Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 THURSDAY JAN 4, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8429 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Desperate times call for desperate measures Function of Central Database Hub, particularly on distribution of targeted subsidies, not only timely but also represents much-needed leap forward: IT experts Terengganu villagers hit by three-week water cut resort to using old wells while others digging new ones. ‘Take dietary supplements with caution’ Risky to buy health products online without pharmacist guidance, says public health medicine specialist. Consumers purchasing supplements from unverified sources or obscure online platforms may end up with counterfeit or contaminated products. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Fake charities preying on public goodwill With 72,444 NGOs registered nationwide as of 2022, Registrar of Societies short-handed to curb bogus donation drives. Thumbs up to Padu - Report on page 3 Report on hpage 2 Report on hpage 5 Report on hpage 4
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 2 Central Database Hub offers efficiency, inclusivity: Expert KUALA LUMPUR: The newly launched Central Database Hub (CDH) marks a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of efficiency and inclusivity, with nobody being left behind, said an information technology expert. Data and AI technology specialist Freddy Loo said he is glad that the government has taken the step to create a centralised database, as this initiative is long overdue and signals a departure from the practice of each ministry creating its own database. “The noble intent, particularly focusing on targeted subsidies, is not only timely but also a muchneeded leap forward.” Loo said it is evident that the CDH emphasises data and cyber security in view of the recent incidents of data leakages in the country. He added that a key concern is the lack of clarity about a single o‘Initiative long overdue, signals departure from practice of each ministry creating own database’ No postponement of registration process PUTRAJAYA: The Central Database Hub (CDH) registration process will not be postponed as several technical issues raised have been speedily resolved, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said this was decided by the Cabinet yesterday at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “The Cabinet did not decide to Anwar flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) and Rafizi during the launch of the CDH in Putrajaya on Tuesday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN party accountable for data security and data integrity. “In the corporate world, a chief data officer plays a pivotal role in establishing policies and security measures, and such a role is equally essential in the government sector. “Security encompasses more than technical safeguards. It involves robust policies, awareness and capabilities to deter hackers. It’s about making the effort to hack more expensive than the value of the data itself, to disincentivise hackers.” Loo said encouraging Malaysians to update their data voluntarily is a positive step, but the process needs clarification. He said the development of the CDH by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit within a short time frame is commendable. He added success should be measured not only by the CDH’s efficiency but also the positive outcomes it brings to the community like the intent to improve government finances by reducing subsidies. “It is important to establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound KPIs, overseen by a chief data officer, for tracking and executing goals over a defined period.” National Tech Association of Malaysia chairman Ong Chin Seong said the deployment of the CDH will help streamline data collected by government agencies and ministries for better decisionmaking and policy intervention. “As the government will be collecting a huge amount of data from citizens and residents in the country, prioritising cyber security is paramount. Regular audit checks will be necessary to ensure that data is stored securely.” Ong added that laws need to be in place to ensure that those handling, processing and using the data are well aware of their responsibilities, Bernama reported. “Amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act are currently being looked into, and expanding its scope will ensure that the public sector is subject to the same conditions as the private sector.” CDH ensures better public governance, says analyst KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s Central Database Hub (CDH), which was launched on Tuesday, is a step forward in ensuring better public governance, particularly in making sure socioeconomic policies are well implemented. Universiti Teknologi Mara School of Media and Information Warfare Studies security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said besides individual and household profile data, the CDH can be expanded to include data on businesses and commercial outlets in the country. He said this is to ensure that the system could fulfil the task of looking into potential manipulation of the financial distribution system caused by regional price differences of goods due to stockpiling and middlemen, among others, causing price hikes. He added that the government should regularly inform the public on all platforms, especially social media, on how the CDH works to ensure that people from all walks of life could use the system without too many hiccups. Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology professor Dr Rusli Abdullah suggested that the government should conduct regular audits to identify vulnerabilities in the system. He said this will allow any problem to be addressed promptly, keep software, operating systems and applications up-todate with the latest security patches to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and ensure a top-notch security system. “The government needs to re-engineer certain processes that are irrelevant and insignificant so that the system becomes smarter and is operated rationally.” Rusli added that a procedure for backup and recovery, regular data backups and testing of the restoration process to minimise the impact of potential data loss or system failures should be put in place. The CDH is a national integrated socioeconomic database that combines data from government departments and agencies. It contains the profiles of Malaysian nationals and permanent residents, providing a fair picture of the socioeconomic position of every household in Malaysia. It was developed entirely by civil servants from three main agencies namely the Economy Ministry, the Statistics Department and the Malaysian Administrative, Modernisation and Management Planning Unit, in collaboration with various other agencies. Registration is open to the public from Tuesday till March 31. Users can update and verify 39 personal details and information, including identification numbers, number of household members and their addresses. – Bernama Wife of Johor Crown Prince conferred new title JOHOR BAHRU: Che Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustamam, the wife of the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, has been conferred the title Che Puan Mahkota. The announcement of the new title was made by Johor Royal Court Council president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli through a statement posted on the Royal Johor Facebook page. “The Royal Court Council announces that, in accordance with the authority and privileges vested in His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Sultan Iskandar under Part One of Article 23 and Part Two of Article 7(2)(e) of the Johor Constitution 1895, and with the agreement of the Royal Council on Dec 31, 2023, the title of Her Highness Che Puan Mahkota Khaleeda binti Bustamam has been conferred on Monday upon the consort of the Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail.” Abdul Rahim said the new title should be used in all matters, references and official correspondence with immediate effect, and the title Che Puan Besar would be discontinued. Born on July 16, 1993, in Kuala Lumpur, Che Puan Mahkota married the Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Serene on Oct 24, 2014. The royal couple is blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters. – Bernama M’sia extends condolences over Japan plane collision tragedy PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation following the collision between a Japan Airlines plane (JAL 516) and a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Tuesday. The ministry has reported in a statement that the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo is in direct communication with officials from Japan Airlines and Japanese authorities to ascertain whether any Malaysian was among the passengers of the flight. Reports indicate that all 379 passengers and crew members, including eight children, on board the flight were successfully evacuated, with at least 17 injured. “Malaysia extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims and families affected by the incident, as well as to the people and the government of Japan.” Malaysians who require consular assistance can contact the Malaysian embassy in Tokyo at 20- 16, Nanpeidai-cho, Shibuya-ku, 150-0036 Tokyo, call: +81-3-3476- 3840 or +8180-3913-3840. – Bernama postpone. At present we find the system to be running smoothly, with issues raised resolved in a short time. “There is continuous monitoring of the security aspect, so the issue of postponement does not arise.” Fahmi was commenting on former international trade and industry deputy minister Dr Ong Kian Ming’s call to the government to postpone the CDH registration process until several security flaws are fixed. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli denied claims that the CDH’s eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process of uploading a selfie while holding the identification card would take three days. He posted on X that the process takes under five minutes currently for confirmation and approval. “Over 40,000 eKYCs have been confirmed, and registrations in the eKYC queue is under 300. With the current performance, the eKYC will be processed by the algorithm in less than five minutes.” – Bernama
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 3 Beware of harmful health supplements PETALING JAYA: While purchasing supplements online is convenient, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned consumers that it is risky to buy them without the guidance of a pharmacist. She said pharmacies, health stores and vending machine operators are now offering an extensive range of dietary supplements, from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and protein powders. “Probiotics and prebiotics, for instance, have become popular as Malaysians are now more conscious of their gut health and digestive well-being. “The demand for plant-based supplements is also rising since Malaysians are now increasingly leaning towards vegan and vegetarian options.” However, Sharifa said poor oversight and knowledge about individual health conditions can lead to unintended consequences when consumers make uninformed decisions. According to Health Ministry statistics, almost 9,000 new kidney failure patients are registered annually, and they require dialysis treatment. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Malaysia has been on the rise, it said, adding that the consumption of unregistered health supplements was among the factors contributing to kidney disease. “From January 2018 until December 2022, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency received 67 reports of adverse events associated with renal functions suspected to be due to the consumption of health supplements. “Of these, 14 were suspected to be due to the use of unregistered health supplements.” Sharifa said in recent years, the health and wellness industry has boomed due mainly to the popularity of dietary supplements, with many individuals opting to purchase such products independently. Malaysian Coalition on Ageing chairman Cheah Tuck Wing said the elderly are now squandering their money on unnecessary supplements and falling prey to the marketing and promotional tactics of independent sellers. “These supplements can sometimes be harmful. Unless the senior citizens have specific vitamin deficiencies, maintaining a balanced diet with ample greens, fruits and protein should be enough,” he said. Cheah emphasised that it is advisable to consult professionals such as dieticians, medical doctors and pharmacists to determine the necessity for supplements, rather than making decisions influenced by advertisements, social media or peer recommendations. Sharifa said while supplements can offer health benefits, they should not be taken randomly. “When it comes to the elderly, interactions with prescription medications, allergies and underlying health conditions must be carefully considered. “Some pills can irritate the oesophagus, causing discomfort or choking, while some ‘natural’ products may contain synthetic ingredients.” She said without the expertise of a pharmacist, individuals may inadvertently combine supplements that could negatively impact their health. “Certain vitamins or minerals can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of prescription medications, leading to diminished therapeutic effects or even harmful side effects,” she warned. Sharifa also said purchasing supplements from unverified sources or obscure online platforms can expose consumers to the risk of counterfeit or contaminated products. “The absence of a pharmacist’s guidance may cause individuals to purchase products that do not meet regulatory standards. This can cause harm instead of providing the intended health benefits.” She said the supplement industry is saturated with products claiming to offer ‘miraculous’ health benefits, and consumers may find themselves spending significant amounts of money on products that may not be necessary or suitable for their needs. She advised consumers to prioritise their well-being by consulting healthcare professionals before incorporating supplements into their daily routines. “The collaboration between consumers and pharmacists is crucial in promoting safe and effective supplement usage in the pursuit of better health.” oProducts independently purchased online may not be necessary or even detrimental to individual well-being: Experts Call for system to gauge education sector achievements KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has been told to set up a mechanism to gauge the level of achievement of the ministry’s seven main thrusts to empower the country’s education sector. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Education senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad said with the mechanism, the people can objectively assess the ministry’s achievements based on the seven main thrusts outlined in December 2022. “The thrusts are the main things that always become challenges, obstacles and issues in our education system. Even now, the education minister (Fadhlina Sidek) stays true to (implementing) these seven pillars. “However, in my view, because the achievements of these seven thrusts are not stated, the public does not know how to measure (its performance). Has the seven thrusts been achieved? Where do the achievements rank?” he said on Bernama TV’s “Ruang Bicara Mendepani 2024” programme titled “Cabaran Pendidikan 2024” (2024 Education Challenges) on Tuesday. The seven main thrusts the ministry focuses on are student dropouts, teacher welfare, communication between the ministry and schools, upgrading of dilapidated schools, emphasising the aspect of soft skills, the issue of multidimensional poverty and improving digital education. Anuar said the people also have the responsibility to voice their opinions positively and constructively if there is anything that they disagree with regarding the country’s education system. He added that there should be checks and balances among the community on what the government, especially the ministry leadership, is doing and the education policy must continuously be put in place to improve the existing system. “That is why we see the minister constantly engage with parents, teachers and NGOs. This is a good mechanism and platform for her to know and understand what the community wants. “This is the best mechanism for us to find a common ground between what those at the leadership level and the community, especially parents, think,” he said. – Bernama Increase of applications for halal certs PUTRAJAYA: The Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) received 15,605 applications for the Malaysian Halal Certification last year, an increase of 4% compared with 14,977 received in 2022. Jakim director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said of the total applications received last year, 8,509 were approved and involved 132,106 products, with the total fee received amounting to RM11 million. “Halal-certified products include food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumables and medical devices,“ she said. According to Hakimah, based on the State of Global Islamic Economy 2023 report issued by Dinar Standards, Malaysia ranked first for the halal food sector in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2023. – Bernama SOLEMN VISIT ... Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail listening to Milikiyah Fajar, 64, as she speaks about her son, who was killed in an explosion involving a fireworks display in Negeri Sembilan on Dec 31. – BERNAMAPIC Online licence renewal move lauded KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s initiative to allow the renewal of the driving licences and motor vehicle road tax through the MyJPJ app beginning Feb 1 aims to provide convenience to users and promote digital adaptation. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Dr T. Saravanan said the move will enable users to renew their driving licences quickly and efficiently. “But vulnerable groups may need special assistance. For older people, renewing their licence online can be a challenge. “Perhaps the Road Transport Department (RTD) could provide special training or video tutorials for them on how to renew their licences through MyJPJ,” he said yesterday. Saravanan expressed hope the app would feature the latest technology to ensure a smooth licence renewal process. “RTD or even the government must invest in good servers to ensure the system does not hang and there are no compatibility issues during licence renewal. “If possible, make sure all systems are up to date and meet international standards,” he said. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Tuesday that the licence renewal option via the app will be rolled out in phases, with the initial phase covering only private Malaysian vehicles. Those who choose to renew licences online either through RTD counters, mySIKAP portal, MyJPJ app or RTD business partners such as Pos Malaysia and MyEG Services Berhad will enjoy a rebate of RM5 from Feb 1 to Dec 31. – Bernama █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] Help for pupil facing study hitch KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry (MOE) has met the family of a pupil who is having problems continuing her studies as she has no citizenship documents. “A meeting was held by the Negeri Sembilan Education Department on Dec 28, aimed at finding a solution to enable the pupil to continue schooling. “The department is committed to helping the pupil to register at a school. The meeting took place in a harmonious atmosphere and achieved positive results,” MOE said in a statement. The statement was issued in response to a report by a news portal about a 10-year-old girl who claimed to have been unable to continue her studies in Year Four this March due to citizenship documentation issues following her parents’ failure to register their marriage. The couple divorced in 2013. The girl attended Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Sri Pagi in Senawang from Year One to Year Three and because of her citizenship problem, her family had to pay RM120 a year for her studies at the school. However, her family was informed by the school that she could not continue her studies when school reopens in March this year due to the ministry’s new policy. – Bernama
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 4 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Contact theSun's Sales & Marketing team to book your advertising space. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Advertise with us on Chinese New Year Special on JAN 26, 2024 Chinese New Year SPECIAL Let’s welcome the Year of the Dragon with us! In the Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength and health, and those are what we wish for you, while you check out our Chinese New Year supplement, to let yourself be aware of the current and upcoming festive sales, deals and promotions. PUBLICATION DATE 26 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 12 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) Trader gives back by selling fish at 90 sen KUALA TERENGGANU: A fishmonger here is doing his part to help the needy by selling sea bass (weighing about 700gm) at only 90 sen each, a huge discount from the normal price of between RM10 and RM11. Sauffian Sauji, 36, said he allocated 1,000 sea bass to be sold at the price, with a purchase cap of six fish per person. He said the offer was also in conjunction with the opening of the fourth branch of his shop in Kampung Ibai, and urged customers to arrive early as stocks would usually be sold out within 40 minutes. “The response was extraordinary. Customers arrived as early as 6am to queue when the shop was not open yet. I had more than 4,000kg of sea bass, with 1,000 of them sold for 90 sen while the rest were sold at RM10 for three or RM6 each, which was still cheap,” he said at his “Ikang Flyover” shop. Sauffian said he gets his supply of sea bass from a fish farmer in Penang, adding that there are also other types of fish sold at his shop, fish such as mackerel, as well as shrimps, which are also sold at low prices. Given the overwhelming response, Sauffian said he hoped to be able to provide his customers with a better offer in future. “I’m doing this to help people who are affected by the floods because sea bass can be quite expensive to buy, especially for families with many children.” Resident Halimaton Mohamad, 45, expressed hope more traders would offer food items at low prices to help the people cope with the increasing cost of living. “It’s good to sell it cheap like this. Then, less privileged people like me can also eat sea bass. Otherwise, we have to be content with just eating selayang. I hope he will sell at this cheap price again,” said Halimaton, who managed to buy the maximum of six sea bass at 90 sen each. Another customer, Shahmi Hapizi, 24, from Kampung Sungai Kerak near Marang, said he was late and missed the offer. “But I was able to buy three fish for only RM10. I didn’t expect anyone to be here at 6am. I arrived at 9am and by then, the 90 sen sea bass had been sold out. “Hopefully, this shop can offer cheap prices like this again. Even once a month is good enough,” he added. – Bernama Customers crowding around to take advantage of the special offer at ‘Ikang Flyover’. – BERNAMAPIC ‘Charity scammers’ on the prowl PETALING JAYA: Running charities has always been a noble and compassionate effort. However, amid the genuine initiatives to assist the downtrodden, fake charities that take advantage of the goodwill of donors have emerged. According to the Registrar of Societies (RoS), 72,444 NGOs were registered nationwide as of 2022. However, it said the figure would be far higher if unregistered ones were taken into account. “Unless we receive specific complaints, there is little we can do to end their illegal operations as we are also short handed,” an RoS spokesman said. theSun recently uncovered information about an NGO that is seeking public donations by claiming to assist the less fortunate and providing them with essential goods and financial aid. However, a check with the RoS oFraudsters duping victims with tales of animal abuse, neglected elderly folk and fictitious narratives █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] revealed the its registration certificate was fake and it did not legally exist. When asked via WhatsApp why the unregistered NGO was collecting funds, its manager, who earlier identified herself as Parimala, did not reply and instead activated a block to stop further communications. In another case, Aziera Ahmad Fuzi, 33, encountered two fake charity collectors at a shopping mall in Ampang. “Two of them were college students dressed in a convincing uniform bearing the logo of a wellknown animal rights organisation. They approached me with heartwrenching tales of abused animals and the urgent need for financial assistance,” she said. Moved by the stories and believing the collector was legitimate, Aziera contributed a substantial sum on the spot. But little did she know her hard-earned money would only line the pockets of the fraudsters. “A week later, I encountered the same two individuals soliciting donations from me. “This time, they sought contributions for an elderly care facility. It was then that I realised they were frauds.” Childline Foundation project director Datin Wong Poai Hong said fake charity collectors have existed for several years and are not a new scourge. “Fake charity collectors often employ persuasive tactics and leverage emotional appeals and fictitious narratives to manipulate potential donors. “They exploit people’s empathy and desire to make a difference, leaving victims feeling betrayed and disillusioned.” Wong said some masquerade as representatives of reputable charities to exploit public generosity for personal gain, adding that to combat the growing problem, the public must be vigilant and informed. “Authentic charities have transparent fundraising practices and provide clear information about their mission, programmes and finances. “Before making donations, potential donors should verify the legitimacy of the charity by checking its official website, contacting the organisation directly, or consulting reputable charity watchdogs.” Wong said law enforcement agencies are also working to address the issue, but the dynamic nature of such scams poses numerous challenges. “Individuals should come forward to report suspicious encounters with fake charity collectors. This will help the authorities to investigate and prevent such incidents. “Communities must also engage in educational efforts to raise awareness about the tactics employed by the fraudsters.” She also said NGOs should be more vigilant to prevent misuse of student volunteers by fake charity collection groups. “Thorough background checks should be carried out on volunteers to ensure the money collected is handed to the charity. “Providing clear guidelines on fundraising activities is also crucial to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with fraudulent groups.” Wong added that NGOs should establish open communication channels with volunteers, and provide training and support to ensure awareness of ethical fundraising practices.
