The Decision That Shaped My Life

1102 – The Decision That Shaped My Life

One day, I told a friend that I had served in the army during my university years through ROTU.

He looked at me, smiled, and simply said, "I don't believe you."

I understood why. Today, I have long hair. It doesn't exactly match the image most people have of a former soldier.

I told him that for the past 25 years, I had kept my hair in a military-style cut. Only at the beginning of this year did I decide to grow it long.

He was still skeptical—until I showed him a few old photographs from my army training days.

Those four years of military training shaped far more than my appearance. They shaped my character.

They led me to meet my wife. They gave me the resilience to survive 15 years in the challenging upstream palm oil industry. They helped me remain an engineer in a demanding work environment. More importantly, they laid the foundation for my growth in leadership, communication, discipline, and management.

Looking back, it's amazing how a decision made nearly 30 years ago—simply to earn the ROTU training allowance—ended up influencing the next three decades of my life.

Sometimes, the choices we make for small reasons become the turning points that define who we are.

That's my story for today.

Sajak Dari Bintang Ke Bintang - Usman Awang

 

Sajak "Dari Bintang ke Bintang" karya Sasterawan Negara Malaysia Usman Awang adalah sebuah karya romantis yang menggambarkan rasa cinta mendalam, kenangan manis, serta keperihan melihat kekasih hati bersanding dengan pilihan orang lain. Anda dapat membaca bait lengkap sajak ini yang bersumber dari arsip.

Isi Sajak

Sajak ini berkisah tentang pertemuan awal yang penuh cinta, kebahagiaan yang dirasakan, hingga kenyataan pahit melihat sang kekasih bersanding di pelamin. Anda dapat membaca teks lengkapnya melalui sumber. [

Tema dan Makna

• Cinta Bersemi: Menggambarkan kekaguman dan getaran jiwa saat cinta pertama kali dirasakan.
• Kenyataan Pahit: Kesedihan mendalam penyair melihat sang kekasih menikah dengan orang lain.
• Kenangan Abadi: Bayangan kekasih yang tetap hidup dalam ingatan, terbayang di antara bintang-bintang.

Sajak

DARI BINTANG KE BINTANG ~ Usman Awang

Ketika mata saling menyapa senyum berbunga

Tasik hati mu mencecah jiwaku mesra

Betapa debar dada kurnia alam kasih bertakhta

Kau datang tanpa suara, menjamahku tanpa sabda

 

Subur laksana ladang petani di lereng gunung

Ranum menguntum dalam wujud rasa maha agung

Mata yang memberi hati ini penuh menanti

Kureguk kasih menghadapi hidup seluruh berani

 

Ini kulihat kepalamu tersandar di jinjang pelamin

Rambutmu tersanggul terandam mengilau di cahaya lilin

Gemersik kainmu membisikkan bahagia malam pengantin

Melimpah tumpah bahagia dalam tawa teman keliling

 

Ketika malam kulihat matamu pada bintang

Senyummu melambai di gemilang sinar bulan

Dari bintang ke bintang kunantikan lagumu

Hanya kerdipan dalam bisu suara hatiku bimbang

 

Jika aku berdiri di muka jendela hati terluka

Bulan sedang mengintai di balik awan kusapa

Angin yang datang dari pelaminmu kutanya

Ia bisa mengabarkan saat adinda sedang bahagia

( 1960 - Puisi-Puisi Pilihan Sasterawan Negara, DBP 1991)

 

Pak Utih Usman Awang 1954

Sajak "Pak Utih" karya Usman Awang adalah sebuah puisi satira sosial tahun 1954 yang menggambarkan kemiskinan petani desa, beban penderitaan keluarga, dan kelalaian janji para pemimpin. 

Tema dan Maksud Sajak

• Kehidupan Petani Miskin: Menceritakan Pak Utih yang bekerja keras di atas tanah tandus demi menyara seorang istri dan lima orang anak.
• Penyakit dan Kesulitan: Menyoroti bagaimana keluarga kecil itu tersiksa oleh penyakit malaria tanpa akses perobatan yang sempurna.
• Kritik Sosial: Menyindir pihak penguasa atau pemimpin yang lupa daratan dan mengabaikan nasib rakyat kecil setelah mereka berkuasa. 

 

Sajak Pak Utih

Punya satu isteri mau dakap sampai mati,

Lima anak mau makan setiap hari,

Teratak tua digayuti cerita pusaka,

Sebidang tanah tandus untuk huma.

Kulit tangan tegang berbelulang,

Biasa keluarkan peluh berapa saja,

O Pak Utih, petani yang berjasa.

 

Tapi malaria senang menjenguk mereka,

Meski dalam sembahyang doa berjuta,

Dan Mak Utih bisa panggil dukun kampung,

Lalu jampi matera serapah berulang-ulang.

 

Betapa Pak Dukun dan bekalan pulang,

Wang dan ayam dara diikat bersilang.

 

II

Di kota pemimpin berteriak-teriak,

Pilihanraya dan kemerdekaan rakyat,

Seribu kemakmuran dalam negara berdaulat,

Jambatan mas kemakmuran sampai ke akhirat.

Ketika kemenangan bersinar gemilang,

Pemimpin atas mobil maju ke depan, dadanya terbuka,

Ah, rakyat tercinta melambaikan tangan mereka.

