Fireflyz October 2020

October 2020

read online at fireflyz.com.my

Makan Like A

Malaysian!

TRAVEL TRENDS MONEY- SAVING TIPS / 12 HOURS KOTA BHARU TRACKER 5 FASCINATING MUSEUMS / STREET CHEF MEE HALIA

Contents October 2020

2 Hello From Firefly CEO 4 Travel Trends Money-smart tips

8 MY List

40

Humble Beginnings

A young entrepreneur’s dessert empire

5 things and facts about Malaysia

11 Comfort Zone Where to stay

14 Bites

Where to eat

16 Quench

Where to drink

26 19

12 Hours

Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Inside Look

Traditional childhood games of Malaysia

33 Tracker

5 unique museums in Malaysia

37 Health & Beauty

New launches and sunscreens

44 Street Chef Mee halia in Selangor

49 Savour

Ayam percik and curry laksa recipes

51 Firefly News 52 Firefly Checklist 53 Firefly Safety Measures 54 Network Map 56 Fleet & Service Info 58 #FlyFirefly

Our Instagram Stars!

Hello From Firefly CEO

FIREFLY EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Hello Firefly passengers and fellow travellers!

In this digital era, everything is moving that much faster. Here at Firefly, we are steadily advancing in our digital transformation journey and I’m excited to introduce the new version of Firefly’s mobile app. This user-friendly app is a digital travel assistant that’s always by your side. The enhanced features enable you to search for available flights, manage your bookings, receive flight updates and notifications, be alerted to current promotions, while making it easy for you to opt for contactless online check-in and getting your e-boarding pass. So download — it’s free and optimised for both iOS and Android — or update your existing app to enjoy these features.

I’ve been travelling more frequently in the past few months and every time I travel via Subang Airport, I’m always awed by its convenience — its proximity to the city centre — as well as the ease and speed to check-in and board. It means you can spend more time at your destination, as you’ll be in and out of the airport fairly quickly. You also get 20kg complimentary baggage allowance when you fly with Firefly, which is a lifesaver when you balik kampung or are travelling with kids.

I’m sure there are many of you who are planning to take a break and are considering a Cuti-Cuti Malaysia holiday. As we continue to navigate our daily life under the new norm, remember to stay vigilant and practise the safety and health SOPs. This might help you to remember when you next travel: Fly S.A.F.E (S = sanitise and wash your hands; A = awareness is a must. Be aware of your surroundings, practise physical distancing and be alert of the latest news; F = face mask should be worn properly; E = electronic/online check-in is a safe, contactless option.)

So, fly safely and confidently with Firefly, I look forward to seeing you on board soon!•

Phil Chief Executive Officer, Firefly Airlines

CEO, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd Philip See Marketing & Communications Sheila Ibrahim Koo Kee Wai Khoo Sian Chun Syaiful Azuan Abdul Fatah 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

EDITORIAL Editor Amy Van

Sub-Editor Anita Yee

Senior Writer Eris Choo

Senior Designer Mossy Chew

ADVERTISING & MEDIA SALES Media Sales Director Kaz Lim kaz.lim@spafax.com Sales Manager Vannes Ching vannes.ching@spafax.com OPERATIONS Editorial Account Manager Phoebe Kan

Operations & Production Manager Sandy Fong

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

Managing Director, Asia Pacific Jean-Marc Thomas

General Manager Agnes Law agnes.law@spafax.com

Fireflyz 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 Fireflyz 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.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

October 2020

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Text Arista Kwek

DON’T LEAVE TRAVEL PLANS

UP IN THE AIR GO AHEAD AND MAKE THOSE FUTURE TRAVEL PLANS WHILE KEEPING THESE MONEY-SMART TIPS IN MIND.

W

ary about making travel plans? You’re not the only one. While many tour operators have been offering enticing value-added packages for pre-booked and pre-paid trips, the uncertainty of the economy and travelling in the near future has

certainly discouraged many from taking these up.

The good news is, you should still go ahead and consider these irresistible deals — just carefully do your research. Here are some tips on how to COVID-proof your money while making future travel plans.

Read The Fine Print On Cancellation Policies

Flexible policies but… Many hotels and airlines have adopted flexible cancellation policies in a bid to encourage more bookings. You should however, still read the fine print on cancellation policies.

Same, yet different. Every airline and hotel has varying rules on cancellations, and these rules can become further differentiated when applied to respective regions and countries. For example, a large hotel group may have unique cancellation policies for the various properties under its brand, and for affiliated brands.

Check, check, and check. Policies for both hotels and airlines may be updated depending on the situation of the locality where you are travelling to. Some fine dining restaurants may also have strict cancellation policies, and understandably so, considering the extremely high food and labour costs involved in preparing each meal.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

October 2020

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Key pointers to note in your cancellation policies — to ensure a fee waiver for any amendments or cancellations — include: • The maximum number of hours (or days) you can cancel your booking before your trip, the period of travel in which cancellations are permitted, and the type and level of reimbursement — whether it’s a full or partial refund, or a voucher for future use.

• Fine dining restaurants often require a partial or full deposit to guarantee your reservation, so reading the fine print carefully can save you from forfeiting your deposit. Cancellation policies should always be stated in clear and concise terms.

• On that note, it might be wise to make any booking directly with the merchant rather than through third party websites, which may have another set of cancellation policies, making it extra cumbersome to receive your reimbursement should you cancel your trip.

Credit Is King

Pay for bookings with credit cards rather than debit cards or cash. Credit card payments are often protected by chargeback in the case of goods not received or service not provided. Try resolving the issue with the merchant before taking it up with your credit card company, and make sure to capture any exchanges between you and the merchant as proof to the credit card company of the dispute.

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Resist the urge to pay for your trip using airline or credit card reward points. Stick with charging payments directly to your credit card. In the case of a cancellation, it’s highly likely that you’ll be refunded with airline credits rather than your reward points. Save your rewards for a time when travel is more certain, or spend it on more immediate transactions such as food delivery or groceries.

T r a ve l T r e n d s

October 2020

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Are You Really Insured?

Before you purchase any travel insurance… Do keep in mind that many travel insurance companies are cautious about providing coverage related to COVID-19. You’ll find that many insurance companies don’t provide such coverage for both single and annual

IA LP R T EN AE K CI

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If You Find Yourself In A Sticky Situation

The MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission) and TTPM (Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia/ Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia) can redress and provide assistance for disputes and consumer claims. Your rights as a consumer are protected by law, and any merchants who have failed to provide contractual services are obligated to provide you with a refund. You should first try to settle any disputes directly with the airline, airport, or merchant (ensuring that you capture any such discussions as proof). If you do not receive any satisfactory resolution within 30 days, you should then file an official complaint with either of the above organisations.

policies purchased in or after March 2020 when the pandemic started to escalate.

If your insurance provider does, however, provide coverage related to COVID-19, do check if it covers pertinent issues such as insolvency of the airline or tour operator (especially relevant in the current situation). Also note if the coverage is purely for medical expenses, or whether it extends to nonmedical situations such as a flight or tour cancellation. •

MY List

October 2020

Photos Adobe Stock Library

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Things & Facts About

Plural Society

Over 60 percent of the Malaysian population is Muslim, but people of other religions are free to practise their own faiths and beliefs. It is common to see different houses of worship located right next to each other all over Malaysia.

2

Accessible Healthcare

Malaysians enjoy access to one of the region’s best and most affordable healthcare systems. Public healthcare is subsidised by the government, and patients seeking treatment usually pay a nominal fee. Private healthcare is more expensive but offers benefits such as faster and more specialised services. Thanks to the country’s top-notch medical facilities and highly skilled professionals, Malaysia was recognised as one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, according to a 2019 ranking by the International Medical Travel Journal.

Journal.

PHOTO: DAVID WU

1

Marvellous Malaysia

MY List

October 2020

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Delicious Rice Dish 3

Popular on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, nasi dagang consists of rice steamed in coconut milk and fenugreek seeds, served with gulai (a type of curry, usually fish), pickled vegetables and other ingredients such as sambal, hard-boiled eggs and fried shredded coconut. The rice has a creamy finish, as it is sometimes steamed twice.

4

Cempedak

Cempedak comes from the same genus as breadfruit and jackfruit. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. Fried cempedak ((cempedak cempedak goreng)) is a popular tea time snack, which is usually goreng sold at roadside stalls.

5

Cheongsam

The modern-day cheongsam was only invented in the 1920s, but many ethnic Chinese women in Malaysia wear the dress as a ‘traditional’ garb — especially during celebrations such as the Lunar New Year.

The dress is usually formfitting, with short sleeves and a high collar. Floral motifs are common. •

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

October 2020

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JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Sunny Side

Spanning 3,900 acres along a 17-kilometre unspoiled beachfront, the new Desaru Coast Destination Resort has it all. It is nestled within a rich bio-diverse location that is easily accessible via land, air and sea.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to overnight stays, as the integrated destination resort offers globally acclaimed hotels and resorts, including Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and One&Only Desaru Coast.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at The Els Club Desaru Coast, which offers a sprawling 45-hole course with state-ofthe-art facilities. Families will enjoy the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast (said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world), which features a unique mix of more than 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions, set against a backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village. desarucoast.com

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

October 2020

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PENANG, MALAYSIA

Vibrant Enclave

Angsana Teluk Bahang opens its doors this month on the idyllic shores of Penang, offering unparalleled relaxation and fun.

Drawing inspiration from the island’s rich heritage, the resort’s 250 contemporary rooms and suites feature Peranakan-themed decor, and come equipped with luxurious amenities, while offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Take a dip in the resort’s infinity pool overlooking the sea, or opt for the one at Kerongsang Wing, which has a children’s pool with water play features. Choose from a plethora of dining venues, such as Jendela, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant or chill out at Jamboree, a chic jazz bar. Be pampered at Angsana Spa, which offers a range of traditional healing therapies and massages, or work up a sweat at the fitness centre. Rangers’ Club, the resort’s kids club, is where the young ones can enjoy scheduled interactive classes, enrichment activities, cultural workshops, art and craft and sports programmes. angsana.com

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

October 2020

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VARIOUS CITIES, MALAYSIA

Unforgettable Experiences

It’s time to rediscover Malaysia with Hilton hotels, through their Hilton Experience programme — a selection of exclusive activities that invite guests to unwind and enjoy time together, or simply discover a new hobby. Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s Experiences are designed with foodlovers in mind — like the ‘Chynna Culinary Adventure’, which involves a trip to the wet market, a hands-on cooking class and lunch at Chynna. For ‘The Art of Sashimi’ experience, guests get to learn authentic Japanese sashimi-slicing techniques. At DoubleTree by Hilton Johor, sip on wine while you unleash your creativity with paint and canvas in ‘Art & Sip’. Guests at Hilton Kuching are offered experiences like ‘Heritage & Kampung Bike Tour’ and ‘Sampan River Cruise’ from just RM19. Non-guests are also welcome to join the experiences by booking through the respective Hilton hotels. hilton.com

B i t e s : W h e r e To E a t Text & Photos Sean Yoong

October 2020

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Poultry Pleasure

Brace yourself for Cantonesestyle roasted duck, in all its drool-inducing smokiness — courtesy of time spent in a British-built Bertha charcoal oven. At Dim Dou Duck, the ducks are air-dried and roasted the traditional way, and finished (for five minutes) in the cast-iron oven when an order is placed. The result: crispy, crackly skin and tender, succulent meat that carries a hint of fragrant char. Try the Peking duck with pancakes, duck bone broth or ‘prince duck’ (the equivalent of spring chicken). The eatery also offers other charcoal-roasted meats and dishes. facebook.com/ DimDouDuck.MY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DIM DOU DUCK

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

October 2020

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Noodle Stories

Fifty Tales aims to tell the story of the foods that its cheffounder Aaron Phua was raised on, and which he hopes will bring people together.

A bowl of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon — housemade noodles in a light broth redolent of rice wine, topped with market-fresh prawns, braised pork belly and a soft-boiled egg — is a bellywarmer. If rice is your thing, then Rice Please — served with crunchy fried garlic and lardy bits, amped up by the gentle tang from fermented radish — will surely satisfy. Pair your food with one of its rather unusual beer-laced beverages like the mango syrup and basil soda. facebook.com/ fiftytalesmalaysia

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

October 2020

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Meet a Mizakaya

Self-described as an M-Izayaka (Malaysian Modern Izakaya), Collins Sake & Wine Bar brings a sleek update to the classic Japanese bar experience. Its name alone points to its top tippling temptation: The bar offers unique takes on the Tom Collins highball cocktail, made with gin as well as rum or tequila.

Gin-based options include the White Grape Highball. Rum is reserved for the Spiced Asam Boi Highball and tequila for the Pink Grapefruit Highball. Grab a bite too — try Collins’ spin on mazesoba. Here, the noodle dish is served with minced meat, a raw egg yolk, roasted pork belly and crunchy lard bits. facebook.com/collins.ttdi

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

October 2020

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Beastly Brews

With more than 99 bottles of beer on the wall, the friendly Monster and Beer in the suburb of Petaling Jaya promises a fun evening of exploring the world of craft beers. Whisk yourself away to Hong Kong, the origin of two fruit-infused beer temptations — a Longan Pale Ale

by Mak’s Brewery (made with dried longans) and Gwei-lo’s Citrus Crusher that’s exuberantly refreshing. Pair these with onion-cream baked oysters, gyoza or ramen. The cool illustrations that decorate this joint have already made it a magnet for beer-loving hipsters. facebook.com/MonsterAndBeer

12 H o u r s

October 2020

Text Ian Loh Photos Ian Loh & Tourism Malaysia Illustration Yion Lim

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NewOld City, World Charm

KOTA BHARU EXUDES THE ENERGY OF A MID-SIZED CITY AND FRIENDLY VIBES OF A SMALL-TOWN. IT IS ALSO THE PERFECT PITSTOP BETWEEN ITS NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS AND THAILAND.

