Malaysians
weigh in: Some find registering for immunisation on MySejahtera easy
while others say the app could be more intuitive and user-friendly.
MySejahtera gets more features, improves vaccination registration process
Over a million people have already registered for the Covid-19 vaccine via MySejahtera, and the app will include new features to become the one-stop centre for the national immunisation programme.
It will also cater to those who do not have smartphones and thus cannot instal the app.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had earlier said that the registration process for dependants will be rolled out in mid-March.
“The facility will enable children to register their parents who do not have MySejahtera,” he told a previous press conference.
Meanwhile, those who are selected to receive the jab in the second and third phases will be notified by the app of the date and location of their vaccination appointments, according to MySejahtera’s Helpdesk.
The handbook on the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme added that the monitoring of side effects after vaccination can also be done via MySejahtera.
“The monitoring of side effects and adverse effects following immunisation (AEFI) will be carried out through enhanced surveillance, where vaccine recipients will receive a scheduled notification or reminder through the MySejahtera app so they can report any AEFI experience,” the handbook noted.
The app, which has been instrumental in containing Covid-19 outbreaks with its contact tracing feature, will continue to play a vital part in the country’s battle against the pandemic by now supporting users in the vaccination programme.
Khairy said that over one million people registered for the vaccine via the app within four days of the vaccination registration feature being made available on Feb 23.
“More frontliners are receiving their jabs. It’s safe, it’s effective.
“Let’s end the pandemic. Take the vaccine. Register today,” he tweeted.
According to the MySejahtera Helpdesk, non-frontliners have to activate push notifications to be informed when the next phase of vaccinations begins.
If users are selected for the vaccination, they will receive a push notification through the app that they have to click on to answer the screening question.
Most Malaysians have described the registration process as easy and fuss-free, though some have indicated that clearer instructions would have made the experience even better.
Retired civil servant Alexander Ananda Jothy said the registration was straightforward and that he was waiting to be able to register his wife, whom he listed as a dependant on the app.
“She doesn’t have the app downloaded in her name on the phone, so she can’t register for the vaccine independently.
“By allowing vaccine registration for dependants to take place on the MySejahtera app, it would be more convenient for those without phones,” he said, adding that a few of his neighbours have also brought up this issue.
Photographer Sia Hong Kiau, 52, said that she was able to register her husband, who is from Myanmar with permanent resident status in Malaysia.
“It was an easy process. I helped him key in his details and he was successful in registering his interest in getting vaccinated,” she said.
Church worker Danielle Cheng, 27, said the process was simple but certain instructions could be better presented so that it would be more intuitive and user-friendly.
“For instance, after I clicked on the vaccination icon, there were a few options on the screen but it did not clearly state that I need to click the first one in order to register.
“There was a bit of fumbling around and clicking on different buttons to see what would happen.
“I was then directed to a page that said I would be notified when phase 2 starts, but which also told me to click on the link to provide additional details.
“So I was not sure if I was already registered at that point or if I needed to provide more details in order to be registered,” she said.
Brian Chung concurred, adding that while it was a fairly straightforward process, there were some parts that caused slight confusion.
“I would appreciate it if they had clear notifications that I could register my interest or to inform me what my next steps are,” he said.
Gilbert Tang, 64, said he signed up for the vaccine on MySejahtera because he was in the high risk group and was concerned about his well-being.
“My dad died of pneumonia back in 2015 and our family has a history of heart ailments.
“I had a bad experience when I was with my father during his last days when he was struggling to breathe through an oxygen mask.
“After experiencing this, I decided that I would sign up and take the vaccine as I do not want to suffer like my father did,” he said.
A nurse simulating giving a vaccine jab to a volunteer during the exercise at the Serian community hall. Ñ ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
PETALING JAYA: With the arrival of the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines in Malaysia, many are eager to know what happens next and when they can get their shots.
To date, the country has bought 66.7mil doses of vaccines from five Covid-19 vaccine producers, enough to vaccinate 109.65% of Malaysia's population.
The vaccination is voluntary and will be provided free of charge to everyone living in Malaysia, including non-citizens.
The vaccine will only be offered to people aged 18 years and above, though this will be re-evaluated if needed.
Here are other key details about Malaysia's National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme:
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine obtained conditional approval from the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) on Jan 8, 2021.
