Pearl Garden, My Home

Deaths continue in Malaysian detention camp

2009-12-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Burma News International, Dec 15, 2009

Deaths among detainees afflicted by an unknown disease continue in the KLIA detention camp near the Kuala Lumpur International airport in Malaysia.

Malaysian authorities detain illegal foreigners in detention camps before they are deported to the migrant’s country of origin. There have been deaths among detainees since the end of August this year.

Ngaung Sapaung (45), died on December 9 in the camp of the unknown disease, a detainee said.

"Ngaung Sapaung was critically ill. He could not get up. They sent him to a hospital. He was in the hospital for a day. The next day at 9 p.m. he died. Seven inmates died in the camp in four months," he added.

His legs were swollen and he could not have any food for a week before he died. He also suffered from constipation and retention of urine. Though other inmates informed camp authorities about his deteriorating health, camp authorities did not send him to hospital on time.

Most detainees were moved from the Samongnyin camp because they demonstrated demanding better health care facilities since early July. There is lack of health care facilities and medicines cannot be brought from outside.

"Old inmates moved from the Samongnyin camp have not been taken to doctors or given medicines. We requested for medicines from our friends, who are outside but the authorities do not allow us to take these medicines," he said.

"The old detainees moved from the Samongnyin camp have their names deleted from the UNHCR's list. Therefore, the UNHCR cannot bring them back.

"If we want to see officials from the UN, the officials come to the camp but they cannot call out our number. There is no list of names in the detention camp. Even though the UN has submitted a list of names, ours have been deleted because there is no list here. So, we cannot meet the UN officials. I have been in the camp for a year, where there are lots of difficulties," he added.

Though the authorities have attempted to investigate the cause of the disease but there are no answers yet. The Burmese Embassy has attempted to send them back to Burma but they don't have enough money for the return trip. So they continue to be in the detention camp.

"If I had the money, I would have gone back. Now I don't have enough money and I cannot get any money from home. So, I have to stay in the camp," the inmate said.

If a person wants to go back to Burma, he has to pay about 1,500 ringgit. Even though an official from the Burma Embassy managed to send some of them back with only 500 ringgit per person, now it has stopped.

There are a total of 130 Burmese in the camp. Among of them, about 30 are suffering from the unknown disease.

Detainees said there is lack of light; improper ventilation system in the camp, unclean water for drinking and bathing, and lack of fresh food. Therefore the disease is spreading in the camp, inmates added.

A conspiracy in the making?

2009-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

You probably noticed by now that the "familiar" cleaners are no where to be seen. That is because some smart ass called the Immigration Dept and hauled them all away. Yup, you guessed it right, most of our cleaners are illegals, it seems.

I also came to know from a reliable source that the "operasi" was originated from the break in case at Block B-11 recently. PG security suspected that the cleaners or one of the cleaners was involved and called in the immigration office.

Residents should ask for the identity of the culprit/s who broke into unit B-11-3 from the management or some innocent person will be jailed or deported.

Someone was relating to me that you can get rewards for blowing the whistle on these foreigners who do not have permits to work in Malaysia. If this is what it is, then the "kam sau chi" (golden finger = whistle blower) is going to be rich.

One may just ponder if this is a plot to "eliminate" a witness or witnesses. Who knows, a cleaner or cleaners may have seen someone breaking into the unit. A conspiracy in the making? You be the judge.....

I wanted to end this post with a "Merry Christmas" but it doesn't seem right when you have this kind of case over our heads, what so merry about it.....

Here is a write up by one of the residents,

Dear Friends,

It is a real sad day for all PGites. 6 of our cleaners (4 female & 2 male) were arrested by Immigration Enforcement Officers. Somebody reported to the authorities that there are many "orang asing" working illegally in PG. The report included precised details of numbers of workers. The authority was here two days ago to investigate and gather info from certain party.

While cleaners arrested for working without a proper permit (yet to verify) but most of them had worked for PG for a long time. They left their countries to come here to earn an honest living doing the jobs that locals are not willing to do. Yet, there is this bastard who goes and reported them. For financial gain? Informer is rewarded for tipping off the authority. I'm not sure. Enforcement chief was saying that they have to take action because someone reported otherwise how would they know of the orang asing in PG.

Now let's think about their condition. They were taken hand-cuffed in their working attire after almost a day's work. I'm not sure if they will be given some food for dinner. They will have to wear their clothings on their back until they are released (if any). Tomorrow is a public holiday followed by Sat & Sun. They would easily be there for 4 nights. If their boss cannot produce some document or do "something" then they will be sent to detention camp awaiting deportation. They could be there for months if not years. I believe many of you have read the reports by int'l human right groups in internet of Malaysia's detention camps' horror stories.

Just put yourself into the situations of their next of kin. Many are married with children. What type of suffering they have to endure now? Anxiety, separation, financial losses if compound fine/other settlement amounts.

By the way, the boss of the cleaners went in together with them, accompanied by his dearest wife. As of 9.30pm they are all still inside. The boss is a gentleman who took the responsibility to come to PG to be arrested as employer. Otherwise, GE Tan's staff Mr Tan or even the MC will be arrested because the workers are found within PG premise. At the moment, Ah Siong and his sister-in-law are doing everything they can to secure the release of all.

Have you seen this girl?

2009-12-14T00:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

朋友们，

Halo, kawan-kawan,

If you found the girl as below, please pass her to nearest police station or contact to your state police hot line.

如您有发现这位小女孩，请您把她送到附近的警察局，还是连络州属的警察热线。

Jikalau kamu terjumpa budak perempuan seperti nyata di bawah,

Sila tolong hantar dia ke balai polis yang terlekat,

Ataupun berhubung dengan hot line polis negeri kamu.

She was missing since 19/11/2009 at KL Ipoh road.

Her name: Ng Kah Yee.

她的姓名：伍嘉仪

Namanya: Ng Kah Yee.

Age: 13 years old.

13 岁。

13 tahun.

Another break in at Block B

2009-12-12T03:05:00.001-08:00

OMG!!!! Another break in? What is going on? We spend 150K for a up to date kind of CCTV security system and still there is break in? This is totally unacceptable. One should ask what is our security team is doing to solve this problem, I thought break ins would be a thing of the past, but it looks like it is here to stay, well at least for Pearl Garden...sigh..

I spoke to one of the guards who was patrolling, he told me, "Only a ring and a bottle of whiskey were missing", so by the looks of it, to the security team, it is just a small matter from his tone...typical!!! Maybe they will only be serious when there is a big case.....Give me a break!!!!!!!!

A place to vent your frustration...

2009-12-09T23:51:00.000-08:00

Any new happenings? Any issues bothering you? Want to rant about something? Here is a place for the residents of PG to voice out their views.

MC and GE Tan sleeping on the job...

2009-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Several residents had a meeting with the chairman of MC and GE Tan this Saturday 5th Dec 2009, pertaining to their formal complaints. We were shocked to know that GE Tan did NOT submit the formal complaints to the committee during their monthly meetings.

Gan claimed that the complaints filed by some of residents were not highlighted and therefore no action was taken. The formal complaint file was about 4 inches thick, which bring us to the question,"What the hell is going on?"

MC requested residents to file formal complaints via "proper" channel and yet no one reads and acts on those compliants???? So, it was all for fun? What's going on? I thought they have their Thursday night meetings and yet did not discuss about residents' complaints?

At that point of time during the meeting with Gan (chairman), some of us knew that he will tai chi his way out by pushing the blame to GE Tan. I pity the poor new guy from GE Tan, kena kiri, kanan,depan, belakang and center...

Frankly, I pity Gan too, he was "abandoned" by his committee, except for his old faithful, LT Yeoh...I told Gan that he should also bring in the security MC too since there were so many complaints about security, but I guess he chickened out.

Gan said that all the formal complaints which were highlighted were completely new to him. Some of the complaints were dated September, October and November 2009.

One of the residents, Koay, had prepared a long list of complaints extracted from Pearl Garden, My Home blog and wanted Gan to clarify but he refused as he does not believe what was discussed and the comments in the blog.

Koay, therefore asked a few fundamental questions about the function of the MC. Gan requested him to email him the questions and he will get back to us soonest possible.

I have sent those questions to him on the 5th Dec 2009. They are as follows:-

As per your request in the meeting held this morning, here are thelist of questions which require clarification from you, MC and GE Tan.

1. What is the role of MC? How do you go about making decision forresidents or supporting residents as a representative?

2. What is MC's responsibilities (by portfolio, if possible).

3. What are the guidelines / procedures for the service providers suchas security, GE Tan, cleaners, etc...?

4. What are the basis or guidelines for deliberating residents' suggestions?

5. What are the basis or guidelines for ensuring compliance by service providers?

6. What are the basis or guidelines for considering projects for residents?

7. How do you deal with indisciplined and non-performing employees base on what type of basis and procedures?

8. What is the timel ine period set for service providers to settle a complaint?

9. Why are residents' complaints not looked into even though they have submitted the complaints officially to GE Tan?

10. Why is GE Tan so reluctant to present the complaints to you during your scheduled meetings?

11. What is the cause of this serious communication breakdown?

Subsequent to this, I added a few more questions which were brought up by the residents during the meeting. The questions were emailed to Gan on the 6th Dec 2009. The questions as indicated below:-

During the recent meeting, we wanted to know why the below items werenot published on the notice board.

1) Monthly Accounts & Balance Sheet with detail explanations on big spending amounts be put up on notice board.

2) Minutes of MC meeting with details of every complaints received, what actions taken and time-line for those unresolved.

I believe there were such reports and minutes during the previous administration, so why is it now not done? We need to have C. A. T.

I came to understand that PG is getting quotes for fabricating PGSignboard and I was told that there is no actual specification given. How can there be no specifications for a signboard of this size? Ihope you are not serious on issuing a PO worth RMXX,XXX with no specification attached.

