Reflections on My New Car: A Journey of Anticipation and Unease

Reflections on My New Car

I recently decided to fetch my new car, but I find myself regretting the purchase even before taking delivery and becoming its owner. Perhaps it’s the weight of anticipation or the fear of the unknown.

Last night, I had a vivid dream that seemed to revolve around the car.

In my dream, I was driving along a beautiful highway, the only vehicle on the road. The incline grew steeper and steeper until I reached the edge.

There, the highway plunged dramatically into the sea. Strangely, I had shifted the car into second gear, and I noticed other cars submerged in the water, tied to floats resembling the top half of containers but much smaller than a real container - hardly longer than the car. Despite the surreal scene, I felt concern rather than fear.

A woman’s voice echoed over a PA system, like that of a flight attendant, announcing something I couldn’t quite make out. Dreams can be cryptic, and this one left me with a sense of foreboding. Falling or descending often symbolizes negative omens, and I wonder if my subconscious is trying to tell me something about my new, second hand car.

As if to reinforce this unease, rain is imminent as I approached the dealer's place to fetch the car, a 2007 MyVi 1.3 (A), and I lack confidence in driving an unfamiliar car in wet conditions.

Perhaps it’s time to reflect on my decision and address any lingering doubts, but there's no going back.

As it happens, I got home safely; the rain was intermittent and was not heavy.

But wife and son didn't even ask about the car. Anyway. Life's like that.

Last night, I had a vivid dream centered around the car. In this dream, I was driving along a beautiful highway—the only vehicle on the road. The incline grew steeper and steeper until I reached the edge, where the highway dramatically plunged into the sea. Strangely, I had shifted the car into second gear and noticed other cars submerged in the water, tied to floats resembling small containers. Despite the surreal scene, I felt concern rather than fear.

Car Matters

I brought along Sam Addams, and Mel tagged along, too. Sam has a knack for cars—he used to sell spare parts and has always opted for secondhand vehicles. So, he’s no stranger to the ins and outs of buying used cars. His take on this particular one? Well, at RM10,500, it’s an absolute steal. We decided to take it for a test drive.

As for my impressions, the handling seemed decent—no sudden jolts and the ride was smooth, albeit a tad sluggish (it’s a 1.3, after all). Plus, no mysterious clunks or rattles from the drive shafts. On the exterior, there weren’t any glaring signs of major collisions—though the seller did confess to a minor right-side fender bender that required a headlight replacement.

Things looked pretty good inside, except for a rust spot on the right rear door near the wheel arch. It outshone the other cars we’d seen, except for that elusive first one (which vanished before I could even blink). Definitely better than the Batu Pahat model. But—and here’s my only gripe—the engine growls like an angry cat. Much louder than the Batu Pahat version Iqi’s father arranged through a dealer. That one was quieter, though admittedly not as spiffy inside and out. Still, this car boasts a fresh coat of paint—original colour, mind you—just a quick spray layer on the outside."

                        Car: Perodua MyVi 1.3A

                        Model Year: 2007

                        Asking Price: 10,500 + Name change

                        Reg: WQB3707

                        Insurance: RM 1200

                        Road Tax: RM 70

                        Total: RM 11,770

“Car Chronicles: The Great RM10,500 Steal!”

So, here’s the scoop: I had a rendezvous with Sam Addams and Mel—the dynamic duo of car enthusiasts. Sam, the seasoned spare parts seller, knows cars like the back of his hand. And guess what? He’s always been a fan of secondhand beauties. So, he practically did a happy dance when we stumbled upon this gem priced at RM10,500. We decided to take it for a spin, just to see if it lived up to the hype.

Now, my turn behind the wheel: The handling? Not bad at all—no sudden jolts, and the ride was smoother than a jazz sax solo (okay, maybe a tad sluggish—it’s a 1.3, after all). And the best part? No mysterious clunks or rattles from the drive shafts. Exterior-wise, no major collision scars—just a minor right-side fender bender that needed a new headlight. Inside? Pretty darn good, except for that sneaky rust patch on the right rear door. But hey, it outshone the other cars we’d seen, except for that elusive first one that vanished quicker than a magician’s rabbit.