The remaining four Covid-19 vaccine candidates are still pending approval from the NPRA.
The vaccines from these five suppliers will be received in stages by Malaysia from February 2021, subject to NPRA approval.
Take the quiz below to know when you can expect to receive your vaccine:
Flourish logoA Flourish data visualization
You can register starting March 1, 2021 to receive the vaccine.
There will be five ways to register, namely through:
How old are you?
Choose 1 of the following
* The MySejahtera application
* A hotline that will be launched soon
* An outreach programme for rural and interior areas
* www.vaksincovid.gov.my
* Registration at public and private health facilities
Appointment details such as dates and vaccination centre will be provided via the MySejahtera application, phone calls or SMS.
Khairy: China-made vaccine to arrive on Feb 27 | The Star
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/20/khairy-china-made-vaccine-to-arrive-on-feb-27
Vaccination to begin Feb 24 | The Star
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/22/vaccination-to-begin-feb-24
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Convincing the non-believers for vaccination
https://rightwayspro.blogspot.com/2021/02/convincing-non-believers-for-vaccination.html
With the Covid-19 vaccine rollout starting soon, the onus is on the government to engage the fence sitters.
RECENT news that Indonesia has made Covid-19 vaccination for its citizens compulsory has given rise to speculation that Malaysia could follow suit.
With the National Covid-19 Immunisation Plan around the corner, the government machinery has swung into gear to convince the people that vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic that has imprisoned our lives.
The government has already hinted of fines for those who decline the vaccine and there is also a possibility that individuals who reject the vaccination could have their movements restricted. This means that they will be barred from entering business premises or restaurants.
While there are no plans at this time to draw up legislation to make it compulsory for everyone to be vaccinated, the sledgehammer approach may not be as effective as we think.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes that making vaccines compulsory is counter-productive, as it will increase vaccine hesitancy that is already present.
I believe that Malaysians can be divided into three categories: proponents of the vaccine, anti-vaxxers and the fence sitters, people who though unopposed to taking the vaccine, are yet to be convinced that vaccination is essential for herd immunity.
It will be nigh on impossible for the government to convince the anti-vaxxer movement. They may be small in number, but these fellow Malaysians, like others around the world, are dead set against the vaccination plan.
In fact, some of these anti-vaxxers are also Covid-19 deniers. They believe that the pandemic is a conspiracy that has been exaggerated by the media and that Covid-19 is a hoax.
So no amount of cajoling or threats are going to make them change their minds. It is the third category that the government should focus on – Malaysians who are wary or unsure of taking the vaccine.
There needs to be a massive public relations drive to reach these fence sitters. From vaccine safety issues to side effects, from registration protocols to logistical challenges, the government needs to address the concerns of this segment of the populace. Public education is going to be key, not harsh fines, penalties and sanctions.
And it should not only be government agencies that embark on this blitz. Key opinion leaders, influencers and NGOs should be roped in to assist in this, our biggest ever immunisation programme.
Of crucial importance is getting the vaccination message across to the rural areas and not just our urban centres.
The government made the right move by also allowing free vaccinations for foreign workers. There must now be a concerted effort to get undocumented foreign workers to also come forward to receive vaccines. There could be as many as a million undocumented workers in the country, and if they are not vaccinated, our objective of reaching herd immunity will not come to fruition.
It should be pointed out that we will not be taking shortcuts to achieving herd immunity.
The Pfizer vaccine that will arrive on Sunday requires two doses, 21 days apart. Even though other countries have spaced this out to as much as eight weeks, thereby vaccinating a greater number of people, Malaysian authorities have already confirmed that they will stick to the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
But in the race to vaccinate its populations, we are already behind many countries.
For example, more than 15 million people in the United Kingdom have already received their dose. This works out to almost 24 doses per 100 residents.
In the United States it’s 16 doses per 100 and in the European Union as at mid February it is five doses per 100 residents.
Surprisingly France, which has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, has been slow to administer vaccines to its population. This could be because of the strong anti-vaccine sentiment in the country.
A poll last year revealed that only 54% of French were willing to be immunised.
So, that should be a concern for our government too. We need to do our best to combat anti-vaccine propaganda because we have no time to lose.
As more of the world is vaccinated, travel bubbles will open up. Soon travellers will be required to show a digital health passport, possibly via an app on your phone that proves you have been vaccinated.
