3 days Ago
When my husband Shafee was transferred from Teluk Datuk to Kuala Lumpur on 11 June 1969, we first rented a lovely single-story house at Jalan Liew Wen Chee, off Jalan Yap Kuan Seng, which was very near my parents’ house at Jalan Mayang. It was just a short stay, as in early 1970, Shafee was allocated a government house at Jalan Ampang Hilir. We stayed there for ten years.
Jalan Ampang Hilir was a tranquil neighbourhood known for its government quarters, home to many government officials and their families, providing a sense of community and stability amidst the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. The area was characterised by its serene environment, tree-lined streets and the unmistakable aura of a bygone era, reflecting the architectural simplicity and functional design of mid-20th century government housing. These single-story bungalows were more than just residences, they housed a close-knit community.
Living in the government quarters fostered a sense of camaraderie among the residents, who often worked together and shared similar lifestyles. Residents formed strong bond with their neighbours, often gathering for social events, communal meals and festive celebrations. This sense of community was a defining characteristic of life at the government quarters.
It was in Ampang Hilir that I became friends with Rozina Majeed (fondly known as Mak Oh). She was my next-door neighbour, my house number was 3420 and hers was 3421, and our kitchens faced each other. She lived with he.
