10 taufan paling ganas dalam sejarah dunia

10. Taufan Vera (1959) -190 mph (305 km/h)

Taufan Vera (Taufan Isewan) yang melanda Jepun pada 20 September dan berlangsung selama sembilan hari telah membantut pertumbuhan ekonomi Jepun yang ketika itu masih dalam pemulihan selepas perang dunia kedua. Kerosakan ini dianggarkan bernilai AS$600 juta dan membunuh 5,098 orang. Ketika inilah sistem bantuan dan pengurusan bencana Jepun mula ditubuhkan.

9. Taufan Allen (1980) -305 km/h

Taufan Allen yang melanda Caribbean, timur dan utara Mexico, dan selatan Texas pada Ogos 1980
telah menyebabkan kerosakan bernilai AS$3.6 bilion dan mengorbankan seramai 290 orang. Taufan ini berlangsung selama 11 hari dan membawa angin kencang sehingga 190 mph (305 km/h). Allen juga menghasilkan beberapa tornado dan ombak setingga 12 kaki di sepanjang pantai Texas.

8. Taufan Tip (1979) -305 km/h (190 mph)

Taufan Tip, dikenali di Filipina sebagai Taufan Warling, terbentuk ketika musim monsun pada 4 Oktober berhampiran Pohnpei dan membawa angin maximum 305 km/h (190 mph) selepas melalui Guam. Tip, yang mampu bertahan selama 20 hari, menjejaskan beberapa kawasan termasuk di Filipina, Korea, Jepun, China, Russia dan Alaska. Ia menyebabkan 13 terbunuh dan mencederakan 68 anggota marin di kem Fiji di Jepun manakala di tempat lain 42 kematian akibat banjir dan 44 terbunuh atau hilang disebabkan kapal karam. Jumlah kerugian akibat taufan ini dianggarkan sebanyak berjuta-juta dolar.

7. Taufan Joan (1959) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Joan pada mulanya dikelaskan sebagai ribut tropika apabila terbentuk di Pasifik Barat pada 25 Ogos sebelum membawa angin kencang sehingga 314 km/h (195 mph) pada 29hb ketika menghampiri Taiwan. Joan menyebabkan banjir besar dan membunuh kira-kira 11 orang serta menimbulkan kerugian sebanyak AS$3 juta dalam sektor pertanian. Kerosakan harta benda juga teruk, dengan 3,308 rumah dimusnahkan dan di China sekurang-kurangnya 3 orang terbunuh dan 57 cedera. Taufan ini bertahan selama enam hari.

6. Taufan Kit (Emang) (1966) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Kit mula terbentuk pada 20 Jun berhampiran Negeri Chuuk di Micronesia dan berakhir pada 29 Jun selepas membadai Jepun. Kit (Emang) mencetuskan kejadian tanah runtuh dan banjir yang buruk. Sebanyak 433 daripada kira-kira 128,000 rumah yang terjejas telah musnah dan sekurang-kurangnya 64 orang terbunuh manalaka 19 disenaraikan hilang.

5. Taufan Meranti (2016) -315 km/h (195 mph)

Taufan Meranti, dikenali di Filipina sebagai Taufan Ferdie, telah membadai tiga negara iaitu Filipina, Taiwan dan China. Meranti mula terbentuk pada 8 September di pulau Guam dan bertahan selama sembilan hari. Pada 13 September taufan ini mencapai angin maximum selaju 195 mph (315 km/h) dan mengundang kerugian sebanyak AS$4.8 bilion serta mengorbankan sekurang-kurangnya 47 orang.

4. Taufan Ida (1958) -325 km/h (200 mph)

Taufan Ida, juga dikenali sebagai Taufan Kanogawa, terbentuk di Pacifik Barat berhampiran Guam pada 20 September dan berlangsung selama 10 hari. Ia membawa hujan lebat di selatan Jepun sehingga menyebabkan 1,900 kejadian tanah runtuh. Kerugian dianggarkan sebanyak AS$50 juta dan kematian sekurang-kurangnya 1,269 orang. Ida mencapai angin maximum 325 km/h (200 mph).

3. Taufan Violet (1961) -335 km/h (205 mph)

Pembentukan taufan Violet pada mulanya dikesan di barat daya pulau Marcus di Pasifik pada 2 Oktober. Lima hari kemudian Violet mencapai kelajuan maximum sehingga 205 mph (335 km/h) ketika bergerak ke arah Jepun dan bertahan selama 8 hari. Bagaimanapun kerosakan dan kematian akibat taufan ini masih tidak jelas.


2. Taufan Patricia (2015) -345 km/h

Taufan Patricia pada mulanya terbentuk berhampiran Teluk Tehuantepec, selatan Mexico, pada 20 Oktober 2015 sebelum mencapai angin selaju 345 k/mh (215 mph). Taufan ini menyebabkan kerugian sebanyak AS$450 juta tetapi hanya mengorbankan 6-8 orang sahaja. Patricia berakhir selepas empat hari membadai.

1. Taufan Nancy (1961) -345 km/h

Taufan Nancy adalah siklon tropika paling kuat yang pernah dicatatkan di dunia. Ia menyebabkan kerosakan bernilai AS$500 juta dan membunuh sekurang-kurangnya 191 serta mencederakan beribu-ribu orang di Jepun pada September 1961. Nancy bertahan selama 15 hari dan membawa angin maximum 215 mph (345 km/h).

Gempa uji kekuatan dalaman pendaki Gunung Kinabalu

Walaupun kejadian gempa bumi di Ranau dan kawasan sekitarnya sudah lama berlalu, namun ia seakan baru berlalu dan masih segar dalam ingatan, terutama para pendaki dan malim gunung yang berada di puncak gunung ketika berlaku gempa bumi itu.

Kejadian luar jangka itu bukan sahaja mengejutkan lebih tiga juta penduduk Sabah malah menarik perhatian serta mendapat liputan media yang meluas di seluruh dunia.

Tiada yang menyangka gempa bumi sekuat itu berlaku, selang sebulan selepas sekumpulan pelancong luar negara berbogel di puncak gunung, dan perbuatan itu dikecam oleh banyak pihak kerana ia dikatakan telah “menodai kesucian dan kesempurnaan Gunung Kinabalu” yang merupakan antara gunung tertinggi di Asia Tenggara.

Gempa bumi berukuran 5.9 pada skala Richter yang berlaku sekitar jam 7.15 pagi pada 5 Jun lepas, meragut nyawa 18 pendaki termasuk empat malim gunung.

Selain itu, gempa bumi itu telah merubah lanskap Gunung Kinabalu dan turut mengakibatkan banjir lumpur sehingga berlakunya krisis kekurangan air di beberapa tempat di daerah Ranau.

Menurut beberapa pendaki gunung yang terselamat, kejadian gempa bumi itu amat menakutkan dan ia merupakan peristiwa ngeri yang tidak akan dilupakan selama-lamanya.

