Part 1 - Joint Training Exercise

 
Recently, a joint training exercise was conducted by the Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM - Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia) involving 3 states, namely WP Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak. Its a series of joint training required to be conducted every 2 months to enhance the capability and agility of its members, especially in standardizing and addressing cross boundaries operational issues.

Since this time around, WP Kuala Lumpur was the host of the event, I was involved as a member of the Technical Team, comprising of 20 team members. Our task...was to design, implement and supervise the training, a daunting task since the total participants was 200 in strength. Nevertheless, in the true 'esprit de corp' spirit, we accepted the task with great enthusiasm.

Barret HF Man pack

Weeks before the event, on a beautiful Sunday, we went in for a short recce trip, a one day trip to Batang Kali. Since communication is essential in any training exercise, we brought along the newly procured Barret HF man pack to test out. There were three 4WDs... mine (Isuzu Trooper), the camp's (Toyota BJ) and JPAM's (Hilux). From the Orang Asli kampung, we had to cross 2 rivers to get to Kem Hamzah, the forward base camp.

After having 'Durian Hutan' courtesy of the Orang Asli, we started to head for Dubai...off road style. Abang Hamzah had warned us that the road has deteriorated tremendously. Being 4WD enthusiast, that's like an irresistible invitation to pitch our skills and knowledge against mother earth. Little did we know that it has been raining for a few days, making it super slippery and muddy. As soon as we made it pass checkpoint 2, we came to a very large boulder. The BJ almost tilted over sideways. Never mind, we thought, it has a PTO winch. Alas, the winch didn't work as the gearing  went kaput. Thus, what else to do but do some bicep building manual winching.

The BJ and my 'anak gajah' facing their respective challenges

Then a decision was made to leave the BJ and Hilux at checkpoint 2, and went ahead using my 'anak gajah'. From the boulder onwards, most of the movement was by winching. Since I was using a high speed winch, it uses a lot of battery juice. I made a dumb mistake when I forgot to switch back the secondary battery with a higher capacity battery. After 7 times winching and in 4 ft of mud, the batteries just gave up, right in the middle of nowhere.

The calm face of a guy with his 4WD stuck in 4ft mud with no winch power

To cut the story short, I had to call in 4WD friends to help me out...and they came, recovered my vehicle and left, without any payment....try to beat that.

To be continued......Part 2

A Lazy Day Off Road

 

It has been a while since I went on a 4 wheel drive (4WD) trip. My current job does not give me much time to go on leave. Thus, when recently a few friends went for a short trip over the weekend to Ulu Rening, Batang Kali, I jumped at the chance.

That Saturday afternoon, after work, we pushed off from Kuala Lumpur. It was a perfect day, the sun was shining, the skies are blue. At some point, there were not even clouds in the sky. I just had to take pictures of the sky or else very few people would believe me. It kind of reminds me of the clear blue sky over Komodo Island where I went diving.

This time I didn't bring my 'anak gajah', my lovable 4WD. Reason...lari budget haha...well the amount I had budgeted for insurance (to renew my roadtax) was RM500 less than the actual amount. It seems there is now a new policy that cars more than 20 years of age must be insured comprehensively and valued at RM10,000. Hmmm wonder how all the pakciks and atuks with old cars in the kampungs gonna afford this?

So I hitched a ride with my good friend Zeq in his trusty Pajero....

I had met Zeq way back in 199x, on a scuba diving Live-A-Board trip on MV Grace. Since then, we had our fair share of adventures. Back then, we were very spontaneous...I remembered one time we met up for teh tarik in Bangsar at 10pm, chatted about diving and wallah...on the spot made a decision to go diving in Perhentian, went back to pick up our dive gears and in 1 hour we were driving to Kuala Besut, heading for Perhentian Island.

Anyway, he brought along his trusty Pajero, to test its capability off road.

Another friend in the group is Muzlisham @ Botak...how he got that nickname is anyone's guess (hint!hint!). He is an avid 4WD enthusiast, and even brings his son....Muis....whom like his dad....

...likes to pose for the camera....

...like here......

...and here

Just to spice things up, we went through a few scenarios which involves snapping and winching....

 

 

Somewhere during the scenarios, the reality was so 'real' that we had to get the assistance of a dude in a White Pajero with a brand new winch. How we knew its new? We had to fix the control box for him...haha

 

Last but not least, I gave Zeq my version of setting up a camp bed, as illustrated below...

