The Sun Daily-130721

TELLING IT AS IT IS INSIDE

ON TUESDAY JULY 13, 2021 page

No. 7820 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my 2Bad move to allow more

EPF withdrawals: Experts

page

5Housewife loses cash,

jewellery to ‘aid provider’

ON ALERT ... Members of

the Civil Defence Force in
Penang fitting out a rescue boat
in preparation for floods that are
expected to accompany a
change in monsoon patterns
affecting the northern states.
– MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Have new game plan
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI
AND ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR oGovt urged to revise strategy and get
newsdesk@thesundaily.com its priorities right in Covid-19 fight

PETALING JAYA: Politicking and quarter of the year have turned out to be Hoe said with such a system in
inadequacies in the public over-optimistic and unrealistic. place, the strain on the public
healthcare system are issues that healthcare system would be reduced.
have been singled out as factors “Unlike countries that have been He also said he does not believe
that have curtailed Malaysia’s efforts in the successful in dealing with the pandemic, that the country is on the brink of
Covid-19 war. there is a very noticeable gap between defeat in the Covid-19 war.
good policies and bad implementation.” “In the last few months, private
While healthcare workers struggled hospitals and private practitioners
with overcrowding at hospitals and lack of Universiti Malaya head of social and have joined the fight and that has
equipment, politicians were busy fighting preventive medicine Dr Victor Hoe noted helped to ease the congestion at
for control of the government, a social that the government has secured funding government hospitals,” he said.
activist pointed out. to transfer the management of non-Covid Universiti Malaya professor of
patients to private hospitals to reduce the epidemiology and public health Dr
“Instead of fighting among themselves, strain on public facilities. Sanjay Rampal said it could take up
politicians should use the time to come up to two years before life returns to
with better strategies and policies for the “However, financing for the public pre-Covid conditions, but there are
benefit of the people,” said chairman of the healthcare system to fight the pandemic several caveats and assumptions.
Centre for Public Policy Studies at the remains inadequate,” he told theSun. The first proviso is completion of
Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, the vaccination exercise by next year.
Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam. He said to streamline services, the “This forecast is also based
government should revisit the unified on the assumption that we
“Just last week, while the rakyat were healthcare financing system proposal. do not accept the increased Turn to
struggling (to survive), our politicians were risk of morbidity and
busy politicking away.” Under the decades-old proposal, mortality of Covid-19,” —
funding for public and private healthcare
Ramon said a new strategy is essential if institutions would be done through a page 3
Malaysia is to win the war against single system. People would be allowed to
Covid-19, and that includes taking politics seek healthcare either in public or private Sanjay said.
out of the equation. hospitals and it would be paid for by the
unified financing system.
He added that previous forecasts that
Malaysians will begin to see a return to life
in pre-pandemic conditions in the third

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Reprieve for public service vehicle operators

PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee said the move is to aid the public classes under the purview of the Land Public Operators Association, Persatuan Pengusaha
Wee Ka Siong said public service vehicles which transport sector, particularly those operating or Transport Agency, and the Commercial Vehicle Bas Persiaran Semenanjung Malaysia,
have or will reach their permitted age limit this driving taxis, school and tour buses, to weather Licensing Boards of Sabah and Sarawak are Gabungan Teksi Semenanjung Malaysia,
year will be granted an automatic one-year difficulties caused by the pandemic. eligible for the extension. Koperasi Melayu Teksi Pulau Pinang, Persatuan
extension for licensing purposes. Teksi India Wilayah Persekutuan, and
He said in a statement yesterday that it was He said the automatic extension was given Persatuan Kereta Sewa Hulu Selangor.
He said the extension is meant for vehicles made with the understanding that many drivers following consultations and engagements
that reach the permitted age limit between Jan 1 and operators will face great difficulty in between the ministry and industry “We hope the automatic extension of the
and Dec 31, and have passed the Puspakom replacing their vehicles during these representatives and associations. vehicle age limit for one year will bring some
vehicle inspection for roadworthiness and safe challenging times, Bernama reported. relief to the industry as companies focus on
operation. They include the Federation of School Bus recovering to become competitive again.”
He added that all public service vehicle Associations Malaysia, Pan Malaysia Bus

BRIEFS MINISTRY DENIES LINK Bad move to allow more
TO CHEAP HOUSE AD EPF withdrawals: Experts

PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local o ‘Those needing to dip into retirement fund ensure that people are able to at and B40 groups.
Government Ministry has denied would have already diminished savings’ least meet their basic needs.” To be able to live a basic
placing an advertisement inviting Yeah said the vaccination lifestyle after retirement, one
applications for affordable housing effort should also be stepped up needs to have at least RM240,000
costing as low as RM30,000 under to enable economic activities to in EPF savings.
the Myhome and Mydeposit 2021 resume as quickly as possible. Finwealth Management
Schemes, and RM60,000 aid for █ BY RAJVINDER SINGH withdrawal, under the i-Citra “The longer we wait, the director Felix Neoh said only those
building of houses on private land, newsdesk@thesundaily.com scheme, kicked off yesterday.
under the Housing Loan Scheme.
The ministry in a statement Sunway University economist
yesterday said that it only opened Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the
applications for the People’s government should look at
Housing Programme, Housing for alternative ways to help people in
Civil Servants, PR1MA Housing and need.
Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad.
– Bernama “It is very likely that some of
them would have exhausted their
INITIATIVE FOR INDIANS EPF savings anyway.” higher the possibility that many who have no choice should turn to
more businesses will shut down, the i-Citra withdrawal scheme.
AIMS TO ATTRACT 2,000 PETALING JAYA: The Yeah said the government leaving more people “People must realise that EPF
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Indian should increase the budget (cash
Entrepreneur Development government’s decision to allow payouts) for those in the B40 and unemployed. savings are for retirement. The
another round of Employees lower M40 groups. “If that happens, the economy more you withdraw from it, the
Programme (Sitham), aimed at Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals could be permanently damaged.” lower the savings you have left for
raising the standard of living of the He added that about 20% to
Indian community, is expected to has drawn flak for its lack of 30% of those previously in the EPF chief executive officer your retirement.
foresight. M40 category, who have fallen Amir Hamzah Azizan said “If anyone makes a withdrawal,
attract 2,000 participants this year. According to critics, other ways into the B40 group, also need recently that 6.3 million people, he should have a plan to replenish
State housing, urban well-being and assistance.
entrepreneur development should be found to help those who or 42% of all contributors, have it once his income returns to
are in dire need. “We cannot continue with less than RM10,000 in their normal.”
executive councillor Rodziah Ismail Financial experts have pointed stop-gap measures. We have to Account 1 meant for retirement, Neoh also cautioned against
said the programme, implemented look for long-term solutions to
by the Selangor Hijrah Foundation out that most of those who actually while 9.3 million have less than withdrawing money from EPF
need to dip into their retirement RM10,000 in Account 2. savings for investment purposes.
and Selangor Economic Planning funds would likely have very little Withdrawals from Account 2 “There are no guarantees that
Unit, is open for applications until
Aug 12. “We have allocated RM1 left in it in the first place. can be made to buy houses and to one will make profits from any
million for programmes planned for Many would have already taken fund children’s education. investment.”
Sitham, such as entrepreneur out large chunks of their savings in Amir Hamzah said the 6.49 He said a person can be
development training, skills and the last two rounds under the million contributors who made assured that he will earn a
manufacturing courses.”– Bernama i-Sinar and i-Lestari schemes. use of the i-Sinar initiative are minimum yearly return if he keeps
Applications for the latest predominantly in the lower M40 his money in his EPF accounts.

Closure of Selangor
Puspakom centres

SHAH ALAM: All branches of the FEEDING THE
Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre HUNGRY...
(Puspakom) in Selangor and other Balachandran
inspection centres, including mobile Sreedharan of
services in the Klang Valley, will remain non-governmental
closed until July 16, except for the Sungai organisation
Besar branch. Persatuan Gerbang
Kasih distributing
In a statement yesterday, Puspakom free food in Jalan
said the Seremban branch would also be Lebuh Pudu in Kuala
closed until July 22 as the district is under Lumpur yesterday.
an enhanced movement control order – ASYRAF
(EMCO). RASID/THESUN

“People who have made bookings at
affected branches will have their
appointment fees refunded
automatically.”

All Puspakom inspection centres
nationwide, including mobile services,
located outside EMCO areas, will be
operating as usual.

There will be no walk-in inspections
and only those who have made
appointments will be allowed at the
centres. The public can visit the
Puspakom Facebook page or visit
www.puspakom.com.my for the latest
information. – Bernama

‘Dau Dau’ project helps students improve English

KOTA KINABALU: Two English teachers from performing arts such as dance and theatre, as “It aims to revive arts in education because it The project won the international category
the Keningau Vocational College are working well as visual arts, including painting and is increasingly being forgotten. This is of the Simon Greenall Award, announced via
on a project to encourage and nurture local arts media. important to produce a young generation that is the Macmillan Education website at
and literature in students through the English passionate in preserving arts and cultural https://www.macmillanenglish.com/sgaward
language. Sirhajwan said students are guided on how values,” he told Bernama yesterday. on July 9.
to produce art materials in the English
The project, dubbed Dau Dau, which means language, to hone students’ artistic talents and Sirhajwan said they plan to create a teaching The award was jointly created by Macmillan
“a long time ago” in the Bajau language, was language proficiency. and learning module covering writing and Education and International House early this
developed by Dr Sirhajwan Idek and Nurazilah performing arts techniques for English year to honour the late Simon Greenall, a
Othman last May. He said the Dau Dau project also touched teachers, especially in Sabah, as well as conduct prominent figure in the English Language
on current issues such as the pandemic, world a series of online courses from September. teaching community.
It combines poetry and short story writing, peace and mental health.

BMJ to introduce 10 3theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
more routes NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Justice delayed by lockdown

MERSING: The Bas Muafakat Johor (BMJ) o Accused in unbailable offences are locked up indefinitely actively almost every day.
services will be expanded early next year as their cases fall into the backlog category “Through personal experience I can safely
with the addition of 10 new routes to reduce
people’s burden as well as continue to █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI offence have it rough. “They are not entitled to say the wheels of justice on my end has not
provide convenient and effective public newsdesk@thesundaily.com bail so they have to spend all that time in jail slowed down,” she said.
transport network throughout the state. PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 pandemic has while they wait for their cases to be heard.”
denied many their day in court, leaving little Regarding SOP, Lok noted that the Chief
Johor Public Works, Transport and assurance that justice for them will be served Nonetheless, he said, it is understandable Justice’s office has issued clear practice
Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohd anytime soon. that trials cannot proceed when the country is directions as to how matters are to be
Solihan Badri said the state government still in the midst of a health crisis. conducted for civil and criminal matters,
had recently approved the new routes at a The worst off are those who face criminal including the flexibility on filing of affidavits and
cost of RM3.84 million. offences for which bail is not allowed. Even if “Imagine the huge crowd in the courthouse other case papers.
they are eventually proven innocent, they would whenever there is a criminal case. Take the
The 10 new BMJ routes are Terminal have spent a lengthy period behind bars. Kuala Lumpur Court Complex for instance. A “Many proceedings are running online
Kluang-Pekan Kahang, Terminal total of 30 to 40 people can fit into one remotely and so far I personally find there is no
Maharani-Simpang Jeram-Jorak, Terminal As criminal lawyer Dinesh Muthal pointed courtroom,” he pointed out. delay in court proceedings for my client’s
Mersing-Endau, Terminal Kota Tinggi- out, court hearings cannot proceed when the matters. Most of the fixed dates were not
Tanjung Sedili, Hentian Labis-Bekok-Pekan country is under lockdown, leaving many cases Under the new standard operating procedures adjourned,” she said.
Chaah, Renggam-Kluang, Perhentian Bas untried for an indefinable period. (SOP), only one hearing and five case
Yong Peng-Taman Sri Wangi-Taman Kota management proceedings are allowed each day In fact, Lok added that with the option and
Impian-Taman Berjaya-Perhentian Bas The justice system in Malaysia are divided availability of remote technology for parties
Yong Peng, Perhentian Bas Yong Peng- into two sections - civil and criminal. Under normal circumstances, a court could now, postponements are actually minimal.
Kangkar Baru, Terminal Bas Tangkak-ILP have two hearings a day and even make two or
Tangkak and Terminal Bandar Pontian- Before Covid-19 swept across the country, three decisions in a day. At the magistrate’s “The only problem is the possible objections
Kukup-Tanjung Piai. criminal cases were being dealt with daily. courts, as many as 50 to 60 mentions can be by parties themselves which need to be dealt
heard in a day. with by court, before exercising discretion
He said before the proposal on the new However, Dinesh told theSun, the process whether to fix virtual hearings,” she said.
routes was made, discussions were held has slowed down significantly now. “Many Dinesh said that under the SOP, it is easier to
with the state assemblymen and the local cases from back in 2018 and 2019 have now proceed with civil matters rather than criminal Taking the family high court for example, Lok
authorities in the areas involved. fallen into the ‘backlog’ category,” he said. matters. “Criminal cases have to be heard in- said in terms of hearings for matrimonial
person. As a result, fewer hearings, mentions matters or divorce petitions, nothing much has
“We have also reviewed the routes and Worse than that, newer cases have now been and decisions can be made,” he said. changed pre or during pandemic in terms of the
conducted a study to get the views of the piled over these older cases, he added. “Proceedings also have to end early for number of cases disposed of a day. “The average
residents on the suitability of the routes. sanitisation to be carried out.” is still around 30 cases, or more,” she noted.
“I still have cases dating back to 2019 that
“The number of BMJ routes stands at 71 have yet to be dealt with,” Dinesh said, recalling Labour lawyer Xenia Z.C. Lok noted that Lok also said that there has been an initiative
involving 16 local authorities. We hope BMJ a case that was supposed to be heard in 2019 but while the courts are still operating as usual, of holding online or virtual trials which have
services will continue to be effective in had been postponed several times. most officers work from home, hence emails, e- progressed quite effectively.
encouraging more people to use public filings, e-reviews and Zoom hearings take place
transport as their main mode of travel,” he Dinesh said those on trial for murder or drug “We have attended several virtual hearings
said in a statement yesterday. - Bernama and there are upcoming trials on Zoom too.
However, I refer specifically to civil trials here.
Face-to-face hearings are always best and
preferred,” she said.

Situation more predictable with herd immunity Shopee helps micro
businesses pay it
“It also depends on the level particularly after those who have must henceforth live with the virus. forward to farmers
of normalcy that we are looking registered for Phase 2 of the He added that more importantly and for
for.” From immunisation programme are KUALA LUMPUR: A soon-to-retire teacher’s
front vaccinated. the long term is the need to strengthen effort to help farmers in his village in Sabak
He said the situation should be page public healthcare services. Bernam has turned into a very profitable
more predictable when herd Sanjay said this forecast is also enterprise for him.
immunity is achieved, adding that by based on the assumption that the “It is structurally sound but there is an
then, it may even be possible to relax severity of Covid-19 is greatly diminished by urgent need to build its capacity to weather Mohd Ghazali Anuar, 56, said he started a
the standard operating procedures, vaccination and the people accept that they not just this pandemic but to be prepared home-based business selling “sambal pecal”,
for future ones as well.” a traditional chilli paste by using ingredients
supplied by the farmers. They include
SWEET chillies, onions and peanuts that his fellow
SUCCESS ... villagers cultivate.
Terengganu
Agriculture, Food “Many of them have lost their income
Industry, Plantation, because of the movement control order and
Commodity and are depending on zakat aid,” he said.
Rural Development
Committee chairman Ghazali said he and his wife
Dr Azman Ibrahim Hafizoturrafiah Supeni started with a RM500
(centre) showing the investment and were delighted when they
VitAto, a special managed to sell 10 bottles of the paste on
variety of sweet Shopee within a month.
potato successfully
cultivated by some Since then his enterprise, called Baiworld
70 farmers in Kitchen, has diversified into home-made
Kampung Banggol, snacks. The couple now make an average of
Setiu, yesterday. On RM30,000 in sales each month.
the left is Setiu
district officer Rosli Another entrepreneur from Terengganu,
Latif. – BERNAMAPIX Ermie Adnan, 34, said he moved his online
“keropok lekor” business from Facebook to
Shopee around Hari Raya Puasa last year and
now makes RM25,000 per month.

Ermie, who previously worked in the oil
and gas industry, gets his fish, the main
ingredient for the cracker, from fishermen in
Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Shopee has joined the Finance Ministry
and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp to
help micro, small and medium-size
enterprises go online. Those who are
interested can apply at
shopee.com.my/goecommerce from now
until Nov 30, 2021. - Bernama

Kinabalu mountain guides turn to farming for survival

KOTA KINABALU: As all hiking cauliflower on a 0.5ha plot since the month. It is a small sum, but I am and sold them around Kota Belud, translated into an income of RM500.
activities at Mount Kinabalu have first movement control order (MCO) thankful that I still have the means to Ranau and Kota Kinabalu, for A colleague of Japarin, Suzana
been suspended due to the Covid-19 in March last year. continue living,” he told Bernama. between RM1.80 and RM2 a kg.
pandemic, some mountain guides Bulangai, 48, has also resorted to
have turned to cultivating fruits and He said although the income from Abdul Hasnin, who has been a Japarin, from Kota Belud, started growing pineapples to make ends
vegetables to generate income. selling vegetables was inconsistent, it guide for 16 years, said he looked planting pineapples after the first meet. She hopes the vaccination
at least could help sustain his family forward to the day when people can MCO was implemented, and within a programme in Sabah would run
One of them, Abdul Hasnin while waiting for climbing activities climb the mountain again. year he was able to harvest the fruits smoothly to enable the herd
Kasim, 49, from Kundasang, said he to be allowed to resume. to sustain his family. immunity target to be achieved, so
has been growing highland Another mountain guide, Japarin that tourism activities can resume
vegetables such as broccoli and “I sell vegetables in Kundasang Ginsos, 43, said he took advantage of He said he could harvest about soonest. - Bernama
town and earn RM400 to RM500 a the MCO periods to grow pineapples, 200kg of the fruit a month, which

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Elderly couple dies within days of each other Focus on densely
populated areas,
SIK: “My elderly parents promised to stick it my father, while my mother was admitted to the with me so I could look after him and my govt told
together to the end, and both passed away just emergency ward. So, I couldn’t see my mother mother also came to live with us soon after.”
two days apart,” said Zuriyani Ramli, who lost from the time she was admitted until she died at KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should take a risk-
her parents to Covid-19 on Friday and Sunday, 11.50pm on Friday. Zuriyani said she tested positive after based approach in the implementation of the
while they were receiving treatment at Sik experiencing fever and cough for a week and National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme
Hospital in Kedah. “My father was treated in the same ward as recovered, Bernama reported. as it ramps up its vaccination drive, said a public
me, so we had time to recite the Yassin health expert.
Zuriyani, 42, who also tested positive and together. When his condition was When she went to the hospital to get
was treated at the same hospital, is deeply deteriorating, I was there with him and he medicine for her cough on Friday, she was Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, who is
saddened that she did not get to see her recited the syahadah. He breathed his last in asked to do a swab test. professor of public health and pro vice-
mother, Salmah Shariff, 74, one last time front of me at 12.05am on Sunday.” chancellor at the International Medical
before her remains were taken out of the “When I found out that I was positive for University Kuala Lumpur, said to maximise the
hospital for burial. Zuriyani, who lives in Kampung Kota Bukit Covid-19, I immediately called my brother and impact of the nation’s current vaccine supply,
in Jeneri with her husband and five children, told him to take my father to the hospital, as my vaccination of the elderly population and
However, the housewife was grateful aged six to 20, said her father, who had suffered father also had a fever for a few days. My mother people with comorbidities must be expedited.
because she had a chance to spend time with a stroke, and her mother lived with her for the also had a cough, but she kept telling me that it
her father, Ramli Awang, 82, as they were past few months. was normal to due to her old age,” she said. He said the vaccination drive should also
receiving treatment in the same ward. focus on densely populated urban areas with a
“Prior to that, my parents were living in Once her father tested positive, the hospital high level of economic activities.
“The three of us were treated at the same Kampung Batu 9 in Gurun with my younger then fetched her mother, who was later
hospital and I was placed in the same ward as brother, a bachelor. I invited my father to live confirmed positive and admitted to the Since Covid-19 transmissions are highly
emergency ward due to her weak condition. localised, people living and working in such
areas face a higher risk of infection, said
‘Post-vaccination guidelines Lokman, who is also a member of the World
must be clear, consistent’ Health Organisation (WHO) Advisory Group for
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Programme.
o Current SOP should still be National Security Council (NSC). MEF has called
applicable to fully inoculated Syed Hussain said MEF is concerned for the for standard He said the government should also focus its
individuals to ensure safety operating vaccination drive on the Klang Valley, especially
for all, says MEF president safety and health of all employees, including procedures that Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and including
those who have been fully vaccinated, and ensure the Seremban, which contributes to more than 50%
KUALA LUMPUR: Proposed guidelines for proposed that the government establish a safety of both of daily new Covid-19 cases.
individuals who have received both doses of the platform to record and monitor adverse employees and
Covid-19 vaccine should be clear, consistent events, if any. employers. “If we can manage Covid-19 in the Klang
and include proper standard operating – REUTERSPIX Valley, we will be able to manage it for the whole
procedures (SOP) to protect the health and He added that the authorities should “We are of the view that the proposed of Malaysia. By controlling the rate of infections
safety of employees and the public, said ensure that the National Covid-19 guidelines should be subjected to the SOP and in the Klang Valley, we will also minimise the
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Immunisation Programme and related should not discriminate individuals who have risk of the infection spreading to other states
president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman. guidelines include awareness programmes on not yet to receive both doses of the vaccine, to through cross-border movements.”
the benefits and risks of vaccination, in avoid human rights violations, legal
He said the SOP should still apply to those accordance with the rights of the individual, complications and negative social control On the efficacy of the vaccines against the
who have completed the vaccination as there is professional medical ethics and the legal policies,” he said. more aggressive Delta and Alpha strains,
no guarantee that they would be fully protected principles of informed consent. MEF also urged the authorities to involve Lokman said recently published data from a
against Covid-19. industry stakeholders, professional medical Public Health England study conducted in April
“The lives of the rakyat must be held sacred practitioners and other experts in formulating and May showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech
“Based on the experiences of other and be protected and by putting in place such the guidelines to ensure its practicality and vaccine was 88% effective against symptomatic
countries, vaccinated individuals are allowed to interventions, it would also help validate the effectiveness for the benefit of all parties. disease from the Delta variant two weeks after
move freely and those who are (subsequently) safety and efficacy of the vaccines safety and “There has to be collective responsibility the second dose was given, compared to its 93%
infected suffered less severe (symptoms), and dispel rumours and fake news. between stakeholders to deal with Covid-19. We effectiveness against the Alpha variant.
do not require intensive care, and do not hope the guidelines would be standardised,
burden the public healthcare system. clear and without variations to avoid confusion Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were
to both employers and employees. There found to be 60% effective against symptomatic
“But there is no clinical evidence (yet) to should only be one policy for the proposed disease from the Delta variant, compared to its
show that (such individuals) would be free from guidelines under one agency to handle all the 66% effectiveness against the Alpha strain.
Covid-19 as (with) mutations and the queries.” – Bernama
emergence of new and more virulent variants, WHO considers any vaccine with an efficacy
(there is) no clinical evidence to show that the rate of at least 50% to be good enough for public
vaccines would (offer) effective protection,” he health intervention, he pointed out.
said in a statement yesterday.
The Delta strain (India) is one of four
He was commenting on recent reports that variants of concern that are being monitored
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba globally. The others are Alpha (UK), Beta (South
would present the proposed guidelines to the Africa) and Gamma (Brazil).

The latest variant to be highlighted by WHO
is Lambda, which first appeared in Peru in
August last year. On July 5, the Health Ministry
said in a tweet that the Lambda strain has been
detected in over 30 countries and “is deadlier
than Delta”.

Lokman said people must continue to be
vigilant in protecting themselves and others by
wearing masks correctly and avoiding crowded
places and poorly ventilated rooms, as well as
getting themselves vaccinated. – Bernama

844,870 PERLIS 0 KELANTAN 133 LABUAN 66
TERENGGANU 140 298
91,272 747,338 6,260 KEDAH 415 PAHANG 314
PENANG 231 N.SEMBILAN 794
8,574 5,041 102
PERAK 168 411 SABAH
964 SELANGOR 4,308
JOHOR SARAWAK 235
K. LUMPUR 609
PUTRAJAYA 45

MALACCA

407

PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR
THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME

As of July 11 Registered Received first dose

17,891,932 7,840,034

5theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Housewife loses RM7,000
and jewellery to ‘aid provider’

ANTI-VICE RAID ... Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay showing cash, cellphones and other items seized MALACCA: A 54-year-old Mohd Sukri said this was
during Ops Noda, at the police contingent headquarters in Johor Baru yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX housewife suffered losses because there is a group of
amounting to RM7,000 after her individuals who are taking
jewellery was stolen by a man she advantage of the Covid-19
acquainted on TikTok two weeks situation in the country by using
ago, who promised to take her to this modus operandi to contact
buy basic necessities. or visit victims on the pretext of
assisting them, but only to steal
Malacca CID chief ACP Mohd or rob.
Sukri Kaman said in the incident
at 11am last Saturday, the suspect “Malacca police view such
went to the victim’s house in cases seriously and would not
Taman Desa Air Merbau, Jasin to hesitate to take stern action
fetch her to buy basic items at a against those who commit such
nearby supermarket. crimes,” he added.

“However, the suspect tricked Separately, police are
the victim and entered her house, tracking down individuals who
and stole her jewellery before are responsible for hanging
fleeing. The woman lodged a a figurine with the
police report on the same day,” words “Kerajaan pembunuh”
he said in a statement yesterday. (murderer government) at the
Ayer Keroh Malacca Trade
Police advised the public to be Centre junction yesterday.
more careful and to seek
assistance from the right channel Malacca Tengah district police
such as government agencies chief ACP Afzanizar Ahmad said
or related non-governmental the figurine – attired in white
organisations, and not to provide shirt, blue pants and a straw hat –
personal details through social was taken down by police after
media platforms to unknown they were alerted of the incident
individuals. at 7.40am. – Bernama

Man charged with Against all odds
laundering RM11m
Use of folklore in At school, these stories were retold in
BUTTERWORTH: A cooperative teaching of English English. To make it easier for the
chairman pleaded not guilty in a children to visualise each scene of
sessions court here yesterday to 106 o Teacher picks cultural tales as The first tale is about the stories, he created story boards
money laundering charges involving subject matter to attract attention a group of children who with images of the various characters
more than RM11 million. of orang asli children are swallowed up by a in the stories.
swamp for making fun
BRIEFSDatuk Mansor Musa, 58, who is █ BY ELLY FAZANIZA “There is nothing of animals. These were put together with the
chairman of Koperasi Tunas Muda newsdesk@thesundaily.com wrong with the books use of video editing apps KineMaster
Sungai Ara Bhd, made the plea before STORYTELLING is probably one of but for the Semai For the Semai, this is and CapCut. The videos were then
Justice Norhayati Mohamad Yunus. the best ways to teach a new children, the origins also a cautionary tale played in class, with the story
language. and context of the for children. narrated in English.
He was charged with engaging in stories are foreign and
money laundering activities by In the case of the Semai, an they cannot relate to it,” he told The second story is The effort won Zainul and his
receiving cash, assets and shares orang asli community, their folklore theSun. about “Bah Luj”, who team gold in the 9th Malaysia
through different companies has become the subject of an was tasked with looking International Young Inventors
allegedly between September 2011 English class. “Consequently, they keep failing after his brother when Olympiad held in June.
and August last year. their English tests and many are still his parents were away,
Zainul Hakim Shazni (pix), 27, unable to form a single sentence in but while his brother Zainul said there are taboos
All the charges, allegedly who teaches English to Semai simple English,” he said. was sleeping, he goes into the forest attached to each story that everyone
committed between September children in Sungai Koyan, a village to set a trap for birds, only to find his is expected to observe.
2011 and 2014, were framed under in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, decided to Rather than give up in sibling dead in a pool of blood upon
the Anti-Money Laundering and explore the use of folklore in his frustration, Zainul picked a group of his return. With the help of villagers, “For some stories, there are
Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001. class when he found that the students to help him compile a list he finds out that his brother was incantations that must be recited
– Bernama children were struggling to of folk tales. After conducting some killed by Tabarok, a mythical, before they are told,” he elaborated.
understand what was written in research, the team finally settled on horrifying ape-like creature.
MINISTER FINED their textbooks. two tales – “Paya Jalil” and “Bah Luj He promptly kills the creature in “There are others too that can
FOR SOP VIOLATION and Tabarok”. hiding, thus avenging his brother’s only be shared at special times of
death and saving many lives. the day.”
KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Zainul said the children were
Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar encouraged to get their parents to Apart from the prize, the
Musa was slapped with a fine for tell the stories in the Semai language. Mentakab-born teacher feels that his
not complying with the standard effort has also opened his eyes and
operating procedures of the taught him to appreciate the orang
movement control order after he asli culture, one that is often ignored.
visited former premier Tun
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at his Zainul revealed that teaching was
residence last Saturday. Dang not his first choice of profession but
Wangi police chief ACP his parents noticed his talents while
Mohamad Zail Abdullah said he tutored his younger siblings and
Annuar was issued with a encouraged him to go to teacher’s
summons, which carries a training college.
RM2,000 fine for the offence.
Annuar’s ministry confirmed that The Covid-19 pandemic has also
the minister had received the had an impact on him emotionally.
summons and is expected to
settle the fine soon. “Through this difficult year, I have
learned to embrace challenges.”
MORE FINANCIAL
SCAMS DURING MCO Court dismisses Najib’s bid to get banking documents

SEREMBAN: Since the movement KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib the 1MDB case. advance,” said Sequerah. Ltd, ACME Time Ltd (BVI), Butamba
control order in March last year, Abdul Razak yesterday failed to “The respondent (prosecution) The judge also rejected Najib’s Investments Ltd, and Central
financial losses from commercial obtain banking documents believed Holdings Ltd, believed to be related
crimes such as e-commerce fraud to be related to fugitive businessman submitted that this (action) amounts second discovery application to to Jho Low and Zeti’s family in the
and non-existent loan scams Low Taek Jho and the family of to collateral attack, which is obtain former Goldman Sachs 1MDB case.
have risen by 126% in Negri former Bank Negara Malaysia impermissible. banker Tim Leissner’s mobile phone
Sembilan. The state police governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz. records, saying the respondent had The Pekan MP filed his second
commercial crime investigation “The position that has been taken made it clear they did not have the application on April 7, seeking to
department chief Supt Aibee The former prime minister had by the applicant (Najib) in the trial documents. obtain the confidential settlement
Ab Ghani said yesterday that sought a court order to compel the thus far is that Datuk Seri Najib, in agreement between the government
between March 18, 2020 and prosecution to supply the his capacity as the (then) prime Meanwhile, Sequerah said in and Goldman Sachs Group entered
June 30 this year, 2,971 cases, documents, deemed relevant to the minister and Malaysia’s finance respect to the settlement agreement in 2020 and transcripts or forensic
with losses of RM112.1 million, defence in his trial over the minister, was duped by Low Taek between Goldman Sachs and report on the phones of former
were reported. This was a 24% misappropriation of RM2.3 billion Jho, also known as Jho Low. the government of Malaysia, the Goldman Sachs partner in Asia,
rise in cases but losses were 126% funds from 1Malaysia Development information sought (by the Tim Leissner.
higher compared to the same Bhd (1MDB). “In any event, it is still open to the applicant) is generally stated and not
period between 2018 and 2019, counsel so they could confront Tan specified. Najib, 67, is on trial on four
where there were 2,390 cases, High Court Judge Collin Sri Zeti with these matters when she charges of using his position to
with RM49.5 million in losses. Lawrence Sequerah, in dismissing is called to the stand. On March 24, Najib filed a court obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion
Najib’s request, said the application order to compel the prosecution to from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of
was premature because Zeti was “Therefore, I do not see how produce several banking statements money laundering involving the
not the person on trial and she these bank documents mentioned, from companies including Aktis same amount. The trial is scheduled
had yet to be called as a witness in which are related to a certain sum of Capital Singapore Pte Ltd, Country to continue on Aug 17. – Bernama
money received by Tan Sri Zeti’s Group Securities Public Company
family, are relevant to the defence’s

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AT LEAST ONE KILLED China claims ‘intruding’
IN HOTEL COLLAPSE US warship driven away

BEIJING: A hotel collapsed in eastern o Incident happens on fifth The Benfold asserted navigational rights and beyond what China can lawfully claim as its
China yesterday, leaving at least one anniversaryofruling rejecting freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands territorial sea, and that China’s claimed straight
person dead and 10 others missing, Beijing’s territorial claims consistent with international law, said the US baselines around the Paracel Islands are
state broadcaster CCTV reported. Navy in a statement. inconsistent with international law,” said the US
Rescuers pulled seven survivors from BEIJING: China’s military said it “drove away” a Navy.
the rubble of the budget Siji Kaiyuan US warship that illegally entered Chinese waters The islands are claimed by China, Taiwan
hotel in the popular tourist city of near the Paracel Islands yesterday, the and Vietnam, which require either permission In its 2016 ruling, the Hague court also said
Suzhou. CCTV said the rescue was “fully anniversary of an international court ruling that or advance notification before a military vessel China had interfered with traditional Philippine
under way“, adding authorities were held Beijing had no claim over the South China passes through. fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and
investigating the cause of the disaster. Sea. breached the country’s sovereign rights by
The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and “Under international law as reflected in the exploring for oil and gas near the Reed Bank.
had 54 guest rooms as well as a The USS Benfold entered the waters without Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all
banquet hall and conference rooms. China’s approval, seriously violating its states, including their warships, enjoy the right Freedom of the seas was an “enduring”
Images published by CCTV showed sovereignty and undermining the stability of the of innocent passage through the territorial sea,” interest of all nations, said US Secretary of State
more than a dozen rescue workers in South China Sea, said the southern theatre said the US Navy. Antony Blinken on Sunday.
helmets at the site of the disaster, with command of the People’s Liberation Army.
the warped cladding of the hotel visible “By engaging in innocent passage without “Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order
atop a mound of rubble. – AFP “We urge the United States to immediately giving prior notification to or asking permission under greater threat than in the South China
stop such provocative actions,” it said in a from any of the claimants, the United States Sea,” he said in a statement.
SUMATRAN ELEPHANT statement. challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed
FOUND BEHEADED by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.” “The People’s Republic of China continues to
On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of coerce and intimidate Southeast Asian coastal
JAKARTA: A critically endangered Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China had Hundreds of other islands, reefs and atolls in states, threatening freedom of navigation in this
Sumatran elephant has been found no historic title over the South China Sea, a the resource-rich waterway are contested by critical global throughway.”
with its head missing in Indonesia, the ruling that Beijing said it would ignore. Brunei, China, Malaysia and the Philippines,
conservation agency said yesterday, as with China claiming rights to resources within At a regular briefing yesterday, China’s
it opened a poaching investigation. The its so-called nine-dash line, or most of the Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said
rotting carcass was discovered on region. the US was harming peace and stability in the
Sunday at a palm oil plantation in region.
Sumatra’s Aceh region. “The remains of “By conducting this operation, the United
the wild elephant were found in a tragic States demonstrated that these waters are He said China urges the US to stop “stirring
condition, with its head gone,“ said up trouble” in the South China Sea. – Reuters
Rosa Rika Wahyuni, a doctor at the Aceh
conservation agency.“We found poison
in its digestive system,“ she said. It was
not clear how long the male elephant,
estimated to be 12 years old, had been
dead. – AFP

Lightning strikes kill dozens in India Billionaire
Branson soars
NEW DELHI: More than 50 people were killed In Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state, bolts were injured, with three in critical condition, to space
in lightning strikes across several states in India, hit two watchtowers at the 12th-century Amer according to police.
authorities said yesterday, including 11 people Fort, which were packed with visitors watching WASHINGTON: British billionaire Richard
at a historic fort. the storm cross the city. Tiwari said up to 30 people were on the Branson on Sunday soared more than 80km
towers when the lightning struck. above the New Mexico desert aboard his
Hundreds of people are killed each year in “It was already raining when the people Virgin Galactic rocket plane and safely
intense storms at the start of the monsoon were there. They huddled in the towers as the “Some of the injured were left unconscious returned in the vehicle’s first fully crewed test
season, which bring respite from the summer rainfall intensified,” said Saurabh Tiwari, a by the strikes. Others ran out in panic and flight to space, a symbolic milestone for a
heat across the northern Indian plains. senior Jaipur police officer. extreme pain.” venture he started 17 years ago.

At least 42 people died on Sunday in People had flocked to the fort, which gives a Emergency teams were checking yesterday Branson, one of six Virgin Galactic
different districts of Uttar Pradesh, according to panoramic view across Jaipur, after several whether any victims had fallen into a deep Holding Inc employees strapped in for the
disaster-response authorities in India’s most weeks of intense heat in the state. moat on one side of the watchtowers. ride, touted the mission as a precursor to a
populous state. new era of space tourism, with the company
Eleven people were killed and another 17 Media reports said 10 others were killed by he founded in 2004 poised to begin
lightning strikes across Rajasthan. – AFP commercial operations next year.

Rescuers “We’re here to make space more
evacuating accessible to all,” said an exuberant Branson,
residents from 70, shortly after embracing his
a flooded area grandchildren following the flight.
in Dazhou,
Sichuan “Welcome to the dawn of a new space
province. age.”
– AFPPIX
The success of the flight also gave the
Flights cancelled, schools closed as storm lashes Beijing flamboyant entrepreneur bragging rights in a
highly publicised rivalry with fellow
BEIJING: Hundreds of flights were cancelled in Weather authorities warned of “extreme Great Wall were also shut, with some districts billionaire Jeff Bezos, the Amazon online
the Chinese capital as schools and tourist sites rainstorms” plus thunder and lightning in suspending rural homestays. retail mogul who had hoped to fly into space
were shut due to torrential downpours and Beijing and neighbouring areas. first aboard his own space company’s rocket.
gale-force winds yesterday. Some of Beijing’s automatic driving trains
A landslide was recorded in one of the city’s will be operated manually instead, media said. “Congratulations on the flight. Can’t wait
City authorities issued warnings to residents northern districts, with state broadcaster CCTV to join the club!” Bezos said on Instagram.
to stay home as Beijing faced its biggest storm showing pictures of a road blocked by fallen Rainstorms also hit neighbouring Tianjin
this year. rocks. Heavy rain was holding up efforts to clear city, where state TV showed electric scooters The gleaming white spaceplane was
the road, according to state TV. driving through flooded streets and black skies carried aloft attached to the underside of the
As much as 100mm of rain is predicted lit up by regular flashes of lightning. dual-fuselage jet VMS Eve from Spaceport
through the day in some areas, and aviation Children stayed home as the city’s America, a state-owned facility near the aptly
tracker VariFlight recorded some 700 flights kindergartens and schools closed yesterday. Weather authorities have warned of floods in named town of Truth or Consequences.
cancelled at the city’s two airports. 14 rivers, including tributaries in Sichuan and
Popular attractions, including a part of the Shaanxi. – AFP Virgin Galactic leases a large section of
the facility.

Reaching its high-altitude launch point at
about 14,000m, the VSS Unity passenger
rocket plane was released from the
mothership and fell away as the crew ignited
its rocket, sending it streaking straight
upward at supersonic speed to the blackness
of space 86km high.

The spaceplane’s contrail was clearly
visible from the ground as it soared through
the upper atmosphere, to the cheers of the
crowd below.

At the apex of the climb with the rocket
shut down, the crew then experienced a few
minutes of microgravity, before the
spaceplane shifted into re-entry mode, and
began a gliding descent to a runway back at
the spaceport.

