boon's log 3409.06: Where do the cows go now?

I have to admit that I am one of those who have never come across the "heritage site/village" called Kampung Buah Pala. At least, not until the recent events that boost the once unknown small village of 24-over houses/families into front-page stardom. I've asked around, among my local Penang friends - some told me that it is probably in the mainland, but most of them told me they do not know where's Kg Buah Pala. I would not blame them, really.

Let me try to help. If you live in Penang and frequently drive along Jalan Yeap Chor Ee, you are bound to bump into some animal-crossing at the other side of the hills, when heading northbound - well, those cows, I believe are from Kg Buah Pala.

No, I did not follow the cows home to see where Kg Buah Pala is. I finally got an answer from IL's uncle and with a little help from Google Earth, I found Kg Buah Pala.

As you head towards Greenlane along Yeap Chor Ee, you will see a school on your right, after which there is a small road on your right called Jalan Kaki Bukit. Take that right turn and drive slowly. If you hit the T junction, you've already past Kg Buah Pala. With all the "publicity", it is hard to miss it, now.

While I was there, I guess I can understand the feeling of the dwellers of Kg Buah Pala. I am sure they do not know how or what happened that has caused them their houses and village, the place that they called home and have happily dwelled for so many years. I guess it is a case of poor judgement and communication of how the land was sold off to make way for new development (by the previous administration) without the consent or knowledge of the people dwelling there and also perhaps bad passdown between the old and the new government during the change of state powers, more than a year ago. I mean I sincerely believe that the dwellers are innocent mangsa kejadian. And, as always, with a little help from some instigators (whom I am not totally surprised to be politically linked with the opposition party of the Penang government), they have blown the entire situation totally out of proportion. I truly believe the Lim administration is trying their very best to help with the negotiations. And that the villagers should approach the discussions with an opened mind and come up with a win-win situation.

After being there, I understand that it is not just a simple case of moving your home with a few suitcases and a few truck-load of belongings - it is more than that, e.g. 20-over to 30 cows, bullock carts, the kandang lembu (cow-pen) etc. They will need to figure out where to keep them and start a new - which definitely cannot fit into the new double-storey houses offered to them. The Kg Buah Pala-ians can move into the new houses, but the cows ...?

Well, one thing's for sure - I am going to miss the National Park-like feeling when driving along Yeap Chor Ee with all the cows crossing. It kinda reminds me of the time when we were just driving alongside a herd of bisons at YellowStone NP.

8 more days and counting. It is definitely going to be another heated showdown at Kampung Buah Pala on the 1st of September when the cows will come home for one last time...

here are some pictures


The bullock cart that was used during one of the street protests a few week back


Cow-pen, Kg Buah Pala.


Similar banners displaying the villager's feelings with the current state government. It is interesting, though, how the "race" card was thrown on to the table based on the few people (in this case, Indians) that is actually impacted by this...


An overnight bamboo monument - reminds me of my scout days. Wonder if this monument was set up by a group of scouts from the nearby school...


Lorong Buah Pala.


Cows Crossing


"You looking at moo-a?"


Time to head off for some grass grazing...

boon out...