 

Di mana-mana jamuan dan pesta makan,

Ayam panggang yang enak di depan,

Datang dari desa yang dijanjikan kemakmuran.

 

Pak Utih masih menanti dengan doa,

Bapak-bapak pergi ke mana di mobil besar?

Usman Awang, 1954

Kesusasteraan

Su = baik, indah, cantik, seni dan berguna.

Sastra = karya ( lisan/bertulis) atau buku.

Susastra = karya yang indah dan berguna.

Kesusasteraan = semua bentuk karya bernilai seni dan berguna

Senarai Sasterawan Negara

1. 1981 : Kamaluddin Muhamad atau Keris Mas

2. 1982 : Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Shahnon Ahmad

3. 1983 : Datuk Dr. Usman Awang

4. 1986 : Datuk Dr. A. Samad Said

5. 1988 : Muhammad Dahlan bin Abdul Biang atau Arena Wati

6. 1991 : Prof. Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh

7. 1993 : Datuk Noordin Hasan

8. 1996 : Datuk Abdullah Hussain

9. 2001 : S. Othman Kelantan atau Dr. Syed Othman Syed Kelantan

10. 2009 : Dato' Dr. Anwar Ridhwan

11. 2011 : Datuk Dr. Ahmad Kamal Abdullah (Kemala)

12. 2013 : Datuk Hj. Baharuddin Zainal

13. 2016: Datuk Dr. Zurinah Hassan

14. 2019: Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail

The Day I Couldn't Move

There are moments in life that divide our journey into two parts: before and after. For me, that moment came in the middle of 2021, during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking back, perhaps the warning signs had been there all along.

For more than fifteen years, I had worked in the palm oil industry, travelling countless kilometres along rough gravel roads to remote plantations. Long hours behind the steering wheel had become a normal part of my life. Then came COVID-19. Like millions of others, I spent nearly two years working from home, sitting through endless online meetings with very little movement. Age was catching up with me too, although I rarely admitted it.

I thought I was doing just fine.

One ordinary weekend, I cleaned the house, worked in the garden, and cooked lunch for my family. It felt like a productive day. Afterwards, I decided to lie down and have a short rest.

Then, everything changed.

Without warning, an unbearable pain shot through my lower back. Within seconds, I collapsed onto the living room floor. I tried to move—but I couldn't. Even the slightest movement sent waves of agony through my body.

Panic set in.

I called my wife. Then my friends. An ambulance soon arrived.

The pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

Because Malaysia was still under strict COVID-19 restrictions, I had to face the hospital alone. My wife and children could not visit me. Those three days felt much longer than seventy-two hours.

For three days, I could barely move. I couldn't even walk to the toilet without assistance. The pain was relentless, and the loneliness was equally difficult. There were moments when I simply stared at the hospital ceiling, thinking about life.

After several days of lumbar traction treatment, something extraordinary happened.

For the first time, I managed to stand.

They were only a few small steps to the toilet, but to me, they felt like climbing a mountain.

I had never appreciated the simple act of standing, walking, or moving until that day.

On the fourth day, I was discharged.

When I reached home and saw my wife and my children waiting for me, something deep inside me changed forever.

I asked myself a question that many of us avoid.

"What if I don't wake up tomorrow?"

That single question reshaped my priorities.

I realised that I had spent years building a career, solving problems, chasing deadlines and responsibilities. Yet I had often postponed taking care of the one asset that made everything else possible—my health.

That day, I made a promise to myself.

I would take better care of my body.

I would lose weight.

I would exercise regularly.

I would not wait until illness forced me to appreciate good health.

But the lessons went beyond physical fitness.

I promised myself that I would spend more quality time with my wife and my children.

I would visit my parents, relatives, and friends more often.

I would stop wasting energy on arguments, pride, and unnecessary conflicts.

Life is simply too short to carry unnecessary burdens.

Instead, I wanted to do more good.

To help more people.

To forgive more quickly.

To smile more often.

To appreciate every sunrise, every conversation, every meal shared with family, and every opportunity to make someone's day a little brighter.

I also promised myself something I had always dreamed about.

I wanted to see the world.

Not because I wanted to escape life, but because I wanted to experience it fully.

Every country has a story.

Every journey teaches a lesson.

Every destination reminds us how precious our time really is.

Today, my back is much better.

But the greatest healing was never my spine.

It was my perspective.

Sometimes, life does not need to take everything away to teach us what truly matters.

Sometimes, all it takes is one painful moment on the living room floor to remind us that every heartbeat is a gift.

Since that day, I no longer measure success only by promotions, achievements, or material possessions.

I measure success by the moments I share with the people I love.

By the kindness I leave behind.

By the memories I create.

By the lives I touch.

Because one day, none of us will remember the meetings we attended, the emails we sent, or the deadlines we met.

But our family will remember the time we spent with them.

Our friends will remember how we made them feel.

And the world will remember not what we owned, but what we gave.

If my experience has taught me anything, it is this:

Never wait for a hospital bed to remind you that your health is priceless.

Never wait for loneliness to remind you that your family is your greatest treasure.

Never wait for a close call with life to start truly living.

Every morning we wake up is another chance.

A chance to love.

A chance to forgive.

