The Star: Unlicensed hawkers banned from schools to curb obesity

I DON'T ALWAYS read the mainstream newspapers, but I did so this morning. As I usually find, the first few pages were quite full of shit somehow dedicated to praising the Government for its good work apart from other important news.

After reading for some good fifteen minutes, I couldn't help but to reread this particular news report on a directive made in one of our states, banning unlicensed hawkers from doing business within a 40-metre radius from each school compound. And this is the fun part- to curb obesity among students! Hello, near or away from schools aside, why were illegal hawkers allowed to set up stalls in the first place?

Okay, let us thank the local authorities for being such merciful and easygoing law enforcers. How understanding of them! So, that grace is about to come to an end. From now on only licensed stall owners would be allowed to carry on with their businesses near schools. Illegal hawkers, do not cry yet. Since the authorities are known to be such nice people, I do not think it would be difficult to apply for a licence to sell snacks near schools. Anyway, just my humble opinion.

However, those who wish to sell food or continuing selling food near schools must "adopt strict hygiene practices and not sell junk food," as reported in The Star.

Among the items that cannot be sold by licensed hawkers are all types of sweets, chocolate, pickled tidbits, foodstuffs with artificial colouring, preservatives and alcohol, those resembling lipstick and rings, and products that come with free gifts like balloons and picture cards.
Also discouraged are burgers, sausages, nuggets, ice-cream and carbonated drinks.

Wah! They banned sweets, chocolates, foods with artificial colouring, etc. Oh, even any product that comes with free gifts like balloons and picture cards. What if a particular product happens to come with a free gift but is not junk food? Also, ice-cream and carbonated drinks are discouraged. I may not hold a bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Food Science, but I believe most ice-creams and carbonated drinks contain artificial colouring, must I look it up on Wikipedia to be sure of this? "Foodstuffs with artificial colouring" cannot be sold, but ice-cream and carbonated drinks are discouraged. That made sense, if I were really stupid. Next, If hawkers outside the school compound are not allowed to sell snacks that fall into the category of banned items as listed, I assume that the school canteen owners ought to adhere to similar if not stricter regulations; I might be curious enough to make a trip to one of the affected schools to see how this directive is implemented. Haha! No sweets ah? Maybe no more sausages and nuggets along with your nasi lemak? Maybe no more carbonated drinks?? Oh, I would most certainly like to see how all these can be done.

To be frank, if I were an illegal hawker operating near a school, upon reading the news today I would simply carry on with my business, just outside the prohibited 40-metre radius. At least that could keep the students happy and give them a little exercise of walking an extra few steps. By the way, I might even achieve more than their Physical Education(Pendidikan Jasmani) teachers.

Banning unlicensed hawkers from schools to manage obesity? That's cute; Why not stick to the less-creative but more effective methods like providing education and raising awareness among students on the importance of staying fit?

Unproductive

Joel Yap... What are you doing??

The first paper of my finals starts tomorrow, and I have been procrastinating my revision until even now. And I feel like waiting till tomorrow morning to start hitting the books. Forget about burning any midnight oil. I'll set the alarm clock to ring at 7AM and then begin reading.

Can ah?

Good night!

I stood outside

Went to visit Mr. W on the way back from some shopping today. I bought a keyboard cover for a computer that has not been delivered to my house yet! For your information, I even have some software ready once the new notebook arrives. So excited about the new change that is about to take place.

Sorry for digressing. There I was at Mr. W's door. He was watching television and munching on some snacks before going to sleep at 9. He has a minor unilateral hearing impairment, so the volume was quite loud. I didn't want to shout outside his gate. So I stood there, watching him as the windows were opened. Not surprising that he failed to notice me, I do not blame him at all.

This was the first time I visited him without talking for over an hour. In fact, this was my first visit where Mr. W did not acknowledge my presence. Well, I am happy to see the man doing okay.
 

A disappointment indeed

So something is now confirmed. Hopes were lifted and fell freely to ground level. Well, this still beats dangling halfway in the air. At least I know the answer is no. Going to bed a little sad is way better than having difficulties falling asleep wondering what the answer would be.

Now, the next step will be to move on from here with joy and thanksgiving.