This may be the only way travel restrictions will be lifted.
As more companies roll out vaccinations, Covid-19 doses will eventually become as common as a flu shot. That is a reality that Malaysians must expect and embrace.
First in EU: Menczer with Chinese Ambassador
to Hungary Qi Dayu welcoming the arrival of China’s Sinopharm vaccine at
Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Hungary on Feb 16. — Xinhua
Sitting
further away from the camera, wearing neutral colours and doing simple
makeup that helps to define your features are all good ways to present
well over a video call. Photograph: Getty Images
Work From Home - Audio/Video Tips
https://youtu.be/X2E4Rww0NQs
From better angles to lighting and dressing up yourself and your background, here’s what experts say you’re probably doing wrong on video calls. — dpa
Wow, doesn’t he look tired today! Since video calls have become part of our daily work routines and entire groups of friends have virtual parties, the technical and aesthetic flaws of video chat have never been more apparent.
With these four tips, you can make it look like you’re streaming from a TV studio and look your best in front of the webcam.
1: Consider the perspective (don’t film up your nostrils)
Even with the tiny webcams built into laptops, a lot can be done. It starts with how it's positioned, explains video hardware specialist Natasja Sluka.
“A look from above can unintentionally give off an arrogant vibe.”
Try to position your camera at eye level, just like in a personal conversation. To avoid filming into your nostrils when using a laptop camera, you should place the laptop higher up, for example on some books.
Around 50 to 100 centimetres, or an arm’s length, is a good distance from the face. This also makes for a good image with some free space around the head and shoulders.
2: Let there be light (but not back light)
A lot can go wrong when it comes to lighting. A window or bright lamp behind you means everyone will see a dark shadow where your face should be.
But too little light also doesn’t make for a good picture. Sluka advises using daylight as much as possible.
Warm colours with light yellow or red tones, as opposed to fluorescent light, help create a healthier complexion.
If all of that is not enough, a lamp behind your notebook will bring more light onto your face.
If you want to do it right, then buy a ring light, says make-up artist Jasmin Reuter.
The light is reflected in the eyes of the person being recorded, and shadows on the face are also eliminated.
”For those who don’t want to put on make-up just for a video call, a ring light and a really good camera is my top tip, ” she says.
“You almost look better than in real life, as the frontal illumination of the face makes your complexion look nice and soft.”
3: A little foundation doesn’t hurt (you too, men)
The camera is merciless and can act like a magnifying glass.
”Blotchy, shiny skin is all the more noticeable on video calls, ” says Reuter.
“If you have to go on an important call, such as one that’s being recorded, I would advise men to use some no-pigment foundation to counteract the shine.”
Depending on the camera position, under-eye circles can appear even darker. If in doubt, use some concealer.
If you wear make-up anyway, Reuter advises using some blusher on video calls.
“And some mascara, which opens your eyes and makes you look more alert.”
Some patterns on your top can give off an agitated vibe, and may even flicker on someone else’s screen.
It’s therefore recommended you avoid eye-catching patterns such as checks or stripes, says Reuter.
If you wear large earrings or necklaces and a headset at the same time, then watch out that they don’t touch each other.
Otherwise you’ll annoy everyone on the call with a constant banging noise.
4: Dress up your background, too
You’ve probably discovered countless interesting things in the home of the people you’ve talked to during a video call. The other person might not have wanted to show you all that.
”Check in advance what’s in view and think about what impression you’re giving off, ” says Sluka. Making sure things look tidy won’t hurt either.
Alternatively, there’s a range of tools included in video conferencing applications like Teams, BigBlueButton, Jitsi and Zoom that will let you do things like blur the background.
”This makes sense if the shelf in the background is a bit of a mess or there is a pile of dishes in the kitchen in the background, ” says Sluka.
However, the soft focus doesn’t always work accurately: Sometimes your hair or hands disappear, especially when you move.
Some programs will let you display any background image - particularly useful for people in small and dark rooms. Plain, light backgrounds work wonders, perhaps a photo of a beautiful, light office.
Holiday photos and funny designs might serve as a conversation starter, but ultimately are just a distraction.
And should you invest in real conferencing equipment? It's a matter of opinion, says video expert Sluka. Most of the time, the built-in cameras - especially with new notebooks - are really good.
