Mohon bantuan PM haramkan Uber, GrabCar

Ekoran kemelut di antara pemandu teksi dengan Uber dan GrabCar yang masih tiada penyelesaiannya, Kesepakatan Persatuan Teksi Se Malaysia (KPTSM) memohon perhatian dan bantuan Perdana Menteri dengan alasan pendapatan mereka kian terjejas.

KPSTM memohon Perdana Menteri agar mengharamkan perkhidmatan Uber dan GrabCar serta mendakwa pihak bertanggungjawab iaitu Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam darat (SPAD), tidak tegas menangani isu berkenaan dan segala tuntutan mereka selama ini dipandang sepi, laporan Berita Harian.

Menurut Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak, Pemandu Teksi Lembah Klang (PTLK), Zailani Isa Usuludin, yang bernaung di bawah KPTSM, lebih 77,000 pemandu teksi dan kereta sewa seluruh negara sepakat untuk merangka memorandum bagi mengenengahkan masalah yang dihadapi kepada Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“Kami tidak pernah membantah atau menolak kemajuan teknologi, tetapi dalam perkara ini, ternyata pemilik aplikasi Uber dan GrabCar telah menyalahgunakannya dengan menyediakan kemudahan itu kepada kenderaan persendirian dan pemandu tidak bertauliah,” ujar Zailani.

Katanya lagi, satu memorandum akan diserahkan kepada Perdana Menteri pada 26 September ini. Antara kandungan memorandum itu termasuk penolakan Program Transformasi Industri Teksi (TITP) kerana program yang diperkenalkan SPAD itu didakwa tidak memberi sebarang manfaat kepada industri teksi negara.

“Selagi perkhidmatan Uber dan GrabCar terus beroperasi, kami merasakan program TITP yang dicadangkan tidak mampu menaiktaraf perkhidmatan teksi, malah ia akan membebankan kami,” ujar Zailani lagi sambil menegaskan transformasi yang akan dilaksanakan itu dilihat tidak telus dan lebih kepada agenda pihak SPAD untuk menghalalkan operasi Uber dan GrabCar di negara ini.

Malahan KPTSM turut berpendapat isi kandungan inisiatif transformasi yang dicadangkan turut menjadikan industri teksi bercelaru dan menimbulkan ketidakseimbangan dalam sektor pengangkutan awam.

Sumber: Paultan.org

2016 Honda Accord facelift now in Malaysia, from RM144,800

Honda Malaysia has officially launched the facelifted Honda Accord – the refreshed D-segment sedan, which was first previewed locally last month, makes its debut exactly three years and three days to the date when the ninth-generation was first introduced in the country at the very same location.

The Accord facelift made its Thai debut in February, and we first saw it up close at the Bangkok Motor Show back in March. Like with the pre-facelift, the locally-assembled car is available in three variant forms – 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L and a range-topping 2.4 VTi-L. The Accord is mechanically unchanged, and revisions are left to the exterior and some new bits for the interior as well as additional kit.

Exterior changes are led by a new front end that now incorporates the automaker’s Solid Wing Face front end design, with a large chrome bar linking the headlights. The bumper has also been redesigned for a more aggressive look. At the rear, the Accord receives new LED tail lights with triple light guides and a wider chrome rear number plate garnish, and the rear valence has been reprofiled with a full-width chrome bar.



Inside, the cabin layout and the double-screen centre stack profile is unchanged, but the trim has been revised, now combining wood grain and piano black/silver (on the 2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L) that was seen on the Thai-market versions when the car was launched there earlier this year. The instrument panel has also been revised, with a new spindle pattern to help improve appearance and a new font for better legibility.

Changes abound with the i-MID and infotainment system. The 7.7-inch multi-info display and seven-inch touchscreen audio now comes with with Apple CarPlay compatibility (Android Auto when it comes along), MirrorLink, HDMI and WiFi hotspot. Unlike the Thai-spec car, there’s no Engine Remote Start – which allows one to start the engine and air-conditioning via the key fob – as seen on the new Civic.

