WE NEED A "TOILET REVOLUTION"

A SURVEY by our local media in conjunction with World Toilet Day last year (Nov 19) revealed that the state of our public loos certainly leaves much to be desired.

It was found that most of our public toilets are generally unsatisfactory and need to improve on cleanliness, maintenance and facilities.

According to the survey, some toilets were well maintained and clean while many were below “satisfactory”. However, most were found to be in a deplorable state.

Public toilets at petrol stations were mainly dirty and smelly with the toilet bowls not flushed or clogged with tissue paper and even faeces.

Even toilets in shopping complexes, which people have to pay to use, are not clean and odourless. Toilets in coffee shops and restaurants are not clean either. Due to poor maintenance, locks on some of the toilet doors are not functioning and hooks/hangers inside the cubicles are missing.

In the course of my work, I travel all over Malaysia and I have seen the filthy state of some of the toilets in community halls I visited to participate in meetings or seminars. Maintenance of most public toilets along our highways, except those along the North-South Expressway, is generally poor.

Public toilets along the Karak Highway leading to Gambang, as I have seen, are not clean most of the time.

Many foreign visitors to Malaysia have nice things to say about our country, the food and tourist attractions but they are appalled at the condition of our public toilets.

On the one hand, there is the problem of poor maintenance. There is also the problem of users who have not learnt how to use public toilets properly.

Furthermore, public toilets are not only poorly maintained, they are also frequently vandalised.

Despite all the campaigns for clean toilets over the years, we do not seem to have achieved much.

We need to revolutionise our thinking on the usage and maintenance of toilets. We must dispel the idea that toilets are meant to be dirty and so we need not do anything about it.

On the contrary, we must accept the fact that we have to keep our toilets clean all the time although they are meant for “dirty business”.

It is high time for the public to be educated on how to use toilets in the proper way. In short, we need a toilet revolution to keep our toilets clean all the time! - LLT.

#Shared by: MKR#

 

A WIFE'S OBEDIENCE (BASED ON TRUE STORY)

Story of “JARAH” (perhaps her name is ZAHARAH, but in the village called ' JAGHOH ').

This story is not suitable to be read by women of this age, especially if you are glamorous cash paid “USTAZAH” talks invitation.

But this is a true story that occurred probably around 1970.

This story told by Uncle Aaron (Not Aaron Aziz the Malay Movie Actor)himself to me, who witnessed the incident.

JARAH is a daughter to "Traditional Villagers Nurse" in Kg. Sungai Golok, Thailand.

No possessions, no educated. Her husband works in Singapore (This workers popular by name “MAT SPURA” during that time), return only occasionally.

JARAH is homeless; her child is only one, JARAH staying in her father in law house.

From the stories told, Cinderella herself wills did not want to live that way.

Starting from the morning, JARAH wash clothes in-laws, on the banks of “MADRASAH” well. Not finished washing, leave a heartbeat go up fish, cook and wash again. When a child cries, stay a moment go back breast-feeding and washing.

Finished washing, she cleaned the house and cooking for dinner.

Her meals are what remain of the family's food.

No lipstick, No hair shampoo and no perfumes. That's JARAH daily nature life.

When her husband returns occasionally, this stupid husband never gives her any single cents or money.

Her “barbarian” husband just gives all presents, gifts and money to his mother and family members. NOT TO HIS OWN WIFE, “JARAH”.

In fact, JARAH don’t have her own “KAIN KKANO” (prayer cloth), just waiting for the law can be borrowed for prayers.

Asks shouted verbal insult of family law has become his daily food.

But JARAH never denied. JARAH never answered.

Amortized, fixed daily work sincerely.

Uncle Aaron had suggested, "You’re going to be asking for “fasakh” JARAH, how can you stay like this ".

JARAH answered, "oh brother, I was his legitimate wife. If he divorced me; thank God, otherwise I do is make my work as usual, I will obey, because he is my husband.

One day, while JARAH washing the clothes as usual.

Sound -in-law brought the fish back on the market.

JARAH leave wash cloths, for up fish and cook.

Not ready to fish weeding, heard the sound of children crying. Instant fish was covered under the carpet. Suddenly, in-law went into the kitchen to enjoy a meal as usual. They opened pot, there was no rice. In the open -to-eat only fish that are still not ready weeding.

What's more, her in-laws start to curse and insult, while calling and looking for JARAH; they saw JARAH in the bedroom, with his nurse in the chest. JARAH woken - up, rocked ... not even want to get up.

JARAH had passed away. He estimates that the 30's.

Rumoured said, Imam of Masjid Golok at that time don’t want to perform as Imam to "Solat Jenazah" for JARAH, after he knew JARAH is not wealthy.

Just a piece of cloth covering "JARAH" body.

