Week 9 (20 – 23.02)

Sunday

As usual for Sunday, I have to take the 6am bus to church. This time, I’d asked Kevin to follow me to Carmelite church. Before we went into the church, we walked to Ben’s house, which is nearby to upload the pics in my CF cards to his PC, this is to clear the card so that I can take more pics. After the church ended, we took a bus to town to meet with Carter, I also bought TheStar newspapers there. FYI, I’d bought 3 days of newspaper at a time (Sun, Tue and Thu), which all were out of date by the time I buy. Kevin’s out of money and his parents hadn’t transferred anything to his bank account yet, so I borrowed him some money. Then we walked to Broadway to get the CD which I asked from them. The sales assistant in Broadway is not that friendly. She seems like didn’t want to sell me the CD (which contains digital pictures of the companies and trainers group photos). After a little persuasion, she burned me a new copy of CD containing only the 5 pics I’d asked, and charged me RM20! Initially, the CD that the guy in the phone wanted to sell me contained more than those. Anyway, not a bad deal anyway, since if I buy one A4 pic will cost me RM10, 5 will cost RM50! And with digital, I don’t worry about it degrading and I can make as many copies I wanted! Evil… As usual, went into the Progress CC, went to get some medicine from the pharmacy in Pelita CC and tapao lunch to be eaten in bus on the way back to camp.

When I was back in the camp, I noticed that my locker had been broken into because of the marks on the edge, probably scratch by spoon. I run a quick check and found out only food was stolen (one packet Maggie mee, a bar of candy and few packets of milk). In the afternoon, I followed some bumis out of the camp perimeter without any authorization. We headed to the waterfall area, which is the place we had our wirajaya program using the back jungle track. The bumis seem pro already in doing this, so I guessed they went a few times already. On the way to the waterfall, we met some other trainees, bumis or malay, walking back to the camp, seem like finish bathing. We reached the waterfall and saw some visitors also enjoying themselves there. The bumis quickly got took out their clothes (not the undies, of cuz) and jump into the water. I was just busy photographing around. They bathed for like 30+ minutes and decided to go back to camp because of the unwelcome weather. It was a fun time with them! I was still having fever, so I have to wear my jacket all way through. We’re allowed to go up the hill in the evening to make phone calls; I bought my dinner up at the hill, a plate of fried mee!

Monday

Today we took the bus to Taman Sri Puteri (sound nice, right? Well, it’s a probation centre for girls!). I was told to leave my camera in the bus because photographing in the compound is NOT ALLOWED. I was kind of regret why I didn’t buy a small camera. We reach the centre. The buses were parked outside, some 107 of us walked into the hall, which all the “patient” and their “teacher” were already inside waiting for our arrival. Wow, the teachers inside are all female, and some of them holding walkie-talkie, which really don’t fit their baju melayu cum tudung outfit. Then there was this boring speech the head mistress, which I almost slept. We were told that the security in the centre is extremely tight; I can see that through the double fencing around (The garbage compactor we visited is actually next to the probation centre, separated by high zinc roof plates as fences). We were also told that visitors can only last in the centre for a maximum of 15 minutes; this was to tell us that we are special that we can stay for 32 times of that duration! The “patients” or girls there don’t look aggressive and dangerous to me; in fact, they look very harmless and innocent, which led me to think that they are more to be cheated to do wrong things than to doing it intentionally, causing them to end up in the centre. After that, each group was separated to do their work respectively. My group was asked to do the cement work of building the low walls of the garden. It was kind of tedious, but we did our job and didn’t complaint, not sure why. We’re kind of pity the girls there I guess. One of my teammates actually got an ex-classmate who is a “patient” there; she chit-chatted a little with her (which I was later told that we’re not allowed to communicate with the patients there).

After the lunch, there was some free time, so I secretly use my camera to take some photos of the surrounding, I couldn’t manage to take photos of the patients though. Then there’s some more cement work. After that, closing to the end of the program, we went back into the hall. Our camp commander, vice commander and head of physical training (KJ la!) also came to the centre, not sure why. We thanked the centre’s teachers and patients (“Tepuk sayang” and “tepuk terima kasih”), and left the centre with the buses. Everyone left the centre with a smile on their face, but deep down in their heart, I believe, they will never want to come to a place like this anymore. In the bus, one of my friend (who was supposed to do the cement work with us but went away and hanged out with his gang of friends) told me that they chatted with one of the Chinese girl there. They was told that the girls there are very afraid of the disciplinary teacher there. If they disobedient a little, they might not get their dinner at night, or lock in a plain-dark room for days. She quickly walked away when saw the teacher nearby. At night, after the dinner, we had debriefing and briefing as usual. The bumis got their party in the rest room without any trainers knowing. They secretly bring in chickens and BBQ them in the jungle (outside the camp perimeter of course) and brought them back to the rest room. What I can say is that they treat. me really good! I am proud to have them as my friends. They’re also good in doing all these illegal but harmless things.

