Fake Notes in and about

This is written without any legal representation or binding, but of late, sources do indicate that there is a scam involving fake currency in the city area. What I was been told was that the bank note scam modus operandi is using real $10 notes, but cut into two and taped up with a fake half.

As we all know, the new plastic series of $10 is tested to be so durable unlike the Malaysian RM5 which is very brittle. It is known to withstand heavy use and tested to rigorous destructive testing such as abuse inside the cash deposit machine. Usually we hear fake $50 note scams, but $10... is really taking the piss.

Knowing this, anyone in possession of a fake currency can be jailed at least 3 years and caning, and as such we must not pass it on, except to call the police and hand it over.

If you happen to get one of those... if you are just plain lazy... you may get away with it by destroying it. But then I am not a lawyer as I don't want to be hustled into filling out paperwork and going down the Police Station to answer silly questions.

My POV is , if you feel the money is not right, don't take it. If it's torn or the serial number is tampered, don't take it, and FYI, there is a 9A Series but the color is a little bit purplish, commonly known as the Replacement Note (Previously known as the Z-Series) or the Cop Sting Money (used to catch crooks with dirty money).

I just hate to be out of pocket, but the time saved is more than the hassle of dealing and getting caught in possession of a fake note.

For your info, the BRUNEI Bank Note is LEGAL TENDER in Singapore but then we tend to take only up to $100, as we don't commonly see the $500, $1000 or even the $10,000 Titan notes about what more of the Brunei.

The last time I saw these notes was in Temburong during NS and Reservist days and in East Malaysia.

These bank notes have a common reverse side, s there is no TWENTY DOLLARS Dua Puluh Ringgit on the back. It's a commemorative $20 series.

Oh ya... last I saw a $20 was 1985 which had the Concorde on it!



Quoted from MAS Website about torn notes:

Under Section 19(1) of the Currency Act, no person is entitled to recover from MAS the value of any mutilated note and coin. MAS is empowered to award value at its absolute discretion as an act of grace under Section 19(2). Under Section 19(3), notes and coins that have been illegally dealt with shall be repossessed by any officer of MAS when tendered for assessment.
Notes and coins are considered illegally dealt with if they are impaired, diminished or affected otherwise than by fair wear and tear. Notes that have been defaced by writing or impressing with any mark, word, letter or figure or by perforation, cutting, splitting or in any other manner, are also deemed as illegally dealt with and command no value.

So don't say I do not warn ye!

PS: Did you know we only have $26.5 billion dollars worth of currency in circulated of which $11 Billion are the titans ($1000 & $10,000) ...surprise eh???

Of FCUK and FUKC

Oh F***, we said it again. Oh This and Oh That. We see it every day and if we commoners say it... it's all right ain't it Guv? But for someone of stature , holding top post, it's a big no-no.

The American FCC fines a broadcaster up to $325,000 for every vulgarity said on the air during prime time, with kids about and you get suspended from work if you boss is the BBC, but if you are Homer Simpson, it's really all right.

Here in Singapore, we spend over 2 years of our lives saying vulgarities, in more than one language. I remember my days in the army, during those nasty BMT days, where we do it at the old Yishun Camp (Transit Road Camp for many of you guys) and the good morning for everyone is KNN B CCB U F***ing Maggots, get up and go mandi....well, that is way we get it from the CSM or RSM before reveille and you are sure gonna get that if your platoon is not up by 5am! Then you get the 5BX and all the XXX.

Having said that, it's darn all right to verbally say it but you do not cuss and swear over the Internet. What you say can and will be used against you and under the ITU / CCITT Regulations read under the 1984 regulations, is that we shall not use the Network for Public Harm or cause any discomfort to others.

What the heck right???

Point it, don't cuss online. Period. You get sacked for that.

Unless you are worst blogger of all time!

Singaporean in Malaysia

There are more than 200,000 Singaporeans in Malaysia. Many more if you count the day trippers crossing over the Causeway and Tuas Second Link amounting to over 100,000 a day, more during the weekends or long holiday periods.

But did you know, there are many things we as Singaporeans do not know.

1) Our motor insurance only cover mostly 3rd party coverage if we get into an accident, irregardless of who is at fault. If you loose your vehicle, especially motorbikes, they cover only 50% if within the 50KM of Johor Baru.

2) Goods vehicle may be driven into Malaysia. These G-Plates can be driven if you have business in Malaysia for Combi Vans, SUV. You DO NOT NEED to get a Malaysian GDL or Malaysian Driving Permit.

3) Singaporean can apply to drive in Malaysia. Especially good if you want to save money and if your kid is under age of 21.

4) Cheaper to pay by Debit Card than just to change money at the money changers. Don't use a credit card, because if you kena scammed, you cannot claw back. Debit card maximum withdrawal is usually $1000 or $5000 max even if you have 100k in the account. Carrying huge amount of cash can cause you to get ROBBED!

