TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR SAFETY

Capt. Balasubramaniam who is an expert on rescue and survival shared this with some attendees in one of his programmes. What he emphasized was that we should never put ourselves in a dangerous and vulnerable position and this usually just entails some common sense and alertness most of the time. Of course things do happen no matter how careful you are.

At the Car Park:
Do not walk towards your car. Walk towards the next car or the car opposite.
Do lock your car immediately you get in and drive off ASAP. Please don’t check your cellphone, your makeup, etc.

At the ATM:
Use your ring finger to key in your pin, as the rest of the fingers will cover the keypad.
Do not count your money at the atm. After all it’s not going to give you what it owes to you.

In a taxi:
Pretend to make a phone call to your friend / husband informing them where you are, what time you are expected, the colour of taxi, taxi no etc. you must of course talk within earshot of the driver.

If you live alone:
Do get some men’s clothing’s and shoes. Hang them out with your own laundry! Leave the men’s shoes outside your house.
Do leave radio/TV on.
Do be suspicious if you receive calls that seem to have got the wrong number.

If you have husbands who travel regularly:  
Do drive his car when he is not around as opportunists will notice that his car is dusty and in the same spot for many days.

If you have children tell them:
Never to post photos of your new car on Facebook.
Never to reveal that they are ‘home alone’ or parents are away.

Also, get the telephone number of the police station in your area and list it as the first number in your phone contact list rather than list it under P.
Calling 999 in an emergency will be a futile attempt.

Safety Gadgets:
1.Keeping a loudhailer at home would be more effective than screaming and shouting for help in an emergency.
2.Install sensor lights
3.Pepper spray - they have a shelf life. So you must check the expiry date otherwise it will fail you when you need to use it!
Capt. Bala recommends that pepper sprays must be
a. Water based
b. Must be US made with finger ring on the bottom
c. Must have double casing.
 
4. Alarm padlocks.

5. Throw some thumbtacks onto the ceiling for those who live in link houses. Burglars can easily climb in from the roof by removing some roof tiles.

If you are ever, so unfortunate to have your bag snatched, do not struggle with the assailant. Let go and do not chase after them. Neither should your husband/boyfriend/son.

When you drop your friend / loved ones home, especially those who live in apartments, get them to text you once they are inside the safety of their homes. I think we should drill this in to our sons who drop off their girlfriends.

SMASH AND GRAB ROBBERS ATTACKED ABOUT 5 CASES A DAY FROM MAY TO JUNE 2012
WHAT IS THE STATISTIC FOR JULY ?
HAVE YOU TINTED YOUR CAR YET ?
DO YOU ALWAYS WAKE UP LATE AND YOU LIKE TO RUSH DAILY?

Please make sure you are not adding to this statistic.

1. do not rush from work or to work. Breathe! Start early.
2. put your valuables away, and carry less in your handbag. Get a debit card. Consolidate your banking accounts.
3. forget about all these labelled bags.
4. never talk on your cellphone, and i mean never when driving
5. pay attention to pillion driver that operate in pairs. At traffic lights, keep a distance from the car in front of you. If they attack you, just swerve you car at them. HONK, HONK, HONK Loud…..they could have tailed you..
6. try not to wear too much jewelry, ie. big gold, flashy loopy earrings and long gold chain- you will be asking to be grabbed, and they will smash from the right
7. avoid big gold bangles and expensive fancy watches
8. keep a pair of sunglasses and wear them when driving, but not at night
9. plan your diary well, smash and grab robbers attack people even when there are two of you in the car.
10. these robbers attack mostly from 7.00 to 10 am and also from 4 to 7.00pm. Peak, rush hours.

Use Your Car Alarm as a Home Security Panic Button

Thought this is a good tip to shared with others, if you find it useful share it ..........

What to take to bed with you - not a joke .

Pretty neat idea.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. 

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car alarm. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. 

Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. 

Please shares this.

DIY Secret Compartments ... Hollow Spy Book

Home Hacking Ideas

Audit Your Home Energy Usage

Would you like to conduct an audit of your home, you can download CETDEM's energy audit form.
Or download the guide on Audit Energy Usage for Household.

Easy ways to save energy
There are simple things in your everyday life that you can do to save energy.
1. In the Home

• Remember to switch off the lights and fans when you leave a room.
• TVs, Radios and air-conditioners should be switched off at the plug point.
• Try and have natural ventilation coming through your home, to reduce the need for fans and air-conditioners.
• Have some indoor plants, as plants help cool the surrounding.
• Use all household appliances efficiently; e.g. when using the washing machine, run full loads only
• Make use of natural light.
• Use the most appropriate energy source; e.g. gas for cooking rather than an electric cooker which uses much more energy.

2. While Shopping

• Try not to buy products/material that have excessive packaging, or uses plastics made from non-renewable material.
• Choose items/products that have a long life, can be re-used, repaired or recycled.
• Look for energy labels/energy ratings at the back of appliances.
  Bring along your own shopping bag to reduce the use of plastic bags.

3. Transportation

• For short distances, it is better to travel on foot or cycle.
• Try using more public transport. It helps you avoid traffic congestion and saves costs on parking, tolls and fuel.
• Carpool. Carry four people instead of one and help reduce your emissions of greenhouse gases and energy consumption.
• Dont leave your car engine running idle for too long.
• Limit use of car by combining all errands into one journey. This will save you fuel, running costs and parking fees.

4. In the Garden

• Plant leafy trees, shrubs and grasses in the garden.
• Leafy trees will provide shade and shield your house from direct sunlight.
• Plants also help cool surrounding areas.

Malaysia My Second Home Program

Malaysian Government welcome foreign nationals (except Israel, Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro ) to stay in Malaysia on a long term Social Visit Pass under the "MALAYSIA - MY SECOND HOME PROGRAMME" and duration of stay is for a period of five(5) years with a Multiple Entry Visa.
However, it DOES NOT entitle a permanent resident status.

Rules & Regulations

Age

• There is no age limit. Successful applicant are allowed to bring dependent that is wife and children below 18 years of age and to employ maid
• Application from dependent other than described above will be considered.
• Applicants above 50 years of age can submit their applications to the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya, State Immigration Offices, Malaysia Representative Offices Abroad and Malaysia Tourism Offices.

Applicants below 50 years of age are required to submit their application to the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya.

Income/ Financial Requirement

a. Applicant above 50 years of age

• Applicant and spouse (either one must be above 50 years of age) will have the privilege of choosing EITHER to have a fixed deposit of RM 150,000.00 (for 5 years) from any bank in Malaysia; OR derive a fixed monthly income of not less than RM 10,000.00 (from abroad). The fixed deposit account must be active during applicant’s permitted length of stay under this programme. A Multiple Entry Visa is given together with the Visit Pass (Social) of 5 years period (for those nationals who require a visa).
• Single (individual) applicant will have the privilege of choosing either to have a fixed deposit of RM 100,000.00 (for 5 years) from any bank in Malaysia ; OR derive a fixed monthly income of not less than RM 7,000.00 (from abroad). The fixed deposit account must be active during applicant’s permitted length of stay under this programme. A Multiple Entry Visa is given together with the Visit Pass (Social) of 5 years period (for those nationals who require a visa).

b. Applicant below 50 years of age

• Applicant and spouse MUST POSSES a fixed deposit of RM 150,000.00 (for 5 years) from any bank in Malaysia ; AND derive a fixed monthly income of not less than RM 10,000.00 (from abroad). The fixed deposit account must be active during applicant’s permitted length of stay under this programme. A Multiple Entry Visa is given together with the Visit Pass (Social) of 5 years period (for those nationals who require a visa).
• Single (individual) applicant MUST POSSES a fixed deposit of RM 100,000.00 (for 5 years) from any bank in Malaysia ; AND derive a fixed monthly income of not less than RM 7,000.00 (from abroad). The fixed deposit account must be active during applicant’s permitted length of stay under this programme. A Multiple Entry Visa is given together with the Visit Pass (Social) of 5 years period (for those nationals who require a visa).
• The Social Visit Pass given for a period of five (5) years period is given subject to the validity of the passport
• All new applications or renewals in this programme are required to have a fix deposit account in any bank in Malaysia OR any foreign banks as long as the foreign banks have a branch in Malaysia.

Application

Applicant above 50 years of age can submit their application without a sponsor. However the department has the right to request for one if deemed necessary.

Insurance Coverage

Must possess a medical insurance policy from any insurance company recognised in Malaysia. However, it is optional for a person of above 50 years of age can be exempted

Education.

