Life's Happenings

To Reduce Is To Increase

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Many Malaysians are baffled by the government who flip flops with various actions. In order to reduce certain usages (of services or products) by the citizens of Malaysia, the government has to implement some drastic action to discourage Malaysians.

For example (what I could recall after laughing over it with my colleagues):-

a) To discourage people from travelling overseas, the government will increase the application fee for an international passport.

b) To discourage people from using motor vehicles of more than fifteen years, government decided to get those car owners to spend more to conduct vehicle inspection on the road worthiness. In other words (from certain car industry people), it's to encourage such car owners to spend more to buy the Proton cars.

c) To discourage people from using / discontinue the RON 92 petrol, government said that RON 95 and RON 97 of higher prices are of better petrol quality. In Europe, cars are still running on RON 92 which makes foreign produced cars a better choice as it could run on cheaper fuel and this will affect the sales of local made cars as local made cars may not perform well in RON 92.

d) To prevent people from spending too much, government decided to impose a RM50 penalty for each credit card held.

e) To prevent people from getting diabetes or consume too much sugar, government may discontinue subsidy for this item which will definitely increase the price for sugar.

f) To prevent people from buying cigarettes, the government will enforce cigarette packaging to consist of more cigarettes but at a much much much much higher pricing.

g) To prevent people from congesting the city, the government may in the future impose an entry fee for those motor vehicles that has only one passenger which is the driver himself.

h) To discourage people from using plastic bags anymore, the government (or state government) will instruct the supermarkets not to distribute any plastic bags and to sell canvas bags instead that could be used again and again.

i) To discourage people from buying foreign made / imported cars, the government imposed higher import tariffs on those cars in order for the local made cars to survive. However, the local made cars are sold at a higher price in Malaysia if compared to the exported version where the specs are slightly better.

j) To discourage people from congesting the roads and to get the citizens to take public transportation (referring to the lousy bus systems), the government decreased subsidy for the petrol.

What I can say is that the government will tend to 'punish' its citizens into doing something instead of coming up with an encouraging plan so that people will do it willingly which could benefit the citizens at the same time.

Definitely wrong approach in solving problems.

Following were suggested by colleagues:-
a) To decrease cholesterol level for all Malaysians, prices for whatever eggs will be increased up to 50 cents per egg.

b) To discourage people (men generally) from approaching prostitutes, each condom shall be sold at RM50 per piece.

c) To discourage people from eating unhealthy food such as nasi lemak and goreng pisang, coconut and cooking oil will be increased tremendously.
Tags: Malaysia, Price Increase

Sharing of Holy Place

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Religious conflicts and racist situations are normally not triggered by the common people. Deep down in many people's hearts, they wanted peace. But there are also other groups who are out to create disharmony.

One of those groups is the politicians and they could be found in any countries. Mainstream medias controlled by the politicians and governments will write about those conflicts and racist news so that they can divide and rule. Once they achieved that, they know that the people cannot come together to overthrow the government in a united force.

When I read this article on muslims and jewish sharing a holy place to pray, my heart melted. These two communities living in Reston of Virginia, USA can afford to share a synagogue and worked out a time table in order for them to use the place efficiently.

Can this happen in Malaysia?

Most probably not. That's how I view it personally. Not because I'm racist or having hatred for other religions but more so of knowing the Malaysian politicians. Be it from the ruling government or the oppositions, both sides will take the opportunity to create a big issue out of it in order to gain a political point. Religion and racial issues are the best bullets for the Malaysian politicians. Sadly, at the detriment of the general citizens.

To the members of both the All Dulles Area Muslim Society and Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, my salute to all of you for creating such a fine examples for all to follow.

Worldwide mainstream medias will write that the Middle East conflicts were due to two groups of people, i.e. muslims and jewish, that can't see eye to eye but when you go down to the life of those general citizens ...... they view and react differently, not as what have been written all this while.

I wonder whether readers who accidentally bumped into this blogpost will ridicule such happening and then start giving their religious remarks to say this is beyond their teachings and so forth. You fall into the next group of people after the politicians then.

Reading: US synagogue serves as mosque during Ramadan - Star
Tags: Religious Conflicts, Racist, All Dulles Area Muslim Society, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Muslims, Jewish, Synagogue, Reston, Virginia

On The Way to Sudan

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:21:00 +0000

It's time to be in Sudan again for ad-hoc assignments. This time, it's for one week.

Three of us flew together and put up at the transit hotel, Millenium Hotel, before taking our connecting flight at 3pm. Saw a yellowish car at the hotel entrance and noticed it was a rare Mustang car. Beautiful.

