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Today, Knowledge Management today are not limited merely to : (A) 'knowing' or 'reading lots of books/scholarly articles' or (B) data mining, analysis, decision making, preventive actions, or (C) some Human Resources Management issue or (D) some ICT issue. Knowledge Management is about putting your knowledge, skills and competency into practice and most important IT WORKS! For you and your company or your business (Nik Zafri) Can I still offer consultancy or training? Who claims otherwise? Absolutely, I can.

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MY EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTELLES



BIODATA - NIK ZAFRI


 



NIK ZAFRI BIN ABDUL MAJID,
CONSULTANT/TRAINER
Email: nikzafri@yahoo.com, nikzafri@gmail.com
https://nikzafri.wixsite.com/nikzafri

Kelantanese, Alumni of Sultan Ismail College Kelantan (SICA), IT Competency Cert, Certified Written English Professional US. Has participated in many seminars/conferences (local/ international) in the capacity of trainer/lecturer and participant.

Affiliations :- Network Member of Gerson Lehrman Group, Institute of Quality Malaysia, Auditor ISO 9000 IRCAUK, Auditor OHSMS (SIRIM and STS) /EMS ISO 14000 and Construction Quality Assessment System CONQUAS, CIDB (Now BCA) Singapore),

* Possesses almost 30 years of experience/hands-on in the multi-modern management & technical disciplines (systems & methodologies) such as Knowledge Management (Hi-Impact Management/ICT Solutions), Quality (TQM/ISO), Safety Health Environment, Civil & Building (Construction), Manufacturing, Motivation & Team Building, HR, Marketing/Branding, Business Process Reengineering, Economy/Stock Market, Contracts/Project Management, Finance & Banking, etc. He was employed to international bluechips involving in national/international megaprojects such as Balfour Beatty Construction/Knight Piesold & Partners UK, MMI Insurance Group Australia, Hazama Corporation (Hazamagumi) Japan (with Mitsubishi Corporation, JA Jones US, MMCE and Ho-Hup) and Sunway Construction Berhad (The Sunway Group of Companies). Among major projects undertaken : Pergau Hydro Electric Project, KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, LRT Tunnelling, KLIA, Petronas Refineries Melaka, Putrajaya Government Complex, Sistem Lingkaran Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK), Mex Highway, KLIA1, KLIA2 etc. Once serviced SMPD Management Consultants as Associate Consultant cum Lecturer for Diploma in Management, Institute of Supervisory Management UK/SMPD JV. Currently – Associate/Visiting Consultants/Facilitators, Advisors for leading consulting firms (local and international) including project management. To name a few – Noma SWO Consult, Amiosh Resources, Timur West Consultant Sdn. Bhd., TIJ Consultants Group (Malaysia and Singapore) and many others.

* Ex-Resident Weekly Columnist of Utusan Malaysia (1995-1998) and have produced more than 100 articles related to ISO-9000– Management System and Documentation Models, TQM Strategic Management, Occupational Safety and Health (now OHSAS 18000) and Environmental Management Systems ISO 14000. His write-ups/experience has assisted many students/researchers alike in module developments based on competency or academics and completion of many theses. Once commended by the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia for his diligence in promoting and training the civil services (government sector) based on “Total Quality Management and Quality Management System ISO-9000 in Malaysian Civil Service – Paradigm Shift Scalar for Assessment System”