Children of Applicant
Applicant are required to apply for their children to study in schools or any Institution of higher leaning recognized by the Malaysian Government and to inform the Immigration Department so that an endorsment “Permitted to study at…….. from…….to…….” can be stamped by Malaysian Immigration Department on the passport
Dependent of Applicant
Dependent of applicant (other than children) who wants to study in any school or institution of higher learning recognized by the Malaysia Government are required to inform the department for the issuance of Student Pass.
Goverment Tax
Successful applicants are bound by the policies, systems and regulations of tax of this country and are not accorded privileges as granted to the Diplomatic Missions in Malaysia.
Employment of Maid
Applicant are allowed to bring along their maid or apply for one from source country. Process of bringing or applying for a maid under Malaysia My Second Home Programme are subjected to the terms and conditions for application of maid in this country, and it will be processed by the Visa, Pas and Permit Division.
Application Procedures
Application can be made in or outside of Malaysia . Application can be submitted while the applicant is in the country provided that the applicant is in the possession of a valid pass.
Successful applicant who are in Malaysia will be exempted from getting a visa in Malaysian Representative Offices Abroad for coutries that require a visa. Journey Performed Visa (JP Visa) incurred for applicant that requires visa to enter to this country.
List of Documents

• **Letter of application;
• **A copy of Social Visit Pass Form IM.12; (download)
• **Two (2) passport sized photographs of applicant (and spouse);
• A copy of applicant's (and spouse) passport/travel document (all pages);
• A copy of a Marriage Certificate (if accompanied by a spouse);
• A copy a certified fixed deposit and medical insurance (for applicants aged 50 and below);

A Personal Bond stamped RM 10.00 by the Stamp-Duty Office

• (signed by the sponsor) (download);
• A copy of the sponsor Identity Card (if applicable);
• sponsor’s statement form (if applicable).
  Notes: **not applicable if application is submitted through the web.

Submission of Application
Applicants who which to join this programme can apply to these following address:

• Visa, Pass and Permit Division,
  Level 3, Block 2G4 (PODIUM) Precinct 2,
  Federal Government Administration Centre,
  62550 Putrajaya,
  Federal Territory.
• All State Immigration Office
• All Malaysian Representative Office Abroad

All Malaysian Tourism Office

Exemption
Application can be accepted with conditions if application does not contain these requirements::Fixed Deposit at local banks , Insurance Coverage Policy ,
Restriction
Successful applicants are strictly forbidden from the following :

• Taking part in activities such as political, missionary, provocative or instigative, which is considered sensitive, and threat to the national security.

Taking part in any form of employment in Malaysia
Fees

• Social Visit Pass under Malaysia My Second Home Programme is RM 90.00 per year.
• Visa as existing rate applicable to each country (not exceeding RM 100.00); and

For applicant with maid; Levy and Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) of maid follows the existing rate.
Extension of Social Visit Pass
Documents for extension application are as follows:

• A copy of Form IMM.55
• A copy of Form IMM.38 (for countries that require visa)
• The latest certified fixed deposit

A copy of applicant's (and spouse) passport / travel document (if accompanied by a spouse)
Person Who Not Eligible To Apply

• Holders of Expatriate Pass and Dependent Pass; and Holders of Student Pass

Clients Charter

• New application - 21 working days from the date of submission
• Renewal - 3 working days form the date of submission

** Applicable for completed application only
Identification Card
Identification card for individuals under Malaysia My Second Home programme are issued by Malaysian Immigration Department Headquaters. State Immigration Offices and Malaysian Embassy Office in People's Republic of China must inform completed applications to Malaysian Immigration Headquaters for issuance of identification card.
Application Submission/ Queries
Complete applications can be submitted to:

Immigration Department of Malaysia
Level 3, Block 2G4 (PODIUM) Precinct 2,
Federal Government Administration Centre,
62550 Putrajaya,
Federal Territory.

OR

• All Malaysian Representative Office Abroad

All State Immigration Office ( for applicant above 50 years of age only).
For Sabah and Sarawak, application can be submitted to Sabah and Sarawak Immigration Office.

Rising Costs A Challenge For Malaysian Developers

By The Star | June 18, 2011

A lot has been said about how much it costs now to buy a house or an apartment.

