The bad image of public facilities in Malaysia

The issue of clean and usable toilets at public places in Malaysia and especially at entry points to our country seems to be a perennial topic. What will it take to clean the image of our public toilets?

Very few of the public facilities at our entry points are up to the mark. Whenever the cleaners have done their “cleaning”, the floors are always wet and I'm dubious whether it is really clean. Can't the cleaning team be sent for training at five-star hotels for example to learn a lesson or two from the premier hospitality establishments. I would use the premier hotels as the ultimate benchmark since most often their public facilities are clean, usable and a pleasure to be in.

The least we can learn is how the premier hotels clean their public facilities in such a way that the floors are not wet and slippery as can often be experienced at public facilities elsewhere. That should be a priority as a wet and slippery floor is a most unwelcoming sight to anyone who wants to use the facilities.

Does it take stricter law enforcement or a star ratings system like the food establishments? We give an A for those who maintain their public facilities up to the benchmark set and the ratings is to be reviewed periodically. Highlight the good and bad ones so there will be more customers coming to those who take the effort to maintain the cleanliness of their public facilities. The bad ones will be listed in a hall of shame so that the public knows the management does not take the trouble to upkeep the public facilities at his premises.

We are quite certain, Malaysia's toilets will still be the bane of tourists and locals alike for some time to come unless and until a more concerted effort is made to change our attitudes towards the upkeep of the public facilities.

Image from malaysia-pictures

The not so seniors can still contribute

A view from a not so senior citizen regarding the job market still open to them needs further discussion among the human resources department of companies and law makers. This group of employees usually comprise those between 40 to 50 years old. They have the work experience but due to circumstances might be the first to be let off if a company is trying to cut down costs or in the process of merging with another company.

They have already reached the higher salary category and letting go of employees in this age group is considered a pragmatic move by employers in order to reduce the operating costs. Some of them opted for early retirement as they realise they will be redundant sooner or later when a company is going through a merger and acquisition exercise. No prudent company would want two employees doing exactly the same job and both receiving high salaries. One of them would definitely has to be laid off.

This group will be caught in a bind if the Employees Provident Fund aligns the final withdrawal from the fund with the new retirement age. As it is, quite a number of people are looking forward to withdraw their EPF funds when they reach 55 so as to embark on different projects during their retirement years. Most probably we will see an ever-increasing retirement age considering the trend of higher life expectancy among the working population. This would be beneficial as all resources are needed in order to reach the aim of being a developed nation by 2020 and maintaining that status beyond that particular year.

The not so senior at the moment are not the most sought after employees once they are out the job market. Their experience and higher last drawn salary is a setback even if they are willing to take a pay cut. Employers take the easy way out in reducing costs by hiring younger inexperienced employees who definitely would not mind a smaller starting pay. This is an advantage in the short term and will show positive results in the accounts but the time spent to train someone and the mistakes they make might be costly and not worth the savings gained in the beginning.

Yes, we do need to think how best to use the experience of the not so seniors as they can still contribute to the company's bottom line.

Image from thinkplaninvest

Please help the parents get their son back

Please help the parents find their son. I do hope the police will be as hard working in their search for Nayati as what they have proven they are capable of in their handling of Bersih today.

RM1,000 fine for charging RM459.20 for a 4.8km ride

The news that an executive taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur has been fined RM1,000 for charging RM459.20 for a 4.8km ride is a good start in sending out the message that the authorities are serious in their efforts to clean up the public transportation industry. He was charged under Section 75(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 which provides for a maximum RM50,000 fine or three years' jail, or both, upon conviction.

I do wonder why the fine was just double the fare charged. The 4.8km ride should cost just RM10 or RM20 at the most taking into inconsideration the traffic conditions during the journey. I would prefer a higher fine or even a day's jail as a lesson that what he did is not something to be taken lightly. We do not know whether this was the only instance of overcharging or has he escaped conviction previously because passengers were not bothered to pursue the matter. It is a fact that quite a number of us could not be bothered to go through the hassle of reporting the offence and suffering the uncertainty whether our complaint would even be looked into by the relevant authorities.

When the public is apathetic in reporting such cases, the authorities can take pro-active measures to combat the menace of overcharging by taxi drivers. Undercover operations by enforcement personnel is always a good method to expose such activities. We do not necessarily have to mount public campaigns which is often highlighted in the media that there is an ongoing operations during certain periods to apprehend these culprits.

The exercise to weed out the bad hats has to be done continuously and diligently. The momentum should be maintained so that the taxi drivers will always be on their toes and follow the rules and regulations set our for them. Then and only then shall we see some improvement in the attitude and image of the taxi driver and of course better service for the public.

Image from kereta.info

Support the good initiatives

I am always happy whenever closer ties between the police force and the public are highlighted in the news. This is one of the best ways to forge a better bond between them and us. They are always seen as unapproachable due perhaps to the nature of their job. They have to maintain a certain distance and stern outlook so as to put some fear in those who intend to be bad. Well, it does work for some young children and those who have no clue on their citizen's rights when confronted by a policeman.­

The uniform itself gives the signal that they mean business as their key role is maintaining public peace and order. That has always been under appreciated as we go about in our daily lives without a care in the world. That secure feeling comes from the dedicated work of the men in blue. Alas, the usual news item would also highlight incidences when some men from the force misuse their power. In some cases, there will be some among us with bad intentions who manage to dupe the ignorant public in the guise of a police man, and consequently smear the good reputation of the majority of the personnel.

We can't ignore the fact that the police force has an image and perception problem. The bad ones will linger in the mind of the public so much so that we lose faith in the others. The effort to close the gap between the force and us is a laudable effort which should be encouraged. Every little bit of effort helps to maintain the peace of the country and the public must always be courted psychologically to have confidence in the force.

Those who are bad must be punished of course, but those who are good should be supported in order for them to be the majority in the force. We must try to minimise the presence of the bad hats and full support for the good ones is essential.

Image from fireflysolar

Third World mentality remains

The letter to the editor which appeared in the Star today highlighted all the ills of Malaysian society in its pursuit to be a developed nation. The gist of it is our mentality and attitude has not kept pace with the rapid physical progress equated with the numerous infrastructure projects and behemoth buildings that is evident in our country.

One of his examples in the letter strike a familiar chord, the illegal posters and buntings seen on almost any surface available in our vicinity. The million ringgit question would be why hasn't the local authorities fined anyone or any company involved in this activity? Or have we missed the news.

The other point which will always have a place in our hall of shame would be our dirty public toilets. We might have sparkling clean toilets at home but it will be a different experience altogether when one tries to find and use a public toilet. The writer feels that we are so used to such conditions that they do not make such a big deal any more and there is no point in complaining when it is the norm.

It is time all of us make a fuss and demand higher standards in everything that concerns us and that means putting our foot down when we find for example a dirty public toilet. One advantage of the Internet age would be the faster dissemination of information regarding issues dear to us. We could at least warn others that a certain place is not up to standards when it comes to its public toilets. Facebook, Twitter or any other social media tools come in handy when spreading the news either bad or good. Photographic evidence will also help to alert the authorities that a certain outlet has flaunted the law in regards to cleanliness.

If the culprit is still not reprimanded,issued a summons or fined, then it would confirm our doubts on the effectiveness of our enforcement agencies. They have the power to take action against the offenders when there is evidence. The laws are there and the public in this instance are willing to help by giving proof. The beauty of the modern connected world is we can help the authorities nab the offenders but the final nail has to be hammered in by the authorities.

Image from theborneopost

Four-year old kills father over PlayStation

The first paragraph of the news item says “An angry four-year-old Saudi boy shot and killed his father for refusing to buy him a PlayStation, Saudi media reported on Monday”. Would this be a record of some sort? This sad incident might indicate the beginning of a new era of demands from children for their favourite play things. Those who do not follow the demands will be punished with death at the hands of the children.

What have we taught our children? The ultimate responsibility over the children must lie squarely with the parents, no buts about it. Parents might rave and rant that the pressures of living in the fast paced world of today makes raising a child such a challenge. It is true but has it not been the same for each generation. I'm quite certain each of us were a handful to our parents when we were growing up but their firm hand and handling was a major factor ensuring that we became the adults that we are today. The formative years are the most important during the child's growing up phase and a four-year old who had no qualms killing the father over a toy, even if it is the much coveted PlayStation must have felt the toy is such an important part of his life that he is justified in his action.

Or is it just another facet of a tantrum common among children who do not get their way and in this case ending in the death of the father. We do not know the background of the story so in the end it is unfair to pass judgement on the child's family. There must be have been mitigating factors that triggered such a tragic incident and most probably the toy was just the catalyst that marked the moment to pull the trigger.

The child will need lots of help from psychologists and experts in young children's behaviour. The deed has been done and it is now up to the adults to decide what is best for the child. Do we want to see him grow up remorseful with the knowledge that he killed his father over a toy, let him grow up and come to terms with his actions, or treat him as an adult and let him have his dues.

He is a four-year-old and definitely needs help.

Image from mkis

More than half of Malaysian adults believe the country's education system is comparable to that of other countries

I guess we can rejoice with the statement from the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that more than half of Malaysian adults believe the country's education system is comparable to that of other countries. This fact was gleaned from a survey by Introspek Asia which also mentioned that 35% of those surveyed said the education system was better than that of developed countries. What was more interesting was the finding in the survey that a large majority (90%) of Malaysian adults agree that our education system standard are “comparable, better or much better” than the developed countries.

Does the finding have any connection to the sampling and methodology? The sample follows the information given by the Statistics Department, based on the 2010 census. The correspondents who who were below 30 years old made up 32.4% of the sample. The education level of those in the sample who had a secondary education (SPM) and below comprised 85.3%. and those with a household income RM3,000 and below made up 73.2% of the correspondents.

Can I also conclude that those with lower levels of education and income were the majority who agreed that our education system is “comparable, better or much better” than the developed countries. Statistics can be funny sometimes when we see it from a different perspective. All those facts and figures can be added and subtracted according to what we want to present to the public. The conclusion will always fit the pre-conceived notions or view when we do it in such a manner.

It is interesting indeed when we have been regaled recently on how much better our education system is compared to others especially the developed countries. I will take a pinch of salt and believe that it is true but does reality reflect that better education system?

Image from muslim-women-exposed

Coffee, toasted bread plus half boiled eggs, ahhhh

When I read the article on drinking coffee at a kopitiam, it immediately reminds me of my favourite breakfast place, Restoran Sin Seng Nam, Jalan Pasar in Kuala Lumpur. The rest of this piece will be my biased view of the restaurant.

My first encounter with the restaurant was in the late 1970s since it was along the way from my bus stop at the Straits Trading Building to the next bus stop at Bangkok Bank. At that time the dark wood staircase did give an old world ambiance to the whole place populated by the morning crowd. They might be some pensioners who had just returned from their morning walk or customers from the Central Market which was still a wet market at that point of time. These customers will be joined by the office workers who are mostly from the banking district around the area and the lawyers who have their offices conveniently near the courts.

I find the morning crowd such a stimulating mix with the usual coffee shop talk touching on events of the day while perusing the daily newspapers. What sets it apart from other coffee shops are the old timers who can regale you with so many interesting bits of the past, our history and the journey we took to arrive at our nationhood. Alas, most of them are gone now and the topic of conversation is now focused on the dollars and cents of everyday life. The crowd before 9.00 am are in a rush to clock in or else they will be reprimanded by their bosses. They will definitely miss the more laid back atmosphere of the place during the not so crowded hours.

I always feel the people who patron a place defines its character. It also helps that the we see the same faces everyday taking orders and delivering the food to the customers. We are also assured that the quality of food and drinks have remained. The noticeable change in recent years would be the larger number of non-Malaysian faces working in the shop. That can't be helped since all food outlets are facing a though time attracting young Malaysians working in such places.

I will still try to go to Restoran Sin Seng Nam at least once a week even though my daily route does not pass by that area any more. Breakfast is simple, just a cup of tea, toasted bread with kaya and butter plus two half boiled eggs. Simple but full of memories and I intend to continue my sojourns there as long as I can.

Image from xes.cx

Cut and paste will be a thing of the past

The news item mentioned that the Cabinet has approved a utility installation guideline system to do away with the practise of 'cut and cover,' said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung. I won't be exactly jumping for joy after reading the news but would prefer to see the system go into action. The reality may not be the same as the plan.

We always have plans, grandiose even but when it comes to the nitty-gritty of implementation and maintenance, we fall far short of the target. The minister said the system would be applied for all development areas or new towns to standardise installation and maintenance of utilities. Only development areas or new towns? What happens to non-development areas and old towns?

I guess there are plans that is still being perused and scrutinised by the planning authorities so that any utility installation in old areas will adhere to the same standards. Poor old towns, neglected and given low priority whereas if there is already a guideline on the proper maintenance of existing systems, I'm fairly confident that the sight of the common cut and cover patchwork would be a thing of the past. There is definitely poor coordination between the contractors and the authorities whenever a system needs to be upgraded.

Usually we can observe a team of workers digging a stretch of road at night and see the patchwork in the morning. That patch gets weathered down quite fast in our climate if the cover up job is not done properly. The public will lodge a report with the authorities when they see that a particular spot needs to be resurfaced properly and another team of workers will be sent to do the necessary. Unfortunately, as soon as the job is done, we will see another team digging again for another utility concern. So the momentum is maintained. I guess that is our forte, maintaining a culture of digging and repairing.

Image from rosenblumtv

There are "white sheep" in the public service too

My faith in the public service will always get a boost whenever I read news items that prove there are some good men there. It is heartening that despite the many brickbats thrown at the whole lot, there are others in the service who will dedicate themselves to being a good public servant. That phrase itself, public servant seems to have been forgotten by quite a number who hold positions in their capacity as an employee to the people.

In this case, Madam Koid was the Director of Customer Market Conduct Department at Bank Negara but she did not find it above her station to answer a call when her secretary was not around. She explained that she was passing by her secretary's desk and answered the call. She listened patiently to the caller and made it a point trying to solve the problem when all the relevant information had been compiled. This would be a good example of the “People First, Performance Now” slogan being put into action. The public have not seen or felt the effects of the slogan throughout the whole public civil service but instead been inundated with horror stories of incompetency and arrogance.

This is an exceptional case but evidence that there are good public servants hidden under all the negative news on the public sector employees. An exemplary public servant must be nurtured by the system and not kept in cold storage just because the prevailing culture have not accepted such dedication. When the system tend to promote little Napoleons rather than those who do actual work, the rot will fester and overcome the good seeds and even overwhelm the others. It is an uphill battle as a culture of mediocrity has been established in some government departments. The long queues just to get a number at public hospitals for example seem symptomatic of the system.

I'm sure we can do better. The private sector employees sometimes have the same disdain for the public and this attitude for those who deal with the public must be stopped. The public goes to a department for a service and they must be treated with due respect and attention that they deserve. Not every customer is right but handling difficult customers is an art that can be learnt. Anyone who is employed to service the public either in the public or private sector must realise that they themselves might be at the opposite side of the counter or telephone call when the occasion arises. Then they would know that a dedicated unassuming employee has a positive effect on the entire experience. It is known that some people succumb to high blood pressure triggered by an unpleasant encounter with an employee. A pleasant time at a department will reduce the number of such cases.

Image from reedfarms

All the best to Rempit United

The initiative by a group of bikers to launch an advocacy group seems a good idea. Rempit United is the name and its president who is a businessman and former motorcyclist is targeting an estimated 600,000 youths in the peninsula who are involved in illegal activities such as riding without licences, illegal racing and petty crime. That is a big number of youths and we do hope he and his group will succeed.

As always, caution is in order. The public would not want to dampen the spirit and good intentions of the group but I guess starting small would be ideal. Ultimately of course we want every youth who has been labelled as a mat rempit to be back in the fold of society. The president of the group, Wazi Abdul Hamid acknowledges that due to the stigma, there is a tendency to become aggressive as a way of expressing one's existence in society. That is the main thrust of these youths, trying to find recognition. Most probably that unwanted or unrecognised feeling developed from their childhood and school days, built up through their adolescence with the help of like minded friends.

When one feels isolated and unrecognised, the person will gravitate to those who are willing to lend an ear to listen to their problems and dreams. Theirs is in essence an ordinary normal world but so happened misunderstood by others in their family or school. They seek solace in others and illegal racing is just an outlet to give voice to that frustration while managing to gain points in the eyes of their peers. Any illegal activity will gain them a higher standing in the group and the transition from petty crimes to other illegal activities might be too tempting to resist.

The almost non-existent support from family and other friends spurs them towards the negative side of life. We do hope that if and when Rempit United becomes a reality, these youths would reconsider their options. The thrills and spills would still be there but in an approved environment. Some might find it too rigid and formal being a member of such an organised group but we would never know until it has really reached its target. The lost youths of our nation.

Image from mrbadak

Small gestures do have a positive effect

It is indeed heart warming to read about the encounter between a stranger and a special child. The simple gesture of holding out his hand to be reciprocated in kind most probably mean a lot to the child. We do not know what exactly is in the child's mind when he does something but the smile on his face does indicate a happy feeling and warmth that another person has taken his gesture in kind. It is also sad that according to the child's mother, a lot of people mistook the gesture as begging for money.

