Cunning/Blood Sucking Kopitiam trader !!!

Let me ask you a question - How much do you pay for a normal can of 325ml 100 plus? Rm1.50? RM1.80? Well, for sure you will answer me that the price depends on where you get it. It's cheaper at supermarkets or mini markets while it's more expensive when we buy it at petrol stations or coffee shops and restaurants. Of course the most expensive will be when you get it at tourist destinations or road side stalls at those popular visited places.


Fair enough, different places have different prices. But 1 thing I would like to share out is what I've been charged for a can of 100 plus at a coffee shop last Saturday. I was coming back from my usual Sat. hike, and stopped by this coffee shop in Ayer Itam area to meet up with old school friends for breakfast. As I was not planning to eat, I just ordered a can of 100 plus to replenish the fluid I lost during hiking. When the drink arrived, the coffee shop worker told me it's rm2!!!! I straight away blurped out "Huh!" before "forcefully and unwillingly" took out my money and pay for it. This coffee shop is really blood sucking traders!!! It was not even at tourist destinations, just a simple coffee shop. I was up Penang Hill every week and the coffee shops up there only charged rm1.80 per can!!! Ban ban ban! Next time I will only go there and eat the murtabak or roti canai and the most order a simple drink...

Last Minute Mentality

As usual, we Malaysian always have this kind of last minute mentality when it comes to the point of doing something. We have all been given a long sufficient time to file in our income tax either through e-filling or manual paper filing but still, we are hearing people rushing for today's dateline to submit our tax declaration for the year 2008.

For the past few days, the LHDN server had been jammed with requests and transactions and during the night time especially from 8-11pm, I was told that you couldn't even load up a page properly. Lucky for me, I have already filled up all the details well before the dateline and few days ago, I just log in to double confirm everything and submitted my tax declaration for 2008. Kao tim!

From The Star today:

PETALING JAYA: For the second year in a row, taxpayers filing their tax returns online at the last minute have caused the Inland Revenue Board’s (IRB) computer servers to jam up.

On a normal day, filing the returns online would only take a couple of minutes but the process took hours in the last few days as today’s deadline approached.

IRB has acknowledged the problem, and advised that the best time to access the e-Filing system is between 1am and 7am.

Last year, the servers were also jammed up in the last few days before the April 30 deadline.

About 1.2 million people – almost half of the 2.5 million taxpayers in the country – used the e-Filing system last year.

When the system was first introduced in 2006, only 187,000 taxpayers responded to online filing of taxes. The number grew by more than 350% in 2007, with 876,000 e-filers.

So please, if you do not want to get into trouble of getting penalty for late submission, please do it early well before the dateline. It only takes a few minutes when you do it earlier compared to few hours when you do it on the last few days. Stop the last minute mentality and practises. If there are free food or free gift in some kind of exhibitions, I'm sure we will see a totally opposite behaviors from Malaysians...Haha...

Swine Flu FAQ

From The Star 28 April 2009

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?

In the past reports of about one human swine flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?

The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?

The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?

- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, go to the Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Please beware and be alert!

Referring to the poster attached above, one should really be careful of their belongings and financial wealth during these hard hit economy times. There are just too many scams, cheating and any ways that people can think of to part away with your money or belongings.

Recalling this, my ex-colleague told me last week that he got a call from a stranger identified himself as representing some card companies. And my friend was told that now Visa and Mastercard was doing some kind of promotion that enables the members to enjoy special privileges at many places be it dining or shopping. But to be a member, you have to pay rm499 as membership fees. Straight away the moment I heard this, I already told my friend that this was rubbish and nonsense. As far as I know, this trick doesn't convince me at all even if it's true. I explain to my friend in detail about the fishy proposal by the stranger and he himself also called and checked with HSBC and got the same advise of not to believe and participate in such program. After a day, the stranger dares to call back to get the decision from my friend. And more funny is, when my friend rejected the idea, he even asked for reason as he said he needs to report back the feedback of why the user rejected the idea...Scary right?

Last Friday as I was walking along the road with my colleague to go for lunch, a car stopped by and the man in the front passenger seat winded down the window to call at us. There were 4 persons in the car, 2 guys seating in front and 2 ladies at the back. From their face, I believed they are from Middle East. The front passenger guy took out rm100 note handed it towards us asking for small notes of 2 rm50. He said he needed the change to pay for taxi. I was like....Excuse me, aren't you sitting in a private car??!!! What the hell you need to pay taxi for? And even if it's true, which taxi driver will be so stupid to let you go and get change while he waits for you?? Luckily my colleague was smart and straight away shot down the idea by telling the man we do not have the change. Upon hearing this, then man straight away replied OK, shut the window and quickly the driver drove off....my oh my....

