Author name: Ain

Zapin, a traditional Malay dance passed down through generations, encompasses various types like Zapin Melayu Johor and Zapin Tengliu, each distinguished by unique movements and styles. Despite its deep connection to Malay culture, the dance’s origin remains unknown to many.

Rooted in Malay culture, Zapin draws inspiration from Arabian-Persian arts seamlessly integrated into the Malay artistic tradition. The term “Zapin” is derived from the Arabic word “al-Zafin,” signifying ‘foot movement’ and highlighting the dance’s intricate focus on footwork.

Historically, the Zapin Dance originated in Siak Palace, where it entertained the royal students following their intensive studies on Islam. Arabian merchants introduced Zapin from Handramaut (Yemen) to Johor-Lingga in the 16th century, incorporating it into social activities with an Islamic context aimed at teaching Islam.

The dance was initially restricted to Malay men, with Malay women advised against participating to maintain social boundaries. But the dance has evolved to include both genders today. It has gained significant popularity in Johor, Pahang, and Selangor.

While Zapin was once a feature of religious ceremonies, it has transformed into a form of traditional entertainment. Traditional percussion instruments like gambus, accordion, rebab, marwas (bongo), traditional drum rebana, and dok accompany the dancers.

Over time, various choreographic evolutions have led to different forms of Zapin dance. One such evolved variant is Zapin Tengliu from Mersing, Johor, believed to have been created by fishermen dancing on their boats during leisure breaks at sea, syncing with the rhythm of the waves.

Distinctively, Zapin Melayu Johor stands out for blending Arab arts with local traditions and Islamic art philosophy. In the past, this Zapin was not confined to stages but graced mosque yards during celebrations, such as the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulidurrasul).

Just the mention of kuih will make one mouth water for it conjures nostalgia and unique local flavours. Ranging from sweet indulgences like kuih lapis to savory delights like kuih cara berlauk. But as Malaysians, do we truly know the origin of these traditional tasty local treats?

According to the author of “Kuih: From Apam to Wajik, a Pictorial Guide to Malay Dessert” Hidayah Amin, kuih is a Malay word used to describe bite-sized snacks such as cakes, biscuits, bread, and even porridge. The term is used generically to mean Malay desserts.

The evolution of kuih is deeply intertwined with historical events, particularly the migrations of Chinese, Indians, and other explorers who left their culinary imprints on Malaysia in bygone eras. The first kuih was created by the Peranakan or Nyonya people—pre-colonial Chinese settlers who arrived during the reign of old Malay Sultanates and had completely integrated their customs with local traditions, including language, faith, and cuisines.

The word ‘kuih’ is of Chinese origin from the Hokkien character 粿 (pronounced ‘kway’), but the tastes are distinctively Malay and Indonesian, Smooth, creamy coconut milk blended with rice flour, mung bean starch or tapioca flour.

Tracing the origins of each kuih type proves challenging, as these bite-sized delicacies carry a unique blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. Despite often being labeled as Nyonya kuih, the reality is that these treats represent a quintessential Malaysian delicacy. They showcase the nation’s rich diversity and cultural fusion, transcending labels and truly embodying the essence of Malaysia’s culinary heritage.

Setting a remarkable precedent in Malaysia, the renowned Escape theme park in Penang has etched its name in history as the country’s first and sole themed destination boasting not one, but two Guinness World Records.

Escape theme park on the island of Penang includes a 3,645-foot waterslide that has smashed world records. and the world’s longest Zip Coaster (described as a combination of a zip liner and roller coaster).

When questioned about their groundbreaking achievements, Sim Choo Kheng, the CEO of Escape’s parent company Sim Leisure Group, humbly stated that their primary aim was to create an immersive ride experience that lasts several minutes, rather than specifically aiming for a world record.

The waterslide is twice as long as the previous record holder which was in New Jersey and only stretched 1,975 feet.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in June 2020, the concept of the zip coaster was conceived, leading to an investment of approximately RM700,000 for the installation of the track. With the zip coaster’s introduction, visitors now have the opportunity to relish the sensation of free-flying on a steel track connected to the treetops

Many might not know that cats too are just capable of breaking world records. Siew Lian Chui from Puchong proved that with his pet cat, Bibi was able to achieve the record ‘Most Dice Staked on a Cat’s Paw’.

Bibi managed to balance 10 dice on his paw and the record is one of the daftest entries in the Guinness World Records book of 2019.

His owner, Siew Lian Chui from Puchong, Selangor, might have discovered the black and white feline’s talent by accident.