Car Jacking in Damansara Jaya

Received this frightening news from my friend's friend.
-----------------------------------------
Last Sunday morning (25 May 2008), my immediate neighbor's father in law was robbed of his car (Toyota Altis 1+ yr old) at 9.30am in broad daylight. We live in Damansara Jaya and this is suppose to be a decent neighborhood. We have our own security guards (DJROA) patrolling the neighborhood. Even so, such violent crime still happens.

I was in my home packing my golf gear as I have an afternoon golf game. I heard screaming coming from outside and it sounded like an old man's scream. I looked out my front window and saw a car outside of my house. Couldn't see very much as my gate was closed. My immediate thought was that there's been a accident and my neighbor is hurt. Then I heard my neighbor shouting and it sounded angry. I quickly got my autogate remote and went outside. I opened the autogate and saw a new silver Honda CRV outside my house with 2 guys in there. When I walked out towards the gate, on my left, I saw my neighbor trying to pull his dad away from his car. His dad was still screaming and holding on to the open passenger car door.

Then I saw blood dripping from his right wrist. There was blood on the road too. I saw a guy in the Toyota starting his dad's car. At that point one of the guy got down from the CRV with a pistol drawn walking towards my neighbor whose back was towards him. Only at this point I realized it was a robbery. I shouted at my neighbor to get back into the house. He was still trying to pull his dad away from the car. He was holding on to the door not letting go. Then his accomplice in the Toyota started driving the car away and the guy with the pistol retreated back to the CRV and they all sped away. Luckily that happened or else that guy may have used the gun on my neighbor had his accomplice not driven the car away. Everything was over in seconds from the time I opened the gate.

I saw the wound on my neighbor's wrist which was very deep. He was slashed by a parang when he went to help his dad. The robber hit his dad with the blunt side of the parang to get him to drop the keys as he was walking to his car which was parked outside the gate. He was visiting his daughter and they were getting ready to go out for breakfast. After quickly tying a towel around his arm and another towel to press on his wound to stop the blood, I rushed him to the nearest hospital, i.e. Damansara Specialist hospital. He was operated on the same day to join back the severed tendon of his thumb.

At the hospital, in the emergency ward next bed was another elderly man in his late 50's who had both his wrist bandaged up. He told me he too was a victim of car jacking a short while ago. The description he gave me of the robbers that attacked him and the get away car is the same as what I saw. He lives in SS2, which is just across the road from Damansara Jaya. That means the robbers were on a prowl of the neighborhood. They were not successful in robbing that guy of his car, a Mercedes Benz. So they continued cruising and probably spotted my neighbor's dad's car parked outside the house and when they saw an old man they thought it would be an easy target.

According to my neighbor's wife, it took the police 30mins before they showed up by which time the car could already be on the highway towards Thailand. Their lackadaisical attitude really disgust me.

I've also seen a snatch thief in my neighborhood right before my eyes in front of a popular clay pot chicken rice shop in the early evening. Everything happened in a split second and the guy on a motorbike was gone leaving the wife speech less and her husband dumbfounded.

My other neighbor just a month ago was also almost car jacked by two guys on a motorbike that tried to break her car window when she was waiting to pick up her mom who was at the bank in Damansara Jaya. She was smart enough to drive off with the robbers chasing after her car. She drove to the police station and they stopped following.

I'm really sad and disappointed at what this wonderful country is turning out into. I really have no trust in the capabilities of our police force and I can safely say I speak for many Malaysians. Our safety have been truly compromised. I am living in fear. Now that the robbers have seen my two cars, will they come back for it next??!

It is not that the police and the government are not aware of the very high violent crime rate in this country. They are and the rate seems to be increasing to the layman. Looks like it will come a time when we Malaysians have no choice but to live in gated communities. When will our government take heed that safety of its citizen, its tourist visiting this country, and visitors living/working in this wonderful country are paramount and a responsibility that they should take seriously.

Here's some advice to everyone:-
(1) Be extremely conscious of your surroundings esp when you are getting into your car or driving in/out of your home. If there are any suspicious cars or people, then drive away and make another round just to be sure. Same precaution before you open your autogate. Lock your car doors the moment you get in your car.

(2) If you are confronted by robbers, give them the car or your handbag. Do not fight them. You life is worth much more. You don't want to injured, maimed or worst still killed for something that is replaceable.

(3) Robbers tend to attack older people and females. So be much more alert if you are in that category. Go out in pairs or group. Stay away from walking along road sides, walk on the inside pavement.

(4) Don't save the few ringgits by parking your car by the road side for free if there is inside parking available, esp female drivers. There could be somebody waiting for you when you return to your car.

(5) If you are in the car and still able to drive away if confronted by robbers, drive away to the nearest police station or patrol station where there's a lot of people. If you can't drive away, then I suggest you get down and run away from your car, leave everything and run. They will want your car more than they want you.

Go to the following websites and read up on what you can do to protect yourself. The Malaysian police certainly is not your answer, neither is our government whose struggling for their own survival. They've got no time for us:-

* Travel Safety Tips For Women Travelers (http://www.kevincoffee.com)
* Precautions for Women Travelling Alone (http://www.itis.com.my/itis/safety-tips-1.jsp)

Remember, my wife, family and friends rather I be an alive chicken than a dead hero. Take care and be cautious always.
Tags: Car Jacking, Damansara Jaya, DJROA, Safety Tips, Toyota Altis, Honda CRV, Mercedes Benz, Travelling Alone, Snatch Thief

Love N' Praise Concert in PCC

A concert is being organised by a group of Nigerian brothers and sisters in my church. It will be held tomorrow at 6pm with my church, Praise City Church, hosting it. It's the Love N' Praise Concert!

The Nigerian brothers and sisters are part of the AID - Actualising Individual Destinies from UCSI. They did mention that we will 'baptised' with an experience so powerful that their music will move us out of our seats to dance to the beat of their rhythm, sights and sound that is like no other.

They even managed to get Geoffrey Woo, Juwita Suwito and the Praise Dancers (from my own church) to perform tomorrow. You get to hear Juwita's voice for free. She's being sought at restaurants or clubs and you need to pay to hear her voice.

Few other churches will be sending their choir over to render their best songs. Not forgetting the musicians and singers from Nigeria ....... ever heard of their music? No? You got to listen to it then.

Guess what, I'm also one of the emcees ...... it seems that I have been talking too much and I was roped in.


To find your way there, you can refer to the church map or call the church office. See you there!
Tags: Love N' Praise Concert, PCC, Praise City Church, Nigeria, Nigerian, Geoffrey Woo, Juwita Suwito, UCSI, Concert, Music, Musicians, Singers

Socio-Political Bloggers in Cuba

Socio-political bloggers are found everywhere including the nation of Cuba, located in the Central America region.

Cuban socio-political bloggers do face problems with their goverment, just like in Malaysia.

Can we compare Malaysia with Cuba as they are still a communist country?

Besides that, t's not easy to access the internet in Cuba for a chance to blog. Individuals are not permitted to have an personal internet account. Corporate users don't have fast internet access. Who were allowed internet access then? Only foreigners and some government employees and academics are allowed where their account are being monitored by the government.

It's not surprising with such restriction where common folks in Cuba had their first taste of buying or using mobile phones (or cell phones or handphones) during end March 2008. That's really shocking in this era of high technology.

The famous socio-political blogger in Cuba is 32 years old, Yoani Sanchez, who blogs under Generation Y. In order to blog, she had to dress as a tourist to enter a hotel compound which has wi-fi internet access. That too, she has to pay around US$6.00 an hour.

This doesn't stop another Cuban blogger by the name of Eva Hernandez who blogs under Sin Evasion.

Reading: Cuba muzzles popular blogger - MSNBC
Reading: Bloggers offer glimpse of uncensored Cuba - MSNBC
Tags: Socio-Political Blogger, Cuba, Yoani Sanchez, Generation Y, Eva Hernandez, Sin Evasion

Roaring My Way to Nuffnang Wild ‘Live’ Blogging

Another themed party???? Organised by Nuffnang again? Just when I thought that the Nuffnang Pyjamas Party was hard enough, they have thought of a wild' animal themed party now.

The upcoming party will be called Nuffnang Wild 'Live' Blogging which looks totally different. Doesn't mean that I'm going for the party as Nuffnang will chose only 100 fellas to enjoy the party. How come Modesto's is so small only? Can fit in 100 fellas only? What about the rest?

This time round, we will have Maxis Broadband as the official sponsor. What is Maxis Broadband doing sponsoring this event? It seems that laptops and internet connections will be set-up for bloggers to blog about the event 'live' from the happening place. It goes in line with Maxis Broadband's current promotion of the Wild Maxis USB Modem.

During the event, you could take a weird / funny / exposed picture and post it into your blog immediately. No one could stop you from publishing on the spot. Could feel like a politician blogger (Jeff Ooi and Tony Pua) who blogs 'live' from inside the parliament.

Now we are seeing top night spots are lining up to host such fantastic events. Modesto's (the one found in Sri Hartamas) will host the event for the night.


As for the animal theme, maybe they are looking for party animals instead ........ but I'm very sure that they are looking forward to us wearing those animal costumes. It's clearly stated Dress Code - Animal theme (Anything and everything animal will do. Wah lau eh. What about those costumes then? Handmade type? Rent it? Steal it?

