Penang 2022

 

Its been more than 10 years since my last visit to Penang Island. I visited the island from 28 Nov to 2 Dec 22, my fourth visit in my entire life so far.

Things are getting expensive, especially food. Partly due to global inflation and partly due to poorly managed economy leading to shortages of raw produce, from chicken to eggs. A typical McDonald meal can cost between RM 15 to RM20 per person, which is typically what Singapore McDonald charges. Simple Dim Sum breakfast in hawker centre costs between RM25 to RM30 for 2 persons. I recalled that some years ago, a bowl of noodle can be as little as RM3.50 to RM4. The current high food price will mean that only wealthy Malaysian can enjoy food from restaurants. I had an opportunity to speak to a local Grab driver and received feedback that residents who can't afford will have to depend on home cooked food to reduce their cost of living. What remains reasonably price is their daily groceries bought from local supermarket. Eg a simple no frills T-shirt can be RM15 at local Lotus Supermarket.

Hopefully, with the change in government in the recent general election, there will be better economic conditions for local residents.

Tried the Mao Shan Wang(MSW) Durian in Penang, it was fresh and tasty. The best food I had for the whole trip. It was expensive at RM68/kg but it was worth it due to its superior quality. I think in Singapore, the MSW durian will likely be cheaper. 

There are still new buildings being erected around the island, showing that investments are still flowing into the island.

Virus of the Century - Covid

 

I am tested positive of Covid Omicron virus. 2.5 years after Covid virus was first detected in Wuhan.

The details of my infection are as follow:-

Day 0 - ART negative.

Day 1 - Rashes started to appear on my right and left arm

Day 2 - Sneezing, soar throat, slight fever (37 to 38 degree Celsius), headache, runny nose. All are rather mild symptoms, which are consistent with Omicron variant. My 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine was injected in Nov 2021. Some 7 months later, I have the real virus infection.

Day 3 - ART positive. Went to see a doctor and was prescribed with a few medicine to treat the symptoms.

Understand that sneezing is unique only to those who had taken the vaccine. Strangely, I have no lost of taste and smell. Food continues to taste good.

The question is whether a booster is required after natural infection. My view is probably yes, but to be taken at least 5 to 6 months later after the last day of ART positive. 

I am 99% certainty that the virus came from a family member who was also infected. In a home setting, the removal of mask poses a higher risk.

Under current protocol, I am required to isolate myself for 3 days and do a ART again. If negative, I am able to resume my normal activity. If positive, continue with isolation.

What I am worry now is the prevalence of Long Covid among infected patient.

Quote of the Month

" If you're active, although you may be a little bit sick, but you're active you're up and about reading, writing, debating, making speeches and all that, all this time you use your brain. The brain remains active, like the muscles."

                                                                                                   ............. Dr Mahathir Mohamad

28 Years of Work

 

28 years ago, just fresh from University, I began my working journey. 

After 5 companies  later, I am finally hanging my working shoe.

The shortest I had been with a company was about 3 years and the longest, close to 10 years.

The 28 years duration was a long journey, accompanied with guidance from 贵人 (well knowledge person) and challenges from difficult person(s). The journey has one regret, the lost of 1 life, arising from a safety accident. 

I am looking forward to the next stage of life.

1 Apr 2022 - Causeway Reopens to Private Cars/Motorcycles

 

   1 Apr 2022 Causeway

On 18 Mar 2020, I wrote that it was a historical moment that the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia was closed due to Covid pandemic. E21S: Historical Moments - Coronavirus COVID 19

On 1 Apr 2022, after more than 2 years of pandemic, the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia is finally open to land transport (involving private cars and motorcycles). Another historical moments to remember. Possibly once in a lifetime event. The connection allows families to reunite and tourist travel to take place with ease.

Long Live Singapore and Malaysia!

A Pleasant Surprise on an 'Investment'

 

Commodities (including Coffee) on display in Museum of American Finance in NYC

In 1989, when I was a young man serving National Service, I made an investment in commodity trading, via a fellow serviceman. It amounted to SGD$6000.

I was making good progress in the 'investment' and it produced positive profit for a few months. The 'investment' was through high leverage on purchase of coffee commodity mainly. Then out of a sudden, I was informed that the boss of the trading firm ran away and it became clear that the firm and 'investment ' were scam. A report was made with Commercial Affairs Department of SPF. There was no update nor closure from SPF. The episode taught me to be extremely careful with investment. In fact, up till this day, majority of my asset is in cash, which is a low return low risk asset.  I had learnt that preserving the value of an asset is important through avoiding all risky 'investment'. I had totally written off the SGD$6000.

On 14 Mar 2022, some 33 years later, out of the blue, the fellow servicemen came knocking on my door, after loosing contact for a third of a century. It turned out that he had hunted me down since 2006 when he made resolution to repay, out of his own pocket money, those who had trusted him and invested in him. 

It was a pleasant surprise. Looking for a person is not easy, not to mention the determination needed and the personal loss of the money returned.

I was given the sum of SGD$12000. I suppose for him it is a closure of an event that had happened when both of us were young. A proof that a good character goes a long way. 

Thank you!