

(clockwise from top left) Thean Hou Temple; Jalan Tun Sambanthan is a shopping haven where you can find everything from flowers to decorations, prayer products and textiles

Buy, Buy, Buy

Offering a vast range of things to buy from high-street brands to street goods and homeware, Brickfields is a shopper’s haven that may reveal a surprising treasure or two.

Linked to KL Sentral, the modern Nu Sentral shopping mall is the perfect diversion as you alight from the train to start your

If you see long queues forming next to a stall opposite the YMCA, that’s Chiam’s Pisang Goreng (banana fritters) stall which has been around for some 30 years. He uses ripe pisang raja that is naturally sweet, and the light and airy batter yields fritters that are crispy and crunchy on the outside, and moist and tasty on the inside. He also sells kuih bakul (sticky glutinous rice cake sandwiched in between a slice of yam or sweet potato), sesame balls and curry puffs.

While in Little India, try Ammar’s Indian cakes, a humble stall housed

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Insider’s Guide

Fancy is not enough to describe a delightful afternoon high tea at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a stone’s throw away from KL Sentral. A custom left over by the British, an intimate afternoon soiree at the hotel’s Orchid Conservatory is an experience to be remembered as you sip on refined English tea and enjoy scones and other tea cakes piled upon a three-layered tray amid the romantic ambience.

(from top) Afternoon tea at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur; feast on Indian fare at Little India’s restaurants and roadside eateries

THE MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

under a canopy that has been operating along Jalan Tun Sambanthan for almost 20 years, selling Indian snacks.

Some 20 varieties of traditional tea time treats, both sweet and savoury, such as vadai, samosa, curry puffs, pakora and bhaji are sold. Get a first-hand view of how these yummy goodies are made as they are freshly fried on the spot.

Stop For Real Food

You cannot leave Little India without trying banana leaf rice at least once, eating using your hands like the locals do.

Feast on all things Indian, beginning with Indian Spices Village that has an extensive menu. Top of the list of exotic food available here is Mutton Brains and Chettinad Spice-cooked Mutton Liver, which really isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. It also serves traditional fare such as kulfi, biryani, crab masala, fish curry and lots more.

For vegetarian options, Chat Masala serves a variety of Indian breads such as dosa, idli, chapati, uttapam as well as Thali sets (rice with vegetable curries), an awesome palak paneer and mock meat curries. Your diet might come undone though if you stumble upon Srinivasa Sweets which, as the name suggests, sells all manner of Punjabi sweet treats.

Not only Indian fare shines in this vicinity. An unassuming push cart at the corner of Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 sells yong tau foo, consisting of vegetables and beancurd stuffed with fish paste,

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LEARNING EXCURSIONS NEARBY drenched over with a homemade sweet sauce and chili sauce. There’s no “right” time for this Hakka dish as yong tau foo makes a great meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Famous for its mun fan – stewed meat, seafood, Chinese sausages and vegetables all mixed together, swimming in gravy piled on top of a mound of steamed rice – Sin Kee Restaurant has been operating since the 1960s and still attracts a full house every meal time. It also serves a variety of delicious homestyle Chinese dishes to go with rice.

Passionate foodies will go to great lengths to hunt down that one good bowl of noodles, and Peter’s Pork Noodles, located at Money’s Corner food court, is on that list. Generously laden with minced pork, pork slices as well as bits of liver and intestines, the noodles come in a flavourful broth boiled for hours together with pork bones. The food court is also home to Moothy’s Matthai Indian Rice, famed for its delicious fish head and other curries.

Not quite Brickfields, Siu Siu Restaurant in Taman Seputeh, just 10 minutes’ drive away, deserves a mention too. Popular for its crab and other seafood dishes, what it lacks in style – plastic tables and chairs, and no printed menu – it makes up in terms of taste and rustic ambience.

(clockwise from top left) Peter’s Pork Noodles; banana leaf rice; head to Restaurant Siu Siu for crab and seafood dishes

Going Out After Hours

Situated at the rooftop of Aloft Kuala Lumpur, Mai Bar offers the perfect spot to chill as you take in the gorgeous night skyline. Try its signature cocktail, the Malaysian Princess Mai Tai – a concoction of silver rum pressed with blueberries and kaffir lime, topped with golden rum, pineapple and orange juices – paired with the chef’s gourmet tapas. There’s much to be said for feeling on top of the world, with the right company and drink in hand.

They say the rich and famous sometimes hang out at KL Hilton’s Zeta Bar. If you’re lucky, you might bump into a celebrity; otherwise join the party as international bands or DJs churn out high octave music to entertain the crowd. Popular with late night clubbers, Zeta also features premium wines and a dance floor to gyrate the night away.

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Rail Showstopper Completed in 1910, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station used to be one of Kuala Lumpur’s famous landmarks and is often photographed for its unique Mughal architecture. Once an important connecting point between Penang and Singapore, now only the KTM Komuter services make stops here; the station hotel has since closed its doors.

Heritage Museum The National Museum was built in 1963 and its sweeping, Minangkabaustyle roof is easily recognised from afar.

Apart from detailing Malaysian history, geography, arts, crafts and culture, there’s also a new gallery, added a few years ago after an extensive refurbishment.

Islamic View Open to the public, the Islamic Arts Museum offers a good insight into understanding Islam and Malaysian culture as well as the country’s Islamic position in Asia and globally. Well worth a visit, the building itself is quite impressive and the collection of artefacts exceptional and informative.

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P e r s p e c t i ve Text Noel Foo / Photos courtesy of Feisk Productions

Take Two,

& Action!

FOR MALAYSIAN FILMMAKING BROTHERS FEISAL AND ISKANDER AZIZUDDIN, PERSEVERANCE IS KEY TO SURVIVING IN AN INDUSTRY FILLED WITH ADVERSITY.

F

or as long as he can remember, Iskander Azizuddin and his younger brother Feisal have had a passion for filmmaking.

“When we were kids, we didn’t have the technology that we do today, so we used to cut out pictures of cameras from magazines, stick them onto pieces of cardboard and pretend we were filming things, as if we were journalists.

When we got a little older, our parents passed us a basic, hand-me-down videotape camera, which we would use to record videos with,” says Iskander.

Fed-up with the stifling corporate life, Iskander left his job in investment banking to pursue filmmaking with Feisal, who previously worked as a sound engineer for a company that

made jingles for radio advertisements. In 2010, the duo co-founded video production company Feisk Productions (pronounced “FAI-ISK”, a portmanteau of their names).

The brothers started out doing wedding and corporate videos but found that the amount of creativity they could inject into these types of videos was rather limited. Their first notable work came in the form of a reality series named Kampung Quest, which was produced on a very tight budget with borrowed cameras and a skeleton crew.

Inspired by shows like Survivor, Kampung Quest pitted 10 urban Malaysian youths against each other in a series of physical, mental and social challenges, set in a rural environment.

They succeeded in their pitch for the first season of Kampung Quest and secured funding to create another three seasons.

The show was broadcasted for a while

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their way to public audiences as well as a Melaka-based reality show named Trailseekers, inspired by The Amazing Race.

However, to quote William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, “all that glitters is not gold”; filmmaking may seem glamorous when everything goes right, but the brothers’ experience with the local media industry has been far from smooth sailing. They have often found themselves at odds with local broadcasters and VOD platforms as their mostly English-language content are seen to appeal more to the niche urban Malaysian audience rather than the mass market.

According to Iskander, broadcasters were very reluctant to pick up Kampung Quest at first. Malay-language dramas and romantic comedies tended to be more popular with the ethnic Malay majority; and a series on youths surviving in a tropical jungle in form-fitting sportswear in Kampung Quest was likely at odds with audiences with more conservative values.

