the Razzler

Wishing Everyone Happy & Prosperous Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-16T05:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T02:16:00.000-08:00

..... and a prosperous 2012!!

MP SIMPANG RENGGAM , YB LIANG TECK MENG & YB ADUN LAYANG-LAYANG - STORM DRAINS IN MUKIM RENGGAM

2011-12-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

It was a most welcome sight when huge drains were delivered to Mukim Renggam, Hopefully, with the new storm drains, the woes of having to suffer the consequences of flash flood each year can be alleviated.

But joy turns to anguish when the I witness the installation of the drains by the contractor. They seems to be quite unsure of the existing services underground when they began excavation. More so, when I personally witness the worker using his foot to 'feel' the services inside the muddy water and giving instruction at the same time to the excavator operator - `lebih sikit', `kiri sikit', `kanan sikit'.

My jaws practically dropped.

I had to voiced out my concerns before any damage to the existing underground facilities and before any unwarranted damage occur. It would have resulted in much unnecessary inconvenience to the residents there.

I am further dumbfounded when I was told that there are no construction drawings and also no information of existing facilities. Moreover, the workers came rather ill equipped. They have no water pumps to discharge of the water and there are no signs of any survey being done to determine the actual depth of excavation & gradient for the drainage to be laid.

I sincerely hope that the relevant authorities could closely monitor the situation to ensure that the proposed project would eventually benefit the residents instead of causing more inconvenience and distress.

Celebrating Eunice's Birthday

2011-11-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Eunice's birthday this year at a different Japanese Restaurant situated in Taman Pelangi. It's at Yaoki Japanese Restaurant.

This restaurant serves more traditional Japanese dishes which is what Eunice enjoyed most. We are practically hooked to the fish skin which is fried but retained it's freshness, the skin tastes sweet as you chewed on it. We ordered about eight dishes and practically filled to the brim.

We even bought a piece of Eunice's favorite chocolate flavored cake just to heighten up the ambiance. It's certainly a welcome choice of Japanese food and the price are reasonable.

We will patronize this restaurant whenever we are around the corner

Humanity

2011-10-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

1Malaysia Wedding at Pagoh RSA

2011-10-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

I was invited to attend a rather unique wedding being held at the Pagoh rest area along North-South Expressway recently. It is the wedding of Mr.Tai Lik Siang & Miss Lim Bee Sim.

The wedding ceremony encompass the traditions of various races in Malaysia thus it's being dubbed 1Malaysia Wedding.

It was definitely a joyous occasion amidst the splendor of traditions and customs all intertwined harmoniously to display the peace & harmony that's everlasting within the various races & ethnicity in Malaysia.

There's the combination of silat, lion dance, fire crackers and of course, traditional dresses of various ethnics in all their grandiose in display and the food are wonderful.

Jolly Great Time with Ann & friends!

2011-09-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

There's never a dull moment with Ann around. She can easily brings the house down .. literally! It's always a special occasion that we look forward to whenever Ann is back in town.

She's always the friend you can count on and especially to having a great time. I recall those days when I am in Sungai Petani, weekends are never bored. There will be an outing to having the best seafood or just simply hanging out together. My heart simply lights up whenever there's a call with Ann's caller ID.

We have arranged a special dinner for Ann & friends and we are glad that everyone enjoy the dinner at Peking Restaurant. We ordered the 'Poon Choi' which is a special combo of all the most appetizing & mouth watering ingredients together with fish & also roasted pork ribs.

After the sumptuous dinner, we adjourn for karaoke. It took a little while for everyone to warm up. But after a few drinks and getting into the mood, the song request never stops.

Yours truly even belted out my million & one Jacky Cheung's `A thousand reasons to be upset'. I was told that I sang better in Chinese than in English. Anyway, we certainly have the most wonderful time and didn't go home until 3am.

We joined Ann & June for brunch the next morning before she heads back to New York.

Moving Office

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have moved to a new office at the other wing. This office is a little bigger than the previous one. The move is required to facilitate Dept & functional requirements.

