I am compelled to write this piece in view of the recent daily reports in the media on the numerous issues that have been deemed as illegal. It is rather flabbergasting that there seem to be many unresolved issues plaguing the nation that has accumulated over time and; suspiciously looking neglected by various concerned government agencies.
For a start lets ponder on the issue of illegal immigrants. It is reported that there is close to 2 million illegals residing in Malaysia! How on earth did this number of illegals balloon to such proportions in the first place? I am very certain that they are not all in hiding as the number are just too alarming to be residing in disguise in the far interiors of our Malaysian jungles. The majority are freely mingling amongst us with little or no fear of repercussions from the authorities. This phenomenon is further aggravated for the fact that almost on an annual basis our government provides amnesty privilege and are let off with a slap on the wrist. We have definitely sent the wrong signal to them indicating that it is okay to be here illegally as you will be pardoned anyway. Indirectly the public opines that there must be an element of corruption that has turned a blind eye to the escalation in illegals. The immigration department must be taken to task.
On the other hand the issue of illegal pre-school centers that have been mushrooming all around the nation. Unlicensed premises are operating in residential and commercial vicinities right under the noses of the local councils. The local council enforcement divisions are quick to compound any business owners that do not renew their licenses but have conveniently ignored illegal pre-school centers. Hundreds if not in thousands have been found to be operating illegally and only recently highlighted as some centers have been negligent in care. Why do we need to wait for a mishap to happen and only then action is taken? And most astonishing to all is the fact that the various government agencies are "encouraging" these illegal centers to register. Again the authorities have sent a wrong message. The owners of such illegal premises must face the music and not just coaxed into legalising an unregistered premise. Above that the agencies that have allowed for pre-schools to operate illegally must be brought to task without fear or favor.
The other fiasco is on the issue of "illegal" commercial vehicles running on our roads that have not met the standards or have failed the respective inspections by Puspakom. More annoying is the fact that some have not even gone for inspections. The million dollar question is, how did they get the renewals done at the Road Transport Department? My personal experience says that one will not be able to obtain a road tax if his vehicle fails the Puspakom inspection. Do we not smell a rat now? Uncertified and under par commercial vehicles must be pounded immediately by the authorities until satisfactory corrective actions are taken by the owners. Lets not risk the lives of innocent people. There should not be any leniency on road safety.
What I have highlighted are some examples for all of us to dwell on. As tax payers and voters, we are deeply concerned on the rise of illegal activities surrounding us. As a nation moving towards being fully developed, we need to nip these issues in the bud before it deteriorates further. In a nutshell, the common factor that comes to our mind looking at the mentioned scenarios is the issue of corruption which is deep rooted in the system. We have lost most probably billions of ringgit in revenue in the form lost taxes, license fees and levy due to lackadaisical and incompetencies of our own making.
It is ironical that one is slapped with a summons for wrongful parking but illegal activities run rife and further forgiven when caught. We have to stop the rot immediately and there must be zero tolerance to any illegal action. Department heads must be made responsible and punitive actions must be taken and seen by the public.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
The NET
The World Wide Web (www) has indeed cast its net globally into every nook and corner known to mankind in an unimaginable way. Even a decade ago, the vast majority of us would not have had the faintest inkling that the web (also called net interchangeably) could invade into our lives to such extend. The net has revolutionized communication platforms worldwide and has breached conventional thought processes that has brought about gigantic paradigm shifts in almost all sectors affecting humans.
The net has indeed taken its own life and is often spoken or referred to as the third entity knowing it all. Ironically, people quote the net at every conversation and it is deemed as though it is coming from an authority! How amazing indeed. Though undeniably a tool of use and beneficial in most circumstances, nevertheless it has over time evolved into being overly used and to an extend abused by many around the world. Those gullible will behold all information on the net as always having a degree of truthfulness no matter what the issue in hand. The net has taken a critical role and command in the chain of information flow in our lives; so much so that a large number of users have conveniently neglected the pertinent issues such as responsible and ethical writing, morality, privacy, legality, and social decorum.
On the social front, due to its vast accessibility, mobility and ease of use via numerous "smart" gadgets, the net has conveniently; to a certain degree, evolved into a must-have tool in our everyday lives. Never before in our human lifetime have we experienced such engulfment of technology. It has superseded all forms of conventional communication tools that indeed played a vital role in keeping human values in tact directly or otherwise.
Nevertheless, with transition of time, this very technology has also made pockets of the human race vulnerable and lame to a certain extend. Irresponsible parties have taken advantage of this very tool for their opportunistic objectives and selfish acts resulting in mayhem and disorder in many aspects of our lives. The net has given them a platform with no barriers to; call for riots, illegal trade, pornography, gambling,exhibit unsubstantiated articles and advocate junk journalism. And the latest of all, it has provided an avenue for hacking into private spaces of humans via the very mobile phone that we carry on us. Unscrupulous individuals and groups have manipulated this technology to spread lies, overthrow governments and germinate seeds of hatred across the globe without much thought of repercussions on their actions. This is very evident as we witness the many turmoils some countries are undergoing due to the power of persuasion via the net.
Connectivity via the web has made dearth of information available on the move but unfortunately many do not question the credibility and its essence. It is no surprise if many governments of the day move towards limiting and even barring segments of the Internet to keep check on issues especially pertaining to sovereignty and defense. We should not be quick in judging and concluding that such proactive moves are against human rights and freedom of speech or practice. Countries,even like Britain, that have been too liberal have seen the consequences of letting all loose with no boundaries. The citizens of the world must awaken from their virtual world and embrace the fact that with the current speed and trend, if we are not attentive, we will be at the verge of destroying our own existence! It is time the world leaders accept the concept of global citizenship and champion the cause for all beyond the shores of their own nation with a concerted effort.
The net has indeed taken its own life and is often spoken or referred to as the third entity knowing it all. Ironically, people quote the net at every conversation and it is deemed as though it is coming from an authority! How amazing indeed. Though undeniably a tool of use and beneficial in most circumstances, nevertheless it has over time evolved into being overly used and to an extend abused by many around the world. Those gullible will behold all information on the net as always having a degree of truthfulness no matter what the issue in hand. The net has taken a critical role and command in the chain of information flow in our lives; so much so that a large number of users have conveniently neglected the pertinent issues such as responsible and ethical writing, morality, privacy, legality, and social decorum.
On the social front, due to its vast accessibility, mobility and ease of use via numerous "smart" gadgets, the net has conveniently; to a certain degree, evolved into a must-have tool in our everyday lives. Never before in our human lifetime have we experienced such engulfment of technology. It has superseded all forms of conventional communication tools that indeed played a vital role in keeping human values in tact directly or otherwise.
Nevertheless, with transition of time, this very technology has also made pockets of the human race vulnerable and lame to a certain extend. Irresponsible parties have taken advantage of this very tool for their opportunistic objectives and selfish acts resulting in mayhem and disorder in many aspects of our lives. The net has given them a platform with no barriers to; call for riots, illegal trade, pornography, gambling,exhibit unsubstantiated articles and advocate junk journalism. And the latest of all, it has provided an avenue for hacking into private spaces of humans via the very mobile phone that we carry on us. Unscrupulous individuals and groups have manipulated this technology to spread lies, overthrow governments and germinate seeds of hatred across the globe without much thought of repercussions on their actions. This is very evident as we witness the many turmoils some countries are undergoing due to the power of persuasion via the net.
Connectivity via the web has made dearth of information available on the move but unfortunately many do not question the credibility and its essence. It is no surprise if many governments of the day move towards limiting and even barring segments of the Internet to keep check on issues especially pertaining to sovereignty and defense. We should not be quick in judging and concluding that such proactive moves are against human rights and freedom of speech or practice. Countries,even like Britain, that have been too liberal have seen the consequences of letting all loose with no boundaries. The citizens of the world must awaken from their virtual world and embrace the fact that with the current speed and trend, if we are not attentive, we will be at the verge of destroying our own existence! It is time the world leaders accept the concept of global citizenship and champion the cause for all beyond the shores of their own nation with a concerted effort.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Complementary Medicine
Currently there is heightened awareness among the general public on complementary medicine. Apparently there are more than 12,000 practitioners in complementary medicine in Malaysia and the number is fast growing. Nevertheless, there is a very loose definition on the scope and responsibilities such practioners adhere to.
Unfortunately the very term "complementary medicine" has been used interchangeably with traditional medicine, alternative medicine and herbal medicine. The public in general often has been made to believe that they all mean the same and practitioners are categorised largely on the the lines of weather they are Indian, Chinese or Malay healers. This is a misconception in definitive terms in contact with complementary medicine. Though the government intends to regulate this industry but mere legal definitions and boundries will not hold much water when there is parallel treatment sought by a patient.
Allopathy medicine practitioners are highly regulated by many different regulations, acts and ethics which carry heavy penalties if breached. A patient has the right to sought multiple opinions and have clear legal rights in reference to the different acts if he feels there has been a medical negligence on the part of the practitioner. Will they have the same avenues with complementary practitioners? Medical and pharmaceutical care has evolved into a very evidence based practice.Strict guidelines pertaining to good practices in clinical care and trials in conjunction with quality medicine is advocated to ensure that best possible care is given to a patient. Without which, licensing can be denied at any level of the supply chain. Will the same standards be applied to complementary medicine practitioners?
Medical claims made in modern medicine practice must be substantiated with adequate clinical evidence as practitioners may face medico-legal cases. Nevertheless, on the other end of the spectrum, complementary medicine practitioners substantiate their claims by mere personal experiences and word-of-mouth promotions. What will be the implications to the patient's legal rights if there is a dispute or negligence on the part of the practitioner? What will be the reference point for legal arguments? Are there sufficient experts in the country to handle such disputes?
My personal experience over the years in the health industry has seen many patients who are gullible to try complementary medicine especially for chronic ailments like diabetes, strokes, hypertension and asthma; to mention a few indeed. There is no objection to that but unfortunately I see that a large number of them disregard their modern medicines in the believe that they cause more harm than good in the long term use. Often than not, they are coaxed by the complementary medicine practitioners to abandon their medications and solely rely on herbal based. Many return over time with far more complications, deterioration in health and poorer financially after forking out money. Their dissatisfaction is met with a standard answer by the healers that it did not work on them because they failed to adhere to the many restrictions imposed whilst taking complementary medicines. To my understanding it should complement and not displace modern medications!
Another point of discontent is on the topic of side effects. Ironically, patients always have the notion that modern medicines have delibitating side effects no matter how good they can be. On the other hand alternatives are always safe. This is a very myopic view. There are also issues pertaining to drug interactions which many complementary practitioners may not be aware. Certain long term consequences may only surface after many years down the road and it can be irreversible in some instances. One must acknowledge the fact that even many herbal medicines go through vital organs like kidney, liver, lungs, heart and brain. Damage can happen.
The concerned authorities must weigh all aspects of complementary medicine practices critically from different facets before allowing a blanket consent and blessings. The well being and safety of patients must be paramount at all times. Public must be adequately educated on complementary medicine not only on the aspect of health but also legal rights. Ambiguity and grey areas of practices must be cleared especially if there is a possibility of dispute when modern and complementary medicine is received by patients at the same time. There must be a defined index of reference for drug interactions between modern and complementary medicines. Physical manipulation and examinations on patients must be highly regulated to avoid incidents of harassment claims and must be done under supervision by a third party.
And above all, the government must clearly define what constitutes complementary medicine and how the component of alternative, traditional and herbal medicine jives within its context. It will be essential to have a central governing body to evaluate, assess and certify all complementary medicine practitioners annually with a formal registry. There should also be a defined academic syllabus for aspiring students who wish to venture into this field. Currently there is also no clear guidelines on how a patient is charged a fee for complementary treatments. This must be addressed seriously to avoid exhorbitant charges. Claims made by complimentary medicine practitioners for having "cured" certain illnesess must be nipped in the bud before it escalates and do more harm than good.
It is evident the we have many more questions to be answered before streamlining complementary medicine practices in Malaysia.
