CANTEEN OPERATORS - WE WARNED YOU BEFORE!

 1. Canteens should be clean and spotless!

2. Food prepared must be in a hygenic environment with no room for shoddiness!  

I am certainly glad that Deputy Education Minister, Datuk Hon Choon Kim has ordered Kedah State Education Department director Misrah Ibrahim to terminate the services of the canteen operator at SMK Pendang over the food poisoning case.

I fully agree with the deputy minister that the said canteen operator had failed to ensure safe and quality food for students - in short he has failed a duty of care and there can be bo compromise!

What is sad that the reports indicate he failed miserably despite the numerous reminders and warnings!

Perhaps, the operator thought he could run for cover to his local politicos and all would be forgotten?

After all, that is the tune of the day the country over- when checked for incompetence - make it racial, religious, or even political and that mantra works to get one out of been penalised?

I am glad that here the Education Ministry has stated that they will NEVER COMPROMISE with canteen operators who neglect their responsibilities to provide safe and quality food for students.

Yes like I say - ‘Enough is enough!’

As I stated before there have been far too many cases and whoever is the operator should be penalized and not allowed to restart anywhere again!

For the record, on Monday, 38 students became ill from food poisoning after eating rendang daging for lunch.

The next day, another 100 boarders showed similar symptoms after consuming the beef dish.

I am advised that this was the second termination order for a canteen operator in Kedah.

On June 17, the state director ordered the termination of the services of a canteen operator at a primary school in Kampung Tandop Besar, Kuala Nerang, after some 40 pupils suffered from food poisoning.

Some 4,000 students are enrolled at the school, selected as one of two “Sekolah Bestari” in the Pendang district.

It is also good that the deputy minister would be meeting all canteen operators in Kedah at SMK Sungai Pasir in Sungai Petani!

The meeting I am told is aimed at creating greater awareness among canteen operators to provide safe and quality food.

But I sincerely hope the food poisoning in Kota Baru, Kelantan would also be addressed with the same seriousness as the case in Kedah where 45 students of Sekolah Menengah Kota here came down with food poisoning after having breakfast at the school canteen yesterday.

According to feedbacks received - Form Three and Form Four students were rushed to the Wakaf Che Yeh health clinic when they sufferred from stomach pains and vomiting in the morning!

Two of them, Norhafira Husin and Mohd Hilmi Asyraf, both 15, were referred to the Raja Perempuan Zainab Perempuan II Hospital.

The rest were sent home after treatment.

It is believed a fish curry served to the students was believed to have caused the poisoning.

It is time we cracked the whip here also after all - there is a record of 20 food poisoning cases involving more than 600 school pupils here since January 2007!

CASSA TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!

 

 SAD THAT 60% OF RAPE TAKE PLACE ON DATES! LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH!

It is really sad to learn that each day 8 women and girls are raped.
And more than half of the cases reported every year are date rapes.

In fact I remember an earlier statement that for every reported rape case 10 goes unreported!
Yes – these are all chilling facts revealed by the figures from 2004 till March this year released by the police Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Investigations Division (D11).

We are told that such incidents are steadily rising, according to the police.

We are told that in 2006 - 2,428 rapes were reported and up until March, we have received 715 reports of rape!

And most of the reports — 60 per cent — involve date rape, which as a lawyer I am aware difficult to prove in court!
The truth is it is certainly easier to prosecute rapists when the victims are minors as they can be charged with statutory rape, which carries a mandatory sentence of eight years.

When it involves date rape cases where the victim are above the age of consent - it is harder a fact in all parts of the globe!

Perhaps, we need to initiate a campaign on – Violence against Women and in that program launch a plan of action on how to address this uncalled for violence – period!

FAST FOOD INGREDIENT LABELING - HEALTH MINISTER GET OUR SUPPORT!

  

FAST FOOD INGREDIENT LABELING - HEALTH MINISTER GET OUR FULL SUPPORT!

I am really glad that the government is moving towards making the labeling of fast food compulsory as it is important to educate the public on the contents of such food.

And to make that point was dear friend, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (see pix above) yesterday that fast food companies would be required to display the ingredients in a way that consumers would not miss them.

It is a fact that many consumers are consuming at food restaurants without knowing what their food contains.

They need to know the amount of calorie, sugar and others each burger, for instance, contains!

