Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 THURSDAY NOV 30, 2023 SCAN ME No. 8405 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) PM says relevant agencies told to strengthen screening so that visa-free privilege does not affect national security. K9 Unit deployed at Penang warehouse collapse site Two tracker dogs join search and rescue operation for four workers feared trapped under rubble. Members of the search and rescue team removing parts of the collapsed structure using heavy machinery. – BERNAMAPIC - Report on page 5 Report on hpage 2 Report on hpage 6 Report on hpage 3 Anwar allays fears allays fears Ex-PM fails to get permanent release of passport Record 4,900 projects carried out: Nga Initiatives include 301 abandoned projects revived by Local Government Development Ministry. Court deems it premature to change bail conditions for Muhyiddin, who is still facing three money laundering charges.
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 2 ‘National security will not be compromised’ KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given an assurance that national security will not be affected following the government’s recent announcement regarding visa exemption for visitors from several countries. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said security agencies have been asked to strengthen screening so that visa exemption facilities do not affect national security. “There are honourable members who may feel concerned because security issues have been raised, so relevant agencies have been asked to strengthen the screening,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill 2024 for the second reading in the Dewan Negara yesterday. On Nov 26, Anwar announced that the government has granted a 30-day visa exemption for Chinese oScreening of travellers to be enhanced as safeguard for visa exemption move, says Anwar LITERARY GEM ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launching the new edition of Islam and Confucianism: A Civilisational Dialogue in conjunction with the opening of the Islam-Confucianism Leadership Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, accompanied by Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (second from right) and the book’s author Prof Dr Osman Bakar. – BERNAMAPIC and Indian nationals to Malaysia from Dec 1, in the spirit of the strategic partnership of MalaysiaChina bilateral relations, which will span 50 years next year. He said it is an additional facility to the existing visa exemptions enjoyed by citizens from Gulf states and other West Asian countries, Bernama reported. On Monday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Immigration Department will set up a special task force to monitor the departure of tourists from China and India, at the end of the 30-day permissible stay period in Malaysia. “This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen security measures as we prepare to launch activities under the visa liberalisation plan, with surveillance reports issued on a regular basis. “The visa liberalisation plan will be strengthened with security and enforcement measures that will involve relevant agencies, to curb the influx of foreigners and illegal immigrants. “The Home Ministry, through the Immigration Department and police, will continue to maintain security and public safety by screening all travellers, especially those with criminal records and terror risks,” he said in a statement. The prime minister has also asked the top management of the armed forces to manage its assets without interference from outside parties, including the government, as it is often plagued by procurement-related problems. He said this means the armed forces are fully responsible for any technical or implementation problem, while the government, particularly the Finance Ministry, will only negotiate in terms of equipment asset costs. “It’s better that we should negotiate directly with relevant governments. We have already started with Turkiye, South Korea and Italy. Otherwise, billions of ringgit will flow out of control. We cannot afford to spend tens of billions of ringgit and see very poor assets, compared with capabilities of other (countries),” he said. Embassy refutes allegations on soliciting funds KUALA LUMPUR: The Embassy of Palestine in Malaysia and its ambassador have never asked for contributions for the Palestinian cause to be channelled through the embassy, as claimed by certain parties. The embassy said in a statement yesterday it has consistently stressed the necessity for all fundraising activities to be conducted under the supervision, monitoring and control of the responsible Malaysian authorities. “Unfortunately, some voices insist that the embassy and ambassador of the State of Palestine have asked Malaysian NGOs to contribute through the embassy, which is totally untrue,” the statement read. However, in compliance with the instruction of the Palestinian authority in Ramallah, the embassy is always ready and will spare no efforts to provide assistance and facilities through diplomatic channels. These include the Akaun Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin under the Foreign Ministry, Malaysian embassies in Jordan and Egypt, and the bank account of the Palestinian Red Crescent. “It is important to mention that, here and now, Palestine is under the Israeli occupation, and all Palestinian air, sea and land borders are now under the control of the Israeli authorities. “To facilitate entry of aid into Palestine, coordination must be made through neighbouring countries (Egypt and Jordan).” Goods for Gaza must pass through the Egyptian authorities, while goods for the West Bank and Jerusalem must enter through the Jordanian authorities. – Bernama Cease violence on Palestinians: Zambry KUALA LUMPUR: The illegal and inhumane occupation by Israel of Palestinian land must end, and the vicious cycle of violence on Palestinians must stop to pave way for efforts to support the establishment of a free and independent state of Palestine. This must be in accordance with the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. “The current violent outbreak we are witnessing did not happen in a vacuum. The backdrop is over 70 years of illegal occupation of Palestinian land and the inhumane oppression of the Palestinians by the occupying power, that is Israel. “We must stop the vicious cycle of violence in the region. The international community must not continue paying lip-service to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” he said when delivering the country’s statement at the United Nations’ Plenary Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East. Moving forward, Zambry said, it is important that the voice of the Palestinian people be heard, loud and clear, in charting their own future. Palestinians must be involved, front and centre, in any discussion on the future governance of their nation. “We must not wait any longer. It is time to deliver to the Palestinians their equal and rightful place among us, the free nations of the world. It is time for a free and independent state of Palestine,” he said. In welcoming the agreement for a “humanitarian pause” in Gaza reached on Nov 22, Zambry said Malaysia joins the resolute call by the clear majority of UN member states, for a full ceasefire. The four-day humanitarian truce entered into force on Friday, and it was extended for two days on Monday. At least 15,000 civilians were killed, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, while more than 36,000 were wounded in the Israeli’s relentless attacks on Gaza since Oct 7. – Bernama Welfare Bill for police retirees KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is drafting a Bill to regulate the welfare of police retirees, as well as former officers. Deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the Bill is being scrutinised by the ministry’s legal officers. Engagement sessions would be held next year before it is presented to the Cabinet and subsequently for tabling in Parliament, he said. “This Bill will be used as a source of authority related to the registration of police retirees and former police officers, to control the association of police retirees and former police officers, as well as the source of authority to look after their welfare,” he said during a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) on plans to introduce a law for retirees such as the Veterans Act 2012 that safeguards the welfare of the armed forces veterans. Earlier, replying to an original question from Shamsulkahar on the breakdown of aid recipients for police retirees and former police officers, Shamsul Anuar said 13,864 applications were approved from 2014 to 2022, involving a financial implication of about RM19 million. He said payment of about RM1.29 million would be made this year to 1,595 successful applicants. Shamsul Anuar added that the payments include, among others, funeral expenses, medical aid as well as aid channelled through Tabung Amanah Warisan polis. – Bernama Rukun Negara recitation in Parliament KUALA LUMPUR: The reciting of the Rukun Negara pledge will be carried out at the opening of every Dewan Rakyat session, which is the second day of the first meeting of every Parliament session. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the decision followed a proposal by National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang for the Rukun Negara pledge to be recited in full, starting with the preamble and followed by its five principles. Johari said he then brought the proposal to the Committee on Nation Building, Education and Human Resource Development, as well as the Standing Orders Committee for consideration. “These two committees agreed to implement the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said in his speech as soon as the Dewan Rakyat session began yesterday. – Bernama
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 3 Record number of initiatives achieved: Nga KUALA LUMPUR: The Local Government Development Ministry has successfully implemented 4,900 projects, the highest number ever recorded by the ministry, for the well-being of the people during the first year of the unity government. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the projects included upgrading markets and public toilets, repairing community halls, building affordable houses and maintaining drains and hill slopes in residential areas. He added that in the housing sector, a total of 301 abandoned projects with a value of RM28.8 billion involving 37,000 homebuyers, have been successfully revived as a result of the establishment of a special task force assigned to monitor the issue of abandoned housing projects nationwide. “This is success that has never been achieved before. So, we are very grateful, especially since these projects have been ongoing for so long, and the buyers have already finished paying their housing loans but have not received the keys to their homes.” He was speaking about the ministry’s achievements in conjunction with the “Madani Government One Year Anniversary” programme broadcast by Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Bernama reported.. Nga said in addition to abandoned projects, the ministry also focused on affordable housing projects, targeting the completion of 9,000 units of Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia homes. “At the beginning of the year, through Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad, the ministry also set a target to build 4,000 units of people-friendly homes. But I believe by next month, we will be able to complete 5,025 oMinistry revives abandoned projects worth RM28b, succeeds in building 25% more people-friendly homes SPM practical tests from Dec 5 to Dec 7 KUALA LUMPUR: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 Science practical tests for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Additional Science subjects will be held from Dec 5 to Dec 7. The Education Ministry said in a statement yesterday a total of 91,908 candidates have registered for the Physics subject, 93,135 for Chemistry, 72,841 for Biology and 1,784 for Additional Science. “The ministry would like to remind all candidates to refer to the examination timetable for information on the date, time, code and examination paper, as well as the instructions to be followed throughout the examination,” it said, adding that the examination timetable can be downloaded from the Examination Board website at lp.moe.gov.my. “Candidates are reminded to bring along their identity card and examination slip, and must comply with the standard operating procedures and regulations set to ensure the smooth management of the examination.” The ministry also expressed concern over the safety and welfare of candidates and examination staff in facing potential disasters, including floods. All SPM candidates are advised to immediately inform their school or the State Education Department if they are unable to go to the designated examination centre due to a disaster. – Bernama MCMC in pact to promote digitalisation PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday strengthened cooperation with three strategic partners by signing memorandums of understanding (MoU) to promote digitalisation of the health sector, and for community empowerment. The MoU were signed by MCMC with the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) in conjunction with the Madani Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) Conference, and witnessed by its minister Fahmi Fadzil. MCMC was represented by its chief executive for corporate affairs Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, Felda by its strategic communications director Mastura Abdul Manaf, MMA by its honorary secretary-general Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasi and MPS by its president Prof Amrahi Buang. Through the MoU, MCMC together with Felda, MMA and MPS will help their respective communities to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape in line with the availability of PEDi as a catalyst for the country’s digital economy. – Bernama 5,000 child abuse cases as of August KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, has handled 5,216 child abuse cases as of August. Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the cases involved 1,603 incidents of sexual abuse, 1,530 linked to neglect, 1,240 related to physical abuse, 73 on emotional abuse, 156 involving abandonment or no parents and 614 cases connected to other factors. “Some of the rescued children are at our institutions and some return to their families after assessments deemed environment no longer posed a risk to the children,” she said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday in response to a supplementary question from William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) on the statistics of abused children requiring protection. – Bernama units, which is 25% more than the target.” On the economy, Nga announced that the ministry has helped create 16,294 entrepreneurs through the Urban Community Economic Empowerment Programme, with groups such as single mothers and the B40 having been provided with training and equipment to start businesses, in line with the government’s mission to eradicate hardcore poverty by December. He also said the ministry has eliminated a total of 1,618 illegal dumpsites nationwide this year through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, in addition to implementing the “Clean, Beautiful and Fragrant” standard for public toilets as a move to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “Next year, this policy, which currently awards the ‘Best Toilet’ honour to hotels, restaurants, rest and recreation areas, petrol stations and shopping centres, will be expanded to all local authorities and schools to ensure we provide the best facilities for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.” Minister wants stronger action on violence, extremism BANGI: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil wants stronger action to be taken on incidents of violence and extremism, a situation he described as becoming increasingly concerning. He said all parties, including his ministry, need to double efforts to alleviate the situation to ensure the public has a good understanding of the law and do not resort to irrational actions. “Several recent incidents seem to require us to examine whether deep intervention is necessary,” he said, expressing concern over incidents such as a recent case in which a 13- year-old boy armed with a knife held up an ehailing driver. Fahmi, who is also National Day and Malaysia Day Main Committee 2023 chairman, was speaking on Tuesday night at the closing of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, that were themed “Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope”. Also present were Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, secretarygeneral Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency editor-inchief Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, parade participants and ministry staff. Fahmi said the importance of unity as the foundation to realising the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, and the idealism brought through the 2023 National Day and Malaysia Day celebration theme, is key in building a national identity. “The national unity agenda needs to be supported and embraced by all parties because the unity government wants values of mutual respect and a focus on justice to be enshrined in efforts to develop Malaysia Madani.” He said Malaysia has its National Unity Policy, which aims to ensure inter-community relationships and cultures are practised by the people, to develop good understanding among communities. Fahmi urged all parties to continue to nurture unity and harmony in Malaysia, as outlined in the Rukun Negara, which is key to racial harmony and unity to ensure the success and stability of the country. “Through Rukun Negara, Malaysia upholds aspirations of achieving closer unity among its people, maintaining a democratic way of life by creating a just society so that the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed fairly and equitably,” he said. – Bernama FANTASTIC TREATS ... Kelantan trader Arash Sahabi (left) and a worker preparing his signature ‘Cek Mek Molek Dragon Ball’ sweet potato snacks at his stall in Pasir Tumboh yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 4 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Contact theSun's Advertising & Marketing team to book your advertising space. 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my Christmas Christmas Special Advertise with us on Christmas Special on Dec 15, 2023 PUBLICATION DATE 15 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 1 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) When the time comes for you to once again put up the Christmas tree in your living room and go through the family festive recipe books, don't forget to check out our Christmas Special on where, when and how to get the best festive gifts, surprises and promotions for your loved ones, friends and associates. Greening programme to preserve environment oInitiative aimed at sprucing up parks with additional trees, playgrounds and jogging tracks SHAH ALAM: The Greening Programme, organised by the Selangor State Development Corporation, has been touted as a reflection of the agency’s commitment to preserving the environment and creating green areas for future generations. Its deputy CEO (Property Development) Md Kamarzan Md Rais said the programme, in collaboration with NGO Lions Convention, is among efforts to contribute towards implementing environmental, social and governance policies, in strengthening awareness and commitment to a sustainable environment through tree planting. He said the agency and Lions Convention jointly implemented the programme to preserve the beauty of nature and create a meaningful green space for the community in Taman Warisan and Anggun Kirana in Setia Alam. Md Kamarzan added that among the tree species that will be planted are tabebuia pentaphylla (tecoma or trumpet tree), lagerstroemia (bungor) and longkawinensis (eucalyptus deglupta or rainbow eucalyptus), Bernama reported. “The first phase of this project, which covers an area of 3.42ha, has been completed, with various facilities that meet the needs of various levels of society, including a skate park, a multi-purpose court and three integrated playgrounds with a special insect concept for children,” he said in his speech when officiating at the programme launch yesterday. He also said there is a 2.3km jogging track, which will run through the lush green area, with more than 700 trees of various species to be planted to add to the beauty of the park. Md Kamarzan said for the second phase of the project that is expected to be ready next month, more than 300 trees of various species will be planted, in addition to other facilities, such as a 1.2km jogging track and an exercise station, which will have various equipment for exercises. Tunku Puteri flanked by Albukhary Foundation senior adviser Datuk Mohd Puat Mohd Ali (left) and YSB finance chairman Datuk Syed Unan Mashri Syed Abdullah during the cheque presentation ceremony at the event. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN RM900,000 for blood donation unit PETALING JAYA: A charity dinner by the Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah (YSB) raised RM902,400 for a Mobile Blood Donation Unit, a specialised bus used for blood donation. YSB chairperson Datuk Seri Diraja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah said the current bus, which has been in operation since 1999, is in need of replacement due to high maintenance costs. “YSB plans to replace it with a new bus since it is over 10 years old, so that blood collection can be carried out more effectively. This new bus is estimated to cost RM500,000.” She said the new bus will play a crucial role in attracting more people to donate blood and ensuring a steady supply of blood for patients in need. “Blood is essential for life-saving surgeries and treatments, but only 2.5% of Malaysians who are physically fit to donate blood are donors. “As of May 31, 11,338 bags of blood were collected from donors in Kedah and Perlis using the mobile bus unit. In 2022 alone, a total of 47,379 bags of blood were collected and used to treat patients in both states. To meet this demand, YSB needs to collect approximately 4,000 bags of blood per week. Each bag contains the standard amount of 250ml,” Tunku Puteri said. More than 700 guests attended the charity dinner, including Toh Puan Bendahara Kedah Datin Seri Diraja Puan Sri Datuk Nora Abdullah, Tunku Zain-Al Abiddin Tuanku Muhriz, the Board of Trustees of YSB and its benefactors. Also present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. YSB is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the community in Kedah, that serves as an agent of social change in the fields of education, community development and health involving the elderly and youth. The organisation holds a charity gala dinner annually to raise funds for its various programmes and initiatives, including its mobile blood donation programme. █ BYQALIF ZUHAIR [email protected]
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 5 GEORGE TOWN: Two tracker dogs have been deployed to locate four missing individuals feared trapped under rubble at the site of a collapsed logistics warehouse. Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Khairy Sulaiman said yesterday the dogs would only be allowed to enter the area after it is confirmed to be safe. “Based on information from the contractor and developer, the trapped victims are said to be in close proximity to one another, with a distance of a few metres between them. “This is based on the fact that the workers were laying beams before the collapse. The area in question is the size of a basketball court.” Police confirmed that three Bangladeshi workers were killed, while two others were seriously injured when the warehouse collapsed at about 10pm on Tuesday, Bernama reported. The injured individuals were sent to the Penang Hospital for treatment while a search and rescue (SAR) operation was carried out by the department, with assistance from agencies such as the Civil Defence Force and police. The department said in a statement the SAR team is currently removing parts of the collapsed structure using heavy machinery. “A crane is being used to lift beams that block the entrance to the building and this task will take some time.” Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz called for strict action to be taken against the parties responsible, if negligence is found to have been the cause of the incident. Assured assistance for needy Muslims KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department is committed to addressing the needs of Muslim ummah by ensuring that funds reach vulnerable groups in an equitable way, said its director Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail. He added that in line with its functions and role, the agency will continue to empower such groups, especially those eligible for assistance in the form of cash and daily essential items. Vulnerable groups comprise asnaf (those eligible to receive zakat, or tithe) such as the mualaf (non-Muslims who have embraced Islam), hardcore poor and the underprivileged. Mohd Ajib dismissed claims that the groups were faced with various challenges in seeking assistance from the relevant institutions, forcing them to apply for alternative sources with other parties such as non-traditional lenders. The alleged issues include a lengthy zakat application process, non-availability of zakat facilities close to residences and difficulty among applicants in filling up forms. “Eligible asnaf groups are under the responsibility of the Federal Territory Islamic Council Baitulmal (treasury), with ample allocations provided to help them. As the policy implementer, we are assisted by mosques and surau in the federal territory to turun padang (go to the ground) by seeking, engaging with and helping asnaf individuals. “The assistance given by the council includes the disbursement of zakat. We also provide support in terms of supplying daily essentials through the Gerobok Rezeki food bank at 52 mosques and 14 surau.” Over 300,000 asnaf individuals have received assistance since 2020, involving allocations totalling RM6.12 million via various programmes in collaboration with the Baitulmal of the council and department. – Bernama Tracker dogs deployed at warehouse collapse site oBayan Lepas rep calls for strict action against parties responsible if negligence found to be cause of incident Nine monkeypox cases detected KUALA LUMPUR: Nine incidents of monkeypox (mpox) infection involving a foreign national and eight locals were reported between July and November. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the first two cases were recorded in Kuala Lumpur in July, the third and fourth cases in Selangor last month, the fifth case in Sarawak on Nov 5, while the remaining were also reported in the federal capital. “The ministry is intensifying measures to control and prevent mpox, including conducting monitoring at international entry points in collaboration with the Immigration Department for early detection of travellers with symptoms. “For the admission of foreign students to higher education institutions, especially from countries that have reported cases of mpox, they are required to monitor themselves for 21 days and seek treatment if they have symptoms.” He was responding to a question from Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) regarding preventive measures taken by the ministry on mpox. Commenting on mpox management guidelines, Lukanisman said infected individuals and close contacts are required to go through a period of isolation at home or at appropriate locations until they are confirmed to be infection-free. “We have 11 sentinel clinics comprising seven government and four private facilities for monitoring purposes. We also have a virus detection test service through 12 laboratories, including four private facilities, for early detection of an infection.” On another matter, Lukanisman said the release of Aedes mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria was proven to be able to control and overcome the increase in dengue outbreaks. He added that the initiative was first implemented in 2019, which saw 19 mosquito release localities recording a 100% decrease in cases. “There are currently 31 mosquito release locations, with plans to add 10 new locations every year.” – Bernama RM8.5m for Malacca tourism expenses MALACCA: The state government has allocated RM8.5 million in belanja hangus, or out of pocket expenses, for the “Visit Melaka Year 2024” campaign. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman (BN-Telok Mas) said the allocation will be used to finance 76 events in conjunction with the campaign. “Another RM6.6 million is for permanent investments, which include several tourism development projects in the state. “The projects include a river cruise in Sungai Linggi and the construction of a floating restaurant in the same area,” he said at the Malacca legislative assembly yesterday. He was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem (BN-Duyong), who wanted to know about the out of pocket expenses and permanent investments for the campaign. Abdul Razak said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry previously channelled RM10.1 million, while the state government provided RM5 million for promotional materials and initiatives both local and abroad. He also said the state government received a special allocation of RM25 million for the conservation of Unesco World Heritage sites, which was indirectly used to support the campaign. “Of the total, RM12.8 million was used for the development, maintenance, preservation and conservation of heritage sites, RM6.6 million for publications and RM5.6 million for heritage programmes.” He said the Malacca government is confident of receiving 15 million to 18 million domestic and international tourist arrivals next year in conjunction with the campaign, adding that it would generate RM29.9 billion in returns as the service sector contributes 48% to the state gross domestic product. – Bernama T’gganu loses RM82m after tax exemption on residential property KUALA TERENGGANU: The decision to exempt assessment tax payments on residential premises from 2018 to 2023 has resulted in the Terengganu government incurring revenue losses of RM82.5 million. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said yesterday the exemption was in line with the PAS manifesto for the 14th general election (GE14) in 2018. “As soon as PAS won Terengganu in GE14, we abolished assessment tax payments. “As a result, the state lost RM82.5 million that should have been collected by seven local authorities,” he said in response to a question from Khazan Che Mat (Bersatu-Seberang Takir), who wanted to know the amount of revenue that the state government would have collected since the implementation of the manifesto. According to data, he said the figures comprised RM9.7 million in 2018, RM12.73 million in 2019, RM13.87 million in 2020, RM14.56 million in 2021, RM15.27 million in 2022 and RM16.38 million in 2023. – Bernama A Fire and Rescue Department canine unit handler preparing to enter the site with his dog. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 6 Muhyiddin fails in bid for return of passport oCourt rules ex-PM needs to present better reasons than ‘holiday’ and ‘medical check-up’ KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday failed in his application to have his passport returned permanently to him. This was after the Sessions Court Judge Azura Alwi dismissed the Pagoh MP’s application. “After examining and listening to the submissions of all parties, the court opines that the applicant (Muhyiddin) needs to present stronger reasons other than holiday and medical check-up. “In addition, the applicant is still facing three more charges of money laundering. “Therefore, it is premature for the court to change the bail conditions,” she said, adding Muhyiddin can still apply for a temporary release of his passport and he will not be prejudiced. On Oct 16, the politician filed the application on the basis that he needed the passport for a family holiday in London and a medical check-up in Singapore at the end of this year. Muhyiddin’s counsel Datuk Seri K. Kumaraendran then requested the passport to be returned as his client will start his holiday trip on Dec 15. Since the matter was not objected to by DPP Ahmad Akram Gharib, the court then allowed for the document to be temporarily returned to Muhyiddin and ordered the passport to be returned to the court before Jan 15 next year. Muhyiddin, who was clad in a black suit, was present yesterday. On Oct 2, Muhyiddin filed an application for the Sessions Court here to give him a discharge not amounting to acquittal of the three charges of money laundering, amounting to RM200 million, relating to the Jana Wibawa project. Muhyiddin is facing two charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM195mil from Bukhary Equity, which was allegedly deposited into the Bersatu bank account. He was also charged with receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM5 million. – Bernama PARTIAL FREEDOM ... Nasyid singer and composer Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman talking to the press yesterday after the Sessions Court in Petaling Jaya acquitted him of three drug-related charges. However, Judge Faiz Dziyauddin ordered the 48-year-old be placed in the Ulu Kinta Psychiatric Hospital in Perak for the duration permitted by the Sultan of Selangor. – BERNAMAPIC Trio charged with armed robbery KUALA KANGSAR: Three friends were charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday with armed robbery involving jewellery worth RM1.4 million. R. Gunasellan, 52, A.F. Adrian Raj Dominic, 29, and R. Anandan, 35, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The three men, along with six others still at large, are charged with robbing Chong Yong Seng and Tan Kang Chiat, both 26, when armed with a machete, of the jewellery at the Jalan Dato Maharajalela parking area here on Nov 6. They are charged under Sections 395 and 397 of the Penal Code and face imprisonment for up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction. Judge Rohaida Ishak allowed them bail of RM20,000 with two sureties each, where one of the surety should be a family member. They are also required to report themselves at a police station once a month pending disposal of the case. Rohaida also set Dec 29 for mention of the case. Gunasellan and Anandan were each fined RM2,500, in default six months in jail, and placed under police probation for two years by the same court after pleading guilty to self-administration of drugs. Gunasellan was charged with self-administration of morphine at the Narcotics Office of the Kuala Kangsar district police headquarters on Nov 7. Anandan was charged with self-administration of cannabis at the same place and date. – Bernama Cops arrest parents of abandoned siblings IPOH: Police have arrested two individuals, believed to be the parents of four siblings who were found abandoned at the Perak Tengah administrative complex in Kampung Gajah last Thursday. “Police arrested the man on Monday and impounded a blue motorcycle and the clothes the man used during the incident,” Perak Tengah district police chief Supt Hafezul Helmi Hamzah said yesterday. “A woman was arrested on Tuesday and her mobile phone was seized. “Both are being held at the Perak Tengah district police headquarters to assist investigations.” Hafezul Helmi said police opened an investigation paper under Section 33 (a) of the Child Act 2001, because it was suspected that the siblings were left without proper supervision. On Friday, Hafezul Helmi said four siblings were abandoned in front of a security post at the complex. He said the incident involved two boys aged 11 and three, a 10-month-old boy and a six-year-old girl. The siblings were believed to have been abandoned by a woman who was driving a car. – Bernama Woman charged with sister’s death SUNGAI PETANI: A pharmacy assistant at a private hospital was charged at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with causing the death of her younger disabled sister. Nur Syuhaidah Mohd Sani, 36, only nodded after the charges were read before Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani. According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have deliberately caused the death of Nur Fatin, 29, at a house in Residensi Prima Puteri Jaya, between 5.30pm on Nov 6 and 11.30am on Nov 20. The accused is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for a death penalty or up to 40 years imprisonment, and no less than 12 strokes of the cane. DPP Amirul Halimi Md Salleh appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was not represented. No bail was offered to the accused and the court fixed Jan 31 for re-mention. – Bernama Contractor fined over forged statements KUALA LUMPUR: A former company director was fined RM15,000 by the Sessions Court here yesterday for using false bank statements to obtain tenders for cleaning services at the Kota Bharu Court Complex four years ago. Judge Azura Alwi handed down the sentence on Ahmad Faiz Fikrey Izani, 35, after he changed his plea to guilty at the mention of the case yesterday. He paid the fine. The company belonging to the accused was among the 16 that qualified to advance to the next level. Following an evaluation by the finance committee, it ranked first with the lowest price offer compared with other companies. Among the factors that won the firm first place was the results of a financial evaluation based on the three-month bank statements that were submitted. Following an investigation by a bank officer, it was found that the bank statements were forged. – Bernama
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 7 Gangs, extortion driving Rohingya sea exodus LHOKSEUMAWE: Holding his son’s hand in a temporary shelter in Indonesia, Rohingya Mohamed Ridoi says he made the dangerous 12-day sea journey from massive refugee camps in Bangladesh to escape the pervasive threats of kidnapping, extortion and murder. The 27-year-old said he was starting a “peaceful life” in a temporary shelter in Indonesia’s western Aceh Province, where more than 1,000 Rohingya people have arrived this month, the largest such influx since 2015. He and others said they fled escalating brutality in the camps in and around Cox’s Bazar, which hold more than one million people and where gangs regularly abduct and torture residents for ransom. “One of the groups kidnapped me and demanded 500,000 Bangladeshi taka (RM21,153) to buy their guns,” Ridoi, who left with his wife, two children and his brother, told AFP. “They told me that if I couldn’t give them the money, they would kill me.” oEscalating brutality in refugee camps pushing people to leave Bangladesh to seek better life elsewhere Final debates begin in Hong Kong’s largest security trial HONG KONG: The city’s largestever national security trial began final arguments yesterday, more than 1,000 days after the case against 47 democracy activists under the Beijing-imposed law began. The defendants represent a cross-section of Hong Kong’s opposition, including activists Joshua Wong and Lester Shum, professor Benny Tai, and former lawmakers Claudia Mo and Au Nok-hin. They are charged with “conspiracy to subvert state power” for organising, joining and supporting an unofficial primary election in July 2020 to shortlist the opposition camp’s candidates for the city’s legislature election. The offence carries up to life in prison under the sweeping national security law that was enacted on the financial hub in 2020 to quell dissent following huge, sometimes violent democracy protests starting a year earlier. Prosecutors allege the defendants planned to obtain a legislature majority with the primary winners, then force the government to meet the “five demands” raised by protesters in 2019. Pro-democracy activist known as Grandma Wong having her Union flag confiscated by police outside the court yesterday. – AFPPIC He said he eventually paid 300,000 taka (RM12,715) for his release last month and, within weeks, he was on a boat to Indonesia, arriving on Nov 21. “We are not safe in Bangladesh. That is why I decided to go to Indonesia to save me and my family’s life,” he said. Having first fled state-backed persecution in Myanmar, including a 2017 crackdown that is subject to a UN genocide probe, the refugees now find themselves pushed to undertake weeks-long journeys of more than 1,800km on packed, rickety boats. Indonesia is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and says it is not compelled to take in refugees from Myanmar, but neighbouring countries have shut their doors, meaning they have almost no other options. More than half a dozen boats have arrived in Aceh since Nov 14, and monitors say more are on their way, despite some locals turning arriving boats back to sea and stepping up patrols on the coast. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported this year that criminal gangs were causing fear at night in the Bangladesh refugee camps, which now number more than two dozen. The Bangladesh defence ministry has identified at least 11 armed groups operating in the camps, but rights groups say Dhaka is not doing enough to protect refugees from the violence. These gangs, vying for control and involved in activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking, have specifically targeted Rohingya community leaders and activists. Aisha, 19, arrived in Aceh on the same boat as Ridoi with two children and her husband. “They asked for money every night, threatening to abduct my husband. I couldn’t sleep at night because of them,” she said via an interpreter. Bangladesh police say about 60 Rohingya people have been killed in violence in the camps this year. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of HRW, said it appeared the Bangladeshi government “doesn’t care” about the refugees’ fate. “The bottom line is the Bangladesh government just wants all the Rohingya to go back to Myanmar as soon as possible, even if (it) means subjecting the refugees to conditions of absolute misery in the camps so that they leave.” The demands included launching an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality against protesters and gaining universal suffrage for both the city’s leader and lawmakers. Prosecutors also allege the defendants intended to veto the government’s budgets with the intent of forcing the chief executive to step down. According to the Basic Law, the semi-autonomous city’s miniconstitution, Hong Kong’s leader can dismiss the legislature if the budget is vetoed. If the same budget is struck down again by newly elected lawmakers, the chief executive must resign. “It had all along been their intentions to use vetoing the budgets as a means to create an unprecedented constitutional crisis, paralyse the government, and/or bring about political instability in Hong Kong with a view to subverting the state power,” prosecutors wrote in their written submission seen by AFP. “The crime lies in the agreement itself,“ the prosecution argued. The group of 47 were first charged in March 2021. Most were denied bail and have since remained in jail. Thirty-one defendants pleaded guilty. The trial has been conducted without a jury, a major departure from the city’s 178-year-old common law tradition, as ordered by the secretary for justice to prevent risks including the “involvement of foreign elements”. Three senior High Court judges handpicked by the government to try security cases were assigned instead. Thailand welcomes release of two more hostages BANGKOK: Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara welcomed yesterday the release of two more Thai hostages who had been held by Hamas in Gaza, the latest to be freed under a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. “Happy to personally welcome 2 additional Thai hostages just released and arrived at the hospital in Tel Aviv,” Parnpree, who is also deputy prime minister, posted on social media platform X. “A totally warm feeling to see how the former 17 were lining up to welcome and give moral support to the two newcomers,” he said. Nineteen Thai hostages have so far been released, while the foreign ministry says 13 more remain in captivity. There were 39 Thai nationals killed in the Oct 7 attack. A Thai Muslim group that spoke directly with Hamas said on Monday its efforts were key to ensuring Thai hostages were among the first to be released. A Thai foreign ministry spokesperson said multiple actors were consulted. Before the onslaught on Gaza, about 30,000 Thai labourers worked in Israel’s agriculture sector, comprising one of the largest migrant worker groups in the country. – Reuters B R I E F SAUSTRALIA ISSUES APOLOGY TO SURVIVORS SYDNEY: Australia issued a national apology yesterday to survivors of the thalidomide drug scandal, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called one of the “darkest chapters” in the country’s medical history. Thalidomide was a “wonder drug” prescribed in the 1950s and early 1960s to help pregnant women cope with morning sickness, but it was later discovered the chemical also caused severe birth defects in children. The Thalidomide Trust estimates more than 10,000 babies worldwide were impacted by thalidomide before it was pulled from shelves in the 1960s. “Every day between then and now, Australians affected by thalidomide have been owed an apology,” Albanese said in a speech to parliament as Australian thalidomide survivors watched on. “Today, at long last, Australia will say sorry. This apology takes in one of the darkest chapters in Australia’s medical history.” The British government made a similar apology in 2010. – AFP HISTORIAN CONVICTED OF ‘DISOBEDIENCE’ HAVANA: A respected Cuban academic said on Tuesday she had been found guilty of “disobedience” and ordered under house arrest after carrying out a series of solo protests to demand respect for human rights. “The trial is over,” historian Alina Barbara Lopez, 58, wrote on her Facebook account. “I can only say that I was found guilty of the crime of disobedience and that I will appeal,” Lopez wrote. The judge also sided with prosecutors and ordered that Lopez be fined and barred from leaving the country, she said. “It was a day of much outrage. The court was surrounded by police, by patrol cars in all the surrounding streets,” she later told AFP. In April, after an earlier detention, Lopez began a solitary campaign of protest, sitting on the 18th of every month in Liberty Park in the city of Matanzas, east of Havana. – AFP
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 8 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Saudi Arabia wins bid for 2030 world fair PARIS: The Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh won the right to host the Expo 2030 world fair, vote results showed on Tuesday, in another diplomatic victory for a Gulf country after last year’s soccer World Cup in Qatar. South Korea’s port city of Busan and Rome in Italy were also in the running to host the fiveyearly event that attracts millions of visitors and billions of dollars in investment. Riyadh won 119 votes, Busan 29 and Rome 17, results from 182 members of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions showed. Saudi Arabia needed two-thirds of the votes to win from the first round. The Italian contestants were scathing in their disappointment. “This huge result for Saudi was unexpected in those proportions,” said Giampiero Massolo, head of the Italian Expo bid. “It is no longer about the merits, but about transactions. “Yesterday it was a football championship, tomorrow it will be the Olympics,” he added. However, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated Saudi Arabia for winning the bid, calling the Gulf state “a key partner”, and adding that his nation would share the resources and experience gained to help Riyadh hold a successful event. Riyadh had enlisted football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for the Al-Nassr Saudi club, to convince members in a video projected before the vote. Riyadh aims to host the event between October 2030 and March 2031. The win is the icing on the cake for de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 program, which aims to wean the country off its oil dependency. – Reuters B R I E F SJAPAN SPACE AGENCY HIT WITH CYBERATTACK TOKYO: Japan’s space agency was hit with a cyberattack but the information the hackers accessed did not include anything important for rocket and satellite operations, a spokesperson said yesterday. “There was a possibility of unauthorised access by exploiting the vulnerability of network equipment,” the spokesperson at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said, declining to elaborate on details such as when the attack took place. The space agency learned of the possibility of the unauthorised access after receiving information from an external organisation and conducting an internal investigation, the spokesperson said, declining to identify the organisation’s name. The investigation is ongoing, the spokesperson said. Japanese media reported yesterday that the cyberattack occurred during the summer and the police became aware of the attack and notified JAXA this autumn. – AFP SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT USING LOW-CARBON FUEL LONDON: A Virgin Atlantic passenger jet powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) completed a London-to-New York jaunt on Tuesday, showcasing the potential of low-carbon options, which are a tiny fraction of the industry’s fuel mix. The flight is not the first time the industry has staged demonstrations to highlight its aspiration to reduce emissions - and appeal for government support. Indeed, Tuesday’s flight carried only Virgin’s billionaire founder, Richard Branson, and a few others, and it is set to return to London using conventional jet fuel. Airlines are banking on fuel made from waste to reduce their emissions by up to 70%, but the high cost and tight supply of materials needed to make SAF make largescale production difficult. SAF accounts for less than 0.1% of total global jet fuel in use today and costs three to five times as much as regular jet fuel. – AFP Russian frigate hits Ukraine military infrastructure NEW YORK: A frigate of the Russian Black Sea Fleet launched an attack with four cruise missiles on Ukraine’s military infrastructure, Russia’s defence ministry said early on Wednesday. “The crew of a frigate of the Black Sea Fleet received a task of launching a strike with Kalibr cruise missiles in the shortest possible time against enemy military infrastructure,” the ministry said on its Telegram messaging app. The ministry said “the designated targets” were hit. There was no immediate comment early yesterday from Ukraine about infrastructure being hit overnight. Reuters could not independently verify the claim and immediately establish when the attack took place. A video of the reported attack published by the ministry on Telegram showed a ship launching missiles during what it seemed like sunrise or dawn hours, but there was also a footage of daylight. Ukraine’s navy said late on Tuesday that the Russian navy had kept two submarines with a total equipment of up to eight Kalibr missiles on combat duty in the Black Sea as of Tuesday evening. “The missile threat level is high,” Ukraine’s navy said on its Telegram messaging app. The Black Sea has become a crucial theatre in the 21-month-long war. Ukraine’s increased air and sea drone attacks on Russian military targets there have damaged ship and naval repair yards in the port of Sevastopol, and struck other targets. Moscow uses its fleet in the Black Sea to launch long-range strikes on Ukraine. But for President Vladimir Putin, the waters – which connect to the Mediterranean Sea – are also an important springboard for projecting power into the Middle East, Europe and the West. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv’s ability to strike warships and diminish Russian surveillance in the Black Sea have undermined Russia’s war efforts and helped Ukraine to secure a shipping route to export its grain. All trapped workers rescued from tunnel SILKYARA: Rescuers on Tuesday pulled out all 41 workers trapped for 17 days inside a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas after drilling through the debris of rock, concrete and earth to reach them, triggering jubilation across India. The evacuation of the men, low-wage workers from some of India’s poorest states, began more than six hours after rescuers broke through the debris in the tunnel in Uttarakhand state, which caved in on Nov 12. They were pulled out on wheeled stretchers through a 90cm wide steel pipe, with the entire process being completed in about an hour. “Their condition is first-class and absolutely fine just like yours or mine. There is no tension about their health,” said Wakil Hassan, a rescue team leader. The first to be evacuated, a short man wearing a dark grey winter jacket and a yellow hard-hat, was garlanded with marigold flowers and welcomed in traditional Indian style inside the tunnel by state chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and federal deputy highways minister V. K. Singh. Some walked out smiling and were hugged by Pushkar, while others made gestures of thanks with clasped hands or sought blessings by touching his feet. All were garlanded and also presented with a white fabric stole by Pushkar and V.K. “I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media platform X. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough.” Modi later spoke to the rescued men by phone and enquired about their condition, TV channels reported. Federal road transport and highways Chief Minister of the northern state of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami (right) greets a worker after he was rescued on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIC oIndia celebrates evacuation as workmen garlanded with flowers and welcomed in traditional Indian style minister Nitin Gadkari thanked rescue workers and said a safety audit of the tunnel would now be done. Ambulances that had lined up with lights flashing at the mouth of the tunnel transported the workers to a hospital about 30km away. They are expected to travel to their home states after doctors clear them. “We are happy and feel relieved. I have told everyone in the family that he has come out,” said Rajni Tudu, whose husband Surendra was among the trapped men. Local residents gathered outside the tunnel set off firecrackers, distributed sweets and shouted slogans hailing Mother India. The cave-in and the ordeal of the men did not grab much attention in its first week as it happened on the day of the Hindu festival of Diwali and in the run-up to the cricket World Cup semifinals and finals, which India was expected to win. It however made national headlines since and there was jubilation around the country on Tuesday, with politicians, retired cricket players, business leaders, diplomats and spiritual leaders hailing the effort. – Reuters
