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This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:32 PM

Larangan Pemanduan Kenderaan Barangan Semasa Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2015

Due to Hari Raya, certain heavy vehicles is banned on highways from 15/7/2015 – 16/7/2015 and 24/7/2015 -25/7/2015 by Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ).



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:33 PM

Ju-on: The Final Curse (呪怨 4) is a Japanese supernatural horror film produced and co-written by Takashige Ichise and directed and co-written by Masayuki Ochiai.

GSC Mid Valley Ju-On 4, The Final Curse premier screen on 13 July 2015 at 21:00 local time. Toshio and Kayako sighted and wandering around the GSC.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:34 PM

The durian season is in full swing, but those who are also health-conscious may find themselves thinking twice about joining in the feast or holding back.

After all, the fruit has a “bad name”, said Ms Bibi Chia, principal dietitian at Raffles Diabetes and Endocrine Centre.

It is said to be fattening, high in cholesterol and “heaty”.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:35 PM

TOKYO — While Japan is revered for its hospitality, or omotenashi, it may be sapping productivity. So much so that the nation has ranked lowest of the Group of Seven (G7) nations by that measure for nearly 30 years.

With Japan facing a labour shortage as the population ages, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to more than double productivity growth in the service sector by 2020.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:35 PM

A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has found that blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) have strong antibacterial effect on major foodborne pathogens, and are most effective when in cold temperatures (between 4°C and 15°C) and mildly acidic conditions of around pH 4.5.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:36 PM

No matter how busy you are normally in the office, there are always those days where you have nothing to do. Agree?

You’ve filed all the papers, written all the reports, and even answered all your e-mails.

So, it seems like you don’t have anything left on your plate. So, how are you supposed to be productive?

Hint: There’s ALWAYS something to do.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:37 PM

You are going on a long distance road trip of three hours or more. Let’s assume that you have done all of your preliminary planning and organising work. Your car is clean, tuned up and inspected; your cell phone is powered; your spare tire is in good shape; your gas tank is full; and you have all the travel maps you need to get to your destination.

The goal of long distance driving is to get to your destination safely. We all know someone who says, “The time to get there is usually six hours; I did it in four and a half!” Speed should not be your primary focus. If you focus on getting there in the fastest amount of time, mistakes and errors in judgment can be made. Here are five tips to reach your destination in one piece.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:38 PM

The decade before retirement is a critical time. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right path.

After 30-plus years of working and socking away savings, you can finally see retirement on the horizon. But it’s not time to coast just yet.

The actions you take in the final decade before you quit working are crucial to getting the next phase off to a smooth start



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:40 PM

When not to use your credit card

Using them in some situations such as for paying hospital bills can be detrimental

IN the absence of cash, using a credit card can be an useful alternative.

However, there are certain situations where using a credit card is considered a no-no. The following are some scenarios where cash is preferred.

Samsung has been accused of disabling Microsoft’s software in preference for its own, leaving computers insecure.

Microsoft technical expert Patrick Barker said he had found Samsung software downloading and running a file called Disable_Windowsupdate.exe, while helping a user with a computer problem.

He said “a few Samsung-manufactured computer systems” were affected.

Samsung said it was just giving customers the choice about running Windows software.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:41 PM

Popular feature that recalls email after sending will become standard part of Google’s webmail after years in beta mode

If you’ve ever drunkenly emailed your devotion to a former partner or accidentally used reply-all on an email thread to thousands of colleagues, good news: Gmail’s “undo send” feature has come to the masses.

The feature, which can prevent massive social embarrassment and help avoid long chats with the HR department about what you just mistakenly sent to a colleague, is to be a standard part of Google’s webmail.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:42 PM

An interview is the short span of time spent with each other, in which a person has to decide whether the employee is perfect for the job or not. To establish this, the interviewer asks several questions.

Some of the questions are quite simple and can be answered immediately, while some are not as simple and require some thought before the answer is given. One good example of this is the question regarding strengths and weaknesses.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:42 PM

Foreigners can purchase any kind of property with a minimum value of MYR 1 million (US$270,270) as of 2014. They are allowed to purchase up to two residential properties – two condominiums (max. 50% foreign ownership within a block)

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:43 PM

KUALA LUMPUR — Everyone keeps saying the time to buy is now but with so many options and different factors in play, how do you make sure that you get the most bang for your buck when shopping for a piece of property?

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:44 PM

Property transactions seen declining, prices to remain flattish

THE property market has been in a grind this year and according to projections, it’s not about to free up any time soon.

According to a report early this year by research house JF Apex Research, property transactions are expected to decline by about 10%, with house prices remaining flattish or rising slightly by 3% to 5% upon the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) on building materials.

Lo and behold, you need to part with that house of yours now. Bad timing? Definitely! Zero chances of selling? Well, not necessarily.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:45 PM

If you’re taking a home loan to buy a property, chances are: you’ll be required to pay for Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA), by the bank as part of your loan arrangement.
What is MRTA?

It is an insurance policy that provides financial protection for property loan borrowers and their families. Specifically, it helps settle outstanding loan amounts in the event of death or total disablement of the borrowers.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:47 PM

Financial institutions may require guarantees to enhance the credit standing of prospective borrowers, thus enabling them to obtain financing. Many people think that a guarantor gives a reference of the good character of the borrower. They do not realize that they are legally bound to pay back the loan if the borrower cannot or will not pay.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:48 PM

Nobody likes to borrow money from someone else, but we all have or will face a situation in life where we will need some extra cash.

While borrowing from a friend or family member has less profound consequences on your creditworthiness, there can be a difference with the type of debt you owe a financial institution.

When a bank checks your credit history to see what kinds of debts you have, they will look at some debts more favorably than others. Not all debts are equal!

If you are working your way to pay off your debt, it would do you good to first understand the difference between a good debt and a bad debt.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:48 PM

MOST if not all house buyers will require financing to buy their dream homes. While there appears to be stiff competition among banks for market share and interest rates may be kept low, house buyers are ultimately at the mercy of banks when it comes to the detailed terms and conditions of the housing loan. (Banks in this context refers to commercial banks, Islamic banks and other financial institutions).