This is a good direction that we are now treading and one that should be supported by all!

DOCTORS BEMOAN SUBSTANDARD GLOVES - THE MALAY MAIL EXPOSURE!

Doctors bemoan substandard gloves
By AYU MUSA KAMAL and MASAMI MUSTAZA

George said the association had received many complaints from doctors in public hospitals, saying that the gloves were of poor quality.

Many complainants said the gloves, despite coming in various sizes, were found to be loose and could come off easily during surgery. In addition, they also caused skin irritation to some users.

When Cassa distributed the gloves to a panel of doctors in private hospitals for a test, the association also received similar complaints from those doctors.

“These gloves are usually manufactured in developing countries, where they are repackaged and pushed for sale in public hospitals here,” said Jacob.

“Many doctors who are not comfortable using these gloves end up buying their own gloves, which they feel are of better quality.

“They are upset and angry because the complaints they made to the procurement decision makers have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

Goerge wanted to know what the benchmark is when it comes to buying materials and equipment for public hospitals.

“Is it the price or the quality? Or could there be favouritism involved when making a purchase?” he asked.

He suggested that there be an appropriation purchase committee in hospitals, comprising hospital staff and personnel, to ensure that purchases made are for quality and value-for-money products.

“The committee also needs to take into consideration the negative feedback received on the purchased products.

“Most importantly, the feedback should be from the end users of these products,” he said.

“This issue of substandard quality gloves must be rectified because their use may put patient services and operation procedures into jeopardy.

“We also don’t want our doctors to use something that they aren’t comfortable with.”

Cassa is appealing to the Health Minisry to set up a committee to investigate the allegations. It has also prepared a memorandum on the issue to be submitted to the ministry next week.

Health Ministry Parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon, when contacted yesterday said the ministry will look into the matter if the claims on subtandard gloves are true.

He also said the ministry is not aware about the complaints that were said to be made by the doctors.

“We are not aware of the complaints.

“We need to know where and when they lodged their complaints on this matter,” said Lee.

Saying that allegations of substandard surgical gloves cannot be taken lightly, he added: “If the need arises for an immediate change of gloves, we may do so.”

He however said there are several factors that need to be considered, including whether the existing stock is still huge.

Lee said the ministry will also have to check whether the gloves are really jeopardising the well-being of patients and affecting doctors’ comfort in performing their duties.

“There may still be a lot of stock. We need to look into that and most importantly, whether the gloves are really substandard.”

Lee said theministry will not entertain a request to change the gloves just for the sake of changing them.

“This matter involves tenders and contracts.

There are many aspects we need to consider.”

He assured practitioners not to worry because the ministry always strives for the best when it comes to the interest of its officers and the public.

WATCH OUT ANOTHER SCAM? YOU ARE WARNED - BEWARE!

 Consumers are herewith warned not to participate in such schemes! We have warned you before we again warn you. Stay away from such schemes!

‘Promotions Department 

Nederlandse Internationale Loterij Bv
Paleisstraat 55, Nl-2500 BP     
The Hague
The Netherlands 

PRIZE WINNING NOTIFICATION 
  
PRIZE CATEGORY:   “C” 
REFERENCE NO:       NIL-B-3120-01101980-NLBV 
TICKET NO:                NIL-B-15-01-05 

We are happy to inform you that the recipient email address has been selected as one of the lucky email addresses in the Category “C” of the online lotto conducted by our company Nederlandse Internationale Loterij Bv here in Hague.
CONGRATULATIONS! The cyber-lotto was conducted by a first of its kind automated computer balloting system, where by email addresses (25,000 email addresses), were extracted from all continents of the world.
A draw was held in different categories and winners emerged and are entitled to various cash prizes depending on their different categories.
Thus, you/your company with this email address, attached to Ticket number: NIL-B-15-01-05 and a Reference number: NIL-B-3120-01101980-NLBV in the Category C, is entitled to a lump payout of €1,000,000.00 (One Million Euros). 
  
