Here In My Home - Malaysian Artistes For Unity

Sunday 28 November 2010

Register Of RMN Active List Ships - Subsea Combattants

In 1965 the British withdrew from Malaysia their hydrographic assets and platforms and then transferred the responsibilities to chart the nation's hydrographic territory to the Malaysian Navy. The Hydrographic Department of the RMN was later formally established in 1969. The Royal Navy transferred a converted Ton class coastal minesweeper HMS Myrmidon that was commissioned in 1968 as the KD Perantau to become the navy's first survey vessel. This vessel provided the RMN the ability to execute hydrographic activities without any foreign navy's intervention. As KD Perantau alone was not able to meet the demand for hydropgrahic duties, a converted tug KTD Penyu was also pressed for hydrographic duties later on. The later acquisition of modern hydrography vessels enabled the RMN to commence gathering of bathymetric data that not only supplied nautical charts for surface ships but ultimately allows the vessels to be involved in the training , search and rescue missions and assisting in weapons training, anti-submarine warfare and submarine operations. This is especially useful since the Malaysian Navy after a 30 year wait has now received two modern attack diesel submarines to complete their 3 dimensional naval warfare capability. The submarines are not only a very good deterrent but is a very good force multiplier for a small navy like the RMN to act as a credible defence force for the nation. With the hydrograhic force working in concert with the submarine arm, the sub-surface will not be a stranger or an obstacle to achieving success.

Mutiara Class AGS

A225 1976/1977


Displacement: 1905 tons standard, 1949 tons full load
Dimensions: 71.15m x 13.52m x 4.75 m
Guns: Fitted for 1 x 20mm.
Electronics: 2 Racal 1226/1229 Navigation Radar, I Beam, Multi-beam Echo Sounder Atlas Hydrosweep MD 2/30 kHz, Deep Sea Echo Sounder Atlas Deso 25, Sound Velocity Probe 10 Inch, Motion Sensor DMS 3-05, Expandable Bathymetry Thermograph (XBT), 2 X Side Scan Sonar Klein 3000
Propulsion: 2 X Deutz SBA 12M 528 diesels, 1 controllable pitch propeller
Speed: 16 knots, range 8334Km at 16 knots
Crew : 155
Aircraft: platform aft.

KD MUTIARA was built locally in Penang by Hong Leong Lurssen Dockyard. She was originally commissioned to the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Fleet on 18th December 1977 with the pennant number A 152, but was renumbered after taking on grey livery and is the squadron leader to the 36th Hydrographic Squadron. Her endurance renders her sustainability at sea for a maximum period of 3 months. She is fitted with the latest state of the art Hydrographic and Oceanographic surveying system and is complemented with 4 surveying boats and 2 working boats. She has an impeccable record of successful hydrographic surveys and has contributed to the production of more than 50 nautical charts and completed her upgrade in 2004.

Perantau
Class AGS

A151 1995/1998


Displacement: 1505 tons standard, 2160 tons full load
Dimensions: 67.8m x 13.3m x 4m
Electronics: Integrated Navigation and Command System (NACOS), X band and S band, ATLAS I Band, Digital Survey and Mapping System 'HYDROMAP', Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), SYstem LEgere pour mesure le DIStance (SYLEDIS) - Electronic Position Fixing System, 1 multi-beam medium / shallow echo-sounder, 2 dual frequency Single beam Echo Sounder, Hull Mounted Acoustic Current Profiller (ADCP) , Sound Velocity Probe , Sub-Bottom Profiler, Expandable Bathymetry Thermograph (XBT), 2 X Side Scan Sonar Kl
ein 3000
Propulsion: 2 X Two Deutz MWM SB8 M628 diesels, 2 shafts Berg controllable pitch propellers
Speed: 16 knots, range 11, 112 Km at 10 knots
Crew : 96

KD PERANTAU was ordered from Germany’s Krogerweft but was built locally in Penang by Hong Leong Lurssen Dockyard. She replaced the former KD PERANTAU which was decommissioned in 1990. KD PERANTAU was built with a combination of local expertise in shipbuilding and design and the main hydrographic and navigation system are based from German's technology.
The ship was designed and equipped specifically for hydrographic surveying operation and conducting meteorological and oceanographic observations mainly in the tropics. he ship also carries two survey launch mainly deployed for surveying in shallow water equipped with shallow water multi-beam echo-sounders and short range UHF differential GPS.

Hidrografi Class HSL

Hidrografi 1 2005
Hidrografi 2 2009


Displacement: 8.5 tons standard
Dimensions: 16m x 4.45m x 1.5 m
Electronics: Navigation Radar, Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonar
Propulsion: 2 X CUMMINS 6CTA8.3M(SW) diesels, 2 shafts x 1 fixed propeller
Speed: 19 knots, range 834Km
Crew : 14

In addition to the survey launches on board the hydrographic ships, the Royal Malaysian Navy has also commissioned two locally built hydrographic survey launches that operates independently to complement the ships' operations. Based in East Malaysia, these craft will be used for hydrographic survey and data collection.

Perdana Class SSK

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman 2003/2009
KD Tun Razak 2004/2010


Displacement: 1577 tons surfaced, 1711 tons submerged
Dimensions: 66.4 m x 6.2 m x 5.4 m
Weapons : 6 x 533mm torpedo tubes . 18 x Anti Ship Missiles/Torpedoes combination
Anti-Ship Missile: SM39 Block II missiles, Range : 50 Km
ASW: 533 mm WASS Balckshark wire-guided torpedoes. Range : 50 Km
Electronics: SUBTICS combat control system, I-Band navigation radar, Thales DR3000 ESM, TSM 2233 Mk II Hull Mounted Sonar, active/passive search and attack.
Propulsion: 2 x SEMT Pielstick PA4 200 SM D-12 DS Diesels, Exide Hagen propulsion batteries, 1 Jeumont Industrie Motor, 1 shaft.
Speed: 20.5 knots dived, 12 knots submerged ; range 667 Km at 4 knots submerged, 11 112 Km at 8 knots surfaced
Crew : 32


After a thirty year wait where the idea to induct a submarine force into the navy was first broached in the 1970s and the first submariners started training in 1985 but came back not to a submarine but a submarine planning duties, our first two submarines was finally declared fit for duties after passing their tropical, underwater and maintenance tests in november 2010. The Scorpene type submarines were cooperatively built in France and Spain and is based on a nuclear attack submarine design that ensures a very quiet platform in operations. Currently the most modern submarine in the region, these submarines are both armed with both anti-ship missiles and torpedoes that can be launched from their six 533mm torpedo tubes with a weapons capacity of 18 torpedoes and/or missiles. These are the Whitehead Black Shark wire-guided torpedoes from Italy and sub-launched SM39 Exocet anti ship missiles from MBDA and although it has been reported that the submarines can launch 30 mines alternatively, the type and whether the mines has been purchased is unknown. In addition, these submarine has not been equipped with AIPS (Air-Independent Propulsion System) which allows a greater submerged endurance and reduced vulnerability but this can be inserted at a later stage. The induction of these submarines now completes the naval capabilities of the navy in all the operational theatres it operates in.

Friday 26 November 2010

Nice Idea!


Credit : The Star Thumbnails

Bravo to the maths genius who thought up of this novel way to get to your floor on a lift. Our kids needs such mental arithmetic stimulation trust me!

Saturday 13 November 2010

My Wonderful Beans

I just wanted to share an article on the wonderful petai or what the Mat Salleh calls the stink bean, something that I swear by to relieve my constipation. This only one of the myriad health benefits claimed for the consumption of the beans but you really have to live with the side effects. The stink does not really affect you in the eating process mind you, but more during the release of the by-products process. That is the time when the wash room really needs the deodoriser. But I digress, let's share the article.

Sundaymetro

Wonder beans

Petai is good for you, all you have to do to enjoy its goodness is to get over the smell.

YOU EITHER love it or hate it. Those little green pods aptly called the ‘stink bean’ and locally known as petai come packed with a host of nutrients essential for the human body.

The health benefits of petai (Parkia speciosa) clearly outweigh the minor undesirable side effects such as its peculiar smell which some say is quite similar to methane gas. The beans are nonetheless an acquired taste and quite popular in Asian countries such Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Burma and some parts of India.

The flat, edible bright green beans can be consumed either raw or cooked. Unlike the durian which is notorious for its pungent smell and immediate distinct taste, there is a delayed response when it comes to petai.

Chockfull of goodness: Petai has many health benefits.

As you chew through a single bean, it slowly emits a pungency similar to garlic. Some people say there is a hint of bitterness as you swallow it but no two palettes are the same.

The long lingering after taste takes a while to get used to. Like asparagus, petai contains certain amino acids that give a strong smell to one’s urine, an effect that can be noticed up to two days after consumption.

When young, the pods are flat because of the underdeveloped seeds and they hang like a bunch of slightly twisted ribbons – pale green and almost translucent. At this stage they may be eaten raw, fried or pickled.

Petai beans actually look like broad beans and like mature broad beans, they have to be peeled before cooking. Petai can be found all year round and is available in supermarkets and certain wet markets.

People suffering from diabetes are encouraged to consume petai as it helps to regulate a person’s glucose levels.

It contains three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - and combined with fibre, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

The fibre content also helps with problems of constipation. The petai beans are rich in complex carbohydrates that can give you the same feeling of fullness, thus eliminating the chances of gorging on the wrong foods. Here are other ways the humble petai can help with various health ailments.

