RAIL SOLUTIONS ASIA 2025

Visited Rail Solutions Asia 2025 at KL Convention Centre and was genuinely impressed by the range of products and technologies on display. I also bumped into several VIPs and conference attendees from organisations like Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), Prasarana (even RapidKL) and many others.

The exhibition featured numerous booths showcasing cutting-edge rail innovations from around the world. A few highlights:

KTM Berhad : A name that needs no introduction. Their briefing on drone-based detection systems was impressive monitoring technical issues, wild animals, trespassers, weather conditions, train speed, and more. The system can alert both train operators and authorities in real time.

CRRC Corporation Limited – Showcasing multiple train models, including new-energy locomotives, hydrogen-powered trains, ECRL/HST units, LRT and urban transit vehicles, and high-speed EMUs.

TÜV SÜD (Malaysia) – A certification body led by a formidable team of iron ladies. They handle ISA assessments based on EN 50126/28/29/59, along with testing, certification, and various other services.

Malaysia Italy Design Institute (MIDI Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Xcel Itech Sdn Bhd – Their train simulator was outstanding (I even tried driving the simulation, what an exhilarating experience). Their VR headset interface was equally impressive. I also learned more about Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC) and their extensive role in supporting and developing NOSS standards for the rail sector.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) – Had an insightful discussion with the engineering and leadership teams from Malaysia and the UK about tunnelling technologies, including NATM and TBM.

Lankhorst Engineered Products – A wonderful team. Their Hybrid Polymer Sleepers are a significant upgrade from traditional timber and concrete sleepers. Made from recycled polymers combined with steel reinforcement, they offer longevity, low maintenance, stability, strength, durability, and excellent environmental benefits.

RANDOM ACT

 

Kindness transcends religion, race, and background. Gave my drink to her. The greatest reward is simply seeing someone smile.

A DECADE OF JOURNEY WITH GERSON LEHRMAN GROUP

After 10 years with GLG, including my memorable visit to GLG Malaysia and meeting Ms. Karen Soh, the journey has truly been meaningful. I’ve gained invaluable insights, especially in compliance and governance, which have strengthened my work across various engagements.

Here where I am now, certain institutions (not all) still face limitations in formally certifying or validating my diverse experience and competencies due to regulatory frameworks (possibly bureaucracy). That’s why I value platforms like GLG, (even UKAS, C & G, BCA Sing, ABAC CB UK etc) other international professional institutions that recognize expertise based on merit. Their trust has placed me in a comfortable and confident position, and it’s a testament to how Malaysian professionals can be acknowledged globally.

Thank you to the entire GLG team, for the continued trust, opportunities, and commitment to building a strong community of expertise. I look forward to contributing more in 2026 and growing together with the network.

Wishing everyone at GLG a meaningful year-end and an inspiring year ahead.

YOUR CAR MAYBE TOWED NOT STOLEN

 A Little Awareness:

YOUR CAR MIGHT BE TOWED (NO NOTICE LEFT BEHIND)

Photo Source : Malaysiakini

Lately, many drivers in KL and Selangor have been shocked to find their cars “missing,” only to learn later that they were actually towed by the city council without a single warning sticker, sign, or notice at the spot.

Here’s what most people don’t know:

a) Some councils no longer leave physical notices when towing.

b) The towing team logs your car photo and location into their system and leaves immediately.

c) PDRM can check instantly if your car was towed.

This is why, when you report the car as “stolen,” the police sometimes already know it’s with the council.

The problem - Many towing zones are poorly marked, or the signboards are placed far from where cars are parked. In some busy areas, enforcement teams do sweeping operations that catch drivers off guard.

Before thinking your car is stolen, do this:

a) Call the local council’s enforcement/towing unit (DBKL, MBPJ, MBSJ, MPKj, etc.)

b) They can check your vehicle number immediately.

c) Look around for signboards, not just the parking lines on the ground. Some “Tow Zone” signs are high or placed metres away.

d) Ask nearby shops or security guards, they often see the tow truck in action.

e) Only then lodge a police report if the car is truly missing.

