MyIEM Jurutera E-Bulletin - January 2011 by myiem

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Submission or placement of articles in JuRuTERA could be made to the:Chief Editor THE INSTITuTION OF ENGINEERS, MALAySIA, Bangunan Ingenieur, Lots 60 & 62, Jalan 52/4, P.O. Box 223 (Jalan Sultan), 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: +(603) 7968 4001/4002 Fax: +(603) 7957 7678 Email: pub@iem.org.my or sec@iem.org.my IEM Website: http://www.MyIEM.org.my

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JURUTERA

Number 1, January 2011 IEM Registered on 1 May 1959

Majlis Bagi s esi 2010/2011 (ie M Coun C il s ession 2010/2011)

Yang D I perT ua / p res ID en T:

Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Prof. Dr Chuah Hean Teik

T I mbalan Yang D I perT ua / Depu TY p res ID en T:

Ir. Chen Kim Kieong, Vincent

n a I b Yang D I perT ua / V IC e p res ID en T s:

Ir. M.C. Hee, Ir. Lee Weng Onn, Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Rosaline Ganendra, Ir. Yim Hon Wa, Ir. Prof. Dr Ruslan bin Hassan, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin, Ir. Choo Kok Beng

s e TI ausaha KehormaT / h onorarY s eC re TarY:

Ir. Prof. Dr Lee Teang Shui

b en Dahar I KehormaT / h onorarY Treasurer:

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang Choong Luin, Jeffrey

Wa KI l aWa m / CIVI l r epresen TaTIV e: Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat

Wa KI l m e K an IK al / m eC han IC al r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Tan Chee Lin @ Tan Ah Kow, Phillip

Wa KI l e le KT r IK / e leCT r IC al r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Yusouf bin Ahmad

Wa KI l sT ru KT ur / sT ru CT ural r epresen TaTIV e: Ir. Tu Yong Eng

Wa KI l K I m I a Dan D I s I pl I n l a I n / Chem IC al a n D oT hers r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Razmahwata bin Mohamad Razalli

Wakil lain-lain displin / Rep R esentative to othe R disciplines:

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Cheong Kuan Yew ahl I majl I s / Coun CI l m embers:

Ir. S. Kukanesan, Ir. Lai Sze Ching, Ir. Manogaran a/l K.Raman, Ir. Oon Chee Kheng, Ir. Li Thang Fai, Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Saleh bin Jaafar, Ir. Noor Hisham bin Yahaya, Ir. Prof. Dr Lee Sze Wei, Ir. Yee Yew Weng, Ir. Mah Soo, Ir. Dr Ahmad Anuar bin Othman, Ir. Yau Chau Fong, Ir. Wong Chee Fui, Ir. Mohd. Khir bin Muhammad, Y. Bhg Dato' Ir. Hj. Mohd. Isa bin Hj. Sarman, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Marlinda binti Abd. Malek, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Lim Chow Hock, Ir. Lai Kong Phooi, David, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Chee Shi Tong, John, Ir. Gopal Narian Kutty, Ir. Tan Yean Chin, Y. Bhg. First Admiral Dato' Ir. Hj. Ahmad Murad bin Hj. Omar (Rtd), Ir. Ng Shiu Yuen, David, Ir. Kim Kek Seong, Ir. Chong Chew Fan, Ir. Hj. Mohamed Ali bin Yusoff, Ir. Kok Yen Kwan ahli majlis / council m embe Rs (by a ppointment):

Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Ahmad Husaini bin Sulaiman, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. (Dr) Seo Kian Haw, Andy, Y. Bhg. Dato' Dr Ir. Gan Thian Leong

b e K as Yang D I perT ua Tera K h I r / Imme DI aT e pas T p res ID en T:

Y. Bhg. Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul bin Abdullah

be K as Yang DI perT ua / pas T p res ID en Ts: Y. Bhg. Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul bin Abdullah, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Pang Leong Hoon, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. (Dr) Hj. Ahmad Zaidee bin Laidin, Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Prof. Dr Ow Chee Sheng, Ir. P.E. Chong, Ir. Dr Gue See Sew pengerus I C aWangan / bran C h C ha I rman:

1. Pulau Pinang – Ir. Ng Sin Chie

2. Selatan – Ir. Mohd. Khir bin Muhammad

3. Perak – Ir. Dr Ganeindran a/l Sinnathamby

4. Kedah-Perlis – Ir. Hj. Mohd. Saiful bin Hj. Mohd. Sohod

5. Negeri Sembilan – Ir. Hj. Baharuddin bin Ahmad Nasir

6. Timur – Ir. Hj. Roslan bin Abdul Azis

7. Terengganu – Ir. Hj. Rusli bin Embok

8. Melaka – Ir. Mohd. Khalid bin Nasir

9. Sarawak – Ir. Dr John Panil

10. Sabah – Ir. Teo Chee Kong

11. Miri – Ir. Ting Kang Ngii, Peter

ahl I jaWaTan Kuasa I n F ormas I Dan penerb ITan / s Tan DI ng Comm ITT ee on I n F ormaTI on an D publ IC aTI ons 2010/2011: Pengerusi/Chairman cum Chief Editor: Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin Naib Pengerusi/Vice Chairman: Ir. Tan Yean Chin Setiausaha/Secretary: Ir. Lau Tai Onn Ketua Pengarang/Chief Editor: Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin Pengarang Buletin/Bulletin Editor: Engr. Abi Sofian bin Abdul Hamid Pengarang (Jurnal)/Journal Editor: Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Marlinda binti Abdul Malek Pengerusi Perpustakaan/Library Chairman: Ir. CMM Aboobucker Ahli-Ahli/Committee Members: Ir. Yee Thien Seng, Ir. Oon Chee Kheng, Ir. Chin Mee Poon, Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Saleh bin Jaafar, Ir. Hj. Look Keman bin Sahari, Ir. Mohd. Khir bin Muhammad, Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat, Ir. Tu Yong Eng, Ir. Yee Yew Weng, Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Prof. Dr Ow Chee Sheng, Ir. Cheong Loong Kwong, Allen, Ir. Ong Guan Hock, Ir. Tey Choo Yew, Calvin, Engr. Chin Kok Keong, Steven Engr. Shuhairy bin Norhisham

IEM Secretariat: Nor Aziah Budin, Nurul Aida Mustafa

the institution of engineers, M alaysia Bangunan Ingenieur, Lots 60 & 62, Jalan 52/4, P.O.Box 223, (Jalan

Let us all Make It Happen...

by Ir. Tey Choo Yew, Calvin

By the time this edition of Jurutera is published, it will already be a brand new year – 2011! After months of teasers of what is to come, 2011 would be the year we set the ball rolling, transforming Malaysia into a high-income economy. If all goes well, Malaysia’s gross national income (GNI) will increase from USD6,700 in 2009 to USD15,000 by 2020. Of course, I am talking about the latest buzzwords in Malaysia (which comes with a host of jargons) – ETP, GTP, NEM, NKEA, NKRA. What does it all mean to us engineers in the year ahead?

We engineers could not be left out of the fun, so this means it will be an exciting 2011! In fact, most of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) are related to engineering. The focus on infrastructure developments such as the MRT, oil and gas hubs, strategic redevelopment of the Greater Kuala Lumpur, communications infrastructure, renewable energy, etc., will require massive contribution from engineers be it at the study, design, build, operate or maintenance stages. Our innovative, practical and sound engineering knowledge would play a pivotal role in ensu ring speedy and high-quality delivery of the many projects in the pipeline.

The new economic model demands a pool of highlyskilled knowledge workers (this means engineers too!). Engineers need to continuously upgrade their technical knowledge and soft skills to meet the challenges of the new economy. This means keeping ourselves informed of the latest technology, developments and current issues through participation in, say, Continuous Professional Development Programs (CPD).

Indeed, 2011 is more of a continuation of our journey as engineers, playing our part in nation building. Let us all play our part as engineers in building a better Malaysia for a better tomorrow! Let us all make it happen… Happy New Year and have a great year ahead! n

I M portant n ot I ceS

renewaL MeMBerSHIp reMInder 2011

Effective from 1 August 2010, defaulting members in arrears of subscription will be considered as suspended members with all benefits removed. Consequently, these members will not be allowed to attend free talks and will be charged the non-member’s fee at the entrance. They will also not be entitled to register for visits/courses/ seminars/conferences and any paid event of the IEM at members’ registration fee.

to avoid this, all ieM members are advised to settle their annual subscription on time and the dateline for payment each year is on 31 january.

Thank you.

By the Executive Committee of the IEM Council

engineering in 2011Facing up to the challenges

Here’s to a new year and a new beginning for Malaysian engineers. And they certainly have much to look forward to this year. Their expertise will be in demand for numerous projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) and the National Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) announced by the Prime Minister last year.

JuruTErA met up with Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul bin Abdullah, Immediate Past President, and Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, Honorary Treasurer of IEM, for their views on the outlook of engineers in 2011.

Although the world’s financial system has not yet fully recovered, Malaysia has reported a better growth rate than expected. For one, Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul pointed out that the country is going to embark on the 10MP this year. There is also the construction of the rM36 billion mass rapid transit system (MrT) under the ETP, which will create a knock-on effect on the local economy.

However, he feels that conditions are a little more uncertain for the manufacturing sector as it will depend on how the global economy performs in 2011. Overall, he believes that the infrastructure projects from the 10MP should create a knock-on effect that will be favourable for the manufacturing sector as well.

Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul said, “From the engineering point of view, we should be better off than last year. This year, we should concentrate on green technology. Instead of just manufacturing the standard cars of today, local companies should collaborate with foreign car manufacturers to build hybrid cars. With the increasing price of petrol, car owners would want to make the switch to hybrid models.”

He believes that one of the major challenges that engineers will face this year is society’s growing concerns on climate change and global warming. He said, “Engineers will have to be more conscious of this need. Indeed, we have been looking at how we can translate our effort into a greener output. Currently, a lot of effort is being invested into green technology, green building and ways on how we can be more energy efficient, and I believe this will continue well into 2011.”

Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul pointed out that engineers have always been a part of everything that society use daily. By choosing to go green, engineers will have to consider how they can give society something as good or even better, but through a more environmentally friendly process. This includes encouraging the public to make the switch to hybrid cars and supporting organic farming.

So how can this be achieved? Currently, despite the full excise duty exemption by the Government under Budget 2011, hybrid cars below 2,000cc are still priced at a premium.

He stated that it is all a question of supply and demand. He believes prices will become more affordable as demand increase.

Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul

Another example he provided was the energy saving bulb. Nowadays, many homes have made the switch to these bulbs, firstly because the price of these bulbs is now more affordable, and also because homeowners are now more conscious of the fact that in the long term, they save money. This, he pointed out, will eventually happen for other types of green technology.

Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul said, “As a society, we have become very dependent on electricity. Most homeowners these days install air conditioners for the whole house. Instead, we should reduce our energy consumption by not using air conditioners or by using appliances that are more energy efficient.”

At the same time, he added that engineers have to increase the energy efficiency of these appliances. An air conditioner that is 10% more energy efficient might make very little difference for a household. However, when millions of households are taken into consideration, even a small change will make a significant difference for the country.

He pointed out that this scenario also applies when engineers design a green building. He said, “They have to look at how they can conserve energy with the orientation of building and the use of natural lighting. All of this falls under green technology. If the engineers want to be successful, they will have to focus on these areas. IEM, on its part, should also highlight this issue in the Bulletin more frequently for its members to know where it stands.”

Not surprisingly, in the coming year, Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul would like to see more engineers focusing on green technology and the environment. He stated that IEM is currently producing a number of position papers and many of the topics are looking at issues relating to the latter.

For example, one of the position papers is on the topic of water quality and the environment, while others are focusing on erosion and sediment control, and safety relating to earthquakes and buildings.

At the same time, IEM is organising many seminars, courses and talks related to green technology to create more awareness among its members. A worldwide survey found that almost 50% of the participants have never heard of global warming, and those who have heard of it have no

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang’s wish for this year is that IEM members will work hard on their self-development, not only for the purpose of gaining competency professional development (CPD) hours, but also in pursuit of excellence in their workplace and personal satisfaction in getting the job well done. He pointed out that IEM has always organised well-structured talks, seminars and courses to assist its members to achieve their targets, and he hopes that members and even non-members among the engineers will register and attend such events.

He said, “From my point of view as the Honorary Treasurer, this will generate much needed revenue for IEM, which can then be pledged by various Technical Divisions into the IEM Building Fund. For those who are not aware, IEM still owes the bank to the tune of over rM10 million for the purchase of the Wisma IEM building, which has been used to provide facilities for talks, seminars and courses for all engineers.”

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang believes that the biggest challenge that engineers will face in 2011 will be in the form of competition, i.e. competition for the best projects, for the best employed engineers, for recognition through awards, for opportunity to expand locally and internationally, for the latest technology, for financial or research grants, for the best engineering practices, and so forth.

He said, “In fact, such challenges are healthy and are much needed to keep Malaysian engineers on their toes in the face of globalisation. From a personal point of view, I believe the profession will gain tremendously from the competition if the winners are fairly judged on merit. This applies to both private and public engineering projects.”

He stated that, in reality, the challenges faced by Malaysian engineers may not be on a level playing field. Hence, for passionate engineers, they may have to rely on their creativity and ingenuity to stay ahead of the pack regardless of the challenges that they face or the competitors that are in the fray.

