Irresponsible Security Company

The ADT Security Services company went around my neighbourhood and stuck their stickers onto our main gates to promote their alarm system services. The picture below was taken at a neighbour's house.

 

When I wanted to remove the sticker from my main gate, this is the result of it ................. painstakingly doing it to make sure the paint don't come off at the same time. That's the remaining part that has yet to come off as the sticky part is really solid.

How can you do that to people's properties as you like?
Tags: ADT Security Services, Security Company, Alarm System

Unnecessary Payment to Astro?

It was reported in the Star newspapers that a company related to Astro i.e. Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd and another company, Tele System Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd have been sued by AV Asia Sdn Bhd.

Reason for the legal suit brought up by AV Asia - that AV Asia's technology in reducing the existing problem of rain fade (a situation where the satellite transmission suffers interruptions during rain) was somehow used for the benefit of another company i.e. Tele System. Tele System has subsequently produced the satellite dishes purportedly catering for the Astro B.yond's HD channels.

In reading the news article, I saw the following para:-

"AV Asia also alleged that Measat withheld information from its Astro B.yond customers - who bought a new decoder and a new satellite dish for a monthly payment of RM20 to receive HD programmes - that they did not need to install the new dish to receive the programmes."

What did Measat hide from us (the customers)? That we do not require a new dish actually and therefore, the extra RM20 supposedly for the dish and decoder need not be paid?

This is what I want to know being a Astro B.yond customer!
Tags: Astro, Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd, Tele System Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd, AV Asia Sdn Bhd, Rain Fade, Satellite Transmission, Astro B.yond, HD Channels

Abolishment of 5% Service Tax

Our Malaysian's Royal Customs & Excise Department has announced that with effect from 1 July 2008, 93% of the Malaysian restaurants need not collect the 5% service tax from customers anymore.

During the weekend, I was at Hartamas Shopping Centre and took lunch at Station Kopitiam. After finishing lunch, the bill was called and I noticed the 5% service tax. Now, there are two items to note before you question their eligibility to collect the service tax:-

i) their annual turnover must be above RM3.0 million; and
ii) if the restaurant is located in a hotel premise, they are permitted to collect.

Imagine that during lunch period on a Saturday noon, only two tables were occupied. Your guess is as good as mine in terms on their annual turnover. So, I asked the waiter (all foreigners) and only one can speak good english. I reminded him about the non-collecton of service tax with effect from 1 July 2008. The waiter acknowledge that fact but can't change anything as his boss hasn't change the billing system set in the cash machine. Seriously, I couldn't blame them for that.

I asked how are we going to resolve this to which he requested me to call his boss. I said why should I call your boss and told him to resolve it with his boss. I told him I'm only paying the bill without the 5% service tax.

Later, he came over to my table and asked how much I'm going to pay. I repeated my words "The full bill minus the 5% service tax". I told him the issue is not whether I could afford to pay the service tax of RM1.88 but the principal behind it. I told him that businessowners were fast to implement any ways of collecting extras when government allows it but would turn a blind eye when told to remove or reduce it.

The waiter acknowledged again that he knew about the service tax issue and said during the weekdays, many questioned him. I don't know whether those who questioned did pay the service tax but definitely I'm putting my foot down.

Total bill was RM41.35 and service tax was RM1.88. I put RM40 into a tray and left the premise, telling the waiter that since he can't resolved it, I'm helping him to think. He can't do anything because they knew that they are in the wrong.

Oh yes, when I asked for a copy of the service tax licence issued by the Customs, he said he don't have it. Any restaurant is supposed to display that licence to show that they have been licensed to collect the service tax on behalf of the government.

Malaysians, please remember and do your part. Though your nice dinner may be ruined by the inconveniences in dealing with either the staff or restaurant owners, it is your right in not paying the service tax anymore. If you are too rich and don't bother with it ............... read this then ....

YOU ARE CONDONING THEIR IMMORAL ACTIVITY AND TELLING THEM TO GO AHEAD TO CHEAT MORE MALAYSIANS!

