HOW I FACE THE RAMADHAN (My humble practice)

This Ramadhan may be quite challenging, with the heat outside yet cooler spells at times. It’s wise to avoid sudden cold showers when your body is overheated, as the shock can strain your muscles.

Traditional Malay petua advise starting by rinsing from the feet upward, then gently massaging your scalp with cool water. Allow your body to gradually adjust to the temperature before taking a full bath.

On particularly hot days, it is also advisable to rely on a fan instead of air-conditioning. Letting your body adjust naturally to the surrounding temperature can be gentler and may help prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause discomfort.

In the late evening, around 6.00 to 7.00 pm, a light brisk walk is ideal, not too intense, just enough to work up a mild sweat.

It is also a beautiful Sunnah that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would break his fast with dates and a few sips of water before performing the Maghrib prayer. Although he never compelled anyone to follow his personal manner of fasting, one of the hadith conveys a clear principle: if you are hungry to the point that it distracts your concentration in your prayers, it is better to eat first (lightly) before performing your prayer.

This reflects the balanced teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that worship should be carried out with presence of mind and sincerity, not while struggling with discomfort that affects focus and devotion.

On weekends, whether working online or on-site, it is best to begin around 7.30 or 8.00 in the morning and conclude by Zohor. These timeless pieces of advice from our elders remain practical and beneficial.

Most important of all is spiritual restraint especially patience. Once you allow anger to surface, whether in heavy traffic or during a price negotiation at the Ramadhan bazaar, the fast can easily turn into frustration instead of reflection. That is not the true spirit of Ramadhan. (Never been consumed by too much anger as it will lead you to a darker side where many can't escape)

Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink, it is about disciplining the heart, controlling emotions, and responding with calmness and wisdom. Patience is the essence.

If you find it difficult to engage in zikir, tasbih, or recitation of the Al-Qur’an during the day, do not force yourself. It is perfectly fine to dedicate time at night instead, perhaps until around 10.30 pm especially if you are not performing tahajjud or other forms of qiyamullail.

Ramadhan is about consistency and sincerity, not exhaustion.

Choose a time when your heart is calmer and your mind more focused, so your worship is meaningful rather than rushed or burdensome.

BEYOND SAVING TIPS - THE REAL COST OF LIVING IN MALAYSIA - By Nik Zafri

What often gets pushed is a behavioural narrative:

“If only households managed money better, saved more, invested earlier…”

That story is convenient but incomplete.

Here is the truth (how people are talking on the streets not from podiums of an international conference or 5 star hotels)

1. The blind spot: cost of living inflation

Household income classifications like B40, M40, T20 are treated as static labels, but expenses are dynamic. Over the past decade, Malaysians have faced:

• Food price inflation that outpaces wage growth,
• Housing costs (rent, maintenance, utilities) rising faster than CPI averages,
• Transport, healthcare, education, insurance, all non-discretionary

So when advisors say “you should still be able to save 10–20%”, they’re often using outdated cost assumptions.

You can be disciplined, frugal, and financially literate and still watch your savings shrink because essential spending has structurally increased.

That’s not bad behaviour. That’s economic reality.

2. “Save first” doesn’t work when the floor keeps rising

Classic advice assumes:

• Income grows steadily,
• Expenses are controllable,
• Savings compound meaningfully

But today:,

• Income growth is uneven and lagging,
• Many expenses are inelastic (you can’t “budget” away food, fuel, school fees),
• Savings returns often fail to beat real inflation

So people save…only to withdraw later for:

• Medical costs,
• Emergency repairs,
• Education
• Family obligations

Which leads to the unfair accusation: “They can’t maintain savings.”

3. The uncomfortable truth about “safe investments”

Another rarely discussed issue:

valid, low-risk investments with minimum returns often don’t help enough.