The entire flight lasted about an hour.
– Reuters

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Tougher curbs, curfew in Bangkok

o Anger high among First detected in clubs frequented gathering in groups of more than five impose a lockdown but they don’t where social distancing is not
Thais over new measures by the Thai elite and politicians at an people, while public transport have compensatory measures for the possible.
upscale Bangkok nightlife district, the networks will shut from 9pm. people whatsoever,” said restaurant
BANGKOK: Over ten million people surge in infections has been owner Arphawan Larangam. Long lines of people waited at two
were placed under fresh Covid-19 exacerbated by a slow vaccine rollout Supermarkets, restaurants, banks, free testing clinics to get swabbed last
restrictions and a curfew in the Thai and limited testing capacity. pharmacies and electronics stores Some say the movement week, with local media showing
capital yesterday, as the kingdom within malls will be able to stay open restrictions should have come sooner people camped under a tollway in
battles a surge of cases worsened by In addition to the capital, nine but other shops have shuttered. before the brunt of the new highly Khlong Toei district –
the highly infectious Alpha and Delta other provinces that have seen steady contagious variants were felt among where Bangkok’s largest slum is
variants. upticks in infections saw more The government of Prayut the population. located – as they waited for negative
restrictions bite. Chan-O-Cha has come under results before going home to their
Thailand has so far recorded more vociferous criticism for its handling of “The government does everything families.
than 345,000 cases and 2,791 deaths – Police checkpoints sprung up the pandemic – from its management so slow. If they really want to impose
with the bulk of them coming in this across Bangkok early yesterday as a and procurement of vaccines to ad a lockdown, they should’ve done it a One temple on the outskirts of
latest wave that started in April. curfew from 9pm to 4am came into hoc enforcement of rules to prevent lot sooner,” said Jit, a university Bangkok providing free funeral
force, with police wearing masks and the spread of Covid – and anger is student. services to those unable to pay has
Sydney Covid facial shields stopping cars in the high among Thais at the new been overwhelmed with bodies, with
cases spike as centre of the capital. measures. The virus has hit poor its crematorium barely able to handle
lockdown falters communities the hardest, especially the demand. – AFP
Residents are barred from “The government decided to those living in Bangkok’s slums,

BRIEFS EMERGENCY APEC
MEETING CALLED
WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s
Jacinda Ardern yesterday
announced a hastily convened
extraordinary meeting of Apec
leaders aimed at improving the
Asia-Pacific region’s response
CANBERRA: Australia reported to Covid-19 and its economic
another spike in new coronavirus impact. Prime Minister Ardern
cases yesterday, as a lockdown in the is scheduled to host the annual
country’s largest city Sydney failed to 21-nation Asia-Pacific
halt a rapidly growing cluster of cases. Economic Cooperation (Apec)
summit online in November,
Health authorities reported 112 but called an additional virtual
cases in Sydney in the last 24 hours, a meeting this Friday to examine
record for this wave of infections, immediate action on the crisis.
despite a citywide lockdown that is in She said US President Joe
its third week. Biden and his Russian
counterpart Vladimir Putin had
The virus has now spread to confirmed they would take
neighbourhoods across the sprawling part, along with “the majority
city of five million people. of other Apec leaders”. – AFP

New South Wales Premier Gladys WAITING IN LINE ... People wearing BIGGEST INCREASE IN
Berejiklian said many of the latest protective face masks stand with their HUNGER IN DECADES
infections were passed between oxygen cylinders outside a factory to get
family members and close friends them refilled amid a surge of Covid-19 PARIS: The Covid pandemic
who met despite a ban on meeting cases in Jakarta yesterday. – REUTERSPIX caused an estimated 18%
anyone outside their household. increase in the number of
Rising infections in Myanmar hits Suu Kyi trial people facing hunger, a UN
Sydneysiders are currently report released yesterday
ordered not to leave home unless for found, dealing a massive
food shopping, medical treatment or setback to efforts to ensure
daily exercise. everyone has access to food.
The “economic downturns as a
“If you put yourself at risk, you’re consequence of Covid-19
putting your entire family – and that containment measures all over
means extended family, as well as the world have contributed to
your closest friends and associates – one of the largest increases in
at risk,” Berejiklian said. world hunger in decades,“ said
the food security and nutrition
A woman in her 90s died hours report compiled by several UN
after testing positive for Covid-19 on agencies. It said 118 million
Saturday, the first death from a locally more people faced hunger last
acquired infection in Australia this year than in 2019. – AFP
year.
NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar’s spiralling Covid-19 infection”, her lawyer Khin received the jab, or what vaccine she COVAX TO GET 550M
Sydney’s lockdown is slated to end coronavirus count struck the trial of Maung Zaw told reporters. was given. JABS FROM CHINA
on Friday but authorities say that the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi
target is now “highly unlikely” to be yesterday, her lawyers said, with a A second witness gave testimony The ousted leader “voiced her GENEVA,:The Gavi alliance said
met. witness for the prosecution failing to on the same charges, and the court grave concern for the people during yesterday it had signed two
testify after becoming infected. also heard evidence on separate the third wave of Covid-19” during advance purchase agreements
The city is cut off almost entirely charges that Suu Kyi illegally yesterday’s pre-trial meeting, said with Chinese drugmakers
from the rest of the country under Cases are spiking in Myanmar, imported and possessed walkie Khin Maung Zaw. Sinopharm and Sinovac to
local travel bans. with the State Administration talkies, he said. provide up to 550 million
Council – as the military junta calls Suu Kyi and former president Win Covid-19 vaccines to the Covax
New South Wales has recorded a itself – reporting more than 3,400 new The Nobel laureate, 76, and all Myint – who also faces charges of programme. The new deals
total of 678 new infections since the cases on Sunday, up from fewer than members of her staff have been fully flouting Covid-19 restrictions – both include up to 170 million doses
latest outbreak began mid-June. 50 per day in early May. vaccinated while in military custody, appeared in good health, he said. of the Sinopharm shot and up
her lawyer Min Min Soe told to 380 million doses of the
While that is low compared to A prosecution witness set to testify reporters last week. Cut off from the outside world Sinovac vaccine, through to
most global cities, Australia has taken yesterday that Suu Kyi flouted except for brief meetings with her the middle of next year, the
a zero-tolerance approach to coronavirus restrictions during She did not give details on when legal team and her court statement said. – Reuters
community transmission throughout elections her party won in a landslide Suu Kyi – who is believed to have appearances, Suu Kyi faces a raft of
the pandemic. last year “was absent on account of received a first dose before her charges that could see her jailed for
government was deposed – had more than a decade. – AFP
Authorities have been quick to
impose restrictions in an attempt to
stamp out clusters early, and the
country’s borders remain largely shut.

Only about 10% of Australians are
fully vaccinated. – AFP

South Korea demands slower workout music in gyms

SEOUL: Many gym-goers rely on a exercises such as aerobics and walk slower than 6km per hour,” said bureaucratic, as if those who devised When asked about the actual
good tune to get themselves through spinning. Kim Yong-tae, a member of the main them had never worked out at a gym,” effectiveness of the workout music
their workout, but in South Korea, opposition People Power Party. she said. speed guidelines, a health official
their musical options have just Health officials say the measure said authorities came to the decision
reduced significantly under new was intended to prevent breathing “And who on earth checks the The 120 bpm rule means after taking into consideration a
Covid-19 rules. too fast or splashing sweat on other bpm of the songs when you work out? gym-goers can still listen to Eye of the broad range of opinions.
people while avoiding having to close I don’t understand what Covid-19 Tiger by Survivor, or K-pop sensation
To the standard restrictions such such businesses entirely, as they have has to do with my choice of music.” BTS’ latest hits such as Dynamite and The rules also limit treadmill
as social distancing and travel curbs, during previous waves. Butter. speeds to a maximum 6km per hour,
South Korea has added a Whang Myung-sug, a 62-year-old bans the use of showers at gyms, and
requirement that gyms do not play The rule has drawn ridicule from member of a gym in northern Seoul, But if their favourite workout song restricts table tennis matches to two
music with higher than 120 beats some opposition lawmakers, who said the government had applied a is Psy’s Gangnam Style – the South people per table, among other
per minute (bpm) during group called it “nonsense”. double standard in restricting gyms. Korean hit that went viral the world measures. – Reuters
over – they are out of luck.
“So you don’t get Covid-19 if you “The regulations are just

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Collins Chong COMMENT byTunku HalimTunku Abdullah

Together we can Are books a waste of
bounce back stronger time in this digital age?

NEVER has the country’s socio- to get out of this doldrum in the fastest, the country. READING books is a waste of use of stories?
economic and political spectrum safest, impactful and democratic way, It will also strengthen the foundation time, especially fiction. A few months back, I was on a
been tested and undergone such pillared on real and genuine efforts by all
pervasive twists and changes for Malaysians in driving us forward and out and fundamentals of the principles built If you want to find information panel at an online conference
the last few years and this, coupled with the of this devastating chapter in the history of for the prosperity of the country and it’s all online. So why bother with held by the psychology
greatest threat to the nation’s development the country. ensure good governance for all that is books? As for short stories and department of the Malaysia-
and survival with the Covid-19 pandemic, derived from the government of the novels, they’re just stories and Wales University entitled
have radically transformed the norms and It must be thrusted upon the people, by the people, and for the people. how could they even begin to help “Reading Fiction: How does
decades of common expectations and fundamental aspects of respecting the us? fictional literature help us to
projections. rights and mandate of the people, We yearn for politicians, stakeholders understand the human person?”
democracy and freedom, and the platform and every Malaysian to put aside Such disingenuous thoughts,
The political firestorm and the strains of for fairness and justice. differences, interests, pursuit of power, unfortunately, are to ours and our At the conference, we all
Covid-19 and mutations have upended greed, agenda and all other matters of children’s detriment. profoundly agreed that stories are
decades of projected progress and journey Politics that are driven by lust of power, conflicting objectives to come together extremely useful. They provide a
towards prosperity and modernisation influence and interests will only lead to a and join hands in serving the nation, and There is, of course, unlimited simulation of real life.
that were hoped to culminate, ironically, in path of destruction in tearing up the fabric in carrying out our duties and information online. Studies,
2020. of a just and democratic principle that has responsibilities as proud citizens of this however, show that we only Research shows that those
stood by in forming the backbone of the blessed country, mark a new chapter of absorb a small percentage of who read fiction are much better
Little do Malaysians know that the nation. The time has come for politics in revival and birth of a new and better what’s on screen. socially, have better empathy,
common dream, which has long been Malaysia to be matured, highly principled, Malaysia. We have never lacked the resolve creativity and have a stronger
embedded in our minds, would have pillared on values of integrity, justice, good and will to overcome challenges together We don’t properly read the grasp of language.
evaporated in such a devastating and governance and social responsibility. and we have always come out stronger. article but rather our eyes scan
unprecedented crisis, and emergency that through the page, only seeking out These are all qualities that can
the nation and the world over are facing. It should be set upon the unshakeable Tried, tested, challenged, battered and the relevant information. help us in work and business,
foundation of democratic practices that bruised with the crises but reborn with a attributes our children can have if
The decades-old maxim of political are driven by the rights and voices of the new dawn of better days ahead. That’s because when we’re they regularly read fiction.
stability and adherence to the democratic people at the central front in leading the online, we cannot fully
foundation of the government that is of, by way forward instead of being bogged The world can write off the country at concentrate. Our minds are too A few months ago, as one of
and for the people seems to be fading as down by constant partisan bickering and its own peril and if there is one thing that ready to be distracted by the next several judges, I attended an
fast as the virus continues to rage in the disputes, political outplay and will ensure that we come out of this better thing, whether it’s a message, a online prize-giving of the
country and the world. manoeuvring and power politics where and stronger, it is the unique unyielding notification, social media or the Maybank Foundation - Perdana
the people are at its mercy. spirit, drive, tenacity and the Malaysia latest news. Leadership Foundation Writing
The values, principles and foundation Boleh tenet that has been deeply Contest. The quality of the entries
that built the nation, forged by the The common love and loyalty to the embedded in every one of us to eventually It’s craving to move on. Even as were sound but, honestly, could
collective will and sacrifices of the people King, the country and the people should rise to the occasion. I’m writing this, I’m tempted to have been better.
in seeking a democratic, fair, just, and and must be the first priority of all check today’s headlines, but I
principled governance and rule will Malaysians irrespective of partisan belief, This common threat of the virus and have to force myself to continue Although writing does
tumble under the forces of power politics. affiliation, gender, race, religion or creed. the devastation it caused calls for the writing. improve with practice, reading
conscience of all Malaysians to accept the copiously is a cornerstone of good
The constant quest and scramble for The unifying bond of love and loyalty to clarion call of doing our part and executing Reading a physical book is writing.
power and positions in a political sphere the country first will set the tone for our duties as proud citizens for the survival different. With our phones put
where there is no permanent friends or common respect and cultivation of the and future of the country, the world and aside on silent mode, we can give If we can write good fiction,
enemies, only permanent interests where values that are rightfully needed to steer humanity. full attention to what’s on the our overall writing, whether it’s an
the end always justifies the means. the nation ahead. page. We can fully absorb the essay, a report, a sales
One might quickly lose hope amid the information, arguments, nuances presentation or an email, will
Debates abound on the need or Politics of conscience, principle, justice enormity of the situation and the and conclusions. improve considerably which will
legitimacy to seek the best, most and respect will oil the path towards a unfathomable depth of the crisis. History help us in school, university, our
competent and capable government that synergised landscape of politics and and our collective strength have proven That’s because we’ve given it career, work and business.
fulfils the mandate and support of the governance that will involve greater otherwise. For this challenge is bigger than notonly ourfullconcentrationbut
many in a democratic arena to steer the participation and involvement of the any political party or interests, race, creed, also our time. There are no So is reading books a waste of
country out of this unprecedented crisis. people, and closer ties and connection affiliation or status. distractions. time? Definitely not.
between the elected representatives and
Various political modes and the people in developing the country This challenge has tested our resolve Our minds are in Some years ago, I said to my
manoeuvres have been put forth ranging forward. and resilience as a country and we can contemplative mode, ready to son: “The day you stop reading
from an interim prime minister in a prove that we can rise above it to not only receive and to learn. So, if we want books, is the day you stop
Mageran-like special council to a swift Political power plays and the robbing of create a new path of great recovery and our children to be properly learning”.
replacement of the prime minister in a rights and erosion of democratic principles comeback as a nation but also to educated, let them study from a
constant strategising and jostling for should be avoided by all political parties contribute to humanity’s collective real book or, at least, have the And that, in this age of screen
various tie-ups and coalition building for and institutions in ensuring a stable and strength in combating this crisis and information printed out. and, particularly, social media
the formation of the government, with all mature political system and governance creating a better tomorrow. addiction, is the sad truth.
seemingly geared towards better that will ensure the rights and welfare of all. It’s the same with fiction.
addressing the crisis, at least on paper. With our common spirit, oneness and Online stories are not properly So I encourage you and
What is politically right cannot be resilience as a forward-looking nation of read. The characters, especially your children to use the
The common people, who have been morally wrong and what is morally wrong unity and progress, the light shines bright descriptions, settings and plot are time at home during this
the most affected and at the receiving end cannot be politically right. at the end of the tunnel and the best is yet not fully absorbed. enhanced movement control
of this triple whammy of political, to come. period to read physical books, to
economic and health crises for at least two Unity in the people and a solidified Once again, the mind is in educate and improve ourselves
years now are yearning for one aspiration: common love for the country will Comments: letters@thesundaily.com distraction mode, ready to jump and to find greater peace of mind.
chart new frontiers for the people and to the next thing. A physical book, Tunku Halim is the author of the
limited in its paper and ink, keeps
you bound to it. children’s books The Midnight
Children, The Vanishing, History
Books allow us to be alone
with the writing and our thoughts. of Malaysia, A Children’s
It promotes contemplation and Encyclopedia and A Children’s
peace of mind. But what are the
History of Malaysia.

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

Batoncakture Justin Pang vows to
Agnes Wang escapes the rock on
hustle and bustle of city life
with her new programme, >>> Page 2
Celebrities Living REC
>>> Page 3 Real tips for summer
vacation
PICTURE COURTESY OF 8TV
>>> Page 4&5

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

█ BY ANANSA JACOB roSctkililng on

IN the recently announced Pemulih aid o Veteran rocker Justin Pang is
package, the Government has looking forward to performing in
allocated RM100 million to aid more front of a live audience once the
than 8,000 members of the local arts pandemic is over
and creative industry. This news is expected
to come as a relief for performing artistes hire musicians straight away, then it will be Nakedbreed
who have been struggling since the local a good start. Because on the musicians’ frontman
entertainment scene was forced to shut side, we’re ready to go. Just give us a
down last year. chance.” Justin Pang.
– COURTESY
Justin Pang, 46, has been involved in Despite all the challenges, when asked if
music for over two decades as frontman of he ever considered retiring, Pang OF DC
rock band Nakedbreed. The talented singer exclaimed: “Never! No way, out of the SHOTS
also helms the cover band 11th Hour, question. I will always do music. Pang misses
mostly performing songs from the 80s and interacting
90s. “I guess [this situation] is somewhat of a with the
test whether you’re audience
However, since March last year, he and a real musician during live
his bandmates have been forced to find or not. Are you shows. –
alternative sources of income. going to quit COURTESY
now, or are OF DC
In a phone interview with theSun, Pang you going to SHOTS
reminisced about the last time he hang on and
performed in front of a live audience. still do it?”
Besides
“My last show was in 2019, New Year’s teaching music
Eve, right before the pandemic,” he said five days a week,
with a laugh. Pang has
made full
When asked if he had expected the use of
lockdown to last this long, he said: “I think his
even back then I knew this wasn’t going to
be a short-term [event], you could see that The veteran time, composing new songs for to them were already their fans. I’m not sure
when the pandemic was starting, that it was artiste is Nakedbreed’s upcoming album, which has whether they got any new fans from that.
going to take a while. teaching been in the planning stages for some time.
piano and “But, for those people who already
“Even back then I was thinking maybe [it vocal lessons “There’s pros and cons,” he said. “Yes, follow local music, maybe they would have
would take] two years. And with the speed while you do have more time [to create], but in [found] new bands through social media,
our vaccination programme is taking, it waiting to order to be creative, at least for me, you during the first MCO.”
wouldn’t be surprising [if that was the perform live need to be outside, interact and experience
case].” again. – things. If you sit in a room all day, you don’t At the moment, fans of his two bands
COURTESY really experience much.” can watch recordings of their past shows on
What makes the situation even more OF TANG their official Facebook pages, @nakedbreed
frustrating is that other countries have CHUN He laughed when asked if any of the new and @11thhourliveband.
begun to open up. CHEUH songs were quarantine-themed.
What does he miss the most from live
“You can see that in America [for “I think it’s a kind of poyo (lame) to do performances? “Meeting people, basically
example], artistes have already that,” he joked. “I mean, writing something human contact,” he said.
begun performing.” about the pandemic just for the sake of
selling.” As to how he keeps himself sane, he said:
Like other live music “I have my music to motivate me.”
artistes who have lost Asked whether he thought people would
their primary source of learn to appreciate the local music scene He also has plans to travel to Japan and
income, Pang and his more after having been deprived of it for Australia once things have improved.
Nakedbreed over a year, he said: “Maybe. But you know,
bandmates have had all of those musicians who performed He also delivered a message to
to take on other jobs online [throughout the pandemic], most of Nakedbreed fans. “To those who are still
while waiting for the the people who watched them and donated listening to our stuff and who still support
entertainment industry to restart. the band, we’re still around. We’re not
going anywhere!”
“My bassist has gotten into some
content creation [job], and then my
drummer and I have always been
teaching on the side, as well as
performing.

“So now, without the performing, I am
teaching piano and vocals full-time.”

He points out that for some
musicians, particularly pub musicians
who have no other jobs to fall back on,
the situation is dire.

“They’re the ones who are really
suffering.”

Pang believes that to get the live
music industry back on its feet, the
first thing that needs to be done is
“get the nightclubs and nightspots
open again.”