Shahrull Izwan Zainuddin, salah seorang pendaki Gunung Kinabalu dari Ranau yang terselamat berkongsi pengalaman dalam kejadian itu.

“Pengalaman ini mengajar saya supaya sentiasa bergantung harap kepada sang pencipta, mengajar erti kerjasama, keberanian, kecekalan dan semangat kental untuk meneruskan kehidupan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata pada 4 Jun 2015, beliau bersama 21 orang berkumpul untuk melakukan misi menawan puncak Kinabalu dan kumpulan mereka ditentukan sebagai kumpulan AR04 yang dijaga oleh empat malim gunung Fadhley (Ketua malim), Ramzilan, Ronney dan Azizi.

“Cuaca pada hari itu sangat baik, tetapi hujan renyai-renyai selepas kami melepasi checkpoint Layangan. Walaupun begitu pendakian masih diteruskan kerana hasrat kami untuk menawan puncak Gunung Kinabalu.

“Saya membantu sahabat saya, Elsa sepanjang pendakian dengan memberikan kata-kata semangat. Lebih kurang jam 5.30 petang, saya bersama Elsa dan Guide kami iaitu Ronney sampai di Laban Rata. Kami antara orang yang akhir sekali sampai di sana,” katanya.

Misi menawan puncak Gunung Kinabalu

Shahrull berkata pada keesokan pagi, iaitu kira-kira jam 2 pagi (5 Jun) kumpulan yang menginap di Gunting Lagadan itu bersiap sedia untuk meneruskan aktiviti pendakian.

“Saya hanya makan sepotong roti dan segelas air. Perasaan ketika itu berkobar-kobar untuk meneruskan misi menawan puncak Kinabalu. Setelah mendengar taklimat, sesi awal pagi itu diakhiri dengan bacaan doa. Selepas itu kami teruskan misi pendakian,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata, dia bersama tiga lagi rakannya iaitu Qama, Tiqa dan Saiful merupakan antara orang yang terakhir sampai di puncak pada kira-kira pukul 6.45 pagi.

“Malim gunung awal-awal lagi memberi amaran kepada kami jangan duduk lama di atas (puncak gunung). Jadi kami turun daripada puncak itu.

“Hanya beberapa ratus meter sahaja dari Low Peak, ketika saya mengambil gambar rakan saya iaitu Qama di kawasan tasik kecil, tiba-tiba terdengar bunyi yang sangat kuat serta gegaran.

“Saya begitu takut tetapi saya berusaha untuk tidak panik dan tenangkan sahabat saya. Saya juga sudah bersedia untuk melakukan apa sahaja pergerakan sekiranya batu jatuh ke arah kami akibat gegaran itu,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata, dia melihat batu di puncak Low Peak dan Donkey Ears, jatuh akibat gegaran.

“Waktu itu, kami betul-betul berada di tengah-tengah tetapi Alhamdulillah, batu-batu tidak jatuh menuju kami. Saya bersyukur namun pada saat itu saya dapat merasakan peluang untuk saya hidup dan sampai ke bawah adalah sangat tipis. Saya juga risau tentang keselamatan rakan-rakan yang lain,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, selepas beberapa minit, mereka diarahkan oleh malim gunung untuk turun ke suatu kawasan lapang dan berkumpul di situ.

“Saya begitu gembira melihat ahli kumpulan saya yang lain semuanya selamat dan berkumpul di kawasan itu.

“Saya sempat melakukan dua panggilan menggunakan telefon sahabat saya. Saya telah menelefon salah seorang sahabat saya yang bekerja di Jabatan Meteorologi untuk mengesahkan keadaan dan juga menelefon ibu saya untuk memberitahu keadaan kami,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata, sementara menunggu bantuan tiba, mereka lebih banyak berdiam diri.

“Keadaan cuaca ketika itu “sekejap sejuk dan sekejap panas”. Selain kesejukan, saya berasa lapar dan haus,” katanya.

Menurut Shahrull, beberapa jam kemudian, mereka diberitahu bahawa helikopter akan sampai untuk mengambil mereka.

“Namun, kami amat terkilan kerana bantuan yang dinanti-nantikan dari pagi sampai petang itu tidak sampai-sampai. Kami kemudian diberitahu bahawa helikopter sudah bersedia untuk mengambil kami tetapi diberitahu helikopter tersebut tidak dapat naik kerana kabus tebal.

“Kami masih menunggu dengan sabar dan apabila kabus hilang, kami sekali lagi diberitahu bahawa helikopter masih berada di luar kawasan dan kemungkinan esok hari, baru boleh datang mengambil kami. Begitu juga dengan bantuan makanan dan baju sejuk serta khemah hendak diberikan pada kami.

“Kami terkejut mendengar perkataan “khemah” sebab kami tidak sanggup tidur di atas puncak yang amat berisiko tinggi,” katanya.

Mati dalam kesejukan atau mati mencuba

Shahrull berkata, dia melihat malim gunung berbincang dan selepas itu mereka memberikan kata putus bahawa para pendaki terpaksa turun untuk selamatkan diri daripada kesejukan dan kelaparan.

“Waktu itu saya sungguh lemah dan kehabisan tenaga begitu juga dengan orang lain. Namun hanya ada dua pilihan sahaja yang diberikan oleh malim gunung “Mati dalam kesejukan/kelaparan atau mati mencuba”.

“Lalu kami memilih untuk mati mencuba dan berbekalkan semangat untuk meneruskan hidup, kami semua memutuskan untuk turun beramai-ramai tanpa menunggu bantuan tiba,” katanya.

Shahrull memuji keberanian dan kecekalan malim-malim gunung kerana mereka memberikan semangat dan kekuatan kepada para pendaki yang terkandas di atas gunung Kinabalu.

“Mereka sediakan jalan-jalan baru dengan membahayakan nyawa sendiri untuk kami lalui kerana laluan sedia ada tidak dapat digunakan,” katanya dan berharap kerajaan atau pihak berwajib dapat memberikan anugerah dan penghargaan kepada semua malim gunung.

“Jujur saya katakan malim gunung berperanan 100 peratus menyelamatkan kami,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata setelah berada hampir 10 jam di puncak gunung Kinabalu, kira-kira jam 4.30 petang mereka memulakan perjalanan menuruni gunung.

“Jalan yang kami lalui kebanyakannya jalan-jalan baru dibuat oleh Malim Gunung. Melalui Checkpoint Sayat-Sayat sehinggalah ke Laban Rata. Jalan itu boleh dikatakan “total lost” (rosak teruk).

“Jalan baru yang dibuat juga boleh dikatakan berisiko tinggi, bukan sahaja curam malah batu-batu yang berada di atas kami boleh jatuh pada bila-bila masa sahaja. Silap sedikit boleh membawa maut,” katanya.

