Deal With It

There's so much anger concerning the toll hike and the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) issue right now. Maybe things are not all that rosy.

When Johor announced that it was changing the state's rest days to Friday and Saturday starting January 1, 2014, that left many baffled. Among the concerns was that the change would affect work, investments, family time, as it was not the same as other states and Singapore.

Currently only Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have rest days on Friday and Saturday.  Before 1994, Johor had Friday and Saturday as rest days. 

The people have probably gotten used to the change by now, and life goes on.

Then came the controversial Johor Housing and Real Property Enactment Board Bill 2014 issue that also got a lot of people talking about it.

And now it's the VEP and toll hike issue that have garnered criticisms even from some veteran Barisan Nasional lawmakers. Of course Malaysians who work in Singapore and those who have relatives across the Causeway will be really really pissed with the massive toll hike.

For Malaysians working in Singapore, driving in and out of the Causeway beginning August 1 is going to cost them about RM2,200 (just toll and VEP). Singaporean families who come to Johor Bahru for a meal, for a car wash, haircut, grocery shopping would probably reduce the frequency of their trips to JB.

Change is the only constant. No matter how unhappy you feel about these changes, it has and will take place. Work around it. A change in your circumstances and situation calls for change in mindset and game plan. And if you still can't accommodate the change, remove yourself from that predicament.

Take the case of the woman I talked to recently whose house is in Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad (Century Garden).  She has to come home either before 5pm or after 10.30pm, sometimes 11pm, because of the night market that is blocking the entrance of her house every Monday.

She knows the traders have to make a living.  But their presence is causing her some inconvenience.  She is in a dilemma, and it's sad that life dealt her such a card.  How will she play it? Complain, accept, resist, turn the other cheek, pray ... ?

“The universe is a complete unique entity. Everything and everyone is bound together with some invisible strings. Do not break anyone’s heart; do not look down on those weaker than you. One’s sorrow at the other side of the world can make the entire world suffer; one’s happiness can make the entire world smile.”

― Shams Tabrizi

Monday Blues: Pasar Malam in Taman Abad

DRIVING on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri was a breeze. It reminded me of the Lunar New Year when most of the shops were closed and people returned to their hometowns to celebrate with their family members.

It is the same with the Hari Raya celebrations, and I think it made the occasion even more meaningful after the aviation tragedy that struck the country in March and July.
The tragedies have nudged us to cherish every moment with the people in our lives, as we will never know what tomorrow brings.

Anyway, I was happily driving around the city, enjoying the light traffic when I ended up in Century Garden where the KSL City Mall and KSL Hotel and Resort is located.

I seldom drive to this area, so I was shocked when confronted with the "noise pollution" here.

The horns were blaring, and there was a traffic congestion on the roads around the KSL building. The car park of the shopping mall was also jam-packed.

The security guards, many of them foreigners, seemed to be at a loss as to what to do.
Welcome to the city, I thought. The situation was really chaotic.

It was a harrowing experience going up the steep and narrow multi-storey car park of the shopping mall, not knowing whether to turn right or left as motorists were all over the place without any security personnel to direct the traffic.

After I managed to find a parking space, I went to talk to some residents to see if this traffic jam was because it was a public holiday, being the first day of Hari Raya, or was it a regular occurrence?

A resident, living in Jalan Seladang, told me that she could only reach home before 5pm or after 10.30pm or 11pm on Mondays because of the night market right outside her house.

 "I can't bring my car into the house on Mondays now. I'm used to it and can't do much about it as the traders are also trying to make a living.

"If you don't allow people to make a living, then there will only be more snatch thefts and petty crimes, so my main complaint is not them (the traders) blocking the entrance to my house," she said.

However, the resident told me that she was irked that some traders are selling raw chicken and fish.

"The stench from the blood of the fresh meat is overpowering the next morning. I have no complaints against traders who sell clothes or pots and pans but raw poultry and fish is a strict no-no," she continued.

Besides this complaint, I heard another one about the road congestion and attitude of some road users.

This one is from a frequent shopper who applauded the shopping mall for bringing in Singaporeans by free shuttle bus to the mall.

When the shopping mall began operations, the tenants complained of slow business due to lack of promotion.

However, since the shuttle bus service was introduced, the place is now filled with shoppers from across the causeway.

However, this has aggravated the jam, not to mention the presence of the pasar malam traders hogging the road.

She was also upset that there were people who would flag the taxis down in the middle of the road and instead of just getting into the cab, they would either be bargaining or discussing the routes with the cabbie, and that, too, was another contributor to the road congestion.

All Seems To Be Rosy in Johor

"My bet is that there are many more Singaporean registered cars plying the Causeway than those of Malaysia.

I believe it will still be so even if the costs of driving across the Causeway increase by 10 times.

In short, if there is going to be a tit-for-tat over the cost of traveling across the Causeway, the Singaporeans are the ones who are going to be worse off.

I believe the Malaysian government had taken this into account before deciding on imposing the VEP and additional toll charges at the Causeway."

Why not just go and read what Annie has to say. Please go to

http://lifeofaannie.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-fight-singapore-cannot-win.html

The roads surrounding KSL City Mall and KSL Hotel and Resort in Taman Century, Johot Bahru was jam-packed with vehicles on the first day of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

In chaos. There was traffic congestion and noise pollution as motorists were blaring their horns.

Anyway, a taxi driver I spoke to yesterday supported Annie's sentiment on the recent announcement concerning the recently revised toll and levy charges that those using the Causeway will feel, come Aug 1.

The taxi driver is a Malay man who had worked in Singapore from the 1980s to 2010. He now drives a taxi for a living. He said he was all stressed up when he was working in Singapore.

Although he was making SGD3,000 a month, he decide to quit when the Singapore firm stated taking in inexperienced degree holders to fill the positions.

"When the inexperienced employees make mistakes, the seniors were blamed for their mistakes.

"It also became harder to work there when the company started employing foreign workers from China and India. These Chinese and Indian nationals don't get along with one another, and when they quarrel, we have to be thei mediators."

He says the Causeway is also heavily congested because there are more Singaporeans staying in Johor Bahru now.  The families stay in JB while the breadwinner travels to Singapore or stay there, and returns home only during weekends to be with the family.

The taxi driver says he has lots of Singaporean passengers taking his cab and they'd say something like when they step into JB, all their stress evaporates. When they see the Customs Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at JB Sentral, their headache will come back.

Yes the Singaporeans will continue to come to JB no matter what.

My opinion

1. JB can relieve stress

2. Singaporeans can shop and eat to their hearts' content before going back to the grind.

3. JB is a shopping haven across the Causeway as more branded outlets open in the City Square, Komtar JBCC Mall and Plaza Galleria@Kotaraya.

4. Singaporeans can live in landed properties with their pets. If you're not a pet lover, you will never understand this.

5. Those who don't like pets and too much housework can always opt for a posh condo, which is sprouting everywhere in JB.

I wonder what's the new game plan for Malaysians working in Singapore? Will more be switching to motorcycles or are they going to take the bus to work? Will they give up the "high" pay and look for a job in Johor? Will they move to Singapore and continue to work in the republic?

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. What will this new challenge and change bring?

As for Singapore-Johor ties, all is well and good. See this http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-ministers/1286078.html

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The Ketupat is a symbol of Hari Raya like the Kolam  and the Kumquat are associated with Deepavali and the Lunar New Year respectively.

This is the burasak, a favourite among the Bugis community.

July 28 marks the first day of the month of Syawal 1435H (Hari Raya) or Eid al-Fitr also known as Feast of Breaking the Fast. 

Feast, Celebrate and Rejoice.

The Dog Pound

Does anyone know I'm in a dog pound? Does anyone know where to look for me? 

When a pet ends up in a dog pound, its fate is almost always certainly death.

I've been told the dog catcher gets paid RM50 for each dog, and an additional RM15 to kill the dog if no one comes to claim it after 2 weeks.

For the owner to secure the release of his pet, he has to pay a fine of RM500 for failing to get a dog licence.

And at the pound, the fiercer dogs will not allow the smaller or weaker ones to have their share of the meal, which sometimes lead to death by starvation. It's pretty much a "dog eat dog world" at the dog pound.

After the two-week grace period, the dogs will be killed by lethal injection supposedly by someone with medical knowledge on the dosage. But I've been told the dogs are allegedly fed chicken neck bones laced with rat poison.  The dog will have to endure internal bleeding for a day or two before succumbing to the poison.

In the remaining days of their lives, can't these dogs be treated with more compassion and kindness?

On an unrelated incident, I heard that someone recently climbed over the fence to get into a neighbour's compound.  This man is a Muslim.  No, he didn't climb over his neighbour's fence to create mischief. He did it to feed his neighbour's dog which had been left unfed for days while its owner is away, probably on a holiday.

There are numerous and various forms of cruelty.

Cruelty rears its ugly head in dog pounds; in badly run shelters, in pet shops --- when the dog is not sold and kept in the same cage it was put in when it was months younger and in homes with clueless, careless owners.

Choose not to be cruel.  Choose kindness and humanity.

New Toll Fee System at CIQ

sourced from iskandardevelopment.wordpress.com

Johor new CIQ toll fee charge

Posted on July 26, 2014 by alvinma08

Johor Bahru: Johor state government engineering department announced that effective 1 August 2014, it will adjust the vehicle entry fee using Johor new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine CIQ from one way charge to two ways charges.

Current one way charge is RM2.90 from Singapore entry to Johor. With the new charges, car from Singapore entry to Johor Bahru will raised to RM9.70, and charge RM6.80 from Johor to Singapore.

Statement from the Johor state engineering department, car, lorry, taxi and bus will be affected by the new toll fee system, however motorcycle are excluded.

