Managing Your Health

“A healthy mind in A healthy body” – I am the author of my own health or disease.

Sleep and Rest

Rest and you can travel further …. A Chinese Proverb

Shift work may make people dumber….MYPAPER, 5^th Nov 2014. According to the research paper, “…..exposure to shift work that exceeding 10 years, will suffered an additional 6.5 years of age-related decline”

Life can be so difficult to adjust to normalcy when I am been subjected to a frequent shift duty change alternating between AM and PM shift. Recently, I was on a 6 days of PM shift duty, followed by one day of rest; and then done 2 days of AM shift duty; one day of the rest; and contiguously followed by another 6 days of PM shift duty. I guess, this type of duty roster, must be putting a lot of stress and strain into my body and mind.

The biological body needs to regenerate and remove body wastes and toxin. One natural way for the body to do this process of elimination is during our sleeping hours!

Previously, while still gainfully engaged in engineering stuff; as a routine, I used to be in bed around 2200hr and wake up around 0545hr daily. That will give me some 7 to 8 of rest and sleep. Unfortunately, when I am on PM Shift duty as Bus Captain; at most, I just manage to get 4 hours of uninterrupted rest and sleep. Eye bag will show up due to lacking in sleep and rest whenever I am on PM shift. Fortunately, when I am on AM shift, I still manage to get some 6 hours of rest and sleep.

Sleep is necessary for maintaining and sustaining a person’s health and mental wellbeing. Sign and symptom for lacking of sleep and rest is that; I will become very grouchy and started to nag and pick up a fight with my wife and sons by complaining every little thing that my eyes can lay on. I got very easily irritated and annoyed; and at time temper will flare up.

Furthermore, when I am on PM Shift duty, the opportunity time available for me to engage my family is very limited. I will start to complaint to my family members, why they ignore me and do not care or engage or talk me.

Now, I started to fear for my health and mentally wellbeing; To further survive in this industry for another 2 more years (as per my pre-retirement, 3a plan); I now have to look for a partner BC (bus captain); that can help me to do PM Shift Duty permanently, and I will do AM Shift duty.

The tradition in this industry is that, for those whom wish to work on AM Shift duty permanently, as a token of goodwill, will have to compensate the BC for working PM Shift duty permanently. This is usually in the form of out of personal pocket expenses.

Since Health is certainly Wealth; with joy and gratitude, I have decided to give away an angpow of RM200/- per month to my partner.

Phases of Life & My 2 Fathers

I have now entered into phase 3 of my life span in this Earth.

In phase 1, will be “to grow and to learn” from age 0 till age 21. To put it in other way, it can also be called “the Richer Life” phase. In this particular phase of my life; I am expected to enrich myself during this period of time.

In phase 2, it is for “to work and to sustain”. I would prefer to be called it as “the Wholesome Family Life”. This will be from the age of 22 to 50. In this period, I will work; and from the work earned income, I am expected to support and sustain my family and fulfill my duty to my parents as son, to my wife as husband, to my siblings as brother and to my children as The Father. 

In phase 3, I would call it as, “The Meaningful Life”. It is a time for material-wealth creation tapering-off and most importantly, it is a period for spiritual noble quest. Since the transformation from phase 2 to 3 is quite drastic; and from the lesson that I have learned from my 2 fathers, I have broken this phase 3 further into: 3a, for pre-retirement; 3b, for post-retirement; and eventually phase 3c, for spiritual quest, for wisdom and enlightenment.

My 2 Fathers

My 2 fathers taught me a very important lesson in living life meaningfully, for phase 3.

Both my Father and Father-in-law are of age 80 this year. Both are also born in the Chinese zodiac Rat year.

I guess, it is my past good deeds or Karma, that I am fortunate to have been their son and son-in-law.

I have learned a very valuable lesson from both of them. It is after doing some reflection, that, I have broken phase 3, further, into 3A, 3B and 3C.

The lesson that I have learned is that, from the red-hot phase of phase 2; one just cannot suddenly jam brake and stop working altogether.

 My Father, an oil palm factory Foreman which supervised a crew of maintenance technician; he officially retired at the age of 55. After a well-deserved short break; he continued his post-retirement (3b) by working as a Steam Boiler Man, with a gut health drink maker. He continued working in this capacity, with a much lesser responsibilities and workload till the age of 72.