To immediately claim your prize, please contact the Unit Director; 
  
Mr. Arjen Cryuff 
Lotto Claims Unit 

Nederlandse Internationale Loterij Bv

The Hague 
The Netherlands 
Tel/Fax: +31-84-718-6520 
E-mail:   nilbv_claims@yahoo.de 
You may be required to provide any of the above information during the process of collecting your prize. We congratulate you once again and it is our hope that you participate in any of our international programs in the nearest future. 
Thank you. 
Sincerely, 
Mrs. Tanya Prakash 
Promotions Manager 
NEDERLANDSE INTERNATIONALE LOTERIJ BV’

CASSA SAYS AGAIN PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THESE SCHEMES! YOU WE HAVE RECEIVED HUNDRED OF COMPLAINS OF BEING CHEATED SO PLEASE STAY AWAY - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!   

SUBANG RIA PARK CONTROVERSY REVISITED (PART 2)

DATELINE: Aug 23, 2000

CASSA PRESIDENT DR JACOB GEORGE AN OUTSPOKEN INDIVIDUAL WHO FOUGHT HARD TO SAVE SUBANG RIA!  
Revisiting the preservation of Taman Subang Ria as green-lung

THE STAR Metro
Friday, June 27, 2003

Subang’s green lung yet to be gazetted

The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) is alarmed that despite a promise made by the Selangor Government to gazette the over 40ha Subang Ria Park and recreational area in Subang Jaya in the year 2000, nothing has transpired since.

It has been more than three years since former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Abu Hassan Omar made a promise that he would initiate all efforts to gazette the popular park as a green lung, but to-date, nothing has come out of it! Uncertainty continues to prevail!

The promise was made after Cassa launched its Save Subang Ria Park Campaign in 2000 which captured the attention of both local communities bent on protecting their green lungs and environmental groups.

We urge the present MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, to initiate the gazette to fulfil and settle a 19-year wait for residents of Subang Jaya and the surrounding area.

This matter has been left for far too long and it is pertinent that the Federal Government intervene and instruct the state government to take the necessary steps to protect the rights and interests of the Subang community.

A campaign to collect over one million signatures has been initiated to accompany a memorandum of appeal to be sent to the Selangor Government on the matter.

Dr Jacob George,
President/Legal Adviser,
Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam.

SUBANG RIA PARK CONTROVERSY REVISITED!

Was the green lung sold? Taman Subang Ria is rumoured to have been sold to third party for development projects.

Posted on 02.05pm Jun 04, 2000  

By usjXpress Team

SUBANG JAYA – State Assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng proposed three options to resolve the development stalemate over Taman Subang Ria.

But Subang Jaya residents asked him to help find answers to two questions:

1. Has the land been gazetted as a green lung after the MB intervened in 1998?

2. From the MB’s intervention till today, has Sime-UEP sold the land to a third party for development?

There are rumours that Sime-UEP, the developers of the Subang Jaya and UEP Subang Jaya (USJ) townships, has re-sold the land to a third party in view of the public outcry objecting to its development plan for the park two years ago.

Residents recall a precedent where Sime-USJ sold a parcel of land earmarked for a recreational park in SS14 to a third party for development projects.

A stand-off between the residents and the new land-owners ensued for weeks before it finally went into legal redress.

On January 7, 1998, the Selangor State Executive Council rejected the application from Sime-UEP to develop the Taman Subang Ria into a commercial project, effectively quashing rumours about the possibility of the project being approved.

WHAT’S THE MOTIVE

Subang Jaya residents are puzzled at Lee’s motive when he resurrected the issue by making an out-of-the-blue statement in The Star (January 6, 2000), proposing three options for Taman Subang Ria.

He said there was a proposal for the state government to acquire the park from Sime UEP Sdn Bhd. The cost will reach RM50 million.

Another was for the park to be split 50-50 between Sime-UEP and the state government, where half the land area will be handed over to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council. As a trade-off, Sime-UEP will be allowed to develop a low-rise condominium project there.

The third option is to retain the status quo, without mentioning the solution formula when the MB intervened.

He said he was considering the “pros and cons” before making his stand.

EXCO’S DECISION

Our researchers found out that Sime-UEP, which was given the land by the State Government in 1988, has been asked to return it to be administered and maintained by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council.

Reaffirming the State Government’s tough policy in safeguarding the existing green lungs and open spaces in housing estates in the State, Menteri Besar Datuk Abu Hassan Omar also announced that any proposal or application to develop such areas in future would be automatically rejected.

The Star reported on January 8, 1998, quoting a highly reliable source, that the application by Sime-UEP had been “informally” approved in 1996 by the then Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib through a letter dated Feb 27, 1996 and signed by his then chief private secretary Mohamad Kushrin Munawi.

