The Sun - 04 Mac 2024

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 MONDAY MAR 4, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8471 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Grab a copy of newspaper @RM1 only to enjoy a special offer from Starbucks EPF dividend rate Year One pupils at SJKC Kuang Yu in Kuala Muda, Kedah, being taught basic Chinese, the language of one of the world’s leading economic powerhouses. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Pull factors of Chinese schools Better quality of education and discipline, focus on science and mathematics, and growing importance of Chinese language have seen the number of nonChinese pupils in Chinese schools double between 2010 and 2020. Report on — page 2 - Report on page 3 Wang Kelian closely monitored: Police General Operations Force and VAT 69 conducting regular patrols at Malaysia-Thailand border where a mass grave and a human trafficking camp were uncovered in 2015. Report on — page 5 Employees Provident Fund also declares 5.4% dividend for Syariah savings for 2023 financial year, narrowing its gap with conventional savings. Year Convensional Syariah savings savings 2023 5.50 5.40 2022 5.35 4.75 2021 6.10 5.65 2020 5.20 4.90 2019 5.45 5.00 2018 6.15 5.90 EPF dividend at PF dividend at 5.5% Timely back-to-school aid for needy Goody bags and cash vouchers for 120 students from B40 families to start new school year. Report on — page 4

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 2 Pahang Regent embarks on 400km river expedition KUANTAN: The inaugural Mahkota Sungai Pahang Expedition 2024 led by the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin AlMustafa Billah Shah began yesterday and ends on Wednesday. The 400km expedition from Pekan Riverfront to Tanjung Gahai, Lipis represents a historic milestone for the Pahang royal family and will witness Tengku Hassanal navigating the river, much like how things were when boats served as the main form of transport for the state’s populace. “Sultan Abu Bakar during his reign, was known as a people-centric Sultan, whose yearly activities included navigating along Sungai Pahang and Sungai Tembling to visit his subjects throughout the state. “Sultan Ahmad Al-Muadzam Shah, who ruled Pahang for 33 years, from Aug 16, 1881 to May 9, 1914, also travelled using Sungai Pahang, and on elephants,” according to a post uploaded on the Pahang Royal House Facebook page. Tengku Hassanal will cross Pekan, Maran, Bera, Temerloh, Jerantut and Lipis via river, greet local communities and take part in camping sessions at the Chenor Heritage House in Maran and Kampung Gintong, Jerantut. The expedition involves 18 boats and 150 personnel from the police, the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, the Irrigation and Drainage Department and Tourism Pahang. Tengku Hassanal setting out on the four-day expedition from the Pekan riverfront. – BERNAMAPIC EPF declares higher dividends for 2023 as against 2022 KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has announced a higher dividend rate of 5.50% for conventional savings for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023 (FY2023) compared with 5.35% in FY2022, resulting in a total payout of RM50.33 billion. The dividend rate for syariah savings increased to 5.40% from 4.75% recorded in FY2022, culminating in a total payout of RM7.48 billion. This brings the combined total payout for FY2023 to RM57.81 billion. “The RM57.81 billion dividend distribution will benefit more than 16 million EPF members, encompassing individuals from both the formal and informal sectors,” it said in a statement yesterday. For FY2023, the retirement savings fund recorded a total investment income of RM66.99 billion, a 29% increase from RM51.91 billion in 2022. oFund announces 5.50% for conventional, 5.40% for syariah savings, with combined total payout of RM57.81 billion “Out of the RM66.99 billion in total investment income, RM5.72 billion was generated from mark-tomarket gains of securities that have not been realised and will not be part of the dividend distribution. It has been the EPF’s prudent practice of paying dividends only out of realised income.” EPF said its investment assets continued to record strong growth at RM1.135 trillion in 2023, an increase of 13% from RM1.0 trillion in FY2022. “The increase comprised income from the portfolio and healthy collection of contributions of RM97.56 billion in 2023, an increase of 15% from RM84.78 billion in FY2022.” Chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir added that after netting off the inflation rate, the real dividend for conventional savings was 2.89% and for syariah savings 2.51%, on a rolling three-year basis (2021-2023), exceeding the EPF’s strategic target of at least 2.0% real dividend over the same period. He said despite the intensifying geopolitical tensions, elevated interest rates, inflation, regional conflicts, and China’s property sector woes, the global economy showed resilience and fared better than expected. “Alhamdulillah, the EPF is able to deliver improved dividends following a resilient performance in 2023, with equities playing a significant role in driving overall performance.” The global equities market experienced a varied performance last year, particularly between the Asean and developed markets, Bernama reported. While developed markets’ equity benchmark indices exhibited positive growth, both the Bursa Malaysia benchmark index FBM KLCI and Asean indices recorded negative growth, with the FBM KLCI declining by 2.7%. Ahmad Badri said nonetheless, EPF’s strategic asset allocation, coupled with active portfolio management, enabled it to achieve positive results for 2023. He said moving forward, the EPF’s resilient investment approach and unwavering focus on long-term value creation should set the path for it to continue to deliver a strong performance. Bumiputera Economic Congress outlines 80 resolutions PUTRAJAYA: The Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 outlined over 80 resolutions as part of the Bumiputera empowerment agenda in the digital age. The three-day congress, which ended on Saturday, served as a platform for parties from different backgrounds to exchange views and thoughts on the problems afflicting Bumiputeras. It brought together over 3,000 participants, including representatives from various Chambers of Commerce as well as Orang Asli communities. During the congress, 10 groups focused on various aspects including Education Reform and Human Capital, Technical Vocational Education and Training, strengthening the Halal Industry, Rural Development and Empowering the Orang Asli, Wealth Creation and Corporate Dominance, Bumiputera Industry Competitiveness, Mastering New Technology, Felda and the Federal Region, as well as the Socioeconomy of Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras. Throughout the three-day congress jointly organised by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the Economic Affairs Ministry, industry players and other luminaries shared their findings from engagement sessions and presented suggestions that could serve as solutions to problems that were identified. One of the suggestions is the setting up of a Bumiputera Development Research Centre, an idea mooted by Education Reform and Human Capital Group chairman Prof Tan Sri Noor Azlan Ghazali. Solutions for the lagging pace of development in Sabah and Sarawak compared with the Peninsula, was forwarded by Sabah Bumiputera Socioeconomic Group chairman Prof Madya Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, who pointed out that gaps in basic infrastructure would stymie efforts to develop the Bumiputera economy there. There were also suggestions by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Group that the government assigns a body or organisation to manage TVET Tahfiz institutions and strengthen partnerships between TVET Tahfiz programmes with state Islamic Religious Councils. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined three determinants to support the aspirations of the people – strengthening the economic pillars of the country, governance and institutions and to uphold social justice. He also announced RM1 billion in funds to create a new generation of Bumiputera entrepreneurs, the setting up of the Majlis Amanah Rakyat Madani Endowment Fund, with a starting grant of RM100 million and a target of collecting funds of RM1 billion within two years. Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the monitoring and implementation of all the resolutions suggested were vital matters that require attention after the congress. He expressed hope that the sound views obtained during the engagement sessions coupled with the prime minister’s commitment to the congress would lead to their implementation by the government. “This requires oversight and coordination and most importantly, we can assess and measure successes from time to time.” A total of RM150,000 in sales were recorded from 21 booths selling products and services of entrepreneurs during the congress. – Bernama Proposed commission boon to gig workers KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of a Gig Workers Commission as announced by the government will ensure that workers in this sector receive protection and enjoy the same benefits as formal workers as defined under the Malaysian labour laws. Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah Faculty of Management and Business senior lecturer Dr Jain Yassin said gig economy workers would be able to contribute to the Social Security Organisation and receive social protection when the commission is established, Bernama reported. “It will address issues faced by gig industry practitioners and workers, especially for a fair payment system so that eventually, a minimum wage protection can be introduced for them.” He said the lack of bodies to fight for gig workers, especially on issues such as social protection and fair wages, has caused gig jobs to be considered as temporary work although the demand for services such as Foodpanda and GrabFood has been increasing. In terms of the commission’s regulatory framework, Jain expects it to be similar to the Public Service Commission but more “free market”- oriented, with some regulation. “Free market means that wage rates may still be based on the demand-supply mechanism because we need to understand that industry players are from the private sector, which is profitoriented. In this case, the government may provide tax incentives to enable employers to improve employee schemes.” Meanwhile, Malaysian E-Hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong said the commission would be able to deal with the issue of the unreasonable job termination of many ehailing drivers and food delivery riders by their operating companies. “Without a fair trial, some of them are dismissed within 24 hours if cases reported by customers to the companies are deemed serious, while for lighter cases, they may be suspended for a day or two depending on the investigations, but usually, such investigations are one-sided.” On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced at the Bumiputera Economic Congress that a Gig Workers Commission would be established to protect the rights of the 1.12 million gig workers in the country. See also p13

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 3 Pull factors of Chinese schools PETALING JAYA: The number of non-Chinese pupils studying in Chinese primary schools has almost doubled between 2010 and 2020, with educationists saying parents seem to have more faith in them providing a better quality of education compared with national-type schools. Figure-wise, 15.33% of all pupils in Chinese primary schools in 2020 were Malays, 2.75% Indians and others non-Chinese 1.67%. While updated figures are currently unavailable, they compare with 2010 when Malays represented just 9.5% of Chinese school pupils, Indians 1.67% and others non-Chinese 1.02%. The executive director of an education services provider Nina Adlan Disney said a major factor in the parents’ decision is the huge difference in education quality between Chinese and national-type schools. “Many parents see an opportunity to immerse their children in the language and culture of one of the world’s leading economic powerhouses. There is also a perception that the quality of education in Chinese schools is more academically rigorous, especially for science and mathematics. “Parents who value the structure of Chinese schools feel their children will benefit from this and be more competitive in the future.” She also said non-Chinese parents who have opted to place their children in Chinese schools are typically comfortable and secure in their own cultural identity, and relish exposing their children to a culture and language they would not experience at home. She said the only way to regain the public’s confidence in national-type schools is for them to become the schools of choice. “For this to happen, we have to radically improve the quality of education and demonstrate that all pupils will thrive academically and in their socio-emotional development. While our national education philosophy aspires to achieve this, we have trouble translating rhetoric into reality. “Until such time that national-type schools can meet everyone’s expectations, parents will continue to choose alternatives that meet their educational aspirations for their children,” she said, adding that some parents have even opted out of traditional schools to educate their children via home school or online. She said although Chinese schools are rightly admired for their ability to churn out impressive academic results, many of their approaches are not compatible with 21stcentury student-centred learning. Nina said their emphasis should no longer be on the teacher being the sole source of knowledge. Instead, Chinese schools should encourage a general love for learning and having the curiosity and confidence to think critically. The shift should be from “content mastery” to “learning mastery”. She said the Education Ministry also needs to put more effort and resources into ensuring national-type schools can provide the same quality of education if not better than that in Chinese schools. “Despite our financial commitment and investment in our national education system, we are arguably not getting the commensurate returns.” Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said Chinese schools pay more attention to core subjects such as science and mathematics. “Many parents understand the importance of the Chinese language and mathematics. “The discipline in Chinese schools and the better environment there are necessary for their children’s upbringing. Also, history is being taught in a broader sense in Chinese schools.” She added that parents are willing to pay for better education. Noor Azimah urged the Education Ministry to increase the number of Dual Language Programme schools and classes. “Students can enhance their English language proficiency and also master knowledge of science with ease in their mother tongue. “The additional mastery over several languages also helps them gain better employability.” M’sia producing its first MalayEnglish Braille dictionary BANGI: People with visual impairments (visually impaired PwD) will have the opportunity to learn English with correct spelling and pronunciation when the country’s first bilingual dictionary in Braille, which is currently in the prototype process, is fully completed. Dr Mohd Norazmi Nordin, head of Special Education Programme, Centre for Education and Community Well-being Studies, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said this bilingual Braille dictionary will not only benefit visually impaired students but also teachers who teach these students, especially in English. “Previously, the available references were only word lists ... but this Malay-English and English-Malay Braille dictionary that is being developed is a complete dictionary from the letter A to Z along with clear explanations like any other dictionary,” he said. Mohd Norazmi, who is also a lecturer in special education (Visual Impairment), was met after the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent for Cooperation between UKM’s Faculty of Education and Muslim Care Malaysia, here recently. Using the Oxford Fajar Bilingual Dictionary as the main reference, Mohd Norazmi said they will invite related experts for word selection and screening, as well as volunteers to input selected words into the bilingual Braille dictionary. Mohd Norazmi said the first prototype is expected to be completed within six months to a year and requires funding of up to RM130,000 to complete 20 volumes of the Braille dictionary. “If a regular dictionary is only 500 pages, the Braille dictionary will contain 1,500 to 1,700 pages due to the Braille dots taking up space.” Mohd Norazmi said compared with audio materials, Braille reading materials can provide a better language learning environment regarding spelling, sentence structure, phrase arrangement and sentence construction. – Bernama Telegram willing to work with MCMC DUBAI: Telegram has expressed its willingness to work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to streamline the regulatory aspects of the platform, especially in combating scams and online gambling activities, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said the matter was conveyed by Telegram founder and chief executive officer Pavel Durov during a four-eyed meeting here on Saturday to discuss issues involving the social media platform, which now has about 15 million users in Malaysia. Fahmi said his meeting with Durov took place in a positive atmosphere during which they discussed, in addition to the regulatory issue of the platform, new technology and artificial intelligence, Bernama reported. “Pavel also expressed interest in holding further discussions on several cooperation opportunities with the Malaysian government.” Inaugural National Anti-Corruption summit attracts 1,300 attendants KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) jointly hosted the inaugural National AntiCorruption (NAC) Summit 2024 at the Berjaya Times Square. The summit on Thursday was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and HRD Corp chairman Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid attended the event. Being the pioneer collaborative effort between HRD Corp and MACC, the NAC Summit 2024 received exceptional support from the public, attracting over 1,300 participants comprising training providers, employers, industry associations and government agencies. The summit is a platform to equip organisations with comprehensive knowledge to combat corruption, promote ethical business practices and establish robust governance frameworks. █ BYANDREW SAGAYAM [email protected] oBetter quality of education and discipline, focus on science and mathematics, growing importance of Chinese language have seen number of non-Chinese pupils in Chinese schools doubled between 2010 and 2020 █ BYALLEN WONG [email protected] Themed “Embedding Integrity Aand Good Governance in Human Capital Development”, the conference featured three sessions – mitigating risk and ensuring accountability: exploring corporate liability in the modern era; navigating the ethics maze: addressing conflict of interest in professional settings; and fostering integrity: ethical leadership and responsible decision-making. Sim, in his speech, expressed his determination to ensure that all eight departments and five agencies under the Human Resources Ministry receive recognition for their Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). HRD Corp also received its Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification during the summit, presented by Sirim Berhad chairman Datuk Dr Khairol Anuar Mohamad Tawi. The certification signifies the agency’s compliance with the universal requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving its anti-bribery management system. At the same time, it also affirms HRD Corp’s commitment to enhancing its organisational efficiency and effectiveness by establishing solid corporate governance standards. The NAC Summit 2024 also witnessed the forging of a long-term partnership between HRD Corp and MACC to implement the Corporate Integrity Development Programme (CIDP). Through CIDP, both parties agreed to jointly embark on a mission to equip HRD Corpregistered trainers and training providers with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to integrity and governance, corporate liability, and strategic anti-corruption initiatives. PRAMS ATTACTION ... Pushchairs were among the popular items sought after at the four-day TCE Baby Expo held from Thursday to yesterday at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 4 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Beware of jellyfish, beach goers warned KOTA BHARU: Six cases of poisonous stings of the physaia physalis jellyfish were reported among children aged between one and 11 in Kelantan on Friday. Kelantan Health Department Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the sting incidents of the jellyfish also known as “Portugese Man of War” were detected in Bachok – two cases in Pantai Melawi and four in Pantai Baru here. Zaini said the victims will experience symptoms of pain, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. All the victims received initial treatment at Bachok Health Clinic and then referred to the Emergency and Trauma Department of Tengku Anis Hospital in Pasir Puteh and Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian for further treatment, he said in a statement yesterday. “They have been allowed to go home after their condition is stable.” He said there is no anti-venom to treat the sting from this species of jellyfish. Treatment provided included painkillers to relieve symptoms. The public is advised to be aware of the presence of jellyfish in the state’s waters. Visitors should stay away until an official notification is issued. It is understood that this species of jellyfish have been detected in the waters of Pahang and Terengganu, and its poisonous sting can lead to death. – Bernama Sarawak fest aims for RM500,000 in sales KUALA LUMPUR: The Fama Fest 2024 @ Sarawak programme at Bintang Mega Mall in Miri is expected to draw about 25,000 visitors and aims to achieve sales worth RM500,000. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) said in a statement 34 entrepreneurs from Sarawak and the peninsula would be taking part from 10am to 10pm in the four-day programme that started on Friday. Fama CEO Abdul Rashid Bahri said the programme aims to showcase and promote local food products to the local community, especially in Miri and residents from Brunei. “Fama Fest 2024 @ Sarawak also includes the Agro Madani sales to enable visitors to purchase vegetables, fruits and various agricultural products at savings of up to 30%. “The programme will also feature 200 Stock Keeping Unit agri-food products and ‘Madani Combos’ which involves marketing agents from Brunei, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, China and local markets, as well as cooking demonstrations and fruit arrangement competitions,” the statement said. – Bernama Need to increase tourism courses SANDAKAN: The Higher Education Ministry is looking into the viability of increasing the number of courses related to tourism, oil and gas and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in Sabah. Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the increasing interest in these fields stimulates more demand for such courses. “These courses (on tourism, oil and gas and TVET) are already being offered by universities or polytechnics to meet local needs. “However (the ministry) is looking into Sabah’s rising tourism growth and we need to encourage courses related to these field in the state,” he said after visiting Sandakan Polytechnic and Sandakan Community College here on Saturday. – Bernama Digital initiatives to conserve wildlife, flora PUTRAJAYA: The importance of digital innovation and initiatives to encourage usage will continue to be strengthened in protecting and conserving the national treasures of wildlife and flora, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. In a message issued in conjunction with World Wildlife Day yesterday, Nik Nazmi said this aligns with the theme for this year’s celebration, which is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”. “This theme is chosen to raise public awareness about the importance of digital innovation in strengthening the conservation of wildlife and flora, including aspects of research, communication, detection as well as more efficient and effective DNA analysis.” Nik Nazmi said the ministry, through the Wildlife Department and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, has taken initiatives to explore the use of technology, including artificial intelligence-enabled camera traps to monitor wildlife species. Other efforts include the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles such as drones to monitor the presence and movement of wildlife, and satellite usage for the development of an early warning system. Nik Nazmi said besides ensuring the survival of the Malayan tiger in its natural habitat (in-situ), ex-situ conservation is critical because the population of the tiger in its natural habitat is very low. The department has strengthened the National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory with the acquisition of high-tech laboratory equipment to enhance forensic capacity, ex-situ conservation, bio-banking, Laboratory Information Management Systems and monitoring of zoonotic diseases. “This approach can enhance the implementation of assisted reproductive technology programmes to help increase the population of Malayan tigers in captivity through artificial insemination methods.” Nik Nazmi said the ministry, through the Forestry Peninsular Malaysia Department, has utilised technology such as using Remote Sensing system to detect any changes that occur in permanent forest reserves in the peninsula. He said the Sabah Forestry Department, in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency, has developed the iForSabah system using satellite imagery as a remote sensing monitoring measure to detect any changes occurring in the forest reserve areas in Sabah. The Sarawak Forestry Department has developed the Continuous Monitoring of Surveillance system, which combines satellite image analysis and verifies coordinates using hyperspectral airborne sensing systems to assist enforcement actions in the field. – Bernama School aid cheer for 120 less fortunate children PENANG: Some 120 from primary, secondary and college students from B40 families were given goody bags and vouchers worth RM120 each recently to redeem uniforms, school bags, shoes, stationery, socks and other items under a Back to School Programme organised by the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and Klinik Derma Sivasanta (KDS). The programme was held in collaboration with the Penang City Council. PHA president P. Murugiah said they decided to organise the programme as the families were struggling to make ends meet amid the soaring cost of living. “B40 families are already draining their limited budgets due to the rising cost of living and are forced to seek charity to obtain school supplies for their children. Realising this, the organisations came together to assist them,” he said. Penang City Council Mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony officiated at the event and The children and families with their goody bags at the event. – PIC COURTESY OF PHA oGifts, vouchers distributed in joint programme to help B40 families cope with rising cost of living █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] handed the vouchers to the students of all races. Murugiah said it has been the annual practice for PHA and the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) to donate school uniforms, shoes, stationery and exercise books to poor students as part of their service to society. However this year, they handed out goody bags and vouchers worth RM100 each to primary pupils, and RM150 to secondary students at the event held at KDS in River Road. “Their parents’ salaries and wages are not in tandem with the increasing cost of living. Prices of school uniforms are soaring making it difficult for the less fortunate students to buy at least one set of uniform. “TFA and PHA appreciate the assistance being provided by the government, but we hope this would be increased to help more students facing financial difficulties. “Due to rising costs, the cash aid provided by the government for school fees and sportswear is insufficient.” Murugiah said salaries are usually paid out at the end of the month or the first week of the following month. Affected families will have to wait for their salary to purchase school uniforms for their children. However, as most schools require students to wear the full uniform on the first day, which could be mid-month, underprivileged families may be forced to borrow money from friends, relatives, or loan sharks, to meet the requirement. From PHA’s observation, some children dropped out of school as their families could not afford to buy uniforms, pay transport fares or meet other financial requirements of their children’s schools, he said. PHA also advised parents to take note of the government’s other assistance for school children, such as food aid and meals, free school buses, stationery, laptops, textbooks, notebooks, fees for involvement in an ancillary activity, scouts, first aid and others. “Assistance such as educational items or financial aid is also provided by other NGOs. Parents or students can appeal to them too.” Murugiah thanked the donors for their financial assistance. PHA and TFA have also implemented free community programmes like eye and audio tests, spectacles, meals, and counselling for parents and children, he added.