Through IEM, he pointed out that many opportunities and facilities are provided for members to sharpen their skills and harness their resources to rise up to higher levels of competition. For example, IEM has in place a Business Club, which IEM members are encouraged to join and participate

idea what it is. To clear the misunderstandings, IEM is now making it a priority to help its members understand the issue so that engineers can come up with the right solutions. He said, “It would be nice to live in a world where being environmentally friendly is part of everything we do. And I believe the engineers are going to be a key player in this whole process, be it designing green buildings or hybrid cars, or appliances that are more energy efficient.” n

in many arranged overseas business and trade fairs, or even international business meetings with overseas partners in governmental and business arenas.

IEM is also the only institution that assesses and evaluates graduate engineers applying to be recognised professional engineers. Those who are experienced and eligible should take on this challenge and move up to a higher plane of competition, and contribute their skills to the betterment of the society at large.

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang said, “At the very least, all engineers should take the opportunity to improve themselves and their employed engineers in up-to-date engineering knowledge and technology – all of which are available at IEM, through its many organised seminars, courses and even conferences, in which a number of reputable international speakers are invited.”

He believes that, to move ahead, one important issue that needs to be addressed is the soft skills of some of the engineers, in particular, communication skills and peopleto-people inter-relational skills. He finds that this is sadly lacking, particularly among the younger graduate engineers, especially those who have not been exposed to overseas training.

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang said, “The usage of the English language among the engineers, in terms of proficiency in speaking and writing, needs much improvement. Only by realising this shortcoming and addressing the problem headon will they be formidable enough to face stiff competition from anybody, especially incoming foreign engineers from neighbouring ASEAN countries and nearby regions. This will eventually happen with the service sector opening up its doors to international competition.”

However, all is not lost. He believes that if Malaysian engineers can take up and overcome such challenges, then the outlook for the coming year should be good. This will, in turn, benefit the society as a whole, and perhaps result in fewer failures and the collapse of buildings and infrastructures. n

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang

engineering the Last Lap

Dear Readers

Happy New Year! Indeed, 2010 was quite a year for engineers. Almost all the major incidences that occurred in 2010 were related to engineering works in one way or another, except of course those caused by natural disasters. The Deepwater Horizon incident was one of the worst engineering disasters in the history of mankind. The jury is still out on the final cost of the failure. Could this kind of disaster have been prevented?

Another significant event, which might be considered as the pinnacle of engineering work during a disaster was the Chile mine incident. As it turned out, all the miners survived and were brought up to the surface by a specially designed capsule, which was the result of an engineering innovation, and well coordinated and managed rescue operation.

So, what is in store for 2011? Perhaps a closer look would bring forth the fact that 1 January 2011 is not only the start to a new year but also a start to the third decade of Vision 2020, which was launched in 1990. It is like being on the home stretch or the last lap, whichever way one looks at it.

As one of the essential components of nation builders, there are plenty of opportunities and challenges for engineers and the engineering society. The New Economic Model (NEM), the Economic Transformation Programs (ETP) and the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) are some of the key headlines. While the economist may have completed their number crunching for

by Engr. Abi Sofian bin Abdul Hamid

these programs, the real work for the engineers is just starting. Planning, designing, implementing and commissioning are probably the most obvious tasks. The issue of sustainability and environmental friendly engineering will become more prominent. The question is, can we engineers face up to the challenge to ensure all the ideas and concepts on the drawing boards are translated into reality? Our expertise in value engineering and project management will certainly be needed.

Malaysians who were born in 1990 and chose to be engineers are now in their second year of an engineering course. In two years, they will be actively involved in some kind of engineering works. Are we ready to lead and guide them to carry on the good name of the engineering profession towards 2020? With the ever and fast changing way of life, can engineers remain in the traditional domain of engineering or are they ready to impart and infuse engineering practices into other professions?

Let us be more inclusive. Share your thoughts in the coming editions of JURUTERA. Gong Xi Fa Cai to all. n

Warm Regards

The Editor

The cartoons appearing in Shaiky’s View are now available in a professionally designed, 28 x 22 cm hard cover coffee table copy titled “The Engineer”. This limited edition contains more than 180 cartoons dealing with engineering and construction.

“The Engineer” can be purchased through IEM for RM125, of which RM20 will be donated by the author to IEM funds. Please add delivery and handling costs of RM20** for Peninsular Malaysia and RM30** for Sabah and Sarawak.

Please make your cheque payable to “The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia” and mail it together with the following return slip to IEM Headquarters. For further enquiries, please write to sec@iem.org.my

(** Note: Cost is subject to the destination)

Nomination papers for the Election of Council Members for Session 2011/2012 will be posted on the IEM website (http//www.MyIEM.org.my) and will be available at the IEM Secretariat office from 8 December 2010.

Thank you. HoNorary SECrETary

saLe of shaiky's view cartoon book

JURUTERA

Number 1, January 2011 IEM Registered on 1 May 1959

Majlis Bagi s esi 2010/2011 (ie M Coun C il s ession 2010/2011)

Yang D I perT ua / p res ID en T:

Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Prof. Dr Chuah Hean Teik

T I mbalan Yang D I perT ua / Depu TY p res ID en T:

Ir. Chen Kim Kieong, Vincent

n a I b Yang D I perT ua / V IC e p res ID en T s:

Ir. M.C. Hee, Ir. Lee Weng Onn, Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Rosaline Ganendra, Ir. Yim Hon Wa, Ir. Prof. Dr Ruslan bin Hassan, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin, Ir. Choo Kok Beng

s e TI ausaha KehormaT / h onorarY s eC re TarY:

Ir. Prof. Dr Lee Teang Shui

b en Dahar I KehormaT / h onorarY Treasurer:

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Chiang Choong Luin, Jeffrey

Wa KI l aWa m / CIVI l r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat

Wa KI l m e K an IK al / m eC han IC al r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Tan Chee Lin @ Tan Ah Kow, Phillip

Wa KI l e le KT r IK / e leCT r IC al r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Yusouf bin Ahmad

Wa KI l sT ru KT ur / sT ru CT ural r epresen TaTIV e: Ir. Tu Yong Eng

Wa KI l K I m I a Dan D I s I pl I n l a I n / Chem IC al a n D oT hers r epresen TaTIV e:

Ir. Razmahwata bin Mohamad Razalli

Wakil lain-lain displin / Rep R esentative to othe R disciplines:

Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Cheong Kuan Yew

ahl I majl I s / Coun CI l m embers:

Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Ahmad Husaini bin Sulaiman, Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. (Dr) Seo Kian Haw, Andy, Y. Bhg. Dato' Dr Ir. Gan Thian Leong

b e K as Yang D I perT ua Tera K h I r / Imme DI aT e pas T p res ID en T:

Y. Bhg. Dato' Paduka Ir. Prof. (Dr) Keizrul bin Abdullah

1. Pulau Pinang – Ir. Ng Sin Chie

2. Selatan – Ir. Mohd. Khir bin Muhammad

3. Perak – Ir. Dr Ganeindran a/l Sinnathamby

4. Kedah-Perlis – Ir. Hj. Mohd. Saiful bin Hj. Mohd. Sohod

5. Negeri Sembilan – Ir. Hj. Baharuddin bin Ahmad Nasir

6. Timur – Ir. Hj. Roslan bin Abdul Azis

7. Terengganu – Ir. Hj. Rusli bin Embok

8. Melaka – Ir. Mohd. Khalid bin Nasir

9. Sarawak – Ir. Dr John Panil

10. Sabah – Ir. Teo Chee Kong

11. Miri – Ir. Ting Kang Ngii, Peter

ahl I jaWaTan Kuasa I n F ormas I Dan penerb ITan / s Tan DI ng Comm ITT ee on I n F ormaTI on an D publ IC aTI ons 2010/2011: Pengerusi/Chairman cum Chief Editor: Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin Naib Pengerusi/Vice Chairman: Ir. Tan Yean Chin Setiausaha/Secretary: Ir. Lau Tai Onn Ketua Pengarang/Chief Editor: Y. Bhg. Dato' Ir. Hj. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin Pengarang Buletin/Bulletin Editor: Engr. Abi Sofian bin Abdul Hamid Pengarang (Jurnal)/Journal Editor: Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Marlinda binti Abdul Malek Pengerusi Perpustakaan/Library Chairman: Ir. CMM Aboobucker Ahli-Ahli/Committee Members: Ir. Yee Thien Seng, Ir. Oon Chee Kheng, Ir. Chin Mee Poon, Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Saleh bin Jaafar, Ir. Hj. Look Keman bin Sahari, Ir. Mohd. Khir bin Muhammad, Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat, Ir. Tu Yong Eng, Ir. Yee Yew Weng, Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Prof. Dr Ow Chee Sheng, Ir. Cheong Loong Kwong, Allen, Ir. Ong Guan Hock, Ir. Tey Choo Yew, Calvin, Engr. Steven Chin Kok Keong, Engr. Shuhairy bin Norhisham

IEM Secretariat: Nor Aziah Budin, Nurul Aida Mustafa

the institution of engineers, M alaysia Bangunan Ingenieur, Lots 60 & 62, Jalan 52/4, P.O.Box 223, (Jalan Sultan) 46720

Let us all Make It Happen...

by Ir. Tey Choo Yew, Calvin,

I M portant n ot I ceS

renewaL MeMBerSHIp reMInder 2011

to avoid this, all ieM members are advised to settle their annual subscription on time and the dateline for payment each year is on 31 january.

Thank you.

By the Executive Committee of the IEM Council

“Majlis Penyerahan Bangunan Ingenieur, IEM Cawangan Selatan, Blok M40, Kolej Tun Dr Ismail, UTM, Johor Bahru” 1 October 2010

Proud achievement.

Thank you to all ...

Applauding for the success...

Formalising the handing over.

Ready to serve...

IEM Sabah Branch Dinner

IeM engIneerIng Week 2011

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) is pleased to announce that IEM Engineering Week 2011 (EW2011) will commence from 19 March until 26 March 2011.

This will be the fifteenth (15th) consecutive year that IEM is organising the event. The theme for this year’s Engineering Week is ‘ENGINEERING FOR A BETTER LIVING’. It represents IEM’s continuous effort to enhance the image of the engineering profession amongst the community.

A one-week programme has been arranged to promote engineering aggressively and will include all aspects; the challenges, professionalism, exciting working environment and wide career options available to engineers. Society must be made to understand and appreciate the versatility of the engineering profession in providing them with a high standard of living. The target groups for these strategies should be the engineering related industries, IEM members, universities and schools.

The highlight of EW2011 will be the opening ceremony followed by a forum on “Engineering Stars” whereby prominent speakers will share their engineering experience with the public, fellow engineers as well as students. The event is scheduled to be held at the MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Center (MECC), Kuala Lumpur, on 19 March 2011. For details and registration, do visit the IEM website.

Kindly refer to the circular in the Bulletin and announcement in our website for details, contact the IEM Secretariat at 03-7968 4021 or email to mizi@ iem.org.my for further information. Organisations willing to be part of EW2011 by organising their own events during that particular week are most welcome.

The Standing Committee on Welfare and Service Matters Session 2010/2011

New office bearers 2010/2011 of IEM Sabah branch

Numismatics as a Hobby

Numismatics, which originated from the Greek word numisma, is defined as the study or collection of coins. I started this hobby when I was 9 years old when my father bought me two units of RM1 commemorative coins issued by Bank Negara in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of our country’s independence.

From then onwards, my interest in coin collecting grew. When I started, I focused on old coins from Malaya and Borneo (see Figure 1) which was easily obtainable around the house and from my grandparents and relatives. As I grew older and travelled more, my collection grew with the coins that are in circulation in the countries that I visited such as the neighbouring ASEAN countries, China, Taiwan and Turkey.

It was only recently that I became more interested in Malaysian commemorative coins when I found out that one of my colleagues was collecting them. We started to hunt for bargain commemorative coins together, especially the ones issued by Bank Negara after the year 2000 as the number of coins issued is limited. The commemorative coins issued by Bank Negara is usually in the form of coin card (Nordic gold or copper-nickel coin); single silver set (silver coin); 2-in-1 set (silver and either Nordic gold or copper-nickel coins in a box); single gold set (gold coin) and 3-in-1 set (gold, silver and either Nordic gold or copper-nickel coins in a box) (see Figure 2). The selling price by Bank Negara ranges from RM10 for the coin card to RM1450 for the 3-in-1 set. Usually, the amount issued is limited to about 10,000 to 15,000 units for the coin card and only a few hundred sets for the single silver set, 2-in-1 set, single gold set and 3-in-1 set throughout Malaysia. These sets sell like ‘hotcakes’ every time Bank Negara issues new commemorative coins.

by Engr.

I was at the Bank Negara branch in Kuching on 1 October 2010 waiting for the counter to open at 9.30 a.m. for the release of new coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Bunga Raya” becoming our national flower. At about 10.00 a.m., which is only half an hour after the counter opened, all the coins in all the different forms were sold out. I managed to buy two sets of single silver, one set of 2-in-1 and 10 coin cards (as gifts to my friends and younger relatives). It was an eye-opening experience for me as it was the first time that I took part in this madness.

