International Volunteers Day

Today is the International Volunteers Day.

Volunteerism in Malaysia is fast catching on, especially now under the stewardship of Prime Minister, with his 1Malaysia concept. As an active volunteer member of the Malaysia Civil Defence Department, or the 'Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia' or JPAM in short, I guess I have some say on this subject matter. JPAM is a government agency that operates almost entirely on the power of volunteers.  A few years back, it was something like 90% volunteers 10% permanent staff. Now, the ratio is getting smaller, maybe 85% as the current management is expanding its permanent manpower, in line with the expansion of the department.

I always believe that the power of volunteerism has been, and always will be, nature's backup plan to counter the impact of all (not limited to) major disasters, not only in Malaysia, but all over the world. Volunteerism works across borders, and beyond the prejudice of mankind against gender, race, religion etc. Volunteers CHOSE to be there, in the thick of the action out of PASSION. That goes a long way in determining the quality of the services rendered. A volunteer working with passion can be MORE PRODUCTIVE than a few salaried people working on the same task without passion but merely for their paycheck at the end of the month.

 

However, much needs to be done here in changing the biased perception of the public themselves about volunteers. There are some, even in the government agencies, that do not truly believe that volunteers can be professionals. To these people, I would like to emphasize the following:-

1. Volunteers are not beggars, and certainly it is not reserved only for the jobless or unwanted.
2. Volunteers come from all walks of live, with different backgrounds. They might be carrying boxes or driving lorries for you today, but has a Mercedes at home. Heck, they may be playing golf with your Dato KP tomorrow morning.
3. Volunteers have knowledge ie management skills, training skills, auditing skills or any other skills that they might have mastered in their working life that would add value to your agency/group, so swallow your pride and work as a team.
4. Volunteers are there to help EVERYONE, so please do not use them as a pawn in achieving your political agendas.

It seems nowadays, everyone wants to be a volunteer, which is good. But in my experience during disaster relief ops around the country, there are those who do not truly understand what disaster relief means. A few examples:

• A corporate company with a food catering subsidiary cooks and distribute hundreds of fried rice packs to post flood victims everyday, for lunch and dinner. They got offended when they saw traces of polystyrene packs thrown away.
• Moral: they are flood victims, not beggars. You cant just cook distasteful food (I personally wasn't able to swallow it..too salty) and expect people to eat and show gratitude. Btw, even if they did eat, don't expect them to eat the SAME food for Lunch & Dinner over a few days.
• My 2 cents: Give your BEST food and your BEST service to victims.
• A bunch of volunteers, well actually 64 people in a convoy of more than 15 cars wanted to go to deliver post disaster contributions, which was half load of a 1 tonne lorry.
• Moral: it doesn't take many people to distribute the stuff. Victims are affected not only physically, but emotionally as well. They are victims, not circus. You go with so many people that would only encroach on the victims already limited personal space at relief centres, not to mention cramp up the few toilets already shared by hundreds.
  How would you feel if you are a victim, lost your belongings, staying at a cramped up school hall...and suddenly a few jokers asked their kids to pose with you, all because those jokers wanted to 'instill' the good values in their kids...DUUHHHH
• My 2 cents: unless you have special skills to assist them e.g. electrician, plumber, brick layer etc, only go when you can add value to their lives.
• Another big bunch wanted to be 'part' of the happening volunteer crowd. As it was a major disaster, accommodations were limited. They got a local 'powerful guy' to move the victims from one hall in order to make way for them, so that they can do their 'volunteer' work
• Moral: the first time I heard it, I was so pissed. The first rule is....learn to RESPECT the victims. Like I said, as volunteers, you must be prepared to live, eat even shit in WORST conditions than the victims, or else what's your purpose dude? That's why when me & my JPAM team goes for disaster relief, we bring our own stuff. For us, sleeping is an option but a bed is a bonus.
• My 2 cents: be self reliant, bring your own stuff, plan your own logistics. If you cant do that, then stay at home and sleep in your own bed.
• Another company with substantial contributions engaged a group to assist them to get the stuff distributed and in the end also had to PAY for their FUEL, their TOLL, their FOOD and what ever other expenses; and guess what? They enlisted quite a few of their friends to tag along...all paid for by the 'victimized' contributing company.
  
