CARS FOR SALE!

To those interested in these units, contact MFSB.
Both are Used units, in very good condition.
The Waja Chancellor is going for RM70k, the Naza Bestari is selling for RM51K.

You can make an appointment to view the units or even test-drive it.

"Seeing is Believing"

Posted By: Stephen Dass AKA Merekah Fajar

Bintulu Trip Report

( The very 1st Issue of PEGARI MAGAZINE, was in larger sizes and cost dearer )


( SAA, showing off the infamous Kai Joo Lane Curry Puff brought by Merekah Fajar to Bintulu. Everyone that took a bite has something to say about it )


( Menti, Johnny Chuat's eldest daughter & AnakDaraIbu posing for the camera )

( Stacks of past issues of PEGARI magazines )

LJ & I visited Pegari Iban Productions (PIP) for the 2nd time in as many trips to Bintulu.

We put up at Johnny Chuat's place for 2 nights.

We were there attending the "Gelumu (it means gathering in Iban) of "RuaiKitai.Com" in Bintulu last weekend, the 25th of July.

Many guests from Miri as well as Bintulu attended it, the night was filled with plenty of laughters from the large crowd that gathered there. Jokes were told, amidst some lewd ones.

It night ended after 3am Sunday morning, and the more adventurous partygoers went to Karaoke outlets to let off more steam.

Plenty of liquid, plenty of whiskies and beers to go around, and food?! An enterprising gentleman, a TR Billy sent us a large box of "udang galah" and LJ actually that Sunday morning went to a Clinic atfter 8:30 to get medicine because of her allergy to prawns and the likes.

It was a trip to remember for LadyJenn. She didnt catch much sleep the entire night.

Now, it's back to work as usual for both of us and MFSB.

I know, rather both of us, will be back again.

On behalf of LJ and the rest fo our family, I want to Thank JC & Family for their wonderful hospitality, putting us up for 2 nights at their place, God bless you brother. To his wife, Evelyn and their 3 beautiful children, their stay-in maid, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts ... you guys are, simply great!

Hope to see you guys soon.

Stephen KU Dass AKA Merekah Fajar

Bintulu, Here We Come, again!

LadyJenn & myself will be taking our sabbathical leave till Tuesday next week.
Both of us have been working our socks off these past weeks and we need to recharge our batteries before it goes flat on our faces.

Today, somehow we mananged to please our customer En Mohd Sazali, who is buying the Proton Exora M-Line MT. We delivered the vehicle after 6pm and from there we went straightaway to one of our favorites eatery, the Kuching Chicken Porridge.

We call it a night after 9:30 and headed home.

Tomorrow, the 25th of July, we are taking the earliest flight to Bintulu and won't be back until late Monday night, using the last flight out.

Oh! What a day for us like today, and I do hope you have a productive week so far.

Cheerio, folks.

Merekah Fajar

Perodua ViVA ELITE: a new look for the Viva

Perodua launched the new Perodua ViVA Elite today, aimed at offering the market a variant with a more stylish image compared to the original ViVA. It is an aesthetic modification in the style of the Myvi SE, and at the same time they’ve revamped the model line-up a little.

The ViVA was first introduced with 660cc, 850cc, 1,000cc and 1,000cc premium variants. Now it has restructured the model lineup, offering the 660 BX MT, 660 EX MT, 850 MT, 1.0 AT, 1.0 ELITE MT, 1.0 ELITE AT, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi. That’s three different variants for the new ViVA ELITE.



Externally, the ViVA Elite has its own front bumper with integrated foglamps, front grille and its own engine hood design. On the side you’ll see chrome door handles, side skirts, and 14 inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. On the back you’ll see a new rear bumper with a honeycomb grille design, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi model (note, this is different from the ELITE AT) gets an additional rear spoiler. The windows of the ViVA Elite also feature a UV protection coating that is said to reject 91% of UV rays.

On the inside you get a new 1-DIN head unit with MP3 and WMA support, an underside tray under the passenger seat, seat backpockets, a new seat fabric design, and fabric trim on the door panels. All ViVA ELITE models will get seat height adjusters for the driver’s seat, and electrically adjustable side mirrors. On the ELITE EZi, these side mirrors are also electrically retractable and have integrated turn signals.