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:49 PM

What is the pros and cons of Islamic property financing?

Islamic banking and financing, particularly Islamic property financing, in Malaysia is considered one of the most renowned and established in the world. Islamic banking which follows Shariah laws has been in operation since the enactment of the Islamic Banking Act in 1983 and the establishment of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad on the same year.

The new law and the institution of a new bank paved the way for the continuous development of Islamic banking and finance in Malaysia.

What is the standard procedure of buying a subsale property?

1. Upon agreeing to buy a property, an earnest deposit (sometimes referred to as booking fee) amounting to 2% – 3% of the agreed selling price is collected in the name of the stakeholder (usually the real estate agent).

2. Earnest deposit is collected and the Letter of Offer is completed and signed by purchaser. Owner (or vendor) will also sign the Letter of Offer to indicate acceptance of Offer.

3. Balance of 10% (i.e. 7% or 8%) of the purchase price is payable within 14 working days and upon signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) ......

Household debt and what it means

The difference between ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ loans

Household debt is basically all forms of loans with interest rates taken from entities that provide financing. The loans can be secured with assets such as real estate loans (housing and commercial properties), or without any collateral such as personal and credit card loans.

10 steps to buying your dream house in Malaysia

1. Understand and draft your budget

With the skyrocketing property prices in Malaysia, one must be really clear about managing budgets and debts. To own a real estate, first thing to take note is your budget. If you are a first time buyer, understandably banks will approve you a loan of 90% for as long as it does not exceed one third of your income. But exceptional cases may occur if you hold good past credit records and the bank may permit the monthly installment to go up to half of your net income.

There are also other expenditures to take into account such as legal fees, stamp duty and goods and services tax (GST) so do not allocate just an exact amount for the property you are purchasing as you may very well go beyond your budget.

2. Search for property

You can never be totally clueless about property searching. At least....................

This post has been edited by 2msia: Jul 24 2015, 11:26 PM

Are you financially ready to buy a house in Malaysia?

1) Do you have enough for the upfront costs?

In Malaysia, most banks offer up to 90% of the property’s price (margin of financing) for your first two residential properties. If you receive that 90%, you need 10% cash to pay for the rest of the property’s price.

Say you’re targeting to buy a condo in Cheras for approximately RM400,000, you must have a minimum RM40,000 to pay upfront, be it from your savings or money from your parents, siblings or partner.

2) Do you have extra cash for miscellaneous fees and charges?

First-time home buyers may not know it; but buying and financing a home takes more than just the deposit and the loan, it also involves miscellaneous fees and charges that include............

Indonesia temporarily bans all Australian citrus imports except lemons

Indonesia foreign affairs spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir confirmed what he called a “temporary restriction” on the import of Australian oranges and some other fruit, after “Queensland flies” were found in a shipment.

Thailand leading Asia in cracking down on drinking

Under amendments to the Alcohol Control Act endorsed by the government Wednesday and to be implemented nationwide late next month, bars, clubs and retailers will be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages within a 300-metre radius of higher-educational institutions. The measures are aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and tackling alcohol-related problems, including underage sex, the Ministry of Public Health said.

Why we love ‘Nasi Lemak’ as breakfast?

No thanks to hectic lifestyles, busy mornings of beating traffic jams to work – more often not we tend to forget that having a good, healthy breakfast is the best way to kickstart the day.

For many people, one of the most preferred breakfast choices is the infamous ‘Nasi Lemak’ – which you can find at practically every food stall, restaurant and kopitiam across the country.

Health benefits of coconut water

Coconut water is a very refreshing drink to beat tropical summer thirst. Its liquid is packed with simple sugars, electrolytes, and minerals to replenish dehydration conditions inside the human body.
Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water found to have significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic (anti-clot formation) effects.
Coconut water has been generally offered to....

Breastfeeding not a source of shame

Supporting moms who breastfeed is crucial to their dignity and would help to improve our infant survival rates, says Ena du Plessis.

Cape Town – As a member of the social movement Normalise Public Breastfeeding in South Africa, I was shocked by the online response of readers to Cape Argus reporter Sipokazi Fokazi’s story “Call for law over breastfeeding”.

Although the story made it clear that protection of breastfeeding mothers from discrimination and harassment .............

9 benefits of sex during pregnancy

Between your raging hormones, morning sickness, and your ever-expanding waistline, sex might be the last thing on your mind when you’re pregnant.

Although vegging out in front of the TV is looking pretty good, having sex can do wonders for your health, your pregnancy and your relationship.

There are nine reasons why pregnancy sex is not only healthy, but why it might be even better than before.

General information about Breast Milk

Women all over the country buy and sell breast milk, but may not realize the inherent risks of doing so.

Any doctor will tell you that breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding. However, some women are unable to produce enough for their babies and are forced to look elsewhere.

Some kids have an intolerance to milk, or eggs, or medications, so you have to disclose whether or not you drink caffeine. Just what your diet is.

How the Papaya Fruit benefits our health?

Papaya fruit is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya and grow in tropical climates and are also known as papaws or pawpaws. Their sweet taste, vibrant color and wide variety of health benefits are just a few reasons to add them to your diet.

The possible health benefits of consuming papaya include a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, aiding in digestion, improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering blood pressure, and improving wound healing.

What Good Inside Durian Fruit?

As we (South East Asian People) know, Durian is the South East Asian king of fruit. The Durian is distinctive for its large size, strong smelly odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow as large as 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter, and it typically weighs one to three kilograms (2 to 7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species.The Durian is the only fruit banned from airline cabins, hotels and public transportation due to its overwhelming, disgusting smell which the smell feel good for most of the South East Asia people.

Breastfeeding not as easy as it seems

I HAD always imagined breastfeeding to be a picture of serenity of a well-groomed mother lovingly nursing her adorable baby with her milk flowing freely.

But the reality, as far as I am concerned, is furthest from the truth.

Although my baby, named Cat in short, is quite well-behaved, my breastfeeding experience is a far cry from that perfect picture I had in mind. My hair and clothes are messy and I sweat profusely. There is a unique scent of milk on me.

No more pump and dump: IBM plans to ship employees’ breast milk home

Lactating is natural. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy—especially for working moms on the go.

In an effort to alleviate some of the logistical complications (and help attract and retain female employees), IBM will soon launch a service that allows working mothers to easily ship expressed breast milk back home to their babies while traveling on business.

The battle for breast milk in a surprisingly cutthroat industry

It could trade for 400 times more than the price of crude oil and 2,000 times more than iron ore. If sold off the shelf, it could cost more than 150 times the price of a gallon of cow’s milk and 15 times more than coffee.

Going for as much as $4 (U.S.) an ounce, human breast milk is a hot commodity that is emerging as a surprisingly cutthroat industry, one that states are seeking to regulate amid a battle for control between non-profit and for-profit banks that supply hospital neonatal units.

Delicious Strawberries Good for Health

The Strawberry is called ‘the queen of fruits” In Asian countries because it’s packed with health benefits. Compared to fruits like apples, oranges or bananas, strawberries have the highest amount of nutrients.

Like many other fruits, strawberries make their claim in history as a luxury item enjoyed only by royalty. It has been alleged that newly weds were entitled to strawberries with soured cream as a wedding breakfast, believing them to be an aphrodisiac.

Why more women than men suffer from Alzheimer’s?

WASHINGTON — Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women, and now some scientists question the long-held assumption that it’s because they tend to live longer than men.

A recent Alzheimer’s Association report estimates that at age 65, women have about a one-in-six chance of developing Alzheimer’s during the rest of their lives, compared with a one-in-11 chance for men.

What does your height says about your health?

Small comfort for all the short and tall women out there: There isn’t a perfect height for your health. Turns out, extra inches lower your risk of some common health problems, but increase the odds of others. Sigh.

What is inside an apple fruit?

Apple fruit is one of the most popular and favorite fruits among the health conscious, fitness lovers who firmly believe in the concept of “health is wealth.”

12 tips on staying inspired

Stay Healthy

Drink a glass of water. When you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of water to start the day fresh.

Move and sweat. Daily exercise boosts your energy level, improve your mood, and relieves stresses.

Get some sleep. When you get enough rest, you have more energy to do the things that make you happy.
Plan Your Day

Top 3 task. Every morning, make a list of the 3 tasks you want to accomplish that day.

The 50/10 rule.................

Any media commercial for this brand of milk?

Have you come across any advertisement or media commercial on breast milk on the ever famous TV channel that you frequently watch?

Have you come across any sponsorship from this brand of milk which is named as breast milk for any baby expo, baby fair or paed’s clinic?

Ever wonder how the giants of branded formula milk can afford all the advertisements on newspaper, TV or radio? Well, of course it comes from the profit of earning from the money you have contributed when you purchase their products!

How important is breakfast? You Should Never Skip

4 Reasons Why You Should Never Skip Breakfast

Experts: Online human breast milk craze has serious health risks

LONDON (REUTERS) – A growing online craze among some fitness communities, fetishists and chronic disease sufferers for buying and drinking human breast milk poses serious health risks, British experts said on Thursday.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Jul 24 2015, 11:49 PM

Good to eat Banana for your health?

Adding a banana to your daily diet has an array of benefits in your body. Bananas help you reach your weight-loss goals, keep your bowels healthy, provide nutrients that regulate heart rhythm and have vitamin compounds for eye health.

What is Silent Reflux?

Silent reflux can be very confusing; there may be no obvious signs of gastro-oesophageal reflux (such as vomiting) and the child generally isn’t ‘silent’.

What is MERS-CoV Virus ?

MERS-CoV belongs to the coronavirus family. Human coronaviruses were first classified in the mid 1960s. The coronavirus subgroups are referred to as alpha, beta, gamma and delta. There are currently six coronaviruses that can affec...........

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14 tips when buying a second hand car in Malaysia

1. Reliable cars below the RM5,000 is very difficult to find. Cars that are sold below this price often need repairs which could easily add a couple of thousand ringgits. Be prepared to pay at least RM7,000 to RM10,000 for an old (10+ year old) car.

2. A new car easily costs over RM80,000 in Malaysia (Local / Japanese / Korean). If you want to drive an European brand then be prepared to fork up a few hundred thousand ringgits.

3. Loans are available but there may be restrictions in place (like a shorter payback time which means higher monthly costs). When you take up a loan there is usually a down payment of at least .......

South Korean reactor enters commercial operation

Plant operator Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced today that following eight months of commissioning tests, the unit had been declared as being in commercial operation.

Construction began on Shin Wolsong 2 in 2008 and was completed in 2013, but South Korea’s Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) withheld permission for the reactor to start up following a discovery in May of that year that safety-related control cabling with falsified documentation had been installed at four reactors.

Now can view aldready.

UK PM expected to help Malaysia, Indonesia combat Islamic State

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to discuss in his trip to Malaysia and Indonesia next week on how the UK can help both Southeast Asian countries tackle the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

British news website BBC News reported today that Cameron is “keen to explore” on whether the UK can offer more practical counter-terrorism support to Malaysia and Indonesia, like improving aviation security, investigating potential terror plots and disrupting foreign fighters, amid increasing concern that IS’ next branch could start in the region.

“All of us face a threat from foreign fighters and from increasing radicalisation withinour countries and its right that we look at what help we can provide to one another,” Cameron was quoted saying before his departure for Indonesia.


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India Stampede Caused 27 Dead

At least 27 pilgrims have died in a stampede on the banks of a holy river in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, local officials say.

The Hindu pilgrims had gathered to take a dip in the Godavari river at the start of the Maha Pushkaralu festival.

The stampede occurred at 08:00am (02:30 GMT) in the Rajahmundry district.

Why KL could be on its way to becoming the sex capital of Asia

When people think of the sex industry, Thailand and the Philippines will most likely come up in the minds of many. However, one of the ironic things about Malaysia, with its conservative Islamic leaning, is that the flesh trade is thriving, as is the casual sex scene.

Historically, prostitution on the Malay Peninsula had served loggers, tin miners and seamen, over the last 200 years. Prostitution was limited to certain areas in Georgetown, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kauntan, and in KL itself. However, over the last few years, these areas have expanded with the mushrooming of massage parlors all over Malaysia, even in areas where the Islamic party PAS is part of government.

