Keng Som Visited

Salam..

Things have been rather quick over the week. It seems, as it nears the end of the year, time just flies. Thats for the Gregorian calendar. The jumpstart has been jerky in the celebrated month of 1432's Muharram. Let's hope that the productivity levels will remain ever bullish throughout the year.

Just yesterday, Malaysia trounced our neighbour Indonesia with a 3-0 win at the Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil. The laser incident, which, according to the Jakarta Post "marred the game" made more of the headlines rather than the whipping of the "timnas Indo". Lasers more than 1-5mW could cause damage to the retinas, no doubt. But that could occur in a deliberate attempt. This means, directly putting one's eyeball in the pathway of the laser for a certain period of time. Can this occur in a game where the players are constantly moving about? Wikipedia mentioned of the South Korean goalkeeper who was affected in by lasers beams while playing. Even Diego Maradona and Christiano Ronaldo were not sparred the laser treatment from fans. Back to the AFF cup, in the first group match between Malaysia and Indonesia, the Malaysian goalkeeper too was not eluded when the laser were shone to his face after Indonesia's fouth goal. Anyway, some Indonesian's fan, pointed out that the lost could not be blamed on the laser disturbance. It was more of the lack of focus (by the laser?) of the players that cause them to crumble from the marauding young Malaysian attacks.

In every Malaysian's life, Sunday was indeed the day to remember for a long long time. Singing the Negaraku anthem together is one thing. But to sing the national anthem together in a spirited patriotic mood was emotional.

Let's hope that the match in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium will not be returned in a similar fashion of so called unsporting "Malaysian fans" laser incident. For a record, some national teams have been fined by FIFA for laser beams disturbances.

That was for sports. The next item is going to be something that you do after watching a match in the stadium. It is a ritual which could be used in sync with the other activities, as the Malay proverb says, menyelam sambil minum air. Eating! Coincidentally, the proverb too affirm to this. One can take a gulp while swimming. Discussion while eating? watching TV while eating? Supporting Malaysia while munching away? Some people even study while eating. It provides them with the much needed glucose for their thinking brain. Beware, over indulgence can divert the flow of oxygen for digestion instead. In effect, the book will study you and take the exams the next day!

Some of the ante restaurants in KB will be the likes of Sri Chieng Mai, Payang Serai Restaurant and Syam's Restaurant. All of them serves customers in a clean setting, some what posh looking environment. It is very inviting for diners to be. One thing in common of all of them, or with most restaurants and street vendors in KB, their Tom Yam are one of the niftiest in Malaysia. The flavours are almost frequently rich, fresh and aromatizing. Most importantly,they are able to maintain the richness in flavours in the next visit and thereafter.

Keng Som is an al fresco dining place right in the middle of Kota Bahru. It is deemed halal, although I can't see the halal logo by Jakim anywhere. Even the food premis grade is not displayed. Have they managed to go clandestine with their nightly operations, one would ask.

The place was a little unconspicuous. It is not located in a building but at the side of it in a mixture of metal, zinc and cement structure. Just enough to place a kitchen, a counter and space about the size of 2 badminton courts. If you are able to locate Dynasty Inn, it is just a few doors away from it. The place does not look like an eating place during the day.

Keng Som's may look obscured, a few blocks away from Dynasty Inn Hotel.

The facade of Keng Som which is actually the kitchen

We reached there about 8pm after parking in the alley next to Oriental Kopi Tiam a stone throw away from the Keng Som. I did not realised the parking space just next to Keng Som, which is free for Keng Som's customers.

Ample parking space.

It was already packed with diners, mostly families. We took our seats at a rectangular brown compressed wood table on the tarmac just outside the covered area. Luckily, KB has been free of showers over the weekend. Stars were visible from where we sit.

The waitresses were too busy whisking away serving food. It took them nearly 10 minutes before they realised us. The waitress of Thai descent finally came with a tattered plastic laminated menu. Years of operation has left the lamination clouded with scratches and dirty marks. The words on the menu were not crisp, but still legible. The selection of dishes were impressive, divided into the names of the animals or food classes you wish to eat. Chicken, beef, fish, prawn, rice and vegetables headings sectioned the menu. The style of cooking is listed below it. Ready with a pen and paper to jot down the menu in Thai, the waitress were anxious. Impatient. A new group of diners had just arrived. There are 2 other tables, arriving at the same time as us, still waiting to be attended to.

We ordered enough food to feed 4, although there were only 2. It took 30 minutes for the food to arrive from order. That is already considered as snail paced, but forgivable given the nearly full house occupacy of the restaurant.

Thai Tom Yum

The Tom Yam still deserved a pass. Compared to other tom yum's that I have tasted, this one was abit slightly diluted in taste. While not being a self proclaiming tom yom connoisseur, this faintness in flavour may not be detectable for those tongues that taste tom yum once in a while. The spiciness is not overpowering, but it may not be appealing to you if spiciness is not to your liking. The tangy bits of chicken meat, fresh prawn, mushroom were adequate.

Ikan siakap in Phad Phet Style

This one is tasty. The sauce plays an important role to bring up the taste of the deep fried siakap fish. The yellow sauce or roux has rich taste to it with slight tumeric essence. It was slightly spicy, sweet and sour at the same time. It may sound like tom yam, but it is not.

Kerabu Manggo

We decided to pick the Kerabu Manggo above after much thought pitting it against something leafy and stir fried. This Kerabu manggo was nice, and it suites as an appetizer. As sugar is a distinctive feature in Kelantanese delight, almost taken in a staple proportion, this kerabu did not make the sweet escape However, odd enough, the sugar added was slight and not in spoonful metric.

Chinese Tea

There are more choices of drinks available in myriads of colours. But, we were contented with the one above especially after consuming high caloric food.

We wanted to try bittergourd omelette but it was not available. It would help if the menus display pictures of the food. The odd and foreign names of some of the food with poor description by the waitress does not help at all. Kung Pau chicken, Pat Porn Chicken and Mongolia chicken may sound the same despite the differences in their name. We may expect some similarities to the familiar taste and match it with the ones stored in the labyrinth of our memory bank if the menu were like green curry chicken. Not at our adventurous wit, as seen above, we have settled for familiarities.

To visit, locate Dynasty Inn at Jalan Sutanah Zainab. Map as follows.

View Larger Map

Understanding Natrah

Salam..

