DISCLAIMER - NIKZAFRI.BLOGSPOT.COM


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.

The information comprised in this section is not, nor is it held out to be, a solicitation of any person to take any form of investment decision. The content of the nikzafri.blogspot.com does not constitute advice or a recommendation by nikzafri.blogspot.com and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) any decision relating to investments or any other matter. You should consult your own independent financial adviser and obtain professional advice before exercising any investment decisions or choices based on information featured in this nikzafri.blogspot.com can not be held liable or responsible in any way for any opinions, suggestions, recommendations or comments made by any of the contributors to the various columns on nikzafri.blogspot.com nor do opinions of contributors necessarily reflect those of http://www. nikzafri.blogspot.com

In no event shall nikzafri.blogspot.com be liable for any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, direct, special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, or damages for lost profits, loss of revenue, or loss of use, arising out of or related to the nikzafri.blogspot.com or the information contained in it, whether such damages arise in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law or otherwise.


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"


 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

WHY IS MY PHONE INTERNET IS SO SLOW?

Eversince the two nation's most famous telcos "got married", things started to take a 360 degree turn. The stability of the internet has become unpredictable, fluctuating between fast and slow speeds.

This inconsistency particularly affects "cheapskate" prepaid users like myself, who have subscribed to high-speed internet plans only to find sluggish connectivity especially on hotspot- Public Wi-Fi is no longer reliable. Adding to the frustration, as the data limit approaches, the internet mysteriously speeds up, leaving me with unused data.
Initially, I suspected prejudice against prepaid users like me, but discussions with friends on postpaid plans revealed that they too encounter the same issues. It's puzzling why some areas still rely on outdated cell broadcast technology instead of upgrading to the latest technology. Picture this: owning a 5G-enabled phone but receiving only 3G or 3.5G signals, or encountering cell broadcasts incompatible with certain phone brands.
Topography, line of sight to towers, network congestion due to heavy traffic or some "firewall" problems affecting the radio packet transmission are NOT the users problem as we are paying good money for it. So it' s the telco should be resolving all these issues. Why bother to tell the users all the techie things? I am not a telco engineer...you are.. you solve your problems "lah".
Many times I encounter embarrassing experience of inability to use Touch and Go e-wallet despite subscribing to high speed internet - making me frantically searching for cash or using debit card which is not helping me in collection/redemption of points.
Although advanced technology exists, its availability seems limited to upscale locations.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

JANGAN TERTIPU DENGAN SYARIKAT "PELABURAN" - Nik Zafri

Tahun 2016, saya ada menghadiri satu jemputan untuk mendengar ceramah 30 minit mengenai satu syarikat pelaburan yang katanya nak disenaraikan di ACE market di sebuah hotel (3 bintang)

