My new job requires me to make frequent trips to Kemaman, Terengganu. It’s been a while since I last passed through here. But from 2000 to 2004, this was my home. I used to know Dungun-Kemaman-Kuantan better than any other place in this country. During the 5 years, I remember changing houses at least 8 times, got robbed once, been in two car crashes (my poor Satria), and ate plenty of keropok lekor.
Kemaman has changed a lot. I knew about a mall being built here in Kerteh some time back, but never got the chance to visit it until last month when I met with an old friend there. I was quite surprised with its “happening-ness”. It is truly a mall, with bowling alley, futsal (Sports Planet no less), a cinema (TGV and yes, with 3D!), Giant hypermarket, Burger King, Big Apple Donuts, and many other chains one would normally find in a mall in KL. On top of this, there’s a another, much bigger Giant being built only 10 km away, in what used to be a swamp in Kijal/Ibok area. People say the current Terengganu MB has something to do with it but that’s beside the point.
Chukai itself is bustling. So many shops, too many cars, too little roads. Passing through what used to be Chukai bypass needs a fair amount of patience. It is no longer a bypass as it is now more congested than the old Chukai town road. Now I haven’t been to Dungun yet, but I plan to visit another old friend there during my next trip.
One thing for sure is that this place invokes many memories and thankfully, I recall mostly fond ones. One Malay proverb quickly comes to mind: Tempat jatuh lagi dikenang, inikan pula tempat bermain. This place is where it all began for me.