Based on the statement, new toll fee system only affects the drivers who are drive thru Johor new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine CIQ, which is Sultan Iskandar Building BSI. The new toll fee station will be setup inside the new CIQ, while drivers who are using Eastern Dispersal Link EDL to and from Johor Bahru, North South Expressway, Permas Jaya and Pasir Gudang will not be affected.

The statement also revealed that the new toll fee station will only accept electronic charge, which mean drivers need to buy the electronic cash card “Touch’ N Go”.

The new toll fee system with effective 1 August 2014 in the new CIQ is actually the charges from EDL Expressway Company Malaysian Resources Corp Berhad MRCB. EDL is 8.1km highway linking from Pandan to Customs, Immigration and Quarantine CIQ at the Causeway. The EDL charge has been a hot topic when EDL open to public on 2012.

The EDL new toll charges will become a heavy burden for Malaysian who travel daily in and out to Singapore to work. It is especially Singapore new vehicle entry permit charges which rose from S$20 to S$35 with effective 1 August, 2014.

With Singapore new vehicle entry permit charge, Malaysia government is in the process of review to impose vehicle entry permit VEP towards Singapore registered car. It is still unknown about the charges and implementation time, however it is expected the VEP to be imposed very soon and expected to be capped at RM50 (S$19.50).

VEP Come 1st Of August

Updated. 

This is not the VEP but are new toll charges for all vehicles using the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) via the Customs Immigration & Quarantine Complex (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar) which will be implemented Aug 1.

The new ruling will make it more costly to use the Causeway compared to the Second Link Expressway.

Apologies for the confusion. Another blur moment .....

Original post

While I was feeling warm and fuzzy unwrapping this lovely gift from a friend just now, another friend who works in a property development company in Johor Bahru was getting worried.

She said Singaporeans or those with Permanent Resident status staying  in Johor who work in Singapore will need to pay around RM100 come Aug 1 when Malaysia implements the Vehicle Entry Permit fee on Singapore-registered cars entering Johor.

Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit. S$35 (RM91)

Singapore Toll $1.20  (RM3.12) 

based on SGD1 = RM2.60

Inbound and outbound total RM16.50 

Total RM110.62

The above is for those who drive a car. Buses, taxis and 6-wheelers will have different rates.

Some, like my friend who is in the property development sector, are worried about the VEP while others, like the tourism industry, for instance, doesn't share this sentiment. Some traders along Jalan Segget in Johor Bahru that I recently talked to also gave polarizing views on the VEP and how it will affect their business.

Watch the Sun Rise (or is it Sunset?)

I'm not sure because I didn't snap this breathtaking shot of  Kukup in Johor. I think it's a sunset but I prefer it to be a sunrise. So sunrise it shall be.

Like Helen Ang says, "my blog, my like".

I'm glad most of the dignitaries in Malaysia are not hosting a Hari Raya Open House this year as a mark of respect for the victims of MH17.

There's just no Raya mood with all these tragedies in our midst. But do celebrate with your closest and dearest.

Yesterday,  in the New Straits Times report I read that Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Air Hitam) had slammed a number of public rebukes earned by a few elected representatives whose comments were deemed tasteless by many.

Wee, a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, had also advised that rather than shifting blame to resolve issues, we should stand united and discard the contempt for one another in light of a tragedy like MH17.

Yesterday, I was bombarding my Facebook status with a myriad of thoughts throughout the day.  People say it's not wise to post grouses on FB status, but I think it's ok. It's quite harmless to voice your angst and disgusts in social networking websites, just as long as you don't overdo it.  It's a better way to release tension than smoking, backstabbing, resorting to violence.

I always say don't let external factors disrupt your peace, but the thought of  having "saboteurs" around at a time like this really irked me.  Saboteurs who do it openly and those who lurk in the shadows. In a way, I also was weak to let them affect my inner world.

Today I really need to get grounded. There are numerous ways to do this --- meditation, chanting, writing are just some of them.

I would like to share this lovely advice from Taylor Swift. This is an excerpt

"Hannah. Eyes, eyes, eyes. Woah. You have the prettiest, widest, most child like eyes. (Composes herself) Okay. About this guy. I think we grow up thinking the only love that counts as true love is the kind that lasts forever or is fully realized. When you have a broken heart, the first thing a stranger will ask is 'how long were you two together?' As if your pain can be determined by how long you were with someone. Or if you were with them at all. I don't think that's how it works. I think unrequited love is just as valid as any other kind. It's just as crushing and just as thrilling. No matter what happens in this situation, I want you to remember that what you are doing is selfless and beautiful and kind. You are loving someone purely because you love them, not because you think you'll ever have your affections reciprocated. You are admiring something for its beauty, without needing to own it. Feel good about being the kind of person who loves selflessly. I think someday you'll find someone who loves you in that exact same way."

If you want to read the full article, please click  Taylor Swift's advice to a fan in instagram 

Sweet, huh? 

"Before becoming a Muslim, a Sikh, a Hindu, or a Christian, let's become a human first" --- the wise words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

And "The Mind is not a dustbin to keep anger, hatred and jealousy but a treasure box to keep love, happiness and sweet memories."