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 5 Number of evacuees in Kelantan unchanged KUALA LUMPUR: The number of flood evacuees recorded in Kelantan was unchanged, with 26 from seven families still housed at a temporary relief centre in Pasir Mas yesterday. According to the latest report issued by the National Disaster Control Centre of the National Disaster Management Agency, the number of evacuees in Pahang dropped to seven from two families at a centre in Temerloh, compared with 10 from three families previously. A survey by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage found Sungai Pulai in Johor and Sungai Arau in Perlis remained at a dangerous level. The roads still closed due to soil erosion or inundation include Jalan Durian Mentangau in Terengganu, Jalan Sungai Sam to Dabong in Kelantan, Jalan Kota Tinggi-Kluang and Jalan Raya Timur Barat Kupang-Gerik-Jeli. The Works Ministry said as of 10am yesterday, 18 disaster locations have been identified, with six along federal roads and 12 along state roads. Flooding was recorded at six sites, collapsed slopes at five, damaged roads at four and damaged bridges at three locations. – Bernama Plan to increase funds for Indian entrepreneurs KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk R. Ramanan has proposed that the government increase a RM30 million allocation of the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme under the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund, in line with current economic challenges. He said Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has vowed to raise the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “Ewon also asked me to look at other needs that could benefit the Indian community, especially under SME Corporation Malaysia, the Cooperatives Commission and other agencies under the ministry. “I understand many entrepreneurs need support and assistance. We will help them the best way we can.” Earlier, Ramanan met Ewon to discuss various programmes and the direction of the ministry for this year. He said they affirmed their commitment to cooperate and maximise ministry functions and roles in efforts to advance the entrepreneurial and cooperative sectors. – Bernama Hike in workplace safety training expected MALACCA: The Southern Region National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is targeting a 20% increase in workplace safety-related training this year. Office head Abdullah Monsi Ahmad Sarbini said yesterday this was because of a high number of requests from industry players to implement courses related to workplace safety. “We conducted more than 1,000 training sessions last year, involving about 15,000 participants. “There are a huge number of requests, especially from players in the oil and gas industry, for a Non-Competency Programme Course for Safe and Defensive Driving as petroleum-producing companies will be conducting turnaround activities such as refinery plant maintenance.” He added that the maintenance of refinery plants has to be conducted periodically to ensure safe and optimal operations at all times. “We received requests from about 300 contractors who will carry out refinery operations at the end of the month. “As such, we have drawn up nine-course sessions this month.” – Bernama RM600,000 allocated for 2024 babies IPOH: The state government, through Yayasan Perak, has allocated RM600,000 for the Perak Children’s Education Savings Fund to benefit about 3,000 babies born this year. Yayasan Perak said in a statement the donation is an initiative to encourage educational savings for children. “The contribution of RM200 per person is in the form of educational savings into the National Education Savings Scheme Prime Account. The initiative is also part of the Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani programme.” It added that the state government allocated about RM6.47 million to 32,351 babies since 2010, with Yayasan Perak and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) managing the contribution together. The statement also said every RM200 donated will be deposited in the Prime Account, which is specifically designed as a long-term education savings account with a certain rate of return and perks offered by PTPTN. The state government expressed hope the initial savings of RM200 would continue to grow until the children reach the age of 18. “For example, a contribution of RM50 a month or RM600 a year would amount to savings of almost RM16,000 based on a 4% annual return rate. The amount will certainly increase if the monthly savings are higher than RM50.” Yayasan Perak, in collaboration with the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, earlier presented RM200 vouchers to mothers who delivered New Year babies. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who is also Yayasan Perak chairman, celebrated the births by presenting vouchers totalling RM10,000 at the maternity ward on Tuesday. – Bernama Residents resort to old wells during water cut JERTIH: Residents of 11 villages in Mukim Keluang near Kampung Raja have made every effort to get clean water due to a water supply disruption that began on Dec 28 and is expected to last until Jan 21. Apart from the water supply by Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (Satu) and other relevant authorities, the residents of Taman Mawaddah in Kampung Limbongan resorted to utilising wells that have not been used for 25 years. Civil servant Zulkifli Mohammad, 53, said he had to turn to the old well in his backyard for water. “I sourced water from a static tank that Satu placed close to my home at first, but that wasn’t enough because there are many people living here. “So, I spent RM700 on a 600 litre tank and a water pump to draw water from the well.” Zulkifli said he started cleaning the 1.5m well on Monday and his family has been relying on it since then, Bernama reported. “I am confident the water is safe because it looks clear and has no odour. I just need to remove small pieces of wood from the surface of the water,” he said, adding that several neighbours also decided to build tube wells in their house compound. Government retiree Tarmizi Ahmad, 62, said he had to buy buckets and plastic bottles to fill water from the static tank provided by Satu. “I drive at least twice a day from my house oSupply from six lorries and 49 static tanks insufficient for some affected families in Terengganu to the static tank in Taman Mawaddah, which is about 1km away. “I am grateful to those who provide us with water supply. But if possible, we will need more tanks and they should be placed in strategic spots.” On Monday, Satu confirmed the disruption at 11 villages involved the Bukit Keluang water tank and was caused by a pipe leak at the bottom of Sungai Besut near Jambatan Kampung Lampu. It said 2,670 account holders will experience disruption while an appointed contractor carries out repair work on the 600mm pipe. Six tanker lorries and 49 static tanks will be placed strategically at affected areas, with priority given to critical premises. Satu said updates will be provided through its website, MySATU app, Facebook and Instagram. Consumers with queries or complaints may also contact its careline at 1300-88-2111. GETTING READY ... George Town resident Amin Jafni Abdullah buying a water container in preparation for a scheduled water supply disruption from Jan 10 to 14. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 6 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Court reduces jail term, fine of ex-judge oDecision based on lower gravity of actual offence and 17-year service KUALA LUMPUR: The Shah Alam High Court has reduced a jail sentence of a former Sessions Court judge convicted of corruption, from six months to one day. Judge Hasbullah Adam also reduced the fine imposed by the Sessions Court on Oct 19, 2022 against Azmil Muntapha Abas, 50, from RM25,000 to RM12,000 after his appeal. However, he rejected the former Kuala Kubu Bharu Sessions Court judge’s appeal to set aside his conviction after finding there was no merit to interfere with the lower court’s findings and decision in the case, in accordance with Section 316 of the Criminal Procedure Code. “Therefore, the conviction is safe.” Hasbullah set aside the sentence handed down by the Sessions Court judge and replaced it with one day’s jail and a fine of RM12,000, in default three months’ jail, after finding there was merit in the appeal. He said the offence, under Section 165 of the Penal Code, provides for a maximum of two years’ jail or a fine, or both, but there was no mandatory provision requiring imprisonment. “The key element of the offence was receiving a valuable item without reciprocity. This is different from the main offence under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission 2009, which brings a maximum of 20 years’ jail and a fine of five times the amount of gratification.” Hasbullah said the court also took into account the role of the fourth prosecution witness (SP4) Shah Alam High Court deputy registrar Ahmad Feisal Mohd Azmi as a “temptation” to Azmil by offering money. “It was the active role of SP4 who ensured that the giving (of the money) took place although the appellant had said he could not agree to the proposed sentencing,” he said, adding that the court also took into consideration Azmil’s 17-year service from 2001 to 2018. He was charged in his capacity as a Sessions Court judge to have obtained for himself RM5,000 without consideration from a person who he knew had connection with his official function involving court proceedings of six accused in criminal cases, Bernama reported. They are Chin Yat Soong, Yap Chiew Tat, Chin See Shak, Pang Kooi Fook, Yap Swee Ming and Chin Chee Keong, who were charged under Section 9 of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, and fined by Azmil. He was charged with committing the offence at Maybank Setia Alam 2 on May 10, 2018. The charge, under Section 165 of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both. Ex-taxi driver escapes death sentence PUTRAJAYA: A former taxi driver escaped the gallows after a charge against him for trafficking 1,029.2g of cannabis was reduced to possession of the drug. A Court of Appeal threemember panel comprising justices Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, Datuk Hashim Hamzah and Datuk Azmi Ariffin yesterday set aside M. Baskaran’s conviction and death sentence for the trafficking offence and replaced it with 10 years’ jail. This was after Baskaran, 52, pleaded guilty to the drug possession charge. Hadhariah said Baskaran has been spared whipping as he is above 50 years old. She also ordered him to serve the sentence from Aug 15, 2018, the day he was arrested. Earlier, DPP Fauziah Daud told the court that the prosecution had agreed to reduce the charge to drug possession. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by the High Court on Aug 4, 2021 for trafficking cannabis at a car park in Taipanco at Port Klang on Aug 15, 2018. Baskaran’s lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi asked the court to impose a minimum jail sentence of five years on his client, who has repented and also to enable him to restart his life with his family. Fauziah asked the court to impose jail sentences of between 10 years and 12 years. – Bernama Couple found dead in condo SEREMBAN: A married couple were found dead in their condominium unit at Jalan Keliling on Tuesday, but police have ruled out foul play. Seremban police chief ACP Arifai Tarawe said they were alerted to the incident at 12.49pm. He said the man was a 34-year-old foreigner teaching at an international school in Port Dickson while his wife was a 31-year-old local doctor at a dental clinic in Linggi. “Investigations and examination of the bodies did not find any criminal elements and the case has been classified as sudden death. “Their bodies have been sent to the forensic division of Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital for a post-mortem.” He urged anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Adi Khusaini Saripudin at 012-770 7282 or the Seremban police headquarters at 06- 603 3222. – Bernama New ship to boost MMEA operations PORT KLANG: The first offshore patrol vessel (OPV1) is able to function as a mothership for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and help boost its preparation in safeguarding the country’s waters, Bernama reported. Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi said the 83m long and 13.7m wide vessel is capable of operating at sea for up to 21 days without needing resupply. “This OPV1 is outfitted with X-band and S-band radar to facilitate patrol mobility and can accommodate up to 70 crew members in a single operation. With a maximum speed of 21 knots, this vessel is also equipped with facilities such as a helipad and a detention room. “In addition to its capacity to navigate rough seas, it is able to carry out tasks such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief. It can serve not only as a logistics ship and mothership, but also as a command ship and a storage facility for oil pollution equipment.” Man held for assaulting wife KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested a man for allegedly assaulting his wife during an argument at their home in Taman Maju Jaya, Ampang on Monday. The incident, which occurred at about 2am, began when the 45-yearold suspect was upset when his wife slammed the door and an argument broke out. Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Mohd Azam Ismail said the suspect hit his wife, causing her pain and bruises. The 40-year-old woman suffered soft tissue injuries on her hands, right middle finger and legs. The man was arrested at 5.25pm on Tuesday. He tested negative for drugs and did not have any criminal records. “Police will seek a remand order for the suspect,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing harm and Section 18A of the Domestic Violence Act. – Bernama Drugs worth RM35m seized in Johor last year JOHOR BAHRU: Johor police have seized various types of drugs, weighing 5.08 tonnes, with a value of RM35.83 million, throughout last year. State police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said during the same period, police also seized various assets belonging to drug syndicates, worth RM16.6 million. He said 16,598 individuals were arrested for various drug-related offences, which is the third highest in the country, adding that 615 were repeat drug abuse offenders, while 217 others were detained under the Special Prevention Measures. “In terms of the prosecution rate, the state Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) has prosecuted 5,728 cases and solved 12,947. A total of 16 drug trafficking syndicates were busted, with 98 arrests. “Starting in January 2023, special operations, dubbed Op Tapis Khas, were carried out statewide by focusing on hotspots, including fishermen jetties, public housing projects and Felda settlements.” He said 1,478 individuals were arrested under the operation for various drug offences, namely 191 cases (trafficking), 293 (drug possession) and 994 (drug addicts). He added that 175 wanted suspects were also detained in the operations. “The state NCID also raided 1,423 entertainment centres statewide under Op Pusat Hiburan, with 15,243 people inspected and 1,105 arrested for various drug offences.” – Bernama Man imprisoned over attack on RTD officer ALOR SETAR: A man who assaulted a Kedah Road Transport Department (RTD) officer, in a video that was circulated on social media, was sentenced to one day in jail and fined RM4,000 by the Magistrate’s Court in Jitra in November last year. State RTD director Aman Shah Hashim said the 24-year-old man was arrested and charged under Section 353 of the Penal Code. The court sentenced him to one day in prison and a fine of RM4,000 on Nov 27. He added that the state RTD had conducted preliminary investigations into the one-minute 24-second video, showing a pickup truck refusing to stop for inspection when instructed by RTD officers. “The investigation found the video recording took place on Nov 22 at around 4pm in Jalan Tasik Darul Aman. At the time, RTD officers were conducting enforcement rounds and noticed a vehicle being driven suspiciously. “Initial inspections found three offences, namely an expired motor vehicle licence, no insurance coverage and an expired computerised vehicle inspection centre certificate,” he said, adding that the officers instructed the vehicle to stop, but the driver refused to cooperate. “When detained, the suspect committed a criminal act by assaulting the officer using abusive language, provocation and obstructing a public servant from performing his duties.” – Bernama MAN-MADE DILEMMA ... Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani inspecting a river in Kampung Alor Merah, Kedah that is choked with rubbish, contributing to floods in the area. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 7 Plane cleared to land before collision TOKYO: Japanese investigators yesterday probed a nearcatastrophic collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport between a coast guard plane and a passenger jet that airline executives have said was given permission to land. Five people on the coast guard aircraft died, but all 379 passengers and crew escaped to safety down emergency slides minutes before the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus was engulfed in flames late Tuesday. The burned-out husk of the airliner, still sitting on the tarmac yesterday, bore witness to just how narrow their escape had been. The captain of the coast guard plane, which had been carrying aid to the New Year’s Day earthquake zone, was its lone survivor but suffered serious injuries. Footage on Tuesday showed a ball of fire erupting and thick black smoke from underneath the airliner shortly after landing and coming to a halt on its nose after its front landing gear failed. Passengers could be seen sliding A ship washed ashore after a major 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture. – AFPPIC oJapan Airlines claims jet had secured permission to approach runway, declines to comment further due to ongoing investigations President’s son summoned over alleged violation JAKARTA: Indonesia’s election watchdog has summoned President Joko Widodo’s son, the leading presidential candidate’s running mate, for questioning over an alleged campaign violation, an election official said. Gibran Rakabuming Raka is seeking to be vice-president with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto as his running mate in the Feb 14 election and the pair command a solid lead over teams led by rival presidential candidates Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. The election watchdog (Bawaslu) chapter in Central Jakarta summoned Gibran for allegedly violating campaign rules by handing out free milk to people at a public “car-free day” event last month, the official said on Tuesday. “We need to have clarification from Gibran, we want to make sure whether it (the allegation) is right or not,” Dimas Trianto Putro, an official at Bawaslu, told reporters. A 2016 Jakarta gubernatorial regulation bars “events for the interests of political parties” at car-free day events, during which vehicles are banned from entering major thoroughfares. Bawaslu does not have the authority to penalise Gibran, and it was not immediately clear if city authorities would mete out any punishment. Habiburokhman, a deputy head of Prabowo’s campaign team, said Gibran attended Bawaslu’s summons yesterday. Another deputy at Prabowo’s campaign team, Afriansyah Noor, said the team would honour the agency’s ruling if the allegations are proven correct, adding it did not know the act was a violation. Gibran’s candidacy has been controversial because of a decision by the country’s constitutional court last October removing an age bar that paved the way for him to run in the elections. While Prabowo is ahead of his opponents, there has been an uptick in popularity for Anies, with two polls in December by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and Kompas newspaper showing he had overtaken Ganjar. – Reuters down inflatable slides as flames shot out from the rear of the aircraft in video posted on social media platform X. As the plane was evacuated, dozens of fire engines with blue and red flashing lights tried to douse the flames but the entire plane was soon engulfed and it took eight hours to finally extinguish the blaze. “As soon as we landed, there was a ‘bang’. And I noticed a blaze rising from the right side,” a female passenger on board told broadcaster NHK. “It was getting hot inside the plane and I thought, to be honest, I would not survive.” Government officials pledged to investigate how the incident happened in a country that had not seen a serious commercial aviation accident for decades. Asked at a briefing late Tuesday night whether the Japan Airlines flight had secured landing permission from air traffic control, officials at the major carrier said: “Our understanding is that it was given.” But JAL and the land ministry declined to comment directly on exchanges between flight controllers and the two planes, citing the ongoing investigation. In a recording from Haneda’s control tower apparently taken in the moments before the collision, available on a site that broadcasts live air traffic signals, a voice can be heard advising JAL’s flight to “continue approach”. Some domestic flights were operating yesterday morning from Haneda, one of the world’s busiest airports, but dozens were cancelled. France’s Airbus, which manufactured the JAL plane, said it would send a team of specialists to help Japanese authorities investigate. The passenger plane had arrived from New Chitose Airport serving Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido. Those on board included eight children. The coast guard plane had been preparing to fly to Ishikawa prefecture to deliver supplies after the devastating New Year’s Day earthquake that killed at least 62 people. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida praised the deceased crew members on their way to help the victims of the quake. – AFP South Korean opposition leader ‘could have been killed’ SEOUL: South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung narrowly escaped death when he was stabbed in the neck, a party lawmaker said yesterday, as police were granted a warrant to search his assailant’s property. Lee was surrounded by journalists in southern Busan city Tuesday when a man pretending to be a supporter pushed through a crowd and then lunged at him, stabbing him on the left side of his neck with a knife. Lee, who suffered a wound to his jugular vein, was first taken to hospital in Busan, then flown to the capital Seoul where he underwent a two-hour surgery. He is currently recovering in the intensive care unit. “Busan medical staff stated that if the attacker’s knife had struck Lee’s carotid artery he could have been killed instantly at the scene,” Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chung-rae said during a party meeting yesterday. “Lee is currently recovering in intensive care but the situation is so serious that visiting is difficult,” he added. According to the Yonhap news agency, police said they planned to seek an arrest warrant for the 66-year-old suspect, identified only by his surname Kim, who was detained at the scene. The warrant would allow police to continue to hold the suspect. A district court issued a warrant to search the suspect’s house and office as part of the investigation, Yonhap said, adding that police will focus on finding the exact motive behind the attack. – AFP B R I E F SINDIAN WORKERS CALL OFF PROTEST NEW DELHI: A strike across India involving bus, truck and tanker drivers was called off after two days following assurance from the government that new laws for hit-and-run accidents will not be implemented until further talks with union representatives. Petrol and diesel supplies were hit across parts of the country after the strike entered the second day on Tuesday. Drivers of trucks, buses, and tankers had launched a three-day strike to protest a new law that prescribes punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a maximum of 700,000 rupees (RM38,940) fine for those who run away without informing authorities after causing serious road accidents. On Tuesday, the government said it will invoke these laws only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress – a group of transporters that is part of the protest. – Reuters TAIWAN DETECTS FOUR CHINESE BALLOONS TAIPEI: Four Chinese balloons were detected moving across the median line separating Taiwan from China, with three flying directly above the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry said yesterday. A graphic released by the ministry showed three balloons headed northeast directly above the island on Tuesday after appearing “southwest of Ching-Chuan-Kang”, home to a military airbase in Taiwan’s western Taichung city. The lowest altitude measured for one of them was 3,658m. The ministry began reporting them last month for the first time, with six incidents in December. – AFP
