Comfort Food

Enjoying comfort food with a pretty girl named Nobuytea. I mean Norbaiti aka Zetty. The girl is from Muo. I mean Muar.

and the story about Special No. 1 Porridge by Halim Said

IT may be bold of Zaleha Ahmad to claim that her dish is the best in town, but the Special No 1 Porridge may be worth bragging about.

Zaleha, who is fondly known as Kak Leha, said she set up the business when she was in her 20s and had just started her own family.

It had been 27 years since she opened her first porridge stall in Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa.

"At the time I was the first and only one with a stall here. That was how I came to the name Special No 1 Porridge for my stall," she told Streets.

Kak Leha takes pride in her porridge which she cooks Teochew-style combined with Malay inspired condiments. Bringing two cultures together was a way for her to honour her Chinese and Malay roots.

Boiling high-quality grade rice for one-and-a-half hours on medium-low heat results in rice porridge that is white, smooth and silky in texture.

Best savoured warm, a bowl of porridge goes well with condiments such as sambal anchovies, salted duck egg, salted mackerel and pickled radish which adds flavour to the simple dish.

The set of porridge and condiments sold by Kak Leha goes for an affordable RM5.

"I prepared the porridge and condiments using my own style. That is why it is unique and can only be found here," she said.

Kak Leha had also opened stalls on the same stretch offering a variety of dishes such as ayam penyet, satay, grilled cockles, grilled seafood and char kuey teow. All the dishes are priced between RM5 to RM7.50 per serving.

People from all walks of life throng Kak Leha's stalls on a nightly basis from 6pm to 3am.

Business has been so good that there are some 100 tables for her customers. They are also entertained with the performance of street buskers.

"The buskers are better off performing here rather than wandering aimlessly around the city. Besides, my customers enjoy their music," she said.

Kak Leha's husband, Ismail Jaafar, said their speciality dishes can also be found near the Pandan City wholesale market and Permas Jaya.

In The Mood For Some Classics

The start of the fasting month...the holy month of Ramadan... Muslims fast to practice restraint from temptations, all vices and desires; to appreciate the blessings of food, to feel the sufferings of those who are in hunger, to give the digestive system a break after 11 months of non-stop operation, to worship honesty (can't eat or smoke even when no one is looking).

  I got all of the above from the Internet. Yesterday, a visitor from Taiwan asked me why do Muslims have to fast on Ramadan. I was caught off-guard. I directed her to ask the tudung-clad lady sitting not too far from me. Yeah, took the easy way out.

  Selamat berpuasa to all Muslims. Happy fasting. Think pure thoughts, perform good deeds, speak kind words.

  I am going to enjoy my day off staying indoors.


 

Taking On The World

Pic sourced from NST online

Pix caption: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Pengerang Independent Terminals Sdn Bhd’s Phase 1A in Pengerang, Johor, on June 26.. With him are Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (third from left), Dialog Group executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat (second from right), Pengerang member of parliament Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (left) and Royal Vopak executive board chairman Eelco Hoekstra. Pic by Shahril Badri Saali

I love Datuk Seri Azalina's radiant smile, and Datuk Seri Najib is beaming with pride. Nice shot.

"FROM a Felda-led initiative to produce world-class caviar that may one day rival Russia's finest, to a colossal fuel and oil-based products storage facility in Pengerang, Johor, that will challenge Rotterdam, Houston and Singapore's dominance, Malaysia is challenging the way it does things..."
The frontpage of the New Straits Times (June 27). Such a captivating summary.

On June 26, "The Rotterdam of Asia"  was given a newsy touch. Below  is the business angle of the Pengerang affair. And way below is another spin-off of that event. Great teamwork.

RM16 billion boost for Pengerang

CASCADING EFFECT: PIPC’s Phase 1 investment alone set to contribute RM18.3b to GNI by 2020, says PM

PENGERANG Independent Terminals Sdn Bhd (PITSB), an oil and oil-based products storage facility operator, plans to gradually invest a further RM16 billion over the next 15 years to boost capacity to challenge global hubs in Rotterdam, Houston and Singapore.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the investment, which is within the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), would see an expansion of the terminals from 1.3 million cubic metres to 10 million cubic metres.

