Ford is UK's most trusted brand - And it's time Malaysia take note

According to The Malaysian Reserve, almost one-third of respondents surveyed in the UK put their trust in one of United States' household brand - Ford.

The Malaysian Reserve | December 9, 2015

Not too long ago my wife and I went looking for a sedan and considered Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Ford in our shopping list.

At that point in time Toyota and Honda seemed pretty comfortable with their commanding share of the international brand market in Malaysia, that they choosed to continue milking Malaysians of their hard earned money by offering bare-to-the-bone cars. 

While Korean cars were already offering push-start button, reverse camera, navigational display, etc, as standard goodies, the T and H were adamant that consumers don't need all these 'nonsense'. They eventually  offered similar accessories, but still it took them a year or so to respond.

Next best thing then was Ford. Models within reach - Focus and Fiesta - were both better equipped and we nearly bought one if not for the lack of choices and the lingering issues of after-sale service and spare parts availability. Local brand carrier for Ford may have done  some improvement now but you can still hear people talking about such issues. 

Hard to get replacement parts. On the one hand, this could be pure rumour mongering by rival brands, but  on  other the other hand, the brand carrier may have actually made amend. [Personally, I don't like to hear Sales Advisor of one brand badmouthing another, no matter how reputable a brand he represents. He maybe telling the facts, but I'd take his 'advice' with a pinch of salt].

Today if you take to the road and observe what cars are driven around you, you'd mostly see locally produced cars, followed by Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, with some European and American cars in the mix.

Chevrolet have been making quite an appearance of late, so, Ford with its long existence here should take note. In Sabah, Ford Ranger, Fiesta and Focus are quite a familiar look, not to mention the relatively new crossovers such as Kuga and EcoSport. 

In Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors represent BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, to name a few. 

With so many brands under its belt, there are chances that some would get 'left behind'. Sime Darby had better be up to the expectations if they want consumers to put trust in this brand.

A Contractor friend of mine recently bought a Ford Ranger as his workhorse and when asked why he changed from Toyota to Ford, he simply said he wanted to 'try out the American brand and figure out how reliable the truck is'. Hmm, perhaps a thumb up here for Ford, although it still has a long way to go in terms of matching Toyota's market share.

The Green Mechanics: 

No doubt, Ford is a reputable automobile brand that can be trusted. It is all down to the brand carrier (Sime Darby) to play its part convincing the Malaysian consumers.

8 out of 10 Malaysian consumers have no qualms’ in switching telcos

We just did it - switching from Maxis to DiGi.

The reason: Poor mobile broadband services. Maxis broadband is very good - and speedy - in the city area, especially where LTE (4G) service is available. But in our particular case, Maxis broadband quality has gone from good to bad. This is true for all of our areas of interest -- Kolopis & Inobong areas in Penampang and Ketiau area in Putatan.

This is their reply after more than a week from the date of complaint, but the 3G issues remain. 

We lodged several complaint over the past year or so and every time we were assured that they will take remedial actions. Things have not improved though. Some of my complaints are:

• Loss of signal/communication during power outage,
• Intermittent loss of signal, 'No Service' during the day
• No 3G broadband service (only E or GPRS is indicated on the mobile phone)

I currently subscribe to Celcom, DiGi and still have 1 non-contract subscription with Maxis SurfMore75 which I'm contemplating of getting rid of.

Frost & Sullivan survey confirm consumer perception

Analyst firm Frost & Sullivan said that 83% of Malaysian consumers will be driven to switch telco providers if there is a lack of transparency in Malaysian pricing and subscription plans.

According to an online survey conducted from October to November 2014 of 1,300 respondents, randomly selected from consumer online panels in Malaysia, 66% of respondents surveyed also demand for higher speed connectivity and they have no qualms ending their subscription from the current service provider due to low speed. 

The lack of customer experience from telecom service providers is the fourth highest reason at 58% for Malaysians to stop their subscription.

Based on data, Celcom is ahead of the industry average (57%) at 66% in terms of customer loyalty. When asked if they would recommend their current telecommunication service provider to their friends and colleagues, U Mobile is the clear winner with 65%, which is higher than the industry average of 51%.

Malaysian telecommunication service providers' customer rewards program leave much to be desired. More than one-third of the consumers reported not receiving any rewards from their service providers, and even among those who did, almost half get a celebratory token on their special days, which could be considered a bare minimum by the consumers.

