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Published by CIKGU NOORAIDAH BINTI AHMAD, 2021-08-16 23:53:40

The Sun-16Aug

The Sun-16Aug

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS Cooking gas Banks

cylinder blasts page urged to page
not uncommon extend help
2 3

ON MONDAY AUGUST 16, 2021

No. 7842 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

ART OF PATRIOTISM ... Dzakir Fikri Dzar Ekzan,

eight, is all focused as he paints a rock while his cousin,
five-year-old Dhia Raisha Ahmad Fadzelii, learns the
ropes. Dzakir Fikri’s works include his favourite subject,
the Jalur Gemilang. – BERNAMAPIX

Game over?
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR oStrong likelihood that Muhyiddin will
[email protected] tender resignation

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may withdraw its support has left him support for Muhyiddin.
yet see another change of prime without a majority in the Dewan Rakyat. On the other hand, Razaleigh
minister. Tan Sri Muhyiddin made clear his sentiment when he
Yassin is expected to have an In an announcement on Friday, submitted a request on July 27 for a
audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Muhyiddin conceded that he no longer change of seat away from the
Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin had the support of at least half the government side of the aisle in the
Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today to tender number of MPs, and to save his House.
his resignation. government, he appealed to the Anwar, who did not hold any
Opposition to back him in a confidence ministerial position in the PH
While it is still unclear who will vote scheduled for the next Dewan government, is now the opposition
succeed him, three names have Rakyat sitting next month. leader.
emerged as frontrunners. They are Meanwhile, analysts have described
Muhyiddin’s deputy Datuk Seri Ismail Among others, he offered to table a Muhyiddin’s offer as both a
Sabri Yaakob, elder statesman and the Bill to amend the Federal Constitution “concession” and “bait”.
country’s longest-serving MP, Tengku to limit the tenure of the prime minister Political scientist at Sunway
Razaleigh Hamzah, and PKR president to two terms, and to introduce an University Dr Wong Chin Huat told
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. anti-party hopping law. However, PH theSun that Muhyiddin’s main selling
has labelled his offer as “insincere” point was that the Opposition was
If this pans out, the nation will have while Umno described his offer of funds unable to offer an alternative.
its third prime minister in just over three to opposition MPs as “bribery”. “If PH and the two factions in Umno
years. When Pakatan Harapan (PH) cannot come up with a better
unseated the Barisan Nasional (BN) Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri, offer, then Malaysia wins.
government in the May 2018 general who was appointed deputy prime Muhyiddin will have to Turn to
election, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad minister on July 7, unveiled a list of BN deliver on the promises that
made a comeback for his second stint as representatives on Aug 5 whom he said PH failed to when it was the —
the nation’s chief executive. would continue to support Muhyiddin,
going against an order by party page 2
But less than two years later, a series president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid
of crossovers led to the fall of his Hamidi for all its MPs to withdraw their government,” he said.
government and Muhyiddin emerged
as the new prime minister in the
Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

However, Umno’s recent decision to

2 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Too early to write off Muhyiddin, says analyst

Apart from the term limit immediate implementation of is found. out his enemies so he can figure out say this but I don’t believe he is
and anti-party hopping law, Undi18 and making the He agreed that apart from Ismail who his political friends are. going to resign,” Tajuddin told
he also offered to put more Opposition leader a senior theSun.
money into efforts to save From minister. Sabri, Razaleigh and Anwar are also He implied that it is still too early
lives, more opposition favourites to take the job, subject to to write Muhyiddin off. “I think he’s looking to rope in
participation and even front Wong said a possible the support each can garner. Warisan and Pejuang or maybe he
page outcome today is for the King “He has delayed the confidence is waiting for Anwar’s move. Once
However, political commentator vote, which is a clever move, so I he knows it, then he will make his
chairmanship of to appoint Muhyiddin as Prof Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi would not count him out yet, which move,” he added.
parliamentary committees, an interim premier until his successor said it was Muhyiddin’s way to flush perhaps makes me the only one to

More than 80% of accidents are attributed to a widespread lack of knowledge. – MASRY CHE ANI/ THESUN Learn from past
conflicts: British high
Cooking gas cylinder commissioner
blasts not uncommon
SANDAKAN: Conflicts such as World War II
o Human factors main responsible for more than 80% of cooking gas their contents are intact and safe.” (WWII) should never be allowed to happen
cause of explosions, says explosions,” said Wan, who works for OSH However, there is little legislative again, said British High Commissioner to
safety expert Dynamics Sdn Bhd, an occupational safety Malaysia Charles Hay.
and health consulting company. supervision on its handling and usage at
█ BY ELWIN DAVA home. The danger arises when there is a leak He said in the midst of development and
[email protected] “Being denser than air, liquefied in the gas regulator or hose, or when the stove progress today, conflicts that happened in the
PETALING JAYA: Scarcely is there a home, petroleum gas (LPG) inside the cylinder is damaged. past should serve as reminders that such
restaurant or hawker stall in Malaysia that generally stays close to the floor when there is tragedies should be prevented from happening
does not have the ubiquitous cooking gas a leak, rather than float away. Mixed with air, To reduce incidence of gas explosions, in the future.
cylinder. the combination becomes highly explosive,” Wan suggested that a legislation be
he explained. introduced to require all new condominiums, “We still see them (conflicts) happen today
More than half a century has passed since apartment buildings and shopping malls be because we allow them to happen.”
it was first introduced, and accepted as a safe Wan said that in a confined space, leaked equipped with a central gas supply system,
and convenient option to charcoal or cooking gas may build up its pressure by 280 eliminating the need for gas cylinders. He said what happened in the past (WWII)
firewood for cooking. times, making it susceptible to a major blast. was terrible, and especially tough for victims’
He said households could opt to go for families.
However, cases of cooking gas cylinders He said consumers should be aware that electric stoves but it is a more expensive
exploding are not uncommon. cooking gas is odourless and colourless, so a alternative. “Authorities such as the Fire and He was speaking during a virtual
leakage is not easily detectable. At the same Rescue Department and residents commemoration of Sandakan Day, hosted by
Just last month, a doctor in Penang was time, it is highly combustible, making it associations could also organise talks on how the Sabah Tourism Board yesterday.
caught in a blast that left 95% of his body badly additionally dangerous when it leaks out of to use cooking gas safely.”
burned. He eventually succumbed to the the cylinder. Hay said had Malaysia not been hit by the
injuries. Consultant plastic, re-constructive and global pandemic, the opportunity to be in
Wan said the authorities have already aesthetic surgeon Dr A. Ananda Dorai said Sandakan to commemorate the event would
Gas explosions have been cited as the most made it legal for gas suppliers to include an burn victims should be treated in a have given a sense of what had happened to
prevalent reason for admission to burn units odour (in the form of Ethyl Mercaptan, a clear specialised unit with all the necessary prisoners of war (POW) under the Japanese
in hospitals across the country. liquid with a distinct stench), ensuring that a equipment in place. occupation in the early 1940s.
leak can be quickly detected and preventive
However, safety and health practitioner measures taken. “The duration of hospitalisation can be He acknowledged the selfless, courageous
Capt Wan Hock Leong attributes such two to four months, depending on the severity acts of Sabahans, who were willing to risk their
incidents to human factors rather than faults The manufacturing of gas cylinders is and the percentage area of skin affected,” said lives to help rescue POW.
in cylinders. highly regulated by the Occupational Safety Ananda, who is with the Thomson Hospital
and Health Department and the Energy Kota Damansara. “It is important for locals to remember such
“A widespread lack of knowledge is Commission. events because what they did was truly
“First aid is important. Pour water on the remarkable and proved that the human spirit
“The filling, storage, handling and burned area for 15 to 20 minutes to cool it was alive during those difficult times. This
transportation of LPG are managed strictly by down and thereby minimise the severity of moved me.”
gas companies and their vendors. Up to this the damage. Then seek medical treatment
stage, we may accept that gas cylinders and immediately,” he added. Australia’s Veterans’ Affairs Department
historian Dr Ian Hodges said any
Kuala Lumpur achieves herd immunity commemorative event such as Sandakan Day
could provide an opportunity for the people to
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory of continue with efforts to help the people. The first dose of the vaccine has been reflect on what had happened and what it
Kuala Lumpur achieved herd immunity Vaccination administration statistics up to received by 2.5 million in this federal territory. means to future generations.
yesterday when the vaccination of its adult
population against Covid-19 reached 85%, Aug 14 in the Federal Territories of Kuala In Putrajaya, 81,543 individuals or 74% of “WWII was a costly affair. It shaped most of
said Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Lumpur, Putrajaya dan Labuan were also its residents have completed their the world’s history today.”
Annuar Musa. provided in his post. vaccinations compared with the set target of
88,000 people, or 80%, while 120,984 have In 1942 and 1943, more than 2,400 Australian
“Pray that the situation in this federal In Kuala Lumpur, 1.5 million or 85% of its received the first dose. and British POW were captured by the Japanese
territory improves further,” he said in a post on population had received both doses of the and subjected to a gruelling ordeal to build a
Twitter. Covid-19 vaccine as of last Saturday, with the In Labuan, 92% or 63,440 of the island’s military airstrip in Sandakan, which was
number exceeding the target of 80% or 1.48 population have received the first and second destroyed in January 1945.
He also stated his commitment to million people. doses of the vaccine. – Bernama
It was during this time that the POW were
moved on foot in phases through the highlands
to Ranau, about 260km away, known as the
Sandakan Death Marches. Only six Australians
survived.

The Japanese surrendered on Aug 15, 1945.
– Bernama

‘Efforts to combat
Covid-19 paying off’

KUALA LUMPUR: Government measures to
combat the pandemic are starting to show
results, with some economic sectors being
allowed to reopen under phase 1 of the National
Recovery Plan.

PAS Youth information chief Khairul Nadzir
Helmi Azhar said the reopening of some sectors
is due to a string of long-term plans by the
government, including the intensification of the
vaccination programme.

He said more than 50% of the population
had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Khairul added that based on the statements
of several health personnel, a decline was also
seen in intensive care unit admissions.

“What was implemented by the government
is no different from what was carried out in the
United Kingdom. The government stepped up
vaccination to achieve herd immunity, followed
by the opening of the economic sector in
phases,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Khairul said PAS Youth welcomed all efforts
implemented by the government to address the
pandemic.

He added that reopening a section of the
economic sector would provide relief to some
extent to small entrepreneurs. – Bernama

Banks urged to extend help 3theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Making do on
their own

o Business group takes BNM governor to task promote cash flow. ironed out. KUALA NERUS: Residents of
over unsympathetic comments on appeal by “Opening the economy is one “For instance, furniture shops and Kampung Baru in Pulau Redang who
struggling firms for moratorium depend on the tourism industry have
thing. However, we still need money antique shops have similar business shown they are not the type to remain
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI “Unfortunately, it looks like we are to buy the goods for us to sell. And activities, but one is only allowed to idle in the face of adversity.
[email protected] talking to a wall at this point because unfortunately, businesses are out of resume business under Phase Two
PETALING JAYA: Banks have come Nor Shamsiah does not want to money.” while the other is allowed to reopen They also did not want to depend
under criticism for failing to respond understand the predicament that under Phase One,” he said. on government or public aid, and
positively to an appeal from these industries are in,” he added. He said many businesses are on persevered by doing various jobs to
businesses for help to recover from the verge of closing down or have “Similarly, a sports equipment ensure there was food on the table.
the current economic crisis. Ameer said Nor Shamsiah had already crumbled under the outlet is not that different from a toy
likely responded to the appeal (for a economic fallout of the Covid-19 shop. You can go to the sports store to Housewife Rosnani Deraman, 46,
At the same time, Bank Negara full moratorium on loan repayments) pandemic. buy a racquet, and you can buy a toy said she started making traditional
Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Nor “only at face value”. racquet from the toy store, so what’s kuih, which were sent to stalls near
Shamsiah Mohd Yunus has also been He added that some the difference?” her home, to cover her family
denounced for making excuses for Nor Shamsiah had earlier said that micromanaging should be done to expenses.
the banking sector. there would be “serious negative focus on those who have not been Small and Medium Enterprises
consequences” for banks and more able to operate for the last 18 months (SME) Association secretary-general “All the while, only my husband,
Business Survival Group adviser difficulties for the people if such a such as the tourism, retail, and events Yeoh Seng Hooi said any relaxation to Mad Nawi Muda, 56, worked at a
Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin pointed out request was acceded. sectors. allow more SME to operate is a plus. resort and brought home RM2,000 a
that any move to help in the month, which was enough for us.
economic recovery process will not He said she should get to know the “These are the industries that At the same time, he said business
work if banks are reluctant to extend a situation businesses are in before desperately need help to stay afloat.” owners should ensure that standard “But the hotel management had to
moratorium on loan repayments. making comments. operating procedures are strictly rotate the attendance of the workers,
Ameer said banks should also enforced. as there were not as many tourists as
He pointed out that businesses are “It is morally wrong that banks are consider not charging interest for at previously.
not asking for the banks to write off profiteering from the difficulties of least the next six months. Yeoh said allowing those in non-
the debts. their borrowers to the tune of essential sectors to operate will have a “My husband’s salary was slashed
billions,” Ameer told news portal Free “This too should be focused on larger economic impact than merely by 50%. We understood the situation
“They are just asking that they are Malaysia Today over the weekend. those sectors that are under financial permitting dine-in at restaurants or but did not give up, and looked for an
not charged in interest for the distress. This is the time for bankers shopping at retail outlets. alternative income by selling kuih.
extension,” he said. Ameer added that if banks to look (within) themselves and do
extended another 30% in loans to the industries a favour, sort of like a “We are pleased that SME like “On average, sales bring in RM60
struggling industries, it would social service, so that we can pull manufacturers, subcontractors, to RM80 a day, which is enough for
through these difficult times.” suppliers and exporters can now our family expenses,” she said.
commence operations. These SME
On the green light for the can support the recovery and For Noor Laila Ab Kadir, 40, it was
resumption of business for several contribute to employment and the a huge blow to her family when the
sectors, Ameer said there were nation’s gross domestic product.” management of the resort her
some discrepancies that should be husband worked at told him to take
seven months of unpaid leave.
Penang starts vaccination initiative for retail staff
“Imagine, all this while Pulau
GEORGE TOWN: Two shopping MSMA, the Domestic Trade and mainland,” he said yesterday. comprising RM30 to Protect Health Redang was always lively with the
malls in Penang will start offering Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Tan said RiVAC had been for the cost of administering the arrival of tourists. My husband
Covid-19 vaccination for workers Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force to injection and RM20 to the venue Suhaili Mohamad, 43, never thought
under the Retail Industry Vaccination provide vaccination for workers of launched in Kuching, the Klang organiser to partially defray venue that he would be unemployed due to
(RiVAC) initiative today, to begin the shopping malls nationwide. Valley and Malacca, and would be expenses,” he said. the Covid-19 pandemic.
programme in the northern region. extended to Johor and Pahang soon.
“The vaccination centre at Gurney He pointed out that the charges Meanwhile, Mohd Nazri Yasin, 53,
Malaysia Shopping Mall Paragon Mall will be in operation He added that RiVAC is meant for were heavily subsidised as it costs up said he had to go out to sea to catch
Association (MSMA) president Tan between Aug 16 and 20, to provide only staff in the retail industry and is to RM150 to vaccinate each person at fish, despite lacking such skills, after
Sri Teo Chiang Kok said the two 6,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to not open to the public. the venue, including logistics, being directed by hotel management
shopping malls selected for the retail staff on the island. manpower and standby ambulance to take unpaid leave of between 10
programme are the Gurney Paragon Those registered for RiVAC would services costs, Bernama reported. and 14 days every month.
Mall and the Design Village Outlet “The one located at Design Village have to pay a RM50 fee per person to
Mall in Batu Kawan on the mainland. Outlet Mall will operate between Aug receive two doses of the vaccine. “When all our staff are fully “My pay was RM1,500. Now, I can
18 and 22, with 4,000 doses of vaccine vaccinated, they will not only protect only get RM500 to RM750. I have a
RiVAC is a collaboration between on standby for retailers living on the “While vaccines are supplied free themselves but also the public.” heart condition and cannot do heavy
of charge by the authorities, the fee to work. If I am up to it, I would venture
cover out-of-pocket expenses further out to fish. On days that I feel
unwell, I just stay at home,” said the
father of six. – Bernama

Patriotic passion Bacteria project
for Jalur to fight dengue
Gemilang
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan
KUALA PILAH: Collecting the Jalur Mohamad Latif putting up a string of flags at the compound of his house in Kampung Tanjung Ipoh, Negri Sembilan. government yesterday launched a
Gemilang is a passion that Mohamad – BERNAMAPIX dengue control programme through
Latif Atan and his wife Rahimah Abu the Wolbachia Project in an effort to
Bakar have had for the past 12 years. address the cases in the state.

He said it was their way of State Local Government, Housing
expressing their love for the country. and Health Committee chairman Dr
Izani Husin said the areas selected for
Mohamad Latif, 64, and Rahimah, the project are Pondok Terusan, Pasir
60, of Kampung Tanjung Ipoh would Tumboh and Kubur Maras.
fly all the flags for several weeks every
year to celebrate Merdeka. “Aedes mosquitoes carrying
Wolbachia are those injected with
The former civil servant has 200 Wolbachia bacteria. This will reduce
flags of various sizes in his its ability to transmit the dengue
possession. He estimated the value of virus,” he said in a statement
his collection at about RM500. yesterday.

“Each time I got my salary, I would He added that the method was
buy a flag. This is to express my implemented following the success of
appreciation to those who had fought a pilot study in eight localities in
for our nation’s independence and Selangor, which showed a decrease in
sovereignty,” Mohamad Latif said. dengue cases by 50% to 80% in each
locality.
Other than putting up the flags in
the compound of his house, the Izani said that the Health Ministry
father of three also uses his creativity had spent RM120,000, or 50 sen for
to turn the Jalur Gemilang into every Wolbachia-infected Aedes
clothes, umbrellas and hats to further mosquito in each locality, to boost
enliven the Merdeka celebrations. dengue control activities.

Meanwhile, an army retiree has “However, Wolbachia-carrying
decorated his family’s food stall in mosquitoes are only effective against
Johol with almost 30 Jalur Gemilang Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that
and the flags of each state. usually breeds indoors. It is
ineffective against Aedes albopictus
Nasharudin Zakaria, 55, said it has mosquitoes, that breeds in outdoor
been like a ritual for him for the past settings.
decade to decorate Warung Mak Dara
every Merdeka Day to show his “Therefore, it is important to
patriotic spirit, Bernama reported. destroy mosquito breeding places
outside the house on a regular basis,”
“I spent about RM200 to buy the he said, reminding locals not to
flags this year and I don’t mind disturb or remove any indoor
spending money for that. The flags breeding containers of Wolbachia-
will stay up until the Malaysia Day carrying mosquitoes. – Bernama
celebration on Sept 16,” he said.

