DOWN MEMORY LANE: CHRISTMAS AT MALAYA (1950'S)

These 4 frames are a textbook glimpse into late-colonial Malaya, 1950s, right in the middle of the Emergency. Photos collection of my father, who served with the 7th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment.

What you're seeing isn't just a Christmas party; it's how the British officers serving with the 7th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment lived. As one memoir from that period puts it, a photo collection like this provides "a fascinating glimpse into the social life of British officers and their families during the final years of colonial rule in Malaya... a 'Grand Christmas celebration'" that served as "a necessary psychological reprieve from the pressures of jungle warfare".

Another soldier posted to the Malay Regiment in 1954 described how few British NCOs there were in the Sergeants Mess — only seven, most married and going home in the evenings — which is why these mixed parties were so important.

Let me walk you through your photos:

Photo 1 — The Family Christmas Lunch (RETT BAR):

This is the Officers' Mess / Club. Notice the chalkboard "Today's Specials", the paper chains, and the wicker chairs. What’s striking is the mix: British children in white and Malay mothers in baju kurung/kebaya with their toddlers at the same long tables. The lady in blue polka dots at the bottom left holding a child (that's my mother and my sister) is classic 1950s Malaya. The man in white baju Melayu at the back is the waiter. This is likely at a battalion HQ — maybe Port Dickson, Ipoh, or Taiping, where the Malay Regiment was based.

My mother and my sister

Photo 2—The Formal Officers' Dinner

Evening dress, bow ties, green tinsel garlands. The officer with the big moustache in khaki drill is the centre of attention. At the far table you can see Malay officers in white shirts and ties sitting with British officers — that integration was deliberate after 1952. The soldier standing in the doorway in a green jungle uniform shows the contrast — jungle duty vs. mess night.

Photo 3 - The Children's Party

This is my favourite. A children's Christmas tea with a piano in the corner, gold stars on blue curtains. British kids in paper hats and scout uniforms, and again Malay mothers in the corner holding babies. Bananas and what look like kuih on the plates, mugs of tea. That little boy in front eating a pisang is such a Malaya detail.

Photo 4 — The Grand Christmas Draw

The classic raffle to end the night. Two raffle drums, prizes behind them that tell the whole story — bottles of whisky, beer, a clock, even a small camera. The sign "GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW" with holly and the long calendar list underneath. Everyone in their best white shirts and 1950s dresses.

These photos would have been taken between 1953 and 1957 — after the Coronation (you still see Union Jack bunting mixed with Malayan colours) and before Merdeka. The Malay Regiment itself was becoming a symbol of the coming independence.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

20 September 2026: 4:10 a.m.

SEJARAH PENUBUHAN IKATAN RELAWAN RAKYAT (RELA)

Dokumen bersejarah yang masih saya simpan hingga kini - Kad Perlantikan Pegawai RELA Daerah milik arwah ayah saya,  MAAMOR BIN SUDIN, FP/142. Ini adalah era awal RELA.

Tulisan pada sijil itu sendiri sudah ceritakan asas undang-undangnya:

Sijil Perlantikan Akta Darurat (Kuasa-kuasa Perlu) 1964" dan "Peraturan 4 Peraturan-peraturan Perlu (Pasukan Kawalan) (Perubahan Nama dan Pindaan) 1974"

Itu memang payung undang-undang asal RELA.

Sejarah Penubuhan RELA

1. Akar Awal - Zaman Darurat 1948

Asas RELA bermula bukan pada 1972, tapi jauh lebih awal. Pada tahun 1948, semasa Darurat Tanah Melayu, kerajaan British menubuhkan Home Guard / Pertubuhan Kawalan Kampung di bawah Ordinan Darurat 1948. Tugasnya menjaga kampung dari ancaman komunis.

2. Era Konfrontasi 1963-1965

Home Guard dihidupkan semula apabila berlaku Konfrontasi Indonesia-Malaysia. Pasukan ini membantu agensi keselamatan menangani pendaratan dan penyusupan tentera Indonesia. Selepas konfrontasi tamat, ia dibubarkan semula.

3. Pencetus - Peristiwa 13 Mei 1969

Selepas tragedi 13 Mei 1969, pucuk pimpinan negara di bawah Tun Abdul Razak sedar negara perlukan satu pasukan sukarela yang tetap dan terlatih untuk membantu kerajaan dalam isu keselamatan dalaman.