Till now, he has been blessed with good health and has not spent a single night in the hospital bed.

On the other side of the family, my Father-in-law worked non-stop till the age of 75. His last designation is General Manager, and also a shareholder, owner of a metal Stamping factory. From 2011, till to date, and it is unfortunate, that, he has made several hospitalization  night’s  stay and need many medical procedure and prescription to treat and cure all the sudden onset of bodily sickness and aches.

His medical bills are running into tens of thousands, and the family now has to employ a maid to care of him as Parkinson’s disease is also creeping in real fast. Because of the fear of falling over, he now spent a lot to time lying in bed.

For his bodily health, I am not too concern and can accept that as a form of old age; however it is his accelerated mental health condition that worried me most.

 It is a shock to me, to see, how fast his mental capacity degenerated within this last few years (2011 to 2015). Due to his early days of active involvement in political life; the only thing left for him to look forward daily, that he still cherished, is the 2 hour of reading the newspaper, to keep up on what is happening around him.

However, recently he has started to get dis-interested also in reading newspaper altogether as he could not string together the meaning of the sentences and paragraph per se. His mental faculty and capacity has indeed regressed.

 I suspect that, he has exhausted his mental reserve energy and fatigue has set in. Moving forward, I guess, I can do only wish him, “may you be well and happy, always”. 

In summary, my Father has a beneficial period of “warm-down(3b)”, and life is certainly a meaningful life to him now. 

I am determined to follow his foot-step; that is…doing work that does not too over-demanding on my CPU and kick-off my 3a (now), later in 2-3 years time (3b) and after that 3C.

Fitness & Exercise

It is never too late to enjoy the health benefits of exercise; Men who became very physically active beginning only at age 50; can cut their risk of dying early by 32 percent…Reader’s Digest, Dec 2009

            The Above statement is real to me.

I am glad that, as compared previously to my office sedentary life-style; driving a public bus is all about physical moment. The limbs did the most of the motion, but the entire body is working in unison to support it. The output is that, I did have some 7 to 8 hours to aerobic fitness exercise been done daily. 

Now, I can feel that my cardiovascular system is now much stronger than 2 years ago. My body is much trimmer and lean now. My previous 2 over-sized love-handle is almost disappeared from my mid-riff.

Previously, while walking up the staircase step to my 5^th floor HDB house; I needed to stop mid-way to catch my breath; now, I can talk and walk all the way to 5^th floor without much pending. I guess I have benefited much form this aerobic exercise of driving a public bus and I am grateful for that.

From medical literature,

 aerobic activity builds the most important muscle in your body, the Heart.

I found out that, while driving the bus, I could achieve a heart rate of something close to the target heart rate of my age; that is about 100 beats per minute. This is equivalent to about 60% of my maximum heart rate of my age today.

I graduated from Republic Polytechnic with a Specialist Diploma in Sport Science and Exercise; in year 2009. I am one of the 1^st batches of student for this programme. In the course of the study, I was told that the Aerobic Exercise’s Formula is – FIT:

F –frequency, this is not a problem with driving public bus; it is a 6 days a week job

I – intensity, driving a bus is about 60% of my maximum heart rate. The recommended heart rate is somewhere from 65% to 85%, in order to give my heart the Best Benefit!.

T – time, the recommended minimum workout time is 20mins of sufficiently intense and continuous in activity; this is certainly not a problem with driving a public bus; as each trip is easily more than 20mins of workout!.

To quote some benefits of Aerobic Exercise (AE) from literature:

Increased endurance – your ability to use oxygen efficiently

Lower blood pressure – in a well-conditioned cardiovascular system, the blood vessels remain healthy and unobstructed

Reduced cholesterol level – AE reduces deposits on the wall of blood vessels

Stronger heart – a stronger heart pumps more blood with less effort

Boost metabolism – the body burns calories at a faster rate

Reduced body fat – AE burns body fat

Improved muscle tone – as muscles become more fit, they increase in size and definition too

Reduced stress – AE creates changes in the body chemistry that reduce the symptoms of stress.