4 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Biweekly tests Meaningful way to save lives
for office staff

KUALA LUMPUR: Employees who have to o For past 30 years, zookeeper donates blood every three caused by accidents and for treatment of
work at office premises are required to months as a ‘call to duty and gift to community’ Thalassemia.
undergo biweekly RTK antigen tests
approved by the Health Ministry. “We have managed to collect about 12,000
bags daily nationwide, but to be safe we should
The tests can be undertaken via have at least 14,000. We need more people to
self-testing methods or at health facilities. come forward and continuously donate.”
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR “Everyone can work and make money, but One bag of blood is enough to save three lives,
The International Trade and Industry [email protected] not everyone can donate blood. I don’t ask for she added.
Ministry said the move was in addition to
existing standard operating procedures anything in return because I know the value of Noryati said university students used to
(SOP) as a proactive measure to curb the PETALING JAYA: Abdul Halim Johari (pix), a saving lives cannot equate with ringgit and sen.” account for 30% of blood donors but with the
spread of Covid-19 among workers. retired army sergeant who is now a zookeeper at The National Blood Centre had sent out an lockdown, their contribution has dropped.
Zoo Negara, has been helping to save lives, in appeal to donors to help replenish dwindling She added people should not fear being
“The current SOP, such as physical his own way. supplies. There has been a decline in donation infected with Covid-19 because the standard
distancing and the use of face masks, is still The 55-year-old has been a since the surge in Covid-19 operating procedures (SOP) is strictly enforced
applicable and mandatory for companies. blood donor for the past 30 years. infections last year. during a blood donation drive.
His generosity is even more The centre’s director, Meanwhile, St John Ambulance Malaysia
“The government would like to remind meaningful, now that blood Dr Noryati Abu Amin, said an (SJAM) will be launching a blood donation drive
companies to follow the SOP as legal action, banks are frequently appealing optimum level is when there is on Aug 31.
including compounding or suspension of for more blood. enough supply to last five to seven Its administration executive manager, Kevin
operations, would be taken against them,” “I don’t have money to give, so days. Blood also has a shelf life, Peter, said the groundwork for the campaign is
the ministry said in a statement yesterday. I give what I can,” Halim told making it impossible to keep it for already being laid for a month-long effort across
theSun. long periods. the country.
Earlier, Prime Minister Tan Sri He began donating blood in Noryati said they would make Chief of staff (operations) Datuk Burnard Yeo
Muhyiddin Yassin said 11 types of economic his 20s. an appeal when the available Kim Thong said the Health Ministry could open
activities have been allowed to resume “I knew it could help to save supply drops below optimum Covid-19 vaccination centres at blood donation
under phase one of the National Recovery lives. It is my gift to the level and the blood bank is no campaigns, “since many people visit these
Plan starting today, with additional SOP for community,” he said. longer able to meet demand as centres now”.
clothing, fashion, accessory, jewellery stores He donates blood every three quickly as needed. “We can donate blood first, then go for
as well as barber shops and beauty centres. months, and plasma every two “We call it critical level. By that, vaccination. Of course, proper screening must
weeks. Halim said he has donated blood 270 people would think that we have completely run be conducted first,” he added.
The ministry said companies need to times. out of blood suplply. That is a misconception,” SJAM former commander-in-chief Datuk
make an official declaration on the number For him, helping to save lives is a duty and he she said. Dr Low Bin Tick appealed to those who are in
of fully vaccinated employees in the is fortunate that his blood type is “O”, making Donated blood is used for emergency cases good health to donate blood.
Covid-19 Intelligent Management System him a universal donor. such as childbirth with complications, injuries “It helps to save lives,” he said.
3.0 after which they could download a new
operating approval letter, adding that
periodic verification visits will be carried out
at manufacturing companies. – Bernama

KEEPING ‘Drop in cases a positive sign’
IT SAFE ...
A
sanitisation KUALA LUMPUR: The National 239 on Aug 13 due to the government’s
exercise Covid-19 Immunisation Programme has thorough planning and the ministry’s
being shown early positive developments as proper implementation of strategy, as
carried out infections in categories three to five in six well as the impact of vaccination.
at the states have dropped.
Subang Ria Covid-19 is a five-category disease,
apartment Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin with category one being the mildest.
in Shah Yassin said data from the Health
Alam Ministry showed that more than 40% of According to Muhyiddin, Health
yesterday. adult population aged 18 and above in Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor
– ASYRAF Federal Territory of Labuan, Sarawak, Hisham Abdullah said last Friday that
RASID/ Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala the implementation of Operation Surge
THESUN Lumpur and Putrajaya, had been fully Capacity in the Klang Valley on July 26
vaccinated against Covid-19. had led to a drop in hospital admission
rates for Covid-19 patients of all age
“On Saturday, no new Covid-19 cases groups.
were reported in Labuan for the first The prime minister said the
time. government, through the Greater Klang
“Data on hospitals issued by the Valley Special Task Force and Covid-19
Crisis Preparedness Response Centre Immunisation Task Force, was doing its
shows that the situation at emergency best to ease the situation in the Klang
departments in the Klang Valley has also Valley. He hoped that this downward
improved,” he said in a statement trend would be sustained.
yesterday. “As such, (all should) register for
On average, the number of patients vaccination, including pregnant women
waiting at emergency departments for and teenagers in the age group approved
admission to government hospitals in by the (Special) Committee on Ensuring
the Klang Valley had also dropped. Access to Vaccine Supply.
On July 31, the average number of “Employers should also ensure their
patients waiting at emergency employees, including foreign workers,
departments was 909 but it dropped to are vaccinated,” he added. – Bernama

21 PERLIS 1,025 KELANTAN C VID-19
1,596 KEDAH UPDATE
1,111 PENANG concTafiosrtemasled 1,404,899
As of noon yesterday
1,069 PERAK Total cNaesews 20,546
3 LABUAN ac�ve cases 1,059TIoCintUal

TERENGGANU 534 247,261

7,307 SELANGOR Total
1,442 K.LUMPUR recoveries New
PAHANG 926 1,665 SABAH recoveries 16,945
SARAWAK 963 1,145,128

47 PUTRAJAYA Death

698 N.SEMBILAN toll New 282
fatali�es
12,510
631 MALACCA JOHOR 1,508

PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
As of August 14Received rst dose
Received second doses

16,868,615 10,425,300

5theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Four cops held over extortion claim

o Policemen allegedly demanded RM6,000 from workers were hauled up and taken to the Ijok Selangor district crime investigation
contractor to set him free over MCO violation police beat, where one of the policemen department arrested the four alleged rogue
allegedly demanded RM6,000 to let them off policemen and seized an undisclosed amount
█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN plainclothes and uniform, had gone to the the hook. of cash.
[email protected] 45-year-old contractor’s house at 2pm on
KUALA SELANGOR: Four policemen were Aug 8 and found the latter renovating his Sources said the contractor, who had the “Three of the policemen were from a police
arrested last Friday for allegedly extorting house, with the assistance of two foreigners. sum of money at his house meant for medical station here while the fourth was from the
RM6,000 from a contractor purportedly for expenses, returned home to collect the cash Selangor state police headquarters,” sources
breaching the movement control order (MCO) The policemen, aged 27 to 31, told the and went back to the police beat. told theSun.
by carrying out renovation work at his house in contractor that he was not allowed to carry
Ijok here. out renovation works on a Sunday He handed the cash to the policeman It is learnt that an order to remand all four
without permission from the relevant before going home. suspects for further investigation was issued
It is learnt that the four, who were in authorities. by the Kuala Selangor magistrate’s court
Later, he contacted a police friend, who is a last Saturday.
The contractor and both his Indonesian senior officer, and related the incident.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk
The senior officer advised him to lodge a Arjunaidi Mohamed confirmed the arrests
report, which the contractor did at about but declined further comment when
3.30pm the same day. contacted yesterday.

At 9pm, a police team from the Kuala

SLITHERY FEAT ... Mara Junior Science Suspected child abuse
College student Adam Harith Mohd victim saved
Riedzuan, 13, will be spending six hours and after public tip-off
forty minutes with five pythons, belonging
to his father, as a symbolic gesture to usher MALACCA: A five-year-old girl, believed to be a
in Malaysia’s 64th National Day on Aug 31. victim of abuse, was rescued from a house in
– MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Bandar Hilir here last Saturday.

Public parks in Phase 1 states to reopen Malacca criminal investigation department
(CID) chief ACP Mohd Sukri Kaman said the girl
KUALA LUMPUR: All public recreational said in a statement yesterday. order to revive the tourism industry that is suspected to have been abused by her
parks in states under Phase 1 of the National He also reminded local authorities and has been hard hit by the pandemic for more biological mother and her boyfriend, using their
Recovery Plan (NRP) will be allowed to than a year. hands and a belt, before she was rescued at
reopen effective today for leisure activities to related agencies to be responsible when 10.45pm.
ensure the well-being of the people and to monitoring the compliance of SOP in public Apart from the social and tourism sectors,
reduce mental stress. recreational parks to ensure they are Muhyiddin also announced incentives for 11 “The Malacca police contingent
implemented in accordance with the rules, economic activities in the trade and headquarters’ operations room received a
However, Prime Minister Tan Sri set to avoid any harm. distribution sector for states under Phase 1, phone call from a member of the public
Muhyiddin Yassin said only individual and 11 additional economic sectors for states informing them of a suspected child abuse case
activities such as jogging, cycling and Meanwhile, for the tourism sector, under Phase 2 of the NRP, starting today. in Bandar Hilir at about 9.25pm on Saturday.
exercising would be allowed, in line with the Muhyiddin said the government was
standard operating procedures (SOP) for studying the views and feedback of In addition, all non-essential activities in “Following that, the Malacca CID sexual,
sports and leisure in Phase 1 of the NRP. stakeholders on a proposal to make the manufacturing, construction, mining women and children investigation division
Langkawi a pilot project as a travel bubble and quarrying sectors in states under Phase personnel went to the scene and rescued the
“The public is only allowed to visit destination. 1 (Kedah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri victim,” he said in a statement yesterday.
recreational parks in their neighbourhood. Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Federal
Do not travel interstate or inter-district to go He said the findings from the pilot project Territory of Putrajaya), Phase 2 (Penang, He said there were several injuries on the
to other recreational parks. will be used as a benchmark to expand it to Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and girl’s body, believed to be caused by the abuse.
other tourist destinations like other resort Sabah) and Phase 3 (Perlis, Sarawak and She was taken to Malacca Hospital for
“This relaxation is important for people to islands throughout the country, especially Federal Territory of Labuan) of the NRP are treatment.
have more time in the open, instead of being those that have proper methods to control also allowed to resume operations starting
confined to the home with poor ventilation. I the movement of tourists. today. – Bernama Mohd Sukri said the woman and her
hope this incentive will not be abused,” he boyfriend also had another daughter, aged one,
Muhyiddin said the plan is important in but no signs of abuse was found on
the infant.
Grief of losing wife leads man to commit suicide
He said the 30-year-old woman was arrested
KUALA LUMPUR: A 58-year-old British succumbed to Covid-19. He said checks showed that the victim at her house in Bandar Hilir at 12.45am
national fell to his death at a plush Muhammad Idzam said the victim is was undergoing a two-year police probation yesterday after her 38-year-old boyfriend was
apartment in Bukit Jalil here yesterday. period under the Prevention of Crime Act arrested at the Bandar Hilir police station 30
believed to have jumped from the 1959 for an undisclosed offence. minutes earlier.
Cheras police chief ACP Muhammad 19th floor.
Idzam Jaafar said the man was found lying Muhammad Idzam said initial Mohd Sukri said the two suspects were
motionless on the ground floor of the In a separate case, also in Bukit Jalil, investigations revealed that the man was remanded for seven days from yesterday to
SkyLuxe Residence at about 9.40am, and police received a call at about the same time suffering from emotional stress. assist in investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of
was later pronounced dead by paramedics as the earlier case from a car wash centre the Child Act 2001, which provides
who arrived at the scene. operator, reporting that he had found his “We urge those undergoing problems as imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or a fine
22-year-old staff hanging at the premises. a result of the Covid-19 pandemic not to not exceeding RM20,000, or both.
He said initial investigations showed that resort to any action that can endanger
the victim had fallen into depression Muhammad Idzam said the victim was themselves or their families,” he said. “Malacca police view such criminal cases
following the recent death of his wife, who found dead in a storeroom at the car wash – by Charles Ramendran seriously, especially involving children, and stern
centre at 9.30am yesterday. action will be taken against the perpetrators.

“We would like to thank the community for
channelling the information to us in combating
a criminal activity, and hope more such
information will be forwarded to the police,”
he said. – Bernama

Four nabbed in Pasir
Puteh murder probe

KOTA BARU: Police have detained four men and
are tracking a fifth individual to help in
investigations over a body found in the
compound of a house in Kampung Chengal
Batu, Pasir Puteh on Aug 1.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat
identified the suspect at large as Tuan Mohd
Ridzwan Tuan Mohamad, 32, also known by his
nickname, Iwe Telosan.

According to Shafien, police detained the
four, aged 34 to 44, near Pasir Puteh between
Aug 4 and 10. They admitted that they were at
the crime scene, together with the fifth suspect.

“The four suspects are being remanded until
Aug 17. Anyone with information can contact
the nearest police station.”

Shafien also said a post-mortem found that
the man was clubbed on the head. The case is
being classified as murder and investigated
under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
– Bernama

6 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Taliban enters Afghan capital

o US diplomats forces following the Sept 11 attacks. Another Taliban spokesman Power would be handed over to a in the car and have started walking to
being evacuated Taliban fighters were reaching the Suhail Shaheen said the group would transitional administration, the the airport,” one resident told Reuters
by helicopter protect the rights of women, as well government’s acting interior by phone.
capital “from all sides”, said a senior as freedoms for media workers and minister, Abdul Sattar Mirzakawal,
KABUL: Taliban insurgents entered Afghan Interior Ministry official. diplomats. tweeted on the Tolo news channel. US officials said diplomats were
Afghanistan’s capital yesterday and being ferried by helicopters to the
said they expected to take power However, there were no reports of “We assure the people, “There won’t be an attack on the airport from its embassy in the
within days, promising to moderate fighting. particularly in the city of Kabul, that city, it is agreed that there will be a fortified Wazir Akbar Khan district.
their earlier hardline rule even as their properties, their lives are safe,” peaceful handover,” he said without
foreign diplomats and many locals The group was in talks with the he told the BBC, saying a transfer of elaborating. More American troops were being
tried to leave. Western-backed government for a power was expected in days. sent to help in the evacuations after
peaceful surrender, said Taliban A tweet from the Afghan the Taliban’s surge brought the group
American diplomats were spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The ease of the Taliban’s advance, presidential palace account said to Kabul in a matter of days.
evacuated from their embassy by despite billions of dollars spent by the firing had been heard at a number of
chopper after a lightning advance by “Taliban fighters are to be on United States and others to build up points around Kabul but that security “Core” US team members were
the militants, who were poised to run standby at all entrances of Kabul until local Afghan government forces, has forces, in coordination with working from the airport, an
Afghanistan again 20 years after they a peaceful and satisfactory transfer of stunned the world. international partners, had control of American official said, while several
were toppled by United States-led power is agreed.” the city. European Union staff had moved to a
There was no immediate word on safer location in the capital.
Ali Ahmad Jalali, a US-based the situation from President Ashraf Many of Kabul’s streets were
academic and former Afghan interior Ghani. choked by cars and people either Earlier yesterday, the insurgents
minister, could be named head of an trying to rush home or reach the captured the eastern city of Jalalabad
interim administration in Kabul, said A palace official said he was in airport, said residents. without a fight, giving them control of
three diplomatic sources, though it emergency talks with US peace envoy one of the main highways into
was unclear whether the Taliban had Zalmay Khalilzad. “Some people have left their keys landlocked Afghanistan. – Reuters
agreed.

Hong Kong group behind huge rallies disbands Burglars target Qatar
emir’s France mansion
HONG KONG: The protest coalition that allowed extraditions from the many leading activists jailed or fled overseas.
organised record-breaking rallies here two semi-autonomous city to mainland China. More than 30 civil society groups have PARIS: Thieves, one of them armed, broke into
years ago said yesterday it was disbanding in a residence of the family of the emir of Qatar
the face of China’s sweeping clampdown on But they soon morphed into calls for already disbanded, fearful that police will near the French Mediterranean resort of
dissent. greater democracy and police accountability come for them next, according to an AFP tally. Cannes, stealing watches and other luxury
after huge crowds were dispersed with tear items, said a source close to the case.
The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) was gas and rubber bullets. Most of the CHRF’s prominent activists,
a major player in the months of protests that including ex-leaders Jimmy Sham and Figo Four people broke into the mansion in
convulsed Hong Kong in 2019. The CHRF, founded in 2002, espoused Chan, are already behind bars for organising Mouans-Sartoux, said the source, confirming a
non-violence and routinely got crowds of the protests or on national security charges. report from the RTL broadcaster.
But the group said Beijing’s subsequent hundreds of thousands onto the streets.
crackdown on democracy supporters and a But a small group of activists had kept the “The people present complied under
de facto ban on protests had left it with little Some estimates said more than a million organisation going at least in name. threat (with the burglars) when they saw the
future. people marched at some rallies, in a city of 7.3 weapon.”
million residents. Police chief Raymond Siu reportedly said
“All member groups have been suppressed last week the CHRF might have broken the But the source said they “did not have a
and civil society is facing an unprecedented But the deliberately leaderless movement national security law with its 2019 rallies. pistol put to their heads”.
severe challenge,” it said in a statement. became increasingly fierce as clashes
escalated between riot police and smaller Those comments caused alarm because The burglars made off with “luxury items,
Its remaining HK$1.6 million (RM870,000) groups of more hardcore, often young, the law – enacted on June 30 last year – is not particularly watches”, said the source.
in assets would be donated to “appropriate protesters. supposed to be retroactive.
groups”, the statement said. A person in charge of information for the
A sweeping national security law was “Crimes made by a group and its members state of Qatar in France told AFP yesterday that
The 2019 protests began in response to a imposed on Hong Kong last year that will not be wiped out due to it disbanding, or the property was not that of the emir of Qatar,
deeply unpopular law that would have criminalised much dissent and has seen members quitting,” police said in a statement Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, as
reacting to the CHRF’s dissolution. – AFP indicated by the source earlier, but belonged to
a member of his family, former prime minister
Hamad bin Jassem Al-Thani.

A number of law enforcement organisations
in the cities of Grasse, Nice and Marseille have
opened an investigation.

The family of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa
Al-Thani, who abdicated in 2013 on behalf of his
son, has owned since the 1990s a mansion
sprawling over 30ha in Mouans-Sartoux. – AFP

BRIEFS THOUSANDS JOIN
PROTESTS IN THAILAND
Jia Jia holding
her first cub at BANGKOK: Thousands of protesters in cars
River Safari. and on bikes massed in Bangkok’s central
– AFPPIX shopping district yesterday, one of several
mobile rallies across Thailand demanding
Singapore zoo breeds first panda cub Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha resign
over his handling of the coronavirus
SINGAPORE: A panda bred via artificial would mate naturally but ultimately decided China and arrived in Singapore in 2012. pandemic. “The time is up for Prayut. The
insemination was born in a zoo here on to use artificial insemination. Panda reproduction – in captivity or in the government has shown clearly they will not
Saturday, the first cub to be born in the take responsibility for any loss,” shouted
city-state. “Jia Jia’s first pregnancy and birth of a cub wild – is notoriously difficult as few of the Nattawut Saikuar, a politician long
is a significant milestone for us in the care of animals get in the mood or, even when they associated with former premier Thaksin
Jia Jia, the zoo’s 12-year-old female giant this threatened species in Singapore,” said do, do not know how to mate. Shinawatra. Protesters – who were joined
panda, gave birth to the cub after she was Cheng Wen-Haur, Wildlife Reserves by saffron-robed monks – flashed the
inseminated with frozen semen from Singapore’s deputy chief executive officer. Further complicating matters, the window three-finger salute of resistance. More
13-year-old Kai Kai, Wildlife Reserves for conception is small since female pandas so-called“car mobs”also rallied in the beach
Singapore announced yesterday. “This is the result of good animal care, are in heat only once a year, for 24 to 48 hours. city of Pattaya as well as in the northern
assisted reproductive science and sheer cultural hub of Chiang Mai. – AFP
After several failed attempts in previous perseverance on the part of our staff coupled The giant panda is listed as a vulnerable
years, River Safari’s animal carers – working with valuable advice from the China experts.” species by the International Union for LANDING PLANE SCRAPES
with experts from China – hoped the pandas Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 2,000 MOTORCYCLIST
The pandas are on a 10-year loan from thought to remain in the wild. – AFP
KINSHASA: A motorcyclist had a narrow
escape as he was crossing the runway of an
airport in the Democratic Republic of
Congo when a plane carrying 23 people hit
him during landing. The motorcyclist
suffered only scratches in the incident on
Friday evening at the airport in the
southeastern city of Lubumbashi. The
Bombardier Q400 plane belonging to
Congo Airways hit the motorcyclist as it was
landing on a flight from the central city
of Mbuji-Mayi. “The plane hit a motorcyclist
who was crossing the runway, causing
major material damage,” said a Transport
Ministry official. – AFP

7theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

* NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Compulsory jabs Heavy rains lash Japan Takayuki Haraguchi, 68, who
for civil servants works as a caretaker at a local sports
oTwo million told to seek shelter of his house, located just behind the centre, had come to survey the
SUVA: A “no jab, no job” coronavirus clinic. damage briefly when it was raining
policy went into effect in Fiji TOKYO: Torrential rain lashed wide Yoshihide Suga at a ministerial on Saturday.
yesterday, with unvaccinated public areas of Japan yesterday, flooding meeting yesterday. The water reached his house, too,
servants forced to go on leave as the roads and buildings in the western meaning most of the appliances on “It looked no different from the
Pacific nation joined a number of part of the country, while three He called on local municipalities the ground floor would have to be sea,” he said.
countries in imposing similar people were feared dead after a and relevant organisations to replaced.
mandates. landslide in central Nagano cooperate and act with speed on Elsewhere in Saga prefecture, 113
prefecture. rescue missions and aid. His garage was bent out of shape, patients at a local hospital and 69
A stubborn outbreak of the highly presumably from the pressure of the nursing home residents at the same
infectious Delta variant that started Large parts of Japan, particularly “We must be on high alert even water. site were evacuated to higher floors
in April ended a year-long spell of no the southernmost main island of in areas where the rain has tapered after flooding, said public
community transmission of Kyushu, have seen record levels of off.” His son Daigo said their family broadcaster NHK.
Covid-19, and has overwhelmed Fiji’s rainfall, causing rivers to overflow was prepared for the flooding but
healthcare system with more than and triggering landslides. In Takeo, a city in Saga prefecture was concerned over the frequency at On Saturday, rescue workers in
40,000 cases. in Kyushu, entire roads were which torrential downpours were the prefecture had airlifted four
In the southwest, nearly two submerged as rescue workers in pummelling the area, and was residents using a helicopter in areas
The government has argued that million people were advised to wetsuits dragged inflatable boats considering re-building his house to where the flooding was intense.
mandatory vaccinations are urgently seek shelter. and surveyed the damage. raise the ground level.
necessary to raise immunisation “So many logs tumbled down and
rates and end the outbreak. While the rain had stopped in Local residents carried Kusumoto had re-built the house crashed into this area from nearby
much of Kyushu as of early broomsticks and buckets and only four years ago and it had seen mountains,” an elderly resident of
After a period of forced leave yesterday, Tokyo and other parts of waded knee-deep in water. two floods already. Kanzaki city in Saga told NHK.
starting yesterday, Fiji’s public the country were pounded by the
servants who remain unvaccinated downpour. “I’ve experienced three floods “It’s a bit much if it happens this “It was so scary. You absolutely
by November will be dismissed. like this so far, but this is the worst,” frequently,” Daigo said, as he hosed have to leave when it rains.”
Japan “will continue to face said Toshimi Kusumoto, a down the mud in front of the house.
In addition, employees at private conditions in which a large-scale 68-year-old doctor whose clinic was After a landslide hit a house in
firms could face fines and companies disaster could occur at anytime, flooded. In 2019, Takeo was hit by a record Okaya city in central Nagano, three
could be forced to stop operations anywhere”, said Prime Minister downpour that killed three people. people including a boy aged under
over vaccine refusals. Kusumoto waited out the rain 10 were found without vital signs
with his family on the second floor The government at the time while two others were injured, NHK
A growing number of nations are estimated such a deluge would only said.
making shots compulsory in critical happen once every few decades.
sectors such as health and public Separate to the Okaya case, NHK
services. reported that as of midday yesterday,
three people were confirmed dead
From Canada and the United nationwide due to the rains and four
States to Zimbabwe and Saudi others were missing. – Agencies
Arabia, authorities in many countries
have moved to require workers inBRIEFS Volunteers
hospitals, schools, travel and public looking for
services to get a shot or face varying survivors at a
levels of disciplinary action. house
destroyed by
Despite intense political the
opposition in some nations such as earthquake in
France, governments and experts say Les Cayes on
mass vaccination is one of the most Saturday.
potent weapons to help end the – REUTERSPIX
pandemic and end the economic
suffering brought by restrictions such Massive earthquake kills 304 in Haiti
as lockdowns.
PORT-AU-PRINCE: Rescue workers people injured, said the country’s “Lots of homes are destroyed, victims from the ruins of caved-in
Legal expert Imrana Jalal said were scrambling to find survivors civil protection agency. people are dead and some are at the buildings, while screaming
other countries had mandated after a powerful 7.2-magnitude hospital,” said 21-year-old Christella bystanders sought safety in the
compulsory vaccinations in various earthquake struck Haiti, killing at Rescuers raced against the clock Saint Hilaire, who lives near the streets outside their homes.
critical sectors, but not on the least 304 and toppling buildings in to find survivors, with the agency epicentre.
sweeping scale imposed in Fiji.– AFP the disaster-plagued Caribbean tweeting that efforts by “both “Houses and their surrounding
nation still recovering from a professional rescuers and members Hospitals in the regions hardest walls have collapsed. The roof of the
POLAND SELLS 1M JABS devastating 2010 quake. of the public have led to many hit by the quake were already cathedral has fallen down,” said
TO AUSTRALIA people being pulled from the struggling to provide emergency resident Job Joseph from the city of
The epicentre of the tremor, rubble”. care and at least three were full, Jeremie on Haiti’s western end.
WARSAW: Poland has sold one which rattled homes and sent according to Jerry Chandler, head of
million Pfizer Covid vaccine doses terrified locals fleeing for safety on Hours after the quake, the the civil protection agency. Heavy damage was reported in
to Australia as part of a Saturday morning, was 160km west agency announced the death toll the centre of the city, home to
“responsible policy of solidarity”, of the capital Port-au-Prince. had jumped to 304, ticking upwards The United States and other around 200,000 people.
Polish Health Minister Adam throughout the day from a first nations swiftly pledged support,
Niedzieslki said yesterday. He said Churches, businesses, schools report of 29 fatalities. with President Joe Biden approving A brief tsunami alert after the
Poland’s vaccine purchases “allow and homes crumbled in the quake “immediate” aid efforts. quake sent parents “fleeing the city
us to meet the needs of our that trapped hundreds of victims The quake was felt in much of the with their children in arms”, said
citizens and support others in under rubble and left at least 1,800 Caribbean, emanating from Haiti’s Images on social media showed Jeremie resident Tamas Jean Pierre.
need”. “In these tough times for southwestern peninsula. people frantically trying to pull – AFP
our Australian friends, Poland has
decided to share with Australia Fuel tank blast rocks Lebanon, 28 dead
one million doses of
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with BEIRUT: At least 28 people were Lebanon is suffering from a the time of the explosion, said what caused the fuel tank explosion.
immediate delivery,” said Polish killed and 79 injured when a fuel severe fuel shortage, leading to long witnesses. “There was a rush of people, and
ambassador to Australia Michal tank exploded in northern Lebanon lines at gas stations and extended
Kolodziejski. Poland has fully early yesterday. blackouts. Caretaker Health Minister arguments between some of them
vaccinated around 55% of its Hamad Hassan said the worst cases led to gunfire which hit the tank of
population, but the rate of Security sources said the army The disaster happened in the of burns probably needed quick gasoline and so it exploded,” said a
vaccinations has slowed sharply in had seized a fuel storage tank town of Altalil, in the Akkar region treatment abroad to save their lives. security source.
recent months and many hidden by black marketeers and was that is one of Lebanon’s poorest
vaccination centres have been handing out gasoline to residents areas. Security forces personnel were Al-Jadeed TV channel said it was
closed due to low demand. – AFP when the explosion occurred. among the casualties, said sources. caused by a person who ignited a
About 200 people were nearby at lighter. – Reuters
LAMBDA VARIANT Accounts varied as to
FOUND IN PHILIPPINES

MANILA: The Philippines said
yesterday it has detected the first
case of Covid-19’s Lambda variant
in the country, and reminded the
public to strictly observe
minimum public health
standards. The World Health
Organisation classifies Lambda as
a “variant of interest”, which was
first identified in Peru in
December, as studies showed it
has mutations that resist
vaccine-induced antibodies. The
Philippines recorded 14,749 new
cases yesterday, bringing the total
infections to 1.74 million. It also
reported 270 fatalities, increasing
the death toll to 30,340. – Reuters

8 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
SPEAK UP

FOR the last four years, readers of China Bashing: How low
media newspapers and websites in the can western media go
US, Britain, Australia and their allies –
especially after Trump’s presidential In an article by its Southeast Asian bureau Journal – spew an endless daily conveyor belt Xinjiang, Huawei, the China virus, and so on.
victory in 2016 – have been the targets of a chief, which shows a warped political of anti-Chinese stories which seek to nitpick, Coming up next is likely to be the Beijing
concerted move to demonise China and to thinking and logic, the newspaper that claims discredit, and attack every single development
bring down China’s standing in the world. to seek the truth and help people understand within the country, often on utterly ridiculous Winter Olympics and climate change. Finger-
the world, had the sensational title of “The premises. pointing at China and scare mongering has
This cold war approach is in sharp contrast Chinese sports machine’s single goal: The already started in Australia with one of the
to earlier more objective and sympathetic most golds, at any cost”. How discerning readers have responded main presenters at Sky News Australia
reporting on the country. Claiming that China had manipulated the Analysis of the responses from readers to the sensationalising news that “China emits in 16
Olympics for political purposes, articles in the NYT twitter and days what Australia does in an entire year”.
It is happening not only because of the fear the article accused the Chinese RT website indicates that some
that China is gaining ground in key sectors of government of “putting tens of NOTHER TA are not buying the western The inconvenient truth is that on a per-
international economic and geopolitical thousands of children in KE media anti-China news bashing. capita basis, China’s carbon emissions are
competition. much less than Australia’s.
B
It has also come about because China is government-run training A These are examples of The latest data in 2018 shows China with a
now seen in some quarters as the principal schools”, exposing them to health comments from readers: per capita carbon emission of 7.4 metric
threat to US and western dominance of the and mental stress risks and E 0 It’s almost like NYT and their tonnes or less than half of Australia’s 15.5.
global system – a dominance unchallenged funnelling these young athletes ilk just rehash these hit pieces
since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1992. into “less prominent sports that every time there’s an Olympics Also pertinent is that the carbon emissions
Beijing hopes to dominate”. Y LIM TECK GHE going on. Just screams bu**hurt from China are an outcome of higher-income
Today western news reporting on China or when their team isn’t on top. countries outsourcing their emissions-
elsewhere, on any topic however More than a cry baby article 0 Playing into the Sinophobic intensive industries to China.
unimportant that may have the remotest A cry baby piece written after the view that Chinese people are
connection to China – technology, culture, end of the first week of the somehow more machine-like in On climate change, the bigger picture
space, global warming, health, the Olympics when China was their brain, as opposed to us free- which Australia’s media and public need to
environment, vaccines and others – is likely to “The goldleading in gold medals, the will-having Westerners. pay attention to is that Australia is the worst-
be written up to reinforce negative 0 All those allegations against performing country on climate change policy
stereotypes of China. article – besides the political China are utterly ridiculous according to the latest international ranking
medal forobjective of running down the considering the fact that the US of 57 countries.
Both simplistic and subtle messages are lures promising athletes from
inserted to discredit and reflect poorly on the Beijing government and sports poor countries aiming for success The 2020 Climate Change Performance
country, its government and its people. anti-Beijingauthorities – added a racist twist Index prepared by a group of think tanks
in sports and revelations about comprising the NewClimate Institute, the
Most recently, journalists who are Chinese to the gold medals that China US athletes using banned drugs Climate Action Network and Germanwatch,
or Asians have been recruited, and non- hysteria goeshad won: looks at national climate action across the
western sources and names are provided at Beijing’s focus has been on categories of emissions, renewable energy,
strategic positions in the news article to give sports that can be perfected with to the NYT for under WADA permission. energy use and policy.
the impression of balanced and objective rote routines, rather than those its unhinged 0 Americans are simply unable
reporting. that involve an unpredictable attack on to tolerate other countries’ Across all four categories, Australia ranks
interplay of multiple athletes. successes because they are under as the sixth-worst performing of the 57
Some of the media strategies practised by the delusion that they’re the countries assessed.
the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, British international relations ‘shining beacon on the hill’ that
BBC, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, analyst, Tom Fowdy, in exposing should guide the world. The expert report found that the Scott
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sydney the article’s ideological and racial Morrison government “has continued to
Morning Herald, Sky News Australia and their China’sblinkers, pointed out that the Everything is a zero-sum game in worsen performance at both national and
media allies in Asia such as Nikkei Asia and their view. international levels” and noted that the
the Times of India in their news reporting on piece was patronising, government “is an increasingly regressive
China include: Olympicridiculous, and just outright 0 We had four years of anti- force” in climate change negotiations.
0 Deletion, lowering or ghosting the profile Russia hysterics. It was a mental
of positive news on China insulting to the Chinese illness that was untreated and In contrast, China compares favourably
0 Sensationalism, falsification and Success.Olympians who dedicate their morphed to include Anti-China with a ranking of 33 and the country’s
disinformation hysteria. It is like crazy people leadership has been praised for
0 Baseless smearing lives towards competing and “implementing many significant policies in
0 Loaded words and vague terms excelling in their chosen events multiple sectors that have implications for
0 Use of biased respondents and providing as does any athlete from have taken the US common sense climate change” as well as for its “increased
soft facts anywhere in the world. His and logic as a hostage. This is show of climate leadership”.
0 Reliance on bandwagon effect conclusion: such bizarre behaviour of a
Sport is sport, and may the country, you might believe that Undoubtedly there are many examples of
Western anti-China-oriented journalism most deserving athletes win, maybe we are suffering a ‘mass what has gone wrong or needs improvement
extends to slanted coverage of tragedies such wherever they are from. The fact that the New hysteria’ breakdown of society. I can’t believe in China, as with most other countries in the
as the recent floods in Central China where York Times could produce such an utterly that the US, a once well-respected country, has world.
voyeuristic and perverse reporting can be dreadful article on China is not surprising, yet become morally bankrupt. And lie, cheat,
seen in the abnormally large number of it is endemic of a broader trend in US media, steal, whine. A western media campaign which
images showing the devastation and human which – in line with the government’s foreign identifies China as the pivotal existential
toll in Zhengzhou by some western media policy – has become as negative, vilifying and What’s next in western media’s China enemy to the world and aims at destabilising
weather channels. outright hysterical as possible. bashing it will not only stiffen anti-west and popular
Anti-China Olympics reporting Is it any wonder why people in China have So what’s likely to feature next in the western sentiment in China. It is also dangerous and
The most recent example of the western come to increasingly despise foreign reporting? media’s xenophobic China reporting? ultimately inimical to western interests.
media taking up a position even more The big three US newspapers in particular – We have already seen the media fixation
extreme than that of the official mouthpieces the NYT, Washington Post, and the Wall Street with condemning China on Tibet, Hongkong, Lim Teck Ghee’s Another Take is aimed at
of their governments comes from the New demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments:
York Times.
[email protected]
Touted in the industry as a national
“newspaper of record”, ranked 18th in the
world by circulation and 3rd in the US, the
NYT picked on the Olympics to engage in its
latest bout of China bashing.

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

A London-based Retelling regional
Malaysian pianist folktales through
Hao Zi Yoh has tarot

pianist beentinklingthe >>> Page 4&5
ivories since three
and has taken
her act to
savant internationallevel
>>> Page 7

PICTURE COURTESY OFANDREEATUFESCU Jennifer Hudson
plays Aretha Franklin

>>> Page 6

HEALTH World Wellness
Weekend takes place
2 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021 on Sept 18 and 19.

World Wellness
Weekend
o Free activities around the The five pillars of well-being
world to help you reconnect A unique period calls for a unique event. This that they may not be familiar with. While yoga is sylvotherapy, which consists in fighting against
with your well-being year a hybrid World Wellness Weekend will be a fairly common activity these days, there are a stress thanks to the benefits of nature, and more
organised with activities, courses and host of variations, such as hatha yoga or particularly of trees, or all kinds of massages,
IF you’ve always thought that yoga might be workshops being offered in person and online, laughter yoga that you might not have heard of. treatments, sports, or outdoor activities that are
the perfect activity to improve your well- including immersive videos, depending on the These two days are the ideal opportunity to try still too little known.
being, but never dared to take the plunge, health situation and conditions in each country. them.
the World Wellness Weekend is for you. The And in areas where participants will be able to The fifth World Wellness Weekend
event is offering free trials of hundreds of attend in-person sessions, the activities will be Depending on where you live, you can also takes place Sept 18-19. More than 130 countries
activities around the world so that everyone can done in the respect of all health and safety experience temazcal, a kind of steam bath to are already participating in the event. – ETX
find the one that suits them best in their daily precautions, with a mask and at a safe distance. relax the body and mind straight from Mexico, STudio
life.
In detail, the activities offered during these
Taking place on Sept 18 and 19 in some 130 two days will allow volunteers to explore the five
countries – 950 cities and nearly 1,500 pillars of well-being, namely sleep and
establishments, this fifth edition is coming at a creativity, nutrition and immunity, movement
particularly important time in the midst of a and vitality, mindfulness and serenity, and
global pandemic. Over the past year and a half, purpose and solidarity. “This 5th edition of
numerous studies have revealed some of the World Wellness Weekend will be a hybrid
damage the health crisis has had on our state of celebration. More than ever, they will share a
well-being, from sleep disorders to sedentary nurturing connection through wellness to offer
lifestyle, changes in our eating habits, and more three treasures: a revitalised body, a quiet mind
generally by fractured and fragile states of and a peaceful heart,” the organisers said in a
mental health. More than ever, this weekend statement.
seems to come at the right moment to allow as Temazcal, forest therapy, laughter yoga
many people as possible to find vitality and Beyond the desire – or need – to reconnect with
serenity. a sense of well-being that has been somewhat
neglected in recent months, this weekend also
offers participants the opportunity to discover
unusual, original, and even offbeat activities

Did stay-at-home measures change how babies slept? The appendix is correlated
with a longer lifespan
WAS babies’ sleep affected by the THE appendix does not have a Museum of Natural History.
pandemic and the accompanying Sleep times over the 2020 year for Screen time still too high good reputation. In his theories, The scientists analysed data
changes in daily living? Infants slept infants increased on average by Screen time for slightly older infants Charles Darwin considered it a
an average of 40 minutes more slightly over 40 minutes. increased by just over 18 minutes per vestigial structure, useless and from 258 mammals. Of these, 219
compared to 2019. Meanwhile depression to the restricted living day. The scientists recorded a daily devoid of function. However, had no appendix and 39 did. They
parents reported experiencing less conditions implemented in response average of 50.6 minutes for infants according to new research focused on the theoretical
daytime sleepiness in 2020. The to the Covid-19. The data was aged 13-18 months, 30.5 minutes for published in the Journal of maximum longevity of the
results were published in Sleep collected through a questionnaire those aged seven to 12 months and 23 Anatomy, this “small anatomical animals, namely “the theoretical
Medicine via Sciencedirect. filled out by the parents. minutes for the youngest, one to six structure of a few centimeters in lifespan of mammals, established
months. Too much exposure, the size, located in the abdomen and based on their weight”. They also
Researchers followed 1,518 US In the year 2020, babies slept an researchers highlight, particularly as attached to the colon” could looked at “actual maximum
infants aged one to 18 months. They average of 40 minutes more per night experts recommend not exposing contribute to an increase in longevity of the various species
compared the results with data compared to 2019 according to the children to screens before the age of mammals’ lifespans. considered”.
collected during 2019. Parents data collected by auto-video- two. – ETX Studio
completed a questionnaire about somnography. The researchers noted According to researchers, the According to the researchers,
their child’s sleep and screen time. “earlier sleep timing, and increased appendix appeared 80 million the presence of the appendix
They also answered questions about parent-reported sleep-onset latency years ago in mammals. Since then, “enables the development of a
their own sleep quality, daytime and nocturnal wakefulness”. “over the course of evolution, [it] selective ‘bacterial sanctuary’ that
sleepiness, and depression levels. has developed independently reduces mortality from infectious
The data were supplemented by an multiple times in several diarrhea by promoting rapid
auto-video-somnography device. mammalian lineages, with no recolonisation of bacterial species
This is a piece of equipment installed obvious correlation with diet, that are essential to the host.” So,
above the child’s crib that can record social life, or the environment,” for a mammal, having an appendix
the infant’s movements. reports France’s National Institute could reduce the risk of death and
Parental depression on the rise of Health and Medical Research, promote a longer lifespan.
The results? Mixed results were seen Inserm.
on the parental side. While they So what if you’ve had your
reported less symptoms of daytime While the function of this organ appendix removed after suffering
sleepiness than in 2019, the is still not clearly defined, it would from appendicitis? According to
symptoms of depression were higher. seem that its presence is linked to researchers, it doesn’t affect how
Researchers linked this parental an increase in mammalian long you live: “appendicitis at a
longevity, reports the study, young age is clearly beneficial by
4 hours of TV per day increases the risk of sleep apnea conducted by Inserm researcher strengthening the education of the
Eric Ogier-Denis and his colleague immune system and enabling it to
ACCORDING to a study published breathing is interrupted during French statistics suggest that sleep Michel Laurin of the French fight any subsequent infection
in the National Library of Medicine, sleep for at least 10 seconds at a time apnea affects 7.9% of people aged 20 more effectively.” – ETX Studio
two factors could contribute to the and around five times per hour,” to 44, 19.7% of those aged 45-64 and
onset of sleep apnea: a sedentary according to UC Health. Severe 30.5% of those over 65.
lifestyle and watching too much obstructive sleep apnea means
television. having 30 such episodes per hour, The researchers particularly
while mild cases may have five. focused on data regarding physical
Sleep apnea is “when your activity, screens and the presence of
Sedentary sleep apnea.
lifestyle and Appendicitis surgery at a young age does not affect lifespan, according to
screen time Spending four hours in front of a the scientists.
are screen was associated with a 78%
associated increased risk of sleep apnea. The
with a researchers indicated that having a
significantly sedentary job was associated with a
increased 49% increased risk of sleep apnea.
risk of sleep Spending time in front of the
apnea. television is characterised by a
prolonged period of inactivity.

To reduce the risks, there’s no
miracle solution: the researchers
advise practising a daily physical
activity equivalent to at least 10,000
steps per day and to spend less time
in front of a screen. – ETX Studio

HEATLH

3theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

Sootthheinmg ind are able to take the next step in improving
o A new platform aims to make things easier for those their mental health.
Girls may have seeking mental health care
struggled “Our clients are quick to adapt to virtual
How girls may more than █ BY ANANSA JACOB consultant for a private equity firm in order therapy, and this coincides with the rise of
have struggled boys during to focus on the company. online conferencing during the pandemic.
more than boys the Covid-19 THERE is no denying that the Virtual therapy also lets our therapists share
during the Covid-19 pandemic. pandemic has had a major impact In an email interview with theSun, Tho resources easily and effectively during
pandemic on our lives, and especially on our explained why she started Aloe Mind, and therapy.
Tho was mental health. The number of how she feels it can help those in need.
THE pandemic’s impact on the mental inspired to people seeking counselling has spiked in How did the idea for Aloe Mind come “Many even prefer online therapy to in-
health of teenagers may have been greater start Aloe recent months, and there are concerns that about? person therapy due to convenience and
for girls than for boys, an Icelandic study Mind after an even larger number of people may not “My passion in the mental health industry accessibility. You can attend therapy
suggests. realising that have access to such help. stemmed from my personal difficulties and sessions from anywhere as long as there is
not everyone struggles with my mental health. I didn’t internet connection and privacy.”
Psychologically, teen girls appear to may have One newly established online platform is know where to go to for help. Explain the experience of using Aloe
have struggled more than boys during the access to the seeking to fill that gap, and connect people Mind.
pandemic, according to a study published mental health directly with mental health professionals. “I was lucky that my firm extended their “[Start] by taking our free online mental
in JCPP Advances for the Association for Aloe Mind was founded in May by Tho support and advised me to go for therapy. health test. The test is not diagnostic but will
Child and Adolescent Mental Health care they Leng-Lei, 29, who left They also allowed me to claim the therapy give you a snapshot of your mental health,
(ACAMH). Researchers looked at the need. – her job as a fees under employee benefits. with scores for depression, anxiety and
various impacts of the pandemic and its stress.
associated restrictions on adolescents COURTESY “I have also seen how therapy has helped
based on their gender. OF THO many of my friends improve their mental “Most people will then book a mental
well-being. health screening session with our mental
Based on a sample of 523 Icelandic LENG-LEI health professionals. A mental health
adolescents, the study found that girls “At the same time, I realised that therapy screening is a 45-minute session where our
experienced greater deterioration in their and good mental health care is out of reach professionals will explain the scores, briefly
well-being, and were more susceptible to for many Malaysians, because it is explore symptoms and provide advice and
depressive symptoms than boys. expensive and hard to access. tips on how to improve your mental health.

