My Quarantine Experience in Kuching

As announced by Sarawak government a day before, those who are fully vaccinated will no longer undergo the 14 days mandatory quarantine when entering Sarawak today.

About 6 months ago, I also underwent the mandatory quarantine process in Sibu and this time it will be in Kuching. I notice a slight difference how things are done in both places. 

Unfortunately for me, I didn't see that coming and I travelled to Kuching just a few days before the new directive and was subjected to the mandatory quarantine. 

After we stepped our feet at Kuching International Airport, we were segregated between Sarawakian and non Sarawakian. While standing in line, the Malaysia Civil Defense Department personnel will attach the bracelet on our left arm.

Back in Sibu, we put the bracelet on ourselves and the Malaysian Civil Defense Department personnel will trim the excess strap.

After the authority checked our e-health declaration, we had to filled out at the necessary forms. The quarantine order will state the duration of the quarantine. At this point, we still didn't know where our quarantine center will be. Back in Sibu, our quarantine center will be clearly stated in the quarantine order.

After clearing the immigration and picking up my luggage, I was directed to the waiting bus. Here, we were again segregated to Sarawakian and non Sarawakian. Once onboard, I still have no idea where is my quarantine center. 

Only when the police escorted bus passing through Sekama Road, I can shortlist a few hotels which will be our quarantine center before the bus finally came to a stop in front of Kuching Park Hotel. We were directed to a hall and filled a few paperwork and given a briefing by the Malaysian Civil Defense Department. There will be another swab test on Day 10 of our stay here.

I stayed in this hotel a few times before over the years and I know what to expect from staying here. After my horrendous quarantine hotel experience when I were in Sibu 6 months ago, I count myself lucky to be placed in Kuching Park Hotel.

The translucent plastic bags placed outside is actually refuse bag. The garbage collection differ from day to day but roughly around 8.30am until 11.30am. We will be given 2 plastic bags every day.

The room is what I expected, the way I remembered it from my last stay here. I am glad the room window can be opened to improve the air circulation inside the room.

The whole process from the time the aircraft landed and by the time I stepped into my room was about 3 hours.

Apparently the surrounding area of the hotel is also cordoned off hence member of public will not able to enter or park their car in front of the hotel.

A carton of water bottle (24 x 500ml) is provided in the room. This amount will not be enough for the 14 days duration. Back in Sibu, 1.5 liter of bottle water was provided every day.

Hence, it is always wise to standby a portable water purifier to ensure potable water is always available. 

There are enough sachets of coffee and tea to last the whole quarantine duration.

The food is satisfactory. Breakfast (6.30-7.30am), lunch (11.30am-12pm) and dinner (5pm - 6pm) are served on time every day.

The workstation table is a bit small to set up my laptops and other essentials. 

Our fate here is still in the dark with the latest entry directive. I hope the authority will end our quarantine period earlier, most probably 10 days and without any swab test if did not display any symptoms.

Update: We were released on the18th September 2021 due to the latest entry procedure where fully vaccinated traveler no longer need to be quarantined.

KLIA2 During Phase 2 of National Recovery Plan

Ever since the Klang Valley shifted to Phase 2 in our National Recovery Plan, I have seen more people coming out lately.

My last visit to KLIA2 was 6 months ago and I must say things haven't change much since then. There wasn't much traffic at the check in baggage counter due to the limited flight. As of 10am yesterday, there were only 2 domestic flights; Kuching & Tawau only.

Most of the retail outlets at the domestic departure hall remained close since 1 June this year and stay shuttered at the time of writing.

Gate K is hit badly where the bakery shop (Baker's Cottage) is seen to shut down permanently and a F&B outlet remains close.

Both Gate J and K remain empty most of the time. Probably this situation will improve once we enter the endemic phase.

Most of the Airbus A320 here still remain grounded with a few still operational for today's flight.

Adieu Putrajaya

It's time to bid adieu to what I regard as my second home, Putrajaya. I first came here on 1st February 2010 and life was hard back then. If it wasn't for 2 of my colleagues, I would have not been able to settle down back then.

I been working at this "red brick" building for more than a decade. It is consider one of the oldest office building in Putrajaya. 

Since it is an old building, there is nothing fancy about on its internal design. With proper upkeeping, the building here can remain impeccable in years to come. 

I would probably miss the cafeteria too. It is notorious for making our clothes smelly from the food preparation due to poor indoor ventilation.

This is my last workstation here. Ever since I work here I had changed 9 workstation due to various reasons.  

Morganfield's Revisited

It has been a while now since I dine in Morganfield's and this could be my last in many years to come.

Salted egg fish skin (RM 16.95) is an appetizer which goes well with beers. The fish skin is deep fried tossed with salted egg sauce, chili padi and curry leaves.

Fourplay (RM 39.95) is another appetizer to be enjoyed with friends during happy hour. It has sticky wings, Hakka fried pork, onion rings, salad and tortilla chips.

For something new, I opt for Balinese Style Baby Back (RM 66.95 with one side). This is one tasty ribs which is cooked in a blend of local spices. It almost tastes like char siew and I like it pretty much.

Another ribs that caught my attention is the Chili Ginger Baked Ribs (RM 49.95 with one side) where the ribs is packed in paper with chili ginger and baked till perfection. It ain't that spicy and definitely add variety to the ways the ribs are cooked.

IOI City Mall Post FMCO

I hardly go anywhere when the FMCO was imposed on 1st June 2021. 3 months had passed and many businesses are now been allowed to reopen. As there are still police blocks around my place, it is hard for me to venture out of my border.

I couldn't recall my last visit to IOI City Mall but it could be as long as 4-6 months ago. So, out of curiosity, I decided to drop by to see how things are going after the FMCO.

One thing is obvious when stepping into the mall is the human traffic. There are definitely a huge drop in patrons compare to my last visit here. Only those who is low risk or casual contact will be allowed in and their status will be checked by the guard when entering.

I reckon about 65% of the retails here are open at the time of writing. I also notice some retails are still not operational or in the midst of winding down. Such a sad scenario.

Most of the F&B outlets here had allowed dine in and business seems to be encouraging. Only those who had been fully vaccinated will be allowed to dine in.

This could be my last visit here for this year. I expect to see some changes here in my next visit here again probably in 2022 or 2023.

Grip6 Forged Carbon Fiber Belt

Having impressed with Grip6 classic belt, I decided to give its carbon series belt a try. With the carbon series, the belt buckle is made of carbon fiber and the strap is of element webbing strap. Due to the buckle material and a more premium strap, it comes at a price tag of USD79.

Carbon fiber is known for its lightweight and a comparison with their classic buckle which is made of aluminum shows a difference of 8.6g. This means the carbon fiber buckle is 34% lighter than the classic aluminum buckle. 

The carbon fiber buckle is made up of layers of premium grade carbon fiber composite and comes with unlimited lifetime warranty.

The carbon fiber buckle and its element webbing strap are sleek, light and strong when put on. With this belt, the wearer could just pass through the metal detector in the airport without the need to open the belt. 

The strap is also interchangeable with other Grip6 1.5" strap with similar locking mechanism. This is without a doubt my favorite belt to date.