Then prayers were led by Pak Ali history (his name is enshrined in the Kelantan Ulama leaders after independence issued by MAIK - Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan).

Even her grave dug on the outskirts of the area.

About 5 months later, one of LEBAI in that village incidentally  doing a spritual event called “TAHLIL” near JARAH’s  grave.

Fragrant smell something pierced nose. "There is a scent?”.

He asked the congregation. "There is the grave! In searching, they found a grave, the soil is still red, palm fronds were pricked still green, even grass and weeds do not grow near his grave (many weeds around him, but stopped when approaching the grave).

He continued directing the assembly of flush water and soil to bury the other, thinking perhaps there is a flush of rose water, given the grave still looks new. "Who is this new die?" LEBAI asked. "There are no new people die here in this village”.

News quickly spread. Uncle Aaron immediately recognized, that is JARAH’s grave. It was never abandoned anyone fall flat. Several days passed, the tomb still fragrant, Imam immediately ordered that the grave be made fence, he said, "This is the grave of the righteous".

"Thatch grave markers disappear overnight, from leaves to stems taken, supposedly taken thanks.

Told, this JARAH is not known as many worshipers. What's more pounds had to borrow a prayer clothfrom in-law. But he was never heard to complain of fate itself.

Never condemn the cruel law itself. Never nag her husband 's real neglecting herself .

To all modern women, no matter how bad, is that bad, as high as any loosed your husband, but if you stick to it generously , God willing paradise awaits .

#SharedBy:MKR#

TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

What is Tuberculosis?

1.    Tuberculosis or TB is a contagious disease that can be fatal if not treated. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bacillus discovered by Doctor Robert Koch on March 24, 1882 in Germany.

2.    It is red, subtle and can only be seen using a microscope. Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that precedes the dreaded dengue and Malaysian society.

3.    On 24 March of each year was declared as "World TB Day ".

4.    The World Health Organization (WHO) report, generally one-third of the world's population is infected with the TB germ.

5.    An estimated 90 % of the TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, known as pulmonary tuberculosis.

6.    However, through the blood circulation, tuberculosis can also damage other parts of the human body such as the kidneys, skin, eyes, neck glands, bones and brain.

7.    TB can be infectious when active pulmonary TB cough, sneeze or talk and will produce thousands of germs of tuberculosis of the lungs or throat are scattered in the air in the form of fine droplets.

8.    And those who breathe the air containing TB germs will be at risk of contracting the virus.

9.   Those who have a close relationship such as family members and colleagues TB patients typically are most at risk for having the disease.

10.  Signs that someone is infected with TB:

A)   A cough with phlegm for more than two weeks or more.

B)    Sputum dengue fever.

C)     Sweating in the afternoon or evening.

D)   Experiencing chest pain, especially when coughing or sighed.

E)    Loss of appetite.

F)    Weight loss.

G)   Easily tired and shrink weak body.

11.    Among the measures of prevention of tuberculosis are:

A)   New born baby must be given an injection of BCG vaccination.

B)    Vaccinate second dose if there is no scarring and at the age of 12 years.

C)    BCG is given free of charge in all hospitals and government health clinics for those aged 20 years and under.

D)   If cough persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor to test your sputum.

E)    Family members or anyone living under the same roof with TB patients in the long term should perform tests.

F)    Make sure your body is always strong and healthy so that it can resist the germs of tuberculosis at all times by adopting a healthy lifestyle and a good night's rest.

G)   Open doors and windows during the day to perfect air circulation to prevent the spread of tuberculosis germs.

H)   Let the sunshine into your home with the number as it tries to kill the TB germs floating in the air and hide in the corners of the house.

 

12. However, TB can be treated with treatment usually takes at least six months, even if patients feel well in the period.

13. In the first two months, daily treatment will be given.

14. Usually contains four types of oral medication, which was witnessed by a medical practitioner or any other person appointed as supervisor.

15. The next stage of treatment is done twice a week for four months and usually involves three drugs, also taken under supervision.

16.  If treatment is followed regularly, the patient can be cured.

 #SharedByMKR#

A DISH OF ICE CREAM

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table.

A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

“How much is an ice cream sundae?”

“50 cents,” replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied a number of coins in it.

“How much is a dish of plain ice cream?” he inquired.

Some people were now waiting for a table and the waitress was a bit impatient.

“35 cents,” she said brusquely.

The little boy again counted the coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and departed.

When the waitress came back, she began wiping down the table and then swallowed hard at what she saw.

There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were 15 cents – her tips.

#SharedbyMKR#

GAP ANALYSIS

A)  INTRODUCTION

1.    A gap analysis is a method of assessing the differences in performance between a business' information systems to determine whether business requirements are being met and, if not, what steps should be taken to ensure they are met successfully.