4. Penubuhan Rasmi 1972

Hasilnya, pada 11 Januari 1972, Ikatan Relawan Rakyat (RELA) ditubuhkan secara rasmi.

Dari segi undang-undang, ia diwartakan di bawah ‘Peraturan-peraturan Perlu (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) 1966, yang dibuat di bawah Akta Darurat (Kuasa-kuasa Perlu) 1964’. Ada sumber parlimen yang merekodkan tarikh penguatkuasaan penuh pada 3 Julai 1972.

Tujuan asal Tun Razak sangat jelas: “memberi kesempatan kepada semua rakyat Malaysia untuk bersama-sama terlibat dalam memelihara kedaulatan, keselamatan dan keamanan negara” dan menjadi mata dan telinga kerajaan.

5. Perkembangan Selepas Itu

Pada awalnya RELA adalah pasukan bersenjata ringan - rekod Parlimen 1978 menyebut sebanyak 15,000 yunit RELA telah dibekalkan dengan senapang patah.

Sambutan Hari RELA pertama hanya dibuat 18 tahun selepas penubuhan, iaitu pada 13 Januari 1990 di Pusat Latihan Polis (PULAPOL) Jalan Semarak, KL, dirasmikan oleh Tun Dr Mahathir sebagai Menteri Dalam Negeri ketika itu.

Pada 20, selepas Akta Darurat 1964 dimansuhkan, RELA kini diletakkan di bawah Akta Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA) 2012 [Akta 752] dan menjadi jabatan di bawah Kementerian Dalam Negeri.

Jadi sijil FP/142 milik Allahyarham Maamor Bin Sudin ini adalah dari generasi perintis RELA, ketika ia masih di bawah Akta Darurat dan gelaran Pegawai RELA Daerah digunakan, sebelum struktur pangkat dan akta baru diperkenalkan.

Tentang nombor FP/142

Dalam sistem awal RELA 1972-1974, semua perlantikan dibuat di bawah Peraturan 4, Peraturan-peraturan Perlu (Pasukan Kawalan) (Perubahan Nama dan Pindaan) 1974 - macam yang tertulis di sijil tu sendiri.

FP itu adalah kod fail perlantikan persekutuan untuk Pegawai RELA. Masa awal RELA ditubuhkan, setiap Pegawai RELA Daerah dilantik terus oleh Menteri Dalam Negeri dan diberi nombor peribadi siri FP.

Jadi FP/142 bermaksud beliau adalah Pegawai RELA Daerah yang ke-142 dilantik di seluruh Malaysia sejak RELA diwujudkan 11 Januari 1972. Nombor 3 angka ni mengesahkan beliau memang batch perintis - batch 1-200 adalah kumpulan pertama yang menggerakkan RELA di daerah-daerah selepas Peristiwa 13 Mei.

Sistem sekarang dah tak pakai FP. Sekarang pakai gred KP dan pangkat PgR / PgKR / PRD.

DAERAH BERTUGAS - KUALA KUBU BHARU

Kuala Kubu Bharu memang kawasan strategik RELA zaman awal.

Arwah Maamor Bin Sudin bertugas sebagai Pegawai RELA Daerah Hulu Selangor yang beribu pejabat di Kuala Kubu Bharu. Ini cerita di sebalik tu:

Kenapa Kuala Kubu Bharu Penting Untuk RELA

KKB bukan pekan biasa pada tahun 70-an:

1. Pusat Pentadbiran Lama British

Pusat pentadbiran Hulu Selangor dipindahkan dari Kuala Kubu lama ke KKB yang baru pada 6 Mei 1931 selepas banjir besar. Jadi semua jabatan kerajaan termasuk pasukan keselamatan memang berpusat di KKB.

2. Kawasan Hitam Komunis

Hulu Selangor - dari Tanjung Malim, Kalumpang, Kerling sampai ke Ulu Yam dan Genting - adalah laluan gerila komunis. Rekod sejarah menunjukkan di Tanjung Malim sahaja komunis pernah membunuh 15 penduduk, menyerang landasan kereta api, membakar trak dan memusnahkan 6000 pokok getah, sehingga penduduk terpaksa tubuhkan Home Guard seramai 3,500 orang.

