UTAR NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY PROJECT REPORT NAME OF NEW VILLAGE: PERMATANG TINGGI, PENANG

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1 UTAR NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY PROJECT REPORT NAME OF NEW VILLAGE: PERMATANG TINGGI, PENANG Project carried out by: Student Name Student ID Course Year / Semester 1.Non Siau Shun 13ABB01087 Banking & Finance Year 2 Sem 2 DATE OF COMPLETION: OCT 2015

2 Abstract Permatang Tinggi is located near the Penang Bridge at Penang Middle South Region. Its multi-ethnic population of approximately 3,000 comprises Chinese, Malays and Indians. Hokkien dialect is the most widely used language for communication. The Chinese villagers who form 80% of the village population are followers of different religious: Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Over the past decade, Permatang Tinggi s population has declined because many youths have out migrated to urban areas in search of better job or business opportunities. Pineapple orchards used to provide villagers with their main source of income. While these orchards are still present today, the village economy has diversified to include the rearing of poultry and frogs and small business enterprises. 1

3 PERMATANG TINGGI HISTORY Figure1: Permatang Tinggi Permatang Tinggi was established in 1952 as one of the New Villages set up under Emergency Rule in Malaya. It was part of the British authorities strategy to cut off supplies to communist insurgents and to get cooperation from the rural population. Early settlers include Wong You Mei and Lim Ting Xi. 2

4 ECONOMY Figure 2: Pineapple Orchard In the past, villagers planted pineapple as the main source of income. There are still many pineapple orchards in the village today. In fact, Permatang Tinggi is also referred to in Chinese language as Wang Lai Shan Zai. Wang Lai means pineapple while Shan Zai refers to the hills close to the village. Over the years, many villagers have switched from planting pineapples to rearing poultry. Another development is the growth of new residential areas in previously vacant land. Figure 3: Permatang Tinggi Chicken Farm There are some villagers who rear frogs in ponds near their homes. The rearing of frogs involves minimal capital expenditure but it provides a healthy income for local families. 3

5 Figure 4: Pematang Tinggi Market Figure 5: Permatang Tinggi Food Stalls Besides planting pineapples and rearing poultry and frogs, villagers also engage in small businesses such as the sale of Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Khaw Kway Tiao and Jawa Mee. These food stalls cater mainly to the demands of the villagers. 4

6 Education The Permatang Tinggi Chinese primary school (SJK (C) Permatang Tinggi) was established in At that time, it had only 10 classrooms and a teachers hostel located in wooden buildings. There were 9 teachers and 200 students. As the enrolment increased, the school s Board of Directors donated to a building fund for the construction of 3 more classrooms. In 1984, the government built a 3- storey building which included 15 classrooms, a hostel and a canteen. In 1992, a kindergarten with only 25 students was set up in the school. This is the first Chinese primary school (national type) in Penang which conducted free kindergarten education. In 1993, the school s Board of Directors raised RM70, to upgrade teaching equipment. The Board raised more funds in 1998 to provide personal computers in classrooms. As new buildings and equipment improved the education facilities in SJK (C) Permatang Tinggi, its student population grew in tandem. In 1995, there were 24 teachers and 614 students. In 2005, the numbers grew to 58 teachers and 1,168 students. Figure 6: Entrance of Permatang Tinggi Primary School 5

7 Figure 7: Permatang Tinggi Primary School s classroom Figure 8: Permatang Tinggi Primary School s Entrance Figure 9: Permatang Tinggi Primary School s Entrance 6

8 Religion, People and Culture Voluntary Fireman Figure 10: Permatang Tinggi Voluntary Fireman Team The villagers cooperate with each other to deal with problems and challenges. In fact, there is a voluntary group of about 300 villagers which assists in the safety and security of the community. This group was formed about 12 years ago. Young Men s Christian Association (YMCA) Figure 11: Permatang Tinggi s YMCA The Permatang Tinggi YMCA was established over 40 years ago and it is today one of the most active groups in the village. In 2004, it won the most Outstanding Youth League title in Penang and, in 2005 it was the Runner-up in the National Outstanding Youth League award. The aims of the YMCA are to strengthen the education of youths, to instill values of the youth organization and to build strong discipline among youths. It 7

9 encourages youth to take concrete action to cope with challenges and to contribute to society and the nation. Nursing Home in Permatang Tinggi Figure 12 : Pematang Tinggi s Nursing Home Initially, there were only 7 residents. In 1996, the Penang Welfare Society improved the facilities in this home to enhance the quality of life of its residents. Temple Figure 13: Temple The Chinese (Buddhist-Taoist) temple shown above is over 100 years old. It was only a small pavilion in the past but villagers have contributed to its expansion. 8

10 Figure 14: Pematang Tinggi s main hall Santa Maria Church Figure 15: Santa Maria Church Originally, the Santa Maria Church was located in another area in Penang. After its relocation to Pematang Tinggi, a magnificent building for the church was completed on 1 November This church is a landmark in Permatang Tinggi. 9

11 Foods Every place has its own special dished and Permatang Tinggi is no exception. Famous foods over here include Duck Porridge, Curry Puff, Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow and Laksa. Duck Porridge sweet. The duck is well seasoned with a special sauce and its meat is tender and Figure 16: Duck Porridge Curry Puff All ethnic groups in Malaysia love to eat this snack. The curry puff has crispy skin with a spicy and aromatic filling. There is a variety of filling: peanut, coconut or potato. Laksa Laksa is made of thick rice noodles, vegetables and a sour-spicy gravy. The gravy is fish-based and cucumber, mint leaves, onion and chili are added to the dish. 10

12 Home-made Cookies. The home-made cookies have a crowd of loyal customers. Yoong Tai cookies, in particular, are well known for its special flavour and its 36-year history is testament to its popularity over the years. In fact, there are many visitors who come to this village just to buy Yoong Tai cookies. Figure 17: Locally made Cookies 11

13 Challenges 1. Over the past decade, Permatang Tinggi s population has been declining. This is because many youths have migrated to urban areas in search for better employment or business opportunities. As a result, the majority also stay behind are children and the elderly. 2. There used to be a police station in this village. Unfortunately, this police station is no longer in operation a threat to future safety and security. 3. There is a small government clinic in Permatang Tinggi but it is in a relatively remote part of the village. Villagers have to meander the village s narrow roads to reach the clinic. Figure 18 & 19: Pematng Tinggi s abandoned police station 12

14 Figure 20: Pematang Tinggi s clinic Figure 21 A typical road in Pematang Tinggi Figure 22: Pematang Tinggi s Basketball court Figure 23: Pematang Tinggi s Badminton court 13

15 Recommendation The absence of a fire station and a police station needs to be dealt with. Perhaps police patrols should be more frequent. Villagers could also form voluntary groups to oversee village safety and security. In addition, I recommend that the basketball and badminton courts be repaired and properly maintained. There is also a need to keep the surrounding clean so that the children and the elderly can exercise or relax at these places. Last but not least, access to the clinic should be improved. As the current location is rather remote, directions to the clinic as well as road access need to be dealt with. Alternatively, the clinic could be relocated, if costs and other factors permit. DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this report was compiled by the University s students on voluntary basis. Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the report, the University accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions, if any, the University reserves the right to make changes on the information at any time without prior notice. Should there be any queries regarding contents of the report, please contact: Department of Soft Skills Competency Tel: ext 157 (Klang Valley Campus) ext 2297/2299 (Perak Campus) 14