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Origin of the name Senai
The name, Senai, is derived from a local tree, Sinai, which thrived in the region in the early 20th century. Malay, Chinese and Tamil Indian are the main ethnic groups. The majority of the Chinese in Senai belong to the Hakka dialect group.
Geographical location
Senai is located four kilometres south from Kulai, and four kilometres north of Skudai. Expressway E3 links Senai Airport with Tuas in Singapore at the other end.
Housing
Historic Senai consists of pre-World War II shophouses along the main road, which is divided into an upper street and a lower street by the river in the middle. During the post-war Malayan Emergency in the late 1940s to early 1950s, resettlement policies propagated newer villages in Senai as well. A third phase of settlement was enacted in the 1970s when low-cost housing was introduced. Four main lorongs (lanes) of residence continue to dominate these older housing estates.
The 1980s brought about a major boost to Senai's population, which resulted from the construction of the Senai International Airport then, increasing economic interest in the region. Consequently, this called for the establishment of additional housing estates to cater to the expansion of Senai's infrastructure. These new residential areas include:
- Taman Aman
- Taman Sri Senai
- Taman Senai Utama
- Taman Bahagia
- Taman Senai Baru
- Taman Bukit Senang
The town is now expanding rapidly with several new housing estates taking shape. As such, it may well merge with the nearby Kulai district in the foreseeable future. Senai is set to become a major logistics hub in Southeast Asia over the next few years as new transportation links and logistic developments integrating the Senai International Airport and Tanjung Pelepas Port commence.
Education
Senai has two Chinese public primary schools - SJK (C) Senai (士乃华文小学) and SJK (C) Seelong (泗隆华小), two public primary Schools (SK Senai and SK Taman Senai Utama), and a public secondary school (SMK Senai).
SK Senai which is located in the middle of Senai Town consists of students from 6 (pre-school) to 12 year old pupils. In January 2008, the student count was 892 and 57 teachers. The official website is http://www.sksenai.com
Attractions
A night market (locally known as pasar malam) regularly takes place in Taman Aman every Wednesday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. Vendors sell various local food and drinks, local produce such as fresh vegetables and fruits, clothes, and other grocery items at low prices. The pasar malam is usually crowded with locals and visitors. Also, a morning market selling fresh vegetables and meat opens 6 days a week in Taman Senai Utama, but closes on Monday.
References
- Johor Bahru Street Directory, 1st edition, by Rimman publications
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