Practical Day 12: Gloomy Saturday

It is true, it was raining during Subuh prayer and it continues. This is my first time come to work in the rain. There was an accident happened before me but with unconscious mind make me just go straight ahead. Hopefully next time I will stop and help them. I came to the site and it was raining. The delivered items on the roadside were soaked. So be it. I have another items will coming today.

Today there were two smaller lorries but the quantity are even bigger. I don’t want to think much, just letting LB handle it but with my workmen force. My responsibility only to check the items were delivered with correct amount. Again, the process took a long time. But, Alhamdulillah the lorry driver was kind to me. As I explained that I’m new here and I am a trainee so he being patient for mischief that happened. I have to accompany the lorry driver and I skipped my lunch. Those Bangla bastards dare to go to lunch even their boss did not go for lunch. Damn it.

However all the item checking were settled and I just let the nature to solve the storing problem. The lorry driver finally is able to leave at 3 p.m. Those workers trying hard to finish up all the things and finally it already half way to go. But there were too many toilet vase were stranded. I don’t care. I want to go home and having my Sunday tomorrow, InsyaAllah.

I’ve found a new route to go to my workplace. Now I don’t have to make a U-turn anymore. InsyaAllah. As I finished this day, it is already two full weeks that I worked over there. Six weeks to go. Really want to return to Shah Alam right now. Sigh.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 11: Enlightened

As I thinking what to write this night during work hours, I thought I want to use words full of obscenity, vulgarism and curses. It a whole **** day. It was a sudden work need to be done even though I knew already that event will happen. I thought that was not my responsibility, eventually he gave me the job.

This day started as usual, I was directly found my kongsi kong. So we continued our job and I steal sometime to arrange with lorry driver to deliver main frames. However, Abang Din cannot deliver it today. So I suggested for tomorrow and I will try to get confirmation with my 2nd boss. I tried to climb those floors of condominium to recon for several others scaffolding parts. I only reached level 12 to find those items. Well, that was the only that I can afford.

Suddenly, my superior called me and asked me whether I’m working or not today. Maybe he did not see me yet. I replied that I’m working today, and he wanted to see me at the office. “Okay, I will come right away” as I replied. Later, I entered the office and he gave me new task, to manage the sanitary items that need to be delivered. And the bad news was, the lorry already arrived and I don’t have the time to study what it will be. I just do it and go down to the street. LB gave me the DO (Delivery Order) and you know what? The total items delivered were over than 1000 items.

I asked my kongsi kong to do the unloading works and at first, they was reluctant. As I raise my voice a bit they started to do it. However their job does not reach my expectation. With limited space, and no idea what is going on. In the clumsiness, I kept quiet, not speak even a word. I don’t know what to do. Where should I put these 1000 things? They are all big in size. That was my first time I totally stuck in my task.

First part, before Jumaat prayer, I assigned these konsi kongs to unload to the roadside. So I return back home to do my prayer. Then I came back, at first sight I thought it was almost finish. However, there are too many still on the lorry. Since I came back from my prayer, it was 2.30 p.m. and they will rest for a while at 3 p.m. so I couldn’t assigned them clearly with LB also busy to handle so many things. The driver wanted to help but he wants some money. But I said I don’t have money. I’m new here. I didn’t receive my salary yet. (Well, if I’ve got the allowance, I will not give it anyway). So I said to him to pause his intention.

I walk without having a destination, just go around and around and stop a bit. Thinking what should I do. It is already 3.30 and they not returned to the lorry yet. Me myself came up onto the lorry and started the unloading works. I want to push the work to be done. There are too many constraints that I’ve got. Limited experience and knowledge, time, work force, space, and idea. With the launching will be tomorrow, so I needed these items will be stored in the store room. With the delivery lorry is too big (10 tonnes) it took so much space and I don’t know where to put these items. Plus I have to check that they deliver exact quantity according to the DO.

The unloading job was almost finished with one Bangla under me wanted to runaway. Luckily there was Abang Syed who always scold these kongsi kongs. As I told Abang Syed about the intention of the P3, he directly scolds P3. P3 directly obey my orders. Thank you Abang Syed, you lightened my job very much. It was already 5.15 and that was the final items being unloaded. Now the problem is, how can I transferred this ******* items into the store room. I pushed the kongs to work until 6.30 but somehow it still cannot be settled. I’ve dealt with them to work during night and they refused. They wanted me to pay for their food. I agreed in this desperation. But that was first. Later it became worst, they want their work hours added up to 13 hours. But their head doesn’t want to agree. So I couldn’t do anything. As I waited at these items with sorrow and uncertainty whether I can go home or not, there was Sugi and the gang came and hang out there. I joined them.

Later came Abang Ijan. Never has a chance to greet him. But this time I asked him something and he answered to me well. (Actually we did some gossiping, that was the one which enlightened me, he3). So my mind and emotion became a bit free. Sugi and the gang also suggested me to just go back. They said why office doesn’t want to take care of this. They should know and they don’t want to do anything. Actually, I’m the one who responsible for this. They replied, it’s okay and I can finish it tomorrow. With the confusion about the event tomorrow, launching. Abang Nizam, safety officer explained to me that he already covered the working space from being visible to visitors so I will have no excuse to work tomorrow.

Okay then, with your suggestion that relieved me so much, finally I can go home. At 8.00 p.m. Yes, this is my first time going back home at night. WTH?


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 10: A Milestone

Yeah, it is my 10th day here. Counting based on the work days, not following the actual date. I will go through this industrial training for 8 weeks, with 6 days per week. That means 48 days total of working day. Minus 2 days for Hari Wesak and Hari Keputeraan YDP Agong, it makes to 46 days only. Days left are 36 days now. It is a long way to go.

This morning, I entered the office with thing inside my mind is to deliver those items. I faxed some termination of rental forms and several others and studied a bit about what things left. My 2nd boss then asked me about the delivery plan and I explained him that will be happened later. He asked about two workers that following me, whether I have given an order to them. I thought I can only use them for 2 days. Then my 2nd boss told me that I must finished up all the scaffolding equipments then deliver it to the supplier. That means those 2 fellows will follow my order until all the things finished up.

Shoot. I think it almost impossible to settle it all. However I will try to do it as best as I can. I search for that two people. I found it and ordered them to collect cross bar and main frame. It was a bit clumsy because it was unexpected things that cross my plan. It was simple, just an order and they will finished it up. The hard thing was, I didn’t do reconnaissance yet so I can’t actually locate where those things are. However I just pointed at the place that has too many of the items and they do the work. So I came up on the road and arrange the lifting item up into the lorry. I used to do that and things going fine. Actually, all of it was tiring me so much.

