"You idiot, didn't you go to school? You are troubling people!"
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Work In Progress - Day 2
Does that look safe??
In Amsterdam they use pulleys (Katrollen) for this
Tomorrow: the roof...
To be continued...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Smashed, robbed and traumatised
At 10.15am yesterday, 14th of June, I drove out of my house and was at the usual traffic light (5minutes away from home). While waiting at a red light, a motorbike appeared and the pillion rider smashed my window and ran away with my handbag.
Are we really not bothered about others?
I made a police report at a police station nearby and the inspector informed me that the sergeant from the main branch in Kajang would like to speak to me. The sergeant briefly asked me if I had any useful information that could help proceed with an investigation. I told him couldn’t recall much except what I had already shared. He then said, ‘If that’s the case, you need not come over because it would be too much effort for you’
That’s it? I couldn’t recall any details so it’s pointless to take this further? Can any victim recall full details of the event when attacked?
I was not satisfied with the effort put in by the police and probed him about the frequency, statistics and patterns of similar crimes and if they’ve any special unit for this?
He got defensive and said, it’s my fault for placing my bags on the car seat because I lured them, his exact words were, “you memberi tarikan pada mereka’ (You attracted them)
Hearing that, I asked him more questions about the lack of women’s safety and rights to roam the streets freely is violated.
He tried to give some lame reasoning on how efficient they are about patrolling 15-20 residential areas and yet these criminals know how to evade them.
I got tired of listening to his laughable replies and cut him off by saying, ‘have you heard of, prevention is better than cure?’
Instead of taking reactive methods why not include some pro-active methods as well. This might deter them.
Again, another laughable answer. I cut the conversation off and said, ‘Thank You Sergeant you’ve been very helpful’. Minutes later, just as I was about to drive off, I got a call from Sergeant ‘Joker’ asking me to come over to the main branch to take photos of the damage. (This is after telling me I don’t need to go over since I have nothing helpful to add to help with investigation)
Why the sudden interest?
At the Kajang Police Station, Sergeant ‘Joker’ prioritised my case over the rest of the earlier victims waiting to be attended to. He took my (according to him, not useful information) as a statement.
Again, he said, ‘no witness or proof, we can’t do much’
So, please friends, if you happen to witness an act of crime, do try to help the victim. There’s always something you can do. Showing up to the police station with description of the attacker helps our ‘competent’ police force do their 'hard' work. The victims are normally shock- stricken and recall nothing much. Please help to provide details.
Sloppy investigation. He took one shot in a quick glance without paying attention to the scratches or torn material left on the window. The scratches indicate they hid a weapon under their shirt and the torn material would have given some idea of usual gear selection by these guys.
Apparently, with clear details, the police are able to compile them for an analysis of their modus operandi.
The sergeant also added, “Kalau kat kampung, orang lebih ambil berat dan tahu siapa yang tinggal di mana. Di Bandar, lu lu gua gua!” (It’s different in the village. The villagers know who lives in their area and can pick up on strange acts. In the city it’s.. you mind your own business and I’ll mind my own business’
I’m sure at least 3 cars saw the colour of the bike, or had a glimpse of the plate number.
I remember nothing and these details would help stop these guys from robbing other women.
There is always something you can do if you happen to be at the crime scene:
1) Go up and ask the victim if there’s anything you can do? Even loaning your hand phone to make some important calls does wonders.
2) Take a good look at the attacker, get as much details as possible
- The size of the bike, vehicle
- The colour and brand of the bike
- What race and body size (S,M.L.XL)
- What weapon were they carrying?
- Number plate
- Facial features
- If wearing full face helmet, colour of helmet and brand
- Outfit worn
3) If you’re too busy and have to run off but you have these details, either provide your number to the victim or share the details with victim.
4) In some cases, citizens who witnessed similar attacks, try to knock down the robber/thief. This has helped stop the criminals from running away.
5) Keep an eye out for suspicious looking motorist with similar modus operandi.
After giving my statement to the Sergeant I asked him what happens next?
The only reason he gave me the time of the day because I asked some valid questions and told him I have worked in NSTP for 6 years.
This is how the conversation went with Sergeant Rashid from Balai Polis Kajang. It starts with a phone conversation at Balai Polis Sg Long and then he asked me to come over to meet him at Balai Polis Kajang.
(Over the phone)
Sergeant Rashid: Selamat petang Cik Subashni, cik ada tak maklumat lebih yang boleh membantu kita membuat penyiasatan?
Shuba: Maklumat lebih seperti apa?
SR: Warna motosikal, jenama atau suspek?