Service providers ranking

Below are the Malaysian telecommunication service providers that have been recognised in Excellence in Customer Experience Management, Telecommunications Industry by their customers based on a survey conducted by Frost & Sullivan.

Overall Experience - U Mobile

In Store Experience - Maxis Communications

Self-Service/Online Experience - Telekom Malaysia

Contact Centre Experience - U Mobile / Maxis Communications

Mobile Experience - U Mobile 

Net Promoter Score - U Mobile 

- refer to Frost & Sullivan report at Computerworld Malaysia

SESB not to blame for soaring house price?

SESB believes it is not to blame for the soaring house price in the state.

I tend to agree. Between 2011 and now the utility company has reduced the Capital Contribution (a sum contributed by the developer when applying for power supply for an intended project), twice - once in 2011 another one early this year.

From mathematical point of view you would expect the the price to have been reduced, if Capital Contribution is even a factor. But the cost of properties doesn't follow mathematical logic, you say.  Perhaps. But the cost should follow logical thinking.

If it is a factor in determining the cost of a house, for instance, then there should be price reduction in those years when the capital contribution was revised. Or, at least distribute the benefit to the buyers in a tangible form; by withholding the fast soaring house price. Fair enough?


Clipping from local daily, the Daily Express on 4 October 2014.

Point aside, Daily Express never fail to amaze me with so many oversights. The person in the above picture (inset) is not Abd Razak. He's the former Managing Director of SESB, Ir. Baharin Din. Come on! Give Ir. Abd Razak Sallim some face. You are not doing your homework as reporter. I've seen more than once in your paper that Abd Razak was given a 'new face'.

------------------------------------

Back to business. Really, soaring house price should not be blamed on SESB. It's a lame excuse on the part of the developers. But ideally, SESB should bear the cost of supplying power to the consumer; if not now maybe in the near future when is has factored in this cost into its power tariff.

I had a recent experience of upgrading the power supply to one of our facilities - a 1500KVA substation. Apart from the capital contribution of over RM200k, we were also asked to bear the cost of installing additional switchgear for a 2-in-1-out 11kV supply system. This, according to SESB, is in the name of 'supply security' because if supply from Source A failed, Source B would automatically kick in and supply to our facility would not be disrupted. Now, in the name of 'supply security' the utility company should be the one to pay for it rather than the end user.

The onus is on them to ensure better power supply. Not me, not you the consumers.


The Green Mechanics' two cents:
To property developers, especially housing development, please find better explanation to your soaring house price.

Maxis: No service during power outages

It's not fair!

I could come up with lesser than decent comment but I would settle for that for the time being.

Quality of service in the area where I reside (Penampang) is just poor. Every time there's power failure, the internet and telecommunication services would be interrupted, leading me to believe that Maxis does not have standby power for the anticipated power outages. Frequent power disruption on the part of SESB should not translate into similarly poor performance by Maxis.


                                     Screenshot 1


                                     Screenshot 2


                                     Screenshot 3


Power supply failure would quickly be followed by interruption of 3G service (Screenshot 3), and if the power outage prolong, the wireless communication would completely stop (Screenshot 1 and 2).

Maxis should at least provide bigger energy storage (battery) to keep the services going at reduced mode. There's no point shouting about installing more 4G LTE stations if they become dis-functional during power failures!


Note: The other mobile phone which is on Celcom does not seem to be much affected.

US rolls out gasoline sulfur rule to cut automobile emissions

Starting from 2017 in the U.S., a rule to further limit sulfur in gasoline will be implemented in phases and is expected to be fully enforced in 2025 - a move described by the country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "a win for public health".

Sulfur or not, you don't want to be tailing a vehicle that smokes like this! Pic captured at Jln Penampang.

Ruling to phase in starting in 2017

The rolling out of a rule in the U.S., that would further limit sulfur in gasoline, is expected to cut automobile emissions, provide welcome relief to people with breathing problems and would be the equivalent of removing an estimated 33 million cars from its roads.

U.S. oil refineries will be required to purchase new equipment to remove sulfur, which builds up in vehicle emission-control devices, causing more pollution. 

Conservationists and automakers such as Ford Motor praised the move, while a trade group that represents the oil and gas industry blasted it as an unnecessary step that will hurt consumers.

