Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 THURSDAY DEC 28, 2023 SCAN ME No. 8424 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES ... Hulu Terengganu Hospital staff getting a lift on the front loader of a backhoe after the main road in the area was cut off by floodwaters yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC - Report on page 5 Floods worsen in Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah Situation unchanged in Johor but improves slightly in Terengganu. Digital ID challenges hallenges Report on hpage 2 Report on hpage 6 Addressing technology aspect of online identity verification system easy but managing public trust and confidence challenging: Cyber safety expert Stroke crisis looming in Malaysia Malady will hit one in four Malaysians by 2040 if preventive steps not implemented immediately: Expert Automation set to change job market landscape Report on hpage 3 Many skill sets will be made obsolete and new ones required with robotic integration in various sectors: Ministry deputy sec-gen Report on hpage 4
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 2 MyDigital ID initiative must be done correctly: Expert o‘Addressing technology aspect of authentication system easy but managing public trust challenging’ PETALING JAYA: Amid growing concerns about privacy and online scams, the MyDigital ID initiative could revolutionise digital authentication in Malaysia but only if done correctly, according to a cyber safety specialist. The expert, a private university’s Global Centre for Cyber Safety director Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Husin or its appointed agencies should manage it.” He said a good audit is also needed to ensure that the entire ecosystem is trustworthy and reliable, while its validation processes should not store any information other than mandatory ID data. “The ministry should also announce validation and audit results, which should ideally be conducted by a reputable third party.” Husin added that other objectives and distribution processes should not be merged into the main system but be executed through another independent application that runs on a different server or environment. Besides targeted subsidy programmes, Husin said MyDigital ID could help revolutionise security in terms of online transactions and business processes. “MyDigital ID is just one part of the equation. The other is the application developed to facilitate online transactions.” Husin said when the system is ready to be deployed, Mimos could provide a toolkit for relevant parties to integrate it with their existing systems. “Of course, this new process needs to be agreed upon by Bank Negara Malaysia and relevant financial institutions before implementation. This will ensure that the process is trusted and secure.” He said all business registration processes could link back to the MyDigital ID process in real time. “For third-party e-commerce platforms, it is up to them to decide whether they want to use it or not. “However, should all online transactions require MyDigital ID as the authenticator, the implications are huge as they (transactions) will be traceable and auditable by the government or private sector.” He said once a person is blacklisted, for example, all MyDigital ID interacting systems would know this fact, as the system’s intelligence would detect it. Husin added that data privacy regulations and policies should be strictly enforced to ensure that they are adhered to according to the law. “We need a strong data protection regime and effective enforcement as users’ data are likely to be kept by respective business owners and operators, not in the digital ID itself.” The roll out of MyDigital ID is slated for July but details on the initial government departments and private sectors adopting the system are yet to be confirmed. EASING PEOPLE’S BURDEN ... Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory branch director Ariffin Samsudin (centre) at a New Year Rahmah sales event in the city yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Rally participants barred from pitching tents near US embassy KUALA LUMPUR: Police have advised participants of a picket being held in solidarity with Palestine not to set up any structures or tents near the US embassy in Jalan Tun Razak. Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said the picket, Kepung Demi Palestin (Siege for Palestine) is subject to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and it is the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of the gathering. “If there are participants who set up tents, we will see what action is to be taken,” he said, confirming that the participants would not be ordered to disperse if they followed guidelines set by the authorities. Allaudeen said the police sympathised and supported the Palestinian cause, but they are responsible for ensuring public order and the safety of foreign representatives in the country. “There is the US embassy, Singapore High Commission, Japanese embassy and also some other foreign missions nearby, and it is the responsibility of the police to ensure safety and security.” He was speaking at a media conference at the location of the six-day picket, which started on Tuesday night. Allaudeen said police personnel have been stationed at the location to control the situation, and the number is sufficient so far. The gathering is an initiative by Malaysians concerned about the war in Gaza, where more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past three months. It involves 48 NGOs comprising community, youth and student organisations as well as various political groups. NGOs participating include the Malaysian Islamic Consultative Council, Viva Palestina Malaysia, Yayasan Al Quds Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia and Malaysian Women’s Coalition for AlQuds and Palestine. According to the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat, the picket is symbolic of the siege on Gaza. – Bernama Warisan denies connection to drug syndicate KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan (Warisan) has strongly denied allegations that it received funds from or had any ties with a drug trafficking syndicate in Sabah. Party secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua said Warisan considers allegations hurled against it as extreme political slander to damage the reputation of the party and its leaders. He said if the allegations persist, the party would not hesitate to take legal action against those who connect Warisan to any illegal activity or syndicate. “Warisan regrets that there is still a small group of irresponsible parties trying to link the (drug) case with Warisan, as has been disseminated through WhatsApp,” he said in a statement yesterday. Loretto said Warisan welcomes the success of the police and the Eastern Sabah Security Command in busting the drug trafficking syndicate that was announced recently by Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. He added that those involved must be investigated and charged. – Bernama Condolences to national laureate KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil conveyed his condolences to National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr A. Samad Said on the passing of his wife Datin Seri Saleha Abdul Rashid. “The late Hajah Saleha Rashid @ Salmi Manja, a former journalist and author, died yesterday (Tuesday). May the entire family persevere and be given the strength to face this test. Al-Fatihah,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, in a post on its Facebook page, announced that Saleha, 87, breathed her last at her home in Subang Jaya at noon due to old age. A former journalist, poet and novelist, the late Saleha was among the first generation of professional female authors in Malaysia and was a member of Angkatan Sasterawan ’50, the oldest Malay literary organisation in the country. – Bernama █ BYQALIF ZUHAIR [email protected] PM visits Kelantan to gauge flood situation KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will visit Kelantan today to check on the state’s flood situation. Anwar shared the information through a post on his Facebook page, following his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Phuket on Tuesday. “We discussed the current flood situation, and Insya-Allah, I will go to Kelantan to assess the increasingly worrying situation there.” Meanwhile, Anwar said during his informal meeting with Srettha, they discussed several important matters, including issues related to tourism in Malaysia and Thailand. “PM Srettha expressed Thailand’s readiness to jointly promote tourism in Phuket, Langkawi and other areas in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, given the sudden increase in the number of Malaysian tourist arrivals in Thailand. “Both of us agreed to expedite the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam Road project and the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang Bridge project.” Anwar added that he and Srettha agreed to work closely together to develop the southern region of Thailand and the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia more rapidly, thereby ensuring economic overflow and prosperity for the people in both regions. He said a special highest-level committee of both countries is to report on the progress of projects and agreed-upon matters by the middle of next month. – Bernama Jazri said the initiative serves to complement the existing MyKad and provides trustworthy verification for online interactions and activities on digital platforms. He said MyDigital ID could help improve transparency and streamline administration, based on the algorithm proposed for petrol subsidies. “MyDigital ID can be the most efficient way to organise targeted subsidies as long as no abuses and conflict of interest occur in its ecosystem.” He said the public is concerned that MyDigital ID and the subsidy programme might be abused or have errors due to human failure. Husin said addressing the technology part of the initiative is easy but managing public trust and confidence in the system would be challenging. “The petrol subsidy programme should not be handled by Mimos Berhad as it is the one that developed the system. “Instead, the Economy Ministry
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 3 Blood centre ready for flood situation KUALA LUMPUR: The National Blood Centre is ready to coordinate and mobilise blood supply to states affected by floods. Its Transfusion Medicine Specialist Dr Zalina Mahmood said preparations made were in line with one of the centre’s tagline, Blood Without Borders, adding that mobilisation protocols could be activated nationwide without any restriction. “Everything will be managed by the National Blood Centre because the blood need special packaging and preservation and placed in special containers before being distributed. “The centre has the expertise to send blood by air during major floods, such as during the 2014 major floods in Kelantan. During such situations, communications and collaboration with the relevant agencies involved is very important.” Zalina added that blood centres in states that are not affected by floods will also be mobilised through additional promotional programmes to ensure there are enough blood donors. She said during floods, blood donation drives cannot be carried out and unaffected states should conduct additional blood donation drives to boost supply. In general, 2,000 to 2,200 bags of blood are needed a day throughout the country to treat about 1,000 patients, while the centre itself will need about 500 to 600 bags a day. “Several states are at risk of being affected by floods. Therefore, we are identifying stock inventory for blood supply in detail,” she said. – Bernama Good response to Agro Madani sale KUALA LUMPUR: Almost half a ton of chicken, 100 trays of Grade C eggs and 100 10kg bags of rice were sold out in less 30 minutes at the Agro Madani Sale held at the Selayang Municipal Council parking lot yesterday. The encouraging response resulted in the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) imposing a limit of only one bird, one tray of eggs and one bag of rice per customer. At the event, 2.2kg of chicken was sold at RM10, one tray of Grade C eggs at RM12.50 and a 10kg bag of rice at RM26. According to a Fama spokesperson, chicken, eggs and rice were popular items during such sales. Visitors arrived as early as 7.30am to buy various dishes such as nasi lemak, nasi ambeng, soto and nasi gulai kawah utara for breakfast while waiting for the sale of chicken, eggs and rice to begin at 10am. – Bernama RM135,000 allocated for post-flood ops PUTRAJAYA: The Unity Ministry has channelled an allocation of RM135,000 to 12 offices of the National Unity and Integration Department in preparation for post-flood operations, said its minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the allocation was for programmes such as Rukun Tetangga Cares, neighbourhood watch area community kitchens, cleaning of flood-hit locations and other activities. Aaron also instructed unity machinery at the state, district or division levels, such as neighbourhood watch teams, voluntary patrol units and Skuad Uniti to submit complete reports and details about those affected by floods. “According to reports as of Dec 24, five neighbourhood watch areas have been affected by floods, involving 450 individuals from 198 families,” he said, adding that the ministry would continue monitoring flooded areas, and advised neighbourhood watch teams to remain vigilant, prioritise safety and adhere to instructions from the authorities. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has urged the authorities to act against employers, agents and those responsible for bringing in 171 Bangladeshi workers but failed to provide them any work or pay their salaries since they arrived in Malaysia. The workers, who were brought in legally, recently walked to the Bayu Damai police station in Kota Tinggi, Johor, which is about 10km away from their accommodation premises. They went there to lodge police reports against their agent for not providing them jobs since their arrival three months ago. MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said MEF’s position is that stern action should be taken against businesses, recruitment agents and other related parties who abused their positions to exploit the workers. “MEF calls for the strictest action to be taken against those responsible, as their conduct jeopardised human life and the country’s image. “As a member of the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), we cannot support relaxed measures in such serious cases.” Syed Hussain said the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised) 1949 (No. 97) requires states to facilitate international migration for employment by establishing and maintaining assistance and information services for migrant workers. “This includes provisions on appropriate medical services for migrant workers and the transfer of earnings and savings. States have to apply treatment no less favourable than that applicable to locals. “The ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention 1975 (No. 143) provides for measures to combat clandestine and illegal migration while at the same time sets forth the general obligations to respect the basic human rights of all migrant workers.” Syed Hussain said MEF fully supports the call made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said for an immediate investigation into the recruitment agents responsible for duping the migrant workers in the Johor case. Her call came after the media reported police had arrested the group in Kota Tinggi, adding that the incident was “only the tip of the iceberg”. █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Inevitable advent of robots PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to see major changes in the employment market, with many skill sets made obsolete and new ones required. This is due to the integration of robots in the manufacturing, services, transportation, construction and agriculture sectors, with the robotics market projected to reach RM103.1 billion by 2030. Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan told theSun the figure exceeds the targeted amount outlined in the National Robotics Roadmap 2021-2030. “Despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, service robots achieved about RM92.29 billion in market value last year. “This advancement underscores the robotic sector’s potential and highlights its pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s technological landscape,” he said. Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, who is chief innovation and enterprise officer at a private university, said recent advancements in robotic technology are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. “In healthcare, surgical robots offer unparalleled precision, facilitating delicate procedures like neurosurgery with enhanced outcomes. This has led to reduced patient discomfort and faster recovery. “A groundbreaking innovation includes a robotic model of the human heart right ventricle. It combines synthetic muscles with genuine tissues and replicates natural blood pumping actions and valve structures.” In transportation, he said the sector is witnessing a rise of drone deliveries and self-driving vehicles that promise lower accident rates and optimal fuel consumption. Vinesh said said to bolster the safety and reliability of robotic systems, particularly in human-centric environments, key standards and guidelines are rigorously applied. “The Robotics Industry Association and the International Organisation for Standardisation have set forth pivotal Syed Hussain said robots streamline repetitive tasks and in the process, offer opportunities for upskilling and reskilling the workforce towards value-added roles. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN oAdvancements in technology reshaping industries at unprecedented pace, expected to hit market value of RM103b by 2030 █ BYRAVEEN AINGARAN [email protected] Throw book at errant employers, agents: MEF benchmarks, detailing safety design protocols and performance metrics. “This ensures meticulous risk assessment and measures the efficacy of safety functions through performance levels,” he said, adding that the integration of robotic technologies in society raises significant ethical concerns, especially about job displacement and privacy concerns. He said while robots may not lead to mass unemployment, they could alter the demand for certain skills and promote more flexible work arrangements. “Studies suggest that for every additional robot per thousand workers, the employment-to-population ratio may decrease by up to 0.34%, accompanied by a salary decline of up to 0.5%.” However, Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said compared with large corporations, the use of robotics differs between micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) due to constraints in finances and resources. “While MSME account for a mere 3% to 5% market share in robotics adoption, multinationals and major corporations lead the charge.” Syed Hussain said it is imperative to recognise that robots streamline repetitive and hazardous tasks. In the process, they offer opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, which propels the workforce towards more value-added roles. He added that as industries evolve and infuse more advanced technologies, employees will face challenges in ensuring their skill sets remain relevant. “Failing to adapt to these changes could lead to a mismatch between an individual’s skills and market demands. It may even make certain skills obsolete due to the use of advanced technologies. “This could potentially render the workforce obsolete in their current roles, pose a threat to job security and worsen income disparities.” Syed Hussain also said to remain relevant in such an evolving landscape, the workforce must prioritise upskilling and reskilling, and align capabilities with market demands.
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 4 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper IRB issues last call for voluntary income declaration KUALA LUMPUR: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) is calling on the public to take the opportunity to voluntarily come forward and declare their individual, business or additional income that has not been reported before. IRB Policy Operations Section director Dr Rasyidah Che Rosli said the opportunity is still available under the ongoing Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme (SVDP) 2.0 for the year of assessment 2022 and preceding years. She said those who voluntarily come forward during the SVDP 2.0 period from June 6, 2023 to May 31, 2024 will not face any legal action such as penalties and audits. “Do not hesitate to declare your income because this is the last chance for the public to be spared from legal action. In the 2023 and 2024 national budgets, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the implementation of an e-invoicing system would involve all taxpayers, and full implementation would commence on July 1, 2025. The implementation of the system aims to enhance the efficiency of tax administration in supporting digital economic growth. It is also in line with the strategies of the 12th Malaysia Plan, in which the focus is on strengthening digital service infrastructure and tax administration digitalisation. Rashidah said the shift from manual to electronic invoices (e-invoicing) would bring many benefits to taxpayers, including enhancing the digital capabilities of businesses by reducing errors in record keeping. She said it would also assist in the submission of tax returns as all information would be streamlined through e-invoicing. “IRB will develop two platforms or mechanisms for sending e-invoices, with the first being the MyInvois portal that can be accessed for free by all taxpayers and the second, the Application Programming Interface, in which data can be sent in real time for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and business-to-government transactions. “At the same time, IRB will verify the data submitted in real time. So, there is no business interruption for businesses to operate as usual.” Rasyidah said for individual taxpayers, the e-invoicing system would help in storing records such as receipts and related documents digitally. “For example, if you purchase a laptop and receive an e-invoice, IRB can populate that purchase date in your tax statement form. “So, when you do e-filing, IRB already knows about the allowable expenses for tax relief and taxpayers no longer need to worry about keeping physical receipts.” – Bernama Massive hike of stroke cases in next 15 years: Expert PETALING JAYA: One in four Malaysians will suffer a stroke by 2040 if urgent preventive steps are not implemented, warned Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior family medicine consultant and lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz. She said the statistics for Malaysia were confirmed by the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Stroke Statistics Worldwide Survey, which is the latest on record. “The alarming projection prompts a critical examination of the current state of stroke prevention efforts in Malaysia and potential strategies to mitigate the looming crisis. “Worse still the reality that even today, Malaysia witnesses an average of nearly 130 cases daily, and an alarming rate of almost 32 deaths per day from strokes.” Aznida added that a 2019 research by the US National Library of Medicine noted 47,911 stroke cases were reported in Malaysia that year. “Of this figure, 19,928 of the victims died, while there were 443,995 prevalent stroke cases in the country with a staggering total loss of 512,726 Disability-Adjusted Life Years.” She said in Malaysia, stroke or cerebrovascular disease ranks as the third leading cause of death, adding that stroke survivors often grapple with various morbidities, while seven out of 10 require external support for daily living. “This underscores the critical importance of addressing key risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol to battle the devastating impact of strokes.” On public campaigns, Aznida said they were largely ineffective and “the prevalence of diseases like diabetes and hypertension continues to rise”. She also noted poor health literacy among o‘Critical examination of current state of prevention efforts needed to avert looming crisis’ █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] 7,200 dengue cases recorded in Penang GEORGE TOWN: According to the State Health Department, a total of 122 cases of dengue fever were reported in Penang during the 51st Epidemiology Week (ME51) for the period from Dec 17 to 23, with one death reported. The department said in a statement yesterday a total of 7,254 cases, with 12 deaths, had been reported in the state from January to Dec 23. “Central Seberang Perai district recorded the highest number of cases, which was 3,468 cases with five deaths, followed by the Northeast district with 1,285 cases and two deaths, while South Seberang Perai recorded 1,282 cases and four deaths. This is followed by the Southwest district with 748 cases and one death, while North Seberang Perai recorded 471 cases with no death.” It also said 33 dengue outbreaks in five districts were recorded in the state during ME51, with a cumulative number of 765 outbreaks. – Bernama Malaysians was a contributing factor, with many misled by inaccurate information and quick-fix remedies promoted by irresponsible influencers. On socio-economic factors such as stress, poverty and rising food costs, Aznida said they also contributed to poor lifestyle choices, particularly among low-income individuals. “To address such issues, public health measures should include improved campaigns, health education in schools, increased taxes on unhealthy items and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their health.” She said technology could play a significant role in enhancing early stroke detection and intervention, adding that accessibility to technology and health literacy levels must be considered. “Without widespread access to technology and an understanding of its benefits, its potential impact may be limited. “Community engagement and education are critical in raising awareness about stroke risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles,” she said. “Continuous and regular health campaigns, driven by the community and healthcare authorities, should be a priority.” Aznida also said health campaigns should be an ongoing effort to instil a sense of responsibility among communities. She said while there are successful international models for stroke prevention, their application in Malaysia must be carefully considered. “Social and cultural adaptability, as well as differences in healthcare systems, should be taken into account before adopting strategies from abroad. “Exploring opportunities between private and public healthcare institutions, data sharing and establishing clear guidelines for collaborations are essential.” She added that government and healthcare institutions must collaborate effectively to implement policies that address the root causes of rising stroke cases. She said to achieve a meaningful impact over the next two decades, a sustained approach is necessary. Preventing the predicted surge in stroke cases requires a multi-faceted approach. “This involves improving health literacy, reducing stroke risk factors, fostering public-private partnerships and addressing health financing to ensure healthcare equity.” A health worker with a human heart model.
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 5 KUALA LUMPUR: The number of flood evacuees at temporary relief centres in Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah continued to increase yesterday while in Terengganu, the number has slightly dropped. There was no change in Johor. In Kelantan, the number of evacuees increased to 17,466 involving 5,510 families as of 8am, compared with 15,994 from 4,967 families on Monday. All were being housed at 89 centres in eight districts, namely Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Jeli, Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Puteh and Kota Bharu. In Pahang, Kuantan was the latest district to be hit, increasing the number of evacuees to 398 from 101 families at eight centres compared with 333 from 82 families at six centres on Tuesday. The state Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said 324 Rise of flood evacuees in Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah oMeasuring stations at affected states record waters exceeding danger levels at eight rivers evacuees were at five centres in Raub, 47 in Kuantan, 18 in Jerantut and nine in Lipis, Bernama reported. According to the Public Infobanjir website, the water level at eight flood measuring stations exceeded the danger limit, namely in Jerantut involving Kuala Tahan, Sungai Tembeling at Kampung Bantai Seberang and Sungai Tembeling at Kampung Merting, while in Maran, it was at the Sungai Luit station in Kampung Subuh. At the Rompin station, danger levels were recorded at Sungai Keratong in Jalan Kota Bahagia and Sungai Rompin at Jambatan Kuantan/Segamat, while in Pekan it involved Sungai Pahang at Paloh Inai and Kuala Sungai Chini. In Sabah, the number of evacuees increased to 180 from 46 families compared with 148 from 39 families following floods that hit the Paitan and Sandakan districts, said the state Disaster Management Committee Secretariat. Kampung Bukit Tok Bat resident Moh Norddin Ahmad (right) wrapping up his belongings with waterproof sheets in preparation for floods in Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC Resident builds makeshift barrier to reduce damage PASIR MAS: A Kampung Siram resident was forced to construct a barrier using coconut fronds, planks and plastic bottles to prevent floodwaters from damaging the door at her shop. Fadilah Mohd Noor, 44, said she had been doing this every year since 2014 to prevent damage to the door after having to replace it several times, incurring costs of up to RM4,000. “I set up the barrier as I experienced losses when the door was damaged by strong currents due to the overflow of Sungai Golok. “I constructed the barrier with my son. Alhamdulillah, it has been effective,” the single mother said yesterday, adding that several tables were placed behind the door as an additional measure. Fadilah said the situation is compounded by boats used by residents and rescue agencies travelling along the flooded road in front of her shop, creating waves that hit her shop front. She added that every year, the village experiences flooding several times, with the area remaining waterlogged for up to a week. “The water level is slightly higher than last year, perhaps due to flood barriers bursting. Hopefully, with better weather conditions, the floodwaters would recede quickly and I can resume business.” Eight villages in the Siram sub-district recorded water levels surpassing one metre. – Bernama Concern for livestock prompts breeder to sleep in cowshed KUALA BERANG: Livestock breeder Mohd Rosli Mejas learned a hard lesson that “luck never gives, it only lends”, when his cowshed was hit by a third wave of floods in the state. The cowshed in Kampung Pengkalan Ajal has been submerged nearly a metre deep since last Sunday. Out of concern for his 14 cows and buffaloes, Mohd Rosli, 55, spent many nights in the shed. “My cowshed has been flooded for four days. My livestock are safe, but I’m worried about how they are doing. “I had to ask for help from villagers after the road leading to this area was cut off and I ran out of food.” The shed, located 2km from Mohd Rosli’s house, is not fit to live in but he did so as he was still traumatised by the floods that affected his livestock in February last year. A decline in the health of the animals following the incident also prompted him to seek medical treatment for them. – Bernama ‘Investors’ lose over RM5 million in gold scheme TAWAU: A businesswoman has claimed she has fallen victim to a gold investment scam involving over RM5 million, including investments from 300 other investors. Liana Friska Ramle said she invested RM3.17 million, while the other investors contributed RM2.18 million, all of which was handed to an individual who claimed to represent a gold investment company. She said the female representative promised substantial returns, ranging from 5% to 15% within 10 days, or RM25 for every gramme of gold, and the capital would be returned gradually according to an agreement. “It includes (the representative’s) commitment to return the capital to me within three months and in phases, as well as the agreed upon stages of capital repayment. “The capital repayment that was supposed to be made in October, November and December was also not received and a police report was lodged on Dec 14.” Lawyer Abdul Ghani Zelika, representing Liana Friska and several others, said a letter of demand was sent to the representative on Dec 11. – Bernama Four-metre king cobra captured in Terengganu KUALA BERANG: The Hulu Terengganu Civil Defence Force (CDF) caught a king cobra measuring four metres and weighing about 20kg in Kampung Sungai Ular on Tuesday. District CDF officer Mohd Zabri Abd Razak said yesterday they received a call from a villager at 7.10pm about the snake being inside his bedroom. A five-man team was sent to the location and it took them 10 minutes to capture it. “It is normal for snakes to make hissing sounds as a warning when they feel threatened. King cobras are very poisonous. Bite victims will die within five minutes.” He said the snake will be kept temporarily at the CDF office, before deciding whether to release it into its natural habitat far from populated areas or hand it to the Wildlife and National Parks Department. – Bernama It added that six individuals from three families were at SMK Pamol, 21 from six families at Rumah JPKK Cocos in Paitan and 153 from 37 families at Masjid Nur Iman in Sandakan. “Data shows an increase (in evacuees) in the Sandakan district while in Paitan, no change is expected. There have been no reports of deaths and the public is advised to be careful.” In Terengganu, the number of evacuees dropped slightly to 10,145 from 2,794 families at 8am, from 10,258 involving 2,871 families on Tuesday. The state Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said 3,208 evacuees from 946 families were still housed at 28 centres in Hulu Terengganu while 2,796 from 758 families were at 32 centres in Dungun. In Setiu, 1,781 evacuees from 511 families were at 25 centres and 1,183 from 326 families were at nine centres in Kemaman. In Besut, 881 evacuees involving 179 families were being accommodated at 13 centres while 133 from 34 families were at two centres in Marang. In Kuala Terengganu, 150 evacuees from 37 families were at three centres and 13 from three families were at two centres in Kuala Nerus. According to the Public Infobanjir website, the water at three flood measuring stations were still at a dangerous level as of 8.15am, namely Sungai Terengganu at the drawbridge in Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman River at the Paya Paman pump house, Kemaman and Dungun River at the Jerangau bridge. In Johor, the number of evacuees in Kampung Orang Asli Peta in Mersing remained at 83 from 25 families at 8am. Mersing Disaster Management Committee chairman Mohammed Shakib Ali said the evacuees were at the Endau Rompin National Park Complex.
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 6 Local attractions preferred during school holidays JOHOR BAHRU: Domestic attractions are still the top pick among locals during the year-end school holidays, with popular tourist spots being the preferred destinations. A survey of several historic sites, zoos, theme parks, museums and shopping malls found such places continue to pull crowds. Nazathul Nadeea Amyza Mohd Shuhaimi, 20, from Kuala Lumpur, who chose Johor as her holiday destination, said she and her family decided to spend their vacation in the country this year since there are many locations that they have not been to. “Among those I have visited are the Johor Premium Outlets, Legoland Malaysia Resort theme park, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Puteri Harbour, the grounds of Istana Bukit Serene and Danga Bay.” The college student said her family also visited the Johor Craft Festival at the Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, which features handicraft products from all over Malaysia, Bernama reported. Engineer Mohd Qayyum Ashraf oSavings on accommodation and transport, support for domestic businesses among reasons cited by vacationers Three teens claim trial to kidnapping boy JOHOR BAHRU: Three teenagers were charged at the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday with kidnapping a seven-year-old boy. Jonathan Yet, 18, and two others, aged 16 and 17, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to them before Magistrate R. Salini. The teenagers were charged with kidnapping the boy on Jalan Serampang in Johor Bahru at 5.15pm on Dec 12. The charge, under Section 363 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 34 of the same law, provides for imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine. Salini set bail at RM2,500 in one surety for each of the accused, with the parents or guardians to stand as sureties for the two underage accused. The court also set Jan 23 for mention for the accused to appoint their counsels and for the Social Welfare Department to submit probationary reports on the three. DPP Shamira Mohd Luthfi Ismail prosecuted while all the accused were unrepresented. Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, a 70-year-old man pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to three counts of committing physical sexual assault on his teenage granddaughter. He was charged with committing the offence on the girl, who was then 15, at a residence in Brickfields between 6am and 9pm in mid-August. The charge was framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and read together with Section 16(1) of the same Act. If found guilty, the man faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and caning under Section 14(a) and imprisonment of not more than five years and not less than two strokes of the cane under Section 16(1). Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali allowed him bail of RM5,000 in one surety for each charge and also ordered him to not intimidate the victim or witnesses. She set Jan 29 for mention. DPP Noorhani Muhmmed Ayub prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented. – Bernama Mohd Shukor, 33, said he and his family chose to holiday at their hometown in Johor Bahru for the same reason. “This year-end holiday season, I chose to tour this district and support local products and entrepreneurs. “I also get to save money on hotel accommodation and transport,” said Mohd Qayyum Ashraf, who stays in Damansara Aliff. State Tourism director Suhairi Hashim said Johor Bahru is among the top picks by international and domestic tourists, apart from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang. A survey in Perak found tourist sites such as the Perak Museum and Taiping Zoo were hotspots for parents and their children to spend quality time during the school holidays. The “Zoological Exhibition: The Art of Taxidermy” at the Perak Museum was rated among popular events. Hazilawati Ramlli, 29, from Batu Kurau, said she took advantage of the school holidays to take her nephews and nieces, who came from Sungai Petani in Kedah, to visit the Perak Museum. “I took them to the museum because it is a suitable place for the whole family, especially children, since it has been displaying historic exhibits related to animals and other species in Malaysia for the past six months.” Teacher S. Shanti, 36, said the school holidays are the best time for her and her husband to take their children for a vacation. “My children are excited and happy to visit the Perak Museum. We brought them here on a working day as we did not want to be caught in crowded places.” Technician Ahmad Faizal Bakaruddin, 41, said although the school holidays last until the end of the week, he did not have time to go back to his hometown in Penang. “My wife is working and I could not take a long break. So, I took this opportunity to take my two children out for a trip around Taiping. “After the Perak Museum, we went to the Taiping Zoo and spent the whole day in town.” 25 investigation papers opened on umrah fraud KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 25 investigation papers have been opened to probe fraud cases involving a company offering umrah pilgrimage packages, according to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) deputy director (investigation) Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa yesterday. He said the investigation papers are being prepared and will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office for further action. “The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has also suspended the company’s licence.” Previously, the media reported that victims of the fraudulent umrah packages wanted firm action to be taken against the company after they claimed that it failed to provide them with compensation. Regarding claims by the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation that no action has been taken in connection with this case, Rohami said that was not accurate. He cited a media statement by CCID director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf on Nov 29 saying 21 investigation papers have been initiated in connection with the alleged fraud involving more than RM500,000 in losses. “The Tribunal for Consumer Claims also conducted investigations and took action on 177 complaints, involving claims totalling RM4,335,073.07. “The Companies Commission of Malaysia took action by blacklisting the company and its two directors under Act 614.”– Bernama LOST LOVE ... Redzuan Abdullah Zawawi mourning the death of his pet python at Cik Kiah Snake House in Balik Pulau, Penang yesterday. The snake, once known as the largest pet python in Asia, had been with Redzuan for 20 years. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Man charged over unrecognised title IPOH: A chairman of an association was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for using an unrecognised “Datuk Seri” title. Saiful Sharma Abdullah, 52, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Based on the charge sheet, he allegedly used the title in a letter when seeking permission to organise the ninth anniversary celebration of Persatuan Pasukan Keselamatan Rakyat Setia Berjasa Sukarela Negeri Perak. The offence was allegedly committed at the Ipoh district police headquarters on Oct 31. The charge, under Section 3 (2) of the Offences Relating to Awards Act 2017, provides for a jail term of up to three years . The court set bail at RM2,500 in one surety and fixed Feb 28 for mention. – Bernama Varsity student dies in fall from condo KUALA LUMPUR: A university student, who is believed to have been trying to retrieve a T-shirt, fell to his death from the 34th floor of a condominium block in Kampung Baru. Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Noor Dellhan Yahaya said police received a report regarding the incident at 8.17pm on Tuesday. The body of the 18-year-old was found on the ground floor of the 39-storey building. “Two witnesses said the teenager was trying to pick up a T-shirt that had fallen onto the balcony,” Noor Dellhan said. “He was said to have climbed on a table before trying to get onto the balcony gate. However, he lost his balance and fell.” – Bernama
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 7 Indonesian workers protest after deadly blast at plant JAKARTA: Hundreds of Indonesian workers protested yesterday against conditions at a Chinese-funded nickel-processing plant, where an explosion killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more over the weekend. The accident occurred on Saturday morning on Sulawesi island as workers repaired a furnace at a plant owned by PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in the Morowali Industrial Park. Images seen by AFP showed hundreds of workers taking part in the protest outside the complex. Demonstrators gave a list of 23 demands to management, according to a letter sent to police by unions representing the workers. The demands included that smelters be better maintained, health clinics be improved to deal with emergencies and Chinese workers be required to learn the Indonesian language. “No production is worth a life!” protesters shouted through loudspeakers, video footage of the demonstration showed. Among those killed in the blast was Muhammad Taufik, a 40-year-old welder who left behind a wife and two children. “The family is grieving, he was the breadwinner,” said Taufik’s cousin Parlin Hidayat, adding that ITSS had given the family compensation worth 600 million rupiah (RM142,000) after the accident. “They hope there will be no more incidents like this in the future, let him be the last victim.” Thirty people are still being treated in hospital for their injuries after the blast, according to police. Dedy Kurniawan, a spokesperson for Morowali Industrial Park, said the company had “done what they (the protesters) demanded two days ago” without specifying which demands had been met. “We hope this demonstration will not continue after they hear our explanation,” he said. Tsingshan Holding Group, the world’s biggest nickel producer and China’s biggest stainless steelmaker, holds a majority stake in ITSS. ITSS is a tenant in the industrial park, which is also majority-owned by Tsingshan along with local partner Bintang Delapan. In January, two workers, one of whom was a Chinese national, were killed at a nickel smelting plant in the same industrial park after a riot broke out during a protest over safety conditions and pay. N. Korea spy chief sanctioned for illicit cyber activities SEOUL: South Korea has sanctioned the head of North Korea’s intelligence agency over illicit cyber activities following Pyongyang’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Seoul’s foreign ministry said yesterday. Pyongyang is already under international sanctions for its atomic bomb and ballistic missile programmes, which have seen rapid progress under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement came weeks after Seoul, Tokyo and Washington launched new three-way initiatives encompassing measures to address North Korea’s cybercrime, cryptocurrency and money laundering activities, which are believed to fund the country’s nuclear and missile programmes. Ri Chang Ho, the head of Pyongyang’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, has been sanctioned for his involvement in “earning foreign currency through illegal cyber activities and technology theft”, Seoul’s foreign ministry said in a statement. His activities have contributed to “generating revenue for the North Korean regime and procuring funds for its nuclear and missile activities”, it added. Ri heads the agency that is believed to be the parent organisation for North Korean hacking groups Kimsuky, Lazarus and Andariel, which have been previously sanctioned by Seoul. Along with Ri, Seoul has sanctioned seven other North Korean individuals, including former China-based diplomat Yun Chol, for being involved in the “trade of lithium-6, a nuclearrelated mineral and UN-sanctioned material for North Korea”. Seoul has now blacklisted 83 individuals and 53 entities related to Pyongyang’s weapons programmes since October last year, its foreign ministry said. – AFP China threatens more trade sanctions on Taiwan BEIJING: The Chinese government yesterday threatened to place further trade sanctions on Taiwan if the ruling party “stubbornly” adheres to supporting independence, in a further escalation of the war of words as Taiwanese elections approach next month. Taiwan’s Jan 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are taking place as China, which views the island as its own territory, has sought to force Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty claims. Taiwan this month accused China of economic coercion and election interference after Beijing announced the end of tariff cuts on oRepublic accuses ruling Taiwanese party of violating bilateral trade agreement signed in 2010 B R I E F SWORLD’S BIGGEST NUCLEAR PLANT TO RESTART TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear power regulator yesterday lifted an operational ban it imposed on Tokyo Electric Power’s massive Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant two years ago, clearing the path for it to resume a process towards a restart. Tepco has been eager to bring the world’s largest atomic power plant back online to slash operating costs, but a resumption still needs local consent in Niigata prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. With capacity of 8,212 megawatts, the plant has been offline since 2011, when the Fukushima disaster prompted the eventual shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan at the time. In 2021, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) barred Tepco from operating Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, its only operable atomic power station due to safety breaches, including the failure to protect nuclear materials and missteps that led to an unauthorised staff member accessing sensitive areas of the plant. Citing improvements in the safety management system, the NRA yesterday lifted a corrective action order that had prevented Tepco from transporting new uranium fuel to the plant or loading fuel rods into its reactors, effectively blocking a resumption. – Reuters SIX KILLED IN ROMANIAN BED AND BREAKFAST FIRE BUCHAREST: A fire killed at least six people, including a minor, when it spread through a bed and breakfast early Tuesday north of Romania’s capital, emergency services said. Two other people were injured and two were missing after the fire engulfed the building in Tohani, about 100km north of Bucharest, the services said on Facebook. The fire affected over 1,000sqm of the building, they said. The building was found to have inadequate fire security measures during an inspection in 2019, but the owner allegedly failed to take measures to update the fire security licence afterwards, they said. – AFP some chemical imports from the island, saying Taipei violated a trade agreement between the two sides signed in 2010. That came after China said it had determined Taiwan had put up trade barriers in contravention of both World Trade Organisation rules and the 2010 trade deal. Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua – spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office – said the “root cause” of resolving problems related to the 2010 deal was Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) adherence to the island’s formal independence. “If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations,” Chen said. China detests both the DPP and its presidential candidate, current vice-president Lai Ching-te, who is leading in the polls, believing they are separatists. Lai said he has no plans to change the island’s formal name, the Republic of China, but that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. He has also repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. The defeated republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists who founded the People’s Republic of China. Chen said Taiwan was “facing a crossroads” about where to go, and that anything can be discussed on the basis of opposing Taiwan’s independence. He reiterated that Taiwan independence means war. However, Chen also extended his “heartfelt thanks” to Taiwanese companies which had donated money to help deal with the aftermath of an earthquake in a remote part of northwestern China this month, which killed 1,949 people. But he made no mention of condolences by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to China after the disaster and offers of help from her government. – Reuters DOWNPOUR WOES ... A mosque surrounded by floodwaters following heavy rain in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat yesterday. – AFPPIC
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 8 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper KYIV: A Russian strike on a train station filled with fleeing civilians in the Ukrainian city of Kherson killed a policeman and wounded four other people, the interior minister said on Tuesday. Igor Klymenko said Moscow had launched “a massive bombing” of the southern city, with the head of the military administration warning of continued drone bombardment after the deadly railway strike. Russian troops occupied Kherson shortly after Moscow invaded Ukraine in late February 2022. They eventually withdrew under pressure from Ukrainian forces but have continued to bombard the city from across the Dnipro river. “Kherson in the evening. About 140 civilians waiting at the station for an evacuation train. That’s the moment that the enemy began a massive bombing of the city,” Klymenko said on Telegram. “One policeman was killed and four other people, two civilians and two policemen, were wounded by shrapnel,” he said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said “a number of civilians were on the scene” when the strike hit, adding that emergency services had responded to the incident. The Ukrainian railway company Ukrzaliznytsya said on Telegram that a train and the station were damaged but that “the situation is under control and the railway is ready to continue functioning”. Later, the head of the Kherson military administration, Roman Mrochko, said the city was “under a drone attack” and urged citizens to take shelter. He said the attack included Shahed drones, the Iranian-made weapons often used by Russia to strike Ukraine. Across the border in Russia, the governor of Rostov said “a drone was shot down by air defence forces over” the region. The attacks came after the Kremlin acknowledged a Ukrainian attack had damaged a warship in the occupied Crimean port of Feodosia, in what Kyiv and its Western allies called a major setback for the Russian navy. Ukraine said its air force destroyed the Novocherkassk landing ship, with Zelensky joking on social media that the vessel had now joined “the Russian underwater Black Sea fleet”. Ukraine nevertheless announced a setback on the eastern front. – AFP Sweden edges closer to Nato after Turkiye vote oMove should not be interpreted as sign of quickly passing general assembly, says commission head ANKARA: The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission approved Sweden’s Nato membership bid on Tuesday in a key step towards enlarging the Western bloc after 19 months of delays in which Ankara demanded security-related concessions from Stockholm. The commission, controlled by President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, voted to back the bid, which Sweden made last year in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, after some four hours of debate, including talks on other matters. It had postponed a vote on the bid after an earlier debate on Nov 16. The next step is a vote in the parliament general assembly, where Erdogan’s party also holds a majority. It is also expected to pass there in a vote that could be held within weeks. Erdogan would then sign it into law, concluding a process that has frustrated some of Ankara’s allies and tested its Western ties. Commission head Fuat Oktay played down expectations for a speedy vote, telling reporters that the parliament speaker would decide on the timing. “The decision to submit it to the general assembly has been made now, but this should not be interpreted as (a sign) that it will pass the general assembly with the same speed. There is no such thing,” Oktay said. Parliament is set for a two-week recess in early January. Erdogan’s AK Party, its nationalist MHP allies and the main opposition CHP voted in favour of ratification, while the small Islamist Felicity party and right nationalist Iyi party voted against it. In a statement following the commission’s approval, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Sweden welcomed the move and looked forward to joining Nato. Boris Ruge, Nato Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, said on social messaging platform X that the commission’s approval was “excellent news”. Oguz Kaan Salici, a lawmaker from the CHP and member of the commission said his party had asked for an explanation on what had changed since the Nov 16 commission meeting, adding he expected all parties to take a similar stance in the general assembly. “We questioned what changed from the last meeting to this meeting. As the main opposition party, we asked for this to be explained to us. They briefed us on the steps Sweden has taken, Turkiye’s foreign policy priorities and openly referred to the talks between President Erdogan and (US President Joe) Biden,” Salici said. Erdogan raised objections in May last year to both Swedish and Finnish requests to join the alliance over what he said was their protection of those Turkey deems terrorists and over their defence trade embargoes. Turkiye ratified Finland’s bid in April, but kept Sweden waiting until it took more steps to crack down on local members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which the European Union and US also list as a terrorist group. – Reuters Workers installing razor wire as a part of defence structures near a front line amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine on Dec 26. – REUTERSPIC One dead, four wounded as Russia strikes Kherson Eight dead, one missing after severe thunderstorms B R I E F SWAY FORWARD IN MEXICO MIGRATION SURGE WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to Mexico in hopes of showing headway in tackling surging migration, which has climbed to the top of political headaches for President Joe Biden as he enters an election year. The unusual Christmas week trip by the top US diplomat was abruptly scheduled as the rival Republican Party presses Biden for a migration crackdown in return for agreeing in Congress to one of his key priorities, support for Ukraine. Around 10,000 people have been seeking to enter without authorisation each day on the southern US border, nearly double the number before the pandemic, with a new caravan of hundreds if not thousands of people leaving by foot from southern Mexico on Sunday. US border authorities have been so overwhelmed that they have suspended several legal crossings to focus on processing migrants. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discussed migration in a telephone call on last week with Biden, who agreed to send Blinken. TORRENTIAL RAINS, LANDSLIDES KILL 22 KANANGA: Torrential rains triggering landslides on Tuesday killed at least 22 people and caused massive damage in central Democratic Republic of Congo, regional authorities said. More than 15 houses were swept away in the landslides caused by the downpours overnight and into Tuesday in Kananga, the capital of the Kasai-Central region, according to the press service of the regional governor. Among the victims was a woman and her eight children who died in one house, while a father and four children were killed in another, it said. On Sunday about 20 people were swept away when a river flooded in the South Kivu region in the east of the country. – AFP SYDNEY: Eight people were killed and one missing in Australia after severe thunderstorms battered the country’s east over the Christmas holidays, authorities said yesterday, with tens of thousands of properties still without power. Wild weather lashed the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland on Dec 25 and 26 bringing large hailstones and torrential rains. Strong winds blew off roofs and brought down trees in some of the worstaffected areas. Three men were killed after a yacht with 11 on board capsized near Green Island in Moreton Bay, Queensland state Police Commissioner Katarina Carrol told reporters. A nine-year-old girl and a woman were found dead in separate incidents in Queensland after they were swept away in flooded stormwater drains. Two were killed by falling trees. Authorities warned fast-rising rivers and streams could burst banks inundating campgrounds, which usually become crowded during the Christmas and New Year weeks. A woman was found dead in a campground in Victoria after flood waters receded, police said. Queensland’s state-owned Energex said more than 90,000 households were still without power following the storms, adding it had sustained severe damage to its network with hundreds of power lines down and it would take days to restore power. – Reuters