Our perception is always coloured by first impressions. The veneer and outer layer seem to dazzle or dim our view of people the first time we set eyes on them. In this case it is a child, a special child who did not ask to be born that way and is not seeking sympathy but only understanding. I wonder how does the child feel if we did not take hold of his hand. Most probably still smiling since he has not mastered the difference between acceptance and rejection. I would second a guess that the smile would not linger that long as the expected warmth of another hand was not felt. He would then know that his gesture was not accepted and might be wondering whether he has done anything wrong.

The child had touched the person not just physically but made a good start to his Monday morning. A simple gesture with a rippling effect which should be emulated by others too. We are so busy and trying to squeeze in as much work or activity in the little time that we have that we tend to forget the little things in life. Taking the hand that was extended might seem inconsequential but little gestures do make a difference to us and the other person. Stop and ponder the next time you see a smiling face in our everyday rush to get to our next appointment or meeting. That simple gesture is just asking us to respond in kind. Remember it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.

Image from welcomebabyuc

We cannot challenge in court future fatwa by Kedah mufti and fatwa committe

I am uncertain whether the news that future fatwa by Kedah mufti or fatwa committee cannot be challenged in court is really a wise decision. The mufti and committee are presumably men of learning but they are still man, warts and all. When a ruling that any fatwa cannot be challenged is established, where do we go for redress if any new evidence is found that is not consistent with the fatwa. I'm thinking of the future when discoveries in so many fields will affect our everyday lives. The nature of the global village will affect muslims everywhere including in this country. More information and knowledge can give a different perspective on certain issues that might not be consistent with a fatwa.

The past has shown a few controversies involving fatwas. For example the yoga ban a few years ago was promulgated by the National Fatwa Council because it contains elements of another religion. Muslims do not have an avenue to challenge such a ruling if we are in Kedah but I guess we can still do whatever we want in the privacy of our homes. Oh, but I forgot the incident when an American couple was raided in their room in Langkawi in 2008. That raid is part and parcel of a fatwa, right?

A fatwa's tentacles reach far and wide even in the privacy of our homes. The most obvious beneficiary would be the religious authority enforcement officers. They are the ones who will try their best to ensure that a fatwa is followed to the letter. They will no doubt be joyous that their powers to lord it over others cannot be challenged and overstepping their authority might well occur. That is the danger inherent when there is no avenue to challenge any ruling.

I'm fine with rulings as long as I can have further clarification on them when the need arises or even question the relevance of the ruling. This new edict would stifle discussions and exchange of ideas. I am just a layman and would like to know the reasons behind any fatwa. If the reasons seem unconvincing, don't I have the option to question and query before accepting the ruling?

Image from modernanalyst

Bad hats are a minority but get the most coverage

It is an eye opener reading “Exploding the Nigerian Myth” by Philip Golingai which appeared in today's Star. He went to see Abiodun Musa Aibinu, the president of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (Malaysian Chapter) prepared with some questions from his fellow tweeters. The main thrust is that the bad hats among the Nigerian community in Malaysia is tiny, only 5% and they hog the main news. 

Our newspapers do not highlight the fact that the majority of Nigerians in Malaysia are pursuing postgraduate studies lured by the lower school fees and exchange rates. Doesn't this prove that the Malaysian government's efforts to make this country an educational hub is now such a success to the extent that it has managed to find acceptance on another continent?

According to Aibinu, the 5% are mostly in private institutions under the guise of learning and he was puzzled on how they managed to get their visas. It seems these “students” were approved to study English in Malaysia even though the official language of Nigeria is English. Mind boggling to say the least. I guess our English language teaching modules are of such high standards that someone from a country that uses it officially prefers to come here and study. 

Should we be expecting those from Britain, the USA and the rest with English as their official language to come knocking on our doors soon? If that becomes a reality, our aim to make this country an educational hub par excellent would be chalking another success. We await with abated breath for the hordes of British and American students making their way to our shores to study English here.

Yes, perception influences the way we see and acknowledge others. If we take that 5% figure as an indicator of the percentage of bad hats in any society, we have to be honest to ourselves that our image in others' eyes are also coloured by this minority who monopolise the headlines. We cannot swagger and brag that our society are devoid of bad hats. They are part and parcel of our lives. We have always tried to minimise any bad elements in our society. 

Unfortunately the percentage might remain the same or even reduced but the numbers do look menacing as the total population itself has increased. 5% of 100,000 is just 5,000 but the same percentage applied to a population of one million is 50,000. A big jump in numbers and we must be cognisant of this fact.

Image from colette

Awkward to receive rather than to give

We have not given much thought in receiving graciously as mentioned by the columnist in today's Sunday Star. The example he gave about the two men arguing over who should foot the bill after a meal strikes a chord. It quite a common occurrence and I guess in corporate circles it is the norm for those trying to be in the good books of the other to pay for the bill. That would make the gesture hovering on a thin line between just an ordinary goodwill gesture or an underhanded way to curry favour.

It is quite difficult for us who have been drummed with the mantra that the hand that gives is better than the hand that receives to change our mindset. It is an awkward moment when we receive something especially if the gift or payment is of high value. There are definitely those who will misuse others' kindness but most of us would be thinking, how on earth and when can I return the gesture. The columnist did mention that the receiver should not be unduly worried about the matter but try to pass on the blessing to someone else. That is a good way to spread kind gestures to more people and as the saying goes, what goes round comes around.

In fact, if those who give had reached the stage where the act does not even attract attention, the receiver might in all likelihood feel thankful being in such company. The receiver would then pass on that gift to someone else and also try to do it without attracting any attention to himself. It is not an easy act to emulate but some have mastered it quite well. These special people will always have a place in the hearts and minds of their friends and those they have met throughout their lives.