I have always enjoyed plays. The first play that I have attended was a school play entitled "Oliver Twist", held at the Kuching Civic centre. It was organised by St Joseph's School, my alma mater. The second was also a school play, entitled "A Sprinkle of Magic". Then, it was held at Tan Sri William Tan Auditorium, in the school.

One knows how acting in a play has always been difficult. There is no room for mistakes to occur. Unlike in films, retakes can be done if the actors forget a line or misses a step. Near perfection is expected in an on stage acting.

Natrah was restaged at the Istana Budaya (IB). The last one was in December last year (2009). It was not left alone without any controversies, as the controversies of Natrah herself. The Late Natrah will remain as one of a significant point in the Malaysian-Singapore history.  Some will say it should be remebered, while the other quarters may wish not to remember it. Honestly, until this play was staged in IB, I have never heard or read about it. There was no recollection of the word "Natrah", "Nadra" or Maria-Bertha Hertogh in the history text books in school. 13 years was not too long ago since I left secondary school. Heck, I even bought the book Tragedi Natrah scripted by Fatini Yaacob to read on the the retrospective accounts of what actually transpired that lead to the upheaval of the locals, regardless of race and religion against the British and Dutch colonialist.

I would regard the staging of Natrah, by our very own Erma Fatima as a resounding success. If it was not, it wouldn't be played a second time around. Now, there are plans to make a third play, which shouldn't be missed by those who has not been to it. There are some differences in the second play, according to those who have attended the first. Some elements of the Bollywood beats, rhythm and choreographed dancing were added, perhaps making it more appealing to the Bollywood inclined audience. With such addition, perhaps, "Teater Muzikal Natrah" would be appropriate to describe the whole play.

Historical facts will remain as facts. In a theatrical depiction, it all depends on the director to decide on the interpretation of a historical event. Local nationalism was allegorically depicted in this issue. Forced apostation, the desperate attempt to save what ever honour that was left in a colonialist point of view, denigration of a good name in order to slander are just some points taken to heart by the locals. Of course, the colonial perspective will be otherwise. Some of the issues, although it occured half a century ago, is still akin to our recent times.

The Natrah play shows that creativity can be based upon factual accounts. Facts need not give in to creativity. As history subjects are usually stale when told in textual forms in schools, resulting in the mind to succumb to the half-closed heavy eyelids. The lack of oxygen in the air seems to encourage further this sleepy army on the offensive. Through the play, the interestingness of the characters, (and of course the prettiness of the casts that plays Natrah) and subject touched, it has, encouraged myself to read up on the somewhat "lost" historical event of Natrah. Not even the cooling temperature of the aircond and the dim lighting of the IB could doze me off to slumberland.

Natrah is, a sad event. If I were to be in her shoes, being fully aware that people gets a hold of your life, but, at the same time, knowing what I want and need, is no different from the world coming to an end. Conditions were already bad for Natrah when living unwillingly under the clutches of the biological parents. Seeing her lover, Mansor Adabi many years later in a video recording living in a good life that was played to her in an interview, really broke her down. May I say, it tore her heart to pieces. In the end, counselling did patch up things to some extend, especially those created in the tumultuous early period of her life.

Considering Natrah's age was 13 at the time of the court judgement, it really amaze me on how people were more precocious in their life compared to those of today's generation. Try talking to a 13 year old today and you will get what I mean. The mental aptitude of an 8 year olds are not considerably different from a 13 year old. Well, it is not scientifically proven, but just a general stand. There are some, no doubt who are very into adulthood in such tender age of 13. What could be the missing X Factor here?

As often, the thing that puts me off in writing is the ending. Some people would summarize the whole issue. But, I do not wish to insult you, the inteligent reader. Go ahead, read up on Natrah and go watch the next play in IB!

Sit and Talk

In our fast paced life, yes, even here in this part of the world, we need to reflect on ourselves.

What have we done today? Have we offended anybody of late? Have I been productive or anti productive of that sorts? 

We need to sit and talk. At least, if not talking to anyone else, "talk" to ourselves. But, be sure not to do it in public. You may be fully conscious in your conscience and be very sure that you have not gone haywire, but this sort of oddity is not taken lightly by the public. Perturbed, the police will be called in to remove you off the streets. Have a little discussion and a minor debate within yourself. This reminds me of the old disney cartoon that depicts the angel and the devil sitting on either side of the shoulders of a boy, quarelling, in an attempt to influence the boy over good and evil. Self discussion will be something like that, in the hope, that our ethical qualities prevail.

"Brother, do you have time? I need to sit and talk with you on my research methodology"

" I am stuck in in my paper, I need really sit and talk with you about this"

"I have abusiness proposition for you, when I get to KB, we need to sit and talk". 

Yes, sit and talk, I have been bombarded lately. It means to stop from what ever you are doing. If you need to pay the bills, don't! have a cup of coffee. no no! Have to go to the washroom, nope you may not. Nope, not that bad. Let the stillness of time engage in you. If you have been pacing away, hold it, make time for yourself to stop and ponder.  Such phrase, when repeatedly mentioned, will make you think and reexamine the concept behind it. 

What does it mean? It just tells you to make time for yourself to ponder over things that is going to be and has been. Stop and ponder is actually a double edge sword. It aplies to the idiom, look before you leap. But in other hand, medically morbid term, postmortem. What causes a failure? Why is treatment A better than treatment B? What have I said wrong that the other person sulks everytime he or she sees my face?

"I don't have the time". This is such a common reply from a seemingly white collared professionals. Meetings here and there, appointment with new clients, operations that will take so many hours, oncalls, busy clerking new patients,... and the list just go on. Oddly, they will have the time to scroll on an update their status on facebooks, watch movie during work, have long morning breaks, not to mention the long teabreaks. Honestly, from 8am till 5pm, how much time did we really spend working? If there is no time, then, will there be time after work? But, hey, when will work actually finish so that you could make time for yourself?

There is no such thing as not having time to ponder on oneself. For everything there is a season. One will not have time if it is not allocated for. What about the time before we sleep every night? Ahh... that will be a good moment to reflect back on the day and be objective for the days ahead. If we have not forgiven anybody yet, except during idulfitri, well, this is the time. By forgiving, we are removing the anger and revenge from our hearts of that person. Adversaries will revert to friendships. Husbands would be wonderful to their wives.