12 H o u r s

October 2020

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Wat Phothivihan

7am

Start the day with a kampung-style breakfast at Pok Loh Milo Tunggeng. Locals flock to this unassuming warung (small family-run stall) for its speciality Milo drink (topped with a generous amount of powdered Milo) and a wide range of pre-packed breakfast items at reasonable prices.

Choose from breakfast staples such as nasi lemak, fried noodles, fried bee hoon and local delicacies like nasi kerabu (herb rice), roti titab, satay and nasi impit (compressed rice). This humble stall is the best place to sample a local Malay breakfast.

Alternatively, head over to Kuan Heong Huan for a simple Hainanese-style breakfast. The menu here is straightforward: aromatic Hainanesestyle coffee, kaya toast and half-boiled eggs.

8am

Due to its close geographical proximity to Thailand, there are several impressive Buddhist temples that are worth a visit. Head out to Wat Machimmaram, a 30-minute drive away (by taxi or Grab, if you’re not driving) from Kota Bharu town centre, where you’ll find the largest sitting Buddha statue in Malaysia — a 30-metre-tall statue, coated in tiny shiny mosaic tiles. Another temple that should be on your list is Wat Phothivihan, which is famous for its reclining (or sleeping) Buddha statue. At 40 metres long, the statue is the largest in Malaysia.

If time permits, Wat MaiSuwanKiri is also worth a visit. Part of this richly decorated temple is built in the shape of a dragon boat surrounded by a moat.

12 H o u r s

October 2020

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12pm

Pasar Siti Khadijah

11am

For a taste of local life, you should visit Pasar Siti Khadijah. This is one of the landmarks of Kota Bharu, named after Prophet Muhammad’s first wife who was a savvy businesswoman. Locals shop for their everyday groceries like poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits on the ground floor. On the upper floors, you will find a wide range of goods for sale, from spices, local delicacies and household goods to clothing like batik shirts, kain pelikat (sarong) and tudung (head scarf).

Pasar Siti Khadijah

Lunch at Lieney Nasi Kerabu Tumis is a must. You simply cannot leave Kelantan without eating this iconic dish of blue pea flower-tinged rice, which is often served with chicken, beef or fish, various herbs and coconut flakes. The Kelantan version is usually eaten with budu, a fermented fish sauce. As it is with most Kelantanese dishes, they tend to be sweet so order the solok lada (green chili stuffed with fish paste and simmered in coconut milk), which will add a spicy contrast to the sweetness.

Nasi Ulam Cikgu, located in Kampung Kraftangan, is another restaurant that’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to savour the true tastes of Kelantanese cuisine. Nasi ulam consists of rice mixed with shredded herbs, and served with various side dishes. The huge range of options here might seem overwhelming, but let the owner recommend the items as well as show you how to mix budu to get the most flavour out of it. Our favourites include fried fish, asam pedas (sour-spicy fish stew) and of course, their ulam (herb salad).

12 H o u r s

October 2020

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Istana Jahar

1pm

Lunching at Nasi Ulam Cikgu just about seals the deal for some retail therapy — shop for local handicrafts here at Kampung Kraftanga or Handicrafts Village. Admission to the village is free but there is a small fee if you visit the Craft Museum, where you can learn more about local arts and crafts like woodcarving, batik-making, puppet-making and brass ware.

2pm

Just a short walk away is Istana Jahar. Built in 1887, the former palace was converted into the Kelantan Traditional Royal Ceremonies Museum in 1981. This beautiful wooden structure now houses collections of royal costumes, royal regalia, jewellery and silverware, as well as information about royal rituals. Details of the Kelantan royal genealogy are also displayed via family tree charts and photographs.

3.30pm

Three times a week, the Gelanggang Seni or Cultural Centre showcases different traditional activities such as gasing (top spinning), silat (martial arts), and more. (Check the state’s tourist office for official timings). One show you should not miss is wayang kulit — a traditional shadow play performance unique to Kelantan.

The theatre performance usually involves a Tok Dalang, or master puppeteer, who narrates a story with colourful and intricately designed puppets behind a screen lit up by oil lamps. You can catch a wayang kulit show at the Kelantan Museum every Saturday from now till 31 October. (Check for show times and details).

Wayang Kulit

October 2020

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Pantai Cahaya Bulan

5.30pm

This is a coastal town after all so head to the beach — to Pantai Cahaya Bulan, which is closer to town, or the less-touristy Pantai Mek Mas. The latter’s biggest draw is the man-made sand dune where kids can try out sandboarding. Or just take some time to chill and soak in the sunset view from the top of the dune.

7pm

It might be a little challenging to find a restaurant for dinner in Kota Bharu as most eateries are only open for breakfast and lunch. Four Seasons Restaurant is your best bet. Its extensive halal Chinese menu offers generously portioned dishes that taste great. Kota Bharu is a staunchly Muslim town, so if you need to chug back a beer or two, Restoran Golden City — a pub/sports bar of sorts with a limited Western food menu — might be your only choice.

Four Seasons Restaurant

Pantai Mek Mas

12 H o u r s

October 2020

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Kelantanese Delicacies Nasi Tumpang

Also referred to as nasi tupe by the locals, this breakfast dish consists of rice, an omelette, beef or fish floss, shrimp or fish curry, sweet sambal gravy and cucumbers — all neatly wrapped into a cone shape with banana leaf.

Roti Titab

This unusual pairing of sweet and savoury is an iconic breakfast set made famous by the folks from Koptiam Kita. Roti titab marries kaya with a half-boiled egg on a thick piece of toast.

Nasi Kak Wok

Created by the late Kak Wok, this Kelantanese dish is served with fried chicken — cut into small pieces — and laced with curry sauce. The secret to this classic dish is the seasoning used for the aromatic chicken, which has been passed down through generations. •

Inside Look

October 2020

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Text Alexandra Wong Photos Law Soo Phye

Child’s Play GET REACQUAINTED WITH TRADITIONAL CHILDHOOD GAMES THAT ALL MALAYSIANS WOULD RECOGNISE — BECAUSE HAVING FUN NEVER GETS OLD.

A

h, the good old days.

We’ve all heard tales from our parents and grandparents about their idyllic kampong lives, and the games they played during their childhood when there was no wi-fi, and electronic gadgets were rare.

Armed with usually nothing more than common objects found around the house, resourcefulness and an active imagination, many Malaysians grew up playing various traditional games.

Here are six much-loved native games that continue to delight Malaysian children and adults alike.

Inside Look

October 2020

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Gasing

If there’s one game that has staying power, it is gasing (refers to top spinning and also the actual top). Originally introduced by traders from the Middle East around 450AD, gasing was subsequently picked up as a postrice harvest men’s game before evolving into a competitive sport that still takes place in Malaysia.

There are two types of gasing matches. In the ‘spinning match’ (gasing uri), the aim is to get the top to spin for as long as possible.

(The current record of a top’s spin duration, in a spinning match, stands at approximately two hours). In the ‘striking match’ (gasing pangkah), each contestant tries to throw the balance off their opponent’s tops.