Among Nik Zafri’s clients : Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, (MRP II, Accounts/Credit Control) The HQ of Royal Customs and Excise Malaysia (ISO 9000), Veterinary Services Dept. Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Aspects of Project Management – KLCC construction), Corporate HQ of RHB (Peter Drucker's MBO/KRA), NEC Semiconductor - Klang Selangor (Productivity Management), Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia (ISO 9000), State Secretarial Office Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), Hidrological Department KL (ISO 9000), Asahi Kluang Johor(System Audit, Management/Supervisory Development), Tunku Mahmood (2) Primary School Kluang Johor (ISO 9000), Consortium PANZANA (HSSE 3rd Party Audit), Lecturer for Information Technology Training Centre (ITTC) – Authorised Training Center (ATC) – University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) Kluang Branch Johor, Kluang General Hospital Johor (Management/Supervision Development, Office Technology/Administration, ISO 9000 & Construction Management), Kahang Timur Secondary School Johor (ISO 9000), Sultan Abdul Jalil Secondary School Kluang Johor (Islamic Motivation and Team Building), Guocera Tiles Industries Kluang Johor (EMS ISO 14000), MNE Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. Kota Tinggi Johor (ISO 9000 – Construction), UITM Shah Alam Selangor (Knowledge Management/Knowledge Based Economy /TQM), Telesystem Electronics/Digico Cable(ODM/OEM for Astro – ISO 9000), Sungai Long Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Bina Puri Group) - ISO 9000 Construction), Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd,(ISO 9000 – Security Printing) ROTOL AMS Bumi Sdn. Bhd & ROTOL Architectural Services Sdn. Bhd. (ROTOL Group) – ISO 9000 –Architecture, Bond M & E (KL) Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9000 – Construction/M & E), Skyline Telco (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Knowledge Management),Technochase Sdn. Bhd JB (ISO 9000 – Construction), Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM – ISO 9000 & Internal Audit Refresher), Shinryo/Steamline Consortium (Petronas/OGP Power Co-Generation Plant Melaka – Construction Management and Safety, Health, Environment), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Negotiation Skills), Association for Retired Intelligence Operatives of Malaysia (Cyber Security – Arpa/NSFUsenet, Cobit, Till, ISO/IEC ISMS 27000 for Law/Enforcement/Military), T.Yamaichi Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. (EMS ISO 14000) LSB Manufacturing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., (Lean Scoreboard (including a full development of System-Software-Application - MSC Malaysia & Six Sigma) PJZ Marine Services Sdn. Bhd., (Safety Management Systems and Internal Audit based on International Marine Organization Standards) UNITAR/UNTEC (Degree in Accountacy – Career Path/Roadmap) Cobrain Holdings Sdn. Bhd.(Managing Construction Safety & Health), Speaker for International Finance & Management Strategy (Closed Conference), Pembinaan Jaya Zira Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9001:2008-Internal Audit for Construction Industry & Overview of version 2015), Straits Consulting Engineers Sdn. Bhd. (Full Integrated Management System – ISO 9000, OHSAS 18000 (ISO 45000) and EMS ISO 14000 for Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Consulting), Malaysia Management & Science University (MSU – (Managing Business in an Organization), Innoseven Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 MSPR8 – Awareness and Internal Audit (Construction), ISO 9001:2008 and 2015 overview for the Construction Industry), Kemakmuran Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 - Signages/Wayfinding - Project Quality Plan and Construction Method Statement ), Lembaga Tabung Haji - Flood ERP, WNA Consultants - DID/JPS -Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan - Prelim, Conceptual Design, Interim and Final Report etc., Tunnel Fire Safety - Fire Risk Assessment Report - Design Fire Scenario), Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plans leading construction/property companies/corporations in Malaysia, Timur West Consultant : Business Methodology and System, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya ISMS/Audit/Risk/ITP Technical Team, MPDT Capital Berhad - ISO 9001: 2015 - Consultancy, Construction, Project Rehabilitation, Desalination (first one in Malaysia to receive certification on trades such as Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination and Project Recovery/Rehabilitation)

* Has appeared for 10 consecutive series in “Good Morning Malaysia RTM TV1’ Corporate Talk Segment discussing on ISO 9000/14000 in various industries. For ICT, his inputs garnered from his expertise have successfully led to development of work-process e-enabling systems in the environments of intranet, portal and interactive web design especially for the construction and manufacturing. Some of the end products have won various competitions of innovativeness, quality, continual-improvements and construction industry award at national level. He has also in advisory capacity – involved in development and moderation of websites, portals and e-profiles for mainly corporate and private sectors, public figures etc. He is also one of the recipients for MOSTE Innovation for RFID use in Electronic Toll Collection in Malaysia.

Note :


TO SEE ALL ARTICLES

ON THE"LABEL" SECTION BELOW (RIGHT SIDE COLUMN), YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY TAG - TO READ ALL ARTICLES ACCORDING TO ITS CATEGORY (E.G. LABEL : CONSTRUCTION) OR GO TO THE VERY END OF THIS BLOG AND CLICK "Older Posts"


 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

STRESS KERJA ATAU STRESS PADA MANUSIA?

