My article in the Star today.
Thursday September 11, 2008
Jail poachers and smugglers
THERE is news every two weeks or so about smuggling of wild animals like pangolins, pythons or poaching of wild animals like tigers, wild boar, honey bears, etc. I believe there are instances where these encounters are not reported or were settled quietly.
These activities are harming our wildlife and threatening their existence. I believe our laws are not strict and deterrent enough. We should pass a law where smugglers will face mandatory jail terms, and buyers or middlemen a heavy fine and their shop closed down.
Only then will the smuggling, poaching and eating stop.
K.C. KHOO,
Penang.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Money No Enough 2
Last night I went to watch this Singaporean movie by Jack Neo.
The movie is quite tear-jerking when the Alzheimer stricken mother played by Lai Ming, is being push around by her 3 filial sons when they are at their worst moments. The 1st son, played by Henry Thia, wants to become a mananger and own a car as soon as possible. The 2nd son, Neo, wants to earn as much bucks as possible by speculating in properties and the last son, Mark Lee, wants to expand his multi-level marketing "bee pollen" product.
I could hear some sobbing among the audience during heart wenching moment.
You can read more of the stories by looking up in the net.
The movie is quite tear-jerking when the Alzheimer stricken mother played by Lai Ming, is being push around by her 3 filial sons when they are at their worst moments. The 1st son, played by Henry Thia, wants to become a mananger and own a car as soon as possible. The 2nd son, Neo, wants to earn as much bucks as possible by speculating in properties and the last son, Mark Lee, wants to expand his multi-level marketing "bee pollen" product.
I could hear some sobbing among the audience during heart wenching moment.
You can read more of the stories by looking up in the net.
Landslides in Penang
I came to know that September is a rainy month several years ago. I am from the public bus service industry and from our record our fare collection is the lowest in September each year.
So, it is no surprise that there are floods and landslides in Penang yesterday. There are landslides in practically all the hilly areas.
Yesterday, I went hiking in the morning from Youth Park to Point No 3 and No 5 towards Point 84 but have to turn back because there was a landslide halfway between No 5 and 84. It is practically impassable. I wonder whether an d when the state council would clear up the trail since it is deep in the hill and used only by hikers and some mountain bikers?
I returned using the trail ending at Moon Gate. I dont know what is the trail name.
So, it is no surprise that there are floods and landslides in Penang yesterday. There are landslides in practically all the hilly areas.
Yesterday, I went hiking in the morning from Youth Park to Point No 3 and No 5 towards Point 84 but have to turn back because there was a landslide halfway between No 5 and 84. It is practically impassable. I wonder whether an d when the state council would clear up the trail since it is deep in the hill and used only by hikers and some mountain bikers?
I returned using the trail ending at Moon Gate. I dont know what is the trail name.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Waiving of power bill a wrong move
My article in today's star, opinion section.
Friday September 5, 2008
Waiving of power bill a wrong move
THE Government is ill-advised on its decision to waive the electricity bill for all whose monthly electricity bill is RM20 or below.
There are many rich people whose house electricity bill is below RM20! Why? Because it is their second, third or even fourth house!
If we were to look at new housing estates, we will see that many houses are unoccupied or semi-occupied. They are either looked after once in a while by relatives or occupied only once a week. And this is where the electricity bill is less than RM20!
The Government should instead figure out how to give a rebate of RM20 to those low and medium income households whose electricity bill is below a certain amount such as RM100.
This action will benefit more of those who require it than the rich whose bill is at least RM200.
K.C. KHOO,
Penang.
Friday September 5, 2008
Waiving of power bill a wrong move
THE Government is ill-advised on its decision to waive the electricity bill for all whose monthly electricity bill is RM20 or below.
There are many rich people whose house electricity bill is below RM20! Why? Because it is their second, third or even fourth house!
If we were to look at new housing estates, we will see that many houses are unoccupied or semi-occupied. They are either looked after once in a while by relatives or occupied only once a week. And this is where the electricity bill is less than RM20!
The Government should instead figure out how to give a rebate of RM20 to those low and medium income households whose electricity bill is below a certain amount such as RM100.
This action will benefit more of those who require it than the rich whose bill is at least RM200.
K.C. KHOO,
Penang.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Too late to undo damage
My article in today's star, opinion section.
Thursday August 28, 2008
Too late to undo damage
MOST people are dissatisfied with the recent cut in fuel prices. It is too little too late. The damage has already been done. No trader is going to reduce prices.
I think the best organisation to help keep inflation down is Tenaga Nasional, which should set an example by lowering its tariffs.
K.C. KHOO,
Penang.
Thursday August 28, 2008
Too late to undo damage
MOST people are dissatisfied with the recent cut in fuel prices. It is too little too late. The damage has already been done. No trader is going to reduce prices.
I think the best organisation to help keep inflation down is Tenaga Nasional, which should set an example by lowering its tariffs.
K.C. KHOO,
Penang.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
How we can reduce bus accidents
My article in today's Star Newspaper.
Friday April 18, 2008
How we can reduce bus accidents
I READ with concern whenever there is a fatal express bus accident.
Although most accidents are due to careless drivers, the hilly terrain of our country is a major contributory factor.
The authorities are always threatening to ground the whole fleet of buses of any company involved in such accidents, but how many have they grounded? Can they really ground the buses without discrimination? How about the buses of GLC or those related to political entities?
The answer is they can't. Firstly, it is not right to penalise the company who has invested a huge sum of money into the services.
Secondly, there will be chaos because eventually, there will be no buses on the road.
Accidents are bound to happen, we can minimise but cannot eliminate them.
The ones to be blamed are the drivers and the authorities. We should take severe action against the drivers involved in fatal accidents. Suspend their licence and jail them.
