Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 WEDNESDAY MAR 6, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8473 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) MP says sorry Fire and Rescue Department operations head Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said more than 5,000 snakes were captured in the last two months. – PIC COURTESY OF FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT Beware of online child predators Parents ‘selling’ their children’s charm and charisma on social media for fame and fortune expose them to cyber-paedophilia threat, says lawyer Call for task force to clear employment dispute backlog Watch out for snakes during heatwave Slithery reptiles attracted to residential homes as they prefer shaded areas with food and water during hot season. Report on hpage 3 Report on hpage 5 Report on hpage 4 On top of over 4,000 pending cases, some 2,000 new ones referred to Industrial Court each year, making it very challenging for court chairmen to clear: Malaysian Employers Federation Report on hpage 2 Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan apologises to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament for issuing malicious statements against prime minister when debating Motion of Thanks for Royal Address on Feb 28.
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 2 MP apologises for malicious statements against PM KUALA LUMPUR: Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan from Perikatan Nasional apologised yesterday for his actions in issuing malicious statements against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat. The apology was made after Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul gave the MP the opportunity to explain before a motion by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was presented to suspend Wan Saiful for six months for accusing Anwar of abusing his power. In the apology, Wan Saiful admitted that the statement made when debating the motion of thanks for the royal address in the oMove made after Dewan Rakyat Speaker gave Wan Saiful chance to explain before motion by deputy premier was presented to suspend him for six months Selangor Sultan beacon of hope for all Malaysians: Academic KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s unwavering commitment to fostering racial harmony and national unity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Malaysians, said National Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir. He was commenting on the Sultan’s address at the end of his term on Feb 15 as National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs chairman, in which he spoke on various matters involving Islam. The full text of his █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] RTD to introduce e-Testing next month HULU LANGAT: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will introduce the electronic driving test and training system (e-Testing) in April. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the implementation of the system would allow candidates to undergo the test without RTD officers being present in the vehicle while the candidate’s performance evaluation would be conducted electronically using detectors and cameras. “The results will be generated in real time while improving the integrity of the evaluation process,” he said after visiting a driving institute in conjunction with the implementation of e-Testing. The development of the e-Testing system was announced in 2020 and the RTD started testing the system under a pilot project involving several driving institutes. Loke said for now, driving test candidates are given the option of either taking the normal test or e-Testing, before it is fully implemented in 2030. He said candidates choosing e-Testing would receive several benefits, including being able to make a second attempt for each failed test on the same day at no additional cost. – Bernama Loke with driving test candidate Muhammad Ridzwan Chum Abdullah, who was undergoing e-Testing at the Surfine Hitech driving institute in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC PM meets Aussie business leaders MELBOURNE: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engaged with business leaders and top executives from 18 Australian companies in Melbourne yesterday during his official visit to Australia, encouraging them to expand their businesses and investments to Malaysia. The company executives were from the manufacturing and services sector involving data centres, finance and trading, Bernama reported. Anwar said Malaysia, under his leadership, has implemented clear and effective policies leading to unprecedented levels of investment. “The Malaysian government, which is currently stable, is a major factor in attracting investors to Malaysia. We have introduced new policies with clarity and as a result, we have secured both domestic and foreign trade investments, the highest ever in (Malaysia’s) history.” Anwar announced last month that Malaysia’s approved investments hit RM329.5 billion in 2023, which was 23% higher compared with 2022, the highest in the country’s history. Foreign investment was the main contributor, accounting for 57.2% compared with domestic investment at 42.8%. Last year, Malaysia and Australia’s bilateral trade stood at US$18.57 billion (RM84.64 billion), with Australia being Malaysia’s 10th largest trading partner. Move to gauge SST hike impact KUALA LUMPUR: Ops Kesan 2024 was launched by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Friday with the goal of monitoring the impact of the Sales and Service Tax increase from 6% to 8%. In Kedah, state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said 52 premises were inspected as of Monday, with three notices issued to owners of three premises involved in the hotel business, health and wellness centres. “The category of premises inspected are those registered with SST and have sales value of taxable goods that exceed RM500,000 in a year. It involves four categories, namely hotels, health and wellness centres, training centres and laundry outlets. “The checks were conducted to ensure that businesses do not take advantage by indiscriminately increasing prices that do not follow regulations.” In Johor, 10 notices were issued to those in the hotel and spa business and all premises were given four days to provide feedback so that the ministry could examine whether price adjustments made were in line with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act. – Bernama Dewan Rakyat on Feb 28 was indeed directed at Anwar. “I did address that sentence to Tambun (Anwar). I retract that sentence, I retract my statement and I also apologise for that statement. “I also humbly apologise because in the motion, there was a mention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and therefore I apologise and withdraw the statement and I hope it is given due consideration.” Following the apology, Johari considered the issue closed and proposed that Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, withdraw the motion. “This means the Honourable Member for Tasek Gelugor has apologised to Tambun and withdrawn his statement. The Honourable Member has also sought the forgiveness of His Majesty the King. “For that, I accepted the (apology) and the minister’s withdrawal of motion. Thus, I considered the matter settled as an apology had been made and hopefully, it is acceptable to the minister,” he said. Ahmad Zahid later withdrew the relevant motion listed in the Order of Business of the Dewan Rakyat Meeting. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader and Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin stood up to express his appreciation and commended the decision of the Speaker in resolving the issue. address was published in theSun on Tuesday. “Through his inclusive leadership, advocacy for interfaith dialogue and unifying presence, Sultan Sharafuddin embodies the values of tolerance, acceptance and solidarity that are essential for Malaysia’s continued progress and prosperity. “His leadership transcends ethnic boundaries, emphasising the importance of embracing Malaysia’s multicultural fabric. Thus, national unity, social cohesion and harmony should be upheld at all times as it is the formula and pillar for a progressive and prosperous nation.” He said Sultan Sharafuddin was correct in saying that any form of divisive narratives, radicalism, extremism and polarisation should be avoided at all costs. “By actively engaging with various communities, the Sultan has set an exemplary precedent for tolerance and acceptance, thereby fostering a sense of belonging among all citizens regardless of race or creed.” Jeniri said efforts by His Royal Highness to promote mutual understanding among different religious groups serve as a bulwark against sectarian tensions, while his initiatives not only promote coexistence but also nurture a shared sense of spirituality that transcends individual faiths. He added that as citizens, it is incumbent upon the people to emulate the Sultan’s example and strive towards a future in which unity triumphs over division, and diversity is celebrated as Malaysia’s greatest strength. On Feb 29, His Royal Highness expressed deep regret over a Feb 20 statement made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang titled “Elevation of Islam Must Be Maintained”, which was addressed to religious scholars, judges, lawyers, MPs, state legislative assemblies and the Malay Rulers. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, the Sultan described as “highly inappropriate” Abdul Hadi’s cynical statement indirectly linking His Royal Highness’ address to the need for the Rulers to be focused on the afterlife and not solely on worldly interests. Sultan Sharafuddin also said Abdul Hadi’s statement lacked decorum from the perspective of Malay culture, which always respects and upholds etiquette when expressing views and advice to the Malay Rulers. Ethnic language convention to be held in October KOTA BHARU: The National Colloquial Language Convention, which aims to empower ethnic languages and document the diversity of colloquial languages, will be held in October. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the convention would be conducted on a large scale, and several eligible states would be selected for documentation purposes. “For instance, Kelantan is likely to be chosen due to the significant importance placed on its dialect by Kelantanese. “Kelantan serves as the best example when discussing unity and harmony among races because it comprises various ethnicities and cultural heritage,” he said, after officiating at the Bicara Bahasa Kolokial: Melestarikan Keberdayaan Bahasa Komuniti Cakno Loghat Kelate here yesterday. He said the writing, spelling and pronunciation of a state’s dialect chosen for the convention would be recorded by the National Archives. – Bernama
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 3 PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called for a special court to be set up as a task force to dispose the thousands of Industrial Court cases that are pending. Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman told theSun: “The special court is required as there is a backlog of over 4,000 cases and it will be extremely challenging for Industrial Court chairmen to clear them within a reasonable timeframe. “There are also at least some 2,000 new cases being referred to the Industrial Court each year, which further compounds the problem.” Syed Hussain said initiating the special court as a task force to clear the cases will be helpful to the Industrial Court chairmen, lawyers, companies and plaintiffs involved. He also lauded a move by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who recently announced that the tenure of Industrial Court chairmen would be increased to four years from the previous two. Syed Hussain said the length of their tenure was among the issues previously raised by MEF, which stressed that the appointment of Industrial Court chairmen was too short, while the process of appointing them and renewing their appointments was tedious and time-consuming. “Sim’s initiative provides better security and removes the anxiety faced by Industrial Court chairmen on whether their appointments would be renewed at the end of their two-year term. Now that their appointments have a longer tenure, it would attract more qualified practitioners to take up Industrial Court positions, especially those who wish to build a career in the judiciary.” He said just as importantly, the longer tenure would also alleviate some of the issues involved in the renewal process. He suggested Sim consider the possibility of offering permanent appointments to those under fixed-term contracts. “This should be offered to those who have discharged their roles and responsibilities admirably,” he said, adding that MEF is confident that human resources issues will be resolved under Sim’s leadership and that it is keen to work closely with him and ministry officials. “We are confident that Sim and his team will establish a better business environment and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness to be within the top 12 in the World Competitiveness Index as envisaged under the Malaysia Madani Economy Framework.” Syed Hussain also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his constant advice to employers and employees to join forces to build a more talented workforce. “The prime minister has always emphasised the need to attract skilled and experienced workers to improve competitiveness and efficiency. Doing so will not just attract investors and give them confidence that their investments will reap good benefits, it would also ensure that the country raises the bar and enters more high-tech industries as we embrace Industrial Revolution 4.0.” On a separate matter, Syed Hussain called for “greater collaboration” among employers, the government and trade unions to address mental health issues in the workplace. He said mental health is one of the least discussed issues among health officers tasked with managing workplace safety. “The sad part is that mental health is not part of their training and not covered in detail in the existing Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.” Syed Hussain said the problem is worsened by the stigma attached to mental health, as it is often equated with “madness”. Malaysia recorded an increase of 81% or 1,142 suicide cases as of September 2022, compared with 631 cases in 2020. “This shows that the suicide rate is increasing over the years. The workplace needs to respond to it, failing which employers may lose productive workers,” he said. M’sia secures sevencountry collaboration PUTRAJAYA: Seven countries have agreed to collaborate with Malaysia to expand higher education mediation programmes, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Zambry, a former foreign minister, said in a statement the agreement was reached following a meeting at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2024 in Antalya, Turkiye recently. Among those who attended the meeting were the Kosovo deputy prime minister II, who also serves as foreign minister, Uzbekistan foreign minister, Iraqi deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Kyrgyzstan foreign minister, Sri Lanka foreign minister, Libyan Supreme Council president, Turkish Maarif Foundation president and its foreign minister. Zambry said he conducted eight bilateral meetings with foreign ministers at ADF, addressing multiple areas of interest, including matters pertaining to the higher education sector. “We reached agreements with all these countries to expand our national higher education internationalisation programme, encompassing student and lecturer exchange, research and common areas of interest that can be explored together,” he said. Zambry, who represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the forum, said countries such as Iraq and Libya expressed readiness to extend larger scholarships for their students to pursue studies in Malaysia. – Bernama Call to expedite clearance of Industrial Court cases oSet up special task force to help dispose of backlog to ease workload of those involved: MEF chief Fixed-term Parliament Act proposal still under study KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to enact the Fixed-term Parliament Act is still in the in-depth study stage, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said the study carried out by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department included an impact study that also took into account the views of the results of engagement sessions with stakeholders and the public regarding the introduction of the Act. “The findings of this comprehensive study will be used for policy consideration by the Cabinet later,” she said in a written reply posted on the Parliament website. Azalina was replying to R.S.N. Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who asked whether the government plans to enact the Fixed-term Parliament Act to prevent party-hopping, that could undermine political stability in Malaysia. She said there are many countries that practise fixed-term parliaments, with an agreed timeline for elections in order to ensure political and economic stability and to prevent any attempt to seize power, that harms the country’s parliamentary democratic system. Azalina also said a fixed-term Parliament could also ensure that all reform agendas and policies can be implemented continuously without interruption. “Malaysia has a fixed term of Parliament, which is five years, as provided under Article 55(3) of the Federal Constitution. “However, the prime minister has the discretion to request the King to approve the dissolution of Parliament before the end of the five-year period at any time for any reason, if His Majesty also agrees.” Meanwhile, in a separate answer regarding the government’s challenges in examining the proposed Act, Azalina said none have yet been identified since it is still at the detailed study stage. She was replying to Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), who wanted to know the government’s challenges in examining the proposed Act in order to strengthen the country’s Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy. – Bernama States allowed to have free education policy KUCHING: State governments have the autonomy to implement a policy for free higher education to help children of their residents, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. “The state (may have) a policy (of education in which) they want to help their citizens to continue their education at the university and college level. “It is the state’s right because they have the (financial) ability to help their own citizens,” he said after visiting the i-CATS University College here yesterday. He was commenting on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg’s statement on Oct 1 last year on free education at universities and higher education institutions owned by the Sarawak government, that is expected to be implemented in 2026. Abang Johari said Sarawak’s annual revenue projections, which have continued to show an increase since 2020, have given him the confidence to set the expectation. About 25,000 Sarawak students in the state are expected to benefit from the free higher education policy. – Bernama █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] UNIQUE DECOR ... Visitors admiring the displays at the Export Furniture Exhibition 17th Edition at KL Convention Centre yesterday. The event is being held until tomorrow. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA THESUN
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 4 Kedah eyes three million visitors to Langkawi ALOR SETAR: The Kedah state government is implementing various initiatives to ensure the target of three million visitors to Langkawi this year can be achieved, while maintaining the island as a preferred tourist destination. State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said based on the current momentum, the state government is confident that the target can be achieved as statistics showed 206,443 tourists were recorded as of Jan 31. Mohd Salleh said airline Flydubai has started a direct flight to Langkawi scheduled for seven times a week since Feb 10, with the arrival of tourists from West Asian countries, Europe and Africa. “Langkawi has also received a number of visitors from 16 luxury cruise ships docked at the Langkawi Cruise Terminal and this shows that Langkawi has never lost its magic. “Various international tourism events are also to be held in Kedah and for this year a total of 26 events have been and will be held on this legendary island, including the Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2024, Ironman Langkawi, Langkawi International Half Marathon and others,” he said. Mohd Salleh was replying to a question by Bakar Arang MP Loh Wei Chai on the strategy and initiatives implemented to bring the number of tourists to Langkawi to the level before the Covid-19 pandemic, at Kedah state assembly sitting yesterday. – Bernama BOT financing to be used for expressway KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of the proposed 122km East Coast Expressway (ECE) Phase 3 from Kampung Gemuroh in Kuala Terengganu to Kampung Tunjong in Kota Bharu will use the build-operate-transfer (BOT) financing model. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said through the BOT model, the concessionaire will finance the construction of the expressway through the bank and get a return of profit via the collection of toll payments. When completed within a certain period, the project will be returned to the government. “We have the ECRL (East Coast Rail Line) project, we have the CSR (Central Spine Road), so the ministry’s view of the financing model for this proposed ECE will use the BOT model. “(The expressway) is an inter-city highway, which is usually only used during weekends in contrast to the intra-city highway, which is heavily used five days a week, so this funding model needs to be carefully researched to benefit all parties,” he told Dewan Rakyat yesterday. – Bernama No plan to adjust M’sian Standard Time KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to adjust the standard time in Peninsular Malaysia from GMT+8 to GMT+7, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong. He added that such a change in time would only burden the people. “Generally, the one-hour difference between GMT+8 and GMT+7 does not affect daily life. The human body clock can adapt well to the environmental changes with this slight difference,” he said this at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) if the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry has plans to consider changing the Peninsular Malaysia time to GMT+7 based on the geographical position and actual movement of the sun so that the people can live their daily lives according to their body clock. – Bernama Be wary of slithery visitors during hot spell PETALING JAYA: The public have been warned to be on their guard as the current sweltering heat, despite occasional showers, is attracting unwanted guests into urban areas and homes. Snakes such as venomous king cobras, pythons, Malayan krait, banded krait and pit vipers have been making their way into these areas to escape the hot weather. The Malaysia Civil Defence Force reported that it has recorded 104,859 cases of snakes captured in the country in 2023, with Selangor recording the highest number at 16,160 cases. Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department operations head Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said in the last two months of this year, it had attended to a total of 5,094 cases of snake capture. “In January, the department captured 891 snakes in Selangor. This was followed by Johor with 347 and Perak 290. “The majority of captured snakes were cobras, kraits and pythons. During the captures, five of our personnel were injured after being bitten and sprayed with venom.” Shoki said while the majority of snake oSnakes attracted to dark and damp places where they can hide to regulate body temperature, hydration levels █ BYQIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [email protected] habitats are in rural areas where they naturally hide in forested areas and thick vegetation, they can also be found in urban environments. “Snakes are attracted to dark and damp places, which are usually secluded spots where they can hide to regulate their body temperature and hydration levels. “As cold-blooded reptiles, snakes prefer areas that are shaded and with food and water sources during the hot season. Hence, the most appealing place would be in residential areas, especially homes that can provide hiding spaces such as in the kitchen or store room,” he said. Shoki added that snakes prefer to avoid interaction with humans unless it is by chance as they fear being harmed. However, he said when they start to feel threatened, they may become aggressive and attack. “If it is a venomous snake, it can spray its venom when it is near humans. Malaysia has around 27 species of venomous snakes with the main ones being the king cobra, Malayan krait, banded krait and pit vipers which can be a serious threat. “Most venomous snakes have fangs and many have triangular-shaped heads. When we see a snake raising its head about two feet off the ground, it means it can strike us from a distance of about two feet, so it is best not to approach it but merely observe where it goes while calling the fire department for assistance.” Shoki said dark areas may also attract other animals such as rats or frogs, which serve as food sources for snakes. As such, homeowners need to ensure their homes are clean and free of clutter. He said wood piles and rubbish should be disposed of properly. Extra caution should be given to water holes and toilets where snakes also lurk, adding that it is essential to maintain a clean kitchen and not leave food exposed as they might be attracted to it. Shoki warned the public to avoid provoking snakes if they come across them inside their houses as doing so could lead to defensive or aggressive behaviour. “Snakes typically don’t attack unless they feel threatened, so ensure you maintain a safe distance from them and immediately call us for help,” he said. During the hot season, the public often visit recreational areas such as waterfalls and rivers to cool off. However, Shoki said snakes can also inhabit such locations. “Waterfalls and rivers can attract snakes that are seeking shelter, water or prey. So it is important to remain vigilant and take precautions even in seemingly serene outdoor environment,” he said. King’s scholarship programme applications open PUTRAJAYA: The Public Service Department (PSD) has invited qualified Malaysian citizens to apply for the 2024 King’s Scholarship. It said the programme is a highly prestigious government-sponsored scholarship for pursuing Master’s and PhDs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, economics, law, Islamic finance or artificial intelligence at institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad. “Applicants can complete the application form online through the portal bmipenajaan.jpa.gov.my between March 4 and March 29, 2024,” said the department in a statement. The completed application form together with relevant supporting documents must reach the PSD before or on April 5, either by delivery or post. Among the requirements for the scholarship is the candidates should be Malaysian citizens aged below 35 as at Jan 1. Other requirements include excellent academic results, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.75 or first-class, or its equivalent at the Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree level. Another condition is the candidates have been offered full-time studies or have started full-time studies in the year of the offer at institutions of higher learning listed by the PSD. “Candidates at the Master’s level are required to prepare a research paper or dissertation, as only the research mode is allowed.” Being active in creative and innovative work such as writing and design, or technology and so on, is an advantage for Master’s Degree candidates and mandatory for PhD candidates. Priority will also be given to candidates active in co-curricular or community activities. According to the PSD, only applications that meet the requirements and passed further screening by the department would be shortlisted to attend the interview. Further information regarding the scholarship can be obtained by visiting bmipenajaan.jpa.gov.my or calling 03-8885 3053/3879 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm or by emailing [email protected]. – Bernama BUDDING TALENT ... A total of 10 underprivileged youths received scholarships under the Chef Muda Mahsuri programme to pursue their dreams to be chefs, during a ceremony in Petaling Jaya yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 5 Daim’s wife applies to challenge charge KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has filed an application to challenge the validity of a charge brought against her under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act. Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, 66, pleaded not guilty at a Sessions Court on Jan 23 to the charge of failing to declare her assets, including Menara Ilham and several properties in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Na’imah filed a notice of motion last Thursday under Section 30(1) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, requesting the Sessions Court to refer to the High Court questions regarding the effect of provisions of the Federal Constitution. The questions include whether sections 30(5) and 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which were the charge sections against her, violate a person’s right to be protected from involvement in an offence and the right not to be compelled to give evidence in an offence to be used in a proceeding against oneself and/or the right to a fair trial. She also wants the court to determine whether Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 infringes articles 5 and 8 of the Constitution, and if it is unconstitutional and void. Na’imah was charged with not declaring her assets by deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of a notice, dated Nov 8 last year, which was sent to her by an officer from MACC with the rank of commissioner on Nov 1 last year. The properties include Menara Ilham, two companies (Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd), two luxury cars, a house in Persiaran Bukit Tunku, four plots of land in Bukit Tunku and one plot of land each in Penang and Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama RM3.5mil cash, gold bars lost in burglary KUALA LUMPUR: A woman found her safe, filled with gold bars and cash amounting to RM3.5 million, stolen from her house in Padang Balang, Sentul on Sunday. Wangsa Maju police chief Supt Ashari Abu Samah said the items stolen in the burglary, believed to have occurred between 10pm and 12am, also included several designer handbags and jewellery, which belonged to the family of the 43-yearold woman. He said the victim and her family were not at home during the incident and a police report was later lodged by her. Ashari said the case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code. He urged anyone with information to contact the police headquarters at 03-9289 9222 or the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115 9999, or visit the nearest police station. – Bernama Passengers flee after bus catches fire KUALA LUMPUR: Seven passengers of a RapidKL bus were asked by the driver to evacuate the vehicle immediately after it caught fire in Jalan Syed Putra at about 8am yesterday. Hang Tuah Fire and Rescue station senior operations commander Mohd Suhaimi Mohd Razali said the station received a call at 8.06am before 16 firefighters and six fire engines from the Hang Tuah and Seputeh stations rushed to the location. He said a motorcyclist alerted the bus driver of the flames at the back of the bus. “The bus driver immediately stopped the vehicle by the roadside and turned off the engine.” He added that the bus was 90% destroyed and the cause of the fire was being investigated. – Bernama Predator risks in pursuit of social media fame for kids PETALING JAYA: Bar Council Child Rights Committee chairperson Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo has warned parents to be vigilant about potential risks posed by predators targeting children on social media platforms. “As parents become more familiar with technology, they are sharing images and creating stories online about their children, with some hoping to make money by increasing their social media followers and to work with brands. “This is especially attractive among Malaysian parents because raising children today is very expensive.” Kokila said while the phenomenon may seem harmless on the surface, potential dangers posed by child predators or paedophiles who target children on social media platforms are real. She said Instagram, YouTube and TikTok offer avenues for fame and fortune, prompting many parents to capitalise on them to “sell” their children’s charm and charisma without fully understanding the risks involved. Rupiny Sarventhiran, 32, said she created oPictures of children, although modestly dressed, may attract paedophiles to download images for grooming and exploitation, says child rights lawyer █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] social media accounts for her two daughters, aged six and nine months, after being inspired by other celebrity and influencer parents. “I manage my younger daughter’s account and allow my older child to use her account under my supervision. I share their daily outfits, milestones and special moments with the online community. “I never imagined their accounts would gain so much attention as ‘baby influencers’, especially from local and international baby brands that are keen to collaborate through paid promotions.” Rupiny said despite her daughters being dressed modestly in their photos and videos, she noticed an increase in the number of “saved posts” of them in beach attire, compared with their usual numbers. “What made it even more alarming was that most of these saved posts were by men who were strangers. It left me feeling uneasy and suspicious about who was viewing and saving our content,” she said, adding that keeping her daughters safe and well has always been her priority. “At first, I did not worry much about their social media accounts. But now, I realise the importance of being cautious. I have adjusted their privacy settings and restricted their audience to protect my daughters.” Kokila said while promoting children on social media, parents must consider the presence of paedophiles, who can also be individuals willing to pay for advertisements. “Paedophiles often lurk on social media. They take advantage of the innocence of a child by pretending to be friendly or promising fame. Then, they manipulate children into doing inappropriate things or sharing compromising material.” She said some paedophiles may have fantasies involving infants or young children and saving baby posts allows them to indulge in these fetishes. She also said they collect images of children for gratification, either as part of a broader collection of illicit material or as a means of reliving past interactions or experiences. “In some cases, they save baby posts as part of their grooming process. They establish trust with parents or caregivers by showing interest in their children. This can be a precursor to exploit the child in future.” Kokila urged parents to focus on the safety and well-being of their children, adding that they need to be aware of cyberbullying, online predators and inappropriate content. She also said parents who allow their children to use social media should adjust the privacy settings and use parental controls to limit what minors can see or do online. She added that by understanding these risks and establishing clear boundaries and guidelines, parents can help mitigate potential risks and keep their children safe. Four in MMEA helicopter crash safely rescued KUALA LUMPUR: A helicopter belonging to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) crashed in the waters off Pulau Angsa in Klang yesterday. All four people on board were safely rescued. Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) CEO Datuk Kapt Norazman Mahmud said the AW139 helicopter, with registration number M72-01, was on a training flight before it crashed. “The helicopter departed from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang at 9.10am. “The last contact that the pilot made with air traffic control officers was reported at 9.20am, but no emergency calls were received.” He said the Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre at the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre was activated to identify the location of the helicopter after a report was received. He also said all on board were rescued by a helicopter and taken to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport at 10.58am, adding that an investigation will be conducted by the MMEA Investigation Board. MMEA said the incident happened at 9.55am when the helicopter was making an emergency landing during a rescue training exercise. MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said CAAM and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Putrajaya activated a search and rescue (SAR) operation at 10.15am after receiving an emergency call from anglers. He identified the four as Lt Comm (M) Tengku Mohd Nizam Tengku Zakaria and Lt Comm (M) Mohamad Azrol Saidi, who are both pilots. The other two were Warrant Officer I (M) John Ibno and Petty Officer (M) Muhamad Nurhayyat Hashim, who is a rescue swimmer. “Maritime assets dispatched to the location The crew of the helicopter received aid from anglers while waiting for rescuers. – BERNAMAPIC were Guard Boat 25 from Selangor, RH 16 and PSC 39 boats from Port Klang Marine Police and an MMEA Dauphine aircraft from the Subang Maritime Air Station (SMAS). “The AW139 crew members were rescued by a Dauphine aircraft and flown to SMAS,” Hamid said. He added that anglers on a boat provided initial assistance to the crew, adding that 10 members of the Special Action and Rescue Team and KM Bagan Datuk (patrol vessel) were also deployed to the location for security control. He said the SAR operation was called off at 11.15am and MMEA is investigating the cause of the crash. – Bernama
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 6 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ LARUT: Against the backdrop of the calm and serene village atmosphere in Selama, Perak, there is a morning market known as Pekan Jumaat Sungai Bayor, which has been the focus of over 300 traders from three states for the past 20 years. The market opens every Friday from 7am to noon and offers a variety of goods stretching over 2km along Jalan Kampung Sungai Bedarah, drawing visitors from Perak, Kedah and Penang. Selama District Hawkers Association chairman Mohamad Ezaiyuhan Awang, 38, said the market usually attracts around 2,000 visitors, and the number doubles during school holidays. “Some even travel all the way from Johor and Selangor to experience it.” He said in the early 60s to 70s, the location of the market was along the banks of Sungai Bedarah, but it was later moved to Pekan Sungai Bayor due to the increasing number of traders. “The location was then moved again to where it is now in early 2004 by the Selama District Council for safety reasons, since the location in Sungai Bayor town is the main route for residents. “I am one of the lucky ones among the few traders who have experienced the atmosphere doing business in Pekan Sungai Bayor and here,” he said, adding that among the items offered were a variety of food and beverages, agricultural produce, fish, fruits, second-hand goods and toys. “More than half of the total number of traders here are selling foodstuff. “All kinds of things can be found here, including items that are difficult to obtain such as tualang honey and certain species of freshwater fish.” Mohamad Ezaiyuhan said the association also organised several competitions as side activities to enhance the vibrancy of the market. The competitions featured various themes, including classic fashion, food and stall decoration in collaboration with the district council, Gang Dangor Sungai Bayor, WK Picture and the Selama population, Bernama reported. “We are doing all this to ensure the survival of the market. It would attract more visitors and generate additional income opportunities for traders,” he added. Trader Mohd Nazril Salleh, 32, said for the oRural traders offer village delicacies, fresh produce and used items amid fun-themed activities Quaint morning market draws crowdsfrom three states past six years, he has been travelling from his home in Kulim, Kedah, a round trip distance of over 50km, to earn a living by selling kacang rebus (boiled chickpeas and groundnuts). He said his efforts have been worthwhile as the sales generated could reach RM300 to RM450 a day. “Although the trading time is short, at around five hours and on only one day a week, the income is very satisfying to me. “It’s more fun doing business during the school holidays. Sometimes, I closed my stall by 9am because the kacang rebus is sold out,” he said, adding that the district council only charges RM4 for each trading site. Visitor Normala Sidek, 45, from Ipoh, suggested the authorities increase the number of signs to make it easier for visitors to find the location of the market. “I would like to suggest the local authorities put up signboards in addition to displaying information about the market for the convenience of outsiders. I am confident the uniqueness of this market could become another attraction for tourists,” she said. “My family and I have visited the market three times. Apart from the serene and calm atmosphere here, we can also buy fresh vegetables or village delicacies at reasonable prices.” A trader at the market dressed in traditional attire ‘entertaining’ customers at his stall. – BERNAMAPIC
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 7 Crew hurt, vessels damaged in Spratlys incident oWater cannons used on Philippine supply boat MANILA: The Philippines said yesterday that China Coast Guard vessels caused two collisions with Philippine vessels and water cannoned a boat, leaving four crew injured during a resupply mission in the South China Sea. The incidents happened near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands where the countries have contesting maritime claims. A Philippine government task force said in a statement that “China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous manoeuvres in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission”. The China Coast Guard said it “took control measures” against Philippine ships’ “illegal intrusion” in waters around Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands, using the Chinese names for the shoal and Spratly Islands. The BRP Sindangan, along with a sister ship, had been deployed to support the military chartered Unaizah May 4 and Unaizah May 1 boats carrying replacement soldiers and supplies to Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino troops are stationed on a grounded Philippine navy vessel. Four crew on board the Unaizah May 4 were injured when two China Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at it, shattering the windshield, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement. It said a China Coast Guard vessel also caused a “minor collision” with the Unaizah May 4, which turned back without delivering its cargo. Earlier in the morning, a China Coast Guard vessel caused a separate “minor collision” with one of the Philippine ships that was escorting the supply boats. China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu accused the Philippine Coast Guard ship of “intentially” ramming the Chinese boat, causing a “minor scrape”. The Unaizah May 1 was able to unload its provisions, which the troops on the BRP Sierra Madre depend on for their survival. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations and an international ruling that has declared its stance baseless. The incident comes a day after Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo called on China to “stop harassing us” as he defended Manila’s strategy of publicising Chinese manoeuvres in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was also forthright when he appeared on Monday at an event hosted by a think tank. “We shall never surrender even a square inch of our territory and our maritime jurisdiction,” he said on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Melbourne. – AFP Vietnam tycoon on trial in US$12.5b fraud case HO CHI MINH CITY: A top Vietnamese property tycoon went on trial yesterday along with dozens of others, accused of embezzling US$12.5 billion (RM59 billion) in the country’s biggest ever fraud case. Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, is said to have swindled the cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over the course of a decade, leaving unsuspecting investors out of pocket. Eighty-five others are also on trial, including former central bankers, former government officials and ex-SCB executives – among them two Chinese nationals still at large. They face charges including bribery, abuse of power, appropriation and violations of banking law. State media showed pictures of dozens of vans carrying the defendants to the court. Police have identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal, which has shocked the country and led hundreds to protest in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – a rarity in a one-party communist state that tolerates no dissent. Lan, who is married to a wealthy Hong Kong businessman, is accused of setting up fake loan applications to withdraw money from SCB, in which she owned a 90% stake. Police say those caught up in the scam are all SCB bondholders who cannot withdraw their money and have not received interest or principal payments since Lan’s arrest in October 2022. The value of Lan’s alleged asset misappropriation, which occurred between 2012 and 2022, was equivalent to around 3% of Vietnam’s GDP in 2022. Authorities have said that the US$5.2 million allegedly given by Lan and some SCB bankers to state officials to conceal SCB’s violations and poor financial situation was the biggest ever bribery sum recorded in Vietnam. According to Ho Chi Minh City’s Law newspaper, 10 prosecutors and nearly 200 lawyers will attend the trial. Documents weighing up to six tonnes will be handled in the almost two-month long trial, the longest ever in Vietnam. The arrests came as part of a corruption crackdown that has swept up many officials and members of the country’s business elite. Others accused of fraud include Truong Quy Thanh, the head of soft drink giant Tan Hiep Phat Group. He is to be prosecuted along with his two daughters for allegedly misappropriating US$31.5 million. Do Anh Dung, chairman of developer Tan Hoang Minh Group, will also face trial for illegally acquiring US$355 million in a bond sale to more than 6,500 investors. – AFP Prabowo promises smooth transition B R I E F SS’PORE TO HOST AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR SUBMARINES MELBOURNE: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the city-state would gladly host Australia’s fleet of nuclearpowered submarines once they were up and running – an offer likely to raise Beijing’s hackles. The United States and the United Kingdom have pledged to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered subs as part of joint plans to counter China’s influence in the region. While some Asean members have expressed reluctance to back the so-called AUKUS defence pact, former British colony Singapore has been full throated in its support. “I’ve said before, and I repeated to the prime minister on this visit, that when the new Australian submarines are ready, we welcome them to visit Changi naval base,” Lee said. – AFP HSIEN LOONG DEFENDS TAYLOR SWIFT DEAL MELBOURNE: Singapore struck a deal ensuring Taylor Swift played the city-state but nowhere else in Southeast Asia, its prime minister said yesterday while defending the secretive arrangement. Pop icon Swift is halfway through a run of six sold-out shows in Singapore, the only city in Southeast Asia to feature in her blockbuster Eras world tour. The star’s schedule has sparked controversy in the music-mad region, with Singapore accused of throwing cash at Swift to stop her from appearing in other locations. “Our agencies negotiated an arrangement with her to come to Singapore and perform, and to make Singapore her only stop in Southeast Asia,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. “A deal was reached. And so it has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don’t see that as being unfriendly.” – AFP TECHNICAL SNAG FORCES NZ PM TO FLY COMMERCIAL SYDNEY: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday was forced to fly on a commercial flight to attend an summit in Melbourne after a technical snag hit his military aircraft. Luxon’s flight was scheduled to take off from the capital Wellington, but pre-flight checks found a technical fault with the aircraft’s nose landing gear system, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Defence Force said in an emailed response. A spokesperson for Luxon’s office confirmed the prime minister took a commercial flight to Melbourne. Luxon met the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. – Reuters JAKARTA: Indonesia’s presumed president Prabowo Subianto yesterday promised a “very smooth” transfer of power later this year and pledged to continue the policies of incumbent Joko Widodo and do what was necessary to make improvements in the country. Speaking at an investment forum, Prabowo, who unofficial vote counts show won the Feb 14 presidential election by a huge margin, said Indonesia had fundamental strengths that only needed good management, but said it was crucial to create more jobs and tackle poverty. He said he believed economic growth could reach 8% annually within the next four or five years and he was seeking to privatise state companies and increase tax ratios, by widening the tax base, not necessarily raising taxes. In a wide-ranging speech, Prabowo also said Indonesia should be proud of the election, for which the turnout was “not bad”, although he was not satisfied with his country’s democracy. “Let me attest, testify that democracy is really very, very tiring. Democracy is very, very messy, democracy is very, very costly,” he said. “There is a lot of room for improvement. But also, let us not have this inferiority complex of always feeling that we are inferior to everybody.” Prabowo looks to have easily won the election at his third attempt at the presidency. – Reuters Truong being escorted into court in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday. – AFPPIC
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 8 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Chinese legislators kick off annual gathering BEIJING: China’s parliament opened its annual meeting with subdued pageantry yesterday as sleet and cloudy skies left delegates shivering under umbrellas. Nearly 3,000 representatives from around the country – including rural Communist Party members and university professors – are converging on Beijing this week. A contingent of military delegates strode into the vast Great Hall of the People in dress uniforms, while representatives oSessions will clarify direction of national goals NEW FIND ... A section of a limestone statue of Ramses II unearthed by an Egyptian-US archaeological mission in El Ashmunein, south of the Egyptian city of Minya. – REUTERSPIC ‘Peaceful reunification’ reference dropped BEIJING: China adopted tougher language against Taiwan as it released budget figures, dropping the mention of “peaceful reunification” in a government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the National People’s Congress (NPC) yesterday. China reiterated a call for “reunification” with Taiwan, but added emphasis that it wants to “be firm” in doing so and dropped the descriptor “peaceful” used previously. Although it is not the first time that China had omitted the word “peaceful”, the change in language is closely watched as a possible sign of more assertive stance towards Taiwan. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry and Mainland Affairs Council did not respond to requests for comment. Wen-Ti Sung, a political scientist and nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that the language on Taiwan has “moderately hardened”. “Beijing appears to be balancing between projecting increased toughness on Taiwan with stabilising relations with Taiwan’s international friends,” he said. After the Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te won the presidential election in Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party’s fourth-ranked leader, Wang Huning, said at a policy meeting that China would “resolutely combat” any efforts towards Taiwan independence this year. – Reuters Above-normal temperatures due to El Nino GENEVA: The warming El Nino weather phenomenon that peaked in December was one of the five strongest ever recorded, the United Nations said yesterday, predicting that it would produce above-normal temperatures till May. Though El Nino is weakening, its impact will continue over the coming months, the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation said. “Above normal temperatures are predicted over almost all land areas between March and May,” it said. El Nino, the large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, typically has the greatest impact on the global climate in the year after it develops, in this instance 2024. It is a naturally occurring weather pattern associated with increased heat worldwide, as well as drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere. El Nino developed in June 2023 and was at its strongest between November and January. It hit a peak of around 2° Celsius above the 1991 to 2020 average sea surface temperature for the eastern and central tropical Pacific Ocean. That made it one of the five strongest El Nino events ever. El Nino events are associated with increased rainfall in parts of southern South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa and central Asia. It can also cause severe droughts over Australia, Indonesia, parts of southern Asia, Central America and northern South America. The weather phenomenon occurs on average every two to seven years, and episodes last nine to 12 months. Conditions oscillate between El Nino and its cooling opposite La Nina, with neutral conditions in between. – AFP B R I E F SSHEHBAZ TAKES OATH AS PRIME MINISTER ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif took the oath on Monday to officially become prime minister for a second time, nearly four weeks after an uncertain national election caused delays in the formation of a coalition government. Shehbaz, 72, officially took office at a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential office here a day after parliament elected him prime minister. His first meeting after the ceremony was with his finance team. A statement from the prime minister’s office said that he directed them to begin talks with the International Monetary Fund on an extended funding facility, which expires in April. “We got a mandate to improve economy and that’s our top priority.” – Reuters MALDIVES INKS DEFENCE DEAL AS INDIA EXITS MALE: The Maldives has signed a “military assistance deal with China after ordering Indian troops deployed in the small but strategic archipelago to leave. Some 89 Indian military personnel in the country will be gone by May 10 after having been previously ordered out by President Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power last year on an antiIndian platform. The Maldivian Defence Ministry said they signed an “agreement on China’s provision of military assistance” with Beijing late Monday, saying the agreement was “gratis”, or without payment or charge. It said the deal was to foster “stronger bilateral ties”. India is suspicious of China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives, as well as in neighbouring Sri Lanka. – AFP from ethnic minorities arrived in heavily embellished traditional garb. Sporting legend Yao Ming, president of the Chinese Basketball Association, towered over fellow attendees on the steps of the Great Hall, while others ducked under umbrellas and donned raincoats in the wet weather. The National People’s Congress kicked off its conference yesterday morning, part of China’s “Two Sessions” political showpiece, with an orchestral rendition of the national anthem and a work report read out by Premier Li Qiang. “As a farmer, I feel so proud, that a farmer can have such high-level support from the country,” delegate Fan Jiuping, who travelled to Beijing from the village of Qiaozhen in landlocked Shaanxi province. Chen Yeguang, an NPC delegate and cell biologist from Nanchang University in southern Jiangxi province, said he expected to return home from the meeting with instructions on “how to carry out and implement his work in the direction of national goals”. Large parts of the capital’s historic centre have been closed off for the Two Sessions, with authorities constructing a maze of paths, car parks and checkpoints around the Great Hall of the People. Attendees, many pulling up hoods and clutching scarves to keep dry, were made to alight from buses and walk along Tiananmen Square as guards and rain-soaked police dogs waited to inspect vehicles for explosives. While last year’s parliamentary assembly was marked by the drama of President Xi Jinping securing a historic third term, this year’s gathering was off to a relatively lowkey start. And a few figures who shared the limelight with Xi at 2023’s Two Sessions were notably absent – disgraced former foreign minister Qin Gang, and former premier Li Keqiang, who died just months after giving his last work report to legislators. Also absent were the face masks delegates donned throughout the three years of China’s strict public health policy, as well as last year after the regime of snap lockdowns and mass testing was abruptly scrapped. Only a handful of guards sported the masks, with organisers also scrapping quarantine requirements for attending the event. – AFP