Katanya lagi, malim gunung juga memberikan amaran kepada mereka supaya tidak menegur atau pandang jika ternampak sesuatu di tengah jalan.

“Dalam perjalanan turun, saya terpandang beberapa mayat. Saya begitu sedih tetapi saya perlu kuatkan semangat untuk terus hidup dan memberikan kata-kata semangat kepada sahabat saya yang lain agar mereka kuat dan terus bertahan,” katanya.

7.30 malam tiba di Gunting Lagadan

Beliau berkata lebih kurang jam 7.30 malam, mereka sampai di Gunting Lagadan.

“Kami masing-masing mengemas barang-barang. Keadaan Gunting Lagadan ketika itu seperti rumah tinggalan lama.

“Kami kemudiannya berkumpul di Laban Rata, iaitu tidak jauh dari Gunting Lagadan. Syukur kerana beberapa makanan ringan seperti biskut dan minuman bergas ada di sana. Kami sempat makan untuk mendapatkan tenaga. Riuh rendah kedengaran di kawasan Laban Rata,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata, lebih kurang jam 8 malam, semua ahli kumpulannya berkumpul bersama empat malim gunung mereka.

“Proses pengiraan dilakukan dan kami dilepaskan untuk meneruskan misi untuk sampai ke Timpohon,” katanya.

Katanya, perjalanan menuju ke Timpohon sangat gelap. “Kami hanya bergantung dengan “head lamp”. Malah sepanjang perjalanan turun, kami dalam keadaan ketakutan dan sentiasa berjaga-jaga kerana bimbang berlaku gegaran di sepanjang jalan”.

“Sewaktu kami hampir sampai di KM1.5, tiba-tiba gegaran susulan berlaku. Alhamdulillah. Syukur kami masih selamat,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, perjalanan para pendaki semakin laju dan masing-masing tidak mempedulikan kesakitan kaki, kepenatan mahupun kelaparan, kerana dalam fikiran hanya untuk sampai di Timpohon Gate.

“Dalam perjalanan menuju ke checkpoint 1 hingga 3, kami bertemu dengan beberapa anggota agensi kerajaan. Selepas kami melepasi KM1.5 yang mana jalannya hampir separuh runtuh, bantuan daripada beberapa orang askar di situ memudahkan perjalanan kami,” katanya dan menambah keadaan gelap dan bunyi-bunyi cengkerik sepanjang perjalanan begitu menyeramkan.

Shahrull berkata, ketika menghampiri Timpohon Gate, kelihatan ramai anggota agensi kerajaan sedang menunggu.

“Saya begitu gembira dan lega kerana akhirnya kami semua selamat. Kami antara kumpulan pertama sampai di Timpohon Gate iaitu kira-kira jam 1 pagi (6 Jun),” katanya.

Beliau berkata, mereka kemudiannya diarahkan untuk mendapatkan rawatan di kem perubatan dan selepas itu mereka ke kaunter Taman Kinabalu mengikut kenderaan yang disediakan.

“Sahabat saya Charlene dibawa ambulans terus ke Hospital Ratu Elizabeth (Kota Kinabalu) malam itu ditemani oleh Zul kerana beliau mengalami kecederaan,” katanya.

Shahrull berkata, pengalaman itu akan kekal dalam ingatan selama-lamanya.

“Pengalaman ini mengajar kami akan bergantung harap kepada sang pencipta, mengajar erti kerjasama, keberanian, kecekalan dan semangat kental untuk meneruskan kehidupan”.

“Takziah buat rakan-rakan pendaki dan malim gunung yang terkorban dalam kejadian itu,” katanya mengakhiri perkongsian pengalaman.

Dalam kejadian itu, seramai 137 pendaki tempatan dan luar negara terkandas di puncak Gunung Kinabalu.

Baca artikel ini: Trauma menanti gempa

Oleh Marryan Razan

Misteri perkataan ‘SDA’ di Masjid Bandaran

Perhatikan gambar di sebelah kanan dan pastinya anda akan dapat melihat dengan jelas perkataan 'SDA' atau Seventh-day Adventist yang tertanam pada dinding menara masjid tersebut.

Misi Gereja Seventh-day Adventist di Kota Kinabalu sebelum Perang Dunia ll dan selepas Perang berakhir membeli tanah dan membina sebuah gereja di atas bukit yang kini terletak di Bandaran. Tulisan SDA yang jelas tertera pada bangunan ini diperbuat daripada bata kaca.

Bagaimanapun pada awal tahun 1960-an, kerajaan negara Sabah mahukan tapak gereja itu dan sebagai ganti memberi sebidang tanah di kawasan lain Kota Kinabalu. Apabila ia telah diambil alih oleh USIA, bangunan tersebut ditukar bentuk menjadi sebuah masjid.

Dalam proses menukar wajah bangunan ini ke arah lebih Islamik, kontraktor diupah untuk membuka bata kaca yang membentuk tulisan SDA. Walau bagaimanapun, ketika percubaan pertama pekerja binaan mengetuk kaca itu menggunakan (pahat), pahat yang dipegangnya DISAMBAR KILAT. Kontraktor yang diarah kemudiannya tidak mahu meneruskan kerja dan memberitahu semua orang tentang kejadian pelik yang berlaku.

Tidak lama kemudian, kontraktor lain diupah untuk menghapuskan tulisan 'SDA'. Namun, usaha kedua juga gagal apabila 'scaffolding' tempat lelaki itu berdiri patah secara tiba-tiba. Lelaki itu jatuh dari tempat yang tinggi lalu cedera dan tidak lagi mahu meneruskan kerja. Seperti kontraktor pertama, dia juga menceritakan kejadian aneh kepada semua orang.

Tidak terhenti di situ, usaha untuk menutup perkataan tersebut diteruskan dengan menanam pokok kelapa dengan tujuan untuk 'melindungi/menutup' perkataan itu. Tetapi setelah ketinggian pokok mencecah perkataan 'A', pokok kelapa 'mati' serta merta. Penanaman dibuat berulang kali namun tetap gagal apabila setiap pokok kelapa yang ditanam 'mati' setelah mencecah perkataan 'A'. Orang ramai yang menyedari kejadian tersebut semakin merasa pelik kerana pokok kelapa dan pokok kelapa sawit di sekitar pokok yang mati itu masih subur tanpa sebarang masalah.

Beberapa usaha lain juga dibuat seperti mengecat keseluruhan dinding bangunan itu termasuklah bata kaca SDA, namun cat yang menutup perkataan tersebut luntur dengan sendirinya dalam beberapa hari dan perkataan 'SDA' kelihatan jelas seperti sedia kala.

Sebenarnya ada juga yang mengatakan sudah ramai yang menemui ajal hanya kerana mencuba untuk membuka perkataan 'SDA' termasuklah mereka yang dipercayai mengamalkan ilmu 'mistik/hitam'.

