There goes my dream car....

I need a 7-seater, as my kids grow faster... space is a requirement

As I am looking around and at same time trying to save here and there for the down payment, suddenly whoosh.....our stupid PakLah increase the petrol price by 41%

and there goes my dream....

From Parliament to Selangor State Legislature

Picture taken from harakahdaily.net

haha..no kidding, I am near to corridors of power lately :)

2008 should be as a reminder and be rememebered in my life as I had a chance of lifetime? A parliament visit in earlier entry in my blogs, then a visit to Selangor State Legislature... hey, dont worry.. I am not going to join the political party anytime soon, though I realized some of my blood are made from there, as my previous uncles and descendants.... I prefer being as now, an instructor and a chef ;)

So here I am visiting a friend, now an EXCO... along the way saw YB Ronnie Liu and YB Teresa Kok....hmm, wonder where is Tan Sri Khalid...

The result of these visitation was this questions..."so, rashi..when you going to be the "setiausaha sulit" of some EXCO's if not MP's"....and some even worse.. "any potential business or project"
well, as I mentioned before I am just normal human being and I enjoy myself as now, what I am doing there is to visit a friend, perhaps as a voter, nothing more :)

so, here are some my personal collections...

Water, the basics of life

Water..everyone knows its importance. Its the basics where the human is derived and attach permanently to it.

As you grow, you need a lot of water for consumption and health, as drinking 2 liter of water a day could save your life and ensuring the body functions normally.

Do you know that, while we are in our mother womb, the water is flowing and it sound like waterfall...that why if you children is crying, bringing near to waterfall will sooth them as they feel safe as in their mother wombs :)

today I would like to share some stories about water ....

water plays an important part in my life back in 2001-2005, all by accidents. I was with an educational institute, where my employer are a strong believer in this "feng-shui". Interesting enough, I never had a thought on this matter, so back to to the story, My employer would hired a 'business consultant" or feng-shui master, normally during the period of chinese new year, together with lion-dance performance

being the No.2 person in this company, the fengshui master will go around my table and asked my birthdate etc.etc. ...and then looking at the "fengshui compass", then, he asked me to put any elements of water, if possible flowing...and it must be located behind me.. so, taking his advice, I just promise I will do it soon enough.

A week gone, and what I can find is a few pictures of waterfall from previous calendar, which I cut and paste nicely on the wall behind me.....

well, my luck was on my side, the company improved further under my stewardships (opps, I forget to tell, the company I was working previously was in red and losing financially) and business are coming while we are very prudent in our account.

I am not sure whether it was the water elements or due to our hardworks and great team we had..but the 5 years there was among the best experience I ever had.

Fast forward, whenever I look at the waterfalls, it soothe me and I would rather enjoy...as I am now enjoying some free 20m3 free water from Selangor Government :) thanks


I hope you will enjoy some of picture of waterfall below here, the Lata Kinjang, located in Tapah, Perak. I do remember having picnic there, and my daughter speak her first words - "ayer"

picture taken from reezal album http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/866cf/x/

The Day I Visit The Parliament

Frankly I never been to parliament...and I don't remember any during my schooldays. So when I received information that my presentation will be at the August House, wow..another chapter of my life

So, here I was, chauffeured driven to the place.

As my schedule meeting at 1230noon, still ample time....only to realize that my digital camera was left in the car.....hmm, great lifetime opportunity gone to waste hahaha:)

My mind is to find someone, or the Yang Berhormat and to shake hands with them such as Zulkifli Nordin, or take picture with Nurul Izzah and her mother, Datin Seri Azizah etc etc

I am dreaming....instead it was Dato Shabery Chik, Tan Sri Muhammad Taib and Dato Mustapa Mohamed..hmm
off all the people in this world....opps I do miss with Nasharuddin Mat Isa..merely two seconds, as he open the door while I am going the opposite direction..aisey... but settling with Ustaz Taib Azamuddin, the former Imam of National Mosque makes me smile. ( all these persona look amused as I am quite sure in their mind; who is the fella walking around and shakes hands with them.. hahaha:)

Following the arguments with MP from Muar...I always impressed with his orator skills indeed

Interesting to find those people and I ended my session with briefing from Salahudin Ayub on Bernas and Food Issue in Malaysia.

There more; the next meeting was more intellectual challenges as I was asked by my superior to follow him - with the Secretary of Dewan Negara - indeed a fine men amongst the government servant; where we had a session of knowing and sharing knowledge on many issue - education, morality, agriculture and system...cracking my head as my thinking makes me sitting quitely behind my superior :)

well..overall it is indeed a new experience for me, objectively our proposal was also being accepted... exhausted as I reached back my office at 7pm, but these are some of my experiential learning process

Waiting List and Another Assignments...

It has been 5 month to exact... as I am focusing on a kitchen project; whilst the document is ready and the budget has been calculated, now the only thing needed is the endorsement.

simple yet very far; just like a song by Zainal Abidin: Ikhlas tapi jauh....

the meeting is scheduled to be on Wednesday of second week of May 2008. Could I realize the ambitions?

Frankly, this is my second attempt of planning to go there, while the first was in 2005..which was cancelled as my life and soul gone haywired... and now in 2008, I am looking forward to be there once if not twice.

As I am waiting patiently for the occasion; I have given another project - which I am happy to complete it in 7 days :)

FYI- This is my work-life as Chef -Consultant; which I blog soon: life as Chef never been boring as focusing only in the kitchen and cooking alone, as I have involved in many projects - i.e. kitchen development, restaurant business turnaround and academic syllabus and curriculum development. see yaa soon

Food Crisis, Halal Crisis

As I am just coming back from visiting one of hypermarket in Kelana Jaya, it was a shocked indeed as the price of rice is gone up, example a particular is previously around RM19.00, now is RM26.00; whereas the cheapest was at RM23 instead of RM16. (All price indicate for 10kg)

I do my own asssumption that the price is expected to increase further between RM5-10, and to be stabilize in June.

Today STAR newspaper extracted Sharir Samad, The Minister of Consumer Affair as his is quote among other, advising people to have moderate life, save and perhaps reduce the rice consumption....another projek BN

Nevertheless, here more interesting.

