Pakatan Harapan: Improving Communication with Public

Why this post?

Well it's because I'm not aware of any other channel besides Twitter and even that risks being ignored or drowned out by other tweets.

The Najib regime taught me a simple fact when having to deal with the Government, it was mostly tedious. Telephone calls unanswered, and if answered - different replies. Emails that are not acknowledged leading to no reply. So the next best thing is to make an e-request that will probably take forever for a reply as well.

We Malaysians are basically a very laidback lot and if we could go to work by staying at home, we would.

Searching the Net for a solution on their official websites will often result in nothing too because the Frequently Asked Questions conveniently does not have the answer you want. Alternatively there will be forums and chat groups that are not "official" but then everything is hearsay, and given the fact that 2 government officers can also give different replies to 1 question!

How vexing!

I hope the Pakatan Harapan Government (at least the Negeri-negeri where they won the state) will find ways to simplify communication between them and the public. Fact: There is much knowledge to be gained from listening to the public, and knowledge is power.

The public is a pillar for the Government. Without its support, PH could be seeing a return of BN. Yikes!

Show us you love us by listening to us. Let us let you know what we like about you. Let us tell you what you are doing well and what could be even better. Make us a part of the Government by engaging us as much as needed.

Start by simplifying communications:

1. Let us be heard, not hurt. Nothing beats human to human communication when it's prompt and clear.
2. Touch base with us from time to time, put us on your newsletter list. Add in an option for us to feedback.
3. Don't call us on the phone, we are busy too! Of course, if it's urgent send us an email first and then call us!
4. Organize community gatherings where we can meet up, no ceramahs please!
5. If we voted for you, make it clear to us the location of your Community Service Centre.
6. Follow through on 1 - 5.

Last but not least, how would you like us to communicate with you too?

Malaysia Broadband Access Services – When and Where to Complain

Foreword

I'm blogging about this subject as I came across several people (and that's bad) who were either having difficulties in approaching their ISP or had failed to get their ISP to act responsibly -- leaving them to unreasonably make do with the poor quality of their Internet connection.

A slow/poor Internet connection can be frustrating and in some instances mean loss of opportunity and also make you spend more time than you intended. 

Broadband combines connection capacity (bandwidth) and speed. Recommendation I.113 of the ITU Standardization Sector defines broadband as a “transmission capacity that is faster than primary rate Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) at 1.5 or 2.0 Megabits per second (Mbits)”. https://www.itu.int/osg/spu/publications/birthofbroadband/faq.html

Let's Get Started

There is an authority in each country that acts as the regulator for Broadband Access Services, as like the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) does in Malaysia.

Whether you a residential or business customer subscribing to broadband access services from an ISP (Internet Service Provider), your rights are the same – that is, you are entitled to complain to your ISP when the quality of the service falls below your expectations.

Quality of Service is rated on connection availability, bandwidth availability, latency, jitter and packet loss.

The MCMC does not regulate jitter (the variation in latency as measured in the variability over time of the packet latency across a network). A network with constant latency has no variation or jitter.

It does however set the minimum requirements for the rest as follows,

Network Availability 99.9% of the time, excluding scheduled ISP maintenance works
Bandwidth Availability > 70% of your subscribed speed, 95% during busy hours
Latency < 85ms
Packet Loss < 1%

Note: Bandwidth is a measurement of how much data can be transferred at a time while speed is a measurement of how fast things are done.

According to “protocol”, you are expected to lodge a complaint with your ISP prior to any contact with the regulatory agencies. Why agencies as in plural?

Yup, there is another party to contact –

Communications & Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM),
Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC),
Off Persiaran Multimedia,
63000, Cyberjaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Hotline : 1800 18 2222
Fax : 03 8320 9083
Email : aduan@cfm.org.my

Working Days : Mon - Fri, 9:00am to 6:00pm


The former acts to mediate between you and the ISP to resolve your complaint, while the latter is supposed to protect your rights as a consumer.


CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMPLAINTS BUREAU
Malaysia Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
MCMC Tower 1, Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, 63000 Cyberjaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Hotline : 1800 – 188 – 030
Fax : 03 8688 1880
Email: aduanskmm@cmc.gov.my
Website: http://www.skmm.gov.my

Working Days: Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 5:30pm


WHY go through all the trouble to complain when most of the time all I need to do is to restart my connection?

Simple,

• To make sure you're getting what you pay for. A speed test is useful if you feel a slow connection or want to see how your Internet is performing.
• Avoid the inconvenience from too frequent and too many restarts.
• Avoid allocating time for attending to the ISP’s service technician, who will come and find nothing wrong with your line signal quality and speed at the time of his visit.

Do the right thing today. When you don’t, nothing will improve.

Secret Recipe Complaint

http://www.secretrecipe.com.my/

The following "feedback" was sent to Secret Recipe for a very bad experience at their outlet in Desa Parkcity Kuala Lumpur on July 28, 2017.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Your reference,

Desa Parkcity KL Outlet

Table # 6

Invoice # P1090502

The time it took to end our ordeal is equivalent to,

1. Placing our order for 2 lunch sets.

2. Watching an African couple walk in, sit next to our table, and place their order.

3. Being served the 2 Ice Lemon Tea for our order.

4. Asking the one local staff if we could move away from the African couple as we were sensitive to the strong perfume smell from them.

5. Noticing something was wrong when the African couple were served their order, finished and leave after paying.

6. Informing the one local staff at the Cashier that we will only pay for the drinks as the food never arrived.

7. Watching her question and scold the foreign staff who could only answered that the Kitchen was "lambat".

FYI, the lack of sincerity is apparent while the quality of service is appalling. 

Why?  

Not a single word of apology!

Send your complaints to feedback@secretrecipe.com.my

#poorservice #badservice #denial #unapologetic

Saga BLM Steering Wheel Removal (How To)

The title translated to Bahasa Malaysia: Cara Buka Stering Saga BLM.


As with again, there is so little online information when it comes to Malaysian matters. Hence, this post...


Firstly, a great thank you to the good people at Proton.

For the longest time, I've had an annoying rattling emanating from the steering wheel of my Proton Saga BLM.

Warning: Do not attempt to pull out the steering wheel cover!

After failing to find any useful information on this subject, I decided to try my luck at removing the steering wheel cover to find and hopefully fix the cause of the annoying rattle.

Here's why you shouldn't pull out the cover, as is: The steering wheel cover is firmly attached to a backplate by plastic push in self locking pins. If you attempt to pull it out by force, it'll only result in broken pins and a costly replacement of the whole steering wheel!

A hex key, Allen key or Allen wrench is a tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads - the only tool you'll need for this job.



1. Remove the Horn Fuse, 4th one down on the left from the fuse box. When you open the driver side door, you'll see the fuse box at the side of the dashboard. Gently pull it open to access the fuse box. I actually used the fuse clip from the fuse box in the engine bay as it simplifies the work.

2. Using the hex key, break open the 2 screws local on the steering wheel. Do not fully unscrew! Unscrew only until you can take out the cover.

3. Gently remove the wire connector.

4. Adjust the screws at the 3 spokes of the cover. For some reason these screws are not secured with any lock thread and will loosen over time and the cover will rattle!

After adjusting the screws to NO free play, I didn't have any lock thread and used auto silicone sealant over each protruding screw to hopefully "lock" them in.

Reinstall the cover in reverse manner of steps explained above.

Enjoy and don't forget to thank Proton!

P/S: I also noticed a missing screw (see if you can spot it) where the steering wheel connects to the column...OMG!

What To Do When DBKL Makes A "Fine" Error, DBKL Salah Saman

Foreword: A Compound, Fine, Saman, or whatever you wish to call it must always be paid promptly - DO NOT ACCUMULATE! It'll only gather "interest" that's not in your favor.

Not many people love to be wrong but will still pretend as if they are right. That said, not many people want to be wrong and do nothing about it...

So what happens when you are wrongly accused of something that you didn't do? Do you keep mum and make amends, or do you attempt to undo the wrongful?

Here's my lesson from DBKL's Jabatan Penguatkuasaan:

Last week, I received a registered mail from the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). In it was a DBKL Compound Notice for a traffic offense. I noted the date, time and "location" of the traffic offense. While it was 100% impossible for me to be there at that time, I still paid the minimum RM100 Compound at Pos Malaysia the same day.

My reasoning (only later to be told as wrong?): Never owe others and make good what you do.