Only the ViVA 1.0 ELITE EZi gets a full load of safety features including dual SRS airbags for the front, ABS brakes, EBD and Brake Assist. Power steering is also only available on the ELITE models. The other non-Elite models are left with just basic features such as reverse sensors on the 850 and 1.0 model, and a CD player on the 660 EX, 850 and 1.0 model. The following are the prices for the new Perodua ViVA range including the non-Elite models:
Perodua ViVA Elite M/T - RM37,900
Perodua ViVA Elite A/T - RM40,900
Perodua ViVA Elite EZi - RM44,900
Perodua ViVA 1.0 AT - RM36,900
Perodua ViVA 850 MT - RM32,900
Perodua ViVA 660 EX MT - RM28,900
Perodua ViVA 660 BX MT - RM25,300
(Above Sem. M'sia's Prices)


Ok folks. What do you think about these add-ons?
Only in Malaysia, we have these models, different variants.
Save the best for last I say.
Maybe after this will be the NEW Perodua's MPV?

Look out for that, should provide some form of competition against the Proton Exora.
We just have to wait and see.

Stephen Dass AKA Merekah Fajar

Source: paultan.org

All in a day's work

Fetched Donny Joseph AKA Temenggung at our KIA this morning (20th July)on a day trip here to test drive a used Proton Perdana and the Wira AB.

We had a long chat afterwards before catching his flight back to Miri at 7pm this evening.

Folks, last weekend, we were expecting someone from Limbang coming down to KG to look for a 4wheelers as the price is much higher in Miri.

MFSB get its customers/clients from all over Sarawak. Last week end, we even sent by Biaramas Bus an Insurance/Roadtax to our loyal client in Miri, formerly he was in Kuching and now working in Miri.

These days, businesses can be conducted anywhere, and the saying is true, "dunya tanpa sempadan."

Grants, Soft Loans ............

It was published in The Borneo Post, the July 15th edition.

I could have swear I heard this comment before. Our Dayak entrepreneurs not taking advantage of these "grants, soft loans" offered by 8 (eight)sources like Miti, MPC, Mida, Matrade, Ksen, SME Bank, MIDF & Smidec.

MFSB applied for Smidec "Start-Up" facility about 7 months ago. Their officers came around 3-4 months ago to our business premise asking various questions pertaining to our Application.

And up till today, we have NO positive answers from this "source" except "masih dalam proses."

And MFSB is NOT asking for a grant, neither a soft loan!

And MFSB has already purchased (most of) its Office equipments, so what do we need from Smidec after having bought our Office equipments we so badly needed?

I am sure everyone knows TIME is very important to any business persons. We can't wait and Rental must be paid come month end, besides other utility bills.

DCCI and the likes are calling on Dayak (would be) businessmen to attend their "kursus" and where do they go from here?

Everyone with the right contacts can call for any "kursus" regarding this, but if there is NO results at the end or the privilege(s) given to a few selected persons, I don't see where we will benefit from these "sources" at the end?

As a small time car dealer, we (Iban/Dayak combination/husband & wife) are in an industry that is very challenging and controlled mostly by our Chinese brothers.

Personally, I don't see much future for us IF we were to stand toe to toe with the others from the same industry. Not trying to be negative in thoughts, but surely the truth will prevail in the end.

By joining some organisations with politicians heading it, could make it even more "worrisome" for us and if this is the current trend to be eligible for that grants and soft loans, we are definitely left behind by this flock!

But still we have to wage our little "war" and carve out a living and be a provider for our children's future.

At the moment, we are at the mercy of our "bigger" brothers, not that we are lagging behind them but because we lack funds. We need that injection of funds to be able to compete in the open market.

To those with intention to venture into this business, better think again. I'm not trying to discourage any individuals but if you have never been in this industry, better stay out of it. The funds needed to open and run this business could well run into ten of thousands of Ringgit and you're probably asking yourself "why do Stephen Dass AKA Merekah Fajar wants to do it, if it is not worth doing?" My answer is this folks, we have been in this industry for quite sometime, through the good and bad times we been through it all! You need to have the right attitude to weather the storm, and this business is not making each and every month, there is always that risk to think about.

I won't write much on that in here, if you really want to share my experience, be
open-minded and not let a dark cloud hanging over your very thought.

So folks, our direction from now on after this "offer" ended?

Life still goes on .... the world is in recession, and it is not helping most of us in this industry,but always All Glory to GOD, He has not dis-appointed us all the while.

Not even today!

Cheerio,

SDass AKA Merekah Fajar

CAR SCRAPPING SCHEME

RM5,000 Car Rebate Ends In December
2009/07/13

By Minderjeet Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: If your car is more than 10 years old and you are planning to get rid
of it for a national car, do it now as the RM5,000 rebate offer will end in December.

The rebate, which comes under the government's second stimulus package totalling RM60 billion, is expected to be withdrawn in five months' time.

National car maker Proton Bhd confirmed the government's move in an email to the New Straits Times.