According to the researchers, during the “Driven by my belief that Malaysians “If the client is comfortable, they can
pandemic, well-being was challenged by deserve better access to mental health then sign up for therapy.
factors including the fear of having loved care, Aloe Mind was founded. Aloe Mind’s
ones infected with covid, changes in daily mission is to make quality mental health “Our booking process is very seamless
and school routines, and not seeing friends care affordable and accessible. and hassle-free. You simply need to select
due to lockdowns and social distancing. the service, therapist, date and time of your
“We aim to make that journey to better choice. You then complete a short intake
Depressive symptoms, however, had mental health easier and more convenient, form and pay online.
different causes depending on gender. For knowing personally how hard it was to take
girls, these were linked to increased use of the first step.” “You will then immediately receive an
social networks and lack of contact with email confirmation with the meeting link
family. For boys, they were mainly due to Why base it entirely online? for your session.
increased time spent playing online video “By operating online, we are able to save on
games and reduced sleep. rent, bills and other overhead costs. We are “Our Care Team is always ready to assist
then able to transfer the cost savings to the and answer any questions clients may have,
Overall, girls appeared to be more likely client and keep our fees affordable. to ensure a smooth journey.”
than boys to perceive that the pandemic What are the checks and balances in
negatively affected their overall day-to-day “Being online also has the added place?
lives. advantage of being accessible to those “In the therapy intake form, we request for
outside of Klang Valley. Most information such as current address, phone
In their findings, the researchers number and emergency contacts. We also
suggest establishing a regular routine, and psychological centres are located in require the client to complete a short
telephone interactions to maintain social Klang Valley, making it hard for those [in screening form for risk.
connections in response to the distance rural areas] to access quality mental
imposed by the pandemic. They also urge “Throughout all sessions, our mental
the entire medical and academic health care. health professionals are assessing for risk
community to pay particular attention to “It is also more convenient for and in the event of imminent risk, we will
depressive symptoms, especially in girls. – inform the emergency contacts
ETX Studoio those who have transportation immediately to ensure the safety of the
problems and tight schedules, as client.
they no longer need to travel to
“We also ensure that our mental health
centres for therapy.” professionals are registered with their
respective professional bodies, such as the
What has been the reception Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychologists
to Aloe Mind? and Lembaga Kaunselor.”
“Reception so far has been What is the long-term vision for Aloe
overwhelming. Despite being Mind?
in operations for short period of “Our vision is to deliver effective mental
health care and support seamlessly, and at
time, we have positively affordable rates to the people of Southeast
impacted thousands of Asia, starting with Malaysia.”
lives, where many of them What is your message to those who are
feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
“Our key message to those who may be
feeling overwhelmed or stressed is that
you’re not alone and you don’t have to
struggle alone.

“Speak to your loved ones and don’t
bottle up your feelings. Do seek professional
help if the stress is affecting your daily life
significantly.”

Body neutrality and the art of self-acceptance
ADS relating to weight loss, dieting comfortable, without thinking same goes for nutrition – the goal
testimonials or using language or about our physical appearance. It’s being wellness rather than weight Body neutrality encourages people to be aware of their body’s achievements
imagery that idealises or denigrates about finding a balance, a middle loss. In fact, this movement is all rather than its appearance.
certain body types are now banned ground between self-love and body- about health, both physical and
on Pinterest. To explain its policy, hatred. mental.
the photo-sharing platform talks
about the notion of body neutrality. Above all, body neutrality is On social media, the movement
But what exactly is this concept? meant to be kind and counts some 160,000 posts on the
compassionate. With this trend, Instagram platform. The trend also
This time of year inevitably thinking about yourself does not provides a space for women to talk
brings talk of the “summer body”, an mean thinking about your physical about their bodies and openly show
ideal promoting certain beauty appearance, but rather about your their supposed “flaws”.
norms and an idealised aesthetic. At achievements and the search for
the same time, the body neutrality well-being. We should be grateful This trend is gaining ground over
movement is gaining in visibility. for what our body allows us to do the body positivity trend, which
This concept advocates self- irrespective of its appearance. Our involves loving your body, no matter
acceptance. It’s about accepting bodies allow us to move, to exercise, what it looks like. That means loving
yourself, feeling good about to enjoy the presence of our loved your curves, your defects, your
yourself, but without necessarily ones, to travel the world, etc. cellulite, your stretch marks or your
loving your body or being obsessed love handles. Highly present on
with your physique. To achieve that, Far from the diktats of “body social media, this movement has
we should focus on things that feel transformation”, sport and fitness also been strongly criticised for
good and which allow us to feel activities are seen as a way to its lack of inclusiveness. – ETX
preserve health and feel good. The Studio

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

█ BY ANTONIA CHIAM A sample of
tarot cards
THE tale of ‘Puteri Santubong inspired by
and Puteri Sejinjang’ is well- folktales from
known throughout Sarawak, the mainland
narrating a love triangle Southeast
between two heavenly princesses Asian
who were sisters and a mortal countries.
prince.
It relates how jealousy and
sadness caused by unrequited love
could have serious consequences
and might inflict more sorrow to the
people around oneself.
What Sarawakians may not know
is that such tragic tale has inspired a
card in an all-new tarot deck
produced exclusively by Southeast
Asian artists and tarot professionals.
Traditionally used as a
‘cartomancy’ tool, tarot provides
clues to one’s future path based on
present conditions and sometimes, it
offers guidance or solutions based
on intuition.
Today, it is more than just that,
and the Southeast Asian Myths and
Stories (SEAMS) Tarot project aims
to prove what tarot could be on a
wider spectrum.
The collaborative project features
a diverse membership of artists from
all across Southeast Asia, and the
myths and stories that the people in
the region share.

Retelling regionalUnitingtarotcommunities
In an exclusive interview, overall
project coordinator and Singaporean
tarot reader Rowen Ong told The
Borneo Post about how the tale of
Puteri Santubong and Puteri

folktales through tarotSejinjang was chosen as one of the
stories representing Malaysia.
According to him, the ‘Suit of
Swords’ in tarot is a collection of 14
cards associated with challenges and o SEAMS project aims to amalgamate Southeast Asia’s rich folk
logic.
“In the traditional tarot, the narratives into one cohesive deck
‘Three of Swords’ is a card of
heartbreak, harming people who are
closest to you. people. After so many years of Ong, who is also Singapore Tarot
“A fight between two sisters over colonial rule and even in and Cartomancy Association
the love of a guy is heartbreak on so independence, these stories are still chairman, said there were also eight
many levels,” said Ong. taught to children and to the younger other cards based on Malaysian
He said the SEAMS project kicked people. myths and stories.
off in January this year following a “We choose to reimagine these “They are the ‘Lovers’ (Ulek
discussion that he had with famous stories as part of the tarot project. It Mayang); ‘Justice’ (Makam Mahsuri);
tarot artist Lynyrd-Jym Marquez is a collection of stories that can ‘Three of Cups’ (Telaga Tujuh
Narciso from the Philippines educate, as well as show tarot in a Waterfalls); ‘Five of Cups’ (Mount
regarding what could be done to different light. Kinabalu); ‘Seven of Cups’ (Puteri
unite the various tarot communities “We chose the acronym SEAMS Gunung Ledang); ‘Five of Swords’
in the region. because it is so very relevant to what (Hang Tuah and His Fight with Hang
“Pre-colonial myths and stories of we are doing in the project – we are Jebat); and ‘Six of Swords’ (Princess
Southeast Asia are always on the ‘seaming together’ the various Hang Li Po Meeting The Sultan of
minds of the tapestries of our rich folk narratives Melaka).
into a cohesive whole; a tarot deck,” “The artists involved are Tee Eng
he said, adding that Narciso would
serve as the overall art director for
the project.

The artwork for the ‘Three of Swords’
card is inspired by the Sarawakian tale
of ‘Puteri Santubong and Puteri
Sejinjang’.

Ong holds Lim, Zee Tan, Justin Saw, Eugene The ‘Happy Squirrel’ card, with its cute
the Leong and Han Hung Siew,” he artwork, is actually based on the more
prototype added. macabre Borneo legend, the ‘Vampire
of the Squirrel’.
SEAMS Ong also revealed that initially a
tarot deck. Sarawakian artist and tarot
enthusiast was supposed to design
the ‘Puteri Santubong-Puteri
Sejinjang’ card.

“Due to unforeseen
circumstances, he was not on the
team.”

Involvement of many talents card was inspired by yet another
There are 80 cards in total, with a Borneo legend, the ‘Vampire
companion guidebook. The deck Squirrel’, and was designed by
consists of the standard 78 cards of Filipino artist Pepot Atienza.
the tarot, namely the 22 ‘Major
Arcana’ cards and the 56 ‘Minor “It is a legendary squirrel that
Arcana’ cards. lives in the jungles of Borneo, and is
so fierce that its prey includes deer.
Also included are a cover card and Its teeth are like saws, and it can
a very special ‘Happy Squirrel’ card – consume the blood and organs of its
the latter is a ‘wild card’ found only victims.
in some tarot decks.
“Our representation of the
Ong said the ‘Happy Squirrel’ ‘Vampire Squirrel’ is cute, even

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

Some of the Artist Justin Saw
artworks are shows his
based on artwork of the
‘Nusantara’ ‘Mount
(Malay Kinabalu’
Archipelago) legend for the
legends. ‘Five of Cups’
card.

(left) Narciso Colin, Meg and their daughters.
is SEAMS
tarot project’s Malaysian gets to live
art director. anywhere on Airbnb

Singaporean TWELVE inspiring individuals innovations to better
cosplay have been selected from over accommodate nomadic living.
photographer 314,000 applicants from around
Larry Lee the world to live anywhere on This will be the second trip-
holds up an Airbnb for approximately one of-a-lifetime for Colin and Meg.
artwork year – including Malaysian Back in 2017, they had travelled
inspired by a Colin Mukri, a self-employed with their elder daughter to
Bruneian designer, filmmaker and Iceland, Italy, Egypt, Kenya,
legend. songwriter from Tawau, Sabah. Malaysia and Thailand, and
discovered how it offered a
though it has just killed a deer. have decided to have professional cards of the SEAMS Tarot deck, Colin isn’t a stranger to the unique experience unlike any
“It wears an ornate mask of a high cosplay photoshoots for some of the which would eventually be exhibited nomadic lifestyle, and as a other.
cards, as well as events and in Vietnam and other countries in creative freelancer he
priest and in its hands is a ‘wayang competitions,” he said. the region. constantly draws inspiration Reminiscing about the trip,
kulit’ (shadow puppet) that depicts a from the people and cultures Colin shared, “That was the first
devil. On the ‘Kickstarter’ campaign, “We also want to promote the around him for his work. He’s time we travelled with Airbnb
Ong said the main proceeds from it view that tarot could be used in now gearing up to make the and in some cities, it felt like the
“It’s added to the deck for fun,” he and also from the sales of the deck many ways other than as a fortune- most of his coming year-long best option because it pulls the
said. would be used to fund the inaugural telling tool. experience with his wife Meg curtain back to what life is really
‘Southeast Asian Tarot Conference’, and their two daughters, to soak like while being affordable and
A total of 35 artists have set to be held in Singapore next “For instance – in this case, it in all that the world has to offer. exciting. The personal touch of
contributed to the project, including year. could retell the well-known tales That includes returning home the amazing hosts we met gave
big names like Narciso himself, Dr from various Southeast Asian to spend precious time with us a sense of home away from
Ngo Ho Anh Khoi who is the founder He said the main goal of the nations, just like an educational tool. family and relatives in Malaysia, home. I recall arriving in Venice
and curator of the Museum of Tarot conference would be to promote the after moving to South Carolina at midnight and our Airbnb
in Vietnam, and tarot master Pak interactions among the various “It could also be a template for when he was 19. host was waiting for us at the
Suhendri of Indonesia. nations and also to showcase the cosplayers to imagine themselves docks to walk us home.”
development of tarot in the region. differently, or even as a tool for “Ever since I began to work
For the record, this project is scriptwriting and advanced story- fully remotely, the thought of While their plans for the year
officially endorsed by the Museum of The conference would also have telling,” added Ong. – The Borneo working from anywhere with include travelling around
Tarot in Vietnam – the first of its kind an art exhibition featuring all the Post Meg and the kids was Europe and New Zealand, Colin
in this region dedicated to the constantly a daydream. We is most excited for the chance
research and studies of tarot. decided to put money aside for them to spend time with
each month to be able to afford family in Tawau over Chinese
There are also several other team living somewhere else for a New Year. In Malaysia, they are
members who have provided their month each year. So when I also planning to make a quick
professional support and expertise in discovered the Live Anywhere trip to Kapalai or the
other fields to make the project a on Airbnb programme, I Kundasang region. True to the
reality. couldn’t believe it existed! Malaysian spirit, food-related
Beyond fortune-telling Being able to experience the adventures are specifically on
The ‘Kickstarter’ crowdfunding beauty of the world together as their radar.
campaign for SEAMS Tarot was a family – that drew me in right
officially launched on May 25, which away,” shared Colin. Colin added, “Living across
happened to be ‘World Tarot Day’. the world, it’s important to my
The young family of four wife and I that our kids are able
Ong described seeing the project joins 11 other participants from to spend time with family over
come to fulfilment as ‘a very good all over the world, including the holidays. Being a Sabahan
feeling’. Singapore, Argentina, Canada, we’re spoiled with the
UK, France, United States, abundance of natural beauty. I
“It is also a goal to promote Russia, and South Africa, who have lots of fond memories of
cooperation between the various share an adventurous spirit and family vacations in the towns
nations under Asean, as well as to the desire to help shape the surrounding Mount Kinabalu
show the world that arts and tarot future of flexible living. so a road trip around Sabah
can unite people. Throughout the year, they would be high on the list. Not to
will share their insights with mention the amazing food all
“In order to appeal to the younger Airbnb to help shape the future along the way! My mum grew
audiences, the myths and stories of long-term stays on the up in Tanjung Bunga and we
have been reimagined with a platform, and inform future spent a lot of time there as well,
different art style. In addition, we product upgrades and so Penang is another top
contender for us.”

ENTERTAINMENT

6 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

ARETHA FRANKLIN decided Jennifer Queen of Soul Hudson in
Hudson was the natural woman to Respect.
play her in musical biopic Respect, o Jennifer Hudson shoulders Aretha gospel choirs, and has credited her faith with
personally hand-picking the singer- Franklin’s demons in biopic Respect helping her get through tragedy.
actress a few years before her death in 2018. “Because too often people forget icons and
11 different wigs – including Franklin’s legends are human beings too and they have a
The late “Queen of Soul” shared not just a signature beehive look. life.” – ETX Studio
phenomenal vocal ability with the Dreamgirls
star, but also a deep vein of personal tragedy. ‘Translate her pain’ out there and still lift everyone else up ... think
The movie spans two decades of Franklin’s life, about the pain she was going through in that
As the movie shows, Franklin’s childhood beginning with her childhood and then moment,” said Hudson.
was shattered at just nine years old by her chronicling the years spent working on her first
mother’s death, and her own pregnancy at the nine albums, each of which failed to land a “I think of moments like that,” added
age of 12. She later battled a controlling father, a single hit. Hudson, who – like Franklin – began singing in
violent husband and alcohol addiction.
Franklin was dropped by Columbia Records
Hudson, who rose to fame on American Idol before finding her gospel-inflected voice
and won an Oscar at age 25, dealt with her own through sessions at a remote Alabama
horrors when her mother, brother and nephew recording studio during which she drew on her
were murdered by her sister’s estranged own dark past.
husband in 2008.
“I think it was her ability to translate her pain
“I needed to be in a certain place, and to for an audience of millions,” the film’s
have gone through what I’ve experienced in life, screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson told AFP at its
to be able to portray her,” Hudson told a Los Los Angeles premiere.
Angeles screening ahead of the film’s release
recently. “She was able to take her own personal pain
and sing all types of songs about it – songs of
“At least at this point that’s how I feel.” empowerment, sexy-romantic songs. She was
Hudson’s own tragedy had not yet struck always able to live her life through her music.”
when she first nervously met with her idol
Franklin to discuss the nascent film project The movie also covers Franklin’s long
some 15 years ago. involvement with the civil rights movement,
Eight years would pass before Franklin – having grown up the daughter of an influential
having considered other contenders including Baptist minister (played by Forest Whitaker)
Halle Berry – called and told Hudson she had who counted Martin Luther King Jr among his
the part. family friends.
“To play the Queen of Soul is nothing you’re
ever going to get used to. I’m still taking it in Franklin often sang at political rallies, and
doses,” said Hudson. performed at King’s 1968 funeral – just as
The choice of Hudson has been a hit, with Hudson would ultimately perform at the diva’s
her soaring performance already tipped for own memorial.
awards recognition, even if the film itself has
drawn lukewarm early reviews. “Being in her position at a time like that –
In a departure from most musical biopics, being a Black woman, and then being as close
Hudson sang and recorded live on set Franklin’s as she was to Dr King – and then having to get
hits such as I Never Loved a Man (The Way I
Love You), (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural
Woman and of course Respect.
Hudson also learned to play piano for the
part, which involved 83 costume changes and

K-pop has generated 7.5 billion tweets in one year
WHEN it comes to social networks, K-pop setting yet another record for the most number
mania doesn’t seem to be slowing down of Tweets annually related to K-pop,” the official BTS is the most mentioned K-pop group on Twitter in 2021.
anytime soon. On Twitter, the community Twitter blog read.
continues to break records for number of tweets
year after year. In just one year, K-pop has In comparison, the record in 2020 reached
become THE number one topic of discussion 6.7 billion tweets regarding K-pop in that year.
on the application with an astounding 7.5 The K-pop fan community is so large that it far
billion tweets. exceeds the figures revealed by Twitter for the
gaming universe. With an increase of 18%
Twitter took another deep dive into the compared to the 2 billion tweets generated in
world of K-pop, looking at the period from July 2020, the topics related to video games do not
1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, and came up with some even reach half the number of tweets about
mind-blowing observations. According to the K-pop.
numbers, Korean pop music topics generated
the most posts on Twitter globally, reaching a The finding is not surprising given the force
whopping 7.5 billion tweets in 12 months: “K- of the global K-pop community. Last January, K-
pop continues to dominate the conversation on pop fans mobilised to use and hijack the
Twitter globally, even during unprecedented hashtag “Impeach Biden Now”, used by Donald
times. Fans turn to Twitter to connect with their Trump supporters.
favourite K-pop artists and the #KpopTwitter
community around the world. In the past year The hashtag “KpopTwitter” was most used
between the period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, in Indonesia, dethroning the United States as
2021, there were 7.5 billion Tweets about K-pop, the leader in 2020. The group BTS still remains
the most discussed K-pop group on the
platform, ahead of Blackpink. – ETX Studio

EDUCATION

The Class of 2021 is here.

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7theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

A pianist savant
o London-based Malaysian pianist Hao Zi Yoh has been
tinkling the ivories since three and has taken her act to
international level

█ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The early years
Like most prodigies when it comes to the piano,
HAO Zi Yoh has recently come off an Hao began studying music very early in her life,
international music contest and her and even that is an understatement; she began
fingers are practically still tingling at the age of three.
with the excitement of taking part in
the prestigious Chopin competition. “I’m the youngest in the family, so my
brother and sister had already played the
Though she did not make it further than the piano,” she explained. “I was just hanging
preliminary round, Hao took the result in stride. around the piano most of the time, and I guess
my parents decided I could follow in their
“The Chopin Competition is considered a footsteps and start learning music.”
‘Musical Olympics’ in the music world because
it only happens every five years,” she explained. For her siblings, it was just a hobby, but for
Hao, it quickly became apparent that she had an
Hao noted that even making it into the acute perception of music and the piano,
preliminaries is a feat; 500 other pianists from because at the age of eight, she was convinced
all over the world were cut out. her life would become that of a performer.

“Being able to be there, it felt really great to At the age of 12, she had already performed
have that experience. Of course, I will try again at the Carnegie Hall, in the United States.
in five years and reach a higher stage,” she told
theSun. Though Hao and her older siblings were
exposed to the piano, her parents
weren’t musically inclined. A concerto performance with the Balearic Symphony Orchestra in Mallorca, Spain. – PICTURE
“My father loves music so much COURTESY OF HAO ZI YOH
but he doesn’t really recognise the
tunes, and for my mom, she has a she said, laughing. further explains that there is only one shot.
really big family that used to play “For me, it’s about four to six hours every “It’s really like sports; you prepare for many,
Chinese instruments and when
she was younger, she never really day. Mentally, if you talk about the emotional many years. Like one piece could take months
had a chance to play the piano.” side of the music, it’s something that comes to prepare, but on stage, you only have that one
Discipline and determination together with the music”. moment to bring out the best in yourself,” she
Most of Hao’s performances are said.
available on Youtube, and after The pianist then drew a parallel with how it’s The road ahead
viewing a particularly intense 26- like getting to know a person: “The longer you Due to the pandemic, wrenches have naturally
know the music, the more you know how to been thrown into her life, with most concerts
minute long performance of “Chopin’s being either postponed or outright cancelled,
Sonata No. 3 in B minor”, she was asked interpret the emotions inside”. while masterclasses have mostly gone online.
about what goes into preparing herself Because of the nature of
mentally and physically for any grueling “I think as a pianist, on the performance-
performance. music performances, Hao side, it’s not easy being a performer during these
“Talking about the physical During and after Covid times because most performances have
practice, we need to do it each time she been cancelled or postponed. Even now in
every day, like sports,” performs, Hao London, it’s starting to return but it will take
strives to do time.
better. – PICTURE
BY DAREK “I also try to go back every year, depending
GOLIK/NIFC on the travel situation of course,” Hao said.