Terkejut juga bila dapat kad perniagaan dari mereka yang bertugas di pintu masuk bilik mesyuarat tertera sebuah "Syarikat Sdn. Bhd." Ada lebihkurang 20 orang yang hadir dan mereka meminta saya duduk di kerusi paling hadapan walaupun saya mendesak untuk duduk di kerusi belakang. (rasa lain macam nih)
Sepanjang penerangan diberikan, saya sudah dapat mengesan "red flags" antara lain - "bukan skim cepat kaya", "diluluskan undang-undang" dll bla-bla-bla ibarat macam syarikat jualan langsung pula. (produk pun tidak ada - sekadar memaparkan kilang-kilang (ODM) tertentu usahasama untuk "contract manufacturing")
Cara penerangan mengenai prosedur penyenaraian pun saya tengok banyak kesalahan. Terus-terus IPO, kut mana ni?
Mana "pre-submission" (penstrukturan IPO, "due diligence" dll) Mana "regulatory approval"? dan beberapa proses lain? Yang ditunjukkan surat permohonan untuk disenaraikan? Kandungannya pun nampak silap.
Hati da rasa - ini macam scam ni.
Dah habis penerangan, saya buat-buatlah bodoh bertanya depan-depan orang ramai :
1) Boleh ke Syarikat Sdn. Bhd. jadi firma pelaburan? Bukan yang "awam berhad" ke?
2) Berapa jumlah modal untuk melayakkan diri ke ACE market? Berapa "total market capitalization" yang diperlukan semasa disenaraikan? Berapa lama konsesi yang diberikan oleh kerajaan?
3) Mana lesen pengurusan dana? Mana lesen pengurus dana? (2 lesen tu)
4) Mana prospektus?
Tiba-tiba berbunyi satu suara di belakang saya menyokong apa yang saya katakan.
Penganjur dah terketar-ketar nak menjawab. Lalu saya pun bangun dan keluar dari ceramah berkenaan diikuti oleh rakan saya dan dua hingga tiga orang dari ceramah berkenaan. Rasa membazir masa pula datang.
Rupa-rupanya di belakang saya tadi yang menyokong saya adalah penyamar orang awam dari pihak berkuasa. Khabarnya dah ada operasi tutup dan rampas tidak lama selepas acara berkenaan.
Banyak juga whatssap dan PM FB yang saya dapat - ...malaslah nak layan kerana semua mesej yang ditulis adalah sia-sia belaka.
Dah terhantuk baru tergadah. Tapi ramai lagi yang percaya dengan penipuan seperti ini. Sampai ribuan ringgit habis. Saya rasa malas nak tegur sebab ada sahaja alasan/jawapan "penjilat"- biarla pihak berkuasa buat kerja sikit. Saya sekadar nak selamatkan kawan-kawan yang terpengaruh je.

