By Bakri Baharom@Koboi Tunjang

Koboi Tunjang visiting Sharif (of Parit Jawa) who now lives in Tok Sira, Kuantan, Pahang

This week Koboi Tunjang is taking a break. Destination: Kuantan with a night break each in Seberang Jaya and Setia Alam. Cruising along PLUS (North-South Highway) is a far cry from the first trip in 1985 – by express bus departing Alor Setar. The joke then, even a blind man coming from Terengganu knew the moment he crossed the border – the pothole jolted him up from his slumber.

Altogether, Koboi Tunjang was in Kuantan for nine years, one month and 16 days – under three bosses; Ahamad Sipon (now Dato Indera Dr), Hee Tien Fok and Cheong See Leong. There were only two polytechnics then, POLISAS and pioneer PUO (1969). Among Koboi Tunjang’s closest associate was M.Sharif M. Lani, an original Jawa from Parit Jawa, Muar. He settled down in Kuantan after sweeping off Tok Penghulu Chenor’s daughter’s feet. Both were accountants.

I remember spending a night at Sharif mother’s house years ago. That night they held a kenduri doa selamat. I was the only one around when the first guest arrived. After giving his salam, he started to speak Javanese. I just nodded. He kept on talking…. I kept on nodding…. until Sharif turned up, amused.

I spoke no Javanese, apart from Kabare (Apa khabar), Waras (Sihat) and Mangan (Makan).

It was the first time I learned about Nasi Ambeng too. You are given a pack of rice with lauk. You are supposed to eat a portion and take the remainder home. No wonder all Jawa eyes were on my friend, Charim. He finished it all with no concern.

Another close associate was Suhaimi Aminullah from Raub. He was purportedly the first graduate in Computing to report for work in 1984. Koboi Tunjang joined a few months later. We partnered to teach Data Processing students. At the time, arguably we were the only real two computer literates around.

Suhaimi was literally a mobile library. He was a bookworm. Koboi Tunjang would have to lend his ears for Suhaimi to share his latest reading. For example; how Mao Tze Dong had to hand over his baby to someone else half way in the Long March. He never saw his son again. Or, letters written by Nehru from prison to his children.

Suhaimi retired early. He started to grow banana and cocoa in Raub. I spent a night at his mother’s house too. His trees were A++ grade. By 2023, Suhaimi owned about 200 Musang King trees which are 13 years old now. Koboi Tunjang and family have visited his orchard once. It was All-You-Can-Eat-For-Old-Comrade-Free Deal. Apart from being a successful farmer, he looks like a philosopher, spotting long hair.

Joining Koboi Tunjang to Kuantan are his son, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren from Penang, Shah Alam and Cameron Highlands. Altogether 12 with a sole purpose.

The first time young Koboi Tunjang lived in Kuantan, we put up at Taman Beserah. Later on, the adjacent coconut farm was developed to be Taman Sri Beserah. We moved to one of the old landlady’s houses. Even after her demise, we kept close contact with her children and grand-children, Today (Feb 18, 2023), Hindun’s youngest daughter is getting married. Come what may, everyone is attending the wedding reception.

Koboi Tunjang takes his hat off for cendol durian

While in Kuantan do not miss the following:

Breakfast:
Nasi Dagang Peramu / Kuantan Pickers.
Lunch:
Pak Akob Patin House / Ras Aman
Tea:
Pok Awang Celup Tepung / Cendol Durian Bypass;
Dinner:
Mail Ikan Bakar / Ana Ikan Bakar Petai Tanjung Lumpur

Do not blame Koboi Tunjang should your cholesterol and sugar level readings break through the ceiling!

NOTE: Apakhabartv.com would like to wish Hidayah Yaacob and Syaiful Hakim Yahya Selamat Pengantin Baru.