Janda Baik

Want to Stay at Janda Baik?

2010-11-23T21:05:00.007+08:00

Many people have sent email to me asking about where to stay in Janda Baik. You can also check at this link:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Janda_Baik

There are many beautiful places at Janda Baik, be it at the riverside (D'Ark Resort, Seri Pengantin Resort, Samrah) or on the hillside (Saufiville Boutique Resort, Cherengin Hills Convention & Spa Resort). Places with fishpond are also among the many attractions eg. Centella Asiatica Resort:
- Cellphone: +012 3867 957, +012 3816 024
Fax: +03 5637 7585
E-Mail: centellaasiatica@gmail.com

Be away from the cosmopolitan city for a break at this picturesque small valley with streams and cool fresh mountain air.

Welcome to Janda Baik!

I found Bali in Janda Baik!

2010-10-27T20:27:00.008+08:00

There are more and more resorts and chalets coming up in Janda Baik. It's becoming like Langkawi. Resorts and chalets at every corner. Among all of the resorts and chalets in Janda Baik, I found one place that has so much of Balinese style in the set up. See it for yourself!

For more info, you can visit: http://www.amanrimba.com and contact:

Izham Abdullah +6012 806 9955
email: izham@amanrimba.com

Galeri Buah Tangan in Janda Baik

2010-07-02T21:51:00.008+08:00

Recently I met someone through Facebook because he found my blog regarding Janda Baik. Then I just found out that he's opening a shop at Janda Baik selling some oil paintings. That's interesting! You can find out more details from this link:

Facebook | Gudang Seni's Photos - PAINTINGS

If you want to ask for the gallery, just ask for kedai Haji Latif, a sundry shop. The gallery is just opposite kedai Haji Latif, next to Kem Maninjau.

Visit the link for better pictures.

Looking forward to visit the shop!

Nur Zaharah Welfare Home, Janda Baik- their new home

2010-06-14T21:25:00.014+08:00

BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH

Lot 27797 Kg Sum Sum Hilir, Janda Baik

28750 Bentong

Pahang Darul Makmur

Tel/Faks: 09 233 0405 / 012 627 1549

PROFILE

BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH, JANDA BAIK

(Nur Zaharah Welfare Home, Janda Baik)

Introduction

At the time when people are racing for success, luxury and wealth in life, there are still people who are unable to improve their life. And at the moment when other people are living happily with their beloved families, there are people who are loveless. Verily BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH (BANZ) has been formed with multi objectives, among others are to help the poor people, to give new hope to the orphans, to give education and better standard of living to those in need.

History of Formation

It was formed on 1 May 2005, and officially opened on 1 December 2005. The home has been founded by YBhg Datin Norjan Noor. The fact is, residents of BANZ consist of various kinds of background such as orphan, poor child, victim of child abuse, raped victim etc. Mostly accepted cases are from State and District Welfare Department’s and also individual’s reports. We have many cases from various districts and states like Raub, Bentong, Karak, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Johor, Perlis and etc.

Total of Residents and Staff

As of to date there are 51 residents i.e. 15 male and 36 female aged from 5 to 20 year old and managed by 8 permanent staff.

Segregation Based on Background

Below is the list of residents segregation according to case:

No.	Case	Total No.
1.	Orphans	16
2.	Poor children	27
3.	Victim of divorce	3
4.	Raped child	1
5.	Abused child	4
	Total	51

Segregation Based on Education Level

Below is the list of residents segregation based on education level:

No.	Education Level	Total No.
1.	Secondary School	24
2.	Primary school	24
3.	Tahfiz	1
4.	College	2
	Total	51

Tragedy

On 24 April 2007 Monday 7:00 pm, a residence that we had rented for 2 months at Kg Sungai Lampin, Janda Baik, was totally burned down due to short circuit. After the fire that caused a total loss to us, contribution and donation from local community had helped us to survive our daily needs and a temporary place to stay.

Home for Male Residents

After the fire incident, we were given a new home by somebody (in the name of Allah) at Lot 5559 Kg Chemperoh, Janda Baik. We are allowed to stay there for indefinite period at no charge. But we have to repair the house at our own cost. This place is now a home for male residents because our permanent home can only accommodate the female residents.

Home for Female Residents

The permanent hostel has been occupied in mid-August 2008 situated at Lot 27797 Kg Sum Sum Hilir, Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang, on 1.5 acres land. This complex consist of 1 double-storey and 1 single-storey hostel buildings, 1 single-storey office building and one multi-purpose wakaf. The complex can accommodate 50 people. As of to date there are 36 female residents live at this hostel. A surau has also been completed in year 2009.

Financial Source

The financial source of BANZ is from donation by individuals, associations and private companies. We welcome donation from all sources to help us support the monthly expenses that reached RM25,000.00 per month.

Donation

Donations in cash or kinds can be contributed directly to BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH JANDA BAIK. Contribution by cheque can be send to this account:

1) BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH BENTONG (BANZ), PAHANG

– MayBank account no. 5647 2610 0594

Contributors to this home will get income tax exemption under Section 44(6), Income Tax Act 1967 (see attached letter from LHDN). We also welcome all contributions whether in cash, food supplies, clothes, labour and etc.

They rear goats to get some income for the Home

The Bahasa Malaysia Translation

PROFAIL

BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH, JANDA BAIK

Their new surau

Pendahuluan

Di saat manusia berlumba-lumba mencari kejayaan, kemewahan dan kekayaan dalam kehidupan, masih ada lagi insan-insan yang tidak berkemampuan untuk mengubah kehidupan mereka. Dan di saat orang lain bahagia di samping keluarga tercinta, ada insan-insan yang ketandusan kasih sayang. Justeru itu BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH (BANZ) ini ditubuhkan dengan pelbagai objektif, antaranya ialah untuk membantu golongan miskin, memberi sinar baru kepada anak yatim, memberi pendidikan yang sempurna dan taraf hidup yang lebih baik kepada mereka yang memerlukan.

