Defiled Packaged Drinking Water in Malaysia

All I can say is Malaysia's food and drinks are not that safe as compared to the China situation.

It was reported in Star newspaper that inspections were conducted at various companies involved in packaged drinking water business and the results were as follows:-

* 8 companies - licence cancelled for not meeting requirements
* 15 companies - licence suspended for 1 month
* 12 companies - unlicensed
* 3 companies - issued closure notices for unsatisfactory cleanliness level

This is not just unsatisfactory but this is very ALARMING!

Worse still, the Health Ministry do not disclose any of the companies' names and kept it under the carpet. Why can't the ministry disclose those companies that don't follow the requirements that have been set. They have already breached the requirements and the public has the right to know what's safe for consumption. By naming them, it will make the whole industry to buck up and be on their toes in the future.

The companies knew from day one that in order to produce such packaged drinking water, certain requirements must be followed but yet they ran foul of it.

Is the Health Ministry scared of some of those directors, like being members of certain political parties? Or being paid off to shut up?

This is no joke when those companies were meted with those punishments under the Food Regulations 1985 and Food Act 1983.

This is Malaysia. They wait for someone to die first before they mete out any heavier penalty or punishment.
Tags: Health Ministry, Packaged Drinking Water, Malaysia, Food Regulations 1985, Food Act 1983

When You Can't Afford To Buy, You Hijack It

The Somali sea pirates are showing their boldness and teasing the NATO warships which are patrolling the international water just outside of Somalia's boundary. They have powerful speedboats that even warships can't keep up with it. How in the world are the warships going to shoot at them even though they have powerful weaponary on board.

Somalia's citizens are living in poverty and going through long term civil wars between internal warlords who are fighting for supremacy of the country. Ego problem I would say. Most of the citizens can't afford simple goods in the country and a certain group of civilians decided to gather together to overcome such shortages. They started to hijack and demand ransoms. As locals won't be able to pay them, this group of people became international hijackers.

Their hijacks of ships that by pass their seawater have looted many ransoms in terms of money and are enjoying it as they have been successful all this while. They even have about thirty three T-72 Ukranian battle tanks in capture on board of MV Faina ship.

One of the latest hijack is this MV Sirius Star oil supertanker that belongs to Saudi Arabia. This supertanker is transporting two million barrels of oil that is worth up to US$150 million. Ransom was requested at US$25 million which has been reduced to US$15 million few days ago.

But this nonsense has got up the nerves of Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud Al-Faisal. In view of all this, the Prince has contacted his good friend, Peter Pan, to help out.

The Prince was convinced of Peter Pan's ability as seen in his success against Captain Hook all this while.

Peter's ability in negotiation techniques which include flying, never growing up, tricking pirates into being eaten by giant crocodiles and believing in magic will enhance his chances.

Peter has boarded the supertanker and negotiation is in the process. A picture has been emailed to Saudi Arabia's royal family as proof.


Reading: Pirates move ship towards hotspot - BBC News/Africa
Reading: Peter Pan Recruited To Deal With Supertanker Pirates - Daily Seagulls

Related post - Somali Pirates Testing Superpowers
Tags: MV Faina, MV Sirius Star, Supertanker, Saudi Arabia, Somali Sea Pirates, Somalia, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Peter Pan

Thinking of Solid Trucks

Recent pick-up trucks launches had really got my saliva drooling. Their ruggedness is really solid and tough.

Nissan Navara, a 2.5L (A) truck, is now the most powerful amongst its competitors. It has a torque of 403Nm at 2,000 rpm and climbing hills won't be an issue at all.

It also has a nozzle turbo incorporated in its engine that runs on diesel with a 5 speed auto transmission.

Those days, trucks were targetted at construction or agriculture industries but nowadays, manufacturers are targetting personal owners who are keen on adventures trips. The interior comfort it possesses baffled car reviewers as it comes with leather seats.


Navara is the longest truck now. It may pose a problem since car park in Kuala Lumpur is quite scarce.

The vehicle specifications do show good value that you would be paying at a retail price - RM103,000 ++.

