HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF IN DISCOVERING MALACCA

MALACCA 2 JULY 2011: According to Hikayat Melayu (the Malay Annals), Parameswara, a fugitive prince from Singapore accidentally discovered Malacca around the year 1400. What attracted him and his entourage at that time was a smart white kancil (mouse deer, not Perodua car) outwitting his hunting dog at the location of modern day Malacca Town.

Miraculously in 2011, the participants of GBS Charity Treasure Hunt 2011 re-discovered Malacca Town, thanks largely to another ‘colour creature’.  Not to be outdone, COC Purple Antz attempted to cryptically hoodwink the hunting group at precisely the same location on 2^nd July.





Traditionally July has been a rather busy month for treasure hunters; more so in 2011. With August being a fasting period, hunt organizers sensibly packed the prior month with their events, and GBS motoring hunt was certainly no exception.

Online hunt

This GBS charity event uniquely started as early as April 2011, with a Discovering Malaysia Online challenge, spanning 10 weeks. With the posers centred around the landmark locations of different state each week, the online hunt was a tongue-in-cheek testimony that one need not travel the whole Malaysia to get to know the places.

A weekly winner would be chosen, based on the highest number of correctly-answered questions. Out of 10 weeks, amazingly hunter Margaret Sha and family emerged victorious in 5 of them.

Even her very young daughter, Chai Kye Lii already showed promising signs of a hunter-in-progress at such a tender age; outsolving all other hunters in this Boleh-land nation when she submitted the only perfect-score entry in Week 5. Surely you can’t be too shocked when you consider that her parents are among the Who’s Who in the Hall of Fame!

Challenges before the hunt

At first glance, GBS Hunt appeared a straightforward event. A cursory glance at the Briefing Notes seemed to imply a surmountable hunt (albeit with 5 Challenges during the course); yet only days earlier, some hunters were slightly perturbed by the challenges BEFORE the hunt.

Amidst the mounting rumours of unrest in the capital city, traffic congestions, roadblocks and nationwide arrest of several Bersih supporters, a few hunters were somehow concerned about the event date.

After all, the hunt was organized just 1 week before the local “Clean” rally in KL on 9^th July. A couple of hunters had half-jokingly cited health reason for skipping this hunt; while some participants were mildly mindful of the hunt route and the colour of the event attires.

A few understandably heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of orange shirts. Had it been the royal colour, one suspected that the hunting convoy would somehow attract unwarranted attention.

Thankfully the event continued smoothly, devoid of any interference from the powers that be. And normal service resumed for both the hunters and COC.

YB Senator Kohilan Pillay giving speech

Participants in orange shirts

  

Challenges during the hunt

In line with the hunt theme “Discovering Malacca”, Purple Antz creatively injected questions linked to the historical city, with wordplays on the likes of Portugis, Baba, Porta de Santiago, beca (trishaw), Bukit Senjuang, Jonker and a picture of mouse deer. Even the royal founder of Malacca was not spared too.

Q13 Sri Majara surfaces after developing this and a raw area.

A.     MPS @ MP Maju Enterprise

With 6 hours of hunting time, the event was especially interesting, as participants had 5 Challenges to solve on the way to The Hang Tuah State - Route Challenge, Treasure Challenge, Pictorial Challenge, GBS Challenge and Melaka Trail Challenge.

While GBS Challenge merely tested their knowledge on the organizer, Melaka Trail Challenge wanted them to pick 5 landmarks, which they didn’t pass along the hunt route and Pictorial Challenge required them to name 5 tourist spots, where certain pictures can be found.

The Treasure Challenge was not super-difficult; though T1 proved to be a toughie for a few, searching for the right variant.

T1. The homes would appreciate this treasure to clean,

A fort captured inside after shooting us behind is the hint,

Combined together with the people of leading Europe skin substance,

Intact in a trio pack is of utmost importance,

And full points will be given upon our acceptance.

A: Shokubutsu – Orange Peel Essence

But where all was calm in the aforementioned challenges, a cryptic storm was looming in the Route Challenge! “Gratifying, Beguiling, Sublime” These were just a few of the adjectives to describe the innovative questions, concocted by Purple Antz, which inevitably brought instant thrill to the solvers.

Q9 Our destination’s famous ride seen being first to abuse part of this.

A.     Pusat Akademik Ace Scores

Q21 Follow what they say to the minimum end for less.

A.     Join Us Boutique

Q29 A spot that shouts out to become a person who is engaged in craft.

A.     Bert’s Garden Restaurant

Conclusion

For a typical hunter, it is immensely satisfying to garner new knowledge in puzzle forms; which GBS charity hunt has undeniably delivered in bundles. Another fun-filled hunt, another learning opportunity, another rewarding outing not to be missed!

Of course, credits must also go to the wonderful COC, for making history ‘lesson’ so lively and interesting. Just like the white kancil, Purple Antz had definitely succeeded in getting people to ‘Discover Malacca’ - more than 600 years later!

Surely this must be a case where history does repeat itself!!!

COC Shirley Hoe of Purple Antz

2nd Runner-Up - Cryptically Challenged

    

1st Runner-Up - Vettai Sakthi

Champion - 2 Sneakies & 2 Innocents

Full Result - 1st -10th Positions

Full Result - 11th-20th Positions