By the way, do we really need this signboard??? But I would advise you to get the residents "approval" first (before) you go ahead with this project, by the way, it is their money too. Don't use it as if it is yours or MCs.

Lastly, since GE Tan did not provide most of the complaints to you during the monthly meetings, I believe it is your duty as the chairman to obtain all these complaints from GE Tan and discuss them immediately.

Please do not wait for the next scheduled meeting to dothis. You definitely need damage control and please reply to each and every complaint directly to the residents involved as required in the complaint form.

Gold found at playground....if it is yours call management office..

2009-12-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

This is a report contributed by Ad. Nice work bro...

"I took my son to the play ground this evening (Dec 5), I thought we can have more fun running and chasing around. But when I observed 2 piles of gold (dog shit), it really spoiled my mood... although it is just a simple thing, ‘dog shit only marrr’, but I felt disappointed on the dog owner's behavior who sound to me a very selfish and irresponsible. "

"You guys can validate it tomorrow morning before the gardener removed the evident.I don’t wish our management argue again maybe I took the photo from outside and trying to make problem to PG. "

"Jimmy, since you have camera and video cam with better resolution and viewing angle, perhaps you can take the photo with the background of playground… I’ll make official report tomorrow... "

"LT, I’ll pass you the official complain form and need your help to submit to management office. I’ll come back late on weekday, management office will close by then. "

Ad, you need to make sure that GE Tan present the case to the "I don't know about it" MC team during their meetings. By the way, I heard from some one that even a MC has a dog in the condo, sigh....

By the way, Ad, sometimes there are some stray dogs entering the premises through the fences behind.

Anyway, I believe you la...if the management office does not believe you, they can go and smell the dog shit themselves LOL...

MB Nizar in Penang tonight........

2009-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

Gathering at Club House, Saturday, 5th Dec 2009, 11.00am

2009-12-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Calling TT, Ad, Ed, Ping, Cat, Zorro, Vincent, Tze, Koay, J, KK, Prem, KPC, OSK, DK, Dell, Wah Lau, Lim, Choo, MPly, Chui and concerned residents of PG,

There is a discussion gathering tomorrow (Saturday, 5th Dec 2009), at 11.00am at the club house. Please bring your feedbacks or formal complaints which you have submitted to GE Tan for a session with the related parties.

See you all.

Viva Las Vegas.........

2009-12-02T23:22:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine such neon lights or sign board for PG? I am sure it will light up the sky and probably blind a few people and cause quite a lot of accidents because it is going to be so distracting for drivers passing by.

Ok la, we have a stone sign near the guard house indicating Pearl Garden, people say solid like a rock, good foundation (which is very good) and it was probably free of charge (the rock that is) but of course cannot compare to the neon lights like the ones in Las Vegas. But good enough, right?

Those casinos, hotels and amusement parks have huge budget ma...I think it will cost the organization a few million dollars just to build and up keep those in the video.

Can one imagine the day, just one fine day, a nut case wants to put up a sign board like those in Las Vegas for Pearl Garden ah? I personally felt that it is going to be so so out of place, and I cannot imagine the cost of it...RM 25,000 or more? Worth it ah?

If PG has the "extra money", better use it wisely, like repairing the fences along the school compound, repair the tennis court, upgrade the gym equipments, repair the gutter pipes, install water filters for all blocks, build a visitors car park etc.....

Just my 2 cents.....

You got a friend..by CAT

2009-12-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

CAT can cari makan composing lyrics. Sing along people....LOL

On behalf of Jimmy, I would like to dedicate this song to all visitors to this blog.
I have changed some lyrics. Jimmy, please post the song video in the blog
The word “write” in the song means: leowbh@gmail.com
The word “call” in the song means: 012-4010883

Song: By Carole King, here it goes……..let’s sing along together…..

*When your down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right.
On your PC and write to me
And soon I will reply
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

Or you just call my number,
And you know where ever I am
I'll come running, to help you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there,
You've got a friend.

If the problem for you
is crap and full of bull
And that MC shit begins to show
Keep your head together and call my number fast
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.

You just call my number
and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to help you again.
Winter, Spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
MC can be so cold.
They do nothing but desert you.
Well they'll take your trust if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call my number
and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to help you again.
Oh PG, don't you know that,

Winter Spring summer or fall,
write now or you've got to do is call.
PG, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
You've got a friend*

PG will survive???

2009-11-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

Sing a long with the lyrics composed by CAT !!!

*At first we were confused
We were horrified
Kept thinking how we could live
with you by our side
But we spent so many nights
thinking how you did us wrong
We grew strong
We learned how to carry on
and you'll be back
from outer space
You will just walk in to the AGM
with that sick look upon your face
We should have changed our stupid MC
We should have made you leave your post
If we had known for just one second
you'd be back to bother us

Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to impose us with stupid rules
you think we’ll crumble
you think we’ll lay down and cry
Oh no, not us
We will survive
as long as we know how to think
we know we will stay alive
we've got all our life to live
We've got all our help to give
and we'll survive
We will survive

It took all the strength we had
not to fall apart
kept trying hard to mend
the pieces of our broken paths
and we spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for ourselves
We used to try
Now we hold our head up high
and you see us
somebody new
We’re not that chained up little person
still have trust in you
and so you felt like dropping in
and just expect us to agree
now I'm saving all our support
for someone who's supporting us*

Stick it there as a revenge....

2009-11-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy from Ad.

Do I need to say more???

Buy 4 digit number 3978..sure kena

2009-11-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

More and more photos of this car have been sent to my email these few days. It must be a sign that many of the PG's residents are fed up with security guard parking his car there.

I spoke to Lim this afternoon about this and he said that he has been receiving the same complains from residents until he cannot "tahan" anymore.

So, as long as the security guard continues to park his car there, I will also continue to put in the photos sent to me into the blog. Let the whole world know how silly PG management and MC can get. They can't even control the security guard, by the way, who is working for who ah???

Sembang sembang session with MC Chairman

2009-11-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like there is no end to the complaints and every time I moderate a comment, it is always in a form of frustration and disgust.

Rude security, illegal parking, sleeping guards, yellow chain, gutter pipes, fallen branches, no parking stickers, tennis court, slippery floors, dog shitting, dogs barking, run down gym equipment, not enough parking lot, no visitor car park, tidak apa attitude committees and the list goes on...

Why don't we get the MC chairman and have a "sembang sembang" forum with him. Clarification and verification time. If you guys agree to this, I will "invite" Gan to meet up with all concerned.

For those agree to this, state your attendance and propose a date.

Penang Bridge International Marathon

2009-11-24T21:14:00.000-08:00

About 19,000 participants have registered for the international marathon which will be divided into four categories — Full Marathon (850 participants), Quarter Marathon (about 2,000), Half Marathon (about 6,000) and Fun Run (about 10,000).

The annual event has attracted marathon runners from all over the world.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Yellow Chain Gang Strikes Again

2009-11-24T07:08:00.001-08:00

I really don't know whether to laugh or cry. First, the famous "yellow chain" was removed to many residents' relieve. I have to thank some of the residents who confronted the "tidak apa" attitude SC about this and finally it knock some bloody sense into whoever is holding the portfolio.

Now, we thought, "Ok, lah, now that the yellow chain is removed, it will force the security guards to act accordingly by stopping people from parking their vehicles there, but now, the guards themselves are parking their cars there, KNN, WTF!.

Above are some photos taken by a resident showing the same guard's car parked at the "restricted" zone on the 23rd and 24th Nov 2009.

This evening as I was returning back from dinner, the freaking car was still parked there at around 10:30pm.

So, the enforcer is violating the law. Maybe residents should stick the "No parking" stickers onto the car from front to back and on the SC's face too.

Lion King for Ad's son....

2009-11-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

This video is for Ad's son, enjoy...

Another dissatisfied resident.....

2009-11-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

"If we complain too much about the falling branches/pipings, MC will get all the trees chopped down/pipings removed or buy the beautiful yellow chain to demarcate the area or ask the guards to put a sticker on the people to stop them from going too near the trees/beneath the loose pipings….LOL

But isn’t it similar to the “yellow chain” solution to “stop” people from parking in front of Guard house issue? Is it effective?? Do we still see people parking there? You decide.

That is the best solution from a MC any community can have. Total crap!!!!!

[Jimmy’s comment - When you call some of the MCs to look at a particular problem, they shout back, "I have no time, I have no time"..those are the exact words...]

Let’s put it in another way, it’s like someone volunteered to be in the committee for “ Saving All Lives” and the person is voted in by others. Others appreciate because it is voluntarily and it’s such a selfless deed.

So when one of the others call out to that someone to save a cat that just fell into the drain from drowning, that someone shouted back "I have no time, I have no time"…..

Now, pray tell…where is the rationale??? Why is that someone volunteered to be in the committee for “Saving All Lives” in the first place when that someone can ignore a drowning cat? See the irony??????

In the past, we have given suggestion and solution to MC, any implementation?

Answer = NO!!!

It is still up to that bunch of egoistic and incompetent personalities in the MC to do what they think is “shiok” to do, right??? Put this in our head, “It’s not what we need, it’s what they want!!!” Read it again slowly if you don’t understand. The key words are “we need” and “they want”.

When we question them why this type of rule or instruction, the MC will say…oh….the MC has already decided; let’s not discuss this issue anymore, period!!! And they don’t give a f**k what you need or what you think!!!

All tasks that requires funding, remember the $$$ do not come out from their own pockets but from all of us, meaning you and me lah…kawan-kawan.

The sad thing is the present MC is still confused between representative and arbiter roles, but unfortunately the majority of the residents are oblivious to this setback and accept whatever is being imposed on them.