Malaysia’s tops — there over 100 types — are rather unique in design and shape, and most of them have fascinating references or characteristics. For example, gasing jantung is derived from the shape of the banana heart (a popular ingredient in Malay cuisine). The dualfaced gasing talam dua muka refers to a famous Malay proverb about human treachery, while the shape of a gasing lang laut draws inspiration from the sea.

Traditionally made from wood or hard fruit, these days you can find plastic tops and even those that can be set in motion without a string or rope, such as the Beyblade top, a line of spinning top and battle top toys inspired by Japanese manga.

Good to know: Second-generation gasing player Rimy Azizi, who set a record (in the Malaysian Book of Records) for playing for 24 hours in 2012, is championing the game’s revival by teaching top-making courses and training gasing enthusiasts at facebook.com/rimy.gasing

Inside Look

October 2020

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Congkak

There are many legends surrounding this mancala game, the generic moniker for two-player games typically played with small stones, beans or seeds on a board. As the congkak board is shaped like a boat, some say the game was invented by a fisherman who was unable to go to sea during the rainy season.

Players sit on the opposite sides of the board with two rows of holes, and they must fill each hole with tokens; these can be shells, pebbles, marbles or rubber seeds. The aim of the game is to get rid of all of your tokens by moving them to your opponent’s ‘house’ (which is on one end of the board; yours is on the other end) while leaving at least one of your tokens in each of the holes on your side. The player with the most tokens in his ‘house’ or the first to empty his row of holes, wins.

In cases where both players are

skilful, the game can take hours to finish. It’s a game that also helps children learn to count.

Incidentally, the word congkak originates from an old Malay word that means mental calculation.

Classical congkak boards are generally made of mahogany or teak and sometimes sport majestic carvings of snakes or birds at either ends, though these days you can get lightweight, durable and ecofriendly ones from online shopping platforms or sites.

Fun fact: A congkak board is embossed on the reverse side of the second series of the Malaysian Ringgit ten-cent coin.

Inside Look

October 2020

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Sepak Bulu Ayam

This game is the ultimate test of quickness, eye-leg coordination and control, and when played in a team, it fosters team spirit. It is played in open areas and the only item required is a soft shuttlecock made from five or more chicken feathers (bulu ayam) attached to a rubber or plastic base.

There are two ways of playing the game, but they share a common goal: keep the shuttlecock airborne as long as you can by using any part of your body except your hands. In the ‘circle kick’, a team of players form a circle and pass the shuttlecock around. Points are scored for each pass and the team with the highest points wins.

In the ‘duel kick’, the game is played like sepak takraw (or kick volleyball).

The earliest reference to this game is in China in the 5th Century BC, where it was known as ti jian zu (literally, kick the shuttlecock) — it was used to train military men to focus and hone their coordination.

In Henan province, Shaolin monks included the activity in their training routine to build strength and agility.

Fun fact: The game entered the SEA Games twice as a competitive sport — once in 2003, Vientiane, Laos and the second time in Vietnam.

Inside Look

October 2020

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Diabolo

A game that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, diabolo was introduced in Malaysia as recently as the 1990s. The late Feng Ya Ping, a teacher from Perak, learned the game during his undergraduate studies in Taiwan, and when he returned to Malaysia, he started promoting it around the country. It has since found its way into the cocurriculum in many Chinese vernacular schools.

Think of diabolo as hand acrobatics. The player manoeuvres an hourglass-shaped object — the diabolo — on a string connected to two hand sticks. The idea is to get the diabolo to balance and rotate while moving the hand sticks up and down. Thanks to its theatricality, diabolo is employed frequently in performances, that often involve acrobatics.

The fun really begins as you level up. You can toss the diabolo up and catch it on the strings, manipulate the strings into patterns while keeping it spinning, or spin multiple diabolos on a single string — some experts can balance up to 20 on a single string!

Good to know: My Diabolo Academy www. mydiabolo.com, which has performed nationwide, offers professional coaching classes.

Inside Look

October 2020

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Batu Seremban (aka Five Stones) This game dates way back in time — knuckle, wrist and ankle bones of grass-grazing animals have been found in prehistoric caves in Ukraine, while paintings of the game are depicted on jars from ancient Greece.

In Malaysia, batu seremban is played using small smooth stones, rubber or tamarind seeds. Some are colourful small pouches, sewn and filled with sand, dried beans or rice grains.

In this game, a minimum of two players sit on a flat surface and play in turns with five small objects or buah (fruit). In its simplest mode of play, the first player will throw one of the buah in the air, and attempt to pick up one of the remaining four buah on the ground and catch the airborne one before it hits the ground. Now armed with two buah in his hand, the player continues this process and until all five end up in the player’s hand — to win the game. Starting with just five, players can level up to seven or even nine buah.

Good to know: Sign up for a batu seremban-making workshop at www.instagram.com/ southeastasiaheritage

October 2020

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Guli (Marbles)

In this old school game of elimination, colourful marbles act as ammunition in a circular battlefield drawn on flat ground (usually sandy). The marbles are randomly scattered within the circle and players then engage in a game of mini billiards, flicking the marbles with their fingers acting as pool cues, in attempts to knock their opponents’ marbles out of the circle.

The player with the most marbles left within the circle wins.

The game of marbles actually got its name from an 18th century practice of making children's toys from chips of marble or stone.

However, marbles have been made from different types of materials, such as baked clay (called marrididdles), glass, steel, plastic, onyx, agate and even alabaster. The more common ones these days are ‘cat's eye’ marbles, which were originally made in Japan. Cat’s eye marbles are made of clear glass injected with swirling coloured glass to give the illusion of… a cat’s eye.

Fun fact: Check out the sport of marble racing on Jelle’s Marble Runs, a YouTube channel run by Jelle and Dion Bakker based on the concept of MarbleLympics, where marbles take the place of athletes. •

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October 2020

Text Eris Choo Photos Tourism Malaysia, Shutterstock & Eris Choo (TeddyVille)

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More Than Just

History

MUSEUMS ARE NOT THE ANTIQUATED, BORING PLACES WE OFTEN MAKE THEM OUT TO BE. MALAYSIA HAS ITS FAIR SHARE OF UNIQUE, QUIRKY PLACES THAT ARE RELATIVELY UNKNOWN, EVEN TO LOCALS. HERE ARE FIVE FASCINATING MUSEUMS YOU SHOULD VISIT ON YOUR NEXT ‘CUTI-CUTI MALAYSIA’ TRIP!

Submarine Museum, Melaka

Most of us will probably never board a functioning submarine in our lifetime — but you can explore a decommissioned one at the Submarine Museum in Klebang.

This unique attraction is housed in the SMD Ouessant, a French Agosta 70 class submarine, and offers visitors an insight into the vessel’s living and working conditions. The submarine’s narrow corridors and cramped rooms highlight the claustrophobic conditions crew members had to endure for months on end. There are also original equipment on display, including a torpedo launching platform, torpedo bays, navigational and communications equipment as well as the engine room.

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TeddyVille Museum, Penang

Teddy bears are cute, cuddly companions that bring joy to the lives of millions of children, and even adults. Learn all about their history at TeddyVille, a teddy bear museum tucked within the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Penang, in Batu Ferringhi.