Sejarah Penubuhan

Ditubuhkan pada 1 Mei 2005, dan dibuka secara rasminya pada 1 Disember 2005. Badan ini diasaskan oleh YBhg Datin Norjan Noor. Secara faktanya, penghuni yang menetap di BANZ terdiri daripada pelbagai latar belakang, di antaranya anak yatim, anak miskin, mangsa dera, mangsa rogol dan sebagainya. Kebanyakan kes yang diterima adalah daripada laporan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Daerah dan Negeri serta orang perseorangan. Kes-kes yang terdapat di sini adalah dari pelbagai daerah dan negeri seperti Raub, Bentong, Karak, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Johor, Perlis dan lain-lain lagi.

Jumlah Penghuni dan Kakitangan

Setakat ini jumlah penghuni adalah seramai 51 orang: 15 lelaki dan 36 perempuan berumur dari 5 hingga 20 tahun, dan dikendalikan oleh 8 orang petugas tetap.

Pecahan Penghuni Mengikut Latar Belakang

Berikut adalah senarai pecahan penghuni mengikut kes:

Bil.	Kes	Jumlah
1.	Anak-anak Yatim	16
2.	Anak-anak Miskin	27
3.	Mangsa Perceraian	3
4.	Kes Rogol	1
5.	Kes Dera	4
	Jumlah semua	51

Pecahan Mengikut Tahap Pendidikan

Bil.	Tahap Pelajaran	Jumlah
1.	Sekolah Menengah	24
2.	Sekolah Rendah	24
3.	Tahfiz	1
4.	Kolej	2
	Jumlah semua	51

Tragedi

Pada 24 April 2007 Isnin jam 7:00 malam, penempatan yang kami sewa selama 2 bulan terletak di Kg Sungai Lampin, Janda Baik, telah hangus dijilat api akibat litar pintas. Semuanya ranap menyembah bumi dan kami hanya tinggal sehelai sepinggang. Selepas kebakaran tersebut, bantuan dan sumbangan penduduk tempatan telah membantu menampung keperluan harian dan penempatan sementara untuk kami.

Penempatan Penghuni Lelaki

Selepas tragedi, seorang hamba Allah telah memberikan kami penempatan baru di Lot 5559 Kg Chemperoh, Janda Baik. Tempat ini diberi pinjam secara percuma tanpa had jangka waktu tertentu. Tetapi kami terpaksa memperbaiki rumah ini dengan perbelanjaan sendiri. Sekarang kami menempatkan penghuni lelaki di penempatan ini kerana penempatan tetap kami hanya dapat memuatkan penghuni perempuan sahaja.

Penempatan Penghuni Perempuan

Penempatan Asrama yang tetap telah didiami pada pertengahan Ogos 2008 beralamat di Lot 27797 Kg Sum Sum Hilir, Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang di atas tanah seluas 1.5 ekar yang diwakafkan. Kompleks asrama ini mengandungi bangunan asrama 2 dan 1 tingkat, sebuah pejabat 1 tingkat dan sebuah wakaf serba guna. Bangunan ini boleh memuatkan 50 orang penghuni. Setakat ini penghuni yang menetap di asrama ini adalah seramai 36 orang yang terdiri daripada penghuni perempuan sahaja. Sebuah surau juga telap siap dibina dalam tahun 2009.

Sumber Kewangan

Sumber kewangan BANZ ini adalah dari sumbangan orang perseorangan, persatuan-persatuan dan syarikat-syarikat persendirian.

Pihak kami amat mengalu-alukan sumbangan dari semua pihak bagi membantu menampung perbelanjaan yang mencecah RM 25,000.00 setiap bulan.

Sumbangan

Segala bentuk sumbangan sama ada tunai atau cek boleh disalurkan terus kepada:

BADAN AMAL NUR ZAHARAH BENTONG (BANZ), PAHANG

No. Akaun Maybank: 5647 2610 0594

Badan ini juga mendapat pelepasan cukai pendapatan kepada penderma di bawah Seksyen 44(6), Akta Cukai Pendapatan 1967. Pihak kami juga mengalu-alukan bantuan dan sumbangan dari semua pihak dalam pelbagai bentuk sama ada kewangan, makanan, pakaian, tenaga dan lain-lain.

Kebun sayur organik sebagai sumber pendapatan

Elektrisola 13th Annual Dinner at GICC

2009-05-12T15:53:00.008+08:00

Our latest activity in Elektrisola was our 13th Annual Dinner at Genting International Convention Centre (GICC) at Genting Highlands. For the first time in Elektrisola Malaysia's history, an annual dinner was held a Grand Ballroom. Almost 900 employees and their spouses attended the dinner. Our Managing Director, Mr Thilo J. Westerhausen also launched Elektrisola's latest project ie. 6S Program.

Normally it's only 5S. But at Elektrisola Malaysia, we have 6S. For companies which are used to 5S, sure they understand what are the 5S. The 6th S is Safety. This is the beauty at Elektrisola. Employer cares for employees in every aspects. The employer try to give the very best working condition to its employees.

Picasa Web Albums - azmiasis10 - Elektrisola

All of us had enjoyed the dinner. Anuar Zain was the invited artist. Grand prize for the lucky draw was a motorcyle. There were more than 200 lucky draw prizes. As usual, I never won any lucky draw. But I just celebrated my 10th anniversary working at Elektrisola on 19th April 2009 and I'm enjoying working with Elektrisola.

Thank you Elektrisola!

Charity Dinner organized by Nur Zaharah Orphanage

2008-09-01T10:09:00.006+08:00

Today is the first Ramadhan for the Muslim calendar this year 1429 Hijrah and all Muslims start fasting. During the fasting month, whatever good deed we do, will be rewarded in even more.

The orphanage in Janda Baik needs to raise some fund to complete their new home so that they can start their operation at the new place.

In order to raise the fund, a charity dinner will be held at:

Grand Mahkota Ballroom
Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
on 20 October 2008

Guest artists: ANUAR ZAIN & MISHA OMAR

You can contribute and enjoy the show!

