The Sun Daily - 02 August 2023

PETALING JAYA: Since it was formed in November last year, the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government has made all the right policy decisions to revive the economy and help the people who have been suffering since the Covid-19 pandemic. It has brought down inflation and managed the high cost of living and weak ringgit by launching the Rahmah initiative to help individuals and families lower their expenses. The unity government has also been expending great efforts to create jobs by attracting billions of ringgit in foreign direct investments, said National Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir. He said by dealing with day-to-day issues such as inflation and high cost of living, the unity government is able to convince the voting public in the six states heading to the polls that it is doing a good job. “The Rahmah initiative is a good way for the government to help the people, who are feeling the pinch from the high cost of living. “The government has attracted (substantial) foreign direct investments, and this matters to the people. Now, it has to step up by providing people with the right skills to help them earn a higher income. “The prime minister has made promises to help the people. But with the world facing economic challenges and high inflation, not everything can be achieved as quickly as the government wants,” Jeniri said. He said it is important for the government to place more emphasis on job creation as this will help voters deal with the high cost of living. “The government is working hard to deal with this issue but it cannot be solved overnight. “The sad part is Perikatan Nasional is taking advantage of this during this campaigning period, so the government must step up and explain matters to the voters.” Six states – Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor and Negri Sembilan – go to the polls on Aug 12 to form new state governments. Universiti Tun Abdul Razak political commentator Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the working community in the country is about 16.5 million, which accounts for nearly half (48%) of the population. He said of this total, nearly 70% are unskilled workers who need help to upgrade their skills to earn a better living. Barjoyai stressed that just increasing the basic salary, which takes time, is not the main answer to having such a huge number of unskilled workers. “The government has to help them hone skills that can lift them out of the middle-income trap.” He said Anwar understands the problem and has come up with programmes to help unskilled workers get out of the cycle. “With nearly 12 million workers in the middle-income trap, even they understand that they need to upskill. “One of the government’s main programmes, the Rahmah initiative, has benefited the lower-income group and most importantly, even students and single individuals, who have no choice but to have their daily meals at shops. “The lower meal cost is a boon to students and single working adults, who can now save money as their cost of meals has fallen.” Selangor PH election director Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri said no state can make a go by itself if it wants to bring development to the people. The federal government has been very helpful to all states. “Every state needs the full support of the federal government because a state only has limited resources and it has control over such oUnity govt has tamed inflation, managed high cost of living and weak ringgit, and created jobs by attracting FDI █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [email protected] INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2, 2023 No. 8321 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my matters as land and water. “If the state wants to build an LRT, MRT or expand the road system or network, it will need help from the federal government. “The unity government does not discriminate and the policies that have been announced will help Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional get the support of the voters in the coming elections,” he said. Saving the tiger A MALE tiger named Sungkai is fed meat at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Sungkai, Perak, where a dozen of the endangered big cats are rehabilitated and “rewilded” before being released back into the jungle. The resident tigers were either rescued after being injured in traps, or entrusted to the centre by other local zoos. >>Turn to page 5 for full story All the right moves ‘Tax policies should not 2 burden people’ page Solid backing 3 for unity govt page

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME ‘Tax policies should not burden people’ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s taxation policies must be guided by two fundamental principles – to tax when it is necessary and not become a burden to taxpayers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “Our intention is, of course, to encourage (taxpayers) to be more productive and contribute to the nation,” he said at the two-day National Tax Conference yesterday. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government should also ensure taxes collected are spent wisely without leakage, adding that taxation is necessary but the government should not overtax and burden the people. “The changes that we have to make, including in the upcoming budget (Budget 2024 scheduled to be tabled on Oct 13), will be formulated based on the principles of tax when it is necessary, and never be seen as a burden for the oApproach would also be viewed by investors as opportunity for business and nurture a sense of belonging, says PM WARM WELCOME ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being greeted by students during his visit to Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara in Kuantan yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC public and business community.” Anwar said foreign and domestic investors would see this as an opportunity for business enterprises. “This will not only reward them but also nurture a sense of belonging or a sense of responsibility consistent with the concept of Madani,” he said, adding that even those deprived and marginalised would be able to compete and survive. Meanwhile, Anwar added that all ministers would be assigned daily to announce follow-up policies and programmes to the Madani Economy concept. He said this is because the economic framework would serve as a foundation for several other specific policies that are scheduled to be announced in a few months. “Previously, the economy minister (Rafizi Ramli) announced the National Energy Transition Roadmap (in line with Madani Economy), and in the next few weeks, (the government) will announce the Industrial Master Plan. “Following that, the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, and only in October will we (announce) the second Madani budget.” Also present at the conference were Inland Revenue Board CEO Datuk Dr Mohd Nizom Sairi and Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia president Chow Chee Yen, Bernama reported. “The Madani Economy: Empowering the People” initiative launched by Anwar on July 27 is aimed at boosting the Malaysian economy. It will have revenue spillovers and enable the people to enjoy a better quality of life. Anwar said the economic framework is a comprehensive plan for Malaysia to address various challenges and issues related to competitiveness and investment attractiveness, as well as outline actions to address current issues that affect people’s lives. The Madani Economy initiative sets seven key performance indicators as medium-term targets to be achieved within 10 years. Govt mulls regulations for AI use PUTRAJAYA: The government is looking into the need for a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) to address ethical issues related to the use of the technology, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said establishing the framework would help the government understand some of the challenges of using AI. “This is a new thing (technology), and we need a group of experts from government agencies and the industry to help us understand some of the challenges. AI may have an impact on the employment sector. “Many people have started using AI applications now. So the government should look into the need to establish a regulatory framework for the use of the technology,” he said at a media conference after delivering his keynote address at a Public Sector Day Malaysia programme yesterday. AI is a technology that mimics human intelligence to perform tasks, and can repeatedly improve itself based on the information it collects. Fahmi said to improve people’s understanding of AI, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) should produce a special programme with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) representatives as guests to talk about AI in Malay. “In line with the development of the technology sector, I hope RTM can discuss this with DBP. This effort may aid in increasing Malay vocabulary related to technology.” Fahmi added that language development must keep pace with technological advancement to ensure that new technologies are easily understood by all levels of society. “When we have an expansive vocabulary (about technology) in Malay, it will be easier to understand.” Earlier in his keynote address, Fahmi said Malaysia needs more talent and expertise in data and technology as the country is fast approaching a golden digital decade and becoming an Asian digital tiger. “Opportunities are abundant to enhance services to the people by embracing digitalisation, as Malaysia strives to become a digital-first nation, and embarks on a prosperous digital decade.” On the MyDigital Initiative launched in February 2021, Fahmi said it had made significant progress towards its goal of transforming Malaysia into a digitally enabled and technologically advanced highincome nation, as well as a regional leader in digital economy. He added that the government is considering making the nation a sustainable and resilient data hub. – Bernama Electricity charges, rent exemption for petty traders KUALA LUMPUR: The Local Government Development Ministry has outlined several key steps to ensure the welfare of traders and the people, in line with initiatives under the Madani Economy. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said one of the steps is introducing MyKiosk, adding that the country’s first solar-powered trading kiosks under the initiative, which involves an expenditure of RM50 million, will see petty traders not having to pay electricity bills and being exempted from rent for the first six months. “Through MyKiosk, unlicensed roadside hawkers are now legalised and after the first six months, the rent will not be more than RM10 per day. Overall, we expect a kiosk to be able to generate additional income for traders.” Nga said this when appearing as a guest on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme on Radio Televisyen Malaysia yesterday. He said in addition, the ministry would provide financing guarantees of up to 120% under the Housing Credit Guarantee Corporation scheme, especially for people with irregular incomes to own homes. “The government will allocate RM5 billion for the guarantee, not 100% but up to 120%, including legal fees, all under the scheme which will be introduced immediately.” Nga added that the ministry is discussing with the Finance Ministry to establish a National Housing Fund for families wanting to buy their first home. “The ministry through the National Housing Department will propose to the Finance Ministry that 10% of the deposit money be contributed by the government for these families to own their first homes.” He said Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad had completed 15,445 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat, two years early and exceeded the target of the 12th Malaysia Plan to build 15,000 units by 2025. “The Local Government Development Ministry is mobilising the workforce to achieve the overall construction target of 500,000 such units. So far, we’re on the right track.” In another development, Nga said the ministry is preparing guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure using renewable energy. “We are aiming to instal 10,000 EV charging points by 2025.” – Bernama ‘I’m ready to clarify mosque talk issue’ PUTRAJAYA: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has said he is ready to fully cooperate with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department if he is called for questioning over allegations that he delivered a political speech at a mosque in Rawang on Sunday. “Insya-Allah, if asked to, I am ready to step forward,” he told a media conference after delivering his keynote address at the Public Sector Day Malaysia programme yesterday. On Sunday, several pictures of Fahmi with captions that he allegedly raised political issues while speaking at the prayer area of the Nurul Yaqin mosque in Kampung Melayu Seri Kundang were widely circulated. Yesterday, the media reported that Selangor Islamic Religious Department had received complaints on the matter and had called in the mosque guardian to give his statement. Fahmi said he had clarified the matter on Facebook and Twitter, saying that he had been invited by the mosque committee to explain the decision to ban UK pop rock band, The 1975, and the cancellation of the Good Vibes concert. – Bernama P-hailing workers to meet premier KUALA LUMPUR: Representatives of food and parcel delivery companies (phailing) will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 8. In a statement yesterday, the Transport Ministry said the prime minister had asked for the meeting after having met phailing riders on July 22 to understand the challenges they face. “The unity government is always mindful of the welfare of p-hailing workers and is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the development of the phailing industry in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani.” Anwar had promised to organise a meeting with p-hailing companies to seek better commission rates for the riders as the rates are reportedly too low. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: The support given by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional candidates for the six state elections last Saturday reflects the stability, solidity and credibility of the unity government. Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Nasrudin Mohammed said this is because the presence and participation of both leaders from the Borneo regions are seen as a signal that the six state elections are highly significant, especially in terms of recognition and acceptance of the unity government by the people, Bernama reported. “Their presence represents crucial key components in the country’s political system. This is a macro-level view (national level) that shows the interdependence of state governments for the stability of the country. “At the state level, this aspect may not be viewed critically by the voters but from the government’s perspective, it is crucial in determining the overall well-being and stability of Malaysia,” he said. During Saturday’s nomination process, Abang Johari and Hajiji, who are Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairmen respectively, joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in accompanying the candidates to the nomination centres in Selangor. Another political analyst, Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, on the other hand, said the presence of both leaders can prevent any doubts or political manoeuvres by certain parties against the position of GPS and GRS in the unity government. “Their presence has at least provided moral support to the campaign here, even though politics in Peninsular Malaysia differs from that in the Borneo states. The signal is clear – they continue to support the government led by Anwar and are not with the Opposition in these state elections. “At the same time, the presence of Hajiji and Abang Johari may also aim at dispelling the perception of uncertainty or instability as Anwar’s 148 seats are crucial for the country’s political stability,” he added. The Election Commission has set the state elections in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu to be held simultaneously, together with the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, on Aug 12, with early voting on Aug 8. The six state polls involve 56 state seats in Selangor, Kelantan (45), Penang (40), Kedah and Negeri Sembilan (36 each), and Terengganu (32). Veteran association-GLC cooperation lauded KUALA LUMPUR: Several Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veteran associations have welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for government-linked companies (GLC) and government-linked investment companies (GLIC) to participate in empowerment programmes for the group. Malayan Ex-Gurkha Brigade Welfare Association 4RAMD chairman Ahmad Damanhuri Arshad said currently, training and empowerment programmes for military retirees were mostly provided by the ExServicemen Affairs Corporation. “Most MAF veterans are in the B40 income bracket. So before retiring, they must have a plan to increase their income, which may include becoming entrepreneurs, but training, business or job opportunities are limited. “So we also hope that big companies can provide the same opportunity to MAF veterans to help them improve their socio-economic status.” Meanwhile, Air Force Veterans Association committee member Abdul Wahab Keria said the call proved that the prime minister always paid attention to the needs and welfare of MAF veterans. “MAF veterans have faced many challenges. They want to start a business, but there aren’t many opportunities for them and the costs of doing it are too expensive. “We hope that after this there will be a change and more parties will come forward to help MAF veterans,” he said. Anwar, in a speech at the MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme on Monday, urged GLC and GLIC to give attention to the needs and welfare of MAF veterans. The prime minister said the matter would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting, which among others requires the companies concerned to absorb MAF veterans in the empowerment programme. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would be looking into the schemes of MAF pensionable and nonpensionable veterans at the first meeting of the service and retirement schemes next Monday. He said the matter was not included in the review of the service scheme before this. – Bernama Solid backing for unity govt oOpen support by Sabah, Sarawak heads shows recognition, stability and credibility of Anwar administration: Analyst RM50m for Rahmah expansion will go a long way: Expert KUALA LUMPUR: The additional allocation of RM50 million that has been approved by the government to expand the Rahmah concept will produce new initiatives to help the people overcome the rising cost of living. Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said it would benefit every group of people, especially in rural areas. “The Rahmah concept has a positive effect, especially on the B40 and M40 groups, as it does not classify or discriminate against anyone or any group to access Menu Rahmah or essential items at Rahmah prices. “I support the Rahmah concept and it needs to be expanded to school items or university (study) fees, not just the Menu Rahmah or daily necessities,” he said. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara political and social media analyst Assoc Prof Dr Sara Chinnasamy said the additional allocation to expand the Rahmah concept would ensure the benefits of the programme reach the target groups. “This concept should be continued because it can reduce the burden of the increasingly high cost of living and safeguard the welfare of various layers of society,” she said, adding that the sectors involved in the Rahmah concept should be expanded and more comprehensive. She also suggested that a local market study on the causes that contribute to the increase in the cost of living should be done to find a thorough solution to safeguard the welfare of the people. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional provision would enable the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that people in each state constituency nationwide benefit from the initiative. The ministry implemented the “Payung Rahmah” initiative with various programmes to help target groups, including “Jualan Rahmah” sales throughout 2023 by supermarkets and retail stores, and “Bakul Rahmah” food baskets containing RM100 worth of daily essentials contributed by strategic partners. Menu Rahmah is a programme that the ministry jointly undertakes with strategic partners comprising food outlet operators and the Association of Restaurant Operators and Food Stalls. – Bernama Perlis mosques, surau go mask free KANGAR: The use of face masks in mosques and surau in the state are no longer mandatory with immediate effect, said the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs). The directive has received the consent of the Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. “This is in line with the World Health Organisation’s announcement on the latest developments of the Covid-19 pandemic which has the potential to subside this year to a point where it spreads like the flu (influenza). “The directive is also in line with the relaxation of standard operating procedures concerning the wearing of face masks that took effect on July 5 as announced by the Health Ministry,” said Tuanku Syed Faizuddin in a statement issued by MAIPs yesterday. However, the use of face masks is still encouraged for those with respiratory symptoms and high-risk individuals. According to the same statement, Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid have expressed their appreciation to the people of Perlis for always giving their full cooperation to MAIPs and its agencies in helping to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state. – Bernama River project firms to be named in November KOTA BHARU: The appointment of contractors for Phase Two and Three of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development project is expected to be made in November. Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said phase two and phase three of the project are flood protection infrastructure for the Golok River basin area. “Phase two of the project will focus on areas along Sungai Golok, particularly Rantau Panjang and settlement areas on the left side of Sungai Lanchang Lemal. “Meanwhile, phase three of the project will complete the entire flood mitigation system for the Sungai Golok basin,” he said in a statement yesterday. Nik Nazmi added that overall, the implementation of phases one, two and three of the Sungai Golok project involved an allocation amounting to over RM2 billion. – Bernama READY FOR POLLS ... Election Commission staff preparing materials for use in the state elections at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Residents banking on flood mitigation project KUANTAN: Every time it rains heavily in Mentakap, 66-year-old housewife Yazi Samad gets anxious and keeps looking at the Semantan River near her house in Kampung Batu Kapor, Temerloh. Her house is hit by floods almost every year, due to the river overflowing, resulting in her family being considered “permanent residents” at an evacuation centre. “It is very tiring having to evacuate (every time it floods). From the time my husband and I were a young couple to our present time as grandparents, we are still facing floods. There were years when our house was flooded more than once. “During my younger days, I was strong enough to move here and there. But now I am old, my energy level is not the same. Fortunately, the children help,” she said, adding that her family has lived in the area since 1974. Yazi said flood mitigation is critical as the floods can be severe, like the one that occurred in December 2021, with water levels rising to the roof of houses. “Many people ask us why not just move to avoid the floods? But where can we go? This is our land. We built this house and hope to pass it on to our grandchildren. This is the only legacy we have to give,” she said. Fellow resident Lydiawati Hassan Busry, 40, who faced the floods in 2021, said it was a great relief that the government was making efforts to speed up a flood mitigation project. She said the government’s positive steps could also prevent people from losing thousands of ringgit every year due to flood damage. “The shop I rent in Mentakab town was never affected by floods but that year, the water rose to five feet and damaged the structure of the shop. I appreciate the government’s initiative and hope the massive floods we experienced will never happen again.” When announcing the Madani Economy: Empowering the People initiative recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will immediately implement flood mitigation projects, including in Pahang, to protect local communities. – Bernama Firm sponsors four PwD for umrah KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Azham Abd Ghani, 50, had been saving up for a pilgrimage to Mecca for a long time. However, a stroke he suffered two years ago left him with paraplegia and the ensuing medical costs depleted his savings. However, his dream is about to come true on Aug 14, as TM Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd would be sponsoring an umrah trip for him and three other persons with disabilities (PwD). “I had wanted to go to Mecca for a long time and had been saving up for a while. It never crossed my mind that I would be blessed with this opportunity,” he said. Mohamad Aiman Zahkwan Esa, 17, who has mild autism, was thrilled that he was chosen for the trip. “When my mother told me that I would be going to Mecca, I was surprised and a little nervous. But I’m happy and deeply moved.” Mohamad Aiman, who also has a learning disorder, will be accompanied by his mother on the trip. TM Tours & Travel director Naaimah Abdullah said the sponsorship was part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiatives that involve such trips for single mothers, PwD and those from the asnaf group. – Bernama Lung cancer risk for non-smoking women KUALA LUMPUR: Women who do not smoke may also be at risk of lung cancer, although the majority of cases still involve male smokers. However, the number of cancer-stricken non-smokers, who are mostly women, continues to rise. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Anand Sachithanandan (pic) said the finding was based on his clinical experience, during which he noticed 25% to 30% of his lung cancer patients were non-smoking women. “From 2012 until 2016, there were 7,686 cases in men with an age-standardised incidence rate (ASR) of 13.2 per 100,000 of the population. For the same period, there were 3,570 cases with an ASR of 5.9 per 100,000 in women.” He said lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men and second most fatal cancer in women, and air pollution and second-hand smoke exposure are the culprits, combined with a genetic predisposition. “Air pollution and exposure to second-hand smoke are thought to create an oSecond-hand smoke, pollution and genetic susceptibility among main danger factors inflammatory process mediated by chemical messengers called ‘interleukins’ that activate dormant driver mutations or pre-existing cancer-causing genes like the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in some vulnerable individuals. “Also, having a family history of lung cancer is a significant risk factor.” Anand, who is also founding president of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia, added that tobacco smoking remains the most common and preventable risk factor for lung cancer and there is growing evidence that vaping significantly increases the risk of taking up cigarette smoking due to nicotine addiction. “Chronic lung diseases can also cause inflammation and scarring of the lung and cancer could arise from that scar tissue decades later. “We do not know the long-term effects of scarring from a severe Covid-19 lung infection. Less common is exposure to radon gas or asbestos.” He said the usual symptoms that people should look out for as an indicator of possible lung cancer include recurrent chest infections, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood (haemoptysis), chest wall or back pain and unexplained weight loss. Less common symptoms include shoulder pain or a droopy eyelid. “All these symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumour. Symptoms like back, chest or bone pain, unexplained weight loss or difficulty breathing are indicative of more advanced lung cancer,” he said. In conjunction with World Lung Cancer Day yesterday, Anand said screening is essential to detect early stage lung cancer, which can be successfully treated with curative surgery and sometimes with varying combinations of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. “The gold standard of screening is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which is painless, accurate and (involves) a single breath test without needles.” He said artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being explored to improve diagnostic accuracy and may become a useful triage option. It is being used for simple chest X-rays as it is much cheaper, making it more accessible, and many practitioners adopt it as a pre-screening application, Bernama reported. “If the AI software detects some abnormality in the lung, the person can be quickly referred to a specialist at a private or government hospital for an LDCT. “So, it is one earlier step and we hope to identify traditionally neglected populations of women and non-smokers with cancer.” ECRL boost for Terengganu DUNGUN: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project could provide economic spinoffs for residents in Terengganu. Trader Nang Noraziah Kamarudin, 42, said the state’s ecotourism sector would benefit as more people would visit Terengganu because of the efficient transport facilities. “Indirectly, more tourists will come to Terengganu via the ECRL and this, in turn, could further boost the economy of the locals because they will surely spend when they come here,” said Nang Noraziah. Another trader, Rosli Abd Manan, 38, expressed confidence that once the project is completed, the local community will be able to reap a lot of benefits, including the time saving mode of transportation. “Residents here could also use the ECRL to move around. No need to use cars or other public transport that are more time consuming and involve long and tiring rides.” As of April, progress of the construction work on the ECRL project in Terengganu was at 55.21%. – Bernama