Wasted that the owner didn't come to ignite the engine. Could have been a powerful roar as American cars are usually on power (as mentioned by my colleague).

Their happy face before arriving in Sudan. This is a shuttle bus that will bring us to the airport. The driver was forced to drive us to the airport even though there were three of us in it.

On the way to the airport, I thought I saw an air conditioned pedestrian bridge that comes with elevators too. Pampered Emiratis.

This is the dreaded flight if you know what I meant.
Tags:
Millennium Hotel, Mustang

Carpentry Works in Progress

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Went to new house for last two weeks and can see that lots of carpentry works are on going. Dry kitchen cabinets are done already and just waiting to be installed.

This is the door to my wet kitchen. The paint is similar to an olive colour, a Jotun mixture.

The master bedroom's TV area being constructed together with the entrance to my walk-in wardrobe area and toilet.

All toilets are installed with 10mm tempered glass shower screen. Got it from Solid Glass & Materials Industries Sdn Bhd based in Happy Garden at a rate of RM28 per square feet.

My study room being put in place now. Lots of storage for books / files.

Grilles painted in dark brown with horizontal design.

Changed my main gate that comes with horizontal woods across each gate section.

Prefer this design than some of those gates where you could see the nuts and bolts sticking out. The nuts and bolts for my gate are hidden.

This gate cost me RM1,500.
Tags: Main Gate, Walk-In Wardrobe, Dry Kitchen, Wet Kitchen

Meals at Hailam Kopitiam

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0000

With so many types of kopitiam food outlets in Kuala Lumpur, I was already asking when will one open up at my residential area.

True enough, the Hailam Kopitiam decided to open up in Taman Danau Desa. One of the bosses told me that this is their 16th outlet.

Not bad for a local kopitiam that originated from Kuala Pilah of Negeri Sembilan. Glad for all these locals that came up with such innovative restaurants that are giving a challenge to renowned cafes like Coffee Bean, Starbucks, or Gloria Jeans.

Their set-up are almost the same with other local kopitiam type of restaurants as they sell almost similar food.

In a hailam food outlet, you must try their Hailam Traditional Chicken Rice Special to see whether they deserve the right to use the word hailam in their name.

The Hot Chocolate drink is found in a kopitiam too? A bit westernised I think.

The Hailam Chicken Chop with Rice that comes with black pepper gravy is excellent. The gravy is filled with strong pepper taste and it burns a bit in your lungs as you swallow the meat. I like it this way.

The Hailam Special White Coffee Iced Blended was filling too. Quite like white coffee. Can't drink too much of coffee as it will give me migraine.

Price wise - reasonable for this type of food outlet. After tasting only two of their dishes, can't say much about the rest of it in the menu but those that I have ordered were good.

Maybe it's still new, the outlet is filled during lunch and dinner time during the weekends.
Tags: Hailam Kopitiam, Food

Weird Stuff at HUKM

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Was at Hospital UKM today and noticed some weird stuff. Camera went to work immediately.

At first I thot it was an accident but upon going nearer, this fella parked this way because the car park was full.

Since the Kancil car is known for its small size, the driver took advantage of it to squeeze between the lamp post and a car in front (which drove off when I reach there).

While walking about in the hospital, I noticed this eye catching public notice ....... Sunathon???

What word was that? Can someone enlighten me? haha

You need to know the malay language also to understand the meaning of this 'new word'. Does that mean that the hospital will line up hundreds of boys to have the Sunathon all on 5 Dec 2009?
Tags: Hospital UKM, Sunathon, Kancil

Cannot Speaking Inglish in Ofis?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Our wonderful Deputy Education Minister has said this - "if you speak English at your workplace, that's weird".

Reason for saying that - it's harmful to the nation's culture and identity.

Crazy fella ............. sorry to say that lah but then I think he has not seen a lot in life.

My company for one has lots of foreigners (besides the cleaning ladies) in the office. English language is being used so that everyone understands each other. By conversing in the national language, we would have to translate each and every sentence or words every now and then in order for all to understand and respond accordingly.

Maybe need to appoint a professional translator that majors in a few language or a few translators sitting in a meeting room ............ haha. We would be holding a routine department meeting having many translators sitting together in a meeting room just like the United Nations having dozens of professional translators. Now you see what I meant.

The same thing goes for many multinational companies based in Malaysia as they would have lots of professionals coming from various nations.

At a time when we are encouraging foreign direct investments, the senior management staff of such investors would usually be based in Malaysia to oversee the business operations. Now, this fella has to open his mouth to tell us that speaking English in office is weird.