“It was quite disheartening when we approached one of the local broadcasters a few years ago and they immediately said

on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms such as Iflix, Tonton and Astro’s GoAsean.

Feisk Productions has also experimented with short films, having created over 30 to-date, mostly in the horror-thriller genre. Some notable ones include SMS, Hotel and Kuku, which made official selection at film festivals overseas last year.

Our short films are very experimental.

These are for us to practice camera angles, storytelling and directing.

We have had some hits and misses, but it has helped us to create a portfolio to showcase what we are capable of.

(Previous page, from top) A shoot for Kampung Quest; younger brother Feisal Azizuddin (Above) Behindthe-scenes from the upcoming season of Kampung Quest; Iskander, the other half of Feisk Productions

“Our short films are very experimental. These are for us to practice camera angles, storytelling and directing. We have had some hits and misses, but it has helped us to create a portfolio to showcase what we are capable of,” says Iskander.

Other completed works that have yet to be broadcasted include longer feature films such as Temenggor, Suraya and Bilik Tepi, which will soon make

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P e r s p e c t i ve

to us, ‘Why don’t you just do a Malay drama?’ There’s so much of that already and that’s not what we want to do. We’re not in it for the money, we do this because we want to tell stories.

But a lot of small media companies like ours end up falling into that cycle of churning out Malay dramas because that’s where the money’s at,” he laments.

“It’s been tough because we’re an independent outfit and we have to finance most of our productions ourselves. We did get two grants to produce our show, but we couldn’t get any help connecting to the right people after completing production. We had to make a lot of cold calls just to get our show out there,” he adds.

Thankfully, the company is able to keep itself afloat by alternating between advertisements and corporate videos, which pay well, and passion projects such as their short films, which are all produced on small budgets with a small team. The brothers will also soon be looking at another milestone in their filmmaking careers with an upcoming international collaboration on an omnibus project, a film that combines a few stories into one.

The proposed project, titled A Drop of Life on Taro Leaf, will be produced through the combined efforts of the brothers, filmmaker representatives from Singapore,

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P e r s p e c t i ve

(previous page, from top) Film stills from their unreleased works Temenggor, Bilik Tepi and Nombor; behind-the-scenes in the filming of Suraya

Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as Korean production company K-Dragon. The approximately 100-minute film combines four fictional stories that touch on real social issues in each of the four countries: baby-selling syndicates in Malaysia, arranged marriages in Indonesia, prostitution in the Philippines and Peeping Tom cases in Singapore.

(top from left) Feisal and Iskander were selected for fellowship programmes in Busan and Bucheon respectively

Each filmmaker’s team will produce their own respective story with the support of K-Dragon, who has already pledged to cover half of the project’s proposed budget of USD100,000 (RM420,000). The film has also attracted the attention of Brillante Mendoza, one of the current top filmmakers of the Philippines and a recipient of the highest award at the Cannes Film Festival, who has signed on as executive producer for the project.

“The purpose of this project is not to make an ambitious box office film, but to help all those involved to establish themselves as serious filmmakers. We will be sending it to international film festival circuits to secure our reputation as filmmakers, so that it will be easier to get film funding for future projects,” says Iskander.

Feisal was selected as the sole Malaysian representative to attend the Busan Asian Film School this year, and an advantage of his fellowship programme is being able to participate in the Busan International Film Festival, which opens up doors to meeting industry stakeholders from all over the world. Having secured a booth at the Asian Film Market at the festival, the brothers hope to attract

Your first is never going to be a masterpiece; your masterpiece is a culmination of all the films you’ve worked on that have shaped you into a better filmmaker.

more potential investors for A Drop of Life on Taro Leaf as well as their own planned feature film project, Angkat.

Iskander’s vision for the future of Feisk Productions is that they will be able to replicate the success of famous low-budget filmmakers such as Blumhouse Productions, known for their critical success in the film franchises Paranormal Activity and Insidious, as well as the award-winning Get Out. “I think that if an aspiring filmmaker is serious about making a film, they will do it regardless of budget. If you want to make a film but don’t have the money, then make a film that doesn’t need that much money, because every moment spent not making films is just time wasted for a filmmaker,” he says.

“Your first film is never going to be a masterpiece; your masterpiece is a culmination of all the films you’ve worked on that have shaped you into a better filmmaker. As a young independent filmmaker, get your friends to come onboard to help and call in favours. Once you make it big, you can pay them back.”

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Property Focus Text Sharon Tan / Photos 123rf

M

alaysia’s residential property market remains challenging although it is slowly gaining some momentum in a market of mismatch product offering and pricing affordability.

According to the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), the bulk of overhang units in the first half of 2019 were condominium and apartment units priced between RM200,000 and RM300,000.

There were 32,810 residential overhang units worth RM19.76 billion, an increase of 1.5 percent in volume while the value decreased by 0.5 percent. Condominium and apartment units were the bulk of the overhang at 43 percent.

In the first half of this year, the property sector recorded 160,172 transactions worth RM68.3 billion representing a 6.9 percent increase in volume and 0.8 percent in value as compared to the first half of 2018, which recorded 149,862 transactions worth RM67.74 billion. Residential property has the biggest market share at 62.4 percent.

RM1 million) in 2018 and the momentum is expected to continue into 2019.

“Statistically, while demand appears to be improving, the pace of growth in transaction volume appears to lag behind incoming supply. Thus, the mismatch between supply and demand continues to widen,” said Knight Frank.

In an effort to address the property overhang situation that has plagued the industry for the past few years, the government launched the National Home Ownership Campaign 2019 to increase home ownership among Malaysians. Initially slated to end in June, the campaign – which exempts stamp duty for properties in different price categories and offers additional discounts in purchase price – has been extended until the end of this year to help the market gain some traction.

Johor Bahru Incentives are being offered to boost home ownership

Bank Negara, Malaysia’s central bank, cut its overnight policy rate by 25 basis points in May in the hope of giving the overhang market a short term boost, enabling home owners to benefit from lower monthly mortgage repayments.

The property market in Johor Bahru remains challenging with about 13,000 overhang units, such as in condominiums, apartments, serviced apartments and Small-Office-HomeOffice (SoHo) as of the second quarter.

According to KGV International Property Consultants (Johor) Sdn Bhd executive director Samuel Tan at the recent presentation of The Edge-KGV International Property Consultants Johor Bahru Housing Property Monitor 2Q2019, the Johor property market has been in the doldrums since 2016 with locals preferring landed property while foreign buyers are subjected to a higher threshold price of RM1 million.

Nonetheless, product offering and affordability issues continue to hover over the market for now. The following is a breakdown of the market’s performance in major Malaysian cities:

Kuala Lumpur

According to Knight Frank’s Malaysia Real Estate Highlights report for the first half of this year, a few high-end apartments and serviced apartment projects were launched but on a smaller scale. However, the prices of new launches remained flat as the high-end residential segment continues to be challenging. As of first half of this year, there were over 56,000 units of cumulative supply in the Klang Valley market.

Knight Frank found the Johor Bahru residential market showing a slight improvement in terms of volume and value of property transactions overall but the high-end residential segment continues to experience slow take-up.

The report also said there was more activity in the high-end condominium and serviced apartment segment (priced at over

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S P E C IAL F EATU R E

Modern Living With Old-Time Charms Wish you could go back to the days when children could roam freely in the neighbourhood, when neighbours were really acquainted with one another and looked out for each other? Or when different generations of a family lived under one roof and helped take care of each other? Well now you can at The Mulia Residences. A 50-acre development specially planned to cultivate a close-knit community, strengthen family ties and provide a sense of well-being, the dream is further made possible by the architectural design that adds rustic charm from the past.

