Bank Rakyat’s Hari Raya Open House.

The Muslim in Malaysia and all over the world are still celebrating Eid Fitri as the festival is executed in the whole month of 'Syawal' (the month in Islamic calendar). The practice of ‘open house’ in the festive month is the apparent culture for Muslim particularly in Malaysia where we are looking forward to visit and feast at the host’s houses or even at business and office premises.

Nonetheless, a lot of Government departments, ministries and agencies like MARA, DBKL, and Bank Rakyat etc are hosting grand open houses to all. The once a year practice is virtuous according to Islam as it promotes brotherhood, bridging gap among all and foster positive values to all of us.

This afternoon, I went to the 'open house' hosted by Bank Rakyat, Jalan Ipoh branch, Kuala Lumpur where the friendly and most efficient Bank Manager (Encik Azlan Bin Alias) invited me to the premise. It was a full house (most of the guests are clients and associates) but still there are plenty of scrumptious food to enjoy from satay, ketupat, nasi dagang, spaghetti, rojak, cendol etc.

To my amazement, Bank Rakyat which is an agency under the 'Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development', in Jalan Ipoh branch, Kuala Lumpur staffed the most friendly officers compared to the rigid and stiff average bank officers. They seem to be friendly and helpful with their clients, manifested during the 'open house' where they even served food to us.

While enjoying the food, I did some research on their banking facilities through their executives and I must say Bank Rakyat offers plenty of assistance to entrepreneurs especially the Bumiputera.

Now that my tummy is really full, all I have to say is two thumbs for Bank Rakyat Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, job well done.

Ps: Really need a workout at the gym. Hope to join Kenny Sia at the 'Terry Fox Run For Cancer Research' this coming Sunday in KL Lake Garden 8.30am.
Pss: Al Fatihah to Allayarhamah Dahlia my junior from MRSM Kuantan, lost her due to stomach cancer.

Lord of the ‘kerisses’.

About three years ago, my parents handed me 2 ancient weapons (kerisses), not for me to engage in any battle but to keep my family heritage safe for the family and for our future generation. I have no idea of the age of the kerisses but according to my crude estimation they must be more than 150 years old as the original owner was far beyond in the line of my great grandfather on my fathers site.

Up until today I am still clueless as why I have been chosen to be the keeper of the two symbolic weapons, nevertheless, I am grateful and honored to be the present owner of the kerisses and promise to take care of the weapons until the time come to hand down the artifact of my family heritage to the right person in my family.

According to Wikipedia, Keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand and the southern Philippines. Both a weapon, and spiritual object, kerisses are often considered to have an essence or presence.

Keris blades are usually narrow and have a wide, asymmetrical base. Blade length is highly variable. The blade is made from different iron ores and often contains nickel. Keris blades can be straight or sinuous. With sinuous blades, the bends are called luks. Most keris have fewer than 13 luks and the number of luks should be odd, or the keris would be considered unlucky.

The sinuous blade has become synonymous with the keris. In reality more than half of the old keris have straight blades like mine (refer to the picture above). The luks maximize the width of wound while maintaining its weight.

Functionally, the keris is not a slashing weapon like a bowie knife or other fighting knife, but rather a stabbing instrument. If a keris fighter had stealth on his side, the keris was lethal and the slashing wound made by keris is terrible. The edge of the blade "danced" in the wound, and left the tatters of dead flesh, which began to rot.

In the past, kerisses were worn every day and at special ceremonies, with heirloom blades being handed down through successive generations.

As a Muslim, I don’t believe the kerisses has any spiritual power although for me, they are treasures to be kept as mementos from the past.

Ps : A lot of preparation I have to do for my next workshop on ‘Autocad’ that I will be conducting for MARA very soon. I plan to publish all my lecture notes that have been written by myself to my website www.nafibiz.com soon.


See you on my next post.
Love
Hanafi.

Up market Malay boutiques in 'Shah Alam City Centre (SACC) mall' for Malaysian ladies.

In Europe, the trend on ladies fashion will be determined largely by the seasons. However, we in Malaysia are more likely to follow our big festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas. Our haute couture scenes are likely to be influenced by celebrities and local models from local magazines.

‘Baju Kurung’ and ‘Kebaya’ are two Malaysian equivalents to evening gown for the westerner. With the right outfits and accessories, Malaysian ladies can accentuate their beauty and sexiness without exposing so much flesh.

This Raya season, Muslim ladies of all ages from all over the country are demonstrating their latest ‘baju kurung’ and ‘kebaya’ outfits with distinct style of individual taste and creativity. Those with limited budgets will shop at lower to middle class retail outlets around the country while those with money are swarming boutiques or big name tailors. Fabric materials and workmanship are what matter most with emphasize on unique design.

The one up market mall that specializing in haute couture of Baju Kurung is the SACC mall in Shah Alam, Selangor where all the big names in the industry are concentrated in the 1st floor and above of the mall.

A few days ago, I took the opportunity to accompany my mom to the posh mall with my sister and did some study, observation and comparison while my mom and sister were busy shopping.

Even though I am not an expert in ladies fashion and apparel, I must agree that SACC mall is the number one when come to big name designer boutiques for the ladies in Malaysia. While the upper class pricing can be a hindrance to some, you can almost be assured of the design exclusivity and quality of most of the merchandise compared to the mass market produce in Nilai or some bazaars in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

In SACC, a piece of scarf can be spotted in much higher price than the original Levis or Nike shoes but that distinct piece of art mode a worlds apart between a beautiful 'Datin' and common ladies. For Malaysian ladies, the experience of shopping in SACC mall in Shah Alam is like shopping in Paris or Milan designer capitals.

Ps: I am proud of Bumiputera entrepreneurs, boutiques owners and designers achievement in the industry. I believe there are unlimited potentials for them internationally. For Malaysian, do support our local bumiputera industry and happy shopping.

Love,
Hanafi

My father’s dearest sister (my aunt - Mak Long).

The reunion of two Bu-wanno's (my father and my aunt).


Newly wed cousin, the handsome Farouk (grandson of my aunt) and his wife. Coincidentally, he is married to one of my mother's relatives from Johor Bahru. The world is small when your relatives are everywhere.

I guess I am not doing justice to my blog when I blog mainly about my family this past few days where the title of my blog indicates ‘growing a small business’, then again, family is also one of our source for business networking (depending on individual perspectives), moreover Eid Fitri is only once a year, so allow me to blog about my family.

On the second night of Hari Raya, my aunt and her family from my father’s site came for a Raya visit to our family’s house in Johor Bahru. Even though she lives in Kuala Lumpur; I don’t get to see her as often as my busy schedule sometimes can be cruel to me.

The visit is very meaningful to all of us especially my father who was delighted at the presence of his elder sister, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Our house was filled with joy and laughter as my father, my mother and his dearest sister exchanged jokes and their travelling tales.

Speaking on the subject of travelling, they both have a penchant for travelling around the globe. They have been everywhere permitted by Malaysian passport. Sometimes I wonder where they get their passion for travelling although I suspect it comes from their Japanese genes that they inherited from my grandmother - the late Allahyarhamah Rugayah (her Japanese name was Michiko Bu-wanno, Bu-wanno was her family name).

She was married to my Malay-Bugis grandfather Allahyarham Othman Muhammad Akil and blessed with two children - Hajjah Hafsah Othman (our dear Mak Long)- her first born (my aunt) and my father - Haji Mohd Noor Othman (Noburo Bu-wanno was his Japanese name).

My late grandfather Allahyarham Othman died when my father was only two years old but soon after, the still pretty and young than late grandmother remarried to the late Allahyarham Haji Harun and blessed with two daughters, Hajjah Hamidah Harun and Dr Hasnah Harun (my dear aunties currently residing in Putrajaya and Penang).

I now realize how important Hari Raya to all of us unlike when I was a lot younger when Hari Raya for me was merely about long holiday for travelling backpack American style to overseas. Sigh, someday I would like to see my family in Japan and do a study of my roots there. Who knows I might find some wonderful discovery there.

Alfatihah to my late grandmother. She passed away when I was on duty in Papua New Guinea. I am so sorry that I never have the chance to know her better during her life time as I wasn't as close to her as the grandparents from my mom's site. Nevertheless, I love her equally.

Love you all.

Ps : Feel like buying cheap sushi from Jusco supermarket for dinner tonight.

Pss: Please don’t call me Hanafi Bu-wanno or Hanafi Noburo, sound like Japanese anime character.

Family reunion - Allahyarham Mohamed Bin Hj Elias - the founder of our family on my mother's site.

Our beloved Mak Chom and Pak Dik, the only surviving daughter and son of Allahyarham Mohamed Hj Elias. Alfatihah to the rest of their seven siblings (resting in peace).




It all started a long time ago during the pre-world war with two persons in love, supplemented with hopes, determination and polished with strong values. Multiply that, many years later we are there to see ourselves; in a kingdom we call family. Stronger than bricks, unshaken by earthquakes and still standing tall through thick and thin provided that we all unite and withstand any hurdles in the name of family.

The late Allahyarham Mohamed Bin Hj Elias has left us so many years ago, about 70 years from the present based on my raw calculation. He died at the approximate age of 40, left a wife - the late Allahyarhamah Zabedah Bt Hassan and his 9 children but his legacy to excel and survive in life still lives on in each and every one of us.

For the memory of Allahyarham Mohamed Bin Hj Elias and for the love to our family, me and my sister Khadijah Mohd Noor - the blog author of 'millionaires are from the same planet' (we are the great grandchildren of Allahyarham) decided to create a new blog www.mohamedhjelias.com for our ever increasing and prosperous family.

Our first reunion was held on the 14th of October 2007 during the second day of the auspicious Hari Raya, conducted at our dearest Datin Hajjah Ummi Kalthom’s (fondly called Mak Chom to all of us) mansion in Johor Bahru. The function that started at 3.00pm was a success with guess (so many of us) comprising the children of the late Allahyarham, grand children, great grandchildren and the great great great….

The whole story is in www.mohamedhjelias.com

To all of us, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and maaf zahir dan batin.

Ps : To all, photos (111 pieces altogether) can be viewed and downloaded from picasaweb.google.com/hanafinoor for free. A short 'quick time' video can be requested through email as it takes time to upload.
Pss : The memory of the late Allahyarhamah Hajah Mariah (MakTok to me and MakYah to relatives), my grandmother and daughter of Allahyarham Mohamed will always be in my heart. I could still feel her hand carressing my hair when I was little. Really miss her. Alfatihah.

Love.
Hanafi aka Napi (to my family)

Friendship between two families from two countries (Indonesia and Malaysia) documented during Eid Fitri.

The ritual of visiting houses of friends, neighbors and relatives are customary to all Muslim in the world during the auspicious month of Syawal. Foods are always ready all the time for guests to savor.

On the first day of Hari Raya in my family’s house in Johor Bahru, Pak Budi from the Indonesian consulate came for a visit with his family. Not only that he is a close friend to my parents but he and his family is also regarded as our own relative. Pak Budi was served our own Laksa Johor and ketupat. It was a pleasure for my family to play host for Pak Budi and family in our house.

The visitation during the first day of Hari Raya proves that the ties between Indonesian and Malaysian are strong beyond citizenships.

PS: Pak Budi’s 2 daughters are as pretty as Indonesian actress.

The practice of hand over gifts during festivals in Malaysia.

It is not a new phenomenon to hand over gifts and hampers during major festivals in Malaysia. We could see people giving gifts in the form of nicely wrapped presents and hampers to the one they care including friends, family and clients during Christmas, Chinese New year, Deepavali and Hari Raya. Departmental stores will register higher sales in hampers and gifts during these seasons while gifts wrapping business enjoy cyclical booming.

It is also a good practice for business to hand over gifts to their loyal customers. The practice is nevertheless a good promotion strategy for marketing. Whether it is a cheap or expensive gifts that we get, it’s the thought that matter. Right?

Ps: That’s my handsome 16 year old nephew, Syahir helping out to hand over gifts for Hari Raya. Wonder which hamper will be mine.

Hari Raya decorations in Public and Private Offices.

It is less than a week to Hari Raya or Eid Fitri for the Muslim and the sentiment is widespread everywhere including Public and Private Offices around Kuala Lumpur with decorations to exemplify the mood. Candles like lights, ‘ketupat’ and Hari Raya cards are common accessories for decorations to accentuate the ambience of village environment during festivity. Most offices will be closed starting Saturday and when they open for business there will be plenty ‘open houses’ for Malaysian to be merry. My advice, just dont overdo the eating as it is bad for health and drive carefully.

For those who have children, please take extra measures to protect them as we couldnt bear shock after shocks of missing children or even their death due to criminal acts in this country.

Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir batin. I love you all

Ps: The photo above was taken in the finance department of Majlis Amanah Rakyat or MARA (a Government agency in Malaysia).

Informal branding – a study of the booming 'Mamak’ (food establishments) in Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur.

Hi readers,
Today, I am featuring my short study on the restaurant or food establishment industry with special emphasize on the most flourishing eateries that Malaysian in general fondly identify as ‘Mamak’. My study however is only limited to the area of Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park , Kuala Lumpur where I live and will not take into consideration the whole of Kuala Lumpur or other parts of the country.

In Malaysia, the term Mamak refers to Indian Muslims, who generally own and operate the food establishments. The word 'Mamak' is from the Tamil term for maternal uncle. Originally, Malaysian ‘Mamak' are Tamil Muslims of Malaysian nationality, whose forefathers mostly migrated from South India centuries ago.


Yes, they love posing for you, quite talented in modelling too.

’Mamak’ is very popular among Kuala Lumpur youths as hang out spots, due to relatively ‘cheap food’ and beverages being served as well as being open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The mamak has been stamped permanently into Malaysian culture due to its ubiquitous nature and popularity.

As Muslim, Mamaks only sells ‘halal’ food but the restaurants are open to all patrons regardless of races and religions. As a matter of fact, they are more popular with the Malaysian Chinese than the Malays in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park.



Special curry and all things curry.

Currently there are 8 Mamak restaurants/cafes and 3 stalls in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park of different owners / operators (not a single Malay restaurant except food stalls at the old food court that open only for less than 6 or 7 hours per day). All of them are armed with big screen televisions or LCD projectors and misting fan systems designed for tropical countries. A number of them come with WiFi for internet surfing.

All Mamaks here are offering similar choices of food that have evolved from traditional Mamak like roti canai and all things curry to western, Malay and Thai foods. They are extremely adaptable to the ever changing local taste, you can even order ice blended coffee ala ‘Star buck’ at most Mamak less the expensive price. ’Nasi lemak’ served with ice blended mocha, ‘kewl’ huh. One thing I observed, they are not afraid of competing against each other although in near proximity from one to another Mamaks.

One distinct feature of Mamaks in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park is that all the restaurants uniformed their workers (predominantly foreign Indian, Pakistani and Nepali) in yellow or orange collared t-shirt, some with aprons.

Communication does not pose a problem with those foreigners when come to ordering with the help from written menu. However, shaking their heads do not necessarily mean disagreement or 'no sign' as they will always shake their head even in agreement (I have no intention of being racist or making fun of people outside my culture, just trying to document my experience here).


Picture menu hanging on the wall - typical setting at Mamaks.

Despite of criticisms, rumors and gossips that we can hear and read every day through e-mails, word of mouth etc. they strive to prosper in bearish or bullish Malaysian economy. A lot of attacks especially matters regarding their doubtful hygiene has been raised but they still outnumbered any similar establishments of our Bumi restaurants. So how they do it? Cheap pricing – I doubt that, 24 hours – maybe, TV and misting fan – maybe, good food – I don’t think so, strategic location - definitely, cheap labor - probably.



Photos taken from the back of the restaurant.


I say that their 'gut feeling' in investment, perseverance, and branding....yeah branding make them strong. I believe they have been branded naturally as an adaptable food establishment hence I think that must have been their best asset. You can even see Mamak in other parts of the globe with the same informal branding. Some like in the UK are quite similar except the tables are with tablecloth which is not common here.

So Bumi entrepreneurs, are we learning valuable lessons from ‘Mamak’?


Ps: I prefer to make my own roti canai, served friends homemade roti canai when I was in Papua New Guinea. Anyone for teh tarik?