Sunday, February 04, 2024

PETUA


Salam, sebenarnya banyak soalan yang dikemukakan pada saya sejak tahun lepas - bertanyakan apa petua yang saya amalkan, kaki masih kuat - masih dapat bersepatu roda dengan pantas pada usia masuk 58 tahun 2024.
Sememangnya ada petuanya - tetapi sesetengahnya perlu dikongsi secara peribadi kerana ianya melibatkan "herbs", petua pengamal seni mempertahankan diri (sesetengahnya ada di FB saudara Dr. Azlan Ghanie II, dan set ubat-ubatan (yang sememangnya memerlukan sedikit pelaburan) tetapi saya kongsikan 4 disiplin utama perlu dijaga terlebih dahulu.
1) Kawalan Mental - ini paling penting. Saya sedar, ramai yang mempunyai pelbagai masalah peribadi terutamanya kewangan (saya pun ada masalah berkenaan - itu perkara biasa). Sebelum beriadhah atau beribadah, kita perlu kosongkan diri kita sebentar dari sebarang masalah - biasanya saya akan menarik nafas 3 kali - tarik nafas 1X tahan - lepaskan perlahan-lahan ke kanan. Jika kita tidak memikirkan banyak masalah - sudah tentu kita akan dapat fokus. (begitulah sebaliknya) Kawalan mental juga penting dalam kita beribadah atau berdoa dengan tenang dan bukan dengan perasaan terlalu bimbang dan marah. Kondisi mental kita boleh menyebabkan kita makan dengan jumlah yang terlalu banyak dan ini boleh membahayakan kesihatan dalam tempoh jangka panjang.
2) Senaman dan riadhah - bagi yang telah lama tidak beriadhah dan berusia 40 tahun ke atas walaupun sebelum menunaikan umrah atau haji sekalipun, cara riadhahnya ialah berjalan perlahan-lahan - sekurang-kurangnya 5km (pergi dan balik) dan maksima adalah 10km (pergi dan balik) - jangan lebih dari ini. Sebaiknya jangan fikirkan cuaca - samada pagi atau petang - dingin, teduh atau panas. Kecuali hujan, jika anda menanti cuaca yang baik, mood yang baik, masalah selesai terlebih dahulu, sampai bila-bila pun anda akan jadi malas untuk beriadah.
Semasa riadah berjalan kaki - cuba bernafas secara sederhana menerusi hidung dan bukan menerusi mulut. Jadikan 2 atau 3 langkah = satu nafas. Lepaskan nafas perlahan-lahan ke arah bawah dengan tidak terus tergesa-gesa menghembus nafas keluar.
Jika anda ada masalah jantung atau pernafasan, kurangnya jarak anda kepada 2km (pergi dan balik terlebih dahulu)
(Petua Berlari dan lain-lain gerakan riadhah - akan saya kongsikan kemudian)
3) Petua mandi - sebaiknya siram di kaki terlebih dahulu sehingga suhu badan kita terasa sedikit suam baharu perlahan-lahan siram naik ke atas. Bila tiba pada kepala, basuh muka terlebih dahulu dan renjiskan sedikit air di kepada dan urut sedikit di kawasan ubun-ubun dan perlahan-lahan jiruskan air ke seluruh badan bermula dengan kepala
(Petua tidur, tempoh rehat dsb - akan saya kongsikan kemudian)
4) Ubat-ubatan/makanan - elakkan menggunakan steroid atau pain-killer terutamanya jika anda berusia lebih 40 tahun kerana steroid dan pain killer amat merbahaya sekali terutamanya jika anda mengalami masalah jantung, darah tinggi, kencing manis atau strok. Dapatkan preskripsi doktor dan jalani apa-apa ujian perubatan yang perlu mengenai apa juga ubat-ubatan yang kita nak gunakan terutamanya pain killer. Begitu juga dengan suplemen, herbs dsb. - sebaiknya buat kajian tersendiri bimbang takut akan mengakibatkan kesan sampingan pada tubuh kita.
(mengenai akupuntur, bekam dan urutan - akan saya kongsikan kemudian)
Mee segera/jajan - mee segera sebenarnya tidaklah begitu membahayakan kesihatan tetapi perencah dan perasanya itulah yang menyebabkan ia berbahaya kepada kesihatan dalam tempoh jangkapanjang. Jika terasa nak makan mee segera, buatlah perasa kita sendiri seperti aneka bawang, kicap, garam (bukit/buluh) dan sedikit ayam atau daging dll mengikut citarasa.
Sebaiknya kurangkan mee segera dan jajan - agak-agak saya 3 - 5 bulan sekali, bolehlah. (sebenarnya kalau saya 6 bulan sekali atau setahun sekali)

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY ONLY PRINCESS - NIK AMALIN HARISAH

Simple birthday celebration of our only princess, Nik Amalin Harisah (named in honour and with the grace from YAM Tengku Amalin A'ishah Putri binti Almarhum Al-Sultan Ismail Petra)

I still owe my daughter a present and a treat to a great lunch today.




The day that my daughter Nik Amalin Harisah met the YAM Tengku Amalin A'ishah Putri ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Ismail Petra


She is the most precious person in our lives



A proud youngest brother with his elder sister

Monday, January 29, 2024

CONSTRUCTION STUDY VISIT AND FREE TRAINING/LECTURE

CONSTRUCTION SITE STUDY VISIT

I like to do a study visit at any construction sites in Kuala Lumpur. It's not an audit or assessment, I assure you. Just to get the feel of it and perhaps engaged in value added conversation or suggest unrecorded improvement. It's free of charge - it's all confidential. Anyone interested to take me in? PM me please.

FREE 3 HOURS TRAINING/LECTURE 

I am also doing a free of charge 2 hours training/lecture with 30 minutes - 1 hour Q & A - with detailed information and formats to any organization wishing to engage me for in house or online or even at any conference. Do make your own arrangements- PM or Whatssap me. The topics (1 topic of your choice) would cover Sustainable Development, Good Governance, QHSE including Anti-Bribery Management Systems - any types of industry. Offer valid till end February, 2024. Kuala Lumpur ONLY. 

Conditions : 

1. I am not covering for any rental of conference room, internet, photocopying, certificates or other arrangements such as projector, digital TV, F & B. But my training/lecture will be free.