Tuesday

Woke up late, at 5.50am and when we just wanted to gather, the rain fell. So we gathered inside the hall. As usual these days, no more PT. After the breakfast, we gathered in the hall as we’re not appointed to go anywhere that day. JPA-3 arrived at the camp, and gave a speech. They taught us CPR and everyone had to demonstrate once, the same goes to rolling an unconscious person. That’s pretty much what we did in the morning, after our lunch, I went to take a quick nap, and ended up almost late for the afternoon program. In the afternoon, we’re taught on how to carry an injured person, we’re taught 8 ways of doing it. The worst part was we had to demonstrate all 8 ways outside the hall, under the hot sun, with a carrying length of more than 100 metres! I hurt my back on the first try… After that, we had a short marching and the program of the day ended early (if compared to the outside programs we’d been through).

After the dinner, I heard that the Chinese were allowed to request for Chap Goh Meh holiday (which is on the next day). There were A LOT of Chinese lining up outside of the management office after the debriefing and briefing. Most of my friends who were not in time to get letter from their parents of not told to do so before just forged their parent’s signature and handed in for the management officer. I didn’t bother to request for the holiday, I enjoyed the community service program so much and I didn’t want to miss anything! I was told later that the camp management didn’t approve any request, because the numbers of request exceed the maximum of 20 request set by KL main management.

Wednesday

We took a bus to Pisau Garden Phase-2. Before we left, and sitting in the bus, I saw a lot of people still lining up outside of the management office, waiting for their approval to go home. I think the holiday is not worth it because they have to come back on Thursday before 6.30am, and that really stressed family who live far from the town. Anyway we reach the residential area’s little community park with bball, sepak taktraw and volley ball court. It was a nice little park. In the middle of the bball court, there was a tent with chairs inside, and there’s also people waiting for our arrival. Then a Nescafe truck came, and we all get our self one or two cup of coffee to drink. Wow, nice service. Then there’s an interesting speech (maybe it was the coffee) about the introduction of Piasau Garden phase-2. And then, there’s where the surprise started, we’re actually served for a quick break by the residents there! They fried bee hoon and made kueh for us to eat, how thoughtful! It was no cheap food (like the one in the canteen everyday), it was delicious! Then after that we started our gotong-royong. We’re given bags and started walking around picking up rubbish. My team were walking so fast, ignoring the rubbish around, while I was trying my best to pick every rubbish I saw. That’s the reason I lost track of them 15 minutes later, I walked back to the community park myself and found out that most of the people there were already taking their rest under the trees. Some starting to play balls. Huh? Are we here to enjoy or to work, I was a little confused. When all the trainees going rubbish picking were back, the volley ball competition between PKN and Piasau started. Those Piasau people are really good at playing volley ball, and without doubt, they won.

After the game was the lunch, followed by sepak taktraw competition and some mini games. Btw, some of the trainee left the area halfway for the holiday. One even phoned me when they’re outside, telling me that how free are they outside… duh… We all had fun in either participating in the game or watching it. After the games, we got more things to eat! Now I’m wondering, we’re there to serve or to be served? After the break, is the rope pulling competition between PKN and Piasau. We won the painful game, and everyone cheered! There were an ending speech, and we thanked them all for their warm welcome and caring. When I’m back in the camp, I still saw some people waiting to go out; really don’t understand what they were thinking. I talked with En. Helmy (head of management officer) concerning the photos issue. It’s like this, he need some photos for a magazine by tomorrow. I told him that all our photos is in Ben’s PC and the only way to get it is to escort Ben back home and put the photos into some kind of storage media and bring it back. After dinner, there were so few of us Chinese left in the camp, some of the girls from KL, Limbang and Long-Lama also left (using forged signature, what do you think?). Before I went back to sleep, Ben told me that the disciplinary trainers are going to take him back home for the photos. Well, good idea, now we can clear our cards earlier than usual! Went to sleep at 10pm, thinking that I can wake up early tomorrow, I was proven wrong. I was waken by the bumis at 11pm to attend one of them’s birthday party because I’d paid to attend. It lasted for like 30 minutes, and I was like in the state of half asleep all way through.

