Go Tigers!

Hitam Kuning! Hitam Kuning! Hitam Kuning! Go Tigers! Go Tigers!

Malaysia will be taking on Singapore tonight, on home ground in Jalan Besar Stadium.

Will the Malaysia be able to score at least 2 goals on advantage?

We shall soon know.

Take Two... MRT in M'sia & Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.

Been reading the papers lately? Our Malaysian MRT project is estimated to cost about RM 50 billion!

"CIMB Research in its report yesterday said that the higher cost for the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line was not a surprise as the earlier number was based on 2009 prices. (Higher construction cost and inflation may contribute to the current cost which is estimated to reach RM 20 bil for the Sg Buloh-Kajang line.)"

True, inflation and the increase of construction cost may be one of the key factors in the hike of price, but does it have to be cost THAT much?
Let's take China's Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, which is 1318 km long, was completed on the November 15, 2010, cost the China government about USD32 billion, meaning about USD24 mil per km. And mind you, it will be the fastest train on earth once it starts operation on June 20th, 2011.

Malaysia's MRT project on the other hand, will cost the Malaysian government a whooping RM353 mil/km, which is about USD116.14 mil/km! It's a difference of USD92 million! Where and what is the money being spent on?

Is it because there are more stations that are needed to be built? The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway has only 23 stops, compared to Malaysia's MRT project which has 41 stops. I don't think so. And we know that China's equipment used to build the track is far more superior and expensive.

If you do a comparison like this, it's obvious we should bring in the Chinese to build it, right? We'll save tons of money, and prevent the country from going into further bankruptcy!

Wake up people, it's our money that's being spent!

Take Two... Malaysia Nuke Plants' Plans.

Just not to long ago, Malaysia announced that the government has plans to build 2 nuke power plants.
There were protests against it, but nothing was done against it. Where is the people first spirit? Oh well.

Let's take recents incidents into the picture. Japan, just experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in recorded history. They suffered huge loses and many lives were lost.

But, I'm not writing here today to talk about the damaged they sustained, but focus on their nuke plant.
Japan fears a meltdown at their nuke plants. The chains of reactions in the aftermath of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami severed the power supply to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex 170 miles northeast of Tokyo, crippling the reactor's cooling system. To add on to their misery, one of the backup power did not kick in properly in one of the units.

A hydrogen explosion occurred. Without electricity supply, plant pipes and pumps destroyed, they have resorted to drawing seawater with boron in attempt to cool off the overheated uranium fuel rods. You can see that the situation is very grim and they are out of alternatives cool down the rods. Translation: "They are getting DESPERATE!".

What could happen if a nuclear meltdown occurs? More people will die, radiation flying throughout the country. And Japan we know today, will change indefinitely. A nuclear meltdown can make Northern Japan almost inhabitable, due to the radioactive emissions. And many health problems will arise. Net loss would account into billions!

Scary isn't it?

Let's bring it back to Malaysia. They are planning to build not one, but two nuclear plants! Look at Japan, it's a first world country, their technology used and man-skill are much more canggih than us by a few times more. They do not let corruption take over their work ethics, they do not compromise on the safety precautions that ought to be taken, neither do they use cheap materials to build infrastructure, etc. We don't see buildings built over there collapsing over their after just being built for less than 5 years, right? Or bridges cracking, right?

Or let's picture another possibility, if the tectonic plates shifts closer to Malaysia, and an earthquake happens in Malaysia, not only the nuclear plant is at stake, but EVERYTHING will fall as if they are made from cardboard. Malaysian buildings are not made even to withstand minor earthquakes.

Anyway, if Malaysia succeeds in building the 2 nuke plants, and a massive natural disaster hits Malaysia. I wonder what would happen. We aren't even capable of building solid bridges or building, and yet we're moving up another level.
We don't want to see a mushroom cloud over Malaysia, right? And if a meltdown DOES occur in Peninsular Malaysia, I believe almost the whole of Peninsular will be inhabitable.

So, why play with fire when there are OTHER alternatives? Let's develop solar power, for example. After all, Malaysia is such a sunny country. Or maybe, hydropower? There are so many other alternatives, why use the one with the greatest danger?

Hard Times Are Definitely Coming...

I can't deny that I can predict hard times are looming up soon. Look at the current state of Malaysia today... corruption, more severe natural disasters, increasing crime rates, price hike of certain items... and this is just one country. There are about 196 countries in the world today.

Every country has a government to govern the country. Malaysia, is no different, is a democratically-run country. I believe that everyone is hoping for a change so for the better good of the country, and are starting to vote for change in the general elections. But sometimes, the government that you have voted for will not whole your hand during hard times, instead... short-changing you. The reason is simple. To avoid bankruptcy.

Look at the current Federal Government, has decided that it's time to cut the subsidies of sugar, petrol, etc... and there has been a lot of complaints about it. The reason is simple of why the government is doing so. Corruption. Is it possible to save Malaysia from corruption by cutting the subsidies? I don't think so. If corruption persists, one day, there will be no subsidies to cut, no where else to source the money, and, Malaysia shall be declared bankrupt. It isn't fair to those who depend on these subsidies to make ends meet.

It doesn't take an idiot to notice that RM 100 can buy less things compared to 5 years ago. My fav. curry-puff store that I always go to near Sentosa sold it's famous curry puff at RM 0.20 per piece 5 years ago, but now, the price has risen to RM 0.50. Why, in 5 years time, my fav. curry puff might be sold at RM 1.00 per piece. 5 years ago, electricity tariffs weren't that high either, or petrol prices. But now, look at how everything is sky-rocketing! Why the government spending the money on building a 100-story Mega Tower: Warisan Merdeka, and not combating corruption and inflation?

It's something to think about.

Here's a site I found about Malaysia's standing in social, development, consumption and environment statistics in the world, click here.

1Malaysia Concept. How to make it succeed?

1Malaysia was introduced by our current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. It mainly stresses ethnic tolerance and national unity (according to the aims when it was first launched) on 16th of Sept 2008 (Malaysia Day), about 2 years plus from today.

Many speculations about this program being a scheme to attract more votes for UMNO was speculated around. But, if one really follows this 1Malaysia concept, I believe the aims targeted could be reached, making Malaysia, a better place to live in. Every Malaysian has a role to play in order for this concept to work, ranging from young to old, even little children!... which might look insignificant in the eyes of many. Firstly, let me take the role of an individual in making this a success. As a parent, one can ensure that their children attend National Service if they are selected. I am a product of National Service, and I know how it's like there. National Service is a program that promotes unity and builds one's character, not to mention also building one up physically. By making sure their kids attend, their child wil be exposed to different cultures and make new friends of different background and religion. From my experience, I have made new friends from different places and background, ranging from Perak to Perlis, and also Kedah. I believe that such an experience can only be obtained from NS. That's why, if you got selected for National Service, you're LUCKY! =D

Back to the topic... The government should also ensure that schools are made up of equal number of students from each race. I believe, in this way, students from different races would unite together as one. Currently, the only effort in promoting such unity is through a method called "Sekolah Wawasan". I believe not many people know about Sekolah Wawasan, right? I must admit that I didn't know such a school existed until my primary school (Pumpong) was moved into such a school. And by the way, Sekolah Wawasan is a school where three different school exist in one same environment. This means the students will only meet each other from different schools during recess or after school only. And, as we all know, who wants to make the first move in making new friends when they are not studying in the same class or school? This doesn't bring the same effect as studying together with different races in just one school.

The Ministry of Education can also have a hand in this by ensuring that there is a compulsory subject that students must take about the different cultures and practices carried out throughout Malaysia. This would cultivate understanding. When one understands other cultures better, misunderstandings between races would be reduced. At the same time, one would also prevent oneself from offending one another. For example, by serving a Muslim pork, or a Hindu beef, that is provoking them right?

The 1Malaysia concept is a good idea, but should be carried out for the right reasons. Afterall, unity is the foundation of a country, like the old saying that goes, united we stand, divided we fall.

Slow Coaches!!!

I sat for my computer test yesterday. AND I PASSED! =) The test was not as hard as I expected. I passed with bare minimum. The passing mark is 42 or 50, and there are a few of my friends failed, because they missed by a question or two.

When I went to register at about 1 something in the afternoon, the place was already jam-packed with people. I took my number, and guess what number it was already...

The number on the screen was only at 57! I had to wait for soooooooo LONG! By the time I took my computer test, it was about 5 in the evening already. Imagine... I was there at 1 plus, I had to wait for almost 4 HOURS for this stupid exam!

The people working there also work FREAKISHLY SLOW!!!! When someone finishes the exam, it takes the people working there at least 5 minutes to get the next person in. And when it comes to getting the result slip, it takes at least 10 to 30 minutes for them to print it out. In other test centers, you get your result slip as soon as you get out. Why is this test center so different? And why let those taken their exams wait???But oh well, it's over already, thank goodness for that! The main thing is "I PASSED AND I SHALL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!" XD

A(H1N1) ALERT!

Malaysia is has a confirmed case of A(H1N1)! The victim of this virus is a student that came back from the United States two days ago.

All, Malaysians, take caution, and prevent this deadly disease from spreading...

60 Earth Hour...

Earth Hour is an organization planned and run by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and it's partners. They are organizing an event where all Malaysians turning off their non-essential lights for an hour. This event will run on the 28th of March 2009, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be sure to participate in this nationwide event!

Personally, I think this is a good move. This way people will realize the importance of saving resources and the environment. The people have to realize that global warming is rising, and we have to take necessary steps to encounter it. Save the environment before it's too late!

More and more crime everyday...

Just recently, a big robbery happened in an airport, concerning three robbers and a money changer, but luckily for the money changer, the robbers took the wrong bag, containing the money changer's clothes instead of money. But the robbers shot 10 shots, and 3 hit the money changer and 7 hit the floor. These bullets could have endangered the lives of others. Malaysia is no longer a safe place, it used to be. So, we as citizens, we must do our part to curb crime. We should support the campaign "Prevent Crime, Get Involved, We Can Do It Together" launched by the government. But to me, I think the government should use the money spent on campaigning, to buy CCTVs. I understand that KL has many CCTVs to curb crime, but how about other cities in Malaysia? Don't think some big cities in Malaysia should have CCTV installed too? I'm not saying that campaigning is not good, just that too much campaingning is pointless and useless.

So, how to we as citizens, do our part? To me, I think we can report immediately any sign of crime to the police. Or, we can respond to a cry of help of the victim of crime. Don't just stand there, because one day, you might need help yourself.

Conclusion, CITIZENS UNITE, FIGHT CRIME!

What happened to the search of Sharlinie?

I was walking by Pacific the other day, when I saw the poster of Sharlinie in one of the stones. The newspaper has failed to update the public about it. The public would want to know the progress of the case.

I've read somewhere that it is almost a year since Sharlinie went missing after going to a night market alone. She was kidnapped on Aug 20, 2007 if I'm not mistaken. I've read somewhere that her father is no longer getting updates from the police anymore. Aren't the police solving and investigating the case? Surely justice must be done and the crooks must be caught. And surely, the parents must be updated on the progress of the case.

Malaysia no longer looks a safe place to live in. A few years back, there seemed to be less crime. Police, do your thing!

Malaysia, a blogger country!!!

Did you know that Malaysia can be considered a blogger country?
Malaysia has about 500,000 active bloggers, ranking Malaysia among the highest in the world after Indonesia and the European Union.

Happy Birthday Malaya!!

You are going to be 50 years old in 2 days!!! Malaysia as we know it today is a thriving developing country, often considered a “role model” by its Southeast Asian neighbours for its economic and political stability, multicultural harmony and steady progress. 31st August 2007 marks the 50th year of this country's independence from British colonialism and the day the joyful, triumphant shouts of “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!” resonated throughout the nation as Malaya's first Prime Minister, Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on a podium at Merdeka Square doing the same.

The name Malaya was then changed to Malaysia when the country was officially made a federation of 13 states including Sabah and Sarawak. Article 1(1) of the Federal Constitution states that "The federation shall be known, in Malay and English, as Malaysia". Although Singapore broke away and became a nation of its own in 1965, the rest of the states have remained firmly together, combining to make Malaysia the harmonious melting pot of cultures it is today.

Fast Facts about Malaysia
Capital City:Kuala Lumpur

Land Area:
329,750 sq km
127,316 sq miles

Population: over 24 million
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8 ()

Main Languages: Malay (official) known as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Tamil, Chinese, indigenous languages

Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribal

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

Country Dialing Code:60

National Flower: Hibiscus or “Bunga Raya”

Key National Symbols: The Malaysian Flag or “Jalur Gemilang”, the national anthem “Negaraku”

A Trip at the Tree-Top Walk

Last Saturday (2nd of June), I woke up early in the morning just to go for the longest tree-top walk in Kedah, in Malaysia, in the world. :) Woke up at 7 a.m., correction dragged up by my mother at 7. Waited and waited, waiting for my mother to pack the things up, she could have let me sleep another half and hour before waking me up right? Waste of my precious sleeping time... *sigh*
At exactly 7:45 a.m., my good old pal, Teong Huan picked us up in his good old four-wheel drive. The car was packed to the brim as it was a 7 sitter car. There were 8 of us in the car, so you might imagine that we were packed like in a sardine can.
We headed for Nasmir (a 24 hour Indian food store) as it was our scheduled meeting place. To my surprise, there were 12 cars going (including us), with a total of 40+ of us. Wow! We would later be moving in a convoy. We prayed before leaving.


To the left: Waiting for the others to come.








To the right: Ready to gooo!!!

Since Teong Huan's father was leading the way we to Sedim, we wouldn't need to worry about getting lost. :) At the beginning, no following cars were going out of the route, but when we were reaching Sedim, just about 2 km away, my mother's phone rang and the caller turned out to be the sweeper of the convey took a wrong turning and would find his own way there. Thank goodness the last car knew his way!

At last, we arrived at Sedim. After an hour and the half sitting in the car, I was glad that I could stretch out! The scenery was great. Paid 8 bucks just to go for that walk, but it was worth it. It was so scary!!! Imagine yourself 20m from the ground and look down. How would you feel? Scared? Happy? The highest point of that walk was 20.6m above the ground. That's high!


To the left: Our group photo...



After the long and tiring walk, it was time for a picnic beside the crystal clear stream. But there was a problem, since there were so many of us, we had trouble finding a suitable spot for all of us. So, in the end, we split into two groups. My group set up the things (food, fire, mat, tent, etc.). My mother gestured t my father to go into the stream first, because this will only make the others follow his lead. The water was very cold. Soon, almost all the teenagers and adults all hopped in the stream. We had a wonderful time there.
My friend's parent, was feeling adventurous that day, so we went for a challenge he gave us. The challenge was to cross the stream. The middle part of the stream's flow was very fast. If you lose your footing, you might just be swept by the current and pushed downstream. We had to go a little upstream first, then cross the bridge. Now we are at the other side of the river. We walked a little downstream and it is time to cross the stream. We used the chain system (each of us hold hands to cross the stream), thankfully, all of us crossed safely.
Still, we were feeling adventurous, we wanted to go for another adventure. This time we wanted to cross the whole stream, for just now we just cross half a stream. This time, it will be more dangerous, because it was not like the other one, this time the whole stream was flowing fast, because we were now more upstream. At first we spotted a log that might help us cross, but it was to heavy. We just carried a little way before one of my friends spotted a plant that grew across the stream. We could use it to cling on it to help us cross. One by one, we crossed the fast-flowing stream. I liked it when I was in the middle of the stream. It was like having a free massage. We all made it safely across the stream.

To the left: Us playing at the stream...





We were now famished. Further more, it was already 3 p.m., the sun was blazing hot! We ate the leaf overs (pity us) and cleared up. All the litter that we made were thrown in the rubbish bins provided. Everyone must do it so that we can preserve nature's natural wonders.
Once we were all cleared out and changed. We sadly returned home. I had a wonderful time. But... before we went home, we just couldn't resist but to try the famous Lunas Laksa. Their ice-kacang is not bad too. Yee Hong had his first ice-kacang here too...

To the left: Yee Hong having his first ice-kacang in 16 years of his life!








That's for all now!
Cya!