Modes of Transportation- Prahok Land

Posted by Sukuh Seratau on May 28, 2002 at 16:43:07:

Bara JABBERS Round The World,

This is your local reporter SS reporting from Prahok Land. For those of you who are not familiar or don't know where in our solar system is Prahok Land, please refer to B4, Charles, YB Golong and the seasoned JABBERS.

But before I continue, let me share with you this "Kisah Benar"recently in our airport.. (Not my fault ah!!).

New heights of Prahok Land traffic safety emerged recently. A Bangkok Airways flight had to be diverted twice (yes, twice) whilst about to land at Pochentong recently. (Where the hell is Pochentong and what is that?... Plse refer to GOG, YB Golong, Charles again, banking furiously into panic ascents. Upon arrival at the gate and safe landing, the furious pilot informed passengers that the control tower guys had neglected to inform him that there was a dog on the runway.. Yes, a dog..ukoi, anjing, kesong !!!!. On the 2nd approach, a car was there trying to chase the dog!!!

Question: Can someone explain what's going on there?.
Answer: The people in the tower should know what the windows are there for.

This reminds us to the article I wrote on:" Notes on an Idle Life".... Hammock time, guys!!!.

Air Transport: Been around since the early days of King Sihanouk and the French colonist. Air transport was stopped or reduced drastically during the 3 decades of turmoil and political unrest. Resumed in early 80s till to what it is now. Air travel is still the quickest way to travel here but many can't afford it. Still very expensive though. Example, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (25 minutes) on one of those bone-shakers is USD128-00 round trip. Almost the MAS price to fly KL/KCH/KL in RM.

Air crafts in service:

China-made Y-7. 36 seaters. Very old and you will notice the air-cond system is very unique. Smoke of dry-ice will come up from the air-vents prior to take-off. Once in flight, cool air is felt. Russian-built AN 12 and AN 24 is still popular. But watch out for the Putin pilots.. One can smell of booze on them in the aircrafts. Must have nok piin bateri before (during?) flying..!!!. Reliable planes though very noisy. Newer aircrafts are the Doner, ATR 72 and Fokker.. Boeing?.Yes, only foreign airlines..

Services in the plane: Something like our Air Asia but pretty air hostess are in abundance in our local airlines. Dayung remus, babai!!. Typical fare- local-made curry-puff, one small container of water, one coke and one banana. Served in plastic box.. Beer, wine available on demand but pay cash-US dollar.

Aircraft safety & Maintenance?- So far so good. God help us !!..Amen. No Prahok allowed on board or in cargo.

Water Transport: Mostly human-powered boats for local and short trips. Cargo mainly fish, vegetables, farm produce, fire wood and homo sapiens. More modern forms of water transport are the DIY type. Boats are fitted with used diesel engine or water-pump engines. These guys are creative lots. Propellors are taken from the used fans from the cars or even stand-fans. Petrol tanks are modified from used metal buckets and the other gizmos are beyond explanation. As a result, one often hear of boat engine exploding in the middle of the great Tonle Sap lake. Those poor guys may got stranded in the great lake for days on end. Radio communication?. Sorry mate!! ain't got any yet.

Other modes are the reconditioned imported "Express"boats from our Kaliew Molingai friends (Sibu Foochow guys) which are now very popular as they are fast, silent ( to some degree) and "air-conditioned". Also fitted with toilets, comfortable numbered seats and TV/karaoke sets. M'sian companies are running and monopolizing this business now in Prahok Land and they are laughing all the way to the banks. Also similar story of these boats stranded in the middle of the great lake. Due to the "Hammock"menatlity and attitude too. Help is easy to get as they are well-equiped with the latest gadgets.

Cargo on board: Anything also can.. But probably the best way to travel the country to enjoy the beautiful scenery provided you don't mind the ruckus, smell and discomfort. But then again, this is life and Prahok Land has a lot to offer.

BTW, we currently have a Malaysian Food Fest in Prahok Land now and man, I am all for it. Not listed/available are: Ayam Pansuh, Tempoyak , sambar bing and the Bidayuh delicacies. Understand that this chef from Holiday Inn Kuching is preparing the food. His/Her name in Johnia/Johea/Johia Sidep.. Any JABBERS know this Bidayuh..maybe bcoz that is a Bidayuh-sound name!!!...

So have a great and powerful Prahok weekend to you all. I am off from here to check it out..the M'sian Food Fest and later on ...my Hammock is waitin'...

Sumreap leah, bong... SS