On the spot, I could think of those kids' animal costumes from the barnyard such as chicken, rooster, pig (better not as this may trigger political upheaval amongst the politicians in the parliament later on) and cow. Or I it could be the animals that I have seen in a safari; for example, lion, tiger or giraffe (thought of this just because I'm tall).

Is a dinosaur considered an animal?














May need to ask the organiser (yeah, lots of questions each time a party is being called), can I just wear a face mask of a horse? Or must I wear a full horse costume? Then, partygoers may not get to see who I am just like those masquerade parties. Better still as seeing my real face may put them off too. Will remain 'faceless' then.

In that case I may come in this horse costume. Maybe I can get another lady blogger to be my partner too. Both of us could win the Best Animal Costumes (for both sexes) that comes with a Dell XPS M1330 laptop each.

If I find any other bloggers coming in this costume or anything similar on the same night, I'm going to go 'wild' against that blogger. Beware!
Tags: Nuffnang, Nuffnang Wild Live Blogging, Maxis Broadband, Modesto's, Sri Hartamas, Animal Theme

Most Awesome Earthquake-Surviving Car

A Citroen car which was damaged extensively in the recent Sichuan earthquake was still running on the road.

If not mistaken, it's a Citroen C5 model.
The car owner may not have gotten proper insurance to replace the car. I would say it is beyond repair also (Picture sourced from KDNet). At least it has proven something, that the Citroen C5 was really tough as the engine was still functioning.

Related post - Sichuan Earthquake
Tags: Earthquake, Sichuan Earthquake, Citroen, Citroen C5

9km Jogging Track High Up in Sky

While the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is still planning for a walkway connecting few buildings, Singapore has constructed an elevated walkway spanning 9km.

While Singapore is preserving its limited greens and allowing walkway users to experience the greeneries along the walkways, Kuala Lumpur's latest KL City Plan 2020 is cutting down the greeneries.

An elevated walkway with 2 main bridges called the Southern Ridges is up and running.
Literally running as a Singaporean blogger, Walter Lim, has used the walkway as his jogging track nowadays.

The highest point of the elevated walkway, 36m above Henderson Road.

Jogging high up in the sky. What a refreshing way of exercising. Way above the congested traffic and pollution.





Going back to my city, there are plans just build elevated walkways / bridges connecting few high human traffic areas.

Projects being planned and mentioned (but hasn't take off):-
* 300m bridge to link Abdullah Hukum light rail transit (LRT) station in Bangsar to the Mid Valley Megamall at a cost of RM12 million (which works out to RM40,000 per metre) - said to be ready by mid 2008.

* walkway to link Menara Maybank, Impiana Hotel and Cahaya Suria Shopping Centre with the Pudu Raya bus terminal at a cost of RM20 million (what's the total length of this walkway?) - said to be ready by mid 2008.

* Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur Hotel to The Mall (just build a pedestrian bridge will do, don't go for extra complex walkways) - said to be ready by end 2008.

* the Maju Junction Complex to the Sime Darby building (for whom to walk? there are no tourism sites or interesting spots along this path at all) - said to be ready by end 2008.

* the Pasar Seni LRT station to the main post office building at the Dayabumi Complex. They will be ready by the end of next year (there's an existing bridge already, why the need to incur extra cost?) - said to be ready by end 2008.

First of all, start small. Please connect the walkway (non-elevated) between the two entrances of STAR LRT and Putra LRT at the Masjid Jamek area which is only 20m apart (estimated cost of RM10,000). But latest is that a huge RM5 million pedestrian bridge may be built instead of constructing a 20m covered walkway. What's the rationale?

Next, please appoint me into the City Hall Council because I think I can brag / say even far more greater projects than all the current people in the council.

Reading: Walking in KL Will Be a Breeze - Red Orbit
Tags: Southern Ridges, Singapore, Henderson Road, Jogging Track, Elevated Walkway

Maroon 5's Latest Album

Maroon 5 has yet again produced another album called "It Won't Be Soon Before Long". Have you gotten a copy of it?

Meantime, some simple facts about Maroon 5:-

* Who is the Lead Singer of the band Maroon 5?
- Adam Levine

* What was the original name of the band before they became Maroon 5?
- Kara's Flowers

* Name the guest singer in the Maroon 5 song “If I Never See Your Face Again?”
- Rihanna

Personally, I came to know about Maroon 5 when I first heard the "This Love" song. That song captured my heart right from the first time and my feet would be tapping away following its rythm. Can't wait to listen to their second album.
Tags: Maroon 5, Rihanna, If I Never See Your Face Again, It Won't Be Soon Before Long, Music Album, Music, Kara's Flowers, Adam Levine

Man United - Champs in England and Europe

The save by Edwin Van der Sar that won the UEFA Champions League for Manchester United. Another cup to be placed in their trophy laden cabinets back at Old Trafford. Marvellous, superb, fantastic, what more can I say for this team. Some of my friends just couldn't accept the fact that Manchester United is the champions of England and Europe again.