Ssangyong Actyon Sports ....... wow I really like its design but at the same time, some people scorned at its design. So, it's either you like it or you don't at all.

In terms of power, it's running on a 2.0L diesel engine with a 310Nm torque at between 1,800rpm to 2,700rpm. The pro about this engine is that it has Mercedes Benz roots.

It's built and specifications qualified the car to be categorised as a Sports SUT.

With leather/electric seats, 4-speed auto transmission and the back canopy, price will come to around RM103,000 ++ too.

The famous auto blogger, Paul Tan, has a good write up on both the Navara and Actyon trucks.
Tags: Nissan Navara, Ssangyong Actyon Sports, Pick-Up Truck

Indian Bloggers at Mumbai Forefront

The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai is under sieged by terrorists from the unknown Deccan Mujahideen (what a nonsense group for whatever cause you are fighting for). The world is condemning your action and you are a coward by being fully armed going against the innocent public.

And you dare to claim responsibility? Something must have gone wrong with your brain as you grew up.

This hotel was built in 1903 and seeing it being burnt like this is a heartache.

Tried booking a room for tomorrow night at this hotel and the website is fully updated as it has stated "Note: No Rooms Available / Hotel Sold Out".




Other locations affected so far are:-
* Leopold Cafe, Colaba
* Oberoi Hotel
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
* Chabad Lubavitch Jewish centre
* Mazagon Dock
* Vile Parle suburb, North Mumbai

Indian bloggers based in Mumbai, e.g. Mumbai Help and Mumbai Metblogs, are gathering and putting their hands together to assist during this tragedy time. They have put up requests for blood donation and helpline numbers to check on latest updates.

CNN even used photos obtained from an Indian blogger who took photographs just seconds after Mumbai incident. Another blogger was reporting via live blogging on the incident. This is the new era of blogging.

Thank God that Malaysia is peaceful and if it does happen in Malaysia, I'm sure Malaysian bloggers are also ever ready to help.

My thoughts are with the family members of those people who have been killed / injured in Mumbai.

Reading: Tweeting the terror: How social media reacted to Mumbai - CNN
Tags: Mumbai, Bombay, India, Deccan Mujahideen, Terrorist Attack in Mumbai, Indian Bloggers, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Colaba, Oberoi Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mazagaon Docks, Vile Parle Suburb

Hunt for Champions League Football

Dinner at home ....... we had green vege, little chicken drumsticks and anchovies with sambal. Come 10.30pm, we need to hunt for a place that will show the UEFA Champions League match between Villareal and Manchester United.

First we went to Solitaire and they told us their receiver could only watch CCTV9. If that's the case, off we went to another spot.

Barista it is! Been here in my last trip and found it to be cosy. Importantly, they should be able to tune to the channel that we wanted.



Ahhhhhhhhh saved ........... ten minutes into the game. Khartoum is three hours ahead of GMT.



Nobody occupying downstairs and we took this whole corner. With an air-cond to ourselves too.





One thing my colleague noted ........ they do serve preservatives for breakfast. Maybe that's the main ingredient that allow them to compete in long distance running.

We were there for a drink to watch the match .... and we told them to serve without preservatives.



I ordered the Heavenly Mocha that has a scoop of vanilla ice-cream in it. Still on earth after taking the first sip.














My colleague went and order this chocolate brownie with a vanilla ice-cream on top. Man, we shared half and it was too feeling.



He order his cappucino ........ took them quite some time to serve this as they have to come up with this design.









And the cup was really a gigantic cup. It was not easy to lift that cup.

Enjoyed the match even though it ended up 0-0 and both teams qualified for the knock-out phase.
Tags: Barista, UEFA Champions League, Manchester United, Villareal, Mocha, Chocolate Brownie, Cappucino, Preservatives

Success of Marriage

Once upon a time a married couple celebrated their 25th marriage anniversary. They had become famous in the city for not having a single conflict in their period of 25 years. Local newspaper editors had gathered at the occasion to find out the secret of their well known "happy going marriage".

Editor: " Sir. It's amazingly unbelievable. How did you make this possible?"