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 9 B R I E F SU.S. DOWNS DRONES, MISSILES OVER RED SEA DUBAI: US military forces shot down more than a dozen attack drones and several missiles fired by Yemen-based Huthi rebels at shipping in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. “There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries,” the Pentagon’s Central Command said in a social media post, describing a barrage of 12 drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-attack missiles over a period of 10 hours. Earlier, Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a vessel in the Red Sea and a drone attack toward Israel in solidarity with Gaza. In a statement, the rebels said they “carried out a targeting operation against a commercial ship” they identified as MSC United, and launched a number of “drones against military targets” in southern Israel. The attacks are the latest in a flurry of drone and missile strikes launched by the rebels since the start of the IsraelHamas war on Oct 7. – AFP FOREIGN MINISTER RESIGNS OVER ‘MALICIOUS’ CLAIMS LUSAKA: Zambia’s Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo resigned Tuesday, the president’s office announced, hours after he was embroiled in a social media frenzy over alleged dealings with a Chinese businessman. Kakubo, who had been foreign minister since September 2021, said in a letter he was quitting because of “malicious claims over a business transaction”. Earlier, a video showing two people counting wads of cash stacked on a table spread quickly on Zambian social media accounts. An image of a signed handwritten note, dated July 8, 2022, was also put online. The note named a Chinese mining firm and a Zambian mining firm and said they had “exchanged US$100,000 (RM460,000)”. Though the names of Kakubo and a Chinese national known as Zang were on the note, it was not immediately possible to verify the details. “President Hakainde Hichilema has accepted the resignation of the honourable Stanley Kakubo MP,” said an official statement. – AFP Israel continues assault as UN voices grave concern GAZA: Israel kept up its strikes against Gaza targets despite grave concern expressed by the United Nations. The Israeli army said it struck military sites and tunnel shafts in Jabalia, northern Gaza, and Khan Yunis in the south, as heavy ground combat continued. Incidents linked to Iran-backed groups in the Red Sea, on the Lebanese border and in Iraq added to regional tensions surrounding the war. Black smoke clouded the sky over central Gaza on Tuesday afternoon and, in the south, horsedrawn carts carried some victims to hospital in Khan Yunis, AFP images showed. Gaza’s 2.4 million people are suffering dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine, with only limited aid entering. The UN Security Council last week, in a resolution that did not call for an immediate end to fighting, sought “safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale”. Internet and telephone services were again cut across the Palestinian territory “due to the ongoing offensive”, announced Gaza’s main telecoms firm, Paltel. “We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of Middle Gaza by Israeli forces,” particularly after the military ordered residents to move to the central Gaza and Rafah regions, said Seif Magango, spokesman for the UN Human Rights Office. France, a staunch Israeli ally, also said it was “gravely concerned” by Israel’s vow to intensify and prolong fighting. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed published on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that peace can only come with three prerequisites: “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarised and Palestinian society must be deradicalised”. – AFP UN names humanitarian relief coordinator WASHINGTON: The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday named a coordinator to oversee humanitarian relief shipments into Gaza as part of a UN Security Council resolution adopted last Friday to boost humanitarian aid. Sigrid Kaag, the Netherlands’ outgoing finance minister, will be the senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza starting on Jan 8, the UN said in a statement. “In this role she will facilitate, coordinate, monitor and verify humanitarian relief consignments for Gaza,” the UN said. She will also establish a “mechanism” to accelerate aid into Gaza through countries not involved with the conflict. A veteran UN diplomat, Kaag previously headed an international team of weapons experts charged with overseeing the elimination of Syria’s chemical stockpile. In July, she announced she would leave government because of the increasingly “toxic” environment for politicians in the Netherlands. “We look forward to coordinating closely with Kaag and the UN Office for Project Services on efforts to accelerate and streamline the delivery of live-saving humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a written statement. Friday’s Security Council resolution stopped short of calling for a ceasefire after a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to avoid a US veto. It calls for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities”. Amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the US abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The US and Israel oppose a ceasefire, believing it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and free hostages taken by Hamas. Palestinian health authorities said about 21,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, with more feared buried under rubble. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, many several times. – Reuters Gaza war expected to last for months GAZA: Israel’s war on Hamas will last months, Israel’s military chief said, as a string of incidents outside the Gaza Strip highlighted the risk of the conflict spreading. Israel’s Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters in a televised statement on Tuesday from the Gaza border that the war would go on “for many months”. “There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting,” Halevi said. “We will reach Hamas’ leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months.” Israeli actions intensified around Christmas, particularly in a central area just south of the seasonal waterway that bisects the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army told civilians to leave the area, though many said there was no safe place left to go. “We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment of Middle Gaza by Israeli forces, which has claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives since Christmas Eve,” said UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango on Tuesday. “Israeli forces must take all measures available to protect civilians. Warnings and evacuation orders do not absolve them of the full range of their international humanitarian law obligations.” Israel is determined to destroy Hamas despite global calls for a ceasefire in the 11- week-old war. Since Oct 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid much of Hamas-ruled Gaza to waste. Palestinian health authorities say about 21,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more feared buried under rubble. Nearly all the enclave’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, many Wounded Palestinians waiting to be treated at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. – AFPPIC oNo magic solutions or shortcuts to dismantling terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting, says Israel chief of staff several times. Gaza authorities buried 80 unidentified Palestinians whose bodies were handed over by Israel through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the health ministry said. According to the Islamic Waqf or religious affairs ministry, the bodies were collected from the northern part of the Gaza Strip. They were buried in a long ditch at a Rafah cemetery in the south. Israel said it is doing what it can to protect civilians and blames Hamas for putting them in harm’s way by operating among them, which Hamas denies. But even Israel’s closest ally the US has said it should do more to reduce civilian deaths from what President Joe Biden has called “indiscriminate bombing”. Meanwhile, there are growing signs the conflict is starting to spread. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Tuesday on a container ship in the Red Sea and for an attempt to attack Israel with drones. The Houthis have been attacking ships they say have links to Israel in the entrance to the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The attacks are a response to Israel’s assault on Gaza, the militia says. – Reuters
10 THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Contact theSun's Sales & Marketing team to book your advertising space. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Advertise with us on Chinese New Year Special on JAN 26, 2024 Chinese New Year SPECIAL Let’s welcome the Year of the Dragon with us! In the Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength and health, and those are what we wish for you, while you check out our Chinese New Year supplement, to let yourself be aware of the current and upcoming festive sales, deals and promotions. PUBLICATION DATE 26 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 12 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) Unveiling youths’ democratic pulse I N Malaysia, a question seems to echo – do youths care about democracy? This system of governance, where every voice counts and every opinion matters, is not just a concept but a way of life. It thrives on representation, participation and accountability. As the world watches, young Malaysians are stepping up, their actions painting a complex yet promising picture of their engagement in the democratic process. However, their journey is far from simple. But one thing is clear – they are not just spectators, they are active participants in shaping the future of this nation. According to a study in 2020 conducted by the Darul Ehsan Institute, only 55% of respondents aged 21 to 40 said they would vote in the 15th general election. This shows that nearly half of the younger generation are not interested in exercising their rights as voters. One of the factors for this indifference is the disillusionment with the political system that is perceived as unfair, opaque and ineffective. Many issues including corruption, power abuse, social injustice, and economic imbalance, among others, have ignited anger and frustration among young people. In addition, the lack of accurate and reliable information about political developments in the country contributes to the disinterest among young people. While social media serves as their primary news source, it is also rife with fake news, slander, incitement and propaganda. This causes young people to be confused, doubtful and sceptical about what they read and hear. However, not all young people are i n d i f f e r e n t t o democracy. Some are engaged and enthusiastic about contributing to the country’s development. They are actively involved in various activities and initiatives that aim to increase awareness, education and political engagement among their peers. They believe that young people have the potential and responsibility to shape the country’s future. The enactment of the Undi18 legislation in 2019, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, has given young people in Malaysia a greater voice in the democratic process. This has led to a notable increase in the number of registered young voters who are actively participating in the political sphere. Young Malaysians have become a formidable political force, and they may become the harbingers of democratic consolidation in their country. The rise of social movements such as Undi18, which actively advocated for the approval of the Bill, displays how eager young people are to take part in the decision-making process. Young activists are now focused on encouraging voter participation, a response to sparse civic education, especially in rural areas where high voter turn-out is more relevant. Various campaigns initiated by groups, such as YPolitics.my, mostly online and not linked directly to political parties, are trying to mobilise first-time voters, thus informing them about voting, politics and critical issues at stake. The political landscape in Malaysia is also witnessing a rise of youth-centric political parties. Furthermore, the youth’s active involvement in volunteerism and community-building initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 year-end floods indicates their potential to translate the social welfare interest into high voter turnout with Undi18. Therefore, it is important to encourage and facilitate youths to participate in the democratic process. They must be given space, support and opportunities to express their opinions, demand their rights, criticise weaknesses and offer solutions. They also need to be exposed to truthful, balanced and ethical information about political issues that concern them. As one young Malaysian aptly put it: “Democracy is not something that can be taken lightly or ignored. It is a trust that needs to be guarded and defended by every citizen, especially young people who are the hope and leaders of the future. If young people do not care about democracy, then who will?” In conclusion, it is clear that young people in Malaysia care about democracy, and they are working hard to ensure that their voices are heard. The writer is a third-year student at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Suria Anisa Kasim Youngsters are actively involved in various activities and initiatives that aim to increase awareness, education and political engagement among their peers. – REUTERSPIC “Young Malaysians have become a formidable political force, and they may become the harbingers of democratic consolidation in the country.
11 THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 Motivated by emulous mentor I MUST step back and share a story of how my journey into estate work began, and the importance of working with people you like. In 1964, Cashwood welcomed a new assistant manager named Syed Yassin A. Kadir, while I was just a trainee then. He arrived in a Ford Anglia Super with racing stripes. Syed was around twenty-six years old. Clad in smart shorts, a white shirt, long stockings, and sporting dark glasses, he awaited my descent from the wooden bungalow steps. He looked at the lawn and the area around him, and he had a style that spelt authority. I was allowed to stay in the house by the previous assistant. Syed ventured into the dwelling to inspect it. The layout revealed a living room adjoining the master bedroom, complete with a private bathroom. On the left were two additional rooms, with steps leading to the second bathroom. The water supply, which came from a well, was pumped for an hour daily to fill the tank outside the kitchen. After Syed checked the house, he was satisfied and said: “You can stay.” Later I learned that Syed hailed from Johor and his father had once served as the Chief Minister. Syed wasted no time after completing his studies in school, applying to Harrisons and Crossfield, a plantations company, and securing a job before his father became aware of his actions. He told me about it over dinner one evening. “I was at Pogoh Estate outside Segamat. When my father came to visit me and saw how I lived, with a good job, he left me alone.” However, Syed was fond of his father, and I saw he had brought memorabilia, including a vinyl record of his father delivering a speech, a collection of pipes his father used to smoke and photos that included portraits of his parents. On a large side table, he had a gramophone with vinyl records of 33rpm. He had also stacked several board games. “I used to have friends from Segamat who came on the weekends, and we played those board games.” As it turned out, Syed was a strict person at work, approaching management with a serious and silent resolve, and erupting into a rage if he saw something. As a result, the workers and supervisors approached him with caution. However, if things ran smoothly, he would give an approving smile. His anger was swift like a flash, and if the person who was reprimanded improved the next time, he would gain his full respect. For this, Syed earned the loyalty of the workers, and I marvelled at the natural leadership style he wielded, realising that it was a trait I could only hope to emulate. After work, Syed was completely relaxed and would summon some of the staff to play board games, such as Monopoly. The game centred around acquiring property, igniting a competitive spirit that made the experience feel real. Tempers would flare, especially if opponents were unwilling to part with a coveted property crucial for constructing a hotel and increasing rent. Superstitions came into play as players cast hopeful glances upwards before rolling the dice. In the end, only one player would stand to win, and often it was not Syed. Despite these casual moments, I maintained a certain distance from him as he was my senior, and when I slackened in my job, I had to face his wrath: “I will take away your job, and give you smaller duties.” I looked after a division of old rubber trees, which were still producing well, but on some days high absenteeism led to loss of earnings. Of course, I feared about getting my duties reduced. I worked hard to recover the crop, ensuring that everything returned to normal. In the house, we shared the costs of food and other expenses, although there was a big difference in our salaries. Syed recognised my problem and offered a solution: “From now on, I will pay the cost of the newspaper,” he said. Syed knew I liked to read, and once a month he would visit the bookshop in Sitiawan, returning with a stack of storybooks he would place on the dining table. Among them was The Carpetbaggers by Harold Robbins. “Read it first and give me a rundown,” he would instruct. However, a favour from him was not for nothing. At the end of each month, he would have to write a report on the estate for the estate manager, who would then add his part and send it to the head office. Syed said: “Mahbob, I give you the key points, and you draft the report.” It was not easy but I completed the task as requested, and it was sent to Donald Maw, an Englishman. Maw called Syed into his office and said: “This does not sound like your English.” “Of course, not,” Syed replied. “Mahbob drafted it on my guidance. When else can I train him?” Towards the end of my stay in Cashwood, Syed was also making arrangements to get married to his fiancee, Safiah. She was tall and elegant, a teacher living with her parents at Pekan Jabi in Segamat. I accompanied him several times to visit her. It was a long drive. Syed had a penchant for speeding on those narrow roads, even navigating sharp corners with gusto. There were no rule about seatbelts then, and the car had only one. “You are all right, Syed,” I said, “you have your seatbelt on.” He was a good driver. He told me how the Ford Anglia engine worked. “I used to own a Jaguar E-Type but I sold it after my engagement.” After their marriage, Safiah got her transfer. With her arrival, the food improved, and the bungalow looked brighter, but I thought it was time for me to move out. Fortunately, I attended a couple of interviews and I landed a position as assistant manager at Tanah Merah Estate in Tangkak, Johor. Before I left, Syed gave me one of his suitcases to fill what little belongings I had. Seeing my wornout shoes, he gave me one of his pairs, saying: “You have to present yourself well there.” Tangkak was only a short detour on the way from Perak to Segamat, so I received some surprise visits from Syed and Safiah when they went to see her parents. He would nod quietly as he looked around. Syed went on to earn higher pay and bigger positions. He would come with a different car most times, the Ford Anglia having been replaced by a Triumph Herald, and on another occasion, he rolled up in a green Saab, boasting of its speed and likening it to an aeroplane. Safiah would smile when I inquired. “What can I do? He would just show up with a new car each time, without telling me.” Like the rest of us, she would forgive Syed for everything he did. The writer has extensive experience in the management of oil palm plantations. Comments: [email protected] E STATE MANAGERWRITE S BY MAHBOB ABDULLAH “Syed earned the loyalty of the workers, and I marvelled at the natural leadership style he wielded, realising that it was a trait I could only hope to emulate.” LETTERS [email protected] Quality education key to a better tomorrow ONE of the most important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a global community working towards equality and progress is Goal Four: Quality Education. This objective, which focuses on offering inclusive, equitable and accessible education to everyone, is the key to opening doors to a better future for people and societies all around the world. Empowerment, societal progress and personal growth are accelerated by high-quality education. It gives people the values, abilities and knowledge they need to prosper in a world that is evolving. We can end the cycle of poverty, lessen inequality and promote sustainable development by guaranteeing that every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to highquality education. Putting money into education involves more than just constructing schools and buying textbooks. It entails establishing favourable learning environments, preparing skilled educators and embracing cutting-edge teaching strategies. By doing this, we can help children develop their critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities, putting them in a position to shape their communities and effect positive change. In addition, quality education plays a key role in promoting gender equality. When girls and women have equal access to education, this will not only improve their lives but also contribute to the overall development of their families and society. Education will empower girls to make informed choices, break stereotypes and challenge social norms, leading to a more inclusive and just world for all. Education is a passport to the future. As we work to achieve SDG Four, we must remember that education is a basic right, not a privilege. This is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, paving the way for sustainable and global prosperity. Together, we should invest in quality education to empower the next generation and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Nur Syuhada Zaini International Islamic University Malaysia Empowerment, societal progress and personal growth are accelerated by high-quality education. It gives people the values, abilities and knowledge they need to prosper in a world that is evolving.– REUTERSPIC