Engines are carried over unchanged. The 2.4 litre Earth Dreams Technology engine – which replaced the K24 when the car made its debut – continues on with 175 hp at 6,200 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Output numbers also remain the same for the 2.0 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine, with 155 PS at 6,500 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm to be found. Both engines are paired with the same five-speed automatic gearbox.



New halogen headlamps are to be found on the 2.0 litre models, while the 2.4 litre gets full-LED units that are reminiscent of those fitted to the Civic 1.5T Premium. All three variants also come equipped with new slimline LED fog lamps. The 2.4 VTi-L’s 18-inch wheels are the same design as before, but now feature a two-tone finish. As for upholstery, the 2.0 VTi comes with fabric seats, while the 2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L’s are leather.

Fresh to the 2.0 VTi facelift is push-start ignition with smart entry, cruise control, hands-free telephone capability, a new two-tone 17-inch wheel design. The 2.0 VTi-L adds on an auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic wipers and power-adjustable front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), items previously exclusive to the 2.4 VTi-L.

Safety-wise, all Accord facelift models now come with six airbags – previously only available on the 2.4 VTi-L – to go with the ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and rear ISOFIX child seat mounts that was already offered as standard. Another feature that was used to be reserved for the 2.4 VTi-L, the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera, is now fitted to the 2.0 VTi-L as well.

In a nutshell, here’s what’s on the cars:

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi

2.0 litre naturally-aspirated SOHC i-VTEC engine, five-speed auto gearbox
155 PS at 6,500 rpm, 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm
17-inch two-tone wheels, 225/50 tyres
Automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED DRLs
LED fog lights
Keyless entry and push-start ignition
Cruise control
Dual-zone air-conditioning, rear air-con vents
Fabric seats
Three-spoke leather steering wheel
Seven-inch touchscreen head unit, six speakers
MP3, iPod, 2x USB, HDMI connect ability
Six airbags (dual front, side, curtain)
VSA, ABS, EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L

All of the above, adding on:
Leather seats
Auto wipers
Auto dimming rear-view mirror
Eight-way powered driver’s seat
Four-way powered passenger seat
Rear side door sunshade
Honda LaneWatch Camera
Multi-angle rear-view camera

Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L

All of the above, adding on:
2.4 litre naturally-aspirated EDT DOHC i-VTEC engine, five-speed auto gearbox
175 PS at 6,200 rpm, 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Paddle shifters
Auto-levelling LED headlamps
Active cornering lights
18-inch two-tone wheels, 235/45 tyres
Hydrophilic door mirrors
Powered rear sunshade
Premium Sound System with subwoofer


Five colours are available for the facelifted Accord. New shades include Obsidian Blue Pearl, which was seen on the 2.4 litre preview mule last month, as well as White Orchid Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic, the last of which happens to be the hero colour for the new Civic. The remaining two colours are the familiar Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Finally, pricing. The Honda Accord 2.0 VTi goes for RM144,800, while the 2.0 VTi-L retails for RM153,800. The range-topping 2.4 VTi-L, meanwhile, is now cheaper by RM5,000 – mostly through ditching the previous car’s navigation system – going for RM172,800. All prices are on-the-road with insurance.

Additional dress-up equipment can be had, in the form of an Advance package (front/rear/side splitters, a trunk spoiler and puddle lights), and this is priced at RM5,500. A Premium Utility package adds on a trunk tray, trunk drawer, footwell lighting, illuminated side sills, door visors and door protector film, for RM2.930.



There’s also a variety of tint film packages, ranging from RM1,500 to RM2,800. Lastly, 2.0 VTi owners wishing to upgrade their basic rear-view mirror to an auto dimmer unit can do so, RM995.60 bagging you one.

Source: Paultan.org

North Korean Olympians rewarded with Money, punished in Coal Mines

In the earliest days of the Olympics, winners merely received a laurel wreath and name recognition. However, those athletes knew they would be able to live off their reputation and receive free food and drink for the rest of their lives based on their success. Oh how times change.

