Taiping Lake Gardens – Malaysia

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By P Chong           Sun. 21 Mar. 2010

For peace, tranquility & greenery, nowhere can compare with its beauty

England can boast of its Lake District. China with its West Lake in Hangzhou, and Taiwan with its Sun Moon Lake; Taiping has its own famous Lake Gardens.

Established in 1880, Taiping Lake Gardens is the biggest urban parkland & the earliest public gardens in Malaysia. At 222 acres (62 hectares) ,it is about as big as Taiping Old Town. Within it is housed massive ponds, lakes, and reputably & the best natural zoological gardens in Malaysia.

Beauty of the main Lake

Taiping, lying north of Kuala Lumpur on the way to Penang, the name means “peace” was the world’s biggest exporter of tin. The Lake Gardens was created out of ex-mining pools. It was not, however, without serious planning & with an eye for the aesthetics. Different sections of the garden offer a new and refreshing scenery. Along Circular Road (Jalan Pekeliling), one find the rain trees that have become almost synonymous with the garden. The many meandering rivers and ponds offer great delight to nature buffs and photography enthusiasts alike.

The lake reflecting the sky above

Within the garden is the Taiping Zoo, reputably one of the best zoological gardens in Malaysia. Its night safari allows visitors to observe the nocturnal animals and birds in their natural habitat. The site, as we know it in our boyhood days, was called Monkey Forest, where naturally as the name suggests, you’d find multitude of monkeys.

Throngs of people flood the Lake Gardens every weekend to jog, exercise or simply to breathe in the air under the foot of Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), which with all those colonial rest houses provides a cool & cheap place for school holidays. Transport up & down the Hill is provided by jeep or Land Rover. If you are energetic & adventurous hiking would be most delightful.

The oldest golf course in Malaysia within the vicinity was closed in the year 1995 due to the hazard it presented. The course has since been converted to parks where trees, flowers and playgrounds have replaced the common sight of a golf course. Its club house, the Lake Club, still sits on the low rise overlooking the Lake Gardens.

Rain tree branches reaching out onto the Lake

Of particular interest to most photographers is the huge rain trees that grow by the lake. You will notice the branches that stretch across the road and dipping into the waters of the lake as though quenching their thirst. These gigantic rain trees provide a canopy for both shade & beauty.

Couples getting married can be seen posing here in their wedding clothes against the picturesque background of serenity. It’s a great place for photo shoots.

The following facilities and attractions are available here:

A Japanese Garden

A Zig Zag Bridge

A Pagoda Bridge

A Roller-skating Rink

Paddle-Boat Rides

Children’s Playground

Jogging tracks

Reflexology tracks

Open Air Gymnasium

Picnics . . . jogging or plain morning walk or cycling.

Paddle Boats for Hire

A Lotus Pool where you will see the beautiful pinkish colour lotus flowers near the entrance to Taiping Zoo. Streams & small waterfalls provides pools for swimming & picnic in the inner forested areas of the Lake Gardens – a favourite among the young during our school days.

Lotus pond

When I was a schoolboy, I used to love to cycle round the Lake Gardens early in the morning. It was most refreshing & exhilarating. The greatest things in life are those that you really cannot put a price on.

Forrest Gump – Lateral Thinking

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By P Chong                                                       Thurs. 18 March 2010


Many of you would know Forrest Gump from the feature film in 1994 starring Tom Hanks . . . a fictional character from the novel (1986) by Winston Groom. Forrest, while not intelligent, has accidentally been a war hero, a great table tennis player, a great marathon runner . . . among other successes except one, the love of his life, Jenny.

Be surprised how Forrest Gump, slow-witted no doubt, comes out with his “unusual” answers when posed with the test questions from St Peter as a requirement for entry to Heaven. Forrest demonstrates how to rise to the occasion when confronted with situational difficulties . . . that is, to have the ability to think outside the box!

Forrest Gump Died & Went To Heaven.

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump died and went to Heaven. He was at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates were closed, and Forrest approached the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, “Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass before you can goto Heaven.”

Forrest responded, “It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain’t too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.”