In conclusion, if you care about your health; and now you are in your early 50s, and then why not join this industry as Bus Captain. You will be paid for exercising daily…. What a good deal, hurray!!

Money Matter - Income and Expenses

True wealth comes from not having great possessions, but in having few wants…an ancient Greek’ s saying

Money is never enough

In 2 years’ time, I will be entitled to use my CPF saving for my continuation existence in this Mother Earth.

Since the 1^st day of my working life back in 1985; I have set myself a goal that, by the age of 45years old; to achieve, my 1 million dollars target of combined current asset, cash saving and insurance policy.

I have missed this lifelong financial target, by a couple of years due to several major worldwide economic troubled issues. To recall some of these unfortunate worldwide event; there is this great recession in 1985, the dotcom burst in 2000, 2001 9/11 T-attack, SARS and 2008 USA financial trouble, and recently mid-2015 (China’s GDP growth is declining by the months) .

This is my last league of my working life. Now, I am ready and want to do something completely different with my life. I have spent more than 25years in Engineering. However, along the way, I do have this sinking feeling of financial insecurity as I will lose a big chunk of my monthly pay cheque if I decided to  100% “retire” by age 55.

So to lessen this “big-bang” feeling of total financial insecurity; for the last 2 years, I have re-calibrated my financial expectation by taking on a new career, that still can continued to give some monthly earned income, but with a much lesser “mental stress factorial”  to deal with.

Expenses

The entire year of 2014, has been very tough on me financially. Because there is basically no change in my family lifestyle; family quarrel over money is unavoidable at times.

Today, I still keep my 2.0L family car with me (mainly parked at the HDB carpark). Overall living Expenses are way above my monthly take home income. Fortunately, while planning for my pre-retirement; I have accumulated sufficient fund to see me and my family through this transitional period.

So it is very important to have cash reserve with you…. Some FP, will recommends that you, need some 6 months amount of your last drawn paycheck in your saving bank account.

Income

Among the 3 major BC manpower group (Locals, Malaysian and PRC); the local BC is the poorest. Beside the monthly CPF contribution, I have zero dollars saving from my present net take home income.

For the 1^st 4 months, as a trainee BC, my family and I are living off from my take home salary, after deducting CPF contribution, of about S$1300/-. This is definitely not enough for use for a family of 4.

It is indeed a good gesture from the Government to provide some financial assistant via the WIS programme. I did benefit from this WIS for about 3 months. However, once I am on revenue able services, and doing more overtime and allowance, my gross income exceeded $2500/-mth, and WIS stopped immediately, alamak...

IR8A

My financial difficulty or constraint is further compounded by the fact that, for FY2014, my income tax payable is close to S$5000/-. I have opted for a Giro payment of some $416/mth deduction from my bank saving account. 

My advice is that, for those, whom have medium to high last drawn salary; and planning do to what, I am doing now for a lesser monthly take home income job for your pre-retirement odyssey; please consider budgeting this taxable sums ($$$), into your overall financial planning for your 1^st year of a much reduced take home income and expenses.

Otherwise you will be caught with surprise on both ends of the burning candle; and you may be subjected to more mental stress then.

I am glad that, I could manage this tax-payable for FY2104; because of the reserve that I have. Till today, I still continue to keep a lifestyle like before, but I certainly need to review it soon.

For FY2015, my tax payable is way reduced to a total of just $425/-, after a 50% taxpayable rebate from the FY2015 budget.  

I hope, for FY2016, may be just a token only lah;  Boleh-kah, Mr. Finance Minister !.

Allowances and OT

There are several $$ allowances been given to BC; depending on your attendance record, service quality, non-accident or mishap and others, I will be given some $400/month, on top of my basic salary of SGD1625/-. The allowances and incentive are variables and certainly is deductible.

The max OT hour allowed under the Labour Law is 72hours/month. However, working long OT hours is not my preference. Daily OT hours to be done is mandated by the duty number that you have been assigned to do.

 Ever since, on an average, I have worked some 50hours/month.  I do abstain myself form working during my restday.  When the journey is flair weather; and with good service incentives and driving records for a particular month, my gross income is close to S$3200/-.

