It's another case of Malaysia (tak) Boleh! The largest banking institution in Malaysia with arguably the most prominent e-banking service has coughed up another snafu. Having been able to pay my Maybank credit card bills online in the past, I was perplexed to see the option removed without so much as a notice! A call to Maybank.2u was made after 3 unsuccessful attempts only for me to be told that while I am able to make inter-banking transactions, Maybank is unable to process online transfers for internal credit card payments!!! Hurrah for technology!!!
Meanwhile, youths eligible for the National Service Programme next year can apparently SMS the Ministry of Defence to check if they are on the list of potential candidates (sounds like a redundant statement to me but that is how it was written in the Star Online). The number given is a operator shortcode - meaning a 5 digit number traditionally associated with premium SMS charges. Furthermore, the article goes on to say that "Those checking the list can also take part in a quiz and win either cash prizes or handphones." The skeptics will say that MINDEF is looking to make a quick buck out of it, while the other side of the coin demonstrates the Ministry's determination to build public awareness and support of the programme. You make the call..
Meanwhile, Star also writes that, "Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has urged telecommunication companies to jointly set up a Short Messaging System (SMS) for the public to transmit information on reckless drivers and accidents to the police and the Road Transport Department."
Is this a novel idea or a poorly thought one? Consider the legal implications and the enforceability of this idea. Malaysians have been known to fancy the odd prank call to the fire dept. What more SMS, especially if it is cheap, convenient and free of prosecution...? Already our police are too busy monitoring the many 60 kmph speed limit stretches in the country, how will they cope with the barrage of SMS especially if many are just going to be hoaxes? Back to the drawing board Dr Koh...
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