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 AGC yet to decide on dropping charges against Zahid KUALA LUMPUR: The AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers (AGC) has yet to make a decision on representation letters submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to drop 47 criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering charges against him involving Yayasan Akalbudi, the High Court was told yesterday. AGC trial and appeals division head Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said he was awaiting findings of further investigations by a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) special task force on new evidence. “The task force is conducting investigations and there is no decision yet,” he said during Ahmad Zahid’s trial proceedings before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah. Ahmad Zahid, 70, had sent a 200-page letter of representation to Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun as a basis of consideration for the charges to be dropped. The first letter was submitted in January and the latest, containing new facts and evidence, was sent a month later. It was accompanied by a Feb 20 letter from MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who informed the agency to carry out further investigations into the new evidence. Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik represented Ahmad Zahid while DPP Abdul Malik Ayob joined in the proceedings yesterday. Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, faces 47 charges comprising 12 on criminal breach of trust, eight on corruption and 27 on money laundering, involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi. At the trial yesterday, the prosecution cross-examined the sixth defence witness, Ahmad Zahid’s special officer Datuk Mohd Kamal Abdullah, 66. – Bernama Fugitive arrested over death of abused wife SERDANG: A man on the run, suspected of beating his wife to death, was finally arrested in Senai, Johor on Monday, said Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. He added that a team caught the man, aged 32, and seized tools believed to be linked to the case. “The suspect fled to Johor but acting on intelligence, we tracked him to his hiding spot,” he said during the Sime Darby Property Bhd Auxiliary Police Unit seventh anniversary parade at Padang Kawad Universiti Putra Malaysia yesterday. The man has been remanded for a week from yesterday to facilitate murder investigations. A woman, suspected of being a victim of physical abuse, was reported to have succumbed to her injuries on July 23 while being treated at a private hospital in Kajang. Police received a report on her death from a nurse, after attending hospital staff found bruises and wounds on the body. On another matter, Hussein said 17 reports have been lodged over the “Si Hulk” religious sect. “Investigations revealed that its members were no longer in Selangor and could be abroad.” The Johor Fatwa Committee had prohibited activities related to the group and issued a ruling that the teachings by sect founder Suhaini Mohammad, better known as “Si Hulk”, conflicted with Islamic doctrine. – Bernama Dedicated to job caring for wild beasts SUNGKAI: Several cleaver-wielding men chop up slabs of meat, sized just the way their “captives” would want them. After being scooped into a red bin, the meat is now ready to be fed to the prized residents of the National Wildlife Rescue Centre – the tigers. The sanctuary houses 12 Malayan tigers, which were either rescued after sustaining injuries from traps in the wild, or entrusted by other zoos nationwide. The Malayan tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris malayensis or Panthera tigris jacksoni, is protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act oKeeper at tiger sanctuary remains passionate about work despite obvious dangers Cop detained over police HQ break-in SERDANG: A police sergeant was arrested on Monday to assist in a probe on a break-in at the Sepang district police headquarters exhibit store last Friday. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the man, in his 40s, is attached to its commercial crime unit. “The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code,” he said during the Sime Darby Property Bhd Auxiliary Police Unit seventh anniversary parade at Padang Kawad Universiti Putra Malaysia yesterday. “We are still investigating the motive behind the incident and the value of lost items,” he said, adding that police will apply for a remand order against the suspect. A recent police report stated that the store was ransacked and items linked to narcotic cases, including a laptop containing relevant data, had gone missing. – Bernama Orang Asli seeking dividend arrears from company BALING: Forty-three Orang Asli from the Kensui community have demanded dividend arrears from a rubber plantation management company, claiming that payments were overdue for almost two years. Village head Razali Kulim said many were affected when Bayu Rimba Enterprise Sdn Bhd stopped paying the group a RM300 dividend every month, including RM150 worth of groceries. “Even if it is only RM150, it is of great value for the community to feed our families,” he told a press conference on Monday. Razali said there was still no resolution despite a meeting involving representatives from the company and the community at the Orang Asli Development Department office in Grik, Perak. A second report was lodged against the firm on Monday at the Baling police station over the matter, following a previous one on May 3. – Bernama 2010 and classified as “Critically Endangered” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Land clearing activities and forest exploitation have resulted in Malaysia’s wild tiger population dwindling to an estimated 150, Bernama reported. Tiger keeper Rahmat Rohani @ Abdul Ghani, 51, said the animals are “rewilded” or trained to hunt for food to ensure survival once released into their original habitat. Rahmat, who has worked at the centre for a decade, said the big cats eat various types of meat a day. “They eat once a day at around 3pm because that is when they are most active,” he said, adding that they are fed beef, live and processed chicken and frozen meat. He also said the carnivores are made to fast once a week to ensure that their digestive system remains healthy. “During the day, they are left to roam in a forest-like park next to the night enclosure and seven keepers only enter (the night enclosure) to place food there once all the tigers are outside.” The centre comes under the purview of the Wildlife and National Parks Department Peninsular Malaysia and was set up under the provisions of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. Its functions are based on the “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release” concept. Rahmat said the 12 tigers are aged between six and 20. The females are named Cindai, Nikki, Zanah, Mek Santung, Chemon and Stacy while the males are Yeop Tapah, Sungkai, Johny, Jeli, Jay and Dido. He said he cannot afford to be inattentive even for a second while on duty because tigers can be unpredictable, requiring their keepers to be on guard at all times no matter how trivial a task may seem. “Not all tigers have the same temperament. That’s why we have to learn to recognise the habits (and attitudes) of these animals and handle them accordingly.” MARRIAGE PLANS ... Dressed in a bear costume, a trader sells chocolate beverages near a petrol station along the Cheras-Kajang Expressway to raise money for his wedding expenses. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Crane collapse kills 17 workers in India NEW DELHI: At least 17 workers were crushed to death in western India yesterday when a crane collapsed above an under-construction expressway outside financial capital Mumbai. The crane toppled onto large concrete slabs, with debris then smashing down as labourers worked on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra state, India’s National Disaster Response Force (NRDF) said. The NRDF said 17 bodies had been recovered, and three injured people had been taken to hospital. An NRDF video clip showed rescuers working through piles of mangled steel girders at the construction site in Thane. The Samruddhi Expressway, connecting Mumbai with the city of Nagpur, is part of an expansive road infrastructure push in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to inaugurate infrastructure projects in Maharashtra this week, said he was “pained” by the deaths and ordered compensation be paid to the families of the dead and injured workers. Accidents on large infrastructure construction sites are common in India. In October last year, 130 people died in Gujarat when a bridge collapsed soon after it was repaired. – AFP B R I E F STHOUSANDS URGED TO EVACUATE IN JAPAN TOKYO: A powerful typhoon sweeping towards southern Japan yesterday triggered the cancellation of hundreds of flights, with officials urging hundreds of thousands of people to seek shelter. Typhoon Khanun was packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 180kph as it crossed the Pacific Ocean towards the Okinawa region. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the storm, which it described as “very strong”, was 170km southeast of the regional capital of Naha at 0600 GMT (2pm in Malaysia). Cities across Okinawa advised more than 760,000 people to leave their homes as the weather agency warned waves of up to 12m high could pummel the islands. – AFP CHINESE, SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS MEET WASHINGTON: The top American diplomat for east Asia and the Pacific region held a “candid, substantive, and productive discussion” with his Chinese counterpart in Washington on Monday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s North American and Oceanian Affairs Department director-general Yang Tao was hosted at State Department headquarters by US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel J. Kritenbrink and National Security Council senior director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran. The two senior US officials met with Yang in China in early June, just weeks before Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his high-profile visit. – AFP Suu Kyi receives partial pardon YANGON: Myanmar reduced ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 33-year prison sentence by six years in a partial pardon yesterday, as the junta struggles to quell bloody resistance to its rule. The country has been ravaged by violence in the two years since Suu Kyi was deposed in a coup and hit with 19 criminal cases ranging from corruption to breaching Covid-19 rules. There have been concerns for the 78-year-old Nobel laureate’s health and the junta moved her from prison to a government building last week. “Six years imprisonment will be reduced,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters after it was announced she had been pardoned in five cases. Suu Kyi still faces 14 cases despite the pardon. Rights groups have condemned the legal battle against her as a sham designed to remove a democratic leader from the public eye. oMyanmar junta also extends state of emergency by six months Former Myanmar president Win Myint, who was also removed in the 2021 coup, was granted a four-year reduction in relation to two cases, the junta spokesman said. Yesterday’s announcement was part of an amnesty of more than 7,000 prisoners to mark Buddhist Lent, including 125 foreigners who are to be released and pardoned. An unspecified number of prisoners facing the death penalty also had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the announcement said. David Mathieson, an independent analyst on Myanmar, said the partial pardon was a “cynical ploy to tell the world that there might be some kind of 20 dead, 19 missing in China rainstorms BEIJING: At least 20 people were killed and 19 were missing after heavy rains lashed the Chinese capital and surrounding provinces, state media said yesterday, in downpours that have submerged roads and deluged neighbourhoods with mud. Storm Doksuri, a former super typhoon, swept northwards over China after hitting southern Fujian province on Friday, following its battering of the Philippines. Heavy rains began pummelling the capital and surrounding areas on Saturday, with nearly the average rainfall for the entire month of July dumped on Beijing in just 40 hours. Swaths of suburban Beijing remain badly hit by the rains – some of the city’s heaviest in years. On the banks of Mentougou River, one of the worst affected areas, AFP reporters saw muddy debris strewn across the road. One man told AFP he had not seen flooding this bad since July 2012, when 79 people were killed and tens of thousands evacuated. “This time it’s much bigger than that,” he said. State broadcaster CCTV said the rains had killed at least 11 people in Beijing, two of whom were workers “killed on duty during rescue and relief”. Thirteen people were still missing, but another 14 had been found safe, the broadcaster said. In neighbouring Hebei province, nine people were killed and six were missing, it said. Another two casualties were reported in northeastern Liaoning province over the weekend. President Xi Jinping yesterday called for “every effort” to rescue those “lost or trapped” by the rains. More than 100,000 people deemed at risk across Beijing have been evacuated, according to Global Times newspaper. AFP reporters saw collapsed bridges at two locations, with locals saying the damage had happened during the rains. Live images from CCTV yesterday showed a row of buses half submerged in floodwater. In the parking lot of a high-rise apartment complex, cars were piled on top of each other with alarms still sounding. – AFP political resolution coming. When we know that there is not”. “I think they are just playing cruel games with a political prisoner. “All the charges against her are absurd and shaving six years off 33 isn’t mercy.” Human Rights Watch’s Asia division deputy director Phil Robertson said the junta aimed “to create the impression of moderation and dialogue when in fact there really is none on offer”. Joe Freeman, a spokesman on Myanmar for Amnesty International, said the reductions showed the arbitrary nature of the junta’s military courts. “Those swept up in its clutches never know what may happen to them.” The junta announced on Monday it would extend a state of emergency by six months, which is likely to delay elections promised for August. The military cited alleged widespread voter fraud during November 2020 elections as a reason for its coup, which sparked huge protests and a bloody crackdown. – AFP Tourists flock to see ‘human-like’ bear at zoo BEIJING: Visitors are thronging a zoo in eastern China’s Zhejiang province after a video of one of its bears went viral with some netizens suggesting she looked so human that she might be a staff member in a bear suit, local media reported yesterday. Visitor numbers at Hangzhou Zoo have gone up by 30% to around 20,000 a day since a video of the Malayan bear, named Angela, became a trending topic on Chinese social media over the weekend, Chao News reported. “After seeing this bear standing up on the internet, I wanted to see how it looks in real life, so I came here,” said a man surnamed You, who said he had only half-believed the video he saw online. “After we saw the video on the internet, we specially took the highspeed train from Suzhou to come over to see the bear,” another visitor, Qian Ming, told a Hangzhou TV station. “We travelled overnight last night to get here. The bears are so cute.” In the widely shared video posted last Thursday, the bear can be seen standing on its hind legs and stretching its neck out as it faces visitors watching from outside its enclosure, before sitting back down. It was when Angela was standing up that some netizens said she looked like someone wearing a bear suit. “If this is fake it deserves an Oscar for special effects,” said one user on the Weibo microblog platform. The zoo has sought to refute the rumour in posts on its official WeChat account, saying that Angela is “definitely not a human”. “Our zoo is government-run, so that kind of situation would not happen,” a staff member said. – Reuters A resident standing near a damaged car after heavy rains in Mentougou district in Beijing yesterday. – AFPPIC

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 Childcare employee charged with sex abuse involving 91 young girls CANBERRA: An Australian childcare worker sexually abused 91 young girls over 15 years, police said yesterday, accusing him of documenting his “unfathomable” alleged crimes in thousands of photos and videos. Seasoned detectives have described it as one of Australia’s “most horrific” child sex abuse cases, calling it “beyond the realms of anyone’s imagination”. “I know this news will seem unfathomable, and I know there will be many questions,” said assistant federal police commissioner Justine Gough. “There is not much solace I can give to the parents and children who have been identified.” Included within the 1,623 charges are 136 counts of rape, 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child younger than 10 – a charge used instead of rape in some Australian jurisdictions – and 613 counts of making child pornography. Investigators had been hunting for the 45-year-old man since discovering a cache of child pornography shared on the dark web in 2014. But their efforts had been mostly fruitless until they made an unexpected breakthrough in August last year – matching visual clues in the background of the images to a childcare centre in the city of Brisbane. While the man was initially charged with just three offences, Gough said the gravity of his “heinous” alleged crimes emerged as police sifted further through his computer, phone and hard drive. Police believe the man filmed or took pictures of “all” his alleged crimes – and eventually catalogued more than 4,000 photos and videos of abuse. Police said the abuse happened at 10 different childcare centres between 2007 and last year and exclusively targeted “prepubescent girls” – some as young as one year old. Investigators painstakingly combed through the images to identify 87 of the 91 victims, who were from the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales. The remaining four unidentified children were abused while the man worked overseas for a brief spell between 2013 and 2014. Police said they are working with international crime agencies to find those children, without revealing which country they are targeting. – AFP Burkina Faso, Mali issue Niger warning OUAGADOUGOU: Any military intervention in Niger to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be considered a “declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali”, the two countries said in a joint statement on Monday. The governments of Niger’s two neighbours, both the result of recent military coups, made the comments after West African leaders threatened to use “force” to reinstate Mohamed and slapped financial sanctions on the putschists. “Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” the two countries warned. They said the “disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger ... could destabilise the entire region”. The two also said they “refuse to apply” the “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger”. Guards chief General Abdourahamane Tiani has declared himself leader of Niger but his claim has been shunned internationally and the West African bloc Ecowas has given him a week to hand back power. Niger is the third Sahel country in less than three years, following Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup. In a separate statement, Guinea – whose government was also the result of a coup – expressed its “disagreement with the sanctions recommended by Ecowas, including military intervention”. It said it had “decided not to apply these sanctions, which it considers illegitimate and inhumane”, and urged Ecowas to “reconsider its position”. – AFP B R I E F SDANISH MINISTER RETURNS AFTER ‘STRESS’ LEAVE COPENHAGEN: Danish Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen returned to work yesterday, after a six-month leave due to stress and overwork. “So I’m at it again,” Ellemann-Jensen, 49, said in a Facebook post. “I’m really looking forward to it! I’m also a little nervous.” Ellemann-Jensen, who is also the party leader of the liberal Venstre, went on sick leave in early February “to unplug” on the advice of his doctor, hardly two months after a new coalition government – led by Social Democrat Mette Frederiksen – took power. In his absence, Minister for Economic Affairs Troels Lund Poulsen took over as defence minister. – AFP AUSTRALIAN LAWMAKERS RECOMMEND WECHAT BAN CANBERRA: A Senate committee investigating how foreign powers use social media to interfere in Australia has recommended a swathe of rules and restrictions for social media platforms, including potentially banning Chinese messaging service WeChat on government devices. Yesterday’s report contains 17 recommendations including expanding an existing TikTok ban on government devices to contractors and investigating a ban on WeChat on government devices. TikTok and WeChat posed “security risks” because their parent companies ByteDance and Tencent are headquartered in China and subject to its national security laws, said committee chairman Senator Paterson. – Reuters US presses Taliban on human rights WASHINGTON: US officials denounced the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan – particularly for women and girls – during a meeting with Afghan Taliban representatives in Doha, the State Department said on Monday. The American delegation also expressed “deep concern” regarding the humanitarian crisis and the need to continue supporting aid organisations and UN bodies delivering assistance, a State Department statement said. The closed-door meeting was one of the highest-level known gatherings of US and Afghan government officials in months, with the Washington team headed by Special Representative Thomas West and Kabul’s by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. However, the American statement did not identify the Afghan representatives – describing them only as “senior” and as “technocratic professionals”. A separate Afghan Foreign Ministry statement issued on Monday did name Amir Khan, and said his team included Finance Ministry and central bank representatives. It noted human rights were discussed, without elaborating, and said the meeting underscored discussions between the sides on ending banking restrictions and sanctions. Women’s rights have been a sticking point in negotiations over aid and recognition since the Taliban swept back to power in August 2021. oAmerican envoy calls for removal of restrictions on women at Doha meeting The Taliban government has barred girls and women from high schools and universities, banned them from parks, funfairs and gyms, and ordered them to cover up in public. US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri, who attended the meeting, said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that she had been urged to “directly engage the Taliban”. “We called for the removal of restrictions on women & girls, including access to education & work; release of detainees; & end to corporal punishment, & crackdowns on media & freedom of expression,” she wrote. The Afghan statement said Kabul “emphasised once again that to build trust, it is important to remove blacklists and release the bank reserves so Afghans can develop their economy without foreign aid”. The State Department said it would be open to “a technical dialogue regarding economic stabilisation issues soon.” The Afghan Foreign Ministry said the delegation also reiterated calls to restore consular services for its nationals globally. A handful of Afghan embassies are operating under Taliban authority – including in Pakistan, Turkey and China – but many are occupied by diplomats associated with the previous government which is still, officially, represented at the United Nations. – AFP Body in barrel found on Malibu beach LOS ANGELES: A body stuffed in a barrel was discovered on Monday on a beach in Malibu, the swanky Californian hotspot beloved by the rich and famous, police said. Reports said the man’s corpse was crammed into a 55-gallon drum when it was discovered by maintenance workers. Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff were working the case, said the department, which did not reveal the dead man’s identity or his cause of death. Broadcaster ABC7 said the barrel had originally been spotted bobbing in the water at Malibu Lagoon State Beach by sanitation workers on Sunday evening. AFP photos showed the closed barrel resting upright in shallow water in a spot close to Malibu Pier. Malibu is home to celebrities including Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Friends actress Courteney Cox. Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton are all one-time residents of the laid-back idyll. Barrels are understood to be a favoured disposal method for mobsters who want to get rid of a corpse. – AFP FLAMES OF WAR ... Firefighters working to put out a blaze at a building damaged by a Russian drone strike in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. – STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE OF UKRAINE/REUTERSPIC

