Tsunami Disaster

The number of dead currently has risen to 114,000. Survivors are now at risk of many diseases. There's shortage of clean water, food and medicine. All grim facts and figures greets us day after day since tsunami struck South Asia on the 26th of December. Malaysia, death toll stands at 66 people not including the missings, has declared that there will not be any celebration to usher in the new year on midnight 31st December. I sincerly hope that the general public will donate a portion of the money they have allocated for the celebration tomorrow night to the various NGOs and funds set up to help the Tsunami victims.

Please direct your generous donation to the followings:

International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent

Unicef

Malaysian Tsunami Disaster Fund

OR other NGOs you are familiar and comfortable with with your donations.


Bird eye's view of the destruction at Gurney Drive


Seconds before the wave strikes a row of fishing village at Telok Bahang, Penang


Multiple waves hitting the shores of Penang

Pictures courtesy of Ben, Leslie and Agnelo.

Tsunami hits Malaysia (more pictures)

The killer tsunami which hit South Asia has now claimed more than 29,000 lives including 58 in Malaysia. More death are to be expected. It's indeed a very sad way to end the year. I sincerly hope there won't be any extravagant celebration for the coming New Year 2005 because of this disaster. The figures are getting worst day after day. These pictures captured the moments during and after the wave that lashed through Penang. Many thanks to zapzone8, wongls, ronn and zendened for these pictures.


This family seems oblivious to the impending wave in the background


The calm before the coming havoc. The usual family stroll along Gurney Drive about to take the turn for the worst!


Wave lashing onto Gurney Drive


First series of wave to hit Gurney Drive


All hell breaks loose!


A sampan thrown by the force of the wave onto the road near Ferringgi.


The mess at Gurney Drive


The seafood restaurant near the roundabout of Gurney Drive


More mess


A poignant scene from Penang

If you wish to help, please pledge your donation to The International Red Cross Federation Please support them. Alternatively, you can also contribute to the Malaysian Tsunami Disaster Fund.

Tsunami hits Malaysia

At around 9am on the 26th December 2004, I felt a slight tremor in my condominium building which lasted for about 5 seconds. I didn't think much of it as I thought it was just me having a terrible hangover from a late night binge. A few hours later, disaster struck the coastal states of Penang, Kedah, Perak and Perlis. Shock waves of a terrible earthquake in Sumatra created tsunami waves which lashes through South Asia. At the time of writing, at least 21,000 people were reported dead and thousands other missing in the countries of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh and even Malaysia where more than 50 were reported dead. This is indeed a sad day for Malaysians where we always thought of our country as being natural-disaster free. After the events of 26th December, that thought has been shattered. My condolences goes to all victims.

UPDATED (28th December 2004): News reports are coming in stating that the death toll in Indonesia alone could reach 20,000! At the time of writing, more than 22,000 death spreading across 10 nations.

The International Red Cross Federation is calling for emergency aid. Please support them. Alternatively, you can also contribute to the Malaysian Tsunami Fund.


The tsunami wave caught on camera from a plane over the coast of Malaysia. (Picture courtesy of Weng/Davis)


The coast of Batu Ferringhi, Penang. (picture courtesy of The Star)


Somewhere near Gurney Drive I pressume. (picture courtesy of BBC)


Boat caught in a swirl off the coast of Penang (picture courtesy of BBC)


Waves seen here lashing towards a Penang resort. (picture courtesy of BBC)


Marooned boats near Penang (picture courtesy of BBC)


The crowd at Port Dickson on the 26th of December, 2004. Oblivious to the happenings up north. Eventhough the tsunami effect reaches to the coastal area of Selangor, the authorities saw it fit not to warn the people here.


Calm sea off Port Dickson, 26th December 2004

Why I Love Malaysia

This is afterall supposed to be a blog about Malaysia. I am hoping this can truly be a continuing series about everything that's well..uniquely Malaysia.


Very roadworthy vehicles


Spacious seating at Formula One GP


Flower appreciation


Night scenes to die for


Dodgy bumper stickers


Glorious sunsets


Bilingual population


International standard beauty queen


Personalised car plates not even the British can dream about

Genting Highlands - a photoblog

Back home, I guess I can't get enough of the cool air in China, so decided to head uphill to the often blogged (I guess) hill resort of Genting Highlands. Famous for its casino, it's also making head way in other areas in particularly its theme park, both in and outdoor. Seriously overcrowded on weekends, it's nowadays a must visit for tourists because of its obvious draw.


True to its chinese name, "Yuen Ding", a typical cloudy day in Genting


The pagoda on the left seen from the top


A particularly foggy day...temperature was 16 degree


View of the outdoor theme park


The Venetian canal ride at First World...albeit a bit artificial.


Creepy guy "rowing"


Interesting views along the ride


Big Ben in Malaysia


Lady Liberty on a Harley!!


Oh..that name is such a dead giveaway!


A tall order! Comedy in one of First World's rather ridiculously priced restaurant


Another view of the canal ride

Guangzhou trip (Part 3)

Back to Guangzhou, visitors would still find it uncomfortable to walk around the city by themselves because of the many stories they heard about China. While it’s alright and wise to take precautions about your wallet/handbags, there’s an increase police presence especially near tourist attractions. Otherwise, this city is a shopping haven especially at Beijing Road. Most “branded” stuff can be obtained here. At fixed priced shops, the salesgal/guy are very courteous and helpful but the downside of everything here is shoppers who will “potong q” at the cashier counters. If you think Malaysia is bad, wait till you see what’s happening here. Courtesy amongst the general population is still very low (spitting anywhere, dirty public toilets etc). However, those in the service industry are excellent indeed. Even toll collectors would greet and thank you. Price haggling is a norm at other shops though and you can use your Petaling Street tactics here. Businessmen however took a liking to Guangzhou because of its centralized wholesale markets. If you are looking for electronic products, you need only be in one area and the surrounding streets and buildings are full of it. Same goes for goods like stationeries, gifts, toys, fabrics etc. Most ‘made in China’ stuff you see in Malaysia originates from here. And you’ll faint when you compare the price they charge in Malaysia and the price they sell over here. It’s dirt cheap here! RM10 for 3 pair of socks? It’s possible to find RMB10 for 9 pair of socks here!


The Bintang Walk of Guangzhou..Beijing Road


Start of Beijing Road


The sparse crowd in the morning but come night time, all hell breaks loose.


Saturday noon at Beijing Road (lower resolution camera..sorry)


Going to the extreme to attract customers. This is a common phenomenon in this city. Salesgirl at some shops will stand in front of the shop and clap their hands to attract attention. Personally I find this a bit annoying.


The little salon where I got my hair coloured, washed & blow for RMB80 (RM40)


The morning after....


They are everywhere isn't it? A simple alternative from the usual dog's meat.

Come pay a visit to this city. It’s still at the moment a more affordable shopping and food haven alternative to Hong Kong. Malaysia Airlines have daily direct flights to Guangzhou from Kuala Lumpur