For older computers, it can make sense to buy separate hardware, but the sound is more important. The first thing to invest in is a good microphone or new Bluetooth headset. – dpa
Don’t let your partner kiss you if they are recovering from a cold sore
or ulcer caused by HSV-1 as they can still pass the virus on to you. —
AFP
G. vaginalis is the most common bacteria in the vagina and a common cause of bacterial vaginosis. — Filepic
https://youtu.be/2iWShIc3SiI
Absolutely amazing video clip... I really appreciate it..... Its an eye
opener for our new generation who forget their roots and traditions.
That's what have made us retrogress somehow to lead to immoral
aspects.... Thumbs up to sender, Sister Swa
Being in a monogamous relationship, or abstaining from sex, doesn't necessarily guarantee from sexually-transmitted infection.
Valentine's day usually invokes the notions of love and romance.
Just imagine, you are on a nice dinner date with your other half and spend the night together in an almost fairytale-like evening.
But this lovely memory soon gets shattered when you or your partner discover unusual symptoms in the genital region.
Suddenly, worry – and even suspicion of each other – fills the atmosphere between the two of you.
And it doesn’t help that it is a topic many people might find difficult to bring up with their partners.
Truth be told, most men and women who are in faithful relationships or who have not had sex before do not expect any unusual symptoms in their genital region.
To suddenly discover a wart, a painful ulcer, or even a smelly and fishy discharge from the vagina, can be distressing.
Whether it’s kissing, skin to skin contact, or vaginal, oral or anal sex, each of these interactions can pose a risk of disease transmission.
But before you jump the gun and start thinking that your partner has cheated on you or lied about their sexual history, hold your horses – he or she could still be innocent!
Here are the top three sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) that one may develop even if you are in a faithful relationship OR have not had sex before.
> Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1
HSV-1 results in an incurable viral disease commonly known as herpes, which usually causes cold sores and oral ulcers in and around the lips and gums.
These cold sores and ulcers usually cause quite a bit of discomfort, especially when eating.
However, during the recovery stage of the cold sore or ulcer, you will usually not feel anything and may not even remember that you have it.
But it is still infectious at this stage and you may inadvertently spread the virus to your partner while kissing them.
The tricky part comes if you’ve engaged in oral sex with your partner.
Your partner may then develop ulcers around their genital region.
It is a misconception that genital ulcers are exclusively caused by HSV-2 as HSV-1 can also cause such ulcers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 70% of the world’s population are carriers of HSV-1. The good news is that oral and genital herpes are often asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).
They also do not spread to your partner when there are no active ulcers.
They only flare up when your immune system is weakened and become contagious through contact when an ulcer is present.
Flare-ups can occur once every few months to once every few years, to even once every few decades.
You may experience tiredness, chills, fever and body aches before the painful ulcers emerge, often in the same place either at the genitals or mouth.
It is not all doom and gloom however, as you can get an accurate diagnosis with either a swab test of the active ulcer or a blood test two to three months after an active infection.
Getting a confirmed diagnosis can equip you with knowledge on how to prevent this infection with lysine supplements or by treating any active ulcers with antiviral medicines such as valacyclovir.
If left untreated, these ulcers often get painful, but will eventually recover by themselves after two to three weeks.
> Human papillomavirus (HPV) warts
I know it’s a lot to take in after hearing about HSV, but hang in there as we discuss our next disease: HPV warts.
These are cauliflower-like warts caused by HPV.
There are over 100 strains of HPV.
Apart from the 14 cancer-causing high-risk strains, there are also numerous low-risk strains that cause warts.
HPV warts do not turn into cancer, but are often unsightly and manifest themselves in and around the genital region.
HPV is a very common virus that can be found in a large majority of sexually-active persons.
However, it is often well-controlled by our immune system and does not cause any major symptoms.
HPV can be exchanged between you and your partner during sexual contact.
And when your body encounters a new HPV strain, it can cause the warts to develop.
The good news is that although it is unsightly, these warts are often harmless and can be treated with a variety of options, including creams, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and ablation with heat or electrocautery.
While these warts are easily treatable, a cause of greater concern are the high-risk strains like HPV 16,18 and 45.
These strains affect women more because of their ability to cause cervical cancer.
However, both women and men can protect themselves and their partners by getting vaccinated against these strains.
So fret not if you notice an unusual cauliflower-like lump or wart in the genital region; just speak to your doctor to get it assessed and treated.
> Bacterial vaginosis
Last but not least, one of the biggest causes of a fishy and foul-smelling vaginal discharge is the condition known as bacterial vaginosis.
It occurs when there is an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in your vagina, and is often caused by the bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis, the most common bacteria in the vagina.
In the event of a big build-up of bacteria, it can also cause one to develop symptoms of vaginitis, i.e. inflammation of the vagina, resulting in swelling, pain, and even painful sexual intercourse.
Until now, doctors and scientists do not know the exact mechanism of how this occurs, but sex – with or without condoms – often exacerbates this condition.
This condition can be easily diagnosed with a vaginal swab and treated with a vaginal pessary or oral antibiotics.
If you have read up to here, fret not, today can still be an amazing day for you and your partner – just make sure you practise safe sex and get yourselves tested for STIs as a precaution if you haven’t already.
By Dr Julian Hong who is a general practitioner (GP) in Singapore. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
THE Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals that represent certain years. The year of your birth is represented by one of these animals, and according to the Chinese Zodiac, you will have particular personality traits that resemble your assigned animal.
Wondering how your zodiac sign fares during the Year of the Ox? Here’s how you can be well-prepared in 2021 with some guidance from feng shui master Lee Cheng Hoe.
RAT (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
It will be a smoother year for the Rat who is in harmony with the Ox. Your interpersonal relations are greatly enhanced and influential people are happy to help you.
Scholars and academics will do well as Rats will find it easier to acquire new knowledge. Career folk seeking promotions and business owners who are scouting for new avenues must strive to win with their wisdom and wit.
Pay attention to your health and well-being, whether physical or emotional, as you will be plagued by illness stars which may hinder your progress and incur unnecessary expenditure.
OX (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Changes abound for the Ox who is in direct conflict with the presiding god, so be mentally prepared to face various obstructions and refrain from impulsive actions.
Artistic pursuits and creative ventures are favoured. Career-wise, your talents and excellent work performance get much-deserved recognition.
Remain alert while driving and be extra careful if your work requires dealing with metal objects or operating machinery. You may donate blood to resolve the bloodshed brought about by unlucky stars. Boost auspicious energies with happy events, such as wedding banquets and birthday parties. Avoid funerals and hospitals and other places with negative energies.
TIGER (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
The Tiger benefits greatly from auspicious stars bringing the powerful luck of good relationships and helpful male benefactors such as male family members, relatives, friends, business partners, colleagues, customers and so on.
Those involved in sales, marketing and business development can look forward to success at work and merchants may consider expanding their businesses to overseas markets.
The lucky stars will also benefit the love life of the female Tiger, who is seeking her other half. Singles may look forward to finding a suitable companion. There are indications of happy events such as weddings and the addition of family members.
RABBIT (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
This year, Rabbits have to rely on themselves and complete their tasks independently as they basically have no support from auspicious stars. There is a focus on family health so you should pay particular attention to the wellbeing of elderly family members and take speedy action if there is any indication of health problems which may require immediate medical attention.
If Rabbits wish to enhance their fortune, they may buy a house or redecorate their home or even replace their furniture. Be extra careful when going outdoors. And if you have to drive, do not speed.
DRAGON (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
The Dragon’s good fortune manifests itself in the form of influential female benefactors (ie female family members, relatives, friends, business partners, colleagues, customers, etc). There is also added benefit to the love life of male Dragons who are looking for their significant other. Singles will find it helpful in the development of their relationship with their partner.
Inauspicious quarrelsome stars may amplify your argumentative tendencies, so watch your tongue. Refrain from getting overly involved in other people’s affairs.
Be conservative in wealth management and exercise caution with investments. Avoid travelling to places that are known to be dangerous.
SNAKE (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
A year for the Snake to level up in their career, making it especially conducive to move up the corporate ladder. Your auspicious stars empower you to attain your goals and offer opportunities for career advancement. Your efforts receive due recognition from your bosses.
Civil servants and management personnel can look forward to promotions while scholars and academics will achieve outstanding examination results.
To counter badmouthing and backstabbing by those who are envious of your success, shine a bright light or put a red carpet in the southwest to reduce the negative impact of the inauspicious stars on your reputation.
HORSE (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
It is a joyful time for the Horse, who will enjoy a very colourful social life with plenty of opportunities for merrymaking. This is especially advantageous to Horses who are working in sales and marketing.
Powerful benefactors will lend their support whenever you require help. You will be extraordinarily attractive to the opposite sex.
Singles looking for a life partner can take the opportunity to get hooked up, while those who are married have to guard against getting entangled in undesirable affairs.
Avoid high-risk investments. Pay attention to the health of male elders in your family.
GOAT (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
The Goat will be presented with opportunities for relocation or home ownership. You will also be blessed with benefactors who will help to solve problems on your behalf. It will not be easy for you to accumulate wealth as financial loss is indicated.
Avoid careless or high-risk investments. Just keep your money in a safe place instead. You need to cultivate patience as your luck is not too promising so you will encounter more obstacles which will further complicate matters for you. To help dispel the disturbance caused by inauspicious stars, it is advisable to pray for good fortune.
MONKEY (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Superb fortune stars shine on the Monkey, bringing a steady rise in career development. This is indicative of a status upgrade to a prominent position, which is most rewarding to office workers and administrative personnel.
There will be ample opportunities for you to demonstrate your myriad talents and leadership abilities.
Also indicated are happy events such as getting married and having babies. Even new relationships develop more quickly.
Refrain from being boastful or showing off too much as it can easily lead to a sudden reversal of fortunes that will leave you depressed and stuck in a rut.
ROOSTER (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
High time for Roosters to shine in leadership roles, particularly those in administrative or management positions. This is a prosperous year with promotions and increments in store, plus promising opportunities for further wealth gain.
Avoid extreme sports such as mountain climbing, skydiving, water skiing and other high-risk physical activities.
You may also be prone to injury due to animal bites or bloodshed caused by metal objects. Be careful on the road. You may donate blood to resolve the bloodshed brought about by unlucky stars.
There will be more ups and downs in your career and love life, so it is important to act cautiously.
DOG (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
The Dog is surrounded by marvellous fortune stars so everything can be settled easily.
Both happiness and wealth are indicated, as well as great potential in your career. You do not have to work too hard as the help you require will come naturally.
Opportunities present themselves, so if you can grasp the good fortune in time and make the effort, you will achieve the recognition you deserve.
As long as you do not commit any offences, your lucky stars will help to transform all bad luck into good fortune. Try to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise regime.
PIG (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
It is a hectic time for the Pig who has to go out and move about frequently for good fortune to manifest.
You will be travelling further distances more often and staying away from home for longer durations.
This frequent change of environment often signifies changing jobs or relocating, studying abroad or working overseas.
Because you are always on the move, do be careful when driving and allow yourself to rest when tired.
To strengthen personal fortune, try to attend festive activities of family and friends that are filled with positive energies. Avoid funerals and hospital visits.
Auspicious acts
How to feng shui your way to success this year.
TO enhance your good fortune this year, there are some things you can do in your home or office, according to feng shui beliefs. Here are some tips from feng shui master Lee Cheng Hoe on how to make the most of the Year of the Ox.
Magnify the lucky stars
There are various auspicious locations in 2021 according to the Annual Flying Star Feng Shui Chart. You are in luck if your bedroom, main door, office or shop is located in any of them. But there are also ways to increase your good fortune.
The West is where the Number 8 White (Earth) Annual Star is located. As we are presently in Period 8, the Number 8 Star is the best of all as it is the current wealth location.
Activate it using a fan or clock to stimulate the flow of auspicious energies. Further enhance the qi with a treasure bowl full of crystals. Install a ‘moving water’ feature to energise it for added prosperity.
In the South is the Number 1 White (Water) Annual Star which is good for wealth, love and career. Activate it using a water feature. Those who wish to find a partner, enhance their sales volume or increase their wealth should utilise this sector.
The Number 6 White (Metal) Annual Star in the Centre is conducive towards career advancement and brings windfalls and other indirect wealth opportunities. Energise it using a crystal ball with Six Emperor Coins. Spend more time here if you wish to increase your chances of striking the lottery.
The Number 9 Purple (Fire) Annual Star at the Northeast brings good news or happy events such as getting married or having a baby. It is also the secondary wealth sector. Enhance your good fortune using nine pots of plants or nine bamboo plants secured with a red ribbon. Also, shine a bright light and place a red carpet there too.
