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TheJessicat - Extractions of a Disoriented Mind
  • Entertainment
    • Film & Movies
    • International Artists
    • Live Concerts & Gigs
    • Local Artists
    • Music Festivals/Rave Parties
    • Nightlife/Parties
  • Food
    • American
    • Asian
    • Coffee joints/Cafe hopping
    • French
    • Fusion
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • My Cookbook
    • Others/Fusion
  • Fashion
    • Body Art
    • Cosplay
    • Fashion Shows
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup/Skincare
  • Travels
    • Thailand
    • The Australian Diaries
  • Health & Fitness
    • EatFitSlam: Clean Eating
    • GymJamSlam: Gym/Workouts
    • Sports
  • Current Affairs

BAYAN BARU, PENANG: FIRE SETS SUNGAI NIBONG TENGAH SQUATTER VILLAGE ABLAZE

August 10, 2013 by thejessicat

 

Saturday, 10 August 2013

Story and photos by: Jessica Tan

 

 

PENANG: An afternoon fire tragedy razed down fourteen houses and destroys vehicles in Kampung Sungai Nibong Tengah, Bayan Baru.

The raging blaze engulfed the village and emitted billows of pungent, black smoke which rose swiftly to the sky.

Clouds of thick soot, shrouding the surrounding residential buildings, could be seen from miles away.

The tragedy was believed to be triggered at 4.30pm today.

 

 

The houses were reduced to ashes very quickly, as the flames swept rapidly due to the strong wind.

Three fire engines and four police cars were seen at the incident.

 

 

The fire was claimed to have started from a house located deep in the middle of their village.

The cause of the fire was yet to be determined, although several villagers alleged that it was due to old, leaking gas tanks in the kitchen belonging to one of the houses.

 

 

Fortunately, most of the gutted houses were empty, as owners and their families were away to celebrate Aidilfitri and some were on holiday during this Raya festive season.

A female village elder fainted at the scene.

 

 

Children and relatives of the victims were seen weeping uncontrollably.

Another victim, whose van and motorcycle was charred beyond use, was inconsolable.

 

 

A villager said that he was having an afternoon nap, and was aware of the fire only when he was awaken by the screams of his neighbours.

He rushed outside to see a huge fire and smoke billowing from the insides of a few houses, and did not hesitate to alert his family before running out to safety.

 

A daughter of a victim, who declined to be named, spoke to us in tears.

The only thing she managed to salvage from the house was her father’s scooter.

Although her father’s house was gutted to ashes and her family left homeless, she was thankful that they were not home when the fire occurred.

 

 

Some surrounding houses were successfully rescued in the nick of time with only a considerable amount of damage, while some others were completely consumed by the flames.

Charred remains of wooden houses, broken steel, shattered glass, perishable goods and completely seared possessions could be seen strewn all over the burnt village grounds.

 

 

Total losses in the village are yet to be estimated.

The Fire Department, with the assistance of volunteers and villagers, extinguished the flames.

 

 

The fire lasted for approximately 2 hours and was put out entirely at 6.30pm.

The exact cause of the fire is still being determined.

At time of report, there were no casualties at the scene.

 

Published: Saturday, 10 August 2013 MYT 18:58:54 PM

 

———————————————————————————————————–

Editor’s note:

I first learnt of the tragedy upon hearing the police and fire brigade sirens, before running upstairs to my bedroom window to have a look. To my utmost shock, I could see how the sky was filled with clouds of thick smoke and was even able to smell it some 100 metres away.

 

The view from my bedroom window

 

Wasting no time at all, I ran to the scene to report on the incident.

At the village, the intense heat was almost unbearable, and I was choking on the smoke and ash engulfing the entire vicinity. Yes, I was that close to the action and even got wet from the strong gush of water hosed out from the pipes of the fire brigade.

I could also smell faint traces of gas in certain spots of the village.

I was glad to see villagers cooperating so well with the fire-fighters in putting out the flames and assisting the police in controlling the crowd. Other villagers were seen bringing their children and the elderly out of the village grounds, to safety.

