ASSURE CONSUMERS MEAT SOLD IN FAST FOOD EATERIES SAFE – CASSA.

ASSURE CONSUMERS MEAT SOLD IN FAST FOOD EATERIES SAFE – CASSA.
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) today called upon the relevant government ministries to confirm if the meat sold in Malaysian fast food eateries are indeed safe and free of a “dangerous carcinogenic” that is a threat to the health of consumers.
The call is made after CASSA received reports from their international counterparts that alerting us that a US doctors’ group has sued seven leading fast-food chains including McDonald’s and Burger King over their use of a “dangerous carcinogenic” in grilled chicken.
We are advised that the Washington-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) filed a suit in California Thursday “to compel the restaurants to warn unsuspecting consumers”.
The group said every sample of grilled chicken products from the seven national chains “tested positive for a dangerous carcinogenic compound called PhIP” during analysis at an independent laboratory.
CASSA is advised that PhIP is one of a group of carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that are found in grilled meat.
For the record, in 2005, the US government officially added HCAs to its list of cancer-causing agents, the doctors’ group said.
“Grilled chicken can cause cancer, and consumers deserve to know that this supposedly healthy product is actually just as bad for them as high-fat fried chicken,” PCRM president Neal Barnard said in a statement.
“Even a grilled chicken salad increases the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and other forms of this lethal disease,” he said.
In view of these serious allegations in the USA, we appeal to the Ministry of Health and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry to investigate this matter and assure Malaysian consumers on the matter concerned.

SUGAR - PRICE STAYS & ENOUGH SUPPLIES WE ARE TOLD?

Imported Sugar Price WILL STAY?

Malaysian Consumers are told that the price of sugar to be imported by the government to resolve the present ongoing supply crisis will remain at the controlled price level!

The revealation was made by none other but the man who is caught in the middle of this ’storm and controversy’ (for no fault of his!) Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal!

I really feel sorry for him as he is indeed a very nice person!

Datuk Shafie has stated that the 80,000-tonne shipment was expected to arrive soon which could meet the demand till December end with the cooperation of local manufacturers who had assured of additional supply in the home market.

That is good news!

I hope this can solve the supply problem until the situation is back to normal if it ever does!

Everyone must help!

For the record - the cost of sugar on the international market had also dropped from RM1,300 to RM728 a tonne.

Interestingly, we are told by Shafie that the 80,000-tonne sugar is not only imported from Brazil in South America but from other contacts/sources who have sinbiotic ties with the local sugar manufacturers tasked with importing sugar to meet the current shortage.

If you remember the MDTCA on Sept 12 fixed the price of fine sugar at RM1.55 a kg for Peninsular Malaysia while for Sabah and Sabah, the price was fixed at RM1.65.

But my advice is - consumers must not get crazy, irrational or panic and decide to engage in panic buying as that will only create major problems and off-set this move to ease problems of consumers for over 7 months!

Lets work this out together!

Dr Nor Baizura. Al Fatihah.

Dr Nor Baizura. Al Fatihah. 
It is hard to put into words what I want to say but let it be known today that I am deeply upset to learn and share with the medical community their sadness in the passing of Dr Nor Baizura after 15 days in coma in the Intensive Care Unit.

I am advised that this young doctor was only a few months into her housemanship, and coming from a humble background she was her family’s hope for a better future.

I am aware that this is not the first time a government medical personnel died following a road traffic accident while in the course of duty.

I am certain many of us in this field can easily recollect similar tragic stories involving individuals that we personally know. 

I agree that given Malaysia’s rate of road traffic accidents, having to make frequent visits to peripheral clinics or sending ill patients to major referral centres in Kuala Lumpur can be extremely perilous.

Then there are also ‘horror stories’ of young medical officers who contracted tuberculosis in the course of their work.

As a result of which they have to undergo long periods of anti-TB treatment, suffer chronic ill-health and have their plans for postgraduate careers disrupted.

