Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter

The heading in the letter to the editor says it all, “Start by insisting they all use meters”. All the subsidies that are given to the taxi operators whether it is the fuel subsidy or recently launched tire subsidy would not make a dent in improving the taxi services in this country unless and until all taxis use meters.

I'll quote some paragraphs that I like:

“In Kuala Lumpur, the taxis have meters and display signs on the doors about "no haggling" but it's all "face" as most taxis refuse to turn the meter on.” This is so so true.

“The driver usually starts quoting a fixed fare of twice the normal amount "because of heavy traffic" or "because it's raining" etc. The abuse of the system is endemic.” Most often that not even if there is no heavy traffic and the sun is shining brightly, the taxi drivers will still pick and choose whether they want to take the passengers.

“Compare the situation here with that in Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta. In all these cities, the drivers turn on the meter without question and rarely try to cheat.” I have not been to Manila but I can vouch that in the other two cities which has a bigger population and worse traffic condition that in any city in Malaysia, the taxi drivers automatically use the meter, come rain or shine, irrespective of the traffic conditions.

“I may be wrong, but I don't think the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had ever tried to hail a taxi in the street. If they did, they would see a different reality.” I would like to give the benefit of the doubt here. Yes, maybe the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had tried hailing a taxi in the street just like the rest of us. At the moment both of them might be working diligently trying to find a solution to the perennial bad image of our taxi services. I am hoping and praying that they really did hail a taxi in the street and had the same experience as the public.

I just love the last paragraph:

“Perhaps the way to start is to go to Bangkok and find out how the system there works and why in Malaysia it is horribly broken.” Of course I'm biased, since every visit to Bangkok has been pleasant, and even during the period when they had different factions fighting to be the ruling government, the taxi drivers will still take you to your destination using the meter.

The key point has to be emphasised again: Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter.

Image from killingtimewithijahamran

Air Asia's female pilots

I've always had a love hate relationship with AirAsia from day one due to the numerous flight delays during the early days and now the not so friendly booking online system. They deserve a pat on the back nevertheless for their equal opportunity policy in terms of employment.

This fact is highlighted in the article on female pilots working with the airline. AirAsia currently has 21 female pilots. Twelve of them fly with AirAsia operating the Airbus A320 while the remainder fly for AirAsiaX, operating the Airbus A330. According to one of the pilots interviewed, she even had the experience of being on a flight manned by an all female crew. Now, can anything beat that?

I do wish other organisations can take a leaf from AirAsia and give equal opportunity to the females in their fold. It is a waste of talent and resources if a woman is sidestepped from a position just because of her gender. When all things are considered and the woman is suitable for the post, there should not be any qualms in putting her in that job.

At the end of the day, any organisation has targets to achieve and if the most capable to do the job is a woman, so be it. It might be a man's world for some job categories, such as the airline industry but when it comes to the crunch, the ability to deliver is what counts.

In that sense, kudos to AirAsia.

Image from NST

How much does it cost to get the Malaysian halal certification?

I'm glad that the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said that food outlet operators are not compelled to apply for the halal certificate and logo. He gave examples of hawkers such as the nasi lemak, nasi dagang and keropok lekor seller who would have to close shop if this group of traders are compelled to apply for the halal certification.

I do wonder how much does it take to get the certification to the point that an ordinary hawker has to close shop. According to the e-halal portal, applicants have to list all the ingredients used in their food preparation before proceeding with the application.

As an example, the keropok lekor seller will list the fish, oil, flour and other ingredients used in making his delicacy. I'm unsure what other details are needed since any applicant who wants to use the portal must first register with Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).

Would the cost of submitting this information and other checks be so exorbitant that the trader has to close shop? Or is it only the big businesses that can afford the certification.

I have always had more faith in the small traders as some of them are my neighbours and friends. I've seen them prepare the food and know where they get the supply. I'm uncertain what actually happens during the certification process such that only big businesses can afford the checks.

As I said, how much exactly does it cost to get the certification?

Image from knizam

Well read

According to the letter to the editor that appeared in the New Straits Times 7 February 2012, we need to be well read persons in order to regain the lost art of conversation. This might be true for certain types of conversations but sometimes those who have experienced life might be better conversationalists.

Conversations may cover a variety of topics and those that touch on life is the most relevant to anyone irrespective of his work or academic background. Observations can also contribute to the wealth and depth of a conversation. A well read person has to ponder and digest what has been read. If the words are just mere words to the reader, what has been read would not bring any positive benefits to any aspects of his life.

A passive reader will be able to read countless number of books but at the end of the day, the active reader will be the better receipient of the knowledge contained in all those treasures. An inquiring, inquisitive, questioning mind will enhance the pleasures of reading and subsequently contribute to a more meaningful conversation. Quiet moments to reflect on what has been read and observations would also add to a heightened pleasure during a conversaton.

The art of good conversation will still be around as long as we put in the effort to be active in our pursuit of knowledge whether by reading or experiencing first hand what life has in store for us.

Image from Reading English for specific purposes