Now, let's see who will be leaving Chelsea in weeks to come. Even the match commentators did mention that there will be a major revamp in staff & players. For a start, looks like Avram Grant will be looking for a new job soon. Rumours said that Didier Drogba (esp after that straight red card in this morning's match), Frank Lampard and Andrei Shevchenko could have new suitors.

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Man United, Man U, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Moscow, Luzhniki Stadium, Old Trafford, Edwin Van Der Sar, Chelsea, Avram Grant, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Andrei Shevchenko, Football, Soccer

Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park

Tatweer Dubai has finally confirmed that their leisure and entertainment park, Dubailand, has gotten Marvel Entertainment (creators of superheroes action characters such as Spiderman, The X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk and the Marvel comics) to develop a superheroes theme park. It will be ready in year 2012.

I really wonder what sort of theme will they have inside this theme park. You get to swing with spidey web all over the theme park? Participate in a fight against evil figures together with Fantastic Four? Break unthinkable stuff that blocks your way like Incredible Hulk?

Well, it's a place that you can fantasize, so why not? It will be nice to be appointed as the official blogger for this Dubailand. You get to be invited to all events, all openings, all new rides, all new restaurants (quite hungry now).

Reading: Tatweer to develop Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park - Gulfnews
Tags: Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park, Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Theme Park, Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tatweer

Just How Much is 500 Million Dollars?

Zimbabwe, which has an 165,000% inflation rate, is trying to ensure that their citizens do not need to carry tons of money while going out to buy their stuff.

When I was in Sudan, I have to carry a bulk of of their 1,000 Sudanese Dinar wherever I go so that I would have enough to pay for stuff that I wanted. A simple meal at a restaurant would cost me easily 3,000 Sudanese Dinar (equivalent to US$15). At this point of time, Sudan has made their currency becoming smaller denomination where 100 Sudanese Dinar is equivalent to 1 Sudanese Pound, which is still at the same exchange rate of 2 Sudanese Pound = US$1.00. Sudan is not linked to any international currency exchange rate and they change their denomination as they like.

Wherelse in Zimbabwe, the value of their money has dropped even further. When I blogged about the new issuance of the 10,000,000 (Ten Million) Zimbabwe Dollars in January 2008, the situation was already bad enough. In January, their 10,000,000 Zimbabwe Dollar was equivalent to US$3.90 at the height of the 165,000% inflation rate.

Today, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (tried to find their link but to no avail) has done something that nobody has done before which is to issue a 500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million) Zimbabwe Dollar note. Today, their 500,000,000 Zimbabwe Dollar is worthed US$2.00.

What's the percentage of increase like? 10,000% on top of 165,000%???
Which works out to 1,650,000,000% inflation rate right now? One Billion???????

Going back to history, in 1980, one Zimbabwe dollar was worth more than US$1.00.
Reading: Zimbabwe bank issues $500m note - BBC News/Africa
Tags: Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Dollar, Economics, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Planes You Have Never Seen Before

There are many plane designs lately and most of it may not have been commercially viable but test flights were conducted too.

Besides bird watchers, there are also plane watchers and that's the reason why you could catch a glimpse on photos taken by such enthusiastic plane watches who sat at airports upon hearing rumours of weird airplanes that would go on test flights.

I wonder who was the airplane manufacturer that did it for Emirates but they sure do have big ambitions.
The plane's landing on one wheel will trigger the release of the rest of the wheels in few seconds later. What a trial?

This Swissair must be a hot plane that requires lots of fresh air intake into its system.
This KLM Royal Dutch Airlines believes that two pilots' heads are better than one.
A cargo plane called Dreamliner created by Boeing.
A Hawaiian Airlines' commercial passenger jet with numerous turbo boost (10 engines?) to reach your destination at half the time. Could it stop in time upon landing then?
One of those idea for a private jets. So weird! The whole body is out of proportion.

Airbus A380 will lose their status as the biggest passenger airplane when this Delta Airlines' plane goes commercial. This is humonguous.

What a big belly for a cargo airplane. Looks like it didn't manage to go commercial with that weird design or did it actually take-off.
Another one of those powered jets. 8 engines?
What kind of spaceship inspired designs is this? And the airline company was willing to accept such design and to even give it a test?
It was tested but it didn't make it commercially. Maybe too wide for many airports in the world.

Tags: Plane, Aeroplane, Airplane, Boeing Dreamliner, Airbus A380, Emirates, Swissair, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Scottish Logic

A man in Scotland calls his son in London the day before Christmas Eve and says, I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.