Unfortunately the very term "complementary medicine" has been used interchangeably with traditional medicine, alternative medicine and herbal medicine. The public in general often has been made to believe that they all mean the same and practitioners are categorised largely on the the lines of weather they are Indian, Chinese or Malay healers. This is a misconception in definitive terms in contact with complementary medicine. Though the government intends to regulate this industry but mere legal definitions and boundries will not hold much water when there is parallel treatment sought by a patient.
Allopathy medicine practitioners are highly regulated by many different regulations, acts and ethics which carry heavy penalties if breached. A patient has the right to sought multiple opinions and have clear legal rights in reference to the different acts if he feels there has been a medical negligence on the part of the practitioner. Will they have the same avenues with complementary practitioners? Medical and pharmaceutical care has evolved into a very evidence based practice.Strict guidelines pertaining to good practices in clinical care and trials in conjunction with quality medicine is advocated to ensure that best possible care is given to a patient. Without which, licensing can be denied at any level of the supply chain. Will the same standards be applied to complementary medicine practitioners?
Medical claims made in modern medicine practice must be substantiated with adequate clinical evidence as practitioners may face medico-legal cases. Nevertheless, on the other end of the spectrum, complementary medicine practitioners substantiate their claims by mere personal experiences and word-of-mouth promotions. What will be the implications to the patient's legal rights if there is a dispute or negligence on the part of the practitioner? What will be the reference point for legal arguments? Are there sufficient experts in the country to handle such disputes?
My personal experience over the years in the health industry has seen many patients who are gullible to try complementary medicine especially for chronic ailments like diabetes, strokes, hypertension and asthma; to mention a few indeed. There is no objection to that but unfortunately I see that a large number of them disregard their modern medicines in the believe that they cause more harm than good in the long term use. Often than not, they are coaxed by the complementary medicine practitioners to abandon their medications and solely rely on herbal based. Many return over time with far more complications, deterioration in health and poorer financially after forking out money. Their dissatisfaction is met with a standard answer by the healers that it did not work on them because they failed to adhere to the many restrictions imposed whilst taking complementary medicines. To my understanding it should complement and not displace modern medications!
Another point of discontent is on the topic of side effects. Ironically, patients always have the notion that modern medicines have delibitating side effects no matter how good they can be. On the other hand alternatives are always safe. This is a very myopic view. There are also issues pertaining to drug interactions which many complementary practitioners may not be aware. Certain long term consequences may only surface after many years down the road and it can be irreversible in some instances. One must acknowledge the fact that even many herbal medicines go through vital organs like kidney, liver, lungs, heart and brain. Damage can happen.
The concerned authorities must weigh all aspects of complementary medicine practices critically from different facets before allowing a blanket consent and blessings. The well being and safety of patients must be paramount at all times. Public must be adequately educated on complementary medicine not only on the aspect of health but also legal rights. Ambiguity and grey areas of practices must be cleared especially if there is a possibility of dispute when modern and complementary medicine is received by patients at the same time. There must be a defined index of reference for drug interactions between modern and complementary medicines. Physical manipulation and examinations on patients must be highly regulated to avoid incidents of harassment claims and must be done under supervision by a third party.
And above all, the government must clearly define what constitutes complementary medicine and how the component of alternative, traditional and herbal medicine jives within its context. It will be essential to have a central governing body to evaluate, assess and certify all complementary medicine practitioners annually with a formal registry. There should also be a defined academic syllabus for aspiring students who wish to venture into this field. Currently there is also no clear guidelines on how a patient is charged a fee for complementary treatments. This must be addressed seriously to avoid exhorbitant charges. Claims made by complimentary medicine practitioners for having "cured" certain illnesess must be nipped in the bud before it escalates and do more harm than good.
It is evident the we have many more questions to be answered before streamlining complementary medicine practices in Malaysia.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Guarded and Gated...costly affair
THE debates concerning guarded and gated communties have resurfaced among interested parties. There are many issues and questions that have been raised with little or no answers from any relevant authority.
Developers often use guarded communities as a marketing point to enhance the image and value of their properties. House buyers are asked to sign an agreement on the terms of upkeep of the gated area. Unfortunately this “facility” comes with a fee called monthly security and maintenance. Sadly, more often than not, such services deteriorate over time and many residents opt not to continue payments as they do not see the consistency in quality of the service. The initial phase is normally run by the developers but after awhile it is handed over to the residents’ associations (RA) and that’s when things go wrong.
From a legal perspective, all houseowners in gated and guarded communities are independent subjects and are not governed by the in-house rules made by the residents’ associations. The individual owner does not become a signatory to any rules by default just because the RA sanctions it. Now the question that needs a legal clarification is – Can security guards ask for the details of a visitor or even owners coming into the housing area? Under what laws are they allowed to check a person’s ID?
Even the government advises the public to ask for an enforcement officer’s identification card before revealing more details to them, even if they are in uniform. What makes security guards immune. The irony of all this is that the security company waives all liabilities of theft or burglary if it happens within the community citing that it is agreed by the RA. Then why are the owners paying a monthly security fee? And as for the maintenance and upkeep of any residential area, isn’t it the responsibility of the local council as we all pay taxes to them and there is no exception to the rule or discount granted for gated and guarded communities?
It is time the relevant agencies formulate a standard protocol for gated and guarded communities which is legally accepted and gazetted at the council level at least. The current practices are just too “cow-boy” styled and do not conform to the minimum legal requirements. The RAs must be made legally responsible and use monies collected prudently and not increase the monthly fees unilaterally without the consent of state governments.
In the last year itself, the RA in my housing area increased its monthly charges from RM30 to RM50 citing increased cost for security. This exorbitant rise of nearly 67% is unacceptable by any standards and this was immediately imposed as soon as the RA took over responsibility from the developer. Surprisingly a large amount collected from the previous year was spent on social activities. This is daylight robbery. All social activities under the RA must initiate a different collection drive as this is not even mentioned in the agreement. Then why are monies collected as “security and maintenance” used for the few who attend such functions? Only those who would like to participate pay the extra and it should not apply across the board.
These are just the few of many other grouses shared by people in the same predicament. In this difficult economic times, RM600 a house annually is unjustified. There are nearly 600 houses within the community and even if 80% pay up, that amounts to a whopping RM288,000 collected anually. That is lots of money to pay for security.
Developers often use guarded communities as a marketing point to enhance the image and value of their properties. House buyers are asked to sign an agreement on the terms of upkeep of the gated area. Unfortunately this “facility” comes with a fee called monthly security and maintenance. Sadly, more often than not, such services deteriorate over time and many residents opt not to continue payments as they do not see the consistency in quality of the service. The initial phase is normally run by the developers but after awhile it is handed over to the residents’ associations (RA) and that’s when things go wrong.
From a legal perspective, all houseowners in gated and guarded communities are independent subjects and are not governed by the in-house rules made by the residents’ associations. The individual owner does not become a signatory to any rules by default just because the RA sanctions it. Now the question that needs a legal clarification is – Can security guards ask for the details of a visitor or even owners coming into the housing area? Under what laws are they allowed to check a person’s ID?
Even the government advises the public to ask for an enforcement officer’s identification card before revealing more details to them, even if they are in uniform. What makes security guards immune. The irony of all this is that the security company waives all liabilities of theft or burglary if it happens within the community citing that it is agreed by the RA. Then why are the owners paying a monthly security fee? And as for the maintenance and upkeep of any residential area, isn’t it the responsibility of the local council as we all pay taxes to them and there is no exception to the rule or discount granted for gated and guarded communities?
It is time the relevant agencies formulate a standard protocol for gated and guarded communities which is legally accepted and gazetted at the council level at least. The current practices are just too “cow-boy” styled and do not conform to the minimum legal requirements. The RAs must be made legally responsible and use monies collected prudently and not increase the monthly fees unilaterally without the consent of state governments.
In the last year itself, the RA in my housing area increased its monthly charges from RM30 to RM50 citing increased cost for security. This exorbitant rise of nearly 67% is unacceptable by any standards and this was immediately imposed as soon as the RA took over responsibility from the developer. Surprisingly a large amount collected from the previous year was spent on social activities. This is daylight robbery. All social activities under the RA must initiate a different collection drive as this is not even mentioned in the agreement. Then why are monies collected as “security and maintenance” used for the few who attend such functions? Only those who would like to participate pay the extra and it should not apply across the board.
These are just the few of many other grouses shared by people in the same predicament. In this difficult economic times, RM600 a house annually is unjustified. There are nearly 600 houses within the community and even if 80% pay up, that amounts to a whopping RM288,000 collected anually. That is lots of money to pay for security.
National Health Plan
THE Health Ministry recently announced that the government is mulling over a national healthcare system. It runs on the principle of the rich subsidising the poor by contributing a sum to a financial pool.
There are many issues that need to be addressed before a revamp is even thought through. Our healthcare system is fragmented and driven by a free market policy. We have government funded and privately-run establishments. The sentiment among the public and insurance companies is that the private healthcare providers are inadequately governed. Health insurers have been increasing premiums for the past 10 years. Their excuse is that private hospital fees are increasing. And they only want "healthy" clients. If you have a history of chronic medical illness, forget about insurance or pay a huge loading fee. Will there be a substandard care provided by private hospitals when admitting a patient under the scheme? Will there be adequate controls to ensure consistency?
There are no price controls on medications. On the entire supply chain of providing healthcare services, the government must ensure that each contributing factor will be regulated. The public must be assured that if a doctor is paid by the health scheme, the patient is not shortchanged by receiving under par treatment. Will there be a cap on visits to a clinic? And after a number of visits for the same problem, will the doctor be compelled to refer the patient to a specialist or hospital and not wait to max out the allocation for the patient?
The health minister also said that each family must register a clinic as their family physician as to keep records. What happens when you are out of town and require medical attention? Will the doctor or patient be reimbursed? Will all the clinics be hooked up to the system to monitor patient mobility?
Employers pay Socso and EPF. If they are further asked to contribute to this new fund, it will increase their operating costs. Will the government reduce the quantum to this two funds if contribution is made to the health scheme by employers? Many companies take up group insurance schemes. If they were to further contribute to a new scheme, I am sure many if not all will scale down the benefits to reduce costs. The employees will be the losers.
Our medical system runs on a "one-stop centre" basis. Patients are examined by the doctor, treated and provided medication. Often a bill is issued that does not itemise the cost of medicines and consultation or treatment. Will itemised billing be mandatory? The government must ensure that doctors follow an approved essential drug list and are and not driven by pharmaceutical promotions. Any deviation from the list must be justified. We should not have a situation where the establishments benefit the maximum payout from the scheme and yet enjoy extra payment by the patient by coaxing them to take the "better drug"! There must be a list of reimbursed drugs’ list and the percentage of quantum reimbursed for each drug.
Whatever system we adopt, the government must ensure there is no cronyism, monopoly and or kickbacks to the key players.
There are many issues that need to be addressed before a revamp is even thought through. Our healthcare system is fragmented and driven by a free market policy. We have government funded and privately-run establishments. The sentiment among the public and insurance companies is that the private healthcare providers are inadequately governed. Health insurers have been increasing premiums for the past 10 years. Their excuse is that private hospital fees are increasing. And they only want "healthy" clients. If you have a history of chronic medical illness, forget about insurance or pay a huge loading fee. Will there be a substandard care provided by private hospitals when admitting a patient under the scheme? Will there be adequate controls to ensure consistency?
There are no price controls on medications. On the entire supply chain of providing healthcare services, the government must ensure that each contributing factor will be regulated. The public must be assured that if a doctor is paid by the health scheme, the patient is not shortchanged by receiving under par treatment. Will there be a cap on visits to a clinic? And after a number of visits for the same problem, will the doctor be compelled to refer the patient to a specialist or hospital and not wait to max out the allocation for the patient?
The health minister also said that each family must register a clinic as their family physician as to keep records. What happens when you are out of town and require medical attention? Will the doctor or patient be reimbursed? Will all the clinics be hooked up to the system to monitor patient mobility?
Employers pay Socso and EPF. If they are further asked to contribute to this new fund, it will increase their operating costs. Will the government reduce the quantum to this two funds if contribution is made to the health scheme by employers? Many companies take up group insurance schemes. If they were to further contribute to a new scheme, I am sure many if not all will scale down the benefits to reduce costs. The employees will be the losers.
Our medical system runs on a "one-stop centre" basis. Patients are examined by the doctor, treated and provided medication. Often a bill is issued that does not itemise the cost of medicines and consultation or treatment. Will itemised billing be mandatory? The government must ensure that doctors follow an approved essential drug list and are and not driven by pharmaceutical promotions. Any deviation from the list must be justified. We should not have a situation where the establishments benefit the maximum payout from the scheme and yet enjoy extra payment by the patient by coaxing them to take the "better drug"! There must be a list of reimbursed drugs’ list and the percentage of quantum reimbursed for each drug.
Whatever system we adopt, the government must ensure there is no cronyism, monopoly and or kickbacks to the key players.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Obesity....
Once again the issue of obesity has taken limelight in the media. The current measures spelled out for the types of foods that can be sold in school canteens have indeed been the core of debate in the past weeks. In a nutshell, the intention of the Health Ministry must be appraised, no doubt; but does the buck stop there? This is crucial for all of us to ponder and take a step back and ask ourselves what is the fundamental issue in the rise of obesity in our society?
Food per se is not the culprit, but it is how much we consume. It is sad that we have missed the essential point of argument. It is the composition of the lifestyle we live in today that have moulded the eating habits of not only children but also adults alike. Take any urbanite family and the chances are that they eat out regularly on a weekly basis citing lack of time to cook. Not everybody can afford a maid to cook at home! And most do not live inextended families that can take some burden off the shoulders of many working adults. In the yesteryears, parents and grandparents lived under one roof and that made lots of difference in the type of food we consumed. Unlike today.
There is also a drastic lack of physical activity in many school going children. Parents are obsessed with their children achieving maximum "A"s in exams, that they are laden with a string of tuitions everyday. Excellent academic acquirement is definitely encouraged, but is it worth if it's done at the expense of ill health in the future? And with the computer age, the spare time is often spent in front the screen for hours.
Making certain foods unavailable within the school vicinity is only a drop in the ocean solution to obesity. Fast foods, sweetened carbonated drinks, fried foods and alike are available freely everywhere. It will be an impossible task to ban such foods within a certain radius of the schools as proposed. Some schools are just a 2 minute walk to many restaurants and retail shops that equally sell such items. Even 24 hour convenient stores sell nasi lemak these days.
Tackling obesity is no small matter. It starts from the very home the child grows in. Parents must take the responsibility to educate the young on the types of foods to consume and practicing healthy life style. Limit the time allocated to play computer games and surfing the net. Encourage outdoor activities but do not engage in thereward system of buying them expensive gifts or a treat in fast food outlets just because they have accomplished a task. It is sad that many parents use fast foods as pacifiers for demanding children. That does not mean we cannot indulge in them totally but it must be enjoyed responsibly. We are blessed for having abundance of food whilst many around the world die of hunger every second.
Food per se is not the culprit, but it is how much we consume. It is sad that we have missed the essential point of argument. It is the composition of the lifestyle we live in today that have moulded the eating habits of not only children but also adults alike. Take any urbanite family and the chances are that they eat out regularly on a weekly basis citing lack of time to cook. Not everybody can afford a maid to cook at home! And most do not live inextended families that can take some burden off the shoulders of many working adults. In the yesteryears, parents and grandparents lived under one roof and that made lots of difference in the type of food we consumed. Unlike today.
There is also a drastic lack of physical activity in many school going children. Parents are obsessed with their children achieving maximum "A"s in exams, that they are laden with a string of tuitions everyday. Excellent academic acquirement is definitely encouraged, but is it worth if it's done at the expense of ill health in the future? And with the computer age, the spare time is often spent in front the screen for hours.
Making certain foods unavailable within the school vicinity is only a drop in the ocean solution to obesity. Fast foods, sweetened carbonated drinks, fried foods and alike are available freely everywhere. It will be an impossible task to ban such foods within a certain radius of the schools as proposed. Some schools are just a 2 minute walk to many restaurants and retail shops that equally sell such items. Even 24 hour convenient stores sell nasi lemak these days.
