Maybank

Date: 07 December 2011

Time: 09:00:43 MYT

From: Jino Lim

To: mbbcardservices@maybank.com.my

Subject: Complaint and feedback

Hi card services,

Please kindly assist with the below complaint or forward this to the relevant department if necessary.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Card number:
Maybankard 2 Mastercard: xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Maybankard 2 AMEX: xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx

Name: Jino Lim (Lim Jinq Sien)
Identification number: xxxxxx-xx-xxxx

Background of complaint:
Back in 8th November, I put through my credit card application at Maybank Sri Petaling. As Cyberjaya is nearer to my work place, I prefer to collect my cards during my lunch time instead of traveling all the way to Sri Petaling.

When the credit cards were approved on 23th November, I rang the call centre for both cards to be redirected to Maybank Cyberjaya. I was informed that the redirection can be organized and I would receive call from the branch when the new cards arrived. I took the words in heart and was expecting a phone call for few days.

As you can see from your records, I made several more phone calls when I received no reply from the bank in regards to the cards collection. I spoke to at least 4 consultants already. Every consultant I spoke to first informed that the cards would be sent to Maybank Sri Petaling. When I mentioned my request for redirection, I was again assured that my request will be honoured and I would receive call from the branch.

Not really happy with the outcome, I visited Maybank Cyberjaya on 1st December to check on the cards. I was duly informed by the staff in customer service that there was no card delivered to Maybank Cyberjaya. The staff also hinted that it may take up to 4 weeks to deliver a card and the branch will call customer to inform the cards collection. I left the branch in disappointment.

Impatience for the cards, I made another phone call to the call centre on 6th December. This time, it was confirmed that the cards were ready for collection. However, I find it intriguing to learn that after numerous phone calls made, my cards were never redirected to Maybank Cyberjaya. As much as I wish the cards to be redirected another time, I was totally numb with the empty promises. Moreover, it may take more weeks to organize cards redirection if I were not to collect them at Maybank Sri Petaling. Disappointed on the service delivery level, I screeched to Maybank Sri Petaling for my cards collection on the same day and wasted my time on the travel.

Upon looking at the envelop, the cards were delivered to Maybank Sri Petaling on 1st December, approximately 2 p.m.. The frustration derived from the incompetence to redirect the cards as per request. Secondly, there was certainly no attempt to contact me by the branch for cards collection.

The lack of follow up and service delivery level promised by Maybank had greatly impacted customers. I understand that the call centre can only read me whatever information on the screen and they will only forward my requests to relevant departments. This is a feedback to highlight my disappointment and experience with Maybank.

Expectation:
Imagine all the hassle and the experience endured for the Maybankard 2 Cards. Due to such inconvenience, I humbly request a compensation of at least RM 50 into the credit card account. You can contact me to discuss this incident further.

Contact:
I can be contacted on my mobile 016-xxxxxxx after 4.p.m. daily, or you can reply my email at lenard_xxxx@hotmail.com.

Thank you.

Regards,

Jino Lim (Lim Jinq Sien)
I/C: xxxxxx-xx-xxxx
Date: 07 December 2011

________________________________________________________

Date: 17 December 2011

Sent via express post

From: Malayan Banking Berhad (3813-K)

To: Mr Lim Jinq Sien

Dear Mr Lim,

Maybankard 2 Credit Card No: xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx

Maybankard 2 Credit Card No: xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx

I refer to your feedback via email dated 7th December 2011 in regards to the above card accounts.

We truly value your feedback and wish to thank you for highlighting this matter to our attention. Please allow us to convey our sincere apology for the inconveniences encountered in regards to the collection of your Maybankard 2 credit cards recently.

Mr Lim, rest assured that we have taken the necessary remedial actions to ensure matters such as these are properly managed and to avoid any recurrence in the future.

We truly regret the impression that this incident has given you and we hope that it will not undermine your trust in our services. As a gesture of our appreciation on your valuable feedback, please accept the enclosed gift vouchers for you to enjoy.

Once again, thank you for giving us another chance to serve you better and should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service at 1-300-88-6688 or fax to 03-7953 8600 or email to mbbcardservices@maybank.com.my. We will be glad to assist you accordingly.

Thank you for your kind attention and at the opportunity to be of service.

Yours sincerely,

Farah Liza

Head - Service Recovery

Service Fulfillment

Customer Engagement

Cards & Unsecured Lending

________________________________________________________

The above was my experience with Maybank credit cards recently. Attached in the post are the cash vouchers for McD!