"Dad, what are you talking about?" the son screams. We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Leeds and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like hell they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this," She calls Scotland immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Christmas and they're paying their own way."
Tags: Scottish Logic, Scotland, Funny, Humour, Jokes

Visit to Myanmar Refugees

A long weekend for Malaysians owing to the Wesak Day today. Saturdays was my usual personal stuff, with my young adults cell group in the late afternoon. Thereafter, lazed at home till night to watch the English FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff. Not much of interest in this match even though it's a final, just because my team was not in it ..... hehe

On Sunday, as usual, attended church service in the morning and went over to the project site of my new house to see the work progress. It's already 30% complete as per the architect's approval and targetted to finish by year end for the 38 units of houses for this phase. Went with another family who bought at the same place. Talking about what we can do in future too......

Went back and the migraine attack came to haunt me from afternoon till 11pm. In between still managed to drive to Segambut area for dinner with friends. One of those days that I couldn't feel anything for food. The migraine was irritating me the whole meal and my friends noticed that I didn't take much too (as I'm the usual big eater, a bandaraya known to many). After dinner, straight for home and knocked off immediately on my bed.

This morning, woke up at 8am, fresh and excited. Arranged for a visit to the Myanmar refugees in KL. My group of friends brought some food for this group of kids and food preparation was on-going to be served after some lessons (taught other volunteers) for the kids.
A photo war went on, clicking away to see who gets the best picture.
As there was another group of volunteers who came earlier, we were planning for the next trip.
Children listened with full attention. This is their only way to learn about English and the world that they are living in, though far from their original land of birth.








Ladies from various organisations do volunteer their time to teach these kids. They could be from the USA, UK or even the foreign embassies.













Their window to the future is not within their control but the caretaker's wish for all of them is "To become a future leader for Myanmar when they grow up".

These are some of the stuff that they make to earn additional income to support the kids. They would have photo albums, bookmarks, season greeting cards, etc.....

Different organisations would take their stuff on consignment basis and sell it for them and all profits were channeled back to the home.
Myanmar traditional cloth which was of very good materials and handwork. Yeah, hand made indeed. Didn't ask about the price as I didn't bring enough money at all, just enough for my earlier breakfast and the toll when I left the house.
They have even started to make Christmas stuff in order to be sold at the end of the year.

This is a group that doesn't sit at home with folded hands and legs, waiting for donations to fall on them but they do work hard to support themselves.

My group did talk about getting a computer set for them at the end of the year.
Tags: Myanmar Refugees, Myanmar, Burma

Why Is Peter Crouch So Expensive?

Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, who plays Peter Crouch sparingly has slapped a price tag of £15million on him. Peter who is seeking for first team football may want to ply his trade elsewhere if he was guaranteed first team football (presumably in the Premier League as well).

Football club managers who have an eye on Peter were shocked with the value placed by Liverpool. Since Rafa doesn't need him badly, why wouldn't a manager offload him cheaply and off the payroll as well.

There's definitely a reason for it ....................
Reading: Benitez slaps £15million price tag on Crouch - Soccernet
Reggie Lee's drawing sourced from today's Star Football pullout
Tags: Football, Soccer, English Premier League, Peter Crouch, Rafa Benitez, Liverpool, Football Club Manager, Reggie Lee

Boycotting the Malaysian Newspapers

The People's Alliance or Pakatan Rakyat (in Malay language) who is ruling 5+1 states in Malaysia is calling for an immediate boycott of two national newspapers.

The Council of Chief Ministers of the five states are calling the Malaysian citizens to start a boycott of Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia (Sunday edition of Utusan Malaysia) of which both are Malay medium.

Reasons for the boycott:-
* the newspapers went overboard and unprofessional including bias reporting and continued to paint a different picture of the actual situation of happenings in each of the five states and also against the People's Alliance

* purposely highlight and continued to 'explode' issues in order to incite Malaysian citizens' anger against the five states and the opposisiton political parties and for trying to raise sensitive racial issues

With the above reasons, the Council is requesting all departments and institutions in the five states being ruled by the People's Alliance to stop buying this two newspapers and stop all advertising arrangements too.
Tags: Boycott, People's Alliance, Pakatan Rakyat, Utusan Malaysia, Mingguan Malaysia, Malaysia

Show I/C To Pump Subsidised Petrol

Malaysia may just implement this step of showing your Identity Card (I/C) in order to obtain benefit for local Malaysians only when pumping petrol in view of the drastic price increase for the crude oil. The price for petrol will be sold at market rate and Malaysians who showed their I/C will be paying at the subsidised price.

Malaysians who have forgotten to bring their I/C when pumping petrol at petrol stations will be required to pay for petrol at market rate.

The subsidised and market rates have not been announced and neither is this idea which has been floated.