Hinggalah hari ini, bata kaca SDA yang tertanam pada dinding menara masjid itu masih kekal dan

Kota Marudu Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church.

tiada usaha lanjut untuk memadamkannya. Namun begitu, masjid ini masih digunakan sebagai tempat untuk penganut Islam beribadah. Dan tidak menimbulkan apa-apa masalah.

Ketika saya mengambil gambar masjid itu, saya berdiri di tapak perhentian teksi/bas dan beberapa pemandu teksi yang berada di situ menegur saya.

"Saya tahu kenapa kamu mengambil gambar masjid itu kerana kerajaan tidak dapat buka perkataan 'SDA' yang akan kekal sampai bila-bila.

“Sudah ramai yang tahu tentang cerita ini”, tambah mereka.

Oleh Glenn Townend

Trauma menanti gempa

Pemandangan Gunung Kinabalu selepas gempa.

SALAH SATU daripada kejadian gempa bumi yang dahsyat pernah menimpa Bandaraya San Francisco, California, Amerika Syarikat pada 17 Oktober 1989 jam 5:04 petang. Gempa dengan kekuatan 6.9 skala Richter itu berlangsung selama 15 saat dan mengorbankan seramai 63 orang. Manakala, 3,757 mengalami kecederaan, dan 8,000 hingga 12,000 orang kehilangan tempat tinggal. Jumlah kemusnahan direkodkan sehingga mencecah US$6 bilion.

Gempa ini telah dikesan berpusat di dalam kawasan Taman Hutan Rekreasi Nisene Marks berhampiran puncak Loma Prieta, di kawasan pergunungan Santa Cruz. Oleh itu, gempa ini lebih dikenali dengan nama Loma Prieta Earthquake. Ianya juga turut dikenali sebagai San Francisco-Oakland Earthquake disebabkan oleh kadar kemusnahan yang teruk dan kemalangan jiwa yang agak tinggi pada Bandaraya San Francisco dan Oakland.

Apa yang menarik ialah beberapa bulan sebelum itu, iaitu pada Jun 1988 dan Ogos 1989, beberapa
siri gegaran (dianggap sederhana) telah direkodkan. Masing-masing dengan kekuatan 5.3 magnitud dan 5.4 magnitud. Ironinya, kejadian gempa itu berlaku di pusat gempa, Loma Prieta, yang terletak 100 km di selatan San Francisco. Akan tetapi impak yang sangat tinggi berlaku di Bandaraya San Francisco. Hal ini demikian kerana berlakunya rekahan sesar atau dikenali sebagai seismic gap pada sesar San Andreas.

Jalan rosak menyukarkan operasi menyelamat.

Kejadian gempa ini telah memberi inspirasi kepada penerbitan filem box office “San Andreas” yang baru sahaja beberapa hari menggegarkan pawagam Kota Kinabalu, sebelum gegaran Gempa Kinabalu menghadirkan trauma kepada penduduk negeri Sabah, khususnya mereka yang tinggal dalam daerah di persekitaran Gunung Kinabalu, dan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.

Sehingga setakat artikel ini ditulis, berlaku dua kejadian gempa yang sangat mengelirukan, dan menakutkan, iaitu pada 5 dan 13 Jun 2015. “Mengelirukan” kerana hampir kesemua yang merasai gegaran gempa ini merupakan pengalaman kali pertama mereka. Berdasarkan pengalaman rakan-rakan, pelbagai sangkaan di buat ketika gempa pertama berlaku. Seorang sahabat menyangkakan tangki rumahnya seperti mahu roboh.

Ada juga yang menyangkakan ada tiang rumah yang akan patah. Seorang rakan yang ketika itu berada di dalam kenderaan berkata, seperti ada orang melanggar belakang keretanya. Seorang pakcik yang sedang bekerja di kebun menceritakan bagaimana ia menyangka bahawa penyakit darah tingginya menyerang beliau kembali walhal selalu juga dia makan ubat darah tinggi, dirasanya kepalanya pening dan dilihatnya dunia bergegar. “Menakutkan” apabila realiti sebenar diketahui selepas itu. Sabah dilanda gempa dan pusatnya pula ialah Gunung Kinabalu, gunung tertinggi di Asia Tenggara. Trauma meningkat bila menyedari bahawa pusat gempa adalah di Gunung Kinabalu.

Gempa pertama berlaku pada 5 Jun 2015 dengan kekuatan magnitud 5.9 skala Richter pada sekitar anggaran masa di antara jam 7:11 dan jam 7:12 minit pagi. Ianya berlaku tatkala orang ramai sedang bersiap sedia ke tempat kerja. Bagi mereka yang masih berada di rumah, mereka akan lebih terkesan daripada mereka yang sedang berada dalam kenderaan ke tempat kerja.

Kejadian kedua berlaku pada 13 Jun 2015 dengan 5.0 skala Richter pada jam 2:29 pagi. Gempa yang pertama berlaku lebih lama dari yang kedua. Gempa pertama telah menyebabkan sejumlah pendaki dan Malim Gunung terkorban. Orang ramai yang merasai gegaran gempa dilanda kebingungan dan mengikuti dengan hati yang berdebar setiap perkembangan mengenai gempa selepas itu.

Seorang ibu dari Ranau menceritakan bagaimana keadaan mereka pada masa itu seperti duit syiling yang digoncang dalam tabung, sedikit histeria memanggil anak-anaknya yang lain bagi mempastikan mereka selamat. Dalam tempoh seminggu itu sebelum gempa kedua itu, isu gempa menjadi topik terhangat.

Ini menyebabkan trauma khususnya bagi mereka yang tinggal di kawasan berhampiran pusat gempa mengalami rasa trauma. Apatah lagi dengan berlakunya beberapa siri gegaran kecil selepas gegaran pertama. Kejadian gempa kali kedua walaupun tidak menyebabkan kematian dan kemusnahan sudah cukup untuk membuatkan rasa trauma berlarutan.

Secara keseluruhannya, orang ramai tidak menyangka kejadian gempa berpusat di Gunung Kinabalu itu boleh berlaku. Semasa ditanya mengenai impak gempa, Prof Dr Felix Tongkul, Pakar Geologi UMS, menerangkan bahawa impak bencana atau pun gegaran itu akan lebih tertumpu ke arah Pantai Barat Sabah.

Abbie Intang salah seorang malim Gunung Kinabalu.

