STORY 1164: MARRIED TO A SABAHAN

I met my wife while studying at the USM Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal, Penang. She was my junior in PALAPES TD (the Territorial Army Officer Training Programme) and a student pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

She once told me that she had initially considered pursuing a degree in medicine. However, after attending a degree course briefing during her matriculation years, she eventually chose Aerospace Engineering. She was attracted by the Dean of Aerospace Engineering, who was promoting the relatively new faculty at USM at that time.

I once teased her, saying, “If you had been accepted into medical school, we would never have met. The USM Medical Campus is in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.”

She smiled at my little joke.

In 2005, after being engaged for a year at her village, Kampung Serusup, Labuaya, Tuaran, Sabah, we finally got married. Many of my family members travelled all the way from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, to attend both our engagement and wedding ceremonies.

I come from a family of eleven siblings, while my wife comes from a family of sixteen siblings. Yes, we both grew up in very large families.

Nowadays, when people are surprised to hear that I have five children, I sometimes feel that I should be the one feeling embarrassed. After all, our parents raised even more children than we have!

Many of my relatives were delighted because it was their first time visiting Sabah. During our engagement and wedding ceremonies, they also had the opportunity to explore Kundasang and several places around Kota Kinabalu. For them, it was more than attending a family celebration; it was also an opportunity to discover a part of Malaysia they had never visited before.

Alhamdulillah, we became a bridge between two worlds separated by thousands of kilometres across the South China Sea.

I left my hometown at the age of sixteen to pursue my studies. After graduating, I continued moving from one state to another for work, travelling, building my career, and eventually establishing our own little family.

Immediately after our wedding ceremonies in Tuaran, Sabah, and Kampung Tebing Tinggi, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, we returned to the oil palm plantation to begin our life as husband and wife.

We did not have a honeymoon. There was simply no opportunity for one, as we could not afford it amid the many constraints we faced at that time. We had responsibilities to fulfil and a life to build together.

From 2005 until early 2025, I spent almost twenty years travelling and working across Sabah and Sarawak before finally transferring to Peninsular Malaysia.

That is one of the reasons I chose Borneo Rider as my pen name.

Ironically, whenever I return to my hometown during festive seasons, some relatives begin asking questions.

“Who is this?”

“Whose son is he?”

“Which one of the children is he?”

Then someone will eventually explain, “Oh, he is the one who lives in Sabah!”

Yes, that is me.

In Kelantan, my nieces and nephews call me Pok Ju. And believe me, I have plenty of nieces and nephews!

After spending almost two decades away from my hometown, it is understandable that some relatives need a little reminder of who I am. Life has taken me far from where I began, but my roots remain firmly connected to my family and hometown.

Looking back, my journey has taken me from a small village in Kelantan to university life in Penang, then to the plantations of Sabah and Sarawak, and eventually back to Peninsular Malaysia.

Along the way, I married a Sabahan, built a family, and became part of two large families connected by love, marriage, and countless journeys across the South China Sea.

Perhaps that is what life is about. Sometimes, we travel far from home, meet someone from a different world, and create a home of our own.

And sometimes, after all those years away, we return to our hometown only to hear someone ask, “Who is this again?”

That is my story today.

STORY 1164: BERKAHWIN DENGAN ORANG SABAH

Saya berkenalan dengan isteri semasa belajar di Kampus Kejuruteraan USM, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang. Beliau merupakan junior saya dalam PALAPES TD dan seorang pelajar yang sedang mengikuti pengajian Ijazah Kejuruteraan Aeroangkasa.

Beliau pernah bercerita kepada saya bahawa pada asalnya, beliau menyimpan hasrat untuk memilih ijazah perubatan. Namun, selepas menghadiri satu sesi penerangan mengenai program ijazah semasa di matrikulasi, beliau akhirnya memilih Kejuruteraan Aeroangkasa. Beliau tertarik dengan cara Dekan Aeroangkasa pada waktu itu mempromosikan fakulti yang masih baharu di USM.

Lalu saya mengusiknya.

“Kalau kamu terpilih masuk ijazah perubatan, sudah tentu kita tidak akan bertemu. Kampus Perubatan USM terletak di Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.”

Beliau hanya tersenyum mendengar usikan saya.

Pada tahun 2005, selepas setahun kami bertunang di kampungnya, Kampung Serusup, Labuaya, Tuaran, Sabah, akhirnya kami disatukan sebagai suami isteri. Ramai ahli keluarga saya dari Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, datang ke Sabah untuk menghadiri majlis pertunangan dan perkahwinan kami.