Apparently Maybank is unaware of my dissatisfaction with McD. What a shame >.<

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Love game continues

Five years ago when I read this story, it doesn't make any sense.

Later in life when our relationship started falling apart, the same story has spared us the agony of love.

Enjoy reading.

________________________________________________________

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said; I've got something to tell you.

She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the pain in her eyes. Out of sudden, I lost my words but I had to let her know my mind. I wanted a divorce and I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words. Instead, she asked me softly; Why?

I avoided her question and this made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and yelled; YOU ARE NOT A MAN!

We didn't talk to each other that night. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. However, I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; You had lost my heart to Jane. I don't love you anymore. I pity you.

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement stating that she could own our house, our car and 30% stake of my company. She glanced and tore it without hesitation.

The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had became a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. Her cry was a kind of release. The idea to divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be clearer and firmer now.

The next day, I came home very late and found her writing on the table. I went straight to sleep very quickly because I was tired after entertaining my clients. When I woke up, she was still at the table. Writing. I turned over and was asleep again.

She presented her divorce conditions in the morning: She didn't want anything from me but a one month notice before divorce. She requested both of us to struggle and live as normal a life as possible for a month. Reason being; Our son will have examination in a month time and I don't want our broken marriage to interfere his studies.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more. She asked me to recall how I had carried her into our bridal room on our wedding day. She requested me to carry her out of her bedroom to the front door every morning for the month duration. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable, I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane the divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. Scornfully, she said; No matter what tricks she applied, she has to face the divorce. Her words, more or less, made me feel uncomfortable.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us; DADDY IS HOLDING MUMMY IN HIS ARMS! His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softy; Don't tell our son about the divorce.

I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She waited for her bus to work while I drive alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. When I smelt the fragrance on her blouse, I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. She was not young anymore. There were fine wrinkles on her face and her hair was graying. Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed; All my dresses have grown bigger. I smiled. And I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason I could carry her so easily. She had buried so much pain in her heart. I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came at the moment and said; DADDY! It's time to carry mummy out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out became an essential part of his life.My wife gestured to him to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away, afraid that I may change my mind at the very last minute. I then held her in my arms, walked from the bedroom, to the sitting room and to the hallway. Her hands wrapped my neck softly and naturally.  I held her body tightly; This is just like our wedding.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day of agreement, I held her in my arms, not moving an inch. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said; I hadn't notice that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to my office, then jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the doors. I was afraid that any delay would change my mind. I walked up to my office and Jane opened the door. She was about to celebrate our new life when I told her; Sorry Jane. I do not want to divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished and then touched my forehead; Do you have a fever? I moved her hand off my head; Sorry Jane. I won't divorce. My marriage was boring probably because she and I did not value the details of our lives, not because we don't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day, I am suppose to hold her until death do us apart. She gave me a thunderous slap, slammed the door and then burst into tears.

On the way home, I passed by a floral shop and ordered a bouquet of my wife's favourite flower. The salesgirl asked; What would you like to write on the card? I smiled and wrote "I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart."

The afternoon when I arrived home, with the flowers in my hand and smile on my face, only to find my wife on the bed - dead.

She had been fighting cancer for months and I was too busy with Jane to notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through the divorce. At least in the eyes of our son - I am a loving husband.

From a story circulated across the internet for many years.

_______________________________________________________

It is not the mansion, the car, property or money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. The small details of your lives are what really matter in the relationship.

Recall every moment of happiness, pave the way for another chance and you will again see the light to shine your lost path (I don't really agree, but it works for now).

Thanks for loving me.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Attitude of entitlement

The few instances recently where the idea to end our relationship continue to haunt. It's not once or twice in a year. Rather, it's three or four times in a month that have wearied me. Perhaps my tolerance has deteriorated below the threshold. Or perhaps I don't feel the appreciation that I deserve. The relationship, no matter how I look at it, doesn't look as healthy and glorious as it used to.

Often I lost myself into negativity. 

I am tired.

Should I let go?

Walking together for this long isn't an easy journey. Having said that, I still cherish the rare moments of joy and the constant incoherent argument throughout the love. No matter how hurt it is, a life without you is a life wasted. Without you, I will lose many goals in my life. I am never complete. To give my 4 years of investment another chance, I just have to smile, hold back the tears and pretend everything's okay.