Husband recalling his old honeymoon days said: "We had been to Shimla for honeymoon after marriage. Having selected the horse riding finally, we both started the ride on different horses. My horse was pretty okay but the horse on which my wife was riding seemed to be a crazy one.

On the way ahead, that horse jumped suddenly, making my wife topple over. Recovering her position from the ground, she patted the horse's back and said "This is your first time". She again climbed the horse and continued with the ride.

After a while, it happened again. This time she again kept calm and said "This is your second time" and continued. When the horse dropped her third time, she silently took out the revolver from the purse and shot the horse dead!

I shouted at my wife: "What did you do you psycho. You killed the poor animal. Are you crazy?".

She gave a silent look and said: "This is your first time!!!".

Husband:"That's it. We are happy ever after."
Tags: Success of Marriage, Funny, Humour, Jokes, Honeymoon, Horse Riding, Revolver

Maldives To Move Their Country

The country of Maldives is located on the bottom left corner of the map .... just a small dot.

I'm sure you have heard of political refugees or even economic refugees but have you ever heard of envinronmetal refugees.

You may see such people coming from Maldives in time to come. Not any doing of the present government but the culprits are many other countries in this world who are causing serious environmental defects.

Maldives' 1,200 islands / coral atolls are sinking fast. Average height of their land from sea level is roughly around 1.5 metres. By year 2100, the sea water surrounding Maldives is expected to rise by about 59 centimetres.

In order to solve this rising sea water, the government of Maldives has decided on a unprecedented move, to buy lands in another country and to request that country to recognise those lands as Maldives.

Brilliant move, isn't it? Imagine Malaysia's government decided one day to move to USA in order to be near their largest trading partner as that will save many costs indeed.

In Maldives' case, the government has thought of three countries i.e. India, Sri Lanka and Australia. The country has a population of 300,000 and strategically placing them properly shouldn't be a problem so India and Australia would be top choice. The country has set up an emergency account where a portion of the government's revenue will be channeled into it.

Told you it was unprecedented!
Tags: Environment, Maldives, Sea Level, Coral Atoll, Envinronmetal Refugees

Actual Cost of Petrol Price

What sort of commercial price that the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs was referring to? The commercial price is the price where the petrol stations has to pay to the oil depots as outlined below.

Oil depot price is the crude oil (at world price) that has been processed at oil refinery and it reflects the actual product price as produced by the oil refinery.

Commercial price on 15 Sept 2008 (there was a typo mistake in the chart) was at RM2.81, petrol stations were retailing petrol at RM2.55 and thus the actual subsidy was only RM0.26 per litre instead of RM0.30 as claimed by the government all the time. At least there were some subsidies as otherwise we would be paying more.

As you go down the chart, commercial price was cheaper than petrol retail price from 10 Oct 2008 onwards.

By 23 Oct 2008, the commercial price at oil depots was RM2.00 (at which the world crude oil price was at US$64.15) and with the claimed subsidised rate of RM0.30, the actual petrol price should have been retailing at RM1.70 but then the consumers were still paying the price of RM2.30. This was RM0.60 above the subsidised rate if there was any at all.

As had been revealed by the government, the petrol station would have earned RM0.12 per litre with the respective petroleum companies earning RM0.19 per litre too even at the retail price of RM1.92. It did mention that at RM1.92 less (RM0.12 + RM0.19) = RM1.61, the government would still have earned profits. Why? Because commercial price has dipped way below RM1.61 by now.

If the government was still earning profits, what was the government subsidising then? This question is being posed based on pre-June 2008 (the then 41% price increase) as even then the government was gladly saying that they were subsidising petrol price. Not that people or even me are asking for more subsidies but the government said it was subsidising all this while ................ who's bluffing who or what was missed out? What is the government's agenda in not telling truth?

Please bear in mind that the government did mention that effective 1 Nov 2008, the RM0.30 subsidy has ceased. By looking at the chart, we doubt so.

The current Deputy Prime Minister has prepared the hearts of all Malaysian citizens by saying "Don't expect pump prices to be constantly reduced". He has said that the government has to review whether to reduce the petrol price to match the drop in world crude oil price. Why must the government review when the prices drop but didn't even consider properly when they increased the price by 41% at one go in June 2008?