Abu Hassan said if developers failed to give up these spaces to the government for gazetting, the local authorities had the power to stop the issuance of certificates of fitness for their development projects.

Abu Hassan also called on local authorities to maintain recreational and open spaces.

“I hope such issues will not resurface as we are very strict in maintaining open spaces and recreational areas in Selangor,” he told The Star, then.

George said the residents may take a more serious action to resolve the issue if the proponents of the new development went ahead with their plans.

“If they persist with their plans, we will launch a nationwide signature campaign. As it is, we have the support of non-governmental organizations, community groups, workers’ groups and residents’ associations,” George added.

“If the elected representatives and State Assemblymen disregard our rights and concerns, we may even call for a referendum and force them to resign. Enough is enough.”

TIME TO ADDRESS STEEL & CEMENT PRICES IN EQUITABLE MANNER - JG!

  

I am glad to be advised that the Master Builders Association Malaysia will meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (see above pix) to discuss solutions to steel bar and cement pricing.

It is believed that the said association wants to find better solutions in seeking a suitable price structure for steel bars and cement that could be used to stabilise the prices of the building materials.

I hope they will also meet all other stakeholders in this equation to find an equitable solution for the long term interest of the industry and consumers!

I was advised that the newly-approved ceiling price for steel bars, announced by the government recently, was not practical as contractors still need to pay additional charges for supply of steel bars.

We are further told that even private “negotiations’ and a closed-door meeting with the related parties and the authorities last week did not find any solutions.

For the record - the government had announced that prices of steel bars have been raised from RM1,570 per tonne to RM1,884 while billets increased from RM1,294 per tonne to RM1,553 effective mid-April.

Whether this will impede construction or not we should ask the stakeholders!

But I think their stand is quite clear.

They would prefer an ‘Open market’ which allows them to import or allow others to import citing that would stabilise prices!

It is a fact that as contractors builders cannot rely on short-term changes in the cost structure of building materials as this would incur additional costs according to the contract period.

JG - VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN MUST BE ADDRESSED!

JG - VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN MUST BE ADDRESSED AND WE HAVE NOT LEARNT LESSONS FROM THE PAST!
 

A day after all the media blitz and hype how crime is going t be addressed comes another series of bombshell when an 18-year-old girl was abducted by bogus policemen, raped and forced to entertain more than 10 men over three days.

And of all places in the Prime Minister’s own backyard – Kepala Batas!

According to media reports and from feedbacks from my friends in Kepala Batas the said victim has indeed lodged a report after escaping from the house where she had been locked up.

It all started as usual in all similar cases where the victim was riding pillion on her boyfriend’s motorcycle.

The couple was stopped by a group of men who introduced themselves as policemen.

Yes policemen!

The men ordered her boyfriend to leave and for the victim to ride pillion on one of their motorcycles.

The girl was taken to an abandoned house in a nearby village where the men took turns to rape her.

I am surprised that at that “village” the residents did not suspect something amiss as villagers in our towns almost are not penetrable as neighbors know who’s in and whose outsiders!

It was sad to learn that this victim was gagged during the said time she was there and worst still raped by several other men who turned up at the house.

Upon her escape, she lodged a report at the Kepala Batas police station and was sent for a medical check-up.

Police detained two men yesterday in connection with the case, but it is learnt that the main suspect had gone into hiding.

But I am certain our PDRM boys and gals can get a photo fit and put it in all newspapers especially in the vernacular newspapers and on TV!

Anyway the main suspect’s house is alleged to be located just behind the abandoned house.

There is certainly something strange about this case and I believe the assailants certainly are all known to each other!

Well, if you thought this was the only case for the day in the state think again as back in George Town, a woman was taken on a 30-minute terror ride before being robbed of RM6,000 in cash and valuables.

The 21-year old victim’s ordeal began at 11.45am while she was waiting in her car for two friends who had gone into a clinic in Jalan Terengganu.

A man opened her car door and forced her at knife-point to move over to the passenger seat.

He then drove to a housing estate in Bandar Baru Air Itam, 15km away, where he parked in an isolated spot and relieved her of her cash and valuables.

The man then fled on foot and the victim drove to a nearby police station where she lodged a report!

When I meet my dear friend Tan Sri IGP - I will certainly have this matter in mind to share!
 

