In 2002, we (my wife and I) finally decided to make our heaviest investment together. We decided to buy a high cost apartment, which was then being developed in Damansara by a well-known developer.
The location was great and had a lot of future potential due to its proximity to the Ikanao power center, the Curve, Tesco and One Utama. My wife was enthusiastic because the company has a good reputation and is probably the biggest and only Bumiputra developer of major projects in Malaysia. We obtained Islamic (so called) financing from one of Malaysia’s biggest banks, which was not so easy but that is another story all together.
Whenever we passed the place, we could see the structure slowly growing and imagine the days when we could finally move in. The apartments were due for completion in November last year. The dealine passed but construction was still in progress. My more experienced friends told me not to worry as it was considered normal for developers to miss the deadline. They comforted me by saying that the developer usually will pay compensation if they passed the deadline.
Two weeks back, we received a letter from the developer saying that the apartment was ready and to collect our keys as soon as possible.
We were so happy that we were finally going to own a place of our own. So off we went to their office. Really disaapointed to find out that we are not eligible for compensation as we they had delivered vacant possession of the property within thirty six months (3 years) from the date of our agreement. Damn!
Moreover, we found out that we had to settle various dues. We noted that one of them were late payment fees. We were like, “what late payment fees?” It turned out that the bank delayed payment to the developer a few times and even though it was not our fault, we have to pay the fees. What I found amazing is that this is considered normal in Malaysia. Yeah! Real Islamic banking.
One of our friends informed us that her developer had waived their fees and so we wrote an appeal letter to the developer. The lady attending to us said that we may appeal and so we did. Accordign to her, we would receive the reply a week later.
We then drove down to the apartment and had a shock.
Our building was not even ready yet. Workers were still working on the upper floors. The lifts were not working and they told us that even the utilities (water) had not been connected yet. One of the workers took us up to our unit, which we found unlocked. However we were happy when we found that we had a great view of the hills and the lake. The squatter huts (workers) were an eyesore but I am sure they will go as soon as the buildings are complete.
Fast forward to last week, Saturday. We drove down to their office and straightaway went to their credit control department. Was really disappointed when we found that our appeal for the waiver had not been approved.
I mean its not fair.
1. When we delay our payment to the bank by even one day, we pay late payment charges.
2. When the bank delays on their payment to the developer, we still have to pay late payment charges (this time to the developer).
Now, we have to talk to the bank. One guy gave us some hope when he told us that Citibank helped their customer to get their interest fees waived. Going to contact our financing bank and see what they have to say. Will publish their reply here.
Disappointment turned to anger when I found that we also had to pay maintenance charges for the month of July.
How can they charge us maintenance fees when we have not moved in yet – when the building is not even ready yet?
The lady at the office tried to push some legal stuff in our face – “according to the agreement *blah, blah, bullshit, bullshit*”
Yes, on paper the building is complete. However, the fact is that the fire safety stuff (pipes, etc) have not been installed, construction still going on the top floors, water not connected, and most important of all - the lifts are not even working yet. I am not sure whether the buildings have even received the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO).
In other words we can have the keys to the house but WE CAN'T MOVE IN YET.
This is how some developers try to rip of their customers in Malaysia. I am wondering how many of you have faced these problems or is our's an isolated incident.
Will inform you about the ongoing saga in full detail later. We still want to give them a chance.
24 July 2005
21 July 2005
Back Up
Just learnt that the blog of famous Singaporean blogger Xiaxue has been defaced/hacked. Somebody deleted all her entries (2 years worth of posts). The story doesn't end there, someone got into her e-mail account, most probably the same people and deleted about 3000 e-mails.
I keep telling other people the mantra of safe computing "Back up, backup and back up again". However, as they say, we are usually good at preaching and not practising. To tell the truth, I never back up my entries, only my template codes. If someone hacks into my account and deletes my blog, I would have to start all over again but without my old entries.
Now that's really scary. More than 2 years of thoughts, dreams, rants and effort down the drain.
My office internet connection has been really bad the past few day and my pointed out found out that half the "A Day at Putrajaya" post had disappeared. Had to retype the post again yesterday. Is that a sign?
Unlike other people I usually don't use the cut-and-paste method. Maybe I have to start doing that - writing in Word, copy and then paste on blogger. At least I'll have a record of my old posts.
I keep telling other people the mantra of safe computing "Back up, backup and back up again". However, as they say, we are usually good at preaching and not practising. To tell the truth, I never back up my entries, only my template codes. If someone hacks into my account and deletes my blog, I would have to start all over again but without my old entries.
Now that's really scary. More than 2 years of thoughts, dreams, rants and effort down the drain.
My office internet connection has been really bad the past few day and my pointed out found out that half the "A Day at Putrajaya" post had disappeared. Had to retype the post again yesterday. Is that a sign?
Unlike other people I usually don't use the cut-and-paste method. Maybe I have to start doing that - writing in Word, copy and then paste on blogger. At least I'll have a record of my old posts.
19 July 2005
RM50
I am sure every organization has one or two eccentric employees. We have a few.
Last week, in the office I met this guy who works in another department. He usually keeps to himself and I hardly know him.
He suddenly pulled me aside and in a whisper asked “Adam, can I borrow RM50 from you.” I didn’t have RM50 at that moment and told him that I could give it to him later. Unfortunately I forgot all about it. Maybe subconciously I didn't want to give him the money. Due to some few bad past experiences, I hesitate before lending money to people I hardly know (and even to people I know).
However, this Sunday I suddenly received a call from him - “Adam, you promised to give me RM50 last week.” Although I had money in my wallet, I don’t know why, I lied. I told him that I didn’t have RM50 at that moment.
After that, I was overcome with a sense of guilt and imagining a lot of things. Maybe he is in some deep shit, etc., etc. I also called up my advisor (my wife) and she told me to give the money – “after all its only RM50”. Yeah! My wife has a kind heart.
So I quickly called him up and told him that I had the RM50. I was surprised, he came right away to my office and I passed him the money after giving some sheepish reasons - hard time with my monetary reserves, paying off my bills and buying baby stuff... (What short of explanation is that?).
After some stupid exchange of words he left my office. I was left wondering. He didn’t tell me why he needed the money or when he would return the money. Also why didn’t he ask for more?
Anyway, it only RM50.
Last week, in the office I met this guy who works in another department. He usually keeps to himself and I hardly know him.
He suddenly pulled me aside and in a whisper asked “Adam, can I borrow RM50 from you.” I didn’t have RM50 at that moment and told him that I could give it to him later. Unfortunately I forgot all about it. Maybe subconciously I didn't want to give him the money. Due to some few bad past experiences, I hesitate before lending money to people I hardly know (and even to people I know).
However, this Sunday I suddenly received a call from him - “Adam, you promised to give me RM50 last week.” Although I had money in my wallet, I don’t know why, I lied. I told him that I didn’t have RM50 at that moment.
After that, I was overcome with a sense of guilt and imagining a lot of things. Maybe he is in some deep shit, etc., etc. I also called up my advisor (my wife) and she told me to give the money – “after all its only RM50”. Yeah! My wife has a kind heart.
So I quickly called him up and told him that I had the RM50. I was surprised, he came right away to my office and I passed him the money after giving some sheepish reasons - hard time with my monetary reserves, paying off my bills and buying baby stuff... (What short of explanation is that?).
After some stupid exchange of words he left my office. I was left wondering. He didn’t tell me why he needed the money or when he would return the money. Also why didn’t he ask for more?
Anyway, it only RM50.
17 July 2005
A Day at Putrajaya
I am really disappointed. Just found out from a friend, that certain documents of mine, which were due to be reviewed had been kept in KIV/ dormant / or simply forgotten.
It is clear that despite the PM’s call for better customer service, ISO certifications, and big “Q” symbols representing quality hanging everywhere ...
Some things are best left unsaid.
I was under the impression that my application had been approved or was at least at the final stages of evaluation. I received no progress report or whether it had been rejected and it has been several months since my last investigation/ interview.
So we went to Putrajaya last Friday with a fresh letter of appeal. My wife took leave from her office and we rushed to reach there before the employees left for their Friday prayers. We were too late as the offices closed at 11:30 am on Fridays and would only open at 3:00 pm.
We tried to kill time by driving around Putrajaya. After prayers, headed to Alamanda for lunch. This was our first visit to this mall and I have to say I am quite impressed with the place. Had lunch at the food court. The food was great but a bit pricy - RM7.50 for nasi champor with carrot susu (carrot with milk). However, we were not there to enjoy the ambiance of the place and left for the offices as soon as we finished our lunch.
When we got there, It was drizzling a bit and I couldn't find any parking. My wife asked me to drop me at the entrance of the particular block and find parking somewhere else. I went around the place a few times but couldn't find any parking. Finally I went out and found parking at the back of the block. I sent my wife an sms telling her where I had parked and to call me when she was done and started reading the newspaper that I had brought along.
I was at the cartoons when I suddenly realised that it had been quite a while but I still hadn't received any call from my wife. Tried to call her but the phone was dead. It then struck me - I remembered here telling me that her battery was dead while we were having lunch. I am so absent minded sometimes. Felt like kicking myself.
I quickly reversed the car and went to the entrance of the block. Just then I received a call from my very angry wife telling me to meet her at the guardhouse of the complex.
She had reason to be angry. After not finding me anywhere near the entrance, she had walked to guardhouse to see whether I had parked there. She had requested some people around to lend her their phones to call me (she was willing to pay) but without any success. In the end, she had to walk to the nearest pay phone (which was not so near) to call me.
She let off some steam and I kept quiet because I knew it was partly my fault.
It also turned out that she was already pissed off even before that, with the tidak apa attitude of the people manning the counter in the office.
I really love my wife. She spent two days writing (in Bahasa Malaysia) and going through the letters. She had also taken leave from work for the whole day, missing a very important meeting.
Come to think of it. She has sacrificed a lot for me. She even delayed going for her PhD overseas at the risk of losing her slot next year, just to allow me to finish my contract. Thanks Darling for standing by me through thick and thin.
I hope that our sacrifices are not in vain.
It is clear that despite the PM’s call for better customer service, ISO certifications, and big “Q” symbols representing quality hanging everywhere ...
Some things are best left unsaid.
I was under the impression that my application had been approved or was at least at the final stages of evaluation. I received no progress report or whether it had been rejected and it has been several months since my last investigation/ interview.
So we went to Putrajaya last Friday with a fresh letter of appeal. My wife took leave from her office and we rushed to reach there before the employees left for their Friday prayers. We were too late as the offices closed at 11:30 am on Fridays and would only open at 3:00 pm.
We tried to kill time by driving around Putrajaya. After prayers, headed to Alamanda for lunch. This was our first visit to this mall and I have to say I am quite impressed with the place. Had lunch at the food court. The food was great but a bit pricy - RM7.50 for nasi champor with carrot susu (carrot with milk). However, we were not there to enjoy the ambiance of the place and left for the offices as soon as we finished our lunch.
When we got there, It was drizzling a bit and I couldn't find any parking. My wife asked me to drop me at the entrance of the particular block and find parking somewhere else. I went around the place a few times but couldn't find any parking. Finally I went out and found parking at the back of the block. I sent my wife an sms telling her where I had parked and to call me when she was done and started reading the newspaper that I had brought along.
I was at the cartoons when I suddenly realised that it had been quite a while but I still hadn't received any call from my wife. Tried to call her but the phone was dead. It then struck me - I remembered here telling me that her battery was dead while we were having lunch. I am so absent minded sometimes. Felt like kicking myself.
I quickly reversed the car and went to the entrance of the block. Just then I received a call from my very angry wife telling me to meet her at the guardhouse of the complex.
She had reason to be angry. After not finding me anywhere near the entrance, she had walked to guardhouse to see whether I had parked there. She had requested some people around to lend her their phones to call me (she was willing to pay) but without any success. In the end, she had to walk to the nearest pay phone (which was not so near) to call me.
She let off some steam and I kept quiet because I knew it was partly my fault.
It also turned out that she was already pissed off even before that, with the tidak apa attitude of the people manning the counter in the office.
I really love my wife. She spent two days writing (in Bahasa Malaysia) and going through the letters. She had also taken leave from work for the whole day, missing a very important meeting.
Come to think of it. She has sacrificed a lot for me. She even delayed going for her PhD overseas at the risk of losing her slot next year, just to allow me to finish my contract. Thanks Darling for standing by me through thick and thin.
I hope that our sacrifices are not in vain.
12 July 2005
Similar Blog Names
It's good to have an easy-to-remember and unique name for your blog or website. I thought Ah OK Lah Blog! was a great choice.
Then I received a few complaints from my friends trying to get to my blog. They told me that they ended up in another blog. Some even thought that I had deleted the blog and put up some rubbish.
Trying to get to the root of the problem, I finally realised that they had gone to another blog with the URL: http://www.oklah.blogspot.com/.
It's partly my fault. I broke one of the key rules: Having a visitor friendly URL.
My blog URL is actually similar to the one above and the only difference is a dash between ok and lah.
I realise that many guys don't actually use the bookmark function on their browsers. However, these guys forgot that there is a great website out there called Google, to help them. Using the key words ‘Ok Lah’ or ‘Ah Ok Lah’ and hitting the search button will lead you straight to my blog as it is No. 1 on the results list.
Then I received a few complaints from my friends trying to get to my blog. They told me that they ended up in another blog. Some even thought that I had deleted the blog and put up some rubbish.
Trying to get to the root of the problem, I finally realised that they had gone to another blog with the URL: http://www.oklah.blogspot.com/.
It's partly my fault. I broke one of the key rules: Having a visitor friendly URL.
My blog URL is actually similar to the one above and the only difference is a dash between ok and lah.
I realise that many guys don't actually use the bookmark function on their browsers. However, these guys forgot that there is a great website out there called Google, to help them. Using the key words ‘Ok Lah’ or ‘Ah Ok Lah’ and hitting the search button will lead you straight to my blog as it is No. 1 on the results list.
2nd Visit to the Dentist
I finally had my second wisdom tooth extracted on the 6th, last wednesday. Dr. Shaifulizan (Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery) of the School of Dental Sciences, USM, carried out the operation. This time it took slightly longer (about 20 minutes) as it was deeper.
I had wanted to take some pics but forgot to bring the camera. Maybe it was for the best as it would have grossed out a lot of visitors to my blog. I hope that it I won't have to visit the dentist for a long long time. It's healing well but I am still chewing on the right side.
The School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of the leading Medical Schools in Malaysia. It was established in 1979 and is situated in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
My dad has been working there for nearly 10 years now. He was complaining that there were no takers for post graduate studies in his field, Pathology. Considered boring by many medical students because it involves mostly laboratory work and peering into microscopes. Anybody interested?
I had wanted to take some pics but forgot to bring the camera. Maybe it was for the best as it would have grossed out a lot of visitors to my blog. I hope that it I won't have to visit the dentist for a long long time. It's healing well but I am still chewing on the right side.
The School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of the leading Medical Schools in Malaysia. It was established in 1979 and is situated in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
My dad has been working there for nearly 10 years now. He was complaining that there were no takers for post graduate studies in his field, Pathology. Considered boring by many medical students because it involves mostly laboratory work and peering into microscopes. Anybody interested?
10 July 2005
Sick in GSC 1 Utama
Last Friday, we went to One Utama to catch the War of the Worlds. Initially our plan was to put Rahil to sleep and then sneak out and catch the midnight show. Fortunately, my mother-in-law volunteered to look after her, which was a big relief as we could catch the earlier show. Also we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the movie - worrying about Rahil as the baby monitor was rosak (out of order) and sometimes the maid didn’t hear Rahil crying.
I parked at the ground level parking at the old wing and went up to theTGV cineplex. Discovered that the movie was due to start 10 minutes later. My wife suddenly insisted we go to the recenty opened GSC multiplex at the new wing. We walked all the way and after exploring a bit, finally reached GSC. For those who didn’t know, it is situated at the Entertainment level (fourth floor), next to the snooker center + bowling alley. They didn’t have good seats either and so we decided on the 11:50 pm show. Since we had a lot of time before the movie started, we went back to the car, took the tunnel and parked at the basement of the new wing. The elevator took us right up to the multiplex.
We still had more time and we decided to kill time at the Starbucks 1 level down. I had hot Café Latte and my wife had the same but with ice. We left with 5 minutes to go. I am not sure why but I was feeling a bit dizzy and my mouth felt bitter. I wanted to get a drink but looking at the queue decided against it.
The theater was really cool and had the smell of a new car. The sound system was great too. We also had nice seats, second row from the back.
After the movie started, the aliens had just started zapping people when the first wave of nausea hit me. I tired to pull myself together taking deep breaths and stretching but it was no use. I realized I was going to vomit. In my disorganized state I couldn’t even open the door. I thought that they had locked it from outside but it opened up when my wife tried it. I had been trying to push it the wrong way.
I rushed to the toilet, which thankfully was nearby and let go. After vomiting out most of the costly Starbucks coffee, I went and washed my mouth and face. I felt slightly better and went back into the theatre.
I was wrong, I had to make two more trips to the toilet and emptied the entire contents of my stomach. It felt like the time when I used to drink and had way too much. Fortunately I could still walk (and without the hangover).
My wife asked me whether I wanted to go back home and as I didn’t want to ruin our night out, decided against it. In the end, I kept my eyes closed for most of the movie and heard it rather that watched it. On the way back home, my wife drove me back reminding me of Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. And I ruined two small towels, which happened to be in the glove compartment.
I am not sure whether it was the coffee or something I had eaten earlier or the cigarette smoke at Starbucks. It may have been an effect of the anti-inflammatory drug I had taken for my tooth swelling (I had just removed another wisdom tooth on Wednesday). I may have been because of the smell of the theatre. Maybe it was due to the fact that I was tired and way past my bedtime or a combination of all of the above. Whatever it was that caused the nausea, it totally ruined my night out with my wife and we don’t get that chance often now-a-days. One of my worst experiences ever. And I have to buy the DVD of the movie now.
I parked at the ground level parking at the old wing and went up to theTGV cineplex. Discovered that the movie was due to start 10 minutes later. My wife suddenly insisted we go to the recenty opened GSC multiplex at the new wing. We walked all the way and after exploring a bit, finally reached GSC. For those who didn’t know, it is situated at the Entertainment level (fourth floor), next to the snooker center + bowling alley. They didn’t have good seats either and so we decided on the 11:50 pm show. Since we had a lot of time before the movie started, we went back to the car, took the tunnel and parked at the basement of the new wing. The elevator took us right up to the multiplex.
We still had more time and we decided to kill time at the Starbucks 1 level down. I had hot Café Latte and my wife had the same but with ice. We left with 5 minutes to go. I am not sure why but I was feeling a bit dizzy and my mouth felt bitter. I wanted to get a drink but looking at the queue decided against it.
The theater was really cool and had the smell of a new car. The sound system was great too. We also had nice seats, second row from the back.
After the movie started, the aliens had just started zapping people when the first wave of nausea hit me. I tired to pull myself together taking deep breaths and stretching but it was no use. I realized I was going to vomit. In my disorganized state I couldn’t even open the door. I thought that they had locked it from outside but it opened up when my wife tried it. I had been trying to push it the wrong way.
I rushed to the toilet, which thankfully was nearby and let go. After vomiting out most of the costly Starbucks coffee, I went and washed my mouth and face. I felt slightly better and went back into the theatre.
I was wrong, I had to make two more trips to the toilet and emptied the entire contents of my stomach. It felt like the time when I used to drink and had way too much. Fortunately I could still walk (and without the hangover).
My wife asked me whether I wanted to go back home and as I didn’t want to ruin our night out, decided against it. In the end, I kept my eyes closed for most of the movie and heard it rather that watched it. On the way back home, my wife drove me back reminding me of Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. And I ruined two small towels, which happened to be in the glove compartment.
I am not sure whether it was the coffee or something I had eaten earlier or the cigarette smoke at Starbucks. It may have been an effect of the anti-inflammatory drug I had taken for my tooth swelling (I had just removed another wisdom tooth on Wednesday). I may have been because of the smell of the theatre. Maybe it was due to the fact that I was tired and way past my bedtime or a combination of all of the above. Whatever it was that caused the nausea, it totally ruined my night out with my wife and we don’t get that chance often now-a-days. One of my worst experiences ever. And I have to buy the DVD of the movie now.
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