• Moral: there are people whom wouldn't think twice about making an extra buck out of other people's miseries. So make sure you get proper people to help you out. As in the example I gave, for their second trip there, I helped them to get assistance from JPAM...free escort, free lorry transport, no fuel or toll fees, direct distribution to victims via JPAM's local unit, no need to provide hotel accommodations.
  
• My 2 cents: do some research on how best to contribute. If you have food or basic necessaties contribution to send and you dont know whom to contact, get in touch with government agencies e.g. JPAM.  If you still don't know how, contact me and I'll help you.

 As a Malaysian who believes in the power of volunteerism, I wish all volunteers, irregardless from which organization or country, or even if you don't belong to an organization but do good in your personal capacity..... happy International Volunteers Day.

Majlis Penglibatan PLKN dalam Pertahanan Awam part 1

Last Monday, I was involved in the 'Majlis Penglibatan PLKN dalam Pertahanan Awam', officiated by Defence Minister, YB Dato' Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi. The event took place at Kem Seri Perkasa, Mantin.

The event marked the launch of a collaboration between Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) and Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (JPAM). What this means is that PLKN trainees now have the option to enlist as JPAM members at the end of their training. The following are some pictures taken during the event....

The 'tambor' from JPAM

The road accident demonstration by JPAM

The 'senamrobik' by PKLN

The dynamic Omega by JPAM

The 'Skuad Gerak Pantas' JPAM

to be continued....

What's that I smell in the air?

I used to drive to Kuantan during a job assignment every week for 1.5 months and I always drive at night. When I get to this particular stretch, I always get the eerie feeling because of limited visual, like in one of those horror movies where there's always white haze appearing prior to the ghost's grand entrance...haha.

At first I thought it was because of the haze. There was even a sign "Jalan Berkabus Di Hadapan". Then one day, my car air conditioner went kaput on me, so I had to drive with my window down. When I came to that stretch, ewwwww....the smell of smoke and smog. That got me curious, and since I am a trained Quality Lead Auditor, I began my investigation.

What I found out was, its actually smoke emitted by a factory hidden somewhere amongst the palm oil plantation. Some would say the smoke is a by product of palm oil processing. Even if that is true, there must be a rule written somewhere limiting the amount of smoke that you can release to the air.

Thus, as fate would have it, I had a 'Kementerian Teknologi dan Alam Sekitar' senior officer as a diving student. So on the drive to Pulau Redang, I presented my case. Its unhygienic, bad for the 'penduduk setempat' and with the haze limiting visual on the highway, it also affects road safety. As with the case of the sharks, this case is being investigated. Finally, some action.

Location: the new East Coast Highway (Lebuhraya Pantai Timur) KL-Kuantan
From KL, its on the right side of the highway

My word of wisdom

I was reading a motivational book, a gift from a friend on 'making friends'. One simple rule that I think everyone knows is "do onto others what you want others to do onto you". This seemingly simple equation is very straight forward. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.

However, this simple equation is the most overlooked rule. People expect other people to treat them with respect and dignity. When they don't get it, they get irritated. But what if they treat other people like shit? Using the equation, its only right for people to treat him or her like shit too. But there are such self centred morons who expect respect no matter how bad they treat others.

Us Asians are famously known to have a much higher tolerance level than others, so we learn to accommodate these morons. Because of this, the morons think that they could get away with anything, and they get bolder and bolder by the day. So its safe to say that the root cause of it is actually us. We let them get away with all these.

However, we Asians, despite having a much higher tolerance level, we are less forgiving once that level has been breached. Once someone crosses that line, he or she may never be forgiven. Even if forgiven, but not forgotten. When not forgotten...things would never be the same again.

