Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by echho

Epf insurance

echho — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:55:31 +0800

Asking those insurance believers here - is this plan worth it and is it cheapest as compared to open market?

There is higher plan costing over rm2400 a year but I think it's not worth it. Just me.

Change Auto transmission oil

echho — Wed, 07 May 2025 20:52:44 +0800

Today went to check my car toyota vios aircon. Mechanic said my hand brake too high already needs to change gear (auto transmission oil) oil. Said not expensive.

Here is breakdown of bill in photo.

Auto transmission oil rm220
Air con flushing rm180

Oil filter only Rm15 because he absorbed the one I brought which was wrong size. The correct one his original charge is rm25. It is not the charge of atf filter.

So workmanship 80 include those listed plus changing M oil.

Didn't expect the gear oil so expensive. Mechanic claimed aircon compressor pressure very high despite flushing n changed aircon filter rm28. If air con not cold next round highly likely needs to change compressor.

Car is low mileage so when reach 50k km (now just touched 40k) he advised to change belt (rubber material), check brake pad n check tyres (>4 years old). Now no noticeable issues.

Are the charges fair or markup too high? And the advices standard? [attachmentid=11513376]

Selangor Trek Rides Review

echho — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 04:00:36 +0800

The service has been around since Oct 2023. I want to use but have my concerns.

Who have used them? Can you please share your experiences here? Are they reliable? Punctual? Running on those hours they published in the app?

Standard Rate to change lights

echho — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 10:58:27 +0800

Sounds noob. But too many to change and no ladder no tools so wondering any sifu can provide info.

How much is the rate to hire electrician to change lights in KL PJ? Round kitchen/bedrooms light, 10ft false ceiling led lights.

How they charge - per light or by hour?

Can such electrician rewire the lights? Thinking of rewiring false ceiling lights to 2 L shapes using 2 switches instead of 1 switch to on everything.

Updates : Condo serviceman quotes rm10 per led bulb change for false ceiling. Not inclusive of led or wiring. Is this a fair price?

Backstabbing Culture in the Workplace

echho — Wed, 26 May 2021 21:44:06 +0800

Seeking management gurus advice.
Any analytical inputs welcomed. Added hierarchy Senior Exec (SE), Exec (Ex), Assist Mgr (AM), Mgr (Mgr), Senior Mgr (SM) as requested. Hope not more confusing? 🤣

Typical workplace Scenario: SE A, SE B and Ex C, Ex D report to AM E reports to Mgr F reports to SM H. 6 months ago SE A, SE B, SE E report to Mgr F. F promoted E to AM and placed SE A and SE B under AM E.

Mgr F to AM E : SE A and SE B came to talk to me on you.They felt you push them under the bus when things go wrong.

AM E (not surprised): Can share any particular incidents gave rise to this?

Mgr F: Just generally after reporting to you half year ago

AM E: I see. Last month I came for your approval on plan Z, I just bought up lightly its another repeat of case Y which I hand held SE A until completion. When I discovered case Z I worked with SE A to plan up Z to get your approval. I said SE A still not sensitive to those cases so we have to help solve them quick. You agreed and approved the plan. Was it because of my comments that SE A still not sensitive?

Mgr F: Naturally SE A would not be as SE A just took over from you half year ago.

AM E: I understand. Month 1 under me, I worked with SE A to settle inventory Y from scratch to finish and prepared SE A similar cases will pop up as we review our inventory plan monthly. SE A noted that their team will watch those inventory closely and leverage on festive activities to clear them out. Before raya, I was told they didn't plan anything for raya. Hence, I asked them to back up their oversight and execute plan Z with your approval. A senior and 6 months still not alert? How long would you give?

Mgr F: Some of SE A time is split working on project T.
AM E: Oh, those personal assignments from SM H? I am not aware as its handed out by you to SE A directly. I only pick up when you chased SE A for output in our group chat. I will take note in future.

Mgr F: SE B spoke to me you abused my name to get your team to do review meeting. So they have to push aside everything else and prepare for 3 weeks.

AM E: Gosh. Last year after my review I said we should put quarterly review into all kpi which you said no need. Being their team lead, you expect I do the review and just keep you informed. Prior to setting the deadline, SE B told me only needs half a day to complete but I still gave 3 weeks in consideration of the junior exec. Now I felt I just went under the bus?

Mgr F: You so funny. But when you came to me it was to check if I am free to sit in.

AM E (not smiling): Exactly. I didn't know I still need permission to do that?

Mgr F: I would like to see more leadership from you. I informed SE A, SE B, Ex C and Ex D my door remains open to them (same sentence when handover to AM E)

AM E: I see. How about I execute the monthly meeting plan which I put off since MCO? Why not you join us?

Mgr F: Yes no problem.

End of drama for now.

Brain storm questions:
Is it my strong nose or I smell distrust everywhere? Especially Mgr F does not trust AM E by continuing to invite AM E subordinates to report back to Mgr F? E spoke to me E got a pet talk session by a senior advisor who told AM E he felt necessary to do so as Mgr F instigated SM H upon confirmation of E promotion that SE A and SE B are against reporting to AM E. Which bags the questions why promote E? E was reluctant to accept but has no choice as its added responsibility without additional purge due to Covid-19.