A chance to grow.

A chance to make today meaningful.

Because life is not measured by the number of years we live—

It is measured by how deeply we live each moment we are given.

Lirik Petuah Hasehat

Qasidah Melayu judul Petuah Nasehat

Ciptaan H. Jalidar Abd Rahim (Group Nur El Sabah) dari Sumatera Utara

Bila diri ingin dikenang...

Semailah benih...ditengah sawah

Bila diri ingin dikenang...

Semailah benih... ditengah sawah

Bawalah ilmu...padi di ladang

Tambah berisi...tunduk kebawah

Bawalah ilmu...padi di ladang

Tambah berisi...tunduk kebawah

Bila diri ingin terpandang...

Jauhi kata tinggi melambung ...

Bila diri ingin terpandang

Jauhi kata tinggi melambung

Jauhi sifat ayam di kandang...

Bertelur satu ribut sekampung

Jauhi sifat ayam di kandang

Bertelur satu ribut sekampung

Jauhi sifat mengaku pandai

Angkuh dan sombong menepuk dada

Jauhi sifat mengaku pandai

Angkuh dan sombong menepuk dada

Ingat petuah penyu dipantai

Telur beratus namun tak bangga

Ingat petuah penyu dipantai

Telur beratus namun tak bangga

Bila ingin harum bak mawar...

Jauhi sifat meninggi diri...

Bila ingin harum bak mawar..

Jauhi sifat meninggi diri...

Bisa ular tidak kan tawar...

Walau menyuruk batang berduri...

Bisa ular tidak kan tawar...

Walau menyuruk batang berduri...

Lirik Petuah Nasehat

Cover lagu Petuah Nasehat

Ciptaan H. Jalidar Abd Rahim (Group El Sabah) dari Sumatera Utara

Kalaulah pandai meniti buih...

Selamatlah badan sampai ke seberang....

Di dalam hidup banyak rintangan...

Orang yang sabar Tuhan kasihkan...

Hidup banyak rintangan...

Orang yang sabar Tuhan kasihkan...

Tanak pulut santan binasa....

Kerana mulut badan binasa.....

Fikirkan dulu yang hendak dikata....

Jangan ikutkan nafsu semata....

Fikirkan dulu yang hendak dikata.....

Jangan ikutkan nafsu semata....

Kalaulah mandi bergilir - gilir...

Bila terkenang dkerja di sawah...

Hidup di dunia kan terus begini...

Sekali senang, sehari susah...

Hidup di dunia kan terus begini...

Sekali senang, sehari susah....

Kalau lah pandai meniti buih...

Selamatlah badan sampai ke seberang....

Di dalam hidup banyak rintangan...

Orang yang sabar Tuhan kasihkan....

Di dalam hidup banyak rintangan...

Orang yang sabar Tuhan kasihkan....

Sajak Guru - Jasamu Dikenang oleh Ahmad Sarju

 Sajak Guru - Jasamu Dikenang

Segala bakti yang engkau curahkan

mengajar mendidik anak bangsa

segala jasa yang engkau taburkan

menjadi kenangan tak akan kami lupakan.

Engkau laksana pelita di malam gelita

memancarkan sinar sepenuh rela

jiwamu tabah hatimu cekal

kasihmu tinggi semangatmu berkobar

yang tak pernah mengenal erti putus asa

yang tak pernah meminta puji dan puja.

Jasamu tak akan luput dalam ingatan kami

sepanjang hayat mekar di sudut had

tiap sepatah katamu mengisi erti

tiap madahmu mengandungi hikmat

pembentuk peribadi penegak kebenaran

pengatur hidup petunjuk kebahagiaan

Hanya kata - kata ini yang dapat kami lafazkan

terkumpul dari seribu hati menjadi satu

menadah tangan dengan doa restu

kepada Tuhan yang menjanjikan pembalasan

kepadmu guru - guru yang berjiwa mulia

pembimbing petunjuk ke arah maju jaya.

Jujur dan ikhlas engkau berbakti

di kota dan desa atau di hujung negeri

cekal dan tabah menempuh dugaan

hidupmu bagaikan diri menerangi yang kelam

jasamu akan ku kenang sepanjang zaman.

Ahmad Sarju, Klang, 1988

Elaeidobius Kamerunicus - The Little Giant

   

 

,

If you think you're too small to change the world, think again. Think of the oil palm pollinating weevil, Elaeidobius kamerunicus.

Barely 2 millimetres long, this tiny beetle was introduced from West Africa to Malaysia in the early 1980s to solve one of the oil palm industry's greatest challenges—pollination.

Before its arrival, pollination was carried out manually by thousands of workers, making the process labour-intensive, costly, and inefficient. The introduction of this tiny insect transformed the industry almost overnight. Natural pollination became highly effective, fruit set improved dramatically, bunches became heavier, and oil yields increased significantly.

Its impact reached far beyond the plantation. As fresh fruit bunches grew larger and heavier, palm oil mills had to evolve. Sterilisers were redesigned with larger capacities, and modern three-peak steam sterilisation systems were adopted to process the increased crop efficiently.

This remarkable partnership between nature and science helped propel Malaysia into the golden age of the palm oil industry. Up to 2003, Malaysia had become the world's largest producer of palm oil, a position built not only on engineering and human effort but also on the extraordinary work of a tiny beetle that most people never notice.