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 SPEAK UP Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ AI – help or security risk? ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) tools have garnered significant attention due to their impressive capabilities. For example, tools such as ChatGPT, which are powered by large language models, can generate complex pieces of writing, including research papers, poems, press releases and even software code, in multiple languages in a matter of seconds. These AI tools have begun to revolutionise various industries, including software development, where this emerging technology is being leveraged to accelerate the development process. However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding AI, there are also apprehensions regarding its potential risks. Some experts fear that the rapid advancement of AI systems can lead to a loss of control over these technologies and pose an existential threat to society. This raises the question: will AIpowered tools ultimately prove beneficial in the long run or will they pose a security risk? Leveraging AI Despite the concerns and ongoing debate around the need for a pause in AI research and development, AI tools have already made their way into software development. These tools can generate code quickly and in multiple languages, easily surpassing the speed of human developers. The integration of AI into cybersecurity tools can also enhance the speed and accuracy of detecting cyber threats. By using AI to analyse extensive datasets, intricate patterns and anomalies that may be challenging for humans to detect can be easily identified. Furthermore, AI-enhanced security tools can significantly decrease the number of false positives and help to reduce some of the more timeconsuming security tasks, allowing development and security teams to allocate resources to focus on critical issues. AI’s ability to respond to prompts without the need for extensive research or interviews offers a unique advantage as it eliminates the need for humans to perform repetitive programming tasks, which often require working tirelessly around the clock. A force of good or evil? While AI-enhanced security tools can be used to better protect organisations and their end users from cyber threats, the technology can also be used by malicious actors to help them create more sophisticated attacks and automate activities that mimic humanlike behaviour without being detected by some software security tools. There are reports of hackers leveraging AI to launch machine learning-enabled penetration tests, impersonate humans on social media in platform-specific attacks, create deepfake data and perform Captcha cracking. It is important to recognise that while modern AI tools excel in certain areas, they are far from perfect and, for the time being, should be regarded as a scaleddown version of an auto-complete function commonly found in smartphones or email applications. While AI can provide substantial assistance to individuals familiar with coding and help them accomplish specific tasks more efficiently, challenges will surface for those expecting AI tools to have the ability to produce and deliver complete applications. For example, AI may provide incorrect answers due to biases within the datasets on which they are trained or when it comes to coding, the tools may omit crucial information and subsequently require human intervention and thorough security testing. Human-AI collaboration Software company Synopsys recently highlighted the need for human oversight in AI-generated code, after instances were observed where AIgenerated code failed to identify an open-source licensing conflict. Ignoring licensing conflicts can be costly and may lead to legal entanglements for organisations. This shows that AI-enhanced security tools have their limitations. There have also been cases where AI-generated code included snippets of open-source code containing vulnerabilities. Hence, it is imperative for organisations leveraging AI to adopt comprehensive application security testing practices to ensure that the code it generates is free of both licensing conflicts and security vulnerabilities. For both attackers and defenders, cyber security is a never-ending race. AI is an integral part of the tools used by both sides. As a result, there is a growing importance for human-AI collaboration. As AI-aided attacks become more sophisticated, AI-aided cybersecurity tools will be required to counter the attack successfully. By delegating these tasks to a security tool that is integrated with AI, humans can provide unique and actionable insights on how to best mitigate attacks. While the need for human intervention may decrease alongside each progressive step of AI evolution, until then, the importance of maintaining an effective and holistic application security programme is now more critical than before. The writer is the Director of Security Engineering, APAC, Synopsys Software Integrity Group. Comments: [email protected] “AI tools have begun to revolutionise various industries, including software development, where this emerging technology is being leveraged to accelerate the development process. However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding AI, there are also apprehensions regarding its potential risks. Integration of AI cybersecurity tools can speed up detection of cyber threats. – REUTERSPIC Vincent Tan’s philanthropic endeavours FOR almost four decades, I have had the privilege of knowing Tan Sri Vincent Tan, whose remarkable concern and compassion for the poor and needy are truly praiseworthy. One significant initiative that reflects his generosity is his affordable housing project dedicated to the B40 group, enabling them to become homeowners and fulfil their dreams. However, this benevolent undertaking comes at a considerable cost, with Tan Sri absorbing RM10 million in loss from the project. He attributes his magnanimous character to the influence of his mother, who instilled in him the importance of giving back to society. Beyond his philanthropic endeavours, Tan Sri’s profound spiritual beliefs are evident in his unwavering support for the Tzu Chi Foundation, a h u m a n i t a r i a n organisation. In addition, he has supported and contributed millions to numerous c h a r i t a b l e o r g a n i s a t i o n s , aiming to ensure that the less fortunate and impoverished have access to essential care and services. I hope that other institutions and foundations will take inspiration from Tan Sri’s noble example and extend their assistance to the underprivileged as well. I extend my best wishes for the good health and prosperity of Tan Sri and his family as well as the continued success of the Berjaya Group. May his compassion continue to bring positive change and empower those in need. R. Rama Chandran Petaling Jaya LETTERS [email protected] COMMENT by Kelvin Lim

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 Together, we can save lives THE news of the passing of Hong KongAmerican pop diva Coco Lee drew widespread attention locally and internationally. Following the media reports, Life Line Association Malaysia noticed the emergence of a “pessimistic emotional effect” on social media platforms, with some internet users commenting that “a person who displayed a charming and positive personality eventually took their own life compared with those who seem gloomy and sad”. Such contents have led to a surge of suicidal tendencies being shared online, a situation which is deeply worrying. In 2022, Life Line Assoc i a t i o n M a l a y s i a p r o v i d e d counselling to as many as 3,627 sessions, among whom 294 e x p r e s s e d s u i c i d a l t h o u g h t s through a helpline, face-to-face sessions and emails. Specifically, 207 sessions displayed mild suicidal tendencies, 75 showed moderate tendencies and 12 (8%) exhibited severe tendencies. We are concerned about the “celebrity effect” of suicides spreading in our country. Previously, within eight hours of the passing of Hong Kong Cantopop artist Leslie Cheung, several falling incidents occurred. Similarly, after the news of the suicide of the famous American actor Robin Williams went off, the suicide rate in the US increased by 10%. The imitative suicidal behaviour triggered by the celebrity effect is a matter that should not be neglected, especially considering its significant impact on the younger demographic. Detailed descriptions of tragedies can affect even those who were initially feeling emotionally stable. Besides offering direct services and organising preventive activities and campaigns by mental health practitioners and community counselling centres, Life Line Association Malaysia suggests that primary and secondary school teachers engage in more activities related to mental health and suicide prevention. Additionally, we recommend that the Education Ministry initiate training programmes for more teachers to conduct life education in schools, effectively reaching and identifying high-risk individuals and establishing a safety net within learning institutions. According to police data, there were 631 suicide cases in Malaysia in 2020, which increased by 81% in 2021, with 1,142 cases, and 467 suicide cases in the first six months of 2022. In May this year, parliament passed a Bill to decriminalise suicide. Furthermore, the government is planning to launch the National Suicide and Fatal Injury Registration System (NSFIRM) this year to obtain detailed and accurate statistical data related to suicide cases. Life Line Association Malaysia calls on the government to expedite NSFIRM as the data will enable targeted preventive efforts and allow for adjustments to the activities and research directions of the National Mental Health Strategy Plan 2020-2025, in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to promote more effective suicide prevention activities. Additionally, the system will serve as a valuable reference for helpline volunteers and mental health professionals, facilitating the allocation of resources and ensuring that those in need receive quality services. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that in the past five years, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among young people in our country have been on the rise. The rate of suicidal thoughts among youths aged 13 to 17 increased from 10% in 2017 to 13.1%. Life Line Association Malaysia urges the government to implement more effective strategies to address the issue of youths suicide, including expanding the reach of the “Let us TALK Minda Sihat” campaign, strengthening mental health and social psychological support services, establishing follow-up measures and standard operating procedures for welfare and medical units after the decriminalisation of suicide and promoting exchanges between government agencies and NGOs. Life Line Association Malaysia also calls on the public to be attentive to the emotions of those around them and actively seek information related to suicide prevention. It is essential to understand that mental illnesses are treatable, but overcoming the shame associated with these conditions is the first step. Individuals should open up about their inner struggles and reach out to the professionals, such as doctors and therapists for help. Friends and family members should also take the initiative to have heart-to-heart conversations with individuals facing mental health issues as a few words of support can potentially save a life. This article was contributed by Life Line Association Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] Climate crisis to change irrevocably how we holiday WHEN summer unfurls each year, I am gripped by the urge to escape the often cloudy shores to lie in the sun. I am British, after all, and cannot shake our peculiar attitude towards the closest star to Earth: when rays of UV light bear down, I feel the pressure to soak them up lest I never feel their warmth again. Our friends on the continent are not burdened with such tendencies, instead holding a more nonchalant attitude to summertime. What I do not want, and frankly, what scares me is disruptive, record-breaking temperatures and uncontrollable blazes tearing across the landscape. That anyone can see the extreme weather in Europe – aid workers forced to supply water, wildfires swallowing villages, holidaymakers evacuated by boat, pilots dying while fighting to quell the burning – and get a whimsical, pre-holiday feeling is completely baffling. The myriad effects of climate change in the country have already been seen in ways that largely go unnoticed by those of us whose day-to-day life remains unchanged. But across the Channel, we have seen it unfold on a macro scale this summer. Following the hottest June ever recorded, the Cerberus and Charon heatwaves moved in on mainland Europe: record-breaking 41.8°C heat in Italy’s capital, Rome; Verdun, northeast France, reaching 40.6°C for the first time; highs of 45°C premiering in Spain’s Catalonia region; a stretch of days above 40°C in Greece, where the Acropolis was forced to close; a blistering 47°C in Sicily (just shy of the 48.8°C European record temperature reached in August 2021). Earth’s average temperature set a record high for the third time in a week on July 6, with experts cautioning that it will not be long until this level is again raised. A 2020 study by the European Climate Prediction project painted a disturbing picture of the future, one in which, by the year 2050, Spain’s Andalusia region would reach at least 40°C on more than 20 days a year, and that even the German capital of Berlin would regularly exceed 35°C. Another study predicts that by 2050, London’s climate will resemble that of Barcelona today, with an almost 6°C increase in the warmest month’s average temperature. On top of the sweat-busting temperatures, devastating wildfires have been thrown into the mix. The worst began on the Greek island of Rhodes, where thousands of Britons had to be rescued from their summer holidays, and more blazes have subsequently broken out on Corfu, where around 2,500 people have been evacuated. Eight other countries in Europe, including Portugal, Turkey, Italy, France and Spain, have seen firemen called in to tackle raging flames. In 2017, after Hurricane Maris ravaged the small Caribbean nation of Dominica, its prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit made a speech to the United Nations, telling delegates his country had been on “the frontline of the war on climate change”; almost six years later, Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the fight against the fire on Rhodes as a “war”. As we watch the near-apocalyptic scenes in Europe at a time when thousands of Brits are gearing up to travel abroad, we are confronted point-blank with the stark reality of the climate crisis. There is no compartmentalising it this time: it has invaded the part of our mind reserved for holidays, when real life is suspended. So, what do increasingly extreme weather conditions mean for how we go on holiday? According to the Met Office: “Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer lasting and more intense.” And this likely means radically reshaping our relationship with summer getaways. Meteorologist for Sky News Kirsty McCabe is clear in her assessment: if the region continues to experience these soaring temperatures, “you will not be able to have a traditional beach holiday”, warning that the tourism industry will be affected as certain people are put off travelling. “If you have an underlying health condition, these temperatures are not good.” It is not just oppressive heat that is a consequence of our changing climate while Europe boiled, the UK has seen an altogether wetter picture. If this is to be an annual scenario, it is firmly a “new normal”, which could well lead to a drastic change in holiday habits. Eloise Barker, from travel company Responsible Travel, has written about the impacts of climate change on bookings. She said there is an “immense appetite” for going overseas, and even last year’s heatwave has not changed their most popular destinations, which are Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. According to Eloise, the issues are being felt more keenly on the ground, where “many of the local partners are increasingly concerned about the changing weather and its impacts”. Travelling outside of peak season and exploring less-visited areas are ways to spread the benefits of tourism. But, Eloise warned against swearing off peak-season travel: “It is also worth remembering that people who live in some of these destinations often depend financially on summer tourism. Cautioning travellers not to visit at all could create its own set of problems.” But the concept of high season is itself flexing as weather patterns shift. UK chief editor at travel deals platform HolidayPirates Raphael Giacardi predicted that they may see more holidaymakers take advantage of travelling to European destinations during what is traditionally the shoulder season, September and October. While several holiday providers declined to comment on how this summer’s weather has affected their operations, for many in the industry it is business as usual. They are still getting back on their feet after the pandemic and catering to the pent-up demand for travel that Covid lockdowns fostered. It is hard to ignore the British yearning to trade perennial drizzle for a sunlit escape. And, for the vast majority of people, it is early days when it comes to the uncomfortable marrying of climate change and holidays. The lure of heat and a chance to holiday in the sun will not go away but how and when we travel is surely due to change. – The Independent COMMENT █ BYBENJAMIN PARKER Tourists had to be evacuated following the wildfire on Rhodes Island in Greece. – REUTERSPIC “It is essential to understand that mental illnesses are treatable, but overcoming the shame associated with these conditions is the first step. Individuals should open up about their inner struggles and reach out to the professionals, such as doctors and therapists for help. PIC courtesy of Lee’s Facebook. LIFE LINE ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA 0 For counselling, call 03-4265 7995 or visit www.lifeline.org.my for more information

10 TRAVEL & LEISURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 ‘Set-jetters’ look to movies and TV shows to choose travel destinations LOOKING for some vacation inspiration? To find their latest destination, some people turn to their favourite TV shows and movies—a trend known as “set-jetting.” It’s no secret that shows like Wednesday, Game of Thrones, or Emily in Paris have boosted tourism in the cities or countries in which they were filmed. The success of certain dramas has put some destinations firmly in the spotlight. And this can represent a real business opportunity for these locations, which are keen to facilitate filming, as is the case in Singapore. TV and movie fans jetting around the world to visit real-world sets seen onscreen is a trend that’s known as “set-jetting.” Past shows such as Friends, Sex and the City, and Gossip Girl were already inspiring their fans around the world to visit New York, the city where these cult series were filmed. The same goes for the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises, which respectively inspired trips to London — more precisely, to King’s Cross Station to find platform 934 — and to New Zealand. And this trend is far from over, given the massive production output from streaming sites. According to a study from Morning Consult, 11% of Americans surveyed revealed that they learned about the destination of a leisure trip taken last year from a TV series or movie. Millennials are most into “setjetting.” The study points out that people who have watched popular shows featuring certain destinations are significantly more likely to want to visit those places than those who haven’t. The study uses the example The Emily in Paris show has inspired Netflix subscribers to visit the French capital. of the hit Netflix series starring Lily Collins, Emily in Paris. While 29% of those surveyed who had not watched the series expressed a keen interest in visiting Paris, where the main action takes place, this percentage rose to 53% among Americans surveyed who had watched the show. The same trend can be seen in Seattle, thanks to season four of Love Is Blind (16% vs. 39%), but also in London, thanks to Ted Lasso (31% vs. 49%), and Sicily, thanks to the success of The White Lotus. (28% vs. 41%). The keenest “set-jetters” seem to be Millennials. Some 21% of them said they had already been inspired by a show or movie when choosing a destination, compared to 10% of Generation Z, 7% of Generation X, and 5% of Baby Boomers. According to research from Expedia, “in the US, more than twothirds (68%) of travellers considered visiting a destination after seeing it in a show or movie on a streaming platform, and a whopping 61% booked a trip.” Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, and Spain. oDiscover your favourite shows, dream destinations Lord of the Rings: Hobbiton Airbnb in New Zealand.