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 9 GAZA STRIP: International mediators and Hamas delegates were in Cairo yesterday for talks to try to secure a pause in the war in Gaza ahead of Ramadan. Envoys from the Palestinian group and the United States were expected to meet Qatari and Egyptian mediators for a third day of negotiations over a six-week truce, the exchange of dozens of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the flow of aid to Gaza. Israeli delegates have so far stayed away from the negotiations, despite growing diplomatic pressure for a truce before Ramadan. Israeli media reported that the country’s mediators boycotted the talks after Hamas failed to provide a list of living hostages. Senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim said that details on the prisoners “were not mentioned in any documents or proposals circulated during the negotiation process”. Israel has said it believes 130 of the 250 captives taken by Hamas in the October attack that triggered the war remain in Gaza, but that 31 have been killed. As conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory deteriorate and the spectre of famine looms, Israel is facing increasingly sharp rebuke from its top ally the United States. Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed “deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza” during talks in Washington on Monday with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. The same day, the World Health Organisation said an aid mission to two hospitals in northern Gaza had found horrifying scenes of children dying of starvation, amid dire shortages of food, fuel and medicines. In Gaza’s main southern city Khan Younis, which has seen heavy fighting, people described finding decomposing bodies lying in streets lined with destroyed homes and shops. “We want to eat and live. Take a look at our homes. How am I to blame, a single, unarmed person without any income in this impoverished country?” said Nader Abu Shanab, pointing to the rubble with blackened hands. The Oct 7 attack resulted in about 1,160 deaths, most of them civilians, according to a tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed 30,534 people, mostly women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamasruled territory. – AFP Western ambassadors accused of meddling MOSCOW: Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday accused Western ambassadors here of meddling in Russia’s internal affairs and said their behaviour raised questions about the point of such envoys. The war in Ukraine has triggered the deepest crisis in Russia’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and President Vladimir Putin has warned the West that it risks provoking a nuclear war if Western troops are sent to fight in Ukraine. Russia was dismayed by what Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday was a refusal by European Union ambassadors to meet him for a conversation ahead of Russia’s March 15-17 presidential election. There was no immediate reaction to Lavrov’s statement from the Western ambassadors. Asked by Russian state television anchor Vladimir Solovyov if the EU ambassadors understood their function, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said their refusal to meet Lavrov raised questions about their role. “The question indeed arises among everyone: what are they doing, and why, how do they interpret their conduct on the territory of our country if they do not perform their most important function?” Zakharova said. Solovyov noted that EU ambassadors attended the March 1 funeral of opposition politician Alexei Navalny, whom he cast as their agent. Navalny, whose death at an Arctic prison colony was announced on Feb 16, always denied he was a Western agent. Zakharova said such behaviour showed Western ambassadors in Moscow were meddling in Russia’s affairs and putting on “performances” rather than doing their diplomatic work. The banner headline on Solovyov’s television show read: “Should the EU ambassadors be sent out?” – Reuters Diplomatic push for ceasefire intensifies oEnvoys negotiating six-week truce in Cairo Israel, UN trade allegations of terrorism, torture NEW YORK: Israel recalled its ambassador to the UN on Monday as tensions erupted over the handling of allegations of sexual assault during the Oct 7 attacks. Israel has accused the United Nations of taking too long to respond to the claims, a charge the UN has robustly defended itself against as it published a report detailing evidence of rapes and assaults. At the heart of the increasingly bitter row is the embattled UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which has already seen funding pulled by many Western countries after Israel accused about a dozen of its employees of involvement in the Oct 7 attack. On Monday, UNRWA said members of its own staff had been tortured by Israel, even as the Israeli military said the agency had employed more than 450 “terrorists”. The military also released what it said were recordings of “a terrorist working as an Arabic teacher at an UNRWA school ... describing his entry into Israeli territory and stating that he is holding female hostages” following the Oct 7 attack. A UN report issued on Monday said that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” rapes were committed in the attack, and that hostages taken to Gaza have also been raped. Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who was recalled for consultations over the escalating row, said “it took the United Nations five months to finally recognise the sexual crimes committed on Oct 7.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman denied that he had done “anything to keep the report quiet” after visceral criticism from Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz. UNRWA employs around 30,000 people in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria – with about 13,000 staff in the Gaza Strip. It is at the centre of efforts to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza, where aid groups warn of looming famine after nearly five months of Israeli bombardment. UNRWA said Israeli authorities had “detained several of its staff from the Gaza Strip” who later described abuses in custody. “Our staff have reported atrocious events while they were detained and during interrogations by the Israeli authorities. These reports included torture, severe illtreatment, abuse and sexual exploitation,” UNRWA said in a statement to AFP. Palestinians walk amid the rubble of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. – AFPPIX B R I E F SSEA DRONES DAMAGE BLACK SEA PATROL SHIP KYIV: Ukrainian sea drones damaged a Russian Black Sea Fleet patrol ship off occupied Crimea, a Ukrainian intelligence source said yesterday. “Hits and significant damage,” said the source. Ukrainska Pravda, a Ukrainian media outlet, reported that a Russian Project 22160 patrol ship Sergei Kotov had been hit overnight. Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said on Telegram that “The Russian Black Sea Fleet is a symbol of occupation. It cannot be in the Ukrainian Crimea.” Train traffic was temporarily stopped on the bridge linking the Crimean peninsula to the Russian mainland, according to the Telegram channel of a Russia-installed official in Crimea. Highway traffic was also suspended for several hours before reopening. The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately comment. – Reuters MIGRANT WORKER KILLED IN ATTACK ON SETTLEMENT NEW DELHI: One Indian migrant worker was killed and two injured in an attack on an Israeli settlement on Monday. An Israeli embassy statement in India yesterday blamed the attack on Lebanese resistance force Hezbollah. The workers were “cultivating an orchard” in the Margaliot settlement. The dead and injured Indian nationals hailed from the southern state of Kerala, according to a Press Trust of India report. In response to Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza since October and attacks in the West Bank as well Israeli bombings inside Lebanon, Hezbollah has been hitting Israeli sites in the border region. With Palestinians barred from working in the Jewish state, Israelis are trying to recruit tens of thousands of workers from India. – Bernama
10 WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Accelerate efforts to save Malayan tigers THE glaring headlines “Malayan tiger, Malaysia’s national animal, declared extinct” may soon become a reality. In the forests of Peninsular Malaysia, the dire situation of these majestic creatures persists with alarming urgency. Despite repeated warnings, the grim reality remains unchanged – fewer than 150 of these magnificent animals roam in the wild. This is not just a statistic, it is a heartfelt plea for immediate action, urging efforts to protect the future of this iconic species from the relentless threats of poaching and habitat destruction. Tigers are facing dual threats as their habitats shrink and their food sources are threatened by diseases. The diminishing availability of their preferred food sources, namely sambar deers, and the impact of diseases such as African swine fever on alternative prey like wild boars, are driving tigers nearer to human settlements. Not surprisingly, human-tiger conflict incidents in Peninsular Malaysia have escalated in recent years. Never before have there been several tiger sightings and encounters within a short space of time. These conflicts have led to tragic outcomes for humans and tigers. Restoring prey populations depleted by poaching, habitat destruction and disease is an urgent priority. Therefore, prey augmentation efforts should be relentless. However, prey augmentation presents its set of challenges and complexities. Breeding programmes for sambar deers require careful planning due to their lengthy breeding cycles while wild boar breeding for prey augmentation is relatively uncharted territory. While sambar deers mate and reproduce year-round, with seasonal calving peaks leading to the birth of single calves, wild boars breed continuously and can produce litters of up to six piglets. The protracted breeding cycles of sambar deers, coupled with the unfamiliarity surrounding wild boar breeding, underscore the complexities involved in restoring ecological balance. Moreover, the emergence of diseases such as African swine fever and canine distemper virus further complicate matters, necessitating concerted research and development to devise effective mitigation strategies. The government’s commitment to conservation is commendable, marked by significant victories in recent years with the establishment of the National Tiger Task Force, the Wildlife Crime Bureau under the police and the amendment to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. The community ranger programme managed by the Wildlife and National Parks Department in Peninsular Malaysia, alongside collaborative enforcement operations such as Khazanah Integrated Operation, have yielded positive results in curbing poaching activities. In Belum-Temengor, the number of active snares discovered in 2021 plummeted by 96% compared with the baseline year of 2017. Moreover, for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, no snares have been detected. These achievements are attributed to the collaborative efforts of various parties working in BelumTemengor, with the invaluable support from our donors and corporate partners, especially Maybank. Prey augmentation, one of the many strategies aimed at preventing the extinction of Malayan tigers, addresses the declining numbers of food sources such as sambar deer and wild boar. We urge all stakeholders, including governmental bodies and corporations, to intensify efforts in supporting habitat protection, improving connectivity, preventing poaching and implementing prey augmentation. These combined measures are crucial for achieving a stable tiger population that can be supported by the available habitat and prey resources without causing ecological harm. The article is contributed by the World Wide Fund for Nature - Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] “The diminishing availability of preferred food sources, namely sambar deers, and the impact of diseases such as African swine fever on alternative prey like wild boars, are driving tigers nearer to human settlements. Tigers are facing dual threats as their habitats shrink and their food sources are imperiled by diseases. – BERNAMAPIC COMMENT
11 WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 Ensure comfort and security for retirees ACCORDING to the latest demographic report for the fourth quarter of 2023 by the Statistics Department, Malaysia is experiencing a demographic shift with a steady rise in the number of the older population. While Malaysia’s total population is projected to reach 41.5 million by 2040, the proportion of the population aged 60 and older is projected to be at 17.6%, representing more than 7.3 million people. Given this growing older population, Malaysia needs to create sound and s u s t a i n a b l e socioeconomic, health and social care systems to cater for this change. It is only logical that after working most of their lives, the elderly would look forward to retiring in comfort by perhaps travelling or by spending time with family and friends. However, not all are fortunate to have the same luxury due to personal or financial circumstances. Recently, the news of a 70-yearold man having to work as a food delivery rider to support his family went viral. Despite having reached retirement age and the harsh working conditions as a rider, the elderly man had no choice but to work because of his family’s needs and their daily expenses. This is not one rare case of an elderly Malaysian having to work as there are many others who are struggling to make ends meet. When one talks about life after retirement, the main hope is to be financially worry-free – not having to care about money to sustain one’s needs until one dies. The expectation is that there is an adequate system in place to support a conducive and comfortable or at least decent living for retirees. This should cover basic needs such as sustainable income/revenue, health services, retirement homes and insurance coverage, among others. Currently, civil servants can either opt for the government pension scheme or contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which is largely subscribed by private sector workers. Nevertheless, when we discuss pensions, it should not be solely about choosing which system is better – between pension and EPF. That approach would be overly simplistic or “lazy” because there are many elements affecting retirees that require c o n s i d e r a t i o n including financial security, healthcare, public transport and more. Therefore, this issue should be viewed holistically and thoroughly examined from a broader perspective. According to a recent statement from the Finance Ministry, pension disbursements for over 900,000 retired civil servants are expected to cost the government over RM31 billion this year. With the increasing number of retirees and longer life expectancy, this financial “commitment” is expected to skyrocket to RM120 billion by 2040. Therefore, the suggested plan to eliminate pensions for new government employees is deemed a necessary move to alleviate the government’s financial burden. Irrespective of one’s employment sector, the shared aspiration is to retire peacefully. Yet, at present, numerous uncertainties loom regarding life after retirement, especially concerning financial security and access to healthcare. To gain a better understanding of retirees’ needs and challenges, the following questions need to be addressed: 0 How much do I need monthly to meet my needs? 0 Do I have enough savings to sustain me for the next 15 years? 0 Is it feasible for me to work to generate income for my daily expenses? 0 Are there other options besides pension and EPF? 0 Who will care for me if I become ill? 0 Given the high cost of healthcare, should I consider obtaining insurance? 0 I am not married and live alone. What support options are available to me? 0 Considering I do not own a property, where can I reside? 0 What factors should I consider when selecting a retirement home suited to my needs? The Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey Wave Two (2021- 2022) conducted by the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at Universiti Malaya in partnership with the Asian Development Bank revealed significant findings. Over 80% of elderly individuals in Malaysia were not prepared to reside in an assisted living facility, although more than 60% reported at least one doctor-diagnosed disease. Additionally, a majority of respondents expressed a need for social and financial assistance, with many advocating for governmentmandated parental care from their children. As such, in addressing the issue of retirement, it is vital to recognise that financial security is just one aspect among many to contemplate. Therefore, it is encouraging to note that the Economy Ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, is currently developing a national ageing blueprint in preparation for the country’s transition to an “ageing nation” by 2030. The blueprint will help the government address the impact of an ageing population across multiple areas, encompassing economic growth, productivity, workforce management, social protection and elderly healthcare. As we formulate our policies, it would be prudent to examine the approaches adopted by other nations regarding retirement planning. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2023 is an excellent reference for policymakers, offering insights into various pension systems worldwide. This report, analysing and ranking 47 global pension systems, positions Malaysia at 32nd place. Notably, the Netherlands, Iceland and Denmark are highlighted as having the world’s top-performing pension systems. Additionally, the report identifies areas for improvement in Malaysia, including household savings/debt management, pension age adjustments and enhanced support for impoverished individuals. The transition of Malaysia into an ageing nation demands serious attention. Although the challenges are evident, it is reassuring to witness the government’s earnest efforts in formulating policies and action plans to address this issue. Let us unite in crafting a serene retirement plan for our elderly population. The writer is the programme head at the Malaysian Public Service Department. Comments: [email protected] While Malaysia’s total population is estimated to reach 41.5 million by 2040, the proportion of the population aged 60 and older is projected to be at 17.6%, representing more than 7.3 million people. – THESUN PIC Government action urgently needed to support elderly MALAYSIA is rapidly approaching the status of an ageing nation, with 15.3% of its population expected to reach 60 and above by 2030. As such, the government needs to embark on plans and strategies to ensure the well-being of our senior citizens. Many of our elderly, whether from the public or private sector, have contributed significantly to the nation’s development over the years. It is our duty to provide them with the support they need to lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives in their golden years. Some of us, like myself, have ageing parents who require care, yet the process of obtaining foreign domestic helpers has become costly, excessively burdensome and timeconsuming. The myriad criteria and regulations imposed by registered agencies, including stringent processes within government departments such as the Immigration Department, only exacerbate the challenges families face in seeking assistance. Certain regulations are irrelevant, adding unnecessary hurdles for those seeking to care for their elderly loved ones. Government agencies should embody the Madani principles of compassion and assistance, especially in matters such as elderly care. Furthermore, the financial burden of securing a foreign domestic helper, with costs nearing RM20,000 per person depending on their country of origin, is substantial. The Madani government should consider alleviating this financial strain by reducing processing fees for care givers, thereby easing the financial burden on families striving to care for their elderly parents. Streamlining the process of obtaining care givers for the elderly is essential. Moreover, families do not only have to contend with the arduous process of securing foreign domestic helpers but also have to face exorbitant fees charged by maid agencies. This compels both spouses to work to meet these obligations, often leading to additional financial burdens due to loans and other expenses. The current state of affairs raises questions about the realisation of the Madani vision of a compassionate and inclusive society. How can we sustain an ageing population when the system is not equipped to accommodate those caring for the elderly? Furthermore, the shortage of affordable and trustworthy elderly care facilities, coupled with reports of abuse in some centres, exacerbate the dilemma faced by families contemplating sending their elderly to old folks homes. While it is commendable that the government is creating a blueprint to prepare for Malaysia’s transition into an ageing nation by 2030, prioritising the care of the elderly should be its foremost concern. The government must address these shortcomings and ensure that Immigration Departments nationwide align their systems with its principles to better serve the populace, especially caregivers. It needs to simplify the process of obtaining foreign domestic helpers, reduce associated costs and ensure the availability of safe and affordable elderly care facilities. Only then can we truly uphold the values of compassion, respect and inclusivity espoused by the Madani framework. Sharmini Seremban LETTERS [email protected] COMMENT by Ahmad Hisham Idris “Given the growing older population, Malaysia needs to create sound and sustainable socioeconomic, health and social care systems to cater for this change.
ESG ESG WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 12 Effective sustainability strategiesfor organisations ASIA’S GDP is poised to shrink by more than 26% by 2048 if no action on climate change is taken, according to an Ecosperity report. Many countries today are acutely aware of the price of inaction and the urgent need to tackle climate change and environmental degradation. Malaysia is no exception as it takes on a whole-of-nation approach to sustainability reflected in the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan and 12th Malaysia Plan – all of which are aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Today, more Malaysian businesses and organisations are rising to the occasion by stepping up their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. Significant developments have taken place recently, including Bank Negara Malaysia’s guidance on climate change and principle-based taxonomy to elevate climate considerations in financial institutions. Several Malaysian organisations – including KWSP, Petronas, Maybank, and Malaysia Airlines – have also set net zero targets by 2050. Many others have made pledges to reduce carbon emissions and reduce their environment footprint. While progress is underway, the question remains – is it fast enough or is it substantial enough to steer our world away from the climate tipping points? A 2022 Malaysia Business Sustainability Pulse Report finds that less than 20% of Malaysia’s private sector have set commitments to sustainability initiatives. Close to half (46%) of Malaysian companies have not allocated a budget for their sustainability programmes. To truly drive significant, meaningful progress, Malaysian organisations first need to recognise oMalaysian companies need to recognise obstacles to move from pledges to progress GDS inks renewable energy deal with Cenergi SHAH ALAM: GDS, a leading developer and operator of highperformance data centers in Asia, has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by establishing a 21- year renewable energy Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Malaysia’s solar power producer and diversified renewable energy developer, Cenergi SEA Bhd (Cenergi). The agreement positions GDS among the first cohort of green power offtakers in Malaysia under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) which is administered by Malaysia’s Energy Commission. The CGPP allows for a total of 800MWac of solar power to be developed by solar producers and secured by corporate offtakers in Peninsula Malaysia. GDS has successfully subscribed to 22.5MWac of renewable power for its Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre Campus in Johor. The partnership with Cenergi empowers GDS to claim Renewable Energy Credits, facilitating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and advancing its target of achieving netzero carbon emissions by 2030. Cenergi, a subsidiary of UEM Group Bhd, is a premier sustainable energy solutions company specialising in reducing carbon footprint through investment in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects. Cenergi is currently one of Malaysia’s diversified renewable energy developers and the country’s largest biogas player making it a wellsuited collaborator for GDS’s sustainability initiatives. The renewable energy procured through this agreement will be supplied from Cenergi’s 29.99MWac large-scale solar photovoltaic farm that will be located in the state of Kedah, and is expected to be operational by 4Q2025. Through this collaboration, GDS anticipates a reduction in its carbon footprint by up to 38,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, which is equivalent to eliminating CO2 emissions from approximately 8,400 petrol-powered passenger vehicles driven in a year and 7,400 homes’ electricity use for one year. Combined with GDS’s existing green DC technologies, this initiative establishes a foundation for further reducing carbon emissions and increasing the proportion of renewable energy usage. “Collaborating with Cenergi as pioneers in Malaysia’s renewable energy VPPA exemplifies our commitment to fostering sustainability within the industry,” GDS chairman and CEO William Huang said. “As a first mover in Johor with our Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre Campus and various ongoing projects, this endeavour signifies a stride forward in our journey towards achieving net zero emissions and contributing to greening the electricity grid. “This partnership not only underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship but also reinforces our position as leaders in driving sustainable innovation within our sector.” Cenergi Group CEO Hairol Azizi (From left) GDS Malaysia general manager Jimmy Yan, GDS technology SVP Verghese Jacob, Hairol and Cenergi chief business development officer Kwok Yew Hoe at the signing ceremony. Avaland reports FY23 net profit of RM66 million SUBANG JAYA: Emerging property developer Avaland Bhd (formerly known as MCT Bhd) completed its turnaround and reported its highest net profit in five years of RM66 million in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023 (FY23) on revenue of RM608.2 million. For a comparison, the group reported net profit of RM0.5 million on revenue of RM224.9 million in FY22. The improved financial performance was mainly due to increased contributions on the back of advanced construction progress from the group’s ongoing projects, namely Aetas Damansara, Alira Subang Jaya, Casa Embun and Sanderling. Meanwhile, for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 (Q4’23), revenue increased by more than threefold to RM261.6 million from RM76.5 million in the previous corresponding quarter. This resulted in the group reporting a net profit of RM37.5 million in Q4’23 from RM13.5 million in Q4’22. Avaland CEO Apollo Bello Tanco said he stellar financial performance reported in FY2023 is the culmination of years of strategic initiatives aimed at fortifying their operations, enhancing their financial robustness, and sharpening their focus on delivering quality homes. “Despite facing economic and market challenges in 2023 such as the higher overnight policy rate and weaker ringgit, we not only reported quarterly growth throughout the year but also achieved higher sales for the year. We achieved 7.6% higher sales to RM586.1 million in FY2023 from RM544.7 million in FY2022, mainly contributed by the strong demand from Casa Embun, Sanderling and Alira Subang Jaya due to their strong value proposition and strategic locations,” he added. He said they are also proud to be included as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia and FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Shariah Indexes with a three-star ESG Grading. The inclusion into these two indexes was a result of the group’s commitment towards providing sustainable developments. the obstacles in their sustainability journey and formulate considered steps to overcome them. This will be crucial in enabling the companies to move beyond sustainability pledges and make tangible progress. Going into uncharted territory It is understandable that business leaders can be easily overwhelmed by ambitious sustainability targets. As organisations face immense pressure to perform amidst rising economic concerns, they are often tempted to postpone or forego new business initiatives. Unfortunately, sustainability programmes tend to be among the first to be sacrificed. While sustainability and decarbonisation are top-of-mind for investors, many new projects lack sufficient incentives to meet the threshold return in the short-term and deliver in-year returns. This might cause many of such projects to be shelved or cancelled as companies become more prudent in their spending. Moreover, sustainability is an uncharted territory for many leaders, which can give rise to issues they’ve never faced before. For instance, the transition to cleaner energy sources will require serious planning to ensure the phasing out of old energy sources – such as coal or oil – does not disrupt operations. Consequently, many sustainability efforts from the business community often sojourn at the initial stages. While it may be tempting to withdraw or withhold funding for these projects, the longterm sustainability of the business would depend on these initiatives to be incubated and scaled. Change in perspective needed A solid first step that Malaysian business leaders can take in their sustainability journey is the change in perspective. Stakeholders would need to take a view that sustainability does not necessarily detract from business goals. Many need to start seeing sustainability efforts as an investment in their future and not as a mere obligation or public relations exercise. There are many ways sustainable practices can benefit company goals, including: catalysing operational efficiency, satisfying stakeholders’ expectations, evolution of new business models, and promoting greater compliance with regulations. In addition to shifting mindsets and perspectives, there are also actionable strategies that organisations should consider to integrate sustainability into their company’s DNA and drive better sustainability outcomes: Firstly, the sustainability agenda needs to start from the board and their shareholders, the CEO and executives, and with input from the bottom-up. It can start from as simple as setting the tone and strategic importance organisationwide, which later translates into actions that embed sustainability into business decisions made. Secondly, build a clear sustainability roadmap. Each organisation has unique challenges, opportunities and business objectives. A clear roadmap should take these factors into account. By understanding where your organisation stands in terms of sustainability, an adviser or consultant can provide customised solutions that are practical and achievable. This approach can also help organisations prioritise their efforts and set realistic targets, leading to more effective implementation and tangible results. Thirdly, embrace digital strategies. Putting investments in the right digital tools and technologies that support achieving your green mission will accelerate ESG efforts. If your organisation is unsure where to start, moving to cloud can be the first foundational step from a technology standpoint. Finally, prioritise a consistent and long-term journey. Sustainability is a process, and like all innovative transformations, has no definite endpoint. Rather than fixating on elaborate future targets, it is more efficient to take small and practical steps. For example, just by being aware of how much carbon your software is producing can enable you to make better decisions that will in turn lead to measurable goals. Race to secure greener future As key pillars in the Malaysian economy and society, the business community holds immense potential to spearhead sustainability efforts. There is more that can be done by collaborating and engaging with stakeholders. In particular, taking action to build muscle in the usage of data and digital to rapidly prioritise and iterate sustainability initiatives. Ultimately, the race for the future belongs to those who move quickly and take decisive action towards a more sustainable world. By turning pledges into tangible progress, Malaysian businesses can become a force for change and lead the way towards a greener and more prosperous future for the nation. This article is contributed by Bhavya Kapoor, managing director of Avanade Southeast Asia. Tajudin said this collaboration underlines their dedication to sustainability and fits perfectly with their goal of promoting renewable energy projects. “By supplying GDS with green electricity from our upcoming solar farm, we’re not just helping them reach their net-zero emissions target but also contributing to Malaysia’s larger plan for a greener energy mix,” he said.
WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME PETALING JAYA: The Negeri Sembilan government and Main Market-listed company Tanco Holdings Bhd signed a joint venture agreement on Monday for the development of Malaysia’s first smart artificial intelligence (AI) container port at Dickson Bay in Port Dickson. The signing ceremony held in Seremban was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun. Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MHSB), a 79%-owned subsidiary of Tanco and Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Pemerbadanan) (MBINS) have entered into a joint venture to develop the smart AI container port that includes an additional 33.66 hectares (83.19 acres) of seabed land off Dickson Bay. Both entities will set up a joint venture company (JVC) which will serve as the development backbone of the project, driving the construction and future operation of the smart AI container port. MHSB will hold 80% share of the JVC and MBINS the remaining 20%. Aminuddin said, “This smart AI container port is not just a development, it’s a leap towards revolutionising our state’s and Malaysia’s economic landscape. We are setting the foundation for future generations, ensuring Negeri Sembilan plays a crucial role in both the state’s and nation’s economic growth and global maritime logistics.” He added that the smart AI container port marks a transformative development for Negeri Sembilan, promising job creation, enhanced land values and potentially leading to developing new industrial zones, as well as existing industrial zones, in close proximity to the smart AI container port, attracting both local and foreign investments. He said this growth in infrastructure will generate significant revenue for Negeri Sembilan and the nation, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in international trade and establishing the region as a key economic hub. “The establishment of this port is a clear signal to the world that we are ready to enable the future of trade and technology. This venture is expected to attract more Foreign Direct Investment that will positively contribute to GDP and foster the growth of high-tech technology factories, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global economy,” said Aminuddin. The smart AI container port will be supported by a 480-acre landbank owned by Tanco, eliminating additional land acquisition costs. The site is strategically located midway of the Straits of Malacca and features natural deepwater access with more than 21 metres in depth that is 1.8km from the shoreline, and is capable of accommodating the largest container ships globally. This strategic advantage is critical, as the Straits of Malacca is one of the busiest straits in the world, and positions Negeri Sembilan to capitalise on this bustling maritime route. It is designed to leverage cutting-edge technologies that will enable automated and efficient container handling, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security measures, setting new standards in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Tanco Holdings Group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Juan Suan said this port in Port Dickson is a testament to their commitment to innovation and sustainability. “The integration of advanced AI and smart technologies will enhance our logistics capabilities and ecosystem and position Malaysia as a leader in automated and sustainable port operations,” he added. The smart AI container port also offers logistical advantages by significantly reducing transport costs for gateway containers for businesses currently dependent on distant ports, and enhancing speed and efficiencies for transshipment containers. This strategic proximity is also expected to decrease carbon emissions, demonstrating Tanco’s contribution to sustainable practices. “We have started our groundwork and invited foreign industrialists to the smart AI container port location. These industrialists have expressed positive feedback and interest for the potential development of new industrial park(s) in close proximity to the smart AI container port in order to establish a more conducive trade and logistic ecosystem to accelerate the state’s industrialisation plans,” said Tan. He added that they plan for MHSB to seek permission from the relevant Malaysian authorities to undertake an infrastructure listing on the local exchange in due course. Negeri Sembilan, Tanco to build AI-driven container port oJoint-venture project in Port Dickson expected to transform country’s maritime landscape Help oil palm smallholders with replanting, major players told MPOC: RM705m potential sales from Mena buyers KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has secured a total potential sales of RM705 million from a business matching session during trade and networking visit for Middle East and Northern African (Mena) buyers recently. MPOC CEO Belvinder Sron said the buyers from oils and fats companies across three Mena countries – Turkiye, Egypt and Algeria – sought various palm products, including refined bleached deodorised palm olein in both consumer packs and bulk containers, cooking oil, shortening and specialty fats. Describing the initiative as a success, she said MPOC has been approached by industry members to organise similar programmes for markets in the Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan African regions. “The success of this programme is attributed to the cooperation and strong support of Malaysian palm oil stakeholders. “I encourage more industry members to participate in the upcoming ‘Trade and Networking’ editions as it is crucial that we intensify efforts to promote sustainable Malaysian palm oil to the world and explore untapped markets,“ she said in a statement yesterday. Meanwhile, a participant from Egypt said the acceptance level of palm oil products is very good since Egyptians preferred vegetable-based products. Vice-chairman and manager director of Cairo Oil & Soap Co, Amr Heiba said even though they preferred soybean and sunflower oil, Egyptians are open to using palm oil-based products due to competitive prices in the market. The three-day programme provided insights into the Malaysian palm oil sector such as presentations on the nutrition and health attributes of Malaysian palm oil and updates from the Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The government has called on major palm oil players to support close to 500,000 smallholders with their replanting efforts, which will lead to higher domestic production and benefit stakeholders. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani noted that to date, the palm oil industry occupies over 5.7 million hectares (ha) of land. Out of the total, he said, about 1.5 million hectares is occupied by around 447,000 smallholders and a significant number of trees on their plantations are due for replanting. However the budget allocated for such efforts is not able to help all the smallholders. Under Budget 2024, Johari said, the government has set aside RM100 million as replanting incentives, which is only able to assist a “footprint size” estimated at 5,900ha. On average, an individual smallholder manages about 4ha of land, he noted. Johari urged big players to consider consolidating multiple smallholders’ land into clusters of 8,000ha to 10,000ha to support their replanting efforts. “Indeed, many smallholders are facing difficulties in increasing their yield. I envision a feasible business model that can consolidate the 214,680 independent smallholders (822,073ha) into clusters of around 8,000 to 10,000 hectares,” he told reporters at the 35th Annual Palm and Lauric Oils Price Outlook Conference and Exhibition 2024, yesterday. Johari said if 30% of the 1.5 million hectares was replanted, it would be able to increase about 250,000ha and increase the production which will benefit the whole esosystem. “These clusters would then be managed just like a medium or large estate by a dedicated team. I know this is not going to be easy, but let’s dream big. If we are able to consolidate even 30% of independent smallholders, we would have an additional 250,000ha of land to be managed efficiently,” he added. Johari pointed out that if the big players do not step in to help, the old trees with lower yield could result in lower production for the local industry. “The replanting rate between 2014 and 2023 remained low at 1.8% annually. According to industry best practices, 4% to 5% of oil palm trees should be replanted every year. Otherwise, by 2027, over 560,000ha of oil palm trees will be over 25 years old. This would lead to lower production in the future. “A more pragmatic way to ensure that our smallholders will replant on time to ensure consistent maximum yields is to leverage on the technical expertise of the large industry players and Malaysian Palm Oil Board, covering seeds, clones, fertiliser, as well as pest and disease management. Surely, achieving a larger scale is crucial to reduce costs per unit and increase productivity. “If all smallholders can adopt the mentioned good management practices of large scale plantations, FFB (fresh fruit bunch) yield can easily increase by two tonnes per hectare. “This will in turn increase our crude palm oil production by an additional 600,000 tonnes a year, which is valued at around RM2.4 billion at the current market price, without any additional land use change. I know that this is easier said than done, but we need to work on it,” he said. Bursa Malaysia Bhd director Mohd Saleem Kader Bakas, Johari and Bursa Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar (second, third and fourth from left respectively) at the event. █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected]
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 14 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper PropertyGuru Group posts improved Q4 results oProptech firm projects full year 2024 revenue of between S$165 million and S$180 million PETALING JAYA: PropertyGuru Group Limited, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology (proptech) company, posted revenue of S$42 million (RM147.8 million) in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 which was a year-on-year increase of 4%. Net profit was S$1 million in the fourth quarter and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) was S$9 million. This compares to a net loss of S$5 million and adjusted Ebitda of S$0.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. CEO and managing director Hari V. Krishnan said “Our 2023 results demonstrate our ability to navigate challenging macroeconomic conditions and our commitment to profitability. We delivered double-digit revenue growth and a double-digit adjusted Ebitda margin for the full year. This is a clear testament to our ability to create value for our customers and help property-seekers achieve their home-ownership goals.” Despite less than favourable market conditions in Vietnam and Malaysia, they were able to achieve these results by being laser-focused on optimising costs, adopting internal process automation, improving code quality and productivity, he added. On the technology front, Hari said they continue to invest in the transformational use of generative AI and automation to place them at the forefront of property technology and set them up for consistent improvement in productivity for years to come. “We continue to make proactive changes to build a sustainable, future-proofed business. Following our principle to make focused investments in our identified priorities, we have undertaken a strategic step towards rearchitecting our organisation. This will ensure we have set our investment levels commensurate to the opportunity presented, with the right efficiencies to deliver scalable profitable growth for years to come.” Going forward, Hari said that while they anticipate ongoing macro challenges, their blueprint for success remains clear – innovate and advance through talent and technology. Chief financial officer Joe Dische said they delivered 11% revenue growth and a 13% adjusted Ebitda margin despite significant macro challenges in two core markets, Vietnam and Malaysia. “As we enter 2024 and get closer to positive inflection points in Vietnam and Malaysia, we are encouraged by how successful our internal cost-control, efficiency, and automation efforts were in 2023. We spent the year balancing product innovation and investment with careful cost management and reaped the benefit of these activities throughout the year, particularly in the fourth quarter when our adjusted Ebitda margin jumped to 22% from 1% in the prior year quarter,” he added. He said net income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was S$1 million, a distinct improvement over a loss of S$5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, and the second sequential quarter in a row of positive net income. SC: 68 SRI funds worth RM7.7b as at Dec 31 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) announced that there were 68 Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) funds with a total size of RM7.7 billion in Malaysia as at Dec 31, 2023. SC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin said companies and investors are becoming more comfortable with sustainability as an investment approach and they are seeing demand for it. “Globally, trillions of dollars have flowed into funds that tout their environmental, social and governance (ESG) credits. “With the amounts rising, there is also growing concern about greenwashing, greenhushing and green bleaching,“ he said at the Institutional Investors Council MalaysiaSecurities Industry Development Corporation (IIC-SIDC) Corporate Governance Conference 2024 here yesterday. In his opening address at the conference, Awang Adek said the International Organisation of Securities Commissions highlighted that greenwashing remains a fundamental market conduct concern that poses risks to both investor protection and market integrity. He said greenwashing could undermine the fundamental trust in sustainable finance. “If investors lose trust, the financing required for a just transition can be dissipated,” he said. Awang Adek also emphasised the importance of good governance and that governance failure can have a wide-reaching impact beyond financial losses. He said the industry expects institutional investors to play a greater role in driving responsible and sustainable value creation in companies. He noted that in 2023, close to 70% of public limited companies reported that the performance evaluations of the board and senior management included an assessment of how well they were managing the company’s sustainability risks and opportunities. Awang Adek said the total assets under the control of government-linked investment companies in Malaysia are estimated at RM1.87 trillion, making GLIC among the main pillars of the country’s socioeconomic development. – Bernama SMEs urged to work with Mimos to harness latest technologies KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprises are encouraged to collaborate closely with Mimos in leveraging its expertise in research and development to harness the latest technologies, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. He said the partnership not only enables SMEs to enhance their capabilities but also accelerates Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a high-tech nation. “By embracing technological advancements, SMEs can elevate their position in the economic chain, contributing more significantly to our nation’s prosperity,” he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) SME Conference 2024 here yesterday. Chang said many multinational corporations in semiconductor operations are transitioning towards integrated manufacturing centres, amalgamating manufacturing with research and development (R&D), product design, marketing and distribution. However, he said local enterprises, particularly SMEs, lag behind larger corporations in technological advancement and for that, efforts from various parties are very crucial to modernise SMEs, bridging the gap with larger entities to propel the industry forward. “SMEs form the backbone of our economy, comprising a substantial portion of businesses across various sectors. “They are agile, adaptable and possess the potential to innovate and disrupt industries. Electrical and Electronics (E&E) SMEs have a strong potential to contribute significantly to the country’s exports and employment in the manufacturing sector,” he said. Hence, Chang said, Mimos plays a role as an R&D centre to drive new capabilities in the upstream sector of the country’s semiconductor industry while continuing to advance capabilities in the downstream sector, in line with the E&E Roadmap: Technology Development 2021- 2030. Companies that are keen to explore applied research opportunities to boost corporate productivity can partner with Mimos in several key areas such as information security, artificial intelligence, advanced computing and photonics, he said. – Bernama Solarvest to install solar power systems at over 300 Petronas stations PETALING JAYA: Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of clean energy expert Solarvest Holdings Bhd, has been appointed by Gentari Renewables Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd, to install solar power systems at more than 300 Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) stations across Malaysia. Aimed to commence in April, this project will see the installation of more than 5.4 MWp of solar capacity across the Petronas stations. The solar power systems are expected to be operational by 2027. Once energised, it is estimated that they will offset around 5,035 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Solarvest executive director and group CEO Solarvest Davis Chong Chun Shiong said businesses in Southeast Asia are actively seeking solutions to navigate the energy transition. “The surge in demand is fuelling our tender book and order book rapidly, reflecting in our significant revenue growth. Our ambition grows beyond Malaysia, we aim to drive the clean energy transition in the neighbouring countries by tapping on Gentari’s global network.” Chang (second from right) receiving a souvenir from Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association presidennt Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai after delivering his keynote address at the conference. – BERNAMAPIC Hari: Company continues to make proactive changes Dische: Significant macro challenges in two core markets Crest Builder’s order book hits record high of RM1.8 billion PETALING JAYA: Crest Builder Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Crest Builder Sdn Bhd, has accepted a letter of award from Sunway Velocity Three Sdn Bhd for a contract value of RM448.5 million for the construction of Sunway Velocity 3 (Plot A) in Kuala Lumpur. The construction will consist of 1,604 units of serviced apartments in two 60-storey blocks, which also comprise a level of basement car park, eight levels of elevated car parks, two levels of mezzanine and recreation facilities. The construction works will take about 43 months to complete from its scheduled site possession date of March 15, 2024. With this latest contract, the outstanding order book now stands at about RM1.8 billion which is the group’s highest ever. The order book will provide Crest Builder with earnings visibility for the next four years. Crest Builder group managing director Eric Yong Shang Ming said that with their first contract for the year, he is confident they will achieve their RM500 million order book replenishment target.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 15 Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. 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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 InvestKL secures record RM8.7b in FDI for 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: InvestKL attracted a record-setting RM8.7 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023, representing an increase of over 300% from RM2.79 billion in 2022. Twelve leading global corporations from the Americas, Europe and Asia regions spearheaded the investments. From the Americas, technology and consulting services led the charge, showcasing a strong interest in Malaysia’s digital economy. European investments spanned healthcare technologies, financial services and infrastructure, highlighting the region’s focus on innovation and sustainable development. Asian contributions were notably varied, with investments in automotive, environmental services, healthcare oTwelve leading global corporations from the Americas, Europe and Asia lead investment initiatives MDEC boosts ties with Philippines for Asean digital economy growth PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has convened DEX Connex programme in the Philippines for 2024 in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Philippines, the Embassy of Malaysia, Manila, DBP Data Center Inc., and Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) Philippines. The programme is designed to support the growth of Malaysian tech companies in the Philippines and foster collaborative relationships between high-tech firms in both countries. It serves as a platform for participants to engage, expand their reach, and showcase Malaysian technology companies, driving opportunities for business growth and advancing the digital economy in Asean. A contingent of 35 high-tech Malaysian companies are engaged in the programme. MDEC is foreseeing RM150 million in digital export prospects facilitated by their collaboration with 50 potential partners and CIOs in the Philippines. Meanwhile, MDEC and the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines have initiated an exchange of tokens at the programme to signify their commitment to signing a memorandum of understanding in joining forces to foster digital innovation and economic growth in both Malaysia and the Philippines. Adrenalin eSystems enters Malaysian market, eyes SE Asia KUALA LUMPUR: Adrenalin eSystems, a pioneering force in HR Tech for over two decades, unveiled their cutting-edge People Experience Platform at the Malaysia HR Tech Conference and Expo held on March 5–6 at the Sime Darby Convention Centre. This launch marked a significant milestone in their journey towards enhancing employee engagement and productivity across Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. “We are thrilled to introduce our innovative People Experience Platform to the Malaysian market, empowering organisations to elevate their workforce experiences and drive sustainable growth. Malaysia is an important market for us, and we have concrete plans in the pipeline to expand our presence in the region soon. We will be scaling our talent pool by 30-50 people within the next 2 to 3 years, solidifying our commitment to driving impactful change in the HR landscape in Malaysia and Southeast Asia,” said Srinivasa Bharathy, CEO & managing director Adrenalin eSystems. devices as well as travel and tourism. The investments generated 8,329 high-skilled jobs, a substantial rise from the 2,805 positions created in 2022. With this, 2023 marked InvestKL’s most outstanding year, culminating in the agency having secured a total of RM29.79 billion in investments since its inception in 2011. To date, 66% of the investments or RM19.74 billion have materialised, leading to the creation of over 27,000 executive jobs. Currently, 74% of these positions are filled, providing Malaysians with an average monthly income exceeding RM14,000. In a statement, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said, “Malaysia’s record-high FDI inflow for 2023 reflects investors’ renewed confidence in Malaysia’s growth prospects, underscored by the unity government’s strategic policy direction and Miti’s industrial reforms. Our focus on implementation has also seen an average investment project implementation rate of 85% in the last few years, as we continue to facilitate the investors’ journey.” CEO Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli said the unprecedented FDI into Greater KL showcases the city’s attractiveness across diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering, signifying a major achievement in their efforts to attract high-value activities. “The success demonstrates Greater KL’s maturing business ecosystem, capable of securing and supporting substantial, intricate investments. The impact is profound, catalysing growth, strengthening local ecosystems and creating highvalue employment,” he added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 16 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Tata Motors shares surge on plan to split into two listed firms NEW DELHI: Shares of Tata Motors , India’s most valuable carmaker, hit a record high yesterday, a day after the company said it will split into two listed firms, separating its commercial vehicle business from its passenger vehicle arm. The stock, currently up 4.6%, is leading gains on the Nifty Auto index, which is up 1.4%. The stock rose as much 7.9% to hit its all-time high of 1,065.6 rupees. The carmaker is also the top gainer on the blue-chip Nifty 50 index, which is down 0.3% on the day. The demerger would allow Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle business to directly compete with industry leader Maruti Suzuki, said LKP Securities senior research analyst Ashwin Patil. With Hyundai potentially listing in India and Mahindra & Mahindra as the fourth top carmaker, investors would have a wider range of options to choose from as competition intensifies, Patil said. The passenger vehicle company will house Tata Motors’ lucrative Jaguar Land Rover business. Tata Motors was the best-performing stock on the 15-member Nifty Auto index last year, more than doubling after the company turned profitable on the back of strong luxury car sales. The “buy”-rated stock has scaled new peaks this year, outperforming its peers. It has risen 32% this year compared with a roughly 13% rise for the auto index. Analysts at Nomura do not expect the demerger to result in any immediate change in the way investors value Tata Motors. In the medium-term, the businesses should still be able to pursue their respective strategies with greater freedom, the analysts said. Shareholders will have an identical holding in both listed companies after the split, Tata Motors said on Monday. The demerger will be presented to the board in the coming months and will take 12 to 15 months after that for the necessary approvals. – Reuters Indonesia races to approve mining output quotas JAKARTA: Indonesia has approved the mining production quota requests from more than 120 mineral companies and aims to complete the approval process this month, a senior official at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said yesterday. The approval process for the quotas, known locally as RKAB, has been delayed this year, raising concerns from nickel smelters who are facing depleting ore stock. Indonesia, a major producer of minerals such as nickel, tin, and copper, requires all mining companies to secure RKAB approvals periodically before they are allowed to conduct mining activities. “RKAB approvals for minerals are still on progress and the plan is to complete them by the end of March,” said Irwandy Arif, special staff to the energy and mineral resources minister. A total of 723 mineral mining companies applied for quota approvals, he said. He did not provide the tonnage for the approved RKAB, nor the breakdown of each of the minerals. However, Indonesia Mining Association executive director Djoko Widajatno estimated that 259 million wet metric tonnes of production quota for nickel have been approved. Last week, a director at the ministry said approvals have been issued for 145 million metric tonnes of nickel ore production this year, with approvals for more underway as authorities focused on processing requests for nickel and tin. – Reuters Temasek shortlists suitors for Pavilion Energy assets SINGAPORE: Temasek Holdings has shortlisted energy giants Shell and Saudi Aramco among a handful of companies to purchase most of the assets of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading firm Pavilion Energy, sources with knowledge of the matter said. The sale process comes a decade after Singapore’s state investment firm set up Pavilion Energy to focus on LNG-related investments, and takes place as spot Asian LNG prices have fallen more than 40% since mid-August, potentially weighing on the deal’s valuation. Temasek is evaluating bids for the sale of Pavilion Energy’s assets, excluding its gas pipeline business, one of the sources said, adding a final bidding round was likely in coming weeks, before a winner is announced if the price is right. It was not immediately clear how many bids Temasek had received, or their financial terms. Bloomberg first reported on the sale process in August. Pavilion Energy directed enquiries to Temasek, which declined to comment. Shell declined to comment and Saudi Aramco did not respond to a request for comment. Barclays, which is advising Temasek on the sale, declined comment. Unlisted Pavilion Energy had profit after tax of US$438 million (RM2.07 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2023, after a loss of US$666 million a year earlier, Temasek’s website showed, while revenue rose 38% to US$9.09 billion. Pavilion Energy’s shareholder equity value was US$3.63 billion by March last year, the website showed. Pavilion Energy invested about US$1.3 billion in three gas blocks in Tanzania in 2013, soon after it was set up. As one of two firms appointed by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to import LNG, Pavilion Energy supplies one-third of the city state’s power and industrial gas with LNG and piped natural gas, its website said. It also supplies LNG to ships in Singapore, the world’s top bunkering port. In Europe, Pavilion Energy imports about a tenth of LNG volumes in Spain. It gained access to Europe with its 2019 purchase of Spanish energy company Iberdrola’s LNG assets, including long-term regasification capacity of about 2 million metric tonnes a year at Britain’s Grain LNG terminal, access to regasification capacity in Spain and on a pipeline between Spain and France. For Shell, the world’s top LNG trader by volume and the only other LNG importer in Singapore, the acquisition would expand its market share in the city state. For Aramco, the acquisition would help kickstart its LNG business, one of the sources said, as it races with Middle Eastern rivals QatarEnergy and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co to grab a share of the superchilled fuel market. – Reuters ‘Southeast Asia is where Australia’s future lies’ MELBOURNE: Australia unveiled plans to ramp up investment in Southeast Asia yesterday, setting aside US$1.3 billion (RM6.2 billion) to bolster trade in a region of rising economic might. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the funding as he met leaders from the 10-nation Asean in Melbourne for a three-day summit. “The government I lead has made it clear. More than any other region, Southeast Asia is where Australia’s future lies,” Albanese told a business forum on the summit’s sidelines. Following a series of bruising disputes, Australia has increasingly looked to build Australian special envoy to Southeast Asia Nicholas Moore speaking during an Emerging Leaders session of the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne. – REUTERSPIC oCanberra sets up US$1.3b fund to grow trade with Asean economic ties outside of major trading partner China. Fuelled by years of swift and sustained population growth, the bloc is widely seen as an emerging economic powerhouse. With vast deposits of critical minerals and a booming appetite for electricity, Southeast Asia is also poised to play a major role in the global push for clean energy. Australia’s new funding package will provide export financing and loans geared largely toward infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Albanese said it was “the most significant upgrade of Australia’s economic engagement (with the bloc) for a generation”. While Asean leaders were eager to focus on trade and business, more sensitive questions about China’s growing sway in Southeast Asia were never far from mind. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the city-state would gladly host Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines once they were up and running – an offer likely to raise Beijing’s hackles. The United States and the United Kingdom have pledged to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered subs as part of joint plans to counter China’s influence in the region. While some forum members have expressed reluctance to back the so-called Aukus defence pact, former British colony Singapore has been full throated in its support. “I’ve said before, and I repeated to the prime minister on this visit, that when the new Australian submarines are ready, we welcome them to visit Changi naval base,” Lee told reporters yesterday. Climate change also looms large on the summit’s agenda. Southeast Asia’s hunger for energy is largely fed by fossil fuels, while Australia remains one of the world’s biggest exporters of gas and polluting thermal coal. Both are increasingly eager to pivot toward renewable energy. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 17 Japan seeing signs of positive wage momentum TOKYO: Japan is seeing early signs of achieving a positive cycle of rising inflation and wages, deputy chief Cabinet secretary Hideki Murai said yesterday, stressing the administration’s focus on broadening pay increases beyond big firms. The government is ramping up efforts to change Japan’s long held practice in which big firms use their huge bargaining power to pressure smaller suppliers into accepting price cuts. In guidance released in November, the government required companies to have executives take more ownership in the price-setting procedures, and clarified for the first time the chance of sanctioning firms that put undue pressure on suppliers to cut prices. The steps underscore the focus Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is putting on boosting profits of smaller firms, which they can then use to hike wages, Murai told Reuters in an interview. “We’ve made clear what companies ought and ought not to do” in price-setting negotiations, said Murai, who oversees the government’s initiative to ensure the guidance is met. “It’s important to embed new business practices so that costs are appropriately passed on throughout the supply chain.” The administration has made achievement of broad-based wage hikes a top priority as rising inflation pushes up households’ cost of living. Some big firms have announced plans of bumper pay hikes to retain talent and compensate employees for rising inflation. But there is uncertainty on whether small and mid-sized firms, which employ 70% of the total number of workers in Japan, will follow suit as rising raw material costs hurt their margins. “We need to revitalise the economy by shifting away from one that prioritises cost cuts, to one where a positive cycle of higher growth and wages kicks in,” Murai said. “We’re gradually seeing such (a) positive cycle fall into place.” The Bank of Japan is also focusing on whether wages rise sustainably, which it has set as a prerequisite for exiting ultra-loose monetary policy. – Reuters Pension withdrawals by residents leaving HK in Q4 down 1.6% HONG KONG: Residents leaving Hong Kong for good withdrew a total of HK$1.69 billion (RM1.02 billion) from their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) pension accounts in the fourth quarter of 2023, down 1.6% from a year earlier, government data showed. A total of 7,200 claims were made in the October-December quarter, compared with the 7,000 claims taking out HK$1.72 billion during the same period in 2022, data from the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority showed yesterday. The number of claims compared to 8,700 in the July-September quarter, 7,300 in the April-June quarter and 6,700 claims over January-March that saw withdrawals of HK$2.21 billion, HK$1.79 billion and HK$1.57 billion respectively. The MPF is a compulsory retirement scheme for Hong Kong residents, with employees and their employers required to make contributions. Curbs to control the spread of Covid-19 were among the reasons why people left Hong Kong. All pandemic curbs were lifted last year. Authorities have been trying to restore business confidence and attract investors and tourists after more than three years of severe pandemic measures. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the total number of claims – spanning all reasons including retirement – was 66,000, a decrease of 3.6% from the previous quarter’s 68,500. – Reuters China sets ambitious 5% growth target BEIJING: China set yesterday a growth target of around 5% for this year, an ambitious objective that the leaders of the world’s second-largest economy admitted would be a challenge to meet. Premier Li Qiang formally announced the growth goal, alongside the overall Budget and key government policies for 2024, as China’s annual National People’s Congress (NPC) kicked off yesterday. Addressing thousands of delegates, Li warned that “achieving this year’s targets will not be easy”. “The foundation for China’s sustained economic recovery and growth is not solid enough.” Last year’s NPC saw President Xi Jinping anointed for a historic third term, cementing his rule as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. A year on, thousands of delegates attending the gathering must grapple with a litany of economic and security challenges, including a protracted property sector crisis, soaring youth unemployment, and a global slowdown that has hammered demand for Chinese goods. The 5% goal is in line with last year’s oPremier admits achieving this year’s objective ‘will not be easy’ growth, but is a far cry from the double-digit expansion that for years drove the Chinese economy. “We do not consider the five percent growth target to be conservative, we actually think it is ambitious,” UBS chief China economist Wang Tao told AFP. “The property market has continued to fall and not yet reached the bottom, which exerts downward pressure on the economy,” she added, saying that would have a “negative impact on local government finance and spending, and household wealth and consumer spending”. Li in his speech warned there remained “lingering risks and hidden dangers” still present in the economy. Investors have called for much greater action from the state to shore up the flagging economy. But Beijing has for years been reluctant to confront the pressures on its economy head-on with a major bailout, fearful of putting too much strain on fragile state coffers, and analysts do not see any reason to think that will change soon. A separate Budget report indicated China’s military spending – second only to the United States’ – would rise by 7.2%. In the run-up to the NPC the legislature’s top body approved a broad and vaguely worded revision to China’s state secrets law – “a clear signal of security’s importance for this year’s governance agenda”, said Enodo Economics chief economist Diana Choyleva. In a bid to assuage investors’ fears, Beijing yesterday promised to open “new channels” for foreign trade, as well as to cut tariffs on advanced technology. But deepening the sense of China as an information black hole, Beijing on Monday said it would scrap a post-NPC press conference by the premier – in place since 1993 and a rare chance for international media to quiz one of the country’s top officials. Armed police and security personnel are ubiquitous on Beijing’s streets this week as thousands of delegates descend on the capital for the “Two Sessions” – a carefully choreographed week-long gathering of the NPC and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Many of its major decisions would have been made weeks in advance, in closed-door meetings of the Communist Party. Nevertheless, the topics that are up for discussion and the tone of the speeches allow for key insights into what is keeping China’s rulers up at night. Analysts agree that stuck between deep reforms to restart economic growth and efforts to strengthen the state’s power, China’s policymakers have little room for manoeuvre this week. The government may well “double down on the current direction of elevating national security measures on all fronts,” said Ho-fung Hung, a professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University. “It will not help the economy, but could help the party-state weather the storm of economic crisis.” – AFP Uber Eats starts robot deliveries in Tokyo TOKYO: “Caution: robot!” chirps the green self-driving delivery vehicle as it trundles down the street to a restaurant in Tokyo to pick up a meal ordered on Uber Eats. Starting today, robot deliveries will be offered in a small area of the city by the US-based food app, which hopes to eventually roll out the service more widely in Japan. The country, facing growing labour shortages, changed traffic laws last year to allow delivery robots on public streets, and other companies including Panasonic are also trialling cute new machines to transport goods. Uber Eats’ boxy robots have square headlights for eyes and three wheels on each side to navigate kerbs as they calculate routes on their own, using sensors to avoid pedestrians and other obstacles. Moving at up to 5.4kph and with flashing lights around the lid, there is a human operator on standby in case of trouble. Like self-driving delivery services launched by the company in North America, the Tokyo robots will be limited in scope at first, said Uber Eats Japan market operations director Alvin Oo. App users must wait outside for the robot to arrive, but one day it could come to their door, he told AFP yesterday. “Going all the way to the office floor, to the exact apartment ... could be useful in somewhere like high-rise Tokyo,” said Oo. The service could also one day come to rural areas, where many residents are elderly and drivers are scarce, he added. Current drivers “do not need to worry”, Oo said, because “even in five, 10 years’ time, there will always be work for the human delivery partners on the platform”. Uber Eats and similar apps faced strikes last month, and rideshare giant Uber has long been Members of the media and passers-by walking next to the Uber Eats robot as it crosses the street during the demonstration in Tokyo yesterday. – AFPPIC criticised for dodging minimum wage and holiday pay rules by arguing its workers are not employees but independent contractors. The Uber Eats robots, developed with Mitsubishi Electric and American start-up Cartken, will deliver food from just a few restaurants in the busy Nihonbashi district at first. Users cannot choose robot delivery, and if it is selected for them they can accept or decline the offer. At a demonstration yesterday, the robot nearly collided with a pedestrian, but also attracted lots of attention. It’s “so cute, so eye-catching”, said passer-by Akemi Hayakawa. “I thought it might bump into people’s feet, but people give way to it. “Japan has an ageing, dwindling population, with a serious labour shortage. “So this is a very good idea for Japan too,” the 60-year-old said. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 18 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Apple hit with €1.8b antitrust fine oRegulator says music streaming restrictions illegal under EU rules BRUSSELS: The EU on Monday hit Apple with a more than €1.8 billion fine (RM9 billion) for violating the bloc’s laws by preventing European users from accessing information about alternative, cheaper music streaming services. The iPhone maker immediately vowed to appeal the first ever antitrust fine slapped on Apple by Brussels, the culmination of a case triggered by a complaint by Swedish streaming giant Spotify. The European Commission found that “Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services” available outside the App Store. “This is illegal under EU antitrust rules,” the EU’s powerful competition regulator said. The €1.84 billion penalty is the third-largest antitrust fine ever imposed by the commission. The basic penalty for breaching EU rules was €40 million, but the commission’s competition enforcer Margrethe Vestager said such a fine would have been a “parking ticket” to a giant the size of Apple. For that reason, the commission added the huge sum of €1.8 billion as “deterrence”, she said. The total fine of €1.84 billion is equal to 0.5% of Apple’s worldwide turnover, Vestager said. “We have ordered Apple to remove the necessary provisions and to refrain from similar practices in the future,” she added. Spotify’s complaint in 2019 triggered a broad commission investigation into the iPhone maker in 2021, narrowed last year to focus on Apple’s actions to prevent apps from giving users information about rival music subscription options. Vestager told reporters that Apple’s actions had “impacted millions of European consumers”. “Some consumers may have paid more because they were unaware that they could pay less if they subscribed outside of the app,” she said. Apple slammed the commission’s decision and said it would appeal. “The decision was reached despite the commission’s failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast,” Apple said in a statement. “While we respect the European Commission, the facts simply don’t support this decision.” Spotify welcomed the fine, saying it “sends a powerful message – no company, not even a monopoly like Apple, can wield power abusively to control how other companies interact with their customers”. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said he was “sceptical” about how Apple would respond, suggesting that the tech giant was “just going to ignore” the fine. Despite the scale of the penalty, critics pointed out that it pales in comparison to Apple’s profits – which stood at US$33.92 billion for the last three months of 2023. “For Apple, this fine is still petty cash,” said German EU lawmaker Markus Ferber. By way of comparison, Brussels has hit Google with penalties of around €8 billion in the past few years – although the US-based firm is challenging the fines in EU courts. Nonetheless, the EU expects the fine will ensure that Apple stops limiting access to rival streaming services – all the more since it will also be obliged to do so under a new law known as the Digital Markets Act that it must adhere to by March 7. – AFP Tesla shares skid after China sales fall SAN FRANCISCO: Shares in Tesla fell more than 7% on Monday after its sales declined last month in China, where it likely faced a slowdown during the Lunar New Year holidays. The fall in sales in its key market dimmed the outlook for Tesla’s global deliveries, at a time when the top EV maker is battling a decline in demand and rising competition, and is weighed down by a lack of entry-level vehicles and the age of its product line-up. Tesla sold 60,365 China-made vehicles in February, down 19% from a year earlier and the lowest volume since December 2022, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. Tesla’s Shanghai factory makes Model Y and Model 3 electric cars for the local market, Europe and other countries, and accounted for over half of Tesla’s global deliveries last year. Tesla shares ended down 7.2% on the day at US$188.14, a slump of 24% since the start of the year. The Lunar New Year holidays fell in February, reducing car purchasing activities. Tesla has introduced a series of price cuts and incentives to fend off slowing demand and rising competition from China rivals such as BYD. “It’s been a perfect storm of headwinds for Tesla in China. This was a negative data point that adds fuel to the fire around the stock,” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said. Last week, Tesla unveiled new incentives including insurance subsidies to woo consumers in the world’s largest auto market. BYD on Monday launched a new version of its best-selling car at a price lower than the final price of its discontinued predecessor, escalating a price war with rivals. BYD also saw its sales fall 37% to 122,311 in February from a year earlier. In the United States, Tesla this month offered 5,000 free Supercharging miles to customers who trade in their older vehicle to get a new Tesla vehicle by March 31. In February, Tesla temporarily cut prices of some of its Model Y cars in the US. Analyst Troy Teslike revised down his forecast for Tesla global deliveries for the first quarter of this year, saying weaker-than-expected China sales despite a price cut suggested “a demand problem.” – Reuters Bayer rules out break-up ‘for now’ after huge loss BERLIN: German chemicals giant Bayer vowed yesterday to “urgently” address key challenges after plunging deep into the red in 2023, weighed down by woes related to its glyphosate-based weedkillers. But CEO Bill Anderson, hired last year to help steer the troubled group in a new direction, ruled out any imminent break-up of the firm – despite mounting pressure from activist investors. Bayer swung to a €2.9 billion (RM15 billion) loss in 2023 after booking a net profit of €4.15 billion a year earlier, it said in a statement. Sales fell by 6% to €47.6 billion, partly because of “significantly” lower prices for glyphosate-based herbicides in the group’s crop science division. Earnings were also dragged down by heavy impairment losses in the same division. Sales of prescription medicines in the pharmaceuticals division were flat, while the consumer health unit saw an uptick in part thanks to higher demand for dermatology products. Bayer, maker of Aspirin, has to strengthen its pharmaceuticals pipeline, Anderson said, referring to the need to launch new products to compensate for the expiration of patents on several blockbuster drugs in the coming years. The group also needs to address massive litigation issues linked to the Roundup weedkiller, he said, a problem Bayer inherited in the 2018 takeover of US firm Monsanto. Bayer has faced a wave of lawsuits in the US over claims Roundup, which contains the active ingredient glyphosate, causes cancer. Bayer denies the claim but has spent billions of euros on legal costs in recent years. The group’s high debt levels and a hierarchical bureaucracy that “blocks progress” were also key issues that need tackling, Anderson said. – AFP A staff member looking at Tesla’s Model 3 sedan displayed next to Model X SUV at the China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing. – REUTERSPIC Nintendo wins battle against piracy software company WASHINGTON: A company that was sued by Nintendo for creating software that allowed the mass pirating of video games agreed on Monday to pay the Super Mario maker US$2.4 million (RM11.4 million) in damages and shutter the tool. The company behind Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong last week sued Tropic Haze, registered in the US state of Rhode Island, which owns and runs Yuzu, a popular video game emulator. A video game emulator is a piece of software that can be downloaded onto a PC or smartphone to play video games intended for a specific console, such as the Switch, PlayStation or Xbox. Initially, emulators were developed to play games that were no longer published on the latest consoles, before vintage gaming became a market in its own right for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. According to a settlement filed on Monday with the US federal court in Rhode Island, the defendant agreed to no longer make Yuzu available to the public and hand over all its programming code to Nintendo. Nintendo would also take possession of the website where the Yuzu tool was made available to download. The defendant is “fully aware” that Yuzu is “facilitating piracy at a colossal scale”, the company said in the suit. The Japanese gaming juggernaut had accused the company of going out of its way to circumvent elaborate safeguards and encryption to make Nintendo games available to Yuzu’s users. Nintendo said Yuzu was an important platform for existing games but also for playing games that were illegally leaked before their release. Last year’s Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was downloaded one million times before its release with pirate websites directing users to Yuzu to play the game, the suit alleged. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) NESTLE 119.5 -1.5 1003 ALLIANZ-PA 20 -1 13 UTDPLT 23.26 -0.74 8833 F&N 28.62 -0.58 841 KLK 21.9 -0.42 16,315 HEIM 22.9 -0.4 3,033 KLUANG 4.4 -0.24 30 ALLIANZ 18.9 -0.18 990 CARLSBG 18.72 -0.18 2,152 HLBANK 19.42 -0.16 8,342 CHINAETF-MYR 4.27 -0.15 99 AIRPORT 8.28 -0.14 15,048 NPC 1.7 -0.14 60 PETDAG 22.26 -0.14 2,445 PMETAL 4.54 -0.12 80747 VITROX 7.34 -0.12 1,640 IOICORP 3.96 -0.11 55,196 AAX 1.38 -0.1 57,856 GESHEN 2.73 -0.1 8,941 SIMEPLT 4.26 -0.1 32,132 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) AJI 18.26 0.78 1,467 BIPORT 5.88 0.23 1 HUMEIND-LA 3.72 0.22 1 GENTING 4.89 0.2 177,873 HTPADU 1.92 0.17 48213 HLIND 10.16 0.16 491 FRONTKN 3.8 0.13 78,682 MTEC 0.8 0.11 314,330 MYETFDJ 1 0.1 100 PEB 1.18 0.1 102 AME 1.78 0.08 19,885 CIMB 6.53 0.08 393,632 MPI 28.9 0.08 1,396 PETGAS 18 0.08 42774 ORNA 1.01 0.075 1,915 PARAGON 3.89 0.07 1,786 WCEHB 1.05 0.07 38,287 GPHAROS 0.52 0.065 65,552 NOTION 0.515 0.065 170,106 FPI 3.06 0.06 6,422 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME TWL 1,400,012 0.035 - - HM 1,262,130 0.135 -0.005 -3.57 SAPNRG 885,842 0.045 -0.005 -10 WIDAD 852,657 0.095 -0.015 -13.64 FITTERS 544,001 0.05 - - EKOVEST 506,331 0.45 - - HONGSENG 489,459 0.015 - - MAG 487,372 0.185 -0.015 -7.5 YTL 472,977 2.62 -0.05 -1.87 MINETEC 426,879 0.145 -0.01 -6.45 VELESTO 394,081 0.29 - - CIMB 393,632 6.53 0.08 1.24 PBBANK 388,149 4.32 0.02 0.47 YTLPOWR 332,779 3.95 0.01 0.25 MTEC 314,330 0.8 0.11 15.94 JAKS 288,645 0.15 -0.005 -3.23 MRCB 279,481 0.575 - - SPSETIA 263,723 0.91 0.015 1.68 IWCITY 253,269 0.76 0.025 3.4 MYEG 239,393 0.8 0.005 0.63 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: MARCH 5 [ 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 FFBMEMAS 11,397.00 -20.00 FBMKLCI 1,536.98 -2.29 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 570.79 -0.84 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 174.47 -1.22 CONSTRUCTION 208.22 +0.56 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,290.10 +36.60 ENERGY 907.27 -6.49 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 597.87 -1.93 HEALTH CARE 1,891.53 -4.60 TRANSPORTATION 954.21 -2.96 PROPERTY 912.11 -2.26 PLANTATION 7,178.29 -117.00 FBMSHA 11,385.00 -58.40 FBMACE 4,699.16 -51.20 TECHNOLOGY 63.91 +0.26 TURNOVER: 3.813 bil VALUE: RM2.804 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) KGROUP 0.01 100 2,903 MTRONIC 0.02 33.33 8,026 TALAMT 0.02 33.33 398 G3 0.025 25 37,466 MTEC 0.8 15.94 314330 WMG 0.195 14.71 87614 NOTION 0.515 14.44 170,106 GPHAROS 0.52 14.29 65552 CLASSITA 0.045 12.5 14,473 MYETFDJ 1 11.11 100 AVI 0.055 10 7232 HTPADU 1.92 9.71 48,213 PEB 1.18 9.26 102 ZELAN 0.06 9.09 5406 ANEKA 0.195 8.33 34,072 ORNA 1.01 8.02 1,915 AXTERIA 0.14 7.69 11,586 PRKCORP 0.43 7.5 2 PARKWD 0.145 7.41 199 AGES 0.075 7.14 14,069 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) PHB 0.005 -50 14,138 FOCUS 0.01 -33.33 4,732 XOX 0.01 -33.33 14,326 AGES-PA 0.015 -25 1,333 SAUDEE 0.02 -20 3,008 TWL-LA 0.02 -20 18,804 REACH 0.025 -16.67 1,061 REKATECH 0.05 -16.67 1,352 TAWIN 0.03 -14.29 130,554 WIDAD 0.095 -13.64 852,657 ENGKAH 0.385 -13.48 1,000 ECOHLDS 0.07 -12.5 290 MINETEC-PA 0.07 -12.5 114,991 ARBB 0.04 -11.11 9,731 PDZ 0.04 -11.11 15,802 TFP 0.04 -11.11 2574 CNOUHUA 0.045 -10 15028 PERMAJU 0.045 -10 4321 SAPNRG 0.045 -10 885,842 INNITY 0.415 -9.78 192 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 38,989.83 -97.55 -0.25 S&P 500 (US) 5,130.95 -6.13 -0.12 NASDAQ (US) 16,207.51 -67.43 -0.41 NYSE (US) 17,748.70 +20.43 +0.12 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4,896.43 -16.49 -0.34 FTSE 100 (UK) 7,609.52 -30.81 -0.40 DAX (GER) 17,663.49 -52.68 -0.30 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 40,097.63 -11.60 -0.03 TOPIX (JPN) 2,719.93 +13.65 +0.50 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 16,162.64 -433.33 -2.61 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,565.51 +24.64 +0.70 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,047.79 +8.49 +0.28 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,649.40 -24.87 -0.93 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 174.69 +0.60 +0.35 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,724.20 -11.59 -0.15 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7,988.30 -8.15 -0.10 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 73,765.88 -106.41 -0.14 FBM KLCI 1,536.98 -2.29 -0.15 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,106.78 -15.43 -0.49 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.65 -0.09 -0.11 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.85 +0.05 +0.06 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,127.90 +1.60 +0.08 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 24.14 +0.15 +0.13 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 892.76 -6.38 -0.71 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 386.20 +0.50 +0.13 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8,542.50 39.00 0.46 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 428.75 -1.25 -0.29 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 562.50 -1.50 -0.27 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 44.88 -0.29 -0.64 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 6,586.00 +259.00 +4.09 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 159.30 -1.00 -0.62 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, Mar 5 Bursa recoups most of earlier losses to end only slightly lower BURSA Malaysia recouped most of its earlier losses to close slightly lower yesterday as late buying in gaming, telecommunications and banking stocks supported the benchmark index, amid the downbeat performance in most regional markets, dealers said. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI shed 2.29 points to 1,536.98 from Monday’s close of 1,539.27. The benchmark index, which opened 1.35 points lower at 1,537.92, moved between 1,518.84 and 1,537.92 throughout the day. Losers outpaced gainers 654 to 380, while 450 counters were unchanged, 767 untraded and 13 others suspended. Turnover rose to 3.81 billion units worth RM2.8 billion from 3.32 billion units worth RM2.56 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said that the key regional indices mostly ended lower, seeing strong selling in technology stocks following a negative cue from Wall Street overnight. Back home, he said sentiment turned cautious after the benchmark index broke the 1,534 support level. The next support level is seen at 1,520, he added. “Despite the prevailing cautious sentiment, we believe the selloff presents an opportunity for investors to seek bargains in stocks at lower levels,” he told Bernama. Heavyweights Maybank added three sen to RM9.63, CIMB rose eight sen to RM6.53, Public Bank increased two sen to RM4.32, while Tenaga Nasional fell four sen to RM11.16, and Petronas Chemicals dipped two sen to RM6.86. As for the actives, Harvest Miracle Capital shrank half-a-sen to 13.5 sen, Sapura Energy shaved off half-a-sen to 4.5 sen, Widad Group declined 1.5 sen to 9.5 sen, and both TWL Holdings and Fitters Diversified were unchanged at 3.5 sen and five sen, respectively. 1536.98pts Mar 5, 2024 Participation 17.4 40.6 42.0 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 516.8 1352.9 935.2 2804.9 Sold RM m 460.9 921.1 1422.9 2804.9 Net RM m 55.9 431.8 -487.7 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 5/3/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 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 shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. AT SEM’s Q4’23, management shared that its convenience store (CVS) SSSG grew +9% YoY in FY23 (Q4’23: +1.6% YoY) largely driven by added contribution from new stores (+130 stores YoY), higher in-store volume sales, and higher store footfall. That said, eased gross profit (GP) margins (FY23: -1.1 ppts YoY) were due to increased A&P, fresh food wastage rate and costs related to its new distribution centre. SEM targets to open 100 gross new stores along with 150 to 200 store refurbishments in FY24E. Its total store count as at end-Q4’23 was 2,566 (incl. 247 7-Cafes). The opening of 7-CAFÉ stores will be prioritised in FY24E to leverage on its increasing range of fresh food SKUs produced from its food commissary. Although fresh food sales account for <10% of group revenue at present, SEM’s eventual diversification away from a tobacco dependent product mix (32% of revenue) will see better earnings translation from higher fresh food GP margins of at least 35% (vs. tobacco GP margins of 8-9%) in the long run. Plans for SEM to move up the value chain are well underway and we believe group margin accretion will gradually flow through as the number of fresh food SKUs are ramped up. That said, subdued consumer spending could delay consumer reception of its new products as consumption habits turn cautious. Execution is also paramount to ensure cost overruns do not occur, particularly with high food wastages and labour costs. Maintain HOLD with a TP of RM2.00 SUPERCOMMET’S FY23 net profit declined 9.6% to RM29.7 million, in tandem with weaker revenue of 12.8% to RM138.1 million. We attribute the weaker results to lower revenue from the industrial and automotive segments. In addition, net profit was impacted by higher electricity tariffs, share-based compensation for ESOS (RM1.6 million) and RM1 million one-off expense related to main market transfer. More importantly, profit have been on uptrends since Q1’23 due to higher orders from the medical segment, driven by resurgent demand for endoscopy video cables. We believe the recovery would continue, leading to revenue and profit growth of 27.7% and 31.9% in FY24. Note that Q4’23 performance improved further by 8.1% QoQ to RM8 million as revenue grew 7.1% to RM34.8 million. We expect the medical segment to continue to grow in 2024 as the group is pursuing opportunities in expanding sales to existing customers, progressing towards commercial production of new products and shifting to producing whole device to enhance the group’s margins. Key customers such as Edward (38% of Q4’23 revenue) and Ambu (36% of Q4’23 revenue) are expected to increase their orders. For Edward, we expect sales to increase by 8.2% in FY24, driven by smart cables. As for Ambu, the sales recovery in Q4’23 to RM12.5 million revenue (orders back to 95-98% of pandemic levels) will likely persist in FY24 while Ambu is ramping up its Mexico Plant (North and South America market). Also, contribution from IHS would likely begin in 2H’24. The current issue with the flow controller has been resolved with promising results approved by supplier and FDA. Maintain Buy with a TP of RM1.46/share. RESULTS from the 4Q CY23 reporting season mostly exceeded our expectations (4 out of 5), with the exception of MAXIS (OP; TP: RM5.30) which disappointed (due to accelerated depreciation). Aside from AXIATA (OP; TP: RM3.10), all telcos reported core net profit growth in FY23, mainly driven by service revenue expansion and absence of Cukai Makmur. In particular, for TM’s case, its earnings received a major boost from recognition of tax credits. On the flip side, all telcos were weighed by cost pressures that resulted in compressed or flattish EBIT margin. This mainly emanated from accelerated depreciation (for the local players) and heightened opex. In the case of AXIATA, depreciation costs surged in line with Link Net’s aggressive expansion of home passes. FY23 service revenue growth (0.3-4.2%) for the domestic operators was mainly propelled by subscriber base expansion across the board. Fixed and mobile operators ended the year with an enlarged subscriber base in 4Q CY23, except for Celcom (4Q CY23: -1% YoY). The latter was attributed to a clean-up of its prepaid base in 4Q CY23 that led to the removal of non-revenue generating subscribers. Nevertheless, for the broader industry, total subscribers for the three major mobile operators expanded by a healthy 4% YoY to 32.9 million in 4Q CY23. This was mainly led by MAXIS’ subscriber net adds of 442k for prepaid and 361k for postpaid. In particular, the latter’s expansion was attributed to the introduction of postpaid plans with lower entry price points (starting from RM30 per month). We maintain our OVERWEIGHT recommendation on the sector. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7900 4.6560 4.6460 1 Australian Dollar 3.1370 3.0130 2.9970 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5660 3.4630 3.4550 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5270 3.4330 3.4210 1 Euro 5.2090 5.0420 5.0220 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9330 2.8250 2.8090 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5660 3.4630 3.4550 1 Sterling Pound 6.0930 5.9010 5.8810 1 Swiss Franc 5.3990 5.2740 5.2590 100 UAE Dirham 132.0500 125.2300 125.0300 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.4500 4.1600 3.9600 100 Chinese Renminbi 67.0300 64.2200 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.6400 65.9400 65.7400 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.9100 58.8400 58.6400 100 Indian Rupee 5.8800 5.5200 5.3200 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0315 0.0285 0.0235 100 Japanese Yen 3.1900 3.0900 3.0800 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.5300 42.8100 42.6100 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7700 1.6400 1.4400 100 Philippine Peso 8.6900 8.1900 7.9900 100 Qatar Riyal 132.9300 126.1900 125.9900 100 Saudi Riyal 129.2500 122.7000 122.5000 100 South Africa Rand 26.0900 23.5600 23.3600 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.6000 1.4700 1.2700 100 Swedish Krona 47.6700 43.4400 43.2400 100 Thai Baht 14.0000 12.4200 12.0200 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit slips against dollar on mild profit-taking THE ringgit ended lower against the US dollar yesterday on mild profit-taking following recent gains and investor disappointment with China’s macroeconomic targets set during its National People’s Congress (NPC). At 6pm, the ringgit slipped to 4.7325/7380 against the greenback compared with Monday’s close of 4.7200/7250. China Premier Li Qiang said yesterday that China expects its gross domestic product (GDP) to record a 5% growth in 2024, lower than the 5.2% achieved in 2023 amid a sluggish global economic environment. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted that investors appear to see China’s GDP target as being on the high side, especially when property developers are still grappling with the sector’s doldrums. He said some profit-taking may have occurred after the ringgit strengthened against the greenback since last week. Back home, the ringgit was traded lower against a basket of major currencies. The local currency fell against the British pound to 6.0027/0097 from Monday’s close of 5.9840/9904, weakened versus the euro to 5.1348/1407 from 5.1198/1252, and declined vis-a-vis the Japanese yen to 3.1466/1505 from 3.1410/1445 previously. The ringgit traded weaker against other Asean currencies. It was easier versus the Thai baht at 13.2119/2320 from 13.1766/1965 yesterday and slid against the Singapore dollar to 3.5209/5253 compared to 3.5137/5177. The ringgit also depreciated vis-a-vis the Indonesian rupiah to 300.0/300.5 from 299.7/300.2 and inched down against the Philippine peso at 8.45/8.47 from 8.43/8.44 previously.– Bernama Kenanga Research retains ‘overweight’ call on telcos KUALA LUMPUR: Kenanga Research has maintained its “overweight” recommendation on the telecommunications sector, although industry players still await the announcement of the official 5G dual network (DN) policy directive. “We maintain our ‘overweight’ recommendation on the sector as we are optimistic that earnings and dividends will remain intact post implementation of a 5G DN model,” it said in a note yesterday. Under the 5G DN policy, two entities will be established as part of Malaysia’s transition from the 5G Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model to DN, whereby entity A will take over the existing first 5G network owned by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), whilst B will develop the new second 5G network. Kenanga Research, a research arm of Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd, said the pending announcement is expected to shed light on the final equity stake for each telecommunications company in either entity A or B. Back in December 2023, major telecommunications players such as CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxin Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, YTL Power International Bhd, and U Mobile Sdn Bhd each entered into conditional share subscription agreements (SSA) with the Ministry of Finance and DNB. The SSAs are targeted for completion by April 2024, resulting in the telcos collectively owning a 70% stake in DNB. On the average revenue per unit (ARPU), Kenanga Research said although ARPUs remained weak currently, it believed that enterprise segment and high net worth retail customers would be able to enjoy 5G monetisation opportunities in the near term. It said regulatory requirements had inhibited telcos from imposing additional access charges for 5G services. – Bernama Telecommunication 4Q CY23 soars above potentials Supercomnet Technologies Bhd Buy. Target price: RM1.46 7-Eleven (M) Holdings Bhd Hold. Target price: RM2.00 Source: Maybank Investment Bank Source: TA Securities Source: Kenanga Research March 5, 2024: RM2.00 March 5, 2024: RM1.24 March 4, 2024: RM11.20
