Saturday, 18 February 2012

Shpping Spree

Got myself a new gadget. Gosh! This January and February is really money consuming. I have spent a lot in a small place like Sabah. Hmm, maybe not that small, but still I think I have spent a lot (in my own context) and I know I will be spending more soon :(

Went to KK (Kota Kinabalu) in January and February, did some shopping. Got myself some clothing and also for my mom! See!!! These are done in 5 hours and 3 hours separately, ok, lots of window shopping I know. But I also got some books etc mar... which is not in pictures.

I think that's because Sandakan don't have places for shopping, hence once you grab chance in a city, you will be like Jail-Free!!! Wahahaha!Ok, I know if my parents see this they would be like, "Do you need to spend like that?!" Even though it's my own salary, but still I know they care for me :P

Anyway, then I got myself a new gadget. Guess what?

Yes, the brand new Canon S100 (announced in 15.09.2011).

I got it at RM1380 in Sandakan for Canon PowerShot S100, 8GB memory card, leather case, screen protector and coupons for film. *I think the boss accidentally said 8GB, otherwise should be 4GB memory card* I am not sure whether it is the best deal, but thus far cheapest I saw in Sandakan.

In the box is a Canon PowerShot S100 camera, battery, battery charger and cable, USB cable, Getting Started user guide and a User guide CD.
These pictures are all taken by this new gadget. Guess, I really need to improve my shooting skill. Hmm, no skills with good kit is still useless :P

And I got this for cleaning the lens and screen at RM15 la...
And I am planning to get a iPod Touch...that will get my more less RM1k flying and I am planning for a week trip to the Phillipines, and I am thinking of getting a new laptop or desktop...and I plan on going Thailand and ... the list just never ends. GOSH! This would be a money spending year, guess I just have to start saving more, LOL.

Saturday, 5 November 2011

Quit Smoking

Dr : So are you a smoker?
Pt  : No.
Dr : An ex-smoker?
Pt  : Oh...Yes.
Dr : Since when you stopped smoking?
Pt  : Since I am sick.
Dr : And that is ... ?
Pt  : 3 days ago.
Dr : * ... ... * So how long have you been smoking?
Pt  : About 40 years . 
Dr : How many cigarettes a day ?
Pt  : Hmm, about 2 packs a day.

Sunday, 1 May 2011

South East Sabah

It has been a long long time since my last post. I have neglected this dream spot, I know. But it's really tiring when you are working as a cheap labour, hahaha. Anyway, have just been back from a short South East Sabah Roadtrip, with my parents.

The 1st time they visited me was somewhere in end of October 2010, when they came like 4 days just to help me settle my lodging and car etc. They really came here as "labourers", Free-of-Charge ones...And they told me they really come here as servants, to clean up the newly rented house etc. Felt sorry for that but I can't help much.

The 2nd time they visited was end of February 2011, when I was tagging in a new department (means working from 6.30am to at least 10pm or more EVERYDAY for 2 weeks). And so the 3rd time (which is the current visit), I took leave 26th April-2nd May 2011. And so a roadtrip we are on, hehehe.

We took off from Sandakan down to Semporna and Tawau. My parents, specifically my father, seemed to be very interested in stopping in EVERY single small town. So we actually been to, not all, but most of the small "famous" towns, which is actually like nothing to see. Ok, I know "nothing to see" is not nice to be used, but seriously, there is nothing much to see as a Malaysian tourist. Along the way are oil palm plantations, forest, some small malay villages. You will drive pass some rivers and go through the valleys.

