Anual Practicing Certificate for Optometrist and Optician

Have you had the insecurity when you go into an optical outlet and wonder if the person that is serving you could not be a professional that he claims to be?

This is a common feeling nowadays by many patients of mine especially contact lens wearer that has been spooked with various negative press regarding the complications that may arise from improper contact lens care. Many of them would ask me if there is any way to identify if the person that is looking after you at the optical outlet is really licensed to do refraction on you.

If you are unsure of the difference between Optometrist and Optician, read here

Generally, there is 2 ways that you can identify if the outlet has a licensed practitioner either for eye refraction for glasses or for the dispense of contact lens or both.

Here i will be explaining on one of the ways (you need both to be absolutely sure).

The first method is via the Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) for Optometrist and Optician.

This is a certificate given out by the Malaysian Optic Council to all licensed practitioner and need to be renewed yearly. According to the Optical Act 1991, every practicing Optometrist and Optician needs to be registered with the Malaysian Optic Council to practice legally in Malaysia. This certificate needs to be displayed prominently at the practicing outlet as proof to the general public of the availability of a licensed practitioner in the outlet.

APC comes in two colour certification (blue colour APC for Optician and green colour APC for Optometrist). In the APC you will find the name of the practitioner along with his/her Mykad number, the date in which the certification is given and its expiration and the name and address of the premise in which he/she is practicing.

APC for Optometrist


APC for Optician (Juruoptik)

What can you as a consumer do if you do not see an APC in an Optical outlet?

You should ask for the APC to be shown to you, if they are not able to do so, then the outlet may be operating illegally. Even if it is shown to you, you must make sure that the person stated on the certification actually works in the outlet.

What if I suspect that the outlet is operating illegally? What is my right as a consumer?
The best way to handle this issue would be to lodge a complaint to the Tribunal of Consumer.


Next part i will talk about the Photo Name Certificate (PNC).

DEBT Perception - - The Good and The Bad - Part 2

Ok, now that we have differentiated good and bad debt, how do we make them to good use?

We all know that borrowing is actually cheaper now due to the economic downturn. In order to keep our economy from going into a recession, government all around the world including Bank Negara has been lowering interest rates and we are further expecting more reduction in this rates at the end of the year.


For those that have existing mortgages, this year may actually be a good year to refinance. Firstly, check with your bank if your loan is still within the penalty period for refinancing. If it is, then try to talk to your banker if they could lower the rate. You may be surprise that some bankers may be willing to reduce it for you. However, do not expect a drastic reduction (but any reduction is better then nothing right?). Do take not that, if you are requesting for a rate reduction, most banker may require you to extend your penalty period. So if say, you have 1 year left for your penalty period, the banker may one to extend it another 4 years in exchange for a lower rate. They are doing business after all and it is in their best interest that you stay in debt with their banks rather then rival bankers.

If your not subjected to penalty then you options is wide open. All you need to do is browse around and find the most attractive rates out there. However, do note of other hidden cost when transferring such as legal fees, stamp duty and valuation.

Some people may ask, "how much do you really save if i refinance my loan?".

The answer - a lot


Lets give an example, your loan is RM200,000 and the offer when you first took up the loan was BLR-0.5% (BLR = 6.5%). If you then switch to a new loan package of say BLR - 2%, your total savings on interest alone would amount to RM50,000. I based this figures on a loan repayment of 16 years. This would translate to a reduction in your monthly payments and hence the extra money would help you consolidate on your bad debt (example - credit card bills). If you are already debt free, then the extra money from lower monthly repayment can be used for investments to promote even more wealth (example - insurance, endowment, business opportunities etc).

This is one of the many ways of putting good debt to good use.

DEBT Perception - - The Good and The Bad

I was reading an article in a local magazine the other day regarding debt as a tool for wealth. Of course with current economic conditions, one would say that you would be crazy to go into debt or even think of debt as a wealth producing tool. This group of people perceive debt as a cause of wealth destruction especially during the current tough economic climate.