STRANGE DECISIONS IN A COUNTRY THAT BOASTS OF ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY!

 laying pipelines no joke! 

So a company with a paid up capital at RM150, 000, with reported accumulated losses of RM155, 376 as at June 30 last year is being awarded a RM23.9 billion oil pipeline project?

What is so strange about this? 

It has happened in the past, is happening today and will continue to happen in the future! 

That is how business is done in Malaysia – and a practice that we want the world to follow! 

In fact, some of our leaders are very proud of this ‘business trend and convention’ which sees the divides between corporate, political and executive dim and disappear! 

So what do we know about this project? 

Simply nothing! 

We are told that pipeline will transport Middle East oil across the north of its peninsula to East Asian countries. 

So has the laws of the land being followed or put mildly ‘bent without breaking’ or simply broken in the name of ‘political expediency and agenda’ allowing a relaxed approach to the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 as we are alleged to in countless multi billion ringgit projects ventures of the past? 

Are we not concerned that this massive project will pass through fishing ports, padi farms, forest reserves, the Temenggor Lake, areas with tourist attractions and along densely populated areas? 

Not forgetting that this construction will involve a distance of 312km where a crude-oil pipeline will traverse three northern states - Kedah, Perak and Kelantan.

Strangely also the educated and politically conscious Malaysians are unable to respond to this project since the provision in the EQA 1974 have yet to be followed. 

And if so how was the project given an approval since the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is not available on the project. 

Adding to the mystery and since details are scant and others are shrouded in secrecy what is alarming is the revelation from the Department of Environment (DOE) director (assessment) Halimah Hassan confirming that the EIA report has not been submitted. 

Strange dealings in an administration that politically boast at home and abroad of transparency, accountability and good governance and in fact came in on that ‘roll call’ in the last general elections but frowns on those who dare question the anomalies that are repeatedly apparent in government decisions and behavioral patterns. 

So we should not be shocked or question when mother nature in turn, turns her wrath on us when we temper with the fine ecological and environmental balance in our obsession to serve the corporate greed which unfortunately hurts the little people among us with the loss of a lake and park, devastating floods, landslides causing a loss of life, economic loss and the displacement of communities all in the name of ‘financially questionable business ventures’ undertaken by individuals and this case,  a company whose track record at best is questionable! 

BANGLADESH WORKERS - WHERE JUSTICE FOR THEM WHO ARE CHEATED!

 YOU ARE RIGHT AND MY COMMENTS ARE JUSTIFIED - THEY ARE BEING EXPLOITED SO THAT A SELECT GROUP OF HIGH POWERED ‘PARIAHS OF THE CIVILISED WORLD COULD BE RICH!

I am really saddened after being advised by fellow researchers that these Bangladeshis whose stories appear in the Malaysian media have claimed among others that they were fed leftover food from a restaurant.

Like the over 25,000 before them - these fellas must have thought they were coming to the ‘promised land’ - a land of milk and honey of sorts, where lucrative wages, plentiful food and benevolent employers are abound.

They should have checked with my team and I first! More so, now after winning many international recognitions for the work we do! But they did not!

And sad to say theirs was a nightmare like many others, that includes, those who came from the Indian subcontinent!In this case, we are advised that 300 Bangladeshi workers were held captive, starved, beaten and forced to work for a pittance in an electronics factory In Malaysia.

We are told that the workers’ ordeal began three months ago when they arrived in Kuala Lumpur.

Their agent took the group and crammed them into a shabby house in Port Klang Selangor for a month. The allegations are that they were fed ‘leftovers from a restaurant’ and the beatings were intense and constant.

We are told that there are physical trauma on their bodies! One of the workers, known only as Al-Amin is reported to have stated that they were given rotten food and were beaten when they complained. That their hair was pulled, they were punched and kicked!

And when they fell ill, they were not given treatment! After their stay in Port Klang, they were transported to a hostel in Jalan Gelang Emas where they lived and worked for two months at the electronics factory.

But their welfare did not get better as each of them was only paid RM100 for two months’ work it was alleged! Yes - I am told that the Bangladesh embassy is looking into their plight and arranging for them to be sent home.