Related post - Service Tax Issue at Restaurants
Tags: Service Tax, 5% Service Tax, Hartamas Shopping Centre, Station Kopitiam, Royal Customs & Excise Department, Customs, Restaurant

Hope Flickers for Jahut Christians

The Temerloh High Court today ordered that the hearing over the non-supply of water and electricity to a Jahut church in Kampung Pasu to proceed as planned on Aug 15.It threw out the respondents' – the Temerloh District & Land Office and the Pahang State Government – preliminary objection to the hearing on the basis of the application by the orang aslis being submitted late.

However, the Jahut Christians will still have to worship by candlelight as Judge Datuk Abdul Halim Aman refused to order the respondents to establish water and electricity supply pending a judgment on the case.

"Who knows how long this case will drag on? The defendants have not even filed their affidavit yet," Annou Xavier, one of the counsels for the Jahuts told The Malaysian Insider.

The group of Jahut Christians from Kampung Pasu, led by village elder, Wet bin Ket and his son, Yaman bin Wet, are seeking a judicial review over the local district and land office's refusal to supply their village church with water and electricity for the past 2 years.

The villagers, who embraced Christianity in 2000, built the church in Wet's backyard with his permission in 2003. But it was demolished by the local authorities who ruled that they were erecting an illegal structure as they had not obtained proper approval from the authorities.

In 2006, they won RM35,000 as compensation to rebuild their church, which they also use as a tuition centre for their school-going children, and as a nursery for the younger ones.

Xavier said that the reasons given by the local authorities are that the building was erected on land not gazetted and that the building was erected as a place of worship without the approval of the local district and land office.

The Orang Asli are however contesting that decision based on their native rights.
By Shannon Teoh, Malaysian Insider

Tags: Jahut Christian, Jahut Church, Malaysia, Kampung Pasu, Temerloh, Temerloh High Court, Malaysian Insider, Temerloh District & Land Office, Pahang State Government, Orang Asli, Christianity

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

Iran Breached UN Rules in Malaysia

Malaysia hosted the Defence Services Asia 2008 from 21 Apr to 24 Apr in Kuala Lumpur and Iran was one of the countries invited to participate. Countries will showcase their latest defence technologies, defence system, security products, missiles, arms and no trade would be conducted.

Iran came to this exhibition bringing their missiles, missile systems and equipment. They set everything up for the exhibition and welcomed dignitaries on the opening day on 21 Apr. Everything was fine until the USA and British exhibitors claimed that Iran's stuff has contravened UN Security Council resolutions 1747 and 1803.

Malaysia's Ministry of Defence, whom their Minister had officiated the opening ceremony, sounded the exhibition organiser who quickly did their work in closing Iran's booths comprising nine companies and got all their stuff out of the exhibition area.

The following questions have to be answered:-
a) If the military and defence equipment brought into Malaysia do contravene the UN Security Council resolutions, please tell me how was it brought out of Iran in the first place?

b) How come our port customs didn't check the papers properly to ensure whether such military and defence equipment were allowed to be imported into our country?

c) How come the Ministry of Defence didn't place any officials at the port customs, since knowing that such a big exhibition was to be held, to ensure that proper green light has been obtained for the importation of such military and defence equipment to be brought into Malaysia?

d) How come our Ministry of Defence's personnel who were at the exhibition place didn't realise that Iran's military and defence equipment were in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions until they were alerted by the USA and British exhibitors?

These military and defence equipment were too big to be hidden away and yet such a blunder. What more when genuine smugglers intend to sneak in illegal stuff into Malaysia. We are talking about military and defence equipment here and not just plain food.

Reading: Iran violated UN resolution - Star
Tags: Defence Services Asia 2008, DSA 2008, Iran, Malaysia, UN, United Nations, UN Security Council

Mexico-USA Map Pissed Americans

A Mexican advertising company by the name of Teran/TBWA used the map as shown on the left for Swedish Absolut Vodka's advertisement

The advertisement was shown in Mexico but as some Americans could pick up the TV signals too, they saw the advertisements.

Not that it was due to it being an alcohol related advertisement but more so the map that was used.

