Recently, my hubby’s client requested boxed drinking water for their event, which led him to source this unique product. That was also the first time I heard of boxed drinking water.
One of the primary reasons why boxed water is a better choice is its eco-conscious packaging. Plastic bottles are notorious for contributing to environmental pollution, taking hundreds of years to break down in landfills. In contrast, boxed water uses renewable materials, such as paper and plant-based plastics, to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The box itself is made from sustainable paperboard, sourced from responsibly managed forests, which can be replenished and recycled more efficiently than plastic.
Aluminum cans, while recyclable, also have their own environmental drawbacks. The production process for aluminum is energy-intensive, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
If you’re looking for affordably priced boxed drinking water, you can get Borneo Springs natural mineral water, available at 99 Speedmart. Borneo Springs uses eco-friendly packaging materials, making it a fantastic alternative to both plastic bottles and aluminum cans. The packaging is 100% recyclable, and what’s even more impressive is that the cap and lid are made from sugarcane—a sustainable and renewable resource. This means you’re not only reducing plastic waste but also supporting a product that values renewable energy sources.
Borneo Springs natural mineral water selling for RM1.50 for a 330ml box at 99 Speedmart.
Going on a vacation is a lifetime dream for many of us. Whether you’re backpacking in Europe, finding the Northern Lights in Finland, or camping in the Amazon jungle, packing for your trip can be the bane of your life before the trip. If you’ve got a history of forgetting something important, write down a list of useful essentials to bring along for your holidays.
Here’s a quick rundown of the main essentials to pack before you leave the house:
Passport (for overseas trips)
Phone charger and power bank
Disposable face towels
Local currency
Spare clothes
Spare socks
Spare underwear
Sunscreen
Medicines/painkillers
Wet wipes
Toiletries (if the hotel or Air BNB does not provide)
1) Passport
If you’re going on an overseas trip, this is the most crucial thing to note – make sure that your passport is valid and have at least six months on your passport before it expires. Also, check whether the country that you’re visiting requires a VISA for entry.
2) Phone charger and a power bank
We’ve all been there – the sinking feeling when you whipped out your phone to snap some must-take photos only to find that your phone ran out of battery! Bring a phone charger and power bank as a backup to give your phone some juice on the go. There are charging stations in most airports. You don’t want to miss the great photo opportunities when you’re on holiday.
3) Disposable Travel Face Towels
These may not seem like an essential item to bring with you when you travel but they can be life-saving. You can’t foretell mishaps happening – whether it’s a minor issue like your child throwing up all over you or the airport toilet running out of clean paper towels. Pack some disposable travel face towels in a ziploc bag and keep them in your handbag to keep your kids and yourself clean and comfortable throughout your holiday. These chemical-free disposable travel face towels from Ditoi Beauty are thick, sturdy, soft and so convenient to stash them in your hand-carry bag or pocket.
4) Local Currency
It’s best to find a local money changer in your home country that will get you a better rate than changing your cash at the airport or overseas country that you’ll be going to. Budget how much cash you would need for each day and work from there.
5) Spare Clothes, Socks, and Underwear
Pack enough clothes, socks, and underwear for your trip (and maybe two or three extras). You can always wash some of your thin clothes, socks, and underwear during your travels if you do run out.
6) Sunscreen
SPF sunscreen is one of the most important things you can pack in a travel backpack, even if you’re visiting a country that’s experiencing winter. It’s important to use sun lotion in winter even if the sun doesn’t seem that strong, because it’s the radiation that causes sunburn and sun damage, not how hot or strong the sun is.
7) Medicines/Painkillers/Supplements
Medicines and supplements that you’ll need during your travels are the most important items to pack after your passport. For any prescribed medicines you take daily, set an alarm on your phone so that you remember to take it.
8) Wet wipes
Wet wipes in travel packs are another must-pack item for any trip big or small. They come in super handy for so many things and do not weigh much in your bag.
