THE SUPPER SESSION THAT TOOK PLACE AT KFC STULANG LUAT

   23rd APRIL 2026    ~  The main reason why we wanted to have supper at this particular KFC restaurant in Stulang Laut was because of its strategic location. It was situated right by the sea, Selat Tebrau [TRANSLATE: straits] to be exact. I myself, a local of the city, had never set foot at this eating place. When Mr. Norazman who was here [from Kuala Lumpur] for work wanted to go there, I agreed without any hesitation.

The indoor eating area was spacious and the were two levels. Diners also had the option to enjoy the food outside. Originally we wanted to stay outdoor as this would be a unique experience.

EXPECTATION: it would be a memorable date, sitting and enjoying the food, while admiring the scenic view of the lights from Singapore in the background with the sound of the waves running to the beach.

REALITY: There was this unpleasant smell that could be caused by the stagnant water which would make eating outdoor impossible. Nevertheless, we could still see people staying in the dining area outside despite the terrible odour.

We quickly ran inside with our food and enjoyed our supper in an air-conditioned dining area which was much more comfortable.

By now, we already knew what to expect if we were to go there again some other time in the future. At least, we don't have to compete with other people find empty seats outside.

SPOT THE ERROR 223

do + verb

the verb has to be in its original form [root word], i.e. do not change by adding any suffixes.

THE MEETING THAT TOOK PLACE AT KFC

The regular teacher friends who are involved in school chess activities had a meeting in Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant tonight at Taman Perling. This place is also our regular annual meeting place, especially before the district level competitions start.

The serious discussion was on to revive the Tanjung Puteri Chess Club for 2026, by planning some activities for the members, both teachers and students. Hope we could make people become more interested to play chess, either for fun or competitions.

THE DATE THAT HAPPENED AT SENAI AIRPORT

A [UPM TESL Class of 1993] friend's daughter, Miss Adlina Maisarah, informed me she was in Johor Bahru. Unfortunately at that time, I was already in Kuala Lumpur so there was no chance of meeting her. However, as we compared our itinerary, there was a possbility to see her as I would be arriving at Senai Airport from KLIA at 6:00 p.m. while she would be flying out to Penang at 10:00 p.m.

So I waited for Miss Adlina to arrive at the airport and we got to sit down for coffee at 7:00 p.m. at this cafe called Miyakori. Believe or not, the cafe was already closing down by 8:00 p.m. and we had to leave the place.

With one more hour to kill before she went into the boarding hall, we then adjourned to KFC Restaurant, also located in the airport building.

Even though I could not entertain her when she was in town, at least I could still see Miss Adlina Maisarah before she left. My bond with my friend had now extended to the next generation and I was more than happy to get to see any of my friend's children.

THE FIRST MEETING FOR THE JOHOR BAHRU CHESS TEAM FOR 2022

The very first meeting for the Johor Bahru Chess Team teachers were held this evening at the same regular spot at KFC Taman Perling. The last time we met was in 2020, right before the Movement Control Order was carried out. We even managed to get the team to compete at state level that year, and the competition was done online last year.

This year, we are going to get the chess competition done the traditional style where we could get to meet real people physically.

This meeting was significant as people attending were given Eid money packets containing real money by the Chairperson. I must make sure I will attend all the group's meetings in the future after this.

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL BEFORE THE MID TERM SCHOOL BREAK STARTED

Today was the last day of school before the second mid term school break started. The sad thing was that I could not travel anymore like I used to and to make matter worse, we are only given 5 days of holidays instead of the nine-day stretch. The ministry is cutting the school break shorter as we had been away from school for more than 3 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a lengthy and inconclusive discussion, two colleagues (of SMK Dato' Jaafar) finally marched off to KFC near Sultanah Aminah Hospital to celebrate the coming of the long weekends. There was this offer where one could get 3 sets of Snack Plates for RM33.00. Initially we wanted to get something light but I guess fried chicken should fall into that category.

Happy holidays, everybody. Do enjoy the 5 days away from school.

GETTING A YEAR YOUNGER AND STILL COUNTING

It was a big relief when there was no delivery boy/girl coming to school bringing any surprise bouquet with balloons on my birthday. However, I was asked by a friend for a meet up after school. So we chose KFC at Setia Tropika which was the middle meeting point for us.

Puan Yusidah Md. Yusof and Puan Nadzlina Daud, ex-colleagues of SMK Taman Universiti, were  already waiting in the restaurant, ready with their box of brownies and chocolate bouquet and balloons, from a bunch of old friends.

There were no words to describe how lucky I was to still be remembered on my birthday after being separated for about 5 years. I really appreciate the birthday gift sent and I appreciate the friendship the most.

Thanks again, my friends. My heartfelt gratitude goes to:

Pn. Arba'iyah Ahmad, Pn. Asriyah Bachok, Pn. Noor Akmal, Pn. Norazilah Mashadi, Pn. Fauziah Nawi, Pn. Suriani Rashib, Pn. Hamisah Abdullah, Pn. Rahmah Abdullah, Pn. Zainab Mohamad, Pn. Zuerdiana Manaf, Pn. Aziah Jamion, Pn. Muhaini, Pn. Zabedah Abd. Jalil, Pn. Nor'asyikin Abd. Malek, Pn. Yusidah Md. Yusof, Pn. Ruhaidah Tamat, Pn.Mahnum Ali, Pn. Suzana Sidek, Pn. Maznah Ismail, Pn. Zaiti Ismail, Pn. Baderah Peri, Pn. Nik Rozita, Pn. Zah Kadir and Pn. Nadzlina Daud.

Only Allah may repay your kindness.

MEETING AN EX-STUDENT AGAIN - AFTER 5 YEARS

Once in a blue moon, I would get lucky when an ex-student contacted and asked me out for a meal outside. I was meeting Mr. Binosh, an alumni of SMK Taman Universiti SPM batch 2002, at KFC KOMTAR a.k.a JBCC now, after 5 long years. The last time we met was when he visited me at home during Eid celebration. I was really happy that he had no intention of asking me to join any MLM activity or buy any health insurance. 

It was just a short meeting as the restaurant staff were eagerly waiting to end their sales. We were their last customers of the day.

Thanks Mr. Binosh for your time and also for the treat, and your kind gesture is very much appreciated. We will have to find a better time slot so we could sit and chat longer.

NEW YEAR IS THE TIME TO GET REUNITED

The first reunion meeting was with Mr. Ng Cheng Khai, ex-SMKTUN of SPM batch 2013. This should be some sort of our annual gathering in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. We met at KFC Taman Universiti for less than an hour but that should be good enough to catch up lost time.

Next, I made a house visit to see another ex-student of SMKTUN, Miss Ng Lee Lan of SPM batch 2003. The last time I saw her was many years ago when she gave me a dinner treat, with another teacher friend. She is staying in Taman Universiti with both her parents, and too bad her other sisters who are also my ex-students were not at home.

The last gathering was more of early dinner kind of thing with Mr. Haiqal Johari (SMKTUN SPM batch 2016) who were back for the long weekends break. We settled for pizza at AEON Bukit Indah. There were actually a lot of people at the mall. Shouldn't this people be staying at home with their family members on the first day of new year?

So that was how I spent the first day of the Chinese New Year. It was much better (and more meaningful) than sleeping at home in the afternoon. :)

THE DISTRICT LEVEL CHESS COMPETITION IS ABOUT TO START

Right after the Eid school break, the district level chess competition for both primary and secondary schools will be held. The committee members have already started working, maybe for the fear of too much visiting to be done during the festive season. The names of the participants had to be keyed in into the software and this took a lot of time to be done. So I went there to give moral support to these hardworking friends who met at KFC Taman Perling until late at night. We left the place at 12:30 a.m.

We plan to play Hari Raya songs on the PA system during the competition as everybody will still be in the festive mood. :) See you all in a fortnight.

THE SECOND DAY OF THE MID TERM SCHOOL BREAK

Believe it or not, I still had to go to school today as we had a programme for teachers in school. Lucky enough, Mr. Zikry Ibrahim requested for a short get together before he leaves for his matriculation course in Melaka next week.

So we met up at KFC Taman Universiti. Mr. Haiqal Johari was also there to hand over my belated Teacher's Day present from the Angklung Group members, after 11 days. Better late than never.

I think I have had enough of fast food already by now. Sometimes we just need the air-conditioned room and a clean place to hang around.