2.    Gap refers to the space between "where we are" (the present state) and "where we want to be" (the target state).

3.    A gap analysis may also be referred to as a needs analysis, needs assessment or need-gap analysis.

B)   OBJECTIVES

1.    Gap Analysis Reports (GAR) is often used by project managers and process improvement teams.

2.    General benefit from performing gap analysis: when we in the process of figuring out how to allocate resources. 

3.    In compliance, a gap analysis can compare what is required by certain regulations to what is currently being done to abide by them.

 

C)   IMPLEMENTATION

1.    The first step in conducting a gap analysis is to establish specific target objectives by looking at the company's mission statement, strategic goals and improvement objectives.

2.    The next step is to analyse current business mapping processes by collecting relevant data on performance levels and how resources are presently allocated to these processes.

3.    This data can be collected from a variety of sources depending on what's being analysed, such as by looking at:

i)                   Documentation.

ii)                Conducting Interviews.

iii)              Brainstorming.

iv)              Observing project activities.

v)                Lastly, after a management compares its target goals against its current state, it can then draw up a comprehensive plan that outlines specific steps to take to fill the gap between its current and future states, and reach its target objectives

 

D)  GAP ANALYSIS PROCESS

1.    Identifying the current state.

i.               Current state: A gap analysis template starts off with a column that might be labelled "Current State," which lists the processes and characteristics an organization seeks to improve, using factual and specific terms.

ii.              Areas of focus can be broad, targeting the entire business; the focus instead may be narrow, concentrating on a specific business process, depending on the company's outlined target objectives.

iii.           The analysis of these focus areas can be either quantitative, such as looking at the number of customer calls answered within a certain time period; or qualitative, such as examining the state of diversity in the workplace.

2.    Identifying the future state.

i.                Future state: The gap analysis report should also include a column labelled "Future State," which outlines the target condition the company wants to achieve.

ii.             This segment also can be drafted in concrete, quantifiable terms, such as aiming to increase the number of fielded customer calls by a certain percentage within a specific time period; or in general terms, such as working toward a more inclusive office culture.

E)    DESCRIBING THE GAP

1.    Gap description: This column should first identify whether a gap exists between a company's current and future state.

2.    If so, the gap description should then outline what constitutes the gap and the factors that contribute to it.

3.    This column lists those reasons in objective, clear and specific terms.

4.    Like the state descriptions, these components can either be quantifiable, such as a lack of workplace diversity programs; or qualitative, such as the difference between the number of currently fielded calls and the target number of fielded calls.

F)    BRIDGING THE GAP

1.    Next steps and proposals: This final column of a gap analysis report should list all the possible solutions that can be implemented to fill the gap between the current and future states.

2.    These objectives must be specific, directly speak to the factors listed in the gap description above, and be put in active and compelling terms.

3.    Some examples of next steps include hiring a certain number of additional employees to field customer calls; instituting a call volume reporting system to guarantee that there are enough employees to field calls; and launching specific office diversity programs and resources.

G)  GAP ANALYSIS TOOLS AND EXAMPLES

1.    McKinsey 7S Framework:

i.               This gap analysis tool, named after consulting firm McKinsey and Co., is used to determine specific aspects of a management that are meeting expectations.

ii.              An analyst using the 7S model examines the characteristics of business through the lens of seven people-centric groupings: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Staff, Style, Skills and Shared values.

iii.           The analyst fills in the current and future state for each category, which would then highlight where the gaps exist.

iv.           The management can then implement a targeted solution to bridge that gap.

 

2.    SWOT analysis:

i.                SWOT, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, is a gap analysis strategy used to identify the internal and external factors that affect the effectiveness and success of a product, project or person.

ii.             Once these factors are determined, the management can then determine the best solution by playing to their strengths, allocating resources accordingly, while at the same time avoiding potential threats.

3.    NADLER-TUSHMAN method:

i.               The Nadler-Tushman organizational congruence method, named after Columbia University professors David A. Nadler and Michael L. Tushman, examines how business processes work together and how gaps affect the operational efficiency of the organization as a whole.

ii.             The method analyses these operational gaps by analysing the organization's operational system as one that transforms inputs into outputs, dividing the business processes into three groups: input, transformation and output.

iii.          Input includes the operational environment, tangible and intangible resources used, and the company culture.

iv.           Transformation encompasses the existing systems, people and project activities currently in place that convert input into output.

v.              Outputs can take place at a system, group or individual level.

vi.           The Nadler-Tushman method puts a spotlight on how inadequate inputs and transformation functions that fail to work together cohesively can lead to gaps, as well as how gaps in the outputs can point to problems in the inputs and transformation functions.

vii.          This method highlights how the various components fit together, or are congruent -- the more congruent these parts are, the better a company performs.

viii.         The Nadler-Tushman method is a dynamic one that changes over time.

Thank you.

#Shared by MKR#