I really wonder how is the petrol pump going to identify who is a local Malaysian and who is a foreigner. Maybe an attendance(s) will be running around all pumps to key in certain codes prior to us swiping our credit card. Or all payments must be made at the cashier's counter instead but what about midnight when the cashier's counter is closed.

Now, the government is assuming that all foreigners are rich fellas and they could afford the market price petrol. The Indonesians that owned motorcycles will be crying when they see the new price for their petrol. Hmmmmmmm maybe they could circumvent the ruling by bringing along a Malaysian friend each time they pump petrol. The Malaysian friend will need to show their I/C in order to get the subsidised petrol price. That will work but it defeats the purpose then.

To implement it strictly, the Malaysian that shows the I/C must be the main rider or the driver of the motor vehicle. Well, the foreigners could still change quickly to avoid being detected by the pump attendants or maybe those foreigners are willing to pay some tokens to the pump attendants to keep their mouth shut ............. hehehehehe. Trust me, human beings will do all kinds of nonsense just to achieve their selfish ambitions. Right?

I think all petrol stations in Malaysia will need a tactful attendance on 24 hours stand-by when inconsiderate customers turn up to pump petrol. Definitely some may claim that they are real Malaysians, just that they have left their I/C back home or in hotel or somewhere and they are forced to pump petrol now otherwise can't reach their home / hotel. Too bad - just pay at the market rate then, no need to argue.

No I/C no petrol at subsidised price!

Reading: Foreigners may pay more for petrol in Malaysia - The Brunei Times
Tags: Petrol Price, Petrol Station, Subsidised Petrol, Subsidised Price, Market Rate, Malaysia

The Sichuan Earthquake

In the previous day, TV news coverage did mention that two high schools did tumble down due to the strong earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale that happened in Sichuan, China.

It was mentioned that there was an estimated 900 students / teachers that could be trapped in a middle school. By listening to it and seeing the TV news anchor person reading out the news doesn't really hit me yet.It didn't hit me until I saw the following picture that was taken while rescue effort was being carried out at a school.


This picture tore my heart into pieces and tears gathered in my eyes. I'm lost without words. My condolence to the people of China.

Donations:-
* How can you help - China Daily
* China Earthquake Relief - Network For Good

Reading: National death toll rises to 14,866 two days after quake - China Daily
Reading: The Sichuan Earthquake - EastSouthWestNorth
Tags: Sichuan, China, Sichuan Earthquake, Tragedy

Barber in New York

There was once a very good barber in New York, he give free haircut to everybody who comes into his shop to have their haircuts.

One day a florist goes to him for a haircut. After the cut, he goes to pay the barber and the barber replies: 'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.' The Florist is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, there is a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting at his door.

A policeman goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies: 'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning the barber goes to open his shop,there is a thank you card and a dozen donuts waiting at his door.

A Singaporean software engineer goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies: 'I am sorry. I cannot accept money from you. I am doing community service.' The Singaporean software engineer is very happy and leaves.

The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess what he finds there ....... .....
Can you guess?

Come on, think like a Singaporean lah....

have you got the answer ........... ?????

come on ............ .make your brain like a Singaporean! !!

guess....... ......what? ?

guess

guess....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......









a dozen Singaporeans waiting for a free haircut!
Tags: Barber, New York, Singaporean, Florist, Policeman, Software Engineer, Funny, Humour, Jokes

Impatient Driver

Was approaching a toll booth and drove towards a particular lane to pay for toll. In front of me was a green Nissan car. Out of a sudden a navy blue Honda dashed pass me, trying to jump queue instead of wasting time lining up.

The Nissan car driver noticed it (I think via the rear/side mirror that a car was trying to squeeze itself into its lane). The Nissan car sped up at the same time with both cars going into the toll booth area and soon ............................................................................. BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both cars were stucked in the same lane and the drivers couldn't come out from their cars too.
Tags: Impatient Driver, Tragedy, Toll Booth, Honda, Nissan

True Account at Bandar Mahkota Cheras

Received this email from a friend who stopped at this disputed road access area just to witness the on-going commotion. Due to the KPC part of her, she was able to relate the real incident to us on that fateful night when the riot police charged at the Malaysian citizens. So, this is not a fabricated story (that came with her personal frustration) like those you have read in the non-trustworthy mainstream media nowadays.
-----------------------------

I was there. As an eyewitness to the whole brutal episode, I have to say that the police were firing at women and children as well, as most of the onlookers present were not only from Bandar Mahkota Cheras, but also residents from the surrounding Tun Hussein Onn, Cheras Perdana and Balakong. Imagine the scene. All races. Thousands thronging at midnight when they could have been in bed. All terribly curious - the typical "stop and stare" Malaysian wondering how long this "GRAND Cat and Mouse SAGA" was going to hold. I was on my way home after a trip back from Ipoh and a stopover at a home fellowship.