Saya mempunyai sebelas orang adik-beradik, manakala isteri mempunyai enam belas orang adik-beradik. Ya, kami berdua berasal daripada keluarga yang sangat besar.

Hari ini, apabila ada orang terkejut mendengar saya mempunyai lima orang anak, kadangkala saya merasakan bahawa sayalah yang patut berasa malu. Mak dan ayah kami dahulu membesarkan anak yang jauh lebih ramai!

Ramai ahli keluarga saya berasa gembira kerana itulah kali pertama mereka menjejakkan kaki ke Sabah. Mereka bukan sahaja datang untuk menghadiri majlis pertunangan dan perkahwinan kami, malah berpeluang berjalan-jalan ke Kundasang dan beberapa tempat menarik di sekitar Kota Kinabalu.

Alhamdulillah, kami berdua menjadi jambatan yang menghubungkan dua dunia yang dipisahkan oleh ribuan kilometer Laut China Selatan.

Seawal usia 16 tahun, saya sudah meninggalkan kampung untuk melanjutkan pelajaran. Selepas tamat belajar, saya terus berhijrah dari satu negeri ke negeri yang lain untuk bekerja, merantau, membina kerjaya dan akhirnya membina keluarga kecil kami sendiri.

Sebaik sahaja selesai majlis perkahwinan di Tuaran, Sabah, dan Kampung Tebing Tinggi, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, kami kembali ke ladang sawit untuk memulakan kehidupan sebagai suami isteri.

Kami tidak berpeluang berbulan madu. Bukan kerana tidak mahu, tetapi ketika itu kami memang tidak mampu, ditambah pula dengan pelbagai kekangan yang perlu dihadapi. Kami mempunyai tanggungjawab dan kehidupan yang perlu dibina bersama.

Bermula tahun 2005 hinggalah awal tahun 2025, hampir dua puluh tahun saya merantau dan bekerja di Sabah dan Sarawak sebelum akhirnya berpindah ke Semenanjung Malaysia.

Ya, hampir dua dekad saya menghabiskan sebahagian besar kehidupan di Borneo. Itulah antara sebab saya memilih nama pena Borneo Rider.

Ironinya, setiap kali saya pulang ke kampung ketika musim perayaan, pasti ada saudara-mara yang mula bertanya.

“Ini siapa?”

“Ini anak siapa?”

“Ini anak yang mana satu?”

Kemudian, akan ada seseorang yang menjelaskan.

“Oh, yang duduk di Sabah itu!”

Ya, itulah saya.

Di Kelantan, anak-anak buah saya memanggil saya Pok Ju. Dan saya mempunyai ramai anak buah!

Selepas hampir dua puluh tahun merantau jauh dari kampung halaman, tidak hairanlah jika ada saudara-mara yang memerlukan sedikit bantuan untuk mengingati saya. Kehidupan telah membawa saya jauh dari tempat asal, tetapi hubungan dengan keluarga dan kampung halaman tetap menjadi sebahagian daripada diri saya.

Apabila menoleh ke belakang, perjalanan hidup saya bermula dari sebuah kampung di Kelantan, kemudian ke alam universiti di Pulau Pinang, seterusnya ke ladang-ladang sawit di Sabah dan Sarawak, sebelum akhirnya kembali ke Semenanjung Malaysia.

Sepanjang perjalanan itu, saya berkahwin dengan seorang wanita Sabah, membina keluarga sendiri dan menjadi sebahagian daripada dua keluarga besar yang dihubungkan oleh perkahwinan, kasih sayang dan perjalanan merentasi Laut China Selatan.

Itulah cerita saya hari ini.

Profitablitity, Liquidity, Solvency and Cash Flow

Profitability, liquidity, solvency and cash flow are four important concepts used to evaluate a company's financial health. They are closely related, but each measures a different aspect of business performance.

A company can be profitable but experience a cash shortage. It can have sufficient cash today but carry excessive long-term debt. Therefore, business leaders should evaluate all four dimensions rather than relying on profit alone.

1. Understanding the four financial concepts

1. Profitability

Can the company generate profit?

Profitability measures a company's ability to generate earnings from its revenue, assets or capital. It indicates whether the business model is generating an adequate financial return.

2. Liquidity

Can the company pay its short-term obligations?

Liquidity refers to the ability to pay short-term liabilities, such as supplier invoices, salaries, utilities and other bills, when they become due.

Example: A company has RM200,000 in cash and receivables that can be collected soon, but it must pay RM150,000 in short-term liabilities. It may have sufficient liquidity, provided its receivables are collected on time and the other assets can be converted into cash as expected.

Current ratio:

If current assets are RM300,000 and current liabilities are RM150,000, the current ratio is 2.0 times.

This means the company has RM2 in current assets for every RM1 of current liabilities. However, the ratio alone does not guarantee liquidity if inventory is difficult to sell or receivables are overdue.

Key indicators: Current ratio, quick ratio and working capital.

3. Solvency

Can the company meet its long-term financial obligations?

Solvency evaluates whether a company has a sustainable financial structure and can meet its longer-term obligations. It considers the relationship between debt, assets, equity and the company's ability to service its financing.

Example: A company may have valuable factories and equipment but also carry RM20 million in debt. If its cash-generating capacity is insufficient to service the debt and meet repayments, it may face solvency risks despite owning substantial assets.

Debt-to-equity ratio:

If total debt is RM6 million and shareholders' equity is RM4 million, the debt-to-equity ratio is 1.5 times.

This indicates RM1.50 of debt for every RM1 of equity. Whether this is acceptable depends on the industry, cash-flow stability and financing terms.

Key indicators: Debt-to-equity ratio, interest coverage and debt repayment capacity.

4. Cash flow

How much cash actually enters and leaves the business?

Cash flow refers to the movement of cash and cash equivalents into and out of a company over a specific period. It shows whether the company generates and retains sufficient cash to support operations, investment and financing commitments.

Cash flow is divided into three categories:

• Operating activities: Cash received from customers and cash paid for operating expenses and suppliers.

• Investing activities: Cash used to purchase machinery, buildings and other long-term assets, or received from selling assets.

• Financing activities: Cash received from borrowing or issuing shares, and cash used for debt repayments, dividends and other financing activities.

Example: A company reports RM100,000 in net profit but collects only RM40,000 in cash from its customers during the period. If its cash payments are substantial, it may experience a cash shortage despite being profitable.

Key indicators: Operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash conversion cycle and cash-flow forecast.

2. Comparison at a glance

Concept	Main question	Primary focus	What can go wrong?
Profitability	Is the company earning profit?	Revenue and expenses	Persistent losses or declining margins
Liquidity	Can it pay bills due soon?	Current assets and liabilities	Insufficient cash to pay suppliers or salaries
Solvency	Can it sustain its long-term obligations?	Debt, equity and repayment capacity	Excessive debt or inability to service financing
Cash flow	Is cash coming in when needed?	Actual cash receipts and payments	Cash shortages despite reported profits

3. How the four concepts are connected

Consider a hypothetical palm oil processing company.

Profitability: Positive

The company sells its products at a price higher than its total recognized costs and reports a profit.

Liquidity: Under pressure

Customers take 90 days to pay, while suppliers require payment within 30 days. The company may struggle to pay suppliers on time.

Cash flow: Weak

Cash collected from customers is insufficient to cover immediate operating expenses and other payments.

Solvency: Depends on the longer-term position

If the company continues to borrow to cover operating shortfalls, its debt burden may increase and eventually threaten its long-term financial sustainability. A temporary cash shortage does not, by itself, mean the company is insolvent.

This example explains the central message of “Why Profitable Companies Can Still Fail?”: a company can report a profit but still fail to meet its financial obligations if it cannot convert that profit into cash at the right time.

4. Implications for business leaders

As a business leader, you should use these four concepts together when making decisions.

• Profitability helps determine whether operations create economic value.

• Liquidity helps ensure that daily operations and short-term commitments can be funded.

• Solvency helps ensure that the company's financing structure remains sustainable over the long term.

• Cash flow helps management understand the timing and availability of money to support operations, investment and repayment obligations.

For example, before approving a new processing machine, management should assess whether the investment is expected to improve profitability, whether sufficient cash is available to purchase and install it, whether borrowing would create excessive debt, and whether future operating cash flows can support the investment.

Conclusion: Profitability tells management whether a business earns money; liquidity tells it whether short-term bills can be paid; solvency tells it whether long-term obligations are sustainable; and cash flow shows how money actually moves through the business. Effective leadership requires balancing all four to achieve financial stability and sustainable growth.

Review buku MY JOURNEY IN PALM OIL INDUSTRY

Preview BUKU KEDUA MY JOURNEY IN PALM OIL INDUSTRY - ELAEIDOBIOUS KAMERUNICUS

Antara perkara yang paling menyentuh hati saya selepas menerbitkan buku pertama ialah maklum balas daripada beberapa orang pembeli.