Sebab itulah gegaran yang kuat turut dirasai oleh mereka yang tinggal dalam kawasan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu. Selepas beberapa siri gempa yang kecil, orang ramai sekali lagi dikejutkan oleh gempa kedua yang tidak kurang hebatnya. Ini adalah disebabkan ianya berlaku ketika orang ramai sedang tidur di rumah. Gegaran telah menyebabkan sebahagian besar orang ramai terjaga dari tidur mereka. Persoalannya, adakah gempa kedua ini memberi indikasi bahawa akan berlaku suatu susulan gempa yang lebih dahsyat lagi dalam masa terdekat? Atau pun ianya menunjukkan bahawa gempa akan berakhir tidak lama lagi disebabkan oleh kekuatannya yang bersifat menurun? Berdasarkan kepada temubual-temubual yang dilakukan kepada pakar-pakar, kejadian gempa bumi adalah suatu yang sukar untuk diramal. Ia berlaku tanpa diduga. Hatta, mesin yang canggih pun sukar untuk meramalnya, kecuali disaat akhir.

Berdasarkan kepada apa yang berlaku dan kerisauan yang dihadirkan oleh gempa, maka aspek trauma yang melanda masyarakat dari gempa Gunung Kinabalu ini perlu dilakukakan dengan segera oleh pihak-pihak yang berwajib. Hal ini adalah kerana jika tidak ditangani ianya akan memberi kesan negatif kepada produktiviti dan keharmonian hidup masyarakat.

Trauma gempa boleh menimbulkan stress disorder yang sangat membimbangkan. Prof Madya Dr Balan, Pensyarah UMS, menyebut dalam tulisannya mengenai Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) bahawa trauma terjadi kesan daripada pengalaman terdedah secara mengalami atau menyaksikan sendiri suatu peristiwa yang sangat meresahkan diri yang berlaku di masa lalu.

Antara jalan yang rosak teruk.

Dalam hubungan ini, bagi mengurangkan tekanan dari bencana gempa, mekanisma atau pendekatan yang perlu dilakukan ialah bagaimana mengurus trauma yang berdasarkan kepada persepsi suatu perkara yang lebih dahsyat akan berlaku di masa hadapan dalam masa yang terdekat.

Gempa juga turut disusuli dengan kejadian tanah runtuh yang telah mengeruhkan punca air serta menghalang penyaluran air bersih. Akibatnya, sebahagian dari kawasan perkampungan di Ranau dan sekitar Gunung Kinabalu terputus bekalan air bersih.

Pada ketika itu, trauma yang dirasai semakin menggunung. Mujurlah semangat prihatin rakyat Malaysia sangat tinggi. Bantuan air mineral segera dihantar oleh pelbagai perkumpulan masyarakat, organisasi dan individu. Bantuan pakaian dan makanan turut didermakan oleh masyarakat prihatin kepada mereka yang terjejas teruk oleh tragedi gempa. Usaha ini sebenarnya mampu mengurangkan trauma yang dialami.

Ketika berkongsi mengenai tragedi gempa, Prof Dr Felix Tongkul selaku Pengarah Pusat Penyelidikan dan Inovasi Universiti Malaysia Sabah mengajak agar semua ahli akademik UMS untuk dapat memainkan peranan untuk melakukan penyelidikan yang relevan dengan bidang masing-masing bagi membantu mengelak berlakunya tragedi gempa di masa depan atau sekurang-kurangnya penyelidikan mereka itu kelak boleh mengurangkan impak dan kesan trauma seandainya gempa berulang lagi. “Sabah adalah lab terbesar di Malaysia. Penyelidik UMS perlu berada paling terkehadapan dalam kejadian gempa ini (membuat penyelidikan).”

Rumah penduduk Ranau yang terjejas akibat tanah runtuh.

Berdasarkan pengalaman Loma Prieta Earthquake, trauma menanti gempa itu mungkin suatu yang perlu diberi perhatian serius oleh pihak-pihak tertentu. Ini adalah kerana, selain membina semula bangunan atau premis yang rosak teruk, usaha menghidupkan semula semangat dan iltizam khususnya mereka yang terkesan teruk oleh gempa ini perlu dilakukan.

Selebihnya, ialah setiap anggota masyarakat itu sentiasa mengukuhkan kerohanian mereka berdoa agar bumi Sabah yang aman sejahtera ini terus dilindungi oleh Tuhan yang Maha Kuasa. Sikap saling hormat menghormati perlu disuburkan bukan sahaja kepada sesama makhluk, bahkan juga kepada alam semula jadi kurniaan Tuhan yang bersifat sementara ini.

Oleh Jakaria Dasan

A lady with a Passion – Lavina Art Gallery

Livana Art galery.

Christianne with one of her paintings.

Christianne Goonting, who likes to be known as Tianne, is a lady with a deep passion for art. She is a very prolific artist who soon ran out of space in her house for her paintings.(A quick look around her house will vouch for her passion , it would seem that if it does not move, it’s a fit subject to be decorated . Cupboards, mirrors, kettles, empty bottles and even the dustbin are all empty canvases to her. ) To overcome this challenge, of space, she and her husband purchased a single story detached house around Karamunsing. Extensive renovations were carried out on the new house with the roof being pitched a story higher to accommodate a gallery on the 2nd floor. And so “Lavinia” art gallery came into being.

Female dancers series.

Christianne Goonting is Malaysian with Portuguese & Dutch ancestry; her family is originally from the former Portuguese enclave of Malacca. As far back into her childhood as she can remember, she has always been interested in art. While growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Tianne often visited the art gallery with her mother and was fascinated with what she saw. This early introduction to the art scene installed in her a desire to be an artist. Her parents wanted her to pursue a professional degree in Singapore, which she did for a year and then gave it up in pursuit of a career in art. Her initial training was in traditional Chinese brushwork and she understudied various other artists before following her husband to the United Kingdom. While her husband pursued his medical studies, Tianne signed up for various classes at the Aberdeen Museum and Art Gallery and at Gray’s school of art in Aberdeen, making full use of her time in the UK to gather as much experience from the art world before heading back to Malaysia.

Kettle decoracted in decupage.

Coming home to Malaysia with her newly acquired knowledge and experience Tianne devoted even more of her time to her art. Her work can be pure watercolours or acrylics, decoupage in combination with either medium or even collages of many mediums. Though diverse in medium, approach and style, her work can be associated with three major categories (at this point in time), Tribute to Nature, Spirit within/spirit of life and our ethnic heritage. She has held a number of exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur and her very first solo exhibition was in Sabah in 1985. This was also her first introduction to the state. Not long after, her husband was offered a position in a private medical centre in Kota Kinabalu and they decided to move to Sabah. Christianne became very involved in the local art scene and together with fellow artist she formed “The decorative art group” which conducts workshops, exhibitions art classes. Christianne herself teaches art classes at her home, conducts art sessions at private schools and is very active in the Palliative care Association of Sabah.