We do not blame our neighbours as most probably like all people do, busy seeking out a way to provide a better future for the family.

Key word – Awareness and Change

To solve this issue, we need to select more committed and effective representatives in the next AGM to see results and those who volunteered just for namesake, business opportunity, for advantage, favour seeking or just to pass time must have the audacity to abstain from volunteering. All of us must be there to ensure this change, inform your neighbours to do so as well.

So let’s start with J’s suggestion. Jimmy please organise the meet-up this Thursday 9pm, “A night with Jimmy by the pool to remember” how’s that for a start????.... LOL

All commentators and visitors to the blog, please attend and encourage others to do so. Spread the words……..

Fused and Wasted....

2009-11-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

Just 2 more observations here.

1. 2 cases of garden lights - one of the bulbs had fused.

a. Near the multi-storey car park exit.

b. Near children's play ground.

2. PG library lights on, but no one is inside.

Required actions :-

1. Replace the bulbs and management should check frequently. Buat kerja!

2. Residents should practice energy saving, switch off when you leave. Jimat tenaga!

Gutter pipe incident...

2009-11-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken by a Block B resident this morning. It showed the half severed gutter pipe and the other showing the brackets without the pipe.

Thanks for the photo contribution.

Gutter pipe incident, residents fuming over repair delays...

2009-11-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

With the gutter pipe crashing down at Block B, residents of PG are fuming mad over the delays in getting the problem rectified. A resident had informed the management office about the problem weeks before it came crashing down yesterday.

Here are a few of the many comments received :-

Resident # 1

"The disaster finally happened, the rain gutter at Block B finally fallen. Hope that it has not caused any injury to any of the residents.

I would like to express my disappointment to management office again.

LT, you know, I did purposely took picture from my bedroom windows on Sep 20 (one of the Sunday morning, if not mistaken) about the damaged of rain gutter from 14 floor, showed to Mr Choo (our management officer), download to management office PC and explain to him my concern of the rain gutter at Block B which potential will collapse one day.

He recorded the information and since then I didn’t follow up further... unfortunately, the rain gutter collapsed today, and another one that mentioned keep swing right & left during strong wind also going to collapse soon."

Resident # 2

"Mitigation of clear and present problems is what management should take care of (especially when it could cause injury), it definitely doesn't bode well for them if they act only after something has happened, and it could've been worse for all they know. This is very lackadaisical on their part, I'd imagine that the safety of the residents should be of utmost importance. Management can't be that incompetent, I really hope this doesn't happen again."

Resident # 3

"can management staff know what is containment action? corrective action? preventive action? maybe they are well know of 'no action'.

Is there any other pipe also been affected?
Is there any other plant or tree almost collapse?
Is there any branches almost falling?
Is there any other findings?

If management staff is so 'BUSY' at their work, maybe we, as PG residents should show our concern to where we live.

One suggestion, how about one day after work, we form a group, gather at one place and we start to go around and monitor any findings surrounding PG. Look high, look low, look left, look right, and take any necessary picture and show all to management staff... place a real stack of complaints at once and see how they react?

If they still 'no action', then i think maybe we as resident should do something liao... unity is power!"

Resident # 4

"this morning 6.20am i passed through Block B and surprise to see pipe & pieces on the floor. Glad nobody injury.

Need immediate action to looking on this matter.

outside PG guard house, 1 tree has fallen. Hope another serious. Need to monitor other plant too, hope no more plant fallen."

Lucky Baby.....

2009-11-17T03:19:00.001-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

About Not on My Watch Prevention Campaign

2009-11-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

To protect patients by reducing the risk of HAI, healthcare professionals must continually update their knowledge of infection management.

As part of an ongoing commitment to quality care and infection prevention, nationwide doctors and hospitals are partnering with Kimberly-Clark to deliver continuing education programs on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention to staff and management. As simple as education sounds, busy doctors and nurses on the front lines of delivering care can find it difficult to find the time to take advantage of scheduled programs within their hospitals.

The HAI Education Program is part of a national infection awareness campaign for healthcare professionals called “Not on My Watch” and will provide the facility with a toolkit that contains informational flyers, patient safety tips and posters.

The "Not on My Watch" campaign provides accredited continuing education (CE) programs based on best practices and guidelines as well as research available on reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.

For details about the "Not On My Watch" campaign, and the HAI Education Bus please visit www.HAIwatch.com.

Danger from above....

2009-11-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

This morning at 7:20am, I noticed a huge fallen branch leaning on the fence next to the jogging path. As usual, being a pain-in-the-ass for management office and MCs, I recorded the matter. I then called Yeoh and Gan later this morning to discuss on the issue. I also asked Desmond to look at the problem (since he was at the motorcycle parking lot near to the field), but he told me that he does not have the time for it. I believe he as one of the MCs should be concerned too, but apparently not.

I have filed a request to management office a few days ago to trim the trees located at the PG field, but yet nothing has been done yet. I know it is difficult to get the right contractor to do the job but at the same time we cannot delay the trimming too.

The fallen branch measuring at least 3 meters long and weighs approx. 15-18kgs can kill if it lands on someone's head. Imagine the force from 20 feet above...Ok, I know la that Pearl Garden has the insurance for such incidents, but will it help if some one die or paralyzed because of such accidents. I think prevention is better than cure....be smart la..

We went along the path and also found some really heavy broken branches hanging dangerously from above (the tree nearby the washing bay). So, when you walk or jog under these trees, watch out for falling branches...

Kampung Buah Pala : Now and Then....

2009-11-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

CJ Jimmy Leow was passing by Kampung Buah Pala last weekend and cannot help but stop to see the changing landscape of this village.

Kampung Buah Pala was once known as 'High Chaparral' due to its population of cowherds, cattle, goats, other livestock, its unique hilly environment and Indian cultural features and festivities.

Kampung Buah Pala was once the major supplier of fresh cow's milk on the island, including the Penang Hospital.

The 200-year-old Indian traditional village was demolished in September this year to pave way for a condominium project named 'The Oasis', undertaken by the cooperative society and Nusmetro Venture.

He recalls the frequent meetings between the state government and the villagers, both wanting to reach a win win solution and, the villagers with their 200 odd supporters formed human barricades to prevent demolition workers from entering the village. Their cries and agony of seeing the houses being torn down.

Brave men and women they were. They were merely defending their rights to stay where they belong. Anyone would do the same.

But it is all over now, the villagers evicted, houses demolished, High Chaparral flattened, most of the families took the double storey house offer and as dusts settled, one often wondered if the villagers are still traumatized by the whole experience. Such experience will not be forgotten easily, at least not in their lifetime.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Jogging path needs repairs..badly

2009-11-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

For those who jogged along the path will know that at certain sections of the path is pretty bad. The roots have pushed up the concrete slabs and create unevenness. We need to repair the jogging path before someone trips over the slabs and break their head.

While looking at that, do repair the fence too at the same time. I will make an official request via the management office or should I contact MPPP since the field belongs to them?

On another note, why is a MPPP field within PG and not open to the public? Fishy?

Trim our trees before it is too late...

2009-11-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

The trees at our "padang" need trimming and with the rainy season approaching, you can never know when the heavy branches will break. Our residents who jogged at the slab path have the risk of getting hurt if a branch breaks and hits them. Can GE Tan look into this and get some one to trim the trees within the compound of Pearl Garden? Maybe they should also look at the trees at the service road too.

I will write in a request to management office pertaining this matter and lets hope they will take the necessary preventive measures as soon as possible.

Sembang Sembang Forum

2009-11-10T17:20:00.000-08:00

Jom Daftar Undi, PKR Style

2009-11-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

JOM Daftar Undi organized by Sim Tze Tzin, Adun Pantai Jerejak was held at Queensbay Mall, Penang. He mentioned that 3.8 million eligible voters between the age of 21 to 39 have yet to register in Malaysia.

This program will last for the next six months and the counters are open after working hours at Queensbay Mall main information counter. Among present at the event was the Deputy Chief Minister I, Mansor Othman who launched the program.

Video by Jimmy Leow

PSDC & CIMB introduce EMAS for a cleaner river in Bayan Baru

2009-11-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

Penang Skills Development Center (PSDC) together with CIMB Foundation distributed 1000 complimentary Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS) starter kits to the residents of Bayan Baru, Penang.

The objective of the event is to introduce EMAS to the local community.

CIMB's Regional Director, Liew Chee Cheang said that the bank has sponsored RM 100K to PSDC Green Program initiatives.

EMAS is made from organic products and can be used for household cleaning, laundry, gardening and even on pets.

It is an effective and healthy alternative to the conventional chemical based solutions and fertilizers. PSDC aims to encourage the adoption of EMAS among the Bayan Baru residents which will eventually contribute to cleaning the rivers in due time.

Dato Boonler Somchit, CEO of PSDC also mentioned that PSDC has adopted the nearby Sungai Nibong Kecil which has been polluted by domestic and industrial pollutants for decades. PSDC has confidence that EMAS can help to "heal" this river in due time.

Jom Daftar Undi...

2009-11-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Poor Wiring Conduit Updates

2009-11-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Albert's feedback after some rectification works on the wiring conduit. So, Albert, personally, it still looked "half cooked".

Below are Albert's comments.

Hi Jimmy,

The contractor has came back with some "rectification". Pls look at the picture. It's better than nothing. At least the conduit now sit at the edge between wall and ceiling.

Thanks for your help

Regards
Albert

Traffic Congestion In The Making

2009-10-31T01:52:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to put up some of our residents' articles. This one here came from Albert and thanks very much.

Hi Jimmy,

I am staying in Pearl Garden. Recently, I have came across a news in local chinese newspaper which I think would affect all of us including Sungai Ara residents. Sorry for the chiong hei (long winded) email. This is more or less the content of the news.

