The first impression is always vital

NST,Sunday 18 September 2011 

I refer to the Sunday Spotlight on “Hey, good looking…cop” and wish to say that perception is king and statistics are but a useful tool. 

Although perception varies according to individuals, it is easier to manage by categorising people into broad groups. 

Good looks, for example, are important for those who are superficial and many fall into this category, especially those who are vain and younger. 

For those who are more mature and wise, the beauty of a person lies within. We silently salute and bless those who are kind, thoughtful and helpful. 

Every one of us should be reminded that we are always communicating in the presence of others. 

While we may not speak all the time, our body language shows our feelings and peoples’ attention is naturally drawn to those in uniform. 

How our police officers walk or stand on the streets or sit behind the counter makes a great impact. The first impression is formed within seconds when greeting or being greeted. 

When speaking, the tone of the voice is more important than the words used, even more so the expression and body language. 

As such, interpersonal communication skills hold the key to public perception and branding of our Royal Malaysian Police. 

In this area, they are much better trained than ordinary security guards, many of whom do not walk, stand or sit properly, much less talk. 

However, for victims of crimes, apprehending the suspects and recovering their belongings are of paramount importance. It will be a lesser ordeal when assisted by caring police officers. 

As a few bad apples can cause considerable damage, there must be effective contingency plans and crisis management in the standard operating procedure for all levels. 

A great public relations exercise will spruce up the public image of our police. 

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur

Words in italics have been omitted by the newspaper for various reasons, space constraint is one.

Cost of food – Don’t cook up prices

NST,Sunday June 20, 2010

I learned from my brother in 1982 that the average cost of ingredients for a dish at a Chinese
restaurant in Australia was 30 percent of the price.

Therefore, I am not surprised when the New Sunday Times reported that the cost of a dish was only
one third of the price.

As long as it is easy for anyone to sell cooked food, prices will remain reasonable.

The authorities should not allow traders to form cartels and make it difficult for new businesses to
compete in the food industry.

Exploitation happens when demand far outstrips supply in events that draw huge crowds.
The authorities must ensure that the organisers, traders and hawkers do not rip off the public.

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur

Errant taxi drivers: Let private firms handle checks and complaints

NST,Sunday January 10, 2010

We can write about enforcement until the cows come home but nothing is going to change.

I propose that either the Road Transport Department or Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board appoint
private companies to carry out the surveillance and handling of complaints instead of continuing to
lament that they are short-handed.

These companies can hire retired civil servants or ex-servicemen to videotape drivers at popular taxi 

areas such as KLCC, Chinatown, Jalan Bukit Bintang/Sultan Ismail, and MidValley.

They can also set up complaints booths for disgruntled passengers to complain on the spot.
These companies are to be paid for the video evidence and complaints submitted and it will be
up to the CVLB or RTD to call these errant drivers for an enquiry or summonsed if necessary.

Whatever the outcome, it will be a strong deterrent to these drivers who have been emboldened over
the years through lack of enforcement.

Good drivers like me will take greater pride in our vocation. It will also be easier for us to get more
passengers, and happy ones at that.

Another proposal the authorities must implement is not to allow drivers to get out of their taxis
to tout for passengers. They must remain seated when approached by a passenger and get out only
to open the door, or boot to load luggage.

It is very intimidating for passengers, especially tourists, when confronted by a taxi driver or a
group of them. Many of them can be quite threatening.

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur