LAW AND ETHICS A MUST IN ORGAN TRANSPLANTS!

‘As a lead Consumer Advocate today involved in national and international networking task force addressing the whole question of organ transplant, the illegal trade and exploitation this is again a fine example legally citing of coercion and exploitation of people who are poor and the inability of legislation and statutes to protect their rights and interests!  - Dr Jacob George’

INTRODUCING LAW AND ETHICS INTO ORGAN TRANSPLANTS WORLD WIDE (Part 1)

I was in India recently and during my visit had the golden opportunity to meet some very fine and ethical individuals who do much service to humanity but also to the medical profession!

Since, I was very interested in the whole question of organ transplants, the sale and rackets that are attached to it and today’s big business ventures that bastardizes the medical profession where organ transplants has become ‘big business’ and in certain borders listed in the stock exchange resulting in what I will call the commercialization of organ transplantation my discussions with these renowned individuals became most interesting!

Whether it is the question of kidneys, liver or any other organ it is a fact today that in most countries notable in China, India, Egypt, Sri Lanka, South America the sale and ‘black hands’ attached to this has become an underground organized trade!

For example, I was told about the disgusting sale of kidneys in Tamil Nadu involving victims of the December 2004 tsunami.

I was told of the retrieval of organs from innocent non suspecting individuals after being drugged by syndicates and the mafia!

Stories that shocked and upset me!

As usual the networking and ‘modus operanti’ in some cases are defined and organized except for one thing – when the victims did not receive the financial rewards they were promised they went to the relevant authorities.

As a lead Consumer Advocate today involved in national and international networking task force addressing the whole question of organ transplant, the illegal trade and exploitation this is again a fine example legally citing of coercion and exploitation of people who are poor and the inability of legislation and statutes to protect their rights and interests!

As a lawyer I could not but ask my prestigious but humble hosts on the state of the law in India.

They kindly explained that the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) was passed by the Indian parliament in 1994 – a track record of 16 years!

The THOA was even ratified by the state assemblies.

I had the opportunity to read the said act and was glad that it did accept brain death as a form of death but the act strictly prohibits commerce in organs.

There were limitations to the donation of organs to what they termed as ‘first relatives’ which was defined as one’s mother, father, brothers, sisters, son, daughter or spouse of the recipient!

My take legally in this state of affairs was that by the authorities defining brain death as a form of death it extended the restriction to an even larger pool of donors (?) perhaps to overcome the shortage of organs like the kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas and kidneys!

My hosts did however advice me thanks to the said legislation more than 2000 transplants were done but availability were far short the need and usually outstripped the situation.

Which they tell me - meant only one thing the world over – the active presence of a thriving illegal trade involving commercial donors and middlemen from various shades and professions.

And I was not surprised either when they told me of the involvement of those in the medical professions who were also involved in the illegal organ trade for financial rewards!

Shameful but a fact!

As I always indicated I find in all cases whether it is in China, India, Egypt, Brazil, some African state or for that matter even in the Asia Pacific Rim – two crucial ingredients or factors present and little done by the stakeholders to address them!

The two simply being:

1.      The inefficiency and ineffectiveness of statutes and legislation and its implementation surround the issue

2.      The financial and economic compulsions that make people donate their organs.

I do not want to sound self righteous but the truth is I have difficulty finding fault in the donors because of their economic situation and extreme poverty!

But we need to manage this issue and if the need be I shared with my Indian friends the legislation must be amended and I went on citing the changes I would include in such a move!

Most importantly – I suggested the need to involve identified/selected NGO leaders in various task force on Organ transplant initiatives, committees, select committees, patient advocate programmes to explore new possibilities which will result in addressing this issue and need in a responsible and ethical manner uprooting and surgically removing those irresponsible but involved in acts or omissions that breeds a climate of greed and exploitation in organ transplant and trade!

I would also seek to put on record an ethics of organ donation that will have the power of enforcement and law to take punitive sanctions to violators and organ transplant efforts that will steer this issue in a manner that brings hope not despair and in cases where necessary looking at the bigger picture rather than to address private agendas and personal greed of those in and outside what was once a noble profession!

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SUBANG RIA PARK - CASSA APPEALS TO SULTAN SELANGOR!

SUBANG RIA PARK – CASSA APPEALS TO HRH SELANGOR SULTAN!

This is certainly not the first time I am asking these questions?

1. Whose incompetence, oversight and negligence was it when a separate title was issued to a developer for the 32 hectare park and lake popularly known as Subang Ria Park in Selangor?

2. How many titles for other open spaces such as lakes and parks are still in the hands of developers and yet to be surrendered to the government?

And why am I asking these questions yet again?

Simple!

The tragedy of Subang Jaya is that more than 35 years ago, where then hundreds of pensioners and others invested in an unknown housing scheme after being given the representation that they also would become co-owners of the 32ha land which has a lake, park and recreational area.

So they invested in this scheme even though there were more established ones in other areas.

Today, more than 35 years later, thanks to bureaucratic incompetence, foolishness and apathy of the highest order, the title for the 32ha Park still lies in the developer’s hands.

Now the only green lung in the mammoth concrete jungle called Subang Jaya is about to be exposed to further unhindered construction and perhaps, in future, to massive floods.

The wrangle for control over the park had been going on long enough between the developer, the municipal council, the state government, NGO’s like the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) and residents groups who want the title to be returned to the local council for the area to be gazette as a park.

File picture

Today, there are many ‘new voices’ added to this call but when it first started in 1998 it was just my team and I with several senior Subang Jaya residents!

For leading the campaign – I was ‘black listed’, defamed, my ‘rice bowl’ broken by powerful forces!

I was repeatedly targeted as a trouble-maker, controversial and non resident busy body, a personal non grata!

Complains were made to the special branch but little did they know they were my friends too!

Padan Muka!

But perhaps, those who questioned my motive, agenda, involvement there did not know of my consumer advocate background and track record nor were they aware that I used to live in Subang Jaya before some of them with my relatives in the late 70-80’s in what was then popularly known as the ‘horse shoe homes!

Many of my relatives still do live there!

It should ring a bell for the pioneer buyers of the scheme!

But I will not go back into all that – why re-open old wounds and hurt?

The truth is from time to time, when public outcry becomes politically unbearable - those in the seats of power would assure that no development would be approved for the park. But when the heat is of, again we hear of development plans and schemes for the area.

This is a pity because if political leaders whom we respect and repeatedly return to power cannot keep their promises and uphold the right of the individual and the community, why should that community continue to blindly vote them in?

The Subang Ria Park tragedy and similar ones throughout the country show us quite clearly that we should not put our trust in those who make many countless representations in many versions, ultimately betraying us voters.

The pertinent question in Subang Jaya is when will such betrayal come to a halt and will those behind it made to account for wronging a community of residents?
File Picture- protest memorandum handed to then PM’

As I said – perhaps, we need to re-look at this whole issue and initiate a fresh approach. One that will perhaps be a ‘win-win situation’ for all those concerned!

I said this in my private moments to the SJMC Chief several months ago and our offer to mediate.

We need to move forward and perhaps what is needed is a more open discussion and less politicking!

A such - I cannot but appeal to our beloved Sultan of Selangor to please right a wrong and provide a breakthrough that will result in the said 32ha of land called the Subang Ria Park gazette as a park and recreational area for all.