Ada ibu dan bapa yang membeli buku saya kerana anak mereka mempunyai impian untuk menjadi seorang jurutera. Mereka berharap agar perkongsian pengalaman dan perjalanan hidup saya dalam bidang kejuruteraan dapat memberikan sesuatu yang bermanfaat kepada anak-anak mereka.

Lebih menyentuh hati, ada antara mereka yang berkongsi bahawa berdekad yang lalu, mereka pernah membaca blog Kembara Insan untuk mencari nota-nota persediaan Peperiksaan Jurutera Stim. Mereka cukup teruja apabila mengetahui bahawa saya akhirnya menerbitkan buku pertama.

Sejujurnya, maklum balas seperti ini membuatkan saya cukup terharu.

Selama 18 tahun menulis di blog Kembara Insan, inilah antara harapan terbesar saya — agar setiap pengalaman, ilmu dan perkongsian yang ditulis dapat memberikan manfaat kepada orang lain.

Saya mungkin tidak pernah mengenali semua pembaca yang mengikuti penulisan saya selama ini. Namun, setiap maklum balas yang diberikan amat saya hargai. Jika diberikan kesempatan untuk bertemu mereka secara peribadi, pastinya saya sangat berbesar hati.

Akhirnya, saya sedar bahawa menulis bukan sekadar tentang apa yang ingin kita ceritakan, tetapi juga tentang manfaat yang mungkin diterima oleh orang lain daripada cerita kita.

Terima kasih kepada semua yang pernah membaca, mengikuti dan memberikan maklum balas terhadap penulisan saya.

Semoga setiap perkongsian terus menjadi sesuatu yang bermanfaat, walaupun untuk seseorang yang tidak pernah saya temui.

BORNEO RIDER
Kembara Insan

CERITA 1163: AZARUDIN

Ketika mula mengenali Azarudin semasa tahun kedua matrikulasi di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), saya tertarik dengan minatnya yang pelbagai serta semangatnya berkongsi perkara yang diminatinya. Beliau berasal dari Machang, Kelantan, sama seperti saya. Cara beliau bercerita tentang buku, sejarah dan filem membuatkan saya tertarik untuk meneroka perkara yang sebelum itu tidak pernah saya kenali.

Azarudin berasal dari sekolah berasrama penuh, iaitu sekolah sains berasrama penuh, manakala saya pula dari MRSM. Setiap kali kami meluangkan masa bersama di asrama, beliau sering bercerita tentang novel Barat, buku sejarah geopolitik seperti Islam, Asia dan Eropah, serta filem yang agak asing bagi saya ketika itu. Cara beliau menyampaikan cerita begitu menarik sehingga saya seolah-olah turut boleh membayangkan sendiri kisah yang diceritakannya.

Pada tahun 1998, beliau memperkenalkan saya kepada Piala Dunia FIFA yang berlangsung di Perancis. Sejak itulah saya mula menonton perlawanan bola sepak piala dunia. Saya juga pernah mengikut beliau menziarahi pakciknya di Kuala Lumpur dan berpeluang berkenalan dengan beberapa orang ahli keluarganya.

Selepas tamat matrikulasi, kami meneruskan pengajian di Kampus Kejuruteraan USM, Seri Iskandar, Perak sebelum berpindah ke kampus baru di Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang. Namun, masing-masing mula membawa haluan sendiri apabila mengikuti bidang pengajian yang berbeza dan memberikan tumpuan kepada komitmen akademik. Setelah tamat pengajian di peringkat ijazah pertama, hubungan kami semakin menjarak dan kurang peluang untuk bertemu.

Walau bagaimanapun, minat saya terhadap buku dan filem yang diperkenalkan oleh Azarudin terus berkembang dalam diri saya. Satu demi satu novel yang pernah diceritakannya mula saya baca. Filem-filem yang dahulu terasa asing juga mula saya tonton. Lama-kelamaan, minat saya terhadap dunia pembacaan semakin mendalam, merangkumi pelbagai genre sastera, sejarah dan perfileman.

Masa terus berlalu. Kecintaan terhadap buku akhirnya mendorong saya mengejar impian untuk menjadi seorang penulis. Saya mula menulis di blog, berkongsi pemikiran, pengalaman dan refleksi kehidupan dengan para pembaca. Setelah bertahun-tahun menulis, akhirnya saya berjaya mencapai satu lagi impian apabila menerbitkan buku pertama saya.

Apa yang menjadikan pencapaian itu lebih bermakna ialah Azarudin menjadi antara individu terawal yang membeli buku tersebut. Selepas menerimanya, beliau turut meluangkan masa memberikan maklum balas terhadap hasil penulisan pertama saya.

Saya memberitahunya bahawa perbualan kami semasa zaman universiti dahulu banyak membantu menyemai minat saya terhadap pembacaan dan akhirnya penulisan. Sungguh bermakna apabila dapat berkongsi perkara itu dengan seorang sahabat yang pernah memperkenalkan saya kepada begitu banyak minat baharu.

Apabila mengenang kembali perjalanan ini, saya menyedari betapa besarnya pengaruh orang yang kita temui dalam membentuk minat dan kecenderungan diri. Kadangkala, seorang sahabat yang berkongsi novel kegemarannya, minatnya tentang sejarah atau filem yang meninggalkan kesan mampu membuka pintu kepada dunia baharu yang tidak pernah kita terokai.

Azarudin dan saya akhirnya memilih laluan kehidupan masing-masing. Namun, minat yang mula berkembang melalui perbualan kami ketika di universiti terus kekal dalam diri saya, walaupun sudah sekian lama kami membawa haluan berbeza.

Hari ini, melihat beliau antara pembaca terawal buku pertama saya seolah-olah melengkapkan sebuah perjalanan. Apa yang bermula dengan perbualan sederhana di asrama universiti akhirnya menjadi sebahagian daripada perjalanan saya sebagai pembaca dan penulis.

Sesetengah persahabatan meninggalkan lebih daripada sekadar kenangan. Persahabatan itu membuka pintu kepada dunia baharu yang terus membentuk kehidupan kita, meskipun sudah lama kita membawa haluan masing-masing.

Itulah cerita saya hari ini. 

STORY 1163: AZARUDIN

When I first got to know Azarudin during my second year of matriculation at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), I was struck by his diverse interests and the enthusiasm with which he shared them. A fellow Kelantanese from Machang, he had a way of talking about books, history, and films that made me curious about things I had never explored before.

Azarudin came from a residential science school, while I was from MRSM. Whenever we spent time together at the hostel, he would tell me about Western novels, Asian and European history books, and films that seemed rather unusual to me at the time. His storytelling was so engaging that I often felt as though I had experienced these stories myself.

In 1998, he introduced me to the FIFA World Cup, which was held in France that year. That was when I first started watching football. I also had the opportunity to accompany him on a visit to his uncle in Kuala Lumpur, where I got to know some members of his family.

After completing our matriculation, we continued our studies at the USM Engineering Campus. However, we gradually went our separate ways as we pursued different fields of study and focused on our respective academic commitments. By the time we completed our undergraduate degrees, we had drifted apart.

Nevertheless, my interest in the books and films Azarudin had introduced to me continued to grow. One by one, I began reading the novels he had talked about and watching films that had once seemed unfamiliar to me. Over time, I developed a deeper appreciation for literature, history, and cinema.

Decades passed, and my love for reading eventually led me to pursue a dream of becoming an author. I started writing on my blog, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and reflections with readers. After years of writing, I finally achieved another milestone by publishing my first book.

What made this achievement even more meaningful was that Azarudin became one of the earliest people to purchase it. After receiving the book, he took the time to share his feedback on my first published work.

I told him that our conversations during our university days had played a significant role in developing my interest in reading and, eventually, writing. It was a special moment to share this with someone whose recommendations had introduced me to so many new interests.

Looking back, I realize how much our interests can be shaped by the people we meet along the way. Sometimes, a friend who enthusiastically shares a favorite novel, an interesting historical event, or a memorable film can open up an entirely new world for someone else.

Azarudin and I eventually followed different paths in life, but the interests we shared during our university days remained with me long after we parted ways.

Today, seeing him among the earliest readers of my first book brings our story full circle. What began with conversations at a university hostel has become a lasting part of my journey as a reader and writer.

Some friendships leave us with more than memories. They introduce us to new worlds that continue to shape our lives long after we have gone our separate ways. 

That is my story today.

“Accounting: Is It Just Numbers?”

Speaker: Tan Sri Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad 

Moderator: Associate Professor Dr. Nahariah Jaffar 

Programme: Putra Business School DBA Podcast on Business Sense Date: 22 December 2025

The podcast discusses how accounting goes beyond recording numbers and serves as an essential tool for business decision-making, ethical leadership, financial sustainability and strategic planning.

Key discussion points

1. Accounting is more than recording numbers

Accounting involves recording transactions accurately, explaining financial performance and establishing accountability. The real value of accounting lies in interpreting and communicating financial information to support better decisions.

2. Ethics and integrity in accounting

Accounting records must reflect actual transactions truthfully. Accountants should maintain high ethical standards and must not manipulate or conceal unfavorable results. Accounting standards, regulations and independent audits help strengthen transparency and reduce the risk of fraud.