Being a full time lover is so tiring and now I can't stop yelling for off days. Never in my life I request for a break. For once I strongly believe that I deserve some rest to ease my mind (as if the love is torturing me), I humbly submit to you my application for annual leave. A quick trip (without you) will be great.

1) Sun tanning - Pangkor

2) Mount climbing - Kinabalu

May I? Without you?

I already know your answer before asking.

Application declined. Reason: I have to tag along.

p/s: Image is not related to post title.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Upgrade. Starvation. OT. FB.

Just about to blog something interesting and I accidentally clicked on blogger new interface. WTF? I seriously hate this new layout. It's so plain!

What's the interesting thing? Beat me, now that I am angry with this new interface I forgot what I wanted to write! Damn...

Anyway, most of you have not realized that my old Facebook was deactivated many months ago. Reason which I don't plan to share publicly, only few knew. Sorry and thanks. Things have changed in many ways as we moved on. After four months of disappearance, I returned to Facebook not because I cannot live without it. An agreement was signed. Such agreement would allow me to pierce my ears if I can return my Facebook to its former glory. There were many promises violated when I started this new account. Again I apologize to all involved. But let's not dwell in the past. If you are here and couldn't find my name in your Facebook, please click on the Facebook icon below the blog title and you will be led to where I reside. If you are interested, that is. No obligation.

Using Nokia 5800 XpressMusic for less than 5 months, the mobile is upgraded to iPhone 4 above. Truth be told, seeing one using iPhone on the street to be so common that I feel more superior to use Nokia 5800. At any rate, an iPhone as so zai's graduation gift isn't too much as long as it makes him happy. Which is mine? Guess and you shall be rewarded.

To buy two iPhones does not mean I am rich. Two iPhones in the given time is definitely inappropriate to the year end budget. If I calculated correctly, I will need to save at least RM 1,700 from this month to cover the iPhones and Taiwan expenses for two pax by next September. It sounds impossible but it's achievable - 'coz I am Jino. To achieve these, I need to carefully lessen GSC, Sushi Zanmai, petrol and condoms. To suffer slight starvation and constant overtime (OT) would hasten the process. I sound crazy but they worth my effort. Does that explain my fatigue and low sex drive?

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

It's not building

The picture speaks itself.

Since the progress is minimal, I probably need protein and personal trainer soon.

Paiseh. Picture will be removed in seven days 12 hours. Please, don't throw up.




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Pemburuan makanan Hari 3

Pos berkaitan:

Bahagian 1, Bahagian 2, Bahagian 3

Tarikh: 27 Mac 2011.

Lokasi: Melaka.

Terlebih dahulu izinkan saya untuk memohon maaf kepada para pembaca sekalian kerana penanguhan bahagian ke-3 lawatan ke Melaka.

Sekali lagi kami menikmati sarapan yang disediakan oleh krew restoran hotel. Seperti biasa, tiada keistimewaan dengan sarapan tersebut. Kerepek jagungnya telah lemau ketika dihidangkan. Pisangnya teramat besar dan saiznya teringatkan orang di sebelah saya. Adalah tidak patut untuk kami merungut banyak kerana hidangan hari ini disediakan percuma.

Selepas sarapan, kami mengemas bagasi dan bersedia meninggalkan Melaka. Dengan sedihnya, saya menyerahkan kad kredit kepada penyambut tetamu di lobi dan memikirkan bil yang harus dibayar bulan depan. 

Sebelum kami meninggalkan Melaka, kami masih sempat bertandang ke sebuah kedai yang terkenal dengan pelbagai jenis tart. Teringin saya memesan kesemua tart di sana tetapi perut tidak mengizinkan. Harganya tidak murah dan rupa luarannya teramat biasa tetapi rasanya agak elok jika dimakan sebagai manisan. Keju yang melekat di gigi masih terasa selepas meninggalkan kedai.

Dengan memikul beg yang berat, kami berjalan kaki menuju ke gerai popiah di Jalan Bunga Raya. Di pertengahan jalan, kami berhenti untuk membasahkan tekak dengan ais krim yang tiada keistimewaan. Penulis blog di internet menyatakan ais krim di sini adalah buatan sendiri. Malang sekali, lidah saya tidak dapat membezakan ais krimnya dengan ais krim potong di Kuala Lumpur.

Setibanya kami di gerai popiah tersebut lebih kurang pukul 12, kami dihampai dengan notis oleh tuan punya gerai.

