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New Straits Times
a day ago
- General
- New Straits Times
From labourer to timekeeper: the unsung hero behind Teluk Intan's ancient clock
THERE are moments in life when you question your choices. Today is one of them, as I find myself clinging to a narrow staircase inside the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, or Menara Condong, as it's fondly known. " Jangan takut (Don't be afraid)!" a cheerful voice floats from above. Clambering up creaky ladders and ducking under low wooden beams wasn't part of the plan. Yet here I am — gripping the railing for dear life, doing my best not to look down. Moments ago, my colleague and I had been searching for the caretaker of this tilting tower in Teluk Intan — the man responsible for winding its vintage clock once a week. Installed in 1895, the clock was imported from London and crafted by J.W. Benson, a royal clockmaker whose timepieces once graced the courts of Queen Victoria. It still runs without electricity, powered by a manual system of pulleys, weights and gears. The man behind it all is Hisham Sahak, better known as Abi, the tower's guardian who has kept the clock ticking for over 20 years. The youthful-looking 46-year-old grinned from behind the counter and without much fanfare, eagerly offered to take us to the famed clock. With a nod, he led us past the "No Entry" sign to a narrow staircase on the third floor — an area usually off-limits to the public — and urged us up the steep ladder leading to the tower's inner sanctum. It's no easy climb. We ducked beneath criss-crossing wooden beams, part of the skeletal framework of the 140-year-old tower, made of timber and brick. Every step felt like a perilous ascent through history. Following Abi feels like getting a private tour of the tower through the eyes of someone who knows every creak and corner. After more than two decades caring for this iconic landmark, his enthusiasm remains undimmed. Before leading us to the clock, he pointed to the weighted pulleys hanging from above — a vital part of the mechanism. The stainless-steel cables run from the clock on the top floor all the way to the base of the tower, descending gradually with each chime until they must be rewound. "This needs to be wound every Wednesday," he told us, gesturing to the cable linked to the weight. "If not, it drops to the bottom and the clock stops." The clock chimes every 15 minutes, each strike lowering the cable slightly. The mechanism, which has operated since 1895, runs entirely on gravity — no electricity, no automation. Winding it isn't just routine. It keeps one of Malaysia's oldest mechanical public clocks ticking with the same precision it has for over a century. SON OF TELUK INTAN For Abi, caring for the clock tower is more than just a job. As a native of Teluk Intan, he grew up with this landmark in sight — a constant part of the town's landscape and his own. "My father was a penarik beca (trishaw rider)," he recalls. His mother ran a drinks stall at a local shop, serving kopi tarik and teh tarik — staples in any Malaysian kopitiam. He recalls how, as a child, his father would often bring him to the leaning tower, where he'd wait and play beneath its shadow. It became part of his daily routine — his father would usually ferry people to the pasar besar (central market) while he lingered around the tower, a familiar playground in the heart of town. "It's hard to imagine that one day I'd be the one taking care of it!" he says, laughing heartily. Adding, he shares: "I've been seeing this tower since I was a child, and now... I'm still here. Only this time, I'm the one looking after it!" When he learns that my late father also came from Teluk Intan and studied at St Anthony's school, his face lights up. "I went there too!" he exclaims, clearly pleased by the shared connection. Abi wasn't particularly ambitious — except when it came to football. It was his passion for the sport that landed him a spot at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) in 2000. He'd joined as a general worker, but over the next two decades, his role expanded to include a wide range of duties within the council. " Saya kerja korek longkang setahun (I cleaned drains for a year). Saya buruh (I am a labourer)!" he says, adding: " Lepas tu saya ikut lori sampah, kutip sampah dua tahun (Then I rode the garbage truck and collected rubbish for two years), buat landscaping (did landscaping); saya juga mop lantai dekat medan selera bertentangan dengan Menara Condong (I mopped floors at the hawker centre opposite the Leaning Tower). Dan akhirnya, jadi penjaga menara (and eventually became the tower's caretaker)." He lists each job without a hint of