Never underestimate the power of small things. Sometimes, the smallest creatures create the biggest revolutions.

Professional Competency Examination (PCE)

How to get PEPC?

Selepas selesai Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) dan menjadi Professional Engineer (Without Practicing Certificate - PEPC), anda perlu menduduki Professional Competency Examination (PCE) dari BEM.

Berikut link panduan PCE dari BEM https://engineer.org.my/public/knowledgebases/FolderIndex?folderid=12

Syllabus of PEPC

PCE will test you on design, acts, bylaws and
everyday experience in performing the job.

Anda perlu menduduki peperiksaan berikut

Part A (Common Paper) and B (Technical Paper)

Key Knowledge Areas

A. BEM Publication & Regulations

1. Understanding the Regilations of Engineer Act and Regulations
2. Reviewing all BEM circulars and publications (including BEM HQ)
3. Familiarity with different types of Engineering Consultancy Practices (ESPs), including formation, composition and requirements
4. Importance of the Letter of Release (why & when it is required, and when it it not)
5. Understanding the BEM Form of Contract & Scale of Fees (SOF)
6. Code of Ethics for registered person

B. Contract Law and Legal Principles

1. Difference between Reasonable Skill & Care vs. Fit for Purpose
2. Basics of contract formation (Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Intention to Create Legal relations, Frustration, Void/Voidable Contracts, etc)
3. Understanding that contracts can be formed in writing, verbally, or through conduct
4. Consequences of breach of contract and legal remedies
5. CIPAA, Arbitration and Legal Proceedings (especially in retrieving outstanding fees or contruction claims)

C. Forms of Contracts (PAM, IEM, JKR, D&B, FIDIC)

1. Roles and Power of the Contract Administrator/Superintending Officer
2. Response timeframes for key contract clauses
3. Termination clauses and associated procedures
4. Extension of Time (EOT), Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) and project timelines
5. Dispute resolution machanisms

D. UBBL and Street, Drainage & Building Act (SDA)

1. Borang G and Borang F  their importance and submission process
2. Section 70 of SDA - a crucial regulatory requirement
3. Roles and responsibilities of the Submitting Person and Principal Submitting Person under UBBL
4. Qualification criteria for Submitting Persons (e.g., beyond Professional Engineers with Practicing Certificates (PEPC), certain Registered Wireman and other qualified personnel may also be eligible to sign G-Forms

Aftertought

1. While every element in the PCE syllabus is essential, i personnaly believe that focusing on these key areas (BEM publications and regulations, contract law, forms of contracts, and UBBL/SDA) will greatly help candidates in answering the common subjectives questions.
2. The PCE is undoubtedly tough and tricky, but the preparation process itself is invaluable. In mastering these topics, you are preparing for an exam - you are preparing to become a business owner in an Engineering Consultancy Practise (ESP) and a qualified person to endorse engineering drawings and documents.

Guru Kehidupan

Ada orang datang dalam hidup kita hanya seketika, tetapi meninggalkan kesan yang kekal seumur hidup.

Begitulah kisah Ir. Ong See Boon dalam perjalanan kerjaya saya.

Saya mengenali beliau ketika memasuki tahun ketiga bertugas di Morisem Palm Oil Mill B. Pada waktu itu, beliau baru dilantik sebagai General Manager, Engineering Group Department di peringkat syarikat. Sebelum menyertai syarikat kami, beliau telah berkhidmat di sebuah GLC terkemuka negara dan membawa bersama pengalaman berpuluh-puluh tahun dalam dunia kejuruteraan.

Sejak hari pertama bertemu, saya sudah tertarik dengan peribadi beliau.

Bukan kerana gelaran "Ir." di hadapan namanya, tetapi kerana kerendahan hati yang dimilikinya.

Ketika itu, saya masih seorang jurutera muda yang menyimpan impian besar. Salah satu cita-cita saya ialah menjadi Jurutera Profesional. Apabila mempunyai seorang ketua yang telah mencapai impian itu, saya merasakan seolah-olah saya sudah menemui orang yang tepat untuk dijadikan mentor.

Beliau tidak pernah bercakap dengan nada seorang bos.

Sebaliknya, beliau berbicara seperti seorang ayah yang sedang membimbing anaknya.

Setiap patah perkataan disampaikan dengan tenang. Tiada suara yang tinggi. Tiada ego. Tetapi setiap nasihatnya begitu dalam maknanya. Bagaikan hujan yang turun ke tanah yang telah lama kering, segala pesanan beliau terus meresap ke dalam fikiran saya dan menjadi bekalan sepanjang perjalanan kerjaya.

Namun, pertemuan itu tidak lama.

Tidak lama kemudian, beliau berpindah ke syarikat lain. Walaupun begitu, hubungan kami masih diteruskan. Setiap kali saya berdepan dengan cabaran dalam kerjaya, saya akan menghubungi beliau untuk mendapatkan pandangan.

Satu nasihat beliau yang tidak pernah saya lupakan sehingga hari ini ialah:

"Jangan hanya menjadi jurutera yang memahami mesin. Belajarlah juga mengurus manusia. Jika kejuruteraan ialah sains, pengurusan juga ialah satu sains—sains mengurus manusia."