"When there is no respect, there is nothing left but hate."...KAZ

Something forgotten

Alamak...in my rush to post this article, titled 'Senseless Killings', I had forgotten to acknowledge and give due credit to the source of the photographs that I had uploaded. It was CaTz that actually reminded me about it today. Being a photographer myself, this is unethical (even though she has given them at will). So I would like to thank Ryzah, a good friend, for the pictures and email.

An update: a complain was lodged with the respective ministry through a friend working somewhere up there. Within days, a team of officers were there including the Ketua Pengarah (KP) to investigate. Its a toxicating cocktail of jurisdiction, indigenous people, livelihood etc etc. For example, federal has no jurisdiction over Sabah state Taman Laut and that this case was never highlighted before. The KP was shocked to see the pictures. Even if things came out in the papers, we cant just assume the authorities are aware of it.

Well, lets hope that something good comes out from this. If the KP cant do anything, then there is definitely no hope left for our marine life...a very sad episode for future generations.

A nostalgic flashback?

Having written about my fish and how it was a companion throughout my pre and post divorce times, it brought back some memories of those times. Ask anyone who has gone through it, it's not very pleasant....especially if you are the one that gets dumped...haha. Another constant companion was my mp3 player. Believe or not folks, my favorite song was 'Menghitung Hari" by Kris Dayanti. Why you may ask? Listen to the lyrics, then you would understand. Lame ain't it?

As I was listening to some of the more 'latest' music, I was attracted to this song by Dygta, titled 'Kesepian'. Man, if I were to go through a divorce or breakup now, I would have chosen this song as my 'official breakup' song. Why you may ask? I have pasted the lyrics....

kurindu disayangi, sepenuh hati
sedalam cintaku, setulus hatiku

kuingin memiliki, kekasih hati
tanpa air mata, tanpa kesalahan

* bukan cinta yang melukai diriku
dan meninggalkan hidupku lagi

tolonglah aku, dari kehampaan ini
selamatkan cintaku, dari hancurnya hatiku
hempaskan kesendirian, yang tak pernah berakhir

bebaskan aku, dari keadaan ini
sempurnakan hidupku, dari rapuhnya jiwaku
adakah seseorang yang melepaskanku
dari kesepian ini

back to *

This goes to show that even though I dive looking for dead bodies or rush mangled, bloodied accident victims in an ambulance, deep down inside I am still a human...with a heart. Cewah!

To all those who got left behind, I dedicate this song to you

Mr Matty King

I was sitting there at my table, reflecting about my life, when I saw my friend, Mr Matty King, from Australia, appearing on-line yesterday. Its been a long time since I last chatted with him. The first time I met Matty was during my IDC course (Instructor Development Course) a.k.a. PADI's scuba instructor's exam. I spent nearly 3 weeks with this guy on Perhentian island. Studying, diving, eating etc. Well the course and exams were like 2 weeks, the rest we just laze about doing nothing but diving.

When it was time to head back to KL, we took the same bus. It was the first time I had ever used a RM3k (after conversion from AUD1k) sleeping bag. We used his sleeping bag as the air conditioning on the bus was too cold. I remembered so clearly, I was amazed by it. Its rated for sleeping in minus 30 degrees and yet I didn't feel 'hot' like the normal ones I had used before. Its warm and very comfy.

I met him again when he stopped by here with his girlfriend en route to China. They were spending sometime in China, working as English teachers there. Every year during winter, they spend their time traveling.

For this year, Matty has come up with a plan...Motorbike trip from Singapore to China...him, Serena (wife) and Tristan (bro-in law). He asked me to tag along. I asked him how long you plan to be away? 7 months came the reply. Like wow...that's long dude. So in the end, I told him I'll tag along for the Malaysian part of his tour..roughly about 7 days on my trusty motorbike. Details are sketchy at this moment, but tentatively it starts on 28th April 2009. I am actually looking forward to it. I wish it's tomorrow.

Nothing but the open road . Maybe that's what I need...to re-charge my internal spirit.

P/S: Any bikers interested to join us?

