Indians celebrate century of living in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - It is celebration time for ethnic Indians, whose forefathers came to settle in Malaysia, as they complete a century of living in the northeastern state of Kelantan, bordering Thailand.

The ethnic Indian community chose for the celebrations the historic Batu Caves, a site 13 km from Kuala Lumpur that has one of the largest complex of Hindu shrines in the world outside India.

Over 2,000 members of the Association of Malaysia Indians of Kelantan Origin took a trip down memory lane as they recalled the time spent in the state.

Though many of them no longer reside in Kelantan, their sentiment for the state is still strong, The Star online reported Monday.

Multi-ethnic Malaysia is home to 2.1 million people of Indian origin, who constitute around seven and a half percent of the 28-million population.

K. Kuppu, 75, who came all the way from Kulim in Kedah state, was thrilled to reunite with her old friends.

“I was born, brought up and even married in Kerla Estate in Kelantan. Half of my life was spent in Kelantan before I moved to Kulim with my daughter,” said Kuppu.

“The gathering has reunited me with friends whom I have not seen for 15 years.”

B. Menaka Bhai, 72, who lived in Soko Estate for 30 years, was also delighted that she was able to meet her old friends.

Association president T. Perumal was happy with the overwhelming response from his fellow Kelantanese who made the event a grand success.

“This is going to be a yearly event. Next year, we will be having this gathering in Kelantan,” said Perumal.