No more cheques but IBG come 2014

It's time to make a SWITCH from issuing to cheques to IBG (Inter Bank Giro) because effective 1 April 2014, a cheque processing fee of RM0.50 will be imposed in addition to the RM0.15 stamp duty per cheque leaf.

So that means that when you issue a cheque, you are losing another RM0.65 which you can save if you use IBG which is only RM0.10 per transaction.

In addition, not only is IBG cheaper, it's also faster than cheque, which is:-

Days	Cut-off Time	Funds Availability
Monday to Friday	Before 12:00 noon    After 12:00 noon	Same day Next working day
Sat, Sun n Federal Territory P.Holiday	Not applicable	Next working day

Bear in mind there is another option of INSTANT IBG but it cost RM2.00 per transactions.

IBG transactions are pretty simple but first and foremost you must have online access to your bank account (savings / current).

HOW TO DO IT:-
Once you have signed up for online banking, then you'll just need to add the recipients under your favourite IBG. Select the name of bank, types of transfer ie.

Fund transfer - means transfer to another savings / current account
Credit card payment
Loan payment
Hire purchase

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Note:- FYI my house repayment is consider a fund transfer because it's flexi loan where I was given a current account number complete with cheque book.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Then you key in the recipient account number and name. There is another layer of security (eg. NRIC number etc) but you can opt out of it.

Everything is pretty straightforward and if do do encounter any problem, just give the bank's customer service a call. I'm sure they can assist you in using IBG.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

BUT have you pause to wonder why the sudden increase in cheque processing fee to encourage customers to use IBG or internet. Why?

Well one rationale is so that it will be easier for Bank Negara to monitor money flow and curb money laundering because with cheques, you can issue cash cheques to people who do not own any bank accounts.

But with IBG, it will be transactions between bank account holders and thus easier for Bank Negara to trace the money ie. where your money comes from and where it goes to.

Not to say that you cannot issue cheques anymore but in the event that you do, our government still stand to benefit because 50sen does work out to quite a "handsome" extra income at the end of the day.

AmBank Group Countdown to 2014

Since I am an regular AmBank online user, couldn't help but noticed that AmBank Group will be organizing a special countdown to 2014 in Putrajaya Precinct 3.

The main attractions of the event are special guest appearances by top notch local singers as well as fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

But what is striking is that, at the cost of sounding a bit racist, the only chinese performer is Soo Wincci but the other guests are really really good and accomplished malay singers like Dato' M Nasir, Dato' Jamal Abdillah and the ever popular Amy Search and Ella to name a few..

Not that Soo Wincci is not good but I can't help but feel that I would like to see more accomplished chinese singers like Penny Tai, Fish Leong, Michael Wong or Victor Wong or even Ah Niu who are somewhat of same calibre with these awesome malay singers.

Dont tell me AmBank can invite Dato' M Nasir etc but cant afford to invite Michael Wong??

But then again this could be wishful thinking since many of them decide to grow their talent outside of Malaysia, but I do know that many of them are really proud of their malaysian heritage.

But alas, when chinese complained that they are overlooked, the indian also have cause for concern since Malaysia is represented by 3 major races (not including the huge number of migrant workers who showed up our neighbourhood) but I think Mista G will be there to reach out to the indians that night.

So if you have the time and want to celebrate the countdown in a big way, why not head down to Precinct 3 for some fireworks and local stars studded event!

Buffet Dinner @ Vasco's Hilton Kuala Lumpur

If you're thinking of stuffing yourself silly this Christmas, there are many options to choose from.

But a current trendy restaurant is Vasco's @ Hilton KL Sentral (previously known as Sudu).

The name of the restaurant was derived from the great Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama. Still can remember his name but not his face from history class ages ago.

Since I was too busy enjoying the food and did not bring a good camera, click spicysharon.blogspot.com/2013/07/vascos-kl-hilton for great photos of the venue and food.

Below are photos from Hilton's official website.

 My personal favourites were:-
1) beef - cooked to perfection (btw you can request for rare, medium to well done)
2) steam fish. Nice and fresh
3) FRIED ice cream

The utensils provided. I specially love the salt
which adds a nice flavour to all the dishes!

Reservations during weekends are a MUST as somehow the place is packed. Call 603-2264 2264.

Price is at RM128++ per person, pretty steep unless you have the Hilton Premium Club (HPC) where you enjoy discounts up to 50% when dining for two.

Parking charges is also high, so remember to request for a concession card from the cashier on your way out, even with the concession I had to pay RM18 for the parking.

If you are looking for better price buffet, you can consider the new Majestic Hotel, KL at RM88++ per person for dinner buffet.

Yokohama car battery warranty procedure

I drive a MYVI and being a local car, one is not surprised if the car battery die on you shortly after the 1st year.

