Thursday, June 24, 2010

Oil Palm Plantation





Oil palm was introduced to Malaysia in 1910 by Scotsman Williams Sime and English Banker Henry Darby. In December 2006, the world's largest listed oil palm plantation valued at RM31 billion. With 543 thousand hectares of plantation landbank, the new oil palm plantation could produce 2.5 million tons of palm oil which was 5% of global production in 2006.

The male and female parts are together in one tree. Bees help to pollinate the tree. Fruit cross-section: Yellow outer part is oil, white inner part is the kernel. This can be used to make cosmetics. Pahat : stick to clean dirt around the tree. A sharp tool. After 4 years of planting, the worker will check if the tree is ready for harvest. If he cuts a leaf of a tree and more than 5 fruits drops, the tree is ready for harvesting. In a month, one tree can be harvested 3 times. After 25 years, the tree will be too tall to be harvested. So after 5 years, the tree is cut down.

Processing of Fruitlets
Fruitlets are sterilised at 150 degrees with steam. Then the fruitlets are put under pressure so oil will come out. The oil then needs to be purified. Since steaming uses water, the oil has to be seperated from the water using vacuum. The bunches from fruitlets can be burnt to make fertilisers or generate electricity. The mill only processes crude palm oil. If we want to make cooking oil, the crude oil has to be brought to a seperate factory to be processed. Whatever that comes out of the mill is 20% of what orginally went in.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum






The Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Johor is one of the major and popular attractions of the city. It is the best place to get information about Sultan Abu Bakar and his family.Known as the Grand Palace and Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, the museum is actually located on the northern wings of the Grand Palace, or Istana Besar, of the sultan. The palace was built in the year 1866 and is a grand example of Anglo-Malay architecture. His Majesty, Sultan Iskandar converted the palace into the museum., which was opened to the public on May 11th , 1991. The museum has an extensive display of rare artefacts and treasures collected by and belonging to the Royal family. We can see the furniture that was used by the sultan and his family. The Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum has an extensive collection of works of art owned by the Royal family. There is a huge picture gallery, which has pictures and portraits of past as well as present kings and their queens. We can also check out the huge collection of the king's personal records and memorabilia. We can also find medals, decorations and royal documents displayed in the museum's picture gallery. You can take a look at the 'Throne Room' where a large number of banquets, ceremonies, festivals and royal parties were held. Take a look at the huge collection of crystalware, silverware, gold and silver ornaments and beautiful vases in the other rooms of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Johor. Check out the traditional Malaysian weapons, State Regalia, coin collection and silver trophies in this museum.

Layang Layang Museum




The Pasir Gudang Kite Museum is dedicated to the traditional Malay kite known as the wau. With the aim to preserve and promote the wau as part of the Malaysian craft heritage, this museum showcases the art of kite-making and displays a collection of traditional kites or wau, in spectacular colours and designs. There is also a collection of modern kites available here. Visitors will also enjoy the audio video display relating to the traditional kite including the making of one. Pasir Gudang is also the site of the acclaimed annual International Kite Festival.

Introduction to Johor Bahru


Located at the southern tip of the Peninsula, Johor Bahru is state of the capital of Johor Darul Takzim. JB, in short, was established in 1855 by the late sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of modern Johor) and now serves as the administrative and commercial center of the state. Connected to Singapore by a modern causeway, JB is also Peninsula's southern gateway. Consisting of a diverse ethnic mix of races, JB also offers visitors attractions, colourful culture, delectable culture cuisine, and exciting recreational activities. Popular among Singaporeans, JB has a myriad landmarks, such as The Grand Palace with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture, which houses the museum where priceless treasures of the Royal Collection are showcased.