Seorang pegawai tinggi kerajaan mengadu pada saya bahawa dia "stress kerja"

Kerja dia sebenarnya dah bagus, dia cekap dan ada pengalaman luas. "Stress" dia sebenarnya bukan pada kerjanya, tetapi kepada sikap manusia sekelilingnya.
Saya kongsikan satu rahsia - saya selalu siapkan Q & A sebelum berjumpa sesiapa - "to expect the unexpected"
Jadi jika "root cause" tu manusia, kita kena belajar "how to handle human behaviour not your work. Your work is fine as it has been systematically planned"
"But again...failure to handle human behaviour would contribute to the failure of your work too..."

Perkongsian hari ini
Peliklah manusia ni....
1) Apabila yang jahat nak buat baik, kita nampak jahatnya
2) Apabila yang baik terbuat jahat, kita lupa baiknya
Kita ni bagus sangat ke

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

NOTA RINGKAS - BACHOK, KELANTAN

Sumber : Pelbagai/Internet/Kajian Sendiri


Bachok

Bachok pernah terkenal sebagai sebuah perkampungan nelayan. Pada masa dahulu ramai orang Siam berhijrah ke Bachok untuk memulakan penghidupan baru sebagai nelayan.

Menurut cerita orang tempatan, nama Bachok berasal dari dua perkataan Siam iaitu "bang" dan "choh". "Bang" bererti perkampungan dan "Choh" pula adalah jala atau jaring untuk menangkap ikan. Orang Siam menggelar tempat ini sebagai "Bangchoh" kerana mata pencarian penduduk bertumpu kepada menangkap ikan.

Menurut penduduk setempat lain pula, nama Bachok berasal daripada dua perkataan Siam "ban" and "chak". "Ban" bermaksud kampung dan "chak" adalah Nipah yang pada asalnya merujuk kepada Kampung Nipah, satu perkampungan yang lebih padat penduduknya yang terletak di selatan bandar Bachok sekarang. Bandar Bachok pada masa dahulu mungkin merupakan sebahagian daripada Kampung Nipah. Dan sememangnya ramai Orang Siam tempatan (yang kebanyakannya tinggal di Kampung Balai, lebih kurang tiga kilometer ke utara bandar Bachok) pada hari ini masih memanggil Bachok sebagai Ban Chak atau Kampung Nipah.

Bahasa Aceh (malah sesetengah tempat di Kelantan), maksud "Bacok" pula ialah menetak atau melibas. (dengan parang atau pisau atau apa-apa senjata tajam)

Bachok terkenal dengan kisah-kisah yang dikaitkan dengan Kesultanan Jembal. Malah daerah "Gunung" dianggap oleh sesetengah penduduk tempatan sebagai tempat bersemayam salah seorang Raja berketurunan Jembal. (kesan Kuari Indera (milik YAM Tengku Besar Indera Putra masih terdapat di sana - dengan pelbagai kisah mistik di sebaliknya) Sememangnya banyak sejarah Kesultanan Jembal dikaitkan Kampung Jembal, Kampung Seneng, Jelawat, Kampung Rusa, Melawi dll. Gunung juga bersambung dengan Bandar Melor yang juga dikaitkan dengan Kesultanan Jembal. Malah Bachok juga merupakan salah satu sasaran keturunan Patani/Long Gaffar/Legeh melarikan diri dari tekanan Siam.

Terdapat juga ramai penduduk asal Siam beragama Buddha bersama ramai keturunan Jembal masih ada di Pauh Lima, Tawang dan Pengkalan Datu di mana terdapat beberapa "ketik Siam" di sana.

Bachok juga terkenal dengan melahirkan ramai ulama-ulama terkenal seperti Tok Bachok. (untuk info : Al Allamah Arif Billah Tok Bachok ( 1868 - 1953 ) nama penuhnya ialah Tuan Guru Haji Uthman Bin Haji Muhammad . Beliau berasal dari keturunan Cina Muslim Monggolia dan mendapat gelaran Tok Bachok kerana kealimannya dan kesungguhannya mengajar serta mendidik masyarakat di Bachok .