This year’s Olympic victors receive million dollar endorsement deals (or lose them: Ryan Lochte we are looking in your dumb direction) and public acclaim. Others receive jeers and embarrassment. Just ask Hiroki Ogita, the Japanese pole vaulter whose penis got in the way. Still, compared to North Korea’s Olympic athletes, even another country’s biggest loser comes out ahead.



Upon landing in Rio, Yun Yong-bok, a senior official on the hermit kingdom’s Sports Committee, announced North Korea would win at least five gold medals and twelve bronze and silver medals. The country had won four gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics.

Unfortunately, saying something does not make it true. At the 2016 Olympics, North Korea’s 31 athletes won only two golds, three silvers, and two bronze medals. Meanwhile, South Korea won nine golds, three silvers, and nine bronzes. Ultimately, the look of terror on North Korean athletes who didn’t bring home the gold tells where this story is headed.



Kim Jong-un was not happy that his hated enemies to the south won more medals. Consequently, the Olympians returning to Pyongyang feared for their lives. The ruler of North Korea promised victors would receive new cars, television sets, and apartments. The TVs would even include a channel that streamed videos of the dictator 24/7.

However, for those who failed to win gold, the future is full of uncertainties. In the past, Kim Jong-un has moved disappointing athletes into worse apartments, cut their rations, and stripped them of access to workout facilities.



The athletes sent to the reeducation centers and coal mines are even worse off. Looking back to 2010, the North Korean soccer team lost 7-0 to Portugal during a globally-broadcast World Cup match. As a result, many coaches and players were sent to the coal mines. For two years, they toiled in harsh conditions. Two soccer players died. Others suffered from respiratory failure. Eventually, the surviving athletes returned to their families. Time will tell if this year’s Olympic ‘failures’ follow in those coal-covered footprints.

Source: weirdasianews.com

Mitsubishi Triton VGT upgraded - price starts RM102k

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) officially launched the upgraded Mitsubishi Triton VGT this morning in Bangsar, KL. The headlining new item is the 2.4 litre MIVEC VGT turbodiesel engine with 181 PS at 3,500 rpm, and 430 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm.

When this generation of Triton was launched in Malaysia back in May 2015, we received an improved version of the familiar 2.5 litre VGT unit with 178 PS and 400 Nm (+50 Nm), instead of the 2.4L MIVEC available in the Land of Smiles. This update brings our Triton in-line with the Thai-spec truck, and an extra 3 PS and 30 Nm of torque for less road tax.

The reason given by MMM then was that our fuel quality isn’t ideal for the 2.4L “Clean Diesel” engine, which is more powerful and up to 15% more fuel efficient than the 2.5L. Well, Euro 5 diesel is now available in Malaysia, and so is the new engine. MMM says that the 2.4L can run on Euro 2 diesel without problems as well.



The new 2.4L engine is the first diesel unit to use the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system previously only available in the firm’s petrol engines. The motor’s aluminium alloy block is also a first in the segment, and saves around 30 kg compared to a cast iron block.

MMM claims that overall acceleration and driving performance have been improved thanks to the boosted figures and lower weight, although no figures were shared. The timing chain engine (replaces timing belt) also delivers a quieter and more comfortable driving experience with better NVH, it is claimed.

The engine is mated to MMC’s Easy Select 4WD (rotary knob, shift on the fly at up to 100 km/h) and a five-speed automatic transmission with sports mode, or a new six-speed manual (from 5MT) for the Triton VGT 4×4 MT variant. The VGT MT also gains the rotary 4WD dial that replaces the previous gear stick.



There’s a new Triton VGT Adventure X variant as the flagship of the range. The X comes with the usual Adventure gear plus extra goodies such as a shield extender for the front bumper, dual-tone 17-inch alloys and a new sports bar with full box (fully covered bed). The latter in black, and so is the grille (matte black, chrome on other variants). One can choose from two exclusive colours – the distinctive Impulse Blue and Titanium Grey.

The existing Triton VGT AT & VGT MT variants have also received upgrades. Besides the new engine and the 6MT for the row it yourself variant, the entry VGT models gain automatic bi-xenon HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and rear fog lamps.

Between these and the VGT Adventure X is the still present VGT Adventure, the previous range topper with kit such as auto headlamps and wipers, dual-zone air con, leather seats, Bluetooth, reverse camera, cruise control and paddle shifters. Earth Green and Solid Red are exclusive colours for the Adventure. The Adventure X gets all these items, plus the above-mentioned new gear.

This update involves the Variable Geometry Turbo variants only. The non-VGT Triton 4×4 MT and workhorse Triton Quest 4×2 MT continue as before. There are now six variants in total.

The Triton VGT Adventure X is priced at RM125,005 on the road without insurance, a couple of grand costlier than the RM118,198 Triton VGT Adventure. The VGT AT and VGT MT are priced at RM109,446 and RM102,619 respectively. The factory warranty is three years or 100,000 km, and MMM includes two years of free service as well.

Source: Paultan.org

7 weird facts about China’s newest Glass Bridge

Any tourist not afraid of heights must rejoice! China finally opened the long awaited Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Announced in 2012, construction of the skywalk began in late November 2014.

Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan and constructed by China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance and Design Institute, the structure cost nearly $4 million and connects two cliffs in the Tianmenshan National Forest Park, at Chestnut Pass, which is located in the Hunan province.

While the bridge is open for tourists without vertigo, construction on additional components of the skywalk will continue through most of 2017. In the meantime, here are seven bizarre facts about the new attraction.



1) Is that a glass bridge in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

The new glass bridge is the longest and tallest in the world. At a staggering 1,400 feet long and 984 feet high, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge towers above the United States’ Grand Canyon glass walkway. The former record holder is a mere 720 feet above the ground.



2) Cut. Who is the idiot who f*cked up my shot?!

Famed film director James Cameron opposed construction of the bridge. Cameron drew inspiration for the planet Pandora in the movie Avatar from the Tianmenshan National Forest Park. He even filmed scenes in the area. Upon learning about the bridge in 2012, he contacted the Chinese government and asked it to consider locating the skywalk in a less pristine location. Chinese officials obviously did not listen to this plea. This should come as no surprise as they thought the movie was simply Dances with Wolves in space.



3) If you walk on it, you won’t die.

China actually thought about safety during a construction project. Stories about poisonous running tracks and fake rice and eggs cause many to wonder if the Chinese government actually cares about public safety. A series of earlier glass bridges and walkways cracked and scared away tourists, most notably Brave Man’s Bridge in Shinuizhai National Geological Park and the cliff walkway on Yuntai Mountain. As a result, engineers at the Tianmenshan Bridge let people smash some of the triple-pane glass panels with a sledgehammer. While they cracked, they did not shatter. For good measure, they then drove an SUV over the cracked panes to show the bridge’s strength.



4) You can strut its catwalk, if you can open your eyes.

Three fashion shows will take place on the bridge each year. Some of China’s most famous designers, including Masha Ma and Yiqing Yi, will be involved in the first one. Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Armani will also participate.



5) Long, pointy things are not welcome.

One thing you will not see during the fashion shows is stiletto heels. Even with all the durability tests, officials will not take any chances with the 99 glass panes. The harder to enforce ban is on selfie sticks. The Chinese government fears people will fall off the sides while trying to get a perfect shot.



6) Let’s shift into the down, down, downward dog pose.

In addition to annual fashion shows, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge will host monthly yoga sessions. For those looking forward to the experience, the time to sign up was six months ago. There is already a wait list of over 50,000 people. Two hundred people per day were signing up before the bridge opened.



7) It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.

If yoga is not your speed and you’re looking for more adventure, a visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is still worth your while. Construction crews are currently building the world’s largest swing, zipline, and bungee jump platforms. When they open in summer 2017, the swing will be over 500 feet long, while the bungee jump will be over 875 feet high.



