Chinese heritage discovery

27 January 2012 , By NST

A WALK along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in Johor Baru will take you pass charming coffee shops, old provision stores, a traditional charcoal bakery and on to OCBC Bank - the bank that catered to Johor's pioneer overseas Chinese.

It also leads to the rear entrance of the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum, a four-level building that can be accessed from two entrances, Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

This building, occupied by the Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association since 1948, was officially opened as a heritage museum in October 2009.

A visit to the museum is an enriching experience, not only for those who wish to learn more about the culture and heritage of their forefathers and early Chinese immigrants in Johor but, also for anyone who is keen on history.

Valuable artifacts, contributed by families, collectors, schools and associations, have been carefully preserved here as a reliable source of information for the benefit of future generations.

A great deal of thought and research has been put into organising the layout for visitors to follow the sequence of events and better appreciate the history of the Chinese in Johor.

On the ground floor, there is a brief chronology of the history on a giant poster that spans the entire wall of the lobby.

This brief overview is carefully laid out in the museum.

To save energy, lighting at every level is controlled by sensors that will respond when one steps in and for the convenience of the public, information provided throughout the museum is in three languages - Chinese, English and Malay.

The tour of the museum is ingeniously designed in such a way that when one arrives at the top of the staircase to the first floor, it is like stepping off a boat, just like the early immigrants.

This scenario literally transports visitors to past era when immigrants stagger off the boat in a foreign land with a few humble possessions after braving a long and dangerous journey by sea in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions.

For many, poverty, oppression and injustice may have driven them from China in search of a better life overseas.

Useful information is presented via a range of wall plaques and interesting documentaries screened on large flat-screen TVs.

Names like Tan Hiok Nee, Wong Ah Fook as well as Ngee Heng and Kangkar Tebrau will take on a new meaning as you understand the history of Chinese associations in Johor.

In addition to learning about the early economic development of Johor through the cultivation of pepper and gambir, you can also gain further insight into the history of Chinese-Malay relationship that underlines the strong bond between the Johor sultanate and the Chinese community today.

The display also explains the development of the five individual clan associations for the Teochew, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka and Hainan dialects and their unique unity in the Johor Ancient Chinese Temple at Jalan Trus.

From a common place of worship to a common school and a burial ground, the Chinese certainly have a distinctive history in Johor Baru. The city also boasts a unique annual tradition of a three-day religious celebration that culminates with the colourful Chingay parade, an event recognised by the 2009 Johor Tourism Awards as the Best Domestic Event.

A number of interesting and invaluable artifacts are displayed in the section on the turbulent times during the Japanese Occupation and the nation's struggle for independence.

This is where a Japanese samurai sword and military beret that clearly represent the grief of a suffering Chinese community during this difficult era are on display.

Samples of ancient documents like a wedding certificate, a Provisional Passport as well as a War Damage Claim are all on display.

The top floor of the museum currently features an exhibition on the life and achievements of Chinese revolutionary and political leader, Dr Sun Yat Sen.

Visit this temporary exhibition to find the answer to this burning question: "Did Sun Yat Sen come to Johor Baru?" When this exhibition ends in March, the next exhibition to look forward to will be one dedicated to the role of the Ngee Heng kongsi or association, in Johor's history.

Before leaving, remember to sign the guest book at the ground floor lobby.

This is an opportunity to pen your thoughts or comments and put on record that you were here.

There are also forms to give any constructive feedback so that the curator can take the necessary action to improve the museum facilities.

The museum, located at 42, Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Baru, is open daily from 9am to 5pm and closed on Monday. Hours are extended to 10pm when the Tan Hiok Nee Cultural Street comes alive with music and cultural attractions on Saturday evenings.

Entrance fees are RM5 for adult and RM2 for students, children and senior citizens.

For details, call 07-2249 633, fax 07-2249 635 or email heritage_museumjb@jb-tionghua.org.my