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The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Tradition comes before rising costs
Just the right amount of everything: Quah will not compromise on traditional taste when making her glutinous rice dumplings. —KT GOH/ The Star GEORGE TOWN: Despite the rising prices of ingredients, rice dumpling maker Quah Eng Hwa will never compromise on its traditional taste. The 75-year-old ensures her dumplings – also known as chang in Hokkien and zong zi in Mandarin – are packed with the requisite ingredients. These include glutinous rice, pork belly, dried mushrooms, salted egg yolk, chestnut and dried shrimp, which are seasoned with five-spice powder, soy sauce and sugar. It is then wrapped in bamboo leaves in a pyramid shape. The rice dumplings are a staple during the Dragon Boat Festival. Also known as Duan Wu Festival, it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls tomorrow. 'I've been making bak chang for more than 20 years and cannot imagine reducing the portion of ingredients as that would affect the taste. 'The recipe comes from my mother. It's been passed down the family for generations and I don't want to break the tradition,' Quah said. She said that relatives and friends will order her dumplings, adding that it is not for commercial sale. Even so, good word-of-mouth means the orders come pouring in. In most years, the demand can exceed a thousand pieces. As a result, she had to rope in her daughter Jolene Chee, 45, to help. Oftentimes, Chee's own children also lent a hand with simpler tasks, making it a multi-generational effort. They do it all from their residence in George Town. The family only produces two types – the traditional version with pork belly, and an alternative with chicken for those who prefer lean protein. 'This year, we only accepted orders for about 400 pieces and did not do any promotion on social media. 'It's quite time-consuming and labour-intensive. But hearing the good feedback from everyone makes it all worthwhile. 'Most of those who order say ours is one of the better bak changs available because of the traditional taste, and that keeps them coming back for more every year. 'You need all the ingredients in the proper ratios for the correct taste. 'For example, without the proper amount of pork belly, you won't get the rich flavour,' Quah said. The mother and daughter duo never imagined their bak chang becoming popular. 'In the beginning, I only made it for the household and shared some extras with neighbours. 'They liked it and word spread; more people wanted to try it and things just took off from there,' Quah added.
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
Taiwan reconnects with Malaysians through ‘Waves of Wonder' travel fair
Off to a good start: The Waves of Wonder Taiwan Travel Fair officially launched in Penang for a three-day showcase. – Photos by KT GOH/ The Star TAIWAN, which has been ranked the third most Muslim-friendly destination among non-OIC (Organisations of Islamic Co-operation) countries, is stepping up efforts to attract Malaysian tourists with the return of the Taiwan Travel Fair - Waves of Wonder to Penang after a break of a few years. Held at Queensbay Mall from now to May 18, the three-day fair is part of a major promotional push by the Taiwan Tourism Administration, bringing together 57 delegates from 26 organisations including hotel groups, theme parks and travel associations. Themed 'Railway Tourism' with the slogan 'Come to Taiwan for a Drink', the fair features a life-sized replica of the Haifeng Train (Sea Breeze Train), promoting scenic rail travel along Taiwan's coastlines. Visitors checking out the travel fair, eager to explore the sights, tastes and travel deals. With Muslim tourists forming a growing segment of Taiwan's visitors, a dedicated Taiwan Tourism Workshop was also held earlier and attended by over 100 local travel agents. Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur director Abe Chou noted, 'Last year, we welcomed some 460,000 visitors including many Muslims from Malaysia. 'Our 'Salam Taiwan' campaign in Malaysia shows we are ready as we have more than 400 halal-certified restaurants and hotels and numerous prayer facilities across the country.' Influencers like Wei Hong (with over 500,000 followers), Jing Jing and TV anchor Chen Jia-Rong (Ah Rong) were invited to the fair to share their Taiwan experiences, and inspire more Malaysians especially the large ethnic Chinese community in Penang to rediscover the island. Over the weekend, visitors to the fair can enjoy DIY crafts, taste Taiwanese delicacies such as tofu pudding and teas, and catch live shows by award-winning performers like the Diabolo Walker, a troupe awarded six gold medals in the Taiwan National Sports Games, and nose flute artist Gilra Gilrao. Event staff welcoming visitors with goodie bags and sharing information about Taiwan's travel highlights. The fair also promotes Taiwan's new tourism brand 'Taiwan – Waves of Wonder' and last year, seven sites and two eco-friendly tourism operators made the Top 100 Green Destinations list. Head of Taiwan's economic and cultural office in Malaysia Phoebe Yeh, said Taiwan offers something for everyone from scenic mountains like Jade Mountain (3,996m) for nature lovers to a nine-day cycling route over a 900km loop for adventure seekers. 'Travel on the Haifeng Train and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfortable coaches,' she added. Exclusive travel gifts await visitors who book their trips between now and May 18, during the fair where eight travel company booths and 26 Taiwanese representatives are showcasing tourism products and packages.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Out of office and into the outdoors