Can anyone read this http://bigstory.ap.org/article/kiss-prayer-last-hours-mh17s-victims without the tears welling or thinking of turning to your loved ones to give them a hug?

One needs to cherish every moment and every person in your life, because you will never know when it will be the last time you see them.

To all my Muslim friends who will be heading home to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, have a safe journey.

Forest City to benefit port

The New Straits Times Report

Datuk Md Othman Yusof says the development of Forest City will benefit the people of Johor. Pic by Mohd Azren Jamaludin

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: THE RM600 billion Forest City development project will not affect the country’s biggest transhipment terminal, Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).

Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) executive vice-chairman Datuk Md Othman Yusof said the project would instead complement the port.

When the 49ha man-made island called Forest City is completed, investors would be able to use the port facilities, he said.

“The project will bring more of a positive impact than a negative one to the people of Johor.”

Othman said the reclamation and construction of a showroom to showcase the properties in Forest City were scheduled to be completed in 18 months.

However, he said, the stop-work order since June 15 had halted the company’s marketing strategy, and KPRJ was worried that investors’ confidence would be affected by the directive.

The order was issued by the Department of Environment and KPRJ was hoping authorities would allow the developer, Country Garden Pacific View (CGPV), to resume work as soon as possible.

“We want the project to be completed in the shortest time possible to avoid the looming 10-year global recession cycle.”

Othman said Singapore had not protested against the reclamation but had merely submitted a diplomatic note seeking clarification.

He said everything was done according to ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) and no Environmental Impact Assessment was required as the project was less than 50ha.

Othman said KPRJ had reduced the size of the development, despite having paid a premium for the land amounting to more than RM300 million.

The original plan was to reclaim about 2,000ha, but it has now been reduced to about 1,600ha.

“The size reduction means we have given way to PTP, using only 53ha of the land, so that the port can proceed with its expansion plans to build three more berths,” he said, refuting claims that the reclamation would cause waters there to become shallow.

Guangdong-based property developer Country Garden Holdings has a 60 per cent stake and Planet Esplanade Sdn Bhd has a 40 per cent stake in Forest City. Of this, KPRJ has a 20 per cent share in Esplanade.

Othman said the Esplanade share was an indirect investment.

As for its direct investment in the mammoth project, KPRJ will receive eight per cent in returns.

“KPRJ did not contribute land as it is all reclaimed from the sea.

“This eight per cent will bring a huge return to the people of Johor. The state government will re-direct that money to build more low-cost houses for the people.”

No Negative Impact To Ecosystem

The Star Report

Firm: Forest City project will not damage ecosystem

BY MOHD FARHAAN SHA

JOHOR BARU: The huge Forest City project that will be taking shape off Tanjung Kupang, near here, will not damage the ecosystem between Malaysia and Singapore, state company Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (KPRJ) said.

Before the reclamation works for the man-made island started, Country Garden Pacific View (CGPV) had conducted several tests on the possible environmental impact to the surrounding areas, said Datuk Md Othman Yusof, executive vice-chairman of KPRJ, one of the stakeholders in CGPV.

“We appointed a consultant to carry out hydraulic works to see whether the island will affect the water currents in the designated area.

“The test results proved Forest City will not have a negative impact on the environment,” he told a press conference at the KPRJ office in Danga Bay here yesterday.

“Furthermore, the first phase of the reclamation work is for a 49ha to build our showroom,” he said.

The 2,000ha project – expected to involve the biggest man-made island in the region with a size larger than Pangkor Island – had also raised eyebrows across the causeway.

The Singapore government was reportedly perturbed over the project, which would take three decades to complete, because of the massive reclamation involved.

Furthermore, Singapore said there were international obligations that both countries had to be concerned about.

At around the same time, the Department of Environment (DOE) issued a temporary stop-work order on the reclamation works, pending a detailed study.

Positive Impact to Johor's Economy

Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) executive vice-chairman Datuk Md Othman Yusof showing reporters a map of the controversial RM600 billion Forest City development during a press conference at the KPRJ office in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru, this morning.

The man-made island is built by Country Garden Pacific View (CGPV) Sdn Bhd where the Guangdong-based property developer Country Garden Holdings have a 60 per cent stake and Planet Esplanade Sdn Bhd has a 40 per cent stake. Of this, KPRJ has a 20 per cent share in Esplanade.

As for the direct investment in the mammoth project, KPRJ will get only eight per cent returns.

"KPRJ did not contribute any land at all as it is all reclaimed from the sea," he said.

"This eight per cent will bring a huge return to the people of Johor.  The state government will re-direct that money to build low-cost houses for the local folk," he added.

to be continued ...

Hot Number

I knew it!

Out of curiosity, I decided to check out the 4D outlets today and true enough, the crash of  the Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on July 17 has prompted punters to head to the 4D outlets to bet on 1717, only to be told that the number has been sold out for this Saturday and Sunday (July 19 & July 20) for Sports Toto, Damacai and Magnum.