As mentioned in the Quran, "By time, verily, men is in loss.. " This indeed is true. Even when we think that we do not have enough time for ourselves, what more if we have to make time to accomodate others? We are not isolated islands. No man is an island. We still need to be in contact with the other individuals. When? Well, then we still need to make time. In this essence, it is a matter of prioritising. Working mates are equally important. Without them, organization can falter at the destruction of teamwork. The job pays our monthly bills. However, family is still our main priority. A working wife, still need attend to the welfare of her husband and family. A responsible husband too. There is no such thing as the husband works and when at home, everything is left to the wife. The prophet cooks and sweeps too you know.

Yes, I have managed to sit and think for awhile now to discuss this matter. Sit and talk is one of the human needs, that subconsciously, we never attest to even having been through it many times. It comes in many forms, thinking aloud, chit chatting, a group discussion or even a convention. We hope to achieve something positive from our "sit and talk". Well, the national's independance involved sitting and talking. 

It is not just the sitting and talking. What bothers inside is, if the sitting and talking leads to something positive. Is it worth the time spend? The answer lies in our prioritising capability.

Flash Flood in Kay Bee

Salam..

It was calm and cool last night until heavy rain and strong wind creates havoc at around midnight. The gush of wind creates a eerie howling sound when it passes through the cavities of the vent on the roof. In the morning, the drain swelled and overflowed. The low lying byroad leading to the main road is submerged by about 1 foot. Poor drainage does not seem to remove the excess as soon enough as the in-flowing from the nearby grassy plain.

Some cars stalled midway. Most people stayed at home, either delaying going to work or calling it a day already. Children, oblivious of the lurking dangers, played nonchalantly at the edges of the slow receding flood, under the gaze of the adults. An improper dumping ground by the side of the road is already a playing ground for our enemy rodent. Haven't people heard of Leptospirosis or locally known as penyakit kencing tikus? People do not believe on waht they could not see.

Here is the clipping of what had happened in the state today.

KOTA BARU: Thunderstorms over Kelantan lasting hours yesterday caused flash floods in a few low-lying areas here and in Tumpat.

The affected areas here included Kampung Guchil Bayam, Jalan Lundang and Kampung Baung while in Tumpat, the flash flood hit Wakaf Baru and Pasir Pekan.

Villagers complained that the situation had been aggravated by the poor drainage systems, especially in Kampung Guchil Bayam and Wakaf Baru.

Some of the affected villagers also claimed that there was no proper drainage system being built in their areas.

Villager Rogayah Abdul said flash floods hit her area because of clogged drains which prevented excess water from flowing out into the main drainage system.

“There is a lot of rubbish in the drains. It has been there for the past few months as the local authority has done nothing to clear out the rubbish,” claimed the 40-year-old from Kampung Guchil.

Housewife Halimah Mamat, 44, from Wakaf Baru said the flash floods caused her house to be submerged under 200cm of water yesterday.

“Water flowed to all corners of my house including the kitchen and room. This happened because there are no drains around my home,” she said.

The state Security Committee has dismissed the possibility that the heavy rains were a sign of a second wave of floods in the state, saying however that the monsoon season had not ended yet.

“Since August, we have been making all the necessary preparations to face any eventuality of flood. Therefore, we are ready from now on especially after weather forecasters issued the yellow warning,” he said.

Meanwhile, water levels at all eight flood assessment points in the state were recorded to be below the warning level yesterday.

The Meteorological Services Department had recently issued a yellow stage alert that there would be heavy rain and thunderstorms in Kelantan and Terengganu and expected the rain to last until tomorrow and this may result in flash floods in low-lying areas and along river banks.

It is still a long way to go in this monsoon season. Worrying enough, the sudden heavy pour followed by a lapse of clear sky days is adequate to give chance for the aedes and albopictus to breed in available standing water. Surely, we do not want to see this as a precipitant to another round of dengue outbreak in this state. Especially Kota Bharu. Behind the curtain, the health officers have worked hard enough to the brim to effect dengue control meassure. On top of that, the flood command centre is on stand by, adding extra work.

The below is taken off the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

HEAVY RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS ADVISORY (YELLOW STAGE) Issued at : 10.10 am 24/11/2010

SECTION A Intermittent rain occasionally moderate is expected to occur over Kelantan (Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Tanah Merah, Jeli and Kuala Krai Districts) and Terengganu (Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu and Marang Districts) starting on Sunday morning 28 November 2010 until Tuesday night, 30 November 2010

This condition may result in flash floods over low-lying areas and along river bank

We just have to be prepared at all times.

8 vs 11+1

Salam..I must still congratulate the Malaysian football team. Although we lost, but it seems that the lost was a one sided affair to start of with.

Malaysia was up against China today for the final match in the group. Malaysia lost 3-0 to the homesters. If the 3-0 loss came with great sportmanship and spirit of the Asian Games, we can still accept it. The lost was seen to be with the extra help from the Aussie ref, Ben Williams. All in all, there were 7 yellow cards and 3 red cards lashed out, all to the Malaysians!

The standard of refereeing is totally in question. The first red card to Mahali was the beginning of the end of such poor standards of refereeing. Mahali kicked the ball out as the ball boy was around to pass another fresh ball in. It was not done in the name of protest! At least that was how it was seen from the angle viewed on TV.

Then, the second blow came. The second red card to Malaysian captain, Safiq, moments after the first was given out was really absurd. There was nothing harmful done that could risk any injury to the ref. He was just letting out some steam like any person would if unjustly treated, probably saying a few obscenities. Isn't that common in any leagues or even Aussie's own league? 2 simultaneous reds in a span of 5 minutes for reasons not justified.

The Malaysian side showed good fighting spirit, marching on even with 2 bullets in the legs left them bleeding. The remaining 9 fended off the attacks by the Chinese well till the end of the first half.

The 3rd red card was really another travesty. Kunalan was sent off for a dangerous challenge on the Chinese player? It looks more like the Chinese player hooked-pulled the neck of Kunalan till he fell in the Malaysian penalty box. Great acting by the Chinese that really earned them not the Grammy's, but an undeserving penalty.

In many instances, obviously, the advantage was not given to the Malaysian when the Chinese committed a foul.

As a team that have made appearance in the World Cup Finals, beating a dilapidated side 3-0 with the help of the 12th man, is nothing to shout about.

Despite the lost in the last group match, mathematically, Malaysia was still able to proceed into the next round. There is a big headache for coach Rajagopal on the status of the team, with injuries, suspension and all.

The only thing to say is, good luck for the next match. Up to this point, there is nothing that we are not proud of in the team. Malaysia Boleh!

