IBS Can Reduce Over Dependence on Foreign Workers

Construction industry is among the highest employing foreign labours. The Works Ministry's initiative to promote IBS (Industrialised Building System), I welcome it. I am willing to make a proposal change in the policy related to my current job scope.

IBS will reduce the construction costs, cut over dependence on migrant workers, curb cash outflow amounting billions every year. A new supporting business sector will emerge. More entrepreneurs will be created to supply IBS' related products from concrete modules, concept designs, installation services to standard certification experts.

Therefore, a new set of construction regulations should be formulated. I acknowledge that it may take some times to fully implement it. But if there is a political will, the nation will sail to right direction.

Tips Jawab Soalan Karangan BM SPM

Bunyi bunyinya SPM mula hari ni. Selamat menjawab lako-lako. Ambo dulu BM tak berapa score sangat. Cukup-cukup wat masuk U jah. 

Ambo ada tips sikit untuk calon-calon SPM. Mula dengan Bismillah, baca doa Allahummaftah....jawab dengan terbaik.

Nah tips nak jawab soalan karangan BM:-

Subjek BM tak susah. Masa jawab pastikan ada FAKTA. Jangan goreng banyak sangat.

Kalau buat karangan, fakta letak di ayat pertama perenggan. Ayat seterusnya adalah penerangan.

Perenggan akhir sekali sebagai kesimpulan. Ulang balik semua fakta di ayat pertama setiap perenggan tadi.

Contoh:

Gejala dadah di kalangan remaja.

(Ayat pembukaan)

Masalah dadah di kalangan remaja adalah berpunca daripada beberapa faktor, antaranya ialah:

(Ayat isi kandungan)

[FAKTA] Tiada atau kurang didikan ibu bapa di rumah. [PENERANGAN] Kesibukan ibu bapa dalam mencari rezeki menyebabkan kurangnya tumpuan mendidik untuk membentuk kelakuan baik anak-anak. Akibatnya, remaja tidak memahami bahaya gejala penagihan dadah....

(Ayat kesimpulan)

Ulang ayat pembukaan dan ayat pertama setiap perenggan tadi...

Selamat menjawab.

-- Ripin NikNah

9 Things Never Say To Your Boss

By Megan Malugani, Monster Contributing Writer, and Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

“Think before you speak” is always a good policy -- and at work it's even more important. Saying the wrong thing to your boss can do serious damage to your career -- and some of the things bosses don't like to hear may surprise you. We checked in with some managers and came up with this list of nine phrases they strongly dislike -- and we'll tell you what you should say instead:

1. "I need a raise."

Never enter salary negotiations talking about what you need -- because of rising costs or a new expense, for instance. Your employer doesn't care about your financial problems. However, management probably does want to reward success and keep high-performing employees satisfied. A raise request should always be supported by evidence of what you've achieved for the company -- along with information about what people with your responsibilities typically earn.

2. “That just isn’t possible.”

Always speak to your boss in terms of what can be done. For instance, rather than saying “We can’t get this done by Friday,” say “We could definitely get this done by Monday, or if we brought in some freelance help, we could meet the Friday deadline.” When you talk to your boss, think in terms of solving problems for her, not in terms of putting problems on her plate. 

3. “I can’t stand working with ____.”

Complaining about a coworker's personality usually reflects more poorly on you than on the coworker. Don’t make these kinds of conflicts your boss’s problem. Of course, management is interested in problems that jeopardize the company's ability to function. If you have to speak to HR about a problem such as a colleague's threatening, illegal or unethical behavior, keep your tone professional and the focus on work -- not personal issues. 

4. “I partied too hard last night -- I'm so hung over!” 

Buck up and get through the day with some ibuprofen, extra undereye concealer and coffee. But don’t share the sordid details of your night on the town with your boss. Even if you have a friendly relationship, he’s just as likely to react with (unspoken) disdain as sympathy. Maintaining a solid veneer of professionalism will pay off when it's time to discuss promotions. 

5. “But I emailed you about that last week.”

Alerting your boss to a problem via email doesn't absolve you of all responsibility for it. Bosses hate the "out of my outbox, out of my mind" attitude. Keep tabs on all critical issues you know about -- and keep checking in until you hear a firm "You don't need to worry about that anymore."