“What is also very important is that with every RM1 billion investment, the multiplying effect will be RM20 billion,” he said at the opening of the PITSB’s Phase 1A, here, yesterday.

Najib said PIPC’s Phase 1 investment alone is expected to contribute RM18.3 billion to Malaysia’s gross national income (GNI) by 2020 and create more than 8,000 jobs.

“After 2020, PIPC will further contribute an additional RM48 billion to the country’s GNI with and create 15,000 more jobs,” he added.

PITSB is one of the catalytic projects under PIPC.

  Najib said the completion of PIPC, which is one of the key highlights of the government’s Economic Transformation Programme, will not only contribute to Malaysia’s development, but also transform Pengerang into a modern and vibrant industrial town.

  “There will be new roads, better supply of electricity and water, new schools, modern homes, banks, medical facilities, shopping malls and office complexes.

  “There will be new business opportunities for the locals as demand for goods and services increases,” he said.

  The living standard in the area will improve and the government will ensure the enhancements of social amenities.

  “I would like to stress that this project will bring benefits to the people of Pengerang,” Najib added.

The 60.7ha PITSB is part of the 8,094ha PIPC, which also houses Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s RM90 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project.

 PITSB is a joint-venture between oil and gas services provider Dialog Group Bhd, Johor government and Royal Vopak, which is the world’s largest independent storage provider.

    Dialog Group executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat said the consortium plans to invest RM6 billion in the next five years and another RM10 billion in the following decade after investing RM2 billion in Phase 1A.

  “We expect to clinch more deals. As at April, a total of 29 ships have stopped over to use our facilities and we expect more to come in,” he said.

The facility allows oil majors and other oil and gas service providers to store oil and petroleum-based products.

  It is equipped with six berths, including a deepwater jetty with a draft of up to 24m to accommodate very large crude carriers.

  Ngau said a liquefied natural gas storage complex is also in the offing and the plan is undergoing a feasibility study.

Najib Praises Dialog Group

PENGERANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak praised Dialog Group Bhd for supporting the MyKasih Foundation, which helps the underprivileged nationwide.

“I applaud the group for their involvement as a donor and supporting partner to the foundation which is committed to helping less fortunate Malaysians,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Pengerang Independent Terminals Sdn Bhd (PITSB) Phase 1A on Thursday.

PITSB is a joint venture between oil and gas services provider Dialog Group Bhd, the Johor government and Royal Vopak, the world’s largest independent storage provider.

Najib said since the non-profit organisation’s inception in 2009, the MyKasih Foundation has aided more than 190,000 underprivileged families in 130 locations nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

“The foundation provides long-term commitment via food aid, health awareness, financial literacy programmes, children’s education and skills training programmes.”

Dialog Group Bhd was the first corporate sponsor to adopt and provide funding for the MyKasih “Love My Neighbourhood” programme for communities in Selayang, Selangor and an Orang Asli community in Janda Baik, Pahang.

The programme will be extended to communities where Dialog Group Bhd operates, namely Terengganu, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Johor and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

ALL STORIES SOURCED FROM NST ONLINE.

"The Rotterdam of Asia"

Pengerang Independent Terminals Launched Today

sourced from NST online

PENGERANG: The mammoth oil and gas facilities being constructed here will have a multiplier effect to propel the country's growth to be fully developed by 2020.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the economic spin-off from the project will be enormous as its first phase alone is expected to contribute 18.3 billion to Malaysia's gross national income (GNI) by 2020 and create more than 8,000 jobs.

Najib said the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) will further contribute the country's GNI after 2020 with an additional RM48 billion and 15,000 more job creations.

Najib, who today launched the Pengerang Independent Terminals (PIT), said RM35 billion has been spent on building the oil and gas facilities here and RM6 billion more will be spent in five years  while another RM 10 billion will be invested further over the preceding 10 years.