Sony Warehouse Clearance Sales 26th April 2009

Event: SONY 1 day only Warehouse Sales
Date: 26 April 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 10 - 12pm
Venue: Han Jiang School, Penang

Are you free this Sunday? Planning to get some new electrical for your new house? Or plan to upgrade your existing electrical appliances? If your answers are YES to all the previous questions, then make sure you allocate some free time to head on to the Han Chiang (Jiang) school this Sunday for the Sony warehouse clearance sales. It's only a 2 hours sales, from 10 - 12 pm, so I reckons there will surely be sardin packed environments. I expects this will be another sweaty encounter...haha. Hopefully those of you out there can get a some good bargains...cheers :)

Hot Buy....ASM for Chinese gone in less than 2 days

Hmm...can you believe it? All 999 million units of Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) shares allotted to the Chinese have been snapped up, said Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB). Now talk about economy crisis, what crisis? Well, I should say people are getting more and more cautious about putting their money for investment, thus this opportuniy will provide them with a better and secure return of investment.

The allocation was part of the additional 3.33 billion units which went on sale on Monday.

PNB president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman said that as at 12.17pm yesterday, all the units allotted to the Chinese were bought while the Indians bought 53.5 million units, or 10.71% of the 499.5 million units set aside for them.

The bumiputras bought 7.65 million units, he said in a statement.

Well, in case you feel that this is a good opportunity and you have missed it, don't worry! Malaysians who missed the chance to invest in ASM would have another investment opportunity when two billion additional units of Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 (ASW 2020) go on sale on Monday.

Fifty-one per cent of the units have been allocated to bumiputras and 49% to non-bumiputras, he said.

Investment is limited to 20,000 units per account holder, he said, adding that the limitation was to allow as many Malaysians as possible to invest in ASM and ASW 2020.

No plastic bag in Penang?

Hmm, this is interesting. Penang will be conducting a survery on the proposal of ban usage of plastic bag in the state. PENANG will conduct a survey over the next few months before deciding on whether to ban the use of plastic bags in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state would adopt a ‘progressive approach’ to formulate a solution that was acceptable to everyone.

He said this when opening the ‘Plastic Bag: To Ban, or Not to Ban?’ public forum at the Penang Caring Complex on Sunday.

“We want to strongly emphasise the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

“If you only focus on recycling, you are merely minimising the problem as opposed to solving it,” he added.

“This forum is part of our efforts to get the stakeholders’ feedback before we develop a comprehensive policy that will accommodate different aspects of solid waste management including public health, cultural, environmental, economic developments as well as social capital and equity aspects in society,” he said.

Lim added that a recent check by the state on six major supermarkets and hypermarkets in Penang showed that a total of 25.2 million plastic bags were distributed last year to consumers.

“This amount doesn’t include the millions used by other retailers and hawkers."

“Tourists complain that Penang is dirty with plastic bags littering the streets, drains, rivers, beaches and sea. Hence, there is a need to take action now,” he said.

“Our local municipal councils have a recycling rate of 33% which is among the highest in the country but the state currently generates about 1,500 to 1,600 tons of waste per day.

“At this rate, we will have used up our existing landfill site soon,” he warned, adding that in 2006, solid waste management cost constituted up to 20% of the Penang Municipal Council’s revenue collection.

“This cost continues to escalate as our waste generation increases year by year. We need to find solutions to reduce our solid waste management bill,” he said, noting that plastic bags were widely used because they were “acceptable, available and affordable.”

“They are cheap, useful, and plentiful, which brings about the problem of excessive usage and injudicious dumping of an otherwise useful product,” he said.

Flash flood this morning !!!!

An early morning downpour that lasted for almost four hours caused flash floods in low-lying areas and roads in Penang this morning.

The early morning rush to work which started at 7am saw traffic in many areas come to a standstill, especially near Sungai Ara, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Baru and Bukit Mertajam.

A number of important roads like Jalan Perak, Jalan Tengah, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Hutton and Jalan Patani were also submerged in floodwaters while traffic police were stationed at these locations to divert traffic.