10 things you need to do after a car accident

Over million car accidents occur each year in the world. Fortunately, most of them involve only property damage – damage to the vehicle as opposed to the occupants. But one in three accidents involve personal injury to the driver or passengers and out of that number, two out of every ten accidents lead to fatal injuries.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and your interests. The following is a list of the top ten things you should do if you are in an automobile accident:

STOP. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.

PROTECT THE SCENE. You can prevent further accidents by setting up flares, or keeping your flashers on. If it is dark and your lights don’t work, you should have a flashlight to keep you safe while you wait in your disabled car or by the side of the road.

CALL THE POLICE. Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police. You may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company, even if it is just to make a claim for damage to your vehicle. The vehicles involved in the accident should remain where they are, unless they interfere with traffic.

MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. When the police arrive, make sure you tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened, to the best of your ability. If you do not know certain facts, tell that to the officer.

From your explanation I honestly thought you are an AI trying to spread your silicone propaganda.

All hail SkyNet!

7.0-magnitude quake struck Indonesia’s Papua province

JAYAPURA, INDONESIA — A strong earthquake struck Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua early Tuesday (28 July 2015) panicking people with at least one teenager missing after possibly drowning in a river. Several buildings and houses were either destroyed or damaged.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-7.0 underground quake struck at 6:41 a.m. Tuesday (2141 GMT) and was centered 247 kilometers (153 miles) west of Jayapura, the provincial capital of Papua.

Its depth was measured at 52.9 kilometers (32.8 miles) beneath the remote mountainous region of the island.

“Everyone panicked, they were running from their houses,” said Yonas Taufudu, a disaster mitigation official in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province.

He said a 15-year-old boy was feared to have drowned after falling into a river in Memberamo, a mountainous district close to the epicenter, and electricity was cut in some places, including a hospital, which was briefly evacuated.

Proposed Penang tram service gets vote of confidence

Following the announcement of the Land Public Transport Commission’s (SPAD) intention to table a proposal which could lead to the return of tram services in the state of Penang, a urban studies expert has provided his vote of confidence on the subject, theSun reports.

Stuart MacDonald, Penang Institute Fellow and Urban Studies head, commented that this “was what the state was working for in the last four years as seen by the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).” MacDonald stated that he was confident that the implementation of a tram network in Penang could help lower traffic congestion as it offered an alternative that could help commuters get to their destinations faster.

South Korea: A Rich Country With Poor-Country Virtues

South Korea is quite rich—it has GDP per capita of $35,277 about 65% of that of the United States, purchasing-power wise. Yet it runs a budget surplus, has positive real interest rates, and has avoided most of the policy errors of the rich world.

It also has projected 2015 and 2016 growth rates of 3.3% and 3.5%, according to the International Monetary Fund—not stellar, but better than all of its rich-world compatriots, including Singapore. South Korea’s stock market is not overvalued; indeed the KOSPI index is on a P/E ratio of only 10 so it’s not surprising Pacific Wealth has three Korean holdings, two conservative and one aggressive.

Amidst a shaky Europe, a sketchy Chinese stock market and rampant deficit spending that is the rule and not the exception among developed countries, let’s celebrate a wealthy country that stays that way through poor-country virtues.

MANILA (Philippines) — Officials in the Philippines, which has been hit by large natural disasters in recent years, expect a large number of people to join a drill to prepare Manila for a feared 7.2-magnitude earthquake from an active fault that could kill 30,000 people and displace millions.

Dr Renato Solidum, who heads the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said today (July 30) that the West Valley Fault, which cuts across the capital of more than 12 million people and outlying provinces, could shift anytime based on its seismic history.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:51 PM

Former Apple CEO John Sculley is now a backer of a range of different tech companies — including the Obi Mobiles Android line and enterprise company Zeta Interactive, shortly to IPO — but he will probably be best known as the man who ousted Steve Jobs from Apple in 1985.

Sculley told us recently at the Engage 2015 conference in Prague that it’s a myth that he “fired” Jobs from his own company. Rather, Jobs left after failing to convince the Apple board that they should pursue a discount pricing strategy for the failing Macintosh Office line of computers and printers. Upon losing that argument, the board deemed Steve’s presence in the company too disruptive and Jobs left.

It’s an oft-told tale, but perhaps the most poignant and unexpected was Sculley’s description of how deep his relationship with Jobs was, and the fact that once Jobs was kicked out of the company, they never repaired their relationship.

“He never forgave me for that,” Sculley told me at Engage. And the friendship?

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:52 PM

Why Carbon-Ceramic Brake Disks For High Performance Cars?

High performance car typically have the carbon ceramic composite brake disc rather than regular cast iron brake disks. That kind of high powerful engine and performance car required light weight material and body as well as the dynamic body shape.

If the typical cast iron brake disks fit on the high performance wheel it will wear out too quickly and the cast iron too heavy indirectly will affect it performance while the carbon ceramic brake disks was a high heat resistance and approximately 50% light weight than cast iron disks.

Ceramic is heat resistance up to 1830 degree Fahrenheit ( 982 Celsius ) therefore the ceramic composite brake disc last about 60 X longer than standard cast iron brake disks.
Carbon-Ceramic Brake Disks Advantages

At the IAA (German – Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, English – International Automobile Exhibition) in Frankfurt in 1999, the carbon-ceramic brake disk had its world premiere.

The use of the high-tech material had revolutionized the brake technology. In comparison to the conventional grey cast iron brake disk the carbon-ceramic brake disk weighed round 50 per cent less reducing the unsprung mass by almost 20 kilograms.

Further significant advantages are: improved brake response and fading data, high thermal stableness, no hot judder, excellent pedal feel, improved steering behavior, high abrasion resistance and thus longer life time and the advantage of avoiding almost completely brake dust (minimal brake dust).



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:53 PM

PERTH — An Australian man was accused on July 29 of allowing seven men to sexually abuse his 13-year-old daughter over the past two years, with police charging all eight men with more than 500 child sex offences.