S: Saya panic masa tu Encik, tak sempat nak tengok apa-apa
SR: Kalau macam tu, Cik tak perlu lah dating ke balai sini sebab menyusahkan cik saja.
S: Macam tu je? Boleh tak saya tanya sikit? Insiden seperti ni dah banyak kali berlaku dan kaum wanita selalu jadi mangsa, Apakah tindakan atau langkah yg diambil oleh polis untuk mencegah kejadian seperti ini?
SR: Actually, salahnye kita, sebab begnya diletak atas dan ia menjadi tarikan.
S: Jadi saya sepatutnye menyalahkan diri saya sendiri kerana cuai, bukan perompak yang melakukan jenayah ini? Bukankah masalah ini sudah lama berlaku? Kenapa kaum wanita selalu disalahkan dan inilah yang memberi penjenayah kuasa. Apakah tiada langkah diambil untuk membanteras isu ni?
SR: Kita ada buat rondaan 15-20 taman. Kalau you jadi penjenayah, you tengok polis you buat tak? Jadi bila kita di seksyen 1 dia lari ke seksyen 2.
S: Sergeant pernah dengar tak prevention is better than cure? Semua langkah yg. Encik sebut tadi adalah reaktif, takkan takde langkah pro-aktif?
SR: Kita ada buat rondaan...blah blah blah...(same crappy answers) Tapi sebab takde maklumat yang mencukupi kita tak dapat melakukan siasatan lanjut. Seperti kes acid tu, sampai sekarang tak dapat nak tangkap sebab maklumat tak mencukupi. Ia menyukarkan kita.
S: Ok Sergeant terima kasih, saya ada pengalaman dalam bidang kewartawanan dan saya rasa pengalaman saya ni boleh dikongsi dengan kaum wanita lain.
SR: Ok, Sama – sama.
As I was about to drive off, the inspector from the station called me and said the sergeant decided to meet me after all. So I was asked to go meet the Sergeant I was on the phone with at the headquarters in Kajang.
Why did he change his mind?
(At the Kajang police station)
S: Kenapa tiba-tiba encik tukar fikiran dan hendak ambil statement saya?
SR: Sebab kalau ada witness yang datang, saya tak perlu menyusahkan you suruh you datang balik. (of course I didn’t buy that)
S: Apa yang Sergeant akan lakukan dengan statement saya ni? Apa beza statement dengan report yang saya dah buat tadi di Balai Polis,Sg Long.
SR: Statement adalah lebih terperinci dan akan digunakan untuk di mahkamah dan report adalah report polis yang diambil oleh balai polis terdekat.
S: Selepas ni, apakah langkah seterusnya?
- Maklumat yang kita terima akan dihebahkan ke unit peronda.
- Statement yang diambil akan diambil alih oleh bahagian Detektif Kajang – D1
- Mereka akan halusi maklumat yang diberkan dan ambil yang berguna dan selepas tu mereka akan go further....
S: Mereka tak buat analisa atau menyiasat jika ada pattern yang sama?
- Detektif D1 akan menganalisa dan buat tracking pattern, jika modus operandinya sama kita akan go further kalau tidak kita KIV.
After being in 2 different police stations, the conclusions I’ve made are:
1) If you don’t recall any details of the event – sorry your case is KIV
2) If you don’t have a suspect in mind – sorry your case is KIV
3) If you don’t have any witness who can come forward to help you recall details or be your witness when/if you take the bastards to court - sorry your case is KIV
4) If you don’t have any proof or evidence even if we nab them – sorry your case is KIV
5) If you can’t identify them if/when they nab them – sorry your case is KIV
This is why it is so pertinent to have eye-witness. Any small little detailed description will help in solving a long standing case like this and many others.
Our safety is linked to the safety of others. When we help to be on the look-out for others, we are also helping ourselves. We are all connected.
These glass bits were all over my car and also on me. Imagine if it had gotten into my eyes? Today, we can say, it’s our fault for placing our bag on the seat. What happens when they break into your home? What excuse can we make then?
To make matters worse, I hit the car in front of me. All this happened in 10 seconds or less.
This is how it went...
This is how it went...
I know all about, ‘not-placing-your-bag-on-the-car-seat’ and I’m normally quite aware of my surroundings. For example, if I see a suspicious looking motorist circling around my house or riding close to me, I’d speed up or take note.
(I’ve witnessed 3 crimes involving motorist attacking women, in 2 of the incidences; I was one of the victims)
Unfortunately, the need to be careful at all times has become a part of my life and it is not one I favour or even enjoy implementing as my daily routine. Some days, I wish to throw all caution to the wind and not be bothered by the fear that dominates my life... yesterday was one of those days.