The EPA said the requirement, when fully implemented in 2025, will cost consumers less than a cent per gallon more at the pump while preventing 2,000 premature deaths a year and lowering health-care costs by as much as $19 billion. It will increase the average price of a car by about $75.

Differences in opinion

Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute countered that complying with the rule will increase gas prices by up to nine cents a gallon. API Downstream Group Director Argued that the rule will not only become a threat to consumers, jobs and economy, but it will provide negligible, if any, environmental benefits.

Expressing support for the rule, American Lung Association estimated that the rule will prevent 19,000 asthma attacks and 300,000 missed days of work and school by 2030.

Source: The Washington Post

TheGreenMechanics: Aye, Sir! Let's do it.

Lenovo's LTE smartphone the Vive Z launched in Malaysia

Lenovo's new Vibe Z is now available in Malaysia but for the first month, this will be exclusive to Celcom customers only. It will then be available to the rest of us starting April 15.


Lenovo Vibe Z is equipped with 4G LTE connectivity


For the consumers, this will give them alternative to the expensive iPhone and HTC, and the market dominating Galaxy series. The Vibe Z screen size is 5.5-inch compared to Galaxy S5's 5.1-inch. So, this is more comparable to Galaxy Note 3 in terms of dimension.


Lenovo Vibe Z: Specifications

Screen	-	5.5-inch IPS LCD
Resolution	-	1920 x 1080 pixels, pixel density: 401 PPI
OS	-	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Storage	-	16GB
Processor	-	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, quad-core 2.2GHz Krait 400 CPU
RAM	-	2GB
Connectivity	-	4G LTE, 3G, DC-HSDPA up to 42Mbps, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio, A-GPS
Camera	-	Back: 13 MP with f/1.8 aperture lens, Front: 5 MP
Battery	-	3,000mAh
Dimension	-	149 x 77 x 7.9 mm
Weight	-	147 gram

Malaysia launching of the Lenovo Vibe Z. Photo: Computerworld


Lenovo says that the introduction of the Vibe Z further highlights how the Vibe series has begun to show a real impact in the premium segment of the smartphone market.

The Vibe Z focuses on the premium space of the smartphone market - gesture controls, photo enhancement software and other technologies in a razor-thin form, etc


Lenovo Vibe Z: Price

The retail price of the Vibe Z is RM1,799 but I've seen online price of as low as RM1,350 (iPmart) although this probably would not be equipped with 4G LTE connectivity.

For the early birds, they can get one from Celcom during the launch on March 15 for as low as RM688 ( I suppose this would come with a contract attached to it). You can go to Celcom website to find out more.


TheGreenMechanics:
With the rapid advancement in the manufacturing of mobile devices, prices should be going down and not up. Personal computers and laptops are good examples.

DiGi modernises and improve networks in Malaysia

How is your personal experience with the services provided by your current telecommunication company? Many dropped calls? Intermittent loss of 3G/4G signals when internet-surfing? Limited broadband coverage? Or, are you satisfied?

All of the telcos boost about their products/services being the better ones, but is it always the case?

I'm currently using Celcom for non-broadband services, Maxis for broadband + voice, and DiGi for my broadband-only mobile device. Unfortunately I still experience dropped calls on both Celcom and Maxis on several occasions. I can't comment on DiGi as I don't have voice package with the telco.

If I surf the internet on my mobile devices with Maxis and DiGi, side by side, Maxis beats DiGi anytime, any location (or at least in my case when travelling around west coast of Sabah - Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, Papar). Again, it's a shame that both telcos offer good broadband experience only at selected areas. Talking about limited data coverage.

I remember that MCMC and the relevant ministry warned these telcos on numerous occasions to improve their services or face the music. It's high time they invest good money on better infrastructure rather than just focusing on increasing their customer base.


DiGi investing heavily on improving its network


Launching of DiGi's two new internet products. Photo: Computerworld Malaysia


It's good to learn that DiGi is spending money to provide high quality internet experience.

Computerworld reported that the company has invested about RM1.5 billion (US$460 million) in the last two years in capital expenditure to modernise its network as well as expand its footprint nationwide. In addition, DiGi has further committed up to RM900 million (US$276 million) in capital expenditure to further strengthen its network position.