Beliau merupakan sahabat baik kepada 4 Wali Allah yang lain iaitu Tok Kenali, Tok Padang Jelapang, Tok Kemuning, Tok Selehong)

Dongeng

Terdapat satu batu menyerupai seekor burung yang seakan-akan sedang terbang dari laut di tepi pantai sepanjang kira-kira 2 kilometer itu. Tempat di mana batu yang dikatakan wujud kini dikenali sebagai Kampung Tok Burong.

Masyarakat dahulu kala di sini juga percaya mengenai cerita kononnya wujud sebuah kemudi emas yang timbul dipermukaan air di pantai itu bersama-sama seekor buaya putih.

Menurut cerita, buaya putih sakti itu telah mengambil seorang budak perempuan di situ untuk dijadikan anak angkatnya sehingga dewasa.

Kerana sayangnya yang tidak terhingga, buaya putih itu sentiasa memberi berupa barang-barang kemas kepada budak perempuan itu. Tempat di mana berasalnya cerita dongeng itu kini dikenali sebagai Kampung Seri Kemudi.


Sebagai seorang yang mempunyai ramai saudara mara dan pernah membesar di Bachok - sebelah Ummi dan Baba, (Rumah peninggalan nenek moyang saya (di Nyior Cabang) masih berdiri dengan utuh dan telah dijadikan homestay oleh sepupu saya), saya banyak mendengar kisah sejarah dan mistik di Bachok. Semasa kecil, saya dan sepupu (pemilik homestay berkenaan) yang tinggal di Kampung Kemudi pernah mengalami banyak kisah mistik yang dikaitkan dengan sejarah oleh ninda saya - yang sehingga kini belum dapat dirungkai sepenuhnya.

DATUK MISBUN VS BAM



Isu BAM dan Datuk Misbun ni sudah terlalu lama dari peringkat awal sehingga kini - bagaikan retak menanti belah. Mana-mana entiti sukan apabila dikuasai politik, sudah pasti sukar bagi seorang genius sukan badminton antarabangsa ini untuk diberikan ruang menarik nafas.

Sebagai seorang genius sukan badminton negara, apabila menerima tekanan kononnya tidak mahu berkerja secara berkumpulan, Datuk Misbun bertindak berlatih secara sendirian dan akhirnya berjaya menghasilkan keputusan yang terbaik dunia.

BAM tidak pernah serik apabila Misbun menubuhkan Nusa Mahsuri dan sekali lagi berjaya mentransformasikan pemain-pemain yang tidak dikenali kepada juara-juara peringkat dunia. Mesej-mesej bisa ini masih gagal difahami oleh pihak pengurusan BAM.

Misbun adalah seorang yang cukup patriotik dan sayangkan negaranya. Kalau orang lain, mungkin dah lama lari ke luar negara dengan tawaran-tawaran yang cukup lumayan. Dan saya pasti, dia akan menerima salah satu tawaran berkenaan - malah akan ada lagi tawaran-tawaran lain akan membida Datuk Misbun. Biasalah, jika tidak dihargai di negara sendiri, sudah tentu negara lain yang akan menghargai pejuang Malaysia.

Sudah tentu Datuk Misbun berkecil hati apabila ditamatkan kontrak secara lisan. Sudah tentu dia berkecil hati apabila Datuk Subra yang menyampaikan berita buruk padanya dan bukannya rakan baiknya yang menjadi Presiden BAM. Kenapa takut berhadapan dengan Misbun? Atau ada isu lain yang disembunyikan dari kita? (memetik kenyataan Datuk Lee Chong Wei bahawa bukan semua perkara yang boleh dibincangkan di luar kerana faktor kerahsiaan - ini juga akan memberikan persepsi yang salah sebenarnya)

Bila dah kecoh Datuk Misbun buat sidang media dibantu pukulan-pukulan maut oleh adiknya, baru BAM nak kecoh. Sudah tentulah dia berkecil hati, ada antara anak-anak didiknya tidak dapat menerima caranya yang sangat tegas dan "sok-sek" di belakang beliau dan memberitahu "orang atasan". Sudah tentu dia berkecil hati apabila hanya dia seorang sahaja yang ditamatkan kontrak tidak mengikut lunas perundangan dan bukan orang lain yang ikut sama bertanggungjawab. Sudah tentulah dia berkecil hati apabila digelar "outdated" walaupun hasil yang dikeluarkannya adalah kontra dengan pendapat umum.