2. For Selangor and outside KL - will need to discuss other 

arrangements such as mobilization and accommodation. But my training/lecture will be free.

3. I will need the session to be recorded for me and for the entity engaging me for the session.

All notes and slides will be shared or downloaded after the session.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

ALERT DON'T FALL FOR UNLICENSED INVESTMENT - A REMINDER BY NIK ZAFRI

Many individuals remain unaware of the necessity for proper licensing from regulatory bodies when engaging in trading activities related to finance, funds, shares, derivatives, and precious metals. Both individuals and the companies they operate must obtain appropriate licenses.
For detailed information, please consult the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA) administered by the Securities Commission. Further reference can also be made to The Banking and Financial Institutions Act, 1989 or Companies Act 1965.
In the case of Gold, Bullion, or FOREX trading, refer to the Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECA 1953), which falls under the direct jurisdiction of Bank Negara Malaysia.
It is crucial to stay informed about these regulations to prevent direct or indirect involvement in illicit activities such as money laundering (The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 - AMLA) or even bribery (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009).
Avoid seeking loopholes in these regulations. Exercise caution and skepticism, especially when confronted with photos, screenshots of bank accounts, Get Rich Quick Schemes, unlicensed Multi-Level Marketing/Pyramid Schemes, or any other dubious schemes.
Despite current challenges, refrain from adding unnecessary burdens that may lead to suffering for yourself and your loved ones. Stay vigilant and adhere to regulatory guidelines to ensure a secure and lawful financial environment.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

HANDLING OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION REGARDING NATIONAL SECURITY - A REMINDER BY A CONCERNED CIVILIAN - NIK ZAFRI


Just a reminder from a concerned "civilian"

I feel it is time for any individual, whether currently in service or a former intelligence operative, or has been deemed a "civilian," especially from elite forces or special units such as:

21st Special Service Regiment, Naval Special Warfare Force, RMAF Special Force, 69 Commando Battalion, Special Action Unit, Special Task and Rescue

or any other intelligence division such as MMEA, MEIO/JPM, SPRM, ESSCOM, KDN, or any Ministry, Department, Agency, or any Association/Organization of Former Intelligence or institutions or academy such as National Defence University or Royal Military College, PULAPOL or any other equivalent entitites - to refrain from conveying, using, or improperly/unauthorized storing of any classified information, mishandling classified information and to not disclose any matter or topic verbally or on social media, and not giving any indication or disseminating any documents, especially in the "public domain," where such matters have been classified as "SECRET" or "CONFIDENTIAL" or "CLASSIFIED" or any other equivalent words implied or expressed, in the form of coding etc.

This includes matters related to Court Martial cases, Weaponry, National Defence, Missions, Internal Crisis, or any other sensitive matters etc., because this is not only a serious offense (with no trial or lifelong imprisonment) but also poses a threat to national security and public peace.

These delicate matters also involve civilians or politicians or government/civil service officials - who may have been exposed intentionally or unintentionally or by coincidence or by circumstantial etc. to any secrets, including journalists, publishers, authors, security firms, ICT or private sectors etc., to safeguard anything classified as "SECRET."

This is not only about Official Secrets Act 1972 or merely duly signed Form D but also other Acts as well, including those involving signing of records/forms and oaths of secrecy conducted internally.

Classified information; unless officially "declassified" or "duly authorized in writing"; should also be considered non-disclosable throughout or after service during the reign of any HRM SPB YPD Agong and the Malay Rulers or any Government within Malaysia whether Federal or State whether in the rulling or opposition factions/parties/coalitions.

Please be reminded that I am only but a concerned "civilian" .

Sunday, January 21, 2024

THE AFTERMATH OF POOR WORKMANSHIP IN CONSTRUCTION - Nik Zafri

No names, location and project will be cited. This is just merely information-sharing. Some of the contents have been altered on purpose to avoid legal complications. I am not a professional engineer but my experience has served me well.

Was hired to do a 3rd party quality inspection prior to CCC somewhere in Malaysia (no names, location and project will be cited) I would like to emphasize and make a professional disclaimer that the following case is an isolated case. It does not in any way at all represents the quality of workmanship in construction, building and civil engineering works in Malaysia.

I was a bit nostalgic when asked to do some "QC work" which I have not had much opportunity over the years to really "go down to the field" (too busy doing consulting advising work)

The owner and the authorities somehow "doubted" the inspection results being submitted by the "consultant" that they have hired.
Well, they are right!

a) I looked at the soil conditions in the surroundings and spotted the first problem. It is a bit complicated to have a strong foundation when it comes to housing projects on or even in the vicinity of hilly areas. (I sometimes wonder, how site investigation was conducted on the first place, how the soil test was done during that time - not to mention environmental impact assessment)

The previous consultant inspection did discover some problems of floor slabs, foundations that are cracked etc. But the root cause was inaccurate. It simply said "poor workmanship".

As suspected, I noticed some ground subsidence (settling) problems which by nature may have caused movement of the structure.

Compaction of the subsurface was not sufficient hence potentially creating further problems on the drainage during rainy season.

After a quick investigation, found out that there have been some minor landslides reports in the neighbourhood area which nobody took into account.

b) There have been signs of attempts to recast and hacked out but again, the concrete may not be properly recompacted by proper force of vibration/ ramming. "new" honeycombs are still spotted.

The concrete was not impermeable and densed due to improper compaction.

c) Materials used was definitely superficial. To quote one example, I noticed the windows from inside and outside - lack of sheet metal drip edge above the window header, the flashing is deteriorating, rough framing etc.

Thus, I did my own 'wet run' (spraying the water from inside and outside) - wow...everything started to leak here and there even through the sills. The previous inspection did not take into account the water spray test.

d) There were problems of segregation (mixed ingredients separated) everywhere. My best guess is the mixing was not measured properly against high coarse aggregate. The mix dropping may also have been done without proper chutes (perhaps dropping them through too great a height in placing)

e) Construction joints - poor compaction. There were stains/moistures on the concrete face. This may have been caused due to a layer of concrete laid before pouring is continued and the old concrete was not washed properly.

Ok enough with that, there are a lot more. Let's talk about management during construction

i) This is a clear sign of poor project management
ii) There will also be a problem when you hire foreign workers - communication problem - not to mention language barrier may cause bigger problems
iii) The subcontractors may have been given very complicated jobs and the main contractor may also not been properly supervising

Well, the conclusion made by the project owners/stakeholders and the authorities were not good at all. I don't want to know what happened next.

I chucked when they asked me :

"Nik, are you a professional engineer?"

I replied "not a chance 'in hell' but you can thank my previous employers managing mega projects and my humble years of audit and inspection experience, that's where I learned the trade.
After all, you are the expert (Ir), you should be signing it..not me..aa..aaa."

They nodded and thanked me.

Shoddy construction workmanship/method are the reasons leading to failure of buildings and structural integrity. The root causes? Inadequate QC at site and negligence.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

PENAFIAN MENGENAI SILSILAH SYEIKH WAN DAUD FATHANI

Assalaamuálaikum wbr. (Petikan dari FB Page/Akaun saya)

(Saya mengizinkan sesiapa sahaja untuk berkongsi tulisan ini (copy & paste) cuma letakkan kredit nama saya untuk memudahkan penjelasan)

Saya ingin memohon maaf sekiranya posting ini agak panjang sedikit. Dulu, saya ada mendengar khabar, pihak membuat dakwaan bahawa mereka adalah keturunan Almarhum Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani yang dimaqamkan di Taif dalam Wilayah Mekah. Tidak perlulah saya bincangkan biografi Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani kerana banyak sumbernya di Google.