The facilities which currently can store 1.3 million cubic meter (cbm) of petroleum products will be expanded to a capacity of 10 million cbm when the project has been fully completed.

"The projection is that for every RM1 billion we invest in this project will have a multiplier effect of generating a return of RM20 billion," he said.

On the opening of the PIT, Najib said the completion of the project which is one of the key highlights of the Government's Economic Transformation Programme will not only contribute to further Malaysia's development but also transform Pengerang into a modern and vibrant industrial town.

"There will be new roads, better supply of electricity and water, new schools, modern homes, banks, medical facilities, shopping malls and office complexes.

"There will be new business opportunities for the locals as demands for goods and services increases," he said.

Najib said the living standard in the area will improve and the government will ensure the enhancements of social amenities.

"I would like to stress that this project will bring benefits to the people of Pengerang.

The PIT project is a joint venture between Dialog Group Berhad, Royal Vopak and the Johor state government.

The PIT is an independent oil storage terminal located within the PIPC and built on 60 hectares of reclaimed sea-bed land, has officially begun operations following the successful start-up and commissioning of Phase 1A (432 cubic meters) in April.

Najib said Malaysia is bestowed with great riches including major oil and gas deposits and therefore it is only logical for the country to develop downstream processing storage and logistics to further accelerate the growth of the oil and gas industry which is its major revenue earner.

"One notable downstream project is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) the global consumption of which is rising, in part because it is environmentally-friendly compared to fossil fuels such as coal," he said.

Najib pointed out that a LNG terminal has been planned to be added in Pengerang next year.

Najib said the success of the project is a testament of the government being responsive and visionary to the needs for the development of the country.

"It proves that the current government is able to translate its vision into policies and execute it," he said.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Dialog Group executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat and Royal Vopak chairman (executive board) and chief executive officer Eelco Hoekstra.

Ngau in his speech said the realisation of a vision to the project first came about in 2009.

"Our vision was to develop and build a world-class crude oil and petroleum products storage terminal facilities in Pengerang.

"Our deepwater terminals can then play a vital role as a catalyst for the development of a Refining and Petrochemical manufacturing hub here.

"Both developments will then transform Pengerang into a world class oil and gas hub in the region," he said

Meanwhile, Hoekstra said that the commissioning of PIT project will further strengthen Vopak's position in South East Asia.

"Fundamental to the success of PIT project is the partnership and support from the federal and state government," he said.

PIT is equipped with six berths including a deepwater jetty with a draft of up to 24 meters to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers.

The facility will provide storage, blending and distribution services, triggered by growing crude oil and petroleum products import flows into Asia and Australia.

The completion of PIT is in three phases. Phase 1B, upon completion by the end of the second quarter of the year will bring on stream an additional 432,000 cbm of storage for clean petroleum products while Phase 1C will consists of 420,000 cbm of storage for crude oil with expected completion in the last quarter of the year.

When fully completed and upon expected commissioning early next year, the terminal will have a capacity of about 1.3 million cbm.

The terminal, earmarked as one of the country's key economic transformation projects, is designed to develop and reposition Southeast Johor into an oil storage and trading hub in the region.

MBJB Five-Star Rating

Was on my way to the International Conference - Johor Bahru World City 2020 in the Persada Convention Centre when I encountered a flash flood.  There was a massive traffic jam.  It rained only for a little while early in the morning.  The reclamation works issue immediately sprang to mind.

However, Johor State secretary Datuk Ismail Karim said the reclamation works was not the cause of the flash flood.  Datuk Ismail, the former city mayor, said it could be due to the floodgates and the sudden morning downpour.

If Johor Bahru aspires to be a future world city like Tokyo, Singapore, London and New York, this flash flood issue must be looked into immediately.

"Policies and frameworks structured by city governors and councils must address future imbalances of land use, physical infrastructures, facilities and social issues of urbanisation.  Addressing these future issues and challenges today will allow a more diligent approach towards a world city management in the future," says Urban, Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government deputy minister Datuk Halimah Sadique at the launch of the inaugural conference which saw the presence of 500 delegates from around the region.

