By Lam Yat Yee
Yang Berhormat Tuan M.Kulasegaran A/L V.Murugeson, otherwise known as YB Kula, paid the grounds of YMCA Ipoh a visit this Thursday.
At the start of the visit, YB Kula visited a group of youths learning a simpler variation of tennis known as ‘mini tennis’ from Coach Anto.
Mini tennis is an entry level tennis for kids under the age of 10 to progress to state u12 teams.
At the YMCA rooftop, surrounded by the magnificent twilight view of Ipoh offered by the topmost floor of the YMCA building, YB Kula reminisced back on his times with YMCA.
“YMCA Ipoh means a lot to me, for I myself had once stayed here for a year.”
YMCA Ipoh serves as a home away from home for many of its temporary residents, offering simple, comfortable hostel rooms, a myriad of sports facilities, and a riverside walk surrounded by mother nature.
After learning of the high financial cost of taking up tennis as a sport, YB Kula also suggested that an NGO be established to provide funding for those who wish to learn but are unable to afford it.
YB Kula is also a keen environmental activist, once having worked hard as a member of the opposing parliament to keep the flourishing forests of Kledang Hill from the grasp of land developers.
Once a routine hiker himself, YB Kula told Ipoh Echo that he has a deep connection with the flora and fauna of Kledang Hill.
The YB encouraged farming locally, mentioning the non-necessity of deforestation with the acres of already clear land available in Ipoh itself for such purposes. As he addressed the issue, YB Kula praised YMCA’s efforts and work in the environmental cause.
Coincidentally, there used to be a hydroponic farm right next to YMCA itself! There are even ongoing plans to revive the small-scale farm.
Located on Jalan Raja Musa Azi, YMCA Ipoh is a nonprofit organisation, offering cozy, affordable rooms and a myriad of sports facilities. To state a few, they have lawn and hard surfacing tennis courts, badminton courts, and a gym; all accessible at an inexpensive cost.
For further inquiries, contact 05-254 0809 or visit in person at 211, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