Inspired by the traditional kampung house – a design that best tackles the Malaysian climate – the premium terrace homes at The Mulia Residences look like semi-detached houses at first glance. Employing an innovative use of space, it features fewer walls, which not only maximises air flow to cool the home naturally, but also encourages family interaction. The three-storey structure makes multi-generational living

*Artist’s impression

possible and comfortable with each family unit having adequate space to live in comfort and privacy. With dual entrances, personal space is further enhanced for each family unit, while still being easily accessible with just one flight of steps. With senior citizens in mind, bathrooms have been designed to be spacious to allow for additional fixtures to be fitted to facilitate assisted living or ageing in place. The space factor extends to the porch where there is ample room for four carpark bays.

central lake. Here, children can roam safely with walkways paved away from the streets and traffic. Designed to bring people together, the development is dotted with neighbourly spots such as rest areas called pangkins (gazebo) where neighbours can come together to play games, tell stories or just to chat. Juxtaposing its old-time charms, The Mulia Residences appeals with components of modern living such as having a clubhouse, a gym, swimming pool, playground and more.

Beyond the homes is a beautifullylandscaped neighbourhood that encourages residents to come out and enjoy time in nature – whether it is for a stroll under the shades of mature, tropical trees or a jog around the

The gated and guarded freehold development located in Cyberjaya comprises three phases of three-storey premium terrace homes and three blocks of mid-rise premium apartment suites when it is fully completed.

For more information, call 017-526 5606 or visit www.themuliaresidences.my.

*Actual show units

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Property Focus

in Kota Kinabalu continues to outpace landed properties with about 25,952 units in supply with another 7,614 units in the pipeline. The increase in supply is expected to result in the consolidation of the residential sector, especially for projects that are not well priced or in a good location.

PXHERE.COM

New Living Concepts Needed Penang

The residential market in Penang is still bogged down by oversupply with no significant improvement in sight in the near future, according to the Knight Frank report. It also indicated that there were very few recorded transactions of high-end condominiums in the secondary market in the first half of 2019.

While supply glut has become a key issue in the property market, Malaysia is not alone as this is a common problem across Asia.

The current property Alliance DBS Research in its report market is very much said completed but unsold residential a buyer’s market, who properties and serviced apartments are now spoilt for choice (classified as commercial thanks to the glut in properties) in Malaysia have been supply. Buyers are also growing over the past few years. enjoying more incentives, As of the first quarter of 2019, the discounts and rebates property overhang had reached as developers try to unprecedented high levels, which is offload their unsold expected to result in a lacklustre market properties

However, CBRE | WTW partner and Penang branch director Peh Seng Yee, in his recent presentation ‘Regional Market Performance and Outlook: Penang’, views the downturn as an opportunity to buy.

over the next few years.

The relief in Malaysia’s property glut may come from foreign buyers

“Prices of landed homes have remained firm, with some price corrections for some apartment and condominium schemes. Various incentives will continue to be offered by developers and further price corrections for apartments and condos on the secondary market may occur. This is an opportune time to buy,” he said.

In addition, 126,000 unsold residential properties and serviced apartments that are under construction could add to the current overhang of 46,000 units.

“Unsold units under construction have also reached a record high as of 1Q19, undermining the sector’s recovery.

As the units under construction are progressively being delivered to the market, property overhang could remain elevated, which does not bode well for property price appreciation prospects,” said the research house.

However, the relief in the property glut may come from foreign buyers. In a report by South China Morning Post in June, Penang has become a favourite retirement destination for the people of Hong Kong.

Michael Geh, senior partner at Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd, when presenting the second quarter Penang Housing Property Monitor, said more foreigners, especially from Hong Kong, are coming to Penang to purchase properties. The extension of the approval fee waiver period, offshore marketing by developers and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme have helped encourage the trend, as have direct flights into the island from Hong Kong.

The current property market is very much a buyer’s market, who are now spoilt for choice thanks to the glut in supply. Buyers are also enjoying more incentives, discounts and rebates as developers try to offload their unsold properties, said Alliance DBS.

Kota Kinabalu

Moving forward, developers should start exploring new concepts or trends such as co-living, senior living and rental accommodations, where interests are beginning to grow. These new trends, where a few projects are already in the works, are set to change and shape the housing market in decades to come.

There is growing interest from both domestic and foreign investors in the Sabah state capital, according to Knight Frank’s report. Landed projects that are strategically located are well received.

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However, the growth of the high-rise residential segment

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Tracker

PHOTO: PASCAL GERTSCHEN

Text Tracey Petherick

EMBRACE THE COLD THIS WINTER, WITH OUR PICK OF THE WORLD’S BEST SNOWY ESCAPES.

Wintry

Wonderlands November 2019

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Tracker Text Tracey Petherick

Zermatt, Switzerland

At the base of the iconic Matterhorn, this traditional Alpine village is also a glamorous ski resort. You don’t have to be an expert skier to appreciate the charms of Zermatt.

Take a ride on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the world’s highest-altitude cable car – to get a different perspective on the mountains. From the Panoramic Platform you’ll see 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks, while the Glacier Palace – 15 metres below the surface – is carved from ice with glittering sculptures and an ice slide. Back in town, foodies can rejoice as Zermatt has a vast array of gourmet restaurants, two with Michelin stars.

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Tracker

Nozawa Onsen, Japan

If winter in Japan makes you think of snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture and you won’t be disappointed.

If, on the other hand, you want to be in that piping hot spring water yourself, head north to Nozawa Onsen. With more than 30 natural springs feeding into hotels and public baths around the village, Nozawa is the perfect place to rejuvenate mind and body. It’s also the place for a winter sports adrenaline rush, with powder-covered ski slopes across nearly 300 hectares.

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PHOTO: YVES TESSIER

Tracker

Quebec City, Canada

While Canada’s ski resorts are bucket-list stuff for winter sport enthusiasts, there is snow-covered beauty to be had in its picturesque cities too – like Quebec City, which is adorned in the white stuff from November to March. Take a stroll through the Old Town and you’ll think you’re in a fairy tale – enchanting architecture is decorated with festive garlands and twinkling lights, while scents of cinnamon and gingerbread waft through the air.

There are skating rinks all over the city and you can even try ice fishing in the heart of town. Warm up afterwards in front of a log fire at one of the city’s cosy pubs.

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Tracker

Alta, Norway

Europe’s largest ice hotel is built every year out of 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic metres of pure snow. Sorrisniva’s Igloo Hotel in Norway’s Arctic north is a magical wintry retreat. Relax in the silence and serenity of your ice-white bedroom, then grab a drink among the unique sculptures at the Ice Bar. Enjoy fresh, local dishes at the hotel’s restaurant and when it’s time for bed, snuggle up in extreme sleeping bags under reindeer hides for your overnight stay. In the morning, you can take a sauna to thaw out, or head out into the snow for dog sledding, ice fishing or a snowmobile safari.

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Ilulissat, Greenland

PHOTO: MADS PIHL (TOP) / ANDRÉ SCHOENHERR (BOTTOM)

Greenland might be cold – the mercury can drop to minus 50°C – but it’s at its driest and most beautiful in the middle of winter. It’s also vast, so do your research and work out which area you want to visit. From Ilulissat, enjoy the exhilaration of dogsledding across majestic snowy landscapes or, in summertime, the quiet thrill of whale watching. The awe-inspiring Ilulissat Icefjord – a massive collection of icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier – can be experienced by land, sea or air.

And wherever you go, you’ll see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, filling the frosty skies with spectacular light and colour from September to April.

