ANN/THE STAR – Amidst a landscape saturated with transitory digital visuals, Lim Kim Boon has kindled a modest crusade that reveres the splendour encompassing Malaysia’s multifaceted terrains, rich cultures, and its people.
For the past four months, Lim has been bringing people together through his “Photo Walk with Kim Boon and Friends” event, in which they share stories, make new friends, and capture the true spirit of Malaysia in pictures, one frame at a time.
The Johor-born photographer earns a living by narrating stories with his pictures. He has been arranging photo walks across Malaysia, a concept sparked by his photojournalist companion, Jahabar Sadiq.
“Jahabar knows that I often visit places to take photos and hold workshops because of my job as a Fujifilm brand influencer, so he suggested that I start documenting these stories and photos in conjunction with the 60th Malaysia Day,” said Lim, 53.
“The idea really resonated with me and I decided to challenge myself to cover all 13 states and see as many places as I could this year; then I thought instead of just going on my own, why not invite others to join me on this venture.”
And that’s how the photo walks began.
Lim’s adventure kicked off in the historical city of Melaka at the end of April and from there, he ventured to his hometown of Batu Pahat, then on to the charming streets of Kuching in Sarawak and the royal city of Klang, Selangor.
What began as a personal journey of exploration soon transformed into a shared voyage of discovery, as enthusiasts from all ages (15-75) and walks of life began to join Lim’s photographic trek to over 20 locations across the nation.
Lim and others started posting their photos on Instagram, using the hashtag #MalaysiaAt60.
“But it wasn’t simply about taking photographs,” Lim reflects.
“I wanted to create a pictorial celebration of our country’s diversity and inclusion. I wanted to get to know my fellow Malaysians on a deeper level.”
Rewind 35 years and you’d find Lim, the Batu Pahat High School fourth former, doing pretty much the same thing: organising photography talks and competitions for schoolmates, connecting people through his love for photography.
“My father had a Mamiya camera back then and I was fascinated by it. He later bought me my first camera – an Olympus OM10 – and introduced me to his photographer friends, one who used to run a photo studio. So very early on, I got the chance to learn the ropes here, sitting and chatting with my dad’s friend in his dark room, learning whatever I could about the trade. And that served me well.
“Even though I didn’t get a chance to embrace my photography skills until later on in life, that initial foundation was instrumental.”
SMALL-TOWN BOY
As Lim planned photo walks in smaller towns and places of interest, he was delighted that his mission was evolving beyond his initial intentions. With each new trip, he began to unearth inspiring stories from both the places he visited as well as the individuals who walked alongside him.
The photo walks were now turning into a canvas upon which narratives of strength, resilience, and unity were being etched.
“My wife and I met a Singaporean lady who chose love and marriage, embracing a life without electricity or water supply in Padang Tengku, Pahang, 60 years ago; we really fell in love with Kuala Lipis, where we were welcomed with open arms…” he said, adding that his wife, Khim, has been a steadfast companion, accompanying him on 80 per cent of his trips.
“It was a chance for us to also travel and visit some of the towns we had not been to,” said Lim.
“We had an amazing time in Kuching drinking ’opium coffee’ (that’s black coffee with butter on top) for the first time; we made friends with a lady, and later found out she was neighbours with one of my tuition teachers, and we ended up video calling my teacher! What a small world!
“In Melaka we were very fortunate to chance upon a rather unusual event called ‘Festival Datuk Charchar (charchar means smallpox in Malay)’ during which the Chitty community performed prayers to the Goddess Mariamman, who is believed to cure ailments. It was surprising for us to see so many Chinese speaking groups participating in this procession, prayers and devotional activities,” Lim recounted some of the interesting tales he encountered along the way.
“In Pendas, Johor, we met a young NUS lecturer who is married to a local man from a fishing family and this couple has started up a nature and heritage association called Kelab Alami to help local villagers prosper.
“And again we realised it was not just about taking photos,” said Lim.
“It was about making connections and becoming part of a larger narrative.”
Indeed camaraderie and a sense of togetherness was a highlight as strangers became friends and stories intertwined, resulting in a rich tapestry of shared experiences. The impact of these photo walks has also extended beyond geographical boundaries uniting individuals who share a common love for photography and a desire to celebrate Malaysia’s unique identity.
Lim’s lens offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Malaysia’s towns and cities: from the towering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to wooden houses on stilts in Pendas, the photos offer a contrast that mirrors the duality of Malaysia’s modernity and tradition.
Small towns are a bit of a fascination for Lim.
“Believe it or not, despite having to work in the city, I still stay in Batu Pahat, because I love the pace and stress-free life there. I would much rather travel for work to KL because I enjoy the drives, and the drive time gives me an opportunity to reflect on life.”
Lim said it was delightful to discover others like him.
“We met a group of young people who had given up their careers in the city to resettle in Kuala Lipis. One young man opened up a quaint little restaurant. You must go and visit if you ever get the chance!”
As he approaches the completion of his four-month-long journey, Lim reflects on the stories that have unfolded before his lens.
From the Orang Asli communities near Pendas to the warm hospitality of Kuala Lipis residents, each chapter of this visual narrative paints a vivid picture of Malaysia’s diversity.
“I became a bit overwhelmed at one stage because there was just so much to see and shoot. I have a few hundred gigabytes worth of pictures which I hope to sieve through and perhaps exhibit or publish in a book someday!” said Lim. – Ann Marie Chandy