Week 8 (14 – 19 Feb)

Monday

What a lazy day for the trainees after the “long” CNY holiday. It rained when we’re about to gather for flag rising, so we gather in the hall, the first time for me. After the singing of Negaraku and Wira-Wirawati, we have a light TTS, replacing the usual morning PT. Then was the boring part, we waited in the Canteen after we finish our breakfast and asked to do nothing. After the break at 10.30am, we’re divided into 19 groups, which prepare us for the community service module. We’re also told that “Panglima” (A high-ranking officer from the army) is going to visit our camp sometime that day, probably in the afternoon. After lunch, we waited some more and did nothing in the canteen for the so called “Panglima” to arrive and we waited from 2pm till 5pm that he finally arrive.

These people were really serious about the visit that we were warned not to make any noise when he’s around and when he’s giving his speech. Yeap, the canteen was quiet! We’re allowed to go back to room after he left the camp. Can’t believe the whole day wasted for nothing. After the dinner, comes the trash talking. This time, KJ was mad! He found out the graffiti on the wall of No 3 water room. So room 3’s trainee have night patrol for 3 continuous nights! Then we’re told to go to the Logistic to get our new set of Army uniform. What? I hardly use my second set, and now I’m asked to get the third set? It was as slow process of giving out the uniform by the logistic even it’s helped by 2 other physical module trainers. I wonder why they don’t give it all out in the morning when we’re left doing nothing, but have to rush everything to everyone until 11pm. I went back to room after I got my uniform at 10.30pm. Btw, the new set of uniform is for the closing ceremony, and we aren’t supposed to wear it anytime earlier.

Tuesday

The usual PT in the morning is skipped once again, and we had our breakfast earlier than usual, at 6.45am. Some of the groups left the camp earlier using bus. At 8.30am, I went into class E for the speech by Jabatan Kebajikan. They were introducing their department and duties, as well as the requirements to join them; it was kindda boring, but better than the kindi-like CB class.

We left the camp at 10.30am, after the break, to PBSM HQ. There we had some more speech similar to those from J. Kebajkan until lunch time, which is 12.30pm. We took our lunch and do nothing until 2pm. I almost slept in the air conditioned bus. We visited the Dialysis Centre, just next to the PBSM HQ building, inside the same compound. The place is only for those who have kidney failure and financial problem. One time usage cost around RM150 to clean your blood and the whole process takes 4 hours to complete. There’s A LOT of cool looking machine inside. Some were occupied by patients, having their blood filtered, or whatever you call it. Around the area, I kept hearing this high pitch noise. Well, it’s actually from the in-house water purifier and they need the 100% clean water to replace the one in the human blood. They also got power backup system so no patient is in danger if there is a electricity shortage. BTW, we also need to take off our shoes (we’re wearing boots that time!) in order to enter the centre! The officer in charge also kept on warning us about the danger of high blood sugar level. Next stop is the Sunflower Centre, which is a place for the mental challenged youth. They got a little store there selling all kinds of stuff. Every purchase we made will be donated to the centre. The things they sold were also donated from people and company all around Miri. Then we went into a just finished multimedia hall. We learn more about Red Crescent’s history and its function all around the world. They even show us the video, a gory one, from a not-so-peace country. We went back to camp after that, everyone was sleep and slept in the extremely comfortable bus!

After dinner, I followed some girls to the management office to know what the heck they did there every night after their dinner. To my surprise, they’re actually playing with PC and PS2 (Yes, you read me, Sony Playstation 2) there! I know, they’re pretty close to the officer and the discipline units, that’s why they’re allowed to touch the toys.

Wednesday

Again, morning PT was skipped. I guess the Physical Training is officially over, so we’re skipping PT these days. Well, something not-so-good happen in the morning. Cikgu Wahab came late, when we’re about to march back to canteen, and Tiger went and want to hit him! I didn’t watch the drama because I came into the canteen, but what I heard is that Tiger is pissed off by Wahab’s action that morning and fought a little bit (the army style!) at the field. Not sure what happen after that.

I went into class B after my breakfast to listen a speech by the Jabatan Alam Sekitar. From there I realize that we create a lot of rubbish everyday! Kuching produces rubbish twice as much as those from Miri! At around 9.30am, we took a bus to the rubbish compactor area at near Siputi. Well, right after we came out of the bus, we could hardly breathe already. Incidentally, a garbage truck just arrived and we could witness the process of compacting the garbage. It was less high-tech than I wish it would be, cuz it just tries to push everything into a container. Then a truck came in and took the container away to the next place we’ll be visiting, the landfill. We took the bus again all the way from Siputi to the landfill near lambir. When I first reach there, I was astonished by the amount of rubbish that I was seeing. Tractors and bulldozer working non-stop to move the rubbish to higher grounds. There’re also a lot of “bangau” birds flying around the area, looking for food (flies’ larva, I guessed). I was busy taking pictures around the place while the officer in charge was giving his speech. Then we visited a few ponds just next to the dumpsite. We’re told that the liquid in the pond was from the landfill, and it had to go through three ponds before being flow back to the river. IMHO, three ponds of “filtering” isn’t enough, the liquid is just so damn smelly! My friends joked that if someone drop into it, even using ten soaps isn’t going to get you clean up!

Next stop is Lambir National Park. We played games after we had our lunch. These games were far better, far interesting than those we played in CB classes. The last game was the longest one. We had to close our eyes with clothes (just like the Nationalism class) and go around the jungle just by following the rope we’re holding. At first, I thought it was the same thing as we’d played in LZ graduation camp, I was proven wrong. First, we had to take out our shoes and shocks, that left us bare footed to walk THROUGH a jungle, and the ropes are placed very close to the ground, rendering it hard to grip. We even have to walk above water, something like a pond or stream, with “crocodile” trying to snatch us away from the ropes! It was pure fun! Everyone had fun! Before we left, my friend reported that he lost his handphones and wallet. I was nothing actually, because someone else later found them in my friend’s own bag. We went back and reach the camp at 6pm! That was late!

I ate Maggie mee for dinner that night. During the trash talking, my name was actually called. Eventually, all 86 and some 87 were also called to go in front. They were hoping us to donate blood and told us that only the 18 and older were allowed to donate blood. I didn’t like the idea of it, so I turn down the deal. I know it was selfish of me to do that, but I need to ask my parents before anything happen. I heard that Tiger and Wahab was punished to march at the field from 11pm onward as a punishment for their misbehavements, can’t be so sure about whether it’s true or not. I also had night patrol that night. I was supposed to wake up at 2am by the last shift. I woke up at 3am, and found out that my friend, who was supposed to be patrolling before me, was also sleeping. I woke him up and asked him whether he patrolled already, he hasn’t. So I insisted him to patrol with me. The teacher in charge was sleeping in our room… We go around for like 30 minutes and try to wake the following shift up, failed, then we went back to sleep.

Thursday

Woke up at 7am and found out that I’d missed my breakfast. Darn… I went to the canteen at 7.45am, and the bus took off at 8am, heading to the Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPPD). We were given speech by some officer concerning the narcotic drugs. We had a break, followed by the exhibition of narcotic drugs and its danger. This was also the first time I see how heroin, ecstasy, “ice” and opium look like. Then there’s this really long speech by the head police. He was explaining the jobs of police, the different levels of the team, the basic requirements to get into the police force. I also talked about the days when he had grenade training, and that’s the only funny thing. He said that he had to hold the grenade for a while after the pin was pulled out. After throwing it away, he had to count “1001, 1002, 1003” before he can loose sight of the grenade and get cover. This is to prevent losing the position of unexploded grenade. He also smoked in-front while giving his speech, now that’s not a very good thing to do.

After lunch, we use the bus to the Police station near the overhead bridge. In the lobby, we saw criminals inside the lock-up. Then we saw them being escorted out and into a vehicle. I was photographing them when one of them said to me, “Photographing eh!?” I gave him a cold smile. Heard that they’re rape criminals and being sent to the court at the moment. We’re then given speech in the extremely hot meeting room! It was so hot and there’re no fresh air flowing in. The two small air-conditioners didn’t help as well. Then we went visit around the police station. There’s a lot of motorcycle, more than a thousand I guessed. Then there’s the fighting chickens separated and kept in cages. Too bad they didn’t take us into the exhibit room, just walking pass the door. We then took at bus back to IPPD and visit the weaponry and inventory warehouse. While we’re walking to the warehouse from our bus, we pass-by the K9 training area and saw a REALLY big dog. Arriving in front of the warehouse, the first thing I noticed was the guns hanged on a board for exhibition purposes. I was so eager to touch those, so I didn’t listen to what the officer said. Well, we didn’t get to see the weapons first, we check the vehicles out instead. One thing for sure, they didn’t let us see what engine is the Waja using. They said it’s somekind of secret, and mentioned that the doors and the window panes are all bullet proof. Then they show us the guns! MP-5, M-16, handguns, magnum, shotgun… Just can’t take enough photos. They also let us to push the trigger (it’s unloaded, of course). They also showed us the suits, summon tickets, tools, utilities, handbags, shoes… who cares, nothing beat the guns…

After all those visiting, we went to Boulevard, without permission from KJ or anyone else. I bought some junk food, and actually met the camp management and medical at a camera store. Well, they asked me whether the Nikon D70 is good, well, I told them it is, but the one beside it, a Canon 20D is better. We went back to camp after that, did the usuals like took a bath and washed my clothes. After the dinner, we had the debriefing of the day, and briefing for our trip next day. And you know what? The moment my group facilitator came, he said, “Debriefing’s over, let’s get on to the briefing…” I had a mini Maggie before I slept.