Image from tycoonwomen

Housemen to meet hospital director weekly to discuss issues they face

I do hope this new directive to have housemen meet hospital directors weekly to iron out issues pertaining to being overworked, bullying and depression will be successful. Patients would be wary of being attended by doctors who are too tired themselves to administer to a our well being. Whenever we go to public hospitals we half expected that the service provided will be mediocre compared to those offered by the privately run facilities. For many, the public hospitals are their only hope of seeking assistance and having doctors who can carry out their job efficiently would be a boost to the reputation of the government aided hospitals.

The public hospitals are constrained by so many factors including the inadequate number of doctors in certain areas and equipment that needs to be upgraded on par with the rest of the country. The allocation for the Health Ministry in the national budget never seems enough and private hospitals make a killing filling in the void. The haves will be able to cope as they can even go abroad to seek the best anywhere in the world as they have the means to do so. What about the have-nots?

This group like it or not have to depend on the public hospitals despite the long queue just to get a number to see a doctor. The patient would no doubt feel more sick meeting a tired and stressed out doctor. Doctors are just humans with feelings like the rest of us. They need their minimum hours of rest too so as to enable them to work better. The patients are not the only ones that need that tender loving care but attention has to be given to the care givers too. The doctor will definitely perform better if he is not burdened by overwhelming pressure from long hours of work. The profession is not for everyone and the training period in the public hospitals can make or break a person.

Image from thesundaily

Has any cash machines been recalibrated to accept the new bank notes?

I love Bank Negara Malaysia's statement regarding the new bank notes that will be issued on 16 July 2012. It urged vendors of cash handling machines to ensure that their machines can accept both the new and old bank notes series for the convenience of the public by that date. I wonder whether the public will see another chaotic few weeks trying to find machines that have been calibrated to accept the new notes when the day comes as what we experienced during the introduction of the new coins. A that time Bank Negara explained that due notice had been given to the vendors on the change.

So is that the scope of Bank Negara's responsibilities? Bank Negara will inform and urge the vendors to change their machines but who monitors or ensures that there are functioning machines already in place by that date. I have not read any statements from the banks for example regarding their cash deposit machines. Has their machines been recalibrated to accept the new notes?

Why do authorities launch new products without take into consideration the lackadaisical attitude of Malaysians, either the people or the companies. Remember the change to the new MyKad? Many could not be bothered to change until the last minute and we even had campaigns to persuade the public to go to the registration departments. Don't forget as well the number of income tax payers postponing their filings until the eve of the deadline thereby congesting the system.

If Bank Negara is honest with itself a proactive action has to be taken. Random checks to see whether the recalibration has been done or new machines installed would be a relief to the public. At least we would not be taken by surprise on that day running hither and thither looking for the correct machine. The public is always at the losing end when these exercises are implemented. This is a classic example of the slogan “People First, Performance Now” gone astray.

Image from malaysiakita

Old news right? Komuter train stalled for 45 minutes

Here we go again, a KTM komuter train stopped for about 45 minutes at a station on its way from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur. There were no announcements to inform the passengers of the situation during that time and the train finally arrived in Kuala Lumpur past 8pm after starting the journey at 5.30pm. That is a two and a half hour journey which is more than double the usual time it takes for that particular distance to be covered by the komuter train. What added salt to the wound was the fact that the stalled train was the spanking new train that was supposedly brought in to solve and improve the servives. The passengers were rescued by the arrival of the old train.

This rot has to stop immediately. Where were the higher management of KTM during such incidents? I always believe the main culprit in the Malaysian public transport debacle is the lack of political will in implementing a plan and seeing it through all the required stages. It is fine and dandy to have a master plan but to see it through until it becomes a living and well functioning part of our lives is another story. How much of taxpayers money has been spent on trying to improve our public transportation system throughout the years and do we see much progress at all?

I will always be curious to know how many of those in the upper echelons of the ministry and agencies responsible for public transportation have taken the bus or komuter themselves to go to work. Try it for at least one week and not on official visits, please.

Image from thesundaily

Public transportation key to ease traffic congestion

I couldn't agree more with the reader who wrote that improving public transport is the key in our continuing fight to ease the traffic congestion on the roads. He observed that many give priority to car ownership especially in the urban centres directly contributing to our daily road congestion and the less than satisfactory service provided by the public transportation system. He felt that the people in the public transport services are the most crucial factor.

His conclusion might be correct but in Malaysia at the moment, no public transport operator is totally free from the directives of the main planners. Once upon a time, we had fewer cars and our roads were relatively well maintained, As the nation moved into its next developmental stage, there was an emphasis to build our own car industry and incentives were given to spearhead that ambition. At the same time, a similar push was not given to the public transportation sector. Today, we reap the “benefits”.

The political will to change and revolutinise the present public transportation system has to be seen and felt throughout all strata of society. The decision to build more highways to ease the traffic congestion in the urban centres does not solve the problem as anyone who is honest to himself will acknowledge. A radical approach has to be embraced and we have the experts who can contribute to make the public transportation system better. The solution should be comprehensive and not just a patch up job on how to ease the present traffic mess but with a long term goal to make public transportation the preferred choice.

As it is the Land Public Transport Commission central role is limited to improving road and rail-based public and freight transport in the country. The commission is not in the group that plans the whole transportation network in the country in their initial stages. The planning stage is the most crucial as it can then ensure and demand that public transportation is given priority. That should be the objective and we must not diverge from that aim.

Image from fastmotoring

Sentenced 28 years in total but will be able to serve just 8 years concurrently

I wonder whether the judge's decicison in the case of a woman abusing her boyfriend's daughter is just. The judge ordered the original total sentence of 28 years imprisonment to be served concurrently instead and the woman need only serve 8 years. Most probably with good behaviour, she might even be released before the full sentence has been served. The woman, Shalina Sundiri Abdullah, 42, was sentenced to six years on the charge of inserting cili padi into the girl’s vagina, eight years for sticking a mop handle into the victim’s private parts, three years for hitting her with a piece of wood, eight years for pouring hot water and three years for beating her with a hose.