This is translated into modernisation of electronic parts in more than 5,500 sites with new equipment, expansion of HSPA+ 3G network to more than 80% population coverage, and increasing its own and jointly built fibre network to more than 3,200 kilometres. Malaysia is not a big country, so, 3,200km of fibre optic is quite impressive.

The RM900 million will further improve DiGi's internet experience by increasing its HSPA+ 3G coverage to 86% of population coverage, growing its LTE footprint up to 1,500 sites, and expanding its fibre network.

Currently, DiGi claimed itself to be the fastest growing mobile internet service provider in the country, with mobile internet revenue growth of 47.5% year-on-year.

Source: Computerworld Malaysia

TheGreenMechanics: That's something Celcom and Maxis need to better. For the 'better' speed offered by Maxis, it comes at premium prices in comparison to the other two service providers. Why don't (or why wouldn't) they do that - be competitive price-wise?

Submission of income tax Forms through e-filing starts on Sunday, March 2

For taxpayers like you and me, it's wise to get things done early.

You can start submitting your Income Tax Return Form for the Year of Assessment 2013, through e-filing starting Sunday.

The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) said in a statement Thursday that the dateline for employers (Form E) is March 31, while for residents and non-residents with non-business income (Form BE and M), it is April 30.

The deadline for residents and non-residents with business income (Form B and M) as well as partnerships (Form P) is June 30.

For queries and further information, contact the LHDN call centre at 1-300-88-3010 or log on to the LHDN website at www.hasil.gov.my. The same dates apply for manual submission.

It is a job you and me need to fulfill. So, let's pay what is due.

Source: Inland Revenue Board, LHDN

Malaysia's EPF dividend payout from 2000 to 2013

Malaysia's  Employees Provident Fund or Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) as it is known in Bahasa Melayu, is the world's sixth-largest pension pool. It caters mainly for the private sector.

For 2013, EPF declared a dividend rate of 6.35%, its highest in over a decade.

We should be delighted, but we also hope that the government would maintain the law to enable people to withdraw  their savings at age 55, employed or otherwise.

The following is the historical dividend payout for the past 14 years:




Source: Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), Infographics by: Astro Awani 

6 tips for smartphone privacy and security

You own a smartphone, or perhaps two.

Do you know that our smartphones track wherever we go, what we say, who we say it to, our likes and dislikes, and when we are playing games instead of working? And that our computers track and record the same types of information day in and day out?




There is a long literature written by R.Kaplan in the Computerworld, a link which I have provided at the end of this article. You can scroll right down if you are interested, but if you are more for tips then these are the 6 that was recommended:

Note: I found Iip no.2 to be particularly useful but it'd cost more. How about Item no.6? I think many people enjoy doing them. I see that all the time on Facebook - "Currently enjoying dinner at...", etc.


1. Make sure you continually ask yourself when using mobile devices

Ask yourself, "Do I care if anyone knows this?" where "this" means where you are, what's in the photos, what I am searching for on Google, that I am watching a movie, that I am telling a joke, or a host of other information you are producing.


2. Isolate your professional life from your personal life

While it is clearly more convenient for you to use a single device for dual purposes, realize that if you maintain the integrity of your devices you will be able to shield irrelevant and personal information from business interrogations.

While this is not ideal, it is light years better that being questioned about the homophobic, sexist, or racist joke you sent to your brother last year.


3. Keep some privileged or confidential information on your devices

While this will not likely keep your devices free from prying eyes, it will necessitate the need to implement more costly procedures in the examination of your devices which protect the integrity and character of your information.


4. Control the number and location of backups

The existence and locations of backup media can often be discovered in an examination of a device. If these backups are discovered by a competent examiner, you will be forced to produce them.


5. Don't try to fool the professionals by hiding or deleting information

Be aware that the courts have tools for punishing those who get caught. Since you likely have little idea of the operating characteristics of all the applications and the operating system running on your device, you are not capable of discreetly eliminating data from your device.


6. Quit posting everything you do on social networking sites

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Foursquare and the like are fun, but can prove dangerous to your privacy. If you do post information on social networking sites make certain you use the privacy settings so that you can limit who has access to your information on an ongoing basis and so you can demonstrate your desire for privacy to a court if it orders your information production.

At least don't use your common identity (your first and last name) to catalogue your information.



This was written by Ronald Kaplan for Computerworld and if you would like to read more, you can hop to this link.

Malaysia healthcare system is third best in the world

This is something nice to read from a foreign publication.