Minor accidents along the roads added on to the already chaotic conditions and massive traffic jams in Bayan Baru, George Town and the Penang Bridge.

So sien....rain whole morning...jam here there everywhere...just now went off from work also jam everywhere. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good day. Not only today, yesterday after I went to passed some stuff to my gf, then when I used the coastal highway...I was stucked in the jam for around 20 mins for such a short distance !!! Really hope tomorrow will be good good and smooth smooth :)

Vettel delivers maiden Red Bull victory

Sebastian Vettel scored Red Bull’s first victory today when he drove a brilliant race to win ahead of teammate Mark Webber in treacherous rain-hit conditions at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Vettel, the 21-year-old German who claimed his maiden win for the Toro Rosso team in similar weather at last year’s Italian Grand Prix, dominated from the start, resisting all challenges as he swept home through the spray.

It endorsed his status as the sport’s new young rising star — his pole and victory at Monza last year made him the youngest driver in F1 history to achieve such feats.

Webber, the 32-year-old Australian who has recovered from a broken leg in the off-season to continue racing, came home second to complete a wonderful result for the team from Milton Keynes in England.

Early season world championship leading Briton Jenson Button finished third for the Brawn GP team ahead of his teammate, veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.

There were encouraging signs that McLaren are starting to find their feet with Finn Heikki Kovalainen and defending world champion Briton Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and sixth.

Germany’s Timo Glock was seventh for Toyota and Swiss rookie Sebastien Buemi, just 20, came home eighth to cliam the final point for Toro Rosso.

But Ferrari again failed to score for the third time this season — now their worst start to a racing year since 1981.

Brazilian Felipe Massa retired with mechanical problems and Finn Kimi Raikkonen came in a midfield position without threatening to pick up any points.

And there was disappointment for Force India which looked on course for its first-ever Formula One point with Adrian Sutil in sixth with five laps to go, but the German lost control of his car and crashed out.

The race was started under a safety car and there were two further spells of safety car intervention due to the dreadful weather and a spate of accidents and collisions. - AFP

Penang State Symphonic Band Concert 16th May 2009

Penang State Symphonic Band in Concert 2009
Location: Dewan Sri Pinang
Date: 16th May 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 8.00pm (Doors open at 7.30pm)
Ticket Price: RM10

FREE SEATING

Tickets hotline:+6012-4705483 (Ms Neoh), +6012-4040025 (Ms Ng)

Tickets for Sale at: Cadenza Music House 04- 6577889, PESSOC Office (Ground floor , Dewan Sri Pinang) +604-2622462

The Penang State Symphic Band (PESSBAND) was formed in 2001. It is the only community symphonic band in Penang state. PESSBAND was formed with the sole purpose of providing an avenue for band players to get together and sare their talents, skills and experiences, as well as to promote the music culture and appreciation in Penang. The band is partly subsidized by the Penang State Government. It's main source of income comes from donations from the public.

The band is manned by a group of volunteers who are music lovers and who share a common vision and commitment to make PESSBAND the best, not only withi, but outside Penang too. With this in mind, the band has successfully conducted many music workshops, charity performances and concerts all these years, and gradually gaining its reputation as a professional band. Their past activities involved joint performances with the United State Pacific Fleet Band, Pembroke School, Waseda Brass Band, local artistes such as our Malaysian idol Daniel Lee and so on.

The Band's performance at Dewan Sri Pinang hopes to enable all the young and gifted players in the Band as opportunity to showcase their talents to the public and hence create two way flow in community involvement.

If you are free and do not have any plans, then I will recommend you to go for this...free your mind and relax yourself :)

Where's all the male leatherback turtles ???

The threat of leatherback turtles becoming extinct is getting more serious with no male turtle to incubate some 200 leatherback turtle eggs buried for hatching at the Rantau Abang Turtle Sanctuary.

Terengganu Fisheries director Munir Mohd Nawi said the leatherback turtle eggs could not hatch because they needed to be incubated by the male turtles first.

This was despite the landings by leatherback turtles at Rantau Abang, Dungun, on June 12 and 23 last year, he told reporters at a gotong-royong function at the Ma'Daerah Sanctuary Center here Saturday.

The programme, conducted with the cooperation of the BP Petronas Acetyls and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), involved the participation of 800 local residents and students.