9) Toiletries
Get a small toiletries essential bag in advance and fill it with all the personal items that you need for your upcoming trip. The easiest way to accomplish this is by using a Ziploc or other brands of disposable plastic baggies with a slider zip.
Conclusion
Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Plan ahead of your trip and you will not miss out on any essential item. Decide what items to put in your handbag and what to put in the check-in bags. Your handbag should have essential items that you need during the journey or flight, such as your passport, VISA, wallet, Ditoi Beauty disposable face towels, wet wipes, phone, and important documents. The rest of the items can be packed into the check-in bags. Remember to create a packing list and make sure that you check the list thoroughly. Happy holidays and safe travels!
In an era where scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and more rampant, scammers have adopted a new phone tactic that’s both convincing and potentially alarming. This morning, I found myself on the receiving end of a call that left me momentarily shaken and questioning the security of my financial accounts.
Here’s the lowdown on the scam and how to stay vigilant in the face of such deceptive tactics.
This morning at around 10.30 a.m., I received a ring from an unfamiliar mobile number. What followed was a professionally recorded message, purportedly alerting me to a credit card transaction exceeding RM7,000.
The voice, that of a polished Caucasian lady speaking perfect English, demanded a response – press 1 if I made the transaction or 0 if not. I was tempted to press 0 in shock as the scammer stated the bank of my credit card correctly. However, I later hesitated, realizing this could very well be a scam.
NOTE: Whatever it is, remain calm and do NOT press on any number or click on any link in a haste!
To ascertain the authenticity of the call, I quickly checked my bank’s phone app for any such transaction. To my relief, there was no record of the alleged transaction. The scam’s sophistication lay in the convincing nature of the pre-recorded message, making it imperative for recipients to exercise caution and verify the claims independently.
Later in the day, at around 2.30 p.m. and then at 4 p.m., the scammers tried their luck again, each time using a different mobile number but employing the same modus operandi. Wisely, I hung up immediately, sparing myself the potential fallout of a deceptive scheme.
NOTE: one dead giveaway that the call was a scam is the different mobile number used each time. The three calls were made in three different mobile numbers.
Taking matters into my own hands, I dialed my bank’s hotline, navigating through the Fraud and Scam option to speak with a life representative. Reassuringly, they confirmed that no such transaction had occurred. I took the opportunity to urge the bank to escalate the matter to their Fraud team, emphasizing the need to warn customers about this evolving scam tactic.
The crucial lesson from this encounter is never to press any number in response to such calls. I was on the verge of pressing a number as instructed as the scammer mentioned the correct bank for my credit card.
My bank’s hotline staff stressed a key point: if there were a legitimate transaction concern, the bank would send an SMS notification via the number 66300. Handphone calls are not their preferred method for contacting customers in matters related to transactions.
As scams evolve, so must our awareness and caution. This latest phone tactic is a stark reminder to remain vigilant, verify independently, and educate ourselves about the methods scammers employ. New tactics constantly emerge and we have to keep ourselves educated by reading the news as well as updates from our banks. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and contribute to the collective effort to thwart these deceitful schemes. Stay safe, and remember – when in doubt, verify with your bank.
My recent encounter with an unexpected customs duty on my purchase from the UK left me both frustrated and contemplative, as I found myself compelled to pay customs tax for a vital supplement that has been an integral part of Cass’ health routine for over a decade.
For the past 13 years, I have been a loyal customer of Sweet Cures in England, relying on their D-Mannose supplement to maintain Cass’ urinary tract health. Never before had I encountered customs-related issues or additional fees. However, last week marked a sudden and unwelcome change.
My routine check on the Pos Malaysia website to track the status of the parcel, containing ten bottles of D-Mannose worth close to a thousand Ringgit showed that the parcel had been held back by the customs department pending tax clearance. Confused and concerned, I reached out to the Pos Malaysia hotline for guidance.
Days turned into an agonizing week of uncertainty before I received an update. Today, Pos Malaysia finally revealed the distressing news – I was required to pay RM113 in customs tax so that the parcel could be released. This amount is inclusive of the appointment of an agent to assist me with the procedures at the Customs Department. The bitter pill was not just metaphorical; it was a tangible, monetary setback for ensuring that I got my parcel. I felt like I was held ransom and had no choice but to give in to the demand.