The government is also trying to bring back many professional Malaysians who had been working overseas for a number of years in order to beef up our human resource capacity. These Malaysians may not be fluent with the national language anymore. Are we telling them not to come back now?

You who speaks English in office is weird and he's perfecto for not doing so.

I guess that he's strunggling a lot with the English language itself.

Reading: Malaysian minister says English at work 'weird' - Malaysia Today
Tags: English Language, Deputy Education Minister, Weird

Maybank Used For Phishing

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Malayan Banking Berhad ("also known as Maybank"), being the largest bank in Malaysia, has been often used by syndicates to dupe Maybank's customers into revealing their internet user id and password. Once you log in using those so-called Maybank 'links' ........ your money will be all gone within seconds, if not minutes.

Received an email from maybank@dynasty.com.my alerting me that my maybank account has been blocked. Is this a Malaysian based email address?

Specifically requested me to click at a maybank2u link to restore my access.

Within minutes, received another email from maybank2u@myb.com.tr. I clicked on the supposedly link to maybank2u.

And this is what you get to see in a new pop-up window. The exact duplication of the genuine site.

If you were so blur and did key in your username and password, you can wave bye bye to all your monies in your maybank account.

This is known as phishing. These internet syndicates were trying their luck / scams in hoping that blur blur Maybank customers will key in their particulars.

In fact, and sadly too, there are blur blur fellas out there.

Related post: Con Job Involving Four Local Banks
Tags: Phishing, Maybank, Malayan Banking Berhad, Maybank2u, Internet Scam, Internet Syndicates, Con Job

Police Base Attacked!

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Police beat base was attacked and those fellas who did it were really brave.
Well, you could say that this beat base was abandoned in actual fact.
Tags: Police Beat Base

Caught in Audit But Any Action Taken?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:14:00 +0000

Do you own a laptop (some call it notebook)? Do you know the general pricing for a laptop from a simple set-up up to a heavy duty laptop loaded with many latest softwares or accessories?

If you do read the newspapers, magazines or browse the internet, you would have noticed that the general pricing for a laptop is around RM2,000++ up to RM5,000++ (US$1 = RM3.40).

Would you have bought a laptop with a price tag of RM42,320? Even if you do, you would have asked for the specifications and will want to know what does the price cover.

But any person would have queried that price tag for sure because at RM42,320 you could buy a new local manufactured car. Any person who has no knowledge of the general pricing for a laptop would have sensed something wrong given the huge amount.

At RM42,320, you could purchase eleven good laptops fitted with good enough accesories / softwares.

Unfortunately, the person(s) who proposed, those that concurred and the one(s) that approved the purchase presented a very sad situation in Malaysia. They didn't only buy one but two! So they bought it at RM84,640 ........ could bring in a good and new Toyota or Honda car.

The best part, the purchase request happened at Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau in the state of Penang. Bravo! I really wonder what had they been teaching in this college. In my company, the purchasing department is supposed to find out the pricing from various sources before deciding on the final supplier. That too, went through stringent approval levels.

Not only that, the same college has paid for PC monitor and laser printers at sky high prices. When asked of the abovesaid purchases the respond came in this manner - "The equipment were purchased in a lump sump and there was no price breakdown for the laptops. The price breakdown was only done after the equipment was supplied for the purpose assets record and it could not be used as a basis for reference."

What a good explanation and was that accepted by the Auditor-General? The Auditor-General Annual Report do highlight so many discrepancies and abuse of public funds but were there any actions taken on those people who had caused all this issues. Year in year out, it's just a show only. They have to be seen doing something lah.

If those purchases were done in the opposition-ruled states the various government agencies, under the control of the ruling government, would have gone for some lifes at all cost ............. if you know what I mean.

Reading: RM42,320 for a laptop - Star
Tags: Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau, Laptop, Notebook

Merchants Charge Credit Card Users

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:57:00 +0000

The Malaysian government has decided to impose a service tax of RM50 for each principal credit card holder wherelse the supplementary card would be penalised with a service tax of RM25.

Reason given for the implementation of the service tax is to 'teach' credit card holders to spend wisely. What else does the government want to teach me where my credit card balances are clean every month? That I reduce my charges to the credit cards in spite of me having settled all amounts every month? You call that teaching but I call it penalising.

As I'm renovating my house, I was able to charge to my credit cards for lots of purchases and raked up lots of points at the same time lately. I do have the cash but I prefer using my credit cards to pay for it owing to the points.