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 5 Man swindled out of RM400,000 JOHOR BAHRU: A man lost RM427,940 after being duped by an acquaintance into withdrawing money with a promise of a refund and commission. Seri Alam district police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the 45-year-old victim was introduced to a local man, who claimed that he had money amounting to RM25 million deposited into his bank account from abroad, in November 2021. He said the man then asked for the victim’s help to provide money to pay various costs, such as government taxes, to receive the purported money by promising a refund and a commission amounting to RM6 million. “The victim was also shown some documents to convince him that the purported RM25 million did exist before transferring the money into four different accounts involving 98 transactions amounting to RM427,940, from December 2021 to June 2023. “However, in July 2023, the man still asked the victim to make a payment, causing the latter to feel suspicious and demand the money back, but the man disappeared and failed to be contacted,” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Sohaimi said the victim, believing that he had been cheated, lodged a report at the Seri Alam district police headquarters on Saturday. – Bernama Woman falls prey to phone scam KUALA TERENGGANU: A 47-year-old businesswoman fell victim to a phone scam, incurring a loss of RM202,400, to perpetrators who disguised themselves as representatives from a courier company and the police. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mazli Mazlan said in early February, the woman was contacted by the impostors and informed that she was implicated in a money laundering and drug-related crime. He said the scammers coerced the victim into divulging her online banking account information, including her password. “She was then instructed to make several fund transfers to a specified account and wait for three months for the investigation to be concluded before regaining access to her bank account,” he said in a statement. The ruse was only discovered by her family members, after which she found her bank balance reduced by RM202,400, with 35 unauthorised transactions taking place without her knowledge. The victim then reported the incident to the police on Feb 28. Mazli emphasised the importance of public awareness, cautioning individuals not to be swayed by calls from unfamiliar numbers and to terminate such calls. – Bernama Another victim dies in Kuala Krai crash KUALA KRAI: Another child who was involved in a two-car crash along Jalan Kuala Krai-Gua Musang near Kampung Pahi succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The six-year-old boy died while receiving treatment at Sultan Ismail Petra Hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to four. Kuala Krai acting district police chief DSP Kamarulzaman Harun said the accident occurred when a car from Gua Musang heading towards Kota Bharu veered into the opposite lane and collided into another car. “Three people in the car died at the scene, while two others were sent for treatment at Kuala Krai Hospital,” he said in a statement. He added that the driver of the other car suffered serious injuries while a passenger in the car was slightly injured. Earlier, it was reported that a young girl was identified as one of the three casualties in the crash. – Bernama Wang Kelian site under constant surveillance PADANG BESAR: The area at the MalaysiaThailand border around Bukit Wang Burma, Wang Kelian near here which was the site of a mass grave and camp for human trafficking in 2015 is constantly under police monitoring. Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said the General Operations Force (GOF) and VAT 69 are conducting regular patrols on foot in the area to ensure there are no entry of illegal immigrants or the creation of new camps, or graves. “So far no new graves were detected and reports show no signs of new immigrant camps at the border,” he said after conducting an inspection around Bukit Wang Burma at the border on Saturday. In 2015, the then inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed the discovery of 139 graves and camps related to human trafficking at the Malaysia-Thailand border area. In 2019, the then home minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was reported to have said the government had set up a Royal Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the case of human trafficking in Wang Kelian, Bernama reported. Muhammad said the survey area was at one of the former camp sites out of a total of 27 active camps then believed to be used by smugglers to bring in illegal immigrants at that time using several routes from the border area. “On our right, a little below the hill is a cemetery, which was one of the sites used as a burial ground for illegal immigrants who died while they were taken out using the route through the rubber plantation before meeting the main route to the market in the Southern area. “What we found (on Saturday) was the Patrols being carried out at the Malaysia-Thailand border. – BERNAMAPIC oEnforcement authorities carrying out regular patrols to prevent entry of illegal immigrants and creation of new camps, graves Glove company fined RM20,000 for water pollution ALOR SETAR: A glove manufacturing company was fined RM20,000 by the Kulim sessions court after being found guilty for discharging industrial effluent exceeding the limit into public drains yesterday. Judge Mirza Mohammad meted out the sentence after the company’s manager pleaded guilty to the offence when the charge was read before him. Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) director, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said a Kedah DOE team, which was conducting an enforcement visit on May 23, 2023, found the company discharging effluent into a public drain. “At 9am to 10.25am, the company which was operating in the Padang Meha Industrial area was found discharging industrial effluent containing chemical oxygen demand with a concentration of 1,280 milligrames per litre (mg/L) exceeding the limit of 80mg/L. “For the offence, the company was charged under Regulation 12(a) of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009 and can be punished under Regulation 32,” she said in a statement yesterday. She added that the sampling of the industrial effluent that came out of the last discharge point of the Industrial Effluent Treatment System owned by the company was conducted by DOE Kulim branch officers. It is to ensure that the effluents released comply with the limits set under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. She said the company had also been convicted in the Kulim Court with a fine of RM10,000 for an offence under Regulation 4(2) of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009 on Oct 12, 2021. The offence was committed when making changes to the effluents without submitting a written notification to DOE. – Bernama Number of flood evacuees rises to 1,497 KUCHING: The number of flood evacuees in Sarawak has increased to 1,497 people from 392 families as of yesterday morning, compared with 1,193 victims from 367 families reported on Saturday. According to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, the number of temporary relief centres has also increased to 12, compared with eight on Saturday evening. “The three relief centres which accommodate the highest number of evacuees are in Kuching, namely Dewan RPiang Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, with 297 people, followed by Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Chung Hua Sungai Tengah (286) and Dewan Masyarakat Stapok (238),” it said. Other relief centres are located in Lundu, Bau, Serian and Siburan. According to the Meteorological Department, Sarawak is also expected to experience thunderstorms in one or two places in the interior in the afternoon and rain in one or two places, also in the interior, in the evening. – Bernama remains left by illegal immigrants and when we wanted to go up, we found that the path we used was overgrown with bushes blocking the path to the peak.” Meanwhile, Muhammad said the modus operandi of illegal immigrants smuggling activities into the country now is through the state border by cutting the fencing and through organised agents or transporters who use the services of local people. “Based on reports of arrests in Perlis related to illegal immigrants, they are now (believed) to be entering through the fencing that has been cut off and through agents or transporters using the services of local people to pick up these illegal immigrants at the border and bring them in using local vehicles,” he said. He added that based on interrogations, he found that an illegal immigrant had to pay about RM5,000 per person for them to reach the promised area. Meanwhile, he said GOF patrols and the Vat 69 Commando team at the MalaysiaThailand border area are also protect the forest treasures found in Perlis so that they are not invaded arbitrarily. “This forest reserve area in Perlis (is believed) to be a target for poachers, looking for agarwood.”

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 6 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Protecting river biodiversity for generations RANAU: Tagal is a system of conserving the aquatic life of the river that has been passed down from generation to generation by the people of Sabah and it is effective in conserving the environment and providing a sustainable food supply for the people. Under the system, also known as bonbon, fishing activities in the river are controlled in three zones, namely the red zone where fishing is prohibited, the green zone where fishing is allowed once during a certain period and the yellow zone, which is an open fishing area. The system is still widely practised in villages and rural areas including in Sungai Moroli at Kampung Luanti, which is located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, about 125km from Kota Kinabalu town. As per the system, members of a committee, which was set up in the villages, monitor the rivers to ensure no one trespasses to carry out fishing activities as action would be taken against trespassers who violate the system. Sungai Moroli Tagal chairman Noorhayati Asri said the committee was first established in 2004 by (now deceased) Jeffrin Majangki, 56, for the “Love Our Rivers” campaign back then. Noorhayati, 51, said the system was originally meant to conserve Sungai Moroli and ensure its sustainability, but over time, it has turned the river into a tourist attraction. “The river has become a popular place for ‘fish massage’. This is because the Kelah fish in the river will gather at the standing area for visitors who will be barefooted,” she said, adding that their soles would feel like they are being massaged by the fish. She said in the river, there is also a fish called Buntol, which supposedly treats psoriasis (a type of skin disease) by sucking on the part of the skin that is affected by the disease. Noorhayati said the village has been attracting more than 100 tourists a month because of the fish massage. “Our river is always well taken care of due to the implementation of the system. It is clean and unpolluted, making it safe for river life.” She added that several rest houses were built in the area to accommodate tourists. A fee of RM10 per person is charged for foreign tourists visiting the Tagal system at Sungai Moroli, meanwhile RM5 is charged for local tourists and RM2 is charged for children. – Bernama Local varsity first to implement digital exams MALACCA: Medical education provider Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) marked a historic milestone by becoming the first institution in Malaysia to fully implement paperless digital examinations, as part of its ongoing digital transformation journey. Students will be able to answer questions digitally, e-pads will be allowed for drawings and other data will also be submitted digitally. All information will be securely stored for retrieval by examiners and examination auditors. MUCM successfully conducted the first phase of the digital examination for 130 students in the Faculty of Dentistry on Feb 26, in which students submitted answers through e-pads issued by the university. Another batch of 262 students in the Faculty of Medicine will also undertake digital examination in Mar 2024. MUCM intends to roll out the paperless digital examination format across all batches of students in faculties including Medicine, Dentistry, Allied Health & Psychology and Centre for Foundation & General Studies, by early 2026. The digital examination system also eliminates the need for printing question papers and answer booklets as well as the shredding of used papers. It would drastically reduce the number of invigilators required, involving only one to two persons per examination. Lecturers would also be able to mark and evaluate results faster and efficiently, with the help of digital calculation of marks and percentages. MUCM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Patrick Kee Peng Kong said MUCM takes pride in being at the forefront of implementing next-generation technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy. “Today, we present to you a solution that ushers in a new era of efficiency, security and adaptability in our education system. Our students would be able to gain a smoother transition from their daily teaching and learning, and eventually into the digital healthcare system in the real world. “This technology allows for quick and accurate assessment, providing both students and faculties with good insight into academic performance.” Patrick said the total cost of investment for the development of the digital examination system is RM500,000 and it would cost RM150,000 annually, making it worthwhile for the initial investment. Before the digital examination system, MUCM had encouraged digital learning in their institution by encouraging students to use their own tablets and submit assignments using a digital platform, allowing students and lecturers to familiarise with the formats. To prevent identity fraud during examinations, each student is identified through an iris scan on the e-pad before proceeding. The e-pads are also equipped with features for enhanced ease and comfort, such as inbuilt calculator, graph sheets, highlighters, drawing, colouring and editing tools. Littlemore Innovation Labs Pte Ltd founder and CEO Srikanth Ganesan, who developed the technology for MUCM, applauded the university for its pioneering move to become the first university in Malaysia to adopt a fully digital and paperless examination system. “This milestone not only positions MUCM at the forefront of educational innovation, but also underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability. “The commitment to sustainability in the long term is important as more and more universities develop a digital footprint,” he said. oInitial phase of 130 students who submitted answers through e-pads provided by university successful █ BYDHARSHINI GANESON [email protected] Students of MUCM taking an examination using e-pads. – PIC COURTESY OF MANIPAL

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 7 B R I E F S INDIA TO OPEN KEY NAVAL BASE NEAR MALDIVES NEW DELHI: India’s navy has said it is bolstering forces on “strategically important” islands close to the Maldives, with a new base set to open just days before Male starts sending home Indian forces. Relations between India and the Maldives have soured since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu won elections last year after promising to expel Indian forces. India is suspicious of China’s growing presence in the archipelago nation, which straddles key east-west international shipping routes, and the new base will extend New Delhi’s “operational surveillance” of the area, the navy said. Muizzu has asked India to withdraw 89 security personnel based in the Maldives to operate reconnaissance aircraft, with the first batch due to leave by Sunday and all to depart within two months. The new base, opening on Wednesday on India’s Lakshadweep islands, will turn a small detachment into an “independent naval unit”. The Lakshadweep islands lie about 130km north of the Maldives, with the new naval base on the island of Minicoy situated at their closest point. – AFP FIRST SEOUL SPY SATELLITE TRANSMITS IMAGES SEOUL: South Korea’s first military spy satellite has successfully transmitted high-resolution images of Pyongyang following its launch in December. The satellite was placed into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Dec 2, enabling South Korea to independently acquire images of North Korean military installations and leadership. According to military sources cited by Yonhap news agency, the electro-optical and infrared satellite has been transmitting satellite images as part of a test transmission. “The resolution meets expectations. Pyongyang’s central area and vessels at a port are clearly visible in the photos,” the source said. The satellite is anticipated to relay higher-resolution images from next month. Once the satellite enters its full mission phase, it is poised to reduce South Korea’s heavy reliance on US satellite photos. South Korea aims to launch four more satellites by next year. – Bernama SEOUL: A South Korean zoo yesterday threw a farewell party for Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in the country, ahead of the beloved animal’s scheduled return to China. Fu Bao, which means lucky treasure, has attracted a huge fan base ever since she was born in July 2020 at the Everland amusement park just south of Seoul. The panda is set to return to China’s Sichuan province next month after spending a month in quarantine. Thousands of visitors queued up in the early morning chill to attend the farewell event, with many saying they will miss the panda once she’s gone. “I was mentally ill three years ago, but Fu Bao has helped me get through it and brought me a lot of comfort,” said Kim Min-ji, a 31-year-old visitor. “It’s sad to say goodbye, but we need to let her go. I wish she goes safely and will be happy.” Jo Ah-hyeon, 24, said she waited more than four hours to see Fu Bao. “This is our last chance, you never know when we’ll see her again so I had to come,” she said. Zoo keeper Kang Cher-won, who has been caring for Fu Bao, said the panda had given him so much love as well as teaching him a lot about the critically endangered species. Online videos of Kang caring for Fu Bao, and her clinging to him, are very popular in South Korea. “Fu Bao is a friend who has played many roles,” Kang said. “She was my first panda cub, and my heart is filled with memories of her that I will never forget all my life.” The cub’s parents, 10-yearold female Ai Bao and 11-yearold male Le Bao, arrived in 2016 from Sichuan province, the home of the giant pandas, as part of China’s “panda diplomacy”. Last July, Ai Bao gave birth in South Korea to giant panda twins. Female pandas can only conceive once a year for a limited period, and cubs have very low chances of survival as they are often born prematurely, usually weighing less than 200gm. – Reuters China embassy condemns envoy’s remarks BEIJING: China’s embassy in the Philippines yesterday said it “strongly” condemns the Philippine ambassador to Washington’s recent China-related remarks, saying they “disregarded basic facts”. The remarks “wantonly hyped up the South China Sea issue and made speculations and malicious smears against China,” the embassy said in a statement. Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Wednesday that while the United States sees both the South China Sea issue and a potential Taiwan conflict as “serious concerns”, he believed the “real flashpoint is the West Philippine Sea” given “all of these skirmishes happening there.” The Chinese embassy said: “Inviting wolves into the house and engaging in small circles will not only not help resolve the differences in the South China Sea, but on the contrary will complicate the regional situation, and undermine regional peace and stability.” It urged Romualdez to stop spreading the “China threat theory” and “paranoia of persecution”, and to refrain from “acting as a spokesperson for other countries”. The Philippines embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tensions have flashed over maritime disputes in the South China Sea, with Beijing and Manila trading sharp accusations over a slew of run-ins. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion (RM14 trillion) of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis. – Reuters oTensions have flashed over maritime disputes Doctors continue protest against admission hike SEOUL: Tens of thousands of doctors held a rally in western Seoul yesterday to protest the government’s medical school quota hike plan as Prime Minister Han Duck Soo hinted at the possible suspension of medical licences for striking trainee doctors, Yonhap news agency reported. The rally by member doctors of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), the biggest medical lobby group, came as thousands of trainee doctors have remained off their jobs at general hospitals for the 13th day, protesting the plan to add 2,000 more medical school seats starting next year. Crowds of doctors filled up a street in Seoul’s western district of Yeouido, waving protesting flags and holding up signs reading “Absolute opposition to a medical school quota hike without agreement from medical fields”, or “Unprepared medical school quota hike compromises medical education.” Kim Taek Woo, the KMA’s emergency committee chief, warned at the start of the rally that “the government will face resistance from the public if it turns a blind eye to doctors’ efforts and attempts to repress them.” Kim accused the government of unilaterally pursuing medical reform without prior consultation with the medical field, while calling on the government to engage in dialogue with protesting doctors to resolve the ongoing walkout. “No trainee doctors or members of the KMA’s emergency committee have ever encouraged or desired the crippling of medical services,” he said, protesting that the government is using pressure to bring trainee doctors back to work while remaining uncompromising over its quota hike plan. About 9,000 medical interns and residents, who play a vital role in assisting with surgeries and emergency services at major general hospitals, have maintained their collective labour action for the 13th day, leading to mass cancellations and delays in surgeries and emergency medical treatment. The government gave protesting doctors until last Thursday to return to work, warning them that incompliance could result in punitive action, including criminal punishment or revocation of their doctors’ licences. So far, the warning has done little to bring them back to work. Separately, Interior Minister Lee Sang Min also renewed back-to-work calls on trainee doctors, saying that trainee doctors will be granted leniency if they return to their hospitals yesterday. “For trainee doctors who return to work by today, the government plans to grant utmost leniency ... if they fail to return by today, the government has no choice but to deal with them sternly following the law and principles,” Lee said during his appearance on a live news programme with KBS. The minister stressed that the increase of 2,000 additional medical school admissions is not substantial given the workforce required for the development of the bio-industry, which he said will emerge as a new growth engine of South Korea. – Bernama Giant panda Fu Bao enjoys a nibble at Everland amusement park. – REUTERSPIC South Koreans bid farewell to beloved panda

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 8 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Shehbaz elected Pakistan PM for second term ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s newly formed parliament elected Shehbaz Sharif yesterday as prime minister for a second time, Geo TV reported, three weeks after uncertain national elections caused delays in the formation of a coalition government. Voters in Pakistan went to the polls on Feb 8 in an election marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests and violence in its build-up oTalks with IMF top new govt’s agenda Trump wins party vote in three states WASHINGTON: Donald Trump on Saturday inched ahead in his quest to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, winning internal party elections in the states of Missouri, Michigan and Idaho, US media reported. The former president has now won every state nominating contest heading into next week’s “Super Tuesday”, when voters in 15 US states choose their preferred candidate for each party. Trump has gained huge momentum in the race to capture the Republican nomination at the party convention in July and is expected to all but secure the result. Trump rallies his supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina. – REUTERSPIC Protesters break into French chemical factory PIERRE-BENITE: Environmental activists broke into a French chemical factory on Saturday to denounce the production of socalled “forever chemicals” – PFAS compounds – leading to eight arrests. Around 300 people from the Extinction Rebellion and Youth for Climate groups cut through fences to reach the Arkema site at PierreBenite factory near Lyon in southeast France, a spokesman for the organisers said. Once inside they deployed banners and spray-painted graffiti including “PFAS tell the truth” and “Arkema is poisoning us”. Police counted around 150 protesters. “We want to close the door for the ‘forever chemicals’ that Arkema is dumping into the Rhone river,” said Julien, a spokesman for the organisers. “And at the same time, we want to open the door because everything that’s happening here is being done in secret,” he said. PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a family of around 4,000 chemical compounds often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their long life span in bodies and the environment. They resist grease, oil, water and heat. Experts say that exposure to some types of PFAS have been linked to serious health effects. American regulators said this week that materials with PFAS would no longer be sold to package microwave popcorn or other greasy foods in the United States. Arkema said in a statement that the Pierre-Benite site would stop using PFAS compounds to make its products by the end of this year. France’s Industry Minister Roland Lescure denounced the protest, saying on X that “Disagreeing and debating, yes. Destroying, no”. The protest came as another chemicals group, Daikin, is seeking to build a new production site nearby, which has sparked protests from residents. Regional authorities said: “The new site from Daikin will not lead to PFAS runoffs in the water, unlike the Arkema site which has been subject to a September 2022 decree that calls for halting the use of PFAS surfactants by the end of 2024.” – AFP B R I E F SLABOR WINS VICTORIA BY-ELECTION SYDNEY: A candidate from Australia’s government claimed victory in a by-election in Victoria state seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s handling of cost-of-living pressures across the country. Candidate Jodie Belyea of the centre-left Labor Party defeated Nathan Conroy of the conservative Liberal party in the byelection in the electorate of Dunkley, Melbourne, sparked by the death of the sitting Labor member. The win is a boost for the government as Australians experience financial pressure from high inflation. Labor’s Belyea received 52.53% of the votes, while Conroy got 47.47%, according to the Australian Electoral Commission’s website. Labor had held the seat on a margin of 6.3% going into the vote and there had been predictions of a close contest. – Reuters HAITIAN POLICE UNIONS PLEAD FOR HELP PORT-AU-PRINCE: Armed groups were closing in on Haiti’s largest prison on Saturday, defying police who called for help after days of gunfire in parts of the capital as a major gang leader seeks to topple Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Two of the Caribbean country’s main police unions called for assistance to stop inmates, many considered to be high-profile criminals, from fleeing the National Penitentiary here. It was unclear how many had fled. Police officers assigned to the prison had vacated the premises on Saturday. The government of Haiti did not comment on the situation. Heavy gunfire has caused panic in recent days after calls by gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer, for criminal groups to unite and overthrow Henry. Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, heads an alliance of gangs and faces sanctions from the UN and the US. – Reuters STRONG SUPPORT FOR FORMER PRESIDENT MOSCOW: Almost half (48%) of American voters are ready to vote for former US President Donald Trump in the presidential election scheduled for November 2024, while 43% have expressed a desire to support incumbent President Joe Biden, a poll conducted by The New York Times and the Siena College research organisation showed. The poll also showed Americans’ preferences based on their ethnicity. For example, 53% of white respondents, 46% of Hispanics, and only 23% of black people are ready to vote for Trump. Biden received 66% from black voters, but trailed his opponent in all other groups, receiving 40% from white and Hispanic voters. Only 17% of respondents “strongly approve” of Biden’s work. The poll was conducted between Feb 25 and 28. – Bernama and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations that the vote was rigged. Shehbaz returned to the role he held until August when parliament was dissolved ahead of the elections and a caretaker government took over. The vote in parliament, which first met on Thursday, took place amid tight security as candidates backed by former jailed premier Imran Khan have protested against the result and called for his release. The Sunni Ittehad Council party backed by Imran alleges that the national election was rigged against them and has called for an audit of the polls. No single party won a majority. Shehbaz, 72, is the younger brother of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who spearheaded their Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party’s election campaign. Candidates backed by Imran gained the most seats but the PMLN and the Pakistan Peoples Party agreed to form a coalition government, which enabled Shehbaz to be elected as prime minister as his brother stepped aside. In his previous term, Shehbaz’s government was able to negotiate a critical International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal but the process was mired in challenges, and measures required by the agreement – which expires in April – have contributed to rising prices and added pressure on poor and middle class households. The new government will have to immediately start talks with the IMF for the next agreement to shore up the country’s economy whilst also dealing with growing discontent over deepening poverty. The government will also have to grapple with challenges from Imran’s supporters. – Reuters He is likely to face President Joe Biden in November elections, pitting the two for the second time since 2020. The voting on Saturday in Missouri, Michigan and Idaho were hybrid internal elections with differing rules, in some cases reflecting rifts and tensions despite Trump’s formidable sway. In Missouri, Trump swamped his main opponent, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, winning every county caucus in the state, The New York Times reported. Anyone who expressed an “allegiance to the Missouri Republican Party” could vote in the county caucuses. In Michigan, around 2,000 party activists voted in a caucus convention, and Trump won all 39 delegates up for grabs, CNN reported. The limited vote came in the wake of chaos within the state party, including allegations of overspending and mismanagement. Trump had grabbed 16 Michigan delegates earlier in the week in a limited primary vote. The former president also handily won Republican caucuses in the western state of Idaho, NBC and ABC projected. Haley has raced around the country in the run-up to Super Tuesday, trying to make an increasingly hard case against the inevitability of Trump’s nomination. – AFP

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 9 Ukraine wants more air defence systems KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to rapidly deliver more airdefence systems as a wave of Russian missile, drone and artillery strikes killed at least 11 people. Eight were confirmed dead, including a child and a baby, after an overnight drone strike on the southern port city of Odesa. Separate shelling attacks on the frontline regions of Kharkiv in the northeast and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south killed another three people. “Russia continues to hit civilians,” Zelensky said. “We need more air defences from our partners. We need to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield to add more protection for our people from Russian terror. More air-defence systems and more missiles for air-defence systems save lives.” Ukraine is on the back foot in the two-year war as a crucial US$60 billion (RM285 billion) aid package is held up in the United States Congress. In Odesa, “a nine-storey building was destroyed as a result of an attack by Russian terrorists”, Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said in a Telegram post. Around 10 people were still unaccounted for, with almost 100 rescuers set to continue a search overnight. Footage from the scene showed several floors of a residential building collapsed and its facade ripped off. Ukraine’s air force said falling debris from Russian drones it had shot down fell onto residential buildings in both Odesa and Kharkiv. The attacks came as Russia sought to press its advantage on the battlefield. Kyiv has acknowledged that it is heavily outgunned and outnumbered, facing ammunition shortages and aid delays. Half of all promised Western ammunition arrives late, the defence minister has said. Russian forces have advanced westwards following last month’s capture of the key eastern town of Avdiivka, seizing several small villages in recent days. – AFP B R I E F SCLASHES BREAK OUT IN CAUCASUS REPUBLIC MOSCOW: Russian security forces fought gunmen all night in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia leading authorities to introduce counter-terrorism emergency powers in the area. During a search in one of the residential buildings in the town of Karabulak on Saturday, the gunmen opened fire on Russian law enforcement forces, said the National Anti-Terrorism Committee. “Law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene began a clash with the criminals,“ Interfax reported. “Active measures” were underway yesterday to “neutralise” the gang. Ingushetia, the smallest region in Russia, is wedged between North Ossetia and Chechnya. – Reuters GERMANY CAUGHT OUT BY AUDIO LEAK BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised a full investigation after a recording of confidential army talks on the Ukraine war was circulated on Russian social media, in a huge embarrassment for Berlin. A German Defence Ministry spokeswoman confirmed that the ministry believed a conversation in the air force division was “intercepted”. “We are unable to say for certain whether changes were made to the recorded or transcribed version that is circulating on social media,” she said. The head of Russia’s state-backed RT channel, Margarita Simonyan, posted the 38-minute audio recording of what she claimed were German army officers discussing potential strikes on Crimea in a Feb 19 videoconference. In the recording, discussions can be heard on the possible use of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact. – Reuters Sunken ship threatens Red Sea marine life ADEN: A UK-owned ship attacked by Houthi militants last month sank in the Red Sea, the US military confirmed on Saturday, as it echoed a warning from Yemen’s internationally recognised government that the vessel’s cargo of hazardous fertiliser posed a risk to marine life. The Belize-registered Rubymar is the first vessel lost since the Houthis began targeting commercial ships in November. Those drone and missile assaults have forced shipping firms to divert ships to the longer route around southern Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher. The sinking bulk carrier also “presents a subsurface impact risk to other ships transiting the busy shipping lanes of the waterway”, US Central Command (Centcom) said in its statement on X. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the north of Yemen and other large centres, say their campaign is a show of solidarity with Palestinians. The Houthi attacks have prompted a series of strikes against their positions by the US and Britain, and have led other navies to send vessels to the region to try to protect the vital Suez Canal. The Rubymar went down in the southern Red Sea late on Friday or early on Saturday. The US military previously said the Feb 18 missile attack had significantly damaged the bulk vessel and caused an 29km oil slick. The ship was carrying about 21,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, the foreign minister in Yemen’s internationally recognised government in Aden, said in a post on X: “The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before. “It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia ...” The internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, has been at war with the Houthis since 2014. The release of such large amounts of fertiliser into the Red Sea poses a serious threat to marine life, said Ali Al-Sawalmih, director of the Marine Science Station at the University of Jordan. The overload of nutrients can stimulate excessive growth of algae, using up so much oxygen that regular marine life cannot survive, said Al-Sawalmih, describing a process called eutrophication. “An urgent plan should be adopted by countries of the Red Sea to establish monitoring agenda of the polluted areas in the Red Sea as well as adopt a cleanup strategy,” he said. The overall impact depends on how ocean currents deplete the fertiliser and how it is released from the stricken vessel, said Xingchen Tony Wang, assistant professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College. The Houthi Transport Ministry said there had been a “glitch” in undersea communication cables in the Red Sea as a result of actions by US and British naval vessels. It did not give further details. – Reuters Israel broadly on board with Gaza peace deal WASHINGTON: Israel has broadly accepted a ceasefire deal with Hamas, a senior US official said, as the first American airdrops of humanitarian aid were carried out over warravaged Gaza. The framework agreement envisages a sixweek cessation of hostilities, which could begin immediately if the Palestinian group signs off on the release of the most vulnerable hostages it holds, the official told reporters on a call. “The Israelis have more or less accepted it,” the administration official said. “Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas.” The announcement came hours after US military cargo planes began airdropping humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. The United Nations has warned of famine in Gaza, and more than 100 people were left dead earlier this week in a frenzied scramble for food from a truck convoy delivering aid, with Israeli forces opening fire on the crowd. Saturday’s drop, which included 38,000 A Palestinian child carries away items salvaged from the rubble of a house destroyed in an Israeli air strike in Rafah. – AFPPIC oHamas has to sign off on vulnerable hostages meals, was conducted “to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict”, the US Central Command (Centcom) said. A Centcom official said that the meals were made up of US military rations that did not contain pork. Negotiators from regional powers have been working around the clock to secure a Gaza truce by the start of Ramadan. “It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages ... the sick, the wounded, elderly and women,” the administration official said. About 250 people were taken hostage during an attack on Oct 7, 130 of whom remain in Gaza, including 31 whom Israel says are presumed dead. It was unclear how many of the remaining hostages are deemed vulnerable. The US hopes any truce would create space for a more enduring peace. A Hamas delegation was in Cairo for talks on a truce. The administration official said a ceasefire would also allow a “significant surge” in humanitarian aid to Gaza, with airdrops not seen as a replacement for full-scale relief convoys. “None of these – maritime corridors, airdrops – are an alternative to the fundamental need to move assistance through as many land crossings as possible. That’s the most efficient way to get aid in at scale,” a second US official told reporters. The UN Security Council issued a statement voicing “grave concern” over the acute food insecurity in Gaza and urging the unfettered delivery of humanitarian aid “at scale”. Hundreds of protesters rallied in Washington on Saturday, shouting slogans like “Free Palestine” outside the Israeli embassy before marching with a giant Palestinian flag to the Israeli ambassador’s residence. The amount of aid brought into Gaza by truck has plummeted during nearly five months of war, and Gazans are facing dire shortages of food, water and medicines. Some foreign militaries have airdropped supplies to Gaza, sending long lines of aid pallets floating down into the war-torn territory on parachutes. Jordan has been conducting many of the operations with the support of countries including Britain, France and the Netherlands, while Egypt sent several military planes on an air drop Thursday together with the UAE. – AFP

10 MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Enhancing students’ performance A WORRISOME new norm, especially post-pandemic, is that students are whirled in a vicious circle of digital interfaces. They appear to be busy for nothing. I surveyed undergraduate students at the International Islamic University Malaysia to assess their awareness of these challenges and solicit potential solutions. The survey received 200 responses, with 124 female and 76 male participants. They were queried about methods educators can employ to enhance students’ classroom performance. Four primary strategies surfaced from the feedback, identified as “major steps”. Major steps 0 Moral support and motivation: Students expressed a desire for more than just academic guidance from their lecturers. They sought practical tips, tricks and moral support to face life’s challenges. Like anyone else, students appreciate feedback that is positive and constructive as it fuels their drive to excel in their respective areas. In today’s university environment, the relationship between lecturers and students is formal, lacking personal engagement in students’ lives. This can result in an artificial gap, restricting interactions solely to academic matters. To counter this challenge, lecturers need to take proactive measures by offering holistic care in nurturing students. Amid the escalating mental health crisis among young people, the need for emotional investment from teachers has become imperative. Classrooms must be safe and become healing spaces for students to learn and experience new things. 0 Engaging and enjoyable classroom environment: Students desire a fun-filled and engaging classroom atmosphere that is not The theories learned in classrooms should reflect real-world implications and issues of the community. In conclusion, measures such as using supplemental resources and study tools, employing engaging presentation techniques, facilitating group discussions, incorporating real-world examples, utilising simple language and promoting a reading culture will help enhance the overall performance of university students. Therefore, listening to students and actively considering their challenges and perspectives are essential to finding effective solutions to improve the learning experience. The writer is an assistant professor of Islamic Jurisprudence at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] “Lecturers need to take proactive measures by offering holistic care in nurturing students who desire a fun-filled and engaging classroom atmosphere that is not overly serious. Opt for healthier dining experience THE prevalence of obesity in Malaysia correlates with the frequency of dining out. A typical restaurant meal provides at least half of the daily energy requirements of an adult. However, foods commonly found in restaurants and convenience stores tend to be high in sugar, salt and oil while lacking essential vegetables and fruits. No intervention will be effective in preventing obesity if the environment does not facilitate a healthier way of eating. Our study found that the accessibility to fast-food restaurants led to increased intake of fast food, processed meat, poultry and red meat, eggs, soda and refined grains, especially among males. This type of dietary pattern contains higher calories, which can lead to obesity. Similarly, another study revealed that the perceived neighbourhood food environment, including factors such as the availability, accessibility and affordability of healthy food across various types of food stores, correlated with diet quality, which in turn led to obesity among adults. Therefore, in addition to enhancing nutrition literacy, it is pertinent that all of us play a part in creating an environment that facilitates weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy restaurant should prioritise the following: 1. Offer healthier menu options. 2. Provide a variety of vegetable dishes, ensuring at least one serving of vegetable in every dish. 3. Include fresh fruits on the menu. 4. Offer sugar-free beverages, and provide water or tea at no or minimal charge. 5.Include options with whole grains. 6. Display clear and prominent calorie information on the menu. 7. Actively promote healthier menu options. Remember, we are not just what we eat, but also where we eat. Kimberly Wong Yuin Y’ng and Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya Students want lectures to be delivered at a manageable pace, complemented by illustrative, practical and real-life examples. – THESUN PIC LETTERS [email protected] COMMENT by Dr Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin overly serious or linear. They suggested class activities that are exciting and relevant to the topics taught as this can capture their attention and keep them curious. Incorporating enjoyable elements into the classroom can enhance memory, attention and motivation. 0 Sustained interaction: Many students emphasised the importance of interactive classes, where engagement and participation are encouraged through quizzes, questions and answers, group discussions and sharing of experiences. Lecturers can promote proactive learning habits by assigning questions based on previously discussed materials, prompting students to establish study routines and actively engage with the content. Inactive students also deserve the opportunity to express themselves even if it requires additional effort. Without such engagement, students may be physically present in class but mentally disengaged, eagerly awaiting its conclusion. In such instances, the classroom transforms into little more than a cage. 0 Enhanced explanation through real-life examples: Students expressed the need for lectures delivered at a manageable pace, complemented by illustrative, practical and real-life examples.

11 MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 Reducing traffic accidents and deaths I NJURIES and deaths from road crashes are a pressing concern. According to the World Health Organisation, road crashes are the leading cause of death among those aged five to 29. In Malaysia, this trend is evident, with reported traffic accident cases increasing to 598,635 in 2023 from 545,588 in 2022. Equally alarming is the escalation in fatalities, which more than doubled from 6,080 to 12,417, over the same period. Apart from the loss of lives due to road crashes, a 2017 report highlighted that each traffic fatality incurred an average cost of RM1.2 million to the country. This includes RM120,000 for severe injuries and RM12,000 for minor injuries, encompassing medical expenses, lost productivity and other compensatory measures. As our focus shifts towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing the issue of road crashes and the resulting fatalities has become imperative. Reducing traffic-related deaths aligns with SDG Three, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. While the target was set to halve the global number of traffic deaths and injuries by 2020, only 10 countries have achieved a 50% reduction in traffic deaths by 2021. Regrettably, traffic fatalities, along with the rising cases of tuberculosis, are designated as “major challenges that remain” within SDG Three. This underscores the need for intensified efforts to address these issues and turn the goal into a reality. Tackling this issue can prove challenging given its complexity. Road crashes can happen due to various reasons and can stem from different causes. However, multiple studies have categorised the triggers into three primary factors: human behaviour, environment and vehicle-related. According to Mahat, Jamil and Raseli (2020), human behaviour is the predominant trigger of road crashes, followed by environmental factors and vehicle-related issues. Human behaviour factor There are five sub-factors under human behaviour: speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), mobile phone use while driving, changing lanes without signalling and drowsiness, all of which constitute a violation of traffic laws. Albeit, reports from 2022 claimed that fatal accidents caused by drunk driving between 2011 and July of 2021 were only 69 cases. Mahat and colleagues maintain that drunk driving or DUI is the primary cause of road crashes under the human behaviour factor. For less serious offences such as speeding, the punishment entails a fine. However, for more serious violations such as DUI, individuals may face not only hefty fines but also the possibility of imprisonment. However, fines for speeding or various other offences often amount to nothing due to the lax enforcement by authorities. More often than not, people who violate the law and receive summonses disregard paying their fines. There are due dates for fine payments, but there are no consequences even if the due date is long passed. This laxity is evident in the frequent discounts offered on summonses aimed at attracting offenders to settle their overdue fines. Law enforcement must be stricter to ensure compliance with fine payment deadlines. While consequences such as blocking individuals from renewing road tax or issuing arrest warrants exist, their effectiveness remains questionable. Furthermore, bribery among traffic police is also a major concern. Earlier in February, 10 officers manning a roadblock in Petaling Jaya were investigated over suspicion of corruption after one was found in possession of RM3,000 during a spot check. Therefore, it is a positive development that the police will soon be equipped with body cameras. A full rollout of body cameras is expected to be achieved in the first quarter of 2025. Routine and random inspection of footage will improve transparency as well as reduce bribery among police officers. Policymakers should also incentivise those who comply with traffic rules as positive reinforcement has consistently proven to be a better way of improving behaviour. For example, the government can provide incentives such as exemptions on road tax or waiver for licence renewals for drivers who have not violated any traffic rules over a designated period. Additionally, offering incentives for vehicle insurance renewals can further encourage compliance. Environment factors The environment-related aspect is categorised into four sub-factors: weather conditions, lighting conditions, animal crossings and adverse road and traffic conditions. According to a study, the main threat of animal and vehicle collision stems from encounters with cows and buffaloes. It further highlighted that a majority of these accidents occur at night, especially in rural areas, which are also often characterised by adverse road conditions. Free-roaming livestock is always a major concern and a safety hazard for road users, where even a train was involved in an accident that killed 14 cows, and it is reported that this is not the first incident at the location. Under the Local Government Act 1976, local authorities have the authority to prohibit the keeping of animals on premises if it is deemed that their presence is likely to cause nuisance, including pose a risk of injury or danger to health or property. However, again, due to the lack of enforcement, many livestock owners do not adhere to the rules and continue to act recklessly with impunity. In terms of low lighting conditions, it falls within the responsibility of the local government to install additional or upgrade existing streetlights to more efficient and powerful LED fixtures. For example, Petaling Jaya initiated the upgrade of all its street lights to LED lighting in 2022, with the aim of completing the transition for all street lights within a three-year timeframe. As for the adverse road conditions, it is the Public Works Department’s job to fix them. One of the most common examples of adverse road conditions is potholes, and it has led to countless fatal accidents over the years. However, the current efforts to repair potholes are insufficient. The Public Works Ministry has made some improvements over the years. The launch of the MyJalan mobile application, which allows people to lodge complaints over adverse road conditions, has received 5,836 complaints as of Dec 6, 2023. Around 1,532 of these complaints pertained to roads supervised by the ministry, with around 1,203 complaints resolved. However, there is more that needs to be done to improve road users’ safety as evidenced by numerous reports of individuals who have had to personally finance road repairs. Vehicle factors Within vehicle factors, there are three sub-factors including brake and tyre failure as well as steering control, all of which constitute mechanical failures and are avoidable if vehicle owners perform routine maintenance checks. While commercial vehicles require inspection by Puspakom every six months, there is no such requirement for private vehicles, unless the owner is trying to sell them. Vehicle factors rank lowest among road crash triggers, implying that vehicle failure contributes the least to road crashes. However, this does not diminish its importance. Routine vehicle inspections should be a norm for all vehicle owners, especially considering Malaysia’s lack of an age limit for private vehicles. Fortunately, Malaysians are responsible regarding vehicle inspections, often having their vehicles inspected before returning to their hometowns for holiday celebrations. Puspakom even offered free inspection for private vehicles before Aidilfitri in 2023 to further promote voluntary vehicle inspections. In the final analysis, the common underlying issues, whether pertaining to human behaviour, environmental conditions or vehicle-related factors, are the absence of effective enforcement and strategically designed incentives to promote desirable responsible conduct. Addressing this issue requires policymakers to devote more time to deliberating on appropriate measures. Drawing insights from psychology and modern technology while understanding the individual factors that commonly trigger road crashes will provide the government with a clear picture of the concerns at hand and what needs to be done to ensure the safety of people travelling to their destinations. SDGs serve as guiding principles aimed not only at enhancing sustainability but also improving the quality of life globally. There is no doubt that Malaysia is dependent on private vehicles, and therefore, more efforts must be made to guarantee the health and safety of road users. The writer is a research assistant at Emir Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [email protected] “As our focus shifts towards Sustainable Development Goals, addressing the issue of road crashes and the resulting fatalities has become imperative. Reducing traffic-related deaths aligns with SDG Three, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. This underscores the need for intensified efforts to address these issues and turn the goal a reality. Traffic accident cases in Malaysia increased to 598,635 in 2023 from 545,588 in 2022. – THESUN PIC Put to action King’s call for harmony HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has issued a clarion call to all Malaysians to refrain from touching on sensitivities involving the royal institution, race or religion. The King also called for more focus on unity and harmony. His Majesty also observed that since the formation of Malaysia more than 60 years ago, inter-racial relationship is still not up to the desired levels. Hence, all Malaysians should heed the King’s advice. Nevertheless, there are instances where the spirit of harmony, peace and togetherness will be put to the test by selfish and irresponsible people. However, we should not be swayed or rattled. It is our duty as Malaysians and our civic duty to one another to contribute to the progress of our beloved country. As we have recently celebrated Chinese New Year and will soon be welcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, these festivities serve to unite us as Malaysians. Let us embrace positivity and unity, fostering a sense of togetherness. Let moderation guide our words and deeds, making it a cornerstone of our way of life. Unity is not easily shattered, it is cultivated over time. The fellowship forged and guided by the National Principles, or the Rukun Negara, serves as a pillar of our nationhood and the process of nation-building. These principles are a guiding light for instilling patriotism and love for our country. Let the symbols of sovereignty and nationhood guide us to become better Malaysians, dedicated to building a brighter future for Malaysia. Yeap Ming Liong Subang Jaya COMMENT by Chia Chu Hang LETTERS [email protected]

BANKING & INSURANCE BANKING & INSURANCE 12 MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 Bank Muamalat and Pos Malaysia unveil syariah-compliant credit cards PETALING JAYA: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd and Pos Malaysia Bhd have forged a partnership to promote the co-branded Visa Credit Card-i, a product that aligns with syariah principles and redefines credit card solutions. The co-branded credit cards, Visa Infinite-i and Visa Platinum-i, which offer benefits such as cash rebates, discounts for selected Pos Malaysia products and services, and 0% profit rate instalment payment plans are now available for application at all 68 Bank Muamalat and more than 700 post offices and Pos Laju branches. Bank Muamalat president and CEO Khairul Kamarudin stated that the partnership heralds a new chapter in Malaysia’s financial landscape, bringing together the strength of Islamic banking and the extensive and unrivalled reach of Pos Malaysia. “Tapping into the growth potential of Pos Malaysia’s substantial customer base, which currently accounts for over 350,000 credit card transactions at their terminals per year, we are targeting over 30,000 sign-ups of the new card across the country by the end of this year. This strategic initiative positions the co-branded Visa Credit Card-i as the preferred choice for customers, aligning seamlessly with our ‘Go-to-Market’ strategy within consumer strategies,” he added. Cardholders will enjoy 8% cashback for all transactions at Pos Malaysia counter terminals, unlimited 1% cashback for overseas spend, 0% profit rate instalment payment plans and complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounge for Infinite cardholders. Pos Malaysia Group CEO Charles Brewer said the co-branded Visa Credit Card-i offers versatile usage at all their touchpoints, while the 8% cashback is accepted at all 700 post offices and Pos Laju branches. Aside from the more than 200 transaction services already provided, the card can be used for purchases at Pos Malaysia’s convenience stores, Pos Shop. Bank Muamalat and Pos Malaysia are also promoting the Muamalat Posperks Activation campaign which runs from March 1 to June 30, offering prizes to new cardholders. Cardholders who spend RM100 in a single receipt within the campaign period will get a cashback of RM28. They also stand a chance to win a Modenas Karisma 125S scooter, 65-inch Samsung TV and B-Series Soundbar, and Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot Vacuum 60 W Clean Station in a lucky draw. GoInsuran and inDrive to offer innovative solutions for ride-hailing drivers, passengers PETALING JAYA: GoInsuran, Malaysia’s leading digital insurance aggregator, has made a significant foray into ride-hailing insurance solutions through a strategic partnership with inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform. This collaboration aims to reshape the landscape of motor insurance, prioritising convenience and security for both drivers and passengers through a transparent and equitable model. Leveraging their respective strengths, GoInsuran and inDrive offer distinct benefits to both passengers and drivers, empowering them to negotiate fares directly, free from algorithmic price interference. inDrive’s differentiating feature also allows for transparency and more control by offering passengers the freedom to choose drivers based on their price, estimated time of arrival, vehicle model and driver ratings. From now till Dec 31, 2025, drivers can reap instant savings with the promo code GOINDRIVE that unlocks benefits such as special discounts, enhancing their financial well-being and overall satisfaction. This comprehensive approach underscores the partnership and unwavering dedication to safety and innovation, providing unparalleled advantages for all stakeholders. PETALING JAYA: Wavpay Systems Sdn Bhd, an e-wallet provider, has entered into a strategic collaboration with AmBank Group to pioneer the utilisation of PayNet’s Indirect Retail Payments Platform (RPP) as a NonBank Participant (NBP) issuer via the banking group. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Wavpay, enhancing its e-wallet services by leveraging PayNet’s RPP rails, enabling features such as Scan-to-Pay DuitNow QR and DuitNow Transfer while providing users with a seamless and efficient mobile payment experience. Wavpay’s e-wallet offers users a convenient and interoperable cashless mobile payment experience besides being appointed as the official e-wallet provider for the Selangor state government, empowering the state’s residents with a convenient digital payment method. Wavpay’s e-wallet services include fund disbursements, municipal council services, remittance, e-marketplace, e-grocery and more. In partnership with the Selangor state government, innovative services such as Bingkas and state welfare initiatives, which are tailored to meet the needs of Selangor residents, are disbursed through Wavpay eWallet. AmBank Group wholesale banking managing director Jamzidi Khalid said that by leveraging PayNet’s RPP rails, they are not just facilitating transactions; they are shaping a seamless, efficient, and inclusive future of digital payments. “This strategic move is in line with our core vision of providing a variety of innovations and customer-centric solutions. At AmBank, we are dedicated to driving innovation, and this partnership exemplifies our ongoing efforts to shape the future of digital payments,” he added. Wavpay CEO Brahma Shakthi said they take immense pride in being the first in the country to leverage PayNet’s RPP as an NBP issuer via AmBank, opening up a world of possibilities for their e-wallet users. This strategic collaboration allows Wavpay to extend its reach to an extensive network of 1.9 million DuitNow QR touchpoints across Malaysia. At Wavpay, he added, they believe in shared growth, and this partnership is a testament to their dedication to providing innovative and accessible financial solutions. Paynet chief commercial officer Gary Yeoh said, “The usage of e-wallets in Malaysia has soared since the emergence of Covid-19, further spurred on by e-wallet incentives driven by the Malaysian government under the eMadani initiative. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of e-payment transactions per capita from 170 in 2020 to 222 in 2021, and 291 in 2022. “The next target is to achieve 400 epayment transactions per capita by 2026, as outlined in the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026 by Bank Negara Malaysia. Through our collaboration with AmBank and Wavpay, we support the transformation to a cashless society, accelerate the greater adoption and usage of e-payments. PayNet remains committed to enabling e-wallet accessibility at 1.9 million DuitNow QR touchpoints, providing a hassle-free transaction experience to e-wallet users.” To celebrate the collaboration, Wavpay is running a campaign to encourage users to make payments via Scan-to-Pay DuitNow QR using the Wavpay mobile app. The campaign will reward users with a 5% cashback for every transaction made using Scan-to-Pay DuitNow QR, from now until April 15. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top three highest transactors who made the highest total transaction amount over the duration of the campaign, with a minimum of RM3,000. AmBank, Wavpay forge landmark collaboration oE-wallet provider pioneers use of PayNet’s Indirect Retail Payments Platform as a Non-Bank Participant issuer via bank From left: Yeoh, AmBank Group head of transaction banking Jagjit Kaur Ranjit Singh, AmBank Group wholesale banking managing director Jamzidi Khalid, Brahma, Wavpay COO Tan Chun Aik and PayNet director, financial institutions, Muhamad Adlan Hussan. IHH Healthcare to provide special benefits to Indonesia’s Bank Mega cardholders PETALING JAYA: Bank Mega, a leading financial institution in Indonesia, has entered into a strategic partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading healthcare provider in the region with a network of renowned brands such as Gleneagles Hospitals, Pantai Hospitals and Prince Court Medical Centre. The signing ceremony was officiated by Bank Mega vice-president director Diza Larentie and IHH Healthcare Malaysia chief commercial officer Sipika Singh. The collaboration will enhance healthcare accessibility for Bank Mega’s cardholders, giving them more choices when seeking highquality and accessible medical treatments in Malaysia. Under this partnership, Bank Mega cardholders will enjoy benefits on services such as health screening, medical travel assistance which include services from preadmission and enquiries to meet and greet, airport arrival and transfers, and other complimentary services including airport pickups and welcome gifts, among others. Sipika Singh said, “IHH Healthcare Malaysia has always been at the forefront of providing quality healthcare services in the region and we firmly place our patients at the centre of all that we do. Our team of over 1,300 healthcare professionals, leveraging advanced medical technology and cutting-edge equipment has enhanced our ability to provide comprehensive treatments in many specialties.” Through this partnership, she added, Bank Mega credit card holders will enjoy special benefits, including preferential pricing, priority appointments, and specialised health packages. These include discounts on all health screening packages, room and board discount, free airport pickup and a free body composition test. Diza said “We are excited about this exclusive partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia. This partnership is aligned with Bank Mega’s dedication to providing benefits and holistic solutions for its customers, especially if related to health. “Health is an essential aspect of one’s overall well-being and we are proud to join hands with IHH Healthcare, to offer our cardholders access to world-class healthcare services in Malaysia.” In addition, she said, Bank Mega customers may also enjoy choices of payment settlement by converting the payment into instalments using a Bank Mega credit card.

MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME PETALING JAYA: Datuk Mohamad Idham Nawawi (pic) demonstrated laser-sharp focus on cost efficiency in his first year at the helm of the merged CelcomDigi Bhd. The telecommunications and mobile service provider’s CEO said he emphasised the importance of financial prudence right from the outset of what proved to be a successful first year after the largest telco merger in the region. “We made sure that from day one, our new way of working, we’re very, very cost-aware. Setting up the new ways of working for the new company which ultimately improved the free cash flow and enabled us to, even during the integration, pay dividend,” he told during its full-year results briefing for FY23 recently. Mohamad Idham said the company is committed to delivering RM8 billion in net present value/present value of cost synergies (net of integration cost). “We attained a substantial portion of that target in the first year following integration ... about RM366 million gross synergy through the integration that we have done,” he said. On performance, Mohamad Idham said CelcomDigi managed to retain its market share, especially the core segments and ended the year with a stronger customer base than what it had before. “We added from January until December last year about 466,000 new customers, taking our total customer base to 20.6 million subscribers,” he disclosed. During the year, the company introduced its new brand, CelcomDigi, along with a new logo which he said symbolises dynamism, energy and customer-centric approach. CelcomDigi conducted more than 50 marketing campaigns and enhanced customer service by keeping Digi stores and Celcom Blue Cube outlets open every day during the year. Mohamad Idham said the company aims to upgrade 18,000 sites within its network. This involves consolidating 12,000 sites from Digi and 12,000 sites from Celcom into a unified network totalling 18,000 sites. “We have completed 35% of that. So we modernised about 5,600 sites over the past 12 months. It’s ahead of schedule. We targeted about 30%, we have hit about 35% of the network integration,” he said. At the same time, Mohamad Idham also focused on its people, which became the foundation of what was needed to carry out the integration. “We identified the top 100 of the management team even before day one itself (Dec 1, 2022). And the top 300 leaders in the company within the first 100 days. And that set the foundation for us to execute the process of these two companies becoming a single company,” he said. Mohamad Idham, in his own words, “harmonised” and “integrated” the Celcom and Digi sales teams, but acknowledged the challenge of merging previously competing teams. Mohamad Idham has extensive experience in the telecoms industry. Prior to being appointed CEO following the merger, he was CEO and executive director of Celcom with over 30 years of experience in the telecoms and the IT industries. Meanwhile, MIDF Research said it is bullish on CelcomDigi’s growth trajectory following the full-year results announcement. The firm maintains a “buy” on CelcomDigi with a slight revision in target price to RM4.95 from RM4.94. It anticipates no let-up in the group’s future performance with upside potential emanating from the merger synergies as well as steady growth in service revenue. Higher dividend reflects excellent investment strategy: Economist PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) dividend of 5.5% for conventional savings in 2023 is better than in the previous year when it was only 5.35% and this shows improvement in performance following a challenging year, said Professor Geoffrey Williams, an economist at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology. He said the payout should be satisfactory for most members as it is higher than fixed deposit interest rates and gives higher return with lower risk than ASB at 5.25%, for example. “The total EPF payout for 2023 is RM57.8 billion which is 13% higher than in 2022 which was RM51.14 billion. It reflects an excellent investment strategy last year by the EPF team under the previous CEO Amir Hamzah Azizan who is now Finance Minister II,” Williams said, adding that the overall results of RM66.99 billion total investment income and RM57.8 billion payout arevery strong and show that a good portfolio management strategy involving domestic and overseas assets can continue to perform even in difficult circumstances. As at December 2023, the EPF’s investment assets stood at RM1,135.82 billion, of which 62% were invested domestically and 38% internationally. Domestic investments generated RM31.71 billion, or 47%, of total investment income, global assets generated income of RM35.28 billion, or 53%, of the total investment income recorded. The main factors were a more stable environment for EPF with no withdrawals, improvement in number of members and contributions which raised the investable funds and a good strategic asset allocation especially in overseas markets, which pushed up the returns. Williams said it is a very good performance and shows recovery from the last few years. The long-term strategy is sound and in addition to the payout allows EPF some retained funds for reinvesting. CelcomDigi CEO’s focus on cost efficiency pays off oTelco marks successful maiden year as one entity after industry’s biggest merger in region Ringgit is undervalued, says EPF CEO PETALING JAYA: The ringgit is currently undervalued, according to the Employees Provident Fund CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn. He remarked that while foreign exchange (FX) rates are a factor, they are not the sole deciding factor in asset allocation. “We do feel like the ringgit is undervalued. ... FX rate is not the only factor we are looking at when making a decision to divide an asset and so forth, but it is one of the factors,“ he told reporters yesterday during its financial performance briefing. Concurrently, he said that when an asset is undervalued, investors tend to profit on those investments and EPF could capitalise on such opportunities by realising profits from investments. “I’m not able to tell you in terms of notes (the investment value), because that’s confidential information but the principle is that when an asset is undervalued we tend to take profit,” he added. EPF’s investment assets continued to record strong growth by 13% to RM1.14 trillion in 2023 compared with RM1.003 trillion in 2022. In addition, it remains the largest investor in the domestic market with an asset under management of RM702.48 billion as at December 2023, compared with RM643.38 billion in 2022. Deployment into domestic market accounted for more than 80% of 2023 investment allocation. It has a total foreign investment asset of RM433 billion for the same period compared with RM359 billion registered in 2022. Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said EPF’s performance showed a respectable trajectory despite overall volatility in the global market last year. “Generally, the announced dividends are in a respectable trajectory. If we compare to the year prior, they are on a rising trend which reflects the performance of the external markets. “In a nutshell, there is an increase in gross income more than 20%. Moreover, the announced dividends rates are more than the inflation rates. Mohd Afzanizam noted that EPF has about 38% exposure in the overseas markets, meaning that the diversification strategy in EPF’s investment portfolio has come into fruition. “If we look at the movements of the global markets and if we look at EPF’s investments in the domestic markets, the domestic market’s performance will also be impactful (towards its overall performance),“ he said. Yesterday, EPF announced a dividend rate of 5.50% for Simpanan Konvensional, with a total payout of RM50.33 billion and 5.40% for Simpanan Shariah, with a total payout of RM7.48 billion, bringing the total payout for 2023 to RM57.81 billion. Starting January 2024, the EPF has separated its Simpanan Konvensional and Simpanan Shariah portfolios in relation to their syariah-compliant investment, in order to allow each portfolio’s returns to be optimised in the long run with each portfolio having an independent SAA. The separation also ensures that assets under both Simpanan Shariah and Simpanan Konvensional are well diversified across asset classes, geographies, markets and industries to ensure sustainable returns. The crediting of the dividends for both Simpanan Konvensional and Simpanan Shariah was scheduled to be completed yesterday. Members may check their accounts via i-Akaun or get their statement from any EPF self-service terminal. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] From left: EPF CFO Mohamad Hafiz Kassim, CIO Rohaya Yusof, Ahmad Zulqarnain, COO Sazaliza Zainuddin and chief digital and technology officer Muhammad Afhzal Abdul Rahman at the briefing. █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected]

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 14 DRB-HICOM reports FY23 pre-tax profit of RM446.9m volume, strong after-sales performance and effective operational cost reduction initiatives. National carmaker Proton achieved record high vehicle sales since 2011 with 154,611 units sold in 2023 (FY22: 141,432 units). Honda retained its number one position in the nonnational passenger vehicle segment which it had held since 2014, achieving its 2023 sales target of more than 80,000 units. The banking sector achieved revenue increase of 35.3% (FY23: RM1.7 billion against FY22: RM1.3 billion). This was primarily due to higher financing income fuelled by an increase in financing volume attributed to sustainable expansion and a growing customer base, along with a rise in the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 3% in FY23 from 2.75% in FY22. The services sector recorded revenue increase of 13.4% (FY23: RM833.6 million, FY22: RM734.8 million). This was mainly contributed by the inflight catering business with a higher number of meals prepared and ground handling business in line with the growing number of flights, as well as higher revenue from the ArRahnu business. The group’s banking business continued to operate efficiently while maintaining prudent risk profiles. The aerospace and defence, postal, services and property sectors remained vigilant, strengthening operational efficiencies and practising prudent financial management, while simultaneously pursuing the group’s sustainability agenda. DRB-HICOM expects a positive performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024. oDriven mainly by strong performance in automotive sector Benefits in kind, perquisites come under greater scrutiny ALL employees should have received their EA forms by Feb 29 where your income together with your benefits in kind (BIK), allowances, perquisites, etc, will be made available for the employees to enable them to file their tax returns, which are due on April 30. There are many employers who are oblivious of their obligations to fully disclose BIK and perquisites provided to their employees. Many employers take this lightly. It is time that this should stop as the tax authorities are now beginning to pay greater attention to whether there is completeness in the disclosure of BIK and perquisites. The responsibility to disclose all BIK and perquisites lies with the employer. Failure to disclose can lead to the employer being taken to court and, if convicted, be liable to a fine not more than RM20,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Inevitably, the persons who will face the consequence in court will be the directors of the company. Difference between benefits in kind and perquisites Perquisites are benefits in cash or kind which are convertible into monies – such as company credit card, loan interest subsidy, scholarships, company products sold at a discount, utility bills borne by the company, etc. BIK are not convertible into monies; examples include company car, house furniture and furnishings, domestic help such as maids, gardeners, drivers or security guards, etc. Both of them could be received from the employer or third parties in the course of exercising an employment. What is commonly missed out? In many cases, companies tend to claim that cars provided to directors and employees are available, if required, to other employees. However, in practice, this rarely happens, and the so-called “company car” is usually parked at night at the employee’s residence. In such cases, the car should be treated as a BIK of the respective employee. The same principle applies to company drivers too as many employers claim that they have a pool of drivers and there should be no BIK to the individual but in reality there is a specific driver assigned to the employee or director. Companies could provide discounted stock or assets to their employees, from basic consumables to expensive properties. Such discounts are treated as perquisites to the employees. If an employee is given more than one unit of mobile phone, the additional unit should be treated as a BIK. There is also a misconception that as long as the employer does Bursa Malaysia expected to be in consolidation mode with upside bias KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is expected to stay in consolidation mode with a slight positive bias this week following decent corporate earnings and attractive valuations. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vicepresident Thong Pak Leng said, additionally, the increasing daily trading volume suggests that overall sentiment is improving. “The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) has been consolidating within the 1,542 and 1,558 range following its successful breakout from the 1,540 mark on Feb 20. Despite this consolidation, the index has maintained its position above all Exponential Moving Averages, indicating an increasing potential for upward movement. “Hence, we believe that the benchmark index is still in consolidation mode with a slight positive bias,“ he told Bernama. Thus, Thong anticipates the index to stage a rebound and hover within the range of 1,540 to 1,570 this week, with immediate support at 1,534, followed by 1,520. “The next notable resistance level is at 1,570, and a breakthrough above this point could indicate a potential for further upward momentum,” he added. The market was mostly lower last week due to profit-taking following recent gains and was also in line with the downbeat performance in the regional markets. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the FBM KLCI eased 11.09 points to 1,538.02 from the previous week’s 1,549.11. On the index board, the FBM Emas Index declined 109.05 points to 11,410.31, the FBMT 100 Index lost 97.40 points to 11,074.77, the FBM 70 Index dipped 207.80 points to 15,384.72, the FBM Emas Shariah Index slipped 90.23 points to 11,471.55, and the FBM ACE Index tumbled 125.53 points to 4,760.36. Weekly turnover jumped to 22.55 billion units worth RM19.61 billion from 18.60 billion units worth RM13.51 billion in the preceding week. Ringgit likely to stabilise against dollar this week KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to stabilise at 4.74 to 4.75 against the US dollar this week following its significant rise in the previous week, said Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid. He said markets will be watching for the US non-farm payrolls (NFP) data closely this week with consensus estimates pegging it at 188,000 for February. “Should the NFP turn out to be within expectations or lower than expected, the US dollar would weaken,” he told Bernama. However, Mohd Afzanizam said it is highly uncertain at this juncture and it boils down to the timing for the first interest rate cut which is now expected to occur in June instead of the previous target in March. “Such a moving target would make the market indecisive, leading to a high demand for the US dollar. Therefore, incoming data is very critical for investors to form their opinion and trading strategy,” he added. For the week just ended, the ringgit traded mostly higher against the US dollar after Bank Negara Malaysia announced it had stepped up its engagements with government-linked investment companies, governmentlinked companies, corporations and investors to encourage continuous inflows into the foreign exchange market. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the ringgit climbed to 4.7440/7480 against the greenback compared with 4.7750/7795 a week earlier. The local note was traded higher against major currencies. It rose vis-a-vis the Japanese yen to 3.1642/1681 from 3.1677/1709 a week earlier, went up against the British pound to 6.0042/0111 from 6.0437/0494, and appreciated versus the euro to 5.1434/1493 from 5.1656/1705 previously. The ringgit was also traded higher against all other Asean currencies. It appreciated to 13.2140/2345 against Thai Baht from 13.2198/2381 last Friday, rose versus the Singapore dollar to 3.5257/5301 from 3.5489/5525 a week ago, edged up against the Indonesian rupiah to 301.5/302.0 from 306.1/306.5 previously, and strengthened against the Philippine peso to 8.43/8.44 from 8.54/8.55 in the previous week. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: DRB-HICOM Bhd recorded a pre-tax profit (PBT) of RM446.9 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023 (FY23), up 9% from RM410 million in FY22. This was on the back of a 2.2% increase in revenue to RM15.9 billion (FY22: RM15.5 billion). For the quarter ended Dec 31, 2023, the group recorded a PBT of RM45.7 million, on revenue of RM3.8 billion. The increase in PBT for FY23 was primarily driven by strong performance within the automotive sector, which saw revenue growth of 2.3%, rising to RM11.3 billion from RM11.1 billion in FY22. The improved performance was mainly attributed to increased vehicle sales Benefits in kind are not convertible into monies and examples include company cars. – AFPPIC not claim a tax deduction on BIK or perquisites provided to directors or employees, it is not a BIK or perquisite to the staff and therefore is not reported in the EA forms. Claiming a deduction in the company and declaring the BIK or perquisite in the EA forms are two different matters. Different treatment for directors Any employee such as a director who has the power to control the affairs of the company through shareholding, or possession of voting power or other means will not be able to enjoy the same tax treatment in benefitting from the exemption of taxation of certain BIK and perquisites such as travelling allowance of RM6,000 per year, childcare allowance of RM3,000 per year, discounts for consumable business products of the employer up to RM1,000 per year, meal allowance, monthly telephone or internet bill. Similarly, when living accommodation is provided by the company, there is different treatment given to a non-service director. In case there are any errors in the EA forms given to the employees for YA2023, it is advisable for employers to amend the forms immediately before the employees file their annual tax returns. This article is contributed by Thannees Tax Consulting Services Sdn Bhd managing director SM Thanneermalai (www.thannees.com).

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 15 Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE Gagasan Nadi Cergas turns profitable in FY23 PETALING JAYA: Construction group Gagasan Nadi Cergas Bhd recorded a net profit of RM2.3 million in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023 (FY23) compared to a loss of RM3.4 million last year. The net profit was buoyed by the positive performance of the group’s property development and utilities segments. For the year under review, revenue increased 36.9% to RM319.7 million from RM233.5 previously. Group managing director Wan oNet profit buoyed by positive performance of group’s property development, utilities segments Overall turnover dips, YTL Power active STRUCTURED warrants turnover came in slightly lower for the week ended March 1, 2024, logging a total of RM594.7 million versus RM599.4 million the prior week while the average daily turnover stood at RM118.9 million with warrants over the Hang Seng Index (HSI) making up 68.8% of the weekly total warrants’ turnover. Meanwhile, warrants over Malaysian shares recorded a total turnover of RM182 million, forming 30.6% of the overall weekly turnover, which was 5.1% higher week-on-week (w-o-w) from RM173.2 million in the previous week. It was another volatile week for the HSI futures with three red days out of five as prices kickstarted Monday on a weaker note, inching down 0.5% but rebounded to end 1.1% higher at 16,814 on Tuesday from an intraday low of 16,438. The surge however, lost its steam on Wednesday through Thursday with prices sliding lower before ending the week at 16,550 following choppy trading. The weekly decline came as investors awaited clues on fresh fiscal stimulus from a key political gathering in Beijing next week (Reuters, March 1). The volatile moves contributed to trading interest in both HSI call and put warrants. The put warrants, HSIHSL and HSI-HPR were the top active for the week, logging up to 456.2 million and 304.4 million units traded respectively, while the call warrants HSI-CVE and HSI-CVB logged 267.2 million units and 238 million units traded respectively. The put warrant HSI-HSD was also popular among investors with up to 230.3 million units traded. Investors should be aware that this warrant will be expiring on March 27, 2024 with its last trading date on March 25, 2024. A warrant that is approaching expiry will experience an accelerated rate of time decay, meaning its value will decline at a faster rate than warrants with a longer time to expiry, even if the underlying remains unchanged. Therefore, warrant holders are encouraged to review their warrant portfolios and plan their trading strategies accordingly. On the local front, warrants over YTL Power International (YTLPOWR) continued to see Azman Wan Kamal said, “Gagasan Nadi Cergas’ encouraging financial results for FY23 are mainly attributed to the strength of our property development segment. We expect this segment to be further augmented this year with the launch of the Rumah Idaman affordable homes project in Kwasa Damansara, slated to be in the first half of 2024, and the continued progress of the Rumah Idaman project in Bukit Jelutong.” He added they aim to fortify their position as a leading homebuilder in the Malaysian market, particularly in the affordable homes segment. For the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023, the group posted a net loss of RM1.2 million due to higher tax expense. However, the net loss was lower than a net loss of RM5.3 million in the previous year’s corresponding period due to a significant increase in revenue. Group revenue for the quarter doubled to RM106.6 million from RM54.5 million previously, largely due to revenue recognised from the progress of property development projects during the quarter in review. Last month, the group secured its second undertaking with Kwasa Land Sdn Bhd via a letter of award to build 4,183 affordable homes in Kwasa Damansara with a gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion, bringing the value of its ongoing property development projects to RM3.6 billion in GDV. The group has a construction order book of RM513 million as at Dec 31, 2023. WARRANTS WATCH Top warrants by volume traded Warrant Volume Issuer Exercise Expiry date name (’mil) level HSI-HSL 456.2 Kenanga 15,000 29 April 2024 HSI-HPR 304.4 Macquarie 16,200 28 Feb 2024 HSI-CVE 267.2 Kenanga 18,000 29 April 2024 HSI-CVB 238.0 Macquarie 17,400 29 April 2024 HSI-HSD 230.3 Macquarie 13,800 27 March 2024 interest last week amid volatile trading as the stock ended the week down by 2.5% at RM3.92 after trading within a weekly range of RM3.82 to RM4.19. YTLPOWR-C42 and YTLPOWR-C41 had the highest turnover with respect to warrants over local shares, recording a weekly turnover of up to RM16.2 million and RM5.5 million respectively. To view the full list of structured warrants available on Bursa Malaysia, kindly visit malaysiawarrants.com.my. Provided for Malaysian residents information only. This commentary has not been reviewed by the Securities Commission Malaysia. It is not an offer or recommendation to trade and is not research material. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. You should make your own assessment and seek professional advice. The Warrants will not be offered to any US persons.

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 16 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Asset managers ready for China rebound NEW YORK: Three straight years of losses from Chinese markets and anti-Beijing rhetoric from Washington have not deterred some American asset managers from introducing products they hope will thrive if Chinese stocks rebound. China’s markets have been hit by a long-lasting property crisis, slowing growth and geopolitical tension. The Institute of International Finance estimates US$80 billion (RM380 billion) of outflows from Chinese portfolios last year, and the bellwether blue-chip CSI 300 Index has fallen 43% from its record high of three years ago. Despite the extended pain, US fund managers with China-focused products have been betting that investors will want to return to the market, arguing that valuations make the country hard to ignore. China’s CSI 300 index currently trades at 12 times trailing 12-month earnings, while the S&P 500 index’s valuation is at 24 times 12-month earnings, according to Morningstar Direct. In an e-mail, Jonathan Krane, CEO of China-focused ETF provider KraneShares, said: “This is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy China equities at valuation levels not seen for a long time.” KraneShares has launched four new China-focused exchange-traded funds since the beginning of 2021. Its roster also includes one of the largest China-focused ETFs, the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF. Launched in 2013, it has about US$5 billion in assets. China’s sheer size and economic growth rate – even if lower than in past years – means investors need to have it in their allocations, fund managers argue. “Do we fundamentally think the second-largest economy in the world plays a role in investor portfolios? Yup, no question,” said Bryon Lake, global head of ETF Solutions at JP Morgan Asset Management. oProducts stacked up to take advantage of ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ The firm launched the JPMorgan Active China ETF in March last year, which now has about US$9.2 million in assets. In total there were four US-based, China-focused ETFs launched in 2023, compared with two the prior year and eight in 2021, according to Morningstar data, making a total of 48 US-based, China-focused ETFs at the end of last year. That takes into account both openings and closures and is a figure little changed in the last several years but up 46% in the last decade. Fund managers, however, have both economic and political challenges with China’s markets, from US scrutiny of Chinese investments to an unpredictable environment in China, where there can be sudden resignations or regulatory crackdowns. “The bear market scenario for China revolves around government policy, trade relationships and other political actions that surprise market participants,” said Rich Nuzum, global chief investment strategist at Mercer. The dour sentiment has led some funds to close. Global X Funds plans to shutter 10 of its 11 China-focused ETFs, which target a specific sector and together have an average of US$7 million in assets. The remaining fund, the Global X China MSCI Consumer Discretionary ETF, is the largest, with assets of US$215.4 million. Global X “probably went a step too far in anticipating that there’d be a China recovery and that it would be broad enough to spill over into sector funds”, said Bryan Armour, ETF strategist at Morningstar. “Slicing up the China market that specifically” may have been over-optimistic, he added. Global X declined to comment on the closures and could not be reached for comment on the assessment of why they closed. China-focused asset managers hope that being ready with an established fund – complete with a track record – will position them to profit most if China rebounds. Since it typically takes at least six months to roll out a new ETF and the process can be longer for asset managers that have to venture into new territory, having a product with a track record ready to scoop up fast-moving inflows can transform a tiny fund into a large player overnight. “There are tremendous first-mover advantages in the ETF space” for asset managers willing to battle the headwinds, said Michael Barrer, head of ETF capital markets at Matthews Asia. Matthews Asia, an investor in China for nearly 30 years, has launched a dozen ETFs targeting Asia, including two devoted to China and several others that include Chinese stocks since July 2022. “That way, when the tide turns, we have product that is readily available.” The firm launched the Matthews China Active ETF last July and the Matthews China Discovery Active ETF in mid-January. The latter targets smaller growth stocks. In any environment, launching new products – and keeping existing ETFs alive – requires careful planning, issuers say. “Having or adding a China-focused ETF to your family may make perfect sense, because this is a ‘building block’ that investors will want to use strategically” to get exposure to the world’s second-largest national economy, said Matthew Bartolini, head of SPDR Americas research for State Street Global Advisers. – Reuters Asia’s wealthiest man takes global rich to the zoo NEW DELHI: Top global celebrities will don “jungle fever” outfits in India for a trip to the zoo as part of a party thrown by Asia’s richest man. Pop star Rihanna, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka are among the rich and famous guests who jetted in for a three-day gala celebration hosted by billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani. This weekend’s party is an elaborate pre-wedding ceremony for younger son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, the daughter of wealthy pharmaceutical moguls. The three-day gala – which saw Umbrella singer Rihanna perform last Friday for the first time since last year’s Super Bowl – will continue with a trip to an “animal rescue centre” housing exotic animals. The facility is a pet project of Anant’s built in his family’s hometown Jamnagar in western Gujarat state, where the weekend party is taking place. Indian media reports said the family will host a “Walk on the Wildside”, an event held outdoors in the Ambani’s animal rescue centre. “Jungle fever” is the suggested dress code, and guests have been advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, reports said. In the evening, reports added, guests will ditch their safari-themed outfits for more elegant wear for an evening party celebrating Indian culture. Mukesh Ambani, 66, is chairman of Reliance Industries – India’s biggest company by market capitalisation – and the world’s 10thrichest man, according to the Forbes billionaires list, worth more than US$116 billion (RM550 billion). He inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas and petrochemicals from his father and Ivanka with Kushner at a pre-wedding celebration hosted by Ambani (right). – AFPPIC/RELIANCE grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications and an Indian Premier League cricket team. Reliance’s partnerships with storied fashion brands such as Burberry, Armani and Jimmy Choo have helped the conglomerate cater to the growing appetite for luxury goods among India’s growing middle class. Ambani’s family home – a 27-floor skyscraper dubbed Antilia that reportedly cost more than US$1 billion to build and has a permanent staff of more than 600 servants – is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks. It was criticised after its 2010 completion by author Arundhati Roy and others for starkly illustrating the wide gulf between India’s business elite and its poor multitudes. Ambani held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost US$100 million and saw US singer Beyonce perform. Younger son Anant, 28 – who also serves as a director on the boards of several Reliance-owned firms – is expected to marry Merchant, 29, later this year. This time around, the guest list includes Disney chief Bob Iger, following a deal agreed last Wednesday between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney to merge their Indian media businesses. The merger will create an US$8.5 billion entertainment giant in the world’s most populous nation and fifth-largest economy. Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, cricket greats Sachin Tendulkar and M.S. Dhoni, and industry titan Gautam Adani are also invited in a who’s who of India’s super-rich. More than 1,000 guests have arrived at the Jamnagar airport from around the world, according to local media reports. The airport was redesignated by the government to accept foreign arrivals for 10 days with officials setting up customs and immigration booths to facilitate the arrival of guests, The Hindu newspaper reported. – AFP

