Aksi TKI JB 2014

by Shella Rini

They wowed the judges with their poise, confidence and talent.

Retno Dianasari (centre) clinched the top spot in the "Perlombaan DutaTenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI) Johor Baru." The lass from Kediri, Jawa Timur, is an office clerk.  Her dream is to be an entrepreneur. She is flanked by Erni Wisayanti (left) who secured the second spot.

Erni, 20, from Madiuh, Jawa Timur, works in a factory. Her dream is to be a stewardess. Ni Kadek Aminingsih (right) won the third prize. 

Ni Kadek, 22. Is from Denpasar, Bali. She is pursuing an online course offered by Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia Open University), and hopes to join the hospitality industry.

The competition, which featured eight participants, was held in conjunction with the Aksi TKI JB 2014 today. Into its third year, the annual event attracted some 200 people, mainly Indonesian students and workers.

Aksi TKI was organised by UT Pokjar Johor.

Another highlight of the event was a traditional dance competition where the team from Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) won the first prize of RM750 cash with their performance of the "Tari Indang", a traditional dance of Padang.

The "Tari Renggong Manis", presented by another team from PPI UTM, garnered the second spot. They walked away with RM500. Meanwhile, the team from UT POKJAR KL won the third spot (RM250) with their dance "Tari Bajdor Rahot."

All the winners were presented with trophies and certificates.

The event would not have been possible without sponsors like MS Cargo, Western Union, Hotlink and XPress Air.

Present were Consul-General Taufiqur Rijal, the consulate's former minister counsellor Djudjur S.H. Hutagalung and their spouses.

Fond Memories

Before "Streets",  the eight-page pull out was known as Johor Buzz ...

Found some of the old articles which brought back some wonderful memories

http://my.vlex.com/vid/johor-abuzz-with-nst-s-new-pullout-78900158

http://indonesia-handicraft.com/news/2008/01/18/johor-buzz-handicraft-heaven/

http://www.tecksing.com/nst_johorbuzz.htm


Selamat Jalan.

Fairy Tale?

Hi, it's been a while. I miss blogging but I don't want to overstrain my eyes, so this is just going to be a short crazy post. Currently, one eye is 200 degrees, the other is 1,200 degrees. Kind of hard to FOCUS.

I'm ok. At home, joyfully chanting and sleeping most of the time and getting FAT.

Can't help wondering if what is coming my way is something that is too good to be true, or do fairy tales really do happen.

When "benefits" seem to be manifesting either due to the Law of Cause and Effect or the Law of Attraction or whatever Universal Law  ---- we see doubts rising.

Whether it's a fairy tale unfolding or it is just what it is - something that is too good to be true --- I will have a good laugh and celebrate life !!!!

And ... don't judge, don't complain, don't condemn, don't criticize.

We will drive all the good things away when we do.

Head To Larkin Sentral

by Chuah Bee Kim and Mary Victoria Dass

JOHOR BARU: THE public can now take a taxi from Johor Baru to Singapore at Larkin Sentral transport hub, which now has a new taxi waiting area.

The terminal, which was recently upgraded, saw the re-location of operators who were formerly at the Kotaraya 2 bus and taxi stands, here.

Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd head of corporate communications Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Hasnan said that the refurbished Larkin Sentral was now a transit point for taxis and buses.

“The bus stop is poised to receive more than 60,000 local and foreign tourists.

“To make it more convenient to the public, a taxi waiting area was incorporated into the plans,” he said, adding that the waiting area had seats and offices for operators, and was built at the cost of RM1 million. It was opened on Nov 1.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the existing taxi stand in Jalan Garuda 2 was still operating.

“The old taxi stand is part of the car park of the transport building, so taxi drivers can still pick up and drop off passengers in this part of Larkin,” he said.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the construction of the taxi stand and offices started last June and was completed last month.

This was about the same time the refurbishment works started at the terminal itself.

“The new taxi wing has been well-received by the public.”