So you can see, that, just with a basic salary of S$1625/-, to start with, my gross income, can come close to doubling that amount. However, for my age and into my last phase of my active working life; is it not my preference to clock-in excessive OT hours.

 Getting sufficient sleep and rest of at least 6 hours per day is more important to me. So, whenever, I have been assigned with service duty number that do not requires any OT to be done; I am happy and thankful to the rostering supervisor !

Annual Leave and encashment

I appreciate that, even as a junior position; I am entitled to a 14days of paid annual leave. Previously many years ago, I still remember, I was only entitled to what the employment act stipulated, 7 days only. Yes, I will use fully these numbers of annual leave days for my vacations.

I will plan ahead to have some break time in March when my wife is having her school march holidays, my birthday (Sept) and traditionally, in December for my wedding anniversary.

However, most of my FW colleagues, will usually, “cash-out” as many balance days of unused AL as possible!

Letting Go

After some 2 years into this new career life; I have learned to live below my means and not comparing myself with others. I will be scrapping my car next year, and use more public transport (anyway, can travel on complimentary) to commute. Not comparing myself with others; no more lavish lifestyle and most importantly, stay debt and mortgage free.

At the end of the day, I hope, this will help to minimize impact to my living standard when I finally stop working in few years times.

Bus Captain's Grievance - Chinese Lunar New Year & Qing Ming

Reunion Dinner and Lunar New Year

Ever since, started working in this public transport industry; I was so worry that, how on earth, that I am going to manage my first reunion dinner and also the 1^st day of the Chinese Lunar New Year (CNY). 

In Woodlands Regional Interchange (WRI), my work place; there are some 650 BC, and majority of them are Chinese ethnic origin. I cherish and value this time honour Chinese tradition; I “kaisu-ed” and submitted my annual leave months before the actual date for year 2015.

The supervisor reply was, do not submit now, just let me have your work ID and write the dates that, I intend to apply. He will submit my name and it will be balloted, 2 weeks before the 1^st day of CNY. My Parents, close relatives and family are all waiting for the result of the said coming ballot.

I was very fortunate and blessed to get 2 days of annual leave approved for 1^st and 2^nd day of Chinese New Year.

And I quickly called the rostering supervisor to grant me permission to work AM shift on the eve of the CNY so that, right after work, I can go to the market to all the necessary stuff to prepare a steamboat reunion dinner for my clan.

During the evening reunion dinner, I announced to the clan that, please be prepare that, for next year, I may not be that lucky and if that is so, I most probably could not join them for the celebration and in advance (1 year ahead), I apologized to all of them present  that evening.

The company did do something good to compensate for those, whom are officially working throughout the eve and till the 2^nd day of CNY. Beside the double pay rate, for working on the 1^st and 2^nd day of CNY; the company pays each BC another extra 3 days of work into our pay check for this festive period.  Indeed is a big angpow to some FW colleagues. “xie xie gong si and Huat Ah”.

Qing Ming

My parent’s ancestor came from China (Hui Zhou, Guangdong); I am the 4^th generation son in my Huang’s family lineage. 

  Since the ancestor tombs are located in Malaysia; somewhere near Lumut (Pangkor Island), it is a 650km drive to get there from Singapore. It requires a minimum two day trip to go and come back. So I am sadden that, for this year, I could not make it for Qing Ming as I did not intend to subject my family in tenterhook of waiting for my last minute confirmation on annual leave approval again.

Luckily, my elder brother, aged 55, is still fit and capable to drive such a long journey by himself with his car; he told me, not to worry about it; he will do the task to honour the family Chinese tradition of fulfilling our filial piety duty.

If you are aspiring to join this public transport service industry; and if you are a Chinese, (or perhaps other races too), you need to prepare yourself mentally to make some concession, sacrifices and compromises to your traditional believes, customs and practices. Be ready to let it go without resentment in your heart.

As you can see, annual leave application for these 2 major Chinese traditions is not an entitlement per se. 

Only, If you have positive annual leave balance; you can submit your leave application and the preference dates; and a shot in the arm to be balloted. 

and, If you do not have any positive annual leave balance outstanding; I guess, you just have to quietly stand down from this balloting process and be at ease with yourself.