embarrassment. There's something quietly admirable about his attitude. He doesn't shy away from the menial nature of the work — it's all part of the job, and he takes it in stride. "It's a job and I was happy to do it," he says, before adding drolly: "I tried my hand at everything!" But being a caretaker to an iconic building wasn't a role he ever imagined for himself. The Leaning Tower reopened to the public on April 4, 2004, following restoration works initiated by the Hilir Perak District Council to preserve its structural integrity and heritage value. That very day, as curious visitors trickled in to admire the freshly restored landmark, the responsibility of caring for the tower was quietly passed to Abi, a humble municipal worker. There was no ceremony, no speech — just a simple handover that would quietly shape the course of his working life. From that moment on, the tower became not just his duty, but a place he'd come to know like the back of his hand. CARETAKER AND GUARDIAN The then 25-year-old Abi's role had nothing to do with the tower's clock mechanism. His main responsibility was to keep the place clean, welcome visitors and ensure each person signed the guest book upon entry. "Back then it was free," he shares, adding: "You just had to write your name, and you could go in and look around." He recalls how interesting it was to meet so many different people. Visitors came from all over — some were locals from nearby towns, others were tourists from faraway places, each drawn by the mystery and charm of the iconic building. Though Abi grew up with the tower in his backyard and now works within its walls, his enthusiasm hasn't faded. "It means a lot to be a Teluk Intan native and still be working with this iconic building," he says with quiet pride. He didn't just accept the role; he embraced it fully. Keen to do more than just maintain the space, Abi took the time to learn about the tower's history and unique architecture. "It's one thing to grow up around it," he says, "but it's another to truly understand its story and what makes it special." About two months into the job, Abi started getting curious about the clock. He recalls: "Back then, we had Uncle Maniam, the caretaker in charge of it. He was close to retiring. But he didn't show me anything. He just told me, 'You learn it yourself.'" Looking back, Abi speaks without a trace of bitterness. He understands now that Maniam, already nearing the end of his career, likely believed that the best way to understand the clock was through experience. It wasn't something that could be taught in a day. You had to observe, tinker, make mistakes and slowly earn its rhythm. That kind of knowledge, the old man must have thought, could only come with patience and persistence. At the time, Maniam was merely the clock winder. Any minor repairs were handled by a local watch repair shop. "I can only teach you how to wind the clock," Maniam told him. "The rest, you'll have to figure out on your own." Then, one day, the clock stopped. Abi climbed the narrow ladder and studied the mechanism, determined to find the fault. "At first, I was reluctant to do anything because I didn't know much yet," he admits. But as he observed the gears and pulleys at work — or rather, at rest — something clicked. He spent four hours inside the cramped space, patiently inspecting every part, until he finally figured it out. That was the beginning of his journey — not just in fixing the clock, but in understanding it. By learning its inner workings, Abi discovered how to bring the clock back to life. He found that the mechanism revolved around three key components: the jantung (the heart), the kunci (the key) and the batu ladung (the weight). Each part had its role to play and together, they kept time ticking. Slowly but surely, Abi began to decode the rhythm of the old clock — one pulse, one gear, one turn at a time. " Itulah yang saya belajar! (That's what I learnt)," he says, smiling. "It took me a few months sebab saya memang berminat (because I was really interested). I wanted to understand how everything worked." He grew fascinated with the old mechanism — how each part moved in harmony, how time itself could be measured through balance and tension. Says Abi: "It's an old clock, but I learnt how to improvise and make it better. I replaced the pulleys with stainless steel ones. The old ones needed greasing all the time, like what the uncle did before. Now, with stainless steel, it runs smoother and cleaner." Abi never formally studied horology. "It'd be nice to go to London to learn from the masters," he says wistfully. " Mesti syok! (That would be awesome.)" Still, it's something he takes pride in. "This is supposed to be a technician's