THE recent jellyfish invasion of the beaches of Kuantan has inadvertently revealed an interesting streak in our human nature (”Jellyfish sting tourists” — NST, Oct 6).

The jellyfish phenomenon, which is well known among the coastal population of the east coast and in Sarawak and Sabah, is nothing new.

Even jellyfish that are beached can give a nasty sting before they dry out.

The hotels are right to initiate precautionary measures like having red flags on the beach when there is a known invasion of these sea creatures and also warning hotel guests through in-house notices.

However, I am amused that some guests do not or cannot apply common sense in situations such as these. Guests have been warned to keep away but some choose to idly ignore such notices or believe that they will not be affected.
Swimmers must be responsible and accountable for their actions. Parents with children should also take extreme caution and exercise their own judgment.

It would have been prudent, after being told about the jellyfish infestation, that children be prevented from swimming in the open sea. The threat would have been too great.

Moreover, the hotel pool would have been a wiser alternative and surely in a tourist spot such as Kuantan there are other outdoor activities and sights that could amuse both parent and child.

Hotel guests are responsible for their own actions, free to do as they wish and the hotel has no right to impose restrictions on anyone wishing to take the risk of swimming among the jellyfish.

Neither should hotels be made accountable for the medical bills incurred by the guests for treatment. No hotel employee forced the swimmer into the sea.

However, hotels can go a few steps further.

First, red flags and reminders can always be accompanied by information leaflets explaining what this phenomenon is, the common species of jellyfish involved and why it happens.

Information, such as advice against handling jellyfish that have been washed up and not to put their hands to their eyes should they touch the jellyfish, should be included.

Second, hotel staff should also be on alert just in case a guest or swimmer has an allergic reaction to the sting.

Emergency numbers for the ambulance service should be readily available.

Finally, the best precaution or treatment is to be well-informed.

Hotel guests complaining about the high cost of medical treatment for their children would be pleased to know that the simple remedy for neutralising jellyfish stings is cuka, or the humble kitchen vinegar.

Either carry a small bottle of vinegar to the beach for emergency use to provide immediate relief when stung, or simply rush into the hotel kitchen to alleviate the pain rather than head for a costly visit to a private clinic.

New Straits Times

I am sure many government servants like me have found it frustrating trying to book rooms in hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu while on official duty.

The moment you mention you are a government servant and ask for government rate, the reply is that the government rate is not available at the moment or that the hotel is full.

If they ever give in, then it comes with a price: no breakfast for you, room only. Graduate civil servants in the professional group (Division One) are entitled to only RM140 and diploma holders (Division Two) RM100 per night for a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur.

Which good hotel in Kuala Lumpur accepts that rate?

In the end, most of us end up staying in budget hotels.
You won’t believe that in these modern times the rates for civil servants start at RM80 per night.

While hotel rates have been sky-rocketing, the rates for civil servants have not been revised for many years.

I urge the government to either revise the hotel rates or instruct hotels to offer rates commensurate with the accommodation allowance of civil servants.

New Straits Times

Every year, Malaysian students enrol in higher educational institutions in Australia.

Apart from being more affordable as a study option compared to the United Kingdom or the United States, Australia is closer to home.

The country boasts of a strong educational system and multicultural experience.

It is the No. 1 study destination for Malaysians.

To glean more information on education Down Under, visit the IDP Education in Australia 2008 Exhibition.
The annual event will be held at The Puteri Pacific Hotel (Johor Baru) on Saturday from 11am to 4pm and Traders Hotel Penang, formerly known as Shangri-La Hotel, on Oct 12 from noon to 5pm.

It will also be held at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh on Oct 13 from 1pm to 5pm and at IDP Education Subang Jaya at No. 18, Jalan SS15/8, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya on Oct 14 and Oct 15 from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The application fee will also be waived for students signing up for the February 2009 intake (conditions apply) at the exhibition.

To be eligible for on-the-spot offers, students are advised to bring along their forecast results and transcripts.

The event is organised by IDP Education. For further enquiries, call 03-2162-3755.

New Straits Times