Of course, I did try to call the 03-40267200 contact number stated on the Compound Notice (before making my way to Pos Malaysia) but it went unanswered.

Since Pos Malaysia could only accept payment and nothing else, they suggested for me to check with the nearest DBKL office - which I did by calling them and was given another number for the Jabatan Penguatkuasaan DBKL (JPK).

[Trust me, it's not easy finding out on the Internet things you need to know especially if it's Malaysian. For some blessed reason, whether it's something about the national cars or in this case bila terima saman DBKL salah there's a fog in the Internet cloud]

In short, what I was told:

1. Do not pay the Compound
2. Email your dispute to jpk@dbkl.gov.my
3. It's faster if you come directly to see the officer

So the next day, I went to the JPK. No parking lots at the front as told; possibly a sign of what's coming. Parked at the adjacent shop lots area for RM2. Was directed to the door next to the Kaunter Aduan. Met with the officer there (a soft spoken chap but apparently with a suspicious nature because he started with examples of how people lie to avoid the fines and etc!), to him the Compound is probably correct. Phew! Completed a Borang Rayuan and was told that if I wanted I could also make a police report but it was not necessary to give him a copy!?!

At the Balai Polis, the officer at the counter took down the details of my case and printed a copy of the Police Report. Her 2 colleagues sitting next to her advised me that since DBKL mentioned the police, a copy of the report should be given to them.

On my 2nd trip (the same day) to the JPK, I ended up paying RM2 for a RM1 parking ticket as the Parking Terminal was faulty. I truly wonder what happens to the excess money collected since it's not registered by the machine. Submitted a copy of the Police Report and requested a signed acknowledgement.

A week later, I received a call from the JPK's Proses Saman. The lady officer informed me that DBKL will refund the payment I made, but I would have to provide them with my bank account number and proof that the account is under my name vide a bank statement!?!
The next day, I went to the JPK's Proses Saman and filled up a Borang Pengesahan Maklumat and submitted it together with the original payment receipt and copy of bank statement. According to the lady officer, she cannot disclose more information on the investigation done as her role in the entire process is only to forward applications. All-in-all the entire ordeal should end within 3 months once the DBKL Bendahari transfers the RM100 into my bank account.

* no indication of any compensation from DBKL for causing the pain and suffering arising from this whole affair.

Quick Summary:

1. Decide first whether to proceed with the below by weighing if the heartache, your time and travel costs, and patience is worth more than the sum of the Compound;
2. Do not make any payment in trust/faith;
3. Do not email DBKL, especially the Pengarah who has yet to reply any of the several emails I sent;
4. Go direct to see/meet them;
5. Make a Police Report before your trip to the JPK;
6. At the JPK, proceed to the Kaunter Aduan located on the Ground Floor;
7. You will be given a Borang Rayuan Kompaun. Complete it and submit together with any other substantial proof to support your claim besides the Police Report;
8. You should receive a call from them within 7 days. If not, another visit to the JPK is necessary.
9. In the event, you are unable to resolve the problem with DBKL -- your options are to pursue it at a higher level with the Federal Territory Minister. And if that fails, to seek legal counsel and action.

WARNING: This advice is only intended for those who are 100% sure that they have been wrongfully issued with a DBKL Compound. IF guilty of the offense, pay up!

Why You Should Not Buy A Samsung Mobile Product, FINDING Samsung A Bad Choice

For a brand awarded a Malaysian award for excellence (Putra Brand Awards 2015), surely that has to bear some weight in the manner of how Samsung operates as a reputable brand. Anything less and it belittles the Malaysia standard for excellence.

Reputable brands firmly believe in and deliver on their brand promise. They guarantee the quality of each sold product and personally warrant it against defects.

For your information, Finding Nemo (both the fictional Captain and Clownfish) would have been easier! Samsung is simply not consumer complaint friendly. [Add: Master of deception and Evasion]

I wasn't prepared and did not know how much future stress plus the accompanying heartache would follow when I purchased a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 early this year in March 2016 from The Hello Station (M) S/B, a Samsung retailer located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Not even my past bad experiences with 3 Samsung smartphones and 1 Samsung Air conditioner stopped me. Prior to my current predicament, I had a Samsung Galaxy SIII which automatically kept on rebooting until the battery died or when it was removed. Even at that time, the process of returning it to Sen Heng Electric and getting it back took so long and the staff there were not happy to deal with product issues (the motherboard was replaced and that fortunately fixed the problem).