Friday

I was starting to feel that I was having sore throat when I woke up. PT was skipped, this was becoming a norm, and after breakfast, we went to the fire station near the general hospital. We’re given a speech, an interesting one, in the extremely comfortable, air-conditioned meeting room. We then walked around the building, visiting the management office, the operation room, the operator room, and a room exhibiting tools and equipments used by the fire fighters. It was fun to see and touch all these cool stuff! Heck, we even visit their restroom and tried the steel bar which decent to the unloading zone, where the fire truck is parked. It was a must for us to try the steel bar, but some girls who were just too scared to try it and got around with it while some guys couldn’t get enough that they tried twice! Then there was a demonstration by the fire fighters to rescue a victim and contain contaminated material. They used REAL oxygen mask and they almost runs out of oxygen when we’re taking our time taking photos with them after the demonstration… lol… We visited the gym next, the temperature inside was not very welcoming; maybe it was not built for 60 people to be inside at once.

After lunch, most of us were asked to try out the fire-fighter’s suit, ride on the truck, and try the spraying system. I, with 2 of my friends, went and “create” fire using the provided diesel and unused tires, and yes, we’d also created quite a lot of air pollution just for the fun of it. One word to describe the fire truck, POWERFUL! It can accelerate very fast even when loaded with all the pumps and equipments inside! At least 5 of us needed to hold the hose before the water was let is for spraying. The spray was powerful! I was told that it was only a quarter of the usual 20bar used by the fire fighters. While, watching, my friend was busy keeping the fire alive while the rest tries on the spray. I also tried, but not the truck… sigh… Then there’s demo of indoor fire fighting, teaching us the techniques and letting some of us to perform. After a break, there’s demo of high rise rescuing of a victim using the ladder from the fire truck! WOW! That was brave, and I mean the acting victim, to be hold by someone that was climbing down a ladder. We all enjoyed loved the people working over there! We took some more group photos with the team, thanked them, and left the station with a smile on every of our face. We went to G.K. supermarket after that, some of my friends went to the road side stall to buy some food. I was beginning to feel like I’m having a fever, so I bought some Strepsil and Panados. At night after the dinner, we’re given a speech by PTPN college (or university, who cares). I didn’t care much, cos I think I was already having fever that time.

Saturday

I was sure that I was having fever. Those who wished to donate blood left for the general hospital early in the morning, they did not get to have their breakfast. There a little trash talking at 8.30am and went on for the volley ball competition between Alpha and Delta companies (both gender). I was reading Conan comics all the way through. It ended at 10.30am, and I went to sleep until 12.25pm for the lunch. I was feeling cold after the lunch and wore my jacket after that, even though it was supposed to be a hot afternoon. There was sepak taktraw competition at 3pm. Those who donate blood also came back sometime after that. I was told that out of the 30 people who went donating, only less than 10 were qualified to donate. They suspect there was something to with the food we ate in the canteen, making us that unhealthy to even donates blood. At night, we got some speech from some nurse institute, nothing interesting.

Week 7 (6 – 12 Feb)

Sunday

I had my breakfast at 7.30am, and we have to be in the canteen at 8.30am. We weren’t told to do anything until 10am that we all have to move into the hall. What a waste of time. Even when inside the hall, we still have to wait for like another 30 minutes and doing nothing but talking around. Some impatient ones are already walking around getting food to eat at the canteen. Well, the Head of PLKN Physical Trainer did come and gave a speech. He mentioned that he’d been to many camps in Sabah before visiting to ours, and his next stop will be the rest of the camps in Miri and moving forward to West Malaysia. Bla bla bla, whatever, thanks for wasting our time and blow the Wirajaya program. After lunch, I started packing up my belongings for a 5 nights stay at Ah King’s house, and wait for his mum to arrive at the camp.

“Look! King’s here…” told one of my friend while I was talking to her. Turning my head, it took me 3 seconds to really identify that he’s really is King. He just got some new hairstyle! After finishing the paper work in the management office, I’m out of the camp… for 6 days. King kept on asking me he looks like bad guy or not. Well, once I got use the it and I knew him extremely well, I gave him a smile and shacked my head. Don’t want to get into the details because this is nothing about National Service here, but more on personal stuffs. I think I’ll skip until Friday, when I’m back in the camp. Btw, if you want to know what happen during CNY, try surf to my personal blog at http://iseek4edmund.blogspot.com