• Fixed deposits: safe, but frequently below real inflation,
• Conservative funds: marginal gains after fees,
• Risk assets: not everyone can afford volatility or long holding periods

So even when people do the right thing, the math doesn’t always work in their favour.

This is why many households feel:

“I saved. I invested. But I’m still not moving forward.”

That’s not a personal failure, that’s a systemic mismatch between wages, costs, and returns.

4. Why blaming individuals is misleading

Criticising spending habits without addressing:

• Wage stagnation,
• Cost-push inflation,
• Market concentration
• Weak social safety nets

…is intellectually lazy.

It shifts responsibility downward, away from structural policy issues and macroeconomic pressures many of which are tracked and acknowledged even by institutions though public discourse rarely translates that into empathy.

5. The real question we should be asking

Instead of:

“Why don’t people save enough?”

We should ask:

• Why must survival require such high monthly cash flow?
• Why do essential goods rise faster than median income?
• Why are “safe” financial instruments no longer sufficient for resilience?
• Why is household risk quietly transferred from the system to the individual?

I like to think that I am touching on something important:

Financial discipline cannot compensate indefinitely for structural cost inflation.

People aren’t reckless they’re adapting.

And saving, when constantly eroded by rising costs, stops being a solution and becomes a holding action.

US, NATO, EU, UK

I think most of us have read, heard and are closely observing the current friction between the U.S./NATO and the EU/UK (and other partners) and reflecting on its potential long-term implications for the global order. While the situation is still evolving, a few points stand out:

a) Security Dynamics – Shifts in alliances could alter defense strategies and regional stability, and there are early signs of increased testing or signaling by other major powers,

b) Economic & Trade Impact – Changes in relationships among major powers may influence global trade flows, investment patterns, and supply chains, creating uncertainty for businesses and markets.

c) Geopolitical Balance – The rise of multipolarity could bring both opportunities and challenges, but there is a worry that tensions may sow doubts reminiscent of a “cold war” mindset in certain regions.

d) Diplomacy & Neutrality – Nations maintaining neutral or bridging positions, such as ASEAN members including Malaysia, may have an important role in fostering dialogue and regional stability.

Let us continue to watch how these developments unfold, as they may shape global interactions, defense postures, and economic trends in the years ahead.

Working Beyond Compliance: A Practical Integration of QLASSIC and CONQUAS in Malaysian Apartment Projects - By Nik Zafri

 

I have been practising as a consultant and CONQUAS 21 assessor since 2001 (including the latest, updated edition is CONQUAS 2022, which took effect for projects called for tender from 1 July 2023 focussing on enhancing building quality through comprehensive assessments of Structural, Architectural, and Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) works, featuring updated standards for modern construction techniques .

After studying and applying the QLASSIC assessment framework, I found that adopting a combined awareness of both systems offers a more comprehensive and practical view of workmanship quality, especially for projects delivered in Malaysia.

Disclaimer

This article reflects general professional observations and personal experience within the construction industry. It does not represent an official position, requirement, or endorsement by any authority, agency, or assessment body. All projects should comply with their respective contractual obligations and refer to the latest published guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.

Introduction

Quality assessment frameworks play a critical role in shaping construction outcomes. In Malaysia, the CIDB Malaysia QLASSIC system has long served as a structured and measurable benchmark for workmanship quality, supporting national objectives for consistency, accountability, and improvement within the industry.

At the same time, some project teams, particularly those involved in high-density residential developments, cross-border investments, or projects with international stakeholders are also familiar with the BCA Singapore CONQUAS assessment methodology. CONQUAS is widely recognised for its emphasis on visual workmanship, dimensional tolerance, and finish uniformity.

In practice, these two frameworks are often perceived as separate or mutually exclusive. Through my experience on Malaysian apartment projects, I have adopted a dual-awareness approach, using CONQUAS-style criteria internally to guide workmanship, while remaining fully compliant with QLASSIC for official assessment and certification. This approach has proven practical, effective, and widely appreciated by project teams.

Note : Many Malaysian projects already work to CONQUAS standards informally, but are officially assessed only under QLASSIC. That’s not a flaw. That’s professional instinct.

Understanding the Different Roles of Each Framework

QLASSIC is designed as a formal assessment and certification tool, aligned with Malaysian regulatory and industry expectations. Its pass/zero scoring logic provides clarity, objectivity, and enforceability, particularly in contractual, compliance, and reporting contexts.

CONQUAS, on the other hand, functions effectively as a quality management reference tool, guiding workmanship control through visual inspection standards, tolerance checks, and consistency requirements. Its strength lies in training the eye, enforcing discipline during execution, and identifying workmanship risks early, well before formal assessment stages.

Applying CONQUAS-style criteria internally does not require altering contractual obligations or official certification pathways. As I have implemented on several projects, the project remains formally assessed under QLASSIC, while CONQUAS principles serve as an internal benchmark to manage quality proactively.

Why Informal Integration Occurs on Site

Many Malaysian projects already operate this way, often without explicitly labelling it as “integration.” Based on my personal practice:

• QLASSIC establishes the minimum acceptable standard, while
• CONQUAS-style checks help prevent visible defects that, although sometimes marginal under scoring systems, directly affect user perception, defect liability exposure, and professional reputation.

Rather than increasing workload, this dual awareness often reduces late-stage rectification, avoids cosmetic over-patching, and improves coordination between trades at the finishing stage.

Managing Risk Without Creating Conflict

A key principle in integrating both frameworks is role clarity:

• QLASSIC remains the official assessment and certification system
• CONQUAS criteria are applied internally as a workmanship control reference
• No claims of equivalence, replacement, or superiority are made

In this way, project teams can benefit from higher internal standards while remaining fully aligned with local requirements. From my experience, this approach also helps less experienced teams develop an eye for quality and reduces surprises during formal inspections.

I’ve aligned the example below to finishing stage for apartment projects, with pass/fail logic reflecting both systems (QLASSIC’s zero-tolerance + CONQUAS visual standards)

Tips : How to Use This Checklist (Best Practice)

One row = one scoring risk, If QLASSIC fails, treat as MUST FIX, Fix sample units perfectly, not all units halfway, reinspect with torchlight + water test

Sheet 1 – Unit Internal Finishes (Architectural)

Sheet 2 – Doors, Windows and Ironmongery

Sheet 3 – Wet Areas (Bathroom, Toilet/Yard, Balcony)

Sheet 4 – M&E Finishes (Internal Units)

Sheet 5 – Common Areas & External

Sheet 6 – Housekeeping and Protection (Do NOT Ignore)

Annex A: Combined CONQUAS–QLASSIC Pre-Assessment Checklist (Finishing Stage)

The following example checklist illustrates how both frameworks can be aligned into a single, practical site tool for apartment projects. It is intended for pre-assessment and internal QA/QC, not as a substitute for official inspection protocols.

1. Internal Architectural Finishes

• Walls and ceilings visually flat under normal lighting (no waviness or visible joints)
• No visible cracks, including hairline cracks at beam–wall junctions
• Uniform paint colour and texture (no patchiness or roller marks)
• Floor finishes aligned with consistent joints and no lippage beyond tolerance
• No hollow tiles detected through tapping tests
• Skirting joints tight, aligned, and free of gaps

2. Doors, Windows, and Ironmongery

• Door leaves free from scratches, dents, or swelling
• Doors open and close smoothly with even perimeter gaps
• Locks, hinges, and closers operate smoothly without binding
• Window glass free from scratches or stains
• Sealant neat, continuous, and properly tooled
• No water leakage at window sills or frames

3. Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Yards, Balconies)

• Proper floor gradient with no water ponding
• Floor traps firm, centred, and functional
• Tile alignment consistent on walls and floors
• Grout colour uniform and free from staining
• Thresholds dry with no water seepage to adjacent areas