A counter girl said that it was sold out by 8am, which was even before the outlets open for business. How can that be?



The same thing happened when MH370 went missing. Punters made a beeline for the number.

Punters are very well-informed about current affairs, and very good at putting together four digits.  Even at a relative's funeral, they'd come up with a 4D to bet on based on the deceased's age or day of departure.

And when the number comes up, they'd say the departed relative liked them and had given them some money.  I've heard this after attending several funerals --- I'm not making this up.

But then, it's not a big sin to be a punter, as long as you don't get obsessed with gambling, and start borrowing money or short change family and friends.

And it's not just one race that is prone to punt, although the majority of punters are Chinese.  One Malay man came up to me just now --- I'm not making this up --- and said that he can come up with a person's winning number based on one's birthdate.  He asked me if I was interested.  

I told him I was not, because I was buying the numbers for someone else. 

Out of curiosity I also tried 2525, which is sold out for Saturday but available for Sunday (Magnum and Toto). For Damacai, 2525 was available for Saturday and Sunday.

VEP and New Investments in Iskandar Malaysia

I want to thank Anon 8:15 for taking the time to comment on the Vehicle Entry Permit issue. Just in case some readers miss it, I'm re-posting it.

1. 
   AnonymousJuly 16, 2014 at 8:15 AM

   I think most Singapore cars that we see in Malaysia, especially in JB are driven by Malaysian working in Singapore and travel daily. It's a push factor for Malaysians to reconsider moving into Singapore since they have to pay a much higher price now to travel by car, driving either the Malaysia/Singapore car. I think the government should study it in detail first and not implement it to "counter attack" the increase of VEP by Singapore government. If most of those affected are Malaysians, then the government is punishing it's own people for bringing in foreign currency and help boost the economy here. On top of that, it may not be good for the development of Iskandar, which, as far as I know, have been trying to pull in as much investors as possible from across the causeway.

   ReplyDelete
   
   

Some business operators at Jalan Segget, Johor Baru, that I talked to recently were also worried that their businesses would be affected if the Singaporeans were to stop coming to the city.

Most of the customers of the shops at Jalan Segget are from across the Causeway.

However, some traders remain optimistic that the Singaporeans will still come because of the currency exchange rate.

Bernama reported today that

Iskandar Malaysia secures RM9.72 bil in new investments (May to June)

Total new investments this year RM14.56 billion

JOHOR BARU: Iskandar Malaysia has secured RM9.72 billion in new investments from April to June this year, bringing a total new investments for this year at RM14.56 billion.

From 2006 until June 30, 2014, Iskandar Malaysia has secured a total cumulative committed investment of RM146.2 billion.

Of the total cumulative committed investments, RM69.53 billion, or 48 per cent, represented investments that have been realised as projects on the ground.

In a statement here today, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said last year, Iskandar Malaysia secured a total of RM25.33 billion worth of investments and closed the year with a total cumulative committed investment of RM131.64 billion.-- Bernama

VEP Charge For Singapore Vehicles

Thi is the printed version in the New Straits Times today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (second from left) at the launch of the ‘Bas Bandaraya’ in Johor Baru yesterday. With him are Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (second from right), Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (right) and Johor Baru Mayor Abdul Rahman Dewam. Pic by Roslan Khamis

by Ben Tan and Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: All Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor will soon be subjected to a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) charge.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday said the government agreed to the implementation of the VEP following a request from the Johor government.

“However, the VEP needs some fine tuning before its implementation.

The Johor government also needs to inform the Road Transport Department of its implementation as part of the administrative process,” he said in a speech before a breaking of fast event at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here yesterday.

Najib said the Federal Government and Johor would also discuss proposed rates for the VEP.

“A portion of the VEP collection will go to the state government.”

Among the 1,500 guests at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

When the VEP would be implemented and the fee structure would be determined soon, said Najib.

“Muhyiddin agreed with me on this and I have informed Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar (minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) via telephone just now on the agreement to implement the VEP.”

The Johor government has been awaiting the Federal Government’s go-ahead to implement the VEP for Singapore-registered vehicles entering both the Causeway in the city and the Second Link in Gelang Patah. The VEP was proposed in 2006 and 2010 as a means to curb losses incurred as a result of foreign vehicle owners buying subsidised petrol and diesel.

During a Johor Umno liaison meeting on July 5, Khaled had said the proposal for the implementation of the VEP in the state had been submitted to the Federal Government five months ago.

At that time, he said, the Johor government had proposed a RM20 levy on Singapore-registered cars, with RM5 to be channelled back to the state for road maintenance.

At the same time, the Singaporean authorities had announced a hike in the republic’s VEP for foreign cars from S$20 (RM51.40) to S$35 per day beginning Aug 1. The Singapore Land Transport Authority also said the Goods Vehicle Permit for lorries would be increased from S$10 to S$40 per month.

Earlier, Najib attended a closed-door briefing on Johor’s development and progress here by Johor state planning unit (Unpen) director A. Rahim Nin.

Pinterestbee1

I was visiting a friend when I saw her dog Izzy (note: not her real name) bullying Meeky, another medium-sized mongrel like Izzy but she is more reserved and meek, which was how she got her name.

I told my friend about the bullying. I said Izzy would growl and stare at Meeky.  The growl and menacing stare would cause Meeky to lie down and not move until Izzy allows it. I told my friend this, expecting her to "educate" Izzy a bit.

But did my friend do that? NO .....

The clueless (or is it conniving?) guardian praised Izzy for being a class act and applauded Izzy's alphaness.

Frustrating, isn't it? You expect the guardian to look out for Meeky and she calls Izzy a good dog instead.

But I'm not the guardian of Izzy and Meeky, so just let it be.

Meanwhile, I have started a board at Pinterest called "Crackpot Nation". I recently discovered the allure of Pinterest and am now creating boards for various topics. It's fun!

If I can't be reached today that means I'm busy pinning.

Pic from Pinterest. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pinterestbee1/crackpot-nation/

Federal Govt Nod For VEP

By Ben Tan and Chuah Bee Kim 

JOHOR BARU: The Federal Government has agreed for Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to be imposed on Singapore-registered vehicles that enter Johor.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the establishment of the VEP would however need some fine-tuning before its implementation.

"The Johor government first needs to inform and give notice to the Road Transport Department on its implementation as an administrative process," he said in his speech before a state government organised berbuka puasa event at the Persada International Conventional Centre here this evening.

Najib added that the Federal Government and Johor Government will also discuss on the proposed rates for the VEP before its implementation.

"Part of the VEP collection will also go to the state government," he said.

Present at the event was Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Johor Government has been keen in awaiting the approval from the Federal Government to implement the VEP for Singapore-registered vehicles entering both the Causeway in the city and also the Second Link in Gelang Patah in the state.

Earlier Najib launched a new bus service at a cost of RM2.9 million to be borne by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) from Larkin to the Johor Baru city centre.

In the afternoon, Najib attended a closed-door briefing on Johor's development and progress at the Puteri Pacific Hotel here.

Johor state planning unit (Unpen) director A. Rahim Nin gave the two-hour briefing on the state's development and progress. - NST online

Illegal Immigrants

Many people leave their country to seek greener pastures in foreign lands. Sometimes its just something that one needs to do to survive, to achieve a dream ... whatever the reason may be that make you wanna enter or leave a country, please seek the proper channels.   The proper channels may be fraught with a little inconvenience and the hassle can be frustrating but the illegal way is fraught with danger and much risk.

It's your life, your choice.  Choose wisely.   

Every year there are reports of incidents like these. When will they ever learn?

By Chuah Bee Kim 

JOHOR BARU: TWO drowned and 17 other illegal immigrants are missing after their boat carrying 80 people capsized off Tanjung Piai near Pontian here on Monday, following a collision with a patrol boat.

Another 61 people, comprising 10 women and 51 men, including a pregnant woman, were rescued in the 11.30pm incident, which took place three nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Piai.

The boat was believed to be ferrying the 80 Indonesian illegal immigrants home for the Hari Raya celebrations.

The authorities immediately launched a joint search-and-rescue operation involving personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Department.

Johor Baru MMEA enforcement chief Captain Aminuddin Abd Rashid said the drama unfolded after the agency received news of a boat maneuvering in a suspicious manner.

“A patrol boat with three enforcement officers, which was part of the Ops Tumpas enforcement operation, was sent to check following the alert,” he said at the MMEA headquarters here yesterday.
Aminuddin said when MMEA patrol team spotted the boat, they were not sure whether the boat was transporting contraband cigarettes or firecrackers.

“All officers knew at that time was that the boat tried to get away when MMEA announced their presence. The tekong turned aggressive and rammed his boat into the patrol boat twice.”
Aminuddin said the boat then tried to evade authorities’ vessels by using two of its four engines.

“It was when the boat attempted to outrun a patrol boat that it swerved into the path of another patrol boat, causing our boat to ram into it from the rear. The impact of the collision threw the passengers into the sea. Three officers tried their best to rescue the victims.”

Following the incident, the marine police, Civil Defence Department and Fire and Rescue Department later arrived to assist in search-and-rescue operations.

The survivors were transported to a jetty in Danga Bay and sent to the MMEA headquarters here before being handed over to the Immigration Department.

Aminuddin said two more Indonesian men were later rescued, but it could not ascertained if they were the tekong.

He said 10 of the survivors were sent to Sultanah Aminah Hospital for treatment and four had since been discharged.

The two bodies had been sent for post-mortem. Their remains will be surrendered to the Indonesian Consulate which will make arrangements to send them home.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal immigrants paid RM1,500 per head to be on board the boat to transport them from Tanjung Adang in Gelang Patah to Batam in Indonesia.
Aminuddin said search-and-rescue operations would continue for the missing 17 victims.

