Conservation: Stop it, for peat's sake!

Submitted by pekwan on Friday, September 3rd, 2010

THE rapid clearing of forests, particularly peat swamp forests, in Sarawak for oil palm and other crops is a very alarming trend. It exacerbates the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere and dispossession of indigenous people from their ancestral lands. While it is uncertain how much of the State’s peat bogs will eventually be cleared, it could be as much as most of it. Even clearing half of the total has serious implications for biodiversity, release of carbon dioxide, ecosystem services and native land rights.

HOBBIES:Licensed to play

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

FLYING remote control (RC) toy helicopters is an exciting hobby for many, but handling these 'playthings' is not as simple as we think, since they are sophisticated machines. Operating it requires a high degree of capability and experience, and the lack of these may result in an expensive crash for the owner. The reason I raise this is because of the hazards we may face if the controller loses the ability to handle the
flying machine, causing it to crash onto another person. Some of the toy helicopters have sharp rotor blades and can fly up to 80kph.

School gangsterism: Join hands, not point fingers

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

NOWADAYS, there are many problems related to schoolchildren, from smoking to skipping classes to gangsterism. School bullies have and will always cause problems, and should be addressed seriously as we seem to hear more of such cases in recent years, with the incidents getting more and more violent.

SCHOOL GANGSTERISM: Join hands, not point fingers

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

NOWADAYS, there are many problems related to schoolchildren, from smoking to skipping classes to gangsterism. School bullies have and will always cause problems, and should be addressed seriously as we seem to hear more of such cases in recent years, with the incidents getting more and more violent.

Insurance: 'Don't tar all with the same brush'

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

I AM writing in response to The Malay Mail's Letters page article on Aug 20, headlined "Post-Accident Stress". As a body representing more than 2,700 workshops nationwide, the Federation of Automotive Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM) feels the need to address some of the issues raised. Although we empathise with the plight of the writer, it is important for vehicle owners to understand that, in most cases, workshops have no say in determining if an accident vehicle should be repaired or declared a “total  loss”.

Let's be colour blind

Submitted by Izat on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

TODAY, our nation celebrates her 53rd year of independence. That's quite a long time to be free. It is also time to review and reflect on what we have achieved and new directions we need to take. We have done quite well, but we can do more. To begin with, let us enhance unity and the spirit of integration among our various communities. It would be nice if we are 'colour blind' in helping the poor.

Count our blessings

Submitted by Izat on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

AS we look back over these 53 years of our independence, we will be surprised by the manifold blessings that have been showered upon our nation and our people. Deadly natural disasters and killer diseases have struck various parts of our world with increasing frequency and ferocity during these past five decades or so.

Insurance: No cover for full payouts

Submitted by Najiah on Monday, August 30th, 2010

I REFER to The Malay Mail's Letters article on Aug 20, headlined 'Post-accident stress'. There are so many horror stories about insurance claims, it's not funny. Insurance companies are known to give you the runaround until you give up in exasperation and compromise, usually not in your favour. We take up insurance for protection and the insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and the insured. The amount covered is agreed but there are so many fineprints that are not comprehensible to the layman, one is always at a loss and at the losing end.

Animal welfare: Bad dog or owner?

Submitted by Najiah on Friday, August 27th, 2010

AS I am writing this, I am still reeling with shock from what I witnessed on Thursday morning. I was walking my Labrador retriever, Cleo, when a group of women whom I see on my route every morning, started exclaiming "Oh, there’s the dog! There’s the dog!". After a minute or so, I saw a gorgeous golden retriever on the loose. One of the women then grabbed the dog and dragged him by the collar. It transpired that the animal had escaped and its owner was now looking for him.

VISION 2020: Boom time's the bane of the soul

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, August 26th, 2010

AS our society becomes more affluent, ethics and morality are under threat. They are, on most occasions, not given due emphasis and only take a back seat. Nurturing good family and noble values among the youths amid rapid modernisation and changes in lifestyle is a major challenge today. A collective effort from all sectors of society is needed to achieve this goal. My view has always been that our country’s technological progress and economic growth should not cloud our minds towards the importance of checking the degradation of moral and ethical values.

Baby-dumping: No dumb solutions, please

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

BABY-DUMPING is not something new and the recent spate of incidents finally attracted the attention of the authorities. It provoked the usual knee-jerk reactions. Pas blaming Valentine’s day and New Year’s celebrations and the authorities condemning motorbike rides with the opposite sex as pillion riders are just some of the ridiculous reactions which reflect the serious lack of analysis and understanding of the issue.

Health: No chemical romance

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

CANADA and Denmark have banned the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles, feeding cups and baby food packaging. There is also great concern in both Europe and the United States about its continued use. However, Malaysia is unaware of its effects. According to the Malaysian Plastics Forum, BPA can be excreted quickly from the body, but where is the solid research to prove it? BPA has been employed for decades to harden plastics used in food and beverage containers, and food container lining, among others.

