Why Graduates Are Still Unemployed?

With academic excellence or achievements, why does a graduate fails to land a job? A study conducted by Jobstreet.com, shows many of the graduates sought higher wages up to RM6, 500 causing many of the companies reluctant to take them in. 

According to 68 percent respondents from several many companies mentioned the graduates applying for jobs are not being realistic about their first job of their qualifications as a ticket for living comfortably. 

About 30 percent of the graduates seeking employment are asking a pay scale of up to RM6, 500, while the prospective companies are held back with 5 main factors affecting the recruiting, says Simon Si, Chairman of Regional Communication, jobsDB.com 

The reasons to failure in landing a job are due to: inability or poor to communicate in English. They poorly relate or express themselves, projecting poor personality and attitude when interviewed. Some of the candidates are reportedly being choosy of the positions offered. The high pay scale tagged by the graduates too, does not commensurate with their experiences. 

The graduates entering the employment sector are advised to practice smart money management and spending according to their ability level. Besides having soft skills may place them in a better position in the employment market.

A Trade Deal For The 21st Century: TPP Dilemma

The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement signed by 12 countries around the Pacific Rim, including the U.S., Japan and Australia, is a complex and comprehensive trade agreement designed with the 21st century in mind. Importantly, China, India and South Korea are not signatories, although they could join at a later date.

It is an important part of President Barack Obama’s “pivot to Asia”, which he had hope to be part of his administrative legacy of the aim at undercutting or at least slowing China’s efforts to expand its “soft” as well as its military power.. Hence, President-elect Donald Trump victory making clear opposing to almost any US trade deal a centerpiece campaign, sending the TPP reeling.

The deal, like most of the multilateral trade-liberalizing agreements negotiated since World War II, specifies reductions in tariffs on manufactured goods and on agricultural products as well. But the TPP goes much further, entailing a global code of conduct of trade that takes into account its increasing complexity.

Recognizing the growing importance of services and digital products, it aims to reduce nontariff barriers in these areas too. It specifies rules for the protection for intellectual property. Going beyond previous agreements, it incorporates provisions for the protection for labor and the environment.

The provision of the TPP that has engendered the most controversy, even though it already exists on thousands of other treaties, is the Investor State Dispute Settlement provision. This allows a corporation to take complaints that a foreign government has violated its property rights to a special international tribunal, whose decision cannot be appealed. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib who has long tried to strike a balance in its relationships between U.S. and China, has been making similar noises about moving its fulcrum in the direction of China. Both countries have eased their opposition to China’s incursions into the South China Sea.

China itself has been actively initiating programs directed at enhancing its global role, with major implications for the U.S. When China created the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2014, the U.S. boycotted the new institution and asked allies to do the same. Despite its pleas, some 57 countries joined, including all the major countries of the European Union, as well as Australia and South Korea.

Even more recently, China has announced multi-billion dollar financing for its belt-and-road initiative, a grand plan to finance infrastructure projects throughout Asia and better connect China with the rest of the world that has been termed a Chinese Marshall Plan. 

The Chinese challenge to American hegemony appears to be gathering steam. China has replaced the Soviet Union as the major contender to supplant the U.S. as the world’s dominant power. With TPP cessation, the reframing of TPP as a security issue becomes apparent and relevant for the U.S. Now there existed pressure in Asia for a pivot away from the U.S.

Only two of its 12 signatories, Japan and New Zealand, have so far ratified the TPP. If the U.S. does not ratify, the deal will probably wither on the vine – although there have been suggestions that the other 11 members could ratify it and put it into force on a provisional basis.

The failure of the TPP would not leave a vacuum. China is already spearheading a proposal for a Comprehensive Regional Trade Partnership (CREP), which includes the 10 members of the Association for South East Asian Nations plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. As such, it includes seven of the 12 TPP signatories.

While both agreements cover such issues as trade of goods and services, investment and dispute settlement mechanisms, the CREP does not incorporate the TPP’s protections for labor or the environment or restrictions on the activities of state-owned businesses, which dominate the Chinese economy. These provisions are of key importance of many countries, the United States among them, for whom they represent strongly held values.

China is also hoping to advance its concept of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), which would have the narrower goal of overriding and integrating the various bilateral and regional free trade agreements that are currently in force or proposed.

But it would have a broader geographical reach than CREP; it could potentially incorporate all 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, including both China and the United States. Originally, the U.S. had hoped that the TPP would be the main building block of the FTAAP, but China has clearly make headway.

Don’t Jump The Gun. Get Your Facts, Right

The headline on an article published by a tabloid newsprint, yesterday, drew grimace looks on the readers; Medical and Hospitalization fees to increase by 50%? One can imagine the feelings of the population whom requires medical attention and hospitalization, let alone their opinion of the Government. 

Malaysian health expenditures is allocated RM25 billion which amounts to 10 percent of the national financial budget, despite revenues from medical services rendered amounted only RM700 million. A total of RM2 billion expenditure goes to provide free medicines to the Rakyat. 