“There are about 50 taxis plying the Johor Baru-Singapore route and 80 budget and executive taxis which offer rides around Johor Baru stationed here.

He said the facility houses the offices of Johor Baru-Singapore taxi companies and taxi cooperatives.

“The facilities are convenient for those who want to travel long distance as both long and short-distance taxi operators are stationed under one roof here.”

“We want to make it convenient for the public and reduce traffic congestion.

“These features will improve the image of the terminal.”

Abrizah Abu Bakar, 50, a trader, said she liked the new terminal.

“It is not congested like the old terminal at Kotaraya 2, and it is easy to get taxis as the queue is systematic,” Abrizah said.

Zainureeza Zainudin, 31, who takes taxis frequently said the terminal was impressive.

“I used to wait for taxis at the market. Now they are here, it is more convenient, and there are seats for those waiting their turn,” she said.

Md Azman Yusof, a taxi driver for 13 years, said the terminal made it easier for taxi drivers to pick up passengers.

“Take for example the Komtar Johor Baru City Centre mall in the heart of the city — when we pick up passengers, we have to look out for the traffic police.

“If there is one in sight, we do not dare to stop for passengers as there is no taxi stand at the shopping mall,” he added.

Take The Train

 

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong 

JOHOR BARU: THE number of commuters taking the train from the Sultan Iskandar Building, here, to Singapore has registered an increase after the toll hike on Aug 1.

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said that an average of 1,300 people commute by train to and from Johor Baru from Monday to Thursday.

“The numbers are also high on Fridays. However, the figures drop on weekends.

“Those who take the train to Singapore are usually people who work in the republic,” he said.

Tee said the cost of travelling via the train is only RM122 if they use the monthly pass and the journey takes only five minutes.

“There are six trips into the republic daily, from 5.30am to 11pm,” he said.

Tee said this at a press conference after launching the Student Tourism Programme (3P), where he sent off a group of students from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Pasir Gudang, to embark on an expedition to Endau Rompin State Park in Pahang, by train.

Also present were Johor Tourism Department director Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) southern region manager Omar Nazari Othman.

Earlier, Tee had taken the liberty to travel to Woodlands using the train service, a 5km journey which took five minutes.

Meanwhile, Tee also urged those in the travel and hospitality industry to offer attractive packages to tourists who arrive by train.

“There are 11 railway stations state-wide, where tourists arrive and head to their preferred areas.

“Johor has a lot of attractive places and tour operators can come up with a package which includes picking up tourists at train stations and send them to hotels, shopping malls, museums or homestay establishments to create a win-win situation for all,” Tee said.

JOHOR BARU: THE state wants foreign and domestic tourists to start using trains to visit places of interest in Johor.

This is in view of the 11 Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train stations in the state, with each located either near or a short distance away from numerous tourist attractions.

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said tour operators are encouraged to come up with packages that incorporate train rides.

“Singaporean tourists can, for instance, take the train service from Woodlands to Kluang to enjoy Kluang coffee. From the Kluang train station, they can also visit some of the eco- or agro-tourism destinations in Kahang or Ayer Hitam.

“For those disembarking at JB Sentral, various tourist attractions are within walking distance such as the Heritage Walk near Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

“They can even take a connecting bus service to Legoland and Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park in Nusajaya.

“At the Kulai train station, it is just a short distance away to the Johor Premium Outlets.

“If one intends to go to the Endau-Rompin National Park, the Bekok station is an ideal stop,” he said.

Tee said taking trains would offer an exciting and unique experience for tourists, as the rail tracks usually cut through rural areas, which offer verdant and rustic scenery along the way.

He noted that most people are not exposed to trains as a mode of travel, although it is a popular mode of transport overseas.

“Travelling by trains will become a trend in future. I hope KTM Bhd will increase its frequency to cater to the needs of the people,” he added.

“This is also a viable option for those coming from districts outside Johor Baru but want to travel to Singapore,” Tee said, adding that the train service provides a cheaper alternative, as it is the only mode of transport not subject to toll charges and vehicle entry permit fee at the Causeway.