Saya nak tengok apa hasilnya nanti apabila dia menerima tawaran dari luar negara. Terkebil-kebil la jawabnya apabila juara-juara dunia bukan lagi datang dari Malaysia. BAM tak takut ke?

Jelas pihak pengurusan BAM tidak faham jiwa seorang genius dan mereka merasakan Misbun seolah-olah cuba "dictate" syarat kepada BAM. Walhal jika kita lihat kelab bolasepak antarabangsa mana-mana pun akan mengikut syarat yang diletakkan oleh pemain peringkat dunia.

Saya pasti persatuan badminton lain di luar negara sudah tidak sabar lagi untuk menawarkan Misbun pendapatan dan lebih lumayan tanpa berkompromi dengan syarat-syarat yang diletakkan.

Apabila kita nak dapatkan rahsia dari seorang guru, maka murid-muridnya perlulah bersabar - ini "universal value".

Saya melihat, pihak BAM bersikap tidak professional apabila mengungkit "habis duit kerana Misbun" kerana itu bukan satu kenyataan yang mendamaikan malah lebih melukakan. Tawaran BAM untuk Misbun kembali; pada saya; adalah umpama gula-gula sahaja walaupun Presidennya juga sanggup menamatkan perkhidmatannya pada hujung tahun. Kenapa perlu tunggu hujung tahun? Baiknya sekaranglah patut berhenti...baru gentleman.

Jelas, BAM tidak mahu mengakui kelemahan pengurusannya yang terpalit dengan politik dan lebih mendengar pendapat orang lain dari seorang bekas legenda negara.
Maaflah, bagi saya, kita tidak perlukan "cliche" untuk menutup kesalahan kita. Saya menyokong penuh Datuk Misbun Sidek dalam hal ini.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

THROWBACK 2016

Throwback 2016 : 
Managing Quality in Construction (Excerpt)

Nostalgia today - 2016 - The beginning of a new business relationship.
My 1st MSU Business Lecture for Centre of Excellence for Vision and Eyecare (Management and Science University)




 

Thursday, August 17, 2023

IS YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BEING WATCHED?

 If you receive strange messages while login your social media, it means either your account is under surveillance or someone is hacking them or possibly your account will be the next target for closure. (Am always ready for the worst)

Monday, August 14, 2023

SCHOOL BULLYING MUST STOP

Why School Bullying Happens?

School bullying can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

1. Power Imbalance

Bullies often target individuals perceived as weaker or different to assert dominance and control.

2. Lack of Empathy:

Some bullies lack empathy and don't consider the feelings or consequences of their actions.

3. Social Hierarchies

Schools can have established hierarchies, and bullying can be a way for some students to establish or maintain their status.

4. Home Environment

Bullying behavior might be learned or reinforced at home due to parental modeling or lack of discipline.

5. Peer Pressure

Some students might join in bullying to fit in with a group or avoid becoming a target themselves.

Types of School Bullying

Several types of bullying can occur in schools, including:

a. Verbal Bullying

b. Hurtful language, insults, name-calling, and teasing.

c. Physical Bullying

d. Physical harm, pushing, hitting, kicking, and damaging belongings.

Social Bullying

Spreading rumors, exclusion, manipulating friendships, and embarrassing others.

Cyberbullying

Using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or spread rumors about someone.

How to Stop Bullying in Schools

Addressing school bullying requires a comprehensive approach involving students, teachers, parents, and the community:

a. Education and Awareness

b. Raise awareness about bullying's harmful effects through workshops, discussions, and assemblies.

c. Clear Policies

Implement and enforce anti-bullying policies with strict consequences for perpetrators.

d. Open Communication

e. Encourage students to report bullying incidents and provide a safe, confidential way to do so.

f. Empower Bystanders

g. Teach students to stand up against bullying and support the victim.

Support for Victims

Offer counseling and emotional support for victims to help them cope with the trauma.

Parent Involvement

Engage parents in discussions about bullying prevention and encourage them to reinforce positive behaviors at home.

Positive School Culture

Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where differences are celebrated, and kindness is promoted.

