Wan's Journal

Strange Sound Over the Sky of Semarahan

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:35:00 +0000

It was the morning of Jan 11, 2012 that I heard a snoring sound around 3 am in the morning. I thought that someone nearby was snoring loudly but after checking the sound was actually coming from outside. Then I thought the sound must be coming from factories somewhere nearby. But why it sounded like snoring i.e. the sound occurs at certain interval. Also, why doesn't it happen before. Similar strange sound occurred again in the morning of Jan 12, 2012.

Also, I thought that somebody were testing jet engines at the Kuching International Airport but from the direction of the sounds, it wasn't coming from the airport but from the opposite direction. Also, according to the law, nobody should be that crazy testing anything that loud in the early morning.

The following video has a very good audio quality of the sound and I confirmed to you that we heard exactly the same sound on the morning of Jan 11 and Jan 12. I bet you agree with me that the sounds seemed to be of somebody's snoring but yet it was from a far distance and the source seemed to be from the sky. Please ignore the sound of motorcycles and cars in the background.

Was the strange sound related to the recent earthquake occurring at about the same time in Acheh. Or can anyone enlighten us regarding the source of the strange sound on that particular day.

Strange sounds phenomena did occurred throughout the worlds as can be heard in the videos below.

Strange Sound in Kiev, Ukraine August 11, 2011

Strange Sounds in Lubino/Poland 28.08.2011

Strange sound in the Outskirts of Drummen

Strange sound in Woodland Co Durham

Strange sound in Curitiba, Brasil

Integrated RapidKL Ticketing System

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:35:00 +0000

RapidKL has embarked on its new ticketing system for its rail network. Currently, there are two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines operating within the rail network, i.e. STAR LRT Line and PUTRA LRT Line. The STAR LRT line consists of two lines i.e. Line 3 and Line 4 whereas PUTRA LRT line has only one line i.e. line 5. The interchange station between PUTRA LRT Line and STAR LRT line is at Masjid Jamek Station.

With the new integrated ticketing system, you can use only one token to travel between the three LRT lines (line 3, line 4 and line 5). For example, if you are at the PWTC station (a station along the STAR LRT Line which is either Line 3 or Line 4), you can purchase a token to travel to other destinations including destinations along the Putra LRT lines (i.e. Line 5). Using the same token, you have to use the Masjid Jamek Interchange station to transfer between (Line 3 or Line 4) and Line 5.

Maps of the Klang Valley Rails Network showing the Line 3, Line 4 and Line 5

At the Masjid Jamek Station, adequate signages are placed at strategic locations for users' convenient to transfer between the different LRT Lines.

Another strategic location where extensive signages are provided.

Automatic RapidKL Ticketing System. The ticketing system is a touch screen system. You can use any combination of Malaysian Ringgit notes or coins. The automatic ticketing station can be used to top up your ticketing cards.

From PWTC Station, you can select all different destinations along the three different LRT Lines, i.e. Line 3, Line 4 and Line 5.

If you have MyRapid Card, your travel can be made much easier given that you have enough credits for your cards. You can top up your card at any of the LRT stations.

Passengers queuing at Masjid Jamek Station

Oversize Loading

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Oversize Loading, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

There are numerous road hazards associated with commercial vehicles. In this picture, the length of steel rebars exceeds the length of the cargo compartment of the commercial vehicle. The extended parts of the steel rebar could pose traffic hazards to other road users.

iPad's Free-Falls to Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:17:00 +0000

A video showing an Apple iPad's spectacular fall to Earth from the edge of outer space. The iPad was attached to a balloon that lifted the iPad to the stratosphere at the height of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters), where the balloon burst and allowed its payload to free-falls to the ground. The device makes a crash landing on a rocky Nevada hillside. Miraculously, the iPad survives the fall and remains fully functional.

Floods in Kuching

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:24:00 +0000

Due to heavy rainfall, several parts of Kuching are flooded and traffics are at a standstill. As of now, it is still raining and hopefully water will recede in those affected area. However, based on friend's updates, the flood situation seems to worsen at certain locations.

Before this, it was also raining heavily but Kuching city was not affected by major flood for several years. Is there something and somewhere that are affecting the unusual flow of rain water this time around that causes major flooding in certain areas of Kuching. Many roads are impassable to small vehicles.

Refer to this entry for flooding situation in Kuching today.

Rotting Bananas

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

Most of banana plants in Malaysia are being attacked by some kind of diseases which destroy the crops and affects the livelihood of farmers. The bacteria attacks the fruits causing them to rot before they ripen.

The bacteria affecting the banana was first detected in Pontian, Johor, in March 2007.

