KUALA LUMPUR: From its humble rubber estate origins, the residential area of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), better known as Taman Tun, is now a source of pride for residents living in the neighbourhood for the past 40 years.
Understandably, the residents described the place as very close to their hearts, as they witnessed various types of development taking place in the neighbourhood, starting in the 1970s.
Abdul Latif Yahaya, 75, one of the earliest Taman Tun residents, said that he once intended to move to another residential area, but later changed his mind after realising the neighbourhood's strategic location, which is within reasonable distance to the city centre, in addition to being equipped with various types of infrastructure to meet the needs of the local population.
"This is my first home, and I have been living here since 1983. I did plan to move to a bigger house once, but changed my mind as I realised that all amenities such as school, mosque, police station... all here.
"My children told me that they would allow me to move to another residential area if I decide to do so, but they would continue living here," he told Bernama.
At the same time, Klang-born Abdul Latif is also happy with the security level and measures implemented in the residential area.
Another resident, Jamaludin Shah Raahmat Shah, 76, said apart from TTDI was named after the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, former deputy prime minister, the residents of the township are also lucky when most of the streets in the neighbourhood are named after respected figures, such as Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmy (Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi); Abdul Rahim Kajai (Jalan Rahim Kajai); Tun Leong Yew Koh (Jalan Leong Yew Koh) and Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Abang Sapiee (Jalan Abang Haji Openg).
"As a resident who knows the journey of the late Dr Ismail, I am certainly proud as the residential area I live in is named after a figure who has contributed a lot to the country.
"However, what about those who do not know him? Perhaps, they just realise that they live in an area that is considered affluent by the public," said Jamaludin Shah, who has lived in Taman Tun for the past 42 years.
He also recommends that relevant authorities publish a book on TTDI's history, so that the new generation is aware of the story behind its existence.
He said that some of those living in the area, especially the younger generation, do not know about the history of TTDI, not to mention that it was named after the late Dr Ismail, as they are not exposed to its history.
"Such a book will help the community to be more knowledgeable about the history of TTDI's existence. Various ways can be done to obtain some information, including through interviews with the early residents," said Jamaludin Shah, a former employee of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.
Retired police officer, Koris Ali, 83, hopes that TTDI will always remain a comfortable and conducive residential area for the local community.
"Alhamdulillah, I am surrounded by good neighbours here. Although the residents here are made up of various races and religions, we live in harmony," he said, adding that he has lived in TTDI since 1983.
In conjunction with this year's National Month celebration, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) will hold a programme to commemorate the services and contributions of the late statesman.
The programme, which will be held at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 2, aims to educate the younger generation about the statesman's contributions to developing this country, and will be officiated by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - Bernama