Here goes history lesson for the rest of the world. Americans who saw the advertised were pissed off by it as it showed Mexico's border eating into USA's land, nearly all the way to Canada. This map was not wrong but this was the scenario before the Mexican-American War of 1848. Forced to cancel the advertisement later on so as not to lose USA consumer market.

Hmmmmmmmmmm so, USA was conquered by the British and Mexicans before. In comparison, Malaysia was more complicated as it had the Indonesia, India, Thais, Portuguese, Dutch, British and the Japanese having a short stay too.
Tags: Swedish Absolut Vodka, Teran/TBWA, Alcohol Advertisement, Mexico, USA, Mexican-American War of 1848

Laud Mydin Stores for Their Protest

A Malaysian set-up company, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, that has hypermarkets and emporiums nationwide in their trading business has started a protest note over the release of a film called Fitna by a Dutch MP, Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom.

If you have not known, the Fitna movie was deemed a blasphemy against the Quran teachings by both radical and non-radical Muslim brotherhood. They have called for a worldwide boycott on Dutch products / services since the movie was done by a Dutch politician.

Mydin stores, in support of the boycott, didn't discard the Dutch products in their hypermarkets or emporiums but have labelled those particular products with red label or placed A4 size papers near those products informing the customers to steer clear of it. They left the deciding factor on the customers on whether to purchase those products or not.

Maybe every muslim cashier has been advised to stare sternly at any customer who placed such red-labelled product on the payment counter ......... hehehe.

But I want to laud Mydin for this move. Their way of putting the decision back to the consumers was excellent and doesn't draw any criticsm at all for denying the customers on their rights to buy whatever they want.

Perplexed to see a Dutch MP doing such a thing. Did give my 2 cents to another Indonesian muslim blogger who was upset by the movie. Told him that out of 6.5 billion in this world, surely there would be such people on this face of the earth. From young, I have always been taught to analyse on why things have happened or see what I could learn from such an event. There are many people of such kind and are we going to waste our time / efforts on such uncalled for situation. Might as well live our life to the fullest doing the things that would benefit human mankind.

I also urge our Malaysian government to follow Mydin's good example in allowing the two Israelis in Chelsea's payroll, namely Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim, to be issued the special entry permit for Chelsea's forthcoming summer tour in Malaysia. Let Malaysians decide for themselves on whether they should go for the match or should they sit out of it having nothing to do with any Israel linked products / services / events.

I'm sure Malaysians are matured enough to decide on such things since they knew how to vote recently.

Malaysia is a civilised country. Such protest initiated by Mydin is definitely a good example to follow, peaceful but powerful indeed. Alternatively, if such protest is deemed insufficient, should Malaysians follow the Afghanistan Taliban's footsteps? The Talibans purposely inflict heavy attacks on Dutch armies in Afghanistan in retaliation for the release of the Fitna movie. The armies were innocent as they were there because their government sent them and they had no part in the making of the Fitna movie.

Reading: Mydin stores mark protest against anti-Islam film - Star
Reading: Afghan Taliban say attack Dutch over anti-Islam film - Reuters
Tags: Mydin, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, Fitna, Anti-Islam, Geert Wilders, Dutch MP, Party for Freedom, Afghanistan Taliban, Quran

Taxi Scam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

I have just blogged about Malaysian Style last week and on item 3, it was stated as follow:-

Lesson 3
You have no friends in Malaysia (yet) and you decide to take a cab from the airport. You'll soon realize that the one-way taxi fare is more expensive than a night's stay at most decent hotels.(this is still prevalent even though the government has said it again and again that illegal cabs wouldn't surface again)
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In the newspapers lately, various complaints have been made known and are as follows:-

RM160 for taxi fare from KLIA to KL
I RECENTLY received guests from Russia who were here for the first time and immediately felt both embarrassed and angry that they had to fork out RM160 for a so called budget taxi coupon at KLIA.

I had already text them to ask for a budget taxi coupon, which they did. But somehow, my guests had to fork out RM160 for the one way trip from KLIA to Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.