According to the news, to date, it has spread extensively to other states in the peninsula, namely Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang and Kelantan.

It was reported that the disease was believed to have been inadvertently brought in the country by certain farmers through equipments stained with soil contaminated by the bacteria. Hopefully, the relevant agencies will strictly control the movement of the disease from spreading to other states in Malaysia.

If no further actions are being done, I am afraid that we as Malaysian will not be able to enjoy any hot pisang goreng in the near future. Also, we will not be able to have krepek pisang due to the shortages of bananas in the country. Most of small medium enterprises (SME) involved in business related to banana will surely be affected by the disease.

Read HERE for more news.

The Newly Open Damai Central

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:19:00 +0000

Damai Central is a new tourist attraction located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, Kuching. The complex is located just the opposite of The Santubong Cultural Village. Furthermore, the complex is located between the Damai Beach Resort and Damai Puri Resort.

Now, local tourists can visit the Damai Central and parked their vehicles there while they are enjoying the scenic mountain view of Santubong and at the same time they are able to play along the Santubong beach. Previously, only hotel guests are allowed to use the Damai Beach because the beach are privately own by the hotel. After strolling along the Damai Beach (given that the weather permitted), they can visit any of the F&B outlets to satisfy their thirst and hunger.

The facilities available at the Damai Central are as follows:

Medan Niaga Damai
Arts and Craft Centre
Recreational Club Centre
F & B Outlet/Convenience Shops
Staff Quarters
Visitor’s Information Centre/Management Office
Traditional Spa with Herbal Garden
Floating Village Restaurant
Multi-purpose Platform Pavement
Ample Car Parking Spaces

The scenic view of the Damai Central with Mount Santubong in the background.

Damai Beach Resort is visible next to the Damai Central and the location of this complex provides a lot of convenience to the hotel guests for more facilities and choices. They also can visit the Cultural Village through Damai Central gateway (hopefully, their gate will always open to the public).

View of the Damai Beach from the look out point of the Damai Central.

There are several F&B outlets operating at the Damai Central and during peak hours, you have to wait for several minutes before you can get your orders.

With the newly open Damai Central, there will be more reasons for local residents to visit Damai Beach area frequently since now they have some place to stay for a short while and at the same time enjoying the scenic view of the Damai Beach area. Also, after visiting the Cultural Village, tourists will be able to enjoy their foods and drinks which are available for sale at the Damai Central.

Proton Exora's Skeleton

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:13:00 +0000

These pictures show the skeleton of the Proton Exora. As you can see from the pictures, the Proton Exora's body is reinforced by a series of steel bar which will usually protect the occupants from severe injuries during impact.

This picture shows the steering wheel assembly which is attached to the dashboard reinforcement bar.

This picture shows the reinforcement of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The reinforcement will work in unison with steel reinforcement installed in the vehicle's door system.

Rear view of the Proton Exora's skeleton and without its outer makeover, the vehicle looks so basic. However, with all of its accessories, Proton Exora is among the good looking Malaysian made vehicles traversing the highways and byways.

New MyKad

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:04:00 +0000

As part of your new year resolution, may be you may wish to own a new version of MyKad. According to The STAR, The National Registration Department (NRD) will be issuing the new MyKad with the latest security features in stages from Jan 3.

These are the reasons why you should get the new version of the MyKad:

1. More durable as it is made of tougher polycarbonate material,
2. A new and longer lasting chip,
3. Equipped with a new laser technology security feature on the surface to prevent forgery.

The new version of MyKad will be available on stages at respective NRD branches nationwide.

Putrajaya and Shah Alam on Jan 3,
Kluang and Ipoh on Jan 10,
Johor Bahru on Jan 14,
Kuantan on Jan 15,
Melaka on Jan 17,
Kuching and Kota Baru on Jan 20,
Kuala Terengganu and Penang on Jan 29,
Alor Setar on Feb 2,
Miri on Feb 6,
Kota Kinabalu and other branches on Feb 7,
Branches n Federal Territory on Feb 15.

I will surely give the NRD office a visit to renew my MyKad since mine is already slightly damaged due to wear and tear. Furthermore, I hope the replacement will be free of charge since they are introducing a new version of the MyKad.

Jackknifing Accident along Pan Borneo Highway

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:08:00 +0000

This incident happened last weekend during the Christmas Holiday. This incident occured along the Pan Borneo Highway at Bukit Bangunan (uphill section on the way to Kuching). Along the Pan Borneo Highway, Bukit Bangunan section is the steepest uphill and downhill section of the highway where the gradient is about 10 degrees. This section of the highway had registered many accidents involving all types of vehicles.