The dinner table starts from RM5,000.00 for a table of 10 paxs.

If you wish to contribute to Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah, you can contact the following:

Datin Norjan 012 291 2430
Hj. Lokman 019 315 9377
En. Yahya 012 627 1549
Mr. Khoo Joo Suat 017 695 2868 / 03 2300 2573

Or you can visit them at:

Badan Amal Nur Zaharah
Lot 5559 Kg Cemperoh
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur

As a good corporate citizen, Elektrisola (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in Janda Baik has done it's part. The MD, Mr Thilo Westerhausen has agreed to buy one dinner table. I'm happy that my employer has contributed to the orphanage.

No matter how small our contribution is, it will be highly appreciated!

FIRE AT JANDA BAIK ORPHANAGE

2007-09-21T21:05:00.001+08:00

FIRE AT JANDA BAIK ORPHANAGE

On 23/04/2007, there was a fire at Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah, believed to be caused by a short circuit due to lightning that striked during a very bad weather. This has resulted in the orphanage being burned down to the ground. It was reported that the fire started from a room when all the residents were having their dinner. The patrons of the orphanage are YBhg Dato’ Nik Mahmud and his wife YBhg Datin Norjan.

Elektrisola’s FFRS is the first to arrive at the location, unfortunately the fire engine could not go closer to the house because of the very narrow bridge. They have to use portable pump to put the fire off. Unfortunately, the fire spread very fast and destroyed everything within less than 10 minutes. The victims were left with nothing, but we were grateful that there was no lost of life reported. There are 16 residents of the orphanage from the age of 8 months to 16 years old, together with a number of staff who manage the home. They have been placed temporarily at Puan Ainon Mohamad’s place.

KSSE therefore, launched an emergency fund collection to help ease the burden of the orphans. We managed to collect RM2,019.00 and Mr. Thilo J. Westerhausen, EM’s Managing Director was thoughtful to top up the amount to become RM5,000.00 in total as a contribution from KSSE and EM. Besides the cash, contribution in the form of clothes and other goods for daily use were also collected. We thank all the EM community for your kindness and concern. May God bless you for all your kind contributions.

Translated by: Norlia Jaafar

KEBAKARAN RUMAH ANAK-ANAK YATIM DI JANDA BAIK

Pada petang 23/04/2007, satu kebakaran yang dipercayai berpunca dari litar pintas akibat panahan petir berikutan cuaca buruk telah melanda Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah. Ini mengakibatkan seluruh kediaman mereka musnah sama sekali. Kebakaran dilaporkan bermula dari sebuah bilik, di mana para penghuni pada masa itu sedang menikmati juadah makan malam. Rumah kebajikan ini adalah di bawah naungan YBhg Dato’ Nik Mahmud dan isterinya YBhg Datin Norjan.

Pasukan FFRS Elektrisola yang pertama tiba di lokasi kebakaran tetapi malangnya kereta bomba tidak dapat masuk hingga ke rumah tersebut kerana jambatan yang sempit. Mereka terpaksa menggunakan pam mudah-alih untuk memadam api tersebut. Malangnya api merebak dengan begitu pantas dan memusnahkan segalanya dalam masa kurang dari 10 minit. Walaupun tinggal sehelai sepinggang, namun kita bersyukur kerana tiada kemalangan jiwa dilaporkan. Penghuni-penghuni rumah tersebut yang berjumlah 16 orang berumur di dalam lingkungan 8 bulan ke 16 tahun, bersama beberapa orang pekerja yang menguruskan rumah tersebut ditempatkan di penempatan sementara kepunyaan Puan Ainon Mohamad di Janda Baik.

Sehubungan dengan itu pihak Kelab Sukan dan Sosial Elektrisola (KSSE) telah melancarkan derma kilat bagi meringankan beban anak-anak yatim tersebut. Sejumlah RM2,019.00 telah berjaya dikumpulkan dan Pengarah Urusan Elektrisola Malaysia (EM), Tuan Thilo J. Westerhausen telah berbesar hati untuk menambahkan jumlah ini menjadikannya RM5,000.00 sebagai sumbangan dari KSSE dan EM. Di samping wang tunai, sumbangan berbentuk pakaian dan kelengkapan harian turut diperolehi. Jutaan terima kasih diucapkan kepada semua warga EM yang begitu bermurah hati dan prihatin. Semoga Tuhan merahmati segala jasa baik anda.

Pic: Cleaning the new temporary orphanage home

Ditulis oleh: Maziawati Ismail

What Carlos says about Janda Baik

2007-03-11T01:19:00.000+08:00

Not far from Kuala Lumpur but away from the urban rush of the city, surrounded by countless hills covered with the luxurious green of beautiful secular vegetation and crossed by a number of small jungle streams that sometimes turn into wild rivers after the pouring afternoon rain… Janda Baik spreads itself, as if hiding in the middle of the nature.

It is quite a wide and spacious village with plenty of green, amidst which the most simple houses can be found besides extraordinary mansions, which I believe, might be just weekend retreats for those, who can afford escaping the stress of the city and come here, to forget the world and hear the wind whisper softly with thousand tongues, on top of the trees.

Nature has been very generous with Janda Baik and offers nice places to relax and exercise.

As for myself, I like jungle tracking and hiking in the area and have seen beautiful spots with centenary trees and cooling waterfalls.

And for the best of all, I love to cycle on the winding and hilly roads around here, enjoy the healthy benefits of the “except for the motorbikes” clean and oxygen rich air.

In this fast moving material world, time seems not to matter much in Janda Baik and I hope, it will be able to continue to find the balance between progress and nature….

I hope the occasional noisy morning fights of ape family’s, as well as the songs of countless birds and insects and the remarkable screams of the Hornbills, will continue to borrow a sense of wildlife to the local atmosphere and be a reliable wake up call in the early hours of each new day.

And I hope, Janda Baik will not change much in the next years to come, as it hasn’t changed much for the last 10 years I’ve lived here!...

