The Other Side of Me

I am so BUSHED! But I'm Going Back to Langkawi!

2011-11-26T21:02:00.006+08:00

As the title goes, I am so bushed (thanks to DJ Otto for that one).

I am trying hard not to laugh out loud because I am so happy thinking about what's going to happen this coming Friday! What going to happen this coming Friday? La-la-la-Langkawi... :)

I know the Monday is going to be extra "special", but it's ok... I'm going back to Langkawi! Yay!

Traxx fm TV Promo Shoot

Traxx fm TV Promo Shoot - with DJ Roundhead

L-R Double D, Lisham, Roundhead, Mr. Director, Scamboy

Me- doing the green screen shot

The "Kecohness" at Taman Jaya

My News Audition Photo Shoot

Joanne, Myself and K.C.

My News Audition Photo

IAWRT 34TH GALA DINNER

Emcee for the International Association of Women in Radio and TV

Gala Dinner at Dewan Cendikiawan IPPTAR

Emcee for the International Association of Women in Radio and TV

KRAFTANGAN MALAYSIA MEDIA NIGHT

Model At Kraftangan Malaysias' Media Nite.

Me-trying to avoid shower.

One Month in KL

2011-11-20T14:49:00.012+08:00

Hallo! I am finally in KL!!! I mean it has been a month la, but still...

Anyway, first day working in Traxx fm was ok... Second day I went on air "secara bidan terjun/terjunam" then the third day I went on air+on tv (iTraxx Astro channel 180, every Friday 9.15am-10am), then I went on to host our guest delegate from Japan at Balai Perdana...

Some random pix!

A floppy disk at the office!!! Antique weiii!!!

I miss this place la...

My mini carnivorous garden...

My room at 6++pm... Uwaaa... I miss my room in Langkawi!!!

Me!

Me, adding a dash of vibrant colour to the landscape!

With UNICEF Malaysia Communication Specialist and Scamboy!

Me posing with my TV News resume pix...

Scamboy came in soaking wet one day... We tortured him by letting him bajuless for a while!

Yogee the Legend and Me + Yogees' Chicks Magnet Topi Bulu2!

Giant Door at the International Broadcast Centre

Kak Ros, Me and Upin/Ipin

Kak Ros, Upin/Ipin and Me

Then we had this DJ Workshop in Kuantan... Best giler... Here are some of the pix of the trip!

Kuantan!

Nak buang sampah merata in Kuantan, kena bayar RM500!

Gagah nak tangkap gambo dalam van!

On the Way to Kuantan, Pahang... DJ Ottos' silhouette against the view...

Yeah, Traxx fm punya transport masuk workshop! Klasik Nasional pun ok...

The bilik! Nice!

The nice bilik!

Restoran Alif!

Kuantan at 6++am!

The view outside our bilik!

Swiss Garden Kuantan!

Be Safe @ School DJ Workshop in Pahangfm!

The participants working on their presentation.

My Group- Group 5 Junior Traxx fm

Our KBR Sue, Our Boss Puan Rohani, Yogee the Legend and Eric.

Balik KL! Yay?

There you have it! Lepas ni janji dah xmo tangguh2 update blog... Sebulan! 2 jam tunggu nak upload gambo je... ;)

Sweet Hello and Sad Goodbye

2011-10-17T12:34:00.007+08:00

Goodbye LANGKAWIfm. I'm leaving for Traxx fm but LANGKAWIfm and Langkawi especially my friends in Langkawi will always be in my heart.

To my friends on the island, Halina, Sufina & Geng Cikgu2 Langkawi yang best, Amanda, Fakhress, Muiz, Kak Nina, Kak Shar & Tisya, Kak Miza, Nana, Doc Ju, Abang Salim, Han Ho, Andy, Nini, Nasha, Finy, Auntie Zai, Ashraff, Kak Idda & Family and Aizzat and semua-semua lah, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you all and I hope to see you all soon.

I am so sorry I can't see all of you during my very brief 2 weeks on the island. Don't be sad because your "adik kecik AJK Keceriaan" is no longer around to ceria-ceriakan our little makan2 gatherings. I'm pretty sure there are videos of me doing my gila2 thingy some where, look it up and remember me no?

To my friends and working colleagues, I'm gonna miss you all. Please do forgive me if I have done you wrong in any way. I'm gonna miss you all.

To my listeners, Justin Group, Geng Sempoi, Ahli KLIK LFM, thank you for your support for the past years. Remember to keep on listening to LANGKAWIfm.

Be proud to listen to LANGKAWIfm, because it's our very own radio station and there's no such thing as Baling fm or Pulau Bidan fm or Sungai Petani fm even...

I am so gonna miss pok pek-ing on air and playing you songs especially the songs you've never heard of while laughing like a mad scientist off-air, yes, I actually did that and I'm gonna miss chatting with all of you.

I guess the webmaster will be taking down the link to my blog on LANGKAWIfms website, but this blog will remain on the net and will be updated from time to time. Bookmark it now! Keep in touch, ok? Look me up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mamat.lisham or Twitter at Mamat_Lisham and send me an e-mail at jenn_benn_jevvy@yahoo.co.uk

I guess I've posted what I wanted to say. I've enjoyed my 10 years stay on the island. Thank you for being a part of those 10 wonderful years.

I love you.

Budget 2012

2011-10-07T18:03:00.002+08:00

The highlights-

Budget 2012: The Government will extend the compulsory retirement age from 58 to 60 years old to optimise civil servants’ contribution.

Budget 2012 : Civil servants will be offered tuition fee assistance for part-time studies, including RM5,000 masters & RM500 doctoral scholarships.

Budget 2012: 600,000 Government pensioners will benefit from an additional annual pension increment of 2%.

Budget 2012: My First Home Scheme will be expanded to increase the limit of house prices from a maximum of RM220,000 to RM400,000.

Budget 2012: PM Najib announces new remuneration scheme for civil servants for "performance driven" service, increase in salaries.

Budget 2012: Full exemption of import duty and excise duty on hybrid cars and electric cars will continue to be given until 2013.

Budget 2012: In the spirit of “People First,” all subsidies, incentives and assistance totalling RM33.2bil will be continued.

Budget 2012: Hospital Kuala Lumpur - the oldest in Malaysia - will be upgraded with an allocation of RM300mil to be the country’s premier hospital.

Budget 2012: To assist the homeless the Government established a social assistance centre known as Anjung Singgah.

Budget 2012: To prevent cervical cancer, the Government will provide free Human Papilloma Virus immunisation nationwide.

Budget 2012: RM15mil will be allocated to build 150 futsal courts to achieve the “One Court for One Mukim” target.

Budget 2012: One-off assistance of RM500 to households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below will be provided.

Budget 2012: Books - RM200 book vouchers for all tertiary and Form 6 students.

Budget 2012: Schooling assistance of RM100 to all primary and secondary students from Year 1 to Form 5 nationwide.

Thanks to the lovely Sufina Halim of LANGKAWIfm for the updates... ;)

Erk? Dah Habes?

2011-10-02T04:51:00.003+08:00

So this is it? :) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all for your support... I love you all, always.

Selamat Hari Raya to All

2011-08-30T17:31:00.002+08:00

Lemang, Ketupat, Rendang, Gulai Ayam, Serondeng, Soto, Laksa, Kek Lapis Sarawak, Pulut Kuning, Ayam Masak Jawa, Butter Chicken, Makaroni Bakaq etc etc...

Above all and most importantly, forgiveness, family and friends...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf zahir dan batin.

Lots of love. ;)

Ramadhan Update... Finally Here...

2011-08-22T10:44:00.009+08:00

*Please click and listen to this song while you're reading this post!

Just another manic Monday! Got called up (very, very early) by someone named IZA from S.P.A. KL.

Been putting off posting a new entry on this blog since I don't know when and... Ok... Here's a recipe from Juliana in her own words, on how to prepare the best pineapple tart... In PINK :)

Jem Nenas

2 bijik nenas - sagat..kalau malas sagat masuk blender..tapi x mau, boh ayaq
jerang atas belanga sampai ayaq kerin + daun pandan (kalau suka masuk essence nenas
masuk gula ikut suka rasa
kacau sampai kerin agak-buleh gentel..jagan masuk gula lebih dari nenas..nanti dia keras

Badan tart

4 cawan tepung gandum - goreng tanpa minyak dlm 5 menet..tujuan untuk keringkan tepung tu..(biaq sejuk)
1/2 cawan tepung custard
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 buku butter kecik 250gm
1/2 cawan planta
2 tbsp icing sugar
essence vanilla
secubit garam
1 bijik teloq yg paling kecik.. kalau teloq besaq ambik kunin dia saja

cara buat badan tart

ayak semua tepung sekali (1 + 2 + 3)
pukul bahan 4 + 5 + 6 sampai putih + 7 + 8
masuk tepung yg dah ayak tadi sikit sikit
last sekali baru masuk teloq
uli sikit2..kalau lembek tambah tepung gandum sikit2
simpan doh dlm peti ais 20-30 menet

keluarkan tepung, biaq sat..uli sikit..jgn over uli..doh rosak..kalau lembek u tambah tepung sikit ..agak2 buleh tekan..you start tekan

Selamat mencuba! - Thank you Juliana, for the recipe... hehehe...

Anyway, just when I started to think that my Monday couldn't get worst... DJ Mimie of Mutiarafm messaged me on FB and mentioned about the B27 result that came out TODAY (Monday, August 22) and basically I am waiting for my fate to be decided... NAK STAY KAT LANGKAWI! UWAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Awat depa x boh "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin" kat situ?

Two nights ago Aizzat got into an accident opposite of IPP on the way to Tarawikh.

He's OK with just some bruises and scratches... Though the sight of him lying on the road unconscious was too much and then the waiting for the check-up and the scan result was FRIGHTENING!!!

But he's OK, recovering at home, alhamdulillah.

Remember, Be safe on the road!!! X larat nak habaq dah!

Get well soon. Nanti kita pi beli baju Melayu lain no?

And here are some snapshots from MY kitchen... Meals I've prepared for makan2 at home...

The recipes are coming soon (kot) :)

Penne Pesto with Mashed Potato and Ayam

Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potato and Baked Beans

Gulai Ayam + Nasi Putih (Paid RM10 for 1/2 a Chicken and 1kg of Rice, Paid RM10 at a restaurant for 1/2 a tapau of white rice and 2 scrawny chicken drumsticks!)

I also went back to Sungai Petani to "bukak posa" with my parents, though Juliana and I arrived just in time for bukak posa and my parents were at the mosque. We had Chicken Beriyani with Nira Nipah. I love my mom banyak-banyak and here's a photograph to prove it!

Anak Mak & Abah

Random Pix of My Babies

2011-08-05T17:55:00.001+08:00

I just wanna share some recent pix of my "babies"... ;)

The Electric Catfish, an early pre-birthday present from the lovely Juliana.

My Aba Aba Knifefish, the plastic tubings used to be long enough for the fish to hide in!

Polypterus endlicheri, the Endlis' Bichir, another early birthday present, by Fins N' Greens

2 of 3 of my African Arowana, Heterotis niloticus, my own birhtday present for myself

A "tangle" of Ropefish

A friend once said that if you owns 15 cats, you're crazy BUT, if you have 15 aquariums at home then you're HARDCORE! ;)

Owh... Selamat Berpuasa to all of our muslim friends...

Nothing :)

2011-07-23T23:04:00.003+08:00

Satu Petang Yang Hangat Di Dalam Mini Studio Di Laman Padi Langkawi...

Senyum.... Tak Perlu kata Apa-Apa...

The Reasons Why I Cannot Sleep Tonight....

2011-07-06T02:05:00.007+08:00

Reason # 1

6 x Heterotis niloticus (African Arowana)

Reason # 2

6 x Epetoitchtys calabaricus (Ropefish)

Reason # 3

2 x Polypterus endlicheri (Endli Bichir)

Reason # 4

1 x Malapterurus electricus (Electric Catfish)

Reason # 5

1 x Gymnarchus niloticus (Aba Aba Knifefish)

The pix are NOT MINE, credit to the respective owners.

They'll be arriving tomorrow (hopefully, fingers crossed and teeth clenched). I don't know what else my friend GG Ming is going to send me for my birthday...

Just finished setting up the tank for the small Aba Aba while the African Arowanas (AFROs), Ropefish and the Endli Bichirs will be living (temporarily) with the African Freshwater Butterfly Fish.

Wait, that just leaves the Electric Catfish... Die lo die!!!!

Luckily I have a 2 footer under my Kopitiam Table... I'll dig that up and set it up after I post this posting (that sounded a bit funnily, funny)

Thinking to myself, I need to set up the following before the year ends...

1. Two 4' tanks for the new Aba Aba and the AFROs

2. Two 3' tanks for the 3 African Lungfish

3. One 3' tank for the Bichirs

4. One 3' Tank for the Electric Catfish

That's additional two 4' tanks and four 3' tanks plus my existing EIGHT FRIGGIN' TANKS of various sizes!!!

Lets just hope the floor of my apartment can take the abuse ;)

Going Gaga over AFROS

2011-07-01T13:53:00.002+08:00

Heterotis niloticus aka the African Arowana!!!!

It is something like a cross between Arapaima and Arowana.
Birthday is coming in 10 days... Drool!

The Buntets A, B, C & D and Then Some...

2011-06-09T21:34:00.005+08:00

Presenting (drumroll, eye-roll to all non-fish friendly people person) my lungfish collection...

This is Buntet A. It's almost 1 year old. I got this one from a friend who bought it in Penang. It's as big as a mans arm, or a very muscular womans' arm. :)

Buntet A is currently living alone in a 3' tank.

Buntet B arrived 1 day earlier that Buntet C & D and it is the biggest of the batch.

Buntet C is the with the nipped tail end that looks more like "{" instead of the normal ">"

Buntet Dis the smallest of the lot. It is also the most active.

Group photo- Buntets C, D & B

This means I'll be adding at least 3, 3' aquariums to accommodate these new additions. Yay! Not forgetting the lungfish poop scooping (Buntet As poop is as big as a cats poop! I kid you not!), monthly water change, electricity bill etc. I love my hobby!