“Every time I go back, I try to do
masterclasses for young pianists. It’s quite
interesting to share the experience of learning
the piano, and people might want to know how
to study abroad or what can be done as a pianist
in the long run.”

In an interview four years ago, Hao claimed
that her future plans were to base herself in the
UK, and to perform and teach all over the world.

Now that she has seemingly achieved her
plans, Hao was asked about what is next.

“I still wish to perform all over the world,” she
said, laughing nervously at the question.

“At this time, it’s really hard. I’m definitely
hoping to help the Malaysian music scene a bit
more, and hopefully perform more in Malaysia
as well.”

Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran join global climate, vaccine concerts
COLDPLAY, Billie Eilish and Ed weeks. wants one billion trees planted, one
Sheeran are among the stars “Across six continents, artists will billion vaccines delivered to the
announced recently for a day of poorest countries and meals for
concerts across multiple cities on help rally citizens in demanding that the 41 million on the brink of
Sept 25 to raise awareness about governments, major corporations, famine.
climate change, poverty and vaccine and philanthropists work together to WHO director-general
distribution. defend the planet and defeat Tedros Ghebreyesus lent his
poverty,” NGO Global Citizen said in support to the campaign,
New York, Paris and Lagos are the a statement. saying in a statement: “We now
first cities to be announced for Global face a two-track pandemic of
Citizen Live, which will run for 24 It said it was focusing “on the most haves and have-nots. Over 75%
hours and be screened around the urgent, interrelated threats hitting of the more than 4 billion doses
world via TV stations and social those in poverty the hardest – climate administered to date have Sheeran.
media. change, vaccine equity, and famine”.
occurred in just 10 countries.
Joining Eilish and Coldplay in A slew of other artists – including “We cannot disregard
New York’s Central Park are Jennifer BTS, Lorde, Metallica and The this gross inequity or
Lopez, Camila Cabello, Shawn Weeknd – are also lending their star become Eilish.
Mendes and Burna Boy, among power, either through live or filmed
others. performances. complacent.” –
ETX Studio
Sheeran headlines the French gig, The event is designed to coincide
with Doja Cat, HER and Black Eyed with the UN General Assembly in
Peas supporting, while Fema Kuti will September, and push for action
top the bill in Nigeria. at the G20 the following month and
COP26 climate meeting in
More locations and artists are due November.
to be announced in the coming
Global Citizen said it urgently

BEAUTY Obsessed
with hair
8 theSun LYFE ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
o Self-pampering goes to the head with soothing haircare
Now for for stay-home days
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9theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
SPEAK UP

Extending the economic emergency

COMMENT providing job opportunities precisely because it since the first half this year, with up to RM1.6 with the alternative currency would enhance
by Jason Loh isn’t tied to the investment decisions of the billion in value. the credit rating and profile of the SME which
private sector. According to the Malaysian Furniture can better facilitate their applications for loans
EVEN though the Emergency hasn’t To be sure, JG effectively responds to Council, a manufacturer had RM2 million (i.e., from commercial banks).
been extended, the country is still in a situations in the job market in the short to worth of orders cancelled in June.
state of economic emergency, with the medium term but ends up shaping the latter in Our furniture industry is, of course, a major Otherwise, participating SME could just
epidemic – as requiring public health the long run with continuous employment, exporter (top 10 in the world and 80% of commit exclusively to either pledging their
emergency measures – continuing to ravage the training, and the wage levels (which in effect products are geared for international markets). assets to SME Bank in exchange for the
country, with 21,668 cases reported on Aug 12 serves as the government’s minimum wage The government could guarantee to order notes/bills as a form of collateralised loan
representing the highest so far. and, hence, an anchor wage that’s non- and purchase furniture in bulk from (which under company law can either be “fixed
inflationary). participating vendors (e.g., charges” such as land or “floating charges” such
There’s a need for policy responses to the Here, we would like to furniture manufacturers). as machinery) or otherwise as an unsecured
economic front to correspond more closely to highlight the role and Experts have Only funds by the debenture/loan.
the public health front in terms of urgency and function of the government in (rightly) urged
stringency. times of crisis as buyer (and even greater government are exchanged. Notes/bills received by one SME as seller
seller) of the last resort, i.e., in caution in view of The furniture (goods) from the other as buyer can then be redeemed
Perhaps this is something the National the form of an from the SME Bank in ringgit (since they are
Recovery Council could consider. “order/purchase guarantee” ordered remain physically meant to be a temporary measure).
programme. with the vendor acting, in
As it is, with our overall vaccination rate at effect, as the entire supply- As for the government as lender of last
50% (both one and two doses) and 30% fully What this means is that chain (warehouse, logistics, resort, it could assume the non-performing
vaccinated currently as per the Special the continuingthe government guarantees delivery point) in relation to loans (NPLs) of SMEs and transform these into
Committee for Ensuring Access to Covid-19 the end-buyer (government). soft loans with 0% interest rate but over a longer
Vaccine Supply, the National Recovery Plan is to order and purchase goods When the SOP are eased repayment period plus collateral.
being implemented accordingly. surge in casesand services from the private allowing for resumption of
operations, then the What the government could now do (as in
The government is proceeding very sector. government can sell back medium to long term) is to establish a special
gradually and progressively in the reopening and mountingIn terms of the (guaranteed seller basis) the purpose vehicle (SPV) to take over bad loans of
and easing of restrictions (standard operating goods previously ordered to SME (including in the tourism industry). This
procedures or SOP) for those fully vaccinated government being buyer of the vendor at a discount (e.g., tactic might become essential in the situation
with effect from Aug 10 as announced by the death toll setlast resort, the government after the loan moratorium is lifted.
prime minister. a reduction of 30% of the
could purchase directly from original price). The government would assume the loans
Experts have (rightly) urged even greater the private sector, especially against the from the banks and turn these into soft loans –
caution in view of the continuing surge in cases our small- and medium-sized background of The goods which either interest-free or at 0.25% interest per year
and mounting death toll set against the enterprises (SME) many of the highly remained with the vendor (but over a longer repayment period).
background of the highly transmissible which are still unable to transmissible can then be exported
airborne Delta variant. operate at approximately 80% airborne Delta overseas as according to their The SPV – following Danaharta – could issue
of the total. variant pre-epidemic contracts, for triple-A zero-rated coupon bonds to
As such, this calls for industries, sectors and example. institutional investors such as EPF, Khazanah,
businesses that are still unable to operate due to This can be done by pension funds and insurance companies to be
being categorised as “non-essential”, or are implementing a special For the rest of the supply later exchanged for the NPL from the
allowed to but sales have dropped drastically procurement scheme that in chain (i.e., in relation to the participating banks.
due to the restrictions of the movement control turn could be tiered manufacturer) and in the
order, to be given unprecedented assistance by accordingly, segmented into medium term also, the Otherwise, the SME could borrow from the
the government. different categories of goods government could instruct government via the SPV to pay off (one-time)
and services (based on the SME Bank to issue (physical the banks concerned (again either interest-free
In a previous EMIR Research article, level of critical priorities). or at 0.25% interest and over a longer servicing
“Graduate unemployment (and under- This will ensure: or electronic/digital) period).
employment) – part of our structural growth a) additional income for “notes/bills”.
challenge”, we called for a “Job Guarantee” (JG) participating SME in the essential sectors; and These notes/bills would serve as “alternative Either way, loans from the SPV will be
programme whereby the government creates b) income for SME in the non-essential currency”, albeit artificial and parallel, and collateralised by default, unless otherwise
jobs to exactly match the supply (of labour). sectors which could switch to supplying therefore, serves as an effective medium of agreed.
essential goods. exchange and barter-like transactions.
Hence, JG – with the government as It’ll also help to keep the overall supply chain They will directly circulate within the supply The policy proposals – as part of the
employer of last resort – is not a jobs creation going by re-diverting the “end-user”, i.e., the chain, e.g., between supplier of timber, metal economic emergency – presented (and re-
policy which seeks to help create jobs for and in buyer to the government for a certain period. parts and glass accessories to the furniture presented again from EMIR Research’s Exit
the private sector (i.e., limited to the latter’s The method of payment would be by way of manufacturer – again on the basis of an “order Strategy Plan for Malaysia, among others) are
investment decisions). the government issuing bills which can be sold book”. unprecedented but needed to ease the flow of
by SME to invoice factoring agencies (of the The alternative currency would also help macroeconomic (fiscal, monetary) and
Under JanaKerja (Employment Generation government) or the SME Bank for quicker facilitate continuous flow of transactions in the microeconomic circuits (business) in the
Guarantee Scheme), the government – through turnaround of payment time. medium term (i.e., when the SOP are eased) economy and allow more space for the debt
the National Employment Council – had Since not all SME will be able to participate in even where demand is slow to pick up (e.g., due level and deficit flow to be diverted towards
announced that it aims to create 500,000 job the government’s special procurement to build-up of inventory, sluggish orders from other areas, e.g., healthcare spending and the
opportunities for youths. programme, it could introduce another scheme customers). JG.
for industries in the form of an “order book” (i.e., It can be used for full or partial payment. A
Under the Malaysia Digital Economy on paper only) but with advanced full payment. sale could be made 50% in ringgit and 50% in Jason Loh Seong Wei is Head of Social, Law
Blueprint, creating 500,000 jobs for Malaysians For example, the furniture industry had the bill/note or 100% in the bill/note. and Human Rights at EMIR Research, an
is targeted by 2025 in collaboration with the suffered tremendous losses and potential sales In turn, the “order book” practice combined
private sector. independent think tank focussed on strategic
policy recommendations based on rigorous
JG is different in that it goes beyond research. Comments:
[email protected]

Open up whole country, shut down infected places

COMMENT byYSChan And the high number of daily cases was based people and businesses must also be held Instead, the authorities should only focus on
only on those reported. Greater Klang Valley accountable. where infections are detected and shut down
IN the first two weeks of August, the number of Special Task Force commander Datuk Dr Chong affected buildings, factories or neighbourhoods.
Covid-19 cases recorded nationwide was 271,081 Chee Kheong estimated that Malaysia is likely to Although dine-ins for food and beverage
and averaged 19,363 per day. If this rate have four times more Covid-19 cases than are outlets were recently allowed with conditions in Likewise, those who have recovered from
continues for the rest of the month, total number being officially reported due to limited testing. states under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Covid-19 should not be allowed to travel freely
for August would be 600,253. Plan (NRP), many operators are not keen to do so within the country for a certain period, not that
Taking this into account and if the entire due the current high rate of infection and they they could spread the coronavirus but more of a
In comparison, accumulative cases for the 17 population could be tested within the month of may be forced to shut down totally if there is a deterrent so that people would be more careful,
months from January 2020 to May this year was August, the total number of Covid-19 cases could case. lest they lose the freedom to travel locally.
only 572,357 or 1,107 per day, which was 17.5 even exceed 2.4 million for the month.
times less. But many other businesses that were not This is because many people have read or
That would make one out of every 10 persons given the opportunity to operate have been been told that 98% of new Covid-19 cases were in
After the movement control order (MCO) was in the country Covid-19 positive this month or making repeated calls to the government to allow Category 1 and 2, and have become indifferent.
introduced on March 18 last year, the country earlier. them to restart operations, and they include But those in Categories 3 to 5 require
went through various stages of MCO. theme parks and cinema operators. hospitalisation and 2% of 600,000 in one month
Classifying activities as essential or otherwise is 12,000 patients and there are simply not
On May 28 this year, the Prime Minister’s and locking down entire non-essential industries While not all are fully ready, those who have enough beds in our hospitals.
Office released an official statement announcing have caused untold miseries while not yielding adequate safety and security measures in place
the implementation of Phase 1 FMCO (Full the desired results. should be allowed as they could promptly With accumulated cases reaching 1,404,899
MCO, also known as a “total lockdown”) execute appropriate action in case of any lapse. yesterday, there have been 12,510 deaths and
nationwide for a period of 14 days from June 1, It has also disrupted the supply chain, forcing many of those who survived are only half the
which has been extended until today for most global markets to source their goods from This could easily be verified by examining man or woman they were before.
regions. elsewhere instead of Malaysia. their contingency plans for handling
emergencies. Adding to the toll are millions that suffered
But Covid-19 infections continued to rise It would be better to open up the whole reduced income or lost their livelihood
unabated, reaching 179,622 cases in June, country and shut down factories, facilities and Ever since the MCO was introduced 17 completely.
soaring up to 361,293 in July and rocketing in commercial activities where infections and months ago, countless number of businesses
August. clusters are found, just like the enhanced MCO have been closed resulting in millions of people Drastic changes are needed before our
(EMCO) imposed on affected neighbourhoods, losing their livelihood. country, now already in disrepair, sinks further
Ironically, while much of the country, apartment complexes or specific places. into a bottomless pit.
economy and education were under lockdown, Many businesses are in suspended animation
Covid-19 had a field day and spiralled out of Apart from being suspended for a period, or operating at a loss hoping for better days, but It does not take a genius to understand that
control. businesses should also be fined stiffly to ensure most could not survive any longer. doing the same thing repeatedly but expecting
they take all necessary precautions to prevent an different results is insanity.
outbreak of Covid-19 within their premises. However, the country could still be transformed
overnight if the various movement controls, which Comments: [email protected]
Apart from relying on civic-consciousness, had proven to be ineffective, are discarded.

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ MONDAY
AUGUST 16, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
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% RM m RM m RM m

42.9 Institutions 868.5 930.8 -62.3

40.0 Retail 855.0 824.0 31.0

17.1 Foreign 374.2 342.9 31.3 17.31 126.20 8.44 37.87 237.83 37.09
STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI
100.0 2097.7 2097.7 0.0 3.14 3,165.49 3,516.30 27,977.15 16,982.11 3,171.29 40.74
KLCI 26,391.62 S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,505.11
Source: Bursa Malaysia 7,628.92

KL MARKET SUMMARY Can BNM’s revised forecast
August 13, 2021

INDICES 11,015.02 CHANGE +7.52 withstand Covid headwinds?
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,505.11 +3.14
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 590.96 +2.07
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 189.02 +0.22
CONSTRUCTION 156.63 -0.90
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,783.10 +11.77
ENERGY 720.89 +3.04 oSharp reduction in are in line with expectations of the downside risk from the extended lockdown
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 679.39 -1.63 2021 growth estimate strengthening global economy and the measures and possibility of a worsening
HEALTH CARE 2,754.58 +1.96 logical given the accompanying favourable prospects for Covid-19 situation, mainly due to the spread
TRANSPORTATION 846.38 -1.42 prolonged pandemic Malaysia’s exports.” of the highly transmissible Delta variant.
PROPERTY 685.38 -2.58 and impact: Economist
PLANTATION 6,213.41 +91.88 In regard to the current political turmoil It noted that the Q2’21 performance has
FBMSHA 12,091.21 +4.26 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI affecting Malaysia due to Prime Minister Tan pushed the first-half growth figure up to 7.8%
FBMACE 7,139.78 -5.25 [email protected] Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s lack of parliamentary year-on-year, higher than its estimate of
TECHNOLOGY 90.13 -0.58 PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia’s support, Yeah remarked that political 7.1%.
TURNOVER (BNM) revised growth projection of 3-4% for stability is necessary but there are not
3.560 BIL VALUE the full year of 2021, against an earlier sufficient conditions for the country to “Although this could push GDP growth
RM2.097 BIL estimate of 6-7.5%, shows that the Covid-19 realise better post-pandemic rebuilding for the year higher, but we view the
pandemic threat continues to loom large opportunities and higher growth trajectory. prolonged lockdown increases the risk for
5 MOST ACTIVES over the country’s economy. Q3’21 growth to return back to negative
August 13, 2021 With a 16.1% growth reported in the growth as tighter restrictions mainly
Sunway University Business School second quarter, he sees the strong constrain domestic consumption and
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) professor of economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng contribution from the external sector as a business activities going deeper into Q3’21.”
SERBADK 173,712,200 43.5 +1.5 sees the sharp downward revision by the positive note. However, the lack of
DNEX 161,314,000 78.5 -3.0 central bank as a logical move given the improvement in domestic consumption and Nonetheless, MIDF is optimistic over the
KNM 153,263,800 21.0 +1.0 continuing severity of the pandemic investment has failed to lift the quarter’s encouraging progress in the National
KOMARK 81,622,200 14.5 -1.5 situation and prolonged restrictions on gross domestic product (GDP) figure above Vaccination Programme which will help to
YB-LR 81,563,700 0.5 -0.5 social and economic activities. the pre-pandemic levels despite the relieve pressure on the national healthcare
emergence from recession. system and increase the likelihood of
5 TOP GAINERS “These headwinds to a full-fledged achieving herd immunity by the fourth
August 13, 2021 recovery are being compounded by OCBC Treasury Research said the quarter of this year.
heightened political uncertainties which are slashing of the growth outlook may be a
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM having a dampening effect on consumer and prelude to a potential cut in the policy rate It pointed out that many states have
KLK 511,000 20.18 1.04 business confidence,” he told SunBiz. when BNM meets next on Sept 9. already transitioned into the next phases of
GENETEC 545,300 27.26 0.76 the National Recovery Plan, and the gradual
SAM 1,081,900 14.30 0.38 “The subdued recovery expected this “Even as it pointed out a gradual recovery relaxation of restrictions on businesses and
AIM 7,837,500 0.61 0.30 year could worsen due to the convergence of to come in Q4 and growth acceleration into fully vaccinated individuals will result in
F&N 76,400 26.28 0.28 these destabilising forces but hopes of next year, the bodily blows that the economy improving economic activities in the latter
normalisation and stronger growth next year is suffering through now, as reflected in the part of the year.
5 TOP LOSERS new downbeat forecast, necessitates a
August 13, 2021 response in the form of easing.” The research house believes the easing
and potential increase in pent-up demand
Overall, even with the rebound in will provide support for a continuing
second-quarter GDP, OCBC’s full-year GDP economic recovery from the fourth quarter
growth forecast now stands at 3.6% year-on- and into 2022. “While we expect external
year, compared with 4.0% before. demand will continue to support growth, the
recent spike in Covid-19 cases in other parts
Despite the revision in projection by the of the world could influence trade outlook at
central bank, MIDF Research opted to stick least in the near term.”
with its growth of forecast of 4.6% but with

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Groups welcome reopening of 11 sectors but
ANN JOO-CU 72,900 0.07 0.21 urge govt to allow all businesses to operate
CARLSBG 30,800 21.28 0.18
BIPORT 17,200 4.18 0.17
KOBAY 5,373,400 4.89 0.16
AEONCR 23,200 11.70 0.14

EXCHANGE RATES AUGUST 13, 2021 PETALING JAYA: While trade groups and enforcement personnel, Samenta Central and SMEs as well as those self-employed, who
associations welcome the government’s chairman Datuk William Ng said. have been struggling hard for survival under
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy announcement on the resumption of 11 the prolonged pandemic impact and “open-
economic sectors’ operations under Phases Third, given the varied SOPs, it urged the shut” restricted containment measures.
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD 1 and 2 of the National Recovery Plan government to immediately direct all
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2970 4.1720 4.1620 effective today with conditions, they are enforcement agencies to adopt a “On this note, NCCIM hopes that
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1720 3.0460 3.0300 urging the government to allow all consultative approach to enforcing them, businesses comply strictly with the SOPs,
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1630 3.0720 3.0640 businesses to operate. especially in the first one week of the new and with the facilitation of regulators to
1 EURO 3.4300 3.3380 3.3260 guidelines. Businesses should not be fined ensure a smooth full reopening of the
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0510 4.8880 4.8680 The Small and Medium Enterprises immediately for inadvertent lapses and economy. NCCIM urges all Malaysians and
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0200 2.9100 2.8940 Association (Samenta) yesterday called on minor oversights that are not a clear danger businesses to not let down their guard and
1 STERLING POUND 3.1630 3.0720 3.0640 the government to reconsider the current to employees, customers or visitors. continue to maintain a high level of SOPs,
1 SWISS FRANC 5.9440 5.7570 5.7370 guidelines to make them more consistent including social distancing, to keep our
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6410 4.5360 4.5210 and reflective of operational reality. Fourth, it once again urged the business community and workplace safe.”
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 118.3900 112.2700 112.0700 government to have a single agency or point
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.1860 4.8200 4.6200 First, it repeated its call to do away with of contact to coordinate the issuance of The Federation of Malaysian
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 66.4000 64.3000 the distinction between essential and non- permits and operating approval letters, Manufacturers (FMM) called for clarity and
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.8200 53.0500 N/A essential businesses, and for reopening instead of requiring businesses to go to their consistency in the interpretation of the rules
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.8800 5.5200 52.8500 decisions to be based strictly on capacity, respective “governing ministries”. of operations by enforcement agencies at
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0309 0.0280 5.3200 ability to implement and enforce social federal and state levels.
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8960 3.7750 0.0230 distancing and safe operational guidelines National Chamber of Commerce and
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.5000 and vaccination status of employees, Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) president “Industry will continue to be reminded to
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.6700 N/A 3.7650 customers and visitors. Datuk Low Kian Chuan again requested the ensure strict adherence to the Covid-19 SOP
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.6500 2.4900 N/A government to allow all businesses and to enhance preventive measures
100 SAUDI RIYAL 119.3700 8.1200 Second, it urged the government to refine (regardless of essential and non-essential including testing of workers to protect the
100THAI BAHT 115.8900 113.3200 2.2900 the SOPs and reopening guidelines to reflect services) to operate, subject to strict SOPs. safety of workers at the workplace,” said
13.5500 110.0100 7.9200 a single operational parameter, instead of FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai.
12.0300 113.1200 the announced tiered approach. Despite this, he is relieved that the
109.8100 government has considered its call for FMM lauded the decision to ease the
11.6300 “We suggest to allow all sectors, including allowing the operations of non-essential restrictions, which now allow more industries
manufacturing, construction and retail, to services sectors though not all of them are including certain non-essential sectors to
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama reopen at 80% capacity when 80% of all allowed to do so. The government has also resume operations with effect from today
employees are fully vaccinated, while adopted the chamber’s proposal to allow the based on company vaccination rate. This
allowing only visitors and customers who operations of the manufacturing, eagerly awaited and welcomed measure, it
are fully vaccinated. This will serve the dual construction, mining and quarrying sectors said, will provide much-needed relief to many
purpose of reinforcing trust in the vaccine under Phases 1, 2 and 3 starting today. industries that are currently in a dire state of
and avoid a potential enforcement affairs and on the brink of collapse after
nightmare for our already stretched frontline Low said the latest relaxation is a welcome almost three months of business closure.
relief to many businesses, especially micro

11theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
* SUNBIZ

Focus on delivering value

o SunBiz gets the views and thoughts of Gain delivering business value. small ways.” quality of solutions that we were
Secure Sdn Bhd executive director Walter Wong We all know about the industrial When I was saying this aloud developing then.
revolution, are we in for a
SUCCESS: important because the ability to technological revolution? Your thinking no one was near me, my Second, the Covid-19 pandemic
THE INSIGHT STORY perceive, use, understand and thoughts. friend and colleague then, Michael which started early last year did take a
manage emotions are secrets to The Fourth Industrial Revolution is Ang, walked by and quoted Gandhi: toll on my team and, as their leader, I
How has your life experience made successful client relationships. Better already upon us. As a country, “Walter, be the change you want to needed to ensure their mental health
you the leader you are today? still if these emotions are genuine. Malaysia needs to encourage our see in the world.” Combined, these is constantly taken care of.
I hail from a humble family in Kuala industries to embrace technology two pieces of advice continue to guide
Lumpur, and am blessed with I often tell my team: “Instead of wholeheartedly to gain greater me in life and business dealings. We developed a “virtual family”
parents who taught me about life’s trying to be nice to people, just be productivity and efficiencies. Most-admired Malaysian business culture whereby every single team
values from a young age. My parents genuinely nice.” Otherwise, we will be behind leader? Why? member will be there for the other,
always emphasised to me that, to be competing nations which have Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri and that team members can safely
successful in life, we should always That way, you feel good about automated their various industries. Vincent Tan Chee Yioun is a business pour their hearts out and seek help or
enjoy the journey, work hard and yourself because the emotions are How has mentorship made a leader I find most inspiring. Why? encouragement when needed.
work smart, and, most importantly, real, and so do the people you are difference in your professional life? Because he continues to inspire What man-made innovation
to place integrity and honesty above interacting with. Mentorship is important to be a countless Malaysians and people confounds you? Why?
everything else. In doing so, successful businessperson or around the world to fully realise their The personal computer. When Bill
prosperity would follow. In our line work, technical skills entrepreneur. At different levels of potential. I admire his tenacity and Gates first proclaimed the need to
are important – but secondary to entrepreneurship, you need a variety determination to get things done – no have “a PC in every home”, it was really
In other words, don’t just work or having good EQ and being genuine in of mentors for ideas, while also matter how challenging situations far-fetched at that time. Today the PC,
do business for money. Instead, my interactions. This is because sharing your expertise with them. I’m may be – and that he is not afraid to and accompanying mobile devices, is
parents said, always ask yourself what technical skills can always be taught glad to have my ex-CEO Hon Fun go beyond comfort zones to seek out now all pervasive in life and business.
“added value” can you bring to your with training. Being genuine, Ping as one of my key mentors about new industries and markets. Malaysia’s greatest brand.
employer, your clients, the however, is something deeper which life and some corporate friends who Berjaya – which encompasses much
community, and always deliver more cannot be taught on-the-fly but continue to give me feedback and Tan is a legend: When he beat all more than just the name of “success”
than what’s expected of you. which can be cultivated within a guidance. the “big boys” to bring the and has lived up to its tagline of
company’s culture. McDonald’s franchise to Malaysia in “Strength in Diversity”. The group’s
These values helped me greatly One of my other mentors, Andrew the early 1980s, it was a “wow” various operations and investments
when I entered the workforce after How do you think the industry you Cheong, is not even in the tech moment for many Malaysians. It have changed people’s lives for the
leaving university in 2005. My big are in will evolve? industry but the brewery industry, showed that Davids can beat Goliaths better: Such as bringing Borders to
break was when I joined Microsoft in I am blessed that I developed a although he does get involved in with determination, smarts and a Malaysia to inculcate a culture of
2006, where I was exposed to cutting- passion for technology from a young various corporate transformation never-say-die attitude. reading and knowledge, and Starbucks,
edge technologies. Microsoft also age and graduated with a computer initiatives. His understanding about which promotes remote work cultures
taught me to constantly think out of science degree because the business foundations and what he As mentioned earlier, one of Gain and collaboration pre-pandemic.
the box, and encouraged me to solve technology industry I am in is at the tries to impart to me have proven to Secure’s clients is 7-Eleven, a A must-read for every business
problems through technology. My heart of today’s digital economy. The be priceless throughout the years. subsidiary of Berjaya Retail. owner/manager is ...
biggest learning in Microsoft was that technology industry is set to evolve in What do you want to accomplish in Someone there once told me that A senior MNC corporate friend
some of life’s challenges – however the years and decades ahead. the next five years? Tan’s favourite saying is: “Don’t be recommended this book to me
big or small – can be solved if one Artificial intelligence, machine My goal is to list Gain Secure on the shy, no harm trying.” It’s a saying I can Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition:
were to adopt a “culture of learning, advanced analytics, stock exchange within the next three personally connect with. Because in Marketing and Selling Disruptive
innovation” within an organisation. robotics – even cryptocurrencies – are years, if not five years. Reason is that life and business, we should always Products to Mainstream Customers by
My stint there also helped me trends that I foresee would become being listed will enhance our be brave and embrace challenges Geoffrey A Moore. After I finished
appreciate the importance of more mainstream. reputation, while enabling our wholeheartedly. reading it, it totally changed my view
diversity, and to embrace different company to tap the capital market for How do you stay abreast of issues on how business lifecycle works.
work experiences and lifestyles. And that’s the thing about affecting your industry? How do you expect policies on
technology: it serves as catalyst for funds to expand our product Every morning, I make it a point to climate change to impact businesses
When I left Microsoft to establish change – and hopefully for the better. offerings, and for us to spend at least 30 minutes to read in the future?
Gain Secure Sdn Bhd in 2008, I We should always use technology to break into new about the digital economy and latest Climate change and sustainability
brought along with me the inner create a better world for our markets. technologies from both local and will continue to be high on the
values that my parents had instilled, children, and the generations to Best piece of advice international news outlets. Due to agenda for a number of countries –
enhanced by Microsoft’s “culture of come. you ever received information overload, I select the and with good reasons. I foresee a
innovation”. Hence, when my team on your career. topics I want to learn about. shift whereby consumers would start
and I speak to clients, we always What advice can you offer The first is one I got developing preferences for
come from a problem-solving those looking to start their at Microsoft: Being a Microsoft Most Valuable sustainable developed products due
perspective, and not necessarily from career/own business? “Technology can Professional for the Asia-Pacific to our inner sense of responsibility
the technology aspects. “People will not care about and should be a force region, I am also lucky to be in towards the planet. I foresee more
your failures but will for good and constant touch with people in countries and corporations taking on
For example, one of our anchor remember your success” – meaningful innovation Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters a more proactive role in years ahead.
clients is 7-Eleven. When we first met don’t be afraid to try until you can and will contribute who are generous enough to share What are the top three factors you
them, we straightaway concluded attain success. Stop ranting about to a brighter world in relevant information with me. would attribute your success to?
that our task was to make 7-Eleven’s the issues and get it over with. big and If you could have an hour with any First would be innovation and
operations more efficient, productive “Humble is the next show-off” – thought leader in the world, who creativity. Ever since I started work in
and profitable. Coming from this being humble in the industry is would it be and why? this highly vibrant industry, I always
angle, we then set out to develop the important to sustain and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, whom I knew that, to stay ahead of the
software that would further automate continue in the market view as a tech genius, and who took competition, one would need strong
their operations, ensure their supply for long term. the company further after the era of technology knowledge and expertise
chain was more effective and agile. Don’t get founder Bill Gates and former CEO so as to accelerate business growth
blinded by Steve Ballmer. through breakthrough innovations
All my achievements would not short-term What has been the biggest and creative ideas.
had been possible if not for the good success. challenge you have faced? What did
values that my parents instilled in me Instead, use you learn from it? Second, having a constant positive
from a young age, and also the it as the There are two: First was when I started outlook and being cheerful. When
corporate values that Microsoft foundation Gain Secure 13 years ago. From the challenges arise, rise above them and
taught and continue to teach me. for future corporate world, I had to learn the embrace them with a positive mindset.
What traits do you look for in your triumphs.
talent or how do you decide who is Stay entrepreneurship ropes and faced Finally, it’s about being prudent.
right for a job? strong and numerous challenges, including at, There is no need to show off and buy,
Most importantly, it is about having a “don’t at that time, cash flow as we were for example, an expensive fleet of cars
positive attitude and willingness to sweat the just starting out. We needed to when the money could be better used
learn, coupled with a good level of small stuff”. stretch our ringgit cash flow further nurturing and growing the team.
emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ is Focus to get “bang for the buck” because I
instead on never believed in compromising on

GST reimplementation in Malaysia

GOVERNMENTS across the world recommended, a broader review of replacing the Sales and Service Tax widen the SST will need careful timing is critical, and it is important
have expended significant capital in Malaysia’s tax system will be needed (SST) with GST from a tax policy consideration. that businesses are given time to
the fight against Covid-19 and will to address the fiscal imbalance perspective makes sense. There are stabilise post-pandemic before
have little choice but to expand their caused by the pandemic. All options significant challenges to widening a Reintroducing the GST will needing to implement new tax
tax base. Malaysia, which has a fairly should be on the table and single stage tax such as the SST. remove all current challenges faced systems.
narrow base to start with, will need to thoroughly evaluated, and Goods with the SST and will give the
look at the overall structure of its tax and Services Tax (GST), as you Recent attempts to widen the government a lot more scope to This article was contributed by
system in the longer term. expect, will form part of that scope have resulted in a lot of widen the tax base. That being said, Deloitte Malaysia indirect tax
discussion. unintended consequences, such as as Minister in the Prime Minister’s executive director Senthuran
As the Organisation for Economic multiple levels of tax being paid and Department (Economy) Datuk Seri
Cooperation and Development has In the medium to longer term, confusion on scope. Any decision to Mustapa Mohamed has noted, Elalingam

12 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
SUNBIZ

Interest-free loans
come under
scrutiny by IRB

Exports of pepper-based products in Q2 2021 climbed 19.24% to RM62 million from RM52 million PREVIOUSLY we had warned the on interest-free loans?
in the same period of 2020. – BERRNAMAPIX readers that the Inland Revenue There appears to be a conflict
Board’s (IRB) scrutiny on interest- between the existing
Agri commodity exports up free loans between related parties provisions within the income
65% to RM105 billion in Q2 was looming, and now it is a tax legislation. Although the
reality. The IRB is challenging transfer pricing legislation
KUALA LUMPUR: Agri commodity and country is still facing a shortage of workers interest-free loans and attempting Section 140A allows the IRB to
agri commodity product exports jumped in oil palm plantations. to impose arm’s length interest impose interest on interest-free
65% to RM105 billion in the second rates. loans, there are no provisions to
quarter of 2021 from RM64 billion in the Meanwhile, rubber products, which
same period last year, Minister of contributed 42% of total agri-commodity IRB’s position is that third parties connect such deemed interest
Plantation Industries and Commodities exports, recorded a surge of 150% to RM44 will not lend money without charging imposed by the director-general under
(MPIC) Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman billion from RM17.77 billion in the same interest. IRB is issuing assessments Section 140A to the specific provisions
Razali said. period last year. retrospectively for the earlier years and this under Sections 27 and 29 which deals with
could range up to seven years where the the timing of the taxation of interest
He said as of June this year, palm oil- Mohd Khairuddin said due to the right to raise assessments on transfer income.
based products, which were the biggest Covid-19 pandemic, the value of latex- pricing adjustments is allowed under the Under Section 27, interest is only taxed
contributor with 43% of total agri based products export such as rubber Income Tax Act 1967. when it is received. Section 29 is an anti-
commodity export, increased to RM46 gloves and others increased 200% to RM37 What is happening? avoidance section that prevents taxpayers
billion compared with RM33 billion in the billion from RM12 billion in the same from deferring the taxation of interest
first six months last year. However, the period of 2020. The IRB is attempting to impose an arm’s income on the grounds that the interest was
quantity of palm oil-based product exports length interest rate under the transfer not received when in fact the amount could
declined 5% to 11.5 million tonnes. “Rubber gloves that are mainly for pricing regime without resorting to the have been received if the lender had taken
medical uses recorded more than specific provisions in Section 140A. Instead, efforts to demand the payment of the
“Covid-19 pandemic continuously threefold growth or 210%,” he said. they are attempting to use the provisions interest and the borrower had the capability
impacted palm oil production and exports relating to interest in Section 29 to make to pay the interest.
not only in Malaysia but also other global Mohd Khairuddin said wood-based these adjustments. It is difficult to There are other provisions in Section 29
palm oil-producing countries. products contributed 11% to agri understand the rationale adopted by the dealing with related parties where the law
commodity exports, increasing 21% to IRB as the provisions of Section 29 do not has been changed in 2014 and 2015 to allow
“The implementation of the RM12 billion from RM10 billion in the deal with the arm’s length issue IRB to tax interest income in the year in
Movement Control Order by the same period of 2020. surrounding transfer pricing matters which the interest is due to be paid or the
government up to the National Recovery relating to intercompany loans. following year in which the interest income
Programme on a scheduled basis over the Cocoa-based products export posted an Are interest-free loans allowed? first becomes receivable.
past six months has directly impacted the increase of 7% to RM3.4 billion compared In certain circumstances, interest-free loans Although Section 140A creates a deemed
export of palm oil and agri-commodity- with RM3.1 billion previously and pepper- should be allowed because they can be interest income, it is not interest that is
based products,” he said in a statement based product exports climbed 19.24% to viewed as an alternative to capital provided legally due to the lender and this conflicts
yesterday. RM62 million from RM52 million in the to the company. In situations where the with the primary legislation in Sections 27
same period of 2020. borrower lacks the creditworthiness or the and 29 that deals with the taxation of
Following the encouraging performance, capability to borrow in the open interest income that is based on actual
Mohd Khairuddin said he is optimistic that “Based on the performance, MPIC is marketplace, any lending by a related interest received, or due to be paid, or first
the RM75 billion palm oil export target this confident that the agri-commodities export company in such a circumstance should be becomes receivable.
year can be achieved even though the will record a growth and higher value viewed as capital provided to the company Where do we go from here?
compared to 2020,” Mohd Khairuddin said. to carry on its operations. In any open This is an issue that needs to be resolved
– Bernama market situation, lenders will only lend quickly as it affects most groups of
money where the borrower has the companies in Malaysia. Imposing tax on
capability to repay the loan. such matters on a retrospective basis will be
extremely burdensome to taxpayers who are
Any related party lender of an interest- currently facing severe economic stress due
free loan will be placed in a same position to the Covid crisis.
as a shareholder of the company where the This requires dialogues between IRB,
return on his investment will be in the form Ministry of Finance and the various
of dividends or realising the value from the stakeholders.
investment upon his divestment of the This article was contributed by Thannees
investment rather than being remunerated
via interest. Tax Consulting Services Sdn Bhd
Is there legal support to impose interest managing director SM Thanneermalai.

WARRANTS WATCH

DNeX, MyEG make it to top five list

WITH the public holiday on Tuesday maintain its momentum as it fell on call and put warrants over Hong Kong Top stock warrants by volume traded:
in conjunction with Awal Muharram, Thursday and Friday to end the week shares.
total warrants turnover last week saw at 26,391.62 points, up a slight 0.8%. Warrant Volume Issuer Exercise Expiry date
a 12.5% decline, though the average Bullish investors net bought 12 On the local front, warrants over name (million) Macquarie level 29 Nov 2021
daily turnover rose to RM42 million million units of HSI-CIK with the dip, Dagang NeXchange (DNEX) such as HSI-CIK Macquarie 29,000 28 Oct 2021
from RM38.4 million in the previous after having sold over 13 million units DNEX-CG and DNEX-CF were HSI-CIF 133.8 Kenanga 28,000 30 May 2022
week. on Monday and Tuesday with the actively traded last week, fuelled by DNEX-CG 102.1 Macquarie 1.20 28 Oct 2021
HSI’s rise. the company’s announcement on HSI-CIE 84.0 Maybank 30,000 28 Feb 202
As the FBM KLCI continued to Bursa that its unit won a contract MYEG-C1T 63.7 2.22
languish around the 1,500-point On the flipside, investors bought valued at RM88 million from the 60.7
level, investors shifted their focus to HSI puts such as HSI-HG1 and HSI- Ministry of Finance in relation to the
broader markets, with index warrants HGV as the underlying index rose, government’s accounting system. warrant MYEG-C1T into last week’s Provided for Malaysian residents’
taking up 56.6% of last week’s and took profits as it fell later in the Despite that, DNEX shares fell 4.8% top five warrant list as the underlying information only. This commentary has
turnover versus 52.5% in the previous week. last week to 78.5 sen, failing to rose 3.1% w-o-w to finish at RM1.64 not been reviewed by the Securities
week, and warrants over the Hang maintain its momentum from the on Friday. Other popular Malaysian Commission Malaysia. It is not an offer
Seng Index (HSI) taking up the Hong Kong market sentiments strong rally in the previous week. underlyings last week include Inari or recommendation to trade and is not
majority. continue to be dampened by the Amertron, Greatech Technology and research material.
regulators’ heavy scrutiny, with Meanwhile, MY EG Services JAKS Resources.
Call warrant HSI-CIK was once heavyweights such as Alibaba, (MyEG) said in a filing to Bursa that it Past performance is not indicative of
again the top warrant with RM22.8 Tencent and Meituan performing has introduced decentralised finance To view the full list of structured future performance. You should make
million and 133.8 million units poorly in recent months. services, leveraging on the power of warrants available on Bursa Malaysia, your own assessment and seek
traded. Last week, the HSI kicked off blockchain technology to bring visit malaysiawarrants.com.my. professional advice. The warrants will
on a strong note, rising for three Bullish or bearish investors may accessible, affordable and efficient not be offered to any US persons.
consecutive days, but failed to gain leveraged exposure to specific cryptocurrency services, pushing call
Hong Kong listed companies with

13theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021

* SPORTS

Eagle lifts Henley I just race
to three-stroke lead
322 Notices hard: Max
IN THE MATTER OF THE RUSSELL HENLEY sank a 33-foot eagle putt
COMPANIES ACT, 2016 at the par-5 15th on his way to seizing a
AND three-stroke lead after thes third round
IN THE MATTER OF of the US PGA Wyndham Championship. Verstappen responds to critics with subtle
HILL DISTRICT The 32-year-old American closed swipe at Hamilton
SDN BHD MAX VERSTAPPEN has once again
with a bogey to fire a 1-under 69 and addressed the British Grand Prix incident,
(Company No.: 1040105-M) stand on 15-under 195 after 54 holes at that saw the Dutchman collide with main
(Members’ Voluntary Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, title rival Lewis Hamilton on the opening
Winding-up) North Carolina.

