Dear ALL,
Received an email from a friend and this is really frightening....
Just to share that I myself have also encountered a group of Mat Rempit's
saga along the Seremban Highway recently after returning from a reunion
dinner.
I was driving in the night from KL through the Federal Highway. I
turn left towards the Seremban Highway just after Taman Seputeh corner.
There were more than 200 motorbikes parked on the left side of the road.
My focus was on the right as I was joining the Seremban Highway. To my
surprise, the motorbikes on the left quietly switch on their engine and
then their lights.
I was lucky as there was another car coming from the
Federal Highway and I press on the accelerator to join the on coming car
so that I have company in speeding away from these group of Mat Rempit.
They did not bother but continue to drive and speed along with us. There
was about 10 motorbikes in front of us to which there have cornered the
road in guiding us to go into the Taman Permaisuri where you would have
read in the papers how people get rope into the area and be targeted for
robbery,....etc.
It was a very frightening moment but the driver of the car in front sped
on and so did I following closely. After another 3 minutes of speeding, I
saw a patrol car behind us and we were so blessed. They drove by to ensure
that we pass the Connaught toll and the Mat Rempits were no where to be
seen......
After reaching home, I started calling my girlfriends who were also
driving back home after our dinner outing. Glad to know that all of them
were safe home.....
So girls or guys out there, you never know what will happen with road
bullies and Mat Rempits..... just be careful. It is good to keep the phone
number given below in your mobile.....
Subject: This happened to my FREN's immediate boss.
My boss almost got carjacked yesterday. She sent out an email to the
entire department telling her story - as a caution to all single women
drivers. It sounds damn scary. Can not imagine what I'll do if I was in
her position. Girls, please be careful and be wary of your surroundings -
bad things can happen DAY OR NIGHT - bad guys don't CARE anymore.
Here is her email:
Colleagues,
I was chased and attacked by a group of men in 2 cars trying to hijack my
car in the afternoon yesterday.
I was driving my husband's car alone on my
way back from mid valley at about 4.30pm and only noticed these 2 cars as
I was turning left into jalan beringin, damansara heights. They came
awfully close and fast which I thought strange as it was a residential
area and full of road humps. Then the first car (which was a E class
Mercedes) came to my side and the passenger (had a policeman's hat but not
in uniform) had a walkie talkie and was gesturing for me to stop. When I
didn't, he overtook and parked in front of me and the second car (which
was the new 3 series BMW) was parked right behind me. the guy came up to
my window and using his walkie talkie again, was frantically asking me to
wind down - it was that split second that I realized that they weren't
undercover cops (yes sounds silly now when one is rational!) and I just
reversed and drove off. Both cars were chasing me trying to swerve and
corner me.
I was stopped 3 times by them - the second time was the road downhill
between SC and the Science Centre and the same guy from the Merc came out
- this time with a parang. I reversed as far as I could - these people
were definitely professionals and didn't want their cars damaged cos
everytime I reversed, the bmw at the back also reversed. I thought I'd be
safe going onto a public road so I went on the sprint highway - they
continued to chase and managed to stop me again- and I was on the fast
lane of sprint highway (right between the SC and Bukit Kiara) and there
were plenty of traffic - and this time - they parked so close to me - one
in front and one at the back and the guy with the parang came out and this
time was smashing with full force at my driver's seat window. Another guy
came from the black bmw and started hitting on my passenger seat window -
there were plenty of cars but no one stopped or honked despite seeing
these 2 men smashing my car. I just reversed not caring if my car got
knocked and trying to get some space so that I can drive out and finally
managed to. I lost them when I turned onto jalan damansara highway.
It is absolutely traumatizing as I, like many, only read about this.. but
the audacity and desperation for them to be doing this in broad daylight
and at such a public place is unimaginable. I am so thankful that I am ok
but I have to write this because i know many of us take it for granted
that it would not happen to us.. but it has happened and it will happen
again. Please please be careful - one can never be vigilant enough.
you've read it all:
1. ladies - don't drive home alone at night - they will target
women driving alone - day or night.
2. don't stop when you're being chased
3. know that they're not the real cops when the proper police cars
are not being used
I was given this no. by the inspector - 2274 4465 - it's the Bilik
Gerakan in Brickfields and if you think you're being followed or chased -
call this no. and they will send a mobile team who's nearest to where you
are.