6. “It’s not my fault.” 

Are you a whiny 8-year-old or a take-charge professional? Assume responsibility and take steps to fix a problem that you did, in fact, create. And if you are being wrongly blamed for a problem, saying “Let’s get to the bottom of this” or “What can we do to make it right?” is much more effective than saying “It’s not my fault.”

7. "I don't know.” 

If your boss asks you a question you can’t answer, the correct response is not "I don't know." It's "I'll find out right away." 

8. “But we've always done it this way." 

You may find yourself with a new boss who wants to try new things -- and the best way to present yourself as a workplace relic is to meet change with a "we do it this way because this is the way we do it" attitude. When a brainstorming session takes place, be part of it and stay open to new ideas. If you have concerns about a new idea's feasibility, say "I think for this to work, we will have to…" Don't kill new ideas with negativity. 

9. “Let me set you up with...” 

Avoid the urge to play matchmaker for your single boss. The potential risk far outweighs any potential benefit. In modern workplaces, hierarchical structures are often less rigid, and bosses will often end up in semisocial situations with their direct reports. Smart workers will draw the line at "oversharing" -- definitely something to keep in mind if you're connecting to your company's managers on social networks like Facebook.

Foreign Workers Into Malaysia, Malaysians Going Out for 3D Jobs

Kuala Lumpur, 14 October 2014 - Do you know that we are not only the receiving country for foreign workers i.e. from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam etc. We are also the sending country of low skilled and skilled manpower especially and mainly to Singapore.

The article "Abuse, exploitation fail to stop blue-collar workers flocking to Singapore to cope with ringgit fall" has certainly disapproved what the employers claimed that locals are not willing to do low skilled, dirty, dangerous, difficult jobs.

Whatever it is, monetary factor is the main driving force. 

Ironically, Malaysians see Malaysia not attractive. But foreigners see Malaysia very attractive. 2.25 million legal foreign workers speaks itself.

Emmm maybe we can swap the country....will you?

-- Ripin Niknah

Adakah Perlu Menyambut 16 September Hari Malaysia?

Pada pandangan peribadi saya, 16 September memberi makna bahawa rakyat bersifat lebih berkepompong. 

Melayu dengan Melayunya, Cina dengan Cinanya. India dengan Indianya, Iban dengan Ibannya, Kadazan dengan Kadazannya.

Semenanjung dengan perangainya. Sabah dengan identitinya, Sarawak dengan kemegahannya.

Di mana sifat kenegaraan Malaysia yang satu jika semua kepompong terus terperangkap dalam kepompong sendiri?

Baik sambut 31 Ogos sahaja. Cukup. Hari Kemerdekaan, Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia yang sejak kecil kita disemai bahawa kita telah keluar dari kepompong penjajah Inggeris.

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

Sekian. Kbai...

A Good Leader Motivates, Guides and Builds the Team

Information and knowledge sharing is a show of caring..some topics on leadership and teamwork collected during Tea Talk Session With Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan and Tuan Haji Azman Ismail.

Here are the important take home points:-

1. Employees are the core of an organization. A good leader motivates employees to wake up in the morning and do the best job they can, far beyond monetary gains and benefits.

2. 70% of the current workforce are from Gen Y  and the key to getting the best out of them is to not dictate but to guide. You will be surprised at how vast the potentials of Gen Y-sters when unleashed and channeled.

3. Where we start is Point A and where we aim to be is Point B. A good leader will have a clear vision of Point B and create the right organizational behaviour by guiding individuals to Point B, paving the way and overcome gaps eg training etc.

4. Take care of your health. No one is good when constantly sick or tired. A leader needs to be energetic and always on the go.

5. Minimise power distance. A good leader is close with his/her anak buah, turun padang buat kerja sama-sama. Give equal opportunity for all to say their piece of mind, there is no right/wrong POV. Create that condusive environment. 

6. Always be positive and refrain from whining. Your employees look up to you, whether u like it or not, especially when in tough situations. Employees often emulate thier leader.

7. Think BIG. Continuously push yourself beyond and out of your comfort zone. 

8. The choices that you make are what makes you what you are. You ALWAYS have a choice so make the choice that counts. 

9. Discipline. It's what it takes to get you to Point B. 

10. Have foresight. Good leadership will not only be in the now but also foresees the challenges ahead, plans and prepares the team to act accordingly.