25th Oct 09

To ease the heavy traffic in the Bayan Lepas old town road, the Penang JKR department will open a new

interchange road called Jalan Kampung Bukit, which will divert the traffic from Teluk Kumbar to Sungai Ara. It

means that for those residents staying in Teluk Kumbar who would like to go to the town area, they will have to turn left at the traffic light into Jalan Kampung Bukit where Taman Sri Bayu apartment is located, instead of passing through the Bayan Lepas old town area.

The Jalan Kampung Bukit road will eventually merge to the Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim where the resident from Teluk Kumbar will pass through the traffic light infront of the SP Setia, cemetry, Pearl Garden, Chung Cheng Primary School to go to Georgetown.

Currently the new Jalan Kampung Bukit road is still not open to the public yet as the JKR is still waiting for the traffic flow report. After the new road is opened, the JKR will change the Bayan Lepas old town road to one way. It means that for those who wants to go to Teluk Kumbar from Bayan Baru, they can still pass through the Bayan Lepas old town road. But not of the opposite direction. This news is reported in the Kwong Wah Jit Poh dated 25th Oct 09.

Fyi, the new interchange road will be opened next month. Please refer to the original news reported at this link, http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2009/10/25/2.html

As the resident of Pearl Garden and Sungai Ara as a whole, I personally think that this arrangement or "patch

solution" is going to create heavy traffic congestion along Jalan Dato' Ismail Hashim. Every morning and

evening during peak hours, the traffic flow in Sungai Ara is almost unbearable.

We will have to bear with heavy jam in the traffic light located in front of Chong Cheng Primary School and the traffic light at the cross road of Jalan Data Ismail Hashim and Jalan Tun Dr Awang. What the local authorities are trying to do is to move the traffic congestion problem from one place to another.

This will not solve the traffic problem but at the same time creating a bigger pile up along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim which is already having problem coping with the increasing traffic. With such heavy traffic congestion, Sungai Ara property price will definitely be affected.

Currently, we are having difficulty trying to cross the road opposite of Pearl Garden (Jalan Dato Ismail

Hashim) due to heavy traffic from Setia Pearl Island direction. I could not imagine how the situation will be

if the road is used for those traffic from Teluk Kumbar as well.

Do you have any channel for us to complain/feedback to the local authority in order for them to find a better

solution?

I guess they will have to come to Sungai Ara during peak hour to realize that the traffic condition in Sungai Ara is no better than Teluk Kumbar and it might be worst.

I could think of a simpler solution. Instead of directing the traffic along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, the traffic could be directed to Jalan Makamah. From Jalan Makamah, the road user will be able to turn to Jalan Tun Dr Awang. In fact, the road user could access back to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah but that would require them to make an illegal U-Turn at the roundabout near the airport.

If the Local authority could allow traffic to flow to the roundabout, the condition will be much better. Please refer to the image Map.jpg for the alternative route that I mentioned. Apologize for the poor description. The road that was proposed by JKR is showed in cyan and green arrow. The alternative route that I thought of is rounded as blue.

Albert

Sugar Glider as a PET...

2009-10-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Learn the REAL pro's and cons of having a Sugar Glider as a pet. Reliable veterinary-approved information..

What is a Sugar Glider?

2009-10-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

J was telling me about a Sugar Glider and it seems to be a nice pet to keep. More info about it below:-

The Sugar Glider is around 15 to 20 cm (6.3 to 7.5 inches) in length, with a tail longer than the body and almost as thick as a human thumb, and weighs between 90 and 150 grams (3 to 5.3 oz). The fur is generally pearl grey, with black and cream patches on the underbelly and black or grey ears. Other colour variations include leucistic and albino recessive traits. The tail tapers only moderately and the last quarter of it is black, often with a dark tip. The muzzle is short and rounded. Northern forms tend to be brown coloured rather than grey and smaller.

The most distinctive features of its anatomy are the twin skin membranes called patagia which extend from the fifth finger of the forelimb back to the first toe of the hind foot. flabby – but immediately obvious when it takes flight. The membranes are used to glide between trees: when fully extended they form an aerodynamic surface the size of a large handkerchief. Membranes are also used to gather food while hunting. The membrane has a thin sheet of fur surrounding it, but it is usually pink in colour.

The gliding membranes are primarily used as an efficient way to get to food resources. They may also, as a secondary function, help the Sugar Glider escape predators like goannas, introduced foxes and cats, and the marsupial carnivores, such as quolls, the Kowari, mulgaras, and antechinuses that foxes, cats, and dingos largely supplanted. The ability to glide from tree to tree is clearly of little value with regard to the Sugar Glider's avian predators, however, in particular owls and kookaburras. The sugar gliders membrane allows it to glide for considerable distance. When landing, they catch on to branches with their sharp feet and opposable thumbs.

Although its aerial adaptation looks rather clumsy in comparison to the highly specialised limbs of birds and bats, the Sugar Glider can glide for a surprisingly long distance — flights have been measured at over 50 metres (55 yd) — and steer effectively by curving one patagium or the other. It uses its hind legs to thrust powerfully away from a tree, and when about 3 metres (3 yd) from the destination tree trunk, brings its hind legs up close to the body and swoops upwards to make contact with all four limbs together.

Make the Security Booth smoke free

2009-10-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

I noticed our security guards (2 of them) smoking like a chimney inside the security booth via the CCTV this evening. I think with the investment in the latest security system which cost more RM 100K and some fancy LCDs inside the booth, one should ban smoking inside the security booth as it may cause fire with the slightest mistake, cigarette butts have been the main culprit when fire is concerned.

And moreover, we don't need two security guards smoking at the same time, don't we, which brings me to my next question, who is doing their rounds? And don't you think that the security guards should refrain from smoking while on duty?

No U Turn Sign Approved !!

2009-10-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, it finally came. Remember the request for a No U Turn sign in front of the entrance of Pearl Garden? It has been approved by JKR and they will fix the sign up as soon as possible because they recognized the danger, especially to school children.

Karaoke Time, 27th Oct 2009, 8:00pm

2009-10-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Since no one has suggested a date for Karaoke time, it is now fixed at 8:00pm on the 27th Oct 2009 (Tuesday). Place , you know where la...All invited, especially the usual gang...just bring your karaoke or minus one CD. Those shy to sing, it is ok, you can talk to entertain...

See ya..

Poor Wiring Conduit..Penang FON?

2009-10-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

One of our residents complained about the shitty wiring conduit being installed by a contractor. He suspected the work of Penang Fon. Can GE Tan verify? Below is the email from our resident, Albert.

Hi Jimmy,

Apologize for my sudden approach. My name is Albert and I am the resident of Pearl Garden. I have been visiting your blog now and then. I must say this is a very efficient way to get information of what is happening in our neighbourhood. Your effort is very much appreciated.

Today, 20th Oct 2009, when I got back from work, I realized that there is a new wiring conduit running right in front of my unit to my neighbour's unit. Fyi, I am staying in the intermediate unit. The wiring conduit installation was very badly done. My initial suspicion was the wiring could be used for PenangFON. However, the wiring conduit was really a crappy work if we compare to the CCTV installed at the groundfloor of each block

I am not sure if we could get the Penang FON guy to improve the conduit installation so that I do not see such bad installation everytime i open my front door.

Attached are the photos of the conduit installation. Could you pls advice what could I do?

Sorry...I have been busy these few days

2009-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pen a short note saying that I have been busy with a sudden surge of work and have been really occupied. But I will be back.

We have been talking about the singing our hearts out and I was thinking if those interested would be able to get together this coming Friday.

LT, without you we have no karaoke room, so you must nod your head first!!!

Reply from JKR for No U Turn Sign

2009-10-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Remember the No U Turn request which I made a week ago? The case is being looked at by the related government agencies and an investigation is being done to evaluate the need of No U Turn sign. I have received a reply (official letter) from the state government and JKR yesterday indicating the steps of the evaluation and investigation to be carried out. All spelled out in black and white!

Just one week and they got back to me so fast, taking into consideration that it is a government agency that we are talking about here. You log into PINTAS (internet) and make your complain, no delays and no more "tidak apa" attitude.

Our management office should be better and faster in responding residents' complains since it is just less than 100 meters from where the complains are coming from. Oh, and one more thing, the government body does not discriminate if the complains are coming from those who voted for them or not.

Maybe PG management is moving towards "entertaining" complains from owners only and not tenants. If my observation is correct, that's discrimination!

Wait Until The Cows Come Home.....

2009-10-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Any cracks in any of your units in Pearl Garden? Make sure you make an official complain wor..remember to fill up the form and wait until the cows come home. Like me lah, just called management office this evening about my 3 complains which have been "studied" by management office for the past weeks. GE Tan to give me an "explanation" tomorrow....sigh.

But it is lucky that we do not have the problems like the residents of Tmn Kota Permai, BM.

In part one, we saw the residents of Tmn Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang enduring the flash floods which often hit their homes.

They claimed that the cause of the floods was contributed by the ground sinkage caused by the sewage project near their housing area.

This time around, CJ Jimmy Leow visited two homes which were badly effected by the ground sinkage and one needs to see it to believe it, the extend of the damages.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Speed bumps, drifting and pedestrian crossing...

2009-10-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

Contributed by Ad, a resident of PG.

Back to the suggestion of putting speed bump in the multi-storey car park, I think there is really a need to have that especially going up slope and down slope. I saw a lady driver speeding ~40km/hr going up to slope to level C parking with no sign of breaking. Until she making the turning at level C she suddenly break hardly because of another car trying to reverse out from the parking slot next to the turning. Imagine if she didn’t release the car reversing or someone walking down the slope, what is the damage?

I’m not sure whether she rushing for time or not, but it’s dangerous.