HEALTH: No chemical romance

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

CANADA and Denmark have banned the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles, feeding cups and baby food packaging. There is also great concern in both Europe and the United States about its continued use. However, Malaysia is unaware of its effects. According to the Malaysian Plastics Forum, BPA can be excreted quickly from the body, but where is the solid research to prove it? BPA has been employed for decades to harden plastics used in food and beverage containers, and food container lining, among others.

HEALTH: No chemical romance

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

CANADA and Denmark have banned the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles, feeding cups and baby food packaging. There is also great concern in both Europe and the United States about its continued use. However, Malaysia is unaware of its effects. According to the Malaysian Plastics Forum, BPA can be excreted quickly from the body, but where is the solid research to prove it? BPA has been employed for decades to harden plastics used in food and beverage containers, and food container lining, among others.

Consumerism: Finally in accord with his Honda

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

I AM writing with regard to issues I  made about my Honda Accord which was sent to The Malay Mail via email on June 22. I would like to inform that the issues have been resolved to my satisfaction and that this was raised in the first instance, for fear of recurrence. Since the matter is now resolved, I would like to retract my claims as my case could be an isolated one and it may not be an inherent manufacturing defect.

Consumerism: No touch, no go

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

LAST week, I had to go to KL Sentral to attend to some personal matters. I decided to park my car at the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) and take the train to my destination which seemed to be the fastest and most convenient way to travel during the after-work peak period.

Competitiveness: Are we slacking?

Submitted by pekwan on Monday, August 23rd, 2010

TRAVELLERS have always known one secret: the pace at which you clear Immigration at an airport and collect your luggage from the carousel would normally reflect the country's 'software' capability. A recent business trip to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore, where I work, shocked me over how far Malaysia had fallen in standards even behind those of, say, an airport in India five years ago. On this flight, I was with a colleague from the republic who had to go through the international passport processing queue.

Consumer rights: Post-accident stress

Submitted by pekwan on Friday, August 20th, 2010

I WAS involved in a terrible car accident last December and fortunately came out of it unscathed. Considering the state my car was in, I had a lot to be thankful for and reminded myself there should be no whining or complaining while going through the formalities of making a police report and insurance claim. Unfortunately, it did not prepare me for what was to come – the eventual dealings with the car workshop and insurance company.

Public conveyance: Neighbourhood buses

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, August 19th, 2010

MANY small towns in Selangor have undergone rapid transformation and development from their 'one-road' origins in the last two decades. Quite a number have since grown into townships, making public transportation a necessity because housing, commercial and industrial estates have sprouted all over to cater for the rising population.

Good parenting: Children in crime

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

LAST week, we read about a 16-year-old who slit the throat of a 13-year-old schoolmate. This must have caused many a Malaysian to ask how could this be happening here. In the past, we would hear of children being involved in juvenile delinquency, but now it seems they are graduating to more serious crimes usually committed by adults.

Catchment conservation: Stop work 'order'

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

IT will be an awakening in Malaysia when decision-makers understand that it is critically important to conserve catchments to ensure the availability of water in terms of quality and quantity. The situation is particularly ironic as the people of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are often reminded that they may face shortages if mega supply projects are not undertaken periodically. In this context, consider  Selangor State Park which is a major catchment for 98 per cent of water supplied to the State's domestic and
non-domestic sectors.

Asbestos hazard: Slow, silent death

Submitted by Najiah on Friday, August 13th, 2010

EVERY year, nearly 100,000 people worldwide die from workrelated asbestos exposure, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The UN specialised agency responsible for promoting labour standards and human rights, including safety and health at work, found corroborative evidence that the extensive use of asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in industrialised countries, lies behind many of the related cancer cases and deaths today.

Wildlife trafficking: United against poachers

Submitted by Najiah on Thursday, August 12th, 2010

IN late July, enforcement agencies in Hulu Perak successfully demonstrated how teamwork could overcome the challenges of fighting wily and well-organised criminals who have long plundered Malaysia’s forests. In their maiden operation, the six-member agencies of a newly created anti-poaching task force raided several premises at a jetty in Pulau Banding, Perak, the Jeti Mohd Shah Resort.

Teenage pregnancies: Premature adulthood

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

THE Malacca Chief Minister's suggestion to open a school for teenagers with unplanned pregnancies will only encourage more young girls to get into trouble. This is a typical firefighting tactic to solve a complicated multi-cause social problem. The wise thing to do is to examine all possible causes and offer a long-term real solution. Why do teenagers get involved in premarital sex? Firstly, youngsters these days have accelerated physical growth due to frequent consumption of meat saturated with growth hormones and antibiotics.

Traffic summonses: It's fine not to pay fines

Submitted by Najiah on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

I READ with disbelief that a high-level meeting will be held to discuss the cancellation of the saman ekor (postal summons). This is yet another attempt to bestow amnesty on motorists who broke traffic laws and do not bother to settle their summonses that have been sent via the mail after being caught on cameras or speed traps.

