Balek Kampong

Visited Segamat for a couple of days to see the folks and some friends. Surprised to find that the old hometown has taken on a new lease of life. It is actually growing after many years of stagnant devlopment. We have a second bridge across the old Segamat river and a third one is under construction.

There are many new satelite towns around Segamat with many new roads connecting them to the main town. I was particularly happy to see that the old part of town has not changed. It is still the same as I remember it. Soon we will have a new road connecting Segamat to the North-South Highway. When that is finally constructed, we will have better access to KL and Singapore.

My first meal there was the koonlow mee. Still as sedap as ever. Wonder how long more before that goes the same ways as my favorite Cha Kuey Teow and my chendol stall - both disappeared without trace.

The wet market is still there with the usual stalls for fish and meat and vegetables. The reason we call our market wet is because it is actually wet. Made a mistake walking through it in my best trousers. It was a pleasure walking through the fish section where I actually bought four lovely large white pomfrets from my old friend the fishmonger. He still remembers me after all these years.

The train journeys to and from Singapore were comfortable and KTM is still the same - slow with many stops. Although the journeys were a little time consuming, I am glad I decided to travel by train as it brought back memories of the numerous train journeys during my younger days.

Would I go back to Segamat for another visit soon? You bet I will!! You can take me out of Segamat, but you will never take Segamat out of me.