PROPERTY PROPERTY THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 12 KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd (Mah Sing) will be developing M Azura, a new transit-oriented development on 4 acres of prime land in Mukim Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. M Azura has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM508 million and is planned as a residential development affordably priced from RM396,800. Total land cost is RM74.3 million and the land comes with the benefit of a converted title for “Bangunan” which will expedite the development process. This marks Mah Sing’s fifth land deal in 2023, and Mah Sing will continue to scout for more strategically located lands in Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Located near the proposed Mass Rapid Transport 3 (MRT3)’s Rejang Station, LRT Sri Rampai and LRT Wangsa Maju, M Azura is the group’s third development in Setapak after M Astra and M Adora, both of which are fully sold-out. M Azura is expected to benefit from the spillover demand from these projects. Based on preliminary plans and subject to authorities’ approval, M Azura will be a residential development comprising two blocks of serviced apartments with 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4- bedroom units with indicative built-up ranges from 700 sq ft, 850 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft and with indicative starting price of RM396,800. The target registration of interest for M Azura will be in the first quarter of 2024. Mah Sing founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said, “The encouraging response to our M Series projects reflects the alignment with market demand for quality and pricing. This is evident in the strong take-up rates during our launches and is further underscored by our recent achievement of RM1.8 billion property sales within the span of nine months.” Mah Sing’s M Series developments carries the DNA of being strategically located in established neighbourhoods, attractive price points with practical and quality layouts, and excellent connectivity and accessibility. It is situated within the vicinity of matured neighbourhoods such as Wangsa Maju, Setapak Jaya, Kementah, Setiawangsa, Danau Kota and Titiwangsa. Searches indicate interest shifts back to urban areas oProspective homebuyers’ preference could be due to return-to-office policies: PropertyGuru Malaysia country manager PETALING JAYA: iProperty.com.my revealed the top 10 most searched areas among property seekers in Malaysia between January and November 2023. Compared with 2022, when prospective homebuyers were considering select areas outside the Klang Valley due to work flexibility, the 2023 search data indicates a shift in preference back to urban areas. This change could be attributed to the return-tooffice policies implemented by an increasing number of employers. Sheldon Fernandez, country manager of PropertyGuru Malaysia (PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my), said, “Observing the 2023 search data, we have noticed a significant shift in homebuyer preferences. As more employers implement return-tooffice work arrangements, there is a clear resurgence in the appeal of urban living. “Urban properties offer several advantages for those working in offices such as excellent connectivity and easy access to workplaces facilitated by reliable public transportation, resulting in reduced commute times. Urban areas are often hubs of activity, offering a wide range of amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This makes them highly attractive for individuals seeking a dynamic lifestyle outside of work hours. This combination of factors makes urban living particularly convenient for office professionals. This trend underscores the resilience and adaptability of the property market.” As the property market continues to evolve, developers are adapting their strategies to meet the shifting preferences of homebuyers. He said a wave of mixed-use developments that seamlessly blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces seems to be in the pipeline for a few developers. > Cyberjaya: the top three most transacted properties are Evergreen Garden Residence, Serin Residency and The Mulia Residences Cyberjaya. In terms of property searches, Aspire Residence and Sanderling Lakefront saw the most significant gains with increases of 731.6% and 256.7% year-on-year (YoY), respectively. > Bangsar: the top three transacted landed homes in Bangsar are Bangsar Baru, Bukit Bandaraya and Lucky Garden (Jalan Bangsar). Meanwhile, Alfa Bangsar Serviced Apartment (103.9% YoY) and Bangsar Peak Condominium (43.1% YoY) gained the most searches. > Subang Jaya: the most transacted properties in Subang Jaya are landed homes in Putra Heights, USJ2, and USJ11, while the mostsearched properties are Armani Soho (402.5% YoY) and Summer Villa Condominium (71.3% YoY). > Kuala Lumpur: the main transactions this year include Residensi Laville, Suria Stonor and Platinum Suites (The Face Suites), while the top two most searched properties Royce Residence (255.3% YoY) and The Manor (218.5% YoY) testiffy to the area’s allure. > Bukit Jalil: some of the sought after properties among others are the The Z Residence and Residensi Park, Arena Green’s decent median price of RM308,000 promotes affordable properties that are surrounded with ample facilities and amenities within the suburb itself. The two most searched properties are Aurora Suites @ Bukit Jalil (148.3% YoY) and Casa Green (16% YoY). > Puchong: most homebuyers were seen purchasing terrace houses – Bandar Puchong Jaya, Taman Putra Prima and Taman Puchong Utama. The top two most searched properties are high-rise homes – Twin Residences (230% YoY) and Seri Puteri Hills (98.5% YoY). > Cheras: the projects in Cheras KL mainly comprise high-rise condominiums and apartments, with the top three most transacted properties this year; Residensi M Vertica, Sri Penara, and Angkasa Condominiums. The two mostsearched properties are Aster Residence (363.5% YoY) and Trion @ KL (271.4% YoY). > Johor Baru: the top three transacted properties in Johor Bahru are Taman Johor Jaya, Country Garden Danga Bay and Taman Pelangi. One of the most searched properties this year is Trellis Residences (521.6%), which is strategically situated at the intersection of major roads and near CIQ Complex, JB Sentral and the Bukit Chagar RTS Link Station, offering a direct link to Singapore. Meanwhile, Twin Tower Residence recorded 237.3% YoY rise in searches. > Mont Kiara: the most transacted properties are Seni Mont Kiara, Residensi 22 Mont Kiara and Pavilion Hilltop. The top two mostsearched properties are serviced residences Trinity Pentamont (417.8% YoY) and Residensi Sefina Mont Kiara (89.1% YoY). > Petaling Jaya: the top three transacted properties in 2023 are a variety of bungalows, semi-Ds and terrace houses in SS2, SS3 and SS22 & SS22A Damansara Jaya. Meanwhile, the two of the most searched properties in Petaling Jaya are Atwater Serviced Apartment (386.6% YoY) and Panorama Residence Condominium (148% YoY). Location map of Mah Sing’s new proposed residential project M Azura in Setapak. Mah Sing to build RM508m GDV transit-oriented M Azura in KL Malacca-based developer Teladan gets nod to move to Main Market MALACCA: Malacca-based property developer Teladan Group Bhd has received approval from Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd to transfer the listing and quotation for its entire issued share capital from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Securities. Teladan has met the profit requirements for the transfer as per the Securities Commission Malaysia Equity Guidelines. The group recorded an aggregate adjusted profit after tax attributable to owners of the company (net profit) of RM93.1 million for the past three financial years ending Dec 31 FY20 to FY22, and a net profit of RM32.3 million for FY22. This surpasses the minimum requirement of RM20 million in aggregate net profit, as well as a net profit of RM6 million for the latest financial year. On balance sheet strength, Teladan recorded current assets and current liabilities of RM215.5 million and RM98.2 million respectively, while cash and cash equivalents stood at RM132.7 million as at FY22. Teladan maintains a healthy financial position, meeting the criteria of maintaining ample working capital for 12 months, consistently generating positive cash flow from operating activities over the past three financial years, and has no accumulated losses. The group also met the public shareholding spread requirements of at least 25%, where its issued share capital held by public shareholders as at midApril 2023 is at approximately 25.18%. Managing director Richard Teo Lay Ban said, “Teladan’s successful migration to Bursa Securities’ Main Market marks another significant milestone in our corporate journey. As a Main Market-listed entity, we are now able to attract more institutional investors with an enhanced capital market accessibility.” As for dividend payout, the group has paid a single-tier interim dividend of 0.5 sen per share for FY23 to reward its shareholders. KUALA LUMPUR: Crest Builder Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned unit Crest Builder Sdn Bhd has secured a RM314.5 million contract from UEM Land Bhd to construct 1,334 units of serviced apartments in two 53-storey blocks in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The company said the project also comprised a level of sub-basement car park, elevated podium car parks, commercial retail and office spaces and a level of recreation facilities. It said that the construction works would take approximately 39 months to complete from its scheduled site possession date of June 1, 2024. Crest Builder Holdings group managing director Eric Yong Shang Ming said the latest contract elevated its yearto-date replenishment to RM566 million, surpassing the group’s 2023 target of RM500 million. “We have, in fact, secured over RM1.05 billion contracts in total over the last 12 months upon taking into consideration the RM478.9 million contract from Perdana Parkcity Sdn Bhd in late December last year,” he added. Crest Builder secures RM315m serviced apartment project
THURSDAY | DEC 28, 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] Ringgit on roller-coaster ride in 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit swung like a yo-yo this year, but Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals and improving economy helped support the currency from weakening further against the US dollar. At the start of the year, the ringgit performed promisingly, riding on the optimistic view of economic reopening post-Covid-19 amid anticipation of a less aggressive US interest rate increase cycle. However, as the months passed by, the local currency succumbed to the continuous US monetary tightening and the ringgit closed at RM4.6340 on Dec 26, compared with its first closing level of RM4.3965 per US dollar on Jan 3, down 5.4%. The ringgit reached its highest level this year at RM4.229 on Feb 2 before steadily falling to RM4.735 per US dollar on Oct 19, the weakest closing level since 1998. The ringgit’s weakness, however, does not reflect economic fundamentals as Bank Negara Malaysia has made it clear that the underperformance of the currency comes from external factors outside the control of Malaysian policymakers. Among the external factors causing the ringgit’s slide are aggressive interest hikes by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in a bid to combat inflation, weaker-thanexpected Chinese economic performance and monetary policy easing by the People’s Bank of China. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd oHowever, Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals cap currency’s losses chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted that the Fed delivered a 525-basis point increase in the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) from March 2022 to July 2023. Since then, the Fed has been keeping the FFR unchanged at 5.5%. The wide interest rate differentials between Malaysia’s Overnight Policy Rate and the FFR have led to the ringgit weakening, he said. Against this backdrop, the ringgit continued to exhibit two-way movements with an overall marginal appreciation of 0.1% against the US dollar during the first quarter. However, the ringgit depreciated by 5.8% in the second quarter of 2023 (Q2’23) as global developments continued to be the dominant factor in driving domestic financial conditions. In the third quarter, exchange rate developments were pressured by domestic financial conditions, driven mainly by evolving expectations on the global monetary policy path. The US dollar appreciation extended into the quarter, and the Malaysian ringgit ended up depreciating by 0.2%, alongside other regional currencies. In the fourth quarter, BNM stated that encouraging global developments and greater domestic political certainty after one year of the Unity Government led to a stronger ringgit against the US dollar. The ringgit ended the quarter stronger, jumping 5.3% against the greenback. Similarly, the ringgit strengthened against the currencies of several major trading partners with its nominal effective exchange rate appreciating by 0.4% in the fourth quarter. The ringgit, which was once at par with the Singapore dollar, has sunk and reached a new low of RM3.52 to one Singapore dollar in December. On the first day of the year’s trading (Jan 3), the ringgit traded at RM3.227 per Singapore dollar. However, as of Dec 26, it was traded at 3.5000 vis-avis the Singapore dollar. “If we look at foreign ownership in equities and bonds, the ringgit and other Asian currencies are low by historical standards,“ said Mohd Afzanizam. Despite the uncertain ringgit performance in 2023, the local note has remained resilient as the country wraps up the year. Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli was recently reported as saying that the local currency is expected to strengthen in 2024 Meanwhile, Mohd Afzanizam said the ringgit’s performance will greatly depend on when the Fed would cut the FFR, as well as how low and how fast it can go in cutting rates. Other factors are political stability and domestic policies, where the resolve to enact reforms and a stable government should help drive the ringgit higher in 2024, he said. “As of now, we are projecting the local note to reach RM4.50 versus the US dollar by the end of 2024,“ he added. - Bernama. Sime Darby’s takeover of UMW now unconditional KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd’s takeover bid for the remaining shares it does not own in UMW Holdings Bhd at RM5 per share is now unconditional, as Sime Darby already holds more than 50% of voting shares. On Dec 13, Sime Darby completed an acquisition of a 61.2% stake in UMW, making Sime Darby the new major shareholder of UMW. CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, on behalf of Sime Darby, informed Bursa Malaysia yesterday that the offer would remain open for acceptance until 5pm on Jan 17, 2024, unless extended or revised. Sime Darby has said it does not intend to maintain the listing status of UMW on the Main Market of Bursa Securities. – Bernama November PPI shrinks 1.5% year-on-year as most sectors slip PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s producer price index (PPI), which measures the prices of goods at the factory gate, continued its downtrend in November 2023 with a larger year-on-year (y-oy) contraction of 1.5% compared with 0.3% in October. All sectors were in negative territory except for water supply, which recorded a 1% growth, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said. The mining sector saw the biggest drop last month at 4.7%, erasing October’s 1% growth, due to declines in the indices for extraction of natural gas (-15.2%) and extraction of crude petroleum (-1.1%). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the manufacturing sector continued to ease with a 1.4% contraction (October 2023: -0.7%), dragged down by the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (-11.7%) and manufacture of food products (-4.5%) indices. Meanwhile, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector swung to a 0.4% contraction from a growth of 3.8% in the previous month due to a 1.5% decline in the growing of perennial crops. The electricity and gas supply sector shrank by 0.6%, after a 0.5% decrease in October. On a monthly basis, the PPI for local production declined at a faster pace of 0.7% in November compared to a 0.3% contraction in the prior month. On the PPI by stage of processing, Mohd Uzir said the finished goods index grew 1.7% y-o-y last month, cooling down from a 2.2% growth in October. In contrast, the intermediate materials, supplies and components index saw a contraction of 3.4% (October 2023: -3.0%). Meanwhile, the crude materials for further processing index’s growth slowed to 0.3% in November from 5.3% in the previous month. – Bernama TNB, Trina Solar collaborate on clean energy solutions KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) continues its momentum in driving sustainable energy transition with a strategic alliance between its wholly owned subsidiary, GSPARX Sdn Bhd, and Trina Solar, a global photovoltaic (PV) and smart energy total solutions provider. “This alliance highlights our unwavering commitment to accelerating Malaysia’s energy transition goals,“ TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Baharin Din said in a statement yesterday. He said this partnership with Trina Solar is pivotal in harnessing Malaysia’s solar potential and “driving us closer to achieving Net Zero 2050 through sustainable practices.” The formalisation of this partnership, was marked by the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the managing director of GSPARX, Elmie Fairul Mashuri, and Elva Wang, the general manager (Southeast Asia) of Trina Solar Energy Development. It was witnessed by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who then was the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change. He is now the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. TNB said having been a trusted partner in TNB’s rooftop business since 2019, Trina Solar’s collaboration with GSPARX aims to bolster technical capabilities and overcome challenges in solar rooftop projects. This strategic alignment seeks to capture business opportunities across rooftop, floating, and ground-mounted solar systems, marking a significant stride in advancing Malaysia’s solar photovoltaic market. Beyond solar initiatives, GSPARX and Trina Solar will collaborate to explore innovative Elmie Fairul (second from left) and Wang during the MoU exchange. Also present are (from left) Baharin, Nik Nazmi and TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid. – TNBPIC smart grid solutions, including energy storage, further solidifying their commitment to cutting-edge sustainable technology. “Our collaboration with Trina Solar represents a commitment to sustainable transformation and environmental stewardship. “These initiatives not only reinforce TNB’s leadership in driving an eco-conscious energy transition but also open doors to an array of opportunities while fostering technological innovation. “This strategic alliance embodies TNB’s relentless dedication to reshaping Malaysia’s energy landscape for a better, brighter future,” Baharin said. - Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 14 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Focus Point eyes higher F&B contribution to group revenue On its plans, Liaw said the group has clear goals for both its optical and F&B businesses. Focus Point is strengthening its optical presence based on multiple demographic segments - the Focus Point brand caters for customers of all age groups, Focus Point Signature offers high-end products, and Focus Point Outlet as well as Whoosh offer a wide range of designs at fixed and affordable prices. The group also recently launched Focus Point SightSavers, which Choon said is targeted at smaller second- and third-tier cities in the country, such as Taiping and Muar. Comparing Focus Point’s optical segment and Komugi, he said there are about 190 Focus Point stores nationwide, whereas Komugi only has 12 outlets in the Klang Valley and one in Negeri Sembilan. According to him, the company’s goal is to achieve a balanced 50:50 revenue contribution from corporate and retail sectors compared with the current ratio of 60% for corporate and 40% retail. He noted that Komugi is supplying pastry products to large corporate customers including airlines, coffee-chain restaurants, cafes, convenience stores as well as supermarkets. On top of that, Focus Point will introduce a new brand concept focusing on frozen yogurt, with the first outlet to be opened in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, next year. Regarding capital expenditure allocation, Liaw said Focus Point sets aside between RM12 million and RM13 million for the optical segment, which is intended for the opening of new outlets or refurbishment of existing stores. “We are looking at opening between 10 and 15 outlets for the optical segment next year,” he said. As for Komugi, he said RM6 million to RM7 million is specifically set aside for the outlets. “The capex allocation for F&B will be channelled towards new equipment and the upgrading of two central kitchens in Kota Damansara (Petaling Jaya), as well as the opening of three to four new Komugi outlets,” Liaw said, adding that the new outlets will be in the Klang Valley. Abroad, there are about 20 Komugi outlets in the Philippines and two outlets in Brunei, which are operating under a master franchise licence. On the financial results for the first three quarters of this year versus 2022, Choon said last year’s performance was fuelled by optimism from the reopening of the country’s borders and more money floating in the market thanks to the Employees Provident Fund special withdrawals. Focus Point posted a net profit of RM19.67 million in Jan-Sept 2023 compared with RM25.40 million in the corresponding period last year. He said the RM248.82 million revenue generated in 2022 was among the highest for the group, with the optical segment contributing RM202.64 million (up 81% year-on-year) and the F&B segment contributing RM36.89 million (up 15%). - Bernama Mavcom upgrades 2023 passenger traffic forecast after strong numbers in first 10 months PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s aviation sector passenger traffic reached 69.9 million in the first 10 months of 2023, according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission’s (Mavcom) biannual Industry Report, Waypoint. This growth has led Mavcom to revise its 2023 forecast, now expecting between 84.5 million and 86.5 million passengers, surpassing earlier projections. Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim said the growth in passenger traffic highlights the ongoing recovery of the aviation sector in Malaysia. “Looking ahead, we expect to see a more pronounced recovery in passenger traffic for 2024. The commission anticipates passenger numbers ranging from 93.9 million to 107.1 million. This indicates a recovery nearing 98% of the pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels seen in 2019,” he said in a statement. He added that the upsurge is expected to be driven by increased domestic and international travel, particularly to China and the Asean region. “However, there are potential challenges to consider, such as rising jet fuel costs, the ringgit’s depreciation, possible delays in aircraft deliveries, and workforce issues, which add an element of caution to our projections,” he said. He said that while a recent resurgence of Covid19 cases has been observed in December 2023, Mavcom believes that its impact on the aviation industry will not be as serious as it was previously. “So far, the recovery to pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels is expected to stay on the forecasted trajectory,” he added. As for Malaysia’s air cargo volume, it saw a downturn of 15.3% year-on-year (y-o-y), translating to 4.7 billion freight tonne kilometres (FTK) in the third quarter of 2023 (Q3’23). Consequently, Mavcom adjusted its 2023 air cargo forecast downward, now expecting a decrease of between 14.1% and 13.5%, equating to 18.7 billion to 18.8 billion FTK. Despite this downturn, a positive shift is forecasted for 2024, with anticipated cargo growth ranging from 6.0% to 6.6%, potentially reaching 19.8 billion to 20.0 billion FTK. This expected upswing is attributed to the low base effect in 2023, a possible improvement in the global technology cycle, ongoing recovery in China, and broader economic stabilisation. Malaysia retained its position as the fifth most connected country in Asean, achieving a connectivity score of 79.7 in the first three quarters of 2023. KL International Airport Terminal 1 upheld its status as the third-most connected airport in the region, with a direct air connectivity score of 59.9. MARC Ratings affirms Sime Darby Property’s RM4.5b sukuk at AA+IS/Stable PETALING JAYA: MARC Ratings has affirmed its rating on Sime Darby Property Bhd’s (SD Property) RM4.5 billion Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) Programme (Sukuk Musharakah) at AA+IS with a stable outlook. The outstanding under the rated programme stood at RM1.4 billion as of Nov 30, 2023. SD Property’s strong sales track record in well-established townships, and strong balance sheet, characterised by low leverage, remain key rating drivers. The rating benefits from a one-notch uplift on implicit support from majority shareholder Permodalan Nasional Bhd which holds a 58% stake in the property developer. The overall take-up rate for projects launched during nine months of 2023, with a combined gross development value of RM3.2 billion, was a commendable 75% as at Nov 5. With a developable landbank (excluding non-core lands) standing at about 13,640 acres and being within and near populous areas, MARC Ratings said, the group has strong potential to undertake further township and industrial developments. With unbilled sales of RM3.7 billion as at end-September 2023, the group has strong earnings visibility through 2026. The rating agency notes that relative to the size of its projects, completed inventories remain modest at RM433.1 million as at end-nine months 2023. It noted that SD Property’s strategy is to be a sustainable real estate player with a broader presence in property development, investment, and asset management from a pure play property developer. Banks ready to help customers affected by floods KUALA LUMPUR: Member banks of The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) are ready and committed to offering financial assistance to their customers affected by floods. In a statement yesterday, ABM said similar to previous years, its member banks have in place specific, accessible and compassionate flood relief assistance for customers who have been impacted by the recent floods. ABM said the assistance offered is based on customised programmes by individual banks and may include but is not limited to deferment of repayment of loans/financing, waiver of fees and charges to replace lost/damaged bank documents and bank cards, and more. In addition, ABM said micro, small and medium enterprises affected by floods may apply for the Disaster Relief Facility to facilitate the resumption of their business operations. A list of participating banks is available at www.bnm.gov.my/documents/20124/6025 157/drf_pfi_en.pdf. A list of contact details for ABM member banks can be obtained from ABM’s website via www.abm.org.my “Customers are reminded to be wary of scammers and only apply for any financial assistance through official bank channels,” ABM added. - Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Optical industry player Focus Point Holdings Bhd is eyeing to increase the contribution of its food and beverage (F&B) segment to group revenue over the next two years. Focus Point, through wholly owned unit Multiple Reward Sdn Bhd, ventured into the F&B sector in 2012 via Komugi, a premium Japanese bakery. President and CEO Datuk Liaw Choon Liang (pic) said the homegrown company is seeking to grow the F&B segment’s revenue contribution relative to its optical segment. With the ratio of optical to F&B revenue at 80:20 currently, he said, there are opportunities to grow the segment. “We believe that the current ratio of 80:20 will undergo some adjustments in the coming year or two, perhaps shifting to 70:30 or 60:40,” he told Bernama. He said F&B is a relatively new segment – 11 years old – compared with optical, which is celebrating its 34th year in business. The group has come a long way since the opening of its first Focus Point outlet in Muar, Johor, in 1989 and its listing on the ACE Market in August 2010. In January this year, it achieved a new milestone with the transfer of its listing to the Main Market. Mavcom expects to see a more pronounced recovery in passenger traffic for 2024. – BERNAMAPIC oOptical-focused company says there are opportunities to expand its relatively new food and beverage segment
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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. 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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 TSA Group aims to raise RM42.5 million from IPO KUALA LUMPUR: TSA Group Bhd, a distributor and supplier of ferrous and non-ferrous metal and other industrial hardware products, as well as manufacturer and processor of stainless steel pipes and other metal products, aims to raise RM42.53 million from its initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market. TSA group managing director Chew Kuan Fah at the prospectus launch yesterday stated that “The main objective of this listing exercise is for TSA to enter the Malaysian capital market and for business expansion.” He said that from the RM42.53 million raised, 47% of it will be used to repay existing borrowings within five months of the listing. He explained that the move is a step towards solidifying the group’s financial base, reducing debt, and minimising interest costs, thereby enhancing financial resilience. Another 29% of the proceeds raised are allocated towards strengthening its working capital over the next 36 months and in improving operational efficiency. Simultaneously, it is investing 12% of the proceeds into the establishment of its Semenyih manufacturing premises. Chew said that this investment is part of its growth strategy, and the plant will begin operations within 24 months post-listing. The remaining funds will cover the listing expenses. TSA group primarily adopts a direct distribution channel. Customers buy its products for use in fabrication (47.5%), manufacturing (16.1%), construction (5.0%), and plant maintenance (4.6%). Malaysia is TSA’s largest market, accounting for RM182 million From left: TSA Group director Karmjit Kaur Sarban Singh, director Chong Chin Look, executive director Eric Ng Kim Liang, Chew, executive director Chew Yik Wai, AmInvestment Bank deputy CEO Christopher Ng Kok Wai, head of corporate finance Ho Weng Yew, and TSA Group general manager and head of procurement Jane Loh Pei Ling at the launch. oMetal and hardware products supplier to have market cap of RM170m based on issue price of 55 sen a share █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] (77.6%), RM239.7 million (79.2%), RM293.6 million (82.2%) and RM178.5 million (81.0%) of its total revenue in FY20, FY21 and FY23 respectively. Its subsidiary, TSA Industries serves customers in Malaysia and other countries with the exception of Singapore and Batam, Indonesia which are mainly served by its subsidiary TSA Singapore. In FY21, FY22 and FY23, Singapore was the group’s largest foreign market, contributing RM30.2 million (10%), RM39.6 million (11.1%), and RM32.7 million (14.8%) to its total revenue, respectively. However, previously in FY20, Thailand held the position of its largest foreign market representing RM20.3 million (8.7%) of the company’s total revenue for the year. Of the 77.33 million new shares, 15.46 million ordinary shares are open for application by the Malaysian public, another 15.46 million for eligible employees, 38.66 million via private placement to bumiputra investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and 7.73 million through private placement to selected investors. TSA will have a market capitalisation of RM170.12 million upon listing based on the issue price of RM0.55 per share. Aminvestment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent for this IPO exercise. TSA is scheduled to be listed on the ACE market on Feb 2, 2024.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 16 THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 Digital growth in Malaysia Digital evolution encompasses everything from robotics to artificial intelligence. “Just recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding worth a total of RM19.84 billion between Malaysian and Chinese companies, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as an attractive destination for investments.” - Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil (Sept 25, 2023) DIGITAL adoption and use in Malaysia in early 2023 have shown rapid growth, largely due to the country’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models that drive broader growth. The digital economy is one of the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia. Malaysia has secured over RM37.4 billion in investment commitments in the digital technology sector as of August 2023. This will translate to the creation of at least 15,895 high-value jobs. The foundations of this growth were laid in 2021 with the unveiling of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the establishment of the Digital Investment Office, charged with smoothing the way for more investment in the digital economy. The aim is to attract US$16.1 billion in digital investment by 2025 and for the sector to contribute to more than 22.5% of the Gross Domestic Product. Malaysia’s digital evolution encompasses everything from robotics to artificial intelligence, the internet of things, cloud technology, blockchain and cybersecurity – but one area that Malaysia has truly excelled is in hyperscale data centres. Note: The GSM Association is a non-profit industry organisation that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. More than 750 mobile operators are full GSMA members and a further 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem are associate members. The growth is reflected in data recorded in early 2023 33.03 million internet users in the country Internet penetration at 96.8% Home to 26.80 million social media users, amounting to 78.5% of the total population 44.05 million active cellular mobile connections, equivalent to 129.1% of the total population Internet connection speeds Median mobile internet connection speed via cellular networks: 36.34 Mbps Median fixed internet connection speed: 91.50 Mbps Mobile connections Data from GSM Association (GSMA) Intelligence shows that there were 44.05 million cellular mobile connections in Malaysia. Its Intelligence’s numbers indicate that mobile connections are equivalent to 129.1% of the total population. The number of mobile connections in Malaysia increased by 1.2 million (2.9%) between 2022 and 2023. PETALING JAYA: In the small town of Ulu Temiang, Seremban, David Chong On Wee has embarked on an extraordinary journey that intertwines the sweetness of honey from bees with the warmth of compassion for the elderly. At the heart of his endeavours lies an old folks home called Tong Sim in Taman Rasah, Seremban. Chong, a dedicated soul with a heart for bees and seniors, runs a beekeeping business to not only sustain himself but also fund the daily operations of the old folks home he cherishes. Tong Sim is set to celebrate its 18th anniversary next May. Established in 2006, this home has been a sanctuary for 18 elderly residents, consisting of 13 males and five females. The journey to maintaining this haven has not been a conventional one for Chong, who has worn different entrepreneurial hats over the years. Chong’s foray into beekeeping began almost 12 years ago, a decision born out of necessity when his casket business, which previously supported the old folks home, experienced a sharp decline of 80%. Faced with the challenge of finding an alternative means to sustain Tong Sim, Chong turned to beekeeping. The buzz of activity in his beekeeping venture became the lifeline for the elderly residents under his care. His beekeeping enterprise revolves around the fascinating world of stingless bees, with Chong proudly showcasing four distinct species: heterotrigona itama, melina, lepidotrigona terminata and thoracica. Among these, he particularly highlights the itama species for its prolific honey production and numerous health benefits. To cater to diverse palates, Chong offers a range of flavoured itama honey, including ginger, lemon, and garlic variations. The honey, carefully preserved in jars for six months, undergoes a Beekeeper keeps old folks home going woWith monthly earning of RM5,000, Chong manages to pay rent, utility bills, transport and salary of home’s caretaker █ BYJADEN RAUL [email protected] tcbhbRnbcdagokae
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 17 THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 with sweet earnings Chong explains the range of honey available and the various species of bees in the world. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN TELUK INTAN: Menara Condong Teluk Intan, which is the Malaysian equivalent of the Leaning Tower in Pisa, still stands proudly in the town here despite being over 128 years old. However, not many know the person responsible for ensuring the grand clock at the tower, which chimes every 15 minutes, continues to function efficiently. Hisham Sahak, 44, affectionately known as ‘Abi,‘ has been tasked with maintaining the clock, made by clockmaker JW Benson of Ludgate Hill, London, since April 4, 2004, following the retirement of the previous caretaker. He was initially criticised for taking the job, as it is not a paid job. The criticisms did not stop him from doing the job. Instead, it made him more determined to continue shouldering the responsibility to ensure the clock continues to chime, making the leaning tower of Teluk Intan clock an attraction for both local and foreign tourists. After nearly two decades of maintaining the clock, Hisham, who works as a general worker at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council, is posed with questions for doing so. “I simply turn a deaf ear to all the questions. For me, the job has been entrusted to me, and as such I must do it to the best of my ability. “If this clock and tower are not carefully maintained, then no one would want to come and visit Teluk Intan,” he said when interviewed by Bernama. A native of Teluk Intan, Hisham said it only took him a month to learn how the clock functions and operates, despite having no prior experience in horology. “I didn’t attend any course to learn how the clock operates. I can do it because of my interest in learning how a clock functions. “At the initial stage, I spent four hours daily identifying and learning every function of the components in this clock system.” Hisham, who has seven children, said he has to wind the clock manually to keep the time accurate and for it to function properly. “The winding is done every Wednesday,” he said, adding that if the winding is not done at the scheduled time, it would cause the pendulum which is attached with a special cable to be stuck at the bottom of the tower, thereby stopping the clock movement. “This clock chimes every 15 minutes, and as it does, the iron cable connected to the pendulum will gradually descend until it touches the floor at the bottom level of the tower. “After a week, the iron cable with the pendulum needs to be raised again using the crank in the clock system to allow it to move as usual,” he said, adding that the clock had undergone repair costing about RM18,000 with the spare parts directly imported from London. Hisham said he was proud to be one of the individuals responsible for helping to preserve one of the historical relics of the country. Although he doesn’t get paid for the task, Hisham said it gave him the satisfaction to hear the clock chime every day, especially during important events such as on Independence Day and New Year celebrations. “This clock is so close to my heart, and I get an adrenalin rush when it chimes as there will be eyes looking up at the tower to see the time displayed on the clock. “When I am no longer here, I hope that the clock and tower will continue to be maintained and preserved for future generations to appreciate,” he said. Based on records, the tower was built by a Chinese architect Leong Choon Cheong to serve as a water storage tank for the local population during the dry season. The clock was installed at the tower in 1895. Leong purchased the clock from the renowned 19th-century clockmaker, James Wilson Benson, in Ludgate Hill, London using funds donated by the residents. At that time, the chime from the clock could be heard up to 5km away during the night. Man who gets Teluk Intan leaning tower’s clock to continue ticking Hisham puts in his own time to maintain the clock at Menara Condong Teluk Intan. – BERNAMAPIC The Iconic leaning tower of Teluk Intan that draws tourists to the town. transformative journey from the hive to the consumer, unlocking a myriad of health benefits upon consumption. “The health benefits are simply amazing,” he said. Chong’s dedication to Tong Sim goes beyond the buzzing business of bees. With a monthly financial target of at least RM5,000 to sustain the old folks home, he navigates the challenges of paying rent, utility bills, transport and the salary of the home’s caretaker. The journey, though financially demanding, is marked by moments of grace, as the Malaysian Retail Chain Association generously donated sofas, providing a touch of comfort to the elderly residents. “I am truly blessed to receive help from kind souls out there,” he said. He added that he and his wife will continue and try their very best to give shelter to the elderly. Chong has become a honey merchant with a global reach. His beekeeping business attracts customers from far and wide, including patrons from Australia, Singapore, Malacca and Ipoh, all seeking the golden nectar of kelulut honey. The prices for Chong’s honey reflect not only the quality of the product but also the dedication poured into the old folks home. A jar of original itama honey is priced at RM180, while flavoured itama variations command RM250 each, and the special tongkat ali-infused honey sells for RM300. Chong’s beekeeping journey is a testament to resilience. In the face of adversity, he not only found a way to sustain his beloved old folks home but also created a thriving business that reaches beyond the borders of his small town. The honey produced by his stingless bees not only delights taste buds but also contributes to the well-being of those who consume it.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 18 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ SHANGHAI: China’s Tencent Holdings saw its shares stage a partial rebound yesterday, the first day of trade after authorities vowed to make improvements to proposed rules that had sent stocks in video game companies plunging. Draft rules were published on Friday that seek to curb spending and the use of rewards that encourage the playing of video games, sparking fears that regulators were once again cracking down heavily on the sector. But following dramatic tumbles in gaming stocks, China’s video game regulator – the National Press and Publication Administration – has struck a more conciliatory tone, saying it would improve the rules by “earnestly studying” public views. It then approved new licenses for 105 domestic online games for December – more than the average month. The industry has only just returned to growth this year following the end of an extended clampdown in 2021 and 2022. Shares in Tencent – a tech behemoth which derives a fifth of its revenue from online gaming – climbed more than 5% in morning trade after a 12% tumble on Friday. Rival NetEase shot up 10% compared with a 25% plunge on Friday, also helped by local media reports since Monday that it is again in talks to partner with World of Warcraft-maker Blizzard. The two firms abruptly parted ways a year ago. Earlier this month, Blizzard China, the company’s Chinese subsidiary, published a post saying that it is in talks with publishing partners in China to continue the game’s service in the country. NetEase, which gains 80% of its revenue from domestic online gaming, and Blizzard did not reply to Reuters requests for comment. The draft rules, which are open to public comment until Jan 24, seek to ban online games from giving players rewards if they log in every day, if they spend on a game for the first time or if they spend several times on a game consecutively. All are common incentive mechanisms in online games. Though the move was a surprise to the industry and investors, it was in line with efforts by Chinese authorities to tackle myopia as well as internet and gaming addiction among young people. – Reuters China industrial sector posts double-digit profit gains oManufacturing improves but economic recovery remains shaky amid weak property industry, rising deflationary pressures BEIJING: China’s November industrial profits posted doubledigit gains as overall manufacturing improved, although soft demand continued to constrain business growth expectations, emboldening calls for more macro policy support. The 29.5% profit rise came on top of a 2.7% increase in October and alongside a pickup in industrial output in November, although other sectors of the world’s second-largest economy still missed forecasts. In the first 11 months of 2023, industrial earnings shrank 4.4% from a year earlier, further narrowing from a 7.8% decline in January to October, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed yesterday. Behind the November profit rise was an accelerated uptick in industrial profits and returns on investments over the month, NBS statistician Yu Weining said in an accompanying statement. With a slew of pro-growth measures in place to buttress a patchy post-Covid recovery, Asia’s biggest economy is widely expected to achieve the government’s growth target of around 5% for this year. Industrial profits extended gains for a fourth month. The rise in both industrial output and earnings for November reflected the continued improvement in the manufacturing sector overall, said Zhou Maohua, an analyst at China Everbright Bank. Macro policies to bail out industrial firms, a low statistical base last year and seasonality also contributed to the uptrend, he said. Officials are confident about more favourable economic conditions in 2024. But the economic recovery remains shaky amid persistent property sector weakness, rising deflationary pressures and soft global demand, renewing calls for stimulus. While the overall manufacturing sector has shown improvement, not all segments are on the mend yet. The unevenness across industrial sectors remains evident, with high-tech and equipment manufacturers seeing rapid profit growth while property-related sectors are still squeezed by shrinking profits, Zhou said. The analyst said he hoped to see an “optimised” mix of macro policies to prop up growth. Citing intensified competition and weaker-than-expected downstream demand, Chinese chemicals producer Do-Fluoride New Materials Co expected 2023 net profit to fall by between 68.17% to 71.25%. There is now little chance industrial profits return to growth for the whole of 2023 with China’s producers’ prices expected to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future, said Zheng Houcheng, chief macroeconomist at Yingda Securities. State-owned firms saw their earnings down 6.2% in the first 11 months, foreign firms reported an 8.7% fall while private-sector companies posted a 1.6% gain, according to a breakdown of the data. Industrial profit numbers cover firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan (RM13 million) from their main operations. – Reuters Tencent shares regain some ground after regulator appears to soften gaming stance Japan lifts ban on world’s biggest nuclear plant TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear power regulator yesterday lifted an operational ban imposed on Tokyo Electric Power’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant two years ago, allowing it to work towards gaining local permission to restart. Tepco has been eager to bring the world’s largest atomic power plant back online to slash operating costs, but a resumption still needs consent from the local governments of Niigata prefecture, Kashiwazaki city and Kariwa village, where it is located. When that might happen is unknown. With capacity of 8,212 megawatts (MW), the plant has been offline since 2012 after the Fukushima disaster a year earlier led to the shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan at the time. In 2021, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) barred Tepco from operating Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, its only operable atomic power station, due to safety breaches including the failure to protect nuclear materials and missteps that saw an unauthorised staff member accessing sensitive areas of the plant. Citing improvements in the safety management system, the NRA yesterday lifted a corrective action order that had prevented Tepco from transporting new uranium fuel to the plant or loading fuel rods into its reactors – effectively blocking a resumption. Following the decision, Tepco said it would continue its efforts to regain the trust of the local community and society at large, while Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said the government would do its part to aid the process. Resources-poor Japan is eager to bring more of its nuclear power plants online to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) forecast last week that Japan’s LNG imports would decline to 58.5 million metric tons in the 2024/25 fiscal year from an estimated 64 million tons this year. The fall factors in the anticipated restarts of a few more nuclear reactors and an increase in renewable energy sources. Shares in Tepco had soared after the NRA indicated early this month that it would consider lifting the operational ban after conducting an on-site inspection and meeting with the company’s president. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) HEIM 23.900 -0.300 1,026 RAPID 29.200 -0.200 2,360 CARLSBG 19.400 -0.120 569 HSI-HPW 0.885 -0.115 1,467 XIAOMI-H8 0.035 -0.115 333 HSI-HP7 0.590 -0.105 8,273 HSI-HSG 0.540 -0.105 1,580 HSI-HPJ 0.290 -0.100 160,380 CHINHIN 3.660 -0.090 1,465 HSI-HSY 0.480 -0.085 510 HSI-HP2 0.330 -0.080 1,800 KHIND 2.570 -0.080 51 KLCC 7.100 -0.080 2,415 UNIMECH 1.790 -0.080 27 YNHPROP 4.370 -0.080 28,352 BURSA-C76 0.080 -0.070 500 DKSH 4.530 -0.070 125 GREATEC 4.720 -0.070 1,426 TOCEAN 1.620 -0.070 535 UNISEM 3.260 -0.070 7,273 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) NESTLE 121.400 +0.400 1,695 HEXTECH 22.500 +0.280 196 DLADY 22.640 +0.180 62 PETDAG 22.060 +0.160 244 ALLIANZ 18.500 +0.120 734 HSI-HPU 0.415 +0.115 141 SCABLE 0.390 +0.110 1,980,151 NHFATT 3.330 +0.100 140 INNITY 0.480 +0.080 1 LPI 12.100 +0.080 249 MERSEC 0.630 +0.080 424,206 PTARAS 1.650 +0.080 2,109 SAPRES 0.395 +0.075 751 BIG 0.760 +0.070 58,049 MFCB 3.680 +0.070 3,187 NIKKEI-C8 0.680 +0.070 31 PMBTECH 2.570 +0.070 3,473 RCECAP 3.050 +0.070 10,376 LANDMRK 0.335 +0.065 188,183 WATTA 0.590 +0.065 10 STOCKS VOLUME (’00) CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) +/- (%) SCABLE 1,980,151 +0.390 +0.110 +39.29 VELESTO 785,322 +0.230 - - ZELAN 703,311 +0.085 +0.015 +21.43 SMTRACK 688,255 +0.055 +0.005 +10.00 WIDAD 673,226 +0.475 +0.005 +1.06 LEFORM 540,213 +0.415 +0.005 +1.22 TOPGLOV 530,662 +0.920 - - HSI-CTD 521,840 +0.135 +0.015 +12.50 SCIB 518,019 +0.915 +0.015 +1.67 MINETEC 514,977 +0.155 - - HSI-CR8 486,910 +0.270 +0.030 +12.50 MERSEC 424,206 +0.630 +0.080 +14.55 CIMB 415,195 +5.800 +0.020 +0.35 MINETEC-PA 379,104 +0.035 +0.005 +16.67 RENEUCO 377,107 +0.225 +0.015 +7.14 SCBUILD 358,535 +0.040 +0.005 +14.29 ZENTECH 351,763 +0.020 -0.005 -20.00 ARMADA 310,195 +0.500 +0.005 +1.01 KEYASIC 307,999 +0.060 -0.005 -7.69 CAREPLS 304,369 +0.440 - - 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: DECEMBER 27 [ 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 10,825.60 +20.44 FBMKLCI 1,454.22 +3.44 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 556.82 +1.36 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 172.62 +0.08 CONSTRUCTION 191.33 +0.31 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,215.00 +23.64 ENERGY 822.18 +2.75 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 568.97 -0.74 HEALTH CARE 1,913.71 +1.85 TRANSPORTATION 929.77 +4.39 PROPERTY 864.52 +0.60 PLANTATION 7,018.33 +20.20 FBMSHA 11,028.50 +16.97 FBMACE 5,209.38 -9.59 TECHNOLOGY 63.08 -0.07 TURNOVER: 3.293 bil VALUE: RM2.064 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 1,792 BSLCORP-WB 0.010 +100.00 10,100 HM-WB 0.010 +100.00 1 QES-CA 0.010 +100.00 10 NETEASE-C3 0.035 +75.00 349 AEM 0.015 +50.00 2,837 BSLCORP-WA 0.015 +50.00 28,298 CLASSITA-WC 0.015 +50.00 30 JOE-WB 0.015 +50.00 723 MLAB 0.015 +50.00 185,067 RHBBANK-HE 0.015 +50.00 200 VELESTO-WA 0.015 +50.00 4,750 TENCENT-C37 0.085 +41.67 6,660 SCABLE 0.390 +39.29 1,980,151 HSI-HPU 0.415 +38.33 141 GOCEAN-WB 0.020 +33.33 5,365 HSI-CTX 0.060 +33.33 84,631 REACH 0.040 +33.33 95,634 TALAMT 0.020 +33.33 2,000 BSLCORP 0.045 +28.57 238,349 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) XIAOMI-H8 0.035 -76.67 333 ARMADA-C87 0.010 -66.67 5,269 AT 0.005 -50.00 278,583 EAH 0.005 -50.00 31,031 HSI-CRO 0.005 -50.00 350 HSI-CRR 0.005 -50.00 7,500 HSI-CRX 0.005 -50.00 2,000 SCIB-WB 0.005 -50.00 117,357 TWL-WD 0.005 -50.00 1,596 VS-WB 0.005 -50.00 40,229 BURSA-C76 0.080 -46.67 500 HSTECH-CV 0.035 -41.67 150 LHI-C7 0.030 -40.00 2,000 MAXIS-C39 0.015 -40.00 20,218 MSC-CL 0.015 -40.00 100 HSI-HPL 0.100 -39.39 34,560 ALIBABA-C33 0.095 -36.67 12,000 HSI-HSF 0.055 -35.29 248,770 BTM-WB 0.010 -33.33 44,892 TENCENT-C39 0.070 -33.33 650 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 37,545.33 +159.36 +0.43 S&P 500 (US) 4,774.75 +20.12 +0.42 NASDAQ (US) 15,074.57 +81.60 +0.54 NYSE (US) 16,859.49 +89.04 +0.53 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4,530.43 +8.96 +0.20 FTSE 100 (UK) 7,747.64 +50.13 +0.65 DAX (GER) 16,720.78 +14.60 +0.09 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 33,681.24 +375.39 +1.13 TOPIX (JPN) 2,365.40 +26.54 +1.13 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 16,624.84 +284.43 +1.74 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,336.36 +11.57 +0.35 SH SE COM (CHN) 2,914.61 +15.74 +0.54 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,613.50 +10.91 +0.42 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 165.19 +0.39 +0.24 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,561.22 +59.67 +0.80 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7,796.70 +66.51 +0.86 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 71,703.17 +384.70 +0.54 FBM KLCI 1,454.22 +3.44 +0.24 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,170.76 +30.78 +0.98 WTI (US$/BBL.) 75.27 -0.30 -0.40 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 80.93 -0.14 -0.17 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,079.40 +9.60 +0.46 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 24.40 0.00 +0.02 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 984.90 +1.20 +0.12 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 392.95 +2.75 +0.70 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) - - - CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 479.25 -1.00 -0.21 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 631.75 -4.50 -0.71 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 48.68 +0.17 +0.35 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 4,283.00 -28.00 -0.65 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 150.30 +1.70 +1.14 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, Dec 27 Bursa snaps 4-day losing streak on bargain hunting KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia snapped a four-day losing streak to end higher yesterday, spurred by bargain hunting with signs of mild window dressing activities while tracking the upbeat mood across regional markets. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) closed 3.44 points or 0.24% firmer to 1,454.22 from Tuesday’s close of 1,450.78. The FBM KLCI opened 1.59 points better at 1,452.37 and moved between 1,452.08 and 1,455.44 throughout the day. In the broader market, gainers thumped losers 468 to 380, while 467 counters were unchanged, 988 untraded and 56 others suspended. Turnover jumped to 3.29 billion units worth RM2.06 billion from 2.91 billion units worth RM1.96 billion on Tuesday. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong said the improved sentiment on Wall Street was also reflected in the positive performance of the regional markets including Bursa Malaysia, which further contributed to the gains in the local bourse. “Going forward, we anticipate that further recovery is in store, with the key index likely to build on today’s (yesterday) momentum. “Window dressing activities may propel the key index higher with sentiment favouring a potential interest cut in the United States,” he told Bernama. Leong said that investors will be keeping a close tab on US pending home sales data to be released today. “For now, trading activities is expected to remain thin for the remainder of the week on the back of the festive and year-end holidays,” he added. Among the heavyweights, Maybank and Public Bank were one sen higher at RM8.90 and RM4.25, respectively, CIMB Group rose two sen to RM5.80, and TNB was flat at RM10.0. Of the actives, Sarawak Cable improved 11 sen to 39 sen, Zelan perked up 1.5 sen at 8.5 sen, while SMTrack, Widad and Leform rose half-a-sen to 5.5 sen, 47.5 sen and 41.5 sen, respectively. On the index board, the FBM 70 Index went up 4.12 points to 14,629.71, the FBM Emas Shariah Index rose 16.97 points to 11,028.50, the FBM Emas Index gained 20.45 points to 10,825.60, and the FBMT 100 Index climbed 19.22 points to 10,486.40. However, the FBM ACE Index slipped 9.59 points to 5,209.38. Sector-wise, the Plantation Index increased 20.20 points to 7,018.33, the Industrial Products and Services Index inched up 0.08 of-a-point to 172.62, the Financial Services Index garnered 23.64 points to 16,215.08, while the Property Index added 0.60 points to 864.52, and the Energy Index perked up 2.75 points to 822.18. The Main Market volume expanded to two billion units valued at RM1.79 billion against 1.89 billion units valued at RM1.67 billion on Tuesday. Warrants turnover soared to 466.22 million units worth RM61.49 million from 116.57 million units worth RM12.84 million. 1,454.22pts Dec 27, 2023