Article and photos from: Carlos Bizarro

Orphanage Home Janda Baik in a new place

2007-03-04T01:23:00.000+08:00

Saturday morning 3 March 2007 my friend Nor and I went to the orphanage home in Janda Baik - Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah. Previously, their place was at Sum Sum Hilir, Janda Baik. But due to the increased of rental by the landlady, they have to find another place to put the children. It was quite troublesome for them actually, but they have no choice.

Even though somebody has donated a land to build a new home for them, but the construction will take time. At the moment, the earthwork in already ongoing. There are kind people who have provided the fund to build up the buildings for them. How I wish I'm very rich so that I can contribute to them too... At the moment, my contribution is only to visit them once a month... that's the least I can do now.

This new place that they are renting is farther inside the village of Janda Baik. But it's quite a nice place. Formerly was a resort - a longhouse style with fish ponds and fruit orchard around. I love to see the greeneries around the place. But nearby the area, the landlord is also rearing goats. So it will bring some uncomfortable smell, especially after rain.

But that's the best place they can get at the moment... Hope they'll make do with it. If you have time, and feel like visiting them, or want to send some contribution, please call Encik Yahya bin Yusof tel. 012-627 1549.

Visit of Pahang and Terengganu States Government Officials to Janda Baik

2007-02-27T23:55:00.000+08:00

On Friday 16 February 2007 recently, some 143 people from Pahang and Terengganu States Government Officials (Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri) have visited Elektrisola Malaysia in Janda Baik. They came in three buses and checked in at Awana Genting Highlands on Thursday 15 February.

Among the visitors were the Bentong District Officer, YH Dato' Ridwan, a representative from Pahang State Secretary's office, a representative from Terengganu State Secretary's office etc.

When Katherine and I attended a meeting with the committee members for this event at Bentong District Officer's office, we were informed that a representative from the Information Office will be sent to be the MC to address the protocol. But on Wednesday, I was informed that they could not send anybody because everybody has to attend a training. So Puan Zoharah, our Legal Advisor has given me a script for the MC. On Thursday, after we put up the tents and was testing the video presentation, I did my rehearsal to be an MC for the event.

On 16 February, they arrived at Elektrisola around 9:30 am. Because they were too many of them, we could not fit them in the Conference Room and the Dining Room. So we have to put up tents to welcome them. We have to arrange for a caterer to serve them. After the welcome briefing by Mr. Thilo J. Westerhausen, Managing Director of Elektrisola Malaysia, a video presentation was showed to them by Dr. Ivo Cicolini, Asia Pacific Regional Quality Manager. As usual, the video presentation was on the process of Elektrisola enamelled copper wire. If you wish to see the details, kindly go to our official website:

htpp://www.elektrisola.com

After the presentation, all visitors were taken for a guided factory tour. We have to divide the visitors into 7 groups with 3 guides for each group. But because their schedule was quite tight, so they did not spend too much time at our factory. After about 45 minutes, all groups were already out at the tents for an early lunch. This was due to the Friday prayer as well. After a little token was given to each of the state secretaries, lunch was served.

After lunch they left Elektrisola to go to Janda Baik village and then back to Awana Genting.

EU Economic Counsellors' Meeting in Janda Baik

2007-02-24T23:23:00.000+08:00

On 25 January 2007 recently, there was an EU (European Union) Economic Counsellors' Meeting held at Elektrisola Malaysia in Janda Baik. Elektrisola is an active member of the Malaysian German Chamber of Commerce (MGCC), which is also include the German Embassy. So the H.E. Ambassador has requested Elektrisola to host the meeting.

There were 11 members from EU countries attended the conference:

1. Dr. Franz Schroeder - Commercial Counsellor - Austria
2. Ms. Tatiana Niskacova - Trade and Economic Officer - Delegation of the EU
Commission to Malaysia.
3. Ms. Eija Tynkkynen - Commercial Counsellor - Finland
4. Mr. Alain Gouritain - Deputy Commercial Counsellor - France
5. Mr. Fabrizio Vergamini - Commercial Attaché - Italy
6. Mr. Artur Dabowski - Commercial Counsellor - Poland
7. Mr. Antonio Garcia - Commercial Counsellor - Spain
8. Mr. Thomas Dahl - Deputy Counsellor - Sweden
9. Mr. Milan Vagner - Commercial Counsellor - Czech Republic
10. Mr. Wolfgang Trautwein - Counsellor for Economic and Commerial Affairs - Germany
11. Mr. Jürgen Bieber - Third Secretary, Economic and Commercial Affairs - Germany

They were taken to our Conference Room and after a welcome briefing from Elektrisola's Managing Director, Mr. Thilo J. Westerhausen, a short video presentation was showed to them by Dr. Ivo Cicolini, Asia Pacific Regional Quality Manager for Elektrisola Malaysia and Elektrisola Hangzhou, China. After the video presentation, our guests were taken for a guided factory tour. Guests were always impressed with the cleanliness of Elektrisola factory.

After the tour, lunch was served at the Customer Dining Room. Our guests left Elektrisola with sweet memories of Janda Baik at 2:00 pm.

Isn't Janda Baik is internationally known?

German Speaking Ladies Gathering in Janda Baik

2007-02-07T22:34:00.000+08:00

Besides helping the Orang Asli in Janda Baik, Puan Maria Wan Don also hosts the gathering for German speaking ladies at her place in Janda Baik. She also hosted a celebration of Swiss National Day at her place last year. Other than her commitment to help the Orang Asli, she also always involve in other community service at other government and NGO's homes for the needy people like old folks home and orphanage nearby Janda Baik - such as Batang Kali etc. I really salute her for her involvement in the community services!

By having a regular meeting like this, it will create a good team spirit. Other NGO's also can create a corporate team building by organizing visits to the needy homes. Somebody just has to start it, like Puan Maria Wan Don.

Above pic: left to right - Heidi, Puan Maria Wan Don and Mrs. Judith Hürzeler.