Peer Mediation

Train students to mediate conflicts, reducing the escalation of issues.

Regular Monitoring

Keep track of bullying incidents and interventions to assess the effectiveness of prevention strategies.

NOMA SWO CONSULT

 


Saturday, August 12, 2023

IT'S TIME TO WORK - PAKATAN HARAPAN & PERIKATAN NASIONAL

 


The people have spoken.
Whether those who did not vote, those who are on the fence and those who have cast their votes.
Positions or Party is no longer relevant unless the people's needs are been given priority. If you both still want to fight, fine - go right ahead but the it's going to be your loss - not ours.
It's time to become friends again and fulfill your promises.

--------------------------------------------------
Rakyat telah bersuara.
Samada yang tidak keluar mengundi, yang di atas pagar mahupun yang keluar mengundi
Jawatan dan parti sudah tidak lagi relevan kecuali kehendak rakyat diutamakan terlebih dahulu. Jika masih ingin bersengketa, teruskanlah - yang rugi adalah anda dan bukan kami.
Masanya sudah tiba untuk berbaik-baik dan menunaikan janji


Saturday, July 29, 2023

AUDITORS - BE AWARE WHEN YOU'RE AUDITING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Just had some "difference of opinion" with auditors requesting the project procedures involving design (related to the drawings), the project execution plan (consultant), method statements (consultant) which are all literally spelled in the contract (contractual requirements) to be changed totally.

Recommendation to change these documented information would result in contract changes and review, may also inadvertently causing breaches in the contract terms and conditions between the client, the consultant and the contractor. To make it worse, it can potentially be costly to disturb the construction operation that is running smoothly.

The client fiercely objected when contractors calling them. I had to intervene before the client thought of suing.

Had to explain in detail to the auditors whilst they reserve the right on the corporate level documentation for the purpose of complying to the certification, but requesting to "dump" and use different formats already stated as contractual procedures, execution plan especially method statements are not acceptable.

They can recommend and note as observations in their exit/closing meeting though. I managed to calm down the client/consultant from questioning the auditors qualifications and experience although I notice that these are valid concern.

Although having referring to their superior, and confirmed that they have made some mistakes - even withdrawing some "ridiculous" NCR, it would have been costly for the client, consultant and contractor.

Please be aware of these sensitive issues when you're auditing. Remember, do not resort to some "forensic investigating techniques" or "too authoritative principles" in auditing.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

ALERT - POSSIBLE SCAM

 


This posting is NOT mine and definitely not #elonmusk. I've reported the case to #instagram and deleted this post. I honestly don't think the link provided spacedrop.cc has anything to do with #elonmusk either. I've changed my password and to alert all #instagrammers to be careful.

Friday, July 14, 2023

FENOMENA KEPALA AIR

Al-Fatihah dan didoakan semoga dipermudahkan terjumpanya mangsa yang hilang di Jeram Air Putih. Tidak dapat saya membayangkan kesedihan kaum keluarga termasuk rakyat Malaysia yang prihatin yang turut berdoa untuk terjumpanya mangsa yang masih hilang. Sekalung penghargaan yang tidak terhingga kepada pihak berkuasa terutamanya pihak bomba yang bertungkus-lumus untuk mencari mangsa.

Nasihat saya, janganlah kita berbudaya menuding jari kepada mana-mana pihak sekalipun. Sebaliknya kita kena mencari jalan pencegahan supaya tragedi ini dapat dikurangkan pada tahap paling minima. Janganlah ada juga sifat "firefighting", iaitu sikap menanti berlakunya tragedi baru kita nak kelam-kabut - dengan orang politiknya, dengan pendapat-pendapat masing-masing dsb.

Fenomena kepala air (saya gelar "tsunami sungai") bukan satu fenomena yang baru. Ianya telah mengorbankan banyak nyawa kerana berlakunya secara tiba-tiba. Fenomena kepala air ini selalunya berlaku di sungai-sungai yang berdekatan air terjun dan bukit bukau, terutamanya pada musim tengkujuh.

Saya beruntung kerana dapat memainkan peranan yang kecil dalam projek mitigasi banjir dan analisa risiko banjir bersama pihak berkuasa selama beberapa tahun. Banyak ilmu yang dapat saya pelajari dari perunding-perunding kejuruteraan dari pelbagai agensi. Namun, apa saya sentiasa ingat dari muda lagi ialah satu petua yang telah terbukti secara saintifik terutamanya ahli geologi.

