The now popular Lahad Datu

 

“You’re from where??”

“I'm from Lahad Datu “ (I often had to repeat the name)

“Where is that ?”

Those where the days when not many have heard about the place, my beloved home town. Then, I had to every time, explain

“ its located at the mouth of the dog”. That helps to reckon.

Since  March 2013, the dialog would go like this.

“I’m from Lahad Datu”

“you are ?? How is the situation over there? Is it safe ? Are your family okay ?…… the questions go on and on.

March 2013 was the turning point. I wouldn't want to elaborate more about the situation as it hurts me to even think about it. And you , my dear readers, will be able to find more information about what happened in Lahad Datu in March 2013 via internet. Try search for ‘ Lahad Datu standoff, march 2013’ or so.

I feel heart sick each time when I thought of those fallen heroes, that I chose to keep it as part of Lahad Datu dark history. As of the date I'm working on this journal, the situation is under control and thank God, there is no more casualties.

I was there on the 14-16th March 2013,10days after the ‘Bombing day’. The unexpected war happened about 130km away from the town, that the town itself wasn't affected. The standoff caused Lahad Datu town much quieter than the last time I came.

Hearing the news through the media was alarming. I bought my air ticket, anyway. Many friends and relatives sent short messages, worried, while I, was excited to be back home. In fact,I felt more secured knowing that Malaysian arm forces are surrounding the area well, although I didnt see them in town. That was far from my imagination of a war zone would be.

As I touched down at the airport, I only found 3 personnel who happened to be there. I took a chance to stand next to those friendly warriors.

I also was a small aircraft owned by police force parked at the airport. That was it. “This is not war'”, I thought to myself.

 

As usual, war or not war I visited my favorite place, the wet market….

  I even went for breakfast with my aging parents at one busy restaurant, downtown. No war.

At home, I spent as much time as I could, with my nephews and nieces…

appreciating my Mom’s garden………

   

and those pets….

  (find the hidden tortoise)

TARRA..!!!

The two days visit to my parents and siblings was good enough to convince me that they are all allright.

I left Lahad Datu with a peaceful mind. Alhamdulillah the war is over.