Now back to present...

I have been to SEMS Services S/B a few times already. Since it takes one visit to send the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 in for "repair" and another to collect it back, it is cumbersome when it continued to be problematic. Apparently, SEMS is an authorized Samsung Service Partner which would would explain why they are more keen to replace parts.

Unfortunately for me, this Samsung model has to be pried open for access to any failed parts and that causes scratches to it. So far, the charging port part has been replaced twice, once in April 2016 and once in August 2016. That's already one time more than acceptable. 

And now, just barely a week after collecting it from it's 2nd "repair", the device remained stuck in Safe Mode (and nope, multiple restarts did not solve the problem) and the volume was stuck down as well.

I have,

1. Informed SEMS prior to it's 2nd "repair" that, if they did indeed check and confirmed  the same part as faulty -- to kindly not repair it, but to send it back to Samsung Malaysia Electronics in exchange for a brand new problem-free unit.
2. Listened to SEMS's explanation that they only do repairs and not replacements. Hence, they "repaired" the device instead of following my request to return it to Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
3. Attempted to escalate the defective product complaint to the dear Samsung people in Korea. A 100% impossible task as they practice a global customer feedback system that is strictly online thru their website www.samsung.com and the only replies by email from them cannot be replied AND the same details in the online feedback filled in again before subsequent "feedback" can be submitted. Note: Other channels mentioned on the website such as Twitter is equally disappointing.
4. Failed to contact Dr. Oh-Hyun Kwon the Samsung CEO, obviously.
5. Listened to a Mr. Seow from Samsung Careline Malaysia (+603 77137477) telling me today that he will try to help but no promises that I will get what I want, but "will at least get something". What that is, I really don't know.
6. Been informed by the same Mr. Seow that although Samsung Careline is under it's parent company Samsung Malaysia Electronics, he is unaware where the company is located or of it's contact details, and also that it is company policy not to share such information with customers. What's with the cloak and dagger routine? Certainly very dubious and lacking in sincerity for a branded company!

For the record,

• The quality of the product is questionable and not acceptable as the same problem occurred twice, while another just right after it's 2nd service.
• It is also unfair practice on part of Samsung to sell a defective product and allow the warranty period to "run" while attempts to repair are made; instead of replacing it when the same problem recurs.
• It cannot be expected of the consumer to return on a continuous basis to a Samsung Service Partner. Problems with the product must neither be repetitive nor excessive. When they are, the product is defective. Defective products should be exchanged immediately without delay.
• It is also unlikely that scratches will occur when reasonable care and skill is applied during repair. There are already visible scratches on this device.

Summary:

As far as the NCCC (National Consumer Complaints Centre) and TCCM (Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia) are concerned, it's hard for them to act when the very people behind the brand are not open with their contact details -- in Samsung's case there's only a Careline number and a one-sided online feedback form...

So why is Samsung making it hard for even the genuine product complaints to be addressed?

IF Samsung is even a little bit concerned about it's product quality, it should proactively resolve valid negative product feedback immediately. Giving the consumer the runaround is not what a reputable brand will do.

Factual: People buy branded products to avoid poor quality issues that encourage visits from repairmen and to service centers.

IT is highly probable that Samsung constructively weaves a process that makes it hard for bad product feedback -- to minimize poor publicity -- in order to maintain it's product popularity -- by letting consumers think a Samsung product must be of good quality since complaints are few.

I'm giving Samsung Electronics Malaysia time to own up and do the right thing by and before the end of August 2016 with a replacement new unit (with full warranty). Failing which, it's straight to the TCCM!  

A Silly Argument, The 3Cs of A Great Marriage

Wife: Why didn't you call?
Husband: I was busy.
Wife: What? Didn't you say you needed me every second of your life?
Husband: Yes I did but that was before we got married and not in my
working life!

~ Moral ~

Women LOVE seeking the attention of their other half. Men on the other
hand treats life as a checklist and compartmentalize it into several
or more parts, doing and focusing on one part at a time.   If men and
women saw things the same way EITHER they wouldn't be married in the
first place OR find the slightest opportunity to argue with one
another.