In the morning traffic rush hour the following day, my guests took a cab to KLCC and it cost them RM6 because the honest taxi driver used the meter. But returning from KLCC to Setapak, they had to pay RM40 as no taxi wanted to use the meter.

This problem has been around for many years and perhaps hundreds of visitors have been cheated by taxi drivers. Why aren't the authorities able to stop this embarrassing situation at KLCC?

Don’t suspend just the licences of taxi drivers; charge them in court and blacklist them permanently.
MALU MALAYSIAN, Kuala Lumpur.
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Unfair ploy to upgrade taxi at LCCT
AS A frequent traveller on AirAsia, I use the taxi service at LCCT often. I always travel from LCCT to the same place, and always with two passengers on board. Therefore, I know the exact fare that I should be charged, which is RM60.80.

That was not the case on March 21 when I wanted to buy a ticket to my usual destination, and I was told that my fare was more than RM90! When I asked the counter staff on this, they said that my luggage might be too big to fit into the Budget Taxi, and that they were charging me for the Premier Taxi.

I told them that we only had two bags and there were only two of us on board. Even if my luggage couldn’t fit into the boot, it could’ve been placed in the front seat or between the two passengers in the back seat.

After they checked the sizes of our bags and that they would fit, they let us buy the Budget Taxi ticket.

I felt that we were being forced to “upgrade” our taxi without a valid reason. The fare is RM30 higher.

We fought our case since we knew how much we should be charged. What about the others who don't know?
ALMOST SCAMMED, Kuala Lumpur.
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Shame on LCCT taxi company
ON March 20, the attendant at the LCCT taxi counter refused to sell me a budget taxi coupon on the excuse that my suitcase was too big and the queue long.

I insisted on budget taxi because there were only my daughter and me sharing one suitcase and we are both quite skinny. No need to use a chopper to kill a fly, right? I also told her that queuing was my problem, not hers.

But she insisted we took a premier taxi costing over RM90 to Kuala Lumpur. On learning that both taxi counters belong to the same company, we took the bus to KL Sentral and from there, a budget taxi – a Proton Saga, same as those in LCCT – to hotel. It was a comfortable ride.

The total cost? RM30, plus a little more time. Shame on you LCCT taxi company!
REFUSED TO BE CONNED,Kota Kinabalu.
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My own experience - I don't opt for the premier taxi at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) when I come back from overseas trip. I travel alone usually so the budget taxi is just nice for me. BUT!

Yeah big BUT .............. if you were not careful with the girls at the airport taxi counter just after the customs checkpoint at the arrival door, you could be duped. The company managing the airport taxi may sue me for putting this up but I'm only highlighting what happened to me just like those complainants that wrote to Star newspaper.

Each time when you approach the counter, they would wish you and then ask for your destination. For sure they would tell you the price of the premier taxi first. If you were not careful and pay for it and subsequently boarded that taxi, there goes your money. You would have thought that was the only taxi available in the airport not knowing that budget taxis were available too.

If you were used to their first offer, you could answer back - "please give me the budget taxi". Without questioning and haggling you any further, they would print out the budget taxi coupon, you pay for it and off you go.

From what I witness on many occasions, when a foreigner approaches the airport taxi counter, the girls at the counter would definitely sound very sweet and say "Afternoon sir, where is your destination please".

Foreigner would respond "Hotel so and so at Kuala Lumpur". Straightaway the counter girl would print out a ticket for the premier taxi without informing the foreigner of the budget taxi option. You call this a sales gimmick or keeping quiet on options or plain cheating or Caveat Emptor?

The operator could say that "Well, the customers never ask any questions or for any other cheaper options".

Where are the authorities? Which authority in the first place? Well, at this point various authority would be passing the buck here and there. All this are happening right at the first step (for the foreigner) into our country.