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 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. INTEGRATED engineering supporting service provider UWC Bhd (UWC) is well-positioned to leverage on front-end semiconductors. Mercury Securities said that the company’s strategy of moving towards a higher value chain and providing additional services to its new and existing customers create room for margin improvements for UWC. The company has acquired a 4.89.1-hectare land in Batu Kawan and plans to build a new factory with a built-up area of approximately 500,000 sq ft, which will increase its total floor space to more than 1 million sq ft. The bulk of the space will be utilised for the semiconductor segment for customers from the front-end. The company has an order book of around RM120 million as of December 2023, and its total orders from front-end semiconductors represent 10% of its order book. UWC has recently completed the construction of its new fabrication site in Kamunting, Taiping, and is looking to acquire more land in the area. The research house favours the UWC despite its results which came below expectations, achieving 13.5% and 6.3% of its full year revenue and profit forecasts for FY24 respectively It has a HOLD recommendation on UWC with a TP of RM3.28 based on FY25F EPS 8.4 sen and a PE of 39x “We like the stock for its attractive growth prospects, wellpositioned to leverage on the growing semiconductor industry which is forecasted by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics to grow by 13.1% in 2024,” it said. The research house has tweaked its revenue and earnings estimate for FY24F by -3.6% and -9.5%. - (Dec 27, 2023) BACKED by its strong overseas expansion plan, especially in Australia and its consistency in clinching sizable jobs, Gamuda Bhd (Gamuda) remains as MIDF Research’s top pick for the construction sector. Following a visit to Gamuda’s project sites, the research house concluded that the group has made great progress in Down Under. Its observations of the projects including the Western Tunnelling Package for the Sydney Metro West (SMW-WTP) strengthens its view of Gamuda’s growth. The size of the SMW-WTP is about AUD2.57 billion (RM7.7 billion), including RM1.2 billion of variation orders and the current completion progress is at 39%. The strong pipeline of infrastructure projects in Australia bodes well for Gamuda’s prospects, which is now recognised as a Tier 1 contractor. Gamuda Australia CEO Ewan Yee guided that the group’s current tender book was about AUD5 billion – AUD6 billion (RM15.8 billion – RM19.0 billion) in stages from expression of interest to the actual tendering process. Gamuda’s plan over the next three to five years is to be actively involved in the renewable energy sector and to expand its geographical reach. The group’s bulging order book of almost RM26 billion provides strong earnings visibility at least over the next three financial years. “In Malaysia, its prospects remain bright as we can expect Gamuda’s involvement in the MRT3, Penang LRT and Sabah projects,” it added. The group’s balance sheet remains healthy with a net gearing of 24.7%, well below its self-imposed limit of 70%. The research house has maintained a BUY recommendation on Gamuda, with a TP RM5.55. - (Dec 27, 2023) COASTAL Contracts Bhd’s (Coastal Contracts) Mexican joint venture (JV) is currently discussing with Mexico’s national oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) for a two-year contract extension for Perdiz Plant, expected to finalise around Jan 2024. Pemex is also considering a five-year contract extension with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) processing capability added to the plant. TA Research believes that this latest development is a positive sign that Pemex will likely extend the Perdiz Plant’s operation and maintenance contract with the group’s Mexican JV. Pemex recently requested for the temporary suspension of Agosto Jackup Gas Compression Service Unit (JUGCSU) from Nov 27, 2023 onwards while the discussion for extension of the existing contract valued at c.USD70-80 million (c. RM324-370 million) is ongoing. “Coastal Contracts may consider requesting compensation for the suspension of charter before the end of the contract, depending on whether the group is satisfied with the terms of contract extension,” the research house said. It concluded that the company’s onshore gas processing plant Papan Plant’s gas processing volume is gradually increasing in line with capacity expansion of the Ixachi field. The group also recognised a provision for delay penalty in achieving critical construction milestones for Papan Plant amounting to USD21 million (c.RM97 million) in Q4FY23. The research house has trimmed its FY23/FY24/FY25 earnings forecasts by 7.6%/1.5%/0.9% respectively after lowering its utilisation rate assumptions for Perdiz Plant and Papan Plant It maintains a BUY with a lower TP of RM1.90/share based on sum-of-parts valuation. - (Dec 27, 2023) FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.6940 4.5580 4.5480 1 Australian Dollar 3.2210 3.0920 3.0760 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5460 3.4420 3.4340 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5520 3.4560 3.4440 1 Euro 5.1900 5.0210 5.0010 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9810 2.8720 2.8560 . 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5460 3.4420 3.4340 1 Sterling Pound 5.9790 5.7900 5.7700 1 Swiss Franc 5.4800 5.3510 5.3360 100 UAE Dirham 129.3700 122.6300 122.4300 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.3600 4.0740 3.8740 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.1800 63.3800 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.3700 65.6600 65.4600 100 Hongkong Dollar 60.7900 57.7500 57.5500 100 Indian Rupee 5.7400 5.3900 5.1900 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0314 0.0284 0.0234 100 Japanese Yen 3.2930 3.1880 3.1780 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 47.5100 43.6400 43.4400 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.6900 1.5800 1.3800 100 Philippine Peso 8.6000 8.1000 7.9000 100 Qatar Riyal 130.2600 123.6600 123.4600 100 Saudi Riyal 126.5900 120.1700 119.9700 100 South Africa Rand 26.0800 23.5400 23.3400 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.4800 1.3600 1.1600 100 Swedish Krona 48.4400 44.0900 43.8900 100 Thai Baht 14.1900 12.5800 12.180 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit rises against dollar as US unit hit by lack of leads KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded to close higher against the US dollar yesterday as the greenback weakened due to a lack of major data, said an analyst. At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.6275/6330 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.6340/6435. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said trading activities would remain lacklustre this week because of the lack of marketmoving data along with the holiday-shortened week. “We opined that the ringgit against the US dollar is moving towards its immediate support level of RM4.5778 as the Federal Reserve is expected to ease its monetary policy in 2024,” he told Bernama. The ringgit was traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. It appreciated against the Japanese yen to 3.2453/249 from 3.2517/2586 at yesterday’s close. The local note declined vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.8862/8932 from 5.8815/8935 on Tuesday and slipped versus the euro to 5.1152/1213 from 5.1044/1148 previously. Against other Asian currencies, the ringgit appreciated marginally vis-a-vis the Singapore dollar to 3.5001/5045 from 3.5005/5082 and also against the Philippine peso to 8.31/8.33 from 8.37/8.39. It declined against the Thai baht to 13.4559/4790 from 13.3962/4310 on Tuesday and depreciated against the Indonesia rupiah to 299.8/300.4 from 299.2/300.0 previously. - Bernama Queensbay Mall, The Mines receive green certification KUALA LUMPUR: CapitaLand Malaysia REIT Management Sdn Bhd’s (CMRM) two of its retail properties in Malaysia have been awarded the prestigious Green Mark certification by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). Queensbay Mall has achieved the Green Mark Platinum, while The Mines has obtained a Green Mark GoldPLUS (Provisional) certification. The BCA Green Mark award recognises organisations who have made outstanding achievements in integrating environmentally friendly features into the built environment. CMRM is the manager of CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (CLMT), and to date, 39% of CLMT’s properties have received a green building certification. CMRM CEO Tan Choon Siang said: “The awards are a testament to CLMT’s commitment to sustainability and validate our capabilities to enhance our assets and create long-term value for our stakeholders. “This also marks an important milestone as we accelerate our progress towards attaining 100% green building certification for our portfolio by 2030, in line with CapitaLand Investment’s refreshed sustainability master plan.” The company has made significant strides towards its 2030 targets including green financing through the successful conversion of a RM693 million loan facility into a sustainability-linked facility for the funding of the acquisition of Queensbay Mall. Sustainable building features at Queensbay Mall include an energy-efficient air conditioning system that is integrated with precise chiller plant measurement and verification instrumentation. At The Mines, the air conditioning infrastructure is integrated with an advanced chiller plant management system. Coastal Contracts Bhd BUY. TARGET PRICE: RM1.90 Gamuda Bhd BUY. TARGET PRICE: RM5.55 UWC Bhd HOLD. TARGET PRICE: RM3.28 Source: Mercury Securities Source: MIDF Research Source: TA Research Dec 27, 2023: RM3.54 Dec 27, 2023: RM 4.60 Dec 27, 2023: RM1.66
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 Navigating avigating stardom stardom Danish Iskandar’s tale Danish Iskandar’s tale of fame, family and f fame, family and filmmaking - P22 ilmmaking - P22 THURSDAY | DEC 28, 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] INSIDE p 23 Embracing self-love in 2024 p 24 Mariah Carey splits with Tanaka p 25 Shangri-La CSR intiative p 26 Cheers to a bolder tomorrow
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 22 Crafting characters and overcoming challenges I N a world where dreams can unravel under the intense glare of the spotlight, Danish Iskandar has emerged as a rising star in the entertainment industry. Since starting out, the 19-yearold has had the unwavering support of his father, allowing him to navigate the challenges of a turbulent and fickle industry. His story is one of passion, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of creativity. Patriach’s influence It was this paternal influence that propelled Danish into the world of entertainment, where he discovered both talent and passion. Despite acknowledging the need for refinement, Danish never regretted his decision, with his father serving as an inspirational figure whose exceptional work ethic became a guiding light. His father, Muhammad Burhanuddin, 45, is also a well-known actor. “I started acting and modelling when I was a boy as my dad encouraged me to be in the entertainment industry as well,” explains Danish. Passion for acting His foray into the entertainment industry initially led him through commercials and modelling, eventually evolving into a career as an influencer. Yet, the unexpected twist came when acting took centre stage. “I never thought that acting would be my main thing until I found a passion for it, and now I can’t stop,” Danish confesses. Choosing acting over other options, he expresses the thrill of exploring various emotions and finding joy in living as someone else while infusing each role with bits of his authentic self. Pivotal project Danish points to the TV series Shah Alam 40000 as a pivotal turning point in his career, providing plenty of exposure and invaluable experiences during a peak time slot. As a relatively new talent at the time, the project not only brought him recognition but also laid the foundation for f u t u r e endeavours. C r a f t i n g characters When it comes to preparing for Danish was inspired to go into the entertainment industry at a young age by his actor father. - PICS COURTESY OF DANISH ISKANDAR oRising star Danish Iskandar’s cinematic expedition █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ The KL lad is hoping to colloborate with visionary filmmakers and designers in the near future. Danish got his big break in Shah Alam 40000. The actor will appear next in The Cadets. a role, Danish emphasises collaboration and emotional connection. “I always discuss my character’s direction with directors and castmates,” he notes. Believing in creating a genuine bond with his fictional characters, Danish finds fulfilment in treating them with care. This approach fuels his desire for more challenging roles, pushing the boundaries of his creative capabilities. Beyond the spotlight Outside the realms of acting and modelling, Danish is venturing into content creation and filmmaking. Dreaming of leading a team with visionary ideas, he aims to translate these ideas into tangible products. Currently planning a project with his small team for the upcoming year, Danish sees this as an opportunity to explore his creative side further, aspiring to create something that both he and his team can take pride in. Facing challenges head-on Navigating the entertainment industry hasn’t been without its challenges. Danish acknowledges the noticeable decrease in demand for actors in his age group but sees it as an opportunity for growth. “I had to fight for roles that suited me,” he admits. However, he views these challenges as stepping stones, believing that overcoming hardships will shape him into a better actor in the future. Memorable on-set experience Sharing insights into an upcoming project titled The Cadets, Danish emphasises the importance of teamwork. Recounting experiences of shooting in the jungle, memorising choreography and building trust with castmates, he highlights the valuable friendships formed during the filming process. “It is a project that I’m proud of,” Danish adds, inviting audiences to witness the collaborative effort and dedication poured into this venture. Staying grounded Despite his growing success, Danish remains grounded, driven by a perpetual sense of ambition. “I always feel like I’m grounded enough,” he asserts, recognising that there is still a journey ahead to reach his envisioned level of success. Prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, Danish is fueled by the determination to continue working until he achieves the level of satisfaction he aspires to. Art with a message When it comes to the messages conveyed through his work, Danish champions quality over quantity. While not adhering to specific themes, he expresses a commitment to supporting projects that make a positive impact on the entertainment industry as a whole. His belief in endorsing quality signifies a dedication to leaving a lasting impression through his artistic endeavours. Future aspirations Looking ahead, Danish envisions collaborating with visionary filmmakers and designers. Falling in love with great ideas from diverse voices, he expresses happiness by witnessing progress in the creative landscape. As he dreams of being part of something extraordinary, Danish concludes, “Let’s see where the future will bring me. Do pray for the best.” In the tapestry of Danish’s journey, each thread weaves a narrative of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creativity. As he continues to evolve in the entertainment industry, Danish remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring talents navigating the unpredictable yet thrilling world of fame and artistry.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 23 Create a new you AS we bid a fond farewell to 2023, it is an opportune time to shift our focus towards self-care and indulge in moments of pampering, laying the groundwork for a positive and rejuvenated mindset as we embark on new adventures in 2024. The popular mantra, “New Year, New You”, encapsulates the spirit of personal transformation and what better way to initiate this journey than by lavishing yourself with welldeserved care and attention. Whether it’s immersing yourself in soothing spa treatments, dedicating time to practicing mindfulness or simply savouring moments of joy, these acts of self-nurturing contribute to a refreshed and optimistic start to the upcoming year. So, as you navigate the transition into 2024, delve into a variety of pampering experiences and allow yourself to fully embrace the prospect of a renewed and revitalised version of you. Indulge in spa treatments Begin the year with relaxation and rejuvenation by treating yourself to a spa day. From soothing massages to revitalising facials, spa treatments are a fantastic way to unwind and pamper your body and mind. Consider exploring new treatments like hot stone massages or aromatherapy sessions to add a touch of novelty to your pampering routine. Revamp your skincare routine Invest time in revamping your skincare routine to achieve that radiant, healthy glow. Research and choose products that cater to your specific skin needs. Consider adding a weekly facial mask or a luxurious night cream to your regimen. Taking care of your skin is not only about appearance but also about self-love and nurturing. Culinary delights Pampering yourself extends beyond skincare. It includes treating your taste buds to culinary delights. Explore new recipes, indulge in your favourite foods, or treat yourself to a fine dining experience. Whether it is a homemade spa day with healthy snacks or a reservation at a top-notch restaurant, savouring delicious meals is a great way to pamper yourself. Mindful movement Embrace the new you by incorporating mindful movement into your routine. Whether it’s yoga, pilates or a dance class, find an activity that not only promotes physical well-being but also provides mental clarity. Engaging in mindful movement can be a transformative experience, helping you connect with your body “New Year, New You” is a popular saying that reflects the idea of embracing personal growth and positive change as the calendar turns to a new year. – FREEPIK oGuide to pampering yourself in 2024 █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Many people use the beginning of a new year as a motivational starting point to set goals, make resolutions, and adopt healthier habits to improve their overall well-being. – PEXELS and mind on a deeper level. Travel and exploration The new year is the perfect time to embark on new adventures. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a solo expedition to a place you have always wanted to visit, travel broadens the mind and rejuvenates the soul. Embrace the opportunity to explore new cultures, try exotic cuisines and create lasting memories. Artistic pursuits Channel your creative energy into artistic pursuits. Whether it is painting, writing or learning a musical instrument, engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic. Expressing yourself through art allows for self-discovery and personal growth, making it a valuable and fulfilling way to pamper your creative spirit. Digital detox In a world dominated by screens, take time for a digital detox. Unplug from social media, emails and constant notifications. Spend a day, a weekend, or even a week reconnecting with the analogue world. Rediscover the joy of reading a physical book, taking a nature walk, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection. Mind-body connection Explore practices that enhance the mind-body connection, such as meditation or mindfulness exercises. These practices can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity and promote overall well-being. Dedicate time each day to connect with your inner self, fostering a sense of balance and tranquilly. As we embark on the journey into the new year, let the spirit of renewal and self-care guide you towards a year of personal transformation and fulfillment. The acts of pampering discussed here are not merely indulgences but essential steps in nurturing your wellbeing and embracing the potential of a revitalised version of yourself. Remember, the journey of selfdiscovery and self-love begins with these moments of pampering, setting the tone for a fulfilling and transformative year ahead. So, take a step back, prioritise yourself and allow the new you to shine brightly in the coming year. May 2024 be a year filled with joy, growth and the continuous embrace of your own well-deserved care and attention. Cheers to a rejuvenated and radiant you in the upcoming year. New year is a time for reflection, self-evaluation and the opportunity to make intentional choices that contribute to personal development. – PEXELS Embracing a healthier lifestyle can be a way of treating yourself. – PEXELS Consider taking a break or planning a short getaway to recharge your energy and gain a fresh perspective as you embark on the new year. – PEXELS Investing in personal development can be a meaningful way to treat yourself. – PEXELS
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 24 Behind the melody MARIAH Carey and Bryan Tanaka seem to have parted ways. During her Merry Christmas One and All! tour, Tanaka was noticeably absent, leading fans to speculate about a breakup with the pop icon. Sources reveal that Carey, mother to 12-yearold twins Moroccan and Monroe, is currently in Aspen for the holidays without Tanaka, breaking their tradition of spending snowy getaways together. This departure from their usual holiday routine marks the first time since 2006 that the megastar vocalist and creative director Tanaka have not travelled together during the festive season. Despite inquiries, representatives for Carey declined to comment. Their last public appearance together was in March during Carey’s birthday celebration, where Tanaka posted a photo on Instagram, expressing his love and referring to it as their “anniversary”. The couple, whose professional relationship dates back to 2006, transitioned into romantic involvement in 2016 after working together for a decade. Having briefly split in spring 2017 before reuniting, Carey and Tanaka maintained a strong bond, touring together and celebrating Christmas as a family. In 2017, Tanaka joined Carey on stage for her All I Want for Christmas Is You shows and shared the holiday with her and her children in Aspen. Confirming their holiday plans together in Aspen in 2019 and 2021, a source mentioned Carey’s happiness after the 2021 trip. However, the recent absence of Tanaka during the current holiday season suggests a change in their relationship status. Looking back a year ago, Carey shared Christmas photos with Tanaka and her children on Instagram, expressing joy on Boxing Day. In Dec 2022, the singer enthusiastically anticipated this year’s Christmas season, emphasising her eagerness for a more enjoyable celebration compared to the previous year. In a digital cover story, Carey reflected on her holiday plans for 2023, expressing a heightened anticipation for Christmas. Despite acknowledging the challenges of the previous year’s celebrations, she emphasised her determination to make the most of the upcoming holiday season. “I’ve been looking forward to this Christmas for, like, the whole year. Since last year, because last year wasn’t the greatest,” Carey shared. “Come hell or high water, this year, this Christmas, we are going to have fun.” This statement reinforces her commitment to embracing the festive spirit, regardless of personal challenges. The couple are rumoured to no longer be an item. –PIC BY THEIMAGEDIRECT.COM Ranveer Singh’s wax statue looks remarkably real ACTOR Ranveer Singh is the latest star from Bollywood to be remade in wax. Not only that, he got not one but two wax statues. The Bajirao Mastani star unveiled wax statues at Madame Tussauds in London recently, and the wax figure looks almost lifelike, reflecting the institution’s usual high standards in emulating the rich and famous. The star was in a joyful mood and posed next to the wax figurines. In the picture, it’s hard to differentiate the actor from the ultrarealistic statues. Ranveer penned down his gratitude for the event on his Instagram page. “Growing up, I was fascinated by old photos of my parents alongside some of the world’s most famous and prominent personalities, only to realise they were wax figures at London’s famed Madame Tussauds.” “The allure of that mythical museum stayed with me, making it surreal to now have my very own wax figure there. Gratitude fills me as my figure stands amongst the most accomplished personalities in the world.” “An unforgettable moment, compelling me to reflect on the magial cinematic journey that has led me to this moment.” One of the two statues will be featured at Madame Tussauds in Singapore. The figure wearing a tuxedo with a velvet blazer with floral motif designed by Gaurav Gupta will be installed in Singapore, while the other figure wearing a colourful traditional Indian sherwani designed by Manish Arora for his wedding celebrations will be placed in London. The real Ranveer Singh standing in the middle. The left figure is expected to go to Singapore while the right one will stay in London. (Photo from Ranveer’s Instagram) █ BYS. TAMARAI CHELVI This is the artistes’ solo debut after eight years with Pentagon. – INSTAGRAM/@HUITAG_ME █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN A Reum confirms divorce, plans remarriage LEE A Reum, formerly known as Han Areum from T-ara, recently shared significant updates about her personal life, revealing her ongoing divorce proceedings and future plans for remarriage. Having entered matrimony with a non-celebrity businessman in October 2019 and becoming a mother to two children, Lee A Reum and her former husband were featured on the reality show Caught Between Marriage and Divorce on TVING last year. Taking to Instagram on Dec 10, she disclosed her newfound love and expressed deep appreciation for the person who brought happiness into her life during challenging times. While acknowledging the ongoing divorce process, Lee A Reum refrained from divulging details out of respect for her children’s father. Lee A Reum concluded by sharing plans to officially register her upcoming marriage once the divorce lawsuit concludes, clarifying the delay in court proceedings for the divorce papers to be signed. A Reum breaks silence on divorce. – INSTAGRAM/ @AREUM0JU █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN oCarey and Tanaka rumoured to have split-up █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ PENTAGON’s Hui is gearing up for an exciting solo debut scheduled for January next year. Cube Entertainment, the agency representing Pentagon, confirmed the news in response to a Dec 11 report by Daily Sports, revealing their plans to release Hui’s solo album in January. This marks a significant milestone for Hui as he steps into the spotlight individually after eight years with the Pentagon since their debut in 2016. Having contributed to the success of Pentagon’s chart-topping hits such as Shine, Naughty Boy, Sha La La and Daisy, Hui’s solo venture is highly anticipated. Beyond his group achievements, Hui’s prowess extends to his involvement in producing notable songs like Never for Produce 101 Season two, Wanna One’s debut track Energetic and the Produce X 101 evaluation song Boyness. Notably, Hui gained widespread recognition this year as the 13th finalist on Mnet’s Boys Planet, showcasing his versatility and earning admiration from fans. Get ready to witness Hui shine in a solo spotlight as he unveils his artistic prowess in his upcoming solo debut album in January. Hui set for solo debut
