Before the Japanese arrived my grandfather raised his family partially in Binatang and partially in Pulau Kerto.
He had tenants now to tap his rubber in Sg. Merah as his businesses increased and prospered. Between 1927 and 1939 he was a very busy man, always on the move. He was also often called to help with Rev James Hoover as he was his good friend. He had helped Rev James with the setting up of rice mill in Bukit Lan. The two friends had also brought electricity to Sibu.
He was running a rice and sawmill in Binatang and an ice mill in Pulau Kerto. The children who were attending school would be in Binatang. But during the holidays, they would be in Hua Hung Ice Factory.
Besides Grandfather had his own motor launch to bring the family up and down the Rajang River. He had three motor launches which earned him quite a bit of income.
Furthermore, his brother, Kung Eng was at hand to help him supervise the Mee Ann Sawmill whenever he went away. He was a very trust worthy brother.
In those days, every one was helpful in bringing home wild vegetables when they were free. The boys would be fishing from time to time, while the girls reared ducks and chickens. Grandmother Wong was good in raising pigs.
In one of our story telling sessions, Aunt Chiew was happy to tell us a story about soft Wood EARS, or Muk Mee.
My aunts were particularly fond of looking for Wood Ears which grew on dead wood. The blackusg red wood ears were very delicious. They were crunchy and fresh. And Grandmother Wong would cook wonderful dishes with them.
Aunt Chew told us that even though she was only around 10 years old at that time, with Aunt Heng Sieng being older, they had a good time looking for food. A small boat would always take them to a good food source and the girls after paddling for a few minutes would reach their destination.
They were usually able to forage for a lot of fresh wood ears, and fern tops.
Those were very happy days for them. They never realised at that time that the Japanese would bomb the peace and quiet of Binatang and they had to take shelter from the enemies for 3 years ad 8 months.
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