But—and here’s the drumroll—the engine growled like a caffeinated tiger. Seriously, louder than a rock concert. Sam, our resident car whisperer, had a theory: engine mounting. Apparently, it’s like a car chiropractic adjustment. Plus, this poor thing hadn’t hit the road in ages. Fingers crossed, right? Because guess what—I already pulled the trigger and now have to bite the bullet (ouch!).

Now, the guilt trip: Iqi’s father and the kind-hearted Iki had their hearts set on that Batu Pahat car. It would’ve set me back RM14,800 on-the-road (yikes!). But hey, I’m saving RM3,030, so maybe I’ll slip Iqi’s dad a little thank-you bonus of RM300. It’s the least I can do for their trouble.

So, here’s to my new ride—a mix of excitement, engine growls, and a dash of guilt. Wish me luck, and may the car gods be on my side! 🚗🤞

🚗 The MyVi Misadventure

So there I was, eyeing that sleek black MyVi 1.3A like a kid in a candy store. The price? A cool RM15,800. Bargaining skills? Zero. Test drive? Zilch. But who needs practical details when you’re daydreaming about cruising down the highway, right? 🤷‍♂️

Fast forward to reality: The MyVi slipped through my fingers like sand at the beach. My family and Iqi (plus his dad, because why not?) would probably chuckle at my missed opportunity. Lesson learned: I’ll be ready to haggle like a pro and take that test drive next time!

🚙 The Altis Conundrum

Ah, the allure of a 2006 Toyota Altis! Priced at RM16,800, it was like a siren calling me from the used car lot. But hold up—buying it would defeat my whole purpose of getting a second car:

1. Diesel Ringgit Saved: My master plan? Use the Ford Ranger less and save on diesel. Brilliant, right? 🌿
2. Service Intervals: I pondered: Could I stretch the Ranger’s service schedule from thrice a year to twice? 🤔

Honestly, I’m in uncharted territory here. Have I made the right choice? Who knows! But hey, making questionable decisions is my superpower. 🦸‍♂️ It’s just me embracing the chaos of car shopping.

Malaysia Laughter Championship 2024

 **Ipoh Resident Jayamalar Jeyaratnam Crowned Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024**

Ipoh, Perak - The jovial spirit of Malaysia has a new face: Jayamalar Jeyaratnam, 66, from Ipoh, who has been crowned the Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024. Jayamalar triumphed in a laughter-filled event hosted by the Johor Bahru Happy & Joyous Club, held via Zoom on Sunday, May 26 2024. 

This is the third time since 2021 the championship has taken place, with this year's event attracting a global audience. Jayamalar, along with other Malaysian laughter enthusiasts, showcased their mirth from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in a bid to represent Malaysia at the World Laughing Championship on June 1, June 1

Open to Malaysians aged 18 and above, the competition judged participants on Humility, Joyfulness, Sparkle, Contagiousness, and Originality. Eight finalists were selected from laughter video submissions, advancing to the live Laughter Challenges. The contest was a battle of belly laughs, featuring rounds of personal best laughter, animal-themed laughter, shy laughter, and playful playground laughter. After three elimination rounds, it came down to Jayamalar and Catherine Lim, with Jayamalar ultimately taking the title.

Spectators from over 12 countries tuned in to enjoy the laughter, including viewers from Belgium, Austria, India, Germany, USA, Japan, Australia, England, Bahrain, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The 2024 contestants were:

- Tay Chin Hung (Johor)

- Vimala Devi A/P A. Arunasalam (England)

- Catherine Lim Suat Har (Kuala Lumpur)

- Jayamalar A/P Jeyaratnam (Perak)

- Rajaperumal Visvanathan (Kuala Lumpur)

- Subramaniam (Perak)

- Koh Mui Cheng (Johor)

- Vickneswari Maniam (Australia)

Laughter, a universal language, has the power to connect people, boost health, and foster joy and peace worldwide. This championship highlights the importance of laughter in our lives, spreading happiness across borders.

