My Maternal Grandfather and Loi Ling Jing

Tubai or Tuba are the local names for a plant which grows wild in Sarawak, although many Foochow pioneers grew it in Tulai, Sg. Maaw and Ensura areas.

In the 1920's and following decades, the Foochow farmers even sold the roots in Sibu town. The roots were very smelly because the milk white juices flow out easily when cut. Farmers pounded the roots to extract the milk and used the liquid as pesticides and mosquito repellent.

In Foochow it is called LOI LING.

We had a few interesting anecdotes from my mother about farmers bringing loi ling to sell in Sibu town. The roots would be bundled and tied up, all muddy and smelly in two bundles. The farmer would carry the precious goods with his bian dang from further inland. These farmers would catch the early boat to Sibu and return by the afternoon last boat to reach home before nightfall.

One evening a man came from the back hills and asked for a night's stay with my grandfather. Grandfather being very hospitable allowed him to sleep in the living room and provided even an evening meal.

However not long after every one turned in, my grandfather was rather annoyed by the awful smell from the man's belongings.

He came out to check and found that it was two large bundles of tuba roots.

 

He opened the front door and gave them a kick and sent them flying to the stair case.

The man was dumb founded and said, "Hey, that's money."

My usually taciturn Ngie Goon replied, " Money? It's smelly. Not welcome !"

The next day the man quickly rebundled his precious goods and took the boat to Sibu. Mum cannot remember if he ever stayed the night in the Nang Chong house again.

My grandfather although he was a rubber tapper, carpenter, and farmer, liked things around him to be neat and clean. This could be his Fujian background.

He also could get very annoyed with people who had no manners.

Whenever my mother mentioned about my Ngie Gung's hospitality I would think of a sign he should put up at the entrance of their sanba home : No smelly Loi Ling Roots allowed. Just like today, No Durians Allowed in the Hotel.

I am sure he is smiling up there in heaven.

Mum therefore taught us how to be polite guests and also never to overstay our welcome. One important point would be to bring a gift at all times, even if it is for flying visit.