Bus Captain's Grievance - Rest-Off-day, Weekends and Public Holidays

Work day is not normal, it is beyond normal

Rest day, Off Day

In Singapore, the Employment Act governing the requirement for granting rest day to a worker is clear. Simply put, in a 7 day calendar week; I will be given a day-off after working for 6 continuous days.

However, this rule can be modified technically, and on several occasion; I have to work continuously for more than 10 days without a single rest day. I am not complaining; and I can accept it as part of the game for this public transport industry.

Not only that, your rest day can be stretched to 12 days of continuous working; my exact off day is also no known. It can only be made known when will be my off day about 10 calendar days in advance.  

Usually, I will be given a two (2) days of rest or off-day; whenever, I have to work more than 8 continuously days.

For the last two years, I have not sign up to work on my rest day, as OT. Working on rest day, will entitled me to a double pay rate. Initially, the rostering supervisor did request me, to work on my rest-day. However, after I have declined him for 3 occasions; now he no longer bothers to call me anymore, and I am thankful for that.

Rest day is now very Special to me.

This is the only day; that I can officially will not be touching the bus steering wheel; and just hang loose at home doing household chores and do some marketing for the family. Since my wife is smaller size built than myself; I usually will do the heavy marketing stuff of rice, washing powder, bleach, etc. The extra muscle that my right hand now is been built; do come in handy, and in one go, I can carry much more load than previously only with my left hand.

Weekends

I have to kiss and say goodbye to some  100 days of Saturday and Sunday weekends. For Last Thirty Years, working in the normal office environment, has made me complacent and oblivious to what is the actual operational function of the public transport industry is like.

I am prepared to work 5.5 days or 6 days per week. However, I  was expecting to have a Sunday as rest day or off day that I can spend some quality time with my family and parents. Again, I was caught with my pants down here; I am just too naive to this public transport service industry.

What clouded my perception is that, even during the first 3 months of training; I was fortunate and still enjoying Sunday as off-day. Somehow, I concluded that, even when I am on revenue-able service as a BC; I will also be given similar Sunday; as off-day or rest-day. I was dead wrong with my expectation and assumption here. I now no longer entitled to any automatic weekend off day.

Working on Sunday, will not be a double pay rate !. 

Public Holidays

On 9/11 GE 2015, I was working on 1^st Duty Number Service that starts at 0507hr from Woodlands Depot to Changi Airport on bus service 858.

In view of operational needs, the rostering supervisor; aka MCWO; will decide whether you will be scheduled to have a “PHO”, Public Holiday Off-day; or even have to work on Chinese Lunar New Year for that matter!

Working on government gazetted public holiday; will automatically entitled me to a double pay rate. 

GE 2015, Public Transport Woes, again?

Since I could not decide, which Political Party that I will be giving my vote to on 9/11; last night, I attended an Opposition Party Rally; close to where I am staying.

I spent about 2 hours there and actually learned in some new words from a Cantonese Speaking Election Candidate when he addressed PM Lee, in full Cantonese. “Lee Hsien Loong”, literally, in English as “calling” or “awaken” the Dragon. Cool !.

To me, PM Lee’s given name is “benevolence” to our Country.

Let’s come back to the title of this blog.

Almost all the 9 opposition party that contesting for this GE2015, almost every night, during their rally, it was reported that, MRT or more specifically SMRT is like an untouchable or out caste in Singapore.

I was so awkward when the speakers took turn to shoot arrows on the same subject of train breakdowns, bah, bah, bus brunching, bus overcrowded, bus waiting time too long, cannot find a seat, bah, bah….

Most of the election opposition candidates, which have spoken on bus or train issues, actually do not have much idea and understanding on what they are talking about.

Just like a broken-recorder, repeating second-hand know-how from either CNA or local newspaper.

All their words and statements are mere complaints;

None have even attempt to propose or give their suggestion on how to solve this public transport issues. “Bo liao lah” and certainly not qualify to talk on this subject, in my opinion.

None have mentioned, that, actually, our public transport system has been improved since 2011 and it is now about 75% full! And soon it can be better; have confidence ya, my dear folks.

