THE TAMBAK JOHOR BLOG

So damn hot!!

2011-11-25T15:37:00.000+08:00

Sometimes it is just so damn hot, that you are pancit the moment you clear the checkpoints.

We are Malaysians after all

2011-07-25T23:09:00.000+08:00

Most tambak riders are lunatics on the road. And so accidents of them on Singapore expressways are very common(Way more common than on JB roads and it is something I cannot explain). But that is not the purpose of this blogpost.

Whenever a tambak rider accident occurrs, it always brings out some sort of camaraderie amongst us. It is rather weird in a way that when shit happens on Singaporean expressways, we see only a fellow Malaysian in trouble and we must render assistance without blinking an eyelid. At such moments we do not see ourselves as Indian Malaysians, Malay Malaysians, Chinese Malaysians, Sabahan or even Singaporean.

I have personally met with an accident on AYE. Within a minute I hit the ground, two tambak riders approached me and I was whisked to safety on the road shoulders in the next minute. The swiftness in our response to fellow riders in dire are truly amazing.

In an accident a few months back this Malaysian Chinese Uncle whose motor buang(skidded) on the BKE.

Immediately an Indian uncle stop his motorbike in the center lane, shielding and signaling to vehicles behind him to avoid squashing the fallen Chinese uncle. In doing so the Indian uncle was risking his own safety too.

Fortunately the the Chinese uncle just suffered scratches. He got up on his own to move his bike to the side of the road. While the kind Indian uncle helped picked up the stuffs laying on the road.

More tambak riders stopping to check if things are ok. Maybe a bit kepoh but it help slows down the oncoming vehicles. Things were settled in about 5 minutes and everyone rode off for home.

Of course it is quite normal for strangers to help others in moment of needs such as an accidents. Nonetheless, I do feel strongly that there is something else there. It is like an unwritten code that we tambak riders are foreigners in a foreign land, therefore it is imperative we must help those of us that has fallen. For one day it maybe us on the other end in need of urgent help.

Although some tambak riders do get into bloody fistfights when someone cut queue. But when we are stuck at the checkpoint jams, we generally see ourselves as Malaysians (albeit downtrodden).

The really sad thing is that when we crossed over the causeway into JB, we sinked back into our own ethnically polarized groups.

My Story

2011-07-04T02:25:00.004+08:00

Hello again everyone,

Got some messages about where the f%*k did I went missing to the past few months. Well I was uneasy with some weird things that happened around me. That made me feel I was being watch by Big Brother. So I decided to keep low profile for awhile.

Then why am I blogging again now? Well it had to do my trip to Tanjong Pagar station on June 30th. It was the final day of service for KTM trains at the station.

Being there reminded me of the stories my mom used to tell about our family's early struggle. The train travels from South(SG or JB)to KL or vice versa were featured in many of our family's toughest moment.

Those long trips were interesting and tough for young families back then. For those families that were poor like us, third class tickets were only what we could afford.

A typical trip starts with my father going up the train with the luggages to scramble for seats(霸位)while the rest of us waited on the platform. After he found the seats, he would then yelled out from the window so that my mom would know which train coaches to board.

After the whole family had boarded, the long journey on non-reclining seats in non air-cond coaches began. When my parents need to put me(a baby back then) to sleep, my father would then mount the sarong and its spring onto the coach luggage rack above our seats. Though we had to use baby napkins(no Pampers or Mommy Poko for us), my mom tell us now how fortunate she was that my brother and I did not gave her much problem on those train journey.

Well as I rework my memories while lingering around on the historic day last week, it suddenly dawned to me that it was actually the first time I had been into Tanjong Pagar station in my life. My brother had boarded trains at Tanjong Pagar but not me. All those train trips that I've been in was actuallly arriving and departing from JB.

As the pieces of memories fell into place, I felt I needed to blog about how all this came about. To explain I need to go back to where it all started.

My father left Pahang in the late 1960s and came down to Singapore. Like many Malaysian youths that time, he became construction worker. It was the time when big tall buildings started to boom all over what we called CBD now. Later in the 1970s he married my mom who was a Singaporean and then came my brother.

The dramatic turn of events came when I was born. Two weeks after I was born, Singapore government discovered that my father was staying/working in Singapore without a work permit(something not uncommon back then). The government officers gave my father less than 48 hours to leave Singapore or risk being deported or maybe even jail.

And so my father left Singapore the next evening after dinner with a heavy heart. He rented a bed in JB motel for the next few weeks while trying to figure out how to get out of this mess . Not only was my mom was numb on what to do next. She was also fearful as she had no clear idea what the laws were. Whether whe had broken any of the laws and what Singapore government would do to her.

Most Singaporeans those days had first hand experience of what Lee Kuan Yew was capable of and had good reasons to be fearful. My mom was one of them. And that explained why she went along with being sterilized after my birth. Not many lowly educated poor couple dared to stand in the way of Lee Kuan Yew's quasi eugenics steam train (with preferential coaches for graduate talents).

Out of fear, she quickly terminated our rental flat at HDB. Realizing that there was no way she is going to cope with a newborn plus a toddler by herself (also without any income), she had to leave Singapore for now.

A few weeks later with the help of my father's Ipoh friend, my mom brought my brother and I to reunite with my father who was waiting for us in JB. On the night of that very same day, our family departed from JB to KL and later to Pahang. So my first time on a KTM train was from JB. (And somehow in all the years that passed later, I did not had the privilege of being in Tanjong Pagar station even once).

But our family problem did not end there. My mom was really suffering in Pahang. It was a combination of adapting to a rubber tapping backwaters environment and also my difficult to get along with grandmother.

She had written letters to her family in Singapore. Sensing something was not right, my maternal grandfather asked my mom's cousin to help out. And so this cousin and her husband travelled all the way from Singapore to Pahang to visit my mom. Upon returning to Singapore, my mom's cousin related how my mom lost a lot of weight and was very distressed.

My mom's elder brother knew he had to do something. And on his next business trip to KL, he visited my mom in Pahang. Before he left, he gave my mom some money and a note (with the hotel address he was staying in Bukit Bintang). He told my mom that he will be in KL for the next few days. And if she really could not cope anymore, just use the money and look for him in KL.

The next day, my mom knew she could not take it anymore and had to leave us behind, however painful it was going to be. While my brother and I was napping, she left for KL and then back to Singapore with my uncle on the KTM train again.

A few weeks later, my father made the brave decision to reunite the family again. It is something that I truly respect him for. He packed the bags, carried me(less than a year old) in one hand while holding my brother's hand with the other and went downsouth on the KTM train again.

Again this time we got off at JB as my father was still barred from entering Singapore. My father phoned my mom. Upon hearing we were in JB, my mom rushed over to meet us. My brother and I followed our mom back to Singapore for while my father tried to find work in JB.

Afterward my mom worked as a waitress somewhere near Hill Street. An old childless couple help took care of me while my mom was at work. My mom often tells me how this couple really doted on me. Although I don't remember them, I am very grateful for what they did. My brother was sent to my aunties place. My mom will visit him during her off days and he would cry profusely everytime my mother had to leave.

Meanwhile, my mom's elder brother appealed to Singapore government to get my father off the blacklist. After many months, he finally managed to do it. My father could enter Singapore again and even work (provided with a valid work permit of course).

But he refused to stay and work Singapore again. Rightly or wrongly, he hates Lee Kuan Yew for what had happened to us when I was born. Of course you may argue that Singapore government was very lenient and could have slap a fine or jail term against my father.

But to my father although we were poor, we were not welfare bums taking free lunch from Singaporeans. Singapore government could have afforded some grace and flexibility to let my father some make arrangement for my motherand us. But the way it left my mother(who was still in confinement) in a lurch with a newborn plus a toddler was simpy ruthless.

So my father would rather eaked it out in JB where he had no job and no friends at that time than to go back to Singapore. About a year later my father had a job and found a place for us to start anew. And so my mom and us kids moved to JB and settled here ever since.

Going through the past made me contemplate on keeping my low profile recently. Why am I so afraid of incurring wrath from Singapore government?Yes there are rules against documenting of activities at immigration checkpoints? But I am not a threat to national security. Hey I am just blogging about the unrecorded struggles of thousands Malaysians who contributes to Singapore prosperity.

I may not have stories as dramatic as mediacorp serials . But I do feel that my struggles with fellow kaki tambaks do tell a meaningful human side of things. Something I feel that should be passed on.

I've exposed quite a bit of myself today and it may come back to my detriment. But I have taken the decision not to stay quiet. If I ever get kicked out of Singapore for blogging, then be it. At least it was my choice.

I am back and hope to post regularly again.

Buah potong percuma at 2nd Link Fruit stall.

2010-08-04T14:46:00.000+08:00

I have been wanting to write a post regarding the fruit stall at 2nd link R&R(northbound)for quite sometime now. I regard this stall as the most successful enterprise of the 2nd link causeway. Unlike the some of the efforts on PLUS that cost a lot but doesn't give much value in return, this stall really gives us the highway users lift when we need it most.

After a hard day of work, travel and traffic jams; there is nothing better to quench our thirst and sooth the our battered bodies.

Yesterday to everyone's surprise, the owner of this fruit stall had a free buah potong session. The stall supervisor told me that the owner had wanted this session to be a token of performing zakat for the coming fasting month and also to reward the loyal customers.

Tambak riders enjoying the free watermelons. Too bad the pineapple ran out before I reached.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Watching TV on China Phone During Motorbike jam

2010-07-02T15:39:00.000+08:00

Being stuck in motorbike jams for an hour or more is a daily thing for us. During the jams we do all sort of stuff to kill time.

The following video shows an uncle watching the Channel 8 evening mandarin news while pushing his bike:

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Unusual Traffic Jam Again Today. What's the reason?

2010-06-10T21:48:00.001+08:00

Today there was an unusual massive jam at Woodlands checkpoint. Unusual because, traffic has been very good the past week because of the school holidays.

At 6.30pm it was unusual for people getting of the bus from Kranji and start walking uphill to the checkpoints.

I reached the viaduct at 5.50pm and the que wasn't long. Usually it takes only 30mins to clear the checkpoints. But I only got into the causeway at 7pm. While being stuck, I was wondering what on earth was causing this jam.

Is it computer glitch at Woodlands side? Did another suspected terrorist escape from ISA detention? As I approach the causeway, the problem was not on the Singapore side. So maybe it was construction works at the Malaysian side.

But finally when I reached the causeway midpoint, there was a lorry that caught fire due to overheating. And this is a rather unusual jam, the first of its kind for me.

Fortunately the driver was unhurt. Well just another day on the causeway.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

So tired .....

2010-05-25T13:18:00.001+08:00

No time to blog for quite sometime. The travelling everyday really leaves you exhausted.

Here are some pictures to show how tired we tambak riders are.

Pillion taking a nap

Even a young fella also tired like hell.

One auntie taking a quick nap while her husband steers the bike.

The hardest part. Forcing urself to work every morning.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

What Crazy Tambak Riders carry on their motorbike?

2010-04-11T22:25:00.000+08:00

Nice Fit

4 foot long ladder

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

A Sabahan on Death Row In Singapore (Part 2)

2010-03-28T20:40:00.001+08:00

I am of the opinion that people in Malaysia and Singapore have been over reliant on mandatory death penalty to solve drug trafficking activities and drug abuses. We seriously need to relook at the whole drug picture again.

Abolishment of Mandatory Death Penalty For Drug Trafficking

And there are those who worry that if mandatory death sentence were to be abolished, so the prisons especially Singapore will be overcrowded. Singapore is like an insect with multi-tentacles. Each tentacles will feed on the inefficiency of corrupted neighbors and making Singapore hyper rich in the process.

So it is only fair that some of these reformed youthful drug mule from harsh neighboring countries be given the life sentence instead of the gallows. Deserving is by no means easy. Cases need to be supported by prison personnels, counsellors, respectable religious leaders and NGOs like Vui Kong's cases.