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 8 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper China unveils next-gen aircraft carrier BEIJING: Chinese state media unveiled new images of China’s most advanced aircraft carrier yet, including next generation launch tracks that can catapult a wider range of aircraft from its deck. First shown to the public in June 2022, the Fujian was entirely designed and built domestically. Yet to conduct its first sea trials, the aircraft carrier is larger and technologically more advanced than the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, and the Liaoning, which China bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted domestically. On state television late on Tuesday, the Fujian was seen being towed by a smaller vessel with all of the three tracks of its electro-magnetic catapult system visible on its deck. “In the new year, we will seize every minute, work with determination, and strive for combat readiness as soon as possible,” state television cited a Fujian officer as saying. The Fujian has been conducting tests including mooring tests before its sea trials, which some observers expected to have taken place by 2023. The carrier started launch tests for its electromagnetic catapult system in November, according to state-controlled Chinese newspaper Global Times. Other than Ford-Class aircraft carriers, a new class of nuclear-powered carriers being developed for the US navy, the Fujian will be the only aircraft carrier in the world equipped with the latest Electro-magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). China’s version of the EMALS can launch more kinds of aircraft than the Shandong or the Liaoning, and will also be more reliable and energy-efficient, marking a milestone in the modernisation of the Chinese military. – Reuters B R I E F SGUATEMALAN GETS 12 YEARS FOR MURDER OF NGO DIRECTOR QUETZALTENANGO: A Guatemalan court on Tuesday sentenced a local man to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the killing three years ago of a French NGO director, a lawyer for the victim’s family told AFP. Diego Tay was found guilty by a court in Quetzaltenango of complicity to homicide in the death of Frenchman Benoit Maria, according to attorney Edgar Perez. Maria, the Guatemala director of the agriculture and animal health NGO Agronomes et Veterinaires Sans Frontieres, was shot in an indigenous area in Guatemala’s northeast in August 2020. The NGO said at the time that Maria, 52, was killed in an ambush. He had lived in Guatemala for more than 20 years, supporting agricultural projects for the Indigenous Mayan Ixil communities. Tay, an Indigenous municipal councilman, was also found guilty of illegal weapons possession, for which he was handed three years in prison, to be added to the homicide sentence. EXPLOSIONS REPORTED NEAR SHIP AT BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT DUBAI: British maritime security agency UKMTO reported explosions late Tuesday near a cargo ship in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said it had received reports of up to three explosions one to five nautical miles from the merchant vessel, which was travelling between the coasts of Eritrea and Yemen. “Master reports no damage to the vessel and crew are reported safe at present,” the agency, run by Britain’s Royal Navy, said in a brief message. “Authorities are investigating.” In recent weeks, Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched a flurry of drone and missile strikes targeting commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. – AFP Illegal immigration drops, US to reopen crossings WASHINGTON: The US will reopen four legal US-Mexico border crossings today as high levels of illegal immigration have receded and freed up personnel, US border authorities said on Tuesday. The US will resume operations at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, two crossings in Arizona and another near San Diego, California, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a press release, adding that it will continue to prioritise border security “as necessary”. US border authorities struggled in December to process migrants as apprehensions reached nearly 11,000 in a single day, which several current and former officials said was near or at a record high. Lawmakers remain in talks over a possible deal that would combine increased border security measures with foreign aid, including military funding for Ukraine, US officials said. “We have got to do something. They ought to give me the money I need to protect the border,” US President Joe Biden told reporters on his arrival at the White House on Tuesday evening, apparently referring to members of Congress. Mexican and US officials pledged last week to work together more closely to tackle record migration at their shared border after top US officials traveled to Mexico to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Mexican officials have stepped up immigration enforcement in recent weeks, including moving migrants to southern Mexico and resuming deportation flights to Venezuela, a senior US official said during a call with reporters on Tuesday, requesting anonymity as a condition of the briefing. Mexico on Tuesday evening cheered the reopening of the border crossings. “This will benefit the economies of both countries,” Mexico’s foreign ministry, which had previously called for the reopening of crossings between the two nations, said in a statement. – Reuters Deadly strikes hit Ukraine, Russian border region KYIV: Deadly strikes hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a Russian border region Tuesday as an escalation of aerial attacks also wounded dozens and prompted Kyiv to urge speedier Western weapons shipments. The bombardment of mainly Kyiv and northeastern Kharkiv came less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to step up strikes following an unprecedented Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod. In total, five people were killed and 130 wounded, authorities said. “The enemy has planned their trajectories to cause as much damage as possible. This is an utterly premeditated terror,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address. Since Dec 29, Russia has launched nearly 300 missiles and more than 200 drones against Ukraine, he said. Meanwhile, a new Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Belgorod border region killed at least one person on Tuesday and wounded five, the local governor said. Moscow claimed to have struck only military installations but Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Russia was deliberately hitting critical infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods. Kyiv urged Western allies to respond to the bombardment by speeding up the delivery of air defence equipment, combat drones and long-range missiles at a time when allied backing has wavered. Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said late Tuesday he had discussed the attacks with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. “We agreed on the importance of strengthening Ukrainian air defence,” he said. Kyiv said Moscow fired 99 missiles on Tuesday but 72 were downed, while Russia said it had shot down nine Ukrainian missiles Rescuers speak with a wounded local resident at the site where a residential building was heavily damaged in a bombing. – REUTERSPIC oWestern allies urged to respond to bombardment by speeding up delivery of air defence equipment over the Belgorod region. In Kyiv, a building near the centre of the city was partly destroyed. Two people were killed and 49 injured in the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said. Ukraine interior minister Igor Klymenko said another two people were killed in the Kyiv region. A 91-year-old woman was killed and 52 people were injured as at least four strikes hit the northeastern city of Kharkiv, said the head of the city’s military administration, Oleg Sinegubov. The cities of Orikhiv and Nikopol were also targeted by strikes that left three people wounded overall, authorities said. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine as his office voiced alarm at the intensification of attacks. “International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilian objects,” the UN Human Rights Office said on social media platform X. In a sign of growing concern, Poland on Tuesday scrambled four F-16 fighter jets to its border with Ukraine to protect its airspace. – AFP
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 9 Gaza death toll passes 22,000 after three months oNo let up in fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas as tanks shell parts of refugee camp in central area GAZA: Israeli forces attacked Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip with tank fire and air strikes on Tuesday, residents said, and Israeli ground troops and Hamas militants also battled in other parts of the shattered Palestinian enclave. Israel said its troops had killed dozens of militants in Gaza’s north in the past day. Residents said Israeli tanks had shelled parts of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central area. The Gaza health ministry said 207 people had been killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total recorded Palestinian death toll to more than 22,000 in nearly three months of warfare in the Hamas-ruled enclave. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said operations in the south around Khan Younis were focused on areas above the tunnel network where Hamas leaders are believed to be hiding. “We are reaching them all ways. There already is engagement and there are hostages there too sadly,” he told troops in Gaza in footage shown on Israeli television. “This will continue as high intensity efforts in the heart of Khan Younis,” he said. The latest fighting took place after Israel announced plans to pull back some troops, signalling a new phase in the war against Hamas amid global concern over the plight of Gaza residents. Israeli bombardments have reduced much of the territory to rubble and engulfed its 2.3 million residents in a humanitarian disaster in which many thousands have been left destitute and threatened by famine due to a lack of food supplies. Israeli officials say the offensive has many months to run. In its daily briefing, the Israeli military said in the past day its forces had targeted militants in Gaza City in the north of the enclave and in unspecified locations along the Mediterranean coast. “In Jabaliya area, troops killed dozens of terrorists, among them those who attempted to plant explosive devices, others who operated drones and those who were armed identified driving toward the forces,” the military said. Troops also dismantled rocket launching sites in Khan Younis and in a United Nations school in Al-Bureij, the military said. Hamas could not be reached for comment on the Israeli reports. Gaza residents said Israeli warplanes and tanks stepped up bombardments of the eastern and northern areas of Khan Younis, where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge after being forced from their homes elsewhere in the densely-populated territory. – Reuters Hamas deputy leader’s death raises risk of war spreading BEIRUT: Israel killed Hamas deputy leader Saleh alArouri in a drone strike in Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Tuesday, Lebanese and Palestinian security sources said, raising the potential risk of war in Gaza spreading well beyond the Palestinian enclave. Arouri, 57, was the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel launched a shattering air and ground offensive against the group almost three months ago after its shock assault and rampage into Israeli towns. Lebanon’s heavily armed Hezbollah group, a Hamas ally, has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israel across Lebanon’s southern border since the war in Gaza began in October. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has warned Israel against carrying out any assassinations on Lebanese soil, vowing a “severe reaction”. Hezbollah said on Tuesday it had targeted a group of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Marj with missiles, following Arouri’s killing. Israel has long accused Arouri of lethal attacks on its citizens, but a Hamas official said he was also “at the heart of negotiations” conducted by Qatar and Egypt over the outcome of the Gaza war and the release of Hamas-held Israeli hostages. Israel neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the killing, but its military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces were in a high state of readiness and prepared for any scenario. “The most important thing to say tonight is that we are focused and remain focused on fighting Hamas,” he said when asked by a reporter about the reports of Arouri’s killing. Israel had accused Arouri, a co-founder of the Hamas’ military wing, the Izz-el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, of ordering and supervising Hamas attacks in the Israeli-occupied West Bank for years. “I am waiting for martyrdom (death) and I think I have lived too long,“ Arouri said in August 2023, alluding to Israeli threats to eliminate Hamas leaders whether in Gaza or abroad. – Reuters Only 15% in poll want Netanyahu to keep job JERUSALEM: Only 15% of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay in office after the war on Hamas in Gaza ends, though many more still support his strategy of crushing the militants in the Palestinian enclave, according to a poll published on Tuesday. Netanyahu promised to crush Hamas, with Israeli forces laying much of Gaza to waste in their nearly three-month retalitory offensive. Netanyahu has said such intense military pressure is also vital to ensure that the remaining 129 hostages still held in Gaza are returned after around 100 were freed in late November in a swap deal also involving hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. In the poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), 56% of those questioned said continuing the military offensive was the best way to recover the hostages, while 24% thought a swap deal, including the release of thousands more Palestinian prisoners from Israel’s jails, would be best. Israel says it has killed about 8,000 Palestinian fighters and has vowed to hunt down Hamas leaders. But a mere 15% want Netanyahu to be prime minister once the war is over, the poll showed. His political rival and present war cabinet partner, centrist Benny Gantz, garnered support from 23% of interviewees. Around 30% named no preferred leader. – Reuters B R I E F SHAMAS ALLEGEDLY USED AL SHIFA HOSPITAL WASHINGTON: US spy agencies assess that Islamist group Hamas and another Palestinian group fighting Israel used Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital to command forces and hold some hostages but largely evacuated the complex days before Israeli troops entered it, a US official said on Tuesday, citing declassified US intelligence. The complex was used by both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to command forces fighting against Israel, the US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. US intelligence agencies have not disclosed the evidence on which they based their assessment. The official said the US had independently confirmed the information. Israel has also said Al Shifa, which it had occupied earlier in the war in Gaza, had been used by Hamas. Israeli troops entered the hospital in November. The targeting of the hospital had stoked global alarm over the fate of civilians and patients who were inside. – Reuters MAN HELD AFTER BREAKING INTO COURT CHICAGO: A man was arrested on Tuesday after he broke into the Colorado Supreme Court building in Denver with a handgun and lit a fire in a stairwell, police said. Police arrested Brandon Olsen, 44, on charges of arson, robbery and burglary, saying he fled the scene of a car crash shortly after 1am, broke into the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Centre in downtown Denver and shot out a window. Police said Olsen took keys from an unarmed security guard whom he held at gunpoint and made his way up the building’s seventh floor, where he fired shots and lit a fire in a stairwell that was soon extinguished by the sprinkler system. Olsen surrendered to police without incident at about 3am, the Denver Police Department said in a statement. – AFP Palestinian man Hamada Abu Sleyma, whose wife, all his six children and two grandchildren were killed in an Israeli strike that destroyed his house, walks on rubble, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. – REUTERSPIC
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 10 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Whimsical journey into scientific glamour STAYING and working near the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil is a mixed bag of blessings and challenges. On the positive side, residents in the vicinity get to enjoy the ambient sounds of free concerts and the energetic cheers from football matches. However, the challenges are in the form of traffic gridlocks, especially before and after events. A recent encounter with the traffic during a Coldplay performance serves as a vivid reminder of this doubleedged proximity. As much as one may wish for more nights filled with Coldplay’s magical performance, we can only imagine the austerity that the residents need to navigate through congested roads. During the performance, while the band was enchanting hearts (and possibly eardrums) at the National Stadium, many were ensnared in a traffic jam, where the progress was agonisingly slow, with a mere crawl of 10km, taking a staggering 1.5 hours. Amid this vehicular mosh pit, our mind wandered into a realm of thought experiments and deep contemplation. What if society was as captivated by lab coats as it is by leather jackets? In a whimsical scenario, envision the use of a Rick and Morty-style portal gun to transport us to a dimension where research conferences draw crowds of autograph seekers, Nobel laureates are pursued by paparazzi hungry for their signatures, and headlines celebrate scientific discoveries with the fervour usually reserved for celebrity gossip. Picture a world where “Scientist discovers flying pizza!” becomes the headline du jour, eclipsing mundane news about a celebrity parting ways with his pet hamster. This playful hypothetical scenario prompts reflection on society’s values and interests. What if intellectual pursuits and scientific breakthroughs were as glamourised as entertainment and sports? The traffic jam musings lead to a broader contemplation of societal priorities and the potential for a cultural shift toward celebrating knowledge and innovation with the same enthusiasm as we do entertainment. This is not a flight of fancy, it is the imminent reality we should be actively cultivating. Scientists, the unsung rockstars, consistently deliver chart-toppers such as vaccines and smartphones, effortlessly tackling problems with the finesse of a Rubik’s Cube virtuoso on overdrive, propelling humanity forward at a velocity that rivals a rocket launch. Yet, in this arena of groundbreaking discoveries and world-saving, they often find themselves overshadowed. Singers and actors, their faces omnipresent on cereal and tissue boxes, dominate popular culture. Perhaps science lacks the drama of a reality show or the catchy tunes of a pop song, but imagine the virality of a revolutionary breakthrough. Memes, retweets – the world would explode in scientific awe. Consider the irony of a Coldplay concert held amid a downpour, a stark contrast to the sunny disposition of most field scientists. While fans braved the rain for fleeting musical enjoyment, countless scientists toil in nondescript labs, the unsung heroes of progress. A deduction arises: artistic products effortlessly touch people’s emotions, making marketing them an emotional appeal. Scientists, being materialists and pragmatists, create products for practical betterment, often devoid of emotional resonance. A cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy may not experience the emotional highs of a Coldplay song, despite the life-saving nature of the treatment. So, here lies the societal challenge: How can we infuse passion into marketing scientific progress, utilising emotional appeal to propel science into the limelight? How do we cast the spotlight on the researchers and innovators who are reshaping the world with their discoveries? Let us metamorphose laboratories into vibrant concert halls, transmute research papers into catchy jingles and catapult scientific breakthroughs into viral sensations. The world grapples with a concerning decline in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students. Today’s youth gauge success through matrices such as TikTok or YouTube subscribers, channel views and more. These metrics, defined by sponsors to attract lucrative opportunities, dominate the contemporary definition of success. However, for humanity to advance, nurturing future generations of scientists is imperative. Scientists merit acknowledgement not solely within academic journals but also in the collective consciousness of humanity. Envisaging a collaborative landscape where artists regularly team up with scientists, becoming rockstars together, and fostering a connection between scientific work and emotional resonance, can pave the way for enhanced funding opportunities. This, in turn, can serve as an investment in the progress of humanity. Such a collaborative endeavour has the potential to forge a groundbreaking, revolutionary future – perhaps even more exhilarating than a Coldplay concert? (apologies, Chris Martin!). The article was contributed by Dr Goh Bey Hing, professor and head of Sunway Biofunctional Molecules Discovery Centre at the School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University, and Dr Low Ley Hian, Global Alliance Lead at Biogenes Technologies Sdn Bhd and Senior Fellow at the Pacific Research Centre. Comments: [email protected] “For humanity to advance, nurturing future generations of scientists is imperative. Scientists merit recognition not solely within academic journals but also in the collective consciousness of humanity. Scientists, the unsung rockstar, consistently deliver chart-toppers such as vaccines and smartphones, yet often find themselves overshadowed. – REUTERSPIC COMMENT by Prof Goh Bey Hing and Dr Low Ley Hian
11 THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 Embracing change for a fresh start AS the new year unfolds, this is an opportune moment to consider shedding old burdens. For many, the most significant challenges stem from our past, especially if it includes difficult childhood experiences or emotional traumas. This can create a sense of being trapped in a recurring cycle, where each new problem seems like an echo of past struggles. However, what if we can break this cycle? What if we start the new year with a chance to begin anew? Everyone has a past. For some, it is a mixed bag of joy and sorrow. For others, it is overshadowed by hurtful experiences that linger. These past pains can shape how we tackle current challenges, often without us realising it. Our past experiences can create a default response pattern in us, making us react to new situations in old and familiar ways. The trick lies in treating each new challenge as a standalone event. It is not a repeat or continuation of past problems but a distinct issue. This approach does not mean we forget our past, but we do not let it overshadow our present. It is like encountering a new puzzle each time, distinct and separate from the puzzles we have solved before. Escaping this cycle of repetition is tough but crucial. Recognising that our past does not have to dictate our present or future can be empowering. It means taking ownership of our narrative. We can acknowledge our past hurts while ensuring they do not dominate our current decisions and actions. It is natural to feel affected by our past. However, we can also channel these emotions positively. Rather than letting them weigh us down, we can learn and grow from them, turning our experiences into sources of strength and wisdom. Moving beyond our past is a profound act of self-love and appreciation. It is about recognising ourselves as resilient survivors, individuals who have endured numerous storms and yet stand tall. Our scars are far more than just reminders of our struggles, they are tangible symbols of our resilience and strength. These marks tell a story of overcoming and persisting despite the odds. As we enter a new year, the concept of letting go gains a deeper significance. It is not necessarily about forgiveness, although that can be a part of some people’s journeys. More importantly, it is about releasing the burdens that our past has placed upon us. It is an Farewell to footballing legend T H E p a s s i n g away of Shaharuddin Abdullah (pic) marks the end of yet another one of the bastions of f o o t b a l l i n g greats who have left an indelible mark in Malaysian football history. I kept a strong following of Malaysian football during the heydays of the 1960s and 70s. They were a force to be reckoned with among other nations in Asia. Shaharuddin stood out prominently as a striker, much feared by the opposition, especially during the annual Merdeka football tournaments. His innate goal-scoring instincts made him a true poacher. During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Shaharuddin displayed commendable performance and played with unwavering commitment. He also helped Malaysia secure the bronze medal in the Tehran Asian Games in 1974. With Shaharuddin’s passing, another chapter closes in the saga of footballing greats who have left us, including luminaries such as M. Chandran, Namat Abdullah, R. Arumugam, and Wong Choon Wah. Shaharuddin will always be remembered for his prowess as a striker. The passing of the baton to Mokhtar Dahari kept the nation among the elites of Asian football. A heartfelt acknowledgment to Shaharuddin for his exceptional contributions to Malaysian football, deserving of the recognition he has received. Malaysian football fans will only have fond memories of you. Thiagarajan Mathiaparanam Klang LETTERS [email protected] acknowledgement that holding onto past hurts, grudges or traumas serves no constructive purpose in our present or future. Letting go is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness but in reality, it is a powerful expression of strength. It is a conscious decision to stop allowing our past pains to weigh down our present life. To let go is to free ourselves from the chains of past experiences that may have been holding us back. It is about making room for new experiences, opportunities and growth. This process is distinctly different from compartmentalisation, which involves pushing our past into a corner of our minds, suppressing it, often leading to it resurfacing in various forms. Letting go, on the other hand, is more profound. It involves acknowledging and processing our past, understanding its impact, and then making a deliberate choice to not let it dictate our current life choices and emotional well-being. To let go is to embrace a stronger version of ourselves. It is to stand in the present, unburdened by the weights of yesterday. This act of release means that we refuse to let the past be the anchor that restricts our movement forward. As we begin the new year, embracing the concept of letting go is more crucial than ever. It is an opportunity to leave behind what no longer serves us, to close chapters that have had their time to turn our faces towards a future filled with hope and optimism. By letting go, we find a sense of liberation and empowerment, paving the way for a journey that is marked by growth, joy and an unburdened heart. Let us embrace a vital truth – it is never too late to start afresh. Contrary to any doubts, starting over is not just a good option, it is an essential part of our journey. It is akin to being an artist, where every blank canvas is an opportunity for a new masterpiece. Each step we take towards reinventing ourselves is an expression of the artist within us. Let us boldly paint our futures with the vibrant colours of hope, resilience and renewal. Here is to new beginnings, to the endless possibilities that await us and to the art of continually recreating ourselves. Embrace this chance to start anew and let the artist in you lead the way to a joyful and fulfilling year ahead. The writer is a certified Mental Health and Awareness practitioner specialised in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. Comments: [email protected] MIND THE MIND BY DR PRAVEENA RAJENDRA “Our past experiences can create a default response pattern in us, making us react to new situations in old and familiar ways. The trick lies in treating each new challenge as a standalone event. KELANTAN, a state rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, has been grappling with a persistent challenge that has sadly become a norm – the critical issue of access to clean water. I write on the pressing water problem in Kelantan, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six – Clean Water and Sanitation. For years, a substantial portion of Kelantan’s populace has been affected by an alarming scarcity of clean and safe water. While not all residents are equally impacted, the crisis has seeped into the daily lives of many, becoming especially pronounced during special occasions such as Hari Raya. This underscores the severity of the issue as families struggle to celebrate amid the burden of water scarcity. One of the disheartening aspects of the water problem in Kelantan is the normalisation of these challenging conditions. Such normalisation perpetuates the cycle of deprivation and hampers the overall well-being of the community. My personal experience working at a fast food outlet in Kelantan provided a stark revelation of the extent of the water crisis. Simple tasks, such as cooking rice for nasi lemak became a shocking encounter with yellowish water. This grim reality not only poses health risks but also serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Beyond the inconveniences faced during festive seasons, the water crisis has a far-reaching impact on the health and quality of life of Kelantan’s residents. Waterborne diseases, economic hardships and compromised hygiene further exacerbate the challenges faced by the community. It is imperative to recognise that access to clean water is not merely a convenience but a fundamental human right. Kelantan’s water crisis demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Collaborative initiatives between the government, non-governmental organisations and the community are essential to address the root causes of this predicament. Advocacy for sustainable water management practices, investment in infrastructure and public awareness campaigns are pivotal steps towards ensuring a future where clean water is a guarantee rather than a luxury. As Kelantan continues to grapple with its prolonged water crisis, it is crucial to amplify the voices of the affected and catalyse action towards achieving SDG Six. By shedding light on this issue, we hope to inspire positive change, fostering a future where every resident of Kelantan can turn on their taps with confidence, knowing that clean water will flow freely for all. Adilah Abdul Halim Kelantan residents’ thirst for clean water It is imperative to recognise that access to clean water is not merely a convenience but a fundamental human right. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN
PROPERTY PROPERTY THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 12 KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd is optimistic on the mid- to long-term outlook of the property industry, supported by strong fundamental demand for properties due to the young demography. Demand for houses from the first-time homebuyers should remain resilient. Mah Sing is confident of achieving its sales target for 2023, and cautiously project a higher target for 2024 based on last year’s achievement. The group registered RM1.8 billion in property sales for the nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2023, an increase of 14.4% compared with RM1.57 billion in the same period in 2022. The impressive sales momentum was mainly driven by the strong take-up rates for the M Series developments. Founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum (pix) said, “As an active home-grown developer, our nimble business model has gained us a strong product leadership in affordable homes, specifically our well-known M Series development which has recorded encouraging take-up rates as seen from our 2023 sales performance. As Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) forecasted the GDP growth for Malaysia is expected to be 4-5% in 2024, we should see continued strong momentum for our M Series developments that target first-time homebuyers. Our M Series properties with unique product offerings for the millennials have a strong following among the young buyers, which is also one of the focuses of our development strategy.” In 2023, the group procured five plots of land, specifically M Terra and M Hana in Puchong, M Tiara in Johor Baru, M Legasi in Semenyih, M Zenya in Kepong and M Azura in Setapak. These acquisitions collectively add up to an approximate gross development value (GDV) of RM5.5 billion. The group will continue to expand its land banking business selectively, focusing on strategic land banks that are ideal for affordable developments, or any potential developments that align with market demand. Mah Sing’s new launches in the pipeline include future phases of M Senyum in Salak Tinggi, Meridin East in Johor Baru, M Residence in Rawang, M Sinar, Southville City in Bangi, as well as M Terra in Puchong, M Tiara in Johor Bahru and M Zenya in Kepong. Looking ahead, the group will maintain discipline on execution for continued momentum in revenue and earnings delivery. Armed with a healthy financial profile, demanddriven property portfolio and operational efficiency, the group should continue to deliver above industry return on equity and future growth in performance. Epicon, PNSB team up to build affordable homes in Selangor KUALA LUMPUR: Epicon Bhd and PNSB Construction Sdn Bhd (PCSB), a subsidiary of Permodalan Negri Selangor Bhd, is onto a consortium agreement to provide Selangor citizens a chance to own high-quality homes at an affordable price. Under the consortium agreement, Epicon will become the main turnkey contractor to construct the development of Rumah Idaman MBI (RIM) of 2,252 units on the parcel of land held under HSD86853 PT 3281, Mukim Rawang, Daerah Gombak, Negri Selangor Darul Ehsan. The two parties agreed to explore further collaboration opportunities for future RIM or affordable housing projects in Selangor. Epicon group CEO Clement Toh commented, “A common challenge in affordable housing projects is the high cost of construction which often impedes the development of such essential initiatives for the B40 and M40 households.” However, he added their expertise in this field positions them uniquely to mitigate these challenges. By emphasising value engineering, he said they have developed a model that not only keeps construction costs in check but also ensures the delivery of high-quality projects. “Therefore, we create a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved – from investors to future homeowners. Our ability to deliver these projects efficiently reflects our deep understanding of the sector and our commitment to making affordable housing The Rumah Idaman MBI project aligns with the Selangor state government’s aspiration to provide 200,000 affordable housing units to the people of Selangor under the Kediaman Kita Selangor initiative. – RUMAH SELANGORKU WEBSITE oPartners will undertake construction of 2,252 units of Rumah Idaman MBI in Rawang Jiankun expands portfolio via purchase of Penang-based OLP KUALA LUMPUR: Jiankun International Bhd, a Main Market-listed property developer, has entered into a share sale and purchase agreement with Lee Khoon Eng and Lee Phaik Choo that entails Jiankun’s acquisition of a 99.99% stake in Oriental Link Properties (M) Sdn Bhd (OLP) for RM9.5 million. The acquisition is not just a transfer of shares but a significant leap towards expanding Jiankun’s portfolio in the Malaysian property market by leveraging OLP’s existing projects. OLP is leading the development of two prominent projects: Panchor Sanctuary Garden, a sprawling 7.58- acre residential development in Nibong Tebal, Penang, and a strategic commercial project on Lot 334 Jalan Paboi. These initiatives showcase OLP’s dedication to crafting superior living and commercial spaces. Panchor Sanctuary Garden, nestled on a freehold, triangular flat land, is set to emerge as a top-tier residential enclave. The project boasts a gross development value (GDV) of RM72.69 million with anticipated substantial returns factoring in a gross development cost of RM54.54 million. Its strategic location, near key facilities like Kolej Vokasional Nibong Tebal, Plaza Tol Jawi, and Nibong Tebal KTM Station augments its appeal to buyers and investors. Envisioned as a benchmark in luxury living, this development, sprawling over premium freehold land will feature 116 exquisitely designed double-storey terrace houses and an opulent two-storey clubhouse. These residences, varying in builtup areas from 1,600 sq ft to 1,919 sq ft cater to a broad spectrum of lifestyle preferences. Moreover, the Lot 334 Jalan Paboi project opens avenues for significant commercial opportunities, further diversifying Jiankun’s real estate offerings. Jiankun International Bhd chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said, “This is not just a transaction, but a pivotal move in our growthdriven strategy. It signifies a major milestone in our journey of strategic expansion. OLP’s projects perfectly align with our ethos of delivering unparalleled quality and value. Integrating OLP’s projects into our portfolio symbolises our unwavering commitment to excellence in the Malaysian real estate sector.” Executive director and CEO Edwin Silvester Das added, “The Panchor Sanctuary Garden project is a testament to Jiankun’s capability to spearhead developments with immense potential. Its exciting prospects represent a crucial step in our mission to diversify our portfolio and achieve sustainable growth. We are poised to redefine residential living standards with Panchor Sanctuary Garden.” This acquisition is a testament to Jiankun’s vision and commitment to enhancing the Malaysian real estate landscape with innovative, high-quality developments. Cengild Medical unit acquires KL property for RM122m KUALA LUMPUR: Cengild Medical Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Cengild Sdn Bhd, has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Sunny Uptown Sdn Bhd for the acquisition of a stratified property in Kuala Lumpur for a cash consideration of approximately RM122.34 million. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Cengild Medical said the property is part of a proposed construction of a 17-storey medical centre building with a total net floor area of 187,507 sq ft. “Cengild is proposing to acquire building space with a combined net floor area of 100,442 sq ft together with at least 182 car park bays located within the medical centre building. “The purchase consideration will be funded through a combination of internally generated funds, bank borrowings and re-allocated initial public offering (IPO) proceeds,” it said. It said the proposed acquisition would allow the company to further strengthen its position as an independent healthcare provider specialising in gastrointestinal as well as liver diseases and obesity, and is in line with the company’s strategy in expanding its medical services in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Cengild Medical also proposed variation and extension of the timeframe for the utilisation of proceeds raised from the IPO. “In respect of the proposed variation, reference is made to the utilisation of proceeds from the public issue as disclosed in the company’s IPO prospectus dated March 30, 2022,” it said. It said the company raised total gross proceeds of RM72.2 million from its IPO and has utilised approximately RM7.65 million of the proceeds while the remaining balance which is yet to be utilised is approximately RM64.56 million. The company said after due consideration, the board proposes to vary the utilisation of IPO proceeds amounting to approximately RM36.26 million to partially fund the proposed acquisition. – Bernama accessible,” said Toh. Updating on the group’s growing constructionon business, Clement added, “We’re adopting an unconventional route to expand our construction business, seeing us apart in the industry. Typically, developers appoint contractors for their projects, but in our case, we’re reversing this norm. We will approach developers who are interested in the project. This approach allows us greater control and alignment with our mission of sustainable and affordable housing.” He said it also opens new avenues for collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. “By working together with developers who share our vision and values, we ensure that every project aligns with our high standards for sustainability, affordability, and quality. We will make the necessary announcement regarding the award of the construction contract for the Rawang project by the idendified main developer at a later stage,” said Toh. Meanwhile, PCSB head Wan Afnizam Wan Moran said that the development of Rumah Idaman MBI in Mukim Rawang, Gombak district aligns with the Selangor state government’s aspiration to provide 200,000 affordable housing units to the people of Selangor under the Kediaman Kita Selangor initiative.” Commenting on the collaboration, PNSB CEO Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim said “This proposed Rumah Idaman MBI project will be a significant addition to existing Mukim Rawang township, an inclusive township that people from various backgrounds can call home.” As Selangor’s population continues to grow rapidly, he added it is vital that B40 residents are given an opportunity to become home-owners in a conducive, clean, and well-designed environment. “Hence, an investment in affordable housing projects is an investment in the well-being of future generations.”, he said. Mah Sing optimistic on industry’s outlook, sees strong fundamental demand
THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] Apac narrow-body aircraft market on Embraer’s radar airlines, whereby they are shifting from the preheld notion of single-fleet type to embrace the value of fleet flexibility, that is, having the diversity of aircraft type that gives the airline choice to deploy aircraft of large or smaller capacity on a chosen route to match passenger demand,” he said. Hence, Villaron sees growing interest among airlines in the region in regional jets or narrowbodies such as E-Jets, which have a capacity of 70 to 150 seats. “In addition, the Embraer E-Jets are city airport specialists and are prevalent in city airports around the world. Its low noise emissions make the E195-E2 perfect for flights in and out of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang,” he said. On May 25 last year, SKS Airways committed to leasing 10 Embraer E195-E2 single-aisle jets in a deal worth more than US$840 million (RM3.86 billion) from lessor Azorra during. “This year, SKS Airways is poised to induct its first batch of E195-E2s and start operations, in which our services and support team are working very closely with them, while the team at SKS undergo training and preparations as part of our ‘Entry into Service’ process. “We have a strong infrastructure to support EJet operators in the region – a new E-Jets E2 simulator that will support pilot training needs,” Villaron said. Touching on global risks, he said inflation and rising costs have placed greater pressure on airlines to watch their operating costs and cash flow. “Increasingly, airlines will look to having efficient aircraft in their fleet that will enable them to grow their network while keeping operating costs and cash flow in check,” he said. The International Air Transport Association projected the airline industry net profits to reach US$25.7 billion in 2024 on a 2.7% net profit margin, total revenues to grow 7.6% year-over-year to a record US$964 billion, while 4.7 billion people are expected to travel this year, a historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion recorded in 2019. On tackling the rising fuel price, Villaron said the E195-E2 and the E190-E2 contribute lower levels of carbon emissions when compared to large narrow-bodies and reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to prior generation narrow-body types such as the B737- 800 or A320ceo. “The E-Jet E2 family of aircraft, consisting of E190-E2 and E195-E2, are certified to use 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and in 2022, tests have shown that the E195-E2 is compatible to run on 100% SAF for commercial flights,” he said. He also noted that the replacement of older aircraft with new-generation products and scaling up SAF production would be the two most effective actions commercial aviation can take now to achieve a significant reduction in emissions. “In 2026, the zero-emissions electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developed by Embraer’s spinoff company EVE is poised to enter into service too,” he added. oBrazilian airplane maker pitches its E-Jets family to carriers across the region, including those in Malaysia Loob‘s regional expansion plan for Tealive percolates PETALING JAYA: Loob Holding Sdn Bhd’s Tealive is set to announce its expansion into three countries next month. Founder and CEO Bryan Loo said the brand’s strategy is to strengthen its market presence with a strong focus on regional growth. “Tealive is very focused on regional expansion. We are expanding to three new countries this year for Tealive and we will be ready to announce by next month. So for Tealive it’s really just focused on growing the brand. That will be our consistent mission. “Last year we penetrated three new markets and we are looking to trigger the market by first and second quarter this year,” he told reporters after the joint launch of sambal toasties by Bask Bear Coffee and Village Park Restaurant yesterday. Loob said Tealive has always targeted to enter three new markets each year. It did so last year and will do so this year and will announce them as they happen. Regarding Loob’s initial public offering (IPO), Loo said it is still up in the air but is leaving it to its private equity partner, Cradle. “I would say the plan (IPO) has always been there, but we did not manage the plan … because we leave that effort to our private equity partner to take charge of that so that we can focus in our business. As everyone know, IPO is a very difficult journey … and we want to make sure that if we were to do IPO, we don’t want to lose touch of our actual business. So our goal with our partners is they focus on the IPO, we focus on the business. So when it comes to IPO, to be fair, I don’t have much clarity when the actual timeline look like, but I must say it’s always been ongoing,” said Loo. He said Loob’s overall outlook remains positive on the back of Tealive’s robust brand equity and growth in the face of increased competition. “Loob has had pretty consistent growth last year … thanks to Tealive still having a very strong brand equity in the market and also thanks to a lot of competition that created a lot of demand in the whole segment. Tealive with the total store count of 870 stores, we managed to capitalise the growth of the demand,” he explained. Meanwhile, its Bask Bear Coffee outlets which now stand at 115 stores are looking for AmInvestment tips FBM KLCI to end 2024 at 1,545 points KUALA LUMPUR: AmInvestment Bank Bhd expects a better 2024 and maintains its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to conclude at 1,545 points amid reinvigorated expectations of infrastructural rollouts. It said corporate earnings are expected to grow at 14% in 2024, with highly compelling dividend yields, a low foreign shareholding low of 19.6% currently, and prospects of a stronger ringgit to drive the uptrend. However, the growth may be tempered by the rising probability of a global recession from the aftermath of an extended 500-basis point US interest rate hike cycle, it said in a note yesterday. The investment bank projected 2024 FBM KLCI earnings at 14.4%, driven largely by oil and gas (20%), plantation (18%), power (17%) and financial services (14%). “Although Malaysia’s 2024 forecast corporate earnings growth outpaces the US’ 12% and United Kingdom’s -7.6%, the other Asean countries’ steeper trajectories are likely to draw higher foreign investor interest,” it said. AmInvestment noted that the FBM KLCI ended lower in 2023 by 3% year-on-year to 1,455 as foreigners were net equity sellers of RM2.3 billion, partly cushioned by local institutional buying of RM3 billion. It said about 45% of the foreign net selling was in the financial sector, 24% in consumer products/services, and 13% in industrial products/services. “However, foreigners reverted to a buying position of RM1.6 billion equities in November 2023 and continued to nibble at RM257 million in December 2023 as the ringgit gained 1.5% month-on-month RM4.59 against the US dollar. “Expectation of year-end asset reallocation by local institutions did not materialise in November-December 2023, which instead recorded a combined net sale of RM1.6 billion,” it added. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer aims to tap into the growing demand for narrow-body aircraft in the AsiaPacific, including Malaysia, as the country aims to be a major aerospace hub in the region. According to Embraer AsiaPacific vice-president Raul Villaron, the aircraft manufacturer is in talks with many airlines across the region including in Malaysia, which are looking at how the E-Jets could make a difference to their network and business. “Embraer has close to 20 operators in the Asia-Pacific, collectively operating around 200 EJets in the region,” he told Bernama, adding that these airlines are based in countries such as China, Japan, Australia, India and Vietnam. In 2024, he expects to welcome Singapore’s Scoot and SKS Airways in Malaysia as the airlines start to operate their latest generation E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft, respectively. “As such, we see opportunities for our footprint to grow further with rising demand,” he pointed out. Malaysia aspires to be the leading aerospace hub in Southeast Asia by 2030 through the implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan aerospace industry framework led by the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico). Villaron said the versatility of small narrowbody types such as E-Jets has enabled airlines to maintain, or strategically grow their regional networks while keeping a close eye on operating costs and cash flow. “We also see a change in approach among █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] Loo speaking at the toasties launch. further growth within the country. Loo said Bask Bear is shifting its focus to mall expansion instead of shoplot for a more balanced outlet presence across Malaysia. “Bask Bear has always been more shoplot than shopping mall. So today, now we have shoplots around the whole of Malaysia. Now we want to focus all the energy to grow Bask Bear outlets inside malls so that in future, maybe one year down the road, we have a balance between outlets in malls and shoplots in different neighbourhoods,” he added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 14 Khazanah, CGC Digital invest in Funding Societies PETALING JAYA: Khazanah Nasional Bhd and CGC Digital Sdn Bhd have invested in the largest unified small and medium enterprise digital finance platform in Southeast Asia, Funding Societies|Modalku, to broaden financing access to unserved and underserved businesses. Funding Societies is a regional financial technology company that provides financing to MSMEs, especially micro and small businesses currently unserved by existing financial institutions. Since its inception, Funding Societies has disbursed over US$3.5 billion (RM16 billion) in business financing through five million transactions, positively impacting over 100,000 businesses across its five markets in Southeast Asia, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. In Malaysia, Funding Societies aims to address the RM90 billion funding gap for MSMEs. With this investment, Funding Societies aims to expand its Malaysian coverage to areas beyond Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor. By the end of 2025, it targets to serve more than 25,000 MSMEs across Malaysia, thereby improving their access to financing, growth, and scalability while fostering job creation oCollaboration aims to broaden MSMEs’ access to financing and income development for those employed by these businesses. Since its launch in May 2023, it has disbursed over RM100 million in syariah-compliant financing in Malaysia. In order to create a greater impact on the Malaysian MSME ecosystem, Khazanah’s investment in Funding Societies is made alongside CGC Digital which aims to advance financial inclusion through the development of innovative digital guarantee products as well as its own guarantee credit scoring model that can close the gap and address the pain points in micro and small businesses’ demand for financing. To reinforce the partnership, Funding Societies will continue to collaborate with CGC Digital to provide digital guarantee products on its platform, which will further aid Malaysian micro and small businesses in getting financing in the long term. A digital-first approach through its digital guarantee product leveraging alternative data will allow micro and small businesses broader and more affordable access to financing. Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the investment in Funding Societies reflects their commitment to fostering financial inclusion and bridging the funding gap, especially within the MSME community. CGC Digital CEO Yushida Husin said they see this investment as a strategic win for Malaysian MSMEs and by working together with Khazanah, can advance financial inclusion among underserved and unserved MSMEs in the digital ecosystem. CGC Digital seeks to push the envelope by developing a suite of innovative digital guarantee products for thin-file MSMEs that can be offered together with Funding Societies’ financing products to increase their chance of obtaining much-needed financing,” he added. Meanwhile, co-founder and group CEO of Funding Societies, Kelvin Teo, said, “We are honoured to receive support from Khazanah and CGC Digital, who share our conviction to impact and MSMEs. This is a testament to our commitment towards extending credit to reach more underserved MSMEs. We would also progressively offer MSMEs more cash flow management solutions to power their growth.” He added that while MSMEs represent 97% of business establishments in Malaysia and contribute 38% to the gross domestic product, this group still faces significant challenges in obtaining credit, as evidenced by the RM90 billion financing gap in Malaysia. “This is where Funding Societies seeks to step in by serving the region’s MSMEs’ cash management challenges and needs with our extensive reach and broad range of short-term financing solutions,” Teo said. Kerjaya Prospek wins RM170.9m contract for Penang project PETALING JAYA: Construction outfit Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Kerjaya Prospek (M) Sdn Bhd yesterday accepted a letter of award from Persada Mentari Sdn Bhd, an indirect subsidiary company of Eastern & Oriental Bhd to undertake a proposed Andaman Island development project in Penang for a contract sum of RM170.9 million. The project encompasses the construction and execution of main building works for, amongst other, a 45-storey structure comprising a 38- storey serviced apartment block of 380 units, two-storey basement carpark and a five-storey elevated carpark, to be completed within 35 months from Jan 18. Kerjaya Prospek CEO and executive director Tee Eng Tiong said that 2024 will be another year for the group to manifest its resilience and capability. He added that they are proud to begin the year on a strong footing backed by the award which marks the first of many that they aim to achieve for the year. With the latest contract, Kerjaya Prospek’s outstanding order book remains ample at RM4.5 billion, which will provide long-term earnings visibility for years to come. “Whilst we remain confident in our ability to add on new residential development projects due to our extensive track record and expertise in the high-rise construction sector, Kerjaya will concurrently strive to capitalise on lucrative opportunities present in other various construction classes as well, that are positioned to grow in 2024 to expand our proficiency,” said Tee. Proton ends 2023 with best sales performance since 2012 KUALA LUMPUR: National carmaker Proton achieved its fifth consecutive year of sales growth in 2023 with total sales (domestic and export) of 154,611 units, its strongest sales performance since 2012. This represented a 9.3% increase over the 141,432 units sold in 2022, the company said in a statement yesterday. Proton calculated its market share in 2023 to be 19.4% based on the projected total industry volume of 794,948 units for the year, up 10.3% from 2022. With December sales reaching 12,711 units, the company said it also finished the year ranked second in overall sales, which is also the fifth year in a row it has maintained its position. Proton finished the year ranked second in overall sales, continuing a five-year trend of maintaining its position in the rankings. CEO Li Chunrong said the automotive industry set another record in 2023 when overall sales increased by 10.3% above the previous volume high reached just a year before. “Factors such as the fulfilment of orders for tax-free cars up till the end of March no doubt fuelled the volume increase in the first quarter of the year, but it was also an active year for car launches with minimal disruptions caused by parts shortages,” he said. The launch of Proton’s threemodel sport utility vehicle (SUV) model lineup consisting of the Proton X50, Proton X70 and Proton X90 has added more than 200,000 units to total sales since December 2018, but it was the rebound in demand for the “PIES” models (Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga) that powered sales growth in 2023 The Proton Saga started and ended the year as the best-selling Proton model, notching an impressive 70,184 units sold, its best performance since 2012, and positioning it as the fourth bestselling vehicle in Malaysia for 2023. Volume growth was a remarkable 25.6% for the year, consisting mainly of first-time car buyers. The biggest gainer in Proton’s model lineup was the Proton Persona. After suffering severe delays due to chip shortages in 2022, sales for the B-segment sedan rebounded by 48.9% to 24,362 units, placing the model second in its class. In its final year of production, the Proton Exora signed off with a sales increase of 4.6%, ending the year with 4,473 units sold and showing that demand amongst target market buyers remains strong. To date, over 194,000 units have been sold, making it the most successful C-segment multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Malaysia’s automotive history. The Proton X50 remains strong, with 31,829 units sold in Malaysia and export markets in 2023. As for the Proton S70, Proton said that client deliveries are scheduled to start in 2024 and with over 5,000 reservations made thus far, it is anticipated that the model will make a significant contribution to sales figures this year. – Bernama Bumi Armada set for sequential earnings growth: HLIB KUALA LUMPUR: Bumi Armada Bhd is poised for sequential earnings growth in the coming quarters amid better quarter-onquarter contribution from Armada Kraken floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) and first oil being achieved in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd’s KG-DWN98/2 block in the coming weeks. Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) said these factors would lead to material contribution from Armada Sterling V upon final acceptance in the first quarter of 2024, based on its estimates. “The Kraken FPSO, constituting 35% of the group’s financial year 2022 (FY22) top line, has been fully operational since early August, and we anticipate its full impact to be reflected in Q4’23 earnings,” it said in a research note yesterday. Looking ahead to FY24, the research house said the expected maiden contribution from Armada Sterling V serves as a booster for the HLIB expects the FPSO’s full impact to be reflected in Bumi Armada’s Q4’23 earnings. – BUMI ARMADA PIC group’s earnings, projecting an 11.2% year-on-year increase in its bottom line. “We are upbeat in the FPSO space, driven by the prevailing tight market conditions that empower players like Armada to negotiate favourable rates for potential new job wins,” it said. Nevertheless, being in the capital-intensive FPSO business, HLIB said Armada’s disciplined approach to capital management in recent years has led to a consistent decline in its net gearing, decreasing from 2.95x in Q1’20 to 0.66x as of Q3’23. “This prudent financial approach positions the group favourably to leverage opportunities for new projects,” it said. Hence, the research house maintained a ‘buy’ call on Armada, with a target price of 71 sen. – Bernama Green Packet surges ahead with healthy financial results PETALING JAYA: Green Packet Bhd has reported substantial financial growth over the past three years and a strategic realignment that positions the company for sustained success. Since the initiation of its growth and sustainability strategies in January 2022, Green Packet has witnessed a robust upward trajectory in key financial indicators. The company has reported healthy growth in revenue, and ebitda. Promoting shared capabilities, collaborating with government initiatives, and focusing on core areas such as financial technology, property technology and communications content and infrastructure services have played pivotal roles in this success. The renewed focus on core strengths and capabilities is set to propel Green Packet into a new era of immediate sustainability and long-term growth.