Related post:-
* Malaysian Style
Tags: Malaysian Style, Taxi, Cab, Airport Taxi Scam, Airport Taxi, Airport Limo, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLIA, LCCT, Disputes

Indonesians Recruited into Malaysian Paramilitary

It's in the news that Indonesians have been recruited into the Malaysian paramilitary force, also known as the Rejimen Askar Wataniah, which is the reserve component of the Malaysian Army.
This Askar Wataniah regiment was said to have recruited Indonesians to man the 2,000 kilometre long border of both Malaysia and Indonesia located at the Borneo Island. An estimated figure of 40,000 member force man the border. Those are huge battalions.

As published in Kompas, people living at the border knew that it was a fact that Indonesian youngsters have been recruited. The West Kalimantan Police has stated that none of their citizens have been recruited. So, who is telling the truth?

The Indonesian army said that if it was true, it could be Indonesians who have taken up the Malaysian citizenship as the citizenship was one of the main criteria in joining the paramilitary force. But how many of the 40,000 member force are Indonesians or previously holding Indonesian citizenships?

What's the issue here? The Indonesian army do not want any future confrontation with their blood brothers in case of any _ _ _ ??????? Indonesian army is preparing to invade Malaysia or what?

Reading: West Kalimantan Police deny Indonesians in Malaysian paramilitary - Jakarta Post
Reading: Askar Wataniah Memang Ada - Kompas

A video preview on Askar Wataniah's Regiment 510's annual training camp.
Tags: Askar Wataniah, Malaysian Paramilitary Force, Indonesia, Borneo Island, West Kalimantan Police, Indonesian Citizenship, Malaysian Citizenship

HIV Infected People Will Be Arrested in Egypt

In Malaysia, those people who were HIV infected or diagnosed with the AIDS virus, would still get some freedom in moving about and get to do what they wanted. For those who were weak, they may be resting at home or homes catered for HIV/AIDS patients.

I do not have a friend or relative that has the virus so I won't know how I would react and certainly won't be scared stiff but certainly won't react the way Egypt has reacted.

The Egyptian authorities would go all out to arrest those people that came down with HIV/AIDS. Why did they do that to those people who were already suffering from that sickness? It seems that arrested men would be subjected to anal examination to determine whether they were homosexuals. Ridiculous way of examining. The moment these guys were found involved in unusual sexual desires, they would be chained to hospital beds and undergo further medical tests.

To the Egyptian authorities, this could be a method of stopping the virus from spreading to other victims once and for all. Is homosexual the issue here or was it the disease? I wonder how would conduct a test on a woman if found infected too.

The Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International found this arrest shocking. I called this an extreme case (religious extremists) and the Egyptian authorities were really not well trained in handling such homosexual cases or cases involving people striken with HIV/AIDS. No human feelings/sympathy at all. Would simply call this torturing too.

I have read about so many non-profitable organisations that opened up homes for the HIV/AIDS infected people throughout the world and this Egyptian step must be the first of its kind in this world too. Guinness World of Records may want to recognise Egypt for this.
Tags: Egypt, HIV, AIDS, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International

Who Should Do What First?

You really have to read this report:-

Thieves leave area with no electricity
WE refer to the article under the heading 'Dream homes turn into nightmare' which appeared in StarMetro on Dec 27, 2007.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) would like to inform homeowners that the electricity supply to the housing area could not be supplied because TNB gadgets and cables in the area were stolen.
These items were stolen because there was no security at the area.

To prevent the theft from happening again, TNB, after holding discussions with the local council and residents committee, agreed that electricity supply would be connected only when residents move into their homes.

Based on the information provided by a representative of the residents committee last month, the owners have yet to move into their homes.

We urge TNB customers to call or SMS their complaints to 15454 should they encounter any problems with our service.

HUSSIN OTHMAN
General Manager
TNB Selangor (Distribution Division)

Found the above statement by TNB Selangor appalling. How are the residents going to move in when electricity is not connected? But on the other hand, if TNB was to re-connect the housing area and residents delayed their moves, the thieves would ransack the whole area again.

This is really another chicken and egg situation. In this case, who should do what first? Pity the homeowners in the first place as some could be financially strapped due to payment for two houses at the same time (be it housing loans or rentals).
Tags: Chicken and Egg, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, TNB, Electricity Supply

Actual Credit Cards Liability

Upon reading the newspaper article on Most unaware of RM250 limited liability - Stars, found it perplexed that financial institutions kept quiet on this Clause 13.2 of Bank Negara Malaysia’s ("BNM") Credit Card Guideline.

