Guardians of Sg Way legacy

(From left) Banting assemblyman Lau Weng San, Ding, Lim, Ng, Mohamad Azhan and Ong at the official opening of the Kampung Seri Setia History Corridor. — Photos: S.S. KANESAN/The Star

A NEW mini museum set up in the basement of Seri Setia New Village multipurpose hall in Sungai Way, Petaling Jaya, is the latest tourist attraction in Selangor.

State local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han lauded the efforts of the Seri Setia New Village community management council (MPKK) in transforming what was previously an under-utilised carpark.

At the launch, he said much of local history was not being documented, making mini museums such as this an important addition to a community.

“Although history is a subject taught in schools, there are still many things from our past that are not included in textbooks.”

While it would be impossible to include each and every aspect of a community’s history in textbooks, he said there were ways to have it documented.

“If the younger generation can emulate the example set by the Sungai Way community, they will be playing an important role to preserve not only a community’s history but (part of) the country’s history as well,” Ng added.

Petaling Jaya City councillor Ong Yew Thai said the Sungai Way mini museum was the first in Malaysia to be developed by an MPKK.

It took a year and a half to complete the project and the mini museum’s launch was commemorated in a grand way with fireworks.

Guests were greeted by the spirited drumming of the Cahaya Jaya Murni kompang troupe, followed by an energetic performance by the Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance group.

The two troupes were founded in Sungai Way in 1986 and 1980 respectively.

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir said the project had made the city council (MBPJ) proud and should be emulated by other new villages.

Branded as the Seri Setia New Village History Corridor, the mini museum cost over RM100,000 to set up.

Village chief Ding Eow Chai said the project had utilised RM29,800 from the RM65,800 allocated by MBPJ.

“Over 70% of the mini museum’s contributions came from the community itself.

“Donors contributed artefacts and sponsored painting, wiring and renovation costs.

“Most of the physical work was carried out by the MPKK members while tasks which required specialised knowledge were done by professionals,” said Ding.

He said the idea to showcase the new village’s history came about during its 70th anniversary celebrations.

“We wanted to leave behind a legacy.

“We also saw it as a way to boost the local economy.

“As Sungai Way is already popular with foodies, we thought a mini museum would give visitors more reason to visit and ideally spend half the day here to discover what the place has to offer,” he added.

In the mini museum are artefacts from the new village’s early days as a mining community and records documenting the achievements of its pioneers.

Of special significance is a black-and-white signboard at the entrance written in Jawi, Tamil, Chinese and Roman characters, reflecting the languages spoken by its multiracial community.

The central theme of the mini museum focuses on how the village has progressed from the time its forefathers struggled during the communist insurgency in the pre-independence days and up to present day.

Among the donors is Sabaruddin Shamsusah, leader of the kompang troupe, who was born and bred in the new village, and Tan Kim Huat, chairman of Persatuan Penganut Tho Guan Seng, a Chinese temple.

Sabaruddin donated his family’s congkak set while the temple committee provided photographs from 1983 which depict a religious ceremony that was carried out after a series of fires took place in the new village.

Apart from the new village’s strategic location, it was the harmonious existence of a multiracial community that had enabled the new village to prosper, said Sabaruddin.

“This is most evident during the festive seasons where the different races will gather for the celebrations regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds,” he said.

Kim Huat, a restaurant owner, also donated a set of traditional copper scales which he had purchased in the 1980s when he first started his business.

Tan Ka Lin, who sponsored the paint for murals and the mini museum project, said the project was a way for the community to pay tribute to their forefathers.

“My grandfather and father, for example, were not highly educated. Yet, they donated to the school. They worked hard to ensure that the younger generation was able to pursue a tertiary education.

“It is the sacrifice of our elders that has enabled the younger generation to have a better future,” said Ka Lin.

At the event, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei said the mini museum was not just a place where old things were kept.

“This is a living space for the community.

“At the height of the pandemic, it was used as a food distribution and Covid-19 vaccine registration centre.

“Now, as a mini museum, there is a corner dedicated to art using recycled items. It is headed by local artist Yuri Tan,” she said.

Entrance to the mini museum is currently free, although the MPKK is mulling over collecting donations to sustain its operations.