As for resources, I believe the bureaucrats can come up with something. It's not like taking money out of Singapore or Malaysia. In Singapore case, its like spending less on upgrading of hawker centers and parks which do not need renovations. And hiring more people in prison and rehabilitation services. For Malaysia its simply less corruption and more money to fight rural poverty.

I betcha there are many more drug related death sentence in Singapore. You don't see oppositions and activists screaming like crazy on everyone of them. They are people with more limited resource than the government. And in Vui Kong case, it really touched a lot of us and definitely worth fighting for.

Drug Trade

From what I knew from my former drug pusher friend, in the 1960s drug was a big problem. There were lots of people peddling drugs. Then came mandatory death penalty which managed to reduce drastically the number of people who were willing to smuggle to drugs.

But as time when by, the drug lord became smarter and nowadays those who get the death penalty are only small flies. In spite of the death penalty, there is still plenty of supply out there. Only the price has gone up making the drug bosses richer. There is no problem getting social or hardcore drugs at any nightspots in Thailand, Malaysia or even Singapore.

Excuse for being a bit irrational here, not everything in this world and especially legal system is black and white. If it was, the drug bosses from Myanmar to Malaysia to Iran to Africa will not find it so easy to acquire friendly financial services in laundering their ill
gotten money.

But then again the law is the law. To not follow it may lead to chaos. To exercise arbitrary discretion may lead to abuse of such authority. It applies to everyone. Including illiterate kerbau(mule) from a fractured upbringing who cannot read "Death Penalty of Traffickers?" in English, Chinese or maybe even Malay.

Non-Absolutism of Legal System

As serious as mandatory death penalties are, they are still just a man made legal instrument deemed useful as punishments or deterrent against drug trade. It should not be regarded as absolute and not allow for some discretion. Any enacted law should evolve(maybe abolished too) according to its effectiveness and relevancy.

At a Anwar Ibrahim Club forum, Hishamuddin Rais actually raised a very pertinent point. He said, "the constitution and laws are product of the ruling parties. When there is a regime change, so will the laws. There is nothing ultra special position and taboo about it ". He was referring to the micro-evolution of legal structure within a greater evolution of a society itself.

Discretionary provisions existed for centuries throughout all legal systems be it Syariah, British and Americans. Its the joker card meant to help the principle fairness and justice prevails. As with any joker it is an often abused double-edged sword. But without such provisions, there will be no recuse when governments enact cruel draconian laws that must be followed strictly by the law.

Mass Citizen Activism To Compliment Legal System

The best approach to macro challenges would be through mass citizen activism. Only then will the government be pressured to properly exercise the authorities and discretion that we gave them in the first place. Any judge, statesmen or academics no matter how well trained can be fallible. No ideology can be flawlessly applied to every circumstance. Even if there were no referendum, at least the legislature and judiciary will be pressured to come with a good general solution to the problem. And maybe as in calculus a particular solution to specific circumstances.

All I can say is that it is commendable to be a law abiding citizen. But that is not an end to itself. Art harun did 2 great piece on the illusion of justice of our man-made legal system : Jusitce Is an Illusion and Three Kid and A Flute.

The Greeks came up with the great concept of democracy. Democracy should not be reduced to being a mere governance method of regular elections. It should also be utilized as an ideology against man-made absolutism.

And also, the most important thing that I'd learnt from my decades in a much maligned Malay and Islam dominated educational system was Ibn Khaldun's work on civilization. In his work, the spirit of 'Asabiyyah' social solidarity is the core of any society/civilization.

When Assabiyah weakens, the elites will takeover. Oppression tricks will surface to turn the rest into herds and apathy will kick in. The society then will find it difficult to overcome the challenges it faces and subsequently lead to further decline. If we lost the spirit Assabiyah - no amount of technologies, public policies, legal or management system can save us.

As a society we cannot turn a blind eye anymore and just let legal punishment takeover. To escape poverty many rural youths especially Sabahans and Sarawakians flocked to KL and JB in search for a living. Some of them become vagrants in the cities. Instead of ending up on the streets many of these rural youths are eventually exploited to become Ah Long Runners and in Vui Kong's case a drug mule.

Hell do not break loose when we do not follow strict formality. Its only when indifference and apathy dominates us that our world becomes hell.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

A Sabahan on Death Row In Singapore (Part 1)

2010-03-28T18:33:00.003+08:00

LIANAIN FILMS: The Story Of Yong Vui Kong

Yong Vui Kong is a 22 year old Sabah youth, who was caught carrying 47g of heroin into Singapore. He was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death. He is currently currently awaiting the decision of the Court Of Appeal on his appeal against the death sentence.

A friend of mine was uncomfortable with the fact that Singaporean Opposition camp and activists going so far in stirring emotions with Vui Kong's case. He felt also that their pursuit of abolishing mandatory death penalty are impractical. Most of contents here are part of the messages we exchanged regarding to this issue.

I think nobody can argue Vui Kong did know that he was carrying an amount of drugs that could possibly lead to death sentence. By Singapore standards, Vui Kong had been a given a transparent and unbiased trial. Therefore we must accept the fact that he is going to be hanged like the many drug mules before him. We cannot let sentimentality obscure the devastation that drug abuse brings. To let drug traffickers or drug mules off with life jail sentence would be inviting chaos to a small island like Singapore. Why make such a big fuss?

There is a piece by Andrew Loh of The Online Citizen that really moved me. It can be read here "Story Of A Boy". After reading the piece, I realized something must be done not only to saved Vui Kong. But to free the people minds from the fixation that legal punisments are supreme, unevolvable and detached from our humanity. Vui Kong's lawyer M Ravi summed it up best that death sentencing should not be automated and robotic.

I was truly touched by Choon Hiong, Khalis and active SG citizens who supported Vui Kong and his family. It is their efforts that pressured the court to gentlemanly allow for his final appeal to be heard. He would have been executed by now if not for them. 2 weeks ago, The Court of Appeal has reserved for the judgement, until they can thoroughly study the case again. This is a great victory for Singaporeans because the small voice(opposition and activists) have been taken into consideration. Singapore is not a so sterile place after all.

I do not want to question Choon Hiong, Khalis, SDP and TheOnlineCitizen motives in going all out to support Vui Kong.Yes they are anti- PAP, it is their right to do so. Yes they try to get emotional. And they probably hate me because I am one of those Singdollar digger from JB. But because of them I knew of Vui Kong plight and it made more human than before.

To tell you the truth, I feel that I am not fit to question them. I am a Malaysian who was in a situation where I could have offered some support to Vui Kong and family. But I did absolutely nothing other than being busy earning my Singdollar. When Choon Hiong and friends organized a photo taking session to support Vui Kong, all I could do was to send my thank you. Because I need to feed a family. I fear for my work permit renewal and will not take a remote risk of taking pictures with some SDP fellas.

As a Malaysian I am glad that there Singaporeans in spite of their anti-foreigner stance, can put aside their prejudices and fight for a troubled youth from a terrible country like ours.

In Part 2, I will try to explore more on drug trafficking and its mandatory death sentence.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Polis Bantuan?

2010-03-07T20:40:00.001+08:00

Notice anything unusual in the photo below.

Let me enlarge it a little.

I knew there are some Polis Bantuan or auxiliary police at the new JB checkpoint. But Polis Bantuan Tenaga Nasional Berhad was really an eye opener.This discovery did raised some questions for me.

I hope someone out there can help to clarify on it.
1)Under which Act and what criterias are GLCs or private companies given the authority to engage Polis Bantuan?
2) What are the conditions affecting the total no of Polis Bantuan that they can employ?
3) Are these Polis Bantuan employed directly by the end customer? Or does the end customer needs to get them from some PDRM approved security companies?
4)Do these Polis Bantuan have two ICs? Meaning a normal civilian Mykad and another police IC? Do they vote postally?

This Polis Bantuan group can be vulnerable to abuse. Their services are most probably contract which means it can be very easily terminated. Unlike normal PDRM police officers who has more job security and their dismissal requires standard review procedure.

What really worries me is that NGOs and opposition are not highlighting the possible adverse effect of Polis Bantuan on the electoral rolls. If I can see the potential abuse, you can bet that those power crazy and money hungry Barisan people will be on it.

The last thing this country needs are Polis Bantuan Telekom, Polis Bantuan Tabung Haji, Polis Bantuan Astro or even Polis Bantuan Peminjam Wang Berlesen.

Regards,
Kaki tambak

CNY Exodus at the Causeway

2010-02-13T16:56:00.000+08:00

Its that time of the year, when hundreds of thousands of Malaysians scramble to balik kampung for their Chinese New Year Celebration. Here are some videos taken yesterday at the causeway when the traffic jam was not so bad.

Scrambling home using every possible means(bus, cars, motorcycles, bicycles and walking).

Uphill walk for pedestrian. Really jiak lat under the hot sun especially for those with luggage.

Crossing the road at some risk for the final climb up to Bukit Chagar checkpoint.

During weekends or holiday eves, it is very normal for Malaysians to walk all the way from Woodlands to the new JB checkpoint up on Bukit Chagar. Its a really painstaking 45 minutes walk. But they don't really have a choice. Because during these times, traffic jam on the Singapore side blocks most of the buses from passing through and ferrying people across the causeway. Thereby leaving many people stuck at the Woodlands Checkpoint waiting desperately for a bus. The ques are so long that there are no room for standing and people are forced to walk across.

Here is the route people need to walk from Woodlands to JB(Checkpint or City Square.

So this is what people down here have to go through for Chinese New Year.

Some of my earlier post on Bukit Chagar CIQ can be found :
Crooked Bridge
Bukit Chagar CIQ
New Route Explained

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Breaking News!! Lawsuit filed against Queen

2010-01-26T00:10:00.002+08:00

Paprikjaya, 25 Jan - The current Allah controversy in Bolehsia has taken a new turn. The attorney- general Adoi Gona Pantat had filed criminal charges against 'Queen' the 1970s rock band for using the word 'Bismillah' in their song Bohemian Rhapsody.

In speaking to reporters outside the High Court, Gona Pantat said the case was established based on the report of Ketat state MP Zul Kick Me Puting police report earlier in the morning. 'Bismillah' is considered another term for 'Allah' which only can be used by Muslims in Bolehsia. As the song is hugely popular in Bolehsia, the authorities fear that Bolehsia Muslims could be confused by the lyrics and lead them to a life of hedonistic British Hippies.

The Bar Counter of Jln Chow Kit has issued a statement expressing reservations of these charges. In it they said that that Queen's lead vocalist Freddie Mercury was born a Muslim by the name of Farrokh Bulsara, thereby giving him legal rights to sing the word 'Bismillah'. However Gona Pantat rebuke the Bar, by insisting the current restriction of using Allah applies to beer-drinking, ganja-smoking and anal penetrating Kafirs too.

Meanwhile Bik 'Killer Queen' Mama wasted no time in launching a utterly, irrelevant and unsolicited publicity attempt. She pointed that the song was the primary cause that led a group of students to protest her visit to Universiti Bolehya. She stressed further that if students keep idolizing Queen, they will lose their way and become college dropout. She was obviously ignorant of the fact that Queen's lead guitarist Brian May has a PhD in astrophysics and is currently the chancelor of a Liverpool John Moore University.

Not to be outdone, the Inspector General of Police Muntah 'Under Pressure' Laksa, has vowed he will mobilized all police personnel to clamp down on live performance of Bohemian Rhapsody by all non muslim artists. Especially mini skirt Filipino and Chinese night club singers.

Regarding the case Chief Justice Tan Sri Maki 'Good old fashion lover boy' Nonomi, had expressed regret that Justice Ovaltine Pooh could not preside over the case as he was part of 'Another Bites The Dust' performance. However he stressed that he will do a lompat kijang of the case straight to the Federal Court to dispense swift injustice.

