NST Online: StreetsJohor
NST Online: StreetsJohor |
| Posted: 26 Jun 2011 11:04 AM PDT ADMIRABLE CHENG HO2011/06/26 An exhibition honours the Chinese admiral whose exploits preceded that of European explorers such as Columbus THE epic journeys of Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng Ho should serve as an inspiration to the modern generation, especially youths. Making a total of seven voyages between 1405 and 1433, Cheng Ho's journeys weren't aggressive expeditions to conquer other lands, but attempts to forge peaceful ties with other nations.
His mission, like theirs, was driven by a desire to expand trade and discover new worlds, but while the Western powers linked trade to territorial acquisition, Cheng Ho focused on trade ties based on diplomatic relations premised on respect for sovereignty. Cheng Ho visited more than 30 countries in Asia and Africa in his voyages. In Malaysia, he visited Malacca, Kelantan and Pahang.
The museum has an average of 25,000 visitors a month, according to International Zheng He Society president Dr Tan Ta Sen. At the Legacy of Admiral Cheng Ho's Expedition and its Impact on Asia exhibition, which kicked off at the Sutera Mall in Johor Baru on June 18, visitors can gain a wealth of knowledge about the voyages of exploration by the famed explorer who was a Muslim born in the Yunnan province of China in 1371.
The power and size of the ships were the best in the world at the time. Studies reveal the fleets could make a formation resembling a flying swallow. Each voyage consists of about 200 ships with a crew of more than 27,000. Visitors can also buy a book compiled in conjunction with the event. Priced at RM15 per copy, it gives intricate details of Cheng Ho's travels. According to the book, the voyages were politically motivated as well as diplomatic in nature to promote foreign trade. It also disseminated the Chinese culture and promoted cultural exchange between China and Afro-Asian nations. It was also to conduct scientific maritime exploration in uncharted frontiers. Cheng Ho brought back to China many foreign elements which enriched the Chinese culture. Among them were produce from Southeast Asia, consisting mainly of spices and medicinal herbs as well as birds' nest from Borneo. Among the medicinal plants he brought back were the wugu tree, cherry apple, and gaharu wood. His returning ships were also laden with spices such as laka wood, sandalwood, lavender incense, cloves and pepper. Meanwhile, Chinese perfumes such as musk, camphor and rhubarb were introduced to foreign folk through the exchange of trade. Cheng Ho also spread traditional Chinese therapy such as acupuncture, detachable stove chimney, therapeutic baths and massages to Southeast Asia. Sutera Mall senior centre manager Goh Lak Jin, who was at the opening ceremony, said they are targeting for 100,000 visitors to attend the month-long event. "Many of our exhibits and the miniature replica of ships were sourced from the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum," said Goh. "Sutera Mall staff spent half a year gathering the details and historical background concerning Cheng Ho and his expeditions for the visitors. "We want to educate students about the expeditions of the Chinese explorer and have sent out letters of invitation to all primary and secondary schools in Johor Baru in the hope that they would visit the exhibition ," he said. Goh added that the organisers, comprising Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd and Sutera Mall, have also lined up a series of competitions for primary and secondary school students. These included Chinese calligraphy, speeches, and Chinese chess and photography. There will also be cultural performances and talks by researchers from Malaysia, Singapore and China. The event was declared open by Pengkalan Rinting state assemblyman Chia Song Cheng. Also present were Federation of Tiong Hua Association Johor Baru deputy president Tan Liang Soong and Johor state education department Chinese language deputy director Lee Gek Ser. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Wild animals endangering motorists Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:52 AM PDT Wild animals endangering motorists2011/06/26 THE management of the Senai-Desaru Expressway has been urged to fence the highway to prevent wild animals from crossing it. It is learnt that the wild animals were commonly spotted at night. A couple in a car almost rammed into a wild boar just three kilometres before the Penawar toll plaza about 3am recently.
"I was driving at 80kph when a wild boar darted across the road. To avoid hitting it, I swerved but lost control of my vehicle. "Luckily, there wasn't any vehicles in the opposite direction, otherwise we could have been killed," he said.
Mohd Aruf said fencing the highway would help prevent wild animals from encroaching on it. "I slowly drove to the toll plaza but my plea for compensation from the toll operator was rejected," he claimed, estimating the damage to his vehicle at RM2,000.
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