We stopped in Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and not forgetting some small villages which I can't even bother to remember. But one thing very impressive, for me, my parents drove all the way through, and my dad is at 6 decades of life, mind you. They are very excited to visit the fish market in Sabah, because the seafood sold here are so fresh if compared to the West Malaysia, although in the end, they bought nothing :P

The Floating Resort

We went down to Semporna and stayed in Dragon Inn Floating Hotel...Was good, price reasonable and inclusive of breakfast, although it is all the same as you can see, Kaya-Butter-bread and Banana Fritters with coffee/tea. Hmm, but seriously, not that bad :) Just for your information, no wi-fi, but they do have a Dragon-net, RM6 for 30 mins and RM10 for an hour :D

Breakfast for 3 :P

One thing I am not supportive of this resort is the management of sewage. The bathing water (means your soapy water with shampoo all drained directly into the sea. Fortunately the "gold" (feces) didn't. I think this is an aspect where the government and also the resort administrators should "re-look" into, as it is very not environmental friendly. Don't you agree?


Family Room

The Bathroom



Fresh alive fish caught by children, selling to the resort's restaurant

Fish in clear bluish water

Went to Pulau Bum-Bum, RM1 per trip per person in a lousy motor-boat ride (the locals' ferry, daily transport) just at the back of the Semporna Central Market. And took a "taxi" (more like a private car, without car plate!!! So dangerous!) in Pulau Bum-Bum for about 2-hour journey costing RM105. Here we learned that the Bajau Laut are actually citizens of no country. They come and leave as they wished. They leave when they have no more fish to catch, they live with the sea. They eat only fresh-caught fish boil in water and eat only Ubi Kayu (Cassava). Communications can be an issue with the Bajau Laut. Looks like they are the real "Pirates of the Carribeans" :P


Overlooking the ocean from Pulau Bum-Bum



Crystal Clear Water


In Pulau Bum-Bum, where the Bajau Laut put up their shelter





Drying of the seaweeds, or is it sea grass???

On 30th April, took up a tour package from Uncle Chang to Pulau Mabul and Kapalai, breakfast and lunch inclusive, dinner too if you stay in Pulau Mabul Resort (Uncle Chang, hope you see this and would give us a discount next visit, doing FREE advert here!!!) *Hmmm, wonder how many people actually read my blog wahahaha*

Snorkeling and diving near these islands are splendid. I know, this statement isn't so convincing because I didn't snorkel nor dive. But hey! My dad snorkeled. And we have tourist who visited again and again just for diving. Plus, even the blinds (exaggerating!!!) know that the water here is crystal clear!!! Ok, I know my pictures sucks cause it's from a handphone camera, but that is all I have! If someone sponsors me an SLR Camera, I can prove better then wahahaha


Snorkeling Tourists


Pulau Mabul Resort

Then we headed down to Tawau on Labour's Day. And yes, we ate in the famous Mongolian Chicken Rice shop, but it isn't much of my likings :) But still we cleared up the plates. Hmm, I always thought Sandakan is the 2nd largest town in Sabah and followed by Tawau...But I think the information online is a little bit wrong somewhere... After visiting Tawau, I think Tawau should be the 2nd largest. Ok, fine, I admit, I don't really know what criteria they actually based on to judge :P

Tawau Sea View



Mongolian Chicken Rice down in Tawau



RM2 --- Shitake Mushroom & some vegetables

RM10 Chicken


RM4 --- LapCheong & Hot-dog

Tawau Wantan Mee??

Went to Tawau Hill Park, aim is to visit the WORLD Tallest Tropical Tree which is of 88-89 meters. Paid RM3 per person for entrance fee but I was in a totally wrong attire!!! White pants and ... Slipped-in-wedge shoes?! Yeah, all wrong, don't need to remind me. The muddy path...Hmm, turned back. So sorry, that my parents also turned back --- because of me...But hey, next trip I will be better prepared! But just a reminder, if you were interested in this park, it would take up a day, you can picnic/BBQ, see the waterfalls, bath in it, hike some hills in this reserved forest and also see the WORLD'S TALLEST TROPICAL TREE!!! How cool is that! Gosh, I MUST go there again in the RIGHT ATTIRE :P

Yes, look at the slipped-in-wedge shoes :(


Weather for this roadtrip isn't that sunny. Drizzling on and off. But I am glad it drizzles, at least it wasn't that super sizzling hot and that means I didn't sunburn myself and I don't get as dark as I have expected, yippie!!! Too bad for those who enjoy sunbathing, I know hehehe.

And just to let the whole world know, I drove back all the way from Tawau - Kunak - Lahad Datu - Kinabatangan back to Sandakan, with the full-of-potholes road, wahaha. My first long journey driving. I know it's not something too amazing for some of you out there. But hey, I still think it's cool for me ... hmm, ok, an achievement for me :P

To have roadtrip in Sabah is not easy, in the sense, the road is not perfect like those you have in the West Malaysia, beautifully tarred highways, not much of potholes and where it is wide and "speed-able". Here in Sabah, most of the long-journey road sucks...potholes, narrow 2-lanes (fortunately not single lane), quite winding and slopey at times. Most of the parts are without street lights and even petrol kiosk is an issue (better fill up sufficient fuel before driving). Well, not as bad actually, at least you still have the small towns on the way ... but hey, you never know, so be prepared if you can.

As an over all, I enjoyed the trip and would definitely revisit these places when there is a chance *wink*

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

~ Sandakan Seafood Bah Kut Teh ~

I know it has been a long time ago since I last updated this blog of mine. But what to do? I don't have time. First time involved in working life, some more it is a work that may take up 24 hours of your day. Sleep sometimes also becomes an issue. But nevertheless, I am still surviving hehehe.

Anyway, CNY it is now. I took leave from 3rd-9th February. And just for your information, I was oncall on the 2nd February, meaning I spent my CNY eve in the hospital, leaving hospital on 3rd February somewhere around 8am. I didn't fly back this CNY, call me stupid or whatever. I know it is my 7th consecutive year not celebrating CNY at home. But ... ...

Ok, back to the blog today. I am gonna tell you about food again. I know people are working, and yeah I am still on leave. So after helping some friend to post some mails today, I went to have brunch. Yes yes yes, by myself. Pity me? Nah, just accept it, enjoy life dude, especially when you still can. And one more thing, there is no water for 1+ week already, (despite the heavy rain that had even flood Sandakan!!!) because pipe burst!

I went to a shop somewhere on the way to Tanah Merah/Batu Sapi --- Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh, in Bandar Nam Tung. Some colleagues told me it is famous. Finally I have the time to ... ... EAT it!!!

Yeah, they have also the typical pork ones. But since I am at the far East of the land below the wind, of course, I'd try their famous seafood version. And guess what, I am quite content. It comes with a little spicy taste (yes, I chose that) You my have a version of non-spicy one too. A small bowl with 6 prawns and some 4-5 slices of fish and some iceberg salad. Hmm, RM10 for that small bowl. And I chose a dried BeeHoon (RM1.50) which I enjoyed it, finally some real GonLow that taste better. A cup of herbal tea, which seems so tasteless (RM1.50). Ok, I admit, I need heavy taste.


RM10 per bowl

The shop opens 8am-2pm, then again 6pm till somewhere about 8.30pm (claims the LaoBanNiang) lah. So the next time I visit, I'm gonna try their porky version :P

Till the next time, byebye!

Saturday, 9 October 2010

Parents

The 1st registered letter came on 24th September 2010, 2.10pm. Wasn't at home that time. So saw a single piece of notification. When we realized, it was already the 2nd day evening, was a Saturday. My dad and mum were so anxious thinking it was the induction letter. They are way much more anticipated than I was. They kept reminding me to go collect the letter the first thing on Monday morning. They just can't stop worrying for me. And I believe while I was sound asleep, they were tossing around in bed, insomnia!

So Monday came, I woke up at 12+pm. My dad reminded me, yet again. I just wasn't as anxious as he was. See, it was lunch time. And I usually take a bath before going out. Therefore, it wasn't earlier than 2pm that I started driving to the central post office. And at last, they found the registered mail --- my registration number. Hmmm, not induction. But like ALL parents they are more anxious, asking about it.

