Power & Gas Speculation

I read in The Edge today that Petronas is the most Profitable company in Asia. In the recent debate over the Fuel price increase to RM2.70, the question posed to Anwar by one of the panelist was "Why he chose to critic the government through this avenue?". The answer, obviously, is because it is a big bucks industry and money talks. He's trying to make the Rakyat see that the Government has made too much money at the expense of the people.

I have officially postphoned my plan to install the NGV kit on my car on rumours that there will be an increase in Gas Price too. Who will benifit from this exercise? NGV kit installers who had so many customers lining up in the recent weeks? Maybe a 41.5% shareholder of Gas Malaysia is going to get a windfall by the millions. MMCCORP on bursamalaysia.

People of Convenience

One of the most biggest opportunity in our country today is the industry of Convenience. People in our community are willing to pay far too much in order to obtain this facility of Convenience. Sad but true, that is the situation that our beloved country faces today. Workers on all levels take opportunity for the need of Convenience and abuse their power to obtain some extra income/rewards in the name of greed. The only way we can stop this disease is to stop paying/rewarding these individuals who seek to gain from the need of convenience. Wake up Malaysia! Stop giving money to those who do not deserve it.

Malaysian Mega Sale!

The malaysian Mega sale is back.... this time around, without much publicity as the years before. Perhaps because the economy is bad, or perhaps the ministry of tourism has tighten their pockets with their advertising budget. Definately a good move not to channel so much funds into motivating people to spend. I'd rather see our taxpayers money going into things like improving the infrastructure of public transportation. At the end of the day, the shoppers will shop & the spenders will spend.

The Value of Credibility

Credibility is a strong word. It carries with it Trust, Confidence, Reliability. For instance, banking with a bank you can trust or purchasing a product that you can count on in terms of quality, reliability and customer support. When a person makes 3 promises and doesn't deliver, his/her credibility goes down the drain(kind of like the boy who cried "WOLF"). Worse of is a person who swears under oath on matters and then later, totally revolking his/her statement(s). Evidently, uugement should be brought upon such individuals in the hope that the eventual truth would one day prevail.

Wheels Powered by H20...

People should stop fighting over oil in the sand and sea and start working on developing water powered vehicles for commercial usage.

Are We Heading For A Recession?

Slump, Downturn, Decline, Depression, Collapse. These words describe our Malaysian economy at the moment. Are there any signs of better things to come? In my opinion, not in the near future. The 10-Year downturn Market cycle seems to be happening as economist predicted time and time again. If you're holding Malaysian Equity at the moment, I'd advise a complete sell out. Otherwise, you'll just be like a salmon swimming against the current. Afterall, there are always other instruments to invest in global markets worldwide.

Just my 2 cents,
Fund manager in-training.

Are ATM's really safe?

If you think that the recent attacks by robbers on several ATM's in the Klang valley is worrying, check this out:

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/2/business/20080702140730&sec=business

Having had 7 years experience working with ATM systems, let me assure you that these threats really do exist, even in Big Corporations. No system is perfect and there will always be potential flaws and loopholes to exploit. A Reputable Financial Organization can put all the security mechanisms/processes in place but at the end of the day, it still can happen.

Conclusion? Keep your cash under your pillow while you sleep.

Global Water Shortage to Come

There's much talk going on in town about a potential global water. What's all the hype about you might be wondering?

As we in water-rich countries take our daily showers, water the lawn or laze about in the pool, it's easy to forget that fresh water is a life-or-death issue in many parts of the world. Shortage.

Of a population of roughly 6.1 billion, more than 1 billion lack access to potable water. The World Health Organization says that at any time, up to half of humanity has one of the six main diseases -- diarrhea, schistosomiasis, or trachoma, or infestation with ascaris, guinea worm, or hookworm -- associated with poor drinking water and inadequate sanitation. About 5 million people die each year from poor drinking water, poor sanitation, or a dirty home environment -- often resulting from water shortage.

With the Selangor State Government's proposal to subsidise the 1st 20 cubic waters of water for residential properties in Selangor, people will start to waste more water because of the mere fact that it comes free/cheap.

So the next time you think about taking a nice soak in the comfort of your bathroom. Think twice. Be a man, do the right thing. Here's a couple of things you can do to help in the home and in the garden:

http://www.sydneywater.com.au/Publications/FactSheets/20waystosavewaterinyourhomeandgarden.pdf