Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today. Haresh Says By Haresh Deol I WAS all smiles right after I filed my taxes recently. Having paid my dues to the government, I must admit I felt good. It was my version of national service. I reminded myself that my hard-earned contribution would be used to repair a pothole or provide better education to our younger generation. I told myself this repeatedly before I slept that night. That was last month. On Monday, I was heartbroken. In fact, I even felt like a fool — like that Joe who never learns despite being dumped by the same girl over and over again. I started the day sighing, after reading Malay Mail’s back page article “Pathetic state of hockey in Miri”. The report revealed hockey players from SMK St Columba in Miri rely on makeshift shin guards and wooden sticks to train. They modify polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and glue sponge from old cushions to make the shin guards. Wooden sticks? In today’s hoc...

As published in Mailsport today   By Vijhay Vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA - Exercising could cost slightly more come April 1 as futsal and badminton courts operators said they will be raising prices following the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST). And efforts by the government to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians and reduce obesity and cardio-related diseases could hit a snag as many would be put off by the price hike, stressed sports officials. At present, one can rent a badminton court at an average of RM28 per hour during peak hours while the rental of a futsal court is about RM100 per hour. Operators have started announcing they will charge and additional six per cent tax on top of their current rates. "This is the beginning of many other price hikes. We can't just look at the cost of court rentals individually. It may seem as a minimal increase but GST is also sl...