This office is a little bigger than the previous one which was a little smaller due to design & space constraints. The change in environment is most timely & I enjoyed getting the work place in order. But there's a slight flaw in the new office due to an oversight during renovation resulting in the workstation being on n the left side of the room where all the electrical mains are located. It's a little inconvenient for me as I am right handed. It just need to some getting used to.

It also gives me the opportunity to reorganize my office and I am happy that it also gives me the feel good feeling.

Inspiring Quotes

2011-08-23T18:48:00.001-07:00

Chembridge 2011 - Joint Mock-up Between Singapore & Malaysia

2011-07-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have the opportunity to watch the Chembridge 2011, a joint mock-up exercise by Singapore & Malaysia authorities in tackling possible hazardous chemical spill at the 2nd Link.

The response of the authorities from both countries are both, professional & commendable. It's most interesting to be able to witness all the hi-tech equipments being used to tackle the challenging situation. It's like scene from a sci-fi movie and everyone of the rescue personnel knew exactly what needs to be done to prevent a disaster.

There are more actions on the Singapore side of the bridge where the 'accident' occurred. The joint exercise even took to the sea upon drums of 'sulfuric acid' fell overboard.

I marvel at the golden opportunity to take some really exciting photographs of all the actions and I am glad to say that I am rather pleased with some of the shots I took.

More photos here.

Rewarding Experience at Canon EOS Photography Workshop

2011-07-06T02:16:00.000-07:00

It was a rewarding experience when I attended the Canon EOS Essential Photography Workshop at a golf club in Batu Pahat.

The workshop was conducted by En.Kamarul Akhir who's an experienced and respected journalist. I did managed to get a few important tips on photography. I guess I will not be using full auto mode of my Canon 550 after this.

The course is worthwhile and it's great to meet fellow photography enthusiast at the workshop. I am most impressed with two young boys who are really familiar with their Canon 550. They simply knows all the shortcuts to various functions of the camera.

A model was hired specially for the practical photography session. She's really photogenic & professional. It was really fun and I actually enjoyed capturing all the photography enthusiast in action.

I look forward to other more rewarding experience from Canon in the near future.

More photos here.

Fun Time at Rodzi's Wedding

2011-06-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

I was tasked to be the photographer for a colleague, Rodzi's wedding last Sunday. I am most honored to be given the task but I was a little worried, too, at the same time. What if I did not do a good job. There's a huge responsibility on my shoulders.. I meant .. my camera! After all, this is Rodzi's most important and once in a lifetime events of his life.

I was at his house in Pagoh at slightly pass noon. There were already streams of guests arriving and leaving the place already. I hope I am not too late. His 'Bersanding' or wedding ceremony is scheduled at 2pm. I have Rodzi's blessing to have a quick lunch before I embark on my given task. I am so glad that I took up the task.

I began snapping away immediately at guests enjoying the sumptuous lunch while awaiting for the bride & groom to get ready for the ceremony. The ceremony started on the dot with the couple strolling down the road with magical sounds of kompangs (traditional hand held drums) to announce the couple's arrival.

The couple were seated to be welcomed by a warrior performing the Silat before proceeding to the Dais to receive blessing from their parents, elders & relatives.

I took some personal shots of the couple which I hope they like. It's been a rather tiring day and I had a great time and even managed to take some nice shots of potential models in the making.

More photos here & here.

Fun Weekend in Melaka

2011-05-19T01:58:00.000-07:00

We had a short & fun weekend in Melaka. Our first stop were at our favorite chendol haunt. After having tasted most of the chendol haunts in Melaka, this remains the our favorite & a must whenever we touch down in Melaka. We had establish a rather good rapport with the Boss, Mr.Tan, who even shared with us the finer points in dishing our the best `Ponteh'. Ponteh is a traditional Baba-Nyoya dish and it's appetizing & tantalizing.