"The success of Johor Bahru as a world city by 2020 also hinges on the efficiency and prolific implementation of policies and strategies and how it is being translated at grassroot levels," she added.

The Johor Bahru City Council is a local authority that is given the supremacy under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to provide the township services to all residents of Johor Bahru city. It is an organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government that is responsible for the planning and development of the city which covers 220km sq ft.

The current mayor is Abdul Rahman Dewam.

The Enchanting Inhabitants Of Sungai Pulai

Updated with corrections.  Iskandar Regional Development Authority just confirmed it has nothing to do with this development.  Sorry, wrong department.

Feeding trails exposed at low tide at the Merambong Sea Grass Meadow (pic source: MNS Johor)

Seahorse feed on the sea grass. Other inhabitants of the area.

So, what is all the fuss about?

Bilateral relations is very important.  Economic development.  Foreign investment.  All are positive aspects of economic growth. Thumbs up to that.

But what about environmental protection?  

The Straits of Johor experiences an abundance of fishes and shrimps during seasons when there are marine "visitors" from the Malacca Straits. In the months of October to January, for instance, there will be large numbers of penaeid prawns caught.

It is also the foraging grounds of the sea-cow or dugong, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle and the Common Bottle-nosed Dolphin.  Also found here are the seahorse, chocolate chip starfish and carpet anemone.

Not only is the reclamation works posing a threat to the seahorse and all other enchanting marine life here, there will repercussions in years to come as the water quality in the Straits is affected when all the pollutants pile up due to impeded water flow rate and inadequate flushing.  With a big chunk of land blocking the water flow, there could be flash floods wreaking untold damages in the sea and land.

Is Country Gardens to be blamed for this? I don't think so. They were given the green light, so they proceeded with their mega investment plan. I don't think the Chinese-based developer was aware about the sea grass being an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

Now what? Will the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) please say or do something about this?

Please. Please. Please. Before it is too late.

Johor Reclamation Works Stopped

By Ben Tan and Chuah Bee Kim - 24 June 2014 
sourced from NST online

JOHOR BARU: The Department of Environment has issued a temporary stop-work order against all coastal land reclamation works for the development of the massive Forest City off Tanjung Kupang here pending a detailed study.

  State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said any negotiation on lifting the suspension would be between the department and the project’s jointdevelopers, China’s Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd and state-owned Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor.

  “The order came about a week ago and all land reclamation work in the area have been suspended pending further studies on the environmental effects of the project,” hetold the New Straits Times yesterday.

  The reclamation works for the proposed 49-hectare Forest City tourist hub project began in early March and was expected to be completed by year’s end.

  The project hit a snag after the Singaporean government raised concerns over the state’s coastal land reclamation projects, citing that it might cause trans-boundary issues.

  It also sent several diplomatic notes and a formal request to the Federal Government for more information on the state’s coastal projects, specifically in the Straits of Johor.

  In a statement, its Foreign Affairs Ministry had said there were international obligations for both countries to work closely on such matters.

  Environmental activists have also voiced their worries on Johor’s shoreline reclamation works.

  Ayub said the state government would monitor the progress of discussions between developers and the Department of Environment.

  “We will wait for the department to complete their studies on the project, after which we will also ensure that all guidelines are met.”

  On the concerns raised by the Singaporean government, Ayub said the state government valued the bilateral ties with its neighbour.

  “We will look into the issue of other trans-boundary effects because of the land reclamation works.”
Ayub clarified that there was a preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed Forest City project.

  “Normally, shoreline reclamation projects below 50ha in size, such as the proposed Forest City project, does not need a EIA report under the Environmental Quality (prescribed activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987.

  “However, as the project will have a 80-room hotel, increasing the area’s density, a preliminary EIA report was conducted and its findings submitted to the relevant authorities.”

  Country Garden Holdings, which has its international office in Johor Baru, did not reply to queries.

  On Monday, the New Straits Times reported that the Johor government confirmed it had received a request by Putrajaya to furnish details on land reclamation projects in the state.

Who Gave The Green Light?

NO EIA BUT JOHOR COASTAL RECLAMATION PROJECTS ALREADY UNDERWAY --- Malaysian Insider

Department of Environment's reply to Bernama

Reclamation-work-at-Johor-Straits-only-involves-49-acres

Inundation

A report from Star.

http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/06/21/Stormy-property-landscape-Johor-has-become-a-natural-investment-choice-for-China-developers/

and another one

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/21/Spore-concern-over-Johor-project-Land-reclamation-work-near-Second-Link-may-have-potential-transboun/

and one from Channel News Asia.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/mobile/singapore/singapore-concerned-about/1187610.html

The Long Hot Summer

On a day that felt like a "long hot summer", the sight of a swimming pool felt like coming across an oasis.

I was at the pre-opening of the SEED Clubhouse just now.  Last week Tanah Sutera held a pre-opening event for Phase 1 residents of the Seed which comprise of a total of 1,230 units of walk-up apartments, garden villas, duplex suites, condominiums and penthouses.  This evening, it was for Phase 2 residents.

Next Saturday (June 28 from 5pm to 10pm), SEED developer Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd will organise a public preview of the clubhouse.  So, please go and experience "resort living" on June 28.  Price is from RM788,000 onwards.

The developer is believed to be one of the first in Malaysia to "go green in a big way" as the SEED is built using Effective Microorganism (EM) in the concrete and landscaping to improve air qualityas well as in the cleaning of the the pool, clubhouse and other water features.

Besides an olympic-size swimming pool, there is also a pool for children and a wadding pool. 

Address of The Seed is Jalan Persisiran Sutera Utama, Taman Sutera Utama, Johor Bahru. Don't forget June 28.

On a totally separate matter, I just saw the news on TV that the Singapore government is asking the Malaysian government to furnish an environment impact assessment report on reclamation works near the 2nd Link, and the Malaysian government has agreed to do so.

 I also found this

Strong Opposition To Massive Reclamation Project In Johor

which appeared in the ant daily.

Finally, somebody is listening ....  starry starry night

Please Save Our Seagrass

A Very Hot Fryday

I am so BORED. It's such a freaking hot day. Had to sit under the air-cond most of the time. And tomorrow (Saturday, June 21) is going to be the Summer Solstice --- the longest day of the year.

I do hope my favourite blogger --- The Little Lady of the Valley --- is all right. I love her sense of humour and insightful writings.

Kept myself busy with housework. Phew! Household chores is like a neverending story ...

"bored" + "sitting under the air-cond" + "neverending story" doesn't seem to quite gel together. It really was a very hot day in JB.

Hmmm ... maybe we should just enjoy this poem by Mindie Kniss called "Sun Lust"

life-giving fire

pour sundrops like rain.

let us reflect your glow.

enlighten our path

as we flourish and grow.

let us drink in your heat

and eat from your hand

as we sway in the breeze

as you kiss our skin…

wrap us up

in light and insight

as we spin ‘round again

toward dark.

Lace Driven By Demand For Hotels

A NEW boutique hotel is set to open its doors for business in Jalan Tebrau here in August.

The RM14 million hotel, featuring two levels of car park, a car showroom, and five storeys of rooms, will be called the Lace Boutique Hotel.

Syarikat Lace Motor Sdn Bhd founder and managing director Datuk Paduka Rokiah Omar said this is her first venture into the hospitality industry.

She said there was a demand for hotels in the thriving southern economic corridor.

Rokiah, who set up the Lace Motor Foundation three years ago, said the hotel in Jalan Tebrau will also house the office of the foundation formed to help orphans, old folk, single mothers and the underprivileged. She said this at the launch of an autoshow, one of the highlights of the Mega Raya Sale promotion which started in May 18 and ends on July 31.

A host of programmes has been lined up in conjunction with the promotion such as a lucky draw, karaoke, and buka puasa feast.

Rokiah, who is also the group and company chairman, said there are plans to build a budget hotel at the back of the boutique hotel.

“A market survey revealed that the demand for budget hotels is even higher than boutique hotels, so plans are on the drawing board to build one in the near future.”

Rokiah said the boutique hotel, built on 0.2ha of land, was targeted to open earlier, but there were unexpected delays.

“The first contractor failed to deliver the project in time, so we changed the contractor. But before the change could take place, the first contractor had to be legally terminated.

“I learnt a lot from the building of the boutique hotel,” Rokiah said, adding that she is confident it will be ready after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Rokiah, who built the Lace Motors empire, said it was tough for a woman to succeed in the corporate world.

“It is hard for a man, and much harder for a woman who has to take care of her family at the same time. Although I am a workaholic, my family’s needs are always my priority,” she said.

On top of balancing family and her business, Rokiah is also known for her contribution to orphanages and old folk’s home.

“In the Islamic faith, we have to give back to the community to show our gratitude to God Almighty,” she said.

Lace Motors, incorporated in 1981, has a showroom called Wisma Lace Motor beside the Pasir Gudang Highway. Previously, it was operating in Taman Sentosa here. The showroom features car brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Fiat, Kia, among others.

It also has branches in Taman Johor Jaya and Skudai, here.

sourced from NST online

Treat Strays With Kindness

 THOUSANDS of homeless dogs in Johor have been culled in a most inhumane way.  Hopefully, this will come to an end.

  A recent videotape of seven dogs being bludgeoned to death by dog catchers with what was seen to be iron stick, surfaced in the social networking site, Facebook.  The taping garnered an outcry from dog lovers nation-wide.

  Malaysian Independent Animal Rescue founder and president T. Puspa Rani flew to Johor Baru to lodge a report against the Johor Baru Municipal Council (MPJBT).  She was joined by three other non-governmental organisations concerned with animal welfare, and some 15 people who lodged invidual reports.

  This is believed to be unprecedented.
 
  There were previous cases of dog culling and abuse, but the number that responded to condemn the act was not like this.

  Also unprecedented was the fact that MPJBT readily admitted to the wrongdoing.  Kudos to the young man who took the trouble to tail the MPJBT lorry and record the gruesome incident. 

  All it took was one act, one individual.

  After it was seen and shared via Facebook, and the numbers made the difference.  Now, we just need to be persistent.  Keep at it.  To stop the cruelty, and any future acts of cruelty.

  Puspa also talked to representatives of the Department of Veterinary Services who was also at the Skudai police station and to her shock, found out that the MPJBT actually does not have a certified veterinarian to terminate the lives of the dogs.

  According to her, no dogcatchers are allowed to kill.  This is like murder of the innocence whose crime is only to be born a stray.

  There is something even more shocking.  Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society (CARES) founder Joseph Chia recently told me that he had received numerous complaints of pet dogs that have gone missing from homes. 

  Chia said that although the dog catchers have the right to enter a locked compound to snatch the dogs, it should not be done without any prior warning to the owner.

  "Even if there were complaints, the dog catchers should be merciful and let the owners have some time to do something about it as these are not strays," he said.

  However, not much can be done there because the pet owners were too scared to lodge a police report. 

   If we keep quiet, no one will know what is going on.  I know there are people who are insensitive to all these.  People who do not like dogs, for instance, would consider homeless dogs as just "biological trash".

  "They have no homes, and they can't be on the streets.  So what else can be done except to kill them?"  There are people who will never comprehend why there will be a public outcry when strays are slain. 

  But every life is precious, and ought to be treated with utmost respect.  And do not forget, the numbers can make a difference.  Persistence can make a difference.  Whatever it is, do not give up even when the situation seems hopeless.

A Mother, A Businesswoman, A Samaritan

Updated with pic and slight corrections in the original post.

I just realized that Dato' Paduka Rokiah's picture did not appear in the post although I had uploaded it. So, here is the lady who has such class and a commanding presence. That's her having a chat with a participant of an automobile show held outside the Lace Motor showroom yesterday.

Original Post

Syarikat Lace Motor Sdn Bhd  expects its boutique hotel to be ready in August.

Lace Motor founder and managing director Dato' Paduka Rokiah Omar said the RM14 million hotel called Lace Boutique Hotel will also be the office of the Lace Motor Foundation set up three years ago to help the underprivileged.

Besides running a booming business and being a caring mother, Dato' Paduka Rokiah has done much to help single mothers, old folks, orphans, among others.  

She was president of the Malaysia Bumiputera Women Entrepreneurs (Usahanita) Johor, a non-governmental organisation that she founded.

Usahanita Johor is now defunct after Dato' Paduka Rokiah stepped down as its president.

Every year during Ramadan, she will always find the time to help the poor and desolate.

Have you been to the Lace Motor showroom along the Pasir Gudang Highway?  She must have an affinity with the color gold, as the interiors and facade have shimmering hues of gold.

This is the beautifully-designed floor tiles with gold-colored designs.

That's me in a modified car.  There was an automobile show today held in conjunction with the company's Mega Raya Sale until July 31. Want to drive home a new car for Hari Raya?

The showroom along the Pasir Gudang Highway has a vast choice of brands and models to choose from.

Tea time with Dato' Puduka Rokiah.

Wet Saturday

I am so happy I managed to find Edamame at Aeon Bukit Indah this morning.  Grocery shopping was a breeze even though it's a Saturday.  It was raining when I woke up.  Hallelujah!  I don't need to water the plants in my garden.

The last time, I grabbed these instead by mistake.

It looked like Edamame.  No?  Well, I was in a hurry!

Last week, I interviewed three interesting personalities.  If you want to know more about them go to

Artists & Artistes Can Play A Bigger Role if you want to know how one artist wants to spread the message of peace through his art.

A Nurse's Turn At Event Planning if you are in a mundane job and dreams of venturing into the world of business.

Diesease Does Not Discriminate if you know someone who have kidney disease and is facing financial challenges.

all stories sourced from NST online. Ichiban!

Full Moon on Friday 13 - Good Night

Updated

Marcus just pointed out to me that ginger tea is actually a remedy for sore throat, and most probably was not to be blamed for my sore throat. Sorry Ginger. Just need to drink more water.

Original post.

The boiled ginger tea I had last night was not a brilliant idea. I have a bit of a sore throat now. So tonight I made myself lemon tea with pandan leaves and mint leaves. The tea's fragrance was inviting.

I was at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital with Mary. Our colleague, who had a stroke, was in a coma at the ICU. I never expected it to be so serious. Hope he recovers soon.

On our way out, Mary bumped into her friend whose husband had also been admitted. Her husband had refused to go for dialysis. Now his condition has worsened.

Full moon on a Friday 13 wasn't an exceptionally good nor unusually bad day for me.

Don't forget Father's Day is this Sunday. 

Full Moon On Friday 13

Today is a very special day. The full moon rises on this Friday the 13th, a rare occasion. The last time there was a full moon on Fri 13 was in Oct 2000.  The next one will be Aug 2049.

I'm not sure if it is going to turn out specially bad or specially good.  Will probably update later.

Whatever happens from now, we need to trust the universe.

A few unprecedented things have occurred isince the beginning of the year.

The first was the Malaysia Airlines Kuala Lumpur-Beijing flight MH370 which had gone missing since March 8. There were 227 passengers and 12 crew on board the Boeing 777.

The second was the changes made to the Johor Housing and Property Board Bill. For more information why this is unacceptable, please go to

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/98949

The Federal Constitution is the most supreme law of this nation, the result of the wisdom of the nation's founding fathers, which must be upheld at all times.

  And the third unprecedented incident involved the unity shown by dog defenders against an act of cruelty.  It is not the first time police reports have been lodged against cruelty to dogs but I think this is the first incident that had garnered so much support. The case is strong because the act was videotaped. So, don't underestimate the power of one voice, one act, one individual.

After that, the numbers and persistence can make the difference.