HDC or Halal Development Corporation is taking over the Application of Halal Certification from JAKIM (The Islamic Development Dept)

The Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (Islamic Scholar), Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (islamic consumer association) has submit the objection on the matter to HDC

wonder why?

from now on, the process of Halal certification will be handled by a company lead by non-muslim

How could it be, when a non-muslim handles muslim requirement, as if they know about the needs of Muslims?

perhaps you could get the answer from the person in-charge of these nonsense-Khairy Jamaluddin, the son-in-law of PakLah

All because of $$$$$$$$$$

And there goes our food and halal food....another project BN

Good Luck to all Malaysian and Malaysian Muslim, me included...

may be I should balik kampung, rear my own chicken and plant my own paddy/ rice..hmm as if I have that kind of land back in Taiping???

Embracing Food Price Hikes.. Are You Ready?

Its a promised, and coming soon .... no I am not discussing about death or tax, another 2 "promised" but this promises is making you a walking zombies

1) The price of rice has reached to the highest in history.. wow, should we "makan ubi kayu, macam zaman Jepun dulu?"
2) Government is discussing the diesel new price... what?
3) the petrol has reached USD117 and expected to go up further...great for Petronas
4) Our economy is slowing down..great for 5 alternative government
5) Government cannot afford to RM2000 one-off gratuity to its employees..buying RM200 million executive jet its okay
6) some government think-tank has informed, price of food is worldwide phenomenon, not just in Malaysia....yeah correct, correct, correct.. good examples indeed, how about our salary, not the same with the rest of the world

This are some of the fact, furthermore

6) Thailand promise to fulfilled its rice exporting, while India is banning such business
7) US economy showing deterioration in its economy..similar to post Vietnam War

Well...

In Malaysia, we may facing the inflation....as Government is seriously looking forward to increase the price of diesel.

What it means, every single thing will increase, you have the experience already since 30cents increased previously.

and to make it worse, this time the diesel price is the generator of all business activities ..hence another round of food price increments. This will diminishing our purchasing power - We have the money, but since all the price of food has gone up, RM100 may use to buy few things only, as almost to be meaningless to have money during that "period of time". Some estimated this scenarios are expected to happen starting middle of this year and continue up to 24 month, depending on economic strategies and stimulus by the government

So my advice, if you have money...controlled it, forget about changing new cars or luxury vacation, save as to be safe here and there...hmm, I have to secure 2nd job now :)

The issue is whether we are ready... as we have to face the consequences like it or not

Good Luck to me and you

Food Pyramid: A Guide towards healthy lifestyle

Food Pyramid is known as guide towards a balance diet and subsequently a healthy lifestyle. Food in Malaysia is aplenty and became of the luxury enjoyed by many people here, as the ingredients are cheap and affordable. Above here is the new pyramid concepts which I have found yet to gain its momentun in this country - as we still very much refer the old brick-style pyramid

Nevertheless the old or new pyramid , the amount of food intake are vary among individuals, here are some advice such as:

1) focusing on high-fibre food
2) minimize the sugar and salt contents
3) maximum 3 meals if not twice a day
4) while maintaining the water and fruits in daily diets..

that remind me of a friend, Mr Tan - who manages to get rid about 10kgs in month, by just avoiding dinner and replacing it with 100% fruits as snacks...yup, you read it right, he lost 10kgs!!!!

The most important in the graphics shown above is the figure of climbing a stairs - indicate the excercise

That is the major issue of Malaysian - plenty of food yet lack of exercise

so that why the statistics indicate as we are among the highest in term of heart and diabetic disease related.

so let go exercise....and that could be as simple as walking around for 30 minutes continously.

Food Stock and Security

In my earlier entry - the food as strategic asset and / or business, among other argue the staple food could be the formidable weapon by people against the government. Today, Malaysiakini coming with a report

PM: 'Food security' policy in the works
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced that the government was in the midst of formulating a policy to ensure adequate supply of essential food in the near future.

In some of my lecture, one of my popular jokes was about Malaysia in "War". Assuming we have an army invading towards our country, the "battle scenario" is bit different from what you have seen in cinemas like Rambo, combat or real-life like Iraq & Afganistan.

There will no single shot will be fired, let alone a bomb will be drop in our country

What is happening is actually, the blockade of incoming food and related ingredients to Malaysia.

After 3 days Malaysian doesn't have their "normal dose" of roti canai and teh tarik... that's it....war is over :)

These may only jokes, but the reality is, Malaysia is depending to much; importing food from others, from basic - rice, sugar and flour to vegetables and processed food. When PM Abdullah takes over the premierships, the only policy I agreed upon was the "Agriculture is Business" policy which makes the agriculture as important as any other sector.

As we makes and develop ourselves to be more independent in terms of food supply, then strategically we are safe from any kind pressure, both internal and external elements.

As this topic is on the food stock, I am worried of the current policy which indicates that we have 2-3 weeks stock for rice. That is really short indeed as rice can be stored up to a year (in proper condition)

More prudent and deeper analysis is required as to look on how to increase the food stock, which normally begin with a policy; and it shall include information from all the stakeholders such as as farmers, logistics, financial supporting, farming technology and sustainable production.

I hope the government are serious enough...

Perpaduan Melayu: Mengapa Sekarang?

Isu perpaduan Melayu, apa benarkah Melayu berpecah atau orang Melayu sendiri tidak pernah ambil peduli atau dipedulikan sebelum ini?

Kenapa, apabila 5% "swing' undi mereka kepada parti yang lain, maka isu ini ditimbulkan?

Kenapa, semasa mereka yang berlambang keris ini, semasa berkuasa, hanya mementingkan perut dan bawah perut mereka sendiri, sedangkan rakyat - orang Melayu amnya, majoriti masih ditakuk lama?

Kenapa, semasa mereka yang berlambangkan keris, semasa berkuasa, menarik balik kelebihan subsidi Makanan UiTM, sehingga pelajar di situ terpaksa membeli makanan sendiri, atau kenapa ada ura-ura yuran pengajian UiTM akan dimansuhkan subsidinya dan semua bayaran adalah sama seperti lain-lain Universiti (akan dilaksana selepas PRU12..hmm)- dalam masa yang sama mengatakan kononnya UiTM adalaah benteng terakhir umat Melayu? sedangkan kita tahu pelajar UiTM yang majoritinya masih dihuni oleh mereka yang belum mampu...berhutanglah lagi dengan PTPTN, lulus dan kerja belum tentu...hidup dikunci dengan hutang sahaja, kalau ingin belajar sepanjang hayat..hutang pun sepanjang hayat

Kenapa, tiada biasiswa atau bantuan untuk orang-orang miskin tapi layak melanjutkan pelajaran yang umumnya orang Melayu?

