Latest news with #ChungTingBun
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
At 80, man realises lifelong dream with towering ship replica in Pulau Raya
TANAH MERAH: At the age of 80, former farmer Chung Ting Bun has fulfilled his lifelong dream by building a three-storey replica of a ship near his home in Pulau Raya. He said the construction of the replica is a tribute to his great-grandfather, a Chinese immigrant who settled in the area more than five decades ago. The father of four said he began constructing the 10-metre-high structure in 1999 to commemorate the legacy of his great-grandfather, Chung Chun Seng, who first arrived in Pulau Raya in 1970. He said the project, located about 300 metres from his house, was a personal endeavour into which he poured thousands of ringgit from his own savings. With the help of several friends, Chung used concrete to craft the intricate replica, deliberately leaving it unpainted and unadorned to preserve an authentic, weathered appearance. "The design is meant to reflect history as it was – raw and real," he told the New Straits Times. Adding a unique twist, Chung built a small replica of an aeroplane on the top level of the ship, symbolising his ancestor's connection between Malaysia and China. "This replica is more than just a structure. "It's a tribute to my great-grandfather, who first landed here by ship and later travelled back and forth to China by plane. "It tells a story that I want future generations in our village to remember," he added. Chung hopes the replica will one day serve as a tourist attraction in Pulau Raya, complementing the village's proud legacy as the birthplace of the famed durian kunyit variety. "I hope this becomes one of the new attractions in our village," he said, beaming with pride.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Life off the grid: Pulau Raya residents embrace simplicity and unity
TANAH MERAH: Pulau Raya, once home to just 30 Chinese residents, has seen its population grow to nearly 50, now including several Malay families who have settled there in recent years. Accessible only by a single bridge linking it to Kampung Jelatok, the island remains a close-knit community. Great-grandson of the island's founder, Chung Ting Bun, 80, said it was once a dense jungle before his ancestor and a few companions from China arrived some 200 years ago. "My grandfather told me that our ancestors and his friends came from China and decided to settle here. "Over time, they cleared the land and established a small community, which eventually became known as Pulau Raya," said Chung, a fruit farmer and father of four. Initially, he said, only a few Chinese families lived on the island. "Life was tough and remains challenging because we're far from town and have limited access to basic services. "But over the years, some Malay families have moved in, and our community has slowly grown. "We will soon get a new bridge connecting our village to the nearest town," he said. Today, about 50 families call the island home, he said. He said most villagers work as fruit farmers, cultivating orchards that produce durian, duku and dokong. "The produce is sold in the nearby town of Tanah Merah, about a 10-minute drive away," he said. A recent check found that the island still lacks essential facilities such as a clinic, school or bank. All medical appointments, shopping and other necessities must be done in Tanah Merah. Despite the challenges, residents here take pride in their harmonious lifestyle and strong sense of community.