**Jayamalar Jeyaratnam Crowned Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024**

Jayamalar Jeyaratnam, a 66-year-old businesswoman from Ipoh, Perak, has been named the Malaysia Laughing Champion 2024. With her heart full of joy and an aim to spread happiness, Jayamalar entered the contest determined to have fun and share laughter's benefits with her community. Throughout the three rounds of the competition, she relied on her heart energy rather than her head, ultimately securing the top spot and opening new doors for her to explore the world of laughter therapy, especially within Ipoh. Still absorbing the surprise of her win, Jayamalar is living in the moment and relishing the joy that laughter can bring.

Catherine Lim, 60, a Therapeutic Laughter Facilitator from Shah Alam, Selangor, secured second place and will represent Malaysia if Jayamalar is unable to. Catherine joined the contest for the fun and experience it offered. As a certified laughter yoga teacher, she embodies the spirit of laughter, spreading joy and connection wherever she goes—whether in shopping complexes, gatherings, or events. To her, laughter is a gift meant to be shared, and she is passionate about spreading joy to the community and the world.

Koh Mui Cheng, a 66-year-old retiree from Johor Bahru, also participated in the Malaysia Laughing Championship for fun, confidence-building, and the experience. Throughout the contest, she felt excited, enthusiastic, and imaginative. Post-competition, she realized the value of practice and gained significant joy and confidence, overcoming her inhibitions and becoming more open to herself and others.

Vickneswari Maniam, 37, a businesswoman from Melbourne, Australia, entered the contest to test her ability to laugh, as she is typically not very social. Initially nervous, Vickneswari found the contest fun and felt happy about her participation afterward. She plans to carry forward the positivity from the contest, recognizing the importance of laughter therapy for human well-being.

The Malaysia Laughing Championship 2024, hosted by the Johor Bahru Happy & Joyous Club, was held via Zoom on 26th MayMay 26ow in its third year, the event saw contestants judged on Humility, Joyfulness, Sparkle, Contagiousness, and Originality. The competition attracted a global audience from over 12 countries and highlighted the power of laughter to connect people, improve health, and promote joy and peace worldwide.

For more information or to share in the joy, contact Jayamalar Jeyaratnam at 012-5386366 or jayajey636@gmail.com.

The Seletars, Malaysia & Singapore

 Even before the Island State split from Malaysia, the Seletars occupied both banks of the Straits, and Singapore did not recognise the Seletar people. When the split occurred, they could become Malaysians, keep their Asli identity, or take up Singapore citizenship, lose this, and become Malays. (This is what I gather from conversations with my Seletar buddies.)

So it's intriguing that more is written about the Seletars from across the Straits than from our side. It seems to me.

Johor hasn't been a friendly place for the Orang Seletar Orang Asli Seletar, Kg Bakar Batu and Kg Sg Temon Johor, even though they once patrolled and collected taxes for the Sultanate from those who passed through the waterway, so much so that the Brits called them pirates. They've even fought wars up and down the Straits and along Sungai Johor, up to Johor Lama from one Western nation to another, and even battled the Achinese, who wanted to bring the West coast of the peninsular into their domain or chase pretenders and claimants to the throne of Melaka or Johor. (As I read somewhere).

But today, they've been booted out of traditional settlements in Stulang, Sg Segget areas and others. Adding to their woes, the development corridor called Iskandar Malaysia will move one community of close to 400 Seletar people to an area where they will lose their primary source of livelihood - mussel farming. Elsewhere, the Seletar community of Gelang Patah have had their traditional fishing areas taken over by a massive shipping port. It's a tough life. Being Asli is tough all around the peninsular.

 Balancing political statements with your charity's mission on social media can be tricky. Here are several factors to consider when deciding whether to continue posting political content:

### 1. **Mission Focus**

   - **Clarity and Consistency:** Focusing on your charity’s mission helps maintain a clear and consistent message. It ensures your audience understands your primary goals and isn’t distracted or alienated by unrelated political opinions.

### 2. **Audience Engagement**

   - **Donor Diversity:** Your donors likely have a range of political beliefs. Posting political content could alienate a segment of your supporters, potentially reducing donations and engagement.

   - **Community Trust:** Building trust with your community involves demonstrating reliability and neutrality, primarily if your mission serves diverse groups.