Kenapa majoriti pemimpin keris itu dapat menggunakan kereta mewah - Harrier, Mercedez dan BMW, sedangkan rakyat marhaen hanya berodakan dua tayar atau kereta proton sahaja, apa besar sangatkah gaji seorang ADUN, Ahli Parlimen dan Senator?

adakah kerana mereka memimpin, maka mereka layak kepada semua kantung dan tabung-tabung kerajaan?, sedangkan rakyat diminta bekerja dua atau tiga jawatan dalam sehari (part-time job) hanya untuk membeli susu dan beras yang kini melambung tinggi

Atau, kenapa wang royalti PETRONAS diganti dengan wang ehsan (minta sedekah) kerana Melayu memang miskin, semasa keris itu memerintah? atau duit diguna untuk membina masjid yang tidak boleh solat jumaat di dalamnya....hmm, baik jadi surau aje :)

Pemimpin keris yang ketakutan terlepas jawatan, kuasa, wang dan nafsu yang tidak pernah cukup, kini ingin berbicara tentang perpaduan Melayu

Dunia ..dunia... penuh penipuan, dan penipuan terkini ialah atas nama perpaduan melayu

itu baru 5% "swing", kalau lebih? bagaimana agaknya

tunggulah pulak bila inflasi dan kelembapan ekonomi melanda negara....perpaduan Melayu konon

Forrest Gump coming to Malaysia?

Photos from Forrest Gump

Not exactly, instead it will be the theme restaurant opening soon. I hope it will offer the best menu on shrimp / prawn .....Oh, another franchise business, another food offering in Malaysia, we are indeed full of choice of food Nevermind.. It just remind me of those good movie

"The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market is a chain of seafood restaurants inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Launched in 1996 by Viacom Consumer Products (part of Viacom, which also owns Paramount Pictures, the distributor of Forrest Gump) and the Rusty Pelican Company, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. became the first theme restaurant inspired by a film. As of 2007, it had 28 locations in United States, Mexico, and eastern countries of Asia. The first one opened up in Monterey, CA. The restaurant is named after the movie's main characters Benjamin Bufford "Bubba" Blue and Forrest Gump who talked about going into shrimping business" wikipedia

Quote " Life is like a box of chocolate, You will never know what you will get next"

Food as Strategic Asset and / or Business

Food, the basis in Maslow's hierarchy, the basic need of mankind. Do you know that some of Malaysia's billionaire are in food business; let see some example

Sugar = Tan Sri Robert Kuok
Flour = Tan Sri Mokhtar Al Bukhory
Rice and Bread = Bernas (Tans Sri Mokhtar & Datuk Shahidan Kassim - Bernas /Gardenia)

Other commodity such as Palm Oil Plantations has provided handsome dividend to those who invest and popular / the main core business with some of the blue chip company such Guthrie, IOI group, PPB groups. These company has been in the radar for institutional investment such as from PNB and EPF.

As in smaller business perspective, Food is always associated and perceived as the easiest business to handle while providing up to 300% ROI by opening a catering or restaurant entity

Most of the these basic commodity are under controlled; in term of economics - Monopoly or oligopoly (very few players in strategic business)

the recent hike in worldwide market of Rice and Flour are largely blamed on shifting of weather - La Nina or El Nino, similar concepts of blaming god..the easiest way out indeed. But one need to understand the concept of everything require fossil fuel; so it could be the petroleum as the main culprit for the recent commodity / basic food hikes.

Back to monopoly; since the government has given the AP's (approved permit: similar to a licence; same process of bringing imported cars in Malaysia) to very selected few, perhaps this the time Malaysian Govt showing some genuine effort to Rakyat in solving the issue of inflation, by offering a strict controlled of price.. sugar, rice, flour, milk for a start as the inflation will make every single Rakyat suffer; and up to extend another "French Revolution". All due to the basic again; Food

Malaysian, may be the most discipline people on earth; in term of being patience of everything.. but not towards food!!!!

Looking at the current management of Malaysia under Pak Lah, I doubt, since he is more business oriented than Rakyat oriented, meaning he will give everything businessmen wanted than taking care the Rakyat.

Back to those billionaire I mentioned, perhaps this is time some of them, doing the national duties, offering some discount while gaining the profit a bit less than expected, not to the extend losing the business

I realize, things have written here is bit futuristic, while Malaysia have only 2-3week stockpile of rice, soon, the it will require to be replenish.. then those commodity have to be bought at the current price, obviously at higher price and these price will be absorb by the customer, like it or not.

Take for example, the price of bread has been increased to 20-50cents recently without a single objection or statement from Minister in-charge - Shahrir Samad

I thought after the recent elections, at least the govt are learning something, but Paklah being Paklah... soon, food will be used as the strategic weapons to denied him permanently as PM of Malaysia

Shall I keep on dreaming?

FYI - "french revolution" among other was started due to difficulty of people to get piece of bread, which the staple food there, whereas Rice is the staple of Malaysian and many parts of Asia. Could the price hike and shortage of rice lead to another revolution? One need to re-look the history.

Food Testing

Today I got a chance to assists in a food testing. Simple tea-break food/ snack food were prepared, with help from 2 other students

Here is the menu - Deep-fried Spring Roll, Marinated Chicken Boxing, Meehun Siam, Kueh Melayu, PulutManis Bakar and Fruits. Enjoy the some of the picture

Apa Ertinya Saya Menganut Islam?