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 17 US rethinks data protection policies WASHINGTON: From genomic information to internet-connected cars, the United States is rethinking its data protection policies – with further trade curbs aimed at China in the cards – as tech like AI brings new risks. In the past week alone, President Joe Biden took steps expanding Washington’s national security toolkit, sounding the alarm on possible risks from Chinese vehicles and tech, a day after issuing an order to limit the flow of sensitive personal data abroad. The fear is that such data can be used to track citizens, including those with sensitive jobs, or train artificial intelligence models. The use of sensitive data to develop AI could allow adversaries to use the tech to target US individuals for espionage or blackmail, such as by recognising patterns across datasets to identify people whose government links would be otherwise obscured. Washington has started to recognise the “strategic and national security value of data”, said Lindsay Gorman, senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. She noted that the Commerce Department’s investigation into risks from Chinese tech in connected vehicles is “a long-overdue look into the application layer of the future internet”. “We should expect further investigations into the data produced across the internet of things,” she said. The moves signal “broader concerns about national security risks emanating from unfettered free access to data,” said Emily Benson of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). oBiden sounds alarm on possible risks from Chinese vehicles and tech Until now, Chinese firms could legally buy US data in bulk, noted Martin Chorzempa, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. This creates an “imbalance”, he said, adding that the latest order closes a “loophole”. Washington has tried using national security grounds to limit foreign firms’ ability to buy American companies and access US data – but businesses could still acquire the information. A Duke University study published in November found that it is not tough to get sensitive data about active-duty military members, with information available via data brokers for as low as 12 cents per record. “Overall what we do see is the recalibration of the United States’ approach,” which has traditionally leaned towards free dataflows, said Benson, director of CSIS’s project on trade and technology. “That era seems to be behind us,” she told AFP. The approach to data comes as Washington mounts a broader push to power economic growth and maintain a US lead in tech competition with China – while putting up national security guardrails. A key factor is AI, which can quickly analyse and manipulate bulk data in carrying out espionage or cyber operations. “A part of this is a foundational security approach to reining in certain high-risk AI capabilities,” Benson said. Concurrently, Washington’s need to stay ahead in AI has spurred other federal policies such as the Chips Act, which pours US$39 billion into manufacturing incentives. Last Monday, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said AI has been a “game-changer” in demand for advanced chips, adding that the US can eventually house the entire supply chain for producing such semiconductors. Most global semiconductor manufacturing capacity is currently in China and East Asia, according to the US Semiconductor Industry Association. “China has been very proactive at building out its own data protection and data security regime,” said Chorzempa. “One element of that is restrictions on what data can be transferred cross-border,” he added, noting that foreign companies would not necessarily be able to get data from China on its citizens. US moves represent it coming more aligned with data governance regimes of its close partners, Benson of CSIS said. The European Union has strict data protection laws including its 2018 General Data Protection Regulation, and rules covering the flow of bulk commercial data between devices. Japan has been pushing for the flow of data while ensuring trust in privacy and security as well. “It’ll be interesting to see to what degree (American action) actually facilitates greater convergence among regimes, or whether we’re into unchartered territory when it comes to digital governance,” said Benson. – AFP Philippine firms partner for LNG project MANILA: Three top Philippine energy firms have partnered for the first time to form a large-scale integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, the companies said yesterday, in a deal two of them valued at US$3.3 billion (RM16.6 billion). Aboitiz Power and a subsidiary of Manila Electric (Meralco) (pic) agreed to invest in the gas-fired power plants of a unit of San Miguel Corp (SMC). The 1,278 megawatt (MW) Ilijan power plant and a new 1,320 MW facility are set to start operating by the end of the year. The three companies also aim to acquire the import and regasification terminal owned by Linseed Field Corp to store and process LNG fuel for the two power plants. “For the first time, three leading power companies are working together to secure our country’s energy needs while transitioning towards cleaner power sources,” SMC president Ramon Ang said in a statement. Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan described the deal as a “pathbreaking venture” as the companies hope the facility would bring down power costs and boost the country’s energy security. UBS AG acted as financial adviser Hunt says economic forecasts ‘have gone against us’ LONDON: British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said there had been a deterioration in the economic forecasts on which he is basing the annual budget statement that he will give this week, and he played down speculation over big pre-election tax cuts. The forecasts produced by Britain’s official budget watchdog “have gone against us”, Hunt told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper in an interview. “We don’t have as much of a positive outlook as we had at the end of the Autumn Statement,” he said, referring to a budget update last November. “So it’s going to be a budget where we stress the progress we’ve made on bringing down inflation, but also the importance of being responsible with the country’s finances.” Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are under pressure from within their Conservative Party to cut taxes in Wednesday’s budget to help the party’s flagging fortunes before a national election expected later this year. Hunt told the Sunday Telegraph that a tax cut which is funded by borrowing was “not a real tax cut” but his budget would “show people a direction of travel”. – Reuters Hunt leaving 11 Downing Street on his way to present a statement in the House of Commons in London. – REUTERSPIC to Meralco and Aboitiz Power for the transaction. The Philippines last year began importing LNG as its only gas field is set to run dry by 2027. The Malampaya field supplies power plants that meet one-fifth of the power requirements of the country’s main Luzon island, or more than one-10th of total installed capacity nationwide. – Reuters NYCB shares tumble after ‘material weakness’ disclosure WASHINGTON: New York Community Bancorp (NYCB) shares plunged nearly 26% on Friday after it replaced its CEO, reported a fourth-quarter loss that was more than 10 times what it previously stated and said it found “material weaknesses” in internal controls related to a loan review. The news spooked already jittery investors, with NYCB shares down 65% this year. “NYCB looks like a bank that is out of control, and it seems likely that they will have to take even steeper charges for loan loss provisions,” said Octavio Marenzi, CEO of advisory and consulting firm Opimas LLC. The bank’s shares closed down 25.9% at US$3.55. NYCB has been under pressure since it cut its dividend and posted a surprise fourth-quarter loss on Jan 31, citing higher provisions tied to Commercial Real Estate loans. Late on Thursday, the lender revised its quarterly loss to US$2.7 billion, citing a US$2.4 billion goodwill impairment tied to transactions from 2007 and before. The lender’s market value tumbled about US$900 million on Friday, bringing its total loss of market capitalisation to almost $5 billion since Jan 31. NYCB said the weaknesses it disclosed on Thursday were related to “ineffective oversight, risk assessment and monitoring activities”, but would not impact financial results for fiscal 2023. Citigroup analyst Keith Horowitz said the impairment should not be seen as a big surprise, but material weakness was a bigger issue. “Significant changes will need to be made with respect to how they monitor credit risk, which we expect may lead to them being more proactive on recognizing issues.“ NYCB said it will detail the remediation plan when it files its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 15 days. Compared to its peers, NYCB has a low concentration of uninsured deposits and said last month it had enough liquidity to offer its customers expanded deposit insurance. “The company has strong liquidity and a solid deposit base, and I’m confident we will execute on our turnaround plan to deliver increased shareholder value,” said new CEO Alessandro DiNello. But Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, said he would be “very cautious” of the stock. “Transparency is receding and a change in management could cause a loss of confidence from depositors.” Fitch Ratings downgraded NYCB and its subsidiary Flagstar Bank to BB+/B from BBB-/F3 on Friday evening. Several other firms, including Moody’s and Morningstar DBRS, have also downgraded the bank since its earnings. Moody’s further downgraded the NYCB on Friday evening, cutting its long-term issuer rating to B3 from Ba2, citing the Thursday filings. The ratings firm downgraded the long-term deposits of NYCB’s lead bank, Flagstar Bank, to Ba3 from Baa2. The bank has made a slew of board and management changes, necessary to improve investor confidence, said Chris Marinac, director of research at financial adviser Janney Montgomery Scott. NYCB on Friday named financial services veteran George Buchanan as its chief risk officer and Collen McCullum as its chief audit executive. DiNello, appointed as executive chairman last month, was on Thursday assigned the additional roles of president and CEO. DiNello is the former CEO of Flagstar Bank, acquired by NYCB in 2022. – Reuters

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 18 Apple’s new EU measures draw complaints BRUSSELS: Changes Apple is making to its services in the European Union (EU) “make a mockery” of new antitrust rules in the bloc, 34 digital organisations complained to the European Commission last week. They include app makers Epic Games and Spotify. “We are very concerned that Apple’s proposed scheme for compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) ... will not meet the law’s requirements, therefore inhibiting our ability to deliver the benefits of the DMA to consumers as soon as possible,” they said in a letter to the EU executive. Apple in January announced it was modifying how its iOS operating system, Safari browser and App Store operate in the 27-nation EU. It said it was doing so to comply with the DMA, which clamps down on anti-competitive practices online in the bloc. Apple and other big tech companies deemed “gatekeepers” – Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok owner ByteDance – have until March 7 to come into line with the DMA. The European Union law threatens fines of up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance or 20% for repeat offenders. Apple notably announced it was, for the first time, opening its App Store to rival apps and allowing payment services beyond Apple Pay on its iPhones. But application developers going that route had to agree to a new “Core Technology Fee” from Apple that would charge them €0.50 (RM2.55) per download, for apps getting more than one million downloads. Many app developers – among them Epic Games, maker of the massively popular Fortnite game – say that is a huge cost for them. They say it will simply line Apple’s pockets and cement its gatekeeper status. In their letter, the digital companies and associations said: “Apple’s new terms not only disregard both the spirit and letter of the law, but if left unchanged, make a mockery of the DMA and the considerable efforts by the European Commission and EU institutions to make digital markets competitive.” Several companies and experts have expressed doubts about how much Apple’s changes would ultimately broaden consumer choice and digital competition. Contacted by AFP about the letter, the European Commission said that proposed compliance measures announced by designated gatekeepers would be “properly analysed” once the March 7 deadline passes. That analysis would be “in its completeness and not just based on few announcements”, a spokesman said. “We are looking very carefully at how companies are complying and once we have full enforcement powers will not hesitate to act,” the spokesman said. – AFP oChanges ‘make mockery’ of new antitrust rules, say 34 digital organisations Parties, cars, curtains: Kenyans upset by govt spending spree NAIROBI: Expensive curtains, lavish garden parties and jet-setting lifestyles: Kenya’s cash-strapped government has been on a spending spree even as austerity measures take their toll on weary citizens. A report released by the country’s auditor-general last month said the office of the deputy president spent US$70,000 (RM332,000) on curtains while splashing out on furniture to the tune of some US$50,000. The purchases, which were “in breach of the law” for flouting procurement rules, according to the report, have struck a nerve with an angry public. “They have squeezed my finances to the limit as they drink and dine,” Kenyan teacher Moses Bett told AFP in the capital Nairobi. The East African powerhouse – where corruption is a hot-button issue – raised taxes to shore up revenue for government debt repayments even as many citizens were already struggling with the high prices of basic commodities. “I am living on negatives,” Bett said, patting the front pockets of his charcoal grey trousers. “Every day is becoming more difficult to fend for my family with what is left of my salary,” the 32-year-old father of two said. President William Ruto, who served as the country’s deputy leader from 2013 to 2022, had vowed to slash government spending, telling Kenyans in his inauguration speech that “we are living beyond our means”. But the 57-year-old leader, who campaigned on a platform to help the country’s poor, is planning to spend more than US$8.9 million to spruce up his eight official residences. His offices at Nairobi’s State House, built a century ago, will be renovated at a cost of more than US$4.8 million. The cost of the facelift is equivalent to more than 800 houses under a tax-funded housing plan introduced by Ruto last year. More than US$5.5 million have also been earmarked for the purchase of cars for Ruto, his deputy and the prime Cabinet secretary. The government has not commented publicly on the auditor general’s report and has not responded to AFP requests. “It appears they forgot us ... as soon as they got into power,“ hawker Sharon Mwaruma said. In the first six months of his presidency, Ruto – a teetotaller – spent more than US$10 million on receptions, parties and other hospitality supplies, according to treasury records. The president’s foreign trips have also come under fire. According to The Standard newspaper, which nicknamed Ruto “the flying president”, the former businessman has spent one in every five days outside Kenya, visiting more than 38 countries since taking office in September 2022. Ruto has defended the trips as central to his duties. “I don’t travel as a tourist. I have been going to plan the affairs of Kenya,” he told a church service in December. “I have been connecting Kenyans with employment and investment opportunities across the world,” he said. But Kenyans are not convinced. “The leaders do not care about us. Yet we voted them to power,” chef Judith Kamau said, sitting on a broken pavement in the upmarket business district of Kilimani. For decades, Kenyan administrations have been accused of wanton embezzlement despite repeated promises of a crackdown on graft and waste. Kenya was added last month to a “grey list” of countries subject to increased monitoring by the global anti-money laundering watchdog the Financial Action Task Force. Critics say Ruto’s economic measures have done little to ease Kenyans’ hardships. Inflation has been running high, at 6.9% in January, and the International Monetary Fund has warned it would likely inch up in the first half of this year. The country is sitting on public debt of more than US$70 billion – equal to over 67% of gross domestic product. And the Kenyan shilling tanked to historic lows before gaining in recent weeks after the government raised US$1.5 billion in a Eurobond buyback plan. Purity Mwende, who is unemployed, said she had few expectations from the government. “In Kenya, politics is only a means to get rich quick,” the 26-year-old told AFP. “Only their families are benefiting.” – AFP A woman walking through a street in the Kenyan city of Mombasa. – AFPPIC

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 19 Participation 19.8 41.5 38.7 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 638.0 1351.8 1095.9 3085.7 Sold RM m 582.9 1208.2 1294.6 3085.7 Net RM m 55.1 143.6 -198.7 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 1/3/2024 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) NESTLE 123.4 -1.5 2887 PETDAG 22.42 -0.42 2242 KLK 22.04 -0.36 9722 GAMUDA 4.98 -0.31 67338 PPB 15.3 -0.28 7,450 AAX 1.5 -0.2 256,294 KOTRA 4.8 -0.2 56 TIMECOM 5.3 -0.2 16,229 D&O 3.13 -0.19 70,180 SURIA 1.97 -0.19 4,347 COASTAL 1.49 -0.18 14692 HLFG 16.84 -0.16 1,315 ICON 0.59 -0.155 280,869 AJI 17.24 -0.14 742 ALLIANZ 18.74 -0.14 644 BAT 8.21 -0.14 9,757 CIMB 6.34 -0.12 460,044 HLBANK 19.6 -0.12 5,746 IOIPG 2.18 -0.12 75,752 PETGAS 17.82 -0.12 7,385 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) UTDPLT 23.08 0.96 6,219 ALLIANZ-PA 20.86 0.84 24 BKAWAN 19.6 0.22 118 QL 5.93 0.12 105,872 SOP 2.96 0.12 7229 MSNIAGA 1.6 0.11 694 HEIM 22.76 0.1 4,010 SPRITZER 2.12 0.09 8,193 BLDPLNT 11 0.08 214 EWEIN 1.04 0.08 9409 JTIASA 1.28 0.08 178,510 TAS 0.685 0.08 85,321 TEOSENG 2.08 0.08 19,327 AMWAY 7.21 0.07 1194 BIMB 2.53 0.07 39,460 CRESNDO 2.58 0.07 1,956 PGF 1.68 0.07 1,558 AEONCR 6.4 0.06 2,751 CEB 0.94 0.06 159,502 CHINHIN 3.94 0.06 1,347 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME BORNOIL 8,873,836 0.01 - - VELESTO 1,360,717 0.285 - - HM 1,150,085 0.15 0.005 3.45 RGB 945,797 0.315 0.025 8.62 TWL 767,803 0.035 -0.005 -12.5 FITTERS 748,744 0.05 0.005 11.11 YTL 742,361 2.6 -0.07 -2.62 VSOLAR 715,229 0.165 0.01 6.45 HONGSENG 677,450 0.015 - - MYEG 603,948 0.81 0.005 0.62 SPSETIA 477,647 0.845 - - CIMB 460,044 6.34 -0.12 -1.86 DIALOG 397,663 2.15 0.05 2.38 TDM 374,938 0.255 0.045 21.43 MINETEC 372,442 0.155 -0.005 -3.13 PBBANK 332,444 4.36 -0.04 -0.91 GENM 309,918 2.8 -0.07 -2.44 ICON 280,869 0.59 -0.155 -20.81 EKOVEST 267,357 0.455 - - JETSON 266,034 0.27 -0.07 -20.59 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: MARCH 1 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 11,410.30 -81.51 FBMKLCI 1,538.02 -13.42 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 573.68 -4.52 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.78 -0.50 CONSTRUCTION 205.60 -5.67 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,175.20 -141.20 ENERGY 909.65 -15.05 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 604.46 -5.93 HEALTH CARE 1,902.77 +3.44 TRANSPORTATION 960.77 -1.23 PROPERTY 909.63 -12.12 PLANTATION 7,223.86 +29.19 FBMSHA 11,471.50 -56.44 FBMACE 4,760.36 -7.77 TECHNOLOGY 64.15 -0.44 TURNOVER: 4.818 bil VALUE: RM3.085 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) FINTEC 0.01 100 21,903 XOX 0.015 50 28,523 MTRONIC 0.02 33.33 6,874 ZELAN 0.065 30 133,300 PDZ 0.05 25 75355 SANICHI 0.025 25 203 TDM 0.255 21.43 374,938 SINARAN 0.07 16.67 20 TAS 0.685 13.22 85,321 PMHLDG 0.13 13.04 119011 FITTERS 0.05 11.11 748744 MTOUCHE 0.05 11.11 8,854 RSAWIT 0.215 10.26 166,142 GFM 0.275 10 153723 WENTEL 0.345 9.52 137,802 SEALINK 0.18 9.09 44,799 RGB 0.315 8.62 945,797 EWEIN 1.04 8.33 9,409 ITRONIC 0.065 8.33 111,013 TSRCAP 0.26 8.33 30 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) FOCUS 0.01 -33.33 25,570 SCBUILD 0.01 -33.33 2,793 ZENTECH 0.015 -25 79,830 ICON 0.59 -20.81 280,869 JETSON 0.27 -20.59 266,034 YB-LA 0.02 -20 4,151 ARBB 0.045 -18.18 135,307 BSLCORP 0.025 -16.67 25,158 NIHSIN-PA 0.025 -16.67 800 PNEPCB 0.06 -14.29 151 XOXNET 0.03 -14.29 321 MENTIGA 0.57 -13.64 4 TRIMODE 0.33 -13.16 5,555 EIG 0.315 -12.5 40 PRG 0.14 -12.5 46,879 TWL 0.035 -12.5 767803 AAX 1.5 -11.76 256294 GPACKET 0.04 -11.11 42404 COASTAL 1.49 -10.78 14,692 ROHAS 0.34 -10.53 69,339 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 39087.38 90.99 0.23 S&P 500 (US) 5137.08 40.81 0.8 NASDAQ (US) 16274.94 183.02 1.14 NYSE (US) 17728.27 120.84 0.69 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4894.86 17.09 0.35 FTSE 100 (UK) 7682.50 52.48 0.69 DAX (GER) 17735.07 56.88 0.32 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 39910.82 744.63 1.9 TOPIX (JPN) 2709.42 33.69 1.26 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 16589.44 78.00 0.47 CSI 300 (CHN) 3537.80 21.72 0.62 SH SE COM (CHN) 3027.02 11.85 0.39 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2642.36 -9.93 -0.37 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 172.93 0.86 0.5 ASX 200 (AUS) 7745.61 46.91 0.61 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 8007.10 47.56 0.6 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 73695.87 1195.57 1.65 FBM KLCI 1538.02 -13.42 -0.87 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3132.80 -9.05 -0.29 WTI (US$/BBL.) 79.97 1.71 2.18 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 83.55 1.64 2 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2095.70 41.00 2 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 23.36 0.48 2.09 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 888.26 7.99 0.91 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 386.15 1.45 0.38 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8503.50 10.00 0.12 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 424.75 -4.75 -1.11 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 557.75 -18.50 -3.21 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 45.16 -0.05 -0.11 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 6327.00 278.00 4.6 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 162.00 -0.80 -0.49 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, Mar 1 Bursa ends lower on profit-taking activities BURSA Malaysia struggled to make significant progress above the 1,550 level and ended lower on Friday due to profit-taking activities following recent gains. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI eased 13.42 points to close at 1,538.02 from Thursday’s close of 1,551.44. The benchmark index, which opened 1.72 points firmer at 1,553.16, moved between 1,537.11 and 1,556.22 throughout the day. Losers outpaced gainers 679 to 396, while 448 counters were unchanged, 737 untraded and 23 others suspended. Turnover narrowed to 4.82 billion units worth RM3.09 billion versus yesterday’s 5.34 billion units worth RM7.01 billion. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said in the current market landscape, there’s a noticeable disparity among different markets. “While major US indices, particularly those dominated by mega tech companies in the artificial intelligence sector, continue to hit record highs despite concerns over rising US inflation and robust personal income growth, local stocks are grappling with challenges such as higher US yields and weaker manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data from China. “The latter indicates ongoing contraction in the manufacturing sector, which is weighing on investor sentiment,” he told Bernama. Among the Bursa Malaysia heavyweights, Maybank lost eight sen to RM9.45, Public Bank slid four sen to RM4.36, CIMB trimmed 12 sen to RM6.34, and Petronas Chemicals edged down seven sen to RM6.93. However, Tenaga Nasional rose four sen to RM11.30. As for the actives, Harvest Miracle Capital inched up half-a-sen to 15 sen, RGB International gained 2.5 sen to 31.5 sen, and TWL Holdings shed half-a-sen to 3.5 sen, while Borneo Oil and Velesto Energy were flat at one sen and 28.5 sen, respectively. 1538.02pts Mar 1, 2024