Some collectors buy silver and gold commemorative coins for investment. With the current upward trend of gold and silver prices, and the limited issue of these coins, some of them could fetch a price between 50% and 100% higher than their initial price as sold by Bank Negara in less than a year from the time of release. For example, the single silver coin set for the 50th anniversary of “Bunga Raya” is selling around RM250 just days after the release although the initial selling price by Bank Negara is only RM150.

As for the coins that are in circulation, some of these coins can also fetch quite a high price among collectors due to the low mintage in a particular year or due to error in minting. For example, our humble 10 sen has a low mintage in the year 1971 (only 32,236 coins were minted that year) and could be selling at around RM80 to RM220 among collectors depending on the condition or grading of the coin. To determine the mintage and selling price of these “rare” coins, most collectors refer to the standard catalogue book on Malaysian Coins and Banknotes as a guide. The same goes for old coins; it does not necessarily mean that the older the coin; the higher price it will fetch. The price will still depend on the mintage; rareness of the coin and whether there is any minting error.

As for me, I see my hobby in coin collecting more as a pastime than as an investment tool. I get a thrill when looking at my old coin collection and I feel a connection with the past when I think of these coins as the hard earned money of people in the early years. For readers who are interested to learn more about numismatics, you could join discussions and forums on the Internet such as CoinTalk and Coin Network. If you want to start your own collection, begin by looking around your house for old coins just like what I did. You could also check on online auction sites such as eBay to grow your collection or buy them from any numismatics shop near you, but make sure you have done your research well before purchasing. I hope that this piece of article will create more numismatics enthusiasts among engineers and, together, we could expand our network in terms of our hobby and career.

I would like to end with this note; the next time you receive some small change, take a closer look to see if they are among some of the ‘rare’ coins that are accidentally still in circulation. Who knows, you could be the lucky person who finds these coins. n

Figure 1: Old Sarawak coin dated 1930 showing the bust of Vyner Brooke; the Rajah at that time on the obverse side (left photo) and the value of the coin and year on the reverse side (right photo)

Figure 2: Coin card (left photo) and 2-in-1 set together with single silver set (right photo)

Charles Bong Hin Joo

Managing Matters related to e&e Sector with Single agency

The National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) has recommended the setting up of a single window or championing agency to manage all matters related to the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. In the New Economic Model - Concluding Part report, the council stated that the agency should be empowered and held accountable for all incentives, grants and policy implementation, and identified the Malaysian Investment Development Authority as the potential agency. It said the new agency should be complemented by the new Centre of Engineering Excellence, intended to provide a fertile ground for the sharing of expertise between the private sector and academia in order to develop human capital in the E&E sector. As the vehicle for this initiative, a partnership between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Indian Institute of Technology has been established. NEAC also called for a procurement policy to encourage product-technology integrators to use Malaysia as a test-bed for new products and services, and to stimulate the design and production of goods and services that increase Malaysian value-add and exports. Its other recommendation was to foster the establishment of an asset-light type institution to enhance the asset-light approach development of the E&E sector.

(Sourced from BERNAMA)

Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee reports Progress in Bilateral Cooperation

The Malaysia-Singapore joint ministerial committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia has reported concrete progress in several areas of bilateral cooperation. Cross-border traffic at the Second Link has increased with the reduction in toll charges, while the number of new Malaysia Automated Clearance System users has also risen to more than 30,000 in the first 10 months of 2010. A statement released by the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) said the JMC also agreed to carry out a joint engineering study to determine the technical parameters for the rapid transit system link between Singapore and Iskandar Malaysia. Both sides agreed to set up a co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facility in Singapore and another in Johor so that commuters need to clear immigration only once for each way of travel. The statement said that Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Temasek Holdings (Pte) Ltd would form a 50:50 joint-venture company to undertake the development of the wellness township project in Iskandar Malaysia. To enhance border security, a new framework for cross-border sharing of information on lost and stolen passports has also been put in place. The statement said officials from both sides will continue to collaborate on tourism promotion and development, and share experiences in environmental issues.

(Sourced from BERNAMA)

additional

New tax incentives to promote the development of oil and gas resources and stimulate domestic exploration activity were announced as one of the nine new developments and entry point projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the new tax incentives could lead to additional petroleum revenue of RM50 billion for Malaysia over the next 20 years. There will be a notional trade-off of RM8.1 billion in the form of revenue foregone from investment tax allowances, reduce tax and export duty waiver for marginal fields. He said the ETP has targeted intensifying exploration and production of domestic petroleum resources to overcome the projected 1%-2% decline in domestic oil and gas production. He added that five new incentives have been proposed to promote the development of new oil resources, facilitate the exploitation of harder to reach oil fields and stimulate domestic exploration. The government has endorsed a new plan of tax incentives led by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), which would be incorporated in the Petroleum Income Tax Act (PITA).

(Sourced from The Star)

revenue with New O&G tax Incentives Sarawakians to Benefit from technical Skills Institute

The Sarawak Skilled Development Centre, in collaboration with the Sarawak Foundry and Engineering Industries Association (SWKFEIA), has set up a new training institute to drive young Sarawakians towards technology advancement. Called the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar), the institute aims to create a competent workforce that would be competitive in the global market and is located at the Demak Laut Industrial Estate in Kuching.

PPKS deputy director Baharudin Abdullah said the institute would provide opportunities for youths to be trained in automotive, welding and robotics and mould them into skilled and competent workers. Awisar offers a six-month course in Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 1 and 2 and a year-long Level 3 course. The institute had its first intake of 100 students in April 2010 while the registration of another 100 would be held in January 2011. Baharudin pointed out that there are ready jobs for those who complete the training as 100 employers comprising members of Awisar and SWKFEIA are ready to take them in. He also foresees that qualified and skilled motorvehicle mechanics will be in great demand due to the rapid growth and development of the automotive industries, as well as skilled welding workers especially for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy industrial growth area.

(Sourced from The Star)

Moisture in Power transformer: How to Manage It?

Moisture is a major problem for the paper insulation system of a transformer. The effect of moisture on the paper insulation is the change in the dielectric constant. The sources of moisture in transformers are residual moisture in the bulk paper insulation which is absorbed from the atmosphere and the ageing decomposition of cellulose and oil. When this happens, it will affect the dielectric property of the transformer oil. Poor dielectric properties will result in electrical and thermal breakdown of the oil. It also reduces the oil flow because the density of the oil increases. This will increase the temperature of the transformer due to poor heat dissipation.

The following chart shows the effect of the dielectric breakdown voltage with respect to temperature at different moisture level. It can be seen that the dielectric breakdown voltage of the insulation reduces as the moisture content increases. On the other hand, the breakdown voltage

increases when temperature increases. The chart explains why transformers often fail in the mornings or evenings, and why highly loaded transformers with high moisture content are less likely to fail.

Moisture Monitoring techniques

Moisture in the transformer can be monitored by using online and offline methods. The online method is carried out by taking an oil sample from the transformer and sending it to the lab for moisture content measurement. When there is indication of abnormality from the online test, it is important to carry out offline tests diagnostics to ascertain the overall integrity and assessment to avoid unscheduled outages, financial and environmental damages.

a) online Monitoring

As mentioned earlier, monitoring for moisture is done in two ways. The first is by taking an oil sample and sending it to the lab for moisture measurement. Alternatively, the moisture content measurement could be done at site by installing the online moisture detection equipment to the transformer drain valve. It is advisable to install the moisture detection equipment at the drain valve as a better reading can be obtained. Equilibrium curves have been developed to relate absolute water content in oil to water content in paper (Figure 2). The curve is called Piper curve and is established by plotting the relationship between the water content in paper (%) with respect to the water content in oil (ppm) at different temperatures.

In order to use the chart, the temperature during the oil sampling is recorded. The moisture content in the oil is measured. The moisture content, parts per million (ppm), is plotted on the Piper chart and an estimated value for the moisture content in paper can be determined. However, this will give an estimated value of moisture in paper and it is dependent on the moisture equilibrium of the transformer. The moisture migration from the oil to paper and back to oil is dependent on the temperature of the transformer.

b) Offline Monitoring

Normally, offline monitoring techniques are an indirect way of estimating the moisture effect in the transformer. The most popular methods are dissipation factor (tan delta), polarisation and depolarisation currents (PDC), Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS), and return

by Engr. Mohd. Raffi bin Samsudin, Mr Yogendra Balasubramaniam and En. Young Zaidey Yang Ghazali

Figure 1: Effect of the breakdown voltage with respect to the temperature at different moisture levels (Source: Nynas)

Figure 2: Piper curves equilibrium between water in oil and in paper

voltage (RVM) in the frequency and time domain. For an example, tan delta is used to determine the insulating capacitance of the oil. If the insulating capacitance is low, it shows that there is high moisture level in the oil.

Moisture ManageMent in a transforMer

Moisture in transformer always exists. This is because the cellulose chain in the paper insulation will break over time, thus releasing moisture in the oil. However, the amount of moisture in the free breathing transformers can be minimised by considering the following solutions. The most popular moisture management devices are silica gel, vacuum filtration, air bag and diaphragm sealed conservator tank. Figure 3 shows the location on the transformer where the devices are installed.

a) silica gel

Silica Gel (Figure 4) breathers are installed by default on transformers with a conservator tank. Breathing is the process of oil expansion and contraction. During the breathing process, the external air will flow into the conservator tank through the breather where the silica gels are installed. The silica gel will absorb the moisture in the air and this will change its colour from blue to pink. The disadvantages of silica gel are:

a) It requires frequent monitoring of its colour

b) Some moisture may escape through a moisture saturated path in the breather

c) It cannot remove the moisture in the oil

As a solution for items (a) and (b), a self dehydrating breather (Figure 5) can be used. A dehydrating breather differ from a conventional breather by a heating element.

Figure 4: Breather with silica gel

Figure 3: The installation locations of the moisture management devices on a power transformer

Figure 5: Self-dehydrating breather

A heater is mounted within the container to heat the desiccant at selected intervals. The heater within the container is supplied with electrical power to heat the desiccant and condense the moisture and discharge it through the vent valve. The voltage supply to the self-dehydrating breather needs to be connected to the alarm system so that it can trigger the alarm if the supply failed.

b) Vacuum filtration

Moisture filtration in paper and oil can also be done using a vacuum medium. This technology is taking advantage of the moisture migration inside the oil-paper insulation. Most of the vacuum filtration equipment in the market

nowadays have integrated particles filter (Figure 6). A continuous flow of oil is supplied from the transformer to the filtration equipment. The oil will be heated and passed through the vacuum chamber. Under high vacuum and temperature, the oxygen and moisture content will be removed from the transformer oil. Then, the oil will pass the particles filter before flowing back to the transformer. The advantage of using the vacuum filtration technique is that it offers the ability to remove moisture down to very minimum levels. On the other hand, the cost of the filtration equipment is comparatively high. In addition, the moisture in the oil is removed at a slower rate. The equipment cannot be pushed to filter at extra speed because it will lose its efficiency and may cause oil surge in the transformer which will eventually trip the transformer.

c) air bag

The air bag is installed inside the conservator tank to prevent the insulating oil and surrounding air from coming into contact (Figure 7 and Figure 8). It is filled with air and connected to a breather.

The air bag will prevent undesirable elements in the atmosphere, such as water and oxygen; and prevent the contamination of the transformer oil within the conservator. This will also prevent condensation and oxidation activity inside the transformer and suppress gas bubble

22 - 24 Februar y 2011

Figure 6: Vacuum filtration equipment

formation in the transformer oil. On the other hand, an air bag is expensive and the installation for the in-service transformers will require retrofitting.

d) Diaphragm sealed conservator tank

The diaphragm sealed conservator tank is similar in concept as the air bag, which is to prevent the insulating oil and surrounding air from coming into contact. A thin rubber-like material is put across the conservator tank (Figure 9). However, it has a limited flexibility over a period of time. The rubber can get torn due to internal pressure from the transformer main tank.

other oPtions of solVing the Moisture issue in a transforMer

The user of the free breather transformers can upgrade their transformers to a hermetically sealed transformer. The hermetically sealed transformer does not have any conservator tank. This type of transformer requires low maintenance. The only maintenance that is required for this transformer is to release the gasses stored in the Bu-

cholz relay (if any) and the pressure relief valve. The advantages of the hermetically sealed transformers are:

• Less oil and cellulose ageing due to less oxidation

• No dehydrating breathers thus no maintenance is required

However, these types of transformers have several limitations:

• The capacity of the transformer is limited to distribution capacity (up to 15MVA). Research works are ongoing to increase the capacity to a higher level.

• Incipient fault inside the transformer cannot be diagnosed by Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA). The DGA is like a blood test for the transformer.