(I’ve witnessed 3 crimes involving motorist attacking women, in 2 of the incidences; I was one of the victims)
Unfortunately, the need to be careful at all times has become a part of my life and it is not one I favour or even enjoy implementing as my daily routine. Some days, I wish to throw all caution to the wind and not be bothered by the fear that dominates my life... yesterday was one of those days.
I would normally place my bag under my car seat (out of fear) but didn’t do so yesterday because:
1) I was only 5 minutes away from home
2) I didn’t want to be consumed by obsessive paranoia
3) I was at a busy traffic light and at least 80-100 (30 is an underestimate) cars were lining up with me
4) Believed I was in a safe environment
It happened at the speed of lightning. At the traffic light, I was about to turn on my cd player and heard the sound of a bike and brake screeching by my side window. In a matter of seconds, before I could work out what the 2 guys were trying to do, they smashed my window in one blow, a hand got in and pulled my handbag away. I was jolted by the loud sound and shaken by the attack, during that same time, my leg was off the break and I hit the car in front of me. I didn’t get a chance to pick any details of the attacker.
All I did was scream and burst into tears. Angered and disbelief this had just happened to me.
In one hard swift hit, the window shattered to pieces and my bag was gone. Happened in the speed of light. The sound still traumatizes me.
There were many cars around me waiting at the same traffic light, no one, came to my aid. In the first few minutes, I was disorientated and shock-stricken.
I was trembling and couldn’t work out what to do. The first thing that came to mind was to go to the car in front of me and apologize and asked if she could call my husband. Due to my shock, I was straining my head for his number and hoping I'd not forget.
1) I was only 5 minutes away from home
2) I didn’t want to be consumed by obsessive paranoia
3) I was at a busy traffic light and at least 80-100 (30 is an underestimate) cars were lining up with me
4) Believed I was in a safe environment
It happened at the speed of lightning. At the traffic light, I was about to turn on my cd player and heard the sound of a bike and brake screeching by my side window. In a matter of seconds, before I could work out what the 2 guys were trying to do, they smashed my window in one blow, a hand got in and pulled my handbag away. I was jolted by the loud sound and shaken by the attack, during that same time, my leg was off the break and I hit the car in front of me. I didn’t get a chance to pick any details of the attacker.
All I did was scream and burst into tears. Angered and disbelief this had just happened to me.
In one hard swift hit, the window shattered to pieces and my bag was gone. Happened in the speed of light. The sound still traumatizes me.
There were many cars around me waiting at the same traffic light, no one, came to my aid. In the first few minutes, I was disorientated and shock-stricken.
I was trembling and couldn’t work out what to do. The first thing that came to mind was to go to the car in front of me and apologize and asked if she could call my husband. Due to my shock, I was straining my head for his number and hoping I'd not forget.
Out of nowhere, a stranger who was in his car (also at the scene), walked up to me and handed over a hand phone, (I thought he was lending me his hand phone)... much to my relief, it was my own hand phone; it had fallen out of my handbag. He then walked back to his car and didn’t ask if I were alright or if I needed help. Oh, he did say something while driving off, ‘I think you better move your car to the side’
This was truly disappointing. Not a single person felt emphatised enough to offer any help. I was on my own. Was there really nothing that could be done to help a victim?
All they did as they drove past was to stare.
This was truly disappointing. Not a single person felt emphatised enough to offer any help. I was on my own. Was there really nothing that could be done to help a victim?
All they did as they drove past was to stare.
Called my husband to explain what happened but the driver of the car I hit wanted to know what I plan to do with her car and asked me to follow her.
I couldn’t stop thinking of all the important documents I had in my bag. That’s a lot to handle in that state but these girls wanted me to focus on their issue first.
I tried to convince the driver that I can’t spend too much time on this and need to call and cancel my cards. Tried to assure her by giving my contact details. Few minutes later her mom and sister showed up and were only concerned about their own car.
I couldn’t stop thinking of all the important documents I had in my bag. That’s a lot to handle in that state but these girls wanted me to focus on their issue first.
I tried to convince the driver that I can’t spend too much time on this and need to call and cancel my cards. Tried to assure her by giving my contact details. Few minutes later her mom and sister showed up and were only concerned about their own car.
I was still trembling and had more important things to worry about, but yet, I showed more empathy to the tiny damage I made on her car than my own damage.
My husband arrived and he was the biggest and only comfort I received in the last 30minutes. He told the girls that it is ridiculous to hold me back for a silly damage of a car sensor and a slight offset of the bumper and said, ‘we’ll give you all the details you need for now, but please let us deal with more important stuff’ She wasn’t happy with that and demanded we call her at 1.30pm because she’d be busy after that.