Visits to Lavina art gallery are by appointment:
Contact : Christianne Goonting
Email : christianne.goonting@devaser.com

 Text and photos by David de la Harpe

Riding the steam train in Borneo

It was during the rule of the North Borneo Chartered company that the railway in Sabah came into being. The engineer in charge of construction was Arthur J West and it was in his honour that the little town of Weston in the Brunei Bay was named after him. Weston was the start of the railway line which first ended in Beaufort town. Later it was extended to Tenom and the port in Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu). When it was completed in 1906, it was a very important means of transportation for the people and produce from the interior to the towns on the west coast of Sabah.

The railway suffered badly during the Japanese occupation of Sabah in WWII as many of the locomotives and parts of the line were destroyed mainly due to ailed bombing. After the war due to the lack of locomotives, the British converted many of the wartime jeeps into rail-jeeps that provided the much-needed passenger and goods service, while awaiting new locomotives. The steam locomotives were replaced by Diesel engines in the 1970s and a couple of the old steam locomotives are now on exhibit in the Sabah Museum grounds. However in a joint venture project between the Sabah state railways and Sutera Harbour resort, one Vulcan 1955 steam locomotive was repaired and some of the old carriages tastefully refurbished. The carriages are a far cry from what they actually looked like at the turn of the century as they have been styled after the luxurious carriages of the Orient express.

This special service is run only 2 times a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays and starts from The Tantung Aru station to Papar where it turns around and heads back. The whole tour last about 3 and a half hours. Upon arrival at the station, one collects your ticket and proceeds to the private platform where you will be given a passport. This is stamped with the various towns as you pass through them. You will be showed to your carriages by staff clad in colonial style uniforms complete with topis. It is usually free seating and the scenery is beautiful on either side.

The journey starts with the blowing of the train whistle and you do feel like your travelling back in time as you look out the open windows and get whiffs of smoke from the wood fire in the engine room. The steam train is very popular with the locals and children living along the railway trek and they all rush to their doors and windows of their houses to wave at you as the train chugs past.

The first part of the journey runs along the main Beaufort highway but soon you leave it and travel into the rice fields and rubber estates. A light breakfast of croissants with coffee & tea is served before the first stop at Kinarut. Passengers get off for a quick look around a colourful Taoist temple and then it’s back on the train where you’re served with some cold water and towels. The scenery gets more interesting as the train goes past stretches of beach and mangroves before reaching Papar town. At Papar, you have a longer stop, as this is where the steam engine head is turned around for the trip back to Tanjung Aru.

Lwaving the train for the temple visit.

The market at Paper is interesting with its offerings of colourful local fruits and vegetables and it has a good spice section where you can purchase cinnamon quills, pepper and curry powders. Once back on the train you will find that the tables have been set for lunch, which is served in metal Tiffin carriers. Lunch is a Malaysian affair with a variety of dishes from chicken satay, fried fish, biryani rice, cucumber & pineapple achar and local fruits served with coffee or tea. The sounds of the City traffic along the main highway will bring you back to reality and the present century as your train pulls into the Tanjung Aru station which signals the end of your journey.

Price: - Adult =RM300.00, Child =RM150.00

For more information contact: www.suteraharbour.com

Text and photos by David de la Harpe

Manis Manis Nature Resort & Spa

Hill view rooms.

Recently, I went with some friends of mine to the Manis Manis Nature Resort & Spa which is situated along the new Kimanis to Keningau highway. The distance from Kota Kinabalu is 60 km and it took us just over an hour to drive there. The resort was previously called DZ resort but was sold and is now under new management, hence the rebranding and new name of Manis Manis or in English “Sweet Sweet” resort & Spa.

The turnoff from the highway to the resort is on the left of the main Kimanis/Keningau highway. Follow the gravel road for about 300meters and you will arrive at the resort. It is quite a surprise to see this well constructed resort with nicely landscaped gardens in the middle of nowhere. The resort sits in a valley bounded on 3 sides by hills and has a very nice river running on 2 sides of the property. The main building houses the reception, restaurant and a meeting room and is designed in a mix of modern and Balinese architecture with an open concept allowing the flow of natural breezes to cool the place.

Tonkat Ali tree on the jungle trail.

The guestrooms are spread out in rows on terraces carved out of the hillside that offers beautiful views across the resort towards the distance hills of the Crocker range. There are a total of 37 air-conditioned units with en-suite hot water shower facilities and the Hill view rooms come with private balconies. The gardens surrounding the resort give a very relaxed atmosphere to the resort and encourages guest to step out of their rooms and stroll amongst the colourful tropical shrubs. There are pergolas shaded with climbing vines where one can sit and read a book or contemplate life while numerous water features like fountains and little ponds give serenity to the resort. As it is a very large area, it also requires constant maintenance that is something the new owners will have to look into as some areas are showing signs of neglect.

The surrounding hills provide ample opportunities for nature appreciation and jungle trekking with trails that lead through secondary forest, rubber plantations and wild fruit trees. There is also a delightful waterfall with a small pool suitable for taking a dip in the cool waters. The Kimanis River, which borders the resort, is also possible for inner tubing and kayaking.

The resort is ideal for families who want to get away from it all and spend some time bonding together without the distractions of modern living like the Internet or even cell phones as the reception there is pretty bad. It is ideal for small company retreats and simple team building activities. The resort can also be used as a base to explore the Crocker Range national park that is situated not very far from the resort.

For more information contact:

http://manismanisresort.com
Phone: (Sales Office) +6088-719-900


Text and photos by David de la Harpe

The Arrogant Reindeer

"I love my beautiful antlers!" said the Reindeer to himself. However, the Reindeer did not like his skinny legs.

"Hey, look how thin my legs are. I want my feet to look better. I want to look beautiful from head to toe," he complained.

One day, while looking his own reflection on the edge of the pond, the Reindeer heard a dog barking. The Reindeer was aware that dog hunters were heading into the place. The Reindeer was scared and ran away.

While the Reindeer ran through the woods, his horns became tangled in the branches of a low-hanging tree. The Reindeer struggled to get his horns free from the branches. The Reindeer was getting anxious as he heard the barking of a dog getting closer. Finally he got free, and ran away on his thin legs. However, his antlers had been broken.

The beagle was getting closer. The Reindeer was able to escape because it could run very fast. The Reindeer realised that his legs had saved him from danger.

Since that day, the Reindeer has stopped looking at his feet as something bad or useless. The Reindeer is also not as arrogant as before because his antlers no longer look beautiful. The Reindeer realised that beauty does not always bring good benefits.

LESSON: Be thankful for what God has given to us, and do not ask for more than that.

Written by Evalena Evelyne
Edited by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau

A Little Fable

     This is real. Through age-old links in my family, we know of a very special Chinese businessman, Weather he was the stereotyped “china man” boss, I am not close enough to comment. But he cultivated a tradition, still practiced in the present second generation, which I believe is worth highlightings.

     For family business in the older days, it was not uncommon for workers to have lunch or even dinner at the boss’s house, i.e. the employer included meal as part of the salary package. So were the case with this tauke. His family prepared food for the workers.

