Finger Lickin' Good... and Finally Open

My first bite, a Zinger burger as usual

Branding's gotta be big and bold these days, I guess

Tasteful ideas, pun intended

KFC folks better pay me for this little blog piece. Or, sponsor a banner ad. Hah! Anyway, Mike C finally alerted me to the opening of Taman Desa's first KFC outlet a week ago (in this very blog, mind you) and I thought I'd put closure on the story by featuring a few pics and giving my two sen worth.

Overall, the place is clean and bright. Since it was raining, the floor was a little wet and there were mud marks around the small mat just inside the main door. Well, at least there was a nice touch with the umbrella receptacle. The staff were friendly. We ordered, went upstairs and marveled at how many people, especially families, were occupying the place. Not packed, but plentiful.

I remarked how fast-food places have a tendency to be family-friendly and this is a big boost to the area. There's truly something for everyone but I can't wait for the remaining cheesy and garishly-lit pubs to scram.

We tucked into our foods and left as the happy campers we were. Oh, and the staff were busy mopping up the mud prints as we walked out, making sure the place was spotless.

Here's an idea to reduce road traffic and parking congestion: home delivery to Taman Desa only. I'm sure that'll be a hit.

Salute To The Colonel

Is it a momentous occasion for Taman Desa or just one of resigned cynicism? It really depends on your age but the call for review is simply due to KFC's impending arrival to our suburb. It's a sign of things to come. Taman Desa has blossomed so fast that it really was a case of fait accompli.

Ironically, the corner where KFC is appearing has had a checkered history. When it first opened, a rip-off chain called KLG actually had the nerve to open there. Apparently KLG has over 30 outlets in Northern Malaysia and wasn't really meant as homage to the Colonel more than it was to capitalize on his popularity. KLG served similar items but with a notably slack food presentation, lousy overall branding and over-salty taste. Surprisingly, it drew a large crowd in its first month, then (unsurprisingly) petered out as fast as a hurricane over a mountain range. To use Aussie slang, KLG 'gave up the ghost' six months later and was hardly mourned by Taman Desans (except Mike C who loved their Chicken Burgers).

Extensive renovations ensued and a Japanese restaurant took over. It was relatively cheap and welcome but it was hardly authentic. The response, though, was energetic (Taman Desans are opportunistic kia su people who will give things a try) and business flourished for about three months. Somehow, the novelty factor wore off and the owners then realized that there were half a dozen similar restaurants in the suburb run even more authentically. This, potential patrons were aware of too. Ten months later and the restaurant also sank into oblivion.

Mike C and I had joked that KFC would do well to copy KLG and make a move to Taman Desa. Maybe in the same spot. And whadya know, they apparently surveyed the empty lot in the past five months and thought the same thing.

It was just a few days ago that the signage finally went up and Nim told me. So the answer to the early question? Well, I think most of us will appreciate KFC coming here. They'll be a lot cleaner than the previous tenants, who also attracted riff-raff to the area. And, if you're gonna have fast food at least the quality is now available (just stay away from the dangerous fries and whipped potato, that's all). Mike C will also enjoy better Chicken Burgers now while I'll be happily eating away at Hot N Spicy Chicken and peeling off two-thirds of the skin.

Mike C and I have joked about opening up our own Coffee Bean outlet to really exploit the opportunities in Taman Desa. That may well come. In the meantime, we're going to KFC when it first opens and salute the Colonel for coming to town.

The Great Taman Desa Hope Part 2

One last condo property to mention is Papillon. Now this high-end condo is secluded behind Faber Heights. Coming from Old Klang Road you'll have to turn left into Jalan Morib and get past the guardhouse that guards the current access road. Show units are pretty posh, but that's because of the interior decoration. Papillon comes with limited fittings and aircon but still commands around RM400 and upwards per sq ft. Many people will find it pricey but I think the price you're paying for is privacy and security AND the true value of Taman Desa's location. I've little doubt that the place will live up to it's promise.

Okay, let's talk landed property in Taman Desa. The place may be a little old but homes here are relatively undervalued. Again, think location and think of the fact that Taman Desa lies smack bang in the middle of several highways and right between KL's inner city centre and major areas like Bangsar and PJ.