On display are some highly

valuable old teddy bears as well as larger-than-life exhibits and detailed panoramas that chronicle Penang’s history and multiculturalism. See if you can spot the teddy bears modelled after famous Penangites, such as Datuk Jimmy Choo, Datuk Nicol David and Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

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Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur One of the most beautiful museums in Kuala Lumpur and the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Islamic Arts Museum is a treasure trove of Islamic arts, history and culture, with over 7,000 artefacts from around the world. The museum is neatly divided into sections such as the Metalworks Gallery and the Jewellery Gallery. The building itself is an architectural marvel, boasting huge domes decorated with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy.

Need lunch? Its in-house restaurant

serves delicious halal dishes. Then shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the museum shop. Currently, the museum is hosting two exhibitions: An Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy and The Coin Chronicles: Numismatics of the Islamic World, both of which will run until 31 December 2020.

Kuching Cat Museum, Sarawak Is it their pink toe beans, or their adorable little faces? Regardless, cats and their cuteness have captured the collective hearts of Malaysians — and there’s an entire museum dedicated to them.

The Kuching Cat Museum can be found in the capital of Sarawak,

which is aptly named Kuching (meaning ‘cat’ in the Malay language). The city’s mascot is — you guessed it — a cat. Perched atop Bukit Siol, with picturesque views of the city, the museum has a large collection of over 4,000 quirky cat-themed art and souvenirs.

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Maritime Museum, Melaka Located in the city centre, the Maritime Museum is housed in a gigantic replica of the Portuguese galleon, Flor de la Mar, which sailed to Melaka and carried away a vast amount of treasure plundered from Melaka. Unfortunately, the ship never made its way back to Portugal, as it sank off the coast of Sumatra. The museum pays tribute to Melaka’s maritime heritage and its importance as a trading hub for traders from as far away as Arabia, India and China. •

Health & Beauty

October 2020

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What’s New CHECK OUT THESE RECENT LAUNCHES

1

A New Beginning

The expert on clear skin, Sekkisei celebrates its 35th anniversary with the new Sekkisei Clear Wellness range, which combines decades of research and expertise to formulate a trusted solution for modern women — using the goodness of natural botanicals and unique ingredients sourced from Japan’s rich natural environment. Your skin in your 20s and 30s will experience a variety of problems, including dryness, visible pores and acne, often caused by changes

2

Sunshine In A Bottle

Think: a sunny day and a garden full of roses. Marry the two and voila! It’s the Rose Tangerine eau de toilette by Chloé. Zesty tangerine notes and hints of rose predominate. A contemporary scent to a signature fragrance that was born in the noughties.

RRP: RM225 (30ml) - RM399 (75ml) chloe.com/my/chloe/shop-online/ women/fragrances

in environmental conditions. From the Sekkisei Clear Wellness Milky Cleanser and Hydrating Gel to the Gentle Cleanser and Water Shield Cream, you will find a complete and gentle skincare suite of products for all your needs. Thirty five years on, the brand continues its legacy with a fresh interpretation, which includes a new brand logo, and an updated bottle design.

RRP: RM85 - RM154 kose.com.my

3

Pure And Simple

The Purity Made Simple range by Philosophy welcomes a facial cleanser and a gel moisturiser to its family. Both products are oil-free and contain bamboo extract, which is known for its mattifying properties. Suitable for combination to oily skin types.

RRP: RM106 (cleanser, 8 oz.), RM133 (moisturiser, 4.7 oz.) philosophy.com

Health & Beauty

October 2020

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Stay Sun-Safe

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TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR? SUNSCREEN IS NONNEGOTIABLE. HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE.

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pray, dab, rub or roll it on – we’re talking sunscreen here.

Whether you choose a physical sunscreen (it reflects UV rays away) or a chemical one (it absorbs UV rays instead) — just pick one that works for you and use it!

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Protection On The Go

This daily-use, lightweight Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 by Drunk Elephant aims to provide powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection without leaving streaky white residue or a greasy feel on the skin. It’s loaded with potent antioxidants to help fight free radicals and environmental aggressors, and none of the chemical stuff that could irritate or harm skin.

RRP: RM148.00 (90ml) drunkelephant.com

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2

Here’s a nifty way to keep sun protection on-going, all day. The Skincare UV Stick by Kose has a new ingredient in its lightweight sunscreen formula — Job’s tears (known for its hydrating and healing properties) extract. This formula also effectively and quickly absorbs excess oil from the skin, thus providing a good base to help makeup stay on longer.

RRP: RM85 (20g) kose.com.my

Invisible Protection

3

Total Defence

Sunscreen that doubles up as a daily primer? Count us in! This antioxidantrich Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 by Supergoop! readies the skin for makeup while providing shine control and broad spectrum SPF 40 protection from the sun, and your computer screen (hello, blue light!).

RRP: RM150 (50ml) supergoop.com

Health and Beauty

October 2020

*Some RRPs have been converted into Malaysian Ringgit and are correct at the time of conversion.

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Sun, Blocked

You know the drill: Limit time in the sun (and avoid it between 10am and 4pm, if possible), wear long-sleeved tops, trousers, hats (or tote a brolly) and sunglasses, and always use a sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF value of at least 15.

How to read SPF numbers Sun Protection Factor (SPF) essentially tells you how long you can stay out in the sun before your skin starts to burn. For example, if it takes you one hour to burn without sunscreen, an SPF 15 sunscreen (applied properly) would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 15 hours (a factor of 15 times longer). This is a rough estimate as it depends on the intensity of sunlight, the amount of sunscreen used and your skin type.

What’s the right SPF? Mid-SPF (15-30), non-greasy, antioxidant-rich formula

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Suggested for: Indoors — in the office or at home (UV can travel through glass), on the road / while driving.

Suggested for: Beach, sports and outdoor activities e.g. hiking.

Reapply every two hours if you swim.

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Mist As You Go

This UV Defense Ultra Protection Mist Spray SPF50 by Clinelle is the first UV spray with advanced encapsulation technology that offers 5-in1 protection against UVA, UBV, blue light, electronic radiation and pre-mature ageing. Packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients, this mist lets you reapply SPF protection over makeup.

RRP: RM52.74 (30ml) clinelle.com

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Quick-drying formulas, waterand/or sweat-resistant and high SPF (above 30)

Lightweight Mate

The Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ by Alpha-H is nongreasy and ‘barely there’ in texture but packs a punch when it comes to protecting the skin from harsh environmental stressors and harmful UV rays, which in turn helps manage the signs of skin ageing and pigmentation. Easily absorbed and waterproof.

RRP: RM136 (50ml) alpha-h.com

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5

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Simply Perfect

Keep skin hydrated, imperfections concealed, and protected with Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50 by It Cosmetics. All you need is a couple of pumps of this cream, infused with good-for-the-skin ingredients.

Apply an even layer to your face, neck and also the back of hands and arms.

RRP: RM178 (32ml) itcosmetics.com

Humble Beginnings Text Eris Choo Photos Raymond Ooi

Sweet Success MEET THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR WHO’S BUILDING HER OWN DESSERTS EMPIRE, ONE CAKE AT A TIME.