Spend a few minutes to read this...

I am not going to touch on how the accident occurred, which unfortunately because of the stupidity of 2 dudes high on 'something'...or else why were they driving so fast until their car can crash to the opposite side of the road? So let's leave that to the authorities. I want to blog about safety and public awareness...to understand what I am talking about, please read these...

"Seorang perempuan rentung dan terpanggang hidup-hidup dalam kemalangan berdekatan Bandar Tun Razak. Seorang "passer-by" telah pergi ke sebuah stesen minyak untuk mendapatkan Alat Pemadam Api (APAK), tetapi pekerja di stesen tersebut tidak mengizinkan.......... Menurut "passer-by", beliau boleh menyelamatkan mangsa sekiranya mendapat APAK kerana ketika itu api masih kecil dan mangsa tersepit....."

Or you can read the English version here in The Star

How did you feel when you read the above statement? How much does it cost to re-fill a fire extinguisher? Less than RM100. That was how much the value of the poor woman's life was...Florina a/k Joseph, 27. Burnt alive mind you. I wont want to have been there, looking and hearing the moans and pleas of a woman being burn alive. Too traumatic.

On the other hand, the crime rate against petrol stations are so high, that this genuine plea for assistance was looked upon with such suspicion. However I wonder, if all the fire extinguishers were kept inside behind locked doors, and not at the fuel pumps, wouldn't that create a certain delay in reaction time if a fire were to break out while someone is pumping fuel? If the argument is that the fire extinguishers were taken indoors only at night, does that mean it is much safer to pump fuel during the day? Hmmmm......my theory is...actually they are more afraid of robbers using it to break through their glass window than having it stolen.

I have seen people (even public transport) who has fire extinguisher for their car. Very good indeed....provided they also know how to use it in an emergency fire. A true story...a middle aged man physically threw the whole fire extinguisher into the fire coz he thought that was the 'right' way to do it....funny but true....don't underestimate the power of 'fear' and 'panic'....really powerful stuff.

 If indeed they have fire extinguisher in the car, and they know how to operate it....the next important question is...where did they placed it? The most convenient and common place people put it is in the trunk of the car...lots of boot space right? WRONG. The best place for you to put it is somewhere within the normal reach of the driver e.g. under the driver's seat (the front part...underneath the hips). Why you may ask? 

This is because in the 'unlikely event'....(phrase most used by PADI, hahaha) ..... of a fire and the driver is trapped (tersepit), he or she can reach it and douse any fire threatening to burn him or her while waiting for external assistance. Don't be a wise guy (or gal :D)  and ask me what if the whole car is burning? If that's the case, even a fire engine would take precious minutes to tackle that....sish!!!  ...and for god's sake, please get smokers far, far away. I know it sounds like common sense, but I have seen people actually smoking while walking around an overturned bus incident. Idiots.....

 You can learn interactively on what to do in an emergency by going to the Malaysian Civil Defence (or JPAM - Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia) interactive e-learning website by clicking here.  

Moral of the story - Write down 'a portable fire extinguisher for the car' in your 'things to immediately buy once I can afford it' list. If I were you, I shut down the PC/laptop now and head for the nearest shop to get it. 

Hmmm...oh shit, I forgot to put mine back in after taking it out to service my car....opps! how embarrassing :(           Jangan marah aaa!!!

Another mistake about buying a Malaysian car...the saga continues

To continue from my Proton Edar saga....

Ever since I blogged about this incident I am facing with Proton Edar, quite a number of friends contacted me to relate their own 'ugly' experience when dealing with Proton Edar's warranty and after sales service. Such a shame...thought I am an isolated case...but AM NOT. Most suggested that I go to the media..that's how they solved their's.


Being a former QA trained guy, I wanted to see how long does one get ANY attention from them using their 'normal' channel. Its obvious that Proton Edar FAILED in developing 'in-process' gateways or sensors when dealing with customer complains, or else my problem would have been escalated right to the top. What a pity....anyway...on with my story...

For the passed few days, I had continuously tried to call Proton Edar's Mutiara Service Centre. Same scenario, no change. Then on one occasion, a ray of hope...the receptionist gave the person in charge's mobile number. With full enthusiasm, I called. It was off...and I was disappointed.

