NAZA GROUP WHERE IS YOUR CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY?

NAZA WHERE IS YOUR CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY?

If this was to take place in the US, Japan, Korea, any of the European Union countries - the manufacturers would either recall, replace the defective with a new or better give another model to please the customer/consumer as negative publicity such as this will ruin their image.

But in Malaysia – corporate governance and responsibility seems to take a back seat!

We live in a world where people are more interested in spins, appearing in society pages, magazines, pull outs and lobbying for titles?

Worse, in this case, I personally called NAZA more than 10 times to speak to the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director downwards but each time even the secretaries tell me they did not know where their bosses were!

I left my mobile number and none contacted me!

It is sad and shocking because the late Tan Sri was a good friend and I know him from my ‘Sungei Petani days!’

On his watch this would never have taken place – period!

The letter of Complaint is herewith enclosed: ‘Res iptar Loquitur!’

‘Dear Dr.Jacob George

1)      I am the owner of a Naza Ria bearing registration no. WLD9399 MPV) which I purchased in September, 2003.

2)      In November, 2008, the engine start overheating as water had entered the lubricant oil compartment.

3)      A major overhaul was done and I was charged a sum of RM 7,084.50 on 23/12/08.

4)       Water started entering the lubricant oil compartment again and I had to pay a sum of RM 1,944.00 on

22/1/09 for a 2nd overhaul.

5)       On 20/7/09, the MPV was sent in for repairs again for the same problem but was only released to me on 23/10/09

(a delay of 95 days!) and I was charged a sum of RM2,121.00.

5.1)    A verbal warrranty of 6 months was given for the parts replaced.

5.2)    Customer service of Naza Ria Sdn Bhd is well aware of my case as I brought up this issue at a meeting with them

at their premises on 11/8/2009.

6)    At the end of October, I was charged another sum of RM2,129.00.

7)    On 17/11/209, the MPV again overheated and was sent in for repairs and it is still there unattended to.

8)     The workshop is apparently waiting for directions from Naza Kia Sdn Bhd as to how to repair the engine as the liners

(original Naza parts) have been changed no less than 3 times.

9)    It has been more than a year now that the overheating problem started and they still do not know how to repair the same.

10)    To suggest to me now to modify the engine but at the same time no warranty can be given is the pits!

11)    I have been deprived of the usage of MPV for more than 100 days since the problem started a year ago and have to resort to

borrowing cars, hiring cars and taxis for my daily chores.

12)    The hiring of a Naza Ria MPV is about RM300.00 per day.

12.1)    That easily works out to more than RM30,000.00 and counting for the loss of use of my MPV.

13)    Perodua is only willing to trade in my MPV (if it is still working!) for a sum of RM28,000.00 if I buy their new MPV.

14)    I have been extremely patient all this time and it is high time that Naza Ria Sdn Bhd comes clean with me and replace my

Naza Ria with a brand new Toyota Alphad at their cost.

As you are the leading and much respected consumer advocate in this country I cannot but now seek your involvement to address my problems with the Naza Group.

Yours faithfully

Pat’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

FRAUDS AND SCAMS - NOW THEY CLAIM TO BE BRITISH!

‘It is open hunting season and these rascals will never give up trying to con you of your monies. So please stay focused and do not get greedy and let your guard down!’ - Dr Jacob George.

This is a classic example of a fraud, fake and con so please be alert!(see below)

‘British Lottery Headquarters:
Customer Service.
41 CHALK FARM ROAD , LONDON , UK
Ref: BTL/491OXI/04
Batch: 12/25/0304

WINNING NOTIFICATION

We happily announce to you the draw of the British Lottery International programs  held  recently in London .
Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 564 75600545-188 with serial number 5388/02 drew the lucky numbers: 31-6-26-13-35-7, which subsequently won you the lottery in the 2nd category.

You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of US$3,500,000.00 (Three million, five hundred thousand, United States Dollars) in cash credited to file RPC/9080118308/04 made available from a total cash prize of US $125 Million dollars, shared amongst the first Fifty (50) lucky winners in this category.

All participants were selected randomly from world wide web sites through a computer drawn system and extracted from over 100,000 companies. This promotion takes place annually.

To file for your claim, contact our
fiduciary agent with the below details;
AGENT:Andrew Liu
Email:liu.andrewliu.andrew@gmail.com

Please provide him with your details such as:
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Address:
Nationality:
Occupation:
Phone Number:
Fax    Number:
Mobile  Number:
Email:

To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, quote your reference/batch numbers in any correspondences with us or our designated agent. Congratulations once more.

Faithfully,
Tony Huddlestone.
British Lottery Board.’
 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

BEWARE – ‘AFRICAN SCAM INFILTRATE SOCIAL NETWORKS!’

‘These con artists are now already operating from the UK, France, Holland, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, China and even Malaysia as professionals – doctors, veterinarians, diplomats, lawyers, students and under various guises, so please do be careful!’ - Dr Jacob George

BEWARE – ‘AFRICAN SCAM INFILTRATE SOCIAL NETWORKS!’

I had to ‘undercover’ and managed to help retrieve Sarah’s (not her real name) monies in an internet dating scam but you may not be that lucky - so read and be on alert!

We managed to identify several cases of infiltration and we cite one here as we zero in on the others before alerting the site operators.

In the following case, the predator is a female but the ‘modus operandi’ is the same using the same dating/social network!

They are similar to the scam letters regarding ill stashed millions of generals, dead presidents, oil ministers or deposed regimes, audit advisers of international banks or lawyers of dead presidents and dictators!

The difference here they play on the emotional vulnerability of an individual!

In this case we investigated - the trickster was a woman claims to be 44, divorced, a Christian but Indian Orthodox of French descendants but now living in Kingston Upon Hull in the UK.

And she wrote the following in a popular marriage website having clients the world over!

Her said introduction is reproduced here unedited.

‘My DEAREST ONE
Greetings to you and your family in the name of God. In my search for a reliable and God fearing person and having gotten your contact through prayers and painstaking efforts I have decided to seek your help in carrying out my last wishes.
As you read this, I don’t want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday. My name is Mrs. Anna Dash. I am a merchant of France nationality but presently residing in London. I have good health with attractive look.
I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this, as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world.
I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends.
I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul, so I have decided to give almost to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds.
I am looking for trustworthy man who can give me love & will make me happy which i lost in my life.
I wish to live remaining life with him, travel around the world & enjoy every moment with him.
So please contact me if you smart, trustworthy, loyal, well educated & willing to settle with me.

Mrs Anna Dash’

How it all started?

The victim in the above case lost substantial monies to the trickster!

It all started after I was tipped off by a member of my church, ‘Sarah’ who frequented the website and tricked of a few thousand ringgit by the same con (similar letter and phrases used except in that the candidate was a male Caucasian).

After weeks of chat, emails, the sending ‘to and fro’ of photographs, the die was cast!

The person claimed to have arrived in KLIA and called her mobile informing her that he was detained by the Immigration for bringing into the country Pound Sterling 50,000.00 and wanted her to part with RM15, 000.00 to help free him from his alleged captors who had allegedly detained him at KLIA and wanted a kickback!

Thank God - she did not have so much money (if not all would have gone!) but all the same she sent by telegraphic transfer (to a local bank) part payment of a few thousand ringgit after that said Caucasian and the alleged captors spoke to her numerous times with all kinds and nature of threats and inducements.

After sending the monies she calls me and emotionally breaks down seeking my intervention to ‘free her lover!’

Worst, initially she was extremely rude demanding that I use my contacts in the Home Ministry to get him released.

She showed me his photograph which she carried in her mobile but failed to answer intelligently the questions I had raised!

She was adamant that the entire episode was not staged – silly and foolish woman!

Though I knew it was a con and that she had being tricked she was adamant that her ‘friend’ was ‘innocent’ and in trouble.

I advised her to lodge several police reports and she did reluctantly!

I followed through with alerting the said bank to which the monies was transferred successfully getting the account frozen.

I got a mobile company and my contacts to track the number and with friends in important places set the stage to detain them.

They even had the audacity to call me, speaking in unadulterated English and Bahasa Malaysia instructing me how they wanted the payments made.

They were brilliant, showed no remorse or fear even gave the impression that they were connected here!

For a moment, I thought I was the fool! But only ‘for a moment’ so, do not get ideas!

When they failed to withdraw the monies through the ATM - they knew their game was up!

They escaped before the authorities could detain them and in most cases, they do - strange which makes them all the more bold as they run this kind and other scams the world over, these days using the UK, Holland, Spain, Germany, France, Hong Kong, China, and even Malaysia!

The bank was extremely cordial and assisted us all the way and eventually the said monies were retrieved but I am certain there are hundreds of similar cases that were not so lucky!

I checked with sources in the Home Ministry and found no such detention was in place, more so, under the claims of which it was cited.

As such, we repeat herein our advice.

Please be extremely careful as there are a mixed bag of con artists at work as you can see from the manner the above script is written.

A careful analysis of the said writing, the key and common phrases used should alert even the adventurers and foolish amongst us!

There can be other ways we can get out adrenalin boast!

Sarah (not her real name) was lucky but you may not, so stay smart and safe!

These con artists are now already operating in the UK as professionals – doctors, veterinarians, diplomats, lawyers, and under various guises, so please do be careful!

They come in all nationalities, professions and are very slick, pretty, handsome and gosh - they are good, so be warned!

Alert the police – alert Interpol and those in the UK – if you need assistance I can give you several names of friends at Scotland Yard!

Let us turn hunters instead of being hunted and worse royally screwed financially!

Trust you got my drift!
 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

MPs TOLD - QUESTION MILLION RINGGIT MELAKA OIL STORAGE TERMINAL!

‘I want to ask whether a local bank is going to be used and if the project fails, like many of our well projected on paper, with glossy finish and financial charts, all speculative, of course - projects abroad in South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam which are alleged to have had local bank funding and ultimate losses what are the fall back solutions and follow up recovery plans?’ - Dr Jacob George

MPs TOLD - INVESTIGATE MILLION RINGGIT MELAKA OIL STORAGE TERMINAL

As usual, it is a multi million ringgit project – Phase 1 marine Terminal  and Jetty is estimated at RM160 Million, phase 2 Multipurpose Storage Tanks estimated project cost 384 million, Phase 3 a Power plant estimated cost RM16 million and Phase 4 Infrastructures and Facilities estimated costs RM140 million which includes reclamation!

The site will be ‘on a man made island off - off the sacred Pulau Besar!’

I thought many would have learnt lessons or two not to play with the holy and the sacred and attempting to do this so close to that religious island is a bad omen!

The last time an idiot did something ridiculous on this island the whole of Malacca was left without water for several years and that person embroiled in controversy and politically deposed!

But again, there is that spin why Malacca was chosen!

We are told Malacca was chosen because it is strategic, people friendly leadership, politically stable and having excellent transport and business infrastructure!

We are told that the state will be home to Malaysia’s first seaport with an independent oil storage tank facility with the building of the RM700mil Malacca Oil Storage Terminal in Pulau Besar by the middle of 2010.

We are told that the terminal would be built on 36.4ha on the island and be equipped with 25 storage tanks that can hold 250 tonnes of refined petroleum.

We are told that the terminal will make it convenient for ships plying the Straits of Malacca to refuel while on transit to their destinations?

We are told that the terminal would be built in four phases comprising a marine terminal and jetty, multipurpose oil storage tank farms, a 5MW power plant and an administration building.

We are told that more than 800 jobs would be created while the local economy would be boosted.

We are told that the project would be a catalyst for growth owing to the state’s strategic location on the trade route for bulk liquid cargo.

I am aware that in East Asia, there is close to 40 billion barrels of crude oil reserves with more than 11 million barrels transiting through the Straits of Malacca but that does not mean Malacca is the perfect choice when there are other better equipped ports with a better track record!

It is rubbish to say that just having the latest technologies in electrical, instrumentation and automation equipment, tank process control and applications would make a great world class port!

Since this is a massive project, I want to ask the relevant authorities which includes, a deputy minister who officiated its ceremony a week ago whether there has been an EIA report on the said project?

Will this also create problems for our local fishermen and others involved in the sea lane?

I want to ask what is the real source of the funds for this project.

Who are the end users?

Has there been independent assessment and real risk management studies undertaken to assess whether this is a viable project in view of the presence of Port Dickson and other ports already in a better location and position and with track record to provide the service?

Is there ultimately the volume to justify this project or is it another great idea like the bridge to Sumatra which looks great on multi colored project presentation with all kinds and nature of justification and figures on paper that may not be realized once it is constructed resulting in another multi million ringgit white elephant while those who were behind which include the contractors of the project by then would have disappeared and laughing all the way to the bank!

I want to ask whether a local bank is going to be used and if the project fails like many of our well projected on paper with glossy finish and financial charts all speculative of course - projects abroad in South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam which are alleged to have had local bank funding and ultimate losses what are the fall back solutions and follow up recovery plans?

There are allegations already circulating of huge kick backs, of corruption and inflated costs are just tip of the iceberg!

So coming back, I want to ask which is local bank that is going to fund this project. Is the bank insulated?

I want to ask if there has been independent verification initiated by federal authorities on this project in view of the growing allegations of corruption, kickbacks and the involvement of very shady foreigners in this project.

I raise this issue because I have in my possession an undertaking letter from a Korean company which was mentioned in the report as being one of the parties awarded the project.

In the letter the Korean company had indicated that they were willing to pay commissions of 3% to those who brokered the deal, but to date, the allegations are that this was not fulfilled because there are allegations that they were waiting for the ‘draw downs’ from the banks to pay these commissions!

If this is indeed true, then something is strangely wrong from the onset on the financial ability of those picked!

It also means what is being span in the media and reality is far different!

I urge the incoming political leadership in Malacca to immediately freeze this project pending investigation by a select committee to independently assess this project and to shelve it if it is far fetched and not financially viable in the long run!

In view of public interest and the demands of transparency, accountability, good governance, I urge MPs from both political divide to raise questions on this project in Parliament so that there will be greater discussion and exposure on this project.

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

CITIBANK SLAMMED BY CONSUMER!

‘ I will save my comments for now but trust CITIBANK will do the right thing! The allegations are serious and must be addressed without fail!’ - Dr Jacob George

‘Dear Dr Jacob George,

I was approached via a telephone call from Citibank on the 2^nd or 3^rd of November 2009 to do a balance transfer.

I was informed that the rates were good and that I could save money if I did the balance transfer with Citibank. I asked them how much I could transfer from my other credit cards and was informed that I could transfer a total balance of RM2700.00.

I agreed to do the transfer and believed that in doing so I would be able to save some money on the interest payable. I was also led to believe that I would only be required to pay roughly RM1000.00 to settle the minimum payment including this balance transfer.

I then received a call from Citibank Card services a couple of days later on or about the 15^th of November informing me that my credit card was over the limit by RM500 plus and that they would be charging me RM25.00 for overdrawn limit and they were also asking me to pay a total of RM1553.00 so that I could be within my credit limit.

I was shocked. I did not use the card at all during the month of November and I could not be over the limit!

Upon further investigation I found out from the call center Badri on the 17^th of November at about 11.10pm that the over limit was caused by the balance transfer.

My question is this. How can the bank inform me that I can transfer RM2700.00 knowing full well that I do not have that balance in my credit card to transfer into?

They have ALL my details of transactions in their computers and I don’t. Now due to their negligence of transferring over my limit I am saddled with extra payments or RM25.00 as well as coming up with RM1553.00 to pay for someone else’s (in this case Citibank) mistake?

I do not believe that this is fair! This amount to trying to cheat me of my hard earned money.

I believe this practice is not right and not on! The least the bank could do is increase my credit limit by a mere RM600 and then waive the over limit fee charged as well as the interest on the over limit amount. I have asked the bank to do so but they have refused to. I have no options but to bring this to you!

I demand some form of censure on this type of practice by the bank (in particular Citibank) and I hope to hear from you with regard to this matter soon.

Kindly note that I am required to pay the outstanding amount by this 25^th November 2009 so time is of the essence.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

CPY

(address and NRIC Number withheld for security reasons)’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

THE MANY NEW FACES OF SCAMS - CONSUMERS WARNED!

THE MANY NEW FACES OF SCAMS - CONSUMERS WARNED!

These criminals and rascals do not stop do they, with their many versions of scams?

And sadly, despite my repeated warning in this blog and my many TV talk shows consumers are being lured in with various promises only to lose what little they have!

These scams are now not just originating from the mother continent of all scams - Africa, but from Holland, the UK, Hong, Kong, China, Italy, Spain and even Malaysia!