Pic on the right: All the ladies with Puan Maria at her house in Janda Baik.

Contribution to Orang Asli in Janda Baik

2007-02-04T20:31:00.000+08:00

The children who are being sponsored by EM

In carrying out Elektrisola’s good corporate citizen’s vision, one of it’s agenda is to sponsor four Orang Asli children to attend school. EM has been giving a scholarship incentive to these four Orang Asli children to encourage them to go to school. If their attendance is 100% for a month, they will get RM100.00 each. If the attendance is not 100%, then the amount will be pro-rated. With this kind of incentive, it has helped them to have more interest in going to school and be successful. Normally, these children did not go to school because they have to help their parents with some work in order to earn their living. But we want to encourage the new generation of Orang Asli to be educated so that they can improve their life in the future.

The children have managed to get this sponsorship by the initiative of Puan Hajah Maria Wan Don, one of the community activists in Janda Baik. She is a Swiss, who was married to a local Malaysian, but her husband had passed away. Puan Maria has put up her continuous effort to improve the Orang Asli standard of living. Her effort means a lot to the Orang Asli in Janda Baik and we all would like to thank Puan Maria so much!

Attached is a little note of thank you from one of the four children sponsored by EM.

Tranlsation to Malay:

Dalam mencapai visi Elektrisola menjadi warga korporat terbaik, salah satu agendanya ialah menaja empat orang anak Orang Asli ke sekolah. EM telah memberi bantuan seakan biasiswa kepada empat orang anak Orang Asli untuk menggalakkan mereka ke sekolah. Sekiranya kedatangan mereka 100% sebulan, mereka akan mendapat RM100 seorang. Sekiranya kedatangan kurang dari 100%, jumlah bayaran tersebut akan dikira mengikut jumlah kedatangan mereka. Dengan adanya insentif ini, ia dapat membantu mereka untuk lebih berminat ke sekolah dan ingin berjaya. Lazimnya, kanak-kanak ini tidak ke sekolah kerana mereka terpaksa membantu ibu-bapa mereka bekerja untuk mendapat sara hidup. Tetapi kita ingin memberi galakan kepada generasi baru Orang Asli ini menjadi terpelajar supaya dapat membaiki masa depan mereka.

Kanak-kanak ini berjaya mendapat tajaan ini kerana hasil usaha Puan Hajah Maria Wan Don, salah seorang aktivis kemasyarakatan di Janda Baik. Beliau berasal dari Switzerland dan telah berkahwin dengan orang tempatan. Puan Maria tidak jemu-jemu berusaha membantu masyarakat Orang Asli di Janda Baik semata-mata untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup mereka. Usaha beliau amat bererti buat semua Orang Asli di Janda Baik dan kita semua berterima kasih yang tidak terhingga kepada Puan Maria.

Dilampirkan di atas ucapan terima kasih dari kanak-kanak Orang Asli ini kepada EM.

Visit to Kuala Gandah

2007-02-01T22:43:00.000+08:00

One of the activities organized at my workplace

One of Drawing executives’ activities this year is to have a quarterly outing in order to improve their relationship and to promote better teamwork. On the last 25th September, Drawing executives and their families had a trip to Deerland Park and Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Lanchang, Pahang. Participants from other department, Manuel, Johanna, Hamdan (BWI), Fitriyah (TLO) and their respective families also joined the activity. Some of the activities in Deerland Park were hand-feeding deers, hand feeding monkeys, taking picture with Malaysian python, ostriches and also bears. Then the participants had lunch beside a river inside the park before moving out to the elephant sanctuary. At elephant sanctuary they were able to hand-feed and ride with the elephants, and some participants managed to bath with the elephants in a nearby river on that day. On behalf of drawing executives, Mr. Tan handed over donation worth of RM100 to the elephant sanctuary representative as the sanctuary is free to visit and survives on donations of tourists who visit. It was indeed an exciting experience.

Written by: Idayu Mohd Nor

Translation to Malay:

Lawatan ke Kuala Gandah

Salah satu daripada aktiviti eksekutif Drawing tahun ini adalah untuk menganjurkan acara keluar bersama setiap suku tahun. Aktiviti ini adalah untuk meningkatkan sirratulrahim dan juga semangat kerjasama di antara Drawing eksekutif. Pada 25 September yang lepas Drawing eksekutif dan famili mereka telah mengadakan satu lawatan ke Deerland Park dan Pusat Perlindungan Gajah Kuala Gandah di Lanchang. Peserta aktiviti ini daripada jabatan lain ialah, Manuel, Joanna, Hamdan (BWI), Fitriyah (TLO) dan famili masing-masing. Antara aktiviti di Deerland Park ialah memberi makan kepada rusa, monyet, bergambar dengan ular sawa, burung kasawari dan juga beruang. Kemudian peserta makan tengahari di tepi sungai di dalam Deerland Park sebelum bertolak ke pusat perlindungan gajah. Di sana, peserta berpeluang untuk memberi makan dan menunggang gajah, dan ada juga yang berpeluang mandi bersama gajah di sungai berhampiran. Mr. Tan, sebagai wakil Drawing eksekutif, telah menyerahkan RM100 sebagai sumbangan kepada pusat perlindungan gajah. Ini adalah kerana pusat perlindungan gajah adalah percuma untuk dilawati dan bergantung kepada sumbangan pelawat untuk terus beroperasi. Adalah dipercayai semua peserta telah bergembira dan mendapat sedikit pengalaman ‘di dalam hutan’ pada hari tersebut.

A place to be remembered...

Lands for Sale in Janda Baik

2007-01-20T00:11:00.001+08:00

1. 2 acres near Elektrisola's residential area at Jalan Damai 3, Janda Baik. RM200,000.00 for 2 acres.

2. 1-1/4 acres rubber estate at Kg Cheringing, Janda Baik. Asking for RM200,000.00 for the whole land.

3. 1 acre also at Kg Cheringing - near a river. RM250,000.00.

Interested please e-mail to me or call me at 09-221 5141 (09:00 am - 5:00 pm only). All the above are Malay reserved lands.

