Some Info About The Swine Flu.

Downloaded the article below from the Star Online as part of my civic duty to inform and shed some light about the dreaded strain of influenza, what is now known as the Swine Flu to the public.

According to the World Health Organisation, no region is safe from this disease. Hopefully, we will be spared from it.

Swine Flu FAQ

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:

- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?

In the past reports of about one human swine flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?

The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?

The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?

- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, go to the Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html


Source: The Star Online

Hello!

Sorry for being absent for the past few days folks.

Well, there things that sometimes we just can't seem to avoid and which also need to be tackled immediately. Such is life. Well, things haven't really return to normalcy, but I can safely say that I will be able able to return to my blogging activities if not as frequent.

Hope to things will turns out for the better soon. Anyway, it's good to be back and hope to be able to commence posting soon.

I'm One Of Them...

Below is an excerpt of an article by Bernama. While the actual figure is debatable, one thing I am sure of is that I am one of the "casualties". I may have yet to push the panic button but I am hoping the silver lining would show it's shape soon.

Over 30,000 Workers Retrenched Nationwide

SHAH ALAM, April 16 (Bernama) - Some 30,650 foreign and local workers were retrenched nationwide as of Tuesday this year, Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said.

Read more ...

Just a Joke.

Been busy these few days arranging my son's enrollment into college. So for the time being please allow me to carry out some fatherly duties. :)

Meanwhile, enjoy this joke from me that I got from a friend of mine.

Lulu was a prostitute, but she didn't want her grandma to know. One day, the police raided the brothel and took all the girls outside and made them line up. Suddenly, Lulu's grandma came by!!!

Grandma asked, "Why are you standing in line here, dear?"

Not willing to let her grandma know the truth, Lulu told her that the police were passing out free oranges and she was just lining up for some.

"Why, that's awfully nice of them. I think I'll get some for myself," Grandma said, and she proceeded to the back of the line.

A policeman was going down the line asking for information from all the prostitutes. When he got to grandma, he was bewildered and exclaimed, "Wow, still going at it at your age? How do you do it old girl?!"

Grandma replied, "Oh, it's easy, dear, I just take my dentures out, rip the skin back and suck 'em' dry."

The policeman fainted.

Source : A Forwarded E-Mail.

A Good Example Of A People's Government.

Truthfully, this will be the first of such case that I have came across where a local Government is proposing to build a public toilet for the transgenders, also known as pondans over here, or in India as Aravani or Hijras.

This is what the mayor of South India's City of Chennai was proposing. Read the article here.

Now that is really surprising and heartening. I wonder and curious really on how the design for a such toilets will look like. This sure will qualifies for the title as "People's Government".

Kabinet Baru 2009

Senarai terkini kabinet baru Malaysia. Yang bertanda merah adalah Ahli Parlimen berasal dari Sabah. Seperti yang telah dijangkakan, nama Khairy Jamaludin tidak tersenarai dalam kabinet baru ini.

PERDANA MENTERI:
Datuk Seri Najib Razak

TIMBALAN PERDANA MENTERI:
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (Hal Ehwal Perpaduan & Pengurusan Prestasi)
Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (Hal Ehwal Perundangan & Parlimen)
Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Unit Perancang Ekonomi)
Mej-Jen (B) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (Hal Ehwal Agama Islam)

Timbalan-timbalan Menteri:
Datuk Liew Vui Keong
Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim
Datuk S.K. Devamany
Ahmad Maslan
T.Murugiah

MENTERI KEWANGAN:
Datuk Seri Najib Razak

MENTERI KEWANGAN II:
Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah
Timbalan:
Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin

MENTERI PELAJARAN:
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Timbalan:
Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi

MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN:
Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Timbalan:
Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri
Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew

MENTERI PERUSAHAAN, PERLADANGAN DAN KOMODITI:
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Timbalan:
Datuk Hamzah Zainudin

MENTERI DALAM NEGERI:
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Timbalan:
Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop
Jelaing anak Mersat

MENTERI PENERANGAN, KOMUNIKASI, KESENIAN DAN KEBUDAYAAN:
Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim
Timbalan:
Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum
Senator Heng Seai Kie

MENTERI TENAGA, TEKNOLOGI HIJAU DAN AIR:
Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Timbalan:
Noriah Kasnon

MENTERI KEMAJUAN LUAR BANDAR DAN WILAYAH:
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Timbalan:
Datuk Hassan Malek
Datuk Joseph Entulu anak Belaun

MENTERI PENGAJIAN TINGGI:
Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin
Timbalan:
Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah

MENTERI PERDAGANGAN ANTARABANGSA DAN INDUSTRI:
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Timbalan:
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir
Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

MENTERI SAINS, TEKNOLOGI DAN INNOVASI:
Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Timbalan:
Fadillah Yusof

MENTERI SUMBER ASLI DAN ALAM SEKITAR:
Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Timbalan:
Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

MENTERI PELANCONGAN:
Datuk Ng Yen Yen
Timbalan:
Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

MENTERI PERTANIAN DAN INDUSTRI ASAS TANI:
Datuk Noh Omar
Timbalan:
Datuk Johari Baharum
Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