All I can say is please stay away from these scams they are nothing but trouble!  - Dr Jacob George

The new scam - see below:

MR. JERRY NTAI.

MEVAS BANK

QUEEN`S ROAD

CENTRAL BRANCH,

HONG KONG.

Good Day,

Please kindly accept my apology for sending you this email without your

consent. I believe you are a highly respected personality, considering

the fact

that I sourced your email from the peoples search database on the web

during my

discreet search for a foreign partner whom can assist me in taking this

business to it success. Though, I do not know to what extent you are familiar

with events. I have a proposal for you. This however is not mandatory nor will

I in any manner compel you to honor against your will, but I hope you

will read

on and consider the value I offer.

My name is Mr. Jerry Ntai; I am the Head of Operations in Mevas Bank, Hong

Kong. I have a business proposal in the tune of US$25.2m to be transferred to

an offshore account with your assistance if willing. After the successful

transfer, we shall share in ratio of 30% for you and 70% for me. Should you be

interested, please respond to my letter immediately, so we can commence all

arrangements and I will give you more information on the project and how we

would handle it.

You can contact me on my private email: ( mr.jerryntai50@gmail.com  ) and send

me the following information for documentation purpose:

(1) Full name:

(2) Private phone number:

(3) Current residential address:

(4) Occupation:

(5) Age and Sex:

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Jerry Ntai.

—————————————————————-

This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.

–

Este mensaje ha sido analizado por MailScanner

en busca de virus y otros contenidos peligrosos,

y se considera que está limpio.

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

NOW MAXIS GETS HAMMERED BY CONSUMERS OVER iPHONE!

‘As far as I am concerned having experienced the same I say this is a racket! There are many issues here from deposit taking, unreasonable waiting time, a business strategy that sucks.

The first come first served motto compromised and while Consumers are screaming MAXIS is laughing all the way to be bank!

This is all wrong and the bad news is MAXIS is not the only one using this business strategy! And it is time I brought this to the attention of my minister and enforcement team so that certain policy revisions would be initiated to address the issues highlight by Sim in his letter!

There is minimum editing on this letter as I want other consumers to feel the anxiety and disappointment of Sim Yong Sern in the simple but convicted way he says things!

Well done Sim!’ - Dr Jacob George

NOW MAXIS GETS HAMMERED BY CONSUMERS OVER iPHONE! 

‘Dear Dr Jacob George,

I am a Maxis Postpaid Subscriber from September 2009.

Before this date I was a Hotlink Prepaid Subscriber for about 8-9 years. I had made a decision to switch to postpaid subscription with Maxis instead of other Telco Operator like Digi (same rate within & without same network), Celcom; mostly because I wish to order the iPhone which only applicable thru Maxis.

So before I committed myself into a contract of 12 or 24 months in order to own the iPhone, I tried out the Maxis Value Plus 50 plan, to ensure there isn’t much unwanted expenses occurred for the monthly commitment since before this I’m comfortable with the higher rate charges using Hotlink Prepaid.

Then I had my 1^st postpaid bill, audited, not much issue, just have notice there isn’t much information on how’s the rate for all type of usage charges using this plan, for example, the data usage rate, the video call rate etc. The brochure not stated also, not even the website. [I attached herewith to you few screen capture from web site].

After that, I started to survey which contract plan provided to order iPhone most suitable to my usage. Then finally I decided to choose iData 3 which cost RM99/month, and I can order the iPhone 3GS 16GB at price RM1990 with 12 months contract (don’t wish to have the 24 months contract due to I found out some usage rate from maxis plan is higher compare to other telco, having 24 months of contract will cause myself cannot have flexibilities on change to most cost savings plan according my usage.

Alright some questions might may be asked for my decision like why don’t I just purchase outright at RRP price, well, Maxis just have to say sorry for stopping the outright purchase).

Hence, I placed my RM200 deposit to confirm my order at Aeon Bukit Tinggi MEP (Maxis Exclusive Partner) Center on 14 October 2009, which the Customer Service there mentioned I’ll be able to get my iPhone in 3-4 weeks. [Attached screen capture for reference].

Until today 19 November 2009, after 5 weeks, I still cannot get my iPhone ready for pickup. I had been attend back to the MEP Center where I placed the order for few times, asked the Customer Service, they just responded there is no stock come in for them to distribute to pre-book customer.

Well at first I’m ok with the explanation, because many customers are also in waiting list. But last 2 weeks, I already get frustrated with the handling of this issue, because there is an event happened on Pavilion Maxis Center where some customer just walk in and make order then sign one of the contract plan provided, they able to get their iPhone on the spot.

Then last week again this happened at Mid Valley which hosted a Road Show where customers were able to get the iPhone on the spot or within 1-2 days. Although the mentioned location soon out of stock within 1-2 days due to many people made purchase.

The point is, whether this type of sales strategy is fair to those customers that paid deposit up front, for my case, RM200 for 5 weeks waiting.

And I cannot cancel the order with the MEP, the deposit cannot be refunded and cannot be put into my postpaid account as advance payment for the bill.

So when I got the news I cannot go to above location to get the iPhone on the spot, taken this action will cause me lost RM200 deposit, and also cause me lost opportunity getting the iPhone earlier when there is ready stock at other location.

The distribution process from Maxis is not fair, the sales strategy also not fair, which certain places got iPhone stock without customer made deposit order, and there able to get sales by having customer get the iPhone on the spot. The Term and Condition stated is so unfair for the above case. [Attached screen capture from the Term and Condition document for pre-booking iPhone 3GS].

I’m not satisfied with the explanation I received after those promotion sales held at Pavilion & Mid Valley. I’m not sure how about other customers that also place deposit on October 2009 but have not received their iPhone until now.

Customers who make deposit for the sales of goods should always have the priority to receive the goods in agreed date, the delay of the delivery will let the buyer have compensation in the manner of discount on existing order or other benefit to compensate the lost of due date comply.

Does a consumer like me or others who meet the same situation have the above mentioned stuff, NO, so this is not a FAIR TRADE.

I cannot but wonder whether other customers are able to get their goods on the spot or that this is the same problem through Malaysia!

Please correct me if I’m wrong, because there is no publicity information make available.

Thank you.

Sim Yong Sern’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

MOT SHOULD INVESTIGATE CARGO/LOGISTIC COMPANIES!

‘As long as you have a valid complaint, have the receipts, invoices, and other documentation to show proof that there was a wrong – we will address it without fear or favor!

That has been our track record and will continue to be!

This matter will be copied to our friends at the Ministry of Transport immediately!’ - Dr Jacob George

VALUABLE ITEMS DAMAGED AND CARGO SERVICE COMPANY TAKEN TO TASK!

‘Dear Sir,

My name is Kalidasan, an Indian National, working in Malaysia for the last 12 years. I am 55 years old. My working permit is still valid till JULY 2011. I was supposed to retire last September. But my Boss compelled me to stay back another 2 more years.

Now let me come to my problem. Because I thought, I am retiring; I send all my things to my Home in India by a Cargo Service in MAZJID INDIA area on 2/8/09, through a middle agent at the place I am staying. I also brought two new items, a Double Door Fridge & a Washing Machine. there were totally 19 packages.  It was sent to the address of my wife in Kerala.  Since I was not retiring, I went to India on Leave.

The items arrived in India after 40 days, even though promised delivery within 2 weeks. When the items arrived I had gone to the near by town.

The Delivery personnel did not wait till I came back. When opened the parcels it was found that the two new items were damaged seriously.

I am attaching the photos of the damaged items with this mail. Immediately I called the middle agent by phone and informed him of the Damages. There was lot of DING DONG and nothing happened.

After one month leave, I came back to Malaysia and together with the middle agent, went to see the Manager/Partner of the Cargo Service. Since I had sent through the middle agent, I only received a faxed copy of their Invoice.

I did receive an original from the Middle agent. In the faxed copy it is clearly stated that, Electronic Items which does not have Original Company packing will not have any Guarantee. But, both the damaged items are new and send with the Company packing and they are bound to give me guarantee.

The Cargo people told me that this was a mistake done by the Indian Transport Company and they will repair the items and I should accept that. I can not agree this. I need a new replacement or they must pay me RM 2900/-, the money I spend on the items, including sending charges.

I want to know, whether, as a foreigner & expatriate, my complaint will be accepted and I will get justice. If yes, then I will send an official complaint. I am holding No.3 position in a Listed Company in Sungei Buloh.

