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Why is Tony unhappy? — Lim Mun Fah
DEC 2 — Many people are asking why AirAsia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is not happy with KLIA2.
The construction of KLIA2 was started in 2009 and 42 per cent of it has now been completed. It is said to be the world’s largest low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) catering for 45 million passengers once it is fully operational.
Some people might see it as the best example of the Malaysia Boleh spirit.
However, one after another of negative news is being heard before its completion.
Firstly, the project’s completion has been delayed by six month from its original dateline.
Secondly, the construction area has been extended, resulting in skyrocketing costs from RM2 billion to RM3.9 billion.
We do not know the reason behind the decision to expand the KLIA2 project but what is certain is, the soaring costs will ultimately be borne by consumers.
The increase of airport tax serves as the best example here.
Tony openly opposed the increase of airport tax based on a very simple reason, he said on Twitter: “Airport taxes are paid by Malaysians and passengers. The money doesn’t go to AirAsia but MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd).”
According to earlier reports, AirAsia’s proposal to build a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) costing RM1.6 billion in Labu, Negri Sembilan was rejected. It was rumoured that although the project was rejected, AirAsia had successfully fought for lower LCCT airport charges.
If the rumour were true, it would then be understandable why Tony is so angry, causing him to accuse MAHB of making too many empty promises.
Tony is not a politician. As an entrepreneur, it is understandable for him to view things from a business point of view. The problem is, would the authorities listen to his unpleasant words?
The opposition have criticised KLIA2 as a grandiose project because the country appears to have no need for an enormous second international airport. This episode reminds us of the controversial KLIA-KL Sentral baggage handling system.
The baggage handling system was estimated to cost RM92.4 million but “various factors” doubled the cost to RM186 million! And the system is still not fully operational three years after completion due to issues over charges. So far, usage has been a mere 25 per cent.
If KLIA2 meets the same fate as a project meant only for development without due consideration of cost and returns, the price will again be borne by the people! — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/mobile/sideviews/article/why-is-tony-unhappy-lim-mun-fah/
New series of Malaysian banknotes revealed: Distinctively Malaysia
“UMNO Xplorace 2011″ Berlangsung Meriah, Menarik Dan Mencabar Peserta
Kerajaan Persekutuan Peruntuk RM500,000 Bantu 74 Petani Tasek Gelugor
TASEK GELUGOR, 17 Dis – Kerajaan Persekutuan melalui Majlis Pembangunan Pertanian Parlimen (MPPP) memperuntukkan sebanyak RM500,000 tahun ini bagi membantu meningkatkan hasil pertanian 74 petani di kawasan Parlimen Tasek Gelugor.
Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop berkata peruntukan itu merangkumi aspek menaik taraf infrastruktur pertanian dan industri asas tani, penternakan serta memberi perkhidmatan bantuan pemasaran.
“Kita akan mengenal pasti bentuk bantuan yang bersesuaian dengan keperluan pemohon. Antara bantuan yang kita salurkan setakat ini merangkumi pemberian baka ternakan, jentera, dan barangan elektrik.
“Buat masa ini seramai 47 pemohon telah menerima bantuan mereka manakala selebihnya akan menerima bantuan ini dalam tempoh terdekat,” katanya kepada Bernama selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat MPPP Parlimen Tasek Gelugor di Pejabat Peladang Kawasan (PPK), Pokok Sena di sini, semalam.
Selain itu, Nor Mohamed, yang juga anggota Parlimen Tasek Gelugor, berkata sebuah jawatankuasa akan ditubuhkan untuk meninjau status kemajuan dan prestasi penerima bantuan dari semasa ke semasa.
Sunday December 25, 2011
Malaysian designer shines in New York
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/25/nation/10161489&sec=nation
NEW YORK: Malaysian interior designer Niki Cheng can now add Hollywood actress Brooke Shields as one of her many fans.
Cheng decorated the backstage room for the star who is now taking the lead female role in the Broadway play, The Addams Family, being staged at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre here.
“Yes, I did Brooke Shields’ backstage dressing room and also gave furniture from my store for the dressing room,” she said.
Apparently, the Lipstick Jungle star had screamed in delight when she first saw how the dressing room had been refurbished.
Shields plays Morticia in the musical comedy The Addams Family, which runs until Dec 31.
Cheng and her husband own BoConcept New York which offers a wide range of customised and affordable furniture and accessories.
They are making a mark on New York’s urban lifestyle despite the stiff competition and constantly changing consumer taste.
Born and raised in Tanjung Tualang, Perak, Cheng attended Ungku Omar Polytechnic in Ipoh. She also obtained a diploma in interior design from the Malaysian Institute of Art.
“My background in designing combined well with my husband’s business acumen, resulting in a fast-growing and highly successful BoConcept venture.
“Business has increased 10-fold and we have eight stores in the New York region now,” she said.
Her Taiwanese husband Shaokao Cheng was raised in Japan but educated in the United States where he obtained a Masters degree in electrical engineering from John Hopkins University.
Eventually, the husband-and-wife team decided to establish BoConcept New York, which is part of a retail furniture chain in Denmark.
The Danish group, according to Cheng, has established 340 outlets in more than 50 countries.
Cheng seems to have impressed her clients with her humility. She has used many platforms along with her husband to showcase their products, television being one of them.
BoConcept New York’s furniture has been featured on shows such as NBC’s The Apprentice, Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
In 2009, BoConcept New York was honoured by the City of New York as the recipient of the Neighbourhood Achievement Award, Small Business of the Year for improving the neighbourhood and its commitment to the community. – Bernama
Water levels in Johor rivers up, with three bursting their banks
JOHOR BARU: Water levels in Johor rivers are rising dangerously, raising fears of a repeat of the 2006 floods that left the state inundated and with damages worth millions in its wake.
The Meteorological Department warned late Saturday afternoon of heavy rain over Muar, Ledang, Segamat, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Kulaijaya, here and in the Pontian areas.
According to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID) online river level data, three in Johor burst their banks yesterday. Sungai Muar, Sungai Benut and Sungai Mengkibol overflowed at 5.50pm.
However, if the downpour continued, the department warned that five more rivers – Sungai Bekok, Sungai Lenik, Sungai Senggarang, Sungai Johor and Sungai Plentong – would also overflow today.
DID deputy director-general Datuk KJ Abraham said the department was monitoring the river levels and was prepared for any eventuality.
“Every district has an office that will set up an evacuation centre to help the affected in the event of a flood,” he said.
In Kota Tinggi, four families from Kampung Sungai Berangan were evacuated at 6am yesterday as the water level at Sungai Berangan rose to a dangerous level.
In Pasir Gudang, more than 20 houses were knee-deep in water as the drainage system there could not cope with the increase in water near Taman Kota Puteri.
The Pasir Gudang highway was flooded and caused a massive jam while 100m of the Masai Lama-Kong Kong road, just before the Octville Golf Resort in Seri Alam, was impassable to vehicles.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/31/nation/7906003&sec=nation
Come and walk beside me
Beneath the Christmas sky
See the redbirds singing
With love that gives a sigh
Christmas bells are ringing
Snow is on the ground
Love is there in beauty
In such a glorious crown
Peace and love a feeling
That comes within this place
Heaven’s stars are shining
Filling hearts with grace
Paths are always taken
With thoughts the heart speaks of
On Christmas Day a journey
That fills our hearts with love.
Have a Blessed Christmas
from Camelia, Malaysia
Why should I seek debt advice?
There are many reasons why you should consider seeking debt advice if you are struggling with your finances. For example, you may be able to:
• Regain control of your finances. In some cases, a bit of debt advice will be all you need, and can help you regain control of your finances and address your debts. A professional debt adviser should be able to assess your situation and offer you the advice you need.
• Find the right debt solution. You may find that debt advice alone isn’t enough. A professional debt adviser should be able to assess your financial circumstances, and let you know if a debt solution could simplify your finances and make your debts more manageable.
• Have someone else negotiate with your lenders. You may be able to arrange a new repayment plan with your lenders on your own, but this can often be a time-consuming and stressful experience – and you will have to do all the negotiations and administrative work yourself. A professional debt management organisation should have the necessary experience and knowledge to negotiate with your lenders on your behalf.
What you don’t need right now is someone selling you a new mortgage, an insurance policy, a “chance of a lifetime” business or a brand new high interest loan. But that’s what you’re likely to get if you turn to those sources for help with debt. Look instead for a good credit counselor. This industry has its share of creeps and con-men.
Finally, note that some organisations that provide debt advice will provide useful resources on their websites, such as budget planners, letter templates, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and debt guides.
Article Source: www.articlesbase. com/personal- finance-articles /where-can- i-get-debt- advice-1103714. html
Where do I go to?
http://www.akpk. org.my/
Agensi Kaunseling Dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK)
Regain control of your life and your debts. Through the Debt Management Programme (DMP), our counsellors will work with you to develop a personalised debt repayment plan in consultation with your financial service providers*.
AKPK does not provide loans or financing.
Our DMP is available to all individuals who need assistance in managing their personal debts with financial service providers* regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia, provided that:
You have a positive source of income after meeting your expenses
Your total debt does not exceed RM2million
You are not under advanced litigation process
You are not a bankrupt
Dont’ wait. Do it now. Talk to us.
Call AKPK’s toll free hotline: 1-800-88-2575 or any AKPK’s office nearest to you for an appointment.
*Financial services providers comprise of:
All commercial banks
All Islamic banks
All insurance companies
All takaful operators
Development financial institutions (regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia)
Credit/charge card issuer (regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia)
HEADQUARTERS
Kuala Lumpur
Level 8, Maju Junction Mall
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603 2616 7766
Fax: 603 2616 7601
Contact Centre: 1 800 88 2575
BRANCHES
Penang
Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia
27 Corner Light/Pitt Street
10200 Penang
Tel : 604 261 2246
Fax : 604 261 2243
Kuching
Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Satok
93720 Kuching
Tel : 6082 414 910
Fax : 6082 414 960
Kuantan
G-02 Mahkota Square
Jalan Mahkota
25000 Kuantan
Tel : 609 513 3190
Fax : 609 513 3255
Johor Bahru
Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Bukit Timbalan
80720 Johor Bharu
Tel : 607 221 0533
Fax : 607 221 0535
Kota Kinabalu
Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Lapan Belas
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Tel : 6088 538 355
Fax : 6088 538 377
Ipoh
Unit B-2-1 Greentown Square
Jalan Dato’ Seri Admad Said
30450 Ipoh
Perak
Tel : 605 242 8319
Fax : 605 242 8452
Kuala Terengganu
Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Mohamad
21100 Kuala Terengganu
Tel : 609 631 2797
Fax : 609 631 2801
Malacca
Ground & Mezzanine Floor
No 179,
Bangunan Munshi Abdullah
Jalan Munshi Abdullah
75100 Melaka
Tel : 606 292 1238
Fax : 606 292 1251
Alor Setar
No 11, Ground Floor,
Jalan Persiaran Sultan Abdul Hamid,
Kompleks Sultan Abdul Hamid,
05050 Alor Setar
Kedah Darul Aman
Tel : 604 771 5773
Fax : 604 771 5737
Umno on right track
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/umno-on-right-track-1.14576#ixzz1gISTlJdi
KUALA LUMPUR — Umno is back on the right track and this is proven through its victory in the Bagan Pinang, Batu Sapi, Merlimau and Kerdau by-elections, said its president, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“So we must make sure that our fortress is strong as we are facing the biggest test – the fiercest election in the history of the country,” said the prime minister.
He said the choice would not only for Umno and the BN but the climax would be the destiny of the Malays and Malaysians.
The most challenging transformation for Umno members is the transformation of own self to make renewals in the party, he said when winding up debate at the Umno General Assembly 2011 here today.
Najib said Umno members should refrain from slanders and sowing seeds of discord as history had shown that slanders and insults had crumbled palaces and thrones.
“We seek refuge in Allah, I urge Umno people to defend the party and embrace its struggle no matter what obstacles lay ahead, do not abandon the Uhud Hill (the Battle of Badr where Islam warriors warded off hostile forces at the hill).
“Wave the flag, fight to the last breath, God willing the victory belongs to Islam, the Malays and Malaysians,” he added.
Najib said the Malays would be destitute in their own land if voters were to choose the opposition in the 13th general election.
“If Umno is toppled and gone, will the sanctity of Islam be protected, will the Malays still be respected and will the Malay rulers continue to be on the throne?” he asked.
He said that if the Malays were callous, negligence, careless and at loggerheads, they would writhe in humiliation and become destitute in the own soil.
He said if the people wanted a bright future and the country developed, they had no other choice than ensuring Umno and the BN’s victory in the general election. — Bernama
Read more: Umno on right track – Top News – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/umno-on-right-track-1.14576#ixzz1gIScHKZT
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/87128-police-want-answers-killer-pothole
Police want answers on killer pothole
By shaza
Created Wednesday, December 7th
Aizat Sharif [1]
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 10:53:00
HULU SELANGOR: Police are still waiting for a report from the highway authority on the death of Constable Mohd Zambri Abd Aziz, 23, who allegedly lost control of his motorcycle after running into a pothole on the North-South Expressway recently.
It has been a week since the fatal accident and police have yet to obtain the report that would shed light into Mohd Zambri’s death.
“A letter was sent to Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Berhad (PLUS), seeking clarification on the pothole. We want to know how long it has been there and why it was not patched up,” said Hulu Selangor Public Order and Traffic chief ASP Mohd Taib Songoh.
“That area from Tanjung Malim to Bukit Tagar is known to be quite dangerous for motorists, especially during the night or rainy days because the roads are poorly-lit. Visibility is poor and you don’t know the road conditions there, you can’t even see if there are any potholes in front of you,” he said.
Meanwhile, a PLUS corporate communication spokesman said they were still looking into the matter.
“We are waiting for the full report from our Operation Division chief, which is supposed to be released today,” the spokesman said.
Mohd Zambri, who was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department’s D4 Unit in Bukit Aman was riding his Yamaha 135LC along the expressway on Nov 29 when the incident happened at 9.20am.
He accidentally hit a pothole on the slow lane of the highway at KM426.5 near Bukit Beruntung, lost control of his machine and slammed into the divider on the left side of the road.
He died on the spot.
ecofrensatu