It was stated that if you have reported on the loss of credit card to the financial institutions as soon as possible, you would not be liable for any expenses that was incurred fraudulently but up to a limit of RM250 only.

It was also mentioned that financial institutions have kept quiet on this Clause 13.2 but have added this instead "that all transactions carried out before the loss of the cards are reported to the banks, are deemed to be carried out by the cardholders".

One has to be aware of the time limit for "as soon as possible" as stated in BNM's Clause 13.2. I would reckon that besides the "as soon as possible", the other aspect is if you can prove your whereabout when your credit card was used fraudulently. How can a bank force you to pay up for a fraudulent charge when you were actually at another part of the city.

The financial institutions are declaring profits of up to hundreds of millions per financial year but they will still go to this extent of charging their customers fraudulently. Maybe that's how the financial institutions raked up those millions in profits, by profiteering from uninformed customers. Not uninformed but purposely don't inform or misinformed.
Tags: Bank Negara Malaysia, Credit Card Guideline, Credit Card, Financial Institutions, Bank, Fraudulent

Misleading Airlines Website

When I was reading an article entitled EU warns airlines over misleading website deals, the sale of air tickets locally are about the same too. It was stated that the European Union's Executive Commission has launched an investigation on a number of European airlines' websites on the following basis:-

* The ticket price is first shown without airport taxes and additional fees;
* Offers promising tickets for free or at a low price, but such tickets are unavailable to the consumer who wants to buy;
* Tick boxes for insurance or additional services are set to 'yes' by default, trapping the consumer into buying unwanted items; and
* General terms and conditions are not provided in the language version used by the consumer during booking procedure - or not available at all in any language.

Airlines that were implicated includes Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and Spainair. Well, to such profit making entities, their earnings are more important than news of consumers being misled. With the rise of low cost carriers throughout the world, I guess this won't be the end of it, just the beginning.

I did highlight about a similar issue under Misleading Air Tickets Pricing but relating to Malaysia scenario.
Tags: Airlines Website, European Union, Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia, Spainair, Air Ticket, European Airlines

Contrasting Report at Batu Caves

Normally, I will buy a copy of the STAR newspaper at a small convenience shop on the ground floor of my building and will quickly flip through the newspaper once I reach my workstation just before I start my work assignments.

This morning, the main headlines were the HINDRAF demonstration that happened on Sunday around Jalan Tun Razak / Jalan Ampang area. Far off from this place, a smaller incident happened in Batu Caves too, the place where the main Thaipusam festival is held annually.

By reading the STAR newspaper, it was understood that demonstrators was quite violent right in front of the Batu Caves' entrance and it was stated that the main gate was destroyed. There were some discrepancy that I have noticed in this report.

* The crowd was asked to disperse but they ran into the Batu Caves compound.
* It was mentioned that passing cars were hit by stones and bricks thrown at them.
* No tear gas or water cannons were used at the demonstrators during the incident.

After you have read the above, please go to Screenshots website to view the photographs that were taken at the place of said incident at Batu Caves. Judge for yourself.

Was the STAR newspaper used to distort the whole scenario????????
Tags: HINDRAF, STAR Newspaper, Batu Caves, Demonstration

CIMB Cheque Deposit Machine

One month ago, I made payment for my credit cards at CIMB Bank Berhad's branch located at City Square Shopping Centre. As requested by the bank officer, I proceeded to bank in my cheque at their cheque deposit machine. I told the officer that the time printed on the receipt paper was wrong and he said he would get it fixed. I deposited at 1pm plus but the time printed was about 5pm plus.

On that payment date, it was already one day passed the deadline and knowing there will be some slight finance charges on the late payment.

On the next two days, I noticed that the said cheque has not been cleared from my current account. I went to the bank and enquired about to which the bank officer said "there must be a delay at the cheque clearance dept in CIMB Bank". It took one week to clear my cheque.