I am attaching photos only. Copy of Invoices, etc, will be send with the official complaint.

Thanks & Regards,

Kalidasan PCV,
(details given by withheld for security reasons)’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

MERRY MAID GETS SCREWED BY ANGRY CONSUMER!

‘As I always say - if you have the services you provide in print with the costs involved side by side - you are expected to provide as such and a failure would be, as far as I am concerned, an attempt to mislead or worse, cheat a consumer!’ - Dr Jacob George
CASSA LETTERS - NOW MERRY MAID GETS SCREWED!

Dear Dr Jacob George,

Re: Complain for poor services provided by Mary Maid Cleaning Service

I am writing to you to complain of a problem I have encountered with Merry Maid Sdn Bhd (572574-H) 3, Jalan SS2/59, 47300, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-78748567 cleaning services. Your advice and action in resolving the following issue is most appreciated.

On Oct 2, 2009 Mary Maid sent one of their representative staff named Siti (marketing Supervisor) Tel: 0136647819 to my house for “work assessment”. She took about an hour to assess my house at 39, Jalan BU6/2 Bandar Utama 47800 PJ. Selangor. During the assessment, she explained to me about the customized services for various areas of my home as follows,

1-   Per Visit RM105 additional RM50 for the first visit.

2-   Unlimited cleaning hour (as long as they finish my home).

3-    All Rooms
Clean, dust, vacuum and mop. Dust window sills & ledges. Dust louvered doors & blinds. Picture frames dusted, Cobwebs removed and ceiling fan dusted. Lamps dusted. Dust furniture, woodwork, shelves & baseboard. Vacuum carpets or mop floors. Vacuum furniture including under seat cushions. Empty and clean ashtrays & wastebaskets, clean the entire mirror and glass door.

4-   Kitchen
Clean appliances, counters, cabinets, tables & chairs. Clean, scrub and sanitize sinks. Countertops & backsplashes cleaned and sanitized. Clean range tops. Top of refrigerator & appliance exteriors cleaned

5-   Bathrooms
Clean, sanitize and deodorize. Clean, scrub and sanitize showers & bathtubs. Vanities, sinks & backsplashes cleaned and sanitized. Clean mirrors. Clean and sanitize toilets. Polish chrome. Wash floors & tile walls.

The following services were not included,

1-   Cleaning Air-con

2-   Iron

3-   Change mattress

4-   Laundry

November 1st, 2009. 2:00pm, three cleaners (one of them arrived my home around 4.30pm) were contracted to clean my home. When the two cleaner arrived at my home, they requested for an hour to take lunch!!! They would have taken lunch prior to their arrival. Hence, I agreed for them to start cleaning my house after their lunch. I left them to their initiative and went out to run an errand.

Upon returning 2 hours later, at 5.15pm, the cleaner told me they had finished first floor, cleaned one out of three ceiling fans, first,  second & third floor Dust window sills & ledges, ceiling fan Lamps dusted. Dust furniture, woodwork, shelves & baseboard.  Vacuum the furniture including under seat cushions. Dust window sills & ledges, mirror and glass door did not do. The cleaner insisted to do the remaining job on next visit!

I was extremely furious and disappointed with the incomplete work. They did not fulfill the abovementioned agreement. The services they provided were extremely unprofessional but still I am willing to pay them per market rate, which is RM20-30 per hour. But the company insisted me to pay them rm151.

I have enclosed their receipt for your perusal.

I am appealing to the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) to look seriously into this matter, a case of dishonest transaction from the service provider. By your action will hopefully serve to protect other consumer. Your help and advice is very much appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Regards

SK

(Name & Address withheld for security reasons)

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

RISING DEATHS, BLOTCHED SURGERIES AND UNQUALIFIED FOREIGNERS (Part 2)

‘It is stupid and a ridiculous policy to assume that once the FDA has judged a product safe enough to use, the manufacturer should be insulated forever from lawsuits that could force improvements.’ - Dr Jacob George. 

RISING DEATHS, BLOTCHED SURGERIES AND UNQUALIFIED FOREIGNERS (Part 2)

After my article on the questions rose on deaths at our government hospitals, my sources/contacts abroad alerted me several more contentious issues that we need to know on the same issue!

Did you know that a study in 1999 by the Institute of Medicine, “To Err Is Human,” had stated that 98,000 Americans are killed per year by in-hospital medical errors.

Yes, that is shocking!

If that was bad, another new study from Colorado-based Healthgrades Inc which I am advised by friends in the US, is a company that specializes in tracking patient outcomes and giving awards to hospitals that they assess as performing the best now say that the earlier estimate of preventable in-hospital deaths was wrong by half.

This Colorado think tank now says that researching data on nearly half of all hospital admissions from 2000 through 2002 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia puts the number of annual deaths from medication errors and other in-hospital mistakes at 195,000.

To me, it is more than three Vietnams every year, more than triple the total number of Americans killed in Vietnam in over a decade of war!

We must remember when we speak of deaths we must also include the deaths of low-risk patients from infections as well as the mistakes made in attempts to rescue dying patients and this is what was missing in the earlier data and reports and continues to be missing in our hospitals too – worst, when there is yet to be a competent body entrusted to look at this even after my recent article which appeared here in this blog and in international award winning internet media Malaysiakini!

I am told by medical experts abroad that if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s annual list of leading causes of death included medical errors and negligence, it will certainly be cited as number six, ahead of deaths from diabetes, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease and renal disease!

Shocking? That is the seriousness of it all and the important missing link we have today!

But then again, we must remember that was based on the details and information/data provided by the hospitals under scope and like all hospitals under investigation, statistics will be removed, manipulated and that removal will affect the overall pictures and conclusion!

But even that – the 195,000 deaths is a very large figure do you not think so?

Imagine our policy response if a passenger jet was crashing every day or worse, a mad gang of bombers were successful in bringing down a fully-loaded passenger plane every day!

That is the seriousness we must work with!

We must remember that the 195,000 figure cited was the equivalent of 390 jumbo jets full of people dying each year due to likely preventable, in-hospital medical errors which emphasizes the point, I am citing and that this is one of the leading killers in the U.S and by the same contention I humbly ask what is the state of our hospitals in Malaysia?

According to data the US had 292,000 combat deaths in all of World War II!

According to the competent Healthgrades report in the US they are also losing many people to medical errors every 18 months.

And that was the reason why the former Bush administration sought to put a $250,000 cap on recoveries for non-economic damages due to medical errors, place time restraints on a patient’s right to sue, limit the level of punitive damages, and block lawsuits filed by patients seeking compensation from manufacturers for harm caused by medical devices or drugs.

As far as I am concerned – the point of preventing people from suing the manufacturers of defective medical products, the former administration was arguing that patients lose the right to sue once a product has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

That to me is an act in stupidity and madness, rubbish, blatant poppycock and ridiculous!

It is stupid and a ridiculous policy to assume that once the FDA has judged a product safe enough to use, the manufacturer should be insulated forever from lawsuits that could force improvements.

Natural justice, the tenets of product and vicarious liability certainly denote that victims harmed by a product should be able to seek compensation. And without hurdles!

And as far as I am aware, most recent studies show that only a very small percentage of negligently injured patients ever file a lawsuit. So, even in the US there is no culture and ‘rampant lawsuits’ damaging their already severely damaged healthcare system!

best health minister we have had - Dr Chua Soi Lek!

But my call remains that we must have a detailed and comprehensive register of all deaths monitored by a select committee of experts and those with passion to prevent any form of wrong to see that the percentage of deaths in our public and private hospitals are low!

Regular post mortems, audits detailed peer review and investigations on cases of deaths must be the culture, we must entrench in Malaysia!

I pray the boys and gals at the Ministry of Health, the policy divisions are reading this blog rather carefully, so do the ‘rascals who masquerade as medical professionals and policy-experts in our corridors of health!’

I must state however, we have a very ‘well managed healthcare system’ thanks to our founding fathers and few but very committed professionals still serving at the MOH instead at the private sector or abroad!

But the truth is over the years from administrative interference, racist policies and bias, and questionable work ethics and policy implementation there has been a decay and as such, need a comprehensive review if we want too move forward and towards quality, professional and administratively responsible healthcare!

If we are saying the same – we must agree that there is room for vast improvements and that is what I am seeking!

I am not head hunting - not yet anyway!

