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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.