Personally, I think both statements are not wrong. With the current drop in Base Lending Rate by Bank Negara (and probably more dip coming our way expected), one can build up asset and be debt-free sooner rather then later. On the flip side, with current economic conditions its also important to keep debt in check.

The above statement may seem confusing right?

Lets start by understanding debt which can be differentiated by good debt and bad debt.

Good debt is something that helps you achieve your goals and can actually help you when you plan it right. For example, you use the debt that's acquired for constructive purposes such as buying a house, starting a business or even to pay for your education. This is of course in view that the debt you undertook is something that is within your capacity to pay and is used as a tool for wealth accumulation.


On the opposite pole, we got the bad debts. This are dept that mainly serve to improve or enhance your lifestyle (something that is not really a necessity but a luxury). If one think that our total lifetime income is of a finite quantity, then what we spend now unnecessarily now, will eventually reduce our overall quality of life in the future.


Next entry - Ways to capitalize on good debts. Stay Tuned!

Malaysia New Speedtrap

PDRM seems to have a new "weapon" in their fight to keep drivers in check.

Its cheap and pretty effective if you tell me.

At first glance it may look cheesy but mind you, if your driving 140 km/h this picture of a police holding a speed detector looks real enough for you to slow down.

Have you seen one of these in your area as well?

Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar

As blogged before, I went for a short trip to Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar a few days back. We had about 30 students from Gujarat, India visiting and one of the highlights of their trip to town was a short tour around the Istana compound. Normally outsiders are not allowed to enter palace grounds except for official functions but we manage to get consent from the palace authorities.


Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak. This is where the Istana Iskandariah is situated.

Istana Iskandariah is the official residence of all the Sultans of Perak who have been installed since its completion in 1933.The palace is named after Sultan Iskandar Shah (1918-1938) who initiated its construction.



Istana Iskandariah is located at Bukit Chandan on the left bank of Sungai Perak upstream from Hilir Perak on the site of the former Istana Negara which was built in 1895 by Almarhum Sultan Idris Murshidul'adzam Shah (the late Sultan (in 1887-1916). It occupies an area of 10,435 square meters.


The design of the palace is based on the architecture of West Asia which is famous for its pointed arches and onion-shaped domes. The building is rectangular in shape and faces the sunrise and the river.

The roof is designed with one main dome in the centre and four subsidiary domes, one on each of the palace.

The palace is of there storey. The ground floor houses The Royal Dining Room, two Audience Halls, Reception Area, the Royal Rest Chambers, Ladies' Cloak Room, Aide-de-Camp's Office, Music Hall and the Royal Council Chamber.

Next time your on your way up to Penang, you might want to just drop into Kuala Kangsar for a half day trip.

2008 Perodua Kembara SUV

The much awaited 2008 Perodua Kembara SUV which is slotted to be launched in May 2008 was spotted on the Federal Highway recently.

The new Perodua will be powered by a 1.5 litre DOCH 16 valve DVVT engine and comes with 4WD. Unconfirmed sources indicate that the engine will be able to produce 105hp at 6000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4400rpm. The fuel consumption of this baby would be around 16 sen per km.

The new Kembara will be fully imported from Japan. The price tag is expected to be higher than Toyota Rush. This would mean we will get a better equipped Kembara compare with Rush with price tag above 85k (OUCH!!).


The pictures here more or less confirms that the car would be based on Toyota Rush/Daihatsu Terios. Observe the 5 spoke wheel design of the above picture and compare it to the Daihatsu Terios below. Its virtually the same.




Definitely something to look forward to come May 2008

P.S The trailer pictures are taken off paultan.org

One Piece Anime Review

Recently I have been watching a very interesting anime series called One Piece.

One Piece is set during the time where pirates ruled the seas. A pirate named Gold Roger also known as the Pirate King was executed but before he died, he revealed his last words about the legendary treasure named "One Piece" which was hidden in the Grand Line. 22 years after his death, a pirate (the leading character of this anime) named Monkey D Luffy appeared and has only one goal which is to be the next Pirate King and find the treasure "One Piece". In the story, Luffy after eating the Devil's Fruit, turns into a rubber man. This ability enables any part of his body to be stretched and he uses this ability to battle against other pirates that he encounters.