Customer services: Not so cool delivery

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

WITH reference to a Hotline complaint, 'Shamed by delivery boy: McDonald's apologises, and says rude staff warned and retrained' published on Aug 2, it's clear the delivery boy was at fault. This is the problem with our service industry. The motto, 'Customer is always right', has no bearing here when the tidak apa attitude (indifference) is prevalent.

Child sexual abuse: Death's not the answer

Submitted by pekwan on Monday, August 9th, 2010

THE news of an alleged rape of a 10-year-old in a school van (pic) has enraged the public who responded vociferously with calls for stiffer punishments for child rapists, including the death penalty. The Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), Penang, however, strongly cautions against it being imposed for child rape despite the heinous nature of the crime.

Alternative energy: Time to go nuclear

Submitted by pekwan on Friday, August 6th, 2010

  THE continuous rise in fuel and coal prices is keeping our government on its toes. We are struggling to subsidise these vital commodities.

Environmental conservation: Mindset change to save our planet

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, August 5th, 2010

EVERY time we are out on the road, we can see old buses belching thick black fumes that are not only harmful to the environment but also detrimental to health. Such smoky vehicles are a never-ending story but no action has been taken and licences are still issued to allow them to operate.

COMMUNITY: Putting up a fight

Submitted by pekwan on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

NEARLY 25,000 delegates from across the world, including Malaysia, deliberated on the theme “Rights Here, Right Now” at the recent 18th bi-annual International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria. Achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, the cornerstone to addressing the global AIDS crisis, cannot be realised without guaranteeing basic rights for all people, especially those most at risk and the marginalised.

COMMUNITY: Leave us alone!

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

WE refer to the recent opening of a flyover at the Jalan Bangsar-Jalan Travers intersection and subsequent developments. Our hearty congratulations to the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister and KL Datuk Bandar for this early achievement, which is part of an ongoing RM110 million traffic dispersal system for Bangsar and Brickfields.

F(e)asting month

Submitted by Najiah on Monday, August 2nd, 2010

WITH the approach of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, many corporations, statutory bodies and such will be busy arranging the berbuka puasa or breaking fast sessions at 5-star hotels and posh restaurants for clients, employees and friends.

Don't cry over spilled milk

Submitted by Najiah on Friday, July 30th, 2010

THE oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has brought to international spotlight the need for creative and effective technologies and solutions to cope with pollution brought about by undersea oil well ruptures, capsized rigs, land-based well fires and tanker accidents. Oil firms are in the forefront of research and development as well as creating new technologies, and it is astonishing they have been unable to tackle oil pollution effectively.

Water issue: Taps can't run dry

Submitted by Najiah on Thursday, July 29th, 2010

IT seems our politicians are more eager to politicise this vital element of our lives instead of finding solutions to resolve this urgent matter. As a Selangorean, I am not interested in who is right or wrong. The fact remains that a water crisis will hit the State in the near future. From what we know based on information from Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), the sole distributor in Selangor, there will be a water crisis.

Water management: Blocked pipes

Submitted by Najiah on Thursday, July 29th, 2010

THE Malaysian Nature Society Selangor (MNS) supports a speedy end to the deadlock between the Federal and State governments over Selangor’s water supply in favour of a sustainable resource management. We urge them to be more flexible in their demands.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: Give and take

Submitted by Najiah on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

I read with interest and gratitude, news on the ban on lorries and trailers from plying three stretches of the PLUS Highway during the morning peak hours from Aug 2. I believe the authorities, especially the police and Malaysian Highway Authority, beside PLUS Expressways Bhd, should be commended for the move — which will go a long way in easing traffic congestion that has long plagued motorists on their way to work.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Who dares win

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

THE recent High Court decision throwing out the biggest lawsuit filed in Malaysia for defamation is a victory — not only for the defendants but more so for the whole journalistic fraternity and the public at large. The decision was historic in that for the first time the court acknowledged journalists’ right to expose wrongdoings without fear or favour; and the public’s right of access to information affecting them.

INNOVATION: To set free an 'angel imprisoned'

Submitted by pekwan on Monday, July 26th, 2010

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in delivering the keynote address at the recent 'Malaysia: Innovation Nation’ convention at LimKokWing University emphasised the need for creative thinking and innovativeness as central to the national development agenda. In pointing out that the education system required creative thinking abilities, the PM said creativity, unlike what was thought previously, was a "highly organised and systematic activity".

WATER DEMAND: Hope springs eternal

Submitted by pekwan on Friday, July 23rd, 2010

THE Selangor Menteri Besar has raised a timely question about the State’s water demand trend. As his prediction on the matter and that of the Natural Resources and Environment Minister's diverged widely, it would be helpful for the public to know how their conclusions were reached.

Don't 'rubbish' the thoughts!

Submitted by Najiah on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

THE 'no plastic bags' campaign has been on for quite sometime but then its impact is less than desirable as people are still using plastic bags and discarded ones are scattered all over town. Recently, I heard debates in the media over the issue. It's inappropriate for us to discuss the merits of using or abandoning plastics now as we are well below other countries in conserving the environment.