Maktab PDRM KKB sendiri dibina pada 1952 di atas 52.5 hektar dan dirasmikan oleh General Templer pada 1953 khusus untuk melawan komunis. Jadi KKB memang frontline.

Sebab itulah bila RELA ditubuhkan pada 1972 selepas 13 Mei, Hulu Selangor adalah antara daerah pertama yang wajib ada Pegawai RELA Daerah tetap. Tugas FP/142 masa tu:

• Menubuhkan platun-platun RELA di setiap mukim - KKB, Kerling, Rasa, Batang Kali, Ulu Bernam, Hulu Yam
• Menjadi penghubung terus antara PDRM, Tentera dan penduduk kampung - menyalurkan maklumat komunis
• Tahun 1970-an, RELA memang bersenjata - rekod Parlimen sebut 15,000 unit RELA dibekalkan senapang patah untuk rondaan

Apa Maksud FP/142 di KKB

Dengan nombor FP/142, arwah adalah antara 200 Pegawai RELA Daerah pertama di Malaysia. Di Selangor masa tu cuma ada 9 daerah sahaja. Jadi FP/142 bermakna beliau antara kumpulan perintis yang membuka Pejabat RELA Daerah Hulu Selangor.

Pejabat yang arwah buka dulu itulah yang hari ini menjadi:

Pejabat Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA) Daerah Hulu, 

Tingkat 1, Bangunan Pejabat Kerajaan, 

44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu.

Alamat sama, bangunan sama sejak 1975 ketika Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor ditubuhkan.

__________________________________________________________________

THE ENGLISH VERSION

HISTORY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IKATAN RELAWAN RAKYAT (RELA) - Through the Lens of a Pioneer FP/142

A historical document I still keep to this day - the Appointment Certificate of District RELA Officer belonging to my late father, MAAMOR BIN SUDIN, FP/142. This is from the early era of RELA.

The certificate itself tells its legal foundation:

"Sijil Perlantikan Akta Darurat (Kuasa-kuasa Perlu) 1964" and "Peraturan 4, Peraturan-peraturan Perlu (Pasukan Kawalan) (Perubahan Nama dan Pindaan) 1974"

That was the original legal umbrella of RELA.

History of RELA Establishment

1. Early Roots - The 1948 Emergency

The foundation of RELA did not start in 1972, but much earlier. In 1948, during the Malayan Emergency, the British government established the Home Guard / Village Control Organization under the Emergency Ordinance 1948. Its duty was to protect villages from the communist threat.

2. The Confrontation Era 1963-1965

The Home Guard was revived during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. The force helped security agencies to handle the landing and infiltration of Indonesian troops. After the confrontation ended, it was disbanded again.

3. The Catalyst - The 13 May 1969 Incident

After the tragedy of 13 May 1969, the nation's leadership under Tun Abdul Razak realized the country needed a permanent and trained volunteer force to assist the government in internal security matters.

4. Official Establishment 1972

As a result, on 11 January 1972, **Ikatan Relawan Rakyat (RELA)** was officially established. Legally, it was gazetted under the *'Essential (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) Regulations 1966, made under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Act 1964'*. Parliamentary sources record its full enforcement date as 3 July 1972.

Tun Razak's original purpose was very clear: "to give all Malaysians the opportunity to be together involved in preserving the sovereignty, security and peace of the nation" and to be the eyes and ears of the government.

5. Later Development

In the early days, RELA was a light-armed force - Parliamentary records in 1978 mention that 15,000 RELA units were supplied with shotguns.

The first RELA Day celebration was only held 18 years after its establishment, on 13 January 1990 at PULAPOL Jalan Semarak, KL, officiated by Tun Dr Mahathir as the Minister of Home Affairs at that time.

Today, after the Emergency Act 1964 was abolished, RELA is now placed under the Malaysia Volunteers Department Act (RELA) 2012 [Act 752] and is a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

So this FP/142 certificate belonging to the late Maamor Bin Sudin is from the pioneer generation of RELA, when it was still under the Emergency Act and the title of District RELA Officer was used, before the new rank structure and act were introduced.

About FP/142 Number

In the early RELA system 1972-1974, all appointments were made under Regulation 4, Essential (Control Force) (Change of Name and Amendment) Regulations 1974.

FP is the federal appointment file code for RELA Officers. When RELA was first established, every District RELA Officer was appointed directly by the Minister of Home Affairs and given a personal serial number FP.

