ANOTHER RECALL AND NESTLE MALAYSIA CLARIFIES!

  

Yes, its the recall issue again that attracts our attention the world over!

This time in Malaysia - Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has given an assurance that the Kit Kat Chunky marketed in Malaysia is locally manufactured and is therefore unaffected by the recall of the product in Australia.

According to the company and reports Nestle Australia Ltd Friday announced a voluntary recall of Kit Kat Chunky Caramel 65g and Kit Kat Chunky Cookie Dough 65g with “best before” dates up to Feb 14, 2008 for fear it may contain small pieces of plastic.

In a statement - Nestle Malaysia stated that it does not import these products.

And that the safety of consumers and their trust in Nestle products are our first priority.

They have assured consumers of the highest quality and safety standards!

Brillant says JG!

And I must warmly congratulate them for diverting any  enquiries to Nestle Consumer Services at toll-free 1-800-88-3433.

This is the way to go! This is corporate responsibility and accountability!

More companies should follow this mode - period! 

PET FOOD RECALL IN THE US - ARE WE AFFECTED?

 ‘VEHICLES, BATTERIES BEFORE, NOW PET FOOD AND WHATS NEXT ASK JG?” 

Reports indicate in the US Federal testing of recalled pet foods turned up a chemical used to make plastics but failed to confirm the presence of a cancer drug also used as rat poison.

The recall expanded Friday to include the first dry pet food.

The Food and Drug Administration is reprted to have stated that it found melamine in samples of the Menu Foods pet food involved in the original recall and in imported wheat gluten used as an ingredient in the company’s wet-style products.

We are also told that Cornell University scientists also found melamine in the urine of sick cats, as well as in the kidney of one cat that died after eating some of the recalled food.

Meanwhile, Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalled its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food.

The food included wheat gluten from the same supplier that Menu Foods used.

The recall didn’t involve any other Prescription Diet or Science Diet products, said the company, a division of Colgate-Palmolive Co. 

The FDA was working to rule out the possibility that the contaminated wheat gluten could have made it into any human food.

However, melamine is toxic only in high doses, experts said, leaving its role in the pet deaths unclear.

For the record, we are told that Menu Foods recalled 60 million containers of cat and dog food, sold throughout North America under nearly 100 brands, earlier this month after animals died of kidney failure after eating the Canadian company’s products.

It is not clear how many pets may have been poisoned by the apparently contaminated food, although anecdotal reports suggest hundreds if not thousands have died.

The FDA alone has received more than 8,000 complaints; the company, more than 300,000!

I wonder if the brands are available here in Malaysia? 

CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND JEWS CONDEMN ARTIST ATTEMPT WITH CHOCOLATE SCRUPTURE OF JESUS!

This life-size chocolate sculpture of a naked Jesus Christ is creating controversy in New York.And Rightly so!

The final day of the exhibit at the Lab Gallery inside Manhattan’s Roger Smith Hotel was planned for Easter Sunday.

Actually JG like all other religious and peace loiving people consider this as one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever!

I fully agree with the thought and view that it is not just the ugliness of the portrayal, but the timing - to choose Holy Week is astounding.

As expected there was protest and the gallery’s creative director, Matt Semler confirms that the Lab and the hotel were overrun with angry telephone calls and e-mails.

And in view of the growing protests I am now informed that the entire exhibition is now officially closed and the said scrupture is in “hiding” with the artist.

It is a pity when certain cross section of the public refuse to be sensitive to the views and feelings of believers under the “free speech and expression tag” which is poppycock!

Only a fool will ignore the fact that when individuals portray religious figures in their art and comment it is bound to receive attention!

There should be common respect of all religions and religious sensitivities - period!

In this case doing it again during the holy week was certainly no coincidence but the height of arrogance and foolishness!

And the good news is the snowballing protests that has attracted the support of Christians, Muslims and Jews throughout the world towards this kind of madness and insensitivity!  

We are told that this ”artwork” was created from more than 200 pounds of milk chocolate, and it features Christ with his arms outstretched and fully naked!

Yes brothers and sisters - this Cavallaro creation does not include a loincloth.

Kerja si-bodoh! ( Work of an idiot!)