5) Cheaper to have a prepaid Sim Card (Hotlink best coverage) to avoid roaming costs. Using a dual sim phone, you can see who call you, and call them back on local network.

6) Contrary to what you hear, their WiMax 4G Network (YES) is faster than anyone else. Pay-as-you-go or Prepaid is cheap considering the RM68 Valuepack which gives you phone calls too. Get the huddle for maximum use. You can also get Post Pay services. Just ask me. I can get it done. No ID needed.

7) Don't worry about kena saman. They do chase you....but you get discount for being FOREIGNER. Just don't give kopi money. CPIB (SPRM lah stupid) may be there. Not worth the hassle. Just pay if you kena clamp!

8) Your Weekend Car (OPC) is not legal to be in Malaysia during restricted hours. Some state JPJ can detain and seize your car.

9) Most machines can be used to draw money in Malaysia except Bank Islam, Koop Bank and the Government Banks. Maybank, CIMB, BSN are good banks.

10) Keep a spare phone. Just in case if you kena sabo. Keep your wallet safe somewhere else, carry one credit/debit card and some cash only, so if you kena pick pocket... only a little bit kena.. no need to pay so much for replace IC , License etc.

More?? There is more.. check out our Business Talk websites.

NTUC & Amy Cheong Saga

I am a Singapore Citizen and as a Citizen, I am the country's ambassador where ever I will be, be it in Singapore locally or in London or freezing myself in the highlands of Scotland. Where ever it may be, I am proud to be a Singapore citizen, and despite we Singaporeans are just like noisy small cat, it sure can irritate the hell of the world with our potence.

However, having said that, I am truly appalled by the actions of one silly individual within our society. Being a small fry and posting such racist comments can cause you serious harm along side with the family, what more of an Assistant Director and the damage is really like pouring petrol onto the employer and releasing a Nuke on the whole society.

As a professional,be it anyone, we are bound by what we say. With vulgarities posted on Facebook is a big no-no, what more of you trying to tell another whole race of their way of life, to get a do a proper wedding so there is less divorce etc. What about herself? Does she reflect that the Chinese is ignorant immigrants? Or that the government is so shallow to allow facebook into the workplace?

In all, IDA , MDA and Govt agencies must step in to curb this cyber nuisance. Whatever you do will reflect on the employer too. In fact, with my work policy, you understand as a public corporation, there are so many things you can NOT do... and in this case, the damage is done. Repairing it is another bugger.

You have caused hurt to me as a Malay, and telling me and the whole world that WE MALAYS HAVE NO MONEY TO HOLD WEDDINGS?? We are here, telling the world to follow GOOD ASIAN VALUES, Thrift and Shy ourselves from any sin, especially ADULTERY. We do not go outside and have sex with anybody we like, we do it with our spouse celebrate our Union with a Modest Celebration, and not having to beg, borrow or cause our families to sell their house to fund the lavish wedding like the Chinese do...which cost at least $100,000 !!!!

Please have some sense....

But in all, I am quite hurt by this. I as a Unionised Member feel hurt as we are their employers, we pay their wages. The ministers are responsible to rectify this.

Remember all, think before you post.

:P

Super Slow Singapore Internet

Recent IDA survey shows that Singapore is the 2nd WORST in consumer satisfaction with the Broadband and Internet Service worldwide and that is MY GOD... a real eye opener since we have full 3G, 3.75G, Fiber NGN and many more...

Just look at this!!! It really disgusts me.. I hacked and tested many cable connections (Singtel, M1, Starhub, Pacific Internet, ViewQuest) and I really find that DSL is not even up to 2Mbps on many networks.Starhub...can claim many things but in real life.. only about 5mbps for international traffic. Come on lah.... even my 4G network which I am currently in RIVERVALE CRESENT, SINGAPORE and I am piggy backing through the Malaysia Network.. is 8Mbps... Kind of make me super pissed when my subscription is super expensive....and the service.. super sucks!!!! As for OPEN NET.. they will take forever to fiber up the whole block... and what they say..it's going to take ages.. come on.. it's a necessity now to have a good internet connection. Just as how we need Electricity and Water.. Internet is the core of the business nowadays. So please.. Dear beloved Mr Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong.. tell these buggers to get their act together ..or else.. give them a few million dollar fine for every day they fail to get it going.... We deserve to be faster than CELCOM and many others ...heck even those in FELDA get faster internet.