In this case, the 18 wheelers trailer seemed to be involved in a jackknifing accident. Jackknifing means the folding of an articulated vehicle (such as a truck towing a trailer) such that it resembles the acute angle of folding knife. Refer to the following video as an example of jackknifing accident.

Nasty Truck Jackknife Accident - The best free videos are right here

I am still puzzled about this particular incident because based on the position of the vehicle, the trailer seemed to be traveling uphill and usually the vehicle is moving at a very low speed due to the steepness of the slope (about 10 degree). Jackknifing accident occurs usually at a very high speed where the momentum of the trailer will push it forward and causes it to spin and faces backward. Luckily, there are no casualties involved in this accident and also luckily that the trailer did not obstruct the major Pan Borneo Highway. If the trailer skidded in the other direction where the trailer obstruct both directions of the highway then the Pan Borneo Highway will be totally cut off and renders impassable to all traffics.

Therefore, the exact cause of this accident was due to speeding while the trailer was traveling downhill. Upon applying the brake, the back of the trailer jackknifing and the trailer kept on traveling in the opposite direction of the traveling lane until it stopped in the drain as shown in the picture above. Can you imagine if there were vehicles traveling uphill at the instances and you can imagine what possibilities that might happen to the oncoming vehicles. That is the reason why heavy vehicles must travel at a maximum of 80 kph speed limit.

In case that the trailer obstructed both traveling lanes, commuters between Kuching and the rest of major town in Sarawak will have to find other road alternatives (may be nearby estate road). Based on my observations, the trailer was left unattended at the particular accident spot for several days may be due to the long weekend where most of cranes or tow trucks are not easily available to help move the trailers from its position.

The Pan Borneo Highway: Road Failure

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:10:00 +0000

It was last Monday that we were travelling on the Pan Borneo Highway from Sri Aman to Kuching. It was raining heavily and as can be seen along the road there are sign of road distress at several locations. There were minor instances of visible small landslides along the road and the dirt obviously cutoff some of the roadside drainage system.

The road failure that happened last night (approximately around 8 pm) at KM77 Serian- Sri Aman road causes total cutoff of the Pan Borneo Highway and drivers were diverted to the alternative estate road. The road section subsided for about 3 meters high. Luckily, there were no casualty due to the incidence. The location of the road failure is as shown in the following map (KM77 is somewhere along the Federal Road).

View Larger Map

Obviously, based on the pictures in the news (referring to the pictures available on the local news paper), the road failure was due to poor drainage at the location. Heavy rainfall had caused the section of the road to fail.

Luckily, road users can still travel using an alternative estate road which is about 36 km in length. From Sri Aman to Kuching, use Krait Junction (before Semungkoi) and exit Slabi Junction. The big question mark is whether the alternative estate road can handle heavy lorries. If not, then most of major cities in Sarawak will run out of essential supplies as this road is the main access road throughout Sarawak.

Thus, it is high time already for the Pan Borneo Highway to deserve its due. As a major highway in Sarawak, the road needs to be maintained properly and need to be properly upgraded to the "highway" standard.

Wordless Wednesday: Thanks @ Terima Kasih

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Thanks at Kuala Lumpur Sentral, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

Wondering How to Make your iPhone's Home Button More Responsive

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:21:00 +0000

If you are one of iPhone users, I am pretty sure that you experienced your Home button becoming a little sluggish and a little bit unresponsive over time. Once I thought that I should change my iPhone or at least I should send my iPhone for service. After following this tips, the issues affecting my iPhone Home button is resolved.

iDownloadBlog shares a very helpful hints and tips to recalibrate your Home button because most of the time the issues are due to software based. Unless you had dropped your iPhone on the floor or in water, this tips will not work for your iPhone.

The following are the steps to recalibrate your iDevice's Home Button

Step 1: Open an application such as "Stocks".

Step 2: Press and hold your power button until "slide to power off" appears and release.

Step 3: Press and hold your Home button until "slide to power off" goes away, and the application "Stocks" are forced to quit.

Then, your iPhones's Home button should be more responsive after the recalibration.

I decided to blog on this useful tips for my own future reference because after applying the recalibration process, my iPhone's Home button becomes more responsive. I think the approach should also work on the iPad and iPod touch. Please let me know if this tip is working for you in the comments below.

This is a feedback I received from a friend where If you are using iOS 5.0.1, this is what you should do, go setting > general > accessibility > assistive touch > on, and then an assistive button will appear on screen ( in form of white full moon ) - then can start using the on-screen button instead of the normal home button. There are several more interesting application under the assistive mode that can give you peace of mind while using your iDevices. This is even recommended if you want to prolong the life of your Home button from physical abused or if your Home button always nonresponsive even after recalibration.