A

s a young girl, Koh Xiao-Ly’s house was always filled with the fragrant aroma of cookies and snacks, especially in the days leading up to Chinese New Year.

“My mother loved to bake. It was nothing fancy, but she enjoyed making treats for friends and family during the festive season,” says Xiao-Ly. This was the spark that ignited her passion for baking.

Today, 30-year-old Xiao-Ly owns and runs two popular dessert cafes: Xiao by Crustz at Happy Mansion in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and Tanuki

by Crustz, an unassuming gem hidden within a housing estate in Taman Bukit Indah, Kuala Lumpur.

While both stores are dedicated to satisfying the sweet-toothed, the former is known for its tiny cakes and delicate French pastries.

The latter serves up beautiful ice cream cakes and frozen treats.

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Humble Beginnings

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Xiao-Ly’s success did not come overnight. After finishing her A-levels, she took a gap year from her studies to gain experience in the food and beverage industry, before pursuing pastry-making at the Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia. “Back then, cafe culture in Malaysia was not as developed as it is today. There were not many job prospects, other than working at a bakery or a restaurant,” Xiao-Ly explains.

She decided to start an online business, making customised cakes for birthday parties and corporate events. After two years running the business, she finally opened Xiao

by Crustz in 2016. “The idea was to have a physical space where I could showcase my pastries. I was still doing customised cake orders, so even if the store flopped, I had something to fall back on,” she says.

(top to bottom) Tanuki by Crustz serves ice cream with a twist; the cafe has a charming, cosy interior; raspberry sorbet, raspberry yogurt ice cream and vanilla ice cream

Drawing inspiration from the dessert shops of France and Japan, Xiao by Crustz was initially conceptualised as a takeaway spot, but Xiao-Ly realised that for it to work in Malaysia, she needed seating. “In France, most people take their pastries to enjoy at public parks, but this is obviously not feasible in Malaysia due to our weather,” she says.

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Transitioning from an online-only business to a physical one was challenging. “I did not have any retail experience. Previously, I only had to speak to the customer over the phone or meet them when I did deliveries. I didn’t need front-of-house staff or make drinks. These were areas where I had to adapt,” she recalls.

In 2019, Xiao-Ly opened Tanuki by Crustz, and improved on her formula – the addition of seating to cater to families. Rather than replicate the Xiao

by Crustz concept, she diversified into ice cream cakes and unique drinks. “Most places serve ice cream scoops, but we wanted it to be different from what was already on the market,” she shares.

Xiao-Ly’s flair for pastry can be seen in Tanuki’s range of creative desserts.

Take the popular Mango Parfait, for instance, which is a tall glass of sweet delight with layers of panna cotta, fruit jelly, Chantilly cream, mango sauce, mango chunks and vanilla crumble, topped off with passion fruit sorbet.

Tubs of ice cream featuring different flavours, such as Mango Sorbet, Green Tea and Vanilla, or Avocado, Chocolate and Coffee, also sell like hotcakes.

(top to bottom) Multilayered ice-cream tubs served at Tanuki

by Crustz; Mango Parfait is one of the cafe’s best selling items

The drinks and desserts are beautifully decorated, sometimes topped with cute animal-shaped biscuits. To keep things interesting, Xiao-Ly changes the menu every three months, and comes up with special festive-only offerings during the holiday seasons. Fans of Xiao by Crustz can also order French cakes, as a select few are available at Tanuki by Crustz.

Everything is made in-house, as Xiao-Ly strongly believes in quality control.

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“The process of making some of our desserts can take several days.

There are many different elements to [each one], such as sponge, jelly and cream,” says Xiao-Ly. Tanuki by Crustz’s hidden location forms part of its charm. “Malaysians will go out of their way to look for good food. I personally like to go hunting for hole-in-the-wall cafes when I travel,” she quips, adding that it creates a ‘mini-escape’ from the outside world – even if it’s just for an hour or two.

Although most of the items are made by her staff, Xiao-Ly still involves herself in the creation process. “I make some of the cakes.

It’s something that I like to do — that’s why I became a pastry chef,” she says.

Like many businesses, Xiao-Ly has had to adapt to changing consumer demands and trends during the pandemic, such as doing more deliveries on request. Since many companies are no longer doing corporate events or roadshows, she works with clients on creative collaborations, such as incorporating certain ingredients into her desserts — giving customers a safe way to try and engage with the products.

Aside from rolling out new creations, Xiao-Ly hopes to offer a variety of viennoiserie or baked goods such as croissants and decorative breads. “During the Movement Control Order period from March to May, we introduced a pastry box, which consisted of different kinds of pastries and bread.

Since a lot of people could not go out, we felt it was a nice idea for gifting. I think there is a good market for this new item,” she says. •

Some of the creative desserts served at Xiao

by Crustz and Tanuki by Crustz

Street Chef

October 2020

Text Eris Choo Photos Raymond Ooi

Ginger Winner

ORIGINALLY A HOMELY DISH MEANT FOR NEW MOTHERS, THIS HUMBLE STALL’S MEE HALIA IS STILL DRAWING CROWDS.

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Street Chef

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hen the Imbi Market in Kuala Lumpur closed down in 2016, it felt like the end of an era. The iconic 60-yearold institution was a popular breakfast haunt, where diners could grab traditional kaya toast, Hainanese coffee, egg tarts and Nyonya kuih after their morning shopping.

But customers will always flock to places with good food — and when most of the hawkers relocated to the newly built ICC Pudu building four years ago — the people followed.

I find 70-year-old Wong Mee Lan sitting in front of her stall, peeling prawns into a large bowl. A matronly, bespectacled figure with curly black hair that belies her age, she greets her regular customers with gusto, then goes over to the stove to help her son, 38-year-old Lee Chee Wai, with orders. It’s clear that she still enjoys her work, despite having been at it for almost four decades.

Wong is the proprietor of Imbi Pasar Mee Halia, which offers a variety of stir-fried and soup noodle dishes. As the name implies, the star is the mee halia (ginger wine noodles).

Her clientele is mixed and includes office workers and families, some of whom grew up eating Wong’s cooking.

(top to bottom) A belly-warming bowl of mee halia; the dynamic mother-son duo who keeps the customers coming back for more

Ginger wine noodles are rarely sold commercially.

According to Wong, this Cantonese-style dish is usually served at home, especially to new mothers during the confinement period, to help them regain their strength and nourish their bodies. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is thought to have beneficial properties and it is often recommended to ‘expel wind’ from the body, improve digestion and reduce bloating.

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Wong’s foray into business was coincidental. “There was a young mother in my neighbourhood who had just given birth. She asked if I could make her a dish, as she didn’t have money to eat the proper foods for nourishment,” she explains.

“More women started coming to me after that, and then even men because they said it was tasty. That’s how I started.”

The proof is in the pudding (or in this case, the noodles), so I ordered a bowl. What I got was a large portion of bee hoon, nestled in a fragrant broth topped with egg fried with minced ginger, as well as tender pork slices and fresh prawns. You can also request to add fried fish or offal to the soup (both are subject to availability).