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F i r s t D r i ve s Text Richard Augustin / Photos courtesy of Renault, and respective manufacturers

Track Ready

Runner

WHEN IT COMES TO SHEER PERFORMANCE AND FUN, THE RENAULT MEGANE R.S. 280 CUP HAS FEW CONTENDERS IN ITS CLASS.

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T

he hot hatch has seen better days. The once thriving and exciting segment in the 1980s and 1990s has since lost ground and appeal to SUVs and MPVs. These days, hot hatches are considered an acquired taste, mostly appealing to purists and consumers who really love to drive.

Ever since it was introduced in 2004, the model has stood as a benchmark for hot hatches. It has managed to impress critics, with accolades such as ‘Best Hot Hatch’, and it even scored a track record at the famed Nürburgring race track in Germany.

Its credentials speak volumes of this particular machine, and it’s no surprise to hear many singing praises of the latest generation of Megane R.S. the moment it arrived on local shores.

As such, there aren’t that many models available today that cater to that demand and it has become somewhat of a niche market. Renault is one such brand which is still in the business of hot hatches, and they have produced yet another winner in the new Megane R.S. 280 Cup.

Designed To Thrill

The third incarnation of Megane R.S. features Formula 1-style blades at the front with a wide diffuser at the rear, courtesy of Renault’s long-standing involvement with motorsport. Key design features include full LED Pure Vision headlights, a central exhaust exit, side extractor vents and stunning 19-inch wheels. No doubt the new model cuts a sleek figure, but it is highly practical too with a five-door hatch design.

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F i r s t D r i ve s

Driver-Focused Cockpit

Stepping into the vehicle immediately transports drivers into the world of Renault Motorsport with a performance-inspired interior. You get sports seats, a leather steering wheel and an all-aluminium pedal assembly. However, the interior is also upto-date with all the creature comforts one demands of modern cars, including a dashboard that can be fully personalised.

Certifiable Performance

manual transmission or a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic. In terms of performance, the new Megane R.S. completes the 0-100kmh sprint in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 255kmh.

If you could single out what makes the Megane R.S. so appealing, you’ll find the answer in the performance department of this racing machine. The fourth-generation model features a new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which churns out an impressive 280PS and 390Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed

Stable & Agile

The key feature of the Megane R.S. is without doubt Renault’s 4Control four-wheel steering system, which delivers outstanding agility through turns and impressive cornering stability at high speeds. The vehicle also sports hydraulic compression stops to all four shock absorbers, which helps dissipate energy allowing for optimum road contact at all times. For drivers who want more personalised performance from their machine, the Megane R.S. will duly satisfy with several driving modes to choose from. Via the R.S. Drive, drivers can choose from Neutral, Sport and Race; all of which adapts the gearbox mapping, ESP behaviour as well as steering and sensitivity of the accelerator pedal for assured performance. There’s even a Launch Control function, which delivers the excitement of a Grand Prix start to get your heart racing just a little bit faster.

NEAREST RIVALS Meet the two that can give the Megane R.S. a run for its money.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF-R

A model clearly built for extreme driving pleasure, the Golf-R features a 2.0-litre TSI engine putting out 290PS and 380Nm of torque. Paired with seven-speed, dual-clutch DSG transmission, which applies power to all four wheels, this performancedriven vehicle achieves the century sprint in just over five seconds with an electronically-limited speed of 250kmh.

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A Pure Driver’s Car

The Renault Megane R.S. is great, but it’s not for everyone because it is a car that is truly meant to be driven, oftentimes a little hard too, because that is what it was ultimately built for.

In terms of fun and enjoyment, this is one vehicle that will deliver in spades. For those who can’t be bothered with a stick shift or want that whole ‘best of both worlds’ bit, the automatic version of the Megane R.S. would probably serve your needs all the same.

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R

Powered by a highly advanced 2.0L VTEC Turbocharged engine, the Civic Type R produces high outputs of 310PS and a maximum torque of 400Nm. All that power is kept in check via a 6-speed manual transmission, which drives the front wheels. The Civic Type R does the 0-100kmh sprint at 5.8 seconds with a top end of 272kmh.

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The Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup is priced from RM279,888 (on-theroad excluding insurance).

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A World Of SUVs PEUGEOT, SUBARU AND LEXUS REVEAL THEIR LATEST

Enhanced Forester

The fifth-generation Subaru Forester now features a number of upgrades and tweaks, which has increased the appeal of the SUV. The new model boasts a longer 30mm wheelbase, which adds a total of 33mm of rear legroom along with 1775 litres of cargo room. The redesigned interior now features rear air-conditioning, rear USB charging ports and a 6.3-inch LCD colour Multi-Function Display. The new Forester is powered by a new 2.0-litre direct-injection Boxer engine, paired with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which powers the vehicle’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new model is also equipped with award-winning safety features, including the signature EyeSight advanced driver-assist technology with automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management and adaptive cruise control.

The new Subaru Forester is priced from RM139,788 to RM159,788 (on-the-road excluding insurance)

The RX Evolves

A pioneer of the luxury SUV segment, the Lexus RX has been given an upgrade, which is set to take the model to new heights of popularity. Available in a choice of three variants – the RX300 F Sport, RX300 Luxury and RX300 Premium – the model has been given a slight refresh with design tweaks as well as improved multimedia features. The most significant switch up appears in the safety department with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+, which includes a Pre-Collision System, a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).

The new RX also arrives with the world’s first BladeScan ™ type Adaptive High Beam System (AHS), which produces a wider illumination area.

Plus Factor SUV

The new Peugeot 300 SUV Plus underscores the French marque’s expertise in delivering a highly successful SUV with a great design and technology to match. The new model maintains its sleek sporty styling with the added benefit of a new roof rail design, a panoramic sunroof and a new hands-free motorised tailgate. Inside, the interior is kitted out with plush Claudia leather seats with the new Peugeot i-Cockpit, now featuring a new Navigation function imbedded within the 8-inch Multifunction Colour touchscreen. Safety is also elevated in the new model with several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, 180-degree reverse camera with stitching function, and an upgraded Blind Spot Information System.

The new Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus is priced from RM150,888 to RM163,888 (on-the-road excluding insurance)

The new Lexus RX is priced from RM399,888 (on-the-road excluding insurance)

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Street Chef Text Eris Choo / Photos Raymond Ooi

Down

Memory Lane DECADES-OLD CHINESE-STYLE NASI LEMAK BUSINESS HAS A LOYAL FANBASE.

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ake an afternoon stroll along Jalan Peel in the Cheras neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur, and you will see dozens of food stalls lining the front of some old shophouses. This is the Jalan Peel wai sek gai – literally ‘Glutton Street’ in Cantonese – which sells a variety of street food and dishes, many of which have been around for decades. While not as iconic as Pudu’s Jalan Sayur, which also goes by the same nickname, it is nevertheless a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Sandwiched among them is Nasi Lemak Peel Road, identifiable by its simple yellow banner. It is here that Michelle Au Yong and husband Alvin Pang have sold nasi lemak for over 26 years. The couple, who are both 45, took over from Pang’s mother, who first set up her stall in that spot, four decades ago.

Nasi lemak is widely considered to be a Malaysian national dish, and while many places have their own versions, the basic one will always have rice cooked in coconut milk served with sambal (chilli paste) and a side of boiled egg, sliced cucumbers, peanuts and fried anchovies. Au Yong’s version comes with various side items, including meats and vegetables, which diners can pick and choose from similar to Chinese mixed rice.

“I learned the recipe for the nasi lemak from my mother-in-law, and added my own signature dishes to the menu such as ayam masak merah, which I learned from my grandmother,” says Au Yong, who is of Peranakan (Straits Chinese) descent.