As early as in 1999 a massive ‘Save Subang Ria Park Campaign’ was launched and initiated by the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA) assisted by the then Member of Parliament Tan Sri Dato’ Dr K.S Nijhar.(see above left)

FLASHBACK

Below another example of the campaign:

THE STAR Metro
Friday, June 27, 2003

Subang’s green lung yet to be gazetted

The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor ( CASSA) is alarmed that despite a promise made by the Selangor Government to gazette the over 40ha Subang Ria Park and recreational area in Subang Jaya in the year 2000, nothing has transpired since.

It has been more than three years since former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Abu Hassan Omar made a promise that he would initiate all efforts to gazette the popular park as a green lung, but to-date, nothing has come out of it! Uncertainty continues to prevail!

The promise was made after CASSA launched its Save Subang Ria Park Campaign in 2000 which captured the attention of both local communities bent on protecting their green lungs and environmental groups.

We urge the present MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, to initiate the gazette to fulfil and settle a 19-year wait for residents of Subang Jaya and the surrounding area.

This matter has been left for far too long and it is pertinent that the Federal Government intervenes and instructs the state government to take the necessary steps to protect the rights and interests of the Subang community.

A campaign to collect over one million signatures has been initiated to accompany a memorandum of appeal to be sent to the Selangor Government on the matter.

The said campaign launched by Subang MP Tan Sri Dato Dr K.S. Nijhar.

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‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – WHOSE BEING PROTECTED?(Part 4)

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – WHOSE BEING PROTECTED?(Part 4)

It always shocks me how government organizations and other key ministries or institutions fail by ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ by sheer arrogance or worst, incompetence!

The Malaysian demography is today crying out for participation in government policy issues and rightfully so.

But sadly, in this case of the ‘no fault claims’ or call it whatever you want – again, the glaring absence of grouping all stakeholders before drafting the script of change is grossly visible!

There is a rumor that two law firms are to be asked to participate?

I must advice Bank Negara again that if this rumor is true; asking two law firms to provide an opinion paper is not consultation with stakeholders!

The two law firms are not stakeholders for the Consumers, the Malaysian BAR, the Trade Unions, the civil society, the Attorney General’s Chambers and others who have interest in this matter!

My humble request is Bank Negara should organize an all stakeholder conference to deliberate on the issue, set up a select committee thereafter to steer the issues involved in an organized manner!

I am sure Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak would welcome such a move and deliberation rather than one that is done in a ‘cloak and dagger manner’  which will escalate into a full blown controversy and backlash when the nation is already riddled with so many massive political bush fires and now risk creating another!

More so, if it is the intention of the federal government to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Malaysian demography?

But I also raise the whole question of this issue the controversial – ‘no fault claim’ proposal that is now undertaken like a ‘cloak and dagger thingy?’

Is this all necessary?

Has the present system failed so badly resulting in total chaos in the courts pertaining to insurance coverage and claims?

Only an absolute idiot will say so or worst, a ‘fat cat predator’ using his political tentacles to manipulate this sector in view ‘future mergers and acquisitions’ or to ‘dog tag’ the payouts to enrich the insurance companies and their owners and senior managements who would enjoy obese profits and vulgar bonuses!

This is not right!

Is it the plan of a selected few to want to reap great profits at the expense of other stakeholders and the injured on the streets and highways of 1Malaysia!

No? Then prove me wrong!

But, hear my contentions first!

Today, this matter has been handled professionally and at great speed!

And kudos to the Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi for the proactive move and fast tracked changes!

Today, this matter has been handled in a two tier system.

First there are two courts set aside to handle tortuous cases.

This means speed being the essence!

The result I am advised by my peers that the 2008-2009 cases have been all being disposed of!

Secondly, Tun Zaki has introduced the whole question of mediation where Judges are to fix matters for mediation to narrow down contentious issues and thereafter commerce hearings!

And it is working so when not broken, why try to fix it?

As far as the awards go there is uniformity of awards and there are guidelines for judges to follow!

And such no runaway obese vulgar awards!

My friends who sit at Bank Negara and the others busy ‘pushing pencils in air conditioned rooms’ need to know that the insurance tariffs have not changes drastically here in Malaysia for the last 30 years!

So who is stirring this hornets’ nest?

Who is seeking obese vulgar profits by sacrificing Malaysian consumers?

Have the courage to go on record!

Do not be like termites or political Eunuchs, come address my concerns and that of all the stakeholders in an all stakeholder’s conference before drafting any final change!

A failure will end with one having to face the wrath of Malaysian consumers for siding with the insurance mafia’s and cartels!

Bank Negara - You have been repeatedly warned!

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RISE OF INTEREST RATES, FUEL PRICES AND GST COMING – CONSUMERS DOOMED?

I have no problems whatsoever in seeing an increase of about 10 sen in petrol prices, post May 1, unless we have further brain waves coming out with better fuel subsidy schemes, which is not ideal in the long run!

And yes, it will have an impact on prices of food, services and essential items across the board with individuals and groups attempting at profiteering.

Subsidies are not the answer but in a nation where it has become a way of life from the production of ‘2 minute instant billionaires’ thanks to political patronage what can I say?

Where and at what stage do we start dismantling it without the issues being racialised, bastardized and muddied in certain racist vernacular newspaper without looking at the issues intelligently and with rationale and comparison where we are as a nation with others in the region? - Dr Jacob George

RISE OF INTEREST RATES, FUEL PRICES AND GST COMING – CONSUMERS DOOMED?

Some major ‘tai chi’ moves are being made and I cannot but predict further hard times for Malaysian consumers at the near horizon!

First, I cannot but notice that our ‘ever ready and friendly’ - Bank Negara raised its overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.25% giving an indication that the time was ripe to normalize interest rates with the improvement in economic conditions.

Did they cite ‘improvement in economic conditions’ – perhaps from their political positioning and mindsets but from where I stand at the grassroots – it looks pretty screwed up!

If that was not bad enough the announcement by my ministry that there will likely be a slight increases in fuel prices over time now that it has been officially announced that the proposed two-tier fuel subsidy scheme based on vehicle engine capacity has been scrapped will add fuel to fire!

Come let us face it, I liked the two-tier fuel subsidy scheme proposed in theory, which to me appeared good on paper but issues such as implementation and enforcement were questionable!

And worst, they wanted to implement it on May 1?

I thought foolishness was only apparent at the stock exchange!

Now the situation is calmer and clearer!

I have no problems whatsoever in seeing an increase of about 10 sen in petrol prices, post May 1 unless we have further brain waves coming out with better fuel subsidy schemes which is not ideal in the long run!

And yes, it will have an impact on prices of food, services and essential items across the board with individuals and groups attempting at profiteering.

Subsidies are not the answer but in a nation where it has become a way of life from the production of ‘2 minute instant billionaires’ thanks to political patronage what can I say?

Where and at what stage do we start dismantling it without the issues being racialised, bastardized and muddied in certain racist vernacular newspaper without looking at the issues intelligently and with rationale and comparison where we are as a nation with others in the region?

Now coming back to the fuel price thingy and based on US$80 per barrel of crude oil, the Government was currently subsidizing fuel at the pump at around 40 sen per liter so a raise of say another 20 sen maybe warranted and help the government to close the gap on the fuel subsidy which remains unsustainable at the present course!

At the end of the day whatever schemes we introduce we must ensure it is a viable scheme and meet my two major consumer concerns namely that the hardcore poor are not badly affected and the scheme proposed addresses the fuel subsidy issue.