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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 Agroz partners Microsoft to boost Malaysian agriculture KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian agriculture technology company Agroz Group Sdn Bhd is building its foundational Agroz Farm Operating System (Agroz OS) and Agroz Copilot for Farmers using the array of Microsoft AI and cloud solutions notably Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, GitHub, GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Studio and Microsoft AI Studio, Microsoft Fabric, and Microsoft Power BI. Agroz is utilising Azure OpenAI Service to build its next generation software application called the Agroz Copilot for Farmers, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to aid farmers in growing a wide variety of crops in the Agroz CEA Vertical Farms and (soon) in Agroz CEA Greenhouses. Agroz OS is a platform that combines the operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) that operates the Agroz large scale indoor vertical farms in Malaysia and scaling-up throughout 2024 across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Middle East. Agroz OS forms a key piece in the Agroz Farming-as-a-Service (FaaS) offering. Agroz founder and CEO Gerard Lim said, “Agroz combines robust technologies including InternetoAgritech company uses generative AI and cloud solutions to help farmers in crop cultivation Local planters’ 2024 earnings tipped to rise KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian planters’ earnings in 2024 will likely be better than last year, owing to lower unit costs on lower fertiliser expenses and higher productivity, said Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB) yesterday. The investment bank said the crude palm oil (CPO) price trend this year would broadly be the same as in 2023 and maintained its forecast for an average selling price of RM3,700 per tonne, which is below 2023’s RM3,830 per tonne. This was premised on good South American soybean harvest, and anticipated lower year-on-year unit cost, it added. “In terms of price trend, CPO price is expected to be off to a good start in the first quarter of 2024 owing to the seasonally low output cycle, and trend lower by mid-2024 on anticipation of seasonally better output in the second half of 2024,” Maybank IB said in a research note. Also, the market is monitoring the ongoing El Nino that has delayed soybean planting in Brazil. Maybank IB said a crop failure may lead to a spike in CPO prices, and at the same time, the market fears that a global recession may weigh on CPO prices. It said the effects of high US interest rates, the Russia-Ukraine and IsraelHamas wars, and the financial health of many countries posE uncertainties to global demand. A weaker-than-expected demand would lead to a higher-than-expected stockpile, dragging down CPO prices, it added. – Bernama of-Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics, AI, automation, water management solution, nutrient fertigation systems, environmental control systems, renewable green energy, edge computing and 5G communications combined with agronomy and plant science knowledge to offer a highly digitalised and automated operations of the Agroz indoor vertical farms that grows clean, nutrient rich, pesticide-free and the freshest v e g e t a b l e s daily.” This blend of technologies, he added is integrated with the Agroz OS built using Microsoft tools and technologies operating on Microsoft Azure as this enables them to better monitor and manage the Agroz Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Indoor Vertical Farms to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations that will further boost food safety, food security and sustainability. “We are delighted to partner with Microsoft in using the latest Generative AI technologies made a v a i l a b l e t h r o u g h Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to bring the Agroz Copilot for Farmers to life. Early feedback from the pilot rollout has been encouraging, and we believe Copilot for Farmers will be transformative for farmers and fundamentally agriculture,” said Lim. Microsoft Malaysia managing director K Raman said that agriculture as an industry is facing many challenges, from climate change to global market fluctuations and by harnessing the potential of AI, they have an opportunity to create the right tools to help alleviate some of these challenges and improve the lives of farmers. “We are proud to collaborate with Agroz to develop Agroz Copilot for Farmers using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, and to be a part of this journey in delivering meaningful innovation for people and organisations working in the agricultural sector,” he added. Agroz AgTech vertical farming is transforming agriculture with the use of new technologies to grow more food in less space safely without the use of pesticides, herbicides and other dangerous chemicals while reducing the need for storage and refrigeration. It will improve food security and deliver freshness by growing food locally, nearer to where it is consumed, which reduces transportation thus lowering the food miles generated and its carbon emissions impact.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 16 NEW YORK: Investors appear convinced that major Western central banks are close to a much awaited pivot, from raising interest rates to cutting them. Markets rallied as a result, but 2024 could hold surprises as the world adjusts to an economic order where money is not cheap. Global stocks rallied and top government bond yields fell in recent weeks, despite central bankers cautioning against pivot bets. In the US, for example, investors are now effectively positioned for the Federal Reserve guiding the economy to a perfect landing, bringing down inflation without triggering a recession. The market’s conviction comes after the US economy surprised people with its resilience. That was cushioned in part by consumers’ pandemic savings and America’s attractiveness as a safe port for investments in an increasingly chaotic world. They could be right – a wellknown economist and former Fed official earlier this year argued the Fed has managed soft landings more often than is generally believed. But many investors and executives think the probability is low. The pandemic-era savings are getting depleted and storm clouds are gathering, especially with what’s shaping to be contentious US elections. Investors are betting that the Fed could cut rates by as much as 1.5% by the end of 2024, but that would still leave policy rates at close to 4%, higher than where it has been for most of the past two decades. At that level, monetary policy will still be a drag on growth, as it would be above the so-called neutral rate at which the economy neither expands nor contracts. Add to that a host of other risks to the outlook in 2024 – two major wars, heightened geopolitical tensions that have put globalisation firmly in reverse, and elections in several countries that could radically change the world order in unexpected ways. WHY IT MATTERS Interest rates underpin everything, from economic growth to the price of financial assets and how much it costs to borrow to buy a car or a house. Higher rates make riskier assets, such as technology stocks and cryptocurrencies less attractive, as investors can earn a decent return without having to take on much risk. With money harder to come by, riskier bets can fail and bubbles burst, leading to events such as the US regional banking crisis last March. As businesses struggle, they retrench. People lose jobs and new ones get scarce. WHAT IT MEANS FOR 2024 While the Fed and other banks have been raising rates for well over a year, the world is yet to complete the transition from the time when money was free to a period when it no longer is. 2024 is likely to be the year when the effects of that transition manifest more clearly. That means companies – and in some cases, entire countries – will have to restructure their debt liabilities, as they can no longer afford to pay interest. Some of that is already visible in emerging market debt negotiations and rising bankruptcies of companies. US corporate bankruptcy filings hit the highest since 2020. More are likely on the horizon. Bottomline: investors’ convictions will likely get tested, as everyone will have to figure out how to live with higher interest rates. – Reuters Thailand’s PM tables budget for second half of fiscal year BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday announced a 3.48 trillion baht (RM469 billion) budget for the second half of the current fiscal year, kicking off a three-day debate among lawmakers. “The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward,“ Srettha told parliament. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is expected to grow 2.7% to 3.7% this year, he said, adding that inflation is expected to be between 1.7% and 2.7%. The new budget for the second half of the fiscal year ending September 2024 sees a 9.3% rise in spending and a drop of 0.3% in the budget deficit to 693 billion baht from the previous year. This year’s budget was delayed from last year due prolonged political gridlock following a May election. A new government was formed in August. The proposed budget does not include some items already allocated for the first half of this fiscal year such as civil servant salaries. About a quarter was allocated to addressing social issues like an aging population, enhancing education and expanding universal healthcare, Srettha said. The lower house will vote on the budget this week and it is expected to be ready by early May. About 11.3% is allocated to accelerating competitiveness including energy security, digital economy, and future industries like electric vehicles, Srettha said. Thailand’s economy grew much a weakerthan-expected 1.5% in the July-September quarter from a year earlier, the slowest pace this year, on soft exports and government spending. The government’s US$14 billion (RM64 billion) policy to give 10,000 baht to nearly all Thais for spending in their local communities was not included in the budget, but would be considered in separate legislation. – Reuters Investors view 2024 as year of economic transition oGlobal wars, geopolitical tensions and elections could radically change the world order in unexpected ways Chinese EV giant BYD overtakes Tesla on sales BEIJING: China’s BYD has overtaken US electric vehicle giant Tesla as the world’s leading EV deliverer, according to recent sales figures. Known as “Biyadi” in Chinese – or by the English slogan “Build Your Dreams” – BYD was founded in 1995 in the southern industrial hub of Shenzhen. It initially specialised in the design and manufacture of batteries before moving into the automotive sector in 2003. Close government cooperation in Shenzhen – where the public bus fleet has already fully transitioned to electric models – gave it an important boost. “They were thinking about this way before any country was even considering trying to clean or electrify their public transportation fleets,“ Tu Le, managing director of Sino Auto Insights, told AFP. “I think that’s paid off currently with how competitive (BYD) are in the global passenger vehicle EV space.” Last year, BYD became the first manufacturer to pass the five million milestone in new energy production, crowning itself “the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles”. Many foreign automotive giants including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes and Audi depend on BYD for their batteries. The firm has long benefited from generous subsidies from Beijing for electric vehicles – support that has angered other governments. Beijing has spearheaded a targeted industrial strategy to boost its EV sector, pouring vast state funds into domestic firms as well as research and development. Between 2014 and the end of 2022, the Chinese government said it had spent more than 200 billion yuan (RM129 billion) on subsidies and tax breaks for EV purchases alone. The approach has given Chinese firms a critical edge in the race to provide cheaper, more fuel-efficient EVs over leading US automakers, which have not always enjoyed such state largesse. BYD, whose investors include US investment titan Warren Buffett, wants electric and hybrid vehicles to lead its sales by 2035. That push saw it announce sales of 526,409 all-electric cars in the fourth quarter of 2023 – surpassing Tesla’s 484,507 in the same period. That has been helped by the fact BYD’s electric vehicles are cheaper, with its cars selling for less than US$30,000 (RM138,000) on average, while Tesla’s go for north of US$40,000, according to financial magazine Barron’s. BYD ceased production of gasolinepowered vehicles in 2022 and now focuses exclusively on hybrid and electric models. – AFP India transport workers end protest after talks NEW DELHI: A strike across India involving bus, truck and tanker drivers was called off after two days following assurance from the government that new laws for hit-and-run accidents will not be implemented until further talks with union representatives. Petrol and diesel supplies were hit across parts of the country after the strike entered the second day on Tuesday. Drivers of trucks, buses, and tankers had launched a three-day strike to protest a new law that prescribes punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a maximum of 700,000 rupees (RM38,700) fine for those who run away without informing authorities after causing serious road accidents. On Tuesday, the government said it will invoke these laws only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) – a group of transporters that is part of the protest. “The government wants to point out that these new laws and provisions have not yet come into force... We appeal to All India Motor Transport Congress and all the drivers to return to their respective jobs,“ the government said in a statement. Protesters had said the provision, which is part of a new criminal law that will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, could lead to undue harassment of drivers, local media reported. AIMTC chairman Bal Malkit Singh told local media all issues had been resolved after a meeting with the government, and urged drivers to resume work. Long queues at fuel stations began to dissipate shortly after the strike was called off. Petrol supplies were being restored in several parts of Uttar Pradesh state after running dry due to panic buying. – Reuters BYD claimed the title of the world’s top new energy vehicle manufacturer by surpassing five million units in production last year. – AFPPIX
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 17 Trading halt at Philippine bourse MANILA: The Philippine Stock Exchange halted trading for more than two hours yesterday, a stoppage for which it gave no reason but said it would make further announcements. The benchmark stock exchange index opened 0.22% lower yesterday, but trading was halted after just four minutes. Trading resumed at 11.56am and stocks were down 0.36% by the noon break. Afternoon trades ran as normal from 1pm to 3pm. “A market glitch for more than two hours is a terrible way to greet the new year,” Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at investment bank China Bank Capital Corp in Manila, said in a market commentary. The bourse needs to ensure infrastructure reliability to boost trading volumes, Colet said. He added that many traders were caught off guard by the lack of a timely explanation. In January last year, the stock exchange cancelled trading for an entire day because of technical problems, with more than a third of market participants unable to establish a connection to the core trading engine. – Reuters No takers for Vietnam govt bond HANOI: Vietnam failed to make any sales at an auction yesterday of five trillion dong (RM950 million) worth of government bonds, the Hanoi Stock Exchange said. The State Treasury had offered the bonds with terms of between five and 30 years, the exchange said in a report, adding that the bidders were asking for coupons of between 1.58% and 3.1%. It raised 1.8 trillion dong in last week’s auction. – Reuters Australia, NZ dollars near two-week lows CANBERRA: The Australian and New Zealand dollars were pinned near two-week lows yesterday as a rally in global risk sentiment stalled at the new year, with traders bracing for US jobs data which could break or justify bets of aggressive policy easing. The Aussie dollar eased 0.1% to hit a two-week low of US$0.6751, after falling 0.7% overnight in the biggest daily drop in a month. The Kiwi dollar also touched a two-week trough of US$0.6246, having dived 1.1% overnight. Overnight, global shares retreated from their highs and the American dollar was underpinned by a rise in Treasury yields as traders trimmed their bets of early and aggressive US interest rate cuts for the year ahead. The CME FedWatch Tool is estimating a 21.4% chance that US rates will remain steady in March, from a 11.4% chance on Dec 29. Nomura said yesterday it was exiting its trade recommendation for a long position in the Australian dollar against the euro and the US dollar that it suggested for Nov 10, booking a 5% return, adding that sluggish China growth and slowing local economy would suggest caution. “The Australian dollar indeed performed well over November and December, but is now coming into a period where it has performed less strongly, historically,” said Nomura rates strategist Andrew Ticehurst. – Reuters China’s top banks tighten exposure to smaller peers BEIJING: Some of China’s top banks have sharpened scrutiny of smaller peers’ asset quality and have tightened standards for interbank lending, three sources said, in an effort to curb credit risk as a deepening property debt crisis ripples through the economy. Two of China’s biggest state-owned banks and a leading joint-stock bank have stepped up reviews of smaller lenders over the past couple of months to identify those with poor asset quality and have a high risk of default, the sources said. The two state-owned banks have decided to reduce interbank lending limits and set shorter maturity periods for smaller peers deemed high risk, said two of the sources. All the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, have direct knowledge of the matter. The move comes amid growing worries about the health of the smaller banks in the world’s second-largest economy, as a deepening property sector crisis and ballooning local government debt make them the weak link in the financial system. The cautious approach taken by some big banks in dealing with smaller peers could exacerbate capital woes for the latter as they have fewer other fundraising options, which could force Beijing to step in with more supportive measures. While the larger Chinese banks mainly use customer deposits – a stable and long-term oMove part of efforts to curb credit risk as property debt crisis deepens funding source – to make loans, in recent years smaller lenders have been aggressively borrowing from local rivals to raise funds. China’s mid-sized and smaller banks account for roughly half of the trading volume in the interbank lending market, data from the China Foreign Exchange Trade System, which is overseen by the central bank, showed. One of the sources, a senior official at the leading joint-stock bank which is among those to review credit exposure to smaller peers, said the bank had tightened its criteria for lending to smaller banks. As part of that, it has stopped purchasing bonds issued by smaller banks that have total assets below US$40 billion (RM185 billion), said the source. The People’s Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, the watchdog overseeing all aspects of China’s US$63 trillion financial sector, did not respond to Reuters request for comment. As China grappled with the impact of the slowing economy on the financial system, the local authorities have been taking measures to support the banking system, especially the smaller ones to maintain financial stability. As part of those measures to prevent financial risks, some of China’s local governments sold record amounts of so-called special bonds last year to inject capital into troubled small regional lenders. The state media reported last month, citing the Central Economic Work Conference held on Dec 11 and 12 during which top leaders set economic targets for 2024, that it was necessary to effectively resolve risks in small and medium-sized banks. Although roughly 4,000 small banks are not by themselves seen as a systemic risk, the concern is that enough of them have largely funded themselves via short-term money market borrowing, posing a collective danger in the event a few of them fail. Greater use of interbank lending for funding purposes makes banks more sensitive to counterparty risk. While the country’s Big Five banks – including the likes of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Bank of China – dominate the sector, smaller banks still account for a quarter of assets, according to regulatory data. The second source at one of the big state-owned banks said some of the small lenders his firm had reviewed and deemed risky were in highly indebted areas such as parts of northeast China, the Inner Mongolia region and Henan province. Rates for negotiable certificates of deposit (NCDs), usually a routine fundraising tool for small lenders, have risen steadily since August, partly due to a liquidity gap in recent months amid a heavy debt supply. The interest rate on one-year NCDs sold by small and medium-sized rural commercial banks reached 2.84% in mid-December, the highest level since August, according to a research note by Chinese brokerage TF Securities. In a sign of growing stress, 10 small and medium-sized banks have defaulted on commercial paper at least three times over six months last year, according to a statement released on Nov 30 on the Shanghai Commercial Paper Exchange website. The banks include regional lender Ningxia Helan Rural Commercial Bank, based in northwest China’s Ningxia region, and Shaanxi Baoji Weibin Rural Commercial Bank, located in northern Shanxi province, the statement said. – Reuters Beijing removes official after gaming stock rout BEIJING: Chinese gaming stocks rose yesterday to outperform a weak broader market, after Reuters reported China removed a gaming regulatory official. The CSI Anime Comic Game Index gained as much as 3.1% in early trading, against a 0.3% drop in the broad market. China removed Feng Shixin from a government body overseeing its press and publications regulator, five sources who were briefed on the matter said, days after Chinese gaming stocks were hit by proposed rules to curb spending on video games. “The removal of the official aims to release goodwill to the public and demonstrated its (China’s) stance of maintaining confidence in all walks of life,” said Rukim Kuang, founder of Beijing-based Lens Consulting. “It is expected that the proposed gaming draft rule will not be implemented in the short term.” Feng was removed last week from his position as head of the publishing unit of the Communist Party’s Publicity Department, the sources said. The department oversees the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), which, in turn, regulates China’s vast video games sector. The sources said Feng’s removal was linked to rules the NPPA announced last month that sent stocks in the world’s largest video games sector, including industry giant Tencent, plunging. The Chinese government did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Feng’s removal and Reuters was unable to obtain his contact details to reach him for a comment. A man playing a computer game at an internet cafe in Beijing. – REUTERSPIC The NPPA’s proposed measures, which seek to curb spending and the use of rewards that encourage the playing of video games, triggered fears that authorities were once again cracking down heavily on the sector and wiped nearly US$80 billion (RM370 billion) off the market value of Tencent and NetEase Inc, China’s two biggest gaming companies. Shares in Tencent added about 0.5% and NetEase climbed 1.5% yesterday, while the Hang Seng benchmark slipped more than 1%. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 18 Adani wins court relief on scrutiny oRegulator must complete probe of conglomerate in three months: Ruling NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court said yesterday Adani Group does not need to face more investigations beyond the current scrutiny of the market regulator, a major relief for the conglomerate hit hard by a US short-seller’s allegations of wrongdoing. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has been probing the Adani group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, after Hindenburg Research in January last year alleged improper use of tax havens and stock manipulation by the group. The Adani Group denied those allegations, but Hindenburg’s report still chopped US$150 billion (RM695 billion) off its stock market value. Though some investor confidence returned in recent months as Adani won the backing of bankers and investors, the Hindenburg saga and the regulatory scrutiny have weighed on the group’s business dealings and reputation. The Supreme Court, which was ruling on cases brought by public interest litigants seeking a special investigation team to probe the matter, said “the facts of this case do not warrant” such a change, even though the court had the powers to transfer the investigation. The verdict signals there will not be increased regulatory or legal risk on the Adani group beyond the current Sebi investigation. Reflecting that view, shares of various Adani Group companies rose, with Adani Energy Solutions up 9.1%, Adani Total Gas surging 7.1%, Adani Green Energy jumping 5.5% and the flagship business Adani Enterprises rising 2.6%. The court, which was overseeing the Sebi probe, also said there was no need for it to order any changes in the country’s disclosure rules for offshore funds. Hindenburg had alleged Adani’s offshore shareholders were used to violate certain Sebi rules, even though the company maintained it complies with all laws. After the Supreme Court ruling, Gautam said on X that the judgment shows truth has prevailed and the group’s “contribution to India’s growth story will continue”. “Post this verdict global investors will have more confidence in investing in the shares of the company,” said KRChoksey Shares and Securities managing director Deven Choksey. The regulator had previously informed the Supreme Court that it would take appropriate action based on the outcome of its investigations. The court yesterday gave Sebi three months to complete its investigations. The Supreme Court also said it does not need to intervene in the current regulations governing offshore investors of Indian companies. Sebi tightened those regulations in June by making disclosures more stringent to bring clarity to opaque corporate structures. Under Indian law, every company needs to have 25% of its shares held by public shareholders to avoid price manipulation, but Hindenburg alleged that some of Adani’s offshore shareholders were used to violate this rule. Adani has said it complies with all laws. “The procedure followed in arriving at the current shape of the regulations does not suffer from irregularity,” the court said. – Reuters Disney copyright on Mickey Mouse expires LOS ANGELES: Barely 48 hours after Disney’s initial copyright on Mickey Mouse expired, two new indie horror films starring the beloved character have been announced. Steamboat Willie, the first Disney movie to feature Mickey, entered the public domain under US law on Monday, 95 years on from its initial release. That means anyone is now free to copy, share, reuse and adapt the primitive, early versions of the characters that appear within the film, including Mickey and his girlfriend Minnie. Despite warnings from Disney that it would seek to safeguard its most iconic character, opportunistic filmmakers had been expected to quickly announce their own unofficial remakes and adaptations – and they did not disappoint. Mickey’s Mouse Trap will feature a masked killer dressed as Mickey stalking a group of young friends through an amusement arcade while another untitled horror-comedy sees a sadistic mouse tormenting unsuspecting ferry passengers. “We just wanted to have fun with it all,” said Mickey’s Mouse Trap director Jamie Bailey in a trailer posted on YouTube. “I mean it’s Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse murdering people. It’s ridiculous. We ran with it and had fun doing it and I think it shows.” The low-budget horror-comedy is expected to launch in March. Meanwhile, filmmaker Steven LaMorte – known for The Mean One, a 2022 slasher romp inspired by The Grinch – is working on his own “twisted take” on Mickey. “Steamboat Willie has brought joy to generations, but beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror,” he said in a press release. Production on the untitled film is due to begin this spring. Both projects are reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, a micro-budget slasher film that drew headlines last year after the copyright on the first A.A. Milne books expired. Analysts said Disney will be watching closely and is likely to send in the lawyers if anyone oversteps. Only the earliest, black-and-white version of Mickey is in the public domain – not the colourful character from later Disney films like Fantasia. Trademark protections mean that any film or product that could mislead consumers into thinking it was made by Disney could be liable. “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright, and we will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorised uses of Mickey and our other iconic characters,” said a Disney statement. – AFP Turkiye’s inflation rate nears 65% ANKARA: Turkiye’s annual inflation rate approached 65% last month, reaching a new high for 2023 and putting the country on course to meet an expected peak of 75% in May. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s new team of market-friendly economists expects inflation to start falling from near record highs within four months. The rate reached a decades-long high of 85% in October 2022 and then fell off before resuming a steady climb. Turkiye’s official annual inflation rate ticked up to 64.77% last month, from 61.98% in November. But the month-on-month pace of increases of 2.93% was the smallest of the past six months. “The underlying inflation trend improved slightly, and inflation expectations stabilised in the last months,” said Bartosz Sawicki, a market analyst at Conotoxia investment house. After winning a difficult re-election in May last year, Erdogan appointed well-respected economist Mehmet Simsek as finance minister and former Wall Street executive Hafize Gaye Erkan in charge of the central bank. The central bank has since lifted the benchmark interest rate to 42.5% from 8.5%, breaking through Erdogan’s past aversion to high borrowing costs. – AFP An episode of Steamboat Willie is seen on a laptop in the US city of Austin. – AFPPIC Gold gains as traders await Fed minutes, US jobs data NEW YORK: Gold prices edged higher yesterday as investors looked forward to minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting and US jobs data for more clarity on the central bank’s interest rate outlook. Spot gold was up 0.3% at US$2,064.39 per ounce, as of 0253 GMT (10.53am in Malaysia). US gold futures were flat at US$2,072.50 per ounce. Spot silver gained 0.2% to US$23.68 per ounce. “Gold is in consolidation mode at the moment, really building on those 2023 gains with potentially more to come should the current expectations for a dovish Fed in 2024 hold,” said KCM Trade chief market analyst Tim Waterer. Traders have doubled down on bets for interest rate cuts this year, encouraged by slowing inflation and a dovish tilt by the Fed at its December policy meeting. Those rate-cut expectations helped gold to post a 13% jump last year, its first annual gain since 2020. Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Focus now shifts to the minutes of the Fed’s December policy meeting to be released at 1900 GMT (3am today in Malaysia) . Futures markets see a 70% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut at the March 20 meeting, according to CME FedWatch Tool. Investors are keenly awaiting a slew of US economic data this week, including non-farm payrolls report tomorrow that may influence whether the Fed begins to cut rates in March as markets expect. “There is certainly a chance we could see gold going to US$2,100 per ounce in the near term,” Waterer said. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JAN 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 shalll not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. SEMICONDUCTOR Assembly and Test (OSAT) player Inari Amertron Bhd’s (Inari) growth prospects remain intact, supported by catalysts from 5G and new projects. TA Research is optimistic about Inari for its growth prospects with catalysts from the 5G theme via its core radio frequency segment, traction with customer diversification efforts and above industry average profitability. Another key catalyst is positive progress with its China joint venture. “We are sanguine on the long-term growth prospects of Inari’s core radio frequency (RF) segment,” it said in its note. From FY21 to FY23, the RF segment accounted for 59% to 60% of the group’s revenue. The segment’s utilisation rate has improved from ~80% in 1QFY24 (Q3CY23) to >90% in Q2’24 (Q4CY23). The research house projects Inari’s Q2’24 earnings to be stronger within the range of RM101 million to RM105 million (versus Q1’24’s of RM86 million). In FY24F, the revenue contribution from new projects was guided at ~RM150 million (~10% of our revenue forecast). Inari is still in talks with four strategic customers with various products. Inari’s 54.5%-owned Yiwu Semiconductor International Corporation (YSIC) has kickstarted operations at its new plant in Yiwu, China with maiden contributions from a new customer with products relating to smartphone applications. “Backed by its Chinese partner, China Fortune-Tech Capital Co Ltd (CFTC), we expect YSIC to benefit from ongoing efforts by Chinese semiconductor players to accelerate the localisation of their supply chain.” Within five years, YSIC has set its sights on achieving revenue of RMB1.0 billion (RM0.65 billion) and listing status. The research house has reiterated its BUY recommendation on Inari with an unchanged TP of RM3.55 based on a PE multiple of 33.0x CY24F EPS, which is ~+1.0SD to the stock’s 5-year mean. (Jan 3, 2024) FOR the mobile segment, Kenanga Research is cautiously optimistic about the implementation of the new 5G dual network (DN) model. This is underpinned by: (i) a more accommodative regulatory environment following the withdrawal of government intervention; (ii) removal of unfair pricing as DNB’s monopoly is dismantled; and (iii) enhanced network roll-out efficiencies for the second 5G network. “We are hopeful that earnings and dividends for mobile players will remain intact after DN takes effect,” it said in its sector update report. “We believe that investors are generally upbeat on 5G digital DW as it reflects a relatively milder regulatory environment.” It has maintained OVERWEIGHT on telecommunications sector with top picks comprising CDB (OP; TP: RM5.34) and TM (OP; TP: RM6.76). It favours CDB for the following reasons; (i) merger synergies are expected to amount to NPV of RM8 billion over five years (ii) robust FCF yield of more than 7% in FY23-24 which implies capacity to pay steady dividends; and (iii) leading subscriber base share of 39% and 20% in the postpaid and prepaid segments. It likes TM on account of: (i) it being leveraged towards secular data growth by global carriers and hyperscalers on the back of current digital trends; (ii) it benefiting from JENDELA phase 2 projects; and (iii) sustained traction in its cost optimisation initiatives. (Jan 3, 2024) GROSS written premiums or contributions growth of general insurance or takaful is expected to be modest in 2024 amid elevated household debt and pressures on the cost of living with the potential upside risk to inflation from the extension of subsidy rationalisation to RON 95. AmInvest Research’s economist expects inflation in 2024 to fall within the range of 2.5% to 3.5%, taking into account the effects of subsidy rationalisation and the impact of the services tax increase. “We see upside risk to this projection in the event the scope of subsidy rationalisation is extended to RON95 fuel,” it stated in its sector research report. The research house expects gross written premiums or contributions of general insurance or takaful players to register a high single-to-low double digit growth in 2024. It maintains NEUTRAL on the sector. The valuation is fair at FY24 PB/V of 1.6x, and it is premised on: (i) Potentially modest growth in demand for life and general insurance or takaful in 1H24 given the uncertainties of interest rate movements and inflationary pressures in developed economies; (ii) Claims to remain elevated due to the effects of weaker domestic currency; and (iii) Pricing pressure on fire is likely to continue amidst the gradual liberalisation to progressively shift towards a fully market based pricing. It has a BUY call on Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd with a FV: RM4.80/share. We like the company based on its: (i) superior ROE of 21.5% for FY24F, which is higher than its peers under coverage; (ii) healthy contractual service margin (CSM) of RM1.3 billion which will be supportive of insurance revenue ahead; and (iii) stronger growth in bancatakaful business going forward, underpinned by new bancatakaful partnerships with Agrobank and Bank Muamalat as well as the successful retention of existing key partners Affin Islamic Bank and Bank Rakyat. (Jan 3, 2024) FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.6870 4.5530 4.5430 1 Australian Dollar 3.1910 3.0650 3.0490 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5360 3.4340 3.4260 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5160 3.4230 3.4110 1 Euro 5.1410 4.9770 4.9570 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9460 2.8380 2.8220 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5360 3.4340 3.4260 1 Sterling Pound 5.9300 5.7440 5.7240 1 Swiss Franc 5.5060 5.3780 5.3630 100 UAE Dirham 129.1800 122.5000 122.3000 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.3530 4.0700 3.8700 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.0900 63.2900 N/A 100 Danish Krone 70.6800 65.0600 64.8600 100 Hongkong Dollar 60.6400 57.6400 57.4400 100 Indian Rupee 5.7200 5.3800 5.1800 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0314 0.0284 0.0234 100 Japanese Yen 3.3080 3.2040 3.1940 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.5500 42.8400 42.6400 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.6900 1.5900 1.3900 100 Philippine Peso 8.5600 8.0700 7.8700 100 Qatar Riyal 130.1600 123.5700 123.3700 100 Saudi Riyal 126.4400 120.0300 119.8300 100 South Africa Rand 26.1600 23.6300 23.4300 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.5000 1.3800 1.1800 100 Swedish Krona 47.4400 43.2000 43 100 Thai Baht 14.3200 12.7000 12.3000 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit falls against US dollar ahead of Fed minutes release KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit continued its downtrend against the greenback before the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes last night. At 6pm, the ringgit depreciated to 4.6300/6355 versus the US dollar from Tuesday’s close of 4.6035/6080. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that the local currency was generally weaker against the US dollar at RM4.6357, which is in line with the higher US Dollar Index (DXY) of 102.219 points (+0.02%). He said the ringgit seems to be experiencing a technical correction after the currency had languished within the overbought region against the US dollar. “At the moment, the support and resistant levels are located at RM4.5778 and RM4.6611, respectively. “Tonight’s (last night) FOMC minutes should provide further clarity on the US Federal Reserve’s intention to ease its monetary stance this year,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama. The ringgit was traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.8463/8532 from 5.8524/8582 on Tuesday and was slightly higher versus the euro to 5.0634/0694 from 5.0685/0734.The ringgit depreciated against the Japanese yen to 3.2462/2502 from 3.2317/2552 yesterday. The ringgit was traded mostly lower against Asean currencies.It fell against the Singapore dollar to 3.4885/4932 from 3.4793/4830 at yesterday’s close and depreciated vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 8.33/8.34 from 8.27/8.28. The local currency also slipped versus the Indonesian rupiah to 299.0/299.5 from 297.5/298.0. — Bernama Manufacturing dips expected to bottom out in late H1’24 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has maintained an unchanged Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 47.9 in December, underscoring the sustained challenging business conditions encountered by manufacturing firms within the country. Given the persisting interplay of prevailing factors that mirror enduring fragility in external demand, PublicInvest Research said its assessment suggests that Malaysia’s PMI is likely to remain on a trajectory mirroring the global manufacturing PMI, forecasting a continued position below the pivotal 50-point threshold in the near term. “We anticipate this trend to persist before potentially bottoming out in the latter part of first-half 2024,” it said in its economic update report. In December, the Malaysian manufacturing landscape sustained its deceleration, aligning with subdued demand dynamics that prompted firms to curtail production amid constrained inflows of new orders. Despite the lacklustre demand, companies chose to augment their workforce for the first time in eight months, albeit marginally. The escalation in input costs subsided, marking the first decrease in three months and registering the lowest level recorded since September. According to S&P Global, the recent PMI figures suggest that gross domestic product (GDP) growth is sustaining a comparable momentum to that observed in the second and third quarters of 2023. Furthermore, they indicate modest y-o-y enhancements in the official manufacturing production data. We expect Malaysia’s exports of goods and services to rebound to a positive growth of +5.4% in 2024. Insurance sector NEUTRAL Telecommunications sector OVERWEIGHT Inari Amertron Bhd BUY. TARGET PRICE: RM3.55 Source: TA Research Source: Kenanga Research Jan 2, 2024: RM7.49 Source: AmInvest Research Jan 3, 2024: RM2.97
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 22 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM authenticity shines through, whether she is strutting down the runway or creating influential content. “It reflects how I’m a super fun person,” she said. This authenticity resonates with her audience, emphasising that she remains true to herself in the curated world of social media. Future aspirations Peering into the future, Reezlyn expressed excitement for upcoming collaborations and projects. “The upcoming jobs and collaborations will spread more interesting and beneficial content as a model and as an influencer,” she shared. The anticipation of contributing unique and impactful content keeps her driven in her ever-evolving career. Staying true in a curated world In a world where social media often leans towards the curated, Reezlyn remains grounded. “I try my very best to show my real personality and fun figure,” she asserted. Her commitment to authenticity is a testament to her belief that being oneself is a powerful statement, regardless of societal expectations. Designer dreams and teen struggles Reezlyn reflects on two standout collaborations, one as a model with the inspiring designer Kashfi Zulkufli and the other as an influencer with the brand Dazzle Me. Working with Kashfi has been a great opportunity for Reezlyn, who described it as truly enriching. Additionally, her collaboration with Dazzle Me focuses on shedding light on the daily struggles of teenagers, particularly in the realm of makeup. In every stride down the runway and every post shared on social media, Reezlyn embodies the essence of a model and influencer on a mission. Her journey, marked by passion, positivity and authenticity, is a beacon for those who dare to dream beyond conventional boundaries. As she continues to evolve in her career, Reezlyn remains an inspiring figure, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion and influence. I N a world where fashion meets influence, Reezlyn Shafeera, a Dewi Remaja finalist, has blended her love for modelling with a desire to inspire and spread kindness as an influencer. From her early inspirations to facing challenges in both industries, Reezlyn shares her unique journey, memorable moments and exciting future goals. Revealing the inspiration Reezlyn’s journey began with a childhood dream that evolved into a thriving career. “I was inspired to become a model from a very young age, driven by an unexpected passion for fashion,” she reminisced. What started as a childhood fascination has now become one of her main careers. Her journey unfolded organically as she discovered her love for fashion, propelling her into the world of modelling. Yet, for Reezlyn, being an influencer is more than just a career move, it is a commitment to spreading kindness and positivity in every possible way. Balancing acts Balancing the demands of modelling and her aspirations as an influencer may seem like a juggling act, but for Reezlyn, it is a well-orchestrated routine. “I list down my reviews and postings as an influencer while putting my modelling jobs on a different schedule,” she shared. This strategic approach allows her to effortlessly navigate both worlds, ensuring that her commitments as a working model do not overshadow her responsibilities as an influencer. Walk down memory lane Reflecting on her modelling journey, Reezlyn highlighted a pivotal moment that shaped her career. “The most memorable part would be my first time entering a Malaysian modelling reality show called Malaysia Supermodel Search back in 2014, when I was just 10 years old,” she recalled. Winning the childrens’ female category not only marked a triumph but also introduced her to a diverse community of individuals passionate about the world of fashion. Crafting content with a purpose As an aspiring influencer, Reezlyn crafts content that reflects her style, a blend of teenage girl fashion and makeup. However, she emphasised that her content is not just about aesthetics, it is about spreading positivity and kindness. “I prioritise spreading positivity and kindness a lot, knowing every single person needs that in their life,” she affirmed. Beyond the superficial, Reezlyn uses her platform to instill meaningful messages into the hearts and minds of her audience. Advocacy through influence Reezlyn has learned to leverage her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. “I am always learning to tell my story and to express my thoughts for a cause,” she shared. Whether it is leading people or sharing personal experiences, she understands the power of influence to bring about positive change. Overcoming challenges Both modelling and influencing come with their own set of challenges and Reezlyn does not shy away from addressing them. “As an influencer, I’ve always had to come up with new ideas and ways to promote or spread the content I’m giving out,” she admitted. Similarly, as a model, she navigates the intricacies of presenting designs and making them captivating for the audience. Her approach to challenges involves a slow, deliberate process of self-improvement. Quirky, fun and authentic Describing her style as “quirky and fun, a mixture of everything”, Reezlyn ensures that her Crafting content with purpose oInspiration, influence and individuality Redefining runways and influencing hearts. Strutting with purpose. Diverse styles, positive vibes. Reezlyn has what it takes. █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 23 oCharitable pursuits of influential celebrities I N a world often steeped in glamour, dazzling lights and the allure of the red carpet, witnessing celebrities assume the role of real-life heroes is undeniably uplifting. Beyond the glitz of flashing lights and cinematic screens, many stars utilise their influence to foster positive change in society. While some opt to showcase their extravagant lifestyles, others consciously choose to allocate their time and resources towards enhancing the well-being of others, aiming to make a positive difference within their communities. Whether through the establishment of personal charity foundations or contributions to diverse philanthropic endeavours, this compilation spotlights six celebrities who have played a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of people worldwide. Angelina Jolie Since 2001, Jolie has been actively engaged in humanitarian work, with a specific focus on refugee missions. Her commitment led to her appointment as Special Envoy to the UNHCR, where she has advocated for refugees’ rights and raised awareness about displaced populations in over 30 countries. Jolie’s hands-on approach is evident through nearly 60 field missions undertaken to address the challenges faced by displaced communities. In 2003, she established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, emphasising their shared dedication to supporting global humanitarian causes. Jolie’s impact extends beyond financial contributions – she actively supports various humanitarian endeavours, including women’s rights, education and healthcare. Her commitment to creating positive change underscores the transformative influence celebrities can wield beyond the realms of the silver screen. Leonardo DiCaprio DiCaprio, celebrated for his remarkable acting career, has gained equal renown for his unwavering dedication to environmental causes. The Oscar-winning actor established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, with a focus on ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the earth’s inhabitants. The foundation actively supports projects and initiatives centred around climate change, Jolie established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2003 with her ex-husband. –AFPPIX █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Beyonce stands out as a dedicated philanthropist. – AFPPIX wildlife conservation and renewable energy. As a UN Messenger of Peace, DiCaprio utilises his influential platform to raise awareness about climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions. His commitment is not confined to rhetoric, rather, he actively engages in impactful initiatives. Through documentaries like Before the Flood and his vocal presence at global forums, DiCaprio underscores the significant role that celebrity activism can play in addressing urgent issues that impact everyone. Oprah Winfrey Winfrey, a media mogul and cultural icon, has transcended her role as a talk show host to become a philanthropic force. Known for her generosity and commitment to education, Winfrey has donated millions of dollars to various causes, with a particular emphasis on providing educational opportunities to those in need. In 2007, she founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, offering a world-class education to underprivileged girls. Her focus on empowering individuals through knowledge and self-discovery illustrates the profound impact celebrities can have on shaping a better future. Matthew McConaughey The laid-back Texan, known for his charismatic performances, has emerged as a beacon of hope for communities in need. Alongside his wife Camila Alves, McConaughey established the Just Keep Livin Foundation in 2008, aiming to empower high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices. The foundation provides after-school programmes in underserved communities, fostering a sense of community, wellness and responsibility. McConaughey’s hands-on involvement and genuine passion for making a difference highlight the transformative impact celebrities can have when they actively engage with the causes they support. Taylor Swift Singer-songwriter Swift has earned acclaim not only for her musical prowess but also for her notable philanthropy. Throughout her career, she has generously donated to various charitable causes and provided support to her fans. In 2016, Swift contributed US$1 million (RM4.6 million) to aid Louisiana flood victims, showcasing her commitment to disaster relief efforts. Her benevolence extends to healthcare, with a significant donation of US$100,000 (RM462,000) to Cancer Research. In a noteworthy gesture to support education and the arts, Swift allocated US$60,000 (RM278,000) to the music departments of six US colleges. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she demonstrated her global perspective by donating to the World Health Organisation and contributing to Feeding America. In a bid to raise funds for the National Health Service, Swift offered one of her signed guitars as part of an auction, further emphasising her dedication to making a positive impact during challenging times. Beyonce Beyond her influence in music and pop culture, Beyonce stands out as a dedicated philanthropist. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she established the Survivor Foundation, whose initial mission was to provide housing and assistance to families that had been displaced. It has since grown to provide aid for a variety of hurricanes. Beyonce is also a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, in addition to her efforts in natural disaster relief. She and Jay-Z donated US$1.5 million (RM6.9 million) to civil rights organisations in August 2016, including Black Lives Matter, Hands Up United and Dream Defenders. Together with the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People), Beyonce established the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund in July 2020, which rewards black-owned small businesses in need with US$10,000 (RM46,000) in grants. With the assistance of revenue generated from her single Black Parade, the fund had amassed a total of US$7.15 million (RM33 million) for small businesses owned by African Americans as of Dec 31, 2020. McConaughey established the Just Keep Livin Foundation in 2008.– IMDB Winfrey focuses on empowering individuals through knowledge and self-discovery. – OPRAHDAILY Swift... has generously donated to various charitable causes and provided support to her fans. – AFPPIX DiCaprio, not only a world class actor but also serves as a Messenger of Peace with particular emphasis on climate change. – AFPPIX Stars with heart
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 24 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper C Family bonds and resilience HARLIE Sheen’s current life stands in stark contrast to the tumultuous period of 2013, when he and his ex-wife, Brooke Mueller, faced challenges in caring for their then four-year-old twin boys, Max and Bob. During that time, the children found temporary refuge in the care of Sheen’s ex-wife, Denise Richards. However, the landscape has significantly shifted since then, with the boys now residing full-time with Sheen, who, at 58, is six years sober. In an interview, Sheen shares insights into his transformed role as a single dad. He discloses that he dedicates the majority of his days to the responsibilities of parenting, emphasising, “I’ve mostly been raising my 14-year-old boys.” Reflecting on the absence of their mother, Mueller, in their lives at the moment, Sheen mentions that she is dealing with personal matters. Despite the challenges, Sheen attests that the boys are thriving. Describing them as “really cool, really smart and funny,” he radiates pride in their well-being. However, like many parents, he faces the common struggle of dealing with teenage screen addiction. Sheen humorously notes the irony of having some respite when his boys are immersed in their devices, while also expressing concerns about the potential impact on their overall development. Acknowledging his children’s diverse interests, Sheen highlights Sheen with the wins in 2011. – PIC BY CHELSEA LAUREN/WIREIMAGE oSheen’s path to redemption █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Mini-drama series spotlight app features ordering food and making payments. Building on the success of the recent six-episode mini-drama series in Malay, titled Rugi Tau Tak Pakai App McD, this newest addition to the minidrama series lineup showcases the food chain’s sustained commitment to engaging with Malaysians through captivating content presented in diverse languages. This effort strengthens the brand’s unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding customer experience, aligning with its philosophy of crafting enjoyable moments for people from varied backgrounds in Malaysia. Since its launch in April 2018, the food chain’s app has rapidly ascended to become one of the leading food and drink applications in Malaysia, accumulating an impressive 14 million downloads and boasting 1.4 million active users. The cast of Love at McD (From left) Onn, Chan and Lim during the drama launching event. █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Proud to be considered the hot priest ANDREW Scott, famed for his portrayal of the charismatic priest in Fleabag, continues to embrace the enduring association with the character, even four years after the series concluded. During the premiere of his latest film, All of Us Strangers, Scott expressed his excitement, acknowledging that being identified as the hot priest has not hindered his career diversification. Reflecting on the Fleabag character, he commented, “It hasn’t prevented me from spreading my wings and there are much worse things to be called in life.” In Phoebe W a l l e r - B r i d g e ’ s acclaimed s e r i e s ’ s e c o n d █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ THE well-known fast-food chain McDonald’s has recently unveiled its first-ever Chinese-language romantic comedy mini-drama series, Love at McD, which can be accessed through its mobile application. Comprising three episodes and featuring a cast of local social media influencers and rising talents such as Emily Chan, Kryston Onn and Sandra Lim, the captivating series is set to make its debut on the official Instagram account of the franchise (@mcdonaldsmalaysia) on Dec 20 at 8.00pm. Marketing director Chin Mei Lee, expressed the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experiences. “We are always seeking new and creative ways to engage with our loyal customers,” Lee stated. “The unveiling of this mini-drama series is intended to draw attention to the diverse features of the chain’s app, with a specific emphasis on familiarising customers with its digital application.” She further added, “The Love at McD mini-drama series is yet another way in which we use entertainment and unique storytelling to share with our customers how they can enjoy a rewarding experience through our app.” In the series, Chan, Onn and Lim depict characters in their twenties who enjoy dining at the fast-food chain. Throughout the episodes, the characters go through a learning process to familiarise themselves with the app, specifically in the aspects of that Bob won a horror movie directing competition at the age of eight and Max exhibits talent in playing the guitar. Beyond screen time, Sheen appreciates their engagement in activities beyond gaming, emphasising, “So they’re into some cool stuff that isn’t just Fortnite.” Despite his fame as an actor, Sheen humorously underscores that his kids remain indifferent to his celebrity status. He recounts a moment when his son approached him about a gift card for a game, oblivious to the fact that Sheen is not connected to the gaming world. In Sheen’s words, “The boys don’t care.” Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of his family during his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, Sheen praises his father, Martin Sheen and brother, Emilio Estevez. He acknowledges that any estrangement was a result of his actions, with the family consistently leaving the door open for his return. Despite the challenges, Sheen is endlessly proud of all his children, including his daughters Sami and Lola and Cassandra Jade Estevez. In sharing his parenting journey and the enduring support of his family, Sheen reflects on growth, resilience and the bond that transcends even the darkest moments. season, Scott played the new priest introduced by the godmother, earning widespread recognition as the hot priest. Despite the character’s popularity, Scott has seamlessly transitioned to other roles, making notable appearances in hit shows such as Black Mirror and His Dark Materials. In All of Us Strangers, Scott takes on the role of Adam, a screenwriter entangled in a mysterious quest involving his deceased parents while navigating a relationship with his enigmatic neighbour, Harry, portrayed by Paul Mescal. Scott notes the immediate and magical connection he shares with Mescal, reminiscent of his chemistry with Waller-Bridge. He attributes this chemistry to the unpredictable nature of such connections, expressing gratitude for the experience. The actor acknowledges the role of well-crafted scripts in facilitating on-screen relationships, describing it as making the process of pretending to fall in love with someone “easier”. Despite the conclusion of Fleabag, Scott’s career has flourished and he continues to captivate audiences with his diverse roles. As he embraces the recognition tied to the hot priest, he eagerly anticipates exploring new opportunities in the realm of storytelling. Fleabag remains available for streaming on Prime Video, allowing fans to revisit the captivating series that introduced the world to the iconic hot priest. Scott in Fleabag. – PIC BY STEVE SCHOFIELD /AMAZON STUDIOS