Cavallaro, who was raised in Canada and Italy we are told is best known for his quirky work with food as art: Past efforts include repainting a Manhattan hotel room in melted mozzarella, spraying 5 tons of pepper jack cheese on a Wyoming home and festooning a four-poster bed with 312 pounds of processed ham.

My advice Cavallaro please confine your work to that and not touch on religious sensitivities - period!

JAMU DEATHS SHOULD PUT MALAYSIANS ON ALERT SAYS JG!

‘traditional medicines’ are very popular as they come with all kinds and shapes of claims and it is pertinent that in future they be put under strict regulation and vetting - period!  

Yes,  Malaysians are also fond of taking “jamu” which is a form of traditional drug to slim down and other reasons!

But beware as 2 people have died and four more suffered poisoning in Yogyakarta due to a “jamu” slimming drug.

We are told that Ana Suryaningsih, 30, of Imorejo, Sleman regency, died shortly after consuming the drug and her brother-in-law, Setio Aji Purnomo, 17, also died after sampling it while her uncle, Marwanto, 50, was poisoned when he inhaled the drug, as did three police officers who examined the evidence.

Marwanto said Ana took the drug, which came as a powder, after mixing it with soda water at about 11.30 pm on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that Ana went into spasms and dropped dead immediately after taking the drug.

Reports say that her body was taken to the Panti Nugroho General Hospital in Sleman.

In a report from Yogyakarta, it was stated that Setio then tasted the powder and immediately suffered convulsions and was also rushed to the hospital, and eventually died.

Police summoned to the house by the family took three packs of the medicine, two capsules of “jamu” and a bottle of soda water.

Reports indicate that a police officer, Yulius Bambang, inhaled the drug while examining it and instantly became nauseous.

So did two other officers, Wahyu Susilo and Danang Wibowo, from the police forensic unit, who also became nauseous and almost fainted.

Interestingly, according to the prescription, two spoonfuls of the medicine mixed with soda water should be taken four times a day stated Ana’s elder brother Bambang Purwanto, adding that Ana, who was 158 cm tall and weighed 55 kg, had often told him she wanted to lose weight and had tried several kinds of slimming drugs.

Meanwhile, Antara news agency reported that the Yogyakarta Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (FDMA), after analysing the contents of the slimming medicine, found the lethal poison cyanide in the liquid said to be soda water though no trace of cyanide was found in the “jamu” capsule.

Sleman police chief of detectives Pitoyo Agung Yuwono said the three police officers were still under treatment in hospital, and that police had traced the drug’s origin.

“Based on witness statements, Ana bought the medicine from a shop in Jalan Mangkubumi in Yogyakarta.

We have identified the seller,” said Pitoyo.

An officer of the FDMA said the agency would investigate how a poison as lethal as cyanide could be sold freely.

Another officer said that last year alone, the Yogyakarta FDMA had seized 465 types and brands of the traditional “jamu” sold openly in the market in the province, mostly for slimming, that contained mixtures harmful to human health.

So will our enforcement boys go quickly for “operasis” so that we do not have similar tragedies here?

CREDIT CARDS BAD DEBTS REDUCING? I HAVE MY SUSPICIONS!

‘DPM DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN ABDUL RAZAK IS REALLY CONCERNED AT CREDIT CARD SPENDINGS AND DEBTS!’

I am really surprised with the news that the incidence of bad debts among credit cardholders (see pix above) in Malaysia is in fact decreasing!

Even if the statement comes from the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM)!

To supports its contention it pointed out that the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio for outstanding credit card debt dropped to 3.7 percent last year from 4.6 percent in 2005.

In fact, I would fully agree with the observations of deputy premier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who stated that credit cards and loans have encouraged people to spend beyond their means and eventually made it difficult for them to manage their personal finances.

However, the present comments which in my view is questionable is that - Credit card debts as at the end of last year accounted for only six percent of total household debts.

And that NPL ratio for outstanding credit card debt is lower than the 4.8 percent for total loans as at end-2006? 

Come off it, no one denies that credit cards are a convenient tool, but, how many cardholders use their cards wisely?

Only a fool will say that the publication of an informative booklet will inculcate better spending habits among Malaysians.