Kini telah terdapat banyak papan-papan tanda amaran mengenai bahayanya kepala air dan bagaimana untuk mengetahui tanda-tandanya sebelum terlewat. Patuhilah amaran berkenaan. Elakkan pendakian air terjun atau eksplorasi kawasan tanpa kebenaran atau pengawasan pihak berkuasa atau mereka yang mahir dan berpengalaman. Siren amaran (termasuk CCTV) walaupun tidak dipasang secara keseluruhan di semua hotspot kepala air, sistem ini dapat mengesan perubahan aliran air dari segi halaju dan paras air serta pergerakan tanah secara tiba-tiba.

Walaupun banyak tanda-tanda pengecaman diberikan, tetapi ianya yang gagal diperhatikan, didengari atau diamati kerana ditenggelami bunyi bising yang lain, sorak-sorai keseronokan dan keasyikan dll. Antara tanda-tanda yang sukar dikenalpasti oleh orang awam ialah perubahan warna air daripada jernih kepada gelap atau kehitaman (disebabkan kelodak/lumpur), aliran air tenang bertukar deras, bunyi seperti letupan dari jauh (lagaan batu-batan sehingga terhakis tanah sekitarnya (runtuh), akar pokok tidak stabil, juga menyebabkan tanah pecah dan pokok tumbang dll.

Tetapi ada satu tanda bagi kita yang bukan ahli geologi dapat mengenalinya dengan segera.

Apabila tiba-tiba berkumpulnya sampah sarap, ranting kayu, daun-daun kering yang sangat banyak secara tiba-tiba berdekatan dengan tempat mandi, beri amaran kepada semua yang sedang mandi supaya segera bergegas ke tempat yang selamat minima antara 50-100 meter kerana kepala air akan menyusul - semakin dekat dengan kawasan air terjun, semakin pantas ia akan tiba (antara 15- 30 saat sahaja (ada yang kurang dari itu) dengan halaju yang sangat deras - dalam tempoh 5-10 minit, paras air boleh naik dari satu hingga dua meter, air daripada dua meter sesaat boleh naik sehingga 10 meter sesaat.

Kepala air mampu membawa orang dewasa lebih menyedihkan kanak-kanak ke jarak yang jauh dan biasanya akan mati lemas.

Ada juga yang hilang mungkin tertanam di dalam kelodak, lumpur dan pasir malah terlekat di celahan batu pada paras yang dalam. Hanya penyelam yang mahir atau ekskavasi secara sistematik, alihan aliran sungai (river diversion) atau menggunakan pam yang berkuasa tinggi antara cara-cara yang dapat memudahkan operasi mencari mayat yang hilang. Tetapi operasi mencari akan menjadi sukar apabila hujan lebat dan ribut petir yang mampu mengalihkan mayat ke jarak yang lebih jauh.

Dalam pengalaman tidak seberapa saya melibatkan diri dalam projek mitigasi banjir, analisa risiko banjir yang saya tuliskan antara lain menyenaraikan kepentingan kestabilan cerun, kawasan tebing/dasar sungai yang perlu distabilkan, kawalan aliran sedimen dll perlu dilakukan seberapa segera. Undang-undang yang sediada juga perlu dikuatkuasakan terutamanya ke atas pembuangan sampah di kawasan sungai, kawalan ke atas aktiviti pembalakan, syarat-syarat yang lebih ketat untuk pembinaan struktur di tempat-tempat tinggi dan berisiko, kawalan pelombongan pasir (haram) dan paling penting ialah Malaysia perlu mempunyai Akta Risiko Banjir nya yang tersendiri.

Sunday, July 02, 2023

CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AID THE POOR? (QUICK ANALYSIS BY NIK ZAFRI)



Someone asked me a few days ago, since I've been promoting Artificial Intelligence and its multifaceted use.

A good question: "How can AI benefit the poor?"