Is privacy a passport to everything?

A friend just confided in me that his GF is sharing their intimate secrets with her ex BFs. My friend was very disturbed about all these. I asked him how he got to know...from chat transcripts sent by someone from a particular agency.

His suspicions came about when she 'secretly' added one of her ex BF into her FB. The fact that she did it 'secretly' shows that she knows that its politically incorrect. But when my friend told her his displeasure, she didn't delete the dude. So that's how he asked someone to do a check. What came back was a surprise for him indeed.

His GF was always accusing him of having sordid sex chats with girls, or having secret rendezvous, or what ever she fantasizes could be happening behind her back. He was very accommodating coz he says "its a sign that she loves me". True...maybe. But when its evident that she chats about their intimate stuff...well...cakap tak serupa bikin ni. Wasn't there a famous line that goes something like "do onto others what you want others to do onto you"?

He told me that the GF was mad coz to her its an invasion of privacy between her and her friends. Wow...is she for real? I think she's just mad coz she didn't have an answer. My 2 cents on this...

• What about the privacy between her and the BF? I think a relationship is a special bond between TWO people, and not to be shared with ANYONE. What about his rights? Doesn't he have a say if you want to share the intimate secrets between the both of you with your ex BFs?
  
• Invasion of privacy between her and her friends? So where does the BF stands? Outside the private circle? Hello...your soul mate should be the one closes, in the inner most circle, not treated like an accessory item. Kalau ada jodoh, you are gonna get married to him for god's sake.
  
• She was so engross about how she and her friends feels that she puts her BF's feelings last. It was always her and her friends first. If I were her, I would have deleted that dude as a friend if I know that it bugs my soul mate. No questions asked.
  
• That dude even had the nerve to suggest to be her part time lover a few months back even after knowing she is going out with my friend. Doesn't that tell you anything girl? That dude is bad news and you are taking his side over my friend?
• These people give advice la, saying things like maybe my friend is not serious, taking her for a ride, don't want to see her get hurt and taken advantage of etc etc. Hey dudes, the fact that you all are her ex BFs means that you guys are describing yourselves. And the fact that you guys f**k around while being married further loath me. At least my friend has the intention of actually marrying her. Funny thing is, she actually listens and discuss with you people? How stupid can you be girl?
  
• Privacy? Yes, as long as you don't do stuff behind your partner's back la. Sometimes people abuse and hide behind this word, as if its a passport to do what ever you like. You are still bound by the common rules of wishful thinking. I am sure, if the tables were turned, she would have gone bonkers.
  

So now my friend tells me that the GF wants to break off with him coz he invaded her privacy. Haha. Is she for real? Bloody arrogant if you ask me. You drew first blood girl. You expected him to behave nice and proper for you, but you on the other hand, is free to do what ever you please? Is that how relationships should be? Ask yourself...can you take it if it was the other way round?

My friend really like the GF and did everything for her, and was also seriously thinking of settling down by this year. Too bad the GF is too bloody arrogant to admit her mistakes but instead chose to blame my friend for everything. She says that its my friend who actually doesn't want to be with her by finding excuses. Its so easy ain't it to chicken out of a relationship by blaming someone else. Time to look in the mirror girl!

Keep your chin up my friend.

My First Wedding Job

Huhu, who would have thought...me...doing wedding photography? Well....I did that twice before, once as a favour (so that doesnt count as 'official') and the other was to bail out a friend who had to leave early while on the job (so that doesnt count as 'official' too). Guess that makes this one 'THE ONE' (official that is).

Understandably I was nervous. Why? I am not sure really. I think it may be because I dont know whether my 'taste' appeals to the bride & groom. After all, photography is a form of art and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Well I guess the groom's family had seen my work (my 2nd 'unofficial' job was during the eldest sister's wedding) or maybe they were just doing me a favor.

I couldnt sleep that night. At 2am I was still busy cleaning lenses and charging batteries. Just like a small kid with his 'new' toy. At last, I managed to put in about 3 hours of sleep. Borrowing Catz's favourite expression..."crazy"...haha.

