Pemandu Kurier Malam

Intro.

Pecah peluh betul bila loading & unloading barang. 1st day aku keje, dah boleh susut 3kg.. hahaha.. pencapaian yang sangat tidak di sangka.

Pekerjaan terbaru aku sebagai Pemandu Lori Kurier Malam benar-benar membuka satu lembaran sejarah dalam hidup aku. Aku memulakan pekerjaan ni pada 19 Jun 2014, tarikh yang akan aku ingat sampai bila-bila. waktu kerja pula, 2100 hrs sampai 0700 hrs next day.

Kerjanya senang pada bunyi, kayuh dari Ipoh ke Subang, singgah di Kampar dan Tanjung Malim, pandu semula ke Ipoh dan singgah semula di Tanjung Malim & Kampar. Kerja berdua, ada partner dan boleh ganti-ganti memandu. Lori pulak bukan lori besar mana, cuma lori 5 tan jenis Hicom, (BDM) yang memang overweight,(isi selagi boleh isi). Plet number, AFS 601. ABX Express, body kaler hitam.

Job Nature

Apa yang berat pada kerja ni?..  Masa nak naik dan turunkan barang la. Di Kampar, memang kena load & unload, agak teruk juga la. Tshirt aku memang basah lencun dengan peluh. Di T. Malim agak senang sebab barang sedikit. Azabnya bila sampai di hub Subang. Turunkan barang ok, tapi nak menyusun barang, sadis rasanya. kotak kecik dan kotak besar, loose semuanya nak di susun dalam bonded tu. Dok di bawah pun sakit, dok diatas pun sakit. Time ni je la kerja yang betul-betul perah keringat dan kederat. Masa di hub Subang, Tshirt aku basah dengan peluh sampai boleh perah! Nak sampai Kampar baru kering peluh di Tshirt tu..

Partner aku nama dia Din, muda dari aku, tp muka nampak tua. Maybe sebab kerja berat dari muda. (Aku memamg sweet 18, hahaha). Asal Kuala Kangsar, anak sorang dan menetap di Bercham. Memang sporting abis dia ni. Keje xde berkira, dan memang cekap handle lori tu. Aku boleh bawa, tapi skill aku xpower lagi la macam Din ni. Sikit2 aku tengok skill dia. Elok juga partner ngan Din ni, dia bawa macam setan, aku pun memang macam setan bila pegang stering. Dia ni xlokek ilmu dan sepanjang 2 hari ngan dia ni, banayak perkara baru aku belajar especially pasal life seorang pemandu lori.

Setakat ni, Din akan kayuh dari Ipoh sampai Tjg Malim, then aku sambung sampai Subang. Masa turun ke Ipoh, aku kayuh dari Subang sampai Kampar sebelum Din sambung ke Ipoh. Din boleh rest lepas Subang dan aku plak boleh rest lepas dari Kampar. masa on da way naik ke Subang.

Ending

Aku rasa, masih dalam happy mood untuk buat kerja ni, even pinggang aku sakit kawkaw selepas 2 hari keje. MISC pun still buat senyap, dan aku pun malas nak kol Dayabumi tu.  At least aku dapat experience baru dalam hidup, tau susah payah kehidupan sebagai pemandu kurier, experience memandu waktu malam dan awal pagi , dan paling menarik, ialah bertemu orang-orang baru yang berkecimpung dalam industri kurier ni.

Dah la, banyak sangat aku bercerita. Malam ni nak kayuh lagi ke Subang. Adios!

Amsterdam - City that Should Visit!

An hour at Amsterdam


I have chance to visit this city after sign off from Bunga Bakawali on 14 April 2014. Although I made call to Rotterdam port several times for past 6 years, but I never have opportunity to visit Amsterdam due to workload or time restriction. Plus, it hard to get there legally since all seaman who called Rotterdam, only allowed to move within Rotterdam Municipality. If get caught?..  so far, nobody get caught..

After check in my bags at Schipol Airport, I still have about 4 hour before my flight to Kuala Lumpur. I have decided to go to Amsterdam since it among a city that in my wish list to visit.  From Schipol, I purchased return train ticket that cost EUR 8.50 and took a train at 1st level at gate no 3. It little bit tricky since most of a signboard showed area in Amsterdam but luckily I managed it by asking train's company personnel that available there. It took about 15 minute to arrive Amsterdam Central (pronounce as Amsterdam Centrum) which is a house for train, bus & water taxi for Amsterdam Municipality.

Amsterdam Centrum is an old building, showed the design of circa years 18th Century. It architecture, really bold of Dutch trademarks. It like ancient building that showed in most of Harry Potter's movies. It really long history to see & feel while at Amsterdam. It can be feel by taking boat cruise, a cruise around Amsterdam city & took about an hour.

Let enjoys some of scenery of Amsterdam from the boat cruise & scene around the Amsterdam Centrum.

Inside Boat Cruise

Centrum Building from Red Light Area

One of Boat House at Canal.

Skinny Bridge

Tunnel at the Canal

The Tunnel build date.

  

Sayonara Bunga Bakawali

Sayonara Bunga Bakawali !

Bunga Bakawali is a Type II 45000 DWT oil & chemical tanker vessel owned by MISC Berhad.

It was sold to UACC,a Dubai based oil & chemical carrier. 

It was delivered on 2010 from SLS Shipyard, Teongyong South Korea. LOA is 183m, Breadth 32.2 M while the depth is 18.90 M. It was powered by engine   B & W 6S50MC – C, with Nominal Rating 12,900 BHP at 127 RPM. The service speed is 15 knots. During her service, this lady was served route of Asia , USA & South America carrying mostly vegetable oil products. It was officially hand over to UACC at Rotterdam on 14 May 2014. 