We must also address wastage and abuse across the political landscape!

At the end of the day – with the emerging hardcore controversy of the GST lurking it will take political courage to address these issues plainly and with a motion at wining the ‘hearts and minds’ of voters failing there are rough seas and turbulence ahead!

Next: FREEZE FOREIGN HYPERMARKET MUSHROOMING & LICENSING SAY CASSA! 

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FDA SCREWS NESTLE OVER MISLEADING LABELS!

Crack down on food labels - say no more to lying in claims on labels!

It is about time that we have clear cut legislation with punitive sanctions for violations not ‘guidelines’ for nutritional labeling and efforts made to advice those who are raking in billions of obese profits in the food industry!

Let us not forget the obese perks and salaries not forgetting the bonuses their top management and owners receive!

Totally vulgar! - Dr Jacob George

FDA SCREWS NESTLE OVER MISLEADING LABELS!

From time to time – something great happens that gives me a mental orgasm and kicks up the spirit!

And certainly, I was overjoyed in being advised by my counterparts in the US that – its health regulators the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned units of Nestle and more than a dozen other food makers about overstating or misstating the nutritional value of baby food, nuts and other products on their labels!

So our boys and girls at the various Malaysian enforcement agencies will run ‘helter-skelter’ trying to show that the monthly wages they receive are honest wages (halal) as they are doing their job examining various claims made on consumer products on Malaysian soil without waiting to fire fight after we have highlighted issues on the ground!

So far the issues surround claims made over trans fat content, antioxidant advantages, and omega-3 benefits that fail to Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

As a Consumer Advocate who has been campaigning relentlessly for new package labeling legislation that makes it easier for people to understand the nutritional content of food, I am excited at this ‘turn of events!’

It is about time that we have clear cut legislation with punitive sanctions for violations not ‘guidelines’ for nutritional labeling and efforts made to advice those who are raking in billions of obese profits in the food industry!

Let us not forget the obese perks and salaries not forgetting the bonuses their top management and owners receive!

Totally vulgar!

Though I am relieved at this new development I am saddened that there is a lacking serious crack down on manufacturers who exaggerated the healthfulness of their products!

When I say new legislation - I mean new legislation (when we can get a DNA Law in record time why not this?) that should take a punitive stance on claims over trans fats and whole wheat as well as make the nutritional facts panel on the back of food packages easier to understand.

We need to also look at the claims made like - “Healthy as Fresh,” an “Excellent Source … of Vitamin A” and have “No Added Sugar,” and more so if the products are meant for children below two years of age!

I am told that the shares of Nestle closed down 1.8 percent in Europe after this event but that is absolutely nothing – as – you will understand by just visiting any Malaysian hypermarket to see the number of Nestle products on the shelves and the huge obese and vulgar profits they make!

Perhaps, Malaysian consumers should seriously look at the claims made in the said labels, question them, compare prices of these products and examine close alternatives?

After all nothing wrong in being a ‘SMART CONSUMER!’ 
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SAYING NO TO COMMERCIALIZING LIVER TRANSPLANTS IN MALAYSIA! (Part 1)

Before anything else – I want to thank Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak for granting me ‘my humble request’ made in my earlier blog regarding the Director General of Health Services, Malaysia!

I am indeed very happy!

On liver transplants:

I have no complains at all at the manner liver transplants are being managed at government hospitals but I am concerned at recent public spins and other articles by mercenary journalists hired by private healthcare centers and their stupid communication executives to canvass stories and manipulate the debate on this issue with slanted views!

It is time that all liver transplant programmes in the country (private & public) be monitored and reviewed by a government appointed select committee chaired by the DG of Health Services to ensure professionalism and accountability! - Dr Jacob George

SAYING NO TO COMMERCIALIZING LIVER TRANSPLANTS IN MALAYSIA! (Part 1)

At a government hospital in Malaysia I am advised that the cost for a liver transplant is just RM500.00 (thanks to the sponsorship and corporate responsibility)

But strangely, the same operation elsewhere costs over RM350, 000.00 - dead or alive!

Apart from the issue of the over-all costs, other issues that are also been debated is who really decides on whether such an invasive procedure is the best solution for that patient!

Or that the organ made available is best suited for another patient having a greater chance of survival!

I raise this morning these questions because I am really disturbed at the way this is being tackled in the country!

I have no complains at all at the manner liver transplants are being managed at government hospitals but I am concerned at recent public spins and other articles by ‘mercenary journalists hired by private healthcare centers and their stupid communication executives’ to canvass/spin/advertize stories and manipulate the debate on this issue with slanted views!

The issue of liver centers or transplants is nothing new; we have them in Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore!

There are also such controversial centers in China, India, Sri Lanka, in the underground in Egypt and several other countries in South America!

I am a strict advocate for a strict code of ethics surrounding the whole question of liver transplants – which today is being brushed aside by some who are commercializing the trade which to me is a disgrace to the medical profession!

They are a disgrace because they have commercialized this call and what matters to them are the financial returns rather than what is best for the patient!

I have heard from affected consumers of many stories and among them two that I will recollect here!

The first where it was clear that an invasive surgery was unnecessary as it will bring forth no positive result but despite that the surgery was done and the patient died!

The patient’s family still paid!

In the second incident, the surgery was completed the patient developed major complications and was then referred to a government hospital where an attempt was made to rectify and crisis manage the case!

The patient also died!

In the same breath, I know of a dear friend and member of the Malaysian Bar who represented me at the industrial court after I was ‘brutally retrenched’ at 44 years of age   destroying my corporate career!

Yes – and I am not Jesus of Nazareth - ‘all that forgiving’ -  so may those behind ‘that retrenchment of one person’ that destroyed my career all be cursed with painful horrendous deaths because their act caused so much pain and destruction in my life for the last 11 years!

But, coming back to this solicitor friend – he conducted my case especially the examination in chief in pain, medical discomfort, knowing fully well he had only weeks to live!

I knew he took my case personally because he really cared for me - saying that I reminded him of himself during his younger days when he was a unionist and fought for the rights of others and was penalized dearly!

As I sat with him at a government hospital he spoke of opportunities that presented themselves to him from others to ‘lengthen his lifespan’ by going for a liver transplant to China!

Yes, in that there was a huge financial costs but he could afford it but there was others issues that he reflected upon prior to making up his mind!

He told me of the professional and medical advice he received from government doctors after which he decided against going to China!

Instead as advised - he spent quality time with his loved ones with whatever time he had left!

My dear friend/solicitor was very pleased at the advice given!

Weeks later he died!
It is time that all liver transplant programmes in the country (private & public) be monitored and reviewed by a government appointed select committee chaired by the DG of Health Services!

This is to ensure professionalism and accountability!

I will also certainly take this matter up with the no nonsense Director General of Health Service, Dr Ismail Merican urging him to set up a high powered team to review any third party attempts to set up ‘liver centers’ or for that matter any organ transplant unit unless the many issues like costs, decision making process, selection, ethics, governance, medical legal issues, audits on mortalities are clearly addressed!

These centers must also be monitored by our Ministry of Health experts!

It is time we addressed the profiteering, the moral and ethical issues that surround the whole question of organ transplant and in this case - liver transplant in Malaysia!

Every effort must be made to deny a base in Malaysia where these forms of exploitation could be a way of life!