Also, I received 1 Polypterus endlicheri with superb markings, based on my standard, but I don't see a lot of P. endlicheri in person. It's about 5 inches. It's beautiful.

Spot the Saddled Bichir, Polypterus endlicheri in this picture!

And today we bid our goodbyes to the cute and entertaining and useful to have around the office (no doubt) to the practical students doing internship at our office... Kakak, Adik & Din! All the best.

AND! A surprise visit by an OLD friend, Mr. Zaki who used to work as a technician at the station.

Haji Said, Kakak, Zaki and "Adik Yang Comel Macam Rabbit tu"

Coming Soon...

2011-06-08T13:28:00.003+08:00

More Protopterus annectens annectens/breini!!!

Hehehe.... What can I say? I'm living my childhood dream...

Buntet Panjang C

Buntet Panjang D

Pantodon buchholzi - The African Freshwater Butterfly Fish

2011-06-08T09:18:00.006+08:00

My African Freshwater Butterfly Fish, Pantodon buchholzi, arrived yesterday. All 6 of them almost immediately started feeding on those "ulat burung" commonly sold at LFS. Shameless!

These little distant cousin of the African/South American/Asian Arowana can grow to a max size of 15 cm or about 6 inches in length. They have huge draw-bridge like mouth and feed on anything moving near the water surface.

Although they're called "butterfly" fish, they don't actually fly, I read on Wikipedia that they are "ballistic jumper", whatever that means so this species needs a tight fitting cover to keep them from "ballistically jumping" themselves to death.

After 1 hour floating in the bag in the tank.
This is to match the temperature in the bag with the temperature of the tank.

The morning after introduction to the tank... They have good appetite, which is a good sign.

My photos doesn't do them any justice...

So here are some beautiful photos of the same species taken from the net (I don't own these photos and the credit goes to the respective owners).

They look like miniature Arowana with fin extension.

The top profile showing the "butterfly" part of the name.

They have big mouth that can swallow big prey item.

As for the new lungfish, it is currently living next "door?/Tank?" from the old lungfish. I'm preparing a new tank for it soon.

Look at the colour/pattern difference. The old one is one the left, the new one's one the right side

Waiting... Waiting...

2011-06-06T21:30:00.005+08:00

I'm waiting for my new "babies"... They'll be arriving tomorrow kot... I've divided my current lungfish tank into 2... It should fit them both comfortably...

1 tip of successfully keeping a lungfish is to have a mesh divider between the fish and what ever wired aquarium appliances that you might want to include in its tank and between the fish and also, a tight fitting lid... They're deceptively strong...

Here's a face pix of my new lungfish... I've posted the tail end in the previous post. It'll be arriving with a shipment of the African Freshwater Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi).

It's sooooooooooooooooooooooo CUTE!

The Saddled Bichir (Polyopterus endlicheri) and the Ropefish (Eirpetoicthys calabaricus) will be arriving next week due to some reason. The stock is not stable enough to ship. That's a GOOD REASON enough... Happy, happy...

I have a friend who is capable of bringing this species Neoceratodus forsteri, the Australian Lungfish direct from Australia with CITES documentation and ID chip, of course.

YES! The Australian Lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri is available for sale in Malaysia. No kidding!

Look me up on facebook if you're in Malaysia and is interested to be the select few proud owner of this species.

I am saving up to buy one too... :)

Coming Soon...

2011-06-02T05:33:00.008+08:00

I am adding more to my collection...

Another lungfish. I've ordered for Protopterus aethiopicus (the Leopard/Marbled Lungfish) and Lepidosiren paradoxa (the South American Lungfish) but came across a cheap Protopterus annectens (almost 12", less than RM100), I just can't resist!

Basically, I was looking for these-

Adult Lepidosiren paradoxa

Protopterus aethiopicus (baby)

Protopterus aethiopicus (adult)

that is one very big fish or a very petite dude!

Here's a photo of the actual fish, resting in an aquarium some where in KL at my Kaki Cari Ikan brother GG Ming of Fins N' Greens (he's on facebook, check him out)!

Protopterus annectens (kot?)

It'll be coming to Langkawi next week... I just can't wait!!!

Also... I've just confirmed an order of 6 of these!!!

Erpetoichthys calabaricus the Rope/Reed/Snakefish...

The net listed its maximum size at 3 feet but they're slow grower. Most max out at 20".

They're like olive green snake with fins...

A well-fed (fat) ropefish... They're related to the Bichirs (Polyopterus sp.)

In case you don't know what's a Bichir is...

The beautiful Polyopterus endlicheri, I might be getting one too.... ekekeke

The more commonly seen in Langkawi Polyopterus senegalus

The slightly more expensive albino Senegal Bichir...

And MAYBE a few of these!!!

Pantodon buchholzi the African Butterfly Fish. It kinda looks like the Asian Arowana Scleropages formosus.

Kinda looks like the Asian Arowana with long trailing fins...

Yes... It is related to the Asian Arowana

Surface dweller and surface feeding and a jumper... Very nice!

African Fever!!!

2011-05-25T20:09:00.002+08:00

I am so drooling over these...

The African Arowana Heterotis niloticus

It's some where between the famous Arapaima and our very own Asian Arowana...

Young ones are filter feeder (like its cousin, the Arapaima) while adults filters (chew at) the gravel for edible nyum-nyums...

It's rarely seen in the hobby in Malaysia.

This is the Amphibius/East African/Gilled Lungfish (Protopterus amphibius).

Yeap. It's like 1 big tadpole, I know but I like!

No chance to get one.

And this one! This one is poisonous as my sources called me to say that one is spotted on sale in Petaling Jaya!

The Marbled/Leopard/Giant Lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus!!!

I'm getting one soon!!!

Simplicity

2011-05-20T19:38:00.002+08:00

I'm enjoying the simple life.

Not bothering to set alarm at night.

Not bothering to rush.

Shower.

Do laundry.

I did cook today. Rice. Fried fried chicken in cornflour with garlic, ginger, cumin, black pepper and soya sauce.

I love it.

Happy Teachers Day and Happy Wesak Day all in One Go

2011-05-17T06:13:00.002+08:00

Teachers are not created equal and so are the students.

A good teacher will educate you at school while great ones will correct you when you're wrong, will nag, punish and beat you when necessary. All in the name of love.

Happy Teachers Day to all teachers and Happy Wesak Day...

Hypselecara temporalis aka the Chocolate Cichlid

2011-05-04T04:11:00.008+08:00

Last month (which kinda seemed like it was a long, long, long time ago) I went to the LFS near my office with the innocent intention of buying feeder goldfish for my Aba Aba.

Due to the lingering Tokay Gecko craze that hit the island not long ago, I had to wait, 10 long minutes just to buy RM1 worth of goldfish!

So being some one who has never succumbed to the temptation of impulse buying (just the fish that I forget to plan to get) I browsed around the shop and I must say, I browsed with non-interested eyes.

I know most of the bread and butter fish species at the shop. The usual neons, barbs, danios, platies, guppies, suckers, corys and cichlids...

Then I saw... They're something similar to the Indian Leaf Fish, Pristolepis marginata.

The beautiful Pristolepis marginata, locally known as "Ikan Patung". They are rarely seen but they do occur in the wild in Malaysia. Caught a huge number of them (piring/small plate-size) in Tasik Banding.

Then I looked again and then I remembered back in 1989, I think, I've kept this species before. Bought a 4" specimen for less than five ringgit from San Sui Aquarium in SP and the shop owner told me it was called "ikan sultan".

Yeah, what ever. Common names can be misleading... So lets call this by the proper scientific name then. It is Hypselecara temporalis, the Chocolate Cichlid.

It can change its color from brown-deep red-green-silver and back. Being young at the time, I then released this fish where it lived a very long life in my fathers telaga (in case you don't know, telaga=well) at his Durian orchard.

The next time I saw this species was back in 1996, just before the Ayam Serama aka the Bantam Chicken and the Lou Han / Flowerhorn / Amphilopus labiatus / Amphilopus trimaculatus hybrid hit Malaysia. Then almost every aquarium fish shop sell nothing but Flowerhorn!

They were 6-8 of them the size of a small plate and they were very beautiful and they were labelled "Lion King, NOT FOR SALE".

Amphilopus labiatus aka the Red Devil Cichlid, the great grand daddy of the Flowerhorn.

Amphilopus trimaculatus, the Trimac Cichlid, the other great grand daddy of the Flowerhorn.

Anyway, fast forward to some time in April 2011, I saw the lfs had 6 of them at RM15 a piece. I just had to have them! So here they are... In Aizzats' 3' aquarium for the time being...

They're about 3" long.

Shoaling close together minutes after release.

Getting bolder, exploring the new aquarium (new as is been running for 2 months without any fish, just a few hillstream shrimps in the tank for cycling).

I know they're not much to look at, at the moment except for the romantic swimming style (head pointing to the surface, swimming ala2 malas... I like!!!) but they'll grow and turn into these in a few months time... Behold!

Adult Hypselecara temporalis.

Here's an update of my Aba Aba, it kinda grew big and fast and getting more "finger-friendly"!

Buntet IV

Happy Hari Buruh

2011-04-29T13:45:00.002+08:00

Here's looking forward to a very long weekend and a busy month ahead . If you're working, have a happy Buruh Day to you. It is also a good idea to catch up on the current buruh law as well. One can never be sure when you'll need it.t

Gymnarchus niloticus...

2011-04-21T00:12:00.005+08:00

The package arrived yesterday and I am officially a proud owner of the Aba Aba Knifefish!

Been busy reading up on as much info possible on this species (I think I've read most of the limited info available on the web BEFORE comitting myself in buying this species and now I'm reading on scientific papers, potently boring stuff I might add- Boring I can tolerate, potently boring, so and so lah... ).

I am NOT saying that reading is boring! Reading is cool and being interested in knowledge is cool.

A few cool facts on the fish

* Known as Abu Rhad (father of thunder) locally in Arab speaking countries in its range.

* Because of its high price, it is often used for wedding gifts (as a special occasion food fish).

* Mildly electric.

* Bite from small specimen bigger than 12" can remove fingers, adults can remove hands.

* The tail is often used as a "feeler" to feel around when swimming in reverse.

Anyway, I present to you my latest addition... Gymnarchus niloticus- The Aba Aba Knifefish.

The Package.

The Package- Opened and relieved to find the fish swimming and alive... No guarantee of live arrivals here... It's supposed to be "food-material"!

The fish, half an hour after intro to the 4' aquarium...

A short video of the fish.

I am so happy with the fish that now I am contemplating on moving my sofa to the front of the Aba Aba tank so I can sit there and stare at the dorsal fins!

Btw, here's a of pix of the (now dead freshwater dolphin fish- Mormyrus sp.) Long story short... They came from Africa and they died in Langkawi.

Rest in peace little fishies...

Also, a photo of Amanda, snapping photos of the beautiful sunset at Tanjung Sanctuary on her new handphone taken with my handphone + color-enhanced on my pc :).

Gymnarchus niloticus...

2011-04-12T07:25:00.006+08:00

I am so drooling over (maybe mata also turning white, mouth, frothing d) for the African Upside-Down Knifefish aka the notorious Aba Aba Knifefish, or is it the other way around? The Aba Aba aka the African Upside-Down Knifefish...

I've kept a group of our very own Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) and they grew big until I added those bendang-caught Ikan Selat (Notopterus sp) to the tank, all of them died.

1 tip for buying Ikan Belida at your LFS (live fish shop/local fish shop/le fishie shoppe) is wait for the DAA (death after arrival) to pass and to watch and watch closely at the belly of the baby knifefish (at 3-4 inches, they're babies!).

The belly should be full (full-belly=well-fed fish, hollow-belly=not feeding, meaning, if the LFS cannot feed them fish, what makes you think you can?).

Also, avoid knives (or any other naked, scaless fish) if your LFS adds blue or green meds to their tank water. Naked/scaleles fish+ blue/green meds= dead naked/scaless fish.

The trick is to get the baby knives to start feeding and get big fast. It can be hard to get feeders (bendang shrimp, ikan lompat/seluang, red bloodworm) here in Langkawi.

One can only find feeder carp, cengkerik and ulat kayu only so feeding your baby knifefish can be a wee bit hard.

Ok. Enough about my experience on keeping them Clown Knifefish.

Just in case you don't know watsa Clown Knfefish.

Anyway, I'm in the process of setting up 2 not so new tanks (moving, cleaning, filling up, running and cycling- the boring and lengthy process of setting up or resetting up a new tank).

1 is for a community tank (tetras, barbs, yeap, those small colorful girly-ish little fishies) and the other one.... Jeng jeng jeng... I'm placing a deposit on one of those Aba Aba. It'll be my most expensive fish ever even I got it at an extremely cheap price!

Now I present to you my motivation to work more and earn more... It is a common belief that the things you want most (be it a fish, a new phone, a new bf/gf) always pops up when you have not enough RM, I tell you now, that is sooooooooo true! Anyway, let us enjoy the mesmerizing fluid motion of the dorsal fins of the Aba Aba.

They can grow BIG.

They have SHARP teeth and love to bite off fingers.

They're from Africa and RARE in Malaysia.

There! So I'm placing my deposit now.

I hate the internet because.... It makes it all too easy to find sources for the rare stuff I've been wanting so bad for so long!

UPDATE: 12/04/2011 @ 9.45AM : I PAID FOR THE ABA ABA IN FULL.

New River Tank

2011-04-07T01:43:00.008+08:00

Introducing my new river/riffle tank with the filter/pump system put together by a friend and the original idea was by Mr. Martin Theone (www.loaches.com).

It is not actually a new set up, I just moved the tank as the floor at the original location is not level enough and the glass bar keeps popping out.

Remember, water+glass= risk, fast-flowing water+glass= high risk!

This is the only time when I can successfully keep wild-caught loach species (Acanthocobitis zonalternans) from Lubuk Semilang (small loach about 1+ cm) for more than 1 week and the Sewellia seems happy and thriving (although in the process of moving the tank and putting it together again, 2 of them got sucked into my coverless back up pump!!!).

Moral of the story, securely cover your pump intake... Don't trust those cheap suction discs to keep the pump upright and love your fish!