St. Peter continued, “Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First:

What two days of the week begin with the letter T?

Second:

How many seconds are there in a year?

Third:

What is God’s first name?”

Forrest left to think the questions over. He returned the next day and saw St Peter, who waved him up, and said, “Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers”

Forrest replied, “Well, the first one — which two days in the week begins with the letter ‘T’? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.”

The Saint’s eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, “Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?” asked St. Peter. “How many seconds in a year?”

“Now that one is harder,” replied Forrest, “but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.”

Astounded, St. Peter said, “Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?”

Forrest replied, “Shucks, there’s got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd . . . “

“Hold it,” interrupted St. Peter. “I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind . . . but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.

Can you tell me God’s first name?”

“Sure,” Forrest replied, “it’s Andy.”

“Andy?” exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. “Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?”

“Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,” Forrest replied. “I learnt it from the song:

‘ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.’”

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: “Run Forrest, run.”

Hong Kong – The Eyes of the Dragon

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By P Chong                                                                  Tuesday, 16 March, 2010


In a glittering and poignant ceremony on 1 July 1997 Hong Kong passed over as the last jewel of the British Crown. It then became the eyes of the emerging Dragon. Ten years & three on, it is as vibrant and spectacular as ever – constantly progressing, initiating and setting the impetus for its motherland’s growth. The sunshine is ever so bright through a clear blue sky with more towering structures, both residential & commercial.

While in the past Hong Kong served as a drainage port to the British Crown, today it rightly and timely contributes to the economic engine of Mainland China. It was a devious scheme of Opium War devised by the British in securing its foothold in Hong Kong. Whatever loss China suffered, “Hong Kong has helped set up 57,500 factories, employing 9.6 million people in the Pearl River Delta. About 70% have been opened in the past ten years.” (Source: Austin Ramzy’s The China Connection in The Time Magazine, Vol. 169, No. 23/2007). It is without doubt that Hong Kong will continue to spearhead the growth of the Greater Pearl River Region.

The Chinese population of Hong Kong is the key factor and the vibrant crux of it all. It is a known fact and verified truism that the Chinese people are the most assiduous in their economic pursuit, resilient to the core and diligent beyond all comparisons. It is this trait and character that made China to stand tall and erect without outside support since the dawn of its civilization many thousands of years ago.

With empty hands and frugal means, and armed essentially with a great desire to succeed, the Chinese immigrant stock had and has been drifting and settling in what was largely a rugged farming land amidst a “Fragrant Port”, and hence its name “Hong Kong”. Beyond the New Territories lies Shenzhen which is also depicting the same success story in transforming itself into a vibrant city.

In the opening up of Lantau Island, with bridge and tunnel connections, a world-class international airport Chek Lup Kok, Disneyland, and other tourist attractions such as the world’s largest Buddha statute with cable car access, the Hong Kong Government has plan for the Island in absorbing a greater population target of ten million. Whether Lantau Island Discovery Bay residential area will remain tranquil and vehicle free is something for the environmentalists to debate upon.

Hong Kong never goes to sleep and with the awakening Dragon for its motherland, it will be even more so sleepless and vibrant. It boasts of great rags to riches success stories in the likes of Li Ka Shing, the late eccentric Nina Wang and others. I first visited Hong Kong in 1970 and stayed in the then five-star Hilton Hotel. Today that same Hotel is no longer there. It was demolished and in its site stands Li Ka Shing’s Headquarters bearing the prestigious landed address as No.1, Queen’s Road Central.

As a Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong appears to be no different playing its role in the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”. In fact, it shows now to have a closer affinity with its motherland. It demonstrates clearly too that there can be unity in diversity. Hong Kong needs its motherland as much as China needs Hong Kong.

Attitude . . .

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By P Chong                             Friday, 12 March 2010


Earl Nightingale, once renowned as the Dean of Motivation, referred “attitude” as the “The Strangest Secret”. It’s a secret that spells magic because that one simple word can transform your life.

Before him, Frederick Langbridge (1849-1923), English poet & religious writer, famously expressed it well when he wrote, “Two men look out the same prison bars; one sees mud and the other stars.”