KLCI 1,451.24 STI 3,373.79 34.49 HANG SENG 20,011.12 304.36 SCI 3,290.95 NIKKEI 33,476.58 8.19 TSEC 17,212.87 67.44 KOSPI 2,667.07 S&P/ASX200 7,450.70 40.30 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES August 1, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) SAPNRG 506,553,800 4.0 +0.5 KGW 180,999,600 23.0 +2.0 HONGSENG 164,467,900 5.5 -1.0 KNM 144,733,100 9.5 UNCH AT 130,881,500 1.5 +0.5 EXCHANGERATES AUGUST 1, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.5750 4.4410 4.4210 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0910 2.9690 2.9350 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4390 3.3400 3.3220 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4650 3.3720 3.3410 1 EURO 5.0380 4.8750 4.8590 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8530 2.7490 2.7330 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4390 3.3400 3.3220 1 STERLING POUND 5.8780 5.6940 5.6740 1 SWISS FRANC 5.2340 5.1130 5.0990 100 UAE DIRHAM 126.0400 119.5100 118.9700 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2880 4.0230 3.8580 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 64.1000 61.6000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 59.3000 56.3600 56.0200 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6600 5.3100 5.1000 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0314 0.0284 0.0235 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2180 3.1170 3.1060 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.6000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6200 1.5200 1.3200 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4500 7.9700 7.7600 100 QATAR RIYAL 127.0300 120.5900 120.0100 100 SAUDI RIYAL 123.3300 117.0800 116.6200 100 THAI BAHT 13.9500 12.3800 12.0800 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY August 1, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,658.50 -44.70 FBMKLCI 1,451.24 -8.19 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 558.58 -3.53 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 167.57 -1.14 CONSTRUCTION 168.56 -0.70 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,192.40 -81.50 ENERGY 833.11 +2.96 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 584.30 -3.22 HEALTH CARE 1,765.11 +6.13 TRANSPORTATION 918.21 -0.64 PROPERTY 769.42 -3.26 PLANTATION 7,144.52 -35.90 FBMSHA 10,922.70 -29.90 FBMACE 5,307.41 -22.70 TECHNOLOGY 63.73 -0.17 TURNOVER VALUE 3.833 BIL RM1.755 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS August 1, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM DLADY 32,200 21.50 +0.18 BURSA 2,388,200 6.82 +0.11 DKSH 58,000 5.03 +0.11 PERTAMA 4,128,600 2.99 +0.10 ALLIANZ 9,500 14.66 +0.08 5 TOP LOSERS August 1, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 15,000 132.90 -1.00 MPI 76,000 29.00 -0.28 PETDAG 103,000 22.74 -0.22 AJI 31,200 16.48 -0.14 BKAWAN 16,700 21.14 -0.14 Bosch to invest RM1.6b in Penang over next decade BATU KAWAN: German engineering and technology company Bosch plans to invest RM1.62 billion in phases within the next decade in its operations here to strengthen the global supply chain for semiconductors. Bosch Mobility Sector Board member Klaus Maeder said the long-term investment is testimony to the company’s commitment towards Malaysia. “One of the reasons why we are confident in investing heavily to set up our operations here is the existing semiconductor ecosystem, as our suppliers and many other semiconductor players are also here. “Semiconductors are key to the success of all Bosch’s business areas and the Penang back-end site is a key component in our growth strategy in the mobility sector as we respond to the increased demand for semiconductors,” he said at a press conference after the opening ceremony of Bosch’s Semiconductor Back-End site here yesterday. Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Malaysian Investment Development Authority CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, special adviser to the chief minister of Penang, Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon and InvestPenang CEO Datuk Loo Lee Lian. Maeder said the company chose to invest in Penang for its high level of semiconductor knowledge and skilled workforce, while the close proximity to business partners and customers here would shorten delivery times and distances for the chips. He said the back-end site, which currently spans over 18,000 square metres, is one of Asia’s most advanced semiconductor backend sites for the final testing of its automotive chips and sensors. Bosch Malaysia managing director Klaus Landhaeusser said Malaysia is an important hub in Bosch’s global semiconductor supply chain, accounting for around 13% of the global back-end production. “Our new facility in Penang brings Bosch’s global manufacturing network closer to outsourced semiconductor assembly and test vendors in the region as well as to our automotive customers in the Asian market,” he added. – Bernama Nik Nazmi rallies support for proposed EECA NATURAL RESOURCES, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is calling for unified efforts from all stakeholders, including the private sector, to support Malaysia’s proposed Energy Efficiency & Conservation Act (EECA). The bill for the EECA will be tabled in the next parliamentary session. Nik Nazmi said the EECA aims to promote energy efficiency across industries, in line with the nation’s net zero objective. “The NRECC (ministry) has been active in engaging all stakeholders when it comes to the EECA and, indeed, our work across the board, including for instance through the Climate Advisory Panel for COP 28. But ultimately, the Act is necessary because it will support Malaysia’s push to sustainability and climate action. And the ultimate bottom line here is Malaysia’s survival and, indeed, humanity’s survival,” he said in his keynote address at the International Green Build Conference 2023 yesterday. However, the minister noted that the growing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance principles has put companies under increasing pressure to align their operations with sustainable goals. “We must also acknowledge that not only Nik Nazmi says the Act will support Malaysia’s push to energy sustainability and climate action. oBill for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act scheduled be tabled in next parliament sitting █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] SC issues guidelines to strengthen tech risk management PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) yesterday issued Guidelines on Technology Risk Management, which aim to promote robust and sound technology risk management practices among capital market entities. The guidelines also set out the SC’s expectations on capital market entities when they manage their technology risk. In formulating the guidelines, the SC has taken into account feedback received from the Public Consultation Paper on The Proposed Regulatory Framework on Technology Risk Management, which was published last year. The requirements set out in the guidelines include the establishment and implementation of an effective technology risk framework, technology project management, technology service provider management and cyber security management by capital market entities. The guidelines will be applicable to all capital market entities licensed, registered, approved, recognised or authorised by the SC. The guidelines are expected to come into effect only in the third quarter of 2024, to allow sufficient time for capital market entities to familiarise themselves with and meet the requirements. 0.19 67.82 0.09 consumers but even big companies and builders, to say nothing of small-and-medium enterprises will find the process daunting,” he remarked. He said the EECA has been in the works for many years. “It (the bill) will be tabled in the next parliament sitting, this year, then we hope to get it done at least until second reading,” he told reporters after delivering his keynote speech. Nik Nazmi said the EECA is crucial for Malaysia’s net zero objective as achieving it depends not only on renewable energy but also on energy efficiency. He added that once it comes into force, the EECA will be a hallmark legal and regulatory framework for promoting energy efficiency in the country. “The Act is linked to commercial and industrial competitiveness, energy security benefits, and environmental advantages such as reduced carbon emissions. “It will also encompass regulations for highenergy users, building energy efficiency through building energy intensity labelling, and setting energy performance standards for electrical and thermal appliances,” Nik Nazmi said. In preparation for the EECA, the government will provide Energy Audit Conditional Grants to building owners to carry out energy audits, he disclosed. “The energy audit exercise is crucial to determine the potential energy-saving measures and to establish the baseline. It also provides information on the demand profile of buildings” he added. Participation 28.7 42.1 29.2 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 499.7 770.8 485.3 1755.8 Sold RM m 507.2 707.6 541.0 1755.8 Net RM m -7.5 63.2 -55.7 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) 1/8/2023

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 SUNBIZ /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Forex fees cost M’sian students abroad RM70m each year KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians studying overseas overpay about RM69.9 million in total transfer fees every year, according to new research from Wise. With close to 60,000 Malaysians studying abroad, this would be an average of RM1,183 lost annually per student from transfer-related fees, the study revealed. The research by global technology company Wise ranked the 10 most expensive destinations to study abroad, both in terms of tuition costs and money lost to hidden fees. Malaysian students spent the most money on education in the US, with an average of RM130,470 a year, Wise research shows. – BERNAMAPIC oAverage of RM1,183 lost annually per person from transfer-related charges, research by fintech company Wise shows It also found that international students globally overpaid about RM5.3 billion annually in hidden transfer fees when moving money across borders. Malaysian students had spent the most money on education in the US, with an average of RM130,470 per year – higher than the global average, Wise said, citing its internal data. Australia and the UK – both in the top five education destinations for Malaysian students – were also expensive countries to study in, with annual costs averaging between RM65,665 and RM77,221, said Wise, a foreign exchange financial technology company. “Singapore, the closest international destination surveyed, proved to be the most costly in transfer fees, with students losing RM3,719 on average every year,” it said in a statement yesterday. It was followed by Canada (RM1,336), New Zealand (RM1,333), and the US (RM1,318). Wise’s country manager for Malaysia Lim Paik Wan shared simple ways students can get a headstart on saving more and managing their finances wisely, such as keeping an eye on hidden fees. “The first thing to check when moving money internationally is the total cost which includes the upfront fee and exchange rate. “The upfront fee may be advertised as low or even ‘free’, but be aware that it may not represent the actual total cost. “Hidden fees can lie in the exchange rate, where providers tend to add an undisclosed markup instead of using the mid-market exchange rate.” Never underestimate the benefits of student-only offers and loyalty programmes, urged Lim. “From the coffee shop on campus to grocery stores and cinemas to transit passes, making a habit of checking for any available student deals can net significant savings in the long run,” Lim said. – Bernama TNB, Petronas sign pact for feasibility study on hydrogen business development KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) have inked a joint feasibility study agreement (JFSA) to advance hydrogen business development in Malaysia. This will cement their commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy. “Building upon the earlier signed memorandum of understanding, the JFSA underscores the commitment of both industry leaders to collaborate and foster a strong synergy in exploring and developing business ventures in the emerging field of green hydrogen,” TNB said in a statement yesterday. This collaboration signified the companies’ shared vision of accelerating the deployment of clean technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture, to decarbonise the energy sector, it added. “This agreement serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to uniting industry players and forging a powerful synergy. Together, we are committed to exploring and developing business ventures in the promising field of green hydrogen,” TNB president and CEO Datuk Baharin Din said. He added that the collaboration would not only contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth but also bring about numerous job opportunities. Petronas senior vice-president of project delivery and technology Datuk Bacho Pilong said both companies bring to the table over 120 years of combined experience in engineering and technology. “Together, we look forward to building an ecosystem of technology and infrastructure for the clean energy needed to progress the nation’s sustainability goals and support an equitable energy transition for future generations,” he added. TNB said the strategic collaboration with Petronas holds particular significance in addressing the challenge of decarbonising the energy industry, where both organisations are playing prominent roles. “Recognising the potential of hydrogen as a versatile and clean source of energy, the companies aim to leverage this resource to reduce carbon emissions in sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and power generation,” it added. – Bernama reNIKOLA issues world’s first Climate Bonds Initiative-certified green sukuk PETALING JAYA: Pure play renewable energy company reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd is issuing up to RM390 million in sukuk that has been certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative (green sukuk). The green sukuk has been independently verified by RAM Sustainability Sdn Bhd to have complied with the science-based Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme (Climate Bonds Standard). Climate Bonds Initiative is an independent international not-forprofit organisation working to mobilise financial markets for climate change solutions. The Climate Bonds Initiative carries out market analysis, policy research, market development; advises governments and regulators; and administers a global Climate Bonds Certification Scheme. Meanwhile, the Climate Bonds Standard is an overarching sciencebased, multi-sector certification scheme for investments that address the challenge of climate change and are consistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The managing director of reNIKOLA, Boumhidi Adel, said the company is proud to be the first green sukuk issuer in the world to have the Climate Bonds Initiative certification and it demonstrated its dedication to global best practice in climate finance. This is reNIKOLA’s second green sukuk in three years and underscores its ability to mobilise capital for green projects to drive Malaysia’s energy transition goals forward. RAM Sustainability CEO Gladys Chua said the green sukuk by reNIKOLA is the first climate sukuk certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative in Malaysia and the world, marking a major milestone for the country towards encouraging more green, social or sustainable assets in the future. In congratulating reNikola, Climate Bonds Initiative CEO Sean Kidney said the certification not only acknowledges reNIKOLA’s commitment to climate finance but also sets the standard for best practices in this evolving space. “The global shift towards sustainable investments is gaining momentum, and this issuance demonstrates the increasing interest in financing projects that align with climate goals. By obtaining the Climate Bonds certification, reNIKOLA sets an example for other issuers, investors, and stakeholders, paving the way for a more robust and standardised green sukuk market,” he added. Malaysia sees string of small-cap IPOs as listings rise in SE Asia KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has seen a string of small-cap technology initial public offerings, raising US$500 million (RM2.25 billion) in 16 deals, in line with Southeast Asia’s year-on-year rise in IPO volume of 26%. This is from 65 deals in 2022 to 82 deals year-to-date 2023, said EY Global. “Indonesia has been a shining light in the region, hosting 45 IPOs in the first half of the year, with total proceeds of US$2.2 billion,” it added. Thailand hosted listings from a diverse range of sectors that raised US$500 million in 15 deals in the first half of 2023; followed by Philippines (three IPOs raising US$77.7 million) and Singapore (three IPOs raising US$21.1 million). EY Global IPO leader Paul Go noted that against the backdrop of a divergent global economy and unpredictable geopolitical landscape, some stock markets are reaching a long-time high and enjoying low volatility. “Certain theme-centric sectors such as technology and clean energy are signaling an upswing in IPO activity. “Large, well-established companies are demonstrating enduring resilience, while growth narratives with more realistic and acceptable valuation are becoming more receptive by the market,” Go said in a statement. He advised that in this shifting environment, companies need to prepare now to be IPO-ready for any forthcoming windows. On the second-half outlook, EY Global said a resurgence in global IPO activity is anticipated to start in late 2023 as economic conditions and market sentiment gradually improve with the tight monetary policy entering its final stage. “Large corporate spin-offs and carve-out listings will likely surface across major markets as companies seek to create more shareholder values through divestiture while investors lean toward mature, profitmaking businesses amid a yet-torevive IPO market,” it said. “Investors will continue to be more selective, orienting toward companies with solid fundamentals and proven track records,” it added. – Bernama TA Asian Dividend Income Fund holders to get 0.45 sen per unit PETALING JAYA: TA Investment Management Bhd (TAIM) has declared a gross income distribution of 0.45 sen per unit for the TA Asian Dividend Income Fund (TADIF) to registered unit holders as at July 28. TADIF seeks to provide income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a collective investment scheme which invests mainly in a portfolio of Asian stocks. As at June 30, TADIF has delivered returns of 75.94% since its inception in 2011. According to the Target Fund managers of TADIF, the portfolio’s inherent focus on quality companies with strong free cash flow, strong balance sheets, and dividends will be a key positive if the recessionary environment, well flagged by commentators, occurs.