Currently housing-

1. Botia kubotai
2. Botia almorhae
3. Yasuhikotakia morleti
4. Sewelia lineolata
5. Chromobotia macracanthus
6. Corydoras sterbae
7. Corydoras panda
8. Schistura robertsi
9. Acanthocobitis zonalternans

Future plan is to get more rocks and pebbles and black lou han aquarium background and maybe more of those flat-bodied torrential loach and maybe some more Corydoras, Otocinclus, a shoal of White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Shiners and exotic suckermouth catfish (not your ordinary ikan bandaraya ok?) species...

Penang!!!! I'm coming, next week!

update: somebody asked me about the riffle tank. Here's the spec.
(size-48"x12"x12", 29.92 USGal, 24.92 UKGal, 1250lph pump x 2, the water is cycled at about 26 times per hour)

My Fish Wish List 2011

2011-04-05T15:26:00.007+08:00

Some of the fishies I dream of keeping... One day...
(*starts singing that "some where over the rainbow, way up high~")

Australian Lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri
(why? becos it's super-rare, super-endangered, super-expensive!)

The Electric Eel Electrophorus electricus
(why? it's electric la, that's why!)

The Electric Catfish Malapterus electricus
(why? you've all heard of the Electric Eel, but Electric Catfish? Come on, don't lie!)

African Reticulated Knifefish Papyrocranus afer
(why? becos it's CUTE!)

Aba Aba Knifefish Gymnarchus niloticus
(gigi tajam like surgical knife, grows huge to up to 5', can swim forward and backward and kona cepat2, aggrasive and mildly electric and rare and expensive...)

Freshwater Dolphin Fish Mormyrus sp
(cerita sedih... once upon a time... went to Penang pakai Air Asia, RM9, very small, then went back, habis... then in Langkawi... RM150 each... Angry Birds clay figurines... 1 happy buyer... LFS closed for 2 days... Smart shop owner mixed with sick loaches... x jadi beli... Arghhhh!!!!)

Some Random Pix of My Pets

2011-04-04T04:49:00.002+08:00

Mr. Lungfish

Mr Lungfishs' Face
Sewellia Lineolata

Alligator Gar (2' & 3')

Last Day of 2010... Hello 2011

2010-12-31T08:09:00.002+08:00

It's almost here...

A brand new year. I'll be some where, working, helping a group of strangers usher in the new year, but, I'm pretty sure I'll selit2 and enjoy myself while I'm at it.

To my family, my friends and my foes, I wish them all nothing but good things. I love you all.

Here's wishing everyone, A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.

Obligatory new year song...

Goodbye 2010... Happy New Year 2011!

Y-E-S

2010-11-30T02:32:00.005+08:00

It's almost December 2010 and it's time for the annual dose of the Y-E-S!

That's short for the Year End STRESS! But then again, stress is just a software, just like aging and everything else in life, you don't have to do it, if you don't feel like doing it.

It's time to take out the old dusty piece of paper which is my supposedly new year resolution list for 2010.

Take it out, cancel the items that doesn't seems to fit anymore and adding in items that seems relevant at the moment, study it for a moment, tell people about it and then forget all about it...

Went through the calendar yesterday and was kinda surprised to see that the new year celebration fell on my off day, that meaning... :D

Anyway, here's a pre-new year, new years wish. Happy ushering in the year 2011!

p/s: I just tried a new way to relax. It's either white noise for nappy time or Cake! ;)

Comfort Eagle by Cake!

Budget 2011 Highlights

2010-11-05T15:56:00.001+08:00

These are the highlights of Budget 2011:

The Govt took into consideration views from the public and private sectors, focus groups, media, 1M blog and lab sessions.

Govt expects 7% growth for Malaysia in 2010 over previous estimate of 6%.

Govt aims to achieve 6% growth in 2011, supported by private investments, expanding 10.2%, private consumption 6.3%, exports 6.7%.

Income per capita will increase 6.1% to RM28,000 while income in terms of purchasing power parity to USD16,000 (RM49,440).

Will emphasise on efforts to transform the nation into a developed plus high-income economy plus sustainable development.

With the theme "Transformation Towards a Developed and High-Income Nation", Budget 2011 will centre on 4 key strategies.

Several PPP projects identified under the 10MP will be implemented in 2011 through private investment of RM12.5bil PPP project: Construction of highways such as the Ampang-Cheras-Pandan Elevated Highway

PPP project: Construction of a 300-megawatt Combined-Cycle Gas Power Plant in Kimanis, Sabah

PPP project: Development of International Islamic University Malaysia Teaching Hospital in Kuantan; Women and Children’s Hospital

Another PPP project identified is the Academic Medical Centre. This project involves private investment of RM2 bil

Greater KL MRT to be implemented from 2011. When completed, public transport utilisation rate is expected to rise to at least 40%

Another major project is the development of the Malaysian Rubber Board land in Sungai Buloh covering an area of 2,680 acres

A new landmark, Warisan Merdeka, is expected to be completed in 2020. It will include a 100-storey tower, the tallest in Malaysia

The Govt will implement bold measures to revitalise the domestic capital market

Efforts will be taken to strengthen Malaysia's position as a premier Islamic capital market

The Govt will provide Entrepreneurship Enhancement Training Programme to train 500 technopreneurs and attract more angel investors

The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation will be provided a startup fund amounting to RM100mil to provide soft loans

To revitalise capital market activities, the Govt will launch a Private Pension Fund in 2011

Existing income tax relief of up to RM6,000 for employees contributions to EPF will extend to Private Pension Fund contributions

A sum of RM857 mil is allocated for local E&E companies to compete at the international level

The Govt will allocate RM146 mil to support the oil, gas and energy industry

The Govt is committed to develop green technology to ensure sustainable development

Pioneer Status, Investment Tax Allowance for energy generation from renewable sources plus energy efficiency activities extended til 31 December 2015

To further encourage ownership of hybrid cars, import duty and excise duty exemption will be extended until 31 December 2011

Tax exemption on income from trading of Certified Emission Reductions certificate to extend until year of assessment 2012.

The Govt will implement the Programme on Blending of Biofuels with Petroleum Diesel (B5 Programme) in June 2011

The Govt will allocate RM3.8bil in 2011 to increase productivity and generate higher returns in the agriculture sector

Infrastructure facilities to be allocated - RM85mil to facilitate construction of hotels and resorts in remote areas

RM3bil eco-nature resort Nexus Karambunai, Sabah, to commence 2011

To support the tourism industry, the Government will allocate RM100mil

The Govt proposes that import duty on approximately 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals, at 5% to 30%, be abolished.

In efforts to propel the palm oil and related products industry, several measures will be implemented

Measures include encouraging replanting activity to replace aged trees with high quality new clones through RM297mil

RM127mil to be allocated to support domestic oleo derivatives companies plus RM23.3m to expand downstream palm oil industries

Multimedia Development Corridor programme is allocated RM119mil. Focus is on creating an innovative digital economy

Import duty and sales tax exemption on broadband equipment are also extended for two years until 2012

The Government proposes that sales tax be exempted on all types of mobile phones

Corridor and regional development will be accelerated. The Government allocates RM850mil for infrastructure support

For Iskandar Malaysia, a sum of RM339mil is allocated.

The Northern Corridor Economic Region is allocated RM133mil.

East Coast Economic Region is allocated RM178mil for projects

For Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, RM93mil is allocated for facilities

A sum of RM411mil is allocated in 2011 for R&D&C activities

For 2011, a sum of RM71mil is allocated for Special Innovation Unit UNIK

A sum of RM200mil is allocated to purchase creative products such as high quality locally-produced films, dramas and documentaries

The Government proposes that the rate of service tax be increased from 5% to 6%

RM29.3bil is allocated for Ministry of Education, RM10.2bil for Ministry of Higher Education and RM627mil for Ministry of Human Resource

The Govt will establish a Talent Corporation under the Prime Minister’s Office in early 2011

RM6.4bil is allocated for development expenditure to build and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment

RM213mil is allocated to reward high-performance schools

The Govt will increase pre-school enrolment rate to a targeted 72% by end-2011 through an additional 1,700 classes

The Govt will also strengthen the curriculum and appoint 800 pre-school graduate teachers

RM250mil is allocated for development expenditure to schools: religious, Chinese-type, Tamil national, missionary, Government-assisted

RM576mil is allocated in the form of scholarships for those wishing to further their studies

RM213mil is allocated to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English Language

RM20mil is allocated to increase PhD qualified academic staff to 75% in research unis plus to 60% in other higher learning institutions

RM60mil is allocated to further intensify the Industrial Skill Enhancement Programme in State Skills Development Training Centres

The Govt will also allocate RM50mil to the Multimedia Development Corporation to train graduates in ICT

RM474mil is provided to enhance productivity and skills of non-graduates

The 1Malaysia Training Programme will commence in January 2011 with an allocation of RM500mil

RM200mil is allocated to conduct part-time training in the evenings and weekends in selected training centres nationwide

RM200mil from the Human Resources Development Fund to be used by companies to fund specific training programmes for their employees

The Govt will enforce basic minimum wages for security guards, to between RM500 and RM700 a month depending on location

RM30mil is allocated to introduce the Single Mother Skill Incubator Programme and the Prime Entrepreneur and Women Activist

The Govt will provide 40 1Malaysia TASKA to assist women to obtain quality childcare and early education for their children

The Govt will allow flexibility to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave, not exceeding 90 days from the current 60 days

For sports development and management, a sum of RM365mil is allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports

To develop football, the Govt will establish a Football Academy in Pahang with RM20mil to produce quality football players

In 2011, the Government will allocate RM1.2 bil to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

The Govt will launch assistance programme to benefit 80,000 disabled individuals with an allocation of RM218mil

Government will extend tax relief of up to RM5,000 to help parents with expenses such as daycare, caretakers & other daily needs

First-time house buyers will be given stamp duty exemption of 50% on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000

RM6.9bil is allocated to implement basic infrastructure such as water and electricity supply as well as rural roads

Build and upgrade rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak with an allocation of RM2.1bil and RM696mil in Peninsular Malaysia

RM974mil is allocated as price subsidy for padi, fertilisers and padi seeds. RM230mil for production incentives, increasing padi yield

Govt to establish a 1Malaysia Smart Consumer portal to help the rakyat keep abreast with price movements of retail goods.

Effective January 2011, the monthly allowance of Imam will be increased from RM450 to RM750

The monthly allowance for KAFA teachers will be increased to RM800, an increase from RM500, starting Jan 2011

RM100mil is allocated to implement various programmes, including resolving Orang Asli land rights and border settlement issues

Toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years, effective immediately

RM15.2bil is allocated to build new hospitals, increase the number of doctors, nurses, obtain supplies of medicines and equipment

Since 2009, 51 1Malaysia Clinics are in operation. The Government will provide an additional 25 1Malaysia Clinics

RM350mil is allocated to implement various programmes to combat crime, including burglary, motorcycle and car thefts

RM70mil is allocated for programmes with select NGOs to help Govt strengthen family institution and address social ills eg baby dumping

RM1.9bil is allocated to environmental preservation, including implementing the River of Life Programme and KL greening

To assist children, particularly the low-income to excel academically, the 1MDB will provide multi-vitamins for primary school pupils

1MDB will provide RM20mil to the 1Malaysia Youth Fund. This fund will be utilised to instil the 1Malaysia spirit

The Govt agrees to abolish the Competency Level Assessment/PTK and replace with a more suitable evaluation system by June 2011

Civil servants burden in coping with schooling expenses to be reduced by providing a Special Financial Assistance of RM500

RM212bil is allocated for Budget 2011, which is 2.8% higher than the allocation for 2010

RM45.6bil will be allocated for Development Expenditure, RM15.5bil for the social sector

Government revenue collection is estimated to increase 2.3% to RM165.8bil in 2011, up from RM162.1bil in 2010

The deficit for 2011 is expected to further decline to 5.4% of GDP, compared with 5.6% in 2010

Bitter Sweet Poetry Reading by Madonna.

2010-10-26T01:24:00.003+08:00

I looooooveeeeeee This!

In my hallucination
I saw my beloved's flower garden
In my vertigo, in my dizziness
In my drunken haze
Whirling and dancing like a spinning wheel

I saw myself as the source of existence
I was there in the beginning
And I was the spirit of love
Now I am sober
There is only the hangover
And the memory of love
And only the sorrow

I yearn for happiness
I ask for help
I want mercy
And my love says:

Look at me and hear me
Because I am here
Just for that

I am your moon and your moonlight too
I am your flower garden and your water too
I have come all this way, eager for you
Without shoes or shawl

I want you to laugh
To kill all your worries
To love you
To nourish you

Oh sweet bitterness
I will soothe you and heal you
I will bring you roses
I, too, have been covered with thorns

Ramadhan is Back!

2010-08-10T03:58:00.003+08:00

When Ramadhan starts, the gates of heaven opens and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained...

May your prayers in the holy month of Ramadhan brings your more prosperity, faith, satisfaction and holy love from God ; )

Drawing on Glass...

2010-07-22T17:01:00.024+08:00

This is my latest interest (reads- old, old, old interest renewed).

I know I'm getting a wee bit too old to start learning new stuff but hey, it's always not too late to learn new things. Life is about learning and learning.

Speaking of getting older (and hopefully wiser, with less wrinkles and gray hair), I've just turned 30-ish! Thank you for *the birthday wishes!

My phone got messed up the other day and all the contacts got saved twice so I have no idea who sent which message but thanks anyway for the birthday wishes and prezzies!

Anyway back to the drawing/painting/sketching on my tablet pc. Here are some of the more acceptable drawing I've made.

Normally I just doodle. You know, random lines and smudges, trying to find the Picasso in me.

I can stay up and doodle all night.

I know, I know. I live a rather BORING life! Ekekekeke....

Yellow-tail "Tuna"?

Catfish/Ikan Duri

Belida/Clown Knifefish

Freshwater Angelfish

Don't-Know-What-Fish

Redfish

Drawn by a friend within 5 minutes of learning how to use a tablet pc!
"Half a Dozen of Coconuts under the Coconut Tree with Partial Fence and Black Sand and a Flock of Black Birds"
This guy can draw!

He speaks 5 different languages, and can make a good impression of how a hungry duck sounds like!