Though Banks claim to use ”robust credit evaluation criteria” to ensure the eligibility of credit card applicants, it is a fact that there has been a recent ‘credit card war’ which saw almost everyone having qualified for one when banks overdid each other in their marketing plans with credit cards!

As such, I share the fears of our deputy premier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, who rightly stated that credit cards and loans have encouraged people to spend beyond their means and eventually made it difficult for them to manage their personal finances.

This is a fact and by no means easy to discard and efforts must be made to manage this issue in the highest ethical standards!

We must be wise consumers and wise in our spending lifestyle!

And banks must play their part too in this!

FORMER THAI PM’S WIFE CHARGED FOR TAX EVASION!

Pojaman Shinawatra faces jail if found guilty As expected, the wife of the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been charged with tax evasion.According to news reports, Pojaman Shinawatra was charged, along with her brother and her secretary, at Bangkok Criminal Court before being released on bail. The case relates to the transfer of shares in 1997 in a family telecoms firm, now known as Shin Corp. Mr Thaksin was ousted in a coup last September amid allegations of corruption, which he denied. This is the first of dozens of investigations into the allegations, being carried out by the Thai military government, to come to court. Interestingly, more than 100 police officers were deployed around the court as Pojaman Shinawatra arrived, making no comment to reporters as she entered the courtroom. Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother are accused of avoiding paying tax in the transfer of 4.5 million shares in a firm, founded by Mr Thaksin, that became Shin Corp. They could face jail sentences of up to 14 years as well as fines if found guilty. Pojaman Shinawatra’s brother Bhanapot Damapong has already been ordered by anti-corruption investigators to pay 546 million baht (around $17m) in back taxes over the deal. He has argued that the shares were given to him as a gift from Pojaman Shinawatra and were therefore not subject to tax. Pojaman Shinawatra’s secretary is charged with helping to facilitate the transfer. The charges facing the three are not related to the Thaksin family’s controversial sale of its controlling stake in Shin Corp to a Singapore state investment firm in January 2006. The tax free deal, which netted the family nearly $2bn, sparked widespread protests and calls for Mr Thaksin to resign. I wonder whether something similar can happen this side of the border and along the same vein? But that would be foolish - real foolishness - because there is no corruption in Malaysia? Here everyone is so hard working, religious and simply angels waiting to be in heaven when the ALMIGHTY calls!

FAGS - FLOOR PRICES GOOD SAYS JG!

The decision of the government to impose floor prices for tobacco products in view of cigarette companies trying to outdo each other by lowering prices in the market is welcome.

My dear friend and proactive Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (see pix above) has said that discussions on this and other conditions for the sale of cigarettes were presently being undertaken at the ministry’s level.

He was right to echo his ministry’s disappointed by the actions of multinational tobacco companies which of late have launched a price war to increase their sales.

He is right that this goes against the government’s wish to see a reduction in smoking among Malaysians!

However, he said, the government would from time to time review the taxes on tobacco products to ensure their prices remained high so as to reduce demand for them.

Anyway, studies have shown prices and demand for tobacco products are closely tied.

When prices go up, demand goes down and I am glad that the ministry wants the contents of cigarettes sold (nicotine, tar and toxic substances) in Malaysia to meet its and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

The Health Minister also stated that his ministry would also push for graphic warnings to be placed on cigarette packets to warn smokers of the inherent dangers of smoking.

I am really happy that this is going to get some attention as these graphic warnings will need to be changed from time to time so that smokers know clearly what they are exposing themselves to by smoking!

GOVT’S DECISION TO MONITOR PROJECTS UNDER PFIs - RIGHT ON TRACK SAYS JG!

Yes it is being already stated that the government will continue to monitor closely the implementation of projects under the private financing initiatives (PFIs)!

And the confirmation came from none other but dear friend and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Effendi Norwawi.

JG is made to understand that this is to ensure that the process of implementation is done smoothly, using the best practices that have been lined up.

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), about RM20 billion worth of projects will be funded through PFI.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Effendi Norwawi
stated that:

Basically, the government is open to private sector proposals.

But it must be proposals that meet the government’s criteria, which will generate major economic impact and spin-offs!

Moreover - the projects must also contribute to social economic development apart from being commercially viable.

Most importantly, he said the projects must have no impact on government expenditure.
 

HIT ON SNIFFER DOGS?

So I have been advised that 2 sniffer dogs assisting the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs to fight piracy have been so successful hunting pirated films in Malaysia that crime bosses have put a price on their head. I am told by sources in the MDTCA that the black Labradors, Lucky and Flo, made dangerous enemies this week after their first bust, discovering about a million pirated DVDs and CDs.   Authorities say there is now a bounty on offer to anyone who eliminates the dogs, though the amount is not known. The animals are being kept in a secret location with increased security. “The dogs are a genuine threat to the pirated disc syndicates, thus the instruction to eliminate them,” Firdaus Zakaria, enforcement director at the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is reported to have also told the media! Six people were arrested when the dogs led handlers to a stash of pirated material, thought to be worth up to $3m (£1.5m), in Malaysia’s southern city of Johor Baru on Monday. The animals were trained in Northern Ireland to identify the smell of polycarbonates - chemicals used in the disc manufacturing process. Malaysia is one of the hubs of Asia’s huge trade in pirated films, music and games. The Motion Picture Association of America says big entertainment studios lost $1.2bn (£600m) to movie piracy in the region last year. A spokesman for the MPAA said Malaysia is the first country in the world to use dogs to detect fake discs. The dogs are being loaned to Malaysian police on a one-month trial from the MPAA, which is ramping up efforts to fight counterfeiting. Well well done KPDN and Syabas in this venture!

TTDI JAYA FLOODS AGAIN - DESPITE STAR METRO’S SPIN IN JAN 27!

early file picture of ttdi jaya flood!

 

CONSUMER GROUSES AT HEALTH TOURISM PACKAGE!

CASSA LETTERS

19^th March 2007

Ms. Sheila K Nalliah

Country Heights Lifestyle Bhd.

Block C, 9^th Floor, The Mines Wonderland Business Park

No. 3 Jalan Tasik, The Mines Resort City

43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Tel: 89411999 ext:6001           Fax: 89453340

Dear Ms. Sheila K Nalliah,

Complain of Health Tourism Package
Further to our meeting, we hereby write-in regarding the above-matter.

As discussed, you and we agreed that your then Sales Representative, Ms. Zulfinaz Abdul Hamid, I/C#790328-02-5930, mis-represented certain contents in the agreement of Health Tourism, and there are numerous other similar cases. The mis-represented details are listed as follows:

- We are entitled to 2 full package medical check-ups each year, together with one CT scan for each of us, i.e. there are 10 medical check-ups and 10 CT scans available throughout the program of 5 years, and all the medical check-ups and CT scans are transferable to any member of our families

- We need to pay the rejoining fee of RM980.00 only once throughout the program of 5 years, which consists of 10 medical check-ups and 10 CT scans

After getting advice from the respectable Dato’ Dr. Jacob George, the President/Legal Adviser of Consumer Association of Subang & Shah Alam (CASSA), we came to conclusion that both Country Height Lifestyle Bhd. and we should compromise on this matter.

We thus propose to meet half way with the mis-represented conditions as follows:

- 5 CT scans fully transferable to any member of our families

- We pay for the rejoining fee of RM980.00 x 2 = RM1960.00 for 10 medical check-ups

We trust this is a fair offer and look forward to receiving confirmation from you soon.

Yours truly,

Lau C Tong                                              

Yong Poi Yee

c.c.:      Dato’ Dr. Jacob George, President/Legal Adviser

            Consumer Association of Subang & Shah Alam 

           (CASSA)

            E-mail: drjacob@pd.jaring.my

CASSA CHIEF SAYS:

This is indeed a rather small matter which can be resolved in the right customer service spirit! I trust both parties have got my drift!

BE FAIR AND ACCOUNTABLE IN WHAT YOU WRITE IN BLOGS SAYS JG!

JG SAYS

WE MUST LEARN TO STOP

RUBBISHING OUR LEADERS!

  ’DPM Najib - one of those often criticised in poison pen letters and blogs without substance nor justification just malice and out of sheer jealously!’

Leaders can be criticized in fair comment from time to time but it must not be with hatred, malice and a political agenda to destroy ones career!

Let us be fair and reasonable!

Let us be accountable in what we write and say!

Cukup tak payah ‘Bang JG’ cakap lagi! Faham cukup!

WHO RUNS TNB - REALLY?

 

MANPOWER POLICIES MUST BE BASED ON FACTS NOT POLITICAL RHETORIC AND THREATS!

 ’skilled and competent maids come at a costs!” 

I am not the least surprised nor shocked at the statement by proactive deputy home minister, Datuk Tan Chai Ho who confirmed that the Government was having a tough time getting agencies there to abide by the rates agreed to in the MOU signed by both governments in November 2006! (The Star March 12)

And I believe once again, the difference between ‘rhetoric and facts’ has come to haunt Malaysia! 

Professional human resource managers and strategists had already stated that despite the “honorable intentions of lower costs to consumers” it could not be done but some stated it could and some even made threats and arm-twisting to ‘bring it to fruitition’ but in vain! 

I am referring to the promise of cheaper Indonesian domestic help which has never materialized, as Indonesian maid agencies continue to refuse to reduce their rates. 

This despite all the “song and dance and high powered political showmanship” culminating in the now irrelevant and worthless MoU between Indonesian and Malaysia! 

However, I am glad that for the clear admission by the much respected Deputy Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Tan Chai Ho who said that the Indonesian Government was having a tough time getting agencies there to abide by the rates agreed to in the MOU signed by both governments in November 2006! 

During the height of the episode, which in my mind hinged on ‘pure political showmanship’ rather than reality all human resource managers and consultants knew only too well having done their homework on the ground that it would be difficult to provide maids at the agreed amount and now it is clear that the government has not been able to come up with any solution or new agreements yet a fact acknowledge by the deputy minister himself! 

For the record, in the said MOU, it was agreed that Malaysian employers would pay RM2, 415 to the local agent while the maid would have to come up with RM1, 228 to pay the agent in Indonesia.  

And if the maid be unable to come up with this amount, the employer would pay an advance, which would then be deducted from the maid’s salary (up to 85%) every month. 

Although Malaysian agents are currently charging RM2, 415 as their fees, employers have complained that they are paying between RM5, 000 and RM6, 000 to hire a maid. 

It is understood that this is because the Indonesian agents are charging the maids between RM2, 000 and RM4, 000 for their passage to Malaysia. 

The deputy minister also stated that a major factor preventing the Indonesian agents from reducing their fees for Malaysia-bound maids was that employers from other countries were able to afford such prices a reality we must painfully accept!  

There is certainly a difference between “pretenders and professional” service providers! 

For good, honest, skillful competent maids there is competition from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Singapore, the gulf region and the Asia Oceanic countries! 

Based on reports a large percentage of those coming in for anything less are alleged to have other “intentions” rather than employment as maids! 

But overall the fact that must be painfully acknowledged by politicians, policymakers and draftsmen is at the last straw it is ‘market conditions’ that decide services available and rendered - not statutes, legislations, guidelines, arm twisting, threats of most of all political bravo! 

CANABALISE THOSE WHO SEXUALLY ABUSE CHILDREN SAYS JG!

Come To Malaysia to enjoy our lovely beaches, warm hospitality and tasty food and a culture rich in diversity says JG!

I am really glad that a court in the western Indian tourist state of Goa has sentenced an Australian man to 10 years in jail for sexually abusing children.Yes - ‘pariah’ Warner Wulf Ingo was found guilty of sodomy, unnatural sex with minors, abduction and criminal conspiracy. The sex racket was busted in 1991 and Ingo fled to Australia. He was arrested in Sydney and sent to India in 2005. Interestingly, children’s rights activists say hundreds of children are being abused by foreign paedophiles in many places which includes Goa. Ingo was described in court as an important link in the ring that abused young boys at an orphanage in the town of Fatorda, 35km (22 miles) from the state capital, Panaji. It is so obvious that this man had taken undue advantage of the poverty of the victim boys and has exploited them sexually! Ingo has also been fined 10,000 rupees ($220) which to me is too little! The court heard that Ingo had worked with Freddy Peats - the main accused in the sex racket. Peats was arrested in 1991 and convicted in 1996. He died in jail in Goa while serving a life sentence. Peats was believed to be German by investigators, but his nationality was never proven conclusively. He was convicted for supplying destitute children to wealthy European tourists in Goa. Police say they are looking for several other men accused in the case, including a French man and a New Zealander. Child rights activists say sex tourism is threatening to become the darker side of life in Goa’s tropical paradise. They say sexual abuse of children is well organised. Goa’s government has said the issue is being hyped, but in a report last year, the UN said Goa was a “major destination” for children trafficked for paedophiles, and that sex tourism in the state was “significant!” Let us pray that these pariahs don’t come to Malaysia for the same reasons!

WELL DONE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES SAYS JG!

WELL DONE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES!

I am glad to hear that the government will place labour attaches in Malaysian embassies, especially in countries that are a source of foreign labour to Malaysia!

The statement was made by dear friend, Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn! (see pix above)

He said the cabinet had approved the ministry’s request for this purpose.

I am certain as the Minister indicated with the emplacement of labour attache, Malaysia can provide services to intending foreign workers into Malaysia.

We can advise them on the types of salaries and working conditions in the country.

The labour attache will be able to provide assistance to Malaysian workers in other countries with regard to labour problems and JG hopes the Malaysian government implements this as soon as possible!

Dr Fong said the ministry would discuss the proper location of these labour attaches with the Foreign Ministry.

I am certain Wisma Putra will advise on the places where Malaysian workers or when foreign workers need attention before they come in or while working outside the country.

I fully agree that one country where there is a severe need is Indonesia, or where there is a large number of intending foreign workers coming in and others coming to commit crimes!

Syabas we say!

WE NEED TO PROTECT MALAYSIA TOO!

 Did you know that Migrant Care, an Indonesian NGO, which deals with migrant worker matter, will bring up the matter of Malaysia’s Migrant Worker Bill at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Swiss, on March 20.

Wahyu Susilo, Migrant Care’s policy analyst, said he considered that the bill would really limit migrant workers in Malaysia, including those from Indonesia.

“This regulation law degrades human rights despite Malaysia being a member of the UN Human Rights Council member,” he told a news media in Indonesia!

According to Wahyu, restrictions include migrant workers having to be placed in villages near industries.

Migrant workers will also be forbidden to enter urban areas and in addition, migrant workers’ activities will be watched by the police.

“The mobility of migrant workers will be very restricted,” said Wahyu.

He said he considered the reason given for composing the bill, that the increased crime rate in Malaysia was caused by migrant workers, was inappropriate.

A number of lawyers in Malaysia, he said, stated that the amount of crimes committed by migrant workers was only five percent. “One percent was by workers from Indonesia,” said Wahyu.

He said he regretted that the government seemed to ignore the fates of migrant workers.

The government’s ignorance, he said, was seen from the meeting between President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Ahmad Badawi last week, which did not mention employment matters.

JG’s response is:

Sometimes Malaysia must do and take steps no matter how unpopular to protect its interest and people!

Easy for Indonesian NGO’s to take the ‘high moral ground’ despite knowing/knowledge that their citizens are the cause of the rise in the Malaysian crime statistics!

Violent crimes, robbery, murder, rape, assault has all risen due to the Indonesians - now where will the victims of these take their grouses to?

The UN?

And which Indonesian NGO is going to protect the Malaysian victims’s claim? I support the Malaysian call! Period!

KTMB CRISIS MANAGEMENT EFFORTS HAVE IMPROVED!

I was sad to hear that over 10,000 passengers in the morning rush to work were stranded and 40 commuter trips were disrupted when a crane fell and landed across the railway tracks at the Shah Alam Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) commuter station at Section 19 yesterday!

According to reports - a crane fell while being used for roof installation work at the platform at the station about 2.50am.

But work to remove the crane from across the tracks was immediately carried out as well as to repair the cables to restore the commuter service.

Interestingly we ae told that 3 cranes were used to lift the crane from the tracks adding that KTMB contractors took about seven hours to facilitate the work and checks on its safety.

But, we must also give credit where it is due as KTMB provided buses to transport passengers from the Padang Jawa station to the Batu Tiga station and for those going to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa!

Anyway I am advised that commuter service was restored at 10.30am this morning!