Note: The above writing was not mine. I got it from one of the PTD Whatsapp groups which I was also the member of the group.

Cheers

saupee @ September, 2015

Hari Kebangsaan, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Kebangsaan Malaysia

Tak berapa berkenan dengan iklan Aspirasi Merdeka PM sempena Hari Kebangsaan 2015 dan Hari Malaysia 2015. Perpaduan semakin terurai sebab gagal membawa mesej jelas Bahasa Malaysia sebagai Bahasa Perpaduan bangsa Malaysia.

Sebaliknya dipertontonkan beberapa orang dewasa bercakap dalam bahasa lain. Melayu cakap Cina. Cina cakap Tamil. India cakap BM. PM sudah tentulah cakap BM. Hasrat penerbit mungkin untuk menyatakan bahawa perpaduan terbina apabila rakyat Malaysia boleh bercakap bahasa lain.

Diakui Malaysia mempunyai kepelbagaian seperti bahasa dan bangsa. Tetapi untuk memupuk perpaduan, penekanan yang sebenarnya ialah sepatutnya keSATUan BAHASA iaitu satu BAHASA MALAYSIA sahaja. Setiap orang bercakap Bahasa Malaysia yang menjadi jambatan sesama rakyat.

Orang yang pernah melihat iklan zaman 80-an dan bersekolah masa itu tentu 'like' pandangan ini.

BAHASA MALAYSIA BAHASA PERPADUAN DAN BAHASA SEMUA BANGSA MALAYSIA

"Selamat Hari Kebangsaan dan Hari Malaysia 2015"

"Sehati Sejiwa"

My Team is The Best

I am so proud when one of my uniform mas was chosen by his Director General to assume a new responsibility at a new place. His lateral transfer is with special purpose. To uphold integrity at the new place. 

I was told that the Director General chose him because of positive attitudes, work performance, cleaned image and future potential.

The news about the transfer, however was not a happy story for the officer. He called me and expressed his wish that he wanted to stay. He pleaded to me to help him to persuade his Head of Service to retain him. He said he was happy working with the team.

I am in dilemma. On one side I am sad because another good officer is leaving us. But I also feel proud that my team that I groomed always received favourable remarks by many bosses and working colleagues.

I will leave it the God to chart the direction of his career. If he is fated to leave us, I will accept it. My pray for him is that he will be having better opportunities in the future.

All my teams are the best!!!

24 Hours Restaurants Contribute to Increase in Foreign Workers

11 June 2015

MAMAK Restaurant is always available and 24 hours open whenever you are hungry or need to find a place to hang out at night. Even during wee hours. Foods are limited though and mostly have "curry" flavours. Their service is fast if compared to other food and restaurant by industry standard. Their peculiar identity is that they are manned by mamak (you may refer to google dictionary for the meaning).

We Malaysians have mamak people. Although they are considered the minority but they are strong in business and better off economically. In recent years, we have been witnessing the popularity of 24 hours restaurants ballooning. Almost every place in big cities and towns through out Malaysia has a mamat restaurant.

While having 24 hours restaurants are convenient to the patrons, the excessive number of restaurants also bring about negative problems that partly contribute to the overall issues facing by the country. The perceived large number of foreign workers. Running a three shifts 24 hours restaurant, the need to maintain the image 'fast, efficient and curry taste' and a la carte service demand not a small number of workers. The restaurant operators are to make sure customers receive the service within seconds upon they enter the premise. It leaves the operators with no choice but to hire more people as food servers, or waiters and cooks (chef) as well as cleaners.

The major obstacle is that there is almost 'none' Malaysians are willing to work at mamak's restaurants. As a matter of fact, other categories of restaurants are also facing the same predicaments. 

Therefore, mamak restaurants opted for non-Malaysians. They have to keep the business running. It is a common knowledge that the majority of Malaysian mamak restaurants survive because of foreign workers. Their main source of foreign workers is from India. Some of them but very few getting people from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and northern eastern part of Myanmar for reasons only known to them. 

Economically, Malaysia should not prohibit businesses from expanding. Businesses generate incomes, create employments. produce entrepreneurs and spin-off activities along its supply chains. However, the government must have a regulation in place to check the negative effects from business activities. We do not want the activities create another problems such as the presence of huge foreigners community in the country. 