Written after great thought by a man who is still working on the 3Cs
of a Great Marriage. By the way the 3Cs do not stand Cash, Condo and
Car BUT Compromise, Compliment, and Complement!

The 3Cs are in no particular order and applies to BOTH Men and Women.

P/S: Men will always be JUST MEN while Women have an incorporated
meaning, "W"ives "O"f MEN. In short, there is more to women than just
men.

PP/S: Compromise (give & take, win-win situation), Compliment
(praise), and Complement (provide the parts to make whole)...

Water Ration April 2014, Water Woes Again

Yup folks it's official!

Syabas has issued a statement to this effect. Let there be no misinterpretation regarding the recent heavy downpours -- water supply is still low (at least that's according to what the folks at Syabas says).

So it's another month of water rationing. If you want to know what's fair, folks in the designated Zone 2 areas are short a day of supply. Why?

Instead of water on April 1 and April 2, they'll just be getting water on April 1 only instead of the 2 days. Blame in on the guys at Syabas to reschedule anew instead of continuing the cycle, bad maths or maybe plain convenience to them.

 Excerpts from Syabas' Statement:

This will be the 4th Phase of Water Rationing and extension of the rationing period for areas in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya.

Decision made by the Selangor Government to increase the volume of rationing from 500 Million litres a day to 1000 Million litres a day for the Selangor River Dam and 30 Million litres a day for the Klang Gates Dam. Syabas has been "requested" by the Selangor Government to prepare a Water Ration Plan (4th Phase) to tackle the shortage of treated water caused by this decision.

[Gosh! The way I read it, it's like Syabas is blaming the Selangor Government for deciding. But wait, why does the state authority or any government authority "decide" on such matters?]

The 4th Phase Water Ration Plan was approved by SPAN (Commission of National Water Services) on 28 March 2014.

[After that we had more rain. "Apparently" it rained heavily at the wrong places and water source is still high in ammonia, or something to that effect!]

In addition, there will be new areas added and affected by the water rationing.

[Bummer! As I'm typing this out -- it's about to rain again, heavily too].

This new Phase is effective from 4 April 2014 hingga 30 April 2014 and will last as long to a date decided by the Selangor Government.

[Again Selangor Government to decide. Should it be for Syabas to decide as the supplier and the Selangor Government to announce -- what the ...?]

And the famous phrase, consumers are urged to refer to the said notice on the Syabas website (www.syabas.com.my). 

Quick Notes:

For zones scheduled for no water supply, water supply is expected to stop at 9am on the first day and resume approximately 55 hours later, or at 4pm on the 3rd day.

[Another publicity lie, 2 days indeed!]

Be prepared, over here plans made carry on once "approved" -- so maybe if there's ample water supply source -- the plan goes on...

Malaysia do you have USB?

YES and I'm not talking about Universal Serial Bus drives OR devices here!

Unacceptable–Social Behavior (USB) is a serious mental condition where a person experiences frequent unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are socially abnormal and acts upon them, often followed by self gratification for having achieved those acts. An extreme example would be terrorists; classic version some whom misinterpret religion and use violence to achieve their "holy" objectives.

BUT I'm pretty sure that most of us anyway are NOT.

USB may be considered an illness and it affects almost everyone, from young children to adults, regardless of skin, sex or social or cultural background. The question that you should ask yourself is whether you have severe USB or mild USB?

IF USB is really an illness, almost all of us are certainly unaware of it since there is very little highlight on it. Maybe being Malaysians we just don't care as long as it doesn't personally hurt us. 

GENERALLY, USB sufferers experience obsessions which manifest into physical form. These hard to ignore acts are intrusive, unwanted, disturbing, significantly interfere with the society and the population at large. To people with USB they often know that their obsessional thoughts and acts are unacceptable, but they believe they have the personal right to act as they please even if it causes resentment and pain.

Typical USB includes:

• Spitting indiscriminately
• Public tantrums
• Running the Red Light (Red means Go?)
• Cutting Q whether driving or not
• Obstructing others from passing (again, whether driving or not)
• Showing the universal finger sign at others
• Throwing rubbish everywhere but the dustbin
• Dog Owners who allow their dogs to roam and defecate freely (my neighbor)
• Forcing others to follow (My Way or The Highway style)
• Hoarding (Mine mine mine and no one else's)

And that's only to name a few! If at any moment you did think or consider that these are the norm and nothing to worry about, then that's the very reason why USB is rampant and growing.

