http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php babblings ! en 2012-02-05T15:31:14 webmaster hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=954&c=1 2006-08-23T19:00:22 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General CASSA LETTERS: THEFT ALERT! 'Dear Dr JG, Greetings! Please forward this to everyone you know so that they are aware of this crime. A few days ago, 7th August 2006, after work at around 6:30pm, while I was at the traffic light waiting for the green light, I was robbed by 2 men on a motorbike, a ... CASSA LETTERS: THEFT ALERT!

'Dear Dr JG,
Greetings!

Please forward this to everyone you know so that they are aware of this
crime.

A few days ago, 7th August 2006, after work at around 6:30pm, while I
was at the traffic light waiting for the green light, I was robbed by 2
men on a motorbike, a crime that I thought would never happened. This
happened in Wangsa Maju, the traffic light after TAR College heading
towards JPJ Wangsa Maju. All the while, we've been cautioned to lock
the doors upon entering the car. I did just that without failed. That
is obviously not enough.

These rotten bastards (pardon my language) are getting more and more
daring. They must have followed my car and struck the moment it came
to a halt. It all happened so fast. After I heard a loud crash on my
window (like someone was throwing a heavy stone on my window glass),
the next thing I knew, someone was grabbing my handbag which I put on the
passenger's sit next to me and ran towards his accomplice who was
waiting in front. Had I known that this type of crime does happen and
had I had that caution at the back of my head, I may have been able to
react and save my handbag. So, please spread the words so that
everyone is aware of this.

Always be watchful wherever you are, no place is safe. What happened
to me took place in broad daylight, tens of cars and motorbikes around
(those who live in KL would know how it's like around 6:30pm where
everyone rushes back from work). No one moved an inch!! Gone are the
days when people would jump to your rescue when in need, can't blame
them much, these criminals can be highly dangerous. Ladies, keep in
mind (and guys remind those you care about):

1) Never to put your handbag (or anything at all for that matter
that may attracts the attention of these pathetic, lazy people) on the
seats. Keep them out of sight
2) If you can afford it, get your window glass tinted, it can
prevent the glass from falling into pieces immediately when someone is
trying to break it. This may deter these useless people from attacking
3) Always be watchful of any suspicious motorists around you. I
was caught off guard because all the while I thought by locking the
doors I am safe, I was wrong!!
4) As much as you can, try to avoid places where you have to make
too many stops at traffic lights
5) Scream for help when you are attacked, there may be some
Samaritans around.

It's not so much of the money you lose that matters most, it's the
hassle that you have to go through having lost your IC, ATM Cards,
Credit Cards, Driving License etc. The government dept. involved, the
banks, care less about how you lose all these, not only you have to
deal with the nightmare, they top-it-up with all the fees and penalties that you have to pay for losing them, regardless of how!!

I hope by sharing this, we all learn a lesson from it.

Stay safe!'
]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=953&c=1 2006-08-23T18:07:57 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General It is a good call when Suhakam urges the Govt to speed up probe on illegal citizenship! The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants the Home Affairs Ministry to carry out an immediate investigation into the allegation that many non citizens had fraudulently obtained the Malaysian Identification Card (IC). This is ... It is a good call when Suhakam urges the Govt to speed up probe on illegal citizenship!

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants the Home Affairs Ministry to carry out an immediate investigation into the allegation that many non citizens had fraudulently obtained the Malaysian Identification Card (IC).

This is not a new issue but one that has made the rounds for decades and also one that has been avoided perhaps it may unearth a MOTHER OF ALL SCANDALS!

For the record - Suhakam chairman for complaints and enquiries working group Datuk Choo Siew Kioh said if the allegation was not checked, it might affect the political stability and security of the country.

The issue is simple if there are names of non-citizens who had Malaysian ICs appearing in the electoral rolls, and they are likely to exercise their rights to vote we may have a political time bomb already ticking in the country!

I am glad that Suhakam would be submitting a report on their investigation on illegal immigrants and citizenship in Sabah to the Home Affairs Ministry by end of September, and was currently finalising the report.

But all the same I am glad that Choo has stated that there was an urgent need for the government to take an immediate action on these illegal immigrants and citizenship problems in Sabah.

I am aware that in the Sabah context, the problems were associated with refugees, illegal immigrants, stateless and undocumented people, and their presence in large numbers, had a great impact on the state's economic, social, cultural and political stability!

I am aware that not only in Sabah but in the Peninsula many Malaysians feel threatened and insecure as the number of foreigners keeps increasing although no one really knows the exact figures and to make worse nobody seems to care!

Perhaps, the truth is too scary to admit what with the kind of VVIP names already making the rounds in the gossip surrounding this issue!

My own gut feeling - nothing will be taking place and Suhakam's call will hit the dustbin and remain there - period!

When we have no guts to reveal the names of the AP beneficiaries for the year 2004 - how can we have the guts to reveal or let alone probe something far greater like this which takes real political guts!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=952&c=1 2006-08-22T16:52:47 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General Since I lived with my grandparents in Sungei Petani, Kedah till 1968 I am aware that Baling, like Padang Terap and Sik, is among the most backward districts in Kedah and among the poorest in the country. For the record - one would know that the 'vicious circle of poverty' which ... Since I lived with my grandparents in Sungei Petani, Kedah till 1968 I am aware that Baling, like Padang Terap and Sik, is among the most backward districts in Kedah and among the poorest in the country.

For the record - one would know that the 'vicious circle of poverty' which grips the residents of Baling had once rocked the nation when a group of university students, launched an anti-poverty demonstration in the district in 1974 over claims that some residents there had died from starvation.

But that happened more than three decades ago and through various efforts by the Barisan Nasional government to address poverty in the districts since then, Baling, Padang Terap and Sik are no longer left behind in development.

The latest infrastructure to benefit the people there is the Trans Eastern Hinterland Highway between Durian Burung via Sik to Baling, and which will be connected to the Kulim-Baling Expressway to ease travelling between Penang and Grik in Perak.

Many quarters in Kedah believe the highway would improve the socio-economic status of the people in the three districts in the next five to 15 years.

Kedah Public Works, Energy and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Nawawi Ahmad said the 115km highway, costing RM360 million, was expected to be opened in the first quarter of 2008.

I am quite excited and do hope that the government's move here will bring dividends to the demograph living within these spheres!

Yes I am certain if a strategic plan of action is put into place - the new highway will economically benefit thousands of residents in the three districts and economic growth can be nurtured!

As I indicated to several policy makers in Kedah JG is willing to assist in any plan of action which would assist the raayat living in these three areas!

In the 80's I remember organizing a 'plan of action' where I conducted a comprehensive survey to assist the visually impaired to gain employment in the open market.

A plan of action that received tremedous support from the then MB of Kedah - Tan Sri Syed Nahar to whom I was like a son!

'Those were the days!"

Even today when I meet Tan Sri Osman Aroff (he was Tan Sri Syed Nahar's assistant those days!) we share fond memories of the late 70's - 80s!

And the reason - More than 30 visually impaired were placed in open employment in various industrial settings from Kulim, Sungei Petani, Alor Setar and Penang after comprehensive mobility training!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=951&c=1 2006-08-21T20:46:25 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General INFANT FORMULA ISSUE - WELL DONE HEALTH MINISTER SAYS JG! JG is really glad that 8 multinational companies which were found to have violated the code of ethics on promoting their infant formulas have been given two weeks to explain their actions in giving misleading information on their products. Dear friend, Health ... INFANT FORMULA ISSUE - WELL DONE HEALTH MINISTER SAYS JG!

JG is really glad that 8 multinational companies which were found to have violated the code of ethics on promoting their infant formulas have been given two weeks to explain their actions in giving misleading information on their products.

Dear friend, Health Minister, Datuk Chua Soi Lek has already gone on record stating that the health ministry had sent show cause letters to the 8 companies concerned.

"They can appeal. We have sent the show-cause letters and if they do not appeal or if their appeal is unacceptable, the ban (to advertise their products) will be enforced,"

For the record, last Friday the proactive Health Minister, announced that eight multinational companies would be banned from advertising their infant formula for a year because their advertisements were found to have confused consumers.

He had said that the companies had breached various regulations pertaining to promotion of their products by giving wrong information, including verification from experts, which had misled mothers.

Some companies had committed the offence up to three times, he added.

Dr Chua warned that the ministry would publish the names of the affected companies if they were found to continue to breach the stipulated regulations.

The widespread promotion on infant formulas is believed to have led some mothers not to breast feed their babies.

Statistics showed that only 29 per cent of babies were breast fed during the first six months of their birth while the remaining were breast fed only until they were about a month old.