I do not know the intention of the person asking (who is politically motivated and the way he asked in a quite cynical mode or perhaps he is simply curious) but I'm going to answer it anyway. (not for him but for everyone reading this article)

Took me a while to do some research and I can come out with some ways (possibly can be done in the near future in Malaysia - but surprisingly many countries are already using them - at least at the inception stage) that AI can help the poor (where some of them, I am seriously considering using with the help of some "nerdy friends":

a. Identifying poverty-stricken regions -

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze satellite imagery and other data to identify areas where poverty is concentrated. This information can then be used to target interventions and resources to those areas.

b. Providing access to education and healthcare 

AI can be used to develop educational tools and resources that are tailored to the needs of poor communities. It can also be used to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, making it more accessible to people living in poverty.

c. Improving agricultural productivity -

AI can be used to develop new agricultural technologies that can help to increase crop yields and improve food security. This can be especially helpful in developing countries where poverty is often linked to food insecurity.

d. Enhancing financial inclusion -  

AI can be used to develop new financial products and services that are accessible to people living in poverty. This can help to break the cycle of poverty by providing people with the tools they need to save, invest, and build their businesses.

e. Promoting social inclusion - 

AI can be used to develop new tools and technologies that can help to promote social inclusion. This includes things like chatbots that can provide mental health support, or AI-powered translation tools that can help people communicate across language barriers.

These are just a few of the ways that AI can help the poor. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use AI to address the root causes of poverty and improve the lives of people living in poverty.

Surprisingly some of the AI elements are already in place (how cool is that) designed to aid the poor:

i. United States

AI is being used to develop a new type of educational tool that can help students learn to code. The tool, called Codecademy, uses AI to personalize the learning experience for each student. This helps students learn at their own pace and focus on the areas where they need the most help.

ii. Kenya

AI is being used to develop a chatbot that can provide financial advice to people living in poverty. The chatbot, called M-Akiba, is able to assess a person's financial situation and recommend savings and investment products that are tailored to their needs.

iii. India

AI is being used to develop a new type of crop insurance that is more affordable and accessible to farmers. The insurance is based on AI-powered weather models that can predict the likelihood of crop failure. This allows farmers to get insurance even if they don't have a traditional credit history

Future Impacts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact the lives of the poor by addressing various challenges they face and providing solutions in multiple domains.

Here are some trades/industries that I foresee how AI can potentially have positive impacts on poverty :

1.0 Healthcare

AI can enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for the poor by providing accurate and quick diagnoses, especially in areas with limited medical resources. AI algorithms can analyze medical data, identify patterns, and assist in the early detection of diseases. Since we already have telemedicine platforms, they can be enhanced further by AI to connect patients in remote areas with healthcare professionals.

2.0 Education

I've said this before and I'm going to say this again :

AI can improve access to quality education for disadvantaged communities. Intelligent tutoring systems can offer personalized learning experiences, adapt to individual student needs, and provide educational content in different languages. AI-powered chatbots can also provide guidance and support to students, especially those lacking access to traditional educational institutions.

3.0 Agriculture

AI can enhance agricultural productivity and reduce poverty in rural areas. AI-powered technologies can provide farmers with information about weather patterns, crop diseases, and optimal planting and harvesting times. By analyzing soil data, AI can offer recommendations for optimal fertilization and irrigation techniques, leading to increased yields and reduced costs.

4.0 Financial Services

AI-driven tools can expand financial inclusion by providing banking and financial services to the poor. AI algorithms can assess creditworthiness and offer microloans to individuals without a traditional credit history. Chatbots and virtual assistants can also assist with financial planning, budgeting, and offering guidance on financial literacy.

5.0 Disaster Response

AI can aid in disaster response and management to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources (such as social media, satellite imagery, and sensors) to predict and detect disasters, improve emergency response times, and allocate resources more effectively.

6.0 Employment and Skills Training

AI can help the poor acquire new skills and access employment opportunities. Online platforms powered by AI can provide vocational training, matching job seekers with suitable positions. AI algorithms can analyze labor market trends and provide insights to governments and organizations, enabling them to create targeted policies and programs to uplift the poor.

Despite the great potentials, we may also have to deal with challenges such as data biases, ethical considerations, and the need for proper infrastructure and resources to ensure equitable access.

However, when implemented responsibly and inclusively, AI can contribute to reducing poverty and empowering marginalized communities.