He added: “Once those places
reopen, if they can pick it up and

Did BTS just drop the song of the summer?
EACH of BTS’s new tracks sends Twitter K-pop band
into a frenzy. The band’s latest release, media) will continue to notch up even more BTS is off to
Permission to Dance, is no exception. The views. a flying start
accompanying video has already scored This summer’s anthem?
millions of views on YouTube, potentially Fans of the K-pop kings have taken to with its
making the track the song of summer 2021. Twitter to comment on the wild west vibe of latest track,
their idols’ new video. In fact, they have Permission to
After forming eight years ago, the K-pop already posted more than three million
band BTS keeps on scaling the dizzy heights tweets about the video, sending the Dance.
of success. RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V #Permissiontodance hashtag rocketing to
and Jungkook have now taken another step the top of the social network’s trending prestigious “Hot 100” chart for six weeks, more niche stuff, that will probably mean a
towards world domination with Permission topics. And the release date of Permission to and is just as likely a candidate for getting return to upbeat, crowd-pleasing, sing-
to Dance, their new song entirely in English. Dance is far from insignificant for BTS fans, vacationers dancing this summer. along jams,” she told TIME.
This track is the seven South Korean more commonly known as the “ARMY”. The
musicians’ second collaboration with the track happens to have been released on the But for the journalist Judy Berman, this “Whatever the song of the summer turns
English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It eighth anniversary of the creation of this fan summer’s smash hit could be different from out to be, we’re sure to hear a lot of it,
sees them abandon rap for the kind of community, and is seen by many of its previous years’ summer anthems because because so much of our recreation is going
dance-pop sound that has sealed the members as a “gift” from RM and of the singular situation created by the to happen in public places.”
success of the Shape of You singer. bandmates. covid-19 pandemic.
And that’s already the case for
And this change of musical direction It also lands just in time to become the “For music, after a 2020 that gave us one Permission to Dance, 10 hours after its
seems to please, since the official music hit of the summer. With its English lyrics indelible banger (WAP) and a lot of quieter, release. – ETX Studio
video for Permission to Dance currently has and catchy beat, Permission to Dance has
over 41 million views on YouTube, just 10 everything it takes to compete with tracks
hours after landing on the platform. While like Olivia Rodrigo’s good 4 u, the Doja Cat
this isn’t a record for the famous boy band, and SZA song Kiss Me More or Yonaguni by
it’s one of their best launches on the video Bad Bunny. But it also has to contend with
hosting platform. Plus, there’s every chance another BTS track, Butter, a self-love
that the Permission to Dance music video anthem that’s already been in Billboard’s
(or MV, as the band’s fans call it on social

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

█ BY JOHN TAN Back to nature shooting! (clockwise from
o Agnes Wang escapes the hustle and bustle of city life What are your plans for the far left)
AGNES Wang is a multi- with her new programme, Celebrities Living REC future? Agnes
tasking talent who moves I hope to travel again. I would like navigating her
fluidly between zones of next location as soon as we were to learn and experience new way in a paddy
the entertainment done filming at a spot. So, it was cultures. And I hope to also field located at
industry without missing a step. really quite an adrenaline rush, a spread the message of truly Simpang
good and exciting experience that enjoying one’s life, especially to Rengam, Johor. –
From starring in successful I definitely do not regret! youth. Yes, things like owning a PHOTO
international films to competing car and a house are important COURTESY OF
in a beauty pageant, Agnes is truly Were there any memorable stories. experience for me. I like the but that is not all life is about. 8TV
a force to reckon with. moments during filming? It is also challenging because outdoors because I am a very Agnes during
Yeah definitely! In fact, filming sporty person. But if you are So, it is important to not rush her time in
“I feel like my passion comes with the whole crew made me most of the celebrities do not asking about the weather, it was to get married, buy a house or a Pantai Jeram,
very naturally to me,’’ says the realise how much I miss my know what is going on most super hot, especially at places car when you do not have the Kuala Selangor. –
Johor native, who got her break as family. This is because the times. They are not aware of the like Simpang Rengam in Johor. I means or are not ready. After all, PHOTO
a commercial model. chemistry between the whole cast challenge at hand. So, it is really remember I had to apply we only live once and we cannot COURTESY OF
was like family. We got along very fun to watch them challenge sunblock and mosquito go back and relive our lives. So I 8TV
“I really like what I do as there is well. And given the current themselves to complete the tasks repellent every two to three personally think if you are young,
an aspect of unpredictability. Each circumstances, I have not been they are given. hours. There were even times you should travel more and get Agnes and her
project requires a different able to meet my family back in my Were you always comfortable when my makeup was ruined by more life experiences. guests in an
approach and that is exciting!” hometown since last August. So, during filming? the weather but for me, it was What advice would you give to episode of
filming with the crew definitely Overall, it was a comfortable fine. I really had a good time aspiring artistes? Celebrities Living
These days, Agnes is active in made up for it! I would suggest adopting a REC. – PHOTO
the field of radio hosting. Her If you could describe the show in finance planning mindset. With COURTESY OF
latest project involves a role in three words, what would it be? the unstable nature of the 8TV
8TV’s latest TV programme I would describe the show as real, industry, it is important to plan
Celebrities Living REC. touching and challenging. In fact, ahead and see the bigger picture.
Celebrities Living REC shows a For instance, I have had times
Broadcast every Friday, the whole new side of the artiste that where I had a commercial job
show follows Agnes and her fans do not usually get to see. every month. And times when I
invited guests as they journey back Unlike at red carpet events or TV did not get any jobs despite
to nature. shows, the celebrities here have pitching my profile for six
more freedom to be themselves months.
In each episode, viewers will and open up about their personal
get to see Agnes and her guests But I never give up. So anyone
navigating their newfound life in looking to join the industry must
the wild. Speaking exclusively with learn to master their finances
theSun, she details the process of and have a strong passion for
filming the show and her plans for what they do. You need to
the future. constantly work on improving
How was the filming process for yourself. Only then can you
Celebrities Living REC? achieve a sustainable career in
To be honest, it felt like I was not this industry.
shooting a programme. It felt like I
was on a holiday trip. During
filming, we had no breaks as we
were constantly travelling. For
instance, we had to rush to the

Last picture show looms for British India’s summer capital
WITH its ancient humming projector “In those days we still had the “really bad over the last few years.”
and elegant balcony, the Shahi British legacy that people couldn’t go Old-world charm With its ancient humming projector and elegant balcony, the Shahi Theatre is the
Theatre is the last surviving single- around in the evenings without good Shimla has lost some of its old-world last surviving single-screen cinema in Shimla.
screen cinema in Shimla, the formal clothes,” Sharma told AFP. charm as the local population has
Himalayan hill station that was once grown and the town has sprawled corona future,” Sharma says, fearing streaming.
the summer retreat of British India. “So ordinary and poor people over the hills, although the main that audiences housebound by the “We don’t even know if people
didn’t have a cinema they could call street – The Mall – retains its colonial- pandemic have permanently
But like many other once-teeming their own.” era shopfronts. switched their movie habits to online would still want to come to cinemas.”
movie houses across the country that – ETX Studio
were already struggling to stay afloat, Shimla was a popular destination In recent decades cinemagoers
the pandemic may be the final death in the golden decades after have drifted to out-of-town
knell for the century-old picture independence and its cinemas would multiplexes with their air
house. host prime ministers and celebrities conditioning, surround-sound and
as people flocked to see the latest greater choice of films.
It was originally built as a theatre Bollywood flicks.
in British times, when the entire The trend has been replicated
colonial administration would “I was here in 1972 when the across the country, with hundreds of
decamp from the blistering summer Pakistani president’s daughter antiquated single-screen cinemas
heat of the plains for the cool watched a movie,” recalls Ashok once catering to budget crowds
mountain climate further north. Kapoor, 69, who started working at closing their doors in recent years.
the now-closed Ritz Cinema as a
Current owner Sahil Sharma said teenager and rose to be manager. Only two Shimla cinemas were left
his grandfather bought the building by last year but when India went into
and turned it into a cinema after the Satish Kumar, who has worked at a national coronavirus lockdown, the
British left in 1947, at a time when the the Shahi for 50 years, says a brisk Ritz folded too.
town’s other three theatres were too black market for tickets used to cater
expensive for ordinary people. for queues around the block. “We aren’t sure about our post-

But, he adds, business has been

TRAVEL

4 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

The online tool helping pedestrians find shady routes around Barcelona

BARCELONA summers can be speed and shade. There’s even a map of drinking fountains and Summers
particularly hot. Fortunately, a “vampire” mode for routes with places to shelter from the sun can be hot
handy tool has just launched the least possible amount of sun nearby. Each time, the tool also in
online to help pedestrians find exposure. The tool then proposes indicates the percentage of the Barcelona!
shady routes, places to shelter various itineraries to meet those route during which pedestrians For the moment, this map
and drinking fountains in part of needs. It’s even possible to see a will be fully exposed to the sun. only covers a small part of the
the Catalan capital, and at any city – the seaside district of La
time of day. Barceloneta – although the aim is
to expand the service to the
The city of Barcelona has whole of Barcelona. – ETX Studio
launched a major plan to combat
climate change through various
measures and initiatives. One
handy online tool offering a
helping hand to pedestrians is
Cool Walks. Rather than
calculating routes based on
available public transport or
walking times, this practical
online application calculates
routes in relation to sun
exposure.

The aim is to offer pedestrians
the most shaded routes possible.
Users simply select a starting
point and an arrival point, and
enter the time of day (morning,
early or late afternoon), and the
desired level of sun exposure.
You could, for example, search for
a fast route, whether or not there
are many shaded areas, or look
for a good compromise between

World’s tallest sandcastle built in Denmark

IN the small seaside town of applied after it was completed so also been delighed to see local World’s APPS can offer a useful
Blokhus in Denmark, the world’s that it could stand up to the chilly features incorporated into the tallest helping hand when
tallest sandcastle has been and windy conditions of the sandscastle, such as windsurfing sandcastle preparing your summer
completed, weighing nearly 5,000 autumn and winter. and kite-surfing, beach houses, inaugurated vacation, with all kinds of
tonnes and towering over 20 fish and lighthouses. in Denmark. tools out there to plan, coordinate
metres high, its designers said Inhabitants of Blokhus have The castle is expected to stand and bring your getaway to life. Here’s
Wednesday. until the heavy frost sets in, our selection of applications to make
meaning it should last until vacation planning easier this
Standing 21.16 metres high February or March. – ETX summer season!
(69.4 feet), more than three Studio Apps for finding somewhere to
metres taller than a castle built in stay
Germany in 2019, which “Cozycozy” is an app that can find
previously held the title with its accommodation of all kinds, from
17.66 metres, according to hotels to yurts and from teepees to
Guinness World Records. cabins. “Cozycozy” compares a host
of booking platforms, whether for
A total of 4,860 tonnes of sand renting apartments, houses, dorms,
make up the intricately decorated hostels, boats or cabins to offer users
structure which is reminiscent of a the widest possible selection. The
pyramid. application has developed its own
search system and indexes about a
Its creator, Dutchman Wilfred hundred commercial sites. Plus,
Stijger, who was assisted by 30 of searches can be easily refined and
the world’s best sand sculptors, filtered with a wide variety of
wanted the castle to represent the customisable criteria.
power of the novel coronavirus
over the world since the “Staycation” is an app for short
beginning of the pandemic. stays in luxurious residences at
affordable prices. Whether you’re
Atop the sandcastle is a model looking to discover unusual places
of the virus wearing a crown. near home or enjoy an unforgettable
getaway, this application releases
“It’s ruling our lives new offers every Wednesday. First
everywhere,“ Stijger said. come, first served!

“It tells you what to do ... It tells
you to stay away from your family
and not go to nice places. Don’t
do activities, stay home,“ he
added.

To make it more cohesive, the
sand contains approximately 10%
clay and a layer of glue was

Colosseum’s underground labyrinth restored to eerie splendour

THE din of caged animals, the smell terrible conditions for the slaves and clean and reinforce the walls within under Emperor Domitian. up cages, set scenery, or platforms
of gladiators’ fear and the thunder of animals,” said guide Cristina, showing the hypogeum, which stretches over The site was last used in 523 AD holding gladiators.
tens of thousands of cheering journalists through the underground. half a hectare.
spectators above have all evaporated and the hypogeum was gradually It required eight slaves to spin each
with the passage of time. Once covered by a wooden floor, “We finally are returning to the covered by rubble until being dug out winch.
the maze of dark corridors and public this monument within the in the 19th century.
But walking through the bowels of chambers served as the monument,” site director Alfonsina Approaching the level of the
the Colosseum, the subterranean amphitheatre’s backstage – and the Russo told reporters. The labyrinthian system of amphitheatre, the cage doors would
ruins of ancient Rome’s most famous last holding space for men and beasts passageways and chambers were key open, thrusting the hungry,
amphitheatre, the extent to which who were released above to meet Tod’s chairman Diego della Valle to the spectacles above ground, disoriented beasts into the arena.
technical expertise was harnessed to their fate. pledged 25 million euros (US$30 whether gladiator fights, hunts with
such bloody ends becomes painfully million) in 2011 for the entire wild African animals, or public Despite the importance of the
clear. “Let’s imagine that from the restoration of the Flavian executions. Colosseum’s sub-structure, it will
darkness, suddenly they emerged,” Amphitheatre, the Colosseum’s real soon be covered under a
The reopening to the public was Cristina said. name. An imposing eastern tunnel led to controversial decision to build a new
announced last month after a gladiator training camp, which floor.
meticulous restoration of the “Imagine the terrible noise that Yet to be constructed is a welcome included a hospital and morgue.
“hypogeum”, or below ground area, came from the arena.” centre at the Unesco site, which Last month, Italian engineering
with a new pathway offering intimate Monument inside monument received seven million visitors a year Animals also entered the firm Milan Ingegneria won the
views and an app explaining the grisly Sponsored by Italian luxury shoe before the coronavirus pandemic. amphitheatre via the tunnel before contract for a 18.5 million euro
details of the behind-the-scenes group Tod’s, the restoration, begun in Alive or dead being caged. design, featuring wooden slats that
area. 2018, involved 81 archaeologists, The Colosseum was first completed in will open and close allowing for a
engineers and others working to 80 AD and the hypogeum constructed Visible on the herringbone brick glimpse into the hypogeum beneath.
“It was dark, smelly. There were floors of the 15 tunnels are holes cut
into travertine and lined with bronze, The project is due to be finished in
the bases for massive winches to hoist 2023. – ETX Studio

TRAVEL 5

theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

Useful A travel blogger offers real tips
applications for summer vacation
to prepare
for your VACATION is a good time to one with wheels. It’s easier when
summer forget about all the day-to-day going through customs. A suitcase
vacation. hassles but as we leave on takes a lot of space and you have to
vacation we would like to unfold it. But with a travel bag you
avoid forgetting what we need can just open the top.
to do and take to make our trip I always tend to forget something.
go smoothly. Fortunately How can I get my mind to cooper-
French blogger Amandine of ate too?
La Fille a l’Envers has some I use a technique with Post-it
little tricks up her sleeve to notes. Two days before I leave, I
help us. Since 2014, the 34- make myself a little to-do list
year-old has been roaming the where I write down everything I
prettiest corners of France and have to put in my bag and in my
elsewhere to discover “the suitcase before leaving, going from
other side” of things. On her the process of flight check-in down
blog, and on Instagram, she to the socks. And I cross things off
shares her best finds in terms in my agenda (I’m very much a
of places visited. And here with paper person) as I go. This way, I
us, she’s shared her tips for have the satisfaction of visualising
getting away this summer with things more clearly.
peace of mind.

I’m trying to fit loads of stuff in my What do you never leave without
suitcase but I can’t close it. How taking?
can I get it to cooperate? A small charged mobile battery. I
I have a technique: I lay everything don’t want to be running around
out flat before I fill it. I look at how looking for an outlet. I also always
I’m going to mix my clothes. Then I have a bottle of water in my bag,
roll up my clothes because you and a good book for the waiting
don’t want to fold your shirts or times. At the moment, I’m reading
else they’ll get wrinkled. And I put “Petit traite sur l’immensite du
my underwear and accessories in monde”by the traveller Sylvain
little pouches. That way, when I Tesson. I really like travel stories.
arrive, I find myself with a lot of And above all, my phone (with bat-
small pouches. As for transporta- tery) to take nice pictures. – ETX
tion, I opted for a travel bag, a large Studio
Amandine
Making travel easier shares some
travel tips
o Must-have travel apps for a hassle-free summer vacation with us. –
LA FILLE A
L’ENVERS
INSTAGRAM
PIX

Apps for getting around small but important plus point is that 200,000 toilets in its database!
“GetAround”, the world’s leading car- the map includes restaurants, hotels, Guides by Lonely Planet is a
sharing company, offers 70,000 cars stores and more.
in 300 cities worldwide. The Apps for travel planning reference when it comes to travel
application is sometimes criticised “TripIt” is a must-have travel guides. The application offers many
for its customer relations. planning application designed to features to help travelers discover
create travel itineraries by collating their destinations, with all manner of
“Hopper” helps travelers get all the details of your trip in one places to visit to get the best out of a
airline tickets at the best prices by handy place. It helps travellers stay. Free and available offline, the
predicting the best time to buy tickets organise, manage and track their app offers info on more than 8,000
while also offering the cheapest fares. itineraries seamlessly. “TripIt” makes cities worldwide.
sure you get to your destination while
There’s nothing better than also enjoying nearby restaurant and “XE” currency converter is a
“Citymapper” to help find your way hotel opportunities. The free version handy tool for keeping an eye on
around an unfamiliar vacation works great and the pro version exchange rates for global currencies,
destination, or to find a subway would only be needed for frequent helping travellers monitor their
station, bus stop or self-service bike travellers. expenses and avoid being scammed.
or scooter. Data is collected in real Other useful apps
time, showing departure and travel The “Flush” app could be particularly “Tricount” is a particularly useful
times, as well as service disruptions. useful in times of need, allowing you application for managing group
to quickly find the nearest public expenses and splitting costs to make
“Maps.me” is the go-to app for toilets. The application is free and has paying for a beer, a pizza or an activity
offline maps with turn-by-turn immediately easier. Like “Lydia”,
navigation. This can be handy when which has become a must-have app,
travelling abroad where cell phone this tool allows you to manage costs
usage can prove expensive or in areas and pay your friends quickly and
with poor network coverage. Another easily. – ETX Studio

The hypogeum and inner walls of the Colosseum. Escape to a lotus-shaped bamboo house

in Sri Lanka Lotus houses
in the heart
ARCHITECT Thilina Liyanage of the Sri
has imagined lotus houses in Lankan
the heart of the Sri Lankan forest.
forest, perfect for relaxing and
communing with nature.
Halfway between a magical
village and a Smurf’s house,
these villas in woven bamboo
will get you dreaming.
Looking for serenity? Head
for Sri Lanka where architect
Thilina Liyanage has designed
villas in the shape of lotus
flowers. As if out of a dream,
these monumental flowers are
made from interlaced
bamboo, emerging from a
dense forest area. To reinforce
the magic, luminous garlands
connect the houses to each
other. – ETX Studio

EDUCATION

6 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

The robots Miko 2 Delilveearrinnigngcoemxppeerlileinngces
bringing music educational o Management and Science University Malaysia and World Top 451-500.
streaming to robot. prioritises student development to enhance graduate As a top university in Malaysia and the
kids employability
MUSIC streaming is taking country’s best teaching and learning
India by storm. While university, MSU prioritises student
players in the sector development to enhance graduate
may see the employability. Its highly qualified academics
and international visiting professors support
opportunity to MANAGEMENT and Science a holistic curricular framework that delivers
conquer a new and University (MSU) has emerged globe were ranked in the QS World compelling learning experiences.
promising market, the sole recipient of a full all-star University Rankings 2022.
they also have to rating among Malaysian Blending technical vocational education
adapt to the In the QS WUR by Subject 2021, MSU and training with traditional academic
consumption emerged Malaysia’s #1 in the Art and Design curricula, MSU enhances competencies
universities ranked in the QS World category (World Top 151-200 list). with industry internship, community and
patterns of University Rankings 2022. QS WUR by Subject 2021 also placed creative entrepreneurship, as well as global
local Rated 5 QS Stars in nine categories, MSU MSU at the World Top 51-100 and Top 2 exposure, empowering graduates with the
populations. scores highly overall and individually in among Malaysia’s institutions of higher well-roundedness desired and sought after
One such player teaching, graduate employability, academic education offering Hospitality and Leisure by employers.
has signed up a development, internationalisation, online Management programmes. Extensive partnerships and
team of robots to learning, social responsibility, inclusiveness, collaborations with institutions in more than
Another new entrant securing a QS world
help it achieve this. and hospitality and leisure management. ranking is Business and Management 40 countries worldwide provide
They’re small, More than 1,300 universities across the Studies, placing MSU at the Top 11 in comprehensive mobility opportunities for
fuchsia pink and ready to convert kids in all MSU students, enhancing their graduate
India to the joys of music streaming. MSU employability through global exposure as
India’s leading audio streaming platform campus. well as studies and internships abroad.