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PAK JIB - SACK HEALTH MINISTER – PROMOTE DIRECTOR GENERAL!

‘We have a health minister today who should have never being appointed to this portfolio and replaced long ago!

The public sector cannot become the largest employer and worst having a civil service that is obese and ineffective!

It is a vulgar joke and a curse!

Just compare our public sector with those in the region and you will get what I am referring to.

I remember the Malaysian healthcare system never had this much ‘pencil pushing’ politicians, administrators and managers – that it is a crude and vulgar joke!

I know that many hospitals from north to south, east to west being run so effectively with  lean mean administration in the 60’s to late 70’s!’ - Dr Jacob George

PAK JIB - SACK HEALTH MINISTER – PROMOTE   DIRECTOR GENERAL!

Only an absolute idiot will say that there is a shortage of doctors in the country!

Having addressed healthcare issues for over 37 years I can safely say that there is no shortage just a very bad distribution of this much needed expertise!

Things are far better than they were in those ‘dark days’.

But individuals still complain even when it is a non issue?

Worst, we now have housemen and house officers who are cry babies!

If they do not, their parents will! Shame on them!

And the truth is most of the doctors are in the Klang valley or in big towns and this matter needs to be addressed with so many other issues from a revamp of the Ministry of Health starting with surgically removing or getting rid of the majority of ‘managers and administrators’ we have created in the system making it obese and ineffective with all the layers and tiers of bureaucracy!

The public sector cannot become the largest employer and worst having a civil service that is obese and ineffective!

It is a vulgar joke and a curse!

Just compare our public sector with those in the region and you will get what I am referring to!

I remember the Malaysian healthcare system never had this much ‘pencil pushing’ politicians, administrators and managers – that it is a crude and vulgar joke!

I know that many hospitals from north to south, east to west being run so effectively with  lean mean administration in the 60’s to late 70’s!

A single chief clerk will manage with prefect efficiency that will make fools of today’s organizations charts, modus operanti or worst claiming to be quality certified!

Today – it is despicable and despite the huge manpower presence nothing has changed radically!

Just the healthcare budget going to salaries and the wastage in building more multi million ringgit concrete hospitals with its ‘costs over-runs, and multi million ringgit other machinery and gadgets which makes many contractors and politicians on the gravy train extremely wealthy!

But core services remain stagnant!

While – on the other end – the politicians are still playing their games of interference, the civil servants are unable to address issues administratively and professionally without the political interference, and professionalism goes out the windows!

We have a health minister today who should have been replaced long ago!

After so many years, we finally have a reformer, Director General of Health Services, a no nonsense and proactive professional individual and many quarters/politicians just cannot appreciate this! Bodoh sombong!

After many decades of ‘inaction, inactivity, being in comatose’ - he has brought about radical changes in the health ministry, stirred up imagination that things can be better and rightfully so - he is the best thing that has happened at MOH!

Yes, I am referring to DG Dr Ismail Merican! (see above left)

I am asking in fact pleading to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for three things immediately for the health ministry!

1. Sack the present Health Minister! Replace him with former Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek - the best health minister Malaysia has ever seen or had!
2. If that is not possible, please make Dr Ismail Merican a Senator and appoint him Health Minister! Or make sure he does not leave or retire – no - not now when there are so many changes to bring about!Radical proactive changes that only he can initiate with his no nonsense approach! Whether it is the national healthcare financing, 1Clinic, the reorganization of the health ministry to become leaner and meaner and holistically professional, integrating and networking all hospitals IT, software, hardware and informational technology to be synchronized to work effectively! Initiating amendments to various outdated legislation that includes the Food Act, the Medical Act, the Healthcare Facilities and Services Act and seeking what ever happened to the Organ Tissue Act (which has not seen the light of day?) and so forth!

3.  Please increase the healthcare allocation! But I say no - to the building of MORE multi million ringgit hospitals! It is time we had more well equipped ’state of the art’ clinics logistically distributed!

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A CONFERENCE INVITE WHICH IS A SCAM! BEWARE!

In the past, I have highlighted or exposed many a fraud schemes but no matter how many I expose - another hundred just is initiated by criminals in many parts of the world!

You name it - from South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Congo, in Britain, Spain, the US, Italy, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, Holland, Germany, Portugal, even in Malaysia!

They are all over - organized and many enrolled as international students or ‘tourists!’.

And every new scheme their plot is an ingenious one as you can see from the one below!

My advice - please watch out be careful!

They are looking for personal ID, information and whatever else and the reasons for it certainly not legal!

The following letter was forwarded to a dear friend asking him to participate in an international conference!

If you receive a similar email be vigilant and careful!

You have been warned!

The letter/invitation below reproduced without editing! Disclaimer - ‘Emily Jacob’ below no friend of mine! Neither a relative! Beware!

‘Dear sir/madam

My name is Miss (Emily Jacob) I am presently working with WORLD HUMAN RIGHT ORGANIZATION (WHRO) California, USA. We are inviting you to a Global Combined Conference taking place from 17th-20th February 2010 in Los Angeles-Anaheim Convention Center California, USA, and 24th-27th February 2010 in Savannah Central Hall, Dakar-Senegal, WestAfrica.

If you are interested to participate and want to represent your country, you may Contact the secretariat of the organizing committee via Email: (humanright.whro@secretary.net) for more details and Information.

You should also inform them that you were invited to participate by a friend of yours (Emily Jacob) the benevolent donors of the Organizing Committee will provide round Trip Air tickets and accommodation for the period of participants Stay in The United States, to all registered participants.

Delegates will only be responsible for their own hotel booking in Africa were the second phase of the events will be held. If you are a holder of an international passport that may require visa to enter the United States/Dakar Senegal you may inform the conference secretariat at the time of registration, as the organizing committee is responsible for all visa arrangements.

You may get back to me via (jemily82@globomail.com)

Sincerely,

Emily Jacob.’

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 3)

Kudos to Malaysian Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi for the proactive move and fast tracked changes!

Today, this matter has been handled very professionally with the needed key performance indicators (KPIs) in place.

Secondly, Tun Zaki has introduced the whole question of mediation where Judges are to fix matters for mediation to narrow down contentious issues and thereafter commerce hearings!

And it is working so when not broken, why try to fix it?

As far as the awards go there is uniformity of awards and there are guidelines for judges to follow.

And such no runaway obese vulgar awards!

So who is stirring this hornets’ nest?

So who is seeking obese vulgar profits by sacrificing Malaysian consumers?

Have the courage to go on record!- Dr Jacob George

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 3)

It always shocks me how government organizations and other key ministries or institutions fail by ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ by sheer arrogance or worst, incompetence!

The Malaysian demography is today crying out for participation in government policy issues and rightfully so.

But sadly, in this case of the ‘no fault claims’ or call it whatever you want – again, the glaring absence of grouping all stakeholders before drafting the script of change is grossly visible!

There is a rumor that two law firms are to be asked to participate?

I must advice Bank Negara again that if this rumor is true; asking two law firms to provide an opinion paper is not consultation with stakeholders!

The two law firms are not stakeholders for the Consumers, the Malaysian BAR, the Trade Unions, the civil society, the Attorney General’s Chambers and others who have interest in this matter!

My humble request is Bank Negara should organize an all stakeholder conference to deliberate on the issue, set up a select committee thereafter to steer the issues involved in an organized manner!

I am sure Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak would welcome such a move and deliberation rather than one that is done in a ‘cloak and dagger manner’  which will escalate into a full blown controversy and backlash when the nation is already riddled with so many massive political bush fires and now risk creating another!

More so, if it is the intention of the federal government to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Malaysian demography?

But I also raise the whole question of this issue the controversial – ‘no fault claim’ proposal that is now undertaken like a ‘cloak and dagger thingy?’

Is this all necessary?

Has the present system failed so badly resulting in total chaos in the courts pertaining to insurance coverage and claims?

Only an absolute idiot will say so or worst, a ‘fat cat predator’ using his political tentacles to manipulate this sector in view ‘future mergers and acquisitions’ or to ‘dog tag’ the payouts to enrich the insurance companies and their owners and senior managements who would enjoy obese profits and vulgar bonuses!

This is not right!

Is it the plan of a selected few to want to reap great profits at the expense of other stakeholders and the injured on the streets and highways of 1Malaysia!

No? Then prove me wrong!

But, hear my contentions first!

Today, this matter has been handled professionally and at great speed!

And kudos to the Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi for the proactive move and fast tracked changes!

Today, this matter has been handled in a two tier system.

First there are two courts set aside to handle tortuous cases.

This means speed being the essence!

The result I am advised by my peers that the 2008-2009 cases have been all being disposed of!

Secondly, Tun Zaki has introduced the whole question of mediation where Judges are to fix matters for mediation to narrow down contentious issues and thereafter commerce hearings!

And it is working so when not broken, why try to fix it?

As far as the awards go there is uniformity of awards and there are guidelines for judges to follow!

And such no runaway obese vulgar awards!

My friends who sit at Bank Negara and the others busy ‘pushing pencils in air conditioned rooms’ need to know that the insurance tariffs have not changes drastically here in Malaysia for the last 30 years!

So who is stirring this hornets’ nest?

Who is seeking obese vulgar profits by sacrificing Malaysian consumers?

Have the courage to go on record!

Do not be like termites or political Eunuchs, come address my concerns and that of all the stakeholders in an all stakeholder’s conference before drafting any final change!

A failure will end with one having to face the wrath of Malaysian consumers for siding with the insurance mafia’s and cartels!

Bank Negara - You have been warned!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

KLANG COUNCIL TOLD REMOVAL OF PM POTRAIT DISRESPECTFUL!

‘Enough politics and power plays!

Tit for tats! I am aware of the local guidelines and by-laws on banners and portraits but there are exceptions and here was the exception brother Ronnie – it was the PM of Malaysia visiting a district within the nation at a time of religious celebrations to show the world that despite our diversity we are all 1MALAYSIANS! - Dr Jacob George

Ini kerja bodoh!

This is absolutely stupid thing to do!

I cannot understand why a cloth banner with the portrait of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, put up to welcome him for the Chinese New Year celebrations, was taken down by the local council staff!

I am advised that the said celebration was set to be held in Pandamaran and the banner was put up by restaurateurs and traders who also had buntings close to their premises.

According to reliable sources the act was undertaken by Klang Municipal Council (MPK) who undertook this and others which include posters, banners and buntings around the township, meant to welcome Najib, without notice.

It was a surprise ‘thingy’ of appreciation!

I am also surprised at this as it had no political slogans.

Politicians from all divides should learn to accommodate and be cordial more so, during these festivities!

We need political maturity all around and that goes to the BN fellas as well!

If everything becomes ‘politics’ we will divide the nation at each and every corner and we cannot go forth as a nation!

After all the poster was of the Prime minister of Malaysia who was visiting the Pandamaran New Village!

So my politicians of all divides – please stop playing politics at each and every corner of our lives!

And my dear friend State exco for local government, Ronnie Liu should know better than to say that the removal of the banner with Najib’s portrait had to be done as there was no permit approval from the local council.

He is right on cue of course but brother this is different!

I am aware of the local guidelines and by-laws on banners and portraits but there are exceptions and here was the exception brother Ronnie – it was the PM of Malaysia visiting a district within the nation at a time of religious celebrations to show the world that despite our diversity we are all 1MALAYSIANS!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

MOVING ON AS 1MALAYSIANS THE TIGER YEAR!

Malaysians are not stupid to believe the media spin and bias as we see in various talk shows and television programmes!

They are matured and know more than we think they do!

A mainstream newspaper has spanned in their front page report that more Malaysians have gone abroad for this Chinese New Year holidays because of economy recovery!

My foot!

Those who are going away are doing so to get away from the mind games and mental assaults and embarrassment the way our politicians and others in NGO positions have behaved!

They had enough of the tensions and anxiety we read and see over the mainstream media!

They see an abuse at various tiers and having enough those who can afford want a getaway from this at least over a weekend to see how other countries govern and their various institutions and civil society and media operate?

They know how low and far from the tree we have fallen that makes mockery of all the sacrifices and vision of our founding fathers! - Dr Jacob George

While I wish all my brethren celebrating the Chinese New Year 2010 which in essence is all 27 Million Malaysians as is our custom from time immemorial!

Have fun but drive safe!

If you drink please do not drive!

Public Transport – I pray we will not have the horror accidents that we are used to during long holidays and festivities!

But I would be foolish to ignore that while the spirit of cordiality is being harnessed and shared there will be those pariah newspapers among them, a racist vernacular one - known for its racist reporting!

They have so far being untouchables!

All sane and intelligent Malaysian continue to wonder why this particular pariah and racist newspaper has yet to be charged for sedition or incitement?

Of course, they are only a particular limb – we have others, that include NGO’s who are also fanning racial and religious sentiments, even a consumer group for that matter which is shocking, for we are always asked to be focused, neutral and supporting peaceful deliberations and the respect of law and order, of fair play, accountability, good governance, transparency and ethics free from racial and religious bias – ‘phew’ that’s a mouthful!

But no – that is not the case here, where political predators and others wanting political positions have penetrated even consumer groups and are using this as a platform for their personal and private agenda!

Perhaps they want to be ministers!

An analyst of their statements on print and the electronic media is a classic example!

Instead of being peacemakers they are fanning communal tensions highlighting what is different about us rather than the many similarities that should make us all 1MALAYSIANS as Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak (above left) desires!

If this was bad – look at certain political parties who lost at the General Elections now endorsing ‘acts and omission’ that makes a mockery of a democratic state and the rule of law as interpreted and practiced by responsible, intelligent and respected governments of the world!

We know of the saying that the ‘law is an ass!’ but how constitutional law is being interpreted here is a malicious assault on even ‘the mind of a 6 month of baby!’

Reading the mainstream media both print and electronic, it is clear that there is a plan of action to destabilize states that are run by the opposition by what ever means and even if it destroys the delicate race and religious unity and relations that have been fostered by painstaking previous Malaysian founding fathers!

This is an abuse and vulgar!

As for the opposition – they must themselves be professional and clean and deliver what they have promised!

Among them having dedicated, intelligent, responsible and clean politicians being selected as their representatives at state and parliamentary seats!

Your selection of council representatives was a joke in certain areas!

Your process of vetting candidates for all seats be they for state or parliament needs an overhaul!

If you do so – you will be a force having the people behind you.

Malaysians are not stupid to believe the media spin and bias as we see in various talk shows and television programmes!

They are matured and know more than we think they do!

They are also aware and embarrassed the way our politicians and others in NGO positions have behaved!

We are also aware how low and far from the tree we have fallen that makes mockery of all the sacrifices and vision of our founding fathers!

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is trying very hard!

He needs help from within not more problems and to fight various ‘bush fires!’

But what about others – they may need to speak less and do more work as the moment they open their mouths they only confirm to the Malaysian electorate that they are petty, foolish and absolute stupid!

Or worst that they are racist!

I hope the tiger year will bring all of us new fortunes and the nation peace, goodwill and most importantly the much needed foreign direct investments!

No matter what the spin the truth is we are in troubled waters!

We need to work, we need to get rid of corruption, the subsidy minded from the wealthy and rich, the racist, those abusing their positions for ill gotten gains!

Our government institutions must act professionally. There must be a separation of powers with well published check and balances!

They must by their actions and impartiality regain the self respect lost!

For this to happen we need to work as a team of 1Malaysians!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 2)

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 2)

It always shocks me how government organizations and other key ministries or institutions fail by ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ by sheer arrogance or worst, incompetence!

The Malaysian demograph is today crying out for participation in government policy issues and rightfully so.

But sadly, in this case of the ‘no fault claims’ or call it whatever you want – again, the glaring absence of grouping all stakeholders before drafting the script of change is grossly visible!

There is a rumor that two law firms are to be asked to participate?

I must advice Bank Negara again that if this rumor is true, asking two law firms to provide an opinion paper is not consultation with stakeholders!

The two law firms are not stakeholders for the Consumers, the Malaysian BAR, the Trade Unions, the civil society, the Attorney General’s Chambers and others who have interest in this matter!

My humble request is Bank Negara should organize an all stakeholder conference to deliberate on the issue, set up a select committee thereafter to steer the issues involved in an organized manner!

I am sure Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak would welcome such a move and deliberation rather than one that is done in a ‘cloak and dagger manner’  which will escalate into a full blown controversy and backlash when the nation is already riddled with so many massive political bush fires and now risk creating another!

More so, if it is the intention of the federal government to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Malaysian demographs?

I sincerely hope that Bank Negara officials are not so insensitive as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of dissatisfaction towards the federal government!

Bank Negara - You have been warned!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA!

My humble advice to Bank Negara is to refrain from any ‘acts or omissions’ that may be seen as being extremely cordial to the insurance lobbyists and their cronies at the expense of consumers!

Malaysia is not the US, Australia, New Zealand, countries that are part and parcel of the European Union where they are either ‘welfare states’, or there are social ‘safety nets and parachutes’ to protect consumers, accidents victims and families – their short and long term interest!

It is sad when public policy is initiated without the involvement of the civil society and the various stakeholders participating. - Dr Jacob George

‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA!

I am surprised that despite the highlighting of this issue by the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA)-  nothing has come out in a public statement from Bank Negara towards addressing a joint meeting of all stakeholders who will be affected by the outcome in the event the much speculated ‘no fault claim’ proposal becomes a reality!

I sincerely hope that Bank Negara officials are not so insensitive as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of dissatisfaction towards the federal government!

In fact, to fast track such a policy move without first addressing the core issues and analyzing other countries that had earlier incorporated the same and regretting would be politically suicidal!

Many countries are now distancing themselves from the same policy that they rooted earlier for and lessons should be learnt from this!

Even the much touted ‘Japanese model’ has its flaws!

It is sad when public policy is initiated without the involvement of the civil society and the various stakeholders participating.

I am aware that many groups have requested for a briefing from Bank Negara on the issue of the ‘no fault claim’ but sadly this has yet to materialize!

Why the fear and why the uneasiness to facilitate such a joint discussion with stakeholders and the civil society?

One must understand in today’s political landscape it is all part of good governance and accountability and public policy initiatives should always be transparent!

If there is secrecy, it becomes fodder for allegations that the insurance lobbyists and Bank Negara are in a sine biotic relationship of sorts?

Consumers and stakeholders will then be justified to feel that the ‘hidden agenda’ is to protect the insurance industry and their players at the expense of Malaysian consumers and others who are also stakeholders holding various responsible portfolios on behalf those who will be affected by any change in the way this scheme operates.

We cannot pretend that there is no such scheme based on the 2010 budget speech!

There are rumors that this may be implemented in the middle of 2010!

But I am advised there are no proposals to amend several statutes which includes the Road Transport Act 1967, the Civil Law Act 1956 with particular reference to ‘personal injuries’ and Court of Judicature Act in the next few Parliament sittings which will be fundamental for this new ‘no fault claim’ to take root!

I am certain it will be foolhardy to also try to rush the very sensitive Attorney General who is extremely professional in these matters taking cognizance of consumer and public sentiments!

Attempts to use the ‘Prime Minister’s name’ to fast track this matter will also back fire badly on Bank Negara!

If this is mismanaged this will hurt the ‘Najib administration’ very badly at a time the Prime Minister is working at breakneck speed to bring the country’s constituents together with policies that will protect their rights and interests!

My humble advice to Bank Negara is to refrain from any ‘acts or omissions’ that may be seen as being extremely cordial to the insurance lobbyists and their cronies at the expense of consumers!

Malaysia is not the US, Australia, New Zealand, countries that are part and parcel of the European Union where they are either ‘welfare states’, or there are social ‘safety nets and parachutes’ to protect consumers, accidents victims and families – their short and long term interest!

In view of this - this matter must be first deliberated in an atmosphere of cordiality and free flow of information so that no demograph will be sidelined or their interest and grouses discarded!

Bank Negara must be seen with the consumers and their stakeholders who protect consumer rights not with the bourgeoisie in silk suits representing the industry or worse, their lobbyists!

I hope our friends in the senior administration of the central bank will facilitate our concerns without delay!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

TOYOTA RECALL – LESSONS TO BE LEARNT!

‘But knowing their work ethics I am certain they will bounce back strongly!

They have the dedication and commitment and are strong willed unlike ’subsidy chasing and gravy train licking communities!’

They did well in addressing the recall and did not split hairs or attempt a cover up as many companies, even our ‘Malaysia Boleh ones’ usually do!’ - Dr Jacob George

TOYOTA RECALL – LESSONS TO BE LEARNT!

It was highly unimaginable that a Japanese product would see such a massive recall!

Really - by over 8.5 Million vehicles!

But, that was what happened to put it mildly!

Now as the dust tries to settle, one thing is obvious, Toyota has done what General Motors, Ford and other automakers have failed to accomplish for decades: Erase the perception that the Japanese automaker’s cars are of much higher quality than those of its rivals.

I am advised now that Toyota’s stumble after its sales soared will now benefit other carmakers across the board!

I am now certain that other brands that include Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Honda will make big gains!

What is shocking are the allegations in a report that 27 percent of new car shoppers who were considering a Toyota before the recall are no longer contemplating the brand.

Or that nearly half of the buyers who have defected from Toyota say they may never consider the brand again and if this is true Toyota has plenty of work on their hands!

But knowing their work ethics I am certain they will bounce back strongly!

They have the dedication and commitment and are strong willed unlike ’subsidy chasing and gravy train licking communities!’

They did well in addressing the recall and did not split hairs or attempt a cover up as many companies, even our ‘Malaysia Boleh ones’ usually do!

Interestingly, they have also courted feedbacks from professionals like us in the consumer protection platform!

This is welcome and more companies need to start treating the consumerists as partners rather than foes!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

FAST FOOD ENDORSEMENT - LESSONS FOR CONSUMERISTS!