The double-storey terrace houses along Jalan Desa Utama are selling for RM700,000 upwards, depending on size, condition and exact location). If agents' reports are anything to go by, prices escalate 5-10% a year.

Even cheaper but just as good are the single-storey terrace houses in Taman Bukit Desa, just parallel to Jalan Desa Utama. They are suitable secluded and also offer direct access to Old Klang Road.

There are plenty of huge bungalows around Taman Desa, especially around the Jalan Desa Bakti area but forget about opportunities. Most owners are here for the long term and few are selling.

One of the other selling items that landed property owners have going for their properties is the private security that patrols the place. If you're a member of Taman Desa's Residents Association security watch and have the requisite sticker on your front gate you get the benefit of extra attentiveness from the guards.

For anyone, thinking of Taman Desa, go for the terrace property and think of it as a suitable long-term investment or a great place to retire.

The Great Taman Desa Hope

Taman Desa has been getting a bit of notice this year in the press. I think people are starting to wake up to the fact that my little suburb tucked between KL and PJ and 5 highways may have some growing real estate value. Granted, its a little old and worn but asided from the commercial hubs, is pretty clean and a safe place to be.

If you're hoping and looking for a place to live here too, this is going to be Part 1 in a series of articles on what I think Taman Desa has for the prospective investor (after all, I've practically lived or rented in most of the places in here).

Faber Heights
A nice condomonium that belies its rather old-fashioned design. Balconies face the pool side and amenities include a pool, tennis court and table tennis tables. Mainstays are the mini-mart and the hair salon and it now seems to be a good place for tai-tais and expats, both Japanese and Western. Oh, the poolside restaurant isn't exactly fine dining but serves pretty good Asian and Western fare. I enjoyed my time here because it really was quiet. It's also a stones throw from the main shops, is right next to the pasar malam and has a bus stop just outside it. No parking congestion at all. Pricey but a good place to be if you want everything to be convenient.




Faber Ria
A similar concept to Faber Heights but is much closer to the main shops. My only problem with this place is that it is even older than Faber Heights and shows it. Parking is not a big problem but can get a little crowded at times, especially outside.

OBD Garden Tower
Not much is known about this white, distinct building except that it is one of the more classy condos in Taman Desa and has a very large population of Japanese expats. A reputable vegetable seller parks in front of it on weekdays and it also has a Japanese restaurant (one of the many in the area).

Danau Idaman
This is a fine condo and I'd give five-stars if it wasn't for the loud noise generated by the families and their kids who live here. It's very spacious and is right next to the shophouses of Plaza Danau, including the Sri Kota supermarket. It has a good laundry and a basic mini-market, plus good security. Guest parking can be tight but most can park nearby by the shops. The design of this space is well-laid out but the original units are a bit date.

More to come in Part 2.

Following the footsteps of Taiichi Ohno

One of the great benefits of moving into our new home has been the opportunity to practise my personal philosophy of ‘Reducing Muda’ or ‘Lean Thinking’. Muda means ‘waste’ in Japanese, but is more accurately defined as ‘futility’ or ‘purposelessness’. In his words, Ohno-sensei called it “any human activity which absorbs resources but creates no value.” And Ohno-sensei opposed every from of waste.

Thanks to his established frameworks, Ohno-sensei became known as the father of the Toyota Production System, now the cornerstone of the world’s premier manufacturing organization and a precursor to the famous corporate bible Lean Thinking by Dr James Womack and Professor Daniel Jones.

How does this relate to making Taman Desa a better place to be? Well, all waste in my previous household was eliminated in the 3R method: reduce, reuse and recycle. The recycle part of things were easy because I bought three separate bins and segregated my waste. Every once in a while, this waste was sent to the Alam Flora pick-up centre nearby and I was actually paid for it.

Today, not only does this continue in Casa Desa but I manage to fit ‘compact fluorescent lights’ (or CFLs) and reduce my electricity bills by an estimated 80 percent. I also estimate that the higher cost of installing these CFLs will be see the payback by the end of the year and net savings in the second year onwards.

I’ve also installed blinds as opposed to curtains. These reduce the need for solvent-exposing dry cleaning and also eliminate exposure to dust-mites and other airborne allergens. All they need is a gentle wipe with a cloth once a week.