Beardonomics Beardonomics Maximising your look with the aximising your look with the perfect beard for your face - erfect beard for your face - P22 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 WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME INSIDE p 23 Hollywood’s fashion night p 24 SAG-AFTRA’s new guidelines p 25 A celebration of dance p 26 Focus Point brings clarity
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 22 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Beard mastery 101 MEN’s facial hair. It is a tricky proposition. Get it right and you can look like a well-groomed movie star brimming with machismo. Get it wrong and you end up looking like a homeless person. No man ever says, “I am going to grow a beard to make myself look bad.” Yet, choosing the wrong facial hair style for your face shape can lead to just that. Everyone possesses unique physical characteristics that a beard, moustache, stubble and hairstyle can either enhance or diminish. To ensure your facial hair style makes you look even more wicked, it is crucial to select one that complements features like your jawline, cheekbone structure and forehead. The starting point? Discovering which beard and facial hair styles will best suit your face shape. Type of facial shape Identifying the right beard style begins with recognising your face shape. We have narrowed it down to four essential face shapes – square, oval, rectangular and round. Each face shape has beard styles that can accentuate your natural looks. Whether you are seeking inspiration or tips on achieving these styles with your electric shavers, read on. Choosing the right beard style can The square face type has a welldefined outline and can appear flawless. – FB/@CONAIRMAN oCrafting your look to fit your face █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL An oval face shape is a beard artisan’s dream. – HOUSEOF99 Embrace round faces with an anchor beard like Iron Man Tony Stark. – BEARDOHOLIC Rectangular faces require beards and moustaches to conceal their long features. – REDDIT For a good first impression on any occasion, it is crucial to choose the proper beard style for your face. – HOUSEOF99 be a challenge, especially if you’re new to experimenting. Start by objectively analysing your face shape. Knowing your face is key to understanding the beard that suits you best. Square faces If your jawline has those sharp lines, chances are you rock a square face shape, giving off that movie star vibe. Therefore, highlighting the chiselled jaw and cheekbones is the way to go. To enhance that rugged look without exaggerating, skip the square beard. Instead, opt for a beard that is shorter on the sides and fuller on the chin, like the goatee style; it is perfect for softening the angles. The rounded appearance of a goatee does wonders for a square face, especially when paired with a full moustache. Also, if you want to add a little extra flair, take it up a notch and remove the moustache from the circle beard. Hence, there is a reason it is known as the goatee. Oval faces If you are blessed with an oval face, you have hit the beard jackpot, with a variety of great options at your disposal. The oval shape generally complements almost all facial hair styles, making it less likely for your face to appear overly angular or squeezed. Since you have the freedom to experiment, why not try a bold beard style that others might find challenging? Picture lightning bolts down your cheeks, signalling the electric vibes coursing through your veins. A horseshoe moustache exudes a touch of homegrown luck. Alternatively, for a long beard, try out the Viking style. This adventurous look can grow down to meet the chest, and its even length throughout makes it a low-maintenance choice. Nevertheless, while you have the perfect canvas for experimentation, it is advisable to discover your ideal look early on. A classic full beard that you can adjust based on the season and your preference might suit you well or just let your beard grow freely and see where the wind takes you. Round faces For those who have round-shaped faces, a sleek beard is extremely helpful in balancing out facial fullness. You can opt for maintaining an angled beard to create a slimming effect or play around with a boxshaped beard that features angled lines along the cheekbones and is slightly longer on the chin. For a bolder look, you might consider embracing the Tony Stark or Captain Jack Sparrow vibe with an anchor beard. Achieving this style involves defining the shape of the chin and upper lip before completely trimming the rest of the face and do not forget to keep a separate moustache for an added touch of flair. Additionally, three other recommended facial hair looks for round faces are pointed beards, which add angularity to the cheekbones while maintaining fullness on the chin. Another option is the Van Dyke beard, inspired by the goatee, which features a pointed chin beard paired with a customised moustache. Rectangular faces Rectangular faces share similarities with square faces in terms of defined lines, but the distinction lies in length. Squared off at the forehead and jawline, but with cheekbones that match in width. The rectangular shape commonly known as the oblong face is masculine, but long. The function of facial hair here is to shorten the appearance of the face. Growing a big bushranger beard would not do you any favours; instead, opt for a moustache or if you do grow a beard, keep it shorter at the chin and grow out the tops of the cheeks to help round out your mug. To give a rectangular face a broader appearance, opt for a full facial hair look. The hipster beard is a popular choice for achieving this effect. The hipster’s beard is a modern trend with a nostalgic touch. Styling this beard is all about thickness, requiring at least a month or two of growth before shaping. Consider your overall look, as a shorter hairstyle may complement the hipster beard, preventing your face from being overshadowed by the hair. Fret not if the chosen style does not suit your face. A quick shave will have remedied matters and you will have lost nothing except the time it took to grow the facial hair. Happy grooming.
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 23 outfit at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles. The ensemble featured a jacket with ruffled sleeves and a trail, paired with matching flared pants, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking and visually stunning Oscars appearance. Emma Stone’s whimsical pre-Oscars fashion journey Stone, a Best Actress nominee for her role in Poor Things is gracefully navigating the prestigious season with a delightful blend of vintage and contemporary red carpet ensembles. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival a week ago, Stone opted for a sleek design from The Row, featuring a strapless black gown with a foldover neckline, revealing vintage-inspired floral prints along the side panel. Her accessories included a diamond pendant necklace, simple gold earrings and chunky rings, all sourced from the ethical fine jewellery brand Vrai. The following day at the 96th Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Stone embraced a neutral colour palette, trading her gown for a Louis Vuitton suit set by creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere. As a Louis Vuitton ambassador, Stone frequently showcases Ghesquiere’s designs on the red carpet. In the upcoming Oscars 2024, Stone is expected to once again showcase Ghesquiere’s designs, embodying a blend of class and elegance. Imagine her draped in dazzling, glittering diamond gowns, elevating her red carpet presence to new heights. Stone’s impeccable style and Ghesquiere’s artistic creations are sure to captivate audiences, setting the stage for a glamorous and unforgettable Oscar night. Men’s red carpet drama unveiled The Oscars red carpet is undergoing a daring transformation in men’s fashion, spotlighting dramatic silhouettes that accentuate the allure of evening coats. Bradley Cooper, at the Baftas, set a striking precedent by donning a double-breasted officer’s coat, echoing his appearance at the Louis Vuitton Men’s show in Paris the previous month. Adding to the anticipation, Rose Forde, the creative force behind Cillian Murphy’s wardrobe, foresees exciting shifts in menswear. She anticipates a departure from conventional bow ties, giving way to open shirts and distinctive neck adornments. Also, accessories are primed to take centre stage, with a focus on opticals and sunglasses, hats, headpieces and bags. Simultaneously, as Timothee Chalamet continues to make waves in showbiz with projects like Wonka and the upcoming Dune 2, he is poised to be at the forefront of men’s fashion. The Oscars red carpet promises to be not only a celebration of cinematic excellence but also a display of avant-garde and trend-setting men’s fashion. Cillian Murphy Oscar attire forecast Known for his affinity for tailored and classic aesthetics, Murphy is anticipated to grace the Oscars 2024 red carpet in a sophisticated yet modern ensemble. Expect Murphy to lean towards a bespoke, well-fitted tuxedo or a sleek suit, staying true to his signature style. Whether he opts for a classic black suit or ventures into bold colour choices, elegance and refinement will undoubtedly define his look. In line with contemporary trends, accessories may take a backseat, with an open neck replacing a traditional tie. A subtle pattern or texture of the coats might add a touch of flair, while polished dress shoes would perfectly complement his ensemble more towards J Robert’s Oppenheimer looks, rounding off the red-carpet appearance with a timeless charm. Keep an eye out for Murphy’s impeccable style, as he graces the Oscars red carpet with his distinctive fashion sense. – GOLDEN GLOBE The Oscars red carpet is poised to be a showcase of not only cinematic excellence but also an exhibition of avant-garde and trend-setting men’s fashion. –BAFTA █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL AS the 2024 Oscars approach on March 10, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, all eyes are on Hollywood’s stars and their fashion choices. Recent glimpses at the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas) hint at upcoming trends – menswear sees a revival with brooches and jewel-toned suits, while floor-length gowns are expected to dominate for women. Margot Robbie, despite not receiving an Academy nod for her role in Barbie, is anticipated to shine on the red carpet as one of the best-dressed stars. Stay tuned as theSun previews the trends expected at the Dolby Theatre on Oscar night. Robbie’s to highlight Barbie fashion Robbie, guided by stylist Andrew Mukamal, has consistently showcased vibrant Barbie-inspired looks throughout her promotional tour. Beginning in June with a polka-dot Valentino mini dress reminiscent of a 2015 Pink and Fabulous Barbie, she continued this trend at the 2024 Golden Globes. There, she donned a custom Giorgio Armani Prive hot pink sequined gown, paying homage to the 1977 SuperStar Barbie doll’s 50th anniversary. Now, as the Oscars approach, Robbie has the chance to conclude her Barbie-style streak with an extra-glittery exclamation point. Drawing inspiration from the 1980s Barbie doll archives, the chosen look is Crystal Barbie (1983). The iridescent white spaghetti-strap dress with a tulle flare bottom, accompanied by a coordinating boa, provides the perfect canvas for accessorising with Lorraine Schwartz’s mega-carat bling. For an added touch, if Robbie’s husband Tom Ackerley, who produced the movie with her, wishes to match his wife, the Crystal Ken outfit would be an ideal choice, completing a glamourous Barbie-inspired ensemble for the Oscars. Lily Gladstone, “museum-worthy” Oscar fashion anticipation In a wonderful preview, Gladstone has hinted that her attire for the 2024 Oscars will be nothing short of museum-worthy. People magazine reports that the actress is confident her dress will be a “showstopper” as she prepares to make history at this year’s Oscars. Gladstone, the first Native American actress nominated for an Academy Award, is in the running for Best Actress for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon. Embracing her unique cultural identity, she envisions her red carpet look as ongoing proof that indigenous design deserves a spotlight alongside luxury fashion. Adding a pop of colour to recent proceedings, Gladstone appeared in a red sequin Valentino Gladstone has hinted that her attire for the 2024 Oscars will be nothing short of “museum-worthy” and will be a “showstopper”. – BAAZAR Oscars countdown The Oscars are poised to be a significant night for Stone as she is nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in Poor Things. – AFPPIX oA sneak peek into red carpet fashion Robbie is expected to show up at the Oscars in a Barbieinspired outfit. – AFPPIX
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 24 A PROMINENT Telegu actor Varun Tej finds himself in the mid of promoting not only his upcoming film but also his inaugural Hindi language venture Operation Valentine. Directed by Shakti Pratap Singh, this cinematic endeavour boasts a unique bilingual format, incorporating both Hindi and Telegu languages. Released on March 1, the film draws inspiration from the tragic Pulwama attack that occurred on Valentine’s Day on Feb 14, 2019 along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. In Operation Valentine, Varun assumes the role of an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, while Manushi Chhillar portrays a radar officer, adding depth to the narrative. What adds an intriguing layer to Varun’s involvement is his dedication to mastering Hindi for the role. Despite being a South Indian actor, Varun underwent rigorous Hindi coaching and training for two months to ensure impeccable diction. Amid promotional duties for the movie, Varun took a moment to discuss his personal life, notably his wedding in Nov 2023 in Tuscany, Italy despite India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for influential families to host their grand ceremonies within India. He candidly explained that while traditional weddings in his family typically accommodate A FORMER assistant director at Yash Raj Films (YRF), Anurag Gopal Pandey, stirred controversy when he was caught on video hurling abusive language at actress Rani Mukherjee and the studio’s casting director Shanoo Sharma. The incident unfolded on Feb 22 outside the renowned designer Manish Malhotra’s Actors union tightens protocols OUTSIDE the film industry, in this case Hollywood, most are not aware that when it comes to filming intimate scenes, it is not just the film’s director going wild with their direction on what they want the actors and actresses to do. There are protocols in place to protect the talents before and during filming so that things do not go overboard and infringe on their safety, and these are handled by so-called intimacy coordinators. In a recent debacle involving Jenna Ortega over her role in Miller’s Girl, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAGAFTRA) actors union has stepped in to make sure consent over the filming of intimate scenes extends long after actors have left the set. The union has issued new standards and protocol guidelines Freeman is 31 years older than Ortega. - LIONSGATE oSAG-AFTRA sees red over an intimacy coordinator’s breach of rules over consent █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Yash’s arrival steals show THE atmosphere was electrified as actor Yash Gowda made a grand entrance at the inauguration ceremony of a temple in Karnataka, his hometown, where he enjoys superstar status. Adorned in a vibrant yellow shirt, with a bandana adorning his forehead and sunglasses shielding his eyes, Yash arrived in a white car, sending his fervent fans into a frenzy as they clamoured to catch a glimpse of the KGF star. Amid the sea of excited admirers, a viral video captured the efforts of the police as they worked tirelessly to manage the overwhelming crowd that had gathered for the event in Bellary. Post-ceremony, amid the buzz, the media seized the opportunity to pose impromptu questions to Yash, who eloquently responded in his native Kannada. Notably, the event also saw the presence of acclaimed RRR film director SS Rajamouli, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. - S. TAMARAI CHELVI Varun’s multilingual debut Varun underwent Hindi language coaching to improve his diction for his new film. - INSTAGRAM / VARUNKONIDELA7 █ BYS. TAMARAI CHELVI Arjona revealed that Ortega (pictured) was “very sure of what she wanted to do” and gave “continuous consent”. - LIONSGATE for intimacy coordinators when discussing their on-set work with actors. According to IndieWire, intimacy coordinators must now seek the permission of an actor to publicly share details of their intimate scenes. If they discuss what happened on set without the required permission, they will be removed from the SAG-AFTRA registry of certified intimacy coordinators following an investigation. The union made the move after intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona made public statements with The Daily Mail about working with Ortega and Martin Freeman in the aforementioned film, which is an erotic thriller about a young student and middle-aged teacher getting into a controversial mentor-mentee relationship. Miller’s Girl was released on streaming platforms and immediately generated controversy, particularly over an alleged X-rated scene where Ortega and Freeman’s characters act out an erotic fantasy sequence. The updated SAG-AFTRA guidelines now state that intimacy coordinators “should maintain the confidentiality of an actor’s work and experience in performing highly sensitive scenes unless they have the actor’s permission to publicly share this information”. Deadline further added in its report that Arjona had signed a confidentiality agreement with Lionsgate as an employee of the film and also signed a nondisclosure agreement. Former staff hurls abuse at Rani thousands of guests, he chose to keep his celebration intimate, inviting only 100 close friends and family members to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. Varun tied the knot with actress Lavanya Tripathi, marking a significant milestone in both their personal and professional lives. Yash is a massive star in the state of Karnataka. - IWMBUZZ store in Khar, Mumbai, creating quite a stir within the industry. Despite attempts to defuse the situation, Pandey’s behaviour led to his removal from the premises. It is worth noting that Rani, the recipient of Pandey’s verbal attacks, is not only a prominent figure in Bollywood but also happens to be married to Aditya Chopra, the current owner of YRF Films. YRF Films holds a significant position in the Indian film industry as one of its leading production houses, making the incident all the more noteworthy due to its association with such a high-profile entity. - S. TAMARAI CHELVI Rani is married to Aditya, owner of YRF Films and a major Bollywood producer. - IMDB
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 25 ON FEB 24, the air in Thiruvalluvar Mandapam, nestled within the tranquil confines of Port Klang, hummed with anticipation. It was a celebration of culture and tradition, orchestrated by the maestro of Padma Nrithyalaya Arts, Vinosree Shangkar. For over two decades, this visionary artist has been a beacon of innovation, breathing new life into the ancient art of Bharata Nrityam. The journey of Bharata Nrityam is a tapestry woven with threads of history, tradition and innovation. Rooted in the sacred scriptures of the Natya Shastra, this dance form finds its genesis in the divine Karanas of Lord Shiva. Guided by her illustrious mentor, Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, Vinosree embarked on a quest to resurrect these forgotten movements, infusing them with contemporary relevance. The performance, a crescendo of devotion and artistry, marked the 25th anniversary of Padma Nrithyalaya Arts. It was a testament to the unwavering dedication of Vinosree and her disciples, who have spent countless hours honing their craft within the hallowed halls of the school. As the curtains rose, the audience was transported into a world where tradition met innovation and spirituality intertwined with rhythm. The dancers, resplendent in their traditional attire, were embodiments of grace and elegance. Each movement was a testament to their dedication and discipline, as they navigated intricate footwork and delicate hand gestures with effortless precision. The vibrant colours of their costumes mirrored the kaleidoscope of emotions that unfolded on stage, painting a vivid tableau of Indian mythology and culture. The evening began with Pushpanjali, a soulful invocation to the divine, followed by an obeisance to Lord Ganesha in Sri Vignam Rajam Baje. The dancers’ movements flowed seamlessly, their bodies becoming vessels through which ancient stories were told. From the playful Alarippu, symbolising the awakening of life, to the reverent ode to Lord Murugan in Murugan Kauthuvam, each piece unfolded like a fragrant blossom, filling the hall with its beauty and fragrance. A highlight of the evening was the performance of Thiruvichaippa, a timeless composition that traces its origins to the golden age of the Chola dynasty. As the dancers wove their way through the intricate rhythms and melodies of the ancient song, they transported the audience back in time, evoking the splendour of royal courts and temple festivals. But amid the grandeur and spectacle, there were moments of pure d e l i g h t a n d innocence. A twoyear-old prodigy, dressed as the mischievous Lord Krishna, captured the hearts of all with his infectious charm and boundless energy. His presence on stage was a reminder of the universality of art, transcending age and barriers to touch the hearts of all who witnessed it. As the final notes of music faded into the night, there was a collective sense of awe a n d wonderment in the air. Through their artistry and devotion, Vinosree and her disciples had not only preserved a cherished tradition but had also breathed new life into its timeless beauty. Those fortunate enough to witness this magical evening, it was an experience that would linger in their hearts and minds for years to come. For those eager to embark on their own journey of discovery, Padma Nrithyalaya Arts beckons with open arms. Dive deep into the enchanting world of Bharata Nrityam, where tradition meets innovation and spirituality finds expression through rhythm and movement. Visit their official Facebook page at facebook.com/NrithyalayaArts and take the first step towards a lifetime of artistic exploration and enlightenment. Dancers from Padma Nrithyalaya Arts in traditional costume. - PICS COURTESY OF PADMA NRITHYALAYA ARTS █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI A dancer depicting Lord Murugan in the middle. A vibrant performance of the Sri Chakra Rajarajeshwari. The dancers with Vinosree (from left in blue saree). The performers were immaculate with their execution of the intricate dance steps. oBharata Nrityam performance enchants audience in Port Klang Grace and tradition
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 26 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Seeing the future I N a significant stride towards redefining patient care in the optical industry, Focus Point Holdings subsidiary – Focus Point Vision Care Group, has forged a transformative partnership with International Specialist Eye Centre (ISEC). This move comes as part of Focus Point’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall experience and accessibility of eye care services for individuals across Malaysia. Founded in 1989, Focus Point has established itself as a prominent player in the optical industry, offering a comprehensive range of eye care products and services. With a mission to provide quality eye care to all Malaysians, the company has built a strong reputation for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. ISEC on the other hand, is renowned for its expertise in ophthalmology and surgical solutions. Specialising in a wide range of eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, refractive surgery and corneal transplants, ISEC is recognised as a leader in the field of eye care in Malaysia. The partnership between Focus Point and ISEC aims to leverage the combined strengths of both organisations to deliver an unparalleled level of service and care to patients. By integrating ISEC’s surgical Liaw giving speech during the mou signing ceremony. – PIC BY FOCUS POINT oFocus Point’s visionary partnership for optimal eye health █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Brewing dreams THE stage was set and the spotlight was on as Carlsberg Malaysia’s renowned Top Ten Charity Campaign returned after a three-year hiatus, bringing with it a whirlwind of excitement and positivity. With a dash of generosity and a sprinkle of magic, the campaign made waves, raising an impressive RM20.5 million to support 10 deserving vernacular schools. But this year, there was a new twist to the tale. Carlsberg Malaysia was not just about making dreams come true – it was also on a mission to champion environmental consciousness and sustainability. Teaming up with Zero Waste Malaysia (ZWM), they educated students on the importance of waste management, adding a touch of green to the campaign’s vibrant palette. The results were nothing short of spectacular. SJKC Sin Ya in Penang stole the show, raising a jaw-dropping RM7.8 million to upgrade their facilities and infrastructure. It was a momentous occasion, proving that when communities come together, anything is possible. SJKC Sin Ya principal Beh Khoon Seng could not contain his excitement, expressing gratitude for the incredible support that had poured in. Across the country, from Lahad Datu to Rawang, stories of success echoed, each one a testament to the power of unity and collective action. Since its inception in 1987, the Top Ten Charity Campaign has been a beacon of hope for vernacular education in Malaysia, raising an astounding RM568 million over 37 years. It is a tale of triumph, resilience and unwavering dedication — a story that continues to inspire and uplift. As Carlsberg Malaysia continues to write this captivating tale, the company invites everyone to join in the adventure, spreading joy and making a difference, one sip at a time. - BY ACE EMERSON For more information about the Top Ten Charity Campaign, visit toptencharity.com.my/web/. Let the magic begin. SJKC Sin Ya in Penang raised a record-breaking RM7.8 million, the highest in Top Ten history, to expand facilities and infrastructure. expertise with Focus Point’s comprehensive eye care services, patients can now benefit from a seamless and holistic vision care journey, from diagnosis to treatment and post-operative care. The signing of the memorandum of understanding (mou) at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two entities. Focus Point CEO Datuk Liaw Choon Liang and ISEC CEO Dr Wong Jun Shyan expressed their shared vision and commitment to raising the standard of eye care in Malaysia through this partnership. In addition to the partnership with ISEC, Focus Point has also announced a collaboration with EyeMD Associates and Airdoc Technology (HK) Limited. This collaboration aims to introduce Airdoc’s AI-powered Fundus Interpretation screening service in Focus Point’s retail outlets, providing customers with advanced screening and diagnostic capabilities to assess their eye health and detect potential risks for various chronic diseases. Through these strategic partnerships and initiatives, Focus Point is not only advancing the field of eye care but also reaffirming its commitment to making quality eye care accessible to all Malaysians. With a strong focus on innovation, excellence and patient-centric care, Focus Point continues to lead the way in shaping the future of eye care in Malaysia. Focus Point Joins forces with ISEC, EyeMD Associates and Airdoc Technology (HK) Limited for enhanced eye care.