Nevertheless, many people on the streets have a strong believe that mamak restaurants employ too many foreign workers. Their business model of 24 hours operation and full service oriented are the contributors to high demand for the workers. The situation seems unresolved effectively because the difficulties in getting locals to work due to long hours conditions, low pay, poor image perception by the public and the availability of jobs in other industries. The current local regulations also play the roles that contribute to the increase of new openings of mamak restaurants.

If we are serious in dealing with the influx of foreign workers in Malaysia, the government must be brave enough to formulate policies that are able to tackle the issue.

For example, having a place the law or regulation limiting the operation hours of food provider restaurants at certain places. We also may explore new guidelines that promotes self service operation as what we did to petrol service stations several years back then.

There must be a political will to institute the new laws but if it is for the good of the nation, why not we try it? Moreover, we Malaysians must keep a healthy lifestyle. Eating habit should follow healthy schedules. 'Lepak' at mamak restaurants during wee hours should be replaced with spending more times with family members at home and many more positive results could be harvested in the future.

It is just like whether we want to do it or we are lazy to do it!

Author: saupee

Eliminate Low Value Economic Sector To Reduce Demand for Foreign Workers

9 June 2015

The New Generations of youngsters are now less likely to work in sectors that are or perceived as difficult, dirty and dangerous (3D jobs). Directly, it affects the majority of business owners, employers and the industries whose find it almost impossible to sustain their businesses due to shortage of workers. Consequently, they opted to hire foreigners to fill the gaps. Whether the foreign workers are having a valid working permit or illegals is another serious concern of the country. To them, what matters most is the continuity of businesses. 

Several decades of times have been showing that employers who employ foreigners will continue their dependence on cheap foreign labours. They became less motivated to modernise the business processes from labour demanding to machinery's automation for a simple reason, it is cheap! It can be presumed that cheap foreign workers are equal as drugs. Once addicted, it will be difficult to get out of it.

However, to the nation and for majority of Malaysians, the presence of a large number of foreigners especially in the category of unskilled and low skilled workers has become a matter of concern. They feel unease, insecure, threaten and angry. The nation's economic competitiveness nosedived, social issues increased, international perceptions on human rights downgraded and the trends are not looking good.

The prolonged dependence on cheap foreign workers should not be left without solutions. Efforts must continue. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that there is no one size fits all in addressing the issue.

One of the suggestions that the government may consider is to look into the management of demand for foreign workers. The nation is moving towards becoming a developed country which economic indicators are part of the benchmarks. Technology drives productivity. Supply chain generates higher value added products. The economic growth moves in tandem with the increase in social well being of the people.

Thus, it is high time to have a policy to reduce and eventually to eliminate economic sectors that are considered low value, zero multiplier economic effects, no revenue generation to the government but heavily dependent on foreign labour resources. For example, scrap metal business, second hand clothes business, assembly of hazardous products etc.

By allowing these kind of businesses to operate and sprouting, it causes more negatives consequences than positives things it generates. For instance, the existence of scrap metal business has become a source of income through illegal ways by drug addicts and irresponsible parties. These problematic people have caused many theft cases taking place. They steal copper water meter, drain cover iron grille, motorcycles, bicycles, telecommunication cables, power transformers etc causing massive public vandalism. They then sell those stolen items to unethical scrap metal buyers for just a few cents per kilogram. Whereas, the cost of damage, repair and replacement are far more expensive. Moreover, the businesses are usually the eyesore to its surroundings. To make it more worst, these businesses do not attract locals to work but instead become the workplace for mostly the illegals foreign workers. (Note: scrap metal business has been categorised as a frozen sector which it is no longer allowed to hire foreign workers.)

At policy level on foreign workers management, the Government has imposed a freeze on certain business sectors such as scrap metals/items and second hand clothes (popularly known bundle business). However, it is obvious that there is no coordinated or streamlined policy at all level from federal, states until local governments. State or local authorities still issue permits to these types of business to operate. Hence, it is inevitable that the demand for foreign labours will continue to exist for a simple reason, no locals are interested to work there!

Dear policy makers...can you not think about this? Eliminate the source of demand, no more foreign workers come in.

Author: saupee, 2015