This move is just right to send the signal that we will not tolerate such abuses by any quarters - multinational or transnational included!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=950&c=1 2006-08-18T18:48:37 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General YAB SELANGOR MB's SPEECH SIMPLE BUT BRILLANT ON CONSUMER DAY CELEBRATIONS! I must congratulate the Selangor State's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry for a fine job in organizing the state's CONSUMER DAY CELEBRATIONS with a memorable program for all. I was one among the many guests who attended this ... YAB SELANGOR MB's SPEECH SIMPLE BUT BRILLANT ON CONSUMER DAY CELEBRATIONS!

I must congratulate the Selangor State's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry for a fine job in organizing the state's CONSUMER DAY CELEBRATIONS with a memorable program for all.

I was one among the many guests who attended this morning's program that was launched by the YAB Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Hj Mohd Khir Toya at the Sunway Pyramid in Sunway.

Many in the MDTCA's department and among the VIPs were obviously unaware who I was, but during the keynote address by YAB MB, I suppose my identity was revealed, as people noticed he was repeatedly looking in my direction as he addressed many of the consumer issues in the country and state which told me that he had been briefed and has also personally read all our press statements and TV Media blitzs on the same!

As he was walked towards the exhibition site he called out to me to walk alongside him as he discussed several consumer issues with me with warmth!

Also present were the state's Speaker, several Exco members that included Datuk Dr Lim, the MPSJ president, the incoming MDTCA State Director, En Halimi Bin Abd Manaf whom I found very impressive and cordial and with whom I will certainly work very closely with in the coming term to address consumer grouses in the state!

But surely, I must congratulate Selangor MB, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for a brillant keynote address for the launching!

His speech circulated 7 key points on consumerism which I certainly agree!

He touched on the need for
1. accountability, good governance and transparency.
He spoke on the
2. need for strategic enforcement not selective to address consumer grouses in the state!
He spoke on the need
3. to not only encourage and document consumer complaints but to act on them immediately and make the action public that consumers know that their complaints have been dealth with seriously!
He congratulated the Ministry for the launching of its website but
4. warmed them that the website must be updated and that he would personally monitor it!
He spoke at length of the
5. need for a maintainence culture not just a culture of launching!
He addressed
6. that a concerted effort be made to monitor prices and shortages at the market place citing his displeasure the manner the present sugar shortage has been ill managed and is beginning to hurt households nationally!
Finally he spoke on the need
7. to increase Rakan Pengguna group from 150 to reflect the population ration of the state to assist consumer issue monitoring!

I had the chance to sit alongside him and the State's Exco for lunch and YB MB continued to share his thoughts very plainly and at time turning to me and checking with me on the issues for confirmation, as he belted on his many thoughts and observations to address consumer woes in the Selangor state and to be MESRA RAAYAT!

I thank him for also extending an invitation to me to visit him regularly at the State Secretariat to update him on grassroot which I would do in the future!

Once again I say 'SYABAS!" to the MDTCA Team at the Selangor State for a program well done!

And SYABAS too to YAB MB for a well positioned keynote address!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=949&c=1 2006-08-18T02:42:02 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General FLYING THE FLAG - INFORMATION MINISTER SHOULD STUDY PUBLIC OPINION BEFORE MAKING STATEMENTS! I was indeed amused to read the statement of the Minister of Information, Zainuddin Maidin, urging Malaysians that they should not be shy to fly the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ to show their patriotic spirit and love for the ... FLYING THE FLAG - INFORMATION MINISTER SHOULD STUDY PUBLIC OPINION BEFORE MAKING STATEMENTS!

I was indeed amused to read the statement of the Minister of Information, Zainuddin Maidin, urging Malaysians that they should not be shy to fly the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ to show their patriotic spirit and love for the country!

The Information Minister even had the audacity to take a swipe at Malaysians not to be followers but be pioneers in putting up the national flag first!

But it was also interesting that he made an observation that raised a million questions in my mind that this year’s celebration of flying the national flag had hit a snag and that people appeared to lack the spirit to do so!

And instead of undertaking a rational and comprehensive investigation why this was so, he brands those who do not as unpatriotic and that they had no love for the country!

If this is how ‘public reactions and actions’ are narrowly and blindly interpreted, it only goes to show the apparent caliber and academic ability of those doing the analysis!

Perhaps, the Minister should himself do some deep soul searching and ask the rather hard questions why this reaction came out to be in the first place?

One should remember that flying the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ is certainly NOT the only benchmark of whether one is patriotic to the nation!

To do so is to follow a rather “narrow and jaundice view!