Those who wish to have a baby should spend more time here and keep the area well activated. Note that the Northeast is the location for the Grand Duke (Tai Sui) as well this year, hence no renovations, knocking or breaking of walls should be done in this area.
The Number 4 Green (Wood) Annual Star in the East makes it the best place for scholastic achievement and is particularly good for brainstorming and decision-making. Utilise this sector for a better relationship among couples or to enhance potential romantic encounters. Activate it with Wen Fang Si Bao (Four Treasures of the Study) or a Wen Chang pagoda or put four bamboo plants in a vase filled with water.
Take note that the Three Killings (feng shui afflictions) is also in the East this year, but that can be remedied with three small Qi Lin (Chinese unicorn or dragon horse) to reduce the negative impact.
Suppress negative energies
Fret not if you are currently stuck in an unfavourable location. To reduce the impact of the inauspicious stars, Master Lee recommends some steps that you can take.
The Number 5 Yellow (Earth) Annual Star in the Southeast makes it the worst location and the most dangerous sector. No renovations, hammering or breaking of walls in this area should be done.
Beware of accidents and obstacles. Remedy with Fortune Water (also known as An Ren Shui or salt water cure), but be careful not to have ‘moving water’ features there. Avoid having any red-coloured objects in this area.
The Number 7 (Metal) Annual Star in the Northwest makes it a hotspot for arguments, theft, robberies and health issues. Suppress the negative energies using a glass of water with coarse salt.
The Number 2 Black (Earth) Annual Star at the North sector triggers illness and loss of wealth besides making it the place where unwanted spirits like to gather. Remedy using Fortune Water or Five Emperor Coins or a Bronze Dragon Turtle.
The Number 3 Jade (Wood) Annual Star at the Southwest sparks constant arguments, and in extreme cases, may lead to lawsuits. Remedy with a red-coloured object such as a red carpet, red light or red sofa. The Southwest is also in direct conflict with the Grand Duke, hence avoid renovations, or the hammering or breaking of walls there.
China's Tianwen-1 probe successfully entered orbit around Mars on Wednesday after a nearly seven-month voyage from Earth.
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China's Tianwen-1 Mars Probe to Prepare for Landing after Entering Orbit
https://youtu.be/IckYr4CAdPw
China's Mars probe Tianwen-1 will initiate the breaking sequence as it is approaching the Mars and expected to be "captured" by the planet around Thursday.
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That’s something we can do at home to welcome the Year of the Ox and still have ‘din-dining’ fun with a bit pre-recorded help.
IT’S going to be a cheap Chinese New Year. For one thing, I haven’t even gone to the bank to get new notes for ang pow. Since I won’t be visiting or expecting visitors, there’s no point in preparing the red envelopes.
Despite the amended SOP allowing 15 family members within 10km radius to attend, my reunion dinner will be kept to just seven of us – including my maid – living in the same house. My sisters will not be able to return from Sydney or Singapore this time.
I have hung up my red lanterns, traditional decorative knots, set up vases of pussy willow, silk peonies and peach blossoms and bought baskets of mandarin oranges to make the house more festive.
But there is a hollowness to it. No one has been feeling bullish ever since our infection rates spiked dramatically and the movement control order was reimposed and now extended.
As for the reunion dinner, no one feels like having the traditional steamboat which is best eaten with lots of people. So we will tapau salted egg crabs from our favourite seafood restaurant and I will add a few home-cooked dishes.
Our lou sang dish will be made with the store-bought pickled and preserved ingredients as well as freshly grated daikon, carrots, pomelo and Korean pear. Instead of raw salmon, I am going to try it with unagi, Japanese grilled eel.
This is the thing I miss most this CNY: not being able to meet friends for lunch and dinner and noisily toss the fish. In previous years, I could happily lou sang at least half a dozen times.
My sister who lives in Singapore told me the government has taken a different approach. Dining-in at restaurants is allowed but with strict instructions how it should be done.
She says diners aren’t allowed to remove their face masks except to eat and drink. They put the masks back on to chat after the eating is done.
That is actually the right thing to do. We relaxed our restrictions to allow dining and we assumed we were somehow safe to strip off the mask because we are eating and or drinking. Well, serves our ignorance right. That is probably one of the causes of infections going up and spreading into the community.