What struck me as particularly disheartening was that this tax was levied on a product designed to promote health and prevent illness. In the face of escalating healthcare costs, one would hope that essential and preventive medications would be exempt from such financial burdens.
I have never faced such issue with the Customs for more than a decade, but why now, all of a sudden? Is this something new that I’m not aware of? Or is this practice carried out on random parcels? Can someone please enlighten me?
The same thing happened to one of our parcels sent from England by my SIL recently. We have never encountered our parcels being held back by Customs but this particular parcel was detained and Alycia had to pay close to RM200 for the release of the parcel, which contained household stuff.
Determined to address what felt like an injustice, I penned a heartfelt appeal by email to the Customs Department, pleading for a waiver on compassionate grounds. Unfortunately, my plea was met with a rejection, leaving me disheartened and questioning the fairness of the system.
As a result of this discouraging encounter, I find myself contemplating a significant shift in my future purchase of this supplement or anything for that matter from overseas. The hassle and financial strain of customs tax have led me to reconsider sourcing my supplements and medications internationally. Instead, I am now inclined to support local pharmacies, whether online or offline, where I can sidestep the uncertainty and extra costs associated with customs clearance.
While I acknowledge the necessity of customs procedures to regulate the flow of goods across borders, the taxation of essential medications remains a bitter pill to swallow. My unfortunate experience has underscored the challenges and financial burdens that can arise unexpectedly, prompting a re-evaluation of my approach to purchasing vital health supplies in the future.
It’s the monsoon season now and on most evenings, we have been getting thunderstorms, flash floods, and strong winds. I was just about to leave my house at 6.30 p.m. to go for a jog outside but the skies started to turn grey and it started to pour again. Bummer! But Cass went ahead and headed to the gym. I have never given it a thought on whether it’s safe to use gym equipment that is plugged into the wall power socket but today it suddenly dawned on me – is it safe to use gym equipment during a thunderstorm?
Can you get electrocuted while jogging on a treadmill or working out on other gym machines when lightning is striking outside? Let’s dive into this electrifying topic to understand the risks and safety measures.
Lightning and Electrical Conductivity
Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It’s important to remember that lightning seeks the path of least resistance, and metal objects, water, and electrical conductors offer low-resistance pathways for electrical currents. Therefore, if lightning were to strike your home, it could potentially follow these pathways.
The Risks Associated with Gym Equipment
Most modern gyms are equipped with a variety of electrical devices, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and weightlifting equipment. These machines are often plugged into electrical outlets. While gym equipment itself is not inherently dangerous during a thunderstorm, the fact that it’s connected to the electrical grid raises concerns.
The Real Risk: Power Surges
The primary risk associated with using gym equipment during a thunderstorm is not electrocution but rather power surges. Lightning strikes can cause electrical surges that travel through power lines and into buildings. If your gym equipment is plugged in and the lightning strike causes a power surge, it can potentially damage the equipment. This is why many gyms invest in surge protectors to safeguard their expensive machinery.
Safety Precautions: What You Can Do
Unplug the Equipment: The safest option during a thunderstorm is to unplug all gym equipment from electrical outlets. This eliminates the risk of damage from power surges. If you’re using equipment at home, take the same precautions.
Use Surge Protectors: Invest in surge protectors for your home gym. These devices can help divert excess voltage and protect your equipment from damage during electrical surges.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your gym equipment. They may provide specific recommendations for safety during electrical storms.
While the chances of being electrocuted while using gym equipment during a thunderstorm are minimal, the risk of equipment damage from power surges is real. The same goes for using the computer during thunderstorms. My desktop computer (motherboard) was totally wrecked during a bad thunderstorm a few years ago and I had to replace it with a new unit.