Gaana recently partnered with tech Among the best in the region, the
startup Miko to bring its service to . university’s study programmes are
In fact, the streaming service is now meticulously crafted to enhance graduate
included in the MikoMax subscription, potential, producing graduates who are a
which gives users access to a host of popular pick among employers.
“premium content” directly via their MSU houses the Faculty of Health and
robots. While a monthly or yearly Life Sciences, Faculty of Business
subscription is usually required to use Management and Professional Studies,
the applications built into MikoMax, Faculty of Information Sciences and
Miko has decided to make access to Engineering, International Medical School,
Gaana free for all robot owners during School of Pharmacy, School of Education
the pandemic. “Making this partnership and Social Sciences, School of Hospitality
freely available to all users is a small and Creative Arts, School of Graduate
contribution from Miko to the Miko Studies, Graduate School of Management as
family,” the Indian start-up’s co-founder well as the Centre for Fundamental Studies.
and CEO, Sneh Vaswani told The As an applied, holistic and enterprise
Economic Times. international university, MSU offers
While this collaboration offers Gaana foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate
the opportunity to get a foothold in the and flexible programmes through an entry
booming robotics market, it also helps system that facilitates admission of students
bolster its efforts to win over younger from all walks of life, with the mission of
listeners in India. – ETX Studio transforming lives and enriching the future.

EDUCATION

7theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur Sailing ahead through excellence
Branch Campus –
Malaysian Institute of
Marine Engineering
Technology (UniKL-MIMET) was
established in 2004 in a collaboration
between Majlis Amanah Rakyat and o UniKL-MIMET aims to produce capable personnel for the Maritime Management.
the Australian government, marine and maritime industry The university also offers five
represented by International Training
Australia. bachelor programmes – the Bachelor
It offers a number of industry of Engineering Technology in Marine
specific programmes aimed at Engineering, Naval Architecture and
producing highly competent Shipbuilding, Offshore, Electrical and
personnel for the marine and Electronics (Marine), and Bachelor of
maritime industry. Maritime Operation.
Academic courses include ship
design, ship construction and boat For postgraduate programmes,
building, which uniquely integrates UniKL-MIMET offers three courses –
theoretical teaching with practical the Doctor of Philosophy (Maritime),
application. Master of Maritime Operations and
UniKL-MIMET is located in Management, and Master of
Lumut, a coastal town off Manjung in Engineering Technology (Maritime).
Perak. It is about 84km from the
capital city of Ipoh and is the gateway These programmes have been
to Pangkor Island. developed to produce skilled human
Once a little known fishing town, it capital as required by Malaysian and
has since become the home base of international shipyards/boatyards
the Royal Malaysian Navy and the site and marine engineering companies.
of the biggest naval shipbuilder in
Malaysia, Boustead Naval Shipyard. UniKL-MIMET also offers training
It is committed towards providing programmes particularly for
a conducive learning environment technicians to upgrade and acquire
which encourages the development Students merit recognition and certification.
of technical competence, creativity of UniKL-
and skills among students. MIMET. The management and academic
staff are qualified, experienced and
UniKL-MIMET aims to provide a specialised in their respective
learning experience that strikes a their careers in various fields such as hydraulic and pneumatics, CNC in Marine Engineering, Diploma of disciplines.
balance between students’ boat building, ship building, welding machining, steel and aluminium Engineering Technology in Electrical
attainment and growth in terms of and fabrication (ferrous/non- fabrication, woodworking, fiberglass and Electronics (Marine), Diploma of The university also has state-of-
knowledge, skills, values, character ferrous), ship/project planning, naval and others. Engineering Technology in Ship the-art training facilities and
and spirituality. architecture, technical Design, Diploma of Engineering peripherals that will provide students
Students who graduate from there design/draughtsmanship, CAM For diploma programmes, UniKL- Technology in Ship Construction and with adequate technical know-why
will have the opportunity to expand programming, ship maintenance, MIMET offers five courses – the Maintenance, and Diploma in and know-how.
Diploma of Engineering Technology For more details on programmes call
05-690 9014/010-650 9014, write to

marketing@unikl.edu.my or visit
www.unikl.edu.my.

EDUCATION

8 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021

Get a head start in your career
oHELP University offers
a fast track from diploma
to degree for SPM holders

HELP University offers five programmes such as ACCA, ICAEW, CPA Australia and Faculty of Computing and Digital permits them to enter Year 2 of any The
that enable SPM and O-Level students MAICSA. Technology (FCDT) provides a one of the BCom degree majors, thus University of
to fast-track from a diploma to a thorough grounding in fundamental enabling them to graduate in just four Derby 3+0
degree. Exclusively for HELP, specific programmes in skills as well as theoretical years. programmes
These are the Diploma in Business, Diploma the Faculty are the only ones in Malaysia whose understanding. Students learn 4IR at HELP
in IT, Diploma in Business Management, credits are accepted into Year 3 by the top-rated subjects like IoT, Big Data, Software The teaching at FAC is supported include a
Diploma in Accounting and the Diploma in University of Queensland in Australia. Development, AI, Machine learning, by a state-of-the-art studio, editing study trip to
Communication programmes. Cloud Architecture and Blockchain. suite and a graphic design lab. the
The HELP Diploma in IT offered by the university’s
Where normally it would take five years, they Modules taught in the Diploma in campus in
can now be completed in four years or less, with Communication include social and the UK.
substantial benefits. Apart from savings in fees business communication, data
and living expenses, graduates are able to enter analytics, filmmaking for YouTube
the job market sooner and have a head-start in and social media, video production,
gaining experience to improve their career and advertising and digital marketing.
promotion prospects.
“The emphasis in the courses is
The Diploma in Business offered by the HELP practical, interactive, fun and
Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting immersive. They are taught by
(FBEA) prepares students to enter business- industry experts, academics and
related degree programmes at HELP. The professionals who lead you on
curriculum provides a strong background for amazing physical and imaginative
degree specialisation in accounting, finance, journeys to places and teach you
economics, entrepreneurship, business things you never thought possible,”
psychology, human resource management, said faculty dean Prof Andy Hickson.
international business, hospitality and tourism
management, and marketing. Diploma holders from other
universities are also eligible to join the
Moreover, the accounting degree programme fast-track degrees at HELP University.
is granted affiliation, accreditation and All Diploma students at HELP enjoy
maximum exemptions by professional bodies additional benefits.

It also allows a fast-track to degree Value-added subjects such as
programmes at the University of Critical Thinking Skills, Personal
Queensland, Beijing Jiaotong Development & Leadership and Study
University, University of Technology Skills hone students’ higher order
Sydney and the Eastern Institute of thinking abilities.
Technology New Zealand.
Other fast-track programmes at SPM holders with eight
HELP University are offered by the distinctions are also eligible for the
Department of Management Studies Diploma Distinction Award, which
(DOMS): The Diploma in Business gives a 100% tuition fee waiver from
Management and the Diploma in diploma to degree in the same subject
Accounting, which stream into three major.
3+0 degree programmes offered in
collaboration with the University of This is in addition to other
Derby (UoD) in the UK, namely the schemes like the HELP Excellence
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, Award (worth about RM70,000),
BA (Hons) Business Management and School Achiever Study Award, Sports
the BA (Hons) Business Management Study Award, Merit Award and
(International Business). scholarships from university partners
The University of Derby is ranked like the University of Queensland and
among the top 30 in the UK by the the Australian National University.
Guardian University Guide 2020 and
among the top 10 for Business, Students in the FBEA Diploma-
Management, Marketing and Degree programmes are also eligible
Accounting and Finance by the same for a subsidised study trip to Australia
guide. or China.
Upon graduation, UoD students
receive an additional qualification: Other special value benefits to
The Advanced Diploma in enhance students’ learning
Management and Leadership from experience and to nurture the A*Gen
the Chartered Management Institute (the Analytics Generation) are a free
(CMI), the UK’s chartered body for certificate course in Data and
management and leadership. Business Analytics, certification in
Students with the DOMS Diploma Bloomberg Market Concepts and
are able to complete the UoD degree acquisition of online stock-trading
in three and a half years instead of the skills in one of the largest Bloomberg
usual four. Apart from acquiring an Finance Labs among private higher
internationally recognised UK degree, education institutions in Malaysia,
they also enjoy a subsidised 10-day and mentorship in e-commerce and
study trip to the UoD campus in e-entrepreneurship with the Alibaba
Derby, UK. Business School.
SPM holders with just one credit
(in any subject) can also obtain a UoD For enquiries, email
degree in four and a half years. First, marketing@help.edu.my, visit
they enter the Certificate in Business www.help.edu.my or call 03 2716
Management, then proceed to the
Diploma in Business Management, 2000.
Diploma in Accounting or Diploma in
Marketing before being admitted into
Year 2 of a UoD degree programme.
The Faculty of Arts and
Communication (FAC) at HELP
University is acknowledged as a hub
of academic excellence and creativity.
It offers the BCom in three majors:
Media Studies, Marketing
Communication and Public Relations.
SPM/O-Level/UEC holders need
only a credit in English and two other
subjects to enter the two-year
Diploma in Communication, which

9theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
* SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Harith Ismail

We are not a failed state, period
WHEN I came across the
(in)famous Bloomberg empirical and practical grounds. We have territory since the pandemic? No. Instead, help to other nations which are in much
article being shared all over There have been plenty of concerns people who control has been further enhanced, dire situations, such as Palestine.
social media over the past care deeply for evidenced by the ban on interstate travel
few days, I found it quite ludicrous. raised by many about its ambiguity in the welfare of and a host of other lockdown-related Suffice to say that the “failed state” label
definition and how it affects the each other, so measures. is an extremely problematic label to use. At
Here we go again – a foreign press motivations of those using that term. much so that the very least, it is applicable to a narrow
carries an opinion piece about how we are they go above Has the government’s legitimate subset of countries, but even that comes
headed towards a “failed statehood” and Because of this, the use of the term and beyond to authority to make collective decisions with its own caveats due to the vagueness of
Malaysians, agitated by the government’s “failed state”, especially by Western policy help their eroded? The matter of the state of the term.
actions in attempting to remedy the groups, think tanks and governments, are fellow emergency and the prime minister’s
pandemic, take the first chance they get to easily politicised and suited for their own Malaysians confidence in the Dewan Rakyat muddies At its worst, it is a neo-colonialist
jump at this notion. needs. this further. diatribe, applied disparagingly to portray
non-Western states as “lesser” to their
The result? All week, we were inundated American adventurism in the Middle But what is evident here is that despite Western counterparts. Its use to
with one proclamation after another that East come to mind here. Iraq was perceived accusations that the prime minister does characterise Malaysia is nothing short of
under the current administration Malaysia as a “failed state” by American not have the adequate support of MPs, he is irresponsible journalism.
is now a “failed state”. policymakers which then justified an still currently recognised as the head of
invasion to – in the words of US president at government by all Malaysians, including We are many things. We are a nation
I sure hope that the brouhaha caused by that time, George Bush – “free the Iraqi opposition MPs. He is referred to as “PM” lumbering under the weight of an
this “failed state” assertion is not because people”. in the media as well as literature on him administration whose Covid-19 recovery
some white guy said it, which somehow written by his detractors. measures have been hit-and-miss thanks
lends it a ridiculous amount of legitimacy. However, lets for argument’s sake to politicians – across the divide, mind you
An assessment which concurs with quite a appraise the use of that label in the present Has the government been unable to – who have been politicking non-stop amid
popular notion to some Malaysians who context using the definition provided by provide reasonable public services? No. a global public health crisis.
perceive the West, and their ideas and Fund For Peace, an American education Public services are operating as per normal.
opinions as far more superior to their and research institution which annually On the healthcare front we are stretched, We were leading Covid-19 recovery
Malaysian equivalents. This was, after all, publishes the popular Fragile States Index yes. efforts, but now we have had to redouble
an opinion piece and not a data-driven and (renamed from Failed States Index). efforts. We witnessed a slow start to our
well-sourced article. However, we still have a functioning vaccination rollout but now it is improving.
According to their website, state failure health system and thanks to the superb
Before I begin, this is not an assessment fulfils the following conditions – the loss of work of our frontliners, we are witnessing a We are a nation whose people, fed up
of the government’s handling of the physical control of its territory or a surge in our vaccination rates. with political incompetence, rallied
pandemic. It is a response to the unjustified monopoly on the legitimate use of force, together to help each other at a time of
use of a label which the author himself the erosion of legitimate authority to make Has Malaysia been unable to interact need. We have people who care deeply for
admits as being a “slight exaggeration”. collective decisions, an inability to provide with other states in the international the welfare of each other, so much so that
reasonable public services, the inability to community? An obvious no. they go above and beyond to help their
Firstly, the concept of a “failed state” in interact with other states as a full member fellow Malaysians.
itself has been largely criticised on of the international community. Not only are we actively engaged with
numerous theoretical, normative, other countries in vaccine procurement What we are not, is a failed state.
Has the current government lost schemes under the Covax scheme and Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
physical control of any part of Malaysian bilateral agreements, but we have also sent

COMMENT by Jomo Kwame Sundaram and Anis Chowdhury

Developing country solidarity needed to overcome pandemic

AS rich countries have delayed welfare losses. Developing country for viable economic transactions – from experience, including those of South-South cooperation – will be
contagion containment, including governments must also help revive such as trust among entrepreneurs, others. crucial to success in these
mass vaccination, in developing and sustain economies and workers and customers – are circumstances.
countries much weaker fiscal livelihoods to prevent pandemic disrupted, they will need to be Lessons may be both positive Relief, recovery, reform
efforts in the South have worsened recessions from becoming rebuilt, typically requiring much and negative, and rapid learning is With delays, new, more dangerous
the growing world pandemic protracted depressions. time and expense. crucial for improving policy design Covid-19 variants will threaten
apartheid. and implementation. developing countries, as more
Few businesses and sectors can Such “transactions costs” Who can we count on? effective contagion containment
Lessons from first wave survive without adapting. Business incurred in building trust, seeking Without both effective contagion and fiscal efforts are slowed by the
Despite limited fiscal resources and survival options could include and keeping clients and customers, containment and mass vaccination, North. These will exacerbate
modest external support, redeployment, infrastructure and obtaining credit, recruiting workers it will be impossible to control the avoidable tragedies and old
government efforts also need to facility repurposing, and staff and sustaining other longer-term pandemic. And with little external inequalities.
address unsustainability, inequality retraining. Other options include relations are typically ignored. support, containment, relief and
and other problems due to extant additional credit to businesses, tax recovery measures in low- and Developing countries have no
economic, social and payment deferrals and even social Hence, conventional economics middle-income countries (LMICs) choice but to get the economy going
environmental arrangements. protection. is considered a poor guide to will be all the more difficult. despite reduced fiscal and
Early relief and recovery understanding the economy and monetary space and more debt.
measures assumed that the Many businesses, especially designing policy. Thus, the worst is yet to come in Greater government spending to
pandemic would be short-lived and those with less reserves, need help the global South, which must now address the pandemic can be
reversible. to avoid liquidation and paying Keynesian economists typically brace itself for the dire financed with more domestic
Hence, such measures were employees. Governments may need saw governments as the “employer- consequences of delayed pandemic borrowing from central banks.
rarely sustained, let alone to consider adapting American of-last-resort” in response to suppression and limited fiscal
expanded in developing countries bankruptcy law to enable economic downturns. But efforts. Meanwhile, the North Foreign exchange is mainly
despite the growing need for them. businesses to continue operating to governments can also help by seems unmoved by the needed to service foreign debt and
Appropriate social protection work themselves out of temporary becoming “payers-of-last-resort”, International Monetary Fund’s pay import bills. Forex
measures are needed for the longer pandemic predicaments. enabling businesses to remain warning of a dangerous new requirements can also be reduced
term beyond those deemed solvent, e.g., on condition of economic divergence globally. by swap arrangements and
temporarily necessary. As early as April 2020, the keeping, instead of firing restricting non-essential imports.
The adverse effects of livelihood pandemic had hit many businesses involuntarily idle workers. The 870 million vaccines that the Greater South-South cooperation
disruptions should be mitigated in over 130 countries, particularly world’s seven richest large nations can also enhance resilience and
with income maintenance for small and medium-sized Conditions for access to policy (G7) pledged to poor countries last rebuilding for the future.
employees and the self-employed enterprises. Two out of three were support should be strict enough to month will immunise half that
whose livelihoods have been hard hit globally as well as in Africa, deter abuse, but not participation. number, from late 2021. This is only Recovery should not simply
severely jeopardised. with a fifth expecting to close within Strict verification and correction can 8% of the 11 billion doses needed, mean a return to the status quo
Governments must try to a quarter! wait, even until after the worst is over. noted former UK prime minister ante. The decade before the
maintain family incomes, enabling Gordon Brown. pandemic left much to be desired,
them to spend to survive, thus Of course, more lending and tax Disbursed state grants or and there is little reason to restore
keeping the economy ticking and breaks mainly benefit the better-off, subsidies, later found excessive, can But despite ungenerous rich it. The unsustainable, financialised
businesses afloat. With effective rather than those in greatest need, be converted to low interest loans. Western countries, the Fund has and unequal pre-pandemic
contagion containment, such most vulnerable or adversely Governments can recover these called for US$50 billion to economy should be transformed to
programmes enable earlier affected. later, rather than treat beneficiaries accelerate vaccination worldwide. achieve more equitable and
resumption of economic activities, as fraudulent criminals. It expects this to end the pandemic, sustainable development.
i.e., recovery. Although policymakers typically enhance global output by US$9
insist on targeting and means- Economies are certainly not trillion, and yield a trillion in After all, the North now
Sustaining businesses, nurturing testing for the poor, they rarely homogeneous, monolithic or additional tax revenue. undermines the very globalisation
economies demand the same for businesses. unchanging. And Covid-19 it once imposed on the South.
A few, mainly developed countries But some “easy” targeting is slowdowns are unlike previous LMICs need to urgently respond Hence, it is imperative to instead
have tried to minimise business desirable to identify needy, but recessions. As these are invariably to fast-spreading pandemic surges. establish new, more equitable,
destruction, worker layoffs and salvageable businesses. uneven in impact, various sectors, They also need to do so effectively, pacifist and principled
One size cannot fit all industries and businesses are feasibly and equitably, expecting international relations, under
Business disruption has broader affected differently. little help from the North. Domestic multilateral auspices, promoting
implications, threatening national borrowing – enabled by central cooperation. – IPS
economies. If relations necessary Hence, no single policy can banks, sound policy design and
possibly be suitable for all
countries, at all times. Much has to
be learnt quickly “by doing”, i.e.,

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ TUESDAY
JULY 13, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

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12/07/2021
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Participation Bought Sold Net Email: advertise@thesundaily.com

% RM m RM m RM m

41.4 Institutions 992.6 955.1 37.5

42.6 Retail 1030.0 970.9 59.1

16.0 Foreign 327.0 423.6 -96.6 7.69

100.0 2349.6 2349.6 0 15.74 170.70 23.75 628.60 152.85 28.52 60.17

Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Source: Bursa Malaysia 1,512.89 3,147.14 27,515.24 3,547.84 28,569.02 17,814.33 3,246.47 7,333.46