This is only going to get worse if the threat of the HIV pandemic becomes real.

The issue of insurance cover and compensation for government medical personnel has been raised each time a tragic incident like this happens but this has not materialised!

I will take it upon myself to bring this up the next time I meet Health Minister, dear friend,  Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek!

I fully agree that it is about time that we recognise that occupational hazards is not the monopoly of blue collar workers who at least have Socso, Niosh and the industrial courts.

We must think of our doctors, nurses and other para medical staff too!

I fully agree that in striving to upgrade and modernise our public service to become more efficient, caring and friendly, it is also important for the government to seriously consider providing insurance cover and financial compensation to those at risk of injury and death in the course of serving the public as in this case!

I agree that posthumous words of commendation and passing the hat around simply will not do and adds insult to injury!

My sincere condolences to the family of Dr Nor Baizura. Al Fatihah. 

ROAD SAFETY RESEARCH INSTITUTE A GOOD MOVE SAYS JG!

M’sia To Set Up Road Safety Research Institute

I am sincerely glad (though it is about 49 years too late!) for Malaysia will set up a road safety research institute, the first of its kind in South East Asia, by the end of this year to carry out road safety-related research.

And the confirmation comes from none other, but the Transport Minister, dear friend, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

Describing Malaysia as having a unique situation which warranted its own road safety research institute, Chan has stated that the facility, to be located at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)’s main campus in Serdang would allow the government to have better references when formulating road safety policies in the country.

“The government has approved RM50 million to set up the institute under the Ministry of Transport, which will be headed by a director-general with appropriate number of researchers,” he is reported to have stated.

The institute, he added, would be tasked with carrying out all kinds of road safety-related research, including in road engineering, design, vehicle design, human behaviour, legislation and road accidents.

Chan was speaking to Malaysian journalists after spending a day visiting the Swedish Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) where he is with my dear friend, Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who is also chairman of the state Road Safety Council.

For the record - VTI, located about 250km from Stockholm, is one of the leading research institutes in Europe.

It was established 80 years ago, with its research findings having direct applications in Swedish and European transport policies. VTI is also a world leader in the field of simulator technology for passenger cars and lorries, besides having its own laboratory, a tyre-testing facility and a crash track.

I am glad to be advised that the Malaysian institute would be given an annual grant by the government for 30 years to carry out its research activities. 

I am sure the organization will find the extra if the need be!

I am glad t hear that on the onset the institute would be temporarily located outside the campus until the permanent structure at UPM is ready.

My only advise is please plan strategically and with a holistic vision - not one for the grand old plans for any individual’s private agenda or hobby horse and to be filled with researchers of substance and merit, NOT the types we have in some of our so called colleges, universities, which is indeed a joke and an embarrassment to academia!

We have made a grand statement abroad, now we must ensure it is brillant and world class if not, we will be looking like a butch of idiots!

I trust you got my drift!

PRICE INCREASE - ANOTHER BLOW TO CONSUMERS!

Chicken Prices Go Up Again?

So I have been told!

And just after the recent price increases between 50 sen and 65 sen a kilogramme only last Wednesday, consumers now will have to fork out even more for the commodity from Thursday as prices are again being increased by between 30 and 40 sen a kilogramme.

And the bad news comes from the Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Association of Malaysia, who announced  a unfair and unhealthy 30 sen increase in the ex-farm price of live chicken from RM3.20 previously to RM3.50 effective Wednesday.

Its Broiler Unit chairman Yap Kim Hwah said this latest increase could not be avoided as there had been a sudden surge in demand for chicken meat.

However, the new price for broiler chicken would still be below the ceiling price fixed by the government at RM6.70 per kg, he said in a statement, here Wednesday.

Yap said chicken producers had suffered heavy losses of between RM2 million and RM3 million monthly since January until this month due to oversupply and the Avian Flu scares.

He also assured that there would be adequate chicken supply for the Deepavali and Hari Raya celebrations next month and promised that “chicken meat will be available at reasonable prices at that time.”

