The Tin Monster : Going Down

How coincident is it to put the title The Tin Monster : Going Down when the dredge is already slanting at nearly 30 degrees and for how long can it withstand the pull of gravity?

It wasn't so long ago that the dredges in Lembah Kinta was a source of income for many families. This mine had given so much not only for the families, but it was once the pride and joy of our nation. What's  left today are just evidence of hard work and irons of steel and machinery left to embrace and photographed before it comes tumbling down. What do we do?

The preservation of the dredge had caught the attention of the local herit- age buffs. Chairman of the Perak Heritage Society, Law Siak Hong, said “eve- rything must be done to preserve it. Not only did it help make Kinta Valley world famous, it helped provide the wealth which built our country’s infra- structure and develop- ment”. “The dredge was presented by the mining company to the State for the people. That should be the inspiration for its con- servation and subsequent re-use”, added Law.

The dredge was built in 1938 by the consulting engineering firm of F.W. Payne and Co. It started operations at Teja, Gopeng, and after 44 years ceased operations and moved to its present location in 1982. The company responsible for managing the dredge, Century Mission Sdn Bhd is unable to repair the pon- toon due to financial con- straints.

Meanwhile, with the pontoon rusty and leak- ing the situation of the tin dredge is getting worse each day. We hope that the commitment made by Dato’ Hamidah to save the dredge will material- ise in the very near future to preserve the last visible heritage of the tin mining industry that brought the Kinta Valley the fame and glory that it enjoyed in the past. (source:Ipoh Echo)

Its a pretty awesome feeling when you look down at the vast space beneath you. This machine is silent now, but imagine the amount of noise and vibrations that you would experience if this thing was actually in operation!

It shows that the manganese steel buckets is leading towards the revolving screen before dropping the excavated soil into the screen.

Just like an airplane, this is the cockpit / control room.

It is operated by the winch man and dredge master. It is the control panel to move the dredge forward.

The control room is left as it was over 20 years ago. Old fire extinguisher, masks and documents are seen still in tact.

The gears are to control the cable that power the movement of the dredge while excavating the soil under the water.

Documents are still seen in the control room though scrunched and ripped apart.

The ruler above indicates the depth and length of the manganese buckets while excavating.

The three pictures above shows the gears area. Same gearing concept like the train, except these lines are dedicated to each buckets, not track.

I reckon these huge electrical generators were used to power the dredge when it was in use.

Before it gets to the dumping part, these pipes collect the tin ore with various minerals before storing it into drums.

This dredge, the last of its kind, is called the ttd5 (Tanjung Tualang Dredge 5). It is an amazing machine and it is up to us to preserve this heritage so that our future generation will have the chance to know where the nation's source of income came from back in those days.

Through this experience in exploring the ttd5, I realize that when I was in primary school, all I learnt about tin mining was that :

1. the Malaysian sen is made of it.

2. Yap Ah Loy was famously connected to it.

3. I only recognize the dredge in black and white drawings from the reference books.

But now that I've seen it up-close and personal, I began to submerge in the appreciation of hard labor by our ancestors. Life was tougher. We should always remember that and embrace the life we live now. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here today.

Thank you miners for your endless work just for us today, whether they knew then or not.And thank you mr. Steven Ng for the generous information on the dredge.

Thank you.

Thank You

and

Thank You.

The Tin Monster : going up

According to the star, The dredge, T.T. No 5 was built in 1938 by W.F. Payne & Sons for Pernas Chartered Management Sdn Bhd. when the Kinta Valley was the world’s richest tin producing area.


This is one of Malaysia's largest tin dredges, first built in 1938, last rebuilt in 1963 and specially equipped for working tailings. This dredge is powered by electricity and has a total of 2274 horsepower; the pontoon is 75 metres long and 19.5 metres wide; it has 117 manganese steel buckets, each with a capacity of 0.61 cubic meters capable of digging to a depth of 35.5 metres. 

Operations stopped in 1983 due to the collapse of the tin mining industry. Since then, it has lain in a man-made pond at Desa Perlombongan, about 10km from Batu Gajah, Perak.

This type of dredge is called a Bucket Line Dredge

the main structure is covered with corrugated steel sheets

A mining dredge comprises of a mechanical excavator and a screening, washing and concentrating plant, all mounted on a pontoon. The dredge performs four functions:

1. Excavates the alluvial material

2. Screens the material into two sizes

3. Treats the fines to recover their metallic or heavy components,usually with a revolving screen

4. Deposits the fines from the treatment plant and the coarse rejects from the screen to the rear of the dredge

The dredge floats in an artificial pond often supplied with water from outside source. It digs at the bow and deposits washed tailings at the stern, thus carrying the pond with it as it advances.

The digging end comprises an endless chain of cast manganese steel buckets carried on a fabricated steel ladder at an angle of approximately 45 degrees when operating at maximum depth. The ladder carries a circular tumbler at its lower end and a series of rollers on its upper side to support the loaded buckets

This is the bell for alarming purposes

Narrow alleys and  pipe inlet/outlet for the separated minerals after the recovery section.

It is known as the recovery section whereby tin ore and other minerals that are collected before it is pump into the collection drum. undersize from the screen is passed to ore concentrating and recovery equipment, consisting of a series of pulsating jigs. The concentrate is removed for further treatment while the tailings are discharged down a sluice at the stern of the dredge.

 

This big wrench takes up to 6 men to handle and it takes a huge hammer in order for the wrench to tighten or un-tighten the nuts and bolts.

I'm imagining that this is where the miners had their home-made packed lunch that their devoted wives made for them.

This is a giant hook with machineries at the upmost level.

As the buckets pass over the top tumbler, they discharge into a hopper from where a chute directs the dredged material into a revolving (or trommel) screen. Here it is washed by high pressure water jets, the fine ore-bearing material passing through the perforations (normally about 10 mm in size) and proceeding to the treatment plant and the oversize material continuing over the screen.

Before reaching the front section of the dredge, I had to carefully cross the rooftop and pray that my knees won't give in and come tumbling down to the whistling tune of 'fiddler on the roof'.

Here's a look at how high I was. I'm guessing the least is 5-story high.

I haven't finished my adventure yet but i'm taking a break and i'll see you in the next entry to show you the rest of the dredge as we climb down.

see ya!!!

Cats and cat taker

How many times have you said to yourself "Oh, poor cat. I wish I can take you home" or "Hey kitty kitty...come..come.." and feed it with your half-eaten meal and then you go home and have that guilt sense of 'what happens to these stray cats when nobody's feeding or taking care of them'?

The answer is: Welcome to SPCA. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This is the place where animals find temporary refuge until someone wants to own them. Everyday they pray  that a human is kind enough to bring them home and love them unconditionally. These cats pray that they don't get sick and be put to sleep. 

It's been quite sometime that I visited SPCA. I had adopted two cats from here and I had always chose the weird one 'coz I know that people always wants the pretty ones. Yes,even in this shelter. 

Today I would like to show you one of the important people who takes care of the cats and dogs here in SPCA. Without him and their endless efforts and routined work, this place would not be possible for these animals to live in.

Before i introduce you to the 'cat-taker' (caretaker of cats), I'd like to introduce you to the 'Otai' cat of SPCA. His name is ABU and he doesn't live in the cage like the rest of them. Abu roams freely inside and outside of the compound and is very friendly with people. Most of the time he guards the other cats and say 'hi' once in a while.

This is the cat-taker (senior supervisor), Muniandy a/l Ramiah. Born and bred in Pantai Remis, Perak, Muniandy has been serving these cats and dogs for an astonishing 28 years. When asked why, he simply replied "It's a great job. I like animals. I like taking care of them. Kita sayang sama dia, mandi sama dia, bersih sama dia...binatang sayang kita balik. Lain tempat kerja, mana ada".

The dedicated cat-taker who is a father of two also said that he sees him working for many more years here, in SPCA as his work brings him much joy.

His daily tasks begins at 8.30am right up to 4.00pm. He starts his day with counting heads of workers or volunteers and then starts feeding and washing the kennel compound. They practice twice a day of washing to ensure the place is clean for the animals.

Besides washing, cleaning and feeding, Muniandy also does re-arrranging of charity items so that it is neat and properly stored. When asked why there are so many things in the office, he replied "these are the charities from the community. They donate anything that we can sell back and the money we make is put to use for maintaining SPCA". 

Up 'til now, SPCA welcomes any kind of animals that need shelter or rescued. Animals besides cats and dogs are welcomed but after they've treated, it usually goes to the zoo. If you see an animal in need of rescue, just call SPCA and they will come and help. But if you can bring them straight, why not. It's always good to have animal carrier in your boot,incase of emergency,that is.

During my visit, there were so many adorable cats and kitties waiting for adoption and they only cost from RM70-RM350. They're healthy and ready for new homes. Have a look, maybe you'll find the right one here. The SPCA told me that sometimes it's better to send in stray cats for neuter and take them home rather then leaving it in SPCA to help reduce unwanted cats and in time be put to sleep if space. health and monetary is insufficient. Look at the statistic board below on how many animals go in and out.

While talking about stray cats, Muniandy interrupted "orang nak yang cantik-cantik saja. Malam-malam orang hantar kucing luar dan tinggal saja". Hearing this just breaks my heart. I wish I lived in a landed property so I can take in as many cats as I want. It's not safe having cats in an apartment as I've experienced 2 suicidal episodes. With my current cat, Moto, I keep her close. Only 'poo-poo' time she gets to go out to the balcony.

Isn't she adorable?

 This fella stood very still as I took his portraiture

Look at that pink nose.How could you not want to 'pot-pot' the nose, Right?

 Muniandy strokes the cat for a pose

Before I left SPCA today, Muniandy made me feel that my benchmark of unconditional love for animals had hit up a notch. I admire his perseverance through the 28 years of devotion towards these animals. If there was a medal for unconditional love towards animals of the decade, this man truly deserves it all. Hats off to you, Muniandy.

I know that I do not have that much time for volunteering at SPCA, so my donation would be monetary wise. For you out there, you could make a change and lend a helping hand to our, meow-meow, woof-woof, hee-haww and many more weird -noise-making friends by donating directly to the SPCA account or simply by purchasing their products. As you can see, I've captured the latest product, the colorful umbrellas which only costs RM25 each. Pick a color and donate today. 

SPCA Account number : RHB bank 2-12273-00021583

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A TASTE OF KELANTAN | NEXT STOP : WAT PHOTIYAN PHUT THAK THAM

Bachok is a small distrct located approximately 25km north of Kota Bharu. After having lunch in a near by village, I decided to cruze around bachok and not too long after i passed by Pantai Irama. I stopped to take a look but nothig at 4pm had my interest around there. So i hopped back into my car and went up the coast of pantai irama and just about next 5km, I had already focused on a big head of a white statue in between the trees of a nearby village. 30 seconds later I found a signboard and it led me to the WAT POTHIYAN PHUT THAK THAM. 

As I came out from the car, the most prominent thing i saw was this humungous statue of Kuan Yim. It is told that this Wat (temple) had 10 buddhist monk within 200 years of its existence, each replacing one after the other. It is also told that the buddhist worshiper community had fund raising and with rm3000 collected, they had built a herbal steam bath facility in this wat for people to come and bath for healing purpose.

Kuan Yim statue stands tall at over 100 feet.

The white surface is covered with those tiny 2cm x 2cm mosaic, if you look closely enough.

Since it is a THai-Buddhist temple, the multiple roof tiers is an important element. The use of ornamented multiple tiers is reserved for roofs on temples, palaces and important public buildings. Two or three tiers are most often used, but some royal temples have four. The use of multiple roof tiers is more aesthetic than fuctional. Because temple halls are large,their roof areas are massive.Dynamic visual rhythms are created by these multiple tiers, breaks and tier patterns. In northern temples, the roof area is larger, sweeping low towards the ground to cover more of the wall. 

A mythological animal of Chinese origin, and a member of the NAGA(Sanskrit) family of serpentine creatures who protect Buddhism. 

again, the dragon guards the temple and protects buddhist from harm.

Wishing Tree

Before I left the place, I couldn't help noticng this colorful tree, I did not see anyone who could answer my quriosity on why it had so many colorful raflles on it so I asked mr.google for help and here's what this colourful tree is all about:

At RM5, you can buy the colourful cloths (color according to your birth day) attached to a pair of candles where after making your wishes, you're supposed to throw it up towards the tree and if it got stucked, then your wishes will be granted. You can throw up to 3 times, and if the candle dropped on the floor after that, then most prob the wish wont come true.

So how bout it? what would your three wishes be the next time you come here?

A TASTE OF KELANTAN | FIRST STOP: PASAR SITI KHADIJAH

Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches.

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture.

Introduction Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches. Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture. (Wikipedia)

Kelantan, as I've known her for years, is THE PLACE for cheap and yummiest food in Malaysia. But this trip, is not merely about food. I only want to capture what I see for that second and see if that one snap is strong enough to describe the scene.

The first visit was the famous pasar Siti Khadijah. Even thought it's no more authentic like i used to remember when i was still small, It still had that interesting side to it.

Fresh stock, anyone?

As I was walking around the market, couldn't help my eyes to look up

and saw these amazing lines of the roof.Very symetrical.

This makcik refused.yes, REFUSED her picture taken 

instead makes a statement from the news headline.

Ah...now I know what happened to those headless chicken running around...

I turned to another corner and this makcik is smoking

her 'rokok daun' while waiting for customers. 

I kept wandering about and found this. This is 'rebung' @ bamboo shoot.

Pandas eat the leaves, we eat the shoots.Shoot, are we connected?

After done circling the ground floor, I decided to go up and as I arrived,

I saw a Surau through this slanted window and couldn't miss this frame.

The alleys upstairs. Lots of goods placed on the shelves.

Abundance of things to see and shop!

Pasar Siti Khadijah is a place full of colours and choices of really cheap prices.There's still lots of pictures in my files that I'd like to share for this entry but i think i'll keep some for next. BE SURE that if you ever go to Kelantan, DO STOP BY this amazing market coz you'll never know what you're gonna find.