Notice is hereby given pursuant Henley’s clutch downhill putt, his
to Section 459 of the Companies longest successful one this week, produced
Act, 2016 that the Final General the day’s lone eagle at 15 and doubled his
Meeting of the members of the lead from two to four strokes after a 62-64 lap of the race, admitting he tries to stay out of trouble
abovenamed Company will be start matched this season’s tour-low first on track, adding that it’s “not always in your hands if
conducted virtually through video 36 holes. other people drive into you.”
conference at Suite 3, KTC “I’m not always going to shoot 62 or 64. Much has been said about the collision in the
Avenue, no. 2-4, 4th Floor, Jalan I feel thankful to be under par today,” aftermath, that saw Hamilton hit with a 10-second
2/114, Kuchai Business Center, Henley said. “I feel like mentally I was time penalty for causing an accident, with the seven-
58200 Kuala Lumpur on 03th pretty tough considering how I was time world champion calling Verstappen “probably
September 2021 at 9.30AM for feeling. one of the most aggressive drivers here” as a war of
the following purposes: “Just a little bit sloppy, but overall words between Mercedes and Red Bull escalated.
(1) To receive the Liquidator’s made some good decisions, made some Red Bull firmly blames Hamilton, with Christian
really nice up-and-downs and I’m thankful Horner branding the 36-year-old “desperate” and
Final Statement of Accounts for where I am.” slammed what he called “dirty driving” from the Briton.
showing the manner in which American Tyler McCumber was second on Verstappen meanwhile believes he’s no more
the winding-up has been 198 after shooting 66 with a pack on 199 aggressive than any other driver on the grid.
conducted and to hear any including Olympic runner-up Rory Sabbatini “I feel like I just race hard,” Verstappen told the-race.com website yesterday.
explanations that may be of Slovakia, South African Branden Grace, “I don’t feel like I race aggressive. Of course, I will make it difficult if people
given by the Liquidator. Canada’s Roger Sloan and Americans Kevin will try to pass me. I will always try to make it difficult for them, to put them
(2) To resolve under Section Kisner, Scott Piercy and Kevin Na. in difficult positions.
518(3)(b) of the Companies Sabbatini, in his first event since taking Tokyo “But I think my awareness of where I can position my car is really good
Act, 2016, the manner in silver, endured a roller coaster 69 with five birdies and I haven’t been involved in having another car off the track. I have zero
which the books, accounts and and four bogeys after matching his career-low 36- penalty points. I think that says quite a lot.
documents of the Company hole PGA start. Russell Henley plays his shot “I have been racing hard my whole career. And the last few years, the
and that of the Liquidator from the second tee during
may be destroyed after the Rose, the 2016 Olympic champion and 2013 US the third round of the aggressive approach is out. I’m just making it more difficult for people.
expiration of three (3) months Open winner, is fully exempt for next season. He shot Wyndham Championship at “Of course, some people might think a bit different about that, but
from the date of the Final 69 and stood 126th in points entering the last round, I actually think that the racing side is a really strong point of mine and
Meeting. just outside the playoffs. Sedgefield Country Club I also really know how to stay out of trouble.
Kuala Lumpur “I didn’t play particularly well,” Rose said. “It was yesterday in Greensboro,
16th August 2021 kind of like grinding it out more than anything.” – AFP North Carolina. – AFPPIX “But that is not always in your hands if other people drive into
TAN LEH ENG (F) you.”
Liquidator. “I will continue to race like I did,” he says of Silverstone. “I felt
Kuala Lumpur. like I didn’t do anything wrong in that fight.
322 Notices BRIEFS “I gave him more than enough space but he completely
322 Notices Britain sprinter Ujah‘shocked’ misjudged the cornering speeds, and especially the angle he
IN THE SESSIONS COURT AT DDAALLAAMM MMAAHHKKAAMMAAHH TTIINNGGGGII by positive drug test went into that corner there was no way he was going to make
MMAALLAAYYAA DDII SSHHAAHH AALLAAMM the corner with the speed he entered it.
KUALA LUMPUR BRITISH sprinter CJ Ujah said he was “shocked and “I think he (Hamilton) will also learn from what
IN THE FEDERAL DDAALLAAMM NNEEGGEERRII SSEELLAANNGGOORR devastated” after a positive drugs test that could see happened there.” – Express Newspapers
TERRTEITRORRITYOORFYKOUFALA DDAARRUULL EEHHSSAANN,,MMAALLAAYYSSIIAA his country stripped of their Olympic silver medal in
KUALLUAMLPUUMRPUR ((BBAAHHAAGGIIAANN KKEELLUUAARRGGAA)) the 4x100m relay. The 27-year-old ran the first leg of Medvedev to face Opelka
PPEETTIISSTTEENN PPEERRCCEERRAAIIAANN the final in Tokyo as Britain narrowly missed gold, but for Toronto title
SuSituNitoN: Wo:A- NNOO:: BBAA--3333--2244--0011//22002211 has been provisionally suspended after prohibited
WA-5A25N2CNCC-1C0-18068-064-0/240/220121 DDaallaamm ppeerrkkaarraa mmeennggeennaaii SSeekkssyyeenn 5533 substances showed up in tests. “To be absolutely clear, RUSSIAN top seed Daniil Medvedev form: “I’m really happy with the win. I
Between AAkkttaa MMeemmbbaahhaarruuii UUnnddaanngg--UUnnddaanngg I am not a cheat,” Ujah said in a statement to the PA blunted the big serve of American John had very few unforced errors (seven). I’m
1. LIM MING CHUN ((PPeerrkkaahhwwiinnaann && PPeerrcceerraaiiaann)) 11997766 news agency yesterday. “I have never and would

(NRIC No: 721113-05-5373) AANNTTAARRAA
2. TEY CHUI MENG JJEENNNNYY LLIINNGG YYIIEENNGG
((NNoo..KK//PP 889911110099--1133--66882288))
(NRIC No: 720307-01-5238)
… Plaintiffs …… PPEEMMPPEETTIISSYYEENN
DDAANN
…AndPlaintiffs SSOOHH CCHHEEEE KKUUAANNGG
And ((NNoo..KK//PP 888811003311--4433--55553377))
1. POLLYWOOD SDN BHD
1. P[2O0L1L6Y0W1O0O1D36S4D7N BHD …… RREESSPPOONNDDEENN

[(210118640517081-X3)6]47 IIKKLLAANN PPEENNYYAAMMPPAAIIAANN GGAANNTTII never knowingly take a banned substance. I am Isner 6-2, 6-2 yesterday to set up an ATP pleased with my game in this moment.
2. (N1A1T8U4R57A8L-HXE)]ALTH FARM SDN
2. NBAHTDU(R4A2L90H3E0A-LTT)H FARM SDN BBeerrkkeennaaaann ddeennggaann PPeettiissyyeenn PPeerrcceerraaiiaann completely shocked and devastated by this news. I Masters 1000 final with Reilly Opelka. “I feel I’m playing better and better
3. BTIHEDW(4S2IO9K03T0U-ATN) bbeerrttaarriikkhh 1155 JJaannuuaarrii 22002211 am respecting the formal processes and will not be Medvedev dominated throughout in leading to the US Open.”
3. T(NIERWICSNIOoK: 6T2U1A2N26-10-7268) making any further comment until it is appropriate to
4. (YNEROICWNYoE:E6M21IN226-10-7268) KKeeppaaddaa:: do so.” a 54-minute rout against Isner, who was Isner’s game was off the boil and
4. Y(NEROIWC NYEoE: 8M21IN113-71-5079) SSOOHH CCHHEEEE KKUUAANNGG held to a miserly four aces. Medvedev took full advantage.
((NNoo..KK//PP 888811003311--4433--55553377)) Ariya falls into three-way shootout
(NRIC No: 8211…13D-7e1fe-5n0d7a9n)ts NNoo..99,,JJaallaann PPeeddaanngg,, With the major part of his game mis- “He was not serving like usual and I
…Defendants TTaammaann PPaanngglliimmaa 4422550000 ARIYA JUTANUGARN of Thailand struggled in the firing, the 36-year-old Isner was an easy had to take my opportunities, try and
TTeellookk PPaanngglliimmaa GGaarraanngg,,SSeellaannggoorr third round of the Women’s Scottish Open, shooting a target for Medvedev, the losing 2019 break as much as I could,” Medvedev
NOTICE AAMMBBIILL PPEERRHHAATTIIAANN bbaahhaawwaa ssuuaattuu par 72 to fall into a three-way tie for the lead entering finalist to Spaniard Rafael Nadal. said. “I stayed focused and managed to
(TO THE 4TH DEFENDANT) PPeettiissyyeenn PPeerrcceerraaiiaann tteellaahh ddiiffaaiillkkaann the final round. The two-time major winner took a do that.”
To YEOW YEE MIN (NRIC N0.: tteerrhhaaddaappkkaammuuddiiddaallaammMMaahhkkaammaahhTTiinnggggii three-shot lead into the third round, but she saw it Medvedev will play for his fourth
821113-71-5079) of Block MMaallaayyaa ddii SShhaahh AAllaamm ddaallaamm PPeettiissyyeenn evaporate in an up-and-down round that featured trophy of the season after helping The Russian winner posted 20
A07-07 Kondo Asplenium, PPeenncceerraaiiaann NNoo.. BBAA--3333--2244--0011//22002211 oolleehh five birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey to end Russia to the ATP Cup in Australia and winners to Isner’s 20 unforced errors,
Jalan Bunga Tanjung, Batu JJeennnnyy LLiinngg YYiieenngg ((NNoo.. KK//PP 889911110099--1133-- the day at 9-under 207 for the tournament at claiming the honours at Marseille and breaking the American four times.
14, 47100 Puchong, Selangor 66882288)),, PPeemmppeettiissyyeenn yyaanngg ddiinnaammaakkaann Dumbarnie Links in Fife, Scotland. Two of the bogeys Mallorca.
Darul Ehsan and/or 55, Jalan ddii aattaass uunnttuukk ssuuaattuu PPeerriinnttaahh bbaahhaawwaa came on the par-4 Nos. 17 and 18. Capitalising on Medvedev will need to take his
SS 15/5a, SS 15, 47500 ppeerrkkaahhwwiinnaann yyaanngg ddiiddaaffttaarrkkaann ppaaddaa 1111 Jutanugarn’s woes were Ryann O’Toole, whose eagle He takes on another American 2m- winning strategy into the final with
Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul NNoovveemmbbeerr 22001111 ddiibbuubbaarrkkaann ddaann bbaahhaawwaa on No. 15 helped her to a round of 68, and Charley plus giant in Opelka, who broke new Opelka, a towering server like Isner. “He’s
Ehsan. MMaahhkkaammaahh TTiinnggggii tteellaahh mmeemmeerriinnttaahhkkaann Hull of England (69), who tied the Thai at 9-under. “I ground as he edged third-seeded been playing great tennis all week,”
TAKE NOTICE that an action bbaahhaawwaa ssuuppaayyaa PPeettiissyyeenn PPeenncceerraaiiaann feel like tomorrow just have to play my own game. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 Medvedev said. “Big credit to him.
has been commenced against iinnii ddaann sseeggaallaa ssuurraattccaarraa--ssuurraattccaarraa ddaann Today, I was thinking about the outcome so much, I to reach the final at the Aviva Centre in
you in Court in Suit No. WA- ddookkuummeenn--ddookkuummeennyyaannggppeerrlluuddiisseerraahhkkaann don’t want to miss and make putts, and that’s why I Toronto. “But a masters final is never easy; I’ll
A52NCC-1086-04/2021 by Lim ddaallaamm pprroossiiddiinngg tteerrsseebbuutt ddiissaammppaaiikkaann kkee end up today not playing so well,” Jutanugarn said. try to play well and hope to be holding
Ming Chun & Tey Chui Meng in aattaass kkaammuu sseeccaarraa ppeennyyaammppaaiiaann ggaannttii Medvedev cannot fault his current the trophy tomorrow.” – AFP
which the Plaintiffs’ claim is iiaaiittuu ddeennggaann mmeennaammppaallkkaann sseessaalliinnaann Osaka plans to help out
for the restitution of the sum of PPeettiissyyeenn PPeerrcceerraaiiaann bbeerrttaarriikkhh hhaarriibbuullaann Haiti relief efforts Pliskova upsets top seed Sabalenka
RM209,311-00, interest, costs 1111 NNoovveemmbbeerr 22001111,, NNoottiiss PPrroossiiddiinngg
and other reliefs. ddiimmeetteerraaii yyaanngg bbeerrttaarriikkhh 88 MMaacc 22002211 NAOMI OSAKA says she is going to give all her WIMBLEDON finalist Karolina Pliskova “It’s an amazing feeling to be in
AND THAT IT HAS BEEN ddaann AAkkuuaann PPeenneerriimmaaaann PPeennyyaammppaaiiaann proceeds from the WTA Tour’s upcoming Cincinnati rolled into the final of the WTA another final,” Pliskova said. “I was
ORDERED that service of the kkeeppaaddaa RReessppoonnddeenn ((““PPeettiissyyeenn PPeerrcceerraaiiaann event to the earthquake victims in Haiti which was hardcourt tournament in Montreal super-solid today
writ in the said action on you be tteerrsseebbuutt””)) bbeerrssaammaa sseessaalliinnaann PPeerriinnttaahh rocked by a devastating 7.2-magnitude quake on yesterday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over
effected by this advertisement. MMaahhkkaammaahh ddii ppaappaann nnoottiiss MMaahhkkaammaahh Saturday. The highest paid female tennis star has a top seed Aryna Sabalenka. “I did what I needed to win. I used
If you desire to defend the said TTiinnggggii ddii SShhaahh AAllaamm;; ddaann ddeennggaann personal connection to the disaster-plagued my brain and played smart. She was
action you must within 14 days mmeennaammppaallkkaann sseessaalliinnaann PPeettiissyyeenn Caribbean country: Her father is from there. “Really The win was a repeat for the missing a bit too much, I’m quite
from the publication of this PPeerrcceerraaiiaann tteerrsseebbuutt bbeerrssaammaa ddeennggaann fourth-seeded Czech, who defeated happy with the performance.”
advertisement, inclusive the sseessaalliinnaann PPeerriinnttaahh MMaahhkkaammaahh ddii her Belarus rival in three sets two
day of such publication, enter ppiinnttuu rruummaahh aallaammaatt tteerraakkhhiirr ddiikkeettaahhuuii months ago in their All England Club Giorgi has been on a roll in recent
an appearance at the Registry RReessppoonnddeenn bbeerraallaammaatt ddii NNoo.. 99,, JJaallaann semifinal. weeks, winning her 15th WTA match
of the Court. In default of such PPeeddaanngg,, TTaammaann PPaanngglliimmaa,, 4422550000 TTeellookk from 19 played as she moved into the
appearance judgment may be PPaanngglliimmaa GGaarraanngg,, SSeellaannggoorr DDaarruull EEhhssaann Pliskova will fight for the Montreal first 1000-level final of her career.
entered against you. ddaann ddeennggaann mmeennggiikkllaannkkaann PPeettiissyyeenn
PPeerrcceerraaiiaann tteerrsseebbuutt ddii ddaallaamm ssaattuu
Dated 03 AUGUST 2021 ssuurraattkkhhaabbaarr tteemmppaattaann ddaann ppeennaammppaallaann
Sgd. ddaann ppeennggiikkllaannaann tteerrsseebbuutt ddiissiiffaattkkaann
sseebbaaggaaii ppeennyyaammppaaiiaann yyaanngg sseemmppuurrnnaa ddaann
Messrs Cheng Poh Heng & Co mmeennccuukkuuppii kkeeppaaddaa kkaammuu sseelleeppaass 77 hhaarrii
THIS NOTICE was prepared by ddaarrii ttaaiirrkkhh aakkhhiirr ppeennyyaammppaaiiaann..
Messrs Cheng Poh Heng & Co KKaammuu bboolleehh mmeemmoohhoonn kkeeppaaddaa PPeennoolloonngg
with an address for service at KKaannaann PPeennddaaffttaarr,, MMaahhkkaammaahh TTiinnggggii ddii
148-3A Jalan Tun Sambanthan, SShhaahh AAllaamm,, aattaauuppuunn TTeettuuaann SS..YY FFUU &&
50470 Kuala Lumpur CCOO,, ppeegguuaammccaarraa kkeeppaaddaa PPeemmppeettiissyyeenn
Our Ref: CPH/LMC/1101/21/SC tteerrsseebbuutt uunnttuukk ssaalliinnaann--ssaalliinnaann PPeettiissyyeenn
tteerrsseebbuutt ddaann ssaalliinnaann--ssaalliinnaann aakkaann
ddiihhaannttaarr kkeeppaaddaa kkaammuu..

BBeerrttaarriikkhh ppaaddaa 1166 JJuunn 22002211
......................................................

PPeennoolloonngg KKaannaann PPeennddaaffttaarr
MMaahhkkaammaahh TTiinnggggii
SShhaahh AAllaamm

IIkkllaann PPeennyyaammppaaiiaann GGaannttii iinnii ddiiffaaiillkkaann hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, title against Italy’s Camila Giorgi, who “Reaching this final means a lot,”
oolleehh TTeettuuaann SS..YY..FFuu && CCoo,, PPeegguuaammccaarraa and I feel like we really can’t catch a break,” Osaka needed a deciding set to see off Giorgi said. “I’m having a great week,
bbaaggii ppiihhaakk PPeemmppeettiissyyeenn ddaann mmeemmppuunnyyaaii wrote on Twitter. “I’m about to play a tournament this Australian Open quarterfinalist Jessica all my matches have been tough.
aallaammaatt ppeennyyaammppaaiiaannnnyyaa ddii NNoo.. 225599AA,,FFiirrsstt week and I’ll give all the prize money to relief efforts Pegula 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
FFlloooorr,, JJaallaann BBuunnggaa PPeekkaann,, 4422770000 BBaannttiinngg,, for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we’ll “I knew I was playing very well,” she
SSeellaannggoorr.. keep rising.” Pliskova lost to Giorgi last month in said. “Even losing the first set, I never
TTeell:: 0033 –– 33885500 77002288 || FFaakkss:: 0033 –– 33118800 22558811 the third round of the Tokyo Olympics. felt the match was in danger.” – AFP
|| EE--mmeell::aaddmmiinn..bbttgg@@ssyyffuuaannddccoo..ccoomm
RRuujj KKaammii::SSYY//BBTTGG//##11661155//LLIITT//DDIIVV//22002200

14 theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
SPORTS

LIONEL MESSI got a first proper taste of his new PSG give Messi perfect welcome game,” Pochettino admitted to broadcaster
home yesterday as he was presented to a full Canal Plus.
stadium of Paris Saint-Germain fans before and Achraf Hakimi on a stage set up on the turf Mauro Icardi and Julian Draxler either side of a
watching his teammates beat Strasbourg 4-2 in at the Parc des Princes, and the flashy Ludovic Ajorque own goal, but Kevin Gameiro While Messi is the new idol of the PSG
Ligue 1 with Kylian Mbappe playing a starring presentation ceremony threatened to and Ajorque netted after the interval to bring support, those fans jeered when Mbappe’s
role. overshadow the match itself. the visitors back into the contest. name was read out by the stadium announcer
ahead of kick off.
Messi received a rapturous reception as he The Argentine later watched from the stands However Pablo Sarabia made sure of the win
ran out onto the pitch along with PSG’s other alongside Neymar and Angel di Maria – the trio late on after Strasbourg had been reduced to 10 The France striker is in the spotlight with
summer signings, with a 48,000-full house not yet considered match-fit having enjoyed an men in the first match played before a full house speculation that he will seek a move away from
greeting the six-time Ballon d’Or winner despite extended break after playing at the Copa at the Parc des Princes since before the Covid-19 PSG before the transfer window shuts – he has
the welcome ceremony taking place an hour America – as Mauricio Pochettino’s team made it pandemic struck in March last year. so far refused to extend his contract, which
before kickoff. two wins from two Ligue 1 matches this season. expires at the end of the campaign.
“With all that has been happening at the
Messi joined fellow recruits Sergio Ramos, They led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals by club, it was not easy to stay focused on the “Kylian is focused on what he has to do here.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum He had a really good game and he needs to
continue like that,” Pochettino added. – AFP

Angel gets candid about trio Real Madrid’s Karim
Benzema (left) vies
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN winger Angel Di Maria has admitted that with Alaves’ Pere Pons
Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero is feeling very down after the during the Spanish La
departure of Lionel Messi, who was a big reason behind him Liga match at the
joining the Blaugrana this summer. Mendizorroza stadium
in Vitoria yesterday. –
The last week has seen Messi’s departure at Barcelona become AFPPIX
official before he joined Di Maria at PSG, which leaves Aguero
without one of his closest friends and clearly questioning his move Real off to a flier
to Barcelona.
Ancelotti praises Benzema as Madrid hit Alaves for four
“Kun wants to kill himself, what can you do,” Di Maria said with
a laugh during an interview with TyC Sports and reported in Marca.

“Apart from all that (Messi leaving Barcelona), the worst thing is
that he got injured again and will be out for several weeks. That’s
the saddest thing.”

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is another player that was
linked with a switch to PSG earlier in the summer, with reports
now claiming that he could join on a free in 2022, and Di Maria
thinks he will have regrets about not being able to play his
football at the Parc des Princes not football.

“The quality and quantity of players that PSG have now is
unique. It doesn’t often happen at clubs and the great players
always want to be with the best.

“Cristiano surely wants to be here, but they brought Messi and
luckily he’s much better.”

Messi and Di Maria are good friends, and the latter waxed
lyrical when asked about the 34-year-old’s talent.

“Messi is from another world. You kick a stone at him and he
stops it, he passes you like it’s nothing, he thinks before the other
guy. I’ve never seen anything like it.