If you are good in asset management, it's worth your money to invest in buying a land in Janda Baik. Land in Janda Baik would be a precious asset for you because the value is not going to drop. Last time, I had confirmed with a landlord to buy a piece of land at RM135,000.00 for 1.2 acres. But before I could pay an earnest money, somebody had offered the landlord RM180,000.00 for that land! So, there it goes my dream to build a house near a stream... I guess, for those who are good in asset management, will not say that buying a land in Janda Baik will be a waste. Do your asset management properly, you'll make a big profit.

Tips to buy a land and build a house in Janda Baik

2007-01-19T23:40:00.001+08:00

What I'm going to tell you here is from my own experience. If you want to buy a land in Janda Baik, it's better for you to come and see the whole area first. Check it carefully. Land in Janda Baik are mostly hilly and slopping. If you did not see carefully, you could be deceive, hidden by the jungle - you might think that the land is quite flat. Later on, you may find it will be very costly to do the earthwork for your house construction. But it is difficult to say though... we could never really see the actual condition of the land until we have done the clearance - cut down all big trees, clear the bushes etc. But the weather could be very tempting for you to buy a land in Janda Baik. Just look at the picture... it looks very cooling and inviting for those who love nature.

If the land that you are buying has a title with more than one name on it, then the process to transfer the ownership will take some times. First it has to include your name on the title, then the sub-division of the land has to be done. For a Malay reserved land, sub-division can only be done to a land which is not less than one acre if it's under 'agriculture land'. You will need a land surveyor to mark the border of the land. Once the transfer of ownership is done, the surveyor will put the demarcation (batu sempadan) of the land. All these things will cost us a few thousands ringgit.

If you want to take a bank loan for the land and your house construction, you will need to provide the following documents to the bank, besides the normal copy of NRIC, fill up the application form etc:

1) S & P of the land
2) Approved plan of the house
3) Construction agreement with your contractor

To get the house plan will also take some times. The best thing is if you can prepare your plan even before you buy the land. But you have to make sure you buy a land that suits with the plan. Example, my land is only 70' width but it's 700' long. So I have to build a house that can fit in the 70' width. Don't forget that we have to leave 10' clearance on the left and right side of the house. But if you are not taking any bank loan, then I guess you won't have much problem. Just build as you please, as long as it's within your own land. But in another two years time, Majlis Perbandaran Bentong will implement the city council law in Janda Baik - that's what I was informed by the Assistant District Officer.

To get someone to draw your house plan is also another problem to consider. Architect fee will be expensive. It could be about 10% of the estimated cost of the house. A draughtsman can also draw a house plan at a cheaper rate, but the draughtsman will need to get the plan endorsed by an architect. But he will settle it, it will already include in the fee that he will charge us for the drawing and submission of the plan to City Council until we the approval.

But make sure you understand how to read the scale of the drawing. If you are from the old school like me who doesn't understand the metric scale, then make sure that your draughtsman will also put a note for you in feet. Please stress on that - otherwise, you'll pay for a plan for nothing! I have made that mistake. I have paid RM2,500.00 for a plan which I cannot even use. The fee was only for the drawing, not including submission and getting the approval from City Council. When I asked the guy to amend it for me (because the house is too big), he said I have to pay for amendment fee because I had earlier approved the plan. I approved the plan blindly because I overlooked about the size of the house. When I realized and asked him about the size, I was shocked that the house is too big - almost 4,000 sqf! It will be too costly for me - I can't afford to build that house. But he still insisted that I pay him in full because according to him he has completed his work. When I requested for a discount of RM500.00, he refused it. He said he would help me to amend the drawing at no charge. But what he did was, just cut some part of the house, and the plan looks like "T". What kind of a house will it be? So, I paid for something that I cannot use and wasted about 3 months waiting for the plan. I have to get someone else to draw another plan. That's why it takes a long time for me to submit all documents to the bank to process my loan. It has delayed everything... But I guess it's worth waiting for another plan. If I go ahead and build something which I don't like, I'll live with anger in the house for my whole life. This will be the only house that I can build, so I better make it something that I like and I can live happily with my Mom in the house.

So you better be careful when you ask someone to draw your house plan. Make sure he understands what you want, and sincere enough to make you understand the plan and the scale. I was so frustrated in my case because at the very first discussion, I have told him that I need to know the total build up area in sqf. Furthermore, I have given him a plan, which I just would like to add one more small room to it. But he said it's not possible to add the room, it might disturb the structure of the house, the house might collapse. I really didn't understand at that time. I thought it's really that we cannot change the structure of the house in the plan. But why is it not possible, the house is not built yet, why can't we change the drawing? I still continue with him working on my house plan eventhough I was not very happy already at that point. In the end, after I've paid him in full, and I asked him again why is it not possible to add one more room to the drawing which I've showed him; he said he didn't know how to do it! If from the beginning he said he can't do it because he didn't know how to do it - that will be much easier for me - I could just stop the project with him and find someone else to draw my house plan! Really, really frustrated! Wasting time and money for nothing!

What the expatriates say about Janda Baik

2007-01-17T00:03:00.000+08:00

I'm waiting for some feedback from expatriates who work with Elektrisola Malaysia and have stayed in Janda Baik for a few years. There are 9 expatriates who live at the company residential area at Jalan Damai 3. They are Germans, Italian, Japanese, Portugese and Swiss. One is even married to a local Chinese.

Carlos has given his comments. Please see at my latest update.

Where to stay in Janda Baik

2007-01-15T23:01:00.004+08:00

You can come to Janda Baik just for a day trip, a picnic at the river or a jungle tracking and camping. But if you prefer a more comfortable place to spend the weekend in Janda Baik, there are more chalets and resorts around. To name a few that I know:

1. D'Ark Training & Resort Sdn Bhd
Ashida Villa, Lot 5303
Pulau Santap
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +609-233 0031
Fax: +609-235 1282

2. Seri Dinar Training Services Sdn Bhd
8299 Sungai Panjang
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +609-235 1223/1293
Fax: +609-235 1267
E-mail : sdretreat@po.jaring.my @ seridinar@po.jaring.my

3. Pulau Santap Chalet Enterprise
Lot 2575 Kg Pulau Santap
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +6019-988 9830

4. Latto Charok Chalet
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +6019-347 0772

5. Tanarimba
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +609-233 0655
e-mail: sitrac@po.jaring.my

6. Seri Pengantin Resort
Lot 686 Kg Sum Sum Hilir
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +6019-615 2150 0r
KL Tel: +603-4270 1700
E-mail : rsvp@seripengantinresort.com.my
www.seripengantinresort.com.my

7. Pondok Impian => photo on the right (when it was not ready yet)
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +6012-313 3224

8. Sailor's Rest
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +014-3685892 (Hashim)
e-mail: sailorest.jandabaik@gmail.com
www.sailorest.com

9. Seri Aman Chalet
Sum-sum Hilir
28750 Janda Baik
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: +609-

10. Chalet Tuk Tuk
Tel: +6012-625 3440 (Idris)

11. KLCC (??/ It's Kuala Lurau Camping Centre!); camping site on this right photo
Tel: +6019-933 7380 CikGu Saad

I'll try to get all the correct contact numbers. Or you may also contact me at: norliajaafar3@gmail.com. The photos on the map above are the property of Idayu, Norlia and Ita. We have done this work for our t-shirts sold under our office sports club - KSSE. We still have some stocks left - black and maroon color only.

Community Activities in Janda Baik

2007-01-14T02:25:00.000+08:00

Visit to orphanage - Rumah Kebajikan dan Anak-Anak Yatim Nur Zaharah at Kg Sum Sum Hilir.

On the evening of 12/10/2006 at 6.15 pm, in the holy month of Ramadhan, KSSE (Kelab Sukan & Sosial Elektrisola) organized a breaking fast activity together with the orphans at Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah (Orphanage) in Janda Baik. Altogether 20 members from EM participated in this activity to spent and cherish a memorable evening with the orphans. Even though there were not many orphans but however we were touched by their simple life. A part of their building was still under construction. The Orphanage Manager gave a short briefing about the orphans and we were reminded not to ask the orphans anything sensitive related to their personal life. After breaking fast, all of us went for the congregation prayer, read the ‘Yassin’ and did the ‘terawih’ prayer. At 10:00pm we left the orphanage with mixed feelings; sad and grateful that we are not orphans… yet.

To those who would like to contribute some donation can directly contact the Manager of Rumah Kebajikan Nur Zaharah at this address:

RUMAH KEBAJIKAN NUR ZAHARAH
No. 13, Kg Sum-Sum Hilir
Janda Baik
28750 Bentong
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel : 012-6271549 - En. Yahya bin Yusof (Pengurus)

Article written by: Rozita Abdul Razak
www.maskahwin.com/index.php?ref=ibuqimi
Edited by: Norlia Jaafar

EM COMMITMENT TOWARDS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Another community activity done by Elektrisola Malaysia (EM) staff is to help upgrading the Bukit Tinggi police station.

On December 4, 2006, a cheque presentation of RM1,000.00 was held in a simple ceremony to the Head of Bukit Tinggi Police Station, S/Insp. Tuan Mohd Saad Bin Haji Osman, as part of EM contribution in upgrading the Bukit Tinggi Police Station. Besides than the cheque, we also supplied flowers and plants for landscaping, paints and together with EM contractors, EM sponsored some of the building works and repairing materials.

It is our aim to make EM to be part of the local community and together contributing and building for the betterment of everyone in Janda Baik and Bukit Tinggi.

Article and photo from: Azleena Ismail

Janda Baik Voluntary Fire Fighting and Rescue Squad

The Janda Baik voluntary Fire Fighting and Rescue Squad (FFRS) is organizing a program to introduce its team and to attract the local community to join the team, besides providing the people with an understanding of the fire prevention aspect.

This program will be launched by the year end 2006, sponsored by the ADUN of Ketari / MP Bentong. Elektrisola (Malaysia) as the patron of the Janda Baik voluntary FFRS has sponsored 100 T-shirts to be used for this program.

Contribution of T-shirts was delivered by Dr. Ivo Cicolini as the Management representative to the Chairman of Janda Baik Voluntary FFRS, Tuan Haji Abd Karim Mohamed.

Original article in Malay written by: Hamdan Alias
Translated to English by: Norlia Jaafar

What I think of Janda Baik

2007-01-12T23:38:00.000+08:00

It's "winter" time in Janda Baik since last weekend! It's really cold. It's even colder in the office because of the aircond. In the house without aircond also I have to wear sweater. This is what I like best about Janda Baik! Even though Janda Baik is very close to Kuala Lumpur, but when we are in the village, we could feel as if this place is too far from development. I have been here from 1999, the only changed I have seen is the main road has been widen.

The only public transport to Janda Baik is the bus from Bentong to Janda Baik. But the bus schedule is only 4 times a day. Taxi to Janda Baik could be expensive, I don't know how much. But from KLIA to Janda Baik is RM150 previously. For this year I guess it would be more expensive. The limousine would be RM300! The last bus to leave Janda Baik is at 7:00 pm. So, people in Janda Baik cannot really rely on public transport. Most of the people who live in Janda Baik have a car or at least a motorcycle.

But this village has power and water supply. Nevertheless, the villagers still prefers to have their water supply direct from the natural water from the hill. They just make their own piping and get their free water supply! Because natural water supply is so rich here, may be that's why many houses in the village have their own fishing ponds. Many ponds are even open for public, with some small fee though.

Another unique feature of the Janda Baik is many of the houses here are given names. But mostly the houses belongs to the VIPs who build their holiday homes in Janda Baik. Among others that I know are: Selindung, Harmoni, Seri Cempaka, Villa Kashro, Janda Hias, Janda Kaya, etc.