The heinous physical and sexual abuse inflicted upon the then 13-year old girl would definitely leave a psychological scar on the child. The abuses occurred in December 2010 and it has been two years since the incident. Does anyone think such an abuse suffered by a child will be forgotten in a flash? The prosecutor did mention that all those abuses will have a permanent effect on the girl even if the scars will heal with time. During the time it takes for the body to heal, her abuser will get decent treatment at a secure government facility. And of course at the taxpayers expense.

I'm not sure the sentence has given the right message to others who are in the same situation. Do abusers get reduced sentences because they plead guilty to their crimes? In this case even if the abuser cries tears of blood in remorse, the abusive act has been perpetrated on the child and will haunt the victim forever. Psychological help might lessen the impact but there is no guarantee that the child will be able to lead a normal life again. Victims of monstrous abuses such as these need additional help and seeing the abuser getting a lesser total sentence does not lessen the inner turmoil that they have to endure.

Our justice system does not allow an eye for an eye compensation for any crimes and the maximum jail sentence must be meted out to at least give time for the abuser to reflect and make amends with her own self. The abuser needs pyschological help too. We wouldn't want her to come out and repeat the same acts on others in future.

Image from brookdalecc

King of the road, the lawless motorcyclist

A car driver asks what we can do about lawless motorcyclists terrorising our city? Not much I suppose since so far all the campaigns against them seem very seasonal and the lawless continue to thumb their noses at the law. Whenever a motorcyclist is involved in an accident as shown by the gory details in the media, we are immediately torn between pity or that feeling that they deserve their fate. A motorcyclist that flaunts the law deserves every broken bone that comes with his reckless driving.

It might seem cruel and sadistic to wish someone ill but have they, the lawless motorcyclist, ever considered other road users? The law does seem powerless despite the many road blocks during the operations to apprehend the lawless motorcyclists. Wasn't there a plan to turn these motorcyclists into law abiding citizens. There were advertisements showing reformed mat rempits who made good in the legal racing circuit but I guess the thrills of the illegal races is stronger. Some might say it is just a phase the youth go through but how do you account for parents with children as pillion riders without safety helmets? That is also a reckless motorcyclist and a parent should have more sense than to endanger their children while on the road.

Safety is not the main concern for the motorcyclist but to get to their destination in the fastest way possible is the main aim. How else can we explain the zigzagging and sharp swerves in between other vehicles whenever they are on the road. A friend put it mildly that the motorcyclist must be in such a hurry to get that million dollar contract before the deadline that he is willing to sacrifice life and limb to reach that destination. Even if it involves others' life and limb too.

The reckless, lawless motorcyclist cares only about himself. As far as he is concerned, he is the king of the road, much more agile than the cars stuck in our perpetual traffic jams in the city. The ones who abide by the rules are ridiculed and mocked for being too safe and careful. Isn't it better to be safe than sorry? I shall assume that it is not the priority to the lawless motorcyclist. The thrill of beating the red traffic light, leaving behind a trail of smoke from their extensively modified machines with some reconditioned to emit the loudest noise possible is an adrenalin rush to them. I can see their point of view, these daredevils on the road, but could they ever see ours too?

Image from margeemar

Win win situation for volunteers

The news item that mentioned being volunteers has helped a family learn to be humble, respect each other and be more responsible towards the needs of others should be highlighted more often. Some of us might assume that being a volunteer is a one way traffic with someone giving and the other receiving. It reality it is a win-win situation since both parties reap the benfits of the act. The volunteer does not gain in the form of material wealth but more in intangibles.

The person who has been taught to be a volunteer would realise that there are always others in need of help much more than himself. We tend to think that our problems are the hardest to solve, a great burden and need the utmost attention. When we ponder for a moment, we realise that there are others still struggling just to get that meal of the day on their table. Some find it difficult just to get from one point to the other. There are so many who need help but we just dismiss them as it does not concern us personally. Sometimes we even ignore those who are near to us.

That attitude has to be changed since we never know what will happen in the future. We are healthy and full of vigour at present but is there any guarantee that the situation remains forever. We can strive and work to minimise any calamity but in the meantime we must always remember others who are less fortunate than us. There are some born into their situation and still need some help in order for them to lead a normal life. A good example are those born blind or became blind because of an accident or disease in their adulthood. A simple act like crossing the road can be a major challenge to them if the infrastructure in the vicinity is not geared to cater to their special needs. There might not be raised tiles to guide them along the streets or the traffic lights are not the specially programmed version which will beep when the green man lights up. It does not take much to take the blind man's hand and guide him to his intended direction but sometimes we just glance away.

We must make an effort with little steps. The majority of those less fortunate did not ask to be in that situation and the better offs in society do not have the right to just ignore or look down on them. Some might say that giving a donation should be enough of a gesture in helping this group of people but remember money alone does not help them. They are a part of society too and we can and must do our part so they will not be marginalised.

Image from lawsuccess

Any Malaysian students in Harvard this year?

No Malaysian in Harvard for second consecutive year was a news item in the Star today. Should it even be mentioned? It is not a news worthy item compared to the “Our education system better than advanced nations” news that appeared on 31^st March 2012 of the same newspaper. What is Harvard or for that matter MIT, Oxford or Cambridge compared to Malaysian universities. We can be certain that our “better” education system is the envy of others and many are clamouring to gain admission into them. Have a look at the increasing number of foreigners in our universities and that fact itself should silence those sceptical on the quality of our “better” education system.

Our universities' admission criteria must be of a certain standard before any student can be accepted. I'm sure those rejected by Harvard and the like would be able to gain admission easily into our local universities. It must have been an oversight of the Harvard selection committee to conclude that no Malaysians are able to meet the criteria for admission. They are just envious of our “better” education system and it is a sly move to deny our qualified students from entering Harvard. As it is, our “better” education” system has inadvertently raised the bar of minimum standards around the world. We have become the torch bearers of excellence in education and many would love to follow our example.