‘Of late there has been a strange inexplicable and subtle endorsement of certain corporate business interests or worst the involvement in business by those of us who are in the business of consumer protection!

I am aware that today some consumer associations and the leaderships behind some of them are certainly controversial when they either indulge in business or hold sine biotic relationships and endorsements with business interests!’ - Dr Jacob George

ITALY’S MINISTER UNDER FIRE FOR FAST FOOD PROMOTION!

I was not surprised that there was brickbats and severe condemnation for the Italy’s agriculture minister who defended his sponsorship of McDonald’s new all-Italian burger amid criticism that he is selling out to a multinational corporation and sacrificing Italy’s culinary reputation in the process.

The minister in that controversy was none other but Luca Zaia who had argued that McDonald’s new McItaly burger - using all Italian beef, Asiago cheese and artichoke spread - will pump euro3.5 million ($4.8 million) more a month into the pockets of Italian farmers grappling with tough economic times.

But this man forgot so quickly that for Italy - a country that gave birth to the Slow Food movement a quarter-century ago and prides itself on its varied, delicious and healthy cuisine, Zaia’s enthusiastic support of McDonald’s has been hard to swallow.

Worst there was public outcry when certain groups challenged Zaia and McDonald’s to back up their claims of helping Italian farmers with a kilo-by-kilo accounting of how much farmers are actually getting paid out of the deal.

And they chafed at Zaia’s suggestion that the all-Italian menu would “globalize the identity of Italian agriculture.”

The opposition Democratic Party has also slammed Zaia’s use of an official government seal of approval for the new burger.

This was because there was a seal on the McItaly’s promotional material saying “Under the patronage of” the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - a highly coveted government endorsement that is more often seen on museum exhibits and cultural initiatives than fast-food containers.

So as we all say one cannot but ask whether this Italian Minister was working for Italy or McDonalds?

There are lessons here for us Malaysians be we politicians, government servants, the civil society or consumer association managements!

Of late there has been a strange inexplicable and subtle endorsement of certain corporate business interests or worst the involvement in business by those of us who are in the business of consumer protection!

I am aware that today some consumer associations and the leaderships behind some of them are certainly controversial when they either indulge in business or hold sine biotic relationships and endorsements with business interests!

Many things have indeed changed since my early years in the 70’s and we do not produce the kind of consumer advocates who led these civil society groups as before as today there are pretenders and opportunists holding many a leadership positions, using this for political posturing and agenda, some even creating monopolies and strategic alliances with both business and private interests!

A betrayal no doubt!

To me this is a sell out, a blatant compromise of the founding principles of consumerism, ethics, objectivity and impartiality and all that my mentors both ‘Papa S.M. Mohd Idris and Uncle Anwar Fazal’ (above left) have taught me in my growing up years in consumerism in Penang!

This Italian example perhaps serves us as a reminder that many things have changed for the worse and need to be put right!

MAY GOD HELP US TO BE FAITHFUL AND TRUE TO OUR CALLING!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

FOOD HANDLERS ACT - A MUST FOR MALAYSIA!

TIME FOR A FOOD HANDLERS ACT IN MALAYSIA!

Yes, I sound like John the Baptist - a voice crying in the wilderness urging, appealing and screaming for a comprehensive Food Handlers Act in Malaysia!

The reasons are aplenty from the ineffectiveness of the Food Act 1985 which is outdated, to the sorry, corrupt and ineffectiveness of our enforcement and total invasion of this sector by foreigners from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Africa, Middle East and West Asian countries to our own Malaysians!

With the reemergence of many once eradicated diseases – we need to question and seek answers to the present problems brought about by apathy, incompetence, corruption and sheer lack of political and professional will!

So if my appeal for a Food Handlers Act is favorable -

What do they cover?

The Regulations apply to all types of food and drink and their ingredients.

But some businesses - generally manufacturers of products of animal origin, such as dairies or wholesale fish markets - follow their own product specific regulations. These regulations are listed

Identifying and controlling food hazards

As the proprietor of a food business, you are expected to:

• make sure food is supplied or sold in a hygienic way;
• identify food safety hazards;
• know which steps in your activities are critical for food safety;
• ensure safety controls are in place, maintained and reviewed.

Controls do not have to be complex. There are systems that can be used by food businesses to ensure that hazards are identified and controls are in place.

For example - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is one of a number of such systems.

The Regulations aim to set out basic hygiene principles, which are generally not new. But their emphasis is different from previous regulations. They focus more strongly on how to identify and control food safety risks at each stage of the process of preparing and selling food.

Rather than simply following a list of rules, the Regulations let you assess the risk to food safety and then apply controls relevant to your own situation.

This will work provided you are accountable and ethical!

But in all fairness - not all the requirements for the structure and equipment of food premises will apply to you.

Some are followed by the words “where appropriate” or “where necessary”.

For example, one provision states that, “where appropriate” floors must allow surface drainage. But where you have a system to ensure water does not build up, so that there is no risk to food safety, actual floor drains may not be necessary. So there is no absolute requirement to have them.
Basic requirements for food businesses

Food premises should: (and where *Malaysian food outlets fail!)

• be clean and maintained in good repair;
• be designed and constructed to permit good hygiene practices;
• have an adequate supply of potable (drinking) water;
• have suitable controls in place to protect against pests;
• have adequate natural and/or artificial lighting;
• have sufficient natural and/or mechanical ventilation;
• provide clean lavatories which do not lead directly into food rooms;
• have adequate hand washing facilities;
• be provided with adequate drainage.

Rooms where food is prepared, treated or processed should generally have surface finishes which are easy to clean and, where necessary, disinfect. This would, for instance, apply to wall, floor and equipment finishes. The rooms should also have:

• adequate facilities for washing food and equipment;
• adequate facilities for the storage and removal of food waste.

Of course, many of the Regulations are basic minimum hygiene standards which apply to every food business. But how they are applied still depends on the situation. For example, every food premises must be kept clean. But how they are cleaned, and how often, will be different for a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals than for a bakery selling bread or even fast food outlets!

Supplies of raw materials

Do not buy or supply any raw materials if you think that even after sorting or processing they could make food unfit for human consumption. Any material which you suspect or know to be infected or contaminated with parasites or foreign substances to this extent should be rejected.

Quality of Water in food

There must be an adequate supply of potable (drinking) water, to be used whenever necessary to ensure food is not contaminated. In the vast majority of cases, this is supplied via the public water supply. But if there is any doubt about the quality of a water supply, you should seek advice from your local council Environmental Health Services.

Personal hygiene for food handlers

Anyone who works in a food handling area must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness. And the way in which they work must also be clean and hygienic. Food handlers must wear clean and, where appropriate, protective over-clothes. Anyone whose work involves handling food should/must:

• observe good personal hygiene;
• routinely wash their hands when handling food;
• never smoke in food handling areas;
• report any illness (like infected wounds, skin infections, diarrhea or vomiting) to their manager or supervisor immediately.

If any employee reports that they are suffering from any such illness, the business may have to exclude them from food handling areas. Such action should be taken urgently. If you have any doubt about the need to exclude, you should seek urgent medical advice!

Employers must not send them to work fully knowing that they are ill as many do today!

Preventing food contamination

Food handlers must protect food and ingredients against contamination which is likely to render them unfit for human consumption or a health hazard. For example, uncooked poultry should not contaminate ready-to-eat foods, either through direct contact or through work surfaces or equipment.