Its Xchange programme works in tandem with the stimulus package offered by the government.

Under the programme, a car owner giving up his vehicle for scrap would be offered a redemption voucher entitling him to a rebate when purchasing a new national car.

Proton has so far issued 11,800 vouchers to car dealers. It is not known if Proton will dig into its own coffers to continue the scheme.

"Continuation of the programme after the expiry is still undecided until further notice," the company said.

Proton said it saw a drop in sales beginning in mid-April.

"Demand is decreasing due to the limitation to third party transfer which took effect on April 15 to ensure the genuineness of participation in the Xchange Programme."

While some car dealers said it was a good way to get the old cars off the road, others felt the scheme was "not reaping the fruits" that had been hoped for.

Johor Motor Hire Purchase and Finance Company Association president David Chin Ywee Gin said car dealers there did not see the jump they had expected.

He said many car owners felt their vehicles could fetch a higher resale value of up to RM10,000. He said it would be better for Proton to scrap the Xchange programme to reduce the car manufacturer's burden in the long run.

But Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia said the government should not stop the programme.

"It is one way to get rid of hazardous cars which also pollute the air with black smoke," said the association's president, Datuk Tony Khor Chong Boon.

About four million cars are said to be about 10 years old and Khor said some of these cars were in rural areas and had poor brakes, which put their owners and others at risk.

He said the programme would boost Proton car sales and in the long run help the government to make Malaysia a regional hub for the car industry.

"Instead of scrapping it, the government should open the rebate system to all cars to stimulate sales of locally-assembled cars."

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research felt the rebate was good for those having cars with low resale value.

Its director, Dr Wong Shaw Voon, said some cars were only worth RM1,000 to RM3,000 and should not be on the road.

"But some cars can fetch higher than RM5,000 and these owners should not take up Proton's rebate because they will lose money."


** So, finally its coming to an end in December. As a "small time" car dealer, I don't see the scheme benefiting us, and only certain category/models of cars are eligible for the scheme.

And there are "red tape" or certain procedures to go through before the process can be considered as done.

Personally, I don't encourage my customers to go through with it, and I would rather help them to dispose off their "old workhorse" by looking for a buyer who wants it.
And the owner in the end can get a better deal than the RM5000 being offered.**

Commment made by: Stephen Dass AKA Merekah Fajar

Proton Exora still selling for MFSB

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Proton Exora
Manufacturer Proton
Production 2009-present
Class MPV, Compact MPV
Engine(s) 1.6L Campro CPS I4
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic,5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2730mm
Length 4592mm
Width 1809mm
Height 1691mm


The Proton Exora is a compact MPV vehicle produced by Malaysia car manufacturer Proton and launched on 15 April 2009. It is a new model from Proton based on a new chassis. The development of this MPV starts from scratch and it is the first Malaysian-designed MPV. Fully undisguised photos of Proton Exora were leaked onto the internet on the 23rd of January 2009, ahead of the MPV's April 2009 launch date.

Comment made by SD AKA Merekah Fajar

Up till today, this model still sells, MFSB managed to close 1 unit today, and another unit, the latest by next week.

The new variant recently launched has yet to be on display in any Showroom around Malaysia, though bookings are coming in steadily for the manual transmission.

This should satisfy our Malaysian motorists, especially those who opt for the MT version.

We have done our part to publicise this Exora and slowly reaping the fruits from it.

MFSB aim to sell more especially to those from Miri, if they are reading this post!

You guys should consider our National Car, maybe as your second car to those driving a different marque.

Proton Exora (M/T) M-Line & Saga SE

The new Proton Exora with manual transmission is now on the market and it’s only available in the M-Line trim level, which means basics without fancies like DVD players and GPS units, cloth seats, alloy wheels, and some body-coloured parts instead of chrome bits. It’s priced at RM64,998 for the metallic version and RM64,548 for the solid-coloured version. No ultra-basic no frills Exora B-Line in sight yet so far, but the manual transmission version is very welcome for those who want to save abit more fuel with the Exora, and the manual’s 12% transmission losses which is less than the automatic should result in more of the Campro CPS 125 horsepower going to the front wheels, thus improving the Exora’s lethargic acceleration.

Some of us have already had a go at an Exora equipped with a manual transmission during the prototype test drive and other than the fact that there’s more power that actually reaches the wheels, the manual model with more gear ratios also provides a little more flexibility with picking the right gear depending on the load on the engine. With the automatic model you tend to be working the 2nd gear most of the time, which means alot of high revving sometimes. The good news is NVH is significantly better than models like the Satria Neo so it isn’t that bad of a racket.