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

To be honest, I don’t really remember what REALLY happened these three days as I didn’t write my log. Let me recap… Ah, I remember I came back to camp later than allowed on Friday. Nothing happen to me anyway, the management office didn’t mind. Whew! The camp was unusually quiet as MOST of the holiday leavers weren’t back until Sunday afternoon. Yes, they asked for leave extension before the holiday begins, which was approved without any hassle. FYI, before I came into the camp, one of my friend told me that he tell the management that he’s in Kuching at the mean time, which was a total lie, and the management approved his leave extension. The thing is, he did it during the holiday, slick…

We didn’t do anything for Friday night. Wait… Things went back to normal on Saturday as we’re told to gather in the field at 6.30am as usual. Of course, every company has absent trainees and it’s really hard for the company commander to count every one of us and identify the missing one’s whereabouts. I’m not sure what we did in the morning, but in the afternoon, we had the A-frame competition. Our group look like the wining team, but somehow, Charlie company was chosen as the winner. Duh… anyway, it was fun! I never played A-Frame in any other place before. After that, we’re allowed to go up the hill to make phone calls. On Sunday, we went out as usual. Some of my friend, like Jing Yi, requested to go home at 5pm, and got approved. Well, usual for her, since she just like to stay at home as long as possible. Hah…

Saturday (5 Feb)

We’re told to pack our bags before we went to sleep on the previous night and have to wake up at 5am. The day’s bfast was at an abnormal 6am and we all have to gather at the marching field at 7.10am. We took off and walked in a line toward the jungle behind the flying fox tower. Then we came to the assembly area to wait for further orders. Over there, our group leader had to communicate using walkie-talkie themselves. Luckily, Charlie company and two trainers are with us. KJ was at the other side giving instruction on where to go next. Well, he even asked our leaders to PT ten times for making a command mistake, which is not saying out their group name after they replied. The trainers accompanying us just told us to ignore it. We smiled. The leaders were blur on where to go again, then they figured out that they have to go back up to the hill to receive a map accompanied by some teammates. I heard that they met KJ at the hilltop and did their PT there. LOL. Anyway, after we got the map, we spend around one hour walking around and figuring what the map is all about. Most of just were just lying on the ground, sleeping or chatting around. Some even played with the goats in the farm nearby. We were initially split with the wirawati, but then, they pass by us and walk toward the waterfall area making us kind of embarrassing. Well, our leaders (as well as Charlie’s) couldn’t figure out what the hell the map is trying to say but was told to bring everyone to go to the waterfall right away.

Before we reach the waterfall area, we saw the wirawati already starting to build their camps in the jungle near the waterfall area (~100m). Well, what do you know, our territory is the jungle behind the waterfall area. Btw, it’s a small waterfall, might as well consider it as a drain, draining not so dirty water. Just some walk, an exhausting one because the track is steep, we saw some items and broken camps left by the last batch of NS trainee, and realize that it’s also our campsite. Then we start building our temporary shelter with small tree trunk. We were seriously lack of parang to cut the trees and strings to tie things up! We end up borrowing parang back and fourth as well as using the string ,that is suppose to surround our territory, and the one used by the last batch. The weather wasn’t that good either, halfway completing our tent, the rain fell, halting all “constructions”. Anyway, it was only a while then the rain stopped. Btw, we didn’t really build any toilet, they just pee wherever they like. Then come our lunch time. I thought that we have to cook ourselves, I was proven wrong. We had to walk down the jungle and to the waterfall area. The canteen guys were here, with all the familiar food from the canteen. Since we never queue over there before, it was all messed up and quite a lot of people didn’t get their lunch, and some took twice. We used the water from the waterfall to wash our “plates”. Even during lunch time, we’re split from the girls.

According to the time table, we will start our activity at 2pm, so we thought we got plenty of time left for ourselves. Some of us try to sleep, but at 1.30pm, we’re all waken up, telling us that the activity is about to start. 10 person was asked to go down the hill in Baju Melayu to receive further instructions. After like 15 minutes, those in baju melayu rushed back and told us to pack EVERYTHING up as we all need to move out from the area. “What?” I asked my self, but we just finish our shelter, now you want us to tear the roof and run like hell? Of course, I won’t be stupid enough not to follow orders. They also told us to watch out for Militant, which were all our trainers. We couldn’t trust our trainers for that period as they will start kidnap us or steal our precious (you know, the so called “Telur Emas”) We start to move deeper into the jungle, only us, the Delta company. I have totally no idea where we’re heading, but we did cross a small stream, climb up some steep hilly tracks and through some dense forest. Along the way, we kept on lowering our heads or run like no body’s business when we heard that Militant is close by. It was tiring and I didn’t see any militant at all… duh… Somehow, we come to the hills behind the girls dorm. Some of us were sent downhill and to another hill nearby to retrieve new instructions, I don’t know what the heck is happening, and they turned back after they reach the bottom. Our leader and a few of us told the rest to go back to the stream and wait for further instructions. We did what they told, and rest for some time at the stream. We were SO exhausted as we run everywhere with our heavy bag, and couldn’t imagine how could we spend the night here in the jungle. I don’t know how they got the orders, but we move on and back to our base. Before we even reach our base, we saw all the trainees walking downhill toward the waterfall area, saying that Tiger wanted us down there in 10 minutes! Full of confusion, we rush downhill, and run some more to a opening space, close to the goat farm. Everyone had gathered over there already.

Well, KJ announced that the activity had come to an end. WTF? Where’s the overnight plan? Where’s the camp fire? Where’s the militant kidnapping game? Everything is cancelled and the program has been shortened due to a visit by some *** to the camp on the next day. GREAT! This is supposed to be the CLIMAX of physical training and it was blown off by some officer from the NS HQ. However, KJ said that this batch performed the best among the past batches and gave us a mark of 80%. Not bad. We were asked to come in front and share with the rest of what we’ve been through. The funniest is by the Delta Wirawati. One of them was captured by the militant, and the rest were asked to jump into the stream in order to release their teammates. They did what he asked. I heard that all of them found the “Telur Emas” already, but I never see it before and don’t know how it look like. After the sharing is over, we walked back to the camp. Since there’s lots of food left in my bag, it finish almost all of them before I even reach camp. On the way, some of us even make phone calls back home with our mobile phones because we all heard that we can leave the camp the next day at 2pm for the CNY holidays. YES!

We reach the camp at 6pm. After the dinner, we have briefing on the visit by the head of PLKN to our camp. We’re also allowed to sleep until late in the morning but couldn’t go out to town the next day (usual for Sunday). Well, I have my night patrol that night, or consider on the next day’s dawn. I wake up at 3.30am by my mobile phone’s alarm. Looking at my room, I realize no one was doing night patrol before us. Duh… I woke my teammate up and we both went and find Trainer Wahab in the hall. He was sleeping there, with the Karaoke TV and AP system still on. I end up patrolling alone as my teammate (a malay), went and karaoke with the trainer. Duh… I went back to sleep at 5am, and my teammate didn’t cause he had to going to the surau not long after that.

Week 6 (30 Jan-4 Feb)

Sunday

There’s a KL friend of mine, Carter, who never been to M2, so I decided to bring him to M2. After meeting him at the temple, we took a bus from Wisma Pelita to Pelita CC. Well, he ended up following me to Progress. That’s why I don’t have enough time to finish the Week 5 article (see below) since I have to bring him to M2 and Servay Hyper after that. We went back to camp at around 1.30pm, and thank goodness I got enough time to get my newspapers. Took a nap and wait for Ah King’s mum at the camp’s gate around 4pm. I need her to sign the paper which allows me to stay in her house during CNY. Well, while doing that, I replied my brother’s email in my PDA (of course, it stays in the outbox until there’s GPRS connection). Heard from his mum that King will be back on the following Friday till the 5^th of lunar calendar and Chung Hua’s having their sports day on Friday and Saturday as well. King’s mum also gave me some fruits (yea, Chinese mandarins). I left those fruits in the Management room (Urusetia) and went up the hill to make phone calls.

Monday

Another day, another boring CB class in the morning, but before that, there was light marching practicing after the flag raising. We really need those because the marching competition will held on the coming Wednesday. After lunch is the final of Wirawati Bball competition. What I can say is that some of the girls from Alpha Company (whom I guess is from KL) are ROUGH! They dare to push and bang like nobody’s business! Pity the Bravo company which compete against them, and in the end, the wirawati got the first place! As for the Sepak Taktraw competition, Charlie beats Delta hands down. Then there’s some more CB class after the dinner. Seem like they do not have enough time for the CB class that they rush the topics every session.

Tuesday

Some more boring class in the morning, then it’s the challenging obstacle course competition in the afternoon. Since my Delta company only got 31 wira and the competition require 25 person from each team, I am in it! Not very tough for me, and for my company as well, I believe. One thing I did wrong is when going up the 12 feet wall. Since I’m the last one to go up, I use the wrong method, which is more comfortable for me, to climb up. I met TK after my run, he was watching us, and asked, “Who is the last one to climb the 12 feet wall?” Of course I admit myself and he told me that I was doing the wrong way. I’m confused, because for the last three times I climbed, no one told me about that. Seeing the other company did it, I realize my mistake. IMHO, the correct way is slower, but uses less energy for the climber.