Dengan perasaan tidah puas hati, kami mengunjungi gerai cendol dan laksa di Jalan Hang Jebat dan kali ini kami menikmati laksa ala lain. Berbeza dengan laksa baba, laksa di atas diperkaya dengan rasa pedas nyonya yang tidak keterlaluan. Sekali lagi hati saya terobat dan boleh meninggalkan Melaka dengan hati yang tenang. 

Di sini, ingin saya lafazkan ribuan terima kasih kepada Khai kerana membelikan kami peta Melaka. Tanpa peta, adalah tidak mungkin kami mengenali jalan di sana.

Di sinilah perjalanan dan pengembaraan mencari makanan di Melaka berakhir dengan perut  boncit dan berat badan yang meningkat. Semestinya akan saya lawati Melaka pada hari akan datang. Bukan esok atau bulan depan. Besar kemungkinan tahun hadapan saya akan balik ke sana untuk mencari makan lagi.




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Newly added - Pizza Hut

Allow me to briefly outline my dining experience in one of the many Pizza Hut outlets.

________________________________________________________

Name: Jino Lim

Brand: Pizza Hut

State: Wilayah Persekutuan
Location: Sri Petaling

Date of Visit: 04/27/2011

Time of Visit: Dinner (6 pm to 9 pm)

Type of Visit: Dine In

Subject: Others - Customer Service

Detail:

To whom it may concern,

My main concern in writing this today is to channel my feedback on my dining experience as of above.

When I locked my car and dashed to your door, the sky was pouring so heavily that I can't help to be severely drenched. As I stepped into your restaurant, I noticed two of your staff were standing near the take-away counter. Perhaps the temperature was much colder inside that the staff fail to display the warmth and comfort I needed. Greetings, or at least a fake smile would do a bit of magic. Truth to be told, it didn't bother me, yet.

I climbed the stairs to the first floor where the dining area was. I was very sure 20 tables at the least were empty. Two staff were stationed at the cashier counter. My mum and I chose a table visible from all angles. I waved for their presence on the assumption that to cater to our orders and needs were their reasons there. Then one of the ladies at the counter walked towards my direction. When I was ready to place my order for the day, she walked pass my table and stopped to look out of the window pane. She returned to the counter and walked pass my table without looking at me or my mum.

Perhaps she did not notice my hand earlier. Both the ladies seemed to enjoy their chat and laughter at the counter. Instantly, I made my second wave. That time, I was confident that the same lady saw my signal because she looked at my direction for more than 5 seconds. To my surprise, she turned her head to her colleague and they burst out laughing.

Though not satisfied with the way they responded, I raised my hand again to attract their attention without losing my composure. The same lady, 'seemed' to understand my needs, walked to my direction. The difference was, this time there were menus in her hand. We knew what we wanted so a menu wouldn't make a difference. When I thought I saw hope, she changed her direction and placed the menus three tables away from ours. Let's not get hysterical, but the table was empty! She then returned to the counter.

To summarize the above, we were left unattended for more than 20 minutes. No menu were presented, let orders taken. Do you now understand the origin of my frustration?

In terms of customer service, this is rated poor offer of assistance. Not only the staff failed to display their professionalism, their ignorance has blinded their alertness and competence as well. I can comprehend that patience is needed during peak hours. However, such service was totally unexpected from a major restaurant such as Pizza Hut when there were only three out of 20 tables occupied. 

If you are reading this today, I believe that my frustration has not fallen on deaf ears.

I may not be categorized as your loyal customer. However, as a patron who felt insulted for such incident to occur in the competitive industry, I hope that the management can look into this matter seriously not solely for the satisfaction of a customer, but your reputation as a leading pizza chain in the country as well.

After much disappointment, you will need tremendous improvement to regain my confidence in your brand. You do not want customers to pay 10% of their bills for service below satisfaction, don't you?

Address: x-x-xx, Jalan x/xxxx, Taman xxx xxx, 57xxx Kuala Lumpur.

Phone Number: 016 - xxx xxxx (Hand Phone)

Email Address: xxxxxx_xxxx@hotmail.com

___________________________________________________________________________________

Feedback was forwarded around 10 p.m. the same day via official portal.

Surprisingly, someone rang the next morning. A short conversation took place at 11.37 a.m..

Nizam: Good morning. May I speak to Mr. Lim?

Jino: You're speaking to Jino Lim.