For the buses services, do they know, actually on a daily basis, how many incidence of buses breakdown?  From where I am now servicing as Bus Captain, I can tell you, easily there 3-5 buses breakdown daily. Since, buses operational mode is a “discreet function” and it is not a “continuous function” like the MRT driven system; any bus breakdown, it can be rectified within minutes. And you commuter will have no idea at all of the said breakdown.

For MRT services, in my view, it is already a “close to perfect operational system already”.

Why I said so?

My understanding is that, the rail network is been subjected to the statistical outcome of defective part per million issue (dppm).  From the empirical train breakdown data so far (since 2011 till to date 2015); the train ability to service all the commuters daily, is in excellent tip-top conditions; with an extremely high process capability (CpK) of 6-sigma;

My observation is that, the way our rail network been wired up and sewn up; even with just 1 count of electric fault; the rail network will stop operating, and the net effected is always a "Massive-disruption " manner.

To Recall the abbreviated “MRT”, and please correct, if I am wrong here; the letter “M”, stands for “Mass” or in full, mass-rapid-transit, got it.

The foresight is " mass-transit" and the hindsight will be "mass-disruption" lor!, can you accept it or not?

To further explain, the electric current, needed to run the trains, has to be connected in a circuitry manner. However, when there is a small electric disturbance or intermittent in one remote branched-tail end of the circuit; it is capable to affect (in a negative sense of words), the entire electric current supply to operate the trains; leading to the rail network been shut down promptly.

The bottom line is whether can the public commuters accept this extremely low defective rate, and be grateful to the Transport Ministry and the rail operators that, for every 1 million trip done; there are 999,997 successful train trips to ferry you from MRT station to your workplace or home; or continue as you wish; to increase the caustic intensity of your words to the Ministry and to the rail operator, when there is just 1 train breakdown.

Lastly, I wish to ask for your understanding, not to continue to shoot blank arrows to the rail and bus operators; if the train breakdown is induced by the universal natural law of impermanence or an outcome from statistical process capability.

And if proven beyond doubt, and it is a workman induced screw-up or an omission of due diligence, then by all means, fire at will.

THANK You.

Bus Captain's Grivences - Smoke and Smoker

By now, I can assume myself as a down-stream Smoker.

Almost 85% of the Bus Captain cohort (Male and Female, local or Foreign) is a smoker. Such is the environment that I am exposed to daily. During each bus service trip interval; I very often will bounce into a small group of BC smoking their heart out; their action can be equated to a successful sortie that have just defeated the charging enemy.

My observation is that, for those BC on short feeder service type; with some 12 round trips per shift; those BC will smoke at least 12 stick per shift work. I guess they will smoke the whole bag of cigarette by the end of the day (i.e 20 sticks). For those on long haul bus service type, for example service 858 (about 180mins per trip); will usually, give themselve 2-3 shots to get mentally high, before cranking the bus engine.

Since I am just a junior colleague to them; attempt to talk sense to those 20years of hardcore BC smoker; on the impact of health issue, is like talking straight to the earless wall. I can fully understand their addiction to nicotine. This drug helps them to be “mentally alert” for the next sortie, so to speak. Without it, potential accident or passenger mishap will probably happen.

I still remember, how management was trying to put up warning poster to remind them not to smoke around the time-keeper’s office, along the aisle of the parking bay and toilet; once, I overhead a remarks, from one of the smoker by saying, “you can put up yours, I will continue to smoke mine”!!

At time I am deemed anti-social by my fellow colleagues; as I will hide and lock myself up inside the bus just to avoid all those sinking downstream harmful smoke.

If I truly, wish to have a discussion or conversation with those smokers, I have no choice but to bear with it.

I hope that I will not suffer any disease related to down-stream smoke (i.e. lung cancer), and will not get hooked onto nicotine and becomes a smoker myself one day. If so, this is the most unfortunate event or thing that could happen to me by choosing this new career.

When I was growing up, the family has to put up a struggle with my father; a smoker. It is my mother that provides all those defensive power and safety net to us all. To protect us from the harm of the downstream smoke, breathe out by my father; very often, she will raise her voice and ask my father to get his butt out of the house to smoke. Fortunately, my Family does have good blessing; the ending is pretty good; somehow, my father automatically stopped smoking at the age of 55.