For hermetically sealed transformers, oil sampling cannot be done. On the other hand, users can also consider Cast Resin Transformers. The cast resin transformers encase the windings in the epoxy resin materials. It needs less fire protection because the fire hazard has been minimised with the absence of insulating oil. The windings are completely sealed, so it is free from moisture and dust. In addition, it requires less maintenance thus reducing the running cost. However, these types of transformers have several limitations:

• Most designs are for indoor use only

• Larger in physical size compared to hermetically sealed transformers of the same capacity

• Initial purchasing cost is high

conclusion

The lifespan of a transformer could be increased if the moisture level in it is managed effectively. This could be done by monitoring the moisture level via online or offline methods, installing silica gel, air bag, diaphragm or filtration equipment. Users have the option to upgrade the transformer to a hermetically sealed type or cast resin type. n

references

[1] Lampe, Spicar: “Oxygen-free transformer, reduced Ageing by continuous Degassing”, CIGRE, paper 12-05, Paris, 1976

[2] D.H. Shroff and A. W. Stannett.: “A review of paper ageing in power transformers“, IEE Proceedings, Vol.132, Pt. C, No 6, November 1985

[3] J. Fabre and A. Pinchon: “Deterioration processes and products of paper in oil”, CIGRE, paper 137, Paris, 1960

[4] J. Altmann, Bukvis: “The oil-moisture diagnostic problem of aged transformers”, ARS2000, www.transformer-consulting.com

[5] “Product description of moisture transmitter for transformer oil HMP228”, www.vaisala.com

[6] U. Gafvert, G. Frimpong and J. Fuhr: “Modelling of dielectric Measurements on Power Transformers”, CIGRE, paper 15-10, Paris, 1998

[7] T. Leibfried et al.: “Ageing and Moisture Analysis of Power Transformer Insulation Systems”, CIGRE, paper 12-101, Paris, 2002

[8] T.V. Oommen: “Moisture Equilibrium in Paper-Oil Systems”, Proceedings of the Electrical/Electronics Insulation Conference, Chicago, pp.162-166, October 3 to 6, 1983

[9] Y. Du et al.: “Moisture equilibrium in transformer paper-oil systems”, IEEE El. Ins. M.,1999, Vol. 15, No. 1

Figure 7: Air bag

Figure 8: Air bag inside the conservator tank

Figure 9: Diaphragm sealed conservator tank design

Application of Six Sigma to Reduce Telecommunication Network Failures

SIX SIGMa was first introduced by Motorola in 1986 as a quality improvement programme to reduce defects and improve cycle time, of which were triggered by the threat of global competition. The goal was to achieve the Six Sigma metric, which is equivalent to 3.4 DPMO (Defect Per Million Opportunities). Several years later, the success of the Six Sigma programme at Motorola led to its adoption beyond manufacturing by prominent companies from the financial services sector, the medical healthcare sector and many others. As a result, Six Sigma terminology has evolved from a metric to a methodology for a management system to drive business results.

Six Sigma can be defined as a systematic approach which focuses on improving business processes that can cause breakthrough results in higher customer satisfaction, organisational speed and reduction in the cost of doing business.

This article will show how the Six Sigma methodology was implemented to reduce telecommunication network failures with the main objective of enhancing customers’ satisfaction towards their telecommunication services. Therefore, the Six Sigma approach was adopted to increase the network uptime by way of identifying and removing the causes of network failures and reducing the variation in the number of failures over time.

As we are living in an imperfect world, citing Murphy’s Law that ‘Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong’, network failures tend to occur despite implementing highly reliable equipment or designing the network with multiple protections. To be the best in network quality, the culture of continuously improving the network needs to be adopted. This is where the Six Sigma can play a big role in improving the network quality continuously.

SIX SIGMa MetHODOLOGY

The Six Sigma methodology consists of five stages, namely:

Define → Measure → Analyse → Improve → Control

These stages are commonly known as DMAIC. The DMAIC methodology is the high level overview of the project stages, which include the preparation of the project until the result is achieved and continuously maintained. The methodology defines the specific tasks and actions

by Ir. Fauzul Azam bin Hj. Aziz

to be executed at each stage. In short, the approach is systematic whereby the project needs to complete the tasks at each stage before moving on to the next stage. To ensure that a project within a department or division can be completed successfully, the recommended duration for a Six Sigma project is between six months to a year, to avoid external factors from affecting the project completion such as organisational restructuring. To guide the team to achieve certain goals at each stage, there are various tools available which will be covered in the next few paragraphs.

DeFINe - First Stage

Before any project can commence, it is crucial for the team leader to define the project thoroughly. This is similar to the planning stage. Some of the important information required are:

a) Business Case – to justify the objectives and benefits of the project in order to seek higher management’s support and approval.

b) Problem statement – to explain the current problem and how it relates to the objective of the project.

c) Project Metrics – to show the current baseline (problem), the target (goal) and how it is going to be measured.

d) Project Scope – to explain what the project will cover (in scope) and what the project will not cover (out of scope). It is important to define the details at this stage to avoid any dispute once the project completes. This also helps the team to focus on executing the project which falls only within the defined scope and ignore the out of scope areas.

e) Project Plan – to define the duration and deadline of each stage (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) and project closure. This helps the team to keep track of each activity and be aware of the period of each stage.

To guide the team leader in selecting the team members, a tool called SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer) can be very helpful.

• SIPOC (tool for define stage)

The purpose of SIPOC is to identify the end-to-end process in detail. In order to complete the SIPOC process, the team leader must be well versed with the related processes. The process must be described in detail, as much as possible,

from the start of the process until the process ends. In the case of network failures, the process of the network failing until the network is restored is referred. The SIPOC process for this project is shown in Table 1.

By identifying the ‘customer’ involved in the whole process, a representative from each section or department is chosen to be the team member. When applying the SIPOC process correctly, the team leader should be able to select the relevant team members with the right skills and knowledge.

MeaSure - Second Stage

Once the Define stage has been completed, it is time for the team to collect the historical data to be used as a baseline. For this project, six months of data were collected. Due to the possibly enormous amount of data to be collected, the team must first agree on the standard measurement to be applied to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the data.

At this stage, a tool called ‘Process Mapping’ is used to describe the telecommunication service used by the customer from start to end. This tool guides the team in brainstorming possible failures at each step of the telecommunication service process. The team is now ready to move on to the next stage, Analyse.

aNaLYSe - third Stage

This stage requires concentrated effort and participation from all team members to contribute as many ideas and as

much energy as possible. Nevertheless, it also offers the most learning opportunities as many tools and methods are applied during this stage. Some of the main tools are:

a) Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) – a procedure for the analysis of potential failure modes within a system for classification by the severity and likelihood of the failures. This is where the experience and knowledge on network failures can help the team to predict and brainstorm on potential failures. The top of the list (based on Risk Priority Number) is transferred to the Root Cause Analysis (RCA). A sample of the FMEA guidelines is shown in Table 2.

b) Root Cause Analysis or RCA - a class of problem solving methods aimed at identifying the root causes of problems. As a guide in brainstorming the potential root causes, the most common method is utilising the Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa diagram (shown in Figure 1). From the RCA, similar root causes might be identified from different types of potential failures (effects), which make it easier to solve fewer problems with fewer actions. Once the potential root causes have been identified, the next step is to come up with an action plan.

• Quick-Win Implementation

While analysing the data for long term improvement, it is also possible to analyse the data to determine if any action can be taken immediately to reduce the network failure. One of the strategies employed for Quick-Win is to identify multiple network failures occurring repetitively at a particular location. A repetitive failure at one location is mostly caused by a single factor and the problem should be straightforward to tackle as the location has been identified.

IMPrOVe - Fourth Stage

Next, an Action Plan is designed to tackle the potential root causes from the RCA method. An important guideline is to define each action item based on the 4W1H (What, Who, When, Why and How).

Table 1: SIPOC process to identify the relevant team members for the project

Table 2: FMEA guidelines

It is recommended to brainstorm as many action items as possible, provided it is within control or authority, to ensure a high chance of success. From the list of action items, these are prioritised based on factors such as impact versus cost/time/resource and other criteria that are deemed important. This is to guide the team in executing the action plan effectively and efficiently, e.g. based on minimum cost, but which will create the biggest impact to meet the project’s objective.

During the execution of Action Plan, an important critical success factor is to monitor the results after each action. Therefore, the team needs to collect data on regular basis and assess the effectiveness of each action.

CONtrOL - Final Stage

Once the improvement has been achieved from the action plan, the next important step is to maintain the gains. One method to control the result is called Statistical Process Control (SPC). It is a tool to observe variation and uses statistical signals to monitor and improve performance. For convenience, a software application called Minitab is used during this stage. This software can perform statistical analysis on any type of data. While the Minitab can monitor any variation on the performance (e.g. within upper/lower threshold), it also helps to quickly detect and isolate any special cause or condition that affects the performance.

CONCLuSION

The Six Sigma methodology has been adopted by many organisations to achieve superior improvement in business processes and performance. It has also enabled many organisations to achieve their objectives by providing various tools and methods in a systematic way.

Any organisation which intends to progress to a higher level should seriously consider implementing Six Sigma as it is not only about reaching the destination, but more significantly, it inculcates a culture of continuous improvement. n

1Sudoku Centerpiece "1'

by Mr. Lim Teck Guan

About the puzzle:

In this Sudoku variant, only 1 number is given as clue, thus the name 1Sudoku. The rest of the clues are given in the numbered cages (the dotted frame encompassing 2 or more squares). You are to search for the right combinations to fit the total for the cages and end up with a Sudoku Grid, the 9 by 9 composite of squares where there is no repeat of the number 1 to 9 in every Row, Column or Block.

Fill in the remaining 80 squares with single digits 1-9 such that there is no repeat of the digit in every Row, Column and Block. The number at the top left hand corner of the dotted cage indicates the total for the digits that the cage encompasses.

For tips on solving, visit www.1sudoku.com.my  Twin Tree Publishing Answer is in the following pages of this edition.

Figure 1: Ishikawa diagram

Infoworks rS model as Supporting tools for managing Sarawak river Basin

In a feature article published in the June 2008 issue of JURUTERA, the authors introduced the concept of integrated hydrosystem approach for managing the Sarawak River Basin [1]. The use of Logical Framework as an integration tool was also demonstrated for managing and developing water supply in the Sarawak River Basin. In this article, the authors will demonstrate how hydraulics modelling could be used as a supporting tool in developing the Logical Framework for Integrated Flood Management in the Sarawak River Basin.

LogIcaL Framework For Integrated FLood management

The Sarawak River Basin is prone to flooding. Though flooding is a frequent occurrence in the basin (the most severe flood occurred from 25-28 January 1963), major floods seems to be occurring more frequently in recent years with water rising between 1m to 3m for some low lying localities in the basin.

Some examples are the floods from 3-5 February 2003, 23-26 January 2004, 28-29 December 2006, and the most

outputs

1.0 Thorough ground information survey been collected.

1.1 Single Geographical information System (GIS) platform for various departments' usage has been developed.

2.0 GIS has been updated from time to time.

3.0 Early flood warning and forecasting center has been setup.

4.0 Evacuation centers are completed.

5.0 Public awareness increase.

Activities

1.0 Thorough ground information survey on topographical and landuse information.

1.1 Set up Single Geographical Information System (GIS) platform for various departments' usage.

1.2 Continuous effort to ensure the GIS has been updated from time to time

2.0 Setup an early flood warning and forecasting center.

2.1 Human resources and community development.

3.0 Construction of evacuation centers.

4.0 Community Education programme.

to evacuate using the right path before flood.

1.0 Mapping using GIS can be carried out.

1.1 Information sharing among the departments can be achieved.

1.2 GIS able to trace the latest changes on the ground.

2.0 Land price increase.

2.1 Population growth increase.

2.2 More housing and commercial center been built up.

3.0 Land price increase.

3.1 Population growth increase.

3.2 More housing and commercial center been built up.

4.0 Public able to get information easily, either through mass media or related department webpage.

Budgets. 3.0 Other Pre-requirements 4.0 Staff and Technicians.

5.0 Researchers.

6.0 Workshops and Coordination meetings.

1.0 SPU enforce policy that every related department to use the GIS Flood map and to restrict the development on the Floodplain.

2.0 DID Sarawak Annual Flood Report. Electronic notice board at the main road.

1.0 Land and survey reports from Land and survey department.

1.1 Coordination among the departments which lead by ICTU.

1.2 Annual report by ICTU.

2.0 Annual report from Land and Survey Department.

2.1 More income for MBKS.

3.0 Annual report from Land and Survey Department.

3.1 More income for MBKS.

3.2 More housing and commercial center been built up.

4.0 Fewer damages and live losses reported.

4.1 Hygiene during flooding period improved.

Budgets.

Other Pre-requirements.

Objectives to Ultimate Goal

1.0 Effective law enforcement on floodplain.

2.0 Joint operation rules for Early Flood Warning and Forecasting Center and Evacuation Center.

3.0 Integrated Water Resources Management is enhanced.

Outputs to Objectives

1.0 Funds are available.

2.0 Each department sharing the single GIS platform.

3.0 Proper operation of Early Flood Warning System and Evacuation Center.

4.0 All Stakeholders concern and participate in the Integrated Flood Management.

Activities to Outputs

1.0 Funds are available.

2.0 Each department has the facilities of GIS.

3.0 Approval for the Early Flood

4.0 All Stakeholders participate in the programme.

by Engr. Charles Bong Hin Joo, Ir. Hii Ching Poon and Prof. Frederik Josep Putuhena

Table 1: Logical framework for Sarawak river basin integrated flood management

recent from 10-13 January 2009 and 29-30 January 2009. The floods in the basin usually occur during heavy rainfall which coincides with high tides. A logical framework for integrated flood management was developed by the authors in the hope that this framework would serve as a guide for stakeholders in managing flood for the basin (see Table 1).

InFoworkS rS For FLood modeLLIng In the Sarawak rIver BaSIn

A hydraulics model for the Sarawak River Basin was developed by the authors using the InfoWorks River Simulation (RS) software. To demonstrate, the model was utilised to have an inundation analysis along the river corridor for the January 2004 flood event (see Figure 1) by incorporating two mitigation structures, i.e. the Kuching Barrage and the upcoming flood bypass channel. The river model had computed floodwater level and flood maps at different time steps.

The authors proposed an extraction of those data to have a rate of floodplain submergence from river bankfull level to a depth of 2m. By taking the basis that, (1) a normal adult height is about 1.6m, (2) human settlements were known to be close to the river, (3) most of the village houses outside Kuching were single-storey dwellings, a flood depth of 2m

was presumably taken as a reference point and beyond 2m would inflict drowning. Some localities such as Batu Kawa had a record flood level of up to 6m.

The rate of floodplain submergence would be a reflection of the river flooding severity. The higher the value of this rate indicates the more vulnerable the location is to fast rising and widespread floodwater. Table 2 has a display of floodwater rising from bankfull level to 0.5m, progressively to 1m, 1.5m and 2m together with its associated time and affected length.

Table 2: Estimation of rise and spread of floodwaters from the Sarawak river

Lower Sungai Sarawak

upper Sungai Sarawak

Sungai Sarawak kanan

Sungai Sarawak kiri

Figure 1: Model simulation of the Sarawak river basin for the January 2004 flood event

Table 3: Sub-logical framework for Sarawak river basin flood management goal

This would relate to the dedication to Flood Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response at the Sarawak River basin level.

Popular

• Practicing of an automatic (realtime) flood early warning system

• Community-based cooperation

outputs

• Timely evacuation of community in the identified areas

• Timely decision to minimise damages to properties

Objective Verifiable Indicators (OVI)

Smilarly, this would relate to the measurement of reducing injuries, deaths and properties damage caused by floods at the basin level.

This would relate to the achievement of the impact indicators set out below and the merging realisation of strengthening local authorities and communities capacities in flood preparedness. This is an exercise for the stakeholders of the Sarawak River basin management.

• Identified area from modelling outputs:

Activities

• Test against time to evacuate

Lower Sarawak River is found to be the most critical to river flooding.

• Estimated time factor from modelling outputs:

• Test against route to evacuate

• Test against when to warn

• Test against mechanism to warn etc

Taking the most critical time, evacuation should be carried out within one and half hour.

• Estimated effected length of flooded area from river bank from modelling outputs: Location with more than 2m flood depth Time to reach 2m flood depth from bankfull

Kuala Maong Batu Kawa Siniawan

Route to evacuate should be outside the flood zone.

• Need to link up with Meteorological Department.

• Need to link up with Rivers Board as authority in Operation Plans.

SuB-LogIcaL Framework For FLood earLy warnIng SyStem

As mentioned earlier in this article, a wider picture of the framework in descriptive nature has been provided; this section attempts to demonstrate an analytical in nature flood management framework inferred from the Sarawak River Basin modelling outputs. In this study, a flood early warning system guided by hydro-informatics is described – logical framework efforts that showed logic sequences and impact indicators for improved flood relief activities in Kuching city which is located in the basin. The significance of this section is, therefore, to portray river modelling outputs in influencing the decision making processes. This section concentrated on a smaller subframework (Table 3) which identifies the priority areas most likely in need of emergency notification, critical time for evacuation and most effective route for relief.

concLuSIon

Hydraulics modelling, when used together with Logical Framework, is an excellent tool to support the decisions on flood management measures. This article has shown the utilisation of river basin modelling incorporated into the development of a sub-logical framework which is part of the bigger logical framework.

acknowLedgement

This paper is partially extracted from the ‘Hydrosystem for Integrated Control of Flood and Low Flow for a River Basin in Sarawak’ project funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia, under the ScienceFund grant (04-01-09-SF0004). n

reFerence

[1] Bong, C.H.J. and Putuhena, F.J. (2008). “Logical Framework for Managing Sarawak River Basin through Integrated Hydrosystem Approach”. Bulletin of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, ISSN: 0126-9909, Bil. 2008, No.6, pp. 16 -19.

Most sustainable approach to treated wastewater disposal: Passive Evaporation Pond

a development plan for Diyarbekir and Magtymguly fields in Turkmenistan is already in the pipeline. These fields are located in Block 1, between 30km and 100km offshore Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea. Technip Malaysia is developing the Turkmenistan Block 1 project and has been appointed as the engineering design consultant.

As part of the development, an Onshore Gas Terminal (OGT) will be constructed at Kiyanly, Turkmenistan. This gas production facility is expected to generate a significant amount of industrial and domestic wastewater from its operation. One of the major challenges in designing the OGT is in the disposal of treated industrial and domestic wastewater due to extremely stringent Turkmenistan regulations on effluent discharge. In view of this, there is a lack of proven technology that could treat the industrial and domestic wastewater to meet the Caspian Sea discharge requirements.

Method selection with the least environMental iMpact

The stringent effluent discharge regulation has resulted in the project having to evaluate various methods for the final disposal of the treated wastewater. Figure 1 shows the various disposal methods studied as potential solutions. The aim of the study was to determine the most environmentally friendly and cost effective method of wastewater disposal while taking into consideration the ‘zero wastewater discharge’ policy. The study has resulted in the selection of the passive evaporation pond method as the best option in comparison with other disposal methods. The other disposal methods that were considered included the injection of the wastewater into deep underground strata, mechanically spray evaporation pond and membrane treatment for water reuse. The major advantages of the passive evaporation pond method are as follows:

i) No discharge of wastewater into the Caspian Sea thus meeting the “Zero Wastewater Discharge Policy”

ii) No requirement for electrical power for the operation and maintenance of the evaporation pond

iii) Potential increase of green cover/vegetation due to the presence of a new contained water body holding treated wastewater on the existing barren land

iv) Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) evaporation and sludge accumulation as the wastewater is treated

to IFC (International Finance Corporation) Standards prior to disposal into the evaporation pond

v) Aesthetically pleasing and non intrusive environment since the evaporation pond will have suitable landscaping surrounding the pond area

evaporation pond

Evaporation ponds are commonly used as a method to remove the liquid fraction of industrial and domestic wastes. When designed, constructed, operated and maintained properly, evaporation ponds have been proven to be an environmentally friendly and safe method of disposing wastewater without contaminating underlying groundwater. Hence, the project has adopted the Best Available Technology (BAT) in the design of passive evaporation ponds to cater for the treated wastewater discharge from the OGT. As an added precaution, the evaporation pond is located more than 2km from the Caspian Sea to provide an adequate buffer zone from the Caspian Sea and other establishments.

by Ir. Jiunn S. Tan and Mr. Mohan Damuderan

Figure 1: Methods

a) Best available technology - design Features

The following are the key design features that were incorporated to prevent any seepage/ leaching of wastewater into the groundwater:

• The evaporation pond is located on existing high ground, thus ensuring significant separation distance from the groundwater level

• The evaporation pond design utilises a double liner system with an intervening leak collection, detection and recovery system for total groundwater protection and enhanced seepage protection. This stateoftheart double liner system technology has been proven to prevent groundwater contamination.

The details of the components are as follows:

i) Upper (Primary) Liner System – The 2mm thick upper primary liner consists of a smooth HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) geomembrane. This material is chosen for its long term performance, impervious and waterproof characteristics, chemical resistance properties, resistance to UV radiation, high tensile strength and high stresscrack resistance. The liner chosen is designed to withstand long term use and is expected to last more than 40 years. This material has satisfied some of the most stringent regulations and controls for storage, filling, handling, containment and treatment of contaminated fluids such as Germany’s Water Conservation Act (WHG) and Britain’s Environmental Protection Agency.

ii) Leak Collection and Secondary Liner using Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) – In the event of an unlikely leak occurring in the upper primary layer, the leakage will be collected in the GCL layer. It will then be routed via gravity flow using perforated HDPE pipes to leak detection pits located at the perimeter of the evaporation ponds. This layer is made of GCLs that serve as an effective final waterproof barrier against potential risks of the wastewater on the environment. This material is a strong and durable nonwoven geotextile encapsulate which protects the layer of pure bentonite thus ensuring its longterm performance. This liner is designed to last more than 40 years and contains the highest quality natural sodium bentonite. The immediate swelling following installation is guaranteed to safely selfseal any unexpected mechanical damages. The GCL can also accommodate and adjust itself to earth deformations, such as differential settlements and steep slope applications.

b) pond sizing

The proper sizing of an evaporation pond depends on the accurate estimation of the annual evaporation rate. The

salinity of the wastewater also influences the evaporation rate, therefore, a salinity coefficient must be introduced when computing the evaporation rate. Evaporation rate = k1k2 (pan evaporation) where k1 is the pan coefficient and k2 is the salinity coefficient. The ponds are designed and constructed to provide at least the minimum evaporative surface area needed for the maximum yearly volume of liquid to be discharged into the pond. The design parameters are based on the local climatic condition which is considered dry and hot for about 5 to 7 months out of a year. A limiting factor is the decrease in the evaporation rate during the winter months or wet season. The sizing involves two major parameters which are evaporative surface area and pond depth. A third minor parameter is the overall footprint size of the pond. The evaporation rate determines the evaporative surface area needed to balance wastewater flow into the pond and the rainfall that lands on the pond. The pond depth is based on surge capacity from peak wastewater flow, water storage, storage capacity from sludge/sediments, storms and freeboard. As such, a Water Balance Table was developed for the purpose of predicting the estimated surface area and volume required for the smooth operation of the evaporation ponds.

c) installation, operation and Maintenance

Apart from the design features that were incorporated, proper installation, operation and maintenance is required to ensure that the evaporation ponds are leakproof throughout the lifecycle of the installation.

The following are the control measures that will be implemented in the project:

• Installation of HDPE liners and GCLs will be done or supervised by a specialist contractor for this type of installation

• Regular inspection by OGT personnel of the leak detection pits in order to detect any leakage in the early stages (on the upper liner) during the operation of the evaporation ponds. If a leakage is detected, the affected pond will be taken out of operation and the leak repaired immediately.

Figure 2: Site location of evaporation pond from OGT

sludge reMoval

The treated wastewater that will be sent to the evaporation pond will have a relatively low concentration of contaminants. The wastewater treatment equipment located upstream of the evaporation pond will ensure that the contaminant levels are kept within the following limits:

TSS < 50ppm Oil and Grease <10ppm

BOD < 50ppm Phenol <0.5ppm

COD < 250ppm

As a result of the low contaminant levels, sediment/sludge will only build up in the pond over a long period of time as the wastewater is expected to contain very small amounts of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). It is envisaged that the pond will only be required to be desludged once every several years of operation. For this purpose, a total of eight maintenance accesses have been provided around each pond. This walkway/ramp type access will be used by the vacuum truck operator to utilise hoses to remove/ vacuum the sediment/sludge at the bottom of the pond into the vacuum truck. The vacuum truck will transport the sediment/sludge offsite for safe and proper disposal by third party contractors.

conclusion

It is imperative that a detailed study and evaluation be conducted in the selection of wastewater disposal options in Turkmenistan because of the lack of clear regulations and requirements in Turkmenistan. The project achieved this by commissioning a specialist consultant to carryout

a wastewater treatment and disposal feasibility study to identify the most sustainable solution. The specialist consultant assessed all the available options and concluded that the evaporation pond is the most sustainable and feasible option. A wastewater treatment plant will be installed upstream of the evaporation pond to treat the wastewater prior to discharge into the evaporation pond to reduce the contaminant loading on the evaporation pond.

In order to further develop the detailed design of the evaporation pond, the following activities were identified for further investigation by the design team:

• Detailed survey to be performed to ensure that the bund walls of the ponds are above the flood elevation

• Detailed geotechnical survey to be conducted to determine the soil properties

• In depth investigation of the groundwater to be conducted and groundwater monitoring network to be established. n

note:

The authors are practicing professional engineers/engineers with a major international contractor/consultant company in the oil and gas industry and are based in Kuala Lumpur.

reFerences

[1] ESI, 2009. Report for Onshore Gas Terminal Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Feasibility Study.

[2] Technip, 2009. Scope of Work on the Wastewater Feasibility Study on the Discharge Method.

[3] Technip, 2008. Basis of Design for Wastewater Treatment Plant.

[4] ESI, 2006, Preliminary Environmental Impact Assesment.

• Property Companies

• Seminar / Training Providers

• Engineering Services Companies

• Vacation Clubs / Resorts

• Exhibition organizers

• Men Skin Care Products

• Hair Care Products

• Watches

• Office Automobile

• CCTV & Security Systems

• Men’s Garments

• Wine Shop / Restaurants

• Sport Equipment or Outfits

• Safety Wear

(Trim) / 62mm (Bleed)

out to

Semenyih Green Bungalow technical Visit report

by Ir. Yeoh Tiong Kim, Kenneth

the Environmental Engineering Technical Division had organised a field visit to Semenyih Green Bungalow on 12 June 2010. A total of 40 participants took part in the visit.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Ms. Lee Su May whose family owns the property. At first, the author observed little difference between this and other bungalows. A typical bungalow would normally have a long driveway, a fish pond and a large frontal porch gate. This green bungalow is no exception. An indepth explanation was given by Ms. Lee, followed by a question and answer session by the ever curious and skeptical participants. Some of the questions were technical in nature.

a Brief oVerView of the Green

BunGalow

A cooler home is what most people would look for in their homes. Installing fans and air-conditioning is a norm in most houses. Having a cooler home that has an indoor air temperature 6°C to 9°C lower than the outdoor ambient temperature is a bonus. A lower temperature leads to a cooler ambience, thus creating a more comfortable environment.