Cheers!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

FDA AND GENERIC DRUG TRADE IN MALAYSIA SLAMMED! (Part 2)

‘Their identities will be released in later stages of this article which calls for a rethink, re-look at the entire generic monopoly in Malaysia!’ - Dr Jacob George

FDA AND GENERIC DRUG TRADE IN MALAYSIA SLAMMED! (Part 2)

I am told that part 1 of this article, have set off various ‘shocks and shivers’ down the spine of Malaysia’s community of greedy captains of industry who enjoy inexplicable monopoly in this sector!

Their identities will be released in later stages of this article which calls for a rethink, re-look at the entire generic monopoly in Malaysia!

Who are they and why they enjoy such will also be revealed!

But meantime – let us look at the problems with generic drugs:

Periodic checks for impurities.

True the FDA monitors generic drugs, testing for such things as proper dosing and active ingredients. But the agency only checks about 300 “dosage forms,” such as tablets and capsules, among brand-name and generic products a year out of a total of more than three billion prescriptions.

Infrequent inspections.

For example in the US, the FDA is supposed to inspect each US drug manufacturing plant every two years but the truth is they do not and the excuse is that they lack the resources to meet that requirement.

Overseas manufacturing.

An enormous percentage of drug ingredients and raw materials for drugs (primarily generic and over-the-counter) come from India, China and other countries where quality assurance is not as rigorous as in the US and where drug counterfeiting has been a problem and so how does the FDA track this issue or attempt to contain it?

I am certain that the overseas manufacturing plants like those in Malaysia are not inspected or if done certainly less frequently than those in the US!

So common sense will concur that without testing there is no way to tell whether drugs and drug ingredients derived from these plants have impurities or come in “subtherapeutic” doses (for example, a drug labeled as 10 mg may be only 6 mg)!

So my call would be how does a consumer stay safe?

Most of the evidence for problems with generic drugs is based on anecdotal reports.

However, research published in Neurology in 2004 reported that people with epilepsy who switched from the brand-name form of the anti-seizure drug phenytoin (Dilantin) to the generic form of the drug began to have higher-than-expected rates of seizures.

Investigators found that in many patients, blood levels of the active ingredient had dropped by 30%.

So should patients give up on generic drugs?

What with the cost savings which may be considerable?

And since there is no conclusive evidence so far that the majority of generic drugs will cause problems for most patients?

A difficult call indeed!

In this kind of situation what does a consumer do?

Stick with one manufacturer.

This is particularly important if you’re taking a drug with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI), such as the anticoagulant warfarin, the antipsychotic lithium or the anticonvulsant carbamazepine.

NTI drugs, which typically require periodic blood tests to measure blood levels of the medications, have a very thin margin between an effective dose and a toxic dose. If you are taking a generic form, ask your doctor for the name of the manufacturer and request that the pharmacy stick with that company, if possible to avoid variations between products.

Track your numbers.

Many conditions, such as hypertension or high cholesterol, do not cause obvious symptoms. The best way to tell whether a drug is working is to monitor your numbers by taking daily blood pressure readings, tracking blood-sugar levels and keeping track of cholesterol levels with frequent blood tests at your doctor’s office.

Important:

Ask your doctor to give you copies of your test results. Check them periodically to make sure that you are maintaining adequate control particularly if you had recently switched from a brand name to a generic or the reverse.

Trust your instincts.

Some medications affect the body in subtle ways. A patient taking a thyroid drug, for example, might feel slightly run-down if it is not working exactly the way it should, even if test results appear to be normal.

Pay attention. If you’ have just switched to a generic and notice a difference either in effectiveness or side effects, immediately inform your doctor.

Do a “challenge, re-challenge” test.

If you suspect that a generic drug is not working the way it should, write down changes in how long the drug works and side effects.

Then, ask your doctor to switch you to the brand-name equivalent and see if there’ is an improvement.

In most cases, it will be apparent in about two weeks. Under the close supervision of your doctor, repeat the test, going back and forth until you have a clear idea which drug is more effective for you.

I hope the FDA would do more than it is at the moment!

The FDA in my contention should respond to complains by analyzing generic drugs to determine if they contain the stated amount of active ingredient.

And if there was misrepresentation punitive action and sanctions must be the order of the day in the public interest!

An advice to consumers addressing complains.

Before you report a drug to the FDA/MOH ask your doctor/pharmacist to provide the name of the manufacturer, the lot number and exactly when the drug was dispensed to you it will be helpful!

I am advised in Malaysia where there is a monopoly given - generics are commonly used and I cannot but wonder who is really doing the serious transparent and accountable check and balances in the public interest?

Or are certain groups enjoying a monopoly thanks to their political connections and sine biotic relationships laughing all the way to the bank at the Malaysia consumers’ expense?

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

FDA AND GENERIC DRUG TRADE IN MALAYSIA SLAMMED! (Part 1)

‘Anxious to cut costs, health insurers and certain governments’ are stampeding to switch patients to drugs that are cheaper to make, test and ultimately buy because their manufacturers can piggyback on the research and marketing already done by brand-name-drug companies’ - Dr Jacob George 

FDA AND GENERIC DRUG TRADE IN MALAYSIA SLAMMED! (Part 1)

The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor, Malaysia (CASSA) has been receiving complaints from Malaysian patients from time to time about the ineffectiveness of the generic drugs which are now being prescribed by all public hospitals!

Does the FDA have constraints monitoring the generic trade in Malaysia?

If so can they enlighten me just what is the mechanism of quality control / surveillance in Malaysia?

If you took a prescription pill recently, odds are it was generic: Nowadays, generics constitute almost 70 percent of all the prescriptions dispensed nationwide racking up $58 billion in sales in 2007.

Anxious to cut costs, health insurers and certain governments’ are stampeding to switch patients to drugs that are cheaper to make, test and ultimately buy because their manufacturers can piggyback on the research and marketing already done by brand-name-drug companies.

But we all agree that generic drugs cost 30% to 80% less than their brand-name counterparts and most people feel safe taking them because the FDA requires that both types of medications provide the same active ingredients and level of effectiveness.

But is this a fact?

I am advised that a 2006 survey found that about 25% of 300 doctors throughout the US do not believe that generics are chemically identical to brand-name drugs!

Worst, nearly one in five believe those generics are less safe and more than one in four believe that generics cause more side effects.

So what is the truth about generic drugs?

I am advised that since 1976, thanks to the book The People’s Pharmacy was originally published as a consumer guide to drug and health information, thousands of patients have contacted them about their experiences with medications.

I am advised that in the last few years, they have received hundreds of letters and E-mails and sadly most of them complaints about generic drugs, including pain relievers, antidepressants and blood pressure medicines.

Sadly the number of such complaints has increased dramatically in that time.

I am advised by reliable sources that some patients who switched from a brand-name to a generic drug did report a decline in effectiveness!

Let me explain - for example, blood pressure that is not controlled or a case where there is a worsening of depression.

Others using generics complain of developing rashes or other types of allergic reactions!

According to some sources this could be because of one of the inactive “filler” ingredients in generic drugs.

There are also claims that there are problems with the timed-release mechanism of some generics.

For example there were allegations of there being more than 100 complaints about a generic version of the long-acting anti-depressant Wellbutrin XL.

I am advised that at least one manufacturer’s timed-release generic formulation appears to be different from the brand name and may be releasing too much of the drug too quickly (known as “dose dumping”).

As a result patients consuming such generics suffer side effects such as headaches and anxiety which the same patients do not experience when they take the brand-name version.

I cannot but wonder what the FDA is doing about such claims and complaints and whether they are also monitoring laboratories across the globe namely in China and India including independent laboratories to analyze this formulation.

It is my contention that the FDA is simply not doing enough!

I am certain in mitigation the FDA will tell me that drug companies must apply to the FDA to sell generic versions of drugs.

And that to attain the FDA approval a generic drug must contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications and meet the same criteria for such factors as quality, strength and purity.

If this is the gospel truth than why are the fuss and feedbacks and nightmarish complains?

Tomorrow I will address the possible problems related with generic drugs!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

POLICIES TO CURB PROFITEERING NEEDED! (Part 2)

‘We have ministries being run like chickens without heads, or worst ‘zig-zag’ policies that is embarrassing in this age and time!’ - Dr Jacob George 

POLICIES TO CURB PROFITEERING NEEDED! (Part 2)

Prices of essential goods and services are fast sky-rocketing!

What even fresh vegetables that use to go for ‘a song’ is shockingly expensive!

The present trend if unchallenged and rectified will give authenticity for the thought that Malaysian consumers are repeatedly shortchanged and cheated by very politically connected, academically qualified profiteers masquerading as wholesalers, parallel importers, hypermarket owners, retailers, distributors and service providers!

We must not forget that in Malaysia wage revision for a large scale or cross section of the population is only once in every three years at best when their collective agreements are renewed and worst we have yet to have a minimum wage!

Why?

So that we can say we are competitive when actually we are not with all ‘kinds and flavors’ of hidden costs and corruption rearing its ugly with strong tentacles in the Malaysian business scenes directly, indirectly and by proxies!

We are hit repeatedly by inconsistent and ‘zig zag policies’ which includes the one on foreign workers which is embarrassing!

Two huge ministries both working like ‘chicken without heads!’

Whose is to blame for the corruption and woes in this sector?

Specially the one involving the billion ringgit Bangladesh workers sector?

You do not have to be rocket scientist to know as my dear friend, a foreigner now planning to relocate his manufacturing plant (which deal with exports) to Vietnam who said: ‘Not only is this sector the most corrupt, the tree is corrupt, the roots are corrupt, worst, even the ground is corrupt!’

Now you go figure that!

‘Padan Muka!’

Due to the present economic downturn or slowdown with various uncertainties, which includes political – a large population of workers have opted for a freeze in increments with several quarters taking a pay cut, lesser working hours, no over time, all to assist managements to keep business competitive and avoid retrenchment!

In this climate it is vulgar for certain quarter specially several idiots to suggest a pay rise for politicians, ministers, deputy ministers and others!

Or even bonus for the obese and incompetent public sector!

Prime Minister Najib was certainly right to say that the suggestion is irrational in the present economic climate and global onslaughts and uncertainties!

But these sacrifices must eventually be rewarded with efforts to improve and sustain the purchasing power of consumers and protecting their dignity and basic rights to quality life at affordable process!

My continued plea and cry for fairness and justice at the marketplace must be answered with concrete measures aimed at removing profiteers – period!

So the proposed Anti Profiteering Act is welcome but it must have teeth not like the other toothless tiger legislation we have just for cosmetics reasons!

The time is also right to re-look, update, amend present inadequate enforcement so that consumer related legislation would be effective.

They include a re-look at the Trade Description Act 1972, The Companies Act 1965, The Control of Supplies Act 1961, The Price Control Act 1946, The Direct Sales Act, The Consumer Protection Act and the Private Healthcare facilities and Services Act and so forth.

I appeal for clear comprehensive policies on high rise development, laws to curb to ensure fair competition, while protecting our SMIs, a law to govern the import  and transport of hazardous goods and the much needed amendments to blacklist all those involved in controversial housing projects.

This list in all fairness should include financial planners and institutions, solicitors, architects and developers!

If we do that – we are moving forward!

I pray that Premier Najib Tun Razak will ‘kick the backsides’ of all in the public sector, removing the deadwood and Nay Sayers, the little and big Napoleons and revamp the system to be ‘lean, competent and mean’ to address the many challengers we face as a nation!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

POLICIES TO CURB PROFITEERING NEEDED! (Part 1)

‘But we have to admit that holistic change has been slow to arrive at leaving many confused and disappointed at the consumer movement and its leaders!’ - Dr Jacob George

POLICIES TO CURB PROFITEERING NEEDED! (Part 1)

There are several questions that one may ask pertaining to the state of Malaysian consumer’s rights and interests!

More so this during this unexpected economic downturn which have and cause tremendous chaos, anxiety and concern in our marketplace and incidents and these made worse when it is further compounded with cases of shortages of essential goods!

A hidden black seems to be always present manipulating the marketplace and some clearly identifiable as that of parallel importers, those holding the distribution chains and lines and certainly ‘the rascals’ that are given vast monopolies in the country without caveats!

As the leading consumer advocate in the country I have repeatedly emphasized the entrenchment of the eight leading essential consumer rights to be advocated in all public policy initiatives!

I am glad to note Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has more than once endorsed and indicated that his administration will certainly look at consumer grouses and issues and welcomes constructive criticism with solutions, comprehensive and well documented contributions and feed backs for implementation as we move forward as a nation!

Food, clothing shelter, redress, information, education, safety and health are all essential issues to address.

But we have to admit that holistic change has been slow to arrive at leaving many confused and disappointed at the consumer movement and its leaders!

Some are more interested in creating ‘consumer monopolies, private business and its subsidiaries’ while others more inclined to use this platform for their political aspirations!

Consumers on the other hand must accept equal blame for their failure to respond to repeated calls for boycotts and other actions which could send a clear signal of consumer solidarity against profiteers!

For the record in recent years a trend that started in 1997 – we have witnessed high increases in the prices of essential goods, utilities and services – such as food, house rent, clothing, electricity, education, tolls and healthcare!

True, selective caps on the toll increase have helped but it is always not consistent and it is time the concessionaires are brought to account or the concessionaires withdrawn and operated by the government!

Worst, we continue to see hikes in taxi fares, private medical treatment and the indiscriminate increase of prices at department stores, hypermarkets, hair saloons, car wash outlets and even hawkers!

The pertinent question is:

Will we see similar hikes of between 40 to 50% in the coming festive season?

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

WRONG CALL - SCRAPING END OF LIFE POLICY FOR VEHICLES!

WRONG CALL - SCRAPING END OF LIFE POLICY FOR VEHICLES!

From the start it was not professionally mooted nor driven!

Addressing vital issues, facilitating discussion from various stakeholders, analyzing trends and policy decisions and its outcome in other countries where similar legislation has taken root!

While professional and competent policy makers would have spent valuable time and energy on various advertisements and talk-shows and campaigns over a period of time to ‘enlighten the masses!’

Here, it was a straight entry, no foreplay and a quick retreat – all ingredients showing neither political will nor substance and worst a brute entry and subsequent cowardly retreat!

Worst – it had no head, no body and to me those behind this decision were cowards!

If that was bad – it was foolish to ask ‘media barons and apple-polishers’ in the mainstream newspapers and electronic media, which include the vernacular newspapers to spin it as a ‘mesra rakyat decision!’

What rubbish!

What am I talking about?

I am referring to the government decision to pull back the introduction of an end-of-life policy for vehicles!

Let us not pretend.

Now who are the ones who complaint and gave negative feedbacks, let us have them out in the open!

I was very surprised that my dear friend, Mustapa Mohamed who is the International Trade and Industry Minister, a known no nonsense tolerating, intellectual and technocrat had made a statement like the following:

“The public, especially those living in rural areas, found this new policy a burden to them!”

We must remember always that the road carnage on our roads is extremely high and every effort must be taken to bring this under control – something we continue to fail in and more so if we continue such ‘half past sic and flip flop policy implementation!’

The problem is simple the issue of costs!

Malaysian consumers are suspicious of ‘new policies’ as it always results in bleeding the consumers and enriching a crony!

Malaysian consumers are always unhappy because they see the same format being used again and again to feed party members, cronies, boot and apple polishers and political brokers and war lords in these schemes!

A policy is introduced and outsourced to a third party making that party instant billionaires!

We saw it in the in the original ‘Indah Water Scheme’, at Radicare, the hologram scheme, we saw it in FOMEMA, we see it in the HMO’s and other monopolies and despite the outcry nothing is being done to address this matter!

The policy to address the condition of vehicles above 15 years is laudable and workable PROVIDED the scheme is introduced at minimum costs – say RM50/ (ordinary Malaysian spend more than that in fast food outlets over a weekend – mind you!) and managed by government agencies not private contractors!

I appeal to the federal government to review its decision in this matter.

This is about ‘life and death’ and the road carnage on our roads!

The condition of vehicles on the road is vital and this cannot be compromised!

I remember Singapore introduced it and very successfully providing both the ‘carrot and the stick’ and the scheme like many other schemes there had proven to be the right decision.

It was in the late 70’s I remember, as I was then an undergraduate in Singapore  and daily over the media and through campaigns and talk shows the people of Singapore were being encouraged and prepared for this scheme!

It was the same approach on their litter and anti-smoking campaign!

Embarrassingly, here it is the opposite!

We saw the ‘lack of political will’ when we proposed a speed breaking device for heavy vehicles and public transport!

We saw it when we sought the withdrawal of operating licenses of heavy vehicles and others involved in road carnage or having caused death through negligence or recklessness!

It is never ending!

We continue to send the wrong signals to the grassroots!

Let me raise the stakes!

Remember the Human Tissue Act?

The Human Tissue Act should have been legislated long ago but for some ‘inexplicable reason’ it is still rotting somewhere, but the speed in which we have legislated on the DNA Bill raises many an eyebrow on priorities and whether governance is all about hunting down our political enemies (even if it is just one man!) rather than issues involving the nation?

As a result in Malaysia - if you are talking about organ transplant - we have to date no legal/medical definition for death as the result of the lack of a HTA!

Now you go figure!

I must appeal to the conscience of the policymakers.

The incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) is rising world-wide.

We need to determine responsibility and advocate preventive measures.

The factors include man, the vehicle and the road.

True, Alcohol and drugs of intoxication account for a large proportion of RTA world-wide.

In the developing world, roads are poorly built and are poorly maintained. As a result, the roads have become death traps.

We must not forget that a large cause of accidents are also due to the Vehicles being old and are poorly maintained due to poverty, ignorance and corruption among enforcement agents.

All these factors are controllable by government policies.

All I can ask my friends at the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) and the Ministry of Transport is that all Governments in the developing world including ours in Malaysia owe their inhabitants the duty to keep roads safe and ensure that only road-worthy vehicles ply the roads.

According to my colleagues in the United States - there are about 43,000 people killed in fatal car accidents each year!

They tell me that roughly about 40 percent of the fatal crashes are alcohol-related but that a large proportion of it is also because of the conditions of the vehicles!

I am not just talking about fatal accidents. I am also addressing accidents resulting in injuries some very serious leading to in capitation!

In the US, I am told there are about 2.9 million people injured each year

Briefly there were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005.

The financial cost of these crashes is more than 230 Billion dollars.

2.9 million People were injured and 42,636 people killed.

About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States — one death every 13 minutes.

I seriously wonder what the real statistics of this country is.

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

US HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION - VICTORY FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!

‘It is a well deserved victory, a victory for truth, fair play and the preservation and entrenchment of a consumer right to accessible and affordable healthcare!’ - Dr Jacob George 

US HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION - VICTORY FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!

Irrespective what the doomsayers say or others with vested interests in the notorious American healthcare system!

One thing is crystal clear that it is a clear victory for President Barack Obama and the American people when the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed its landmark health care legislation!

With this new legislation coming into place the result would be an added and expanded coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry.

God I hate the insurance companies and their ‘off-spring’ the Managed Care Organizations or HMOs - a butch of greedy blood suckers and we have the likes of them also here in 1Malaysia!

Looking at the manner the healthcare bill was passed it was clear that the Republican Party was clearly opposing this!

But the 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

The debate and the various ups and downs, not forgetting the clear cut opposition and spins clearly was similar to other proactive bills such as the legislation passage of the Social Security in 1935 and Medicare in 1965!

As far as I am concerned I am happy that this legislation provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it!

Now I wonder whatever happened to Malaysia’s own reviews and National Healthcare Financing, after all the monies that went into it.

I am sure it has its own skeletons and spins too?

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

IS AIR ASIA AN UNTOUCHABLE - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT ASKED? (Part 2)

‘COMPLAINS, COMPLAINS, COMPLAINS - WHERE ARE YOU MOT?’ - Dr Jacob George 

IS AIR ASIA AN UNTOUCHABLE - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT ASKED? (Part 2)

Why?

Even in this column, I have addressed several issues of late, highlighted by Malaysian consumers but to date all of them tell me they have yet to receive any calls from the guardians of Malaysia’s transport fraternity – the Ministry of Transport?

Yes, it is true with all the rubbish that still needs cleaning up from the PKFZ to the notorious Double Track Railway project, cost over-runs, alleged kick-backs, corruption and what have you and soon to come other similar scandals – I bet they must have their hands tied but what about their brains – after all, it is the Malaysian consumer paying their salaries to address their grouses!

No?

We need a ‘Royal Commission’ to double check this one too?

I am enclosing yet another consumer complains – yet again, against AIRASIA! The identity of the complainant has been edited however he is ready to meet MOT Officials to address this issue which I notice is lighted by another consumer, one Dr Andrew Aeria in the Malaysiakini letters today!

This letter speaks for itself!

‘Dear Dr Jacob George.

I was very shocked when I purchased an AIRASIA ticket through the internet.

I was shocked to be charged a Convenience Fee of RM.10.00 for the purchase of a 1 way ticket from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur for 2 persons.

When I checked with the sale section of Air Asia, I was told that the charge is for RM.5.00 per person per way since we used our Credit for the purchase.

This was adverse as Credit Cards companies have always told us that the merchants are not allowed to charge extra for using the cards, should they charge, we can complain to the Cards Company, but I am very surprised and am informing you so that you can raise this issue as a consumer advocate who protects our interests in Malaysia!

It is very unethical for a big and rich organization such as Air Asia to take the opportunity to fleece the consumers.

Air Asia as a Low Cost Budget Airlines should not resort to these tactics as it is hurting the consumers.

This is not all and I would like to highlight to the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) that there are other things/issues that are also hurting many consumers since we are not aware of it and even aware unable to address this and thus seek your kind assistance to do it on our behalf.

1) Travel Insurance:

If the general public is careless or unaware of what it is, they are paying for something that they do not want. In the booking, Insurance is given as an optional purchase, and if you do not want to buy, in their web site, you are told to click cancel, but the moment you click cancel, it appears Ok or Cancel, most people after clicking on the Cancel and feel it is right to click OK, then they will be for a surprise, as when you click Ok thinking that Ok I have cancelled for the purchase of the Travel Insurance, it is not so, you are clicking the Ok to confirm you agreed to buy the insurance, so if you are careless and many I think are not aware of this, So I feel that we are in a way, cheated in this system of Air Asia. Why don’t once when you have clicked Cancel then automatically the Insurance is deducted out?

2) Seating Choice:

They have a choice of picking a seat or not, the same applies. Why cannot they just take off the charge once when you chose not to pick a seat?? Its also the same, when you choose Ok then you will be charged.

3) Luggage Fee:

They have also increased their luggage charge from RM.5.00 to RM.10.00 these are all the bits and pieces they have done to burden the consumers.

I mean I understand about the above charges, its their plane, so if you are comfortable with their charges then you buy, but if you are not you don’t, but regarding the purchase by Credit Cards that is more important because the bank concern have specifically said that payment by Credit Cards should not incur extra charges other that the agreed amount.

What Air Asia has done is actually capitalizing on the ignorance of the general public on what they are charged and how they charged.

As a consumer, I feel it is high time for some one to highlight to the general public on the importance of how they are being fleeced by a big corporation.

I would greatly appreciate if Dr Jacob you could address this matter and also to raise the general public’s awareness on prudent spending and also to be careful on the charges on all purchases be that from Air Asia or any other concern.

I will do my part in highlighting this matter to Bank Negara and I hope that with you and your organization’s support as both are very well respected by all government agencies this matter that I raise on behalf of myself and other consumers in Malaysia will be addressed.

‘Concerned Consumer.’

(Name/other details withheld for security reasons)

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

STOP SPEEDING MOTORCYCLISTS AND RAGING LUNATICS ON OUR ROADS!

‘Time to rein in the heavy vehicles and public transport drivers if you want to address recklessness and negligence!’ - Dr Jacob George

STOP SPEEDING MOTORCYCLISTS AND RAGING LUNATICS ON OUR ROADS!

Have we forgotten the loved ones we lost not so long ago? (see above!)
Can you imagine 1.17 million deaths occur each year worldwide due to road accidents and that figure is rising?

And over 70% of which occur in developing countries?

Worst, 65% of deaths involve pedestrians, 35% of which are children!

Results also show that the highest fatality rates (deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles) worldwide occur in African countries, particularly Ethiopia, Uganda and Malawi whilst fatality risk (deaths per 100,000 population) is highest in a disparate group of countries including Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Sadly we are told that in Malaysia accidents involving express buses reached an unprecedented average of 406 a month which then rose to 1,963 in 2003 to 4,874 and with 53,470 accidents involving Lorries with the figures climbing surely and steadily!