For people with USB there is often an over-inflated sense of ego that prevents them from estimating the amount of damage that their acts will cause to others. The USB person often feels ultimately responsible to have things their way.

To some degree USB people have probably experienced, at one time or another, by most of them, times when their acts are met with equal corrective action -- a speeding ticket, an earload of scolding, etc. Even then their ego prevents them from not doing the same selfish acts in future.

In a nutshell:

• USB people know that their thoughts and behavior are irrational and senseless,
• They feel proud and responsible to act out their selfish thoughts, and
• They do not doubt that their acts causes resentment.

Left unchecked and untreated, USB will mushroom and feed upon itself and can have the power to consume if left unchallenged.

Unfortunately, we have yet to even slowly begun to understand and identify USB symptoms much more effectively, maybe it's because of the culture of this country we live in.

The writer is still trying to understand USB better and, more importantly, hope that someone with the power to make a change, will recognize it as a threat to society and find ways how to treat it, and to offer belief and hope that recovery from Unacceptable–Social Behavior is possible.

Subway Sandwich, the line that never moves...

All about Subway

Typical of a Malaysian "service" outlet, expect no service good enough to make you glow and smile. Even if you do find that special one place that does, it has got to be rarely consistent. AEON and Tesco cashiers, KFC front of house, Pizza Hut servers and most recently Subway Malaysia line employees. Perhaps there are more, care to share?

Off the road Note: TESCO loves to advertise and display racks with no products...for Heaven's sake if the product is off the shelves - remove the price label please!!!

One thing I'm sure it's not the ethnic background of the hire, take Hinods "the Five Ringgit Store" for example - Malays as sweet and accommodating as can be.  Maybe then it's the volume of business - the more business you get, the less friendlier or appreciative the staff is for the business.

Well this video was captured June 24, a Monday and at about ten in the morning. It was only taken after 10 minutes of waiting in a line less than 10... not counting the 3 who left after waiting too long. And, it shows an unmoving line of customers waiting in queue at the Subway outlet in Kepong Village Mall. Although for the world to see, the minimum 3-person staff was down to 2 and it was impossible to provide timely service but the least they could do was to say, "Pardon us for the service wait, may I have your order please?"...

This entry is NOT really all about Subway. It's about the standards of service in Malaysia that is consistently the same. Even worse is when the help hired cannot even communicate properly is the same lingo (not making reference to Myanmars, Nepalese, Vietnamese and Bangladeshis - by the way there is a very fluent in Cantonese foul language Bangladesh cleaner wearing a Malaysian Harvest uniform at AEON Metro Prima, last seen chatting with a heavily smoking Chinese man in the loo). 

Malaysia Boleh?

TESCO Malaysia Everyday Offers, Or Not?

Believe it or not but even the best of Malaysia's superchain hypermarkets do screw up, more than once! 

That's why it is always better to check, check and triple-check before you commit to your purchase. Although there is a written code that in established stores such as Tesco for them to honor the price tag on the product, what happens when instead of a tag -- a generic master tag on the shelf and/or bin is used AND WRONG? 

Hypermarkets are fond of saving manpower on price tagging, so they did away with individual item tagging. It made their life so much easier as price changes could be effected with just a simple one tag change per barcode.

Let me quote my personal experience at Tesco:

I am not too fond at times (too many to count) of having to be informed by the Tesco cashier to get a refund from the Tesco Customer Service Counter. More often there is a queue of customers already waiting their turn. Most of the times when I feel that my time is more precious I would just accept having paid extra because on top of the time spent in queue there is also a waiting time for their Customer Service representative to run to wherever the product in question is located to verify the difference!

Why can't anyone or someone please do their pricing changes efficiently?

I do believe that Tesco already has in employ more than sufficient staff at hand (reference: Kepong Village Mall, Tesco HQ - staff parking already spilled over to 2nd level) to manage and overcome the said problem. Perhaps THEY don't see it as a problem, who knows?

So coming back to the picture proof -- quite hilarious, really. I was informed by one of their floor staff who was busy stocking up the bin, that the product referred to by the price tag was not the product displayed below it but actually meant for another product???