Thank goodness no one was hurt! Will be updating this space if there’s anything new.

 

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Am I the only one who ain’t crazy over McDonald’s minions? I’ll take McD Hello Kitty series anytime!

July 4, 2013 by thejessicat

 

 

It's been a few days since Despicable Me 2 premiered in Malaysian cinemas and well, the emphasis of this sequel this time round is centered around Gru's minions.

Yup, you know what I'm talking about.

Those animated, incoherent little yellow stumps ARE EVERYWHERE! 

 

Okay, they're cute… and funny (looking!), I suppose. angel

 

Seriously, the craze about those tiny minions in Despicable Me 2 is starting to get to me.

Almost everyone I know are going bananas over those little minions that coincidentally, also resembles stunted bananas LOL. Am I the only one who's not obsessed over them? surprise

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnvy1gpZa7M

Some scenes from Despicable Me 2 on the minions in question.

 

Almost every single post I skim through on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are about them.

 

Even McDonald's Malaysia ever so cleverly tapped onto the market and

created a new collectible merchandise consisting of the popular minions.

 

I find myself not riding on the craze, thankfully, lest I spend even more money than I already am.

Jumping on the minions' bandwagon is the last thing on my mind. surprise

 

Looks like your minions have discovered their newfound fame, Gru.

 

I've gotten a few requests/challenges to sing the minions' banana potato song.

You should know me by now. Here's my first attempt.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Jul 10, 2013 | You challenged me, so here it is! Jessicat's BABABANANA POTATOOOO #minions song. My first attempt! Enjoy lah.

by imthejessicat on Keek.com

Follow/subscribe to me on Keek? wink It's imthejessicat

 

 

In retrospect, McDonald's Malaysia really know how to entice their fans – they always have! 

Aku tidak lupa dekad yang lalu, semasa McD menjual koleksi mereka yang digemari ramai. Ingat tak?

 

Who remembers collecting the entire Sesame Street merchandise by McDonalds circa 1995?

I have them at home! My godmom collected the entire set.

 

McTeddy Bear craze in 1999

Can hardly find any photos of it on the internet but here's the bathrobe version!

 

Those Sesame Street series and McTeddy Bear series were sold when I was only a little kid.

Read: NO buying power LOL. crying

 

This year, I found myself completing the recent set of collectibles by McDonalds – the Hello Kitty series!

 

As big of a fan of Hello Kitty as I am, the thought of collecting McDonalds' Hello Kitty merchandise didn't even cross my mind. I don't particularly fance queuing up for a toy.

But eventually, I did. It all began when Konzy surprised me with the first one.

 

On my laptop. McD x Hamburglar heart

 

At Mcd with my very first McD merchandise. Thanks love! heart

 

And so I thought that was that. After all, Hamburglar looked pretty cute.

But when next week came, Grimace came knocking on my door, thanks to Konzy again.

 

At home. McD X Grimace

 

 

Grimace Hello Kitty with my furkid, Chivas.

Clearly, he wasn't too amused with another cat in the house.

 

When I went to office on Monday, I was surprised to see many Hello Kitties on my colleague's desk.

Wow. Looks like a man of 40 collects them too.
Terkejutnye aku, apabila mengetahui bahawa rakan sekerjaku juga mengumpul koleksi ini!

 

On my office desk. Third plushie: McD x Birdie

 

Birdie Hello Kitty got me hooked.

Since I already have the third one, might as well finish the collection, right? devil

 

The last and final one was finally up for grabs.

Evidently, this should be the most popular one, seeing that it is Ronald McDonald, the pivotal mascot of McDonald's himself.

 

On my home work-desk. McD X Ronald McDonald

 

Like I said above, I never intended to collect any of them, but Konzy kinda got the ball rolling when he surprised me with the first version. And since then, I was hooked on to getting the entire set.

Gotta catch ‘em all, eh? wink

Speaking of which, if McDonalds ever came up with Pokemon merchandise, you'll find me queueing up at their counters everyday LOL. Ardent fan of Pokemon here!