Even at 3 pm, barely half an hour since they opened, a steady stream of customers can be seen flocking to the shop to get their nasi lemak fix. This continues all the way until they run out of food, which is around 8.30 pm. Due to the limited seating, most diners will get

Michelle and her husband Pang have been running their nasi lemak stall for over two decades

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Street Chef

their order to go, but one can also opt to dine al-fresco in front of the stall.

While Au Yong declines to reveal any of her recipes or techniques, she shares that the secret to making good food is not to skimp on ingredients. The curries, for example, use a minimum of eight or nine ingredients, herbs and spices, each. As the ingredients are delivered to them fresh daily, they can also ensure good quality control.

“Some of the dishes are cooked and prepared before we open for business, but others, we make on the spot. This ensures freshness,” Au Yong elaborates. The fried chicken is especially popular, literally ‘flying’ off the rack within minutes of being served up. The chicken is especially moist on the inside and thoroughly cooked despite its larger than average size.

The skin is where most of the flavour of the chicken is, and it is fried to golden brown perfection. One does not have to wait long for a fresh batch to be served, as Au Yong’s husband fries them fresh in the kitchen of the restaurant next door.

Choose from a variety of dishes such as fried chicken, ayam masak merah and sambal sotong to complement the nasi lemak

Other bestsellers include the wild boar curry and mutton curry. Both of these meats can be tricky to prepare, but Au Yong’s version is rich and flavourful, minus the gaminess. The chicken rendang is also popular, but is only available on weekends as it takes at least three hours to make.

With so many items on the menu, preparing everything can be a laborious task, but Au Yong and Pang take it all in their stride. “We try to offer more variety so people won’t get bored. You don’t want to have the same dishes every day!” she reasons. Even though she has helpers, Au Yong is meticulous when it

Sambal sotong is another must-try, with the springy cuttlefish coated in a sweet and savoury chilli sauce. It is spicy with plenty of kick, without being overwhelming.

Because of the rich sauces and gravy, most of the dishes go well with rice; but you can cut through the heaviness with some light fare as they also offer stir-fried vegetables such as okra and beansprouts. In total, diners can choose from 10 to 12 side dishes.

The basic nasi lemak costs RM2.50, while each side dish ranges from RM3.50 to RM5 per portion. Our meal for two, with two or three items each, came up to RM15. Not cheap by any standards – but still very affordable for a meal in the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

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comes to quality control, preferring to cook everything on her own.

While Au Yong declines to reveal any of her recipes or techniques, she shares that the secret to making good food is not to skimp on ingredients.

“When I have to be away, I don’t open the stall. I don’t want to disappoint customers, so I rarely take vacations,” she says. “People ask me why I don’t just teach my workers to cook and let them run things, but I think it’s always better to do it myself, as I can control the process better that way. There are many restaurants and stalls out there who sub their cooking to workers, and as a result the quality drops,” she adds.

It was not always easy. Au Yong recalls the early days when she was just taking over the business from her motherin-law. “We were still new to running the business on our own, and there weren’t many customers. I remember having to start preparations as early as 6 am, and only closing at 2.30 am.

Those were tough times,” she recalls.

“Of course it felt good to be recognised, but we also thought of how there’d be additional costs involved and a lot of pressure to perform. Our main aim is to deliver good food, so we’re content with this set-up,” she says.

Today, the stall enjoys a measure of fame, being one of the few places in Kuala Lumpur selling Chinese-style nasi lemak. Apart from regulars, there are also customers from as far as Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia, who come to try out the food while on vacation in Kuala Lumpur.

NASI LEMAK PEEL ROAD (Non-halal) 88 Jalan Peel, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Opens from 2.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Closed on Thursdays.

In fact, Nasi Lemak Peel Road’s popularity is such that when a major shopping mall in the area opened several years ago, they were invited to start up a proper shop within.

As for future plans, Au Yong says that she will continue doing what she does as long as she can. “I have three children and they’re not interested in the ‘family business,’” she laughs. “They know it’s really hard work.”

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Open Journal Text Eris Choo / Photos Neil Mogol

OnCloud

Nine MOUTH-WATERING AND FLUFFY, SOUFFLÉ DESSERTS ARE THE PERFECT ANSWER TO SATISFYING SWEET CRAVINGS.

Viral videos on the Internet of this delectable sweet has resulted in a frenzy for soufflé desserts. Here are four places where you can get them in the Klang Valley.

Sofflé

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hen it comes to cloud-like softness, few desserts can hold a candle to the soufflé. After all, the word itself comes from the French ‘soufflér’, which means ‘to blow’ or ‘to puff’.

Soffle’s specialty is the Brown Sugar Pearl soufflé, topped with freshly cooked boba (tapioca pearls)

A hallmark of classic French cuisine, the dish is made from beating egg whites to form stiff peaks. The mixture is then gently folded into an egg-yolk base, then baked. The trapped air causes it to rise, resulting in the soufflé’s puffy appearance.

SOFFLÉ F1.55B, First Floor, Sunway Pyramid, No. 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

A more recent creation is the soufflé pancake, first popularised in Japan. Unlike traditional pancakes which involve mixing all the ingredients together, the soufflé pancake takes a cue out of the traditional soufflé, by separating the egg whites, whipping them into a meringue then folding them into the rest of the batter.

Tucked in a corner of Sunway Pyramid, Sofflé delights with its pillowy-soft soufflé pancakes. The shop’s minimalist design in hues of gold, beige and mint is casual and cosy – great for a quick tea-time break from shopping – and with nine different pancake flavours to choose from, there’s something for every palate.

There is an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, and everything is made in-house daily.

Following the trend of putting boba (tapioca pearls) in everything, Sofflé’s bestseller is the Brown Sugar Pearl soufflé pancake, poured over with a housemade brown sugar sauce and brown sugar syrup, topped off with glistening globules of boba. The combination works surprisingly well, with the chewy pearls adding a nice element of texture to the otherwise soft and gooey pancakes.

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Hoshino Coffee

Nothing beats the classics, and Hoshino Coffee at The Gardens Mall Kuala Lumpur offers the ultimate bliss for fans of the traditional soufflé. Started in 2011, the brand has over 180 outlets in its native Japan, and four in Malaysia.

Step into the cafe’s classy, elegant interior, which is modelled after a traditional kissaten (a Japanese-style tea and coffee room). Spanning two floors, the lower level has wooden booths for privacy; while the upper level resembles a lounge, with plush leather sofas and seats, dark wooden panelling and furniture, chandeliers, gold-framed paintings and traditional table lamps.

Once you’ve settled in, order the house special – the Vanilla Soufflé with Custard Sauce. Served in a ramekin and dusted with powdered icing sugar, the dessert is best eaten fresh out of the oven as the texture is so soft it sinks into the bowl within minutes of serving.

The proper way of eating the soufflé, as advised by a staff member of the café, is to break the centre apart and pour in the custard sauce, before mixing everything together. The result is a delicious mix that showcases the dessert’s smooth, eggy goodness.

Hoshino Coffee’s classic soufflés are served in ramekins

Other flavours available on the menu are the Vanilla Soufflé with chocolate sauce, as well as the Matcha Soufflé which uses real green tea powder from Japan, offering a good balance between bitter and sweet. Diners can add whipped cream or a side of ice cream to complement their soufflé.

The café is also famous for their hand-dripped coffee made from specialty-grade Arabica beans, so round off the sweet meal with a soothing brew from the coffee bar.

Meanwhile, fruit lovers will enjoy the Mango Cream or the Strawberry Cream, while those who prefer a heavier, creamier taste might want to go for the Oreo, Tiramisu or Belgium Chocolate.

Another popular item is their Classic Soufflé Pancake, which is topped with icing sugar, maple syrup and fresh fruits.