Why sent home why not kept here under government expense while those behind this approval all of them in total - you know whom I mean who facilitated this are made to account for this mess that has made again Malaysia ‘a laughing stock’ all around the world and that includes at the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Hague and coming after days when even American State department ’screwed us royally’ to screams of denials from our politicos as usual!

Anyway the embassies responce are all too familiar - if they are honest they will confess they neither ‘have the urge, the manpower resources nor the commitment to address this fiasco’ and it happens all the time!

But the question remains: What happens to those who made the applications for them here and in Dacca, who approved them, what was paid and how much?

The caretaker Bangladesh government should move in and I am ready to assist them as I have already told them when a team of ‘connected and high powered officials’ contacted me!

It is time to name them ‘all openly’ and ‘in truth’ after all ‘even thieves have honor’ but these lower creatures and lifeforms don’t!

They like their counterparts lie, deceive, cheat, abuse, committ fraud but have a great deal of ’showmanship’, they smoke only cigars, meet in posh hotels,drive big continental cars like BMWs and Mercs, some are married to Malaysian women and live here in Malaysia!

But the truth being - no amount of the so called ‘items of new found wealth’ is going to give these ’swines” a honor/recognition, more so, when they cheat innocents who are alleged to have sacrificed the ‘little they have’ and pay anything from RM9k to 14k to come to Malaysia in hope - to provide their families a future only to find that they have first of all none for themselves!

What is sad is the perpetrators of this henious crime and betrayal themselves - first came to Malaysia as foreign workers, then returned as agents and drove Protons, then wooed Malaysian women for obvious reasons and married them and later set up companies under their wives or others, proxys, and if rumors are correct a large number of outsourcing companies are now really alleged to be financed by the same group who have friends and business relationships with our so called “political and connected” lower life forms and - if this is not a crime I wonder what really is?

Yes they live in big houses and also drive BMWs and Mercs! But really they still do not have class!

They can claim to be religious, pray all the time but really they are worst than garbage!

But they will face the WRATH OF GOD for the sins they are doing - period!

GOD BE PRAISED!

JG APPEALS TO HRH THE SULTAN OF SELANGOR & YAB PM ABDULLAH TO SAVE SUBANG RIA PARK!

IS SUBANG RIA PARK IN THE JAWS OF DESTRUCTION?

Whose oversight and negligence was it when a separate title was issued to a developer for the 32 hectare park and lake popularly known as Subang Ria Park in Selangor?

How many titles for other open spaces such as lakes and parks are still in the hands of developers and yet to be surrendered to the government?

The tragedy of Subang Jaya is that more than thirty years ago, hundreds of pensioners and others invested in an unknown housing scheme after being given the representation that they also would become ‘co-owners’ of the 32ha land which has a lake, park and recreational area.

So, they invested in this scheme even though there were more established ones in other areas.

Today, more than 30 years later, thanks to bureaucratic incompetence, foolishness and apathy of the highest order, the title for the 32ha park still lies in the developer’s hands.

Now the only green lung in the mammoth concrete jungle called Subang Jaya is about to be exposed to further unhindered construction and perhaps, in future, to massive floods.

The wrangle for control over the park had been going on long enough between the developer, the municipal council, the state government, NGO’s like the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) and residents groups who want the title to be returned to the local council for the area to be gazetted as a park.

From time to time, when public outcry becomes politically unbearable. Those in the seats of power would assure that no development would be approved for the park. But when the heat is off, again we hear of development plans and schemes for the area.

This is a pity because if political leaders whom we respect and repeatedly return to power cannot keep their promises and uphold the right of the individual and the community, why should that community continue to blindly vote them in?

The Subang Ria Park tragedy and similar ones throughout the country over show us today quite clearly that we should not put our trust in those who make many countless representations in many versions, ultimately betraying us voters.

The pertinent question in Subang Jaya is when will such betrayal come to a halt and will those behind it be made to account for wronging the community who have since time immemorial repeatedly voted in Barisan Nasional?

JG sincerely appeal to our beloved Sultan of Selangor and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to please right a wrong and instruct that the 32ha of land called the Subang Ria Park be gazetted soonest as park and recreational area for all.

CREDIT CARDS - NOW NOR SAYS HIS PIECE?

  

For the second finance minister discipline matters when handling credit cards but the truth is - are Malaysians a disciplined lot?

So the bright news for everyone is the government does not see a need to tighten conditions for ownership of credit cards because what is important is the discipline of holders in enjoying the benefits in the right way!

