Reviving Komtar,

Though I am no Penangites, but I still feel for the current state of condition of Komtar. Recently Komtar has been in the news, with plans to revive it. I certainly hope they have a plan that really work.

When I was younger, I was really anxious to visit Komtar, with their tallest building status, and the majestic view of it even from far. It was the pride of not just Penangites, but also Malaysians, though I'm not sure how many people share my sentiment.

But in recent years, or maybe longer, I cannot find any reason to drop by that area anymore. I will still go to the Prangin Mall there, but certainly, that mall is not the most glamorous place that cannot be missed. And the main building... looks old, deserted, and has no match to any other shopping complex in Penang. Komtar certainly need a facelift, if not maybe they can transform it into a museum. But there are certainly some of the things that should remain, like the clock showing time of some of the major cities in the world, but at lease, with a touch of modern impression and brightness. I don't understand why it is a bit darker inside there, maybe because there are so less stalls to light up the mall.

I read from the newspaper that, Komtar masterplan was meant to prevent the inner city from becoming an urban slum. For this, I'm really impressed with former Chief Minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu's vision. From what I observed, urban slum happened in many major towns, but nothing has been done by those state or town council. Whether these town councilors do not have the vision of Tun Dr Lim, or it is another failed implementation of a great plan.

Finally I get my Ferrari!

Well..not the real Ferrari I mean. What I mean is the one selling at the Shell Petrol Station! ;)

After weeks of waiting, finally the stock have arrived! I've been to the station for a number of times, but every time I leave in disappointment. I almost give up on the thought of collecting all the Ferrari. But yesterday when my friend went to pump petrol, I decided to give it another try, and this time, finally! I get to buy one!

I bought the Ferrari F40, one of the fastest, most powerful street cars in the world! It was produced from 1987 to 1992. This is also the last car to be commissioned by Enzo Ferrari himself!

I'm looking forward to collecting more of the others. Hopefully in the end I get to collect a full set!..

Charge card?

Recently when I was asked by my friend what is this charge card all about, I said "charge card not same with credit card meh?"

"No wor, I heard is something different"..

So I decided to check out what this charge card is, and ya, I found that my concept of credit card= charge card is wrong. So what is charge card?

While the usage of the charge card is similar to other payment cards such
as credit and debit cards, i.e. you can use the charge card to make payments at
merchants displaying the same charge card brand name as that on your charge card, there are some major difference between all these cards.

1st, while Credit Card allow minimum payment of 5% of monthly outstanding balance, Charge Card don't. Outstanding balance must be settled in full by due date.

2nd, while Credit Card allow you to have outstanding balance, they charge maximum 18% per annum on outstanding balance.

3rd, for late payment charge, Charge Card normally charge a 3.0% to 3.5% per month (36% to 42% per annum) on outstanding balance or fixed minimum amount whichever is higher. For Islamic charge cards, a fixed fee is normally charged up to RM70 per month. Credit Card only charge a maximum 1% per month on outstanding balance or RM5 whichever is higher.

Examples of charge cards are American Express, Diners Club International, and HSBC Amanah Mastercard.

So, if you have ample of money around, just that you don't want to carry cash around, Charge Card can be an option. Otherwise, Credit Card will be fine. By the way, if you have the discipline, Credit Card can be used like a Charge Card as well.

When your phone ring for anything but personal..

Today I received a message from a friend, talking about life and what we up to recently. I'm really glad to receive this message, for I think it has been quite some time since I received a message of this nature.

These days..my phone no longer rings as often as before. And when it does ring.. "Your validity will expire in 3 days time, pls reload to keep it active", or crabs like contests, events that has something to do with the phone company. The closest the message received that can be deemed personal is regarding coursework, tasks and so on..

And some how when receive this kind of message really "bengang"..especially those came at early in the morning 7am.. But at lease the telco company have learned, and these days no more such "patience testing" message.