On turtle landings recorded during the first three months of this year, Munir said there was an increase of five to 10 per cent from the corresponding period last year.

He said between 36,000 and 40,000 turtle eggs were laid in the state late year and most of them were laid by the green turtles.

Meanwhile, head of the WWF Terengganu Turtle programme, Rahayu Zulkifli, said WWF would launch a "Don't Eat Turtle Eggs" campaign to save the turtles from extinction. - Bernama

PR vs BN... again

The resignation of controversy-plagued state representative for Penanti and former Penang Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin today has set the wheels in motion for yet another by-election to be called.

Although the details of this are yet to be confirmed, Penang state speaker Abdul Halim Hussein acknowledged receipt of Fairus’ letter and said he will inform the Election Commission who will then make a formal announcement calling voters to the polls.

This by-election may be one that could not have arrived at a worse time—the Pakatan Rakyat are stricken with internal problems while the Barisan Nasional federal government have only just named a new cabinet and seem to have gotten off on a shaky start.


Although Penang is a DAP-driven Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government, political analysts are not entirely too sure that it would be a sure win for the coalition this time around.

Another round of BUY-election...another round of hoo~haa...more accusitions throwing between PR and BN. Previously, there are only 2 state assemblymen from PKR and these 2 are said to be fighting over who will get the Deputy CM post, now new rumours that the new candidate will be up for the post if he wins the by-election. I'm just wondering maybe this move will angers those 2 PKR assemblymen as well as the PKR leaders in Penang... storm is coming....and it looks like a never ending story...

Grand Mazu Parade, the Goddess of the Sea TONIGHT!

Date: April 17th April 2009

Parade Date: 17th of April (7pm to 11.30pm)

Organizer: Penang Hainan Association (secretary William Tan)

A GRAND parade to celebrate the 1,049th birthday of Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, Penang on the 17th of April 2009 7pm.

The four hours grand procession will have six floats, two dragon dances, several lion dances and chingay performances.

The parade will start from Muntri Street to Penang Road to Chulia Street and right down to Weld Quay. The parade will then proceed through Jalan C.Y. Choy, Jalan Gurdwara, Lebuh Macallum, Lebuh McNair, Magazine Road, Penang Road, Transfer Road and Jalan Sri Bahari before returning to the Thean Hou Temple on Muntri Street.

100-year-old chariot from Hean Hou Temple and Ma Chor Poh Deity Devotees Association will feature two 3m-tall statues of Mazu’s guardian generals in the procession.

Morning possession routes:

16th April 2009 (9am to 2pm)

Nam Thean Keong --- Jalan Tanjung Bungah --- Jalan Tanjung Tokong --- Jalan Kelawai --- Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah --- Jalan Penang --- Lebuh Muntri --- Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling --- Lebuh Chulia --- Gat Lebuh Chulia --- Pengkalan Weld --- Jit Guet Thua

17th April 2009 (9am to 2pm)

Jit Guet Thua --- Pengkalan Weld --- Gat Lebuh Noordin --- Jalan C Y Choy --- Jalan Jelutong --- Jalan Bukit Dumbar --- Persatuan Penganut Dewi Ma Chor Poh

visitpenang.gov.my

PepsiCo sues Coca-Cola over Gatorade ad campaign

PepsiCo Inc, taking umbrage over a nationwide advertising campaign accusing its Gatorade energy drink of missing crucial electrolytes, sued Coca-Cola Co on Monday for false advertising and taking scientific liberties.

The purveyors of Gatorade sued Coca-Cola Co and Energy Brands Inc in a trademark lawsuit over a two-week campaign for Coke's Powerade ION4 sports drink, which splashed photos of Gatorade bottles lopped in half beneath bold slogans such as "Don't settle for an incomplete sports drink".

Pepsi's lawsuit asks a judge to put a stop to Coke's "escalating" ad campaign, which claims Powerade "is superior" and that Gatorade is "an incomplete sports drink".

Coke and Pepsi have a decades-old history of slamming each other's brands in global advertising and waging disputes in courts over issues as diverse as anti-trust and disclosure of trade secrets.

Coke's campaign "is a calculated, intentional strategy designed to falsely and viciously attack the readily identifiable market leader, Gatorade, in the hopes of unfairly gaining precious market share," Pepsi unit Stokely-Van Camp said in its complaint.

It accuses Coca-Cola of "false advertising, trademark dilution, deceptive acts and practices, injury to business reputation and unfair competition" under the US trademark law known as the Lanham Act.

In past months, Coke has run afoul of regulators and consumer interest groups over aggressive marketing claims, drawing warnings from the Food and Drug Administration and an Australian watchdog.

A Coca-Cola spokesman initially declined comment, saying the corporation had not yet received or had the opportunity to review the lawsuit.

The two century-old household names have picked numerous fights with each other in years past, including during the turf wars of the 1980s when the hugely successful "Pepsi Challenge" advertising campaign helped prompt Coke to alter its cola formula to invent New Coke, which promptly fizzled. - Reuters

Pay more for roti canai???

Owners of mamak restaurants have cautioned that roti canai prices may go up if the 100 per cent increase in levy on foreign workers is implemented.

Already, they claimed that there has been a more than 30 per cent drop in their business in the last few months due to the economic slowdown.

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) president Datuk K.K. Eswaran, brieifing reporters on the restaurant owners' woes in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said the situation could easily become worse if the doubling in foreign workers' levy takes effect on May 1.

In the recent mini-Budget, Najib had announced that foreign workers, except for those in the plantation, construction and domestic sectors, would have their levy doubled from RM1,800 per year currently.

Eswaran said such an increase would be very detrimental "and the higher cost of doing business will have to be passed to customers.

Hmm....now I'm wondering how much they will increase the price of the roti canai if the levy really comes into effect...probably rm1 per piece of roti kosong next time? If I order 2 pieces, then mah rm3 including my teh tarik? Haizzz....

Reuters: No plans to make ringgit float

MALAYSIA has no plans to re-examine the country’s managed float of its ringgit currency, says new Second Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah today.

“The ringgit managed float mechanism is well in place to protect (us) from fluctuations and I see no reason for us to re-look at this at the moment,” Ahmad told a press conference.


Ahmad was appointed to the post last week by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and is the most senior official in charge of running economic affairs on a day-to-day basis.

Swettenham Pier To Be Ready By September

THE delayed RM55.4mil Port Swettenham expansion project will be completed in September, says Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang.

She says PPC is managing the project, which is 86% completed.

“The main building, now 99% completed, will accommodate shops, a Customs inspection and quarantine centre, and sufficient space for 40 taxis and five buses to pick up passengers.

The expansion, to enable international cruise liners with over 3,000 passengers to berth at Port Swettenham, was originally scheduled for completion by November 2007, 18 months after it kicked off in May 2006.

Due to technical problems related to design and finance faced by the main contractor, PPC extended the deadline to late last year.

A tired weekend...

It was supposed to be Easter Friday, but somehow it was a bad day for me. Well, at least before lunch I was still going to think it'll be a good Friday for me, last day of the working week and a weekend to look forward to. But then my program got some problem, making me so desperate, lost and mood swing to find the root cause and solve the problem. That whole afternoon I was just busying with my work and care less about what's happening around me, but come 530pm, I still couldn't find out where the problem is/are.

No choice, but to leave at around 7pm because I had dinner date with my gf, but she can sensed that I'm not in a good mood...haha. After the meal and visit to the PISA for walk-walk in the Bripex Exhibition, I went home to continued my work...thinking that Monday will be boss come calling and asking for the status update, makes me more desperate. I continued my investigation after my bath and finally stopped at 130am knowing that I need to wake up early at 6am for my hiking Sat morning...

Come yesterday morning, went for my hiking as usual, then back to work and work awhile and lunch at home before heading out with my gf to survey for something. Came back was already almost 5pm, and quickly took a quick nap and then prepared and rush for my badminton at 6pm. Arriving back home after the session at around 9pm, and by 930pm, I was facing my laptop for my problem solving session again. Finally, I saw some light to my problem and managed to solved the big question mark in my mind, but I still have another part of the program which is giving me error. You can see that I'm missing the whole night of EPL actions because of this...haizzz. Again slept at 1+am...

Today morning woke up to find that my modem is down for unknown reason. Streamyx fault? Modem KO? Adaptor problem? I'm not sure, but one thing for sure is that I can't go online the whole day and can only resort to newspaper reading session for both yesterday and today's paper. Went out lunch with my parents at noon together with my gf, then came back for my short nap. Actually I wanted to continue my work after I came back, but I'm still a bit clueless about the problem faced :( Went out for my leisure hike at 5pm and then dinner before heads home. Wow...got my favourite chendul bought for me, hooray! Thanks to my parents :) Once I finished my bath, then it's working time again until now. Surprisingly, now my modem and Internet is working, but at a very bad connection. Don't ask me why, I was about to call my brother to seek for solution. Tomorrow boss will surely ask for my work status, hopefully I won't have tough time...but with my unsolved problem, I doubt so :( Wish me luck...

Najib's New Cabinet..

Finally, the list is out after much speculations and debates. Almost 1 week after we have our 6th Prime Minister, now we are going to have a new cabinet. Much was to said to be a smaller cabinets, yet it was only smaller by just a little bit. I wouldn't comment much about the new line up, it's up to the works and results that counts. We shall see...below are the full list of the Najib's cabinet announced today at 3pm:

Prime Minister
Najib Abdul Razak (Umno)

Deputy Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)

Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department
Koh Tsu Koon - Unity Affairs & Performance Management (Gerakan)
Nazri Abdul Aziz - Minister in charge of Law and Parliament (Umno)
Nor Mohamed Yaakop - Economic Planning Unit (Umno)
Major Gen Jamil Khir Baharom - Islamic Affairs (Umno)

Deputies
Liew Vui Keong (LDP)
Mashitah Ibrahim (senator, Umno)
SK Devamany (MIC)
Ahmad Maslan (Umno)
T Murugiah (senator, PPP)

Finance Ministry
Najib Abdul Razak (1) (Umno)
Ahmad Husni Hanadzlan (2) (Umno)

Deputies
Chor Chee Heong (MCA)
Awang Adek Hussien (senator, Umno)

Education Ministry
Muhyiddin Yassin (Umno)

Deputies
Wee Ka Siong (MCA)
Puad Zarkashi (Umno)

Transport Ministry
Ong Tee Keat (MCA)

Deputies
Abdul Rahim Bakri (Umno)
Robert Lau Hoi Chew (Supp-Sarawak)

Agricultural Development and Commodities
Bernard Dompok (Upko-Sabah)

Deputy
Hamzah Zainuddin (Umno)

Home Affairs
Hishammuddin Hussien (Umno)

Deputies
Abu Seman Yusop (Umno)
Jelaing Mersat (SPDP-Sarawak)

Information, Communication, Arts and Culture
Rais Yatim (Umno)

Deputies
Joseph Salang Gandum (PRS-Sarawak)
Heng Seai Kie (senator, MCA)

Energy, Green Technology and Water
Peter Chin Fah Kui (Supp-Sarawak)

Deputy
Noriah Kasnon (Umno)

Rural Development and Territories
Shafie Apdal (Umno)

Deputies
Hassan Malek (Umno)
Joseph Entulu Belaun (PRS-Sarawak)

Higher Education
Khaled Nordin (Umno)

Deputies
Hou Kok Chung (MCA)
Saifuddin Abdullah (Umno)

International Trade and Industry
Mustapa Mohamad (Umno)

Deputies
Mukhriz Mahathir (Umno)
Jacob Dungau Sagan (SPDP-Sarawak)

Science, Technology and Innovation
Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS-Sabah)

Deputy
Fadillah Yusof (PPB-Sarawak)

Natural Resources and Environment
Douglas Uggah Embas (PPB-Sarawak)
DeputyJoseph Kurup (PBRS-Sabah)

Tourism
Ng Yen Yen (MCA)

Deputy
Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib (PBB-Sarawak)

Agriculture
Noh Omar (Umno)

Deputies
Johari Baharom (Umno)
Rohani Abdul Karim (PBB-Sarawak)

Defence
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Umno)
DeputyAbdul Latif Ahmad (Umno)

Works
Shaziman Abu Mansor (Umno)

Deputy
Yong Khoon Seng (Supp-Sarawak)

Health
Liow Tiong Lai (MCA)

Deputy
Rosnah Rashid Shilin (Umno)

Youth and Sports
Ahmad Shabery Cheek (Umno)

Deputies
Razali Ibrahim (Umno)
Wee Jeck Seng (MCA)

Human Resource
Dr S Subramaniam (MIC)

Deputy
Maznah Mazlan (Umno)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Umno)

Deputy
Tan Lian Hoe (Gerakan)

Housing and Local Government
Kong Cho Ha (MCA)

Deputy
Lajim Ukin (Umno)

Women, Family and Society Development
Sharizat Abdul Jalil (senator, Umno)

Deputy
Chew Mei Fun (senator, MCA)

Foreign
Anifah Aman (Umno)

Deputies
A Kohilan Pillay (senator, Gerakan)
Lee Chee Leong (senator, MCA)

Federal Territories
Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin (Umno)

Deputy
M Saravanan (MIC)

National Savings Bond on sale from April 14

The first batch of the planned RM5bil National Savings Bond where savers can receive a return of 5% per year will be offered for sale from April 14 to May 13, the Finance Ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The Islamic bonds, called Sukuk Simpanan Rakyat, will be launched on May 14 and Bank Negara will issue an initial RM2.5bil worth of bonds for the public to buy.

Each person above the age of 21 will be able to buy a maximum RM50,000 worth of Islamic bonds at any of the country’s commercial and Islamic banks, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd, Bank Simpanan Nasional Bhd and Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd.

The minimum amount of bonds a person must buy is RM1,000.

The Islamic bonds will mature in three years. Individuals can, however, redeem their bonds anytime within the bond’s three-year tenure.

The allocation of the bonds to the public will be on a first come first served basis and successful applicants will be notified by the banks where their purchases are made.

Profit payments will be made on a quarterly basis through the sukuk holders’ accounts with their bank.

Pakatan Rakyat 2 - 1 Barisan Nasional

It is status quo for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat after the keenly contested tri-elections.

Barisan retained the Batang Ai state seat, which it won in the 2006 state elections, while Pakatan coalition members PAS and PKR regained the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat and Bukit Selambau state seat respectively, which they won in the 2008 general election.

Barisan’s Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, 49, from Parti Rakyat Sarawak, defeated PKR’s Jawah Gerang, 55, with an increased majority to retain the Batang Ai seat.

In the 2006 state elections, Barisan’s Datuk Dublin Unting won against opposition Sarawak National Party’s Nicholas Bawin by 806 votes.

The by-election was called after Unting died on Feb 24 from a stroke.

In Bukit Gantang, the high voter turnout saw an increase in the winning majority for PAS’ Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

The 52-year-old former Perak mentri besar defeated Barisan’s Ismail Saffian and independent candidate Kamarul Ramizu Idris.

Barisan’s battle for the Bukit Gantang seat became an uphill task when Nizar, who received sympathy votes, garnered more votes than Roslan Shaharum of PAS, who scored an upset win over Barisan’s Datuk Abdul Azim Zabidi in the 2008 general election.

Kamarul secured only 62 votes and lost his deposit.

In Bukit Selambau, PKR’s S. Manikumar won the seat, beating Barisan’s Datuk S. Ganesan and 13 independent candidates, who lost their deposits.

The seat was previously held by PKR’s V. Arumugam, who resigned over personal reasons.

Manikumar’s majority increased by 41 votes compared with Arumugam’s 2,362-vote win in 2008.

The Star 08 April 2009

Tax Payers’ Awareness Day 13 April 2009

Those interested to learn more about income tax deductions and filing their income tax online are encouraged to attend the Tax Payers’ Awareness Day in Penang on April 13.

It is organised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDNM).

The event will be held at the Penang Skills Development Centre in Bayan Lepas from 9.30am to 4pm.

The session is held as part of LHDNM’s commitment and MIA’s initiative to improve the compliance rates among Malaysian taxpayers and to promote the use of the e-Filing system.

LHDNM officers and MIA representatives will be present during the event to assist and attend to taxpayers.

An e-Filing kiosk will be set up to allow taxpayers to e-file their income tax returns on the day. Admission is free.

Calling all photo shooters....get your camera ready!!!

If you are a photo lovers or I should say camera fanatics, then be sure that you do not miss this out. It's a good chance for you to pit your photography skills against other 'pro' in the business. Who knows, you might be able to stand out tall among the rest :)

FOUR historical buildings and sites in Penang have been chosen as the backdrop for a photography contest this coming weekend to boost Penang’s status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The sites picked for the photo-shoot are Chew Jetty, Little India, Fort Corn-wallis and Hongkong and Shanghai Bank building — all located in the inner city of George Town.

Historical Wedding Gown Photo-graphy organising committee chairman Ch’ng Chin Keat told a press conference that the organiser will provide three models clad in wedding gowns and contestants could choose either one of them and produce a shot which will capture the beauty and significance of the historical backdrop.

Ch’ng said the competition will be held at Fort Cornwallis from 8am to 9.30am and at Little India from 10.30am to noon on Saturday and in front of HSBC Building from 8am to 9.30am and at Chew Jetty from 10.30am to noon on Sunday.

Contestants must submit their photographs with CDs (JPEG format in 300dpi) to Fotocam Colour Centre be-fore or on April 26. Late submissions will be disqualified.



The first, second and third prize winners will win a cash prize of RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM500 respectively as well as a trophy each.

The registration fee is RM10.

Contestants can register from now till Saturday at Fotocam Colour Centre at 33-G-20A, Prangin Mall Komtar.

AirAsia to give away weekly cash prizes

AIRASIA is giving away cash prizes worth RM10,000 or S$5,000 weekly for it customers residing in both Malaysia and Singapore for travel via AirAsia and AirAsia X.

In a statement, AirAsia said those who book seats at www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com from between April 6 and April 26 this year for travel between May 5 this year and July 31, 2010, stand a chance of winning the cash prizes.

According to AirAsia, a condition is that the booking must be made in Malaysian ringgit or Singapore dollar.

A lucky winner will then be randomly selected by the system every week to receive the cash prize, it added.

Its regional head of commercial, Kathleen Tan, said the cash prizes are a special reward for customers who have been supporting AirAsia and enabling it to receive the World's Best Low Cost Airline award from Skytrax.

AirAsia will award three winners from April 6- 26. The first weekly winner will be announced on April 13 with the second and third on April 20 and 27, respectively.

The winners would be announced online at http://www.airasia.com/.

Bernama

BriPex - Bridal & Photography Exhibition 10-12 April 2009

The exhibition is jointly-organised by famous bridal houses together with well-known photographic equipment distributors. As a visitor, you can expect to get unbelievable discounts for wedding packages and access to a wide range of lenses, cameras, studio equipments and other photographic accessories. Events during the exhibiton include a photography competition, bridal show and LUCKY DRAW for the visitors!

Date: 10 - 12 APRIL 2009

Time: 11am - 9pm

Venue: Penang International Sports Arena (PISA)

FREE ADMISSION + FREE CARPARK

ITINERARY

Before the final itinerary is out, let us show you some of the highlighted programmes in the upcoming biggest bridal and photography exhibition in Northern Region, BRIPEX.

Some highlighted events:

- Bridal Show

- Digital Camera Modeling Show

- "Golden Scissor 2007", Mr. Benny Ooi, the hairstylist award winner will be demonstrating the latest modern hair design

- Ivy’s Make Up & Beauty Academy will be using "Go Green" concept and products that will not cause pollution in the body painting performance

- Discount vouchers will be given away for the intermittent Question & Answer Session during the exhibition

LUCKY DRAW:

Customers who purchase products from any booth during the exhibition from RM300 and above in a single receipt will be entitled to participate in the Lucky Draw.

Lucky Draw entry form will be available at the organizer booth. The first prize is a branded LCD 32” TV. Many more attractive and fabulous prizes will be given away.

The Lucky Draw will be drawn at 8 pm on Sunday, 12 April 2009.

PHOTO SHOOTING CONTEST:

Good news for all photo enthusiasts! There will be a photo-shooting contest for the three days' event. All participants can capture any happenings during exhibition and submit an 8R size photo to the organizer.

FIRST PRIZE: CASH RM2000 + 1 unit Digital Camera + Certificate
2ND PRIZE: CASH RM1000 + 1 unit Digital Camera + Certificate
3RD PRIZE: CASH RM500 + 1 unit Digital Camera + Certificate
10 Consolation Prizes: CASH RM100 + CERTIFICATE / each

Entry form will be uploaded soon, you may leave your email at our enquiry page, when the form is ready, we will send you the form by email.

SCHEDULE
10 April 2009 (FRIDAY)
11.00am - Opening ceremony
- Speech
- Dance performance with the theme of Bridal & Photography

11 April 2009 (SATURDAY)
1.00pm Digital Camera Modeling Show
3.00pm Bridal Show 2009 by 4 famous bridal houses

12 April 2009 (SUNDAY)
1.00pm Digital Camera Modeling Show
2.00pm 专业化妆学院呈献环保概念人体彩绘造型表演
3.00pm Bridal Show 2009 by 4 famous bridal houses

For more information, please visit the official web page at http://bripex.com/index.php.