Next a B-Line model could come out, but the ultimate would be towards the end of next year where the Proton Exora with the Campro 1.6 Turbo will be launched. The Exora will finally get the engine it deserves and then you’ll have a combination of a very competitive price, good interior space, air conditioning all around, and a more relaxed engine that’s easier to drive because of more low end torque.

Proton Saga SE


We now have more details on the new Proton Saga SE, which is positioned as a premium variant of one of Proton’s cheapest cars right now. The Saga SE continues using the 1.3 liter Campro IAFM engine that’s found in the rest of the Saga range except for the taxi model, so what exactly does “SE” mean? Here are the full details:
Only two colours - brilliant red or solid white with a black finish roof top.
New front, rear (with faux diffuser design) and side skirts.
A new front grille with black finish.
Leather seats, door trim and steering wheel
Pearl white instrument cluster
Dark chrome air-conditioning vents
CD player with MP3 support

As previously mentioned, the Saga SE manual is priced at RM43,000 while the automatic transmission model is priced at RM45,500. It is available for booking now for RM500, but the cars will only be in the showrooms from the 15th of August 2009 onwards.

Source: paultan.org

3rdJuly: Ngiling Tikai WaiFM & RadioKitai.Com

(YB Dato Sri William Mawan delivering his speech that night)
>
(The Head of Iban WaiFM, En.Laja Sanggin in his element that night)

(Merekah Fajar with Iban Bloggers Pala Tangga & ApaiEnduq)

(Beautiful Iban/Dayak maidens welcoming the guests with tuak in hand)

(LadyJenn. Keranjai Manuk & Merekah Fajar)

(Merekah Fajar surrounded by RuaiKitai.Com "beauties & a gentleman")

(BujangCmanggang, a lady friend & Keranjai Manuk)

We were there as well. It was held on the 3rd of July, the venue chosen was the Penview Hotel, Jalan Pending,Kuching.

Our local minister, YB Dato Sri William Mawan is the honoured guest that night, and was ushered in by Head of WaiFM, En.Laja Sanggin.

Also present, Vynne the "Head Honcho" of RadioKitai.Com. Of course he is the being responsible for putting WaiFM on the internet for us! And now everybody on the face of this earth are able to listen to WaiFM "streaming live" 24 hours a day .....

I managed to meet our fellow Iban bloggers namely Pala Tangga, Apai Enduq, BujangCmanggang, Keranjai Manuk. I didn't get to meet Jay Jamain, another time, bro?

I also had the chance to meet RuaiKitai ladies, led by DaraPucukMeligai. Wish I had more time on my hand then.

We spent about 2 hours there and had to go off early to deliver our Honda CRV as our relative, the buyer is waiting.

Thank you RadioKitai, for inviting both of us. We both enjoyed your company and looking forward again to the next meeting someplace else.

27th June: Ngiling Tikai in Miri

( Jennifer Sejet @ LadyJenn & Stephen Dass @ Merekah Fajar )

( KeTuai Gawai 2009, Mr Edward Awan @ eawan addressing the guests )

( CEO AsiaBanCorp Dr George Kurka, Donny Joseph @ Temenggung & Merekah Fajar )

(Tem, eawan, Johnny Chuat, empeliau duduk & Merekah Fajar in jovial mood )

( DayakBaru.Com's Dr John Brian in deep conversation with Merekah Fajar )

( Johnny Chuat answering to the crowd's requests alongside Merekah Fajar. Also in the picture Iban Baru )

( Merekah Fajar trying his hands at the Ngajat and did badly! Next trip perhaps? Seen smiling gleefully at MF's ngajat is Cr Thony Badak @ Antu Jukat)

( Iban Baru Mr Martin Entamin giving away the hamper to uncle Pipitmanchal )


We flew in from KG using the 7am MAS flight and touch-down before 8am at Miri Airport.
The RuaiKitai.Com Tuai Gawai, Mr.Edward Awan @eawan was at the Airport to welcome us and brought us to a
Cafe where others are already waiting.

We met that morning Mrs Edward, Iban Baru & kesulai terbai, Aie, EZ703 & wife, Gerama Engkabang & Mrs Antu Jukat. ( Sorry folks, these are names known only to those who visit or regular and members of RuaiKitai.Com )

Eawan put us up at the Dynasty Hotel, which is the venue selected for The Ngiling Bidai/Tikai this year.

We spent sometime after we checked in to meet others like Kipong, Manang Sagam, Manang Ula, Empeliau Duduk, Bujang Jegak, Tun RJM, SAA and few other ladies who were busy putting final touch-up to the place before the event begins.

