Wednesday 20 January 2016

THE KINABALU GUERILLAS: Petagas War Memorial


Every year, on January 21, the people of North Borneo will commemorate the fallen heroes who fought against the Japanese during The Second World War. Following the fall of Southeast Asia to the Japanese Imperial Army, a patriotic youth name Albert Kwok organized an underground forces of more than 300 young men from various communities to fight against the Japanese. The uprising erupted on October 10, 1943. Sometime the Kinabalu Uprising is also known as the Double Ten. Among them was my grandfather, Charles Peter, at that time the Superintendent of Police since the British time. However, the ill-equipped guerillas were quickly defeated by the superior Japanese forces which was reinforced from Kuching, Sarawak. On January 21, 1944 a total of 176 men from the guerillas and their sympathizers were rounded up and transported by railway cargo wagon to Petagas. 


The commemoration was organized by Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) City Hall inviting government dignitaries as well as family members of those who were massacred by the Japanese at this site in Petagas, few miles from the City Center. City Hall organizer hope there would be more people, locals and tourists that can come and attend this yearly event.

At this commemoration, I happened to bump into an elderly English gentleman, who had stayed in Borneo for the past 30 years never failing to attend this ceremony yearly. He told me an interesting story. There was one young Chinese boy age 16 who help to distribute pamphlets to encourage the uprising which started on October 10, 1943. When the guerillas were defeated, that boy was also sent for execution. However, some of the Japanese soldiers, seeing him as only a boy, helped him to escape and advised him to stay away from urban areas. This boy grew up and died only a few years ago.


We pray for the souls of these brave warriors, THAT THESE MEN LAY DOWN THEIR LIFE FOR THEIR COUNTRY.



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Tuesday 19 January 2016

LIKAS FLORA: The Garden in the Kampong


Likas Flora, a landscape and horticulture company started as Green Cottage in 1979. It was started by my mother, Misbah Abdul Hamid as a hobby, because she loves planting and tendering flowers and plants. From a humble beginning, Likas Flora grew to become a landscaping company. Nowadays, Likas Flora is involved in rental of potted plants, supply and planting of ornamental grass, supply of indoor and outdoor plants and also maintenance of garden compound.


Landscaping is refer to activities that involve modification of land features with living elements integrated with the structural environment. It is crudely call gardening. As for Likas Flora, it is integrating the tropical flora with roads and buildings. Landscaping is important because it enhance the environment, create sosio-behavorial and aesthetic outcome. A wonderful landscaping in our own backyard can sooth our stress and calm our anxiety.

Ornamental decoration for the office table



To contact see Facebook Page for LIKAS FLORA (please like) or see their website or e-mail at likasflora@yahoo.com or pay a visit to Likas Flora at Kampong Likas 5 miles from town

Likas Flora Sdn Bhd
No.18 Jalan Kuala Laut
Kg Likas, 88100 KOTA KINABALU

Call Nicky: 016-8308114
Office: 088-424532
Fax: 088-426209