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 25 RENOWNED Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has made a fascinating revelation, sharing that the band cleverly incorporated the Batman theme song into the riff of one of their tracks. The track, titled Shadow Follows, featured in Metallica’s 11th album, 72 Seasons, pays homage to the 1960s Batman TV show through a distinctive riff emerging around four minutes and 20 seconds into the song. In a Total Guitar interview discussing the superhero reference, Hammett confirmed the connection, stating, “That’s funny because we called that ‘The Batman Riff’ and I know exactly what you are talking about.” When the album first arrived, fans speculated about the similarities between the riff and the distinctive Batman theme tune online, sparking discussions on platforms like Reddit. One respondent shared, “Yes. I immediately heard it and it honestly took me out of the song for a second.” The recognition of this musical connection sparked discussions and reflections among Metallica enthusiasts. In another segment of the interview, Hammett expressed his perspective that, for most listeners, guitar solos are not particularly memorable. He faced criticism from fans regarding his solo in the album’s lead single, Lux AEterna. Hammett candidly stated, “I hate to say it for all your readers out there, but non-musicians, who are the majority of the listening world, are not going to remember guitar solos.” He went on to emphasise the lasting impact of a great melody and a well-crafted song, especially one that transports listeners to a different emotional space. Metallica marked their eagerly awaited comeback this year with 72 Seasons, a 12-track heavy metal masterpiece that stands out for its numerous electric guitar highlights, featuring what critics are deeming one of the standout guitar riffs of 2023. The album not only boasts inspiring riffs, enthralling guitar solos and James Hetfield’s impressive picking skills but also carries particular significance for a distinct segment of the Metallica fanbase. – BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL O’Connell teases fans with news of Eilish’s forthcoming album AMERICAN singer-songwriter and record producer Finneas O’Connell has revealed that his sister Billie Eilish’s forthcoming album is close to completion. O’Connell disclosed in a recent interview with Mr Porter on Dec 19 that the forthcoming album is “85% complete”. While the percentage provides a tangible update for fans, O’Connell acknowledged that the album’s creation was a challenging process. He explained, “I don’t think Billie was particularly sure about how she felt about the things we were trying to write about. Make a thing that you f e e l connected to – it can e v a d e you.” O’Connell, who frequently collaborates with Eilish on songwriting, also discussed the challenges of aligning their schedules. He highlighted the difficulty in finding time amid his busy schedule, having performed 88 shows in a year. “I think I got a little rusty. And that was scary. It was discouraging to realise that if I took time off, my songwriting muscles would atrophy. I had to get back in shape.” Eilish’s last album, Happier Than Ever, was released in 2021. This sophomore release topped the Billboard 200 for three weeks and has spent a total of 124 weeks on the all-genre tally. Since then, Eilish and O’Connell h a v e collaborated on What Was I Made For? as part of Barbie: The Album. The track is nominated for six Grammys at the upcoming 66th annual Grammy Awards, including the song and record of the year categories. – BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL O’Connell claims that Eilish’s next album is ‘85% done’. – APPLEMUSIC Hammett spills the beans Hammett’s take on memorable solos and melodies. Sweeney reacts to recent claims of “objectification”. –IMDB oEmpowerment and spontaneity in The Rolling Stones’ visuals Sweeney’s perspective DAMON Albarn’s recent critique of The Rolling Stones has sparked significant attention in the rock and roll media. Albarn voiced concern about the portrayal of The Stones at different stages of their lives on billboards and the perceived objectification of a young woman, Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney. The Rolling Stones embraced a nostalgic vibe from the 1980s and ‘90s for the production of the music video accompanying their single Angry from the Hackney Diamonds’ album. Sweeney took centre stage in the video and certain concerns were raised about the potential sexualisation during filming. Sweeney addressed these concerns in her cover story with Glamour UK, asserting, “I felt hot” during the video shoot where she wore a bustier and studded chaps. “I picked my outfit out of racks and racks of clothes. I felt so good in it,” she explained. The actress went on to disclose that the dance moves in the video were spontaneous, emphasising that she felt honoured to be part of The Rolling Stones’ videography. “One of the questions I get is, ‘Are you a feminist?’ I find empowerment in embracing the body that I have. That’s sexy and strong and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. “I’m in a Rolling Stones video. How cool and iconic is that? I felt so good,” she said. “All the moves — everything I was doing was freestyle. I mean, who else gets to roll around on the top of a convertible driving down Sunset Boulevard with police escorts? “It’s the cool things in this career that I had no idea I’d get to do.” The music video was unveiled on Sept 6. Following its release, the album made its debut on Oct 20 and reached its peak at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart as of Nov 4. █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 26 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper AS we usher in a new year, it is time to reflect on the past and set our sights on a brighter future. The canvas of 2024 awaits, inviting us to paint a masterpiece of personal growth and fulfillment. In the pursuit of a well-rounded and purposeful life, consider weaving these essential threads into the fabric of your 2024 goals. Cultivating gratitude In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to overlook the small wonders that surround us. This year, make it a goal to cultivate gratitude. Dedicate a few moments each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small. Keep a gratitude journal to document these moments, creating a tangible reminder of the richness that exists in your daily experiences. A grateful heart is a resilient heart, ready to face challenges with a positive mindset. Prioritising physical well-being Physical health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. In 2024, prioritise regular exercise to nourish your body and mind. Whether it is a daily walk, a yoga session or a fullfledged workout routine, find an activity that brings you joy and helps you stay active. Not only does exercise contribute to physical well-being, but it also enhances mental clarity and boosts overall happiness. Pledge to invest time in your health – the dividends are boundless. Lifelong learning Embrace the thrill of acquiring new skills and knowledge in 2024. Whether it is picking up a musical instrument, learning a new language or mastering a culinary art, the possibilities are endless. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, fostering a mindset of continuous growth. Attend workshops, enroll in online courses and connect with communities that share your interests. By becoming a lifelong learner, you open doors to new opportunities and enrich your life with diverse experiences. Rejuvenating sleep Quality sleep is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Recognise the importance of rest and rejuvenation in your daily routine. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest. The benefits of a good night’s sleep extend beyond physical wellbeing – enhance cognitive function, emotional resilience and overall productivity. Make 2024 the year you prioritise sleep as a non-negotiable aspect of self-care. Reflecting on the past Take a moment to look back on the years gone by. Reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges overcome and the growth achieved. Acknowledge your strengths and celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Use these reflections as stepping stones to propel yourself forward. By understanding where you have been, you gain clarity on where you want to go. Let the past be a guide, not an anchor, as you navigate the path ahead. Financial wellness A sound financial foundation is crucial for peace of mind and future security. Take control of your finances in 2024 by building a better budgeting chart. Assess your income, expenses and savings goals. Identify areas where you can cut back and allocate resources wisely. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to create a roadmap for long-term financial success. Empower yourself with the knowledge and discipline needed to achieve financial wellness. Family time Amid the myriad responsibilities of life, it is essential to carve out dedicated time for family. Strengthening bonds with loved ones fosters a support system that transcends life’s challenges. Make a conscious effort to prioritise family time, whether it is through shared meals, weekend outings or meaningful conversations. The joy derived from these connections is immeasurable and forms the bedrock of a fulfilling life. In conclusion, the tapestry of 2024 is yours to weave — a masterpiece of personal growth, resilience and fulfillment. Embrace gratitude, prioritise physical and mental wellbeing, commit to lifelong learning, prioritise rejuvenating sleep, reflect on the past, build a solid financial foundation and make time for the relationships that matter most. As you embark on this journey this brand new year, remember that the canvas is vast and the colours you choose will shape a year that reflects the best version of yourself. Setting 2024 goals provides a clear guiding actions and decisions toward specific achievements. – PICS BY PEXELS █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Goals create measurable milestones, allowing individuals to track progress throughout the year. Establishing 2024 goals encourages strategic thinking and efforts for long-term success. Embracing growth oHolistic approach to achieving your 2024 goals Revolutionising live music KUALA LUMPUR’S creative artist booking specialists, HMG, have initiated a musical revolution with the introduction of their groundbreaking Jumpstart Universe concert series. The inaugural event, Jumpstart Festival, is slated for Feb 2 and 3, offering not just a traditional music festival but a transformative live music experience at the MIECC (Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre), Seri Kembangan. Beyond a mere festival, the Jumpstart Universe series serves as a dynamic platform for both local and international artists, blending diverse genres to craft an immersive experience. The debut installment kicks off with an exhilarating showcase of electronic dance music (EDM), featuring a thoughtfully curated lineup. The festival will pulsate with energy from homegrown heroes like Chuckies and Whackboi, Sherry Alyssa and Vgene, culminating in a headlining performance by international sensation Markus Schulz. The ticketing structure underscores a commitment to accessibility, offering various phases and price points. Early birds can secure general access for RM99, while VIP tickets are priced at RM299 for both days. Attendees will also receive a complimentary t-shirt, aligning with the festival’s goal of uniting audiences and music lovers. In a nod to community support, the festival extends a helping hand to local food vendors affected by recent event cancellations, providing free or discounted rental spots. The festival proudly boasts sponsorship from Drinme, Malaysia’s fruity jelly drink brand, showcasing a dedication to supporting cultural and artistic endeavours locally. HMG collaborates with Heavyweight Entertainment Asia for event management, promising a harmonious blend of innovation, creativity and flawless execution. Local companies, GFG Group and Kumpool - join as accommodation and mobility partners, elevating the overall festival experience. International sensation Schulz will be performing at the festival. █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ
SPORTS THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 28 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) on 2 January 2024:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 5 February 2024, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN. BHD. (200401029361 (667869-V)) on 2 January 2024:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Datuk Ooi Teik Huat Director Dated this 4 January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 5 February 2024, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KOPACKLABELS PRESS SDN. BHD. 200201032813 (600478-D) (In Member’s Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the Member of the abovenamed Company held on 28-12-2023, the following special resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan Bee Lee of Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and are hereby appointed as Liquidators for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given under section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 04-01-2024 SIMON LYDDON PUGH Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KOPACKLABELS PRESS SDN. BHD. 200201032813 (600478-D) (In Member’s Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 03-02-2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidators are by their Solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated this 04-01-2024 CHAN BEE LEE LAI CHUNG EN Liquidators 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCOLADE TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (245796-A) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special and Ordinary Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on Tuesday, the 26th day of December 2023 at 11.00 a.m. :- “SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP THAT the Company be wound up by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016.” “ORDINARY RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR AND POWERS OF LIQUIDATOR AND THAT pursuant to Section 445(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, Mr. Tan Peng Sam @ Cheng Peng Sam of Synergic Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Suite 1.00A, Level 11B Akademi Etiqa, 23, Jalan Melaka, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding up the affairs and distributing the assets of the Company in specie or otherwise with such powers as are conferred by Section 456 of the Act.” (Signed) TAN POH CHYE @ TAN POH SAI Dated : 4th January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCOLADE TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (245796-A) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 4th February 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to Mr. Tan Peng Sam @ Cheng Peng Sam of Synergic Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Suite 1.00A, Level 11B Akademi Etiqa, 23, Jalan Melaka, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, the Liquidator of the abovenamed company and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. (Signed) TAN PENG SAM @ CHENG PENG SAM (Liquidator) Dated : 4th January 2024 322 Notices J.T. HARDWARE SDN. BHD. (Company No. 262367-V) (UNDER MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING UNDER SECTION 459 (1) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 65, Irving Road, 10400 Georgetown, Penang on 5th February 2024 at 10am. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidators account of receipts and payment and statement of distribution among the contributories and any explanations arising there from. 2. To decide under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the company may be destroyed. Dated this 4th of January 2024. LAI WOOI HEAN Liquidator 65, Irving Road, 10400 Georgetown, Penang. To the biological parents of a child born on 26 April 2010 at Pantai Hospital Cheras Kuala Lumpur. This is with regards to a matter which has been fixed for Hearing on 1st February 2024 at 2.00pm at Kajang Sessions Court wherein your attendance as the biological parents is required. Kindly contact our firm, Messrs Ruby Anthoa & Partners at No. 12, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla 31/100C, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan at 03- 51318106 for more information. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TRIMENTOR SDN. BHD. Registration No. 201501036840 (1162161-X) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 January 2024. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT FUA SIN MAU of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. WANG EU BENG Director Dated: 4 January 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 4 February 2024 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. FUA SIN MAU Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 4 January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PHH STEEL SERVICE CENTRE SDN. BHD. Reg. No. 200301021455 (623875-P) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 January 2024. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT Chan Eng Mat of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. THONG TEIK HOO Director Dated: 4 January 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 4 February 2024 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. CHAN ENG MAT Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 4 January 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) on 2 January 2024:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 5 February 2024, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator LAKARAN UNIK SDN. BHD. (199601040210 (412563-P)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN. BHD. (200401029361 (667869-V)) on 2 January 2024:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Datuk Ooi Teik Huat Director Dated this 4 January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 5 February 2024, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator SINDYAN PROPERTIES SDN BHD (200401029361 (667869-V)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4th day of January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KOPACKLABELS PRESS SDN. BHD. 200201032813 (600478-D) (In Member’s Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the Member of the abovenamed Company held on 28-12-2023, the following special resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan Bee Lee of Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and are hereby appointed as Liquidators for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given under section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 04-01-2024 SIMON LYDDON PUGH Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KOPACKLABELS PRESS SDN. BHD. 200201032813 (600478-D) (In Member’s Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 03-02-2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidators are by their Solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated this 04-01-2024 CHAN BEE LEE LAI CHUNG EN Liquidators 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCOLADE TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (245796-A) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special and Ordinary Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on Tuesday, the 26th day of December 2023 at 11.00 a.m. :- “SPECIAL RESOLUTION MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP THAT the Company be wound up by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016.” “ORDINARY RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR AND POWERS OF LIQUIDATOR AND THAT pursuant to Section 445(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, Mr. Tan Peng Sam @ Cheng Peng Sam of Synergic Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Suite 1.00A, Level 11B Akademi Etiqa, 23, Jalan Melaka, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding up the affairs and distributing the assets of the Company in specie or otherwise with such powers as are conferred by Section 456 of the Act.” (Signed) TAN POH CHYE @ TAN POH SAI Dated : 4th January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCOLADE TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (245796-A) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 4th February 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to Mr. Tan Peng Sam @ Cheng Peng Sam of Synergic Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Suite 1.00A, Level 11B Akademi Etiqa, 23, Jalan Melaka, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, the Liquidator of the abovenamed company and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. (Signed) TAN PENG SAM @ CHENG PENG SAM (Liquidator) Dated : 4th January 2024 322 Notices J.T. HARDWARE SDN. BHD. (Company No. 262367-V) (UNDER MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING UNDER SECTION 459 (1) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 65, Irving Road, 10400 Georgetown, Penang on 5th February 2024 at 10am. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidators account of receipts and payment and statement of distribution among the contributories and any explanations arising there from. 2. To decide under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the company may be destroyed. Dated this 4th of January 2024. LAI WOOI HEAN Liquidator 65, Irving Road, 10400 Georgetown, Penang. To the biological parents of a child born on 26 April 2010 at Pantai Hospital Cheras Kuala Lumpur. This is with regards to a matter which has been fixed for Hearing on 1st February 2024 at 2.00pm at Kajang Sessions Court wherein your attendance as the biological parents is required. Kindly contact our firm, Messrs Ruby Anthoa & Partners at No. 12, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla 31/100C, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan at 03- 51318106 for more information. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TRIMENTOR SDN. BHD. Registration No. 201501036840 (1162161-X) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 January 2024. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT FUA SIN MAU of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. WANG EU BENG Director Dated: 4 January 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 4 February 2024 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. FUA SIN MAU Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 4 January 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PHH STEEL SERVICE CENTRE SDN. BHD. Reg. No. 200301021455 (623875-P) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 January 2024. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT Chan Eng Mat of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. THONG TEIK HOO Director Dated: 4 January 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 4 February 2024 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. CHAN ENG MAT Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 4 January 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Promising return Nadal was worried he could ‘be a disaster’ RAFAEL NADAL (pix) admitted that he was more nervous than usual ahead of his comeback match as he feared being “a disaster”. The 22-time Grand Slam champion made a triumphant return following 12 months on the sidelines, beating Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 at the Brisbane International. But the Spaniard isn’t getting ahead of himself despite a promising performance. Nadal admitted that his feelings before the match were intensified by the fear that he may not live up to the level he showed in practice sessions and that his body could fail him. “I think it’s something very easy to explain,” the Spaniard said of his emotions. “When you are doing things that you are not used to do, you have more nerves than usual because when you are doing things almost every day, you know more or less what’s going on. “You can play a little bit better, a little bit worse, but you have a standard that you know that you’re going to reach that level.” As well as the usual emotions and physical concerns, Nadal confessed that he was also concerned that his return would be a “disaster”. “In that case it’s a combination of things. First thing, the emotions to be back on court after a long time and after a very tough process. Second thing, the doubts about your physical performance. “And third thing, it’s about you go on court – I know I have been practising okay last week, practising I think at a positive level. You go on court, and you have the doubts if you are going to go there and going to be a disaster, because it can happen, honestly.” After dropping just six games in his comeback match, Nadal also indicated that he didn’t expect to be in such a positive place just a few weeks ago. “It’s not a thing that I am saying here to protect myself at all. I don’t need it. I am not here to use any excuse at all. No, I know what’s going on,” he explained. “Myself, people who have been next to me knows how I felt one month and a half ago. I’m talking with the hand on the heart and being very honest with all of you. “It’s not all that you go on court and you have more nerves than usual because you really at the end hope that you’re going to play at this level, but inside yourself you know that can be a disaster, and that, of course, worried me.” – Express Newspapers De Minaur shocks Djoker in Australia NOVAK DJOKOVIC crashed to his first defeat of the season and first in Australia for six years with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 loss to Alex de Minaur who gave Australia a 1-0 lead over Serbia in their United Cup quarterfinal yesterday. Djokovic was hampered by a right wrist problem in Serbia’s victory over Czech Republic on Tuesday and the world No. 1 had it worked on again by a trainer before De Minaur earned a late break and went on to clinch the opening set. Australian Open champion Djokovic dropped serve yet again to hand De Minaur a 4-3 advantage in the second set and saved three match points later, but was unable to prevent the shock loss ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam later this month. Djokovic was on a 43-match winning run in Australia and preparing for a tilt at an 11th Melbourne Park title having last lost in the country to Chung Hyeon in the fourth round of the 2018 edition when he was plagued by an elbow issue. “It’s extremely special,” world No. 12 De Minaur said after the biggest win of his career. “Novak’s an unbelievable competitor and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special. “It feels surreal, it feels amazing and I’m happy to do it here in Perth and in Australia. “Ultimately when you go against Novak, you’ve just got to go out there, try and enjoy, back yourself and no matter what, keep fighting till the end. Today was my day. I’m happy I was able to get the win. This one definitely means a lot.” Meanwhile, top seeds Poland earlier beat China to reach the semifinals of the 18-team event after the big-hitting Hubert Hurkacz eased past Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4 and Iga Swiatek fought back from 2-0 down in the first set to beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3. – Reuters
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 29 EPL half-time report Five talking points from the first part of the Premier League season LIVERPOOL lead the way in a tantalisingly poised Premier League title race heading into 2024 with just six points separating the top five. Champions Manchester City are ominously poised to strike in the new year despite a dip in form from last season’s treble winners, while Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also in the mix. But it has been a disastrous start for some of the other pre-season big spenders. Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea are mired in mid-table having lost a combined 26 games. Here’s a looks at five talking points from the opening half of the season. Liverpool back in the hunt Last season marked the end of an era for the Reds as a tired-looking squad sank to fifth just 12 months after coming close to an unprecedented quadruple. There have been some t e e t h i n g problems after a m i d f i e l d overhaul in the summer and Darwin Nunez’s erratic form in front of goal is still to justify the £85 million ( R M 4 9 3 m ) splashed on the Uruguayan in 2022. But Liverpool are back to the position they have often found themselves under Jurgen Klopp as City’s biggest threat. T h e experienced core of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, captain Virgil van Dijk and top scorer Mohamed Salah have all refound their best form. But Liverpool must cope without Salah for up to a month now as he departs to lead Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. City still the team to beat Prior to jetting off to win the Club World Cup last month, City had won just one of their previous six league games to give the contenders to their throne hope. However, Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed the best festive season as they added a fifth trophy of 2023 to their haul in Saudi Arabia and then watched all of their title rivals drop points. City have a game in hand to cut their fivepoint deficit to Liverpool and look set to come on strong like they did last season to reel in Arsenal at the top of the table. Kevin De Bruyne is nearing a return and the fixture list is also kind for City to build m o m e n t u m . Pep Guardiola’s men will not face another side currently in the top six until they travel to Liverpool on March 9. Fortress Villa Park Villa’s stunning rise under Unai Emery has been built on a phenomenal home record. Only bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United have escaped with a point from 10 games at Villa Park this season, which has included notable scalps over City and Arsenal. Many doubt Villa’s ability to last the course in the title race, but they are at the very least well in the running to qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Miserable Man Utd After a positive first season under Erik ten Hag, United were hoping to kick on and challenge for a first League title in over a decade. Instead, they lost 14 times in all competitions before the turn of the year – the most the Red Devils have suffered since the 1930/31 season. Ten Hag’s men sit eighth, 14 points off the top and nine adrift of even the top four. A lengthy injury list has played its part, but United’s persistent lack of value for money in the transfer market has been a bigger issue. Rasmus Hojlund has scored just one League goal since his arrival from Atalanta, midfielder Mason Mount has rarely featured and a series of mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana saw United dumped out the Champions League group stages. A new era has just begun at Old Trafford with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe taking a 25% stake in the club and control of sporting operations but a huge amount of work lies ahead. Chelsea’s billion pound flop Yet, United are arguably not even the biggest flops of the season as Chelsea sit three points further back and 10th in the table despite a world record spend in the transfer market. The Blues have splashed out over £1 billion (RM5.8b) on new players in just three transfer windows under the ownership of American Todd Boehly’s consortium. In that time Chelsea have spiralled down the table under four different managers. – AFP Referee explains Greenwood red card MASON GREENWOOD allegedly said “f*** you” to referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez before receiving the first red card of his career in Getafe’s ill-tempered defeat against Rayo Vallecano. On-loan Manchester United forward was one of three Getafe players sent off in the La Liga clash, which Rayo won 2-0. Juanma Latasa was dismissed in the closing stages of the first half as Getafe fell apart. Greenwood was then shown a red card five minutes into the second period. The 22-year-old was sent off for foul and abusive language, with the referee now reportedly submitting his official report. It is alleged that Greenwood shouted “f*** you” at Vazquez. After the official dismissed Greenwood, the winger is claimed to have placed his finger to his temple. He repeatedly made this gesture to display his disapproval with the decision. According to Mundo Deportivo, Vazquez’s report reads: “In the 50th minute, Getafe player Mason Greenwood was sent off for the following reason: for addressing me in protest and raising his arm, in the following terms: ‘f*** you!’ “Once expelled, he puts his finger to his temple, making a repeated gesture as a sign of disagreement with the decision made.” Greenwood’s sending-off all but ended Getafe’s chances of a comeback, with Vallecano leading 2-0 at the time thanks to Sergio Camello’s brace. Things got uglier for the Madrid-based outfit as Damian Suarez saw red. Getafe’s eight men rather respectively managed to limit their opponents to just the two goals. However, they will now miss Greenwood to suspension. Greenwood had just hit form for his loan club, having taken a while to get up to speed. He joined Getafe from United in the summer after it was decided that his career would be better served away from Old Trafford. – Express Newspapers A DOUBLE from Serbian striker Luka Jovic helped AC Milan to a 4-1 win over Cagliari and a place in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia. Jovic struck twice in the first half of the contest at San Siro, while 19- year-old Chaka Traore was delighted to score his first Milan goal on his full debut early in the second half. Paulo Azzi grabbed a consolation for Cagliari in the 87th minute but there was still time for substitute Rafael Leao to score a fourth for Milan, who have not won the competition for 20 years. Milan boss Stefano Pioli admitted after the win that his choice of teenagers in the Cup tie raised some eyebrows. “I wouldn’t say this went beyond expectations, because when you prepare with a good squad, you always hope for the best,” Pioli told Mediaset. “Obviously, a few lads were a bit nervous at the start, but once we broke the ice it became much easier. These kids have quality, talent, but above all an excellent attitude that they must stick with. “It isn’t to be taken for granted, sometimes it’s easier to train the younger players than the older ones, sometimes the other way around, but their attitude shows the Milan youth academy is working really well. “The young players are proving they can have their say, so they will not just be considered emergency options, but actual alternatives when needed. That is a success for the club.” Referring to goalscorer Jovic, the Milan coach said the striker “has to believe in himself more and have that fire inside.” “He has quality in the box, can play with others too, so it’s up to him to have that ambition.” Milan famously do not have a great history in the Coppa Italia, not winning this trophy since 2003, but Pioli wants to change that. “We must believe and we want to try. It is going to be a tough fixture list, as doing well in Serie A and the Europa League are the main priorities because they give us the chance to qualify for the Champions League, but we care about the Coppa Italia too.” – Agencies Jovic at the double as Milan beat Cagliari BRIEFS Klopp thanks ‘hero’ cameraman IN the aftermath of Liverpool’s thrilling 4-2 win over Newcastle, manager Jurgen Klopp lost and then found his wedding ring amid the celebrations. Klopp had been making his way around the ground, applauding the crowd and partaking in his trademark three fisted punch celebrations, when his wedding band appeared to slip off his finger. The Liverpool boss was seen on the Sky Sports TV cameras holding his finger and looking at the ground. With the aid of the cameraman, he found the ring and put it back on a few moments later after realising he had lost it. Klopp praised the cameran in an interview with Bein Sports, saying: He said: “I am not into jewellery, but this is the one ring I can’t live without. The cameraman who found it is my hero. He is my new hero for 2024. From now on if he wants to have my full face (in the camera) then he can have it.” Fury dismisses ‘useless’ Usyk TYSON FURY has dismissed Oleksandr Usyk as “useless” while training for their heavyweight title fight, which is set to crown the division’s first undisputed champion in 24 years. Fury, who holds the WBC title, will box unified champion Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Feb 17, as both men put their undefeated records on the line, too. At November’s press conference for the bout, Fury unloaded an expletive-filled rant at Usyk, and the Briton has now taken aim at the Ukrainian again. Fury took to Instagram yesterday to share footage of himself running with members of his training team, saying: “Another big day of running in the mountains, come on! Easy work, smashing that rabbit’s face right in for him, useless piece of s***.” As long as Fury and Usyk do not fight to a draw, their bout will crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. Nunez Hojlund
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 30 5741/2024 03/01/2024 (WED) 7672 6493 2528 2171 1418 3856 3159 0343 9369 0605 1885 4125 2785 0826 8648 1744 7225 9159 0445 8166 6989 2224 1027 3,656,695.10 7672 7672 7672 2528 2528 6493 2528 2528 6493 6493 7672 6493 143,556.71 7672 6493 2528 BOAR 00343 89523 9523 523 17554 2 3 4 6 413446 13446 3446 446 41344 4134 413 4 1 5,005,743.45 2,731,171.71 16 17 36 37 47 56 301,081.94 6 7 30 32 38 44 1 13 35 47 49 50 48 19,790,311.51 RM470,425 RM6,070 won on 31/12/2023 ! Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) Toto 4D Jackpot 2 540 638 + GOAT 010 725 + RAT 608 056 + RABBIT Draw Date: 03/01/24 (Wed) Draw No: 5688/24 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 0638 0725 8056 8222 + 1514 4346 + 4200 9241 + 1253 0396 + 7578 8380 + 4326 2355 + 7797 0345 + 6088 5976 + 9126 9665 + 2736 8182 + 2400 RM3,692,289.70 0638 + 0725 0725 + 0638 0638 + 8056 8056 + 0638 0725 + 8056 8056 + 0725 RM100,000.00 RM140,000.00 RM2,186,817.00 RM304,861.00 868 222 211 514 614 346 104 200 169 241 711 253 670 396 047 578 598 380 144 326 252 355 637 797 830 345 566 088 195 976 029 126 409 665 972 736 508 182 372 400 638 725 056 RM716,598.90 638 + 725 + 056 725 + 056 + 638 638 + 056 + 725 056 + 638 + 725 725 + 638 + 056 056 + 725 + 638 1+3D Jackpot 2 RM498,886.40 won on 31/12/2023! Sun doesn’t always shine on TV Moyes frustrated as fixture switch leaves Hammers without African stars DAVID MOYES was frustrated at not being able to pick Mohammed Kudus for West Ham’s goalless draw against Brighton. Ghana forward Kudus, arguably West Ham’s best player this season, was unavailable due to his forthcoming participation at the Africa Cup of Nations. Yet Egypt’s Mohamed Salah was able to play for Liverpool against Newcastle 24 hours earlier, scoring twice in a 4-2 win before the deadline for players to link up with their countries. In a thinly-disguised dig at the Premier League’s schedulers and the decision to move this match for television a day later, Moyes said: “It feels a bit strange that we’re playing on Jan 2. “Could we not have played on the first and allowed our African players to be allowed to play yesterday, because they can’t play today? “I feel that’s something which isn’t correct. I just think why couldn’t we have our African players the same as everybody else? “Brighton might have had players at the Asian Games – I know (Kaoru) Mitoma’s injured I think – but they might have the same feeling. “It’s nothing to do with the performance, Brighton were without lots of good players and we were without lots of good players. “But I don’t see at this point why you would play a game and be disadvantaged by some of your players not being able to play. I’m not saying any more.” The decision to move the match for television looked even more baffling as two weary teams fought out a lifeless goalless draw. Given that it was West Ham’s ninth game in a month, and Brighton’s eighth, the managers would probably have shaken hands on a draw before kickoff. Tomas Soucek stabbed West Ham’s best chance wide but Brighton were the better side after the break, with Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola making fine saves to deny Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana. “Overall we’ve had a brilliant Christmas period on the points front,” added Moyes, whose side began the year inside the top six. “I’m thrilled to win three, including Arsenal and Manchester United, and draw one. From a points point of view we’ve done really well. “It’s the first time this season we’ve looked really jaded and tired tonight but all the boys have done a brilliant job. Brighton have been our bogey club in recent years and we’ve taken four points off them this season. But I want it to be better and I know it has to get better.” Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi had little doubt what was missing from his side. “A goal,” was his simple response. “Today we deserved to win but we played an amazing game, one of the best in my time. “West Ham are very good in counterattack and we played a smart game. I can’t say anything about my players because I’m delighted with the performance. “We have injuries but we have great character and great spirit.” – The Independent Rooney aims dig at owners WAYNE ROONEY does not believe he was given enough time to succeed as manager of Birmingham City. The former England captain was in charge of the Championship side for just 83 days, having been appointed on Oct 11, with the Blues sixth in the table. The decision to dismiss John Eustace, the previous boss was controversial at the time, and since Rooney took over the club have slipped from the playoff places into 20th, suffering nine defeats in 15 matches. Rooney however had his own say after the sacking: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club. “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed. “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager. “Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.” Rooney has been let go after he initially promised “no-fear” football at St Andrew’s, but he failed to deliver on that brief and their latest defeat at the hands of Leeds on New Year’s Day in a 3-0 thrashing proved to be the final straw. Birmingham fans chanted “get out of our club” at Elland Road as they demanded that Rooney lose his job, in a season that offered so much promise after over a decade in the second division. In a statement confirming Rooney’s sacking, Cook said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s. “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction. “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.” The club’s professional development coach Steve Spooner has taken charge on an interim basis. According to The Sun, Birmingham were plotting an ambitious move to hire Steve Cooper as Rooney’s replacement after the Welshman was sacked by Nottingham Forest last month. – The Independent/Express Newspapers █ BY ANDY SIMS █ BY SONIA TWIGG Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood (below) in action with West Ham United’s Divin Mubama. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | JAN 4, 2024 31 NATIONAL men’s doubles player Muhammad Haikal Nazri revealed that he had intended to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after being stuck looking for a new partner following his “breakup” with Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, last year. Recalling that moment, Muhammad Haikal said he was a little depressed facing the situation besides being jealous of seeing some of his teammates win titles at tournaments they participated in. “When I see others becoming champions I asked what about me? At that time I felt like a mess because I didn’t have a partner… a little stressed, sometimes I felt like leaving BAM,” he said when met after a training session recently. The 21-year-old player who was previously partnered with Wan Muhammad Arif Wan Junaidi began forming a partnership with Nur Izzuddin in March last year. Muhammad Haikal-Nur Izzuddin only lasted a month after playing in three tournaments with the best achievement being the runner-up in the Vietnam International Challenge after losing to the Chinese pair Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi, 16-21, 21-19, 16-21, also in March. Nur Izzuddin then returned to partner with Goh Sze Fei in May last year. In the meantime, Muhammad Haikal said words of encouragement from his family and Nur Izzuddin made him withdraw his desire to leave the country’s badminton governing body. “I also thought of my family in the village, even Nur Izzuddin used to advise me (to stay at BAM) besides questioning why I wanted to leave as I am still young,” he said. The Kelantan-born player said the decision to be with his latest partner, Choong Hon Jian, was made after being suggested by the national men’s doubles head coach, Tan Bin Shen. Asked about their goals this season, Muhammad Haikal hopes to break into the top 20 men’s doubles group in the world in addition to showing consistency by reaching at least the quarterfinals in every tournament he participates in. Muhammad Haikal-Hon Jian are scheduled to open the 2024 campaign by playing at the Indonesian Masters in Jakarta from Jan 23 to 28. – Bernama All jackpot amounts stated above are for this Draw. Subject to T&Cs of the Scheme. Please visit to www.magnum4d.my for more info. THE BIGGER PLAY IS TO PLAY RESPONSIBLY 977/24 03/01/2024 6966 2610 0726 6707 4887 5725 0217 1109 1014 7815 4162 7797 4068 3166 2994 2138 4043 9548 0541 5531 6990 7358 6786 RM3,612,606.21 RM129,987.00 6966 + 2610 2610 + 6966 0726 + 6966 6966 + 0726 2610 + 0726 0726 + 2610 3 7 9 15 21 22 25 31 8 20 RM4,884,316.88 RM100,000.00 6 6 1 0 2 6 6 6 1 0 2 6 1 0 2 6 6 6 1 0 1 0 2 6 6 6 1 0 2 6 6 6 2 6 1 0 1 9 Haikal comes clean National doubles shuttler considered leaving BAM Nickhileswar target BJO semis MALAYSIA’S rising young squash star M. Nickhileswar has set his sights on qualifying for the semifinals in the British Junior Open (BJO) that kicks off in Birmingham, England from tomorrow till Jan 7. The 16-year-old said he had undergone a comprehensive training regime to open his campaign in the U-17 category of the championship’s first round competition at the Solihull Arden Club, tomorrow. Nickhileswar, who is expected to face Pakistan’s Abdullah Nawaz in the quarterfinals, admitted that the physical condition of the other players would provide a major challenge for him. “I have trained hard because this year I will be facing players who are bigger and older than me. Therefore, I have worked on my physical fitness to compete against them,” he told Bernama when contacted yesterday. The player from Penang who is ranked 5/8 for the championships said every match in the BJO will be tough due to the fast-paced action and as such he would have to be alert all the time. Nickhileswar, making his fifth appearence in the BJO, had finished fourth when competing in the U-15 category last year but emerged as the champion in the U-11 category in 2019. Apart from Nickhileswar, Malaysia are also represented by Aqil Mirza Naim Khairil Fariz and Kreethi Pillay who play in the main draw of the BJO in the U-17 category. – Bernama NEWCASTLE UNITED are determined to not be too reactive to their injury issues and stick to a long-term plan in the transfer market, meaning a move for Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28, could be in doubt. Fulham and Crystal Palace also hold an interest in the former Leeds man. MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a four-strong wishlist for a new striker in January with Bayern Munich and Cameroon’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 34, joined by team-mate and Germany forward Thomas Muller, 34. The club have also made contact with RB Leipzig over Germany’s Timo Werner, 27, and will consider Stuttgart and Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy, 27, if they are able to raise funds from a sale. ENGLAND striker Ivan Toney, 27, is hopeful of a move to Arsenal in January but the Gunners have no intention of paying the £100m (RM580m) asking price Brentford have set. MAN UNITED and England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, is keen on a return to Borussia Dortmund, as he considers this the ideal option to regain his best form. TOTTENHAM are unlikely to make a move for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, in January because they are unable to meet Chelsea’s £60m (RM348m) demands because of financial fair play (FFP) restrictions. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham 0 Brighton 0. P W D L F A Pts Liverpool 20 13 6 1 43 18 45 Aston Villa 20 13 3 4 43 27 42 Man City 19 12 4 3 45 21 40 Arsenal 20 12 4 4 37 20 40 Tottenham 20 12 3 5 42 29 39 West Ham 20 10 4 6 33 30 34 Brighton 20 8 7 5 38 33 31 Man Utd 20 10 1 9 22 27 31 Newcastle 20 9 2 9 39 29 29 Chelsea 20 8 4 8 34 31 28 Wolves 20 8 4 8 30 31 28 Bournemouth 19 7 4 8 28 35 25 Fulham 20 7 3 10 28 35 24 Crystal Palace 20 5 6 9 22 29 21 Nottm Forest 20 5 5 10 24 35 20 Brentford 19 5 4 10 26 31 19 Everton 20 8 2 10 24 28 16 Luton 19 4 3 12 23 37 15 Burnley 20 3 2 15 20 41 11 Sheff Utd 20 2 3 15 15 49 9 LA LIGA: Getafe 0 Rayo Vallecano 2 (Camello 45+1, 47), Real Sociedad 1 (Zubimendi 90+6) Alaves 1 (Rioja 76-pen), Valencia 3 (Yaremchuk 4, Pepelu 27-pen, 57-pen) Villarreal 1 (Gerard 73). P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 18 14 3 1 39 11 45 Girona 18 14 3 1 42 21 45 Atletico 18 12 2 4 36 19 38 Barcelona 18 11 5 2 34 21 38 Bilbao 18 10 5 3 34 19 35 Sociedad 19 8 8 3 30 19 32 Real Betis 18 6 10 2 20 18 28 Getafe 19 6 8 5 24 25 26 Valencia 19 7 5 7 22 23 26 Las Palmas 18 7 4 7 15 15 25 Vallecano 19 5 8 6 18 24 23 Villarreal 19 5 4 10 27 38 19 Osasuna 18 5 4 9 21 29 19 Mallorca 18 3 9 6 17 22 18 Alaves 19 4 5 10 15 25 17 Sevilla 18 3 7 8 23 25 16 ITALIAN CUP (Last 16): AC Milan 4 (Jovic 29, 42, Traore 50, Leao 90+1) Cagliari 1 (Azzi 87). RESULTS & STANDINGS TOUCHLINES Nickhileswar (centre) with his parents after winning the U-11 boys category at the 2019 Junior Open Squash Championship on Jan 9, 2019. – BERNAMAPIX Two major hurdles awaits Hazriq TEENAGER Muhammad Hazriq Cik Mat Kilau faces two crucial hurdles this year – the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination starting at the end of this month and qualifying for the World Athletics U-20 Championships, which will be held in Lima, Peru in August. The 110m hurdler from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tun Hussein Onn, Kluang will first focus on the 2023 SPM examination, which will begin on Jan 30, to ensure he can get excellent academic results for a better future. That aside, the 17-year-old, who hails from Kota Tinggi, Johor, will also need to clock below 14.20 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 24-27 to qualify for the World Athletics U-20 Championships in Lima on Aug 26-31. His father, Cik Mat Kilau Che Musa, is confident that the SPM examination won’t disrupt Muhammad Hazriq’s preparations for the biggest test in his budding athletics career. “Hazriq is very disciplined, highly determined and extremely good at time management. So, he can juggle his time between his studies and training. “Based on his performance, so far, I am confident Hazriq can qualify to compete in Lima, Peru,” he said when contacted by Bernama. “My son’s long-term goal is to compete in the Olympics. He will never be satisfied until he achieves that,” he said. Muhammad Hazriq’s best time of 13.67s, set at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago last October and recognised by World Athletics, must gear himself up to face stiffer challenges as he transitions from the teen category. The youngster created a sensation when he clinched gold medals in the 110m hurdles and men’s 4x100m relay with Dylan Leo Saran Stephen, Danish Irfan Tamrin and Danish Iftikhar Muhammad Roslee at the Southeast Asian Youth Athletics Championship in Bangkok, Thailand last month. – Bernama
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] absence will offset the loss of Wataru Endo to the Asian Cup. “Obviously we are going to miss Mo and his qualities, his leadership qualities as well. The situation is how it is and the same goes for Wataru,” added Van Dijk. “ We know he (Wataru) has the ability to be playing at the highest level and he’s showed that the last couple of weeks. “I think he made the next step and that goes with confidence... He’s a very solid No. 6 and I think in modern-day football all the top teams have a very important six to protect and to also be the link to the front. “He’s done well and especially the last couple of weeks he’s stepped up and we’re going to miss him. Let’s see when he’s back but that’s the situation and we can’t change it.” “Other players have to step up and stay fit and it was good Jota came back, Macca came back and everyone has to be ready for a big game at the weekend in the FA Cup and then the Carabao Cup and then hopefully a little break again. “I think December was already a very big month and the way we coped with that was very good in my opinion. “Now we are going to play in three competitions, we have a chance to go to Wembley if we go through the Carabao Cup and to the next round of the FA Cup but how we approach it is game by game. “It could be a good month but we will take it game by game and see.” – The Independent LIVERPOOL captain Virgil Van Dijk will not entertain talk of a Premier League title race unless the team can get to March in a similarly-strong position. A 4-2 victory over Newcastle extended their advantage at the top of the table to three points over Aston Villa but, more significantly, ensured they stayed out of reach of Manchester City five points back, with their match in hand. January is a significant month for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they do battle on three fronts, starting with an FA Cup third-round tie at Arsenal at the weekend followed by the first tie in a two-legged Carabao Cup semifinal at home to Fulham. Due to the winter mini-break there are actually only two more scheduled League matches before February and that could help their primary aim of adding to the Premier League title they won in 2019- 20 as it lessens the impact of the absence of Mohamed Salah, who signed off with two goals before heading to the African Nations Cup with Egypt. But Van Dijk said they were not looking as far ahead as that. “I’m not going to speak about any of this, I never did and I won’t do it now either,” he said when asked about the title race. “It’s far too early to do that. We are at the start of January, we have players leaving now, we have players coming back from injury so let’s see what it brings. “If in February/March we are still up there, obviously we have to get the last push going and see if we can squeeze it out, but for now we just focus on the game ahead, don’t look at others and try to improve ourselves. “That’s always been the experience and it brought us one success over the last six years to win the Premier League and hopefully we will see what happens at the end of the season.” Salah’s departure – having racked up 14 League goals and eight assists – will undoubtedly be felt but it is Klopp’s job to lessen how much. He does at least have Diogo Jota fit again after a month’s absence, while midfielder Alexis Mac Allister’s return after a six-game SCAN ME THURSDAY | JAN 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 -Story on page 2 -Story - on page 2 Story on page 28 Promising return Cautious Virgil █ BY CARL MARKHAM Sun doesn’t always shine on TV Story on page 30 Story on page 31 Liverpool captain not yet entertaining Premier League title talk Mohamed Salah (left) celebrates scoring Liverpool’s fourth goal with skipper Virgil van Dijk during their English Premier League match against Newcastle at Anfield on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIX Nickhileswar target BJO semis