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. CIMB’S FY23 reported net profit of RM6.98 billion met expectations. However, an 18.5 sen interim dividend and 7 sen special dividend announcement translated to a full-year payment of 43 sen (65% payout) which beat our anticipated 35 sen target. The group appears receptive to offer more generous dividend disbursements going forward from its 50% historical average. YoY, FY23 net interest income declined slightly (-2%) owing to higher funding costs which dragged NIMs (2.22%, -29bps). That said, noninterest income surged 35% from better trading performances and fees. Operating margins were relatively stable while lower credit costs (32bps, -19bps) on improved asset quality especially in its retail segment. In addition to lower effective taxes, FY23 net profits came in at RM6.98 billion(+28%). QoQ, Q4’23 total income improved slightly thanks to support from better fees garnered while NIMs continued to be under pressure. Credit cost rose to 31bps (+10bps) during the quarter to top up on certain Thailand retail account, resulting in Q4’23 net profit to report at RM1.72 billion (-7%). The group had solidly met most of its FY23 targets, while only shy of achieving its cost-income target of <46%. Its FY24 targets would focus on growing sustainability and at a reasonable pace. FY24 loans growth target of 5%-7% reflects a slowing momentum from its 8% trajectory in FY23. The group aims to keep profitability in mind and appears willing to compromise on some market share to bolster margins. Stronger returns from its digital assets are likely to materialise with CIMB Philippines already breaking even for the group. We raise our FY24F earnings by 3% on model updates. Maintain MARKET PERFORM with a higher TP of RM6.60 (from RM6.30). THE construction segment saw a 25% YoY jump in EBIT for FY23 due to higher progress billings of the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project (88% financial recognition as of end Q4’23). Meanwhile, its property arm saw a 16% YoY EBIT contraction for FY23 due to the completion of Sentral Suites and TRIA 9 Seputeh in Q2’23. Completed unsold units reached RM389.4 million as at end Q4’23, which is lower than the RM587 million booked as at end Q2’23 – indicating that sales are progressing. MRC’s active construction orderbook as at end FY23 stood at RM15.7 billion – including the RM11 billion Bukit Jalil Sentral (BJS) project – which provides earnings visibility of >5 years. Phases 1A and 1B of the BJS project (GDV:RM900 million) may kick-off in Q4’24 – providing job continuity, as LRT3 is 88% financially completed (end-2024 target completion). The group’s RM30 billion tenderbook comprises three Mass Rapid Transit 3 packages (RM25-29 billion), a power plant in Kulim (<RM300 million), and Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (<RM400 million). Meanwhile, MRC’s property arm continues to have bright prospects – owing to its planned launches worth RM1.3 billion and RM2.3 billion in New Zealand and Malaysia for FY24. The group’s VISTA project at Australia’s Gold Coast (GDV: RM1.5 billion; launched in April 2023) has seen sales progress of 16% as of Jan 2024 (end Q2’23: 3%). With RM831 million of property sales achieved in FY23 (surpassing the full-year target of RM500 million), MRC may continue to record better sales momentum going forward. Still BUY, new RM0.70 TP from RM0.74, 20% upside. SPSETIA’S FY23 core net profit of RM208.8 million (adjusted for RCPS distribution of RM101.5 million and forex gains of RM11.7 million) beat our forecast by 56% but missed the consensus estimate by 7%. The variance against our forecast came mainly from higher-than expected lumpy profits from UNO Melbourne. YoY, its FY23 revenue decreased by 2%, primarily due to more completions seen in the preceding year. However, this was offset by lumpy recognitions from UNO Melbourne, and the clearance of certain property inventories, resulting in a 26% increase in gross profit due to their higher margins. This elevated gross margin to 30.7% (+6.8ppts), cascaded to better operating profits (+25%). However, the group’s joint venture, notably Battersea, experienced worsening losses (+130%). After accounting for RCPS dividends (which we consider as financing costs) and forex, FY23 core net profit still increased significantly by 88%. QoQ, it turned around in Q4’23 backed by a 28% growth in revenue, similarly, due to lumpy profits from Australia and improve sales from township projects in Klang Valley. In relation to the group’s RM4.2 billion sales target for FY23, actual sales reached RM5.1 billion, with RM4.7 billion from property development and RM400 million from land sales. Looking ahead, interest in the group’s Johor products is expected to increase due to government’s projects and incentives, and support from the RM548 million Tebrau land sales to SCIENTX. Its emphasis is on expanding its large-scale industrial projects – Setia Alaman, Tanjung Kupang, and Setia Fontaines Industrial, with a total GDV of RM6.64 billion remaining a focal point. We maintain our forecasts, lift our TP by 18% to RM0.80 (from RM0.68) and upgrade our call to MARKET PERFORM. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.8030 4.6690 4.6590 1 Australian Dollar 3.1400 3.0170 3.0010 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5690 3.4670 3.4590 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5370 3.4430 3.4310 1 Euro 5.2020 5.0350 5.0150 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9360 2.8280 2.8120 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5690 3.4670 3.4590 1 Sterling Pound 6.0750 5.8860 5.8660 1 Swiss Franc 5.4190 5.2950 5.2800 100 UAE Dirham 132.3900 125.5800 125.3800 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.4620 4.1720 3.9720 100 Chinese Renminbi 67.3200 64.4900 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.5400 65.8500 65.6500 100 Hongkong Dollar 62.0600 58.9800 58.7800 100 Indian Rupee 5.8900 5.5300 5.3300 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0316 0.0287 0.0237 100 Japanese Yen 3.2030 3.1030 3.0930 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.4800 42.7600 42.5600 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7500 1.6400 1.4400 100 Philippine Peso 8.6800 8.1800 7.9800 100 Qatar Riyal 133.3000 126.5400 126.3400 100 Saudi Riyal 129.6100 123.0400 122.8400 100 South Africa Rand 25.9800 23.4700 23.2700 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.5900 1.4700 1.2700 100 Swedish Krona 47.8000 43.5500 43.3500 100 Thai Baht 13.9900 12.4100 12.0100 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit ends week slightly lower against US dollar THE ringgit was slightly lower against the US dollar at Friday’s closing, although sentiment towards the local currency remains favourable, as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has said firmly that the ringgit is undervalued. At 6pm, the ringgit fell to 4.7440/7480 against the greenback compared with Thursday’s close of 4.7400/7455. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said BNM’s statement gives a clear indication that the value of Malaysian currency has been offtangent from its fundamental value. “It signifies potential upside for the ringgit and the fact that the ringgit might be experiencing some correction as it has been in the oversold condition for quite some time from the technical standpoint,” he told Bernama. Meanwhile, the ringgit was traded higher against a basket of major currencies. The local currency breached the 5.000-level against the British pound and closed higher at 5.9926/9977 from 6.0042/0111 yesterday, strengthened versus the euro to 5.1330/1373 from 5.1434/1493 previously, and strengthened visa-vis the Japanese yen to 3.1492/1521 from 3.1642/1681 at Thursday’s close. The ringgit was mixed against other Asean currencies. It edged up versus the Thai baht to 13.1928/2120 from 13.2140/2345 on Thursday’s close and was up against the Singapore dollar at 3.5229/5264 from 3.5257/5301 previously. The local note was down versus the Philippine peso to 8.47/8.48 from 8.43/8.44 yesterday and slipped vis-a-vis the Indonesian rupiah to 302.1/302.4 from 301.5/302.0. Alpha IVF aims to raise RM466.5m from IPO KUALA LUMPUR: Fertility care specialist Alpha IVF Group Bhd and its subsidiaries aim to raise RM466.5 million from its initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. The IPO exercise entails a total of 1,458.0 million ordinary shares in Alpha IVF priced at RM0.32 per share, comprising 364.5 million new shares and 1,093.5 million offer-for-sale shares from eight offerors. Of the targeted RM466.5 million IPO proceeds, RM116.6 million will be accrued to Alpha IVF Group, while the balance RM349.9 million will be accrued entirely to the offerors. Out of the total proceeds of RM116.6 million received by Alpha IVF Group, RM72.8 million will be allocated to establish new IVF centres, satellite clinics, and sales representative offices as part of their expansion plan domestically and internationally. A further RM15.7 million will be allocated for expansion and upgrade of existing specialist centres, facilities, and corporate office; RM2.2 million for research and development, as well as the remaining RM25.9 million for general working capital, general corporate purposes, and defraying of listing expenses. The IPO structure comprises an institutional offering of 1,239.3 million shares to institutional and selected investors, including 607.5 million shares allocated to bumiputra investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Among the total institutional offering, 145.8 million are newly issued shares. The remaining 218.7 million new shares constitute the retail offering, with 194.4 million shares available to the Malaysian public through balloting. Additionally, 24.3 million shares are allocated to eligible directors, employees, and individuals who have contributed to the success of Alpha IVF. S P Setia Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM0.80 Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd Buy. Target price: RM0.70 CIMB Group Holdings Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM6.60 Source: Kenanga Research Source: RHB Research Source: Kenanga Research March 1, 2024: RM6.34 March 1, 2024: RM0.58 March 1, 2024: RM0.84

Journey to ourney to Feudal Japan The Rise of the he Rise of the Ronin begins - onin begins - P22 WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME INSIDE p 23 Acer’s latest lineup p 24 A decade of darkness p 25 Rakul and Jackky’s Goa wedding p 26 VR meets Malaysian folklore

LYFE LYFE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 22 Swords and shadows THIS month is set to see the release of Rise of the Ronin (ROTR) and just like 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, the game is a big release for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). Set in 19th-century Japan, Ronin will see samurai clashes during the introduction of firearms into Japan during the Edo period. Like in films, samurais and ninjas have long been in video games, drawing fascination from gamers towards the Japanese culture and history from those feudal times. As we hurtle towards the release of ROTR, here are some extraordinary games featuring samurais and ninjas that you can try out before developer Team Ninja releases their big historical action game on March 22. The Ghost of Tsushima The cream of the crop, Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima, was released exclusively on the PlayStation 4 (and then PS5) to critical acclaim. Thrusting players into the sandals of lead character Jin Sakai, players were given a massive open-world to explore, collect weapons and defeat strongholds controlled by the Mongolian army, as Jin fights towards freeing the island of Tsushima and reclaiming his clan’s lost honour. Players have the option of using Sakai in whichever way they want. One can choose to fight as a samurai with honour in direct fights or take the path as a “ghost”, using ninja-like tools such as smoke bombs and throwing knives to fight the Mongol soldiers with dirty tactics. It has a strong, deeply emotional A film adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima is underway, while a sequel to the game is heavily possible. - SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT oRecommended games featuring samurais and ninjas before the release of Rise of the Ronin █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR With 12 bosses and about 30 minibosses, Sekiro may not appeal to casual gamers. - FROMSOFTWARE Nioh’s highlight is the action gameplay. - SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT The nearly two decades old Ninja Gaiden games in the Master Collection do not feel dated. - KOEI TECMO GAMES story and it is visually stunning while running or riding a horse through the Japanese countryside and forests. While it has elements taken from games that came before it, Ghost of Tsushima removes their weaknesses, while perfecting what works. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice A game that has been repeatedly featured in theSun, FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice imports the notorious difficulty from the studio’s previous games to deliver a brutal ninja game. As the Shinobi Wolf, players are tasked with rescuing Kuro, a child with divine powers running in his veins, from Genichiro, who seeks to use the child’s blood to create an immortal army. Combat in Sekiro is fast and unforgiving. If players play defensively, they will die and if they decide to go on the offensive, they will also die. The game lives up to its name. Dying is the way towards improvement and players will find themselves stuck at normal enemies and bosses, staring at the “Game Over” screen for hours until they learn to adapt and play better. Nioh and Nioh 2 Another franchise by Team Ninja, Nioh and Nioh 2 are more fantastical versions of Sekiro. Very much inspired by FromSoftware’s games, the Nioh games have rather nonsensical stories. But no one plays the games in this particular franchise for the story. It is the game’s difficulty and gameplay that are the draw. Players control William or Hide in their respective games and are given various tools to fight demons and creatures inspired by Japanese mythology. Gameplay involves utilising the huge range of weapons, from katanas to polearms, the different stances that carry out different fighting styles that target specific weaknesses and so on. Unfortunately, the games are not very good to look at from an art standpoint and the level designs are relatively straightforward, selfcontained maps. There is no open-world roaming, as the games are based around selecting a mission and fighting through that specific mission’s map. Ninja Gaiden Very much an old franchise, the early Ninja Gaiden games in the 1990s were developed by Tecmo, while the later games, beginning with the 2004 version, were made by Team Ninja. Though the franchise had different developers across two separate eras, the one constant was how they are all extremely hard action games and compared to the other games in this list. The Ninja Gaiden games are extremely violent, to the point that Tecmo had to censor one of the games before Germany allowed it to be released in the country. Despite Team Ninja moving their attention towards the Nioh games and the upcoming ROTR in recent years, three of the last main Ninja Gaiden games are available on the PlayStation Store through the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. It is a highly recommended bundle that contains Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and Ninja Gaiden 3 : Razor’s Edge.

LYFE LYFE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 23 Capcom mulls price adjustment POKEMON fans rejoice — a new game is on the horizon. The Pokemon Company and Game Freak will release a new Legends game set in the franchise’s Kalos region in 2025. This was revealed during the Pokemon Presents showcase on Feb 27. The new game, Pokemon Legends Z-A, is a sequel to the wildly popular Pokemon Legends Arceus, released in 2022. According to Polygon.com, Pokemon Legends Z-A’s reveal trailer was somewhat scarce on details, but the game will send players to Lumiose City, the Parisian-inspired central city of Pokemon X and Y. The official description reads: “Pokemon Legends: Z-A, an ambitious new entry to the Pokemon video game series, will launch on Nintendo Switch systems in 2025. A new adventure awaits within Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is under way to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokemon.” Beyond that, the trailer shows which Pokemon players can expect to appear in Pokemon Legends Z-A but does not feature any gameplay. The trailer does, however, hint at the return of Mega Evolutions, a mechanic introduced in Pokemon X and Pokemon Y. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR FOLLOWING the remarks made by Capcom president Haruhiro Tsujimoto last September, where he believed the price of games should adopt a higher price tag, the company is now seriously considering a shift in its software pricing. This was revealed in Capcom’s recently published latest earnings and the strategy is expected to kick off with the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2 next month. “Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be priced at US$69.99 (RM335). Industry-wide development costs are rising, and we are considering a price review as one option,” Capcom said. “Ultimately, we intend to take a thoughtful approach to pricing our games while ascertaining user feedback.” The company’s new outlook was expected for several reasons. As previously stated, Tsujimoto had already echoed this with his comments to Nikkei last year, saying: “There is also a need to raise wages. Considering the fact that wages are rising in the industry as a whole, I think raising unit prices is a healthy option for business.” Additionally, Capcom had been stalling the price increase for video games compared to other companies. Previously, Ubisoft was also late to the party by releasing Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora last December. It was the first Ubisoft game priced at US$70. Bigger publishers such as Sony, Activision, Nintendo and Microsoft had already begun increasing the price of their currentgeneration games as of late 2020. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The new Pokemon game will be the first since 2022. – NINTENDO Gen 10 of Pokemon games on the way Dragon’s Dogma 2 will likely begin a new pricing strategy by the publisher. – CAPCOM unmatched power and performance. The Predator Helios series, with its NVIDIA ADA Lovelace architecture, promises breakthrough gaming experiences, while the Nitro 50 gaming desktop offers optimised gaming performance in a sleek 18-litre chassis. To celebrate the launch of its gaming devices with 14th Gen Intel Core processors, Acer Malaysia is offering discounts of up to RM1,000 at select retailers until March 7. This limited-time offer provides an opportunity for gamers and enthusiasts to upgrade their setups with the latest gaming technology. Acer Malaysia’s diverse range of monitors and gaming devices reflects its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. Whether you are looking to boost productivity, enhance everyday computing experiences or enjoy top-tier gaming performance, Acer’s latest lineup has something for everyone. Explore their latest offerings today to elevate your computing and gaming experiences. ACER Malaysia has recently unveiled a comprehensive lineup of monitors and gaming devices, catering to a wide range of user needs. Here is a breakdown of their latest offerings. Portable productivity The Acer PM161Q B is a slim and portable display solution designed for professionals who are frequently on the move. It features a USB Type-C single-cable connection and a 15.6” FHD IPS panel, offering versatility and productivity enhancement. Priced at RM459, it is an ideal choice for multitasking professionals. Everyday excellence The Acer SA2 series is tailored for both home and office use, offering exceptional visuals and ergonomic comfort. Available in sizes ranging from 27” to 31.5” with resolutions up to 4K, these monitors ensure sharp and vibrant imagery. With features like ZeroFrame design and Acer VisionCare technology, they provide a comfortable viewing experience for extended periods, starting at RM629. Gaming glory The Acer Nitro VG2 series targets gamers looking for immersive gameplay experiences. Models like the VG272K V3 and VG272U W2 boast IPS panels with resolutions up to 4K and WQHD, respectively, delivering true-to-life colours and smooth performance. With refresh rates up to 240Hz and Acer’s BlueLightShield Pro technology, these monitors offer competitive gaming performance starting at RM1,199. Powerhouse performance Acer offers the Predator Helios and Nitro series laptops and desktops for gaming enthusiasts and performance seekers. Equipped with the latest Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, these devices deliver Something for everyone oAcer aims to please wide base of users with latest range of products The PM161Q B – PICS COURTESY OF ACER MALAYSIA The Acer SA2 Series The Acer VG2 Series The Acer Nitro 50 █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ The Predator Helios The Predator Helios Neo 16

LYFE LYFE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 24 Fans call for Bloodborne remake RELEASED nearly a decade ago, Bloodborne was one of the highlights when it came to owning a PlayStation 4 (PS4), as it was a console exclusive. Unlike FromSoftware’s previous Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls games, Bloodborne was removed from the medieval fantasy of those games. It was instead heavily influenced by HP Lovecraft’s brand of cosmic horror while taking inspiration from the late Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga series. The game’s combat was also much faster than in the studio’s previous projects. It was something old fans of FromSoftware loved and it brought in new fans that wanted punishing difficulty with blazing fast, aggressive combat. Bloodborne’s style of aggressive fighting and being able to reflexively adapt was then reintroduced in FromSoftware’s Bloodborne borrows heavily from Lovecraft’s cosmic horror. - SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT oFromSoftware boss is aware that many want to see new version of PS4 classic █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Uematsu previously took an indefinite hiatus in 2018 due to poor health. - SPOTIFY Updates for Spider-Man 2 game FOUR months after its release, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is still being supported by developer Insomniac Games. Absent during the Oct 20 launch, the game will probably receive its most important update with the big version 1.002 upgrade. After calls from the fanbase for a New Game plus mode, Insomniac is finally bringing it to the game. “We know many of you have been eager to replay the game on a harder difficulty, with all your suits and abilities carrying over,” Insomniac Games community director James Stevenson wrote on a new PlayStation Blog post. Stevenson goes on to say that players will even be able to replay their favourite missions, while the update will also bring new features to unlock, such as Ultimate Levels and Golden Gadget styles. The famous Symbiote suit that made its debut in the game will also see further improvements, with new styles that players can customise to their liking. This will apparently include the option to change the colour of the suit’s traditional black and white to other palette options. New suits will also be available, such as the Hellfire Gala designs by Russell Dauterman and Bernard Chang. Always at the forefront of making their games more accessible, particularly for players with disabilities, the upcoming update will also see Insomniac adding audio descriptions and screen readers to the game. The update will arrive on the PlayStation 5 on Thursday. - BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The Hellfire Gala suits are small additions to a big update. - SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ONE of the names most prominently attached to the Final Fantasy franchise is Nobuo Uematsu, the music composer for the first nine games in the franchise from 1987 to 2000. He also scored several sidegames in the franchise. Despite composing the soundtrack for 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, Uematsu only contributed the main theme for that game’s two remakes: Final Fantasy VII: Remake and the recently released Rebirth. In a new interview with Zeit Online, Uematsu explains the scenario. “As far as Final Fantasy is concerned, I’m still involved in writing the main themes for the games,” he explained. “But I don’t think I’ll compose music for a whole game again. “You would have to give it full throttle for two or three years. And I don’t think I have the physical and mental strength to do it anymore,” he explained. However, the 64-year-old does feel that nostalgia for scoring an entire game could compel him to do so again. “I think I’d rather use the time I have left to work on other projects that I love. Such as compositions like Merregnon or my band Uematsu Nobuo conTIKI,” he said. Uematsu’s last full game soundtrack was Fantasian, the Apple Arcade exclusive role-playing game written and produced by his longtime creative partner and Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. That said, those who want to hear the legendary game composer perform orchestral versions of his video game music can always look forward to his numerous live concerts, such as the Merregnon: Heart of Ice orchestral show that took place on Feb 29. - BY MARK M A T H E N VICTOR studio’s flagship games, including Bloodborne, recently commented on the potential for a remake during an interview with Eurogamer. “It is a title we hold very dear and just as dear as our fans. It does make me very happy to see that there are still so many people passionate about it,” he said. “Put simply, it makes me very happy to see it’s a title with a lot of specific memories, both for me and the staff who worked on it. And when we see those passionate voices in the community, of course it makes us feel thrilled; it makes us feel very fortunate to have that and to have those memories.” Without concrete confirmation, fans will just have to be content with Miyazaki’s acknowledgment that the studio is aware of the calls for a remake. ninja game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Hence the game’s special place in PS4 history. It is also why fans have been asking for a remake of the game for the longest time. Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware and creator of the No more full soundtracks

LYFE LYFE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 25 Bollywood star victim of identity theft ACTRESS Vidya Balan has fallen victim to identity theft, as fake social media accounts were created in her name. Fake Instagram (vidya.balan.pvt) and email ([email protected]) accounts were set up by an unknown individual, soliciting cash and offering jobs. The actress became aware of these false accounts last month and has since reported the incident to the authorities. Vidya’s official Instagram account is @balanvidya, boasting over nine million followers. Known for her roles in films like Kahani, Bhool Bhulaiya, Mission Mangal and No One Killed Jessica, the 45-year-old actress is set to star in the upcoming romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar. - BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Vidy’s official Instagram account has over nine million followers. - IMBD Blackpink’s Jisoo launches solo agency BLACKPINK’S Kim Jisoo recently made headlines by announcing the establishment of her own agency Blissoo on Feb 21. Confirming earlier reports, Kim took to her personal Instagram to share the news of her solo venture, expressing excitement for this new chapter in her career. In her announcement, she emphasised her dedication to spreading joy and happiness to her fans, urging continued support not only for her solo endeavours but also for Blackpink, the globally successful girl group of which she is a prominent member. Alongside her announcement, Jisoo revealed Blissoo’s mission to transcend conventional boundaries in entertainment, aiming to share the unique happiness she brings through her individual pursuits. Accompanying the launch, Blissoo introduced a new website and official social media accounts, signifying a concerted effort to establish its presence in the industry. Despite venturing into solo activities under Blissoo, Jisoo’s commitment to Blackpink remains intact, as all members, including herself, renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment for group activities, ensuring a continued partnership with their original management. - BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Despite her solo venture, Jisoo remains committed to the girl group. – INSTAGRAM/@BLISSOO Love knows no script RAKUL Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani’s love story took a different route from the typical Indian film script, where co-stars meet and fall in love on set. Surprisingly, they were neighbours all along, sharing mutual friends, yet they remained unaware of each other’s existence until the Covid-19 lockdowns brought them into close proximity. What started as casual chats between neighbours evolved into deep and meaningful conversations, eventually leading to love blossoming between them. Four years later, on Feb 21, the couple exchanged vows in the picturesque setting of Goa. They celebrated their union with two ceremonies, honouring their respective Sikh and Sindhi traditions and heritage. Rakul shared glimpses of their grand wedding on social media, graciously posing for the hordes of paparazzi gathered outside the venue. Originally planned to be held abroad, the couple opted for Goa as their wedding destination following a call from India’s prime minister to celebrate grand occasions domestically. Reflecting on their respective careers, Rakul’s journey began with a Kannada film called Gilli in 2009, followed by appearances in Telugu films like Sarrainodu and Spyder, as well as Hindi films including Dil Hai Deewana, Naa Dooja Koi and Mashooka. Her upcoming project Indian 2 is a Tamil movie with Kamal Hassan. On the other hand, Jackky, the son of renowned Hindi film producer Vashu Bhagnani, has starred in films such as Youngistaan and Faltu. His next venture is a movie entitled Bade Miyan, Chote Miyan. Rakul (left) and Jackky looking resplendent at their wedding in Goashe. - INSTAGRAM/@RAKULPREET oHeartwarming love story of Rakul and Jackky █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Staying grounded in stardom DESPITE his immense fame and millions of adoring fans, actor Yash Gowda remains grounded and down-to-earth. A recent photograph shared by a fan highlights Yash’s humility. During a visit to the Chitrapura Math Temple in Bhatkal, Shirali, with his family, the 38-year-old KGF star stopped at a small sundry shop to purchase simple snacks, including an ice cream for his wife Radhika Pandit. Fan Manobala Vijayabalan shared the heartwarming moment on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), captioning it: “Rocking Star Yash purchases ice candy for his wife Radhika from a small grocery shop. Despite his huge stardom, Yash remains simple and humble.” The photos have since gone viral, with fans applauding the actor’s humility and modesty despite his fame and fortune. - BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Yash rummaging for goodies at a small shop selling a variety of foodstuff. - PICS TAKEN FROM X / @MANOVBALAV Yash with his unmistakable signature hair bun style.

LYFE LYFE MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 26 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Artistic alchemy MAKING its remarkable international premiere, the Fullmetal Alchemist Exhibition enraptured manga and anime devotees, turning Kuala Lumpur into a sanctuary for cosplay fans. Running from Jan 24 to March 24, the exhibition is presented by Ace Media Network, AM PM (HK) Limited, AniManGaki and Incubase Studio, inviting visitors to explore the immersive universe meticulously crafted by famed manga artist Hiromu Arakawa. A dazzling showcase The exhibition offered attendees a veritable treasure trove of 300 items, including manga manuscripts and coloured illustrations meticulously curated to evoke the essence of Arakawa’s magnum opus Fullmetal Alchemist. From vivid scenes capturing the Elric brothers’ odyssey to rare A visitor taking a look at the marvelous work. - PICS BY ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN A magnificent wall that lights up as it screens the manga and much more. Local folklore gets anime treatment I N the mid of the ever-advancing digital revolution, it is a common narrative to witness the gradual decline of traditional mediums, threatened by the looming shadow of obsolescence. Yet, amid this backdrop, a dedicated group of individuals, comprising voice actors, technologists and creative talents, have emerged as torchbearers of change, striving to infuse new life into the veins of traditional folklore. Enter Projek Hikayat, an audacious venture deeply rooted in the tapestry of Malaysia’s rich The cast of characters are typically cute, colourful and charismatic. - PICS COURTESY OF PROJEK HIKAYAT oProjek Hikayat breathes life into traditional tales █ BYR BALA Projek Hikayat aims to celebrate and promote Malaysian folklore through modern mediums. heritage. This innovative initiative leverages the transformative power of virtual reality storytelling to reimagine age-old themes and mythology for contemporary audiences. Under the banner of Animation, Comics and Gaming (ACG), Projek Hikayat embraces modern mediums to breathe fresh vitality into the timehonoured narratives of yore, particularly through the lens of Japanese anime and virtual technology (VR). At its core, this ambitious undertaking seeks to not only celebrate but also propagate Malaysian folklore through the dynamic canvases of modern media. By seamlessly blending traditional oral storytelling with cutting-edge virtual technology, Projek Hikayat crafts an immersive experience that transcends generational boundaries, captivating audiences of all ages with its allure. On Jan 31, Projek Hikayat marked a significant milestone by debuting its first field-tested 3D technology on talents hailing from Sarawak and Melaka, enhancing their existing repertoire of services. Driven by meticulous research and collaborative endeavours with local communities, Projek Hikayat proudly showcases a diverse tapestry of folklore, ranging from indigenous designs to beloved folktales spanning various regions of Malaysia. Harnessing the power of onground performances, mobile applications and social media platforms, this initiative ensures the accessibility of traditional concepts to a modern audience, thereby safeguarding their relevance in today’s virtual age. Furthermore, Projek Hikayat champions community engagement by extending invitations for individuals to contribute their interpretations, thereby amplifying marginalised voices such as the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah. Notably, this community received recognition for the first time within the ACG medium during the 2023 Borneo Matsuri, marking a pivotal moment in cultural representation. By seamlessly integrating ACG mediums into educational programmes and family-centric curricula, Projek Hikayat fosters creativity, virtual literacy and cultural appreciation among diverse audiences. With its influence extending far beyond Malaysia’s borders, Projek Hikayat emerges as a beacon of cultural preservation and digital innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes of Borneo, Singapore and Indonesia alike. In a world where heritage often finds itself overshadowed by the relentless march of technological progress, Projek Hikayat stands as a resolute testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Through its unwavering efforts, this initiative ensures that the flame of cultural heritage continues to burn brightly, illuminating the path for future generations to come. For those eager to delve deeper into the realms of Projek Hikayat, a wealth of knowledge awaits at projekhikayat.com. collectables such as costume props from the 2022 live-action film, each exhibit piece served as a testament to the boundless imagination and creative genius of its creator. Unique and exclusive artwork by Arakawa added an extra layer of charm, underscoring the artist’s profound gratitude for the unwavering support of fans worldwide. An interactive adventure Amid the sea of captivating displays, the exhibition offered a dynamic and engaging experience through its innovative stamp rally. Enthusiasts embarked on a stamptastic adventure, traversing the venue in pursuit of six elusive stamps strategically scattered throughout. Beyond the thrill of the chase, completing the rally unlocked a world of magic, culminating in the acquisition of an exclusive Fullmetal Alchemist sticker and an honourary certificate from the esteemed Amestris Army. Collector’s paradise Complementing the visual extravaganza was the original merchandise area, where attendees had the opportunity to procure exclusive memorabilia commemorating their journey through the enchanting world of Fullmetal Alchemist. From intricately designed figurines to coveted apparel adorned with iconic symbols, the merchandise section served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the series, offering fans a tangible connection to their favourite characters and moments. Celebration of creativity and legacy For fans of the Fullmetal Alchemist series, the exhibition transcended the realms of ordinary fandom, serving as a poignant celebration of the brilliance and creativity that have endeared Arakawa’s masterpiece to audiences worldwide. The Fullmetal Alchemist Exhibition stood as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and creativity, transcending borders to unite fans in a shared celebration of artistry and imagination. From its captivating showcases to its interactive activities and exclusive merchandise offerings, the exhibition left an indelible impression on attendees, cementing its status as a must-see event for enthusiasts of all ages. As the curtains drew to a close on this monumental showcase, one thing remained abundantly clear – the legacy of Fullmetal Alchemist continues to shine brightly, igniting the hearts and minds of fans around the globe. - BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ

SPORTS SPORTS MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 27 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD. Co. No. 201601037212 (1208153-W) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD., on the 4th March, 2024 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 4th March, 2024 Sgnd …………………………………… THONG CHONG YNG Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD. Co. No. 201601037212 (1208153-W) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 4th April, 2024 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 4th March, 2024 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MJ SYSTEM SDN. BHD. (Company No. 199301030709) (285448-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the special resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on the 13th day of March, 2024. That MJ SYSTEM SDN. BHD. be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 432(2) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Lim Kim Chong of No. 5, Tingkat Bawah, Taman Delima, Jalan Gangsa, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah be and are hereby appointed the Liquidators of the Company and are hereby authorised to divide all or such parts of the surplus assets of the Company as they shall think fit in specie amongst the members of the Company. Ang Hock Gee Director Kedah Dated this 13th March 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. 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Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs No Reg no Make/Model Reserves 1 AME5612 2021 HONDA BEAT 4000 2 AMX9746 2023 HONDA VARIO 160 7000 3 BQT8279 2022 HONDA RS-X 6000 4 CEQ9144 2022 YAMAHA NMAX 8000 5 DEC4430 2021 HONDA RS150R 4000 6 DEG4136 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 7 JUY6592 2022 HONDA ADV 150A 8000 8 KFM5362 2022 HONDA RS-X 6000 9 PQC9731 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 10 PQG3093 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 11 QS4493R 2023 HONDA RS150R 8000 12 SWF3467 2022 HONDA CBR150R 8000 13 SYX4146 2023 YAMAHA 135LC Fi Standard 6000 14 TCL256 2021 SYM VF3I 185 5000 15 VHE9059 2021 HONDA WAVE ALPHA 4000 16 VHH5046 2021 MODENAS KRISS 110 2000 17 VHL7108 2022 YAMAHA Y15ZR 6000 18 VHX4836 2022 HONDA RS-X FS150FA 6000 19 VJK9365 2022 YAMAHA 135LC Fi SE 6000 20 VJT3694 2022 YAMAHA 135LC 6000 21 VKB5321 2023 YAMAHA 135LC FI STANDARD 6000 22 VKS3976 2023 HONDA VARIO 160 8000 For more information contact us at 016-6999170 | 012-5553727 (WhatsApp) www.pickles.my | [email protected] Scan QR to download Pickles Auctions App PICKLES ASIA SDN BHD [1231292-D] Lot 19391, Batu 8 ½, Jalan Klang Lama, Taman Desaria, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Bank Repossessed bikes and cars for sale by auction. All auctions are conducted via eBidding on Wednesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 March at 9.30am (bikes) and 11.00am (cars). All are invited to join our PUBLIC AUCTION. Viewing and inspection on every Tuesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Download Pickles Auctions app to view all auction listings or visit www.pickles.my No Reg no Make/Model Reserves 23 VKT1860 2023 YAMAHA Y15ZR 8000 24 VKU6520 2023 YAMAHA Y15ZR 7000 25 VLE4839 2023 HONDA ADV 160 ABS 12000 26 JPQ4528 2013 PROTON SUPRIMA S 21000 27 MCF 2546 2012 PROTON PERSONA 8000 28 WTM1549 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 36000 29 BLQ9273 2012 PERODUA ALZA 1.5EZI (A) 21000 30 VAB2053 2017 PROTON SAGA 1.3L CVT 20000 31 WVQ4876 2011 PROTON PERSONA 1.6 (A) 9000 32 WXF7968 2012 PERODUA ALZA 1.5EZI 20000 33 WB7384Y 2016 PROTON SAGA FL 11000 34 WXD734 2012 PERODUA VIVA 1.0EZ (A) 9000 35 X2668 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 E 183000 36 JPN4075 2013 PROTON EXORA 11000 37 JPB8570 2012 PROTON PREVE 1.6 8000 38 AKN7243 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 22000 39 PATRIOT8293 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 22000 40 WVE3619 2011 TOYOTA VIOS 21000 41 VKJ7384 2012 NISSAN TEANA 2.0A 14000 42 VAR5977 2017 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 26000 43 DCW6880 2016 PROTON IRIZ 15000 44 WB8405L 2015 TOYOTA VIOS 35000 CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [email protected] T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 SCAN ME E: [email protected] MONDAY MAR 4, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD. Co. No. 201601037212 (1208153-W) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD., on the 4th March, 2024 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 4th March, 2024 Sgnd …………………………………… THONG CHONG YNG Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORTUNE STARHILL SDN. BHD. Co. No. 201601037212 (1208153-W) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 4th April, 2024 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 4th March, 2024 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MJ SYSTEM SDN. BHD. (Company No. 199301030709) (285448-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the special resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on the 13th day of March, 2024. That MJ SYSTEM SDN. BHD. be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 432(2) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Lim Kim Chong of No. 5, Tingkat Bawah, Taman Delima, Jalan Gangsa, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah be and are hereby appointed the Liquidators of the Company and are hereby authorised to divide all or such parts of the surplus assets of the Company as they shall think fit in specie amongst the members of the Company. Ang Hock Gee Director Kedah Dated this 13th March 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs No Reg no Make/Model Reserves 1 AME5612 2021 HONDA BEAT 4000 2 AMX9746 2023 HONDA VARIO 160 7000 3 BQT8279 2022 HONDA RS-X 6000 4 CEQ9144 2022 YAMAHA NMAX 8000 5 DEC4430 2021 HONDA RS150R 4000 6 DEG4136 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 7 JUY6592 2022 HONDA ADV 150A 8000 8 KFM5362 2022 HONDA RS-X 6000 9 PQC9731 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 10 PQG3093 2022 YAMAHA EGO AVANTIZ 4000 11 QS4493R 2023 HONDA RS150R 8000 12 SWF3467 2022 HONDA CBR150R 8000 13 SYX4146 2023 YAMAHA 135LC Fi Standard 6000 14 TCL256 2021 SYM VF3I 185 5000 15 VHE9059 2021 HONDA WAVE ALPHA 4000 16 VHH5046 2021 MODENAS KRISS 110 2000 17 VHL7108 2022 YAMAHA Y15ZR 6000 18 VHX4836 2022 HONDA RS-X FS150FA 6000 19 VJK9365 2022 YAMAHA 135LC Fi SE 6000 20 VJT3694 2022 YAMAHA 135LC 6000 21 VKB5321 2023 YAMAHA 135LC FI STANDARD 6000 22 VKS3976 2023 HONDA VARIO 160 8000 For more information contact us at 016-6999170 | 012-5553727 (WhatsApp) www.pickles.my | [email protected] Scan QR to download Pickles Auctions App PICKLES ASIA SDN BHD [1231292-D] Lot 19391, Batu 8 ½, Jalan Klang Lama, Taman Desaria, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Bank Repossessed bikes and cars for sale by auction. All auctions are conducted via eBidding on Wednesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 March at 9.30am (bikes) and 11.00am (cars). All are invited to join our PUBLIC AUCTION. Viewing and inspection on every Tuesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Download Pickles Auctions app to view all auction listings or visit www.pickles.my No Reg no Make/Model Reserves 23 VKT1860 2023 YAMAHA Y15ZR 8000 24 VKU6520 2023 YAMAHA Y15ZR 7000 25 VLE4839 2023 HONDA ADV 160 ABS 12000 26 JPQ4528 2013 PROTON SUPRIMA S 21000 27 MCF 2546 2012 PROTON PERSONA 8000 28 WTM1549 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 36000 29 BLQ9273 2012 PERODUA ALZA 1.5EZI (A) 21000 30 VAB2053 2017 PROTON SAGA 1.3L CVT 20000 31 WVQ4876 2011 PROTON PERSONA 1.6 (A) 9000 32 WXF7968 2012 PERODUA ALZA 1.5EZI 20000 33 WB7384Y 2016 PROTON SAGA FL 11000 34 WXD734 2012 PERODUA VIVA 1.0EZ (A) 9000 35 X2668 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 E 183000 36 JPN4075 2013 PROTON EXORA 11000 37 JPB8570 2012 PROTON PREVE 1.6 8000 38 AKN7243 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 22000 39 PATRIOT8293 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 22000 40 WVE3619 2011 TOYOTA VIOS 21000 41 VKJ7384 2012 NISSAN TEANA 2.0A 14000 42 VAR5977 2017 NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 26000 43 DCW6880 2016 PROTON IRIZ 15000 44 WB8405L 2015 TOYOTA VIOS 35000 CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [email protected] Humbert clinches Dubai ATP title FIFTH SEED Ugo Humbert maintained his perfect record in finals by beating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-3 to claim the Dubai ATP title yesterday. The Frenchman joins Ernests Gulbis and Martin Klizan as the only men in the Open Era to win their first six tour-level finals, with his victory over Bublik earning him a second trophy of the season. The 25-year-old will make his top15 debut at 14 when the updated rankings are released today. “I played a fantastic level during all the week, but today was not easy,” said Humbert during the trophy ceremony. “I have a good statistic in finals, but that’s because I have a really good team around me,” he added. Bublik, who reached the final when Andrey Rublev was shockingly defaulted late in their semifinal, will rise to a career-high 19 in the world thanks to his exploits in Dubai. “This week had everything for me and I’m really happy to be here. Thank you, Ugo for reminding me how it is to lose a final,” said the 26-year-old Bublik on court. “Honestly, before the final, I thought if I would win, I would dedicate this title to my son. So I’m sorry, maybe next time,” he added. De Minaur repeats Acapulco win AUSTRALIA’S Alex de Minaur won his second consecutive ATP Mexican Open title yesterday, defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the final at Acapulco. The 25-year-old from Sydney captured his eighth career ATP title after dropping four straight finals since downing American Tommy Paul in last year’s final, the most recent last month at Rotterdam. World No. 9 de Minaur, a two-time winner also at Atlanta, dispatched 11th-ranked Ruud after one hour and 57 minutes, improving to 2-0 against his European foe after winning their only prior meeting at the 2019 ATP NextGen Finals. Ruud, a two-time French Open runner-up and the 2022 US Open runner-up, missed out on his 11th ATP title for the second week in a row after dropping the previous week’s final at Los Cabos to another Aussie, Jordan Thompson. The players exchanged praise after the match, Ruud telling de Minaur: “Fantastic playing all week. Too good today. Seems like you are enjoying Acapulco quite well. You did a great job.” De Minaur replied, “Great stuff. It was hard work. Thank you for a great match.” TRAMLINES

SPORTS SPORTS MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 28 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO. BAA72NCvC-1603-12/2023 ANTARA GALAXY AEROSPACE (M) SDN BHD (NO.SYARIKAT: 1040262-D) …PLAINTIF DAN MUHAMMAD IRSYAD BIN AB BASIR (NO. K/P: 910326-08-5837) …DEFENDAN NOTIS Kepada :- Muhammad Irsyad Bin AB Basir No. K/P: 910326-08-5837 No. 1-14-8, Pangsapuri Seri Atria, Jalan Nova U5/71a, Subang Bestari, 40150, Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam, melalui Guaman No. BAA72NCvC-1603-12/2023 oleh Galaxy Aerospace (M) Sdn Bhd yang beralamat di No. A-01-02, Blok A, Bangunan Perdagangan Siera Ara Damansara, Jalan PJU 1A/5A, Ara Damansara, 47301, Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan dan di dalam mana tuntutan Plaintif adalah untuk jumlah wang sebanyak RM31,600-00. DAN BAHAWA adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang masing-masing bertarikh 19/12/2023 dalam tindakan ini berkuatkuasa ke atas kamu dengan cara penyampaian ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah penyampaian ganti bertarikh 5/2/2024 dan suatu salinan Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang masing-masing bertarikh 19/12/2023 dalam tindakan ini di papan kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret di Shah Alam dan juga dengan menampal salinan dokumen-dokumen yang sama di alamat penyampaian anda yang diketahui di No. 1-14-8, Pangsapuri Seri Atria, Jalan Nova U5/71a, Subang Bestari, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan dengan mengiklankan satu Notis Writ Saman sekali di dalam akhbar keluaran bahasa Inggeris, The Sun dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini adalah dianggap penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup terhadap anda selepas empatbelas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut DAN ADALAH SELANJUTNYA DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa kos permohonan ini adalah kos dalam kausa. Jika kamu ingin membuat pembelaan atas tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh penyampaian, hendaklah memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Rendah di Shah Alam. Jika kamu gagal berbuat demikian Penghakiman akan diisytiharkan ke atas kamu. Bertarikh 29 haribulan Februari, 2024 Tt …………….…………………. Peguamcara Plaintif Tetuan Mohan Kumar NOTIS ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Mohan Kumar, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat di No. 29, Tingkat 2, Jalan USJ, 10/1A, USJ 10, Subang Jaya, 47620, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Ruj: MO/ GAMSB/008/23) Tel: 03-80242905 / Fax : 03-8024 2903 Emel: smkumaar75@ gmail.com. 322 Notices Another Bull run F1 season opens with Verstappen in ‘a different galaxy’ MAX VERSTAPPEN could not have hoped for a better start to his bid for a fourth-consecutive Formula One title, with even rivals hailing his crushingly dominant display in Saturday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as being in “a different galaxy”. The Dutch driver took the chequered flag 22.4 seconds clear of his team-mate Sergio Perez driving a similar RB20. He did it having started from pole, led every lap and with the fastest lap to complete a “grand slam”. “Unbelievable, I think today went even better than expected,” said Verstappen. “It was a lot of fun, I felt really good in the car. “It’s special to have these kind of days, where it all feels perfect and you feel at one with the car.” Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the podium under the floodlights at Sakhir with team-mate Charles Leclerc finishing fourth. Mercedes’ George Russell was fifth with McLaren’s Lando Norris sixth. Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton started ninth and finished seventh for Mercedes, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri eighth, Fernando Alonso ninth for Aston Martin and team mate Lance Stroll 10th. A close-run qualifying on Friday and a constant changing of the guard in practice, with three different teams occupying top spot in the three sessions and none of them Red Bull, had raised the prospect of a closer-run race on Saturday. The seemingly untroubled ease of Verstappen’s win in the first race of a record 24- round season swiftly dashed those hopes, instead giving way to a sense of resignation and foreboding. The 26-year-old, barely breaking a sweat as he got out of the car, had similarly won last year’s Bahrain season-opener from pole. But that wasn’t as commanding as his win on Saturday, with his winning margin then half what it was this year and no fastest lap. Nevertheless, it set the stage for Verstappen to sign off 2023 with 19 wins from 22 races. “A really, really professional drive, Max,” Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said over the radio. “One-two finish, fastest lap, pole position, clean sweep,” added his embattled team boss Christian Horner, cleared this week of misconduct after an investigation into allegations by a female employee. With his Red Bull harder to catch, at least on the evidence of the 2024 season opener, there is every possibility he could go better. Rivals are not ruling out the prospect. “Unfortunately, yes,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said when asked if Verstappen could be uncatchable. “(We) just have to acknowledge his performance levels are really strong. “I think today Max is not in a different league but he’s in a different galaxy — the performance is extraordinary.” – AFP/Reuters REAL MADRID coach Carlo Ancelotti said yesterdday his side were “bothered” after midfielder Jude Bellingham was sent off after the controversial final whistle in the 2-2 La Liga draw at Valencia. England’s Bellingham was shown a red card after protesting after referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew for time an instant before Bellingham hit what would have been a 99th minute winner at the Mestalla. Manzano blew as Brahim Diaz whipped in his would-be assist. Madrid players, coaches and substitutes flooded the pitch to confront the referee and Bellingham earned a red card. “I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters. “We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball. “What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti, adding that Bellingham had used a common English swearword when telling the referee it was a goal. Madrid’s second draw in three league games leaves the 35-time Spanish champions seven points clear of second-placed Girona, who have a game in hand. The hosts led 2-0 after just half an hour as striker Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk deservedly put Valencia in the lead. Real’s reaction came five minutes into first half injury time with Vinicius Junior’s first goal. The Brazil attacker then equalised with 14 minutes to play. The game marked his return to a ground where he was racially abused last season and Vinicius celebrated both goals with gestures towards the Valencia crowd, including raising his fist to the air after one effort. Madrid pushed forward for a winner as Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby attempted to clear but his right leg was trapped under Tchouameni in the 89th minute. Guinea’s Diakhaby was stretchered off after players from both sides were visibly shaken by his injury. After the incident, the referee added seven minutes of injury time. Almost two further minutes had been played when Bellingham thought he had claimed three points. – AFP Real ‘bothered’ by Bellingham red card RED BULL Formula One boss Christian Horner sought to draw a line under a misconduct controversy as wife Geri Halliwell showed her support by joining him at a season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix dominated by his team. Speaking to reporters for the first time since an independent investigation cleared him last week of undisclosed allegations made by a female employee, Horner was keen to turn the talk back to the track action. “Obviously it’s not been pleasant, the unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars,” said the Briton after Max Verstappen led Sergio Perez to a one-two floodlit victory at the Sakhir desert track. “My focus has very much been on what’s going on track and the result today, I think, demonstrates where the whole team’s focus is and we move onwards.” Only hours earlier the 50-year-old Horner had walked into the paddock hand-in-hand with Spice Girls singer Halliwell. Their joint appearance amounted to a show of defiance after an anonymous email purporting to contain evidence submitted as part of the investigation was sent to recipients including the president of the governing FIA, the F1 CEO, rival team bosses and journalists on Thursday. The email dropped a day after Horner had been cleared of the allegations. “I’m not going to comment on what motives whatever person may have for doing this,” Horner said referring to the anonymous email. “I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.” When asked if he was confident of staying on as Red Bull team boss for the entire season, Horner, who has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, said: “Absolutely.” – AFP Horner draws line under misconduct probe RESULTS & STANDINGS BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 2. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 3. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 4. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 5. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 6. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) 7. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 8. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren) 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin) 10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin 11. Guanyu Zhou (CHN/Sauber) 12. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/RB) 14. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/RB) 15. Alexander Albon (THA/Williams) 16. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Haas) 17. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine) 18. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine) 19. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Sauber) 20. Logan Sargeant (USA/Williams) BEST LAP: Max Verstappen. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Drivers (Top 10): 1. Max Verstappen 26 pts, 2. Sergio Perez 18, 3. Carlos Sainz 15, 4. Charles Leclerc 12, 5. George Russell 10, 6. Lando Norris 8, 7. Lewis Hamilton 6, 8. Oscar Piastri 4, 9. Fernando Alonso 2, 10. Lance Stroll 1. Constructors (Top 5): 1. Red Bull 44, 2. Ferrari 27, 3. Mercedes 16, 4. McLaren 12, 5. Aston Martin 3. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (right) is shown a red card by referee Jesus Gil Manzano (centre) after the match as Carlo Ancelotti looks on. – REUTERSPIX Red Bull’s Max Verstappen receives a trophy from President of Bahrain Olympic Commeettee, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the podium after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. – REUTERSPIX