Sometime you also find drivers tend to speed up when going down slope to level A parking, not sure whether they want to experience ‘roller-coaster’ way of driving... :)

But, obviously putting speed bump is not an effective solution to tackle small group of drivers who like performing ‘drifting’ when going up or down slope of multilevel parking. Indeed it may create in convenience to those who always obeying the rule... maybe more complain will raise... But, let see what the best solution to overcome this issue.

If you happen driving to Queensbay-Mall parking you may see speed bump at the end of the slope that prevent people speeding (if not mistaken), not sure whether it will benefit to PG.

On another thought, is our management intending to create pedestrian walking path at the ‘Dato Kong’ side to give way for residents to walk from parking lot back to building A or B with minimum risk of knocking by fast car? Maybe opening the gate at the play-ground and make a pedestrian walking path connected to the motorbike parking next to block A.

Just a wild thought…

Flood victims of Tmn Kota Permai, BM, Penang

2009-10-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

This is what happen when the people's representatives (in this case, the Adun) did not help the residents to solve their problems or complains. Owners or tenants alike, they cursed and swear the elected one for his incompetence.

Therefore, GE Tan and MCs should take PG residents' complains seriously, before they come cursing and swearing...

Taman Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, Penang is just like any type of taman or housing estate. Residents lived their simple lives daily and go about their routine until about two years ago. When it rains heavily, the residents drop everything they do and turn on the red alert.

All eyes will be fixed on the water level as there has been several flash floods for the past two years.

The funny thing is there is no river or huge monsoon drains which may cause such floods. So, what is causing the floods?

CJ Jimmy Leow investigates and asked the flood victims of Taman Kota Permai.

Where are the lights?

2009-10-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

There has been no lights at the walk path from the multi-storey car park to Block A and the car park exit. Short circuit? Rectify the problem, GE Tan.

What? Send in an official complain? Don't waste my time. I have sent 3 complains weeks ago and nothing came back.

It's K Time.........

2009-10-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Just heard from LT that there is this new Karaoke set available at the guest unit next to the management office.

Anyone keen to test their voice? It is about time residents get together and have a K competition. Any Elvis, Tom Jones, Lee Hom or Mariah Carey in the house?

I think for a start we practice first ok before we scare everyone away? Please suggest date and time for this get together. Happy juice I sponsor...the rest LT sponsor..Deal?

Keluhan Penduduk Tanjong Tokong.......

2009-10-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

Persatuan Penduduk Kampung Tanjong Tokong menggesa campur tangan kerajaan pusat untuk mempercepatkan proses mewartakan kampung itu sebagai zon warisan.

Pengerusinya, Mohd. Salleh Yahya, juga dikenali sebagai "Cikgu Salleh" berkata, kampung berusia lebih 200 tahun itu perlu dikekal dan dipulihara demi menyelamatkan hak pemilikan tanah penduduknya.

Katanya, ia merupakan antara perkampungan dalam bandar yang masih wujud di negeri ini yang masih mengekalkan budaya masyarakat Melayu tradisional dan wajarlah dipertahankan.

Menurut beliau, sejak UDA Holdings Berhad (UHB) mengambil alih tanah di situ, kawasan perkampungan itu telah diisytihar sebagai setinggan menyebabkan penduduk seolah-olah hilang hak terhadap tanah mereka.

Seorang penduduk Kg Tanjung Tokong, En Ariffin Bin Man menyatakan bahawa kerajan pusat harus mengambil tahu keadaan di kampung ini kerana kerajaan pusat yang menjanjikan kemajuan dan pembangunan Kg. Tanjung Tokong sejak berpuluhan tahun yang lalu.

Beliau juga menyoal pihak manakah yang bertanggung jawab untuk menaikan taraf orang Melayu di Kg Tanjung Tokong?

UHB mula mengambil alih tanah di kampung itu sejak 1974 bagi melaksanakan pembangunan di situ termasuk membina kawasan perumahan dan pusat perniagaan moden.

Sejak 1994 hingga 2004, UHB mengarahkan penduduk kampung berpindah dari perkampungan itu secara berperingkat-peringkat, bagaimanapun sehingga hari ini pembangunan yang dirancang tergendala.

Video oleh Jimmy Leow (wartawan masyarakat)

If Not For Sumatra.......

2009-10-05T00:39:00.000-07:00

If Not For Sumatra, we will probably see the same devastation inflicted by thetsunami in Bandar Aceh and Padang on the west side of Penang island. Thousands will perish, buildings crumbled, injured by the thousands.

The whole stretch of Teluk Kumbar, Bedong Island and Balik Pulau will probably be washed away by four to ten meter high tsunami created by the recent strings of earthquake at Padang, Sumatra. From the view of Bukit Genting, half of the west coast of Penang island will be flooded.

On the east side of the island, the smaller waves invade the industry area, destroying factories at the Bayan Lepas industrial zone and not forgeting the residential areas where condominiums and shopping malls are built ridiciuosly near to the shores. One will also see the destruction of a resort at Pulau Jerejak.

The bridge which connects the mainland to Penang island will also be partly destroyed due to the massive waves created by the earthquake. Will we be able to rebuild Penang in such a short time? Will Penang survive? Will the coastal towns on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia survive such devastation?

The death toll in the Padang earthquake disaster in Indonesia rose to 603 while hundreds more are believed to be trapped in collapsed buildings in the west Sumatran city and mudslides that swept through entire villages in its outskirts.

According to official figures released by West Sumatra’s Disaster Management Agency recently, 785 people were seriously injured with some requiring surgery while those with non-life threatening injuires exceeded 3,400 people.

EnterinG the fifth day since the magnitude 7.6 quake struck on Sept 30, the stench of death overhung the city of Padang while rescuers tried in vain to find people still alive.

Clean water supply, electricity and telecommunication facilities were reported to be partially restored in Padang.

If not for Sumatra, we could have been heavily punished by mother nature twice in a time frame of 5 years. So far, Sumatra has been protecting the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia…respect her as she has been our saviour for centuries….

No U Turn Sign...Good or Bad?

2009-10-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day about getting the authorities to put up the No U Turn sign to deter or at least reduce the accident rate in front of Pearl Garden entrance. Recently, there was accident between a bus and a Honda Civic owned by the SASA Security boss. The bus driver had to pay RM 300.00 after being "harassed" by our security guards. Any way, I personally think that both drivers are in the wrong, one parked at the side of the main road (illegal) and the other made a U Turn at a restricted area (also illegal).

By getting the No U Turn sign, it will also create another big issue like prohibiting car owners from parking at the side main road (99.99% car owners from Pearl Garden).

If the "No U Turn" signage is up, I am sure it will also attract policemen to issue summon to those Pearl Garden car owners. But I guess, if we want to see less accidents, such policing method will have a toll on the residents. What do you guys think?

Should I pursue this further to get the No U Turn sign from the state government?

J's Pride

2009-10-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

J's pride, his goldfish....

The Debate Is On !!!!

2009-10-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is prepared to have a nationally televised debate with Gerakan President and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon without any ‘buts’ anytime, anyplace, anywhere even in the Gerakan Headquarters. DAP is disappointed that Koh has shown his trademark indecisiveness and evasiveness by setting pre-conditions to Lim before this nationally televised debate can happen.

To ensure that Koh does not wriggle out of the nationally televised debate with evasive tactics, Lim has unreservedly agreed to debate Koh without any conditions, even if it is held in the Gerakan headquarters, on the Kampung Buah Pala and any land issues.

Koh had said that Gerakan leaders are willing to debate with Lim while attending the Penang Gerakan AGM on 30 August 2009. On the next day, Lim immediately replied that he will accept Koh’s challenge, only if Koh himself debated with Lim. However, Koh did not take up the challenge, but instead sent Gerakan Youth as his proxies. Trying to help out Koh to avoid the debate, Penang Gerakan Chairman Teng Hock Nan even claimed a few days ago that Koh only suggested and did not challenge Lim for the debate.

Under pressure to prove his courage, Koh has pretended to accept the nationally televised debate. The pre-conditions Koh placed for the debate gives the impression that Koh has no sincerity at all to debate. All this clearly shows that Koh’s indecisiveness and evasiveness has not changed at all, even after the 308 political tsunami. He is still the same Koh Tsu Koon. He lost more than 10,000 votes during the 2008 General Election, precisely because of his indecisive and evasive nature.

If Koh dare not debate with Lim without any conditions one to one, how can he stand up to UMNO’s corruption and political dominance that denies equal political rights, equal economic opportunities and socio-economic justice.

Koh should explain his double standards and inconsistency of fighting corruption when he can support BN leaders associated with corruption. How he can talk of political morality and ethics but yet support the UMNO and BN candidate for Bagan Pinang who was suspended for money politics in UMNO and described as unsuitable by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad?

LIM GUAN ENG

Tsunami Warning Lifted, Penang Safe

2009-10-02T03:44:00.000-07:00

Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng was at the Department of Meteorology, Bayan Lepas, Penang briefing reporters that the recent tsunami warning has been lifted and there was no cause for concern as Penang is safe.

A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck off the city of Padang on the coast of Indonesias Sumatra island on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning and witness reports of house damage and fires.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a tsunami watch for Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand.The tsunami alert was canceled after no significant waves were generated.

The quake was felt around the region, with some high-rise buildings in the city state of Singapore, 275 miles to the northeast, evacuating their staff.

Padang, the capital of Indonesias West Sumatra province, sits on one of the worlds most active fault lines where the Indo-Australia plate grinds against the Eurasia plate to create regular earth tremors and sometimes quakes.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Slow Internet Connection

2009-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to put a short note that due to slow internet connection experienced through out the region. I am taking time off in updating the blog, just for a while, but I will be back....

Speed Bumps Most Appreciated......

2009-09-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Two speed bumps were recently build within the compound of Pearl Garden recently to slow down the vehicles. It is definitely a good move by the management to do so as we have children running in and out, and sometimes across the road too.

Another area which I hope management could consider building speed bumps is the multi-storey car park. Some of our residents do drive moderately fast at the location. Please remember, slow speed can kill too. A survey says that a moving car with a speed of 30 ~ 40 km/hr can be fatal.

I hope the management will continue to be attentive towards the safety of the residents, especially children. Well done.

Lee Hom for Ping and Friend

2009-09-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Ping, this one is for you or your friend...enjoy Lee Hom

J, just for you...

2009-09-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

For our Pearl Garden friend, J.

Transparency International gives good grades to Penang

2009-09-27T07:03:00.001-07:00

The success of the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government in fighting corruption has been commended by Transparency International in the 2009 Global Corruption Report (GCR) released earlier that stated, "Penang state has introduced several measures to improve the regulatory environment with regard to government procurement in what is referred to as a CAT - a Competent, Accountable and Transparency - government.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Tennis Courts Need Repairs

2009-09-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

The tennis courts at Pearl Garden are in a bad shape. The special coating is peeling off and it is slippery when wet and sandy when dry. It is hazardous to players and the management should take the necessary steps to restore the condition of the tennis courts.

To save cost, management should consider repairing one tennis court and convert the other to a basketball court. The basketball court can be cement rendered.

Slumberland or Dreamland?

2009-09-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Snoozing or Meditating? You decide...

Security guard ‘slapped’ by ghosts at housing area

2009-09-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

TAMIL Nesan front paged a report of a security guard who was said to have been slapped by ghosts in Port Dickson.

It said S. Albert 32, was making his rounds of bungalow houses in Taman Indah Mas at about 5.30am on Friday when he heard noises coming from a vacant unit.

He shone his torchlight through the window and was shocked to see mysterious white figure with red eyes and long hair.

Albert ran to the guards control room and inform his colleague who told him that his face had scratch marks and was bleeding.

Residents who got wind of the incident gathered with batons and sticks to check the empty bungalow but found nothing suspicious.

Policemen later broke the locks to enter the bungalow and found nothing unusual. The crowd were left stunned when the scratch marks on Albert’s face disappeared the moment he washed it with water.

This was reported in the Star on 27 July 2009.

Is this for real? Luckily, this did not happen at Pearl Garden.

Dreamland or Slumberland, you decide...

2009-09-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Taken from the CCTV at the guard house recently. Many are waiting for the video clip but at the meantime, satisfy yourselves with these 2 photos first. The sleeping positions they can think of..... He changed two positions. The first position seems to show that he is reading or writing.

What is management going to do about this? Do you need an official complain?

Are You Type A or B Survey....

2009-09-23T00:45:00.000-07:00

You Have a Type A Personality

You are ambitious, driven by your desire to get things done. Type A personalities are characterized by their drive and intense work ethic. You are competitive; you want respect, not affection. You may become irritated when you have to wait on a line or at a red light.

Are you a Type A or a Type B?

MySpace Quizzes at PimpSurveys.com

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

2009-09-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

This blog is getting too serious, we need to loosen up and chill out, make a trip to the 1st Hard Rock Hotel in Malaysia, nice food and nice people there...

Situated along the scenic, famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers 249 tricked-out rooms with great views and balconies. Featuring unconventional layouts and the unmistakable Hard Rock vibe, the hotel also comes with extensive facilities including an oversized free-form swimming pool and kiddies clubs to keep its young guests occupied.

The iconic resorts walls are adorned with showbiz icons and memorabilia; together with the hotels rock-star treatment of its guests and a rock-and-roll atmosphere, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is the ultimate Rock Retreat suitable for all ages.

CJ Jimmy Leow met up with very cheerful people of HRH who makes a big difference in comparison to other hotels. Penang Hard Rock Hotel rocks!

Video by Jimmy Leow

Please Come Home, Hubby

2009-09-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

See Kuan Teik went missing after being admitted into the Penang General Hospital a few weeks ago. His wife and son today seeks help from YB Sim Tze Tzin, ADUN of Pantai Jerejak to track him down. See Kuan Teik, age 68 was last seen by the hospital personnel a few weeks ago. It was just recently that his family lodged a missing person report. If anyone sees this person, please contact his son, See Tean Aun at 016-467 5806.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Really Lock Up - Don't Take Chances

2009-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Take no chances, do take extra precautions and really lock up if you are going away for holidays during this festive season. Even though, there is a better security in place now, it is never enough to deter a break in which had happened so frequently at Pearl Garden.

There has been alot of finger pointing to who is responsible to keep the security team in ship shape condition and many security companies had been replaced for the past years (I have stayed here for the past 10 years and I have my share of experiences with our security guards). The previous ones (a few years back) were caught having beer during working hours and I believed sacking them was the right decision. No mercy.

Yup, I was the one who told off the previous security supervisor (Jeffrey) that her men were having fun drinking beers and getting drunk when they were supposed to be working. Sure, some will say, what is a few beers? What harm can it do? Small matter what, a few beers only...so petty things..

You see, no one appreciates such things, until something really bad happened, for example to the extreme, these security guards got so drunk and they slept throughout the night and burglars ransacked your home, beat you up and "abused" your family. But when that happens, it is too late, there is no way to turn back the clock. But what the heck, petty things, right? As long as it does not happen to you or your family, it is ok...

Nevertheless, thanks to all of the residents' feed backs and support all this while, the current security team is on their toes, surprisingly some improvement can be seen (sometimes I pity them, when they see me, they see Satan or they try to look busy or something).

Anyway, that's beside the point, the most important thing is, they know that they are here to provide a sense of security to all who lived at Pearl Garden, whether they are owners or tenants, there are expectations. They know that we expect a certain commitment and quality from them. By the way, owners and tenants are paying their salary. Or do they protect the owners only and leave the tenants to fend for themselves?

You see, "residents" (owners and tenants = residents) should dictate the quality of service and I am not only talking about security, it can be cleanliness of the surrounding area or it could the manner the management team is handling certain issues. It could just be anything.

This blog will continue to provide such insights and information to those who appreciate it, and this blog will continue to voice out issues which may not be pleasant or favourable to certain people, it will continue to demand for answers, it will remain constructive, fair and I always preach freedom of speech.

For those who have weak hearts or may feel offended by the contents of this blog, please stay out. You have no business here.

Selamat Hari Raya to our Muslim Residents

2009-09-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Selamat Hari Raya, to all our Muslim friends at Pearl Garden

Chicken Den As A Neighbour

2009-09-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

‘Fowl play,’ cry neighbours

This article was emailed to me by our resident, CAT. It seems there may be a similar (smaller scale) in PG too. Anyway, just hope that you do not have a neighbour like Yong Chin Teck.

MALACCA: A 40-year-old unemployed man ran afoul of local authorities here for turning his flat in Jalan Bukit Senjuang into a poultry-breeding den, much to the annoyance of his neighbours.

Local councillors Alex Lye and Lim Siew Wan had a shock when they found Yong Chin Teck living with more than 50 chickens and ducks in his apartment located on the second floor of the Bukit Senjuang Flats.

“We were called to investigate complaints by residents of the stench and noise coming from the man’s apartment.

“We were shocked to find him breeding chickens and ducks in his apartment,” Lye told reporters after visiting the site here on Thursday.

He said this was not the first time Yong had run afoul of the local authorities over his poultry-breeding. He had done so 2006 as well, but stopped following complaints.

However, Yong said he decided to start rearing ducks and chickens again as he needed the income, Lye said.

He added that Yong, who lives alone, has been given two weeks to stop his poultry breeding and clean up his apartment.

“We will also assist Yong apply for welfare aid so that he will not have to resort to such activities in the future again,” Lye said.

Yong, a bachelor, said he has been living in the apartment belonging to his uncle for the past two decades.

“I do not have any work at the moment so I decided to breed chickens and ducks to sell them to villages for the Hari Raya festivities,” he said, adding that he sold his live birds for RM10 each.

Any Beds?

2009-09-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

CJ Jimmy Leow wonders if private hospitals in Penang are keen to accept patients with Influenza Like Illness since the cases of H1N1 cases are increasing every single day. Will these hospitals take in these ILI patients or will they be refused? Will these hospitals "reserve" the beds for more "added value" patients? Jimmy Leow has the tele-conversations recorded as he asked requested a bed for a high fever patient.

Another Breach Of Security

2009-09-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

While everyone (sub committee, SASA security and GE Tan) was busy discussing about the current security hot issues, there was another breach of security this evening.

Two unknown motorists were stopped by security near block A entrance at approx 9:30 ~ 9:45pm and based on their explanation, they came to distribute leaflets and I overheard that they knew the previous guards and was allowed into the premises to distribute their flyers "all the time". And who were these previous guards who have been allowing these people in at this time of the night? I smell a rat here!

I hope the security guards who stopped them took down their details and motorcycle registration number for further clarification. By the way, how could two strangers pass thru security gate at the first place? For all you know, these two strangers could be thieves or burglars, maybe they have been surveying some units for their next move....I am worried, aren't you?

I would like to have a report on this incident from SASA Security or GE Tan and I would like this incident to be reported to the police if necessary. And please come up with some proposals to eliminate reoccurence of such incidents.

A dialogue with the MC, security sub committee, SASA Security and GE Tan to trash out security issues is appropiate. Anyone want to join me?

Alert! Stray Dogs On The Loose in PG

2009-09-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

At least 4 dogs were seen early this morning at 12:15am tailing a bitch near the pool side. This evening at about 5:30pm I again saw 3 dogs near the guard house and as I was driving towards the multi-storey car park, I noticed another one wandering at the children's playground.

Please be aware of these stray dogs and by the looks of it, they may be dangerous if provoked since it is the mating session. Do not let your young children wander too far from you, keep them in sight.

At the mean time, can GE Tan get MPPP or SPCA to catch these dogs before someone gets bitten? Buta buta one....

BREAKING NEWS : 09-09-09 9:00pm Pearl Garden guard bitten by stray dog.This was reported by LT via email to me.

Can We Use PG's Facilities To Earn Money?

2009-09-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Just received this comment below from a new resident of Pearl Garden and his or her questions are quite valid. Can GE Tan and MC comment on this? I am keen to know the answers too. Thank you very much.

Hello Jimmy,

Nice to meet you.

I’m curious to know whether we can use the facilities of PG’s club-house (like swimming pool, Gym room, Aerobic room, squash court) to earn side-income? Is there any rule/law in PG’s handbook describe the Do & Don’t?

Sometime I observed we do have Yoga-course, swimming course or other courses which I believe is not organized by PG right (I do see some outsiders coming to join the courses). hence, it triggers me to think whether we can use these facilities for business purposes.

If yes, what is the condition?

Rgs,

Resident from Block C

Hungry Ghost Entertainment

2009-09-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Teochew operas and puppet shows are making a comeback in Penang this Hungry Ghost festival. These performances are part of the original package for the Hungry Ghost Festival celebration. CJ Jimmy Leow takes a look at the colourful sights and sound of the little known Puppet Show in Penang.

Video by Jimmy Leow

Security Guards Are Foreigners?

2009-09-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

I saw sitting by the poolside yesterday morning and for the first time, I did not recognise the faces of our security guards. Usually, it was the usual faces but there were these 3 guards with uniform who are strangers to me, well at least for me...

I think it would be helpful if the management could put up the security guards' faces on the notice boards like before. When I checked with a MC, he told me that all security guards at Pearl Garden are Malaysians, but yesterday morning, I was quite sure some of them were foreigners.

Maybe I should get in touch with Roland Yeoh who also saw them as he was walking to his car yesterday morning, just to be sure.

Still on the security matter, one of our resident (codename ET) took this photo of a guard sleeping, but I do not know the exact date the photo was taken. Sleeping on duty is a big offense and such incident should not happen. Before the appropriate "authorities" take the necessary steps to eliminate such recurrence, kindly check in detail the cause of this problem. Root cause is important.

Shifts are too long? Overtime? Working conditions? Sick?

This morning (Sept 7, 2009) at about 06:48 hours, I noticed that 2 security guards were doing their rounds at the multi-storey car park which is very good and at the same time, I saw a security guard patrolling the service road. Good job and keep it up!

Just a note, can the guards wear proper shoes rather than slippers?

Aedes Fogging Today

2009-09-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Kementerian Kesihatan will fog Pearl Garden this evening at about 5.00pm today.

Free Wifi at PG? What's the password?

2009-09-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

The last time I checked "View Available Wireless Network", Pearl Garden wireless secured network appeared, but requires password...

If the WIFI service is for the residents of PG, can GE Tan or MC let the residents know the password for internet access? So, as usual, me the KPC called up management office at 1:30pm today and spoke to "management" and asked if they could provide the password.

She told me that the internet line is not "properly fixed" yet, but I told her that our computers have detected a "Pearl Garden" secured network (which means that there is a network la, who is she trying to fool). Maybe MC can explain why GE Tan refuses to provide this password to residents when the WIFI is for the residents of PG.

Moreover, I believe we have invested a computer with an internet line for the management office to enhance communication and how come there is no email address for the management office, if there is, why is it not provided to the residents? Don't use the computer as a word processor only, use its full capability.

Car Wash Bay To Be Repaired

2009-09-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the comments from the residents of PG about the car wash bay, repair works will be carried out in September 2009 to mend the road.

Also, I would like to expressed thanks to MC and GE Tan for looking into it. At the same time, please include another RM 200.00 for the repair of post bar (above) which was damaged by a "tiada lesen punya" driver.....

Double Standards, Resident Fuming

2009-09-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

A resident's feed back about a security guard parking his own car at a "No Parking" area. I am not sure if it is this car but I saw this when I came back from work yesterday. Later on, at about 8:00pm yesterday, I saw double parking (2 cars) at the area too. The feed back from the resident as indicated below:-

Jimmy, lately I always saw a Produa Kelisa part just right opposite of our guard house. I believe that areas should be consider a NO PARKING area, and I do talk to the security guard Kanan, and understand that is his car that park there.

And he is very rude on replying me that, that is not Pearl Garden areas, he can park as he like. And I did call up his manager Mr. Wong to share about this. Unfortunately Kanan does not really care about what had being complain.

He still park his car there. I just would like to request the security company to relocate this particular security guard Kanan from on duty at Pearl Garden, since he cannot perform his duty as a security guard, we have service road at the back, he can park the car just like most of us which no parking lot inside Pearl Garden.

Rather than park at gate entrance, will sometime some cars need to make U turn after dropping someone, it make inconvenience from those who want to make U turn.

Attitude Problem, Nothing Else

2009-09-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you wanna cry or laugh....After so many times of complains, still residents with attitude problem still throw their rubbish in this rubbish bin.

Why do you guys stuff in your old matteress into this bin too and see if it fits !

Of cow heads and arrogant Muslims

2009-09-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

By Prof Mohd Tajuddin Haji Mohd Rasdi

I wish to comment on the 'cow head' incident in Shah Alam. As a Muslim and as a Malaysian citizen I do not support such a wanton display of disrespect for Islam and for Malaysia.

As a Muslim, my readings of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad's traditions or hadiths have taught me to respect animals and other religions.

With respect to animals, the Prophet warned Muslims against overburdening animals in carrying objects. The Prophet explained a story of how a prostitute was forgiven her sins by the simple act of giving a thirsty dog a drink.

The cow is one of the animals which Muslims slaughter not just for food but also as a sacrificial offering of our thankfulness to Allah as well as remembering Abraham's 'sacrifice' of his son Ismail.

The cow is thus 'holy' to Muslims as well as to Hindus. Muslims sacrifice a cow for the aqiqah ceremony or during the Qurban celebrations.

Thus as a Muslim, we must respect animals that become our food as well as our symbolic act of sacrifice.Standing or putting once's foot on a dead cow is a 'biadab' act that speaks of a person steeped in racial bigotry and of a person low in education of Islam.

With respect to other religions, there were occasions where the Prophet taught me about my attitude towards them. Once, the Prophet stood up as a sign of respect when the body of a Jew was carried to the grave.

When dispatching the army to a campaign, the Prophet warned the soldiers from desecrating houses of worships, those who reside in them, the young and the old and even trees should not be cut down if necessary.

Never had the Prophet taught me to desecrate another person's religion. The great Indonesian scholar Hamka wrote in his magnum opus, Tafsir Al-Azhar that there are hundreds of thousands of 'Nabi' and they might even be the founders of other religions.

It is common to find other religious faiths making fun of Islam and Muslims but as a Muslim I will never be allowed by my religion to make fun of other religions much less to desecrate them.

As a Malaysian citizen, I wish to ask why these people who showed such contempt for the religion of the Hindus not be arrested under the Sedition Act?

Were these people given permits by the police? If so why were they granted permits to desecrate another religion? Why were they not stopped and told to disperse? If Hindus can tolerate the Muslim call for prayers five times a day for the rest of their lives, what disruption can a Hindu temple be?

I live next to a Hindu Temple about 150 meters away and I observe a procession thrice or twice a year. It is quiet 362 days of the year.

Lastly, if these residents were proven to be members of any political party or parties, their membership should be revoked in order to ensure that we should not tolerate any political entity that uses racial hatred as their means of achieving political ends.

If not, then the said party or parties should be outlawed and their registration terminated immediately.

After more than 50 years of merdeka, I still cannot raise five children without the threat of racial disharmony and hatred. What does that say about our present leadership and future of our country?

Phor Thor at Pearl Garden

2009-09-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Mr. Teh (14th Floor, Block A)

Residents of Pearl Garden took part in providing offerings to "hoe heah ti" or good brothers who are said to be wandering among us during this Hungry Ghost month.

Chinese legend has it that a long time ago, there lived a young man, Mu Lian and his widowed mother. His mother was a wicked woman. She often turned away beggars who came to her door asking for food. She liked to jeer at the working poor and their dirty clothes; in essence, the only person she cared about was herself.

Mu Lian on the other hand was a kind soul. He was a gentle person and always willing to help anybody who was in need. One day he decided to become a monk and this did not please his mother. She scowled at him for being such a useless son; she wanted him to go out and work to earn more money for her. Wealth and materialistic things meant more to her than anything else.

When she saw that she could not dissuade her son, a plan began to hatch in her mind. She decided to play a trick on the monks just to get back at them for taking away her son. Now it was the custom to offer food to the monks (this custom still exists to this very day), but only vegetarian food. Mu Lian’s mother thought that it was nonsensical that these monks did not eat meat, so one day she offered food to some monks and slipped in some non-vegetarian items.

According to one version of the story, the wicked woman was punished immediately and was sent to hell. Mu Lian wanted to save his mother’s soul because he knew her soul was suffering.

He set out and ventured deep into the bowels of hell. Soon he came upon his mother and he saw that she was sitting a bed of very sharp pointy stakes and was holding on to a basin of blood.

Mu Lian tried feeding her some food but the food would either turn into fire or blood. It was hopeless: he couldn’t do anything for her so he left. He returned home and started to pray.

It is said that Buddha heard Mu Lian’s prayers and was touched by Mu Lian’s compassion. Thus Buddha decreed that once a year, the gates of hell be opened so that the lost souls will be able to roam the earth and be fed. This is why every year on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, the Chinese celebrate the festival of the hungry ghost. This is one of five major festivals in the Chinese culture.