We also had the opportunity to visit a salon, where LJ did her hair along with InduSesuranDiAti and her friend all the way from Johor, who came to Miri just to attend this Event Of The Year for RuaiKitai members.

The Guests of Honor for the night, Dr.John Brian Anthony or better known as DayakBaru, another gentleman is an Iban ex-serviceman who actually has a Bank based/licenced in New Zealand, Dr.George Kurka.

I was asked to sit next to these extinguished guests by Iban Baru, and I must say it is an honor, Sir! to me as a small-time Iban Car Dealer from Kuching to have that priviledge, Thank You!

After the exchange of greetings, the speeches from the invited Guests, from RuaiKitai's Johnny Chuat, the party kick-off with the ngajat then of course, the merry-making, as always in any Iban-functions.

Beers, Chivas that night (lost its) Regality, the Jack Daniels, the tuak (rice wine) the langkau (local moonshine) you name it, were free-flowing until someone passes out. Unfortunately, no one did.

Ibans are really warmth and loving people. Its a joy to watch them. I took in some but I managed to keep my appetite for it at bay.

We finished at 12am, then we adjourned to a place called Victoria, Eastwood Valley where we partied until 3am that Sunday morning! WOW!!! Itu dia ....................... I didn't know where my synergy came from and we stayed on in Miri for the next 3 nights instead of only 1 night!

We visited plenty of houses from morning till 1-2am the next morning and so forth ......

We went to uncle Pipitmanchal, empeliau duduk, Tun RJM, eawan, buntal lepung, kipong, Antu Jukat, Manang Sagam's houses. (though not exactly in that order)

This trip was truly a memorable experience for both of us.

"Thank You" Mirians, especially RuaiKitai members.

Aku arapke kitai ulih begulai baru ba awak ke bukai. Aku minta enti bala kita bisi rembus ke menua kami, anang kakang telipun awakke kitai bekelala agi.

Nadai leka jaku ulih ngenatai ke pengerindu serta pengaga ati kami ke kita ti udah nyambut kami dua enggai naka ia.

Aku besampi Tuhan terus merkat ke pendiau kita, ke kaul kitai nyadi semakin semak enggau pangan diri.

Sampai kitai betemu, begelumu baru jemah ila.

God bless.

Ibans "tailor-made" for the Oil & Gas Industry?

I found this in the Borneo Post.

I don't know how to take the comment made here, it's up to you guys to give a feedback.

On a personal note, I quite dis-agree with it but I don't want to take it too personal.

But I'm very sure out there are many others having the same thinking as mine!

Maybe because we can't get opportunities in Government Service, I do not know.

Or is it that Ibans are not qualified enough to enter other fields such as corporate sectors, banking or any other equally challenging services?

I have met so many Iban ladies, dudes working in coffeeshops, or that is what Iban leaders prefer them to do since we are the majority here and that is also our main speciality like "manuk pansuh" .... ?

I hope my comment is not causing any controversy or stirring up some hornet's nest? I just want to fight for the rights of my children, their future is in our hands, folks. I hope you realise that.

I'm sure others have the same passion, the same feelings.

So what are we going to do about that?

Please leave your comment here. Let us share what we have, our thoughts on this matter.

Thank you.

Meeting Amoysah in Bintulu!

This meeting wasn't plan or anything. We left Miri after 10:30am on a Tuesday and followed Johnny Chuat & Co, in his car to Bintulu.

It was about 1 hr 45 minutes' ride to reach Bintulu using the coastal road.

After resting for a couple of minutes at JC's house, we decided to drive downtown Bintulu to get ourselves the tickets to fly back to Kuching.

I must say "Thank You" to Mrs JC for her hospitality, and preparing dishes in record time!

It was our FIRST TRIP to these parts of Sarawak, and the natural thing to do is to take a spin around town and JC "sportingly" became our Tour Guide.


We made a stop at PiP Productions' Office and exchanged pleasantries with Staff of PiP.

We met Amoysah, (who has a Blog under that pseudonym) exchanged HP Nos before going off.

It was our pleasure though for a very shortwhile.

I must apologise to all of you especially JC, Gerama Engkabang & Amoysah for not staying another night in Bintulu.

As you guys probably know, both myself & LadyJenn had very much "overstayed" our stay.

We were supposed to spend only 1 night in Miri and left immediately the very next day.

And we stayed 3 nights in Miri alone!

We will try arrange another trip to Bintulu soon, God willing we will be with you guys next time we have something to celebrate.

Tomorrow, I'll try post some of the pictures taken during "Ngiling Tikai" held in Miri on the 27th of June, after I've finished compiling it.