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 9 Mediators seek lasting truce as more hostages freed oCeasefire will hold as long as Hamas guarantees release of at least 10 detainees along with further negotiations, says Qatar GAZA: A truce between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth day yesterday after additional hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with mediators pushing for a more “sustainable” ceasefire. After a 48-hour extension of an initial four-day truce, a new group of 12 hostages was freed from Gaza on Tuesday, with 30 Palestinians released by Israel. The final 24 hours of the extended agreement had begun late yesterday, with one more exchange of hostages for prisoners expected, but mediator Qatar said it was hoping for a more durable arrangement. “Our main focus right now and our hope is to reach a sustainable truce that will lead to further negotiations and eventually to an end to this war,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told a Doha news conference. “However, we are working with what we have. And what we have right now is the provision to the agreement that allows us to extend days as long as Hamas is able to guarantee the release of at least 10 hostages.” That provision has allowed the two-day extension that saw 10 Israeli hostages released from Gaza overnight on Tuesday, along with two Thais freed outside the scope of the agreement. An AFP journalist saw masked and armed fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad hand over hostages to Red Cross officials in Rafah, near the border with Egypt. So far, 60 Israeli hostages have been freed from Gaza under the terms of the deal, with a RussianIsraeli, 20 Thai and one Filipino freed outside the scope of the agreement. In return, 180 Palestinian prisoners – all women and minors – have been released. Among them was 14-year-old Ahmad Salaima who returned to his home in east Jerusalem to cheers and hugs from relatives. “When Ahmed was in prison, we couldn’t visit him, even though he’s the youngest Palestinian prisoner at just 14 years old,” his father Nayef said. The truce agreement has brought a temporary halt to fighting. Israel’s aerial and land campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 15,000 people, according to Hamas officials, and rendered large parts of the territory’s north uninhabitable. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday that Gaza’s population faced a “high risk of famine if WFP is not able to provide continued access to food”. Conditions in the territory are “catastrophic”, the agency’s Middle East director said, while a spokesman for the UN children’s agency Unicef said aid entering Gaza under the truce deal was “not even enough for triage”. The dire humanitarian situation has piled on pressure for a more lasting pause or even an end to the fighting, though Israel has made clear it sees the truce as a brief interlude to ensure hostage releases before its war continues. – AFP Israeli, US spy chiefs meet Qatari PM to discuss truce DOHA: The leaders of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad met Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Tuesday to build on the two-day extension of a truce between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, a source briefed on the visit said. The meeting was “to build on the progress of the extended humanitarian pause agreement and to initiate further discussions about the next phase of a potential deal,” the source told Reuters. The outcome of the talks, which were also attended by Egyptian officials, was unclear, the source added. CIA Director William Burns was in Doha “for meetings on the IsraelHamas conflict including discussions on hostages”, a US official said on condition of anonymity. The official did not elaborate. Burns, David Barnea – head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service – and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman alThani met one day after Qatar announced the two-day extension of an original four-day truce deal in Gaza that had been due to expire overnight. Qatar, where several political leaders of Hamas are based, has been leading negotiations between the Palestinian fighters and Israel. Officials in the meeting discussed possible parameters of a new phase of the truce deal, including Hamas releasing hostages who are men or military personnel, not just women and children, the source said. They also considered what might be needed to reach a ceasefire lasting more than a handful of days. Qatar spoke to Hamas before the meeting to get a sense of what the group might agree to. The Israelis and Hamas are now internally discussing the ideas explored at the meeting, the source added. The truce has brought the first respite to the Gaza Strip in seven weeks during which Israel bombed the territory heavily During the first four days of the truce, Hamas fighters released 50 Israeli women and children who had been taken hostage. In return, Israel released 150 security detainees from its jails, all women and teenagers. So far, there is no indication that Hamas is willing to release any Israeli men or military personnel among those taken captive. G7 calls on Huthis to stop threats to shipping TOKYO: G7 foreign ministers yesterday called on Iran-backed Huthi rebels to cease threats to international shipping and to release a vessel they seized earlier this month. “Emphasising the importance of maritime security, we call on all parties not to threaten or interfere with lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by all vessels,” a statement released by G7 chair Japan read. “We especially call on the Houthis to immediately cease attacks on civilians and threats to international shipping lanes and commercial vessels and release the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew, illegally seized from international waters on Nov 19,” it added. The Huthis have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since it began its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. On Nov 17, Huthis seized Israelilinked cargo vessel the Galaxy Leader and its 25 international crew at the entrance to the Red Sea. On Sunday, two ballistic missiles were launched from an area controlled by Huthi rebels in Yemen, landing around 10 nautical miles from US destroyer the USS Mason, according to the Pentagon. The USS Mason was responding to the boarding of a tanker ship off the Yemeni port city of Aden by five armed people who fled in a small boat and were detained, the Pentagon said. – AFP B R I E F SMALI OPENS ‘TERRORISM’ PROBE ON JIHADISTS BAMAKO: Mali’s judiciary has announced an investigation into several ethnic separatists and AlQaeda-linked jihadist leaders for terrorism and money laundering, as security deteriorates in the country. Those being investigated include Iyag Ag Ghaly, a Tuareg militant and leader of Al-Qaeda-linked coalition Support Group for Islam and Muslims, and radical Fulani preacher Amadou Koufa, who belongs to the same group, according to instructions issued by the Bamako Court of Appeal’s public prosecutor on Tuesday and shared with AFP. Also on the list are six Tuareg leaders belonging to an alliance of armed groups that recently relaunched a rebellion against the state, despite signing a 2015 peace deal in Algiers. The public prosecutor said the investigation was launched “not only against the terrorist leaders but also other members who were signatories to the 2015 peace agreement” and “have tipped over into terrorism”. – AFP JAILED BISHOP TREATED SPECIALLY IN PRISON MANAGUA: Nicaragua’s government on Tuesday said jailed Catholic bishop Rolando Alvarez, who is serving a 26- year prison term for treason, is held under “preferential” conditions. The assertion marked a rebuttal of two United Nations human rights experts who voiced “grave concern” earlier this month about the solitary confinement of Monsignor Alvarez in prison. Alvarez, a strong critic of President Daniel Ortega, who has ruled Nicaragua since 2007, refused earlier this year to board a US-bound airplane with 222 other political prisoners forced into exile. The 57- year-old Alvarez later was sentenced to a 26-year jail term for treason, spreading false news and undermining national integrity. – AFP Palestinians waiting to fill their cars with fuel during a temporary truce in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip on Nov 28. – REUTERSPIC
10 THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE THE jaguar (Panthera onca) is the third-largest big cat on the planet and the only big cat in the Americas, effortlessly blending grace with raw power. It resembles the leopard, but its coat displays larger and more spaced-out rosettes, often with central spots inside each, creating a less clustered pattern. Jaguars live mainly in the Americas, adapting to different environments. They can be found in the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia), Pantanal Wetlands (Brazil), Gran Chaco (Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia), and Cerrado biome (Brazil). They also roam Central America (Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and Guatemala) and the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). Despite their adaptability, jaguars are at risk due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these majestic cats across their diverse habitats. Jaguars hold significant cultural value for communities inhabiting their territories. Beyond being formidable predators, they serve as important symbols of power in indigenous cultures. These majestic felines play a vital role in local narratives and traditions, embodying a profound connection to the natural world. For some, jaguars are viewed as guardians or revered beings. Additionally, jaguars contribute to economic prosperity through wildlife tourism, generating employment opportunities. However, in regions where agriculture is practised, jaguars may pose challenges. Conservation efforts aim to find solutions that promote harmonious coexistence between human communities and jaguars, respecting the remarkable cultural and natural heritage associated with these magnificent creatures. Silent decline Despite its revered status, the jaguar is silently dwindling, with an estimated population of approximately 173,000, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The rapid loss of their habitat, driven by deforestation and human encroachment, threatens these majestic creatures. In addition, the challenges for jaguar populations are exacerbated by poaching and conflicts with farmers. Jaguars face an escalating threat from illegal hunting, historically driven by the demand for their fur. Furthermore, there is a growing illicit trade in jaguar teeth and bone products, with these items being illicitly exported to China. Recent studies paint a concerning picture, revealing a decline in jaguar numbers across their range. The encroachment of human activities into jaguar habitats disrupts this cat’s way of life. The expansive territories that were once the homes of these large cats are diminishing, leaving them vulnerable in the face of an ever-changing landscape. Urgent action needed Currently, the jaguar is listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. This status signals a pressing need for attention and action. The loss of habitat and the increasing human-wildlife conflicts demand immediate and concerted efforts to safeguard the future of these iconic creatures. Conservationists and scientists are emphasising the critical need to preserve jaguar habitats and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Without swift and decisive action, the decline of the jaguar may escalate into a devastating crescendo. Collective hope Initiatives to establish and connect protected corridors, ensuring safe passage for jaguars, have gained momentum. Conservation organisations are collaborating with local communities to promote coexistence, addressing the root causes of conflicts and championing sustainable practices. These efforts aim not only to protect jaguars but also to preserve the delicate balance of their ecosystems. In certain regions, communitybased conservation programmes have successfully reduced conflicts and created a harmonious relationship between humans and jaguars. Education and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in these initiatives, promoting a deeper understanding of jaguars’ vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Local communities also play a crucial role in the conservation narrative. Conservationists are fostering a sense of shared responsibility by involving them in decision-making processes, and emphasising the economic value of ecotourism. Sustainable development that benefits humans and jaguars is becoming a cornerstone of successful conservation efforts. The fate of the jaguar rests not only in the hands of conservationists but also in the choices we make every day. By supporting sustainable practices, raising awareness and fostering coexistence, we can become guardians of the jungle, ensuring that the enigmatic roar of the jaguar continues to resonate through the wilderness for generations to come. The time to act is now, for in preserving the jaguar, we can secure the harmonious balance of our shared home. The writer is the founder and chief executive officer of BioDB.com, a group tasked with collecting conservation data, raising awareness for biodiversity loss and fundraising. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Assaf Levy Jaguars are listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. – PIC COURTESY OF PIXABAY/CC0 Ensuring continuous roar of mighty cats
11 THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 Will COP28 step up or cop out? I N the cadence of international climate conferences, the urgency is evident, and a stark acknowledgement that despite the numerous gatherings and impassioned rhetoric, the world remains precariously balanced on the brink of climate catastrophe. As quoted by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the era of global warming has ended and “the era of global boiling has arrived”. The recent news of the world’s largest Antarctic iceberg, A23a, shifting for the first time in over three decades serves as a chilling reminder that while discussions unfold, the very foundations of our planet are undergoing irreversible transformations. The need to change our direction is clear as each conference is not just a meeting but a face-up to the results of our ongoing inaction. The Conference of the Parties (COP), a gathering of nations and regional entities, convenes to address climate action under the UNFCCC (Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the Paris Agreement. As COP28 prepares to kick off in Dubai, the stakes have never been higher. With an expected attendance of over 70,000 delegates, this gathering is poised to be a pivotal moment for nations. An important agenda item is the inaugural global stock-taking of climate action under the Paris Agreement. This stock-taking is designed to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals, which include cutting greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience to climate impacts and fostering international cooperation for climate action. This year’s COP will also focus on fasttracking the move to clean energy sources, “slashing” greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and operationalising the decision of establishing a loss and damage fund at COP27, ensuring its efficient implementation to address the urgent needs of vulnerable communities, especially in developing countries, including Malaysia. In addition to the formal negotiations and high-level meetings, COP28 will also provide a platform for various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, businesses and youth groups, to showcase their initiatives and commitments towards climate action. The conference will feature numerous side events, exhibitions and forums, offering opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration. These diverse voices and contributions are essential for driving momentum and fostering a sense of collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. As the world looks towards COP28, there is a growing sense of urgency and determination to confront the challenges of climate change with solidarity and resolve. Malaysia, especially in the last decade, has witnessed the consequences of climate change. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels and disruptions to agriculture, the effects are tangible. Three key areas that Malaysia needs to focus on include prioritising the needs of children and youths. While countries such as Malaysia have made significant progress in transitioning to a low-carbon future, a critical gap remains in many nations’ climate policies, which is the lack of representation from youths. Nations need to acknowledge the importance of involving young people in climate discussions and decision-making processes, considering that they will bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change. This goes beyond token representation and underscores the need for meaningful engagement, ensuring that their voices are not just heard but taken into account when considering policy frameworks. For example, by establishing a National Children and Youth Committee on Climate Change, the younger generation can have a dedicated platform to voice their concerns, participate in climate decision-making and contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and adapting. Additionally, the perspectives of children and youths can be integrated into the broader national discourse on climate action. Climate education should also be incorporated into the school curricula to empower the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to contribute actively to sustainability as education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours. Hence, children will be Kudos to Sivasangari, ‘woman of steel’ THE singles and doubles squash gold medalist at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, S. Sivasangari, 24, has kept her winning streak by defeating Egypt’s World Junior champion, Amina Orfi, ranked 18th in the world at the Hong Kong Squash Club Open recently. Hailed as a “woman of steel”, Sivasangari’s triumph is especially commendable considering her remarkable comeback from a devastating car accident, which resulted in multiple injuries and head trauma. Sports enthusiasts and netizens nationwide are praising her resilience. In a recent interview, she attributed her fearlessness in competitions to her journey of physical and mental recovery. She said: “If I can overcome what happened a year and a half ago, I believe I can overcome anything.” Sivasangari has demonstrated to the Road to Gold (RTG) committee that she is on the right track for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Currently ranked 22nd globally, she fiercely battled through her first set, securing a narrow 11-9 victory in a closely contested match. On her journey to the final, she triumphed over formidable opponents, including Sabrina Sobhy of the US (ranked 15th) and Sarah Jane Perry of England (ranked 12th in the world). In August, she secured her inaugural title in the Tunku Muhriz Trophy, marking a culmination of her unwavering hard work, determination and discipline. Her double gold medal achievement earned her a monetary reward of RM100,000 through the Youth and Sports Ministry reward system. We hope, with the support of the RTG, more world-class players, such as Sivasangari and Rachel Arnold, will be discovered to make waves in the domestic and international squash tournaments. C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu Seremban LETTERS [email protected] instilled with a strong foundation of environmental awareness. Moreover, nations can cultivate a generation that is not only conscious of the challenges but also equipped to be part of the solutions. It is also worth noting that the impact of climate change on children and youths goes beyond long-term consequences, involving immediate health challenges. Climate change heightens existing health vulnerabilities, exposing young individuals to diseases, malnutrition and mental health issues. Extreme weather events induced by climate change can contribute to the spread of diseases, disrupt healthcare services and compromise access to clean water and nutrition. Meanwhile, the psychological toll of living in a world marked by environmental uncertainty can have lasting effects on the mental well-being of youths. Addressing these health impacts requires a comprehensive approach, involving mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting healthcare systems to respond effectively. This underscores the interconnectedness of climate, health and social well-being, emphasising the need for holistic strategies to safeguard the health and future of children and youths. Furthermore, Malaysia should focus more on protecting indigenous people’s rights, considering Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and the vital role of indigenous communities. This involves recognising their traditional knowledge and practices in maintaining environmental equilibrium. Malaysia should also address challenges, such as land encroachment and resource exploitation, to ensure the rights to land, self-determination and cultural preservation. We must commit to inclusive policies involving indigenous communities as partners in conservation efforts, ensuring their voices are heard and contributions recognised. Lastly, Malaysia should focus on inclusive and sustainable climate finance mechanisms. The transition to a sustainable future demands significant financial investment, especially for businesses and young entrepreneurs adopting eco-friendly practices. Malaysia should advocate for mechanisms supporting these entities, such as green loans, grants and financial instruments, prioritising environmentally conscious projects. By promoting an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs are incentivised to adopt sustainable practices, Malaysia can accelerate the global shift towards a green economy. Recognising the financial challenges faced by developing nations, Malaysia should promote international cooperation to establish mechanisms ensuring equitable access to climate finance. COP28 is an opportune moment to bring together the government, youth and expert perspectives to chart a course toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The challenges are immense but with proactive measures and initiatives in place, there is a tangible sense of hope that Malaysia can emerge as a guiding light of progress in the global fight against climate change. It is noteworthy that Malaysia will have one of its biggest delegations at COP this year, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled to attend and deliver a national statement during the high-level segment, emphasising the country’s dedication to tackling global climate challenges. While COP28 marks a pivotal moment for Malaysia to assert its commitment to climate action and call for international support, it is crucial to acknowledge that this conference is not the end of the road. The real work lies beyond the discussions and negotiations in Dubai, extending into the diligent implementation of policies, collaborative efforts across borders and a steadfast commitment from all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient future for generations to come. The writer is a youth climate champion consultant at Unicef Malaysia, National Consultative panel member to the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry of Malaysia, member of the Official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, co-founder of Project Ocean Hope and a PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] Nations need to acknowledge the importance of involving young people in climate discussions as they will bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change. – REUTERSPIC CLIMATE VOICE BY MOGESH SABABATHY P8: NEW COLUMHEADLINE: “As the world looks towards COP28, there is a growing sense of urgency and determination to confront the challenges of climate change with solidarity and resolve.
PROPERTY PROPERTY THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 12 Early December prelaunch for Armani Signature Residence SHAH ALAM: Property developer Armani Group is set to prelaunch the low-density Armani Signature Residence, comprising 315 units in Shah Alam, overlooking Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club with a gross development value (GDV) of RM220 million in early December. Group deputy CEO Chris Yong stated that Armani Signature Residence was built in response to market demand – given low-density developments in the Klang Valley are scarce. “Sitting on a 5.2-acre land, each block consists of only 105 units. Therefore, the density is extremely Yong (left) and group sales and marketing director William Lau. oShah Alam project built in response to market demand for low-density housing █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] low. And this land is located right in the middle of the golf course. If there are no other developments on this golf club, there will be just 315 units within 300 acres,” he told SunBiz. He said that the development offers three-bedroom, twobathroom units, full-height glass windows, and an attractive starting price of RM650,000. “We want to create something that is practical. All our units have three rooms and two bathrooms. There are no five rooms, three baths, and all those things. When you have too many rooms, it becomes small,” he explained. He highlighted that each unit has full height glasses of 2.7m with ceiling height of 3m in order to elevate the experience of facing the golf course. “We want you, whether you are in the living hall or the master bedroom, to still have a fullheight window facing the golf course,” he said. He added that as the development is mainly catered for Malay buyers, it also offers a resortlike 3,000 sq ft surau as well as a 2,000 sq ft multipurpose hall available for rent and a gym. Yong expressed confidence in the success of Armani Signature Residence due to its alignment with market demand and the scarcity of similar developments in the Klang Valley. “This development is a hidden gem. At this price point, combined with the unique features and practical layout surrounded by the golf course, it’s an unparalleled offering,” he said. He revealed that the prelaunch stage has garnered significant interest from buyers. “Right now, we have only opened one block for registration. So that one block is only 105 units. The registration itself (for the block) is already over 200,” he said. However, Yong acknowledged that the property market is challenging with inflationary pressure and a higher OPR, but he said that there is still demand. “This is a buyer’s market, not the seller’s market. A buyer’s market means that the buyer gets to choose,” he said. He explained that demand is definitely still there because every year there will be new people entering the workforce, new people wanting to rent, new people wanting to buy property. “Previously, maybe six, seven years ago, you could sell any type of property, and people would buy. Blindly, they would buy, but it is not a dead market now,” he affirmed. Sunway, Putrajaya Holdings to develop land in Precincts 7 & 8 PETALING JAYA: Sunway Bhd’s property arm Sunway Property had formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd to collaborate on developing prime commercial strategic parcels of land in Precinct 7 & 8, Putrajaya. Putrajaya Holdings is the master developer of Malaysia’s administrative capital of Putrajaya, one of the largest urban development projects in the country. Putrajaya Holdings has more than 20 signature development projects in Putrajaya comprising office buildings, commercial hubs, and residential projects such as Murraya in Precinct 12, Fera in Precinct 8, Alamanda Shopping Mall in Precinct 1, and more developments. Sunway Property managing director Sarena Cheah, said, “This MoU signifies a major step forward for us to leverage our unique BuildOwn-Operate business model to deliver liveability, as well as advances in property development and healthcare in Putrajaya. This partnership represents an opportunity to deliver sustainable and innovative development solutions that will contribute to the growth and progress of the local Putrajaya community.” The MoU establishes the groundwork for future cooperation between organisations in various sectors such as medical, education, property development, and hospitality for development. The cooperative effort will also explore the development of a medical centre in one of the parcels. The possible development of a medical centre is strategic as Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) is a leading integrated private healthcare group with a network of hospitals and health services in Malaysia. Following the success of Sunway Medical Centre in Klang Valley (Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Velocity) and Penang, Seberang Jaya; SHG has continued to expand in Klang Valley (Kota Damansara), Johor (Sunway City Iskandar Puteri), Ipoh (Sunway City Ipoh), Kelantan (Kota Baru) and Penang (Paya Terubong). This growth will propel SHG to be one of the largest healthcare groups in the region with a combined capacity of over 3,000 beds throughout SHG’s network of hospitals. The possible addition of a Sunway Medical Centre in Putrajaya, the nation’s administrative capital, will further solidify SHG’s position as a frontrunner in the healthcare industry. SP Setia rolls out Ferrous 2 in Setia Alam Impian SHAH ALAM: Following the successful premiere of Ferrous in March that saw an impressive 95% take-up rate, SP Setia launched Ferrous 2 in Setia Alam Impian, the second phase of the Ferrous double-storey terraced home collection on Sunday. “To date, we have received accumulating inquiries and recorded over 700 registered interests in the upcoming launch. This denotes strong interest in this affordable home collection, appealing to firsttime homebuyers or young growing families looking to upgrade to a larger house within a well-planned township,” SP Setia COO Datuk Zaini Yusoff said before the launch. With a gross development value of RM110.07 million, Ferrous 2, spanning 7.84 acres, consists of 116 units of double-storey terraced homes. Priced from RM885,800, these affordable freehold homes boast an expansive built-up area ranging from 1,900 sq ft to 2,097 sq ft featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Nestled within the township’s Industrial Arts Precinct, the design of Ferrous 2 showcases an industrial aesthetic with architectural features namely steel, aluminum, facing bricks and exposed concrete incorporated into the building façade. The terraced homes present an open layout concept with spacious living and dining areas, making it an ideal choice for residents who enjoy hosting family functions or gatherings. Moreover, residents can escape the bustling urbanscape by strolling to the connecting linear park which offers facilities suitable for all ages including a playground, basketball court, Little Shorea Forest, and more. In alignment with SP Setia’s commitment to environmental responsibility, Ferrous 2 incorporates sustainable and futureready features that promote smarter and more sustainable living. These features, including a smart digital lock, EV charging point, and green switch not only bring convenience but also contribute to a greener future, enhancing the overall living experience for residents who share a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Ferrous 2 enjoys proximity to various amenities including the township’s crown jewel LakePoint Park, commercial precincts such as LakePoint Central and Impian Prisma, LakePoint Club (recreational hub), Eaton International School, and an upcoming hospital. It is accessible via the Kemuning–Shah Alam Highway, Shah Alam Expressway and Federal Highway. SkyWorld clinches affordable urban housing excellence award for second consecutive year KUALA LUMPUR: City developer SkyWorld Development Bhd triumphed at The Edge Malaysia Property Excellence Awards 2023 after its SkyAwani 3 Residences clinched the Affordable Urban Housing Excellence Award. It is the second consecutive year SkyWorld has won this award with SkyWorld also securing a coveted Top 13 position at The Edge Malaysia Top Property Developers Awards 2023, the highest rank SkyWorld has achieved since its first participation in 2020. “This award solidifies our hard work as a distinguished urban property developer that focuses on delivering quality SkyLiving experiences in line with our vision of “Always Best City Developer” with a purpose to “Make Living Better,” said Skyworld CEO Lee Chee Seng. SkyAwani 3 Residences offers 1,905 residential units located across three 52-storey towers. Block A offers 673 units while Blocks B & C offer 680 and 552 units respectively. These 3- bedroom and 2-bathroom units have a built-up of 800 sq ft with each priced at only RM300,000. SkyAwani 3 Residences provides thematic amenities on level 8 and level 52 (rooftop) including double jet jacuzzis, children’s splash pools, swimming pool, potpourri garden, tapestry garden, basketball court, reflexology circle, yoga lounge, gymnasium, multipurpose hall, barbeque pavilion, indoor sierra lounge, book nook swings and outdoor lounge area among others. Additionally, level 52 is home to Malaysia’s tallest SkyBridge which has been inducted into the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Highest Residential SkyBridge in Malaysia”. This 170.55m bridge connects all three towers and offers unobstructed views of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline.
THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] Takaful Malaysia leaps into digital insurance with Kaotim Kaotim aims to provide a secure and enhanced customer experience and streamlined administrative processes that enable customers to enjoy a hassle-free and speedy subscription process. “With the launch of Kaotim, we introduce Medikad, a cost-effective medical coverage plan with greater savings from as low as RM38 per month to meet the medical protection needs of different age groups,” said Nor Azman. Medikad provides cashless admission to panel hospitals in Malaysia, unlimited hospital admission days on room and board, and daily income for admission to Government hospitals. Offered to Malaysians between the ages of six and 69 with a coverage period of up to 85 years old, customers can choose from three plans with an optional rider, MediBooster, according to their coverage needs and are immediately covered after completing a four-step online enrollment and a simple medical questionnaire, without having to undergo a medical check-up. “Customers can sign up for MediKad online via Kaotim, anytime, anywhere, and complete the transaction in a few minutes with just a few clicks and get covered within the day. We leverage the lower transaction cost of the digital platform to deliver a better pricing and accessible takaful plan to the market. “This is part of our digital plan to attract new customer segments directly and better serve Malaysia’s growing population while enhancing the financial resilience of customers whose medical coverage is inadequate or high-priced. This is also part of our initiative to help cushion the high medical costs faced by Malaysians by offering an affordable medical coverage plan,” said Nor Azman. He added, “Accessibility and agility are everything in today’s era. Hence, we want to provide customers with a seamless, efficient, and convenient experience through Kaotim and bring them closer to us anywhere they are.” Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Am CEO Mohamed Sabri Ramli (left) and Nor Azman at the press conference after the launch. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN oIslamic insurer aims to reach wider market faster and more efficiently Berjaya Corp registers higher revenue of RM2.57 billion in Q1 PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corporation Bhd (BCorp) registered a higher revenue of RM2.57 billion in the quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (Q1’24), contributed by all business segments compared with revenue of RM2.24 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The group recorded a lower pre-tax profit of RM101.99 million in the quarter under review compared with a pre-tax profit of RM107.59 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter, BCorp said in a statement yesterday. The group’s results in the quarter under review were contributed by the following: 0 Retail (non-food) segment recorded a higher revenue from HR Owen Plc due to improved new car sales contribution from its new multi-purpose showroom, service centres and headquarters at Hatfield, as well as the favourable foreign exchange effect during the quarter under review. A lower pre-tax profit reported by HR Owen was mainly due to higher operating expenses incurred coupled with higher finance costs arising from interest rate hike and higher stocking loans compared with the previous year’s corresponding quarter. 0 Property segment reported an increase in revenue and reported a pre-tax profit in the current quarter under review mainly due to sales of overseas and local residences units. 0 Hospitality segment posted a higher revenue and higher pre-tax profit due to the higher overall average room rates compared with the previous year corresponding quarter. 0 Services segment reported an increase in revenue from gaming operations operated by STM Lottery Sdn Bhd despite having fewer draws conducted in the current quarter (42 draws versus 46 draws in the previous year’s corresponding quarter). The higher revenue achieved was driven by the improvement in average sales per draw as well as higher accumulated jackpot prizes in both digit jackpot and lotto games. This segment also reported a drop in pre-tax profit due to the higher prize payout from STM Lottery in the current quarter under review. 0 Retail (food) segment had a marginal drop in revenue due to lower sales recorded by the Kenny Rogers Roasters operations in Malaysia in the current quarter. This segment also reported a lower pre-tax profit in the current quarter mainly due to the margin compression from inflationary cost pressure. Overall, the group’s pre-tax profit was impacted by the higher finance costs. The board declared a first interim share dividend of six treasury shares for every 100 ordinary shares held equivalent to 1.44 sen dividend per share amounting to RM81.53 million in respect of financial year ending June 30, 2024 to be credited on Jan 26, 2024. The entitlement date has been fixed on Jan 11, 2024. As for prospects, BCorp said Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to be driven by moderate domestic demand and the moderation of average inflation rate despite the uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions. The Number Forecast Operation (NFO) business segment of the group is cognisant of the concerns on the local political developments in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia, with closures of outlets in Kedah and Perlis, which could lead to proliferation of illegal NFO activities in the underserved areas. The management is continuing to take the necessary steps to address this issue. The performance of the business segments of the group is expected to improve on the back of moderate consumer spending, rebound of tourism activities and better-than-expected labour market conditions. The group will monitor the prevailing global and local political development in the countries where the group has business operations. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the directors are cautiously optimistic that the performance of the business operations of the group for the remaining quarters of the financial year ending June 30, 2024 will be satisfactory. Malaysia granted flexibility in govt procurement under CPTPP KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has successfully negotiated for government procurement flexibility under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), said Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong. He said the flexibilities were part of efforts to continue with the agenda of helping local companies, including SMEs, to obtain government contracts. Sim noted that Malaysia has obtained price preference for the procurement of supplies and services subject to the CPTPP where bumiputera companies will be given priority based on categories, procurement value and priority percentage. “This priority is also extended to other local companies that supply goods and services from CPTPP countries. “Malaysia has also been given the flexibility to develop local companies and bumiputera companies in the construction sector,” he said during an oral question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The deputy finance minister was responding to Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan BaruPH) about the impact of the CPTPP on SMEs to obtain government contracts and how the government could ensure that small and medium-sized companies survive in the competitive environment among large foreign companies. Some of the flexibilities include allowing the government to allocate up to 30% of the annual value of covered procurement contracts related to the CPTPP to bumiputera contractors for contracts that exceed the threshold value. “Furthermore, the procurement value involving work contractors in grades G1 to G6 is not subject to government procurement. In general, local companies, including SMEs, can still participate in CPTPP procurement for supplies, services, and works below government thresholds,” deputy minister Sim said. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd (Takaful Malaysia) is making a strategic leap into digital insurance with Kaotim, its new digital takaful and insurance platform and brand. Takaful Malaysia group CEO Nor Azman Zainal said Kaotim aims to strengthen its retail direct business and reach a wider market through digital means. “As the pioneering takaful developer with nearly 40 years of experience, we need to ensure that we stay relevant in the market. The purpose of the digital platform is to reach out to the market faster and more efficiently. The market is all about digital these days, and we know that’s the future as well. So, whether we like it or not, we must address that,” he told reporters at the launch yesterday. He said the digital platform aims to revolutionise customer experience by addressing gaps in service delivery and capacity within the insurance and takaful industry. “When we analyse all insurance and takaful in Malaysia specifically, we do notice there are some gaps in the market. The two major gaps … one is service delivery. When we talk about service delivery, we mean a faster solution, simplified, you want a simpler version of takaful or insurance and want to give a better customer experience. “The second gap is capacity. How do you fill the gap in the industry because things are getting more expensive these days so we need to provide a solution which is cheaper, affordable and accessible by everyone,” he said. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected]
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 14 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Mah Sing on track to reach 2023 sales target of RM2.2b oGroup posts robust revenue, profit before tax for third quarter PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Bhd is confident of achieving its 2023 target of at least RM2.2 billion property sales as it has registered RM1.8 billion for the nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2023 (9M23), an increase of 14.4% compared with RM1.57 billion in the same period last year. In Q3’23, the group achieved robust revenue and profit before tax (PBT) of RM644.3 million and RM76.1 million, respectively. For 9M’23, it recorded revenue and PBT of RM1.93 billion and RM226.8 million, respectively, marking a 17.3% and 15.6% improvement, compared with RM1.65 billion and RM196.2 million a year ago, Mah Sing said yesterday. As at Sept 30, 2023, the property development segment recorded an operating profit of RM259.7 million on the back of revenue of RM1.56 billion, which were 4.9% and 20.5% respectively higher than the operating profit and revenue recorded a year ago. The higher revenue and operating profit were mainly driven by higher property sales and progressive revenue recognition from ongoing construction progress. The manufacturing segment’s revenue grew slightly by 0.6% to RM328.1 million in the current period ended Sept 30, 2023 compared with RM326.1 million in the preceding year’s corresponding period. Mah Sing founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said, “With our strong product leadership position in affordable homes and ongoing active launches of our products, we are confident of meeting our fullyear sales target of minimum RM2.2 billion. Our highly differentiated product offering, M Series developments meets the market’s demand as shown by the impressive results of high take-up rates evident in our Q3’23 performance. Our unbilled sales have grown to RM2.42 billion, providing future revenue visibility for the group.” The group will continue to pursue more acquisitions to develop affordable residential homes as well as to expand its industrial development portfolio. Further to the four new land acquisitions earlier in the year, the group entered into a joint venture collaboration in Sept 2023 to offer one-stop service solution for foreign businesses looking to set up manufacturing bases in Malaysia. The joint venture is expected to open up more opportunities for the group to fuel its industrial development portfolio growth. During the quarter, Mah Sing rewarded and paid RM72.8 million to shareholders in the form of dividends, representing the 17th year of uninterrupted dividend payout record at minimum 40% of annual profit. Including all new lands acquired to date, the group has a remaining landbank of 2,282 acres with a remaining GDV of RM26.3 billion. Armed with a healthy cash and bank balance together with low 0.13 times net gearing ratio, the group is seeking to acquire more land, especially in Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Catcha Digital to acquire 51% stake in Digital Symphony PETALING JAYA: Catcha Digital Bhd has entered into a letter of intent (LoI) to acquire a 51% equity interest in Malaysia’s awardwinning digital agency DS Services Sdn Bhd – commonly known as Digital Symphony among industry players – for RM21.165 million. The acquisition is expected to materially increase Catcha Digital’s earnings per share (EPS). The consideration payment will be split into two tranches over two years, payable upon Digital Symphony achieving a profit guarantee of audited profit after tax of RM4 million for the first year post acquisition and RM4.3 million for the second year post acquisition. Payment for the purchase consideration of Digital Symphony is expected to be funded via a combination of internally generated funds, debt financing and equity financing. Digital Symphony, data-driven digital agency, operates across Malaysia and Singapore. Leveraging its proprietary software and analytics tool, Digital Symphony provides differentiated performance marketing solutions to its clients. The company serves a broad range of enterprise clients with a focus on the property development sector, including prominent companies such as Gamuda Land, Mah Sing, Sunway Property, Tropicana Corporation and Sime Darby Property. Digital Symphony was founded by Kuhan Kumar Palaniappan in 2014. Prior to founding Digital Symphony, Kuhan was founder and CEO of Techworks Solutions Sdn Bhd, an IT and software service provider with clients like Maybank, Sepang International Circuit and Baker Hughes Malaysia. “We are excited to become part of Catcha Digital as this will enable us to unlock new growth opportunities. At the same time, we look forward to bringing our proprietary software and analytics tools along with our capabilities in performance marketing to Catcha Digital’s existing clients,” said Kuhan. Meanwhile, Catcha Digital chairman Patrick Grove (pic) said Digital Symphony will form a key part of Catcha Digital’s strategy going forward. “I am confident with Kuhan and his team and I believe we can grow hand in hand. We look forward to working with the Digital Symphony team to bring the business to greater heights,” he added. Public Bank’s Q3 net profit rises to RM1.7b KUALA LUMPUR: Public Bank Bhd’s net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (Q3’23) rose 6.9% to RM1.70 billion from RM1.59 billion in the same period last year due to the effect of the Prosperity Tax in 2022. Revenue surged to RM6.48 billion from RM5.50 billion previously. For the quarter under review, Public Bank said its net interest income and Islamic banking income decreased RM139.8 million (4.9%) due to the effect of the Overnight Policy Rate increases in the previous year’s corresponding quarter. “Other operating expenses increased RM43.2 million (4.0%), whereas noninterest and financing income decreased marginally by RM3.8 million (0.6%). “These were partially mitigated by the decrease in loan impairment allowance by RM62.0 million (64.6%), as adequate preemptive allowance has been made previously,“ it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. For the nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2023, Public Bank saw its net profit expand to RM5.03 billion from RM4.41 billion previously, while revenue jumped to RM18.87 billion from RM15.36 billion in the corresponding period last year. In a separate statement, Public Bank said its net interest income increased 0.7% and non-interest income grew 3.4% in the first nine months of 2023 compared with the corresponding period in 2022, with impaired loans ratio remaining stable at 0.58%. The group’s total loans increased at an annualised growth rate of 5.9% to RM393.6 billion while domestic loan portfolio recorded a strong annualised growth rate of 5.7% compared with the banking industry’s growth rate of 4.1% during the same period. Total customer deposits grew at an annualised growth rate of 4.7% to RM408.6 billion, it added. The bank said, as of end-September 2023, it sustained a healthy capital level with common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and total capital ratio standing at 14.5%, 14.5% and 17.4%, respectively, with liquidity coverage ratio staying above the regulatory requirement, at a healthy level of 131.4%. Public Bank said its overseas operations contributed 7.5% to the group’s profit in the first nine months ended September 2023, mainly from its Hong Kong and Indochina operations. – Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 15 M’sian banking sector to see modest growth in 2024: Fitch KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s banking sector will revert to a pre-pandemic state of modest growth and profitability in 2024, said Fitch Ratings. It expects net interest margin (NIM) to hold steady in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s policy rate, noting that Malaysian banks were among the first in Southeast Asia to experience NIM compression in early 2023. The credit rating agency said Malaysia’s policy interest rate is not excessively contractionary and has not historically been volatile, unlike markets that faced high inflation over the past year. Fitch expects banks to continue to draw down on existing reserves to limit the increase in credit costs, thereby contributing to steady profitability. It also noted that Malaysian banks have one of the highest proportions of credit exposures to the real-estate sector in Asia Pacific, with mortgages, property and construction sectors accounting for just over half of total loans. The moderate interest rates and a healthy economy have kept the real-estate market buoyant in recent quarters, it said. However, any macroeconomic headwinds that weigh on the sector would increase the negative impact on loan growth and asset quality because of the heavy lean on real-estate lending. Fitch said growth opportunities are constrained by high household leverage. Household loan accounts for 60% of total lending in the system. The credit rating agency expects loan growth at about 5% to lag nominal gross domestic product growth for the fourth consecutive year. Impaired-loan ratios are likely to rise marginally as borrowers navigate higher financing costs and with the continued roll-off of debt relief, it said. Deposit rates have risen significantly in 2023, but Fitch expects funding tightness to abate by end-2023 as pricing adjusts fully and loan growth moderates. – Bernama TM One joins hands with PLANMalaysia for smart city initiatives KUALA LUMPUR: TM One, the enterprise and government sector business solutions arm of TM, has entered into a collaboration with PLANMalaysia to enable local city councils to harness smart innovations and create sustainable, efficient and connected urban communities. The tie-up is the next phase in TM One’s efforts to accelerate the nation’s smart city aspirations and improve urban living across the country. As part of this collaboration, 29 local councils that were awarded as part of the Malaysia Smart City Recognition Programme during World Town Planning Day 2023, will have access to TM One’s Proof of Concept trials (POC). Spanning a selection from TM One’s smart services suite, the POCs allow councils to test solutions suited to their localities, enabling them to make empowered decisions in their smart city development efforts. TM One executive vice-persident Shazurawati Abd Karim said, “TM One has always been at the forefront of enabling the country’s smart city initiatives. Among our success stories were Smart City projects in Ipoh, Pengerang, Seberang Prai, Kulai, Port Dickson and Subang Jaya which experienced reduced time in traffic, lower carbon emissions, and improved response efficiency through solutions such as TM One’s Smart Traffic Management and Smart Surveillance.” Building on these successes, TM One will offer POCs automation and insight analysis of various local council operation enforcement services that help local councils manage larger communities better; a one-stop app for local councils’ egovernment services; and a system that helps local councils manage field teams in real-time. Local e-commerce income grows to RM289.5b in Q3 PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s e-commerce income recorded RM289.5 billion, grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2023, said Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin yesterday upon releasing the Malaysia Digital Economy 2023. The report presents statistics on ecommerce, Information and Communication Technology’s (ICT) contribution to the economy, access and usage of ICT, and the performance of the ICT services sector. For a quarter-on-quarter comparison, he added e-commerce income maintained a positive trend with a 3.2% increase. On Oct 13, 2023 Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) released the Information and Communication Technology Satellite Account (ICTSA) 2022. ICT and eoOn quarterly basis, amount shows positive trend with increase of 3.2% commerce generated value added of RM412.3 billion in 2022 (2021: RM359.3 billion) with a growth of 14.8% (2021: 12.2%). The contribution of ICT and e-commerce to the national economy reached 23% as compared to 23.2% in 2021. The performance was contributed by Gross Value Added of the ICT industry (GVAICT) 13.6%, while e-commerce of other industries 9.4%. In the breakdown of e-commerce income by market segment for the year 2021, revenue generated from the domestic market significantly surpassed the international market at RM932.7 billion and constituting 89.9% share. In contrast, contributions to the international market amounted to RM104.5 billion, accounting for 10.1% share. Meanwhile, e-commerce income by customer type via Business to Business (B2B) registered the highest income of RM713.1 billion with a 68.8% contribution followed by Business to Consumer (B2C) with RM308.9 billion (29.8%) and Business to Government (B2G) RM15.2 billion (1.5%). Mohd Uzir added, “ICT services, comprising activities of publishing; motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing; programming and broadcasting; telecommunications services; computer programming, consultancy & related activities and information services recorded a gross output of RM182.2 billion in 2021, registered a growth of 5.4% as compared to 2020. In line with the increase in gross output, the value of intermediate input rose RM4.6 billion to record RM87.4 billion. This subsequently contributed to a value added of RM94.8 billion for year 2021.” Furthermore, 93.8% of establishments used computers, while 90.6% accessed internet in 2021. Putrajaya maintained the highest rates of computer and internet usage in establishments, both consistently at 100%. Moving to 2022, the percentage of individuals using computers was 80.2%, and the internet access was recorded at 97.4%. Putrajaya displayed the highest individual computer usage and internet access, both registering at 97% and 99.9%.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 16 THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 PENANG: energy enthusiast, Datuk Shahrol Azral As an avid car and clean MyEVOC driven by faith in clean eIbrahim Halmi wasted no time in adding a Tesla electric vehicle (EV) to his collection of motor vehicles in 2017. Now he mainly relies on his EV for daily transport, citing its convenience, economic advantages and lowmaintenance requirements. Shahrol is the president of the Malaysian Electric Vehicles Owners Club (MyEVOC), a community of aficionados who regularly share up-todate information and insights on EV. According to him, EV batteries are no more likely to combust than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. “In fact, EV batteries are 16 to 19 times less likely to combust compared with fossil fuel-powered cars,” he said. With affordable electric cars priced below RM120,000 and the government’s push for EV usage evident in Budget 2024, EV have piqued the interest of many car owners. Adding to the excitement is a recent statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirming the government’s commitment to roll out a nationwide network of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025. Currently, there are only 1,246 EV charging stations, pointing to the need for upgrading the country’s electric mobility infrastructure to align with our future trajectory and requirements. Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has also developed planning guidelines for electric vehicle charging bays (EVCB) and all operators have been given two years to register with their local councils. Malaysia is boldly venturing into futuristic high-tech innovation to establish itself as an automotive hub in the Asean region, engaging in competition with countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. With a multitude of strategic frameworks firmly established, including the National Industrial Master Plan 2030, Malaysia stands resolute in propelling the EV industry and the renewable energy sector to unprecedented heights., laying the foundation for an impactful and gamechanging transformation. Amid the growing demand for EV, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, there is a corresponding surge in the requirement for batteries and fuel cells that serve as their power sources. “In simple terms, the difference between batteries for electric vehicles and fuel cells lies in how they generate and store electricity,” Shahrol said. “Both technologies are used in EV, and the choice between them depends on factors such as efficiency, range and the availability for recharging or refuelling. “To address the problem of safety of EV batteries, the authorities should maintain strict safety standards and closely monitor the sales of EV scooters and bicycles on platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.” The safety aspects of e-scooters and e-bicycles were also recently raised by the Consumer Association of Penang. Its president Mohideen Abdul Shahrol (left) and MyEVOC members at onoMembers cite convenience, economic advantages and low-maintenance requirements for choosing EV █ BYT.C. KHOR [email protected] Govt to develop national standard for EV battery swapping KUALA LUMPUR: The government is developing a national standard for battery-swapping to help boost the development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said this encompasses aspects such as safety, functionality and battery-swapping technology to ensure that the technology developed and used is safe, standardised, of high quality and environmentally friendly. He added that the development of this standard involved various government agencies such as the Road Transport Department, the Malaysian Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute, as well as industry players, especially electric motorcycle manufacturers and higher education institutions. “It takes into account existing international standards such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission and the United Nations Regulation. “The national standard for battery swapping is expected to be ready and gazetted next year,” he said recently. Kader urged the government to pay close attention to the design and safety features of these micro-mobility vehicles to prevent “thermal runaway”, a term used to describe lithium-ion batteries catching fire due to overheating or short-circuit. Alvin Wong, a charging station installation consultant, explained that DC charging stations are much faster and more efficient. “The DC charging stations supply direct current (DC) directly to the EV’s battery and are suitable for fast charge when necessary. AC charging stations, on the other hand, are more costeffective and are suitable for daily charging. The conversion from AC to DC happens inside the car, making it slower to charge,” he said. When an EV uses an EVB, which stores electrical energy in a chemical form, the vehicle’s electric motor draws energy from the stored energy in the battery. When that energy runs out, it needs to be recharged. In contrast, fuel cells do not store electricity and generate energy through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel source and an oxidiser. Hydrogen fuel cells, for instance, provide hydrogen gas to the anode, which reacts with oxygen at the cathode to generate electricity through controlled combustion in a fuel cell stack. With hydrogen fuel cells, we get water as the by-product, which is a highly advantageous outcome considering its environmental friendliness. Nonetheless, the cost of setting up the hydrogen fuel stations is exorbitant. “There is a hydrogen fuel station in Sarawak where the state government has a fleet of hydrogen cars. However, I do not know if it is cost-effective to fully transition to hydrogen fuel,” Shahrol said. “With the escalating prices of fossil fuel, the gas companies need to find a way to maximise their existing assets and hydrogen seems like a promising choice.” Although hydrogen fuel technology is advancing, there are still sceptics. “For me, I still prefer to use EV batteries. As hydrogen is odourless and colourless, it becomes challenging to detect leaks,” said Zhang Wei, who owns a car workshop in Penang. “I need to be absolutely certain that the technology is safe before I even consider purchasing a hydrogen car.” While the EV community might be divided about which type of EV best suits them due to the different types of technology available, they all agree that EVs are more sustainable than conventional cars. YL Lee, owner of a Tesla EV shared that he was immediately convinced when he discovered that his car saved him from potential accidents and has fewer maintenance considerations. “Apart from the usual tyre rotations and brake inspections, I don’t have to worry about the engine oil change or gear oil change as EVs do not use traditional gearboxes and internal combustion engines,” he said. “Whether autopilot is engaged or not, Tesla AI is constantly vigilant and will actively intervene to avoid an Currently, there are only 1,246 EV charging stations, pointing to the need for upgrading the country’s electric mobility infrastructure to align with our future trajectory and requirements.