Untuk perbincangan ini, saya menggunakan beberapa screenshot dari geni kerana untuk menulis silsilah Syeikh Wan Daud secara terperinci amatlah rumit kerana terlalu banyak cabangnya. Saya mempunyai kaitan dengan keturunan yang sama menerusi kedua belah ibu (2 jalur - LImbat) dan bapa saya (1 jalur Besut). Tidaklah niat saya untuk berbangga atau riak kerana ilmu/akhlak saya masih jauh jika nak dibandingkan dengan tokoh ulama yang terkenal ini.



Saya juga tidak meletakkan foto Syeikh Wan Daud dan foto maqamnya di Taif atas sebab-sebab peribadi. Tetapi bagi sesiapa yang mengerjakan umrah/haji, ziarah ke maqam Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani adalah salah satu lokasi penting.
Hal yang sama pernah saya bincangkan dengan Allahyarham Ustaz Wan Saghir, salah seorang cucunda kepada Syeikh Wan Ahmad Fathani. Keluarga Syeikh Wan Daud juga berkaitan Almarhum Tuan Guru Hj. Wan Latif, Terengganu (kebanyakan ahli keluarga saya dari jalur Tuan Guru Hj Wan Latif ada di dalam FB saya ini)
Setelah saya teliti, saya dapati mungkin ada yang tertukar dengan 2 orang lagi ulama iaitu Tuan Guru Haji Daud Bukit Abal (Thoriqat Ahmadiyyah) dan Syeikh Wan Daud KHATIB Al-Fathoni. Tetapi timeline kedua ulama ini adalah amat besar jurangnya dengan Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani. Saya husnul zhan mungkin mereka tidak sengaja menghubungkan nama mereka kepada Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani.

Saya pernah membuat satu penafian am suatu masa dahulu tanpa menyebut nama ulama berkenaan dan nama mereka yang mendakwa bagi tidak mengaibkan sesiapa.

Pagi tadi, saya telah menerima satu mesej dari seorang ahli keluarga menerusi Geni meminta tuliskan secara ringkas silsilah Tok Kaya Ratna Diraja Patani (Wan Yusof) untuk membuat penafian kerana masih ada yang mendakwa dan menghubungkan diri mereka kepada Ulama Nusantara terkenal ini.

Malah ada dakwaan bahawa keluarga/kerabat ini bukan keturunan Bugis atau berkaitan dengan Johor (lihat screenshot - Tun Tija (Wan Tija) binti Datuk Laksmana Kota Tinggi - yang berkahwin dengan Andi/Andik Ali/Faqih Ali)






Datuk Perdana Menteri Nik Mahmud Paduka Raja Kelantan pernah menulis:

“Syahdan dan pada suatu masa bulan sedang mengambang di tepi langit, tersebutlah cerita anak raja Bugis lari daripada saudaranya menumpang sebuah bahtera sampai ke Johor dan tumpang duduk berkirim diri rumah Laksamana Kota Tinggi, dipanggil Andik Ali.

“Tatkala Laksamana memandang kepadanya berasalah kasihan belas dan dipeliharanya sebagai anak angkatnya sendiri. Tidak berapa tahun kemudian diperjodohkan dengan anaknya Wan Tija. Tidak berapa lama selepas itu Andik Ali serta dengan isterinya pun beredar ke Patani menumpang di rumah Mekong Damit Kampung Bira pada tahun 1049 H. Maka kerana lemah lembut tingkah lakunya dan berpelajaran orang di Patani memanggilnya Faqih Ali. Di situ ia beristeri kepada Ce' Dewi anak Sri Biji Diraja. Baginda sampai di Patani kira-kira tahun 1637 M”

Ringkasnya Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani dari jalur ibu dan bapanya adalah keturunan Mujaddid Syed Hussein Jamadil Qubra yang menjadi punca utama kepada keturunan Kesultanan Kelantan termasuk Long Gaffar menerusi perkahwinannya dengan Puteri Linang Cahaya binti Raden Mas Arya/Sultan Baki Shah Kerajaan Chermin.

Dari jalur ibunya - Syeikh Daud Fathani adalah salah seorang cicit 
Tok Kaya Ratna menerusi jalur ibunya.