The green bungalow aims to do exactly that. Smart and Cool HOMES Building Technology managed to manipulate the laws of thermodynamics with a few tricks in heat transfer and strictly without active cooling such as air-conditioning. Due to the large number of participants, we were divided into three groups and each group had a chance to explore the outside of the bungalow while another group tours the inside of the house.

exterior of the BunGalow

While outside, my group was introduced to tyres as a form of heat sink. Discarded old tyres pose an environmental nightmare due to its extremely slow or zero biodegradability. Using these old tyres and arranging them in wire baskets of six by two matrixes, three baskets of tyres were stacked on top of each other, creating a foundation as well as heat sink. The bungalow utilises approximately 2000 to 2500 discarded tyres. A few civil engineers did interrogate the necessary structural strength of such a design, but it seems they were nodding in approval when

Figure 1: Isometric view of the green bungalow

Figure 2: Tyres used as wall and tyre arrangements

Figure 3: Explanation and Q&A by Ms. Lee on our tour

enVironmental enGineerinG technical DiViSion

we viewed a cut-out-section at an open field. From a heat sink point of view, the layers of tyres absorb the heat and ground it before heat enters the bungalow. Rubber also retains heat well.

What this means in reality is, the bungalow porch, driveway and surrounding feels lukewarm to the touch, but is much cooler than a regular mortar-cement floor. Walking barefoot in the hot afternoon sun was actually possible without feeling stinging hot burns on the skin. By the way, we were given instructions to come wearing sandals for this specific test. My regret is in not having a laser thermometer to report the exact temperature and thus had to rely on our body feedback.

interior of the BunGalow

Inside the bungalow, a different technology is at work. Generally, heat from the outside penetrates into the bungalow from all directions (walls, windows and openings, roof, etc ). Internally, heat is generated via human activity, machinery, as well as the absorption of heat by dense materials. “Eureka! Material, another important factor in heat transfer, exposes the secret of this bungalow,” I thought to myself. The contractor who built the bungalow informed us that the walls were made with autoclaved aerated concrete (AEC), not regular red bricks. AEC like foam has tiny "air-bubbles" that slows down the transmission of heat through the walls. This also acts as a heat shield, thus providing insulation from incoming heat into the building. As AEC is larger in size than regular red bricks, it allowed the contractor to build the walls in a shorter time.

Between floors, another material called corrugated concrete (CorCon) was used. As its name indicates, it has corrugation and ribbed beams across the span of the slab. Although it is a thinner slab, it maintains its strength.

Figure 4: Interior of the bungalow, take note of the corrugated CorCon material

The CorCon slab absorbs heat and transfers it through the walls to the ground with the heat-sink system. CorCon offers a larger surface area compared to a conventional flat slab, thus it can dissipate internal heat more effectively and efficiently.

the roof

As heat rises to the top of the house, it often gets trapped. We know a higher ceiling cools better than a lower ceiling. The use of ConCor absorbs heat via its larger surface area and dissipates to the walls and tyres inside the ground (heat sink).

External heat from the sun is combated with 'venturiaction' roof. Its job is to prevent sun heat radiating onto the roof. Small air gaps in between the roof tiles and roof trusses provide breathing space at the ridges. Using insulation to prevent heat from transferring back to the ceiling, heat only rises to the peak of the roof. The difference in air pressure and having these air gaps give off a venturi-action that diverts heat out at the roof peak, and replace this with cooler air from the bottom of the roof.

Solar power

The house is equipped with solar cells to generate electric power. These cells are strategically located at an angle to the roof structure. However, the harnessed energy is used not for air-conditioning, it is for powering the electrical utilities inside the house; from heating water to powering the television, etc.

Potentially, with an incentive called Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), the energy can be sold to TNB by 2011. The National Green Technology Policy introduced in July 2009 stated that the FiT mechanism will take off under the 10th Malaysia Plan which begins in 2011.

in Summary

Our tour finished with some refreshments and drinks. Under the porch, we were cool, much like standing under a tree, the blazing heat would be best harvested using solar power cells without heating the house. Not a bad idea for future homes and buildings to adopt such design benefits. This author believes it meets an ironic saying, “to use technology to save our planet from ourselves”. n

Figure 5: Solar powered distribution board and electrical DB panel to power utilities inside the bungalow

Figure 6: Solar meter: Amount sold to TNB and amount used by the bungalow

Figure 7: Participants at the visit group photo

note: All photo's are courtesy of Ir. Tang Boon Heng.

technical Visit to Phoenix Industries Sdn Bhd

a technical visit by 17 IEM members to PMT-Phoenix Industries Sdn Bhd, Shah Alam, Selangor, on 24 October 2009, was organised by the Agricultural and Food Engineering Technical Division.

The Phoenix range of products was developed in Australia by Pitstock Pty. Ltd. in 1952. In 1963, Boustead Engineering Malaysia was licensed to manufacture and distribute Phoenix fans in Asia. In 1994, Howden Group UK acquired Boustead Engineering's Fan Division and form James Howden (M) Sdn. Bhd. By 2005, PMT Industries Sdn Bhd officially acquired 83% of Phoenix blower, and in 2006, the name was changed to Phoenix Industries Sdn Bhd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary

by Ir. Kumar Subramaniam Chairman, AFETD

of an established and reputable public listed group, Wah Seong Corporation Bhd. The company’s vision is to provide high quality products and services to the palm oil mill industry worldwide. It currently has a combined staff force of 200 people in various localities throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatera.

The main product line consists of centrifugal fans, axial fans, dampers and blowers which are used in a wide range of industries including palm oil processing mills, cement plants, chemical plants, rubber gloves industries, dust collector application, paint spraying plants for automobile, building services, air conditioning, ventilation, oven and dryer systems and a variety of other general industries

agrIcultural and food engIneerIng technIcal dIVISIon

which require centrifugal fans and blowers. These equipmens are supplied throughout Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and also Africa. Today, there are over 60 experienced and well trained engineers and technicians from the PMT group to ensure the smooth functioning of the business operation and minimal downtime.

Apart from the centrifugal fan which is part of the main product range, the other ranges of industrial centrifugal fans are specially designed for specific purposes. For example, the LF rotor is suitable for handling long shaving and handling air or gases, and is also ideal for abrasive dust handling duties.

The GH rotor, which has the highest efficiency among all the rotors, is designed to handle air which is in either slightly contaminated or in clean. Similar to the design of the LF rotor, the W rotor is suitable for handling all types of air which handles periodic paper and cardboard trim in particular. The AM rotor is designed for handling all types of dry material up to 850oF. Phoenix Industries can also design and build special configurations to suit a client’s specifications upon request.

With 25,000sqft of manufacturing area, Phoenix Industries has equipped the plant with a 20 tonne overhead crane, computer aided design with AutoCAD software, CNC-Farley plasma cutter where the iron to fabricate the

fans will be cut using this machine while being controlled by an operator. The raw materials used are selected from high quality sources such as cast iron and steel which comply with industry standards. On top of that, the PMT Phoenix Industries plant is completed with HACO – NC shear, IMCAR hydraulic rolls and LVD 150 tonnes press.

After they are built, the products will go through the balancing and vibration test to ensure the quality of the fans are in good condition, and the fans are tested to BS Standard 848: Part 1. Also located in the plant is an inhouse paint booth where, after the product is tested, it is painted and sent to the dispatch area. The fans are made by well trained and experienced staff who will dispatch it to the clients after the whole process is complete.

Phoenix Industries is constantly working towards designing and building fans to suit their client’s specification and to better serve the needs of the industry. The company foresees growth opportunities both in the local and international market such as in other parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America. The plant visit provided good exposure to young engineers on how to fabricate centrifugal fans and blowers. This activity has encouraged the members to discuss, exchange ideas and gain knowledge on the fabrication and manufacturing of fans, blowers and dampers. n

Classroom briefing on the technical visit

View of the factory

Briefing at the site

Participants at the technical night.

technical Visit to rapidKL Depot, Subang

rangKaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), a subsidiary of Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (Prasarana), provides an integrated public transport system in the Klang Valley incorporating rail and bus services. Incorporated in July 2004 and operational since November of the same year, RapidKL today transports approximately 600,000 passengers daily: 350,000 on both the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Lines and 280,000 on the bus system. RapidKL provides services across 48 rail stations and 163 bus routes.

The objective of the visit on 16 June 2010 was to provide an opportunity for engineers to have a better insight into the current LRT operations as well as new LRT projects including the proposed new LRT extension line. Participants also had the chance to visit the LRT maintenance depot. The visit was coordinated by the Project Management Technical Division (PMTD) of IEM and the CSR & Internal Communication, Communication Division from RapidKL. We would like to thank Ir. Nor Hassan Ismail, COO, Rail of RapidKL for granting this visit.

The IEM delegation arrived at RapidKL Depot, Subang, before 9.00 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by the CSR and Internal Communication of RapidKL who represented its management. We were then ushered into the meeting room for a presentation. The first presentation was on the operation and engineering of both the RapidKL LRT lines, namely, the Kelana Jaya Line and the Ampang Line.

KeLana Jaya raiL Line

The presentation began with Hj. Bukhari Muhamed, Head of Rail Operation Division of RapidKL, who briefing us on the Kelana Jaya Rail Line, formerly known as the PUTRA Line. The line stretches from Gombak to Kelana Jaya including the Subang Depot. There are five underground stations, 18 elevated stations and one atgrade station. Total distance is about 29km. The Kelana Jaya Rail Line is equipped with sufficient facilities for the disabled.

Hj. Bukhari also briefed us on the system. The cross section of the elevated guideway consists of the viaduct section on the median road sitting on precast concrete segmental road. The construction of the Kelana Jaya Rail Line commenced in 1994. Section 1 was completed on 1 September 1998 and Section 2 on 1 June 1999. The system consists of a centralised control centre, fully automated driverless trains, minimum 90second headway, moving block ATC system and a safety distance of 30m to 100m.

by Ir. Noor Iziddin Abdullah bin

Hj. Ghazali

Figure 1: Overview of the train maintenance workshop

Figure 2: IEM participants during the RapidKL presentation

Figure 3: A look under the LRT

proJect ManageMent technicaL DiViSion

The vehicle is made by Bombardier (Canada) to accommodate 400 passengers per twocar train and 800 passengers per fourcar train with an average speed of 40kph. It uses a single loop operation between Terminal Putra and Kelana Jaya on double track with a maximum capacity of 11,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd). Currently, the Kelana Jaya Line operates 35 twocar trains and 10 fourcar trains with an average ridership of 165,000 per day. The operating hours are from 6.00 a.m. until midnight whilst maintenance is carried out from 1.00 a.m. until 4.30 a.m. During peak hours, the LRT serves passengers within intervals of less than 3 minutes. The Kelana Jaya Rail Line has a minimum fare of RM0.70 and a maximum fare of RM2.50.

The uniqueness of the Kelana Jaya Rail Line lies in its five underground stations with a distance of 4.36km twin independent bore. There are two tunnels with an internal diameter of 4.88m. The distance between the two tunnels is 5m. There are many safety features in this system such as CCTV, Stop Button, Evacuation shaft, Zones, Fire Protection system, covered power rail, etc, just to name a few.

During the presentation, many participants enquired on the progress of the technology for the current system and also on the extended line to Putra Heights. We were told that the work of the extended line will commence by the final quarter of 2010 and is targeted to be completed by 2013.

aMpang raiL Line

Hj Bukhari then proceeded to brief us on the Ampang Rail Line which was previously known as the STARLRT line. The civil work consists of a 27km doubletrack route. The track is partially former KTM freight alignment. It has 16km at grade on ballast and 11km elevated on viaduct. There are a total of 25 stations:

• Seven stations on the Ampang Line

• Seven stations on the Seri Petaling Line; and the remaining

• 11 on the common section between Chan Sow Lin and Sentul Timur

There is a control centre for the entire Ampang Rail Line situated at the Ampang Station. All train operations are monitored and managed using SCADA systems. There is also a Fixed Block Automatic Signalling System for vehicle movement. The power supply system consists of 15 rectifier substations; six of which with 11kV infeeds and nine with 33kV infeeds. The transformers are 3phase dry type with 1800 KVA and 1300 KVA power ratings. The operation and maintenance hours are the same as the Kelana Jaya Rail Line.

The fare for the Ampang Rail Line has a minimum of RM0.70 and a maximum of RM2.80, which is RM0.30 more than the Kelana Jaya Rail Line. There are 25 trains rolling on the track, each consisting of six cars. However, the average ridership is only 130,000 per day.

oVerView anD engineering

The next presentation was by Ir. Zohari Sulaiman, General Manager of Rail Engineering Division. Ir. Zohari first briefed us on the corporate structure of Prasarana. It is 100% owned by the Ministry of Finance with one golden share owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd. It operates an integrated public transport system comprising bus, monorail and LRT services.