Yanti's Tailor-Made For Success

By Chuah Bee Kim

Pic by Nur Aisyah Mazalan

MERSING: WHAT started as a hobby is now business for Yanti Suhaila Abu Samah.

She started out by sewing beads on her own blouse. When Yanti wore her beaded blouse to a function, a friend who saw her work, asked her to adorn the latter’s scarf with beads as well, and paid RM50 for it.

The incident inspired Yanti, 26, who has a degree in architecture, to start designing her own scarves and shawls and adorn them with lace or beads.

Four years ago, she started selling her scarves and shawls online and attracted customers from Brunei and Singapore.

Buoyed by the success of her online venture, Yanti decided to open a physical boutique early this year.

Her Kuntum Boutique is in Kampung Makam here.

“My customers want their scarves and shawls to be made to match their attire,” said Yanti .

“Most of my customers are locals who are looking for quality products and the latest fashion.

“I like to work with satin, chiffon and crepe as they are soft and graceful and comfortable when worn.

“The most sought-after among my scarves and shawls are those made using chiffon,” she said.

“Chiffon is quite difficult to work with because it is lightweight and slippery.

“My scarves are different from what is available in the market as I adorn them with lace or beads, or both. I want my brand Kuntum to be exclusive and in keeping with the times,” she said.

Yanti said she has always encouraged others to be entrepreneurs.

“I also offer franchising opportunities and I am also looking for dealers of my products,” she added.

In conjunction with Hari Raya, Yanti has created a collection of scarves and shawls.

For details, call 017-312 0290017-312 0290.

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Happy 169th Birthday

The New Straits Times, founded on July 15, 1845 as The Straits Times, turns 169 today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

On August 31, 1974, it was renamed The New Straits Times.

Lethal Injection

Will the stray dogs in Johor see better days now?  For that to happen, dog lovers have to do their part to keep dogs off the streets.  

In the Star today

JOHOR BARU: A municipal council has engaged a private company to get rid of stray dogs with lethal injection instead of bludgeoning them to death.

Central Johor Baru Municipal Council (MPJBT) president Sallehuddin Hassan said the private company, which was appointed at the end of last month, would be tasked with catching, putting down and disposing of the carcasses.

“We decided to engage this company, which was already carrying out services for the Kulai Municipal Council in Johor as we do not want a repeat of the bludgeoning of stray dogs by our enforcement officials to happen again,” he told The Star here.

Sallehuddin said this method was a more humane way to put the animals down.

He stressed that while it would incur higher costs, it was the best option to tackle strays as MPJBT was facing a huge problem due to many public complaints.

The Star recently reported about a video clip showing enforcement staff inhumanely putting down strays at the back of a warehouse in Jalan Makmur, Skudai, which went viral online and raised uproar among animal lovers.

Sallehuddin admitted that the incident is a “terrible mistake” and said the council had taken the matter seriously.

Some councillors and animal rights groups have even suggested that action be taken against the enforcement officers.

MPJBT councillor Tan Tuan Peng, who had previously criticised the enforcement officials for bludgeoning the strays, said the private company would charge the council RM100 per animal put down.

He added that the cost of disposing the strays was high due to the lethal injection used.
”All strays will be photographed and documented before the company makes a claim with the council,” he said.

For the first five months of this year, MPJBT has put down 1,181 dogs.  Last year, the council received 997 complaints on stray dogs and had put down 2,524, while in 2012, the council received 1,135 complaints and put down 2,345 strays.

A Prayer For Gaza and All Those Who Are Sad

Yesterday I got overwhelmed by the cuteness of Micky, and posted three self-indulgent photos.  I removed one already. Same photo what, all carrying Micky.

Anyway, I'm posting the cover of yesterday's New Sunday Times to remind myself that whenever I feel deprived or sad or bitter, I just have to look at this.  Who can be sadder than this little girl?

Of course, there are the families of the passengers of  MH370 who are still waiting and hoping for the return of their loved ones,  the recently widowed spouse of the marine cop who was killed in the Semporna shooting ... so many sad stories in our midst....their loss and pain I cannot imagine.

We can only pray for the oppressed and those who are sad.  May they have the strength to overcome the pain and misery, and may they find happiness again.

Later in the day I am welcoming someone home with the message "I LOVE YOU".  It cost me a total of RM10.50 (RM3.50 per stalk).

Make sure you tell your loved one or a good friend this same message, ok? You don't need to say it with flowers.  Even a simple text message will do. 

Hey Micky

Picked up this little cutie at an abandoned house in Taman Skudai Baru, Johor Bahru. Homeless pups like this little girl have a higher chance of finding a guardian and a new home when they are cuddly and lovable.

The older a dog gets, the harder it is to re-home them.

I would love to invite the puppy home but I already have pets.  My pets came into my life on Feb 23, 2009. They are family.  You don't abandon family when they are old and sickly.  That is the time when they need you even more.

No, my pets are not old and sickly yet, they're still rambunctious.