I’m in the midst of retro-fitting my toilets to half-flush versions that will save water when flushing. I mean, what’s the point of flushing half a gallon of clean water when all you did was pee?

Finally, I’ve installed intelligent fans and an aircond unit but exclusively use the former, leaving the latter on standby should guests really need to get colder. I also bought a south-facing unit so the home is never really hot. However the breeze in Casa Desa (being on a hill) is wonderfully soothing. The fans are used for overnight sleep and can be timed to cut off after 6 hrs so that the last hour or two of early morning sleep is still comfortable because the sun hasn’t fully warmed the home yet. And I get to save on more electricity.

In case some of you thought, no, I don’t use hot water so solar panels aren’t necessary yet. But you can bet I’m thinking of installing one in future to further cut down on electricity usage.

All this has made my home less CO2 reliant. Less electricity being used and less water being used. Finally, less waste to dispose of in our country’s growing landfills. If you do have the time, do consider these solutions as Global Warming is one problem that truly affects everyone. And if we don’t individually do something about it the end result is the very real threat to our Earth’s ecosystem.

Besides my work as a filmmaker, this is my other passion in life. But more on this in the posts to come…

Being the First Residents of Casa Desa

Here we are finally in our new home; the first step in our path to a new life as a married couple. Two years ago, all these seemed so far away. Yet now, looking at the old familiar furniture within our newly painted walls, everything looks like it has fallen into place. Well, most everything.

Casa Desa is not without its flaws and being the very first occupants has its plus and minuses.

Here’s my rating of what’s God and what’s Not about this new experience.


#1 What’s God: Total Peace & Quiet
Being the only occupant in a six-block condominium means there’s absolutely not a single soul around except the two of you. No cute but noisy kids running around to wake up the neighbours. No cars clogging up at the guardhouse when coming or leaving (KL traffic is bad enough as it is, the least anyone needs is a jam right at their doorstep).

For someone who writes for a living, the peace and quiet is absolute bliss. As I type this, I’m playing a Kenny G CD at top volume on our humble but efficient Altec Lansing speaker system and I don’t worry about anyone complaining.

I can walk around naked (key word: can) past the windows and not have to look out first for passer bys. We can walk around freely and not worry about having those awkward condo moments; you know, the one where you enter into a lift with someone you know to be a fellow neighbour but stare blankly at the floor number because you don’t know how to address the moment.

To cut things short, I’ve always been a private person so this time has been nothing but pure bliss.


#1 What’s Not: Total Peace & Quiet
…well, okay, I admit, not all the times. Being the only occupant in a six-block condominium means there’s absolutely not a single soul around except the two of you. That means taking that long path down to your door with nothing but the click clack of your high heels accompanying you when you come home late at night.

It’s a bit freaky sometimes knowing there’s no one around but the guards (all the way down at the car park entrance at nearest) should there be an emergency. That’s why my husband, the darling, has gotten us extra locks and peep hole installed to ensure my safety but still, the creepy feelings abound sometimes…

#2 What’s Great: Everything’s Brand New!
The first thing I spied when Michael and I did our tour of Casa Desa was the freshly set up gymnasium with equipments still wrapped up! Being gym junkies, we couldn’t help but ogle at the spartan room with adequate machines through the glass doors like children through a candy shop – or like girls at a window display of Guess. If they came with weights, I think we’d both seriously reconsider our gym memberships.

#2 What’s Late: Everything’s Damn Slow!
I think we are the legends of Casa Desa already, having moved in before the water supply was connected. It was a full four days before we had any of that stuff – and it sure was a strong lesson in the importance of H2O in our daily lives. Another water factor that got me less than thrilled is the swimming pool. I had been looking forward to taking a dip with a free mind – seeing as there won’t be any neighbours prying down from balconies silently judging what I looked like in a bikini – but the water hasn’t even been pumped in yet.

The other reason is the lack of Wifi. Our old place has Wifi. Our local mamak, Vithya’s, has Wifi. But (supposedly) upper middle class Casa Desa doesn’t. How advanced is that?