The last voyage of Bunga Bakawali is  V1402, from Sandakan & Kunak to Rotterdam, with laden of palm oil products.  The last Master of this lady before change her name is Captain Rajah Rajangam with total 28 crews including Master. All crew was sign off at 1300 hrs after handover. Her new name is UACC Doha & manned by 21 Russian, Latvian & Filipino crews incl Master.  

I joined this vessel on 4 April 2014 & among the last crews who manned this vessel. Even though my SBS here only 40 days, but this vessel will remained in my memory!

Last Crew Bunga Bakawali - Taken on 1 May 2014

Sunset view, Red Sea

Last Admin Officer Bunga Bakawali

Last Catering Dept. Staff Bunga Bakawali

   

Sign On

Sign On & Sign Off from vessel.

This is not my 1st time sign on, but already 8th times!. I already complete Shipboard Service (SBS) with 7 vessels and already 7 times pass through this process. But, I always sad to sign on except my 1st 3 SBS. (My 1st &2nd SBS as Jr AO & my 3rd SBS start to run solo as AO). Little bit excited at that times.. 

Sign On.

Before sign on, I already imagine what will happen & activities that might be happen. The best sign on was at Bunga Allium 2012, which is occurs at Shekou (Yulian Dockyard) . I relieved my sifu, Mr Salim Aman. We double up about a week before he sign off. The process really smooth without chasing times & all handover was done with relax atmosphere. All account's paper was reviewed & provision store checked satisfactorily.

I have no idea why I always sign on during wee hours. Start from Bunga Melati 4, sign on at Port Klang & sign on group arrived at 2300 hrs. Then at Bunga Melati 5, at Kuantan, I arrived at midnight & a guy that I going to relieve no idea about my arrival. He going for shore leave!.  The last is at Bunga Allium on Jun 2013, I arrived at vessel around 2300 hrs at Algas Anchorage Singapore. 

Sign On Bunga Allium on 2013 is my worst experienced. My group departed from hotel at 1300 hrs at noon We arrived Singapore at 1630hrs and waiting at Changi Airport for cadet & 4th Officer which is actually taking same flights with my group. (agent info, they will arriving an hour late than us!). These 2 guys, waiting at other gates and agent cant find them. We was send to Seaman Club for dinner then again waiting at West Coast Pier.  The bastard agent also always want everything in hurry. Master gave him ETA 2300 hrs, but that ETA at pilot station. It took about an hour to settle everything before vessel really ready to receive on signers & other visitor. 

Handover with Tarun Goel going smooth even at midnight since he relieved me before. My fault s, I do not checked provision store thoroughly before new provision supply arrived. After sailing, I checked, there's some shortage in stock of chicken and altogether was shortage about MYR 5000.00 . WTF!!..  This matters was reported to Master, but there's no point since only me need to cover all that loss. Captain Jose also shared his experienced at Bunga Kantan & how they settle it. I was asked, how long I need to cover up all that things.  When I checked previous invoice, there's a lot of expensive things was purchased & the price charged by bloody Chua really high. Budget for provision was burst & luckily, I learned MAGIC which is it only appeared losses MYR 300.00 . I struggled a lot & once new master in command, I able to convinced him to change supplier which is offer more attractive price.After 6 months, all losses able to cover up without compromise the quality & quantity of food & drink served.  Joining Bunga Allium on 2013 is my nightmare due to my fault not properly checking the store.

        

Sign Off

The best part for seaman is sign off especially the SBS already complete or just a month going to complete. My best sign off was from Bunga Angsana 2011. I was sign off after 10 & half months on board! Do not asked how much I was made, but I only can say, It really hard to stay more than time that you have set!.

I was sign off from Shekou during docking. My flight was arranged from Hong Kong to Penang. It really nice once sign off since the responsibility was hand over to other guy. No need to wake up & see same place for about 10 months & the best is, able to spend the money that already accumulate during the time on board! 

    

Public Bus Review - Tapah - Cameron - Kuala Lumpur

Public Bus - Alternative way to travel!

In this post, I would like to share  some info regarding public bus service from Tapah to Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands) and from Tanah Rata to Kuala Lumpur via Raub. It can be useful information to whom that planning to travel to Cameron Highland.

T

Tapah to Tanah Rata

Serviced was provided by Regal Transport. There is only 4 times a day for this service.

The schedule as follow;

8.30 am 10.30 am, 1.30 pm & 4.30pm. 

Fare : MYR 10.00

All bus departed from Tapah Bus Station, located in the heart of Tapah Town.

This journey took about 1 hour 40 minutes using powerful Mercedez Benz bus. Beautiful scenery of forest, native village & tea farm that can be expecting along the journey.  The route is narrow and plenty sharp bend along the way . The bus driver seem competent & really familiar with the route.   

Tanah Rata - Kuala Lumpur  (via Sg Koyan-Raub) - Express

This service is alternative to other express bus that operate Express service between Cameron to KL.

The company that provide this service is Pahang Lin Siong Motor Co Berhad.

This economy service (seating 2+2) 40 pax/bus  is cheaper compare to other bus express which is offer VIP service (combination 2+1 seating) 30 pax/bus.  The fare is MYR 22.40 while other express company will charge MYR 30.00 . Other bus company using old route to Tapah before took PLUS Expressway to Kuala Lumpur.

Pahang Lin Siong's  bus is using new route,(Ringlet-Pos Betau-Sg Koyan) passing native village at Pos Betau before arriving Sg Koyan. Sg Koyan is a Felda's settlement and palm oil plantation is major activity there.     Total time taken to arrive KL by this bus is 4 hours. The bus will stop at Sg Koyan & Raub to pick up another passengers before heading to Kuala Lumpur. At Kuala Lumpur, this bus will called Hentian Pekeliling instead of Puduraya which is called by another bus operator from Cameron.

This service offered once a day at 2.00 pm from Tanah Rata.