"....lalu beliau mengingatkan saya kepada satu persitiwa ngeri dan menyayat hati yang pernah berlaku di Subang Jaya pada 13 Febuari 1998.Saya kebetulan tahu akan kisah itu. Ianya berkenaan pembunuhan sepasang suami -isteri dan bayi mereka, Allahyarham Ibrahim dan isterinya Solehah serta bayi mereka berusia 5 bulan telah dibunuh dengan kejam. Mereka berdua ini adalah keturunan India dan dari keluarga Hindu dan Kristian. Ditakdirkan Allah swt mereka menerima hidayah lalu memeluk Islam. Berpuluh aduan telah mereka buat samada kepada pihak polis mahupun JAIS tentang ancaman terhadap mereka oleh keluarga mereka yang tidak dapat menerima keputusan mereka memeluk Islam.Ringkaskan cerita, setelah berpindah-randah dan bersembunyi dari setempat ke setempat (termasuk disembunyikan oleh sahabat ini tadi), akhirnya pada malam itu kedua-dua pasangan ini dan bayi mereka yang tidak berdosa telah dibunuh dengan kejam ketika tinggal dalam sebuah kontena berhampiran Bandar Sunway.Saya masih ingat seorang Imam yang telah menyempurnakan mayat Ibrahim ada menyatakan banyaknya kesan tetakkan ke atas tubuh Allahyarham termasuklah dikelar-kelar dengan lambang salib ditubuhnya.Kes ini sehingga hari ini tidak diketahui siapa pembunuhnya!..."

di ambil dari http://www.n32.blogspot.com/

Masih segar di ingatan cerita ini, dimana keluarga itu ketika sudah dikafan dan dibawa ke liang lahat, darah masih mengalir panas seolah baru sahaja mati

begitulah keluarga Sumayah & Yasir moden; yang berlaku di zaman teknologi and maju kononnya

Mereka pastinya mati beriman, mempertahankan agama yang tercinta biarpun baru mengenali agama itu

kekadang tertanya juga, yang empunya diri dilahirkan dengan agama suci ini, mampu memberikan sumbangan pada agama atau mempertahankan seperti Keluarga Ibrahim ini

Mee Combat, between Pasembur and rojak?

Here another speciality in Taiping. Ever heard the "Combat Movie"? Now TV1 is airing them again under slot RETRO. So far I haven't manage to watch them, since the timing is bit late as I need to wake up early.

Nevertheless, I believe there is only one COMBAT Noodles in Malaysia, obviously located in my hometown. Nothing special, just a mamak mee, only the preparation is rather quick - combative style :).
If you got I chance, tryout this - order kiawtiaw goreng + satay there, and you will please with the taste

Another favorite is pasembor - another authentic mamak food avaialable. Don't get confuse with rojak, as pasembor are more lighter in-term of ingredients. What is the major difference between the two - is the sauce, Pasembor used sweet-mix chilli sauce, while Rojak is peanut sauce. The price is only RM3 per plate...yummy

The Popiah Making

How to make a popiah?

here is step by step which were taken by me while making a pit-stop at Taiping recently

The first picture shows the layer of popiah skin, followed by a spread of sweet chilli sauce, then the bean-sprout, "steamed-sengkuang"(sweet turnip / chinese turnip), a dash of scrambled eggs and dried shrimps before rolling it..bon appetite

Defining Malay Cuisine

I was contacted by my former student, Mohd Fuad who are currently in final semester of a French Baccalaureate Program

He is currently in the midst of collecting data on Malay Cuisine, which I found as interesting and challenging as well. So how to define the Malay Cuisine?

Malay is a race from Malay Archipelagos, which consists of Peninsula of Malays & Borneo (Malaysia), Indonesian Island - Sumatra and Java, Island of Philiphines. The main staple is Rice, while the main dishes consists of Fish and Seafood, Poultry and sometime Beef. While the ingredients use in making up the dishes are fresh herbs and spices.

The ingredients strcuture consists of herbs, spice and being balance with elements of acidic and alkaline; a culinary skills which could makes ways for scientific formulations.

That is my short opinion on Malay Cuisine, What is yours? any advice are welcome

Sufiah Yusof Tragedy and The State of Malaysian Education

I was reading my brother's blog http://www.rahmanhariri.blogspot.com/ about the child-prodigy becoming a hooker, I would like to stress that one cannot jump to conclusion as the news was retract form a tabloid paper!

I would prefer to look at our our shore; the Malaysian education and its impact to future generation. It is complicated looking at the bureaucratic procedures in Malaysia. it has has a lot of issue from the policy making, management and centralized examination.

where we are heading?

As the society play equally important part, I cannot agree more on the model taken from http://bloghijat.blogspot.com/

Here, have a look:

its the issue on all of the effort is gone to the drain, if we allowed our kids to the culture of enjoyment, entertainment and all sorts. Look around us -in TV, JOM HEBOH, concerts to another, celebrations, festivals... all killing the society structure -- followed with drugs, adultery, out-of-wedlock-child, nauzibillah

Balancing in Life; with religion and emphasis on morality should be the key, while allowing our kids grows naturally.

Lastly, pray to GOD as we letting the divine show the correct paths

UPDATED 7th April: The Star online today published the interview with Sufiah, which shows no regret on what she is doing. Well, this only prove she indeed involved in the "business". As adult she is responsible for herself. As Muslim, each of us have certain responsibilities to advice her.
My main concern still, why double standards? How about poor people in Malaysia which not given the opportunity to education..look around you, they may just your neighbour. (wonder why BERSAMAMU still exists?)

My Chef's Student, My Culinary World

Hmm, let me re-visit

It was in 1996 since I first joint a private college in Penang, Malaysia

Then my teaching life moved on at my Alma matter-MARA Institute of Technology, which offer tremendous opportunity in culinary education

then, many years later, I have involved in all categories of culinary; namely Culinary Arts, Culinary Management and Culinary Science

No regret, only I feel I should make more money on these skills :)

Less money, but I do have many students instead - more than thousand, many which I could not remember their names, with exception few of those who would visit me on yearly basis - without failed :) I guess that is the best thing being a teacher- is all about the students, seeing them grow to became chefs, food service operator, lecturer and food scientist, not just financial rewards on side alone:)

Enjoy the picture, of some of my current student (updated later)

Everyone is Born Winner

Well, I miss another 30days in updating my own blog, pheww..what a ...nevermind, I just enjoying myself with the life, reading other blogs, visiting Taiping again and again, teaching, learning...and same time spice up with some elements of organizational behavior at my office

Best of all, voting on 8th March Election as my best outing so far... so now my best friend is an EXCO member of Selangor Government..

