06/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 6, 2025

12

LYFE

M ALAYSIAN poetmaster Kimchi Lai is celebrating local peatlands and bogs, shining a spotlight on them through a series of thought-provoking poems and spoken word films. In conjunction with World Peatlands Day, Lai teamed up with filmmaker Leong Hon Yuen from Factual TV to challenge misconceptions about local peatland and bog habits. Lai and Leong did so through the Peat on Earth project, a collaboration with the British Council Malaysia, where they spent two days visiting the Kuala Langat North Reserve (Selangor State Forestry Department). Their visit has resulted in them working on 10 poems and spoken word films, which will be showcased this August, with exhibitions expected to be held at the Forest Learning Centre in Perdana Botanical Gardens and Sunway University. “Malaysia is renowned for its lush rainforests, and I am excited to shine a light on a lesser-known yet equally vital ecosystem: the mighty peat swamp forest! These unique wetlands are rich in biodiversity, store massive amounts of carbon and play a crucial role in regulating our climate. “Malaysia is celebrated for our warmth and hospitality, and I really want to welcome our audiences into these rich, often-overlooked landscapes with that same warmth and care,” shared Lai. Leong shared the same excitement for the cause, hoping the project will raise more awareness among Malaysians. “This creative experiment uses poetry to bridge the emotional

Lai is a bilingual poet from Kuala Lumpur.

Raising eco-awareness through artistic endeavours

A peatland in Kuala Langat North Reserve (Selangor State Forestry Department).

o Local poet Kimchi Lai advocates for peatlands in Peat on Earth project

The indigenous Temuan Friends of Peat share the serious responsibility of rehabilitating the

Lai is a bilingual poet from Kuala Lumpur, who explores language and cultural expression in her work. Her work has been featured on The Kita! Podcast and BFM’s Speak Easy. She also won third place in the 2018 Asia Pacific Slam in Singapore. Leong, on the other hand, has been dedicated to telling stories that matter for 16 years. With a background in media, Leong launched Factual TV in 2009 and has since had films commissioned by organisations such as the Pulitzer Centre, Channel News Asia and Discovery Channel.

and knowledge gap between urban audiences and the peat forests. I am grateful to the British Council for supporting this journey. “I hope visitors of all ages come to the spoken word exhibitions and leave with a deeper love for and sense of responsibility toward Peat on Earth ,” noted Leong. Malaysians can view the pair’s work on Aug 9 and 10 at the Forest Learning Centre in Perdana Botanical Gardens. Additionally, another exhibition will be held at Fass Gallery at Sunway University from Oct 6 to 11.

Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve.

Solo journey across Peninsular Malaysia A vehicle that is over 20 years old may be considered unworthy for long trips but for a young man from Kota Bharu in Kelantan, it became a loyal companion throughout his 26-day solo journey across Peninsular Malaysia in October last year. needed a way to do it without spending a lot. At the same time, I wanted to break away from my daily routine and explore new things,” he said. Although the vehicle is fitted with a gas stove and basic amenities, the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak graduate said he preferred dining at local eateries as a way to experience the food and culture of each state.

Harith prefers travelling during the day. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @SUARASARAWAK

He said the vehicle modifications were done over four years, inspired by YouTube content from travellers abroad who converted their vehicles into mobile homes. Harith shared he had spent nearly RM40,000 to fully equip his Pajero for long-distance travel. The sum included repainting, engine repairs and interior modifications to ensure his mobile home functioned properly. “Only after that did I feel confident enough to travel around the entire Peninsular Malaysia. I started (my journey) in Perlis and made my way south to Johor, which was my last destination before returning to Kelantan,” he said, adding that his vehicle did not encounter any major issue.

“I love eating local food because it helps me understand the culture. Every state has its own unique flavours,” he added. Besides discovering new places, Harith viewed his trip as an opportunity for self-reflection, using the alone time to better understand his strengths and weaknesses. His entire journey cost around RM4,000, covering fuel, food, daily expenses and campsite fees. Sharing more about the experience, Harith, who is self-employed, said one of the biggest challenges of being “Abe Pajerolife” was making sure he arrived at each destination before 6pm, as he is not comfortable driving at night.

Using a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero he purchased for RM5,000 in 2020, Muhammad Harith Ghazali, 32, gradually modified the sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the pandemic into a “mobile home”, complete with a sleeping area, kitchen, storage space and even a shower. Better known as Abe Pajerolife among his TikTok followers, Harith said the idea for his road trip emerged during the Movement Control Order period when his desire to explore the outside world grew stronger, but financial constraints pushed him to think creatively. “I have always loved travelling, so I

other challenges such as running out of electricity – leaving him to sleep in the heat – as well as contending with eerie disturbances in remote areas. For those considering similar expeditions, he offers this advice: “Start by building strong mental resilience because journeys such as these are anything but easy, especially when you are doing it alone.” – Bernama

“Driving alone makes one feel drowsy easily. Since I had experienced microsleep previously, I did not want to take any risk (during the trip). So, I would set off after dawn and aim to arrive (at my destination for the day) by evening,” he said. An avid camper, especially around Malaysia’s east coast area, Harith said during his journey, he also faced