Then came 4th October, a Monday. Was awoken up by the ringtone of SMS, yes from my groupmate who received his induction letter via registered mail. Told my parents, and yes again, they are anxious. It was funny for me though that, I, the one who is involved seemed to be much much calmer and relaxed than they are. For I know even I rceived the letter that day, induction wouldn't start immediately till 11th October. But I understand, it is their 1st child working --- WORKING. My dad even rushed to the mail box to see whether he missed out any notifications or letters. But yeah, nothing. And you just couldn't see how much attention he is paying to the vehicles driving outside.

At around 2pm, the intercom rang. My dad shouting, "Postman, go and get it."I with my fat ass, lazily dragging out. And you know what? My dad was so quick and out of a sudden he has some rubbish bag to throw, at the back of me following out. He saw the postman, seemed slightly relaxed but hell knows how many beats his heart was pounding?! Signed, got the letter, went back and tore out. I assure you, his neck must be longer than any girraffes on earth, and I mean ANY!!!

Yes, it was the long awaited induction letter. Induction starts Monday, 11th October in Port Dickson till 15th October. Upon knowing, my dad quickly phoned my mum. And rushed me to get prepared and pack up for the induction. Of course, I was still lazing around. It isn't till a week later, so let weekend be the days of rushing.

So that's my parents. We know how much parents loved and cared for their kids. ;)

Monday, 27 September 2010

A Little Update

I haven't really do much in much. And I know I have abandoned my blog for quite some time. So here I am to update my "life" a bit. Not going to report the whole 24-hours of 2 months lifestyle but some brief updates of part of my "holidays".

I haven't really been cooking since I returned to Malaysia, basically because my mum does the cooking. But even when mum doesn't want to, I don't really need to cook too. Food is almost everywhere in Malaysia with a low price, especially in the state I am in --- Malacca.

What can you complain about when you can have breakfast with Roti Canai, less than RM1 (€0.24)? Or lunch with WanTon Noodles at RM2.80 (€0.67)? Or even dinner of "Wah Tan Hor" at RM4.00 (€0.95)? Do I really still need to go through the trouble cooking???

From left : Roti Canai, WanTon Noodles, WahTanHor
Well, I still go through the trouble though. But I didn't try out new recipes lately. Just some food that we like. Have done pineapple rolls several times. Maybe I am fussy, but till now I haven't really tasted a pineapple rolls of my preference yet. And my parents and I love pineapple tarts/rolls. So have been doing pineapple rolls quite a lot. But it is tedious, taking up almost the whole day, from preparing fresh pineapples, cooking the pineapple jam, making the dough and baking it. Of course it depends on the quantity. Usually I would have 3-4 pineapples. So with the small oven at home, yes, it is WHOLE day.

In the evening would start preparing the ingredients for dinner, so mum can cook almost directly after work. I didn't really cook, because my mum prefers her own cooking, wahahahaha. Easier for me too hehehe. And then the night would be spent by watching TVB series with mummy.

Of course, besides staying home molding, I do go out, meeting up with my long-no-contact friends. Updating gossips, hehehe, whereabouts. A lot of my friends thought I have traveled around the world, but nope, my friends! I haven't been around the world. I have only stepped foot in Europe, precisely --- part of Europe. Traveling was made easy and cheaper when I was studying in Ukraine. So why waste the chance?

But besides Europe, I didn't step foot in other countries in Asia (besides Malaysia), until 17th September 2010, my first Asia country --- Singapore!!! Seeing my aunt and family, shopping ... ... hmmm nice nice nice :)

Then doing some shopping, eating, watcing movies, sleeping ... ... And also travel within Malaysia a bit. A much too relaxing life style??? Yeah, a bit. But I know I won't have it long, because my induction will soon begin!!! Hahaha :) So I don't mind. To those who have begun working, good luck! For those who haven't, enjoy your holidays like I do!!!