On 29th May 2010, after FIVE days off writing to them, I received this reply from Proton I-Care....

Subject: RE: [Fwd: FW: Letter of Complain]
From: "I.CARE CENTRE PROTON EDAR"
Date: Sat, May 29, 2010 4:03 pm

Dear Sir,

We would like to apologize for all the inconvenience you have been experiencing. We will look into your concerns immediately and will investigate with the said service ctr.

Thank You sir
Best Regards,

KARTHIK
PROTON i.care
Proton Edar
1-300-880-888(General Enquiry & Feedback)
1-800-888-398(24Hours Assistance)
www.proton-edar.com.my


Today I got a call from Proton Mutiara Service Centre. No apologizes, nothing..the lady only said the parts are here and I could come in to have them replaced. Pissed off, I asked her why the delay. "Oh barang tu ada, dia orang lupa call" (oh the parts are here, they forgot to call you).

From 8th March until today, 31st May, nearly 3 months (short of 9 days), I finally got a positive answer from Proton Edar.

Knowing Proton Edar, I would continue to keep my fingers crossed until I see those parts physically fitted on my car.

Another mistake about buying a Malaysian car

I thought when I got my new Persona SE a few months back, my bad experience with Proton Edar would be over... (read here). However I was wrong.

My latest experience with Proton Edar Service Centre really pisses me off, and puts to shame the higher powers of Proton Edar...and mind you not just any Service Centre...its Proton Edar's flagship Mutiara Service Centre. I had chosen that Service Centre for 2 reasons, 1) its Proton Edar's flagship centre, so I assumed their service level is at their best level 2) coz its nearest to my office.


I had on 8th March 2010 sent my car, a Persona SE, for major service there and was given a 'Workshop Parts Order Requisition' form for the following items:

1) Brake Pad - 1 pair
2) Brake Disc - 1 pair
3) Absorber - 1 pair

I share with you my emails to Proton Edar that would explain the predicament I am going through.....

For illustration purposes only

LETTER 1 - To Customer Retention Division
May 03, 2010 11:40 AM

I am writing to you to lodge a complain about the Mutiara Damansara Service Centre. I had on 8th March 2010 sent my car, a Persona SE, Registration Number Wxx xxx, for major service there and was given a 'Workshop Parts Order Requisition' form (number 12xxxx) for the following items:

1) Brake Pad - 1 pair
2) Brake Disc - 1 pair
3) Absorber - 1 pair

I had for the last 2 weeks tried to enquire the status of those parts but without any success. Its either I get through to the reception/help desk who then passes me to the relevant department but NO ONE answers OR lately I cant even get through the reception/help desk at all as no one seems to be picking up the phone. The number I called is the one stated on the invoice 03-77223221.

I had the same problem on my previous warranty claim for an orifice that was out of stock. After 1 month plus of waiting I called them and asked why no one has called me. They said there's no stock. But the next day, someone calls me up to say otherwise.

If the parts are not related to the safety of my car and its occupants, I would not have made a fuss, but these parts are related to the brake and absorber system that affects the stability and safety. Its almost 2 months, and I cant believe that these parts aren't available yet.

...etc etc etc


LETTER 2 - From Customer Retention To Total Quality
Mon, May 3, 2010 12:13 pm

Dear Mr. Sxxxxxxx,

Please kindly be advised that we have received a customer complaint as regard after sales service support from Mutiara Damansara Service Branch. We are concerned on the feed backs as reported and would seek your immediate attention to matter.

Thanks



LETTER 3 - To i.care@proton.com
May 24, 2010 11:35 pm

Hi,

After all these (please read the following emails I had forwarded to you), NO ONE from Proton Edar contacted me to solve my problem. I tried calling Mutiara a few times, but still facing the same problem.

So if your people at Customer Retention, at Quality Dept didn't do anything to help me, what more those guys at the Service Centre? WHO DO I HAVE TO CALL to get this done? Your CEO? Then please do me a favour and FORWARD MY EMAIL TO HIM.

The thing I couldn't understand is, brake system and absorber system affects the stability of a car. The thing that pisses me off is I carry my family members, i.e. my parents, wife and kids, in that car. When I am called for a rescue operation, that is the car I drive quite fast to get to the scene a.s.a.p.

I spend lots of money to send my car for routine maintenance at authorised Proton Edar Service Centre just to ensure the warranty is not affected. Everyone knows how ridiculously high the charges are at these centres. After all that, Proton Edar can't even find me a pair of absorbers, brake discs and brake pads? Heck, I could get those at the corner auto spare parts shop.

Proton Edar, of all people, should be sensitive to the safety of its customers as well as their families. This is typical Malaysia attitude, the lives of the common people means nothing to these big corporations. Its the same as what I had blogged before, why export models have a higher safety fittings and workmanship than local models? You guys are too focused on sales figures, that you overlook on the importance of after sales service.

Listen here you morons...people only go to your service centres because you would void their warranties otherwise. But what's the point of sending if you DO NOT HONOUR your warranty? MONTHS just to get the basic parts? Even a small kid would know that having a functional brake and absorber system is the core of a vehicle's stability and safety.

As a former Head of Quality Assurance & Management for a large Telecommunication corporation, this is no way acceptable by any one's standard. Its a wonder why major NCRs not issued out during your quality audits coz there is evidence to show that customer complains do not get attended to by anyone.

Wake up Proton Edar!!!!

Viagra for My Arowana

About 6 months back, a few family members and I pooled our resources and invested in an Arowana breeding program. The program was run by a very successful Arowana Fish Farm in Bukit Merah. The species that we chose was the Malaysian Golden Crossback Arowana. This species is very high in demand and unique only to Bukit Merah lake area.

Krabi....mmmm

When I had to make a decision where to go for our honeymoon, I had wanted to go to a new place where I haven't been before. I had been on live aboard dive trips around Krabi, namely Hin Daeng Hin Muang and Similan Islands, but I haven't been in Krabi, only Phuket.

A New Chapter In My Life...Part 2

.... continued

On to the 'kenduri' ceremony. My family were the ones in Turquoise while CaTz's family were the ones in Pink. Since it was a second wedding for the both of us, we were not that big with the idea of a too formal ceremony. We just want to be surrounded by families and friends, in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Thus to create the mood, CaTz added balloons to the standard decoration. We even had balloons on the 'pelamin'.

A New Chapter In My Life...Part 1

I had waited for 1 full month to write a blog about this new chapter in my life. Why? Unlike others who would blog instantly, for me its not the destination but the journey (such a cliche). This blog might sound a bit melancholy for some, a side of me seldom seen by my friends. But hey, it’s a once in a lifetime experience…well in my case, twice in a lifetime…haha.

After being single for years, I had decided to tie the knot. How did it come about exactly… well, cant be sure. When I met CaTz, one day I suddenly realized that I was actually leading a very lonely life. It was hidden for so long underneath the various activities I was involved in...scuba diving, 4 wheel drive, martial arts, alumni groups, NGOs, JPAM Rescue... and oh yeah, diving for dead bodies...haha. Don't get me wrong, I didn't do those stuff to forget my past, but take away all that, I am left...all alone.

A New Chapter In My Life...Intro

(Slideshow by CaTz)


Stay tune for the blog...

Gym Time

Recently, I had started going to the gym again, this time at True Fitness. Ever since I had some back problem in March 2009, I had not really exercise that involves weights. I am allowed to bring another person, so I brought CaTz along. We had 2 sessions with the personal trainers, whom brought us up to speed on what and how to operate the various machines. After the first round, I felt more at home.

Tabuh oh Tabuh

Last Friday evening, I received a call from Gerakan Dang Wangi, informing me of an injured climber at Bukit Tabuh. A group of Civil Defence rescuers were mobilised and dispatched to the scene. Upon reaching the victim, it was suspected that she may had a broken leg. After immobilizing her legs, she was wrapped up in a Sked Stretcher, flexible enough to be rolled up but yet sturdy enough when assembled.

Me & My Trainees

It has been a long time since I had met some of my trainees. These are the trainees under the Train & Place program. Its a 6 months program by the Ministry of Human Resources to eradicate or minimize unemployment by 're-training' retrenched workers or unemployed graduates for better adaptation to a particular industry, in this case the automotive industry. The company I work for was chosen as a training provider for 100 trainees and I was their 'Guru Besar'..haha.