Alternative to Eid Sacrifice

Idul adha is just around the corner. Attached to it is the pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Mecca and the act of animal sacrifice. Pilgrimage or performing the hajj is a one in a life time goal of every Muslim. It is regarded as one of the 5 pillars in Islam, as significant and important as the saying of the shahadah, 5 times a day prayer, zakat or alms giving and fasting in the month of Ramadan.

The sacrifice of animals or Qurban in Malaysia are usually conducted in Suraus and Mosques. This is cliché. At times, if one noticed, the number of animals to be sacrificed may be too many per village or per locality, resulting in surplus of meat. In some areas, the meat could not reach the needy, either because of inadequate meat supplies or logistical problems.

There are cases when city folks who wish to perform the qurban as part of the sunat muakkad (highly recommended) are unable to do so due to time constraint. However busy we are in our daily living, we shall not forget to be thankful to the Creator who has given us a bounty without us realising it. 

With all things internet, qurban is now made easier when you can now place your qurban bookings online. 2 such services available on-line are conducted by Muslim Aid Malaysia and EZQurban Sdn Bhd. The websites are listed below.

http://www.qurbanforlife.com/

 

http://www.ezqurban.org/

 

They will inform you (in the Malay Language – can always translate it using Google translator of course) how the sacrifice are conducted and to whom the sacrifice will be distributed to. InsyaAllah, our investment with them will be carried out well and the qurban will be able to reach those really in need.

Some Changes in Kuching

Its good to be back for the long holidays. This is the time to catch up with the latest among relatives, meeting new members in the family, seeing nephews and nieces getting a year older, meeting old friends from the schooling days, getting to taste local food which brings back good feelings and memories. Kuching seems a little more bigger in scale in this return. From the little travelling done, plying on common routes familiar to me since young, some notable changes were evident. New roads around town even made it seems foreign and would question if a GPS would be needed. Yet, the charm and warm Kuching-ish feeling never fade away.

Ok, a little exageration there especially the GPS part. As if I have left Kuching for many years. But trully, the little changes here and there are quite evident.

The road from Tabuan Jaya to Kota Samarahan has been widened into a 4 lane carriageway. Now, it is an ease to for Samarahan dwellers to commute to Kuching, forgetting about the unforgiving jam they have to endure in the morning for work and in the evening after work.

The Semariang roads too has been widened into a 4 lane carriageway. In a sense of relieve, I know some of my buddies from Semariang will not have to leave home early in the morning at 6 to reach SGH by 8am.

There is a new shorter route from the airport to Samarahan. Thus, one does not need to travel via BDC, bypassing the jam in that area plus saving up on fuel. I have not personally tried that route yet, but I think that road is not open yet as barricades were still in place. If thats the correct road that I saw and think it was.

There is a new main road that connects the airport to 4th Mile. In the past, there used to be a junction which is prone to jam and danger. Motorists from 7th Mile and those coming from the direction of the airport need to negotiate at this junction as both are crossing into each others path. The 2 lane road leading to the 7th mile is still there, passing through the Penrisen Camp, which is less congested now (due to the holidays?).

The waterfront has been slightly extended to the old poultry market, which is near the entrance to the India Street walk. That area is now jam free. Just for note, the people who used to sell in the market has been shifted to the new Stutong Market. In those days, Gambier Street were filled with a hive of business activities, as it was a meeting point in another. Outstation folks and Kuchingites came here to get  their spices and do their shopping before the days of Electra House, Wisma Saberkas, The Spring, Kuching Plaza etc. It was the main taxi point and and bus station to get around town and beyond Kuching. I used to go there to get my earthworm as fishing baits.

These are some of my observations on Kuching City. Hopefully I can supplement it with pictures in the future as a record.

Merdeka.... 53rd!

More than half a century already it has been.

Some where in Kay Bee...

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A group of youngsters on bmx and mountain bicycles with the Jalur Gemilang attached to it were making their merdeka rounds. Slipshod riding, care less of the traffic and rowdy, this is accident waiting to happen.

Wonder if their parents knew about their whereabouts?

Wonder of they knew the true meaning of merdeka? or just for the sake of fun?

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The final 10 nights of blessed nights of ramadan.... hurry! we can! its now or never.

garble garble... burp..

tuut tuut..... tuut tuut....

hello, good evening.. bretnosson nerhorthel, reshhapeson brrrrrr..ter...how may I assist you?

...

What in the world is this German doing working at the counter of a 5 star hotel in Kay Bee? Or is this a navajo code awaiting to be deciphered?



Even the Germans speak slowly with crisp clarity.

meletup...kepala atas pokok...

mercun meletop..

budak 6 tahun mati..kepala putus..naik atas pokok.

adik mati dlm perjalanan.

rumah jiran bergegar akibat letupan mercun modified tersebut.

Ayah..penjual mercun.

kreatif budak zaman ini. Takziah kepada keluarga berkenaan.

Late UPDATE: 26/8/2006
Above was the description by the victim's neighbour who was working in the same place. The unfolding news the days after the event differed slightly from the above. It can be read here from the Star. Condolences to the family.

More news of youngsters mutilated by modified fireworks began to appear in the local newspapers after the above incident. Nobody seems to deterred by the dire consequences it could bring. Worst, the fathers are setting the examples on how to create the mother of all blast. Children will quickly learn. Before too long, making home made fireworks will become the tradition in the family.

If played according to the "Standard Operating Procedure", these fireworks should be low risk. Banning fireworks serves to prevent the "unlicensed bomb expert" to create their own deafening bombs.

If only such overflowing creative juices be put to good use.

Excuse me Mr Wall...

At the counter of one goverment agency reads "tempat bertanya"..

2 officers were there, one male and the other female. Both had computer screen in front of them. Both had their eyes glued to the screen. Engrossed.

Goor morning! Salam..

"..."

Asslamualaikum..

" ..." Eyeballs turn to look.. body posture, still the same, facing the screen.Something urgent it must be, on the screen.

Suddenly, a small whisper.."waalaikumsalam..",, Great...! A descent reply at last.

Can you please tell me where XXX office is? I need to see him..

1 second, 2, 3 .........15.. silence. Again, eyes glued on the screen. Wonder what could be so important in the computer at 810am, for a public relation's officer at the "information counter"?

Then,... a final tap to the "enter" button..

"Yes sir, what can I do for you?".... blistering barnacles...!