We were shocked.
My husband arrived and he was the biggest and only comfort I received in the last 30minutes. He told the girls that it is ridiculous to hold me back for a silly damage of a car sensor and a slight offset of the bumper and said, ‘we’ll give you all the details you need for now, but please let us deal with more important stuff’ She wasn’t happy with that and demanded we call her at 1.30pm because she’d be busy after that.
We were shocked.
Are we really not bothered about others?
I made a police report at a police station nearby and the inspector informed me that the sergeant from the main branch in Kajang would like to speak to me. The sergeant briefly asked me if I had any useful information that could help proceed with an investigation. I told him couldn’t recall much except what I had already shared. He then said, ‘If that’s the case, you need not come over because it would be too much effort for you’
That’s it? I couldn’t recall any details so it’s pointless to take this further? Can any victim recall full details of the event when attacked?
I was not satisfied with the effort put in by the police and probed him about the frequency, statistics and patterns of similar crimes and if they’ve any special unit for this?
He got defensive and said, it’s my fault for placing my bags on the car seat because I lured them, his exact words were, “you memberi tarikan pada mereka’ (You attracted them)
Hearing that, I asked him more questions about the lack of women’s safety and rights to roam the streets freely is violated.
He tried to give some lame reasoning on how efficient they are about patrolling 15-20 residential areas and yet these criminals know how to evade them.
I got tired of listening to his laughable replies and cut him off by saying, ‘have you heard of, prevention is better than cure?’
Instead of taking reactive methods why not include some pro-active methods as well. This might deter them.
Again, another laughable answer. I cut the conversation off and said, ‘Thank You Sergeant you’ve been very helpful’. Minutes later, just as I was about to drive off, I got a call from Sergeant ‘Joker’ asking me to come over to the main branch to take photos of the damage. (This is after telling me I don’t need to go over since I have nothing helpful to add to help with investigation)
Why the sudden interest?
At the Kajang Police Station, Sergeant ‘Joker’ prioritised my case over the rest of the earlier victims waiting to be attended to. He took my (according to him, not useful information) as a statement.
Again, he said, ‘no witness or proof, we can’t do much’
So, please friends, if you happen to witness an act of crime, do try to help the victim. There’s always something you can do. Showing up to the police station with description of the attacker helps our ‘competent’ police force do their 'hard' work. The victims are normally shock- stricken and recall nothing much. Please help to provide details.
Sloppy investigation. He took one shot in a quick glance without paying attention to the scratches or torn material left on the window. The scratches indicate they hid a weapon under their shirt and the torn material would have given some idea of usual gear selection by these guys.
Apparently, with clear details, the police are able to compile them for an analysis of their modus operandi.
The sergeant also added, “Kalau kat kampung, orang lebih ambil berat dan tahu siapa yang tinggal di mana. Di Bandar, lu lu gua gua!” (It’s different in the village. The villagers know who lives in their area and can pick up on strange acts. In the city it’s.. you mind your own business and I’ll mind my own business’
I’m sure at least 3 cars saw the colour of the bike, or had a glimpse of the plate number.
I remember nothing and these details would help stop these guys from robbing other women.
There is always something you can do if you happen to be at the crime scene:
1) Go up and ask the victim if there’s anything you can do? Even loaning your hand phone to make some important calls does wonders.
2) Take a good look at the attacker, get as much details as possible
- The size of the bike, vehicle
- The colour and brand of the bike
- What race and body size (S,M.L.XL)
- What weapon were they carrying?
- Number plate
- Facial features
- If wearing full face helmet, colour of helmet and brand
- Outfit worn
3) If you’re too busy and have to run off but you have these details, either provide your number to the victim or share the details with victim.
4) In some cases, citizens who witnessed similar attacks, try to knock down the robber/thief. This has helped stop the criminals from running away.
5) Keep an eye out for suspicious looking motorist with similar modus operandi.
After giving my statement to the Sergeant I asked him what happens next?
The only reason he gave me the time of the day because I asked some valid questions and told him I have worked in NSTP for 6 years.
This is how the conversation went with Sergeant Rashid from Balai Polis Kajang. It starts with a phone conversation at Balai Polis Sg Long and then he asked me to come over to meet him at Balai Polis Kajang.
(Over the phone)
Sergeant Rashid: Selamat petang Cik Subashni, cik ada tak maklumat lebih yang boleh membantu kita membuat penyiasatan?
Shuba: Maklumat lebih seperti apa?
SR: Warna motosikal, jenama atau suspek?