Pada ketika itu, saya hanya mengangguk.

Tetapi belasan tahun kemudian, apabila saya memegang pelbagai jawatan kepimpinan, mengurus pasukan, menyelesaikan konflik dan membangunkan organisasi, barulah saya benar-benar memahami maksud kata-kata beliau.

Rupa-rupanya, seorang jurutera yang hebat bukan hanya mahir menyelesaikan masalah teknikal.

Dia juga perlu mahir memahami manusia.

Masa terus berlalu.

Kesibukan hidup menyebabkan kami akhirnya terputus hubungan selama bertahun-tahun.

Sehinggalah hujung minggu yang lalu.

Selepas satu "misi jejak kasih", akhirnya saya berjaya mendapatkan nombor telefon beliau. Kami mengatur pertemuan di Shah Alam.

Saat melihat beliau melangkah masuk, saya seolah-olah kembali menjadi jurutera muda yang dahulunya begitu banyak belajar daripada beliau.

Kini beliau berusia 75 tahun.

Masih memandu sendiri.

Masih aktif menjadi perunding (consultant).

Masih petah berbicara.

Masih tajam pemikirannya.

Walaupun hampir setahun lalu beliau menjalani pembedahan jantung, semangat hidupnya masih luar biasa.

Kami berbual selama beberapa jam.

Tentang kisah lama.

Tentang dunia kejuruteraan yang semakin berubah.

Tentang cabaran generasi muda.

Tentang kehidupan.

Dan sebelum kami berpisah, beliau meninggalkan satu lagi nasihat yang mungkin lebih berharga daripada semua ilmu kejuruteraan yang pernah beliau ajarkan.

Beliau berkata,

"Walau setinggi mana kerjaya kita, walau sebanyak mana harta yang kita kumpulkan, apabila usia semakin lanjut, pastikan keluarga sentiasa berada di sisi. Jangan biarkan sisa umur dihabiskan sendirian tanpa keluarga."

Kata-kata itu sangat sederhana.

Tetapi semakin saya memikirkannya, semakin saya sedar betapa dalam maknanya.

Pada malam itu juga, beliau memberitahu bahawa beliau ingin membawa isterinya keluar makan malam sempena ulang tahun kelahiran isterinya.

Mendengar cerita itu, saya tersenyum.

Barangkali, di situlah sebenarnya definisi sebuah kehidupan yang berjaya.

Bukan sekadar jawatan.

Bukan sekadar gelaran "Ir.".

Bukan sekadar pengalaman puluhan tahun.

Tetapi apabila di penghujung usia nanti, masih ada tangan yang menggenggam tangan kita.

Masih ada pasangan yang menunggu kita pulang.

Masih ada anak-anak dan keluarga yang menjadi sebab untuk terus tersenyum.

Saya datang menemui seorang mentor untuk mengenang masa lalu.

Tetapi saya pulang membawa satu pelajaran baharu tentang masa depan.

Terima kasih, Ir. Ong See Boon.

Sesetengah guru mengajar kita cara membina sebuah kilang.

Tetapi guru yang hebat mengajar kita cara membina sebuah kehidupan.

Doakan Ir. Ong See Boon dan isteri dikurniakan kesihatan berpanjangan.

 

Energy definition

"energy is the ability to do work" is the standard definition used in many physics and engineering textbooks.

A more precise statement is:

Energy is the ability (or capacity) to do work.

The reason I said "capacity to do work or cause change" is that many modern physics texts broaden the definition because energy also drives processes that don't neatly fit the classical definition of mechanical work (e.g., heating, radiation, chemical reactions, phase changes). However, for engineering and introductory physics, the classical definition is preferred.

For example:

• Physics/Engineering definition:
  Energy is the ability (capacity) to do work.

• Work definition:
  Work is done when a force causes an object to move through a distance in the direction of the force.

• SI unit:
  Both energy and work are measured in joules (J).

Borewell water projek 55m kedalaman

Dalam satu project borewell water sedalam 55m, antara tanda digunakan untuk memeriksa lokasi mempunyai air atau tidak adalah dengan kehadiran batu - pasir halus seperti di bawah.

List of Act for Energy Manager Course

The 5-Day Energy Manager Training Course conducted by IEM Training Academy Sdn Bhd (formerly IEM Training Centre Sdn Bhd) is designed to prepare participants for registration as a Registered Energy Manager (REM) with the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga). The legal content has evolved from the earlier REEM/EMEER 2008 framework to the current EECA 2024 framework. (IEM TRAINING ACADEMY SDN BHD)

Below are the major Malaysian Acts, Regulations, Standards and Guidelines typically covered.

Legislation / Standard	Purpose	Importance for Energy Manager
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 (EECA 2024)	Main legislation governing energy efficiency	Primary Act governing REM duties and designated installations. (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Regulations	Regulations made under EECA	Registration of REMs, obligations, reporting and compliance. (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Energy Commission Act 2001 (Act 610)	Establishes Suruhanjaya Tenaga	Powers and enforcement of the Energy Commission. (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447)	Regulates electricity supply and installations	Electrical safety, licensing and legal responsibilities. (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Electricity Regulations 1994	Technical requirements for electrical installations	Competent persons, maintenance and safe operation. (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)
Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 (EMEER 2008)	Previous energy management regulation	Historical basis of REEM before EECA implementation. (My IEM)

Malaysian Standards covered

• MS ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems

• MS ISO 50002 – Energy Audits

• MS ISO 50006 – Energy Performance Indicators (EnPI)

• MS ISO 50015 – Measurement & Verification

• MS ISO 50003 (Energy management system certification)

• MS IEC 60364 (Low-voltage electrical installations – selected requirements)

• Energy-efficient Malaysian Standards for lighting, motors, transformers and HVAC systems. 