He mentioned that "We cannot afford this kind of volatility. The people may not be able to cope with these sudden changes." Please enlighten us, who are the "people" that you were referring?

Reading: Malaysians are now paying petrol tax - Malaysian Insider

Related post - Is Malaysia's Fuel Price Cheaper?
Tags: Petrol Price, Fuel Price, Oil Depot Price, World Crude Oil Price, Malaysia, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Petrol Station

Largest Hotel in Sudan

Went out for meeting today and passed by this building which is known as the largest hotel in Sudan, Burj Al Fateh. Standard for a deluxe room is US$400 per night (excluding 20% tax).

Some of my colleagues have been in it for meals and my turn ......... let's see ....... counting my money as you have to pay through your nose for eating there. Not today.

This hotel is owned by the Libyans and rumours were saying that one of Muammar Gaddafi's (President of Libya) son has an interest.




Fantastic architecture design that resembles a sail from the side view (1st pic).















This is a large supermarket located about 5 minutes' drive from my house, called Al Amarat Center. Their main branch is located around the diplomat enclave at Amarat which is about 15 minutes' drive from the house.






Cost of living is really high in Khartoum even though it's a third world country.

Example (2 Sudanese Pound = US$1.00):-
* five pieces of hot dog bread - US$0.75
* minced beef of 400g - US$3.28
* few small tomatoes - US$1.40
* processed chicken fillets - US$16.00
* two dozens of eggs - US$6.50

This has not taken into account other food or ingredients bought earlier in order to cook proper meals.
Tags: Burj Al Fateh, Khartoum, Al Amarat Center, Amarat

Dance in Lebanese Restaurant

Went over to Assaha Traditional Village at Khartoum 2 area for drink after dinner. This is a restaurant opened by Lebanese.

It was really packed. This is one of those better place around Khartoum at the moment. Mostly expats or richer Sudanese will have their meals here. Out of a sudden, a group of Lebanese came around with drums (various) and a mouth piece instrument too (that blows like a trumpet).

No idea what celebration or occasion they were so happy about. Just enjoyed their care free dance.

I have recorded their dance in video format but somehow couldn't get the play the sound.

Lots of Lebanese expats who were eating in the restaurant joined in and clap their way throughout this group's presence amongst the diners.

No regrets in coming out for the night and we left almost after everyone has gone home at 11pm plus.

Tags: Assaha Restaurant, Assaha Traditional Village, Lebanese Restaurant, Lebanese Dance, Khartoum 2

Bruce Willis Joined Malaysian Investors

The infamous Hollywood actor, Bruce Willis, starring in many action packed movies such as Die Hard joined Malaysian investors, Petra Group, in investing in a USA company known as Elastomer Technologies Ltd ("ETL"). Tried to google the company's name but nothing surfaced. ETL was supposed to venture into the business of devulcanisation of recycled rubber compound .... whatever you call it.

Bruce Willis has finally found someone that matched his robust movie character and required the US court to intervene. Bruce Willis exercised his option in calling back his investment in ETL but the money was delayed which warranted him to issue a legal demand against ETL for the return of his US$900,000. Maybe economy is really bad in USA ............

Rumours were saying that even Al Gore and Mel Gibson were involved in the business too. Anyone can confirm? This could be the reason that pulled Bruce Willis into the investing team.

The case between Bruce Willis v. Elastomer Technologies Ltd is lodged under 08-7670, U.S. District Court, Central District of California.

Reading: Bruce Willis Sues Malaysian Group Over Rubber Venture - Bloomberg
Tags: Bruce Willis, Petra Group, Elastomer Technologies Ltd, Devulcanisation, Al Gore, Mel Gibson, U.S. District Court, Central District of California

Less EPF Cut Means More Income?

Many people have been thinking of getting the extra income come 1 Jan 2009 when the mandatory Employees' Provident Fund ("EPF") deduction is reduced to 8% of the gross salary instead of the current 11%.

We take a case study to see the benefit that could be derived if your monthly basic salary RM4,000:-

- If your monthly EPF contribution is 11% (RM440), taxable income = RM3,560, income tax payable = RM77.