HOSHINO COFFEE 27.G, Ground Floor, The Boulevard, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

*In collaboration with skincare brand Kosé, Hoshino Coffee is offering 50 percent off any soufflé with purchase of RM30 and above in a single receipt. To enjoy the promotion, follow Kosé Malaysia’s Instagram page, snap a picture of the soufflé and tag them on Instagram, with hashtags #InsideOutSkinPerfection #kosemy #hoshinocoffee. Promotion not valid with soufflé pancake.

Pre-bookings can be made via Facebook or phone. Valid until 30 November 2019.

CONTACT: +603-2391 9020

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Open Journal

Arrison Aiyu

For those craving for a healthy dessert to balance out the sugar rush, there is Arrison Aiyu, which pairs its soufflé pancakes with light and refreshing Aiyu jelly.

Aiyu jelly, or Aiyu Bing as it is more commonly known, is a Taiwanese dessert made from the gel of the seeds of the creeping fig. It is typically colourless and odourless, which is why it is often added into tong sui (Chinesestyle desserts) and soups.

Paired with ingredients such as snow fungus, roselle, honey and osmanthus, or fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, mango and strawberry, the Aiyu desserts make the perfect complement to the soufflé pancakes served here. The pancakes come in four variants, namely the Classic, Bubble Tea, Dark Chocolate and Crème Brûlée; the latter being a bestseller.

Similar to traditional crème brûlée, the soufflé pancake is topped with a texturally contrasting layer of hardened, caramelised sugar. The pancakes here

Arrison Aiyu’s crème brûlée soufflé pancake is topped with hardened, caramelised sugar

are slightly denser and more substantial, with a texture more similar to conventional pancakes.

Other noteworthy items to get are the green tea lattes, featuring flavours such as Matcha, Houjicha, Genmaicha and Genmai.

ARRISON AIYU LG2.08. Lower Ground 2, Sunway Pyramid, No.3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

*In collaboration with skincare brand Kosé, Arrison Aiyu is offering 50 percent off for a second soufflé. To enjoy the promotion, follow Kosé Malaysia’s Instagram page, snap a picture of the soufflé, and tag them on Instagram with hashtags #InsideOutSkinPerfection #kosemy #arrisonaiyu. Valid until 30 November 2019.

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Open Journal

sauce, dusted with edible gold flakes and served on a wooden tray with a side of tofu ice-cream.

What sets Moge Tee’s soufflé pancakes apart from those served in other places is the use of cheese, which gives them a well-balanced, sweetsavoury flavour combo. The ice cream, which is made fresh daily in-house, is not overly creamy and carries the fragrant aroma of soybean.

Other notable flavours are the Oreo, Tiramisu and Bubble Flow. For fans of fruit, opt for the Mango or Strawberry soufflé pancakes. As everything is made to order, expect a wait time of at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Pair Moge Tee’s fluffy soufflé pancakes with their signature fruit and tea drinks

Moge Tee

There’s no better duo than a fluffy soufflé pancake and a tall, refreshing glass of fruit tea, and you can get both at Moge Tee. Distinguishing itself from run-of-the-mill tea and dessert shops, the brand prides itself on its unique creations and rich flavours, made using premium quality ingredients.

A must-try is their Sekkisei Soufflé pancake, created exclusively for a collaboration with Japanese skincare brand Kosé. The glamorous-looking dessert is as pretty as it is tasty – featuring two stacked pancakes drizzled over with a cream

MOGE TEE 52, Jalan SS2/61, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Wash down your soufflé with a variety of teas and beverages, such as their signature Super Fruit Tea, a zesty thirst-quencher that blends watermelon, lemon, lime, orange and passionfruit.

Also try the Cheese Watermelon Tea, a creamy and delicious concoction of freshly pressed watermelon juice topped with a thick layer of sweet and salty cheese, imported from Australia.

•

*In collaboration with skincare brand Kosé, Moge Tee is offering 30 percent off a Sekkisei Soufflé. To enjoy the promotion, follow Kosé Malaysia’s Instagram page, snap a picture of the soufflé and tag them on Instagram, with hashtags #InsideOutSkinPerfection #kosemy #mogetee. Valid until 30 November 2019.

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Pack Up : For Him

1

True Machismo

2

Love your jewellery, but still want to keep that rugged look going for you? Pick the Hermès Toolbox ring. This nut-inspired design comes in varied sizes and can be worn alone or stacked.

RRP: USD190 (RM793) hermes.com

Simply On Fire

For the guy who wants to be the centre of attention, these Paul Smith Chilli cufflinks are just perfect. It has a polished gold finish, and if that is not enough – the red, orange and green colours will surely draw all eyes.

RRP: GBP100 (RM521) paulsmith.com

Insta - worthy

Jewellery

JEWELLERY OFTEN COME IN SMALL SIZES, BUT THEY PLAY A HUGE ROLE. THEY OFFER THE FINAL TOUCHES TO AN OUTFIT – MAY IT BE A RING, A NECKLACE OR A BRACELET FOR WOMEN, OR A TIE BAR TO DRESS UP A MAN’S SUIT.

2

1

3 4 3

Works Like A Charm

4

Tribal designs are a big hit at the moment. Thomas Sabo’s Ethnic Blue bracelet is hand-knotted using a macramé technique and is size adjustable. It is inspired by the characteristic colour of Saharan nomads.

RRP: RM539 thomassabo.my

Flying High

The Montblanc Le Petit Prince tie bar may look simple, but it comes with a meaningful message. The aeroplane engraving is inspired by the aviator, a symbol of mentoring and father-son relationships.

RRP: RM1,165 montblanc.com

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Pack Up : For Her *Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

1

Red Hot

2

Swarovski’s Tigris collection has been reimagined in a romantic red colourway. This pair of drop clip earrings impresses with statement style, sparkling with vibrant crystals set in the most meticulous manner.

RRP: SGD849 (RM2,575) swarovski.com

Bright & Beautiful

The Wanderlust + Co Sunseeker necklace is just the thing to brighten up any outfit. It features a cut-out centre, studded with cubic zirconia crystals to bring out a dazzlingly glamorous shine.

RRP: RM203 wanderlustandco.com

2

1

3 4

3

Made For You

4

Gorgeously Demure

This sleek jewellery piece is The Straits Finery’s contemporary take on a classic design from the art deco era. The Gold Keystone stands out on its own, but also works when stacked with the brand’s other minimalist yet chic rings.

RRP: RM490 thestraitsfinery.com

Want more options when it comes to jewellery shopping?

Les Georgettes’ Perroquet bracelet is the answer.

Choose from a gold, rose gold or silver finish, and pair your customised creation with a colour combination of choice.

RRP: USD99 (RM413) lesgeorgettes.com

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R e a d s : C r i m e / M y s t e r y/ T h r i l l e r

The Chain

by Adrian McKinty In his new crime thriller The Chain, author Adrian McKinty takes a familiar plot and turns it into something much darker and horrifying, banking on the notion that parents will do anything to save their child. While driving one day, Rachel Klein receives a phone call informing her that her daughter has been kidnapped, and she needs to pay a ransom to get her back alive. But that’s not all – Rachel would also need to kidnap another child, and convince his or her parents to kidnap a child as well, or else her child will be murdered. Rachel is now part of The Chain, an unending scheme that turns victims into criminals.

Sharp, diabolical and relentless, McKinty’s new novel – a movie adaptation is already in the works – will have you at the edge of your seat.