### 3. **Legal and Ethical Considerations**

   - **Nonprofit Regulations:** Many countries regulate political activities by nonprofits. For example, in the U.S., 501(c)(3) organisations are restricted from engaging in political campaigning and can risk their tax-exempt status.

### 4. **Brand Image**

   - **Professionalism:** Maintaining a professional image can be crucial for credibility. Political posts may be viewed as unprofessional or divisive, detracting from the charity’s core activities.

   - **Public Perception:** People may perceive the charity as biased or having a hidden agenda, which could impact overall support and participation.

### 5. **Strategic Communication**

   - **Message Alignment:** Ensure all communication aligns with the charity’s goals and values. If political statements align directly with the mission (e.g., advocating for policy changes that support your cause), they may be appropriate.

   - **Engagement Strategy:** Focus on content that highlights success stories, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the impact of donations. Positive and mission-centric content typically generates more engagement and support.

### 6. **Risk Management**

   - **Crisis Management:** Consider the potential backlash and have a plan to address any adverse reactions. Being prepared can help mitigate damage to your charity’s reputation.

   - **Conflict Avoidance:** Staying away from political discourse can help avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain a harmonious online community.

### Conclusion

While political statements can sometimes be relevant to a charity's mission, it's often more practical to concentrate on content that directly promotes your cause. Highlighting the positive impact of your work, sharing stories from those you help, and providing transparent updates on how donations are used can build more robust, more inclusive support.

In summary, focusing on your charity’s core activities and mission is usually the best approach to maintaining a supportive and engaged community, maximising donations, and avoiding unnecessary conflict

Registering RoS

Deciding whether to remain self-reliant or join established donation platforms and register with government bodies depends on several factors. Here are some points to consider for both options:

####Staying Self-Reliant

**Pros:**

1. **Autonomy:** You have complete control over the charity's operations, including decision-making processes and how funds are used.

2. **Flexibility:** Being unregistered allows you to adapt quickly without the need to comply with regulatory requirements.

3. **Lower Administrative Burden:** You avoid the paperwork and reporting obligations required by government bodies and formal donation platforms.

4. **Direct Relationship with Donors:** You maintain a personal connection with your donors, which can enhance trust and loyalty.

**Cons:**

1. **Limited Funding:** Without access to more extensive, structured donation platforms, your funding sources might be more limited.

2. **Credibility:** Potential donors might hesitate to contribute to an unregistered organisation, limiting your reach and impact.

3. **Sustainability:** Depending solely on personal funds and informal donations might not be sustainable in the long term.

4. **Legal Risks:** Operating without formal registration can expose you to legal risks, especially if there are specific regulations governing charitable activities in your region.

### Joining Established Platforms and Registering

**Pros:**

1. **Increased Funding Opportunities:** Registration and joining platforms like sokong.org can open access to a broader range of donors, grants, and other funding opportunities.

2. **Credibility and Trust:** Being a registered entity enhances your legitimacy and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential donors and beneficiaries.

3. **Support and Resources:** Established platforms often provide resources, training, and support to help you run your charity more effectively.

4. **Long-term Sustainability:** With increased funding and resources, your charity will likely sustain and expand its operations.

**Cons:**

1. **Administrative Burden:** Registration involves paperwork, adherence to regulations, and ongoing reporting requirements, which can be time-consuming.

2. **Less Flexibility:** Complying with regulatory requirements and platform policies can limit your flexibility in how you run your operations.

3. **Costs:** There may be costs associated with registration and using donation platforms, which can eat into your funds.

4. **Potential Loss of Personal Touch:** As you grow and formalise operations, you might lose some personal connection with donors and beneficiaries.

### Considerations for Decision-Making

- **Scale of Operations:** If your charity is small and manageable with personal funds and local donations, staying self-reliant might be feasible. However, if you aim to expand, joining established platforms and registering might be necessary.

- **Long-term Goals:** Consider your vision for the future. If you plan to grow and reach more people, formalising your operations can provide the necessary infrastructure and credibility.

- **Regulatory Environment:** Understand the legal requirements in your region. Operating unregistered might expose you to legal risks, so it's crucial to weigh these factors.

- **Resource Availability:** Assess whether you can handle the additional administrative burden of registration and joining donation platforms.

### Next Steps

If you decide to pursue formal registration and join donation platforms, here are some steps to follow:

1. **Research Requirements:** Understand the legal requirements for registering a charity in your region.

2. **Seek Advice:** Consult with other registered charities or legal experts to navigate the registration process.

3. **Evaluate Platforms:** Compare different donation platforms to find one that aligns with your goals and offers the best support.

4. **Plan for Transition:** Develop a plan to manage the transition from self-reliance to a more formal structure, including training for your team and communication with your donors.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your charity's goals, capacity, and long-term vision.

Johor's Social Hero Foundation gets muddy with mangrove replanting.

On 19 May 2024, at Kampung Pendas Laut, Johor's Social Hero Foundation (SHF) organised a mangrove tree planting event today at Kampung Pendas Laut in Gelang Patah.

Forty participants got into their wellies to plant saplings from two types of local mangrove trees: the 'Api Api' and Minyak varieties.

The participants included students from the local school, SK Pendas Laut, the State's Forestry department, the local youth club, representatives from the Tenaga Nasional Berhad association called Pelitawanis, students from the University of Reading, and other volunteers.

Staff from the Forestry Department were on hand to demonstrate the correct way of digging into the soggy marsh to safely plant the saplings without damaging them. 

Quizzes for kids

Before getting into the mud, Social Hero Foundation Programme Director Ms Farrah Baptist quizzed the 10—to 12-year-old students about the importance of mangrove forests to determine whether they understood the significance of preserving the mangrove forests in their area. 

Many were aware because their parents are coastal fishers who have imparted their knowledge of mangrove forests to them. 

"Apart from the fact that the mangrove is where fish spawn, the trees are vital to capture carbon in the air, and this will help alleviate the effects of global warming affecting us all," Farrah explained to them.

 

"These trees you are planting today will take ten, 20 years to mature, and they will play their part in the fight against global warming. Even though you won't feel the effects, your children will; you are planting these trees for your children," she reiterated.

Farrah said in the briefing to the students, " Global warming is being felt all around. There are floods in areas of Johor that have never experienced flooding before, and your parents are returning with fewer fish and prawns.

"And you feel the heat every day, right?" she asked, receiving a raucous response. 

When asked what they should do to help against global warming, with some hesitation and coaxing from Farrah,  they listed proper rubbish disposal, conserving water and electricity usage, carpooling with parents, and cycling to school.

They have been briefed about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in school, and it took a little encouragement for them to voice what they know of it.

Artisanal Fishers Hard Hit by Global Warming

Kampung Pendas and the other villages along the rural stretch of Jalan Tanjung Kupang are traditionally fishing communities. Despite the monstrosity of Forest City, the development of which had disrupted the ecology of that part of the Straits, and the dangers of laying their nets at the mouth of Sungai Pulai, once a rich fishing spot for fishers but now denied them because of the ships that use the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, coastal fishing continues to be the livelihood of the people in the 10 villages of Tanjung Kupang.  

These coastal fishers have felt the effects of climate change to the extent that they admit they can no longer predict tidal flows, which affects their ability to bring in the daily catch. 

Coupled with coastal developments along the coastline of the Straits of Johor, such as Forest City, the livelihood of fishers has depreciated to an alarming level. 

A quick look at the fish mongers operated by fisher families of the village met with a diverse quantity of fish; some had plenty while others had not so many to sell.

The claim is that those who had little to sell relied solely on what their family members brought from the waters and rivers of the Straits, while those who had plenty brought items from other markets and grouped them together with their catch. 

Seventy-Four saplings for Kampung Pendas Laut

Seventy-four saplings from the Bakau Minyak and Bakau Api-Api varieties were planted in the village, which was procured from Kelab Alami, a social enterprise initiative made up of local young people that monitors the health of the Tanjung Kupang coastline.  (Read about Kelab Alami here: https://bit.ly/4dJSXWh).

This is the inaugural tree-planting event by SHF, a non-profit organisation based in Johor, "established to sustainably carry out charitable activities, promote national unity, and implement racially integrated programmes." 

The Foundation also raises funds to ensure the initiative's sustainability and continuity and fully subscribes to and promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).