He plays guitar!!!

...And he sings!!!
I know, I know, it's a little bit off key but at 6++ in the morning, kira ok la...
Ekekeke.... This video is so cute, it should be illegal!

*the birthday wishes! THANK YOU!!!!

The "New" Aquarium

2010-07-06T20:41:00.018+08:00

The "New" 3' aquarium.

No. Not a new one but this one was put together as small community tank after the Buntet II crashed through the support bar and knocked off the cover of the aquarium. In case you don't already know, The Buntet II is a 2++' Alligator Gar. ;)

This set-up has been running empty for 3 months. Fish were added in stages in groups of threes.

So presenting the new community tank set-up.

Some of the inhabitants of this tank includes-

1. Unidentified Barb (no pix)

2. Tengas (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) 1-2"specimens collected at Lubuk Semilang.

3. Bristlenose Sucker Ancistrus sp.

4. Unidentified Hillstream Goby (no pix)

5. Tiger Barb (Puntius tetrazona).

6. Red Tiger Barb (Puntius tetrazona).

7. Rosy Barb (Puntius conchonius)

8. Zebra Danio Red TK2 (Danio rerio)

9. Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi).

10. Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi).

11. Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons).

12. Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon callistus)

13. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)

The Activity Inside...

p/s: I don't own the photos here. Credit to the respective owner(s).

Protopterus annectens Update

2010-05-27T16:44:00.012+08:00

Polyopterus annectens

The African lungfishes are the genus Protopterus and constitute the four species of lungfish found in Africa. Protopterus is the sole genus in the family Protopteridae.

Description

African lungfishes are elongated, eel-like fishes, with thread-like pectoral and pelvic fins. They have soft scales, and the dorsal and tail fins are fused into a single structure. They can either swim like eels, or crawl along the bottom, using their pectoral and pelvic fins.

The largest species reach about 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) long.

African lungfishes generally inhabit shallow waters such as swamps and marshes, however they are also found in larger lakes such as Lake Victoria. They can live out of water for many months in burrows of hardened mud beneath a dried-up stream bed. They are carnivorous, eating crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae, and molluscs.

It kinda grew bigger since I got it.

Biology

The African lungfish is an example of how the evolutionary transition from breathing water to breathing air can happen. Lungfish are periodically exposed to water with low oxygen content or situations into which their aquatic environment dries up. Their adaptation for dealing with these conditions is an outpocketing of the gut, related to the swim bladder of other fishes, that serves as a lung.[1] The lung contains many thin-walled blood vessels, so blood flowing through those vessels can pick up oxygen from air gulped into the lung.

Lungfish will drown if denied access to breathe from the surface, but they're easy to keep. They don't care about the water perimeter.

The African lungfishes are obligate air breathers, with reduced gills in the adults. They have two anterior gill arches that retain gills so it can breathe either air or water.

The lungfish heart has adaptations that partially separate the flow of blood into its pulmonary and systemic circuits. The atrium is partially divided, to that the left side receives oxygenated blood and the right side receives deoxygenated blood from the other tissues. These two blood streams remain mostly separate as they flow through the ventricle leading to the gill arches. As a result oxygenated blood mostly goes to the anterior gill arches and the deoxygenated blood mostly goes to the posterior arches.

Lungfish checking out its meal. It chews its food into a mush held together by a glue-like secretion. This can go on for up to 20 minutes. After it's satisfied, it'll swallow the mush!

African lungfishes breed at the beginning of the rainy season. They construct nests or burrows in the mud to hold their eggs, which they then guard against predators. When they hatch, the young resemble tadpoles, with external gills, and only later develop lungs and begin to breath air.

As food

Native Africans have been found to dig up lungfishes, burrow and all, and store it for later use when they want fresh fish to eat. These fish have also been carried in their mud burrows for exhibition in the United States. They have a strong taste. The taste is such that "it is locally either highly appreciated or strongly disliked".

It's a well-known fact that big fish got personality- mine is camera-shy to the extreme!

As technology advancements such as longlines and gillnets have been increasingly applied over the past fifty years, it is believed that the lungfish populations there are decreasing.-(when available- the ones one the market are most probably wild caught!).

In Uganda, females do not eat the lungfish because they consider it a "sister fish," and therefore it is associated with men and manhood. (article taken from Wikipedia... ;))

Here is a good video from BBC showing how tough a lungfish is.

Note: Not stated in the article- Lungfish can live up to 25 years, yours may not live that long, but it may seems like it. Their teeth plate can crush/severe fingers. DON'T TRUST LUNGFISH WITH CHILDREN, or vice versa, ESPECIALLY THE VICE VERSA. ;)

New Pet: - Protopterus annectens

2010-05-06T14:03:00.004+08:00

A friend found one some where in Penang but didn't booked and knowing how susah to get a lungfish...

Somebody else had already bought the fish when I called then I had to call another friend and called a few shops in Penang. Long story short... I just bought a lungfish!!! I'm pretty sure it's Polyopterus annectens .

Many thanks to Kian Weng Aquarium (Ayer Itam, Penang, 04 828 2613) for being so helpful and very friendly too. They don't ship tho but they're helpful and packed the fish nicely (tipple bagged, corners tied with rubberband, polysterene box!) for shipping.

I shipped the fish over to Langkawi through Langkawi Ferry Services (Cargoman for Penang-Ah Chai 016 419 5786 or Langkawi side -Sabri - 012 595 3257).

In the car.

In front of my door.

Acclimatizing in the box (a very important step when transporting fish over long distance is to double bag or tripple bag them, pack them in insulated boxes and to let the fish rest and wait for the water to come close to the room temperature!) It arrived with a small white feeder goldfish which I think was so cute. It's like it brought along its pet to move to Langkawi. The goldfish is safe in my Barbs and Catfish tank.

It dug around when first introduced to its new home.

Head profile with "pores"

African Lungfish Protopterus annectens

This is a rarely seen species... It's a Erpetoichthys calabaricus aka the reedfish/ropefish. Closely related to the morecommonly available Bichir.

After 6 months, "Panjang" finally delevoped a taste for pellets (meaning nomore pressing need to breed thosefancy-tailed guppy and mollies! Yay!)

Erpetoichthys calabaricus aka the reedfish/ropefish.

Jalan2 to Malacca...

2010-05-03T20:11:00.006+08:00

Me and my friends been planning a trip for so long...

So it's time to take the "planning" part to the next level...

One of the places to be taken into consideration is... Consideration number 1... (Insert musical fanfare just about here... Ngeee)...

Jom jalan2 Melaka. Melaka Hotel Sentosa!

Ok a bit about the hotel.

The Hotel is stractegically located offering budget accommodation which is comfortable and value for money! All major attractions and nightlife areas are only a distance away.

It is just 2 KM away from Melaka Sentral, TESCO and Jusco. Ample FREE parking for cars, buses & trucks.

All rooms are with attached with cold & hot showers in the bathrooms, air cond, coloured TV, WIFI/internet/Broadband, a meeting room for 5-15 pax, cosy reception area and all rooms are with windows.

The Hotel is also approximately 20 minutes away from Klebang Beach and 15 minutes away from the famous Jonker Walk.

The hotel caters for business travellers, families as well as back packers.

There are 21 rooms with a total capacity of 38 people.

How to get there?

Room Rates

Twin Bed Room @ RM 90nett (weekday) RM 110nett (weekend)

Queen Bed Room @ RM 90nett (weekday) RM 110nett (weekend)

King Bed Room @ RM 110nett (weekday) RM 130nett (weekend)

Triple Room @ RM 110nett (weekday) RM 130nett (weekend)

1 King Bed & 1 Single Bed @ RM 135nett (weekday) RM 155nett (weekend)

1 King Bed & 1 Queen Bed @ RM 160nett (weekday) RM 200nett (weekend)

For reservations, call: 06 - 336 6733 (hotel and fax) or email : melaka.hotel.sentosa@gmail.com

Modular Origami...

2010-04-23T19:53:00.003+08:00

When I'm bored, I fold.
When I'm stressed, I fold.
When I don't succeed with the first fold,
I get stressed and then I fold some more...

Then I ran out of origami paper.
The end.

Polyhedra Modular Origami

Polyhedra Modular Origami

Tomoko Fuse Boxes

Not a Modular Origami. This one was folded from 1 A4 sized paper.

The above Japanese Light Thingy with tea light inside. Nice eh?

Sketches...

2010-04-23T07:00:00.004+08:00

I've got problem sleeping since 2 weeks back.

There's saying that says "when life throws you lemon, you make lemonade..."

I don't drink lemonade at night... Got sensitive tummy... :P

Since I cannot sleep, I decided to try my hands in some freehand sketching using my old tablet pc.

This is one of the few that I've managed to resist from pressing the "delete" button because it's a cute baby dinosaur!

Makan2 Again...

2010-04-22T01:03:00.003+08:00

Makan2 with friends after work...

Curry Mee

(Dismantled) Tauhu Sumbat

Iced Longan!

Japanese Dinner Buffet

2010-04-19T15:35:00.005+08:00

Makan-Makan Session with Friends.

What is it about? All You Can Eat Japanese Buffet Dinner.

Location: The Flamingo Restaurant,The Bayview Langkawi.

Time: 7pm-10pm, Nightly.

Price: RM30/pax, RM10 for hot Japanese Green Tea (free refills), RM10 for Teh Ais (ask for Mr. Morris- for the best Teh Ais ever! ).

The table. Cold marble. Nice.

Chicken, tofu and spring onion

Beef Soup.

California Roll

Pickels, Snowpeas and shredded turnip+carrot

Thick Rice Noodle with Beef and Tofu.

The meal.

Cold-Style Wheat Noodle with Tofu.

California Roll with Ice-Cream and Fruit, why not?

Not pictured: The Tempura Bar, The Sushi Bar, The Shellfish Bar, The Veggie Bar and The (killer) Teh Ais.

Call +60-4-9661818.

New Year Celebration at The Westin Langkawi

2010-01-02T07:56:00.006+08:00

New Year Celebration at The Westin Langkawi.

The Ballroom Dinner Show

The Batak (One of them owes me RM50!)

Then the guests were ushered out to the poolside by thr lions dancers (no pix, too crowded ler)

The Java rocking!!! Then the countdown... Then.... Percikan api dilangit...

This one kinda reminded me of the S.O.S. flares when the Titanic was about to sink... Kan? Then the real party by the poolside...

YES! The fireworks was this close!!!

One of the special guest with one of the exotic dancer atas kotak... hehehe

Own of Low Frequency Production with El Zorro...

All in all, it was a success... A big thank you to Jo and Desmond of Westin, Mr. Ooi from the Kedah Lion Dance Troupe and to my fellow event managers... Halina and DJ Nana Soliano...Good job guys! We've made it (for this year)... Now we've got to lay off the coffee for a bit... Jom pegi spa!

I'm looking forward for the next new year celebration where I can be among the crowd attending the partay instead of running around like a headless chicken! Muahaha...

Happy New Year! 2010! May this year brings you joy and happiness and...

Tranformers Rose

2009-12-13T13:51:00.004+08:00

Been running around lately. Year End Stress... Y.E.S.

Had so much fun at the KLIKLFM get together in DJ Shams Corner in Teluk Yu yesterday.

They actually tricked me into participating in the Botol Susu Race... Won second place... Huhu... I deny any involvement in that game!

Anyway, currently obsessed with the Magic Rose Box Origami, which is basically a form of Unit Origami, where you make the base units and then assemble them together...

Closed Boxes... Then cet cet cet (Transformers tranforming sound effect)

Roses on my desk!

Tranforming Magic Rose Box in Action

Aidil Adha

2009-11-27T12:57:00.004+08:00

Here's wishing everyone... SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA...

Aidil Adha Jingle on Radio Malaysia Langkawifm

Hoya lacunosa "Durian Perangin"

2009-11-06T11:04:00.004+08:00

This is Hoya lacunosa "Durian Perangin" collected as cutting in Durian Perangin.

It took almost 3 years to fill out its 3" pot but it's worth the wait once the plant becomes root bound and that's when it'll put out the flower stalk and starts blooming...

I tell you the scent is potently sweet and scary at night...

The best time to collect this species is after heavy downpour as that's the time when the branches where this plant grow will break off and fall...

This plant has been growing inside a food container for a long time so long until the container broke.

The leaves are about 1" long and less than that wide and thick.

The full flower in full bloom is about 1 1/2 " wide and is very fragrant, I repeat, VERY FRAGRANT! Individual florets are white with a very faint yellow centre and they last for about 5 days.

1 thing to remember when dealing with Hoya bloom is NOT to cut the flower stalk after the florets fall off as Hoya usually recycle its flower stalk.

Here's a comparrison between Hoya lacunosa "Durian Perangin" on the middle, behind its two leaves and Hoya obscura...

Another one.

More postings about Hoya coming up soon...

;)

Of Dizziness, Shortness of Breath and Blurred Vision

2009-11-04T01:23:00.009+08:00

We tend to take a lot of things for granted.

Our health for example. Funny how we don't really spend much time pondering the fact that the soles of our feet doesn't ache or how full our lungs are when we take a deep satisfying breath.

I must admit, I'm not practicing a healthy life-style.

I don't eat, sleep, rest, work on fixed time. My schedule is a toss of whatever life throws at me.

As the hairline recedes and the waistline expands, it kinda hit hard at my age.

Torn between the decision to live life at its fullest by taking time and enjoy life or restrict and toss out everything bad (but fun) in life.

You either do it, or don't do it.

As for the title of this post, sometimes when you fall sick, it maybe your body handing out clues that it's about time you do something about it.

There are people who talks to people when they're not feeling well, they love the attention with a capital "L".

I'm a more of a "suffer in silence" type.

I am forever thankful for my friends who are being understanding, regardless how confused they'd be when I'm in another episode of my mood swings... ; ) If it's hard for you, you can imagine how hard it is for me.

Be healthy. Be happy.

What's important is what you're feeling inside, you can make up everything else as you go.

Herbs Gardening and Chicken Otak-Otak

2009-10-27T01:14:00.003+08:00

What's new?

Well nothing much... Work... Falling sick.... Feeling good... Falling sick again... Repeat... Though I've been around the island... Got "guests" coming in from all over the place...

Anyway... I developed this passion for herbs gardening. Behold!!! A herbs garden about 96 feet above the ground...

Some of the herbs that I have growing in my herbs garden... Pictured here (from left to right) Turmeric, Curry Leaf, Spring Onion, Potato, Birds Eye Chilli and "Daun Selom".

And to celebrate my herbs garden, and because I'm too lazy to go out and "tapau" something to eat, I raided my fridge and found a chicken breast that a bought a few days back..

Then with a pair of scissors, I snipped some lemongrass, basil, turmeric and birds eye chili and put together this surprisingly tasty dish! Otak-Otak Ayam (Chicken Otak-Otak)

This is a siamese dish... My mom usually make this with fish or fish roe or sometimes- a kind of small yet tasty and chewy mushroom... We call them Kulat Sisir or in Kedah slang that'll be Kulat Sisiaq (see-see-yuck) hahaha...

Here's something to try in the kitchen...

Chicken Otak-Otak (makes 4 small portions)

You will need-

1 Chicken Breast
2 Lemongrass
1 Red Chili
1-3 Birds Eye Chili
1" Turmeric
1" Shrimp Paste (belacan)

Thai Basil
Kaffir Leaf (Daun Limau Purut)
Daun Kaduk

1 Large egg

Banana Leaves (for wrapping- I used turmeric leaves... What to do? I'm a McGyver in the kitchen!)

The method-

1. Chop and pound chicken breast until fine.

2. Pound turmeric, lemongrass, shrimp paste, chili, birds eye chili and turmeric.

3. Mix chicken, pounded ingredients and stir in the egg.

4. Finely chop basil, kaffir leaf and daun kaduk.

5. Improvise a squarish or cones from banana leaf, put some basil at the bottom and spoon in the mixture.

6. Sprinkle finely cut ingredients.

7. Steam for 10 minutes.

The mixture (pre-spooning and steaming)

Fresh from the steamer-pot! This caused my house to smell like a siamese restaurant! I like!

In the process of enjoying Otak-Otak!

Life is good...

Aidil Fitri 1430

2009-10-12T21:28:00.014+08:00

I know it's been a while (OK OK I admit! A VERY LONG WHILE) But better late than never... So pix of pre-raya, raya and post raya! Hehehe...

PIX
Raya Eve: About to do double DJ with DJ Nurul.

First Day of Raya: Did Double DJ with the Baroness aka DJ Gemini aka Helen
(real name: Halina)Third day Raya: Too lazy to put on baju melayu d... Back to normal attire to work!

Fifth day of Raya: Decided to balik kampung without a real plan! A week of makan, tido, merayau and discovering what's new in Sungai Petani!

One example: Pulut Kuning ngan Gulai Daging Mak Buat!!! Hehehe...

This used to be a padang over-grown with lalang where I used to hang out sambil kejar2 burung ciak uban! Near to my old house.

Since everyone came back for raya, we decided to call a photographer to snap our family potrait.

So one chair here...

One there...

Smile!

Eldest sister and her family...

Second sister and her family...

Me and my brother... I know I have his family photo somewhere...

My sister and her family...

Me and my eldest nephew...

Me and my third nephew...

Abes!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

2009-09-18T19:12:00.002+08:00

J

Here's wishing everyone selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf zahir batin.

Frozen

2009-09-09T03:01:00.003+08:00

Frozen
A collection of different versions of my favorite song... One of many... Hehehe... *mushy mushy weak around the knee area mode.

Corruption Inc.

Girls Under Glass

Jeff Scott Soto of Talisman

Mlczenie Owiec

Paulina Lenda

Stemlet

Thy Disease

Vocal Express

Danish Vocal A cappella Group

Pascal Obispo and Natasha St. Pier

And the original version by Madonna

You only see what your eyes want to see
How can life be what you want it to be
You're frozen
When your heart's not open

You're so consumed with how much you get
You waste your time with hate and regret
You're broken
When your heart's not open

Mmmmmm, if I could melt your heart
Mmmmmm, we'd never be apart
Mmmmmm, give yourself to me
Mmmmmm, you hold the key

Now there's no point in placing the blame
And you should know I suffer the same
If I lose you
My heart will be broken

Love is a bird, she needs to fly
Let all the hurt inside of you die
You're frozen
When your heart's not open

Mmmmmm, if I could melt your heart
Mmmmmm, we'd never be apart
Mmmmmm, give yourself to me
Mmmmmm, you hold the key

You only see what your eyes want to see
How can life be what you want it to be
You're frozen
When your heart's not open

Mmmmmm, if I could melt your heart
Mmmmmm, we'd never be apart
Mmmmmm, give yourself to me
Mmmmmm, you hold the key

Mmmmmm, if I could melt your heart
Mmmmmm, we'd never be apart
Mmmmmm, give yourself to me
Mmmmmm, you hold the key

If I could melt your heart

Caramel Custard at 3.30am

2009-09-08T03:36:00.005+08:00

Happy 18th day of Ramadhan!

Yeah, 18 days already. Another 12 days to go. Or it could be 11 more days. I think it's another 11 more days to go... But I could be wrong.

Anyway, I just got a new kitten. Yes. My third kitten. No pix yet. She's lovely. My nephew and I "rescued " her from a stall in Kuah. She's lovely. Kinda looks like the Russian Blue I've been eyeing that would've cost me an arm and a leg.

Why am I still up at this time? Lemme rephrase that question. Why am I still up and blogging at this time? It's because I'm digesting. Hahaha...

I taught my nephew how to make a killer-super-delicious Caramel Custard!

Basically it's one of the few recipes I happened to remember. This is my moms' version.

The other 2 were given to me by my sisters, so 2 sisters, 2 recipes.

Luckily my other sister is not fond of cooking desserts, but she makes good Laksa and Nasi Lemak and Gulai Sardin with Potatoes *gulp saliva.

So here's a recipe for the Caramel Custard we just ate at 3.30am.

Yeap. We ate it warm because cannot tahan d... Hahaha...

Caramel Custard (12 inch baking tin/ 4 4-inch baking tins. Serves 8.)

Ingredients

6 Large Eggs
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk+ 1 can Water
1 capful Vanilla Essence
1 tbsp Flour
Salt

*1 tbsp Sugar

The Method

1. Mix everything well and put aside.

2. Pour sugar into baking tin. Caramelize sugar.

3. Pour in egg+milk into baking tin.

4. Steam for 20 minutes or until cooked thoroughly (check by poking a knife into the custard- if the knife comes out clean, it's done).

5. Leave to cool and serve chilled with fruits of choice (peaches, tangerine, pineapple and the newly discovered- canned strawberries goes very well with custard).

Pix

Caramel Custard with Canned Strawberries at 3.30am- Why not?

While we're enjoying the sweetness of life, let's not forget about those who are less fortunate than us.

Shafie Mustaffa, father of 3 from Kampung Temonyong, Langkawi who is suffering from stage 2 liver cancer needs your help. His operations costs a huge sum of money and his monthly medical bill and travelling expenses from Langkawi to Alor Setar costs about RM700++.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is just around the corner and let us all lessen the burden of the needy.

You can help Abang Shafie by personally giving your aid, call him at 017 502 0569 or you can bank in your donation to Maybank 1520 7730 5025.

Done.

Sticky and Spicy...

2009-09-04T05:15:00.004+08:00

Pulut Kuning Recipe (4-6 portions)

* 4 cups Glutinous rice
* 400 ml Thick Coconut Milk
* 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
* 1 tsp Black Peppercorn
* Salt to taste

The Method

1. Soak glutinous rice with turmeric powder and black peppercorn for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.

2. Clean and drain rice and steam until half-cooked.

3. In a container, mix rice with coconut milk and salt. Mix well.

4. Steam until done.

Tips: To get a good shine on rice, soak with tamarind slices.

Bahan-bahan ( 4-6 orang )

* 4 cawan beras pulut
* 400 ml santan
* 1 sudu teh kunyit serbuk
* 1 sudu teh lada hitam
* garam secukup rasa

Cara-cara

1. Rendam pulut bersama serbuk kunyit lebih kurang 1-2 jam atau sehingga pulut bertukar warna kuning

2. Cuci dan toskan pulut dan kukus hingga 1/2 masak

3. Setelah 1/2 masak keluarkan dari kukusan dan masukkan dlm bekas. Kemudian tuangkan santan yang dicampurkan secukup garam ke dalam pulut tadi dan
gaul hingga rata.

4. Masukkan semula ke dalam kukusan dan kukus hingga masak

Beef Curry

Ingredient A

2 cloves garlic
4 cloves onion
2 star-anise
1 inch cinnamon
2 inches Ginger

Cooking oil for frying

1 kg beef
1/2 kg yard-beans
5 small potatoes
1/2 packet curry powder
1 cup coconut milk

The Method

1. Fry ingredient A until fragrant. Add curry powder paste.
2. Add beef. When boiling, add in coconut milk.
3. Add in yard-long beans and potatoes. Cook until done.

Kari Daging Kacang Panjang

Bahan-Bahan:
Bahan tumis:

2 biji bawang putih (dihiris)
4 ulas bawang merah (dihiris)
2 kuntum bunga lawang
1 inci kulit kayu manis
2 inci halia (dihiris)
Minyak

1 daging lembu
½ kg kacang panjang
5 biji ubi kentang (dibelah)
½ peket rempah kari daging
Santan
Garam

Cara:

1. Tumis bahan tumisan. Masukkan rempah.

2. Bila garing masukkan tulang daging yang telah direbus.

3. Bila mendidih, masukkan santan.

4. Akhir sekali masukkan kacang panjang dan ubi kentang.

5. Tunggu sampai mendidih. Apabila masak, bolehlah diangkat.

Pix

Pulut Kuning & Kari Daging Kacang Panjang

The 10th Day Mark and 52nd Mark

2009-08-31T19:47:00.006+08:00

Random Pix from yesterday...

Suffering from lack of sleep at the 8am rehearsal at Dataran Lang

The Stage Backdrop

Laungan Merdeka

Being a person who loves to snap photos of stuff, I was too busy to snap some photos... My nephew (left) and Aizat (right)

Coffee session at Starbucks Jetty Point while waiting for the trafic jam to dissipate.

Pose Session Before washing off the make-up and be ugly again...

Selamat Menyambut Ulangtahun Kemerdekaan Malaysia Ke 52!

Happy 52nd Independence Anniversary!

Let's Learn Spanish: Deciding the Gender or El Computador slash La Computadora

2009-08-27T01:57:00.001+08:00

Are computers male or female?

A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

‘House’ for instance, is feminine: ‘la casa..’ ‘Pencil,’ however, is masculine: ‘el lapiz.’

A student asked, ‘What gender is ‘computer’?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer’ should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men’s group decided that ‘computer’ should definitely be of the feminine gender (’la computadora’), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is
incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for
possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your money on accessories for it.

The women’s group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine (’el computador’), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time
they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that had you waited a
little longer, you could have got a better model.

The women won.

Music from the Past...

2009-08-23T02:51:00.003+08:00

Fall into Your Dreams by Cyndi Lauper

If I Could Fly by Boy George

Stars All Seem to Weep by Beth Orton

Time Stood Still by Madonna

Identify by Natalie Imbruglia

Where Are You Now by Janet Jackson

Never Give Up on You by Aishah and the Fan Club

From My Kitchen... Again

2009-08-22T23:30:00.007+08:00

You know how in the old days, our mothers and grand-mothers all cook their traditional food using the nicest way to cook using the "agak-agak" method? Yeah.. My mother loves to cook. Sometimes when she cook, I'd stand next to her and have a "pok-pek"ing session...

Some of her yummiest dishes that she always prepare are quite simple...

Whenever she cook Sambal Tumis (that's the red oily paste you usually find in Nasi Lemak basically you prepare the paste and put in fried fish/dried cuttlefish, prawns/chicken/cockles or my favorite- BEANCURD!), she'd usually make some Masak Lemak (basically some sort of vegetable- cucumber, Petola/Sponge Cucumber, Bendi/Ladies Finger, Terung Bulat/Eggplant with some dried shrimp, Tang Hoon and Foo Chuk cooked in coconut milk and optional eggs)... I tell you... Sambal Tumis goes together very well with Masak Lemak and white rice!!!

During Ramadhan, however, my thoughts is closer to home. I cook whatever dishes that reminds me of home.

My mom once persuaded me (and unfortunately she succeeded) to force me to cook her different variants of Nasi Goreng for a whole week, it was like Friday- Nasi Goreng Kampung, Saturday- Nasi Goreng Cina, Sunday- Nasi Goreng Kicap, Monday-Nasik Goreng Isi Ketam, Tuesday-Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin, Wednesday-Nasi Goreng Mentega, Thursday- Nasi Goreng "Orang Malas" (which is basically buttered fried rice with minced birds' eye chilli and shallots).... Hehehehe... So that incident caused me not to be a big fan of fried rice! But I think I'll post the Fried Rice recipes soon... We usually have this really nice chinese style fermented garlic and birds' eye chilli to eat with our fried rice and again... The recipe for this will be posted soon...

So it's Ramadhan and here goes my recipe for the first day fasting early meal (Sahur).

(A very basic) Sambal Tumis Recipe:

Ingredient:

1 1/2 Handful Dried Chilli
8 Shallot* (divide into 2, half for blending, half for sauteing)
4 Garlic
1 table spoon Dried Shrimp (divide into 2, half for blending, half for sauteing)
1/2 inch Prawn Paste (Belacan)
1/4 tea spoon of Black Pepper

3 slices Dried Tamarind
1/2 table spoon Tamarind Pulp (add 3 table spoon water)
1/4 tea spoon of thick soya sauce (for color... hehehe)

The Method
Blend shallot, garlic, black pepper, prawn paste and dried shrimp.
Boil dried chilli until soft, blend with 2 table spoon of oil until fine.
Saute shallot and dried shrimp and pour in the blended ingredients.
Throw in tamarind slices and tamarind juice (strain out the pulp).
Cook until the oil separates (pecah minyak is the same thing in local Malaysian term).
Add in thick soya sauce and season to taste.

Canned Cuttlefish with Dried Chilli and Taucheo
1/2 can Canned Cuttlefish with sauce (Orange can, too lazy to get up and see what brand already)
4 Dried Chilli
4 Garlic
1 onion
1 table spoon Taucheo
1 table spoon oil
Few drops of thick soya sauce for color (',')
Salt and Pepper

The method:
Cut canned cuttlefish to bite size pieces.
Sautee dried chilli and garlic.
Add in cuttlefish sauce and sliced onion.
Stir until the onion is soft.
Add in cuttlefish, soya sauce and taucheo.
Serve hot.

p/s: most of my recipe are acutally cooked with the best method, that's the good old traditional "agak-agak" method... *smiles sweetly

p/s II: It's the Independence Month and Ramadhan, so here's wishing everyone a blessed Ramadhan, happy fasting and dont forget to fly our Jalur Gemilang high and proud!

p/s III: Wishing AA and Nurul a very happy birthday! And to my main sister- Cik Siti Mohani Saad, Happy Belated Birthday...

Bottled Sambal Tumis and Canned Cuttlefish with Dried Chilli and Taucheo

FROM MY OTHER KITCHEN- THE PHEONIX RESTAURANT, THE BAYVIEW LANGKAWI
DIMSUM FRIDAY

Ramadhan...

2009-08-20T01:54:00.003+08:00

I've been busy with those recorded programs... Again... This year it kinda hit me hard, because I have the Merdeka program (Malaysia : The Journey Towards Independence), The Ramadhan Program (Reaping the Benefits of Ramadhan), Raya Program (Raya traditions) and of course my other responsibilities like cleaing the house, tending my hanging garden, reading and sleeping (hahaha).

So it's almost time for Ramadhan... Again...

In preparation (both mentally and physically) for the festive season, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all muslim friends a blessed Ramadhan...

Remember... Moderation is the key... Stay tuned for Reaping the Benefits of Ramadhan on Zodiac daily throughout the month ( the program will be on after the prayer Zohor and Asar prayer call), there will also be some funny titbits coming up... But I cannot say anything about that... YET!

And oh... I think I'm gonna start planning my fast-breaking menus. Recipe and pix will be available soon. Salam Ramadhan to all... May this year brings more of the good to you and yours...

SWINE FLU

2009-08-13T03:00:00.006+08:00

Since the Nipah virus outbreak in 1999, the Malaysian Health Ministry have put in place processes to be better prepared to protect the Malaysian population from the threat of infectious diseases. Malaysia was fully prepared during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) situation (Malaysia was not a SARS affected country) and the episode of the H5N1 (bird flu) outbreak in 2004.

The Malaysian government has developed a National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) which serves as a time bound guide for preparedness and response plan for influenza pandemic. It provides a policy and strategic framework for a multi-sectoral response and contains specific advice and actions to be undertaken by the Ministry of Health at the different levels, other governmental departments and agencies and non governmental organizations to ensure that resources are mobilized and used most efficiently before, during and after a pandemic episode.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, headed by Liow Tiong Lai, health screenings were carried out on passengers traveling to and from Mexico via sea, air and land beginning April 17 2009.

The Health Ministry's disease control division has activated its operations room to monitor the swine flu situation and informed medical practitioners who are treating cases with symptoms of influenza-like illness or severe pneumonia and persons who had visited Mexico, California or Texas to inform the district health office immediately for preventive and control measures.

As has several Asian countries, thermal scanners had been installed at entry points at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) following the start of the global alert on the flu. Screenings were imposed in Pengkalan Hulu, at the border with Thailand, in late April.

Quarantine rooms had been allocated in 28 hospitals, and the country has stockpiled more than 2 million doses of Tamiflu, as of May 2009.

The Malaysian Health Ministry has warned Malaysians not to withhold health information to the authorities saying that those doing so could be fined RM10,000 or jailed two years or both if they are found guilty under the Disease Prevention Act 1988.

On June 18, 2009 Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin declared that all visitors and Malaysians returning from abroad will be required to fill the health declaration form following the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic around the world.

On June 25, 2009 the Health Ministry announced that all leave of 100,000 staff nationwide until further notice to contain the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. This applied to all officers in government hospitals, public health departments and laboratories. The World Health Organisation wants Malaysia to move from containment mode to mitigation mode in its battle against influenza A (H1N1).

Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican has advised students returning for holidays from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and the Philippines must quarantine themselves at home for seven days. The Health Ministry has said most imported cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) reported in the country involved people who returned from these countries.

School authorities have been told to monitor students and staff members for symptoms of influenza A(H1N1) such as fever and flu to avoid locally transmitted cases. The Education Ministry said that such cases must be sent to the nearest hospital for quarantine of both the victim and family if there were any such signs.

On June 25, 2009 the Health Ministry issued a statement to all employers to allow seven days’ unrecorded leave for staff placed under quarantine for A(H1N1) or going into self-quarantine after visiting Australia, Mexico, the Philippines or the United States. Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry had prepared documents for those placed under home quarantine or volunteering for self-quarantine so employers could identify genuine cases.

Nineteen new Influenza A(H1N1) cases were reported on August 1, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 1,390. According to the Health Ministry another 39 cases of A(H1N1) were reported on August 2.

On August 3, 18 new cases of A(H1N1) were detected bringing the total number of cases to date 1,447.[121] 14 new cases were detected on August 4, 2009 bringing the total accumulated number of Influenza A (H1N1) in Malaysia to 1,460. [122] 16 new cases of H1N1 were discovered on August 5, 2009 bringing the total number of cases to 1,492.[123]

33 new cases were reported on August 6, 2009, bringing the total cases in Malaysia to 1525. It was reported on the same day that a immigration detainee from Togo was found dead at the Sepang detention centre. According to the guard, the prisoner did not complain of fever or cough. Autopsy were conducted on August 4, 2009 in Selayang Hospital and discovered that the patient was suffering from Influenza A(H1N1). However, they were still unable to determine if the flu was the direct cause of the patient's fatality.

On August 8, 2009, 53 more cases were confirmed and brought the number of cases in Malaysia to 1578. Among the 1578 cases, 574(36%) were imported cases and 1004(64%) were local transmission.

A record of more than 200 cases were confirmed on August 9, 2009. 202 new local transmitted cases were confirmed which brought the number of flu cases soared to 1780. 13 patients were still in ICU, and four of them were still in critical condition.[127] 270 new local cases were confirmed on August 11, 2009, bringing the total cases in Malaysia to 2,253.

From 12 August onwards, the Health Ministry has announced that it would discontinue updating the total number of H1N1 cases in line with guidelines issued by the World health Organisation.

AH1N1 SAFETY PRECAUTION

Please read this thoroughly.

1. Refrain from attending public gatherings if you have symptoms of influenza.

2. Wear a surgical mask if you have fever or symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

3. Seek medical advice promptly.

4. Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.

5. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.

6. Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions.

7. Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly.

8. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin.

9. DON'T PANIC!

Contrary to what some people might say, you can still look cool with a surgery mask on your face...
So don't be shy, be healthy and put on that mask!

I Want Ori one...

2009-07-27T13:47:00.003+08:00

I am so not apologizing for not updating my blog... That's so lame!!!

It's not unlike but very much like asking a question in a snail mail... You remember those? Where you write up stuff, fold the paper, put the paper inside something called an envelope and put a very expensive 1 inch piece of paper and put them in a box and miraculously after a week or two (depending on location) it will arrive to its' designated destination.... Yeah... SNAIL MAIL (slimes not included). DUH!

Anyway, I've found a new obsession... Paper-creasing which is a form of origami... Instead folding a piece of square paper into cranes, frogs, hand-glider (which most people call a plane!!!) boxes that looks like a kind of flower (frangipani, strange fruit, frangipani redux, ntah apa kenama kotak bunga ntah), camera irises (think of James Bond intro camera effect) and many more...

Basically, one goes online and download the CREASE PATTERN, print those, photocopy them onto a sturdy paper (80 pounds/150 grams works OK), trace the lines and guess which way the lines go.

Enough talk... Pix.

Strange Fruit Tato Box (flat-bottomed, there's another one with rounded bottom)

16 side Tato Box

Frangipani Box no. 5 (no. 5 as in the variation number! I got it on the first try!)

Clock-wise from the top Leventy-seven Bowl, Teabag Problem Box, Strange Fruit, 16 side Tato Box, Paperbud, Meditation Box, Frangipani Box, Tetrahedral Teabag Problem Box, Tri-something dish (cant remember the name!)

IN A FLASH 23 JULY 2009

2009-07-23T13:15:00.001+08:00

IN A FLASH 23 JULY 2009
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who turned 56 on today, wished for a more prosperous and united Malaysia in line with the concept of 1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now.

He told reporters after a surprise birthday organised by the JW Marriott Hotel in Putrajaya that he wanted the people to feel that they were participating and were valued for their contribution.

Earlier, he attended a seminar on "Premier Leadership Challenges in The Innovation Economy" at the hotel.

The one-day seminar was also attended by his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, several cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, ministry secretaries-general, chief ministers, menteris besar, business leaders and captains of industries.

It focuses, among other things, on learning and understanding the new economic and social political issues affecting Malaysia and globally.

-- BERNAMA

/ENDS-BERNAMA

The Information Communication and Culture Ministry will be streamlining broadcasting guidelines of television programmes in the government and private sector soon, said its secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Siaraf.

He added the ministry will be working together with the Multimedia Commission, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Media Prima Berhad on this.

He said this to Bernama after appearing on the "Helo Malaysia" progtramme on Bernama TV.

He said Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim would be making an announcement on the matter soon.

Kamaruddin said the streamlining would take into consideration aspects of quality and features of programmes from abroad irrespective of whether they were dramas or advertisements.

He also said now RTM, Media Prima and Astro (pay TV station) all have their own grading systems and the stations will all be streamlined into one single system.

He then added that the move did not mean a reduction in foreign programmes but more to ensure content was suited to the local scene.

At the same time, he said, this would also help local players in the television industry.

//ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

IN A FLASH 10 JULY 2009

2009-07-10T12:46:00.002+08:00

IN A FLASH 3 JULY 2009
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

All projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) are proceeding according to schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Thursday.

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government has allocated seven hundred fifty million ringgit to the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) to the develop the area.

He said basically, they are on schedule. However, some of the projects are pilot in nature that needs testing before being implemented on a large scale.

He told reporters after chairing the third NCIA meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.

Najib said the projects in the NCER master plan covered the major economic sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, supported by the infrastructure, education, human capital and social development sectors.

He then added various projects are being implemented on a pilot basis, including the Amali Agro Entrepreneur Centre in Kampung Bukit Kura, Kedah, which is aimed at promoting agriculture on a commercial basis.

The project showcases the integrated agricultural concept, with the activities ranging from planting, chicken rearing to marketing.

The government is also developing a pilot project under the SawahKU Maju programme, which involves an area of eighty one hectares in Gunung Semanggol, Perak, with the aim of increasing padi production by eight to 10 tonnes per hectare.

For manufacturing, Najib said the government was implementing an excellence centre programme in the Penang Free Industrial Zone to raise the capability of engineering graduates to meet the needs of investors in the electronics industry, with the operations expected to start end of this year.

For the tourism sector, he said a master plan has been prepared to develop the Belum tropical forest in Temenggor, Perak, with priority given to conservation of the rich natural resources.

He then said Taiping, Perak, will be developed as a heritage tourism town and with a special allocation for the Safari Taiping programme.
He then said the government was also developing the Edu Citi-Tel pilot project to provide integrated hostel facilities in Taiping for Standard Five and Six pupils from families in rural areas and with low income.

He then said infrastructure project involved upgrading three hundred fifty-one kilometres of roads under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority in Ampang Jajar, Kedah, at a cost of RM84 million and construction is expected to be completed in stages from May 2009 to April 2010.

The government, he added, was developing Taman Teknologi Pauh in Perlis, an area of 30.3 hectares, with the aim of diversifying sources of economic growth and job opportunities.

//ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

Yong Tou Foo

2009-07-09T00:29:00.004+08:00

Yong tau foo ( also spelled yong tao foo, yong tau fu, or yong tau hu ) is a Chinese dish with Hakka origins commonly found in China, Singapore and Malaysia.

There are also Teochew and Hokkien variations.

In Malaysia, the Ampang region of Kuala Lumpur is particularly famous for this dish.

It is ubiquitous in Singapore food courts, too.

Essentially the dish originated in the early 1960s in a restaurant called "Chew Kuan" as tofu stuffed with a meat paste of fish, thereby earning the dish its name "Yong Tau Foo," which means "stuffed bean curd."

Since then all variety of vegetables and even fried fritters have been similarly stuffed, and the name Yong Tau Foo has thus been used liberally to apply to foods prepared in this manner.

Yong tau foo is a varied selection of food items including fish balls, crab sticks, bittergourds, cuttlefish, lettuce, ladies fingers, as well as chilis, and various forms of fresh produce, seafood and meats common in Chinese cuisine.

Some of these items, such as bittergourd and chili, are usually filled with fish paste (surimi).

The foods are then sliced into bite-size pieces, cooked briefly in boiling broth and then served either in the broth as soup or with the broth in a separate bowl.

The dish is eaten with chopsticks and a soup spoon and can be eaten by itself or with any choice of egg or rice noodles, or bee hoon (rice vermicelli).

Another variation of this dish is to serve it with a distinctive brown sweet noodle sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.

Anyway... Eat eat time!

Nial with a big plate of Yong Tou Foo...

2 Danials having what could be the best Mee Goreng Mamak at the River Side Road Food Court, can't remember the stall number but you can call Amirul at 017 5057946. This one was taken after a fishing session at Lubuk Semilang... Caught some Betta sp. and some Botia sidthimunki .

IN A FLASH 06 JULY 2009

2009-07-06T13:04:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 060709
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.
FAMA will continue to promote seasonal local fruits especially Durian to ensure the price will stay stable and to continue providing income to the local industrialists.

Some promoting efforts done by FAMA includes the Durian Feast Concept and Durian at School apart from increasing the number of retail outlets for seasonal fruits.

FAMA Chairman, Dato’ Badruiddin Amiruldin said, FAMA had just introduced a Durian Feast that was held at the Parliaments’ Lobby as a first step.

As a result, FAMA had received orders from various parties to have the same feast organized.

He then said, FAMA guarantees that it can deliver the products to meet the clients order even when the order is made off-season.

The feast concept will cost between one thousand to two thousand ringgit.

He was speaking to reporters at after launching The Seasonal Fruits Promotion by FAMA and ADUN Guar Chempedak in Guar Chempedak, Kedah which was officiated by ADUN Guar Chempedak, Dato’ Dr Ku rahman Ku Ismail.

Commenting on theexcessive supply of seasonal fruits, he said that this year FAMA had erected two hundred eighty retail outlets compared to half that number last year.

In Kedah, one hundred retail outlets were erected in Yan, Baling, Sik, Padang terap, Kubang Pasu, Langkawi and Kulim.

/ENDS-RTM
The Minerals and Geoscience Department has confirmed that the yellow-golden specks found in the rocks in Kampung Jelutong, Pendang are not gold, as otherwise thought by residents who have been chiselling away at the rocks for the metal.

Its Kedah/Perlis/Penang director Zainol Husin said inspection of the stones and rocks at the site in Kampung Jelutong, Pendang found the yellowish specks in them to be the minerals pyrite and arsenopyrite.

He said in a statement yesterday that it's not gold and commonly known as fool's gold'. This mineral is usually found in shale in the state.

The confirmation from the department has dashed the hopes of many residents wanting to strike rich as they have been chiselling away at chunks of rocks at the quarry area the past few days.

People began converging there after a worker at the quarry found gold-like specks in the rocks on Wednesday. Some residents started chiselling away at the rocks and collecting the stones as they were convinced the glistening metallic specks were gold.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak was reported to have said that if the yellow specks were indeed gold, the state goverment would have a new source of revenue.

He said he had asked the state Land and Mines as well as the Minerals and Geoscience departments to check on this.

/ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

Tried and Tested - Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe from Video Jug

2009-07-06T01:32:00.006+08:00

Butter Chicken Recipe.
A delicious chicken dish that can be made as hot or as mild as you wish - a perfect meal for curry lovers who want to keep it simple.

Serves:
4

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Cooking Time:
20 minutes

You will need…

* 2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
* 2 tbsp vegetable oil
* 2 tbsp butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* ¼ tsp cinnamon
* 1 tsp garlic, crushed
* 1 tsp ginger, crushed
* ½ tsp ground turmeric
* 1 tsp chilli powder
* 2 tbsp ground almonds
* 220 g can of whole peeled tomatoes
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 tbsp natural yoghurt
* 2 tbsp fresh coriander or spinach, chopped
* salt
* pepper

* 1 large frying pan
* 1 spoon
* 1 tray

Step 1:
Season the chicken.
Begin by seasoning the chicken with a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Step 2:
Heat the oil and begin to fry the chicken.
Using a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the chicken.

Step 3:
Fry for 3-4 minutes.
Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it turns a golden-brown colour.

Step 4:
Remove the chicken.
Take the chicken out of the frying pan and put it aside.

Step 5:
Melt the butter.
Use the same frying pan to melt the butter.

Step 6:
Fry the onion with the cinnamon.
Now add the onion and cinnamon and fry together in the pan.

Step 7:
Add the remaining ingredients.
At this point add the crushed garlic, crushed ginger, turmeric, chilli powder, almonds, peeled tomatoes, tomato paste and the natural yoghurt. Stir all of the ingredients together and mix thoroughly.

Step 8:
Bring to the boil and cook.
Bring the ingredients to a boil and stir for 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9:
Add the chicken.
Put the chicken back into the pan and combine with the other ingredients.

Step 10:
Add the fresh coriander.
To compliment the dish, add the coriander (or fresh spinach if you prefer) and mix with the sauce.

And the result:

Too lazy to properly serve this on a plate... Nak pegi layan game Spore with my son... A photo taken right inside the periuk oso can do lah ye? This one can keep for 1 week in the fridge... Very delicious when served with Roti Boom...

Update:

2009-07-05T13:51:00.001+08:00

Today's Menu: Masak Lemak Kuning Telur...

Huhu... Over pedas laks the birds eye chillies...

Recipe will be posted A.Q.A.P.

Another Well-Spent Day...

2009-07-05T02:01:00.005+08:00

What happened yesterday? Well work as usual, then went fishing with a dipnet in Lubuk Semilang. Saw 2 soft-shelled turtles there... Danial caught some Betta sp. and 2 Tengas and some Giant danios. It was raining. We had fun. Then went to the night market in dripping wet clothes to get some dinner.

Miss CT Hanim dropped by. Then we all went out. Guess where? Dipnet-fishing at Durian Perangin at 12++am. Huhu...

Apart from some torrential shrimps and Giant Danios, I caught something that looked like a big worm/ small snake, it's grey-ish on top, light belly with yellow line along its' side.

A little surfing revealed that it looked like a Common Yellowband Caecilian.

In case you don't know what's a Caecillian, it is type of amphibian that looks like big rubbery worm/small snake. Amphibian! Related to frogs and toads and newts and salamander...

The one that I caught is about 4+ inches and I noticed there are 2 gill openings and the tail is slightly flatted to the sides the cross-section looks like this () instead of uniform ( ).

Anybody got any idea what can this mystery animal be?

Anyway... PIX!

Giant Danio in "the long-house"

Miaow Miaow kena buli kaw-kaw, kena kasi mandi!

Miaow Miaow tak puas hati kena mandi...

Miaow Miaow enjoying her Impulse Alive scent!

The Thing caught at Durian Perangin... The head's in the background.

The Thing, head on the left side.

The Thing, blurry but it shows the color-scheme.

The Thing, head's in foreground.

The Thing!

IN A FLASH 03 JULY 2009

2009-07-03T13:21:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 3 JULY 2009
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.
National sailor Khairuneeta Mohd Afendy moved into contention for a medal in the Girl's Byte C2 event of the Asian Youth Games sailing event in Singapore after good performances in the 3rd and 4th races held Thursday.

Khairuneeta who was in fourth place after two races, finished first and second in the two races held today, to move into contention for top spot, with five races remaining.

Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) Mohd Afendy Abdullah through an e-mail to Bernama said with favourable winds of between 7 and 9 knots, Khairuneeta was able to finish first and second in the two races held yesterday.

However, Mohd Amirul Shafiq who is competing in the Boy's Byte C2 event, could not match her performance when he finished sixth and third respectively in the two races.

He added that if good wind conditions prevailed for the remaining five races, they will stand a good chance of finishing among the medal winners.

The two sailors are the only Malaysian athletes participating in the Asian Youth Games as the rest of the Malaysian contingent was withdrawn by the National Sports Council, following an Education Ministry's directive that barred students from competing overseas due to the Swine Flu outbreak.

/ENDS-BERNAMA
Plaza Tunku Yaacob at the Sultan Abdul Halim Highway, opposite Menara Alor Setar, here, will be given a 300 million ringgit facelift, incorporating a five-star hotel, the first of it’s kind in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said the plaza, abandoned for 28 years, would be revived in two phases -- reinforcing the building structure and developing the vacant land nearby.

He said the plaza would also have three-star budget hotels to provide a choice to certain guests, a convention centure and an international standard shopping complex similar to that found in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The project slated to start next year is a tripartite joint venture among Belleview Bina Sdn Bhd, Bina Darulaman Berhad and Kedah State Development Corporation.

Azizan hoped government-linked companies in Kedah and local contractors would be given the opportunity to participate in the plaza reconstruction work.

//ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

IN A FLASH 02 JULY 2009

2009-07-02T12:48:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 02 JULY 2009
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has appointed Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) to carry out a study and recommend measures to overcome floodings in Kedah.

Project chief Prof Madya Abdul Rahim Anuar said the study would cover socio-economic impact on farmers and residents in the affective areas.

He said the study, costing 111,944 ringgit is sponsored by the NCIA.

Four experts, namely Prof Madya Dr Rohana Yusof, Prof Madya Dr Mohd Fo'ad Sakdan, Dr Khaltum Hassan and Mohd Razani Mohd Jali of the university's Kedah Sustainable Development Centre and thirty students would be involved in the project, expected to be completed end of this year.

He then added the study is important as in 2007, floods destroyed 15,622 hectares of padi field and last year, the area involved was 20,944 hectares, causing losses to 117,000 farmers.

/ENDS-BERNAMA

Bank Negara has issued three types of commemorative coins to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's parliament.

The coins, namely the Gold Commemorative Coins, Silver Commemorative Coins and Nordic Gold Brilliant Uncirculated Commemorative Coins, were launched by Dewan Negara (Senate) President Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh at the Parliament building today.

The Gold Commemorative Coins, with mintage quantity limited to 100 pieces, have a face value of 100 ringgit and will be sold at 1,200 ringgit a piece, while the Silver Commemorative Coins, with a face value of 10 ringgit and mintage quantity of only 300 pieces, can be bought at 150 ringgit a piece.

The Nordic Gold Brilliant Coins have a face value of 1 ringgit and will be sold at 10 ringgit each. The mintage quantity is 10,000 pieces.

These coins will be available for sale from tomorrow at the Bank Negara headquarters and its branches in Penang, Johor Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

At a press conference later, Abdul Hamid said the launching of the commemorative coins was one of the events for the Parliament's 50th anniversary celebration.

He added the highlight of the celebration will be a dinner hosted for about 1,000 members and former members of parliament in December.

He also said a documentary film and a book on the parliament's history will be published soon.

//ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

Week 1 of July

2009-07-01T21:13:00.005+08:00

Hehehe... Been busy but yeah... If a picture worth a thousand words, here's a five thousand words worth of pix...

Reticulated Python found at the car park of Tabung Haji...

DJ Adi posing with the cute baby python...

A few days back DJ CT wore a Baju Kurung sebijik warna dinding konti....

My ANAK smiled when he heard his name on air on RADIO MALAYSIA LANGKAWIfm

Unpacking....

Miaow Miaow kena buli.... kesian dia....

IN A FLASH 30 JUNE 2009

2009-06-30T10:58:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 29 JUNE 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

LANGKAWI, June 29 (Bernama) -- The return of experienced trio Bibiana Ng Pie Chin, Siti Nur Masitah Mohd Badrin and Joseline Cheah to the national shooting squad after a two-year suspension by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), has boosted the country medal hopes at the Laos Sea Games.

National shooting coach Mohd Hashim Desa hopes the presence of the three shooters would help the country achieve what the national squad had achieved in the past.

Bibiana Ng, Joseline Cheah and Siti who served a two-year suspension after testing positive for propranolol during the President Ally T. H. Ong Championships, joined the national squad in training after their suspension ended in April.

The trio are among 14 national elite shooters undergoing their first phase of training at the Langkawi International Shooting Range of Malaysia (Lisram) since June 18, under coaches Mohd Hashim and Saidov Isroil from Belarus.

The National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) are hoping that Malaysian shooters who won three gold medals at the 2007 SEA Games in Korat, Thailand, would be able to increase that tally in Laos, come December.

Bibiana, winner of the 25m pistol gold at the Manila SEA Games in 2005 but who had to miss the Korat Games due to suspension just like Siti and Joseline Cheah, is expected to be reinstated as the favourite for the event in Laos.

/ENDS – BERNAMA

The 12th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival will go on as scheduled, from July 10 to 12.

Stringent precautionary measures, including free screening for music fans and artists, will be taken to prevent any spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) during the event.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said the board was working closely with the health ministry and state health department to comply with their directives and recommendations.

While there was speculation the event would be cancelled due to the H1N1, also known as swine flu, she told a press conference Monday that the festival would nevertheless, go on as scheduled.

The event will be staged at the foothill of the legendary Mount Santubong and feature four Malaysian groups and 13 foreign groups from among others, USA, France, New Zealand and Poland.

Geikie is optimistic that ticket sales for the festival could exceed twenty four thousand despite fears of the H1N1 and global economic slowdown.

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

Been Busy...

2009-06-29T23:30:00.003+08:00

Been busy doing stuff rather than writing about stuff... But got some spare time to post some pix tonight... here goes...

Latest Obsession: EXTREME ORIGAMI: THE 3-D FOLD!

Latest Obsession: EXTREME ORIGAMI: THE CURVED-FOLD!

Found a good home for Ms. Geena's baby... His name is BABY!

My Baby : No Name!

My other baby... MIAOW MIAOW!

Survival Tip: Ironing Your Office Shirt for Men...

2009-06-28T20:05:00.001+08:00

It's in Japanese because some people don't understand English... Life is good...

LANGKAWI IN A FLASH 28 JUNE 2009

2009-06-28T13:09:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 28 JUNE 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

In the knowledge that beautiful and clean beaches are tourist magnet, LADA organized a beach cleaning yesterday.

This program was co-organized by the tourism industry operators concentrated its focus this time around to Kilim Geoforest Park.

More than one hundred participants in ten boats took part in the program.

The program was organized to bring closer the tourism operators on the island, apart from instilling the awareness on how important it is to keep our beaches clean.

At the end of the program some three hundred bags of litter were collected.

/ENDS – RTM

The government is studying the best method to distribute diesel and petrol subsidies to fishermen to ensure that the facility reaches the target group, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Noh Omar said today.

He said it was also to reduce cases of irregularities by irresponsible people.

He added the budget allocated to the ministry for subsidies, incentives and aid is huge. As such, he wanted to ensure that every cent allocated by the government really benefits the people.

He told reporters after a dialogue with members of the Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Tawau fishermen's associations, in Semporna.

Noh said some fishermen had complained that the cost of the fuel for them to get to petrol kiosks to collect the subsidy was higher than the benefit they derived from the subsidy.

This, he said, was due to the location of the petrol kiosks far from the homes of the fishermen.

As such, the study would consider the possibility of locating the subsidy fuel kiosks at jetties, including the fish-landing jetties.

Noh said the ministry would also decide whether to pay the catch incentive of 10 cents per kilogram on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

//ENDS – BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

IN A FLASH 26 JUNE 2009

2009-06-26T12:18:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 26 JUNE 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

Malaysia's production of aquaculture products is expected to reach 508 thousand metric tonnes or worth 6.9 billion ringgit by end of next year, Fisheries Department Director-General Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said.

He said the products would come from 49 aquaculture industrial zones, covering 28 thousand hectares, in the country.

The areas, he said, included the fish in cage rearing projects at Temenggor Lake, Banding, Perak, and in Langkawi, Kedah.

The produce from Temenggor Lake would be exported to the US, while products from Langkawi would be exported to Hong Kong, he told reporters after opening the National Aquaculture Seminar here Thursday.

Referring to the aquaculture industrial zones, Junaidi, said the Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Ministry, through the National Aquaculture Development Plan, collaborated with the state governments in identifying the sites and providing the necessary assistance, including infrastructure, to aquaculture project operators, involving an allocation of RM358 million.

/ENDS – BERNAMA

This year's Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) with the theme "Malaysia Your Shopping Oasis" from July 4 to August 31, will have Middle Eastern flavour.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Tourism Malaysia would be introducing various events based on the Middle-East concept.

A showcase of Middle Eastern music and performances, called the Samrah Festival, would be held at Bukit Bintang every Friday and Saturday from July 10, she told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

She also said awards would be given to shopping malls and retailers who decorated their premises according to the theme.

She added categories for the Best Window Display Contest include departmental stores, specialty stores and food and beverages outlets while categories for the MMSC 2009 July Shopping Centres award include Central Bussiness District shopping centres and Suburban shopping centres.

She said Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, would launch MMSC 2009 on July 5 at Pavilion KL in Bukit Bintang.

Forty-four foreign journalists and television crews who were invited to Malaysia under the Mega Familiarisation programme in conjuction with the event would also be there. They were from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, China, India, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Asked about the low occupancy rate for the homestay programme, Ng said the ministry was reviewing it with a view to revitalising the programme.

She then said that homestay is a rural tourism economy and many foreign tourists prefer to stay at a homestay as they want to experience life in the village.

Unfortunately, the homestay operators had not really understood the concept, she added.

//ENDS – BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

ADVERT! READ!

2009-06-25T14:02:00.002+08:00

RADIO MALAYSIA LANGKAWIfm is looking for ENGLISH DJ (by contract B27)

Applicants must be (male/female, good looking with good voice and good skin- hehehe... :D my bad!) between the age of 22 to 35, with Diploma/Degree in Broadcasting/Communication.

With good command in English/Bahasa Malaysia.

Preferably based in LANGKAWI.

Interested? Send in your resume with a postcard-sized photo of yourself by hand or through post to :

Broadcast Controller, RADIO MALAYSIA LANGKAWIfm, Level 1, Tabung Haji Building, 07000, Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.

Your application must reach us before 4.30pm 28th June 2009.

For more information: call 04 969 8522 (office hours only).

IN A FLASH 25 JUNE 2009

2009-06-25T13:46:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 25 JUNE 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

As a social service for the local community, TLDM based in Langkawi held a “Jiwa Murni” program at PDK Langkawi.

Administrative Chief Officer 3, Commander Mahadzir Mokhtar said in his speech, the program was to instill unity and to bring the community members closer with TLDM.

He added, this was also to celebrate TLDMs 75th anniversary.

Some two hundred officers joined the program and held a “gotong-royong” around the area.

PDK Langkawi currently cares for sixty trainees aged between one to twenty seven years old. It’s operation is monitored by the Community Welfare department.

/ENDS-RTM

To help add to the local blood supply, the Teachers’ Social Service and Welfare committee had organized a blood-drive themed “setitik darah seribu jasa” at LADA Hall.

The campaign is part of the teachers’ appreciation day celebration program that targeted teachers and also the public in Langkawi.

Program Chairman, Din Ibrahim said, the campaign is an annual event and this was the 9th time it was being held in Langkawi.

Two hundred people are expected to turn up for the blood drive.

He also said, the program is a way to show that the teachers are willing to contribute and do their part to help the local hospital with their blood supply.

The campaign is a close collaboration work with Langkawi Hospital.

/ENDS-RTM

Langkawi traders and tourism players on Thursday welcomed the suggestion by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen that a night market be held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2009 (LIMA '09) in December.
Langkawi Tourism Association chairman Shukri Shafie said apart from providing additional attraction to the biennial event, the night market would also benefit local traders.

He said tourists and Lima participants will also be able to visit the market and enjoy cultural performances adding that the event was one of the ways to showcase Malaysian culture to visitors.

Dr Ng, who made the suggestion at a recent dialogue with tourism industry players here, said that the ministry was prepared to bring in cultural troops from states in Malaysia to perform at the night market.

Chairman of the Langkawi branch of the Kedah Traders and Petty Traders Association, Ghazali Md Noor, also welcomed the suggestion, saying the market could either be sited at the Pekan Rabu complex in Kuah, Pantai Cenang or Padang Mat Sirat.

He said this will further enliven the nightly atmosphere throughout the Lima.

The association has over 500 members.

Chairman of the Langkawi branch of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Pishol Ishak, said the night market would help increase tourist arrival in future Lima events.

/ends-BERNAMA

Two national sailors, Mohd Amirul Shafiq and Khairuneeta Mohd Afendy are set to lead the country's challenge at the Asian Youth Sailing Championships in Singapore from June 28 to July 7.

Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) general manager, Mohd Afendy Abdullah said both sailors would compete in the boys Byte C2 category.

He added though MYA is sending only two sailors, we expect them to win at least two medals.
He said this before leaving to Singapore with the duo.

Mohd Afendy said both sailors were leaving to Singapore early to undergo training before the competition and also adjust themselves to the conditions in Singapore.

The championships had attracted participation from 21 countries.

He added that MYA would also send two sailors to the Denmark Sailing Championships, comprising Mohd Khairul Nizam Mohd Afendy who competes in the Junior Laser competition from July 1-8, and Mohd Romzi Mohamad, who is listed for the Laser Senior event to be held from July 9-17.

//ENDS – BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

In a Flash 24 June 2009

2009-06-24T13:30:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 240609

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.

IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

A proposal to turn the Langkawi International Shooting Range Malaysia (Lisram) into a tourist destination may soon become a reality after a conceptual paper was prepared and submitted to the Home Ministry.

Lisram manager Mohd Nor Arshad said the proposal to open the range to tourists who are keen to take part in shooting activities and upgrade the range would be submitted to the ministry soon.

He said that currently, Lisram's calendar is full with various activities, especially training and competitions organised by various enforcement agencies.
Mohd Nor told Bernama in response to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion in his blog that Lisram be turned into a tourist spot.

Dr Mahathir had said that among the 2.3 million tourists to Langkawi annually, many among them might be interested in including shooting activities as part of their itinerary during the visit.

Mohd Nor said among enforcement agencies that regularly used Lisram were the Royal Malaysian Police, Royal Malaysian Navy, Customs Department and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

National shooting coach Hashim Desa who is currently with the national squad that is undergoing training at Lisram as preparations for the Laos SEA Games in December and 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi said Dr Mahathir's suggestion can boost tourism in the Island.

A number of foreign teams like Austria, had used Lisram for their training before the Beijing Olympic Games in China last year, he said.

Meanwhile, Langkawi Amateur Shooting Association president Datuk Mansor Ismail suggested that procedures and regulations for using Lisram should be eased to encourage more tourists to the range.

Lisram, built at a cost of RM80 million in 1997 over a 202 hectare site, was part of venues built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games hosted by Malaysia, has state-of-the-art equipment and electronic scoring system and reputed to be the best shooting range in South East Asia.

Lisram has been regularly used by the national shooters to prepare for major competitions like SEA, Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

It has facilities for Pistol, Rifle and Full Bore Rifle.

//ENDS—BERNAMA

THAT'S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

IN A FLASH 22 JUNE 2009

2009-06-22T13:07:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 22 JUNE 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

YAN, June 21 (Bernama) -- The Islamic television channel will be launched as soon as the frequency is finalised and several technical matters sorted out, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Maj-Gen (R) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom said.

The new channel, he said, would be a new medium to convey the correct message on Islamic affairs to the society.

He added that the channel would also enable the people to interact and discuss religious matters.

"It is going to be a free-to-air channel. I see no problem for us to provide contents as there are many production houses offering to provide them," he told reporters after closing a crime-free campaign among the youth here Saturday.

Apart from airing religious matters, the channel would provide information on economic activities as well as facilities provided under the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapiem),

The National Islamic Affairs Council agreed on Friday to set up an Islamic television channel to cater for the need to provide family and religious oriented programmes.

/ENDS-BERNAMA

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has described Sarawak as a true reflection of the 'unity through diversity' culture that showed the 1Malaysia concept was accepted by the people.

He also expressed his regret that he did not have enough time to meet with all the State Assemblymen; but promised that appropriate action would be taken based on the discussion he had with Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud.

Najib said the '1Malaysia' concept was and would continue to be a dynamic process in national development.

He also disclosed that he would make several announcements on liberalisation at the end of the month and, subsequently, there would be more announcements on his 100th day as Prime Minister, specifically for the people and reflecting the concept "People First, Performance Now".

//ENDS-BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.

IN A FLASH 20 JUNE 2009

2009-06-20T13:36:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 20 JUNE 2009
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

KPD Langkawi will expand its range of products by opening a factory to produce premixed tar.

KPD Langkawi Premix Factory Chairman, Juhari Bulat said, KPD will invest one million ringgit to open the factory capable in producing four hundred metric tones of premix daily to meet the demands of road-building contractors in Langkawi.

He said, the factory will be built on a 0.8 hectare plot of land and currently employing sixteen workers with more to be hired as necessity requires.

KPD Langkawi is currently active in businesses such as motor-bike business, constructions, petrol stations and retail outlets as well as budget hotels.

Juhari added, KPD Langkawi will continue paying the 10 per cent dividend to two thousand nine hundred thirty four members on its twentieth annual meeting.

/ends-RTM

Radio Televisyen Malaysia will produce a reality show called "Penyampai Ikon" to scout for anchors, newscasters and broadcast journalists.

The auditions will be held at Traders Hotel, Penang on June 21 and 22, Regency Hotel, Alor Setar (June 21 and 28), Puteri Pacific Hotel, Johor Baharu (July 5 and 6) and Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur (July 12 and 13), said Information, Communications and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Siaraf.

He said RTM will shortlist 30 people and they would be put through their paces from 8am to midnight in the quest to produce budding newscasters, anchors and broadcast journalists.

He was speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said the 13-episode programme would be screen over TV2 at 8.30pm starting Aug 22.

//ends- BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY. SALAM MUHIBAH.

Uranoscopus bicinctus

2009-06-08T21:34:00.002+08:00

This is Uranoscopus bicinctus or Marbled Stargazer or Kerapu Singa...

It is a saltwater species but after 2 months and lots of patience and 2 x moving it around... It is now living in my florida Gar + Alligator Gar tank... Hopefully it will start eating and will live a long happy (and lazy life)...

This is the only 1 out of a batch of 4 that survived the transition. It used to live with 3 groupers, you know the kind that's normally sold at seafood restaurants but all of the groupers died from power failure a few weeks back...

I present to u... The new Buntet!!!

Pretty... Ain't it?

Buntet at feeding time...

SURE FIRE WAY TO CURE STRESS...

2009-06-04T19:42:00.005+08:00

Or even cause some new ones... Looks like fun...

Sleep Deprivation Day 3

2009-06-04T12:38:00.002+08:00

Read the title!
kekeke...

Me yesterday looking "purple", red and blue...

Spotted: Snake/Side Necked Turtle selling at RM250 at Toboh! I want this for my birthday!!!

Brunch with Mr. Krisna Widarta.

Al- Fatihah

2009-06-04T01:35:00.003+08:00

Takziah kepada DJ Nurul yang kehilangan ayahanda tersayang yang pulang ke rahmatullah pada hari Rabu 3 Jun 2009.

Semoga roh allahyarham dicucuri rahmatNya.

Al-fatihah.

Passing Time...

2009-06-02T00:08:00.005+08:00

Learned new stuff today by making some custom brush in Photoshop CS3... The result....

From this:

To this:

Flower Brush... Reminded me of Jaafar Onn but OK la...

From this:

To This:

From this:

To this:

Butterfly Wing Brush: VEWY PWETTY!!!

Makan...

2009-06-01T19:20:00.003+08:00

PRESENTING: LISHAM'S BRUNCH @ 7PM! CHICKEN BERIYANI,FRIED FISH ROE, FIRED BITTER GOURD AND BRINJAL : RM12 AT BARKATH.

Makan!

IN A FLASH 01 JUNE 2009

2009-06-01T13:03:00.000+08:00

IN A FLASH 010609
GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.
IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.
Thank s to the public information, Langkawi Marine Police succeeded in thwarting an attempt to smuggle, four-hundred fifty cartons of cigarettes from various brands estimated to be valued at one-hundred four thousand ringgit.
Kedah/Perlis Enforcement Department Second Commanding Officer, ASP Rodzi Abu Hassan said, his men shadowed the smugglers for five hours before making the bust in Sungai Menghulu.
He said during the 3am bust, three men were loading the cigarettes onto a boat.
He also said, when one of his men moved in to introduce himself, two of the three smugglers took off while one was detained.
The suspect tested positive to be on drugs.
He also said, apart from the cigarettes, the team succeeded in apprehending a car, a van and a motorboat making the total value of the bustone hundred sixty thousand ringgit.
ASP Rodzi also said, the search in on for the other two suspects who escaped.
/ends-RTM
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants civil servants to focus on efforts to resolve economic issues prevailing in the country so that Malaysia could get out of the economic recession.

He said emphasis should be given to draw up a suitable time line, identify priorities, make decisions and use the time available in the best manner because 'time is gold'.

He said this at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department, in Putrajaya today.

He also emphasised on the importance of making quick and accurate decisions because the people were waiting to see the outcome of projects implemented by the government.

Muhyiddin also reminded that the slogan 'People First' from the concept '1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now" by the prime minister was not mere rhetoric, but what was being emphasised was that the government chosen by the people should be able to carry out the responsibilities entrusted in the best manner possible.

Under the bleak economic situation due to the global recession, the government must tackle the economy in the best manner possible so that the people would not feel depressed, neglected or excluded from the efforts taken to bring development to the country.

/ends- BERNAMA

THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.
SALAM MUHIBAH.