13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 Research houses remain positive on banking sector KUALA LUMPUR: Research houses continue to have a positive stance on the local banking sector for its resilient earnings and with an average dividend yield of 6% which provide an attractive shelter for longer-term investors amidst softening interest. In a note yesterday, Kenanga Research said it maintained an “overweight” call on the sector as sector-wide weakness may lead to investors seeking more tactical opportunities than fundamental ones which was proven right by recent share price performances. It said that June 2023 system loans growth of 4.4% year-on-year (y-o-y) was within its 4% to 4.5% target in anticipation of modest economic activities in the second half of 2023, which could also be reflected in moderating applications reported. “Gross impaired loans (GIL) are also stabilising at 1.76% following some pressures in oFinancial institutions still on strong footing due to its resilient earnings and dividends Reservoir Link gets contract from Petronas Carigali KUALA LUMPUR: Reservoir Link Energy Bhd, an energy related services provider, announced that its wholly owned unit Reservoir Link Sdn Bhd, has received a letter of award from Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd for the provision of Annulus Wash and Cement Assurance equipment and services for M1 and Anding campaigns. The contract began on the effective date of the award, which was July 11, and will remain valid until completion of the scope of work which is estimated to be within 18 months unless earlier terminated in accordance with terms and conditions. Under the scope of the contract, Reservoir Link Sdn Bhd will provide annulus wash and cement assurance services that include, but not limited to, creating circulation tunnel or window across casing in the well; washing or removing defective cement in the annulus behind the casing and placing good cement across the annulus and in the casing at depth of interest. Reservoir Link executive director Thien Chiet Chai said, “Given the overall improving industrial sentiment towards the oil and gas sector, Reservoir Link is expected to benefit from it. The sector is gradually experiencing more activities. This phenomenon is further supported by the rising demand for petrochemical products, as well as the aviation sector, which has experienced pent-up demand following the uplifting of Covid-19 restrictions.” “Nevertheless, the group has set its sights on building up the renewable energy sector to ensure long-term business sustainability, provided that the government, and various other organisations are actively encouraging the use of renewable energy in their combat against global warming,” he added. Investors stand to receive cashbacks with Bursa’s FundRewards KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd yesterday launched the FundRewards: Invest & Win Cashback! campaign, which offers investors attractive cashback rewards when investing in any fund listed on the Bursa Fund Platform. “In line with making the Exchange an investment destination of choice, Bursa Malaysia continues to provide more investment options for the investing public. The FundRewards campaign will help raise the profile of funds on the platform, while connecting investors and fund managers. This initiative marks a significant step towards expanding our platform’s user base and attracting a wider investor pool,” said Bursa Malaysia director of origination & listing Azhar Mohd Zabidi. Set to run from yesterday to Dec 29, 2023, participation in the campaign only requires a minimum investment of RM5,000 or the fund’s minimum initial investment amount, whichever is higher. Throughout the campaign period, a total of 500 Rewards will be distributed, with 100 Rewards allocated for each Investment Window. Launched in November 2022, the Bursa Fund Platform is an interactive fund information portal offering comprehensive insights into unit trusts and wholesale funds to help the investing public make better-informed investment decisions. The platform presents a variety of shariah and conventional funds that cover equity, fixed income and ESG mandates. Kerjaya Prospek bags two jobs worth RM46 million KUALA LUMPUR: Construction outfit Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Kerjaya Prospek (M) Sdn Bhd has bagged two contracts worth RM46 million from Eastern & Oriental Express Sdn Bhd (E&OE) and Persada Mentari Sdn Bhd (PMSB). E&OE and PMSB are the indirect subsidiary companies of Eastern & Oriental Bhd. The first contract valued at RM24.7 million from E&OE entails the execution and completion of site clearance, earthworks, drainage works and all other associated works for a proposed mixed development located at Section U17, Shah Alam, it said in a statement yesterday. The completion timeline is expected to be 17 months from Oct 1, 2023. The second contract worth RM21.3 million received from PMSB involves the execution and completion of infrastructure works encompassing surface water drainage, water reticulation system, sewerage reticulation system, roadworks, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Telekom Malaysia manholes and underground ducts, landscaping works and all other associated works for the proposed Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2A Development, Penang. The infrastructure works are anticipated to be completed within 12 months from Sept 18, 2023. Kerjaya CEO and executive director Tee Eng Tiong said its year-to-date outstanding order book strengthened to RM983.8 million, translating to 82% of our target wins of RM1.2 billion for this year. “We will continue to put in efforts to win more contracts, ensure our quality of work is of the highest quality and deliver all our ongoing projects within the stipulated timeframe to sustain our earnings visibility.” – Bernama early months, probably due to festive-driven missed payments. “Deposits continued to grow with current account savings account ratios showing hints of a return, possibly signalling the softening of fixed deposit competition. We do not anticipate further overnight policy rates hikes in 2023 which may disrupt product margin optimisation analysis for the banks,” it said. RHB Research also maintained its “overweight’ call on the sector after Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) banking sector statistics for June 2023 showed healthy growth in loans, although lending indicators are softer with a y-o-y decline in loan applications and approvals, partly due to the high base effect from last year. “Nevertheless, we maintain our call on the sector premised on the banks’ healthy earnings and dividend growth, and a potential net interest margin (NIM) recovery in 2H 2023, it said. It noted that system loan growth was mainly driven by mortgages (+7% y-o-y), hire purchase (+9% y-o-y), and working capital (+2% y-o-y) with both household and non-household loans continuing to grow steadily. It said loans in the finance (+12% y-o-y) and retail (+4% y-o-y) sectors also more than offset the y-o-y decline in loans from manufacturing (-4% y-o-y) and utilities (-5% y-o-y). “Overall, we reiterate our 2023 system loans growth forecast of around 5% y-o-y,” it shared. Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd said both system loans and deposits growth lost momentum to 4.4% and 5.9% y-o-y respectively. “Furthermore, leading indicators weakened. That said, asset quality improved. As for NIM, it has contracted significantly in 1Q 2023 but we expect this to moderate in 2Q to 3Q 2023. “We retained the overweight call on the sector. Despite the recent good price showing, we believe that banks have some legs to run with risk-reward profile skewing to the upside, since headwinds are broadly baked into forward expectations,” it noted. In another note, MIDF Research maintained its ‘positive’ stance on the banking sector with the expectation that the positive share repricing trajectory will continue. Despite a slow NIM recovery, it said banks can look to a good non-interest income outlook and better clarity on asset quality and provisioning situation. “There is the risk of weaker loan growth especially since leading indicators have dipped again but we believe that a stronger corporate pipeline should push 2023 loan growth into the 4.5% to 5% range,” it added. – Bernama EMCC signs IPO underwriting deal with Mercury Securities KUALA LUMPUR: Pawnbroking service provider as well as retailer and trader of gold and luxury products Evergreen Max Cash Capital Bhd (EMCC) has entered into an underwriting agreement with Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd in conjunction with its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities). EMCC’s IPO will involve a public issue of 267.6 million new ordinary shares in EMCC, representing 24% of its enlarged issued shares, and an offer for sale of 43 million existing shares, or 3.9% of its enlarged issued shares, to selected investors by way of placement. Out of the 267.6 million new shares, 55.7 million shares will be made available to the Malaysian public via balloting; 27.9 million shares for its eligible directors and employees as well as persons who contributed to the success of the group (pink form allocations); 44.6 million shares by way of placement to selected investors; while the remaining 139.4 million shares are earmarked for selected bumiputra investors approved by Miti (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry). Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, Mercury Securities will underwrite a total of 83.6 million shares made available to the Malaysian public and for the pink form allocations. EMCC executive director and group managing director Datuk Low Kok Chuan said, “The signing of the underwriting agreement is a major milestone that brings us one step closer to becoming a listed company in Malaysia. We are grateful for the support of Mercury Securities, which reinforces the level of confidence towards EMCC. With the upcoming listing, we aim to strengthen our profile and enhance our brand awareness to capture larger market share.” EMCC is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities by September 2023, with Mercury Securities as the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter and placement agent for its IPO. Low (left) and Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd managing director Chew Sing Guan showing the signed underwriting agreement.

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Meta prepares to launch AI-powered chatbots in attempt to retain users BENGALURU: Meta Platforms is preparing to launch a range of artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbots that exhibit different personalities as soon as September, the Financial Times reported yesterday. Meta has been designing prototypes for chatbots that can have humanlike discussions with its users, as the company attempts to boost its engagement with its social media platforms, according to the report, citing people with knowledge of the plans. The Menlo Park, California-based social media giant is even exploring a chatbot that speaks like Abraham Lincoln and another that advises on travel options in the style of a surfer, the report added. The purpose of these chatbots will be to provide a new search function as well as offer recommendations. The report comes as Meta executives are focusing on boosting retention on its new textbased app Threads, after the app lost more than half of its users in the weeks following its launch on July 5. The Facebook parent reported a strong rise in advertising revenue in its earnings last week, forecasting third-quarter revenue above market expectations. The company has been climbing back from a bruising 2022, buoyed by hype around emerging AI technology and an austerity drive in which it has shed around 21,000 employees since last fall. Bloomberg News reported in July that Apple is working on AI offerings similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, adding that it has built its own framework, known as “Ajax”, to create large language models and is also testing a chatbot that some engineers call “Apple GPT”. – Reuters B R I E F SCHINA’S COUNTRY GARDEN SCRAPS US$300M SHARE SALE HONG KONG: Debt-laden Chinese developer Country Garden aborted a US$300 million (RM1.4 billion) share placement at the last minute yesterday saying it had not reached a “final agreement” for the deal to go ahead. A message from JPMorgan, the sole bookrunner for the sale, was sent early yesterday saying Country Garden had decided against going ahead due to “various internal considerations” even though enough buyers had committed enough interest to cover the book, a person with direct knowledge said. A debt crisis erupted in China’s property sector in mid-2021, and many developers have defaulted while others have struggled to repay their debt and complete home constructions. – Reuters TOYOTA Q1 NET PROFIT SOARS TO US$9.1B AS OUTPUT REBOUNDS TOKYO: Toyota reported yesterday a quarterly net profit of US$9.1 billion (RM41 billion) as global production rebounded after major supply disruptions a year ago, but warned of “severe” competition in China. The world’s biggest automaker by sales, said net profit in the three months to June surged 78% year-on-year to ¥1.31 trillion (US$9.1 billion). Sales in the firm’s first fiscal quarter were ¥10.55 trillion , up 24.2% from a year ago. Toyota, including its high-end Lexus brand, sold 2.538 million vehicles worldwide, up 8.4% from a year ago. The figures beat market expectations, sending the carmaker’s stocks up almost 3% after the announcement. – AFP INDONESIA BUYS DRONES FROM TURKISH COMPANY JAKARTA: Indonesia has bought 12 new drones from Turkish Aerospace worth US$300 million (RM1.4 billion), its defence ministry said yesterday, the latest in a series of purchases aimed at modernising the country’s ageing military equipment. The deal comes after Indonesian President Joko Widodo in July warned his cabinet to maintain a “healthy” budget as he highlighted outsized spending by the country’s security agencies, including the defence ministry. The deal with Anakarabased Turkish Aerospace was finalised in February and the drones are expected to be delivered within 32 months of the signing. – Reuters GARUDA TESTS JET FUEL CONTAINING PALM OIL JAKARTA: Garuda Indonesia said yesterday it is testing jet fuel mixed with palm oil in the engines of one of its Boeing aircraft, amid efforts to cut emissions in the aviation sector. Indonesia, the world’s biggest producer of palm oil, is keen to expand use of the vegetable oil in fuels to slash imports of expensive fossil fuels. Garuda said in a statement the jet fuel, which contains 2.4% palm oil, is being tested on CFM56-7B engines of a B737-800 NG aircraft. It added the test was launched last week. The engine test will be followed by ground and flight tests later in August, the energy ministry said. The country in 2021 ran a flight test with the same fuel on an aircraft made by state-owned Dirgantara Indonesia, which flew from the city Bandung in West Java to the capital Jakarta. – Reuters Asia’s factory activity shrinks TOKYO: Asia’s factory activity shrank in July, private surveys showed yesterday, a sign slowing global growth and weakness in China’s economy were taking a toll on the region’s fragile recovery. The data underscores the challenge policymakers face in keeping inflation at bay with tight monetary policy, while forestalling headwinds from a potential recession in the world’s second-largest economy. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam saw manufacturing activity contract in July, the surveys showed, highlighting the strain sluggish Chinese demand is inflicting on the region. China’s Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 49.2 in July from 50.5 in June, missing analysts’ forecasts of 50.3 and marking the first decline in activity since April. The 50-point index mark separates growth from contraction. The data was in line with the government’s official PMI on Monday, raising challenges for policymakers seeking to revive momentum in China’s post-Covid recovery. “Factory PMIs remained in contractionary territory across most of Emerging Asia last month and the underlying data point to further weakness ahead,” said Shivaan Tandon, emerging Asia economist at Capital Economics. “Falling new orders, bleak employment prospects and high inventory levels point to subdued factory activity in the coming months.” Japan’s final au Jibun Bank PMI fell to 49.6 in July, down from 49.8 in June, due to weak domestic and overseas demand. South Korea’s PMI stood at 49.4 in July, up from 47.8 in June but staying below the 50- threshold that separates growth from contraction, the survey by S&P Global showed. Taiwan’s manufacturing PMI fell to 44.1 in July from 44.8 in June, while the index for Vietnam rose to 48.7 from 46.2, the surveys showed. In India, growth in manufacturing activity slowed for a second month, but the pace of expansion remained healthy and beat expectations. Asia has been among the few bright spots in the global economy, though China’s slowdown clouds the outlook. In revised forecasts issued in July, the International Monetary Fund expects China’s economy to expand 5.2% this year after a 3% increase in 2022. – Reuters Foxconn EV tie-up eyes India, Thailand for making small car TAIPEI: Foxconn’s venture attempting to build a standardised electric vehicle (EV) platform is targeting India or Thailand for the production of a small battery-powered car under development, the unit’s CEO said. The Taiwanese company’s EV platform unit Mobility in Harmony (MIH) would be willing to work with its parent or another company to build the new three-seat EV priced below US$20,000 (RM90,500) and tailor-made for a corporate delivery fleet, MIH CEO Jack Cheng told Reuters. MIH has been in talks with convenience stores, car rental firms and courier companies ahead of unveiling its first prototype EV at Japan’s largest auto trade show in October, Cheng added. He declined to name the companies in talks with MIH, but said the car would be priced between US$10,000 and US$20,000. India and Thailand are likely contenders for production sites, he said, adding that he expected India to be crucial to MIH’s longer-term growth. “You build where the potential market is...in India or Southeast Asia, you have a huge volume opportunity right now,” Cheng said, calling India a potential “emerging power for the next generation” in the EV sector. Since 2021, Foxconn has had a joint venture with Thailand’s state-energy company PTT centred on EVs, an area of focus for the Southeast Asian country’s government. For its part, Foxconn has so far failed to land the kind of deal that would show the EV market can be opened to the type of contract manufacturing that Foxconn came to dominate in consumer electronics for Apple’s iPhone. Foxconn established the MIH consortium of some 2,600 suppliers two years ago with the aim of creating an open platform that could become the equivalent of Google’s Android operating system for EVs. Cheng conceded MIH had “not seen success yet” but said returns for participating suppliers would come with orders for a range of new EVs called Project X. The idea is to use low-cost, shared platforms to allow corporate fleet operators to order custom-made EVs. MIH plans to start production of the threeseat EV about 18 to 24 months after the prototype is unveiled in October, Cheng said. – Reuters © GRAPHIC NEWS Note: User numbers and timings estimated from Threads account numbers shown on Instagram *Twitter Blue paying subscribers offered extra services including longer posts and videos Sources: The Verge, Gizmodo, Quiver Quantitative, Yahoo! Finance, BBC THREADS USERS (millions) App Owner Post length Links Photos Video Verification Delete Edit Direct messaging Trending stories Hashtags Threads Mark Zuckerberg 500 characters Yes Yes 5 minutes Yes (via Instagram) Yes Due in update Not yet Not yet Not yet Twitter Elon Musk 280 characters* Yes Yes 2 minutes 20 seconds* No* Yes No* Yes Yes Yes 0 1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 New record (beating ChatGPT) 100m 105 hrs 25 hrs 104m 50m Months to reach 100m users Monthly active users 30 9 2 Instagram TikTok ChatGPT HOW THREADS COMPARES TO TWITTER Meta’s new social networking app, Threads, has surged past 100 million users in a record-breaking five days, with the company now looking to add new features Threads passes 100 million users oChina’s sluggish economy, global slowdown taking a toll on region’s fragile recovery

2 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y BARBIE dolls are flying off the shelves in South Africa as Barbie movie mania has hit the country’s shores, with toy stores seeing a cotton candy-hued boom in sales. The iconic toy, known for its blonde mane, blue eyes, and pink clothing, has been a household name in the southern African nation for decades, but interest has shot up in recent weeks. “With the opening of the movie this weekend, we have seen Barbie sales surge by 30%,” said the local marketing manager for global toy retailer Toys R Us, Catherine Jacoby. Last week, a grand, pink display wall decked with Barbies and dollhouses, dominated the entrance of a toy store in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg. “This toy is making the kids crazy,” store worker Anna Mkhize told AFP, laughing as she tidied the shelves that she said have seen a flurry of customers walking through in recent days. The craze has affected people of all ages, with Barbies in all skin tones seeing strong sales, said Hylton Bannon, managing director at South African toy store chain Toy Kingdom. “We’ve got little girls coming in, but we’ve also got adults who are collectors,” Dannon told AFP, adding last week’s sales were up twofold on the same period last year. “Kidults” – nostalgic grown-ups buying toys “for comfort” and “to reconnect with their inner child” represent a growing part of the market, said Jacoby of Toys R Us. The first Barbie was unveiled by Mattel in 1959. The toy maker has since considerably widened its offering with dolls in different skin tones and body shapes. The first black Barbie doll debuted in 1980 and “has always done well” in South Africa, said Bannon. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the movie Barbie turned in the best debut of 2023 at the North American box office, with US$155 million (RM702 million) in takings over the last two weekends. A South African premiere in Johannesburg two weeks ago was crowded by influencers and celebrities wearing various shades of pink who sent social media abuzz with snaps of themselves in a dedicated Barbie box photo booth. – AFP Barbie sales skyrocket in S. Africa Adults are part of a large percentage buying Barbies for themselves. – AFP Search is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with numerous concerts and festivals eager to include them in their line-ups. The upcoming Hausboom Music concert is no exception, as Search is set to be one of the featured performers. In a recent interview with theSun, Naimi expressed her happiness and excitement about the opportunity to perform once again with the iconic rock band Search. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills and capabilities to the audience during my second performance with the band,” Naimi shared enthusiastically. “As part of my preparation, I always listen to and study the band’s songs, and I dedicate myself to practising every night,” she added. Additionally, Amy confirmed that Naimi will be joining Search on their upcoming tour, “Fantasia Bulan Salju,” which is slated to take place on Aug 12, at the prestigious Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting. Nasir expressed the band’s desire to let Naimi experience the excitement firsthand. “As the Genting concert will be a two-and-a-half-hour show, our other session drummer, Arthur, will be there too. This is unlike the half-hour shows at Nusafest or Hausboom Music; it’s going to be a long journey,” Nasir explained. He further emphasised that this tour presents the perfect opportunity for Naimi to immerse herself in the full experience of performing with the band. Nasir believes that nothing can replace hands-on experience, and being a part of the tour will help Naimi grow and learn as a musician. TEENAGE drummer Naimi Daini rose to fame overnight after her impressive performance with the legendary rock band Search at the Nusafest 2023 Concert in Bandar Malaysia on July 8. At just 17, Naimi wowed rock enthusiasts with her electrifying drumming skills, flawlessly playing the band’s entire setlist. Despite the buzz surrounding her, many are still curious about how a young girl could join such an iconic rock band and perform with such confidence. During a recent press conference for its concert, the band’s guitarist, Hillary Ang, candidly revealed the truth to the media. Hillary personally discovered a video showcasing Naimi’s extraordinary drumming talent, and he couldn’t resist sharing it with his bandmates, Datuk Amy and bassist Nasir. The frontmen were instantly impressed by her musical prowess, and what began as a casual sharing of the video quickly turned into formal recognition of her exceptional abilities. “Amy was the first to reply, saying that having her as a session drummer for Search is not a bad idea, and so Nasir asked me to try her out by asking her to play one of our more challenging songs, and she executed it well,” said Hillary. For Naimi, the chance to perform with Search was a dream come true. As she prepares for her upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, she never expected such an extraordinary opportunity. “Obviously, I was very happy and excited when given the opportunity to perform with Search. It’s a very valuable experience for me, who is still new in this field of music.” Naimi credits her father with introducing her to the legendary band, and her talent as a drummer was relatively unknown among her classmates. “Not many people at school know that I played the drums, and they didn’t expect it. After Nusafest 2023, a lot of them were like, ‘Naimi, are you playing for Search now?’, Many came to congratulate me as well,” she said. Both Amy and Nasir have high praise for Naimi, describing her as a diamond in the rough that only needs polishing. They are truly impressed by her dedication and enthusiasm for music and eagerly anticipate seeing her reach her full potential. Search upholds creativity and passion Search continues to surprise and delight fans after 40 years. – JCPR █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL oNew kid on the block catches the attention of local rock fans The teenage drummer became an overnight sensation. – SYAZWAN KAMAL/THESUN