It is our disposition, perspective, viewpoint, or outlook. It is how we view the world. Our life is a reflection of our attitude. Here’s a little story for illustration:

One day, a rich family left on a trip to the country. The father’s sole firm purpose was to show his son how poor people can be. They spent a day & a night in the farm of a very poor family.

When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“Very good Dad!”

“And what did you learn?”

The son answered, “We have one dog at home. I saw they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.”

When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless. His son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!”

Now, isn’t it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have love, friends, family, health, good humour and a positive attitude towards life – you’ve got everything!

You can’t buy any of these things, that’s why we say that the best things in life are free. With the right attitude, you can have all the material possessions you can imagine, fulfilling your hope, dreams & aspiration. But if you are poor in spirit, you have nothing!

The Year of the Tiger

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By P Chong                              Monday, 1 February 2010

Dragon Dance

Despite its ferociousness in the wild, the tiger really

is one of the most caring & thoughtful zodiac sign

in the Chinese Calendar.

This Gregorian Year of 2010 is Chinese Lunar Year 4708.


The Chinese Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Qin Shi Huang introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac. By its cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February.

In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as the Spring Festival on a grand scale with traditional fire-crackers, fireworks, dragon dance & lots of “Ang Pows” (Red Packets with Money) for the young & unmarried. The celebration usually lasts for 15 days culminating in “Chap Goh Mei” (The Night of the Full Moon). Chinese are known to be most assiduous in their economic pursuit, never relenting nor relaxing with holiday break from day to day, week to week or month to month. But with Spring Festival, they let down their tools, pack up for home coming & reunion.

Travelling during this peak season is most busy involving millions on the move. Most migrant workers are rushing to their home villages. Others are taking advantage of the long break for long awaited vacation. Most are travelling within national boundaries but with the rising affluence people are travelling abroad for their holidays. With two weeks to go, China is already geared up in preparedness for the holiday rush – the train, the bus & the plane. These days, of course, the more affluent will have their own transport. A staggering 210 millions are expected to travel by rail alone during the 40-day Spring Festival rush! According to CCTV, “over the next 40-days, it´s expected holiday-makers will take an unprecedented 2.54 billion journeys by road, water and air.”

Eating, drinking & merry-making are part & parcel of the Spring Festival. The food is especially good. Dishes not usually on the daily menu are on display with young & old in joyous celebration. I remember full well “love-letters” biscuits being everybody’s favourite, and how we would burn midnight oil baking them, enjoying savouring even the scraps of the goodies. Those were the days!

It’s the noisiest time of the year. Celebration always take on with all the boom & bang. Fire-crackers sound near & far. Teams of “kung-fu” experts will display their skills with the dragon dance and take on challengers with lion dance display. The noise is intended to drive out the evil of the past year and usher in good fortune & luck for the new.

Lion & Dragon Dance Combined


This year Spring Festival falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010 which happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day, making it a doubly auspicious day to celebrate in the West.

If you were born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 or 2010 – you were born under the sign of the tiger. According to the Chinese Zodiac, you are one of the most caring & thoughtful person with the mission to right the wrong & defending children, loved ones & friends against all injustices.

Some of the famous people born under the Tiger Sign are: Emily Bronte, Tom Cruise, Leonardo Di Caprio, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jay Leno, Karl Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Marco Polo & Queen Elizabeth II.

The Year of the Tiger will roar!

Economy will soar!!

It will be a Good Year for ALL !!!

Unfortunately, Tiger Woods will fall short of the benefits.


WISHING ALL MY READERS

A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

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By P Chong                                             Friday, 29 January 2010


Can a laugh a day keep heart attack away? Maybe so, as

testified by new research at the Medical Center of the University of Maryland led by Dr Michael Miller.

It’s pointed out that laughter reduces pain, increases job performance, connects people

emotionally,and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart & brain.

Even a little laughter is a good thing.

Mark Twain said it best:

“The human race has only one really effective weapon, and

that is laughter. The moment it arises, all your irritations & resentments

slip away, & your sunny spirit takes their place.”

Humour & laughter stir up the three Es (i.e. enthusiasm, excitement & emotion) in your body mechanism bringing on a brighter life perspective. Laughter sets you up on a higher plane from where you can view the world in a more relaxed, positive, joyful & creative manner.

Take Mike, for instance, about to retire after years of working competitively as a top-notch travelling sales executive on the international circuit, is finally looking forward to taking up golf seriously. He has always been keen on golf & played occasionally whenever opportunity arose. Although his game has improved considerably, he was always getting angry with every mistake. This was attributed to the crowd he played with who took the game too seriously. They were playing competitively more for the score than for the fun of it. So he stopped his association with them & elected to play with some friends, who like him played more for recreational fun.

Now golfing was as enjoyable as he hoped it would be & even scored better to lower his handicap. The benefits of fun become so obvious. Being able to laugh at your own mistakes take some doing but worth the doing.

Whenever you can create the opportunities for laughter. Laughing out loud may seem silly if done solely on your own, so seek out friends to watch a funny movie together. There are many places & occasions for such opportunities, You might want to:

Join a comedy club or a “laughter yoga” group

Seek out funny people for company

Try to spread cheers around with telling funny jokes or stories

Play around with pets or children

Create fun activities.

Forget about personal inhibitions. Just let yourself go. Sense of humour is not required. Just laugh out loud (LOL)! Release all the stress & strain. Let go of your worry & pain . . . for when you laugh, the whole world laugh with you! Laughter is both infectious & contagious. You should laugh till your belly aches & stomach churns . . . for laughter is feeling deeply . . . allowing you to live fully!

Laughter has so much power to heal & renew. Here below is a summary of the physical, mental & social benefits:

The Benefits of Laughter
Physical Health Benefits:

Boosts immunity

Lowers stress hormones

Decreases pain

Relaxes your muscles

Prevents heart disease

 Mental Health Benefits:

Adds joy and zest to life

Eases anxiety and fear

Relieves stress

Improves mood

Enhances resilience

 Social Benefits:

Strengthens relationships

Attracts others to us

Enhances teamwork

Helps defuse conflict

Promotes group bonding

Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body.

Clowns are always a welcoming sight!

That Elusive G-Spot in Women (The Gräfenberg Spot)

On By Paul2 Comments

A medical synopsis from various reports.

Do you want to maximise your love making pleasure?

If so, then read on . . .

That elusive G-Spot, also known as urethral sponge, is your answer. It is said to be located about one to three inches inside the vagina, on the anterior wall. Some women also report that stimulation of parts of the posterior wall of the urethra and the anterior wall of the anus at about the same depth creates a similar intense sensation and stimulation. Is that why the practice of sodomy?

From Wikipedia we learn that the Gräfenberg Spot, or G-Spot, first coined by Addiego et al. in 1981, after the German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg who hypothesized its existence in a paper published in 1950, is a term used to describe the bean-shaped area of the vagina that many women report to contain an erogenous zone which when stimulated can lead to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful orgasms. It is typically located one to three inches up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vagina opening and the urethra.

Sexual psychologists are concerned that women may label themselves “dysfunctional” if they cannot find the G-Spot, and women have had plastic surgery done to enhance G-Spot sensitivity.

Although research on the G-Spot has taken place since 1981, controversy & arguments over its existence, the actual definition of the term, and its location continue in the medical field and in the studies of sexuality.

The largest study to date on the G-Spot found its existence unproven and subjective among women. Every woman’s G-Spot is different because every woman’s cervix & vagina are shaped differently.

Most men & women are familiar with clitoral stimulation. However, some women find G-spot stimulation ideal for multiple orgasms, even to the point of having an ‘out-of-body’ (OOB) experience (‘floating’). If you feel yourself leaving your body and soaring, stop all stimulation and just relax, enjoy & wallow.

Unlike the clitoris, which protrudes from the surrounding tissue, G-Spot lies deep within the vaginal wall, and a firm pressure is often needed to contact the G-Spot in its unstimulated state. Usually this bean-sized, spongy area responding to stimulation will harden and swell as blood rushes to it.

Women can orgasm several different ways, via clitoral, vaginal, and of course the G-Spot,

the latter can give her a massively satisfying orgasm if stimulated correctly.

You will be able to help give added pleasure and a mind-blowing climax to your partner

if you can locate and stimulate it.

If you are a romantic gentleman, and in no hurry, but seeking out mutually & intimately

the greatest pleasure in love-making, you will no doubt together with your partner find that elusive G-Spot!

Attitude Towards Customer Service

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By P Chong                                                       Monday, 25 January 2010


“How may I help you?” sounds so beautiful when you are greeted also with a smile each time you step into an establishment. But these days such greetings are hardly any. You are often left to your own devices or be confronted on the phone with a voice with impersonal instructions, often confusing as to what numbered button to press. As a shopper, customer or client, you are but a statistical digit.

When I was managing a fledging life insurance agency district in the 1970s, I had always insisted on “qualitative & quantitative” service. This made us apart from our bigger competitors . . . and that difference showed and the difference grew! Customer service, as with most large enterprises, department stores & others, is often deemed as a separate department. It is not. It is an attitude!

This indeed is a verified truism. It’s attitude more than aptitude that scales the altitude. As much as we try to complicate what great service is . . . it’s really very simple. Only fools like to complicate matter in order to justify their failure in its observation. Another favourite of mine is “Simplicity Sells . . . Complexity Repels”. All that is needed is to give more than what the customer expects. It sounds simple but not easy to execute. Thererin lies the big difference.

Today, I’d like to share the 10 phrases taken from “Walk the Talk” as an illuminating illustration of how uncomplicated it is to make customers feel loved. People don’t care how much you know, (or what you sell, or what type of service you provide) until they know how much you care!

The 10 most important words:

“I apologise for our mistake. Let me make it right.” When something goes wrong, most people merely want to be heard and acknowledged. So listen, apologise, then ask what you can do to make it right.

The 9 most important words:

“Thank you for your business. Please come back again.” Repeat customers cost less than new customers and are often more loyal.

The 8 most important words:

“I’m not sure, but I will find out.” It’s ok if you don’t know the answer; it’s not ok to make the customer keep searching for it. That’s your job.

The 7 most important words:

“What else can I do for you?” Be prepared to go the extra mile, there is less competition there.

The 6 most important words:

“What is most convenient for you?” Your customers will be pleasantly surprised when you ask what’s convenient for them.

The 5 most important words:

“How may I serve you?” This question reinforces your role in the relationship. Play that role the best you can.

The 4 most important words:

“How did we do?” Feedback is critical! Your customers have a unique perspective and they appreciate being asked.

The 3 most important words:

“Glad you’re here!” Customers who feel welcome spend more time, more money and are more likely to return.

The 2 most important words:

“Thank you.” Basic manners… but how often do you get thanked when you’re the customer?

The MOST important word:

“Yes.” Become a yes person.

Kampong Kirkby

On By Paul2 Comments

By P Chong                                  Saturday, 23 January 2010

Kirkby College Badge

It’s most refreshing when I look back to the days when 300 of us Malaysian students of different colour, race & creed were living in distinct harmony & peace, 8,000 miles away from home, in a little spot near Liverpool, UK, we called Kampong Kirkby.We felt proud to be who we were . . . Malaysians. I doubt we were even conscious of the fact that Azimah was different from Kim or she from Arul. We saw & perceived each other as friends & colleagues, though the first was of Malay origin, with Kim as a Chinese and Arul of Indian background.(Not real names).That was in the 50s & 60s of an era gone by & sadly missed.

The state of affairs in Malaysia these days is far from desired, and absolutely unbelievable that racial disharmony & discontent can come to breed & exist through the politicisation, polarisation & manipulation of the ruling UMNO. When looking in from outside & abroad the country, we can see how futile, ridiculous and indeed sad though laughable the narrow-mindedness of the UMNOputras have turned out to be – desperate for power to be perpetually in their hands. The aftermath & virtual defeat from the last election have made this desperation even more so. Who in the saneness state of mind would imagine playing politics & connotation with a little religious word which called for reverence & respect in the name of our same Maker.