Nizam: Good morning, Mr. Lim. My name is Nizam, the manager of operation of Pizza Hut Klang Valley. You sent us a complaint that you were unhappy with the service at our branch in Sri Petaling, right?

Jino: Hi Nizam, how are you? Thank you so much for calling me back. Honestly I do not expect a response. Well, you have read my mail and that's what I experienced.

Nizam: First of all, Mr. Lim, I apologize for what you had through yesterday. We regret to have such event during your visit. I will relate this issue to the branch manager there and we will highlight the problems together. I assure you that disciplinary action will be taken against the staff on duty according to investigation result. We will also review our current training plan to ensure our staff are professionally educated.

Jino: I am not interested on your course of action, nor am I looking for compensation from your end. All I hope is the issue in the feedback to be looked after. No one will enjoy this, not with their growling stomachs. In my opinion, customer service is as equally important as your products. Worry not., Nizam. You may lose me as a customer today. But I am confident that if you can boost your staff's work attitude, no doubt your business will move to a higher level.

Nizam: Thank you very much for your comment, Mr. Lim. We appreciate all your time and your feedback is compiled in database.

Jino: Thank you very much for replying. Have a nice day.

As a result of incompetent staff, Pizza Hut made an entry into my banned list. Now that McD and Pizza Hut are forbidden, I have more reasons to stay healthy.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

An evolution of mobile phones

What can I say about this mobile?

It's a major upgrade.

It's a touch screen phone.

Initially, there were few issues with the phone to which had haunted me for nights. After a simple software update, problems were all solved. Speaking of software, I heard that this mobile can support grindr. Curiously, I downloaded the application but not knowing the installation steps can be frustrating.

Now that the new mobile has slashed my wallet dearly, my life next month is rather constricted. Poor me have to feed on cucumber for a month?

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Blogiversary and gymiversary

Today is an important day for two reasons. The first reason is that April 13 is the sixth anniversary of this blog. I could never have imagined that I would still be happily blogging after I started my career life. Of 'coz, anyone would have realized the tremendous decline in posting over the years. There was a huge difference of anticipation towards blogging now and six years ago considering the work load and amount of time I spend at home. Life's been dull. Many drafts in the blog are pending to be edited. Procrastination? Writer's block? I just couldn't muster enough discipline to channel my thoughts into proper words.

But, hey! Never in my wildest imagination did I think people would still visit my blog and befriend me. Thank you for sharing the fun and keep me going with your support and comments. Blogging is my best way to improve my English. There are many grammar rules in English that I am not aware of. This is the place I am going to put my English to the test. 

Most importantly, I still uphold the belief of "write to express, not to impress". There may come a time when the writing feels flat and lifeless. I'm pretty sure I understand that. That is why I am amazed how we are still pressing on.

The second is that today is also my one month gymiversary. In other words, I joined the gym last month. The main reason is the gym is only 10 minutes walk away from where I live. I'd never go regularly if it weren't really convenient. And I admit that I have been slacking a little on my diet. In a few cases I have been feeding on bread and toast. To add insult to injury, my mama does not corporate and I ended having mountain of rice down my gut everyday. The carbohydrate intake is a bit too high to my liking. Friends advise me to get myself protein drinks to obtain fast results but it is unfortunate that I am currently suffering a minor financial crisis. One month. In another month, I will resort to protein drinks if no prominent result is observed.

The gym has the least visitors at 6.45 a.m., which is the gym's opening hour. And I love this hour not because there are hunkies roaming over the floor. On the contrary, the gym is very empty and suitable for people like me to workout. Imagine yourself in the gym during peak hours and you are using a chest press machine at 26 kg. Then next to you, stand a hunk with "WTH are you doing at 26 kg?" eyes staring at you. When I move away, he wipes the sweat off the seat, and switch to 54 kg. 54 is not my number - not as a beginner with my physique. If you do not understand, it is personal space in question. Truthfully, I can easily lose confidence and feel fearful when someone's watching.

As much as I love personal space, I seriously don't mind eye candies in sauna and locker room. Putting my gym routine aside, my eyes were rewarded with two Japanese walking in the locker room without a single thread during my first visit, right in front of me. They weren't too built. Their skin weren't as fair as I imagined. Their thick bushes tempted me to offer them a trim. I saw them again in another afternoon, no further action was taken though. Nothing was more rewarding since then. I no longer see them as I hit the gym early morning. Workout in the afternoon was probably not a bad idea, after all?