Patiently enough... Can you please tell me where XXX office is? I have an appoinment with him..
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Before leaving the waiting counter.. a peep at the screen... no wonder there was some delay in replying to me, a client at this gomen agency.... The FB has turn them into a wall. Please, rakyat diutamakan, not FB diutamakan!

Respect of great men

Great men are made.

Great men are born.

Made or born with it, they are simply.... great. They contribute to the society, and made themselves a legion of followers.

Not all are able to maintain the same greatness for the whole of their life.

It really is a bitter pill to swallow to find your mentor to be in a mess of their life created by themselves and their manly lust. Like a knight in shiny amour who, together with his horse, fell into a pit filled with waste product of the digestive process.


Hopeful, that the stained marks can be washed off in the soonest time possible. Better, if it was all bluff and untrue.

Sebelum posa

Lets go for lunch! that was yesterday.

Today... "come-come, have lunch, there are some food in the meeting room, help yourself.."

On what occasion? "Nothing, just out of routine. It's on us.. Besides, it's the beginning of Ramadan tomorrow, it's the "last meal" before the fasting month  (So, we wouldn't be eating in bright daylight for a month!).

Thanks for the reminder. Thanks for the sustenance, that's rezeki from Him, the Provider.

Such invite should not be viewed as a chance to indulge in binge eating, the last "chance" to enjoy meals in broad daylight. I can still enjoy it, minus the binging part. The "last chance" is rather a reminder of death to us.

Happy Ramadan..!

What you do while using the mobile phone is more important

Salam...

A cut and paste from the Star news paper that does not support the fact that radiation from telco tower and hand phone could increase the risk of having cancer among children. Yet, as it mentioned, it might be better if the adult population be studied instead of children due to the long length of exposure needed in order to induce the dreaded cancer. Even so, the result could still be motley and controversial then.

The last comment in the clipping was more important. The things that we do while using the handphone is more important than thinking what the handphone could do to you. Our mind is divided to cope with multitasking when we are on the hp at the same time on the wheels. Yet, many people still dare to risk it.

Study: No link between telco towers and kids' cancer risk

LONDON: Children whose mothers lived close to a mobile phone tower while pregnant did not appear to be at any higher risk of cancer than children whose mothers lived farther away, a new study finds.

British researchers analysed 1,397 cancer cases in children up to age 4 from 1999 to 2001 in the United Kingdom. Using a national birth registry, they identified 5,588 similar children without cancer.

Next, they compared how far the children’s mothers lived from a cell phone tower and the stations’ signal strengths. No significant differences were seen between the two groups.

The study was paid for by an independent body set up to provide money for research into the health effects of mobile phones, funded by Britain’s department of health and the mobile telecommunications industry. Paul Elliott, the study’s lead author, was a member of the body’s program management committee. The research was published online Wednesday in the medical journal, BMJ.

“It’s reassuring,” said Elliott, a professor of epidemiology and public health medicine at Imperial College in London. “On the basis of our results, people living near mobile phone stations shouldn’t consider moving based on health reasons.”

Since the study was done, many more mobile phone towers were built in Britain.

Exposure to radiofrequency from mobile phone towers is much lower than exposure from cell phones. Elliott and colleagues estimated that a day’s exposure from a mobile phone tower equals about 30 minutes of cell phone use.

As cell phones have carpeted the globe and become essential to lifestyles from Africa to Asia to America, some have wondered if the devices might come with a hidden health cost. Last month, the results of a major study on cell phones and cancer were published and largely dismissed the connection between cell phones and cancer, though it could not definitively be ruled out.

Some experts said concerns about mobile phone towers have been driven mostly by people’s own beliefs rather than science.

“People don’t like these things towering over their gardens and every time they get a headache they think it’s responsible,” said John Bithell, a retired research fellow at the Childhood Cancer Research Group at the University of Oxford. “But there’s no scientific evidence, not even in animals, to back this up.” Bithell was not connected to the study and wrote an accompanying editorial in the BMJ.

He said it might be more important to study cancers in adults, because any health effects are likely to appear only after years of exposure to cell phones and their base towers.

Still, Bithell said any dangers of mobile phones causing cancer were dwarfed by more immediate dangers of using the devices. “What you do while using a mobile phone during driving is more dangerous than what the phone is doing to you,” he said. - AP

The battle of the best Kampua Mee

The battle for the best kampua mee begins. Which kampua mee will appeal more to voters of all races, religion and creed? Which is the most promising, the most delicious of them all? Will everyone be able to take a bite of this bowl of kampua mee in the end?

Good luck voters!

H1N1 Vaccine

Here is an update on the Pandemrix vacccination program for front liners in Malaysia dated 14 January 2010, released by the National Pharmaceutical Control Bereau, Malaysia Minisrty of health.

The H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix® has been distributed in Malaysia from 1st of November 2009 and to date, the Malaysian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee (MADRAC) has received 20ADR reports related to Pandemrix®.

...Of the 20 reports, only 1 report was clearly recognised as a serious adverse event as the patient developed an anaphylaxis reaction.

The most frequently reported adverse events were minor which included injection site reactions,
lethargy, fever, headache, nausea and minor skin reactions.

From the Summary of Product Characteristic (SPC), the following adverse reactions which have been reported are considered as

very common (>1/10) for headache, injection site reaction, fever and lethargy and

uncommon (1/1000 to 1/100) for rash, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

... Up until 4th of December 2009, a total of 7516 doses of the vaccine have been given to the
front-liners of the Malaysian Ministry of Health. Since Pandemrix® is a new vaccine, it is advised that all healthcare providers report all adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) including the minor and known reactions.

Read the full report here . Still, receiving it would be relatively safe, unless contraindicated.


Seems like the highlight of the H1N1 is beginning to make headlines in the last few weeks. Even the Thomas Cup preparation was not spared.

What ever it is, it is always better to keep our hygiene in a top notch condition, WASH HANDS, limit our movement mingling unnecessarily in public places, wear face mask for those who have symptoms of influenza and practice good cough etiquette.  This applies not only to the H1N1 virus, but also in all infectious diseases.

Clinics that provide antiviral treatment (Oseltamivir) are listed here.

Private clinics claiming to provide H1N1 vaccination to the public is NOT true. They are stocked up with seasonal influenze vaccines only. The seasonal influenza vaccine and the H1N1 specific vaccines are different altogether.

I don't pay to eat mee segera!