With this latest increase in the ex-farm price, processed chicken without legs, head, liver and gizzard will be sold at RM6.05 a kg against RM5.65 a kg previously. The ceiling price is RM6.70 a kg.

The price of processed chicken with legs, head, liver and gizzard is being raised by 35 sen to RM5.40 per kg. The ceiling price is RM6 per kg.

The wholesale price of live chicken is up by 30 sen at RM4 a kg (ceiling RM4.50 a kg) while its retail price has been increased by 30 sen to RM4.50 a kg (ceiling price RM5 a kg).

The retail price of dressed chicken is up by 35 sen to RM4.80 a kg (ceiling price RM5.40 a kg).

My call to Malaysian consumers is BOYCOTT CHICKEN THIS FESTIVE SEASON AND TEACH THESE FELLAS A LESSON!

AMBULANCE SERVICES - PRIVATIZATION MAY NOT BE THE ANSWER!

Health Ministry Proposes To Privatise Ambulance Service

I am advised that the ’attitude of drivers and lack of trained personnel’ have driven the Health Ministry to privatise the ambulance service in government hospitals.

If true, this is indeed sad!

But dear friend and Health Minister, Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has stated that his ministry had sent a proposal to the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department in June and was awaiting approval.

He said the ambulance service was a ‘headache’ to his ministry as a new vehicle would often break down after only four years in service due to poor handling and maintenance.

“Because of this, the ministry feels it is better to rent the ambulances or pay for the services of privately-run ones,” he said when asked on public complaints about the poor ambulance service in government hospitals.

Sad that the culture of maintainence is still absent!

I am aware that government hospital ambulances are said to be late in arriving at places of emergency and are inefficient.

I am told that there are 1,000 ambulances in government hospitals nationwide, with 800 new ones to be bought under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

But Dr Chua, however, has stated that a large fleet of ambulances would not necessarily guarantee quality service.

“It’s like being in a restaurant. The presence of many waiters and waitresses does not mean your food will arrive fast,” he added.

I tend to agree and pray that there will be a private sitting (in which I could be included too to provide feedbacks!) to look at this issue before final decisions are made on the matter! 

MM STATEMENT - ANSWER CLAIMS WITH WELL RESEARCHED ANSWERS NOT ORCHESTRATED DENIALS!

As several diplomat friends of mine and I had afternoon tea in the lobby of a hotel, we could not but feel hilarious that certain Malaysian politicians were ‘outdoing each other’ to be quoted, while others, such as the impotent Backbenchers Club (BBC), wanted Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew to apologise for saying on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank meeting that Malaysia and Indonesia’s negative attitude towards Singapore was shaped by the way both countries mistreated and systematically marginalised their Chinese ethnic communities.

Strangely, only days earlier in a malaysiakini report, the BBC was shown to be ‘arrogant and insensitive’ to a group of Malaysian workers who had gone to Parliament to campaign for a reasonable wage only to be met with the excuse that they had ‘more important things to attend to in Parliament.’In my humble opinion, BBC’s reported ‘comments and indifference’ certainly raises several questions on their competency to remain in political office.

Are they really aware of the plight of the Malaysian public who had to struggle to make ends meet?

Actually, we have to blame ourselves for repeatedly putting these very individuals in political office after accepting their claims and statements and that of their highly paid spin-doctors engaged in the electronic and print media blitz prior to national elections.

What should really be done is to examine if the claims of the Singapore founding father was factually correct and if so, to rectify the situation and if not, factually discredit it by well researched and comprehensive discourse.

Instead of any of the above two, we turn the discourse into a ‘political circus’ by going into ‘active denial mode’, seeking to send diplomatic notes and screaming for apologies, which we will never get.

This may be the beginning of more such comments to come, not from Singapore but from elsewhere in the world, in view of our claims and high moral ground taken in international fora.