While the costs of medicines, medical equipment and service escalates throughout the globe, it is a fact to highlight that the medical and hospitalization fees at Government Clinics and Hospitals has not been reviewed since 34 years ago for its citizens in adhering to the Fees (Medical) Order 1982. 

The Government has since, exercised an increment to 70 percent medical fees for non-citizens, effective 1st January which reflects the real cost of treatment borne on treatment for this group; inclusive of outpatient treatment, medicine, boarding and specialist consultations and etc. 

The proposed revision when finalized may and will involve the hospitalization to 1st and 2nd Class wards while no changes expected to the 3rd Class wards, the cost implied are simply made by the patients or their immediate family of their choosing. 

To drive the reality, hypothetically, 2 million patients are hospitalized in the Government hospitals as depicted below:

1st Class: 16,000 patients (0.8%)

2nd Class: 16,000 patients (0.8%)

3rd Class: 1,968,000 patients (98.4%) 

In conclusion, the less fortunate patients are not grossly affected by the revision, yet will enjoy the benefits from the draw down which helps to upgrade the medical services and medicines provided. 

In a statement made today, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam reiterated 3rd Class ward medical charges remains at the minimum fee of RM3 and a maximum of RM500. Meanwhile, the charges for outpatient, at the General Outpatient Department and Specialist Outpatient Department, at RM1 and RM5, respectively. 

The proposed revision by the Ministry of Health (MOH), will come into effect on 1st January 2017, however it will not affect the majority of Malaysians seeking medical aid and hospitalization, especially to the less fortunate. 

News reporting should be responsible and not draw flak with daunting headlines to draw ratings to the publications. The public, on the other hand, too, must exercise restraint from falling victim to sensationalized articles/materials and unfounded information.

To Be or Not To Be…Illegal Foreign Workers

In an immigration operation conducted in Penang on Wednesday; 64 foreign workers were detained under Ops Ikrar at two factories at the Perai Industrial Park, Penang for various offences. 

Last month, a caution was made public by the Immigration Department director-general to the industrial sector employers to sort all necessary legal documentations to avoid prosecution and to abide the laws concerning the subject. 

Employers of the industrial sector has been warned of the provision under Section 56 (1) of the immigration Act to freeze their assets should they persist hiring illegal foreign workers beginning October. 

However, the SME Association of Malaysia, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, the Malaysian Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association, and the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Indus­try are being indifferent. 

They are defending the violations committed by the industry “because the cost of rehiring foreign workers is too high and the procedures too rigid” and tentatively could hurt the industry which is making life more difficult for the businessmen. 

For crying out loud! The country has to bear the cost of resources carrying out immigration operations on the illegals by the industry. They choice of engaging illegal foreign workers rather than the locals have violated the laws of the country and such retrospect is “arm twisting” the Government and the authorities!

Bilateral Interests With The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is on an official five day visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia scheduled to an audience with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Naif Al-Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud. 

The visit would provide an excellent opportunity for the leaders of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to discuss various issues of mutual interest particularly in the area of security cooperation. 

Since the Independence, Malaysia has had a generally positive and productive relationship with Saudi Arabia that is rooted in a centuries-long history of commercial and religious interactions. In the contemporary period, proactive Malaysian diplomacy has paved the way for a more balanced and multidimensional partnership between the two countries, particularly in the economic spectrum.
http://country-facts.findthedata.com/compare/15-81/Saudi-Arabia-vs-Malaysia 

Saudi Arabia being the single largest market for food and beverages in the Gulf region, accounting for 63% of all of the region’s imports with the value of the Saudi halal food estimated at US$ 6 billion annually, it is timely for Malaysian companies to strike business partnerships with their counterparts. 

Bilateral trade relations between Malaysia and the Kingdom had increased significantly from US$260 million in 1990 to US$4.019 billion in 2014 (in span of 24 years). Globally, Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s 19th largest trading partner, 23th largest export destination and 17th largest import source. 

Though Malaysia and Saudi Arabia differs in terms of how Islam is interpreted and practiced. Nonetheless, at no point have these differences seriously disrupted the relationship. Nor in recent years have they hampered its development or placed at risk its promising future. 

The term “Islamophobia” trumpeted of the prejudice, hatred, or bigotry directed against Islam or Muslims behind the backgrounds movements of Shiites and the Sunni has great impact upon Saudi Arabia. The deviance promoting terrorism under the clout of Islamic state known as Daesh, where splinters of the radicals began pouring into the Southeast Asia region. This poses a security threat to both government and drastic measures to counter them. 

When the dust settled, continual similar efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and security relationship between Malaysia with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enhances the networking platform expanded particularly in the trade activities will benefit both countries.

Trouble Ahead in Penang?

Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, Member of Parliament Padang Besar acting as an advisor to the newly registered party Penang Front Party, is rather odd and very distasteful to the National Front. 

His action can tarnish the collaboration between Gerakan and MCA in harnessing the plight of the Chinese community particularly in Penang as well as in Malaysia in general. 