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 27 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the strata title to the property known as Unit No. 11, Level No. 03 designated as SR-03-11, Sri Relau Complex, Pulau Pinang bearing assessment address No. 1-3-11, Persiaran Bukit Jambul 1, Kompleks Sri Relau, 11900 Pulau Pinang (“the Property”) has been issued and is in the process of being transferred to LEE AH BAH @ LEE BENG HOE. Any person or persons, banks and financial institutions, authority or authorities having any objection, claim, right, title, interest, charge, lien, litigation, mortgage or dispute in respect of the Transfer of the Property should give notice of the same in writing supported by documentary evidence to Choy & Associates as stated below within seven (7) days from the date of publication of this notice failing which the Transfer of the Property shall be completed without further notice. Choy & Associates 3rd Floor, Wisma Penang Garden 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Georgetown, Penang Tel: 04-2282550 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUANTAN DALAM NEGERI PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. CA-29NCC-5-1/2024 PER: MUHAMAD RIZAL BIN ROZALI (NO. K/P 801117-02-5325) … Penghutang Penghakiman EX-PARTE: DINERS CLUB (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT 3908-K) … Pemiutang Penghakiman N O T I S (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan yang telah dikeluarkan pada 05/01/2024) Kepada:- MUHAMAD RIZAL BIN ROZALI (NO. K/P 801117-02-5325) No. 422 Blok 20, Felda Bukit Damar 28500 Lanchang, Pahang AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuantan, Pahang oleh Diners Club (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat 3908-K) yang beralamat di Suite 16.03, Tingkat 16, Menara Tan & Tan, No. 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50990 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan dalam tindakan ini yang bertarikh 5 Januari, 2024 (Notis Kebankrapan) disampaikan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti, ia-itu, dengan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 5 Februari, 2024 (Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti) di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di alamat penyampaian terakhir kamu yang di ketahui di No. 422 Blok 20, Felda Bukit Damar, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis mengenai tindakan ini sekali di dalam surat akhbar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun”. Penyampaian-penyampaian tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang cukup dan sempurna akan Notis Kebankrapan ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian. Notis Kebankrapan tersebut boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 5 Februari, 2024 Vikneswary A/P Vijanathan ............................….............. Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Kuantan Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Chan Benedict & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas, yang beralamat di Lot 8.02, Tingkat 8, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur. (BC/L/9980/2019) [Tel No. 03-2148 9982/Fax No. 03-2145 0908/E-mail: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUANTAN DALAM NEGERI PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. CA-29NCC-27-01/2024 PER: WAN AISHAH BINTI WAN HASHIM (NO. K/P 831018-06-5476) … Penghutang Penghakiman EX-PARTE: DINERS CLUB (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT 3908-K) … Pemiutang Penghakiman N O T I S (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan yang telah dikeluarkan pada 22/01/2024 dan Perintah bertarikh 21/02/2024) Kepada:- WAN AISHAH BINTI WAN HASHIM (NO. K/P 831018-06-5476) Lot No. 2323 Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa Sega 27660 Raub, Pahang AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuantan, Pahang oleh Diners Club (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat 3908-K) yang beralamat di Suite 16.03, Tingkat 16, Menara Tan & Tan, No. 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50990 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan dalam tindakan ini yang bertarikh 22 Januari, 2024 (Notis Kebankrapan) disampaikan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 21 Februari, 2024 (Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti) di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di alamat penyampaian terakhir kamu yang diketahui di Lot No. 2323 Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa Sega, 27660 Raub, Pahang dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis mengenai tindakan ini sekali di dalam surat akhbar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun”. Penyampaian-penyampaian tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang cukup dan sempurna akan Notis Kebankrapan ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian. Notis Kebankrapan tersebut boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 21 Februari, 2024 Vickneswary A/P Vijayanathan ..........................…..................... Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Kuantan Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Chan Benedict & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas, yang beralamat di Lot 8.02, Tingkat 8, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur. (BC/L/9773/2018) [Tel No. 03-2148 9982/Fax No. 03-2145 0908/E-mail: [email protected]] 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 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) (Registration No.: 202001022005 (1378325-D)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Meeting of the Company held at 19, Jalan Anggerik, Tainia 31/121, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor on 29th February, 2024 at 10:00 am the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “That G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) be wound up voluntarily and that Ms. Choong Mun Phin of B-2- 13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding-up the Company.” KOAY KEAN TEIK Director Dated: 6th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) (Registration No.: 202001022005 (1378325-D)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 5th April, 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally to come 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. CHOONG MUN PHIN Liquidator B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Dated: 6th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BOLDD BRANDING SDN. BHD. 201401033714 (1109800-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the members of the company on 26th February, 2024 “That the company be wound up voluntarily and that DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) (NRIC No.: 661003-10-6088) of No. 31-3, Jalan Tasik Selatan 3, Metro Centre, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purposes of such winding up.” DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) (MAICSA 7000634) Secretary Kuala Lumpur 06th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BOLDD BRANDING SDN. BHD. 201401033714 (1109800-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 05th March, 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said, are by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Kuala Lumpur 06th March, 2024 DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) Liquidator Liquidator’s Office No. 31-3, Jalan Tasik Selatan 3, Metro Centre, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur 322 Notices 322 Notices Bairstow under pressure STRUGGLING England batsman Jonny Bairstow looks to be fighting to save his Test career when the fifth and final match against India begins in Dharamsala tomorrow. Bairstow will win his 100th cap as England, who have already lost the series 3-1, try to salvage some pride in the high-altitude and chilly Himalayan hill town. Former wicketkeeper Bairstow is in the side as a specialist batsman after Ben Foakes took over behind the stumps, but he has scored just 170 runs at an average of 21.25 during the series. “It’s a great triumph of resilience and even in terms of sentiment I believe that if you get to 99 caps you deserve the moment of your 100th,” former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for the UK’s Telegraph newspaper. “However, you can’t escape that he could miss out on his 101st. He hasn’t played well enough across the 10 Tests he’s been back in the side, especially in India.” Niemann gets spot in PGA Championship CHILE’S Joaquin Niemann, coming off his second LIV Golf victory of the year last weekend, has received a special invitation to May’s PGA Championship, according to multiple reports yesterday. Niemann told golfwrx.com about the entry, which was confirmed by Sports Illustrated and The Golf Channel. This year’s PGA Championship will be played at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 16-19. Niemann now has places in three of the year’s four majors, having received a special invitation last month to the Masters and qualifying for the British Open by winning last December’s Australian Open. American Brooks Koepka won last year’s PGA Championship, becoming the first active LIV Golf player to capture a major title with his triumph at Oak Hill. LIV has other recent major winners, including reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia. Eckroat wins Cognizant Classic AUSTIN ECKROAT (pix) won the weatherdelayed Cognizant Classic by three strokes on Monday to capture his first career PGA Tour title in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Eckroat was 15-under with a one-stroke lead through seven holes on Sunday when play was suspended due to darkness at PGA National’s Champion course. He added three birdies and a bogey on the back nine on Monday to card a 4-under 67 for a winning score of 17-under 267. Eckroat pocketed US$1.62m (RM7.6m) following his 50th career start, his top payday by far on the circuit. “This has always been my dream to win on the PGA Tour,” Eckroat told the Golf Channel. “And just to win, I haven’t won since 2019 – it was a college event. It’s just been so long. I’m just so happy.” South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen posted a final-round low of 63 and tied for second with Australia’s Min Woo Lee (final round 67). Five players tied for fourth at 13-under – rookie Jake Knapp (66), South Korea’s K.H. Lee (66), Cameron Young (66), Ireland’s Shane Lowry (71) and England’s David Skinns (71). BRIEFS T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 SCAN ME E: [email protected] WEDNESDAY MAR 6, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the strata title to the property known as Unit No. 11, Level No. 03 designated as SR-03-11, Sri Relau Complex, Pulau Pinang bearing assessment address No. 1-3-11, Persiaran Bukit Jambul 1, Kompleks Sri Relau, 11900 Pulau Pinang (“the Property”) has been issued and is in the process of being transferred to LEE AH BAH @ LEE BENG HOE. Any person or persons, banks and financial institutions, authority or authorities having any objection, claim, right, title, interest, charge, lien, litigation, mortgage or dispute in respect of the Transfer of the Property should give notice of the same in writing supported by documentary evidence to Choy & Associates as stated below within seven (7) days from the date of publication of this notice failing which the Transfer of the Property shall be completed without further notice. Choy & Associates 3rd Floor, Wisma Penang Garden 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Georgetown, Penang Tel: 04-2282550 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUANTAN DALAM NEGERI PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. CA-29NCC-5-1/2024 PER: MUHAMAD RIZAL BIN ROZALI (NO. K/P 801117-02-5325) … Penghutang Penghakiman EX-PARTE: DINERS CLUB (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT 3908-K) … Pemiutang Penghakiman N O T I S (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan yang telah dikeluarkan pada 05/01/2024) Kepada:- MUHAMAD RIZAL BIN ROZALI (NO. K/P 801117-02-5325) No. 422 Blok 20, Felda Bukit Damar 28500 Lanchang, Pahang AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuantan, Pahang oleh Diners Club (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat 3908-K) yang beralamat di Suite 16.03, Tingkat 16, Menara Tan & Tan, No. 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50990 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan dalam tindakan ini yang bertarikh 5 Januari, 2024 (Notis Kebankrapan) disampaikan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti, ia-itu, dengan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 5 Februari, 2024 (Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti) di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di alamat penyampaian terakhir kamu yang di ketahui di No. 422 Blok 20, Felda Bukit Damar, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis mengenai tindakan ini sekali di dalam surat akhbar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun”. Penyampaian-penyampaian tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang cukup dan sempurna akan Notis Kebankrapan ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian. Notis Kebankrapan tersebut boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 5 Februari, 2024 Vikneswary A/P Vijanathan ............................….............. Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Kuantan Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Chan Benedict & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas, yang beralamat di Lot 8.02, Tingkat 8, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur. (BC/L/9980/2019) [Tel No. 03-2148 9982/Fax No. 03-2145 0908/E-mail: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUANTAN DALAM NEGERI PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. CA-29NCC-27-01/2024 PER: WAN AISHAH BINTI WAN HASHIM (NO. K/P 831018-06-5476) … Penghutang Penghakiman EX-PARTE: DINERS CLUB (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT 3908-K) … Pemiutang Penghakiman N O T I S (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan yang telah dikeluarkan pada 22/01/2024 dan Perintah bertarikh 21/02/2024) Kepada:- WAN AISHAH BINTI WAN HASHIM (NO. K/P 831018-06-5476) Lot No. 2323 Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa Sega 27660 Raub, Pahang AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuantan, Pahang oleh Diners Club (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat 3908-K) yang beralamat di Suite 16.03, Tingkat 16, Menara Tan & Tan, No. 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50990 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan dalam tindakan ini yang bertarikh 22 Januari, 2024 (Notis Kebankrapan) disampaikan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 21 Februari, 2024 (Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti) di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan menampalkan setiap 1 salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta 1 salinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di alamat penyampaian terakhir kamu yang diketahui di Lot No. 2323 Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa Sega, 27660 Raub, Pahang dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis mengenai tindakan ini sekali di dalam surat akhbar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun”. Penyampaian-penyampaian tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang cukup dan sempurna akan Notis Kebankrapan ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian. Notis Kebankrapan tersebut boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 21 Februari, 2024 Vickneswary A/P Vijayanathan ..........................…..................... Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Kuantan Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Chan Benedict & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas, yang beralamat di Lot 8.02, Tingkat 8, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur. (BC/L/9773/2018) [Tel No. 03-2148 9982/Fax No. 03-2145 0908/E-mail: [email protected]] 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 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) (Registration No.: 202001022005 (1378325-D)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Meeting of the Company held at 19, Jalan Anggerik, Tainia 31/121, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor on 29th February, 2024 at 10:00 am the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “That G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) be wound up voluntarily and that Ms. Choong Mun Phin of B-2- 13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding-up the Company.” KOAY KEAN TEIK Director Dated: 6th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF G MOTION (PENANG) SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Green 2 U Meridian Chem Sdn. Bhd.) (Registration No.: 202001022005 (1378325-D)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 5th April, 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally to come 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. CHOONG MUN PHIN Liquidator B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Dated: 6th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BOLDD BRANDING SDN. BHD. 201401033714 (1109800-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the members of the company on 26th February, 2024 “That the company be wound up voluntarily and that DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) (NRIC No.: 661003-10-6088) of No. 31-3, Jalan Tasik Selatan 3, Metro Centre, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purposes of such winding up.” DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) (MAICSA 7000634) Secretary Kuala Lumpur 06th March, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BOLDD BRANDING SDN. BHD. 201401033714 (1109800-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 05th March, 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said, are by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Kuala Lumpur 06th March, 2024 DATIN LEE SHOOK MUN @ LEE YUE YEE (f) Liquidator Liquidator’s Office No. 31-3, Jalan Tasik Selatan 3, Metro Centre, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur 322 Notices 322 Notices
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 28 NOVAK DJOKOVIC returns to Indian Wells for the first time in five years seeking a record sixth title while Coco Gauff looks to become the first US woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2001 when main-draw action begins today. The Serbian winner of 24 Grand Slam titles hasn’t competed at the BNP Paribas Open since 2019 due to US travel restrictions related to Covid19. But he has looked relaxed in Southern California the past few weeks, catching Lakers and LA Galaxy games and training at UCLA. Feeling no pressure could make Djokovic even more lethal, said Paul Annacone, who coached Roger Federer and Pete Sampras and is a commentator with Tennis Channel. “With some people you can say relaxation can lead to complacency but not for him, not with his personality and his desire to compete,” Annacone told Reuters. “Relaxation for Novak should lead to more joy, which should mean more fun. And joy and fun with that great talent tends to equal winning.” Also back after missing last year’s event is Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles and three Indian Wells crowns. The Spaniard has suggested that his career might be coming to a close and said he just wants to negotiate the desert event “unscathed” so he stays healthy for the clay court season. Nadal returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but had to miss the Australian Open with another muscle tear. Meanwhile the next g e n e r a t i o n continues to make inroads. A s u c c e s s f u l title defence for Carlos A l c a r a z w o u l d provide a huge boost in confidence for Nadal’s 20- year-old compatriot. “To go back-to-back would be spectacular,” Annacone said. A title at the event sometimes nicknamed the “fifth Slam” would be confirmation that 22-yearold Italian Jannik Sinner’s maiden Grand Slam title in Australia in January was no fluke. Russian hard-court specialist Daniil Medvedev, dangerous Dane Holger Rune and American 2022 champion Taylor Fritz are among the other men who should prove tough to beat. On the women’s side, defending champion Elena Rybakina comes to the desert full of confidence after winning Abu Dhabi last month. “It’s going to be playing quick through the air, the courts tend to be gritty, which will work with her great serve and power tennis,” Annacone said. There was something of a “Big Three” developing in the women’s game with Rybakina, world No. 1 and 2022 champion Iga Swiatek and reigning two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka separating themselves from the pack. But US Open champion Gauff and world No. 5 Jessica Pegula would love to break up the party with a title to end a long drought for American women at Indian Wells. – Reuters DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO: JA-29NCC-541-08/2023 PER: LAI KAR HOU (No. K/P: 901117-07-5283) … PENGHUTANG PENGHAKIMAN Ex-PARTE: ANG SOON TECK (No. K/P: 881019-43-5681) CHEW BONG TEAH (No. K/P: 900201-10-5348) …PEMIUTANG PENGHAKIMAN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada: LAI KAR HOU (No. K/P : 901117-07-5283) No.11, Jalan Saga 12, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Pemiutang telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru dalam Kebankrapan No. JA29NCC-541-08/2023 oleh Ang Soon Teck (No. K/P: 881019-43-5681) dan Chew Bong Teck (No. K/P: 900201-10-5348) yang beralamat di No.50, Jalan Cendana 17, Taman Muhibbah, 42700 Banting, Selangor Darul Ehsan DAN ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut disampaikan ke atas kamu secara penyampaian ganti iaitu dengan penampalkan sesalinan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut bersama dengan Perintah untuk penyampaian ganti di Papan Notis di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru, penampalan di alamat kamu di No.11, Jalan Saga 12, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor dan melalui iklan ini di dalam surat khabar tempatan harian berbahasa Inggeris iaitu “The Sun Daily” DAN AKHIRNYA ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup akan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut ke atas kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh terakhir penampalan/pengiklanan itu dan juga ambil notis bahawa Petisyen Pemiutang akan dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru pada hari Selasa,26/03/2024 pada pukul 9.00 pagi iaitu hari yang kamu dikehendaki hadir, dan jika tidak Mahkamah boleh membuat Perintah Kebankrapan terhadap kamu dan ketiadaan kamu. Petisyen Pemiutang ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 25 Februari,2024. .............……………........................ PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI JOHOR BAHRU. NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan S.Y.Fu & Co, Peguamcara bagi pihak Penghutang Penghakiman dan mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di No. 259A, First Floor, Jalan Bunga Pekan, 42700 Banting, Selangor. Tel: 03 – 3850 7028 | Faks: 03 – 3180 2581 | E-mel: [email protected] Ruj Kami: SY/BTG/#2403/LIT/2022(D) 322 Notices FIA chief under investigation for trying to change Saudi Arabia GP race result FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly being investigated for allegedly trying to interfere with the outcome of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The 62-year-old has been in charge of world motorsport’s governing body since the end of 2021, when he was elected to replace former president Jean Todt. Mohammed now appears to be in hot water with reports claiming that he is being probed over an alleged attempt to change the outcome of last year’s race in Saudi Arabia. According to the BBC, a whistleblower has informed the FIA that Mohammed allegedly intervened to overturn a penalty given to Fernando Alonso. Alonso had been given a 10- second penalty by the stewards for having work done to his car while he was serving a previous five-second penalty. It saw Alonso drop from third to fourth place before the decision was overturned, which reinstated his position in the top three finishers. The report claims that Mohammed made it clear he thought Alonso’s penalty should be revoked during a conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA’s vice-president for sport for the Middle East and North Africa. The whistleblower is said to have told the FIA that Mohammed asked the stewards to overturn their decision to issue the penalty to Alonso. It is also said that a number of senior figures in F1 believe that Mohammed attempted to interfere in the overturning of Alonso’s penalty. The FIA’s ethics committee is thought to have launched an investigation, with a report expected to be issued in around four to six weeks. – Express Newspapers CHRISTIAN HORNER (pix) staged an in-person meeting with Max Verstappen’s manager yesterday amid growing tensions behind the scenes at Red Bull, according to reports. Horner was recently cleared over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, with Red Bull’s investigation into the claims being led by an independent specialist barrister. The saga has refused to die down over the last few days, with Verstappen’s father Jos having stated that Red Bull will “explode” if Horner remains in his position. In a bid to ease rising tensions within the team, Horner staged a face-toface meeting with Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen in Dubai yesterday, according to PA. It is said that neither Verstappen nor his father attended the meeting in person, with Vermeulen acting on the Red Bull driver’s behalf. However, a number of senior Red Bull figures were present to witness the talks, which are said to have gone “well”. The news of the meeting comes after Horner insisted that he was “absolutely confident” he would stay in charge at Red Bull in spite of the uncertainty around him. Speaking at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the 50- year-old added: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team. “And my focus is going racing, winning racing and doing the best I can. It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.” The situation at Red Bull has sparked rumours that Verstappen could leave the team in the near future if Horner is not relieved of his duties. He has been linked with a sensational move to Mercedes, who will have an open seat when Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari next year. Toto Wolff was spotted chatting to Verstappen’s father in the Bahrain paddock, fuelling talk of a potential move away from Red Bull at the end of the season. However, the Mercedes boss has already played down the prospect of replacing Hamilton with Verstappen, insisting that he is unlikely to be keen on leaving Red Bull while they have the best car on the grid. “I think the driver will always choose the quickest car,” said Wolff. “That is fundamentally what it’s all about.” – Express Newspapers Red Bull tensions rise SHORTS Rublev calls for rule review ANDREY RUBLEV has called on the ATP Tour to change the rule that led to him being defaulted at the Dubai Tennis Championships last week. Rublev was defaulted by the chair umpire after a Russian-speaking official said he had used an obscenity while yelling at a line judge over a call during his semifinal with Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik on Friday. Rublev denied the accusation and urged the officials to review video of the incident, a request which was rejected. Bublik was ahead 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-5 when he was awarded the win but world No. 5 Rublev later successfully appealed the decision and will retain the ranking points and prize money he earned, barring a fine of US$36,400 (RM172,000) for a code violation. In a post on Instagram, Rublev thanked the appeals committee but said the rules needed a rethink. “I hope that in the future, the ATP will take a closer look at this rule and make changes to it, so that an official can’t force a match outcome without having clear evidence and not letting the player have a video review,” Rublev said. Berger’s Ferrari recovered after 29 years A FERRARI Testarossa sports car stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger during the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix weekend has been recovered by London police almost 29 years later. The Metropolitan Police said yesterday the red F512M, worth some £350,000 (RM2m), was tracked down in four days after Ferrari reported it was the one being sold through a British broker to a US buyer. Police enquiries found it was shipped to Japan shortly after being stolen from the Italian city of Imola and then arrived in Britain in late 2023. The Organised Vehicle Crime Unit said enquiries were ongoing and no arrests had been made. A second silver Ferrari F355 that belonged to Berger’s French former teammate Jean Alesi, which was stolen on the same weekend in the Italian city, remains missing. Berger had caught the thief in the act of stealing his car but after jumping clear and then giving chase in a friend’s Volkswagen Golf, according to a news report at the time, was unable to prevent it from getting away. Djokovic, Nadal return … as Gauff carries US flag at Indian Wells Spain’s Rafael Nadal (left) and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 29 BRUNO FERNANDES admits it is “going to be hard” for Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League after Manchester City’s “individual quality” led to an 11th Premier League loss of the season. An unbeaten start to 2024 came to an abrupt halt at home to Fulham last weekend and, having edged past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, was compounded by another League defeat on Sunday afternoon. Marcus Rashford put unfancied United into a shock lead at the Etihad Stadium, only for fabulous Phil Foden’s brace and a stoppage-time Erling Haaland strike to seal City a 3-1 derby win. “Obviously we’re disappointed,” skipper Fernandes said after the defeat. “I think we could have got something from the game. “I think the effort from the team was there. Everyone tried really hard to get the result but it wasn’t possible. “I said at halftime I felt that the team was doing everything we could to defend our box. “We know that at moments we had to defend deep and be together and be compact and help each other. “We did it but obviously I think today the difference was the individual quality from the players of City that made them win this game.” The gulf in quality was clear to anyone watching, although under-fire boss Erik ten Hag believes the gap would be closer if United were not beset by injuries. Such issues have undoubtedly hurt the Red Devils in a second season to forget for the Dutchman, whose side are an eye-watering 19 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with 11 matches remaining. If that was not bad enough, Ten Hag’s side are facing an uphill battle even to secure a return to European football’s top table. United sit sixth, 11 points off fourthplaced Aston Villa and six points behind Tottenham – who have a game in hand – in fifth spot, which could yet be enough for Champions League qualification. “We need to look forward,” Fernandes told MUTV, as attention now turns to the Saturday’s (8.30pm Malaysian time) encounter with embattled Everton. “We don’t depend only on ourselves to get in the positions we want. We’re not hiding from that. “We want to be in the Champions League, we want to try until the end of the season to get into that fourth place. “That gives you the possibility to be in the Champions League, so we know it’s going to be hard, but we have to do everything that is on our hands that we can do. “Going to the next game at home, we know that our fans will be there again, over and over again. “They’re being behind us, they push us and next game we have to go there and win that game.” – The Independent Devils chasing lost cause Fernandes admits derby loss makes it ‘hard’ to reach top four SERIE A leaders Inter Milan beat Genoa 2-1 yesterday to move 15 points clear of secondplaced Juventus as they search for a 20th league title. Youngster Kristjan Asllani and veteran Alexis Sanchez scored within six minutes of each other in the San Siro as Inter move closer to going one better than local rivals AC Milan and their Scudetto tally, which would get them a second star above their club badge. Juve trail Inter with 11 games of the season remaining after losing 2-1 at Napoli on Sunday. “Fifteen points is a significant advantage,” Asllani said. “But we can’t get carried away, there are still a lot of games to play and we have to stay focused,” the 21-year-old added. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter were looking to stretch their winning run in all competitions to 12 games, and last lost at home in the league in September. “We weren’t a Red Bull a few months ago,” Inzaghi said, using a Formula 1 comparison. “Our destiny is in our hands, we put 15 points between Juventus, Milan and us in the space of 33 days,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We must remain concentrated, because we’ve been in football for many years, we know there are a lot of games to be played, the fixture list will be increasingly packed with Bologna, Atletico Madrid and Napoli before the break for international duty. “I have to thank these lads, as in 2024 they played 12 games in 50 days and won all 12. We must not look back over our shoulders or pat ourselves on the back, we have to look forward to the future. I want to publicly praise Kristjan (Asllani). We need everyone this season and he is a great example of that. ‘He had three games in a week and has been so precious for us, training to his best, even when he didn’t play that much.” – AFP/Agencies RUBEN DIAS admits Manchester City cannot rely on experience alone as they bid to repeat last season’s stunning treble success. The champions moved back within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 derby win over rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. That sets up a huge showdown with the Merseysiders at Anfield on Sunday (11.30pm) and they face the other team in the title race, Arsenal, later this month. While they will also hope to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup, City’s impressive track record over the course and distance could be a significant – but Dias insists there is far more to it than that. The City defender said: “Every new year it is a new challenge and every new year we must overcome what we’ve done before. “Even though what’s done is done and it’s beautiful, we know if we want to do it again we’ve got to go strong and deep again. “We are the same people. We are the same players being treble winners or not, that’s why we became treble winners last season. That’s why we want to win again.” City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Phil Foden, who has now scored 18 goals this term, as one of the best players in the Premier League after the game and Dias could understand why. “I must agree he’s one of them for sure. He’s always been special, he keeps on being special.” City are next in action when they host FC Copenhagen in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Thursday (4am), a game they go into with a 3-1 aggregate lead. Dias wants to get that assignment out of the way first before switching his attention to the battle with Liverpool. He said: “The derby was definitely important. Obviously it was a special one for us, but more than anything else it’s the three points and we move forward. “Now Champions League, focus on the next one, that’s the most important. Then we’ll focus on next weekend.” – The Independent City need more than experience for treble bid █ BY ANDY HAMPSON Keane highlights United’s problem ROY KEANE believes that Manchester United’s inability to build “consistency of performance” leaves serious questions over manager Erik ten Hag after a derby-day defeat to Manchester City. Having gone in front through Marcus Rashford’s fine early goal, Manchester United were comfortably out-played by their rivals to slip to a 3- 1 loss. It was an 11th League defeat of the season for Ten Hag’s side as they lost ground in the chase for a top-four place to both Aston Villa and Tottenham. While highlighting Manchester City’s excellence, Keane was nonetheless disappointed at his former side’s problems becoming more than just a team of “moments”. “I can’t be too hard on Manchester United today as City were just brilliant,” Keane said on Sky Sports. “They showed why they’re champions. “That’s 11 League losses now for United. That’s one scary stat and what City do is they find out all your shortcomings. “When you’re out on that pitch and it’s tough, there’s no hiding place. It’s like in boxing. City wore and wore them down. “United had to take Jonny (Evans) off after around 60 minutes. They had to change the back four and they were hanging on anyway. “It still leaves that question mark over where this United team is going. In the last 25 minutes, they couldn’t get anywhere near City, who toyed with them. “It was men vs boys in the end and they were just hanging in there. Towards the end, you’re thinking it could be four or five. “There’s still question marks about this team and unfortunately about the manager. “The problem is that this team is still all about moments. When you’ve invested all that money and the quality they have, you need a bit more than that. “It’s more the games we’ve seen over the last few months where they’ve lacked that consistency of performance. “United have just been digging out results but eventually that catches up with you. The bigger picture is that you need more.” – The Independent █ BY SIMON PEACH Bruno Fernandes Genoa’s Vitinha (left) in action with Inter Milan’s Carlos Augusto during their erie A match at the San Siro yesterday. – REUTERSPIX Inter take further step towards Serie A title
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 30 BARCELONA midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, shed light on his role in the team’s vibrant, youthinfused midfield and shared his thoughts on the impending arrival of a new coach. In an exclusive virtual session organized by Barcelona for Asia Pacific media on March 1, Gundogan offered insights into the intricacies of fitting into a midfield teeming with young talent. As one of the experienced heads in the squad, the German maestro acknowledged the challenges of playing amidst youth, stating, “Playing midfield is very specific; it is one of the most difficult positions because everything is happening around you. “Whether facing your opponent’s goal or your own, you are always surrounded by people.” Gundogan emphasised the importance of awareness and preparedness, asserting, “Scanning what’s happening around you is very important, and knowing what your action is before you get the ball is crucial.” He revealed that all his actions on the pitch aim to simplify the game for his teammates, making it easier for them to execute their plays with precision. With Xavi Hernandez set to depart at the end of the season, Barcelona faces a coaching transition. Gundogan, however, remains steadfast in his commitment to the club, having pledged his allegiance for at least two more years. Regarding the uncertainties surrounding the new coach’s plans, he maintained a pragmatic stance, saying, “It’s not worth talking about what the new coach is going to plan or what these thoughts are about my situation, or whatever because it’s something that has not happened yet. “So that’s why I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to contribute, you know, in the best possible way to the team. And so, yeah, enjoying my life and football for this club.” As Barcelona navigates a period of transition, Gundogan’s experience and adaptability emerge as valuable assets in shaping the team’s future, ensuring a balanced combination of youth and experience in the midfield. Gundogan has made history as the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to create 100 chances this season. The former Manchester City player leads the pack, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes closely behind. Interestingly, the top 10 list is predominantly dominated by the Premier League, with La Liga represented solely by Isco Alarcon of Real Betis. Gundogan, the sole Barcelona player in the top tier, holds a commanding 22- chance lead over Isco. Beyond his playmaking brilliance, the German midfielder boasts 10 assists (the team’s highest) and five goals in 38 games. Furthermore, Gundogan has proven to be Xavi’s go-to man, clocking over 3,000 on-pitch minutes, solidifying his role as the team’s most effective midfielder. 5770/2024 05/03/2024 (TUE) 8605 0410 9114 2103 1487 4903 4503 7022 5290 9811 0991 8382 1589 5357 0965 9957 1543 1152 9286 9260 1719 7211 8035 3,626,607.84 8605 8605 8605 9114 9114 0410 9114 9114 0410 0410 8605 0410 295,746.88 8605 0410 9114 DRAGON 69139 56702 6702 702 77611 0 2 6 0 991860 91860 1860 860 99186 9918 991 9 9 7,152,732.25 4,006,840.17 7 12 16 21 24 49 588,970.62 52 25 28 39 49 6 15 17 29 35 49 34,703,443.37 18 907 829 + HORSE 813 058 +ROOSTER 791 414 + TIGER Draw Date: 05/03/24 (Tue) Draw No: 5717/24 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 7829 3058 1414 9125 + 7958 0324 + 5104 4383 + 2154 1963 + 9387 5372 + 5328 7046 + 6348 0992 + 6239 4525 + 7979 1217 + 2889 5089 + 4561 RM10,536,168.00 7829 + 3058 3058 + 7829 7829 + 1414 1414 + 7829 3058 + 1414 1414 + 3058 RM131,598.00 RM380,833.30 RM140,000.00 RM386,188.40 929 125 747 958 760 324 805 104 864 383 982 154 101 963 709 387 255 372 845 328 267 046 116 348 810 992 576 239 554 525 367 979 311 217 672 889 585 089 324 561 829 058 414 RM1,075,307.80 829 + 058 + 414 058 + 414 + 829 829 + 414 + 058 414 + 829 + 058 058 + 829 + 414 414 + 058 + 829 HSSB 1+3D J1 RM549,184.40&1+3D J2 RM307,045.40 won on 3/3/24 Gundogan sheds light on role in Barca’s midfield and arrival of new coach Carragher labels Sheffield United a disgrace after Arsenal rout █ BY MUHAMMAD HAZIQUE [email protected] JAMIE CARRAGHER slammed Sheffield United and called Chris Wilder’s side a “disgrace” after they conceded five goals against Arsenal before half-time to set an unwanted record in English football. As the Gunners ran riot before in the first half at Bramall Lane, the Premier League’s bottom side became the first team English football history to concede five goals in four consecutive home games across all competitions. The Blades had also suffered a 5-2 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League, and another 5-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League in their previous three home fixtures. Arsenal added one more in the second half to make it seven wins in a row in the Premier League, closing the gap to leaders Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race. By going 5-0 up by the 39th minute, Arsenal also set a record for the earliest an away side has held a five-goal lead in Premier League history. And while speaking on Sky Sports during the break, former Liverpool defender Carragher said he could not “think of anything worse I’ve ever seen in a first half of football” and questioned the lack of response from Wilder’s side after their previous defeats. The Blades were also beaten 8-0 by Newcastle at Bramall Lane in the Premier League earlier this season. “That half was a disgrace,” he said. “One of the most one-sided games I’ve ever seen. And the fact you come back on this half conceding five in your last two games and against Brighton in the FA Cup.” Carragher also praised Arsenal, with the Gunners then going on to set their own record. Arteta’s team became the first English league side to win three consecutive away games by a margin of five or more goals. The Gunners also beat Burnley 5-0 and West Ham 6-0 last month, both in the Premier League. Against Sheffield United, all their goals were scored by different players, with Martin Odegaard getting the visitors off the mark before Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and a Jayden Bogel own goal completed the one-sided scoreline before halftime. It prompted some home fans to leave Bramall Lane well before half time, with some getting up from their seats after just 15 minutes. There were swathes of red empty seats as the second half resumed, and Ben White made it 6- 0 after the break. – The Independent █ BY JAMIE BRAIDWOOD Anticipating the future Gundogan’s interview Barcelona’s IIkay Gundogan interacting with journalists during a roundtable with APAC media on March 1, 2024. – BARCELONA FC
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 31 All jackpot amounts stated above are for this Draw. Subject to T&Cs of the Scheme. Please visit to www.magnum4d.my for more info. THE BIGGER PLAY IS TO PLAY RESPONSIBLY 007/24 05/03/2024 0852 9463 1823 1565 6686 5510 4977 3702 5386 9031 8449 6959 2965 8137 0652 5965 0153 1577 3589 1100 0455 8671 4995 RM4,712,007.19 RM350,595.22 0852 + 9463 9463 + 0852 1823 + 0852 0852 + 1823 9463 + 1823 1823 + 9463 1 4 5 6 15 25 29 36 17 23 RM5,686,358.43 RM133,830.79 5 2 6 3 2 3 5 2 6 3 2 2 6 3 2 3 5 2 6 3 6 3 2 3 5 2 6 3 2 3 5 2 2 3 6 3 0 8 THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will take stern action against individuals or teams involved in fights during the President’s Cup or Youth Cup competitions this season. The warning was issued by FAM’s deputy chairman of the Safety Committee ACP (B) Md Dali Wahid who stressed that FAM would ensure safety aspects are given priority during the competition. Md Dali said Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) would always be present at competition venues to ensure the safety level of players and fans during matches. “The briefing today touched mostly on the rules and regulations of the competition plus the safety aspects because the Youth Cup and President’s Cup competitions are mostly held in open fields while some are held at stadiums. “When matches were played in open fields last year, there were incidents that involved fights between two teams and there was also incidents of assaulting the match official. Therefore, we do not want any untoward incidents to happen this year. “Firm action taken against anyone found to breach the rules and regulations of the competition. “There will be police presence in every match,” he said during the draw for the President’s Cup and Youth Cup competitions at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday. Md Dali, who is also the deputy chairman of the FAM Competition Committee, said both the competitions were relevant to unearth talented young players who can be groomed for national duty later. A total of 16 teams are participating in the President’s Cup which is a competition for U20 players which starts on April 21 while the Youth Cup, which is for Ur-18 players, involves 18 teams and scheduled to start on April 27. The President’s Cup and Youth Cup competitions will use the league format which requires teams to play each other twice before the four top teams in each group move into the knockout stage. – Bernama Uphill task to reach double figures in Paris: MPC THE Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) feels the National Paralympic contingent that will be competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris is not ready yet to hit double figures in the overall medal tally collection. MPC president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shariman Zaharudin said though the number will be an uphill task to achieve, it will certainly provide a positive challenge to the MPC, coaches and athletes. He added that MPC remains focused on creating a historic achievement by winning four gold medals to accomplish the mission of fulfilling the overall 10-gold target throughout Malaysia’s participation in the Paralympics. “Not yet (to reach double figures) in this edition, maybe LA28 (Los Angeles 2028) is possible. However, it will serve as a challenge to us. “We are still maintaining the four gold target to reach the 10-gold overall target for the contingent throughout our participation in the Paralympics. “However, the official announcement of the target will be made by the minister. Right now we want to build the confidence of the athletes,” he said. He was speaking during a press conference after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MPC and Strategic Partners for the 2024 Paris Paralympics at the Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan yesterday. For the record, the Malaysian Paralympic contingent won three gold medals in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Paralympics and emulated a similar feat at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The achievement by the Malaysian Paralympic contingent to win five medals (three gold and two silver) at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics was the country’s best ever achievement throughout the country’s participation in the Paralympics. Earlier, the MPC signed an MoU with nine strategic partners to provide the best services to the athletes and to attract more sponsors who can assist Para athletes to excel in their respective sport. “With a formula that combines internal and external stakeholders, MPC remains confident that the country’s mission to Paris will achieve the desired results,” he said. – Bernama Andre Anura’s slot to Paris 2024 hangs on five meets NATIONAL triple jumper, Andre Anura Anuar needs to put up his best jumps in five championships he will be participating to keep alive his chance of appearing in the 2024 Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to Aug 11. His coach, Ahmad Firdaus Salim said Andre Anura needs to keep top-level consistency with jumps of at least 16.40 to 16.70m to be in the group of 32 best jumpers in the world to qualify for the Road to Paris 24 before June 30. “Actually we have time until the end of June (for Andre Anura to qualify for Paris). Among the meets Andre Anura is down to participate in are the Singapore Open in April and a Taiwanese invitational championship in May. “The three other tournaments in June are the Malaysia Open, Taiwan Open and the Asean University Games 2024 in Indonesia,” he said when met after the Phase 1 Podium Programme Assembly yesterday. Based on the Road to Paris 24 qualification, the 24-year-old athlete is now ranked 48th with 1,081 points under World Athletics . In this regard, Ahmad Firdaus is not worried with the results of the SEA Games defending champion in the shock defeat to Sarawak jumper, Brendon Ting Li King in the Kuala Lumpur All Comers 2024 athletics meet in Bukit Jalil, on Sunday. Brendon representing Kawan Athletics cleared 15.56m to beat Andre Anura’s 15.39m for silver and the bronze went to Andrew George Medina of Singapore Sports School (15.29m). Based on his performance at th All Comers Athletics Championships, Ahmad Firdaus admitted that Andre Anura needs to make some changes to balance his muscle strength so he can return to his best performance before qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games ends. – Bernama RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Sheffield United 0 Arsenal 6 (Odegaard 5, Bogle 13-og, Martinelli 15, Havertz 25, Rice 39, White 58). P W D L F A PTS Liverpool 27 19 6 2 64 25 63 Man City 27 19 5 3 62 27 62 Arsenal 27 19 4 4 68 23 61 Aston Villa 27 17 4 6 59 37 55 Tottenham 26 15 5 6 55 39 50 Man Utd 27 14 2 11 37 39 44 West Ham 27 12 6 9 43 47 42 Newcastle 27 12 4 11 57 45 40 Brighton 27 10 9 8 49 44 39 Wolves 27 11 5 11 40 43 38 Chelsea 26 10 6 10 44 43 36 Fulham 27 10 5 12 39 42 35 Bournemouth 26 8 7 11 35 47 31 Crystal Palace 27 7 7 13 32 47 28 Brentford 27 7 5 15 39 50 26 Everton 27 8 7 12 29 37 25 Nottm Forest 27 6 6 15 34 49 24 Luton 26 5 5 16 37 54 20 Burnley 27 3 4 20 25 60 13 Sheff Utd 27 3 4 20 22 72 13 LA LIGA: Osasuna 1 (Budimir 76) Alaves 0. TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Real Madrid 27 20 6 1 56 18 66 Girona 27 18 5 4 57 33 59 Barcelona 27 17 7 3 56 34 58 Atletico 27 17 4 6 54 29 55 Bilbao 27 14 8 5 46 26 50 Real Betis 27 10 12 5 32 28 42 SERIE A: Inter Milan 2 (Asllani 30, Alexis Sanchez 38-pen) Genoa 1 (Vasquez 54). TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Inter Milan 27 23 3 1 67 12 72 Juventus 27 17 6 4 42 21 57 AC Milan 27 17 5 5 51 32 56 Bologna 27 14 9 4 41 24 51 Roma 27 14 5 8 52 33 47 Atalanta 27 14 4 9 49 30 46 Stern action to be taken against individuals, teams involved in fights 2024 PRESIDENT CUP AND YOUTH CUP DRAW PRESIDENT CUP Group A: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) III, Sabah FC, Terengganu FC III, Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC, Perak FC III, Akademi Bolasepak Negara Mokhtar Dahari (AMD)U-17, Melaka FA, Kelantan FA Group B: Negeri Sembilan FC, Kuching City FC, Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC, Penang FC, Kelantan United FC, Sri Pahang FC, Selangor FC, PDRM FC YOUTH CUP Group A: Selangor FC, Sabah FC, Perlis United FC, Melaka FA, Kelantan United FC, Kelantan FA, Negeri Sembilan FC, Sri Pahang FC, KL City FC Group B: JDT IV, Kuching City FC, AMD B-16, PDRM FC, Touchtronics FC, Penang FC, Terengganu FC IV, Perak FC IV, KDA FC FAM issue warning Md Dali Wahid. – 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 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta described his side’s 6-0 thrashing of Sheffield United as “a great night” as they climbed to within two points of leaders Liverpool. The Gunners dominated from start to finish against a Blades team who looked well beaten after Martin Odegaard, Jayden Bogle’s own goal and Gabriel Martinelli had put them 3-0 behind inside 13 minutes. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice put the irrepressible Londoners 5-0 ahead at half-time and Ben White crashed home their sixth before the hour mark. Arteta, whose side’s seventh straight League victory saw them become the first English league side to win three consecutive away games by five or more goals, said: “It was a great night. “The way we started made a difference. We were really aggressive and positive and we showed real quality in the final third to take the game into a great position for us. “Then we maintained the rhythm, maintained the hunger and I love that about the team.” Arsenal struck their fifth goal in the 39th minute, the earliest an away side has had a five-goal margin in Premier League history. But Arteta warned his side they cannot afford to drop any points between now and the end of the season if they are to pip Liverpool and Manchester City to the title. “The fact that we’re scoring many goals and not conceding is a great sign, but it’s about winning every game now,” the Spaniard said. “That’s the demands these two teams have set over the past few years and that’s the task ahead of us.” Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka was withdrawn at half-time due to illness, while Martinelli was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 64th minute after cutting his foot. “Bukayo was feeling sick and wasn’t feeling right so we decided to take him off and bring Fabio (Vieira) in,” he told Sky Sports. “With Gabi it is just a cut. So, he had a tackle and got a slight cut. We will have to see how he is. “We need to wait and see how it is,” added Arteta on Martinelli’s setback, which was the only downside to the evening. The Gunners play Brentford on Saturday (Sun 1.30am Malaysian time) next up and will go top of the Premier League with a win, as Liverpool play Man City on Sunday. “It is going to be tough against Brentford, it always is,” Arteta added. “We will try to prepare for the game in the best possible way and again, play in the way we are doing and earning the right to win the game.” The Blades, 11 points adrift at the bottom of the table, are the first side in the top four tiers of English football to concede five or more goals in four successive home games in all competitions. They have now shipped 72 goals in 26 League matches this season and boss Chris Wilder, who returned for his second spell in charge in December, admitted a lot of his players were “broken and damaged”. “It’s been a painful season, a real painful one before me and through my period,” Wilder said. “There’s a lot of broken and damaged players out there because this is what the League can do to you, especially when you’re off it and they’re on it. When you don’t close the gap they make it look huge.” Wilder said he may now turn to youth for the remainder of the season – Oliver Arblaster made his Premier League debut off the bench against the Gunners – but insisted his side would not be throwing in the towel. “What you’ll notice and see a little bit more now is the introduction of the younger players because I thought we were better when they came on,” Wilder added. “(Andre) Brooks coming on, (Will) Osula and especially Arblaster coming on, that might be a route now.” – The Independent/ Agencies SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | MAR 6, 2024 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 Sheffield United’s James McAtee (left) in action with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli during their English Premier League match yesterday. – REUTERSPIX FIA chief under investigation for trying to change race result -Story - on page 230 Story on page 28 Anticipating the future Ruthless Gunslingers Arteta celebrates ‘great night’ as Arsenal cut Blades to shreds