OK, enough introduction..

back to the topic... do you know all of you are born winner? well, it easy... there are up to 4 million sperm finding their way to ovum in "1000' kilometre journey... only one survive ( in cases, you will have twins) ( FYI-I am not lecturing about biology/sexual education here)

what it means.....

It means, only the best, the strongest and brightest will survive...that is us, me and you

So, be the best in whatever you doing, don't let others to tell what you cannot do, but you yourself want to achieved in this world and thereafter

Chicken: The Never Ending Story 2

Here we are again

My former students has asked my opinion; topic on chicken of course.....

He was offered a supply of "ready-to-cook" chicken chop (also known as Chicken Marryland) at RM1.50

Looking at selling price of RM7.00-RM9.00 per portion; any business could easily make a RM5-7 profit per portions, that is a huge amount that made me wanted to open a western corner myself

Questions is How do you offer such low-cost ' ready-to-cook' when the market price is up to 400% higher?

Any takers?

FYI

My former student decided not proceed since the source of chicken is unknown; what more without halal specification being mentioned. Being his former teacher; I believe we have manage to instill some ethical principles to him.

To my students, hold to your principle, it is never easy to find your 1st RM1 million and there is no shortcuts to success

Sun Tzu The Arts of War - Office Politics 2

My earlier blogging ; http://chefculinary.blogspot.com/2007/11/holding-principles-in-life-office.html

The war haven't over yet!! as previously it was a truce. I guess they need to read a lot, and builds their networking and strategy

They wanted to prolong my probation, and subsequently transferred me out, what a pity, I am not a doll whom they can do anything, while I sit there quietly.

So I took the opportunity, as the best of being relocated nearby to HQ is to know others; all the gatekeeper, the powerful, the generals and lieutenant of my university; while developing my network of friends and friendships as well.

there; I received my confirmation letter

So... its 2-0 and I laugh all the way ;)

FYI - Never before I faced - a "boss" who determine to kill his own staff's career; instead of he/she developing it through coaching and mentoring. Myself, I do take this as a part of learning; perhaps it always offer somekind of process which matures your thinking and wisdom, as life goes on.

seeing each other after 18 years

For a solid 18 years.. that long

Obviously we are in different classes, but we became close due to rugby, a #1 game in our school, The King Edward VII of Taiping. Frankly, I am not good in that game as I much prefer hockey and soccer.

After SPM, we chart our own journey.... leaving all except the sweet memories of the school days

As my office /faculty just being relocated, nearby to HQ; only to found the Building Manager was my former school mates.

That 18 years, and we still know each other.... and we had a quite a long chat..Well Johnny Loh, nice meeting you again...we haven't change much after all :)

Fish and Seafood

fish is abundant and plenty in Malaysia, and many ways of cooking method available

Fish and seafood have been the main source of protein since the mankind. Perhaps the most important food; in Food Chain System. It also being mentioned in Al-Quran and perhaps the only food that cuts-through any religions.

Fish and Seafood is Halal, any of them. There is no special requirement, or slaughtering process required.

I always wonder why Japanese people are so innovative and intelligence? or even for the past years, it always people from east coast- kelantan, terengganu scored in major examinations?- perhaps maybe due to their seafood diet.

Looking my own family - which all are successfully - in their major examination - maybe because our beloved mother feeding us with seafood, most of the time; while chicken only on special occasion... need scientific evidence?

There is no issue of seafood, but very few - the allergic and poisonous

If you are allergic to seafood, most likely it was due to some chemical used is preserving the freshness of the food

as for the famous poisonous fish - the puff fish (ikan buntal), Japanese love it so much as any other seafood. This special case - requires a special 3 year training and pass an examination before given a licence to cut the puff fish; yet every year at least 30 case of death recorded

My opinion, avoid the puff fish; while there is a plenty of choice to choose

How to choose a fresh fish? while most people looking at the red color of the gills, observed other areas as well, the eyes - bulging not flat, scales still intact, body - springy not soft, of course the smell- should be fresh smell.

Be extra care full, if the fish monger use yellow bulb of light to project the fish - it could please your eyes as freshness yet it is not.

If you have to buy frozen fish, look-out for ice-build ups, more ice mean it have kept for some period of time

in conclusion, fish is always the best diet, as my doctor quote " the smaller the better". After all the animals of seafood kingdom was mentioned in Al-Quran as one of main source of food; so it must worth diet for all

Our favourite fish - ikan kedara / belanak - sweet in taste, cheap in price

Chicken: The Never Ending Story

Chicken, Chicken and Chicken

Lately, there are an e-mail circulating among other claiming and arguing the status of halal chicken supplied by one of major hypermarket in our country. I am not sure the authenticity of the e-mail, but I can support with the facts

Well, it easy. Everyday, at least 1-4 million chicken being slaughtered. Chicken does not need special abattoir unlike beef / lamb, therefore it can slaughtered anywhere or any person could do that...

what more, as the chicken sold in our market is already cleaned or even in parts, how to know whether the halal practices being followed strictly?

As millions of chicken being slaughtered, I assume at least 10% (400K) will miss the rotating blades.... there; you will find a chicken not being slaughtered properly.

Then again, this is one of reason I choose organic chicken, as the owner of the business take the responsibility to slaughter the animals personally and manually; utmost importance following a very strict halal process

P108 N40

The code where I have registered and casting my vote for the last 3 elections. The area where I grown and technically my playing ground for the past 18 years - Section 17, 25, 4, 6 and 8 then Section1; from my student days, working and having family before buying a house and all my children born here as well.

The area was the 2nd choice previously if compare to Subang Jaya neighbourhood, now the cheapest house (link) is RM270K

My journey this year seem to be spicy and more interesting; when this morning, I call-up my best friend who is actively involved in politics - only to be informed, that he is the candidates for the area.

you will get my vote and full support.FULL STOP

What would you do if you are richer by RM10,000?

so, now you are richer by RM10K

what would you do? spending is easy, investing need some thinking

Lately, some of my colleague asking me for opinion on how to be successful? so I asked them why asking me?...hmm, as I wonder what their eyes telling, judging me as being successful... really wonder

I never feel I am a succesful person, at least not yet, as my benchmark of being success is having RM1Million in cash or assets or both in that value .... of course, that should be under my name :)

Perhaps, maybe they see it due to my way of dressing or my qualifications, or perhaps because I always smile, so always look ceria (happy) all the time....hmm ... I just normal person, living within my financial abilities and working hard to improve the life as well, who doesn't want to be rich anyway?

Nevertheless, I am happy to give them my word of advice..hahaha, macam financial consultant pulak ...

Back to if I were richer by RM10K, obviously for me is to reduce or minimize my debts...that is my priority....debts in my opinion and view cannot be avoided, but can always be reduce or minimize, means you still have debts, but the amount not more than 2-3month of your salary, better if less...my own assumptions ....(by the way the zakat for RM10K is 2.5% or RM250 only)

other things is, I am aiming to fulfill the last tenets of being muslim this year, so....one of conditions to be at that "special place' that you are free from any debts.. and at same time leaving enough money for your family.... (with that RM10K, I am free from debts, Alhamdulillah, thank you Bapak)

So, instead of discussing on being richer by RM10K, here I am targeting for my first million ringgit :)

(update 22nd Feb)

FYI - the Zakat hold a concept of "haul" or simply define as one year saving, or in this case, the income or saving must be generated over 12 month/ 1 year period. Let say you have continous income or saving the same amount for 12 month, then you are encourage to pay the zakat.

In this case, where you getting some one in a lifetime income, you are not obliged..wallahualam

FYI - success are best define by you alone, not others. As to measure success, you may need a benchmarks, that again by you, no other books can define. For myself, I do benchmarks my success to others, in perspective of financially, academically, career, family and spritually...so, what is yours?

Election 08 - the season where watching TV is prohibited

The seasons of empty promise and suddenly Malaysia is full of cash-flow....

These is the time, where I prohibits myself from buying newspaper or watching news from local TV.

Election 08, is my third round offering my wisdom in choosing my candidates, subsequently the government of my choice. I never failed to choose the same political party as I enherited the choice of my late father, without any doubt :)

I have no issue, though I am concern on the inflation, the higher cost of living and mis-management of our rich resources

Obviosly, our country are damn rich, where the resources could offer (1) a free education to all, up to bachelor degree level; (2) a plot of land for every single rakyat for their own house

I am dreaming.....dreams are possible.... or shall I continue dreaming?

Being Entrepreneur and Intra-preneur

It has been almost 30 days I haven't got a chance to write and subsequently updated my blogs. This site not the only one suffers, but my other academics writing as well. All , I must say was due to myself focusing a business project - a lifetime project

Even on Sunday, which happen to be my day of updating my blogs, is now being used as to working the financial aspect of the project.

I always have deep interest being an entrepreneur, even my qualification are all subject to the one aim. I still remember, soon after receiving my SPM result (O level equivalent), I was offered to do the food and car mechanics, both, I assume will make lots of money, I choose food studies instead...subsequently my neighbour is running a car workshops, and made more money than me :)

So here I am, instead being full entrepreneur, perhaps an intra-preneur is my best bet, helping my employer with one of the biggest project I ever handle, and best is; it does contribute to the muslim world...

I am working and praying hard for it success...

Food Fundamental 1

Food; something that is edible, or anything that we eat or drink everyday. Food will provide energy and replenish nutrients to keep our body healthy, physically and mentally.

Basically, foods is divided into 7 components;

1. Carbohydrate
2. Protein
3. Fats
4. Vitamins
5. Minerals
6. Water
7. Roughage / fiber

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate provides energy for our body. It can be divided into two categories or sources,

1. Starch
2. Sugar

Starch can be found in rice, cereal, flour and potatoes. The effect of heat (cooking) on starch will increase its size and make it soft and sticky. Water will evaporate before absorb it again, The process is called; gelatinization.

Sugar can be found in many forms like glucose from sugar cane, fructose from fruit, maltose from cereal and lactose from milk.
The effect of heat on sugar will result in change in color and odor. It will melt and thicken until it becomes almost solid. This process is known as caramelization.


Protein

Protein functions as agent in building and repairing body tissue. It can be found in many food ingredients like fish, eggs, chicken, meat and soybean.

Protein will change from soft to firm, loose it moisture, change color and odor, when we cook. This is known as coagulation.

In some cases, protein can absorb odor or aroma as well (like eggs, fish).


Fats

Fats can be divided into two main categories
1. Animal fat- milk based product -butter, cheese, lard , whey
2. Vegetable fat- palm oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, margarine, shortening, soy oil, corn oil etc.

Fats stand in solid condition at room temperature. Smoke will be produced during cooking.

Vitamins

Vitamins can be divided into 2,

Fat soluble vitamin, will be destroyed during cooking, due to heat and fat being used. The vitamin is ADEK

Water-soluble vitamin will be lost during exposure of food toward moisture and water, which include washing and cooking/blanching. The vitamin will be B and C

Minerals

Minerals exist on every food ingredient. It is important in building our bodies cells and help in proper functioning the body system, physically and mentally. Examples of minerals will be calcium, iron, iodine, and phosphorus.

Water

80% of human and animal body content is water.
Water functions as a regulator body for temperature, and assists in digestion and absorption of food. Water is needed for blood and all secretions.

Fiber / Roughage

Fiber is considered as carbohydrate but it cannot be digested. It is also known as cellulose / unavailable carbohydrate.
Fiber helps in elimination of body waste and makes sure that the digestion track will function properly.
Fiber can be found in most fruits like kiwi, orange, yogurt and bread.