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Registration After Graduation

There are several things to do after graduation, where one wants to register as a HO in Malaysia. This is what I am going through. This is written for those fresh medical graduates , who want to register themselves as government servants, just as a reference. I was confused before this. Therefore, I wish this post will help future graduates :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
University Degree
~ Check whether your university degree is recognized with this link.
http://www.interactive.jpa.gov.my/webinteraktif/frmMainIktiraf.asp
http://mmc.gov.my/v1/docs/Jadual_Kedua.pdf

Fill Up SPA8i Form Online

~ Fill up this form, at least 2 weeks before your interview. The form can be filled up here.
~ Usually you will get a letter after 3-7 days (some 2 weeks).
~ You can check the status here.
~ Call up to confirm your interview date at 03-88856338.

Other Forms
~ There are 3 forms to be filled up too.
1.) Form 4 (from MMC/KKM) - Malay / English
2.) BMD form (from MOH)
3.) SPA form - Get e-variant from SPA by phoning 03-88856338 or get it from SPA department.
* (1) & (2) is handed up when you hand up the documents. (3) is handed up on the day of interview.*


Certify Documents

~ Only people who hold the post higher than UD41 can certify your documents. Do read the verification conditions in "Form 4".
~ Documents that I had verified were (I photostated 5 copies each):
  1. Birth Certificate
  2. IC
  3. SPM cert
  4. STPM cert
  5. Medical Diplom / degree
  6. Transcription of your result in university
  7. Invitation Letter (before you enter the university)
  8. "Letter of no objection" from Minister of Health (before you enter university)
~ "Form 4" : one section is also certified by the person who verify your documents. Don't forget! :)
~ One more advice is to certify every side of your transcription, even though it is not in English.
*Read ET CETERA at the end of this post*

Handing Up Documents

~ Hand up in PutraJaya, the latest a week before your interview date (stated on the paper). But there are people who handed up on the day of interview. However, if you wanted to hand up on that day, make sure all verification has no mistake, and all forms are filled up correctly.
~ Make sure you have made up your mind about the choices of your hospitals,as you are required to fill up with reasons upon handing up your documents.
~ Don't forget to prepare before hand a Wang Pos (2010 was RM20) for the administration fee. Otherwise you will need to pay a visit to the Post Office which is a little bit of a distance :P

~ Preferably hand up yourself, as sending by post may cause your documents to reach one week later after the date of receiving, as it will pass through a few departments before it will be handed up to the destined department.
~ One copy of original letter of "Perakuan Pendaftaran Sementara" will be given. Another photostated copy is accompanied and it is required to be given to the Pengarah of the assigned hospital when you start working. *Photostate a copy of this letter to be handed up at the registration counter on the day of interview*
~ A total of 3 passport-sized pictures of yourself are needed until the day of interview (for the 3 forms that are to be filled in "Other Forms".

Interview

~ Girls who want to wear skirt, make sure the skirt is knee-length or more. Baju-kurung or Kebaya is 99.99% accepted.
~ Refresh your medical knowledge and knowledge about Malaysia (eg: Rukun Negara, Agong's full name, Members of Cabinets etc etc)
~ Basically the questions are random --- From medical questions, to latest news (especially medical), to personal description and views, suggestions etc.
~ Generally the interviewers are friendly. So stay calm and answer wisely.
~ Interview usually starts at 8am and ends before 1pm or even 12pm.
~ Register at the counter. Arrange the certified photostated documents (one copy each) in such orders :

~ Some letters will be given (at 2.30pm on the day of interview), read "After Interview"

After Interview

~ An offer letter --- "Tawaran Pelantikan Tetap Sebagai Pegawai Perubatan Gred UD41" will be given (either collect it on that day or you can opt to get by post ) . This offer letter is needed during induction.
~A thick compilation of letters will be given too :
1. Surat Setuju - Terima Perlantikan (3 copies)

