TwoSen

I REFER to the complaint by R.G. Jai Ganesh of Ipoh about Astro’s transmission and service charges (”RM50 service fee is too much” - NST, Feb 25).

Firstly, we would like to thank Ganesh for his feedback.

We would like to inform our customers that the quality of Astro’s service reception is influenced by several factors, including satellite dish misalignment, when it was installed and cabling.

In cases of poor service reception, Astro will refer to our contracted technicians to investigate the cause.

Customers will be charged approximately RM50 by the technician for this service.

The service fee is only applicable when the decoder warranty period of one year has expired.

Astro does not benefit from this service charge.

The fee covers the technician’s service of checking the decoder, cabling and satellite dish to ascertain the cause and once the cause is ascertained to fix it.

We encourage our customers to ensure the proper alignment of their satellite dishes, on a regular basis, to optimise service reception with minimal disruption.

AHMAD MUSTAZA ISMAIL, for Astro

Source: NST – March 3, 2008

I REFER to the proposal by S.M. Mohamed Idris of the Consumers Association of Penang that persons under 21 years of age should not be allowed to purchase alcohol or tobacco products (”Rethink tobacco-sale rules” - NST, Feb 29).

While we consider raising the minimum age at which people may be allowed to purchase alcohol or tobacco, why don’t we do something that some of our neighbours have already done: ban smoking in restaurants and in public areas?

What are we really telling our children now, when they see adults happily lighting up in restaurants and other indoor public places?

Allowing such practices to continue merely serves to detract from the effectiveness of the “Tak Nak” campaign.

J. OH, Damansara Damai

Source: NST – March 3, 2008

THE assault on journalists covering an election campaign in Kangar was uncalled-for as it might frighten other newsmen from reporting things on the ground if they become the object of bullying by party supporters who don’t want them to cover party events (”Radzi hopes ruckus won’t happen again” - NST, Feb 29).

Reporters are supposed to be neutral in their reporting. Tensions might be riding high during election campaigns but politicians and their ardent supporters should keep a cool head and not resort to any action which can harm public security.

If we want to be a civilised society, people standing for public office must fight clean and not provoke their supporters to go on a rampage that can harm the innocent.

HAMDAN IBRAHIM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – March 3, 2008

I HAVE heard countless sighs from parents and students over the Bahasa Malaysia syllabus for primary schools.

I have often wondered why such a syllabus was introduced in the first place.

My children go to a Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) school, and some of their Bahasa Malaysia lessons include vocabulary beyond their comprehension.

For example, in Year 2, students are taught pening-pening lalat and ular kena palu. How many adults know the meaning of these terms?

These are just two examples, and there are many words and terms that are difficult for them. It is killing their interest in the national language.

I believe that in making learning a fun experience, students should be taught lessons compatible with their level of understanding.

Some of the things they study may be more suitable for secondary school.

MICHELLE ONG, Subang Jaya

Source: NST – March 3, 2008

WHEN it was announced that Malacca city would have a revolving tower and LRT or monorail, I was definitely intrigued by the proposal. After all, Malacca does need some improvements to public transportation and a revolving tower sounded like an interesting way to see this lovely historical city.

I am worried that the LRT or monorail would be designed with tourists in mind, instead of for the needs of Malacca’s population.

The Chief Minister recently announced the RM1.5 Billion “Aerorail” project, confirming that the urban transportation system that had been promised was not much more than a project for tourists.

The “Aerorail” is a name being given to the “Aerobus” technology built and marketed by Aerobus International.

The rail system is not an effective choice for an urban transportation system. What we have is a RM1.5bil “people-mover” system built to cater to the needs of tourists.

The design for the “Aerobus” shows a vehicle that is a combination of a cable car (like the Genting Skyway or Panorama Langkawi) and a small monorail system (like the Sunway monorail). This technology is interesting but largely untried.

There have only been two applications of the “Aerobus” so far. The first was a test line in Mannheim, Germany, and the other was at a ski resort in Quebec, Canada. Neither of these lines is still operating.

There is a tourist-oriented “Aerobus” under construction in Wei Hai, China.

Interestingly enough, the “Aerobus” was even proposed for Kuala Lumpur in the 1990s, but ultimately rejected in favour of the monorail.