Unfortunately, the government has decided that I'm to be penalised for using the credit cards. Ok, maybe the government has to think of some ways to earn some revenues to maintain the nation's economy.

But what do you say when the merchants, who have signed up with banks to have a credit card facility in their businesses, are also charging consumers like you and me.

Of late, I have been shopping around for many stuff for the house renovation. Certain shops (not all) that accept the usage of credit cards (applies to both VISA and MASTECARD) for payments have told me this - "I have to charge you 3% extra because you are using the credit card to pay". If you pay by cash, it'll be a bit cheaper.

The goverment is taxing me and now the merchants are passing their costs to me as well. In the end, it's the consumers that are dying.

As far as I understand is that merchants arranged to have credit card facilities in their business premises for their customers' conveniences. At the same time, they'll tell their customers that the credit card facilities were set-up for the benefit of the customers but the customers would have to bear that costs. Fair?

One merchant has fixed the amount of money to be paid if you use your credit card. Say RM5 for each credit card transaction.

What does VISA and MASTERCARD have to say about such practises? Does your company explains to the credit card users who should bear that 3% charges?

What does our local banks have to say about such arrangements? Do you all (banks) know about such games being played?

Are the merchants permitted to pass the costs to the customers? What's the answer?
Tags: VISA, MASTERCARD, Service Tax, Credit Card

15,000 Bibles Held

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Government talked so much about 1Malaysia ..... but acted otherwise?!?!?!

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
Address: 10, Jalan 11/9 Sec. 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

CFM media statement on 15,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles held by authorities
CFM CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF 15,000 BIBLES

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) calls for the immediate release of the 15,000 Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia currently being withheld by the authorities.

To withhold the use of the Bahasa Malaysia Bibles is an infringement of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which gives every Malaysian the right to profess his/ her faith as well as to practice it.

This constitutional right is rendered illusory if Christians in Malaysia are denied access to Bibles in a language with which they are familiar.

This action of withholding the Bahasa Malaysia Bibles deprives Christians in Sabah, Sarawak , and in Semenanjung, a large majority of whom use Bahasa Malaysia, the right to use the Holy Scriptures in Bahasa Malaysia, to practice and profess their faith and, to nourish themselves spiritually.

It is baseless to withhold the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia on the ground that they are “prejudicial to public order”. Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia have been used since before the independence of our country and has never been the cause of any public disorder.

Since the 1970s and in consonance with the government’s policies in education and the national language, Christians in Malaysia have received their education in Bahasa Malaysia. To deny the same Christians in Malaysia the right to read and study the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is thus ridiculous and offensive. In fact, it is this action by the authorities themselves which is an affront to good public order.

We call on the relevant government officials who have neither the authority nor the right to act in this unconscionable manner to explain their action to the church leaders and to the public.

Church leaders and the Executive Committee of the CFM in “An Affirmation to the Churches in Malaysia” (6-8 Sept 1989, the Kuching consultation) and then later in “A Declaration to Churches in Malaysia” (30 January 2008) have stood on their commitment to Bahasa Malaysia as our national language and have used and continue to use Bahasa Malaysia in the life and witness of our Churches and Christian organizations.

The government and CFM have exchanged letters on this matter previously and we have a written agreement in December 2005 that Bahasa Malaysia Bibles can be distributed so long as the symbol of the cross and the words “A Christian publication” are printed on the front page.

We call on the government to walk the talk of its 1Malaysia policy and vision and not to curtail or impose conditions on the freedom of citizens to worship, pray and read the Holy Scriptures in Bahasa Malaysia. How can the first pillar of the Rukunegara i.e. Belief In God, be made a living reality in the lives of Malaysians if the government imposes restrictions and conditions on the constitutional and fundamental right of citizens to freedom of religion?

We ask that the relevant authorities resolve this matter promptly and release these Bibles for the use of Christians without any further delay or excuse.

signed
__________________
Bishop Ng Moon Hing,
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Dated : 4 Nov 2009
Tags: Christian Federation of Malaysia, Persekutuan Kristian Malaysia, Bible, Bahasa Malaysia Bibles, 1Malaysia, Rukunegara

Chicks Used To Entice Customers

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Dead chickens being hanged outside to dry up or to collect dust before being cooked. How unhygienic.
Tags: Chickens

Lightings and Paints

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Bought the biscuit tin designed lightings for my car porch area. Cost me RM60 each.

Still yet to buy lightings for my dining area, car porch pillars and staircase wall lights.

The carpentry works are still on-going and three of the rooms' cabinets are already installed albeit needing some touch ups here and there.

