The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Rajaretnam reminisces his years as a port worker Posted: 22 Sep 2011 05:47 AM PDT RETIRED port worker Rajaretnam Govindasamy joined Cargo Handling Corporation (CHC) Ltd, a subsidiary of Malayan Railways in 1962 as a wharf worker while in his teens. He is the second generation member in his family to work at the port – following the footsteps of his father-in-law S. Muniandy. Today, Rajaretnam's son Sri Muhunan is a senior manager of Port Klang Authority (PKA) and a third generation port man. Rajaretnam's three other children are also linked to the port services. From a winch operator, Raja-retnam ended his career as a shift foreman in Northport (Malaysia) Bhd. He retired in 2004, but had his employment extended for another two years. Now, 62, Rajaretnam said: "When I first joined CHC as a wharf worker back in 1962, I was 14. "At that time, the port was the only major industry around Klang. Because the salary was low for the ordinary port worker (between RM75 and RM200 a month), most families could not afford to have only the father working. So they also got their eldest son to work." He said the first 20 years of his working life was difficult especially with the low income. Rajaretnam said the first forklift made its appearance in North Klang Straits (NKS) in 1963. "The Northport today is a far cry from NKS in the 60s; we only had four wharves and serviced mainly British ships." Rajaretnam said he is still living in Port Klang. He added that he has no complaints. "I have four children, and my eldest son Sri Muhunan, 41, is a senior manager in PKA and a third generation port man, my second son Gunalan, 38, works in a shipping company, my eldest daughter Letchumy, 40, is a housewife and another daughter Yogeswary, 34, works for a freight forwarding agency at the KL International Airport," added Rajaretnam. |
| Posted: 22 Sep 2011 05:44 AM PDT THE centennial celebration of the nation's biggest seaport, Port Klang begins tomorrow with a series of events until Sunday. The Port Klang Authority (PKA) commemorates 100 years of being a maritime gateway for the country. The celebrations begin with the launching of a special coffee table book documenting Port Klang's progress from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the busiest seaports in South-East Asia. Titled Port Klang – Malaysia's Maritime Marvel, the book features remembrance of the port's storied past, a photographic timeline and workers' account of the port's remarkable times. Administered by PKA under the leadership of its chairman Datuk Dr Teh Kim Poo and acting general manager Captain David Padman, the free carnival on Saturday at Tanjung Harapan (Esplanade) Port Klang will be opened to the public. Teh, whose father was a wharf worker at Port Klang, said it was important to recognise the milestone because the port has been providing jobs for the people in Port Klang for over 100 years. "When I was a young boy, my father used to take me on a bicycle to the docks to show me the ships unloading their cargo. It was quite a sight and never did I imagined then that I would one day be overseeing the same port where my father had worked. "Over 100 years ago, Port Klang community and the British Resident of Selangor Sir Frank Swettenham had the foresight to establish a port that would stimulate the country's economy and generate jobs for the local people," Teh added. Since its inception in 1901, Port Klang has become Malaysia's principal port. Strategically positioned within the Straits of Malacca, the busiest sea lane in the world, the port has state-of-the-art terminals capable of processing any type of cargo. On reaching its century mark, Port Klang has built up links to 600 ports covering 180 countries. Teh said the celebration was in honour of the many stevedores, wharf workers, truck drivers, shore workers, and all other labourers whose contributions had brought about the port's growth. "This is a chance to celebrate the past as well as to look to the future of the port," he said. Members of the public are invited to participate in the port carnival, that include a harbour cruise to Northport and Westports, a meet-the-clients day, exhibitions, vintage motorbike parade, floats by sea, jet ski and kayak competitions and colouring contest for children. There will also be a blood donation drive, an open-air concert, karaoke competitions, fireworks displays, career talks and many other events. The celebration will end with a charity golf game on Sunday. Teh said: "This centennial year we invite the community to celebrate with us and to share with us their memories and recollections." Today, Port Klang is the National Load Centre and Trading Gateway and is ranked 13th in the world. It handles an average 38% of the overall Malaysian seaborne traffic. PKA corporate communication manager Shanti Gunaratnam said free shuttle bus services would be made available to the public to Tanjung Harapan just outside the Port Klang KTM Komuter station on an hourly basis. The bus service starts at 8am and ends at 9.30pm. Buses will be stationed at the ASA Niaga parking space across the commuter station. "Those returning to Tanjung Harapan to the Komuter station can take the shuttle service close to the Bugis ship replica," she said. Gunaratnam added that the tour to Northport is scheduled at a two-hour frequency – 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. The harbour cruise to Westports and Northport by boat will feature seven half-hourly trips beginning 10am and ending at 4pm. For details, call Shanti, 03-3168 8211 ext 2023. |
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