SPORTS SPORTS MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 29 FRUSTRATED Everton manager Sean Dyche has told his players it is time they started taking responsibility for the chances they are missing in front of goal as more failures up front contributed to their 3-1 defeat at home to West Ham. Beto’s 56th-minute header, after he had missed the club’s first penalty of the season, put them ahead but Kurt Zouma equalised within six minutes and, having found goalkeeper Alphonse Areola in good form, conceded twice in stoppage time to Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez. Problems up front have been an issue all season – only the bottom two sides Burnley and Sheffield United have scored fewer than the Toffees’ 29 – but there are signs Dyche is starting to lose patience. “I am looking at the talent we have got and looking at the quality we have got and how we are not scoring more goals is just bizarre,” he said after a 10th game without victory. “I can talk about quality, I can talk about everything but I’ve never been naive in football and you have to go and do it. “I’ve just said to the players we have a responsibility collectively to actively go and take the chances we are creating and that is everyone. “It is hard to correct it when it is there, right in front of your eyes. What more can we do? “But the players have a responsibility at this football club as well as the manager and staff and we know it is a joint responsibility.” Dropping Dominic Calvert-Lewin, without a goal in his last 21 matches, was somewhat justified by only Beto’s second league goal on an afternoon of mixed emotions for the summer signing from Udinese. But Dyche was pleased with the Portuguese’s reaction, adding: “That was what was pleasing about Beto. “Missing a penalty is not easy, he missed a good chance in the first half but he kept going and it is great header. “He fatigued so we had to take him off but it is another good marker from him to say ‘Look, I am ready and I want to take it on’.” – The Independent /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Ange hails Werner display German scores only 11th League goal in 62 appearances as Spurs beat Palace ANGE POSTECOGLOU hopes Timo Werner gains confidence after he scored to help Tottenham earn a much-needed 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace. Spurs were set for a second consecutive defeat when Eberechi Eze curled home a sumptuous free-kick for the visitors just before the hour mark. Werner had also been guilty of missing a glorious first half chance but made amends when he tapped in with 77 minutes played after excellent work by Brennan Johnson to spark a late turnaround by the hosts, with Cristian Romero and captain Son Heung-min also scoring. It was Werner’s first goal for Spurs since his January loan from RB Leipzig and also just his 11th Premier League goal in 62 appearances after a mixed spell at Chelsea but Postecoglou praised the contribution of the Germany forward. He said: “I thought Timo, he missed the chance in the first half but he was a constant threat to them and was in the right area for the goal. “I understand that with attacking players, goals make them feel better and make them more confident. “I guess it relieves the pressure on them a little bit but just in general I thought he was really aggressive with his running. “He kept taking on the fullback and I thought apart from the missed chance his general play was really good. “A goal always helps, it was pleasing for us and it was an important time in the game. It was great for him to score.” Tottenham struggled to break down Palace in the first half and while they started strongly after the break, Oliver Glasner watched his team take the lead when Eze produced a superb free-kick for his seventh goal of the campaign. Postecoglou introduced Johnson and his tenacity created the equaliser after he robbed Joachim Andersen of possession, got the better of Jefferson Lerma and teed up Werner for a simple finish. Three minutes later and the hosts were ahead when Romero flicked on James Maddison’s inventive cross with 80 on the clock before Son wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute after Johnson put him clear. “I was pleased with the whole game,” Postecoglou insisted. “You need that goal to break open a team that is going to sit so deep. I still felt like we were putting enough work into them that at some point we would be able to break them. “Obviously we conceded which was disappointing. You’re looking for a reaction and I thought the reaction was outstanding. “They just had a real belief today in our processes and our football and I’m really pleased with the outcome.” New Palace boss Glasner was disappointed his team could not hold on at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but credited the effort of his players. “Yes, I think the players did a great job over 60 to 70 minutes,” Glasner said. “We are disappointed because I had the feeling before the 1-1 we can win the game but then it turned and in football one situation can change the game.” – The Independent Dyche tells Toffees to take responsibility UNAI EMERY hailed Ollie Watkins as one of the best strikers in Europe after his double helped Aston Villa to a dramatic 3-2 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road. A header in the 89th minute from substitute Lucas Digne ensured Villa won for the third game in a row in the Premier League to stay five points clear of Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification. Emery’s side were comfortably on top in the first half and went in at the break with a commanding two-goal lead given to them by Watkins’ brace. Luton struck back, seemingly re-energised by the looming prospect of a fourth straight League defeat, with goals from Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris, but Digne’s late intervention settled the contest in Villa’s favour. “Fantastic, brilliant,” he said of his team’s top scorer, who now has 21 for the season. “He’s an example for other players. Every day working hard, every day trying to learn more. “His mentality, to increase his level, practising and practising on the training ground. His commitment to work in the tactical areas we are planning every match. “He’s scoring, he’s getting chances, he’s assisting, defending set-pieces. He has been available to play 90 minutes more or less, keeping fit to play a lot. He’s fantastic. “But he needs his teammates as well to help him. We are a team. We have to try to get our performances through the team. With the commitment he’s showing, for everyone he is an example. “For mentality, it’s difficult to find a player better than him. But his skill is also a high level. “He wants to learn every day, to increase his level. Of course, his first objective is scoring goals, but then as well, tactically, his work has been fantastic. Understanding, being clever.” Asked if Watkins was one of the best in Europe, Emery said: “Yes, of course, he’s showing. The Premier League is the toughest league maybe in the world. “But as a person he’s humble. He avoids the ego changing him. He’s fantastic as a person and as a professional.” – The Independent Emery salutes role model Watkins █ BY GEORGE SESSIONS █ BY CARL MARKHAM █ BY ROBERT O’CONNOR Howe has reasons to be cheerful EDDIE HOWE is hoping there is more to come from Newcastle after seeing them secure a first home win of 2024 and the 100th of his Premier League career. The Magpies had not tasted victory at St James’ Park since they beat Fulham 3-0 on Dec 16, but they ended that run by beating injury-hit Wolves by the same scoreline to suggest they could finally be emerging from a difficult run. Coming four days after they edged past Championship Blackburn into the FA Cup quarterfinals, the win left head coach Howe in positive mood. He said: “Sometimes you just have to find a way to get over the finishing line and you know then that there are better performances ahead. I think we were in that moment today. “I don’t think today was ever going to be a classic Newcastle performance, but I think it’s a building bridge closer to where we want to be. “I thought Blackburn was very similar. We got through, that was the main thing. Today was slightly better again and I’d like to think now with the strength of the group returned that we will hopefully see continued improvement in performances.” Newcastle were happy to sit back and try to hit the visitors on the break during the first half, and the ploy paid handsome dividends when Alexander Isak headed home after Bruno Guimaraes’ shot had been half blocked and then Anthony Gordon slotted into an empty net after goalkeeper Jose Sa had collided with teammate Max Kilman. Asked if the ploy had worked as he had hoped, Howe, who lost Kieran Trippier to a calf problem, added: “It was a slight tweak from our normal way of playing. We analyse our opposition, like we do always. “There are always tweaks and little things we try to do to help us in our performance, and that was one today, to try to maybe play a slightly more transitional game.” Tino Livramento capped a good afternoon for the hosts in stoppage time with a fine solo run and finish to wrap up the win. – The Independent █ BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN Tottenham’s Timo Werner (above) in action with Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz. – REUTERSPIX

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No birthday joy for Pochettino Chelsea manager admits he does not feel loved by Blues’ fans MAURICIO POCHETTINO shrugged off the jeers from Chelsea fans after a section of them turned on him during the 2-2 draw at Brentford. The Blues were leading through a Nicolas Jackson header but were pegged back by Mads Roerslev’s close-range strike after half-time. And shortly after Yoane Wissa put Brentford ahead with a spectacular overhead kick, the away fans began singing the name of former manager Jose Mourinho as well as calling for Pochettino to go. But the Blues at least rescued a point on Pochettino’s 52nd birthday after Axel Disasi scored a late equaliser. Afterwards the Argentinian boss insisted he does not need to be loved by the supporters. “I’ve been told, I didn’t hear to be honest, it’s difficult for me to understand,” he said. “But it’s normal, we were losing the game 2-1 and they expressed their frustration. I am one of the ones responsible, I’m the coach. “I was asked before if I feel the love from the fans. No. I’m not worried – we need to accept this relationship. You win your relationship through winning games. “I will continue to work and try to change this perception. We need to manage some reality. We are working really hard to try to win games, the team is fighting. “If it doesn’t work and the fans are disappointed I need to respect their opinion. I think the relationship is good. If they did what they did, fans are emotional. “I am fighting with all my sense to try to provide a team to play in the best way to score goals and win games. Today is my 52nd birthday, I know this business, but I’m going to fight.” Brentford have a lengthy injury list but are still admirably keeping their heads above the relegation scrap. Bees boss Thomas Frank felt he got the response he wanted from his patched-up side after the 4-2 defeat at West Ham last week. “I would have loved three points, but it was a relatively even game in terms of chances,” said Frank. “I’m very pleased with the response after a bad performance at West Ham. Today I must say, impressive. “Three years ago when we got promoted Chelsea won the Champions League, and I think they have renewed their squad since then. “We had seven players out injured, they had a full squad, and we battered them in the second half. This was a proper Brentford performance.” There were a smattering of boos from the home supporters at half-time but Frank said: “I heard that. I’d like to speak to them. Is that support? “I know I can’t swear, but what the…?” – The Independent Derby delight for Cardiff erby delight for Cardiff CARDIFF CITY claimed victory over Bristol City in the Severnside derby thanks to a second-half header from Perry Ng. Defender Ng showed strength and desire to score his sixth goal of the season – making him the Bluebirds’ joint leading scorer – from David Turnbull’s corner. The goal settled a game of few chances, with Bristol City left frustrated late on when Tommy Conway turned the ball home only to be denied by an offside flag. After the previous weekend’s timely win over Stoke City – Cardiff’s first victory in five matches – Erol Bulut’s side are celebrating back-to-back Championship triumphs for the first time since October. “We started good and we finished good. A goal from a set-piece again - I know we are one of the best teams from a set-piece,” Cardiff manager Bulut told the BBC. “It was a game where whoever scored the first goal would win. We had some really bad moments (this season). We had lost many games in a row. But we never stopped staying together. “Together we can make great things, as we saw today and in the last game. I think we will push for many more wins.” In other matches, Leicester crashed to a third consecutive Championship defeat as they went down to struggling QPR, 2-1, while Ipswich boosted their promotion bid with a 2-0 win at Plymouth. Enzo Maresca’s league leaders lost to goals from Ilias Chair and Sinclair Armstrong – with his first touch after coming on – either side of half-time. The Foxes pulled a goal back through Ben Nelson, but could not find an equaliser as QPR gained a third straight win. Leicester are just three points ahead of second placed Ipswich and five in front of third placed Leeds with 11 games remaining. The top two are promoted automatically to the Premier League, with the teams from third to sixth going into the playoffs. Leeds were denied a 10th successive league win in a 1-1 draw at 10-man Huddersfield. Patrick Bamford’s second-half equaliser salvaged a point for Leeds following Michal Helik’s opener. The relegation-threatened Terriers lost captain Jonathan Hogg to a second yellow card in first-half added time for swinging an arm at Junior Firpo. Ipswich took advantage to seize second place thanks to a 2-0 victory against Plymouth. Brendan Galloway’s 63rd-minute own goal broke the deadlock at Home Park before Kieffer Moore’s fifth goal in seven games sealed the Ipswich victory. – AFP/Agencies █ BY ANDY SIMS Cardiff City’s Rubin Colwill (right) in action with Bristol City’s Andy King. – Cardiffcity.co.uk

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He said that as a “soft” and technical player, the silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham needed training tailored to his physical condition to ensure his badminton career development and prospects of winning medals at the Olympics were not hindered. “What I can see is that his recurring (back) injury may be due to the intensity of training modules or exercises that put a lot of strain on his body. “I used to coach him, and as a junior player, I found him to be a soft player, where training focused more on strengthening technical aspects and gameplay skills,” he said when met at a badminton clinic in conjunction with the “Sidek Childrens: Legends of the Nation’s Badminton” exhibition held yesterday. He was commenting on Tze Yong’s chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, which will take place in July, as the 24-year-old player will undergo back surgery following an injury sustained during the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) last month. Misbun also did not rule out the possibility that Tze Yong’s recurring back injury could also be attributed to the number of matches the player had to participate in. “Perhaps now he is participating in many matches, and that is why many new elements have been added to the intense training input, causing him to suffer from recurring injuries,” he said. On Dec 2 last year, Tze Yong was reported to have changed his training regimen to a more intensive one. However, the director of coaching at ABM, Rexy Mainaky, denied that. – Bernama SRAM to send players abroad THE inclusion of four national squash players in the Fast Track Programme is poised to provide them with opportunities to train alongside the world’s top 10 players abroad. Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director, Major (Rtd) S. Maniam, revealed that such plans had been laid out in the Road To Gold (RTG) Programme Committee previously, in a bid to elevate their gameplay and to be on par with the top 10 players ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “A lot of top 10 players now train in the United States of America, Europe, and Egypt, so these are the three destinations that we will be looking at to send our players to train abroad. They need exposure to react with top 10 players not only during tournaments but in sparring session. “I think RTG can help in supporting our suggestions to have an attachment programme with big clubs abroad where top players stay and train there, or probably look at some international coaches who can guider our players for a short time and give some ideas while there,” he said. In the meantime, Maniam hinted at the possibility of proposing more players to the RTG Programme Committee to get into the Fast Track Programme, should they demonstrate exceptional performance in the future. Squash will make its debut in the world’s biggest multi-sports event, the 2028 Olympic Games, slated to be held from July 14 until 30. Last week, four national squash players, namely Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, Aifa Azman, and Aira Azman, were listed in the Fast Track Programme. The Fast Track Programme which falls under RTG Programme was formed with the mission of developing new young talented athletes between 16 and 25 with the potential of winning gold medals at Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. – Bernama Bertrand finishes 10th in Montreal NATIONAL diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises finished 10th out of 11 divers in the men’s 10m platform finals of the inaugural series of the Diving World Cup 2024 in Montreal on Saturday. The 2024 Olympic Games-bound diver amassed 389.85 points after completing six rounds of dives in the event held at Parc Olympique. China’s Yao Hang dominated the finals as he scored a whopping 533 points to claim gold and ward off a strong challenge from Mexico’s Randal Willards Valdez, who had to settle for silver with 530.90 points. Another Chinese diver, Lian Junjie, finished third with 514.65 points. The Diving World Cup 2024 has three stops. After Montreal, it will move to Berlin from March 21-24 followed by the super final in Xi’an from April 19-21. Yew Sin-Ee Yi out of German Open MALAYSIA’S interest in the 2024 German Open came to an end as their last hope, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi were eliminated from the semifinals in Mulheim An Der Ruhr yesterday. The professional men’s doubles pair failed to live up to their billing as tournament favourites as they fell to third seeds from China, He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu, 5-21, 15-21 during their maiden encounter at Westenergie Sporthalle. National men’s doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were the last Malaysians who claimed the German Open title when they saw off China’s Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi 23-21, 16-21, 21-14 in the 2022 edition. RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Brentford 2 (Roerslev 50, Wissa 69) Chelsea 2 (Jackson 35, Disasi 83), Everton 1 (Beto 56) West Ham 3 (Zouma 62, Soucek 90+1 Alvarez 90+5), Fulham 3 (Wilson 21, Muniz 32, Traore 90+1) Brighton 0, Luton 2 (Chong 66, Morris 72) Aston Villa 3 (Watkins 24, 38, Digne 89), Newcastle 3 (Isak 14, Gordon 33, Livramento 90+2) Wolves 0, Nottingham Forest 0 Liverpool 1 (Nunez 90+9), Tottenham 3 (Werner 77, Romero 80, Son 88) Crystal Palace 1 (Eze 59). P W D L F A Pts Liverpool 27 19 6 2 64 25 63 Man City 26 18 5 3 59 26 59 Arsenal 26 18 4 4 62 23 58 Aston Villa 27 17 4 6 59 37 55 Tottenham 26 15 5 6 55 39 50 Man Utd 26 14 2 10 36 36 44 West Ham 27 12 6 9 43 47 42 Newcastle 27 12 4 11 57 45 40 Brighton 27 10 9 8 49 44 39 Wolves 27 11 5 11 40 43 38 Chelsea 26 10 6 10 44 43 36 Fulham 27 10 5 12 39 42 35 Bournemouth 25 7 7 11 33 47 28 Crystal Palace 27 7 7 13 32 47 28 Brentford 27 7 5 15 39 50 26 Everton 27 8 7 12 29 37 25 Nottm Forest 27 6 6 15 34 49 24 Luton 26 5 5 16 37 54 20 Burnley 26 3 4 19 25 58 13 Sheff Utd 26 3 4 19 22 66 13 CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham 3 Southampton 4, Bristol City 0 Cardiff 1, Huddersfield 1 Leeds 1, Leicester 1 QPR 2, Millwall 1 Watford 0, Norwich 1 Sunderland 0, Plymouth 0 Ipswich 2, Preston 0 Hull 0, Rotherham 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1, Stoke 2 Middlesbrough 0, Swansea 2 Blackburn 1. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Leicester 35 25 3 7 71 31 78 Ipswich 35 22 9 4 70 45 75 Leeds 35 22 7 6 65 28 73 Southampton 35 21 7 7 69 45 70 West Brom 35 17 8 10 51 33 59 Hull 35 16 8 11 50 43 56 LA LIGA: Sevilla 3 (En-Nesyri 11, 13, Ramos 65) Real Sociedad 2 (Silva 45+5-pen, Mendez 90+2), Rayo Vallecano 1 (Lejeune 88) Cadiz 1 (Hernandez 90+13), Getafe 3 (Mata 11, Greenwood 14, Maksimovic 45) Las Palmas 3 (Ramirez 35, Cardona 50, El Haddadi 57), Valencia 2 (Duro 27, Yaremchuk 30) Real Madrid 2 (Vinicius Junior 45+5, 76). TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 27 20 6 1 56 18 66 Girona 26 18 5 3 57 32 59 Barcelona 26 17 6 3 56 34 57 Atletico 26 16 4 6 52 28 52 Bilbao 26 14 7 5 46 26 49 Real Betis 26 10 12 4 31 26 42 SERIE A: Torino 0 Fiorentina 0, Udinese 1 (Kamara 45+2) Salernitana 1 (Tchaouna 10), Monza 1 (Carboni 87) Roma 4 (Pellegrini 38, Lukaku 42, Dybala 63, Paredes 82-pen). TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 26 22 3 1 67 12 69 Juventus 26 17 6 3 41 19 57 AC Milan 27 17 5 5 51 32 56 Bologna 26 13 9 4 39 23 48 Roma 27 14 5 8 52 33 47 Atalanta 26 14 4 8 48 28 46 BUNDESLIGA: Wolfsburg 2 Stuttgart 3, Union Berlin 0 Borussia Dortmund 2, Mainz 1 B. Moenchengladbach 1, Bochum 1 RB Leipzig 4, Heidenheim 1 Eintracht Frankfurt 2, Darmstadt 0 Augsburg 6. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Leverkusen 23 19 4 0 59 16 61 B. Munich 24 17 3 4 65 28 54 Stuttgart 24 16 2 6 55 31 50 Dortmund 24 12 8 4 48 30 44 RB Leipzig 24 13 4 7 53 31 43 E.Frankfurt 24 9 10 5 38 31 37 FRENCH LIGUE 1: Clermont 1 Marseille 5, Reims 0 Lille 1. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Paris SG 24 16 7 1 54 19 55 Brest 23 12 7 4 34 18 43 Monaco 24 12 6 6 44 34 42 Lille 24 11 8 5 34 20 41 Nice 23 11 7 5 22 15 40 Marseille 24 9 9 6 38 26 36 Bertrand Rhodict Anak Lises of Malaysa competes in the Men’s 10m Platform Final in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. – AFPPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] SCAN ME MONDAY | MAR 4, 2024 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Another Bull run -Story - on page 29 Story on page 28 Emery hails role model Watkins Forest fury … but Klopp says nothing wrong with Liverpool’s controversial winner LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp insisted he saw nothing wrong with Darwin Nunez’s controversial stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest. Nunez marked his return from injury by heading home in the ninth minute of time added on to seal a 1-0 win. But the Uruguay international’s last-gasp effort left Forest’s players, staff and fans furious at the final whistle after referee Paul Tierney had stopped play before the build-up to Liverpool’s winner for an apparent head injury to Ibrahima Konate. Tierney blew with Forest in possession on the edge of Liverpool’s area and after Konate had quickly recovered, the official dropped the ball to visiting goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who then started the move that led to his side’s dramatic winner. Klopp said: “It happened exactly the same in the first half didn’t it? Exactly the same, just the other way round. “I accepted it would happen like that because it happened in the first half. If it didn’t happen in the first half, I would have asked the question as well. “I would assume that’s the rule, I don’t know. But because it happened twice and got handled exactly the same, I don’t really see their reasons for a discussion.” Earlier in the game, Tierney halted a Liverpool attack after Forest skipper Ryan Yates was felled by Harvey Elliott’s shot and play resumed with home goalkeeper Matz Sels taking possession. Klopp said: “I understand 100% the excitement and the anger of Nottingham, of course, they fought for everything. But it happened twice the same and was consistent.” Nunez’s last-gasp effort secured Liverpool their first League win at the City Ground in almost 40 years and 14 matches. Klopp said it had been a huge effort from his injury-hit squad, who have registered six straight wins in all competitions, including the previous Sunday’s League Cup final win over Chelsea. “Four games in 11 days, come on. Five in 15,” Klopp added. “It’s really tough. With our squad situation it’s super-tough and how the boys fought through that is really special. “The fourth game was the toughest. It was an unbelievable effort the boys put in. A proper, proper shift. “If you had asked me 12 days ago if it was possible to win all four games, I’d have said no.” Forest’s players and staff surrounded Tierney at the final whistle, with coach Steven Reid shown a red card, while boss Nuno Espirito Santo refused to comment on the incident after the final whistle. Forest later dismissed reports that owner Evangelos Marinakis had chased Tierney down the tunnel. Nuno said: “I will not comment on the referee. We played a very good game against a very good team, fantastic players and manager and we limited them. “They had chances, we had chances, it was a good game of football. We had clear chances to do better, to improve. We should have been more clinical. “I’m proud of the boys because they worked very hard. They combined, they helped each other, they defend the box, they did two-on-ones – they did everything. But we can improve.” Commenting on the goal and Tierney’s performance, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who now works for Forest as a consultant said: “If the referee is to stop the game for a head injury if he feels there is one. He’s rightly allowed to stop it. “However, the ball has to go back to the team that has possession. And Nottingham Forest clearly had that possession. “He did exactly the same in the first half however it was a different situation. The ball was closer to the penalty area and the Nottingham Forest was towards the corner flag. “Nottingham Forest should have had the ball back. Instead, Liverpool have gone upfield and scored from it.” – The Independent █ BY MARK WALKER & SONIA TWIGG -Story on page 30 Derby delight for Cardiff Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez (front) celebrates his goal during the English Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground in Nottingham on Saturday. – AFPPIX