3. Business resilience and long-term sustainability

Accurate financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement and cash flow statement, help management evaluate financial performance and assess whether a business can continue operating. Competent analysis of accounting information supports future planning, risk management and business resilience.

4. Different stakeholders use accounting information differently

• Investors focus on current performance, future prospects, dividends and potential capital gains.

• Regulators examine historical financial information to assess compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

• Managers use historical and current data to evaluate performance, plan future activities, allocate resources and make business decisions.

5. Integrated reporting and corporate sustainability

Financial information can be combined with other relevant information to explain a company's performance, values and long-term objectives. Brand reputation and human capital are also important because a company's success depends not only on financial results but also on its people, capabilities and reputation.

6. Professional judgement and accountability

Accounting standards provide a framework for preparing financial reports, but professional judgement is still necessary when estimates and future uncertainties are involved. Accountants must exercise sound judgement while maintaining objectivity, integrity and professional responsibility.

7. The role of artificial intelligence and technology

Artificial intelligence and automation can improve the speed and accuracy of accounting processes. However, technology remains a tool. Competent professionals are needed to interpret information, exercise judgement and translate data into meaningful business decisions.

Conclusion

The key message from Tan Sri Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad is that accounting is not just about numbers; it is about accountability, interpretation and decision-making. Accurate accounting records, ethical professionals and competent financial analysis enable organisations to evaluate performance, manage risks, plan for the future and build business resilience. When combined with operational information, human capital and appropriate technology, accounting becomes a strategic tool for achieving long-term business sustainability.

Source: Putra Business School podcast, “Accounting: Is It Just Numbers?”

STORY 1161: KUALA LUMPUR

Writer: BORNEO RIDER

About 13 years ago, one of my mentors, the Allahyarham Mohed Suratman, gave me advice that remains valuable to me today. At that time, he was a Visiting Engineer at the palm oil mill where I worked in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

His gentle manner of speaking and fatherly nature earned my deepest respect. His words were always simple, precise, and meaningful, reflecting a man rich in knowledge and experience. He was also a former student of the Royal Military College.

Looking at my career record and potential, I imagined that one day I might be transferred to my company's headquarters in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

I shared my feelings with him. Honestly, I told him that I did not like big cities such as Kuala Lumpur. It was a place where everything seemed to move too fast, with people constantly rushing to chase something. The cost of living was high, and almost everything came with a price.

Life in a palm oil plantation was different. It was peaceful, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the people I met were mostly plantation and palm oil mill workers. I preferred that simple way of life.

I added that I would not mind living in Lahad Datu, even though it was only a small town. It was not as busy as Kuala Lumpur, and at that time, everything I needed was available there. I saw no reason to live in a big city.

He listened attentively to every word I said, remaining calm as he considered how best to advise a young engineer with strong opinions about his future.

After listening to my lengthy explanation, he finally spoke.

His answer was simple, yet profound. It made me reconsider how I might live my life in the decades ahead.

"Zul, you are right about your situation today. But one day, everything may change. Your children will grow up and enter university. You will also grow older, and one day, you may need medical care. Education is important, too. Naturally, we want to provide our children with the best possible education. And as you know, many universities are located in the Klang Valley."

That was the conversation I had with my former superior more than 13 years ago.

Several years later, I left the company. One of the reasons was that I did not want to be transferred to Kuala Lumpur.

But Allah had His own plans for me.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, I moved to Kuala Lumpur. Later, I returned to Sabah, only to find myself back in Kuala Lumpur again.

After spending decades living in palm oil plantations and the small town of Lahad Datu, my family and I eventually experienced life in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur.

My eldest daughter entered a matriculation college in Gambang, Pahang, before continuing her studies at a university in Gombak, Selangor.

My second child moved from MRSM Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens in Sandakan, Sabah, to MRSM Tun Dr. Ismail in Pontian, Johor.

My third child moved from Sekolah Menengah Sains Lahad Datu to a fully residential school in Negeri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, my two youngest children remained at home with their mother.

Every time I visited my children at their universities and schools, I remembered my mentor's advice about Kuala Lumpur.

I finally understood the wisdom behind his words. What mattered was not simply where I preferred to live, but what would best support my family's future. Access to education, medical facilities, and opportunities for my children had become important considerations.

Looking back, I am grateful that my mentor took the time to share his wisdom with me. He did not dismiss my preference for a quiet life. Instead, he encouraged me to look beyond my immediate circumstances and consider the responsibilities that lay ahead.