Luckily Mary who also has a pet decided that her house can accommodate one more. So, that is how this little pup that goes by the name Micky now, has been inducted into the Dass family.

Mary with Mickey.

Anyone who wants to adopt a stray cat or dog, or wants to become a volunteer, lend a hand in any way, can call Valerie at 016-755 1893.

Check Out My Roses and the 4 Links

Slept pretty well the previous night, so am finding it quite hard to sleep now.

Just realized It should be "levy on Singapore-registered vehicles" and not "Vehicle Entry Permit on Singapore-registered vehicles". But whatever name you call it, it still mean that you need to pay if you are coming to Johor in a Singapore-registered car. This ruling is not imposed yet, but the Johor government is waiting for the federal government to give the nod. Anyway sorry for the error. Another "blur" moment. 

Spent some time bonding with my pets and planting this pot of roses. The flowers are "senget" (slanted) but the thorns made it hard for me to re-arrange them. So, just let it be. Hope the roses can survive. I do love roses.

And these four blog posts are not to be missed. 

http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/2014/07/silterra-high-income-nation-increasing.html

http://helenang.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/hannah-nafi-peluk-islam-ugut-akan-lapor-polis/

http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/2014/07/bringing-on-may-13.html

http://lifeofaannie.blogspot.com/2014/07/singapore-israel-could-tac-but-johor.html

They're all very insightful, witty and downright hilarious except for "Bringing On May 13". That one is no laughing matter. We want peace, not war.

And the last blog post was by my favourite blogger. It is not because dear Annie mentioned me, but I share her sentiment that it really is childish to practise tit for tat, when it isn't a win-win situation. Do check out the 4 links. 

Ok, feeling a little sleepy now. Good night and sweet dreams.

VEP on Singapore-registered vehicles

JOHOR BARU: Johor Baru member of parliament Tan Sri Shahrir Samad today called on the Federal government to overcome whatever issues that are hindering the implementation of Vehicle Entry Permits on Singapore-registered cars entering the state.

"The Federal government should overcome all the issues that caused the plan to be put on hold," he said, adding that the plan was abandoned in the past.

Shahrir, who is also Iskandar Regional Development Authority advisor, said the money collected could be used for maintenance of roads which need repairs due to the increasing number of cars, including foreign registered vehicles.

The veteran politician was speaking to reporters at the IQuiz which is jointly organised by Rotary Club Bandar Sunway and Rotary Club of Johor Baru Sentral here today.    - NST online

Find Me A Home

Pic by NST photographer Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin. 

Everyone can take photographs but not everyone can be a photographer. I absolutely love this shot. 

There's also a lot of talk about saving strays, and it's all just talk. I also don't do much except talk.

Seriously, let's put our hearts and heads together and do something that can stop the suffering of strays.

May all strays find a place they can call home. 

My Son, John

Peter Soo, 60, is a retired teacher who lives at Taman Kerjasama, Kluang. He is pictured here with his son, John. Story sourced from NST online.

I can now heave a sigh of relief. My son, John, had graduated on June 30 with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Physics from the National University of Singapore, where he had obtained a scholarship from the Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He is now furthering his studies at a top-ranking university in the United Kingdom where he is pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics.

He had also received a MyBrainSc scholarship from our Education Ministry which enables him to complete his PhD in the UK but on the condition that he comes back to Malaysia to serve the government.

John assured me that he would come back as he wants to be in the field of education, like me.

John told me: “I believe in the potential of Malaysian students.

“My vision is to become a physics lecturer in the local universities, to encourage and inspire the future scientists to do great things for Malaysia.”

My wife, Khoo Bee Lee, 56, and I are so proud of John and so glad that he is our son.

We may not be in such a state of joy now if we had not made the decision to adopt John back in 1999.

John lost his father in a car crash when he was still in kindergarten. His mother was suffering from cancer.

Bee Lee knew John’s mother because they attended the same church.

Before John’s mother lost her 
battle with cancer, she wrote a will.

The only thing she asked of us was for John to be given a tertiary education.

I am glad to say that not only is John a grateful boy, he is also very bright.

If I were made to choose, I would say being grateful is more important than being smart.

Since John has both, I feel that we are indeed blessed.

My wife and I just gave him our love and treated him like our own flesh and blood.

After John came into our family, Bee Lee got pregnant.

Our daughter, Soo Jacinth, is now 14 and gets along well with John, who is 24.

Although I am 60, I, too, am pursuing a PhD.

Now John and I are competing with each other to see who gets the PhD first.

I believe a father can turn a boy into a good man.

I learnt how to be good from my father, who led by example.

He moulded me into what I am today, and for that, I am grateful to dad.

For couples who are childless, 
I want to say this to them: Have faith. My John turned out fine.

I would say more than fine.

I know there are stories of adopted children who failed to show gratitude and caused pain to their families.

I have also heard stories of foster parents who regret their decisions later in life.

But there are also positive stories, like mine, for instance.

There are children out there who have lost their parents.

Give these kids a chance in life, if you can.