It would be foolish of us to think that we can be “international do-gooders” but fail to practice the ‘same virtues and policies of change and holistic governance” in our domestic scenes and policy.

What will we do if the next statement comes from another head of state or an official of the United Nations that Malaysian Indians are ‘mistreated and systematically marginalised’?

Will we respond that the Malaysian cabinet has one full Indian minister and perhaps four deputies - and hold less than one percent of equity - so this again cannot be true and a ‘naughty statement?’

BAN ON SMOKING AT MOSQUES - SYABAS TO THE SELANGOR STATE GOVT!

Yes that is a brillant move - Selangor Bans Smoking In Mosques During Ramadan!

I am really pleased to note that the Selangor government has issued an order to make all mosques in the state smoking-free zones in a Ramadan campaign to get Muslims to kick the habit.

I cannot agree more with dear friend Datuk Abdul Rahman Palil that:
“Ramadan is the best time to quit smoking. If they can stop smoking during the fast, why not just give it up completely,” he is reported to have said.

Incidentally, he is also the Islamic Affairs, Youth and People-Friendly Committee chairman for the state!

As a consumer advocate who has for over 35 years attacked the Tobacco Lobby I fully agre with him that smoking was damaging to health as well as wasteful and this move should be emulated by all states in Malaysia!

By the way - I am also pleased that the state government would follow up the ban with spot checks at mosques, and disciplinary action would be taken if the checks turned up any ash tray or ash receptacle which means they mean business!

Not like our government offices in Putrajaya and other places, even hospitals  where a quick inspection of the toilets or the emergency stairs will show traces and evidence of this activity!

What?

Some smoke in their rooms as well after that they use refreshioners to hide the activity!  

Di Malaysia - macam macam ada!

But here I sincerely congratulate the Selangor State Government - Syabas! 

POLLUTION & HEART ATTACK RISK!

We are advised that the pollution you breathe now may increase your risk of having a stroke within the next two hours, according to new research.

In an article published online ahead of print in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers assessed data on stroke deaths in people ages 65 and older that occurred between January 1990 and December 1994 in 13 major urban areas in Japan.

The researchers tracked levels of air pollutants — including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and photochemical oxidants — on an hourly basis in each of the 13 areas.

They found that between the months of April and September, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke — when a blood vessel bursts in the brain — more than doubled two hours after high hourly rates of particulate matter (in excess of 200 micrograms per cubic meter) were observed.

This effect was not found for ischemic stroke, when arteries in the brain become blocked. The researchers propose this may be because the time lag between the start of an ischemic stroke is longer than that for a hemorrhagic stroke.

Previous research showed that the effects of air pollution act quickly on the body, the authors said, with inhaled particles detectable in the blood within 60 seconds.

I wonder what the statistics would be in cities like Chennai, Bombay, Bangkok, Calcutta and Rio de Janerio?

Frightening I am sure! 

CAP’S CLAIMS ON BREAD PUTS MDTCA IN BAD LIGHT!

So once again it is the consumer organization that is indulging in real consumer protection in unearthing issues threatening Malaysian Consumers!

Where-else the Ministry that was set up for that purpose and allocated millions of ratepayers monies is caught embarrasingly flatfooted!

So it was when CAP warned Malaysian consumers that certain popular brands of bread contained higher than permitted levels of the propionic acid preservative!

Worst still in a form of “denial mode” often seen in Malaysian politicians - Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal is reported to have advised the people to remain calm while the government investigates a claim that bread of popular brands contains higher than permitted levels of the propionic acid preservative.

His immediate statement and the manner it was made (judge for yourself - see below)

“Let us investigate. Don’t accept it (the allegation) yet because there is no official statement from the government,” he is reported to have told reporters after officiating the opening of the Iran-Malaysia Exchange 2006 exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

He said the relevant government authorities such as the Health Ministry were investigating a claim yesterday by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that bread it had tested was found to contain excessive amounts of the preservative, even up to five times the permitted level.