The groom is the son of Dato' Sham & Datin Saadiah, fondly called Ijan (not sure of his full name though). The bride and groom had insisted there will be no 'bersanding' ceremony on either side, so it makes it more challenging for me to get good shots.

I would like to share with you this unique wedding reception on the groom's side. Why unique? It was a BBQ reception, with stalls serving BBQ stuff, beriyani, char kueh teow, sotong kangkung, tauhu bakar, ice kacang etc etc.

The groom's reception




The families

The groom's family


The bride's family

To the bride and groom, I wish them "Semoga bahagia ke anak cucu. Amin"

Across the causeway

I just came back from Singapore, to get some BBT (big boy's toys). Why am I writing a trip to Singapore in my blog? What's the big deal right? Well, I just want to tell you of an alternative way to go there...by bus. Now hold on, before you get turned off, here me out. I used to think that way too. But then...this trip changed my mind.

The bus that I took was aeroline, a 2 storey VIP coach. The lounge is at the bottom and also the toilet. The seating area is upstairs. Comfortable reclining leather seats...it even has a power point. There's a stewardess on board, who gladly did all the serving and pampering. On my way to Singapore (morning), they serve us Subway sandwich and on the way back (night), they served us meals from The Chicken Rice Shop. Hot beverages were free flow. One way trip takes only 5 hours.

I didn't do much sight seeing at all. It was purely business (yeah right) looking for useful equipments (again...yeah right). On the last night, my friend Amin took me to eat the famous Murtabak. We even managed to perform our prayers at Masjid Sultan, one of the oldest mosque in Singapore.

One thing for sure, the cost for accommodation is very expensive over there. For the amount I paid for the budget hotel, which is SGD145 (roughly about RM340), I would be very comfortable in a 4/5 star hotel here in Malaysia. Believe me folks, that was the cheapest hotel around (the Hotel 81 chain).

In the end, what did I get?

• Yaesu VX-6R


• Icom V8000


• Garmin 60CSX GPS

I learned quite a bit about Singapore this time...about its people, its culture...most importantly, its public transport. Yes, there are things that we can learn from our neighbour...especially in town planning and civic. I was surprised how easy it is to cross the street there as compared to here. No motorcyclist try to squeeze thru the red light and no cars tries to beat the red light. Maybe Singaporeans will outlive us Malaysians on the road. But then again, have you seen Singaporean drivers once they cross the causeway into Malaysia? Hooligans. Didn't mean to generalize, but I had a few close brushes with some of them. Yes they do have nice big cars. Guess they use Malaysia as their vehicle testing area. Goes to show our level of enforcement here.

My best friend's wedding

My best friend...or buddy...Dr Lynn Azura...got married today. The nikah ceremony was at 10am followed by the wedding reception at 12noon. The decorations were nice, the food was great and everyone whom attended had a good time. There were a mixture of scuba divers and basketballers too.

Where was I amidst all these? I had to 'cover' the event as a wedding photographer..officially. Our friend who was the 'real' photographer, had to leave after the nikah ceremony. So I took over. I was nervous as I didn't want to let my buddy down. After all its not everyday that one gets married. So I was behind the lens until later that evening.

The groom, Ardi, was also a good friend. We became friends when he took up his open water (scuba) certification with me. In fact my buddy was also my student. So two of my students getting married...there's no way I am gonna miss that. Being true scuba fanatics, they are going for their honeymoon scuba diving in Boracay, Phillipines.

Just want to wish them "Selamat Pengantin Baru. Semoga bahagia ke anak cucu"

A gathering like no other

It was a night like any other night...except...last night I got to meet my fellow ex-SSP'ians. Last we met was in 1981...such a long time. It was an unofficial TT (teh tarik) session and it was an impromptu meeting..thus the small group. But it's a start.

Oh ya...what is SSP? It stands for Sekolah Sri Petaling. a primary school located somewhere in Petaling Jaya. An extract I got somewhere (can't remember where)...

Sekolah Sri Petaling was originally known as Sekolah Rendah Universiti, an experimental school administered by the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya. The school became operational on the 6th of January, 1969 with 648 pupils and 26 teaching staffs. The main buildings of the school were designed by architect Dato' Baharudin at the cost of RM 300,000. On the 28th of October of the same year, the new school complex was officially opened by the then Ministry of Education, Dato' Abdul Rahman Yaakub. He proposed that the name of the school be changed so as to avoid the misconception that the pupils of this school would be given priority to enrol at the university. As a result, the school changed its name to Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Sri Petaling (or Sekolah Sri Petaling (SSP), in short).

We talked and laughed a lot, reminiscing when we were kids running around in school. We were just like a bunch of kids again. After a few rounds of TT, some began to nervously look at their watches. Alas, the reality hits us. We are no longer kids, but grown ups with responsibilities. Most of us are coming full circle...our kids are the same age as when we last remembered each other... in primary school.

My CAT found..part 2

I shall continue …..

0430hrs – CAT was stolen right in front of my house in Taman Melewar. My mum was reciting Quran at the time had actually gone to the window and saw CAT being driven off. She thought it was me responding to an emergency call.

0730hrs – CAT spotted by the main road Gombak (from Karak) – Sentul near the new exit to Taman Selasih. The guy who spotted it was another 4WD’er whom evidently is an admirer of fine vehicles (we off road people have this strange fetish of big cars with big tyres). He thought that it belongs to the contractor building the road.

0930hrs – After I had gone downstairs, fully dressed for a day’s work, my mum looked at me and said that my staff had came by to take CAT this morning. I tried calling him but he didn’t answer. So I thought maybe it was an emergency that he came and drove off without telling me (he has a spare key).

1000hrs – My staff arrived. Confirmed, CAT was stolen.

1112hrs – After tedious communication to almost everyone we know, I lodged my police report at IPD Sentul.

2239hrs – A guy by the name Yusri called to ask whether CAT was a stolen vehicle. Informed me the location and promised to wait until someone arrives. Call the Investigating Officer (IO) and informed him. I had actually asked his assistance to send over a MPV as I was away in Cheras. He gave me reasons like ‘susah nak jumpa’ etc and finally asked me to get my friends to go. I called Gerakan and seek their help.

2330hrs – I arrived at location. After assessing the condition of CAT, I called up the IO again. I describe the damages to CAT and also the missing items. I also told him that we found a ‘molested’ motorbike near where CAT was which we suspected was stolen. All he told me was to take CAT home and come to the police station tomorrow to lodge a report.

2345hrs – Due to the damages to the door locks, we decided to tow CAT to Gerakan. It is by far the safest place as it’s always full of people.

When CAT was stolen, with the help of some friends, almost everyone was alerted. Police, Highway Patrol, Border Patrol, tow trucks, taxis …even the Police Air Wing. Information was conveyed thru the use of amateur radio network, SMS, emails, phone calls…and within minutes, almost everyone knew. When CAT was found, most of the people turned up to view the car and share their thoughts, JPA3, tow trucks, people from the press (TV3, Harian Metro)…almost all parties represented except….the police.

CAT was certainly covered in fingerprints of the culprits. Not even a photo was taken. No wonder crime is on the increase if this is the way an act of crime is investigated. I am glad that I had ‘anak gajah’ back, sure I got my car back, but I still lost about RM10,000 worth of rescue equipments.

I am sad the way this case was handled. With all the recent pay rise, increase in manpower and logistics…its surprising if they can still blame it on low morale. Just now I tried asking the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), an ASP, about their investigation procedure and all I got was a short laugh and a dumb look. He told me no need to take photos, fingerprints, case closed and I can go home.

I am sure the culprits will be back. Do I have to wear a cape and run around wearing my underwear on the outside in order to put crooks behind bars? Hmmm…maybe I will go shopping for red underwear just in case….