KL MARKET SUMMARY July 12, 20121
July 12, 2021
Think tanks suggest new
INDICES 11,003.70 CHANGE -66.41 approaches in Covid-19 war
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,512.89 -7.69
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 587.89 -4.07
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 185.80 -1.72
CONSTRUCTION 159.48 -1.96
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,934.50 -21.08
ENERGY 773.96 -10.25
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 684.21 -6.88 assistance to employers and employees.
HEALTH CARE 2,740.70 -64.69 o Doing away with lockdowns, selective reopening of It recommended selective reopening of
TRANSPORTATION 851.78 -7.62 economic sectors, increased direct cash aid for those
PROPERTY 694.75 -2.93 worst hit by pandemic among proposals sectors, saying that it is time to move past
PLANTATION 6,242.02 -48.41 the arbitrary distinction between the
FBMSHA 12,009.50 -101.20 “essential” minority and “non-essential”
FBMACE 7,022.59 -152.40 majority of businesses and focus instead on
TECHNOLOGY 80.73 -0.69 pandemic-proofing spaces. It also called for
PETALING JAYA: Think tanks have urged become out of control after the Covid-19 comprehensive, consistent and dynamic
TURNOVER VALUE the government to adopt a different emergency is over, laying the foundation for application of SOPs.
2.285 BIL RM2.349 BIL approach in the fight against the Covid-19 a deeper economic crisis. This course needs
pandemic in Malaysia, saying the to be reversed now, together with restoring Refsa recommended that the government
5 MOST ACTIVES lockdowns have resulted in economic the rule of law to increase confidence raise the arbitrary debt-to-GDP ratio and the
July 12, 2021 standstill while infections are still rising. domestically and internationally,” CME said interest service ratio of 15% of the total
in its policy paper, “Fighting Covid-19 in budget to a higher level for at least five years.
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) Center for Market Education (CME), Malaysia: Mass Testing and Other
MPAY 397,515,100 24.5 -0.5 which sees doing away with lockdowns in Reasonable Proposals. “Increase the level of spending,
YBS 339,024,000 43.5 +8.0 favour of focused protection for vulnerable especially direct cash injections, to
SERBADK 234,886,800 45.0 -0.5 categories as well as mass frequent testing To finance the measures outlined in the individuals and small business owners who
FINTEC 221,533,400 2.5 -0.5 to curb the spread of the virus, pointed out plan, the think tank proposes a special have been worst hit by this pandemic.
ASDION 79,447,600 26.5 -15.0 that the estimated cost of treating infected purpose tax of 5% on profits above a certain
people so far is RM8 billion, against an threshold – which should be a temporary “Find ‘out of the box’ ways to increase
5 TOP GAINERS annual lockdown cost of RM170 billion measure and based on the promise of no revenue collection in ways which would not
July 12, 2021 (about 12-13% of gross domestic product). further lockdowns. It also called for the hurt small businesses and individuals, for
reintroduction of the goods and services example, via the national trust fund KWAN,
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM “Therefore, a more balanced tradeoff tax, collected at state rather than federal MoF Inc or through a windfall tax.”
UMS 2,483,700 3.02 0.69 analysis would have suggested investing level, and the surplus over the previous
CARLSBG 171,700 21.40 0.34 (and saving) resources into treatments, sales and service tax should be invested to It added that social protection to those in
BPPLAS 4,954,300 1.96 0.31 equipment and temporary hospitals: the fight Covid-19. informal and gig sectors should be enhanced.
CIHLDG 2,461,500 3.62 0.18 cost would have been a fraction of those It suggested that full payment, and
LBICAP 20,785,500 0.70 0.13 generated by lockdowns (which furthermore Meanwhile, the Research for Social subsequently a 50% subsidy, be provided for
generated no actual medical benefit). Advancement (Refsa) has come up with two informal and gig workers to subscribe to the
strategies – opening up sectors responsibly Employment Insurance Scheme..
“Expansionary fiscal and monetary using science and data and enhanced
policies, made necessary by movement standard operating procedures (SOPs), and “Moving forward, the country needs
restrictions, and supply-side shocks are continued and targeted economic both sensible SOPs and adequate economic
triggering inflationary processes which may support – coupled with the rise in
vaccination rates – to ensure we are headed
5 TOP LOSERS in the right direction before more lives and
July 12, 2021 livelihoods are lost,” said the think tank.

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Refsa pointed out that even if a lockdown
HIGHTEC 24,079,600 4.59 1.05 manages to keep virus transmissions under
WIDETEC 4,915,600 4.39 0.99 control, it cannot be deemed a success if it
MPI 40.26 0.74 destroys livelihoods in the process.
TOCEAN 65,100 4.38 0.67
NESTLE 1,802,900 133.00 0.60 Since February 2020, the think tank
64,300 noted, the government’s stimulus measures
have totalled RM530 billion across nine
EXCHANGE RATES JULY 12, 2021 packages to assist businesses and
households, while direct fiscal spending
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy A think tank says it is time to move past the arbitrary distinction between ‘essential’ and ‘non- accounts for only RM87.6 billion or 16.5% of
essential’ businesses. Picture for representation only. – BERNAMAPIX the total.
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2450 4.1200 4.1100 It said that a frequent criticism of the
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1920 3.0660 3.0500 measures is the grossly insufficient support
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1410 3.0500 3.0420 given to businesses, particularly SMEs in the
1 EURO 3.4040 3.3130 3.3010 hardest hit sectors, tourism, travel and
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0480 4.8860 4.8660 retail. Also, the wage subsidy programme
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9800 2.8720 2.8560 and the loan guarantee scheme are either
1 STERLING POUND 3.1410 3.0500 3.0420 too onerous for firms or are unlikely to
1 SWISS FRANC 5.9070 5.7230 5.7030 transform their cash positions. Similarly,
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6310 4.5260 4.5110 support for individuals and households is
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 116.9400 110.8900 110.6900 grossly inefficient.
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.1300 4.7590 4.5590
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.6000 63.1000 SMEs, micro enterprises start receiving
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.2400 52.5000 N/A additional aid under GKP 3.0
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7900 5.4400 52.3000
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0302 0.0274 5.2400 KUALA LUMPUR: The additional RM500 “Subsequently, under the National Tengku Zafrul said the government is
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8590 3.7390 0.0224 aid under the Prihatin Special Grant 3.0 People’s Well-Being and Economic hopeful that the continuous direct assistance
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.3000 (GKP 3.0) announced via the Pemerkasa Recovery Package (Pemulih) announced on channelled to micro SMEs will reduce their
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.7200 N/A 3.7290 Plus package will be paid to small and June 28, 2021, additional payment for GKP burden, especially for businesses that are not
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.6000 2.5400 N/A medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro 4.0 of RM500 will be channelled to existing allowed to operate currently.
100 SAUDI RIYAL 117.8800 8.1100 enterprises in phases, beginning yesterday, and new recipients in September and
100THAI BAHT 114.4500 111.9100 2.3400 said the Ministry of Finance. November 2021 respectively,” he said. “Besides GKP, there are many more
13.6100 108.6500 7.9100 initiatives that micro SMEs can use for the
12.0800 111.7100 In a statement, Finance Minister Tengku Tengku Zafrul said that for micro SMEs long-term planning of their respective
108.4500 Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this which have not received any GKP assistance business recovery.
11.6800 payment is in addition to the RM1,000 previously, registration for GKP 4.0 will be
assistance which was credited to the open from July 15 to 31. “This includes soft loan fund for micro
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama companies’ bank accounts registered in the SMEs totalling RM2.9 billion through Bank
GKP system in mid-June. On the whole, the total allocation that Simpanan Nasional, Agrobank, MARA,
has been channelled and will be distributed SME Corp, Malaysian Islamic Economic
“The payment which involves a financial to almost one million micro SMEs under Development Foundation and National
implication of almost RM500 million will be GKP amounts to RM6.08 billion, since the Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund,” he
credited directly into their accounts. Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. said. – Bernama

11theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
* SUNBIZ

Straits Inter Logistics gets nod BRIEFS AIRASIA PROPOSES
for Labuan ship-to-ship hub RIGHTS ISSUE
TO RAISE UP TO RM1B
PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Group
Bhd yesterday proposed a
renounceable rights issue to its
existing shareholders to raise
up to RM1 billion as part of the
overall group fundraising
strategy. The rights issue entails
the issuance of seven-year
redeemable convertible
o Plan to develop it unsecured Islamic debt
into one of the largest securities (RCUIDS) with a
offshore LNG and LPG nominal value of 75 sen each,
energy transhipment plus free detachable warrants
centres in Asia on the basis of two RCUIDS with
one warrant for every six shares.
PETALING JAYA: Straits Inter
Logistics Bhd has obtained The STS hub HAILY’S IPO 38.8TIMES
approval from Malaysia’s Marine will provide OVERSUBSCRIBED
Department to develop an synergy to
integrated offshore ship-to-ship Straits Inter PETALING JAYA: Haily Group
(STS) Energy Transhipment Hub in Logistics’ Bhd saw an impressive 38.8
Labuan via Victoria STS (Labuan) bunkering and times oversubscription for its
Sdn Bhd, a 60%-owned indirect port services. initial public offering on Bursa
subsidy. established its comprehensive Malaysia’s ACE Market for the
infrastructure and customers over 355.1 million new public issue
The STS hub will be Straits’ the years, and the hub will mark its shares with a value of RM241.47
energy flagship project. It will be first foray into the sustainable and million. The bumiputra portion
located in Labuan’s Victoria Bay alternative energy space. was oversubscribed 29.69
port limits with an initial six STS “With this project as a start, times, while the other public
berths. It is also strategically located Straits aims to be a major player in portion was oversubscribed by
along the international shipping the sustainable and alternative 48.09 times.
and energy trade routes. energy industry in addition to its
energy transhipment hubs in Asia. with LNG, LPG, liquefied ethylene current fuel bunkering and port TELADAN PLANS BONUS
Straits’ plan to develop the STS The group pointed out the STS gas (LEG) and bulk petroleum and operation business.” ISSUE OF WARRANTS
hub to be one of the largest offshore oil cargoes. The STS hub is slated to
liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hub will provide synergy to its commence operation by the Q4’21. PETALING JAYA: Teladan Setia
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bunkering and port services. Group Bhd yesterday proposed
For the development, Victoria to undertake a 3-for-10 bonus
The first phase of the STS hub STS has joined hands with MISC issuance of free warrants. The
will be to develop a modern Maritime Services Sdn Bhd and STS group will issue up to 241.59
anchorage-based and Single Point Marine Solutions (Bermuda) Ltd. million warrants through the
Mooring system infrastructure corporate exercise. Based on the
supporting up to six Deepwater Straits Inter Logistics managing indicative exercise price of 50
Mooring Berths. This infrastructure director Datuk Seri Rom Ho Kam sen and assuming full exercise
will streamline cargo compatibility Choy remarked that it has of warrants, Teladan Setia could
potentially raise gross proceeds
Parkson Retail Hextar Global acquires Nobel Group of up to RM120.8 million.
buys China to expand specialty chemicals footprint
property for UOBAM SEES SURGE
RM59.7 million PETALING JAYA: Local agrochemical wholly owned by the group based on toward the group’s earnings and IN ONLINE INVESTING
company Hextar Global Bhd will the approval by regulators and its future growth.
KUALA LUMPUR: Parkson Holdings acquire the entire issued share capital shareholders. PETALING JAYA: UOB Asset
Bhd’s (PHB) 54.97% owned-unit of Nobel Synthetic Polymer Sdn Bhd Hextar is maintaining its Management (Malaysia) Bhd’s
Parkson Retail Group Ltd (PRGL) has and Nobel Scientific Sdn Bhd which “While the Chempro business was aggressive strategy of growth and (UOBAM) digital investment
entered into a tenancy agreement in manufactures and supplies chemical in specialty cleaning chemicals diversification through acquisitions. portal UOBAM Invest’s users in
respect of a property in Yichun City, derivatives, coating and related where its products have wider Malaysia, Singapore and
China, which is regarded as acquisition products – respectively for RM105 applications across various “We continuously look into Thailand has increased 330%
and requiring PRGL to recognise the million cash. industries, the Nobel Group is more investment opportunities that will over the last 18 months. “The
property as right-of-use assets in the focused on the rubber industry. complement and build on what we rising trend on the UOBAM
amount of about RM59.7 million. The acquisition comes with a Together, both acquisitions will have already achieved. These recent Invest online portal reflects the
profit guarantee of an aggregate of provide the Hextar Group with an acquisitions will significantly increasing demand from
It said the agreement was entered RM42 million over three years which immediate presence in the specialty increase our footprint in the corporate investors – especially
on July 11 between Jiangxi Parkson translates into an after-tax profit of chemical industry and complement chemical industry and strengthen during this pandemic – for
Shopping Centre Management Co Ltd, RM14 million per year. The our agrochemicals segment. Also, the group’s growth profile thus sharper digital solutions that
an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of acquisition will be funded through both acquisitions come with profit allowing us to continue to provide offer round-the-clock access and
PRGL, and Yichun Hong Lin Hotel Co internally-generated funds and bank guarantees thus providing downside increasing long-term value to our the flexibility to make real-time
Ltd for the tenancy of the first to fourth borrowings. protection to Hextar and its stakeholders,” he said. changes to their investments.”
floors above ground level of Hong Lin shareholders. Upon completion, the
World City (China) and some shops Hextar has entered into a share cumulative sum of these profit The Nobel Group was set up to SHOPEE’S PROGRAMME
located at the Hong Lin World City for a sale agreement for the acquisition. guarantees will result in a significant provide high performance custom- TO HELP 60,000 MSMES
term of 20 years. This follows the recent acquisition of uplift in Hextar Group’s profits,“ he made anti-tack rubber lubricant and
Alpha Aim (M) Sdn Bhd and said in a statement. coatings for the rubber industry. With PETALING JAYA: Local Shopee
According to the International Chempro Technology (M) Sdn Bhd their in-house research and sellers comprising 60,000
Financial Reporting Standard 16 – approved by shareholders on June He added that increasing hygiene development in practical micro, small and medium
Leases, the transaction contemplated 14. and cleanliness awareness and applications of polymers in the enterprises (MSMEs) are set to
under the tenancy agreement is requirement for personal protective rubber industry, the Nobel Group receive up to RM3,000 in
regarded as an acquisition of assets by Hextar executive director Datuk equipment driven by the Covid-19 produces proprietary formulations Shopee benefits from the e-
PRGL, it said in a filing with Bursa Eddie Ong Choo Meng said Nobel pandemic would see both the with a focus on rubber and rubber commerce platform’s Go-
Malaysia yesterday. Group would form part of Hextar’s Chempro and the Nobel Group related products. Its customers eCommerce Onboarding
drive to expand its foothold in the contributing in a meaningful way include some of the world’s largest programme. Shopee said the
It said the tenancy of the property chemicals industry and would be rubber glove manufacturers. initiative under Belanjawan
played an important role in the 2021 aims to encourage the
development of the company’s Manufacturing sales extend double-digit adoption of e-commerce as a
business in Yichun City and is in line growth streak with 37.2% jump in May trade channel among local
with its development strategy in Jiangxi MSMEs who wish to venture
Province. into entrepreneurship.

“The board believes that the PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s by the manufacture of computer, Uzir revealed that the total ALLOW LIMESTONE
tenancy will have a positive impact on manufacturing sales jumped 37.2% to electronic products & optical employees engaged in the QUARRIES TO RESUME
the future development of the RM122.7 billion in May 2021 against industries. On a monthly basis, the manufacturing sector for the month BUSINESS: COUNCIL
company, however, the acquisition of the same month of the previous year sector’s sales value increased 7.2%. stood at 2.24 million persons, an
assets does not have any material driven by petroleum, chemical, increase of 2.9% as compared to 2.18 PETALING JAYA: The Chemical
impact on the earnings of PHB group rubber & plastic products subsector In addition, chief statistician Datuk million persons in March 2020. This Industries Council of Malaysia
for the financial year ending Dec 31, (48.7%) – especially in the Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that increase was contributed by E&E (CICM) has urged the authorities
2021 and the net assets of the PHB manufacture of coke & refined the transport equipment & other products (4.7%) and petroleum, to grant approval to all
Group based on the audited petroleum products industries. manufactures products subsector chemical, rubber & plastics products limestone quarries and lime
consolidated statement of financial (59.5%) also recorded an increase (4.5%). producers in both Phases 1 and
position of the company as at June 30, According to the latest figures by mainly in manufacture of motor 2 of the National Recovery Plan
2020,” it added. the Statistics Department, the vehicle, trailer & semi trailer Salaries & wages paid amounted to (NRP) to continue to fully
expansion was also attributed to the industries. RM7.42 billion, an increase of 6.4% or operate. “The revised SOP for
The trading of the company’s shares electrical & electronics (E&E) RM447.8 million in May 2021 against mining and quarrying sectors
was halted from 9am and resumed at products subsector (31%) supported However, sales declined 6.1% the same month of the preceding year. was only released on July 9. The
10am. – Bernama against the previous month. revision was however, specific
for Phase 2 of the NRP only,” it
said in a statement yesterday.

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
SUNBIZ

Bank Indonesia slashes BRIEFS S. KOREA IN 20-YEAR
2021 GDP outlook to 3.8% LNG DEAL WITH QATAR

o Governor warns of potential pressure on currency, says mitigate the impact of the containment SEOUL: South Korea’s energy
measures needed to support private consumption measures on private consumption. ministry said yesterday it had
signed a 20-year liquefied natural
JAKARTA: Indonesia’s central bank has cut its Bank Indonesia’s (BI) new forecast was based However, the governor also warned that BI gas (LNG) supply agreement with
forecast for 2021 economic growth to 3.8% based on an assumption that mobility restrictions was juggling supporting economic growth with Qatar for the next 20 years
on early assessment of the impact of recent could successfully bring down cases after a maintaining financial markets stability amid the starting in 2025. South Korea’s
coronavirus restrictions, from a previous forecast month, the governor said. prospect of a US monetary policy tightening, state-run Korea Gas Corp (Kogas)
of 4.6%, its governor said yesterday. which could trigger outflows. will buy 2 million tonnes of LNG
“Initially we estimated that ... Indonesia’s annually from Qatar Petroleum.
Southeast Asia’s largest economy has been GDP can grow 4.1% to 5.1% this year, or the The rupiah has been weakening in line with The energy ministry added that
battling the region’s worst Covid-19 epidemic, midpoint was 4.6%,” governor Perry Warjiyo told comparable markets, but “there could be Kogas buys 9 million tonnes of
with cases and deaths climbing at an alarming a hearing with parliament’s budget committee. pressure in the future”, Warjiyo said while LNG annually from Qatar and a
rate and many hospitals inundated. pledging to continue to support the currency. contract worth 4.9 million tonnes
“Our early assessment of 2021 economic of LNG is expected to end in 2024.
The archipelago has imposed broad growth is it will be below this earlier forecast,” he To support the recovery, Warjiyo said rates – Reuters
restrictions on Java and Bali islands and added said. will be kept low and liquidity ample.
more measures last week in several other THAI ECONOMY MAY
regions. “If this emergency mobility restrictions are BI has cut its key rate by a total of 150 basis MISS FORECASTS
conducted in a month and can bring down points to a record low and injected over US$55
Authorities have said the July 3-20 curbs Covid, economic growth will drop to 3.8%.” billion (RM230 billion) of liquidity into the BANGKOK: Thailand’s economy
could be extended if necessary and the finance financial system during the pandemic. faces significant downside risks
ministry is using an assumption of four- to six- The government’s 2021 growth forecast is and could perform below
week-long restrictions for its gross domestic between 3.7% and 4.5%. Last year, GDP Prior to the recent outbreak, some baseline forecasts, the central
product (GDP) outlook. contracted for the first time since 1998 by 2.1%. economists had expected it would keep its bank said yesterday. Tougher
benchmark unchanged throughout the year. containment measures in the
Warjiyo also said measures were needed to capital Bangkok and nine
Some economists have also downgraded provinces from yesterday. The
Indonesia’s 2021 GDP growth. Fitch Solutions restrictions would have a bigger-
has trimmed its growth forecast to 4.4% from than-expected impact on the
5.1%. – Reuters economy, Chayawadee Chai-
Anant, a senior director at the Bank
of Thailand (BOT), said. Last month,
the BOT cut its 2021 gross domestic
product growth forecast to 1.8%
from 3.0% and the 2022 outlook to
3.9% from 4.7%. – Reuters

Flipkart welcomes Foxconn, TSMC secure BioNTech TEMASEK PORTFOLIO
back SoftBank as Covid-19 vaccine in US$350m deal VALUE TO HIT NEW HIGH
investor, firm’s
value to hit US$37.6b TAIPEI: Taiwan’s Foxconn and TSMC said directly from the German factory I believe will SINGAPORE: Singapore state
yesterday they had reached deals to buy 10 million help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and investor Temasek Holdings’
BENGALURU: Walmart Inc-owned Indian doses of Germany’s BioNTech SE’s Covid-19 offer respite in the face of the epidemic.” portfolio value likely rebounded
online retailer Flipkart yesterday ushered vaccine, putting the total cost at around US$350 to scale a record in the year
back tech investor SoftBank Group Corp million (RM1.46 billion). Taiwan’s Cabinet said the vaccines would be ending March, boosted by a rally
as an investor in a US$3.6 billion (RM15 donated for free to the government. in global markets and the public
billion) funding round, after which it will Taiwan’s government has tried for months to listing of some of its holdings.
be valued at US$37.6 billion. buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng said Analysts expect the value of
blamed China for nixing an agreement the two BioNTech signed the contract on Sunday Temasek’s assets to have jumped
The latest fundraising will take the sides were due to sign earlier this year. China afternoon, and that the government was already over 20% in the year ending
valuation of the e-commerce firm to denies the accusations. looking to broaden vaccine purchases, including March, pushing up the portfolio
more than double the amount for which buying 15 million “next generation” Moderna Inc value to roughly S$375 billion
US retail giant Walmart bought a 77% Last month, facing public pressure about the shots for next year and the year after. (RM1.16 trillion) – after dipping
stake in 2018. slow pace of Taiwan’s inoculation programme, the 2.2% to S$306 billion a year ago.
government agreed to allow Foxconn’s founder The BioNTech vaccine drama has transfixed Temasek said it will give details of
Since the deal, Flipkart has expanded Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Taiwan and dominated headlines. While a its annual performance this week.
to many small towns and cities, included Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its relatively small domestic coronavirus outbreak is – Reuters
more items such as furniture and grocery behalf for the vaccines. largely under control, only about a tenth of its 23.5
to its online store and increased its million people have received at least one of a two- EU DIGITAL TAX
warehouses in its race with Amazon.com’s BioNTech’s Chinese sales agent Shanghai shot regime. PLAN PUT ON HOLD
India unit. Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on
Sunday that an agreement had been signed, but TSMC and Foxconn, both major Apple Inc BRUSSELS: The European
The Bengaluru-based company is now did not give details of a delivery time frame. suppliers, said in a joint statement the first Commission said yesterday it
exploring going public for a valuation of BioNTech vaccines were not expected to arrive would delay its plan to propose
up to US$50 billion. Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was until late September at the earliest, shipped an European Union (EU) digital
“gratified” the deal had been completed, which directly from Germany, but did not say how many tax in order to not jeopardise
Its fresh funding round was led by will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy 5 million would come at first. efforts to secure a global deal on
investors GIC, Canada Pension Plan doses, to be donated to the government for fairer taxation. After an
Investment Board, SoftBank Vision Fund 2 distribution. Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks. “extraordinary” breakthrough at
and Walmart and marks the return of Taiwan has millions of vaccines on order, G20 talks on Saturday, “we have
SoftBank, which had sold its roughly 20% “But we can’t relax, because we will continue to mainly from AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna, while decided to put on hold our work
stake to Walmart during the 2018 deal. work hard to push for the delivery time and the United States and Japan have together on a proposal for a digital levy”, an
quantity,” he said. donated almost five million doses to the island to EU spokesman said, a day after
“SoftBank’s re-investment in Flipkart is help speed up vaccinations. – Reuters Washington asked Brussels to
driven by our experience with and “However, this batch of vaccines delivered delay its tax plan. – AFP
conviction in the company’s
management team to continue Vietnam’s VinFast to launch EVs in North America, Europe next year
addressing the needs of the Indian
consumer in the decades to come,” Lydia HANOI: Vietnam's first home-grown car e-scooters and even electric buses. It sold A view of
Jett, partner at SoftBank Investment manufacturer Vinfast said yesterday it will launch around 30,000 vehicles last year. VinFast’s
Advisers, said. two electric vehicle models early next year in factory in Hai
North America and Europe, as it pushes to enter The firm introduced its domestic electric car Phong City,
Like its rival Amazon, Flipkart began the lucrative but crowded market. model – the VF e34, costing about US$29,000 Vietnam.
by selling books, but diversified rapidly (RM121,510) – in January and has received VinFast
into sell selling smartphones, clothing The carmaker is a subsidiary of Vietnam’s around 25,000 pre-orders, the company says. achieved
and other items. largest private conglomerate, Vingroup, which is sales of
owned by the country’s richest man. Vinfast has made clear it has global ambitions. around
“We will focus on accelerating growth In February it said it had received a permit to 30,000 units
for millions of small and medium Indian The company said yesterday it had officially last year in
businesses, including kiranas,” Kalyan begun operations in the US, Canada, France, Vietnam. –
Krishnamurthy, Flipkart chief executive, Germany and the Netherlands and had recruited REUTERSPIX
said in a statement. staff and opened offices in these “key markets”. test autonomous vehicles on public streets in
California, and it would begin selling two of its
India’s rapid smartphone adoption All the vehicles will be made in Vietnam. three models with autonomous features in the
and cheap mobile data have propelled It aims to launch its two new electric car US, Canada and Europe from 2022.
growth for digital startups that sell models – the VF e35 and VF e36 – in March 2022, The Vingroup empire includes housing, resorts,
everything from groceries and cosmetics the company added. schools, hospitals and shopping malls. Vingroup
to smartphones and holidays. But Vinfast will face stiff competition, especially CEO Pham Nhat Vuong is worth an estimated
when going up against big-name brands US$7 billion, according to Forbes. – AFP
Several prominent Indian startups too including Volkswagen and Elon Musk’s Tesla.
have spelt out plans to go public to cash To prepare for its entry into global markets,
in on liquidity by foreign funds. Some the company said it had recruited experts from
closely watched include food delivery firms including Tesla, BMW and Toyota.
startup Zomato, payments services Domestically, Vinfast has already sold vehicles
PayTM, beauty brand Nykaa and ride- that include sedan and SUV models, along with
hailing service Ola. – Reuters

13theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
SPORTS

Simply ‘the best’ It just the beginning,
vows gallant Berrettini
Djokovic wins 20th Slam but refuses to anoint himself as GOAT
NOVAK DJOKOVIC said MATTEO BERRETTINI says his valiant improved.
yesterday he considers effort in losing to Novak Djokovic in four “That’s what I’ll try to do. Thanks to
himself the “best player” side. to break the all-time records – there’s sets in the Wimbledon final yesterday is him, I’m going to try to get better.”
after winning a record- At 34, he is a year younger than a lot of pressure. He’s able to play his “not the end, it is the beginning”and he
best tennis at this point. You expect believes he can one day lift the trophy at Berrettini may have had the
Nadal and has the best part of six that to go on for another couple of the All England Club. majority of the 15,000 capacity Centre
years on Federer who turns 40 in four Court crowd behind him – some of
equalling 20th Grand Slam title but weeks’ time. years, unless someone steps up and The 25-year-old Italian showed them dressed in Italy football shirts
refuses to anoint himself as the Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 realises how great they are.” great pluck to come from a break down ahead of yesterday’s Euro 2020 final
“greatest of all time”. Wimbledon champion and now part Speaking about going one or more and win the first set before the Serb with England – but he said he would
The 34-year-old went to 20 majors of Djokovic’s coaching team, insists better than Nadal and Federer. gathered himself and won 6-7 (4-7), 6- need more than that if he is to beat
alongside Roger Federer and Rafael there is “no debate” over who is the Djokovoc said: “I probably started 4, 6-4, 6-3 for the sixth Wimbledon title. Djokovic.
Nadal courtesy of a sixth Wimbledon greatest. thinking about trying to reach the “It is not the end, it is the beginning “Obviously now beating him, it
title secured by a 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-4, 6- “For me Novak is the best ever. record of most Grand Slams won, for me,” said Berrettini, appearing in his means to be, like, the best player in the
3 victory over Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. He’s writing history. He’s going to do most weeks at No. 1 historically, first Grand Slam final. world right now, not just because he’s
If he wins a fourth US Open in it in the US Open. I strongly believe probably about two to three years Berrettini said he would draw on No. 1 but because he showed week
September, he will become the first he’s going to do it, he’s going to win all ago,” said Djokovic. Djokovic’s example of how he after week that he’s the best player,”
man since Rod Laver in 1969 to four in one year. Then I think story’s “Before that it seemed a little bit improved himself as a player and said Berrettini.
complete the calendar Grand Slam over,” said Ivanisevic yesterday. out of reach. I’ve always kind of hopefully become Italy’s first Grand “He’s winning the big titles. He’s
and just the third in history. Djokovic’s ability to play his best believed that I could play my best Slam male winner since Adriano really the toughest player to beat.
“I consider myself best and I tennis under pressure can help him tennis in Grand Panatta at the 1976 French Open. “Probably it would mean even more
believe that I am the best, otherwise I win at least five more Grand Slam Slams and give Berrettini – the first Italian to reach a if you’re able to win against Novak in
wouldn’t be talking confidently about titles, seven-times major winner John myself a good Wimbledon singles final – also lost in the finals.”
winning Slams and making history,” McEnroe told the BBC. chance to win four sets to Djokovic in last month’s Berrettini may have fallen short this
said Djokovic. “I think he’ll probably win at least any slam really on French Open quarterfinals. time but he has gained the respect of
“But whether I’m the greatest of all four or five more… depending on any surface “In order to win against him former champions like Boris Becker.
time or not, I leave that debate to staying healthy,” added the American. because I know (Djokovic), I have to improve Indeed he came close to becoming
other people. “He’s put himself so far out in front what I’m capable more,” said Berrettini. the first player since Becker in 1985 to
“I said before that it’s very difficult of everyone in terms of his ability to of.” – “Like he said, he was losing win the prestigious Queen’s tournament
to compare the eras of tennis. embrace what he’s doing – in terms of AFP/Reuters against Rafa and Roger, and on debut and add the Wimbledon
“We have different racquets, creating history – and being able to thanks to them he crown a few weeks later. – AFP
technology, balls, courts. It’s just execute under a lot of stress.
completely different conditions that “ Yo u ’ r e Joker ‘can envisage’
we’re playing in, so it’s very hard to trying
compare from 50 years ago to today. calendar Grand Slam
“However, I am extremely
honoured to definitely be part of the
conversation.” NOVAK DJOKOVIC fell on his back, picked
Despite his caution, himself up and said he can envisage
Djokovic knows he has time completing the Grand Slam sweep this year
and momentum on his with the US Open.
The 34-year-old Serb had shown all his
battling qualities and mental strength to
come from a set down and beat Matteo
322 Notices Berrettini for a record equalling 20th

IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES Grand Slam and sixth Wimbledon crown
ACT 2016 yesterday.
AND
“I could definitely envisage that
IN THE MATTER OF happening and I hope I will give it a
VAGLER TECHNOLOGIES SDN. BHD.
(In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up)
Company No. 201501025635
(1150958-M) shot,” said Djokovic.“I’m in great form
and played well and having my best
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to
Section 439 (2) (a) of the Companies Act form at Grand Slams is my No. 1
2016, that the special resolutions set out priority.”
below was duly passed by the Member
of VAGLER TECHNOLOGIES SDN. BHD. Djokovic paid a handsome
(Company No. 201501025635) (1150958-
M) on the 1st July 2021:-
tribute to Federer and Nadal, who
“That the Company be wound up did not play so he could prolong
voluntarily and that Koh Ming Keat his career. “It means none of us
(NRIC No. 830827-01-5781) of TBE 3-6- three will stop!” he joked about
5, Persiaran Halia 3, Tanjong Tokong, all three being tied on 20.
10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang (the
Liquidator) who has given his consent
to act, be nominated to act as Liquidator
of the Company for the purpose of such
winding up. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic “I have to make a great tribute
That the Liquidator be empowered to kisses the winner’s to Rafa and Roger, they are
act under Section 456 and 457 of the trophy after beating legends of our sport and the two
Companies Act 2016. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini most important players I ever
That in consideration of Koh Ming Keat, faced in my career.
agreeing to act as Liquidator of the
Company, the members of the Company
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally during their men’s “They are the reason why I am
undertake to pay, satisfy and discharge at singles final match of where I am today.
such times hereafter to keep his and his the Wimbledon
estates and affects fully and effectually Championships at The “They showed me what I
indemnified and held harmless from and All England Tennis Club needed to do to get stronger,
against all actions, proceedings, claims, in Wimbledon, London. physically, tactically and mentally.
demands, costs, damages and expenses – AFPPIX
properly incurred by the Liquidator in the “Over the last 10 years it has
performance of his duties as Liquidator been an incredible journey that’s not
and so much of their remuneration for so stopping here.” – AFP
acting as Liquidator.
That the Liquidator be authorized to divide
all or such part of the surplus assets of the
Company as he shall think fit in cash and/
or in specie amongst the members of the
Company.” Farewells, records and titles: Four second week Wimbledon memories
Dated this
13th day of July, 2021
TAN YING KOON
Director THERE were record title triumphs for some ways,” said 25-year-old Khachanov. Marion Bartoli said: “Gosh, she is only 18, set 6-0 at Wimbledon and just the third

IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty, a Korda, on his 21st birthday, admitted it will be a great learning experience for time at a Slam.
ACT 2016 moving farewell for Roger Federer and he had been carrying an injury late in her. It’s very difficult to make “I don’t know. I really don’t know. I’ve
AND
IN THE MATTER OF even more tears. the match. assumptions from the outside but she got to regroup,” said Federer when
VAGLER TECHNOLOGIES SDN. BHD. AFP Sport looks back on the some of “It’s kind of like my butt area,” he has been a great story of this asked if his Wimbledon career was over.
(In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Wimbledon’s magical moments in the explained. tournament.”
second week: Stars out for Barty
Company No. 201501025635 Raducanu, tears for fears Federer, over and out?
(1150958-M) Butt, seriously ASHLEIGH BARTY said if she could be
SHE came into Wimbledon as the ROGER FEDERER crashed out in the “half the person” her fellow indigenous
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the KAREN KHACHANOV reached the 338th-ranked player in the world quarterfinals at the hands of Poland’s Australian and two-time Wimbledon
Creditors of Vagler Technologies Sdn. Bhd. quarterfinals for the first time with a waiting on her school exam results. Hubert Hurkacz, but insisted he will not victor Evonne Goolagong Cawley is she
(Company No. 201501025635) (1150958- five-set win over Sebastian Korda in a tie be rushed into retirement even with his would be “very happy.”
M) which is being wound-up voluntarily, But Emma Raducanu ended up as
are required on or before the 13th day
of August 2021 to send their names and
addresses and particulars of their debts or
claims and the names and addresses of
their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned,
the Liquidator of the said Company, and if
so required in writing from the Liquidator
are by their solicitors or personally to
come in and prove their debts or claims at which set a record for most breaks of the last Brit standing in the singles 40th birthday just four weeks away. Barty beat Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-7
such time and place as shall be specified serve in a set. event, making it all the way to the last- Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title (4-7), 6-3 in the women’s final with the
in such notice or in default thereof they 16 where the 18-year-old retired with victory coming on the 50th anniversary
will be excluded from the benefit or any Russian 25th seed Khachanov breathing difficulties in her clash with winner, lost 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-0 to a player of her “friend and mentor” Cawley’s first
distribution made before such debts are triumphed over his American rival 3-6, 15 years his junior.
proved.

Dated this 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 10-8. Ajla Tomljanovic. It was only the eight-time win at the All England Club.
13th day of July, 2021
A marathon 81-minute final set on Her exit prompted John McEnroe, Wimbledon champion’s 14th defeat at “The stars aligned for me over the
Liquidator Court 18 featured 13 breaks of serve who won three Wimbledon titles, to the tournament in 119 matches and his past fortnight,” said Barty.
Koh Ming Keat before Khachanov steadied himself to controversially claim the occasion “got first straight-sets loss since an opening “That it happened to fall on the 50th
TBE 3-6-5, Persiaran Halia 3 take the victory. too much” for the teenager. round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002.
Tanjong Tokong anniversary of Evonne’s first title here is
10470 George Town “At least we made some records in However, former women’s champion It was also the first time he had lost a absolutely incredible.” – AFP
Pulau Pinang

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021 McGregor undergoes surgery, vows to return to octagon
SPORTS
CONOR MCGREGOR underwent three hours of of his tibia and fibula.” media.
PIN HIGH surgery yesterday, less than 24 hours after He added doctors were “confident that with “A clean break of the tibia and it was not to
Lee holds nerve to clinch suffering a “clean” break of his left shinbone
Scottish Open during a devastating UFC defeat to American time he will make a full recovery. We anticipate be. Dustin, you can celebrate that illegitimate
brawler Dustin Poirier. his return to the octagon.” win all you want but you’ve done nothing in
AUSTRALIA’S Min Woo Lee edged out there. That second round would have shown all.”
Thomas Detry and Matt Fitzpatrick in a Doctors revealed that McGregor broke his McGregor said he was feeling “tremendous”
three-way playoff to win the Scottish left tibia and fibula bones in the opening round after the surgery. Promoter Dana White said on Sunday that he
Open in wet conditions at the of the non-title lightweight bout in Las Vegas. hopes there is a fourth Poirier-McGregor fight.
Renaissance Club yesterday. With his “Just out of the surgery room, everything
second European Tour victory, Lee “Conor is in recovery after 3 hours of went to plan, everything went perfect and I’m Poirier had his own take on how that might
secured one of three places on offer at surgery,“ McGregor’s agent Audie Attar said. feeling tremendous. We’ve got six weeks on a play out. “We are going to fight again whether
this week’s British Open at Royal St “The surgery was successful repairing fractures crutch now and then we begin to build back,“ it’s in the octagon or the sidewalk,“ he said. –
George’s, alongside Belgium’s Detry McGregor said in a video posted on social AFP/Reuters
and Englishman Jack Senior. A
torrential rainstorm, accompanied by Italy’s coach Renaissance man
thunder and lightning, caused play to Roberto Euro 2020 crowning moment for Azzurri coach ManciniOBERTO MANCINI marked the
be halted in the late afternoon, before Mancini walks crowning moment of his career
Lee finished with a 7-under round of on the pitch yesterday by winning the
64 to set the clubhouse target at 18- after the EURO
under. Overnight leaders Detry and 2020 final REuropean Championship title
England’s Fitzpatrick matched that against landed his “dream” job.
total to force a playoff. It was to last England at Mancini had been coaching for 17
only one extra hole as Lee calmly rolled Wembley
in a 10-feet birdie putt. “It’s just crazy, Stadium years, winning trophies with Fiorentina,
I’ve kind of dreamt of it last night and yesterday. Lazio, Inter, Manchester City and
people back home staying up late to – AFPPIX with an Italy side transformed from the Galatasaray.
watch me, sending messages,” Lee said.
“It’s awesome to do it here. I’ll enjoy dark days of their 2018 World Cup But his coaching career seemed to
this one.” qualifying fiasco. have lost a sense of purpose since leaving
The four-time world City in 2013 before the Azzurri hotseat
Hataoka sings in the rain champions beat England 3-2 became vacant.
on penalties as the Euro His first job was to restore confidence
JAPAN’S Nasa Hataoka claimed her 2020 final finished 1-1 after in a demoralised side.
fourth LPGA tour title yesterday as rain extra time at Wembley, “At the beginning when he said we had
washed out the final round of the with Italy claiming their to think about winning the European
Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio. second European crown, Championship, we too thought he was
“Course conditions have not improved and first since 1968. crazy,” said captain Giorgio Chiellini.
at the Marathon LPGA and it remains “It has not sunk in The 36-year-old defender was at the
unplayable,” a tweet from the LPGA yet but we are San Siro in Milan in November 2017 when
said. “Finishing the tournament delighted for the Italy lost a World Cup playoff to Sweden.
tomorrow is not an option due to an Italian public “But it’s a dream which he slowly
unfavorable forecast. The tournament because they really instilled in our heads until it became
will be reduced to a 54 hole event with deserve this after reality,” said Chiellini.
Nasa Hataoka as the winner!” It would what has been a The victory follows three years of
have taken Hataoka’s rivals some doing trying period. reconstruction, carried out with the
to catch the 22-year-old, who took a This is great joy support of many of his former Sampdoria
commanding six-shot lead into the for us,” said teammates, including former Chelsea
scheduled final round with a 54-hole Mancini. manager Gianluca Vialli.
total of 19-under 194. Americans It was his 14th The new-look Italy were without big
Elizabeth Szokol and Mina Harigae trophy as a manager stars, the bulk of their international
finished tied for second at 13-under. and first with Italy after experience centred largely around
falling short as a player with Chiellini and fellow Juventus defender
Glover breaks 10 year the national team between 1984 Leonardo Bonucci.
drought and 1994. “He worked on the head, giving us
“I was very fortunate to play back our confidence, enthusiasm, self-
WITH a 7-under 64 in the final round, in a great side in 1990 and esteem,” said 34-year-old Bonucci.
Lucas Glover climbed the leaderboard fortunate to play in a terrific “He’s a man of few words, but he
and earned a two-stroke victory at the U-21 team in 1988 but created a great group and he revived a
John Deere Classic, his fourth career despite the fact we were team that was at their lowest in 60 years.
PGA Tour title and his first in 10 years. the best team we With great serenity, he conveys calm and
Glover posted eight birdies against just didn’t win it and lost confidence,” continued Chiellini.
one bogey, including five birdies over both times on Decline had followed Italy’s 2006
his final seven holes, to finish at 19- penalties, so I was due World Cup victory, with group stage exits
under 265 on the TPC Deere Run this.” at the 2010 and 2014 editions, despite
course at Silvis, Illinois. His 64 was tied In May 2018, few reaching the final of Euro 2012 and
with Kevin Tway for low round of the were in a hurry to quarterfinals in 2016.
day. Glover, 41, completed his final take over from Gian For Azzurri legend Luigi Riva, on Italy’s
round ahead of six other pairings, but Piero Ventura, previous European championship
nobody was able to catch up and after Italy failed to winning team 53 years ago, the victory is
match his final number. “The focus qualify for the Mancini’s.
starting out was aggressive, make as World Cup for “Mancini has given the team a young,
many birdies as possible, and then see the first time in modern game, stamped his mark,” said
where we are come middle of the back 60 years. Italy’s all-time leading goalscorer with 35
nine if it’s going well,” Glover said. First choice goals in 42 appearances.
“That’s kind of what happened.” Kevin Carlo Ancelotti “It is his national team.”
Na and Ryan Moore tied for second at politely declined Mancini now has plenty of time to
17-under, while Adam Schenk, Luke before Mancini, continue shaping his national side for the
List, Scott Brown and Colombia’s then coach of 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with his contract
Sebastian Munoz tied for fourth at 16- Zenit Saint extended before the Euro until 2026. –
under. P e t e r s b u r g , AFP

Furyk win US Senior Open Bonucci toasts Italy success with official beverages

JIM FURYK held off all challengers and WHILE bottles of Coca-Cola and Heineken were hand and the two beverages in the other, taking about US$4 billion (RM16.8b) in value.
some severe weather to win the 2021 hid from view by Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul drinks of one then the other as he answered A day later, France midfielder Pogba, who is a
US Senior Open yesterday in Omaha, Pogba at the European Championship, Italy questions.
Nebraska. Furyk took a four-shot lead defender Leonardo Bonucci could not get Muslim, removed a bottle of Heineken beer from
into the final round after shooting a enough of the sponsors’ offerings yesterday, Earlier in the tournament, UEFA responded to in front of him after France’s victory over
third-round 66, despite several delays taking big swigs of both drinks as he spoke to Portugal forward Ronaldo’s removal of a Coca- Germany.
and complications due to severe media after their victory over England. Cola bottle at a news conference by telling
weather in the area. He carded a 1-over teams they had contractual obligations towards Veteran defender Bonucci hailed Italy’s team
71 to finish 7-under 273 and wrap Italy trailed England after Luke Shaw’s early tournament sponsors. spirit that led to their first European
things up at Omaha Country Club. His strike in the final at Wembley Stadium but Championship title since 1968.
main challengers were Canadian Mike Bonucci scored the equaliser before his team Ronaldo moved the bottles aside as he sat
Weir and Retief Goosen of South Africa, went on to win 3-2 in a penalty shootout down to speak to the media before Portugal’s “We were special in that we believed right
each of whom finished 4-under in a tie following extra time. Group F opener against Hungary. from day one when we all joined up,” Bonucci
for second. He became the eighth said.
player to win both the US Open and US Bonucci won European football governing The 36-year-old held up a bottle of water and
Senior Open in his career, joining a list body UEFA’s star of the match award and arrived said “Agua” in Portuguese, making headlines. “There was a different feeling in the air and
that includes Jack Nicklaus, Arnold at a news conference with his trophy in one After the snub – which was viewed by millions – it’s come to pass, and it’s incredible how, day
Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino. stock in the drinks company dipped 1.6%, losing after day, we never got tired of being together.” –
Reuters

IT didn’t come home, nothing’s Cause for optimism 15theSUN ON TUESDAY | JULY 13, 2021
coming home. Instead, a * SPORTS
battle-hardened Italian team
extinguished England’s SIDENETTING
delirious Euro 2020 dreams, ending Too soon to decide: Gareth
their Wembley party in the cruellest
fashion with a penalty shootout Southgate’s England destined to go one step further ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate
defeat in the final yesterday. says he will pause before any decision
As the Italian players sang and over his future but that he currently
danced, kissed and cried, bathed in brightly, when they took the lead brigade has grown in number as divided by the decision to leave the intends to stay in charge of the team.
sparkling ticker tape, for the English inside two minutes through a this tournament has progressed. European Union, and split by the Southgate is under contract until after
it was another false dawn. cracking Luke Shaw goal, but they Unsettling footage of bare-chested government’s handling of the next year's World Cup in Qatar but the
The whole of England had been were then reeled in by a cannier, men, fuelled by lager, tearing up city Covid-19 pandemic. Football Association had already
brimming with hope and more experienced side on the night. centre squares before the final will expressed an intent to extend his deal. “I
expectation, but the Italians had the For all the giddy have done nothing to The writers of that ubiquitous don’t think now is an appropriate time to
last word, and used it well. excitement and win the English any Three Lions song, which promised be thinking about it. We have to qualify
“It’s a unique pleasure to see promise of England’s neutral fans. “It’s coming home”, referenced “30 for Qatar. I need time to go away and
58,000 people leave before the youthful side, The streets years of hurt” in that track originally reflect on Euro 2020. I need a rest,“
trophy presentation,” Italian ultimately it came around the stadium released ahead of Euro 96. Southgate told a news conference
defender Leonardo Bonucci said down to a test of were already slick yesterday. “To lead your country in these
dryly. nerve, and three of with beer, with You can almost double that tournaments takes its toll. I don’t want to
So while Italy now have two England’s broken glass period of sporting misery now, but commit to anything longer than I
European Championships to add to youngsters were crunching underfoot England are inching ever closer. should. It’s not a financial thing. As I sit
their four World Cup triumphs, found wanting when several hours before here today. I would be wanting to take
England’s wait for silverware the stakes were kickoff, but inside The dark days of the 1970s — the team to Qatar,“ he added. “It feels like
stretches into a 56th year. highest. the ground there had where England’s deflated my stomach has been ripped out this
Not since their sole World Cup Whether 19-year- been a feeling of real footballers were left to sit at home morning. But the fact we have had the
triumph back in 1966 have the old Bukayo Saka and optimism, and only watching the likes of Haiti, Zaire first signs of some consistency – a World
English tasted success, but they fresh substitutes 23- the hardest of hearts and Australia compete at World Cup semifinal and a Euro final – has to
could hardly have come closer with year-old Marcus would not feel for this Cups for which they had failed to be a step in the right direction.”
a bunch of exciting players who Rashford and 21-year-old Jadon England squad. qualify — are long forgotten, as are
have put fun and pride back into the Sancho should have been down to Sport can sometimes be accused more recent times when playing for Penalty-takers hit
Three Lions shirt. take penalties is a debate that will of exaggerating its ability to change England seemed an ordeal to be by racist abuse
It was just their rotten luck that rage. society. Overblown as it is, however, avoided rather than an honour to
they met an inspired Italian squad In the event, they all missed in to suggest these footballers have enjoy. ENGLAND’S Football Association said it
whose experience perfectly the shootout and the dream was united a nation riven by political was “appalled” and “disgusted” after
countered England’s sometimes- over. and social disharmony, they have This young England group, and racist trolls targeted Marcus Rashford,
callow weak spots. A glimpse through social media played with a joy that has lifted the their manager Gareth Southgate Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka
For the hosts it had all started so reveals the “Anyone But England” spirits of a country still bitterly (pix), have done much to recast the following yesterday’s Euro 2020 final
English football team in a more defeat to Italy. All three players missed
positive light, and they will have from the spot as Italy clinched the
more chances to go one step further penalty shoot-out 3-2 after the tense
on the biggest stages. – Reuters final finished at 1-1 after extra time.
“We’re disgusted that some of our squad
England’s – who have given everything for the
players watch shirt this summer – have been subjected
the penalty to discriminatory abuse online after
shootout tonight’s game,“ the England FA tweeted.
during “We stand with our players.” London’s
yesterday’s Metropolitan Police said it was
EURO 2020 investigating the “offensive and racist”
final against posts. “We are aware of a number of
Italy at offensive and racist social media
Wembley. comments being directed towards
– AFPPIX footballers following the #Euro2020
final,“ it said in a tweet. “This abuse is
‘Tears for heroes’: England’s media reacts to defeat totally unacceptable, it will not be
tolerated and it will be investigated.”
ENGLAND’S hopes of winning a first major ultimate agony… penalties heartbreak again “There will be pain in defeat,“ wrote Barney
trophy in 55 years ended in heartbreak with alongside a photo of coach Gareth Southgate Ronay in the Guardian. “Down the years ... as Prince William
their shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 consoling Saka, who missed the fifth spot-kick. moments such as these have been met with a leads condemnation
final and the anguish was plastered across the reflex splurge of blame, hurt, recrimination,
pages of yesterday’s newspapers, with the “England were bringing it, as the song says, tears, hurled plastic chairs. PRINCE WILLIAM has sent a personal
Independent’s Tears for heroes headline home,“ wrote Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail. message condemning the racist abuse
summing up the sentiment. “Home to a euphoric Wembley. “But this was something else. For the last of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and
four weeks, and beyond that back to the sun- Marcus Rashford after the Euro 2020
Italy won their first European Championship “That dream, sadly, was not to be. For while drenched pantomime of Russia 2018, final. William, who is president of the FA,
since 1968 after Marcus Rashford, Jadon the denouement was painful, what preceded Southgate’s fine, likeable young team has been made a statement via Twitter yesterday,
Sancho and Bukayo Saka failed to beat was just a plain old game of football.” a tonic, his clarity, decency and willingness to joining a host of other government and
Gianluigi Donnarumma in the shootout. speak across football an uplifting thing at a political voices in denouncing the abuse.
While there was disappointment over time of dissonance and weak leadership In a tweet signed “W”, he said: “I am
It all ends in tears, read the front page of the England’s defeat, there was also praise for elsewhere.” – Reuters sickened by the racist abuse aimed at
Daily Mail, while the Daily Telegraph led with The Southgate – once the face of English failure for England players after last night’s match.
his own penalty miss at Euro 96 – and his team. It is totally unacceptable that players
have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
Keane slams Saka penalty decision It must stop now and all those involved
should be held accountable. W.” British
ROY KEANE said England teenager Bukayo has won trophies, they had to get in front of final. Prime Minister Boris Johnson added:
Saka should not have been given the task of the young kid and stand up.” “They would have worked out over the last "This England team deserve to be
taking their crucial fifth penalty in yesterday’s lauded as heroes, not racially abused on
shootout defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final. AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho echoed few weeks in camp, done sessions on it, looked social media. Those responsible for this
Keane’s comments. at who’s scoring the most and got the best appalling abuse should be ashamed of
Saka, 19, had to score to send the shootout record,“ he said. “It would be scientific, it would themselves.”
to sudden death but his kick was saved by “For Saka to have the destiny of a country be data-led.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper on his shoulders, I think it is too much for a kid Fans charge security
had also saved from Jadon Sancho after Marcus to have everything on his shoulders in this Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said at Wembley
Rashford had hit the post. moment,“ Mourinho told talkSport. no one could “blame and point the finger”
towards the players who missed the penalties, BRITISH police made 49 arrests and said
Former Manchester United captain Keane “But I do not know if I have to ask that while Alan Shearer said players should be 19 of its officers were injured after
said more experienced players should have question to (coach) Gareth (Southgate) or not. praised for stepping up. confronting volatile crowds near
stepped up and taken the responsibility. Because many times what happens is that Wembley Stadium while policing the
players who should be there, they are not there. “For the youngsters to say, ‘yes, I’ll go on and Euro 2020 final between Italy and
“If you’re (Raheem) Sterling or (Jack) Players who should be there, they run away take a penalty’... you have to give them credit England yesterday. Fans clashed with
Grealish, you cannot sit there and have a young from responsibility.” for that,“ former England skipper Shearer told each other and officials, breached
kid (Saka) go up for a penalty ahead of you,“ the BBC. security cordons and charged into the
former Ireland international Keane told ITV. Former England defender Gary Neville said perimeter area of Wembley before the
the decision on who was taking the penalties “But it will be tough for them now. start of the match. “We made 49 arrests
“They have a lot more experience, Sterling would have been made well before yesterday’s Hopefully, they will get over it.” – Reuters during the day for a variety of offences.
We will have officers on hand
throughout the night”, the Metropolitan
Police said on Twitter. Some security staff
were attacked and entry to the stadium
was halted for over 20 minutes while
order was restored at the entrances.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

There will be pain in defeat.Down

the years moments such as these have been

met with a reflex splurge of blame, hurt,

recrimination, tears, hurled plastic chairs.

But this was something else.”

TUESDAY • JULY 13, 2021 The Guardian’s Barney Ronay

Mancini in tears over Italy’s rise to European champions

ITALY manager Roberto Mancini said watching the squad, but youngsters like player of the Bonucci added. Sport.
three years of hard work come to fruition with tournament goalkeeper Gianluigi “This is a renaissance for Italian football. I’m “It knew how to recover a match that
Euro 2020 glory yesterday reduced him to tears Donnarumma, midfielder sure now that this squad and coach will
at Wembley after his side edged England on Nicolo Barella and still make plenty of headlines going seemed lost, as only the greatest teams know
penalties. winger Federico forward.” how.
The Italians went behind early to a Luke Chiesa impressed at Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini
Shaw goal but equalised in the second half Euro 2020 to give lifted the gleaming cup towards “Finally Wembley falls silent, after having
through Leonardo Bonucci, before winning 3-2 hope for a bright the Rome sky after his whistled, shouted, howled. Every single Italian
in a shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra future. triumphant team touched down during those two hours felt like
time. “We had the on home soil. a giant once
It marked Italy’s first European disappointment of Chiellini, the 36-year-old more”.
veteran at the heart of Italy’s Reuters/AFP
defence, wore a crown as he
Championship title since 1968 and was the the failure to held the trophy aloft just
result of Mancini’s intelligent rebuilding of the qualify for the hours after the victory in
national team following their humiliating failure World Cup, but London.
to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. you always need Prime Minister Mario
Asked about the tears he shed at full-time, to believe, Draghi was also in line for
Mancini said: “That was the emotion that strive for the a selfie with the team who
happens after achieving something incredible, top and were welcomed back by
of seeing the guys celebrate, the fans never newspaper headlines
celebrating in the stands. give screaming “It’s too
“It was seeing everything we have managed up,“ beautiful!” and “We are
to create, all of the work we have put in over Europe!”.
the last three years and specifically in the last 50 “Italy is the
days, which have been very hard. Italy captain Giorgio queen of Europe,“
Chiellini holds the said the pink
“We have got on very well, there have never Euro 2020 trophy as Gazzetta
been issues and the players deserve credit for the team arrives at dello
that. Not just on the pitch, they did a brilliant the Parco dei Principi
job there, but I think it is the fact we have been hotel after winning
able to forge this team spirit.
“They have created something that can the European
Championship. –
never be separated going forward. They will REUTERSPIX
always be synonymous with this triumph
because they have so much respect for one
another.”
Veteran defender Bonucci picked up his
first international honour, nine years after
losing the final of Euro 2012 to Spain.
The 34-year-old shouted “It’s coming to
Rome” at the camera after the game, a
response to the “It’s coming home” chant
popular with England supporters.
“We heard it day in day out since the
Denmark game, that the cup would be
coming home to London,“ Bonucci said.
“Sorry for them, but actually the cup will
be winging its way to Rome and that way
Italians all over the world can savour this
competition.
“It’s for them, it’s for us, we have said
since day one we believe we can do it. It is
only right Italians celebrate in all four corners
of the globe tonight.”
Bonucci is one of the oldest members of
Rise from the rubble
Southgate tells heartbroken England stars to bounce back from agony of defeat
GARETH SOUTHGATE urged England
to use the pain of their Euro 2020 final “It is my decision to give Saka that penalty. Southgate said. “At the moment the players are
defeat against Italy to fuel success in That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or “That’s the process that worked for us in understandably really quiet. Prince William has
the future as the Three Lions boss Marcus or Jadon. just been down to see them in the dressing
accepted the blame for their heartbreaking Russia and in the Nations League. Tonight it room and has rightly thanked them for what
penalty shoot-out defeat. “Marcus and Jadon have been by far the best didn’t quite work.” they’ve done and being fulsome in his praise,”
in the lead-in. It was a gamble (to bring them Southgate said.
England failed to win their first major title on), but if we gamble earlier we maybe lose the Southgate admitted his side’s lack of
since the 1966 World Cup as Marcus Rashford, game in extra time.” composure on the ball proved fatal as they “I said we could have no recriminations. We
Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed allowed Italy to regain their composure win and lose together. They’ve got to walk away
penalties at Wembley yesterday. England had actually won their last two following Shaw’s opener. from here with their heads held high.
penalty shoot-outs against Colombia at the
Southgate’s side had made a dream start 2018 World Cup and against Switzerland in the “We did start well. They were bound to have “They’ve done more than any other team in
thanks to Luke Shaw’s second-minute goal, but 2019 Nations League. a spell where they came into the game,” the last 50 or so years. In terms of the players, they
Italy showed their class to hit back through Southgate said. should be incredibly proud of what they’ve done.”
Leonardo Bonucci’s second-half equaliser. But even those successes weren’t enough to
keep Southgate’s players from losing their nerve “We didn’t keep the ball well enough in that Mulling over the missed opportunity to lead
When it came to penalties, Southgate when the stakes were highest. initial period in the second half. It was our lack of England to a long-awaited major title,
gambled by sending on late substitutes composure in possession that turned the game. Southgate said he hoped the thrilling journey at
Rashford and Sancho specifically for their With over 60,000 fans roaring them on and The way they used the ball was better than us.” least partially made up for the bitter ending.
prowess from the spot. millions more watching at home, sporting
immortality beckoned for England if they had After an uplifting run to their first European “Tonight the balloon is burst isn’t it? The
The move backfired as England suffered the won the shoot-out. Championship final featuring memorable feeling will be very empty I know,” he said.
latest in a long line of bitter shoot-out defeats at knockout stage wins over Germany, Ukraine
major tournaments. Jordan Pickford did his part with two saves and Denmark, Southgate and his players have “That’s hard for everyone to take. We wanted
and Southgate insisted he had no regrets about to pick up the pieces after seeing their dreams to give everyone one more night to continue the
“That is my responsibility. I chose the guys to his picks for the penalty takers. shattered. biggest party ever.
take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is
on their own in that situation,” Southgate said. “We’ve tracked them, what they’ve done They have the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to “We haven’t been able to do that but I hope
with their clubs over a long period of time and aim for and Southgate believes they will be we’ve given everybody some incredible
what they’ve shown in training as well,” better for the experience of their Euro run. memories.” – AFP

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