A little conflict, P2 hates this site. He wants to move out with his friend. He said he will go after lunch. The one left is P1. P1 is much more loyal and just do everything that I ordered. Alhamdulillah, this labor problem solved by itself. A substitute came up before me and reporting in. Okay, that’s fine and they do their work with me supervising them. Now, P1 and P3 are working together.

Sometime I will go to the office just to have a cool air. Just sitting and rest a bit and if I have an opportunity, I will asked the experienced worker to know what their problem and how to solve it. I’m also asking them how to coordinate my works that were given by my 2nd boss. They suggest many things but I cannot clearly follow because the equipments are not sufficient. Now, my mainframe, cross bar, broken cross bar are stuck at the basement. I don’t know whether Pak Amin is willing to lift it up using his forklift. I’m not so sure, but I’ve planned to take it out from basement tomorrow.

Aaah, the launching of this condominium will be going on Saturday. So they forbid any items that going to be placed on the roadside. I have to plan a new way to handle this matter. I just need to relax and then think about it. Yes, I want to do it. By 4.30, I watch P1 and P3 do their job. Later I ordered them that take longer time. As they do it, I sneak up going back to the office. I then asked my friend how long they will work. The answer is they will work till 7. Wow, that is so long. I hope they are automated to finish the work and I’m afraid that I don’t know what to ask them to do for tomorrow. Ya Allah, please help me. Please let my work become smooth as possible without any intervention. Amin.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 9: Doing Works

I have to prepare for some preliminary action to conduct this collecting work again. Since my 2nd boss said yesterday that podium needed to be covered too, so I walk the area to search these jack base and u-head. Looking at my watch, it is 8.05 a.m. office clock. Actually my watch is 10 minutes early from Malaysian standard time however at this site it became 15 minutes early. It is confusing a bit though. It is only 5 minutes of working hour started, my 2nd boss called me warns me about the importance of lorry availability. I didn’t book the lorry yet because the collecting works of those items are not finished. How come I can book a lorry with unprepared items needed to be deliver. Haiya.

I called the usual lorry driver, Abang Din. He said that he is too busy right now. Then I called Abang Lan and asked his availability. He is delivering sand right now and will be free this evening. I’m a bit happy. So I just continue my collecting job with P1 and P2 that helped me yesterday. It was simple today; the only thing that takes so long was waiting for Pak Amin, the forklift driver. He wants to save trip. He delivers things inside and I asked him to take my things to the roadside. It was short yet a long journey. However I managed to arrange it before tea time at 10 a.m.

Later it continues as usual. Collecting these items is very time consuming. Even it is simple enough, however to manage those kongsi-kongs is really tough. They are also human being. They tire like others too. Need a rest for a while in the intervening hour. So I have to wait and some time I give them a hand. Sometimes later my 2nd boss called me to the office to give him the information regarding my measurement works last week. No big problem.

I’ve managed the lorry matter during lunch hour. Suddenly Abang Lan called and he wants my confirmation on the destination place of delivery. I said it was Puchong, and he thought I said Bukit Jelutong earlier. Then, the conclusion is he cannot deliver it today. This makes me enter into a problem. However, my 2nd boss doesn’t look so angry and just said to send it out tomorrow. Since I heard that, I’ve become relieved but still have to wait for tomorrow to settle this problem.

It was almost 5 o’clock. I push P1 and P2 to work faster. I don’t want to come home late again like yesterday. Then they do the work continuously and finally we finished just on time. I came back to the office to pack my belongings and bag. But I give a chance for some time to wait for my 2nd boss to brief him what I have done today. However Mr. Tong, my first boss entered the office. I took this chance to ask him to sign my logbook. He signed it and I’m very happy. I said thank you to him and he replied ‘you’re welcome’. His kindness to answer my ‘thank you’ greatly boosted me emotionally and mentally. Not like others, I always say ‘thank you’ but not much replied from them. I don’t have many event today but I still bringing home the anxiety of this Monday. The day that my project manager wants me to brief him about sanitary wares. Waaaaaa…


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 8: Got The Superiority

As I arrived at the office, Teh greets me ‘good morning’. Usually we will always kept quiet, but since I greet him yesterday, I think he was paying it back today. Well, actually I arrived at the site with a conflict which I told yesterday. Just sitting on the chair, I took a time to configure what I will do today. What is the most important that I must do before anything else. But, it was only 5 minutes; my 2nd boss arrived at the office and directly instructed me to call Sugi to give 2 kongsi-kongs to arrange the collecting of scaffolding parts.

I’ve been told that 2 kongsi-kong will follow me today to collect those items. As usual, I will be a bit petrified if I received new task. I called the person, Sugi and he said he will show that 2 persons. In my life, usually I’m positioned at the bottom of chain. I will follow orders, never has ordered other people to do jobs. So, these two guys followed me, with simple order, to collect small numbers of U-head and Jack Base and arrange it nicely. Then it was finished. I think. They also surprised with that simple job. So, I dismissed them and I go through floor by floor at the basement. Shockingly, there are lots of these things scattered all over the places. What? I have to call them back. However, I already dismissed them. So I searched for their leader, Sugi to search these 2 people again. Since the leader was too busy, he raised his voice at me. Like an anger for me. Maybe he doesn’t understand what I am asking. And I believe I have rights on that 2 people for a whole day.

At the meantime, I’m responsible to make sure the already arranged Jack Base and U-head at the roadside to be lift up into a lorry. The lorry came late. 10 past 9. And it took over 30 minutes to make sure the matter was settled. This task was simple even though I’m full with uncertainties. Later, I still was searching the remaining Jack Base and U-head that scattered. Once I thought I want to do it on my own. However, it was unrealistic because it was too many. Lucky for me, lots of them already piled up at several places so I can have an explanation.

Upon returning to the office, my 2nd boss directly asked about the collection of those items, but not about the delivery matter. I explained that I already piled it up at several places because I don’t have a palette. FYI, palette is a wooden block that usually became a base which cover anything, usually they were used to protect new cement packets from hardened because of moisture of ground. My 2nd boss then told me to asked Sugi, because he has lots of it and just throws it away. I called Sugi, actually to ask whereabouts of those 2 people earlier. I think he understood now, so he told me that they are nearby and will follow me again. Woa, I am very relieved. So I searched for them and suddenly these words came out from my mouth “You can do it, Adli”. I don’t know why. It came out suddenly.

Now I found, but 1 person only. I have to wait for several moments maybe his friend are having a tea break. Meanwhile, Rashpal borrowed that man for a while. Rashpal is a colleague of mine which studied civil engineering also. Never mind and I can ask several things to him. I asked him a question “If my 2nd boss told me that there are 2 people will follow me, is that mean I can use them for a whole day?”. And he answered “Yeah, they will follow you for a whole day to finish your job”. I understood the system now. I will order him what I wanted to do.

