TAXI AT KOTA KINABALU

I was in Kota Kinabalu twice to climbed up the highest peak in South East Asia Mount Kinabalu, once to run the Borneo International Full Marathon 42.2km and twice with Allianz. The first, we stayed at the Sutera Harbour and this second trip, we stayed and gathered at the Shangri La, Tanjung Rhu. Although Kota Kinabalu is not a stranger to me but the modus Operandi of the taxi there was.

On a 24 random sampling (including my own experience) done on a population of 240 delegates from Allianz that had taken a cab in Kota Kinabalu, I discovered that none of the taxi uses the meter to charge their passenger. Infact, I can safely say that 70% of the taxi in Kota Kinabalu does not even have any meter to use!!

The balance 30% of the taxi in Kota Kinabalu that was actually installed with a meter, the metered taxi starts at a whopping RM10.00!! The taxi driver claimed that it was the Road Transport Department (JPJ)'s directive and did not have any qualm with me taking a picture of it when he saw me in disbelief. However, even those taxi meter never used the taxi and charge on a flat fee basis ala take it or leave it.

WHY DO I LIKE TO FLY AIRASIA? YUP PAK NASSER'S NASI LEMAK!!

Why do I like Airasia?

Oh well..

If I need to confess, then it would be because of Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak. So far, even the infamous Nasi Lemak Cikgu at Kelana Jaya and even the legendary Satay Kajang Haji Samuri could not maintain the quality and taste of their food but you can never be disappointed with Airasia Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak.

But if there is one thing that can be improve, then it must the size of its Banana Leaves at the bottom. The smell of the Nasi Lemak packed on banana leaves will make it even more irresistible.  At Airasia, size really does matter.. even the Nasi Lemak banana leaves.

MALAYSIAN AN IMMIGRANTS IN MALAYSIA

Although I have frequently traveled to Kota Kinabalu but I can never comprehend or accept that we, Malaysian have to queue like immigrants or foreigners everytime Malaysian from the Peninsular arrived in East Malaysia. Infact, there is no different between us queuing at the Counter that reads “Malaysian Passport” and the foreigner queuing at the “Foreign Passport” only counter except, we have the option to either use our Identification Card or the passport while the foreigner do not.

The queue at the immigration checkpoint during our arrival was horrendous and equally as bad, was the queue to leave Sabah International airport. Not being happy, bored and had nothing to do, I took out my sexy white iPhone 4s dressed in Yellow cover and happily snapped picture of us Malaysian ‘immigrants’ in East Malaysia on the long queue but was spotted and abruptly called aside by the immigration officer for taking picture at the custom clearance. All the way from the back, three quarter to the last queue from the counter, I was called to the front, infront of all others and was asked to delete the pictures by the fierce and no smiling lady officer at the counter probably on pms. Then, I was asked to go back into the rear-end of the long queue. 

Of course I had the option to either create a scene or make it a blog story. I chose the latter.

From one unresolved heartache of being treated like an immigrant in Sabah, now I have to digest my forever-questioning mind, why is the custom checkpoint a prohibited area for taking picture? Because of terrorists or any other agenda…?

10 DAYS COUNTING DOWN PROTON JUNE SALES CAMPAIGN TO END!! BUY PROTON NOW AND GET RM3,000 REBATE

What ???

Yes.. Up to RM3,000 overtrade!!! When you buy a Proton car in June!!

Where ???

Of course my Showroom at  HERE!!
Call: 03-88810113 or 03-88902013

When ???

Now to end of June!!!

UNITED BY PASSION!! ~ CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP

The growth in the number of people from all walks of life with different level of fitness at the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) is phenomenal but what is even more astounding is how people from different age group, races, ethnic and career are able to bond so close that they became each other's extended family bypassing the normal hierarchy of friendship.. United by Passion!  