We should not judge the future solely through the eyes of our present circumstances.

Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from a few simple words spoken by someone with greater life experience. We may not fully understand their meaning at the time, but life eventually gives us the opportunity to appreciate their wisdom.

Thank you, Allahyarham Mohed Suratman. Your advice, given more than a decade ago, remains a meaningful part of my journey.

Some mentors leave us with more than knowledge. They leave us with wisdom that time helps us understand.

That is my story today.

STORY 1137 — DECISION MAKING

There is a saying: “Time is gold.”

It reminds us how valuable time really is. In an industrial environment, time is not merely money. Sometimes, a delay in making the right decision can lead to accidents, loss of property, enormous financial losses, and even loss of life.

As a manager of a plant operating 24/7, making the right decision at the right time is extremely important. Every decision—or failure to make one—can affect many people, especially those working at the operational level.

Some managers choose the safest option for themselves: they simply avoid making a decision.

Unfortunately, problems do not disappear just because we refuse to decide. Instead, they grow bigger and bigger until they become what I would describe as a “time bomb.”

The 200 MT Problem

One day, at a palm oil mill, there was a long-standing problem involving almost 200 MT of oil mixed with sludge.

The issue had existed for many years.

The material was stored inside a huge 2,000 MT storage tank, and because of the sludge contamination, the tank could no longer be properly utilised for CPO storage.

When a new manager took over, he decided to solve the long-standing problem.

After some discussions, the sludge oil was eventually sold at an agreed price and quality specification.

The buyer then started sending tankers to collect the oil from the tank.

But there was a problem.

Because the tank was huge, with a very large internal area, a significant amount of material would inevitably remain at the bottom after pumping. The remaining sludge, dirt and old oil amounted to almost 70 MT.

Once the pumping level became too low, the remaining sludge began to cool and solidify. It could no longer be pumped into the tanker.

And that was when the drama began.

From the Marketing Department's perspective, the remaining quantity represented significant value:

70 MT × RM3,000/MT = RM210,000.

Therefore, the instruction was clear:

The tank had to be emptied as much as possible.

From the perspective of the mill supervisor, however, the situation was completely different.

He opened the tank manhole and inspected the remaining material.

What he saw was not simply oil.

It was a mixture of sludge, water and dirt, already partially solidified. It could not be pumped, and removing it manually would be extremely difficult and unpleasant.

And he was absolutely right.

I was also there and witnessed the situation myself.

Speaking Up for the Workers

I felt a responsibility to speak up on behalf of the workers who would eventually have to carry out the work.

So, I went to see the manager and discussed the situation with him.

My hope was that he would bring the matter to a higher level of management and find a safer and more practical solution for the workers.

Unfortunately, the value of the remaining oil appeared to become the main consideration.

The instruction was given:

“Get it out—by whatever means necessary.”

And so, the workers had to do it.

The Human Chain

According to the Mongana work published in the 1980s, moisture and impurities are important parameters in maintaining the quality of crude palm oil. The commonly referenced specification of around 0.25% moisture and impurities became an important quality benchmark for CPO.

When moisture and impurities are high, deterioration and FFA development can occur more rapidly.

But our immediate problem was not even the chemistry.

It was the physical condition of the sludge.

It could not be pumped.

Therefore, the only option left was manual removal.

We formed a human chain.

One shift of workers was assigned to carry out the job.

Small buckets were used to transfer the sludge, one by one, from inside the tank towards the tanker.

Imagine the scene.

The heat.

The smell of oil.

The sludge.

The mud.

The exhausting physical work.

And, most painfully, the faces and morale of the workers.

Watching them made my heart sink.

It was heartbreaking.

Almost a Full Day

Because the work had to be done manually, the despatch operation was severely disrupted.

It took almost the entire day.

Yet after all that effort, only a few tonnes of sludge had been transferred into the tanker.

The tanker driver noticed what was happening.

He subsequently reported the situation to his company.

Then came another unexpected instruction.

The buyer was not satisfied.

They did not agree with the condition of the material being loaded and requested that the sludge already transferred into the tanker be removed again.

We were shocked.

But another instruction came from above:

“Take it out.”

So the workers had to enter the tanker and remove the sludge using the same small buckets.

Another round of exhausting manual work.

At that time, confined-space safety requirements had not yet been fully enforced as they are today, and entering such spaces had unfortunately become something considered routine.

I could not do much.

The instructions came from above, and as workers, we were expected to follow them.

But deep inside, I kept thinking:

This is what happens when a wrong decision is made at the beginning by people who have the authority to make decisions.

The consequences are often not carried by the decision-maker.

They are carried by the people at the bottom.

The Lesson I Never Forgot

Since that day, whenever I am faced with an important decision, I remember this incident.

It taught me something that no management textbook could teach me:

A decision is not just about money.

A good manager must consider the people, safety, time, quality, operational impact, cost, and long-term consequences of every decision.

Sometimes, making no decision is also a decision.

And sometimes, the decision that appears to save money today can create a much bigger cost tomorrow.

Most importantly, when we make decisions from the comfort of the office, we must remember the people who will eventually have to execute those decisions on the ground.

Think before you decide.

Because one wrong decision at the top can create a nightmare at the bottom.

And in a 24/7 operation, sometimes…

the cost of a delayed or wrong decision is not measured in ringgit.

It may be measured in human lives.

That is my story today.

STORY 1160: A PROMISE TO A KID

 

At the age of six, I received a promise from a teacher at a kindergarten in my hometown. More than four decades have passed, yet the memory of that promise remains with me.

Like many other children, starting school at the age of six was an unforgettable experience. It was the beginning of a new chapter in life, when a young child stepped out of the comfort of home for the first time to begin preschool education.

Making new friends, enjoying free meals at school, learning new things, and playing together were among the beautiful memories of childhood. I was no different.

Today, I see how educational institutions, from kindergartens and Islamic preschools such as PASTI to universities, organise award ceremonies to recognise students' achievements in academics and other areas. These ceremonies are meaningful because they encourage students to work harder, build confidence, and strive for excellence in whatever fields they pursue in the future.

After almost a year of learning, playing, and making new friends, my kindergarten organised an annual prize-giving ceremony. My name was also on the list of recipients for several achievements.

On that special day, many parents came to celebrate their children's accomplishments. When my name was called, I happily walked towards the small stage to receive my certificate and prize.

Back then, smartphones did not exist, and cameras were still a luxury that not everyone could afford. Unlike today, when almost every special moment can be recorded on a smartphone and immediately shared through WhatsApp groups and social media, those childhood memories were often kept in our hearts.

After receiving my certificate and prize, I returned to my seat. The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards to other students.

Still filled with excitement, I could not wait to open the tightly rolled certificate. But when I finally unrolled it, I was surprised to discover that something was wrong.

The name printed on the certificate was not mine. It belonged to someone else.

When the ceremony ended, I immediately told my mother. My excitement turned into disappointment, and before long, tears began to roll down my cheeks.

Seeing me on the verge of tears, my mother quickly approached the kindergarten teacher and explained what had happened. The teacher acknowledged her mistake, and the certificate was returned to her because it did not belong to me.

The teacher then confidently promised that she would give me the correct certificate a few days later.

For a six-year-old child, that promise meant everything. My sadness began to fade because an adult, someone I trusted and respected as a teacher, had given me hope. I believed that the certificate I deserved would soon be in my hands.

But days passed, and I continued waiting.

Two weeks later, the kindergarten term came to an end. The long school holidays began, lasting more than a month. Eventually, I started my primary school journey at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sabak, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan.

Whenever I passed the kindergarten teacher's house, I would look at it and remember the promise she had made to me.

When would I finally receive my certificate?

That simple question remained unanswered.

More than 40 years have passed since that incident. I have long moved on with my life, but the memory of that teacher and the promise she made to a little boy remains deeply rooted in my mind.

Perhaps, to an adult, it was only a small mistake involving a certificate. Perhaps the teacher had forgotten about it amid her daily responsibilities. I do not know what happened or why the promise was never fulfilled.

But to a six-year-old child, it was something important. It was a promise made by an adult whom he trusted.

Today, whenever I interact with my own children at home, my wife often reminds me about the promises I make to them.

She always emphasises one simple principle: a promise must be fulfilled.

And when my children promise to study hard and do their best, they, too, are expected to honour their words.

As a father, I have come to understand that promises are not merely words spoken in a moment. They create expectations, build trust, and shape the way children understand responsibility.

A promise may seem small to an adult, but it can mean the world to a child. When we fulfil our promises, we teach children that our words can be trusted. When we fail to keep them, even unintentionally, the disappointment may stay with them far longer than we realise.

We may forget the promises we make, but the people who believe in us may remember them for a lifetime.

That is why we should be careful with our words, especially when speaking to children. They may be young, but their feelings are real, their expectations are sincere, and their trust is precious.

A promise is a valuable thing. It costs nothing to make one, but keeping it can mean everything to someone who believes in us.

That is my story for today.