job, but I'm just a labourer. So yes, I'm proud that the responsibility of caring for both the tower and the clock has been entrusted to me," confides Abi. The love Abi has for Teluk Intan's most treasured landmark is clear. He shares that his wall at home is covered with photographs and etchings of the leaning tower. "I've kept old photos of the tower. Black and white ones. They're special." He pauses for a moment before continuing: "It reminds me how long the tower's been here. And why it matters that we take care of it." Abi has made sure his love for the tower is passed on to his family. He has brought his children to visit, and just like in his own childhood, the leaning tower has become a familiar part of theirs too. But when he speaks of his youngest, a shadow crosses his face. Shares Abi: "He has a lung condition. He needs the use of oxygen, sometimes all the time." It's not something he talks about lightly. "It's a challenge," he admits, adding: "The oxygen tanks, the medication, the medical bills — it's hard, especially on my salary." Then, his face brightens. "I've carried my youngest boy into the tower," he shares with a small smile. "I wanted him to see it, to be part of it." It's easy to see how much the tower means to him. As he leads us up to the clock mechanism, gently whirring behind the clock face, he gleefully shows us how to wind it. The task isn't easy. Each turn of the key takes effort and concentration. At his enthusiastic urging, we take turns winding the heavy keys. He watches with a satisfied smile. "Now that the clock's wound," he quips, adding: "I don't have to do it on Wednesday!" The descent is just as memorable. We climb carefully down the steep ladder, ducking under beams before finally stepping onto solid ground with a sigh of relief. Just before we leave, Abi pauses and looks up at the tower he's come to know so intimately. " Sejarah itu penting (history is important)," he says at last. "If we don't take care of it, it'll disappear. Without the tower, Teluk Intan wouldn't be the same. People wouldn't come. It's what makes this town special." The Menara Condong rises quietly behind us, a familiar silhouette against the sky. Next to it, the slight figure of the timekeeper stands by the entrance, waving goodbye. And just like that, you understand. Abi isn't just winding a clock. He's keeping time for a whole town, preserving its heartbeat — one tick at a time.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The moment Abi shuts Carl down in dramatic Coronation Street spoiler video
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Abi Webster (Sally Carman) tries to take control of a situation in Coronation Street soon as the chemistry between her and Carl (Jonathan Howard) continues. Carl and Abi first bumped into each other – quite literally – in the supermarket carpark, and the vibe between them was instant. Things became more complicated when they discovered that they were actually connected, with Carl's brother being Abi's husband, Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell). Though they have tried to keep their distance, it is clear there is still a spark between them. In this new video, we see the moment Abi attempts to push Carl away by saying that she wouldn't ever be interested in him. Carl admits that he can't get Abi out of his head and knows it's terrible to fancy his brother's partner, but he seemingly cannot make those feelings go away. Abi tells Carl to back off, but he seems adamant whatever they've got going on isn't going to end just yet. But is Carl right? What will happen next between him and Abi? More Trending 'She's been given this whole life with Kevin, the kids are secure, she's got a child now who's safe and she's all sorted. Her life is calm and loving, and that is something she's craved for', star Sally Carman said previously. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'But a massive part of who Abi is is dangerous. There's the addiction element; she thrives on risk-taking and danger. That part of her life, which was dormant, has now come up. There's like an animal inside her and she's absolutely fighting this with everything she's got.' 'I'm reading it [the scripts] thinking poor Kevin but I'm also thinking poor Abi because she's really fighting it, telling him to go away and leave her alone but he's just pursuing her relentlessly,' Sally teased. View More » 'Her marriage to Kevin is based on gratitude, safeness, loyalty but Carl is tempting her with something else.' MORE: All 26 Coronation Street pictures for next week as new scandal set to rock the cobbles MORE: All Coronation Street spoilers for next week as a legend waves goodbye MORE: Coronation Street confirms unexpected new love interest for Carl – and it's not Abi
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
David Jason details poignant moment long-lost daughter found out he was her dad
Only Fools And Horses legend Sir David Jason opens up about the emotional journey of learning he had a daughter he never knew existed Sir David Jason has opened up about the astonishing moment he found out, at 84, that he had a daughter he'd never known existed. The actor, best known for Only Fools and Horses, learned in 2023 that Abi Harris, born from a brief romance with actress Jennifer Hill during a 1970 production of Under Milk Wood, was his biological child. Discussing the revelation on Gyles Brandreth's Rosebud podcast, he recalled: '[Myself and Jennifer] parted our ways and we drifted apart and she got involved with someone else and married him and that was it.' Decades later, the truth emerged when Abi confronted her mother about her origins. ''That chap you call dad is not your father,'' Hill told her. Abi's shocked reply was: ''What do you mean he's not my father?'' Hill explained: ''I think you'll find your father is David Jason, because we had a fling together when we did these shows.'' Jason, though initially overwhelmed, described their eventual connection as a 'happy ever after' and welcomed Abi into his life. The emotional impact was detailed in his memoir This Time Next Year, where he confessed: 'There is the pang of sadness for those missing years, all that lost time.' He was blindsided when Abi reached out via a heartfelt letter. 'You will be unsurprised to learn that my hands were shaking by now. What had I just read? I had to go back and read the whole thing again. And then I had to read it again. And then again after that.' The letter included a request for an anonymous DNA test. 'At no point in the nearly fifty years that had gone by since then had that thought had cause to enter my head,' he wrote, admitting the idea that he could have fathered a child in 1970 had never occurred to him. Despite the initial turmoil - 'wonder and amazement, through anxiety and heartache, to fear and outright panic' - his wife Gill Hinchcliffe, with whom he shares daughter Sophie, was 'so supportive and understanding.' When Jason finally met Abi, there was an undeniable 'sense of distance,' something he called 'such a complicated thing to process, for us both.' Alongside the discovery of Abi, he also learned he had a grandson, 10-year-old Charlie. Abi, now an actress like her father, had long suspected the truth. Not only did she know of Jason's past with her mother, but she'd also noticed their shared features - especially the shape of their noses. She had grown up believing her father was Geoffrey Davion, who passed away in 1996. The reunion has since blossomed into a warm relationship. Abi and Charlie joined Jason's family for Christmas in Buckinghamshire. In a poetic twist, Abi - who has appeared in Doctor Who - even acted alongside her mother and Jason in a 2008 revival of Under Milk Wood, the very play that first brought her parents together.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Phil Salt RCBs Mr Dependable In IPL 2025: All About His Love Life With Girlfriend Abi McLaven
photoDetails english 2908135 Phil Salt smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, including a blistering 23-ball half-century — his fastest in IPL — to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) into the IPL 2025 final with an eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings. His explosive knock, backed by stellar bowling from Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood, helped RCB chase 102 in just 10 overs. Off the field, Salt's girlfriend, Abi McLaven, is gaining attention. A freelance virtual assistant skilled in digital marketing, Abi has supported Salt since 2020. Despite her low profile, their enduring bond and public moments have caught fans' interest across social media. Updated:May 30, 2025, 10:09 AM IST 1. Salt's Fastest IPL Fifty: 23 Balls of Pure Destruction 1 / 20 Phil Salt hammered a jaw-dropping 56* off 27 balls, smashing his fastest fifty in IPL history — a 23-ball blitz that buried Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. 2. RCB's X-Factor: Salt's Aggression Seals the Deal Early 2 / 20 Salt's power-hitting — including 7 fours and 2 sixes — ensured RCB chased down 102 with 10 overs to spare, storming into the IPL 2025 final with unmatched dominance. 3. Abi McLaven: Salt's Girlfriend Since 2020 3 / 20 Phil Salt and Abi McLaven have been together since 2020 — their relationship stands out for its loyalty and longevity, sparking fan curiosity on Google and Instagram. 4. Low-Key Yet Strong: A Love Story Without The Limelight 4 / 20 Unlike many WAGs in cricket, Abi prefers staying out of the spotlight, gaining admiration for her grounded presence and quiet support for Salt's career. 5. A Freelancer with a Purpose 5 / 20 Abi is a virtual assistant with expertise in content strategy, social media marketing, and business consulting — proving she's more than just a cricketer's partner. 6. Insta-Worthy Couple Moments Win the Internet 6 / 20 Abi shares glimpses of their relationship on Instagram — from travel diaries to cricket match cameos — keeping fans engaged with a peek into their personal world. 7. From the UK with Love: Her Educational Roots 7 / 20 Though Abi's exact alma mater isn't public, she hails from a strong academic background in the UK, reinforcing her independent identity beyond Salt's cricket fame. 8. Emotional Backbone Behind the Finisher 8 / 20 Salt often credits his inner circle, and Abi's steady emotional support is a major reason behind his mental focus and aggressive batting mindset during high-pressure games. 9. Fans Love Her Privacy and Grace 9 / 20 Abi McLaven's ability to maintain privacy while being a constant pillar in Salt's life has earned her fan respect, creating buzz on Reddit, Twitter, and cricket forums. 10. She's Becoming a Social Media Crush, Too 10 / 20 As Salt's stardom rises, Abi's following has grown, with 'Phil Salt girlfriend name,' 'Abi McLaven pics,' and 'Who is Phil Salt dating?' trending across search engines. 11 / 20 12 / 20 13 / 20 14 / 20 15 / 20 16 / 20 17 / 20 18 / 20 19 / 20 20 / 20
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Woman left gobsmacked by McDonald's in one of 'world's poshest countries'
A woman and property expert recently shared her experience after visiting a McDonald's eatery in Monaco - and was surprised by how different it is compared to the UK A woman from Yorkshire has given us a glimpse into what it is like to visit McDonald's in one of the world's poshest countries - and how the menu differs. When we jet off abroad, most of us are keen to sample the local grub and steer clear of eateries we can easily find back home, but it is always intriguing to see how our favourite big brands adapt their menus to cater to local tastes and traditions. Monaco is synonymous with luxury - think swanky restaurants, the Grand Prix, yachts and being the priciest city globally for property. Despite the lack of fast food giants in the country, there are two McDonald's outlets - one in Monte-Carlo and the other in Monaco-Ville. Property guru and entrepreneur, Abi Hookway, enjoys giving her Instagram followers a peek into how the other half live and sharing money-saving tips on her page @abi_hookway, where she has an impressive following of 475,000. Recently, she took us inside the McDonald's in Monaco-Ville. As she walked in, she remarked: "This looks like we could be in the UK," but she quickly spotted some notable differences on the menu. Abi was taken aback as she explored the fast food joint and noticed a bakery cabinet at the front of the counter, brimming with mouth-watering baked treats like donuts, cheesecake, muffins, cookies and macarons. "My McDonald's in Yorkshire doesn't have this does it, wow," Abi exclaimed. She was chuffed with the meal deal offering three burgers, chips and a drink for just six euros, but felt the rest of the menu didn't live up to her high expectations. "I was expecting like millionaire, letting me down a bit," she reflected. Nonetheless, she was over the moon with being able to order macarons in a branded box, an iced coffee with a dollop of cream which arrived in a recyclable plastic cup and cherished being able to sit outdoors courtesy of the substantial seating area. Upon sampling the potato wedges, Abi declared: "We need to have these in the UK." Intrigued by Abi's video, one viewer pointed out: "Also the same food in Portugal with the dessert cabinets." Echoing the sentiment, someone else posted: "They have these desert cabinets all over Germany McCafé." Another person commented, expressing their affinity for the crockery: "I love the cups and bowls. Would be great to reuse at home. I wish the UK had the same." There exists a smattering of unique McDonald's locations around the globe, with the "most beautiful" one sitting pretty in Rome, Italy. Just minutes away from the iconic Spanish Steps, this particular McDonald's greets visitors with what appears to be a sculpture of Venus herself. The world's largest McDonald's eatery is in Orlando, Florida. There is also what's deemed the"poshest" outlet in Long Island. Furthermore, New Zealand's got a McDonald's that serves up its food from a retired airliner, while, in Germany, you can even grab a McDonald's meal from a floating restaurant.