Energy Commission Guidelines

The course also introduces several Energy Commission guidance documents, including:

• Guide on Energy Management System

• Guide for Energy Audit

• Guide for Registered Energy Manager (REM)

• Guide for Designated Installations

• Energy reporting procedures

• Measurement & Verification (M&V)

• Energy Performance Indicators (EnPI)

• Energy baseline development

• Monitoring, Targeting and Reporting (M&T). (Suruhanjaya Tenaga)

National Policies and Roadmaps

Participants are normally introduced to:

• National Energy Policy

• National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)

• National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP)

• Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER)

• National Green Technology Policy

• National Climate Change Policy. 

Other Acts commonly referenced

Although not the main focus, Energy Managers should understand how these laws interact with energy projects:

• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) (and amendments)

• Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139) (where still applicable)

• Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127)

• Sustainable Energy Development Authority Act 2011 (Act 726)

• Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 725)

These become important when implementing boiler upgrades, motor replacements, compressed air improvements, solar PV systems, or process modifications.

Technical topics linked to the legislation

According to the IEM course outline, the five-day programme also covers:

• Duties and responsibilities of a Registered Energy Manager

• Malaysian energy policies and governance

• Electrical energy management

• Mechanical energy management

• HVAC systems

• Pumps and fans

• Compressed air systems

• Boilers and steam systems

• Renewable energy

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

• Energy monitoring and data logging

• Energy audits

• ISO 50001 implementation

• Financial evaluation (NPV, IRR, Payback)

• Management review

• Online examination and competency assessment. 

Given your experience in palm oil mills, refineries, solvent extraction plants, and boiler systems, the legislation and technical subjects most relevant to your work are:

1. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 (EECA)

2. Electricity Supply Act 1990

3. Electricity Regulations 1994

4. Energy Commission Act 2001

5. MS ISO 50001 Energy Management System

6. Boiler and steam system energy efficiency

7. Motor, pump and fan optimization

8. Compressed air systems

9. Process heating and heat recovery

10. Energy audits and Measurement & Verification (M&V)

Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 - 21,600 Gigajoules & 8,000 m2 requirements

Under the Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 (Malaysia), a building or installation may be classified as a designated installation if it meets certain energy consumption thresholds.

The figures you mentioned are:

• Annual energy consumption: 21,600 GJ (Gigajoules)

• Gross floor area: 8,000 m²

These are criteria used to determine whether a building must appoint a Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) and comply with energy management requirements.

1. What does 21,600 GJ mean?

21,600 GJ is the total electrical energy consumed in one year.

To better understand this figure:

• 1 GJ = 277.78 kWh

Therefore,

21,600 GJ × 277.78 = approximately 6,000,000 kWh/year

or

• 6 GWh/year

• 6,000 MWh/year

This is equivalent to:

• 500,000 kWh/month

• 16,400 kWh/day

• Average electrical demand ≈ 685 kW continuously throughout the year

Typical facilities consuming around 6 GWh/year

Examples include:

• Large office complexes

• Hospitals

• Universities

• Shopping malls

• Large hotels

• Manufacturing plants

• Palm oil refineries

• Solvent extraction plants

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2. What does 8,000 m² mean?

This refers to the gross floor area (GFA) of a building.

An 8,000 m² building could typically be:

• 8-storey office building with 1,000 m² per floor

• Shopping mall

• Hospital

• University faculty building

• Large hotel

The floor area criterion is mainly intended for commercial buildings where energy use is closely related to building services such as:

• Air conditioning

• Lighting

• Lifts and escalators

• Chilled water systems

• Ventilation

---

3. Why are these thresholds important?

If a building exceeds either threshold (subject to the applicable regulations in force), the owner is generally required to:

• Appoint a Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM).

• Monitor and analyse electricity consumption.

• Implement energy-saving measures.

• Maintain energy records.

• Submit reports to the relevant authority when required.

• Conduct periodic energy assessments or audits as prescribed.

The objective is to reduce:

• Electricity wastage

• Operating costs

• Carbon emissions

• Peak electricity demand

---

4. Example Calculation

Suppose an office building has:

• Gross Floor Area = 10,000 m²

• Annual electricity consumption = 4,800,000 kWh

Convert to GJ:

4,800,000 × 0.0036 = 17,280 GJ

Result:

• Floor area exceeds 8,000 m² ✔

• Energy consumption is below 21,600 GJ ✘

Depending on the specific regulatory requirements applicable, the building may still fall within the scope because of its floor area.

---

5. Industrial Example

A palm oil refinery operates:

• Average demand = 1 MW

• Operating hours = 24 hours/day

• Annual energy:

1 MW × 8,760 hours = 8,760 MWh/year

= 8,760,000 kWh/year

= 31,536 GJ/year

This exceeds 21,600 GJ/year, meaning the facility would generally fall within the designated threshold based on energy consumption.