I learned of a case in Seoul involving two Covid-19 positive people sitting in a coffee outlet. They were asymptomatic and were in the shop for hours, working on their laptops, sipping their coffee with their masks off.
By doing so, they became super-spreaders to many others who were also unmasked and sharing the same enclosed space. What is interesting and telling is that none of the waiters and staff who were masked all the time got infected.
That’s why Singapore’s Health Ministry’s SOP for diners this CNY is as follows:
“Those who are dining out should make sure they wear a mask if they are not eating or drinking. We already do not allow singing (including by diners) and other live performances at F&B establishments and work-related events where food is served.
“Diners should also avoid raising their voices, at all times. This also means that face masks must be worn during the tossing of yusheng (raw fish), and that the lohei (tossing of the fish and the other ingredients in the dish) should be done without any verbalisation of the usual auspicious phrases.
“F&B establishments and enterprises serving lohei must ensure that both the staff and patrons comply with these requirements.”
That does take the joy and fun out of the lohei ritual because we loud, noisy Chinese do love “din-dining” but there is a good reason for the ban. Research already shows that when we sing or shout, our spit droplets fly much wider and further.
But an enterprising Singaporean vlogger has loaded a video on YouTube entitled Auspicious Lohei Sayings and Prosperous Wishes With One Minute of Huat Ahh! that you can play for some festive noise.
I think it’s a good idea to resort to playing the video even when we lohei at home with family members.
If you are not happy with the video’s sound effect, I suppose you can prerecord your own auspicious phrases with CNY music in the background and maybe the sound of firecrackers going off too.
Singapore’s SOP goes further: Since Jan 26, “To further mitigate the risk of large community clusters arising from infections that spread within a household and through them to all their contacts, we will impose a cap of eight distinct visitors per household per day. Individuals should also limit themselves to visiting at most two other households a day, as much as possible.”
As my sister mused, is this enforceable? Probably not. That’s why the SOP appeals to everyone to cooperate with the new measures.
That’s the best all of us, whether in Singapore, Petaling Jaya or Sydney, can do. Respect proper mask wearing, maintain physical distancing and spend as little time as possible in one place, especially if it’s an enclosed space. Avoid crowds and wash those hands frequently!
Meanwhile, like everyone else, I will breathe a sigh of relief on Friday when we see the last of the Rat and we usher in the Year of the Niu. Niu is the Chinese character that generally refers “to cows, bulls, or neutered types of the bovine family, such as common cattle or water buffalo”, says Wikipedia.
Somehow, when it comes to naming the Chinese new year, the English translation of niu is ox and not cow or bull. We don’t say “year of the cow” or “bull”.
Yet, the popular image of the niu depicted on greeting cards and ang pow envelopes, of mall decorations, is that of a bull poised to charge with mighty horns, full of power and virility.
Indeed, the bull figures in many cultures, worshipped as a god and the ancestor of kings in several ancient civilisations.
But it is the domesticated, humble cow/bull/ox that has served humankind much more. For thousands of years, as oxen, they have been harnessed to plough fields, thresh and grind grain, pull carts and other heavy loads. For that purpose, oxen are usually castrated – and therefore more docile – cattle. As cows, they provided milk and as cattle, were slaughtered for their meat and hides.
In Chinese culture, the niu is seen as good-natured, hard-working, dependable and associated with good harvests and fertility. It has been anthropomorphised to have the qualities of gentleness, loyalty and trustworthiness.
According to Jupiter Lai, a Chinese astrologer quoted by The Japan Times, 2021 is the Year of the Metal Ox with the earth element, “representing stability and nourishment” which is exactly what the world needs now.
The world was driven crazy by the devious Rat whose year was fuelled by its yang energy. The Ox will bring in much needed yin energy to calm things down. At least that’s what the fortunetellers are saying. And very carefully at that.
I actually find it quite amusing that all the feng shui and Chinese horoscope websites seem to be very cautious in predicting what’s in store in 2021. I know of none who got it right for 2020.
Even without the soothsayers telling us, we know there will be long and difficult months ahead. But for the next week or two, let’s try to uplift our spirits, give thanks for a brand new year and pray for everyone’s health.
Stay vigilant! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
By June H.L. Wong -The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