So FP/142 means he was the 142nd District RELA Officer appointed throughout Malaysia since RELA was created on 11 January 1972. This 3-digit number confirms he is indeed a pioneer batch - batch 1-200 was the first group that mobilized RELA in the districts after the 13 May Incident.

The current system no longer uses FP. Now it uses KP grades and ranks PgR / PgKR / PRD.

DISTRICT OF SERVICE - KUALA KUBU BHARU

Kuala Kubu Bharu is a strategic area for RELA in the early days.

The late Maamor Bin Sudin served as the District RELA Officer for Hulu Selangor headquartered in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

Why KKB Was Important For RELA

KKB was not an ordinary town in the 70s:

The administrative center of Hulu Selangor was moved from old Kuala Kubu to the new KKB on 6 May 1931 after a major flood. All government departments including security forces were centered in KKB.

Hulu Selangor - from Tanjung Malim, Kalumpang, Kerling to Ulu Yam and Genting - was a communist guerrilla route. Historical records show that in Tanjung Malim alone, communists killed 15 residents, attacked railway tracks, burned trucks and destroyed 6000 rubber trees, forcing residents to form a Home Guard of 3,500 people.

The PDRM College in KKB itself was built in 1952 on 52.5 hectares and inaugurated by General Templer in 1953 specifically to fight communists. So KKB was the frontline.

That is why when RELA was established in 1972 after 13 May, Hulu Selangor was among the first districts that required a permanent District RELA Officer. The task of FP/142 at that time was to establish RELA platoons in every mukim - KKB, Kerling, Rasa, Batang Kali, Ulu Bernam, Hulu Yam, and to be a direct liaison between PDRM, Army and villagers.

The office that he opened then is what is today:

Pejabat Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA) Daerah Hulu, 

Tingkat 1, Bangunan Pejabat Kerajaan, 

44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu

Selangor

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

20 September 2026: 1:41 a.m

SALEM WITCH TRIAL

This is a memorial poster for July 19, 1692 – one of the darkest days of the Salem Witch Trials.

It's designed to look like aged parchment, with ornate vintage borders, a witch hat at the top, a sketch of the gallows on Gallows Hill, and a little calendar icon marking June 10, 1692.

What it says:

"TODAY IN HISTORY - July 19, 1692"

Three hundred thirty-four years ago today, five innocent women were executed during the Salem Witch Trials.

It then lists the five victims hanged on that day:

• Elizabeth Howe
• Rebecca Nurse – 71 years old, a well-respected church member
• Sarah Good – a poor, pregnant homeless woman at the time of her initial accusation
• Sarah Wildes
• Susannah Martin

Below that it notes:

"Nearly five weeks earlier, on June 10, 1692, Bridget Bishop became the first person executed after being convicted of witchcraft in Salem."

The math checks out – 1692 + 334 = 2026 – so this version of the graphic was made to circulate this year.

The bottom half is the moral framing:

"The Salem Witch Trials were never a story about evil magic. They were a story about fear, hysteria, false accusations, and what can happen when communities allow panic to outweigh truth and reason."

"More than three centuries later, these events are still remembered—not to glorify witchcraft, but to remind us of the importance of critical thinking, compassion, and protecting people from persecution driven by fear."

And it closes with "

"May we never become the kind of society that mistakes fear for truth or suspicion for evidence. History remembers the victims — not the hysteria."

It's signed TheFabulousUnicorn at the bottom, which is the page/creator that makes these history-style graphics.

The history behind it

In 1692, in colonial Massachusetts, a wave of paranoia swept through Salem Village after a group of young girls claimed to be afflicted by witchcraft. Over about 15 months, more than 200 people were accused.

In total 20 people were executed — 19 by hanging (14 women and 5 men) and one man, Giles Corey, pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea. Another 5 died in jail.

July 19, 1692, was the second mass execution after Bridget Bishop's hanging on June 10. The five women listed were all tried in late June, convicted on spectral evidence — testimony that a spirit of the accused was harming the victim — and hanged together on Gallows Hill.

The colony eventually realised the trials were a mistake. In 1711 the convictions were reversed, and compensation was paid to families.