Has he forgotten the history of the ruling coalition; following Gerakan's overwhelming success back in 1969 amidst political conflict with MCA then? 

With the 14th General Election rumored next year; Zahidi should gear up to maintain his political focus in his home state rather than meddling in the affairs of others. 

Certainly the interests of Gerakan and MCA are paramount to garner the support of voters in Penang.

Open Your Mouth and say “Arrr”

When was your last visit to a friendly dentist? Do you remember the experience of your first visit back then? Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive. A Healthy smile, a healthy you. 

New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. 

If you don't take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including: oral and facial pain (Gingivitis), problem with the heart and other major organs and digestive problems (intestinal and digestive disorders). 

Realising the importance of a good oral healthcare, the Malaysian government has embarked on primary oral healthcare to the population by target groups namely the toddlers, pre-school children, primary and secondary schoolchildren, antenatal mothers, children with special needs, adults and the elderly. 

The dental sector is among the basic need for the development of a country, where the commitment of the Health Ministry’s in providing better infrastructure and programmes in ensuring optimal oral health outcome. 

Many would avoid walking this road, despite in reality to achieve the optimal oral healthcare outcome, Malaysia requires 10, 000 dental practitioners by year 2020; a ratio of one dentist to 3, 000 population. Now that is a staggering feat, amidst the question of charges, one has to bear for services rendered. 

Dental healthcare services is one of the areas exempted of Goods and Services Tax since 1st April 2015. A dental filling at a Government clinic is charged R

M4.00 or RM45.00 at a private dental, is purely the choice made by the customer. Don’t blame it on GST or the Government!
http://mda.org.my/activities/GST/20141229-gst/20141229/03GSTNOTES.pdf

Foreign Workers: Exaggerated or True Needs?

A friend related an incident where he stopped and parked at a space several other vehicles had parked earlier to attend an appointment. 

He was however, instructed to park elsewhere by a Nepali security guard; armed with lack of local vocabulary and waving sign language, symbolizing ‘NO’ and ‘You can’t park here!” 

Surprisingly, when questioned, the Nepali guard can’t identify the name of the company of which property he is employed to protect and secure. 

What is the motive of such employment? At the peak of 3.5 percent unemployment rate (495,705) compared to 14, 163, 000 Malaysians employed in April 2016; the rise of lay-offs, picky prospective employees and discrimination, foreign employees tops the choices to fill the void. 

Are they truly the descendants of the fearful Gurkha, engaged during the era of the British colonial masters? Or another ploy/excuse upon Malaysians with daunting flashback? 

The experience shared is among many, circulating on the subject of foreign workers nibbling the employment market/occupations in Malaysia. Does their presence brings more good than harm to the growth, social stability and security of the nation per se? 

Security personnel particularly the foreign guards are subjected under the Private Agencies Act 1971, the Immigration Act 1959/1963 and the National Registration Act 1959, whereupon 30, 000 illegal foreign security guards claimed been employed in the nation. 

In a news report on 15 April 2016, Deputy Human Resource minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Abdul Muttalib disclosed since 2014, a total of 592 employers have been prosecuted after 81, 200 checks were conducted on the subject pursued. 

The government had introduced the minimum wage policy in 2014 in line with the National Wages Act considering the cost of living, productivity level and other aspects. A minimum wage of RM1, 000 took to effective from 1st July 2016 is to ensure transformation of the middle-income group to high-income economy by the year 2020. 

A classic example for a Malaysian, earning RM1, 000 will bear food, shelter and utilities, thus affecting him/her from the fruits of labor, whilst a foreign registered worker may earn a percentage lesser wage but provided shelter, transportation, food, medical attention and others by their agents/employers. 

The move however is not perceived well by certain workforce agents or employers especially unscrupulous ones, whom chose to capitalize the hindsight of the enforcement by engaging illegal employees; no levy paid, service tax, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or care for the welfare of the employees, set forth by the government. Some even do not renew the Temporary Work Visit Passes for Nepalese security guards. 

Let’s not forget the instructions by the former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah upon the Immigration Department on 15th November 2005 to track down and deport 50, 000 Chinese visitors overstaying their welcome in Malaysia. Down the road, a few years later, another 100, 000 Chinese visitors repeated the crimes of immigration issues. 

The influx of illegal foreign workers can be seen in their monopoly of ‘employment market’ or occupations as identified below:

. Indonesians as maids, factory workers and construction workers.

. Bangladeshi as factory workers and construction workers.

. Indians majority found at Nasi Kandar outlets, security guards and medical practitioners/specialist.

. Chinese women works as Guest Relation Officer aka China doll at Family recreation center.

. Nepalese besides engaged as Security guards, are employed as factory workers or hypermarket/retail stores assistants.

. Vietnamese works as factory workers and wet market hands.

. Filipino runs the hotel and factory workers, too.

. Africans capitalize the scam/black money.

. Siamese concentrated in food.

. Cambodian dwells in the clothing and handicraft.

. Laotians works as contract workers and in agricultural estates.

. Pakistani majors the clothing, carpets and food.

. Uzbeks primarily into the flesh trade market.

. Arabs infamous for the Middle East food and cuisine. 

For a Malaysian…what is left for Malaysian in the employment is purely arithmetic. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported in 2015, there are 2.1 million registered foreign workers, while another more than 3 million are illegal workers, escaping the hands of law with help from individual/s of interest or companies with vested interests. 

Most definitely, a bigger chunk of the foreign workers are not SKILLED or semi-skill to fill the vacancies or so some defended otherwise.

Stealing Thunder and Looming Dark Skies

Recently the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government introduced an initiative that enables the property developers to bridge loan to Malaysians unable to furnished housing loan from commercial banks, suggestive at the rate of 12 and 18 per cent (with collateral and without collateral respectively).

This proposal was urged by the industry following the abolished Developer Interest Bearing Scheme (DIBS) in 2014, which led to speculation in the property sector. The move was necessary after a report by the National Property Information Centre (Napic) showed the number of unsold units in both the residential and commercial properties has scaled by 16 percent in the first quarter of this year.

Though the intentions are for the ‘greater good’ of providing shelter to the first time house seekers, the proposal receives flaks from various quarters of the populations. Furthermore, it was never discussed by the Malaysian Cabinet, thus, one wonders the magnanimity of the minister; Tan Sri Noh Omar in disclosing the intentions prior mandate or approval from the government.

Adding on, Noh claims that all developers to apply to the ministry for a money lending license in accordance to the Moneylenders Act 1951, is simply outrageous! The ministry could only facilitate the initiative on the financial aspect which falls under the purview of the ministry of finance!?

The public is curious to the claims that, several developers have licences to give out loans. The question is, how many are licensed and where does it operates? Similarly, Noh Omar has frivolously suggested a mandatory fundraising enforced for schools in the state of Selangor, which is the administrative of the education ministry.

In Budget 2016, announced last October, the Education Ministry received RM41.3 billion; a range of 15 to 20 percent of the budget for school maintenance. Or is it to believe, the expenditures of the school maintenance is managed by the ministry spearheaded by Noh Omar too?

Sadly we observed to often than not, many of the ministers or leaders are incoherent in making their points across the board, multitask or stepping unto other ministry, beyond their shallow waters.

Tan Sri Noh Omar is expected to table the initiative questioned in the scheduled weekly Cabinet meeting, today. He told reporters, “However, if I explain to the Cabinet tomorrow and they decide that it is not implementable, as it may bring about a (negative) impact to the economy, I will accept the decision…And if the Cabinet also decides that the licence given to these developers should not be continued, then the licence will be revoked…” He should hold his tongue and show restrain…one might add.

McDonald's dan Biasiswa Pendidikan; Terbaik!

Kepentingan pendidikan kepada pembangunan sesebuah negara dapat dilihat dengan peruntukan perbelanjaan negara yang besar pada setiap tahun untuk tujuan membangunkan sistem pendidikan yang diperlukan oleh masyarakat. 

Tindakan ini dianggap sebagai satu pelaburan yang besar untuk menjamin kemajuan yang berterusan dan bagi membangunkan modal insan ‘minda kelas pertama' pada masa akan datang.

Maka tidak hairanlah sebahagian melebihi 20% bajet diperuntukkan kepada pendidikan dan pembelajaran di dalam menyiapsiagakan modal insan menuju negara maju.

Dalam usaha ke arah itu, antara syarikat-syarikat swasta, McDonald's Malaysia telah memainkan peranan yang penting mencapai hasrat negara di samping menyempurnakan tanggungjawab sosialnya kepada masyarakat.

Biasiswa Rumah Amal Ronald McDonald atau yang dikenali sebagai Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship telah dilancarkan dengan kerjasama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia sejak tahun 1997.

Purata seramat 6 orang pelajar dari keluarga yang berpendapatan rendah di setiap negeri yang berkeputusan cemerlang layak beroleh biasiswa tersebut. Bantuan biasiswa itu melibatkan sokongan kewangan berupa elaun bulanan untuk makan di sekolah di samping wang tambahan setiap bulan untuk pengangkutan, pakaian seragam dan yuran persekolahan.

Di samping itu, pelajar yang mendapat semua "A" di dalam peperiksaan PMR (sekarang PT3) dan SPM, baucar bernilai RM200 atau RM100 diberikan kepada pelajar untuk meraikan kecemerlangan keputusan mereka bersama ahli keluarga atau bersama teman belajar.

Sebanyak RM500 ribu dibelanjakan pada setiap tahun yang berjumlah lebih daripada RM2.6 juta kepada lebih daripada 500 orang pelajar memanafaatkan biasiswa ini. 

Demikianlah antara sumbangan kebajikan McDonald's Malaysia yang dilaksanakan melalui rumah amalnya; Ronald McDonald House Charities. Untuk singkapan semula program kebajikan yang dilakukan RMHC Malaysia, bolehlah layari di :

Sumbangkan Derma Di McDonald's http://darikacamatarakyat.blogspot.my/2016/02/sumbangkan-derma-di-mcdonalds.html

RMHC Membantu Mengukir Senyuman http://darikacamatarakyat.blogspot.my/2016/02/rmhc-membantu-mengukir-senyuman.html

Bilik Sensori Penyambung Bakti McDonald's http://darikacamatarakyat.blogspot.my/2016/02/bilik-sensori-penyambung-bakti-mcdonalds.html

Sumbangkan Derma di McDonald's

Di sebalik senyuman ada kisah yang tersembunyi. Begitulah apabila salah sebuah restoran makanan segera terbesar di Malaysia; McDonald's Malaysia yang mensasarkan 500 restoran menjelang tahun 2020, termasuklah 50% daripadanya di francaiskan kepada usahawan tempatan memulakan operasinya di Malaysia sejak tahun 1982. 

Restoren pertamanya dibuka di persimpangan Jalan Sultan Ismail dan Jalan Bukit Bintang oleh seorang usahawan ternama; Tan Sri Vincent Tan di bawah franchais Golden Arches Group of Restaurant ketika itu. 

McDonald's Corporation pun masih dibayangi pelbagai serangan walaupun telah berada di dalam industri makanan segera sejak tahun 1955. Sebagai sebuah organisasi berasaskan pemakanan, pelbagai tuduhan dilemparkan, tidak terkecualilah di McDonald's Malaysia. 

Namun demikian, McDonald's Malaysia tidak leka dan terpengaruh dengan agenda anti globalisasi dan perlabelan negatif. Hubungan baik terus dijalinkan di antara pihak McDonald's apalagi dengan masyarakat sekeliling melalui program kebajikannya. 

Ronald McDonald bukan hanya menggambar seorang bercirikan Badut dengan kasut yang melebihi saiz berpakaian kuning serta satu senyuman yang mampu menggirangkan pengunjung yang kecil? Ia adalah satu personafikasi sikap prihatin dan tanggungjawab sosial yang ditubuhkan melalui organisasi/pertubuhan yang tidak berasaskan keuntungan. 

Rumah Kebajikan Ronald McDonald (Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia); RMCH, mempunyai satu misi yang jelas bagi mendokong dan menyokong program berwadahkan kepada Kesihatan, Pelajaran dan Kebajikan dalam meningkatkan tahap kesihatan dan kesejahteraan kanak-kanak di Malaysia. 

Antara program unik yang dijalankan oleh RMHC adalah Rumah Ronald McDonald, Program Biasiswa Ronald McDonald, Bilik Sensori Ronald McDonald dan Ronald McDonald Gift of Smile. Bagaimanapun, kita akan perincikan kegiatan dan sumbangan murni yang telah diilhamkan demi pengetahuan bersama.

RMH-PPUKM adalah satu kerja amal yang ditubuhkan dengan kerjasama Ronald McDonald House dan Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia pada tahun 1999. Ia merupakan satu usaha yang pertama dilaksanakan di rantau ASEAN dengan kemudahan sebanyak 19 buah katil tidur yang lengkap. 

Rumah tersebut merupakan rumah persinggahan bagi kemudahan pesakit pediatrik (kanak-kanak) dan ahli keluarga yang hadir menemani sepanjang tempoh perubatan di PPUKM. Rumah ini terbina di dalam perkarangan yang diseliatadbir dan dipunyai PPUKM dan diuruskan oleh Puan Idayu Mukti.

Seramai lebih daripada 600 ahli keluarga telah mendapatkan rawatan di PPUKM malah di hospital kerajaan di sekitar Lembah Kelang mendapat manafaat kemudahan yang disediakan RMH-PPUKM. Tambahan pula konsep ini telah membolehkan ahli keluarga saling dan dengan keluarga yang lain memberi sokongan di antara mereka.

Melihatkan gambaran yang lebih meluas, perbelanjaan dan peruntukan sebanyak lebih RM4.5 juta ke atas program ini sejak tahun 1999 telah menjangkaui lebih dari menghulur sumbang bakti yang pastinya, buat rakyat Malaysia yang dikenali dengan sifat penyayang.

Dalam masa yang sama, RMH-PPUKM telahpun menjalankan penggubahsuaian pada lewat tahun 2014 dan melihatkan ke hadapan dengan penuh harapan dan ransangan lebih banyak lagi RMH yang serupanya dibina di hospital-hospital Kerajaan yang lain.

Sumbangan ANDA setiap kali kunjungan di restoran McDonald's pastinya satu usaha mengukir senyuman kepada kanak-kanak yang memerlukan. Terima kasih dari kami. 

Siri seterusnya akan kongsikan program RMH yang lainnya.

Pensijilan Halal. Nak Ragu Apa lagi?

Di dalam era kemodenan di mana segalanya menitikberatkan SEGERA dan kesuntukan masa, masyarakat sekarang mencari jalan keluar terutamanya bila melibatkan soal makan. Maka terwujud jawapan di dalam cetusan restoran makanan segera dan restoran 24 jam di hampir setiap pelusuk bandar dan luar bandar. 

Kemajmukan rakyat yang majoritinya berAgama Islam dan sebagai Agama Persekutuan Malaysia, maka semestinya nilai-nilai dan kehendaknya perlu dan mesti dipatuhi. Jadi tidak hairanlah Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) dipertanggungjawapkan mengurus pensijilan HALAL di dalam negara. 

Agama Islam menuntut amalan menjaga kebersihan dan mewujudkan suasana yang bersih serta selesa kerana ia berkait rapat dengan keimanan. Kebersihan adalah asas kepada kesihatan. Agama Islam juga amat menyukai orang yang cintakan kebersihan serta sentiasa menjaga kebersihan diri kerana sihat adalah suatu nikmat Allah SWT yang amat besar nilainya yang perlu dijaga dan dipelihara.

Firman Allah SWT di dalam Surah 2, al-Baqarah ayat 222:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

yang bermaksud,“Sesungguhnya Allah mengasihi orang-orang yang banyak bertaubat, dan mengasihi orang-orang yang sentiasa mensucikan diri”

Rasulullah SAW telah memperhalusinya dengan meletakkan kebersihan itu kepada dua bahagian besar, iaitu kebersihan diri atau jasmani, dan keduanya kebersihan jiwa. Maka pastinya sebagai umatnya, kepatuhan kepada sumber yang HALAL adalah satu yang amat besar.

Maka berbalik kepada budaya pemakanan masa kini dan pensijilan oleh JAKIM, McDonald's Malaysia memberi keutamaan dan memastikan perkara pokok ini sebagai satu amalan yang tidak boleh dinafikan.

Di pihak McDonald's Malaysia, pematuhan pensijilan tersebut turut melibatkan syarikat perbekalan utamanya; MacFood (M) Services Sdn Bhd. yang bertanggungjawap menyelenggara tahap mutu dan menjamin produk jenama McDonald's adalah selamat, bersih dan HALAL untuk rangkaian restoran McDonald's di seluruh negara.

MacFood Services Sdn. Bhd. telah diiktiraf dengan sijil ISO9001:2008 oleh Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar negara. Pengiktirafan lain yang diterima syarikat pembekal utama ini adalah:

HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Program – Food safety management system

ISO 9001:2000 Certification by SIRIM QAS– implementation of Quality Management System

HALAL Certification by HDC/JAKIM – in compliance to the Malaysian Halal Certification procedures

DVS Malaysia (Department of Veterinary Services) Certification – in compliance to the Malaysian veterinary inspection regulations and has also fulfilled compliance to the requirements of the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) and HACCP System.

MAC FOOD SERVICES (M) SDN BHD

7 Jalan SS 13/5, 45700 Subang Jaya, 

Selangor Darul Ehsan,Malaysia.

For enquiries Email to racheal.gan@Macfood.com.my

sumber : http://firstpride.com.my/about.php

Pensijilan HALAL ke atas McDonald's Malaysia bukanlah mudah. Ia adalah satu proses jaminan yang begitu rapi dan mesti dipatuhi dan jelas sekali, tindakan JAKIM amatlah tepat kerana McDonald's Malaysia mematuhinya. Ini juga adalah satu kemestian “Halal Requirement” di MacFood Services Sdn. Bhd. dan rangkaian restoren McDonald’s sendiri.

http://www.halal.gov.my/v4/index.php/my/garis-panduan/takrifan-halal

http://www.halal.gov.my/v4/index.php/my/pensijilan-mobile/prosedur-permohonan-mobile

Walaupun pensijilan HALAL dan keselamatan terjamin, pemeriksaan berkala tetap dibuat sebagai satu jaminan oleh pihak-pihak yang berkaitan; seperti JAKIM, Kementerian Keishatan Malaysia, Jabatan Veterinar dan pelbagai lagi agensi.

Ini amat mustahak, memandangkan McDonald's Malaysia menyajikan 13 juta orang pelanggan setiap bulan dengan penuh keyakinan di atas pematuhan pensijilan yang didapatinya, sebagai menjamin ia bersih, selamat dan HALAL. Sudah pasti, jenama McDonald's menggambarkan kemesraan dan keceriaan dan bukan sebaliknya.

McDonald's di Madinah

Keyakinan ke atas perbekalan produk yang terbukti dan terpamir dengan MacFood Services Sdn. Bhd. mengekspot bekalan ke beberapa negara Arab di Timur Tengah seperti Arab Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar dan Negara Arab Emirate. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/10/22/stringent-tests-to-serve-the-best-fast-food-chains-main-supplier-takes-pride-in-its-quality-control/

Kenapa harus disensasi dan diburuk-burukkan? Buktinya sudah jelas, McDonald's Malaysia 100% HALAL.  

McDonald's Malaysia; Sajiannya Bersih dan HALAL

"Mmmm...enaknya". Begitulah antara kata-kata yang pernah didengari dari mulut pelanggan yang pernah mengunjungi rangkaian restoran McDonald's Malaysia. Tambahan pula ia terjamin HALAL dan diperakui Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) sebagai badan yang bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya memastikan kesahihan bersih lagi suci, bahan-bahan makanan, minuman, penyediaan, penyimpanan dan pelbagai aspek yang berkaitan di dalam industri pemakanan dan kesihatan khususnya.

Bagi orang Muslim, isu HALAL amatlah sensitif dan menjadi aspek keutamaan di dalam penggunaan seharian. Jadi, benarkah HALAL bahan-bahan mentah  yang digunakan dan penyediaan makanan di restoran itu?

Menjelaskan lebih lanjut, kesahihan produk HALAL oleh JAKIM bukanlah satu pengiktirafan yang enteng dan mudah. Mana-mana pihak yang terlibat di dalam industri ini, produk mereka mesti melalui proses yang teliti dan rapi hingga ke ujian makmal bagi mengesahkan tidak ada benda asing (dan ATAU najis) yang akan mencemar dan meragukan keHALALan sesuatu produk yang telah diiktirafkan. 

Mari sama-sama, mengambil tahu proses penyediaan sesuatu menu hidangan dari awal hingga ke meja hidangan Anda. Dari ladang ke meja. 

Bahan asas yang diketahui masyarakat umum adalah, kebanyakan sajian menu di McDonald's Malaysia adalah "burger". Seketul daging hancur dan lumat yang digumpalkan, baik ia daging Lembu mahupun daging Ayam. McDonald's begitu memberikan penelitian dan memastikan mutu (standards) yang tidak boleh dinafikan oleh para pembekal (tempatan lebih-lebih lagi pembekal luar negara) daging mentah mematuhi keperluan HALAL sahaja; meliputi tempat penyimpanan, penghidangan, pengendalian, pembungkusan dan tidak terlepas juga penghantaran dari dicemari.

McDonald's Malaysia begitu menitikberatkan setiap proses penyajian akur kepada keperluan yang telah digariskan oleh JAKIM dan ditekankan sekali lagi; 100% HALAL. Tidak cukup itu, Kementerian Kesihatan turut mempunyai "standards" penyediaan makanan yang khusus seperti yang ditetapkan di dalam Program Keselamatan dan Kualiti Makanan bagi memastikan keselamatan makanan yang dijual di semua rangkaian restoran atau perbekalan makanan. 

Akta Makanan 1983 telah menggariskan tanggungjawab melindungi orangramai dari bahaya kesihatan dan kepentingan orangramai dari penipuan yang boleh mejejaskan tahap kesihatan.

Pembekal utama bahan-bahan mentah kepada McDonald's Malaysia; MacFood Services (M) Sdn Bhd telah 25 tahun membuktikan kecemerlangan perbekalan yang mengekalkan piawaian yang ketat dan mematuhi syarat-syarat yang dikenakan JAKIM, Kementerian Kesihatan dan agensi berkaitan di samping mengekalkan bekalan bermutu tinggi dan kerjasama yang baik di peringkat "standards" antarabangsa.

Bagi memastikan komitmen yang serius dan mengekalkan piawaian HALAL, McDonald's Malaysia memberikan keutamaan kepada keselamatan dan kebersihan serta mutu yang menyeluruh bukan sekadar di premis tetapi juga amalan pekerjaan yang dilatih dan ditekankan ke atas Pengurus restoran dan kakitangan (service crew). 

Crew McDonald's Malaysia perlu mendapatkan suntikan typhoid dari pihak majlis perbandaran atau pusat kesihatan yang disahkan bagi menjamin dan mengelak kemungkinan jangkitan penyakit. Pastinya, mereka turut diberikan kefahaman khusus melibatkan polisi HALAL untuk dipatuhi. 

Menyedari betapa rumit dan teliti pematuhan kebersihan, keselamatan dan piawaian HALAL, McDonald’s Malaysia telah dan akan terus mengamalkannya. Sebarang tindakan tuduhan liar yang dilemparkan adalah satu tindakan yang tidak berasas, Jadilah masyarakat yang berhemah, bertindak selari dengan fakta dan bukan emosi yang merosakkan. 

Bukan sahaja daging, malahan produk kopi yang hendak dijual McDonald's Malaysia perlu mendapat pengiktirafan JAKIM...

Kenapa Kopi McCafe?

Setiap kali kunjungan Anda di restoran keluarga McDonald's khususnya di Malaysia, di samping menu hidangan makanan, sudah pasti Anda turut akan ditanya oleh kakitangan layanan counter,"Apakah pilihan sajian minuman Encik/Puan. Minuman bergas, Teh, Oreh atau Kopi?". Bagi saya, "Kopi adalah pilihan saya."

Di dalam masyarakat masa kini, siapa yang tidak kenal dengan Kopi? Minuman yang sangat disukai kebanyakan orang. Tidak kurang mereka yang tidak selesa dengan sajian tersebut dan beralasan ia menyebabkan kerengsaan perut kerana bersifat asidik, menyebabkan ketagihan dan pelbagai lagi alasan yang akan diluahkan.

Tahukah Anda bahawasanya Kopi sebenarnya minuman kegemaran kaum Sufi? Diberitakan 
peminum kopi, orang-orang Ma’rifat (yang berpengalaman dan berpengetahuan) tidak pula mengalami ketagihan (kecuali alahan) kerana meminum Kopi malah segar menjalani ibadah seolah memberikan kekuatan rohani dan jasmani. Malahan Kopi merupakan salah satu minuman kegemaran Rasulullah S.A.W di samping susu dan madu.

Sayyid Abdurrohman bin Muhammad bin Abdurrohman bin Muhammad as-Saqqaf al-Husainy al-Hadramy dari marga al-Idrus (1070 H-1113 H) di dalam kitabnya Iinaasush Shofwah bi Anfaasil Qahwah mengkhabarkan: "...Biji kopi baru ditemukan pada akhir abad 8H di Yaman oleh seorang penemu kopi Mukha; Imam Abul Hasan Aliy asy-Syadziliy bin Umar bin Ibrahim bin Abi Hudaimah Muhammad bin Abdulloh bin al-Faqih Muhammad Disa’in (nasabnya bersambung hingga kepada seorang sahabat bernama Khalid bin Asad bin Abil Ish bin Umayyah al-Akbar bin Abdi Syams bin Abdi Manaf bin Qushay). Manakala Imam Abu Bakr al-Idrus pula menyebar kopi ke serata tempat." 

Kebanyakan para ulama tidak meragukan kehalalan Kopi. Dalam kitab Syarh al-’Ubab Syeikh Ibnu Hajar menjelaskan bahawa menggunakan sesuatu yang jaiz sebagai sarana hukumnya tergantung pada tujuan yang ingin dicapai. Jika tujuannya untuk kebaikan maka penggunaan sarana tersebut bernilai pahala, dan jika tujuannya untuk maksiat maka bernilai dosa. 

Antara para ulama yang menghalalkan kopi adalah: Syeikhul Islam Zakariya al-Anshori, Syeikh Abdurrahman bin Ziyad az-Zabidiy, Syeikh Zaruq al-Malikiy al-Maghribiy, Syeikh Abdulloh bin Sahl Baqusyair, Syeikh Muhammmad bin Abdulqadir al-Habbaniy, Syeikh Abdulmalik bin Disa’in, dan rama lagi.

Manakala ulama yang menyanjungi kopi termasuklah: Abu Bakr bin Abdullah al-Idrus, Abdurrahman bin ‘Aliy, Syeikh bin Ismail, Ahmad bin ‘Alawy Bajahdab, Abu Bakr bin Salim, Abdullah bin Alawy al-Haddad, Hatim al-Ahdal, as-Sudiy, Umar bin Abdulllah Bamakhramah beserta putranya, Al-Amudiy,.
 

Kebanyakan para ulama Sufi itu menggemari Kopi kerana mereka lebih giat beribadah, terutama pada malam hari ketika banyak manusia yang tertidur lelap dan ramai yang menyanjungi minuman itu yang bermanafaat. 

Revolusi penggemar Kopi atau coffee connoisseurs telah mempelbagaikan citarasa dan tercetus hidangan baru dari Kopi dan mula mendapat permintaan dan minat dengan ciptaan Kopi gourmet yang bersifat alkali seawal tahun 2000. 

Di pihak McDonald's Malaysia, restoran keluarga lagi menceriakan turut mengambli langkah proaktif apabila memperkenalkan menu McCafe yang pertama di premisnya di Kota Damansara pada 16hb Jun 2012. Sejajar dengan itu konsep mesra dan segar McDonald's turut menggambarkan perubahan yang menarik dan lebih bertenaga.

Bukan sahaja hidangan yang disajikan di McDonald's Malaysia disahkan 100% HALAL yang disahkan Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) dan pihak berkuasa Halal yang mendapat pengiktirafan daripada JAKIM meliputi kesemua produk McDonald’s®, termasuklah sos-sos yang diimport oleh McDONALD’s® Malaysia.

Dakwaan yang tersebar kononnya bahan tidak Halal "LM 10" adalah tidak benar dan tidak pernah digunakan dalam mana-mana produk sajian di restorennya. Ia menetapi ketetapan pihak berkuasa dan kementerian yang berkaitan termasuklah perbekalan dari para pembekal kepada McDonald's Malaysia. 

Apalagi? Marilah ke restoran McDonald's yang berdekatan Anda. Makanan juga minumannya adalah HALAL. Ambience yang menarik serta keceriaan dari ruang dapur ke meja makanan Anda dan ahli keluarga malah sahabat handai!

Untuk pengesahan lanjut tentang status Halal McDonald’s® Malaysia, anda boleh merujuk kepada laman web rasmi JAKIM atau hubungi bahagian Hab Halal JAKIM di 03-8892 5000 atau Talian Khidmat Pelanggan McDonald’s®Malaysia di 03-2726 5600.