Source: weirdasianews.com

Human heart found in plastic bag at petrol station

The heart was found by paramedics who initially threw it away Credit: Norwalk Police Department

Paramedics in Norwalk, Ohio, made a mysterious and grisly discovery last month while parked at a petrol station; a heart wrapped a plastic bag.

The ambulance crew was passing time outside Norwalk’s Friendship Food Store on August 25 when they spotted the organ in a field.

After reporting their find a dispatcher told them to get rid of it – so they tossed it in a bin, but subsequently retrieved it so a coroner could carry out tests.

Credit: Norwalk Police Department


“We are reasonably certain it was a human heart — 95%,” Sgt. Jim Fulton of the Norwalk Police Department told BuzzFeed News.

Speaking to Cleveland 19 News Fulton said: “This is pretty unusual. We have no idea where it came from.

“I talked to the Lucas County Coroner and she seemed to think that it hadn’t been in that field very long. It could have possibly been frozen prior to that.”

Credit: Norwalk Police Department

“We don’t have a body that we’re missing a heart from,” added Fulton. “So I guess it’s an unusual occurrence, is what you would say. It’s what’s listed on our report. We hope to be able to classify it as something else and close this out.”

Jill Del Greco of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said the bureau was unaware of any cases involving a missing human heart: “We wouldn’t necessarily hear about it,” she added. “Most cases are handled at the local level.”

Fulton suggested that the heart could have come from a funeral home or an autopsy.

“There’s endless possibilities,” he said, stressing to BuzzFeed News that the public should not be unduly concerned.

"We don't want the public to be worry," he said. "Like someone ripping out people's hearts - we don't think that's the case here."

Source: The Telegraph | 15 September 2016

Human heart found in plastic bag at petrol station

The heart was found by paramedics who initially threw it away Credit: Norwalk Police Department

Paramedics in Norwalk, Ohio, made a mysterious and grisly discovery last month while parked at a petrol station; a heart wrapped a plastic bag.

The ambulance crew was passing time outside Norwalk’s Friendship Food Store on August 25 when they spotted the organ in a field.

After reporting their find a dispatcher told them to get rid of it – so they tossed it in a bin, but subsequently retrieved it so a coroner could carry out tests.

Credit: Norwalk Police Department


“We are reasonably certain it was a human heart — 95%,” Sgt. Jim Fulton of the Norwalk Police Department told BuzzFeed News.

Speaking to Cleveland 19 News Fulton said: “This is pretty unusual. We have no idea where it came from.

“I talked to the Lucas County Coroner and she seemed to think that it hadn’t been in that field very long. It could have possibly been frozen prior to that.”

Credit: Norwalk Police Department

“We don’t have a body that we’re missing a heart from,” added Fulton. “So I guess it’s an unusual occurrence, is what you would say. It’s what’s listed on our report. We hope to be able to classify it as something else and close this out.”

Jill Del Greco of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said the bureau was unaware of any cases involving a missing human heart: “We wouldn’t necessarily hear about it,” she added. “Most cases are handled at the local level.”

Fulton suggested that the heart could have come from a funeral home or an autopsy.

“There’s endless possibilities,” he said, stressing to BuzzFeed News that the public should not be unduly concerned.

"We don't want the public to be worry," he said. "Like someone ripping out people's hearts - we don't think that's the case here."

Source: The Telegraph | 15 September 2016

Human heart found in plastic bag at petrol station

The heart was found by paramedics who initially threw it away Credit: Norwalk Police Department

Paramedics in Norwalk, Ohio, made a mysterious and grisly discovery last month while parked at a petrol station; a heart wrapped a plastic bag.

The ambulance crew was passing time outside Norwalk’s Friendship Food Store on August 25 when they spotted the organ in a field.

After reporting their find a dispatcher told them to get rid of it – so they tossed it in a bin, but subsequently retrieved it so a coroner could carry out tests.

Credit: Norwalk Police Department


“We are reasonably certain it was a human heart — 95%,” Sgt. Jim Fulton of the Norwalk Police Department told BuzzFeed News.

Speaking to Cleveland 19 News Fulton said: “This is pretty unusual. We have no idea where it came from.

“I talked to the Lucas County Coroner and she seemed to think that it hadn’t been in that field very long. It could have possibly been frozen prior to that.”

Credit: Norwalk Police Department

“We don’t have a body that we’re missing a heart from,” added Fulton. “So I guess it’s an unusual occurrence, is what you would say. It’s what’s listed on our report. We hope to be able to classify it as something else and close this out.”

Jill Del Greco of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said the bureau was unaware of any cases involving a missing human heart: “We wouldn’t necessarily hear about it,” she added. “Most cases are handled at the local level.”

Fulton suggested that the heart could have come from a funeral home or an autopsy.

“There’s endless possibilities,” he said, stressing to BuzzFeed News that the public should not be unduly concerned.

"We don't want the public to be worry," he said. "Like someone ripping out people's hearts - we don't think that's the case here."

Source: The Telegraph | 15 September 2016

New 2016 Proton Saga to launch this month?

Tipped to be launched by the end of the month, the upcoming 2016 Proton Saga has received a four-star crash protection rating from ASEAN NCAP. The budget sedan scored 13.33 points in adult occupant protection (AOP) and a 71% compliance in child occupant protection (COP) – the latter means the car is also rated four stars in child protection.

These figures compare favourably with those achieved by the current Saga FLX+ tested in 2013 – that car mustered a score of 10.23 points in AOP, earning it three stars. Its COP compliance score of 48%, meanwhile, only managed to put it in the two-star bracket for child protection.

Details of the new Saga remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that the car will be powered by the Iriz‘ 1.3 litre VVT four-cylinder engine – in the Iriz, it produces 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The use of the smaller engine (as opposed to the Saga FLX, which was also available in a 1.6 SE variant) better demarcates the Saga’s positioning in Proton’s lineup vis-à-vis the Persona, which is only available with the 1.6 litre VVT mill. The current five-speed manual and CVT transmission options are likely to be retained.

Source: Paultan.org

Tayangan kisah Harimau Malaya 1980 - Sempena Hari Malaysia

Tayangan perdana Harimau Malaya 1980 disiarkan jam 9 malam ini, 16 September 2016, menerusi dua saluran serentak, Astro Arena dan Astro Supersport HD.

BERSEMPENA dengan sambutan Hari Malaysia pada tahun ini, Astro dengan berbesar hati telah melancarkan sebuah dokumentari khas bertajuk Harimau Malaya 1980 bagi meraikan detik-detik bersejarah pasukan bola sepak Malaysia.

Harimau Malaya 1980 bakal menyorot kembali ceritera pasukan bola sepak pada tahun 1980 yang begitu berinspirasi, serta semangat juang mereka untuk melayakkan diri menuju Sukan Olimpik Moscow 1980.

Dokumentari ini juga bakal mendekati kisah peribadi para pemain yang telah membentuk pasukan tersebut.

Buat pertama kali selepas 36 tahun, ahli pasukan tersebut telah berkumpul semula untuk menjayakan sebuah dokumentari.

Harimau Malaya 1980 turut menyaksikan sesi temubual eksklusif bersama barisan pemain legenda seperti Dato’ Soh Chin Aun, Hassan Sani, James Wong, Datuk Santokh Singh, jurulatih Karl-Heinz Weigang, pengulas sukan veteran Zulkarnain Hassan, ahli keluarga pemain dan bekas Menteri Luar Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithaudeen Tengku Ismail.

Dokumentari ini bakal menjejaki detik-detik suka-duka, semangat juang mereka bagi mencapat matlamat utama mereka untuk melayakkan diri berentap di Olimpik Moscow pada tahun 1980.

Berdurasi selama 90 minit, dokumentari ini telah diterbitkan olah Basir Siswo dengan kerjasama khas Chiu Keng Guan (Ola Bola).

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Astro Datuk Rohana Rozhan berkata, menerusi dokumentari berkenaan, pihak Astro ingin menceritakan kepada rakyat Malaysia mengenai kisah wira negara yang telah berjaya mengharungi pelbagai cabaran sehingga menjadikan mereka sebuah pasukan terunggul dan dihormati rakyat negara ini.