Places of interest in Janda Baik

2007-01-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

There are many places of interest in Janda Baik. Other than the chalets and resorts mentioned earlier, there is Gunung Nuang - for those who enjoy mountain hiking, there are also Kepala Gua and Ulu Tampit for jungle tracking and camping. We can do some fishing at the river. You can get some small fish.

I have been to Kepala Gua once - a trip organized by our sports club. About 20 members went together. We gathered at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Janda Baik. Then we rented a 4-WD to send us till the last part of the road where the car can go in. We have to enter through the land belongs to UIA (University Islam Antarabangsa) and stopped at the river. We have to cross the river. Luckily it was not deep. We had a picnic at a nice river inside the jungle. We cooked rice in bamboo - the Orang Asli style. We grilled some fishes which we caught by fishing at the river. Though the fishes were small, but it was nice!

Not long ago Idayu had taken some friends from our China plant (who were at Elektrisola Malaysia for training) to have a good picnic at Ulu Tampit. They were all so happy and excited to see the waterfall.

Ulu Tampit waterfall located in Janda Baik is the one that I like most at the moment. I had been to other waterfalls such as Lata Kinjang Waterfall in Perak, Kota Tinggi Waterfall in Johor, Lata Iskandar Waterfall on the way to Cameron Highlands, Fraser Hill waterfall, Gunung Ledang waterfall and others. Yet I found that Ulu Tampit waterfall is the most enjoyable one!

There are seven floors of waterfall and floor 4, 5 and 7 are the most common floors people go to visit. My favorite floors are floor 7 and 5. It only takes about 45 minutes of light trekking and hiking through the jungle to get to the top floor. During raining season it is not advisable to go there because first of all the water is not clear, secondly many ‘pacat’ or leeches and lastly you may fall down during the hiking because of slippery.

At floor 5 the waterfall is so beautiful but at floor 7 is the best to dip into the water! The water is so cold and so deep, yet you will not be carried away by the current. It is one of the safest waterfalls to plunge into the water. Kids enjoy it the most at floor 5.

How to get there? Unfortunately the visit the waterfall is only allowed if you are accompanied by the guide. The guide is available at Latto Carok 019-3470772 (Jafri Jais).

It is recommended to visit the waterfall if you are visiting Janda Baik. For those who are looking for something tougher, it is recommended to go hiking to Gunung Nuang through Janda Baik. It takes 10 hours of trekking to go up and down. Good luck!

Article written by: Idayu Mohd Nor

Happy New Year 2007!

2007-01-01T00:09:00.000+08:00

It's already 1 January 2007 in Malaysia! Happy New Year to everyone! May all of us will leave happily and always be blessed with the good things in life. Being in Janda Baik is already a great gift from Allah!

Let's start the new year 2007 with a rose for everybody. The picture was taken at Pak Habib's place - another attraction in Janda Baik. The place is open for public to visit. Normally, many buses will come during the weekend to Pak Habib's place. It's got a name too - Wadi Hussein (not so sure about the spelling).

Pak Habib is so lucky to have found a very nice place with this nice stream along the side of his land. For those who have purchased land in Janda Baik much earlier, it was not so expensive then. But now Janda Baik has become an elite village - so many VIPs have their holiday homes in Janda Baik - the price of the land has increased so much! They only talk about RM100K+ per acre. There was even a case where a land sold at RM1.2 million for 3 acres of Malay reserved agriculture land! What's so special about Janda Baik?

To name a few VIP houses in Janda Baik: Dato' Kadir Sheikh Fadzil (the house was featured in the Malay movie "Suara Kekasih"), Dato' Shahrizat, Dato' Shahril Samad, Dato' Yahya, the famous actress Datin Rosnani Jamil (Mak Nani), the drama actor Den Wahab owns the Pondok Impian; and many more. May be one day Datuk K and Dato' Siti Nurhaliza also might built their holiday home in Janda Baik?

How I found Janda Baik

2006-12-28T23:50:00.000+08:00

My encounter of Janda Baik was about 10 years ago. The first time I came for a holiday with my sister, Kak Cik and family and my Mom. I found that Selesa was quite "selesa" - it's a Malay word which means comfortable. It could be because of the temperature - it's quite cold and very comfortable. That was a long time ago.

We took a drive to Bukit Tinggi until the police station. Curious to know where the road would lead to after the police station, so we just drove off until the arch and there we saw a welcome to Janda Baik.

As I drove further up and I saw "ELEKTRISOLA". We went further and saw Elektrisola Residential Estate. Very nice apartment - looked like a resort-living style at Jalan Damai 2. As I went further inside the village, we found some interesting river and chalets. It's really cool!

That's how I found Janda Baik and Elektrisola. Whoever comes to Janda Baik, will definitely not miss this house (on the left). It has a nice little waterfall at the side of the house. No grass is allowed to grow on that land! Because the road is higher than the house, so we can have a very clear view of the house.

After the holiday, I keep coming back to Janda Baik for a picnic at the river in Kampung Pulau Santap. It's only 45 minutes drive from KL to Janda Baik. Those days, the road was very narrow. In 1999, I found an advertisement in the newspaper a vacancy for a PA to MD at Elektrisola. Later, I moved to Janda Baik on 19 April 1999, which was 1 Muharram 1420 Hijrah ie the new year day of Islamic calendar. People always say that sometimes it is good for us to move to another place (hijrah) to start anew. I guess it's true. I have a better life here... no more traffic jam, no migraine all the time, with the greenery and fresh mountain air all the time. It's really gifts from Allah. Alhamdulillah, thank you very much Allah!

Janda Baik is a unique village. The name itself is already unique. The strategic location which is only about 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur and about 600 metre above sea level. So we can live peacefully here with all the fresh air and still can join the hustle bustle of the city anytime we like. It is also close to Genting Highlands - only 25 km, and Bukit Tinggi Resort is just 22 km away. We are surrounded with the cool mountain air. There are not many villages like this in Malaysia. Another highland village that I have been is Kundasang in Sabah.