A US magazine, International Living rated Malaysia's healthcare system as the third best out of 24 countries in its 2014 Global Retirement Index. It also mentioned that Malaysia is Asia's best place to retire. Go ahead, read it!

This prompted our prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to tweet saying Malaysia should be proud as its healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

PM Najib: "Malaysia scores third best out of 24 countries in International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index 2014. We should be proud!"




Malaysia ranked third in 2014

A study by the American publication, International Living, rates Malaysia's healthcare system as the third best out of 24 countries in its 2014 Global Retirement Index, beating Spain, Italy, Ireland and New Zealand, among other countries.

Malaysia was listed as third place after it scored 95 out of a possible 100 points. The top two countries, France and Uruguay, scored 97 and 96 points respectively.

The index, which was recently released by the Baltimore-based magazine, praised Malaysia's healthcare as the medical expertise of Malaysian healthcare practitioners is equal to or better than what it is in most Western countries.


"It's a bargain"

In its previous publication, International Living provided the following infographic to compare the Healthcare Costs in 7  Top Oversea Havens. Really, compared to other places with similarly world-class equipment, medical care in Malaysia is "a bargain" as some expats described it.



Source: International Living


TheGreenMechanics: You should be proud. A little, if you like. Although you may complain once in a while (ahem.., infact too much at times).


Sources: Bernama, International Living

This smartphone will self-destruct in 5 seconds

In future there is a suggestion that all phones come with a “kill switch”, which would render the phone unusable if it was stolen.

It was proposed by a senator in California and if passed it will become a law that would make it mandatory for smartphone manufacturers to include theft protection security on each phone.

This should concern everyone.

The proposers claimed it will shut down the market for stolen devices.

Problem is, this would also provide opportunity for hackers and criminals to "kill" and disable your phone, and it would still have the same effect of losing your phone.


That is for the general consumers. How about sensitive (national security) issues?

IBM is said to be working on electronics for the U.S. military that will self-destruct on command to ensure that powerful devices holding critical data stay out of the hands of the enemy.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the U.S. military's research arm, awarded a $3.4 million contract for its "Vanishing Programmable Resources" program to IBM on Jan. 31.

"Sophisticated electronics can be made at low cost and are increasingly pervasive throughout the battlefield. However, it is nearly impossible to track and recover every device resulting in unintended accumulation in the environment and potential unauthorized use and compromise of intellectual property and technological advantage." - DARPA on its website.

DARPA said on its website that it's looking for devices, such as sensors, radios and phones, that work as well as off-the-shelf commercial options but can be remotely triggered to break apart.

IBM has been tasked with developing materials, components and manufacturing capabilities. The company, according to DARPA, is working on a "strained glass substrate" that will shatter. A trigger, such as a fuse, will be used in at least one, if not multiple, areas on the device.

The trigger would be set off by a radio-frequency signal.


Source: Computerworld Malaysia

Fujitsu offers leasing programme to help Malaysian corporate and SME businesses

For those wanting to start up a business and want to avoid one of the overhead costs, Fujitsu may have just what you need.

Fujitsu has launched a new laptop leasing programme to help Malaysian businesses remain competitive and productive. From as low as RM70.20 (US$21) per month, business owners of all sizes can now equip their offices with Fujitsu Lifebook series.


Fujitsu officials showing the laptops on offer. Photo credit: Chip magazine


The lease runs for three years with an interest rate of 0.5% per annum. At the end of the period, clients can choose to refresh the equipment leased or buy back the leased equipment at fair market value, depending on their needs.

Businesses stand to benefit from:

• Off-Balance sheet: Rental is an off -balance sheet item that can be treated as an operating expense which will help improve return on equity/assets.


• Low capital outlay: The credit facilities available to you by the bank can be put into more productive use and for other working capital requirements.


• Protection against technology obsolescence: Stay on the cutting edge of technology by switching to the latest and most advanced models in the market with our flexible scheme.


• Flexibility of contract: three options available, to refresh, to extend or to buy-back.

Fujitsu Lifebook models on offer

Lifebook laptops in this leasing programme is available at Fujitsu authorised dealers nationwide, which includes models such as Lifebook AH544, Lifebook E733, Lifebook E743 and Lifebook U772.




TheGreenMechanics: Would be good if this is opened to individuals. Consumers will have more choices and flexibility.