Upon advise from the ID, my house's colour scheme were chosen from Jotun and ICI paint brands. Just the paints itself cost me close to RM2,700.

Chose the matt range from the Jotun brand. The paints were used for internal walls and ceiling.

Can't use those ICI pearl glo type as the walls have to be properly skim coated first since almost all the walls are not smooth as you want it to be.

In order to skim coat the whole house, I have to burn another RM5,000 easily. Better not.

* ICI Pentalite paints for my internal walls.

* ICI Gloss Finish paints for toilet doors/frames and external gates/MS grille / wood.

The family hall located upstairs displayed a grayish wall. Intend to make this area a cooling place while I enjoy those movie/TV sessions.
Tags: Paints, Jotun, ICI Dulux

Buy Your Coffin Online

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:44:00 +0000

You can order your own coffin before you rest in peace for good. If you think your time is about to run out, click Wal-Mart.com quickly to order a coffin. Don't worry about the delivery time as they rely on Federal Express to courier the coffin to you.

Who would simply order a coffin for no reason? That's where FedEx come into play and it will reach you within forty eight hours. Hopefully it can reach you on time.

The price ranges from US$895 to US$2,899. The most expensive coffin is 100% bronze and the interior plush velvet is hand made. Wow .......... furthermore, it allows you to pay in twelve installments. I wonder whether you could last that long to pay off the twelve installments?!?!?! Unless you were buying it for another unfortunate person.

The abovesaid coffins are being sold at offer prices and will last till 31 Dec 2009. So, if you want to save some money, die earlier.

Sorry to tell you, you can't return the coffin once delivered to your place unless it due to freight or cosmetic damage from shipping.

Just when you thought this coffin/casket is a taboo product, another similar wholesale company by the name of Costco is giving Wal-Mart a run for their money by selling coffins/caskets too. Costco must have analysed that these products will bring in handsome profits.

Buying tip: If you can't wait up to seventy two hours, don't order from Costco.
Tags: Coffin, Casket, Wal-Mart, Federal Express, FedEx, Costco

Want To Try Flying a Boeing?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:55:00 +0000

Malaysia Airlines is giving you, yeah you irrespective of your nationality, a chance to be in a Boeing 777-200 cockpit. It's no joke but at a price of course.

A normal person like you and me could at last fly a Boeing 777-200 even though we don't have a licence to fly as a pilot. The MH Flight Simulator Experience ("FSE") is opened to the general public at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang.

If you have played those Flight Simulator pc game before, this would be quite similar just that this is done in a real cockpit set-up for such purpose. That's the same cockpit used for training MAS pilots. I remembered those yesteryears in trying to fly a small plane (the pc game format of course) and it was not easy just to take off. Once up there, it's not easy to land it. I gave up on mastering that game without getting to take off and land safely at least once.

As for this MAS experience, the only setback is that you have to pay RM500 for a 20 minutes experience. You'll get a chance to to visit a flight deck and you'll be guided on how to take off and land the plane by a Simulator Engineer. Not bad, isn't it?

You must meet the following simple requirements before being allowed to test the flight simulator:-
a. 10 years of age or older;
b. get written consent from parent or guardian to participate in FSE (applicable to participant under the age of 15 years old);
c. be in good health and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by the motion of the simulator. It is advised that expectant mothers should not participate;
d. be dressed appropriately in smart casual clothing with flat shoes; and
e. not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Keen? Do contact Flight Simulator Sales & Marketing of Malaysia Airlines.

This is definitely not a paid blogposting. Anyone willing to sponsor me so that I can blog more about it? MAS? Hellooooo ........ can you hear me?
Tags: MH Flight Simulator Experience, Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 777-200, Cockpit, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Simulator Engineer

Singaporean Bloggers To Be Monitored

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Blogging in Singapore has taken a new twist.

Singaporean bloggers seated in front of their own desktop PC / laptop will be monitored on how and what they blog about (besides those people who urinates in the public toilets).

Singapore's Media Development Authority is looking at rules to ensure that bloggers do not simply endorse, review, advertise, recommend or promote products & services. The main issue here is that some bloggers are being paid to do so where conflict of interest may arise.

If you are being paid, most likely you are obligated to write positive remarks, right?

One of the rules being looked into is that bloggers would be required to state whether gifts were presented / money was paid / products & services were provided for free - prior to putting up that blog post.

I'm all for this new ruling so that consumers won't be duped into obtaining products & services that could be fake/below standards via blogs.