We settled for the budget hotel next to another favorite food joints of ours that serve mouth watering western food. The place is packed to the brim during peak dinner hours.

A visit to Melaka will not be complete without hunting for bargains at Jonker Walk.The street is packed with shops & paddlers with their exquisite & unique wares. We skip the boat ride this time around but were lucky to catch an exciting acrobatic performance at Cheng Ho Museum.As it's the last show for the night, we got in at a bargain of half prize.

We managed to savor the famous mouth watering chicken rice. There's always a long queue at the restaurant without fail. The rice were served in `ball' form. We had wanted to visit the Portuguese Settlement but ended up at the shopping complex as the weather is really really hot. The weather is just right for ice cream.

More photos here.

We proceed home after stopping over at Yong Peng for the delicious shark meat.

Feel Good & Early Birthday Present

2011-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

I bought myself a feel good present or rather an early birthday present. I think we need to pamper ourselves once a while.

Anyway, we really do need another lap top as it's an integral part of our lives now. It's within our budget and even comes with a 3 year warranty & loads of free gifts.

And I simply love the color, too!

Awesome time at Universal Studios, Singapore

2011-04-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome time at Universal Studios, Singapore. It was a day trip and last till the night. I must say that we manage to witness the most mesmerizing combination display of laser, fire & water show during the `Songs of the Sea' showcase.

We managed to catch the most entertaining Live Rock Musical, themed `Musical Rock' show. another attraction worth mentioning is the 4-D Shriek movie at the Far Far Away land. The special effects comes with rolls of rocking chairs and sprays of water. That was fun.

The awesome roller coaster rides were just way too much for me. I guess I will have to really find my missing courage to take that challenge during my next visit. We're pretty happy with just taking pictures with the Stars and some awesome staff at Universal Studio.

More pictures with the Stars here.

LONGEVITOLOGY (長生學) – MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

2011-03-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to Longevitology (長生學) by my good friends, MC Lim & Yai Kwang. I had missed out on the previous chances to be exposed & understand Longevitology(長生學) when it was held in Mersing & also Kluang previously.

It was fate & luck when I was informed that another class will be held in Kluang. I told myself that I am not going to miss this golden opportunity and even postponed a company training scheduled during the duration of the class.

I attended the class with an open heart and my priority is to be able to help the people I loved and helping others, which is one of my primary purposes in life. Life has been good to me so far although I developed a mild Stroke in 2003. I had since, been really careful with my diet and making sure that I have enough rest. Exercise is another department which I need to be more committed about.

With Longevitology (長生學), I hope to be able to revitalize my well being and lead a more healthy, fulfilling & meaningful life. Having the chance to help my loved ones & others will be one of my greatest encouragements.

I am most grateful to Prof.Lin Tzu-Chen for sharing her knowledge & experience on Longevitology (長生學) with us.

It has been a most inspiring and rewarding experience for me during the last few days. I felt the energy within me and I had an exhilarating appetite & slept better after my Chakra had been opened. I felt revitalized and full of energy. I look forward to share the joy & benefits of Longevitology (長生學) with my loved ones and being able & ever ready to help others whenever I can.

I take every opportunity to meditate to revitalize myself and I am most grateful & thankful for this wonderful experience and shall treasure & share the benefits of Longevitology (長生學) with everyone.

Simple & Yummy Valentine's Dinner

2011-02-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

We had a rather simple yet delicious Valentine's dinner. In order not to be caught in the rush & having to wait for hours for our food, we ended up at a Chinese Restaurant in Jusco Terbrau City.

We ordered quite a sumptuous meal ... & healthy at that, as our Valentine dinner this year. Our first choice Japanese Restaurant is fully booked and the earliest available slot is at 10pm .. so might as well forget it!

It's a simple yet fulfilling Valentine this year, I must say.

Then we read of wonderful news in The Star of Ken & Srivally.

Yummy Yummy Food in Taiwan

2011-01-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

Taiwan is famous for all their local cuisine & we certainly had a a feast and tastes of the wonderful varieties of food when we are there.