SSP Batch 81 High Tea Reunion

Over the past 1 ½ years, my ex-schoolmate from SSP (Sekolah Sri Petaling), had somehow re-connected, much of it thru the power of Face book. Some aged faster, some slower, and some looked as if they were stuck in time as they look as youthful as before. Unfortunately, I fell into the first category. Sigh!!! My good friend, Julian Khan, was the creator of the FB group. Much of the ‘recruitment’ was done by another friend, Derek Ho, about 88% of the total recruited. This feat may not sound extra ordinary if not for a fact he resides in Canada! How this guy managed to do that from there defeats my mind and tells a lot about the guy.

My 'Cucu'

During the recent Hari Raya, relatives came to my mum's house. Nothing unusual right? Suddenly I was 'introduced' to my 'cucu' (by rank). I went "OMG..nooooo...that cant be true".

To cut the story short, my 'cucu' and I hit it off quite well. She followed me everywhere and made numerous attempts to have a conversation with me. She's a big fan of Barney, and her favourite phrase is "Oh no.....".

How time flies....

The unfortunate 'Samseng Jalanan'

The result of 'merempit', or street racing....this 'samseng jalanan' and his friend were flung down a slope when his motorcycle skidded. Both 'suffered' serious injuries and required urgent medical assistance.

Fish Tank? Haiyo

I cant sleep tonight...don't know why. Maybe its because I had slept in front of the TV while watching CSI. Maybe also coz they haven't bank in my pay even though its pay day. How to honour the numerous standing instructions for all my bills? Thus a round of juggling act, defeating the purpose of subscribing to the convenience of standing instructions in the first place...to no fault of mine. If this goes on, maybe I need to....well, we'll see.

The topic this time is on environment. Everyone is talking about it, in the papers, on talk shows, on radios (Ean from Hits morning crew diving with sand tiger sharks in Aquaria) etc etc. I came across this poster last week when I was over at this particular shopping mall across the road from my office.

First Love...the myth

Its been weeks since I last blogged. This new corporate life has been a bit taxing on my life schedule and sapping my daily energy level. I don't want to blog about Hari Raya, as almost everyone is doing that. So...maybe my 2centsworth on life sciences?

What is it with first love? Experts seems to agree that no matter how far or how many relationships has passed in one's life, the first love is still lingering at the back of one's mind. Maybe coz of the many first that comes with it...first touch, first 'stolen' kiss, first holding hands etc etc. Ask anyone whom their 3rd or 4th bf/gf, and most probably they have to think real hard to remember the correct sequence, but ask whom is their 1st love and faster than the blink of an eye, comes the answer...haha.

Moral boosting...I hope

Today I made a point to see my eldest son, Ridhwaan, who is sitting for his UPSR starting tomorrow. It was to give my moral support to him and to give some 'fatherly' advice. As I was working today, it was a last minute planning. Luckily, the boys were on holiday since their school is in Selangor.

Ridhwaan (eldest son), Iman, Imraan (youngest son)

An introduction to my new love

Finally I have received my new car...on the 14th August 2009. As what I had blogged earlier...I quote "To be honest, I have LOST that eagerness for my new car. Its gone...nothing, zero, zilch. No enthusiasm at all. Proton Edar has deprived me of that 'new car' feeling."...that was how I felt when Sam called me up and told me my car was ready for collection. Sam came to pick me up from my house the next morning, drove me to their showroom in Putrajaya and even treated me for breakfast.

When I saw it, I knew I love it. It may not be much, but its still mine. I have friends who change cars like the clothes off their backs, but I think for the fact that they change cars every other month shows there's no bonding or passion...its just purely lust. What a pity...

After signing all the papers, I had my very first experience driving a Persona. You see when I bought the car, I didn't even test drove it. My first impression...not bad indeed, a good value for money. I especially like the radio controls on the steering wheel, giving it a certain 'expensive' appeal.

The people who were really looking forward for the car are my kids. For the past few months, every time I pick them up, they would be disappointed coz I came in a different car. I think they may had been bragging in school that 'ayah' was buying an expensive car. Haha...how easy it is to please kids..for now :)

The next day, I received a call of injured hikers on Gunung Nuang, and on the Monday, the drowning case in Paya Jaras. Both times I had driven this car to respond. For me its a good omen...coz the start of my relationship was blessed with helping other people. Isn't that's what living is all about?