The storyline is simple but engaging and be prepared to have some good laughs as you go through the series. The characters featured are also not complex with each of his companion striving to achieve their individual dreams. The fighting scene are also exciting and I really like the slapsticks that they slip in between fights.

I am on episode 67 out of the 349 episodes out right now. It has really drawn me in so far and I am looking forward to watching more of it.

A definite recommendation for anime lovers out there.

Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa

Went to Pavillion last Sunday and made my way to level 5 of the complex. Why?
Reason : Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa

Some of you might wonder what-the-fish is a fish spa?


Well to put it simply. Its a spa in which you dip your feet into water filled with fishes known as "Garra Rufa" or widely known as "Doctor Fish"

And whats this "Garra Rufa"?

Its a fish that occurs naturally in the waters of hot spring near Kangal in Turkey's Sivas Province. Locals found that the fish would peck away at the dead and disease skin of bathers, easing the symptoms of those suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis and abscesses.

So how does it feel like being attacked by dozens of fish eating away them dead skins on your feet? Extremely ticklish!! I spent the first 10 minutes giggling. But rest assured that I was not the only one. Many around me was giggling and laughing as well.

The Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim

*This is a weekend trip that I did sometime back that I thought would be interesting to share. Another one of my never ending drafts*

I was told by a nature loving friend about this remote part of Kedah that hides one of of the country's best spot for white water rafting. But the part that caught my ear was the fact that this location is also where the longest tree top walk in the world is located.

Getting There

To get there you first hit the North South Expressway and head towards Kulim. Once you reach Kulim, drive through Kulim High Tech Park. From the modern complexes and factories, the scene soon changes to that of villages with huts having wooden and brick combination. Moving further, you will soon reach a place called Karangan. From there just follow the signboard to Sungai Sedim Tree Top Walk. From here be ready to expect kampung roads that are windy and bumpy dirt roads. I was practically wondering if i was in the right direction as signboards are not present till a bit further along the journey. Nevertheless you will eventually arrive at Sungai Sedim once you see the signboard "Sungai Sedim Recreation Forest".

Photo's taken along the walkway

General Info

The Sungai Sedim Walkway measures 925 metres long and is about 50 metres high. Its walkway are firm and does not move from left to right as you walk along it. So even a grandma would be safe walking along the walkway. Nevertheless, for those scared of heights, this attraction is not for the faint-hearted as a peep down might make you a bit dizzy.

For those interested in going, the walkway opens daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm with an entrance fee of RM10 for adults and RM6 for children.

Pretty high don't you think? Not!! its in mm lah

Another Random Picture along The Walk

Colour Rubber Shop

Was walking around Ipoh Parade today.

I normally park my car at the top level of the complex and every time I came down the escalator I would pass this shop that would always catch my eye. Why you say? Because one would never had thought that such a shop would be allowed to operate in the first place. Its obviously illegal and I guess the complex management staff thought it was a good idea having such outlets in their complex.

What kind of business you may ask? Its called the Colour Rubber Shop. It range of product range from condoms, KY to the more sophisticated Dildo's, Vibrators and much more. As I know this kind of shops are not allowed in Malaysia but they are still thriving.

Just shows we Malaysians are not conservative as many people would like to think.

Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi - Colmar Tropicale

Here's my second stop at Berjaya Hills - Colmar Tropicale.

If you are not staying there, you will have to pay RM18 per person as you drive up the so called "tol gate" (yup its that expensive).

For those that haven't heard of this place before, its our Malaysian version of a French village. Its suppose to be modelled after the 16th Century Colmar Village in Alsace, France.

As we approach the resort, we were greeted with the "castle drawbridge" at the entrance. There is also a moat below the bridge where you can see 2 black and 2 white swans (yup... just a pair each). Nothing special down there to be honest.

Other places of attraction inside the village include the square's fountain, wishing well, viewing tower and the few french-themed restaurant.

Some random pics at the town square

More random pics at the town square

This other "castle" is located opposite the "draw bridge". Its a multi-purpose hall used for weddings and other functions

Fries that we had there.