- If your monthly EPF contribution is 8% (RM320), taxable income = RM3,680, income tax payable = RM109.

Conclusion: If you choose to contribute 8%, you will end up paying more income tax to the government, which will make the government richer.

Finance Minister Najib said this measure is meant to boost up the slow-down market, but from this example we see that the money does not go into the market. Instead the money goes direct into the government's pocket through the greater amount of income tax that we will have to pay. Obviously this measure does not help the market at all.
Tags: EPF, Employees' Provident Fund, Taxable Income, Malaysian Income Tax

Bad Times in Kuala Lumpur

This is a true account that happened after a heavy downpour on 16 Oct 2008 to a friend's friend who's working in Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, Petaling Jaya. Time is bad and the day you take for granted on your safety, that could be the day you'll live to regret it.

Praying to God for his protection is definitely a need but our neglectful lifestyle should be looked into.

--------------------------------------

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to share my experience with you on what actually happened last night while on my way back from the office alone.

It was raining heavily while I left the office about 7.00pm and I was caught in the traffic jam along the way home. On reaching Kampung Tunku, I noticed some bikes tailing me closely. My reaction was bikes riders will not be so gentle on the road, even on rainy days, they often speed. As I could not view clearly in the downpour, I activated my rear windshield wiper to have a better look.

I saw three bikes behind me. Following that, one rider moved in front of my car towards the left and two riders were behind me for a while. And I heard a very loud crashing sound at the rear of my car.

I did not stop to investigate but accelerated and continued my journey home despite whatever damages I have to incur for repairs. After a while, the three bikers went missing and guess what next. A breakdown tow truck was behind me next. Along the way, my drive was not comfortable as I felt that my car was not moving in the right way.

I continued my journey, whatever, and on reaching home, guess what, two tires, LH Front and Rear were punctured flat.

We always read and heard that such incidents are happening daily, and this time I experienced this myself.

Please inform all your wives and loves ones not to stop the car while driving alone, just carry on the journey.

With regards,
Irene Kok

--------------------------------------

My personal advise upon reading this email is for you, if you suspect anything amiss, to drive to the nearest relative / friend's house to check on the damage. Never continue driving too far. Seek help at the nearest place that you are familiar with.

Imagine the assailants were to pursue further and you went ahead to accelerate. It would be a devastating end .........................

Tags: Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad

Main Cause of Stock Exchange Meltdown

Financial gurus / world class economists / professional stock traders are putting their brains together to find an answer or a method in trying to put a stop to the selldown in world stock markets.

They missed one fundamental point - communication.

(Picture was stolen from Daniel Ng)

Tags: Stock Exchange Meltdown, Stock Market, Financial Guru, Economist, Stock Traders

Night Activity in Khartoum

Thursday is like a Saturday night to the Khartoum working folks. Where could we go? Our project secretary who is a Filipino lady herself invited us to their Filipino community gathering at a basketball arena.






There were people selling foodstuff in the basketball arena. We were recommended to a well known Philippines dessert called Halo Halo. It was selling at 5 Sudanese Pound (US$2.50). Nothing's cheap in Sudan.












It could comprise blend of fruits, sweet preserves, evaporated milk and shaved ice. There are various ways of making this dessert and you could add any type of ingredients according to your taste if you do it at home.












We sat near the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) team as our project secretary's friends are in the team.

Was bitten by mosquitoes while watching the game that consist of four quarters of ten minutes each.

Hopefully those were not malaria infested mosquitoes. Will know in a few days' time.








The UNMIS team won this game by 107 to 62, if remembered correctly. It's a best of three games and they will play again on Friday night.

Filipinos were seated around the basketball court and there was a centrestage set up for a commentator and game officials, very professional.

At the end of the game, I noticed I was the tallest fella standing amongst the UNMIS players ..... but the project secretary said the competition was opened to Filipinos only ............ sigh
Tags: Filipino, Philippines, Halo-Halo Dessert, Basketball, Khartoum Nightlife, United Nations Mission In Sudan, UNMIS

Lunch at Wang

Thursday, time to go to a restaurant that I have not been two years ago .......... wow

There's the great wall of china that I have to go pass to reach the Wang Restaurant. They serve chinese dishes.

