Once Upon A Time - RM5 to UPM

It is unbeleivable but it's true. Not many will believe when I related the story but it was true. Even I myself fould it hard to believe after all these years. It happened more nearly 35 years ago.

It was around June 1973. The university just opened its doors and I am accepted to pursue my Diploma Pertanian at UPM Serdang.

I left Ipoh where I was attending my Lower Six Form and boarded the train withnthe boys for their term holidays. Short of funds I became one of the "smuggler" by joining the group ticket to southbound students. It was easy anyway as the guard was unable to check the group ticket issued by travel warrants.

Arriving in KL I joined Fathil Sharif to stay at his uncle's house in telok Datuk Banting. His uncle was a headmaster in Banting at that time. I stayed there for a few days while waiting for UPM to open.

Come the day I went off bu bus from banting to KL and then from Pudu bus stop (no Puduraya yet at that time) by bus to UPM. UPM students used to call that bus ride as flight 707.

When I arrived in UPM I have only RM5 in my pocket. I was quite panicky but just went along. I know there are some STARIAN seniors in UPM and I will look for them to get some loan if need arises.

That RM5 was used to pay for the persatuan registration. I am left with no money. But not to worry as the meals (4 times - breakfast, luch, tea and dinner) are available from the dining hall. It kept me going anyway.

I did borrow a few dollars from one of my STAR friends. I forgot whom. But it kep me going until I got some money from my godfather Dato (Tun) Syed Ahmad who was the Kedah MB at that time.