It was late and I was tired. However, the sight of red FRU trucks jamming up the highway and the mass of people overflowing on to the roads post-elections was just too shocking. The "typical Malaysian" me took over! I parked my car and walked over to add another body to an already electrically charged scene. It was a peaceful gathering and many of us there felt great compassion for the resident for having to endure all this. I listened to the side conversations which seemed to resonate throughout the crowd -- a unison voice that foreshadowed a deep sense of helplessness and anger as they watched the workers putting up the barricades. I clapped and cheered along too when finally the Segambut MP appeared.

A happy ending, I thought, and many of us KPCs decided we had had enough - time to go home after smiles, guffaws and handshakes were passed all around. I was busy text messaging and updating my friends and colleagues when suddenly I heard the FRU bells being rung. Not possible, so I thought. No way. What happened right after was beyond belief! It was distressing for me to have watched a well behaved group of people being charged at, chased and mauled as if they were like dogs and it was sad that the police sided with the toll operator to hurt innocent people who use the highway everyday.

So, whatever you read in the newspapers from the police side of the story, please, that's so totally fabricated it makes me puke. It was grave injustice - not only were we doused, we were gassed. In that commotion, people were shouting - Mana Pak Lah? Where is Pak Lah? Mana dia? where is he? Dia tak peduli tentang rakyat dia ke? Does he not care for his people? Apa kerajaan ini, tak kesian ke kepada rakyat? What kind of government do we have - don't they have compassion for their people?

You know, having been to Bersih and watched Hindraf as well -- this takes the cake -- for the number of tear gas bombs spent, and the level of force! When the UMNO supporters gathered at Komtar, were they doused and gassed? My message to the police is - UMNO, and their toll operator and fellow corporate friends, do not pay your salaries. We, the tax payers of Malaysia do. And the irony of it all - my father was a policeman too. So, I understand, and I know.

Related post - Grand Saga vs Bandar Mahkota Cheras
Tags: Grand Saga, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, FRU, Riot Police

Man United - 17th EPL Championships

Manchester United confirmed their tag as the favourite to win the 2007/2008 English Premier League championship by toppling Wigan away with goals coming from the boy wonder, Cristiano Ronaldo and the veteran, Ryan Giggs.

With this win, Man United has claimed their 17th English championship.

Man United opened their account to reclaim their championship via a penalty shot by Cristiano Ronaldo. It did send Chris Kirkland the wrong direction.

On the 80th minute, Ryan Giggs who came on as a substitute for Park Ji-Sung, was fed with a through ball by Wayne Rooney right inside the penalty box. With his cool composure, he slotted in the goal that confirmed the championship.






All the hype from Chelsea that they would overtake Man United on the last day of the season came to naught when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home. Their misery was compounded when their captain, John Terry, was stretchered off. Let's hope that he doesn't come back for the UEFA Champions League final on 21 May to be held in Moscow. Wahhhhhhhhh, how come you have such thinking on another human being .................... for now, I'm a Man United supporter. Couldn't care less about his health ............. hehehe

Just one more win will cap a remarkable season for Man United. I could still recall the last 3 minutes of the 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Football fans from other clubs kept their distance from me to avoid further berating from me ..... hahaha. Personal experience - I can find many anti-Man United people on this face of the earth. You seldom hear of anti-Liverpool, anti-Chelsea or anti-Arsenal people but you can bump into many anti-Man United anywhere. Due to jealousy on Man United's success?

I think the sales for today's Star newspapers would be quite bad as the headlines on the front and back pages highlighted Man United's success with big pictures. Anti-Man United people would definitely curse such publicity for such a club. That's my club for the last 26 years.
Tags: Manchester United, Man United, Man U, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Soccer, UEFA Champions League, Chelsea

Is Malaysia's Fuel Price Cheaper?

The Malaysian government, on each occasion of announcing the fuel / petrol price increase would tend to compare with the neighbouring countries' prices. In doing so, they would say that our price was still the lowest in the region.

But has our Malaysian government tried to compare the fuel / petrol price with other oil producing countries? Malaysia is still a net exporter oil producing country at the moment.

A Germany-based company, GTZ International ("GTZ"), has done a survey in year 2007 on behalf of the World Bank in reviewing the fuel prices throughout the world. A common price denominator was fixed at US$0.38 per litre (Nov 2006 pricing), which was also the benchmark price for the world crude oil market. A good way to gauge when comparing different countries' way of measurement.

In GTZ's latest survey (click to download the 2 pages full survey), Malaysia has been listed at number 20. It shows that Malaysia's fuel price was the twentieth cheapest in the world. Not bad........... not true when the Malaysian government said that Malaysia's fuel price was the cheapest in the South East Asia region as Brunei's fuel price was even cheaper.