Need to get ready to go out now.  Plan to visit a colleague (our IT guy based in the Senai printing plant) who recently sufferred a stroke. A gentle reminder to one and all. Please take care of your health. Sometimes, the inevitable does happen no matter how careful we are, but we still have to be mindful of our diet, lifestyle, emotions, etc.

Last night, I had these while watching TV --- blueberries, cherry tomatoes and boiled ginger tea.  

Have a blessed Friday.

United For Justice

IN the JOHOR STREETS

FIFTEEN individuals and four non-governmental organisations lodged reports at Skudai police station yesterday against the Johor Baru Central Municipal Council (MPJBT) over its treatment of stray dogs here.

Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR), Johor Baru Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society (Cares) and Petpositive were the four NGOs that lodged the police reports.

Among the individuals who lodged the report was G. Suhanthan, 28, who had on June 9 made the first police report after witnessing the incident of MPJBT officers bludgeoning seven strays to death with an iron rod.

Suhanthan had recorded the horrific event on video and uploaded it onto Facebook.

He claimed that so far no investigating officer had contacted him even though the video clip went viral on the Internet.

MIAR founder and president Puspa Rani, who was also at the police station, said MIAR has received numerous emails from animal lovers nationwide.

"As far as I know, about 30 police reports have been lodged over the video from animal lovers throughout the country.

"Which is why I am here today," she said after lodging the report at the Skudai police station.

Puspa also said it is a criminal offence under Section 428 and 429 of the Penal Code which states that an offence is committed if "a person commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering useless any animal of the value of five ringgit or upwards". The offence is punishable with an imprisonment of two years, or fine, or both.

"No dog catchers can kill a stray in any manner without a certified veterinarian.

"Even if the dog is put to sleep by lethal injection, only a veterinarian knows the lethal dosage," she said.

Puspa said that if she failed to get a satisfactory response from the council or relevant agency, she will be bringing the matter up to the complaints bureau in the Prime Minister's Department.

Puspa further said representatives from the Department of Veterinary Service (DVS), who were also at the police station, had told her that the MPJBT did not have a veterinarian.

"So how were the strays put to sleep in Johor over the years?" asked Puspa.

The DVS representatives, however, declined to comment on the matter. A call to the DVS office to get the comment of the department's director also proved fruitless.

MPJBT also could not be reached for comment.

MPJBT corporate and public relations department administrative officer Salwa Abd Rashid was quoted as saying that the council did not shoot nor clobber strays to death.

On Monday, MPJBT when contacted, had said that they would investigate the matter.

MEANWHILE, in the STAR

Ops to catch stray dogs put on hold

BY DESIREE TRESA GASPER AND KATHLEEN ANN KILI

   

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JOHOR BARU: The operation to catch stray dogs will be put on hold amidst continuing public outcry over cruelty in the putting down of the animals.

A decision would be made at the next full council meeting on whether action would be taken against officers involved, said Johor Baru Central Municipal Council (MPJBT) president Sallehuddin Hassan.

The MPJBT came under fire after a video clip showing enforcement staff bludgeoning stray dogs at the back of a warehouse in Jalan Makmur, Skudai, went viral recently.

“People should understand that these are not stray cats but aggressive dogs. The public also found the dogs a nuisance in their neighbourhoods. The dogs were not killed in a public space.

“The council has the right to put such stray dogs to sleep. However, I do not deny the way it was done was indeed regrettable,” said Sallehuddin.

He added that he did not know how the dogs were killed until the video surfaced on June 5.

It is believed that the MPJBT department in charge of stray dogs had found it hard to obtain supplies for injections – which is usually used to put down stray dogs.

Checks by The Star at the warehouse, where the brutal culling took place, showed no signs that it was still being conducted.

However, dogs could be heard barking within the premises while enforcement officers were seen entering the warehouse area.

Various non-governmental organisations and at least 10 people have lodged police reports over the incident.

“It is unacceptable that no firm action has been taken against the officials,” said Malaysian Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR) president T. Puspa Rani, who is also the representative of the group, during a press conference at the Johor Baru Central police headquarters here.

She added charges could be made under Sections 428 and 429 of the Penal Code for mischief against animals.