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 17 THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 energy e of their meet-ups. V“The government is always exploring opportunities to establish strategic cooperation with the EV industry players from any country, including aspects related to battery-swapping. “The government, through the National EV Task Force and the National EV Steering Committee, will remain committed to formulating and implementing programmes and initiatives to catalyse the country’s EV industry development agenda.” - Bernama Lane closure on Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang PETALING JAYA: There will be continuation of lane closure and traffic diversions on Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang near LRT2 Glenmarie Station (Kuala Lumpur/Subang-bound and Subang Airport-Bound) from tomorrow to Jan 31 from 11pm to 5am. Setia Utama LRT 3 Sdn Bhd, the contractor of the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project, said the lane closure is to facilitate LRT3 project-related works. During the closure, one lane will be made available to motorists on Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang heading towards the Subang Airport and Persiaran Kerjaya. Motorists from Persiaran Kerjaya heading towards Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang/NKVE Highway will be diverted to the immediate left lane as indicated on the map. The diversions are implemented following the approval from Jabatan Kerja Raya Daerah Petaling. Setia Utama LRT 3 apologised for inconvenience caused. For public enquiries, contact the LRT3 helpline at 1 800 18 2585 from Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm (excluding public holidays). Gentari mobile modular EV fast charging station at the Behrang Rest Stop on the North-South Expressway. – BERNAMAPIC Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi launching the Gentari mobile modular EV fast charging station at the Behrang Rest Stop on the North-South Expressway on Oct 17. – BERNAMAPIC imminent accident. As for software updates, that can be done anytime at our convenience.” Cameron Kang, another EV owner and member of the MyEVOC community, extolled the virtues of EVs. “EV is highly efficient, and it doesn’t generate much heat during run time. I have been driving my EV for about six months now, and I look forward to enjoying its latest technology and features all the time. There is no going back to fossil fuel cars for me even though it is more convenient when it comes to refuelling.” Additionally, he was able to achieve substantial savings with his EV. “My running cost is only about half of my previous ICE car,” he said, referring to his red Ora Good Cat from Great Wall Motors. Overall, MyEVOC members are happy with their EVs and look forward to more charging stations in the future. “Even Rapid will be adding EV minibusses to its fleet,” Shahrol said. “According to a peer-reviewed study, EV are 23% cleaner and will get better as we move towards decarbonisation.” In addition, the prime minister also mentioned in Budget 2024 that the government will also switch to EVs as official cars.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 18 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper SINGAPORE: As Asia’s banking sector navigates a peak in global interest rates and risks of slower growth, investors are wagering that banks in India and Indonesia have the strongest loan and profitability profiles to provide returns next year. Over the past 18 months Asian central banks tracked the US Federal Reserve tightening monetary policy to battle inflation, but their interest rates hikes were smaller and slower, resulting in better interest income for the region’s banks without loan growth suffering. Banking indexes in India, Indonesia and Thailand have all outperformed the broader MSCI Asia ex-Japan index as well as the S&P banks index since March 2022, when the Fed started raising rates. But now, as a steep global rates cycle peaks and the spectre of recession looms, investors are turning selective and focusing on banks that kept funding costs down while expanding loans. “The hope is that we’re going to see a mild rate-cutting cycle coming into next year, nothing too aggressive ... that should generally be positive for the financial sector in Asia because it should spur loan growth,” said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC. Neumann points to India, where banks have delivered double-digit loan growth over the past few months due to rising demand for credit in the world’s most populous but underbanked nation. Loan growth at Asian banks is estimated to rise from 4.5% this year to 10% next year, LSEG data shows, with banks in India and Indonesia leading with 15% and 11% growth, respectively. Analysts at J.P. Morgan say Asian banks, excluding China’s, have led in the global demand for aggregate loans, and their interest margins of 2.4% in 2022 were already at prepandemic levels. Xin-Yao Ng, investment manager of Asian equities at UK fund manager abrdn, says the easy wins for banks from rising borrowing costs are over, which makes him selective. Ng likes banks in India and Indonesia, given the better economic growth in those economies and ability of banks to sustain margins. LSEG data shows profits at banks in India and Indonesia will grow 13% and 11% respectively next year, nearly double the 6% average rise across Asia-Pacific banks. – Reuters India, Indonesia banks set to win as global rates turn After Munger’s death, Berkshire succession comes into focus NEW YORK: The death of Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger heralds the end of an era, leaving Warren Buffett as the conglomerate’s lone investing legend and shining the spotlight on managers who have largely operated in their shadow. Few companies have been so closely associated with their leaders as Berkshire has with Buffett and Munger, who knew each other for more than six decades, the last 45 years as the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate’s chairman and vice-chairman. Munger’s death on Tuesday, five weeks shy of his 100th birthday, leaves Berkshire vicechairmen Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, who respectively oversee its non-insurance and insurance businesses, as the 93-year-old Buffett’s top advisers and sounding boards. They became vice-chairmen in 2018, started taking a more prominent public role only at the most recent of Berkshire’s annual meetings, and will have bigger boots to fill than at almost any other company. Managers have said Abel fully embraces Berkshire’s culture, which includes an extreme decentralization that gives business units broad autonomy. But Abel and Jain have different styles from Buffett and Munger. At the 2021 annual meeting, Jain was asked how he and Abel interact with each other. Berkshire has had a succession plan since at least 2006 when Buffett, then 75, told shareholders the company he has run since 1965 would be prepared for his departure. Munger inadvertently signaled during Berkshire’s 2021 annual meeting that Abel, a 61-year-old Edmonton, Alberta, native who spent a quarter century at what is now Berkshire Hathaway Energy, was the CEO designate. Jain, 72, would retain oversight of insurance operations. Besides the two top executives, Berkshire’s plan also calls for Buffett’s eldest son Howard Buffett to become non-executive chairman, charged mainly with preserving Berkshire’s culture. Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, who help Buffett run Berkshire’s US$300 billion-plus (RM1.4 trillion) common stock portfolio, appear in line to take over all of it. For shareholders, a signature in Berkshire’s universe is its annual meeting, a pilgrimage known as “Woodstock for Capitalists,“ where Buffett and Munger would answer more than five hours of shareholder questions. It is a weekend of shopping, investor conferences and events that draws tens of thousands of people to Omaha in early May, even though fans can watch it streamed on their home computers or smartphones. Many shareholders, especially local, have said they will continue going, but others have been less sure. “What really glued us to these men was their advice on living a full life by instructing people how to think clearly, to be honest with oneself, to learn from mistakes and to avoid calamities,“ said Whitney Tilson, an investor who previously ran T2 Partners and Kase Capital and has attended many meetings. – Reuters LONDON: A Virgin Atlantic passenger jet powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) completed a London-to-New York jaunt on Tuesday, showcasing the potential of lowcarbon options, which are a tiny fraction of the industry’s fuel mix. The flight is not the first time the industry has staged demonstrations to highlight its aspiration to reduce emissions – and appeal for government support. Indeed, Tuesday’s flight carried only Virgin’s billionaire founder Richard Branson and a few others, and it is set to return to London using conventional jet fuel. Airlines are banking on fuel made from waste to reduce their emissions by up to 70%, but the high cost and tight supply of materials needed to produce SAF make large-scale production difficult. SAF accounts for less than 0.1% of total global jet fuel in use today and costs three to five times as much as regular jet fuel. The flight, operated by a Virgin Boeing 787 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, is the first time a commercial airliner has flown long haul on 100% SAF. It had no paying passengers or cargo. “It’s going to take a while before we can get enough fuel where everybody’s going to be able to fly. But you’ve got to start somewhere,“ said Branson in London before the plane took off. Aviation is not an easy industry to decarbonize compared to road travel, and it accounts for an estimated 2-3% of global carbon emissions. Engines in commercial use are not yet certified to fly on more than 50% SAF and the vast majority of flights blend in a much lower amount of SAF with traditional jet fuel. SAF is already used in jet engines as part of a blend with traditional kerosene, but after successful ground tests, Virgin and its partners Rolls-Royce, Boeing, BP and others won permission to fly using only SAF from the US Federal Aviation Administration, Canadian and UK regulators. The flight took off at 1149 GMT from London’s Heathrow Airport with Branson, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss and Britain’s transport minister Mark Harper on board. It landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport at 1405 EST (1905 GMT), 35 minutes early where it was met by US Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg, among others. Harper told Reuters after landing in New York that the flight was uneventful. “If you hadn’t known it was a 100% SAF flight, no one would have noticed,“ he said, calling the flight a key milestone toward 100% SAF adoption. Data from the flight “will be as close to running a regular flight as you can get.” The industry hopes that the Virgin flight will highlight to governments the need for them to provide financial support to make SAF more readily available. The key to decarbonizing long haul aviation is through SAF, and for that, everyone needs to share the burden, Weiss said. – Reuters oInvestors wagering that lenders in both countries have strongest loan and profitability profiles to provide returns B R I E F STIKTOK IN PROCESS OF OBTAINING E-COMMERCE PERMIT IN INDONESIA JAKARTA: Short video app TikTok is in the process of obtaining an e-commerce permit from Indonesia’s government, state news agency Antara reported, citing the deputy trade minister. In September, Indonesia banned e-commerce transactions on social media, a major blow for TikTok, which had pledged to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the region’s biggest economy. “Before, they (TikTok) were not compliant, they didn’t have the permit. Now they are taking care of it,“ deputy trade minister Jerry Sambuaga was quoted saying by Antara on Tuesday. TikTok has 125 million active monthly users in Indonesia. It has been looking to translate the large user base into a major ecommerce revenue source. – Reuters U-TURN: UBER TO PARTNER WITH LONDON BLACK CAB AFTER DECADE-LONG DISPUTE LONDON: Uber will open up its platform to London’s black cabs early next year, the ride-hailing firm said yesterday, signalling a dramatic turnaround in its relationship with drivers of the British capital’s iconic taxis. In recent years, London’s black cab drivers – who have to pass a test called “The Knowledge” requiring them to memorise thousands of routes within the city – blocked the streets in protests against the ride-hailing service. The new service, which will be rolled out in early 2024, follows nearly a decade of tensions between the two parties, including an unsuccessful legal challenge by black cab drivers against Uber’s London operating licence in 2019. Under the new arrangement black cab drivers will be offered jobs with a predetermined price range through Uber, which they can accept or reject. Uber will not charge black cab drivers a commission for the first six months of the deal. – Reuters US FAA TIGHTENS AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION OVERSIGHT WASHINGTON: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Tuesday it had adopted a new aircraft certification policy requiring key flight control design changes to be considered “major” like the system involved in two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. In late 2020, Congress passed sweeping legislation to reform how the FAA certifies new airplanes, including requiring manufacturers to disclose to the FAA certain safety-critical information, including information on systems that manipulate flight controls without direct pilot input or commands after the crashes that killed 346 people. A US House of Representatives report said Boeing failed to classify MCAS as a safetycritical system, which would have attracted greater FAA scrutiny during the certification process, and said the “FAA failed in its oversight of Boeing and its certification of the aircraft.” – Reuters Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 completing the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight from London’s Heathrow to JFK International in New York City on Nov 28. – REUTERSPIX Virgin Atlantic completes maiden transatlantic flight on low-carbon fuel
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) HEIM 22.280 -0.520 4,446 AJI 15.760 -0.240 369 HSI-CTQ 0.470 -0.170 3,344 KOBAY 1.480 -0.170 15,574 KOTRA 4.860 -0.160 679 HLFG 16.400 -0.140 9,457 CARLSBG 19.260 -0.120 2,158 SKPRES-C23 0.030 -0.120 1,800 HSI-CTE 0.545 -0.105 19,527 PMBTECH 2.700 -0.100 6,419 UTDPLT 16.720 -0.100 24,620 HSI-CTA 0.230 -0.095 50 HSI-CTD 0.340 -0.095 77,263 SHANG 2.330 -0.090 28,052 APEX 1.090 -0.080 130 HARTA 2.450 -0.080 98,327 MHB-C19 0.070 -0.080 3,000 MYEG-C5P 0.070 -0.080 10,000 PANAMY 17.620 -0.080 87 PPB 13.980 -0.080 9,700 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) F&N 28.040 +0.560 952 PERTAMA 3.030 +0.270 106,479 BAT 9.530 +0.180 12,420 HTPADU 0.915 +0.145 21,904 HARISON 8.450 +0.100 29 HLBANK 19.100 +0.100 5,010 HSI-HPW 0.845 +0.100 1,440 NESTLE 121.700 +0.100 1,127 DKSH 4.670 +0.090 98 HSI-HP7 0.580 +0.090 8,739 HSI-HSG 0.535 +0.085 190 IBRACO 0.885 +0.085 26,401 AMWAY 5.630 +0.080 198 HSI-HPK 0.300 +0.080 157,227 LPI 11.960 +0.080 312 PECCA 1.300 +0.080 52,968 SHL 2.130 +0.080 118 SMRT 1.050 +0.075 187,522 HSI-HPJ 0.360 +0.070 1,400 HUMEIND 2.060 +0.070 19,036 STOCKS VOLUME (’00) CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) +/- (%) TOPGLOV 1,406,089 +0.860 -0.040 -4.44 FITTERS 1,039,722 +0.050 - - LEFORM 773,663 +0.320 +0.005 +1.59 HSI-CRX 667,412 +0.035 -0.020 -36.36 WIDAD 653,519 +0.470 - - SCIB 628,354 +0.735 +0.020 +2.80 VELESTO 535,385 +0.220 -0.005 -2.22 PANDA 417,560 +0.270 - - CSH 413,891 +0.050 -0.010 -16.67 HSI-CR5 413,325 +0.170 -0.035 -17.07 KEYASIC 409,308 +0.070 -0.010 -12.50 BAHVEST-WA 402,297 +0.085 -0.010 -10.53 PUC 395,363 +0.050 +0.010 +25.00 HSI-HPD 382,702 +0.040 +0.010 +33.33 FITTERS-WC 378,378 +0.005 - - MYEG 372,932 +0.795 -0.005 -0.63 KPJ 369,405 +1.350 +0.050 +3.85 HONGSENG 343,142 +0.025 - - UCREST 324,927 +0.160 -0.005 -3.03 YTL 323,572 +1.560 +0.010 +0.65 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: NOVEMBER 29 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,699.40 -23.10 FBMKLCI 1,446.07 -1.95 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 557.61 -0.70 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 171.72 +0.02 CONSTRUCTION 184.19 -0.14 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,271.90 -5.99 ENERGY 821.85 -0.06 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 555.03 -3.52 HEALTH CARE 1,834.57 -27.40 TRANSPORTATION 929.61 -3.63 PROPERTY 847.02 -3.83 PLANTATION 7,013.51 +6.94 FBMSHA 10,859.70 -33.10 FBMACE 5,043.62 -40.50 TECHNOLOGY 62.5 -0.25 TURNOVER: 3.275 bil VALUE: RM2.273 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) ARBB-PA 0.010 +100.00 14 FFB-CU 0.060 +100.00 40,475 KAB-WA 0.010 +100.00 35,424 PHB 0.010 +100.00 32,100 QES-CA 0.010 +100.00 990 PECCA-CC 0.080 +60.00 5,480 CTOS-C5 0.055 +57.14 900 KAREX-C13 0.015 +50.00 30 VS-C76 0.015 +50.00 1,001 HSI-HSF 0.105 +40.00 1,380 PERTAMA-CD 0.210 +40.00 294 FFB-CW 0.165 +37.50 15,490 KPJ-C6 0.205 +36.67 1,045 HSI-HPK 0.300 +36.36 157,227 HSI-HPC 0.155 +34.78 94,275 CLASSITA-WC 0.020 +33.33 7,422 DIGISTA-WC 0.020 +33.33 1,115 HSI-HPD 0.040 +33.33 382,702 HSI-HSR 0.140 +33.33 300 LAMBO 0.020 +33.33 22,343 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) SKPRES-C23 0.030 -80.00 1,800 DNEX-C23 0.005 -75.00 500 HENGYUANC47 0.010 -66.67 1,800 SUPERMX-C3S 0.020 -60.00 14,163 MHB-C19 0.070 -53.33 3,000 MYEG-C5P 0.070 -53.33 10,000 APPASIA-WB 0.005 -50.00 9,760 DGB-WC 0.005 -50.00 100 HSI-CRA 0.005 -50.00 62,544 HSI-CRP 0.010 -50.00 200 HSI-CTN 0.060 -50.00 3,569 JDCOM-H8 0.075 -50.00 145 JOE-WA 0.010 -50.00 299 KGROUP 0.005 -50.00 1,501 NDX-H9 0.010 -50.00 1,600 ZENTECH-WB 0.005 -50.00 10,121 MYCRON-WA 0.050 -47.37 1,774 SYGROUP-CB 0.025 -44.44 400 HSTECH-CU 0.015 -40.00 9,912 SUPERMX-C3P 0.040 -38.46 580 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 35,416.98 +83.51 +0.24 S&P 500 (US) 4,554.89 +4.46 +0.10 NASDAQ (US) 14,281.76 +40.74 +0.29 NYSE (US) 15,929.15 -1.74 -0.01 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4,367.27 +19.25 +0.44 FTSE 100 (UK) 7,433.10 -22.14 -0.30 DAX (GER) 16,099.72 +107.05 +0.67 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 33,321.22 -87.17 -0.26 TOPIX (JPN) 2,364.50 -12.21 -0.51 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 16,993.44 -360.70 -2.08 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,488.31 -30.21 -0.86 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,021.69 -16.87 -0.56 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,519.81 -1.95 -0.08 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 162.06 +0.99 +0.61 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,035.35 +20.13 +0.29 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7,245.79 +22.69 +0.31 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 66,796.88 +622.68 +0.94 FBM KLCI 1,446.07 -1.95 -0.13 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,084.70 +18.76 +0.61 WTI (US$/BBL.) 76.94 +0.53 +0.69 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.18 +0.50 +0.61 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,063.70 +3.50 +0.17 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 25.35 +0.05 +0.19 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 939.87 -4.67 -0.49 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 384.50 +0.55 +0.14 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8,473.00 +109.00 +1.30 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 473.00 -0.50 -0.11 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 573.00 +1.00 +0.17 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 52.53 -0.41 -0.77 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 4,201.00 +71.00 +1.72 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 148.60 -1.90 -1.26 World Stocks/Commodities Bursa unable to maintain early gains, finishes lower KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI pared losses but remained in negative territory as investors were reluctant to make significant moves due to lack of buying interests and weak market sentiment, said an analyst. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) declined 0.13 of-a-point to 1,448.02 from Monday’s closing of 1,448.15. The barometer index opened 2.04 points better at 1,450.19 and moved between 1,446.60 and 1,452.60 throughout the trading session. Market breadth was negative, with losers surpassing gainers at 526 to 390, while 450 counters were unchanged, 1,044 untraded and 72 others suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.81 billion units valued at RM2.38 billion from 3.09 billion units worth RM2.05 billion on Monday. Rakuten Trade equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said key regional indices finished mostly lower following a negative cue from global equities overnight. He said investors were eagerly anticipating updates on inflation data and insights into how the United States (US) consumers respond to it. On the domestic front, despite the prevailing cautious sentiment, Thong said the sell-down offers an opportunity for investors to hunt for bargains in stocks at lower levels. “Hence, we expect bargain hunting to emerge and anticipate the benchmark index to trend within the 1,445-1,465 range for the rest of the week,” he told Bernama yesterday. Among the heavyweights, CIMB Group was down 7 sen to RM5.68, Petronas Chemicals eased 1 sen to RM7.08 and RHB Bank declined 6 sen to RM5.51. 1446.07pts Nov 29, 2023 as at 5pm, Nov 29 Participation 26.9 41.1 32.0 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 644.0 871.6 758.1 2273.7 Sold RM m 580.6 994.8 698.3 2273.7 Net RM m 63.4 -123.2 59.8 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 29/11/2023