For the record - my mentor and CAP president S. M. Mohamed Idris has stated that under the Food Regulations 1985, bread was only allowed to contain propionic acid in amounts that did not exceed 2,000 mg per kg.

He also claimed that burger buns of two international fast food chains had also been found to contain excessive amounts of the preservative, up to 1.5 times and 3.6 times above the permitted level!

These claims are really upsetting and if true it is time to close down the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs and send the civil servants working there to other ministries and facilitate early retirement to the senior administrative staff from the TKSU upwards - the politicians included!

The allocation should be diverted to Consumer NGO’s since they are the ones really and proactively ‘keeping watch’ while the politicos within the MDTCA “plays politics - some alleged to play even racist politics!”

Anyway for the record - even the problem of sugar they till today cannot handle and think that price control is the answer to all the problems in the Malaysian marketplace?

This is an embarrasement!

Awards By Industrial Court Cannot Be Challenged - MINISTER CASH RICH COMPANIES ARE DOING IT ALL THE TIME!

Awards By Industrial Court Cannot Be Challenged?

All awards handed down by the Industrial Court, including by then chairmen N. Rajasegaran and P. Hariraman could not be challenged even though they had been dropped from the post, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn has stated and I fully agree with that contention!

In the above two cases the Hon Minister stated although the Federal Court had found them ineligible for the post last Sept 6 on grounds that they had not fulfilled the requirement of seven-year active practice as lawyers, the awards ordered by them were valid.

And I believe that is to protect public interest!

But the truth is everyday cash rich companies are challenging the Industrial Court Awards thus further frustrating innocent victims of various forms of abuse and constructive dismisal!

This becomes more painful when the cases on appeal drag on for years and in some cases the applicant has died and where lies justice for him to see and experience?

I pray that there would be amendments in this area to prevent appeals unless of course that justice has been perverted!

Will that day come?

I pray so!

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES ACT 1998 - MY CALL!

I say it again - Don’t pass on the costs to Consumers! It is despicable and unethical if you do so!

Actually, the Act aims was to regulate private healthcare facilities, which includes - clinics but yesterday it was reported that some doctors felt they had no choice but to increase their fees to cover the cost of renovating their clinics and buying new equipment as required by the Act.

Speaking on behalf of some unhappy doctors, one ‘Dr M. Mahendran’ had been reported as saying that some of the requirements in the Act were unnecessary and costly.

“It will cost us between RM20,000 and RM30,000 to follow these requirements,” he is reported to have said.

“Most doctors will pass the buck to consumers to recover the cost.” he is alleged to have added.
In my opinion - these kind of statements by doctors only confirm public perception that private healthcare is all about money.

This is despicable and akin to medical blackmail and the Health Ministry should revoke the licences of doctors who work against public interest.

I am aware that everyone was consulted, all stakeholders were given room for inputs,  and all issues considered before the Act was put into place and its purpose is to protect the rights of patients and ensure better quality healthcare.

I am sure, as I was among those who provided feedback during the drafting of this legislation.

As far as costs is concerned - they (the doctors!) can easily recover it over the years!

One must remember that there is a big difference between making a profit and profiteering.

And if doctors plan to use this (the Act requirement) as an excuse to raise charges, it’s profiteering and nothing else!

Doctors must understand that they also have a social obligation and they have also taken an oath!

Just be ‘fair and reasonable’ - that is all that I urge!

ATTEMPTS TO DISPEL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM GOOD MOVE!

So JG Is Advised That The OIC Ambassadors Group (long thought to be in slumber?) Will Now Attempt To  Dispel Misconceptions About Islam In Europe!

I am really glad that Malaysia is initiating a plan to set up an Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) ambassadors’ group in an effort to dispel misconceptions about Islam, particularly among the European community.

This is vital in view of the attempt by two figures who have “highjacked the religion” with their own versions - one hiding in a cave along the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan, another a Head Of State obsessed with Nuclear weapons!