That's why the poster is still shared every July — it's less about witches and more about how easily fear can replace evidence.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

19 September 2026: 7:09 p.m.

KENANGAN ABADI - SET TEH SONE CHINA 81896R

Set Teh Sone China 81896R - Kenangan Abadi

Set teh yang ada pada gambar ini ialah Sone China Jepun, corak 81896R, juga dikenali sebagai 81812R - Green White Floral.

Ia bukan Noritake, tetapi dari kilang yang sama di kawasan Tajimi, Gifu (wilayah Mino), Jepun. Sone Seito adalah kilang yang membuat pinggan mangkuk porselin untuk eksport ke Amerika dan Tanah Melayu pada tahun 1960-an.

Ciri-ciri set ini:

• Porselin putih halus dengan jalur hijau sage di tepi bibir
• Motif 2-3 helai daun kelabu dengan tekstur bintik-bintik halus, dengan tangkai emas yang nipis
• Bingkai tepi disalut emas / platinum yang nipis
• Bentuk teko yang bulat dan moden, sangat popular pada zaman 60-an

Nombor 81896R ialah nombor corak. Dalam katalog lama ia dipanggil corak "Bunga Teratai" atau "Daun Hijau Putih".

Sejarah

Cop "Sone China Japan" dengan nombor 5 angka + R ini digunakan dari tahun 1960 hingga 1969. Jadi set ini memang sepadan dengan cerita arwah ibu membelinya pada tahun 60-an.

Pada zaman itu, set teh seperti ini adalah satu pelaburan besar. Ia bukan untuk kegunaan harian, tetapi untuk Hari Raya, untuk tetamu istimewa, atau disimpan di dalam almari kaca sebagai hiasan. Dua piring di dalam gambar `PINGGAN.jpg` yang digantung pada pemegang besi hitam itu — itu memang gaya rumah Melayu tahun 70-an dan 80-an.

Fakta bahawa set anda masih lengkap — teko, dua cawan dan piring, dan dua piring hiasan dinding — tanpa sumbing, menunjukkan arwah ibu menjaganya dengan sangat baik.

Nilai & Penjagaan

Sone kurang terkenal berbanding Noritake, jadi harga pasaran agak sederhana:

• Teko sahaja: RM50-120
• Cawan & piring: RM20-35 satu set
• Piring dinding seperti anda: RM15-25 satu
• Set lengkap 12 keping: RM180-300 di Mudah / Carousell

Cara menjaganya sebagai pusaka keluarga:

1. Basuh dengan tangan sahaja, guna span lembut — bingkai emas akan luntur jika masuk mesin basuh pinggan.

2. Elakkan menyusun cawan terus di atas piring untuk jangka masa lama, bahagian bawah cawan boleh mencalarkan jalur hijau.

3. Jika dipamer, jauhkan dari cahaya matahari terus — warna hijau sage akan pudar menjadi kelabu.

4. Jika nampak garisan halus (retak crazing), itu normal untuk porselin berusia 60 tahun, bukan rosak.

Nilai pasarannya hanya RM200-300, tetapi sebagai pusaka keluarga peninggalan Allahyarhamah Hjh Yang Chik Bt Jasin, ia tidak ternilai harganya.

Set teh ini bukan sekadar pinggan mangkuk — ia adalah kenangan arwah ibu dari tahun 60-an, yang masih disimpan dengan kasih sayang oleh Keluarga Maamor di Ulu Klang.

Al-Fatihah.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

19 September 2026: 4:23 p.m.

SULEIMAN COURT : KL'S FIRST HIGH-RISE

SULEIMAN COURT: KL'S FIRST HIGH-RISE – The Building That Taught Kuala Lumpur To Look Up

If you are standing in front of SOGO Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman today, you are standing on history.

Before SOGO, before the traffic, before Pertama and Campbell Complex, there was Suleiman Court – or, as KL folks called it, the Mido Flats.

1. The Beginning

In 1957, Malaya was about to become independent. The first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, wanted a symbol that the new nation could house its own people in the city.

He ordered the Housing Trust Federation to build the first high-rise low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur. The site chosen was Batu Road, now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

The flats were named Suleiman Court after Suleiman bin Abdul Rahman, the then Minister of Interior & Justice, who had overseen the Housing Trust for 8 years since its inception.

Construction started in 1957 and was estimated to complete in 1958. Tunku wanted it occupied before Merdeka on 31 August 1957, but the first families only moved in February 1958.