I do lots of reviews and recommendations but they were my own opinions / experiences while using those products & services. If I do get an opportunity where a party requires me to blog about their products & services, I'll certainly be transparent about it. I won't promote the products & services which are lousy or one that fails even my own standards knowing that I'm to be paid or given benefit-in-kind to write about it. In other words, if I have nothing better to say, I'll just keep quiet.

One thing that disturbs me most is where some bloggers do post about products & services not known to them. Such bloggers will be assigned certain products & services to blog about and will be paid once that's done. The best thing, the products & services do not even exist in Malaysia. There's no blogging ethics at all and money is all they think about.

What's your stand on this issue? Malaysia gahmen should impose this too.

Reading: Bloggers who get gifts or money may have to own up - ytlcommunity
Tags: Blogger, Bloggers Monitored, Singapore, Media Development Authority, Blogging Ethics

Request Made to Reduce Coverage on Auditor-General's Report

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:40:00 +0000

There you go ............ as predicted. The Auditor-General's annual report has opened up so many cans that are full of worms in it and a MP,Datuk Wira Ahmad Hamzah, from the ruling party is now suggesting to reduce the media coverage that the annual report is getting now.

Reasons given -
* gives a very bad impression and it is meloyakan (nauseating)
* embarrassing perception which would cause our competitiveness to drop

Trying to cover up something?

The people who caused all this bad impression and embarrassing situations didn't even think of such as long as someone's pocket is filled. And this MP is worried about it instead.

If it was done right from the beginning, we need not come to this stage of shameful reporting. Anyhow, all these years, there were no improvements being made despite many shocking revelations that were exposed.

But that doesn't mean we should just keep it behind closed doors. We still need to publicise such deplorable actions by the respective federal / state government departments. This report is meant for the public's consumption as taxpayers have the right to know how their tax contributions are being managed.

As for this MP, I really wonder about his knowledge on an audit exercise. He said that the auditors should also "teach” and “guide” especially for those who might have done wrong.

Hello MP, if those people had committed those acts, they should be sacked or jailed if any criminal offence existed. The auditors' job is not to teach or guide people.

This MP suggested that prior to the release of the annual report to the public, the auditors should have asked the department head to explain on those irregularities. What if those department head took ages to respond? Wait till the cow comes home?

He also questioned on who should audit the auditors. So, whistle blowers are always the guilty parties, not those who committed the 'sin'.

I think he's very ignorant of what an audit is all about but yet he brought this topic up in the parliament.

Reading: Parliament: 'Filter AG’s report' - Star
Tags: Auditor-General Annual Report, Auditors, Audit

1TooMany

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Nothing wrong with the title ....... it's correct ........ 1TooMany.

The Prime Minister launched the 1Malaysia concept, back in April 2009, to foster closer relationship amongst the multi ethnic/racial society in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister is looking towards the 'One Dream, One People, One nation' and was glad that this has brought much positiveness to the nation. He has claimed that Malaysians are accepting the 1Malaysia concept which brought about the win in the recent Bagan Pinang by-election.

But I think he got carried away till the concepts of 1Region and 1World were mentioned when he addressed the 35th Unesco general conference’s opening plenary session. Not saying that it's impossible to achieve this two concepts but it's way too big. The United Nations is still experiencing certain difficulties in bringing nations to agree on grave issues all these years.

I'm sure that the concepts of 1Region and 1World can't beat the following 1 ....... 1Toilet!

What 1Toilet?

The state of Terengganu's Education, Higher Learning, Human Resource, Science and Technology Committee mooted the 1Toilet concept. Now how is this 1Toilet going to work along with 1Malaysia?

The 1Toilet was to get teachers and principals to share the same toilets with their students. Just by the virtue of sharing the same toilet will bring much transfer of wisdom from the teachers and principals to the students ?!??!?!?!??!??!

This is really getting 1TooMany now. Can we stop abusing the "1" thingy?

I think we should encourage all government-linked-companies to adopt this 1Toilet as well. I want to see all the Tun, Tan Sri and Datuk to share the same toilets with their managers, executives, clerks and office boys. I'm sure this will enhance the corporate mentality and thus, increase the productivity and effectiveness of each company.

What about 1Race? Bangsa Malaysia?

What other 1 should we have?

Reading: ‘1Toilet’ plan to let teachers and students mingle freely - Star
Tags: 1Malaysia, Malaysia, 1Toilet, 1Region, 1World, Unesco General Conference

Do We Pay When Contract is Breached?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:01:00 +0000

It's sickening to read a newspaper article stating that "not a single reservoir in Selangor was cleaned or washed for the whole of last year". Not only that, even the Sungai Sireh water treatment plant in Kuala Selangor had not been washed for over 10 years.