MENTERI PERTAHANAN:
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Timbalan:
Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad

MENTERI KERJA RAYA:
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Timbalan:
Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

MENTERI KESIHATAN:
Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Timbalan:
Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin

MENTERI BELIA DAN SUKAN:
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Timbalan:
Datuk Razali Ibrahim
Wee Jeck Seng

MENTERI SUMBER MANUSIA:
Datuk Dr S.Subramaniam
Timbalan:
Datuk Maznah Mazlan

MENTERI PERDAGANGAN DALAM NEGERI DAN HAL EHWAL PENGGUNA:
Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Timbalan:
Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

MENTERI PERUMAHAN DAN KERAJAAN TEMPATAN:
Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Timbalan:
Datuk Lajim Ukin

MENTERI PEMBANGUNAAN WANITA, KELUARGA DAN MASYARAKAT:
Datuk Seri Sharizat Jalil
Timbalan:
Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

MENTERI LUAR:
Datuk Anifah Aman
Timbalan:
A.Kohilan Pillay
Datuk Lee Chee Leong

MENTERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN:
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin
Timbalan:
Datuk M.Saravanan


Sumber: Berita Harian Online

Ringkasan.

Keputusan sudah pun diketahui umum dan seperti yang dijangkakan, setiap pihak meraih kemenangan untuk parti masing-masing. BN-1, PKR-1 dan PAS-1. Namun kemenangan moral lebih berpihak kepada PR (PKR + PAS) berbanding BN.

Sarawak kekal belum dapat ditembusi oleh PR nampaknya. Masih kebal lagi. Masih dara lagi. PR kenalah kerja lebih keras lagi begitu juga kepada BN. Janganlah lusa nak pilihanraya, hari ini sibuk kesana-kemari. Lain padang, lain belalang. Harap dapat pengajaran berguna dari pengalaman terbaru ini.

Akhir sekali, tahniah untuk semua yang meraih kemenangan. Selamat bertugas dan selamat menikmati kerusi panas masing-masing.

200 Mosques In Mecca Facing Wrong Qiblat Direction.

If the mistake were to happen here in Malaysia, people may still consider that to be an acceptable oversight due to the geographical location of our country, which is located far away from Saudi Arabia.

However, when the mistake actually happened in Mecca, is it really strange at all? I am referring of course to this article here, which claimed that over 200 old mosques in Mecca were found to be facing the wrong qiblat all these years.

My guess is that when the mosques were constructed years ago, they failed to check whether the orientation of the mosques towards the qiblat were correctly aligned. Then again who would have thought this type of mistake could happen and of all places, in Saudi Arabia?

Well, the mistake did happened. There will be red faces and it’s not because of the hot dessert sun.

(An afterthought - Over confidence is a good thing but it could also lead us to carelessness.)

Source : Saudigazette.com

The Lahad Datu Flag Burning Incident.

Whoever these people are and whatever their motives may be, I hope the authorities will look into the incident seriously and take swift, immediate and appropriate respond.

STATE LEADERS CONDEMN FLAG BURNERS

(NEW SABAH TIMES) - KOTA KINABALU: State leaders have condemned the group of people who burned the Sabah flags and urged the authorities to take stern action against the perpetrators.

Gravely concerned about the incident in Lahad Datu on Saturday, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk VK Liew said: “The act is outrageous. We cannot allow anyone including foreign elements to do something like this. Our sovereignty must be protected at all costs.”

Read More ...

The Financial Crisis - A Simple Explaination.

Would like to share this article with the readers of this blog.

Hope it may help to enlighten to those whom have yet to fully grasp the meaning and implication of the financial crisis that the world is facing now.

The financial crisis explained in simple terms.

Heidi is the proprietor of a bar in Berlin. In order to increase sales, she decides to allow her loyal customers - most of whom are unemployed alcoholics - to drink now but pay later. She keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers loans).

Word gets around and as a result increasing numbers of customers flood into Heidi's bar.

Taking advantage of her customers' freedom from immediate payment constraints, Heidi increases her prices for wine and beer, the most-consumed beverages. Her sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic customer service consultant at the local bank recognizes these customer debts as valuable future assets and increases Heidi's borrowing limit.

He sees no reason for undue concern since he has the debts of the alcoholics as collateral.

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert bankers transform these customer assets into DRINKBONDS, ALKBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These securities are then traded on markets worldwide. No one really understands what these abbreviations mean and how the securities are guaranteed.

Nevertheless, as their prices continuously climb, the securities become top-selling items.

One day, although the prices are still climbing, a risk manager (subsequently of course fired due his negativity) of the bank decides that slowly the time has come to demand payment of the debts incurred by the drinkers at Heidi's bar.

However they cannot pay back the debts. Heidi cannot fulfil her loan obligations and claims bankruptcy.

DRINKBOND and ALKBOND drop in price by 95 %. PUKEBOND performs better, stabilizing in price after dropping by 80 %.

The suppliers of Heidi's bar, having granted her generous payment due dates and having invested in the securities are faced with a new situation.