This month, I have to pay additional finance charges imposed by CIMB Bank for their mistake. I was late for one day but CIMB Bank took another six days to clear my cheque. Good thing my usage for the month was quite low and the finance charges caused by CIMB Bank's negligence were minimal i.e. around RM5.00 (my own estimation, could be more). The issue was not the amount as I have already paid for it just now but the principal lying behind their advertisements and promotions.

And when I made the payment today, the officer behind the counter said next time I could deposit the cheque at their cheque deposit machine. I said "No thank you as your bank didn't clear my cheque and delayed it for a week to which I'm paying additional finance charges through no fault of mine". The lady officer at the next counter laughed about it and said "Dia bimbang tak clear lagi". So, was it happening frequently?

CIMB Bank can continue to claim how big they are, how much deposit they are getting via their wealth management division and expanding regionally but they can't even handle a small thing like this.

Maybe because I'm not a member of the CIMB Club which caters for the rich and famous (membership conditions as below) who will "enjoy highly personalised service" as quoted in their website.

CIMB Club - exclusive invitation for:
* Individual depositor with a credit balance of RM150,000 and above.
* Individual Unit trust investor with an investment amount of RM100,000 and above purchased through the bank.
* Individual mortgage customer with a good track record and facilities of RM500,000 and above.
* New mortgage customers with facilities of RM500,000 and above.
* Individual holding a credit card with a limit of RM75,000 and above with good track record.
Tags: CIMB, CIMB Bank Berhad, Cheque Deposit Machine, Finance Charges, Bank, Dispute, CIMB Club, Credit Card

Scam Emails

I wonder how often do you receive emails where the sender told you that after scanning through a number of names or info they have gotten (however little), they have chosen to deal with you on a financial transaction.

I do receive at least 5 each week in my yahoo email account. I would say that a majority or 99% of such emails are mentioned to have come from the Africa continent.

I'm talking about millions of US Dollars that are involved here. These people would, on the account of tiny weeny bit of my info, were so willing to trust me. All these emails would state that they would transfer all the money held up by their local banks or central banks or local governments and would like you to represent them as a foreign partner/next of kin to claim that amount.

Of course, just before they agreed to transfer that authority or money to you, they need some advance money from you as ALL their funds were held up and running short of it or the advance money from you would be used to pay off those officials involved.

The best of all - there would be some naive fellas out there in this world who would be so obedient in parting with their money. What do you call this? Naivety? Careless? Greedy? Stupid?

In USA, the average amount lost to such scams came up to US$3,000 per person conned. A monthly average of 800 people would fall for it. US Postal Inspection Service, through intelligence, has rounded up at least 77 scammers with the help of other countries' enforcement units. Scammers were arrested in Netherlands (60), Nigeria (16), Canada (1). More are being monitored. The US government has produced a website to counter such scams - FakeChecks (really like the website design, interesting way of telling people). FakeChecks has a Fraud Test section where it would help you to determine how authenticate was that email you have received.

In Malaysia, it's happening everyday and could even con/cheat a greedy Malaysian fella just via a SMS message. Malaysia Boleh indeed.

I have in my yahoo email this 2 scam emails:-
1) From: Franka Egondu (ffeegdunkaiiii@hotmail.fr)
He has US$6,300,000 for me (of course I get a percentage of it if I help). An Ivory Coast citizen of 22 yrs old and the bank won't release to him this amount because he's too young and won't be able to handle it.

2) From: Ahman Joseph (ahman.joseph1@yahoo.co.uk)
He has US$3,500,000 (70% for me as commission). Marketing Manager of the Westminister Horseracing Club London. From his business research, he could get his supplier to supply to me in Malaysia and would get his company to deal with me. Apparently, company suspected hanky panky and didn't want him to deal with his supplier directly. Since he didn't want his company to find out actual price, he's getting me to act as another supplier in Malaysia and charge his company at a higher price.

With the above 2 transactions done, I would be filthy rich for sure. Can quit my current job too. You game for it? Don't laugh ok? There are people who have fell for it.