They have been playing the political game for far too long & are now losing their sense of direction, good judgement, fair treatment & blind for the overall well being of the country. People can get so emotionally uptight that temperature flare & tempest roar! Devious politicians know full well that with a little political push & pull, an ugly scenario can erupt . . . not again with May 13 history repeating itself!

The world today is an open world, transparent & unconfined. Globalisation & the high tech world of instant communication mean that the people around the world get to know instantly whatever is happening. You can’t conceal . . . you are revealed!

With hindsight, I was looking back at the life & love of the Malaysian teacher-trainees in Kirkby College. It was so beautiful. Can’t help wanting to relive those days all over again . . . when relationship was good and life was free & easy. I could see Azimah’s curl & lovely hair style with her face & smile clearly visible . . . Arul looked equally great in western blouse & skirt as in her Indian saree. When different festivals came around such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, we all got together in joint celebrations, dressing up in sarong & kebaya, cheongsam or saree. The array of different colours just enhanced further the beauty of the joyous occasion.


I remember too, the opportunity of enjoying our cultural concert of a variety of music & dance. There was this diminutive Malay lady singer who rendered equally well both English & Malay songs with her golden voice. Not forgetting though, there was this equally small Singh who could sing & match melodiously with her. No names mentioned here, but I am sure Kirkbyites would remember them.


Alas the College song we sang of the “Land of Golden Chersonese” that seemed so far away has finally gone away beyond our reach! As one famous writer would utter: “Cry, My Beloved Country!”

With all the rich natural resources, Malaysia should be “exploding” in its economic development. Instead it is “imploding” within with all the trivialities of race & religion.

Everything could be set right again if political vision is on the right track. The ruling elites have been fortunate thus far to have a population mass so docile & resilient, but with mounting pressure & continuing unfair superimposition, all hell can break lose and then paradise would be lost!

Tell yourself this:

“Whatever to be it’s up to me!”

From

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

Related Posts by the same writer:

1. Kirkby – Down Memory Lane (June 2009)

2. Kirkby College Memorabilia (August 2009)

3. Tun Dr. Mohamed Mahathir – A Tribute With Repute (August 2009)

4. Malaysia Merdeka! (August 2009)


Is Buying A Pet Constitutes To Commencing A Development?

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By P Chong                                                                 Thursday, 21 January 2010

Shetland Pony

Have you ever heard of the ridiculous formality of having to apply to the Shire of Kalamunda, Western Australia, for the approval of keeping a family pet? As though that itself is not laughable, you are required to pay them a whopping processing fee of $132.00!

Our Grandsons

For the sake of our two grandsons, I was prepared to overlook the ridiculous formality but not the $132.00 which I didn’t know about! Happily, I tried to fulfil the requirements:

  • I went round our neighbourhood getting supporting/consent signatures.
  • Filled up the application form which reads: APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL TO COMMENCE DEVELOPMENT.

    Now, doesn’t that sound crazy as though I am about to start a pony business in our backyard? I am only buying a pet Shetland pony for our grandsons. The size of this pony is between a miniature one & the normal pony . . . just a size larger than the German Shepherd or a Great Dane.

  • Three copies of our property’s location & site plan to be included.
  • A Stock Management Plan is even required!
  • No processing fee of $132.00 was mentioned or printed in the application form. I wouldn’t have gone to the Shire office today to submit my application form had I known of this or was even told about it!

Let’s hope & pray that this not reality but only a nightmare that I found myself in. Not sure if the Kalamunda community, or any other community, is aware of this nightmare.

After all, we have the space & area for the Shetland pony. Our backyard is in excess of 1500 M2 of empty grassy space and we also have the shed for its accommodation.

I have also seen the neighbours and they all have no objection whatsoever in our keeping one Shetland pony as a pet for our grandsons.

But why should Kalamunda Shire be so unreasonable?

Is buying a Shetland pony (gelding) as a pet tantamount to a business development?

Does the amount of $132 mean that the Shire is supplying me with the pony?

If you have any suggestion or comment, please have your say or email me:

paul21chong@gmail.com

Thank You.