#3 What’s Cool: The Sunrises
This has nothing to do with being new but I just have to say, one of the best things about Casa Desa is the airy environment the windows allow. Made of glass panels, they are so wide and placed generously around the unit that we get a good view, and a good breeze in every room. This factor has been seriously lacking in most condos, where the windows face out to a blank wall or other people’s units. Our hall faces out to the green hills of the next suburbs and then some. And when we wake up in the morning, it’s to the bright rays of that burning diamond in the sky which doubles up as our alarm clock. Simply perfect.


#3 What’s Bull:The Surprises
We’re residents in our own condo and we still have to pay for using the Barbeque Pitt, Community Halls and etc?! The biggest bullshit I came across is the signboard down at the BBQ Pitt. It read something like “Only a maximum of 10 people are allowed to use it and must pay so on and so forth”. This is the first time I’ve been to a condo where the resident has to put out extra money for stuff, in his residence, that he’s supposed to be entitled to use.

Tell me, am I a jakun for saying this or is the system really flawed?


Well, that’s all I can think of for now. Right now we are still busy with renovations and other works to complete the picture. But that’s another story.

The 6-Month Limbo

Here’s one of the biggest home-moving shocks in my entire life.

Nim and I moved into Casa Desa a couple of weeks ago now. We were probably the first couple to move into the entire 5-block condominium. Even the guards were suprised but at least we could supervise contractors and make all the noise with drilling and hammering and not worry about annoying anyone. Anyway, we were keen to move in, we had the CFO (certificate of fitness for occupation) and it just seemed right.

Then I put in the application for transfer of phone number, via my buddy Charles. That’s when the bombshell dropped. They told him 6 months. I thought he was pulling my leg. I rang TM’s 100 number and asked. They told me 6 months. They mumbled something about no account for the address I gave.

In disbelief, I called Faber Union and checked. Yes, they said, they’ve got all the paperwork done, the cable and household points were connected but the main connection to the condo is under TM’s purview and they haven’t reverted back to Faber Union. Still in some kind of queue at the distribution centre.

I’m still boiling about this. We’re in the 21st century and surely a major telecommunications company can do better than ‘6 months’. Is that their new tagline? And how’s am I going to surf without WiFi? Who are they trying to bullshit? But I’m also annoyed with Faber because they could have done something.

My ex-landlord was chums with TM’s former CEO Datuk Abdul Wahid Omar. Oh boy, I thought I could pull a favour but Abdul Wahid’s moved on to Maybank so he (my ex-landlord) couldn’t do much.

Now, I’m thinking of talking to my friends at Star Metro. And, it’s about time I called Maxis Broadband. Serves TM right. Because, this has to be highlighted. In this day and age, I’m utterly flabbergasted that people move into a home to progress with their lives and yet, they have to put up with this shit.

The First Big Day Arrives

Well, it finally came to pass, the day of vacant possession arrived. I even took leave just to collect the keys and drop down to the management office in what would be my new home.

Nim, who'll be my wife in 2 months, was as overjoyed as me as we drove up and introduced to the guardhouse. Suprisingly, of the four that were there, two of them were actually Malaysians. We parked and made our way up.

Collecting the keys was a simple affair although I was a little disappointed that water supplies weren't connected yet. How can you get a CFO if there's no water? At least nothing else really required rectification.

Overall, my impression was that Casa Desa is a bit more cramped than Danau Impian, where I am now.

Between Rent and a Hard Mortgage

It really sucks. For months now, I've been hoping to move into my dream condo, the humble but rather desireable Casa Desa, yet the all-important date of vacant possession hasn't been announced.

The problem is simple. My current tenancy agreement in Danau Impian ends on the end of May and I have to move out because my landlord knows I'm going to leave soon. Thus, he's lined up a poor, innocent tenant who's willing to pay much more than I am at the moment. This guy has promised to move in by the first of June. So you can see the incentive to kick me out even more!

Trouble is, Casa Desa may take an additional month to complete by unofficial sources. That leaves me with one month in limbo and exorbitant moving fees. And then what if the Casa Desa delay takes even longer?