What's happening? Who's in charge of it?

Let's see:-
* Raw water - State government of Selangor
* Water treatment - Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS)
* Distribution of clean, treated water to consumers - Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas)

Our monthly water bill would have included all the above services - provision of raw water, water treatment and distribution of consumable water to us. Failure on one part of the services would have considered a breach of contract?

If they had not done / completed their works, why do we still need to pay the full amount? It's always at the expense of the consumers. What choice or say do we have when such things happen?

If we protest by not paying, we would be penalised.

If they didn't do their works, how should they be penalised?

Reading: Operators fail to follow clean-up schedule - Star
Tags: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Splash, Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd, ABASS, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Syabas, Water Treatment Plant, Reservoir

Will Our Buildings Withstand Earthquake?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:07:00 +0000

After experiencing those earthquake shakes at my condo and office building before, it's really not comforting to have read about a Bernama news report that Malaysian buildings cannot withstand a strong earthquake even if it happens at a neighbouring country.

Indonesia's many earthquakes have caused many tremors in Malaysia and a 6.0 Richter Scale shake in Indonesia could be felt in Malaysia easily.

A professor from the Universiti Sains Malaysia's Disaster Research Unit has commented that less than 1% of Malaysia's buildings have constructed the buildings factoring in the earthquake situation. My my.

Which of the buildings in Malaysia then?
Answer: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge and Komtar. Only three structures? That's even less than 0.1%. For those of you whose buildings that are not mentioned .......... ahhh you know what to do.

My office building shook on 30 Sept 2009 when a strong earthquake hit Padang in Indonesia. It was a correct decision to evacuate the building no matter what.

I did hear from friends that not all their colleagues evacuated their offices on that day with some saying that it's just a tremor from Indonesia (if it was an earthquake) and some said that there's no earthquake in Malaysia. Some people really take things for granted.

A structural engineer has told me before that even if it was just a tremor due to an earthquake that has happened faraway, a building may not collapse immediately. Structural damage may have occured but we don't know. If there was a damage and if the structure was built according to actual designs, the structure could withstand the damage temporarily up to say thirty minutes. That's enough time to evacuate and walk faraway from the building.

What about you? Will you evacuate or you are more worried about what others may say about you being the first person to run away?

Reading: Less Than One Per Cent Of Buildings In Malaysia Have Earthquake Preventive Measures - Bernama

Related post - Earthquake Shook My Office Building
Tags: Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Penang Bridge, Komtar, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Disaster Research Unit, Earthquake, Richter Scale, Structural Engineer

Hunting for House Lights

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:52:00 +0000

My hunt for downlights has ended. Finally found the downlight recommended by my ID. This downlight is a die-cast type and it has two bulbs attached to it.

The lighting shop sold it to me at RM41 that includes two Toshiba 18w light bulbs with two ballasts.

Whole house is filled with this downlight, up to sixty one of them.

This is the halogen light where I bought nine units. Cost is RM72 per unit. The brand's Gama. Cost of replacement bulb will be RM5.

This halogen light is used for higlighting certain walls in the house. Got this from Top Ten Lighting Sdn Bhd that is located in Pusat Bandar Puchong, next to Tesco Puchong.

The above are just downlights and halogen lights. I still need pendant lights, wall lights, pillar lights and spot light for other parts of the house. Killing me slowly.

Ten-Gro Lighting Sdn Bhd is the shop that supplied me with the downlights. Shop located behind Tesco Puchong.

Hardworking brothers owned the shop. Ask for Ken Chan @ 016-6579957.
Tags: Ten-Gro Lighting Sdn Bhd, Top Ten Lighting Sdn Bhd, Downlights, Halogen Lights, Ballasts, Toshiba Light Bulbs, Gama, Pusat Bandar Puchong, Tesco Puchong

Sorry State of Public Asset

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Going to certain government offices (I can say that this applies to any part of the world) is something that many people do not look forward to. The queues would be long, waiting period for the processing of documents may be hours and the worst of all would be the waiting area are congested.

But it won't beat the situation as shown below -
Tags: Government Office

Barred From Leaving Malaysia

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Recently, there were some Malaysians that were barred from leaving Malaysia. Who are they? Wanted criminals? Tax evaders?

It seems that the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) are conducting such checks in collaboration with the Immigration Dept and managed to catch up with many income tax and loan defaulters.

Those badly affected were Malaysia Airlines employees who have to travel frequently in their line of duty. It was affecting the cabin crews and can you imagine that you are trying to board your plane (or report for duty in the airplane) and you were stopped at the Immigration check point.

