OLD KAJANG TOWN 1980s / 90s Part 1

ROUNDABOUT KAJANG

Thanks to New Straits Times Press (NSTP) NiB (News Image Bank) online

http://www.nib.com.my/cross-search/search/_1299473391/? 

I found there are some fotos of Kajang. 

Not very extensive but enough for a glimpse of the bygone era, 

in classic Black & White too.

This foto was taken during one of the 'great flood of Kajang 1987' (previous great flood was in early 70s). It is taken near location where Medan Mara now stands (previously Pasar Besar Kajang , aka big wet market). Recently the flood moved to Metro Kajang carpark basement, a few years back. The incident triggered the deepening of the river and cement fencing / block around the bends where the building is most likely to overspill.

FAST FOOD

The roundabout is there (some small trees n shrubs on right side) and the original Medan Satay on the top right. I think KFC has started business by then, being one of the very, very few air-conditioned fast food eatery. It was called Kentucky's, waaaay before the KFC initials was used. First fastfood joint in Kajang was Wendy's (same row with RHB bank) a street away, then I think there was White Castle and their fantastic idea of selling 99 sen burgers. The catch being you pay for what you get. The burgers were bite-size only. Meaning a person (of certain mouth opening) can stuff one in their mouth easily. In other words, it is small. To satisfy an empty stomach, a average person will need 2 or 3 of them. However this amazing gimmick did not stay long or satisfy the 'kampong mentality' and they folded business (nationwide) within a year or 2. 

Anyway, back to the story of Kajang, before I wander off too far (ahem...), there used to be the roundabout right in the middle of this town. And a few step away from KFC was the bus terminals.

BUS STATIONS & BAZAAR KAJANG

There were two notable bus companies - Foh Hup and Sum Bus. You can see the green Foh Hups, Sum was red but not in the picture. This photo was in 1992, it was torn down soon after.

Both stations are next to each other. Connected via a small gate and wire fence. Muddy, oily and congested waiting area is the norm there. Pretty much no system as people rush to get on board as soon as the bus arrives. Climbing through windows, or the favourite emergency door (except where it was jammed from the inside) to get a precious seat. A ticket to KL was 60 sen (under 12) or RM 1.20 (adult). I use to cheat that I was 12 despite being 13 to save money. This was in the mid-80s. 

In front of the stations was the Bazaar Kajang. Toy shops, music shops (LPs, cartriges  and cassettes), food (ABC, rojak, charkwayteow, charsiewfan), stationaries, sundry, tailor, newspapers, restaurants - pretty much everything under the big hot sun. A big fire sometime on the late 80s (anybody know the year?), burnt down most of Bazaar and they they later tore it down and up came Metro Kajang. Found this mention of another fire in Kajang from this blogger here .

An aerial photo of Bazaar can be seen in Part 2 (though very small).

(to be continued)

Photos used are for reference only and no income is generated from this blog. If owner of photo wish photos to be removed, kindly email to let me know and I will do so. Thank you very much.