Segamat.com

2010/06/30
Sim Bak Heng 
From NST Online

EVERY DAY except on rainy days, Bukit Sengkang in Jementah, Segamat, is dotted with mountain climbers along its snaking path. Although most of them are locals, there are those who come from as far as Tangkak and Segamat town. Some of them brave it alone while others come with friends or family members. From 4pm onwards, they will begin their daily 'pilgrimage' to the hilltop.

Although the challenging altitude could make it a strenuous task, the reward is much more than just a healthy body. Greeting the climbers along the way are the sight of rare flora, monkeys and some unique birds, which seem to form part of the welcoming committee. The view at the top of the 33-metre tall hill is spectacular, with one side fronting the legendary Gunung Ledang, another facing Jementah town and the rest facing the lush tropical rainforest.

Most days, it is windy at the hilltop, making the activity a perfect escape from the unbearable heat at ground level. Most people will climb the hill in the evening save for a few morning persons. Whatever the time, the scenery at dawn and dusk are equally breathtaking and the air feels refreshingly rich.

Recently, a group of mountain climbers threw a special anniversary celebration for two climbers who have been scaling Bukit Sengkang daily for the past 12 years. They are businessman Lim Seng Lai, 53, and singer Yaw Yew Ping, 43, who are testament to the fact that the activity has kept them in great shape over the years. Lim, of Kampung Abdullah in Segamat, said he would drive to the foothill every evening, including on Chinese New Year, and begin his usual routine. "Climbing the hill daily makes me healthy. It also helps build a unique relationship with nature. "I enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque view along the way," he said, adding that he liked to share his passion for mountain climbing with those who were less fit as they should be encouraged to take up the exercise.

Yaw said the exercise had greatly strengthened his respiratory system, which was important for a singer like him. "As deep breathing is involved in the climbing, it helps me develop stronger lungs and a better voice." Lim and Yaw are good friends due to their common interest in mountain climbing. They were the ones who helped promote mountain-climbing in Jementah, a town between Tangkak and Segamat.

Promoting mountain climbing in the town, rich in agriculture is easy because there is no entertainment outlets there and all economic activity stops as soon as the sun sets. At present, there are at least 60 regular mountain climbers, aged from eight to 80.

On average, a round trip from the foothill will take about 70 minutes, or slightly longer for beginners and shorter for veterans such as Lim and Yaw. Cham Toon Liang, a newspaper vendor, said he enjoyed the fresh air along the trek. "I always try to make it a point to climb the mountain daily. Records show that the exercise could keep people young and prevent many modern day diseases."