I am not criticizing the Malacca Government for choosing the Aerobus system to build their “Aerorail” line for tourists. In fact, for a tourist-focused line, this technology actually makes sense.

However, what disappoints me is that the State Government has encouraged us to believe that it was building an urban transportation system to reduce traffic congestion in Malacca.

I am now concerned that the proposed “Aerorail” would do little to improve traffic congestion and also prevent a proper urban transportation system from being built.

The well-documented failure of the Las Vegas Monorail should be an example of what not to follow.

The last thing that Malacca needs is a poorly designed, costly, unpopular and unused system that only benefits tourists.

Also, what is going to be done to improve public transportation and traffic congestion in Malacca over the next six years, while the project is under construction?

Malacca still needs a properly organised bus system with decent, frequent service, as well as additional roads and flyovers to reduce traffic congestion in the urban areas.

MOAZ YUSOF AHMAD,

Subang Jaya.

Source: The Star – March 1, 2008

THE Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) appreciates the issue and suggestions highlighted by Dr Dionysius S.K. Sharma of WWF-Malaysia in his letter ”Securing the Future of Tigers in the Wild” (The Star, Feb 5).

On the press release by Traffic on the seizure of wild cats and pangolins in Thailand, Perhilitan has communicated with the Thai counterparts to help determine whether the wildlife seized originated from Malaysia through wildlife DNA fingerprinting.

The National Tiger Action Plan, developed by Perhilitan in collaboration with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat) with the goal of sustaining wild tiger populations in Peninsular Malaysia beyond the 22nd century, is under final review by the Government.

While awaiting final approval of this action plan, the Government and NGOs involved have begun implementing some of the actions stipulated in the plan.

Perhilitan is also strengthening the staffing at 17 exit/entry points and collaborating with enforcement agencies such as police, Customs, Immigration, army, anti-smuggling unit, airport police and maritime agency to curb wildlife poaching and smuggling.

Perhilitan is also revising the existing wildlife legislation to impose higher penalty for those convicted for crime against wildlife, especially the tiger.

NOR AZEAN HASAN,

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

Source: The Star – March 1, 2008

Dear Editor, I AM amazed by 89-year-old Maimun Yusuf’s will and determination to contest the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat as an independent can didate in the coming general election.

I take my hat off to her for her courage and resoluteness in pursuing her dream to be in the Parliament.

Maimun is a good ex ample for the younger generation, showing that age should not be a hindrance in pursuing your dreams.

If I were a Kuala Terengganu constituent, she would have my support and I am sure that I am not the only one who admires her courage.

Bravo to Maimun for being a positive example of someone
willing to walk the extra mile to achieve what they believe in.

Nadura Kamarulzaman
Subang Jaya

Source: Malay Mail – February 29, 2008

Dear Editor, I AM a frequent RapidKL commuter as I ride the bus and the train to work every day.

I have encountered a few bad experiences with rude bus drivers drivers, infrequent buses and problems with the staff at the ticket counters.

I am sure that I am not the only commuter complaining about the poor services.

There are probably thousands of commuters who have en countered the same unpleasant experiences.

Yesterday, I read a letter in The Malay Mail in which a read er was unsatisfied with the services of government agencies.

After lodging a complaint, the agency has yet to settle it.

If you were to lodge a com plaint with RapidKL, the out come would also be similar.

When you call them, they will entertain you and ask as many questions as they can such as “What is the number of the bus?” or “What is the name of the staff?” to show their concern.

However, you will have to wait a long time before any thing will change.

I hope that RapidKL can im prove their services and be more efficient when dealing with commuters because we are the source of their income.

I hope the government will look into this matter seriously.

Rukinah Hamid
Kuala Lumpur

Source: Malay Mail – February 29, 2008

Source: Malay Mail – February 29, 2008

Dear Editor, AFTER reading about the black out in the Golden Triangle, I was shocked to find that Tenaga Nasional Berhad could not find the cause of the power failure.

The blackout must has affected businesses there.

TNB should come out with a good explanation on the cause of the power failure as it involves businesses, which stand to risk millions of ringgit in losses.

Imagine the losses incurred if the same incident were to happen again.

Abu Hassan
Shah Alam

Source: Malay Mail – February 29, 2008