* 1 is filled up and passed to SPA immediately,
* 2 are filled up and keep by yourself. These are passed up during the induction course.
2. "Akuan berkanun" * This is needed when you swear according to the contents of the letters and get the cops and signature from the Pesuruhjaya Sumpah/Majistret/Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen in the court or law firm.
3. "Pemeriksaan Doktor Untuk Perlantikan Ke Perkhidmatan Kerajaan "
* Do a medical check up in either the government hospital (free) or private hospital (paid by yourself) before the induction course. Don't forget to get cops and signatures after that.


Miscellaneous

~ Have a bank account & ATM card ready (for your yet-to-come salary :D). E-banking is good, as you can check your account status anywhere, anytime :P
~ KWSP account, you will need it somewhere when having induction course or when you start working.
~ Registration as a voter, if you haven't register. It is FREE and very not-time-consuming :P
*Some of the place you can register as a voter are : any post office, glass-room corner at the ground floor of SPA building in Putrajaya etc*

Induction

~ You will get to know the assigned hospital upon the 1st day of induction.
~ If the hospital assigned is not of your satisfaction, appeal letter can be written and hand up where results will be known on the last day of induction.
~ Induction is divided into 2 sections basically, KKM and BTN courses.
~ During the induction, one has to be formally dressed. For the BTN course, white shirts and black pants are required.
~ The programme starts at 7.30am-10.30pm.
~ Food, lodging etc will be provided :)
~ Prepare more passport-sized pictures of yourself for administration purposes and also later on when you start your work in the hospital.
~ *Yet to be completed too*

Working
~ Go to the assigned hospital on the assigned date and start your hectic working life :P
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are the details of the government offices & departments that you need to go in Precint 1, Putrajaya:
1. MMC-Malaysian Medical Council in Complex E
Malaysian Medical Council
Level 2, Block E1, Parcel E, Precinct 1,
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62590 Putrajaya.
03-88831401

2. MOH-Ministry of Health in Complex E
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,
Bahagian Sumber Manusia, Unit Pengurusan dan Profesional,
Aras 9, Blok E7, Kompleks E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62590 Putrajaya.
03-8883 2805/2815 (Puan Nadila/Puan Nurul)

3. SPA-Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam in Complex C
Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia
Aras 6, Blok C7, Kompleks C,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62520 PUTRAJAYA MALAYSIA.
03-8885 6338 (Cik Zamzarina)

P/S : Precinct 1 in Putrajaya is actually a roundabout and there are complexes in which ministries and governmental offices are located.

*ET CETERA*

(This is copied from a message from KeanSeng who copied from a senior's blog)

Application for Provisional Registration:
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
Form 4 of the Medical Act 1971 for Provisional Registration application form;
• 2 passport size photos;
• A Certified copy of Basic Medical Degree
• A Certified copy of your transcript encompassing the results of whole training period
• A Certified copy of ‘Bonafide Student Certificate’ – Applicable only to graduates from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
• A Certified copy of Identity Card or passport;
• A Certified copy of birth certificate;
• A Certified copy of SPM/MCE or equivalent;
• A RM20 processing fee by money/postal order payable to The Registrar Medical Practitioner
Apart from the documents above, the following documents need to be submitted:
Local graduates:
• The original Dean’s letter
Overseas graduates:
• For graduates from Indian institutions - A Certified copy of Bonafide Student and Rotating Internship;
• For graduates from Indonesian institutions - A Certified copy of Sarjana Kedokteran and Ijazah Kedokteran;

*Special thanks to the seniors and my friends, especially Kean Seng, who has been updating and providing information for many of us. This post wouldn't be possible without their assistance!*

~~ Dreams Come True ~~

A place to seek for comfort is none better than to
let yourself know that you are actually much fortunate than many others......