Source: CHIP Magazine

Google's new smart sugar-sensing contact lens for diabetics

You've heard and probably worn the miniature internet-connected Google Glass. The spectacle enables wearers to see, take picture of, and live-stream subjects in front of them.

Miniaturisation doesn't seem to stop there. Google is now crafting a contact lens that contains tiny wireless chip that could help diabetics manage blood sugar levels. This is good news for the contact lens fans out there.


Prototype lenses being tested at Google X can generate glucose readings about once a second. Credit: Google

Google making sugar-sensing contact lens for diabetics

According to Google the lens works using a tiny wireless chip and miniaturized glucose sensor that are embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material.

"We're now testing a smart contact lens that's built to measure glucose levels in tears," project co-founders Brian Otis and Babak Parviz said Thursday in a blog post.

They said prototypes have undergone clinical tests and talks were underway with the US Food and Drug Administration. The project was described as being in its early days, and partners were being sought to make the lenses marketplace reality.

"As you can imagine, tears are hard to collect and study," the Google X lab team members said.

"We wondered if miniaturized electronics -- think chips and sensors so small they look like bits of glitter, and an antenna thinner than a human hair -- might be the way to crack the mystery of tear glucose and measure it with greater accuracy."

Prototype lenses being tested at Google X can generate glucose readings about once a second. Researchers are looking into integrating tiny lights that would warn when blood sugar levels go above or below threshold levels.

Source: AFP


TheGreenMechanics: With diabetes affecting one in every 19 people* on average, this would definitely help in many ways should it become reality. For good or bad, people at Google have came out with many creative innovations in the past.


* - figure cited by Google.

Babagon Dam siren: Stop spreading rumours and fears

With the social media tools in our hand there are two things that are certain: Good and bad.

In this particular example, I opine that it has done more harm than good because the good intention to inform the public of potential danger from heavy rain and flood was defeated by the spread of fears and rumours among the population around the dam and along the river.


Noisy are you! One of the sirens was erected on the compound of SK Babagon, Penampang


I was lucky enough to have attended one of the many awareness programs conducted by the water concessionaire and there is nothing like what was circulated through the social media. Rumours has it that whenever the siren goes off, the authority is releasing water from the dam.

Nonsense! I understand how the logic of the siren works.

What Ir. Teo Chee Kong explained in the Daily Express, is exactly how it works. The siren goes off when the water at the dam reaches certain level, and that is the time when the water would start to overflow naturally through the spillway and subsequently channeled to the river.

Explanation by water engineer, Ir. Teo. Daily Express, January 16, 2014

It is not a 'release of water'. It is a normal overflow. Think of it as you filling a bucket from your tap. When the bucket is full and you don't stop the cock, you get a spill.

The siren is meant to warn people along the river not to do any activity, because the dam is full and water is about to overflow from the spillway.

Explanation by Kota Kinabalu water concessionaire. The Borneo Post, January 16, 2014

If you like mathematics and logic, this is for you:

• The dam level is maintained at 130.5 m (from sea level) before it starts to overflow.
• Level is measured by several ultrasonic level sensors and transducer. 'Several', so that level measured agree to each others. (Statistics say that the more samples you take the lesser mistake you do). More expensive to maintain but this is for safety; why would you want to compromise.
• When the the level rises by, say 5cm, the sensor tells the logic controller (PLC) to let in electrical current to the motor and subsequently sounds the siren.
• This happens in a matter of micro-seconds.

If you are interested, google and find out how transducers, ultrasonic level sensors, and PLC work.


TheGreenMechanics: The next time you want to spread news on social network, please check your facts with the authority concerned. You are not helping by fear mongering.

Be vigilant and have a safe week, when it is raining.

Employees' salaries must be increased by 6% following GST implementation

Why not.

This is the time to start raising the salaries of employees as the sentiment would be that, it is in anticipation of the GST implementation. You do it any other time and people (unscrupulous traders/service providers) start to increase the prices of goods or services, giving this excuse: " you just had your salary revised; you can afford it".

Do it in the name of "mitigating the effect of the GST implementation" and people will be skewed to think that increase of prices of goods would be a 'double blow' and therefore would become an unlikely scenario.

Double blow because -
Firstly the GST, subsidy cut, revision of electricity tariff,
Secondly increase in the prices of goods (anticipated).