     The difference was, the whole family of this tauke, him self included, would only dine after all their worker were done. That did not mean they had other different, better dishes; they ate only whatever that was left! Needless to say, the family secured a whole bunch of life-long loyal employees.

     When I first heard about it from my father, I could hardly believe it. Until one day we paid them a visit, at that time it was already the second generation. Even visitors received the same treatment; the family could continue chit-chatting with us, but would never join us at the lunch table. We must finish before they would start, from whatever we left for them, of course. During that trip too, I noticed that one older, semi-retired workers, had all the liberty to lie flat on their couch for a short afternoon nap. That really left me a lasting impression to this day.

The moral of the story

     While we can debate endlessly on why not the family join in the same meal, or whether this risks worker “climbing over the boss”, if there is no supporting employees, who can become a successful employer?

     Looking around the present world, almost everyone wants to become the boss, not just the money, but to live like “higher human”, outshining those around them, more so those working for them. To eat leftovers of their employees? Over their dead bodies.

     In creating wealth with our profession as businessmans, managers or whatever, I hope that we still remember that everyone is out here to make living. It is quite senseless, if not inhumane, for use to be arrogant, or ungrateful to those who help to sustain or lift our position. Without water, no boat floats.

The Mango Thief

A long time ago there lived an old lady in a small house. She lived in a small house. The house was located in a small village. The name of the village was Panakaon.

The Grandma was a poor old woman. Her daily activity is only in a small house. She had a dog and a mango tree. In the fruit season, all her mangoes were taken by the villagers. Whether men, women or old people, all of them stole her mangoes.

One day, an old man came to grandma's house. He asked while trembling, "Can you give me some food? I have came here because of hunger/I'm very hungry."

Grandma was looking at the old man and felt a lot of pity for him. So, she gave him a plate of food and drinking water. "Nah, this your drinking water and this is my leftover food from yesterday," said the grandmother.

After the old man ate, he said, "Thank you very much for giving me drink and food. Now, ask whatever you want and I will give it to you," the old man said.

"Well," said my grandmother. "It's my mango tree. During this fruit season there are people who are going to pick my mangoes from the tree. So my request is whoever comes to steal my mangoes will be stuck in the wood and will not to be missed." That's all you request?" said the old man and he vanished from sight.

In the morning, the villagers come back to steal the grandmother mangoes. After the thieves touched the mango tree, they immediately stuck to the bark and no longer move away. The birds which perched in the tree also stuck. Goats and chickens also stuck after they touched the tree.

When the old grandma saw the scene, she started yelling. "Nah, you taste these days. I told you not to steal. Right? I will poke you all."

Grandma let the old man stick to the tree until sunset and then she released all her captives. "Now go back home. Don't do this again. If you ask me for mangoes, I will give them to you," said my grandmother to the thief.

Since then, no one has dared to steal grandmother's mangoes. They get permission from her to pick them.

Written by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau

Zukif and His Grandfather

A long time ago, an old man lived with his grandson, Zukif. Zukif’s parents had passed away when zukif was very young. Zukif’s grandfather loved him dearly.

         However, as Zukif grew older, he began to fall into bad company. He ran away from home. Zukif;s grandfather was heartbroken. He been optimistic for his only grandson and wanted him to study hard. Every evening, Zukif’s grandfather would prepare Zukif’s favorite food, he would sit by the window of their at tap hut, waiting for Zukif’s to return. His health began to suffer and he grew weaker and weaker.

         Shortly after, Zukif received word that his grandfather was very ill. He rushed backed to the village and found his kind-hearted neighbor, Siti, taking care of his grandfather. Siti gave Zukif a large packet and said. “these hearbs are for your grandfather, but they must be prepared with fresh, clean water three times a day for three years. If you do this every day for thre years, your grandfather will get better”

         The next day Zukif woke up at dawn to collect fresh water from the well in the village. Carrying the heavy bucket, he would walk back to the at tap hut and boil the herbal medicine for his grandfather. This was his routine for several weeks.

          Slowly, zukif’s grandfather began to get better. He was touched to see how much his grandson loved him. He told Zukif that he no longer needed the medicine, for he knew that his grandson had to collect clean water three times a day to prepare it.

         “No Datuk! The doctor said that I must give you the medicine three times a day for three years!” Three years went by, and Zukif did not leave his grandfather’s side for even a day. He was pleased that his grandfather was healthy and strong again. Zukif had also gone back to school.

         One morning, zukif decided to ask Siti what kind of herbs she had given him because his grandfather seemed stronger than ever. Siti laughed and said, “Those herbs were just dried stalks of grass. Your granftaher was dying of a broken heart. All he really needed was your love and attention.”

Tomorrow Still Shines

     I closed the book I read and I put it on a small table. I think not afford anymore to spend reading the book. What can I do? Do I have to stare at these books because exams are getting closer? This year I will be facing SPM examination. This year is also an important year for me, if I deserve to set foot into Form 6 or not. Everything haunt my feelings right now.

     In the past year, i've got my SPM examination, results are disappointing. I fail but I'm not surprised by what happened. Of course it was I guess. They say the world is full of obstacles moreover to learn from failure.

     The teacher said that many people succeed because learning from mistakes. Many is those who fail not because they are not intelligent, but proud of the success of the past. They made no effort to correct the mistake themselves. For me, the teacher's opinion is true and I admit it.

    I was preoccupied with the question of my own, suddenly my eyes were dazzled in a portrait. A woman has a simple character with soft eyes while smiling and plastered in the mirror. For me, the smile had its own meaning. In a moment of silence, I looked at the portrait because that's just the portrait that makes me comfort while sitting alone at home. Actually, that's a picture of my mother during her lifetime.

    But now my mother was no longer at my side. Mother went to leave my father, brothers and me who still need love and affection, but it was only a distant memory, what can we do, as fate decides that life would surely die.

    It's been four years my mother is gone forever, but in my memory as if it happened just yesterday. I could not forget the incident where at the last moment, my mom mingling and pampering with me. Mother went away with the last exhale. Too bad I could not hear the last message.

    "Nak, let's here a little while." Still heard clearly my mom voice calling me in the morning. At that time, I was getting ready for school.

    "Yes mom, I'm coming.

    "Soon, son will sit for SPM. Mom hope son will study hard."

    "Errrr ... I promise mom. If son graduated, son will be a Scientist and will be able to return the favor to your father and mom." I see mom smiling while stroked my hair.

    "Yes, dear ..... Lucky mom to have a son like you." But before that I should promise my mom to must study hard. If I am lazy, I cannot be a Scientist. I should diligently to go school and do not be lazy doing my homework instructed by the teacher. When having good agreement, I can extend up to a higher level."

    "I promise mom, I want to study hard," that's a promise that I made to the mom four years ago.