2. The Building Itself

Your two photos capture it perfectly:

• 3 Blocks – A, B and C with 295 apartments in total
• Architectural Style: Modernist. The wavy, undulating facade you see in the colour photo was not just for beauty – it was a brise-soleil sun-shading design, very advanced for the 1950s.
• On top of Block A was a huge MIDO watch advertisement. That's why everyone called it Rumah Flat Mido.
• On the ground floor, as you can see in your first image, was the famous MEI LI CAFE and other shops. It was a self-contained community.

At that time, living in a high-rise was frightening for many Malaysians who were used to kampung houses. Tunku had to waive the rent for the first 6 months to encourage people to move in.

Former resident Karuna Netty recalled that Tunku himself came to inspect, and when he found defects with only 13 families moved in, he ordered all rectified immediately.

3. Life in Suleiman Court (1960s)

Your second photo from 1963 says it all. Life was simple. Children played with a ball in the garden below the flats. The Odeon Cinema, Coliseum Theatre and Globe Silk Store were within walking distance. Some residents even walked to Stadium Merdeka for the Merdeka proclamation.

More than 200 former residents gathered in 2007 for a reunion – 21 years after demolition – to remember the days when Suleiman Court was the pride of KL. Many of them were bachelors when they first moved in.

4. The End

After only 29 years, Suleiman Court was demolished in 1986 to make way for modern commercial development. In its place rose SOGO Shopping Complex, which opened in 1994 and still stands today.

Had it still stood, it would be almost 70 years old now – a perfect heritage building for Merdeka celebrations.

Why It Matters Today

Suleiman Court wasn't just a building; it represented the birth of modern high-rise living in Kuala Lumpur. It proved that affordable housing could be vertical. Without Suleiman Court, there would be no Pekeliling Flats, no Flat Loke Yew, and no modern KL skyline.

Suleiman Court, Kuala Lumpur (1963) vs Suleiman Court, Kuala Lumpur (colourised) – same facade, different era.

Location: Batu Road (now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), opposite former Odeon Cinema. Where SOGO KL is today.

Sources: Wikipedia Suleiman Courts, The Star / HBA "200 former residents reminisce" 2007.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

19/9/2026: 2:46 a.m.

TRAVEL : HOTEL MEMORIES (OVERSEA)

1 AUGUST 2001: HUILONG HOTEL, CHENGDE, CHINA

Often referred to as Huilong Dasha Hotel in Chengde, China. The hotel is a well-known landmark in Chengde due to its proximity to the city's main transport hub and its historical status as one of the earlier multi-functional high-rise hotels in the area. Situated at No. 1, Xinjuzhai North, Chezhan Road, in the Shuangqiao District, just a 5-10 minute walk from the Chengde Railway Station. 

I stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff trip to China in 2001. The hotel serves as a base for tourists visiting Chengde's UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuozongsheng Temple, Puning Temple, etc. 

31 JULY 2001: BEIJING TAIWAN HOTEL, BEIJING (北京台湾饭店)

The hotel is famous for its distinctive twin Chinese pagoda towers on the roof. This "Sino-modern" style was very popular for prestigious buildings during the 1980s and 1990s. The hotel was located at Jinyu Hutong. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM Staff Trip to China in 2001. 

27 JULY 2001: BEIJING LANDMARK TOWER, BEIJING

Beijing Landmark Towers (北京亮马河大厦) is still a well-known fixture in the Chaoyang District today. Opening in 1990, the hotel was a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the China International Exhibition Center and various embassies. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit in 2001. 

24.12.2003: XIN KAI FU HOTEL, SHANGHAI

Located at 888 Sichuan Bei Road, Shanghai, China, originally opened in 1996, it was a 27-storey building with 276 rooms. It was a prominent fixture in the Hongkou District, known for its proximity to the Bund and the shopping district of North Sichuan Road. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit in 2003 to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. 

Latest information on the website: this hotel is no longer operating under the name in 2025. It is now known as Hitime Internation Tower. 

22.12.2003: JIAN FENG HOTEL, HANGZHOU, CHINA

Also known as Xin Yu Jian Feng Hotel, it is located at Qiutan North Road (Qiutan Bei Lu) in the District of Hangzhou. It is known locally as the Jianfeng Mansion. Located near the Qingchun Square and the IN Time Mall, a very busy commercial area today. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit to China in 2003.