Wan Fatimah
      |
Wan Salamah
      |
Tok Banda Wan Su
     |
Tok Kaya Rakna Diraja Wan Yusuf
     |
Andi/Andik (Faqih) Ali Datok Maharajalela
     |
Mustafa Datu Jambu (Sultan Abdul Hamid Syah)
     |
Sultan Muzaffar Waliullah bin Sultan Abu Abdullah Umdatuddin)

Sepanjang yang saya tahu - Syeikh Wan Daud Fathani TIDAK pernah berkahwin dan TIDAK pernah ada zuriat kecuali dari punca adik beradiknya. Elakkan bernasab kepada bukan nasab kita kerana perkara ini dilarang.

Saya harap selepas ini, perkara ini agak jelas dan tiada lagi sebarang dakwaan dilakukan. Selebihnya bolehlah ditanyakan kepada mana-mana ahli keluarga Tuan Guru Haji Wan Latiff kerana amanat menjaga silsilah ini juga menjadi tanggungjawab keluarga kami.

Al-Fatihah : Syeikh Wan Daud Al-Fathani

(kebetulan malam ni ada majlis tahlil diikuti infaq asnaf - saya doakan semua pembaca sejahtera, murah rezeki)

Wassalam.

Tuesday, January 09, 2024

PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS AT WORK - NIK ZAFRI



Another memory of 2023. (End October 2023) In the heart of Bukit Bintang near the entrance of Berjaya Times Square, I was invited to deliver a 10-min lecture (general awareness) on "Prevention of Blindness at Work - Overview of the eye-related problems in the Construction Industry". The event theme was "Sight Awareness 2023" in conjunction with World Sight Day 2023 - organized by Management and Science University - MSU Department of Excellence for Vision and Eyecare (MSU I-Care) co-organized by Women in Governance and Technology Association of Malaysia (WIGTA Malaysia), Lions Club of KL MySight, Lions Eye Clinic Malaysia and Pesona Optometry.


Friday, December 29, 2023

Roller Skating after 30 years - Memories of 2023

Rollerskating after 30 years - some unforgettable moments of 2023 and a bonus surprise video - watch till the end.




 

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

I AM NOT A JACK OF ALL TRADES

 (Sharing my status on LinkedIn. It's not like me rejecting offers but the reasons are clear)


Thank you to few companies for considering me for field work monitoring roles. As I have stated in my response, my expertise are merely in construction, manufacturing, QHSE, project management, civil and building engineering works, sustainable Development, regulations, education, Human Resources/Industrial Relations, marketing strategies/R & D, ICT and codes of practice.

While I bring extensive experience across multiple other domains (such as AI and Virtual Reality - even shipping and logistics/ERP/MRP, Banking, Business, Finance, Banking, Economy), I must clarify that although I know the foundations of the field that you're offering, I lack substantial hands-on experience in technical field work within industries such as :

(a) aerospace (e.g. aircraft engines, propulsion units) - although there are many extremely senior pilots and aerospace personnel in my immediate family circle, alas, I am not one of them.

(b) aeronautical engineering, (e.g. satellites, rockets and shuttles) or

(c) nuclear plants. (e.g. nuclear technology and applications of radiation or radiation core)

While I'm open to learning, any involvement would need to be expedited due to my current expertise.

Perhaps, you must have missed proper vetting of my CV, my websites, thorough checking of my background or make phone calls to my references. - you will find that what I've mentioned herein is the truth.

However, I have recommended acquaintances who specialize in aerospace, aeronautical engineering, and nuclear physics. I remain hopeful that these companies might still consider engaging me for consultancy in areas that align more closely with my experience and skill set.
-------------------------- Note : There is a wise saying : Once you LIE and got away with it, you will feel comfortable with LYING and it becomes your habit. Once you're caught, you will find your whole world crumbling upon you.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - CADANGAN KERAJAAN MENERUSI KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN UNTUK MEMBERIKAN SUNTIKAN BOOSTER - Pendapat Peribadi saya - Nik Zafri

 I value the professional insights of the Malaysian Medical Association and other voices, suggesting that making the Covid-19 booster mandatory should be reconsidered, except for individuals at high risk. This recommendation comes despite the recent rise in infections, as many cases exhibit mild symptoms that could potentially recover through adequate rest and medication.