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 25 Bollywood bliss and vegetarian delights NESTLED in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur’s Little India, the recently inaugurated Bombay Talkies restaurant immerses patrons in the nostalgia of Hindi cinema’s golden era from the moment they step through its doors. Welcoming visitors at the entrance is a hand-painted wall depicting a scene reminiscent of a renowned Bollywood movie. In this captivating mural, a woman in a white lehenga reaches out to a man in a black leather jacket on a moving train — a scene inspired by the 1995 Hindi musical romance film, Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. As guests proceed, vibrant photographs, paintings and digital art grace the white walls, adorned A mural greets visitors at Bombay Talkies’ entrance. - PICS BY ADIB RAWI/THESUN █ BYS. TAMARAI CHELVI Chilli Lime Pineapple Soda A variety of vegetarian food at Bombay Talkies. with cleverly twisted quotes inspired by blockbuster movies. The ambiance is further enriched by the backdrop of lively dance tracks. Reflecting on the choice of Bollywood as the restaurant’s theme, founder and co-owner Atul Parmar acknowledges its widespread appeal among Malaysians. With a desire to attract individuals of all races, including Indian expatriates, Atul, along with his Malaysian wife Jigna Doshi, chose to celebrate the iconic Bollywood culture that captivated and entranced audiences during the 1990s. The entrance’s feature wall, prominently showcasing Shah Rukh Khan, serves as a captivating backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments. Inspired by his love for Mumbai’s street food, particularly vada pav, Atul established Bombay Talkies as a 100% vegetarian haven offering a diverse menu, including Jain and vegan options. Jain cuisine adheres to principles that exclude meat, seafood and rootbased vegetables grown underground, aligning with the philosophy of non-violence. With a total of 150 dishes, including 100 Jain options and 60-70 convertibles to vegan, Bombay Talkies offers a remarkable variety, born from Atul’s own experiences seeking diverse vegetarian options abroad. The menu spans Punjabi, South Indian, Chinese with Indian flavours, North Indian from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat, as well as Western and Mexican cuisine. The culinary journey through Bombay Talkies unfolds with delightful surprises, such as the paalak or Spinach chaat — a burst of flavours featuring crispy spinach leaves, sweet mint, creamy yoghurt and crunchy onions. Paneer tikka briyani rice, served in a clay pot, impresses with its aromatic basmati rice, generous paneer portions and flavorful blend of vegetables. Fresh garlic naan and chapati accompany delectable side dishes, including lasooni corn palaak and paneer Srika pyaaz. The Indian-flavoured Hakka noodles cater specifically to expatriate preferences. Vada pav, a Mumbai street food classic, delivers a spicy kick with a potato patty and fried green chilli. Bombay Talkies not only honours the cinematic legacy of Bollywood but also elevates the dining experience, enticing patrons with an array of delectable vegetarian delights. Vada Pav - a favourite snack among Mumbai residents. Shangri-La KL CSR for kids in need SHANGRI-LA Kuala Lumpur once again marked the beginning of the holiday season by hosting the annual Embrace Christmas Charity Tree Lighting Ceremony. Started on November 23, 2023, this longstanding tradition, initiated in 1985, serves as a symbol of hope and kindness, raising funds to assist children dealing with severe heart conditions and other critical medical challenges. The Embrace - Gift of Life programme, a philanthropic initiative launched by Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, has demonstrated considerable success as a charitable endeavour, amassing an impressive sum exceeding RM 4 million over the years. This programme has played a vital role in providing essential assistance to numerous children facing challenging circumstances. The Embrace Christmas Charity Tree Lighting Ceremony serves as a cornerstone in the hotel’s charitable efforts, highlighting its commitment to making a positive impact on society. The latest edition of the event featured the Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree, adorned with six captivating ornament varieties, each open for donations at RM1,100. Additionally, there were five exclusive limited edition ornaments priced at RM 5,000 each, providing a special avenue for individuals keen on making a more substantial contribution to this noble cause. Under the direction of the exceptional Chef Wayne Siow, these exquisite ornaments were crafted by the skilled pastry artisans of the hotel. They were used to decorate a captivating tree that had ten tiers. Every rotating tier of the tree proudly showcased the names or logos of the generous contributors, symbolising their steadfast dedication to positively impacting the lives of these children. The enchanting tree lighting ceremony was graced by Daniel oHotel embraces spirit of giving at annual Christmas charity tree lighting ceremony █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL The programme has assisted numerous children in need of medical aid. Kaeflein, the general manager of the hotel, accompanied by the Embrace recipients, culminating in an unforgettable and heartwarming moment. In the true spirit of the season, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur was privileged to include refugee children from the UNHCR, Pusat Penjagaan kanak-kanak cacat Taman Megah, alongside Embrace recipients in this year’s festive moment. Aside from that, the delightful high tea at Lemon Garden provided an opportunity for everyone to gather, celebrate the season, and extend compassion to those in need. This event underscored the significance of community support in bringing hope and joy to the lives of children facing adversity. Throughout the holiday season, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur extends a warm invitation to everyone to take part in spreading joy by contributing to this important cause. For more information on
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 26 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Increasing demand for graduates in automative industry ANNUALLY, the development of the Malaysian automotive industry continues to grow steadily, with a total sales volume of about 500,000 motor vehicles, being the third largest among other Asean countries, after Indonesia and Thailand. The growing need for expertise in sales and management, especially in the automotive sector motivated the Universiti Kuala Lumpur campus of the Malaysian Spanish Institute (UniKL MSI), to run courses in automotive management to serve industry needs. This was in line with the government’s intention to produce many local entrepreneurs and experts in this potential field. In addition to providing opportunities for students to master business and management, students are exposed to automotive technology-based skills. What is unique about this course offered at UniKL MSI? It is currently the only course available regarding business technology in the automotive field. The Bachelor of Business Technology (Hons) in Automotive Management (BBT) is a three-and-ahalf-year course covering a wide range of related subjects. While 70% of the study content is core business and management, the remaining 30% is technology-based content (automotive). In the first semester, students are exposed to the business registration process to encourage students to start their business as early as possible. Since the graduation of the first batch in January 2022, 96.3% successfully secured employment within their respective fields. Graduates are also in demand among employers in various industries including sales, advertising, telecommunication, manufacturing, and logistics. Apart from choosing to work with employers in various industries, some graduates also engage in entrepreneurship by opening their own businesses. One of the graduates, Muhd Asyraf Nor Azman set up his own company, AlBahri Engineering Services, focusing on mechanical and electrical equipment services. With the approach and emphasis of technology in the syllabus of this course, it provides a wider opportunity for graduates to venture into various fields including engineering and automotive technology-based business. UniKL encourages graduates to open their own automative business. █ BYDHARSHINI GANESON PEOPLE often set goals for the new year but don’t always take the time to acknowledge the progress they have made, says Tiger Beer. “With the formidable force of the Tiger and Dragon this Chinese New Year (CNY), Tiger Beer wants Malaysians to celebrate their courageous achievements and be inspired to set even bolder ambitions for the year ahead,” proclaimed the brewer in a statement. For that, Malaysia’s most-renowned brew is kicking off its CNY 2024 campaign with even more exciting activations and promotions to “Cheers to a Bolder Tomorrow” together. “Tiger will be taking over the concourse area of selected malls as consumers shop in preparation for the auspicious celebration,” it proudly announced. Larger-than-life on-ground activations will be available at Sunway Velocity (Kuala Lumpur) from Jan 11 to Jan 28, Gurney Plaza (Penang) from Jan 24 to Feb 12, and Ipoh Parade (Ipoh) from Jan 23 to Feb 9, where shoppers can win exclusive merchandise. Up for grabs are prizes such as limitededition Year of the Dragon merchandise from Tiger’s exclusive clothing collaboration with Against Lab and also Tiger six-can-packs with customised greetings. Meanwhile, the brand is also kick-starting the festive season for consumers to enjoy an array of enticing promotions from now until Feb 10 at participating supermarkets and hypermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia. A purchase of selected Heineken Malaysia Berhad brews comes with a free La Gourmet Multi Electric Grill and Hotpot or a Reunion Dish Plate Set. From now until Feb 15, 2024, consumers at selected 99 Speedmarts can purchase any two cartons of participating Heineken Malaysia brands and stand to receive a free thermo flask, but that’s not all. Tiger is also bringing the celebration to selected coffee shops and food courts with performances, as well as enticing promotions and giveaways from now until Feb 24. Patrons who purchase big bottles of Tiger, Tiger Crystal, Heineken and Guinness can check under their bottle caps to see if they are eligible for the redemption of either an These Tiger CNY 2024 promotion image is for illustration purposes only. RM8,888 cash prize, the Tiger Mahjong Set, or a Reunion Dish Plate Set. To further elevate the festive cheer, up for grabs is the iPhone 15 Pro Max or RM88 Touch ‘n Go e-wallet credits – all consumers have to do is buy any two cans of beer under Heineken Malaysia’s portfolio of brands at convenience stores, provision shops and mini markets; scan the QR code and submit the receipt to participate in the contest from now to Feb 25, 2024. Shoppers also stand to win RM388 Touch ‘n Go e-wallet credit or a Heineken Poker Set when spending RM90 and above on participating brands at pubs and bars from now until Feb 24, 2024. Those who wish to make their purchases online to enjoy their favourite brews at home this CNY can do so via the Drinkies website. With the purchase of carton bundles on Drinkies, consumers will receive a La Gourmet Multi Electric Grill and Hotpot from Jan 2 to Jan 31, 2024. For gifting purposes to friends and family during the festive season, consumers can also purchase the Tiger CNY gift wrap on Drinkies which comes with a selection of festive greetings. Shoppers can also check out Shopee and Lazada to purchase brews from the Heineken Malaysia portfolio. “CNY is a time for us to ‘Cheers to a Bolder Tomorrow’ and celebrate courageous achievements and bold ambitions together,” said Tiger Beer Malaysia marketing manager Julie Kuan. “With an array of exciting promotions, giveaways, and activities that will bring Malaysians together, we hope that this inspires Malaysians to acknowledge the progress they have made and to set even bolder ambitions as they charge boldly forward into the new year.” For more information on the full mechanics and details of promotions as well as the redemption process, head to tigercny.tigerbeer.com . Also, check out the brand’s Instagram and Facebook sites for more updates. “Tiger advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive,” the company reminds the public. *Tiger and all related promotions and activities are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. ‘Cheers to a bolder tomorrow’ oTiger ushering in Year of the Dragon with nationwide promotions.
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 27 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EVERGREEN CAPITAL SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301045583 (1075407-T) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the members of Evergreen Capital Sdn Bhd will be held at the Liquidator’s office at No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. To receive and adopt the account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 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 and of the Liquidator thereof shall be disposed of. CHEAI WENG HOONG Liquidator Ipoh Date: 28 December 2023 Note: A member entitled to attend, participate, speak and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting. 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. (198401006647 (119162-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor on 21 December 2023, the Special Resolution was duly passed: “THAT the Company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up AND THAT Mr. Rosli Bin Bujang of Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor and Mr. Koh Seong Yeou of 12-3, Jalan 3/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Joint Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” PRADIT YONGPANCHAI Director Date : 28 December 2023 NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. (198401006647 (119162-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. which is undergoing members’ voluntary winding up, are required on or before 29 January 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Rosli Bin Bujang & Koh Seong Yeou Joint Liquidators Date : 28 December 2023 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE STATE OF WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: WA-28NCC-1267-12/2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(a) and Section 465(1)(a), (e) and (h) of the Companies Act 2016; AND In the matter of Icart Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K)); AND In the matter of the Companies (Winding -Up) Rules 1972 ICART MALAYSIA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K) … PETITIONER ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 19th day of December, 2023 presented by ICART MALAYSIA SDN BHD (Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K)). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 18th day of March, 2024; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at Level 5, Tower 8, Avenue 5, Horizon 2, Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur and its business address is at No. 4, Jalan Lengkok Abdullah, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs. Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468- 11E(2), 2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200 Kuala Lumpur. sgd .............................................. Messrs. Kee Sern, Siu & Huey Solicitors for the Petitioner Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 17th day of March , 2024 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Tel: 03-92122688) (Fax No: 03-40440448) (Email: [email protected]) (Ref: ASX/LKS/GL07/IMSB/230315) 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. (198201004428 (84175-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor on 21 December 2023, the Special Resolution was duly passed: “THAT the Company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up AND THAT Mr. Rosli Bin Bujang of Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor and Mr. Koh Seong Yeou of 12-3, Jalan 3/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Joint Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” PRADIT YONGPANCHAI Director Date : 28 December 2023 NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. (198201004428 (84175-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. which is undergoing members’ voluntary winding up, are required on or before 29 January 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Rosli Bin Bujang & Koh Seong Yeou Joint Liquidators Date : 28 December 2023 If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF WYZ CAPITAL SDN BHD Registration No. 201101039701 (967823-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at 51-21-A Menara BHL Bank, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang on Tuesday, 30th January 2024 at 10.00 a.m. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and the property disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution the manner and period in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator shall be destroyed. Dated this 28th December 2023. LEE PENG LOON Liquidator 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 SCAN ME THURSDAY DEC 28, 2023 Battle Down Under RAFAEL NADAL returns from a “winding, tortuous” injury journey in Brisbane this week, while fellow superstar Novak Djokovic kickstarts his bid for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title at Perth. It appeared last season that the veterans, with 46 Grand Slam crowns between them, may never share a competitive court again. But the prospect is back in play with Spain’s Nadal recovering from hip surgeries that sidelined him for almost a year. He begins what is set to be a farewell season at the Brisbane International from Dec 31-Jan 7 alongside Andy Murray and world No. 8 Holger Rune. Top-ranked Djokovic has opted for the mixed teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, starting tomorrow, as have fellow top 10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz. Barring last-minute setbacks, Nadal and Djokovic will then grace the courts of Melbourne Park for the Australian Open from Jan 14, perhaps for the last time together. The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner Nadal has not played since a second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open this year, leading to what coach Carlos Moya said was “a winding, tortuous road, with many curves”. Now 37, Nadal said he expects “nothing” from himself this time around. “I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum,” he said in announcing his return. “Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time.” Since being sidelined, Nadal has been overtaken in the total number of Grand Slam tournaments won by his Serbian arch-rival, who is targeting an alltime record 25th major title in Melbourne. The fourth-ranked Jannik Sinner gets his season under way at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event in Melbourne, while Carlos Alcaraz has nothing currently scheduled before the Australian Open. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also makes her highly anticipated return in Brisbane, having not played since September 2022. “I definitely want to win more Grand Slams,” she said. Women’s world No. 1 Iga Swiatek will acclimatise in Perth with her Polish teammates at the United Cup. Swiatek briefly surrendered her top ranking to Aryna Sabalenka during 2023 but reclaimed it with a gutsy triumph at the WTA Finals in Cancun. “It was certainly a demanding season that taught me a lot and which makes me even more proud,” said Swiatek, an Australian Open semifinalist in 2023. – AFP Novak wants to play into his 40s NOVAK DJOKOVIC has no plans to hang up his racket any time soon and is hoping he might be able to emulate American football great Tom Brady by extending his career well past his 40th birthday, the 36-year-old Serbian said yesterday. Quarterback Brady played 23 seasons in the National Football League, winning seven Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before finally calling it quits at the age of 45 earlier this year. World No. 1 Djokovic, who is preparing for the start of his 22nd season as a professional by playing an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Riyadh, said he had already learned plenty from Brady. “Tom Brady is a great example of a champion in his sport and someone that has had such a great career and longevity,” the 24-times Grand Slam champion told reporters in the Saudi capital. “He has put a lot of hours and a lot of time into self-care, into recovery, into making sure that in a way every aspect of his body and mind is covered so that he can have a long-lasting, successful career. “I know him personally and I learned a lot from him, from his example, and hopefully I can have a career that goes up to 40 or maybe even beyond – let’s see. I feel great in my own body right now and I’ve been playing some really high-quality tennis,” Djokovic added. “This year was one of the best seasons I’ve had in my life and why stop while you’re still playing great? So I’ll keep going and take (each) year, one by one, and see how far I go.” – Reuters Nadal, Osaka in Australia comebacks as Djokovic targets more glory IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EVERGREEN CAPITAL SDN BHD Registration No.: 201301045583 (1075407-T) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the members of Evergreen Capital Sdn Bhd will be held at the Liquidator’s office at No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. To receive and adopt the account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 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 and of the Liquidator thereof shall be disposed of. CHEAI WENG HOONG Liquidator Ipoh Date: 28 December 2023 Note: A member entitled to attend, participate, speak and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at No. 1 Jalan Lasam, 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting. 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. (198401006647 (119162-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor on 21 December 2023, the Special Resolution was duly passed: “THAT the Company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up AND THAT Mr. Rosli Bin Bujang of Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor and Mr. Koh Seong Yeou of 12-3, Jalan 3/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Joint Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” PRADIT YONGPANCHAI Director Date : 28 December 2023 NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. (198401006647 (119162-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of LABSERVICE (M) SDN. BHD. which is undergoing members’ voluntary winding up, are required on or before 29 January 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Rosli Bin Bujang & Koh Seong Yeou Joint Liquidators Date : 28 December 2023 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE STATE OF WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: WA-28NCC-1267-12/2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(a) and Section 465(1)(a), (e) and (h) of the Companies Act 2016; AND In the matter of Icart Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K)); AND In the matter of the Companies (Winding -Up) Rules 1972 ICART MALAYSIA SDN BHD Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K) … PETITIONER ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 19th day of December, 2023 presented by ICART MALAYSIA SDN BHD (Registration No.: 201401039662 (1115814-K)). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 18th day of March, 2024; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at Level 5, Tower 8, Avenue 5, Horizon 2, Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur and its business address is at No. 4, Jalan Lengkok Abdullah, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs. Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468- 11E(2), 2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200 Kuala Lumpur. sgd .............................................. Messrs. Kee Sern, Siu & Huey Solicitors for the Petitioner Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 17th day of March , 2024 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Tel: 03-92122688) (Fax No: 03-40440448) (Email: [email protected]) (Ref: ASX/LKS/GL07/IMSB/230315) 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. (198201004428 (84175-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor on 21 December 2023, the Special Resolution was duly passed: “THAT the Company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up AND THAT Mr. Rosli Bin Bujang of Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor and Mr. Koh Seong Yeou of 12-3, Jalan 3/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Joint Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” PRADIT YONGPANCHAI Director Date : 28 December 2023 NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. (198201004428 (84175-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY (M) SDN. BHD. which is undergoing members’ voluntary winding up, are required on or before 29 January 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Lot 3 & Lot 4, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Seksyen 22, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Rosli Bin Bujang & Koh Seong Yeou Joint Liquidators Date : 28 December 2023 If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF WYZ CAPITAL SDN BHD Registration No. 201101039701 (967823-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at 51-21-A Menara BHL Bank, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang on Tuesday, 30th January 2024 at 10.00 a.m. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and the property disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution the manner and period in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator shall be destroyed. Dated this 28th December 2023. LEE PENG LOON Liquidator 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 28 NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is backing striker Chris Wood to fire Nottingham Forest away from Premier League trouble after seeing him plunder a hattrick to fell former club Newcastle. The New Zealand international, who left Tyneside for the City Ground this summer having played his part in Newcastle’s top-flight survival fight two seasons ago, scored one goal for the Magpies in 20 appearances at St. James’ Park, but trebled that on a memorable afternoon to secure a 3-1 Boxing Day win. Asked if the 32-year-old could become prolific this season, new head coach Espirito Santo said: “I think so, I really believe so. “He did it last week, today he did it again. It’s about the team helping, so it’s not only him, it’s how we want to do things to create chances for him. But I’m very happy with him now. “Chris Wood, we know him, everybody knows him. He’s been in the game for a while now, but the way he did it today, how he scored, how he was in the right moments. “The second goal is beautiful, it’s beautiful, the one vs one and then the composure to just flick the ball over the goalkeeper, so thank you Chris for the job today. I really hope that he does it again because the talent is there.” Espirito Santo, whose first game in charge on Saturday ended in a 3-2 home defeat by Bournemouth, might have feared the worst when the Magpies took an early lead courtesy of Alexander Isak’s 23rd-minute penalty. However, they were pegged back in stoppage time after Anthony Elanga crossed for Wood to level from close range, and that proved only the prelude to a disastrous afternoon for the hosts. Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White repeatedly split an unusually porous home rearguard, and Wood took full advantage with two more expert finishes after the break to hand his new boss a first win and extend his managerial record against the Magpies to eight games without defeat. Espirito Santo said: “It feels very good and the boys are very happy. But it was hard and we have to congratulate them because they did fantastic work. I think we played well and it was a well-deserved win.” Opposite number Eddie Howe, whose side have now lost six of their last seven games in all competitions and slipped out of the Champions League and perhaps even the race for a top-four finish, was reflective after another difficult afternoon. Howe said: “We weren’t quite at our best today and in the Premier League when you’re not, you get punished. “Whenever you lose games, that’s an uncomfortable feeling for you; whenever your team is not at its peak, it’s an uncomfortable feeling. “But we have to remain reflective and we have to make the right decisions for the team in the next few days to make sure we’re ready for our next game. “I don’t think physically we’re at our best. I think that’s obvious and I think I would be lying if I said otherwise.” – The Independent FULHAM boss Marco Silva insisted his goalkeeper Bernd Leno “touched” but “didn’t push” a ball boy during the Cottagers’ 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth yesterday. The second half incident occurred when Leno went to collect the ball from the youngster’s outstretched hand before using his own hand to make deliberate contact with the shoulder of the ball boy, who appeared to take a step back for balance. Leno, who seemed to take issue with the speed at which the ball was being returned, and had already been booked, was subjected to a chorus of boos. The 31-year-old German later returned to apologise to the boy for the encounter, though his manager was adamant the interaction had been exaggerated. Silva said: “Have you seen him pushing? I didn’t see this. Yes, he apologised. I spoke with Bernd about it. “It’s clear he went to speak with the boy after that moment as the top professional that he is, the really experienced player that he is as well. “He wanted to play quick. The ball boys, I don’t know who gave them instructions to hold always the ball to delay the beginning of the game again. OK, we are losing, he ran to the ball. I didn’t see him pushing. “He touched the ball boy, he didn’t push the ball boy. They are different things, when you touch a ball boy or you push a ball boy. “I am not English but I know the difference between one word and the other, and we have to say the truth in that moment.” It is understood no action will be taken over the incident. It was a low point of a frustrating afternoon for Silva’s men, who fell behind when Justin Kluivert scored on the stroke of half-time and a penalty needlessly conceded by Joao Palhinha allowed Dominic Solanke to score his 12th goal of the Premier League season – already more than he registered in his first 96 appearances in the competition. Luis Sinisterra added a third in stoppage time as the Cherries extended their unbeaten run to seven and consigned Fulham to a third straight loss following back-to-back 5- 0 victories to start the month. Asked if he had complained about what he felt was a deliberate delay by the ball boys, Silva replied: “I was really so upset with our performance that I didn’t even have the energy to start to complain.” – The Independent @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Perfect Chris-tmas present Nuno backs hattrick hero Wood to fire Forest to safety Luton boost survival hopes with chaotic comeback win CARLTON MORRIS climbed off the bench to create two own goals in four minutes for Luton Town as they beat Sheffield United 3-2 in a crucial Premier League basement battle. The Blades were on course for an important victory as goals from Oli McBurnie and Anel Ahmedhodzic overturned Alfie Doughty’s first half opener for the Hatters. But substitute Morris was the orchestrator as Jack Robinson and Anis Slimane put through their own net to give Luton back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time. The match was also notable for being the first Premier League match to be officiated by a black referee for 15 years as Sam Allison took the whistle and he mainly stayed away from controversy, apart from a contentious decision to award a corner in the build-up to Robinson’s own goal. Luton were not complaining as the festive season which began with a win over Newcastle on Saturday added another vital three points and they will believe survival is a real possibility going into the second half of the campaign. After the trauma of captain Tom Lockyer having cardiac arrest on the pitch at Bournemouth, Luton have shown incredible spirit to secure six points from their past two games which could be crucial to securing their Premier League future. “I don’t know,” said boss Rob Edwards when asked if what happened to Lockyer had brought his squad even closer together. “I get we have won two games in a row but we have been playing well for some time now. “That said we do want to embody what Tom is. He has been such a success in football because of his bravery.” It looks like the Blades will need a miracle to get themselves out of the bottom three as they have just nine points at the halfway mark and this could be a damaging loss. – The Independent/Agencies Keeper only ‘touched’ ball boy, say Silva after uproar █ BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN █ BY RACHEL STEINBERG SHORTS Morsy salvages draw for Ipswich SAM MORSY’S deflected stoppage-time shot gave secondplaced Ipswich a 1-1 draw at home to English Championship leaders Leicester yesterday. Morsy’s effort from the edge of the penalty area struck Ricardo Pereira and then hit the head of Jannik Vestergaard to leave Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen stranded. Leicester had led for most of the match at Portman Road thanks to Stephy Mavididi’s strike from just inside the penalty area in the 24th minute. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna told Sky Sports: “The goal comes from a fortunate deflection but we deserved it for the performance.” Leicester remained six points clear at the summit of English football’s second tier as they bid to return to the lucrative Premier League. Ipswich, thrashed 4-0 by Leeds on Saturday, ended the day five points ahead of Southampton, who moved up to third following a 5-0 rout of Swansea featuring two goals from Ryan Fraser. Victory meant Southampton leapfrogged Leeds into third place following the Yorkshire club’s 2-1 loss to Preston. Racist comment reported to cops LUTON boss Rob Edwards said South Yorkshire Police are investigating an alleged racist comment towards Carlton Morris in his side’s Boxing Day win at Sheffield United. The striker complained of a comment made from the home crowd late in the second half, which left him “pretty angry”, and the police have spoken to him. It soured what was a great day for Morris as he came off the bench to create two own goals in four minutes which earned the Hatters a vital 3-2 victory in the crunch basement Premier League battle at Bramall Lane. Edwards said: “There was an alleged racist comment, the police are dealing with that, they have spoken to Carlton and got his take on it, so it is with them now; I have no more comment on it. “He is alright – he was, at the time, pretty angry but he seems fine now.” Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood (centre) scores his team’s second goal against Newcastle during yesterday’s English Premier League match at St James’ Park. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 29 ‘Not perfect but alright’ Klopp praises Nunez, Jota after Liverpool win at Burnley LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to see both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota score – for different reasons – in the 2-0 win at Burnley. Nunez ended a run of 12 games without a goal with the first-half opener and Jota came off the bench after a month out to kill the game off in the 90th minute – his 50th goal for the Reds. “(Nunez) is an incredible finisher but if a striker doesn’t score, the whole system is not the same,” said Klopp. “You question everything. It’s not just the outside world, but you question everything. But it was just in the moment and he has it so it’s all good.” Jota’s return could not be more timely with top scorer Mohamed Salah set to depart to the African Nations Cup after the weekend’s visit of Newcastle. “Diogo is an incredibly important player for us. Having him changed the whole dynamic, that’s true. The goal he scored today is the goal of a boy full of conviction,” Klopp added. Victory returned Liverpool to the top of the table, with Arsenal not due to play until tomorrow morning. “So, 42 points, that’s really pleasing, to be honest. That’s really cool because the first part of the season (is) done and it was absolutely alright what we did. Not perfect but it was alright,” Klopp said. “And if I’m right, we cannot be more than a point away from the top of the table, if Arsenal win (against West Ham on Fri 4.15am Malaysian time). That’s obviously in punching distance, let me say it like that.” Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said deficiencies up front cost his side the chance of getting something from the game and admits the chance of him adding a proven quality striker in January are slim. “We had our moments, we can’t prevent them from having their moments as they are a top side, but we had our moments as well,” he said. “The t e a m f i g h t s , the team is alive, the team is entertaining – it just lacks the little bit of final touch to reward ourselves. “ T h e problem is that final touch in the Premier League, what is that? Down the bottom it is (Dominic) Solanke, (Raul) Jimenez – that’s the level you need and it’s difficult to go out in the market and find that level of player for us. “We have to see a progression in the players we have but if there is something smart we can do we will see.” – The Independent Rivals want Manchester City to fail more than ever: Guardiola PEP GUARDIOLA believes many people now want Manchester City to fail “more than ever” after the club won their fifth trophy of an outstanding year. City return to English domestic action at Everton overnight after adding the Club World Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Brazilian side Fluminense in Saudi Arabia to their trophy cabinet, having already lifted the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and European Super Cup in 2023. No club in English football history has enjoyed such a successful year, although Guardiola win six trophies when in charge of Barcelona in 2009 when the Catalan side won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup titles. “It is a business, you get credit when you win,” City manager Guardiola said. “You don’t win you are nothing, zero, what you have done in the past.” The Spaniard added: “As much as you win, they want you to fail. More than ever. I felt than when we won the sextuple in Barcelona. “It’s normal. They don’t want (us to win). In these 14-15 years what we have won, the titles, is unbelievable. “People say ‘how good they play, how genius it is’. But they give credit just because we win. They don’t have to look further than that. “In the moment you don’t win you are going to get doubts, absolutely everything,” said Guardiola. “But that is what is nice. That is OK. Doubt again, we’ll see what happens.” City’s victory over Fluminense gave the Manchester side their first Club World Cup and capped a productive five days in Saudi Arabia that manager Guardiola said had “created incredible team building and team spirit”. – AFP LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp launched into another rant about VAR after Harvey Elliott’s disallowed goal in the Reds’ 2-0 win away to Burnley. The England U-21 star thought he had doubled his side’s lead in the second half, but VAR was of the opinion that Mohamed Salah was offside and blocking the line of sight of goalkeeper James Trafford, prompting referee Paul Tierney to rule out the goal after being sent to the pitchside monitor. Amazon Prime coverage showed that Salah was pushed into that position by a Burnley defender and Klopp felt that regardless of Salah being inside the six-yard box, Trafford was not going to save Elliott’s sharp finish. As he was shown a replay, Klopp then launched into a scathing rant about VAR. “Only somebody who never played football could have made that,” he said. “Only they can make this offside call. “They will tell us in the end that it’s offside, whatever, he looked at it (for) five minutes and it’s insane when you see that. “Honestly, honestly. It starts with pulling them over to have a look at it. This man if he never played football, then he can think ‘offside rule, let me see page seven, there’s somebody between him and the goalie’, that’s ridiculous. “But in general, I have to say that it’s nothing to do with the result today and nothing to do with us because who cares now. “There are too many situations where we discuss after the game with a little bit of a football view, it would clearly say: ‘Oh it’s just the other way around’. “Why do referees create their own view on something? Collectively because in the end everybody says: ‘No it’s like this, it’s like that’, just think the community of the refs say: ‘No, it’s like that’. “But we all watch football and we all need referees, but we need them with the right interpretations of the rules. How can you make of this situation not a goal? Wow. “If it was not us I would say it’s a clear goal. Obviously it is like it is, handball is sometimes handball and all these kinds of things.” – Express Newspapers Reds boss goes on ruthless referee rant █ BY CARL MARKHAM SHORTS Fernandes insists Devils unaffected by Ineos move MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes praised his teammates for the manner of their comeback victory over Aston Villa – but insisted that there was no correlation between a Red Devils resurgence and the fact they were playing in front of Sir David Brailsford, two days after Ineos completed their minority share takeover deal of the club. The home players were spurred on only by the need for improvement though, said Fernandes, not by new faces in the boardroom. “Everyone in the team understood we had to keep pushing and knew what we needed to do. We knew if we could get the first goal of the second half we could change things,” Fernandes said on Amazon Prime Video after the match. “We’ve been training a lot to get our chances and goals. As a Man United player you know you’re going to be criticised but you have to know how to deal with that and play at this level. “(The Ineos deal affected the squad) not too much, because it’s not going to change anything we do on the pitch, unless they put money and bring some players for us. But it has to be us (that) makes the difference we need. “The papers and social media we see everything, it’s impossible not to. We know what the club is going through but we have to focus on what we can control and on our performances.” Ratcliffe calls for ‘patience’ SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has reached out to fans after agreeing to buy a 25% stake in Manchester United, telling them he takes his responsibility to put the club back on top of world football “very seriously” but also calling for patience. Ratcliffe has now written to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, the Fans’ Forum and the Fans’ Advisory Board insisting Ineos “are in for the long-term” but advising that success on the pitch “will require time and patience”. “I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf,” Ratcliffe wrote. “I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed. “It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management. “You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.” Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford (left) makes a save at the feet of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez (centre) during the English Premier League match at Turf Moor yesterday. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 30 CARDIFF CITY owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan said the Bluebirds have “a very good chance” of making the Championship playoffs under Erol Bulut and suggested new signings will arrive in January. But the Berjaya Group founder warned he will not pay “silly money or inflated wages”, as the scars from previous deals, specifically the big money signings of Andreas Cornelius and Josh Murphy under Malky Mackay, remain. Tan was in Cardif attending yesterday’s fixture against Plymouth days before the January transfer window opens. Cardiff will be able to purchase players next month after having a transfer embargo, which has limited them to frees and loan signings in recent windows, lifted. “We trust Erol (Bulut) but we still have to look at budgets, we’re not simply going to buy players,” Tan told the BBC. “Hopefully in January we can bring in some… good players, we have to study you know?” “Some of our younger players maybe we should give them a chance to go to other clubs so that they can get more football time. “I think we have a good manager in Erol and I believe we have a very good chance to be in the playoffs hopefully, God willing.” He also made a demand for Championship clubs to get more financial help from the Premier League going forward. “Surely we want to get promoted, it’s tough being in the Championship – I think almost everybody loses money… The Premier League guys must help the Championship,” he said. “I think we need to get much more TV money. Now we’re getting £3 million (RM14.5m) and we need to get at least another £8-10 million (RM38-48m) more so that the Championship can survive. “Without the Championship the Premier League won’t be that great, every time three (teams) are relegated, three go up – it’s new blood coming in. “Almost 12 years I’m the owner here, I’ve put lots of money in.” Bulut has said he wants three to five players in the new year and he can revamp the squad starting next week. “For sure we will have a meeting about January,” Bulut said when asked his meeting with the club’s owner. “I hope positive messages in terms of transfers and what we can do in January. “I said before, I don’t know what we can do. I hope we can do (business in January). We need some players, quality players that can push us and keep the level high. “We know what kind of players we need. January is always difficult to get players. Nobody wants to give their best players away.” – WalesOnline Toto 4D Jackpot 2 RM581,865 RM28,996,297 won on 26/12/2023 ! 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Playoff push Tan to back Bulut in transfer window but issues warning MORGAN WHITTAKER scored two goals to give managerless Plymouth Argyle just their fifth away point of the season, as they played out an entertaining draw at Championship playoff contenders Cardiff City. Former Swansea City forward Whittaker tapped in from close range to put the visitors in front, before a comical own goal by Matt Butcher – whose backpass rolled in from 20 yards – brought Cardiff level. Karlan Grant fired the Bluebirds ahead early in the second half with a thunderous first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area. Whittaker then rifled in his second on the rebound after his initial shot was well saved by Jak Alnwick, as Plymouth sought a first win on the road s i n c e t h e i r return to the second tier. Both sides had chances to win the game – most notably Pilgrims substitute Bali Mumba, whose sliding effort crashed into the bar – but the draw seemed a fair result. Cardiff close the gap between themselves and the top six to two points but drop to 11th in the Championship. “In the first half we managed the game better. In the second half after the substitutes, we were too defensive,” Cardiff manager Erol Bulut told BBC Sport. “We made small mistakes in the build-up, the confidence was not like it was in the first half. “We cannot let the opponent shoot two times in a row without getting the ball (Whittaker’s second goal). This cannot happen. We have to be more focused and aggressive. “It was a game that was 50-50 from both sides, with chances nearly the same. They pushed a lot in the second half and created a few chances. “In the end it is one point and we have to live with that, recover well and get ready for the next game (Leicester at home on Sat 3.45am Malaysian time).” Plymouth, who were playing their second match since manager Steven Schumacher left to take over at Stoke City, move up to 16th in the table. – Agencies Grant thunderbolt not enough for Cardiff Karlan Grant. – cardiffcityfc.co.uk
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 28, 2023 31 Pan Gon happy with selection Best Harimau Malaya squad assembled at the moment for Asian Cup in Doha NATIONAL team head coach Kim Pan Gon is happy with his players’ selection for the 2023 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar next month, describing it as the best Harimau Malaya squad so far. Pan Gon said he managed to gather all the players he wanted as the squad is expected to face an uphill task at the prestigious football tournament scheduled from Jan 12 to Feb 10. However, the 54-year-old South Korean admitted that he was a little upset as they could not use the services of three defenders – Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, Azam Azmi Murad and Muhamad Feroz Baharudin. “I’m very happy because all the options I got, except two players Sharul Nazeem and Azam because of injury, so we can’t select; Feroz also we tried to invite but he has plans to get married. “It’s the best squad so far; I’m happy with the selection,” he told reporters on the first day of the national team training camp at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya yesterday. Pan Gon said the Harimau Malaya team this time around is more balanced with the combination of youngsters, seniors and some experienced players. He said the decision to list some experienced players including Paulo Josue, 34, Brendan Gan, 35, and Natxo Insa, 37, was to ensure that the team is more balanced in defence and attack and to use them to guide the young players in high-profile matches. “Hopefully, the experienced players use their experience to teach and guide them (youngsters), make them calm and confident. We learned something from the last tournament (that) we shouldn’t be overconfident,” he said. Pan Gon said 24 players reported on the first day of the training camp. He said Dion Cools will join the team in early January due to his commitment to his club Buriram United while Endrick Dos Santos has family matters to attend to and will be with the team soon. Malaysia, who ended their 42-year wait to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit, will face Jordan in the Group E opener on Jan 15, Bahrain (Jan 20) and favourites as well as two-time champions South Korea in the final group match on Jan 25. The Harimau Malaya squad is scheduled to fly to Doha on Jan 1 and set to face Syria in a closed-door friendly match on Jan 8. – Bernama FAM hope Tigers can make history and reach last 16 WITH about two weeks to go before the 2023 Asian Cup Finals, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have finally broken their silence by saying that they hope the Harimau Malaya make history by advancing into the last 16 of the competition. FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said it would be a remarkable achievement if Malaysia can qualify for the last 16 which would be held in Doha, Qatar from Jan 12 to Feb 10 next year. However, he admitted that Malaysia will face a tough hurdle since the team, under the guidance of head coach Kim Pan Gon, have been placed in Group E with Jordan, Bahrain and two-time champions South Korea. “Surely we have high hopes… if we can get into the last 16 is good enough, but we must be realistic and know that the 24 teams competing are the best… so the two early (group) matches are crucial for us to get points on board. “Pan Gon is working towards that and so are we (FAM),” he said yesterday. Hamidin is also confident that the players chosen by Pan Gon this time are the best available to get the job done in Qatar. “If we look at the (list) of players, I feel that these are among the best we have right now… perhaps one or two (players) missed out due to injuries,” he said. Meanwhile, Pan Gon is disappointed with Saudi Arabia for calling off their friendly against the national football team as it now leaves the Harimau Malaya with probably just one warm-up match heading into the 2023 Asian Cup Finals. “Of course, it’s (one friendly) not enough, it was an ‘accident’, I’m very disappointed… anyhow, we will overcome this situation. “We are now looking for (other) available opponents,” he said. FAM had previously confirmed that the Jan 4 friendly against Saudi Arabia had been cancelled at the request of their new head coach, Roberto Mancini, as the Italian felt that his team might face Malaysia in the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup. – Bernama National athletes targets Malaysia’s first Olympic gold: Hamidin MALAYSIAN chef de mission to the 2024 Paris Olympics Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has given an assurance that national athletes will do their best to end the country’s wait for its first Olympic gold medal. He said that, at present, national track cyclist Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and national men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are best bets to win Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal. “To win gold, you must be the best in the world… in terms of records, Azizulhasni is the closest, followed by Aaron-Wooi Yik but they are not stable yet and the hope is that they will reach peak performance in Paris. “… we will continue to strive (to deliver the elusive Olympic gold),” he said. So far, five have secured their tickets to Paris. They are recurve archer Ariana Nur Dania Zairi, road cyclist Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir, diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises, sailor Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif and shooter Johnathan Wong. Hamidin said he is committed to helping the five athletes who have qualified for the Paris Olympics since they are not in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. “I will meet them here next month to find out about their needs. Although they are not in the RTG, we need to help them and that is my duty,” he said. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug 11. – Bernama ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United 3 (Garnacho 59, 71, Hojlund 82) Aston Villa 2 (McGinn 21, Dendoncker 26), Bournemouth 3 (Kluivert 44, Solanke 62-pen, Sinisterra 90+3) Fulham 0, Burnley 0 Liverpool 2 (Nunez 6, Jota 90), Newcastle 1 (Isak 23-pen) Nottingham Forest 3 (Wood 45+1, 53, 60), Sheffield United 2 (McBurnie 61, Ahmedhodzic 69) Luton 3 (Doughty 17, Robinson 77-og, Ben Slimane 81-og). P W D L F A Pts Liverpool 19 12 6 1 39 16 42 Arsenal 18 12 4 2 36 16 40 Aston Villa 19 12 3 4 40 25 39 Tottenham 18 11 3 4 37 24 36 Man City 17 10 4 3 40 20 34 Man Utd 19 10 1 8 21 25 31 West Ham 18 9 3 6 31 30 30 Newcastle 19 9 2 8 37 25 29 Brighton 18 7 6 5 34 31 27 Bournemouth 18 7 4 7 27 32 25 Chelsea 18 6 4 8 29 28 22 Wolves 18 6 4 8 23 30 22 Fulham 19 6 3 10 26 34 21 Brentford 17 5 4 8 24 24 19 Crystal Palace 18 4 6 8 18 26 18 Nottm Forest 19 4 5 10 22 34 17 Everton 18 8 2 8 23 22 16 Luton 18 4 3 11 21 34 15 Burnley 19 3 2 14 18 38 11 Sheff Utd 19 2 3 14 15 47 9 CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham 1 Stoke 3, Cardiff 2 Plymouth 2, Coventry 2 Sheffield Wednesday 0, Huddersfield 3 Blackburn 0, Hull 0 Sunderland 1, Ipswich 1 Leicester 1, Millwall 2 QPR 0, Preston 2 Leeds 1, Rotherham 1 Middlesbrough 0, Southampton 5 Swansea 0, Watford 1 Bristol City 4, West Brom 1 Norwich 0. P W D L F A Pts Leicester 24 19 2 3 48 17 59 Ipswich 24 16 5 3 48 33 53 Southampton 24 14 6 4 43 29 48 Leeds 24 13 6 5 42 24 45 West Brom 24 11 6 7 35 23 39 Sunderland 24 11 3 10 33 27 36 Hull 24 10 6 8 36 31 36 Bristol City 24 10 5 9 30 27 35 Preston 24 10 5 9 31 41 35 Watford 24 9 7 8 38 32 34 Cardiff 24 10 4 10 32 30 34 Norwich 24 10 4 10 41 40 34 Coventry 24 8 9 7 33 25 33 M’brough 24 10 3 11 35 35 33 Blackburn 24 10 1 13 35 43 31 Plymouth 24 7 7 10 39 40 28 Swansea 24 7 7 10 32 37 28 Stoke 24 7 6 11 24 31 27 Birmingham 24 7 6 11 30 38 27 Millwall 24 6 8 10 26 31 26 Huddersfield 24 5 10 9 24 38 25 QPR 24 5 5 14 20 35 20 Sheff Wed 24 4 4 16 17 39 16 Rotherham 24 3 7 14 21 47 16 RESULTS & STANDINGS Kim Pan Gon. – BERNAMAPIX
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] ERIK TEN HAG expects Rasmus Hojlund to keep scoring after Manchester United’s £72 million (RM346m) man finally broke his Premier League duck to seal a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa. United looked destined for a 14th defeat of the season in all competitions when Aston Villa scored twice in the space of six first-half minutes through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker to take a 2-0 lead in at halftime as boos rang around Old Trafford at the break. But with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford watching on after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake-holding was confirmed, United rallied in the second half with Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice before Hojlund won it in the 82nd minute. Although the summer signing from Atalanta finished as United’s top-scorer in their short-lived Champions League campaign, he had failed to find the net in 16 matches in domestic competition, but made no mistake when McGinn could only flick the ball into his path eight minutes from time. “Of course I’ve had several talks with him and every time I’ve pointed out he has scored for Denmark a lot, he has scored in the Champions League, he has demonstrated his ability so you can do it, believe,” Ten Hag said of the 20-year-old Dane. “I’m sure now he has the first goal he will score more. “When a striker doesn’t score it’s a problem but he has a strong character, he is so solid, determined. “He has a big personality. I think this is what a striker needs. When you keep investing, the goals will come.” Hojlund claimed to be the “happiest man alive” after breaking his Premier League duck. “It’s been a while but I’m happy,” the Denmark international told Amazon Prime. “I’m the happiest man alive right now – you can see in the celebrations as well. We believe until the end and we showed a lot of character again today. “I’ve scored a couple in the Champions League but of course it’s been a while in the Premier League,” he said. “I’m happy to get the first one and now hopefully I can keep going.” Brailsford’s presence came two days after Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% stake in the club – which will come with control of footballing operations – was announced subject to ratification by the Premier League. The former British Cycling boss would have been worried by how easily Villa scored their goals. McGinn’s free-kick from wide bounced through a crowded box before Dendoncker was left almost unmarked to flick home from a corner. But asked if Brailsford had seen both the best and worst of his United side, Ten Hag said: “It wasn’t the worst. I think already in the first half we played solidly. “It was a little bit slopping to give two goals away but after we changed the pressing slightly and we kept going. “Already we created chances in the first half, we kept believing in ourselves and that is what I demand. I said at halftime, keep believing and we will win this game.” Victory would have taken Villa level on points with leaders Liverpool, but despite the disappointment Unai Emery said his side had learned important lessons as they try to mix it with more established sides at the top end of the table. “We are disappointed after the first half, the first 60 minutes in control of the game and how we conceded the (first) goal with a mistake in the middle,” he said. “After that the atmosphere was so much better for them, pushing them, they go up and even then we reacted with good chances for John McGinn and Leon Bailey. “That was the key moment because Manchester United at home, with the players they have and even in the moment they are in, they are not taking the point. “We have to understand overall the first half of the season we are doing. It has been fantastic, but it could be better.” SCAN ME THURSDAY | DEC 28, 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 -Story on page 30 -Story on page 29 Pl ayoff push ‘Not perfect Great Dane but alright’ Rasmus Ten Hag backs Hojlund to go on Premier League scoring run after finally breaking Premier League duck █ BY IAN PARKER Man United’s Rasmus Hojlund (right) celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford yesterday. – AFPPIX – The Independent