22.12.2003: ZHEJIANG RAILWAY HOTEL, ZHEJIANG, CHINA

Zhejiang Railway Hotel (浙江铁道大厦) is an iconic landmark in Hangzhou, China, known for its unique "H-shaped" or "gate" architecture that straddles the entrance to the Hangzhou Railway Station. 

We did not stay at this hotel; we only had our dinner for that night at his hotel. 

2016: TAISHUN BUSINESS HOTEL, BEIJING

Taishun Business Hotel (also known as Taishun Shangwu Jiudian in Chinese, written as 泰顺商务酒店 on the building's facade). Located at Zhoujiazhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing. China, near the East Fourth Ring Road. It was a popular choice for group tours because of its proximity to the Beijing Happy Valley theme park.

Based on recent information for 2025, the Taishun Business Hotel is no longer operating under that name. It is now operating as a Ji Hotel. 

12.11.2017: DAYS INN FRONTIER YANGSHUO HOTEL, GUILIN

Situated at Guanlian Road, strategically placed near the Li River and about a 15-20 minute walk from the famous West Street (Xi Jie). This hotel was a popular 4-star choice for international travellers, known for its blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern Western amenities. 

I stayed at this hotel with my family during our vacation to China in 2017. 

13.11.2017: UNIVERSAL HOTEL, GUILIN, CHINA

Also known as the Universal International Hotel, a well-known 3- to 4-star hotel favoured by international tour groups because of its prime location in the heart of the city. 

Located at Jiefang East Road, right on the banks of the Li River, its surroundings would have offered some of the most iconic views of Guilin. 

NOVEMBER 2017: ROYAL TULIP LUXURY HOTEL, GUANGZHOU, CHINA

A 5-star luxury hotel located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, China. The hotel featured between 178 and 302 rooms, known for their modern design and signature-glass-enclosed bathrooms with rainfall showers. 

I and my family stayed at this hotel during our vacation to China in 2017. 

2000: PRINCE PALACE HOTEL, BANGKOK

Prince Palace Hotel, located on Damrongrak Road, is named after Field Marshal Putera Kromaluang Nakhon Chaisri Suradej, who is the son of King Rama V.

2006 - EMERALD HOTEL, BANGKOK

Emerald Hotel Bangkok is located at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand. It is very close (about a 2-minute walk) to the Huai Khwang MRT (subway) station. It opened in 1992 as a 5-star hotel featuring multiple restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and international), an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, a gym and various other facilities. 

TOWN IN TOWN HOTEL, PATTAYA

This relaxed, modern hotel is 2 km from Pattaya Beach and 7 km from the 20-storey Sanctuary of Truth. 

REGENCY HOTEL, HATYAI, THAILAND

During our visit to Hatyai and Songkhla in 2002, we stayed at The Regency Hotel, located at Prachathipat Road in Hatyai District, a strategic location near the night market and easy to find halal food nearby. This casual hotel is 6 km from the Hatyai Floating Market and 4 km from the Prince Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum. Haytai Station is a minute's walk away. 

AREEJ AL FALAH HOTEL, MEKKAH (2015)

During our Umrah 2015, I, with my wife, my sister and my niece, stayed at this hotel which was located at Ibrahim Al Khalil Street in the AshShubaikah / Al Misfalah district, approximately 500 metres from the Masjidilharam. 

LOULOAT MUBARAK 3 HOTEL, MADINAH (2015)

Our stay at Madinah, the Louloat Mubarak 3 Hotel, located in the Al Naqa district of Madinah, approximately 250 metres from the Masjid Nabawi, near gate 310, which provides direct access to the area of the Prophet's Grave. 

ABRAJ AL JANADRIYYAH, MEKKAH (HAJJ 2017)

Our hotel during Hajj 2017, Abraj Al Janadriyyah, is located about 700 metres from Masjidilharm in Mekkah, which is also the headquarters of the Tabung Haji in Mekkah. 

AL ANWAR MADINAH MOVENPICK HOTEL, MADINAH (HAJJ 2017)

Our hotel at Madinah during Hajj 2017, located just 50 metres from the Masjid Nabawi.

The Anwar al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is Madinah's largest hotel, a 5-star hotel that offers facilities for families, individual travellers and leisure groups. Being the nearest hotel to the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi), it is also close to all attractions of Madinah. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

17 September 2026: 9:54 p.m.