There is not much expectation from a month of gym. Though I begin to feel some fine lines on the abs, abs don't look sexy without a developed chest. Till I manage to get a better body, I am reluctant to show picture here. Fingers crossed, I give myself half year period for significant results.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Pemburuan makanan Hari 2

Pos berkaitan:

Bahagian 1, Bahagian 2, Bahagian 3 (akan datang)

Tarikh: 27 April Mac 2011. (pembetulan pada 06 April 2011).

Lokasi: Melaka.

Berucaplah selamat pagi pada hari kedua atas jasa sinaran mentari yang lembut dari celah langsir. Tidak dilupai ucapan terima kasih kepada krew restoran hotel sini kerana memulakan perjalanan hari ini dengan hidangan sarapan set.

 

Sarapan ringan teramat sesuai sebelum kami membebankan perut dengan nikmat resepi tradisional tempatan nanti. Tambahan pula sarapan yang dihidangkan lagi menceriakan pagi yang nyaman dengan kata nikmat "percuma".

Kami segera menuju ke destinasi seterusnya untuk mengisi perut yang masih kuat bergeroncang. Selain juadah Portugis, Melaka juga terkenal dengan masakan nyonyanya. Restoran nyonya yang sering diiklan dalam internet hanyalah di depan hidung kami, maka sasaran ditetapkan di Donald dan Lily.

Ini adalah kali pertama kami menjamu masakan nyonya. Ayam pongteh di atas dimasak dengan kacang hitam dan cendawan yang paling saya benci. Namun rasanya tidaklah sejijik yang saya sangkakan. Sebaliknya, saya agak gemar dengan hidangan ini sekiranya minyak dikurangkan dan kentang diperbanyak.

Jika dibandingkan dengan ayam pongteh, rojak di restoran ini tidak dapat memuaskan deria rasa saya. Bahan  dan rasanya tidak setimpal dengan harga yang ditawarkan. Pada pendapat saya, saiz kari asam ikan agak berbaloi tetapi rasanya agak sama dengan kari ikan yang didapati di gerai mamak. Nasib baik kari asamnya tidak pedas dan amat membuka selera.

Sekali lagi kami berjalan-jalan sekitar Jalan Hang Jebat di bawah matahari yang terik untuk membantu penghadaman sambil mencari cenderamata. Di depan San Shu Gong terdapat gerai menjual kuih bahulu berintikan kaya pandan. Tiada komen terhadapnya.

Selepas penat berjemur di tengah jalan tanpa hala tujuan, kami berhenti di sebuat kedai yang kononnya terkenal dengan popia berminyak babi. Tuan punya kedai amat bangga dengan pencapaiannya sehinggakan banyak keratan surat khabar ditampal di atas dinding.

Bukan sahaja popianya siap dibalut berbelas minit sebelum kami membuat pesanan, ia juga habis basah direndam minyak. Tetapi jika dilihat dari sudut lain, rasa daun ketumbar dalam popia masih boleh tahan. Teringin sekali saya mencuba popia di tempat lain.

Walaupun perut masih lagi boncit, kami meneruskan perjalanan dengan aktiviti seterusnya. Berdekatan Jalan Hang Jebat juga, terdapat sebuah restoran nyonya yang tersembunyi di belakang lorong. Pengat durian merupakan snek utama yang dilaung-laungkan dalam internet tetapi pelayan tidak mengenalinya. Aneh sekali. Adakah kami memasuki kedai cetak rompak?

Pada mulanya saya sangka inti nyonya zhang adalah daging tuna tetapi teksturnya adalah daging babi rupa-rupanya. Ini adalah kali pertama saya merasai nyonya zhang, maka saya tidak tahu rasa nyonya zhang yang asli dan sedap. Sekiranya ia dihidangkan panas mungkin rasanya boleh dipertingkatkan. 

Goreng-gorengan lima rempah di atas serupa dengan masakan ibu saya. Ibu saya akan menambah water chestnut dan bawang untuk menambah kemanisan daging.

Tidak tahan dengan cuaca di Melaka, kami sekali lagi mengunjungi gerai cendol pada hari semalam. Bezanya hari ini, daripada mencuba cendol yang sama, kami membeli sagu gula Melaka untuk mengubati tekak.