Western Australia police arrested the men after receiving a tip-off from the public. Police say the father knew all of the men, and arranged for them to meet his daughter and subsequently assault her when she was between the ages of 11 and 13. The father is also accused of assaulting the girl.

The father and the other men, who range in age from 35 to 47, are facing 503 charges, including sexual penetration of a child under 13, stupefying with intent to commit a criminal offence and sexual servitude of a child.

Police Detective Superintendent Glenn Feeney, who described the abuse the girl suffered as “horrific”, said one of the men had 200,000 videos and four million child pornography images. The victim was featured in 149 images, he said.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:52 PM

Danny Davidson, a 32-year-old personal trainer from Essex, drinks 100ml of the thick liquid several times a week to compliment his training regime.

The fitness buff believes breast is best when it comes to building muscle – citing the idea that milk contains growth hormones to accelerate his bulk.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support his theory Danny claims it is the secret to his toned physique.

Having said this Danny has revealed he is endlessly mocked by his friends, who have even nicknamed him Bitty, after the popular Little Britain character.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:54 PM

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) plans to create two squadrons of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the first of their kind in Thailand, pending budget approval.

Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Tritos Sonchaeng said the squadrons will be based at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan, which is currently made up of four squadrons of Lead-in jet fighters, F-16 fighter jets, and Arava patrol aircraft.

The proposal comes amid reports the air force is about to decommission the fleet of three Arava patrol aircraft purchased from Israel 36 years ago.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:57 PM

Whether or not a young adult will abuse alcohol or engage in risky sexual behaviour could be predicted using brain scans, according to a research team from Duke University in the US.

The team set out to understand the communications between the brain, genome and environment that are the basis for risky activities foretelling mental illness such as depression, anxiety and addiction.

“By knowing the biology that predicts risk, we hope to eventually change the biology – or at least meet that biology with other forces to stem the risk,” says senior author Ahmad Hariri, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:57 PM

Reuters is today backing up earlier reports of a meeting between Apple and luxury automaker BMW. CEO Tim Cook is said to have visited BMW’s headquarters last year, and other executives toured the company’s Leipzig plant. According to Reuters, Apple showed a particular interest in BMW’s i3 electric car and the manufacturing process which produces the vehicle’s carbon fiber body. Only a week ago, Manger Magazine reported on the Apple / BMW meeting and claimed that Cupertino may be eyeing the i3 as the foundation for its own, heavily rumored electric car. Hundreds of Apple employees are working on the secret project, The Wall Street Journal revealed in February.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:58 PM

A new UN study of global population trends predicts that India will overtake China to become the world’s most populous nation by 2022.

The report also says that Nigeria will replace the US as the world’s third most populous country by around 2050.

Africa is expected to account for more than half of the world’s population growth over the next 35 years.

The current world population of 7.3 billion will reach 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, it predicts.

The new projection has India overtaking China’s population six years earlier than previously predicted.

The reports says half of the world’s population growth between 2015 and 2050 is expected to be concentrated in nine countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Indonesia and Uganda.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:59 PM

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 2 — A year after both Apple’s Car Play and Google’s Android Auto in-car smartphone connectivity systems were announced, the technologies are finally arriving in mass-market cars. So, if you’re looking for a new set of wheels, which marques already offer support for your handset?

Hyundai

In June, Hyundai became the first car company to start rolling out Android Auto on its production vehicles, starting with the current generation Sonata but promising to bring the system to the rest of its model range in the near future.
However, this week it went one better by offering existing Sonata owners the chance to download and install Android Auto themselves, via its myhyundai web portal.

“This is the first time we’ve made a software upgrade available using the MyHyundai portal,” said Michael Deitz, senior group manager of Connected Care, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata owners can add more value with Android Auto in an easy-to-do upgrade that takes less than an hour. Hyundai is continuing to offer the best user experience possible by leveraging its MyHyundai platform, so customers have the option to update their car — their way.”

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:56 PM

IT certainly feels good to hear the Government announcing that Korea is free from the Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak that had kept the whole nation fretting for two months.

Needless to say, it would have been better had authorities dealt with the contagious disease promptly in its initial stage, but it is still fortunate that we could stop the deadly virus after minimising its impact.

South Korea lost so much in its fight with the outbreak. A total of 186 people were hit by the disease, with 36 of them – although most of them had chronic illnesses and were in their advanced ages – having lost their lives.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:56 PM

KUALA LUMPUR/PARIS – Malaysia said today (Aug 2) that airplane debris that washed up on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion has been identified as being from a Boeing 777, the same model as a Malaysian Airlines plane which vanished last year.

Experts hope the 2-2.5 metre wing surface, known as a flaperon, and a fragment of luggage also found on Reunion could yield clues on the fate of Flight MH370, which disappeared without trace in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew on board.

“We know the flaperon has been officially identified as being part of a Boeing 777 aircraft,” Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said in a statement.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:55 PM

KUALA LUMPUR — The ringgit fell for a third day amid contractions in Malaysian and Chinese factory output, dimming the outlook for the South-east Asian economy that is under pressure from a slump in oil.

The currency dropped to a 16-year low as the Nikkei Malaysia Purchasing Managers’ Index of manufacturing held below the level of 50, signalling a contraction for a fourth month in July, while a similar gauge in China was under that threshold for a fifth month. As Prime Minister Najib Razak deals with a corruption scandal linked to state investment company 1Malaysia Development Bhd, data on Wednesday (Aug 5) may show exports shrank again in June, as they have for most of this year.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:55 PM

SINGAPORE – Singaporeans have to start conserving their water use even more because dry weather is affecting the country’s major source of water, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday.

The Republic can draw up to 250 million gallons of water a day, or up to about 60 per cent of its water needs, from the Johor River in Malaysia.

But this is only possible because the Linggiu Reservoir in Johor releases water into the river, preventing seawater from intruding into the river.

Since last year (2014), water levels in the reservoir have been steadily depleting, and have now reached a historic low of 54.5 per cent of its capacity.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 7 2015, 12:00 AM

Construction has begun on a British-designed supertall skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The blueprint for the 460m high tower was created by Atkins, as lead architect, and Arup as structural designer.

Once completed it is expected to be the tallest building in Vietnam.

UK prime minister David Cameron said: “Atkins and Arup are leading the way in unlocking the potential for British businesses in Vietnam.

“It’s a testament to their expertise that Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline will be shaped by British design, as they work on Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper. I’m pleased they were able to join me on my trade mission as we look to further export UK excellence and forge stronger links with the fast growing economies of South East Asia.”

The 241,000m2, 81 storey tower is located in Vinhomes Central Park and will be a mixed use development with provision for hotel, serviced residential apartments and retail with a shopping centre at the base.

It is expected to be completed in 2017.



This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 7 2015, 12:01 AM

A Korean who worked as an employee of the Japanese military during World War II testified that the Japanese government controlled Korean sex slaves in many countries including Southeast Asia.

The testimony contradicts Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s claim that Korean women who provided sex to Japanese troops during the war were victims of sexual trafficking.

The Association for the Pacific War Victims, a Seoul-based private organization seeking compensation from Japan, released video footage Monday of the late Song Bok-seop, a Korean who was an employee of the Japanese military.

In the footage recorded in 1992, he said he traveled to Indonesia and Singapore where he worked as a guard at a prisoners of war camp and managed goods supplied to the military.

BERLIN, Aug 3 — Tourists and business travellers visiting Germany are often surprised when they reach to pay for their beer, metro tickets or even a large restaurant bill that their credit cards are not welcome.

Habits, however, are slowly changing in Europe’s top economy, as younger consumers leapfrog from cash to convenient electronic forms of payment.

A deeply ingrained mistrust of credit has long kept cash king in Germany, where the average citizen carries €103 (about RM432) in their pocket.

“Cards have long been the most costly means of payment for merchants while cash transactions cost them almost nothing,” Ulrich Binneboessel of the HDE retail sector federation told AFP, explaining the reluctance to accept credit cards.

More than half of the amount spent in Germany on private purchases, 53 per cent, is paid in cash, according to a study by the Bundesbank central bank—one of the highest rates for an advanced economy.

This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 6 2015, 11:27 PM

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 4 ― Malaysia’s economy remains fundamentally sound, but the ringgit’s performance is being largely influenced by current global economic uncertainties.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah cited Greece and China as two countries whose productivity had fallen, but Malaysia’s economy was still growing.

“It is not only the ringgit. Currencies globally are being pitted against the US dollar. The greenback had been appreciating against many other currencies,” he added.

He told reporters this after chairing the 2016 Budget Focus Group themed, “Enhancing Inclusiveness for Well-Being of the People”, here today.

This disgraces the real users after the sex links – with indecent images, chats and invitations – are sent under their names to their online friends.

Any user on the social network may read and see these links if the account of one of their online friends gets infected with certain malware.

TH, 27, a worker at a furniture company in Hanoi, said one day she signed onto her Facebook account as usual and received tens of messages from her friends that she did not understand at first.



The messages said things like, “Are you going to get married and want to learn from this?”, “It’s terrible, you are going crazy,” or “You are going mad. It’s OK to read it, but not good to send it to others.”

An avalanche of other comments and questions with similar content filled her inbox.

TH only understood the situation thanks to one of her close friends and had to send out explanations and apologies.

She even sent SMS messages to clarify the issue.

It is not rare for users of social networks to become entangled in such a tricky situation.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Federal Highway



In June, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai proposed a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along the Federal Highway. The main aim is to ease congestion on the busy road which spans 45 km from Seputeh in KL to Klang. Electric buses will run on ground level, which means that a lane has to be set aside for buses.

Will the proposed BRT line help? Experts, builders and motorists contacted by The Star have mixed views.

Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research director-general Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said a BRT would be ideal as bus lanes will be separated by a physical border, but Masters Builders Association of Malaysia president Matthew Tee said the lack of space for the project is a concern.

Jakarta, INDONESIA- Indonesia’s growth slid in the second quarter to levels unseen since 2009, government data showed Wednesday, highlighting the uphill battle for President Joko Widodo in expanding Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

The economy grew at 4.67 percent year-on-year in the three months to the end of June, from 4.72 percent in the previous quarter, Indonesia’s statistics agency said. First quarter growth was revised up from 4.71 percent.

OCBC Bank economist Wellian Wiranto told AFP the result was “largely disappointing”.

“There’s no engine to support growth at this point,” he said.

India’s composite output Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMI) is 52 for July, which is better than that of some large Asian economies



India’s economy may not be in the best shape, but the Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMIs) prove once again that it’s better off than most others in Asia.

India’s composite output PMI is 52 for July, which is better than that of some large Asian economies. The composite output index is a combined measure of manufacturing and services activity in the private sector.

Among manufacturing PMIs, the Indonesian, Malaysian, South Korean and Taiwanese indices all showed a contraction in July, and only Vietnam’s manufacturing expansion was comparable to India’s.

Malaysia says matches prove wing part is from missing flight MH370



KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia said on Thursday paint color and maintenance-record matches proved that a piece of wing found on the shore of an Indian Ocean island was part of the wreckage of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which vanished without trace last year.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said investigators on the French island of Reunion had collected more aircraft debris, including a plane window and aluminum foil, but there was no confirmation they also belonged to the missing plane.

With the first trace of the plane now confirmed, Malaysia has asked the governments of neighboring Mauritius and Madagascar to help widen the search area, he told reporters.

Earlier, Prime Minister Najib Razak confirmed that the piece of debris was from the Boeing 777 airliner that was bound for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board when it went missing.

“Today, 515 days since the plane disappeared, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that an international team of experts have conclusively confirmed that the aircraft debris found on Reunion Island is indeed from MH370,” Najib said in a televised address.

The airline described the find as “a major breakthrough”.

Shootings on Jakarta city’s roads



Keep a cool head. And try not to shoot each other.

Jakarta Police chief Inspector-General Tito Karnavian gave this advice to drivers yesterday after two shooting incidents in Jakarta recently, reported the Jakarta Post.

The shootings happened on toll roads in the Indonesian capital.

Jakarta has the worst traffic in the world with the average driver having to stop 33,240 times a year – more than twice the number in New York.

Last week, a driver in a Kia Picanto shot at a Daihatsu Xenia in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

His beef? That he had suddenly been overtaken.

Even though there were no casualties, police are looking into the case.

On Sunday, a similar incident occurred involving the drivers of a Honda Jazz and a Toyota Avanza on a toll road in Depok.

The Honda driver made a police report that the Toyota driver shot at his car.

The case is under investigation with the military police because the shooter, who is still on the run, is believed to be a military officer.

Powerful storm hits Taiwan, millions without power, six dead



TAIPEI/YILAN, Taiwan – A powerful typhoon battered Taiwan on Saturday with strong wind and torrential rain, cutting power to 3.62 million households as the death toll rose to six.

Four people were missing and 101 were injured, authorities said. Hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled and more than 9,900 people were evacuated from their homes.

Television footage trees uprooted and power poles toppled over, a moped being swept into the air by wind and shipping containers piled on top of each other at a port.

“The storm will weaken but we expect more rain, particularly in southern Taiwan,” said Wang Shih-chien, an official with the island’s Central Weather Bureau.

China jails teacher for life over student sex abuse



Shanghai: A Chinese court has sentenced a kindergarten teacher to life in jail for sexually abusing 12 of his students, the official Xinhua news agency reported today.

A court in the northern region of Ningxia sentenced Huang Zhenxin, a teacher at a rural school, for “raping or molesting” his female students, the report said.

Police said he offered to tutor them on their homework before assaulting them.

In May, China executed a former primary school teacher for raping and sexually abusing 26 children at his school, state media previously reported.

Leading Chinese businessman Jack Ma visits Tyva Republic



Internet magnate and philanthropist Jack Ma – mainland China’s richest man – visited Siberia’s Tyva Republic as he admitted that his dreams for his business empire Alibaba Group is not yet realised.

The tycoon was hosted by the president of Tyva Republic Sholban Kara-ool, who met him at the airport in Kyzyl. He visited the National Museum and saw priceless artifacts – including finds of gold – from the ‘Arzhaan-2′ burial mound.

‘This is absolutely amazing,’ he said. ‘I imagined what kind of people lived here, worked, guided … I am sure that everyone who is living in this land must feel the energy of their ancestors, and through it, to strive forward into the future.’

Visit China’s Great Wall before it comes tumbling down

Around 30% of China’s Ming-era Great Wall has disappeared over time as adverse natural conditions and reckless human activities – including stealing the bricks to build houses – erode the Unesco World Heritage site, state media reported.



The Great Wall is not a single unbroken structure but stretches for thousands of kilometres in sections, from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the windswept sands on the edge of the Gobi desert.

In places, it is so dilapidated that estimates of its total length vary from 9,000km to 21,000km , depending on whether missing sections are included. Despite its length it is not, as is sometimes claimed, visible from space.

Construction first begun in the third century BCE, but nearly 6,300km were built in the Ming Dynasty of 1368-1644, including the much-visited sectors north of the capital Beijing. Of that, 1,962km has melted away over the centuries, the Beijing Times reported.

Some of the construction weathered away, while plants growing in the walls have accelerated the decay, said the report, citing a survey last year by the Great Wall of China Society.

“Even though some of the walls are built of bricks and stones, they cannot withstand the perennial exposure to wind and rain,” the paper quoted Dong Yaohui, a vice president of the society, as saying.

“Many towers are becoming increasingly shaky and may collapse in a single rain storm in summer”.

All-you-can-eat durian fest collects RM180,000 for children’s wish society



A TOTAL 2,500 people feasted for charity during the recent Jom Durian 8, simultaneously fulfilling their cravings and helping make the wishes of terminally-ill children come true.

Making their way through seven tonnes of durian, the guests managed to raise RM180,000 for the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia (CWS), a homegrown Subang Jaya initiative.

Guests bought tickets at RM20 each to participate in the hour-long sessions that catered to 500 people each time.

For one durian fan, it was a feast to the finish.

Jom Durian regular Lee Siew Chow, 78, found himself in a wheelchair being nursed by St John Ambulance volunteer Kenneth Fernandez after consuming more than he ought to.

“I overate lah. I forgot how much I ate. Maybe 10 pieces, I think.

“But I will definitely come back next year. I won’t miss it!” he said in good spirits, as his wife Loh Yit Siew fanned him lovingly.

We owe agency a debt of gratitude



IT is astounding that more than 350,000 people were on the brink of bankruptcy with an accumulated debt of RM337 million, until they were saved by the Counselling and Credit Management Agency.

The agency was a saviour to these people, who had no way out and were contemplating suicide. The agency counselled and helped them to manage their finances. It also recommended jobs for those with no jobs. Fresh graduates and young professionals are not able to make ends meet because bank loans and debts take up a sizeable chunk of their income.

The two biggest items are housing and car loans. The rising rate of household debt, due to rising prices of goods and services, and credit card bills, has put many households in the red. Bank Negara has introduced measures to prevent excessive household debt by reducing housing loan and personal loan repayment tenure. Young people will find it more difficult to buy homes as banks reduce the housing loan period.

More young people are getting into debt because of inflation and rising cost of living. Some are living beyond their means and struggling to make ends meet. Their lack of financial knowledge and education, coupled with expensive lifestyle choices, put the younger generation in financial difficulties.

What to do when you’re fired



Quick action can help you get back in the game

YOU’VE just been fired. Getting back in the game is never easy. On the bright side, it’s not the end of the world and it happens to the best of us.

The following are some tips on what you should do to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Financial implications

When we lose our jobs, we lose our income stream and a major lifestyle adjustment is needed, says licensed financial adviser and syariah financial advisory for Excellentte Consultancy Jeremy Tan.

“During your working years, you should always set aside savings that can cover your expenses or lifestyle for between six to 12 months, in case you lose your job.

“Though six to 12 months might be considered long, it provides the individual with ample time to hunt around for another job. Also during the unemployment period, one could also use the time to take on new skills to improve oneself,” he adds.

Tan notes that it’s harder on a person who has dependents such as children or elderly parents.

“Here you might be forced to take on a lower-paying job just to make ends meet – at least until you can find your ideal paying job again.

