As employees, all we want is to be seen, acknowledged, be recognised and to be given equal opportunities for growth. However, over the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has left some employees feeling disconnected, isolated and stunted in terms of career progression and knowledge acquisition.

Both employers and employees had to adjust to the new norms of working from home while simultaneously trying to balance maintaining employee productivity, and engagement and simply to keep morale up. This was no easy task for any company big or small, as working remotely in isolation was something completely new to most....

Read the full article at HR Asia

As the annual year-end monsoon season approaches yet again, all Malaysians have been warned to stay vigilant and prepare for floods. Last year, the floods in several states forced over 20,000 families out of their homes and into relief centres prepared by the government. The estimated loss was recorded to be at least RM20 billion nationwide.

Judging by how the monsoon season brings about floods on a yearly basis between November to March, and with rainfall at an all-time high, there are certain precautionary steps that can be taken to help minimise losses and even lives. Below are a few things that can be done before, during and after a flood.

Before a Flood

1. Flood Proof Your Home

   Familiarise yourself with where the main switches are and how to turn it off fast in times of a flood. Portable electricity sockets and movable power points should also be relocated above floor level or covered properly to prevent water from entering. Also, do identify items that can be raised onto higher ground to prevent it from being damaged. Valuable items such as
   important documents and jewellery should be placed into a waterproof container or waterproof zip lock bags.

2. Emergency Kits to be Prepped and Ready to Go

   Have a checklist of what is needed, especially the necessities such as food and lots of drinking water. It is also crucial to stock up on emergency kits such as flashlights, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies along with a good and long-lasting power bank to ensure your mobile phones do not run out of battery to reach out for help. Familiarise yourself with the emergency exits and routes for your home and know how to get to higher ground safely.

3. Are you insured?

   Being insured with flood coverage is definitely a smart choice because it is the most inexpensive way to prepare for flood risks. An insurance can potentially be life-saving as it can cover expenses needed to repair damages to vehicles or homes. If you already have home and vehicle insurance, double-check to ensure flood coverage is part of the policy. Do not take it for granted that flood is covered automatically. Liberty Insurance’s Home Insurance does come with Flood cover.

4. During a Flood

   Stay Connected. This is one of the most important things to do during a flood – try to ensure your connection to the world is not cut off and you are able to seek help if needed. Do monitor the news or social media feeds for updates or announcements on the rescue operations and what is recommended to be done. Try to be resourceful and exchange information with neighbours to find the best way to get to safer ground.

5. Stay Grounded Unless Told Otherwise

   The safest thing to do in times of a flood is to get to higher ground immediately but avoid locking yourself in a room as waters might enter and flood the room. Getting onto the roof or an open balcony are better options. Do not attempt to wade or swim through flood waters because it can be hazardous as there is no knowing what is in it or how deep it is. Also, try not to drive out of the flooded area as the vehicle might get stuck or be swept away.

6. Execute your Emergency Plans

   The moment water starts seeping in, be prepared to execute your emergency plans. Place all electricals onto higher ground and immediately turn off all the mains for water, gas and electricity. Gather all the necessities like food and drinking water before making your way to higher ground. Be ready and prepare to evacuate if necessary and follow all instructions given by rescue personnel.

After a Flood

1. Photographic Evidence

   The first thing to do upon reaching home would be to take a photograph of everything that is damaged for insurance claims purposes. Ensure to take photos of damages to both vehicles and the home to clearly show the damages caused by the floods.

2. Cleaning and Disinfecting

   Major cleaning work would be needed, especially when most items in the house would have been inundated with flood waters. If possible, be sure to put on a pair of gloves, a mask, and rubber boots when cleaning. Watch out for debris left over by the flood waters, especially sharp objects. Clean everything from the floor, walls, furniture, and other appliances.

3. Be Wary of Surroundings

   Avoid standing in stagnant water as it may still be electrically charged. Flood victims should only return home when authorities give the green light. Just because the water has receded or the rain has stopped, that does not mean that conditions are safe.