Reading: Scammers luring Americans with fake check schemes - Reuters
Tags: Scam Email, Cheat, Con, Fraud, US Postal Inspection Service, FakeChecks

How Will a Judge Judge a Case?

Malaysian legal fraternity has been very excited about the video exposing a prominent lawyer which somehow fixed judiciary positions or case outcome. Thereafter, lawyers organised a walk for justice. This showed that the lawyers wanted justice to be carried out.

In China, the wife from Han family (left pic) was charged by the court for pouring acid on a girl from the Zhang family due to Zhang family's failure in paying compensation imposed by the court for causing death to a boy from Han family earler.

Zhang himself stated that he wanted to pay off the compensation slowly (this was his own planning) and thus incurred the wrath of the Han family. The court found that the Zhang family is quite well off in financial terms.

After hearing explanation from both parties, the judge who was hearing the court case couldn't take the Zhang family's testimony anymore and she took off a judge's robe and took the witness' stand to speak against the Zhang family. What a shock!

Will our Malaysian lawyers/judges stand up for unjust and unfair trials? Or money/status are worth more than integrity?
Tags: Legal Fraternity, Lawyer, Judge, Witness

Walk for Justice

About 800 Malaysian lawyers (plus 200 of others) gathered at the Palace of Justice to begin their walk towards the Prime Minister's Department at noon. Why the delay? Apparently, 7 buses that were fetching the lawyers from the city centre were barred from entering Putrajaya. Nothing could stop them and they walked before the main walk. Walk they did, 3.5km to the Palace of Justice.
I'm so proud of this crowd. Just look at it, it represented the multi-racial Malaysia. This issue of Walk for Justice was not political nor confrontational but to request for an inquest into the shocking video.

It shows that many lawyers still cared for their profession and various individuals from other states came too.



Somehow, the authorities didn't take things for granted. The FRU police team was on standby with batons and shieds being held by the policemen. For goodness sake, the lawyers were only trying to hand over two memorandums:-
1) 1st memorandum called for a royal commission of inquiry to be set up to examine the claims made in the video clip, as well as the state of the judiciary; and
2) 2nd memorandum urged the establishment of a judicial appointments commission for the appointment and promotion of judges.

Malaysian Bar Council president, Ambiga Sreenevasan, said that the presence of the FRU police was 'an act of intimidation'. Kudos to the lawyers.

Pictures sourced from Malaysia Today and Screenshots.
Tags: Palace of Justice, Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya, Malaysia, Walk For Justice, Lawyers, FRU, Malaysian Bar Council, Ambiga Sreenevasan, Intimidation

Was it Just Wasting or Corruption?

When Malaysian Auditor-General 2006 Report was made known to the public via newspapers, the citizens were not surprised with those reports that millions were wasted just like that.

Personally, I won't believe that nobody didn't know about those blatant spendings. Now, there are lots of finger pointing all over the place, the art of tai chi has emerged suddenly - Ministers blaming previous Ministers.

Then out of a sudden, almost every Minister whose ministry was implicated said that further internal investigations would be carried out within those ministries. Are the Ministers allowed to say "I Don't Know"? Anyway, what investigations are they talking about? It's already provided for in the Auditor-General's report of what went wrong and who was in charge.

Few days later, the Malaysian Prime Minister told the Anti-Corruption Agency Malaysia to swing into action in view of Auditor-General 2006 Report. The ACA stated that they have done some investigations and would reveal when the time is right. And this statement was made - "let justice run its course".

In Vietnam, Vu Dinh Thuan, a former deputy head of the Government Office was arrested together with other government employees caught for inflating printing costs of training materials and pocketed VND1.3 billion (US$80,123) ................. hahahahha..... when I saw that amount it was nowhere near the Malaysian figures. Vietnam did let justice run its course.

Now I know what it means for Malaysia Boleh!
Tags: Malaysia, Auditor-General, Audit, Malaysian Prime Minister, Anti-Corruption Agency Malaysia, Badan Pencegah Rasuah, Vietnam, Vu Dinh Thuan