Daily Express, January 8, 2014

KPMG says 6% would be a good starting point


KPMG Malaysia, a global audit, tax and advisory services company, is urging both the public and private sectors to gradually increase employees' salaries, in view of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will be implemented in April 2015.

Newly-appointed Managing Partner Johan Idris suggested a six per cent increase in employees' salaries per annum, to help tide over the high cost of living in Malaysia.

"Six per cent would be a good example to begin with, especially after the GST implementation, new electric tariffs, petrol subsidy cuts and new toll rates," he told reporters, after the launch of the second-edition of the Study on Non-Executive Directors 2013 — Profile and Pay publication.

Johan said that the GST implementation was inevitable, as Malaysia was a developing and a highly-subsidised country.

"As a developing country, many foreign companies come in to conduct business here, and they also enjoy the same cost structure like the locals.

"So, by implementing the GST, which will also be levied on foreign companies and expatriates here, the government can spend revenue accrued appropriately, to help balance its budget," he said.


Source: The Edge Malaysia

Samsung announced industry-leading 8-Gigabit LPDDR4 mobile RAM chip

With this announcement, future Samsung mobile devices could be fitted with bigger 4GB RAM and it could be realised as early as this month during the International CES trade show in Las Vegas.

Thinking of Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 already?


Another industry's first. Image credit Samsung Tomorrow


What this means is that, Samsung will be able to offer a breakthrough 4GB dynamic RAM chips which would be 50% faster than the current fastest LPDDR3 RAM.

In simple terms, you have more performance in your hand (literally). More importantly it uses 40% less energy compared to the latest chip - your battery should last longer!


Samsung Develops Industry’s First 8Gb LPDDR4 Mobile DRAM

Samsung has developed the industry's first 8 Gigabit LPDDR4 (low power double data rate) mobile DRAM. By combining four of them, the electronics giant claimed a high-end smartphone or tablet can get 4GB of RAM.

Today many expensive smartphones have 2GB of RAM, while Samsung's own Galaxy Note 3 has 3GB.

The memory increase and performance improvement offered by Samsung's chip will result in faster, more responsive applications and will open the door for more advanced features as well as higher resolution displays, according to the company.

The product also consumes less power than current memory chipsets, it said. Other expected smartphone trends for 2014 are faster LTE network connections and faster processors.


TheGreenMechanics: The latest Apple flagship, the iPhone 5S uses only 1GB of RAM compared to Samsung's 2GB and 3GB  on its high-end mobile devices. But the 5S feels pretty fast and perform just as good. Maybe it's how the operating system is written/programmed that matters.

I'm happy with what I have, save for the battery performance. I really need my smartphone to last longer than a day on continuous usage.


Source: Samsung

Do-Not-Call registry to launch January 2, 2014 in Singapore

Do you occasionally receive calls from individual or organisation purportedly representing a bank where you keep your account? I do.

On many occasions these individuals introduced themselves as representatives of Standard Chartered Bank, implying that they have the blessing of the bank to contact me to market of their products and services. I do not want this and I don't wish to be contacted by a telemarketer for insurance products.

In Singapore, a national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry will be officially launched on January 2 next year. What this mean is that beginning next year, consumers wanting to opt out of telemarketing calls can register with a watchdog called PDPC and ensure their rights are protected.


Capture from my copy of The Straits Times, December 26, 2013.


Consumers can register to avoid getting unwanted calls, SMS and fax message. Telemarketers found to be guilty of defying the registry rules risk a maximum S$10,000 (RM25,975) fine.

I wish I could do that in Malaysia.

Top 10 best-selling cars in Singapore (2013)

I was reading my copy of The Straits Times made available to hotel guests during our stay at Festive Hotel Singapore and this caught my attention - for the top 5 best-selling brands, the rank was dominated by European cars, with one Japanese brand in the mix.


3,506 Mercedes cars were sold in Singapore as at end-November 2013. Snapshot: The Stratis Times, December 24


Of the 10 favourite brands in The Lion City, one Korean car maker (Hyundai) made it to the list. Sorry Malaysia, your brands are nowhere in sight here. I'm not questioning why; I'm just reflecting on the popularity of the national cars outside of their country of origin.