Masih teringat beberapa kisah tragis yang membabitkan saudara-mara dan rakan-rakan saya semasa PKP pada mana-mana fasa - yang : 

a) ramai juga saudara-mara dan kawan-kawan saya yang meninggal tidak lama selepas mengambil vaksin atau booster walaupun telah menjalani saringan dan didapati sihat sebelum pengambilan,

b) kakitangan kerajaan - termasuk kes seorang guru yang cacat penglihatan telah diasingkan ke dalam stor kerana tidak mengambil vaksin. Malah, ada guru yang tidak mengambil vaksin diarah untuk membawa makanan sendiri dan tidak dibenarkan ke kafeteria atau kantin (banyak lagi kes yang melibatkan guru-guru)

c) ada juga kakitangan kerajaan yang digantung kerja, diberi amaran keras atau dibuang kerja - juga kerana tidak mengambil vaksin.

Setakat ini, guru-guru dan kakitangan-kakitangan kerajaan berkenaan masih sihat dan masih hidup.

d) ada yang hampir membunuh diri dan ada juga yang telah membunuh diri disebabkan tidak ada bantuan, tidak ada wang dan kehilangan punca pendapatan.

e) mereka di sektor swasta adalah golongan yang paling teruk dilanda masalah semasa PKP.

Tuntutan penjelasan malah gantirugi telah dilakukan oleh banyak pihak tetapi tidak mendapat jawapan yang jelas. Apa yang jelas, terdapat kes yang mirip kepada penganiayaan semasa PKP pada semua peringkat berlaku.

Saya tidak mahu menyalahkan sesiapa dan beranggapan ini adalah takdir. 

Tetapi kita perlu ingat, betapa parahnya nasib sebahagian besar rakyat yang mungkin terasa mereka teraniaya. Malah kerajaan ketika itu telah menghabiskan banyak wang berbelanja untuk membeli vaksin malah untuk mengadakan aplikasi MySejahtera.

Sehingga sekarang, masih belum wujud vaksin buatan Malaysia jauh sekali dengan "antedote" Covid-19 di mana-mana negara di dunia.

Ini bukan soal pro vaksin atau anti vaksin atau teori konspirasi, tetapi ramai yang telah lupa kisah-kisah tragis ini yang menyebabkan rakyat mengalami stres yang amat hebat - malah berlakunya kes bunuh diri seperti dalam faktor (d) di atas. 

Ada yang akan beranggapan; dalam keadaan ekonomi yang belum stabil; sudah pasti lebih banyak duit akan dibelanjakan ke atas "booster" ditambah pula dengan trauma yang dialami semasa PKP akan kembali sekiranya kerajaan berhasrat untuk melaksanaka PKP.

Apa yang sepatutnya dilakukan ialah tindakan pencegahan dan pengesanan yang lebih bersistem. Individu boleh la memakai pelitup muka di tempat-tempat kunjungan dan berkumpulnya orang ramai serta menggunakan sanitizer. 

Jika boleh, janganlah memaksa rakyat menggunakan aplikasi MySejahtera untuk memastikan "warna diraja" muncul di skrin, barulah dibenarkan masuk ke restoran atau kedai dsb.  Elakkanlah mengadakan semula Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan kerana ianya akan meninggalkan kesan.. Cukuplah dengan mengambil suhu dan atau menggunakan kit ujian kendiri. 

Langkah-langkah ini contohnya memakai pelitup muka di kawasan awam atau menggunakan sanitizer - bukanlah hanya untuk mengurangkan impak Covid 19 sahaja tetapi juga gejala-gejala lain yang berjangkit.