Since it happened after dinner at my parents house, I called a mechanic friend, Mr Koh Chon Wai ("Mr Koh") and went to his workshop (STM Motor) nearby to buy a Yokohama battery for RM220. Mr Koh mentioned that the price was higher because the battery was a dry type battery which is better and will last longer.

Since it was late, I just paid and he did not give me any bill (which on hindsight was a very grave mistake on my part). 

On 3/9/2013 the Yokohama battery which is supposed to last longer died.. But since I do not have any bill, I cannot remember the exact date of purchase but my husband feel that it is definitely less than a year.

So I contacted Mr Koh through WhatsApp and ask for his help.

To cut the story short, what I learnt from this are:-
1) always ask for bill
2) for Yokohama car battery, you can go directly to Yokohama to claim a new unit if it is less than a year
3) Yokohama CANNOT trace the warranty date through the serial number on the warranty card.
4) the date is written on the car battery itself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

The ending of my story? It was quite sad actually.

I bought a new dry type Yokohama battery for RM200 elsewhere.

And I had stupidly given back the old battery together with warranty card to Mr Koh thinking he can help me to check.

But instead he just told me that warranty was over and proceeded to offer me another battery at cheaper price of RM170.

Below are the excepts of my WhatsApp conversation with Mr Koh:-

See.. he's a friend because he asked
about a mutual friend's wedding..

Finally on 2/10/2013 I found the entry in my 2012 diary which recorded me buying the battery on 4/12/2012.

But when I called him on 2/10/2013 to ask, he first said he sold the unit and then changed it to he threw it away. Tsk.. What kind of answers are those??

But since he would know how to check the warranty date, he either:-
a) sold me an old unit hence the warranty was really over OR
b) the warranty was still there and he claimed a new unit from Yokohama.

Then he proceeded to offer me a new unit for RM150 but when I protested he offer to share half half and offered me a battery for RM100 whenever I need one since he reasoned that we cannot keep a car battery for too long.

VERDICT:-
I will NOT recommend Mr Koh's workshop to anybody because he charges higher than others and has questionable honesty and integrity. Besides, it does not make sense to send your car to a motorcycle workshop for repair / service. Lesson learnt!

Photos courtesy of withelwyn.com

Photos courtesy of withelwyn.com

Gran's Remedy for smelly feet

Since I covered a review of crystal deodorant (click crystal-deodorant-stick-smelly-no-more) I might as well cover another body odour problem.

Smelly feet or commonly known as athlete's foot.

There are many remedies available in the market mostly in the form of foot powder or spray.

But this is one product which is so effective just by sprinkling some of the powder in your shoe once a week or so.

The product is known as Gran's Remedy (click grans-remedies.co.nz) foot powder.

The only problem is this product is from New Zealand and not available in Malaysia. Bummer..

So if you happen to be in NZ or Australia or have friends going there, no harm asking them to get this for you. It really works!

Otherwise you can use Total Image Smelly No More on your feet. It works by inhibiting bacteria growth on your skin be it on your feet or underarm.

SEA Park Animal Polyclinic @ Taman Desa

This was my experience at SEA Park Animal Polyclinic recently with our dog.

Without sounding too prejudicial, I'll just sum it as:-
You get what you pay for.
Smelly clinic.
Unsympathetic and irresponsible vet assistant.

My scenario was my husband sent our schnauzer for neuter for RM150 (yeah that's why I said you get what you paid for cos normally it's RM180- 240) on 9 November 2013 but the dog came back with so much pain that he was immobile for 2 days and his balls were unbelievably swollen.

So sensing something wrong with the dog (not eating, drinking, barking or moving about), on 11 November 2013 he sent the dog back to this vet to see if there's anything he can do about it.

The doctor was not in and the assistant's response were:-
- did you give the dog the antibiotic tablets?
- you sure he ate it?
- because if the dog did take the antibiotic, there should not be any infection.

- He then ended by saying that the swelling is normal and the dog will recover in a week's time.

But since my husband was there with the dog, he wanted leave the dog there for the vet to have a look but the assistant said that the clinic's full.

So we decide to increase the dosage of the antibiotic from 1 tablet to 1 1/2 and wait another 5 days.

Lo and behold, we waited and by this time, the infection was so bad that there's a recess the size of our old 50 sen coin at the surgery site.

Finally we had enough and on 16 November 2013 we sent the dog to a different and more compassionate vet.

The new vet was appalled by the state of the dog and immediately cleaned the wound, gave 2 jabs and told us to leave the dog there for 3 nights as the dog needs daily wound cleaning.

Hopefully the wound will dry up and close, otherwise he will need to perform another surgery to remove all the infected skin and stitch it up again.

Loss of money is one thing, but to see the dog suffer and in pain is really heart wrenching and only an unsympathetic and irresponsible vet / clinic / assistant can turn away a dog who is suffering!