For someone who is just starting out, or for a newly married couple looking to buy their first home, it can mean making a huge sacrifice elsewhere just so there is enough money for the down payment and then the monthly instalments on the home loan.

Many people have chosen to attribute the high cost of new properties to developers or, more precisely, the perceived penchant of builders to raise prices for every new project launched.

Rightly or wrongly, fairly or otherwise, developers do bear most of the brunt for the “high” prices of new properties.

But just like any other business people, developers know that pricing their properties out of the targeted market's price range will surely put them out of business.

Prices of new properties are determined by how much it costs the developer to put up these structures in the first place, and the prices of land and building materials have been rising over the years.

The price of land, especially in or close to urban centres, has gone up exponentially. As an example, let us look at one locality in Kuala Lumpur and compare the prices from 2005 and 2011. In September 2005, a terrace house on Jalan Terasek 2, Bangsar Baru, was sold at RM363 psf. In February this year, another house on the same street was sold for RM668 psf, an increase of more than 80% in just over five years.

The cost of building materials has also gone up as the demand for more homes expands with population growth, improving standard of living and widening affordability.

The ratio between the construction cost and the price paid for the land varies from country to country. In Malaysia, it can be safely assumed that the ratio is about 70:30, with the construction cost taking up the bigger portion.

What are the materials that go into building a home, and how significant a portion of the total cost do they account for? Items that come to mind quickly are cement, sand, bricks, concrete, roof tiles, etc.

Also significant but hardly visible in any completed structure are steel bars, fabric reinforcements and numerous other components that are essential in the construction of a building.

For instance, steel bars may account for up to 20% of the total construction cost, while concrete takes up another 15%. Another significant component is masonry works, which can account for about 10% of the cost.

One only has to check the prices of these items over the past five to six years to realise that they have gone up significantly, some by more than 70%.

To illustrate this argument, let us take a look at the prices of some of these items from say, 2005, and compare them with today's prices.

To ensure the figures we use are reflective of industry levels, we have opted for numbers compiled by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) of Malaysia.

According to the CIDB figures, the cost of 10mm-12mm mild steel round bars rose from RM1,647 per tonne in 2005 to RM2,608 in January this year, an increase of just over 58%.

In the same period, the price of the 16mm-32mm mild steel round bars rose from RM1,563 to RM2,534, an increase of 62%.

The price of 10mm-12mm high tensile deformed bars went up from RM1,685 to RM2,608, a 55% rise. The 16mm-32mm high tensile deformed bars cost RM2,493 in January this year, up 56% from five years before.

Fabric reinforcement, another important component of construction, has also seen significant price increases. According to the CIDB figures, the price of A7 fabric reinforcement has risen from RM1.79 to RM3.08 per kg up 72%. That for the A10 type went up from RM1.86 to RM3.07 or 65%.

Sawn mixed hardwood and waterproof plywood, which are essential in building the moulds into which concrete is poured, have seen similarly high increases in price. A cubic metre of sawn mixed hardwood cost RM1,290 early this year, up 57% from RM820.

Less substantial, though not less significant, are increases in the prices of sand, bricks, concrete and waterproof plywood. The price of a metric tonne of river or mining sand went up from RM14 to RM20.17, or 44%. A consignment of 1,000 pieces of bricks now costs RM200 against RM140 before, up 43%.

The price of a cubic metre of G25 ready-mixed concrete went up from RM140 to RM191.20, up 37%, and that of G30 ready-mixed concrete was up from RM147.67 to RM201.17, up 36%. The 13mm thick waterproof plywood costs RM49.90 per sheet, up from RM44.50, or 12%.

The only item that has seen a drop in price is the 10mm-40mm diameter granite aggregate, which sells for RM23 per metric tonne, down RM1 from the 2005 price, or a decrease of 4%.

As stated earlier, the cost of land does make up a substantial portion of the cost of a project. Changes in the price of land, on the other hand, vary from place to place. Price increases are usually more substantial in the larger urban centres than in small towns.

With every new project, the demands of buyers also change.

Changing tastes call for changes in designs. Aesthetics are becoming more important, new demands to meet environmental requirements and concerns can result in higher costs. Added to that is the cost of labour and equipment, which is also on an uptrend. Given this scenario, the only way a developer can set itself apart from the rest is to be more innovative in its designs, ensure high quality and offer excellent after sales service.

That, understandably, also comes at a cost. But that's another story.