Depression – As petai contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, consuming a few pods can help one to relax and improve your mood.

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) – The vitamin B6 in petai helps regulate blood glucose levels which can affect your mood.

Anemia – Petai also contains high amounts of iron, therefore it can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood, thus helps a lot in cases of anaemia.

Blood Pressure – Petai is very high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect remedy to beat high blood pressure. So much so the US Food and Drug Administration have allowed the petai industry to make official claims for the bean’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Heartburn: Petai has a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, eating petai can provide a soothing relief.

While there are many who can’t stand the lingering aftertaste and smell of the petai, some prefer to overlook that.

Housewife Jasmine Anas says she often cooks prawn sambal with petai for her family. “My two young kids haven’t acquired the taste for it yet but my husband loves it with sambal belacan too. I have been told petai has a good cleansing effect on our body as well,” she says.

Chris De Mello, owner of Mum’s Place Restaurant in Damansara Perdana, says their Cencaru Fish and Prawn Sambal, both cooked with petai are a big hit among the customers.

“Petai is actually a local delicacy in Negeri Sembilan, which is where I’m from and it started off as a favourite among the Malay community. But now, it is enjoyed by everyone and even my customers from foreign countries love the pungent taste. The health benefits of petai are huge and it is also known for its natural laxative effect,” says De Mello.

Some restaurants in Klang Valley which serve up good petai dishes include Jaring Restaurant in Bandar Sunway, Restaurant Sambal Hijau in Kg Sungai Penchala and Anggrek Kuring, which has branches in Puchong and Kota Damansara.

How to prepare petai

If you buy them still in their pods, gently break them out and peel off the green outer layer. Blanching them in hot water for about five minutes and eating them as part of ulam (Malay herbal salad) with sambal belacan is a favourite among many. The most popular method is cooking them in sambal, be it prawns or ikan bilis (anchovies).

Petai Recipes

Petai with Fresh Mushrooms and Cashew Nuts

(Courtesy of Jeanie Lee of New Formosa Restaurant)

Ingredients:

200gm halved petai seeds

One large onion, cut into small wedges

Two varieties of fresh mushrooms (according to preference)

50gm cashew nuts

One red capsicum, diced into cubes (Optional: Rub salt over capsicum and roast for 15 minutes until skin blisters, peel and dice into cubes)

One tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce or light soy sauce

Half teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Method:

Soak petai for 10 minutes and dry. Toast cashew nuts until slightly golden brown.

Heat one tea spoon of oil in a non-stick wok and sauté onions until fragrant. Add capsicum. Add mushrooms. Sprinkle some water and stir-fry lightly and then simmer the ingredients for about three minutes. Add petai and stir-fry about two minutes. Lastly add in cashew nuts, oyster or light soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar.

Note:

Due to reduced oil and seasonings in this recipe, it is suggested that the petai is soaked for a while to get rid of its strong smell. If you prefer the strong smell, you may cook the petai while sprinkling a dash of brown sugar to enhance its taste. Simmer the mushrooms to release their flavour while simultaneously enhancing the flavour of the petai. Onions are cut into wedges to retain sweetness and texture, which tastes better eaten with petai compared to when cut into rings.

Sambal Petai with Prawns

(Courtesy of The Cooking House in Desa Sri Hartamas)

Ingredients:

Half cup of petai beans

300g fresh prawns, cleaned and shelled

Three shallots

Three cloves garlic

One inch ginger

One cup of dried chillis (boiled in hot water, deseeded and blended with some water)

One stalk lemongrass, crushed

Two tablespoons of tamarind juice

Half cup fresh coconut milk

Pinch of salt and sugar

Cooking oil

Method:

Blend together shallots, garlic and ginger in a food processor. Heat some oil in a frying pan.

Pour in the blended ingredients and saute for a few minutes until fragrant. Add in crushed lemongrass and blended chili. Stir well and add in the coconut milk.

Next, stir in tamarind juice and add in the prawns.

Once the prawns are almost cooked, add the petai beans and cook for another few minutes until prawns are fully cooked.

Season to taste with sugar and salt.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Finally Showing True Colors

Just one week after reminding the Government not to ignore the voice of the people as expressed in the protest site, the site owners have finally shown their true colors and it has been borne out the insinuation that the site has political overtones and is not as apolitical as it claims. I have suspected of this for some time based not only on its fans' political comments that the owner let slid, but on the more recent owner's own comments.

Now the site owners' have finally thrown off their cloak and announced themselves as part of BERSIH, a politically overt NGO that in its true form will never get my support. Bravo for pulling the wool over my eyes but I believe from now on the site will start to lose people's support.

Some recent comments are testimonials of this.