S: Saya panic masa tu Encik, tak sempat nak tengok apa-apa
SR: Kalau macam tu, Cik tak perlu lah dating ke balai sini sebab menyusahkan cik saja.
S: Macam tu je? Boleh tak saya tanya sikit? Insiden seperti ni dah banyak kali berlaku dan kaum wanita selalu jadi mangsa, Apakah tindakan atau langkah yg diambil oleh polis untuk mencegah kejadian seperti ini?
SR: Actually, salahnye kita, sebab begnya diletak atas dan ia menjadi tarikan.
S: Jadi saya sepatutnye menyalahkan diri saya sendiri kerana cuai, bukan perompak yang melakukan jenayah ini? Bukankah masalah ini sudah lama berlaku? Kenapa kaum wanita selalu disalahkan dan inilah yang memberi penjenayah kuasa. Apakah tiada langkah diambil untuk membanteras isu ni?
SR: Kita ada buat rondaan 15-20 taman. Kalau you jadi penjenayah, you tengok polis you buat tak? Jadi bila kita di seksyen 1 dia lari ke seksyen 2.
S: Sergeant pernah dengar tak prevention is better than cure? Semua langkah yg. Encik sebut tadi adalah reaktif, takkan takde langkah pro-aktif?
SR: Kita ada buat rondaan...blah blah blah...(same crappy answers) Tapi sebab takde maklumat yang mencukupi kita tak dapat melakukan siasatan lanjut. Seperti kes acid tu, sampai sekarang tak dapat nak tangkap sebab maklumat tak mencukupi. Ia menyukarkan kita.
S: Ok Sergeant terima kasih, saya ada pengalaman dalam bidang kewartawanan dan saya rasa pengalaman saya ni boleh dikongsi dengan kaum wanita lain.
SR: Ok, Sama – sama.
As I was about to drive off, the inspector from the station called me and said the sergeant decided to meet me after all. So I was asked to go meet the Sergeant I was on the phone with at the headquarters in Kajang.
Why did he change his mind?
(At the Kajang police station)
S: Kenapa tiba-tiba encik tukar fikiran dan hendak ambil statement saya?
SR: Sebab kalau ada witness yang datang, saya tak perlu menyusahkan you suruh you datang balik. (of course I didn’t buy that)
S: Apa yang Sergeant akan lakukan dengan statement saya ni? Apa beza statement dengan report yang saya dah buat tadi di Balai Polis,Sg Long.
SR: Statement adalah lebih terperinci dan akan digunakan untuk di mahkamah dan report adalah report polis yang diambil oleh balai polis terdekat.
S: Selepas ni, apakah langkah seterusnya?
- Maklumat yang kita terima akan dihebahkan ke unit peronda.
- Statement yang diambil akan diambil alih oleh bahagian Detektif Kajang – D1
- Mereka akan halusi maklumat yang diberkan dan ambil yang berguna dan selepas tu mereka akan go further....
S: Mereka tak buat analisa atau menyiasat jika ada pattern yang sama?
- Detektif D1 akan menganalisa dan buat tracking pattern, jika modus operandinya sama kita akan go further kalau tidak kita KIV.
After being in 2 different police stations, the conclusions I’ve made are:
1) If you don’t recall any details of the event – sorry your case is KIV
2) If you don’t have a suspect in mind – sorry your case is KIV
3) If you don’t have any witness who can come forward to help you recall details or be your witness when/if you take the bastards to court - sorry your case is KIV
4) If you don’t have any proof or evidence even if we nab them – sorry your case is KIV
5) If you can’t identify them if/when they nab them – sorry your case is KIV
This is why it is so pertinent to have eye-witness. Any small little detailed description will help in solving a long standing case like this and many others.
Our safety is linked to the safety of others. When we help to be on the look-out for others, we are also helping ourselves. We are all connected.
These glass bits were all over my car and also on me. Imagine if it had gotten into my eyes? Today, we can say, it’s our fault for placing our bag on the seat. What happens when they break into your home? What excuse can we make then?
Yesterday I was the victim, next time could be your neighbour or your sister’s classmate...and one day could be someone dear to you.
We are all connected. We are part of a larger circle
Let’s share and care. Let’s give power back to women!
We are all connected. We are part of a larger circle
Let’s share and care. Let’s give power back to women!
Thank you for reading. I hope my experience would help others.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A light rail is planned close to our house!!!
Good news, a light rail is planned close to our house!!!
(Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, red arrow)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Planning a small renovation
From 18 June till 27 June we're planning a small renovation: extending Shuba's wardrobe room and creating a 'laundry room'.
Plans are ready: let the work begin!
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