It is vital that the world see what true Islam is all about - it is about love, peace, caring, brotherhood and so forth - common themes found in all world religions!

As such, I am glad that our Head of Mission to the European Communities and Ambassador of Malaysia to Belgium, Datuk Muhammad Kamal Yan Yahya has already noted that there was a lot of misunderstandings on the perception of Islam especially in Europe.

More so, after 911 and the various carnage where the collateral damage were after all civilians and innocents who had nothing to do with “power politics” in its various ugly forms!

I was in Maharashtra, India recently when brother and sister worshippers gathered for Friday prayers at a mosque in Malegaon were targeted leaving at that time over 41 killed and 100 injured mostly children!

This was an heinous crime committed in God’s name!

A total distortion of what all religions are about - love & peace, goodwill, caring, sacrifice etc etc.

But I was very encouraged when the local leaders from all religious groups got together and addressed this attack with one common voice, lighting candles and having prayer sessions and virgil together - Hindus, Muslims, Christians - it was just brillant!

The government and the people got together in outrage and to speak in one voice that an attack against any group was an attack against all INDIANS!(irrespective of their religious persuasions!)

They organized groups comprising all residents (Hindus, Muslims and Christians) to handle vital logistics needs and other social inputs.

I was greatly encouraged!

No one tried to manipulate the situation for their own political agenda - the kind we see many times in Malaysia with the so called “juguh kampongs types” who are really hypocrites and wolves in sheeps clothing!

In this incident members of the political elite, including, Mother Sonia Ghandhi arrived and went down on the streets talking to the people and affected groups.

It was very well handled and in one voice and spirit and those who were behind this henious crime against man and GOD found their act against innocents attending Friday prayers instead of destroying peace, goodwill, and  bringing about chaos brought insted oneness in this city to greater lengths!

Coming back to this issue, I am aware that there were a few cases which stirred anger and dissatisfaction among the Muslims globally such as the recent speech by Pope Benedict XVI and before that the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad and they must be addressed, that others may be sensitive to Islam!

We need to dispel the wrong notions about Islam that has emerged after 911 - CERTAINLY!

And more so - SINCE Malaysia is the chairman of OIC, it is all the more important that they (the diplomats) move and initiate something instead of just having diplomatic chat over coffee, tea and cakes!

So Malaysia’s Muhammad Kamal’s statement that he will  initiate the move to push forward for the formation of the group among OIC members, where they will make representation to the European Union (EU), Belgium and Luxembourg to dispel the notion that Islam is what they perceived as it is -  is a brillant idea and long overdue and should be initiated in my books - NOW!

REVISION OF POLICE SALARIES LONG OVERDUE SAYS JG!

TIME WE RAISED POLICE SALARIES SAYS JG!

The Royal Malaysia Police today called on the government to revise the salary scale of its personnel whose earnings are below the poverty line.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has stated quiterightly that the move was necessary considering that 20 percent of the lower rank officers were diploma and degree holders.

“If we are to consider that the Kuala Lumpur poverty line is at RM1,500, anything lower than that is considered poor. So the matter needs to be studied first.

“After the study, I will discuss the matter with the Internal Security Ministry to get the best approach,” he told reporters after a ceremony to present contributions to family members of the late Constable Mohd Fakharudin Zakaria, here Monday.

Sunday, Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum agreed with Musa’s suggestion that the salary of police officers and other ranks be raised in view of their challenging roles.

Last Tuesday, Musa had said that police personnel were among the lowest paid working group in the country with the initial salary of a Constable being only RM650 a month.

He however stressed that he was not proposing that the salary of those earning below RM1,500 a month be raised above the level as an in-depth study needed to be conducted first.

Apart from raising their performance quality, the move would make them more passionate about their job, he said.

“So should they be enticed to do the wrong things, they would not do so as they love their lucrative-paying job,” Musa said.

He said in addition, corruption could be checked further as criminals would not dare to bribe the officers since they had a high regard for their job.

This is a good and valid call and I pray that something is done speedily!

MOVE ON PULAU INDAH BRILLANT SAYS JG AND PRAISES SELANGOR MB FOR VISION!

MOVE BY SELANGOR MB - JUST BRILLANT! 

JG is glad to be advised that Pulau Indah in Selangor will be transformed into a multi-billion ringgit industrial zone and tourist attraction according to my dear friend and visionary Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo!

I am glad to hear that in the next 20 years, some RM4 billion will be poured into Pulau Indah which will be made into a free industrial zone.

I am glad to hear that with that move - it will also be developed into a premier tourist attraction.

Yes it will have (I am advised on my return from a 5 nation trip in the Indian subcontinent) basic and modern facilities and amenities including shopping complexes, hotels, hospitals, post office, mosques, government offices, fire and rescue department stations, police stations and a halal food products hub!

I am advised that private sector investments had started pouring in, including some RM800 million to develop the halal food hub which is indeed very encouraging!

Furthermore the Selangor MB states that the state government would organise the Pulau Indah Fiesta annually to promote the area to investors and tourists.

This year, I am advised that the Fiesta was organised by Central Spectrum Sdn Bhd, a member of the Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB), at the Pulau Indah Lagoon Park.

Interestingly to note, that the proposed Pulau Indah Free Industrial Zone would be linked to Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

And with the proposal by the Federal Government to build the South Klang Highway which will be completed in 2010 -the road will facilitate economic activities and growth in Pulau Indah and its surroundings which will be welcomed by all!

Well done MB Sir!

REMOVING ARTIFICIAL COLORS - BRILLANT MOVE IN KOCHI, KERALA TO PROTECT CONSUMERS!

Taking colour, preservatives out of food - A Brillant Move!

Have you heard of White jilebis, how can that be possible?

I have never heard nor come across them commented customers on seeing ‘colourless jilebis’ displayed at a bakery during my recent visit to Kerala!

My relatives which includes of prominent Professor in Kotayam, Kerala was shocked and refered the issue to me.

But interestingly - It turned out that consumers there  prefered the red and yellow ones and there were not many takers for the white jilebis.

But the truth is this shows that despite awareness campaigns to highlight the ill effects of artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives, many people are yet to change their mindset when it comes to bakery and hotel food.

The truth is food items coming in white and pale colours do not appeal to most customers. There are no takers for colourless jilebis and different types of chips.

Thus, many bakeries are forced to add colours like red, yellow and orange to food stuffs - a common thing even in Malaysia!

I am told that despite attempts in organising seminars and other awareness programmes to spread the message that artificial colours, preservatives and sweeteners cause health problems, even fatal illnesses - mind sets have not changed!

But I am glad that Kerala’s Food and health inspectors had embarked on a drive to prevent the use of carbide to ripen fruits and ammonia to preserve fish.

But having said that this eldest grandson of the late George Philip from the ‘CHAVANICKAMANNIL HOUSE’ in Mallappally, Kottayam, Kerala sincerely felt that a lot more needs to be done to ensure that food items are not adulterated not only in India but the rest of the world which includes, Malaysia!.

MUSA HASSAN IGP FROM TUESDAY - EXCELLENT SAYS JG

I am really glad that my dear friend, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan will succeed Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar as Inspector- General of Police on Tuesday.

I am adviced that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to the appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister following a recommendation by the Police Commission.

Internal Security Ministry secretary-general and Police Commission secretary Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said in a statement Thursday that present IGP Mohd Bakri’s contract of service would end on Monday.

Musa, 55, who graduated in law in the United Kingdom, started his service in the force as an inspector on Nov 11, 1969.

The courses he had attended included leadership and management, intelligence procurement, drug enforcement and narcotic law.