To ensure your safety and protect your fitness investment, it’s wise to follow safety precautions such as unplugging equipment or using surge protectors. If you go to a gym, it’s advisable to skip this routine during a thunderstorm and wait until the lightning and storm stop.
From a very young age, I was taught by my parents to be thrifty, never to spend unessentially and to save as much money as I possibly can for rainy days. I made my first 10 sen when I was 8 years old in 1981 when I sold my homemade book marks to my class mates. When I turned 12, I was allowed to keep the ang pow money that I received during CNY. I also did house chores to earn money from my parents. I’ve never looked back since. The 10 sen that I earned have grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Thus, it’s natural for me to teach my 3 girls to inculcate good money habits from a young age. My girls are naturally pretty financially savvy now that they are teenagers. They think twice or thrice before buying something and only if the item is very cheap. They will give up an offer for a cup of boba milk tea or a lavish meal in exchange for the money and then save up to buy things that they want. They also have an entrepreneur mind – they continuously think of ways to grow their savings via little business endeavors – from selling old story books and pre-loved items to baking cookies and much more.
How Young Should We Start?
It’s never too early to start instilling good money habits to your kids. Start by telling them that everything that they have from food to toys, books, clothes, etc need to be purchased with money. And they have to work to get money. Explain to your kids that it is only through good financial planning that they will have extra money for savings. Explain to them how vital it is to have savings.
Importance of Financial Literacy
About 84,805 Malaysians were declared bankrupt between 2015 and 2019. Based on the figure provided by the Insolvency Department, people below the age of 34 made up 26 per cent of the bankruptcy cases. This is alarming because it reflects that the level of financial literacy among young Malaysians on the ground is still lacking. When someone is being financially illiterate, it will lead to poor financial decisions such as over-utilisation of credit cards and overspending, which end up in low financial well-being as what has been happening to the youth of Malaysia in recent years. This is made worse during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people were totally unprepared to face the loss of income, whether short term or long term.
Raising Duit Smart Kids In A Digital Era Through HLB Pocket Connect App (With A 3-in-1 Junior Savings Account)
Besides explaining to your kids the concept of money, parents with kids aged 18 years old and below can now set up a 3-in-1 Junior Account for them. This is a joint savings account, open in the parent’s name and the child’s.
With this account, you and your child can download the HLB Pocket Connect app onto your mobile phone. This is the 1st Pocket Money App In Malaysia, designed in mind with helping parents raise financially savvy kids in a digital era.
The HLB Pocket Connect app allows you to manage your child’s debit card and money in her savings account. This app allows your child to ‘earn’ and use money. ‘Earning’ money can be by way of helping out in household chores, scoring good grades in school, good behaviour and much more. Each time your child gets a brownie point, you bank in some money into her savings account.
The HLB 3-in-1 Junior Account is the only junior account that comes with a savings account, a reloadable debit card and a high interest FD account. Your child will be given a debit card. These days carrying a debit card is safer than cash. Money can be auto reloaded for free from the Junior Savings Account in multiples of RM50 up to a maximum of RM500 per month when the balance in Junior Debit Card (Re-loadable) falls below RM50. Alternatively, reload any amount at any Hong Leong Bank branch for a nominal fee of RM2.
This mobile app is designed to help parents teach their children good money habits, in a fun, interactive way. Once your child knows the power of money, she will be motivated to earn it and see her savings account grow. She can also buy things that she wants using the debit card. Don’t worry about your child over-spending as you have the ability to monitor her debit card transactions online, set a withdrawal limit, retail purchase limit, online purchase limit and auto-reload limit via the Hong Leong Connect or their branches.
With the HLB Pocket Connect App, your children will be able to keep track of their pocket money and spending, while having the freedom to go cashless with their very own HLB Junior Debit Card. Your child will learn to earn, spend and save responsibly while they manage their pocket money with HLB Pocket Connect App.
With digitalization being the norm now, it is imperative that your child gets a head start in learning how to earn and spend digitally. The HLB Pocket Connect App empowers parents to inculcate good money habits in their children from a young age. Being financially savvy is as important as learning Math and language as this will help your children to be a good manager in managing their finances throughout their years.
