Sharing Means Caring

Save Palestine - where is Palestine?

2010-06-05T07:40:00.002+08:00

Items for sale

2010-02-07T23:02:00.004+08:00

Im moving out and selling some of my items.

8 seater solid wood dining table. Still in excellence conditio. RM740

Solid wood antique design TV cabinet. Looks new. Size : L182cm X W47cm X H82cm, RM830 SOLD OUT

3+2+1 sofa, RM350

IKEA Sofa bed, RM450

Kitchen cabinet, RM250

Fridge/ refrigerator. Brand Mitsubishi, RM420

Computer table, RM250

YBK buka pekung sendiri ?

2010-02-01T17:44:00.000+08:00

Tempoh hari apabila membaca artikel mengenai charity organization transparency membuatkan saya terpikir untuk menyumbangkan kepada charity organization yang tidak transperant tentang maklumat kewangan mereka. Namun hari ini segala kesangsian saya terjawab apabila membaca blog post mengenai YBK yang kini hangat di perkatakan dalam media utama.

Hakikatnya YBK berhutang (quit rent) dengan kerajaan negeri Selangor untuk satu plot tanah pemberian oleh kerajaan negeri. Salahkah pemiutang meminta duit dari penghutang....????

Itu baru sebahagian ceritanya, dan apabila depa dah buat bising maka ramai la mula cari siapa YBK, apa YBK buat dan tidak boleh lari ialah kedudukan kewangan sebenar YBK. Apa yang menarik ialah YBK sebagai sebuah charity organization membelanjakan lebih 50% duitnya untuk perbelanjaan general admin & other expenses dan kurang 50% untuk projek pembasmian kemiskinan. (baca artikel penuh disini) (juga boleh rujuk pada website YBK sendiri pada ruangan maklumat kewangan - klik disini) Charity organization ditubuhkan untuk membasmi kemiskinan namun untuk sustain the organization itself perlukan lebih duit,.....soo perlukan organisasi seperti ini at the first place. Mengikut artikel yang saya sebutkan diawal tadi, purata perbelanjaan admin untuk sesuatu charity adalah hanya 15% daripada keseluruhan perbelanjaan dia. Ada setengah2 charity seperti The Michael J. Fox Foundation set up to study Parkinson’s disease was cited for spending less than 3% of its budget on administrative costs, well below the average 15% that most charities spend. (baca artikel sepenuhnya disini)

Jadi apakah justifikasi untuk perbelanjaan admin yang begitu besar sedangkan kurang 50% peruntukkan yang dapat digunakan untuk membasmi kemiskinan.

1 lagi point to note is, YBK mempunyai duit lebih 20juta dalam simpanan...kenapa tak guna duit tu untuk bayar hutang dengan kerjaan negeri.....hmmmm permainan politik barangkali. (baca pendapat Dr Rafick disini) (Dr Rafick Khan Abdul Rahman did a wonderful job to raise RM8,467 in just four days for the Metro Tabernacle Church following the arson attack. He raised the issue in his blog, gave an account number for people to bank in their donations, and then published the bank statement after the drive was over. That’s accountability and transparency.)

Hmmm....so berapa banyak lagi cerita2 seperti ini yang tidak akan dapat dilihat di dada akhbar utama kita?????

Are Malaysia's charities transparent enough?

2010-02-01T17:22:00.000+08:00

Monday January 25, 2010

Are Malaysia's charities transparent enough?

Monday Starters - By Soo Ewe Jin

A FRIEND sent me a list of the 10 most fiscally responsible charities as published in the latest edition of Worth, a global wealth management magazine.
Other than World Vision, which was listed at No. 10, the other charities are probably not familiar to Malaysian readers.
But the list makes interesting reading because it outlines why these charities have got it right and also provides useful lessons on how we should gauge the worth of a charity.
Founded in 1992 in the United States, Worth is read mainly by high net-worth individuals.
It focuses on topics related to both wealth creation and wealth management, including philanthropy and passion investments.
So, obviously, the charities named in this list can expect more donations from such individuals who do not simply give their money away, but only to those that practise fiscal responsibility.
In Malaysia, we are always happy to give to one cause or another, or even direct to individuals facing some kind of hardship if they are featured in the media.
Dr Rafick Khan Abdul Rahman did a wonderful job to raise RM8,467 in just four days for the Metro Tabernacle Church following the arson attack.
He raised the issue in his blog, gave an account number for people to bank in their donations, and then published the bank statement after the drive was over.
That’s accountability and transparency.
Gone are the days when charities hold flag days or fun fairs to raise money.
Many prefer to get supporters to issue a standing order to the bank or credit card company to ensure prompt and regular donations.
But have you ever wondered how your money is being used?
Are you sure that the bulk of the money has gone into the programmes and not into administrative costs?
In perusing the Worth list, it is clear that the charities cited are responsible with the money given to them.
Give Kids The World, at No. 1, uses 93 cents of every US dollar on its programmes.
At No. 2 is the Environmental Defence Fund which spends 9 cents to raise a dollar in contributions.
In the United States, the typical charity spends 13 cents to raise a dollar.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation set up to study Parkinson’s disease was cited for spending less than 3% of its budget on administrative costs, well below the average 15% that most charities spend.
I hope by now you have started thinking about where your donation is going to and how your money is being used.
From the three examples cited, a good charity is one that spends most of its money on the cause; uses the least amount of money to raise funds; and spends the least on administration.
So, if you see the head of a charity driving around in an expensive car, you should ask to see the books.
I know it is not easy for some charities to raise funds.
The formula seems to be to hold a lavish fund-raising dinner at a five-star hotel, preferably with a VVIP in attendance, with some entertainment thrown in.
People who show up may wonder how much of the money raised has gone to the hotel and how much actually goes to the charity.
I am thankful that we are a charitable people, otherwise many charities will not be able to function and help those truly in need.
But it is just as important that we hold the charities to account, whether they are big or small.
I am glad that World Vision spends only 8.5% of its budget, globally, on fund-raising and for subscribing to various accountability and code of conduct standards and protocols, including the International NGO Accountability Charter and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross.
World Vision Malaysia CEO Liew Tong Ngan put it this way: “Accountability and transparency have and will always be the cornerstones of World Vision, globally and within the different countries in which we serve.
“As a responsible steward of our donors’ and supporters’ hard-earned money, we are constantly looking at ways to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness so that the maximum amount of funds is channelled to those in need.”
l Deputy executive editor Soo Ewe Jin believes that philanthrophy will grow if charities are transparent and held accountable for the money they receive and spend.