Reasons: According to Road Safety Department Director-General Suret Singh, ‘67 per cent of these accidents were due to driver error, 28 per cent to bad road conditions and the rest to the poor condition of the vehicles….’

And what are we doing about the over 67 per cent ‘driver error problem?’

Like other countries around the world, in Malaysia road accidents are among the highest and needs to be addressed!

All of us must have been glad when told that motorcyclists and their pillion riders will be the target of a massive road safety campaigns in 2007 including making non-wearing of crash helmets a serious offence.

But, has anything come of that ‘spin and rhetoric’ since 2007?

Yes - we are aware that the crash helmet law has been enforced in the country for more than twenty years but we are advised that despite so, the level of compliance in the rural areas is shocking — only 20 to 30 per cent — compared with 95 to 99 per cent in the urban areas.

This is sad but I am not that worried about rural areas as I am of urban areas where the death figures and causalities are higher!

All this despite the nation’s top Road Safety Department official warning repeatedly that ‘enough is enough’ as the authorities have reached the limit of their patience and tolerance on the motorcyclists, who make up about 65 per cent of some 6,300 people who died in road accidents annually over the past few years.

I still remember then, Director-general Datuk Suret Singh - an uncle of CASSA’s council member ‘Harry Singh’ who made that statement had outlined a host of measures aimed at cutting down fatalities among these, most accident-prone road users, with those not wearing helmets to be deemed as no longer committing a light offence but a serious one under a new Road Safety Act!

It is sad that despite knowledge that studies show that the proper use of helmets could reduce injury-related deaths by between 40 and 50 per cent people are not doing so!

I am glad to hear too that the infrastructure to support safer motorcycling would also be put in place for this is important!

The construction of special motorcycle lanes should be given priority as part of the department’s five-year plan to cut road accident deaths by half by 2010 as most accidents occurred from collisions between motorcycles and cars!

Speaking about motorcycle lanes I wonder just when the motorcycle lanes on the Penang bridge will be ready?

Like others, I have had my fair share of raging lunatics and other ‘idiots’ on the road including once a road bully whom I managed to photograph harassing us on the road (story was front page news in the Malay Mail several years ago!) and in one incident on Deepavali day several years ago at around 12.50noon at SS1/11 Sungai Way, Petaling Jaya the owner of Kenari from house number 13, SS1/11, Sungai Way reversed recklessly into the SS1/11 road in front of my vehicle which was going uphill at that time without looking at the main road nearly smashing into another oncoming car!

I had to slam on my brakes!

A motorcyclist riding a motor registration number riding at very high speed behind me at that material time also smashed into the back of my car causing extensive damage to my vehicle.

The rider was hurt and I called for an ambulance for assistance and other friends for help as my car was severely damaged at the back with the back view windscreen smashed, mudguards and bumpers broken, the boot all dented and so forth and my little children were in it all “shocked and afraid!”

When the ambulance arrived I left with a friend to make a police report at Petaling Jaya Police station after having transferred my shocked and frightened children into another friend’s car for safety reasons.

The police were extremely courteous, kind and helpful and felt sorry for me as this was the third time in that six months my car has been hit by another vehicle from the back and I had to make reports at the same station on all three occasions!

Some said I should sell off the car as it was taboo and I did!

Honestly, there are far too many people driving recklessly putting the ‘lives and limbs’ of innocents in danger and I for one support any form of curtailment of this episode!

Yesterday, I also saw a public bus driving recklessly at 8pm without both its lights along the federal highway heading towards KL just as I see repeatedly motorcyclist riding like raging lunatics also on the federal highway when they have their own motorcyclist lanes!

As for the bus I knew from reports that particular bus company had a notorious reputation and I cannot but wonder why they are still operating on our public roads?

Perhaps, they are owned by politicians and cronies?

I wonder whether it will do good to get our ‘Harry” to pass such price sensitive information to Uncle Suret Singh as such behavior puts members of the public and other road users at risk!

I know the Road Transport Stickers on the back of heavy vehicles and other business vehicles has yet to be worth the price of the sticker it is printed on!

If they were supposed to address recklessness and negligence – they have failed miserably!

For the record - I am also certain that the statistics on accidents and deaths on Malaysian roads is still one of the highest in this region – Ops Sikap or not!

And it is pertinent that a comprehensive solution is initiated to protect the rights and interests of all Malaysian roads users!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

CASSA ALERT ON FACE CREAMS WITH HIGH MERCURY CONTENT!

‘Standards in Malaysia? - What standards?’ - Dr Jacob George

CASSA ALERT ON FACE CREAM WITH MERCURY 43,266 TIMES ABOVE SAFETY LIMIT!

It is caveat emptor again!

On Wednesday August 26 this year, Hong Kong women were being urged not to use a face cream after it was found to contain more than 43,000 times the acceptable level of mercury.

And their department of health issued the warning after a 58-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with mercury poisoning after using the cream.

The woman fell ill early July with headaches, dizziness, tremors and a tingling sensation on her feet after using the cream twice a day for a month.

Laboratory results showed that the level of mercury in the cream was 43,266 times over the acceptable level.

Officials are now investigating the source of the cream which has only a Chinese name.

A spokesman for the health department urged people who had been using the cosmetic cream to stop immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible.

Mercury has long been used as a whitening agent in cosmetic creams, especially so in Asia where pale skin is seen as a sign of beauty and nobility.

But in high doses mercury is toxic and causes damage to the nervous system and kidneys and in severe cases can cause renal failure.

For pregnant women the dangers greater so please be careful!

In 17th-century Europe, it was used in the process to make felt hats and the psychiatric changes it triggered in hat makers led to the phrase ‘as mad as a hatter’ being coined.

I am also wondering whether similar creams are also in Malaysia’s marketplace.

I would never be surprised in view of the problems we have on enforcement and surveillance since I believe Malaysia is also on the map where we have from time immemorial become the dumping ground for all kinds of stuff from children’s toys, women creams, health products, fake goods, cancer causing plastic water bottles and packaged and tinned food containing ingredients harmful!

Based on our track record, enforcement moves in only after a major calamity, death or a press release by a consumer movement!

Even then more to say ‘how wrong we all are?’

Of course some will preach to me about the efforts ‘about standards lately’ – and – I will tell you where to put that with all the other garbage!

As far as face creams go - Please alert me if you do come across any.

My sincere thanks to Ms. Theresa Wong, Dr Sharon Koh and Dr Amelia Rodkins for this alert!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

WILL SUMMITS END WORLD HUNGER (part 2)

‘What has happened to that commitment to progressive realization of the Right to Food?’ - Dr Jacob George.?

Really will summits and international conferences end world hunger?

Will keynote lectures, data and more data and statistics the answer to the world’s hunger issues and marginalization of communities?

And I ask that pertinent question yet again?

What has happened to that commitment to progressive realization of the Right to Food?

The last time I spoke on that issue I was rudely told that ‘my friends’ in the the most powerful nation of earth had repeatedly successfully blocked efforts to set into motion a process to strengthen international law on this particular point!

‘My friends?’ - Utter rubbish!

Now what is their present stand today after the departure of the ‘hawks within that administration?’

I must also point out that for some inexplicable reason again there are no references at all to the pivotal role or should I say the oppressive role of multi and transnational corporations in the global food system!

And for the record, even efforts generated to monitor and regulate multinational and transnational corporations were deleted then in 10 seconds (Article 41.c.bis) in the draft plan of action then!

Has that position today changed dramatically?

It is quite clear that the agenda for globalization and trade liberalization has been firmly reinforced!

We continue hear of suggestions that private capital can help declining aid to food security but current capital flow patterns clearly outline this will not help the poorest food deficit countries even though the idea is welcome and laudable!

It must also be pointed out that references to culturally appropriate food and human dignity as elements of food security is missing!

Sadly I resent the language used to describe urban agriculture as weak and vague!

There is so much lip service to collaboration between government and the civil society perhaps we rarely see it except for its claim and spin?

And sadly despite such claims how often are NGOs roped in for such monumental consultations?

I have always stated that there should be regular meetings between all the actors and stakeholders of the civil society on food security issues.

So far all the reviews and action plans look untenable!

So my prediction is there is no way any declaration or plan of action going to provide solutions to the world’s hungry until the world’s power nations and governments, the actors and stakeholders can sit opposite each other and plan a plan of action that truly reflects the real interests and rights of the marginalized and hungry among us and not that of the ‘fat cats’ of the developed world and their string of multi and transnational corporations!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!