    But now it's just an empty confession. My passion for learning has faded. My mother who always encouraged me to study is an unspeakable lost in my life. Every inch of my joy was buried with my mother's kindness. My life is always covered with grief and loneliness. My feelings will be disturbed when I saw the children playing happily accompanied by her mother. But unlucky for me, perhaps that is the fate determined by the Almighty.

    Although I still have father, I cannot forget anything that happened between me and my mother. During her life, my mother's always persuade to realize the actuality and take full attention on my studies, but sometimes her advice I could forget.

    Because I know that God is powerful over everything, I slowly approached the portrait that hangs in the living room. Without my realizing it shattered my tears on my cheeks. I am quickly wiping with my shirt sleeves.

    "Err .... Son, what are you reflect on that? Until unaware my father came."Suddenly my imagination went with my father's surprise. My breath beats very fast as people who are tired of running in a distance of one hundred meters.

    "Nothing dad, I just .....," I actually tried to hide it.

    "Never mind son. I know you're feeling. What do you sense, dad also feel, son. Study hard as your promise to your mother. "Dad may know, is the sadness began to fill the space of his heart?"

    “Oh….dad…….!”

    I stepped, and hug my daddy. My tears rang again, but not tears of sadness. My tears are the tears of joy. Deep in my heart, I promise that tomorrow still shines again for scaling with a promise I made ​to ​my mother.

Written by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau

Wish Of A Tapper

In one village, there lives a rubber tapper named Kodou. Since birth he has never been to a city. He would like to see what cities are like. His friends always tell him about the the exciting atmosphere of cities. All kinds of facilities are available, such as toilets. Cleanliness is very well preserved. For this reason, he decided to go to a city after he got money from tapping rubber.

Finally, the awaited day for Kodou to go the the city came. Then, just after arriving, he scratched his head. "This is what cities are like?" He said to himself.

"Wow, the tall buildings and gardens look very beautiful," he added. As he walked the streets looking in all directions, suddenly he saw a feces.

"Is it true what my friend told me about there being a lot of toilets in the city? How could this park have this thing, is that true that this place is called a city?" He said, while looking at feces.

"Impossible, Impossible! I don't think so the townspeople would go throw feces in their yards," He thought, confused.

Finally, he tried too move closer. "I can't believe people here would throw feces here, is it true that there is poop in cities like this and people just throw it everywhere? How can this be?" said.

Because too curious, then he touches and licks. "Agh!! Is this the city? Lucky I didn't step in it, as it is indeed feces. I don't like it here, people throw feces everywhere. I would rather stay in the village. There can be more feces in the woods."

Since then he has never come back to the city. Despite all of the facilities available, cleanliness is actually not a priority in the city.

Written by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau

Bya with her Cat Kuning

Bya has a cat. His name is Kuning, and his fur is yellow and white. Kuning is a beautiful and pampered cat. Wherever Bya goes, Kuning follows. Kuning likes to scratch on Bya's room door until everyone at home gets scared by the strange noises.

One day, Bya was carriying Bambangan fruit and drinking water, when Kuning ran in between Bya's feet. This made her fall and break the plate in her hands.

"Odoi Dogo! My Bambangan pickles," Bya said.

"How can I eat my bambangan again, I just cut these," she said.

"Miau, Miau," Kuning said, while looking and feeling very sorry to Bya.

"Not you accidentally break it 'giaa', oi Kuning, but do not repeat it again, 'kio'!"

"Miau, Miau!" Kuning said. After that, Bya went looking for the black cat.

The black cat and his three children were playing in a tree. "If you want to play with them, join them on the tree,” Bya said. Bya put Kuning beside the tree.

"Miau, Miau," Kuning thanked. Kuning made friends with the black cat while climbing the trees.

Every day they play on the tree, and Kuning no longer disturbs Bya in her room.

Written by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau

Si Putut and Si Pirit

In the old days in a village, there were two neighbors. Their names is were Pirit and Putut. They were good friends and never fight fought.

One day, Pirit went to cut the wood at the edge of a river. While he was cutting wood, his axe fell into a deep river. Pirit only had one axe and that axe was the one he really loved.

He took off his shirt and jumped into the river. As he went, the view he saw became brighter. Suddenly, he stepped onto dry land. He then looked around the place and he saw an old woman standing in front of him. The old woman looked at him.

"Son, what are you looking for?" the old woman asked.

Don't worry, I came here to find my axe that fell while I was cutting wood just now," Pirit replied.

"Oh then," said the old woman. "All of the axes are there," she continued while pointing her finger, "Choose which one yours."

Pirit headed to the place specified by the old woman. It was exactly how the old woman described it. There were some axes. There were axes made of gold, silver, and iron, but Pirit's axe was not there.

Pirit told the old woman that his axe was not there. The old woman turned around and grabbed something. When Pirit saw what she held, he headed towards the old woman and said, "That is my axe." The old woman gave the axe to Pirit. Pirit was very happy and said, "Thank you! Now I can cut wood and clean my garden."

"Okay. When you return, pick two gourd flower stalks and place them in the river where you dived earlier. Place these flower stalks on both the upstream and the downstream sides. When both are in place, dive between two flowers," the old woman replied. Then, Pirit continued his journey until he arrived at the place he cuts the wood. He then followed the advice of the old woman and prepared everything. When he returned, he was surprised to see a box in front of him. He opened the box.

"Wow!" he shouted after the box was open.

In the box, there was gold, money and silver. He then lifted the box and returned home. On the way home, he met with Putut. Putut was surprised when he saw Pirit holding a box.

What are you carrying, Pirit?" he asked.

Pirit told Putut that he was lifting gold. He began to tell the events he experienced with the old woman earlier. Unfortunately, before he could finish his story, Putut ran off. Putut went to the area where Pirit was cutting wood earlier and had accidentally dropped his axe into the river. Then, he jumped and dived.

Like Pirit, Putut met the old woman. The old woman also asked Putut why he was here. Putut said that his axe had fallen. The old woman asked Putut to go find his axe.

Putut was happy when he saw the gold, silver, and iron axes. "Grandma, all of the axes are mine," he shouted while pointing towards the axes. "Take all the axes, if all of them are yours."

Putut lifted all of the axes and left the old woman without giving any message any further reply. Once he arrived in his hometown, Putut was really surprised as he saw all of the axes transforming into crabs. His body ached because he was clamped by the crabs. He shouted and cried. His back was also covered in blood. Pirit was shocked when heard Putut's screams.

"Putut, what' happened to you?" he asked anxiously.

"Ouch! You're the one who caused all this," said Putut. "Now look what happened to me," Putut continued.

"You did not listen to my entire story," Pirit answered, while helping Putut release the crabs from his body.

The honest gets the favorable outcome, while the greedy does not get anything; except a disaster anyway.

Written by Dennelton Sarch Mandiau