  • Shahryl Abd Latiff What crap is this! Clean politics? Tell me which country has clean politics since birth of mankind? No such thing! I'm sad and feel cheated into believing this page was non political. Obviously, the owners have their own agenda! You just lost a supporter for this cause!
    2 hours ago · 1 personLoading... ·
  • Martin Harnevie Betzen
    ‎@Shahryl. A lot of countries have clean politics. Just ensure free press and unbiased justice and it will develop automatically. However, I do agree that politics should be out of this.

    @All. I know BN/UMNO loyalists that are totally agains...t the tower and they will be turned off if this turns too partisan. Focus on the Warisan Memboros only, that's enough.See more
    about an hour ago ·

Jamal Pawanteh Although I agree with the principle of this point. I believe it belongs on another page. PLEASE ADMIN FOCUS JUST ON THE TOWER. Public accountability will just drag politics in and make a mess of things. You're message will then be lost in transmission.
16 hours ago ·

Dick Teh One issue at a time. Now we anti mega tower.

End of story.

I know there are other issues out there, but if we don't focus we will never get anything done.


and these are the excuses the owners have thrown back.



16 hours ago ·
1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower Mohd Firdaus, you are welcome to organise one. We are only borrowing a place for people to meet. And we are careful in choosing which functions to go. Is there anything wrong to show up at a gathering supporting electoral reform while we want public accountability?

about an hour ago ·
1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower good morning. short reply from our mobile. Assurance: this page is non-partisan. This is not a page for pakatan rakyat. Look at our postings' we have been civil to all party supporters. And this page will stay focused on mega tower and public accountability. More later? On the run.

Lame, pretty lame to me. So make your own decisions. I have already unlike myself from the site. Now if there is another really apolitical site that is protesting this venture, you will find me hitting the like button in no time.

Monday 8 November 2010

Sustainablity The Market Way.

While I was on vacation in Gambang, Pahang we found this Orang Asli stall selling kitchen cutting boards made of Tembusu hardwood. This is a hard as iron wood that to my detriment I found out the hard way when I knocked it with my knuckles to check if it was hollow or otherwise, and that action gave me a jolt like I was knocking against a hard metal door. Selling for Ringgit Malaysia25 upwards depending on the size, width and quality of the wood, I can confidently say that the quality and the finish is as good as any you can find in any kitchen equipment store.

In fact I can safely say that if somebody do their job right, these kitchen tools should be made available at the likes of Ikea as a sustainable method to help the indigenous people earn a good living from their living environment in the forest. The problem is that currently their product range is limited to cutting boards and some wooden spatulas only, as when I asked them whether they have a mortar and pestle for sale that I googled about, they said that they have not tried making such a product yet as it seems that they have not had any demand yet. The fact is that the article stated that such a product is also a sought after kitchen item as the Tembusu wood is neutral and will not affect the ingredients pounded in such a mortar. So I feel if given proper marketing guidance, the Orang Aslis here at least can find a very good sustainable market for their products unlike the ad hoc stalls with jungle bric a brac that is usually associated with the Orang Asli.

For my military enthusiasts friends at least, I would bet that they would be interested in the Black Kemuning keris and pungi stick below also sold at the stall but these need to be ordered if there is no available stock at the time of your visit.

Wednesday 3 November 2010

Now Who Is Being Irrational?


I joined the Facebook protest against PNB's proposed Menara Warisan because I sincerely believe that the project is unnecessary and because the Facebook initiative was a bi-partisan effort to request a rethink despite being a government supporter. I guess the government thought the effort was just a fly in the ointment but it slowly took off and the site is now targeting a million Facebook fan support to show the citizen's displeasure over the project. And that is just it, despite some attempts to polarise the page with anti government rants, overall it is an apolitical outlet for the real people's thinking.

Thus it is ridiculous for me to see someone with the stature of the Deputy Prime Minister ridiculing the people's own statements by saying that these statements are due to jealousy and that there is a hidden hand to ostracise the whole project. He even questioned the people's wisdom and paternalistically said not to question PNB's commercial wisdom that supposedly has brought billions of wealth to Malaysia so they must be correct this time and all the time.

But you are forgetting YAB, this is a citizen's action group that has shown it has traction and holds the pulse of the people in real time and with real access. It has managed to unify the people to voice out their displeasure against the project. So whether you like it or not, this is a 1Malaysia effort so do not pompously question the motives and intelligence of the supporters. These are real people with real concerns who really think that the money can be spent more wisely elsewhere. So get your act together or you may yet find yourselves paying the price politically. Now is not the time for the government to ignore the aspirations of the people when the Nation is facing challenges politically and economically. In exasperation, Malaysians may even find themselves introducing to Malaysia a new financial term in place of a 'bank run'. A 'Mutual Fund Run' anyone?