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 Shazam! 2 flop totally unexpected oZachary Levi is disappointed by reviews S EVERAL months after the release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Zachary Levi remains puzzled by the movie’s reception. During an episode of The FilmUp Podcast, he expressed his disappointment with people being “insanely unkind” towards the sequel. The movie received criticism from critics, with a 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it earned only US$57 million (RM258 million) at the domestic box office. Globally, Fury of the Gods fell short of reaching US$160 million (RM724 million). “I don’t know what the future holds for it all because, unfortunately, the second movie was not as well received,” Levi said. “The audience score is still quite █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Kareena faces criticism again AN old video clip of billionaire and Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy speaking about Kareena Kapoor Khan has resurfaced. In the video clip, Narayana, who is speaking at an event, said he was flying from London to India, and next to him was actress Kareena Kapoor. “So many people came to her, and they said, ‘Hello’. She didn’t even bother to react. I was a little bit surprised. “He said whenever people came to him, he would stand up and speak for about a minute or half a minute. That is all they are expecting,“ said the father of Akshata Murthy, who is married to the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. At this point, Narayana’s wife, Sudha Murthy, who sat next to him at the event, interjected, saying she must have had millions of admirers and that she must have been tired. Defending Kareena, Sudha said Narayana, a software company founder, may have 10,000 fans, but a film actress may have millions. “That is not the issue,“ explained Narayana, who continued to speak. “The issue is that when somebody shows affection, you can also show it back in whatever cryptic manner you can. That is very important. These are all ways to reduce your ego. That’s all,“ said Narayana. His talk has been in circulation for some time, but it resurfaced recently. Behind Oppenheimer’s atomic bomb explosion IN his latest film, Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan reconstructed the Trinity Test without the use of visual effects. “Obviously, we couldn’t make an explosion the size of the actual explosion, so we used trickery,” reveals cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, and no, they didn’t launch a real atomic bomb. Much experimentation went into creating the ten-minute sequence depicting the first successful atomic bomb blast. “We’re suckers for this absolute depth of resolution that IMAX gives us,” Hoytema says. “We created science experiments,” he explains further. “We created power-packed aquariums. We sprayed it with silver particles. We had metallic balloons that were lit from the inside. We had ping-pong balls crashing and smashing into each other, as well as objects whirling.” The sequence took many weeks to film in total. “The buildup was fragmented,“ Hoytema exclaimed. “There’s a lot of cross-cutting and different people doing different things before it all comes together.” “It’s this enormous group of people from all over the country who put their heads together and, under Oppenheimer’s guidance, lead this project into that final bang,“ he continues. Hoytema is widely known for his vast vista shots, and he proudly says that his objective this time was to capture intimacy because the story was delivered from Oppenheimer’s point of view. “It was very much about what was going on inside his head, what he’s thinking, and what we can read in his eyes,” he continues, “so we really needed to be there with him and progress that throughout the story.” █ BYS. TAMARAI CHELVI Levi blames poor marketing for the movie’s underperformance. – IMDB The Bollywood actress gets flack for “rude” behaviour. – INSTAGRAM Barbenheimer leaves everyone starstruck JULY 21, will be remembered as an extraordinary date in the history of box-office achievements. On this day, Hollywood unleashed two massive blockbusters, one with a pink theme and the other darker, both hitting their target audiences with explosive success. The concept of making a movie about Barbie, Ken, and their friends, while based on legendary intellectual property, wasn’t initially considered conducive to human dimensions or appealing to an audience above the age of 12. However, Greta Gerwig, a skilled filmmaker, possessed the industry influence and creative vision to transform Barbie into a vibrant and witty carnival of feminist surrealism, playfully breaking the fourth wall and turning the dollhouse into a captivating rabbit hole. The anticipation leading up to the release of Barbie was unprecedented; excitement was off the charts and hadn’t been felt in ages. Interestingly, the simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer may seem like a cosmic joke, given their striking lack of overlap in aesthetics and demographics. Together, they form a single entity known as “Barbenheimer”, epitomising the yin and yang of our 21stcentury world. Our culture reflects a peculiar duality: as serious as the atom bomb yet as superficial as Barbie, with a tendency to take our frivolous playthings with great seriousness. Christopher Nolan’s reputation has also attracted a loyal fan base, representing filmmaking as a thrilling adventure into the unknown, an experience larger-than-life that transcends individuality. These two movies, despite their apparent dissimilarities, share the power and passion that drove their creation, arriving at a perfect moment amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry. Even long after their theatrical runs, “Barbenheimer” will remain a significant reference point, reminding us why we go to the movies – mainly to immerse ourselves in the visions and artistry of talented creators. good, but the critics’ score was very oddly and perplexingly low, and people were insanely unkind.” “I’ve been a part of things, and as much as I wish they were good, I know they’re okay,” he added. “I know that they miss a lot. And I’m not saying Shazam! Fury of the Gods is some perfect, Orson Welles-like masterpiece, but it’s a good darn movie.” Levi took to Twitter shortly after Fury of the Gods underperformed at the box office to point out the film’s poor marketing. “This is a perfect family movie, and yet a lot of families aren’t aware of that. Which is just a shame,” he wrote. “I think even just the world, from the first movie to the second movie, has shifted so much,” Levi added on The FilmUp Podcast. “Social media has shifted so much. Hate, online hate, haters, trolls, factions, and all that has just gotten more galvanised in its toxicity. I think there are people who genuinely, unfortunately, want to destroy certain projects because they don’t like them, or they don’t like me, or they don’t like other people involved in them, or whatever.” In light of the DC Universe undergoing an overhaul by James Gunn and Peter Safran, Zachary Levi admits that he’s uncertain about the future of his Shazam character. As of now, there’s no clarity on what lies ahead for Shazam in the revamped DC Universe. Interestingly, the superhero wasn’t part of the first slate announcement for the new DC Universe, which commences with Superman: Legacy in 2025. █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Barbenheimer becomes a significant reference point in movie history. – UNIVERSAL/WARNER BROS. Nolan and Cillian Murphy on set. – UNIVERSAL █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 Sinead O’Connor in five songs THE late Sinead O’Connor was widely known for her provocations, but it was her emotive, poignant vocals that propelled her to global acclaim. With a delivery both fierce and breathy, O’Connor sold millions of records following the 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which saw her star skyrocket after she had gained a cult following from her debut, The Lion and the Cobra. Here is a sampling of her top hits: Nothing Compares 2 U O’Connor’s best-known hit by far was Nothing Compares 2 U, a track Prince wrote and the Irish singer turned into a power ballad evoking the painful emptiness experienced by a jilted lover. The melancholy 1990 smash soared to the top of the charts worldwide, reigning over the US top song list for four weeks. It was also royalty on MTV, where O’Connor’s stark music video received heavy rotation. Frames of her tightly shot facial features and tears became one of the emblematic images of 1990s music. The critically acclaimed track is a regular on best-of-all-time lists. “You have to look pretty hard to find a better expression in pop music of the void that exists when a relationship ends,” Pitchfork wrote in 2009. Mandinka O’Connor’s Mandinka was released as the second single from her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, in 1987. It became a runaway hit on college radio stations, and the Irish singer performed it on the US p r o g r a m m e L a t e Night with David Letterman, her debut television appearance stateside. But it was her Grammy performance of Mandinka in February 1989 that introduced her more broadly to an American audience, when she sauntered onstage in a black halter crop top, baggy, low-slung jeans, and Doc Martens, a baby’s onesie tied at the back of her waist. The infant clothing belonged to her son, and her wearing of it was aimed at record label executives who told her motherhood would end her career. O’Connor also painted a man in crosshairs on her shaved head – the logo of rap phenom Public Enemy. The symbol referenced Recording Academy executives finally including a category honouring hip-hop but then choosing not to televise it, which prompted a boycott by several nominees. The Emperor’s New Clothes The Emperor’s New Clothes was off O’Connor’s second album and became her second-highest charting song on Billboard. The rock-inflected confessional is a clear statement of independence from the singer, who would go on to trigger global controversy throughout her career, not least when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II after singing Bob Marley’s War during a 1992 performance on the US sketch programme Saturday Night Live. “I will live by my own policies; I will sleep with a clear conscience,” she sings on the track. You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart does not appear on any of O’Connor’s studio albums but was lauded by critics after it was released on the soundtrack to the 1993 film In the Name of the Father, which starred Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson. A review from The Guardian called it O’Connor “at her most stunning.” “Her well-publicised antics have distracted attention from the fact that she can sing, and beautifully,” the paper wrote. “Here, she puts her angst to good use on a tense, Celtic-fiddle-accented piece of pop.” “It’s her best track since Nothing Compares 2 U,” it added. Success Has Made A Failure Of Our Home O’Connor’s 1992 cover of country icon Loretta Lynn’s Success was the lead single of her third album, Am I Not Your Girl? Success Has Made A Failure Of Our Home became her third-biggest hit, and she called it her “most personal” track on the album. The song’s lyrics point to the costs of material success and how fame can damage familial and romantic relationships. – AFP O’ Connor leaves behind four children after her passing on July 26. – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER The Exorcist returns S TEP into the shadows, as the ominous breeze of horror beckons you to witness the birth of evil once again. Behold, for the eerie tale of The Exorcist: Believer is set to unfold before your trembling eyes. Brace yourself, for this is no mere reboot; it is a direct sequel to the haunting classic of 1973 that sent shivers down spines and dared to challenge the Devil himself. A Continuation of evil terror In the heart-stopping trailer, we encounter Leslie Odom Jr, portraying a concerned father, bidding his daughter and her friend farewell at their schoolgates. But fate takes a sinister turn when both girls mysteriously vanish, leaving no trace of their whereabouts. The search commences, but the unearthly truth lies far beyond imagination. Time plays tricks on the lost girls; memories entwined with malevolence, and inexplicable occurrences cast a chilling pall over the community. As perplexed parents race against darkness for answers, they unwittingly unearth an enigmatic figure from the past – none other than Chris MacNeil, the indomitable character brought to life by Ellen Burstyn in the original horror masterpiece. She now confronts not only the danger, her young daughter once The Exorcist: Believer hits theatres on Oct 13. – UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES oBe prepared for another round of spine-chilling shocks █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The two new young actresses give truly remarkable performances. – UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES Odom Jr is a Tony Award-winning actor. – IMDB faced, but also a spectre from her own haunted past. Reviving the terrors of history Director David Gordon Green embraces the legacy of the original tale, delving deeper into its spinechilling lore. The Devil, once again, claws his way into reality, more malevolent and relentless than ever before. This is a tale of terror that dares to continue a saga etched in the annals of horror history. For those uninitiated in the dark arts of the original, fear not, for producer Jason Blum assures us that this cinematic nightmare is designed to ensnare both devoted fans and newcomers alike. An unholy blend of dread and fascination awaits, an experience that will lure audiences from the shadows and the daylight alike. Beyond the impressive return of Burstyn as Chris MacNeil and Odom Jr. as the desperate father, the film summons Jennifer Nettles as another tormented mother, who joins forces with Odom Jr’s character. Watch as Lidya Jewett and newcomer Olivia Marcum deliver spine-chilling performances, embodying the possession-stricken young girls. The cast also features the phenomenal talents of Ann Dowd, Raphael Sbarge and Okwui Okpokwasili, further enriching the cinematic tale of dread. Come Oct 13, prepare your trembling souls to witness The Exorcist: Believer’s haunting arrival in theaters. The darkness awaits, the legacy endures, and fear shall find a new name in this unholy trilogy. Venture forth, if you dare, and step into the abyss, as terror takes a sinister and deliciously evil turn. Feast your eyes on the trailer, but beware, for once the Devil’s grip tightens, there’s no escape from the clutches of Believer.

18 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME The triumph and tragedy of Oppenheimer OPPENHEIMER, a biographical thriller released on July 20, 2023, is based on the Pulitzer Prizewinning book (2005) titled American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Michael J. Sherwin. Known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer was lauded as one of the greatest scientists, but much of the world never really knew about the man who created the deadliest bomb in the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 78 years ago. The mind of the man The movie uncovers the real story of a theoretical physicist named Oppenheimer, before and after he headed a team of scientists to invent two types of bombs: PlutoniumImplossion type nuclear weapons and Uranium fission weapons. The bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Sept 6 and 9, 1945, killing 226,000 Japanese people and ending World War II in September 1945. In the opening scene, Robert (Cillian Murphy) gives testimony, denying his involvement with communists or sharing information about the bomb with the Soviet Union with a board of members, including a prosecutor (Security Hearing in 1954). Through flashbacks, viewers are brought back to the 1920s to 1940s era, to Oppenheimer’s days as a student and later, teaching quantum physics at the University of California, Berkeley. When Oppenheimer meets Einstein At Berkeley, Oppenheimer meets Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the US Atomic Energy Commission, played by Robert Downey Jr, who is unrecognisable in the role. Then, he has a “conversation” with Albert Einstein, which is not known and remains a sort of mystery to the viewers. Then, General Leslie Grover (played by Matt Damon) approaches Oppenheimer to recruit him to develop bombs. In the meantime, his connections with Communists become an issue for “security risk or clearance,” but he manages to gain approval. Under the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer assembles a team of experts and moves to a secret laboratory at Los Alamos, New Mexico. There, they come up with a scientific formula that creates a “chain reaction” between one neutron and another that could cause an “explosion” without the risk of an atmospheric burning that may become a danger to the entire world. At some point, the team began to Oppenheimer is lauded as a hero after creating the atom bomb. – PICS BY UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES o‘Father of the atomic bomb’ becomes main scapegoat for warcrimes █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Damon and Murphy having a conversation at Los Alamos. question the need to invent the bombs, especially after the surrender of Germany, but they continued to rush and successfully carry out the Trinity Test, a field test on the ground at Los Alamos. In July 1945, Oppenheimer delivers the bombs, and Leslie’s army carries them away in two trucks. This is where viewers get to see a change in Oppenheimer. Death and the Destroyer “Now, I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” is a quote from the Bhagavad Gita. Oppenheimer, who is able to read Sanskrit, referred to this quote from the sacred Bhagavad Gita after the massacre in Japan. Americans glorify him as a hero and put him on the cover of Time magazine, however, the “hero” soon appears to have realised the cause of his actions in the aftermath of the bombing. Later on, he starts speaking against the making of another bomb, the Hydrogen bomb, but the “people in power” become uncomfortable with his reticence. He is then put through severe questioning in a hearing that follows on his credibility and connection with communists, including a supposed love affair with American psychiatrist and physician, Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), who was also a member of the Communist Party USA. Blood in his hands From a man trying to prove his loyalty to turning against the making of bombs by his own government, Cilian’s character shows humility and delves into his thought processes behind his motivations as the film is presented through his point of view. Cillian is remarkable as Oppenheimer, especially in the scenes when a guilty conscience seeps in after witnessing the ramifications of the bombing and the unexpected death toll, which continues to climb in the thousands due to exposure to the radiation. Cillian portrays his character in such a way that the viewers neither applaud his success nor sympathise with him. One of the best scenes was when his character was being applauded and celebrated for the success of the bombing, and at the same time, he was having a struggle inside as he saw visions of Japanese people suffering. Apart from this, the conversation with Matt Damon’s character thoroughly engages the audience, and the scientific discussion with a fellow scientist is really interesting and gives viewers some fascinating knowledge about the making of a bomb. Stellar cast Emily Blunt, who plays his wife, Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, plays a smart and strong woman, while Damon plays a pivotal character, and his acting is excellent. Downey Jr. is as brilliant as ever, and Rami Malek has a cameo role that is significant at the end. However, the credit for extracting a great performance goes to the writer and director Christopher Nolan, who is known for his amazing movies like Inception and Interstellar. Although the movie starts out really well, somewhere in the middle, viewers may get distracted when too many new characters get introduced. The gripping ending, the revelation of a “villain” behind it, a twist at the end, and the details of the conversation between Oppenheimer and Einstein will leave us surprised. Critics are expecting that the movie, which used minimal computer-generated imagery, will walk away with multiple awards, especially for the cast’s incredible A “secret” exchange with genius, Albert Einstein. Celebrated for “ending” WWII. Downey Jr is unrecognisable as Lewis Strauss.

19 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 RECENTLY, A&W, the pioneering fast-food business that has pleased Malaysians since 1963, announced the grand launch of its 100th location in the vibrant Sierra Fresco neighbourhood street mall, located in the burgeoning township of 16 Sierra, Puchong South. This important occasion coincides with the franchise’s 60th anniversary in Malaysia, adding to the significance of this landmark. The latest restaurant at Sierra Fresco features an exciting new concept, offering a captivating American diner-style ambience that invites residents in and around the area to step back in time while The 100th outlet at Sierra Fresco. – PICS BY A&W MALAYSIA oCelebrating 60 years of connection █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ CEO of A&W Malaysia George Ang (centre) presenting tokens of appreciation. Bringing back nostalgia savouring their favourite classic menu items, as well as updated menu offerings catering to a new generation of diners. While remaining faithful to its traditions, the franchise embraces innovation. Their 100th location proudly displays the first-ever selfordering kiosks in any A&W restaurant in Malaysia, letting patrons easily satisfy their appetites with just a few taps to customise their meals. Improving the dessert experience, the location includes a dedicated in-house dessert bar, which serves scrumptious treats to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth, such as waffles and ice cream. Ang, offered his thoughts on the brand’s extraordinary journey in Malaysia since its first location opened in 1963: “Over the last 60 years, A&W has etched itself into the hearts, minds, and taste buds of Malaysians across multiple generations. “Yet, as times change, we have also evolved to cater to a new generation of diners while staying true to our iconic presence. Our commitment to continuous innovation ensures we deliver invigorating offerings to all Malaysians. But while not resting on our laurels and past successes, we look forward to growing alongside Malaysia for decades and even generations to come.” Classic bites still enjoyed to this day The franchise’s classic menu has left an indelible influence on the fastfood landscape in Malaysia. Customers of all ages have appreciated these timeless delicacies, which range from flavorful Coneys to delectable waffles and the refreshingly distinctive RB floats. Simultaneously, the brand has maintained a culture of ongoing innovation. Younger Malaysians have been charmed by modern signatures such as the Mozza Burger and Golden Aroma Chicken. To assure the highest standards of quality, these dishes are meticulously created using fresh ingredients. This dedication to innovation and quality has allowed the brand to stay as relevant now as it was when it opened its first Malaysian store on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and later, the legendary landmark in Petaling Jaya, which revolutionised the drive-in offering. The franchise also inaugurated its first airport outlet at the international departure hall of KLIA Terminal 2 on July 11, in addition to the 100th location, and additional airport outlets are expected to come soon. More to come Another first will be its first Perlis outlet in Kangar (due to open in midAugust 2023). The fast food brand will also do more exciting things in the coming year, including expanding its footprint in amusement parks and strategically placing rest stops along major highways. Drive-thru locations will be another focus in order to cater to and correlate with current customer trends and desires. Together with the launch of its 100th location, these extraordinary achievements put the franchise one step closer to its ambitious aim of opening 150 shops by 2025, strengthening its position as the country’s premier fast-food brand. Diners can expect more pleasantly original experiences as the company continues to delight customers with creative options that keep up with changing tastes and preferences. Igniting the night MONTHS ago, destiny led me to discover a true haven of delight: The China Bar. Since that serendipitous encounter, it has become my preferred destination every month, where I can immerse myself in the company of friends and revel in an unforgettable experience. Stepping into The China Bar is like entering a world of enchantment. The interior design is a testament to the owner’s impeccable taste and attention to detail. The combination of lighting, table arrangements, and tasteful décor creates an ambiance that exudes both sophistication and comfort. The Immerse yourself in the bar’s captivating atmosphere. – THE CHINA BAR █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN A place to dance the night away. – INSTAGRAM elegant bar setup, and the music playing in the background all contribute to the bar’s alluring charm. One of the most appealing aspects of the place is the affordability of their drinks. Despite offering a wide array of beverages, from classic cocktails to craft beers, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable. The club ensures that everyone can indulge in their favourite drinks without burning a hole in their pocket, making it a hotspot for young adults, be they local or foreign. The friendly and attentive staff play a significant role in creating a memorable experience for the patrons. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with warm smiles and made to feel welcome. The bartenders are not only skilled at mixing drinks but are also willing to engage in light-hearted banter that adds to the overall joviality of the place. Their genuine interest in making your time enjoyable is evident in every interaction, and it is this personal touch that keeps drawing me back. However, what truly sets the bar apart are the DJs who grace the turntables every week. Their impeccable taste in music and the ability to read the crowd’s mood are nothing short of extraordinary. The dance floor comes alive as the DJ seamlessly blends tracks across genres, creating an electrifying ambiance that is hard to resist. Whether it’s the latest chart-toppers or old-school classics, the song selections never fail to impress. Each visit is an unforgettable experience, with the rhythm of the music echoing in my heart long after the night is over. Behind this marvellous establishment stands the visionary owner, Shyam Thakur. His goal to create a bar that resonates with people and becomes their favourite spot is evident in every aspect of the place. Shyam’s passion for hospitality and his commitment to providing an unforgettable experience shine through in the bar’s every detail. He has curated an environment that encourages people to unwind, connect, and create cherished memories with their loved ones. His hands-on approach and dedication to maintaining the club’s high standards ensure that it continues to be a beacon of delight for its patrons. For beginners who are just stepping into the world of nightlife, this bar is the perfect place to start. I extend an invitation to you to embrace the magic that awaits at The China Bar, located at H-G-09, The Hive, TREC, Jln Tun Razak. Let the thrill of the unknown ignite your spirit as you discover the mesmerising melodies that infuse the night. This place is more than just a club; it’s a haven where memories are crafted and friendships are fortified, one beat at a time.