RRP: RM72.90

November Road

by Lou Berney The assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 remains a rich ground for speculative fiction and for good reason: even some 56 years after the event, the assassination remains shrouded in mystery and conspiracy. Was the hit organised by the FBI or the mafia or both? Did Marilyn Monroe have a part to play in this? And who were Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald? Berney’s November Road offers an answer to all this, but that’s not really the point of the book. Instead, the assassination serves as a foil and catalyst that sets mob lieutenant Frank Guidry down a fugitive road when he realises that anyone in-the-know is being eliminated by his boss. He finds a perfect disguise when he meets beautiful housewife Charlotte and her two daughters running away in search of greener pastures. But it’s hard to go on a road trip with someone without realising something about yourself, even when you’re road tripping to save your life.

RRP: RM69.90

Death Notice

by Zhou Haohui Zhou Haohui is considered one of the top three suspense authors in China today.

The Death Notice trilogy is China's bestselling work of suspense fiction to date, and this translation of the first book by Zac Haluza makes the work accessible to an English-reading audience for the first time. Death Notice follows the efforts of an elite police squad to hunt a criminal known only as Eumenides (after the Greek goddess of vengeance and retribution) intent on executing criminals the law cannot reach. Despite being in breach of the law, Eumenides’ actions resonate with a public who believe that justice is not being equally applied to all. Soon, the public start nominating targets for Eumenides, and, two days later, respected police officer Sergeant Zheng Haoming is found dead. Subsequently, the police start receiving ‘death notices’; chilling notes announcing the next target, the crimes they have committed, and the date of their execution. When the next victim dies despite being under police protection, the police realise they are dealing with an inventive and ruthless criminal mastermind.

RRP: RM49.95

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS Hardcover Fiction & Non-fiction *based on the week of 13 October 2019

Sherlock Holmes : A Scandal In Japan

by Keisuke Matsuoka Fans of Sherlock Holmes have always wondered just what happened to the intrepid sleuth after he disappeared following his final battle with arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty. He had presumably fallen to his death at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland only to reappear several years later admitting that his disappearance had been a ruse to throw his enemies off his track. Still, the question of what he was doing in the intermittent years continued to worry at the imagination of his legions of readers. Now we have an answer thanks to Keisuke Matsuoka, who is regarded as Japan’s ‘God of Mystery Novels’. In A Scandal In Japan, we are taken to a lushly depicted Meiji-era Japan where Holmes finds himself entangled in a knotted tangle of political deceit and on the threshold of an international incident involving the Russians.

Deftly researched and based on real historical events, Matsuoka’s novel not only plugs in a critical missing gap in Holmes’ timeline but creates a mystery true to Conan Doyle’s spirit and legacy.

RRP: RM84.50

THE WATER DANCER

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

by Margaret Atwood

VINCE FLYNN: LETHAL AGENT

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

by Demi Moore

TALKING TO STRANGERS

THE UNITED STATES OF TRUMP

OVER THE TOP

KNOW MY NAME

THE TESTAMENTS

by Delia Owens

The Paper Bark Tree Mystery

by Ovidia Yu Su Lin is finally working at her dream job as an assistant to a brand new detective agency in Singapore after sleuthing as an amateur in her past two novels (see The Frangipani Tree Mystery and The Betel Nut Tree Mystery).

But all is not well. Her erstwhile boss Bald Bernie Hemsworth has decided that a local Singaporean girl isn’t quite up to the job of investigating and replaces her with a pretty and privileged white girl. Then they find him dead as a doorknob. Su Lin decides to put on her sleuthing hat again when the authorities accuse her best friend’s father as the murderer, an accusation which she simply cannot believe to be true.

Meanwhile, not all is well in Singapore in the 1930s. Political unrest and chaos is the order of the day, which would eventually result in a tragic loss that shakes Su Lin to her core. The truth is out there, but at what cost? Published in 2019, The Paper Bark Tree Mystery is the third and latest book of Ovidia Yu’s Crown Colony series and a must read for mystery fans.

RRP: RM49.90

THE INSTITUTE

by Stephen King

by Malcolm Gladwell

by Jonathan Van Ness

by Kyle Mills

INSIDE OUT

by Bill O’Reilly

by Chanel Miller

Snap a photo of the front cover of this month’s Fireflyz and get a 5% discount at Lit Books store.

Address: P-01-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia TEL: 03-7886 6988

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A t T h e M ov i e s

Š 2019 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

Ford v Ferrari

Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon Director: James Mangold Release date: 15 November 2019 Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in Ford v Ferrari, based on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless Britishborn driver Ken Miles (Bale). Together, they battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating sports cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France in 1966.

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Playing at the cinemas Last Christmas

*Information is correct at the time of printing

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson Director: Paul Feig Release date: 8 November 2019

UNIVERSAL

Kate (Clarke) is a bundle of bad decisions, accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes – another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through all of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms at this most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you have to let the snow fall where it may, you have to listen to your heart, and you have to have faith. Featuring the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title, it will also premiere brand new unreleased material by the legendary Grammy-winning artist, who sold more than 115 million albums and recorded 10 No.1 singles over the course of his iconic career.

Charlie’s Angels

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, Sam Claflin, Noah Centineo, Patrick Stewart Director: Elizabeth Banks Release date: 15 November 2019

SONY PICTURES

A reboot of the iconic action-comedy of the 2000s which was itself based on the 1970s TV series, the next generation of Charlie’s fearless Angels take flight.

In this bold new version, Sabina (Stewart), Elena (Scott) and Jane (Balinska) are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally. With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now multiple teams of Angels taking on the toughest jobs around the world. When a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, the Angels must put their lives on the line to protect everyone.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

SONY PICTURES

Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper Director: Marielle Heller Release Date: 22 November 2019

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Tom Hanks portrays legendary American TV personality Fred “Mister” Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism. The film is based on the true story of the reallife friendship between Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After Junod (Rhys), a jaded magazine writer, is assigned to do a profile on Rogers, he overcomes his scepticism; learning about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbour.

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Firef ly News 64

News & Happenings

66

Firefly Network

68

Firefly Fleet & Service Info

Top Priority

Firefly Airlines joined hands with fellow sister companies from Malaysia Airlines Group and other exhibitors to make the Aviation Safety Day at the Malaysia Airlines Berhad Academy a success.

Themed Facing Future Challenges Together, the event was open to the public and saw various talks on aviation safety and challenges in the industry, as well as lucky draw sessions.

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Firefly News

Discovering Malaysia

Firefly Airlines in partnership with Royale Chulan Penang, Royale Chulan Cherating Chalets and Tourism Pahang recently held a familiarisation trip for members of the media to discover various attractions in Penang and Pahang. The trip saw the group visiting places such as Armenian Street, Dark Mansion and the Clan Jetties in Penang; while in Pahang they toured the Sungai Lembing Tin Mine Museum and the Sungai Pandan Waterfall in Panching. The group was also given the chance to release baby turtles at the turtle sanctuary, taken to Pusat Tenunan Pulau Keladi to learn about the process of weaving high quality kain songket, and went on a bus tour of Pekan Bandar Diraja. They also dropped by Bazaar Serambi Teruntum to browse and purchase local snacks, sweets and other delicacies.

Going Green

In conjunction with World Clean-up Day 2019, Firefly Airlines together with The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Mega Water Sports Jet Ski & Tours, Tropical Charters Langkawi and Trash Hero Langkawi, initiated an island and beach cleanup activity at Langkawi. The clean-up drive was carried out at several locations with a team of volunteers from the airline and resort, as well as members of the media.

The team travelled on jet skis to a few islands, including Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Kentut Kecil, to collect trash such as shoes, tissue papers and cigarette butts which amounted to three black bin bags.

There was also a beach clean-up session at Pantai Tengah, with 15 volunteers from Trash Hero Langkawi.

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Net work Map

123RF

Brickfields

CULTURAL ABODE Home to KL’s Little India and a myriad of other attractions, Brickfields is worthy of a visit.