"Kami berharap agar kisah perjuangan mereka ini akan terus menjadi sumber inspirasi kepada generasi di masa akan datang.

"Harimau Malaya 1980 merupakan lambang kebanggaan rakyat Malaysia dan kisah perjuangan mereka ini mengingatkan kita akan kepentingan semangat berpasukan, perpaduan dalam mengamalkan kepelbagaian bangsa selain memiliki kekuatan menerima perbezaan di antara satu sama lain," kata Rohana.

Tayangan perdana Harimau Malaya 1980 adalah pada malam ini, 16 September 2016, jam 9.00 malam menerusi dua saluran serentak, Astro Arena (Saluran 801 dan Saluran HD 802), Astro Supersport HD (Saluran 831).

Sumber: Astro Awani

Destinasi tumpuan cuti sekolah - Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung, dilengkapi di dalamnya jejantas dan tangga yang diterangi lampu, menjadi tarikan pengunjung terutama di musim cuti sekolah. - fotoBERNAMA

IPOH: Gua Tempurung yang terletak di Gopeng, kira-kira 25 kilometer dari bandar raya Ipoh merupakan satu daripada destinasi pelancongan yang harus dikunjungi jika ke negeri Perak.

Lebih-lebih lagi, ketika musim cuti sekolah, ibu bapa tidak melepaskan peluang untuk membawa anak-anak mereka menerokai keindahan Gua Tempurung yang mana di dalamnya telah tersedia jejantas dan tangga lengkap dengan lampu.

Menurut Pengarah Eksekutif Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung Datuk Abd Rahman Md Som, pelbagai acara disediakan sempena cuti sekolah termasuk pameran dari Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara, persembahan buskers (muzik jalanan) dan karnival.

"Acara ini sebagai tarikan kepada pengunjung terutama golongan muda supaya mereka akan merasa seronok mendengar muzik sebelum menerokai gua," katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama.

Abd Rahman berkata pihaknya menyediakan empat jenis ekspedisi yang membabitkan aktiviti perjalanan kering serta perjalanan kering yang diselangi dengan laluan menyusuri sungai.

"Terdapat empat jenis ekspedisi iaitu Golden Flowstone (tempat kering), Top Of The World (tempat kering), Top Of The World and Short River Adventure (kawasan basah) dan Grand Tour (kawasan basah).

"Masa lawatan adalah dari pukul 9 pagi hingga 4 petang bergantung pada jenis ekspedisi yang dipilih. Pengunjung yang mengikuti ekspedisi ini akan berpandukan renjer yang berpengalaman," katanya.

Katanya bayaran masuk bagi ekspedisi di Golden Flowstone adalah sebanyak RM8 bagi dewasa sementara kanak-kanak RM4; Top Of The World RM12 (dewasa), RM6 (kanak-kanak); Top Of The World and Short River Adventure RM15 (dewasa), RM7.50 (kanak-kanak) dan Grand Tour RM30 (dewasa), RM15 (kanak-kanak).

Dalam pada itu, Abd Rahman berkata Gua Tempurung selamat dikunjungi berikutan kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan keselamatan telah siap termasuk menambah lampu dan menyediakan 32 buah tandas yang lebih besar dan selesa.

"Kami juga bercadang untuk menaik taraf kawasan perkelahan di sini, termasuk membina gerai makanan yang menyediakan makanan yang popular di Perak," katanya.

Mengenai statistik pengunjung ke Gua Tempurung, Abd Rahman berkata pihaknya menerima jumlah pengunjung yang amat memberangsangkan iaitu seramai 64,000 orang bagi tempoh lapan bulan ini.

"Dalam sebulan, pihak kami merekodkan seramai 7,000 pengunjung dari dalam negara dan selebihnya pelancong dari luar negara.

"Peningkatan itu adalah hasil usaha daripada kerja-kerja mempromosi Gua Tempurung selain menaik taraf kawasan gua itu," katanya.