Our 1st stop at the 'Ah Zhong Mee Suah' which is situated just 5 minutes from where we stay. There's something really special about this stall. There are NO tables available, just some stools.But most people would enjoy the hot & tasty noodles just standing here & there. And there are no chopsticks either, just a simple plastic spoon & your special bowl of tasty 'Mee Suah'. It really makes you feels good after gulping down the hot & tasty 'Mee Suah' as you feels subtly warms-up after the meal. I am glad that managed to taste this specialty 4 times during our stay there.

Our next stop is 'Shiling Night Market'. There's a huge crowd and every stall are full of people. As one of our friend had done some homework before the trip, we dash to the list of stalls that he had so wholeheartedly researched and ordered from all the famous dishes available.

One of the most unforgettable dish is the super huge chicken chop and that's also aptly, the name of the stall. You can witness the single file long queue towards the stall. A guy would take your order and viola .. you can have your super duper Chicken Chop in a jiffy.

Throughout our few days in Taiwan, we partake in many more glorious & tasty food & food outlet which I shall touch on in the series of post to follow.

More pics at Yummy Food Pics in Taiwan.

Welcoming 2011 in Taiwan

2011-01-12T00:36:00.000-08:00

We went on a trip to Taiwan & welcome 2011 witnessing the fireworks at Taiwan's landmark, Taipei 101 Mall. We were well advised by our friendly taxi driver on the vintage point to catch the fireworks & it was a sight to behold. But alas, after some spectacular sparks & fireworks, the heavy smog kind of block the whole building but we still managed to be totally immersed in the festive atmosphere.

I am most impressed with the courtesy & discipline of the Taiwanese. They are always so well mannered and practically queue for everything. They would stand in a row on the right of escalators leaving a clear path for those who wants take a quicker pace to reach the top. There's NO jam on the escalator. They stand on the right as all vehicles are on Left-Hand drive. They would also queue at night markets and even inside the clubs (nightspots). It's already part of their culture. We could easily improve Malaysia's image if every Malaysian practices the same and may do wonders for Malaysian Tourism.

One of our most treasured moments in Taiwan is having the chance to meet up with my nephew, Vincent & Tiffany. We were treated to a sumptuous steamboat dinner at a posh restaurant in town. I am overwhelmed & happy to know that both of them are doing well in Taiwan.

More pics here & more to come.

Wonderful Potluck Christmas Dinner

2010-12-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

We just had a wonderful potluck dinner at Brian's place. The food is fantastic and Eunice made her delicious pasta. It's even better than Pizza Hut ... as far as I am concerned. I am many of those present agreed, too.

There's also the fried chicken which is not too far compared to KFC by Jessie. We exchanged gifts after dinner and I simply loves the opportunity to take some nice pictures and of course, the fantastic food.

We even exchange gifts after dinner. It's been a wonderful & meaningful Christmas.

More pictures at Christmas potluck dinner.

Yuletide is Here Again!!

2010-12-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's the time of the year to be merry & cheer about. And with all the Christmas decorations present at shopping complexes, it brings out the feel good & cheerful feelings from within.

I simply love to see all the Christmas decorations & shopping is more fun during this time of the year. We have something more to cheer about as we are about to embark on our trip to Taiwan after Christmas & doing the countdown to welcome 2011in Taiwan.

Wishing everyone Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year 2011!! The Gift

Landmarks in Renggam - Temples, Chinese Opera Shows & 'Five Star' Stall

2010-11-18T21:48:00.001-08:00

These are the two rather famous & popular temples located in Renggam. There would be traditional opera shows being held to celebrate the Deities Birthday. There is the "Tua Pek Kong" & also 'Tien Hou Gong" temples.

There was a huge tortoise at Tua Pek Kong temple but it has since been released back to it's natural habitat. People would come from as far as Perak during the Birthday celebrations to bid for the various items on auction. All monies collected would be channeled to the maintenance of the temples and also various charities.