As for the authorities, if the fares are not controlled and not so many licences have been issued, existing companies can make more money and pay higher salaries and employ more staff. They can also hand pick the drivers.
If the authorities want to blame the companies then what about the JPJ? JPJ is the one who issues the driving licence.
K. C. KHOO,
Penang.
Friday April 18, 2008
How we can reduce bus accidents
I READ with concern whenever there is a fatal express bus accident.
Although most accidents are due to careless drivers, the hilly terrain of our country is a major contributory factor.
The authorities are always threatening to ground the whole fleet of buses of any company involved in such accidents, but how many have they grounded? Can they really ground the buses without discrimination? How about the buses of GLC or those related to political entities?
The answer is they can't. Firstly, it is not right to penalise the company who has invested a huge sum of money into the services.
Secondly, there will be chaos because eventually, there will be no buses on the road.
Accidents are bound to happen, we can minimise but cannot eliminate them.
The ones to be blamed are the drivers and the authorities. We should take severe action against the drivers involved in fatal accidents. Suspend their licence and jail them.
As for the authorities, if the fares are not controlled and not so many licences have been issued, existing companies can make more money and pay higher salaries and employ more staff. They can also hand pick the drivers.
If the authorities want to blame the companies then what about the JPJ? JPJ is the one who issues the driving licence.
K. C. KHOO,
Penang.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What’s brewing for Penang?
My question presented to Pg CM Lim Guan Eng by The Star Chief Editor Wong Chun Wai in today's Star.
What are the plans to improve Komtar to its previous state?
Khoo Keng Cheang (Tanjung Bunga, Penang)
Lim: The previous administration wanted this to be the shining crown of the Pearl of the Orient but as you can see, Komtar is run down and might probably be outshone by the Penang Times Square.
What are the plans to improve Komtar to its previous state?
Khoo Keng Cheang (Tanjung Bunga, Penang)
Lim: The previous administration wanted this to be the shining crown of the Pearl of the Orient but as you can see, Komtar is run down and might probably be outshone by the Penang Times Square.
Online queries: Lim looking at the questions sent in by readers of The Star on Wong’s laptop during the Cafe Latte session at the Chief Minister’s office in Penang yesterday.
We have asked the PDC to come up with a plan to redevelop Komtar and probably we will have some input but Komtar is important to rejuvenate George Town. You cannot expect Penang to prosper without George Town prospering. Komtar must shine again but it must not be at the expense of the local traders. It must be a win-win situation. Our main offices are also here and we do not want to move. We should just set up branches of administration.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Growing Grapes from seed!
During the Chinese New Year, I bought and ate some red grapes. I am not a green thumb but like gardening and mother nature.
So, I threw some seeds to a damp pot.
After about 10 days, I unexpectedly noticed a tiny green shoot on the soil. I was delighted because I didnt expect the grape seeds to germinate in our climate. I have taken a photo each on that day, 24th Feb and yesterday, 28th Feb.
Will update the growth as and when it grows.
So, I threw some seeds to a damp pot.
After about 10 days, I unexpectedly noticed a tiny green shoot on the soil. I was delighted because I didnt expect the grape seeds to germinate in our climate. I have taken a photo each on that day, 24th Feb and yesterday, 28th Feb.
Will update the growth as and when it grows.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Gong Xi Fa Cai to everybody! Hope all of you have a wonderful new year. May health, wealth and happiness be with you all throughout the years!
Yesterday, I wore green shirt because it is said to be auspicious to the rooster! Well, thats the 1st time I subscribe to those superstitious things!
Yeah, I won the poker games with my ex-staff with my green shirts on! But, after the midnight is over, thats another story. The green shirt no longer works. Anyway, winning or losing on this special day is secondary. What is most important is to have a group gathering to drink and chat the night away.
Yesterday, I wore green shirt because it is said to be auspicious to the rooster! Well, thats the 1st time I subscribe to those superstitious things!
Yeah, I won the poker games with my ex-staff with my green shirts on! But, after the midnight is over, thats another story. The green shirt no longer works. Anyway, winning or losing on this special day is secondary. What is most important is to have a group gathering to drink and chat the night away.
EPF Dividend for those reaching 55
2 sundays ago I wrote an article for Sunday Star. Below is the article.
Sunday January 27, 2008
Pay high EPF dividend for above-55
THERE were reports stating that EPF contributors aged above 55 would spend all their saving within three years. It is also stated that an average of about RM100,000 are in the account of the contributors when they reached 55.
I would suggest that the EPF board pay a dividend rate of around 10% for the accounts of those contributors aged above 55. This would come to around RM11,000 per year. This amount would be handy for these contributors for they are either now jobless or have their salary and perks reduced if they are still employed.
These contributors can withdraw about RM1,000 per month and leave their savings untouched. It would also not burden their children who would have their own families to take care of.
In this way, these contributors have a steady and reasonable amount to spend and the EPF can still have their savings to invest.
Sunday January 27, 2008
Pay high EPF dividend for above-55
THERE were reports stating that EPF contributors aged above 55 would spend all their saving within three years. It is also stated that an average of about RM100,000 are in the account of the contributors when they reached 55.
I would suggest that the EPF board pay a dividend rate of around 10% for the accounts of those contributors aged above 55. This would come to around RM11,000 per year. This amount would be handy for these contributors for they are either now jobless or have their salary and perks reduced if they are still employed.
These contributors can withdraw about RM1,000 per month and leave their savings untouched. It would also not burden their children who would have their own families to take care of.
In this way, these contributors have a steady and reasonable amount to spend and the EPF can still have their savings to invest.
Hi! Everybody
This is my first post. I created this blog because one of my friends created one and I wanted to be one of her bloggers.
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