Tackling obesity is no small matter. It starts from the very home the child grows in. Parents must take the responsibility to educate the young on the types of foods to consume and practicing healthy life style. Limit the time allocated to play computer games and surfing the net. Encourage outdoor activities but do not engage in thereward system of buying them expensive gifts or a treat in fast food outlets just because they have accomplished a task. It is sad that many parents use fast foods as pacifiers for demanding children. That does not mean we cannot indulge in them totally but it must be enjoyed responsibly. We are blessed for having abundance of food whilst many around the world die of hunger every second.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hair Raising Issue
The recent incident of the alleged hair cutting in a national training camp has indeed raised an eye brow or two within the Sikh community in particular and in some pockets of the general public. As investigations are underway, we should not allow it to be blown out of proportion merely on speculative tones. The Sikhs have been an integral part of our multi cultured society in time memorial but unfortunately many still are not aware of our cultures, principles, religious' requirements and societal needs. This phenomena is a global occurance indeed; far more for the fact that we are always the minority community worldwide, even in India itself
Indeed if there was an element of malice and the hair snipping was done on purpose, the culprit or culprits must be made to face the music, but nevertheless, it could also be a prank and appropraite disciplinary action must be taken without fear or favour. Nevertheless, a very quick inspection of the alleged cut hair could immediately confirm if indeed it happened recently since there is no physical evidence at hand. This can be easily confirmed by a hair expert or trichologist or maybe even an experienced barber down the road. It does not take a nuclear scientist to figure that out. A good magnifying glass will do to to aid in the visible inspection of the ends of the snipped hair.
Sikhism clearly states that one must always be patient and do no harm unto others. The truth always prevails and we should not let such an incident to derail out thoughts and minds into a negative avenue thus provoking hatred among communities. As Sikhs, we must always look from a positive point of view. This alleged incident has indeed quickly educated the non-aware group that keeping unshaven hair is a requirement by the religion. But, we must also admit that many Sikhs have chosen not to adhere to these order and many other religious demands. It is by their own choice. Some very obvious examples which are strictly prohibited in the Sikh religion are gambling, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Yet many indulge by their own virtue. Over decades, the Sikh society has evolved in accepting the fact that it is within an individual's right on how they want to practice Sikhism; as eventually we are only answerable to God for our worldly doings.
We have to acknowlege that it does not matter whose hair was snipped. The fundamental question is the fact that if the allegation is true, then invasion on ones privacy occured and such act cannot be accepted by any standards, be it on religious' grounds or legal grounds. I do not think this will be a religiously tinged pandemonium if it had occured on a cropped Sikh, another boy or girl. As Sikhism clearly states, one must always look at the bigger picture and have an open mind for a greater good.
Indeed if there was an element of malice and the hair snipping was done on purpose, the culprit or culprits must be made to face the music, but nevertheless, it could also be a prank and appropraite disciplinary action must be taken without fear or favour. Nevertheless, a very quick inspection of the alleged cut hair could immediately confirm if indeed it happened recently since there is no physical evidence at hand. This can be easily confirmed by a hair expert or trichologist or maybe even an experienced barber down the road. It does not take a nuclear scientist to figure that out. A good magnifying glass will do to to aid in the visible inspection of the ends of the snipped hair.
Sikhism clearly states that one must always be patient and do no harm unto others. The truth always prevails and we should not let such an incident to derail out thoughts and minds into a negative avenue thus provoking hatred among communities. As Sikhs, we must always look from a positive point of view. This alleged incident has indeed quickly educated the non-aware group that keeping unshaven hair is a requirement by the religion. But, we must also admit that many Sikhs have chosen not to adhere to these order and many other religious demands. It is by their own choice. Some very obvious examples which are strictly prohibited in the Sikh religion are gambling, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Yet many indulge by their own virtue. Over decades, the Sikh society has evolved in accepting the fact that it is within an individual's right on how they want to practice Sikhism; as eventually we are only answerable to God for our worldly doings.
We have to acknowlege that it does not matter whose hair was snipped. The fundamental question is the fact that if the allegation is true, then invasion on ones privacy occured and such act cannot be accepted by any standards, be it on religious' grounds or legal grounds. I do not think this will be a religiously tinged pandemonium if it had occured on a cropped Sikh, another boy or girl. As Sikhism clearly states, one must always look at the bigger picture and have an open mind for a greater good.
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