As I already studied where these items were scattered, I have some plan lingering in my mind. Let me label them as P1 as the one I can talk to and P2. I ordered P1 to find a palette, directly he nodded. Then he came back with a palette. I asked for 2 other and he nodded and again he came back with 2 palettes. Wow, it was so easy. Just say and he will follow. Later P2 came and we begin our work. I bring them to Basement 1 and ordered them to collect those items. Here, I felt about my logical thinking was tested. Since they only received orders, now I’m the one who do the thinking. It only a simple matter, to find the perfect spot to put the bulky items at a place that can be easily lift up by a forklift. I’ve managed to do it. However, it a small mistake but can be recovered.

It was a narrow space; I believe the forklift can go through. I call the forklift driver to take a look at the space and then he suggested me to clears some things before he can enter. So I called again P1 and P2 and ordered them “Clear this place!” and the place was cleared in no time. P1 and P2 still collect those items and I am going to search for the hidden items such as in the dark places or under the timber for examples. Suddenly my phone rang, never did my phone rang during working hour. It was my 2nd boss and he said “Project Manager wanted to see us, right now”. I’m shocked. I answered that I will return to the office immediately. On the way to the office, I prayed to Allah, hoping this is not a serious matter.

Then me and my 2nd boss enter the PM room, he let me to sit down. That was my 1st time that I have something to be discussed with PM directly. However it was my 2nd boss do the talking and I only added some information since I’m the one who handled it. After discussing the serious matter, PM asked my 2nd boss that what he planned to give me after I’ve finished this collecting works. He said something but as usual I cannot understand what he is saying. After that, PM looks at me with a serious face and he said, “It’s okay. I’ll give you some time to familiarize with this site matters. I give you 2, 3 days for you to study about what sanitary type for what kind of bathroom. You will brief me on Monday”. “Okay” I’ve replied. Wow, a direct order from PM. I’m a bit surprised but I don’t know where the source to get that information is.

Allah planned everything. Actually I’ve talked to someone that handling sanitary matters but not yet asked his name. As I exit from the boss room, I saw him. The one who is handling sanitary wares. I directly go to him and said “Bang, Assalamualaikum (shaking hands). Nama abang siapa?”. I was directly asked his name to make us much closer. His name is Azhar and he asked my name also. How thankful. I ask his favor to explain to me about sanitary wares. He gives me a short briefing as I’m the one to go out. I still have to take care of P1 and P2. He said I can ask him in the future if I have any confusion. Alhamdulillah, but I cannot be satisfied for now until I really understand about the sanitary wares.

Again I returned to P1 and P2. Just point a finger at the spot that needed to be taken care of. Show there, he will do it. Show here, he will collect it. Oh, during the meeting with PM, he asked me to make the worker to work till 6.30. I must say yes. And that means, I have to work till 6.30 also. Oh my goodness. Never mind, this is a test. I’ll do it. Since I have so much time with them, I treated them with a slice of watermelon each. So I let them rest a bit at 5 before continue their job until 6.30.

It is 6.15, I ask them to stop and go back. I have to stop early because I’m also wanted to go home, to pray. As I reached the office, there were Alex and Heng. He waited for Liew who has car. I talked with them things outside of work field. It kind of interesting though, hang out a bit. To change stories and culture. Suddenly, senior supervisor enters. He is famously known. He always keep talking. He liked to give advices to the other young Chinese. As they wanted to go back, they were halted at the door. The senior Chinese give speech, like a sermon. I also look at him like I’m understood what he was talking. All of it was in Cantonese. Still I focused on him like hearing lectures.

Later, he ends his sermon. I just follow Alex and Heng to go to the carpark. As we reached the ground level, that senior Chinese still there, waiting rain to stop a bit. Again, they were given some more ‘schooling’. I also look at that man face. Suddenly as he talked in Cantonese, he was pointing at me all over again. I just laugh because I don’t understand. After few sentences came out from his mouth, I just replied ‘hao, hao’. Heng seems so surprised. And asked me something in Chinese and I just say I don’t understand. Then 3 of us laughing. That man continues his speech. Since it was too long, I cannot take it anymore. I can fake to be understood what he was saying. I just go around waiting rain to stop a bit. Later I, Alex and Kheng altogether punch our cards. Here I asked them, what he was saying when he pointing at me. Then Alex explained that he think that I understand what he was saying. If not, I still can understand from his gestures. So, that is why Heng was so surprised when I replied ‘hao, hao’. Ha3.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 7: Handling Matters

I’ve tasted one day holiday. That was typical Sunday. However that was yesterday. Today is Monday. The day of working, class, and activities restart. I’m part of it too. After a motivation session with my friends and emotional expression during the weekend, I’m refreshed to enter the site again.

I came a bit early, however I’m not waiting anymore. I just directly entered the office. Seeing Teh, just got to know his name and greet him as polite as I can be. Later he informed me that all of us whether officers, kongsi-kongs, foreman, and anyone who works here must join the general assemblies. Just like in school. It was for safety and health session but more focused on safety. It was for reminder for us to always take care of our own safety during our works.

I stood behind those kongsi-kongs, but much closer rather than other officers. I wanted to hear clearly what will be said by the safety officers. As I said, it was heavily for those kongsi-kongs. They gave the instruction to erect the scaffolding properly. As I stood, there was a cool breeze came upon us. I like that. I just taste the feeling of wind through my skin, as no works being done yet.

After that, we dismissed and resume our own responsibilities. Those who are plastering, now continue to plaster those walls. For those who are responsible for brickwork, continue their job and so on. For me, I directly returned to the office to make a sketch drawing on my work before which was measuring floor rendering and external plastering. Later I showed it to my 2nd boss. Now he knows that I have no work to do and I’m preparing to receive the next order.

Later he called me. Ask me to make sure some scaffolding accessories needed to be sent back to the supplier. Actually we just rent it from the supplier. This is called termination of rental. As easily I explained to you, actually I have a big difficulty to understand the order from my 2nd boss. I hear carefully, wanted to write it but my 2nd boss says to me to write it later. I stood there, listening but hard to understand. I tried. I ask him directly what he wanted me to do. I arranged it as step by step like in a manual.

Finished the briefing, I sit for a while. Try to absorb all the orders before. Write it back in my book. Then, I just want to conclude it in here; I have to make sure two accessories have the correct numbers, and then called the lorry driver and ask him to return it back to the supplier. Since I sat there for a long time, my 2nd boss wants me to do the job right now.

Okay, first step was call the store keeper, LB. Quite stylish name right. He was the 1st person I talked to in this site actually. But I only had known his name during my 2nd week. Pity. He is Nepalese. But he is able to speak in Malay. I have no trouble actually asking him about the parts of the scaffolding. So I just want him to arrange it to make me easier to deal with the lorry driver.