The Top Twenty list:-
1) Turkmenistan - US$0.02 per litre (ultra cheap, are you sure this is top grade oil?)
2) Venezuela - US$0.03 / litre
3) Iran - US$0.09 / litre
4) Libya US$0.13 / litre
5) Saudi Arabia - US$0.16 / litre
6) Qatar - US$0.19 / litre
7) Bahrain - US$0.21 / litre
8) Kuwait - US$0.22 / litre
9) Egypt - US$0.30 / litre
10) Yemen - US$0.30 / litre
11) Oman - US$0.31 / litre
12) Algeria - US$0.32 / litre
13) Brunei - US$0.34 / litre (Brunei is in the same region with Malaysia)
14) United Arab Emirates - US$0.37 / litre
15) Trinidad and Tobago - US$0.43 / litre
16) Azerbaijan - US$0.46 / litre
17) Ecuador - US$0.47 / litre
18) Angola - US$0.50 / litre
19) Nigeria - US$0.51 / litre
20) Malaysia - US$0.53 / litre (approx. RM1.71)

You have to know that the top twenty countries are oil producing countries and also net oil exporters. The US$0.38 per litre benchmark price was based on the crude oil price of US$60.20 per barrel. At that point of time, the Malaysian government has already mentioned that they have subsidised the fuel / petrol price heavily to the tune of tens of billions (Ringgit Malaysia currency).

As can be seen in the GTZ 2007 survey, during the crude oil price of US$60.20 or US$0.38 per litre, Malaysian fuel price was already being retailed at petrol station at the price of US$0.53 or RM1.71 (using the current currency exchange rate of US$1.00 = RM3.23).

The Malaysian government has been maintaining the fuel price at US$0.59 or RM1.92 and it would have started subsidising the fuel price if it hits above US$93.46 per barrel or US$0.59 per litre (approximately). The crude oil price hit US$94.00 per barrel on 20 Oct 2007.

Unless the Malaysian government can proof that this GTZ 2007 survey done for World Bank is wrong, otherwise please tell us what kind of oil subsidies were our Malaysian government talking about all these years?

Reading: World Crude Oil Prices - Energy Information Administration

Related posts:- Peak Oil and Confirmed! Petrol Price @ RM2.70 TONIGHT! and Malaysia's Subsidy for Petrol Price
Tags: Fuel Price, Oil Price, Petrol Price, Crude Oil Price, GTZ International, World Crude Oil Price, Energy Information Administration, World Bank, Commodity, Malaysia

Certified Toilet Cleaner in Malaysia

Yes, the title that you have read is correct and the Malaysian government will implement this scheme that will see all food outlets having a staff that has been trained or certified by a recognised institution.

Of course this staff (could be one or two, depending on respective food outlet's budget), would specialise in ensuring that the toilet is kept clean according to the authority rules and regulations. In this case, the authority should be the Housing and Local Government Ministry since they were the one that suggested this scheme. I'm sure this Ministry will have plenty of vacancies for such "toilet inspector" running all over the country inspecting toilets.

During inspection, I'm sure the specialised toilet staff must be present to note whatever comments given by the Ministry staff. Maybe such jobs could be outsourced to a recognised company to do such inspection.

Imagine that a small coffeeshop being manned by an old couple with one or two foreign maids assisting them. Who would be sent for the prestigious training? Many coffeeshops in Kuala Lumpur has only one miserable toilet which could measure by 6feet(l) x 3feet(w). And a specialised toilet staff must be sent for training just to maintain the toilet's cleanliness.

Would understand if a food court that has a seating capacity for hundreds of people may require such specialised toilet staff due to frequent usage of the toilet by customers.

Next question is who would be the recognised institutions? Wow, the word institution sounds very big and professional. Soon, the trainees would be given the title of professional toilet cleaners. Suddenly, trainers specialising in toilet cleaning is in such a big demand. What criteria or qualification such trainers must possess before they could call themselves as certified trainer? Must the trainer have a minimum number of years specialising in toilet cleaning too?

What would be the cost for such training? Can you quantify it? Should a small coffeeshop that has a toilet size of 6feet x 3feet pay the same training fees for their staff as compared to a hotel staff coming from Shangri-La Hotel (chose this owing to its size and prestige) which has numerous gigantic toilets all over the hotel premise?

Sooner or later, a call could be even made compulsory where only recognised companies must be hired to clean all toilets found in all food outlets. I won't be surprised.

I'm not mocking people who clean toilet for a living but the issue is the way the government wanted to implement such an idea for the whole nation without much thought being put into it. Don't they think properly before they mumble something in public?

Malaysia Boleh!

Reading: Ministry wants clean loos at all food outlets - Star
Tags: Toilet, Toilet Cleaner, Toilet Cleanliness, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Toilet Inspector