Hari Malaysia

Many of us do not know that the actual Malaysia Independence is that of the 16 Sept 1963 when Singapore, North Borneo and Sabah merged with Malaya (Federation of Malay States) but not of the 31 Aug 1957 when Malaya gained independence. Those of from the Borneo States (Sabah, Sarawak) remember that by calling it Hari Borneo or some sort and not of the day the incumbent Malaya's day of independence. But what is Independence? Freedom? Freedom from being a Slave or Owned by a Master? Here, 47 years on, we are still not independent. Slaves in the Ancient Days are when we owe money and cannot pay up, we are sold as Slaves , similar to what we have Bankruptcy and Illegal Immigrants or Human Trafficking. Here, ourselves and Children are still at the mercy of our LORDS, the Banks and Institutions, such as MARA, PTPTN and other "Foundations". How can we be free? Those who are poor are totally free. They own their own land, without any caveat or what sort, and everything they buy are in cash. In the matter of fact, these people are those who , what we called Free and Independent. Selamat Hari Malaysia everyone, Singaporeans, Malayans, Sabahans and Sarawakians alike.

Selamat hari raya 2012

Wishing all a joyous Eid Mubarak and seeking forgiveness from all.

Thanks Timothy Tiah from Nuffnang for my Hari Raya Angpow... Which I just got.

Not bad ah... RM57.52 since I am not that active now.....

Now I wait for MyRepublic fiber broadband cheque.... How much??? A lot for Singaporeans.

Oh ya... I got to work during raya... Dang...

Kids at work

This post is compliments of my impish kids trashing my fone...

PUB Electricity Tariff to go up...

So that is normal news where we continue to pay more and more for our utilities. They give you $500 in U-SAVE rebates, but they whack you 25% increase (or so) just as how they do things back in Malaysia Bolehland.

So what to do?? Fret? Kao-Peh-Kao-Booo?? No use lor.. I think it's time we do something about it??

Heard of Solar PV Cell? The solar panel in your calculator??? Yes.. that will actually kind of save alot of money for you. Despite the fact that it cost about 80c per watt to buy the cells, I find that having 5 panels up to 1200W will justify the fact that you can save as much as 200KW per month (based on 1KWx8x30) or about $50 a mth. That is usually the average of 30% of a HDB Flat user. Want to save more?? If you do drive... then carry an extra battery pack (Lorry Size 12V), you can collect the excess charge from your car and use it on an inverter at home for your PC or what nots. One normal car battery discharges about 700W for one hour.

In all, these little things do save... and a solar panel will shade your home from the sunshine, thus cooling it a bit. You can try place it outside the flat.. but it is a safety issue.

Cost wise?? $1000 will allow the investment be used for the next at least 10 years given good care. Free Energy from your car... will set you extra free power... savings passed on the petrol costs and ERP etc.Not to mention the exercise of carrying about the battery up and down the house.... heeeee..... If you stay at 2nd or 3rd floor and the car is parked near.. you stand to earn more.... or save more.

Time to be a lot more kiasu now.

Death Season

Apparently, this is the end of Rejab, the Haram Months. And to this end of the month, I have received over 36 news of friends, acquaintances, relatives dying or passed on, some tragic and some to a ripe old age.

The start of the month, I faced an eerie gruesome death scene where a family which I just met a few mins before, before I took a much needed nap on the PLUS Highway, perished when their car was side swiped by another sleepy head or drunk causing their car to fish tail, hitting the granite hill wall, kids flew out of the car with the driver, spinned around again, hit the center divider, careered into the middle of the road, with the wife slewed up in the highway, and then burned down. If not for a quick thinking Singaporean family, more will perish in the fire when the NGV tank gave way. They took the 2 kids to the hosp from KM 184.7 to Melaka without waiting for the medics, as they will take too long.

Sadly, the wife perished on scene, and the driver along the way. They were from Kampong Bendahara , Johor Baru when we went thru their whatever ID we can find on the way to Kuala Lumpur. That stretch was an eerie one... too many deaths, esp at 3.30am! Yes ... I was on the road at wee hours of the morning, trying to get home after a tiresome shift.

It's also the death of my laptop. Funny Screen. And the more news of my poultry (turkey) dying and my relative/neighbour few days ago. After so many near misses of me smacking someone on the road, I decided to call it quits and take a real breather. Seems Azrail is too busy now collecting his dues before the Ramadan sets in where one will be given Paradise in death of the Holy Month. No Afterlife Questions etc.

Another relation passed away last night, Myocardiac Infarct. The funeral is quite far away and since I do not have my car with me... I stay put. Life cycle. Trade a life for another. My Aunt passed away the day Danial Irfan was born. My Cousin's Father, when my Niece is born.

Karma? I don't know. As for me.. I'm trying to shy way from Azrail.... My Debt is way overdue... but I don't want him to collect any installments as yet... And oh ya.. Block 8 Lot 1926 Lim Chu Kang Cemetery is where I will be reunited if I pass on in Singapore... Funny I got that NEA Exhumation Notice for the "LIVING DEAD".... That is another story I got to tell later on.....

Better be safe than sorry