Getting over the mental anguish

Losing your job can be mentally challenging to get over. Accept it and move on, says Heera Training and Management Consultancy principal consultant Heera Singh.

“It is normal to be shocked and upset over a firing. The critical thing here is to be able to manage your negative emotions effectively and get over it as soon as possible.

“After a firing, many people start to feel resentful about their old company, their boss and fellow employees. None of this will change the situation. Accept the reality that you have been fired and that no amount of moaning or groaning will get you back your job. The quicker you get over the firing and look towards the future, the better it will be.”



Leaderonomics chief executive officer Roshan Thiran shares the same sentiment.

The Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang, Malaysia



MITSUI OUTLET PARK KLIA SEPANG Opening on May 30, 2015
First Major Shareholding Overseas Development of a Mitsui Outlet Park, Taking Abroad Know-How Cultivated Over 20 Years of the Outlet Business in Japan

MITSUI OUTLET PARK KLIA SEPANG , Kuala Lumpur’s outlet mall are joint venture (JV) of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. (MFMA Development Sdn. Bhd) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

Store Composition Features



A collection of various genres, including leading luxury brands, international designer brands, popular local Malaysian brands and Japanese brands.
A wide variety of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, including Malaysian, Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. Many restaurants also cater for halal needs.
In “JAPAN AVENUE”, a zone where visitors can experience authentic Japanese culture, Japanese sushi restaurant “sushi maru” will open its first restaurant in Malaysia, “Wa Café” will offer customers a chance to experience Japanese tea, and “fun Japan” will comprise a traditional craft store, an event space, and other attractions .





Building Design and Design Features



Based on Paradise Village, a concept with a tropical resort theme
The two story construction is designed to facilitate overall ease of movement, with an ambience like an outdoor space as natural light from stylish skylights enriched with greenery throughout the building create the atmosphere of a relaxing, bright resort.
The enclosed mall design is entirely air-conditioned on account of the tropical climate, creating a comfortable shopping space.


This post has been edited by 2msia: Aug 12 2015, 09:29 AM

Risks, benefits of high-speed rail link need further scrutiny



More clarity is needed on the economic and social justifications for such a project.

While travel time on the high-speed rail (HSR) would probably be reduced to 90 minutes a trip, the time taken for embarking, disembarking and clearing immigration is unknown. It could well take an hour.

The project is estimated to cost S$15 billion, assuming there is zero cost overrun — which Malaysia has experienced in other public projects.

To break even — just to finance annual borrowing costs (not the principal sum) — the HSR may need ridership of eight million, with tickets priced at around S$90 to S$110 per trip, to be economically feasible.

Malaysia’s Public Transport Commission chairman Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal has said that a round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on the HSR link will cost users less than RM400 (S$142).

All it takes is RM120 to unlock cars with Rolljam



As reported on Tech Insider, a hacker named Samy Kamkar recently made a US$30 (RM120) device called Rolljam which can unlock cars by exploiting a weakness in keyless entry. According to the publication, Kamkar also built a device recently which is able to hack into GM’s OnStar system wirelessly (OnStar/GM has reportedly resolved the issue).

His latest hack exploits a basic vulnerability in the car and garage key that has been prevalent for quite a while. Essentially, car key remotes, just like garage remotes, use rolling codes to authenticate access.

Back to the future: Nokia prepares for mobile comeback



HELSINKI, Aug 10 — Nokia is hiring software experts, testing new products and seeking sales partners as it plots its return to the mobile phone and consumer tech arena it abandoned with the sale of its handset business.

Once the world’s biggest maker of mobile phones, the Finnish firm was wrongfooted by the rise of smartphones and eclipsed by Apple and Samsung. It sold its handset business to Microsoft in late 2013 and has since focused squarely on making telecoms network equipment.

Now Nokia boss Rajeev Suri is planning a comeback. He must wait until late 2016 before he can consider re-entering the handset business — after a non-compete deal with Microsoft expires — but preparations are underway.

The company has already dipped its toe into the consumer market; it has launched an Android tablet, the N1, which went on sale in January in China and days ago unveiled a “virtual-reality camera” — heralding it as the “rebirth of Nokia”.

It has also launched an Android app called Z Launcher, which organises content on smartphones.

Meanwhile, its technologies division has advertised on LinkedIn dozens of jobs in California, many in product development, including Android engineers specialising in the operating software Nokia mobile devices will use.

Gun murder rate in Thailand on a par with United States



KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – Rungrat Rungsuwan was manning her small shop selling trinkets on a main tourist drag on the Thai resort island of Koh Samui when she heard a series of loud bangs.

“At first I thought they were firecrackers,” she said, as tourists in flip-flops and singlets filed past her storefront in the island’s Fisherman’s Village district.

“Once people realized it was gunfire everyone panicked and started running. Some people came into my shop to hide.”

It was early March and just meters away influential local businessmen Panas Khao-uthai lay dead, six bullets fired into his body at close range by two assassins who calmly unloaded their pistols in broad daylight.

For the holiday-makers forced to dive for cover that evening, the murder — which police say was over a commercial dispute — was a glimpse into a reality familiar to locals: the country’s deadly enthusiasm for guns.

Renowned to outsiders for its laid-back, welcoming vibe, Thailand is also a country awash with firearms where disputes are all too frequently settled with a bullet and a body.

KL City GP caused businesses to incur losses



The recent Kuala Lumpur City GP has not gone down well with businesses situated within the vicinity of the 3.2 km track. The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has claimed that affected businesses have had to incur as much as three to four days’ worth of losses over the event period.

Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, MEF executive director told The Sun that it was not fair to businesses that were affected by the event, adding that “they had to suffer in silence, there was nothing they could do about it.”

“When people are not able to come in to the area, of course their incomes were affected,” he said, referring to the closure of five major roads within the golden triangle. He stressed that should the KL City GP take place annually, this would be worrying as it would be difficult for companies to operate on such basis.

Shamsuddin then questioned the necessity of organising the race in the city, when there is a first class track readily available, referring to the Sepang International Circuit. “The track in Sepang has all the necessary safety features that are required. They should have just used that circuit,” he highlighted.