P/S: Victim's names have been witheld for security reasons
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
From a Medical Officer in Kuching
Hi all, it's been a busy week, with DG visiting and our Supreme Boss, Minister Chua Soi Lek visiting.
However, let's not forget why we are here, I mean why we became doctors in the first place and why we continue to become doctors, despite the public backlash against doctors recently and the rude patients.
Let me share with you a humbling experience I had today.
ABK was a fifteen year old boy who had been fighting T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since last year.
He managed to finish his chemotherapy in March this year and his marrow remained in remission post chemotherapy. Despite our hopes he relapsed in less than a month. After much conselling, ABK underwent a second round of chemotherapy.
This second round of chemo was really bad and he nearly died as a result of it. However, he managed to go into remission. All this while only his mother, Madam S and brother were there to support ABK throughout his ordeal. The father had abandoned them as soon as ABK was diagnosed with ALL.
Much to our dismay, ABK relapsed while on treatment. Madam S and ABK eventually decided that he had enough and decide to bring ABK home. He died at home peacefully a few days later.
All this happened about three months ago.
Today, I saw Madam S and ABK's younger brother. I was surprised to see them and asked what they were doing.
She told me they had come to return the hospital blanket that had been used to shelter ABK till his last days.
They had travelled all the way from Sebuyau, just to return the hopsital blanket. Those not from Kuching, Sebuyau is about 150km from Kuching. For us who have cars, this is no problem. Madam S came by mini bus and the ticket fare is RM50-60 one way for a person
This was a humble single mother who was abandoned by her husband and left alone to bring up her two young sons, had to witness ABK go through much suffering and had her hopes dashed cruelly twice, and finally lose her eldest son.
How often do we inconvenience ourselves, to return things to its rightful owner?
Words cannot describe how moved I was by this simple gesture. Even though, the hospital blanket isn't mine and I won't even miss it ( I doubt the hospital would).
I told them I had to hurry off to another appointment and wished them luck. Truth is I had to leave because if I stayed any longer in their presence, I'll start to cry.
Call me sentimental, call me emotional, I dare you.
But how often do you get such decent human beings?
I lost my faith in the human race after the brutal rape and murder of 8 year old Nurin.
But with this simple gesture, Madam S has restored my faith in the human race.
However, let's not forget why we are here, I mean why we became doctors in the first place and why we continue to become doctors, despite the public backlash against doctors recently and the rude patients.
Let me share with you a humbling experience I had today.
ABK was a fifteen year old boy who had been fighting T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since last year.
He managed to finish his chemotherapy in March this year and his marrow remained in remission post chemotherapy. Despite our hopes he relapsed in less than a month. After much conselling, ABK underwent a second round of chemotherapy.
This second round of chemo was really bad and he nearly died as a result of it. However, he managed to go into remission. All this while only his mother, Madam S and brother were there to support ABK throughout his ordeal. The father had abandoned them as soon as ABK was diagnosed with ALL.
Much to our dismay, ABK relapsed while on treatment. Madam S and ABK eventually decided that he had enough and decide to bring ABK home. He died at home peacefully a few days later.
All this happened about three months ago.
Today, I saw Madam S and ABK's younger brother. I was surprised to see them and asked what they were doing.
She told me they had come to return the hospital blanket that had been used to shelter ABK till his last days.
They had travelled all the way from Sebuyau, just to return the hopsital blanket. Those not from Kuching, Sebuyau is about 150km from Kuching. For us who have cars, this is no problem. Madam S came by mini bus and the ticket fare is RM50-60 one way for a person
This was a humble single mother who was abandoned by her husband and left alone to bring up her two young sons, had to witness ABK go through much suffering and had her hopes dashed cruelly twice, and finally lose her eldest son.
How often do we inconvenience ourselves, to return things to its rightful owner?
Words cannot describe how moved I was by this simple gesture. Even though, the hospital blanket isn't mine and I won't even miss it ( I doubt the hospital would).
I told them I had to hurry off to another appointment and wished them luck. Truth is I had to leave because if I stayed any longer in their presence, I'll start to cry.
Call me sentimental, call me emotional, I dare you.
But how often do you get such decent human beings?
I lost my faith in the human race after the brutal rape and murder of 8 year old Nurin.
But with this simple gesture, Madam S has restored my faith in the human race.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Reaction & escape
Reaction
If avoidance is impractical or impossible, we need to react quickly and efficiently.
Try to react in a way that allows you an opportunity to escape. For instance, if a perpetrator asks you for your wallet, take it out (preferably a dummy or “sacrifice” one), show it to him and then throw it away from your person. This will give you an opportunity to escape. Be creative.
You may also consider a first strike option if it is justified (must we wait for an attack we know is coming?). It must be understood that this is a last resort. A majority of robbery cases end without major harm if we give up our valuables.
To be able to physically overcome an attacker, you need to have good self-defence, or better yet, close-quarter combat, skills, including weapons training.
When learning tactical defensive skills, please remember some golden rules:
Starpic by AZLINA ABDULLAH
# Most women are physically weaker than men.
# The longer the fight, the higher the aggressor’s chances of defeating you, especially if it is a man.
# A perpetrator has no compassion for you, so do not have any for him.
# The longer and harder you train in self-defence, the better your chances of survival.
# If you carry a weapon or substitute weapon (keys, pepper spray etc), know how to use it.
# Try and anticipate the feeling of shock in an attack against you.
Again, please be aware of how effective and pertinent your self-defence training is:
# If your class focuses on martial sports, remember real-life is not like a sparring event.
# If your class focuses on kick/punch and fitness, you should run from confrontations because punching bags do not hit back, unlike an assailant.
Also, make sure that the techniques used are suitable for females against males. Do you only practise with other females, or do you practise against males too?
Again, a reverse punch and jump spinning kick to the upper section looks good when done by a very competent black belt holder, but can it work successfully for you against an aggressive male threat? The moral here is to know your limitations, and take steps to overcome them.
Other points:
# Are you using ordinary locks or high security bolts and locks at home?
# Do you keep your home address hanging with your keys?
# Do you keep your ATM pin number with your card?
# Do you keep a dummy wallet of expired cards and some cash to “throw away”?
# Have you checked the entry and exit points of your home? Maybe nobody can get in, but can you get out in an emergency?
# Do you hold fire escape drills for your family?
# Are there working fire extinguishers or smoke detectors in the critical areas of your home?
# If you have lost your keys, do you change the locks?
Escape
If the threat has been neutralised, evacuate the area quickly. It’s OK to leave stuff behind because your life is more important.
There is absolutely NO need to stick around if you have already taken him down. Even if you are a man, you should get out of the crime scene immediately.
If avoidance is impractical or impossible, we need to react quickly and efficiently.
Try to react in a way that allows you an opportunity to escape. For instance, if a perpetrator asks you for your wallet, take it out (preferably a dummy or “sacrifice” one), show it to him and then throw it away from your person. This will give you an opportunity to escape. Be creative.
You may also consider a first strike option if it is justified (must we wait for an attack we know is coming?). It must be understood that this is a last resort. A majority of robbery cases end without major harm if we give up our valuables.
To be able to physically overcome an attacker, you need to have good self-defence, or better yet, close-quarter combat, skills, including weapons training.
When learning tactical defensive skills, please remember some golden rules:
Starpic by AZLINA ABDULLAH
# Most women are physically weaker than men.
# The longer the fight, the higher the aggressor’s chances of defeating you, especially if it is a man.
# A perpetrator has no compassion for you, so do not have any for him.
# The longer and harder you train in self-defence, the better your chances of survival.
# If you carry a weapon or substitute weapon (keys, pepper spray etc), know how to use it.
# Try and anticipate the feeling of shock in an attack against you.
Again, please be aware of how effective and pertinent your self-defence training is:
# If your class focuses on martial sports, remember real-life is not like a sparring event.
# If your class focuses on kick/punch and fitness, you should run from confrontations because punching bags do not hit back, unlike an assailant.
Also, make sure that the techniques used are suitable for females against males. Do you only practise with other females, or do you practise against males too?
Again, a reverse punch and jump spinning kick to the upper section looks good when done by a very competent black belt holder, but can it work successfully for you against an aggressive male threat? The moral here is to know your limitations, and take steps to overcome them.
Other points:
# Are you using ordinary locks or high security bolts and locks at home?
# Do you keep your home address hanging with your keys?
# Do you keep your ATM pin number with your card?
# Do you keep a dummy wallet of expired cards and some cash to “throw away”?
# Have you checked the entry and exit points of your home? Maybe nobody can get in, but can you get out in an emergency?
# Do you hold fire escape drills for your family?
# Are there working fire extinguishers or smoke detectors in the critical areas of your home?
# If you have lost your keys, do you change the locks?
Escape
If the threat has been neutralised, evacuate the area quickly. It’s OK to leave stuff behind because your life is more important.
There is absolutely NO need to stick around if you have already taken him down. Even if you are a man, you should get out of the crime scene immediately.
Surveillance & evasion
WITH the continuing wave of violent crimes against women in mind, I would like to share some thoughts on combating these despicable acts. The focus is on getting women to avoid violence.
Survival depends on two basic ideals: minimising the threat and maximising your options.
For a crime to be committed 1) the perpetrator must have intent, 2) he must have the capability and 3) there must be opportunity.
Effective surveillance means not doing this: looking for your car keys or using the phone while in the car park. You would be too distracted to notice any threat. — Starpic by AZLINA ABDULLAH
We have no control over the first two; we can only strive to minimise the chances of being attacked. Crime prevention begins before and not during the attack. Basically, you should avoid putting yourself in a compromising situation.
Here are some examples:
# Before driving off on an errand, or returning home late, do you already have the route mapped out in your head? This is important because if you’re lost, you’re vulnerable.
# Do you regularly check that your transport is in good order? Being stuck on a deserted road at night because you’ve run out of petrol or your battery has gone dead is not forward thinking.
# Before leaving on a long trip, do you charge your mobile phone, inform friends of your route and your ETA (estimated time of arrival), etc? Are you registered with a reputable automobile association like AAM?
# Do you scan your immediate vicinity before pulling out?
# Do you routinely check your mirrors to see if you are being followed, especially late at night?
Always think ahead and be prepared.
The strategic phases of defensive preparation can be summarised as SERE or Survival, Evasion, Rescue and Escape. We’ll talk about the first two this week.
Surveillance
Always be aware of your environment — who or what may constitute a threat, if there are potential weapons you can use, their proximity, escape routes, etc. For many of us, this is the most crucial phase. A danger avoided is a danger overcome.
Here are questions you need to constantly ask yourself:
Is your car parked in a dark spot?
# Is there a suspicious person nearby, loitering around or sitting in a car, or worse, van?
# Are you being followed?
# Is the area deserted?
# Are you walking directly to your car, thus potentially revealing your intended destination to all?
# Are there surveillance cameras around, and are you in plain view of them?
# Has your car alarm been triggered?
# Is your car alarm working? Does it have a panic or alert button close at hand?
# Do you have mace or a pepper spray? Is it in your hand? Do you know how to unlock, aim and operate it within two seconds?
# Have you asked any of your friends to follow you to the car?
# If no friends or family are present, do you ask for a security officer to escort you?
# Are you fumbling with or searching your handbag at the car park, or chatting away or messaging on your mobile, oblivious to your surroundings?
# Where are the exit points of the car park? Which do you use? Which is the best exit if you need to escape on foot?
Always be on your toes. For example, if at a party alone, do you leave your drink unattended, allowing someone to tamper with it?
If you’re going jogging, do you ascertain that it is in a safe area? Do you carry a short stick, handphone and mace with you?
In short, always consider likely threats and your options.
# Walking away from your car if there is a suspicious character loitering nearby, or in another car.
# Apologising to an offended party due to a spilt drink or clumsy elbow at a party so as not to cause a fight.
# Requesting for assistance from a security or law enforcement officer if you feel threatened.
# Driving off to a police station after being nudged or hit by another vehicle instead of getting down to view the damage. This is very important. If you need to talk, wind down your window a little, but be ready to drive off at anytime.
It must be stressed that in most situations, it’s better to break contact than to stay.
Don’t be a hero and don’t be casual. If you feel that you might “freeze” and panic, try to 1) visualise various situations and how to react effectively, 2) attend related workshops and practise evasion scenarios either alone or with friends and 3) take self-defence classes.
A few other examples of threat evasion:
# Keep your car doors locked while driving.
# Don’t get into a car and fumble around; immediately lock the doors, scan the area and drive off.
# Avoid high-risk areas at night.
# Alter your travel routes whenever possible.
# After withdrawing money from the bank, proceed immediately to a safe location. Don’t go off for a cup of tea and leave the cash in the car.
# Change your locks if your keys are stolen.
# Clutch your bag tightly; don’t let it swing loosely.
# Walk against traffic (so you can see approaching vehicles) and hold your bag on the inside.
# Steer away from suspicious vehicles.
# Though it might seem rude, do not assist with directions or enquiries from a vehicle that has suddenly pulled up beside you. Let the driver ask a man or group of people.
The moral here is: better to run away and live another day.
Survival depends on two basic ideals: minimising the threat and maximising your options.
For a crime to be committed 1) the perpetrator must have intent, 2) he must have the capability and 3) there must be opportunity.
Effective surveillance means not doing this: looking for your car keys or using the phone while in the car park. You would be too distracted to notice any threat. — Starpic by AZLINA ABDULLAH
We have no control over the first two; we can only strive to minimise the chances of being attacked. Crime prevention begins before and not during the attack. Basically, you should avoid putting yourself in a compromising situation.
Here are some examples:
# Before driving off on an errand, or returning home late, do you already have the route mapped out in your head? This is important because if you’re lost, you’re vulnerable.
# Do you regularly check that your transport is in good order? Being stuck on a deserted road at night because you’ve run out of petrol or your battery has gone dead is not forward thinking.
# Before leaving on a long trip, do you charge your mobile phone, inform friends of your route and your ETA (estimated time of arrival), etc? Are you registered with a reputable automobile association like AAM?
# Do you scan your immediate vicinity before pulling out?
# Do you routinely check your mirrors to see if you are being followed, especially late at night?
Always think ahead and be prepared.
The strategic phases of defensive preparation can be summarised as SERE or Survival, Evasion, Rescue and Escape. We’ll talk about the first two this week.
Surveillance
Always be aware of your environment — who or what may constitute a threat, if there are potential weapons you can use, their proximity, escape routes, etc. For many of us, this is the most crucial phase. A danger avoided is a danger overcome.
Here are questions you need to constantly ask yourself:
Is your car parked in a dark spot?
# Is there a suspicious person nearby, loitering around or sitting in a car, or worse, van?
# Are you being followed?
# Is the area deserted?
# Are you walking directly to your car, thus potentially revealing your intended destination to all?
# Are there surveillance cameras around, and are you in plain view of them?
# Has your car alarm been triggered?
# Is your car alarm working? Does it have a panic or alert button close at hand?
# Do you have mace or a pepper spray? Is it in your hand? Do you know how to unlock, aim and operate it within two seconds?
# Have you asked any of your friends to follow you to the car?
# If no friends or family are present, do you ask for a security officer to escort you?
# Are you fumbling with or searching your handbag at the car park, or chatting away or messaging on your mobile, oblivious to your surroundings?
# Where are the exit points of the car park? Which do you use? Which is the best exit if you need to escape on foot?
Always be on your toes. For example, if at a party alone, do you leave your drink unattended, allowing someone to tamper with it?
If you’re going jogging, do you ascertain that it is in a safe area? Do you carry a short stick, handphone and mace with you?
In short, always consider likely threats and your options.
# Walking away from your car if there is a suspicious character loitering nearby, or in another car.
# Apologising to an offended party due to a spilt drink or clumsy elbow at a party so as not to cause a fight.
# Requesting for assistance from a security or law enforcement officer if you feel threatened.
# Driving off to a police station after being nudged or hit by another vehicle instead of getting down to view the damage. This is very important. If you need to talk, wind down your window a little, but be ready to drive off at anytime.
It must be stressed that in most situations, it’s better to break contact than to stay.
Don’t be a hero and don’t be casual. If you feel that you might “freeze” and panic, try to 1) visualise various situations and how to react effectively, 2) attend related workshops and practise evasion scenarios either alone or with friends and 3) take self-defence classes.
A few other examples of threat evasion:
# Keep your car doors locked while driving.
# Don’t get into a car and fumble around; immediately lock the doors, scan the area and drive off.
# Avoid high-risk areas at night.
# Alter your travel routes whenever possible.
# After withdrawing money from the bank, proceed immediately to a safe location. Don’t go off for a cup of tea and leave the cash in the car.
# Change your locks if your keys are stolen.
# Clutch your bag tightly; don’t let it swing loosely.
# Walk against traffic (so you can see approaching vehicles) and hold your bag on the inside.
# Steer away from suspicious vehicles.
# Though it might seem rude, do not assist with directions or enquiries from a vehicle that has suddenly pulled up beside you. Let the driver ask a man or group of people.
The moral here is: better to run away and live another day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