To make it worse, my not-so personal bank started hitting me with the Casa Desa mortgage in January already. The sly bastards! No letter, no email or phone call even. Maybe it's a new plan to cut down on the killing of trees. But that doesn't make sense because they continue to send my flyers each month, urging me to spend more on my credit card so that they can make more money out of me on overdue interest charges. Maybe even late payment fees. Boy, when this bank advertises its service as 'made personal' they really mean they want to take it out on me personally.

Okay, don't get me started on banks already. I could write a book on their half-truths and half-baked promises.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I'm now paying rent and mortgage each month with the looming threat of being evicted and nowhere to go except maybe my parents' penthouse nearby (hey, where else can I move stuff in and rent short-term?). They won't be amused.

But neither am I at the moment. Such is life when making the transition from tenant to landlord/tenant. More on this soon, but hopefully just good news.

A Brand New Day in Near-Paradise

The night of 8th March will forever be memorable to the both us. Hang on, I don't mean it in that way. Just that Nim and I spent it watching a new generation of Malaysian politics unfold before our eyes. It was exciting, it was suspenseful, it was totally, totally new to us.

Throughout the night, frantic and excited phone calls were traded between us and friends - hard core Opposition followers Donovan (keeping track from the deejay console), Charles (glued to the TV) and Mike C (glued to the Malaysiakini.com website).

By the time we went to bed in the wee hours of the morning we knew that not only had the constituency of Seputih (under which Taman Desa resides) been retained under DAP with a whopping 36,000 margin, but Selangor, the Federal Territory and several northern states like Penang, Perak, Kedah and of course, Kelantan, were in Opposition hands. It was a slap in the face to the ruling coalition who never saw it coming. That says it all I guess - they simply weren't in tune with what Average Joe in the street was thinking.

Waking up the next day was like waking up on Christmas Day or greeting the morn in a new, exciting country. Although there weren't any victory parades, you could sense that many from the silent majority had made their feelings known. Next time it will be a real majority.

For once there's hope. For once there's more than a hint of glee in our voices as we chat over a hearty lunch, ironically being served by illegal foreigners somewhat oblivious to our merriment.

It's a brand new day in Near-Paradise. Because what we dreamed about is almost a reality. And maybe we're only 5 more years away from it.

All Quiet on the Urban Front

Ever wonder what the sound of silence in the 'burbs feels like? Especially when you live in an area that's increasingly congested with cars and the buzz of people? I turned open the window of my apartment the other day and it seemed like the Malaysian version of 'I Am Legend' (or 'Omega Man' to the older ones like me!).

I thought the usual screaming kids in the swimming pool might have drowned, accept the pool was crystal clear and nary a body was to be found.

It was Chinese New Year after all so half of Taman Desa must have packed up and went back to their kampungs (hometowns or home villages). The other half seemed to be sleeping in or just staring out the window like me agape in half-amazement.

I strolled down the shops and it was like that scene in 'Devil's Advocate' where Keannu Reeve's character goes home through downtown NY and it's dead quiet. Okay, I exaggerated. The local supermarket in the corner was open. Of course, further down, the local 'mamak' eatery was also open, hoping to cash in on those like me who couldn't be bothered to cook.

Over the next few days I simply ambled around for my daily meals. Even Mid Valley, my local and aptly named megamall seemed like Las Vegas on a gamblers' strike. Many shops couldn't even be bothered to open for the long weekend.

However, the tradition is that Chinese folk do have to go back on the eve of CNY for the obligatory family dinner and spend some time with parents for a few days if possible. So it's hardly suprising now that you know that fact.

But here's another fact that's slowly been becoming a reality. Chinese restaurants that DO open will add a surcharge on your meal. Now, what the hell's that for? It's not like they're paying their foreing labour any more. And I don't think many of the produce or supplies go up during this period.

I had this rude shock when I decided to eat at the local vegetarian restaurant with Nim. We got got graciously slapped with a 30 percent surcharge. If he had told me during the meal Nim might've had to rescue me with the Heimlich Manouevre. And there was no written sign to speak of on the front of the restaurant.

Anyway, it was the same thing all around Taman Desa. It simply varied according to the amount they wanted to charge you.

Chinese New Year is about wishing for prosperity in the coming year. Heck, some people don't have to wish for it. They just put it in their bills from Day One!