Malaysians are highly regarded in private but the so called leading nations have to maintain their reputation at whatever cost. The Malaysian student becomes the innocent victim as the foreign university refuses to acknowledge our “better” education system has produced a person of such high calibre. Those who have been admitted to Harvard for example might not find it an easy task gaining admission to Malaysian universities because of our “better” education system will definitely pick out only the best. The best are of course Malaysian students who have been schooled in our “better” education system. As proof of this “better” education system, just count how many children of Malaysian ministers for example, who have gone through that system from primary to university level. All of them, right?

Image from harvardjsel

Singapore 'happiest' country in South-east Asia ?

Singapore beat Malaysia again and this time it is in the happiness stakes. Singapore is ranked 33rd out of 156 countries covered by the United Nations World Happiness Report and thus the 'happiest' nation in South-east Asia. Malaysia is ranked 51st and takes second place among the countries in the region. The report found that richer countries tended to be happier, although wealth was not the defining factor for happiness.

"Political freedom, strong social networks and an absence of corruption are together more important than income in explaining well-being differences," the report said.

"At the individual level, good mental and physical health, someone to count on, job security and stable families are crucial."

Don't we have all that and much more than our southern neighbours?

I guess the bottom line is the grass is still greener on their side of the causeway even though our neighbours love to make weekend trips up north. We have the space and trees, but they have the happiness? We take what we have for granted whereas they have struggled, toiled and used their street smarts to outdo others in the race to be a top notch nation.

It cannot be denied that we are envious in a way of their success. We can feel the difference in the air when we cross the causeway and marvel at what can be done with sheer grit and determination. It can be argued whether they really have political freedom but strong social networks and an absence of corruption is definitely a given there. Every challenge that comes their way is resolved as soon as possible since any delay might jeorpardise their projected growth plans.

They might use the hinterland for their weekend escapades but that would be just a short break from the lifestyle they are accustomed to in their country. The better living standards of the majority contributes to the overall happiness of the nation. That is the crux of the equation, the spoils are better distributed down south.

Image from areyouhappyatwork

Malaysians are living as one despite the politicians antics

The letter to the editor in the Star today highlighted how close we are as Malaysians at the people's level without any interference from the politicians. The writer mentioned the Indian boy selling newspapers crossing the road even in rain so that his customers do not get wet, the Chinese aunt who is not conversant in Bahasa Malaysia or English but takes the trouble to remember her customers' preferences and the Malay man who helped solved a spat between two drivers, an Indian man and a Chinese lady.

Those examples are most probably the norm rather than the usual chest thumping and fiery speeches that we see and hear from politicians. The politicians play to the gallery and pander to the base instincts of their supporters. In reality, if the politicians did not stoke the fire, there would not even be a need for an official 1Malaysia campaign as the bond between us is strong. The majority respect each other and understand the differences of each race and religion. The minority few who do not want to acknowledge that we are in the same boat will always be the loudest trying to be the captain but in actual fact endangering the other passengers.

What can we do to take back control of where and how the ship will sail through the rough currents of today's world? The least we can do is highlight more of such deeds and acts that do not look at a person's race or religion first. If we are truly honest with ourselves we would realise that we are here on earth temporarily and must make the best of the given opportunity. The person beside you is a fellow human being. That must always be remembered.

A small deed, a smile, a pleasant expression might not seem much but it is a start. It might be an uphill task when there is so much emphasis on the negatives in the news. The scene can be changed when we ignore those negatives and concentrate on the positives. The positives seem tiny compared to all the problems that beset the nation but we are the ones in control of our destiny. We shall overcome. We, the ordinary folks will make this nation a great nation despite efforts to jeopardise our ambitions.

Image from everything-kuala-lumpur

The government should not be the only one to take the blame for abandoned housing projects

The Chief Secretary to the Malaysian Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan has reprimanded professional bodies including the Bar Council, Institute of Engineers (IEM), Malaysian Architects Association (PAM) and Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) at a meeting on abandoned housing projects chaired by him. It was reported that the illegal development could have been stopped at every stage of the process but oversight by some professional bodies and government agencies allowed them to proceed.

Now the public knows that the so called professional bodies are not quite what they say they are even though the culprits might just be a few black sheep among the fraternity. What exactly does it take for the professional bodies to take action on their members? I guess it will take time to gather the evidence before the hands of the law are able to catch the culprits. In the meantime, the public is at the receiving end. We bought houses, our dream houses for some, with some assurance that all the legalities has been adhered to by the developer. Unfortunately, some developers have managed to side step the rules and regulations and got away with their scams because of some oversight from some of the professional bodies.

Is it possible to have a more stringent procedure when approving housing development projects? Would that really be of help or just another excuse to have more red tape in the process. A more rigorous check and balance might need more manpower which might encourage some unscrupulous developers to grease the palms of those that make the decisions. That scenario would jeopardise the good names of all who strive to follow the rules. Most probably the current system is adequate to some extent but need tweaking so that oversights can be minimised or even eliminated altogether.

I'm not sure how that can be done but the suggestion that a committee be set up to look into the matter seems a good idea. Hopefully the committee is not a flash in the pan idea but dedicated to try and solve the problem. Tan Sri Mohd Sidek said the committee is not so much to find fault but how to resolve the issue and to ensure that the people involved followed rules. We wish them the best of luck.

Image from nst

Malaysian crime rate down?

I guess congratulations are in order for the continuing success of the reforms implemented under the ruling Malaysian government's National Transformation Programme as mentioned by the Prime Minister on Monday. One of the highlights mentioned in the report was the fact that street crime has gone down by 39 percent while crime rate in general has decreased by 11 percent since 2009.

Why am I feeling jittery despite the stated drop of street crime by 39 percent? Some might say personal incidents that happened in the past might have affected my perception of how safe our country is now compared to a few years ago. I could have accepted that argument if not for a recent theft that happened to an acquaintance.

She was at the automatic teller machine at a bank's branch when she was robbed of her cash and other valuables. She was thankful that she was not physically harmed and went to the nearest police station to lodge a report. Unfortunately, the personnel at that station did not want to accept her report as the robbery occurred outside of their jurisdiction. At this juncture, she did try to persuade the personnel at that station to accept the report as the hassle of going to the correct station is just beyond her capability at that time. She felt another ride to another station would be just too much of a stressful ordeal after what she had just endured. She became very upset when the personnel was adamant that they are just following the proper procedure. They were sympathetic and understood her predicament but were unable to help.

The victim in this case finally decided not to make a report as she was not in the right frame of mind to go to another police station after her traumatic experience. She still had her important documents such as her identity card and felt that the valuables lost did not warrant further hassles of just trying to make a simple report. Would this case be taken into account when the authorities calculate their statistics on crime reduction? How many of such cases are there nationwide?

Victims of a crime faced a life changing experience when those robbers chose them as their target. No one wants to be a victim but when it happens we try to cope and be more alert in future. The mere presence of more police personnel does help in making the public more confident in going through their daily lives safely and reducing the chances of being a victim. Alas, the procedures in place when a crime does happen tend to be a dampener. Victims need assurance that their cases are not dismissed as mere statistics or ignored. Are there any victims who are cool and collected after the incident? Most probably they will be in shock that they had fallen victim to a crime. The police need to use a more humane approach when dealing with such victims. They do not need coddling but at least some semblance of an understanding that their ordeal is not theirs alone to bear.

I am still unconvinced that the crime rate has gone down.

Image from ibunoor

Rapid does not equal fast in Kuala Lumpur

I can empathise with the misgivings that a writer of the letter to the editor's page mentioned on the not so rapid RapidKL buses plying the city routes. The writer had to take three buses from her home to her work place and waits at the bus stop by 5.50 am. She'll reach her destination by 9 am or sometimes even 9.30 am. That is a three hours of commuting time and most probably the same time is spent in the evenings. Can you imagine six hours every working day spent using our “rapid” buses? The culprit is a connecting bus that does not seem to be running on schedule. We hear the same grouses regarding shuttle bus services that service the light rail transit commuters.

The usual explanation would be that congested roads delayed the bus and the management apologises for any inconvenience caused. That often repeated phrase “the management apologises for any inconvenience caused” would get my vote as one of the most misused in circulation among our service providers. An apology by itself does not bring back the hours wasted waiting for the bus or looking for further information on why a delay occurred and when it can be rectified. The service provider's personnel suddenly are not to be seen when the passenger wants to seek a clarification. We have to depend on other fellow passengers instead to find out what has transpired.

A six hours journey seems such an oxymoron when we have the highways criss-crossing every residential area and business centre in the city. Alas, the highways are built to ease the journey of the cars, usually single occupied. The much touted national car industry has indirectly spawned the highways that kept being built to cater for the increasing number of cars. Everyone wants a car for the convenience since the public transport system is unable to bring someone from one place to another within a reasonable time.

The freedom to drive on your own even when you are stuck in the traffic contrasts with the uncertainty of when you will reach your destination if using the public transport. Buses are not a priority in the town planners master plan but highways are almost always indicated with those dotted lines when we look at maps of new housing areas. Buses could never compete with cars until and unless a radical overhaul is made to give priority to the public transportation system. This does not just mean the billions of ringgit that will be spend extending the current light rail transport lines or building the mass rapid transport system but a more holistic approach that puts the emphasis on the humble bus again.

Can we ever even dream of having a reliable public transport system in future? Maybe that day will come when the Prime Minister himself commutes by bus to his office or the Parliament House.

Image from transitmy

Cut sugar and salt content in food

The news that the Malaysian Health Ministry has ordered 35 major food and beverage producers to cut sugar and salt content in their products is a step in the right direction. Nevertheless I wonder whether this is sufficient to wean us out of our present food intake which is high in sugar and salt. The manufacturers including those producing infant formula, cereals and carbonated drinks, have also been told to reduce trans fats content in their products. It seems the move is voluntary for now but they have been given a deadline to comply.

The move to start with infant formula is a good idea since the young will be conditioned to have less sugar, salt and trans fat in their food. When we were growing up, our daily intake knew no boundaries, as evidenced by the many plump babies and overweight children who are indulged by the adults. An overweight baby is not seen as a sign of future obesity but instead complimented on being cute and well fed. It might be an unconscious acknowledgement that the parents can afford to feed their babies with as much food as they want since they have the means. A one-upmanship in a way that puts the baby on a pedestal as if to confirm that the parents belong to the top group in the social pecking order and no longer just living from day to day. The proof would be the ample girth of the baby.

When the child grows bigger with an above average hearty appetite, the parents are unable to stop the requests for extra helpings of the food served. Some children are so used to two or three helpings of food especially those with a high content of salt and sugar that anything less sees them lethargic and grumpy. The lesson has to be taught since young that salt and sugar are important to your diet but it has to be taken in moderation. An active lifestyle is also necessary since cutting down on salt and sugar alone does not help in maintaining the ideal weight.

The adults will face a different challenge trying to make their taste buds used to food with less salt and sugar. It takes sheer will power to change a life long habit if anyone wants to see the beneficial results within a certain period. Taking the plunge alone is such torture and this is when group support from friends and family comes into the picture. The whole family and circle of friends have to rally together in support of those who need that change. There would be painful adjustments when someone does not get his daily dose of teh tarik and nasi lemak but it can be done. Persistence and perseverance would be the key in achieving the goal.

All of us definitely have to make a paradigm shift and begin that journey to a better self by accepting that food with less salt and sugar helps us to remain healthy and avoid the pitfalls of future ailments. We have to get used to the taste of food with less salt and sugar even though at first it might not be to our liking at all. A bitter pill to swallow now but in the long run, the new lifestyle will result in a much healthier person.

Image from thecityreview