20 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 a washed pink suede base with stars appearing at the midfoot, while eye-catching hot pink leather overlays add to its allure. However, it’s the lace charms that steal the show, with a special gigantic “N” letter up on the lace charm adorning both the left and right shoes, exuding a blinged-out look with a script font that perfectly complements the overall theme. To complete the stylish design, the thematic tongue branding showcases stars as a backdrop, perfectly complementing the starry translucent pink outsole that adds the finishing touch to this pair. While it’s worth noting that these sneakers are not an official collaboration between Nike and the Barbie franchise, their timely release couldn’t be more fitting. With hordes of Barbie fans and 80s enthusiasts expected to head to the cinemas this weekend, the demand for these Barbie Dunks is likely to soar. As of now, no release details have been revealed, so if you’re eager to rock these kicks at your local movie theatre for the Barbie movie, stay patient and keep an eye out for updates. – BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME EVER since its debut, Barbie has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has emerged as a topic of ongoing discussion on social media, sparking interest through the creation of new music, memes, and makeovers. In fact, big companies have taken advantage of Barbie’s pink-themed world, and many sneaker companies have made shoes that look great with Barbie’s style. For example, it appears that the movie served as inspiration for Nike when they designed the pink colorway of the Air Max Scorpion. Introduced last year, the elevated silhouette of the Air Max Scorpion remains a popular choice for those seeking a premium lifestyle sneaker from Nike. Now, the shoe sports an allpink design with a Flyknit-chenille upper, complemented by black Swooshes. To enhance its Barbie-inspired look, stars have been incorporated into the design, adorning the lateral Swoosh’s tail and sock liner, which now features a new Nike script that matches the tongue. Another Barbie-inspired colorway is on the verge of being released to the public – the starry pink Dunk L o w “Barbie.” The shoe features Embellished with a lace “N” charm for added bling. – Nike unveils ‘Dunk TWITTER/@BRANDON1AN Low’ for Barbie fans Air Max Scorpion “Barbie”. – HYBEAST Starry pink has arrived on the Dunk Low. – SNEAKERNEWS The Groovy ‘70s With the arrival of the ‘70s, Barbie adapted to the groovy counterculture, sporting colourful maxi dresses, flared pantsuits, and fringed vests. The era’s emphasis on individuality and freedom was reflected in this Barbie’s era, showcasing diverse career outfits and empowering young girls to dream big. As feminism gained traction, Barbie’s fashion reflected this social shift with more career-oriented and athletic ensembles. The Flashy ‘80s: The ‘80s brought boldness and extravagance to Barbie’s wardrobe. Neon colours, big hair, and glittery accessories became synonymous with the era. Barbie’s “Dream Date” collection featured dazzling evening gowns, and her “Rockers” line embodied the spirit of punk and rock music. The “Day-to-Night” Barbie showcased the working woman’s versatility, transitioning from a professional look to a glamorous evening ensemble. The Effortless ‘90s: As the world entered the ‘90s, Barbie’s fashion evolved towards a more casual and approachable style. Denim, crop tops, and athleisure wear became staples of her wardrobe. “Totally Hair Barbie” became an instant sensation with her floor-length hair and vibrant outfits. This decade also saw Barbie embrace cultural diversity more prominently, introducing dolls with different ethnic backgrounds and celebrating various body types through “Teen Talk Barbie” and “Butterfly Art Barbie.” The New Millennium: The 2000s ushered in a new era for Barbie, marked by the integration of technology and contemporary fashion trends. Barbie’s fashion kept pace with real-world designers and iconic runway looks. From chic cocktail dresses to boho-chic ensembles, she continuously showcased versatility. Collaborations with famous designers, like Versace and Vera Wang, added an extra layer of luxury to her wardrobe. The Modern Era: Embracing Inclusivity In recent years, Barbie’s fashion has taken a remarkable turn towards inclusivity, reflecting the growing awareness of body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry. The “Fashionista” line features dolls with diverse body types, skin tones, and hair textures, embracing a more realistic portrayal of beauty. Barbie’s fashion now caters to different interests and passions, with outfits representing various professions and hobbies, encouraging girls to see themselves in any role they desire. Barbie’s fashion journey over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the glamorous styles of the ‘60s to the body-positive and inclusive approach of the modern era, Barbie has mirrored the changing times while retaining her classic appeal. Her fashion has transcended generations, inspiring millions of children to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams fearlessly. F OR over six decades, Barbie has reigned as a cultural icon, inspiring generations of children and collectors alike. Central to her allure has been her impeccable sense of fashion, which has evolved dramatically over the years, reflecting the shifting trends and societal changes of each era. From her debut in 1959 to the present day, Barbie’s wardrobe has become a testament to the everchanging world of fashion, capturing the essence of each time while consistently pushing boundaries and promoting inclusivity. Let’s delve into the transformative journey of Barbie fashion throughout the years, celebrating her timeless style and impact on pop culture. The Swinging ‘60s Barbie’s fashion journey began with a bang in the 1960s. Mattel’s designers crafted Barbie’s first ensembles, reflecting the playful spirit of the time. The early Barbie dolls donned chic sheath dresses, bouffant hairstyles, and cat-eye sunglasses, embodying quintessential mod fashion. As the decade progressed, Barbie embraced cultural diversity, introducing international-themed outfits that celebrated various countries’ traditions and styles. Major League Baseball, 1998. – TODAY █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Barbie throughout the years. – GOOD HOUSEKEEPING The evolution of Barbie fashion oA timeless journey of style and diversity News Anchor Barbie, 2010. – TODAY

21 SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 F1 2023 mid-season awards Best driver, worst race and biggest surprise I T’S a case of 12 down, 10 to go for Formula 1 in 2023. Max Verstappen is cruising to a third-straight world championship for a Red Bull team who look invincible – and could yet go the whole season invincible. Yet there have been other notable performances too, with Aston Martin and more recently McLaren impressing, while behemoths like Ferrari and Mercedes are left wondering how they’ve been left so far behind Red Bull yet again. It’s now time for the usual four-week August break, but not before we takes a look at the highlights and lowlights from the first five months of the 2023 season. Best driver – Max Verstappen Unsurprisingly, the easiest choice of the lot. Eight wins in a row, 10 from 12 in total, Verstappen has a mammoth 125-point lead to teammate Sergio Perez with 10 races left. The title is already virtually sewn up. The only question left is – how many records he can set this season? Best team – Red Bull To the second easiest choice of the lot. It seemed highly unlikely that Red Bull could improve on their double success last year; surely the chasing pack would reel them in? In fact, it’s gone the other way. Red Bull’s rocketship RB19 is Adrian Newey’s greatest design yet. It has won all 15 races including sprints – 12 from Verstappen, three from Perez – and they’ve had five onetwo finishes. Including last season, Christian Horner’s team have won 22 of the last 23 grands prix. Biggest disappointment – Nyck de Vries Already out the door after 10 races, with Daniel Ricciardo replacing him at AlphaTauri, Nyck de Vries’ Formula 1 career is in tatters. A return to Formula E appears most likely for the 28-year-old now. Most improved driver/team – Aston Martin Eyebrows were raised last summer when Fernando Alonso switched from Alpine to the struggling Aston Martin, who finished seventh in the Constructors’ Standings. But how that decision has bore fruit. Alonso started the 2023 season with five podiums in six races, with the racing green Aston modelled closely on leader of the pack Red Bull, leapfrogging the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari early on. They’ve had something of a dip recently, but Alonso remains the best of the rest behind Red Bull in the world championship. Biggest surprise – McLaren’s recent revival Aside from the extent of Red Bull’s dominance, the July renaissance from the McLaren papaya has come completely out the blue. Having made personnel changes and altered their floor of the car, Lando Norris secured two second-place finishes in a row in Silverstone and Hungary. Australian rookie Oscar Piastri has also impressed after a cagey start – the highlight a sterling drive to finish second in the Belgian GP sprint race on Saturday. Biggest underachiever – Ferrari This will not be the biggest surprise. After looking so fierce and domineering at the start of 2022, how the Scuderia’s fortunes have reversed in the 18 months since. Ferrari have not won a race since Charles Leclerc in Austria last year – over 12 months now – and despite changing their team principal in the off-season from Mattia Binotto to Fred Vassuer, they continue to be impacted by the same disorderly confusion which characterised last season. Best race – Australian Grand Prix In a season lacking classic races thus far, the street track of Albert Park in Melbourne did at least provide drama from start to finish. Three red flags were thrown due to crashes throughout the race, with a late shunt forcing a captivating two-lap shootout to finish, which subsequently resulted in the Alpines crashing into each other and Carlos Sainz penalised for spinning Fernando Alonso. The sort of chaotic carnage which has not been replicated since. Worst race – Hungarian Grand Prix Expectations were high in Budapest after Hamilton claimed his first pole position since December 2021. Could he defend from Max Verstappen from lights out? Could there be a battle between the pair not seen since Abu Dhabi 2021? No, no there couldn’t. Verstappen dived down the inside at turn one and was not seen again. The race descended into nothing short of a bore-fest and had just 16 overtakes – the lowest amount in any grand prix in 2023. The Independent England walked the walk, says Stokes ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes said yesterday the 2-2 draw in the Ashes series showed his side had “walked the walk” after losing the first two Tests against Australia, which made every Test thereafter “a do-or-die situation”. England secured a dramatic 49-run victory in the final test at The Oval yesterday, bagging seven wickets in a scintillating afternoon session after rain interrupted play for two hours. That drew them level in the series and deprived the visitors of their first series win in England since 2001. “It was a fair reflection of two good teams playing completely different styles of cricket. But each tried to play the cricket that brought the best out of them as a team,” Stokes told the BBC. It also showed the team’s ability to fight their way back from a huge deficit, he said. “Going 2-0 down, I don’t think many teams would be able to find a way back from that. We knew we had to force it from the second game onwards. Hand on heart, I think 2-2 is a fair reflection of where the two teams are at the moment,” he said. “When I took over (as captain in May 2022) I had a clear message which led us here, and the way we’ve gone out and played reflected that. We talked the talk and walked the walk out there. I’m very proud of how we’ve done.” … as Cummins rues key moments AUSTRALIA captain Pat Cummins was left to rue “key moments we didn’t get right” after his dream of leading the side to an Ashes series win in England was scuppered yesterday. “There’s a couple of key partnerships batting-wise that it felt like if we just put on another 50 runs or so, it could have turned the tide in our favour,” said Cummins, talking about the series as a whole. Yesterday’s defeat left Australia still searching for a first Ashes series win in England since 2001, even though the 2-2 draw meant they retained the urn. The tourists were faced with a gruelling schedule of six Tests in eight weeks, starting with last month’s rout of India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval. “We just missed what we were hoping to come over here to achieve,” said Cummins. “But winning the World Test Championship and retaining the Ashes, it’s a pretty successful tour.” The 30-year-old fast bowler also regretted off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s tour-ending calf injury in the second Test at Lord’s. “It’s pretty clear just how important Nath is in all conditions,” said Cummins. “We probably felt that at times at Manchester (where England had the better of a rainmarred drawn fourth Test), not having a spinner out there.” … and Broad gets his fairytale finale STUART BROAD enjoyed a fairytale finish as England beat Australia by 49 runs to win the fifth Test at The Oval yesterday and end the Ashes series all square at 2-2. Australia, chasing a mammoth 384 to win, slumped from 264-3 to 334 all out, with retiring paceman Broad wrapping up the match with the final two wickets. England did the bulk of the damage when, after a rain break of more than two hours, they took four Australia wickets for 11 runs in 19 balls. Off-spinner Moeen Ali (3-76) and allrounder Chris Woakes (4-50) led the way before Broad, England’s all-time leading Ashes bowler, polished off the tail. “I thought Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set the tone absolutely unbelievably,” Broad, who announced on Saturday he would be retiring after this match, told Sky Sports. “Once we got a couple we really started to believe. The crowd were unbelievable. It was so loud and we just jumped on the back of that. “When you make that decision you wonder what your last ball will be so to take a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool.” MAX VERSTAPPEN is one race away from a record-equalling ninth win in a row and the Red Bull Formula One driver is finding dominance also brings more motivation for the future. The 25-year-old has questioned how long he might stay in the sport, saying last April in Azerbaijan that “sometimes you get to a point in your career where maybe you want to do other stuff.” Since those musings at a race won by Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, Verstappen has won every grand prix to go 125 points clear at the top – the equivalent of five victories – and take his career tally to 45 wins. Soon to be a triple world champion, Verstappen has a contract to the end of 2028 – by which time who knows how many wins and titles he will have. He is in a league of his own at the moment, with 10 wins in 12 races and Red Bull on a record run of 13 in a row, including last year’s final round in Abu Dhabi, after Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. “This keeps the fire going. If I have to rock up and I have no chance of winning then the fire starts to go away,” the Dutch driver said at Spa-Francorchamps. Retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is the only driver to have won nine in a row in a single season, with Red Bull in 2013. The next race is Verstappen’s home Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after the August break and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said his driver was a once in a generation talent. “Like all the great drivers he just has that extra capacity. What we are witnessing and seeing at the moment is his ability to read the tyre, to read a race, to extract absolutely everything out of it,” he said. “It’s great to see and he’s just at the top of his form at the moment.” – Reuters SHORTS Winning streak keeps the fire going, says Max Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris (above). – REUTERSPIX

