{
  "id": 2045417,
  "title": "A changing Malaysia, a familiar place called Backyard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/a-changing-malaysia-a-familiar-place-called-backyard",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T23:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/08/20/a-changing-malaysia-a-familiar-place-called-backyard"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1989, Jerry Chong opened Backyard Pub and Grill in the Sri Hartamas area of Kuala Lumpur. Darren Pereira, then seven years old, accompanied his father Cletus into the pub for the first time. Pereira remembers watching his first Champions League final at Backyard and describes the place as where he grew up alongside it.\n\nOver the past 37 years, Malaysia has experienced significant changes. Chong himself notes that the country, communication styles, music consumption, sports, and leisure activities have transformed. Despite these changes, Backyard has remained a constant presence in the lives of its customers.\n\nChong attributes Backyard's longevity to the relationships it fosters among patrons. The pub has served as a stage for musicians, a gathering place for sports enthusiasts and pool game lovers, and a venue for charitable causes. Its live music offerings, which began as a way to provide opportunities for local artists, have become an integral part of the pub's identity.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to Backyard, like many other hospitality businesses. Chong faced the difficult decision of whether to close the doors, considering both his own future and that of his staff. However, the strong bond between the customers, staff, and the pub kept it afloat. Today, Pereira serves as the operations manager, reflecting the enduring nature of Backyard's appeal.",
  "summary": "For 37 years, Backyard Pub has watched Malaysia change around it. As it marks its anniversary, what keeps people coming back?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "A changing Malaysia, a familiar place called Backyard",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/a-changing-malaysia-a-familiar-place-called-backyard-2046093",
        "published": "2026-08-19T23:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}