“Train service and facilities have improved over the years. More importantly, there will be no traffic congestion which means travellers will arrive at their destinations on time,” he said.

by Sim Bak Heng, Chuah Bee Kim and Mary Victoria Dass

source NST online

Back-up Plan

Stumped

Forestry Department Called To Clear Things Up

Plot thickens: Non-government environmental organisation wants clarification on extent of illegal logging in Seluyut Forest Reserve

by Chuah Bee Kim

in the Johor Streets today

KOTA TINGGI: The land surrounding a dam should not be denuded as it serves as the water catchment area.

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Johor issued the statement in light of the discovery of illegal logging at the Seluyut Forest Reserve, recently.

ITs chairman Vincent Chow said the clearing of vegetation around a dam would not only cause the reservoir to dry up, it would also result in soil erosion.

"Clearing needs to be done before the facility is built, yes, but the surrounding area should not be touched once it is built," he said.

Chow is urging the Johor Forestry Department to clarify where the illegal logging was being carried out in the Seluyut Forest Reserve.

He also called on Syarikat Air Johor Holdings Sdn Bhd  (SAJ) to check the water catchment area of Sungai Lebam reservoir.

"It can be seen very clearly from the road that some clearing work is being done near the reservoir's catchment area. It would defeat the purpose of building a dam if no efforts are made to protect the catchment area and prevent soil erosion."

SAJ corporate communications head Jamaluddin Jamal could not be reached for comment.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Water Research Alliance (Office) dean Prof De Zulkifli Yusop concurs that the clearing of vegetation should only be done prior to the building of a dam.

"To construct the dam, the builder needs to get rid of the biomass at the site. Clearing is therefore necessary, but only that one time, to build the dam," he said.

The Johor Forestry Department could not be reached for a response to the New Straits Times report that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) enforcers had raided the shared quarters if 20 foreigners involved in illegal logging at the Seluyut Forest Reserve.

MACC had also hauled up several state Forestry officers for suspected involvement in the scheme.

It was revealed that the company had been given the green light to clear the 39.94ha Forest reserve to make way for the construction of a dam.

"Touch a Dog" Organiser Says Sorry To JAKIM

NST online

PUTRAJAYA: The organiser of the “I Want to Touch a Dog” programme, which created a furore among the Muslim community, has apologised to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for holding the event.

Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said Syed Azmi Alhabshi had expressed remorse over the incident and pledged to be more cautious when organising social events.

Othman said the apology was made at a meeting held at the Mines Hotel in Seri Kembangan yesterday, involving five organisers and five others from the Syariah Specialist Panel (PPS) of the department.

“PPS had given a warning and advised them against organising similar events that involved the sensitivities of Muslims in Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“Jakim hopes the matter would will not be sensationalised by any party.”

Johor Upbeat On Higher Investments

(From left) Puma Energy general manager Low Huat Chye, State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, Puma Energy general manager and head of global supply bitumen Jonathan Ellisor, Trafigura Pte Ltd director Dominic Watters, and Sonangol Asia president Luis Manuel after the launch of Langsat Bitumen Terminal in Tanjung Langsat yesterday. Pic by Roslan Khamis

by Chuah Bee Kim

NST online

PASIR GUDANG: The Johor government is confident of achieving its investment target of RM20 billion for the year, up from RM14.4 billion achieved last year.

State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the optimism is based on the steady increase of foreign investments flowing into the state.

He said Johor has received investments totalling RM18.7 billion in the first seven months of the year.

Tee also revealed that a foreign multinational company is keen on investing in the state.

“Talks with the international company is now in its final phase, and the state government is confident the investment worth some RM6 billion will be poured into the Sedenak Industrial Park in Kulai.

“Based on the new development, the state government is confident the total investments this year will reach more than RM20 billion, and this will propel Johor as the state with the highest investments in the country.

“We found that the manufacturing sector is a strong contributor to the economic development of Johor, contributing nearly 35 per cent to the gross domestic product of the state,” he said after opening the Langsat Bitumen Terminal in Tanjung Langsat, here, yesterday.