Just rather recently, I went to Mamak Spicy at Wakaf Siku. Not knowing what to eat, I ordered Mee Bakso, famous in Indonesia. Shocking, this is what I got.... (well the post prandial of it)

I ate the leafy vege, the meatballs and just a few strings of the instant noodle. Funny that they cannot maintain their Bakso recepi. The last time I ate there, which was just couple of weeks back, vermicelli were used instead.

No more... a big PANGKAH from me...!

Food again at Sri Payang Restaurant, Kota Bharu

Salam..

It has been awhile since I last posted about food. I would just steal some time off from the usual chores to note on this.

Talking about food has been beginning to become a redundant topic. There are many great resources on food especially Malaysia in any other blogs or web resources. I guess, the more the merrier. It is just a personal account on what was encountered during those "gastro clinic" or "gastro rounds" in the local scene.

I love seafood. Most people do. An eruption of taste occures when seafood teams up with the word Thai. I had a chance, actually twice to taste the food in Sri Payang Restaurant in Jalan Sri Cemerlang, Kota Bharu. I think the food was great, the expected Scoville heat unit (the spiciness) of certain food ordered was tolerable and the ingredient added was generous enough to make it tasteful. With the ambient playing to the tune of some oldies, accompanied by friends and loved ones, all the more memorable.

Say no more, here are the pics of what was eaten.. enjoy!

Mix

 Crispy Squid

Stirfried mix vegetable.. a must in every meal.

Soft shell crab in cheese dip...

Oyster Omelette or Or Chien.. This Or Chien was quite unusual to me. It was very crispy with the oyster lumped in middle. Most of the nutrition-empty crispy part was left behind in the end. Until now, there are a few versions of Or Chien that I have encountered in Malaysia. The Sabah one was meaty, soaggy with oil, not crispy and without interesting presentation (yet delightful). The Top Spot Seafood in Kuching (can't remember which stall) looks huge although actually empty with pieces of oyster actually in the middle. The sides of the omelette is crispy and quite tasteless. I still prefer the Or Chien in Palm Garden Seafood in Buntal. The oyster are evently distrbuted in the omelette. So everybody will have an equal share of oyster in a slice.

Red Mixed Tom Yam... I would say, some of the best Tom Yam in Malaysia comes from Kota Bharu. No doubt that there are other places that serves good Tom Yam too, and I wish I have a chance to taste them all. I postulate that the proximity with Thailand and the strong connections with the Siamese bloodlines are some of the strong factors to churn out good Tom Yam.

Would I go there again, yes, if I manage to lower down the levels of LDL, TG and total cholesterol by doing some cardio. This reminds me of a Quranic verse 216 Surah Al Baqarah which, by translation mentioned that one may dislike a thing although it is good for you and love a thing although it is bad for you, Allah knows and you know not. I love seafood, but too much of its indulgence opens the door to too many lifestyle diseases. The best, moderation.

God Bless Malaysia.

Beds no enough

There was a report on the lacking of beds in SGH to cater for Kuching City in The Star Online today. Of course 800 beds are always not enough for a hospital that serves as a district hospital for Kuching and as a referral centre for the whole state of Sarawak. Not to mention the areas surrounding Kuching like Samarahan and the borders of Bau, Serian and Lundu where the residents might find it nearer to go to SGH than their respective district hospitals.

THE LACK of a second general hospital in Kuching is a matter of life and death. With its 800 beds, Sarawak’s only public hospital serves a population of more than 2.5 million of whom close to 700,000 reside in the state capital.

In comparison, the Kota Kinabalu public hospital has 1,200 beds and serves a population of 610,000.

Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is an old facility which received a facelift in 2008. However, the renovation costing more than RM100mil did not add any new beds. Visit the hospital now and you’ll see that it is cramped in the wards and congested in the parking lots.

It is not like these problems have not been reported by the media. Since 2007, The Borneo Post has written numerous articles about SGH’s woes.

Not good enough: Sarawak General Hospital was given a facelift in 2008 but its 800 beds are insufficient to serve the state.

It was clear back then – as it is now – that something had to be done fast to improve the situation. But till today, inadequate medical care continues to be a stumbling block in Sarawak’s development.

Let’s not even mention the disruption of the flying-doctor service for almost a year from 2008 to 2009.

SGH’s problems are symptomatic of healthcare in Malaysia’s largest state. Much has been said about physical development in terms of schools, industrial parks and airports.
Taken from this perspective, improvements in the quality of life of Sarawakians is commendable.

But it’s safe to say that healthcare has always been the back burner in strategic development plans. Yes, there are hospitals and clinics in many rural areas, but the question is whether these facilities offer specialist care. More often than not, the answer is in the negative.

Most patients are referred to Kuching, and is 800 beds sufficient?

“Not even close,” said National Heart Association Malaysia president Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, who heads SGH’s Cardiac Department.

“Our team of doctors and nurses can offer much better care given room to expand. This is an on-going problem and the reason for it is that our health needs is bound by bureaucracy.

“When the State Health Department highlights the need for a second general hospital, it must pass through the State Cabinet, then on to the Federal Cabinet, then on to the Economic Planning Unit, then finally to the Finance Ministry. Somewhere along the line, our needs are likely to get distorted,” he told StarMetro.

Dr Sim suggested that a special Federal Cabinet committee for Sabah and Sarawak be set up to look into healthcare issues in the two states.

“I hope the Prime Minister himself will head the committee. I’ve spoken to the Health Minister about this and I hope it is well received. In fact, it is crucial that the suggestion be taken up,” he said.

Former Sarawak Health Director Dr Yao Sik Chi agreed with the idea. He said the issue lay on the fast-tracking of financial allocations.

“In the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), for example, a certain amount of money was set aside for the Health Ministry. Sure, the state made recommendations and these were submitted. The plans included the building of a multi-storey car park at our old hospital,” Dr Yao said.
“The plan was accepted and money was allocated during the 9MP mid-term review. But there was competing interest from Sabah. As you know, they had problems with their public hospital too. So the Government had to prioritise.”

The cold hard facts point to a lack of foresight at best and negligence at worst. How was is it possible for Federal policy makers to assume that a decades-old referral hospital, which takes charge of heart, cancer, burns, plastic surgery, childcare, old-age care, emergencies and accidents, be sufficient for an ever-growing state.