The comments coming from none other but Malaysia’s second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

He feels that the credit card has to be used as ‘a facility’ to make payments and not to get loans, adding that the existing criteria for owning credit cards are adequate.

But he caveats his views with the notion that discipline is vital in handlng/managing the credit card!

Nor Mohamed also says that in Malaysia, 60 percent of credit card holders use the facility as a mode of payment while 40 percent use it as a mechanism to obtain loans.

But he is right when he says thats where the present problem lies - when one obtain loans easily, one do not consider the fact that one has to repay. One cannot spend beyond one’s capacity!

But that is the national dilemmna is it not from students taking loans that they pay not back or others taking loans from creditors or ‘Ah Longs’ and not paying back then screaming for cover with all kinds of excuses! 

You know my thoughts on this one already!

DON’T BE KIASU - TAKE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR YOUR WORKERS EMPLOYERS TOLD!

 ‘their sacrifice here in Malaysia must be appreciated!” - “Without them there will be no twin towers or any of the other macro projects being completed!” - Dr Jacob George 

Malaysian Deputy Human Resources Minister says Employers Need To Insure Foreign Workers and JG fully agrees!

I believe that more than 30 per cent of 1.92 million foreign workers in the country in many a sector were not insured by their employers.

And how have they managed to escape this dont’ ask?

But, Deputy Human Resources Minister, Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar who disclosed this stated most of the employers claimed that they need not take out insurance for their foreign workers because they had paid levies before they came here.

That is another joke! They paid the levis? Never mind, we will leave it - “this myth” at that!

But even if they did the deputy minister was of course right in saying that that insurance coverage bought in their home countries was not valid here!

Thats elementary but our bright and ’smart Alex’ seem to be dumbfounded on a fact like this!

We fully agree with the deputy minister that Malaysian employers should buy insurance for their foreign workers from the 24 companies appointed by the government for their benefit in times of death or accident at the work place.

In fact, if I am not wrong this ruling had been enforced since 1992!

And it protects the ‘rights and interest cum welfare’ of the employee who is contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth!

But we tend to forget that don’t we?

BAN ON SMOKING - JG SUPPORTS HEALTH MINISTRY MOVE!

‘We Want leaders who are non smokers!”

I was glad to hear that the Health Ministry is “in the midst of reviewing” its proposal to ban smoking in all entertainment outlets!

And making the staement was Health Ministry parliamentary-secretary, Datuk Lee Kah Choon.

He stated that the government would be expanding the non-smoking areas to include public parks, food outlets and business premises as part of the smoke-free campaign launched early this year.

The move to extend the ban to parks stemmed from complaints from the public, especially non-governmental organisations and CASSA is among them!

I fully agree with him when he says:

“People going to the parks for outdoor activities should not be deprived of the chance to breathe fresh air. Smokers who pollute the clean air at parks must be penalised!”

So where are the enforcement officers and their summons?

I am advised that studies showed that smoking was the cause of 30 per cent of the cancer cases in the country and thus certainly we need this expansion of the law and its enforcement!

Perhaps, our leaders can start by example and stop smoking that would be brillant.

Perhaps, for the next election the PM should only choose non smokers as candidates for political posts both at state and parliament?

PENANG AIRPORT SHOULD STAY WHERE IT IS SAYS JG!

‘Old Is Gold - Let Penang Airport Be! 

As a Penang born - I am really glad that there is no plans ( or just yet?) to relocate the present Penang International Airport to a new site in Batu Kawan.

When I worked with the proactive & premier consumer association in the country - the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) we had worked extensively on various issues here and know the area and gradient very well!

When I first heard the rumors (rumors always come correct in Malaysia!) I was of course furious as I do nor believe in the PFI ventures (Private Finance Initiatives) at all, as they bleed the raayat and the predators get off laughing all the way to the bank with their politician friends, cronies and pariah brokers who call themselves today economic or banking consultants and they are of all colors and shades and weights with their cigars and bow ties!

I am glad that dear friend, Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon yesterday denied that any plans had been made by the state government, saying that it had not been mentioned in the Penang Structural Plan presented at the National Physical Planning Council.

It is important that decisions are made with the people’s desires in mind and not pariah business predators or so called corporate people!

Enough of examples here in Malaysia of white elephants - enough of bleeding scant resources to boost someones else bank reserves!

