My Opah in 2009

by MKA,

It is totally uncommon nowadays to see a woman in Malaysia working in a farm or doing hard labour job. But it would be even more uncommon to see a women in her 80s still working in a farm in Malaysia in this millennium. Certainly she is no ordinary woman and she is my Opah (a word for grandmother that being used by many Perakians).

She is very lucky to live that long and could still remember the hard life she has been going through during WWII. She can still tell how difficult life was back then during the Japanese occupation of Malaya, in detail. The most interesting story she told to her grandchildren is when she recalls the day when the Imperial Japanese Air-force bombing the Victoria Bridge in Kuala Kangsar to hamper the British Army withdrawal effort to Singapore after loosing most of their territories in the northern part of Malaya. She was there to see one of the most pivotal event in the cause of WWII. The Japanese fighter aircraft was called a dragonfly by the villagers mostly because the similarity between them which are two pairs wings and elongated body with narrow end, and perhaps the buzzing sound as well. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to get the first hand historical information.

She could just relax at the comfort of her house on a couch watching some old movies same like many other elderly people. But apparently, she is not that type of person. For her, farming is like her life. No matter what, she'll just keep it up for as long a she can.


It is still quite a walk to get to the farm. It is not that far but still if anything happen, no body would know perhaps until its too late. This is the excuse that her children used to persuade her to give up her farming activity. But all advises are all gone in vain. She will never listen despite numerous warning given by many people.




Her favourite crops is corn. It is quite easy to grow and need not so much attention like some other crops.




Corn are easy to grow, of course on the right soil. The reward will not disappoint you. Easy to cook, nice to eat. You can use it for many types of delicacies, but for those who are very lazy, eat it on its own can be as much enjoyable.














As strong as before.


The distance from the house and the surrounding area which quite remote raised some concerns over her safety and the response time should any untoward incident happens.


Crossing a drain using a piece of wood by a person of her age, that's can be a bit scary.

But, it was before, in 2009. All the pictures was taken during that time. Now she is not as strong as before as she had an accident last year which injured her waist. Luckily, it's happened in the house, not at this place. Otherwise it could have been catastrophic.