The last minute replacement crew would have been rushed from somewhere to replace that crew that was barred from leaving Malaysia.

In a way, I can't pity such people as they have a duty to settle their income tax or loans. If you have taxes or loans to be paid, do pay first because you are obliged to do so. It could also be a chicken and egg story where a cabin crew needs to 'fly' to earn their income in order to pay for the taxes or loans.

Unfortunately, I have also heard from someone that even though you had made payments to PTPTN, the people working there were slow in updating the files. In due time, info on bad loan accounts were sent to the Immigration Dept to nab such culprits.

In this case, I agree that income tax defaulters/evaders should be barred for they were supposed to pay taxes based on preceding year's income. They have earned the income but failed to remit the required amount. It's their bad financial management then. They chose to default.

Some are really innocent. Some acted as if they were innocent. Why did it happen in the first place? It happened because these people took it for granted.

The Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union (MASEU) is calling for a review on the travel ban on income tax and study loan defaulters. What for? To protect people who flout the laws?

Unless these staff had agreed on settlement plans with IRB or PTPTN in advance, they should barred. Well, you were barred because you failed to do something properly. Whose fault in the first place?

If it was IRB or PTPTN that didn't update their files even though settlement agreements/payments were made, then we should get those fellas in IRB or PTPTN to compensate for the loss of income of those that were barred from travelling for no reasons. Fair?

It works in both ways, cannot be just penalising the defaulters but also the bad performers.

Reading: MAS employees want review of travel ban on tax, loan defaulters - Star
Tags: Inland Revenue Board, IRB, National Higher Education Fund Corporation, PTPTN, Immigration Dept, Malaysian Airlines System Employees' Union, MASEU, Malaysia Airlines

Astro To Increase Price Again?

jonash1@yahoo.com (Johnny Ong) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

This year, the satellite TV provider company in Malaysia, Astro All Asia Networks plc ("Astro"), has already increased the subscription rate especially for those who subscribes for the sports channels. Being a profit based company, they have to please certain stakeholders but to the detriment of the subscribers.

I have already known two friends who didn't continue with the sports channels (they are not really into football like me) for this current football season.

Come next year, when the new English Premier League 2010-2011 season begins, I expect Astro to increase the subscription rate for those who has the sports channels in their package. Can you foresee subscribers not continuing the sports channels for the forthcoming football season?

* Why increase?
For goodness sake, Astro together with ESPN STAR Sports will pay a total of US$250 million to obtain the broadcasting rights to telecast the english football matches for the 2010-2011 season up to the 2012-2013 seasons. That works out to US$83.33 million per annum.

Astro could come out saying that they have gotten a better deal compared with SingTel in Singapore. SingTel paid an enormous amount of US$285 million for to broadcast to their little country of a few million people. So, people in Malaysia, be prepared to ee

What do we, football fans, have? Astro monopolised the situation and the premium paid for the right to broadcast could be shoved down our throat. Take it or leave it! Majority, could say over 90%, would take it grudgingly.

This too, was after a recent increase as late as end 2007.

* Increase by how much?
Beats me but you can roughly estimate.

When Astro paid somewhere in between US$150 million to US$200 million (take the median price of US$175 million) for the 2006-2007 season up to the 2009-2010 season, it somehow affected the Astro subscription rate where it was increased twice in year 2007.

This time round, they have to pay US$250 million, an increase of US$75 million (from the median price of US$175 million) and for those melancholics, it's 42% extra.

Your guesstimation is as good as mine.

* How to escape from paying and yet get to watch those football matches?
Simple lah ...................

1) Go to the nearest mamak stall as I'm sure they do subscribe to it. No Astro no business nowadays. Pubs have it as well but the drinks there are more expensive of course.

2) Try to befriend all your neighbours now. This is also in line with 1Malaysia as being hyped. I'm sure one of those guys is a football fanatic in your neighbourhood.

3) Ask the person who subscribes for it to record the match (you supply the recorder of course).

4) Tap into your neighbour's satellite dish without him knowing ..... but surely he'll find out later by hearing your football "shouts" during goals.

5) Relocate to Sabah and Sarawak and you'll get to install your own large satellite dish. No subscription fees to pay and get to watch to your heart's contend.

Reading: Astro to pay bulk of US$250mil to telecast Premier League - Star
Reading: How I save RM30 on Astro a month - Malaysiakini
Tags: Astro All Asia Networks plc, Astro, Satellite TV Provider, Satellite Dish, English Premier League, ESPN STAR Sports, Football, Soccer, SingTel