    

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia City Center

Kuala Lumpur / KL / Jilongpo / Kolumpo

What ever it was called, there is the place where I enjoy a most. There's can't beat the the port city that I have been. I love Kuala Lumpur!


I always like Kuala Lumpur. It city with full  of opportunities. A lot of people come from around Malaysia and others part of the world to try their luck here. Some fortunate enough, able to own luxury properties, have established business, married and build own family in luxury & prestige area, but some who less fortunate, end up with became "money slaver" there. Kuala Lumpur never sleep. It full activities from morning until the next early morning before the cycle start again. People are busy with their own business.

In day times, most of building full with workers who work in numerous number of companies. Prestigious address such as JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL, JALAN AMPANG,JALAN BUKIT BINTANG is a area where is most of big companies stationed. It easily to see glamorous executive, driving import brand's car,wearing branded cloths having their coffee at Starbucks or have lunch in 5 star hotels there. It also normal  some Nepalese Security Guard standing at the entrance of the big building where he will stop you to enter if you seem suspicious to them.  

Shopping

Kuala Lumpur also heaven for shopping goers. In this trading city where many big brands were station.International brand mostly available at Big Shopping Mall such as SURIA KLCC, PAVILION, MIDVALLEY which is located in city center. Besides city center, there is other big shopping mall such as ONE UTAMA located at Bandar Utama, Damansara and SUNWAY PYRAMID located at Bandar Sunway.  There also some others shopping mall located at various location outside the city and the list can be found here;  www.kuala-lumpur.ws/klshopping

There is also some small trader doing their business at PETALING STREET(area of fake brand items),  CENTRAL MARKET,JALAN MASJID INDIA,JALAN TAR and dont forget the CHOW KIT. Items such as souvenir or  that you wish can easily found at this area with bargain price!.

For gadget geeks, Low Yatt Plaza is the heaven where is a lot of gadgets start with laptop & accessories, handphone, smartphone or any gadgets that suit to your needs. The price is varies between each seller & it good to survey before make a purchase.

Another place to visit for shopping is KENANGA WHOLESALE CITY which is located at Pudu area. The 7 floor of mall with parking space for about 1500 cars, offer  items such as linen items, shirts, pants, traditional dress,   & women accessories. There is various design of traditional wears such as baju kurung, kebaya etc and  can be purchased with wholesale price if we bought in large quantity.  

Night Activities

Kuala Lumpur never sleep as I mentioned before. There some night market that operate between 9.00 pm until wee hours called "Uptown" or "Downtown". The popular place is Uptown Danau Kota and Downtown Cheras. There is some night market using this system located outside the city such as Uptown Kota Damansara and Uptown Shah Alam.

For clubbers & music lovers, there many good discotheque, night club & bars around city center. You can sit enjoying a live band with some beers or dance at numerous of disco located at Jalan P.Ramlee. Besides that, some dangdut disco also available for your alternative to enjoy your nights.

Food

Food lovers surely enjoy having food here. There is numerous selection of food start with Malay,Chinese,Indian,Fusion, Thai ,Western available to choose. Just name it, and there place for you to enjoy the food. Depend on your

Among the popular Malay food place is Kampung Baru. There many restaurant offer a lot of variety of Malay foods such as Nasi Lemak, Sate, Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) . The best nasi lemak (as they claimed) are available at Kg Baru.  Besides, a mixed riced together with a lot of lauk-pauk was sold here.

Popular spot for Chinese food is at Jalan Alor, A lot of food, sold by Chinese's Hawkers and among the best here is Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam) , Claypot Rice & popiah. I always pass this area but unluckily Jalan Alor Hawkers Center is non Halal and Muslim are discourage to have food here.  

 Another alternative & popular is Mamak Restaurant. It served mostly Indian food and we easily to get roti canai, chapati, dhose at this kind of restaurant besides the briyani rice and other Indian dishes. Most of Mamak restaurant operate 24 hours and it is become a choice of most KL citizen to have their food.  

Public Transport

Due to mass traffic, I preferred to travel around Kuala Lumpur using public bus or Light Rail Transit (LRT). It the easiest (but not cheap!) way to go from point A to point  B. We only need to know the nearest LRT station at our destination.

Besides LRT, there is bus system that boost up the flow of people. Operator such as RAPIDKL, METROBUS, SJ,SELANGOR OMNIBUS, INDAH & LEN SENG offer their service up to Rawang to North , Kajang to South, Gombak to the East and Port Klang to the West.  The bus system covered the area that not covered by rail and it become a complimentary to public transport system.

Tourist also can use taxi to go around Kuala Lumpur. It is the fastest way but it little bit costly compare to other mode of transport. Taxi in Kuala Lumpur are using meter system for fare, but some drivers reluctant to use it. There is 2 type of taxi which is Blue for premium taxi and other color that blue & white(airport limo is using white color)  is budget taxi.

Currently, few rail project was under construction.  MRT project which is connecting city center to Sg Buloh & Kajang and also expansion of LRT rail up to Puchong.

Service of Express Bus to other cities within Peninsular Malaysia also available. Puduraya (located at city center) & Hentian Duta is the place to take bus to north area. (Perak, Kedah,Penang, Perlis), while to go south (Singapore, Johor, & Malacca) bus service available at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) located at Bandar Tasik Selatan.  Passenger who like to go to east coast, (Terengganu,& Kelantan) can get their bus at Hentian Putra while to go to Pahang(Kuantan/Temerloh) bus are available at Hentian Pekeliling.

 

Beraya Kita..

Sambutan Aidilfitri di Kapal 

Hari Raya Aidilfitri merupakan antara perayaan yang di sambut oleh umat Islam. Ramai yang tertanya-tanya, "bagaimana la sambutan Hari Raya di kapal tu?"  