The bus service covers six major areas in the Klang Valley serving an average of 280,000 passengers daily. The fleet consists of 1091 buses maintained at 10 bus depots. There is also a Rapid Penang bus service with 350 buses

plying 35 routes and serving 46,000 passengers daily. The monorail service is known as the KL StarRail. It has 12 twocar trains running on a 8.6km track with 11 stations in total. The average daily ridership is 57,000 in 2009. There is also a cable car service operating in Langkawi by Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd. It has 35 gondolas (six pax per gondola) with a hanging bridge of 600m, covering a distance of 2.2km within three stations.

The RapidKL LRT services consist of the Kelana Jaya Rail Line, with a fully automated driverless LRT system, and the Ampang Rail Line with a manually driven LRT system. The combined average ridership is 350,000 passengers per day.

Ir. Zohari continued the presentation with the organisation structure of his division, outlining the tasks and responsibilities of each department. This is followed by a briefing on the technical aspects. The rolling stock of the Kelana Jaya Rail Line consists of 35 old twocar trains and

35 new fourcar trains. The AC power distribution consists of 132kV intake from TNB (Jelatek & Kerinchi Bulk Supply Substation), 33kV ring system internally (15 traction power substation) and finally the 415V RMU system for passenger stations. The DC power is a stepdown conversion from 33KV AC to 750V DC. The track mounted equipment consists of an insulator chair, LIM rails, running rails, PIES, power rail and switch machines.

The Ampang Rail Line vehicle is manufactured by Adtranz, Germany. It consists of 30 sixcar trains. However, the AC power distribution consists of four units of RSS with 33kV intake from TNB, five units of RSS with 33kV ring system internally, six units of RSS direct feed from TNB and the 415V RMU system for passenger stations. The DC power is also a stepdown conversion from 33KV AC to 750V DC. For the track network, the atgrade track consists of ballast, third rail, rails and sleepers, whereas the viaduct track has plinth.

The final presentation topic was on the line extension project and new line project. Ir. Zohari explained the overall route of the new line starting from Sri Petaling and Kelana Jaya, both converging at Putra Heights. There is also a proposed new line from Sg Buloh to Kajang across the Central Business District of Kuala Lumpur which is envisaged to be completed by 2020.

The presentation was followed by a tour of the train maintenance workshop. The tour started at 11 a.m. and finished at 12.30 p.m. including a visit to the control centre. Before heading back to IEM after lunch, the Vice Chairman of PMTD, Ir. Lee Boon Chong, presented a memento each to both Ir. Zohari and Hj. Bukhari. n

The tragedy of life is not found in failure but complacency. Not in you doing too much, but doing too little. Not in you, living above your means, but below your capacity. It’s not failure, but aiming too low, that is life’s greatest tragedy.

Benjamin

E. Mayes

Figure 4: Group photo of the technical team of RapidKL and IEM participants

Figure 5: Ir. Lee presenting a memento to Ir. Zohari

Figure 6: Ir. Lee presenting a memento to Hj. Bukhari

are We ready for eurocodes?

1.0 IntroductIon

Malaysia is currently working very hard to update the Malaysian Standards based on the latest Eurocodes. In 2004, The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia published a position paper on the concrete codes of practice in Malaysia after 2010 and recommended that the Eurocodes be adopted after the withdrawal of the structural British Standards. Traditionally, Structural Malaysian Standards follow the British Standards. However, due to the publication of the Structural Eurocodes, a total of 57 documents or parts of the Structural British Standards were withdrawn on 31 March 2010. In fact, prior to the withdrawal of the Structural British Standards, many other British Standards were withdrawn either in totality or partly after the publication of the relevant Eurocodes. These include BS 5328 part I to part IV on the specification of concrete (replaced by EN 206-1, BS 8100-1 and BS 8100-2), BS4360 on the specification for weldable structural steels (updated and replaced partly by BS EN 10025, BS EN 10113, BS EN 10210, etc), BS 6089:1981 Guide to the assessment of concrete strength in existing structures (replaced by BS EN 13791 and BS 6089:2010), etc

2.0 the Structure of eurocodeS

The Structural Eurocodes is undoubtedly a state-of-the-art design code for structural engineering. Hence, we have little choice except to adopt the current Eurocodes. The National Standards implementing Eurocodes will comprise the full text of the Eurocodes including annexes, as published by CEN and followed by a National Annex. The National Annex shall cover the following aspects:

i) Decisions for the Nationally Determined parameters specified by the Eurocodes – Normally, Structural Eurocodes allows the participating nation to decide on the values of some parameters. These parameters shall be changed according to the local practices.

ii) Decisions for the status of informative Annexes.

iii) References to non-contradictory complementary information.

The Structural Eurocodes will be implemented together with other relevant codes in material specification (EN 206-1, Concrete – part 1: Specification, performance, production and conformity; EN 10025 part 1 to part 6, Hot rolled product of structural steel), execution (EN 1090-1, EN 1090-2, EN 1090-3, Execution of steel structures and

by Ir. Tu Yong Eng

aluminium structures) as well as testing, interpretation and repair (EN 12350: Testing fresh concrete; EN 12390: Testing hardened concrete; EN 13791, Assessment of in-situ compressive strength in structures and precast concrete components).

3.0 challengeS

In order to successfully implement Eurocodes in Malaysia, great efforts have to be undertaken by all industry players including law makers, researchers, developers, consulting engineers, contractors and laboratory testers. Following are the challenges of adopting Eurocodes as Malaysian Standards:

i) To update all 58 documents of the Structural Eurocodes – To date, we have completed only four documents, i.e. MS EN 1990, MS EN 1991-1-1, MS EN 1992-1-1 and MS EN 19931-1. Great effort will be needed to complete all the remaining 54 documents. Various technical committees have been set up to carry out the drafting of the Malaysian Standards, i.e. MS EN 1991-1-4 (Wind loads), MS EN 1993-1-4 (Design of steel structures – Part 1-8: General –Design of joints); MS EN 1997 (Geotechnical), and MS EN 1998 (Seismic Action).

ii) To update other related Eurocodes in specification of materials, testing and execution. Various technical committees have been set up to carry out the drafting of the Malaysian Standards. These include MS EN 10025, MS 523 (basing on EN 206-1, BS 8500-1 and BS 8500-2), MS 28 (Part 1:1985, Methods of Test For Water for Making Concrete), MS 29 Specification of Aggregates From Natural Sources for Concrete and EN 1504-Concrete Repair (pending ISC D approval), etc

iii) To harmonise the numbering system. Apparently, Standards Malaysia has obtained the permission to use the prefix of MS EN. However, some of the codes are still using running serial numbers, e.g. MS 522 and MS 523.

iv) Currently, Structural Malaysian Standards refer to the British Standards, JIS, Australian Standards, ASTM and ISO. Hence, we may face a situation where a design is based on the British

Standards (or equivalent MS) while the material supply is based on JIS or ASTM. This situation is not encouraged due to the fact that the material may fail to comply with the defining environment of the design codes. Singapore has published BC1:2008, Design Guide on the use of alternative materials to BS 5950, and BC2:2008, Design Guide of high strength concrete to Singapore Standard CP 65, to resolve their problem.

v) New concepts and terminologies were introduced by Eurocodes. Reliability was introduced in Eurocodes. It is the first time that limit state design and characteristic strength concept were introduced to the Geotechnical Codes of Practice (EN 1997). In EN 1992-1-1, the Strut and Tie model was included, whereas in EN 1993-1-1, a more extensive requirement on lateral torsional buckling was introduced. In wind loading, a 10-minute mean wind speed was specified compared to 3 seconds of gust speed in MS 1553 and an hourly mean speed in BS 6399 part 2. EN 1990 has also included the provision of design assisted by testing.

vi) Extensive training and education are also needed to ensure the smooth implementation of the Malaysian Standards based on the Eurocodes. Furthermore, researches are needed to ensure the suitability of the Eurocodes in Malaysia. Currently, TC on EN1992-1-1 has written two NCCI, i.e. behaviour study of band beam and also thin size element (pending publication). The environment in Malaysia is different from the presumption in the Eurocodes (however, this will be overcome by specifying the National Determined Parameters). These include the exposure parameters, rate of concrete attack, hot climate concreting, level of workmanship and others. A huge funding is required for engineers to be trained in the implementation of the Eurocodes. The Malaysian construction industry is also not yet ready. Furthermore, a lack of funding has also impeded the progress of the research and training.

vii) Our legal framework has not been changed to adopt the application of the Eurocodes by the Malaysian construction industry. Currently, we rely on the Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) to determine the requirement of the building condition. Hence, the UBBL has to be amended to provide a legal status of the Eurocodes. In addition, many other aspects also has to be specified, for example, the reliability of the building industry (in Eurocodes, specified target of the reliability was specified and will affect the specification for workmanship, material supply, wind load and seismic load), accidental load, and the responsibility of all professionals and industry players involved in the construction industry (Eurocodes allowed for third party supervision, product certification, etc).

4.0 concluSIon

Judging from the discussion above, it maybe concluded that our industry is not ready to adopt the Structural Eurocodes now. More efforts have to be put in to enjoy the benefits of the Eurocodes. To further facilitate the industry players, the existing Malaysian Standards should remain even though it will not be updated. The co-existence period should be sufficiently long to cover the codes drafting and training period.

As usual, IEM, as the leading organisation in promoting the Eurocodes, devoted huge resources in drafting the relevant Malaysian Standards and training of fellow engineers. IEM has also organised many road shows and short courses for the Structural Eurocodes. Furthermore, IEM has specifically a fixed column in the IEM Bulletin to provide a platform for learned discussion (note 1). n

Note 1: The section, paper series on structural Eurocodes, a section devoted to the discussion of the structural Eurocodes, is open to members to air their opinion on the Eurocodes related to the local construction industry. The paper can cover any topic on any structural Eurocodes, whether it is already published as the Malaysian Standards, still in the drafting stage or no TC has been set up. The guidelines for the publication is similar to the papers submitted for the Bulletin.

congratulatIonS

The President and Council of IEM wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to the following members on their conferment of ASEAN Federation Engineering Organisation (AFEO) Honorary Fellowship: ir. tan Yean chin ir. Yim Hon Wa

Y. Bhg. datuk ir. rosaline Ganendra

Y. Bhg. Prof dato’ ir. dr Zaini bin ujang

The President and Council of IEM also wish to congratulate Y. Bhg. Dato’ Hafsah binti Hashim for being conferred the AFEO Honorary Member at the Farewell Dinner for CAFEO 28 held on 2 december 2010 at Melia Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam

To All Members,

Date: 13 December 2010

CaNDIDateS aPPrOVeD tO SIt FOr Year 2010 PrOFeSSIONaL INterVIeW

The following candidates have been approved to sit for the Professional Interview for 2010.

In accordance with Bylaws 3.9, the undermentioned names are published as having applied for membership of the Institution, subject to passing the year 2010 Professional Interview.

If any Corporate Member of the Institution has any reason as to why any of the candidates is not a fit and proper person for election, he should communicate in writing to the Honorary Secretary. Such communication should be lodged within a month from the date of this publication.

ir. prof. Dr Lee Teang shui Honorary Secretary, The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia

NeW aPPLICaNtS

Name Qualifications

CHeMICaL eNGINeerING

IVAN NATHAN A/L JAGANATHAN BE HONS (UKM) (CHEMICAL & PROCESS, 1989)

CIVIL eNGINeerING

BAHARIN BIN BULAT BE HONS (USM) (CIVIL, 1998)

BAHARUDDIN BIN ABDULLAH BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 1986)

FARA NATASHA BINTI ABDUL HAMID BE HONS (UiTM) (CIVIL, 2004)

FAZLEE BIN DAUD BE HONS (UKM) (CIVIL & STRUCTURAL, 1998)

HIDZRAMI BIN SHAMSUL ANWAR BSc (CALIFORNIA STATE) (CIVIL, 1986)

LAW SEK HUI BE HONS (UKM) (CIVIL & STRUCTURAL, 2002)

NUR SHARINAWATI BINTI ZAINUDIN BE HONS (USM) (CIVIL, 2002)

SITI ISMA HANI BINTI ISMAIL BE HONS (USM) (CIVIL, 2002) MSc (USM) (RIVER MANAGEMENT & TOWN DRAINAGE, 2010)

TAN WEI MIN BE HONS (UPM) (CIVIL, 2004)

eLeCtrICaL eNGINeerING

TUNG PANG KHIEN BE HONS (UNITEN) (ELECTRICAL POWER, 2004)

YUZRIAN EFREN YUNUS BE HONS (UM) (ELECTRICAL, 1999)

MeCHaNICaL eNGINeerING

CHANG KWONG YUE BSc (OKLAHOMA) (MECHANICAL, 1996) FOONG POH HING BE HONS (WESTERN AUSTRALIA) (MECHANICAL, 2000)

HARRIS BIN ABD RAHMAN SABRI BE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICALAUTOMOTIVE, 2004)

NeW aPPLICaNtS

Name Qualifications

MALEK FAIZAL BIN IDRUS BSc (MARQUETTE)(MECHANICAL, 1990)

PRABAKARAN S/O NANDAKUMAR BE HONS (UNI OF NORTHUMBRIA, NEWCASTLE) (MECHANICAL, 1998)

SAIFULBAHARI BIN ABDUL HAMID BE HONS (MALAYA) (MECHANICAL, 2000) THAN SHEAU WEI BE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICAL, 2001)

traNSFer aPPLICaNtS

Mem No. Name Qualifications

CHeMICaL eNGINeerING

28974 LIM MENG CHOO BE HONS (ADELAIDE) (CHEMICAL, 2000)

27599 TEE LAY LING BE HONS (UM) (CHEMICAL, 2004)

CIVIL eNGINeerING

17694 ABDUL HAMID BIN MOHD ISA BE HONS (UiTM) (CIVIL, 99) MSc (UPM) (HIGHWAY & TRANSPORT, 2002)

24187 BEH WEI SIM BE HONS (UM) (CIVIL, 2000)

19769 CHIA WEN HWA BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL - CONSTRUCTION MGMT, 2003)

09810 ISMAYATIM BIN HAMDAN BSc HONS (HARTFORD) (CIVIL, 1987)

22313 LOKE YAN WAI BE HONS (UPM) (CIVIL, 2000)

24118 MOHD HEFNI BIN ABDUL AZIZ BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2003)

24056 MOHD RAHIZAN BIN OMAR BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 1996)

25174 MOHD RAPHEL AFFENDY BIN

MOHAMED NAZAR BE HOND (UiTM) (CIVIL, 2003)

21474 MONA VOO LU TIN BE HONS (BIRMINGHAM) (CIVIL, 2000)

39198 SIAW MING CHIAN BE HONS (UTHM) (CIVIL, 2003)

The Library Sub-Committee would like to seek the assistance of IEM members to recommend new books for the consideration of the committee with the view of purchasing them for the IEM Library. When sending in recommendations, the following details are needed:

(i) Title of book (v) Editor

(ii) Author (vi) ISSN or ISBN Number

(iii) Publisher (vii) Price (if available) (iv) Year Published

For more information, please contact the librarian of the IEM Library at 03-7968 4012 or e-mail to jamaliah@iem.org.my or sec@iem.org.my.