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shalll not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. YEAR-ON-YEAR, Farm Fresh Bhd’s (FFB) 1HFY24 revenue surged 25% driven by healthy volume growth in chilled (+10%) and UHT (+15%) segments, on the back of higher food service and hotel industries sales and the easing of capacity constraints respectively. 2QFY24 revenue grew 7% QoQ on higher school milk sales and the consolidation of Inside Scoop sales. Note that 2QFY24 GPM rebounded strongly by 8.6ppts to 26.3% – the highest level in 1.5 years – reflecting easing input costs and Inside Scoop’s higher GPM. This more than offset the spike in opex (+24% QoQ) to account for higher admin costs arising from the establishment of new subsidiaries such as Inside Scoop. As a result, 2QFY24 core net profit almost tripled to MYR15m. We expect higher savings from easing input costs going forward to drive further GPM recovery and propel positive QoQ earnings momentum. Also, new product launches should underpin sales growth, on top of steady growth of chilled products and UHT market penetration. Beyond the near term, FFB aims to launch its consumer packaged goods ice cream in early 2024, leveraging on the expertise of Inside Scoop and distribution network of newly acquired Sin Wah Ice Cream. Post results, we cut FY24F earnings by 11% but leave FY25-26F numbers unchanged. We lift our DCF-derived TP to MYR1.51 (inclusive of a 6% ESG premium) after tweaking our risk premium to account for the improving outlook. Our TP now implies 27x P/E FY24F, which is at a sizeable discount to large-cap consumer staple peers.- (Nov 23, 2023) KPJ HEALTHCARE Bhd’s (KPJ) 9MFY23 core net profit of RM171m (+71%) beat expectations, coming in at 78% and 85% of our fullyear forecast and the full-year consensus estimate, respectively. The variance against our forecast came largely from strongerthan-expected bed occupancy rates. YoY, its 9MFY23 revenue rose 19%, thanks to higher patient throughput (+4%) and higher BOR of 67% (compared to 56% in 9MFY22) as demand for non-COVID related services rebounded following the transition to endemic phase. However, its net profit rose 71% thanks to better overhead absorption (on an improved turnover) as well as reduced losses from its new hospitals (which are EBITDA positive). QoQ, its 3QFY23 revenue rose 16% due to higher throughput from inpatient (+17%) and outpatient (+11%) as BOR rose to 73% from 63% in 2QFY23. We believe patients flocked back to seek treatment following the festive holidays in 2QFY23. Correspondingly, its 3QFY23 core net profit rose 53% to RM72m boosted by higher associates (+42%) and better overhead absorption (on an improved turnover). A fourth interim dividend and a special dividend of 1.05 sen and 0.25 sen was declared, respectively, bringing 9MFY23 to 3.35 sen which came in above our expectations. Looking ahead into FY23, we project KPJ’s patients throughput to grow 14% (vs. 12% in FY22) and BOR of 70% (vs. 58% in FY22). We raise our FY23-24F net profit forecasts by 4% each and our assumption on BOR from 70% to 71%. Correspondingly, we lift our TP by 4% to RM1.56 (previously RM1.50) based on 28x FY24F EPS, in line with its regional peers. There is no adjustment to TP based on ESG given a 3-star rating. Maintain OUTPERFORM. - (Nov 29, 2023) MUHIBBAH Engineering (M) Bhd’s (MEB) infrastructure construction staged a robust turnaround to a PBT of RM8.3m (2QFY23: -RM1.0m; 3QFY22: -RM11.4m) in 3QFY23, driven by a combination of revenue growth and margin expansion. Meanwhile, its cranes and intelligent automation segment more than doubled its pretax profit YoY to RM19.9m due to improved cost efficiencies. Muhibbah won another two new projects last week with a total value of RM479m, bringing its total outstanding secured order book to RM2.41b as at Nov 22, 2023. Despite order book level being a concern previously, it has now surpassed pre-pandemic level of RM1.6b coupled with better margins profile. Muhibbah’s concession segment has two international airports under its belt mainly via its 21% stake in Societe Concessionaire de I’Aeroport (SCA) and experienced a substantial surge in profit primarily due to the YoY increase in total passengers traffic surging from 1.4m to 3.69m. After the start of the New Siem Reap Airport in October 2023, management said it had handed over the Siam Reap Airport operations and SCA has received compensation of US$63m cash. Muhibbah maintains a low net gearing of <10% thus enables it remain flexible in garnering more contracts going forward. In the view of Favelle Favco already accounting for 76.5% of Muhibbah’s market capitalisation (based on RM0.735 per share). Based on an unchanged NPV estimate for the concession of RM152.3m and a 10x PER for infrastructure construction FY24 EPS, we revised our BUY with a TP slightly lower to RM0.82 (reflecting Favelle Favco’s lower market capitalisation). - (Nov 29, 2023) FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7445 4.6115 4.6015 1 US Dollar 4.712 4.579 4.569 1 Australian Dollar 3.154 3.029 3.013 1 Brunei Dollar 3.544 3.441 3.433 1 Canadian Dollar 3.472 3.381 3.369 1 Euro 5.195 5.029 5.009 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.909 2.803 2.787 1 Papua N Guinea Kina N/A N/A N/A 1 Singapore Dollar 3.544 3.441 3.433 1 Sterling Pound 6.001 5.813 5.793 1 Swiss Franc 5.360 5.238 5.223 100 UAE Dirham 129.880 123.200 123.000 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.357 4.074 3.874 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.410 63.630 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.430 65.760 65.560 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.120 58.100 57.900 100 Indian Rupee 5.750 5.400 5.200 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.032 0.029 0.024 100 Japanese Yen 3.211 3.111 3.101 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 45.640 42.000 41.800 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.680 1.570 1.370 100 Philippine Peso 8.640 8.150 7.950 100 Qatar Riyal 130.800 124.170 123.970 100 Saudi Riyal 127.120 120.680 120.480 100 South Africa Rand 26.290 23.750 23.550 100 Thai Baht 14.200 12.610 12.210 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit gains against US dollar for third day KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed higher yesterday for the third straight day against the greenback on rising expectations for an early US interest rate cut. This followed fresh dovish talk, this time by Christopher Waller, a respected and previously hawkish member of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) on Tuesday. At 6pm, the ringgit bounced to 4.6495/6550 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.6690/6725. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the market basically understood Waller’s comments regarding the potential for rate cuts early next year due to slowing inflation in the United States. “The magnitude of the currency movement was significant, especially with important tier one economic data set to be released later this week. “Specifically, traders are awaiting the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation reading on Thursday (today) and the Institute for Supply Management manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (ISM PMI) on Friday, (tomorrow)” he told Bernama. Consequently, he said traders might adopt a cautious approach as they await the release of this crucial data. Innes reckons that the market is in a phase of reducing the strength of the US dollar over the longer term. At the close, the ringgit was traded mostly higher versus a basket of major currencies. It appreciated vis-a-vis the euro at 5.1014/1075 from 5.1140/1178 on Tuesday’s close, was marginally higher against the British pound at 5.8951/9021 from 5.8965/9009 but dropped against the Japanese yen to 3.1513/1553 from 3.1430/1456 previously. Petronas records lower Q3 net profit of RM23.9b KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) recorded a net profit of RM23.9 billion in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (Q3’23), compared with RM30.8 billion in the same period a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter declined to RM82.9 billion from RM98.9 billion year-on-year, primarily due to lower average realised prices, partially offset by favourable foreign exchange impact. Petronas president and group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz said the national oil firm’s 3Q performance demonstrated the focused delivery of its energy transition strategy despite a volatile energy market. “We continued to reinvest with discipline in our core and new businesses, doubling-down on our efforts to ensure the security of energy supply for Malaysia and our customers around the world,” he said in a statement yesterday. As for the nine-month period, Petronas’ net profit decreased by RM13.1 billion to RM64.1 billion from RM77.2 billion a year earlier while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declined to RM103.9 billion from RM130.2 billion. Its revenue for the period stood at RM251.9 billion, a year-onyear decrease of RM17.5 billion, mainly due to lower average realised prices for all products in line with the declining benchmark prices, but partially offset by improved sales volumes for major products as well as favourable foreign exchange. The national oil firm anticipated lower profits for the year compared to 2022 but stressed it would continue to strengthen operational excellence while intensifying its growth and sustainability agenda in Malaysia and internationally. - Bernama Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM0.82 KPJ Healthcare Bhd Buy. Target price: RM1.56 Farm Fresh Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM1.51 Source: RHB Investment Bank Source: Kenanga Research Source: Rakuten Trade Nov 29, 2023: RM1.36 Nov 29, 2023 RM1.35 Nov 29, 2023: RM0.74
INSIDE A journeyof passion of passion and persistence nd persistence From Grab driver to filmmaker - P22 From Grab driver to filmmaker - P22 THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 SCAN ME WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 E: [email protected] p 23 Travolta’s terrifying plane ordeal p 24 BTS embarks on military enlistment p 25 Legal threats loom over Squid Game p 26 Celebration in downtown KL
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 22 real person. She is a character I created. But, no matter which director or writer you ask, there will be a real-life source of inspiration. That is what makes films believable. If you’re asking for real-life inspiration, as I said, being a Grab driver was part of it and obviously we all have past relationships. Certain characters or characterisations are inspired by them, but it is not 100%. For example, Virusha is a little arrogant, like my exgirlfriend. I liked that idea of showing a contrasting side to a female character instead of making them “girly”. These kinds of small things are taken from real life. En Muzhuvale is very mature, like the dialogue, characterisations and ending. Were you ever tempted to write the very basic, generic Indian ending where everyone ends up happily ever after? The pilot film’s ending is openended because I want viewers to question, “What will happen next?” Like I said earlier, eventually I want to make this into a feature-length film and the pilot’s ending is for people to come for the full film and find out what happens next. Your film is often called a “pilot film”, what makes it different from a short film? In short films, we see how it starts and ends. These also go on YouTube. I chose to treat En Muzhuvale as a pilot film because it is 30 minutes of what will be expanded into a AN up-and-coming local film director Shatish Rao, made waves in the local Tamil community with his debut pilot film, En Muzhuvale, which was released late August. Speaking to theSun, the 26-yearold Rao revealed more of himself and what went into getting the film off the ground. Where did your career start? I studied mass communications, majoring in broadcast but it did not touch that much on film. I learned a lot about filmmaking through YouTube and when I worked on Malaysian films, it exposed me to the practical aspects, like using a camera. As a student at SEGi University and Colleges, weekdays were spent in classes, while on the weekends, I was going for film shoots. This lasted for a year. As a student with not much knowledge of filmmaking, the experience of being on set was rewarding, from being able to ask how things work, like the lighting and scriptwriting, to being involved in the process and procedure of releasing a film in theatres. Overall, 50% came from learning, with YouTube contributing 40% and the university 10% because the learning bit was mostly theory and filmmaking was more practical. The Grab thing was after the pandemic, which inspired the pilot film. Who were the filmmakers you looked up to growing up? I’m still a newcomer in the industry. My inspiration, I would say, came from Tamil directors in India. I love Maniratnam, Gauthnam Vasudev Menon and recently, Lokesh Kanagaraj. More than their movies, I like their film craft and how sincere they are about it. If we look at Hollywood, I would say Martin Scorcese, Christopher Nolan and David Fincher. Did you have another career in mind when you chose to pursue mass communications before filmmaking? Probably I would have been in the marketing field. I like marketing but thanks to a lecturer in my first year, first semester and first assignment at university, she told me to try doing a short film. I don’t know why she suggested that. I was provided with a camera and when I held it, I was immediately interested in learning how to use it. Because films are told through moving visuals, the process intrigued me. As a filmmaker, where does your inspiration come from, particularly for a film like En Muzhuvale? A lot of people have asked me if the plot was based on real-life experience. When I was a part-time Grab driver, I had the thought, “What if my ex-girlfriend got into my car as a passenger? How would I react?” Virusha is not a @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Shatish’s pilot film has received rave reviews due to its technical aspects and mature screenplay. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR full film. Did you face problems shooting the pilot as a new director? Yes. This project was actually completed in December 2021. We shot everything in 10 days. It took me one-and-a-half years to present it to the audience due to all the issues that happened along the way. For one, I had to change the initial music director. It took several months. In between, there were financial issues. They were mostly post-production issues, but during production, there was also a problem. In September 2021, I planned to shoot the pilot in December. Everything was finalised, even the dates. Close to the date, the 2021 floods happened. In the pilot, it was obvious that everything was shot outdoors. So that was a challenge, but thanks to my entire crew, they were the reason it turned out well. What will you be working on next now that En Muzhuvale is out? I’m working on the script for the full film at the moment. I will not deviate from the path of the pilot. Also, the dialogue was not fully written by me. It was by a friend, Deepa Suriabagarsam. When I told her the idea I had for the story, she really liked it. I asked for her help with the dialogue because, being much older than me, she has more life experience. If you feel like the dialogue is mature, it is solely because of her. The film will also star Dhiviyaa Rathi, Koghilan Ravi and I in the same roles as the pilot, and there will also be a new important character to be played by a new actor, which requires a casting call and audition. Hopefully, I can get a proper investor who believes in me. Rao is working on the extended version of En Muzhuvale. oEn Muzhuvale is based on Rao’s real life inspiration Directing from scratch
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 23 Travolta’s near death experience HAVING recently shared a harrowing experience of a plane mishap, John Travolta drew parallels to a similar scenario depicted in the Disney+ short film The Shepherd. At the London premiere, the 69- year-old Oscar winner, who holds a pilot’s licence, revealed that he encountered a total electrical failure in a corporate jet over Washington DC. This incident resonated with him as he discussed Frederick Forsyth’s book, The Shepherd, which revolved around a Royal Air Force pilot facing a similar challenge. Describing the terrifying ordeal, Travolta conveyed the feeling of imminent danger, recalling a moment when he thought he was “going to die” despite having two functioning jet engines but no instruments or electrical power. Reflecting on the parallel with the film, he emphasised the familiarity of that despair captured by his co-star Ben Radcliffe, who portrayed the oReal life plane mishap mirrors fiction in The Shepherd █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Ultimate night adventure KICKING off a revolutionary journey, Xpaze Super Club has officially opened its doors, transforming the city’s nightlife. The grand inauguration, featuring DJ Yoyo from China, set the stage for an extraordinary 9,144-square-meter super club experience. This avant-garde venue boasts a futuristic space-themed atmosphere and cutting-edge laser shows, generating buzz over the past three months. Immerse yourself in an exciting fusion of EDM and Hard Style HipHop, expertly complemented by the club’s state-of-the-art interior design. The pulsating laser and sound system promise to infuse your weekends with electrifying beats. For a touch of glamour, Xpaze has curated special nights, with Wednesdays dedicated to the Celestial Queen and Thursdays reserved for EDM enthusiasts. The party vibe continues through Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays deliver an adrenaline-pumping hiphop extravaganza. Operating from 9.00 pm to 3.00 am every Wednesday to Sunday, admission is priced at RM60, with complimentary entry for ladies on Wednesdays and Sundays. Stay in the loop with Xpaze’s weekly events and highlights by connecting on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Brace yourself for an unforgettable nightlife escapade like no other. X[aze Super Club is located at 3- 30, 3rd floor, Viva shopping mall, Jalan Loke Yew, Taman Miharja, 55200 Kuala Lumpur. For more information, check out I n s t a g r a m : instagram.com/xpazeclubkl/?hl=e Exquisite laser show. – XPAZE █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Nolan defends big film franchises ALTHOUGH he is no longer making franchise films after wrapping up The Dark Knight trilogy, Christopher Nolan is defending the roles of similar big franchises in Hollywood. “There’s always a balance in Hollywood between established titles that can assure a return to the audience and give people more of what they want,” Nolan said in a recent Associated Press interview. “That’s always been a big part of the economics of Hollywood, and it pays for a lot of other types of films to While famous for his Batman films, Nolan’s filmography primarily consists of original films. - WARNER BROS PICTURES █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR SIR ELTON JOHN has expressed support for Ryan Reynolds’ venture into football, commending the actor’s co-ownership of Wrexham AFC. In a recent BBC interview, the 76-yearold music icon, who is a former chairman of a football club himself, described Reynolds’ involvement as “fantastic” and highlighted the thrill of the team’s National League victory in April. Reflecting on his own football journey with Watford FC, John drew parallels with Reynolds’ experience, emphasising the enduring excitement despite the changing times. He conveyed his enthusiasm for Wrexham AFC’s success, noting that their journey might surpass the enjoyment of any movie Reynolds has made. Reynolds, alongside Rob McElhenney, acquired Wrexham AFC in November 2020. The club’s triumph in the National League, securing a place in the English Football League Two after 15 years, marked a significant milestone in its ownership. John’s history with football includes ownership of Watford FC from 1976 to 1990, with a repurchase in 1997 before stepping down as chairman in 2002. Drawing comparisons between their experiences, John celebrated their shared passion for the sport. Beyond football, John shared insights into his musical endeavours. In a recent speech at the Barclays Centre, he announced the completion of a new album with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. John teased that the album, created in Los Angeles, is filled with youth and vitality, promising surprises for his fans after 56 years of collaboration. Contrary to assumptions about retirement, John’s songwriting partner, Taupin, affirmed their commitment to creating more music, emphasising John’s continued activity in various areas despite not being on tour. The duo, known for their enduring creative partnership, looks forward to delivering another record, showcasing that John’s artistic journey remains vibrant and dynamic. John and Reynolds. - PIC BY STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE, DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Drawing parallels with Reynolds pilot facing a life-threatening situation. In a 1995 The New Yorker feature, Travolta previously detailed an emergency landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during a flight with his family. The malfunction of his “transducer rectifier” during the 1992 flight had led investigators to acknowledge the real threat of a midair collision involving a Boeing 727 bound for New York. Recalling the incident during a recent question-and-answer session, Travolta highlighted the moment of relief when he spotted the Washington DC monument, guiding him to make a successful landing, akin to the film’s narrative. The actor also revealed his deep connection with Forsyth’s book, expressing how he “instantly fell in love” with it but faced delays in bringing it to the screen due to a busy schedule after Pulp Fiction. W h i l e acknowledging the prolonged journey to bring The Shepherd to fruition, Travolta emphasised the uniqueness of the story and his enduring passion for the project. After three decades of anticipation, he celebrated the realisation of a destiny he had envisioned for the book, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the n a r r a t i v e that had captivated him for so long. Travolta at the screening of The Shepherd. - PIC BY DAVE BENETT/GETTY IMAGES FOR DISNEY+ be made and distributed.” The director of Oppenheimer and Interstellar also went on to address the fact that, despite franchises needing to exist, audiences also desire and expect something different from films. “One of the big thrills of going to the movies is, frankly, seeing a trailer for a movie you’ve never heard of or a type of movie you haven’t seen. A healthy ecosystem in Hollywood is about a balance between the two things and always has been.” In a possible attempt at toeing the line, Nolan’s comments came after Martin Scorcese told GQ in September that filmmakers like the two of them should “fight back stronger” against big film franchises, like comic book films, to “save cinema.” “It’s got to come from the grassroots level. It has to come from the filmmakers themselves,” Scorsese said. “And you’ll have, you know, filmmakers like the Safdie brothers and Nolan, you know what I mean? And hit ’em from all sides. Hit ’em from all sides and don’t give up. Let’s see what you get. Go out there and do it. Go reinvent.”
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 24 THE Black Label recently announced the exclusive signing of acclaimed actor Lee Jong-won. The South Korean record label, which made the announcement through an official statement on Nov 21, is currently diversifying its portfolio by venturing into the management of actors. With the signing of Jong-won, who is recognised for his steadfast acting prowess and the ability to effortlessly portray a spectrum of characters, The Black Label is set to offer unwavering support to unleash his full potential in the realm of acting. The label, which houses top-tier artistes such as BingBang’s Taeyang, Jeon Somi, Zion T and Park Bogum under its management, has urged fans to continue showering Jong Won with interest and love as he embarks on this new chapter. Having left an indelible mark with his stellar performance in the MBC drama Golden Spoon last year, Jong-won clinched the Rookie of the Year accolade at the prestigious 2022 MBC Drama Awards. Presently, the actor is gearing up for the muchanticipated release of MBC’s upcoming drama Flowers that Bloom at Night, where he shares the screen with the talented Honey Lee. Discussions are underway for Jong-won to take on a prominent role in the upcoming drama with the working title Because I Want No Loss, costarring alongside the esteemed Shin Min-ah. – BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Kingdom’s Louis on health hiatus BTS’ immensely talented members RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook have begun the process of military enlistment. Bighit Music announced the news via Weverse on Nov 22, demonstrating the group’s dedication to fulfilling its civic duties. This milestone comes on the heels of BTS members actively pursuing solo projects, each contributing uniquely to the group’s artistic tapestry. RM, renowned for his insightful lyricism and rap prowess, has left an indelible mark with solo endeavours that showcase his intellectual depth and artistic versatility. Jimin, celebrated for his captivating stage presence and expressive vocals, has seamlessly transitioned into solo pursuits, captivating audiences with his soulful performances and emotional resonance. V, with his distinctive baritone voice and charismatic aura, has forged his path as a solo artiste, exploring a diverse range of musical styles and leaving an impact with his enigmatic persona. Jungkook, often referred to as the “golden maknae,” has taken the solo plunge, enchanting fans with his powerful vocals, dynamic dance moves and a musical maturity that goes beyond his years. While the announcement marks a temporary departure from the stage for these four artistes, their individual contributions to BTS and the music industry at large have undeniably shone brightly. As they embark on this new chapter, fans are encouraged to continue showering RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook with love and support, demonstrating the enduring bond between the artistes and their global fanbase. Bighit Music assures fans that updates on the members’ military service will be shared in due course, emphasising the company’s commitment to providing unwavering support throughout this period. The announcement follows the September revelation that Suga would be the third BTS member to enlist, following in the footsteps of Jin and J-Hope. As RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook prepare for their military service, let us reflect on the brilliance of their solo endeavours and anticipate the new heights they will undoubtedly reach upon their return. The legacy of BTS continues to shine brightly, leaving an everlasting impact on the music world. Black Label signs Jong-won KINGDOM’S Louis is taking a temporary break from all engagements to focus on his health recovery. GF Entertainment officially announced on Nov 20 that Louis has decided to go on hiatus due to the ongoing deterioration of his health. Consequently, Kingdom will be temporarily continuing its activities with the remaining six members of the group. GF Entertainment shared a comprehensive statement with Kingmakers, Kingdom’s fandom, addressing Louis’s health and outlining the changes in his schedule. Even though Louis was determined to work, the agency insisted on prioritising the artiste’s wellbeing above all else and decided that he needed to focus on recovering. Louis will not be participating in the scheduled fan signing event or other activities for the time being. Any updates regarding changes in Louis’s activities will be promptly updated. GF Entertainment expressed their commitment to ensuring Louis’s return to good health and apologised for any concern caused by this sudden announcement. – BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The label stands as a prominent South Korean record label. – INSTAGRAM/@WONJONG Louis debuted as a member of Kingdom on Feb 18, 2021. – INSTAGRAM/@KINGDOMLOUIS.GFENT BOBBY Moynihan’s stint on Saturday Night Live (SNL) had its share of challenges, as he revealed in a recent podcast interview. During a live taping, the now 46-year-old comedian faced unexpected health issues related to diverticulosis, experiencing cramps that raised concerns about how he would handle it on air. His worries materialised during a 2009 episode hosted by Gerard Butler, where Moynihan fell ill just moments before going on live television. Despite feeling unwell and vomiting into a garbage can, Moynihan quickly resumed his place on set, showcasing the resilience required in the unpredictable world of live television. Reflecting on the incident, he humorously recalled the surreal scenario of conversing with Butler, who was dressed as the Beast while Moynihan donned the costume of Cogsworth. Moynihan, a cast member on SNL from 2008 to 2017, portrayed an array of characters during his tenure, including notable figures like Snooki from Jersey Shore, Andrea Bocelli, George R R Martin, Tony Soprano and Mama June Shannon from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. In a heartfelt Instagram statement upon leaving the show after nearly a decade, Moynihan expressed pride in being the fifthlongest-running cast member and conveyed deep appreciation for the hardworking SNL cast and crew. The comedian’s revelations offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges of live sketch comedy, where unexpected health issues become part of the performer’s onstage narrative. Despite such moments, Moynihan’s departure from SNL was marked with gratitude, acknowledging the show’s enduring legacy as it continued its 49th season, airing on Saturday nights at 11,30 pm ET. – BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Moynihan, Wiig, Butler and Hader on SNL in 2009. – PIC BY DANA EDELSON/NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVERSAL VIA GETTY IMAGES VIA GETTY BTS to serve in military oEnlistment marks new chapter RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook are starting civic duties soon. – KOIMOI Moynihan recalls diverticulitis flare-up █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 25 Conditions participants endure during filming. – NETFLIX Ortega exits Scream 7 JENNA Ortega has withdrawn from her role in Scream 7 due to her commitment to shooting season two of Wednesday. This decision, unrelated to co-star Melissa Barrera’s dismissal, had been in the works for months prior to the recent American actors’ union strike. Ortega’s schedule is further complicated by her ongoing filming for Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2, interrupted by the strike, with a few more days of shooting remaining. Ortega and Barrera, known for their roles as sisters, Tara and Sam Carpenter, in the 2022 revival of Scream and its sequel Scream VI, played a crucial role in revitalising the dormant horror franchise. The announcement of Scream 7 came earlier this year with Christopher Landon as the director. Barrera’s termination from Scream 7 occurred