Perhaps, I can assist him with some reasons as to why I may not be flying the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ this year, for the first time in 27 years!

As a Malaysian from a ‘marginalized and struggling community’, at the bottom of the Malaysian food chain, I am totally disillusioned at the manner my community and I have been treated!

Like others in this predicament I too was born 49 years ago in Penang and have served in many capacities, in and out of government service, and probably known most for my 30 years as a consumer advocate and social activist with ‘a shoe string budget’ raised from personal funding rather than from government or foreign sources!

To start with, I am disillusioned and hurt that a former prime minister of this country for whom I had so much love, respect and admiration in his spat and anger with the present leadership over multi million projects and schemes can go on record taking a swipe at the employment of an individual from my community as Editor at the New Straits Times!

I am embarrassed when I meet Head of States, foreign diplomats and ministers, who ask me why my community is so few in number in the Malaysian diplomatic circuit or at prized postings in the Malaysian civil service in comparison to the 50s-80’s!

I am totally confounded that after more than 49 years of independence my community is today struggling to survive or secure employment in the government service where we are totally insignificant!

A comprehensive survey of the Malaysian diplomatic and civil service, though embarrassing to the government will prove my contention here!

Are we not concerned how a civil service task force totally comprising of one dominant race can decide policy decisions deciding the fate, rights and interests of the entire nation?

It is further compounded when opportunities do not exist and even where they are, it is fettered with hurdles and sometimes “racist policies”, where education, micro business loans, purchase of property, licenses and the building of prayer houses are concerned!

At one time, we could purchase a land for our prayer houses or be alienated a place at a reduced purchase prize, but today, this is surrounded by controversy and where the application survives, the building is eventually built in a plot, where factories exist!

Even renovation applications at present buildings are put through ‘a long and rigorous wait and delays!’

While others that have been built and used for hundreds of years are facing destruction through ‘narrow and racist policy considerations!’

As a father to two teenage children, who are already asking me whether they have a future in this country with its various ‘policy switches and racist overtones’ that some quarters claim portrays similarities to the former South African regime, I have but no answer!

To make matters worse, in Parliament, the highest law making body in the country, leaders I have voted for in the “Barisan Spirit” are the vary leaders who are speaking with ‘a slanted tongue spiked with venom and racism!’

Only due to the intervention of both the premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his able deputy Najib Tun Razak, this has been contained and I thank GOD for their leadership!

Now to another sensitive subject concerning our foreign wives many of them professionals and several of them doctors and specialist, presently serving in the Ministry of Health are today on a year to year visa despite living in the country for decades and having mothered several Malaysians in the marriage.

Their application for permanent resident status collecting dust in the drawers or file cabinets in the Home Ministry!

While others across the straits of Malacca and in Sabah and those with the right ‘political connections’ walk around the country with Malaysian documents, which includes an alleged terrorist!

And who does this marginalized community turn to for help and assistance?

A political body that claims to represent them in the community and parliament whose leadership in a think tank had the audacity to claim that my community were the cause of the race riots at Kampong Medan in a text book made compulsory reading at an institution of education which after a heated confrontation and controversy was forced to be withdrawn and the vary think tank leadership claiming it was cited out of context and the political leadership claiming it was a “personal opinion?”

What a costly oversight it was for a political party! A recurrence they cannot afford in this economic and political climate!

But the truth is, in my community name, many have enriched themselves, had attained titles and well paying positions for themselves and their ‘hangers on and cronies.’

Perhaps, the Malaysian government should rethink its allocation strategies to my community to be divided through a more reliable entity rather than through political bodies and its think tanks!

But two weeks before Merdeka 2006, I want to answer the Information Minister’s question – Do I love my country?

Yes, I do YB!

But the pertinent question that is sought across the board by my community and I is, whether our country really loves us?

]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=948&c=1 2006-08-16T18:25:24 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General Yes, JG is aware that Deputy Prime Minister Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged all parties to stop discussing issues pertaining to the bridge and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said that this was because the issues had been answered and explained repeatedly by the government ... Yes, JG is aware that Deputy Prime Minister Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged all parties to stop discussing issues pertaining to the bridge and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said that this was because the issues had been answered and explained repeatedly by the government and should not be prolonged.

DS Najib had hoped the issues will not be raised again.

There should be a finality to the issues, they should not continue he is reported to have stated!