The terminal, built by Puma Energy (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based commodity trading multinational Trafigura Beheer BV, is part of its expansion move to serve the Asian market.

Puma Energy general manager and head of global supply bitumen Jonathan Ellisor said the company’s investment in Malaysia is a 
significant step forward as it focuses on the growth of global bitumen capability.

“The modern storage facility can accommodate several grades of bitumen in bulk, with a capacity of 74,000 tonnes,” he said, adding that it is the largest new private terminal in Southeast Asia and is able to handle ships of 1,000 to 45,000 deadweight tonnes.

Puma Energy operates a bitumen distribution network, including a dedicated fleet of bitumen vessels and terminals, across Africa, Asia Pacific and Central America.

Malaysia-Singapore Police Seize Drugs Worth RM5.2 Million

Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff (second from left), NCID director Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim (third from left) and CNB Ng Ser Song (fourth from left) show the drugs seized at the state police contingent in the two-day joint operation. Pic by Hairul Anuar Abd Rahim. 

JOHOR BARU: Close intelligence sharing between the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) of Malaysia and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore has paid off big as drugs worth RM5.2 million was seized in a two-day operation which started at 6am yesterday.

  NCID director Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim told reporters at the state police contingent here today that three men – two locals and a Singaporean were arrested during the raids.

  Noor Rashid said three separate raids were carried out in Johor Baru which resulted in the arrest of the three suspects and seizure of 63,500 psychotropic pills and 81 litres of what was believed to be drugs in liquid form.

  The arrest of the trio led the team to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) where a container with 360 gunny sacks of what was declared as soda ash was seized.

  Of the 360 sacks, three of them contained 150g of ketamine and 484g of syabu.

  The total seizure was believed to be the biggest this year from a collaboration between NCID and CNB.

  Noor Rashid said the drug syndicate has been active in the international circuit for several months but this was the first time the syndicate from Karachi, Pakistan, had attempted to smuggle the drugs into the country through the PTP.

  Also present was CNB director Ng Ser Song.

- Chuah Bee Kim
NST online

Sunway College Johor Baru Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Ong Mei Mei (left) and Chan Shen Wei

http://www.nst.com.my/node/49218

JOHOR BARU: Some 230 guests attended the 10th anniversary celebration of Sunway College Johor Baru at Mutiara Johor Baru, here, recently.

Its principal, Hor Poh Choo, said the college, which started with a handful of staff and students, now has more than 2,000 students and its staff strength has grown to more than 100.

“Our vision to be the premier private college in the southern region has been realised, with our track record of academic achievements,” Hor said in her speech.

Meanwhile, organising committee chairman Leong Mei Kuen said the event was attended by staff, business associates and alumni.

Among the highlights of the dinner were lucky draws and performances by the staff and students.

Ten staff members received recognition awards for 10 years of service. By Chuah Bee Kim

Heartwarming Sunday

The day started with me leaving the house early. I dreamt of my late parents last night. It was a comforting dream.... one filled with vibrant colours and a breathtaking view.  So I decided to visit the collaborium where their urns are kept. 

On the way home, I bought breakfast.

The big pau is mine while the four smaller "char siu" paus are for the kids. They're getting excited already, seeing me take photos of breakfast. I'm having wolfberries tea with slices of lemon. 

Health is really the most important thing to pray for, followed by wisdom, love, wealth ...I don't know. That's just my opinion.

I then went over to Lim Kim Lan's house at 1pm and she was busy cooking lunch. I decided to lend a helping hand.

This is Kim Lan's adorable two-year-old son affectionately known as 623 sitting on her lap as she is preparing lunch.

I helped to stuff the mixture of minced meat, salted fish with a little flour into the tauhu, chilli and okra before steaming the dish. Fifteen minutes later, lunch is served.

A selfie with 623.

623 with his lovely Mom.

Thank you for the delightful lunch and company.

Adrenaline Rush

Do not give this a miss if you like martial arts movies.

There is high octane action, gripping fight scenes and cameos by some of the biggest names in the Hong Kong action genre. I didn't recognise some of them till the closing credits were shown. 

Chinese star Wang Baoqiang was stellar in his portrayal of the fanatical villain who wants to be número uno in the martial arts world.

His opponents all put up a good fight, hats off to the choreographer.

Asia's reigning star Donnie Yen has done it again in his latest offering, Kungfu Jungle, a collaboration with Teddy Chen. This is a tour de force.

Chef Hats and Aprons

Pic by Dazar Suarman

JOHOR BARU: FIVE orphans under the care of the Amitabha Malaysia, Johor chapter, recently got a taste of what it was like to work in a hotel.

The children, two girls and three boys aged between 7 and 12, were the special guests of Renaissance Johor Baru, which had organised for them a baking session with hotel chef Mohd Haznor Nazmi.

Haznor, whose specialty is cakes and bread, especially pistachio pave cake, demonstrated to the children how to bake cupcakes.

After showing them how to mix the flour with the egg, he taught them how to do the icing and toppings.

Chef’s hats and aprons had been prepared for the children, who eagerly put them on with the help of hotel general manager Marc Cosyns.

Cosyns said the one-hour session was held to mark Marriott’s annual Global Customer Appreciation Week 2014 and as part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

“All of the hotel’s CSR activities are handled by our Spirit To Serve Committee and our staff readily volunteer their time whenever the committee comes up with proposals and ideas on how we can give back to the community,” he said.

Cosyns said the hotel was participating in a charity project organised by the Johor Arts Foundation today at Danga City Mall, here.

The Halloween Fund Raising Party and Movie Night is held to collect money to help 10-year-old Angela Har Yi Qi, who is suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Meanwhile, Amitabha Malaysia Johor project executive Chloe Chan, who was the chaperone, said baking was a novelty to the children who had only seen people cook with a wok and spatula.

Thanks to the hotel, Chan said, the girls have now set their minds on a career in the hospitality industry.

“Many children only think of becoming a doctor, teacher or lawyer when they grow up because they hear what the adults want.

“There are so many other careers, like being a chef, for instance, that children may not know about. The tour of the hotel kitchen has given these children an idea of what it is like to work in a hotel.

“As for the baking, I think the children enjoyed eating the cupcakes more than baking them,” she said.

by Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online

Blushing Red

So happy to see my old friend Norbaiti Phaharoradzi again. Well, my young friend, actually. 

I'm not much of a people person, but our new Event page is teaching me to socialize.

Have covered three social gatherings in the past four days. A little tired but it was kind of nice to meet so many new faces and see familiar ones again.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Tonight Strawberry Yam, another young friend, and I painted the town red. No, I made that up.

Strawberry was at the Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Sunway College Johor Bahru.  

I'm truly happy to also see Ivan, Shirley, Anthony, Elaine at the same event.

But after my work is done, I just go home. 

My baby's waiting for me. I made this up too. I don't have a spitz.

Visual Treat

Pics courtesy of PSJ

Tang King Huat (4th from left) with members of the PSJ, (from left) Lek Kah Meng, Chua Feng Xun, Kee Jwee Hiong, Wong Siew Heong and Lee Keong Thit.

Venue:  Southern University College

Date: Nov 2 to Nov 9, 2014

Event: 100 Photographic Showcase

by Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online

JOHOR BARU: PHOTOGRAPHY enthusiasts should not miss the “100 Photographic Showcase” which will be held at the Southern University College (SUC) here from Sunday to Nov 9.

Photographic Society of Johor (PSJ) president Tang King Huat said 100 photographs will put up for sale at RM200 each, and the full amount will go to the SUC. The exhibition will be held at its Museum and Art Gallery.

“The exhibition will showcase our members’ work from as early as the 1960s to the present day,” Tang said.

“We hope that the exhibition will draw photography enthusiasts and that schools will organise visits to the exhibition, as it will help students learn more about the techniques of photography.