4. M & E Finishes

• Switches and sockets aligned horizontally and vertically
• Faceplates free from cracks, discolouration, or scratches
• Distribution boards properly labelled and accessible
• No leakage at basins, sinks, or sanitary connections
• Sanitary fixtures firmly installed with neat sealant application

5. Common Areas and External Works

• Corridor and lobby finishes consistent and uniform
• Railings straight, secure, and properly anchored
• External finishes free from visible patch repairs
• Sealant at movement joints intact and crack-free

6. Housekeeping and Protection

• No cement stains, paint splashes, or debris on finished surfaces
• Glass, tiles, and sanitary ware clean and undamaged
• No scratches caused by subsequent trades

Practical note: Under QLASSIC, many of the above defects result in a zero score for the assessed item. Under CONQUAS-style inspection, visible or functional defects lead to deductions or failure of the relevant element. Items that trigger QLASSIC zero scores should always be prioritised for rectification.

Annex B: Pre-Assessment Checklist with Discipline WEIGHTAGE

Purpose: This example is meant to help project teams prioritise rectification works by discipline, focusing effort where score impact and risk are highest. Exact scoring may vary by project and sampling size. This matrix is for internal prioritisation.

Tips : How to Use This Weightage Practically

Fix in this order

• QLASSIC zero-score items
• Any row ≥ 3% weight
• Buyer-visible items

Don’t over-fix

• Items < 1% weight + non-visible → document, monitor

One trade, one zone, one finish

• Avoid multiple touch-ups (creates new defects)

Weightage Reference (Typical Apartment Project – Finishing Stage)

B1. Internal Architectural Finishes (Highest Impact)

Rule of thumb: If Architectural weight ≥ 3% per item, treat as must-fix before pre-assessment.

B2. Doors, Windows & Ironmongery (Architectural + Functional)

B3. Wet Areas (Architectural + M&E Critical Zone) - Highest zero-score risk

Practical note: Any item with combined Arch + M&E ≥ 4% is a red-flag item.

B4. Mechanical & Electrical (Internal Units)

B5. External and Common Areas

Note : In my own practice, introducing discipline-based weightage into a combined CONQUAS–QLASSIC pre-assessment checklist has helped site teams focus effort where it matters most reducing unnecessary rework while protecting both formal scores and end-user perception.

Conclusion (again...for now)

Integrating awareness of both QLASSIC and CONQUAS reflects a maturing approach to quality management, where formal assessment systems are supported by robust internal controls. Based on my personal experience, applying this approach internally:

• Helps project teams anticipate potential defects
• Reduces last-minute rectifications
• Improves coordination between trades
• Raises overall delivery standards

When applied thoughtfully, it allows teams to deliver more consistent, durable, and user-focused construction outcomes - without increasing conflict, cost, or contractual risk.

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In response to a question from a QLASSIC Certified Inspector:

Encik Nik, I have been a long-time follower of your articles, and this particular piece is especially interesting.

Q: If both systems are applied within the Malaysian context, which one should prevail from a certification perspective?

A:

I would like to address this question openly. For context, this project marked my pioneering effort in applying both CONQUAS and QLASSIC methodologies concurrently. The exercise involved two certified QLASSIC Inspectors and one CIDB official in a supervisory role.

We undertook a joint assessment by combining our expertise, which proved to be a highly constructive and insightful exercise. It generated meaningful technical discussions at the site office and offered valuable comparative perspectives.

That said, the dual application was conducted strictly for reference and research purposes. As this was not an official assessment, the prevailing and valid certification for the actual project remains QLASSIC, with submission made through the CIDB QLASSIC Portal. The materials and observations shared here are purely for research and academic discussion, and do not represent official checklists or certified results.

I acknowledge that this initiative is ambitious. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that such integrative efforts will one day be formally recognized for their potential contribution to improving construction quality practices.