Chicken Wing anyone?

Word of warning. The food there suck! I do not recommend you have lunch there. Maybe a light snack. The money that you pay up there is not worth the food that they are giving you. Trust me.

All in all it was fun with the crowd that I went with. Do not get your hopes too high since its nothing as great as what it was advertised for.

The Meaning Of A Successful Relationship

Recently I have been having conversations of how people suffer or complain about their current relationships. Some can be as petty as not calling more then once a day to not being caring enough or even him being a complete "batu or kayu".

This then brings me back to my thinking box. What does a relationship mean?

For me a relationship means 2 person getting together and each being able to fulfill the other person's needs either emotionally, spiritually or even materially. A relationship is about 2 person understanding each other as they move along the winding road we call life while supporting each other along the way.

So what makes a successful relationship?

The success of a relationship is a function of the extent to which it meets the need of two people. If you are happy and contented while your partner is not, that would mean you have not done enough to fulfill your partners needs. If your partner is contented but you are unhappy, then your partner have not done enough to fulfill your needs. Lets all be frank, everyone has needs in their lives. Some of the needs cannot be procured alone and has to be given by the other. For example, we can pamper ourselves with tender loving care but we yearn for tender loving care by our loved one's. So it is important for both parties to know what is needed to fulfill the needs of the other. Tell each other what makes you tick.

A lot of people would complain that their partner do not understand them or do not know how to please them. If that's the case, isn't it your responsibility to TELL your partner what you need? There should be no hesitation to ask or tell the other on what makes you tick. Isn't life about self exploration after all? Do not expect your partner to mind read you. We humans are not able to do such things. Unless you ask or tell, no one would really know what you need. So both should be proactive in understanding the needs of one another in order to build a successful relationship. Do not complain to people that he is not doing enough...TELL HIM/HER.

So here you go, my formula for a long lasting relationship. Of course this is a personal view, so follow at your own risk!! haha

Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi : Rabbit Park

Went to Bukit Tinggi recently. This would be my second trip in 6 month going there. Somehow had the urge to go up there for spin.

Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi is sited 2,700-3,500 feet above sea level, approximately 40 mins drive away from KL and about 10km off the East-West Karak Highway. Its many attractions includes Colmar Tropicale - a French Themed Resort, Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club, Japanese Village and the Rabbit & Deer Farm.

Our first stop was the Rabbit Park. Its pretty easy to spot, just look for a pretty large open door car park on the left hand side of the road as you go up the hill. Just follow the signboard towards Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club.

You will see this big signboard as you come near the Rabbit Park

This small convenient store doubles up as the ticketing counter. You can buy the tickets for the rabbit park here. Don't forget to buy rabbit feed for those adorable rabbits!

It was only after reviewing this picture that I saw this girl posing for my camera!

Smile!!

This is the open area in which the rabbits are allowed to roam around. The rabbits are pretty tame, most will allow you to carry them and feed them.

I was a bit surprised this trip as the numbers of rabbits was so much less then my last trip. The rabbits used to fill all corners of the compound. This time its pretty sporadic. Somehow I had this strange feeling that this may not be a Rabbit Park but a Rabbit FARM (I really hope not!)

This is the caged section of the park. I guess these rabbit are a bit too young to be let loose to the open area.

And of course, pictures of the cute and adorable rabbits.
Feed me! Feed me! Feed me!

This one reminds me of the Duracell Rabbit for some odd reason.

That's all for now
Next: Colmar Tropicale (French Village) and Botanical Garden

Remark (Some info for the 4 eyed)

This may be a boring technical post completely relating to my work. Nevertheless I have had enquiries from a few of my friends when I told them that there is a new product coming out for many of us computer freaks that face the PC for more then 6 hrs daily. So instead of repeating what I said over and over, I have decided to blog it out.

As we know, our eyes tend to get super tired after hours upon hours staring at the dumb LCD monitor. Thats because our eyes tend to accomodate to the near work task that we are looking at. After many hours, the muscles in our eyes will start getting fatigue and we end up with various symptoms ranging from tired eyes, sting or burn, headaches, blurred vision and so on.

