by Nic, the Hapi Wanderer
Sri Pahang Flats, a place that I used to stay for about a year, brings back fond memories to me but as the area changes, they will relegate those wonderful recollections to the twilight zone.
Located on a hill, the elevated topography provided me with a good hike after work, as I had to walk up the slope to reach the block.
From my viewpoint, I could see Dataran Maybank in front of me, to my left, where its tower used to be the highest building until my view was blocked by Gaya Bangsar Condominium. On my right, I could see the Petronas petrol station, which is located at Jalan Maarof. The New Straits Times office building at Jalan Riong could also be seen from where I was, on the fourth floor.
I still remember on Wednesday evenings, the pasar malam stall owners would set up their tables and tents for business, and we had to park further away down the slope as the carpark is occupied by them. After freshening myself up with a bath after work, I’d have a walk to the pasar malam. I could recall those memories — the smell of the satay being grilled, mee hoon being fried and fresh vegetables waiting to be purchased by residents and visitors.
A cramped living space which provided enough room for three of us to live in. The two lifts made our lives easier, but ‘street artists’ would scribble art and text onto the walls at the lift lobby.
There were always cats around, and we had to be careful not to be lucky enough to step on their droppings. Kids would be running around, having fun and games with each other, and their voices would echo through the void deck, the sound waves bouncing off the walls.
Residents would gather at the centre court, where the badminton courts were located, to relax and have chats with friends.
Lucky Garden, about 2 km away, through Jalan Maarof was where we’d go for better culinary choices. Jalan Telawi, a high-end place with restaurants, pubs, is just close by. The pasar malam at Jalan Telawi was and is active on Sunday evenings.
My life here had been colourful indeed, with places of interest not too far away. I remember being grabbed by a snatch thief as I was walking along the slope to the flats. He had probably thought that the portable hard drive that I had been carrying looked like a big wallet to him.
My gold chain necklace broke during the scuffle but I managed to retrieve it from the grass patch. A police report was lodged at the nearby Brickfields police station.
Development is inevitable, and Sri Pahang Flats will be no more, as it is in the process of being torn down. The first block that was taken down was the one located in front of the balcony, across the street. That was about seven years ago, I think.
Now, my view from the balcony is just a tall apartment, blocking off the view I once had of Jalan Maarof. Eligible residents are currently in the process of signing documents to initiate the transfer of ownership to the new block of apartments.
When this process is completed, the block where I used to stay will be demolished. The many photographs that I’ve taken, will provide the physical memories which I can share with people who might be interested to know how the area looked like, as it undergoes changes in its landscape.
Change being a constant, I will cherish the emotions and sights of once having lived here.
WE