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 SPORTS Nelly reclaims No. 1 world ranking NELLY KORDA was unable to mount a Sunday charge at the latest major championship, but the American’s tie for ninth place at the Evian Championship was enough to vault her back into the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings yesterday. Korda, 25, has held the top spot multiple times previously, including as recently as the week of May 15. She inched past Jin Young Ko of South Korea, who last month set the record for the most career weeks at No. 1 – a record that now stands at 163. Ko tied for 20th in France, three shots behind Korda, who was coming off a win in the Aramco Team Series London event on the Ladies European Tour. It has been a solid turnaround for Korda, who had missed a pair of cuts and tied for 64th in her previous three starts while also missing a month to recover from an ailing back. Cink named Ryder vice captain STEWART CINK will serve as a vice captain for the United States Ryder Cup team this fall in Rome, team captain Zach Johnson announced yesterday. Cink is the fifth and final vice captain, joining Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk and Fred Couples when the Americans face Team Europe Sept. 29-Oct 1 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. It will be Cink’s first time serving in this capacity. He played on five straight US Ryder Cup teams from 2002-10. “Competing in the Ryder Cup has been one of the highlights of my entire career and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help Zach and the US Team retain the Ryder Cup,” Cink said in a news release. “I’m honored that Zach would entrust me to play a role in helping make that a reality in Italy.” No handshake, no problem UKRAINE’S Elina Svitolina grabbed a second straight victory over Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at the WTA Tour DC Open in Washington yesterday, weeks after the duo’s Wimbledon clash was marred by a handshake controversy. Tournament organisers in Washington aimed to pre-empt any possible repeat of the controversy by informing fans before the match there would be no handshakes. “At the conclusion of the match there will be no handshake between the players,” a message on an arena screen said beforehand. “We appreciate your respect for both athletes during and following the match, and for your understanding during these difficult circumstances.” With that issue settled, it was left to the two rivals to serve up a hard-fought if error-strewn battle that saw no fewer than 17 breaks of serve before Svitolina finally prevailed 7-6 (7-2), 6-4. Azarenka saluted Svitolina’s victory with a fleeting thumbs up before heading off the court. Waltzing Matildas Kerr pep talk inspired Australia into World Cup last 16 A CALL to arms by injured superstar Sam Kerr provided the inspiration for Australia’s 4-0 drubbing of Canada, with coach Tony Gustavsson saying his team was determined to do her proud. The Chelsea striker and Matildas captain has yet to kick a ball at the Women’s World Cup as she struggles with a calf injury sustained before their opening game. But her animated presence on the bench helped the team in their statement do-or-die win over the Olympic champions which powered them into the last 16 – a resounding answer to the critics after being upset 3-2 by Nigeria. Kerr had declared herself available if needed, but Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer ultimately wasn’t risked as her teammates rose to the occasion and gave her extra time to recover. A relieved Gustavsson, who was facing the exit door if they had lost, said that Kerr’s pre-match pep talk had been vital. “Part of the reason why I think they were so united and performed the way they did was what Sam said to the team: ‘Make sure you win without me so I can get another week to train and recover and get healthy’,” he said. “And the team responded and said: ‘Yes we will. You sit on the bench tonight, and we’ll win for you’. “You could see that conviction and commitment from the players so that Sam gets another week of training.” Kerr made her Australia debut aged just 15. Now at her fourth World Cup, she has become one of the best players in women’s football, with her profile soaring to new heights since moving to Chelsea in 2020. She said on the eve of the game that despite the disappointment of not being on the field, she planned to do everything she could to motivate her teammates. “I’m not the first person to get injured and I won’t be the last. It’s just something I’ve had to deal with, and I think I’ve dealt with it pretty well,” she told FIFA.com. “You have to be there for the team. This is a team sport, not an individual sport. “It’s actually been nice in a way to be on the other side and cheer on my teammates,” she added. “I thought it was quite an eyeopener, and I’ve loved watching the girls. I’m really proud to be a part of this team.” The victory gave Kerr another full week to prove her fitness for next Monday’s round of 16 clash in Sydney and Gustavsson a selection headache, with Mary Fowler expected to make way. Gustavsson said he had a good feeling that the result would go their way. “Sometimes you can just feel when things are going to go right,” he said. “The fact it is must-win all the way through (the rest of the World Cup) helps this team, because the pressure will be on every single game.” – AFP BRIEFS Australia’s Hayley Raso (2nd left) scores her team’s second goal during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group B match yesterday against Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. – AFPPIX Sweden aim to keep momentum SWEDEN are already into the knockout phase of the Women’s World Cup but are eager to maintain their winning momentum in today’s (3pm) final group game against Argentina, captain Magdalena Eriksson declared. Sweden secured their last-16 spot with a 5-0 destruction of Italy on Saturday, following a comeback to beat South Africa 2-1 in their opening game. Those results mean they have almost certainly sewn up top spot in Group G, with their superior goal difference meaning that even a defeat against Argentina is unlikely to knock them off the summit. But Eriksson, one of three captains in the Swedish squad, said her team would not relax against the Argentines in Hamilton. “It’s very important. The match on Saturday was not perfect. We can do a lot better, we have a lot to learn,“ said Eriksson, whose central defensive partner Amanda Ilestedt has scored three goals in the two games so far. She said Colombia’s stunning win over Germany serves as a warning of what to expect from South American opposition, especially with Argentina having to win to stand a chance of advancing. “We are confident, but also very humble. Tomorrow will be a tricky task, as we saw with Colombia beating Germany.” Swedish coach Peter Gerhardsson has named the same starting line-up in both previous games at this World Cup but hinted he might make changes with a last16 tie looming on Sunday. “You should never assume when you have won that you have the perfect starting XI,“ he said. “We are focused on the last 16 because that is the match we need to win to progress, and so that means we need to see how to get the players in optimum condition for it.” Having been in New Zealand for the group phase, top spot would see Sweden head to Australia for a last-16 tie in Melbourne against the runners-up from Group E. “It has been very convenient for the last three weeks, staying in the same place,“ said Eriksson. “It is now that the championship starts in earnest and it is part of the tournament, not being able to unpack your bag before you have to move on again. “We have to stay flexible and take things as they come and make the best of it.” – AFP Brazil WC hopes hang in the balance FOOTBALL legend Marta was moved to tears yesterday as the Brazilian reflected on her career and legacy on the eve of what could be her final Women’s World Cup appearance. Brazil face Jamaica in Melbourne in their final group match today (6pm) knowing they must win to guarantee they stay in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. The 37-year-old Marta – nicknamed “Pele in a skirt” by the late football great – has already said this will be her last World Cup. She is the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cups, men’s or women’s, and if she adds to her tally of 17 she will be the first footballer in history to score at six World Cups. “You know what’s good? When I started there were no idols in women’s football,“ she told reporters on the eve of the match with Jamaica, tears filling her eyes. “How could there be if you didn’t show women’s football? How could I understand that I would reach the national team and become a reference point? “Now I go out on the street and people stop me, parents say to me, ‘My daughter adores you, she wants to be just like you.’” It is unclear if the attacker, who has never won the World Cup despite all her achievements, will start against Jamaica. But she could be called off the bench by coach Pia Sundhage if Brazil are chasing the win they so desperately need to stay in the competition. Jamaica are second behind Group F leaders France going into the last round of games, and won their first Women’s World Cup game in history when they defeated Panama 1-0 last time out. They were missing the prolific striker Khadija Shaw in the Panama win after she was sent off for a second yellow card in their opening 0-0 draw with France. The 26-year-old Shaw, who scored 31 goals in 30 games for Manchester City last season, will be back to face Brazil and could have a major say in proceedings. “She’s a lethal weapon, she scores goals and is the leading goal-scorer in Jamaica,“ coach Lorne Donaldson said. “She’s a very good leader and an outstanding footballer.” “We know Brazil are going to come after us with everything they’ve got, but we have to be ready. We want to stay a little longer.” – AFP Korda

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 2, 2023 MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Christian Eriksen has claimed that there has been “too much travelling” during the club’s pre-season tour. The Red Devils have finished their two-week trip across the United States which racked up thousands of miles. The Old Trafford team visited four cities on their tour, which included a win against Arsenal in New Jersey. United went on to lose their remaining games against Wrexham in San Diego, Real Madrid in Houston and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas to round up the trip. The defeat against Dortmund saw Erik ten Hag’s side take an early lead through Diogo Dalot before Donyell Malen scored a twominute brace. A goal from Anthony brought the game back level but was cancelled out by Youssoufa Moukoko moments later. Following the defeat, Eriksen spoke to MUTV where he admitted his frustrations at the amount of travelling on the tour. “I think it’s been good, there’s been a lot of games and too much travelling, to be honest,” he said. “It’s been nice to see all the fans and to give back to them. I think we played a strong game apart from the result. “We lost, so it’s a big disappointment, but I think we tried to do what we could and I think we played a strong 43 minutes in the first half, then the second half as well, but yeah, when we make mistakes like that we get punished. “It’s feeling easier going into the games (with better fitness levels), we’re feeling more prepared. “It feels good to be playing normal. We expected a tough preseason, but for me, there’s probably been too much travelling around. “Playing in different places but it has to happen. We’ve adapted and everyone is happy to go home, I think, but we enjoyed our time here. “I think it’s been good for me personally, it’s about getting confident and minutes. I think the support has been incredible, we’ve tried to give something back by playing our football.” Manchester United have struggled on their tour of the US, despite getting off to a flying start against Arsenal. The games have seen plenty of rotation from Erik Ten Hag, including minutes for new club signing Mason Mount. The 24-year-old signed a fiveyear deal after a £50 million (RM290m) bid was accepted from Chelsea. The move will be the fourth team he has played for, which includes two loan spells at Dutch team Vitesse and Derby County. Manchester United still have two friendly games remaining as they welcome Ligue 1 team Lens to Old Trafford on Saturday (7.45pm Malaysian time), before a trip to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin a day later to face La Liga’s Atletico Bilbao. – Express Newspapers Too much travelling: Eriksen United played in four cities in US pre-season tour VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been appointed Liverpool’s club captain, with Trent AlexanderArnold named the new vice-captain. Jurgen Klopp opted for the Netherlands skipper after the departures of first vice-captain James Milner and then captain Jordan Henderson. Van Dijk, who had led the team in games when neither Henderson nor Milner started in recent seasons, becomes just Liverpool’s third club captain in 20 years, after Steven Gerrard spent 12 years with the armband and then Henderson eight. But the choice of Alexander-Arnold, who at 24 is eight years Van Dijk’s junior, puts the Merseysider in line to be his long-term successor. Van Dijk said he was delighted, explaining: “(It’s) a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. It’s been a special feeling and I can’t really describe it at this point. But it’s something that I’m really, really proud of. “Obviously I’m captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can’t describe at this point. “It’s just something that makes me very proud, and I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club.” Van Dijk believes AlexanderArnold, who Klopp picked ahead of Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah, has a major role as a leader in Liverpool’s future. He added: “I think he’s in a phase now where he has to make that transition of becoming a big leader for the football club. “I think he will make those steps. And with the help obviously of myself and the others – Robbo, Ali, Mo, obviously the manager – he can make the next step. “I think to give that responsibility to him could definitely even more benefit him as well. So, it’s a very good choice.” – The Independent IT remains business as usual for Harry Kane despite reports Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy held a meeting with Bayern Munich officials yesterday. Bayern remain intent on prising Kane away from Spurs and are expected to imminently lodge a new bid for the 30-year-old England captain, who is now into the final 12 months of his contract with the Premier League club. Levy is reported to have met with Bayern chief executive JanChristian Dreesen and technical director Marco Neppe in London, while Kane trained with the rest of the Spurs squad to continue preparations ahead of Sunday’s pre-season friendly at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. The scrutiny surrounding Kane’s future does not show any signs of going away, with the German club public about their interest all summer. Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness claimed last month personal terms had been agreed between Kane and the Bundesliga champions, while two bids for the forward were reportedly turned down in July. Spurs have offered Kane a new contract, which is a significant increase on his current £200,000-a-week (RM1.16m) terms, but no decision will be made on the new deal while speculation over his future continues, the PA news agency understands. Kane is not the only experienced Tottenham player with uncertainty hanging over them, with captain Hugo Lloris so far unable to secure a move away. The former France goalkeeper was allowed to remain at the club’s training ground in Enfield to “explore prospective transfer opportunities” while Ange Postecoglou’s team toured Perth, Bangkok and Singapore last month. However, 36- year-old Lloris is no closer to a departure from Spurs and one potential avenue has closed after Paris St Germain signed young Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas on Sunday. Lloris was one of several members of Tottenham’s bloated squad expected to leave, but Giovani Lo Celso looks set to be thrown a chance to turnaround his career with the club. Lo Celso signed for Spurs in summer 2019 for £55 million (RM319m) but, after playing under a string of managers, had spent the past 18 months away from north London on loan at Villarreal. Argentina international Lo Celso has caught the eye of new boss Postecoglou this summer, though, and after scoring in friendlies against West Ham and Lion City Sailors, the midfielder is likely to remain part of the squad moving into the Premier League season. Offers will be listened to for various other senior players and young duo Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett are being lined up for loan moves away. Devine and Scarlett were part of a large Tottenham contingent for the Asia-Pacific preseason tour, but it is felt the best next step for their development would be to secure a loan away from Spurs for the 2023-24 campaign. – The Independent Business as usual for Kane despite Levy, Bayern meeting Shaw reveals City Treble pain MANCHESTER UNITED defender Luke Shaw accepts the Treble-winning feats of Manchester City hurt everyone at Old Trafford – and they cannot afford to let it happen again. United failed in their attempt to stop City emulating their historic feat in 1999 when they were beaten by their local rivals in the FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s side overcame Inter Milan in the Champions League final the following week, and the arrival of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Kalvin Phillips into the England camp in the aftermath of their success merely drilled home the enormity of what had happened. “It hurt a lot. A lot,” said Shaw. “All of us as players felt that, especially for me, seeing them come to the England camp. It was really hard to take. We can’t let that happen again. “It’s our time now to start putting a stamp on things and not letting it always be so easy for them because, in the past, it’s looked like that. As players, we can’t accept that any more.” Signed by Louis van Gaal in 2014, Shaw has won four trophies: one FA Cup, one Europa League and two EFL Cups. “Of course it’s not enough,” he said. “I know that. The whole club knows that, I think. “To be successful we need to be challenging for every trophy and winning competitions. “We felt like we could have added another two competitions last season and I think we should have.” – Agencies TOTTENHAM could use the money raised by Harry Kane’s sale to bring in Barcelona’s Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie, 26, and 28-year-old France defender Clement Lenglet. TOTTENHAM are eyeing Nottingham Forest’s £50m (RM290m) -rated Wales forward Brennan Johnson, 22, if Kane is sold. CHELSEA co-owner Todd Boehly faces competition from Barcelona in offering a player-plus-cash deal to Paris StGermain for 24-year-old France forward Kylian Mbappe. CHELSEA are exploring a potential swap deal involving Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 30, and Juventus’ 23-year-old Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic. PSG have rekindled their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 24-year-old France forward Randal Kolo Muani. CHELSEA’S 20-year-old English defender Levi Colwell has agreed to sign a new six-year contract. TOUCHLINES Reds give skipper’s armband to Van Dijk Harry Kane Van Dijk

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] THERE was a time when the Premier League’s summer trading was more about Alan Shearer or Alan Smith than Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq. If those are distant days, the anomaly in the current window feels the possibility that the greatest threat to Shearer’s divisional record of 260 goals – Harry Kane – might move to the Bundesliga, to Bayern Munich and not the Middle East. The Premier League’s reigning champion and current chief executive have nonetheless struck different tones. “Saudi Arabia has changed the market,” said Pep Guardiola at the weekend. “I wouldn’t be too concerned at the moment,” Richard Masters argued a few days earlier. None of which necessarily means one has to be wrong, though Guardiola’s verdict rings especially true. He lost Riyad Mahrez, due to an “incredible offer” from Al-Ahli and is fighting a rearguard action to keep Bernardo Silva; even treble winners are not immune to the lure of the Saudi millions. Officially the 58th best league in the world until recently, it will not have that status for much longer. It certainly has a budget in the top 57 and the majority of the best-paid players in the world could soon be found in the Pro-League. All of which could leave Masters sounding complacent when he stated it took the Premier League 30 years to reach its current eminence. The Saudi ambition would seem to be fasttracked: the symbolic significance of some of their signings and targets could make it likelier others are tempted to follow. If the Liverpool captain can go, maybe anyone is attainable. If one England international, Jordan Henderson, moves to Saudi Arabia, perhaps others will follow. And should Al Hilal succeed in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, it will be harder to characterise Saudi Arabia simply as the most lucrative of footballing retirement homes. And yet Masters may be correct. For its 32nd season, anyway, the Premier League may have no immediate cause for concern. For all the bids for the big names, offered still bigger salaries, how many of those bound for Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam were due to command a place in the strongest side of English top-flight teams? Very few. Definitely Ruben Neves, who was Wolves’ best player. Certainly Aleksandar Mitrovic, probably Fabinho. And maybe N’Golo Kante: were the Frenchman at his magnificent peak. But that is probably it. Edouard Mendy was, according to Fifa, the best goalkeeper in the world a couple of years ago and, according to Chelsea, the second best goalkeeper in their squad. Kalidou Koulibaly was one of the finest centrebacks of the last decade but one of the bigger disappointments of the last season. Allan Saint-Maximin is a great entertainer who proved a stylistic misfit for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. And the winter departure, Cristiano Ronaldo, ranks among the greatest footballers ever but, at almost 38, did not merit a place in the Manchester United team. The other to leave Old Trafford, Alex Telles, is a player United were desperate to offload: while Liverpool have been disrupted, United and Chelsea have used Saudi Arabia to find a home for their unwanted players. For now, anyway, the Premier League might sense a difference with La Liga, stripped of Karim Benzema, and Serie A, which has lost Marcelo Brozovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, two of the finer midfielders and, unlike Henderson, Firmino, Ronaldo, Koulibaly and Kante, still at or near their peak. Logically, it will be easier to pick players off from Serie A, with its lesser finances, than the Premier League. But scan down the lists of foreign players at Saudi clubs and there are some who might fear they will be displaced by another wave of more glamorous imports. While Henderson and Mahrez may offer proof that no Premier League club may be safe from raids for those they hoped to keep, for now and for all the vast amounts on offer in the Saudi spending drive, the Premier League may not be weaker because of it. Although, in 2024, that picture may be very different. – The Independent Still intact or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 2, 2023 United States stumble into World Cup last 16 but Dutch rampant HOLDERS the United States squeezed into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a shaky 0-0 draw against debutants Portugal yesterday to finish second in Group E behind a rampant Netherlands. The United States came to Australia and New Zealand as favourites – ahead of England – to win an unprecedented third World Cup in a row. But they have been nothing like the team that has dominated international women’s football for so long and will need to be a lot better if they are to go much farther at the tournament. Portugal came within inches of the win they needed to progress – and dump out the Americans – when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post in injury time in front of almost 41,000 in Auckland. But the US held on and are likely to face a Sweden team in the last 16 who thrashed Italy 5-0 last time out. US coach Vlatko Andonovski attempted to put a positive spin on what was an alarmingly poor performance by the team ranked number one in the FIFA rankings. “The most important thing was to get the job done,” he said. “This is a fairly new team that have not been together for a long time. “The more time they spend together the more chances will go in.” Portugal coach Francisco Neto lamented a “huge opportunity” missed after yesterday’s stalemate. “I think it was our best game in the World Cup,” said Neto, who has been in charge since 2014. “I will be honest with you, when Ana hit the ball I was thinking it would be a goal and about what Vlatko would do and what I would have to do to stop him. “I swear, I truly believed it was going to be a goal.” He added: “I told the girls I was very proud. Of course, they are very sad because we have huge expectation on ourselves. “They felt that we were probably going to be the first team in the world that would eliminate the US in this stage. “It was a huge opportunity for us but unfortunately we go home tomorrow.” In the other Group E match, the Netherlands, who drew 1-1 with the US team last week in a rerun of the 2019 final, racked up the biggest win of this World Cup with a 7-0 demolition of already eliminated Vietnam. Esmee Brugts and Jill Roord both scored twice in the biggest win yet at the tournament, eclipsing Germany's 6-0 thumping of Morocco. A crowd of 8,215 were treated to a Dutch goal bonanza in Dunedin and having won the group, the 2019 runnersup will almost certainly now avoid Sweden in the next round. Italy or South Africa are probably next. In the build-up to the Vietnam game, Netherlands coach Andries Jonker said he did not want to play Sweden, who routed Italy 5-0 at the weekend, but after a rampant Dutch performance he believes his team should not fear anyone. “From the beginning of our preparations we were quite convinced we can beat every opponent in this tournament,” said Jonker. “Of course it helps if you qualify first when the United States is in your group, you win 7-0 and you make wonderful goals.” The Netherlands went out in the quarterfinals of last summer's Euros, but Jonker said his Dutch team are a different proposition now. “A year ago we saw all sorts of teams in Europe who were better than us, but we managed to close the gap,” he said. “So I think we can rightfully state that we will be able to win against anybody, but we have to make it happen.” – AFP Saudi transfers reveal difference between Premier League and European rivals █ RICHARD JOLLY 7 F1 2023 mid-season awards -page 21 7 Too much travelling -page 23 Netherlands’ Dominique Janseen (left) and Vietnam’s Thi Bich Thuy Nguyen vie for the ball during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group E match yesterday at Dunedin Stadium. – AFPPIX