---

Summary

Criterion	Threshold	Equivalent
Annual energy consumption	21,600 GJ/year	6,000,000 kWh/year (6 GWh/year)
Gross floor area	8,000 m²	Large commercial/institutional building
Average electrical demand equivalent	≈685 kW	Continuous average over one year

Mudiak Batang hari

 "Mudiak Batang Hari" adalah lagu tradisional Minangkabau yang bergenre Pop Tradisional Minang (atau klasik). Lagu ini dicirikan oleh vokal mendayu-dayu yang kaya dengan cengkok khas, serta diiringi oleh melodi alat musik tiup saluang atau akordeon yang dikemas dalam aransemen modern bernuansa orkestra melayu.

Lirik adaptasi kepada Bahasa Melayu

ANAK ORANG TELUK KUANTAN

Anak dara dari Teluk Kuantan,

Berhasrat menuju ke Pasar Benai.

Kasih yang dulu menjadi harapan,

Kini terbentang, namun tak tergapai.

Selesai sudah dari Pasar Benai,

Langkah diteruskan menuju Pangian.

Kasih yang dirindu tak juga sampai,

Lelah menanggung seluruh kerinduan.

Naiklah kereta kuda perlahan-lahan,

Pelita dipasang menyinari jalan.

Niat di hati belum kesampaian,

Yang tinggal kini hanya kepedihan.

Andai takdir belum menyatukan,

Redalah hati menerima suratan.

Walau cinta terus diperjuangkan,

Namun tak semua berakhir impian.

Biarlah waktu menjadi penawar,

Mengubat luka yang lama bersarang.

Walau hati masih berdebar,

Kasih yang hilang tetap dikenang.

Energy Manager ; what you will learn?

Dalam Energy Manager Training Course (EMTC) anjuran IEM, peserta akan mempelajari gabungan teori, pengiraan dan kajian kes sebenar supaya mampu mengurus penggunaan tenaga secara sistematik.

Antara topik utama ialah:

1. Asas Pengurusan Tenaga

Konsep kecekapan tenaga.

Dasar dan sistem pengurusan tenaga.

Standard ISO 50001.

2. Perundangan dan Peraturan

Akta dan Peraturan Kecekapan dan Penjimatan Tenaga Malaysia.

Tanggungjawab Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM).

3. Audit Tenaga

Kaedah menjalankan audit tenaga.

Pengumpulan dan analisis data.

Mengenal pasti peluang penjimatan tenaga.

4. Sistem Elektrik

Transformer.

Motor elektrik.

Variable Speed Drive (VSD).

Faktor kuasa (Power Factor).

Sistem pencahayaan.

5. Sistem Mekanikal

Boiler dan sistem stim.

Steam trap.

Pam.

Kipas.

Pemampat udara (air compressor).

Chiller dan HVAC.

6. Pengukuran dan Pengesahan (Measurement & Verification)

Cara mengukur penjimatan tenaga.

Penggunaan meter tenaga dan data logger.

Analisis bil elektrik.

7. Analisis Ekonomi

Kos projek.

Payback period.

Return on Investment (ROI).

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA).

8. Projek Penjimatan Tenaga

Mengenal pasti projek.

Penyediaan laporan.

Pembentangan cadangan kepada pihak pengurusan.

Sangat relevan untuk industri sawit

Bagi kilang sawit, peserta akan dapat mengenal pasti peluang penjimatan seperti:

Mengoptimumkan kecekapan boiler.

Mengurangkan penggunaan elektrik motor dan pam.

Mengoptimumkan operasi turbin stim.

Mengurangkan kehilangan stim (steam losses).

Mengawal penggunaan elektrik semasa waktu puncak (maximum demand).

Memantau Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) bagi setiap tan TBS diproses.

Kepentingan EMTC Energy Manager

Kursus Energy Manager Training Course (EMTC) anjuran sangat penting, terutamanya bagi jurutera, pengurus kilang, pengurus fasiliti dan industri yang menggunakan tenaga elektrik dalam jumlah yang besar.

Kepentingannya ialah:

1. Mematuhi keperluan undang-undang – Kursus ini menyediakan peserta untuk menjadi Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) yang diiktiraf oleh Suruhanjaya Tenaga bagi membantu organisasi memenuhi keperluan peraturan pengurusan tenaga.

2. Mengurangkan kos operasi – Peserta belajar mengenal pasti pembaziran tenaga, menganalisis penggunaan elektrik, dan melaksanakan projek penjimatan tenaga yang boleh menjimatkan ribuan hingga jutaan ringgit setahun.

3. Meningkatkan kecekapan loji – Meliputi sistem elektrik, motor, pam, pemampat udara, boiler, sistem penyejukan, HVAC dan pemantauan tenaga supaya operasi lebih cekap.

4. Menyokong kelestarian (ESG) – Penggunaan tenaga yang lebih cekap mengurangkan pelepasan karbon dan membantu syarikat mencapai sasaran kelestarian.

5. Meningkatkan kerjaya – Pensijilan EMTC memberi nilai tambah kepada jurutera dan pengurus kerana kemahiran pengurusan tenaga kini semakin diperlukan dalam sektor pembuatan, minyak sawit, makanan, kimia dan bangunan komersial.

Bagi industri sawit, kursus ini amat bermanfaat kerana membantu mengoptimumkan penggunaan elektrik di stesen proses, boiler, turbin, motor, pam dan sistem utiliti. Penjimatan tenaga 5–15% di sebuah kilang sawit boleh memberi impak kewangan yang besar jika diurus secara sistematik.

BAREH SOLOK oleh Nuskan Syarif

"Bareh Solok" is a traditional Minangkabau folk song from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Originally composed by Nuskan Syarif and made famous by legends like Elly Kasim, its musical style is deeply rooted in traditional Malay/Minang melodies characterized by a smooth, nostalgic, and melancholic rhythm

FULL LIRIK

Beras Solok ditanak harum,

Bersama peria menjadi santapan.

Bunyi lesung bergema berirama,

Disambut senda si tukang sambal.

Musafir datang dari Sumpur,

Singgah sejenak di tepian Singkarak.

Nasi baharu bersama gulai pangek,

Belum sempat dijamah, mentua pun melintas.

Beras Solok, hasil bumi bertuah,

Lemak rasanya memikat jiwa.

Harumnya mengundang rindu di hati,

Warisan pusaka sepanjang masa.

Beras Solok, beras pilihan,

Anugerah sawah nan menghijau.

Sekali merasa pasti terkenang,

Nikmatnya kekal sepanjang hayat.

Gurindam 12 oleh Raja Ali Haji (1846)

LIRIK LAGU GURINDAM 12

Lirik/Lagu : BorneoRider

Inspirasi karya Raja Ali Haji 

Gurindam 12 ialah karya agung sastera Melayu hasil nukilan pujangga Raja Ali Haji pada tahun 1846 (1263 Hijrah) di Pulau Penyengat, Kepulauan Riau. Karya ini diterbitkan secara rasmi pada tahun 1847 dan menjadi panduan hidup penting berteraskan nilai Islam dan budaya Melayu.

Full Lirik

Di Pulau Penyengat cahaya bermula,

Tinta ulama menyuluh jiwa,

Pesan lama diwaris zaman,

Gurindam dua belas jadi pedoman.

Pegang agama teguh di dada,

Jangan dunia memesong rasa,

Kenal Tuhan kenal diri,

Barulah hidup berseri-seri.

Sembahyang tiang seluruh iman,

Puasa mendidik sabar harian,

Zakat membersih jiwa dan harta,

Haji menyempurna janji cinta.

Gurindam… warisan bangsa,

Nasihat lama penyuluh jiwa,

Adab dijaga, iman dibela,

Melayu hidup penuh cahaya.

Dari lidah hingga ke hati,

Dari raja hingga rakyat negeri,

Pesan bijaksana tak lapuk dek masa,

Menjadi pelita sepanjang usia.

Peliharalah mata dan telinga,

Jangan fitnah singgah di jiwa,

Jagalah lidah daripada dusta,

Kerana kata cermin manusia.

Hati itu raja di badan,

Bila rosak musnahlah insan,

Dengki marah usah dipuja,

Kelak binasa akal dan jiwa.

Budi bahasa lambang bangsa,

Ilmu dicari sepanjang usia,

Orang berakal menyiap bekal,

Untuk akhirat yang kekal.

Carilah guru pembimbing diri,

Sahabat setia penawar hati,

Isteri solehah penyejuk jiwa,

Kawan amanah susah dan senang bersama.

Gurindam… warisan bangsa,

Nasihat lama penyuluh jiwa,

Adab dijaga, iman dibela,

Melayu hidup penuh cahaya.

Dari lidah hingga ke hati,

Dari raja hingga rakyat negeri,

Pesan bijaksana tak lapuk dek masa,

Menjadi pelita sepanjang usia.

Banyak bicara banyak dusta,

Kurang siasat membawa celaka,

Didik anak penuh hikmah,

Agar dewasa membawa berkah.

Khianat diri jangan sekali,

Kelak hilang harga diri,

Jangan memuji diri sendiri,

Biarlah budi dikenang nanti.

Yang tahu salah jangan dibuat,

Syaitan datang membawa sesat,

Anak muda jagalah jiwa,

Jangan hanyut godaan dunia.

Hormatilah ayah dan bonda,

Syurga dekat pada mereka,

Didik keluarga penuh kasih,

Agar rumah sentiasa bersih.

Jika memegang suatu amanah,

Buang khianat jauhkan fitnah,

Pemimpin adil disanjung rakyat,

Negeri aman penuh berkat.

Kasihi insan berilmu tinggi,

Hormati mereka sepenuh hati,

Kerana bangsa mulia berdiri,

Dengan adab dan pekerti

Gurindam… suara zaman,

Membimbing insan menuju Tuhan,

Walau dunia terus berubah,

Pesannya tetap indah.

Raja Ali Haji meninggalkan cahaya,

Untuk Melayu sepanjang masa,

Selagi adab dijunjung tinggi,

Selagi itu bangsa berseri.

Di Pulau Penyengat angin berbisik,

Warisan lama terusik cantik,

Gurindam bukan sekadar puisi,

Tetapi cermin jiwa insani.