It was noted that pilgrims & believers 'strikes' big from the number puzzles written by the 'Tong Xin' in trance. It is a very fascinating and interesting sight to behold with everyone crowding around to catch a glimpse of what's written. The 'puzzle' will be pasted on the wall for everyone to make their own guess. More often than not, pilgrims & believers do make a windfall. For those who wins, they would come back the following year and make offerings to the deities. But on top of every one's mind and heart is to seek blessings for good heath & well beings of their loved ones.

Recalling the wonderful times, what we look forward during the celebrations is to meet up with friends of all races who would travel from far & near to join in the festivities. It's a time to catch up and enjoy the various food & cuisines on offer. During those times, we would know who's around when we 'see' their parent's car in the vicinity. For example, we would know that Carol & Amelia is around when we see a black mini belonging to Carol's Dad.

Of the various stalls set up during the celebrations, there's one stall that stands out & it belong to Pak Hj Salleh. As Pak Hj Salleh's house is exactly opposite the temples, there's a hut where his most comfortable settee are brought out. It's like a 'Five Star' ambiance amongst all the stalls and the food are also 'Five Star', mind you.

We would hang out until the opera show ends which would be around 1am.

In Loving Memory of Elder Haslam

2010-11-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Elder Haslam passed away peacefully on 23rd Oct 2010 which also happens to be his 74th Birthday. Both Elder & Sister Haslam loves & dotes on Eunice so much and they are both like her parents to her ... & me, too! She called them Papa & Mama.

Although we only spend a brief 18 months together during their mission to Malaysia, our lives are so much enriched with love, joy, compassion & laughter that they had shared with everyone who have known them.

I am eternally grateful to Papa & Mama who had showered Eunice with their special tender loving care. It gave me much comfort and peace of mind whenever I am away for outstation duties. She will take her afternoon nap at her room at their apartment & well fed, too, with Mama's special spaghetti. Eunice, too, have her specialty, Japanese potato salad, which is every one's favorite, too.

Papa & Mama are also Eunice's pillar of strength & shoulder to cry on whenever she faces some problem. She never fails to rejuvenates and return to her fun & joyful self.

We have so much fun during Papa & Mama's mission here. Papa is detailed to the dot when comes to planning and arrangements for every activity. Each activity are planned to the minute detail, ensuring that everyone have enough food and transport to & from their home. They even have their very own cab driver who will respond immediately whenever they need to go anywhere. Of course, we will be their 1st choice & 1st class drivers whenever we're available and it's always a privilege & pleasure on our part.

I remember the thrill whenever Papa have his movie night. There's always great food prepared by Mama with help from everyone. Eunice always looks forward and ponders on what, amongst her various special dishes, she would cook for the event. I enjoy shopping with her for all the ingredients. I could sense her joy & enthusiasm whenever she has the opportunity to share her many special dishes. One of hers & every one's favorite is her That is enough to makes my day.

Another memorable moment is our trip to Kuala Lumpur. That's also my 1st time going up the Petronas Twin Towers. The banner of my blog is from our trip and taken by Eunice with Papa's camera. That makes the banner even more special. It was a most memorable trip for us. As it's almost Christmas then, the joy of Christmas are evident at all the places that we went to. We miss the KL Tower due to cloudy skies and are told that we could not see much of KL in that weather. We stayed at Melia Hotel and also visited the Batik centre.

Papa is always adventurous with food & we loves the same food. It's fun & heartwarming to see Eunice 'controlling' Papa's intake of junk food & 'No Soy Source' becomes a norm that all the waiter & waitress at Peking Restaurant adheres to the dot. Even when we're not with him, they would not serve him soy source even when he request for a 'little' bit. Of course, I am not spared either. That's Eunice. I love her for that.

Then there's the satay feast, the Japanese dinner to welcome 2008 and of course, the most sumptuous farewell dinner in Singapore before they flew back to US.

I am using Papa's phone when he left us as my phone was send for repair. I have a rather warm feeling of how much he loves both of us.

We loves you, Papa! ... forever & ever!

May your soul rest in peace!

Landmarks in Renggam - Renggam Post Office

2010-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today we visit another landmark in Renggam, which is the local Post Office. The Post Office had since been renovated & upgraded with air-condition. Now, it's the place to be when the weather is humid, the other place would be at the kind hair stylist.

I recalled when I was a young boy, I would loves to simply sleep on the cement plinth at the Post Office. The place is windy (cool) and the cement plinth is cold even when the weather is hot.

We would also find a place behind the Post Office where we would indulged in one of our favorite past time, plating Chinese chess. It's kind of something 'mahjong' like, not the traditional Chinese chess, which involves lots of strategy & thinking.The 'chips' will be in the form of rubber bands, cartoon cards and gradually we came to cold hard cash. The stake will be 20 cents to 50 cents and later one ringgit.

That's a lot of money during our 'time'. Our daily pocket money to school are between 20-50 cents.

There's always a feeling of nostalgia that flows up my spine whenever I walked into the post office and passing by the plinths which used to be my 'bed'. I wonder how I could even fit onto the cement plinth then, takes some degree of gymnast skills to lie comfortably.

I must mentioned that despite the changing of Post Masters over the years, we still gets the ever friendly and wholesome 1st Class service whenever we go there. I would recommend that Renggam Post Office be nominated as one of the best Post Office in Johore anytime.

Landmarks in Renggam - Kim Leng Bar & Restaurant

2010-10-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

Today we're visiting one of the most important landmark in Renggam and that is Kim Leng Bar & Restaurant.

You would probably be wondering why and how does a Restaurant became a landmark in Renggam and a rather important one at that.

This the the place where we rendezvous we take our long stroll to school every morning and it's the place to meet up during weekend and even festive season. The restaurant was run by Uncle Chow who was famous for his western cuisine. It's was the only place where hard liquor can be bought during those days. It's also the favorite restaurant where our primary school headmaster, Mr.Ratnasingam usually enjoys his tea. Mr.Ratnasingam and Uncle Chow are very good friends.

As Kim Leng was our 'usual' haunt, we would nonchalantly walked into the restaurant frequently. But it never fails to send shivers up our spine when we 'happen' to see Mr.Ratnasingam there. Being the kind man that he is, he would gives us his trademark kind & heartwarming smile but alas, on top of our mind then will be to find an excuse to bolt out of there as soon as possible. That's during our primary school days.

Uncle Chow simply dotes on me. He would buy the famous 'Cathay Restaurant 'siew pau' for me from Kluang whenever he does his marketing in the morning. The 'siew pau' would usually be sold out by 8.30am. It's the best 'siew pau' you can ever find. My usual quantity is 10 'siew pau' at one go. You won't be able to get them anymore since the restaurant moved to a new premise minus their traditional built-in oven.

Kim Leng is the place for celebration whenever we won a tournament. We used to have our very own football club which we named Angin Sports Club. It's one of the top team within our community and we had won various tournament and even ventured to neighboring towns to participate in their local tournament. We had some interesting and adventurous moments. That was fun.

Kim Leng is also the place where we gather for festivals. The siblings are all great cooks, be it, Western, Chinese, cakes, etc. In fact, anything that they dish out are fantastic. Amongst the siblings, Yai Kwang & Yew Lan are the famous chefs. And mind you, you don't expect to simply place an order and get what you want .. Yes! you have to pray & hope that they are `in the mood' to cook. It's fun to see patrons actually 'pleading' with them to please cook for them and mind you, customers wouldn't mind waiting for their food .. & NO complaining if the food are late. More often than not, everyone will not be disappointed and looks forward to their next meal there. I wonder how many restaurant in the world have such atmosphere.

The restaurant is closed now but the siblings do cook whenever they comes back for the weekend or during the festive season. Now Kim Leng is our recreational place for a session of mahjong with the good food, of course, whenever we gather together.