Swimming Pool

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:15:00 +0000

Swimming Pool, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

I am quite sure that most swimming pool users will not do this (i.e. urinate in the pool). However, as a reminder to everyone especially to youngsters, several reminders are placed around the swimming pool. I am not sure about children whether they have time to read this because they are either not able to read yet or too busy playing in the pool.

Incandescent Light Bulb

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:24:00 +0000

It is just a matter of time that the traditional light bulb will be part of history. Majority of countries will start phasing out the use of traditional light bulb and replace it with a more energy efficient alternative. Most countries will start implementing the law to prohibit the usage of the bulbs next year.

In case that you are one of those who love to keep something relics you better keep some of those light bulbs now which might be valuable in the futures.

Natural Lansdcape

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:21:00 +0000

This picture shows an interesting geographic information about the locality where the type of soil is mostly sandy and the landscape is hilly and rolling. The soil is heavily eroded due to natural phenomenon especially due to heavy rainfall. There are only a selected type of plantation able to grow on this type of soil condition. For building purposes, this type of soil provide the strongest foundation ever given that the erosion phenomenon can be properly controlled.

Lotus Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:19:00 +0000

The following are a couple of Lotus cars on display at Proton Edar Headquarters. The cars look very impressive and congratulations to Proton for being able to have those kind of cars.

Wordless Wednesday - Rubber Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Rubber Boat Category, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

Women Taxi

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:20:00 +0000

Women Taxi service is launched today in the Klang valley according to The Sunday Daily. It is a sigh of relief to women who frequently using taxi services and they should feel safer.

Those who need the taxi service can call these numbers: 03-80240507, 03-26926000 and 03-88884020.

For your information, the women taxi service would have a special sticker "TeksiWanita" on the vehicle.

According to the news, the company providing the services are recruiting more women taxi drivers. So, those who are interested to be a taxi driver, please contact them immediately.

Hope that the services will be available to other parts of the country depending on the demand of such services.

So, those men outside there, please don't hop on the taxi with "TeksiWanita" on it, it may be just for women passengers only.

Thanks at Kuala Lumpur Sentral

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Thanks at Kuala Lumpur Sentral, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

Everyday, there are a lot of activities going on at the Kuala lumpur Sentral. One of the activities is as shown in the picture where anyone are encouraged to chip in for the entertainment. By the way, he is very talented and able to attract crowds.

Kebab

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000

Chicken and Meat Kebab, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

In case that you wanted to have some kebab either chicken or meat, you can visit Kuching Water Front. There is a Kebab stall operating along the water front selling hot kebab as shown in the picture.

World's Rivers Day 2011 in Kuching

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:37:00 +0000

World's Rivers day 2011 is officiated at Kuching Water Front today. Several activities were being held at the water front to celebrate the special occasion.

SUKMAB 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

SUKMAB (SUKan MAhasiswa Borneo) 2011 is the second SUKMAB being held. This time , Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is the host for the game. Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia are taking parts in the SUKMAB 2011. There are a total of 1261 athletes taking parts in this year game. There are 15 contingents participating in this year game. From Brunei, the contingent is from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. From Indonesia, the contingent is from Universitas Tanjungpura.

Opening ceremony of SUKMAB 2011 being held at the newly open Unimas Stadium.

Rising the SUKMAB flag and Unimas's Futsal Arena visible in the background.

Landscape view of Unimas Stadium.

Stairways

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:47:00 +0000

IOI Marriot Putrajaya, a photo by wanhashim on Flickr.

Stairways at the IOI Marriot Putrajaya Hotel is as shown int his picture. The stairways connect main lobby of the hotel to the function rooms at the first level of the hotel. This stairways is designed in such a way that visitors or guests can find their ways to the coffee house and all of the respective function rooms.

However, the stairways occupy very large space of the hotel in order to come up with such an impressive structure.

Green and Red Bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

These green and red bicycles were parked in tandem at a bicycle parking rack. The color of the bikes are very striking and seemed to be able to attract a lot of attention. The advantage of using a very striking colored bikes is that it will help deter anyone from stealing the bikes because the bikes can be easily identified by their owners since not many bikes are painted in such colors.

This type of bicycle is commonly known as fixie or fixed-wheel. These bicycles have no freewheel and thus they cannot coast as the pedals are always in motion when the bicycles are moving. The sprocket or cog is bolted directly to a fixed rear hub. This allows a cyclist to stop without using a brake, by resisting the rotation of the cranks, and also to ride in reverse.