Food and drink will be offered at night outside the gates of houses. This is so that the ghosts do not enter their houses and cause trouble. A traditional food made for this festival is steamed sweet bread. Lanterns are lit to help guide the ghosts to the feasts set out for them. Special paper money is also burned as offerings to these ghosts so that they can take it back to hell and spend it there. To make sure that these souls stay out of trouble, entertainment is set up round the clock, mainly Chinese operas performed on outdoor stages.

Dazed Driver at Pg Bridge

2009-09-01T01:11:00.001-07:00

The Malay lady driver was still in the car after the accident. She looked dazed and I cannot blame her. I noticed that her front bumper was totally damaged by the impact. I reckoned she whacked the bridge's side concrete retainer.

Luckily, this happened very near to the end of the bridge (towards Prai). Or else, sure long %$@#@%% traffic jam.

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day....

2009-08-28T03:46:00.000-07:00

It has been raining dogs and cats in Penang this few days. Good thing is, the heavy rain has cleared the irritating haze. If given a choice, I will take the rain rather than inhaling burnt ashes, any time, any day.

Gutter Leakage?

2009-08-28T03:43:00.000-07:00

Not sure where the leakage is coming from, but management better check it out before it gets worst.

Pipe Burst at Block A.

2009-08-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

This pipe is located at Block A. Not sure why it burst but better repair quickly to minimize water waste.

Non-Slip Flooring

2009-08-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Wet, wet, wet! During heavy rain, the floor at the ground floor leading to the lift is always wet and SLIPPERY! Can we find a way to make the flooring non slip type? I have seen children running across the floor and slipped. The non slip flooring can also help senior citizens too.

Think about it, it is not expensive to do this, safety first, always.

Hungry For Sushi

2009-08-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon a buffet at a sushi restaurant at QBM. Timing was just right for the whole family of 4 to tuck into the huge spread of sushis. Since the school holidays started, I did not bring my family anywhere due to work and I know it is not the excuse for not spending more time with my family. So, the sushi buffet came into play at the right time. We spend 3 hours there and had a lot of fun and food (buffet starts from 3pm and ends at 6pm)

We really had our fill, I mean the food we had will probably last us until the next breakfast, but we were surprised to know that the record holder is 80 plates of sushis (4 pax, all university girls). I guess the plates shown in the photo is nothing near to that.

Washing Bay Is Not A Parking Lot

2009-08-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

So now the washing area is another parking lot, is it? Several times, I noticed cars are parked there for several hours. This has caused inconveniences to those car owners who wanted to wash their cars. Already the washing bay is small, still residents park their cars there.

The security guards should also stick the "No Parking" stickers on these cars too.

On another note, I also noticed that car owners take their own sweet time to wipe dry their cars even though many cars are queuing up. Be considerate la, after washing your car, drive your cars back to your parking lot to wipe dry or park somewhere to do it.

H1N1 - Sooner or later

2009-08-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

Citizen journalist Jimmy Leow is curious about the low H1N1 death rate in Hong Kong compared to Malaysia. Hong Kong recorded 9,350 H1N1 cases with 4 deaths to date, whereas Malaysia has recorded 4,200 cases with 69 deaths as at Aug 24, 2009. The authorities has indicated that the current H1N1 cases in Malaysia are under-reported.

Based on the population of 7 million with a 422 square mile area, Hong Kong is definitely one of the most congested area in the world. It has been recorded that the population density is approximately 6,700 per square mile. Public transport such as buses and MTR are frequently used and most of the time, they are crowded, therefore, the spread of H1N1 should be more serious than of Malaysia. But why is the death rate so low in comparison with Malaysia.

As I searched for clues, I noticed that the public toilets in Hong Kong are extremely clean and they are equipped with hand soap too. Additional to this, there are a lot of anti-bacteria dispenser installed in most of the office buildings, at every lifts, airport, train stations, public places which made it so easy to disinfect your hands. I also believe that the H1N1 early detection method done in Hong Kong has been effective and that is why the death rate is still 4 until today.

Selamat Berbuka Puasa

2009-08-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day of fasting for our Muslim friends throughout Malaysia. Ramadhan bazaars can be found everywhere in the next one month. Eventhough the food sold here are prepared for Muslim, none Muslim like me took the opportunity to enjoy the delicious variety. Citizen journalist, Jimmy Leow wishes all his Muslim friends, " Selamat Berbuka Puasa".

Rubbish At Block B...

2009-08-22T01:35:00.000-07:00

Alamak, Ayoyo, Ah Ya, why like that one?

Need to say more? Why are people throwing rubbish in the most smallest rubbish bin at the ground floor? I think people are getting really lazy la.......The rubbish room is just a floor up, walk up la...

Please practise some real common sense....sigh

You Don't Tell, I don't Tell, Nobody Knows.....

2009-08-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

There was not even a skip but a big bang. It was like 7:00 ~ 7:30am yesterday morning when I heard it. A motorcyclist was picking up his motorcycle and by the looks of it, he probably went

too fast over the speed bum and fell. He was adjusting the motorcycle handle and I noticed that the handle cover was dislocated and he failed to start the engine.

I was then suspicious when the rider was looking at the car behind him. I sensed from his body language that he had somehow knocked or crashed into the car before he fell to the ground. So, as usual, me the KPC took the photo of this fellow and the bike, just in case.

This does not show in the photo but the registration number of the bike is PEN 4908 and the rider had a walkie talkie with him, so 1 + 1 = our security guard, it adds up, right? I was also very surprised that none of our uniformed guards came to investigate the incident as the sound of the bang was quite loud.

As I was going for breakfast, I noticed that Mr Teh (victim / car owner, 14th floor) was kinda angry and he had a camera ( I believe to take a photo of the damage), it was then that I saw the extend of the damage. The rear skirting of his car was damaged. I told him about the incident and told him to report the case to security in charge and management office.

In the evening, Teh told me that the security boss would like to verify the photo and we showed the photo to get compensation. The security boss nodded and I guess the security guard was responsible.

If it is so, I am really disappointed that the security guard did not immediately report the accident to any of the security guards around. To me, it was like "If you don't tell, I don't tell, then nobody will know". At least, he should have the courtesy to inform the owner and apologize for the incident. Of course, have to pay la, say sorry only, not enough wor...

I hope Teh gets his compensation....

Our Gardeners

2009-08-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

Now, that's what determination is. Reaching the unreachable, if there is a will, there is a way. PG gardeners have been always in my good books and without them the fields will be filled with weeds and lalangs. Now that the raining season is upon us, the weeds are growing out of control, but luckily we have these hardworking gardeners. The best part of the whole condo is probably the greenery we have. So, say thank you when you bummed into PG gardeners, I am sure they will appreciate it.

V Shaped Recovery - No Way

2009-08-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

The "worst is over" for the economy, according to Li-Ka-shing, however there is still a long way to go before a full recovery.

Despite surges in the stock and real estate markets, the tycoon poured cold water on the idea the economy is recovering from the financial crisis.

"Superman" Li said he is not buying shares for now and warned investors, especially those with borrowed money, that they should remain cautious.

Pillar cracking?

2009-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just an observation. This pillar is located at level B multi-storey car park. It looks like there is a structure problem on this particular pillar and by the looks of it, it seems serious.

Can GE Tan or MC look at this urgently? And at the same time, please get someone qualified to look into this issue and see if there are any more of such problem in the multi-storey.

At the mean time, I need you guys to be my eyes for a few days. I am currently in Hong Kong and will be back this weekend. No, it is not holidays, it is a business trip....cheers

Transparent Filth - Bad Fung Shui

2009-08-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is another easy task, just find and clean. Not difficult I promise.

As much as the transparent roofing is good to get the lights in along the pathway, it also has a horrible side to it.

Look at the filth and rubbish trapped on the roofing. Not only you have those, you can also find cloth clips, tissue paper, clothes, chewing gum wrappers, cigarette butts and the list continues. When ii rains, all these will be on the floor.

Can GE Tan instruct the cleaners to remove those rubbish from the transparent roof? It is a bad fung shui, you know, to have rubbish above your head.

Light Cover

2009-08-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

So, since making an official feed back to the management office using the official form does not bring any good, I am posting a few findings which require some attention from GE Tan or the MC.

This one is quite simple, just find and replace. The light cover is damaged and believe me almost all of these covers were replaced. I believe the quality of the cover is lousy and I would advise the management to change to a better quality type.

And I am sure readers from all floors agree to my suggestion.

This defect is located at Block A, 2nd Floor. Can you guys out there check for the similar problems and report back here. This can make the handyman's life easier. Thanks.

Heavy Branches Above

2009-08-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

If you hear cracking sound from above when you are walking pass the road near the Dato Kong shrine, don't look up. Run!

Since there was strong winds and heavy rain these few weeks, it is advisable for GE Tan to get our gardener or contractors to remove those heavy branches. This will deter them from falling onto the road leading to the car park or onto someone's head. Safety first, ok!

Unfinished Work at Dato Kong Shrine

2009-08-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to highlight that the pile of concrete slabs from the old Dato Kong Shrine are still at the side of the road yesterday. It is an eye sore, can someone get the contractor to clear them as soon as possible. I am sure the seven Dato Kongs will appreciate it too. Thanks.

Kampung Buah Pala D-Day

2009-08-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile with the deadline to vacate the land expiring yesterday around 300 people gathered at the village at around 10am to protest the move .

Among them were members of the banned-Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), MIC, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and non-governmental organisation Jerit.

However, despite waiting for almost two hours, there was no sign of the developers but there is no guarantee that the demolition will not take place although the Penang government had held back the revocation of development order last week.

According to journalists on the ground at that time there were no bulldozers, police or local council officers at the site.

The protesters left the village at 11.45am and proceeded to Komtar to submit a memorandum to Lim.

Video by : Jimmy Leow (Citizen Journalist)