To ensure proper flood coverage for your home and your contents, there are insurance options out there that one can take, for instance, Liberty Insurance’s Home Insurance policy offers both the Householder for building and the Houseowner contents Insurance policies that are holistic and comprehensive. These policies cover both the interior and exterior of the house that includes furniture, electrical appliances, personal effects, valuables, and even clothing.

Related News

• Businesstoday.com.my: Precautionary Tips During Flood Season
• Ramarama.my: Flooding 101: A Guide to Navigate through the Monsoon Season
• Topgear.com.my: Flooding 101: A Guide to Navigate through the Monsoon Season
• Explorermotion.com: Flooding 101: A Guide to Navigate through the Monsoon Season

Published in Business Today on 4 August 2022

Home is where the heart is and for most, a home is where one can find comfort and solace. That said, doesn’t it make perfect sense to safeguard and protect one’s most precious asset – their home? With a proper insurance plan in place, precious valuables and priceless belongings in the house can be safeguarded from any untoward incidents. Victims of
such unfortunate circumstances would also not be left in a financial lurch as repair cost mounts.

In a tropical country like Malaysia, getting a proper house insurance coverage is pivotal. If anything, a lesson should be learnt from the most recent flooding that wreaked havoc on thousands of houses in Selangor where many have lost their homes. Based on reports, thousands of flood victims with an estimated damage cost of at least RM20 billion were left with huge repair bills and no means of paying for it.

Yet, there are many Malaysians that are deeply underinsured and uninsured for weather-related perils, especially the B40 groups who see insurance as a luxury rather than a necessity.

Based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), Malaysia reported a loss of about RM6.1 billion due to floods in 2021. Meanwhile, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department dealt with 8,814 fires involving buildings and properties in the state in 2021. In the same period, some RM347.7 million in losses to fire were recorded, increasing from RM297.9 million losses in 2020. The most common causes of fire breakouts in residential houses include cooking or boiling water left unattended, leaking gas regulators and hoses, short circuits due to electrical wiring and the use of uncertified electrical equipment.

“With these rampant natural disasters hitting thousands nationwide annually, it is about time this mindset about the importance of insurance be changed. It is our hope at Liberty Insurance that all homeowners be educated about the importance of home insurance and what to look out for in terms of coverage. That way, more homeowners and their homes can be thoroughly protected and covered by insurance if and when natural disaster strikes or an untoward incident occurs like theft for instance,” said Liberty Insurance Berhad Commercial Lines Head, Foo Yong Chiat.

Houseowner or Householder Insurance Policy?
For most insurance packages, there are two aspects to a home insurance plan to look into – the Houseowner plan and the Householder plan. What is the difference? Simply put, the houseowner policy usually covers the house structure that includes walls, ceiling, roof, fixtures and others. Meanwhile, the householder policy covers the content in the house like furniture and so on. Both the insurance policies are equally important and with both policies in hand, home owners can rest easy knowing that their most precious belongings are safeguarded at all times.

Other things to look into for a holistic home insurance plan include coverage for natural instances such as disaster relief including fire, lightning, windstorm, earthquake and floods. These are important key factors to note, especially where fire, lightning and floods are concerned in Malaysia. Another thing to look out for is if the coverage includes sudden impact situations where your house may be damaged by road vehicles, animals or domestic gas explosions.

If the home is being rented out, there are also plans that cover rental loss, theft and even damages caused by overflowing water tanks or burst water pipes. If this basic coverage is not sufficient, then be sure to look out for add-ons to the policy that covers landslip especially for houses on a hill for example.

While the exterior of the house is well covered and protected, the insides must be equally protected too. Precious belongings like furniture, electrical appliances, kitchen equipment, clothing, personal effects and valuables should be well covered by a proper insurance plan. Other items like cash, jewellery, damage to lock and keys should also be included into the insurance plan.

To get all the above and more, Liberty Insurance offers both the home insurance plans that are holistic and comprehensive. Its Householder and Houseowner Insurance Policies cover all aspects and come with various add-ons to suit every home owner’s needs. If you are still unsure about how to choose an insurance package that encompasses all aspects, the knowledgeable Liberty Insurance agents are always on hand to guide a homeowner through the whole process and which plan suits them best.

Published in Sinar Daily on 27 October 2022

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- msn

The roads are full of various types of drivers ranging from speedy drivers to the slow drivers, reckless drivers to distracted driver or the tailgaters.

Every driver has a different driving style, culture and personality — but how can you tell what type of driver you are based on the way you drive? Learn who the seven types of drivers are, their characteristics and how best to deal with them.

THE SPEEDSTER
 

Speedy drivers are the most aggressive and common type of drivers, they switch lanes swiftly and behave like they are the only ones on the road.

Speedsters are out to feel the thrill of the ride and to break all the speed rules. They love the rush of tailgating, forcefully overtaking others who are keeping to the speed limits. However, speeding can also cause a driver to lose control, swerve easily as when a vehicle is moving too quickly, its overall traction with the road is lowered.

THE SLOTH
 

Slow ones believe it is always good to drive slowly. Although driving slowly and carefully is appropriate in many situations, this type of driver can definitely be a hazard to your safety and sanity.

Not only do they drive way below the speed limit, they also cause other drivers to hit their emergency brakes just to avoid colliding with them. It's usually the tailgating and premature braking that lead to accidents.

THE NERVOUS DRIVER
 

If you are driving along and come across a nervous driver, avoid accelerating quickly and swerving around them. Indicate early to show them that you are slowing down, keep a safe distance, and they should relax.

THE ENGROSSED DRIVER
 

These drivers are always multi-tasking, that includes texting, making calls, eating or drinking, browsing on Facebook, and even skyping while driving and it feels like driving is the last thing on their mind.

Like it or not, these drivers can be some of the biggest hazards on the road. They can cause accidents simply by their simple mistake of glancing at their phone quickly. This can result in a BANG!

THE ROAD RAGER
 

Flashing lights, obscene gestures and language, and bursting blood vessels are tell-tale signs of the road rage.

This is a popular class of driving behaviour that can be described as "driving in anger", where the driver is likely to lose control of their car and be at risk of injury or worse, if the driver brakes suddenly or swerves onto the wrong side of the road.

THE OBEDIENTLY KIND DRIVER

Seems like these types of drivers like to sit too close to the steering wheel?

While rare, they do exist. They let everyone merge into their lane, never honks at anyone and are law abiding drivers. They are very respectful to all traffic rules and are also very tolerant of other reckless drivers on the road. They are very patient and will always give way at an intersection, even if it is their right of way.

THE MAKE-UP ARTIST
 

Here’s why you should put that lipstick on before you get behind the wheel.

If you’re behind the person applying makeup, stay behind them. That might be the safest place to be as you can react to sudden movements in front of you. She’s not going to rear-end you if she’s in front of you.

Drivers should be educated to take precautions against these types of drivers as they have the ability to negatively impact one’s day.

However, it is important that you don’t try to compete with them and the best approach is to stay miles away from them because they are unpredictable by nature.

No matter how careful you are on the road, you will still never be able to foresee unforeseen circumstances. Having motor vehicle insurance is a great way to safeguard yourself and those who rely on you.

An example of an insurance would be Liberty Insurance. Its Private Car EZY Plus Comprehensive insurance is a holistic coverage plan that includes personal accident, medical expenses, key replacement and child seat replacement.

Liberty Insurance got you covered! Their Private Car EZY Plus – Comprehensive insurance is a holistic coverage plan that includes personal accident, medical expenses, key replacement and child seat replacement. Find out more at visit www.libertyinsurance.com.my.