P/S – I can still sing the Pokerap and still remember the first 251 Pokemon names before the ugly ones came about.

 

Anyway, here they are. My collection of McD X Hello Kitty merchandise.

Don’t they look adorable siting prettily in a neat line, fringing my desk? I love them so! heart

 

Sorry, dear minions. I think I'll pass this round! wink

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I’m a first-time voter for our GE13! My thoughts on the Malaysian General Elections 2013 (5th May)

May 2, 2013 by thejessicat
 

 

In exactly four more days, will be the one, fateful day which the power of democracy falls into the hands of the people a.k.a the rakyat.

Like many others, this Sunday will be my first time voting for the party/candidate of my choice.

 

I've thought long and hard and have been on the fence all of this year and late last year.

I've been passively monitoring views from both sides – the government and the opposition.

I've been researching both policies, manifestos and mandates and have listened to both ceramahs.

 

And two months ago, I have since made up my mind and will be flying all the way back to my polling station (located in my hometown Penang) just to cast my vote!

 

Can't say that I'm not the least bit excited! devil

 

Polling stations/booths opens at 8AM – 5PM. Come early, expect to wait due to the long queue so bring something to entertain yourself for hours! angel

I've marked my calender and am now sporting nude nails for the first time in ages.

Ladies, remember to remove your nail polish/manicure of any sort before the voting process as you will risk ineligibility to vote or have your vote spoilt.

 

Don't ask me why, it's something to do with the indelible ink that will be dabbed onto your fingernails.

 

Important! The ink will take about 30 seconds to dry. Be smart and bring along a tissue to dry off your finger before holding your ballot papers. Any smudge or stain on the ballot paper will render it spoiled vote. 

 

Logic aside, just don't go to your polling booth with painted fingernails, aight?wink

REMOVE THEM NOW! Your vanity can wait heehee. And so can mine!

 

Remember not to wear anything that supports or aligns towards the party of your choice to avoid ineligibility

Be absolutely neutral in your clothing. I suggest wearing either black or white – safest bet! laugh

 

Anyway, in view of the election day, here is a relevant, interesting infographic revolving around real estate and property that I'd like to share.

 

iProperty.com Malaysia  -  #1 Digital Property Advertising Business in Malaysia
 
Created by Iproperty MY, the number one website in Malaysia
whether you have a house for sale or are looking to buy.
 
 
I can relate to the infographic above very well, as I also share the sentiments of the majority. 
 
As of late, I have actually been scouting and surveying property prices around some of my favorite hot spots around the Klang Valley, particularly Damansara at large.  
But the thought did cross my mind; to wait until AFTER the GE13 to continue my search and proceed any further.
 
Reason being, well… who knows?
The plausible change of regime *might* see a change in real estate policies, market values and measures. laugh
Ini kalilah!
 
 
All in all, whether the tables will be turned or not, I wish for a clean and fair electoral process. yes
 
Because, whether the ball switches sides to the opposition party or maintains with long-time current ruling party of a 56 year chokehold, the outcome of the federal and the state government that will be in power for the next 5 years ultimately lies in our hands.
 
 
We shall all wait and see. Hidup rakyat!
 
 
I hope that everyone eligible to vote will exercise their democratic right to cast their vote on the ballot paper this coming Sunday. Don't be lazy. Come on, X marks the spot! cool  Do you know who you are voting for yet? wink
 
This election is very crucial. Vote wisely, folks! 
 
 
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MERDEKA! Happy 55th Independence Day Malaysia!

August 31, 2012 by thejessicat

 

It's Independence Day! 


Without Malaya and Sabah achieving independence 55 years ago, MALAYSIA (the joint-force of 3 independent countries – Malaya, Sabah & Sarawak) may not have even been born.

Let's wave our flag – the Jalur Gemilang – proudly with other Malaysians and yell "MERDEKA!!!" 

 

 

I may not have done anything to usher in Merdeka due to workload but the blazing love for my country still ignites on this historical, national day.