Najib comment came after being asked to comment on Dr Mahathir's tirade against the Abdullah administration and his continued dissatisfaction with the government's explanation on the cancellation of the bridge project replacing the Johor Causeway.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has already stated on Monday that the government would not retract the Cabinet decision to scrap the project, and stressed that the decision was made after the Cabinet had discussed it thoroughly and taken into consideration the people's interest.

The media has quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that he would only stop criticising the government if it agreed to build a bridge to Singapore.

I trust all will follow the advice as we have more serious work to do - the outcoming 9MP and to make it a huge success!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=947&c=1 2006-08-16T17:17:10 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General So the talk shop begins with our Asean Officials talking further on Economic Integration? Asean's senior economic officials began deliberations today to prepare the agenda for next week's 38th Asean Economic Ministers meeting where they will take stock of the progress and commitments made towards regional economic integration. JG is advised ... So the talk shop begins with our Asean Officials talking further on Economic Integration?

Asean's senior economic officials began deliberations today to prepare the agenda for next week's 38th Asean Economic Ministers meeting where they will take stock of the progress and commitments made towards regional economic integration.

JG is advised that the so called "preparatory meeting", known as the Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) and chaired by the deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Ooi Say Chuan, comes at a crucial time as the region faces difficult challenges, notably skyrocketing oil prices.

I am also told that a sense of relief is also prevailing regionally and globally following a United Nations-brokered ceasefire three days ago which brought the five-week war in Lebanon to an end.

And as hoped for - Oil prices fell 48 cents to US$73.05 a barrel in New York last night from a record high of US$78.40 set on July 14 amid concerns that the Lebanon conflict might escalate and spread to other countries in the Middle East.

For the record - MITI is the co-ordinating agency for the Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting and related meetings, which started last night when senior officials attended a working dinner.

Ministers will next week deliberate on initiatives to 'further liberalise and facilitate trade' such as the Asean Free Trade Area, Asean Single Window as well as the ambitious Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Under the AEC, which observers say is the region's quest to form an expanded unified community similar to the European Union, ministers will look into plans towards liberalisation of 11 priority sectors.

The 11 sectors JG is advised will be included are automotive, garments and textile industries, e-commerce, healthcare, airlines, hospitality and tourism, wood-based products, marine and aquatic products, rubber, agro-based products and electronics.

To expand the scope of the AEC, logistics will be included as another priority sector at the AEM meeting.

Through the AEC, the grouping hopes to cut down tariffs on goods and services, skilled labour and capital to create a comprehensive single market in a region with a consumer base in excess of 540 million people.

Since we are the host - the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz or 'Kak Rafidah' as I know her, will chair the AEM meeting and related meetings, including consultations with dialogue partners.

The AEM meeting will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Aug 22 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

While taking stock of the economic growth in the region and that of individual member states, Asean countries are also expected to offer their latest list of products for tariff reduction under Afta.

The preparatory meeting will be followed by SEOM consultations with dialogue partners.

Asean groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

But, since I have a more urgent need than all these - I will just echo it - just one present and clear need - CAN YOU FELLAS JUST COME TO SOME FORM OF UNDERSTANDING PERTAINING TO THE RECURRING HAZE PROBLEM WE ARE FACING HERE?

Cheers!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=946&c=1 2006-08-15T19:32:40 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General CASSA CONSUMER ALERT! I am glad that Dell will recall about 4.1 million of its lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony. I am advised by industry sources and those close to SONY that this will be done soonest! I am also refered to a statement that Dell has also stated that under ... CASSA CONSUMER ALERT!

I am glad that Dell will recall about 4.1 million of its lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony.

I am advised by industry sources and those close to SONY that this will be done soonest!

I am also refered to a statement that Dell has also stated that under rare conditions, it was possible for these batteries to overheat, which could cause a risk of fire.

The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers:

Dell Latitude D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800 and D810;

Inspiron 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400 and E1705;

Dell Precision M20, M60, M70 and M90 mobile workstations; and,

XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710.

I am advised that Dell sold or provided these batteries with the notebook computers as part of a service replacement and as individual units from April 1, 2004 through July 18, 2006.

It does not expect the recall to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

I sincerely hope so but their corporate accountability in this matter should and must be lauded by JG and CASSA!