Next part, dealing with the lorry driver. It is much easier. The lorry driver is Malay and I can express my objective to him clearly. He understood but suggested to me that he will deliver it tomorrow. Because tomorrow he will go the same route and this will save cost on fuel. Promised being said, so just be like that. Tomorrow it is.

Actually my 2nd boss has planned for me to conduct few peoples to collect those parts that scattered all over the site tomorrow morning at 8. Then, there will be a conflict. Two events that will happen almost simultaneously. As I’m writing this, I already think some way that can make me do this both. I will try it tomorrow. Hopefully it will work.

Almost forgot, I have encountered M&E clerk of work. He is Chinese. But I can speak in Malay with him. He understands what I said, and I understand what he said. So there were so many laughs from us. He just scared me that civil engineer will not have much future here. There are so many Ir. already. Even the starting salary for civil engineer will be at RM 1800 only. Well, he also suggested me to diverge into environment or safety and health. There will be much income on that because it is relatively new in Malaysia. Thanks for the advice.

Since we have so many laughs, even though there were problems on handling the matter of transporting those parts, I’ve smiled along the way returning home. Even I reached my house, I still smiling. Plus there are no works for me right now. Just only have to wait for tomorrow. InsyaAllah, all my work can be done smoothly. Amin.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 6: Getting The Momentum

It is Saturday. Still, I’m awake at 6 to fulfill my duty. As usual, I arrived just on time. But today, I have set my mind for few works, to measure things. One, I wanted to finish my measurement on external plastering and second, I wanted to start on measuring the floor rendering at TNB. However, I have to deal with two different persons to get this on the move. With Sugi for external plastering and Ah Man for floor rendering.

At first, I dealt with Sugi to do the work in the morning at 8.30. Since I already met Ah Man in the office, so I asked him when he going to be free. But, he refuses to do the work in the evening because he has something else to do. I’m thinking to ask him to do it now (approximately 8.10) and hoping Sugi will still wait for me even it is 9 a.m. Alhamdulillah, Ah Man agrees and we do it just as quick as possible.

After finished the work, it is already 9.00 a.m. So my appointment with Sugi already canceled. However, I tried to call him, and he said ‘tidak senang’, which means he is busy. So I asked him to do the work in the evening, and he is fine with that. Later, I entered the office again, do some calculation and sketching the plan. Then I have sudden work, to follow Ah Man again to do some measurement on the administration building. Since I’m the trainee, I couldn’t disagree so I just follow him since this is the order from my 2nd boss.

I enjoyed working with Ah Man. He did his work properly. He even asked my permission to agree on the value that he just measured. He did not reject my request to measure some other things that I think are related. He makes my job easier but only the communication between two of us are not so smooth. Especially on the scientifically matters such as unit. He said meter cube but I think it is meter square. Never mind, the most matters are the value, the unit is just from my parts and my concerns.

I knew there was a meeting held in the office and I will absolutely shy to enter it. So, I just took my time finding some good spot to do my calculation and sketches. Unfortunately, I only found a place, which was the edge of a room at level 2. I can do it properly. Never mind, I only have to redraw it on the table later after the meeting finished. Again, at 12 I take a look at the office and still they are discussing with each others. The office was full of people. Who am I to enter just like that, so I opt to go for lunch right away.

Since I got out early for lunch, so enters early after the lunch. Redraw back all the sketches and do some proper calculation and dealing with Sugi to continue our work. So he agrees but in later time, not now. Since I was too generous to him, he fooling with me. The workers here will scold the labors, but I’m the one being raised voice by the labors. So they delayed, and delayed, and delayed and I can only have some tolerance. If I’m already a boss, I will directly scold him. But, Alhamdulillah, he came at 4 p.m. and we did the measurements very fast. So I stayed in the office later, to properly write the measurements and photocopying those plans. I didn’t realize it is already 5.30 p.m. My friend Alex, asked me to go back home because it is Saturday. It’s okay, I still have some work to finish and I want to feel the aircond. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I won’t be able to feel it for at least a day.

As I almost thought it is normal day to learn, suddenly my 2nd boss came to me to revise back my work done earlier. It was a pump accessories’ counting. I knew I didn’t do it properly because the pump was covered with cured cement plus the pipes were too high to be seen. Even I do climb floor by floor, I can’t assure that my counting on that day are corrects. I didn’t like counting things. If measure things, I can be tolerate on that. But no for counting things. I’m famous for person-who-can’t-find-things. If someone asked me to find things, it will be a hard job for me. Counting parts and accessories, I’m sorry boss but I already tried.

So he came close to me and asked me several questions. I think the conclusion is, he found out that I did not do my work properly, I can’t take even a simple task, I couldn’t coordinate myself within the working community. Seriously boss, I’m sorry but I’m just going to get the feeling on the new task that you gave me. Measure things. Even though I knew that all the works I’ve done so far not much related with my field, but I still striving to do it. I don’t want to make an excuse and asked for sympathy, but I try to do my job. Even billions sweats’ dropped, I still try.

Sorry boss, you know what? Even I came back home, my minds still lingers about the site. Just after arriving at the door steps, I already though about tomorrow. Later than, I write about what have I done today. Still, I wrote in my logbook, still focus on the site. Okay fine, I played football games for a game or two. But I prepared to sleep early, for what? It is for tomorrow. I must wake up early to go to the site early, boss. Actually, I don’t know what to say. I think you are generous enough to give me that kind of easy tasks. I don’t think I can handle engineering problems already. I don’t even know how to print a plan from autocad.

Conclusion for the first week; I think it is very tough for me. I need a full week to familiarize with the site. It took me 2 days to know some young workers. It took me 4 days to get to know with the experienced workers and asked them some guidance. It took me 6 days to understand how to orders hard labors to do their job. 7 weeks to go. Long, it is long.

I will do this everytime, put up your hand like for praying and read out ‘Alam Nasyrah Laka Sodrok’ and blow your breathe onto your palms. And press it on your chest, InsyaAllah you will feel serene, calm and relax from above. InsyaAllah.




“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 5: Measuring

After learning to write letters, I’m expecting to write some more letters today so I can use my little knowledge on that particular matter. However, my 2nd boss said that someone will be following me to measure things. But first, I have to get an excuse for a while because I have to make an account for Maybank. My 2nd boss said that I must go early and come back early.

Finished that matter, I report in to my 2nd boss and he told me to wait. He asked me to call Ah Man, subcontractor who will follow me to measure. Just immediately I called him, he enters the office. Then, something in Chinese, maybe he has something else to do so I have to wait until this evening.

Directly after that, my 2nd boss asked me to do something else, measuring the external plastering at block B. Maybe I asked him too frequently, so he burst some anger. It is good, so I should do my job without relying on others. So, there I met Sugi, another sub-con or more likely kongsi-kong. I thought I will be much superior to him, I asked him too much and finally he said “Kamu baru kan, mari saya ajar kamu”. Actually I’m a bit relieved. So he is willing to teach me how to properly measure the items.

If I found a way, I will happily to go through it. I’m afraid I’m stuck somewhere that I can’t penetrate. So, things become simple, and I’m befriended with those kongsi-kongs. Actually, they usually are being scolded by those superior especially from the offices. Now, even they are raising their voice at me, since I just like a dumb person. Okay, I’m learning.

However, I have two tasks in the same time. Measuring external plastering plus measuring the floor rendering at TNB. I want to write this. I’ve been scolded for two things. First, I didn’t hear clearly about floor rendering, and I heard ‘for rendering’. So I asked him again and my 2nd boss seems frustrated. Then much more nervous enters into my veins. Second, he asked me to call Sugi, I though it is only to ask him to do the measurement. And this time he clearly shows his anger. “If I asked you to call him to make a measurement, so what do I want you to do? You understand or not?” he raised his voice a bit with some unease face. Now I understand, I’m the one who supposed to supervise the measurement taking.

I just do it, and unfortunately, it was not finished for only one unit. They asked a break to go to lunch. I said, if we continue this evening, I have another appointment. So they said, we can start at 4. Okay, fine. Actually I thought my appointment with Ah Man is on the top order, it will start at 3 p.m. to measure TNB floor rendering. Later, Ah Man enters the office at 3 something. It was a bit late, I’m afraid I can’t catch up with the promise with Sugi. So I canceled the appointment with Sugi and wait for Ah Man having a chit chat with my 1st boss. As he signals me to start to do the work, suddenly my 1st boss asked him to go somewhere else. And he wanted me to postpone the work to tomorrow. Dush, I’m in a dilemma. Now, I cannot do my work, both.

How idiot I am, why do I canceled the work at the first place. Now, I have to wait for tomorrow. I did some revision on the TNB, so I can expect what I’m doing tomorrow. And I also visited the last unit that I’m yet to measure.

Today, I have a direct talk with Rashpal. The engineer is always on the move. I like his explanation to others. So far, I just overheard what there are talking. Today, I asked him something and he explained it without any feelings. So I asked his permission if there anything that I’m not so sure, I will ask him. And he says, okay. So, even in the late evening, I still asked him one or two new things. And at the late hour, my 2nd boss freely comes to me and I ask him things and two.

I do like this ending; however, stalled works make me feel unease. Plus, being scolded earlier this morning makes me sad. Plus, today is Friday, usually we feel like a holiday already. But now, I still think how to finish my job for tomorrow, which is Saturday.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 4: Going to Desk

Urmph, the burnt on my tongue is still here. Not so comfortable. However, again I’m a bit relaxed, came just on time. At the office, I wait for some time to let my 2nd boss to ease a bit. At the meantime, I’ve opened up again the file from yesterday, reading again. But not long after that, our Project Manager (PM) called me and asked me about the task from yesterday. I said that I’ve done it but not key it in the computer yet. So he asked me to key it in so he can check it.

Now I realized, the work was given to me was from the order of PM. Hurm, I must do this seriously, not assuming it as a training that can be taken lightly. Fortunately, my 2nd boss came close to me and I’ve got some time to discuss few things about my task from yesterday. Now I formularize my own method on checking those pumps. He agreed and I restarted my work. Now I have to be careful on counting those accessories. Since the pump was forced upwards, I have to climb up again those floors.

Yesterday, it was 5 but today there are 7 pumps altogether. Well, if you lengthy your work, it will suddenly burdened you. I have to search where it ends inside the building. Fortunately, the last one stopped at level 12 at both blocks. It only took me less than 2 hours to climb up at that level for both blocks. Faster than my first day, however the work load is lesser. The only disturbing me is, my shoes. I’ve changed it from my canvas shoes to a pair of old boot that I’ve found at my house. It is not really fits me and after 4 hours walking, it hurts me a lot.

Upon returning to the office and waiting for lunch hour, my 2nd boss saw me and called me. But he asked whether I’ve taken my lunch yet, then I said no. So he let me having my lunch hour. Actually I need this one hour because I need a rest of my foot. It is hurts, consequence from unfit shoe and long walking. Then I’m resting a bit inside my van.

After lunch break, I’ve been asked to key in those data from my counting. Then I just do it and unfortunately, it is too fast. Not even 2 p.m. Now I’ve been given a task, continue from my reading, now I’ve learned to write a ‘reminder’ to those subcontractors who are lagging behind their schedule. It took a lot of time to study. And for the first time, I send my fax letter to other. I can scan through photocopy machine.

I just copied the site memo sentences and words even though I realized that were too many errors. And this thing disappoints my 2nd boss. But he knows that I’m learning, so he says ‘take time’. I don’t want errors in writing. If I’ve been told that I can change those sentences and words, I did it already. Well, it was only 4 site memo but suddenly it is time for us to go back. I didn’t realize that it took so long.

While I’m packing my things, I have a chance to talk to other workers. There might be 4 of them, but now I feel a lot of ease. Since all of them are Malays, so I can speak with my mother tongue language and can add up some joke even though I’m the new one. Then I go to the guard post to punch my card and suddenly it was heavy rain. I’ve wait with other workers that I have a chit chat before. I just know that one of the engineer over there is a cousin of Cik Ija, a friend oh my sister. She the one who gives the address and the company name to Cik Ija and passed to my sister. Now I’m having practical here. So I thanks here for his generosity.

Well, it quite changing here. At first, I feel like I’m in the boarding school. Sad and don’t want to stay any longer at the school. It is quite long time I didn’t taste that feeling. Now I can remember it. However, in 4 days, it changes a bit. I want to go to the office again. To know them much better. But first, I must settle my shoes’ problem. Sigh.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 3: Start to Smile

Everything seems okay to me. Coming to the site just on time, not too early. However I’m a bit shy to enter the office because no one was in there. So I wait and take a look every 5 minutes. Oh, there was a pair of shoes. Wait again, oh, there were few pairs of shoes. And wait again, okay, there were lot of shoes. Then I decided to enter the office.

However, this tactic was wrong. It makes me enter the office 15 minutes late. Just I entered the office, Liu said “Boss searching for you”. OMG. Okay, relax, just come to him. Actually he want to know my exact name and contact number, then again he asked my 2nd boss to give me some task. Then he instructed me to read 7 bulky files plus a progress report. Gulp. Erm, okay. I will read all of it. I love reading, ehem, instead of climbing those 14 floors times 2 blocks, okay!

So there was me, reading those lots of stuff. Making myself like a busy people. So I still have something logical to do. My 2nd boss said that I will sort some of those letters, notice and others to partition of main contractor, sub-contractor, client, consultant and authorities. So I read the report carefully, I started on my first file then. Suddenly, it was lunch time. Fast isn’t it.

Actually, I’m really craving a sizzling mee. So I decided to go to Giant Taman Permata to buy some, but thinking of parking space make me go to Carrefour instead. So there was I, eating some delicious sizzling, even now I still feel a slight burnt on my tongue. Wow, first time I have something to tell about my lunch, ea.

Returned to the office, I started my 2nd file. Read, still slowly but much more interested. Now I know the conflicts arises between each party including main contractor, sub-contractor, client, architects, consultants and authorities. Then I grabbed my 3rd file, feeling enthusiastic to finish all of them. I’ve already thinking that I don’t have to wash my clothes today because I’m not sweating.

Suddenly, maybe they look me too relaxed in the office reading those stuff, my 2nd boss give me other task. They wanted me to call supplier of mortar pump machine to ask about a catalogue. Then I called, but disappointed, I couldn’t transfer the information clearly. Even my 2nd boss has to take charge of my phone call. I knew, I’m not so good in communication furthermore it was through a phone call. I’m a bit phobia you know. However, he gave me second chance to call again, a person in charge of the machine. So it was easy, since the person that I have to call is malay so I clearly asked what I wanted from him.

So, there was a catalogue and list of delivery order with my 2nd boss. He said that there are 5 of this machine and asked me to find them and check on them. I just said, yes. But actually I’m bit confuse how to relate the actual machines with this delivery order that I’m holding. However, I directly search for these 5 machines and without any hesitation I asked the foremen which is a foreigner. He wanted to help but he has other things to do.

So I search it on my own. Find one. But still I didn’t see any markings or numbers on that machine. I found unclear number on that machine, but never can relate with the invoice. So I just search five of it, looking at the components and found it still good. However only two of them are functioning at that time. The other three just sat idly.

Now I’m sweat and dirt was everywhere on my shoes. Nevermind, it is normal with working at site. I’ve returned to the office. Wanted to asked few questions to my 2nd boss. However he seems too, too busy. Afraid to disturb him. I even approach him for a while after he made a call, still he asked me to wait. And I wait. Then I steal some of his time eventually he asked me to ask tomorrow because he was super busy at that time. Sigh, it’s okay. I’ll keep my question.

So, I sat at the meeting table with Heng and the secretary. So I talk a bit and asked several questions to them and we became a bit closer. Especially with Heng. Asked him for his opinion if he is under my situation. So, he has a few ideas that I might follow. Doesn’t want to rely too much on my 2nd boss. The secretary was also nice; she clears my minds from few conflicts. Plus, next two weeks there will be a new trainee will report in. This will make me have a partner.

Later, Heng offered me a visit to his site. Where he in charge at the site at the back. Not at the condo but at the futsal area. Since he was so nice that I can’t refuse. I appreciate it, he shows me a lot new things. How to detect a defect on walls. How to counter the problems. What are the major problems faced and many more. I hope this kindness will continue as long as I stayed there. I hope it will continues until forever.

That is why I smiled during my journey home. I’ve made some friends. But, deep inside I must be wary. Not every day is a happy day. I hope those bad days do not come to me so often. Amin.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 2: Painful Legs Continues

Aaah, I love studies. It is because the classes weren’t 8 to 5 everyday. We even get Friday as a bonus day. No class also. But now it’s time to change. It is a metamorphosis phase which requires patience and determination to pop out as beautiful butterfly. So here I am, waking up as early as beautiful butterfly did. Time to change; it is okay since I sleep early last night. Now I understand why a family person will sleep early, now I must follow those steps.

Actually I couldn’t figure how long time will take to arrive to my workplace. So I pack early and went out from my house at 7. Finally I arrived. Oh, it is only 15 minutes. Urmph, I have to wait till 8 a.m. If I enter the office now I will be blur and don’t know what to do. Plus, I already have things to do, to continue my task which not completed yesterday. But I don’t want to start at 7.20 am. Am I crazy? I still have to finish at 5 even I came early. So wait, and wait, and wait until I think it is suitable for me to punch my card.

7.45, not bad. So I go to the office and put my bag and take my papers. Looking around, there was actually a person, the one who asked me to go out if I can’t imagine the plan with the actual site. So he with his work and for me, I have to prepare a bit. Then 3 young Chinese entered the office and had their breakfast. So I just go out and continue my job. Directly goes to level 10 to continue my counting.

Yeah, you remember what I said yesterday, I found something weird. It is stools. Stools and stools everywhere. If those stools are gold I already quit my study. (Just a figure of speech). There were at every level. Only few levels leaved undisturbed. And it became critical as I reach upper level. I understand, they wouldn’t make it if they have to throw it out properly. And it is funny though, they throw it at the future toilet area. Enough of it.

I still concentrate on my works. Counting and counting and finally I’ve reached level 14 through scaffolding small stairs. The normal stairs are not available at 13th floor and above. I thrown out all my giddiness and determined to use it. 12th level to 13th level are still okay because the platform just about same with the floor level. But for 13th level to 14th level, it became scary a bit. The platform is higher than the floor. It easier to jump from platform to the floor, but to jump from floor to platform, it will be harder. And I shouted in my head “You can do it”. Yeah, it is still okay for 14th level, and then I continue my counting.

Here, I took a perfect spot to relax a bit. As we called in class as ‘take 5’. I do it, and just sit and take a look at the scenery from high above. As I relaxing, a person enters and he is a worker from the office, not a labor. I just smiled and he smiled back to me. Later he asked me ‘What are you searching?”. “No, I just counting these items” I’ve replied. Then he said “Wow, there is a lot of it”. Then I asked “Have you climb to upper level?”. “Level 15, no. It is scary. It is hard to reach the platform back” he explained. Woa, I’m a bit relieved. If I already climb it, I don’t think I can go down again. So I counted these items from the 14th level and managed to do so.

Yeah, finish for block B. Next turn, the whole block A. Now it is already 11 a.m. and 1 hour from lunch time. Take a sip of water from my bottle then go directly to block A. I managed to count for 2 levels until it is already lunch time. I return to office and found out the 3 young Chinese that I’ve met earlier. Then I asked a bit whether they are fresh graduates, and the answer is yes and they just working here for a week. So then, I know them by name and I’ve made acquaintances. So, I can ask several things to them later.

On the way to my van, I walk along with my 1st boss and I asked him several questions with this opportunity. I want a clarification for my situation right now. Who is my actual supervisor? Him or my 2nd boss? So he stated that I work under him but work with my 2nd boss. Do what he asked to do. Hurm, it seems okay for me. I will do what my 2nd boss told me to do..
As usual, my lunch. Nothing to tell at all. If only I found a good spot to relax a bit, surely I will do it. So I returned to the office early with the intention to absorb those air-conditioned air for a while before I continue my works. However, since my temporary table is meeting table, and there was a meeting about to begin and then I’ve been ousted and couldn’t feel the absorption of coldness of the air. I sit 10 meters away from my office, just to relax my legs. It’s painful you know. Today it reaches my thigh.

However, if I continue my works without relaxing a bit, the pain will not be felt. And only if I took 5 minutes break, then I started to walk again the feeling will be very bad. Nevertheless, things must be done and finally I finished my works. But, my 2nd boss today was MC. So I just keep my data and hope that he comes to the office tomorrow.

“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Day 1: Introduction and Unexpected/Unprepared

Here we come, it is 10th May already. I was set to go to Prinsiptek HQ at Subang Jaya for some briefing and filling forms. So there was me at the early morning of Monday I’ve arrived at the office. It’s funny though, even the workers did not arrive yet. So I wait for a while until it was 9 am. As I enter the office and then I’m being asked to wait for a while. While I’m waiting, the receptionist there introduced me with my boss at site. I shake hand with him and asked several questions. It’s seems he is okay and he answered all my questions.

Later I’ve been given a briefing session by Mrs. Evelyn about the timing of work and some regulations. Then I’m set to go to the site at Desa Melawati. I drove my van and I was smiling all the way. Enthusiastic with working because I never work before and expecting nice environment which can boost myself. Then I was stopping by at my house to change my attire since I was wearing formal wear suit, to less formal with jeans and shirt. Later I arrived at the site. Searching for site office where my boss is working all day. Finally I found the office and found out my boss was in the middle of a meeting. Then I’m waiting, and waiting, and waiting until I searching my own stuff to do.

Eventually, I think he realize that I already arrived and called me to come to him. He then asked me to follow Mr. Ting or they called him Ah Ting. I feel like in the middle of Chinese soap opera right now but without any malay subtitles. I think you can imagine it. He is really nice guy. Never made angry faces (so far) and treat me as a student, not as a workers. My boss asked me to follow the guidance from Mr. Ting and do what he asked me to do. Since he is really nice so he gave me the construction plans, lot of it for me to study. “You study this first to get you familiar with the site layout” he instructed me. Okay for me. I think there must be almost 50 A1 size of plan. Actually I’m bit ashamed because disturbing them in the middle of their works. You see, these engineers seems to me, busy every time I looked at them. With faces that make me worries just enough for me to be scared to enter the office.

Somehow I still managed to carefully reading the plan but I don’t understand a thing. Later one of the Chinese employee that I don’t know what his position asked me if I don’t understand about these plans I should take a walk outside to make me relate and imagine a lot better. And I say thank you, but how come I go out since my 2nd boss (Ah Ting) asked me to read these plans. So I read page by page and doesn’t bothered by surroundings but still I felt ashamed that I’m like a nobody because I don’t know what to do. Later after my 2nd boss finished his works then he came to me. He said it is okay already and asked me to take my lunch. He will give me some task after the lunch. Yippee… I said, alright. This is what I wanted. So I smiled again expecting what is my first task. Calculating loads? Counting QS? Or just take a look at the construction progress. I’m fine with all of that.

Actually during lunch, it is sad for me. I don’t have friends. So I just go to Mesra and bought some bread and my favorite ice lemon tea. I think it is enough for me. Then I returned to the office. I didn’t use the 1 hour rest to the fullest. Only 15 minutes I think and I ready on the meeting desk (I borrowed for a while and can be ousted anytime).

My 2nd boss just smiled just a little and I don’t know what is the meaning of that smile. He came to me, he said ‘Okay, if you don’t understand, don’t worry I will teach you”. “Okay, there are Galvanized Iron pipe, you know what is it?”. I nodded. “There are 6 m and 3 m long. Also there were wall-tie and I want you to count these items throughout the buildings. You know where it usually located? Let me show you” and he directly goes outside the office and pointed the GIP and wall-tie where they were used to support the scaffolding. I’m still nodded, but actually I’m not pretty sure about this situation. Then my 2nd boss added “Okay there are two blocks, 17 and 18 floors respectively and you can start now. Okay go”. Gulp, I’m still in disbelief. What, I’ve to count these things. I thought I will do some calculation, not some counting.

Order has been given and who am I to challenge it. At first, I still can’t believe the situation that I’m facing right now. I tried however, first floor and goes around it calculating, no! counting one by one these three items. Still cannot believe this. And I climbed the staircase and found out the next level is the first level, the one that I just done was mezzanine, the intermediate floor between ground floor and typical floor. My disbelief added a few level now.

However as the time passes by, I think I can accept it slowly. As I can count it as fast as I could and I can get the best view at the highest floor, not yet but I will, make me a bit relieved. Then I familiarize with the surrounding making sure to not disturb those labors that are busy working. I found few weird things though, but don’t want to say it now. Let see tomorrow whether I will found some tomorrow.

Here it is, when it was almost 5 pm, I only make to the 10th floor for the first blocks and that already makes my leg hurts. There are few floors remaining and a whole block awaits me. I said to my 2nd boss that I couldn’t finish it today and asking permission to continue for tomorrow. Then he agrees and he said that I can go home now. Yay, I can go home now. But it is only a first day, and I have 8 weeks ahead with working day from Monday to Saturday with working time from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Sigh. That is why, if I go home, my face will be ‘muncung’.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Practical Prologue

It has been long time ago we acknowledge this matter. Then we even started as early as December 2009 even though the actual due date was 31st March 2010. So we called, we came to the office for about 5 of them with hope which was sky high. Unfortunately, the February already enters the calendar and we didn’t have any call yet. So I’ve started aggressive approach to send about 10 other applications to offices. Still disappointing, and March eventually enters and the dateline just around the corner. So I seek other students which obtained several places so I wanted to go to the place that they wanted to ignore.

I feel anxious why even for industrial training became this hard. Then I tried to fill out the void that my friends made. However, this won’t work. Until the time left was very slim, about 10 days and finally Prinsiptek called me to offer a place for training. Then I’m very happy to accept it without any hesitation. Then during the dying moment, few other offers came and politely I refuse to accept because I already have one. So, here I come to the working environment + study along.


“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Exam Day

Finally this day arrived, May 9th 2010. As usual, I couldn’t sleep if any examination going to be held for the next day. Even I’m sleeping on the best mattress in my house. I’m still struggling to sleep, however this condition helps me a lot. So I didn’t fall asleep for much longer time. I woke up at 5 past 6 in the morning. Do my prayer and pray to Allah to help me in this process.

After a fast revision on English and looking back at katakana as I think I’m capable to convert hiragana into romaji, so I think I can handle it. I prepared myself with my favorite long-sleeve shirt and started my van engine. Hope for the best in my journey. I’ve parked my van at the Jelatek station to go to Confucian Secondary School. My plan was to stop at Masjid Jamek and later I will take a walk from there. My prediction is the walk will took about 30 minutes at the least. With that I will be able to arrive at the school on time.