I sincerely do not want to end my working adult life in this manner of been a smoker myself. Hell No.

Wish list for my elected MP

I have 3 wishes for my MP.

1^st,

I hope, having being elected into the highest office of this land, called Singapura; by the Citizen; my MP will be a Full-Timer to serve us.

In this way, he or she will be truly focused on the well-being of the residents that he/she represents. On daily basis, he can truly walk the talk of promoting true “gotong-royong” spirit within the community.

2^nd,

I hope my MP will conduct the MPS or Meet-the-people-session more often throughout the work week (i.e. Monday to Friday). Currently majority of the elected MPs are conducting only 1 evening per week on a fixed day of the week.

True bonding and interaction with residents is very limited. Moreover, residents, whom are not working on normal office hours, and on rotating off-day type; usually find it very troublesome to visit the MP during this limited meeting opening window time.

For example, a public transport Bus Captain, whom works on afternoon shift; on daily, his work starts from around 2pm till after midnight; will find it almost not possible to visit his/her MP.

As an alternative, I believe, MPS can also be conducted at other time slot during the 1^st half of the day.

3^rd,

I hope my MP can conduct the MPS activities from the office of the zone RC’s (Residents’ Committee). This is will ensure easier outreach and engagement with residents. Normally, in a particular constituency, that he/she representing; there will be easily have some 3 to 5 RC Zones that, the MP (regardless his political affiliation) to use this RC’s office for the MPS.

Most RC is situated around ~400M radius from the residents’ flat.

Since RC is built by the Rakyat’s tax money, I hope the People’s Association can review this restriction of allowing all MPs to use such facility.

Currently, majority of the MP will conduct their MPS from their Party’s Branch office which at time, can be some 3KM away from where the residents are staying; or in Opposition held Ward, the MPS is been conducted in a make shift void deck area.

In my view, this is not dignify and certainly lack of due respect for all Singaporean, and to the Rightly Honourable MP, if I may say so.

Bus Captain's Grivences - Eat Well & Meal Time

(article From the Strait Times)

                                                                                                                            

The way we maintain our bodies, is our statement about the way we live our lives.

 “Bus captains face specific challenges from the long hours they put in up to 10 hours a day, six days a week – which lead to fatigue, poor hydration and backaches”…said Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr. Amy Khor

Also in the same report…”Bus drivers are getting free health checks and tips on how to eat right…”

Meal time is considered not working hour and it is deducted from the overall hours of Sign-on and Sign-off. Meal time is also not included in any OT computation.  Meal time is a mere average of 22mins per day; it is actually been paid by the Company as allowance. On the average, I will get around S$100/- per month for meal allowance (xie xie gong xi).

If you would to read the entire inserted news reported inserted here in this blog. As a 3^rd party person, you the reader, will certainly do not know that, my average meal time is (Guess??)

22mins. 

In fact, I service about 9 hours per shift with a mere total of 42mins of combined rest and meal time.   Good deal?

Tips on how to eat right, as reported above, to me is an “end” thing; and it is not “the process” thing that is more critical to my overall health wellbeing.

No matter how, nourishing and well-balanced is the food to be eaten; I actually do not have the optimum  eating  condition to process, to extract, those, essence from what been recommended to eat lah.

Many a time, I will just sallow my food. In the process of swallowing the food; I took in a lot of air. After the meal, I felt very lousy with a bloated tummy. Sooner, I have to out-gas frequently while driving.(sorry lah).

(Well i hope Singaporean serving their two years National Service, will be at least delighted they have a proper standard meal time that is regularly and strictly enforce)

Because of the lack of chewing process for the food in the mouth (lack of surface area over volume ratio); the digestion process in my stomach is laborious and is slowed down; I will be pretty sleepy to drive for long distant; so prior to my next trip; I will go to the coin vending machine to get a cup of coffee for me to take along with me inside the bus. During red-traffic-light stoppage time, I will quickly take a sip or two.

Lastly, I am sincerely grateful to Minister of State Dr. Amy Khor for her deep understanding on our plight as Bus Captain and I hope, she and her fellow MP Ang Wei Neng (VP, SBS Transit); can help us to speak up on this reasonable minimum meal time to be mandated for all Bus Captains soon.

Thank You.