Church attacks: Student charged over Facebook posting (Update)

2010-01-15T19:06:00.002+08:00

Church attacks: Student charged over Facebook posting (Update)

By ZALINAH NOORDIN

zalinah@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Mohamad Tasyrif Tajudin, 25, was charged in the Sessions Court here over a post he made on social media network Facebook in relation to last week’s attacks on churches.
The offence comes under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 586) which can be charged under Section 233(3) of the same Act for making a threat with the intention of causing public unrest.
Section 233 covers the “improper” use of network facilities or services.
The second year student at the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara) faces one year’s jail or a RM50,000 fine or both if convicted.
He is alleged to have committed the offence on Jan 10 at B10-17-20, Block 10, Jalan PJS2B/1, in Desa Mentari here, posting a comment using the name Shahrul Maizam from his Facebook account.
The comment which was posted on his Facebook page read: “..ke nak aku baling bom petrol di sana pulak?...harga boleh runding..” (or do you want me to throw petrol bombs there now? charges are negotiable)
He is liable to RM10,000 bail but the case was postponed until Monday because the presiding Judge, Aslam Zainuddin was away on official duty at Shah Alam.
The charge was read before magistrate Koh Khuang Chin.
Mohamad Tasyrif was unrepresented while Deputy Public Prosecutor Dusuki Mokhtar led the prosecution.
He was first detained on Monday and after interrogation released on police bail.
Several churches and even one Sikh gurdwara have been the victims of arson or attempted arson attacks and vandalism over the last week, believed to be in response to a High Court ruling allowing the Catholic weekly Herald to use the word “Allah” as a translation for “God” in its Malay-language edition.
Related Stories:

Miracle on the Hudson: One Year Later

2010-01-15T19:02:00.000+08:00

Miracle on the Hudson: One Year Later

by Mike Krumboltz

13 hours ago

On January 15, 2009, US Airways flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. Amazingly, nobody on the flight was seriously injured. The event became known as "the Miracle on the Hudson," and pilot Chesley Sullenberger became an instant celebrity. One year later, interest in the flight and its key players continues to rock the Search box.
Over the past year, Captain Sullenberger (aka "Sully") went from being just another pilot asking that you please not hog the overhead bins to everyone's personal hero. He was invited to attend the inauguration of President Obama and served as the Grand Marshal at the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. Time magazine named him as one the most influential people of 2009. He even wrote a book, "Highest Duty." He was also the recent subject of a documentary on TLC entitled "Brace for Impact."
Mr. Sullenberger got the lion's share of attention following the amazing landing, but an unlikely love story between two passengers also scored big buzz. Ben Bostic and Laura Zych were strangers when they boarded the flight, not knowing that they were about to be part of a terrifying and triumphant event. After meeting at a reunion for the flight's survivors, the two struck up a conversation and one thing led to another. Now, they're a couple. Talk about having a great story whenever somebody asks how you met your significant other.
Of course, there were dozens of passengers on the flight, and while everyone walked away with their lives, many continue to struggle with post-traumatic stress. An article from the AP explains how some folks who were on flight 1549 are still too afraid to board planes. Others can't bring themselves to go swimming. For others, heights are now terrifying. Later this week, some of the survivors, including Sully, will gather near the spot in the Hudson where the plane went down. At the anniversary of the moment of impact "they will raise their glasses in a toast." Clearly, despite any hardships, they all have a lot to be grateful for.

Source: www.yahoo.com

Smoke Detector Guidelines

2009-12-29T23:44:00.003+08:00

Smoke Detector Tips

Smoke alarms save precious minutes -- alerting families to danger before smoke and gases can overcome them. In a home fire, smoke detectors are your best protection.

Placement of smoke detectors:

Location. Consider which parts of the house need protecting, where a fire would be most dangerous and how many units are needed. Plan one for each floor or level.

Sleeping areas. Put a detector within 10 feet of each bedroom door, preferably in the hallway. In a hallway longer than 30 feet, install one at each end. A unit in each room provides maximum protection.

Living room. Keep detector away from a fireplace to avoid false alarms.

Hall and stairwell. Place a detector at the top of each stairwell and at each end of a long hall.

Kitchen (eating/dining area) - Keep detector away from cooking fumes.

Basement. Mount a detector on the ceiling/beam at the bottom of the stairs, away from the exhaust of a heating unit.

Installation:

Read the installation instructions that come with the detector.

Keep units 6 inches away from the dead air space near walls and corners.

If mounted on a wall, place unit 6-12 inches below the ceiling and away from a corner.

Do not place a detector closer than 3 feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke.

Do not place a unit on an uninsulated exterior wall or ceiling.

Place smoke detectors at least 3 feet from ceiling fans.

Maintenance:

Check the alarm every 30 days. Push test button or fan smoke underneath the unit.

Replace batteries twice a year.

Clean the detector's face and grill to remove dust or grease.

Keep spare batteries on hand.

Follow manufacturer's instructions.

Remember, from the time a fire starts, family members have less than 4 minutes to escape. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire unless it can be put out in a few seconds.

Source : http://www.mvfra.org

10 Tips For Fire Safety

2009-12-29T23:43:00.002+08:00

1. Install Smoke Detectors.
WORKING SMOKE DETECTORS can alert you to a fire in your home in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your sleeping area as well.
Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use - a disabled detector can't save your life. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.

2. Plan Your Escape From Fire.
IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT in your home, you have to get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and agreeing on an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed exits - doors and windows - from every room. (If you live in an apartment building, do not include elevators in your escape plan.) Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they escape. Have your entire household practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

3. Keep An Eye On Smokers.
Careless smoking can cause of fire deaths. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly. Provide smokers with large, deep non-tip ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them. Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.

4. Cook Carefully.
Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't grab them. Enforce a "Kid-Free Zone" three feet (one meter) around your kitchen stove. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.

5. Give Space Heaters Space.
Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet (one meter) from anything that can burn. keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.

6. Remember: Matches And Lighters Are Tools, Not Toys.
In a child's hand, matches and lighters can be deadly. Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where small children can't see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys, and should be used only by adults or with adult supervision. Teach young children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring matches or lighters to an adult immediately.

7. Cool A Burn.
Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or any grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately. Never use ice.

8. Use Electricity Safely.
If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Dont' tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses.

9. Crawl Low Under Smoke.
During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air is cleaner near the floor. If you encounter smoke while you are escaping from a fire, use an alternate escape route.

10. Stop, Drop And Roll.
If your clothes catch fire, don't run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.

Source : http://www.mvfra.org

Get a package of fire extinguishing kit consists of 1 Fire extinguisher, 1 Fire Blanket and 1 Smoke Detector for only RM125. Free delivery within Peninsular Malaysia. Read more here.

Home Guard - Fire Protection For Your House

2009-12-29T23:08:00.006+08:00

Product	: HomeGuard
Description	:
- 1 unit 1kg ABC dry powder Fire Extinguisher - 1 unit Battery Operated Smoke Detector - 1 unit 4' x 4' Fire Blanket

This product is a must for every house.
Price RM125 (free delivery within Peninsular Malaysia).
Please call me at

Read more on Smoke Detector here.

1 Car 1 Fire Extinguisher

2009-12-28T23:37:00.001+08:00

Sungguh sedih membaca berita ini, saya tak dapat bayangkan perasaan mereka yang terlibat untuk cuba menyelamatkan mangsa. Yang lebih menyedihkan lagi ketidakupayaan orang yang berada disitu untuk membantu memadamkan api.

Saya sendiri sering tertanya-tanya kenapa kereta yang terbakar tiada siapa yang mampu memadamkannya. Namun sekarang setelah saya sendiri mengikuti banyak kursus-kursus keselamatan dan terutamanya kursus memadam kebakaran saya faham kenapa usaha kita gagal. Jadi saya terpanggil untuk kongsi maklumat ini supaya ianya menjadi teladan kepada kita dan InsyaAllah moga ianya berguna untuk menyelamatkan nyawa orang.

1. Untuk kebakaran terjadi, ia memerlukan 3 elemen iaitu api (haba), udara (Oksigen) dan bahan mudah terbakar (combustible). Tanpa tiga2 elemen wujud sekali kebakaran tidak akan terjadi.Kalau petrol (bahan mudah terbakar) dan udara sahaja wujud kebakaran tidak akan terjadi, namun apabila elemen pelengkap iaitu api (dalam apa jua bentuk, eg. : percikan api) wujud maka kebakaran akan terjadi.

Sebab itulah kita dilarang hisap rokok/ menyalakan api distesen2 minyak dan untuk sebab yang sama juga kita tidak dibenarkan menggunakan telefon bimbit (H/p boleh hasilkan arka elektrik)

2. Untuk memadamkan kebakaran, kita hendaklah putuskan rantaian 3 elemen tadi. Ini boleh dilakukan dengan menghilankan satu / dua elemen dalam rangkaian kebakaran tersebut. Agen yang perlu kita gunakan untuk memadamkan api bergantung kepada jenis kebakaran. Kebanyakan kebakaran boleh dipadamkan menggunakan air namun ada setengah-setengah kebakaran lebih mudah dan selamat dipadamkan menggunkan agen pemadaman yang lain. Untuk kebakaran minyak, agen pemadaman yang lebih sesuai ialah buih (foam) atau debu kering (dry powder).

3. Kebakaran kenderaan selalunya melibatkan minyak (petrol/ diesel / minyak hitam). Kebakaran kenderaan boleh dipadam dengan air namun kita perlukan kuantiti yang banyak untuk memadamkan kebakaran minyak. Selalunya apabila terjadi kebakaran kenderaan kita jauh daripada sumber air. Berikutan itu, cara yang terbaik untuk memadamkan api ini adalah menggunakan buih atapun debu kering. (Baca disini mengenai cara memilih jenis alat pemadam api) Debu kering diklasifikasikan sebagai alat pemadam api kelas A,B dan C.

4. Malangnya kenderaan2 di Malaysia jarang dilengkapi dengan alat pemadam api mudah alih (debu kering) ini. Di setengah-tengah negara alat pemudam api adalah salah satu kemestian sebagai sebahagian aksesori kereta. (baca keperluan-keperluan membawa kenderaan di Eropah disini.)

Saya merasakan kita hendalaklah melabur untuk membeli sebuah alat pemadam api mudah alih yang harganya teramat sangat murah untuk dibandingkan dengan nyawa seperti kes diatas dimana jika salah seorang mereka yang berada ditempat kejadian mempunyai alat pemadam api maka api tersebut dapat dikawal. Dalam kes ini, mereka telah cuba menggunakan air untuk memadamkan api tersebut dan seperti yang telah saya terangkan, kita memerlukan air yang banyak untuk memadamkan api ini.

Banyak juga kes-kes dimana kenderaan yang tidak terlibat dalam kemalangan namun disebabkan 'overheat' terbakar. Jika ini terjadi kepada kenderaan kita sendiri, sudah pasti alat pemadam api ini mampu selamatkan harta kita. Apalah nilai alat pemadam api ni jika hendak dibandingkan dengan harga kereta kita.

Beberapa fakta mengenai alat pemadam api mudah alih debu kering (ABC Powder)
1. Debu kering ini sesuai untuk digunakan untuk hampir semua jenis kebakaran (minyak, alat elektrik mahupun kayu)
2. Alat pemadam api ni terdapat dalam beberapa saiz. (biasanya 1kg, 3kg dan 9kg) Untuk kenderaan, saiz yang sesuai adalah 1kg.
3. Untuk kegunaan dirumah boleh digunakan saiz 3kg ataupun 9kg.
4. Debu kering tidak merbahaya jika terkena pada kulit (untuk kulit normal) namun berhati-hati supaya tidak terhidu dalam kuantiti yang banyak dan juga elakkan daripada termasuk kedalam mata.
5. Jika hendak beli alat ini, pastikan ianya adalah yang mendapat kelulusan daripada Bomba
6. Pastikan juga ianya mempunyai petunjuk tekanan supaya anda tahu samada ianya boleh digunakan atau tidak.

Kaedah penggunaan
1. Sila ikut arahan yang terdapat dalam label produk
2. Halakan hos / muncung pada sumber api iaitu dibawah nyalaan dan sembur. Tembak dan 'sway' muncung/ hos tersebut.
3. semasa sembur pastikan anda sembur searah dengan arah angin dan bukan bertentang. (untuk elakkan debu tersebut meniup kearah kita)
(watch the video here)

Dimana boleh saya dapatkan
1. Alat pemadam api ini boleh dibeli dari kedai-kedai yang menjual alat-alat keselamatan

2. Saya juga ada menjual alat pemadam api mudah ini dengan harga yang berpatutan.
Ciri-ciri produk
- Mempunyai kelulusan Bomba
- Mematuhi Standard Malaysia (Malaysian Standard)
- Mempunyai Kelulusan Sirim Malaysia
- Mempunyai petunjuk tekanan

Harga seunit PFE 1kg hanya RM65 sahaja (kos penghantaraan PERCUMA untuk semenanjung Malaysia) Jangan anggap ianya sebagai KOS, anggaplah ianya adalah sebagai satu PELABURAN. Pelaburan yang mungkin dapat menyelamatkan nyawa anda, keluarga anda mahupun orang lain.

Untuk maklumat lanjut dan urusan pesanan sila hubungi saya di 019-5756400 atau email ke huzaifahm@yahoo.com. Bayaran boleh dilakukan melalui bank-in atau transfer ke akaun Bank Islam, Maybank atau Public Bank.

Kerajaan mengalakkan semua pemilik kenderaan untuk memiliki alat pemadam api mudah alih ini...baca disini.

"Don't let your dreams go up in smoke - practice fire safety"

How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video

2009-12-28T23:34:00.002+08:00

Fire Classification

2009-12-28T22:42:00.001+08:00

correct fire extinguishent agents to be used depends on the type of fire. Listed below the classes of extinguishers with relevant type of fire.

Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.
Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.
Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.

IMPORTANT DRIVING IN FRANCE NEWS!

2009-12-28T22:29:00.001+08:00

Some items you should be carrying when Driving in France:

UK Driving License - Compulsory to carry this when driving in France - failure = on the spot fines!

Car registration documents - log book must be carried with you at all times. This can also incur an on the spot fine!

Headlamp Adaptors - UK vehicles are designed for driving on the left hand side of the road this will mean that when driving in France you will dazzle oncoming drivers. Failure to adapt your headlamps will render the vehicle UNFIT for the road. invalidating your motor insurance and could result in a spot fine

GB Stickers - these are required by International Law to indicate Country of Registration

Warning Triangles - In France warning triangle must be placed 50 - 150 metres behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic if your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident. Hazard warning lights alone are not sufficient

Fluorescent Safety Vest - Obligatory to carry this in your vehicle while driving in France, in fact it must be within reach so that if you have an accident or breakdown, you can get out of the car you were driving with it on, so don't put it in the boot of your car!

Spare Bulbs - All car lamps, lenses and reflectors must be in working order at all times - failure to replace a broken bulb could result in a spot fine so always carry spares for all your car lights

Spare Specs - Yes a spare pair of glasses are required if you have contact lenses and are going to be driving in France.

First Aid Kit - A First Aid kit must be carried in your vehicle at all times when driving in France.

Fire Extinguisher - If you fail to render assistance in the event of a fire or take necessary precautions to prevent a fire from escalating is an offence

Insurance Policies - If the driver/owner of a vehicle fails to comply with the law and fails to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the country he intends to visit could result in the insurance company repudiating liability under the Policy.

Failure to Comply - On the spot fines can be imposed In the event of prosecution and conviction for failure to comply with the legal requirements of EU countries.

Fire extinguishers for cars

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000+08:00

Fire extinguishers for cars

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Bernama

Thursday, November 12th, 2009 05:40:00

DEPUTY Transport Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew has urged motorists to keep a portable fire extinguisher in their cars as a safety measure.
He said motor vehicle fires have increased in recent years, with 800 cases of car res reported last year, equivelant to two cars fires a day.
“Car owners who are equipped with a car extinguisher as the ‘ first line of fire defence’ can save lives and
prevent injuries from motor vehicle fires.”
Lau also said awareness level among motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts was still very low, especially for rear passengers, as surveys showed that only 15 per cent complied with the rear seat belt ruling.
“This is serious matter as research shows that 350 lives can be saved annually if rear seat passengers buckle up,” he said.
The Malaysian Statistics Department data shows there are more than 11 million cars in Malaysia, but more than 95 per cent are not equipped with fire extinguishers.

Tolong, potong kaki saya!

2009-12-28T21:50:00.001+08:00

Oleh Zalifah Mohd Yatim
zalifah@hmetro.com.my

TANGKAK: “Tolong selamatkan saya, potong saja kaki saya, tolong keluarkan saya.” Begitu kata-kata terakhir seorang lelaki yang rentung bersama tiga anaknya selepas van mereka naiki terbalik sebelum terbakar dalam kemalangan ngeri membabitkan empat kenderaan di Jalan Muar-Tangkak di Parit Bunga di sini, malam kelmarin.

Dalam kejadian jam 10.30 malam itu, Ong Dun Siong, 46, dan dua anak lelakinya, Ong Zhen Hui, 10, dan Ong Zhen Qi, 6, rentung dalam van berkenaan manakala seorang lagi anak lelakinya, Ong Zhen Jie, 3, meninggal dunia kira-kira jam 4 pagi semalam ketika dirawat di Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF) Muar.

Kemalangan turut menyebabkan isteri mangsa, Tan Kock Yew, 37, dan anak lelaki bongsu mereka, Ong Zhen Li yang baru berusia setahun serta seorang lagi rakan sekerja mangsa berusia 20-an dikenali Chan Chen Too, terselamat dengan hanya cedera ringan.

Saksi, Abdul Aziz Samad, 21, berkata dia bersama sepupu dalam perjalanan ke tapak expo di Dataran Tanjung Emas apabila terserempak kemalangan itu.

Menurutnya, dia antara saksi terawal di tempat kejadian dan cuba membantu beberapa ahli keluarga itu keluar dari kenderaan sebelum van terbabit terbakar dan meletup.

“Keadaan begitu menyayat hati apabila pemandu van itu merayu supaya diselamatkan walaupun sanggup kakinya dipotong,” katanya.

Seorang kenalan mangsa, Tay Kock Yew, 46, berkata keluarga terbabit dalam perjalanan dari Muar ke Tangkak untuk menghantar seorang rakan selepas menghadiri majlis keagamaan di sebuah gereja di sini.

Katanya, mangsa yang juga pekerja di Gereja Calvary di Jalan Kim Kee turut menghadiri dan mempengerusikan satu majlis keagamaan sempena sambutan Krismas yang berlangsung dari jam 8 hingga 10 malam kejadian.

“Dia baru mempengerusikan majlis keagamaan di gereja, tidak sampai setengah jalan perjalanan untuk menghantar seorang rakan sekerjanya pulang ke Tangkak apabila kami dikejutkan dengan berita nahas ngeri itu,” katanya ketika ditemui di pekarangan HPSF di sini, awal pagi semalam.

Pasukan Bomba dan Penyelamat Muar dan Ledang bergegas ke tempat kejadian bagi memadamkan kebakaran dan operasi mengeluarkan tiga mangsa yang rentung.

Kedua-dua anak Siong ditemui rentung di tempat duduk belakang van berkenaan manakala Siong ditemui tersepit di tempat duduk pemandu.

Ketua Polis Daerah Ledang, Superintendan Harun Idris, berkata kemalangan meragut nyawa empat sekeluarga itu berlaku membabitkan empat kenderaan termasuk van Nissan Vanette dinaiki keluarga itu.

Katanya, siasatan awal dijalankan mendapati sebuah Toyota Wish bernombor pendaftaran Singapura dari arah Muar ke Tangkak dipercayai cuba membelok ke simpang kanan laluan berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun, menurutnya, kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) itu dipercayai lambat membelok menyebabkan sebuah Toyota Innova yang datang arah Tangkak ke Muar terlanggar bahagian belakang sebelum memasuki laluan bertentangan dan bertembung van dinaiki keluarga itu.

“Sebuah kereta Toyota Vios yang berada di belakang van berkenaan pula melanggar belakang kenderaan mangsa menyebabkannya terpelanting sebelum terbalik dan terbakar berikutan terdapat kebocoran pada tangki minyak,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, mayat ketiga-tiga mangsa yang rentung dihantar ke Rumah Mayat Hospital Tangkak untuk dibedah siasat manakala seorang lagi mangsa meninggal dunia di HPSF sebelum keluarganya menuntut mayat mereka, jam 12.30 tengah hari, semalam.

Katanya, seorang lelaki iaitu pemandu warga Singapura berusia 30 tahun ditahan malam kelmarin untuk diambil keterangan bagi membantu siasatan mengikut Seksyen 41 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan.

“Bagaimanapun, lelaki itu dibebaskan dengan jaminan polis, pagi semalam sementara tindakan lanjut dikenakan terhadapnya,” katanya.

Kejadian ini mampu dielakkan....ini mungkin juga terjadi kepada anda...baca disini apa yang perlu anda tahu mengenai kebakaran kenderaan dan bagaimana ianya boleh dielakkan.

Man and two sons die in burning van after crash

2009-12-28T21:47:00.000+08:00

Death trap Curious onlookers gathering to look at the vehicle that burst into flames killing Ong and two of his children soon after the accident near Parit Bunga off Tangkak in Johor late on Saturday night. A third son died at the hospital later

The Star Online > Nation

Monday December 28, 2009

Man and two sons die in burning van after crash
By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

TANGKAK: A church worker and his two sons were burnt to death after their van crashed into another vehicle and burst into flames late Saturday.
Another son died hours later at the hospital.
Ong Duu Siong, 46, and sons Zhen Suai, seven, and Zhen Zhee, four, died on the spot while another son Zhen Jie, three, died at the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar.
Ong’s wife Tan Yee King and their one-year-old son Zhen Li were also rushed to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Ledang police chief Supt Harun Idris said the accident occurred at 11.30pm when the family was near Parit Bunga.
Ong, who worked with the Calvary Church in Muar, was driving behind a Singapore-registered car when the car suddenly turned into a house.
A car coming from the opposite direction swerved to avoid crashing into the Singapore-registered car and rammed instead into Ong’s van, he said.
The van skidded and burst into flames.
Ong was partly burnt but his sons were charred beyond recognition. He said their identification documents were also burnt.
Although Tan had no external injuries, she was traumatised, he said, adding that the police had detained the driver of the Singapore-registered car.
Meanwhile, relatives who gathered at the hospital asked reporters not to interview Tan as she was not well and needed emergency treatment.

The meaning of this nasheed is beautiful!

2009-12-27T09:58:00.000+08:00

So many colors

Bowing before you
Sisters and brothers
All grateful to you

The more we learn to read your signs
That are concealed between the lines
The more were drawn towards the light

Open my eyes so I can see
The light of hope you sent to me
The rain that brings me back to life

Malaysia Muslims sour over revamped pork soup

2009-12-23T23:04:00.002+08:00

Malaysia Muslims sour over revamped pork soup

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian government-backed campaign to popularize a well-known ethnic Chinese soup by making a version that avoids pork and fulfills Islamic dietary rules sparked criticism Tuesday by activists who fear it will confuse Muslims.
A halal version of "bak kut teh," a herbal broth traditionally made with pork ribs, was introduced at a Tourism Ministry food fair last weekend to promote local cuisine. The new version contains chicken, seafood or vegetables instead of pork, which Islam prohibits.
However, some Muslims object to the use of "bak kut teh" to identify the revamped recipe, saying the name is synonymous with pork among people in Muslim-majority Malaysia and neighboring Singapore, where the dish is beloved by the ethnic Chinese community.
"Bak kut teh" means "meat bone tea" in a Chinese dialect, but the meat is generally understood to be pork.
"This will cause misunderstanding among the public. It might even lead some Muslims to wonder whether it is all right to eat pork," said Ma'mor Osman, secretary general of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association.
The association plans to send a complaint to the Tourism Ministry, urging it to find a new name for the halal version, Ma'mor told The Associated Press.
The Department of Islamic Development, a government group that oversees Islamic policies, reportedly said it won't allow the dish to be formally certified as halal if it continues to be named "bak kut teh."
Islamic authorities are worried that Muslims will wrongly assume that the soup's pork version is suitable for consumption, the department's deputy director, Lokman Abdul Rahman, told the Utusan Malaysia newspaper.
Tourism Ministry officials who could comment on the matter were not immediately available. The ministry has spearheaded many culinary promotion efforts this year, hoping to project Malaysia as a travel destination for a wide variety of unique dishes.

Scomi Financial Highlights

2009-12-22T06:52:00.000+08:00

Currency in Millions of Malaysian Ringgits	As of:	Jan 02 2006 Restated	Jan 02 2007 Restated	Jan 02 2008 Reclassified	Jan 02 2009	4-Year Trend
Revenues		1,068.0	1,577.5	1,955.5	2,106.1
TOTAL REVENUES		1,068.0	1,577.5	1,955.5	2,106.1
Cost of Goods Sold		802.2	1,126.5	1,399.2	1,562.9
GROSS PROFIT		265.8	451.0	556.3	543.2
Selling General & Admin Expenses, Total		209.2	302.7	355.4	401.8
Other Operating Expenses		-165.6	-20.8	-149.9	-45.9
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES, TOTAL		43.6	281.9	205.5	355.9
OPERATING INCOME		222.2	169.1	350.8	187.3
Interest Expense		-42.2	-77.1	-80.5	-69.8
Interest and Investment Income		0.3	--	--	--
NET INTEREST EXPENSE		-41.9	-77.1	-80.5	-69.8
Income (Loss) on Equity Investments		6.4	29.9	23.6	28.0
Currency Exchange Gains (Loss)		--	-1.1	10.7	-6.7
Other Non-Operating Income (Expenses)		--	--	-18.1	1.3
EBT, EXCLUDING UNUSUAL ITEMS		186.8	120.7	286.4	140.2
EBT, INCLUDING UNUSUAL ITEMS		186.8	120.7	286.4	140.2
Income Tax Expense		13.9	13.0	4.3	3.9
Minority Interest in Earnings		-21.2	-15.3	-25.0	-19.7
Earnings from Continuing Operations		151.7	92.4	257.1	116.6
NET INCOME		151.7	92.4	257.1	116.6
NET INCOME TO COMMON INCLUDING EXTRA ITEMS		151.7	92.4	257.1	116.6
NET INCOME TO COMMON EXCLUDING EXTRA ITEMS		151.7	92.4	257.1	116.6

source : http://investing.businessweek.com

You are what you eat

2009-12-20T22:36:00.003+08:00

You are what you eat, so eat well. A stupendous insight of civilizations past has now been confirmed by today's investigative, nutritional sciences. They have shown that what was once called "The Doctri NE of Signatures" was astoundingly correct. It now contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides the eater. Here is just a short list of examples of Whole Food Signatures.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemica l cons tituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterilit y, and guess what they resemble?.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Grapefruits, Oranges, and O there C itrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes

You are what you eat

2009-12-20T22:35:00.001+08:00

Lesson on Communication

2009-12-20T22:29:00.000+08:00

Humourous
Lesson on Communication

How to frustrate your Doctor!

A man comes running to the doctor shouting and
screaming in pain "Please doctor, you've got to help me. I've been stung
by a bee."

DOCTOR: "Don't worry; I'll put some cream on it."

MAN: "You will never find that bee. It must be miles away by now."

DOCTOR: "No, you don't understand! I'll put some
cream on the place you were stung."

MAN: "Oh! It happened in the garden where I was
sitting under a tree."'

DOCTOR (in anger): "No, no, you IDIOT! I mean on which part of your body
did that bee sting."

MAN (still screaming in pain): "On my finger! The bee stung me on my
finger and it really hurts."

DOCTOR : "Ok.Which one?"

MAN (innocently) : "How would I know? All bees look the same to me."

Warren Buffet

2009-12-20T00:51:00.000+08:00

Hard work : All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Laziness : Sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.
Earnings : Never depend on a single source of income.
Spending : If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.
Savings : Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.
Accounting : It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.
Auditing : Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.
Risk-taking : Never test the depth of the river with both feet.
Investment : Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

PMR results out on Dec 24

2009-12-18T01:30:00.000+08:00

PMR results out on Dec 24

KUALA LUMPUR: The results of the 2009 Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination will be announced on Dec 24, Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said on Thursday.

Students can obtain the results from their schools from 10am on that day while private candidates will receive theirs by mail, he said in a statement.

A total of 475,182 candidates sat for the examination. -- Bernama

Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week?

2009-12-10T21:05:00.002+08:00

Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week?

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

Getty Images

A few years ago, researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan put rats through a series of swim tests with surprising results. They had one group of rodents paddle in a small pool for six hours, this long workout broken into two sessions of three hours each. A second group of rats were made to stroke furiously through short, intense bouts of swimming, while carrying ballast to increase their workload. After 20 seconds, the weighted rats were scooped out of the water and allowed to rest for 10 seconds, before being placed back in the pool for another 20 seconds of exertion. The scientists had the rats repeat these brief, strenuous swims 14 times, for a total of about four-and-a-half minutes of swimming. Afterward, the researchers tested each rat’s muscle fibers and found that, as expected, the rats that had gone for the six-hour swim showed preliminary molecular changes that would increase endurance. But the second rodent group, which exercised for less than five minutes also showed the same molecular changes.

The potency of interval training is nothing new. Many athletes have been straining through interval sessions once or twice a week along with their regular workout for years. But what researchers have been looking at recently is whether humans, like that second group of rats, can increase endurance with only a few minutes of strenuous exercise, instead of hours? Could it be that most of us are spending more time than we need to trying to get fit?

The answer, a growing number of these sports scientists believe, may be yes.

“There was a time when the scientific literature suggested that the only way to achieve endurance was through endurance-type activities,” such as long runs or bike rides or, perhaps, six-hour swims, says Martin Gibala, PhD, chairman of the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. But ongoing research from Gibala’s lab is turning that idea on its head. In one of the group’s recent studies, Gibala and his colleagues had a group of college students, who were healthy but not athletes, ride a stationary bike at a sustainable pace for between 90 and 120 minutes. Another set of students grunted through a series of short, strenuous intervals: 20 to 30 seconds of cycling at the highest intensity the riders could stand. After resting for four minutes, the students pedaled hard again for another 20 to 30 seconds, repeating the cycle four to six times (depending on how much each person could stand), “for a total of two to three minutes of very intense exercise per training session,” Gibala says.

Each of the two groups exercised three times a week. After two weeks, both groups showed almost identical increases in their endurance (as measured in a stationary bicycle time trial), even though the one group had exercised for six to nine minutes per week, and the other about five hours. Additionally, molecular changes that signal increased fitness were evident equally in both groups. “The number and size of the mitochondria within the muscles” of the students had increased significantly, Gibala says, a change that, before this work, had been associated almost exclusively with prolonged endurance training. Since mitochondria enable muscle cells to use oxygen to create energy, “changes in the volume of the mitochondria can have a big impact on endurance performance.” In other words, six minutes or so a week of hard exercise (plus the time spent warming up, cooling down, and resting between the bouts of intense work) had proven to be as good as multiple hours of working out for achieving fitness. The short, intense workouts aided in weight loss, too, although Gibala hadn’t been studying that effect. “The rate of energy expenditure remains higher longer into recovery” after brief, high-intensity exercise than after longer, easier workouts, Gibala says. Other researchers have found that similar, intense, brief sessions of exercise improve cardiac health, even among people with heart disease.

There’s a catch, though. Those six minutes, if they’re to be effective, must hurt. “We describe it as an ‘all-out’ effort,” Gibala says. You’ll be straying “well out of your comfort zone.” That level of discomfort makes some activities better-suited to intense training than others. “We haven’t studied runners,” Gibala says. The pounding involved in repeated sprinting could lead to injuries, depending on a runner’s experience and stride mechanics. But cycling and swimming work well. “I’m a terrible swimmer,” Gibala says, “so every session for me is intense, just because my technique is so awful.”
Meanwhile, his lab is studying whether people could telescope their workouts into even less time. Could a single, two- to three-minute bout of intense exercise confer the same endurance and health benefits as those six minutes of multiple intervals? Gibala is hopeful. “I’m 41, with two young children,” he says. “I don’t have time to go out and exercise for hours.” The results should be available this fall.

The Phys Ed column will appear here in Well every Wednesday and also in print once a month, in the Sunday magazine. In it, Gretchen Reynolds, who is working on a book about the frontiers of fitness, will write about what the latest science can tell us about how to make ourselves stronger, more flexible, less prone to pain and generally fitter and healthier. We want to hear what you think, so stay tuned and offer your comments and questions.

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Some items you should be carrying when Driving in France:

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Tolong, potong kaki saya!

Man and two sons die in burning van after crash

The meaning of this nasheed﻿ is beautiful!

Malaysia Muslims sour over revamped pork soup

Malaysia Muslims sour over revamped pork soup

Scomi Financial Highlights

You are what you eat

You are what you eat

Lesson on Communication

Warren Buffet

PMR results out on Dec 24

Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week?

Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week?

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The meaning of this nasheed is beautiful!