Malaysia Update

Ching Ah Tee, 70, now spends his time taking care of his son, Hwa Luong, 40, who was struck down by the deadly virus epidemic almost a decade ago.

PORT DICKSON: As panic over the deadly swine flu sweeps the world, residents of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah, a small village in Lukut, remember the devastation and tragedy they suffered when an equally deadly virus struck 10 years ago.

One hundred and five people lost their lives in the outbreak in Bukit Pelandok, at that time the largest pig-farming area in Southeast Asia with a swine population of about 1,000,000.

The virus first surfaced there in late 1998 and within weeks brought the more than 3,000 residents there to their knees.

Pigs were culled while experts at Universiti Hospital fought against time to find a cure.

Authorities said it was an outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis.
There are no pig farms left in Bukit Pelandok but residents fear they may have to relive their nightmare as pigs are still slaughtered and transported through Sepang, near their village.

Ching Hwa Luong, 40, is a living reminder to the villagers of the human toll exacted by the virus.

"After he was infected, he suffered brain damage and was also paralysed," said Hwa Luong's father, Ah Tee, 70.

"Although we (villagers) don't rear pigs here any more, we are still worried. It was a nightmare for us (during the outbreak).

"Each day, someone would die and the thought of something similar happening again is sending shivers down our spine.

"We hope the authorities will ensure the swine flu does not reach our shores... I doubt we can survive another similar ordeal."

The village is now almost deserted as most residents have left in search of new livelihoods.

Today, Bukit Pelandok is a sad shadow of its past self, when posh bungalows were plentiful.

Mat Adib Ralib, 59, who runs a coffee shop, said the latest swine flu was the talk of the villagers, with many looking back to the horror period.

"Reading about the swine flu brings back memories but we can only pray that the virus does not hit our shores.

"We are haunted by memories... those who survived are forever scarred.