Issues on Food

1. How much food to take? (Food Pyramid and Islamic Perspective)

2. Food Borne Diseases – Avian Flu, Mad Cows and JE-Nipah Virus

New Year and Yesterday Once More

Its holiday today. As usual, apart of cooking special meals for my family, being lazy and trying to be unproductive was the among the objectives :)

So here I am ended with a very interesting and nice websites - offering oldies and evergreen songs, which makes me drifting and losing my soul the whole day listening to carpenters, bee gees, louis armstrong, the beatles, mary hopkins .. wow huge file indeed.. including the greenfield - my late father's favorite by the brothers four... not to mentioned the 'pujaan omputih 3' was dedicated for the rock songs..hmm, many more such as the sound of silence by simon and garfunkel, the sealed of the kiss by brian hyland

I was born in 70's, so my kind of songs I appreciates most are in 90's (majority that time was rock songs); but I doesn't stop me from listening ranges of music such as alternative - linkin' park being the favorite, instrumentals and solo's such as Maxim or Bonds and Vanessa Mae or even the Richard Clayderman and Kenny G. On top of lists was Celine Dion (including the french version as I am quite versed in the languages :) Mariah Carey (albeit the old version of her album) and Kelly Clarkson

By the way; just visit the websitefor the songs you like; http://www.geocities.com/hassny/ (congrats to the owner of the site) However the majority of songs are Malay evergreen, as for english evergreen - the file entitled "Pujaan Omputih" file 1 to 6

You will need a 'real player' and hope you will enjoy listening.....


FYI - I guess to look forward is sometime to look back, obviously to make you a better person.. Happy Maal Hijrah 1429 and Year 2008.

FYI- I am hoping to get and listening to SM Salim songs, but sadly it was none..nevertheless the title of the topic today belongs to the Carpenters (in the pujaan omputih 6); below here the lyrics - so reflective of myself today ....

When I was young I’d listened to the radio
Waitin’ for my favorite songs
Waiting they played I’d sing along
It made me smile
Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How I wondered where they’d gone
But they’re back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs I loved so well
(*) every sha-la-la-la
Every wo-wo-wo
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they’re starting to sing’s
So fine
When they get to the part
Where he’s breakin’ her heart
It can really make me cry
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more
Lookin’ back on how it was
In years gone by
And the good times that I had
Makes today seem rather sad
So much has changed
It was songs of love thatI would sing to then
And I’d memorize each word
Those old melodies
Still sound so good to me
As they melt the years away
Repeat (*)
All my best memories
Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more

Between Oil and Petrol

Here we are in crisis...hmm sort of.

Petrol has reached USD100 per barrel; so our government will going to bankcrupt if the petrol price here is not to be increased (as our deputy PM mentioned)...hmm, which I totaly disagree in management perspective
so, the solution is to increase the price; but wait after elections...soon

Now we have cooking oil crisis instead. Limiting 5kg per person. The issue was smuggling, higher price and higher demand overseas, hoarding...name it, you got it

I believe there are bigger issue hidden a.k.a the price hike very soon; similar to flour, sugar and rice price hike previously? not to mentioned the milk; which has no control at all and it also got to do with the 'subsidy payment' to palm oil refinery as well; which our government never really happy anyway (read burden) to absorb it for the sake of rakyat.

Since the elections is so near, in government perspective; can we postpone the hikes? there you got the rations :)

FYI- food ration should only happen during emergencies; war, disaster, big flood, tsunami, earthquakes...so what is the real issue in Malaysia scenarios?

As the price of palm oil is escalating in international market, government has to subsidized some portion of it, as to maintain reasonable price for rakyat; which in turn pays the income tax on yearly basis - who is owing to whom?

Updates 9th Jan - Government to flood with 70,000 tonne of cooking oil (but no date mentioned when?)- interesting enough when the demand was somewhere 46,000 to 56,000 tonne per month, but surely panic button has been pushed, and you get nothing in the shelf at the supermarket

It was informed that the amount to subsidised the cooking oil againts the international market stood at RM800 Million per year (well, I am tired to hear all these nonsense, pullout all the subsidy for rakyat once and for all, and make sure this country a tax-free haven for every single rakyat as well.. fair enough)

When Media highlighting an issue 2: Is our food safe?

Time is my enemy now, between family, study, career and blogging..haha... just a hectic schedule to update my blogs..

Let's discuss the topic

NST last sunday 30th Dec highlighting an issue on food safety - heavily discussed on food coloring and preservative among other.

I always wonder on the cancer; a modern disease which have taken so many life. I assume it must be reflecting from our lifestyles, the food we ate.. and the lack of exercise :)

Food color is part of creative learning in chef training; as we emphasize on 'eating through eyes' first as to stimulates the appetite of our customers.

Human naturally will try to get the ingredients that as fresh and through color they become the victims, as marketers have all sorts of solutions. I do remember in my training during an advertisement, that red lipsticks is used to color the strawberries as to look fresh :)

Another was the preservative; to make food last longer or extending the shelf life

Both color and preservative are good intention, but when it comes to greedy businessmen..hmm should I write more

to be updated with adobe acrobat file on this issue

FYI - Malaysian does realize this issue; as we can see the establishment of natural/organic ingredients shops, but the setback was the pricing not yet reachable to common people; that shouldn't be an excuse as we can always start simple such as taking raw sugar instead of white sugar, tea instead of cordials, cooking own food rather instant packet

When Media highlighting an issue...

Today at 9.00pm, I was accidently watching the TV3 programme of '360 degree perspective' hmm ..just like my brother's blog address ... oops.... :)

The program highlighting the issue of cleanliness and hygiene of food outlets in Malaysia and it does provide various pictorial / video examples of; a restaurants in Perak (was that a popular "pau" outlet in Tanjung Malim?), a soya bean processing oulet in Johor and a chicken's slaughtering house in Ara, Damansara Jaya... which all shown a stinking, filthy and the worst ever.... very disgusting indeed.

That remind me of a case when authority manage to hook a "big bread manufacturer" on hygienic ground, which resulted majority of Muslim in Malaysia boycotting the brand. That has also lead to one of my best friend vowed to prepare his own bread.

Back to the issue, Halal concept does include hygiene; which the HACCP is the best way in practice. Ask any food outlets, whether they have "JAKIM's HALAL and HACCP certification together? I bet, most of them is having the easiest to get and more marketable "logos", rather the HACCP which is very stringent in process .I also wonder why with JAKIM; the hygiene and food handling process were never a big issue, as important as the slaughtering process, diet intake and the way of rearing the animals as well.

Looking back the 360 program, the owner of the chicken's slaughtering outlet did admit that the animals are not being slaughtered by Malaysian (majority from India), not to mentioned the workers religion?; and at same time he is selling the chicken to everyone!!!!. (it also shows the chicken being washed? and cleaned? by water that as brownish as at the IndahWater treatment plant)... sorry at least IndahWater are better... All these can only be concluded the uglier side of Malaysian businessmen; as I have discuss in my earlier entry in this blog on halal concept.