My CAT found

I have finally found 'cat' or 'anak gajah'. The call came at 2239hrs from a fellow 4WD member by the name of Yusri. He had heard it over the ham radio where we had broad casted. Ironically, the place was very near my house, about just a few kilometres.

I am tired now. So I shall rest and continue later.

My CAT got stolen

Today is a very, very sad day for me. This morning at 0430hrs, someone stole my 4WD, nicknamed "anak gajah". It was parked right in front of my house, under the streetlight, at the junction to one of the main roads in this housing estate.

Details of the vehicle:

• Registration No.: CAT 5588
• Make / Model : Isuzu Trooper
• Colour : Silver
• Tyres : KUMHO MT
• Last location : Taman Melewar, Gombak

Last I used the car was on Saturday, 5th April 2008, at 1630hrs, returning from public safety diving assignment, looking for arwah Mohd Nor Salam Hussein at Lombong Ampat Tin, Kg Batu Muda. As I was still in my wetsuit, covered head to toe in mud, I had taken the necessary items for washing and had left most of the equipment in there. As I was too tired, i had decided to just leave them in there as always. Read on to find out why this is so....

Today at 0430hrs, my mother heard someone starting the engine and drove off in a hurried manner. She thought that it was me, as this is a norm whenever I am called by Gerakan 999 at any time for emergency cases. When I went down this morning, she was surprised. To cut the story short, a report was lodged at IPD Sentul.


Why I had bought 'anak gajah' in the first place? It all started when the department's 4WD overturned somewhere in Gunung Nuang while we were extracting a drowned victim. It was raining heavily and the trail was slippery. Luckily we had packed the body in a sked stretcher, thus protecting the late victim from any 'further' injuries. At that point of time, we were in dire need of a 'hardcore' 4WD vehicle. After that, I bought 'anak gajah' and had it heavily modified for such assignments. That is why this vehicle is always parked in front of my house, seldom used, and always ever ready with equipments to render assistance in times of need.

What have I lost other than a heavily modified 4WD? The list includes medical trauma bag with BVM, cervical collar, pocket mask, stethoscope, BP set etc; a set of scuba diving equipment, a set of Civil Defence uniform and an Icom radio mobile communication set amounting to more than 10k. All using my own personal cash.

Another item that to me is irreplaceable is my first BCD, US Diver Alcyone, bought in 1997. The problem is there is no more "US Diver' brand, except for specialized equipment. The brand was replaced by "Aqualung' brand. I had used this BCD for so long (refer file photo on the right). On that day, I had used my new Zeagle Search & Rescue BCD, so I took that out to wash. Guess my old faithful BCD 'merajuk' dengan I kot. I missed her....

The saddest part is...now I don't have the equipment to help others anymore....now I have to save up again to slowly start purchasing back those items that I have lost. I sure hope that at least, the thieves would have the decency to return back my equipments.

My search of 25 years has ended

Today is a very happy day for me. I finally found my long lost best friend from my primary school years… Shariman Samad. You see, I don’t have that many close friends growing up. Thus when he went away to Penang with his parents, it was a great loss for me. When I spoke to him on the phone today, he sounds the same way. As we talk, visions of our past flashed before me. I began to remember even the minuet details.

We were close…like brothers back then…and I hope things haven’t changed. Thus, my search of 25 years has ended, and I am grateful that it ended in a happy ending.

Good bye 2007

Wahh….its been a long time since I had posted anything here in my blog. The last entry was April 2007. I missed out on this whole blogging concept. I was procrastinating every time I came back from a trip or operations. By the time I planned to start blogging, it was time for another trip or operations. This was also true when something major occurs in my life.

Well, this year, I made a vow, though not a strong one, but a vow nevertheless, to at least blog once a month.

Lets summarize 2007….

2007 has held a few significant changes in my life. I have backed out from a biz venture, one that was started based on my ideas and my dreams. I planned it for 2 years and invited 1 good friend on board. Then we decided to invite another ‘friend’ (at that point of time) because we don’t want him to ‘kecik hati’. I was running it FOC for almost 3 years as Operations Chief.