To put things into perspective, popular models in Singapore such as BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class are (for examples) sold at:

BMW 328i Luxury (A) Sedan - S$242,800 (with COE)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 BlueEfficiency 7G-Tronic - S$237,888 (with COE)
[Reference: Oneshift]

In Malaysia similar cars would cost:
BMW 328i Luxury (A) Sedan - RM293,800
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY 7G-Tronic - RM262,888
[Reference: Cycle & Carriage]


Top 10 best-selling brands in Singapore (Jan-Nov 2013):

Mercedes-Benz	-	3,506
BMW	-	3,295
Toyota	-	3,037
Volkswagen	-	2,729
Audi	-	1,593
Volvo	-	873
Mazda	-	595
Nissan	-	545
Jaguar	-	457
Hyundai	-	444

Proton & Perodua?           -       dream on?

As an example, Proton Preve 1.6 CFE is selling at S$116,000 ( total base price of S$58,000).
Kia Forte K3 1.6 (A) 2013 is selling at S$133,999 (total base price of S$67,000).

From every angle you look at it, Proton and Perodua will take a back seat in terms of number of cars sold in the rich city state. It's the similar case in Brunei.

TheGreenMechanics: While gaining popularity at home, there's still much to be desired of the homegrown car brands with regards to competitiveness and quality in general. Prices are still very high for Malaysian standard of living.

SEDA responded to concerns raised on the revised 1.6% surcharge

This is an excerpt of the press statement by Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia in respond to the concerns raised by YB Mr. Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Penang and YB Dr Ong Kian Ming, a Member of Parliament for Serdang, on the achievements by SEDA Malaysia to justify the revision of the surcharge on electricity bills for renewable energy (RE) fund from 1.0% to 1.6%.


Beginning January 1 next year, consumers in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan will be levied with 1.6% surcharge in their electricity bills.


Effective date of the revised rate

The revised surcharge is effective from 1st January 2014 and affects electricity consumers of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB); however domestic consumers with 300 kWh and less of electricity usage per month are exempted from such contribution.


Achievement and milestones

According to the CEO of SEDA Malaysia Datin Badriyah Abdul Malek, since the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) mechanism was implemented on the 1st December 2011, 2,686 applications have been approved out of which 89.1% of the applications were for solar photovoltaic (PV) for the individuals, 8.9% for solar PV for non-individuals and 2% collectively for biomass, biogas, and small hydro.

SEDA Malaysia has approved RE capacity of 482 MW (expected to achieve commercial operation by 2015), comprising:

Solar PV      - 40.2%
Biomass      - 27.7%
Small hydro  - 27.2%
Biogas         - 4.9%

Under the previous Small Renewable Energy Power (SREP) programme which was launched on 11th May 2001, only 61.2 MW of RE capacity was connected to the grid as at the end of 2010. Hence, the FiT mechanism which has been operational for only 2 years has achieved more RE capacity than the previous SREP which spanned nearly a decade.


Justification

By 2014, the projected job creation for the RE industry under the FiT programme is 11,412 whilst the total investment on the approved RE capacity is estimated to be RM 7.3 billion. Citing the solar PV industry as an example, in 2006, there were only 8 PV service providers in the country providing grid connected PV services. Today, more than 100 PV service providers have emerged in Peninsular Malaysia alone. With the opening of the FiT to Sabah and FT Labuan, SEDA expects the solar PV service providers to grow in numbers in the coming years.

The RE targets meted out under the National RE Policy and Action Plan was on the basis of collection of 2% surcharge imposed on electricity bills. SEDA said that for the past 2 years, only 1% surcharge was collected and without a revision of the surcharge, the RE industry and market growth in the country under the FiT will come to a grinding halt.


The Green Mechanics' 2 cents:

So, the RE targets in the National RE Policy was based on collection of 2% surcharge imposed on electricity bills? Why then the consumers alone are made to shoulder the burden? I have said my piece of mind before and I will say it again:-

The current 1% surcharge is correct and sufficient. The government just need to top it up with another 1% to make the endeavour a joint participation by both the government and the public. If SEDA revise the rate to 1.6%, the government should match it with 1.6%.

Furthermore, SEDA was not transparent (or perhaps overlooked) in giving out facts and figures in its press statement, especially the revolving fund size and the the projected amount it needed to keep the RE industry going. If I was asked to donate to certain organisation, I'd need to know where my money is going, and how much money is already in the organisation's coffer.

Would you not ask questions if your brother asks for certain amount of money, even if you could afford it?