The Launderette Scandal

Wow so many updates on so many devices! First world problem. Apple has released major updates on all products. And there's a thing called Apple Pencil now being sold somewhere. Funny how they avoided the name "Apple Pen" and settled for pencil to avoid memes and puns.

Anyways today I'm gonna blog about the current issue. Ever since the fire genocide crime was solved (?) people have been looking into the next viral issue. And the next viral issue goes to...

A launderette! Waheyyy! Congratulations Malaysia, you did it again!

Amazing how a tiny little thing like this made it big

When the article first came up in some local newspaper I was just annoyed at the purpose of the sign. But it was nothing new. So Malays will be Malays, so what? I was so ready to move on until it kept appearing on my Facebook timeline every 2 minutes, with no sign of stopping. It became viral news of the week. A launderette in Muar, opening specially for Muslims for cleanliness purpose. So i guess Non-Muslims are gross people, right? That's what those people believe, at least.

Then came the reason. They wanted to make sure all clothes are free from "Najis" such as Dog hair, alcohol (maybe) and all that. So i was like ooohhh I get it. So it's fine. They have the right to do that. So why not? If you feel uncomfortable about it and like to take everything negatively, then the solution is simple. Don't go. Wash your own clothes, duh!

What amazes me is how the non-Muslims don't seem to care much about it. The offended people are the Muslims themselves. (Whaaaat?) Reading comments on all posts related to that, most Chinese and Indians are like "Oh okay, it's cool, we get it..." but the Muslims seem to be jumping around having panic attack. Geez, chill, bros. It's a freaking Launderette. It's not the end of the world.

The issue reached its peak when the Sultan of Johor threatened to close down the business if the owner didn't take off the sign. Wow extreme. And everyone thought he would be on the owner's side.

"We are not Taliban.." was one of the statement used by the Sultan in his speech. I agree. I deeply despise extremism. However, in this case, I don't think the business's intention (of limiting customers to Muslims only) is any big deal. I am not good in Business policies, hell I'm still struggling to pass my CBM course, but I personally think and feel like every business owner has a right to select their target customers. So if they want a 100% Muslim market, let them be. Just like other business, where Non-Muslims aren't allowed in. Nobody made a big deal about that.

But of course, everyday is a new viral and this is purely entertainment for me. Although, the response, the comments, the religious and political speeches regarding this issue worry me a little as it shows the mentality of most Malaysians. Somehow, we are still close-minded. We got a looooong way to go to reach modern development in terms of acceptance. What a bummer.

Genocide by fire...

A devastating, heartbreaking thing happened more than a week ago.

Taken from NST's website,

A fire broke out at the Pusat Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah religious centre located at Jalan Keramat Ujung, Kampung Datuk Keramat around 5.15am ton Septermber 14th.
The fire is believed to have started in one of the dormitory rooms on the top floor of the three-storey building. At the time, there were a total of 36 students and six teachers in the building.
The tahfiz centre had only been in existence for about a year. It was built from contributions from the local surau. It is understood that the students were asleep when the blaze happened. The authorities believe that when the fire broke out, the students tried to make their way out but were trapped.
It is learnt that the building’s windows were fitted with grills which could not be opened from inside. In addition, there was only one door to enter and exit the building. There was also no dedicated fire exit.
Firemen who entered the building found the charred remains heaped on top of one another. They were found at several locations, all near windows at the third floor. Several boys however managed to escape after breaking open a window at the third floor and jumping a first-floor awning.

And that was only the beginning of a very long, sad and tragic chronology of news reports. I'll just summarize it here.

The fire which everyone initially thought was caused by accident was actually an act of the biggest crime in this country's history performed by kids. Yup. kids. Aged between 11 to 18, these kids had planned the genocide, murdering 21 innocent Tahfiz (people who memorize the Qoran) students and 2 wardens. And since that news came out, people have been crazy commenting news blogs, mostly wanting the children criminals to be hanged (and/or burned) to death for what they did. I don't intend to give out a public opinion because I certainly am not an expert. I just wanted to put this in my blog to be reminded of this tragedy.

Everything that happens is written by God. We kinda have to believe that, as taught in the religion. But, don't misinterpret it. Accepting fate and destiny doesn't in anyway means forgiving, forgetting and letting go of the people and parties responsible for any bad happenings. Accepting fate (at least for me) means believing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and to reach that light is to walk, run or even fly through that dark tunnel. Acceptance in what we can't change and find a way to move on from it. Most importantly to calmly and rationally find a solution to not allow it to happen again.

I hope justice will prevail. I pray for these kids' soul to rest in heaven and for the criminals to get what they deserve. It's a sad month for the whole country.

Vios

As to update you on the last post, I got a new car! Well, not that new anymore since it has been like almost a month already (and I have to start paying the loan now urghhhh...) But yeah, a new black vios, an upgrade from the previous one. Presenting...

Blacky!

It's black, It's awesome and soooo handsome, i LOVE it!

So people, friends have been asking me. Why Vios? And why retain the same plate number?

Well, Toyota has never failed me. I've been using the previous PandaVios for like 6 years and it has served me well. Protected me, took me to places and stayed loyal with me. With all that in mind, I had to keep the soul of the car with me, the plate number that noone can get elsewhere (unless you buy a car in Sabah...). Why Vios? Why not a CHR or a Camry or an Altis? Honestly and sincerely, becauce at my level, a government servant, Vios is all I can afford right now. I still got many things to buy (being a high maintenance lady like some people label me) like make up, clothes etc so a Vios is best option for me. I am always so grateful I can even afford a cool car like this.

So there you are. Confessions from the bottom of my heart, I chose black because it's rare. Most Vios on the road are either silver or white, so black is a little different from the norm. And it looks sooo cool I LOVE it! oh I said that already.

So blacky, looking forward to having awesome adventures with you.