So take my advice, good thing no cheap. Cheap thing no good.

VERDICT:- Go to SEA Park Animal Polyclinic at your dog's risk. I tell you it's no fun hearing your dog moan and howl at night.

You can see how pus are forming at the surgery site. So my poor dog suffered for more than 7 days after his neuter surgery at SEA Park Animal Polyclinic.

Below are photos of the inflammation. The wound can be quite graphic so do not scroll further unless you can stomach it.

WARNING!!

Crystal Deodorant Stick - Smelly No More

For underarm odour, besides using antiperspirant stick or roll on, you might want to consider a more natural remedy ie. crystal deodorant.

The rationale is that the salt/ mineral in the crystal inhibits bacteria growth hence no smell. However it is not an antiperspirant so you'll still sweat.

It comes in many brands as well as form.

Brands:
Naturally Fresh
Crystal
Salt of the Earth
L'occitance
Total Image Smelly No More

Form:
Stick
Spray
Powder

Hubby used antiperspirant for most of his adulthood and so far has switched to Smelly No More stick and is very happy with the results. No odour!

You basically wet the stick and rub on your underarm. That simple and apparently that one stick will go a loooong way. So it's great value for money =D

BTW you can even use it for smelly feet..

This brand comes in 2 sizes - 60gm and 120gm. Hubby paid RM19.90 for 120gm at AA Pharmacy.

Scholl Heel Grips vs Scholl Leather Liners

Used this Scholl Heel Grips for one of my Crocs which was giving me blisters on my right heel.

Stuck it on and left it for more than 3 days before wearing it but was aghast to find it spoiled on the first usage. OMG!!!

I paid good money for a pair (RM6.30) and I expected better quality from such a reputable brand.

I also bought another range from Scholl, it's the Leather Liners. I had to buy this for a very loose fitting shoe.

In terms of quality, the leather version fared much better and so far no complains but this is only practical if used on a loose fitting shoe.

Initially I wanted to use the Leather Liners for the Crocs but it made my shoe too tight. Hence I have to use the Heel Grips.

I tried giving the Heel Grips another chance since I have the other unused side but again it tear miserably.

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade

You know it's time to wash your car when you can write words on your windscreen.

My sister recently found someone had written, "I hate you" on the back of her car windscreen.

My immediate response:- So do I

I'm the type that, more than just making lemonade, I'll become a sourpuss as well..

And to that remark I can add other responses like:-

1) Why???
2) Tell it to my face, you coward!
3) Whatever..
4) Get a life!
5) Do I know you??
6) Duh? Like I care..
7) Grow up
8) You are not the first
9) Great.. At least it's mutual!
10) Come again??

Eubos Shower Oil

Really a great product if you have dry to very dry skin and you're lazy to use moisturizer after bath.

Besides being lazy, the wrong moisturizer will cause itchiness to my skin. That's how sensitive my skin is.

So this product is really suitable for me cos basically when you are taking your bath, you apply it on wet skin and leave it for a few minutes and then rinse off.

Previously the formula will make the bathroom floor oily but now it's not really a problem. Guess they must have improved the formula. Either that or because they have improved the bottle cap which eliminates spills.

Kudos to the new design but.. a huge BUT, but they have change the quality of the bottle.

On the first drop to the floor, there was a dent. On the 2nd drop, it practically cracked at the bottom :(

After 1st drop

After 2nd drop

So now I had to fill the oil into some other empty bottle. Bummer..

Hopefully Eubos will improve on the quality of the bottle as wet bottles tend to slip and people wont get to enjoy the nice improved cap.

Should Malaysians buy directly from UK Liverpool Online Store?

Given Liverpool's success recently in BPL, it comes as no surprise that many would want to purchase the latest kit in support of their favorite team.

But for Malaysians considering buying Liverpool products from LFC online store UK directly, here's a few pointers or tips to make your purchase worthwhile.

1) there is a £15 delivery charge to the Rest of the World (ROW)

2) if your purchase exceeds RM500, you will be liable for Malaysia customs duty and tax and also DHL's duty handling fee of RM20

* * * * * * * * *

So while you are thinking that since there's a flat £15 delivery charge for any number of items, you thought hey why not buy more, but once the purchase (excluding delivery charge) exceeds RM500 the Malaysian customs and tax can be quite high.

How do the Malaysia customs charge?
The duty is supposed to be 10% of the price BUT the price is calculated based on a CIF formula which take into account the Cost, Insurance and Freight.

Means the cost is not just the amount you paid to LFC but include the cost of insurance and freight and tax which did not concern you at all when you paid LFC!

And this CIF rates differ from countries to countries, or so the DHL guy told me.

So for shipments from UK the conversion rate is set at 7.392

Here's an example of how customs and tax are calculated:
Kit is £45, after CIF means RM332.64 and 10% duty = RM33.26 + RM20 duty handling fee
+ add £15 delivery charge


VERDICT
you can buy a Liverpool kit for RM259 in Malaysia BUT you'll end up paying RM371.26 if you buy directly from UK.

So it is not worth it to buy directly from LFC UK UNLESS there's a huge discount / offer by LFC store and somehow your purchase is less than £94 (not including the delivery charge) and you manage to share out the delivery charge with other people / purchases.

My purchase was £140 (+ £15 delivery) = RM836.10
but I paid RM123.50 to DHL
in order to collect the goods

* * * * * * * * 

Additional Documentary Evidence

Actual Invoice from LFC

Malaysia's Customs Calculation page 1

Malaysia's Customs Calculation page 2

Haccer Natural Olive Products from Turkey

Currently Haccer is only available in Turkey (click haccerkozmetik.com/english for their official website) but my boss intends to bring the products to Malaysia if the response is good.

Haccer's line of products include:-
Face Cleansing Gel
Daily Care Cream
Body Cream
Foot Cream
Extra Virgin cold pressed Olive Oil (for consumption)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

So if you are suffering from sensitive and skin allergy and is interested to try Haccer's products, you can write in to me at:-

Jael Tung
c/o Turkuaz Sdn Bhd
217 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
50100 Kuala Lumpur

Kindly include a self-addressed stamped envelope and I will send to you free samples of Haccer's Natural Face Cleansing Gel and Daily Care Cream.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In my personal opinion, since the product is made from Olive Oil, it does tend to be a bit greasy. So I am not sure how it will fare with people with oily skin.

Also for the cream, the efficacy will be increased if you rub or knead the cream in your hand before you apply. This helps to activate the ingredients.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here is the product information in English for Haccer Daily Care Cream

What do you use when your face ITCH and is super red??

Learnt a new word recently.. it's PRURITUS

pru·ri·tus 
n. Severe itching, often of undamaged skin.

For a list of causes or treatment, click skin-conditions-pruritus

Had a very bad case of pruritus after working long hours in the company during the Malay fasting month this year.

It started with small red bumps / dots that appear suddenly on my face. You know it's NOT acne / pimple cos it itch and you know it's not mosquito bite cos it's just appear even as you type on the computer and it's only on the face, for my case.

2 red itchy bumps

1 bigger itchy bump

Tried many things on the face like:-

Zam Buk - it worked for a while and then suddenly on one night after applying Zam Buk, my whole face was itchy. Maybe cos it's too oily hence trigger an allergic reaction.

Elosone or Elocon - a controlled medicine prescribed by pharmacist. It worked well on the itchiness but it did not prevent new ones from appearing.

Plus is it recommended for use once a day, sparingly and for not more than 3 weeks. Gulp!!

Pregnant or persons trying to conceive should not take it unless the benefits of using the cream outweighs the risk. Double Gulp!! see elocon-cream-and-ointment

Cetaphil - I stopped using my usual Shiseido face products and started on Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and moisturizing cream - it worked but I was still seeing new bumps everyday.

Cetaphil SPF50 - after reading the warning on the leaflet that if you halved the usage, you halved the sun protection, I applied once, let it absorbed and then applied again. The whole day my face itch and resulted in severe redness the next day.

Photo taken on 3 September 2013

So my boss who recently came back from Turkey recommended:-
Haccer (it's a brand from Turkey) cleasing gel and daily care cream - it worked on the 2nd day of using it. Now in my 3rd day, I dont have any more new bumps on my face. Yeah!!

Photo taken on 5 September 2013

Haccer Face Cleansing Gel

But when I do have itchiness (on and off in smaller dots), I apply Shiseido purifying mask on it. Helps soothe the itch and stem the development of the bumps.

I will continue to monitor my face progress and hope this will be the end of my face allergy episode.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What I have learnt from this are:-
1) When trying new face products, do it sparingly. Do not apply liberally as I did with Zam Buk and Cetaphil SPF50.

Sometimes you just dont know whether your face needs moisture or to keep it dry. So try to strike a balance.

2) Take oils supplement - olive, fish or evening primrose oil. This helps the skin to heal.

3) Pass motion at least 2 times a day. I never knew that I can do this but I have been consistently doing it for 2 weeks and I never fail to "deliver" the goods. Hehe..

4) Exercise - as much as you can.. I'm pretty lazy on this but even 5 minutes a day is better than nothing.

Like me you can try Tracy Andersons' arm exercise tracy-anderson-arms-exercise

5) But if worse comes to worst, then try prayer and patience. Stress is always bad for your body and face. Relax, eat as organic as you can, exercise and pray.

Like what a friend said, "Face product just make your skin feel comfortable. That's all. Heal it with food or supplements".