“A black and white photograph can bring more contrast to a shot as it is not distorted by colours. It is like listening to the music of a song minus the lyrics.

“Just enjoy the musical notes. That is what a black and white photograph evokes in some of us,” Tang said.

“The same photograph with colours stir a different mood and tells a different story,” he added.

Tang also said that the event was one of the highlights of PSJ’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Tebrau Member of Parliament Khoo Soo Seang is expected to launch the event on Sunday at 11am.

There will also be a sharing session where three well-known photographers Foo Tee Jun, Teo Yong Kang and Wong Beow Leong, all from Singapore, will share their experiences as well as tips on how to get the winning shot in a photography contest.

PSJ has also prepared a set of postcards featuring all the photographs on exhibition, as a gift for guests during its opening on a whilst stocks last basis.

The exhibition will be held daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free. PSJ, which was formed in 1964, has more than 200 members today.

For enquiries, call the event organising chairman Wong Siew Heong at 012-763 9191.

Stronger Bilateral Ties

"Rotarians are perceived by some as Zionists, Freemasons or Rich Men's Club. We are a non-political, non-religious, non-racial organisation ... our mission is to make the world a better place. Let us be known as rich in our hearts."

- Andre Suharto

Andre Suharto (right) with S. J. Prakason and John Cheah

http://www.nst.com.my/node/47265

JOHOR BARU: Rotary District 3310 District Governor Andre Suharto recently paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Johor Baru Sentral (RCJBS).

It is among the 62 Rotary clubs under Rotary District 3310, covering Johor, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and Singapore.

Suharto said he was pleased with RCJBS’ works since its inception in 2012.

On Monday, RCJBS saw the installation of its new president S. J. Prakason and the board of directors for 2014-2015. Four new members were also inducted to the organisation.

Later, Suharto announced that three new Rotary clubs will be established next year, two in Johor and the other in Singapore.

"I hope to see bilateral ties among the clubs under Rotary District 3310 get stronger and aspire for each club to come up with its own unique projects,” he said.

The event, which was held at the Tropical Inn Hotel Johor Baru, saw an attendance of 45 members. By Chuah Bee Kim

It's Not Safe

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: LOW rentals has lured about 100 families and individuals into Block 4 of Taman Jaya flats in Skudai here, despite it being declared unsafe a decade ago.

In 2005, a support pillar of the four-storey block had cracked and became slightly tilted, which forced 300 residents to evacuate.

After the incident, the then Public Works and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Baderi Dasuki had urged the residents to move out voluntarily within a week for their own safety or face forceful eviction.

Based on preliminary findings, the Malaysian Public Works Institute (Ikram) had declared the structure unstable and a study on Block 4 was conducted.

Ikram reportedly found that the cracked column had failed, making it unable to take the load of the structure.

In 2011, the state government gave out compensations to the flat owners. But for fear of safety for their families, some had left for good after the incident.

Some left but came back and along the way, new tenants moved in, lured by the attractive low rentals for the units.

Streets visited the block of flats yesterday and found that people living there were unfazed by the hazardous conditions.

Sixty-year-old Sukarti Karsan was one of the tenants who lived there with her son. Sukarti said she was aware of the 2005 incident.

“My two sons take turns to take care of me. Sometimes I go and stay with him and sometimes I stay with my son here. I know it is not safe but we cannot find alternative accommodation.

“My son is renting the place for RM250. There is water and electricity. In some units, there are none and their rental is lower,” Sukarti said.

Another resident who only wanted to be known as Ani, who is living in the block across Sukarti, said her rental is RM300 per month.

“Residents in my block were not asked to evacuate as the land here did not sink.

“I think a lot of foreigners are renting the flats here, especially in that block, as the rent is lower than the other blocks,” she said.

It was reported that residents heard a loud bang and felt the floor moving in the 10.30pm incident.

The walls in some units started to crack and steel rods inside the support pillar could be seen.

The support pillar was said to have cracked due to soil movement below the almost 30-year-old building, which houses 64 units.

Central Johor Baru Municipal Council president Sallehuddin Hassan confirmed to Streets yesterday that the building is not fit for occupancy.

Sallehuddin said a sign was put up by MPJBT but it has since gone missing.

Short Getaway To Absolute Happiness

Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Jaymie Tan and Catherine Tan

By Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online

http://www.nst.com.my/node/46488

MERSING: Sixty-nine people attended the Monsoon Course 2014, a four-day-three-night motivation programme.

Held at the Felda Residence Tanjung Leman here, the event was themed "Absolute Happiness".

Event organising chairman Serene Wong said the annual event, in its fourth year, was also aimed at deepening the members' understanding and practice of the Buddhist faith.

"The event is a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as a chance to strengthen friendships and get motivated to live a positive life," she added.

Besides group discussions, there were also fun-filled games and an entertainment night where the participants got together to perform in groups.

The event was organised by the Johor chapter of Soka Gakkai Malaysia. 

Fully Recharged

In my Group there were
From left, top row: Victor Cheng, James Tan
From left, second row: Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Cheang Ai Nee, Catherine Tan, Jaymie Tan, me, Bonnie Siew, Vincent Siew, Dawson Yeang
From left, seated: Khor Pin Pin, Tay Gek Hoon, Tracey Wong, May Chan, Jazzilyn Tong, Chin Yoke Chee and Khaw Yen Kiat

We were given the challenge to cut a piece of A4 size paper so that it could encircle nine people.

I have a bindi or putu between my eyebrows because my group chose to perform an Indian dance, while the lady beside me, Cindy Sia, led her group in a hot Latin dance.

The Indian dance was easier as there was a lot of running around the stage.  Okay, I am exaggerating. There wasn't exactly a lot of running --- there were some hand and leg movements and body shaking --- but the steps were easier to execute than the sultry moves of Salsa dancing.  The little bit of running around incorporated into the routine already made it easier.  

It wasn't a talent quest or contest. It was all just for fun.

The room that I stayed in. 

Goodbye, Felda Residence Tanjung Leman. We created some wonderful memories and good energy here. 

Absolute Happiness

Updated

After a night of refreshing sleep, my mind has more clarity now. Have been sleeping very well in the past two nights. Such bliss.  Anyway, it just dawned on me that I need to clarify some things concerning what I wrote last night.

First of all, one can't be perturbed by good news. You can't help but feel elated if you learnt you've  won RM2 million or a brand new Ducati Multistrada 1200.  But after a while, the joy slips away like a fleeting rainbow.

And when I say "death is a new beginning ...", I don't want the disheartened to opt for the easy way out. Knowing that our present actions and thoughts determine our next destination, Buddhism teaches one to lead a good life now.

Come what may, take it in your stride.

Okay, time to reflect

Have a pleasant day, and be good!

Original Post

To be unperturbed by good news or bad news. To achieve absolute happiness. To go home a Buddha.

I can say YES to all these at the retreat but once I get back to the concrete jungle, I wonder if I'd even remember all of the above.

We can decide our next journey. What we did yesterday showed up today, and what we do today will determine our tomorrow. Death is not the end, but a new beginning. 

Only when there are problems are there opportunities for growth, and everything that happens to us is to lead us to our Buddhahood.  Everyone of us is a Buddha.

We have to center our life on something more profound than fleeting pleasures and romances. 

By the way, they serve six meals a day over here. I need to go on a diet as soon as I get home. At the same time I will also try to practise all that I have learnt here.

Just sharing a little of what I have learnt today.

Sleep well, everyone. Good night.

Stop Whining

Alluring sunrise at Felda Residence Tanjung Leman in Mersing. I thought I was going to Kota Tinggi.  

Forever blur ...

I have to stop complaining. Complaining is negativity and that keeps  one's good fortune at bay.

Pointing out a fault is okay, if the intent is good. But do not complain.

Petrol hike, toll hike, things too expensive .... complaining about it isn't going to change anything.