Her wine supplier claims bankruptcy, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor.

The bank is saved by the Government following dramatic round-the-clock consultations by leaders from the governing political parties.

The funds required for this purpose are obtained by a tax levied against the non-drinkers.

Finally an explanation I understand .. . .

Source : A forwarded E-mail.

Datuk Seri Najib - My First Impression.

It has always been mentioned before at one time or another, about the importance of leaving a good "First Impression" in whatever form of new endeavour that we had set out to do. In other words, people will judge us by our initial handling on the tasks given to us to perform.

Although this form of appraisal may not be the fool-proof tool in judging the long term capability of certain individuals, but through past experience, it has been use many times over by others as the accepted performance measuring tool and also as an aid to form their opinion on us - albeit good or bad.

Having said that, my first impression on Datuk Seri Najib after the first day as the new Prime Minister of this country is, well, interesting. Interesting that he chose to do this and also this, which I believe is much to the bewilderment of his associates and opponents alike. Hope there will be more interesting actions.

Nevertheless, I wonder if secretly, he wish that he could have made his entrance into office during a more welcoming atmosphere. As of now he had the global economic downturn to tackle on the home front besides in overcoming the negative perceptions that some people had on him.

Anyway, I would like to congratulate and wish him all the best, and that he will do his utmost best for the country and its people.

A Post April Fool Day Joke.

I could not believe myself the bulk of e-mail jokes that I have received yesterday, but decided to share the one below with you all. Enjoy.

How to choose a bride, Malaysian style


A Mother was very concerned that her middle-aged son has not shown the slightest indication of getting married. So one day she called him over to her house.

The Son came home from work, grudgingly. Upon arriving, he found that his mother had gathered a few beautiful ladies at the house for him to choose as his future bride.

The FIRST one was a well-endowed Telephonist-cum-Receptionist. He immediately commented: 'Aiyaa..... Mother, they always say..... PLEASE HOLD ON, HOLD ON.........'

The SECOND nominee was a leggy secretary. She was also rejected. Reason being: 'Aiyaa.... Mother, this one aaa..., Secretary always fond of saying 'PLEASE SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN........'

By this time, the mother is nearing frustration. She called a sweet but plain-looking Teacher. The Son suddenly agreed!!

The Mother was surprised and asked: 'Why this one? The earlier two were a lot better looking!'

He replied: 'Teachers aaa.... Teachers very good, very good, always say: PLEASE REPEAT, DO IT AGAIN, I want it done 10 times.... SOME MORE, SOME MORE.....!'

Her youngest son (10 years old), was listening quietly all this while at the other end of the room. Suddenly, he shouted: 'Brother.... Female mini bus Conductor much better laa.... they always say: 'NAIK CEPAT, NAIK CEPAT..... MASUK, MASUK...... MASUK LAGI, DALAM LAGI..... DALAM LAGI LAAAAH, MASUK BELAKANG..... BELAKANG LAGI, BELAKANG BANYAK KOSONG.....'

The mother fainted....

Source: A Forwarded E-Mail

Half Past Six Bumiputra Contractors.

Well, this is quite an old issue actually or as the saying goes in the Sabah's local lingo - cerita bangas(basi). It is that one story which always managed to make a comeback and made it way into the headlines, time and time again.

I am referring of course to the old and much stale issue concerning about majority of the Bumiputra contractors, whom after being awarded Government contracts, always failed to complete them on time.

Regardless whether during good times, or bad times such as the present, we will always hear about this same story (same version but different characters from the same group – BUMIPUTRA) being repeated over and over again.

Why do majority of these Bumiputra contractors failed to complete their projects on time? Was it due to personal weaknesses, bad management or other economic factors? Whatever the reason may be, these ineffective contractors are causing those good and hard working Bumiputra contractors into disrepute.

Furthermore, while we can continue guessing, only they (the lousy contractors) will have the answers to those pertinent questions. Numerous courses and aids provided by the Government do not seem to help. Maybe the only available but extreme solution that might kick them awake from their slumber will be to punish them accordingly, and in the worst scenario, to blacklist them altogether.

One such project at real-time that I am aware of is the extension works on a school here in the Penampang district. The proposed completion date was supposed to be April this year but not only it was delayed, but has come to a complete stop since beginning of this year. The overall present percentage of completion for the whole project is roughly estimated about 60%.

Picture taken on 1.4.2009 and no this is not an April fool day joke. Notice the half completed block next to the existing block.

With the delay, I was made to understand that some of the school programmes for this year was disrupted. The school intention to have only one session of classes in the morning beginning this year had to be postponed indefinitely.

The school which also will begin their pioneer Lower Six classes this year had to relocate the students in whatever rooms that available until the new school blocks is completed.

So maybe the Education Ministry people please have a look into this and also other school projects that may be experiencing the same predicament as suffered by this school.

Daily Express – 2/4/2009 (click on image to enlarge)

An article today in the Daily Express about Datuk Musa reprimanding Bumiputra workers who delays completion of their works. (Again, same version but different characters and still from the same group – BUMIPUTRA).