“I played with Cristiano, Neymar, (Kylian) Mbappe, (Wayne)
Rooney, (Robin) Van Persie, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, (Karim) Benzema,
(Gareth) Bale and honestly I’ve never seen anything like it. Leo is
unique.” – Agencies

TOUCHLINES A BRACE from French veteran minutes. press conference.
striker Karim Benzema got Real Bale blotted his copybook with a “We could have been better. The second
TOTTENHAM chairman Daniel Levy is determined to keep Madrid off to a flier in La Liga
striker Harry Kane and will say he does not intend to sell the yesterday, his double laying the booking for a high boot thereafter but Real half was better, with more intensity and
28-year-old when he meets Manchester City officials today. foundation for a 4-1 victory at Alaves to – who featured their only new face in David quality.
England captain Kane is increasingly likely to stay at Spurs for leave Carlo Ancelotti celebrating the start of Alaba – did not allow that to loosen the grip
another season. his second spell in charge with a victory. they were steadily taking on the game. “Benzema’s first goal opened the game
SPURS are lining up Fiorentina’s Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic as a up and we had more space to use our
potential replacement for Kane, but are also keen on the 21-year- Eternal rivals Barcelona may have lost Nacho volleyed in from close range quality.”
old even if Kane remains in north London. Vlahovic is also wanted Lionel Messi but Real themselves are in a following a Luka Modric short corner on 56
by Atletico Madrid. period of transition having seen Zinedine minutes and Benzema made it 3-0 and When asked about the contributions of
CHELSEA’S 23-year-old England strikerTammy Abraham has Zidane step down as coach and central essentially game over just after the hour, Hazard and Bale by Spanish sports daily
agreed to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma and will fly to the Italian defensive linchpins Sergio Ramos and scuffing in at the second time of asking after Marca, the Italian said: “Hazard played a
capital on Sunday to complete the deal. Raphael Varane head for Messi’s PSG and a fine run and assist by Federico Valverde. complete game.
MANCHESTER UNITED’S France midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, will Manchester United respectively.
look to run down the remaining year of his contract at Old A Joselu penalty for the hosts was a “For him and Bale, it was hard to find
Trafford with a an eye on moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer Even with their big names still on board minor blemish after Thibaut Courtois, space between the lines in the first half as
next summer. both of Spain’s biggest clubs were unable to making his 100th Liga appearance between Alaves were tight at the back. We struggled
WEST HAM boss David Moyes says it would take a bid of more prevent Atletico Madrid walking off with the posts for Real, brought down John to play down the middle.
than £100m for him to consider selling England midfielder the title last season. Guidetti.
Declan Rice, 22, who has been heavily linked with Chelsea “I think all the players are working well.
and Manchester United. But after initially failing to click in a But a Vinicius header applied extra gloss Bale will get even better because he isn’t yet
BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S 21-year-old Norway striker Erling goalless first half, Real found their rhythm for Real’s fourth in injury time. in optimal condition, like with all players.
Braut Haaland, who has been linked with Manchester United, after the restart as the returning Gareth Bale All of them can improve.”
Chelsea and Manchester City, is said to“be dreaming of the found Eden Hazard who flicked on with his “To call Karim a striker is not to do him
Premier League”. Dortmund would prefer to sell the 21-year-old heel for Benzema, skipper in the injured justice – he is a very complete player. More In other action yesterday, Cadiz and
to a English or Spanish club, rather than Bayern Munich after they Marcelo’s absence, to volley home on 48 so than five years ago,”“ said Ancelotti. Levante parted 1-1 as did Mallorca and Real
expressed interest last week. Betis while the match between Osasuna
TOTTENHAM and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 34, says he “The first half was quite slow, with and and Espanyol ended in a goalless stalemate.
hasn’t spoken to the club about a contract extension as he without the ball,” he said in his post-match – AFP/Agencies
enters the final season of his existing deal, but adds that he is
“is calm and relaxed”about his situation. BRIEFS five goals and three assists after just two signed Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries
BRAZIL defender David Luiz, 34, wants to join“a club with ambi- Haaland shows class games this season. “Erling is an from PSV Eindhoven. “FC Internazionale
tion”and wants to“stay at a high level”as he looks for a new side unbelievable team player, he showed that Milano is pleased to announce the signing
after leaving Arsenal in the summer. Already he has turned down ERLING BRAUT HAALAND weighed in with his assists and goals,” said Dortmund’s of Edin Dzeko. The forward has joined the
offers in the Premier League, from the Middle East and South with two goals and three assists as Borussia new coach Marco Rose. Earlier, VfB club from Roma on a permanent transfer,
America. Dortmund threw down a marker on the Stuttgart romped to a 5-1 thrashing of having signed a two-year contract that runs
REAL MADRID are ready to increase their bid for Paris St- first weekend of the Bundesliga season promoted Greuther Fuerth as defender until June 30 2023,” said an Inter statement.
Germain’s 22-year-old France striker Kylian Mbappe to with a 5-2 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt Marc-Oliver Kempf netted twice. The top Former PSV skipper Dumfries, 25, has
£127.5m this summer if the Spanish club offload Norway yesterday. Defending champions Bayern flight's other new club Bochum also made penned a contract with Inter running
midfielder Martin Odegaard, 22, to Arsenal for £42.5m. Munich, who are bidding for a 10th a losing start, going down 1-0 at Wolfsburg, through to June 2025. Dzeko has enjoyed a
straight league title, kicked off the new whose striker Wout Weghorst scored the successful career since leaving his native
£1=RM5.90 season with a 1-1 draw at first-half winner. Hoffenheim enjoyed a 4-0 Bosnia. In 2009, he helped fire Wolfsburg to
Moenchengladbach on Friday. The 21-year- romp at Augsburg while Union Berlin their first and only Bundesliga title, finishing
old Haaland has now netted 62 goals in 61 started their season with a 1-1 draw at the campaign as top scorer on 26 goals. At
games for Dortmund and proved he can home to Bayer Leverkusen. Manchester City, he scored one of the goals
create chances just as well as finish them. in the final day defeat of QPR which
“We have to be careful not to praise him Inter sign Dzeko, Dumfries delivered a first English title 44 years. With
too much, but he is already a complete Roma, he grabbed 119 goals in 260 games.
package,” Dortmund captain Marco Reus ITALIAN champions Inter Milan signed 35- Dumfries starred as the Netherlands
said of Haaland, who enthusiastically year-old striker Edin Dzeko from Serie A reached the last 16 at Euro 2020 this
celebrated the victory in front of home rivals Roma, just a day after selling Romelu summer where they were knocked out by
fans. Haaland also claimed a hattrick in the Lukaku to Chelsea for a reported fee of £97 the Czech Republic. He has 23 caps and two
German Cup last week, giving him a tally of million (RM652m). In a quickfire double goals, both of which came at the delayed
swoop, Inter also announced they had tournament this summer.

SIDENETTING THE Champions League trophy and the 15theSUN ON MONDAY | AUGUST 16, 2021
Rodgers wows to protect Super Cup were on display at Stamford * SPORTS
evergreen Vardy Bridge before Chelsea’s stroll to victory
over Crystal Palace. Hunt is on
LEICESTER CITY boss Brendan Rodgers praised the The silverware glittered in the sun. Thomas Tuchel’s side underline title credentials
“fitness and hunger”of Jamie Vardy after his superb Tuchel’s team shone, too. The European with emphatic win
finish for the Foxes meant Bruno Lage’s Wolves champions dispatched Patrick Vieira’s side with
tenure began with a defeat at King Power Stadium. the minimum of fuss. number one so this is what we’re trying to do.” yesterday’s victory was only the second time
The Foxes’No. 9 was the most lively player on the Chelsea were forced to extra-time and Chelsea have scored more than twice in the
pitch and struck just before half-time courtesy of a Two first-half goals from Marcos Alonso and Premier League since he took charge.
well-timed run and angled header from Ricardo Christian Pulisic meant Chelsea never really penalties before seeing off Villarreal in the
Pereira’s right-wing cross. Rodgers admitted had to build up a sweat. Super Cup in Belfast in midweek. Lukaku’s signing has been made with the
afterwards that his task now is to manage the 34- intention of ending the Blues’ wastefulness in
year-old striker correctly in order to ensure he Trevoh Chalobah, the academy graduate But there was little sign of fatigue despite a front of goal and Tuchel wants his side to be
maintains such impressive performances across the making his Premier League debut, added a truncated pre-season for a number of Tuchel’s more clinical.
campaign.“We had a good chat over the course of third after the break. It was all too easy. key players due to their participation in
pre-season,”said the Foxes boss.“He’s got two years international competitions over the summer. “We are well aware of our situation that it
left on his contract. It’s up to both of us to manage A long winter lies ahead but the promise of was hard for us to convert all the chances that
him, make him as explosive and electric as he can more glory hung in the warm west London air. “We want to set our standards as high as we created last season,” he added.
be. But when he has that form and that level of possible and always strive to be at that level,”
fitness, that hunger, he’s very difficult to play After the match, Tuchel said his side to hunt added Tuchel. “It should be enough to score more so we try
against. I thought he was outstanding today.” down Manchester City, Manchester United and to help with the addition of Romelu to our
Liverpool in the fight for the Premier League “We did very well today but it is only a start squad. In the Premier League, it will stay super
Hornets keep Villans at bay title. and we need to build on this. It was a huge team hard to score so we’re very happy to have three
effort, both defensively and offensively, and I’m goals today. We did it without a penalty from
WATFORD manager Xisco Munoz hailed his side’s “I think we have to hunt the others from day very happy with what we did today. Jorginho which is quite spectacular for us!
performance as they held off a late Aston Villa one. This is what we want to do, this is our
challenge to kickstart their Premier League return mentality and we are never shy to fight for the “We pushed some players over the limit “We can still improve in the final third. We
with a 3-2 victory. Club-record signing Ismaila Sarr best outcome possible, but the reality is we are physically, especially after playing 120 minutes have to get a bit calmer and a bit more clinical
had already set up Emmanuel Dennis’first club goal not the favourites right now,” said Tuchel, in midweek, but it was a very good game from still so we will not stop pushing and looking for
for Watford’s opener before he found the net whose side finished fourth in the Premier us from start to finish.” solutions.” – The Independent/AFP
himself for their second. Debutant Cucho League last season.
Hernandez added their third just moments after For all the progress made under Tuchel,
coming on but Villa were able to reply through “I see ourselves as number four last year so
John McGinn’s long-range effort and debutant we cannot be favourites. We just have to close
Danny Ings penalty but there was not enough time the gap to number three, number two and
left for a leveller.“It was a very good day today. I
think also to welcome back our fans in our stadium Cardiff City’s Leandro
was amazing from Watford,”Munoz said.“Also I’m Bacuna (2nd right)
very happy with the players because we have been celebrates with teammates
working for seven weeks very, very hard. I think after scoring the opening
today the team understood what happened in the goal during yesterday’s
game today and it was a very good performance.” English Championship
match against Blackpool .
Seagulls were top, says Potter
Bacuna, Moore earn Cardiff first win of season
BRIGHTON boss Graham Potter praised the impact
made by his substitutes after the Seagulls opened CARDIFF CITY were at their rampant to ensure City took the three points back “We should have been in front at half
their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 come- best up at Blackpool as they registered to Cardiff. time and we maintained the
from-behind win at Burnley. The hosts took the lead their first victory of the season with a performance, got a couple of goals and
via a second-minute James Tarkowski header but comfortable 2-0 win yesterday. The hosts hit the woodwork late on, kept a clean sheet. I am really pleased
Potter’s changes pay off in the second half as the but could have no complaints with the with the performance.
visitors turned things around, with Jakub Moder After a raft of chances were spurned result in a contest Cardiff might have
teeing up Maupay in the 73rd minute and Alexis in the first half, the Bluebirds turned on had won before the interval. “It is always a worry when you should
Mac Allister then netting five minutes later, having the afterburners after the break and left be ahead at half time and you aren’t. But
been introduced following the equaliser. Potter, the newly-promoted Seasiders trailing “The fans enjoyed it and we enjoyed thankfully it didn’t come back to bite us.
who also brought on Adam Lallana at half-time, in their wake. them, they travelled in numbers and
said after the game:“Adam did (have an impact), made a load of noise and to be fair, they “I thought we played well last week
Jakub did and Alexis did, and I think that’s the point Leandro Bacuna netted just minutes saw a good performance,” Cardiff against a really good team, but we
with the subs, with the squad. The pre-season we’ve into the second half before Kieffer manager Mick McCarthy told BBC Sport backed it up with a good performance
had has been disrupted, so it hasn’t been easy to Moore opened his account for the Wales of the 2,000-odd fans that made today... it’s nice to get the first win.” –
get some stability, but you’re just asking players to season with a trademark header late on the 350km trip to Blackpool. WalesOnline/Agencies
react well, and everybody did, and they were top.”
at time as well, which was very obvious I thought at Toffees settle Rafa’s nerves at Goodison
the taking-the-knee moment.”
EVERTON boss Rafa Benitez said he had Asked by BBC Sport if he was nervous before nervous when I came as an opposition manager
RESULTS overcome the nerves that he would experience kickoff, he replied: “No. I used to be nervous but not today.
in the Goodison Park dugout as an opposition when I was coming with another team, but I
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United 5 manager following yesterday’s 3-1 victory over was delighted to be here and to see the “I was delighted with the reaction. We must
(Fernandes 30, 54, 60, Greenwood 52, Fred 68) Leeds 1 Southampton in their Premier League opener. reception of the fans.” be competitive and the reaction after conceding
(Ayling 48), Burnley 1 (Tarkowski 2) Brighton 2 a goal is something I have to be pleased about
(Maupay 73, MacAllister 78), Chelsea 3 (Alonso 27, Benitez, who led Everton’s local rivals Benitez said the positive mood in the as a manager… It’s the first game and we need
Pulisic 40, Chalobah 58) Crystal Palace 0, Everton 3 Liverpool to their Champions League victory in stadium was down to the efforts of his players. some time to get to know each other but it’s a
(Richarlison 47, Doucoure 76, Calvert-Lewin 81) Istanbul in 2005, was greeted warmly before good start.”
Southampton 1 (Armstrong 22), Leicester 1 (Vardy and after the game although there were some “It’s nothing to do with me – it’s the players
41) Wolves 0, Watford 3 (Dennis 10, Sarr 42, Hernandez jeers when his new team trailed at halftime. and the fans. After so many months, the players Benitez said he was pleased with Richarlison,
67) Aston Villa 2 (McGinn 70, Ings 90+7-pen), Norwich really appreciated the support and the fans who returned after helping Brazil win gold at
0 Liverpool 3 (Jota 26, Firmino 65, Salah 74). But Richarlison cancelled out Adam appreciated the commitment of the players,” the Tokyo Olympics.
CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough 2 Derby 1, Barnsley Armstrong’s goal before Abdoulaye Doucoure Benitez told reporters, before vowing to win
1 Coventry 0, Birmingham 0 Stoke 0, Blackpool 0 and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck to ensure a over his critics. “Richarlison’s match fitness is good. He had
Cardiff 2, Huddersfield 1 Fulham 5, Hull 0 QPR 3, perfect start for Benitez in his reign on the blue one day off to make sure he was fine,” Benitez
Middlesbrough 2 Bristol City 1, Millwall 1 Blackburn 1, half of Merseyside. “I’ll fight… every day I’m in this job. I like to said. “We’ll try to get the best from him in the
Nottingham Forest 1 Bournemouth 2, Reading 2 do my job properly and I like to win. I was next few weeks.” – Reuters/Agencies
Preston 1, West Brom 3 Luton 2, Swansea 0 Sheffield
United 0.
LA LIGA: Cadiz 1 (Alfonso Espino 90+7) Levante 1
(Morales 39), Mallorca 1 (Olivan Herrero 25) Real Betis
1 (Juanmi 59), Alaves 1 (Joselu 65-pen) Real Madrid 4
(Benzema 48, 62, Nacho 56, Vinicius Junior 90+2),
Osasuna 0 Espanyol 0.
FRENCH LIGUE 1: Lille 0 Nice 4 (Dolberg 1, 64,
Boudaoui 5, Gouiri 45+4-pen), Paris Saint-Germain 4
(Icardi 3, Ajorque 25-og, Draxler 27, Sarabia 86)
Strasbourg 2 (Gameiro 53, Ajorque 64).
BUNDESLIGA: Wolfsburg 1 Bochum 0, Union Berlin 1
Bayer Leverkusen 1, Stuttgart 5 Fuerth 1, Augsburg 0
Hoffenheim 4, Borussia Dortmund 5 Eintracht
Frankfurt 2.

MONDAY • AUGUST 16, 2021 QUOTE OF THE DAY

The fans enjoyed it and we enjoyed them,
they travelled in numbers and made a load
of noise and to be fair, they saw a good performance…
I thought we played well last week against a really
good team, but we backed it up with a good
performance today... it’s nice to get the first win.”

Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy

Solskjaer hails ‘smiling’ Pogba’s role in Leeds demolition job

█ SIMON PEACH Manchester United’s United by 2018 World Cup winning
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER loved Paul Pogba (right) in teammate Varane after the France
playing in front of a first full house in 17 action with Leeds international completed his switch from
months as much as the exceptional United’s Luke Ayling Real Madrid and signed a four-year
display that sealed Manchester United’s during their English deal.
season-opening shellacking of rivals Premier League match
Leeds. at Old Trafford on “I haven’t spoken to him after the
Saturday. – game but of course it was a nice
A sell-out 72,732 crowd descended REUTERSPIX moment for him and it was a nice
on Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime moment for the fans as well,” Solskjaer
and those in attendance, plus the said of the pre-match announcement.
millions watching across the world, will
not forget this breathless Premier “They’re together, they’re looking
League clash in a hurry. forward to seeing them, he’s looking
forward to seeing his teammates. I’m
United paraded Raphael Varane on looking forward to working with him.
the pitch having completed the
defender’s signing just before a match “Top professional, I’ve followed his
in which they ran amok, with Bruno career throughout and you see the way
Fernandes’ hattrick complemented by he conducts himself and the way he
Mason Greenwood and Fred goals in a leads his life.
5-1.
“All the chats I’ve had with and the
“It’s been a perfect day in that club has had with him, we’ve got a top
respect,” manager Solskjaer said. human being as well as a top player.”

“I love the 12.30 kickoffs as well While Man United celebrate this
because you can go home, relax and stunning season opener, Leeds head
enjoy the day – or you can forget the back across the Pennines reeling from
day and just spend it with your family. another wounding Old Trafford defeat.

“Just driving in this morning with This 5-1 defeat was worse than the
the fans outside, then you come inside 6-2 loss suffered there last December,
and feel the energy. Absolutely brilliant, leaving head coach Marcelo Bielsa
so it’s been a very, very good day.” visibly frustrated on the touchline.

United were purring at times against “It was very difficult for us to recover
Leeds, with Fernandes grabbing the the ball and it was very difficult for us to
match ball, 19-year-old Greenwood create any danger,” he said, with Luke
flourishing and Paul Pogba providing Ayling’s screamer Leeds’ only goal.
four assists in an outstanding display.
“It was for a number of reasons,
“Impressive,” Solskjaer said of the none of them the high press or the
latter. “Paul’s always got that vision, he’s individual performance of a player.”
got that quality.
Bielsa kept England star Kalvin
“I know that the headlines will Phillips on the bench after his Euros
probably be about Bruno or Paul but exertions, meaning Robin Koch started
this is a team effort and the space in midfield.
Mason creates for Bruno to open up the
channels, what everyone does ahead of “Phillips is a player who always
the goals has been worked on this shines (but) I don’t think it’s a question
week. of individualities as to why we couldn’t
play a more balanced game,” he added.
“But, Paul – I’m very impressed with
his fitness levels as well. He’s not been “Like I said at the start it was difficult
with us for too long and he looks fit, for us to take the ball off them and
ready to go, enjoying his football. difficult for us to create. I liked how
(Koch) played.
“I love seeing Paul and all these boys
smiling when they’re playing football.” “I thought he was a dynamic player,
he was present, he was willing,
Pogba has now been joined at committed. He made lots of effort and
he had presence throughout the game.”
‘As – The Independent

good as it gets’

Klopp delighted to have Van Dijk back and see Salah on scoresheet again

JURGEN KLOPP praised Liverpool’s don’t need a 25-minute sensational spell and about the record and wanted to score. hard at the beginning of each half and endured
professional performance after they we lose the game. “A really good game, when you set up the a difficult summer with an outbreak of Covid-19
secured a 3-0 win at Norwich on the cases at the club.
opening weekend of the new Premier “An away game, against a newly-promoted first two goals, which is really cool and then
League season. team, in a packed stadium for the first time, they after he scored, he tried to find Sadio (Mane) “It was unbelievable to be reunited with the
celebrate everything so I am really happy with twice with the pass and Mo is Mo. When the fans and as long as we have that unity with
Diogo Jota got the Reds off the mark for the how we play. We can play better, that is clear but competition starts, he goes to the next gear. them, I am quite positive and hopefully we can
2021/22 campaign with a fierce drive in the 26th very happy.” share some great moments this season. I am
minute and Roberto Firmino all but wrapped “It’s great to see the fans back and I hope that more confident after this game,” Farke said.
up the points with a goal midway through the Virgil van Dijk made his first competitive Norwich celebrated as well because they had an
second half having only entered the pitch start in 10 months and finished the match to exceptional season. “You are always disappointed when you lose
minutes earlier. take another positive step in the right direction the first game but many, many positive things to
after he sustained cruciate ligament damage to “Their pre-season has not been easy (due to take.
Mo Salah had assisted both efforts and he his right knee back in October. Covid-19 protocols), and facing us is not too
got on the scoresheet before full-time with a easy, but we were really professional. “We played against one of the best sides in
record-breaking strike, becoming the first The return of the talismanic Dutchman was the world. World-class players, world-class
Premier League player to score in five a welcome sight and another was Salah “We were not here to show the most exciting coach and they had a proper pre-season.
consecutive opening weekends. continuing his fine record on the first matchday football, just to get the basis for the new season,
of the season to put to bed any concerns about and we did. Football is back.” “We had many players on the pitch who
“Pretty much as good as it gets,” Klopp said. his pre-season form which brought a surprise didn’t have a proper pre-season so I just have
“What you need and what you go for is the return of no goals. There was a party atmosphere inside the compliments for the performance. For 65
result. The result depends on the performance stadium before kickoff with Norwich fans able minutes we were quite competitive.”
and I thought we were absolutely good enough “Each game helps and it was really good to to sell out Carrow Road for the first time in 18
to win. see Virgil again on the pitch, especially on months. Next up for Norwich is a daunting trip to
“It was a very professional performance. I defensive set-pieces,” Klopp admitted. champions Manchester City while Liverpool
Boss Daniel Farke was disappointed not to are back at Anfield on Saturday to host Burnley.
“And that’s Mo. I would assume he knew give them more but praised the effort of his – The Independent
newly-promoted side who pushed Liverpool

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