Friends are asking me why blog has became a food review column in the last few days .......... need to get some other inspiration to write others ........... it will come






Their garden on the way into the double storey bungalow.















Their menu which was nicely done up compared to the last time I was here which was just a wordings and prices on few sheets of laminated papers.

This was the sweet and sour fish fillet. Somehow each fish fillet has lots of fish oil ...... those fattiness part ...... making it not that nice and can't feel its freshness. The tangy sauce was just good to go with the white rice.

This is the Chicken Cubes with Green Pepper. Not a spicy dish and this was superb.

But one bad point about this dish was that the cook used way toooooooooooo much oil. The last few cubes have to wait for its oil to drip off before I dare to put into my mouth ....... you know, it could be cooking oil from China.

The restaurant has a cabinet at the that displays a number of their special dishes. Can't read those chinese characters and the restaurant worker explained to me ...... didn't order from this cabinet as upon hearing the price it almost gave me instant heart attack.

Their restaurant counter really depicts those restaurants found back in China. This is the counter where we paid for our lunch ................ this time for that two dishes, one 2 liter bottle of pepsi, six bowls of white rice and three small mineral water bottles ............... 70 Sudanese Dinar (US$35).

On our way out of the restaurant, we noticed a large bird cage that has a number of bird species. Saw some baby parakeets (do you call them baby ?????).

Tags: Chinese Restaurant, Fish Fillet, Chicken Cubes, Baby Parakeets

Pizza as Birthday Cake

A local Sudanese guy's birthday was celebrated with him treating us to pizzas ............ told you it was their staple food.

This pizza is as big as a normal adult's office chair. Go measure it yourself. It's not from Debonairs Pizza but from one of those local pizza outlets.








No idea on what sort of pizza is this but I suspect it was with mutton meat as toppings.

Doesn't pass my quality and taste tests .... but cannot complain as the birthday boy bought for us ......... just swallow.





Towards the late afternoon after a series of meetings, we dropped by at Pullman Hotel of the Accor Groupe. This building was formerly occupied by Hilton and the change of hotel ownership took place in Jan 2008.












We wanted to find out the room rates and got to know with a special corporate account we coudl get a room with a single bed at US$180, all in. Breakfast will be at US$27.

At that room rate, I could book a suite in hotels located in Kuala Lumpur.
Tags: Pizza, Pullman Hotel, Accor Groupe, Hilton

Pizza is Staple Food in Sudan

At times we are lost in deciding what to eat in Khartoum. We had a meeting that lasted till 8pm plus and the idea of cooking at home is definitely out.

As we need to pass by the city centre, we thought of this pizza outlet of which I haven't tried it for almost two year now ............ hehe

It's called Debonairs Pizza. This pizza brand is the originated from South Africa and it's the leading pizza brand in the whole of Africa.

Bread is somehow considered as a staple food in Sudan and any foodstuff related to bread will be also. There are lots of local pizza outlets and we seldom try any of it if we have a choice.

This Debonairs Pizza is sharing its outlet with Steers (owned by same group of companies) that almost sell similar foodstuff like McDonalds ............... fyi, no McDonalds in Sudan.

Downstairs were occupied with Debonairs and Steers counters and kitchens. Upstairs are for customers to have their meals.


We ordered the Hawaiian and BBQ Chicken large pizzas ............ almost same names with those found in Pizza Hut's menu.













And the top texture looks almost the same too ..... the one at the bottom of the pic is the Chicken Barbeque.

Nice? Nothing really special and can't really taste the mozzarella cheese topping. I prefer the Chicken Barbeque for its tastier than the other one.



It has this free delivery service and your pizza will be free if it's not delivered 'hot'. Well, no mention of when will the pizza will arrive at your doorstep though.








How much it cost us? Each pizza cost us 22 Sudanese Pound (US$11) and three of us ordered the Happy Family size that comes with a 1.25 litre Pepsi.

Total cost 53 Sudanese Pound (US$26.50), extremely expensive.
Tags: Debonairs Pizza, Steers, Pizza, Khartoum, Pepsi