Among the positions Musa has held are prosecuting officer (in Melaka); assistant director of the Bukit Aman Narcotic Division; lecturer at the Kuala Kubu Baharu Police College; training officer at Bukit Aman and deputy assistant director of Prosecution/Criminal Law in Bukit Aman.

He was also Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director I in 2001; Johor chief police officer with the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 2003 and CID director in 2004.

Musa was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police last year.

Musa expressed thanks to the government for the trust placed in him, when approached by reporters after the launch of the Police Emergency Report System!

I am confident that under Tan Sri Musa the Police force will not only be mesra raayat but they will make phenomenon and proactive moves to fight ‘crime in its many shades’ to make our nation a safe haven for all!

In the meantime I congratulate Tan Sri Musa Hassan and wish him all the very best!

RELA IN CITY CRIME BEAT - IMPLEMENT WITH CARE SAYS JG!

Police-Rela Joint Anti-Crime Drive To Be Tried Out In City

I am advised that deploying Rela members to help the police fight crime will be tried out in a pioneer project before it is adopted on a wider scale.

Dear friend, Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the Dang Wangi police district in the city had been chosen for the pilot project which would be implemented soon.

However there is a caveat here - that - the Rela members would only help the police by reporting incidents of crime and not to apprehend criminals!

Even their ‘walk-a-bout’ in the city would help be a deterent in my view! 

However, the Minister said the following:

“Dang Wangi was chosen because the police there receive a large number of crime reports and there are many incidents besides the existence of more than 200 Rela members active in the area,”

Minister Radzi had stated that the Rela members chosen to take part in the project would be given short courses in law enforcement.

This is pertinent because we do not want a massive law suit against the government initiated by a member of the public due to some error or oversight by these RELA pesonnel.

So it is pertinent that the police and the Legal Department  assist in conducting courses that would assist the RELA personnel involved in this pilot scheme.

I have also no problem helping out with my vast experience in this matter too!

I am also glad that the Home Ministry is also planning to provide incentives, including insurance coverage and additional allowances, to Rela members who served in the anti-crime drive.

This is a good move and as the Home Minister indicated - most of the Rela members in Kuala Lumpur are self-employed, so any form of financial help would help them!

Syabas to the Minister and the KDN Boys!

RM3.76 BILLION PROJECTS FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY GOOD NEWS!

It was good news that the Education Ministry will soon roll out 497 projects costing RM3.76 billion.

Dear friend, Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has stated that the projects, which are part of the 880 development projects announced by the government earlier, would be tendered out by the Public Works Department (PWD).

To JG it shows the seriousness of the government to promote education by these projects efficiently.

But I pray that the PWD and the Education ministry will monitor the progress of the projects and report to the Cabinet every month on its status so that the nightmares and fraud of the past will not be repeated!

I am advised that of the 497 projects, 140 will be implemented with government allocations while the rest would be under the Private Financial Initiative (PFI) method.

The 140 projects comprise 70 primary schools and 70 secondary schools.

I am advised that land for these projects is ready and the Economic Planning Unit has also approved the scope of the projects.

If this is so in my humble mind and analysis there should be  no reason for any delay to these projects being carried out!

But we must be vigilant no doubt - watch this space for the sequel!

CONSUMERS TELLS JG SUGAR SHORTAGE - HOW TO SOLVE WITH FOOLS & IDIOTS IN CHARGE?

NOW SUGAR SHORTAGE HITS SARAWAK!

It is a fact that there is a general shortage of sugar in the state and I agree with the statement that there is no justifiable reason for the situation!

Actually not only in that state but in the country!

I am advised that for the past few weeks markets and hawker stalls in Kuching are facing severe shortages!

Of course there is no justification for this state of affairs and it afects all - industries across the board namely coffee shops, wine distilleries, biscuit factories, bakeries and food industries!

I am worried with the coming festive season it will get worse but I know deep down “miracles can happen” like we may hire a special vessel to bring in sugar from South America just for the festive season?

Kerja bodoh some say? …But thats how it works in Malaysia!