Thank you.

traNSFer aPPLICaNtS

Mem No. Name Qualifications

17397 SIEW KAM CHUNG BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 1998)

38789 SUFIAN BIN BAHAROM BE HONS (UTHM) (CIVIL, 2006)

36325 SURAIN A/L KANAPARAN BE HONS (POLYTECH OF WALES, CNAA) (CIVIL, 1992)

11773 VIJAYAKUMAR A/L M. BALACHAND BE HONS (UM) (CIVIL, 1988)

37251 WANG CHAN YONG BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2003)

25507 WONG KET VUI BE HONS (UNIMAS) (CIVIL, 1999)

26935 ZALINA BINTI MOKHTAR BE HONS (UM) (CIVIL, 2004) MSc (UiTM) (CIVIL, 2008)

eLeCtrICaL eNGINeerING

43107 LIN SHON NYIN BE HONS (UTM) (ELECTRICAL, 2006)

18945 LOO LING WAH BSc (OKLAHOMA) (ELECTRICAL, 1995)

MOHD FADIL BIN ABU SAMAH BE HONS (UTM) (ELECTRICAL, 00)

TE CHIN CHENG BE HONS (ADELAIDE) (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC, 2002)

MeCHaNICaL eNGINeerING

30629 ABDULDAN BIN ADTONG BE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICAL, 1994) 29129 DANARAJ CHANDRASEGARAN BE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICAL, 2001)

KWONG QI JIE BE HONS (UTHM) (MECHANICAL, 2006) MSc (UPM) (ENERGY, 2010)

PHEH GUAN CHOON BE HONS (UPM) (MECHANICAL, 2004)

21815 TANG TUNG PIN BE HONS (MALAYA) (MECHANICAL, 2004)

Members are invited to submit high resolution past and present photographs related to “engineering” in this country for possible use in our new section in the Bulletin. Both colour and black-and-white photographs are accepted. They must be suitably captioned with a short description or story (between 100-800 words) of the photograph. All photographs are not returnable.

For more information, please contact or email the IEM Secretariat at pub@iem.org.my.

Thank you.

LateSt uPDate!

CONtrIbutION tO WISMa IeM buILDING FuND

RM1,572,247.20 from IEM Members and Committees RM360,502.00 from Private Organisations

rM1,932,749.20

(AnOthER RM10,217,250.80 Is nEEdEd)

ieM wishes to take this opportunity to thank all members who have contributed and would like to appeal for support from members who have not yet contributed heLp Us TO prOViDe beTTer serViCes TO YOU AND TO The FUTUre GeNerATiON

IeM DIarY OF eVeNtS

DONatION LISt tO tHe WISMa IeM buILDING FuND

The Institution would like to thank all contributors for donating towards the Wisma IEM Building Fund. Members and readers who wish to donate can do so by downloading the form from the IEM website at http:// www.MyIEM.org.my or contact the IEM Secretariat at +603-79684001/2 for more information. The list of the contributors as at 30 November 2010 are shown as in table.

Kindly note that the scheduled events below are subject to change. Please visit the IEM website at www.MyIEM.org.my for more information on the upcoming events.

Agricultural and Food engineering Technical Division

22 January 2011

TAL k ON ‘A sU s TA i NA b L e i NV es TM e NT

O pp O r TUN i TY i N r M1 T ri LL i ON G ree N

T eC h NOLOGY pAC k AG i NG i NDU s T rY ’

Time: 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Venue: TUS and C&S Room, 2nd Floor, Wisma IEM

Speaker: Mr Ramaness Parasuraman (Invitation to register)

28 February 2011

TAL k ON ‘MAX i M isi NG re T e NT i ON OF BIO-ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN DEHYDRATED pr ODUCT s’

Time: 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Venue: TUS Lecture Room, 2nd Floor, Wisma IEM

Speaker: Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Law Chung Lim (Invitation to register)

Civil and structural engineering

Technical Division

28 February 2011

O N e DAY COU rse ON s T r UT AND T he MOD e LL i NG OF CONC re T e s T r UCTU res

Time: 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Venue: To be confirmed

Fees: IEM Student Member - RM200

IEM Graduate Member - RM300

IEM Corporate Member - RM400 Non IEM Member - RM800 (Invitation to register)

Sub-Committee on Women Engineers

18 February 2011

TA lk ON 'ENGINEERING YO u R WAY TO WEA lTH'

Time: 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Venue: TUS Lecture Room, 2nd Floor, Wisma IEM

Speakaer: Ir. Tan Tang Hee (Invitation to register)

5 March 2011

H A lf DAY W OR k SHO p ON 'flOWER ARRANGE m ENTHANDS ON THE ESSENCE O f flOWER'

Time: 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Venue: C&S Room, 2nd Floor, Wisma IEM

Speakaer: Miss Tan Bee Lee and Mr Lim Boon Yan

Fees: IEM Member - RM80 Non IEM Member - RM100 (Invitation to register)

ie M M AJO r eV e NT s

1-3 March 2011

T UNN e L i NG AND T re NC h L ess T eC h NOLOGY CONF ere NC e AND e X hibi T i ON 2011

Venue: Grand Dorsett Subang Jaya (formerly known as Sheraton Subang Hotel)

Organised by: Tunneling and Underground Space Technical Division (Invitation to register)

19-26 March 2011

IE m E NGINEERING W EE k

2 April 2011

ie M Ope N i NG bALLOT DAY

Venue: GETD Board Room, Bangunan Ingenieur, Petaling Jaya, Selangor (IEM office will be closed for this day)

16 April 2011

ie M A NNUAL G e N er AL M ee T i NG

Venue: Wisma IEM, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Time: 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

ie M ANNUAL D i NN er

Venue: IOI Marriot Hotel, Putrajaya

Time: 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

11-14 July 2011

BROWN f IE l D ASIA 2011

International Conference on remediation and Management of Contaminated Land: Focus on Asia (First circular and call for paper)

CONFereNCeS & SeMINarS

For more information, kindly contact the organiser.

23-24 February 2011

b ri DG es A si A

Venue: Harbour Grand, Hong Kong

Tel: +603 6722 9388

Fax: +603 6720 3804

Email: enquiry@iqpc.com.sg Website: www.bridges-asia.com (Invitation to register)

19-20 July 2011

3r D A si A sYM p O si UM ON "Q UAL i TY e L e CT r ON i C D esi GN"

A s Q e D 2011

Venue: Crown Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur

Website: www.asqed.com (Call for paper. Deadline 23 April 2011)

27-30 November 2011

CAF eO 29

Venue: The Rizqun International Hotel Tel/Fax: +673 238 4021

Email: cafeo29.brunei@gmail.com Website: www.puja-brunei.org (Invitation to register)

Our aPOLOGIeS

In the donation list to the Wisma IEM Building Fund in the December 2010 issue, the donation made by Ir. Cheong Long Kwong, Allen (M11815) should read as a cash donation of RM20,020.00, and not as published.

Cover Me

WelCoMe back to a brand new year! I will be spending a part of it discussing the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514). This will provide us with the foundation for other topics in the future. The discussions will not be a detailed legal discourse, but rather an overview of what the Act requires. You should check with your Safety Officer or the Department of Occupational Safety and Health if you have a specific query – be sure to give the background information so that a proper answer can be provided.

Before we start, let us get a copy of the Act: http:// www.dosh.gov.my/doshV2/index.php?option=com_pho cadownload&view=category&id=2&Itemid=98&lang=en

Now for the multi-billion ringgit question: Is the work I am doing covered under Act 514? In order to answer this question, have a look at Subsection 1 (2) and the First Schedule in Act 514.

The First Schedule lists out the “industries” that the Act applies to and they are:

a) Manufacturing

b) Mining and Quarrying

c) Construction

d) Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

e) Utilities:

i) Electricity;

ii) Gas;

iii) Water; and

iv) Sanitary Services

f) Transport, Storage and Communication

g) Wholesale and Retail Trades

h) Hotels and Restaurants

Answer for 1Sudoku published on page 22 of this

by Ir. Shum Keng Yan

i) Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services

j) Public Services and Statutory Authorities

Looking at the list, it seems like all and sundry….. except that the Act [Subsection 1 (3)] does not cover work on board ships under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 of Sabah or Sarawak and the armed forces.

Engineers work across all the above industries and it is good to know that we are protected under the Act. As employees, we still have responsibilities under the Act. If you are in the privileged position of being an employer, then you need to understand the obligations between yourself and your employees.

If you are not covered under the Act [except those in Subsection 1 (3)], share with us your special exemption via email at: pub@iem.org.my.

We can do something about our children’s safety. Let us start by talking to them on this subject in a simpler way. Create the awareness early on. If you require a simple leaflet (a public program by another company) on Safety Awareness for Schools, email your request to pub@iem.org.my. n

Did you know that the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia has prepared a set of leaflets for the various industries listed above? The leaflets can be obtained from the various DOSH offices. Wishing you a Happy, Safe, Prosperous and Healthy New Lunar Year 2011!

• IEM members will be charged RM10.00 as administrative fee

• IEM members who fail to show their membership card will be charged RM30.00 (RM10.00 administrative fee + RM20.00 registration fee)

• The fees charged will be used to pay for overhead costs, building maintenance expenses as well as to support the purchase of the new building

• All contributions will be highly appreciated by IEM

• Students can attend the talks for free

CpD poIntS

• Flyers for endorsement must be submitted before 6.00 p.m./9.30 a.m. or within half an hour from the time the activity is to commence

• No submission for CPD will be accepted after that

• Late comers are allowed to enter the hall and attend the activity subject to fulfilling the administrative requirements and conditions

Thank you.

By the Executive Committee of

I M portant n ot IC eS

the Highest railway in the World

early July last year, my wife and I travelled by train from Lhasa, the regional capital of Tibet, to Geermu, a city near the centre of Qinghai Province, China, a distance of 1142km. Our soft sleeping berths in an airconditioned coach, one on the upper deck and the other on the lower deck, cost us RMB566 yuan and RMB583 yuan respectively.

This stretch of the Qing-Zang Railway was completed in 2006 and was open to traffic on 1 July 2006. The other stretch, from Geermu to Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai, covering a distance of 830km, was completed in July 1979.

The Lhasa-Geermu stretch of the railway has achieved several world records:

1) The 1686m Kunlun Shan tunnel is the longest tunnel constructed in permafrost;

2) The Mt. Fenghuo tunnel with a track level at 4702m a.s.l. is the highest permafrost tunnel;

3) With 550km of the track sitting on permafrost, the railway is the longest permafrost railway in the world;

4) The highest level attained by the railway, at 5072m a.s.l., is a world record;

by Ir. Chin Mee Poon

5) The Tanggula Station at 5068m a.s.l. is the world’s highest railway station.

Our train left Lhasa Station at 7.45 am. Its top cruising speed was 108km/hr. The railway line runs more or less parallel to the Qing-Zang trunk road. Most of the passengers in our coach were Europeans, including a group of 20 Germans who were on their way to Xining to catch a flight to Beijing and thence back home.

It was a cloudy day. It even drizzled a number of times. Fortunately, when the train was running alongside Lake Cuona over a distance of 15km, the sky had cleared up and the turquoise lake against the backdrop of the snow-clad Tanggula Mountain Range appeared particularly charming. At about 4500m a.s.l., Lake Cuona is the highest fresh water lake in the world.

We saw some Tibetan antelopes and wild Tibetan donkeys grazing near the track. We reached Geermu at 8pm. Our purpose of stopping at Geermu was to visit the Chaerhan Salt Lake, reputedly the world’s second largest. The salt lake, however, turned out to be a disappointment, so we continued our train journey to Xining the following evening. n