Question: If not, why continue stocking up the same product displayed "since" another product was supposed to be in place?

My actual question was one of curiosity as I only wanted to know why the promotional price is higher than the previous normal pricing!

Lesson learned -- always compare pricing and never believe in "promotions". Lastly, do check the expiry too!

P/S Complaining is also futile, the real people in charge who do care are not easily reachable...

American Fractures Penis in Malaysia

Sex can hurt but so can love. Who would ever imagine that any man or creature endowed with the stated organ above can actually fracture it while having sex. Much as I would like to say Malaysia Boleh for a first known case in Malaysia, it is nothing to be proud of -- well at least Malaysia made the news, again.

Apparently, such cases are not uncommon and has occurred before in Malaysia. The injury happens when the tissue trapping blood during an erection breaks when bent. A cracking sound is heard followed by intense pain and flaccidity. There is only 6-10 hours time for repair surgery before there is irreversible damage. Doctors' say -- avoid vigorous sex to minimize risk of injury, not that some listen anyway...

30-year old American, Ray Elbe, a mixed martial arts (MMA) exponent is the proud character in this organ-chilling tale. Eking out a living by teaching Brazilian and mixed martial arts at a studio in Ara Damansara, poor Ray "fractured" his "little treasure" having sex with his girlfriend on December 3. Ouch!


According to Ray, "I jumped out from that intimate moment with blood shooting out from my groin. I tried to run to the shower and felt myself losing consciousness".

After collapsing, Ray ended up with 10 stitches to his chin and several chipped teeth. Fortunately, he is expected to fully recover as the injury did not involve a major artery. Unfortunately, he had to pay in excess of Ringgit Malaysia Seventeen Thousand (RM17,000++) for his stay in the hospital.

Ray now hopes to sell his story and pictures to recover some of the cost. Any takers?

A tribute to a living legend, now gone - Steve Jobs

Wednesday, October 5 2011 marks the saddest day in the lives of many people. Steve Jobs the man who brought Apple to it's shiniest and brightest moments left the world at the age of 56. Details of his long battle with pancreatic cancer - a disease that ultimately claimed him remains unknown.

He was more than just the man behind the Mac and iPhone. Even in Malaysia now, one cannot help but hear the tributes on radio and coffee shop chit chats. Even Twitter at the time of this posting remains inaccessible, possible due to overwhelming tweet traffic.

He believed in himself. Despite having the odds against him, he believed in himself. He believed in his vision. He believed that he could change the way we communicate. He believed he could make a difference. And he did.

 This past week we said goodbye to Steve Jobs - the co-founder of Apple who revolutionized the way we communicate, work and play. But life was never easy for him and the only reason Jobs succeeded is because he believed in himself.

 He didn't let the naysayers stop him. He didn't let the doubters hold him back.

 He dropped out of school because he couldn't afford the tuition. He collected used soda cans and returned them to collect the deposit money. He walked 7 miles just so he could get a hot meal from a shelter. But all along he believed in himself and his vision. He never gave up. When he slept on a cold hard floor with only a blanket he didn't give up.

 Through all those years of struggle, Steve Jobs directed his mind, his subconscious mind and his powers to follow his vision. That vision and belief was planted on his subconscious mind, success was sure to follow. And did it ever.

When he passed away on Wednesday - Steve Jobs was a billionaire, surrounded by his family. He built one of the most valuable companies in the world and he made a big difference.

 Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco on February 24, 1955. He was adopted shortly after his birth and reared near Mountain View, California by a couple named Clara and Paul Jobs. His adoptive father was a machinist for a laser company and his mother worked as an accountant.

 He leaves behind three children from his marriage to Laurene Jobs (Reed, Erin, and Eve), as well as his first daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs.

 Rest in eternal peace Steve Jobs... there will be no other like you...

Keep the Peace for Your Own Sake

A tiny little thing sets you off. You know you're being totally unreasonable, but at the moment, you don't care. You rant you rave and behave like a child throwing a tantrum...

You have to put things in perspective.

Otherwise...think about waking up alone. Permanently.

In support of keeping the peace!

Dearer Air Ticket Prices for Europe

Air travelers to Europe may soon pay more -- ticket prices for flights to and from Europe are likely to go up January 2012 when Europe's move to "cut" airline emissions is enforced. The EU has set a cap on carbon dioxide emissions, with airlines having to pay for emissions that exceed those limits (and the ultimate payee will of course be the passengers of these flights...). Other regions/countries are expected to follow suit in retaliation.

Just goes to prove how affordable travel is nowadays so much so that the EU decides to limit the number of flights in the name of Going Green, but then again when flight prices are driven higher with people still traveling -- are they trying to say that it's ok and alright to CONTRIBUTE to these emissions when payment is made?

Most Bizarre Questions and Requests from Air Travelers

As an Air Traveler Do You..in reply to How May I Help You?


Virgin Atlantic recently rounded up over 3,000 of its cabin crew and compiled a list of the most bizarre questions and requests put forth by its passengers.

Have you ever asked...

"Please can you open the window? It's stuffy in here."
"Can you stop the turbulence? I'm trying to sleep here!"
"Please turn the engines down because they're too noisy!"
"Please shut the crying baby up!"

Among many others include the classics as follows,

"Where's the shower?"
"Where's the kid's room?"

Believe it or not...

Holidays a'loomin Cops a'bloomin

Major holiday (Chinese New Year) coming up, fast approaching and I'm ready to rock and roll...so's police season!

Careful when driving, mind your stops n' turns.

See a traffic policeman, FEAR NOT! Instead if stopped, asked how you can help -- but beware! They can come in other colors besides Black and White.

Unsuspecting motorists caught unawares as camouflaged cop wearing dark jacket pretends to be a tree in hot afternoon signals buddies a stone throw away. The biggest crime you can have during cop season is beating the lights and illegal turns -- so if you do happen to be stopped, be a good samaritan and offer tea, it's hot after all.

On a serious note -- drive carefully, observe courtesy and the rules of the road.

Wishing all and sundry an early Chinese New Year Greeting (cops aside) that's gonna be full of goodness, health and prosperity! Cheers! Oops...I meant well, if you know what I mean.

Anti Rape Condom

Courtesy of http://blog.mamashealth.com/2010/07/08/if-only-i-had-teeth-down-there/

Call it provocative, call it medieval, whatever you call it aside from self-defense classes, self-imposed curfews and bodyguards it has to be one of the most progressive devices created to help prevent the rape of women. Invented by South African doctor Dr. Sonnet Ehlers after treating a rape victim who said, “If only I had teeth down there,” the female condom dubbed “Rapex” is being readied for distribution after 20 years of research.

“According to Dr. Ehlers “As soon as the man puts his penis in the woman’s vagina the condom catches it. The “teeth” of the condom then penetrates his skin and causes severe pain. The man will have to go to a hospital to have the condom removed,” she said. It will also collect the rapist’s DNA.”

30,000 of these condoms are being distributed in South African in various cities where the World Cup games are being played. South Africa has one of highest incidences of rape in the world.

While some think it increases a woman’s feeling of vulnerability, one could argue that women walk in the world and shape their lives around knowing their vulnerabilities. Others argue that the device is medieval, “Yes, my device may be a medieval,” Dr. Ehlers says, “but it’s for a medieval deed that has been around for decades,” she said. “I believe something’s got to be done … and this will make some men rethink before they assault a woman.”

While I don’t believe one thing will prevent rape, I do believe in having an arsenal from which to choose. What do you think?

Who is Vera Baker?

She's the sexy former campaign worker of Mr. Barack Obama, the big man who is now the President of the world's most powerful nation. So what's the buzz on this sexy lady with Mr. Commander in Chief of the United States of America, well one thing's for sure it ain't that sweet.

Earlier reports has it going that the two of them have been going at it and was caught at a posh hotel. Mrs. President, Michelle Obama is said to have blown her top off with this alleged scandal between her man with the 35-year-old Vera.

She’s furious, humiliated and embarrassed. This fiasco is bound to put another huge strain on the Obamas’ marriage.

The Obama White House may crumble...

Malaysia Welcome to the Busy Corner Restaurant

KUALA LUMPUR (Sunday) - Ringgit Malaysia RM42.50 for 3 Claypot Chicken Rice, 2 Soups, and Tea for 5. 1 Boiled Pebble of Road Gravel in Soup - the type that's used with tar on most Malaysian roads - FREE.