 Bagi pelaut yang terpaksa bertugas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri tetap di sambut. Paling terbaik jika Hari Raya jatuh semasa kapal sedang bersauh, (anchored) untuk masuk ke pelabuhan. Jika belayar di lautan pula, paling terbaik jika cuaca sedang bagus. 

Aku sendiri sudah 5 kali bertugas semasa Hari Raya. Sejak 2009, aku memang x merasa ber hari raya di darat. Sambutan hari raya tetap diadakan secara sederhana dikapal. Tiada membakar lemang, atau mengayam ketupat, tetapi juadah yang di sediakan oleh Catering Department sudah cukup untuk menggembirakan anak-anak kapal. Cook,Steward dan A/O merupakan mastermind untuk sambutan ini  dan dibantu oleh anak-anak kapal yang lain.

Aku bernasib baik kerana setiap kapal yang aku bertugas, aku punyai catering crews yang memahami tugas sendiri dan anak-anak kapal yang cukup membantu dan sporting. Paling best, sekiranya kapten pula seorang yang supportive dan cukup memahami kehendak anak kapal yang beragama Islam khasnya.

Agenda di Hari Raya kebiasaannya di mulakan dengan Solat Sunat Aidilfitri. Selepas itu di sambung dengan jamuan buffet. Pada malam sebelum hari raya, Catering Department akan mula memasak. Pelbagai juadah yang di hidangkan dan antara yang menjadi kewajipan ialah, nasi himpit, sate, lemang dan kuih-kuih raya. Selain itu beberapa juadah khas turut di sediakan seperti nasi minyak dan juga lauk pauk yang lain.

2011

Tahun 2011. semasa berhari raya di Bunga Melati 4 , kami bernasib baik kerana kapal anchored di Zhangjiagang. Pilot untuk berlabuh cuma akan datang pada jam 10 pagi. Jadi, kapten ketika itu, Capt. Suhaimi A Rahim mencadangkan, supaya sembahyang sunat Aidilfitri di buat pada jam 7.00 pagi. Kebetulan pada masa itu, subuh memang awal.  Usai solat sunat, kamu menikmati jamuan Hari Raya. Jam 9.30 pagi, kakitangan deck suda mula standby untuk  menaikkan sauh dan aku pula jam 1130 pagi mula bekerja kerana urusan formalities untuk kapal masuk pelabuhan. Setelah habis discharged cargo, kapal berangkat pada jam 5.00 petang untuk ke Jiangyin yang mana mengambil masa 3 jam pelayaran. 

Demi tanggungjawab dan memastikan kelancaran operasi, anak-anak kapal tetap bekerja walaupan ketika itu saudara mara dan rakan taulan bergembira menyambut Hari Raya.

2012

Hari Raya 2012 pula, aku beraya di YiuLian Dockyard, Shekou,China bersama krew Bunga Allium. Ketika itu kapal sedang masuk dock untuk maintenance. Satu cerita yang aku akan ingat sampai bila-bila. Aku menempah 3 biji kek untuk sambutan Hari Raya. Lagi 2 hari nak raya, aku ngan seorang crew ( Adi Shafiq, org Penaga Penang) ni pegi la nak amik kek tu. Kami tak tahu yang service feri antara dockyard ke Tanah besar akan suspend sebab expecting ada typhoon. Setelah berada di bandar, kami dapat sms dr crew lain memberitahu last feri balik ialah jam 4.00 petang. Kami pn kelam kabut la, bergegas nak balik even tau kek yang di tempah tu cuma siap malam tu. Nasib kami memang xbaik. Feri terakhir untuk hari tu terlepas. (last ferry is 1130 pm on normal day)  Mahu atau tak, kene patah balik ke bandar la..Dah la cash xbanyak masa tu. Cash cuma tinggal untuk bayar kek (sekitar RMB 800.00) dan beberapa puluh RMB untuk belanja makan. Di pendekkan cerita, malam tu aku dengan Adi  berjaya jumpa hotel yang xberapa murah yang sanggup accept credit card. Kne charge RMB 210.00 (sekitar RM 105.00) .. Bermalam la kami di Shekou. Mana ada typhoon pn, tapi hujan lebat la.. Nasib kedai kek tu sanggup simpan dengan syarat kitaorg amik kek tu sebelum jam 10.00 pg.. Bahasa apa yang aku guna kan?.... bahasa ayam dan itik la..  ahahaha...  Nasib d UiTM dulu aku ada belajor Mandarin. Basic aku bleh la cakap.. nk lebih2, guna international language iaitu Tangan.. Sesiapa yang biasa keluar ke negara yang non English speaker pasti cekap guna "sign language" ni. 

 Sejarah aku belayar, tu la yang pertama kali tak balik kapal. Sebelum ni, jam brapa pun kami shore leave, sure akan balik kapal even ada yang dah tergolek kepenatan. Adi pulak punya la risau. Dia yang paling kelam kabut. Mujur Bosun masa tu, Che Sanusi ok..  Kapten time tu Capt. Rievera Jr, sms aku tanya, malam tu kami tido di mana.. Memang xsalah tido di luar jika memang xde kerja, tapi sebab typhoon tu la aku merasa tido selain dari katil di kapal semasa bertugas.  

Jika di kenang, banyak kenangan manis belayar ni. Terima Kasih kepada kawan-kawan yang pernah belayar bersama aku kerana sentiasa membantu dan memahami tugas seorang A/O. Banyak cerita, pengalaman, kisah hidup yang di kongsi oleh kawan-kawan ni untuk aku ambil sebagai panduan, iktibar dan pengajaran. Terima Kasih juga kepada Ch Cook dan Steward yang banyak memberi aku pelajaran sama ada secara lansung atau tidak.

Jika punyai jodoh, Insyaallah akan "campor" sekali di mana-mana kapal atau pun sekuang-kurangnya minum teh tarik sambil berbual ketika berjumpa di darat.

Aku nak kongsi sket pic masa raya 2013. Di Bunga Allium jugak. 2 kali direct kene naik kapal nih. Bak kata Adi tu, kalo naik kali ketiga, memang kapal tu kena tukar ngan nama aku.. ahahaha

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Bunga Allium 2013

       

   

   

Angkut & Services - Travel at your own sweet time!

Gemok Angkut & Service

Service Pick Up & Sending .  Door to Door Service.

Best Service Deliver for you!

Rate: Including Toll Charges

Free Drinking Water.

Travel at your own TIME.

Charge Base on 1 saloon car for max 4 persons. (Comfort for 3 adults)

Travel for up to 6 persons may arrange prior to advance notice.

Price basis on one way journey.
Kampar/Temoh/Tapah/Bidor  * KLIA/LCCT - RM 190.00

 * KL ( Northern Area) Rawang/Gombak/Kepong/Selayang - RM 155.00
  *KL  (Central/Southern Area) Bangsar/Cheras  - RM 165.00

  * Penang - Island  RM 165.00

* Penang (Mainland) RM 155.00 

Cameron Highlands             

* KLIA/LCCT - RM 220.00

* KL ( Northern Area) Rawang/Gombak/Kepong/Selayang - RM 175.00
 *KL  (Central/Southern Area) Bangsar/Cheras - RM 185.00

 * Penang - Island  RM 195.00

 * Penang (Mainland) RM 185.00 

Any trip as your request. We will  quote good & reasonable rate for you.

Cameron Highland Day Trip.

Day Trip to Cameron Highland from Tapah Road / Kampar Train Station / Bus Station

or any Hotel / Premise at Tapah/Kampar/Bidor/Ipoh

                             
* Visit Boh Tea Factory / Museum @ Sg Palas (close on Monday)
* Shopping at Kea Farm / Brinchang Night Market/Any Park along Cameron Highland roads
* Sightseeing at Tea Farm (Bharat Tea / Boh Farm at Habu)
* Free & Easy as your request.

price for 3 pax (saloon car) RM 175.00

price for 6 pax(MPV) RM 200.00

Free Drinking Water & Cakes

The Best We Are!

Call us 24h or can drop an email to

ahmadshafizi88@gmail.com
6017-3966115 - (Gemok)

Pictures of last trip to Cameron Highland

Credit to family of Mr Jalil from Johor. 

Perjalanan ke Kapal Pertama

Bunga Melati 3 

Setiap perkara punyai pertama kali. Pertama kali ke sekolah, pertama kali berjauhan dari keluarga, pertama kali ke sesuatu tempat dan banyak lagi perkara  PERTAMA dalam hidup kita.Pekerjaan PERTAMA merupakan asas untuk siapa kita dalam kehidupan. Belayar merupakan pekerjaan rasmi ku yang kedua.

Selepas tamat kursus di ALAM, aku stay JOBLESS hampir 3 bulan sebelum di panggil untuk sign on Bunga Melati 3. Executive Manning untuk Chemical Fleet ketika itu Cik Suziliana. Comel orangnya dan seindah nama... dan Non Exec yang uruskan segala urusan ialah En. Aznan Zabidi. Encik Nan lah yang banyak menguruskan urusan aku on dan off kapal ni. 7 kapal yang aku join, 5 di uruskan oleh En. Nan . Senang berurusan dengan En Nan di sebab arrangement dia memang cun. Ada masa untuk rest sebelum start journey yang di tetapkan.

1st vessel aku, aku di hantar ke Adabiya, Egypt. Aku on dengan Shafiq, 1st ship jugak tp sebagai Jr Electical Engineer. 1st time jugak aku merasa naik kapal terbang. Memang perkara ni la yang aku expect bila keje kapal. Sebelum tu, asyik antar orang dan barang pegi airport. Then tengok je kapal terbang yang tengah parking tu. Kali ni aku sendiri yang merasa naik. Perasaan bercampur-campur antara happy dan cuak. Cuak sebab nak kene pegi Egypt.  Jauhh tu...

 Aku terbang ke Cairo melalui Dubai pada 21 October 2008/ 0200 hrs dengan pesawat Emirates. Pesawat B 777-200 . Memang besar dan aku jadi sakai sekejap. Mata melangak tengok kiri kanan. PERTAMA kali naik pesawat, dan di sponsor oleh company. Rasa macam orang kaya sekejap, padahal masa tu dalam poket cuma tinggal RM 200.00 Masa nak take off, aku punya cuak sebab tetiba flight tu memecut laju. Dari rasa gegar2 tetiba terasa menaik dan aku tau, burung besi tu dh tak cecah tanah. Bila suma dah ok, stewardess pun start edarkan makanan. Antara yang aku ingat dia kasi kek krim macam kek birthday tu, roti dan planta. Aku punya sengal, amik krim atas kek tu, sapu pada roti then komplen dalam hati, bodos pnya company, kasi jem tawar...padahal roti tu kalo di sapu butter yang di beri, memang marvelesss... setiap kali bila atas flight dan dapat makanan mcm tu, mesti teringat kisah roti dengan krim tawar tu..

CAIRO.

Due to time different, aku sampai Cairo jam 1100am. Beza masa dengan Malaysia ialah 6 jam. Aku rasa mengantuk sebab penat, tapi tengok hari, masih pagi. Nasib punya baik, kapal masih belm masuk port. Agent hantar pegi hotel dulu. Dapat la rest. Agent pesan, kalo mau makan, just pegi di restoran hotel tu then tandatangan. Esok jam 7 pagi, dia datang pick up kitorg untuk pergi kapal. Lepas makan aku pun Zzzzz.. Mana tahan, dekat 24jam tak tidur.

Cairo atau Kaherah ni, merupakan satu bandar lama. Aku cakap macam tu sebab airportnya buruk dan jalan dalam bandarnya memang sesak. Bunyi hon tu perkara biasa bagi orang sana. Jalan 2 lane, senang je jadi 3-4 lane dibuat dek pemandu Arab Egypt ni, Subang Airport , 4 kali lagi cantik dari airport Cairo.

Sana juga ada sistem rel untuk pengakutan dalam bandar. Tapi, Masya Allah,.. buruk jugak la.. 

Cuaca masa tu agak panas. Bulan October/November ialah peralihan musim dr musim panas ke musim sejuk di Egypt. Jangan hairan sebab Egypt pun ada tanam strawberry.. 

Untuk menggambarkan lebih tepat lagi.., sapa penah tonton movie Ayat-Ayat Cinta dan Ketika Cinta Bertasbih?Apa yang di gambarkan dalam movie Ayat-Ayat Cinta dan Ketika Cinta Bertasbih memang real dan reflect situasi di Cairo. 

Keesokan hari, agent datang jemput untuk bawa aku ke kapal. Perjalanan dari Cairo ke Suez mengambil masa sekitar sejam setengah. Jalan nya lurus dan kiri kanan padang pasir tandus. Ada certain kawasan yang di bangun kan sebagai kawasan industri.  Aku sampai bandar Suez dalam jam 10 pagi. Agent bagitau, kapal baru masuk pagi ni. Di pendek kan cerita, jam 3 petang aku sampai ke pelabuhan Adabiya dan PERTAMA kali pijak kaki di gangway, atas deck dan KAPAL itu sendiri. Tarikhnya aku masih ingat, 22 October 2008.

Bandar Suez ni, siang2 memang mati. No wonderlah aku xnampak orang dan kedai2nya banyak yang tutup. Rupa-rupanya, style orang Suez, keluar waktu petang dan malam. Aktiviti perniagaan diorang mula selepas Zuhur dan membawa ke tengah malam. Aku sempat merayau di bandar Suez semasa shore leave di bawa oleh Senior ku, Azhar Hj Ismail.

Orang-orang yang PERTAMA aku bekerja di kapal.

Information yang aku tau mengenai diorg skrg ni..

Master - Capt. Freddie Florendo. (xtau kemana menghilang)

Sr Admin Officer pertama aku - Azhar Hj Ismail. (Masih belayar bersama MISC)

Cook - Azrim Shuffian (Masih belayar - Bunga Azalea)

Steward - 1.  Omar (Masih Belayar - Bunga Bakawali)

                2. Zul Haniff (Masih belayar dan dh jadi Cook di Bunga Kantan 2)

                

Lepas tu ada change crew d Rotterdam. 

Azhar Ismail  diganti Apandi Ismail (baru off)

Azrim diganti oleh Osman Ghani (baru off)

Omar di ganti oleh Mokhtar (Cook di Bunga Kantan 3 dengarnya)

Pegawai & Kakitangan Deck & Engine yang aku masih ingat masa 1st ship dulu.

Chief Officer - Saiful Mahathir (skrg dengarnya suda jadi Kapten)

2nd Officer -  Asrul (Suda jadi Chief Officer)

3rd Officer - ??

Ch Engr - Aftab Alam Khan

2nd Engr -  Said Osman

3rd Engr - ??

4th Engr -??

Bosun - Ramli Awang  di ganti Pak Manaf

Oiler - Roslan Saman diganti  Talib Hamit

Pumpman - Nasir / Dzuljalali (Cicak) diganti Sukri / Badron

Greaser - Mat Subki 

AB - Hairi , Sanoq , Roel

OS -Ali Jaafar 

Ada ramai lagi. Saya minta maaf kerana tak dapat mengingati semua.

Masa 1st ship dulu, aku merasa ada 2 Steward dan 4 OS. Sekarang ni OS pn inggal 2 dan steward hanya seorang. Dalam crew list dulu ada 37 crews. Sekarang ni?, sejak Melati Class abis di jual, maka xkan jumpa lagi dah kapal chemical yang punyai crew yang ramai. Seingat aku sejak main A class ni, max dlm crewlist untuk suma anak-anak kapal pn cuma 30 orang..   

Aku stay xlama di Bunga Melati 3. Sebabkan operational matters, aku kene off d Fujairah pada 11 January 2009. (company antar riding crews untuk buat keje sebab kapal nak masuk dock) . Maka aku pn sign off  dari kapal pertama ku. 

Kini Bunga Melati 3 pun sudah di jual oleh MISC dalam tahun 2013 kerana faktor umur kapal . 

Mengikut cerita kawan2 yang ada masa handover kapal, kapal tersebut telah di tukar nama ke Melati 3 dan Flag / Port of Registry kini ialah  Tuvalu/Funafuti.

Adios Bunga Melati 3

Credit to www.shipspotting.com 

Admin Officer

Career as Ship Administrative Officer.

Overview

Ship Administrative Officer or A/O is a post created by MISC Berhad to replace Catering Officer/Chief Steward on board their company's vessel. The job for this post originally combination of responsibility of Radio Officer and Chief Steward/Catering Officer. Both post now no more available on most merchant vessel due to technology & cost cutting. Some others shipping company may have this position but with different post name.  Currently in Malaysia, only MISC Berhad still employ A/O in their most trading vessel.  .

Jobs Description.  (Generally)

-         - Accountable for keeping of crew certification, crew’s wages, salary and rest hour record.

-          -Assist Master in handling the crews’ welfare & catalyst to create safe & harmony life among crews

-          -Preparing vessel’s pre arrival information required & port paper for inbound and outbound clearance at all  ports of call.

-          -Assisting Ship Security Officer (Master) for preparing all documents regarding security matters including any  Pre Arrival Notification (PAN) for port of call.

-          -Act as Head of Catering Department on the assign vessel. 

-         - Directly involved in planning & purchasing of food ration and bonded items for assign vessel.

-         - Ensure the effective cost control for food served onboard without compromising the quality.

-          -Assist Master in updating all International Safety Management filing systems onboard vessel.

-         - Prepare vessel monthly accounting report for payroll, Officer Experience Matrix & meeting minutes for -  sending to Headquarters. (Secretarial Jobs)

s

d   Tips - The jobs seem easy, but it really hard to satisfy about 30 crews(including cadet/trainee) came           from various nationality. If got good chief cook, it mean, half of A/O burden already relives. 

Qualification & Training.

MISC required at least diploma (most of Admin Officer is degree holder) for this post. Once selected after interview, the candidate will undergo training at ALAM (Akademi Laut Malaysia) for 3 months for modular & basic safety training  to get certificate according to IMO. At ALAM, candidate also was taught about basic costing for provision, basic introduction to port paper and also cooking & stewardship jobs.

Once complete training at ALAM, candidate will join vessel as Jr Admin Officer under supervision of experienced Admin Officer for on job training purpose at least for 3 months. It varies situation between the candidate. Candidate was promoted to Admin Officer between 3-6 months depends on their performance while serving on board or on their next service assignment.

Ship Board Service and Holidays

Jr Admin Officer - 6 on and 3 off

Admin Officer - 6 on and 3 off

Sr. Admin Officer -4 on and 2 off 

Career Enhancement.

This post is stringent & rigid post. The unwritten rules is, after 5 years as A/O, that guy can apply to be promoted to Sr A/O. Even promoted, the jobs description & others monetary benefits still same. Only different is the SBS service. Sr AO enjoys 4 months on board while AO need to serve 6 months according to contract of employment.

Faces of crews of Bunga Allium.July-Aug 2013

    

Moh Kite ke Lata Kinjang!

Taman Eco Rimba Lata Kinjang.

Lata Kinjang merupakan satu tempat perkelahan yang terkenal sekitar Tapah. Terletak kira-kira 20km dari pekan Tapah, Lata Kinjang menawarkan suasana yang tenang dan mendamaikan. Lokasi ini menjadi tumpuan penduduk setempat dan rakyat Perak amnya untuk berkelah dan mandi manda terutama di hujung minggu dan cuti umum.

 Air tejun Lata Kinjang ini di percayai mempunyai 7 tingkat. Ia  sangat tinggi dan dapat di lihat dari Lebuhraya Utara Selatan jika kita memandu ke Utara. Air terjun merupakan satu tarikan untuk berkunjung ke sini dan kerap di abdikan oleh lensa-lensa jurugambar.

Persekitaran yang bersih dan juga kemudahan-kemudahan asas di bina oleh pihak berwajib untuk keselesaan pengujung. Terdapat kaunter informasi, gazebo untuk kemudahan berkelah dan juga tandas awam.

Tarikan terbaru yang di bina di sini ialah Denai Keledang. Denai ini akan membawa pengunjung memanjat bukit di sisi air terjun dan akan berakhir di satu jambatan gantung. Laluan yang di bina d trek jungle trekking, (ada ke lagi trek2 yang lain??..) ini telah d perbaharui dengan simen dan konkrit yang baru dan lebih memudahkan pengguna.

Gerai-gerai kecil yang di usahakan oleh penduduk tempatan menjual makanan  untuk mengujung membasah tekak dan mengisi perut. Pelbagai pilihan makanan di jual untuk di nikmati oleh pengunjung. Hasil kraf Orang Asli turut di jual kepada pengunjung yang berminat.

Untuk ke sini, pengunjung boleh memandu dari Tapah ke Chenderiang menggunakan kenderaan sendiri. Dan dari Chenderiang terus ke Kampung Kinjang. Alternatif, pengnjung boleh menyewa teksi dari Tapah atau Kampar untuk ke Lata Kinjang. Buat masa sekarang, perkhidmatan bas awam telah d hentikan kerana kekurangan penumpang.

 

Cameron Highland

Cameron Highland.

Credit to www.cameronhighlands.net

Destinasi pelancongan tanah tinggi yang dulu cuma boleh diakses melalui Tapah kini boleh di akses melalui 3 lagi jalan. Cameron Highland merupakan gabungan beberapa pekan kecil seperti Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brincang dan Kampung Raja. Sebelum jalan baru di buka dan akses cuma melalui Tapah, pekan pertama yang akan di tempuh mengikut turutan ialah Ringlet - Tanah Rata - Brinchang dan yang terakhir Kg Raja.

Tanah Rata merupakan pusat pentadbiran untuk Cameron di mana pejabat kerajaan dan hospital di tempatkan. Tumpuan pelancong satu masa dulu cuma di Tanah Rata. Kini, dengan akses jalan raya yang mudah, semua pekan di Cameron di banjiri pelancong. Pembukaan Taman Bunga persendirian dan kedai2 jualan hasil Cameron Highland, selain kedai teh Bharat Tea dan Boh Tea, merancakkan lagi ekonomi di Cameron.

Destinasi pertama aku mesti Bharat Tea. Terletak kira2 10km dari Ringlet. Apa best kat sini??..  Cheese Cake mmg marvelous selain pemandangan ladang teh yang seluas mata memandang. Selepas layan tea straberry n heese cake, aku sure singgah tmpt jualan teh..Tea House ni juga ada menjual product Bharat Tea yang sememangnya xkan jumpa dah d bawah ni. Teh yang eksotik dan rare seperti tea cinnamon, mmg ada jual kat sini. Aku xpenah beli yang pelik2 sebab aku tau, mmg adik2 aku xminum..


Next destinasi ialah ladang strawberry. Faveret ladang aku ialah dekat dengan Rumah Peranginan Persekutuan . Simpangnya terletak berhampitan padang golf dan ada signboard utk ke Rumah Peranginan Persekutuan . Area situ juga banyak ladang strawberri. Untuk senang aku, aku pilih yang mana ada byk parking space dan orang xramai.. Selain petik straberry, ladang2 ni juga menjual benih sayur, kactus dan bunga segar.  Aku buat apa kat tempat tu??.. tibai aiskarim strawberry la..

Selepas setel mkn ais krim strawberry, ngan cuci mata tengok amoi  bunga yang berkembang, destinasi seterusnya ialah Kea Farm. Kea Farm merupakan pusat jualan untuk hasil2 Cameron ni..Syokk singgah sini. selalunya xbeli apa pn.. tp layan la makan jagung or cendawan goreng sambil tgk indon/bangla jual bunga. Bunga di Kea Farm mmg fresh . Area situ jugak banyak kebun-kebun bunga . Layan lorr tgk bunga rose kt pokok.. mmg cantikk sangat...

Selesai di Kea Farm. aku bawa pelancong2 aku ke Ladang Boh di Sg Palas. Di Ladang Boh Sungai Palas ni, ada mini muzium. Ada la few peralatan lama yang diorg gunakan. Ada jugak pic2 lama yang sangat RARE..   Paling terBAEKK di sini ialah kedai Tea House milik Boh. Tea House tu ada satu pelantar yang mengadap bukit. Bukit tu penuhh pokok teh.  Penah tengok film Ombak Rindu?.. babak Aaron Aziz dengan background ladang teh,?? lokasinya di Ladang Tea Boh Sungai Palas.

Impian aku pasal Boh Tea House masa 1st time datang dulu?..aku nk bw awek dating idamanku di pelantar tu sambil layan tea panas n udara yang sejuk2 gtu.. Owhhh... sayang sekali, awek idaman ku dgrnya akan berkawin xlama lagi... ahahaha.. padan muka aku..

Tapi AWAS,.. nak sampi ke Boh Tea House tu, jalan mmg sempit.. Simpang ke situ memang agak tricky. Pemandu yang kurang keyakinan dan  amatur, di nasihatkan  tukar ngan pemandu yang lebih cekap or naik shuttle yang di sediakan untuk pergi ke Ladang Boh Tea Sg Palas ni.

Selesai di Boh Tea, maka aku pusing balik, bawa pelancong2 aku ke Brinchang. Di Brincang ni complete. Ada Masjid, Stesen Minyak, Tempat Makan etc.. Hotel pn byk d Brinchang ni. Dan part paling best ialah PASAR MALAM BRINCHANG. Tips untuk tuan-tuan, harga barangan (sayur/buah/teh tp rasa=ya xde jual bunga byk mcm kedai bunga kot??)  Pasar Malam Brinchang lebih murah berbanding tempat lain di Cameron. Macam mana aku tau?....   Sebab aku regular naik Cameron untuk beli sayor fresh.  SAYOR, SAYOR SAYOR... ahahaha...


Untuk aku, one full day dah cukup untuk jalan d Cameron.. but untuk orang yang jarang naik/pertama kali naik, suggest utk bermalam di salah satu pekan  di sana dan enjoy hawa dan kesegaran udara yang segar. Memang segar udara kat sana especially di Gunung Brinchang. 
Banyak hotel untuk di pilih di Cameron Highland dan boleh pilih bergantung pada budget anda.

Pasal public transport di Cameron ..  (Topik faveret aku nih) suma bas luar akan pegi ke Tanah Rata..
KL & Penang/Butterworth, mmg ada bas ekspress direct setiap hari naik Cameron kecuali tanah runtuh/bas rosak..Selain tu dari Singapore/ Johor Bahru pun dah ada direct ke Cameron (aku tp xbleh nk confirmed).
Dari Ipoh juga ada bas ke Cameron. Bas Perak Transit..amik dari Stesen Bas Ipoh (dkt Medan Kidd).
atau dari Terminal Amanjaya (Bas Ekspress) yg mana bas ekspress dari Penang/Butterworth akan singgah untuk ambil penumpang ke Cameron Highlands.


Pilihan Bas Express yang ada,

Express Unititi      - Cameron-KL
                              Cameron-Ipoh-Butterworth-Penang
Express GTBhai   - Cameron - KL

Express CS Travel - Cameron - KL                        

Express Konsortium Bas Ekspress - Cameron - JB                      

 Sapa yang lagi terer, mahu cabaran lebih dan ingin mengenang nostalgia zaman perang.. boleh cuba naik bas ikut Tapah, Bas "Regal Omnibus" iaitu kompeni yang satu masa dulu, King of  route Tapah-Cameron Highland selain lori sayor.. Bas ni limited je skrg. sehari cuma 4 kali je dari Tapah dan 4 kali dari Cameron.

Untuk perjalanan dalam Cameron Higland, terdapat teksi dan juga Bas Regal tu sendiri. Kekerapan perjalanan aku xpasti. yang aku ingat, bas Regal akan jalan dari Tanah Rata up to Blue Valley. (dekat simpang Jalan Simpang Pulai-Gua Musang). Untuk keselesaan, lebih baik guna kenderaan sendiri.

Jadual bas Regal terbaru Tapah - Cameron  masih melekat dlm otak aku ni..,
0830h.1100h, 1330h dan last bas 1600h .. alternative boleh naik teksi... or contact aku la..(aku charge jugak.. ahahaha..)  nanti aku post pasal service aku kat sini..

Credit to MalaysiaXpress Buses

Paling latest aku dengar company bas Pahang Lin Siong start juga servis KL-Cameron(Tanah Rata)  melalui Raub,K.Lipis & Sg Koyan..





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Atas ni gambar bas yang di deploy oleh Pahang Lin Siong untuk jalan KL-Cameron. Tggu .. aku pasti akan cuba rasa naik bas ni. .