Let Penang Airport be!

THANK YOU ADS - NO THANKS SAYS JG! READ THE MALAYSIAKINI REPORT!

‘No thank you ads’ directive a good move

G Vikneswary

Several groups reacted positively to the directive for ministries and government departments to refrain from placing newspaper advertisements thanking VIPs and dignitaries for attending or launching their events.   Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan was reported today to have issued the directive in a circular dated June 7, saying the money used for placing such advertisements could be better used for other more beneficial purposes. Responding to the directive, Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw said it was welcome news as there were cheaper modes of expressing appreciation, such as through mobile text messages, cards, e-mail, telephone calls, or fax. “It seems a like form of bribery which is not acceptable. What is the point of spending such large amounts to place such advertisements over one or two pages,” he told malaysiakini. Unethical The Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) also welcomed the directive. “Government ministries and departments should focus more on doing their work and utilising the money in a better way,” its chairperson Jacob George said. “Such a practice (of placing congratulatory advertisements) is unethical,” he said. The circular was posted on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister, was addressed to all ministry secretaries-general, federal-level heads of department, state government secretaries, and heads of statutory bodies, reported the New Straits Times.

I JUST WISH THEM BOTH PEACE AND PLENTY OF HAPPINESS!

MAY THERE BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING! 

I am really glad that Malaysia will once again have a First Lady, when Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Jeanne Abdullah tie the knot tomorrow afternoon.

The akad nikah or marriage solemnisation ceremony will be held at the premier’s official residence Seri Perdana, in Putrajaya.

As for me and my family, I just want to wish both of them all GOD RICHEST PEACE AND HAPPINESS -THAT THEY BOTH RIGHTLY DESERVE - PERIOD!

The chemistry between Pak Lah and Jeanne is certainly there and let us continue to uphold them both in all our prayers!

GOD BLESS!

MINISTER CRACKS THE WHIP ON PRICE INCREASES!

 ‘the minister’s pledge is welcomed by JG!’ 

I am glad to note that Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, dear friend, Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged retailers to report wholesalers and manufacturers who indiscriminately increase prices of essential goods to the ministry.

He has asked them to come forward and give the information to the KPDNHEP enforcement division.

He promises that - If it is proven that wholesalers or manufacturers had flouted regulations, stern action will be taken agianst them!

I believe the minister was responding to a special report quoting me in yesterday’s Harian Metro an page 24!

Among other things, I had stated that unless the wholesalers and importers are managed - price increases will not be fetted!

I had also called for joint meetings with the target groups and the industry’s ‘big boys’ and those holding the monopolies instead of just outright fines on the small timers like the retailers!

Interestingly also the minister had said that some 1,687 wholesalers in Perlis were checked under the ministry’s ‘Ops Gaji’ anti-price hike operation as of Wednesday.

Of the number, the ministry acted on 18 cases under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 and issued fines totalling RM5,400.

Perhaps, in reply to the Harian Metro report Shafie also stated that the ministry had held a meeting with major food manufacturers to discuss price increases in items like beverages, condensed milk and instant noodles and asked them to maintain the old prices.

He said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation, study price movements and hold talks with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to ensure that consumers were not burdened.

I am glad that the minister has responded to certainly my comments in Harian Metro and I look forward to working closely with him and the ‘boys and gals’ at the said ministry to protect consumer interest!

CONSUMER COMPLAINS AT HIGH PRICES AT FOODSTALL!

  

‘Dear Dr Jacob George,

Greetings!

First let me congratulate your team and you on a fine job that all of you are doing protecting our interest!

I am writing this email to make a complaint for the high price of meal at NZ Mamak Restaurant located in Jalan Sultan Ismail, behind 7-11 store and next to Menara Standard Chartered & California Fitness Center.  

Recently, I ordered a double maggi mee goreng with no meat and that was charged for RM6.    I argued with the cashier and what he has told me was that is the cost of a double pack of maggi mee.   

However, I thought that’s too high for just plain maggi mee goreng.   Most of my colleagues also complained that this restaurant is very expensive compared to other mamak restaurants.  

I really appreciate if you could initiate an investigation on the mentioned restaurant. Thank you so much.  Regards  

Eric (KL)’  Dr J replies:  Thank you for your feedback. I assure you that our team is looking into this complaint.