 

This year, I was chilling in my house on the highest floor shouting MERDEKA 7 times while watching blasting fireworks illuminating the sky simultaneously in 13 different spots. 

Lucky for me, my penthouse has a gorgeous aerial view of the suburbs, parts of the city & everything!

 

Check out Google's doodle today!

It's our national flower – the hibiscus – as a logo :D

 

As the year passes, I have begun to learn more and more about my country every day.

One of my favorite things to do this year has most definitely been playing host to a slew of Aussie friends of mine who chose Malaysia as a holiday destination.  So proud! 

 

My lunch : Nasi Tomato & Ayam Masak Merah (Malay),

Tumeric Cabbage & Papadam (Indian), Steamed Garlic Pumpkin (Chinese) 

 

This #merdeka55 , I am thankful for the abundant & culturally diverse food that come in abundance here in Malaysia. 

I love my country; tanah tumpah darahku! 

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Day Two of Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference & Awards (MITBCA) 2012 at Seri Pacific Hotel!

June 4, 2012 by thejessicat

 

 

Today's the second and FINAL day for MITBCA 2012! 

As I had retired to bed pretty late the night before, I arrived Best Western Seri Pacific Hotel a tad later in the mornign.

 

First session was conducted by Sheila Scarborough 

 

She gave an intriguing insight of people and organizations and how they use/ought to use social media to increase vibrancy and visibility of their tourism destinations, products and services 🙂

 

 

The fourth panel session highlighting the importance of measuring performances and return of investments.

The panelists included Dr. Mridula Dwivedi from India, James Craven from the UK, Nisha Jha from India and Jojo Struys from Malaysia

 

 

BREAKTIME!

 

T'was lovely to meet a few more of my readers at the event.

We had a nice chat & of course, pictures! :D

 

Thank you for saying hi!  Major loves.

It was nice chatting with you guys! :D

Hope all of you learn heaps from the conference & had fun!

 

Next, was the open forum session where it touches on the effects of online social media on tourism websites globally.

This is where questions are posted to Twitter ending with the #mitbca2012 hashtag and it will be shown LIVE on widescreen right in front of the conference & answered by the panelists 🙂

 

We had bigshots in the house! Great to know that everyone's questions are in good hands!

Abdul Khani Daud (Director from Tourism Malaysia), Shahul Dawood (President of the Malaysia Social Media Chambers) & a senior official from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

 

When everything was over, it was time for a parallel session – workshop one!

How to make social media work for tourism by James Craven, an expert in the industry from the UK

 

 

"Backlinks are a huge part of our strategies.

The role of backlinks cannot be overstated."

James Craven

 

Answers from the floor answered by a fellow delegate from the floor!

 

David Hogan involving in a discussion from the floor

 

Sheila Scarborough then answered a delegate's question, in a way which I fully agree with.

When asked about what the measure of success is or the distinction of traffic, she gave her two cents:

 

"I don't care about the numbers. The most important is the wonderful & compelling content.

If you have those, the numbers will come automatically.

A blogger's influence is also measured by not mere numbers but by other platforms,

influence & reach apart from JUST the blog.

It's the connection, interaction & how they engage with their readers that matter"

– Sheila Scarborough, award-winning veteran social media specialist from USA

 

More questions and answers were handled very well by panel members and also by other delegates!

It was clear to see a very dynamic and informational sharing session happening right then and there.

 

With Shane Dallas!

The Travel Camel & one of the speakers from the Day One of MITBCA 2012

 

Wit

With James Craven

 

I left the hotel very enlightened by the various input and imparting of information by many notable (local & foreign) people in the blogging & tourism industry, all flown down from all over the world!

Amazing two-day session, indeed. Great job MITBCA 2012 peeps!

 

Glow & I right outside the hotel just before I left

New friends made too 

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Hi! Welcome to TheJessicat.com - an urban lifestyle blog established since 2005, written from the perspective of a Malaysian blogger. Discover the latest and all that the city has to offer! Do bear with her occasional rants & musings though. Happy reading! ❤

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