Sarawak’s growth is in population numbers and in various high-risk industries. Sarawak is an oil-producing state and this means burn-related injuries; Sarawak is involved in down-stream logging activities, which means machine-related accidents; Sarawak is aiming to become a high-income state, which means a greater need to treat stress-related illnesses; so on and so forth.

Faced with these problems, it’s no wonder that some members of the public have taken matters into their own hands.

For example, to help in the lack of parking at SGH, non-governmental organisations and some private individuals have began allowing people to park their vehicles on land surrounding the hospital. This comes at a fee of course.

But are there problems of legality and safety in doing this?
Probably, but finding a place to park fast when you want to see an ill friend or relative is a greater concern. Or when you yourself need to be on time for a doctor’s appointment.

The state is wise to say that the site around the long-delayed Sarawak International Medical Centre will be converted into a “Medical City”.

The Chief Minister said this two weeks ago, adding that the Federal Government would allow the state to have a greater say in its medical development.
Nonetheless, any new “city” will take time to build.

“I’m thinking that our government should be planning a second and third public hospital in Kuching,” Dr Sim said.

“You know how long it takes to build something as complicated as a public hospital. Get the second one up and running fast, but don’t forget to plan for another.”

A greater social safety net needs to be available for Sarawakians, who might otherwise die early for no good cause.

It was imagined long ago that a local Uni would have its own Uni Hospital. The notion was well received, created an excitement of somewhat to the local bred medical fraternity, and yet, it still remained as a dream yet to come true. This side of Malaysia, it is long due that an academic based tertiary care facility be constructed to support the increasing demand of health care needed by the people. After all being said, it would begin to work if the bureaucracy stated by Dr Sim above put people first and performance now in top gear.

Worrying trend or not?

Salam..

We are thankful that the television has been "multitaining" all these while. Entertaining, edutaining, infotaining are just some of the words used lately to describe in a word on how a station could present itself to the mass.

I happened to watch the news in our local tv the last few nights. In any anti vice operation, it would not be a single department affair, but rather a conjoint operations involving a few departments. The MACC would be involved in any of the operation. They would nab the suborner once the bribe money exchanged hands. A great way to show the people that they are doing their work well with integrity.

Lets hope, and I really hope and pray that even without the reporter's cameras, they will be able to discharge their duties honestly. If not, then we may suggest that the TV station be part of the conjoint operations to keep check on things. In other words, the TV station becomes the "CCTV".

Already, with these mentioned, the TV is a powerful media. In the presence of CCTVs in shops, we tend to become uneasy, making sure that we do not appear suspicious of anything, or hoping that, we are not in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Any complaints to the TV station will be attended to immediately, it seems. Well, it could be just coincidental. The poor would be helped, new structures would be built to replace their dilapidated homes, bridges erected to connect remote villages to schools separated by the river and ICs quickly issued. The pros. But, if these were not coincidental, have we depended too much on the TV reports to take actions? Can we be sure that any actions taken will not be a face saving demeanor but in fact a humble and altruistic gesture to serve the people? 

Obviously, we have become more afraid of the TV lenses rather than our performance in the eyes of God.

So is this a worrying trend? A great SPM essay question. :-))

Skills vs Techs

Salam..

Couldn't agree more that

"photography is not just about equipment, one also needs to have the ability to compose pictures well and have the eye for special moments,”

From the NST's clipping on Shahrin Aziz.

That is the hardest to develop and it takes time and years of practice. Similarly, a doctor needs to have the art and skill of diagnosing by thorough clerking and physical examination before deciding on the tools to be used to help him or her coming to the final diagnosis. At times, the observant mind can come up with the firm diagnosis even without performing tests.

Pure Melting Pot

Salam..

Another cut and paste from The Star online edition on the blessed land of the hornbills.
__________

Joy in diversity

By Joleen Lunjew

No other place in Malaysia is perhaps as culturally diverse as the Land of the Hornbills.

jlunjew@thestar.com.my 

Ask any Sarawakian why they love their homeland and you can be sure that unity and cultural diversity are top on their list.

The pride of the nation is how its melting pot of people, cultures and traditions have managed to not only co-exist, but to thrive.

   Floria Akap Etong loves the sense of unity in Sarawak.

We talked to some people about life in Sarawak.

Benedict Jimbau, 50, Bidayuh Tourism marketing manager

“Sarawak is blessed with a diversity of people, cultures and traditions. We have 27 ethnic communities living harmoniously here. We have such an interesting and colourful society.

“I think Sarawak should be at the forefront, a proud example of how, although we are culturally diverse, we are still able to share a common Malaysian value. There is a high degree of tolerance among the people, and I have never heard of any racial clashes here before.

“Everybody celebrates each other’s festivities. There is no hesitation from Muslims about entering a non-Muslim home. They don’t ask if it’s halal or not as it’s automatically understood that we will cater to each other’s cultures and beliefs. Muslims here have no problem eating in a non-Muslim restaurant. We all eat together.

“As far as tourism is concerned, Sarawak is rich in natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Our best natural treasures are our more than 20 national parks which are rich in flora and fauna. I’ve seen a lot of progress in Sarawak that I’m very proud of. We, the older generation, have joined our children in exploring the many opportunities available to pursue our dreams.

“We have a higher standard of education now. Knowledge promotes further progress, and the universities have enabled me to complete my masters degree and pursue my doctorate.”

Benedict Jimbau says there is a high degree of tolerance among the people in Sarawak.

Zsa Zsa Othman, 33
Melanau Malay
Jewellery designer

“I’m very proud of the fact that although we live in Kuching, we are able to access natural wonders such as beaches, rivers and forests in less than half an hour. And our beaches are clean!

“They look just like they did 20 years ago because we preserve our seaside very well, controlling development. Our rivers and city are clean, too.

“Sarawakians are very tight when it comes to social unity as the schools are open to the various races. Everyone is on the same level unlike in the peninsula where the orang asli are only found in certain schools. I’ve never felt any racial tension here, and my best friends are Kelabit, Iban and Malay. I don’t feel the closeness among the different races in Kuala Lumpur, though.

“Festivities here are very personal. Unlike in KL where open houses are held for just one day, we open our houses for seven days and everyone can come and visit unannounced. We don’t limit the visiting hours, and that is what I miss the most when I celebrate festivities in KL.

“Although the Melanau are one of the smallest minorities here, we still have our own language, interesting culture and very interesting food such as umai (raw fish salad) and tebaloi (sago biscuits).

“Our costumes are cool, too, quite like a baju kurung.”