Well, the test already begins at the Jelatek station. I know that I rarely took public transportation nowadays since I’m not staying in Kuala Lumpur for a long time. Just missed a train and I have to wait. Usually the wait only took about 2 minutes but with the fact it was Sunday morning, the trains gap were 8 to 10 minutes in between. I still wait patiently. Hoping for 4 coaches Putra train because I like it. Well, obviously why they should provide the unnecessary when many people still sleeping, right? 8 minutes later my train arrived. I got a sit which is usually impossible. Then we go through Dato’ Keramat station and continued to Damai station.

At Damai, I’ve lost my will and determination a bit. The train stopped for unusual length of time. The door still open and I think it is almost 10 minutes the situation hangs there. Then only the announcement was heard telling us that there was a technical difficulties and must wait for further announcement. What? Is it meant that I didn’t suppose to take this exam? How can it be? Why in my opinion that the most reliable transportation mode in the city has disappointed me at the time I need them the most? But suddenly I thought of other word, it was ‘Test’. This is a test for me so I will not give up until I can’t do anything at all.

I approached the technician nearby which having some dispute, I think regarding with this problem. Later I asked how long it takes for this problem will be solved. The technician said that it is better for us to take taxi if we want to arrive faster to our destination. Decision must be made. So I decided to take a taxi and I went out from the station as fast as I can. Other problem, is there any taxi here in the Sunday morning? I still waiting and there was one but engaged. Suddenly I’ve heard the train that I’ve left earlier continue its operational again. How disappointed. I must stick with this decision and also taxi can send me much faster and at much closer to my destination.

Alhamdulillah, after 4 taxis passing by and the fifth was willing to send me to my destination. I don’t care about the fares anymore. Upon entering the taxi, the meter shows that the start value was RM 3. Never mind, I’m just pushing my journey to let it continue. Finally I’ve arrived in front of a hotel which I believed just 50 meters from my destination. However with difficulties in reading the map make me struggling to find the actual route. With the intention to enter from back entrance, I found that the route does not exist anymore. According to the guard from the hotel, I’ve to take much longer way to reach my destination. It is 8.10 a.m. and I believed I can make it on time. The remaining time was 35 minutes. Now I have to focus for not to get lost, find the correct route and I will arrive at the school.

Finally after a long walk, heavy perspire and sweats I’ve reached the school’s gate and I try to search for my friends that already await me. I think that was for distraction for me for not thinking so deep about the exam. And I believe it is true, just entering the hall and try to answer with my full effort. The exam was fine but a bit hard for Nihon-go. I couldn’t answer it though because there were so many new words for me that I never heard of before. Now I wanted to leave it to God because He is my only hope. Just wait for three weeks time from that very day.

To compare with my prediction, actually the total person who takes the examination was 172 persons. Almost 200, according to from my first prediction. There are variety people and mostly they are Chinese. Malays also come in great number; they can be seen around here. Much like 50-50 but I don’t expect that the number. Almost half of us took a 2nd paper which was for Japanese. From 172, I think approximately 10 peoples were absent. Since the specification was 35 years below, so there are lots of young people in the hall. Some of them come with their parents, girlfriend/boyfriend, friends and many more. But we are special, we came on our own and we fight for the best. Hope all of us (3 people) can go through next stage and finally reach the finale, post-graduation.

“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -

Journey To Space: A Memoir Of Malaysia’s First Angkasawan

I just read the book. As honest as I can be, this might be the second time that I finished reading a whole English book (I think). The first one was ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ back when I was in form 2. However, it was adjusted version so it can be understood by the students at that level. For the JTS (Journey To Space), I think I really enjoyed it as it was made by a Malaysian and the level just fit with me. Only have to refer to a dictionary 77 times for 77 words. With the intention to fully understands the meaning of every word without making assumptions that I always used to. Finally I achieved that.

After all, the rate of speed for me to finish the book was also exceptional. Only need less than 12 hours to read from cover to cover for a more than 200 pages book. With the original intention was to find some material for English reading and eventually satisfied with the content make me very pleased. Overall, it is a nice book for those who have a big ambition waits ahead of them.

Generally it is a diary of a person. As you can see it is a memoir. However it is a memoir of a history maker from our proud nation, Malaysia. As he wanted to be called as Angkasawan already made me proud as a Malaysian. It is fascinating to learn about his adventures, hurdles, obstacles, challenges and many more for him to reach his dream. For most of us, there might be slim possibilities for other 27 million populations in this country to be able to follow his footsteps. I believe the sentence only for a relief as I don’t want to be a dream killer. However, you don’t have to dream about to be Angkasawan only, as there are a lot of things that you might want to achieve but the time does not come yet.

As I read the book, page by page, I’ve seen Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (Mr SMS) as an inquisitive, enthusiastic, persistent and very determined person. He gone through his path with faith that he will succeed at the end. Finally he made it. However as simple as ‘he made it’ was written, it is not as easy that one can imagine. The complexity of the process, the anxiety that aroused, the hard efforts on the trainings and many more made him qualify for this huge job. He also had nice experiences throughout the programs that he enrolled. I think, it can be dramatic for his adventure to make into a moving picture or movie. I will volunteer to make one, someday maybe.

No, I didn’t say it is fascinating to have dramatic story, but somehow that is a unique of life that determined by fate. The event that made Mr SMS’s brother went into coma was disappointing. Tragically, the accident happens two days before he launched back to the Earth. Even after his arrival, he was not being mentioned about that accident. Of course for some reason it is better to kept it as a secret to wait for the right time. At last, after two days on earth, he was informed about the state of his brother.

Well, if you can understand that someone close to you in a coma, you will feel unease and you want to be right next to him/her. Unfortunately, he has to wait for the quarantine period to end. But everything were too late, he cannot see his brother for the last time. His brother passed away a day before he could board in a flight to come back to Malaysia. The saddest moment was, his brother was ongoing to finish a book entitled ‘Reaching For The Stars’ dedicated to Mr SMS. I couldn’t imagine what was feeling of Mr SMS. Here I wanted to quote from his book,

“I found a new lease of life in space and lost a life upon my return. I was looking down on Earth wondering what he (his brother) was doing and now I am looking up to the stars, wondering what he is ‘doing’”.

“INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT GENIUS, KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INFLEXIBILITY, A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL WITHOUT OVERTRAINING, FEAR BUT NOT COWARDICE, BRAVERY WITHOUT FOOLHARDINESS, SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHOUT EGOTISM, PHYSICAL FITNESS WITHOUT BEING MUSCLE BOUND, PREFERENCE FOR PARTICIPATORY OVER SPECTATOR SPORTS, FRANKNESS WITHOUT BLABBER MOUTHING, ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT EXCESS HUMOR WITH DISPROPORTION AND FAST REFLEXES OVER PANIC” – Dr Robert Voas -