Is E's idea of involving Mgr F in E's team meeting counter productive? If Mgr F is supportive of AM E to become better leader, I was told Mgr F should encourage SE A to D to keep approaching AM E before coming to Mgr F? But Mgr F is adopting open doors to encourage AM E subordinates to provide data to Mgr F? If a person already setup their mind, with their mental blind closed to see things selectively, what should be the correct way to turn things around for AM E? How and what should AM E gets from Mgr F to support AM E to be a better leader, if that reason is genuine?

Leaving is a sign of defeat and weakness. So I hope to get constructive inputs to help E set things right.

Thanks for taking time to read this long story (being so free for working from home 😁)

Homeless Youth

echho — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:15:53 +0800

Wondering just wondering
If any help is available out there

Been passing by a young man in his 20's sleeping at the stairs of LRT Pusat Bandar Puchong few times starting around 7.30-9pm
He is there like a day, 2 days then missing then he is back
Been like this on and off for last 2 months and I have passed by him like 5-6 times

When he is there, he would be lying flat on an open carton box
His head and face covered with a small baseball hat
He has a big black plastic bag (those used for rubbish type) nearby him which looked half filled but can't see what is inside
There's a small neat backpack next to this plastic bag

Today its been drizzling so he has been wrapping himself up head to toe with a thin but big piece of kampong type bedsheet
Not sure if he is a local Malay or Burmese or Thais with his natural curls but medium tan skin

No idea how long he slept at the stairs as the next morning when I take the train around 8am there's no sign of him being there

I thought to myself of sending him some food but is he sane? He looks fit and young. But I don't dare to approach him as I can't foresee his reaction

So am appealing if there's any social / medical worker or skilled brave good hearted samaritan who know how to lend him a helping hand? Maybe a decent small job with boarding instead of sleeping off the street

Just hoping someone will read this and don't mind helping him
God bless you

🙏🙏🙏

Dehumidifiers

echho — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 19:44:46 +0800

Is it more efficient to run one high capacity dehumidifier or few smallers one in the same space? Example: will running 2 dehumidifiers of 210w 14L/d reduce humidity from 90 to 60 faster as compared to running 1 dehumidifier of 350w 35L/d for a 30m2 space? Which is more energy efficient and productive for long term?

Comparing Dehumidifiers

echho — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:00:25 +0800

Can someone help me decide which is more efficient in reducing our humidity from 90 to 60 and maintaining it 365 days? Not noisy, blowing hot air and won't increase electricity too much?

1. Morphy Richards Dehumidifier DE35EV2 35L rm1298

2. DeLonghi DEX16F Dehumidifier 2.L 75M2 (Blue) 16L rm1048

3. Stadler Form Albert 20L rm1888

Tqtq sifus.

Dehumidifier air purifier from China

echho — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 08:47:22 +0800

Lately seen many cheap 2 in 1 of dehumidifier plus air purifier costing around rm500 plus in shopee. Anyone bought this and vowed they work better than the old faithful Stadler Form Albert rm2k or delonghi rm1k?

How about the cheap single mode dehumidifier like Yangzi, costing only less than rm200? Or Deerma that costs rm760?

Philips vs Sharp 2 in 1 dehumidifier - which one?

echho — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 01:11:36 +0800

Hi all

Been contemplating getting a dehumidifier for this raining season. Found out new model can purify air concurrently. Which one is more economical and effective for dehumidifying? I will take air purifying as a bonus.

Rgds

Managing new hire

echho — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:21:16 +0800

Hello all sifu out there. Here's the case details.

A 3 month old new hire decided to type in 400 staff emails despite being briefed to send an open invitation email enmass via group emails. When her supervisor discovered and asked for her reason, here is the reply.

"this the only way to remove the department heads emails"
"what's wrong of letting them read the email? They are the decision makers?" asked her supervisor.
"bosses are troublesome. They will mess things up"
"aren't you wasting time? A 1 minute click now is taking up 1 hour of your time?"
"I'm finishing soon" and continued with what seemed like 50% of the list. So she ended up leaving work later than normal office hours, aka overtime (though she knew its not claimable).

1 hour later, supervisor spotted her at mrt. While approaching to say hi, the employee who is on her own, moved away into the crowd to hid herself from supervisor view just when the train is approaching. Hence supervisor board the train without embracing her.

Background info- middle aged single female with job hopping history. Average tenure 5-6 months to 1.5 years. Masters degree holder. Often displaying strong opinions although inexperienced but continues to execute given tasks. The above behaviour is her 2nd disobedience this week.

If you were the supervisor,
What do you plan to say to her upon returning to work next morning?
What's your management plan for her moving forward ?
How do you decide to confirm or re-evaluate her in the next 3 months?

Hope to hear some constructive input soon. Thanks.

What good is Consumer Tribunal Award?

echho — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:12:39 +0800

Hi all,

Wanna ask on effectiveness and jurisdiction of Consumer Tribunal in Malaysia.