2 lens manufacturer has introduced a first of its kind single vision lenses to tackle this problem. About 3 weeks ago, one of the company has introduced this lens to the Malaysian market. Its called Remark, a new generation single vision lenses in which in addition to the standard visual correction has anti fatigue properties. This lens is purely targeted for the 20 yrs old to 40 yrs old segment. The lens is selling very well in Japan and was only introduced to the Asian market a few month ago. So most of my attempt on Google to search for extra detail failed so apart from product brochure that I have with me right now, there is no other extra information regarding it (unless you can read Japanese).

Anyway to put it simply, Remark lenses are designed to cater to your eyes movement - IN ALL DIRECTIONS. With its horizontal and vertical asymmetry and vertical aspheric design, it gives you a clear, comfortable and relaxed vision in all direction and distances. It also supports your eye muscle by reducing the strain needed to maintain a good focus for near. Theoretically, if you are already wearing glasses you should feel the difference straight away and there is no need to learn how to use the lens.

So far, I have been quite impressed with the technical details given, nevertheless there are still some reservations on my part on this lens due to many factors. So I will not fully recommend this lens until I have tested them out myself. Will be ordering one for my own use soon.

More info to come in the coming weeks.

Look Out Point Little Genting

About a month ago, a friend of mine was telling me about this very scenic place called Look Out Point at Little Genting near Pandan Indah. Apparently you could see the whole of KL there while enjoying your meal. The view would beat what you see dining at KL towers and at fraction of the cost. Hence this weekend, with GPS phone enabled, I decided to have a look for myself if what I have read from the net and from my friend is true (yeah googled about it and the review on it was pretty good apart from the so so food served there).

It reached there at about 10.30pm and the place was packed with cars. I was pretty lucky as I manage to get parking not too long after reaching the top of the hill. It was a rainy day that night so I would think that the place would be even more crowded with cars on a bright clear night.

We headed straight to the observation tower (Menara Tinjau) which is located a few minutes walk away from the eateries that was located next to the car park. The observation tower is a 3 storey wooden tower at the edge of the hill. As usual its jam packed with people taking pictures so for those expecting a romantic time together, you can just forget it. Nevertheless the night view of KL is truly a sight to behold with. Double thumbs up for that.

Here's a blur video i took with my N95 (from the background voices, you will can get a hint why I said do not expect a romantic night out)

Here's a picture again with the N95

After a brief picture taking session at the observation tower, we then proceeded to makan. I strongly recommend you go to the one on the right called Gasoline. If you frequent Sungei Wang often, you would know that this is the branch from the Gasoline that is situated on the 6th floor. Apparently they just opened for business a few month or less ago. Food selection is very wide, typical of a Hong Kong style eatery. So my initial fear of a mediocre quality meal was a bit unfounded as the food there was pretty ok.

This place got wifi too. So you can online as you have a drink there.


The table outdoors are completely empty as it was raining that night


View of KL as you dine

Had no time to snap pics of the food that was served to me as hunger got the better of me (no choice lah..... my lunch was at 2pm and it was already 11pm by the time food came). Again, do not expect a romantic dinner there as its a very crowded place. The plus side is you do get to enjoy the scenic view of KL over dinner.

All in all, a definite recommendation from me if not just for the sights.

Here is a rough guide on how to get there. Got this from another blog while doing my research on how to get there.

Look Out Point Restaurant and Cafe, Kompleks Pelancongan Menara Tinjau.

1.Exit the MRR2 at Pandan Indah Interchange.
2.Go straight until the T-Junction. Esso will be on your left. Turn right at the traffic light.
3.Take a left at the next traffic light
4.Take another left at the traffic light beside Puteri Plaza.
5.Turn right at the traffic light junction to Ulu Langat/Kajang. (Please take note on this, you might missed this.)
6.From this traffic light the road is winding for about 3 km.
7.Look out for the sign board “Menara Tinjau”.
8.Will come across a food court on the right with carpark. Turn in and drive up the hill to the LookOut Point Restaurant