At COBC, there is only one passion shared by all and that is the passion for better Health!! the almost a default bonus of that is a fitter and sexier you!! We have recorded endless successes and inspiration stories on this blog on the same pretext but this video took the words out of my mouth.... I am so proud to be among these inspirational people. See the video below and increase the volume.

9 HOURS COUNTING DOWN FOR THE COBC VIRGINS TO BUY AND REGISTER AT THE WORLD'S OLDEST MILITARY INSPIRED CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP RM49.00 FOR 12 SESSIONS PER MONTH

9 hours 33 minutes 39 seconds counting down fasft (at the point of writing) before the ridiculously cheap RM299 RM49 at the world's oldest Military-Inspired Group Outdoor Personal Training program to closed. The short sale period was extended at Groupon for 5 days to enable every fat, thin, fit, unfit, athletic, couch potato individual to take charge of their fitness and health the MILITARY way!!

The fix price RM299 program that was offered only for RM49 for 12 sessions per month for either July or August intake was first established in Australia in 1991. Dont miss the opportunity, to BUY AT RM49.00 click HERE now!!!

The collaboration with Groupon is only for selected platoons at 7 locations as follows in three States as follows:

KLANG VALLEY- KUALA LUMPUR Click HERE
Ampang
 

July intake: 

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• 5.30am – 6.30am OR 6.35am – 7.35am
• First sessions for courses begin  Jun 25, 2012 
• Mini Stadium Taman Setiawangsa, Jalan Setiawangsa 1, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur.
• Phone: 017-379 5988 (Rose) / 012-314 5665 (Farhana)
   

August intake (option 1):

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• 5.30am – 6.30am. 
• First sessions for courses begin  Jul 23, 2012 
• Mini Stadium Taman Setiawangsa, Jalan Setiawangsa 1, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur.
• Phone: 017-379 5988 (Rose) / 012-314 5665 (Farhana)
   

APPLE CARE PROTECTION PLAN, MACBOOK PRO AND APPLE AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS IN KUALA LUMPUR AND SELANGOR

If you owned a Macbook or any Apple product, the most important thing to do, is to always keep in hand, the Apple Mac Customer Service call Centre Number 1800 803 638 which is a service and support number by professionals who know your computer or devices the best. When I bought my Mac Book in 2010, I also bought the Apple Care Protection Plan which cost me a good RM1,199.00. Heck, if you live on cyber, you should know the troublesome and the cost to have a computer repair, so I thought the plan would save me the bucks and the head + Heart ache.

So when my track pad went lunatic or taken over by a ghost (moved by itself and start clicking everything on the screen), I went berserk!! Short of hammering the Macbook, I called the 1800 803 638 (and I think I was re-routed to an oversea centre) and was first attended by a gentlemen named Terry whom guided me through a list of diagnostic processes which took almost half of the morning and after a series of calls (which was professional and I have no qualm or complain as the guidance was crystal clear) gave me a Case Number and I was asked to visit an authorized dealer having diagnosed the problem as a hardware issue. 

COBC: JULY AND AUGUST 2012 SCHEDULE!!

In promoting a healthy lifestyle and as well as in recognition to all those that had supported the Chief's Original Bootcamp, we offered to all past and present recruit a super promotion for the month of July and August in conjunction with our 2nd year Anniversary. For more details, click HERE.

To enable the muslims whom will be fasting during the August intake, we have created a new platoon (Codename: Papa) so they too can enjoy and be with us during our 2nd Year anniversary, and maintain their training momentum (although puasa).  Papa platoon will start at 6pm to 7pm just before breaking fast (berbuka Puasa) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Papa platoon is open for all recruits (MC12 and 2-Anni) who are eligible for buffet.

Papa platoon for Ampang recruit will be at Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan 4029 Kampung Pandan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur as the field in Ampang is occupied for Pasar Ramadhan during fasting month.

In Penang, we have various Corporate activities at Hilir Nibung and Pulau Tikus which we had also opened for public registration and also for buffet. Please click on picture below for the full schedule and addresses. Remember all past and present recruits are eligible to register and pay for only RM99 per month for July and August as our gesture of appreciation for your continuous support.

Since we expect a huge turnout from past recruits, we will also introduce a few new platoons. Please click on picture below for the list of expected platoons in the month of July and August 2012 (note: the management reserves the right to change and amend the schedules accordingly).

DURIAN OVERDOSED

Now that our lead instructor and our one and only Staff Sarge (COBC) Dann is happily married with also our instructor cum Dann's university love LC Ody, what else can we do but to celebrate his wedding with err.. Durian!!! Aiiiiks.. although it sounds weird but we deserves Durians!! Why? err.. well...... why not? We drove from Dann & Ody's wedding in a convoy of 10 cars to Taman Melawati and had a bottomless order of Musang King!! The total bill was for a good RM1,420.00 (initially RM35 per kg) before discount and after some  discount, the total cost per head was only RM35.00. In other word, each of us ate 1kg of Musang King Durian.

Durian is almost back in season and that was why it was abit expensive but the juicy, bitter creamy taste.. Oh my god... it was damn worth it!! Except for LC Ridz who was not into durian, everyone was overdosed!!! Below was the candid and camwhoring while indulging!!

DAING DANIEL FITRI AND NURFUADI RUZALI

1 June 2012 is a historical and memorable date for my young partner Daing Daniel Fitri whom is also the Chief's Original Bootcamp most senior instructor. This date marked the day that Daing Daniel Fitri ended his bachelorhood to be wed his university love Nurfuadi Ruzali or more fondly known as Ody. The akad nikah ceremony was held at Ody's house that is located in Pandan Jaya. A small circle of close friends and family members were invited to share Dann's most auspicious moment and to witness the akad nikah. We were just in the nick of time before the the groom in a 5 car convoy arrived. Upon arrival, they coordinated the five trays with the dowry, gifts and presents for the bride. The five trays were carried by five beautiful ladies led by Dann's own sister Diana who is also a Taekwondo coach at the DDF Taekwondo Academy.

CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP'S 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

To say THANK YOU for the support that you all have given to make COBC what we are today, we are pleased to offer all past and present recruit a special price of RM99 (MC12) per month only (instead of the normal RM299) on our 2nd year anniversary for 2 consecutive months!!! Applicable at all 7 locations and more than 30 platoons!!

I repeat!!! RM99 per month (MC12) for July and August intake only!! For all past and present recruit.

Yes.. NINETY NINE MALAYSIA RINGGIT ONLY for all past & present recruit.

FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM FROM DATO SRI SYED ZAINAL ABIDIN TO ALL CITIZENS OF PROTON

Well what can I say? The time has come to be separated from Dato Sri Syed Zainal. The following final words from him was translated from "Pesanan & Amanat Terakhir Dato Seri Syed Zainal", a humble man with a strong passion. During his tenure, Dato Sri whom always referred me as bro and preferred me to refer him also as Bro too never failed to aspire every individuals whenever he speak! He would hypnotized every members of the audience with his passion. His farewell speech was in Malay and I could not help but to translate it to English (dont laugh) to share his final words of wisdom with my readers. Of course, the translation would have been far better if Dato Sri were to translate it himself but nonetheless.....

**********************************************************************************

Good day, Salam 1 Malaysia and Peace be upon all citizens of Proton that I cherished. I hope this writing meets all of you in good health, joy and aspiration in carrying out our daily tasks. As all have known, I have given up my position as the Group Managing Director of PROTON effective on the 4th July, 2012. Taking into account the balance of my leave that I need to utilize, today which is Thursday 31 May 2012 will be my last day with PROTON. 

My dear brothers and sisters, 

It was very heavy for me to write this letter as a closure to more than six (6) years of my service in PROTON. I spent days staring at a blank computer screen as it appear, there are no words that can translate what I am truely deeply feeling in my heart. How could I leave something that has such a deep and meaningful impact in my life? How may I shake the hands and say goodbye to people whom I have regarded to be a member of my own family? There is no vocabulary that can express and extend my gratitude to everyone that has worked so hard in helping me performing my duty for so long. I have nothing to offer and I cannot afford to repay all the sacrifices, hard work and time that was devoted by all parties in your effort to realize the dream of PROTON without any remorse. 

MAKANSUTRA AT DEDA RIDZWANI'S NOAH'S BURGER AND WAFFLE STOP

After spending the whole morning in support to our recruit Zai Johari who together with Alex Cheah brought the new sport Sasuke to Malaysia, we were all knackered and hungry!! Actually more like starving and the thought of Deda's cheesy meaty burger was just too irresistible. We left the heart of Putrajaya to Alamanda to visit and support our stomach Deda Ridzwani, another fellow recruit from COBC whom had only recently launched two new eating stall at Alamanda Mall, Putrajaya. The two stall namely Noah's Burger and Waffle stop balance up the diet and sinful delicacies. When burgers are usually made of fats and meat leftovers, Noah's burger is 100% beef patty without any additives, no fillers and no preservatives.. it is healthy, good and err.. lets see how the burger taste like!!

SASUKE & MILLIONS OF YOUTH GATHERING AT THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2012 / HARI BELIA 2012

Hari Belia 2012 (or National Youth Day 2012) was held to honor the contribution of the youth to the country's development & unity and for the second year, Sasuke Malaysia obstacle was the most outstanding and a unique but perfected the stretch of the spectacular Putrajaya Boulevard. Sasuke that was franchised back to Malaysia by duo Zainariah Johari and Alex Cheah Yoke Loong is a 17 years old Japanese television series that was also franchised to USA, Singapore and other countries. The Sasuke was brought in last year to address  Generation Y and the decreasing interest in the main stream traditional sports. Sasuke is expected to be the new in-sports in the region when Sasuke Singapore is launched in a few days in June 2012!!!  This year was a bit unique, the Sasuke obstacle was open to the public for only RM5 for 2 trials. This is an offer that is simply too irresistable!! 

The Sasuke was open to the public from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th May and the real competition was held on 27 May 2012 which was on Sunday. The MC for the event was Mohd Khairul Nizam Wahab (Nizam) and Zamratul Hanim Zainuddin (Zara hanim). Nizam look a lot like the Raja Lawak Champion, Nabil that many from the crowd were cheering and calling him Nabil, Nabil and photo-shoot him! On the 4th day of the event, two youth from the crowd wanted to be the MC and they did!! which make it alot more fun!!

This year too was memorable when two Deputy Ministers namely YB Dato Ahmad Razali and YB Senator Gan Ping Sieu attempted the Sasuke obstacle twice. Their sportsmanship was greatly admired. There is no better leader for the youth than to be with a man that is both people and grass root friendly.

Similar to last year, a platoon of more than 30 recruits from the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) attended the Hari Belia 2012 in support of the new sport.

COBC PIONEER INSTRUCTOR: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH NAWAL AINI ZULKIFLI

Nawal Aini Zulkifli is the eldest daughter in a sibling of 4. She has an elder brother, Rafiq Zulkifli whom is a year older, 2 younger brothers named Ahmad Hairi Zulkifli and Ahmad Faris Zulkifli and a younger sister, Nawal Rafeza Zulkifli. Nawal Aini graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts with Honours from the University Technology Mara in 1999. 

Upon graduation, Nawal Aini had a short stint as a company secretary at a management consultancy firm in Desa Sri Hartamas and later as a Manager at a Fiat Dealership in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. She gave up her career to dedicate and devote herself to her family after giving birth to her one and only child, Aaraf. When Armin and his partners took the license for the Chief's Original Bootcamp, jokingly Nawal Aini said, "Dr Malek, Staff Sarge Dann, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Rose Emini Pahamin and even Armin Baniaz Pahamin did not give me any choice except to be an instructor because they all knew of my passion in fitness and health".

DATO SRI SYED ZAINAL ABIDIN, PROTON MANAGING DIRECTOR (RETIRED)

When Dato Sri Syed Zainal first came into PROTON on 1st January 2006 taking over the  hot post from Joint-MD Dato Kisai Rahmat and Dato Kamaruzaman Darus, he called upon PEDA and the dealers to support him against 45,000 unsold stocks, the worst level of stock holding in the history of PROTON. Dato Sri Syed Zainal too inherited the burden to consolidate more than 400 over-congested showrooms in the sales network and took over when PROTON lost its no 1 position as Malaysia best selling cars.

In contrast to all previous Proton Managing Directors that would dictate on policies for PEDA and the dealers to swallow, when Dato Sri Syed Zainal was first appointed, he called and met PEDA to asked for market feedback and inquired on the network's problem. There were no PROTON EDAR Chief Executive Officer then, for more than a year. The communication was a direct channel between Dato Sri Syed Zainal and PEDA. Most of the public outcry and the dealer's issues pertaining to the low quality of cars were addressed, slowly resolved and mitigated. At this juncture, Dato Sri Syed Zainal even answered to various complain in Cyberspace and internet himself as the Managing Director. He personally attended to all the complains and directly commented on various blogosphere and cyberspace. He was also the first PROTON Managing Director that extended the manufacturer's warranty for all cars to a good 5 years (from previously only 2 years).

NESTLE KOKO KRUNCH JUNIOR TAEKWONDO COMPETITION 2012

7th Koko Krunch Taekwondo Competition 2012, Stadium Badminton Cheras. Aaraf participated in  Koko Crunch Taekwondo Competition for the third time but he and his team mate was not as prepared as they were last year.  Coach Dann aka Staff-Sarge (COBC) Dann sent 11 of his 12 years and younger students to fight. Aaraf, 9 years old was the heaviest and categorized under 'Heavy Weight'.. meaning, high probability he will fight a 12 years old opponent whom should be around his weight. The registration for the competition started at 7:30am.


Those that competed under DDF Taekwondo Academy were:


MALE

1. MOHD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAIZAL - 42.5KG - 28.01.2000

2. ALAMIN ABDUL GADER - 25.7KG - 28.03.2003

3. NG JIAN CHAO - 25.5KG -

4. AARAF EID PAHAMIN - 53.4KG - 10.12.2002

5. ZIA IZZAT - 25.9KG - 19.10.2003

6. MOHD AMMAR SOFYAN - 45.4KG - 21.11.2000

7. DINESH LINGAM

FEMALE
1. SALEHAH ABDUL GADER - 24.8 - 30.12.2004
2. UMBARKA ABDUL GADER - 35.9KG - 27.08.2000
3. NABILAH MOHD FAIZAL - 28.1KG - 29.08.2001
4. ALYA FARZANA - 23.5KG - 25.09.2004

CAMWHORING AT PROTON CONVENTION WITH PAPARAZZI NOOR AFFENDI MOHD KARIM

Front Right: Ahmad Suhaimi Anuar (CEO/PESB), Hisham Othman (CEO/EON), Dato Sri Syed Zainal Abidin (GMD/PROTON), Armin Baniaz Pahamin (President/PEDA),  Abdul Rashid Musa (DRB-Hicom/PROTON)

Photos were compliment from Noor Affendi Mohd Karim.

If there was one community that was close enough to be called a family, then it must be the Proton Edar community!! When I was first born into the community via my appointment as a dealer in 1997, Proton Edar had less than 200 staff and the dealers operation department was only a two-man show managing 86 showroom and less than 100 service centres in the network. We were the number 1 biggest manufacturer and Perodua was second. Now.. Proton Edar employs more than 2,000  manpower with approximately more than 220 showroom and more than 200 service centres nationwide. The total direct employment in PROTON exceeded 12,000 employees and combined with DRB-Hicom's total workforce of 55,000 people, there are now 67,000 employment in DRB-Hicom eco-system.

Forget the 67,000 people, Proton Edar family has grown so big, that I even felt a stranger whenever I entered the Centre of Excellence complex in Subang Jaya. Once, I used to be able to walk into the building and recognise by name every single employee including the tea lady. The Proton Sales and Service Convention was one avenue that is important to foster the spirit of camaraderie within the community. As in every other years, all sales & service branches and dealers, those in regional offices nationwide as well as those attached at the Head Office were all united at the Glenmarie Ballroon, Holiday Inn, Kuala Lumpur. Click HERE for the first Blog on the Convention, this second blog is mostly picturesque blog. Again, thank you Noor Affendi Mohd Karim for the pictures (Click on picture to enlarge).

PROTON EDAR DEALERS CONVENTION 2012: HABIH RHENG

Francis Ong Wee Mun, Head of ROMS, Lee Lick Sai (VP/PEDA), Kamsani Ahmad (Group Marketing), Hisham Othman (CEO/EON), Kamarul Zaman (DRB-Hicom/PROTON), Armin Baniaz Pahmin (President/PEDA), Ahmad Suhaimi (CEO/PESB), Abdul Sidik Hamid (GM/PESB), Abu Lais Walli Mohamed

HOLIDAY INN, Glenmarie 19 May 2012. Contrary to previous convention which was either held at the Sunway Resort, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, One World Hotel or those of similar sizes, this year the dealers convention was held at a smaller grand ballroom at the Holiday Inn, Glenmarie making full use of assets under DRB-HICOM stable of companies.

That was not the only noticeable changes within the PROTON eco-system but the DRB-Hicom DNA was seen significantly visible at every corner. For a start, PROTON EDAR senior management was in the same uniform with a homogeneous neck tie... a prominent culture within DRB-Hicom (see Dato Sri Kamil and his management team's neck ties at HERE and see PESB at 2010 Convention and 2011 Convention). This is expected and more changes will be seen now that PROTON Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM. Yes, PROTON was successfully recently de-listed from the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

The function began with Dato Sri Syed Zainal Abidin in his usual humble but very inspiring self, extended his gratefulness to the whole network for the support extended to PROTON and apologized for some policies and deliverables that was slow in execution. Dato Sri Syed Zainal, whom is probably the only automotive Manufacturer in the world that shook the hand of all his 4,500 sales advisors nationwide in a gathering earlier this year said, his only passion was to make PROTON as the number 1 people's choice and Malaysia's best selling vehicle. However, he continued in a frustrated voice, "a Kelantanese would say 'Habih Rheng' doh!!" That sentence has many meaning but let us not speculate. Dato Sri Syed Zainal's most important message is for the owners of the dealer to take charge of his dealership and make changes. There is only so much that he can do but as an owner and the no 1 in the dealership's organisation, we can do much more.

TWENTY THIRD COBC: RUBIC CUBE COLOUR PARTY

Welcome to the 23rd graduation party at the Chief's Original Malaysia. Next month we will be celebrating our 2nd year anniversary and on COBC's second year anniversary, our Lead Instructor, Staff Sarge Dann and Lead Administrator Rose Emini Pahamin will be ending their bachelor-hood!! Now the only single jingle mingle in COBC team are Corporal Rash, Corporal Ridz in Klang Valley and Corporal Kenny and Corporal Foong in Penang ! But all those that are married are also still available!!! eh.. I mean, available to workout at COBC. ....

When I first heard of Rubic Cube Colour theme, I went ... what's that!!?? ...being blur and unknown?!!! But with a little bit of google'ing.. can do wonders.. and here I am.. almost but not yet Bozo the Clown. .. cute eh? :-p

(For best picture, click on picture first to enlarge before saving them to your computer)

Rubic Cube Colour!!!