For me it is about time to stop having chicken diet 100% except if I am sure; only the organic chicken.


FYI - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic preventive approach to food safety, that addresses physical, chemical and biological hazards as a means of prevention rather than finished product inspection. HACCP is used in the food industry to identify potential food safety hazards, so that key actions, known as Critical Control Points (CCP's) can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of the hazards being realized. The system is used at all stages of food production and preparation processes. (sources: wikipedia)

FYI - This shown Malaysian authorities has failed again and again; who cares, after all, the officers there just holding a job; not the responsibility (cari makan, bukan ibadah).

Coming soon - the halal concept of seafood and other ingredients, Food Fundamental 101 and healthy food, stay tune and please do visit this blog :)

The Army's Food "Rangsum"

Have you ever tasted the army's packet food ? The 'food-pack' is 'a-must-for-each-personnel' in the army as they being called to the tour of duty.

I do remember in 80's, we used to be supplied with the army packet food, as some of my relatives are in the army and the police field force. The best always the instant noodles, some of the biscuits and of course - the small cooking compartment with compressed oil are being supplied together.

Fast-forward - the food now have been improved as the technology -the food are packed in aluminium sachet (pouches), 'ready-to-eat' and some even use dehydrated ingredients and sealed further using secondary plastic packaging, which I assume that is for moisture protection. (by the way, this time cannot find the cooking compartment)

Nowadays, I think the mentioned packed food are difficult to obtain (well I am civilian, I am not sure actually; how to get those from the army), since any food contractor are obliged/compulsory to supply cooked food or fresh ingredients to any latitude and longitude in Malaysia, including out to the sea as informed by the Royal Navy Chefs which I had the opportunity to trained them, back in 2003-2005. (Malaysia are not that big anyway, plus our forest have fast becoming into oil palm estates!!)

Nevertheless here are some of the menu 4; Fish curry, vegetable soups, crackers, sugar, salt, chicken curry, mixed vege, beef kurma, sweet and sour fish, pajeri nenas, bubur pulut hitam, bubur gandum, pineapple in syrups, tea bag, coffee, matches, fruit jams - that is packed for a person, perhaps I estimated for one to two weeks supply?

So my menu today was fish curry - right from the packet (only to found the quantity is insufficeint for my family, therefore - some adjustments and voila - the fish head curry :)

updated with the pictures (27th Dec)

L-R: The mobile stove and the fuel, the rangsum and its packaging before and after opening - luxury food for one person?

FYI -why its being called 'rangsum' - the meaning in the dictionary mentioned as "rations"; the stated amount to be provided to each person (during state of emergency, or to army personnel)

Kenduri Here and There....

"kenduri' is a malay term, literally translated as a ceremony, with aplenty and abundance food being served. In Malaysia, there many ceremonies, which normally; during and after will be served with food and foods. My normal lazy sunday, changed today; with early morning drive to Putrajaya; the adminstrative capital, to attend a convocation. Breakfast, lunch and tea-break was OK for my standards, but I don't have choice anyway.

Congratulations and Selamat Pengantin Baru My Friend

Then I hurriedly rushed back to KL as my aim was to be at my best friend's wedding, I know I am late already. It was a worthwile journey. The food was superb; Nasi Briani, Dalca, Rendang Daging, ayam masak merah, expensive acar buah, pulut is served as well, tempe, bubur kacang and tapai pulut. The beverage was rather unique, a twist of Air Sirap with ice-cream soda..... and fresh fruit cutting. I really enjoyed myself; self-service the food twice!!!! (No dinner afterwards :) The atmosphere was greater and better than the 'many protocol' and rather a boring ceremony that I had attended earlier.

To my best friend: Hadi & Wife; Selamat Pengantin Baru, semoga bahagia ke akhir hayat, Amin

And the food is aplenty, marvellous and well anticipated especially if you are joining a Chef's wedding ceremony; and I couldn't help but 2 servings for myself :)


left to right: the Nasi Briani, The dishes: buffet style and The Tapai Pulut (or fermented glutinous rice; taste sweet and best served chilled A la-mode / with ice cream)




Clockwise: The main table for the Raja Sehari, the fruits carving display and the thrilling kenduri atmosphere and; those in orange t-shirt are the "bentara" or the waiter- the key person in any traditional kenduri; relaxing as the kenduri 's is almost over as we arrived

Congratulations KeKKWa!!! - for the 72 Rare Foods

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage for their effort in documenting '72 rare food items'

read the excerpts (NST Dec10, pg.24)

"KUALA LUMPUR: Ever heard of glutinous rice cooked in a pitcher plant in the jungles of Sarawak? Or what about the haruan fish caught in the padi fields of Kedah and baked in mud?Or even opok-opok, a red sugar and flour-based keropok only found in Kelantan?Never heard of them? Well, they are just some of the 72 "rare" foods in the country that the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry has identified.And to ensure that they do not disappear, the ministry is planning to gazette some of them soon.
"Food can also be of heritage value. If there is no effort made to preserve it, it can also be forgotten within the next few generations," said minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim after launching the Heritage Food Festival.He said he would be getting feedback from the public before gazetting some of the food as a national heritage."We will also look into modifying the ingredients a little to make it acceptable to all Malaysians, and then we will popularise it again."To complement this effort, the ministry will be publishing recipes of the "rare" food and will be touring several states to organise the food festival.He also said that there was no need for any other country to be upset with the nation's heritage list as culture was meant to be shared and modified and was intangible."

This effort suits well with our tourism objective and educational hubs ambitions as I have discussed earlier under topic; Asian Culinary- the future trends. The documenting process is indeed the first step of many stages in academics and significance to Malaysia's own version of Culinary / Gastronomy Tourism.

FYI- I always thought that we have only two foods; to claim as our originals - the Roti Canai and the Yee Sang. I am glad now, we have "74". Okay - have to find the details.... :)

Syabas KeKKWa.

The Istana Kenangan of Kuala Kangsar - being built in 1926 without even a single nail!!!, and still standing today; located next to the Royal Palace of Bukit Chandan (shown here is a model at Taiping Museum). Efforts to register, documenting and preserved any heritage should be fully endorsed and supported.