Not to be outdone, the information minister 'Bicycle Race' kowtim warned members of public not to watch videos of Bohemian Rhapsody on youtube, facebook or twitter. Such videos will erode the culture of Bolehsia and may lead to luar tabii sexual activities.

Caution : The videos are suitable for Muslim of weak Qalb.

Pregnant Kaki Tambaks

2010-01-25T14:22:00.001+08:00

My wife is pregnant now. So I know first hand how pregnancy inflicts physical torture on most women. Firstly,the constant gastric attacks on the esophagus which leads to constant vomiting. Then there are the headaches. Not a moment goes by without lethargies kicking in. Their energy are are so low that they always feel depressed. Then the vomiting stops (some women never stop vomiting until they give births), they start to have cramps, backaches and their bodies become bloated (Hyponatremia).

So it is tough being pregnant. It is even tougher for a pregnant kaki tambak. The fortunate ones are those who vomit inside their private cars on the causeway. The less fortunate ones will have to take the busses. And the most unfortunate ones are those like the picture below.

A pregnant kaki tambak with a very huge tummy. The jam was around 1 hour that evening.

Another very tired looking pregnant kaki tambak, taking shade from the strong evening sun while his husband was pushing their motorbike.

Being pregnant and on a motorbike for 3 hours per day will make your body aching all over. Furthermore breathing in exhaust fumes will increase the risk of miscarriages. Not to mention the slightest of accidental impact could cause serious injuries.

No husband would like to let their wife suffer like this. So why are there still so many pregnant Malaysians trotting the causeway everyday? The reason is just that many Malaysians could barely afford the basic things in their daily lives.

Is there something wrong with Malaysia? I will leave that for you to decide.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

The King Kong In Us

2010-01-11T23:37:00.003+08:00

I actually intended to write something about my friend Raymond Lee, a talented musician and a former kaki tambak.

But when I got home from work, I came across the news of Tan Chun Kee who was robbed and stabbed to death in KL. The news made me numb.

It brought me back to 2006 when I too lost my dear friend in the same manner. She was killed 3 days before she could turn 18. She was cremated on what was supposed to be her 18th birthday. That was the darkest hours of my life.

It was with great sadness that I have to read the news of Chun Kee, the latest victim. What evils and hatred that drove these perpetrator to kill their innocent defenseless victim? Where is justice? When will the killing stops? How can I not hate this murderers? These questions are a burden that I carry everyday.

So it was weird, that later tonight my 2 year old daughter forced me and my wife to watch the DVD King Kong by Peter Jackson. During the movie, I could sensed my daughter being touched by King Kong. I could see the sadness in her eyes when King Kong was pounded by bullets after bullets and falling imminently to his death. At the end of movie she immediately gave her mother a hug.

And it struck me that all humans or beasts are born with a love and affinity for life. My daughter has it. King Kong did not lost his. But it seems that many of us has lost it somewhere in the midst of our complex man made society. Until we humans rediscover it, we cannot find a way out from the violence and hatred clouding all over us.

Weird as it seems, that a fictional Hollywood beast can possibly shed some light on our lives. But only if we want it to.

Peace,
Kaki Tambak

Calling All Malaysians down South!!! Voter Registration At Sutera Mall on Every Sunday of Jan 2009

2010-01-05T23:07:00.000+08:00

The following article is a citizen journalism report by Anak Bangsa Malaysia Selatan:

Johor Bahru, Jan 3 - A voter registration campaign was launched at Sutera Mall, Johor Bahru today. In this campaign a voter registration kiosk will be setup at Sutera Mall(next to Information Counter) from 11am to 10pm for every Sunday of January 2009. The kiosk are meant for new voters registration only. For existing voters who wish to change their voting address, they need to change their address at the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) first and then register the same changes at the Malaysian Election Commision (Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya or SPR) offices or the nearest Post offices.

The kiosk is managed by Mr Tan Yen Ming, Assistant Registrar appointed by SPR. SPR's Assistant Registrars are apointed from civil servants or nominated by political parties to assist them in the registration of new voters. In Mr Tan's case he was nominated by PKR. All voter registration operations by these Assistant Registrars are operated under SPR banner. No political parties or organizations logo or indirect campaigning are allowed to be featured in such operations.

This campaign aims to help eligible Malaysians who are unable to personally visit SPR offices or Post Offices during office hours for registration. Additionally Malaysians working or staying in Singapore can also take advantage of the voter registration kiosk at Sutera Mall. To register as a voter all need to do is you fill in an SPR form and need produce your Mykad for verification purpose.

Afterwards, the Assistants Registrar will submit these completed forms to SPR for processing. Since they are submitting hundreds or thousands of forms at one go, there are possibility that some registrations form will not be successful the first time due to the heavy load of paperwork at SPR. Mr Tan assured that he will follow up and ensure all his submitted registrations to the SPR are successful. In the event of SPR rejecting some registration, he will seek the reasons from SPR and informed the voter applicants accordingly.

Mr Tan assisted by volunteers at the voter registration kiosk at Sutera Mall

Mr Tan verifying and completing the registrations forms.

As of 8pm today close to 400 new voters has been registered at the kiosk. They people behind this campaign is appealing to all unregistered eligible voters in JB and Singapore, to secure their right to vote and exercise their right to vote in the coming election. - Anak Bangsa Malaysia Selatan

So guys please kick the butt of those millions of Malaysians around you who still have not bother to registered. Concerned fellow Malaysians are sacrificing their Subdays to help you get registered. Please do your part for Malaysia.

PS : Most of the volunteers there are not PKR members. They are there to help Mr Tan only.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Lets make the new year great!

2010-01-02T00:24:00.003+08:00

I am going to be a bit odd here and not wishing the conventional 'Happy New Year'.

Instead I challenge every Malaysian to make this year great. In order to have happy new year, we have to first work hard towards it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to spoil the party. Celebrate all you like but a happy and smashing year won't fall merrily onto our lap. Only after when we achieved something significantly greater, then we can be able to call 2010 a happy new year.

The shit in our country can only be cleaned up when there is enough of us getting out of our comfy seats and start fighting. Mine is not so comfy, so I am already all geared up for a fight.

Here is a video for those of everyone's contemplation. Its from SABMtv.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Perakians Working in Singapore Part 2 (Pics of A Once Happenning Little Town in Perak)

2009-12-25T18:34:00.131+08:00

It has been quite sometime since Part 1 of Perakians Working in Singapore. Today I wish to share some pics of my father in law's hometown in Perak. These pics were taken duing his funerals.

I absolutely love these pics because it captures the simple beauty typical of small towns across Perak. These pics were taken using an average Nokia phone by a lousy photographer without much effort.

Its a beautiful little town at the foot of Cameron Highlands. At first glance, it looks no more than just another forgotten old folks town of Perak. But you really have to be there to feel what a great place it is. Your body and mind just feel totally soothe just by being there. The air and weather there are just awesome.

And there is a sense of history too. A sense of roots of where sub-modern and sub-urban people like me originates from. What we see now maybe some run-down houses and shops. But this was a rather happening place even before Merdeka. From 1930s to 1950s the town was fill with businesses and and other human activities(e.g gambling, prostitution and subastance abuse).

I know its hard to imagine but once upon a time there were crowds(Chinese, Indians, Ang Mohs etc) drinking and fooling around on these streets.

In the old days everyone travelling between KL and the northern states had to pass through this town. But the creation of North-South Highway left the town stranded from modern development.

Sending my father in law on his final journey across the streets he grew up.

At the cremation afterwards, the most delicious roast pork that I had ever tasted.

Apologies to Muslim friends !

Perak in Malay is silver. The British travel half the globe to plunder Perak riches. Chinamen were brought in to work tin minings. The rise of this town and many like it were the result of tin mining industry. And sadly with the demise of the tin minings, saw the decline of these towns.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Another Torrid Journey Home

2009-12-16T14:06:00.001+08:00

Yesterday journey home is another horrendous one for the records. Started my journey at 5.10pm and reaching home at 7.40pm.

It was raining heavily from 5.15pm to 6.00pm. Visibilty at times was only 50 meters.I had no choice but to ride slowly (about 50-60 km/h). It felt more like NEE (Never Ending Expressway) than AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway).

After toiling in the cold hard rain, I finally reached Tuas checkpoint at 6.10pm to be greeted by a virtual motorbike standtill. The operations yesterday evening were way slower than usual. Normally it only would take 30 minutes to clear a 60 meters que. Yesterday it was near to an hour.

From the video below, Block D1 was totally unused. You can see the motorbike traffic was not moving at all while the cars were moving pass the bikes slowly.

And 2 minutes later, I was still rooted to almost the same spot. Furthermore you can see a totally different set of cars next to me.

Till this day, I still cannot understand why Tuas checkpoint management rarely make full use of all three blocks (D1,D2 and D3) during peak period.

Is this a mission impossible to them?
Or did the cold rain yesterday lowered the metabolism of Tuas ICA officers causing slower clearance process?

Until they figure out how to improve the situation at Tuas, we tambak riders will have to carry on with our jiak lat life.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Female Tambak Riders

2009-12-03T10:19:00.004+08:00

The above pictures shows 2 female kaki tambaks on motorbike at the 2nd link. One is the actual rider(penunggang) and the other is the pillion(pembuncing). There are lots of pillion female kaki tambaks who travels daily with their tambak riders husbands or boyfriends.

However, there are not many actual female tambak riders around. Maybe the less than 0.1% of total tambak riders population. But there seems to be more of them using Tuas Chechkpoint than Woodlands. Most of them probably lives in Gelang Patah area and works in Jurong/Tuas.

I wish to express my utmost respect to these tough ladies who weather the torturous motorbike jams at Singapore checkpoints everyday.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

ISA : A Draconian Means To A Benovalent Ends?

2009-11-30T02:59:00.007+08:00

I had read Paula Khoo's blogpost HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE US ALL with some interest last week. It was about the ISA detention of Dr Lim Hock Siew by LKY. The heated discussions that follows, sort of made me wanting to add a few words here. The arguments can sort of be divided into 2 camps. The anti opression 'No draconian laws please' humanist camp and the pro-developmemt 'Crush the troublemakers' camp. From the humanist camp, you have your universal love and respect for human dignity. There shall be no excuse whatsoever to use evil laws and opression. Though I strongly support their principles, I am not going touch too much on it. Since they are mostly the usual stuff that sometimes fall into the trap of vocabulary elaboration. I also want to avoid sounding overly righteous and idealistic. It doesn't suit the image of a hardcore blue collar slave like me in a cosmopolitan city called Singapore. But I would rather share some thoughts on points made by the Arthur a LKY protaganist. These are points that I feel should be re-examined more directly. Our history books paints a scary picture of communist threats during the 1950s to 1970s. Indeed it could be scary indeed, had LKY not won Singapore could have became a leftist state like Myanmar and Vietnam. Thereby ending up as a military state with decades of under development. Arthur argues that Singapore at that time was in a fragile state. To focus on steering the ship he had to use draconian laws to overcome destructive left/communist insurgency. The success of Singapore today is a testament that he made the right call.

Lets check out of the matters raised by Arthur(Please read Artur's comment yourself at the link above) :

1) Dr Lim was leaning towards left and LKY towards democracy. Maybe more of LKY leaning toward UK/US anti communist stance. Is democratic spirit more alive in Singapore today than Malaysia or Indonesia? 2) The blanket term of 'communist/left movement threat'. Life was hard back then, so it was natural for people to incline more towards the left in search of fairness. Oppressive publication, societies registraton and detention laws was the mainstay of British colonial rule after WW2. The populist movements was driven more by anti-colonial sentiments than communist ideaology. And many that LKY was the extension of Britain. For example Fong Chong Pik in his memoir wrote that his detention by corrupt British backed cops was the turning point of him joining the left. 3) Teh Ching Wan is a straighforward corruption that became controversial. Did Mr Teh commited suicide because of his guilt towards the people of Singapore? Or was the pressure above too much too handle. If it is the latter, then it is a sad reflection of a society that to drives people to suicide in order to fight corruption. The courts fair action in dealing with Mr Teh case would have been sufficient to show the maturity of the Singapore estate. IMHO, anything else is just public relations( or worst political spinning). Another aspect that escape many of us, was the ammendments to the laws pertaining to the appeal of criminal and civil cases that follows Mr Teh case. 4) If LKY was not ruthless, he would have find it hard to rule. You are right, it was difficult for him to win populist support in the war of persuasion. With ISA/ISD he will guarantee win because it is his side who is doing the persuasion only. 5) Times are different, but Malaysia still uses ISA to stifle legitimate political dissent. Yes time are different. But things are still the same in some way. Legitimate political dissent is a threat to UMNO rule in the same way leftist movement were a threat to LKY rule at that time. For me, ISA should not be confused with left vs right, US Vs terrorists or UMNO vs Non-Malays. ISA is a trump card to stay in power when the chips are down. Basically anyone that controls the police and military hold this Dai Di (Trump Card for HK card game). The protagonist will argue that we need ISA to avert chaos. The antagonist will argue that ISA be abolished to prevent abuse. ISA and other oppressive tools is a manifestation of one individual /party quest for power to implement his ways or vision onto the society. So its back to the age old question of ' whether a benevolent end justify the ruthless means?'. Such justification process is a slippery path. We would even find it hard on how to define a benevolent end? Or to determine which is the lesser of multiple wrongs? Opressive rule thrives in society that over-relies on leaders and governments. Its sort of like a test of character and maturity of state (Not sure if anyone agrees with me on this). Is a society too dependent on its leaders to work things out for them? Or does masses play the leading role by moving together to find a way out of the mess? Regards, Kaki Tambak

Perakians working in Singapore Part 1 (Intro)

2009-11-24T12:58:00.004+08:00

Last month while chatting with fellow blogger Pratamad, the topic of Perakians working in Singapore came up. He seems to bumped into people from Perak and Ipoh everywhere he goes in Woodlands. Well it's true that Perakians are everywhere in Singapore.

In fact they can be found in every corner of the world trying to make a living. At the checkpoints, you can always hear kaki tambaks speaking in Ipoh cantonese. Fyi Ipoh cantonese is very different from those in Pahang or KL.

Well, I'd always had a great deal this of interest in Perak. It is a place of great natural beauty. It has everything from mountains, waterfalls, rivers, sea shores and forest. Perak is also renowned for superb quality water with rich minerals from the mountains resulting in better taufu, tauge and hor fun.

And the food there is absolutely fantastic. You have good dim sum, ngah coi kai and the most delicious chinese banquet in Malaysia. Heck even the pork and poultry just tastes better.

Perak is also a state of rich history and heritage. Ipoh, Anson(Teluk Intan), Kuala Kangsar and Kampar has their fair share of stories and glories in history. It is also home of heavyweight some heavyweight schools like MCKK, SMK Sam Tet, ACS, SMK Anderson and Nan Hwa. Many top notch people are from Perak and I am not talking about Michele Yeoh only.

Wait a minute. If Perak is so great, why on earth is its people running about all over the world just to make a few bucks. Well more of that in later parts.

Regards,
Kaki Tambak

Guess what I spotted at 2nd Link?

2009-11-20T13:19:00.002+08:00

A tortoise near 2nd link toll plaza Being on the motorbike for 3 hours each day can be really boring. So spotting this cute little thing on my way to work really lighten up my day. Sort of like the time I spotted an alligator while being stuck in a jam at Woodlands checkpoint.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Potong Jalan Diutamakan

2009-11-17T23:49:00.003+08:00

For those who have used 2nd link before, you would surely have noticed some road cuttings on the stretch heading to Singapore between km 13.3 and 11.6. I have been meaning to post something about this strange occurrence at 2nd link for quite sometime. Finally took a few snaps to share it here.

These lines are hazards to motorcyclists. Fortunately tambak riders have good skills to overcome it.

Please click to enlarge.

Please click to enlarge.
Click for a clearer close up.

If I am not mistaken, the cutting of asphalt such as this are for the purpose of repaving the roads.

Well the only problem is that the roads had been cut 2 damn years ago !!!!

When is PLUS(Projek Letup-Rayau UMNO Sulit) going to repave this bloody stretch ?????

Did someone cut the roads by mistake ?

Or did they plan the road cuttings a few years in advance??

Another 1Malaysia thingy ?

Motor accident didahulukan !!!

Potong jalan diutamakan !!!!

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Tambak Riders using BMW?

2009-11-10T16:34:00.005+08:00

Can you spot a BMW here at Woodlands Checkpoint?

Here is a close up of BMW 3 series........

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Fuyoh!! Why this week so jam one?

2009-11-07T15:59:00.002+08:00

Bumped into a tambak rider friend yesterday. I was complaining to him how Woodlands checkpoint jam suddenly became so bad this week. He said, 'of course lah Obama is coming to Singapore next week for APEC meeting. Hu Jing Tao also coming. I betcha next week they will tighten security even more. So be prepare for a more jiak lat traffic jam.' So enjoy the traffic jams at checkpoint next week. Courtesy of Singapore Government in collaboration with APEC leaders. Regards, Kaki Tambak

Wee Car Tseng - Buttock Minister

2009-11-02T16:47:00.004+08:00

Taken from Uncle Zorro post:

WEE KAH SIONG

Deputy Education Minister

"It is also normal for the parents to say things like that when such incident occurs," he said.

(what would you say if it was your child?....better luck next time?)

Last week, I saw Wee Kah Siong commenting about Kampar bridge collapse on the news. Here is a guy who cannot stop talking cock arrogantly for one minute. I really hate it when Wee Ka Siong try to argue their way out of trouble. He totally shows no remorse on the tragic death of these young children. What an asshole. These children died because BN let half-baked people total control to force these children into half-baked programs/projects . Stop protecting your incompetent ministerial ass, civil servants and shitty contractors. Just resign.

Picture courtesy of Kaki Tambak (Please click to enlarge):

Feel free to share this around. Sincerely, Kaki Tambak

Justice For Beng Hock Memorandum : Thanks Johor For Your 6109 signatures.

2009-11-01T22:27:00.003+08:00

Thank you Johor for your support in supporting Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK. We have managed to collect 6109 signatures in supporting our Memorandum. Suaram has compiled and passed the memorandum YB Er Teck Hwa who will eventually handover it to Prime Minister Najib.

Excerpt of Malaysiakini report on this Memorandum:

柔佛州子民为赵明福追讨公道行动委员会成功收集6109名该州子民和25个党团组织的签名，联署上书首相纳吉，要求公正彻查赵明福的离奇坠楼案。该委员会代表方佩芳今午是在行动党峇吉里国会议员余德华的陪同下，到国会走廊提呈备忘录和签名给首相署副部长刘伟强。 国大党士姑来支部也联署 也是人民之声新山支部执行秘书的方佩芳披露，柔佛州子民为赵明福追讨公道行动委员会是在7月末开始收集签名，并成功在一个月收集6109名该州子民和25个党团组织的签名。 25个联署党团组织包括人民之声新山支部、柔佛人民力量、柔佛宗教司协会、人民公正党埔莱、新山等支部、回教党州联委会、行动党居銮支部等等。其中，国大党士姑来支部也出现在名单。More at Malaysiakini

I apologized for not being able to find a Malay or English version. However it is our spirits that counts. To achive this level of support in Johor(BN stronghold) is no mean feat. IMHO, I believe Johor has made a significant breakthrough.

Although things has gone down quite a bit, please don't be discourage. We are heading in the direction. Please keep the fire burning.

Sincerely,

Kaki Tambak

Damn I Hate Fridays !!!!

2009-10-24T15:11:00.005+08:00

Checkpoint traffic jams(vehicles or humans) on Friday evenings are usually the worst in the week.

Yesterday was no different. I reach Woodlands at 6.30pm. The motorbike que had already reached the bottom of the viaduct. I was only able to clear Woodlands checkpoint around 7.40pm. Betul-betul stuck dari siang sampai malam.

After queing for 20 mins, the checkpoint was still so far.

On the bright side a lot of tambak riders shut off their engine yesterday because the weather was cloudy and not hot. Lucky no rain in spite of the dark clouds. Or else I would be really crying in the rain.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Freedom Film Festival 2009 (FFF2009) Coming To JB

2009-10-20T15:05:00.010+08:00

For those of you who do not know what Freedom Film Festival(FFF), it is actually an annual film festival organized by an NGO named KOMAS.

Their original site freedomfilmfest.komas.org has been taken down due to heavy bombardment by B-End cybertroopers. So I guess they are pretty independent. All is not lost, as they have created a new blog quickly to replace the original site.

KOMAS basically uses video and media creatively to narrate the different aspects of issues that do not get the any significant coverages in the mainstream media. Undercurrent issues that we must confront in order for our society to move beyond modernization and material development.

Hey I know this blog isn't trafically buzzing. Nonetheless I hope this post can somehow reach some in JB and Singapore. This film screening would definitely be a refreshing experience.

I would like to especially invite Singaporeans to come over check it out. It will be slightly different from the film fest that you have Singapore. In Singapore, the focus is more on the arty side. Singapore is home to a vibrant arts circle but it relies too heavily on govt and corporate support(esp GLCs). I am not saying there are some sort of direct control over media freedom or independence in Singapore. Its just that there isn't that much of a space to work on.

Hopefully FFF2009 can give a more independent take on some topics that are made controversial by our mainstream media.

FFF2009 in The Star :

http://star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/movies/4806175&sec=movies

Screening Schedules :

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/10/freedomfilmfest-schedule.html

Film Sypnosis :

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/09/film-synopsis-saturday.html#ALL

http://freedomfilmfest.blogspot.com/2009/09/film-synopsis-sunday.html#FOI

Admission is free. To get screening passes please contact KOMAS at :

Tel/Fax: 03 - 7968 5415

HP: 017 - 3749 887

Email: freedomflmfest@komas.org

Thank you.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Response to anonymous criticism

2009-09-25T22:29:00.003+08:00

Got a pretty strong anonymous comment on my last post.

I would like to thank him for his concern on this issue. Although I am dead tired now and have to travel outstation tomorrow, I feel obliged to write a new post in response to his/her comments.

"Wah,bro, S'pore give you a chance to Earn S$$$$$$ and you are not grateful?"

Bro I am very grateful that I have been given a chance to earn the precious SGDs. I am so grateful that I am willing to take on 30% more workload than my Singaporean counterparts. I am also grateful to the extent that I happily receive 70% of what my Singaporean counterparts normally earns. To repay Singapore gratitude I am ever willing to help in driving Singapore economy forward so that SGD can go up even further. So that Singaporeans can buy plenty of goods from poorer country using their big strong SGD.

I am sorry if my incoherent writings does not contain enough goodwill . I am not perfect and won't pretend to be a sportng gentleman(I grew up in JB wat u expect).

Honestly Bro, do you think Singaporean government and bosses give a crap about my sense of gratitude. May I add, they don't pay me or other foreign workers for doing nothing. Singapore Inc has always been about the bottom line!!

"Just when the relationship between S'pore & Malaysia is getting warmer"

Bro, you have too much of mainstream stuff in your system. I suggest you try more of alternative flavored media. Malaysia-Today is a good start.

A gentle reminder :

i)During Abdullah Badawi administration, it was more of Khairy leveraging on his Singapore connections to get a turbo-political headstart. And Singapore got her fair share from such co-op. Search the 2006 archives Raja Petra writings to find out more.

ii)The current cross straits ties under Najib is definitely. It is so warm he is feeling the heat right under his balls. Try google 'Najib Mongolia Singapore hotel exhibition' if you know what I mean.

As much as I want to believe that foreign relations are about gentlemen diplomacy, I cannot ignore that everything everything just boils down to the bottom line!! Its just about getting the most out of any bargain.

'When do you think this KTM will ever be resolved?'

Bro, the more important question is how to properly resolve the issue. The tracks and station has been around for a 100 years. It did not prevent Singapore from becoming a first world country.

"'Do you think if it is true, Msia will lose out?"

Yes I do. It has more to do with my zero confidence in Najib, Anifah Aman and other bumbling BN goons.

"Why always think S'pore is too cunning and will always get the Cake and Msia only the Cream?"

I hope you take it as compliment that the Singapore government is full of intellegent quick thinking people.

An example of some creams that Malaysian licked:

i) Singapore landfilling causing the shipping passage of Tebrau Straits to narrow. Thereby negatively affecting Pasir Gudang Port and Tanujung Pelepas Port. You might argue who cares about lousy port operators like these two above, they are doomed anyway. Just use our super efficient PSA. Singapore development more important mah! Singapore 1 Malaysia Nil

ii) CPF withdrawal of Penisular Malaysians. Hey crazy meh, even Singapore citizens find it difficult to take money out of Singapore piggy bank. Singapore 2 Malaysia Nil

iii) Pedra Benca, Singapore could have won hands down with the sole fact that the Birtish gazzeted Pedra Branca as part of the Negeri-negeri Selat. Why did Singapore claim that it was terra nullius (uninhabitted empty land)? When it was a common knowledge that these islands were Orang Laut whose allegiance to the Melaka/Johor Sultanate is well documented inhabitted Pedra Branca and its surrounding island.

Why so kiasu in using terra nullius? Coming up with all sort of timeline and legal discrepancies to paint the picture that Johor Sultanate had never had any sovereignty or legitimate influence over these islands. The answer is simple winning the prize.

Singapore 3 Malaysia Nil.

iv) 2006 Kota Tinggi great flood. Did Singapore made transperent its operations record of Sungai Linggu reservoir(upstream of Kota Tinggi)? To convince the public that there was no negligence on Singapore operators that could have worsen the flood. Or could there have been steps taken to mitigate the extent of damage.

Water very important Singapore mah.No lah cannot reveal too much. Later terorrist attack Singapore people die lah. Kota tinggi just kampung folks, very nice people sure the understand one.

Singapore 4 Malaysia Nil.

We could go on non-stop in digging Malaysian government incompentency and Singapore ruthlessness in taking advantage of it. But lets just stop here.

Singapore is successful partly because of its good operation management. But the most important factor of its success is its ability to attract money from all over South East Asia. Southeast Asian tycoons, military rulers, corrupt politician and officers stash away their billions in Singapore.

Where does all these billions come from? They are suck from poor ordinary people of your poor neighbouring countries. Then all these poor folks will go to Singapore and work like hell to drive your economy.

So please forgive us ordinary folks for not being enthusiastic enough in your swap deal or prime CBD or IR real estate.

Singapore needs its neighbour as much as we need your Singdollars. But a little gratitude from Singapore would be nice.

My country is sick but I am not blaming Singapore. My bottom line is helping my country to stand up again. And I believe everyone has their on bottom line to chase.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

PS : I will be away for the next 3 days, have a nice weekend.
Anonymous, if your not from the Home Ministry (Malaysia or Singapore), maybe we can have Teh Tarik sometime.

Light at the end of the tunnel for KTM? So bright that we cannot see the lost of KTM Jurong Line.

2009-09-24T23:11:00.013+08:00

Familiar filming site for SG soapy drama serials.

An article yesterday by The Malaysian Insider was very disturbing. It seems that MI tried to spin in favor of a land swap deal to settle the longstanding issue of KTM land in Singapore. What the article did not mentioned was the long forgotten KTM Jurong line that branches from Bukit Timah to Shipyard Rd. More info can be found in the 2 every good singapore blogs below : old-tracks-new-trail-bridge-on-river old-tracks-new-trail-in-search-of-river ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-8-bridge-that ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-9-lost ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-10-lost

I really like the way Peter and Chun See writes in their blogs. It feels great in the ways of how Malaysians would normally talk of their nostalgic past. Be it Ipoh, Penang, Kedah, Sabah and so on. Anyway back to the topic, you see the Jurong Line has stopped operations and has not been maintained by KTM for quite some time. Enroached by development, the Jurong Line land area has shrinked a lot over the years. During the British times, it was common for the KTM's track land to be as wide as 100 feet. Well rumours has been circulating in KTM circles, that PM Najib administration will quietly relinquish all of Jurong Line to the Singapore Government within a year. The shiny lights IR/Casino related carrot seems to made us totally unaware of the old Jurong Line being taken away right under our nose. If rumours Some would argue it is useless for KTM to hold on to their land in Singapore. Since KTM is another loss making government link company who cannot properly utilize or develop these SG lands in their hands. So just cut the losses and take the billions that Singapore goverment is offering. I say think twice. 1)Some might argue the lands were given to KTM by some outdated colonial legal agreements of the British. We cannot just dishonour an agreement (no matter how old) for the sake of a few quick dollars(well maybe a few billions). The same way Singapore argues that Malaysia cannot anyhow cut water supply to the island because of another dusty British legal documents. 2)The billions of SGD on offer might just dissappear into some BN politicains pocket. as in the case of 9 million Telekom shares dropping into the pockets of a prominent Indian leader. 3) Do we have the people intelligent enough to play in glitzy prime development. Playing in someone else backyard is by no means an easy feat. Just ssk Old Lee on how they got burnt in Suzhou. But the above 3 points are not the most important. The most important thing is Political Bargaining Power. Money we can get from other resources and industries. Its a well known fact that SG government is way more cunning and smarter than us. Malaysia need all the ammunition it can get. So its not good to become shortsighted and flimsily give away our political chips. BN's propaganda exercises is not a measure of a nation's sovereignty. Abdullah Badawi practically gift wrap Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore. The rot is even more worrying with Najib seemingly playing into the hands Singapore ever since he became PM. Tun Mahathir was one hell of a corrupt and crazy politician. But at least he did not wanted to be remembered as the man who sold out to Singapore. Any negotiations with Singapore is futile unless our leaders can stand up fearlessly with integrity even when chips are down. But with the bunch of Najib and his BN goons, it seems we will be outthought and outwtted in no time by Singapore government. PS : I am not anti Singapore government or anything like that. They are just not the people I would trust with things important to me (e.g my life). Regards, Kaki Tambak

2nd Link Touch 'n Go Chaos

2009-09-15T22:28:00.007+08:00

On the 14 Sep 2009(yesterday), PLUS made Touch 'n Go as the compulsory payment method for 2nd Link tolls.

Morning was still ok for those going south into Singapore. But yesterday evening was chaotic at the motorcycles section heading north. As shown in the video above, it wasn't any much better earlier this evening either. I was stuck at the toll booth jam for about 10mins.

I must admit some tambak riders who cut que by riding onto the grass areas should be blamed partly for the chaos. Compared to the deadlock on the Singapore side, this is peanuts and they ought to have restrain themselves from exarcebating the situation.

However, one thing we should notice though is how very little cars, busses and lorries that are queing for toll payments. Somehow we tambak riders have sort of prevented the 2nd Link from being a 100% white elephants.

Maybe PLUS should consider increasing a few more toll booths for us tambak riders. But please don't increase the toll any further. RM1.60 per trip already very ciak lat.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Seductive SingDollar infects Sabah/Sarawak Too

2009-09-06T09:55:00.002+08:00

Weeks ago I wrote on Tambak Money Carriers, runners who help corrupt cops stash their bribes in Singdollar.

In a post from Malaysia-Today entitled Selamat Moodeka, RPK mentioned that :

"Imagine how many bags you need to pack to bribe a Malaysian politician RM10 million in cash if you pay them in Ringgit compared to using Singapore Dollars. So the Singapore Dollar is more useful if you need to pay off a Malaysian politician. And this is why East Malaysians prefer Singapore Dollars instead of Malaysian Ringgit. So what is the purpose of Sabah and Sarawak being part of Malaysia when it is so difficult to deal in Malaysian Ringgit when bribes need to be paid?"

Its amazing how in South East Asia, that the Singdollar so seductive to the extent that almost all corrupt politicains and goverment officers drooling all over it. In Malaysia, whacking Singapore is the mainstay of UMNO propanda programme. And yet this UMNO supporters will bend over backwards to stash their loot in the currency of the so called Israel of S.E.A.

So Old Lee actually mange in taming the tigers(ditry ones) from Malaya using his almighty Singdollar. This perhaps could be Old Lee's greatest counquering legacy.

2 tigers cannot share a single mountain? Or 2 kucing jantan cannot share a single lonkang?

2009-08-29T20:33:00.008+08:00

Please click to enlarge. All this MCA power struggle hoo haa have been given too much publicity lately. I mean it is public knowledge that CSL have been gathering troops to kick OTK off his seat. OTK will loose hands down in terms of grass root support. So he opted for a premptive strike. Its nothing but pure MCA syok sendiri political gamesmanship. People are just reading it as the tabloid stuff as it is. MCA has already lost its father figure status in the Chinese community. As for other communities, I doubt they have any sort microscopic kinship with them. The reasons for their continue existence has been reduced to serving BNs cronies business interest. So we have a huge organization with big portfolios reduced to a 'Yes men' role. Nowadays being a MCA fella is nothing you can shout out with pride on the street. Their only consolation are their share of ATM cash. And perhaps intimate personal friends too. So what do you think, 一山不能藏二虎（2 tigers cannot share a single mountain)? Or 一沟不能藏两只猫公 (2 kucing jantan cannot share a single lonkang)? Just for laughs, Kaki Tambak

Kaki Tambaks Who Protects Singapore

2009-08-26T20:34:00.004+08:00

Malaysians used to dominate the non-executive or blue collar level in the manufacturing, construction, shipyard, logistic, F&B and retail sectors. In the last 5 years however, their positions have been seriously under threat by Indian nationals and even more so by Chinese nationals (sometimes called Chinerians).

The security guard and auxiliary police sectors in Singapore are maybe the only area where Malaysians still have some foothold. Well maybe, for the upper spectrum only. In the security sectors, Malaysians are employed for their trustworthiness and English communication ability. Since many Malaysian Indians can communicate very well in English, they are widely employed as security guards in major hotels and buildings.

For the lower spectrum of the security guard industry - most of them are Thais, Burmese or financially challenged Singaporeans. Malaysian wages are too high at this level.

One month ago, I met a lady kaki tambak who actually lives in a taman next to mine. She is working as a security guard in downtown Singapore. After she related her daily struggles working in Singapore to me, I totally take my hat off for her.

To get to work she would tumpang van kilang from her home at 4:30am. Upon reaching Singapore at 6am , she would take other mode of transport downtown.

She then works dayshift from 8am to 8pm. After clocking out at 8pm, she would walk 10mins City Hall and then take MRT to Jurong East. She would reach Jurong East around 9pm, where she would then take bus CW3 home. If things go smoothly, she would probably reach home around 10.30pm.

She barely have enough time to sleep at home, before starting a new day at 4am. Sleeping during the journey to work would also be very difficult for her, because she has to keep on switching between buses, trains and walking.

I forgot to ask how many days she works per week. But the norm for security guards is 1 day off for every 2 weeks of work. There are lucky ones who work only 6 days per week.

Some may draw comparison of her plight with kaki tambak factory operators. But her situation is noticeably different in certain areas. Though her work is not as fast paced as those in factories, the traveling for factory operators are easier compare to hers.

In conclusion it is her daily traveling that arduously stands out than most of the kaki tambaks I know. Not even a tough nut kaki tambak like me can match her efforts in this area.