The Hong Leong Bank 3-in-1 Junior Savings Account can be applied at Hong Leong Bank. For a limited time only, you’ll be rewarded with a RM38 Shopee voucher with the opening of a HLB 3-in-1 Junior Savings Account.
To apply, visit any Hong Leong Bank branches and bring along:
Children’s birth certificate and MyKid.
Parent or legal guardian’s MyKad/passport.
Give your children a good head start in managing their money wisely and they will thank you for it one day.
We were back at UTC Pudu at 8am this morning to have our passports renewed.
Yesterday evening, we were greeted by this notice when we reached the Immigration Dept at UTC:
All the numbers for the day had been taken and we were told to come back the next day. BUMMER!! With only 5 days to Alycia and Drama Queen’s flight to Hong Kong, we were all getting a tad jittery with so little time left to renew the passports. Plus the school holidays have just started and all the immigration offices will be swamped with people. That’s the reason why I have never liked anything done impromptu, especially trips.
When we reached UTC at 8 a.m. today, there were at least 40~50 people ahead of us. We’re so going to camp there I thought and I was worried that Cass may not make it on time to reach her school by 12 noon to attend her 3-day STEM Lab holiday program.
After a half-hour queue (thanks to my 3 big darlings) for helping me queue up while I sat down and replied to emails on my phone, we got our numbers.
The numbers that we got were 1041, 1042, 1043 and 1044. Hubs didn’t need to renew his passport. Just the girls and me. The number being attended to at that time was 1002. So we had to wait for 39 people ahead of us. Great. We found some seats at the back and I whipped up my box of cut fruits for the girls to munch on. Someone didn’t want to eat anything when she got up this morning. She should be thankful for the fruits that I had packed along for her to snack on, else she would be regretfully suffering from gastric pains by 10 a.m.
After 1.5 hours of waiting, it was our turn. A suave, lanky, charming and cordial bloke attended to us. Within 20 minutes, our four passports renewal process including photo taking at the counter was done. Then waited for another half an hour to pay. Payment is RM200 for adults and RM100 for kids below 14 years old. We paid RM600. After payment we were told that our passports would be ready within 1 hour. However, within 15 minutes, we were called to collect our passports. That was super efficient!
Drama Queen signing on the form to acknowledge receipt of her renewed passport.
For renewal of passport, these are the dox required:
1) Original birth certificate of the child
2) Photocopy of birth certificate (1 copy)
3) Original My Kad and My Kid of the child and the accompanying parent
4) A copy of the IC of the accompanying mother or father for every child who needs passport renewal. For me, I had to make 3 copies of my IC for my 3 girls.
5) 1 copy of My Kid / My Kad of the child
6) RM100 renewal fee for kids under 14 years old (for 5 years)
6) RM200 renewal fee for adults (not sure though if there is a discounted rate for senior citizen) (for 5 years)
There is no more 1 year renewal. Only for 5 years. Not sure if they have for 10 years though.
There are no forms to fill out by the applicant for renewal of passport. Kudos to the Immigration Office! 😉
Tips:
Wear a dark colored top or bring along a dark colored jacket to wear over your light colored top. I brought along a black jacket with no collar. Else, you can wear the oversized blazer provided by them 😀
During photo-taking, you will be told not to show your teeth when you smile. When Alycia smiled and exposed her teeth, the handsome bloke told her not to show her teeth. I was informed that this is a new ruling. Really?!
So the four of us had to smile without showing our teeth. Someone is really very unhappy with how she looks in her passport – a stifled smile that made her look really hilarious and she has to bear with the picture for the next 5 years lol!
One thing I like about the new Immigration Office at UTC is that you can have everything done from photo taking to photocopying at the office itself. When we renewed our passports 6 years ago at the Jalan Duta Immigration Office, we had to move from one floor to another to have our photos taken and to photocopy our documents.
The 2.5-hour wait was not bad at all considering it being a super peak period (school holidays).
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