Training and supervising food handlers

Food handlers must receive adequate supervision, instruction and/or training in food hygiene. Each food business must decide what training or supervision their food handlers need by identifying the areas of their work most likely to affect food hygiene.

Many of the guidelines in this guidance apply equally to food businesses trading from temporary or occasional locations like those under the tree, stalls, by hawkers, entrenched sites, canteens and so forth.

But because not all of them will be practical, there are also some slightly different requirements. However, wherever food is sold, two basic rules always apply:

• there should be adequate facilities to prepare and serve food safely; and
• food handling procedures should avoid exposing food to risk of any contamination.

Even some fast food and high end outlets are guilty of this from consumer feedbacks and our observations.

I have repeatedly asked those operating under such licenses to read again the conditions of their franchise from the mother company in the United States, the UK, and Spain, Germany or the cold terrains of the North Pole!

Let us say – No to any more food poisoning incidences or worst the continued increase of diseases we had at one time eradicated!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

CONSUMER - WHY HIGH PRICES COLD STORAGE?

‘Should we then boycott Cold Storage?

I hope outlets are fair and reasonable in their price index!

We are not asking them to be charitable but fair and reasonable!

Business outlets can make a profit but they should not indulge in acts of profiteering!

I hope the much waited for Profiteering Act will come into place soon after my appeals for such for over 17 years!’ - Dr Jacob George

CONSUMER - WHY HIGH PRICES COLD STORAGE?

Dear Dr Jacob,

I normally do not pay attention to my grocery purchases until I moved to live in Bangsar, a month ago.

When I mentioned that I shop frequently in Cold Storage at Bangsar Shopping Centre, my fellow Bangsarian (who are rich) said that some goods in Cold Storage in BSC are over priced.

I thought prices are about the same compared to the rest of the supermarkets and if there is a 20-30 cents difference I will not be bothered.

In my case – it is biscuit making time during this time of the year and I will need a lot of butter.

I was shocked when I realized that SCS Butter was at RM9.29 for 250gm at Cold Storage, BSC.

I took it upon myself to check on the difference of prices of the other two supermarkets in Bangsar.

Dr Jacob for your information - the pictures enclosed paint a thousand words.  They were taken within 4 days of last week,

The price for Butter at Bangsar Village on 27 Jan was RM7.89.

At TMC just ‘over the road’ it was RM6.88 on 28 Jan and for some inexplicable reason at Cold storage on 30^th Jan it was RM9.29.

To me this is RM1.40 more than Bangsar Village and RM2.41 or 35% more than TMC.

I hope Cold Storage can explain this huge difference of price when the other two supermarkets are also in the same location!

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Jullie Lim

CASSA SECRETARIAT - We hereby confirm that Ms Lim had also provided us photographs of all the outlets with the stated item price listed! 
 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!

A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

It is an interesting picture with a message! Pray we all get wind of that message before it is too late!

LEVY SANCTIONS ON RACIST POLITICIANS THE US AND EU URGED!

‘The instrument I am referring to is a comprehensive travel sanction levied on each of these politicians no matter which country they originate!

This should be followed up with the freezing of their assets and bank accounts abroad!’ - Dr Jacob George.

LEVY SANCTIONS ON RACIST POLITICIANS THE US AND EU URGED!

Once they were all stationed in South Africa but since those dark days of apartheid – racism and racist policies have mushroomed the world over!

Today it is official nationalistic policy in some countries to spearhead racism, racial and religious profiling!

And when this is done the damage to a society is far greater than can be envisaged!

We already have the war against terrorism and perhaps it is time for another war!

Not a war using weapons of destruction but a war targeted at politicians the world over who spearhead acts of racism and religious prosecution on minorities of the land!

The instrument I am referring to is a comprehensive travel sanction levied on each of these politicians no matter which country they originate!

This should be followed up with the freezing of their assets and bank accounts abroad!

It is time the international community stood together addressing racism, religious profiling and the displacement of minorities and defenseless communities by political mind games and brute force!

Both the US and members of the European Union have between them the hard and software to initiate this without delay!

This brings us to the question of the identification of racist politicians spurring venom of hate in their respective societies create turmoil and racial riots and displacement!

Whether this is in Somalia, Uganda, and Yemen, Zimbabwe or countries in the Asia Pacific region no one should be left unfiltered!

The US, the European Union have their respective diplomatic personal stationed and in each diplomatic enclave therein!

You have your respective attaches who can monitor the local media networks and a report therein compiled and submitted for immediate action!

It is time we handled these racist politicians in an international effort!

It will also prevent the same politicians speaking with a ‘warped logic, forked tongue and venom’ in domestic politics , but by some ‘inexplicable transformation’ (?) as ‘peace ambassadors and international statesmen’ in international forum!

These racists are no better than those who today target innocent soft targets and civilians be they in Bosnia, in Palestine, in Somali, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan the Arabian peninsula states, the African continent, North Korea, Myanmar or other South East Asian States!

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BANK NEGARA - PROTECTING CONSUMERS OR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

‘Bank Negara officials cannot be so insensitive and stupid as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of anger towards the federal government!’ - Dr Jacob George

BANK NEGARA - PROTECTING CONSUMERS OR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

I am surprised that despite my highlighting of this issue in my earlier blog posting nothing has come out in a public statement from Bank Negara towards addressing a joint meeting of all stakeholders who will be affected by the outcome of the introduction of a ‘no fault claim’ proposal!

Bank Negara officials cannot be so stupid as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of dissatisfaction towards the federal government!

I say it would be suicidal and really stupid to also pretend that there is no such policy initiatives in the pipeline based on recent comments on the same by the authorities.

I am aware that many groups have requested for a briefing from Bank Negara but sadly this has yet to materialize!

Why the fear and why the uneasiness to facilitate a joint discussion with stakeholders and the civil society?

It is all part of good governance and accountability and public policy initiatives should always be transparent!

Is it because the insurance lobbyists and Bank Negara are in a sine biotic relationship of sorts?

Is it because this is another apparent way to protect the insurance industry and their players at the expense of Malaysian consumers and others who are also stakeholders holding various responsible portfolios on behalf those who will be affected by any change in the way this scheme operates!

We cannot pretend that there is no such scheme based on the 2010 budget speech!

If this is mismanaged this will hurt the Najib administration very badly at a time the Prime Minister is working at breakneck speed to bring the country’s constituents together with policies that will protect their rights and interests!

This must be handled right or it will hurt the PM’s prioritizing of consumers needs!

I must warn all parties that after over 37 years in consumer advocacy and public policy policing, I am aware of each and every trick and my humble advice to Bank Negara is to refrain from any acts or omissions that may be seen as being extremely cordial to the insurance lobbyists and their cronies at the expense of consumers!

Malaysia is not the US, Australia, New Zealand, countries that are part and parcel of the European Union where there are social safety nets and parachutes to protect consumers and accidents victims and families!

If I fail to receive a call from Bank Negara confirming a platform organized for the mutual discussion of this new proposal with all stakeholders, I will personally share my grievances and that of my colleagues nationwide to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak!

This is not right Bank Negara!

Bank Negara must be seen with the consumers and their stakeholders who protect consumer rights not with the bourgeoisie cigar smoking rascals in silk suits - the ‘fat cats’representing the industry or worse their lobbyists!

 Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!