After all the companies finished their run (FYI: wira and wirawati are in different category), we gathered around the lake to wait for TK announce the winner. Well, it was cancelled due to bad weather and we all go back to our room. I sleep after that until it was almost time for dinner. When at the canteen, I heard from my friend that another supernatural incident happened again. A girl got hysteria again, and this time some of my Christian friends (female of course) went and pray for her. What I heard is kind of blur. After the dinner, we watch the dumb CB video and went to class after that. We’re also told that the marching competition will postpone till Thursday.

Wednesday

As usual in the morning, light marching, breakfast, CB class (which I somehow felt left out from someone…), CB video, some more class after the break, then lunch. I took a quick nap after the lunch so that I got enough energy for the Rakit competition in the afternoon.

It was really an exhausting experience. It was surely more tiring than it looks simply because it require a lot of energy to paddle! One of my fingers was also hit and injured by my teammate’s paddle who is sitting in front of me. In the first round, Alpha beats Beta while Charlie beats Delta. In the end, Charlie became the obvious champion because Alpha lagged behind like one round. After that I went to sleep some more till before dinner time after finishing washing my smelly cap. And there’s some more class at night, which my friend totally didn’t show up, not sure why.

Thursday

Some more marching practice after the flag rising and this time we try to do it right because the competition is just in the afternoon. It’s that close! But still, there’s some teammate who just cannot be any serious. They don’t stand properly, move slower or in the wrong direction, make fun of others, chit chatting while practicing… the list goes on. Of course, not one person did all those, and I admit I also did some of those mistakes, but not on purpose. After the breakfast is the usual CB class and I practically sleep through it. It is SO BORING!

At 1330, we must come to the canteen with full army uniform for the competition. At the beginning, there is the outfit checking. Marks will be deducted if one didn’t wear his uniform correctly, for instance, un-tight belt, dirty boots, not using rubble band for pants, not wearing anything inside for girls (other than, you know… bra). After the checking, we try to practice some more, at the bball court. Cikgu Chan, who was getting married, actually came to watch our competition in his wedding outfit with his newly married wife! Oh, the Mrs Chan looks very beautiful that day!

Few minutes before our turn, we realize we cannot shout command such as “Left, Right, Left, Right…” during marching. Sh*t! We use to practice like that, if that’s the case, we all decided to try not to make any sound during marching. Well, our performance turned out to be quite good and smooth. At least no one did any obvious mistake and a lot of my friend commended us. Well, our teamwork and hard work paid off at the end of the day as we got second place for the Wira category. As for the Wirawati Delta, they got the champion, making the Alphas extremely jealous. For me, the Wirawati Delta is flawless, they’re just DAMN GOOD! We took photos with the newly married couple after the competition ended.

At night, during the CB class, we’re given jobs to think of what to perform on the last session. Well, my group decided to sing a song (malay one, duh…) with a guitarist playing music. All the other groups were also working hard with each other for their performance, except for one. Their teammate were scattered all around doing things themselves. Well, they were asked to stay back after class and the facilitators went and consult them. Wow, I don’t know how, I heard that they actually felt sorry and some of them even cried… Cikgu Shida IS amazing when it comes to non official CB stuff.

Friday

CB class starts earlier at 8am, as this is going to be the last day we’ll be having it. It ends at 10.30am, as usual for Friday because the Muslims have to go for praying. CB class continued at 2.30pm and it was the last session. Well, I guess that is the best CB class ever. Each group performed in front of the class. The group who didn’t do anything the previous night gave a public apology to the teachers and sang a song. Cikgu Shida smiled, with tears dropping from her eyes. Then more trainees and trainers’ tears dropped when they start shaking hands and hugging each other. It was a memorable sight, and a touching one. After that we went on to watch the grand final of CB video, which I didn’t really pay attention as I’m busy filling the feedback form with as many negative points as I can think of. There, I met my friends from other class and found out that the other class did not have any crying or touching things happened. So I concluded that our class got the best teacher from the bunch, Cikgu Shida, Cikgu Unting (a UniMas Lecturer) and Cikgu BaD.

After watching the video, we went out from the hall to the canteen (juz separated by a wall…) and we were given equipments that we would use the next day for the Wirajaya Program. Two people in a team were given bottles, cooking pot and raincoat. A company was given 6 shovels and 6 parang, and we need to share it with the girls. Then each person was given a bag that look like our army suit. I find the bag uncomfortable to use, however, it’s spacious! After that we have our briefing for the Wirajaya mission. They actually made up some stories…

A team of scientist have invented a new type of renewable source of enerny, the “Telur Emas”. It was hidden in the jungle before all of them are caught and taken away by the “terrorists”. Our mission is to make a base in the jungle, prevent terrorists from penetrating into our base, locate and bring the Telur Emas to safety.

Sounded fun, can’t wait for the next day!