In the event a defendant was impacted by rogue suppliers who delay delivery of material causing failure to complete project and everything left hanging like 50% done but useless, can claimant file the case on the suppliers as well? Defendant rely on material to work but suppliers refuse to supply due to poor payment. Both parties not moving and stuck. So sue them together?

Can a hearing proceed despite claimant failed to serve defendant face to face the filed documents? Eg. Defendant is missing and avoiding contact. Office forever lock.

Can the judge award the verdict based on evidence of one party or claimant?

Since the defendant is missing or play hide and seek, not paying up the Award, what good is an award? can Tribunal order bank of Sdn Bhd to pay the award?

When defendant never pay up within stated period, can claimant request Tribunal to award most severe penalty like maximum jail term?

Thanks for advising.

WTB HP netbook cable

echho — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:03:07 +0800

Hi folks,

I burnt my transformer. It's eight years old. Can't find anywhere. If you have one that is working, please sell to me at minimum price or donate to me.

Model shown in picture.

Pm me. Thanks.

Outlook 365

echho — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 16:40:23 +0800

To all sifu,

I m new to the above. Previously using office outlook for last 10 years and have been moving my emails to personal folder not only more organized but also made inbox load quicker.

For this outlook 365, seems no personal folder can be created in laptop offline? If can please show me the way.

My inbox is a mess now I am beginning to lose grip as I can't find my emails in the pile that keeps growing bigger.

Appreciate your guidance.

Hang Tuah Lrt

echho — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 22:54:17 +0800

Hi all,

Anyone experience Hang Tuah Lrt from 5.45pm till 6pm heading to Putra Height direction? How pack is it?

1. Sardine pack till hang by the door
2. If squeeze in still can stand but close to each other
3. Small room can fit few more if squeeze a bit

Thanks for replying.

Progressive Payment in Renovation

echho — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:42:54 +0800

Can I ask to understand how things work in construction industry.

For cabinets installation, what is common practice?
1. Complete one set before starting another cabinet
2. Complete body of all cabinets then move on to hinges and doors?

For 1, progressive payment seems easy with completion of 2 out of 6 cabinets. For 2, how would you choose to pay?

In the event you requested to do 1 but installer do 2, would you release some payment or insist to see few complete sets only pay?

If installer insists 2 despite many requests and started asking for progressive payment or stop work, how would you handle it?

I think this is what's happened behind the scenes with my contractor and his supplier causing many delays to my renovation. Not sure what I can do if this is the case.

Does installer has right to dismantle the half installed cabinets when I already paid contractor whom is holding up his payment?

With the sore relationship between contractor and his supplier, if he engaged another supplier to finish the job without paying the 1st supplier and this supplier comes to me to demand dismantling of his material, what can I do?

Hope all sifu can provide some guidance. 🙏🙏🙏

Rogue Contractor

echho — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 23:54:07 +0800

Hi all
Is there any government agency to assist us should a renovation contractor bail out on us without completing the agreed renovation?

This is a small timer whom is not registered after we check him out. We have paid 95% of the cost as he claimed he needs to purchase materials. Work has been slow and draggy with only 50% done. He is only working 1 day in 2 weeks but claimed he can finish up everything in 2 months. There are at least 10 unsatisfactory works which we wants him to change and improve due to poor calculation on his part.

Any sifu that points us to the rightful authority to hear our grievances and provide legal assistance is very much appreciated. Thanks

Aircon refrigerant

echho — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:25:03 +0800

To aircon Sifu out there, please give some guidance on below.

I have 4 Panasonic Aircon for a small apartment of 1082sq ft.
1. 2HP normal for living room
2. 1 HP inverter for master bedroom
3. 1 HP normal for bedroom 2
4. 1 HP normal for bedroom 3

After initial installation, all Aircons not cold after on for 2 hours. Aircon guy brought in one 10kg refrigerant gas tong to refill gas. After he claims he has refill (I m not in the house), Aircon 3 & 4 same not cold whereas Aircon 1&2 can cool down room in less than 30 min.

Questions:
1. Is one cylinder gas of 10kg sufficient for all 4 Aircon refill?
2. He claims the 1HP may not be true 1HP, ie less than 1 HP as I bought during warehouse sales. Hence need longer time to cool. Got such a thing?
3. What else can be the cause?

Thanks for answering! 🙏🙏

Parking near Berjaya Times Square

echho — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 22:27:04 +0800

Any sifu here can recommend seasonal parking near Berjaya Times Square? Will be working there soon. My friend saw this one (photo attached). Is it secure and safe? Appreciate any info or recommendation.

Leaking Window flooding room when heavy rain

echho — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 21:51:30 +0800

Dear all,

Heard this is common problems among high rise buildings. What remedy works? We have just got VP but many units are having this problem.

Some experts recommend the below:

Basically water penetrates through several possible areas:
1. The wall itself - PU injection
2. Gaps between openings - reseal gaps with silicone
3. The openings itself - need to have proper drainage channel and gaps treatment

Which option is a permanent fix? Any advice from sifu how to go about getting developer to fix it permanently? Most just offer option 2 which we think is temporary.

Thanks for all reply in advance.