A sip of the ginger broth, which has been simmering for hours with ginger, rice wine and pork bones, and a comforting warmth blossoms in the belly and spreads to the entire body. It’s the perfect dish for cold and rainy days, but even in Malaysia’s tropical weather, it’s something worth sweating for.

(top to bottom) Fish head noodles and other dishes prepared by Wong and Lee. “There are customers who insist that I prepare their orders because they find that mine has a ‘familiar’ taste,” says Wong.

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“My sisters are not keen on doing it as it is difficult work, but I thought it would be good to run my own business, rather than just stay an employee,” Lee says. These days, he does most of the cooking, although Wong also pitches in during peak hours.

While the rice noodles are not made inhouse, Wong has been getting them from the same local supplier for decades. “It has to be the ‘rough’ bee hoon. The texture goes well with this dish,” she points out.

Another important thing is the wine, which has to be measured just right before adding to the dish. Preparations start as early as 5am, and Wong and her son start selling from 6am until they run out or close at 2pm.

Nothing is left overnight, to ensure freshness.

Age has caught up to Wong, and she says she can’t stand for long hours due to joint pains and aches. Luckily she’s able to pass the reins on to Lee. Formerly a mechanic, Lee is the youngest among his siblings and took up the mantle four years ago despite having no knowledge of cooking.

During the Movement Control Order phase in Malaysia, which was imposed last March, business suffered, but Lee says that it is slowly returning to normal. They’ve also had to change with the times and deliver dishes to offices nearby via LalaMove, a local delivery service.

As for future plans, Wong is determined to continue helping out at the stall for as long as she can. “There are customers who insist that I prepare their orders because they find that mine has a ‘familiar’ taste,” she says with a laugh. “I can’t disappoint them.” • IMBI PASAR MEE HALIA (Non-Halal) G20, ICC Pudu, Jalan 1/77C, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Opening hours: 6am – 2pm

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Text Richard Augustin Photo 123rf

For most, the aroma of fresh chicken being cooked over a hot charcoal fire wafting through the air, is rather hard to resist.

Ayam

Percik

THIS LOCAL SPIN ON BARBEQUED CHICKEN, IS A CROWD-PLEASING DISH THAT’S WORTHY OF SECONDS.

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Ingredients • 3 stalks lemongrass (crushed) • 60gm shallots (chopped) • 4 cloves garlic (chopped) • 20 gm fresh ginger (cleaned and chopped) • 20 gm fresh galangal (cleaned and chopped) • 6 dried chillies (soaked, drained and cut)

• 1 tsp chilli paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tsp turmeric powder • ½ tsp coriander powder • 120ml coconut milk • 2 tbsp peanut oil • 1 tbsp lemon juice • Salt and pepper to taste • 1kg chicken pieces (drumstick, thighs, wings)

ight markets in Malaysia never fail to impress foodies with their huge variety of food items and local flavours.

Among these dishes, ayam percik is an all-time favourite. For most, the aroma of fresh chicken being cooked over a hot charcoal fire wafting through the air, is rather hard to resist.

Instructions • For the marinade, blend together lemongrass, shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal and chillies until a smooth paste is formed. If needed, add a little water to ensure the paste isn’t too dry.

Generously marinated with herbs and spices, and grilled to perfection over hot coals, this local version of barbequed chicken is both succulent, fragrant and tantalising.

• Next, cut slits into the chicken pieces and set aside in a bowl.

Best of all, you can recreate this dish at home for your friends and family. All you need to do is to fire up the grill, and follow these simple instructions.•

• Place the paste in a bowl and stir in the chilli paste, brown sugar, turmeric and coriander powder. Mix well.

• Add the coconut milk, oil and lemon juice. Mix well until a smooth and consistent marinade is formed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

• Take half of the marinade and coat the chicken pieces, ensuring that each piece is well coated.

• Wrap with cling film and place bowl with chicken pieces in the refrigerator for a few hours.

• Put chicken pieces on the grill and cook them over a slow gradual heat, while brushing each side of the pieces with the remaining marinade every few minutes.

• Continue grilling until chicken pieces are lightly charred and cooked through. Serve.

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Text Richard Augustin Photo Tourism Malaysia

Curry Laksa

QUINTESSENTIALLY MALAYSIAN, THIS SPICY, SAVOURY AND CREAMY CURRY NOODLE SOUP WARMS THE BELLY AND TICKLES THE TASTE BUDS.

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hile there are several variations of laksa in Malaysia (and almost everyone has a favourite), perhaps the curry laksa version is one that’s more familiar to many. This fragrant coconut-based curry soup — its origins are believed to be Peranakan — is ladled over yellow noodles (or a mixture of that and rice vermicelli) and garnished with ingredients that include bean curd puffs, shredded omelette, prawns, fish balls, slice fish cake, bean sprouts, cockles, and even coagulated blood.

Finding a good bowl of curry laksa — one which gets you licking the bowl clean of soup — can prove challenging. And for some, the search goes on. But for those who want to try their hand at making this dish, here’s a recipe to get you started.

Ingredients Noodles & Garnishes • 200g yellow noodles (blanched) • 150g rice vermicelli (blanched) • 300g poached or boiled chicken meat (shredded) • 250g prawns (boiled and shelled) • 100g bean sprouts (blanched) • 100g long beans (blanched and cut into one inch pieces) • 6pcs bean curd puffs (rinsed and drained) • 2 eggs (hard boiled and cut into halves) • ½ cup fresh mint leaves • 1 lime (cut into quarters)

Spice Paste & Soup • 2 red onions (peeled and cut into pieces) • 3 garlic cloves (peeled and halved) • 1 stalk lemongrass (sliced into rings – bottom half only) • 1½-inch ginger (peeled and sliced) • 50g curry powder • ½ tsp shrimp paste • 1 tbsp chilli paste • 60ml vegetable oil • 2 pandan leaves (knotted) • 1.5 litres water • 350ml coconut milk • Salt, pepper and sugar to taste

Instructions

To Serve

• Place onions, garlic, lemongrass and ginger in a blender and blend with some water until a smooth paste is formed.

• Portion yellow noodles and rice vermicelli into four individual bowls.

• Put mixture in a bowl and stir in curry powder. Mix well.

• In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil. Add spice paste and stir-fry until fragrant. Add shrimp paste and chili paste, and continue to cook.

• Add pandan leaves, give it a quick stir and pour in water.

• Allow soup to come to a boil then lower heat and leave to simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

• Add coconut milk and continue to cook until gravy thickens slightly. Turn off heat.

• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Set aside for serving.

• Place equal amounts of shredded chicken and prawns into each bowl.

• Add vegetables and bean curd puffs.

• Pour over curry soup and garnish with egg, mint leaves and a wedge of lime. •

July 2020

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Firef ly News 51

News & Happenings

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Firefly Network

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Firefly Fleet & Service Info

New Version Of Firefly Mobile App Whether you are a frequent flyer or planning your next trip to a must-visit holiday destination, Firefly’s enhanced mobile app is a convenient, all-in-one digital travel assistant. Be alerted to amazing promotions, search for flights, manage bookings, get flight updates

and notifications, opt for contactless online check-in and get your e-boarding pass in a jiffy — with just a few taps on your smartphone. The latest version of Firefly’s enhanced mobile app can be downloaded or updated via App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR Code above.

Firefly Checklist

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My Flying Checklist Before booking my flight I’m fit to travel.

My travel documents (MyKad/MyPR/valid passport and other documents) are in order.

I’ve checked the travel updates, and departure requirements as well as arrival requirements at my destination.

Before heading to the airport If I have any symptoms, I’ll go to the doctor immediately.

I’ve packed sufficient face masks, hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes and my hygiene essentials. The Hygiene Kit is also available on baord (approach the cabin crew to obtain one).

I’ll bring my own pen to minimise contamination.

I’ll opt for web check-in and arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior to departure. Manual check-in is also available.

I will also...

Practise physical distancing.

Frequently wash my hands properly with soap and water.

Sanitise my hands before putting on my face mask.

Change to a new face mask every 4 hours, if I am wearing disposable masks.

Remember to change the filter as advised, if I am wearing a reusable mask.

Follow correct etiquette when coughing and sneezing (cover my nose and mouth, cough/sneeze into my elbow, and immediately wash/sanitise my hands afterwards).

Avoid touching my eyes, nose and mouth.

Minimise contact with high-touch surfaces and items.

Scan the displayed QR code or opt for digital check-in before entering any premise/outlet.

Fly safely and confidently with Firefly.

Download this checklist from Firefly’s website.

Firefly Safety Measures

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Fly Safely And Confidently With Firefly Download this guide from Firefly’s website

1

Pre-flight

Travel update: Check the latest travel updates from authorised sources and also on Firefly’s website: fireflyz.com.my

Booking flexibility for Fly Infinite and Corporate: For Fly Infinite or corporate programme passengers, you may enjoy unlimited changes to your booking.

Web check-in: Check-in online to minimise contact.

Domestic passengers with hand luggae may proceed to security clearance and boarding area with a mobile boarding pass. *Terms & Conditions apply

2

Airport facilities & check-in

Kiosks and check-in counters: Self-service check-in kiosks are regularly cleaned and sanitised.

Physical distancing: Floor and seat markings indicate a safe distance.

Other services: Special assistance, including wheelchairs are managed according to safety and health SOP.

4

Boarding

3

Airport lounge

Entry protocols: Temperature checks and contactless registration will be carried out.

Safety and health protocols: Temperature checks and floor/ seat markings are part of the precautionary measures.

Boarding gate: Contactless security checks and temperature checks are carried out before boarding.

Physical distancing: Admission into the boarding area might be staggered at a given time.

Document verification: Staff will verify your travel documents. Contactless boarding using mobile boarding pass is also possible for domestic flights.

Boarding process: Boarding will be done in small groups, with priority given to passengers requiring special assistance.

5

In-flight cabin

Face mask and hygiene kit: Passengers should always wear their face mask on board. Cabin crew will have their face mask on at all times. Hygiene Kit is available for passengers on board.

In-flight refreshments: Snacks are pre-packed and sealed, and beverages are served according to food hygiene standards.

Cabin cleanliness: Cleaning and sanitisation are done after every flight, while disinfection of the aircraft cabin is conducted daily, according to the SOP.

6

Arrival

Physical distancing: From disembarkation to the walkway, arrival hall, baggage collection carousel and exit, safe distancing is highly advised.

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*

Banda Aceh*

FRIENDLY VIBES A perfect pitstop between Thailand and its neighbouring resort islands, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, is a required stopover for its unique local food and culture. Read our 12-hour guide on pages 19 – 24.

Stay safe and minimise contact by opting for online check-in: 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 the Firefly Mobile app. Download the app for free from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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

This service is available to code-share passengers as well.

*

(Seletar Airport)

*Currently not available due to border closure and travel restrictions. **Correct at the time of publishing. Please visit www.fireflyz.com.my for more information.

TOURISM MALAYSIA

Kota Bharu

(Kuala Lumpur)

Net work Map

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Firefly Sales Offices & Counters SUBANG JOHOR Subang Skypark Ground Floor, Aero Mall, Terminal Senai International Ground Floor, Departure Airport, 81250 Hall Terminal 3, Sultan Johor Bahru Abdul Aziz Shah Airport TEL: +607 598 7488 47200 Subang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: TEL: +603 7846 3622 Daily; 6 am to 10 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5 am to 10 pm KEDAH Main Terminal, Sultan PENANG Abdul Halim Airport, Flight Operations Centre, 06550 Alor Setar Mezzanine Floor, TEL: +604 714 3911 Penang International OPERATING HOURS: Airport, 11900 Bayan Daily; 7 am to 8 pm Lepas TEL: +604 630 2489 LANGKAWI OPERATING HOURS: Langkawi International Daily; 5:30 am to 10 pm Airport, 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah KELANTAN TEL: +604 955 9622 Sultan Ismail Petra OPERATING HOURS: Airport, Daily; 9 am to 8 pm 16100 Kota Bharu TEL: +609 774 1377 PERAK OPERATING HOURS: Sultan Azlan Shah Daily; 5:30 am to Airport, 30350 Ipoh 9:30 pm OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 9 am to 5 pm TERENGGANU Sultan Mahmud Airport, SINGAPORE 21300 Kuala Terengganu 21, Seletar Aerospace TEL: +609 667 5377 Road 1 OPERATING HOURS: #01-03, Singapore 797405 Daily; 7 am to 9 pm TEL: +65 3158 8279 OPERATING HOURS: PAHANG Daily; 7 am to 7:30 pm Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, 25150 Kuantan INDONESIA TEL: +609 538 2911 International OPERATING HOURS: Sat to Departure Hall Mon, Wed & Thur; Sultan Iskandar Muda 9 am to 6 pm Airport Banda Aceh EMAIL: aceh@fireflyz. com.my OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 8:30 am to 5 pm

Airline’s Marketing Representative THAILAND 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 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 Selected Airport Ticket Offices KLIA Level 5, Departure Hall, Main Terminal Building Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 64000 Sepang, Selangor OPERATING HOURS: Daily; 5:30 am to 12 am 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

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

Our Fleet & Service Information

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Height

7.65m Maximum Fuel Capacity

ATR 72-500

841 Gallons Manufacturer

Avions de transport régional (ATR) No. of aircrafts

12

Passenger Seating

72 (single class) Length

On-Time Performance

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.

No-Smoking Policy

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

Lithium Batteries

Lithium metal, 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 nonspillable 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.

27.17m Wingspan

27.05m

Maximum Cruising Speed

510km/h

Maximum range with full passenger load

890 nautical miles (1648.28km) Operation Hubs

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

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.

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 2.5kg 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.

Our Fleet & Service Information

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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.

Cabin Luggage Handling

Passenger and crew safety on board 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.

Electronic Cigarettes

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

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.

# FlyFirefly

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jack_tjc

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