Why this post matters:

Many drivers panic, waste time, and fear their vehicles have been stolen. Better awareness helps reduce unnecessary stress and encourages councils to improve their signage and notification practices.

If this has ever happened to you or someone you know, you’re definitely not alone.

Stay aware. Stay safe on the road.

A BRIBE IS STILL A BRIBE

 

MR. SOH BENG HOCK, TIJ CONSULTANTS

I would like to share a story about Mr. Soh Beng Hock, an exceptionally experienced professional with nearly 40 years in the industry and the founder of TIJ Consultants, whose business interests extend beyond Malaysia and Singapore to the broader SEA region. 

I had the honor of working alongside him on numerous projects across various industries, focusing on ISO 9000, ISO 45000, and ISO 14000, including being part of the first desalination company in Malaysia to achieve ISO 9000 certification. Throughout my time with him, I learned a great deal from his expertise, professionalism, and dedication. 

He is undeniably competent, highly experienced, and an accomplished assessor accredited by multiple international certification bodies. I am truly proud to have been part of such a remarkable organization and to have gained invaluable insights under his guidance. 

CASE STUDY AT A FOOD PROCESSING FACTORY

A friend once asked me to join him in a routine assessment at a food-processing factory, something that I have passion in but I was there only to check on the documentation as my friend was the technical expert.

Findings

The boiler’s feedwater tank was found to have excessive sediment buildup, causing slight fluctuation in boiler pressure and reduced heating efficiency.

The sediment layer indicated inconsistent water treatment and infrequent blowdown, leading to partial blockage at the feedwater inlet strainer.

Root Cause

The excessive sediment buildup in the boiler feedwater system was primarily caused by inconsistent water treatment and infrequent blowdown, resulting from inadequate operator adherence to the established maintenance schedule.

Contributing factors include insufficient monitoring of feedwater quality, leading to undetected increases in total dissolved solids (TDS) and sludge accumulation, and a clogged feedwater strainer that was not cleaned according to the preventive maintenance plan.

Solution

1) Perform immediate blowdown to remove accumulated sludge.

2) Clean or replace the feedwater strainer.

3) Reinstate proper water treatment dosing and implement a scheduled blowdown routine (daily/weekly depending on load).

4) Include feedwater quality checks in the preventive maintenance checklist.

DOSH Regulations for Boilers in Malaysia

Factories and Machinery (Steam Boiler & Unfired Pressure Vessel) Regulations 1970

This is the primary DOSH regulation under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 that governs steam boilers and unfired pressure vessels requiring regular inspection, maintenance, and safety controls of boilers.

• OSHA on Certification and Competency Requirements - requirement for competent persons - both a steam boiler engineer and boiler operator must be designated.

• Certificate of Fitness (CF) - Boiler/pressure vessels require a valid DOSH's CF issued after inspection to confirm compliance with the safety regulations.

(This case study was from early 2023 but latest DOSH Regulations (2024–2025 Updates) - New CF Regime - OSH Regulations 2024 (PUA 99/2024) effective 1 June 2024 - (Plant requiring CF) Certain plants, including steam boilers, must obtain a CF before they can operate. Periodic inspections required to maintain validity. CF is not unlimited: the validity is capped (e.g. as per industry commentary, not exceeding 15 months).

If there are repairs that affect the strength of the boiler, DOSH may require another hydrostatic test before recertification.

• Owner/Occupier Duties - must operate and maintain the boiler in a safe and proper condition including testing the control and safety devices (e.g., safety valves, pressure gauges) periodically according to manufacturer’s recommendations, keeping logbook and records of operation, inspections, repairs, breakdowns.