Berbeza daripada imaginasi saya, sagu gula Melakanya tidak dihidang bersama ais. Ia terlalu manis jika dimakan sendirian. Mungkin kerana kami meminta manisan ini dibungkus maka ais tidak diberi?

Sesampainya perut kami ke tahap maksima, kami balik ke hotel untuk berehat dan Sailormoon menjadi hiburan saya sehingga masa makan petang. Tidak lupa juga sesi bermandi-manda.

Pada kebiasaan, manisan dinikmati selepas hidangan utama. Malam ini, kami menentang norma dengan menghirup susu madu panas untuk merangsang rasa kek lapisan telur. Tidak banyak pilihan semasa kami tiba, namun kami bernasib baik terdapat beberapa potong kek yang belum habis dijual. Kemanisannya berada di tahap yang rendah memfokuskan aroma telur dan krim.

Makanan di Nadeje bukan calang-calang. Dengan perut yang tidak terisi, kami ketandusan idea untuk makanan malam sehinggalah kami terjumpa sebuah restoran ala barat sekitar Dataran Pahlawan.

Sekali lagi, restoran sebegini terlalu lazim di KL. Kentang goreng yang digoreng hingga hangus, kedai yang tidak teratur dan anak lipas berkeliaran adalah fenomena yang biasa dilihat. Entah-entah tuan punya restoran berasal dari KL?

Sebelum kami menamatkan perjalanan pada hari ini, kami berjalan-jalan di Mahkota Plaza dan sekitarnya sebagai senaman. Berbandingkan sekarang, Melaka pada waktu malam 5 tahun dahulu teramat sunyi. Dulu-dulu, berbaring di atas jalan raya selama 10 minit bukanlah sebarang masalah. Kini, kami menghadapi cabaran untuk melintasi jalan raya yang sibuk dengan kenderaan pada pukul 11 malam.

Demikianlah laporan saya pada malam tersebut. Selamat membaca.

p/s: Sekiranya anda menghadapi masalah membaca Bahasa Kebangsaan, sila klik butang penterjemahan di sebelah bawah kiri blog.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Pemburuan makanan Hari 1

Pos berkaitan:

Bahagian 1, Bahagian 2, Bahagian 3 (akan datang)

Tarikh: 26 April Mac 2011. (pembetulan pada 06 April 2011).

Lokasi: Melaka.

Memandangkan Melaka (pernah) terkenal sebagai pusat penyebaran Bahasa Melayu pada satu ketika dahulu, dengan segala hormatnya akan saya bercerita dalam Bahasa Kebangsaan pada hari yang mulia ini.

Pada pendapat saya, Melaka zaman kini bukanlah terkenal dengan tapak bersejarah sejak zaman penjajahan mahupun cerita wira Dol Said mengalahkan askar-askar British. Bersyukurlah pada resepi tradisional tempatan, Melaka berjaya menjadi tumpuan utama pelancong dari merata tempat termasuklah pelancong domestik. Dengan kata lain, blog hari ini memaparkan makanan di Melaka sebagai tema. St Paul's Fort? Makam Hang Tuah? Kota A'Farmosa? Perigi Hang Li Po? Saya tidak berminat langsung melainkan kawasan tersebut menjual makanan yang sedap.

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Bas yang dijadualkan 8 pagi bertolak 30 minit lewat. Namun, seluruh perjalanan hanya memerlukan 90 minit ke Melaka Sentral, kemudian 15 minit ke Dataran Pahlawan dan 15 minit lagi ke hotel. Aldy hanya membenarkan penginapan selepas pukul 2, maka kami meninggalkan bagasi di hotel dan memulakan perjalanan kami dengan segera.

Destinasi pertama kami ialah nasi ayam yang kononnya terkenal dengan bebola nasi yang lembut dan wangi. Ganjil sekali, tidak seperti khabar angin, kami hanya perlu menunggu 5 minit sementara menantikan tempat duduk. Mungkin kerana kami bernasib baik. Selain bebola nasi yang padat, saya suka kulit ayamnya yang licin dan sos cili yang membuka selera.

Walaupun hidangannya tidak menarik dan persekitaran yang kurang bersih, masih ramai yang rela beratur selama 30 minit di bawah matahari terik. Jelas sekali kami amat bertuah kerana hanya berdiri selama 5 minit. Gambar di atas diambil semasa kami meninggalkan premis dengan perut yang kenyang.

Seterusnya kami menghilangkan dahaga dengan cendol terkenal di sebuah kedai sekitar Jalan Hang Jebat. Kedai ini dihiasi barangan antik dan poster lama yang berhabuk dan agak susah untuk mencari tempat duduk kerana tempat yang terhad. 

Kedai ini tidak kelihatan cantik pada dasar luar, tetapi keunikan cendol di sini tidak boleh dipertikaikan. Terdapat banyak cendol dijual di Melaka, tetapi di sini sajalah dapat saya mencari erti 'cendol'. Tidak susah untuk membuat perbandingan. Apa yang diperlukan ialah lidah.

Selain cendol, laksa juga merupakan tumpuan utama kedai tersebut. Walaupun harganya melambung berbandingkan tahun lalu, hatiku yang pilu pada mulanya terobat dengan rasa santan yang kuat dan rempah yang menawan.

Selepas menikmati makanan yang berat, adalah wajar senaman ringan diiringi untuk membantu penghadaman sebagai persediaan untuk sajian seterusnya. Dengan ini kami mengambil kesempatan tersedia untuk mengunjungi beberapa destinasi bersejarah yang berdekatan sehingga sampainya masa chek masuk hotel.

Walaupun harganya tersangat mahal, kebersihan dan kemudahan hotel masih dianggap memuaskan. Tambahan pula, hotel yang terletak di lokasi yang agak strategik di bandar raya Melaka memudahkan perjalanan kami.

Sesampainya bilik, kami beralih dari senaman ringan ke aksi lasak dan kemudian berehat seketika. Adalah tidak sopan untuk bercerita lanjut secara terbuka, tetapi sekiranya anda berminat untuk mengikuti kisah aksi bolehlah MSN saya.

Dengan berbekalkan kaki yang berotot, kami meredah sejauh 2.5 km dengan harapan satay celup belum dibanjiri orang. Pada pukul 5 petang, kami merupakan tetamu kelima dan terpaksa menunggu 30 minit sebelum tibanya giliran kami.

Secara am, restoran ini menghidangkan pelbagai bahan stimbot dengan kuah satay sebagai sup. Udang sebesar tapak tangan adalah fokus utama restoran ini. Kami diingati oleh bos untuk memastikan udang tersebut dimasak lebih kurang 8 minit sebelum disaji. Setahu saya, udang ini hanya terhad 1 untuk setiap orang.

 

Kuahnya terlalu manis dan akan jelak jika dimakan berlebihan. Secara jujurnya, tiada apa keistimewaan selain daripada udang besarnya yang rangup. Namun ramai yang rela beratur dengan penuh kesabaran seperti dalam gambar di atas. Agaknya berapa lama mereka perlu menunggu?

Selepas matahari terbenam, kami bercadang mengunjungi pasar malam Jalan Hang Jebat. Selain gerai cenderamata, kami tidak dihampakan dengan juadah di gerai malam mingguan. Perut kami terlalu penuh untuk mencuba kesemua makanan di sana.

Maka kami hanya boleh mencuba makanan yang tidak pernah dicuba. Contohnya seperti spring roll yang berintikan durian segar. Sekiranya harga dan minyak pada kulitnya boleh dikurangkan, semestinya akan saya syorkan pada kawan-kawan pada masa hadapan. Tidak jauh dari sana terdapat sebuah gerai menjual waffle hotdog. Nasihat saya ialah jangan sekali-kali membazir duit anda pada hasil gagalnya.

Sozai teringin makan susyi pada malam itu dan dengan keberatan saya terpaksa membeli susyi yang bukan main mahal. Rasanya tidaklah seteruk yang saya jangkakan, tetapi sebaik sahaja masuk mulut lidah saya boleh memberitahu ini adalah susyi dari pasar malam.

Demi menghilangkan perut yang boncit, kami beriadah sekitar hotel sebelum menamatkan perjalanan pada hari pertama. Sekiranya wifi di hotel berfungsi, kami akan berjaga hingga larut malam dan bermain Facebook. Tanpa disedari, Melaka juga kelihatan cantik pada waktu malam jika bau dari Sungai Melaka diabaikan.

Demikianlah perjalanan kami pada hari pertama berakhir dengan perut yang kenyang dan dompet yang parah. Jangan lupa mengikuti bahagian seterusnya. Selamat membaca.

p/s: Sekiranya anda menghadapi masalah membaca Bahasa Kebangsaan, sila klik butang penterjemahan di sebelah bawah kiri blog.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot