Dutch family finds Malaysians friendly and helpful

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MALAYSIA’S warm weather and friendly people were what attracted expatriates Rob and Hedy Reekers to live here with their children.

“We just came back from our holidays in Europe and I must say how glad I am to be back here as it is too cold there,” said Rob.

Happy family: The Reekers (from left) Hedy, Rob, Ridge and Rowinza at their home in Mont’Kiara.

Hailing from Holland, Rob, 60, said he loved the uniqueness of Malaysia’s diverse culture and strong racial unity.

“The culture here is very unique and the people are very friendly and helpful, said Rob, who has retired from flying with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after 30 years with the airline.

On how the couple find living in Malaysia, the Reekers said they found the traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur a bit hard to live with.

“I just can’t get used to the traffic here. The drivers are quite reckless and crossing the roads can be dangerous.

Avid rider: Rowinza enjoys horseriding at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club at Mont‘Kiara.

“However, I am amazed at the big discounts on parking tickets here as it is not offered in European countries,” said Rob, who prefers his wife to drive him and the children around.

The loving couple met in Holland where they were both working with KLM. Hedy gave up her job as a quality controller when their twins, Ridge and Rowinza, 14, came along.

Married for 20 years now, the couple’s eldest daughter, Chantana, 25, is now pursuing her studies in production and filming at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, USA. Chantana is also a part-time model for agencies in the United States.

Hedy, who is of Indonesian origin, said: “I started working in Holland at the age of 20 while my parents were in the civil service.

“It was hard for me to leave Holland and come to Malaysia at first as I missed my siblings and relatives back home,” she said.

Ridge and Rowinza, who are studying in Year 10 at the Gardens International School in Mont Kiara, love living in Malaysia as they have found new friends in this multi-racial society.

“I love the spicy ‘nasi lemak’ and the suculent satay here,” said the cheerful Rowinza, whose hobby includes playing football, horse riding and swimming.

Bright girl: The couple’s eldest daughter Chantana is pursuing her studies in production and filming and is also a part-time model.

As for Ridge, who loves Western food, he plays football and basketball, apart from going for excursions organised by the school.

Both Rob and Rowinza are musically inclined as they have taken an interest in playing the electric and acoustic guitars, apart from the keyboard.

“I am also a qualified football coach and I train the boys at Gardens International School. It is something that keeps me going,” said Rob.

As for Hedy, 51, she loves to keep in touch with family members and friends in the United States, Bali and Europe. She said dealing with the needs of the twins and chauffeuring them to and from school was a challenging task.

However, Rob expressed his great concern over the increasing number of road accidents and the crime rate in Malaysia.

“I hope the Malaysian Government will act by enforcing strict laws on all road users.

“It is very sad to see teenagers involved in thefts and innocent people dying due to other motorists’ selfish behaviour,” said Rob.