During a DOSH inspection, they need to ensure the boiler is ready for inspection per DOSH’s checklist

SSI

Plants approved under SSI, the CF period can be extended much longer depending on type of plant, risk category, integrity history
inspection intervals approved by DOSH,

Typical extensions under SSI may allow:

a) Pressure vessels to run on extended intervals
b) Inspection schedules aligned with API 510, API 570, API 653
c) Boilers or critical equipment to follow risk-based inspection (RBI) intervals
d) Major shutdown cycles (e.g., every 4–6 years) instead of annual shutdowns

The plant requires :

1) RBI (risk based inspection)
2) Documented degradation mechanisms
3) Predictive maintenance
4) Certified in-house inspection engineers
5) DOSH audit/verification

SSI does not remove the need for CF.

It only allows extended intervals for inspection and CF renewal with DOSH approval.

e.g.

A normal air receiver or pressure vessel:

a) CF renewed every 12–15 months

Same vessel under SSI with RBI approval:

- CF may be aligned to a 3–5 year inspection cycle
- Internal inspection may coincide with major turnaround
- Online NDT and monitoring replace some physical shutdowns

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

There have been quite a number of mistaken identity cases, many people think I’m either my younger brother, my elder brother, or even my eldest brother maybe because the face looks familiar (FYI my name and my eldest are so similar) I always end up having to point to the mole on my forehead just to prove I’m not one of them. I’ve never actually asked why people keep confusing us, but it happens often enough that I’ve just gotten used to it.

ISLAMOPHOBIA

Islamophobia isn’t just fearing a religion; it hurts ordinary people who want to live in peace. Muslims have the same hopes as anyone, to work, raise families, and be treated with dignity. No one should face suspicion for their name, greeting, or dress. Islam teaches mercy, justice, and compassion, values shared by all. Standing against Islamophobia isn’t about division, it’s about protecting human dignity. Defending others’ rights strengthens our shared humanity.

GIVER AND RECEIVER OF BRIBE

When a person is proven - or even suspected - of receiving a bribe, the authorities will detain them for investigation. Some people ask why the person who provides information about the bribe is also taken in.

The answer is straightforward, the informant could also be a suspect, potentially the giver of the bribe.Under the law, both the giver and the receiver of a bribe can be investigated and, if proven guilty, will face the full force of the law.Being the giver of a bribe does not make someone a whistleblower. The law does not grant special treatment or leniency to a bribe giver who later provides information. Both the giver and the receiver remain liable and can be investigated accordingly------------- 2/12/2025 A bribe giver remains a bribe giver, regardless of how it’s packaged whether called a “gift,” a “processing fee,” given under pressure, or passed through another party to secure personal gain. Bribery should never be normalised or softened with creative labels. What disappoints me most is seeing individuals who are expected to uphold the law searching for excuses or shifting narratives, often out of fear of political pressure or public backlash. Integrity means applying the law consistently, not selectively. If we start bending principles to protect certain parties, we undermine the very justice system we claim to defend. And let’s be honest, it’s impossible to claim that the giver gains nothing. No one hands out a bribe without expecting some form of benefit in return. Pretending otherwise only distorts the truth and weakens the fight against corruption. A person who gives a bribe under any circumstances, being coerced or voluntary, cannot claim the role of an informant or whistleblower, nor portray themselves as a victim, because their own illegal actions disqualify them from such protection.

Volcano in Ethiopia after 10,000 - 12,000 years

The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia is the first in approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years. This eruption has produced a massive volume of volcanic ash, forming thick smoke plumes and dark clouds that have covered several areas in the country.

These plumes of smoke and dark clouds are now drifting across Sana’a (Yemen), Muscat (Oman), Karachi (Pakistan) and Delhi (India), causing numerous flight cancellations. The phenomenon also brings various health risks, including breathing difficulties due to toxic gases, exposure to crystalline silica that can lead to lung inflammation, as well as eye and skin irritation. Fallen ash can also contaminate food and water sources, affecting not only humans but also animals, livestock and vegetation.

If these plumes rise higher into the atmosphere, they can reflect sunlight, causing temporary cooling, while also increasing the likelihood of acid rain.