Huh…at first I had remained quiet…handed over the running of the shop and just kept quiet. I minded my own biz but guess what? Taking the shop was insufficient for these people. They had to bitch me also. They started to be bolt and wrote some stuff about me on their blog. Then I guess that’s not good enough and they decided…hei! Why don’t we write it on the company’s website…which they did. Now I am contemplating to sue their asses off but since they don’t worth s**t, I couldn’t be bothered.

This is typical example of a malay proverb “kacang lupakan kulit”. Even another malay proverb “kera dapat bunga” could also be used to describe these people. But you know what? God is GREAT…I don’t feel a thing. In fact, I just laughed…honest truth…I just laughed. “Ibarat membuka pekung di dada”…another great malay proverb. Its pity when you have eyes but you can’t see, you have a heart but you can’t judge (ada mata tak boleh melihat, ada hati tak boleh menilai).

I sure wish that they would grow up. Even though they are old, but they are not a penny wiser. Legally I still have a share in that company. I haven’t seen any biz financial report. I haven’t signed any legal documents for some of the transactions they had made. Maybe its time I get ‘someone’ to have a look. Maybe that will shut them up.

2007 was also the year when I finally bought my own 4 wheel drive. It’s not new, but I had modified it and now I call it ‘anak gajah’ simply because it is built like one. It’s my life long dream to own one. This year I decided before I die, I have to get one. You see, I love the outdoors, be it the forest or the sea. It’s where one goes to be part of nature, to look and admire the beautiful creation of the Al Mighty. Then we can reach into our inner soul and discover who we really are. Then we can laugh off the stupidity and the arrogance of other people who try their might to hurt us.

Mind you, I am not pious, I don’t go around telling people “I nak gi solat jap” or asking people “you dah solat dah?”. To me, the relationship between us and our creator is so sacred, pure and intimate that no one should know. Why should they? I know people who may look ‘modern’ but they are way better in terms of ethics and morals.

2007 was also the year I was directly involved in some major operations. One of the infamous one was Ops Nuri, the ill fated helicopter that crashed off Genting Sempah. What I saw was a very big group of people, from various backgrounds, converging to help out. We (JPAM-Malaysian Civil Defence Force), a total strength of 138 was there at Institut Aminuddin Baki under the command of Maj Gen Dato’ Soheimi, Panglima 4 Div. Combined with the Malaysian Armed Forces, there were more than 1000 in strength. Every unit was represented, the PASKAU, PASKAL, Green Berets, Para…even the combat sniffer dogs were there. The spirit of our Armed Forces that I admire is the Esprit de Corp. They look after one another….AND…they never leave anyone behind. The JPAM guys were there side by side. Ops went on for 24/7, day or night, rain or shine.

2007 was also the year where I went diving overseas the most. I was there in Hin Daeng (Thailand) twice, Similan (Thailand), Tulamben Bali (Indonesia), Lembeh Manado (Indonesia) just to name a few apart from the various local dive destinations. What amazes me is the level of awareness about tourism among the population. Almost everyone has the mentality to be helpful and courteous to the tourist. Their roads may not be the widest in Asia, some as big as our kampong roads and their buildings definitely not modern looking, but their logistics is surprisingly efficient. Maybe we can learn from them as to how they inculcate these values among the people.

2007 was also the year that I started to loose friends. No…it wasn’t due to quarreling or misunderstanding. Loose meaning they got transferred to another state, continued their education locally and overseas, got married, have kids etc. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for them and we still do keep in touch. Its just things are and shall never be the same. No more wacky, crazy running around the country or even overseas with our heavy dive bags with an impromptu scheduling.

I won’t mention their names here, but I guess if they are reading this, then they’ll know who they are. I just want to say thank you for those good times and I shall always treasure those memories till the day I die. Even now when I look back at the photos, I just laugh by myself. Next to my own family, I guess I consider them as my ‘next-in-line’ family members’ maybe?

Well, I just wave goodbye to 2007 and welcome 2008.