Work hard, play hard: Families enjoying their holiday at Miami Beach in Batu Ferringhi. — KT GOH/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Families took full advantage of the Labour Day break by heading to the parks and beaches to unwind, bond and enjoy the outdoors with loved ones and friends. Children had fun as they splashed in swimming pools, while adults soaked in the sun and sea breeze, turning it into a well-spent day for all. At the City Park swimming pool, factory worker Haikal Ishak, 33, was enjoying the day with his two young children, aged four and five. 'It's quality time with my kids while my wife is at home with our seven-month-old child. 'We'll head to the beach later,' said Haikal, who lives in Tanjong Tokong. Haikal said he decided to enjoy the day with his children as the weather was perfect for an outing. Intan Abdul Halim, 41, from Air Itam, arrived early at the pool with her husband and their four children, ages 17, 13, eight and six. 'The pool is always a hit with the kids, and being outdoors is much better than being stuck in front of the TV. 'We're planning a hike next, then we'll wrap up the day with dinner before heading home,' said Intan, who is a hospital staff worker. For Amirul Pakiruddin, 33, the public holiday was a rare chance to enjoy time with his wife and their two young children, aged three and four. 'I'm usually caught up with work, so a day like this is precious,' he said, adding that the family planned to hit the beach after being at the pool. Amirul, who is working in a private company, also said that he enjoys taking a stroll along the beach and enjoying some tasty food at the Tanjung Bungah hawker stalls. Alex Tan, 38, from Bayan Baru, brought his three-year-old son to the park while his wife stayed home with their newborn. 'My friends joined us too. 'It's heartening to see so many families out and about. 'I don't get much time off, so being here gives me a chance to unwind,' said Tan, who is working in a multinational corporation. Later in the afternoon, the beaches at Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi were bustling with people enjoying a dip in the water or lounging on the sand, fully embracing the sun-drenched day.
The Star
28-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Ten-day Wesak celebration in Penang begins May 3
(From left to right) Lim, Penang Wesak Celebration 2025 assistant honorary secretary Ven Fa Zun as well as vice-chairmen Ven Kai Ning and Teh Lai Heng looking at lotus-themed paper crafts on display during the press conference. — KT GOH/The Star The annual Penang Wesak Celebration 2025 will feature craft-making, float procession and lotus-themed exhibition. This year's theme is 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony'. Event festivities will start with an opening ceremony to be held at 6.30pm on May 3 at the Lim Poon Kim Memorial Hall in the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) along Jalan Burma, George Town. The bathing of the Buddha statue ritual will be performed daily until May 12. There will also be an MBA float procession. The lotus-themed exhibition from May 3 to 12, will showcase calligraphy, paintings, presentations and other Buddhist items. On May 3 and 4, two Sri Lankan monks will perform live demonstrations of the ancient Buddhist art forms of ola leaf (palm leaf) manuscript engraving. For those wanting to learn various lotus-themed crafts, there will be a craft workshop using origami methods and eco-friendly paper. The 10-day event is an initiative by the state government, organised by MBA. It is supported by Penang Harmony Corporation. This year, the celebration is co-organised by Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia, Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia and various temples and Buddhist organisations in Penang. State social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the celebration, with breaks during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'It was initiated by the state government and organised by MBA in 2012. 'Over the past decade, we have not only witnessed the unity of the Buddhist community but how kindness and positive energy can connect religion with society,' she said during a press conference at MBA. Lim, who is also Penang Wesak Celebration 2025 deputy chairman, explained that the lotus is a symbol of purification and enlightenment in Buddhism. This inspired this year's exhibition theme 'Untouched by water like the lotus, and unattached like the sun and moon that does not linger in the sky'. She added that the lotus theme serves as a reminder that, even amid worldly distractions, people can still maintain clarity and peace of mind. 'Whether you are coming to bathe the Buddha, admire the lotus exhibition, or enjoy the float procession, it is a wonderful chance to experience Buddhist values.' For more information, visit 'Penang Wesak Celebration Day 2025' Facebook page. Wesak Day this year falls on May 12.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Prices soar but gold still tops investment
Precious metal: Lee showing gold bars with 99.99% purity at Komtar. — KT GOH/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Buy low, sell high; buy high, sell higher. It almost seems like this is the motto of gold buyers who are still investing in the precious metal despite soaring prices. 'There is no 'highest' as it will only go higher,' said gold jewellery trader Lee Theam Loong here. The 55-year-old said while many customers have walked in to sell their gold to get a good return on their investments, others are buying for the future. 'Price of gold was RM410 per gram in February and on April 24 it was priced at RM460 per gram. 'Just days earlier, it went up to RM490 per gram. 'I remember the days when it was only RM39 per gram in the early 1990s,' he added. Lee said many of those seeking to invest were buying gold in the form of bars with 99.99% purity, while the sellers mostly brought jewellery pieces that they had kept for years. 'Locals and foreigners are cashing in on their gold jewellery, especially those whose children need money for schooling. 'They lose about 10% in value by reselling, but the high prices ensure they get good returns,' he said. Jewellery shop supervisor Mashitah Md Ishak, 46, said most women customers prefer gold in 91.6% purity, also known as 916 gold, for jewellery. 'The gold price was just RM198 per gram about five years ago, but it is now RM470 per gram. 'With the rapid appreciation in gold value, many do not mind buying gold jewellery to resell later. 'Many new jewellery designs are being produced due to the increase in demand,' she said.