If only more corporate groups do the same!]]> http://www.drjacobgeorge.com/weblog/index.php?p=945&c=1 2006-08-14T23:53:15 JG (mailto:konsumer@cassa.org.my) General CASSA LETTERS A CONSUMER HITS OUT AT DIGI WITH MANY AN ALLEGATIONS! WILL DIGI RESPOND TO THESE ALLEGATIONS THROUGH THIS WEBLOG? WE WILL OFFER THE SAME PRIVILEGE OF REPLY TO DIGI TO THIS CONSUMER COMPLAINT! 'Naresh a/l M.Narendran 7, Lintang Lang, Taman Berkeley, 41150 Klang, Selangor. Tel : 012-2231266 26th July 2006 CASSA Dear sir/madam, Re : Misrepresentation of Digi Representatives I first ... CASSA LETTERS

A CONSUMER HITS OUT AT DIGI WITH MANY AN ALLEGATIONS! WILL DIGI RESPOND TO THESE ALLEGATIONS THROUGH THIS WEBLOG?
WE WILL OFFER THE SAME PRIVILEGE OF REPLY TO DIGI TO THIS CONSUMER COMPLAINT!

'Naresh a/l M.Narendran
7, Lintang Lang,
Taman Berkeley,
41150 Klang,
Selangor.
Tel : 012-2231266

26th July 2006

CASSA

Dear sir/madam,

Re : Misrepresentation of Digi Representatives

I first registered with Digi before 21st March 2006. I cancelled my account because of the bad service. My phone number is 016-6688879. My first month bill, was issued to me and than it was over my credit limit therefore my line was suspended.

I walked in to Digi service centre and told that I’ve got a direct debit facility with my credit card.

The than Digi representative told me that I still had to make 75% of the payment before I could activate my line. Therefore I agreed and paid the amount.

It was all good until 2 days later I found out that my credit card was again charge for the same amount with I paid for cash. I Digi centre and ask for a refund they told me to wait for 4 months before I could get a refund. This is actually fraud. Double billing me. For this I was incurred unforeseen expenses with resulted in me paying interest for my credit card.

Now as my business cards and my overseas client have my Digi number. I once again took up the offer of Digi on the 21st March 2006.

This was a promotion, where I could either choose RM100 discounted from my account pro rata over 4 months or alternatively get my first month total bill amount reimbursed in the 3rd month.

To my surprise, when this did not happen. I called in and 'Execuive Tara' said that the promotion ended on 28th February 2006.

This was shocking. So I double checked and called back and phoned 'representative Siva' who said that the promotion was extended to 31st March 2006.

A Digi executive is not sure about promotion by Digi. This shows Digi’s professionalism. Its like a road side business.

Now few days later, I get a call from 'Executive Azwan' and he said that the reason I am not entitle for the promo was because reason number one I did not pay the bill on time.

I told him, that having a direct debit with Digi was digging my own grave as they would deduct money as when and whatever they wish.

Therefore Digi centre is not flexible and not many outlets open after office hours as I work and travel quite a bit. Therefore when I find my off day, is the day I do my payment and clear my bills

Now the second reason he said was that I change my Digi plan from Optimum to Premier. This is where I got aggravated. I called in and spoke to the a person and enquired whether if I could change my plan and not affect my promo.

The representative said that there no problem and it would not affect my promo. Any clear example of Digi’s road side business strategy. This is shocking, I was misinform by not one but a few Digi staff. And at the end I am paying for their mistakes.

What an organization? They are all patience and humble on the phone but talking to them is like talking to a mule as nobody knows what information they are giving out or what they are doing.

Few weeks later I got a called from Tara apologizing for her misinformation. I am not bothered about the apology. I just want matters rectified.

Its been 7 weeks but theres no action no news from the Digi representative. Always I had to call back and enquire. If after service is like this no wonder I understand that Digi is a second class service provider in Malaysia.

Now I’ve got fed up of waiting and going around the circle, I told Digi staff to write their matter on a piece of paper and mail it to me black and white along with my copy of application form and the terms and condition Executive Azwan stated.

Till todate I haven’t receive anything. It been like 4 weeks since I requested.

Therefore I came to a conclusion of taking this matter to CASSA and Consumer Affairs and any related body that will like to know about Digi’s fraud, false advertising and misrepresentation.

The worst of all is I am at lost of RM629.00, it’s a huge amount and no proper person from the Department has been trying to contact me.

I called in like million times requesting Surin, Azwan, Tara and Melinda Tan to get back to me, but none got back with answers. Why wasn’t the terms and condition spelt out at registration?

Is there the terms and condition registered with Trade Practice?

I am canceling this service without further notice. Thanks for a miserable communication support from Digi. Could you advise me on what legal procedures I can take against Digi.

Regards,
(Naresh M. Narendran)]]>