Zsa Zsa Othman likes Kuching because it is clean and Mother Nature is protected.

Diana Tracy anak Delim, 31

Bidayuh

Computer programmer

“The best thing about living in Sarawak is its environment. It’s clean, peaceful and has relatively few traffic jams. People are more friendly here, and I feel very safe because there are not many strangers in our neighbourhood. Strangers always end up becoming friends in the end.

“I have friends and family from many races. There are Lun Bawang, Iban, Malay, Chinese and Jawa in my family. I love the festivities as we will all go to each other’s houses to celebrate together. I sometimes follow my Iban cousin to her longhouse in Sri Aman to celebrate Gawai with her family. It’s a different experience but it’s fun and interesting.

“Sarawak is home to many ethnic tribes, and I am proud to be Bidayuh because of our gentle and peaceful nature. Our people have natural beauty, and we can often tell who is Bidayuh and who is from other tribes. Our traditional costumes are very beautiful, using old coins and colourful beads as accessories. We have great food, too, such as the ayam pansuh or bamboo chicken.

“Many activities are organised here which I feel highlight the people and cultures of Sarawak. There’s the Gawai, of course, and I never miss the annual Sarawak Regatta. We also have world-class events such as the Miri Jazz Festival and the Rainforest Music Festival which attracts visitors from all over the world.”

Diana Tracy anak Delim loves the friendliness of Sarawak.

Paul Ningkan, 56, Iban

retiree

“I was born in Brunei but I consider Sarawak home as I have been living here for almost 40 years. No matter where I go or travel to, I will always feel home sick and long to be back in Kuching. I studied abroad but it never crossed my mind to migrate.

“I have many friends from Peninsular Malaysia who have settled here after seeing for themselves how beautiful and peaceful Sarawak is. That’s a very good indication of how good this place is.

“Festivities are a very joyful time. It’s when we meet with people whom we haven’t seen for a while. We celebrate in town or back in the family longhouse in Betong. We have a good time with lots of people dancing and merry-making, but I wish we had more traditional activities such as the Ngajat dance and certain ceremonial rituals.

“The young people are forgetting their culture and customs which I feel should be passed down to the next generation.” 

__________

May God continue blessing the bountiful and diversity of Sarawak and Malaysia.

I miss home

An article from The Star online edition which, most of the time depicts the real situation in the blessed land of the Hornbills. 

_____________

Truly 1Malaysia

Robert Raymer, 53, American University lecturer

“I moved to Penang in 1985 to be with my first wife. We divorced a few years later, but there’s always a silver lining to a cloud as that was when I met Jenny, a Bidayuh from Sarawak.

“We got married in 2001 and have two boys, Jason, five, and Justin, three. After 21 years in Penang, we decided to move to Kuching in 2006 so that we could be closer to Jenny’s family.

Robert Raymer and family love life in Sarawak.

“What I love about Sarawak is the diversity of the people. People are more friendly, easy-going and relaxed compared to Peninsular Malaysia. There are so many mixed races that people can’t tell and don’t question if you’re Malay, Chinese or one of the ethnic tribes. I think this environment creates better equal opportunities as I see it among my students.

“Many families here have relatives of various races, and that it is truly 1Malaysia! Muslims here are less fussy about food and are more open, (I interprete this in two ways, one, he saw muslims eating in an eatery with  strictly certified halal outlets prepared by non muslims or have majority non muslim workers, and, two, more education and exposure are needed to educate couldn't careless muslims on the halal and haram of food) which I think makes them more tolerant and accepting of other races and religions. You don’t feel any racial tension. Some of my friends who work here don’t want to go back to Peninsular Malaysia because of the tension. They prefer the much more peaceful and harmonious life here.

“Kuching is great because it’s so clean! It has a beautiful waterfront and a fascinating history, plus we have three national parks within two hours’ drive.

“The orang utan at Semenggoh Wildlife Recreation Centre are a mere 10 minutes away. My favourite is the Bako National Park where the wildlife actually comes to you. There’s an awesome annual Rainforest Music Festival, too, which we’ve attended four times in a row.

“I see myself staying in Sarawak for a long time. Yes, I do miss the change of the seasons but I’d rather sunny weather then below zero temperatures for 50 straight days. Malaysia — Sarawak — this is home for me, for Jenny and for our children.”

With that, here is a nice conclusion to add to the home coming atmosphere for those who has not been back to your respective hometowns to see your parents, families and loved ones - Aku Ingin Pulang by Abiet G Ade. 

Bergateh: Let's do it!

Salam..

Since the beginning of the year, there were a lot of hype on organizing cycling activities in most health offices in all districts. The event has been sluggish in the past year, and motivation seems to be the encumbrance to the whole campaign.

(from http://leadinganswers.typepad.com/leading_answers/2006/12/verifying_motiv.html)

With the return of the new bos, who himself is into cycling as a recreational activity has rejuvenated the interest to organize at least a monthly cycling meet. Every district will propose the route to be used, and all cyclists will rendezvous in the scheduled district on a purported date.

Our starting point was in Bachok Health Office. Initially, out of sheer enthusiasm, we wanted to cycle up to Tok Bali in the Pasir Putih district. Midway, the increasing volume of traffic and the heat from the eastern sun soon dwindled our enthusiasm and we decided to take an off road route in the shades of the trees towards Bagan Beris Lalang. Thus, our route became shorter and more pleasant for my already soaring perineum. From there, we completed the cycle by riding up to the health Office, as in the map below. Total distance covered on the odometer (yep, his canggih (hi-tech) new bike has got odometer on it - and its digital!)  is 36.2 KM in 1 hour 55minutes, thats an average of 18KM per hour. Lowest speed recorded 16KM/hour, top speed 26 KM/hour.

  k

Gearing up for the ride. Not the actual picture taken on this private cycle.

The new sleek machine of Abe Za.

 

Cycling in a Malaysian town is not that safe with the number of vehicles and the breaking neck speed they are going. The idea of having dedicated bicycle lanes as in the pic below is still far beyond our imagination. If such lanes were to be created, it will be automatically turned into parking spaces. Or, it will be fully utilised by the road hoggers to go at their own sweet leisurely speed, wrongly thinking that their action is courteous enough to let other faster going vehicles to pass.

from WOBO

  

The ride was well worth it. The calories burnt and the friendship that we fostered is a treasured thing. More rides coming up in this new local vogue. New route will be planned and perhaps - a new bike? he he.