Sad to say, I have not bumped into her for the past 2 weeks. The last time I saw her, she was very tired. Not sure whether her exertion has finally taken a toll.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Note : CW3 is a JB-Singapore bus service that uses the 2nd link instead of the old causeway. It serves between Jurong East and JB(Gelang Patah, Bukit Indah and Tun Aminah).

Ah Long! Ah Long! Everywhere

2009-08-15T13:32:00.026+08:00

Many Malaysians become kaki tambaks to pay off Ah Long debts(either theirs or their family). Many kakitambak although earning SingDollar still fall into the loan shark strangle. Any visitors to JB in recent years, would marvel at the vibrant campaign of loan shark advertising here. Ah Long banners are so widespread to the extent of JB could possibly occupy the No 1 ranking city in this area.We may not beat KL or Penang, in terms of technological or scholarly achievements. But by the look on our street, JB could realistically come out tops in loan shark advertising. The loan sharks in JB is pretty invincible. A friend's friend who failed to pay his debt was beaten up by Ah Long. When he lodges a report at the police station, someone(possibly an officer) remarked that it would be a pity these runners will be caught and convicted to a few years jail for merely doing their job. It would ruined their future and create more social problem. The Ah Long sympathizer probably meant that a lot of Chinese Sabahan youths are working as runner for JB Ah Long bosses. Anyone who has been to Sabah will probably know that the wages there are quite low and basic stuff (like Milo, newspapers, cars etc) are more expensive over there. To sum it up BN government(federal and state) has screwed Sabah big time. Part of the prosperity that penisular Malaysia enjoyed are really from by plundering Sabah and Sarawak resources; making their lives difficult. So it is some sort of retribution really to see these Sabahan youths coming over to JB, harassing and beating up people all over our town. Thrashing our streets with colourful Ah Long banners. However rampant as the Ah Long syndicate presence are, no one has heard of any Ah Long or their runners convicted in JB. I am not saying there aren't, only that neither the people I know nor myself aren't aware of any. While we wait for some strong action from PDRM, some scenic advertising for you guys to enjoy: Typical Ah Long's morning toolbox meeting, at all major JB kopitiams. Complimentary Ah Long name cards cum calendar delivered to to your doorstep twice weekly. Come in XL sizes too. This way to your nearest Ah Long. A friendly reminder of Ah Longs' number at the payphone. Ah Long Stickers on rain gutters. Cap mohor (rubber stamping) on shophouses wall .

Spray painted as per JKR requirements

Ah Long banners at major street signboard.

At least they never covered up the no. '3' , so that people won't get lost. Making TNB more colourful?

Tambak Johor : Money Carriers

2009-08-08T08:58:00.005+08:00

The recent Singapore’s Distinguished Service Order awarded to our IGP Musa Hassan for his “outstanding contribution in fostering excellent ties and cooperation” between the Malaysian police and the republic’s police force. It got me thinking what actually how does PDRM plays a part in cross-strait relationships. Somehow it only reminded me of rumours that had been circulating around JB for quite sometime. Its like already part of JB mythical folklore that no one can or is willing to verify. Before I begin, I iterate my stand of not dismissing this rumour as dongeng punya cerita(fairy tale) or justifying it as the truth. As I have no contacts in PDRM inner circle, there is no way I can verify the truth or falsity of such rumours. Rumour has it that, there are these runners who crosses the causeway to Singapore carrying certain corrupt PDRM officers dirty money. Once in SG, these runners will help deposit the monies them into the officers or the officers' families account. Based on hearsay, these runners may carriy around RM50k to RM150k per trip (not sure whether in RM or SGD). It is also rumoured that these runners are your normal looking Chinese uncle and that they enjoyed quite a comfortable living from their professions. In 2007, Singapore government imposed a mandatory declaration for those entering and leaving Singapore with more than SGD30k in cash. However this is not a restriction on the cash amount that you can carry into Singapore. So one can actually carry SGD 1million into Singapore, provided you declare it to SG government that it is for a legitimate purpose. Not sure whether the the above ruling affects these so called rumoured money carriers. They can probably carry a smaller amount and make more trip. Or they could use better ways to avoid detection at checkpoints. If these money carriers exists then I assume they too can regarded as kaki tambak (people who crosses the causeway on a regular basis for work). Albeit a very shadowy type. Most kaki tambaks will probably close one eye to these rumoured money carrier. If these money carriers existence are proven true, then the morale of us normal kaki tambak will take a bit hit. Imagined all our hard eanred SingDollar that we fight daily to bring back, being siphoned back to Singapore just like that. It is already quite sad thinking of this possibility let alone proving it. Regards, Kaki Tambak

Reminder: Collection Of Memorandum Signatures

2009-08-08T08:45:00.006+08:00

Hi all, First of all I would like say thank you to all those kind souls who had volunteer to go around and collect signature in support of the Memorandum Menuntut Keadilan Untuk Teoh Beng Hock, Negeri Johor. Suaram JB will be compiling all the signatures on 9th Aug 2009. So please send your signed form to you nearest collection center: 1)SUARAM JB Office 8A, Jalan Ronggeng 11, Tmn Skudai Baru, 81300 Skudai. Tel : 016-7782707 2)PKR Permas Jaya Office 28-02, Jalan Permas 9/3,Taman Permas Jaya. Tel : 07-3869488 3)PAS Kota Masai Office No 26, Jalan Bachang 9, Taman Kota Masai, 81700, Pasir Gudang. Tel : 013-6240995 4)YB Ng Lam Hua Office No 2-1B, 1st Floor, Block E, JOHBASE City Square, 8600 Kluang. Tel : 012-7337435(Mr Pan) 5)Pusat Khidmat Ahli Parlimen (YB Er Teck Hwa) No.1 2nd Floor, Taman Bintang, Jalan Sakeh, 8400 Muar. Tel : 017-6121201 (Mr Liew) 6)PAS Simpang Renggam Office No 17, Jalan Berlian 3, Taman Renggam Jaya, 86200 Simpang Renggam. Tel : 07-7554693, 019-7701830 (Encik Khairul) 7) DAP Paloh Office 23, Jalan 15, Taman Sri Paloh, 86600 Paloh, Johor. Tel : 016-7521358 (Mr. Lee) 8) DAP Yong Peng Office 6,(Tingakat Satu), Taman Madu 1, 83700 Yong Peng. Tel: 016-7521358 9) PKR Tangkak Office 1543, Taman Tangkak Jaya, 84900 Tangkak, Johor. Tel: 019-6104546 10) 新山留台同學會 Tel: 019-7550960 11) 昔加末中华公会 (Persatuan Tionghua Segamat) 27，（1st Floor) Jalan Genuang, 85000 Segamat, Johor. Tel: 07-9329900 Thanks, Kaki Tambak

Armed robbery at my neighbours

2009-08-03T23:45:00.005+08:00

My neighbour got robbed tonight. Well this is the second armed robbery on the same street as mine. The modus operandi are the same. Basically the robbers tail their victims(so happens that both are female) to their home. Once the victims enter their car porch, one robber will smash the windscreen and for this case grab the victim's handbag. Another will standby at their getaway vehicle. The whole process takes around 30-45seconds. By the time me and my father unlock our door plus main gate and rush out(with our cangkuls), the robbers had already sped off. Our neighbour was pretty shaken but was not hurt. The police came around 5 mins later. They said there is only 1 patrol car for our Taman (population more than 10000 people). They can only be at one place at at a time. Cannot cover all the areas. I replied 'Of course lah, all the police go to KL or at highway arresting Anti-ISA protesters'. Anyway since we cannot really depend on the police to protect us, here are some points that you may find useful: 1) Try not to panic (easier said than done, but at least try lah) 2) Do not put valuables (handbags, handpnones, laptop, passport etc) inside your car where it can be easily visible and taken. 3)Try lookout for anyone who might be following your car. 4)If you are followed - stay in your car and keep your doors locked. Do not go into your car porch and stay in the main road so that you are visible to your neighbours. Sound your horn before the robbers get near to your car and wait for help. 5)In any case do not attempt to scuffle with the robbers. Most of them are armed with parangs. 6)If they try to get into your car, you must try to drive away. In a worst case scenario ram your into someone else car or whatever to get attention of others. Regards and take care, Kaki Tambak

Abolish ISA - A token of support from down under

2009-08-01T12:56:00.009+08:00

The very little that I can do to support to Abolish ISA Movement.

Still stuck at work in SG.

My usual attire in JB and SG.

Too bad still haven't bump into anyone who shares the same fashion sense. For those who have such T-shirts, please wear it more often. Don't be too worry, at least JB PDRM still not yet kacau me for the past year or so.

Kaki tambak issues to be temporary on hold.

2009-07-29T00:25:00.005+08:00

For the next two weeks, I will be concentrating on activities for Beng Hock's cause.

So kaki tambak related postings are to be temporary put on the shelves for now.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK.

2009-07-25T17:00:00.020+08:00

Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor - Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK was launched yesterday at South Johor Press Club. Please visit SUARAM JB Blog regarding our Johor campaign. The memorandum will be sent to the Prime Minister when the signature campaign is completed.

At SUARAM JB Blog, you can download the memorandum statement for viewing. There are also signature form collection venue of major Johor towns where you can show your support by signing this petition.

There you can also find today's chinese newspaper clipings showing their coverage of the press conference to launch this campaign.

NST and The Star journalist was also to there to cover the press conference. However we have yet to locate any article in today's NST and The Star of our press conference. We will try again tomorrow with the use of a magnifying glass.

For those who have close friends and relatives in Johor area, please help to convey our request for their signature in support of seeking justice for Beng Hock.

Thank you,

Kaki Tambak

Pakatan Rakyat Ceramah at Taman Universiti, Skuadai

2009-07-25T08:20:00.010+08:00

Attended the last part of PR ceramah last night at Taman U. Due to the police blockade, I had to limped about 150 meters. Caught only the portion by YB Lim Kit Siang. He as usual got the crowd growing. Other than that, it was your usual PR ceramah

But I was very dissapointed with the attendance. Excluding parties workers, it was at most 400 people. The 50 or so police personnel were just lazily wandering around and spatting mosquitoes throughout the ceramah.

You might say it is JB mah, what do you expect. The only reason to think that it was a OK turnout is because BN is still colonizing the minds of JB people.

The question is not whether to align ourselves to Pakatan. Its about rakyat showing unity in numbers. The least we can do is to show BN,PDRM,MACC etc that we mean business and keep them on their toes.

Do we honestly think that our angry kopitiam talk will actually put pressure on BN to the right thing? That things will eventually work out. That the opposition will do the dirty job for us.

Think again. If Pakatan Ralyat alone can force BN to reform then Beng Hock will be still alive and well. Like it or not PDRM, MACC and all civil servants work for UMNO and not the rakyat. So UMNO can bulldozed over anyone they wish and now they are out of control. Including you JB people who willingly voted for BN.

Fellow JB residents, even the mighty Sing Dollar you earned every month cannot saved this country. No matter how many Sing Dollars you earned, UMNO machineries and crony corporations will suck every cents of it.

So stop hibernating. Learn from your friends and families in Penang,Ipoh,KL,Kelantan and Selangor. Unite in numbers and fight.

For a start, you can sign "Memorandum Rakyat Negeri Johor Menuntut Keadilan untuk TEOH BENG HOCK" address to PM Najib. This memorandum was initiated by Suaram,PKR Johor and a few concerned citizens. And was later endorsed by other parties and NGOs in Johor. The target is 10,000 signature.

I will post the link to the memorandum asap.

Ceramah last night at Taman U.

Come on JB. We can do better than just a few hundred people.