Ketinggian Gua Tempurung ialah 120 meter, manakala panjangnya dianggarkan 1.9 kilometer (km) dan ada sungai mengalir sejauh 1.6km di dalamnya dikenali sebagai Sungai Gua Tempurung.

Ia mempunyai lima kubah besar yang dikenali sebagai Dewan Aliran Batu Emas (Golden Flowstone), Dewan Gergasi (Giant), Dewan Bijih Timah (Tin Mine), Dewan Alam (Universe) serta gabungan Dewan Pahlawan Tumpas (Fallen Warrior) dan Medan Perang (Battlefield). -- BERNAMA

Floating Solar Panels conserve water while flooding grid with Energy

That’s the situation at Far Niente Vineyards in Oakville, where nearly 1,000 solar panels have been grouped together, floating on a large irrigation pond.


Solar panels at Far Niente Winery (CBS)

“We don’t want to take vineyards out of production. Our livelihood here is winemaking,” said Greg Allen, President of Far Niente Winery.

Far Niente is in the heart of the Napa Valley, home to some of the most expensive farmland in the nation. It’s not land you want to cover in solar. The estate is also a national landmark, so no panels there either. But the pond surface was open.

The system helps the drought too by reducing evaporation from the pond by providing shade. The proximity to the water also keeps the panels cooler and more efficient than they would otherwise be.

“We believe it’s the first example of a grid connected floating solar array in the world,” said Allen.

It’s not a demonstration project either, the system is making real juice: 396 kilowatts when we visited earlier this week.

“The system is rated for 400 so I think we are doing pretty well,” said Allen.

That output is nearly four times what the winery uses on a daily basis, meaning the power meter is spinning backward pretty quickly.

“To me this is just a no brainier,” said Geof Syphers, CEO Sonoma Clean Power, who sees this catching on quickly. “Statewide this could be one hundred to five hundred times more around California than we are building right now.

The winery still receives a bill from PG&E, but the balance recently has been zero.

Source: CBS

SESB Purchased 14 Mobile Gensets to counter power outage

In a nutshell this acquisition would mean reduction in power supply interruptions and faster relief to the consumers. This is achieved supposedly with faster response via deployment of smaller gensets but larger in numbers, to cover more strategic and critical areas.

Reading today's local dailies (7 Sept), you read and get what's necessary for general information. But from technical standpoint, I was a bit frustrated that none of the three papers (NST, Borneo Post & Daily Express) give sufficient information about the mobile gensets technical information apart from stating the obvious -- generator capacity and number of sets. Then again, that is all that matters to the general public, I suppose.

Too bad. Had I known of the event earlier I would not have hesitated to walk in as spectator.



WZS PowerGen handing over the trucks to SESB. Photo: NST Online


Anyway, digesting what the reporters reported in their respective dailies, here's a hint of the mobile power unit:

Generator set capacity : 500kW each
Engine manufacturer : na
Alternator manufacturer : na
Designed & integrated by : WZS PowerGen Sdn Bhd
Generator engine emission standard : Euro 3
Gross mobile unit weight : 16 tonnes
Fuel tank size : 2,000 litres
Up time (with continuous use) : 10 hours
Number of sets : 14
Total cost : RM12 mil ($3 mil)
Received now : 7 trucks
To receive in Oct 2016 : 7 trucks (expected)
Each generator set will power up : 200 to 300 homes

Having 14 trucks with capacity of 500kW each, SESB will now have 'additional' generating capacity of 7MW at its disposal to attend to power interrupted areas. So, when there are scheduled power outages which normally last for 8 hours in most cases, this new truck loaded with power generator will be able to last that long.

In my own experience in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang areas, when requested, SESB would send their "Tenaga segera" mobile genset to cater for our industrial power need.

“Before this, we would have to call our contractors and settle payments before we are able to respond to power supply interruption reports but with these 14 new mobile units, we can go together which would cut down response time by half.”- Muhamad Nazri Pazil, Senior General Manager (Asset management), SESB

Source: The Green Mechanics