Growing up with NST: Stories of Bukit Jalil and its people

New Straits Times

2 days ago

THE Covid-19 pandemic changed many lives in ways we never expected. For me, however, it brought a miracle of sorts.
With offices closed and movement restricted, I found myself confined at home with time on my hands. I decided to revisit my roots and write about my childhood growing up in Bukit Jalil Estate.
My maiden article recounted the annual temple prayers, a grand three-day celebration that united every estate worker and their families.
I shared the trials we faced during the devastating 1970 floods, the unexpected blessing of free chickens saved from the floodwaters, and the vibrant estate weddings, not forgetting memories of Deepavali and Ponggal celebrations.
Then there were my routine of trekking to school, helping my parents in rubber tapping and collecting firewood with my father.
I introduced all kinds of traders who frequented the estate, such as Roti Bhai, the kacang putih man, the Macam-Macam man, the Oomai Bayee cloth merchant, the tin polishing man and the man who chiselled the granite spice grinder.
Fondly remembered were the estate dispensary and the caring dresser, Rajan. I shared the spirited seven-a-side football tournaments that filled our weekends, and the much-anticipated monthly treat of MGR movies.
Through these stories, I was able to capture the spirit and resilience of a community that many Malaysians, and even overseas readers, found deeply moving.
My journey with the New Straits Times (NST) began when I met the then executive editor, Sharanjit Singh, through the kind introduction of former NST group editor Datuk Hardev Kaur.
This meeting led to the publication of my first "Estate Chronicles" article in the New Sunday Times, which detailed how the first rubber seeds came to Malaysia and the vital role Bukit Jalil Estate played in the nation's economy, especially during World War 2.
"Estate Chronicles" quickly gained in popularity. Every Sunday, my phone would ring with calls from readers eager to share their own memories or express their appreciation.
Sharanjit once told me that the column was among the most-read stories, boasting the highest number of clicks and engagement on NST's digital platforms. This recognition was deeply touching and motivated me to keep sharing the stories of Bukit Jalil and its people.
NST's generosity extended beyond words. It provided access to its fabulous collection of historical photographs, enriching my stories with visuals that brought the estate's past to life. This collaboration was a testament to NST's commitment to nurturing local voices and preserving Malaysia's heritage.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise how much NST has shaped my career and identity. From a little estate boy with a passion for writing, I have grown to contribute columns to nearly every major newspaper in Malaysia.
Bukit Jalil has transformed dramatically over the decades. Once known as Ladang Bukit Jalil, a sprawling 1,800-acre rubber plantation, it was a quiet rural area of gently sloping hills and lush greenery.
The name "Bukit Jalil" fittingly means "Majestic Hill", a nod to the beautiful terrain that offered breathtaking views over Kuala Lumpur.
In the early 1990s, the estate made way for the development of the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex, which hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games and helped transform the area into one of Malaysia's fastest-growing suburbs.
Writing about the estate's history and its people during the pandemic was more than just a nostalgic exercise. It was a way to preserve memories that might otherwise be forgotten and to share the spirit of community, resilience and hope with a wider audience. The stories of floods, festivals, football matches and everyday struggles are threads in the rich tapestry of Malaysia's multicultural heritage.
I must say that after my writings on the estate were published, many more writers began telling their stories and experiences about living and growing up in their own estate homes, too. Some have even gone further and published books on a similar theme.
I am touched and in awe for having encouraged so many others to share their life stories with the rest of the world.
I am grateful to NST for believing in these stories and for giving me the opportunity to tell them. Its unwavering support has helped turn an estate boy's memories into a shared national narrative.
Thank you, New Straits Times, for being not just a newspaper, but a partner in my lifelong passion for storytelling and for helping me contribute to the vibrant fabric of Malaysian journalism.