Motorbike Skided on Expressway

2009-07-24T17:47:00.009+08:00

I was involved in an accident this morning. My motorbike skidded on the expressway. Suddenly, I landed in the middle of the road with my bike on top of my right leg and couldn't move. Immediately I looked behind and prayed the tailing truck don't run over me. Fortunately it didn't and I am still here to write this post. The next thing I knew, some tambak riders appeared and whisked me(and motorbike) away to the road shoulders. Never managed to catch who they are. But I would really like to thanked them and also the EMAS personnel who help to push my bike to the nearby expressway exit. Somehow I manage to ride my bike to the nearest car park where my colleague came to fetch me to the nearest clinic. For no reason, my bike just skidded out of a sudden and I could not get it under control. I still had no idea why and how it happened. I mean I was just riding at 75km/h. Was not in a hurry. slept ok last night. Both my Michelin tires in good condition. Only slight drizzle not heavy rain. And I am a very careful and seasoned rider/driver. I still don't know why. It happened too fast(bing bang and it was over). Not even time to feel scared. Thakfully, this tambak rider lives on to fight another day No greater joy than to be still sitting at home watching my daughter play. Very lucky minor wounds only, no bones visible. Tear through my raincoat to my pants. After bandaged. After bandaged.

Pakatan Rakyat Ceramah/Dialogue Session at PAS Parkaz, Taman Universiti

2009-07-22T12:41:00.006+08:00

I have been informed as follow by YB Dr Boo(Johor State Assemblyman) : "Pakatan Rakyat will do a Ceramah at PAS Parkaz, Taman Universiti, Skudai at 9pm 24th July Friday. YB Lim Kit Siang, Gobind Singh Deo, Myself, Zulkefle AHmad, Firdaus Ahmad, and others yet to be confirmed. It is meant to be a dialogue to infrom bascially the Malay and Indian commnunity what has happened, looking at the way Utusan Malaysia trying to racialise the issue again." Also from UMNO camp you can see efforts of stoking racial flames. e.grecent statements by Nazri Aziz and Dr M(The Chinese still are masters of the country).

So if have any Malay,Indian friends nearby, please encourage them to attend. Although the focus is on Malay/Indian community, it will also be good for others JB resident to have a look of how PAS is.

As it is held in a PAS venue and all the big guns are coming, there is no need to worry on the security issues of be fearful of PDRM/Rela intimidation.

Ceramah Address: Markaz PAS, Jalan Kebudayaan 12, Taman Universiti.

PS: I am non-partisan. I support this ceramah only with hope that it can help to counter UMNO racially divisive tactics.

Weeping Journalist at Beng Hock's Funeral

2009-07-20T23:47:00.009+08:00

Sending Beng Hock on his final journey. Just came back from Beng Hock's funeral in the afternoon. Reached JB home at around 4pm. Did night work yesterday until 5am this morning, then left JB for Alor Gajah at 5.30am. Totally exhausted and 'pengsan' for a few hours. Anyway I am not going to talk about the proceedings or which leaders shows up or something like that. Those are already covered in the media. I want to share on how I was deeply touched by a female journalist. As she was taking notes of the eulogy, she was also weeping at continuously. She deeply felt every word of what was being said. At times the eulogy got more emotional, she too cried even harder. She had made a truly lasting impression on me. The teary eyed journalist. The teary eyed journalist.

Just when I think today will get worse? Then...

2009-07-18T22:47:00.005+08:00

Just had a pretty rough day(18/07/09), trying to organize a peaceful candlelight vigil in JB for Beng Hock. Called DAP Johor HQ was polite but somewhat bureaucratic. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. We do know that DAP Johor are resource scarce and very busy. But your comrade has been cruelly sacrificed, so I expected more fire from DAP Johor. They last thing they need to be is to sound like Koh Tsu Koon the softy. Suaram was more responsive. I will try to make contact directly with Dr Boo Cheng Hau and maybe PAS tomorrow. For now, the idea of having a JB candlelight vigil is still floating on thin air. Nothing much was achieved today. My wife was actually to hoping we could light some candles tonight. I was very sorry to disappoint her, so I took the family to a nearI by shopping mall, Weird as it sounds we found something very meaningful there. Yes, a meaningful experience in a JB shopping mall. There was this brilliant exhibition(and expensive too) on display there. The title of the exhibition is "The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian)". Both are philanthropists who have contributed greatly to education in Malaysia,Singapore and China. Their warmth and love for all people, are for us to treasure: So my day ended with a uplifting note.

One Of The Darkest Day In Malaysian History

2009-07-17T02:19:00.005+08:00

I am sure everyone has received the news of Teoh Hock Beng fell to his death at MACC HQ. Malaysia-Today and Tulang Besi has pointed to foul play. So far its just plain outrage towards Bee End(mah zai)on the internet. Instead of going for Multi-Billion Crooks, they would rather act like god to toy about with helpless innocent lives. They think their boss can get away with pulverizing his mistress, and their mere slip of hand is no big deal. This is how rotten Malaysia has become under Bee End. Its 3am. I am still unable to sleep. Its very disturbing that such blatant tactics contributed the death of this young man. I am going to DAP office at Taman Seri Orkid this Saturday to see how I can help. Its time for us ordinary Malaysians to fight back.

Tambak Rider

2009-07-02T12:57:00.005+08:00

Just came up with a new term 'Tambak Rider' referring specifically to kaki tambaks who cross the causeways on motorcycles or bicycles.

Bus Captains of No. 170,160 and 950

2009-07-01T20:08:00.014+08:00

Among the lesser known kaki tambak are the cross border bus captains of SBS Transit and SMRT Bus Service. They drive bus no 170,170x,160 and 950. As for CausewayLink(Malaysian cross-border bus operators), I will write about it in some other post. In Singapore bus driver are rebranded as bus captains to attract more Singaporean joining SBS and SMRT as drivers. But these two companies are finding it hard to attract Singaporean candidates. At the moment, at least half of SBS and SMRT bus captains are Malaysians. And the cross border routes which is the most arduous, almost all drivers are tambak riders. From my chat with some of them, these bus drivers either start work very early or end their work very late. For morning shift would be: a)Leave JB home at 4.00am and ride motorbikie to SG b)Reach SBS Bus Depot(Bukit Batok if I remember correctly) at around 4.45am to pick up their busses c)Then they need to reach Quenn Street or Kotaraya/Larkin by 5.30am For night shift it is something like: a)End of bus service at midnight b)Reach bus depot at 12.30am, proceed to wash and clean up the bus. c)Handover the bus at 1.15am, ride their motorbike back to JB. d)Reach home around 2am. Because of such odd hours, one of my mother friend's husband who drives 170 always relate how he fears being ambushed by motorcycles gang. Because these gangs not only rob but will definitely give you a good beating or might even kill you. Another of my mother friends relates how her husband suffering from hypertension dare not make medical claim anymore. He rather pay out of his own pocket instead of being singled out by his employer; thereby risking his work permit renewal. Due to the massive causeway jams, they are under great stress physically and mentally. Being stuck sometimes in the bus for 3 hours or more, they sometimes don't get to drink water or go to toilet like drivers of normal routes do. And you know lah with the SG culture, they also have to deal with complains on their punctuality,bus cleanliness etc. So fellow kaki tambaks, next time when you are on 170,160,950 or SJE . At least say thanks or give them these drivers a warm smile for our bus heroes to take home.

Can ride bicycle from JB to Singapore meh? (Part 2)

2009-05-27T21:44:00.005+08:00

Map of route from Bukit Chagar CIQ to Woodlands Short explanation of the route used by kaki tambak on bicycles:

Park their car/motorcycles around Kim Teng Park and Jln Lumba Kuda

Ride their bicycle across the causeway and pass through both Checkpoints

Lock their bicycle at Woodlands Central

Coming back to JB is the reverse of above process

Jiak Lat! A kaki tambak pushing his broken down motorbike uphill. Reaching the 1st highest point. The 2nd highest point which is the new CIQ itself. The two highest point of this roller coaster route to the new CIQ are about 20 meters(5 storey high) above causeway. After the forceful opening of Bukit Chagar CIQ, kaki tambaks have to ride uphill and downhill on the extra roller coaster route(mark in red). And on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, you will also see loads of kaki tambak walking from Woodlands Central to Bukit Chagar CIQ.

Can ride bicycle from JB to Singapore meh? (Part 1)

2009-05-27T20:57:00.015+08:00

Some pictures for those smiling skeptical faces (Click to enlarge) : Of course you can. I ride it everyday . Pak Cik still going strong. Buddy kaki tambaks on semi-pro bicycles.

The Tuas Checkpoint Dilemma For Motorcyclist

2009-05-23T13:35:00.008+08:00

'To use or not to use?' For the many kaki tambak on motorcycles, they are faced with this perpetual dilemma of whether they should use travel daily by Tuas 2nd Link or not. Even non 2nd Link users will probably know that the reception of 2nd Link has been quite poor ever since it began operations. The horrendously long journey coupled with over the top toll rate has been met with disdained reception. However for this post, I want to focus on one issue Tuas Checkpoint that is not particular known by the general public. You see, during peak hours, the Tuas Checkpoint motorcycle section rarely operates at full capacity. Its an absolutely frustrating predicament that entraps fellow kaki tambak, everytime they are stuck at Tuas motorbike jam. Unlike its Woodlands Checkpoint, who does the commendable job of operating at its full capacity daily, during peak hours(5.30am-10am and 6pm-11pm). At Woodlands they also mix and match the differrent sections of the checkpoint according to the vehicles traffic at different time. To have a better understanding, we shall look at the basic structure availible at Tuas. Vehicles going into Singapore there 3 block: Block A1(16 counters) - Used for Cars Only. Block A2(16 counters) - Used for Cars when A1 is not in operation or sometimes partially opened for motorbikes. Block A3(32 Counters) - Specifically used for motorbikes only. Vehicles leaving Singapore there 3 block: Block D1(16 counters) - Used for Cars Only. Block D2(16 counters) - Used for Cars when D1 is not in operation or sometimes partially opened for motorbikes. Block D3(32 Counters) - Specifically used for motorbikes only. For a clearer illustration,last Thursday was a typical daily picture on the ground:

On 21 May 2009 5.50pm, I arrived at Tuas Checkpoint.

Block D1 - Opened for cars only

Block D2 - Not in operation

Block D3 - 7 out of the 24 manned counters were in operation(Counters43,48,52,53,54,55,56)

Block D3 - 3 out of the 6 automated counters were in operation(Counters 36,38,40)

Or a total of 10 counters were in operation

I was stuck in this particular motorbike jam for 35 mins. Those behind me, would probably be stuck there for more than an hour. Even if you ignore Block D2, there is still a very gross under utilization of the motorbikes section. So on that particular day(and most other days too), Tuas checkpoint only operated 31.25% of its motorbikes capacity. Its frustrating for motorcyclist to see such utter under utilization. We could only imagine if 10 more counters were in operation, we could have clear the checkpoint in half the time. Many kaki tambak are angry of Singapore Home Ministry for adequately addressing this issue. Adding to the frustration, motorcyclist pays a toll of SGD0.70 per direction at Tuas. Whereas it is free at Woddlands. SG Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng made a statement on the checkpoints traffic last year. Basically he points to the lack of manpower as a main source of the problem. He cites that ICA staff are overworked(too many OT),high number of resignation,too many untaken leave and etc etc. Well Mr Wong Kan Seng statement is too general and not clear on what is really wrong at Tuas Chechkpoint for motorcylist. It fails to answer:

Why is it possible that Woodlands Checkpoint have enough manpower to operate at full capacity?Why couldn't Tuas be the same?

Is traffic volume insufficient for deployment of more staff?

Is being stuck in a motorcycle jam for more than an hour not justifiable for more resources?

Does system equipment and hardware pose a problem to ICA?

Could there be improvement to Tuas manpower and work recheduling, to cater for peak hours traffic?

From chats during motorcycle jam, fellow kaki tambaks would hurl harsh(sometimes abusive) words against Tuas Checkpoint management. Many cursed the ICA for their hypocritical double standards. Some says the Officers in charge at Tuas, hates and discriminate Malaysian. Some labels the ICA officers as lazy bums. I don't agree with the extremism of their views. But I know where their frustration is coming from. This post is not intended to start a blaming session or something. It is just my hope that the grievances of motorcyclist at Tuas checkpoint could be highlighted to the general public.

5.30pm At Woodlands Checkpoint

2009-05-21T13:09:00.003+08:00

This was the scene yesterday at Woodlands Checkpoint when I arrived 5.30pm. Was caught in the jam for around 35mins. This is what kaki tambak consider a moderate motorbike jam. Not particularly exhausting but very hot nonetheless.

Malaysia, a very cheap place to live?

2009-05-13T21:18:00.006+08:00

Case Study 1: Rechargeble AA batteries at a French Hypermarket located in Singapore City Center. The same Rechargeble AA batteries at French Hypermarket counterpart in JB. Price comparison: Malaysian Price = RM89.90 Singapore Price = SGD28.90 X 2.37 = RM68.49 Price Differrence = RM21.41 Percentage Difference = (21.41/68.49) X 100% = 31.26% Business Cost Comparison : 1) The batteries are made in China. Batteries cost should be the same. 2) Hypermarket wages: Malaysia (RM4/hour) and Singapore (SGD4/hour). Malaysian labour cost should be lower. 3) Rental of Premise: Overall, Malaysian rental cost should be lower. Malaysian Hypermarket location - JB residential area (15km from JB town). Singapore Hypermarket location - Prime retail space in one of Asia most expensive business district. The basic cost of doing business is lower in JB. But the same AA batteries are a whoping 31% more expensive in JB than Singapore. Most people jump to the conclusion that electronic stuff are just cheaper in Singapore. That is a very flawed view. The answer lies not with the Singaporean. For them its just a straighforward trading business. Be it batteries, mp3 players, LCD TV or even oranges - it is still just the business of buying and and selling basic stuff. The real question is why are things in Malaysia more expensive than they actually are? Or more specifically where are the hidden cost? Are AA batteries luxury items? Do they require Approve Permit for importing? What are duties imposed? Are the logistics and transportation cost too high? A lot more of our basic goods are unreasonable more expensive than they should be. Barisan Nasional has really screwed up the Malaysian economy big time. Hundreds of thousands flock to work in Singapore not just because of the strong Sing Dollar only. It is just that many could barely afford the basic things in their daily lives.

Ong Tee Kiat Chop Chop JB Tour Of Duty - 1 Day Only!!

2009-05-11T20:59:00.026+08:00

Ong Tee Kiat touching down in JB early morning. North-South Highway not for the faint hearted. Better take helicopter. Much safer. The Ministry of Transport's Helicopter. I wonder if any other Minister also have their own chopper? Seems that our ever incoherent Dato Seri Ong Tee Kiat was in town yesterday. He chopped in yesterday morning and chopped out later in the evening. He was here for a convocation, an MCA event and posh residential launching(or something like that). Initially none of the students stood up to applaud him when he was making his entrance into the hall. Fortunately some quick thinking college staffs manage to get some students to stand up later though. As usual, he was so busy that he didn't have time for us the kaki tambak community. So far he has not come out with any commitment whatsoever in addressing the deadlock caused by the new Bkt ChagarCIQ. He has also not make any clear stand on pushed for the Crooked Bridge.These are issues he must address, as the Minister of Transport and MCA Johor State Chief(albeit a syok sendiri self-appointed one). Personally I am very disgusted with his inaction. Countless of complaints to the government and through the media, still no strong action from him. It seems that he doesn't even care. He should show us some guts plus stop hiding behind Najib and Hishamuddin . At least the much maligned Sharir Samad and the much bombarded Syed Hamid Albar, dare to admit that Bkt Chagar CIQ arrangement is not working out. They understood the situation on the ground. They wanted the old checkpoint to be reopen and allow pedestrian to walk across the causeway normally again. Now its too late, demolition of the old checkpoint has begun: The two ex-minister are not even anak Johor but yet showed some concern for the kaki tambaks. Whereas our Ong Tee Kiat,he is only hiding here because Johor is the safest place for MCA.Everyone knows Ong Tee Kiat self appointment to MCA Johor Chief is for the free lunch. But that is not a reason to treat the provider of your free lunch with apathy. The kaki tambaks will not stay unconditionally subservient forever.The times are changing, there is already one rocket in JB.There maybe more Johor rockets and full moon in time to come. So I seriously urge Ong Tee Kiat : 1)To please stop giving us your endless incoherent rhetorical answers 2)To show us some guts and action 3)And for goodness sake,stop using someone else sex tape as your grip to MCA Presidency 4)Or else go back to Selangor - and pick a real fight with MB Khalid, Teresa Kok or Ronnie Liu. Maybe then you can show Malaysia what you are made of??

A very big TQ to Pratamad

2009-05-08T12:23:00.004+08:00

I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to Guan Sin aka Pratamad. Not only was he the first reader of The Tambak Johor Blog, But also introducing this personal project of mine on his blog https://airkosong.com/_/. Thats all for now. Before I go any further, I must admit that I am one of those dinosours who don't have yet to own a digital camera in this day and age. So I need to buy myself a digital camera later today to get this project serioUsly underway.

A Tun Mahathir Concoction .The 3 Stooges Explained

2009-05-07T16:16:00.007+08:00

Lets try to get to know what is so terribly wrong with Tun Mahathir 3 Stooges(aka Bkt Chagar CIQ, JB Sentral and The Crooked bridge):

(1) It is just so damn far. -Walking from JB center of Jln Wong Ah Fook will take 15mins to reach the main entrance of CIQ. -From there you need to walk 10mins in one big round within the new CIQ before reaching the buses pickup points. -Waiting bus will take 15 minutes(if you are lucky), -And another 30 minutes for the bus to reach Singapore during peak hour, -So now a kaki tambak has to spend 70mins(15+10+15+30) to travel from Jln Wong Ah Fook to reach Woddlands Checkpoint. -Compare to old times, a walk from Jln Wong Ah Fook to Singapore chechkpoint took a max of 25mins(some kaki tambak can do it in 15mins) -That is 35mins for morning and 35minutes for evening Which means a total 70 mins wasted per day per kaki tambak. A conservative estimate of manhour loss = ((70/60)per hour per day per kaki tambak) X 200000kaki tambak X SGD8.00 per hour = SGD1866666.67 or RM4424000.00 per day OR a yearly loss = RM4424000.00/day X 5day per week X 52 week per year = RM1150240000 or RM1.15billion per year (2) SO can anyone walk from Bkt Chagar CIQ to Woodlands checkpoint? Yes, provided you can last the 50 minutes trekking up and down in dangerous traffic. (PS:No allocation for a pedestrian path was allocated to this multi-billion Ringgit CIQ). Every weekends or any other time when busses are insufficient, kaki tambak will just walk through pain and exhaustion either for work or to go home. From my personal observation, it seems that more and more kaki tambak are walking with limp at BKT Chagar(myself included) (3) A dead end for most bicyclist. From my earlier post, I have blog about my new found joy of cycling to work. To cycle from Bkt Chagar to woodlands is like going through Tour De France. Sadly many bicyclist have given up because its just to arduos. Many like myself have also succumbed to leg injury. 4) If the crooked bridge were to proceed, it will only subject the kaki tambak community to more physical torture. 5) The ghostly JB Sentral. The supposedly new JB bus,train and taxi complex was built to serve the Bkt Chagar CIQ. The problem with this busses or train does not go or stops there at the moment. The car park is not in operation and way too small for a city like JB. Why the rush to open the new CIQ without JB Sentral being in operation? This akin to expecting an engine to run without fuel delivery system. Malaysia Boleh. Furthermore, if JB Sentral were to be put in operation it will spell death to business at other parts of JB town. No matter how you look at it these 3 stooges is going to be dead end. Then why is our Tun Mahathir so viciously pushing these projects. For the answer we have to back back 15-20 years or so. At that time (before 2nd Link was built) , a lot of anonymous people sprout up from no where to buy lands in backwaters of Gelang Patah. Those days it was just plantation and forests. Now it is home to some very lacklustre port&free trade zone,government township and residential area. The final plot is: Imagine if the old causeway were to be demolished, millions of people will thronged the 2nd link out of desparation. The land prices there will skyrockect, and certain anonymous people will earn multi billions in an instant.

The Crooked Strikes Back

2009-05-07T12:57:00.007+08:00

Its been very difficult finding time to tell people about this blog let alone consistently updating it. Well, I am going to start all over again. You may ask why now. It is because Tun Mahathir, the Mega Billion Hallucinator is back. I was fuming mad with some of his distorted cum irresponsible statements lately. I have wanted to write about the new JB CIQ at Bukit Chagar for quite a while now, but never able to find time. I guess Tun Mahathir really pushed this kaki tambak over the edge now. Tun Mahathir was quoted as saying, the reason for massive traffic jams at Bkt Chagar was due to the misfit between the new CIQ and old causeway. Plainly speaking, he just want the crooked bridge to be built. He is back to his demented egoistic self again and he doesn't give a crap to : (1)whether the new CIQ or proposed bridge will solve the traffic jams and alleaviate the sufferings of the kaki tambak community? (2)or have the new CIQ spur business activities in a whole(other than City Square which is owned by Singapore Capital Land)? (3)Will the crooked bridge be the final touch of JB mystical economic Utopia that he envisioned? For question (1), I believe any kaki tambak is more qualified to explained the causeways deadlock than Tun Mahathir. Have Tun or his UMNO Johor bigots, ever struggle daily like us kaki tambak at warzone 1 (old causeway) or warzone 2(2nd link). Who are they to tell us, what JB really needs. That is it for now. Please visit this blog again. I will follow up with a later post on terrible wrongs that Mahathir concocted for JB.

The Notorious Motorbike at Singapore Checkpoints

2008-11-07T21:04:00.001+08:00

For all those of you who have traveled to Singapore via JB, will know how terrible and notorious these jams(Woodlands and Tuas) are. Normal days we would be stuck at the checkpoint jam for around 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day. During the peak season(e.g the Mas Selamat or whenever SG Home Ministry imagine of some security issues), the jam could easily be 6-7 hours per day. My personal best was 6 hours only. In a our typical time spent worst case scenario: Work : 9.5 hours Checkpoint jam : 6.0 hours Actual Traveling : 1.5 hours TOTAL : 17 hours As you can see, many of us has barely time to sleep. Thats why many like myself choose to ride bicycle to cross the checkpoints. However time is not the most worrying of issue. While being stuck in these jams, we inhale toxic exhaust fumes for hours every day. We suffer serious deterioration of health. As a fellow kakitambak once remarked that we all will die of terrible death. He regretted that unlike his grandmother in Kampar, he will suffer painful death and could not die graciously. Barage of complaints/criticism sent to the press of both sides have not brought positives changes to situation on the ground. The SG government will always give some sort of bureaucratic excuse in reply.

Kaki tambak?

2008-11-07T20:43:00.002+08:00

Not too sure whether anyone has used the term kaki tambak before. Anyway from now on I will loosely define kaki tambak as people who travel the causeways everyday to work in Singapore.

My 1st Post

2008-09-22T21:30:00.007+08:00

For my 1st post, I would like to share my everyday fight to earn a few Sing Dollars : 0530 Wake up and prepare for work. 0600 Leave home. 0630 Park my Proton Saga at JB town car park. 0700 Ride bicycle to Singapore. 0740 Clear the checkpoints. Lock my bicycle at Woodlands Central. 0745 Ridemotorbike to office. 0820 Reach office. Clean up dirt and sweat with wet towel. 0830 Start working 1800 Finish work(provided no OT) and ride motorbike 1845 Reached Woodlands central. Lock my motorbike. 1850 Ride bicycle back to JB. 1920 Reached JB town. Drive my Proton back home. 2000 Home sweet home These are the typical daily regime many of us in JB go through. There are of course many other regime which hopefully I will be able to share later on.