When a Society Fails Its Most Vulnerable

The recent viral video of a homeless man being kicked and splashed with water outside a bank is more than just an isolated act of cruelty, it is a mirror reflecting the state of our humanity. In the clip, a sleeping man, defenseless, cold, and with nowhere else to go is treated not as a human being but as an inconvenience. The actions of those involved may already be under investigation, but the deeper question remains, What does this say about us as a society?

True humanity is tested not by how we treat those with power, status, or wealth, but by how we treat those who have none. The homeless, often invisible in our daily rush, exist at the intersection of poverty, social neglect, and structural failure. Yet the harshest judgment often falls on them, instead of on the systems that failed to protect them.

To its credit, the bank issued an apology and pledged full cooperation with the authorities. But corporate statements alone cannot mend the deeper fracture. Professional conduct, empathy, and dignity must extend beyond policies, they must be lived values. Outsourced guard or not, every partner, every employee, every citizen carries a responsibility to uphold basic decency.

Incidents like this force us to confront uncomfortable truths,

"Have we normalised the dehumanisation of the vulnerable? Do we only show compassion when a video goes viral? And what does it say about our moral compass when frustration becomes justification for violence?"

Being human is not about perfection. It is about choosing empathy even when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unseen. A society that cannot protect its weakest members is a society that is slowly losing its soul.

Perhaps the lesson from this disturbing incident is simple:

Before we act, before we judge, before we turn someone into a “nuisance” remember that they, too, are someone’s child, someone’s story, someone who deserves dignity.

Humanity begins when we stop looking away.

RADIUSES VS RADII

During the review of a document related to road construction, I have noted that the term ‘radiuses’ was used instead of the correct plural form ‘radii’. In such and important documentation, accurate technical terminology is essential to prevent misinterpretation. Am not saying "radiuses" is wrong but it is also less common in casual or general English, especially outside technical contexts.

Here’s an example:

“The highway design includes three horizontal curves with radii of 500 m, 750 m, and 1,000 m to ensure safe vehicle turning speeds.”

Here, radii refers to the different curvature measurements of each road bend.

FIFA VS FAM

When all (or almost all) of the naturalised players suddenly “happen” to have "Malaysian grandparents", it immediately raises a pattern-based red flag for FIFA. FIFA’s compliance and legal teams don’t just check documents they analyse consistency of narrative, statistical plausibility, and whether multiple cases share : similar stories, similar supporting documents, similar formatting, similar sources, similar submission patterns

So yes, the “consistent information” provided by the agent is the very thing that triggered FIFA’s suspicion.

WHEN FLOODS STRIKE

When floods strike, many agencies mobilize at once. High-level action committees, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Civil Defense, the Malaysian Armed Forces , PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) , Tenaga Nasional Berhad, utility providers, the media, and weather services all play critical roles in keeping people safe. On the prevention and construction front (flood mitigation), Public Works Department Malaysia [Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia], local councils, and the Land Office managing reserves, right of way etc. Also not forgetting CIDB Malaysia, DOSH and even DOE (JABATAN ALAM SEKITAR MALAYSIA)

But the true unsung hero in flood mitigation is the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) (and the fabulous team in National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) They are the technical backbone providing hydrology and rainfall data, flood modelling and forecasting, drainage and mitigation design, urban and rural drainage standards, river and coastal management, and even ensuring road profiles are engineered to channel water efficiently during heavy storms. I’ve had the honour of working with them and their excellent engineering consulting teams many times. (for the record : their Hydrological Procedure No1- Estimation of Design Rainstorm in Peninsular Malaysia (HP 1) still amazed me) 

Their work is rarely visible to the public, yet it is crucial in preventing disasters long before they reach the surface. DID remains the core technical and engineering force behind effective flood management. 

Less but not least - my hats off to consultants, contractors and even my friends in AMIOSH RESOURCES SDN. BHD. The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) and PAM for their valuable inputs during my assignment with DID.