Read our guide on pages 22-27.

Banda BandaAceh Aceh

Firefly Sales Offices & Counters

SUBANG

Subang Skypark Terminal Ground Floor Departure Hall Terminal 3 Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport 47200 Subang, Selangor TEL: +603 7846 3622 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5 am to 10 pm

PENANG

Flight Operations Centre Mezzanine Floor Penang International Airport 11900 Bayan Lepas TEL: +604 630 2489 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 10 pm

KELANTAN

JOHOR

Ground Floor, Aero Mall Senai International Airport 81250, Johor Bahru TEL: +607 598 7488 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 6 am to 10 pm

INDONESIA

KEDAH

International Departure Hall Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport Banda Aceh EMAIL: aceh@fireflyz.com.my OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 8:30 am to 5 pm

Main Terminal, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport 06550 Alor Setar TEL: +604 714 3911 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 8 pm

LANGKAWI

Airline’s Marketing Representative

Selected Airport Ticket Offices

Sultan Mahmud Airport 21300 Kuala Terengganu TEL: +609 667 5377 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 9 pm

PERAK

Floor 3, Room 302, Phuket International Airport Maikhao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 TEL: +66 76 351 477 FAX: +66 76 327 312 EMAIL: phuket@fireflyz.com.my

Level 5, Departure Hall Main Terminal Building Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 64000 Sepang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 12 am

PAHANG

SINGAPORE

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport 16100 Kota Bharu TEL: +609 774 1377 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 9:30 pm

TERENGGANU

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport 25150 Kuantan TEL: +609 538 2911 OPERATING HOURS: Sat to Mon, Wed & Thur; 9 am to 6 pm

THAILAND

Langkawi International Airport 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah TEL: +604 955 9622 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 8 pm

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport 30350 Ipoh OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 5 pm

City Ticketing Office

SUBANG

Lot R-01, 3rd Floor, CITTA Mall No.1, Jalan PJU 1A/48 Ara Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia OPERATING HOURS: Mon to Fri: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays – closed

21, Seletar Aerospace Road 1 #01-03, Singapore 797405 TEL: +65 3158 8279 OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 7 am to 7:30 pm

KLIA

KL SENTRAL

Lot L2.23, Level 2 Nu Sentral Shopping Centre 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 10 am to 10 pm (including public holidays); last queue number: 9:30 pm

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Ways you can check in aside from the airport : WEB CHECK IN: At www.fireflyz.com.my.

Print out the boarding pass yourself.

Available for Malaysia domestic and Singapore flights only. For Indonesia and Thailand inbound/outbound flights, check in is through the counter at the airport only.

MOBILE APP CHECK IN: Via Firefly Mobile from your mobile phone. Download the app from Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free.

(Kuala (KualaLumpur) Lumpur)

Kuantan

LAIDBACK VIBE If waterfalls and beaches sound like your thing, then Pahang’s capital city will be right up your alley.Turn to page 18 for the complete itinerary.

(Seletar (SeletarAirport) Airport)

Call Centre General Hotline: Malaysia +603 7845 4543 (Daily 8am – 8pm) Singapore +65 3158 8279 (Daily 8am – 8pm)

*Correct at the time of printing. Please visit www.fireflyz.com.my for more information.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

KIOSK CHECK IN: Check in and print your boarding pass at these kiosks at the airport.

This service is available for code share passengers as well.

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Our Fleet & Service Information

Get acquainted with our service information for a fuss-free travel experience.

On-Time Performance

No-Smoking Policy

Our check-in counters close 30 minutes before departure. Please allow at least 45 minutes for immigration and security clearance. Boarding gates will close 10 minutes prior to departure and late passengers will not be accepted.

Cabin Luggage Handling

ATR 72-500

Manufacturer

Avions de transport régional (ATR) No. of aircraft

12

Height

7.65 m Maximum Fuel Capacity

841 Gallons

Maximum Cruising Speed

Passenger Seating

510 km/h

Length

Maximum range with full passenger load

72 (single class) 27.17 m Wingspan

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all flights.

890 nautical miles (1648.28 Km)

27.05 m

Operation Hubs

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang & Penang International Airport, Penang

Passenger and crew safety onboard our flights is our highest priority.

In compliance with the airline’s policy and in observing Occupational, Safety and Health Regulations, cabin crew are no longer required to stow passengers’ hand luggages into the overhead stowage compartment. This is to minimise occupational hazard and ergonomic risks faced by cabin crew

in the aircraft. Cabin crew on duty will, however, assist passengers travelling with infants, young passengers travelling alone, the elderly, and passengers with reduced mobility.

Passengers who are fit and in good health must carry, stow and secure their own hand luggage on board.

Hand luggage exceeding the 7kg weight limit is required to be checked in before boarding.

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Wheelchair Assistance

Manual self-propelled wheelchairs can be provided for a fee, subject to availability. Please enquire through our Call Centre upon booking.

Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes must be carried on one’s person or in carry-on baggage only. Recharging of the device in-flight is not permitted.

Refusal to Carry or Restraint of Passenger Onboard Firefly has the right to refuse to carry passengers that they consider to be a potential risk to the safety of its other passengers and crew. We value courteousness. Any form of threat, verbal abuse or violence towards our staff will not be tolerated.

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

For safety reasons and in line with the Regulatory Guidelines, mobile phones and all PEDs must be switched off once the aircraft door is closed. Whilst cruising, devices placed in flight mode may be used. The devices must again be switched off during the approach for landing until the aircraft is parked at the terminal building. Devices transmitting strong signals must remain switched off throughout the flight, until disembarkation. The Captain may prohibit the use of devices that can interfere with the aircraft’s system.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries for portable electronic devices (PEDs), including medical devices must not exceed 2g for lithium metal batteries and 100Wh for lithium ion batteries. All spare batteries, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for PEDs must be carried in passengers’ carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

For PEDs containing non-spillable batteries, they must be 12V or less or 100Wh or less. A maximum of two spare batteries may be carried.

These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

Fresh & Frozen Seafood

Fresh and frozen seafood are strictly not permitted in check-in baggage. They may be accepted in cabin baggage, subject to the destination’s quarantine regulations. They must be properly packed and meet the cabin baggage weight and size requirements.

A maximum of 2.5 kg of dry ice per passenger is permissible if dry ice is used to carry these items.

We reserve the right to refuse carriage if the items are not properly packed.

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View finder Photo ESCAPE Penang

Firefly operates multiple daily flights to Penang International Airport from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang

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View finder Photo 123RF

Adrenaline

Rush T

hrill seekers, take note – the world’s longest water slide has opened at the ESCAPE theme park in Penang. Measuring 1,111 metres, the new slide sets a Guinness World Record for the longest tube water slide in the world, beating the previous record of 356 metres held by the Galaxy Erding water park in Munich, Germany.

While typical water park slides measure less than 200 metres, a ride down ESCAPE’s monster slide will take a whole four minutes to complete, taking riders through a downhill joyride which zigzags and criss-crosses through natural forest and tree canopies, before crossing the Teluk Bahang Road and into ESCAPE’s Waterplay area on the opposite tract of land. The idea of the slide is to combine fun and nature, providing visitors with a new perspective as they ‘zoom’ through the rainforest.

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# FlyFirefly

Tag us on Instagram @ fireflyairlines and get your photos published. mingleeng

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10 likes shashachacko Orange - The new Black. @fireflyairlines

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1168 likes the.tiffie Take my hand and I’ll lead you to the place where the rainbow never ends.

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BELIF_010919_FIRE 2019-08-14T10:23:14+08:00

GS_1901022_FIREFLYZ 2019-09-25T15:59:01+08:00