due to her social media posts supporting Palestine in the IsraelPalestine conflict. Following Barrera’s removal, director Christopher Landon posted and later deleted a statement expressing his disapproval, stating that the decision was not his to make. In the 2022 revival of Scream, the iconic horror franchise welcomed back its original stars, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, while also introducing fresh faces in Mason Gooding Jr and Jasmine Savoy Brown. However, a pay dispute resulted in Neve Campbell’s absence from Scream 7. Despite this setback, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet remain optimistic about the possibility of her return in future installments. The film concluded on a positive note for the characters portrayed by Ortega and Barrera. They not only triumphed over the Ghostface killer once again but also found resolution in their relationship. This development added emotional depth to the storyline, leaving room for anticipation and speculation about the future direction of the Scream series. - BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Dunki has no ala Cruise’s bike stunt SHAH Rukh Khan is now promoting his upcoming movie Dunki, a comedy about four friends from a village in Punjab who dream to go to England without a ticket or visa. A soldier, however, promises to bring them to their dream land and during the journey, they share their love for their home country, friendship and more. The movie, starring Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal, is set to release on Dec 21. To promote the movie, Khan had a 15- minute #AskSRK session on his social media and a fan took the opportunity to ask if he would ever do stunts like Tom Cruise. The fan posted a picture of Cruise in the mid-air during a jaw-dropping motorcycle stunt in Mission Impossible 7 and asked, “Have you ever thought of doing something like Tom Cruise did in M1:7? But Khan showed his funny side with a reply, “I don’t have a motorcycle, my friend,” in Hindi. - BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI BRADLEY Cooper, who plays Leonard Bernstein in the film Maestro, disclosed plans to spend part of the Thanksgiving weekend with the late composer’s children. The 48-year-old actor and director announced his intentions to visit Jersey and Fairfield, Connecticut, to celebrate the holiday with the Bernsteins during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Cooper emphasised that the movie scenes had been shot at the Bernstein home, where he was even allowed to don the composer’s bathrobe. According to a source, the composer’s children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina, were deeply impressed with Cooper’s performance, describing it as breathtaking and captivating. The family opened their doors to Cooper and his crew, fostering a collaborative and immersive experience for the actor. Cooper admitted to Colbert that his fascination with conducting began in childhood, when he spent countless hours mimicking conductors for cartoons like Tom and Jerry. He dedicated six years to preparing for the role, immersing himself in Bernstein’s work and collaborating with the Philadelphia LAWSUITS are nonexistent in Netflix’s hit Squid Games in 2021 because it is a fictional series and most of the characters are literally killed off. However, the streaming platform is learning a hard lesson, as the exact opposite exists in real life, with a legal firm in the UK threatening a lawsuit over injuries sustained by contestants while filming Squid Game: The Challenge. Unlike the series, The Challenge is a reality competition series and contestants on the show are seeking compensation for injuries they allegedly suffered during the reality show, with British personal injury firm Express Solicitors representing them. “We have sent letters of claim on behalf of contestants injured in this show,” the legal firm’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel Slade said in a statement. “From what we’ve been told, they pushed the boundaries of safety in the name of entertainment. “Production companies need to ensure that health and safety standards on its shows don’t leave people at risk of harm.” The letters of claim, sent to Studio Lambert, the show’s coproducer, are the initial step being taken and the firm says they are gathering further evidence and will then file a lawsuit if necessary. Right now, the firm represents two contestants who have allegedly suffered hypothermia and nerve damage. The firm is also in communication with other potential claimants. According to The Hollywood Reporter, when the outlet asked Stephen Lambert, an executive producer on the show, about reports of injuries, he said, “We’re giving away the largest prize in TV competition history. It wasn’t going to be a walk in the park to win US$4.56 million (RM21,340,800)”. Impending Impending lawsuit lawsuit oSquid Game: The Challenge’s injured contestants are threatening to sue Netflix █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The cast of Dunki. Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Cooper described Bernstein’s music as “nuclear”, acknowledging the late composer’s historical significance as the first Americanborn conductor to lead a major American symphony orchestra. Born in Massachusetts in 1918, the late composer achieved acclaim not only for his conducting but also for his multiple Grammy Awards, Emmys and Tony Awards, as well as for his contributions to classical music and film scores. He hosted the CBS series, Young People’s Concerts, for years and passed away in 1990. The film Maestro, with a trailer released by Netflix in October, delves into Bernstein’s life and romance with Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. Carey Mulligan costars as Montealegre, depicting their relationship from 1951 to her death in 1978. The teaser showcases Bernstein’s rise to become a world-renowned conductor and unveils the complexities of his personal life, including his identity. In an emotional interview, Cooper expressed that the experience of portraying Bernstein went beyond acting, describing it as a thrilling channelling of the characters. The movie is set to unfold as a towering and fearless love s t o r y chronicling the enduring connection b e t w e e n Bernstein and Montealegre. C o o p e r c o n c l u d e d Tuesday’s interview by saying that he would never replicate this unique and profound experience. - BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Ortega’s departure has nothing to do with Barrera’s firing. – PEOPLE Cooper honours Bernstein Cooper as Bernstein in Maestro. – PIC BY JASON MCDONALD/NETFLIX
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 26 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Artistic extravaganza THE curtains have closed on the inaugural REXFEST, leaving behind an air of resounding success that echoed through the vibrant streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Marking the fifth anniversary of REXKL, the former Rex Cinema turned cultural haven, REXFEST unfolded from Nov 24 to Nov 26, in collaboration with Connor’s Stout Porter. This three-day extravaganza not only celebrated the rich history of the city but also brought together a diverse blend of arts, music, and communal spirit. Lim Kok Kean, serving as the festival director, conveyed the collaborative essence of the festival by highlighting the partnership between Connor’s Stout Porter and REXKL as a celebration of creativity in its diverse manifestations. The festival acts as a catalyst for unity among artists, fostering dynamic collaborations and cultivating new connections. In doing so,the festival harmoniously blends the realms of art, culture and innovation, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries and cultivates a sense of shared celebration. The festivities commenced with the groundbreaking event, Afterlife x Goen: Divergence, a fully immersive experience challenging conventional notions of freedom. Renowned DJs such as Suhsi, Hazel, Raven and WCKD set the stage on fire, accompanied by a digital showcase from the talented Azarikh. The exclusive ticketed lineup continued with “Kuantum: Forgotten Facades”, a mesmerising fusion of electronic music and visual arts curated by the Kuantum collective. The festival’s crown jewel, Rexperience, offered an unforgettable journey through time and artistic expression. The showcase, featuring Vuevossa, Zhonkvision and Shared Mind Visuals, seamlessly blended futuristic electronic music with reimagined architectural designs inspired by REXKL, creating a REXKL concluded its 5th-year anniversary celebration with astonishing brilliance. – PICS BY REXFEST oTriumph of creativity, community and celebration at the heart of Kuala Lumpur █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Stout success REVEL in the success of Connor’s Stout Porter as it wraps up a triumphant celebration of the International Stout Month, marking the splendid culmination of RexFest. Connor’s, having recently clinched two gold awards in the esteemed Monde Selection and the World Beer Award 2023, is spreading the joy of its achievements across 290 venues, offering stout aficionados an unparalleled experience. In selected supermarkets, the Connor’s Shake Crew is on the hunt for stout enthusiasts to partake in the Connor’s Shake Challenge, a unique opportunity to recreate the draft stout experience in cans. The success of this superb ritual, which preserves the creamy foam and roasty undertones of Connor’s Stout Porter’s premium malts, including lager malt, caramel malt, brown malt and roasted barley, is a testament to its irresistible appeal. Connor’s Stout porter triumphs in International Stout Month Celebration. – CARLSBERG MALAYSIA █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, Stefano Clini, expressed the company’s pride in Connor’s Stout Porter, citing the recent accolades as a testament to its status as the ideal brew and a reflection of their unwavering commitment to quality. In celebration of these achievements and in the spirit of the International Stout Month, Carlsberg Malaysia is bringing together stout enthusiasts for an extensive celebration lasting nearly two months. Connor’s is painting the town black nationwide with a series of activities in 12 selected outlets. Participants can engage in “The Perfect Pour” to win personalised coasters, take on “Flip the Cup” for Connor’s merchandise, join “The Weight Challenge” for a chance to win a Connor’s keg or vie for a limited-edition Connor’s Bomber jacket. Additionally, 60 lucky consumers have the chance to win a SMEG Union Jack mini fridge worth RM15,000 each. But the excitement does not end there, Connor’s enthusiasts can enter to win the SMEG Union Jack Mini Fridge until Dec 25 with a purchase of Connor’s. Whether in restaurants, bars, pubs, supermarkets, convenience stores or e-commerce sites, every Connor’s purchase opens the door to exciting entries, with the option to get five entries by purchasing four cans. For more information visit connorsmalaysia.com. Do not miss this opportunity. All promotions and contests are open to non-Muslims aged 21 and above. sensory spectacle. Soundscape Records x Filamen: Odyssey, curated by Soundscape Records and Filamen, added another layer of uniqueness to REXFEST. Notable artists such as The Times, Kyoto Protocol, Shelhiel, Dirgahayu and The Filters took the stage, accompanied by visually stunning displays from Grasshopper, Futuresigner, Jiajia, and Vasflow. Attendees also enjoyed free access to a variety of events, including the Homeground showcase, Fono KL’s jazz night, and Hush & Snap: Off the Books, which redefined poetry and spoken word. The festival’s diverse offerings were not limited to the auditory senses, as Connor’s Stout Porter played a key role in elevating the overall experience. Connor’s Mixologist Masterclass, the Connor’s Shake Corner and the Connor’s Bar provided festival-goers with a taste of the brand’s cool and crafty world. A unique and exclusive culinary menu, featuring collaborations with REXKL food vendors, added a delightful dimension to the event. From Street Art Sesh with Nestwo and KOS to the Biang-Biang 911 Challenge and the Old Trades of Petaling Street Walk, REXFEST engaged attendees in diverse activities. Workshops, live demonstrations, and markets, such as Mr. Long Thien Shih’s watercolour workshop and the Friends Club Mini Flea Market, added a touch of creativity and commerce. The festival, in its entirety, stands as a testament to the success of REXKL’s five-year journey, bringing together a tapestry of creativity, community, and celebration that will resonate in the hearts of attendees for years to come.
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 27 SCAN ME THURSDAY NOV 30, 2023 7KHVXFFHVVIXOFDQGLGDWHVKRXOGEH DVNLOOHGZULWHUDQGHGLWRUZLWKDQ H\HIRUGHWDLO +DYHJRRGNQRZOHGJHRIKRZWR ERRVWRQOLQHWUDIILF *RRGZLWKDOOVRFLDOPHGLD SODWIRUPVDQG6(2VNLOOV $EOHWRHQVXUHOHJDOFRPSOLDQFH ZLWKDOOFRQWHQW 0LQLPXPILYH\HDUVRIZRUNLQJ H[SHULHQFHLQVDPHFDSDFLW\IRU SRVWRI:HE6RFLDO0HGLD(GLWRU 0LQLPXPWKUHH\HDUVRIZRUNLQJ H[SHULHQFHLQVDPHFDSDFLW\IRU SRVWRI$VVLVWDQW:HE6RFLDO0HGLD (GLWRU 0LQLPXPRQH\HDURIZRUNLQJ H[SHULHQFHLQVDPHFDSDFLW\IRU SRVWRI:HE6RFLDO0HGLD ([HFXWLYHV ,6+,5,1* :(%62&,$/0(',$(',725 $66,67$17:(%62&,$/0(',$(',725 :(%62&,$/0(',$(;(&87,9(6 WKH6XQLVORRNLQJIRUDQH[SHULHQFHGZHEHGLWRUWROHDGWKHRQOLQHWHDPLQ PDQDJLQJWKHQHZVSRUWDODQGVRFLDOPHGLDSODWIRUPV :HDUHDOVRORRNLQJIRUDQ$VVLVWDQW:HE6RFLDO0HGLD(GLWRUDQG:HE6RFLDO 0HGLD([HFXWLYHVWREHHIXSRXURQOLQHWHDP -2%'(6&5,37,21ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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flflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 302 Jobs IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DONAKON AMALGAMATED SDN. BHD. Company Registration No. 199201019035 (250539-U) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 31 December 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 30 November 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PLAYBOX NEO (ASIA-PACIFIC) SDN. BHD. (835821-D) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Final Meeting of the members of the abovenamed Company will be held at Lot 4.1, Level 4, Pertama Complex Office Tower. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur on 5th January 2024 at 10.00am for the following purposes :- 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing how the winding up has been conducted and of any explanations of the account that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution in the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator thereof shall be disposed of after three (3) months from the date of final meeting. Wong Ming Shyan (Liquidator) Kuala Lumpur Dated this: 30 November 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS | PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA | N.SEMBILAN MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim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ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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flflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 302 Jobs IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DONAKON AMALGAMATED SDN. BHD. Company Registration No. 199201019035 (250539-U) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 31 December 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 30 November 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PLAYBOX NEO (ASIA-PACIFIC) SDN. BHD. (835821-D) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Final Meeting of the members of the abovenamed Company will be held at Lot 4.1, Level 4, Pertama Complex Office Tower. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur on 5th January 2024 at 10.00am for the following purposes :- 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing how the winding up has been conducted and of any explanations of the account that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution in the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator thereof shall be disposed of after three (3) months from the date of final meeting. Wong Ming Shyan (Liquidator) Kuala Lumpur Dated this: 30 November 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Parting shot Maxwell’s 104 keeps Australia alive in T20 series GLENN MAXWELL smashed an unbeaten 104 as Australia pulled off a stunning chase of 223 in the third Twenty20 international against India yesterday to stay alive in the series with a five-wicket win. The swashbuckling batsman struck his 100 in 47 balls and completed the win with a six and three fours from the final four balls of the 20th over in Guwahati before he flies back home. It was Maxwell’s fourth T20 century as he joined Rohit Sharma with most tons in the format and the knock eclipsed a 123 by Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s 222-3. His 47-ball hundred was the joint fastest in the format for an Australian batsman alongside Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis. Australia, who won the ODI World Cup after beating hosts India in the final earlier this month, still trail the five-match series 2-1 with the fourth T20 tomorrow in Raipur. Maxwell, in his 100th T20 international and his last of the series, struck eight fours and eight sixes and put on an unbeaten 91-run stand with skipper Matthew Wade, who hit 28. “It was always going to take our best, and one of the best players that’s ever played T20s for Australia played his 100th game and got a hundred, so pretty special for him,” Wade said of the man of the match Maxwell. Australia slipped to 68-3, but Maxwell, called “The Big Show” for his attacking batting, stood firm and tore into the Indian attack despite getting cramps towards the end. Maxwell’s knock brought back memories of his match-winning 201 not out in a 50-over World Cup match against Afghanistan earlier this month when he completed a miraculous chase from 91-7. Opener Travis Head, who made the team after his match-winning century in the ODI World Cup final, attacked along with fellow opener Aaron Hardie. The left-handed Head smashed 35 off 18 balls but fell to fast bowler Avesh Khan and soon Australia lost three wickets before the Maxwell blitz. The tourists have made wholesale changes to their squad midway into the series with Steve Smith and Adam Zampa back home. “We really needed this win, and a lot of guys are heading home so a chance for the younger ones to learn how to play in India,” said Wade. “Hopefully we can take it to the decider with another win in the next game.” Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Inglis and Sean Abbott – all part of the group that won a recordextending sixth 50-over title – are to fly back home today. – AFP Cops arrested after shaking down star cricketer FOUR Pakistan police officers have been charged with corruption hours after one of the country’s top cricketers complained of having been shaken down for bribes during a recent road trip, officials said yesterday. Sohaib Maqsood, who played 29 one-day internationals and 26 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan until 2021, wrote on X that he had been stopped while driving from Karachi to Multan. “Sindh police is so corrupt that they stop you after 50km and ask for money or they threat you to go to the police station…,” he posted. He said he paid 8,000 rupees (RM450) on his way to take part in a T20 match. Later a statement from Sindh police said four police officers had been found to have been involved in the incident. “Legal action has been initiated,” the statement said, adding that two police officials had been suspended for “negligence”. Students held for celebrating WC defeat INDIAN police in Kashmir have arrested seven university students under tough anti-terrorism laws for alleged intimidation after they celebrated Australia’s victory over India in the Cricket World Cup final. Police said yesterday that the students were arrested following “anti-India sloganeering and intimidation of others who did not agree with them” after the match. Police said the Kashmiri students at an agriculture university were arrested last week after a complaint filed by another student, who came from outside the territory. “They started abusing me and targeting me for being supporter of my country and also threatened me to shut up otherwise I would be shot,” the police case file seen by AFP notes, quoting the complainant. Police charged the seven students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a stringent antiterrorism law, as well as other sections of the penal code. Players are not robots: Cummins CAPTAIN Pat Cummins said yesterday that cricketers were “not robots” with Australia’s Twenty20 team struggling in India straight after their 50-over World Cup triumph. Seven of the Australia squad who won the World Cup remained in India for a five-match T20 series that started four days after the Nov 19 final. Reports in Australia say that six of the seven are now set to return home. Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe and Chris Green were among reinforcements being sent to relieve the flagging World Cup heroes, the reports said. With a busy home summer of cricket looming, including Test series against Pakistan and the West Indies, Cummins acknowledged the burden on the players, some of whom have been playing in India since September. “They’re humans, they’re not robots,” he told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground. “Putting everything into a World Cup and then playing a couple of days later – I probably don’t begrudge them if they’re not at 100%. These are still games for Australia and it’s great that these tours do provide opportunities for some of the younger guys, or guys who might not be in the first XI. I think these are important tours and you can get a lot out of them.” INSIDE EDGE Australia’s Glenn Maxwell plays a shot during the third Twenty20 international match against India. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 28 ON taking off his seat belt in the Red Bull 2023 juggernaut for the final time on race-day in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen took stock. The Dutchman had just coasted to a recordextending 19th victory of the season; his 54th overall, with only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher ahead of him now in the all-time stakes. For a man whose unflappability has been the defining characteristic of his championship cruise, the three-time world champion admitted to feeling emotional as he waved goodbye to the RB19. “An incredible season – it was a bit emotional on the in-lap,” he said. “The last time sitting in the car that has of course given me a lot.” A lot is an understatement. Pretty much everything is more accurate. Save a strange anomaly in Singapore in S e p t e m b e r, Verstappen has been on the podium at the end of every race. The ultimate indication that this was the most dominant season in F1’s 73-year history is best represented by his win percentage. Nineteen out of 22 gives him 86.3%. The previous record had held for over 70 years: Alberto Ascari’s 75% in 1952, when he won six of eight races. It makes Verstappen’s 2023 campaign, statistically, the best-ever by s o m e distance. The 26- year-old has set the new benchmark, far beyond the likes of Fangio, Schumacher and Hamilton. But where does it rank in the alltime great sporting seasons? A comparison in this respect is difficult, by virtue of different sports placing different emphasis on different competitions, with the weight of team vs individual at play too. Nonetheless, speculating is fun: we’ll give it a go. Immediate standouts include Tiger Woods’ 2000 season, where he stormed to three of the four majors and nine out of 20 PGA Tour wins. Novak Djokovic – take your pick – has a quadruple of h a t t r i c k m a j o r glory in 2 0 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 , 2 0 2 1 and 2023, while Roger F e d e r e r ’ s 2006 saw him lose to just two players (Rafael Nadal and a young Andy Murray). But even then, Verstappen is superior in the numbers game. Woods entered 20 tournaments in 2 0 0 0 , w i n n i n g nine to give him a 45% win ratio. Of course, golf has a bigger playing field and is prone to more random winners (and just how F1 would value a bit more uncertainty right now for the sporting product). But still, they’re the facts. Federer played 17 tournaments in 2006, winning 12 of them. The Swiss maestro is closer, with a 70.6% win percentage in tournaments played. He has Rafael Nadal to thank for it not being near-perfect, with four of those five losses at the hands of the Spaniard. Djokovic’s best season for titles was 2015, when he won 11 from 16 tournaments played – 68.75%. Serena Williams had an identical 11/16 titles record in 2013. Still, some way short of Verstappen. In recent years in E u r o p e a n f o o t b a l l , Barcelona’s treblewinning season in 2014-15 was super impressive. Lionel Messi and co played 61 matches, winning 51 of them. That gives them 83.6% across the course of the season. Staggering, really. Manchester City’s treble last year came in at 73.77% of matches won, with their 2017-18 100-point season statistically better at 80.7%. Blatantly, different sports have different barometers of success. Different competitions and tournaments have different significance depending on prestige and ranking points, unlike F1 where points are identical for each race. But what this very basic overview does show is that Verstappen in 2023 is very much in the conversation. It still feels as though the Dutchman’s achievements this year are viewed through quite a narrow prism. “It’s all about the car,” says Joe Bloggs, with a Mercedes cap on. Sure, the RB19 is one of the greatest cars in F1 history and has a monumental impact. But Perez’s topsy-turvy season in identical machinery shows there is more to Red Bull’s success than the machine. It needs to be armed and steered by capable hands. Verstappen has barely made a mistake all season. His year of dominance will be looked back on in years to come, similar to the Schumacher reign at the start of the 2000s. It’s now about how big Verstappen’s legacy will be. How many titles can he win in a row? Can he get up to Schumacher and Hamilton’s record of seven? And how many races can he continue to win, with a brash sense of ease and control, along the way? – The Independent █ BY KIERAN JACKSON Desperate attempt to salvage wedding ring A Mercedes team member is desperately trying to salvage his lost wedding ring after being thrown into Yas Marina after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As is often the case following the final race of the season, the team member was chucked into Yas Marina following Sunday’s grand prix. However, disaster struck when he lost his wedding ring and now he has employed the help of a diver – armed with a metal detector and a sieve – in an attempt to retrieve it. A group of freelance reporters, present at the Yas Marina Circuit for the post-season tyre test yesterday, told the story on Twitter/X. However, after an hour-long search, which included issues with the metal detector, all that was found was a knife. Those present on-site added that the team member plans to enlist the help of a group of local people in the coming days in order to retrieve the ring. F1 fans spark chaos A group of F1 fans were embroiled in a fight at a trackside party following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Footage emerged online on Mondayt of a group of fans brawling at an after-party at a hotel which overlooks the Yas Marina Circuit, opposite the marina between turns 11 and 12 of the track. A video shared on X/Twitter, shows a man in a white t-shirt repeatedly punching and throwing items at a man in a blue and white jacket. In different videos posted online, other fans appear to fight and launch bottles of wine before security steps in. It is unclear what provoked the brawl, which took place with “All of the Lights” by Kanye West blaring through the speakers. F1 said in a statement to The Independent that the incident took place “outside of the jurisdiction of our event security” and “outside of the Grand Prix event itself”. It is not the first time this season that F1 fans have brawled at a race this season. A supporter was banned for life from Formula 1 races after attacking two Ferrari fans at the Mexico City Grand Prix last month. Mercedes changing “every component” of F1 car MERCEDES says it is changing almost “every component” on its Formula 1 car next year in a bid to get back to winning ways. The German manufacturer has endured a difficult 2023 campaign where, despite finishing second in the constructors’ championship, it proved to be no match for the dominant Red Bull team. The team has long been open that it will embark on a new design direction for 2024, but team boss Toto Wolff has now revealed the scale of the overhaul. “We are changing the concept,” said Wolff. “We are completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow. “I mean, literally, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance.” SHORTS Verstappen has statistically completed the best season in Formula One history eason in Formula One history Max-imum dominance ominance 0Most wins in a single season: 19 0Most podium finishes in a season: 21 0Highest points total: 575 0Largest championshipwinning margin: 290 0First driver to surpass 1,000 laps led in a single season 0Only driver to complete every lap in the 2023 season 0Highest win percentage in F1 history: 86.3% VERSTAPPEN’S 2023 RECORDS Verstappen. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 29 ‘Important Important step’ for Barca step’ for Barca Cancelo, Felix on target as Catalan giants reach last 16 BARCELONA came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 yesterday and reach the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in three seasons, which coach Xavi said was “an important step” for the club. Brazilian winger Pepe sent Porto ahead but Barcelona’s Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted to turn the game on its head. The former Benfica pair pounced against their old club’s rivals to ensure Xavi’s team would not face a humiliating group stage exit as they did in both of the last two seasons. “Today we are very happy, it’s an important step in the project, it’s very positive for the club,” Xavi told reporters. “It’s important, the team has grown, we beat a really good team, it’s a day to be very content and satisfied.” Defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg in their previous European match made Barca nervous, with poor performances domestically adding to their jitters. Despite conceding first, Cancelo quickly levelled and he set up Felix in the second half for the winner to delight Barca’s fans at the Olympic Stadium on the city’s Montjuic hill. “It was a final and we won it… we’ve put the club in the last 16, which is where it deserves to be,” Cancelo told Movistar. “When results don’t come, your confidence is not the same.” Porto made the breakthrough after 30 minutes, with Brazilian winger Pepe slamming home the rebound after keeper Inaki Pena denied Evanilson. Before Barcelona allowed fear to set in, Cancelo dragged them back level with a fine individual goal. The second half began at the same frantic pace, with Felix cracking a strike off the top of the crossbar. Ten minutes later the 24-year-old had his goal, exchanging passes with the rampaging Cancelo and carefully slotting home, his first for Barcelona since mid-September. “The two of them had a great game today, I am very happy with them,” said Xavi. Raphinha came close twice in quick succession as the Catalans sought to stretch their lead, but although they could not, this time around they still managed to get the job done. Barca defender Ronald Araujo’s huge fist pump at full-time showed it was with more nerves than it should have been. Cancelo went off before the end but said it was precautionary, and that he would be fit for the clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. “I am sure I will be there against Atletico Madrid,” he added. “Now we have to recover and win on Sunday.” Defeat leaves Porto second, tied with Shakhtar, third, on nine points – they face each other in the final group game on Dec 13 in Portugal. – AFP ATLETICO MADRID booked their place in the Champions League last-16 yesterday, a sumptuous volley from defender Mario Hermoso and two catastrophic own goals firing them to a thrilling 3-1 win over Dutch champions Feyenoord. The Group E result also meant Italy’s Lazio progressed to the knockout phase after their own 2-0 win over Celtic, who were eliminated along with Feyenoord. “I am very happy for the players. Today, we knew how difficult our opponent would be, the significance their home ground has had when they played in Europe, and how well they are doing in the league,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said as per tribalfootball.com. “But we dealt with it well, we played the game we wanted to play. There were some very good individual performances and, collectively, I think we played an important game for the club. “It’s always important to finish as high as possible. It’s been years since we’ve been able to reach the end (of the group stage) with this peace of mind. “We still have to see if we will finish first or second, but now we can keep working and rest because this match demanded a lot from us.” On midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme, the coach also said: “He played an extraordinary match. I knew I had to play him today. “Lino had a really good game against Mallorca, but I knew that (Riquelme’s) characteristics could be better for the team in this match. “We got it right and he played an incredible game.” – AFP/Agencies BORUSSIA DORTMUND secured their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday with a 3-1 win at AC Milan, who are staring early elimination in the face. Marco Reus’ early penalty and second half strikes from English teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi secured Dortmund’s passage into the next round with a match to spare. Dortmund have been criticised for their domestic form but are top of Group F on 10 points thanks to their third straight win in the competition, which came against a Milan team offform and riddled with injuries. A draw with Paris SaintGermain in Germany in their final group match next month will be enough for Edin Terzic’s team to guarantee first place and a softer draw in the last 16. “It was a great night… when the team plays well, it’s easier for the individual,” said Mats Hummels. “Now we want to get first spot, and avoid the crazy good teams.” Terzic said Dortmund have proved the doubters wrong by securing qualification from a group of heavy hitters. “We all remember that evening after the draw when they reported about the ‘Group of Death’,” Terzic told reporters. “We also remember the first game in Paris when everyone told us after the defeat now it’s going to be difficult. “And then after the 0-0 at home against Milan, they said, yes, now it’s over. And then we went there as leaders in this group,” he added. Milan, whose returning striker Olivier Giroud failed to net an early penalty, reached the semifinals last season but sit bottom of the group on five points and have a job on their hands to progress. However, the tight nature of the group and Newcastle United’s draw at Paris SaintGermain has left the door ajar for the hosts, who equalised through Samuel Chukwueze in the 37th minute. Milan are two points behind second-placed PSG and will make the knockout rounds if they win at Newcastle and the French champions lose at Dortmund. “We’ll give everything at Newcastle and try to win the game… I’d say we have about a two-to-three percent chance of qualifying,” admitted disappointed Milan midfielder Yacine Adli. “We’ll do everything we can and hope that Dortmund get a positive result.” – AFP/ Agencies Dortmund see off Milan to reach knockouts Immobile double ends Celtic’s Euro ambitions CELTIC’S European hopes ended in frustrating fashion after substitute Ciro Immobile’s late double denied them what would have been a creditable draw with Lazio. Brendan Rodgers’ side needed to win to preserve any hope of progression in the Champions League, or even the consolation of a Europa League spot. And while the Scottish Premiership side were resilient in Rome, they struggled to eke out chances. Lazio endured an exasperating evening themselves but ultimately could rely on the quality of Immobile. The Italy striker flashed a deflected Gustav Isaksen cross past Joe Hart in the 82nd minute, then capitalised on a Liam Scales misjudgement three minutes later to cut inside Cameron Carter-Vickers and roll in a second. The win was enough to confirm Lazio’s place in the last-16 after Atletico Madrid beat Feyenoord 3-1 in Rotterdam. “It’s the overall quality,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. “We need to have our very best players available. “What makes the difference is that bit of experience and genuine quality. That’s something we can hopefully resolve over the next couple of windows. “This group has gained more experience and shown they can compete in some games – but we need to add quality. That’s the glaring thing that stands out.” Al Hilal through even after two missed penalties SALEM AL DAWSARI missed two penalties but scored with a lob from distance as Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal sealed a spot in the Asian Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday. The winger, who was last month named the continent’s best men’s player, spurned a spot-kick in either half in the Group D tie against Navbahor in Uzbekistan. But after substitute Malcolm struck the game’s opening goal, Salem atoned with some distinction for the four-time champions late on in a 2-0 win. Malcolm’s effort, a rebound from Salem’s second saved penalty on 68 minutes, was the Brazilian’s first touch of the match. The goal was also his first in the competition since a summer move from Zenit Saint Petersburg. With four minutes remaining, Salem made the result safe when he beat goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov from around 35 yards. Navbahor’s Ibrokhim Yuldoshev was sent off late on for a second bookable offence. The victory was enough to take Al Hilal, Champions League runners-up last season, through to the last 16 as group winners with one game to spare. Hermoso wondergoal fires Atletico past Dutch masters SHORTS Barcelona’s Joao Felix (centre) fights for the ball with FC Porto’s Alan Varela (left) and Fabio Cardoso during their Champions League match. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 30 FORMER Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer has blasted the decision which handed Paris St German a Champions League get out of jail card against his home town club “disgusting” and “s***”. Shearer, the Magpies’ record goalscorer, voiced his frustration on social media after Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was asked to review his decision not to award a penalty when Ousmane Dembele’s cross hit Tino Livramento in the ribs and then hit the underside of his arm. The referee belatedly pointed to the spot. Kylian Mbappe, who had been denied repeatedly by goalkeeper Nick Pope and his defenders, made no mistake from 12 yards in the eighth minute of stoppage time at the Parc des Princes to secure a 1-1 draw. An unimpressed Shearer wrote on his X – formerly Twitter – account: “Do me a f****** favour man. What a load of s***t. “A superb battling away performance from every single player. Shouldn’t be spoilt by a disgusting decision. Well done @NUFC.” Shearer’s former Newcastle teammate Shay Given was equally unhappy with the decision, which brought back memories of the night in Paris that Thierry Henry’s handball which went unnoticed and cost the Republic of Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup finals. Given posted on X: “What a performance from the Toon. Terrible decision to give a penalty, not the first time I’ve left Paris with a controversial handball decision.” Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) RM200,923 RM253,779 won on 26/11/2023 ! Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) Toto 4D Jackpot 2 RM145,018 5725/2023 29/11/2023 (WED) 3145 2352 8446 9295 8404 1955 6390 7952 5744 4102 2162 9819 7562 3523 7553 8516 5272 0593 5817 5548 2029 0938 2917 16,514,719.75 3145 3145 3145 8446 8446 2352 8446 8446 2352 2352 3145 2352 208,007.47 3145 2352 8446 TIGER 53213 92366 2366 366 19192 6 6 0 5 585505 85505 5505 505 58550 5855 585 5 8 4,019,045.56 2,149,138.39 1612 18 20 33 42 155,573.58 4 12 23 36 54 55 1 8 9 26 31 50 15 14,991,249.33 338 897 + HORSE 356 293 + HORSE 054 702 +ROOSTER Draw Date: 29/11/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5672/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 8897 6293 4702 4176 + 7720 6216 + 0878 2874 + 7547 0819 + 6745 4297 + 8388 2086 + 6778 7306 + 1844 3129 + 2978 4309 + 6129 0812 + 2400 RM10,068,383.00 8897 + 6293 6293 + 8897 8897 + 4702 4702 + 8897 6293 + 4702 4702 + 6293 RM119,190.80 RM2,300,327.50 RM2,036,817.00 RM154,861.00 774 176 817 720 796 216 060 878 822 874 537 547 810 819 796 745 044 297 428 388 192 086 276 778 877 306 591 844 333 129 582 978 364 309 226 129 790 812 772 400 897 293 702 RM814,233.20 897 + 293 + 702 293 + 702 + 897 897 + 702 + 293 702 + 897 + 293 293 + 897 + 702 702 + 293 + 897 HSSB 1+3DJP1 RM247,706 & 1+3DJP2 RM626,163 won on 26/11/23! Frustrated rustrated Magpies Newcastle boss Howe rues penalty in PSG Champions League draw NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe was left fuming after Paris St Germain denied Newcastle a priceless Champions League victory with a controversial stoppagetime penalty. The Magpies looked to be heading for a famous 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes as they battled their way through a second-half onslaught from the hosts until Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a spot-kick against Tino Livramento after a VAR review, allowing Kylian Mbappe to level in the eighth and final minute of added time. Howe, who said in a television interview that the official had been placed under “extreme” pressure by the PSG players, labelled a decision which cost his side two precious points “poor” in his post-match press conference. Asked if he felt a sense of injustice, he said: “Yes, I do. It wasn’t the right decision in my opinion. “There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first. It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down, looks completely different to the live event. “The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand. But his hand is not in an unnatural position, they [his hands] are down by his side, but he is in a running motion. “I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now.” The pivotal moment arrived in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Ousmane Dembele attempted to deliver the ball across the Newcastle penalty area and saw it hit Livramento’s side and rear up on to the underside of his arm. Marciniak, who had earlier seen decisions not to award spot-kicks for an Anthony Gordon challenge on Achraf Hakimi and a shout for handball against teenager midfielder Lewis Miley upheld, was advised to review the incident and this time decided to award the penalty. The Magpies, who had taken a 24thminute lead through Alexander Isak, defended it for grim life until the last-gasp controversy, although they needed Pope to be at his brilliant best on several occasions. They now need to beat AC Milan at home on Dec 13 and hope PSG do not win away to Borussia Dortmund to progress. Asked if that was something to cling on to, Howe, who celebrated his 46th birthday yesterday, said: “Yes, I think that’s absolutely right. In the next couple of days, that will become more relevant in our thoughts, I think. “When the draw came out, it was the ‘group of death’ and I don’t think many people gave us a chance of qualifying from it and sitting here now, “I’m a little bit frustrated that it’s not in our hands because when I look back at the two Dortmund games, I felt we could have done better in those matches. “I don’t think it’s the time for that, I think it’s probably a time to be positive and to say that if we can beat Milan, then good things can happen from it.” – The Independent █ BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN Former Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen also criticised the penalty decision and the way the handball rule is being interpreted. Owen wrote: “Heartbreaking for @NUFC. Such a good performance. Never in a million years is that a penalty. “We are further away from applying consistency to the handball rule than we’ve ever been.” TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist branded Marciniak’s decision “a disgrace”. McCoist said: “It comes off his chest, then hits his left elbow. If that’s a penalty, we might as well forget about it. “If we’re giving penalty kicks for that, it’s a disgrace. The whole night will be remembered by that decision.” Colleague Jermaine Jenas, who spent more than three years of his playing career at St James’ Park, added: “It is a shocking decision – not in any walk of life is that a penalty. What is meant to do with his arms – wrap them around his back? – The Independent PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani (left) fights for the ball with Newcastle’s Fabian Schar yesterday. – AFPPIX Shearer blasts ‘disgusting’ decision
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 31 A RECENT meeting between the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) secretarygeneral, National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has raised hope that the conflict between OCM and the Sports Commissioner (PJS) can be settled. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she believed the meeting could pave the way for the conflict to be settled professionally but asked that OCM and PJS be given space to work things out. Hannah stressed that it is her responsibility to ensure that the post of PJS remains professional and neutral. “PJS is a very important post for enforcing the Sports Development Act. As I have said in Parliament, it is crucial to have a harmonious sports ecosystem. “So I believe the courtesy call made by the secretary-general (Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu) and NSC director-general (Abdul Rashid Yaakub) to the OCM president (Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria) would allow this matter to be settled in a professional and calm manner,” she said. She told reporters this at a ceremony for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and NSC at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery here today. Hannah said her priority is to resolve the esports issue as it is the root problem in the PJS-OCM dispute. “The core issue of esports has yet to be resolved. That is my priority because esports athletes have asked us to mediate between MEGA (Malaysian Electronic Games Association) and MESF (Malaysia Esports Federation),” she added. The PJS-OCM conflict spilt into the open after an audio recording of an alleged threat by the PJS to deregister OCM went viral. Earlier, UiTM and NSC renewed the MoU, which expired last January, for a three-year period to allow NSC athletes and staff to further their education at UiTM. “UiTM makes available 13 campuses to absorb athletes under the auspices of NSC. This is a good and strategic cooperation which can have a greater impact on UiTM and NSC,” said Hannah. – Bernama Conflict can be resolved Hannah hopeful PJS-OCM will come to a mutual understanding Kawasaki Frontale thrash JDT 5-0 in AFC Champions League JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM’S (JDT) chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the 2023- 2024 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League continue to drop after they lost 0-5 to Kawasaki Frontale in their fifth Group I match at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium on Tuesday. Four-time J1 League winners, Kawasaki Frontale has booked its place in the knockout round with tonight’s win, having collected 15 points with one group match remaining. Meanwhile, two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea beat Thai club BG Pathum United 3-1 in the other Group I match. After five matches, JDT is third with six points, while Ulsan Hyundai is second with nine, and BG Pathum United without a single point. JDT will play BG Pathum United at home in Iskandar Puteri while Ulsan Hyundai will meet Kawasaki Frontale in Ulsan on Dec 12 for the last group match. – Bernama ‘Don’t heap Don’t heap too much oo much praise on raise on Qabil’ THE father of young racer Qabil Irfan Azlan has asked for calm after Qabil created history by being crowned as the 2023 MiniGP World Series Champion in Valencia, Spain last week. Though proud of his son’s achievement, Azlan Abd Rahman does not want to see his 11- year-old son to be drowned by the attention and praise but instead hopes his son can continue to sustain his performance in the future. Azlan said heaping praises Qabil can be dangerous because his young son has just started his journey in the field of racing. “Do not praise him too much, we need to maintain his performance like normal. I do not want too much attention and praise to spoil his future. It can be dangerous, that is my opinion,” he told reporters yesterday. Asked about future plans for Qabil after this, Azlan he would leave that task to the programme manager of the Malaysia MiniGP Series Zulfahmi Khairuddin to decide. Meanwhile, Qabil said he was still in cloud nine and not able to forget the glorious moments of success in Valencia. He added that he would move from the 160cc category to the 190cc category next season to face bigger challenges in the future. “I have started training for a change in class and am ready. Since I am back, I will be training harder to excel in a higher class of competition. “The future plans are already there but brother Zulfahmi will make the announcement later,” he said. – Bernama CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Group E: Feyenoord 1 (Wieffer 77) Atletico Madrid 3 (Geertruida 14-og, Hermoso 57, Gimenez 81-og), Lazio 2 (Immobile 82, 85) Celtic 0. P W D L F A Pts Atletico 5 3 2 0 15 6 11 Lazio 5 3 1 1 7 5 10 Feyenoord 5 2 0 3 8 8 6 Celtic 5 0 1 4 3 14 1 Group F: AC Milan 1 (Chukwueze 37) Borussia Dortmund 3 (Reus 10-pen, Bynoe-Gittens 59, Adeyemi 69), Paris Saint-Germain 1 (Mbappe 90+8-pen) Newcastle 1 (Isak 24). P W D L F A Pts Dortmund 5 3 1 1 6 3 10 Paris SG 5 2 1 2 8 7 7 Newcastle 5 1 2 2 5 5 5 AC Milan 5 1 2 2 3 7 5 Group G: Manchester City 3 (Haaland 54, Foden 70, Alvarez 87) RB Leipzig 2 (Openda 13, 33), Young Boys 2 (Nedeljkovic 8-og, Blum 29) Red Star Belgrade 0. P W D L F A Pts Man City 5 5 0 0 15 5 15 RB Leipzig 5 3 0 2 11 9 9 Young Boys 5 1 1 3 6 11 4 RS Belgrade 5 0 1 4 5 12 1 Group H: Barcelona 2 (Cancelo 32, Felix 57) Porto 1 (Pepe 30), Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Matviyenko 12) Royal Antwerp 0. P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 5 4 0 1 10 3 12 Porto 5 3 0 2 10 5 9 S. Donetsk 5 3 0 2 7 7 9 Antwerp 5 0 0 5 3 15 0 QUALIFIED ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP: Middlesbrough 4 Preston 0, Coventry 1 Plymouth 0, Cardiff 0 West Brom 1, Hull 4 Rotherham 1, QPR 4 Stoke 2, Watford 3 Norwich 2. TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts Leicester 17 14 0 3 31 10 42 Ipswich 17 12 3 2 36 23 39 West Brom 18 9 5 4 29 17 32 Leeds 17 9 5 3 28 17 32 Southampton 17 9 4 4 28 27 31 Hull 18 8 6 4 28 22 30 Preston 18 8 4 6 24 30 28 Cardiff 18 8 3 7 27 21 27 Mid’boro 18 8 3 7 29 26 27 Sunderland 17 8 2 7 27 19 26 RESULTS & STANDINGS Last advice from Abu Samah THE last advice and words of encouragement conveyed by the late Datuk Abu Samah Abd Wahab will serve as a motivation for the national road cycling team, especially national champion, Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir, who has made history as the country’s first female road cyclist to be participating in the Olympic Games in Paris next year. National cycling squad head coach, Mohd Yusof Nasir said the words of advice and encouragement by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president were expressed when he brought Nur Aisyah to meet Abu Samah in the hospital yesterday. “I was worried when meeting him because I was afraid he wouldn’t remember, but Alhamdulillah, he remembered, and the situation at that time was quite sad. “He gave a lot of advice, and among the ones I remember, Abu Samah wanted Nur Aisyah to do her best because this is a unique opportunity that we don’t know when we’ll have again. “So, this is an opportunity for Nur Aisyah and Malaysia to shine in the Olympics,” he said. He also said that Abu Samah had also advised that the National Road Cycling Championship, which will be held next year to be organised in Selangor, and he asked him to take care of the Malaysian road cycling team that will compete in the Tour de Langkawi next year well. – Bernama World Champion, Qabil Irfan Azlan, 11, (centre) with his teammates at KLIA on Tuesday. – BERNAMAPIX Hannah Yeoh
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] SCAN ME THURSDAY | NOV 30, 2023 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Parting shot -Story - on page 29 Story on page 27 ‘Important step’ for Barcelona Foden savours thrilling fightback thrilling fightback Midfielder scored one goal and made two as City came from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig PHIL FODEN felt Manchester City were at their worst before recovering from 2-0 down to secure top spot in their Champions League group with a 3-2 win over Leipzig. The holders trailed to two breakaway Lois Openda goals at halftime of yesterday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium. Foden sparked their recovery after the interval, teeing up goals for Erling Haaland and substitute Jeremy Doku either side of scoring a sublime effort himself. The England midfielder told TNT Sports: “First half was the worst I’ve seen us. Courage and motivation changed it around. This team has great mentality and it’s so nice to see. “We just needed that goal to get going. Even the fans were a lot louder after the goal. Once the first went in the motivation was there. “We’ve got a great record at the Etihad and it only takes one goal to change things.” City’s victory not only made certain of preferential seeding in the last 16 for a seventh successive season but extended their English record unbeaten run in European competition to 19 games. Manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with that achievement but admitted concern about the performance. The Spaniard said: “If we talk about the qualification it is a great night. If we talk about the game, we could do better. “Sloppy goals – in football you have to win duels and it was quite similar against Chelsea. We were solid and now we’ve had two warnings already. “It’s the same up front. We’ve had chances and missed them. But maybe for the future it’s good to win not comfortably, to show we are able to make a comeback. “When we scored early in the second half, 45 minutes was a long time for them. It was not easy because they defended really well and they were strong, but we are there. “Now we have five days to recover for the game against Spurs.” Leipzig’s display was a huge improvement on their 7-0 loss at the same venue last season and coach Marco Rose felt his side were unfortunate not to get more from the game. “We knew we made them angry in the first half. It got more difficult,” Rose said. “If we kept the clean sheet a little bit longer, maybe then the chance would become bigger and bigger to win or to take something home, but at the end you need a little bit of luck and that is what we missed maybe. “We played a really good game, but this is City.” – The Independent █ BY ANDY HAMPSON Phil Foden (centre) scores Man City’s second goal past RB Leipzig’s keeper Janis Blaswich during the Champions League Group G match at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. – REUTERSPIX -Story on page 31 ‘Don’t heap too much praise on Qabil’