Green Contribution.

Lately almost every car manufacturer jump on the green bandwagon. What I mean by green is, green technology that is. The most popular route is producing hybrid car, by adding electric motor to the conventional petrol combustion engine, manufacturers claim that is can seriously reduce consumer's fuel bill plus reducing our overall carbon footprint. Case in point is Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. Others take the diesel route, claiming that diesel is the more practical solution because of the ready made infrastructure. Those makes from Germany especially Mercedez, BMW and Volkswagen have already showcased their respective vehicles using the latest super efficient diesel engine. There are also others who championed electric vehicle, a car that totally depend on electric and not depend on fossil fuels to run. Even supercar manufacturer like Porsche are planning to release their very own EV.

But you see, the reality in Malaysia is, the prices of those cars here is quite out of reach of us, mere mortals. The average Joe like me just does not have the fund to do our part in reducing pollution. Nevertheless, what we can start to do is drive smart so that at least we can lessen our carbon footprint by reducing our fuel usage. In our situation right now, that's the least we can do ...

Travelling In China

Today I would like to write some more about traveling in China. Well, if you are planning on shopping in China, there are three golden rules that you have to follow when buying something over there. If for some reason you think there are additional rules, you are welcomed to add them in the comment section, but here are my golden rules:

1. Ask for at least 50% discount on the tag price when you start bargaining. If you think that the price that are displayed is cheap enough, well don't be afraid to ask discount as well. Work your way around from that price upwards until you and the seller reached middle ground. If you still think that the price is not cheap enough, well you can politely declined the  offer and search another shop to buy the thing. Chances are you can still find that item in another shop. Bargaining in China is like a sport in China, you have to be very diligent and smart when you want to buy something, especially if you are a foreigner, or you would end up paying more than you should for the item.

2. Don't ask for a price that you really does not or can not afford to buy. To be fair to the shopkeeper, this will anger them, so if you and the seller have agreed on a certain price, at at the last moment you back away from the deal, then you will only get trouble from there.

3. Don't look the interested in something if you want to buy it. Chances are that the shopkeeper has seen thousands of customers and they are expert in reading your intention. So, if they they see you interested in one particular item, you won't get the discounted price and they won't budge the second they see you desperate to buy. The more you want to buy it, the more uninterested you should look.

And don't forget to keep a steady head, shop within your budget and always check the items that you buy or ordered before you leave the shop. Happy hunting!

Visiting China

I went to China with my wife last May. I visited 3 cities, namely Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing while my wife joined me the latter 2 cities.  Among other things that strike me there is the speed and efficiency of their public transport. Well, considering their population is well beyond our number, I think it is safe to assume that they need that kind of service for their citizens. If, not it will be absolute chaos and total disaster. The Metro line to me is the most impressive compared to our country though the tight security check before boarding is such a hassle that you have to scan your belongings before each and every time you are entering the coach.

While there, I got the chance to sample various types of public transport; bus from Shanghai Pudong Airport to hotel, taxi in Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing, Metro in Shanghai and Beijing and sleeper train from Shanghai to Beijing. I also got the opportunity to ride the tourist train from Badaling Station to Great Wall of China. All the traveling inside a train is quite a memorable experience especially the sleeper train which is quite modern and cosy as well. The taxi on the other hand is not quite a pleasant experience to us. There is this one time when we are talking about directions to a taxi driver, suddenly, out of nowhere, a couple just flew inside the taxi, talk something to the taxi driver (all this while we are still talking to the driver) and the driver just conveniently ignore us and sped away.

But mostly traveling in China using public transport is an eye opener and if there is an opportunity for us to come back, we will definitely going to....

Fuel Hike...

It’s official! Brace yourself guys... The anticipated fuel hike is here, and from what we heard it is not going to stop here. Further hike will be implemented but for now, the government decided that the most suitable rate we can afford to pay is like this:

* RON95 petrol price will increase by RM0.05 to RM1.85.

* RON97 petrol will be put on a 'controlled float' but for this month most likely will be sold at RM2.10, up by RM0.05.

* Diesel will go up by RM0.05 as well, which means the diesel price that we will be getting at the pump will be RM1.75 per liter.

* LPG Natural Gas will go up by RM0.10 to RM1.85 per kg.

and also, though, this is the only produce that does not related to fuel is that sugar will go up by RM0.25 per kg to RM1.75.

Roughly calculated, the price will reflect in an increase of RM2.50 for a full refill of 50 liter tank. Which translates for me, around RM20 increase per month...

Zam-Zam alakazam!

Today I would like to sidetrack a little from my usual theme.

Here's a promotion;

Air zam-zam untuk dijual. Pek 10 liter yang di seal rapi. Harga: RM140 per pack. Free delivery within Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca. Other states within Peninsular Malaysia, RM10, and as of now we don't send to Sabah and Sarawak.

Email me at ayienmai@gmail.com if you are interested.

Thank you.

To Buy Or Not...

This year our country has seen a slew of new or existing cars being introduced or facelifted. We got the new Tucson, Sonata and upgraded i10 from Hyundai, Forte from Kia, 3008 from Peugeot, Cruze from Chevrolet, facelifted Honda Accord and Cr-V. We Malaysians right now are spoilt for choice! There are so many cars in every category to choose from. Hey, at one point, I almost thought I want a new car just because this manufacturer market their car so delicously it is quite difficult to resist the temptation to dip into my pocket and buy it. But you see, that is the whole point of marketing. Those guys at the marketing department are so good at what they are doing, they know what the customer want to hear and see and what button to push in their marketing drive that make the masses salivating over their product and of course buy it as well. Thats why some people dump their 1 year old car which is still in a good condition for a new one.

But before you want to buy something like a car in Malaysia, take a step back and think for a second first. Car is a big investment (which depreciates in value, by the way). It is usually the second biggest purchase the our life. But some people splash their hard earned cash, just thinking if they can afford the monthly payments, then they could afford it. Hey, the car need fuel, toll charges to pay, repair and maintenance bill every now and then, and the yearly road tax and insurance payment right? And did I mentioned that it is an asset that depreciates in value?

But the most important aspect to judge before you buy a new car is if you really NEED that car or not? Is your old car is nothing but a crumbling heap of thrash or is it still in good working condition? Do you want to buy the car because your neighbor just bought that Polo GTi you dream every night? Do you intend to use it as work or family car? So many questions you have to answer before you make your decision. If you really need one, then in my opinion, you should go for the most desirable car which suit your budget as well.

My point is, if you want to buy a car, think for a second if you really need the car and also if you really can afford it. But at the end of the day, it is your choice to make. My hope is that you make your choice wisely...