Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 FRIDAY JAN 12, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8435 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Seeing red over car-free zone initiative Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong witness momentous moment of Rapid Transit System Link project being symbolically ‘connected’ between Malaysia and Singapore. Road closure by Malacca Historic City Council affects tourist traffic to main shopping area and significantly impacts business, say traders. Report on — page 5 Retrofitted vehicle lights pose safety hazards Non-standard modifications can negatively impact road safety by compromising visibility, causing distraction and creating confusion among motorists and pedestrians: Miros chief Report on — page 6 Sale of exotic pets on social media riles rescuers, activists and legal experts who stress such animals have complex needs that cannot be met within a domestic setting. Lee and Anwar taking a selfie at a ceremony marking a construction milestone of the Rapid Transit System Link yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Ethical concern over online wildlife trade Historic connection - Report on page 2 Report on — page 3
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 2 Anwar, Lee witness historic RTS Link connection JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the historic moment when the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) between Malaysia and Singapore was symbolically connected. The connection involved the completion of the span, which is the meeting point of the project’s marine viaduct between Johor Bahru and Singapore. This is the first time the two leaders met on the project site, thus strengthening the commitment of both countries to the multi-billion ringgit project. During the event, Anwar and Lee signed a plaque, reflecting the commitment of both countries to the construction of the project, which had reached a scheduled progress level of 65% as of Dec 31. Present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Singapore Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat as well as Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. oBoth leaders sign plaque, reflecting commitment to multi-billion ringgit project that has reached 65% completion as of Dec 31 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ... The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah being briefed by Pahang Public Works Department director Datuk Hafizah Zakaria while inspecting a cave-in at Km73 of the Kuantan-Segamat Highway yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Move to optimise M’sia-China connectivity KUALA LUMPUR: The government is aiming to optimise flight connectivity between Malaysia and China through enhanced direct and transit flights as well as chartered flights to promote exchanges and deepen interaction between Muslim communities in both countries, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He said following negotiations with a number of airlines, the ministry is expected to launch a round-trip flight from Xi’an to Kuala Lumpur in March, and a chartered flight from Urumqi to Kuala Lumpur in May or by July this year. “China has always been a key tourist source market for Malaysia, and the ministry is putting in efforts to expand the opportunities for our tourism industry. As one of the pioneering Muslim-friendly destinations, we also recognise the immense potential of the untapped Muslim market in China. “Malaysia is honoured to have earned a reputation as a Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality ecosystem brand and has been ranked first in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023 for the eighth consecutive time.” He was speaking at the Imam Fam Trip: Discover Muslim-Friendly Malaysia welcome dinner on Wednesday. Malaysia had recently announced visa liberalisation plans to facilitate easy entry for international tourists, including Chinese travellers. Tiong said the ministry is committed to creating a regional Umrah hub in Malaysia. “Soon enough, Muslim brothers and sisters, not just from China, but from Southeast Asia and other regions will have the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s traditional and modern attractions before or after performing their umrah.” On the Imam Fam Trip, Tiong said the timing is perfect as the year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. “Five long decades of cultural exchanges and understanding are reflected in the itinerary of this trip. The imams will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, food and lifestyle of Malaysian.” – Bernama Ahmad Zahid questions Bar’s selective action KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the Malaysian Bar as being selective when criticising the Attorney-General’s (AG) decision to stop the criminal case proceedings against him on Sept 4. He said the Bar was “silent, cowed and muted” when a similar discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) decision was made by the previous AG on the cases of several politicians. “The applicant is merely a ‘busy body’ in this case. Only the party who is adversely or gravely affected by the public prosecutor’s decision can apply for leave to file a judicial review application in the case. “I insist that the applicant’s action in filing this application is selective, irresponsible and biased. It is trying to portray an image as a champion of justice in society by questioning the decision of the first respondent (AG) and the court in allowing the DNAA in my cases.” Ahmad Zahid said this in an affidavit filed on Jan 4 to object to the application for judicial review filed by the Bar on Dec 2, which sought to quash the AG’s decision that resulted in the DNAA. The High Court had given Ahmad Zahid a DNAA on 47 charges of breach of trust, corruption and money laundering involving Akalbudi Foundation funds after the prosecution informed the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers that it wanted to stop the proceedings. Ahmad Zahid said the Bar showed irrational behaviour in questioning the powers of the AG whose decision cannot be challenged. – Bernama QR code for passport-free travel PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Singapore are planning to roll out a QR code system for passport-free travel at their land checkpoints. A joint statement by the Economy Ministry and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Ministry said the move is among the initiatives aimed at supporting the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. “The adoption and implementation of a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides will facilitate more expeditious clearance of people at land checkpoints.” Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi had proposed last month that the federal government implement a QR code system similar to Singapore’s at the customs, immigration and quarantine complex at the Sultan Iskandar building in Johor Bahru. – Bernama The RTS Link project is a commuter train system about four kilometres long with two stations, one at Bukit Chagar here and the other at Woodlands North, in the republic. The railway line, scheduled for completion in December 2026, will afford a fast and comfortable journey between Singapore and Johor Bahru. With a capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the rail service will offer a journey time of about five minutes between the two stations, Meanwhile, an MoU was signed by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong for a proposed Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, witnessed by Anwar and Lee. The economic zone will further boost trade between Johor and Singapore and is expected to flourish like the Chinese city of Shenzhen, a success story of a special economic zone. The zone, adjacent to the Singapore border, is expected to foster stronger business connections and improve connectivity between the two countries, as the Southeast Asian region strives to counter a global economic slowdown. It is also projected to improve the business ecosystems of the Iskandar Malaysia region and Singapore. Among the sectors the zone is targeting are electronics, financial services, business-related services and healthcare, Bernama reported. Last year, Johor secured RM70.6 billion worth of foreign investments in various sectors. Singapore is the state’s secondlargest foreign investor, contributing to about 70% of Johor’s total foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector. At a media conference held in conjunction with the event, Loke said the RTS project and the special economic zone are expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations between both nations. He said the government also welcomes proposals from the private sector for alternative transport links to connect Malaysia and Singapore to further improve connectivity. “It involves many things, not just the mode of transport, but the necessary infrastructure and facilities, such as a customs, immigration and quarantine complex.”
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 3 PETALING JAYA: In a disturbing trend on social media platforms, wild animals, particularly marmosets and dusky leaf monkeys, are being sold for between RM800 and RM2,100. A check by theSun showed numerous social media sites advertising a diverse range of wild animals such as slow loris, prairie dogs, crested goshawks, barn owls, sun bears and bengal cats for sale with prices ranging from RM350 to RM4,000 each. However, behind this seemingly innocent trend lies a web of ethical concerns, causing distress among animal rescuers, activists and legal experts. Hulu Langat-based Second Chance Animal Society president Yeoh Saik Kim said: “These animals are not commodities. They are living creatures with complex needs that cannot be met within a domestic setting.” According to statistics from the Wildlife and National Parks Department, 443 cases involving illicit trade of wildlife on online platforms have been dealt with by the department since 2020. On this, Yeoh said: “Owning certain wild animals without proper permits is illegal. Buyers and sellers alike need to be aware of the legal consequences they may face.” Animal rescuer and activist Kushalini Ragavendra, 32, added: “Most rescuers, who dedicate their lives to protecting and saving animals from harmful situations, are seeing an alarming increase of owners releasing their exotic pets into the wild once the animals get older and become aggressive.” She said a few months ago, she and a friend found a dusky leaf monkey in its early stage of adolescence alone in the wild. “It was still wearing a tight diaper that left its belly sore and red. We couldn’t just leave it like that, so we rushed it to a kind vet who helped us without charge. “After some care, we decided to let it go in a wild area near Rawang,” Kushalini said, adding that it is heartbreaking to see such animals struggling in unfamiliar environments. “Once purchased and raised as pets, they lack the skills needed to survive in the wild and their aggression poses a threat to other wildlife and even humans. “Seeing the animals struggle broke our hearts. Rescuers like me are encountering challenges ranging from capturing and rehabilitating them to dealing with the emotional toll of witnessing their distressing plight,” she said. Yeoh emphasised the need for the government to strengthen regulations on the possession and sale of wild animals. “We must discourage this irresponsible behaviour and hold individuals accountable for participating in (the trade) or purchasing wildlife as pets.” He said the surge in online sales of wild animals has prompted some platforms to revisit their policies. “Social media giants are being urged to take a proactive position against the sale and promotion of exotic pets on their platforms. “Many users should join forces to report such listings and encourage the implementation of stricter guidelines to curb the growing trend. “It is also important to educate the public on the consequences of purchasing wild animals as pets.” Yeoh said a united front comprising the public, rescuers, activists and legal experts, coupled with increased awareness and robust regulations, could put an end to the exploitation of wild animals. End of year jackpot bonus for seven KUALA LUMPUR: Seven lucky winners received a 2023 year-end bonus after winning over RM33.3 million in the Toto 4D Jackpot game. A 46-year-old salesman from Sarawak walked away with the biggest prize of nearly RM29 million on Dec 26. He said his pair of winning numbers, 7871 and 9736, were picked from some banknotes he had kept in an ang pao for good luck. “Boxing Day was a special draw day. Initially, I didn’t plan to buy numbers during the special draw. But luckily I changed my mind and drove to a Toto outlet after lunch. Otherwise, I would not have become a jackpot winner.” He said although he has become an overnight multi-millionaire, he is too young to retire early and plans to continue working and living a normal life. “Of course, I will certainly share my winnings with my family and use the balance for investments,“ he said, adding that he bought a System 4 ticket, which won him RM28,996,296.85 and an additional RM672 as a System Play bonus. Meanwhile, an i-System player from Pahang won a part of the Jackpot 1 prize, winning RM581,865.30 from the total jackpot amount of RM29,578,162.15. On Dec 30, last year, five winners shared the RM3.75 million Toto 4D Jackpot 1 prize money. The first winner, a 63-year-old businessman from Kedah who bought his ticket in Selangor, partially won the jackpot with his pair of winning numbers 1225 and 6181. He won RM1,205,896.00 and a bonus of RM2,016 with a System 8 ticket. The second winner, a 57-year-old manager from Selangor, also won RM1,205,896.00 and RM672 as a bonus for betting on his pair of winning numbers 9221 and 1225, with a System 4 ticket. The third winner, a 27-year-old engineer from Selangor, won RM1,205,896.00 and RM2,016 as a permutation bonus for betting on his pair of winning numbers, 9221 and 1225. There were also two i-System winners from Sarawak and Selangor who won RM126,936.45 and RM8,965.80 respectively from the total jackpot pool. Illegal online trade of exotic pets running wild oActivists raise alarm on rampant sale of animals, leading to inhumane ditching once novelty wears off Better foreign worker management plan KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry is committed to speeding up improvements in the management and coordination of policies involving foreign workers, to ensure they are more effective. Its minister Steven Sim said the matter would be decided at a meeting with the Home Ministry on Jan 16. “The role of the Human Resources Ministry is very clear, and has been confirmed by the Home Ministry, to control or manage the statistics of the number of foreign workers allowed in the country, as well as the issues of employment, accommodation and the rights of foreign workers,” he said. He was speaking after making his maiden working visit to Wisma Cuepac and meeting representatives of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services yesterday. – Bernama █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] Carnival to promote entrepreneurship KUALA LUMPUR: The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry will hold the PROTÉGÉ@KUSKOP Carnival at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur tomorrow and Sunday. Itsaid the carnival is to promote entrepreneurship and marketability programmes as well as serve as a platform for graduates and students to obtain information related to programmes organised by PROTÉGÉ and the ministry’s agencies. PROTÉGÉ (Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs) is a unit under the ministry tasked with organising programmes to increase the potential of marketability and entrepreneurial skills among graduates. – Bernama █ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Water supply restored in Seberang Perai GEORGE TOWN: Works to replace two control valves that were leaking at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant and preventive maintenance operations at 22 other locations have been fully completed. Penang Water Supply Corporation CEO K. Pathmanantan said all repair works planned at Sungai Dua and the 22 other locations were ahead of schedule and water supply restoration commenced at 11pm on Wednesday night. “Water supply is being normalised in stages for 197,025 consumers, which is 33% of the 590,000 affected in Seberang Perai. “Level one restoration is not affected by the incident in Sungai Perai because the Sungai Dua plant is pumping water to level one restoration users through other main pipelines,“ he said in a statement yesterday. He added that stage two is expected to be implemented starting at 6.01am today, during which water supply to 495,065 consumers would be restored. Pathmanathan said dedicated efforts are being made to complete the emergency repair works at Sungai Perai and updates on progress of the works would be provided. Work is being carried out in Sungai Perai after it was delayed on Wednesday night due to a technical problem involving unsuccessful installation of one of the clamps specially designed to seal a 1.35m rupture in the pipe. He said diving operations were suspended and a heavy crane was brought in and used to lift the unsuitable clamp for on-site modifications. “This is the fastest engineering solution with the lowest risk of long delays, and commercial diving teams are scheduled to lock the modified clamps in place,“ he said. – Bernama VISUAL STIMULI ... A visitor to the National Art Gallery taking a photo of a display at the Cultural Palates: Art and Gastronomy Interaction exhibition, that is part of the National Visual Art Collection highlighting works by featured artists. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 4 Ambassador initiative will focus on four components. “These are volunteering, appreciation of the national principles of the Rukun Negara, strengthening national unity and conserving national heritage treasures.” He said all six recipients of the My Hero 4.0 Award were selected from the 12 finalists to become Unity Ambassadors in 2024. The six winners are Pertubuhan Doktor Prihatin chairman Dr Mohammed Hazimi Abdul Razak, former medical officer Dr Neville Anthony Fernandez, journalist Peter Wee Eng Ming, lecturer Dr Song Beng Kah and volunteers Muhammad Farhan Param Kunaseigaran and Tan Cheng Teng. They received a cash prize of RM5,000 each, certificate and a trophy. Mohammed Hazimi was selected for providing ambulance and clinical services to /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Shining light on unsung heroes KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor hosted the fourth edition of the MyHero Awards (MyHero 4.0) at Wisma Chinese Chamber in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Organised in conjunction with Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau, My Hero 4.0 continues the objective of its previous editions since 2014 and recognised six unsung heroes who have made an impact and contributed to the community regardless of race and ethnicity. To date, a total of 18 heroes and heroines from various races have received the My Hero award in 2014, 2016 and 2018. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said 50 “Unity Ambassadors” and two “Unity Icons” will be appointed every year, starting this year, as part of the government’s efforts to increase the spirit of goodwill and togetherness. “The primary goal of this initiative is to hone the skills and knowledge of youths to become leaders of unity and peace in their communities. The appointed members will be responsible for spreading knowledge, understanding and unity in their communities,” he said, adding that the Unity Sun Media Corporation executive director Adam Ong (second from left) receiving a memento from Ng during the event, witnessed by National Unity Committee chairman Datuk Richard Lau Chi Chiang and Nanyang Siang Pau editor-in-chief Evie Loh. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN oSix individuals honoured at MyHero Awards event and named ‘Unity Ambassadors’ █ BY ALLEN WONG [email protected] Chilli farm spices up life for ex-fisherman KUALA LUMPUR: “Success is not handed to us on a silver platter” is more than just a simple phrase. The phrase has served as an inspiring quote for Hashim Dahlan, 54, a fisherman from Labuan, who took a bold step by transitioning from his fishing job of 20 years to farming lada bara (bird’s eye chilli), transforming life for him and his family. Sharing his experience in cultivating the crop, Hashim said his previously unstable income drove him to seek other ventures. “After several months of planting chilli, I joined a two-day course organised by the Labuan Farmers’ Organisation Authority (FOA) on lada bara cultivation. The course was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. “Using a 0.12ha plot in the front yard of my house, I managed to plant 300 chilli trees through the fertigation system in early 2021,” said Hashim, who lives in Kampung Sungai Lada, Labuan. In addition, the FOA has also provided him with a RM20,000 capital including for the purchase of equipment as well as polybags and chilli seedlings from online marketplace Shopee. Realising his lack of knowledge in agriculture, Hashim sought advice and guidance from FOA on crop protection - a general practice of managing, improving and protecting chilli cultivation from pests and plant diseases. “Due to challenges in preventing crop damage caused by insects, I was struggling to manage. However, through guidance and continuous support from FOA, including undergoing related courses, I finally acquired sufficient knowledge to manage my lada bara farm within six months.” He said among the insects that would damage chilli plants are kutu apit (flea beetles), lalat buah (fruit flies) and hama (insect pests). Apart from FOA financial aid, he also received cash assistance of RM8,000 from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, allowing him to expand his chilli farm in stages, bringing total production to 1,000 polybags currently. “I can now harvest chilli within three and a half months after planting the seedlings,” said Hashim, who is assisted by his wife, Lasha Jepang @ Apang, 48. The couple, who have three children between the age of 17 and 25, are also assisted by the children during their free time. To date, the family can produce about 100kg of the crop every month, which is sold directly to traders at wet markets and grocery stalls around Labuan. “I also sell chilli in small packets of 28gm for RM2 and 1kg at between RM35 and RM40.” In addition to selling fresh chilli, his wife also produces various types of chilli paste. Among their homemade products are pure blended cili padi, salted fish chilli paste with petai as well as various other types of paste that are sought after by consumers and are marketed in the Labuan district. “So far, the chilli paste are high-demand products. What is special about our sambal is that they are made with fresh chilli, flavourful and can last long,” Hashim said, adding that a bottle of sambal is sold for between RM12 and RM20 based on its variety. Following overwhelming response, Hashim hopes to market fresh chilli as well as chilli paste outside Labuan in the future. “That is our cultivation for the first season. I’m now working on the second season with a capacity of 400 polybags,” he said. He also plans on growing mushrooms after learning of the potential of the crop. “We have just set up a green house for mushrooms but have yet to acquire equipment and blocks for mushroom cultivation. “Insya-Allah, I will start growing mushrooms soon,” said Hashim, who is considering several types of mushrooms for his farm. – Bernama bedridden patients at their homes, thus reducing the burden on their families. Tan was selected for his work in sourcing diagnostic equipment to carry out tests for ultrasound, ear, nose and throat and obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as dialysis machines for the Lahad Datu Hospital in Sabah. Chamber president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said MyHero 4.0 brings the people’s harmony, courage, power and strength to public attention. “When people come together, they can achieve more and accomplish greater things much faster than they could on their own. “Malaysia has become a renowned tourist destination offering exciting experiences with its rich cultures, traditions, customs and food as a result of the united efforts of various ethnic groups.” Ng said the Chamber pledges to continue advocating unity programmes that contribute to a harmonious and peaceful Malaysia. “National unity is a crucial catalyst for growth and progress. Efforts towards this end will directly shape future generations and cultivate strong interracial cohesion.” He also urged the government to consider granting double tax deductions for unity programmes. “With such an initiative, corporations would be motivated to contribute more to national unity. “We also call on corporations to engage in and allocate funds for unity programmes as they play a pivotal role in strengthening racial unity, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social stability and prosperity within our society.”
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 5 Proposal to use markets for Padu drive PENAMPANG: Tamu (farmers’ markets) throughout Sabah should be used as a location for registration and widespread dissemination of information on the Central Database Hub (Padu) system, especially for the elderly and residents in rural areas. Kepayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang said this is because tamu, the traditional market for local people to buy and sell their goods in Sabah, has been the focus of residents in the state for generations to get their daily necessities. She said senior citizens and residents living in rural areas find it difficult to register online using smartphones and the internet, so making tamu the registration location is a smart move to address the problem. Earlier, Jannie, together with the state Information Department deputy director Supian Musa and staff from the Statistics Department and Information Department did a Padu publicity and registration drive at Tamu Donggongon here that attracted the attention of many residents. One of the residents, Everly Liundison, 71, said she did not understand the function and requirements of registering Padu until she found the counter at Tamu Donggongon. She said she registered after learning that it was easy for the government to give aid through Padu.” Fruit trader Irawan Karia, 48, had previously tried to register Padu online using a mobile phone but faced difficulties answering questions about his income. He said the Padu counter at Tamu helped him with his enquiries. – Bernama Jawi script on signboards from Feb 1 KANGAR: The Perlis government is making compulsory the use of Jawi script on new signboards put up in the state effective Feb 1. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil said the state government was in the final process of drafting the guidelines for the purpose. He said the use of the Jawi script would only be applied to new applications for approval to instal signboards. “Effective Feb 1, approval for applications to put up signboards will include the requirement for the signboards to have the Jawi script,” he said. Asrul Aimran said the move was to encourage the learning and usage of Jawi, especially among young people. – Bernama Talks on padi issues set for Jan 19 KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has expressed readiness to discuss issues related to the padi and rice industry with the Office of Padi and Rice Monitoring of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. MyCC said it submitted a written letter to the office in October last year, indicating its willingness to engage in discussions to address any competition concerns. The commission emphasised that it had not initiated any investigations into parties in the padi and rice industry and had not received information from any parties. A meeting between MyCC and the ministry office is scheduled for Jan 19. MyCC also urged caution in making speculations, especially since the office had issued a formal statement on Jan 4, that based on its findings, there were no competition issues in the padi and rice industry. – Bernama Traders irked by car-free zone woes MALACCA: The vehicle-free zone initiative introduced by the Malacca Historic City Council in August last year has been criticised by vendors and business owners, especially in the Medan Samudera area. Last month, Jalan Bendahara to Lorong Bukit Cina, said to be the busiest stretch of road in the city and covering 2.4km, was closed by the council for 72 hours as a trial for oRoad closure in Malacca to facilitate initiative significantly impacts businesses and causes inconvenience to visitors █ BY MUHAMMAD AMMAR JALAL [email protected] Celebrating 60 years of healthcare commitment PETALING JAYA: This March, the Leela Ratos Group of Clinics will celebrate its 60th anniversary, which also marks a legacy of giving back to society and its patients. Founded by the late Dr Leela Ratos and her husband Datuk Antony Ratos, the group provides long-term accommodation and nursing care for senior citizens, geriatrics and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Their son and the group director, Dr Andre Ratos, said the anniversary marks an important moment in its history. “My parents’ commitment to healthcare and community service is known to many. Our clinic in Jalan Pudu, which was established in The clinics offer comprehensive nursing services and rehabilitation as well as treatment for walk-in patients. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN █ BY QALIF ZUHAIR [email protected] the initiative. A 45-year-old local vendor who wants to be known as Mas, and owns a shop specialising in local food items, said she had few customers from morning until noon, following the start of the road closure. “Due to the ongoing road closure, it is difficult for the bus that carries tourists to reach the shopping area due to constraints imposed such as limited parking spaces, making it inconvenient for it to reach designated locations. “The impact of the road closure on parking availability is affecting the seamless flow of tourist traffic to the shopping area. “It has created logistical challenges for transport and visitor access.” Mas said the initial six-hour road closure in August last year did not impact her business, but the closure implemented last month did due to the low influx of customers. She said the road closure has significantly diminished her motivation to run her business. “Despite the ongoing discussions between representatives of the Medan Samudera shopowners and the council, there is still no indication of any improvements.” Another vendor, Ikhwan Khamis, 28, said his 15-year family venture of selling craft items is significantly affected by the road closure. “The primary issue revolves around the insufficient availability of parking spaces in the area. Families, especially those with children and elderly members, find it inconvenient to walk to the shops. “Potential customers are likely to refrain from making purchases due to the inconvenience of walking while carrying many items,” he said. Ikhwan also claimed that the council has not introduced any initiative to support the vendors despite the problems they are facing. “To assist the vendors in replenishing our stocks, the council should issue an exemption pass that allows us to enter the area with our vehicles. “The local authority and council must promptly come up with plans and implement effective solutions to address our issues.” Ikhwan said while he is able to support his family, especially since the initiative was launched during the holiday season, he is concerned about the challenges that may arise. “Vendors and rickshaw peddlers have been warned by the authorities not to participate in any protest or demonstration in regard to the road closure. “The rickshaw peddlers in the area were told that engaging in any protests could result in the revocation of their operating licences,” he claimed. When contacted by theSun, the council declined to comment on issues raised by the vendors. 1964, and Lecadia Primacare Centre have offered comprehensive nursing services and rehabilitation since 2004. “We started from a half shoplot which expanded into a chain for family and corporate health in the country. About 20% of unwell patients had their medical costs subsidised by the group,” he said at a founders’ commemoration event. The event also celebrated social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s autobiography A Tale of Compassion and Collaboration. He said the rehabilitation centre has transformed into a 120-bed multi-floor building. It has 24-hour nursing care, general practitioners and in-house physiotherapy that provides long, short and extended care for the elderly and those requiring post-trauma and surgical rehabilitation. Currently, over 70 elderly patients are cared for at Lecadia, while the clinic serves as a daily walk-in. “The group was first led by my mother and her team who provided a range of round-theclock medical services.” Andre said the anniversary is a reminder of the values espoused by the founders. Donations and activities planned for this year will include assistance to the indigenous, and the disabled. “We received medical items for an Orang Asli hospital, facilitation and contribution for an orthopaedic camp for elderly indigenous in Bario, Sarawak, and health screening for patients at the Selangor Cheshire Home for the disabled,” he said.
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 6 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Glaring danger from use of non-compliant vehicle lights oExcessively bright and fancy substitutes compromise visibility, causing distraction among motorists: Expert PETALING JAYA: Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in individuals outfitting their cars with customised headlights and rear lights. While these modifications may enhance aesthetic appeal, they present significant concerns, said Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon. He said modifications to headlights and rear lights can negatively impact road safety by compromising visibility, causing distractions, creating confusion among motorists and pedestrians and posing challenges for regulatory enforcement. “Non-standard lights, which are overly bright or display unfamiliar patterns, can compromise clear communication on the road.” Wong said Malaysia, like many countries, has regulations and standards governing vehicle lighting to ensure uniformity and safety. “These guidelines are outlined in the Road Transport Act 1987 and its associated Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959. “Notably, Rule 94 underscores the (importance) for vehicles to be in a state that does not (endanger) other road users, emphasising the essential role of headlights (that do not cause) excessive glare. “Complementing this, Rule 96 (2)(i) mandates headlights (must have) approvals from bodies such as Sirim, necessitating alignment with internationally recognised benchmarks such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe regulations.” He also said certain vehicle modifications inherently carry elevated risks that compromise safety and compliance. “For instance, non-compliant headlights and rear lights can cause glare and visibility issues, while improper window tinting can impede sight, particularly in challenging conditions. “Modifications such as suspension alterations can undermine a vehicle’s stability and handling, while unauthorised engine adjustments may diminish performance and escalate emissions. “Unapproved electrical alterations might induce malfunctions or electrical faults,” Wong said, adding that prioritising consultation with automotive experts and strictly adhering to regulatory guidelines is paramount to ensuring modifications are both safe and legal. “While some individuals may modify their car headlights and rear lights for aesthetic reasons, it is crucial to recognise the broader impact on fellow road users. “Such modifications do not merely cater to personal preferences but potentially influence the safety and experience of countless motorists and pedestrians.” He said convincing people to adhere to headlight and rear light regulations presents several challenges. “There is a pervasive lack of awareness among the public regarding these regulations and their underlying safety imperatives, underscoring the need for robust Firefighters and a soldier helping Teng Pik Chin, 73, who was trapped in a building, to evacuate during floods in Bandar Kota Tinggi yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC RM1 million drug bust in Sabah SEMPORNA: Police foiled an attempt by three men to smuggle out more than 20kg of drugs believed to be syabu, worth about RM1 million, to a neighbouring country when they were arrested in a raid at the Semporna public jetty on Jan 3. District police chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said two local men and a foreigner, aged 36 to 38, were arrested by a team from the Bum Bum police station and the Semporna Narcotics Crime Investigation Division, that conducted surveillance on the jetty at 6.30am. “The three men, on board a boat, were approaching the public jetty but docked at the bank next to it. “Then, one of them went ashore and returned to the boat carrying two bags. “The suspect who was carrying the bag jumped into the sea after he saw police, while one suspect ran towards the bank and another suspect tried to escape by turning on the boat’s engine but they were all arrested.” Mohd Farhan said police found two bags with 20 black plastic packages, containing compressed lumps of clear crystal suspected to be syabu with a total weight of 20.22kg. The drugs were meant for distribution in a neighbouring country. Mohd Farhan said anyone with information on the case may contact 089-782 020 or the investigating officer Insp Adzilee Suili at 014-866 5087. – Bernama Probe on fire at MP’s house ongoing IPOH: Police have recorded statements from seven individuals regarding a fire at the residence of Berus MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham in Taman Semarak Jaya on Wednesday. Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said no arrests have been made, adding that police are monitoring and increasing patrols in the area. He said police are obtaining CCTV footage of the area, technical assistance and witness statements, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire. A Molotov cocktail was thrown into Ngeh’s residence, causing a fire that destroyed one car and damaged two others, Bernama reported. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police are looking at various angles in their investigations. EV port that caught fire unlicensed: EC PUTRAJAYA: A company that operated an electric vehicle charging system bay in Johor that caught fire on Dec 31, was found to be operating without a licence from the Energy Commission (EC). The EC said the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and the Electricity Regulations 1994 stipulate that energy supply activities from any installation can only be carried out after obtaining a valid licence from the EC. On Dec 31, a Mercedes-Benz EQV caught fire while charging at a car showroom in Tampoi, Johor. “The responsible party and the company will be called to assist in the investigation,” the EC said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. – Bernama █ BY RAVEEN AINGARAN [email protected] Slight drop in number of flood evacuees in two states educational initiatives. “A separation often exists between aesthetic preferences and safety, with some individuals prioritising visual enhancements over regulatory compliance. This necessitates efforts to reconcile aesthetic aspirations with safety. “Cultural influences and prevailing social trends may inadvertently promote non-compliance, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive advocacy strategies.” Wong also said individuals must adopt a vigilant and informed approach to distinguish between legally modified headlights and rear lights and potentially unsafe alterations. “Acquainting oneself with local headlight and rear light regulations is paramount as compliant modifications align with established brightness, colour and pattern criteria. “Prioritise installations by certified professionals to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid modifications that compromise headlight and rear light functionality or performance. “Steer clear of unauthorised or dubious sources lacking proper documentation or warranties as they may not uphold essential safety standards.” He said Miros adopts a proactive stance in addressing road safety concerns, particularly regarding vehicle modifications, adding that it consistently initiates public awareness initiatives, strategically leveraging on an array of media platforms. “The initiatives are meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse audiences, aiming to educate, inform and engage the public on the intricacies of vehicle lighting regulations and the consequential risks associated with non-compliance.” KUALA LUMPUR: The number of flood evacuees in Johor and Pahang dropped slightly to 8,180 housed at 64 temporary relief centres as of noon yesterday, compared with 9,146 in 76 centres reported in the morning. The National Disaster Management Agency National Disaster Command Centre said the number of evacuees in Johor dropped to 6,985, compared with 7,536 recorded yesterday morning. All evacuees were accommodated at 47 relief centres in seven districts, namely Kota Tinggi with 4,221 in 24 centres, Johor Bahru with 1,303 in seven centres, Kluang with 1,163 in eight centres, Segamat with 103 in four centres and Batu Pahat with 83 in two centres, while Kulai and Pontian accommodated 90 and 22 evacuees respectively at one relief centre each. In Pahang, the number of evacuees also dropped to 1,195, compared with 1,610 in the morning, housed at 17 relief centres in three districts, involving 11 centres in Pekan, five in Rompin and one in Maran. A survey by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage found two rivers in Johor were at dangerous levels – Sungai Johor in Kota Tinggi and Sungai Endau in Kluang. Sungai Pahang in Maran, Pekan and Bera as well as Sungai Rompin in Rompin also recorded dangerous water levels, including Sungai Perak in Perak, Sungai Arau in Perlis and Sungai Klang and Sungai Langat in Selangor. – Bernama
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 7 Taiwan presidential candidate ‘dangerous’, says Beijing TAIPEI: China yesterday said it hopes the majority of Taiwanese “make the right choice” ahead of pivotal elections, warning of the “extreme danger” of Taiwan’s ruling party presidential candidate Lai Ching-te in triggering cross-strait conflict. Taiwan holds a pivotal presidential and parliamentary election tomorrow that is being closely watched internationally amid geopolitical tensions. China has not publicly nominated a preferred candidate or specified what the right choice is. Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the China’s Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, said in a statement that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai is a “Taiwan independence worker” and that if he came to power he would further promote separatist activities. “I sincerely hope the majority of oChina hopes its ‘compatriots’ make right choice to avoid confrontation, conflict in cross-strait relations Asean special envoy meets Myanmar junta chief NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met with a special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), state media reported yesterday as Laos takes over chairing the bloc, which has encouraged peace efforts in the country. The military ruler met Alounkeo Kittikhoun, special envoy of the Asean chair on Myanmar, in the country’s capital Naypyitaw amid frustration with the lack of progress by Myanmar’s generals in achieving peace under a plan agreed among Asean member states including Myanmar in late 2021. Myanmar has seen a ceaseless cycle of violence since the military seized power from an elected government in a 2021 coup. Asean has repeatedly urged the junta to halt hostilities and implement its “five-point consensus”, but with little impact. In recent months, violence has intensified as armed ethnic groups fighting for democracy and autonomy step up their efforts against the military, capturing outposts and even a major commercial town on the border with China. While Myanmar’s generals have been barred from high-level Asean meetings, the bloc has maintained relations with the junta, especially through the office of the special envoy, leadership of which rotates among the member states every year. State-owned newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar reported the two leaders discussed “efforts of the government to ensure peace and stability of the State and national reconciliation”. Min Aung Hlaing said his administration is “implementing the Asean five-point consensus adjusted with the roadmap of the State Administration Council”, according to the newspaper. A health worker checking a Rohingya child at a temporary shelter in Banda Aceh. – AFPPIC – Reuters Brunei polo-playing prince marries fiancee BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei’s polo-playing Prince Abdul Mateen, one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors, married his fiancee yesterday as part of a lavish 10-day celebration in the oil-rich sultanate. An Islamic marriage ceremony for the 32-year-old prince and Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, 29, was held inside a gold-domed mosque in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Abdul Mateen is the 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – the world’s longest reigning monarch and once the richest man on the planet – and is well down the succession pecking order. His bride, the granddaughter of one of his father’s key advisers, reportedly has a fashion brand and co-owns a tourism business. Celebrations for the royal wedding will reach its climax on Sunday with a glittering ceremony in the 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession. The guest list include international royalty and political leaders. “It’s like a fairytale,” university student Syahida Wafa Mohamed Shah, 22, told AFP on Wednesday, near the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, where the marriage was solemnised. Many Bruneians are scheduled to line the streets for Sunday’s procession when the couple will pass by in a royal carriage. The pomp and pageantry of the royal extravaganza highlights the tiny country’s extreme wealth, which is almost entirely derived from its enormous oil reserves. While Abdul Mateen is unlikely to ever ascend the throne, his matinee idol looks and huge following on social media have made him one of the highest-profile members of the royal family. A helicopter pilot in his country’s air force, he has often been compared in the media with Britain’s Prince Harry and was previously dubbed the “hot royal”. Abdul Mateen graduated as an officer cadet in Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and represented his country in polo at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. In recent years, he has played a growing role in international diplomacy. The prince accompanied his father to the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May last year, and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022. – AFP B R I E F SCOPS SWOOP IN ON PLOT TO KILL RAPPERS SYDNEY: Australian police swooped on an organised crime gang yesterday allegedly plotting to murder four rappers in Onefour, a hip-hop group that featured on Netflix. The crime ring had been taking on contracts to carry out “serious crimes including murders and kidnappings”, New South Wales state police told a news conference in Sydney. The cell had accepted a contract to murder four “high-profile men” from Mount Druitt, a gritty western Sydney suburb, said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux. The intended victims were identified in Australian media as members of Onefour, a drill rap group whose members are from Mount Druitt. Drill is an American style of hiphop known for lyrics laced with crime and gang warfare references. Police said they do not publicly identify victims of crime as a matter of policy. The rap group starred in a Netflix documentary recounting police efforts to stop them performing in public: “Onefour: Against All Odds”. – AFP TRUMP RIVALS GO HEADTO-HEAD IN LAST DEBATE DES MOINES: Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis locked horns yesterday in the final debate before voting begins in the US Republican presidential nominating contest, seeking to pitch themselves as the best alternative to runaway frontrunner Donald Trump. The head-tohead showdown comes five days before the pivotal Iowa caucuses, considered crucial for winnowing the field and giving those left standing a springboard for the rest of the race. Trump has a commanding lead despite the multiple legal challenges he faces, but has skipped the televised debates, concluding he has nothing to gain by taking prime-time hits from lower-polling rivals. None of the other challengers met the qualification standards, leaving the stage for former UN ambassador Haley and Florida governor DeSantis to vie one-on-one for the Hawkeye State’s undecided voters. – AFP Taiwan compatriots recognise the extreme harm of the DPP’s ‘Taiwan independence’ line and the extreme danger of Lai Ching-te’s triggering of cross-strait confrontation and conflict, and to make the right choice at the crossroads of cross-strait relations,” the statement cited him as saying. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and has cast the island’s presidential and parliamentary elections tomorrow as a choice between peace and war across the Taiwan Strait. Earlier this week, Lai said in a press conference that he would maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Straits and pursue peace through strength if elected, remaining open to engagement with Beijing under the preconditions of equality and dignity. Referring to Lai’s comments, Chen said Taiwan independence is “incompatible with peace” in the Taiwan Straits. Both the DPP and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party support Taiwan’s sovereignty but offer different views on the island’s relations with China. The KMT argues that both Taipei and Beijing belong to one single China but each can interpret what that means under something called the “1992 consensus”, a tacit understanding reached between the then-KMT government and China in 1992. KMT’s presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih told reporters yesterday that he would not touch the issue of reunification during his term of office if elected, while maintaining the status quo and encouraging exchanges with China. The DPP rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people. The US, in a clear signal to China, opposes any outside interference or influence in Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, a senior Biden administration official said on Wednesday. In a move that might stoke tensions with China, the United States said it plans to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan following the election, according to a US senior official. – AFP
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 8 UK top government climate change adviser steps down LONDON: The head of the UK’s top advisory body on climate change, Chris Stark, resigned yesterday, according to the PA news agency. Stark, who took up the role of chief executive at the independent Climate Change Committee in 2018, has been critical of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s environmental policies, saying they contradict Britain’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “It’s been a privilege to lead the Climate Change Committee team over such an important period,” he said in a statement that did not specify the reasons for his departure. In September, Stark described the UK’s goal of achieving its legally binding emissions targets as “wishful thinking”. This followed Sunak’s decisions to push back or slash several measures, including postponing a plan to bar the sale of petrol and diesel cars by five years. Environmentalists and net zero proponents, including within Sunak’s own party, heavily criticised the moves. Stark’s resignation comes after Conservative MP and former energy minister Chris Skidmore announced his departure last week over opposition to the development of oil and gas fields in the North Sea. In 2019, the UK became the world’s first major economy to adopt the goal of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050. During Stark’s tenure, the CCC recommended making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production in order to meet the target. Stark’s last day will be April 26, with economist James Richardson to take over in the interim, according to PA. – AFP B R I E F SPAPUA NEW GUINEA VOWS CRACKDOWN ON RIOTS PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea’s prime minister pledged to crack down on “lawlessness” yesterday after 15 people died in riots across the country’s two largest cities. Violence erupted in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday evening after a group of soldiers, police officers and prison guards launched protests against the government. Angry crowds torched buildings and ransacked shops during a night of turmoil that soon spread 300km north to the city of Lae. By yesterday afternoon, police commissioner David Manning confirmed that at least 15 people had died in the country’s two largest cities. Prime Minister James Marape yesterday apologised to the country, saying the bursts of “lawlessness” would “not be tolerated”. Marape said the worst of the riots had subsided by yesterday morning, but conceded “it’s still tense out there” in parts of Port Moresby. – AFP CHINA, MALDIVES UPGRADE BILATERAL TIES BEIJING: China pledged to protect the Maldives’ “sovereignty” and agreed to upgrade ties with the strategic Indian Ocean archipelago after signing key infrastructure deals, the two sides said. With Beijing and Delhi tussling for influence, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was elected in September after pledging to cultivate “strong ties” with China and eject Indian troops. Muizzu embarked this week on his first state visit to China – the Maldives’ largest external creditor – and met President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, Beijing’s state media reported, announcing the “elevation of bilateral ties”. “Under the new circumstances, China-Maldives relations face a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and forge ahead,” Xi told Muizzu, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. Xi “stressed that China respects and supports the Maldives in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions”, it said. – AFP Denmark all set to welcome new king COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik will become king on Sunday after the unprecedented abdication of his mother Queen Margrethe, with more than 100,000 Danes expected to pour into Copenhagen’s streets for the historic event. The 55-year-old future monarch is hugely popular in Denmark, with 82% of Danes saying in a recent poll they think he will make a good king. “People think he’s one of them, they really like him,“ Cecilie Nielsen, royal correspondent for Danish public broadcaster DR, said. “He loves sports and he’s nice, and Danes don’t really care about what is written about him in foreign media,” she said, alluding to reports in the Spanish and British press of a recent affair with a Mexican socialite, who has denied any romantic relationship. Queen Margrethe’s shock abdication, announced in a televised New Year’s Eve address after 52 years on the throne, stunned Danes after she had repeatedly insisted that she would never step down. “We didn’t see it coming,” Jesper Volpius, a 55-year-old Copenhagen resident said. Historian Bo Lidegaard said Margrethe’s decision showed she was a modern queen able to adapt to the times. “She knows that she is getting weaker physically. Her son is ready and in a better position than she is to take over the family business,” he said. “It’s a change that had to happen sooner or later so it’s just as well to do it now and not be a prisoner to tradition.” This is only the second time that a Danish sovereign has abdicated, with the last one being Erik III almost nine centuries ago in 1146. The queen’s decision left the country of 5.9 million people stunned, and wondering what would happen next. “The traditions (regarding the accession to the throne) as we know them are linked to the death of a monarch,” Nielsen noted. oUnprecedented abdication of Queen receives majority support for decision after 52 years on throne Danes have widely supported the queen’s decision, with many expressing relief that Sunday’s celebration of a new monarch does not mean the loss of Margrethe. Opinion polls show that more than 80% of Danes support her decision. Margrethe will retain her title of queen and will still represent the royal family on occasion. Since her announcement, Copenhagen’s hotels have been fully booked and trains and domestic flights to the capital have sold out. Police expect huge crowds in the streets of Copenhagen on Sunday. “We’re expecting many, many people will come out,” said Copenhagen police official Peter Dahl. “It’s impossible to say how many, but I think there will be more than 100,000 people,” he said, adding that police reinforcements had been called in from across the country. Exactly 52 years to the day after acceding to the throne, Queen Margrethe will officially abdicate at a Council of State. Subsequently, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will proclaim King Frederik X the new monarch on a balcony of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish government and parliament. – AFP Ukraine a test site for N. Korean missiles WASHINGTON: The US and its allies on Wednesday condemned what they described as Russia’s firing of North Korean missiles at Ukraine, with Washington calling it abhorrent and Seoul calling Ukraine a test site for Pyongyang’s nuclear-capable missiles. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the nearly two-year-old war ignited by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s envoy said the US seemed to be spreading “wrong” information. But he stopped short of outright denying that Russia was using North Korean arms, which Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood and other US allies said would violate UN resolutions. “It’s abhorrent that a permanent member of the UN Security Council is flagrantly violating Council resolutions to attack another UN member state, violations that further the suffering of the Ukrainian people, support Russia’s brutal war and undermine the global nonproliferation regime,” Wood said. Earlier, the US and seven other nations accused Russia of exploiting its position as a veto-holding permanent member of the Council by acquiring North Korean missiles and firing them into Ukraine in violation of Council resolutions. “A permanent Security Council member that willingly engages in these violations demonstrates a clear exploitation of its position,” said a statement by permanent Council members Britain, France and the US, non-permanent members Malta, Slovenia and South Korea as well as Japan and Ukraine. The fact that Russia holds a veto on the Council, as do Britain, China, France and the US, effectively guarantees the body cannot punish Moscow. The White House said last week that Russia recently used short-range ballistic missiles sourced from North Korea to conduct multiple strikes against Ukraine, citing newly declassified intelligence. Moscow and Pyongyang have both denied conducting any arms deals but they vowed last year to deepen military relations. Russia recently launched some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since it invaded almost two years ago. Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said Western states had called the Security Council session as an exercise in “anti-Russian propaganda” but stopped short of making an unequivocal denial that Moscow had fired North Korean missiles at Ukraine. South Korea’s ambassador said Russia’s use of North Korean missiles gave Pyongyang “valuable technical and military insights” about its arms. – Reuters Rescuers working at a site of Park Hotel, destroyed during a Russian missile strike in central Kharkiv. – REUTERSPIC
FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 9 Mahmud committed to reform as Gaza war rages oHopes to reunite with West Bank under Palestinian Authority, informs Blinken of need to halt Israeli aggression GAZA STRIP: US top diplomat Antony Blinken on Wednesday said Mahmud Abbas was committed to reforming the Palestinian Authority to potentially reunite war-torn Gaza and the occupied West Bank under its leadership. Blinken laid out Gaza’s possible future after meeting Palestinian president Mahmud in Ramallah and Bahrain’s King Hamad in his fourth Middle East tour aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from escalating. Mahmud raised with Blinken the need “to stop the Israeli aggression against Palestinian people” in Hamas-ruled Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where deadly unrest has also surged, said the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. Blinken told Mahmud that Washington supports “tangible steps” towards the creation of a Palestinian state – a long-term goal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right government has opposed. Blinken reiterated the US position that a Palestinian state must stand alongside Israel, “with both living in peace and security”, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. As Blinken arrived under tight security at Mahmud’s headquarters in Ramallah, protesters held up signs reading “Stop the genocide”, “Free Palestine” and “Blinken out”. Some scuffled with Palestinian security forces in riot gear. In Bahrain, Blinken said Mahmud was “committed” to reforming the Palestinian Authority “so that it can effectively take responsibility for Gaza, so that Gaza and the West Bank can be reunited under a Palestinian leadership”. Washington sees a future in Gaza for the PA, whose ruling Fatah faction is a Hamas rival. But Netanyahu has long sought to weaken the semi-autonomous body. On Wednesday evening, Netanyahu said in televised remarks that “Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population”. “Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law,” he said. Hamas’s Qatar-based chief Ismail Haniyeh said last week he was “open to the idea” of a single Palestinian administration in Gaza and the West Bank. A post-war plan outlined by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant envisions local “civil committees” governing Gaza after Israel has dismantled Hamas. King Hamad emphasised the need for a ceasefire, releasing hostages and detainees and delivering aid to Gazans in his talks with Blinken, according to Bahrain’s news agency. Blinken is due to visit Egypt after stops in Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah alSisi and Mahmud called to “maintain pressure” for a ceasefire and to protect Palestinian civilians following discussions in the Jordanian city of Aqaba, the royal palace said. Fears have soared of a widening conflict between Israel and Iranbacked armed groups, especially Lebanon’s Hezbollah but also groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. “After fighting in Gaza, we will know what to do in Lebanon if necessary,” Israeli army chief of staff Herzi Halevi said on Wednesday addressing troops in Gaza. – AFP Israel faces genocide charge at UN top court THE Hague: Israel will face accusations at the UN’s top court that it has committed “genocidal” acts in Gaza, charges the country’s president dismissed as “atrocious” and “preposterous”. South Africa has lodged an urgent appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to force Israel to “immediately suspend” its military operations in Gaza. Robed officials from both countries will go head-to-head in the Great Hall of Justice in the Peace Palace in The Hague, a world away from the devastation seen in Israel and Gaza since Oct 7. South Africa argues that Israel is breaking its commitments under the UN Genocide Convention, a treaty signed in 1948 as the world cried “never again” after the Holocaust. As a fellow signatory to the treaty, South Africa can take Israel to the ICJ, which rules on disputes between countries and is often described as the “World Court”. South Africa has acknowledged the “particular weight of responsibility” of accusing Israel of genocide and “unequivocally” condemned the Hamas attacks that touched off the war in Gaza. But in an 84-page submission to the court, Pretoria charged that Israel’s bombing and invasion of Gaza is “intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group”. Israeli President Isaac Herzog lashed out at the accusations and laid out his country’s likely defence. “There’s nothing more atrocious and preposterous than this claim,” said Herzog. “We will be in the International Court of Justice and we will present proudly our case of using self defence under international humanitarian law.” He said the Israeli army was “doing its utmost under extremely complicated circumstances on the ground to make sure that there will be no unintended consequences and no civilian casualties”. As it is an urgent procedure, the ICJ could rule in a matter of weeks. Its rulings are final and cannot be appealed. However, countries do not always follow the court’s verdicts the ICJ has ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine for example. Leiden University assistant professor of public international law Cecily Rose said the court does not have to rule on the fundamentals of the case at this stage, that issue will likely take years. – AFP Security Council demands end to Red Sea attacks UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council demanded on Wednesday an “immediate” end to attacks by Yemen’s Huthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea. The resolution passed “demands that the Huthis immediately cease all such attacks, which impede global commerce and undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace and security”. It was adopted after Russia, as well as China, Mozambique and Algeria abstained. The intensifying attacks have caused shipping companies to bypass the route and instead divert around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, significantly adding to journey times and cost. The UN earlier said it continued “to be very concerned about the situation in the Red Sea, not only because of the situation itself, and the risks that it causes to global trade.” The resolution “condemns in the strongest terms the at least two dozen Huthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels since Nov 19, 2023, when the Huthis attacked and seized the Galaxy Leader and its crew,” according to the text seen by AFP. Since Israel’s war in Gaza, the Huthis – who control swathes of Yemen – have stepped up their attacks on international maritime traffic in the Red Sea. They claim to be acting in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s main ally, the US, formed an international coalition in December to protect maritime traffic from Huthi attacks, in the strategically important zone through which at least 12% of world trade passes. – AFP B R I E F SSLAIN JOURNALISTS WERE ‘TERROR OPERATIVES’ JERUSALEM: Israel’s army claimed on Wednesday that two Al Jazeera journalists it killed in an air strike in Gaza were “terror operatives”. Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, who also worked as a video stringer for AFP and other news organisations, were killed on Sunday while they were on an assignment for the Qatar-based channel in the city of Rafah. The army said in a statement on Wednesday its “intelligence has confirmed that both the deceased were members of Gaza-based terrorist organisations actively involved in attacks against IDF (army) forces”. “Prior to the strike, the two operated drones, posing an imminent threat to IDF troops,” the army said. There was no immediate reaction available from the television channel and families of the two men. When asked on Wednesday by AFP about what kind of drones were used by the two men and the nature of the threat they posed to Israeli troops, the army said it was “checking”. – AFP CONDITIONS ‘CREATED’ FOR ARMENIA PEACE DEAL BAKU: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday said conditions for a peace treaty with arch foe Armenia had been “created”, adding that he did not want another war. The two Caucasus neighbours and historical foes have fought two wars over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region during the past three decades, with Baku retaking control of the territory in a one-day offensive last fall. Peace talks mediated separately by the European Union, the US and Russia have sputtered, despite both countries saying an agreement could be signed by the end of last year. “The most important thing today is that real conditions have been created for a signing of a peace treaty,“ Aliyev said in a televised interview. – AFP Palestinian medics react after several members of the Palestinian Red Crescent were killed in an Israeli strike. – REUTERSPIC
10 FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Empowering teenagers to be confident Q: What can I do to boost my 15-year-old son’s confidence around girls his age? He tends to be quite shy and nervous in mixed company, and I am looking for ways to help him feel more confident in these social interactions. Focus on the Family Malaysia: Most 15-yearold boys experience shyness and nervousness around girls. This is a common problem – if you can call it problem. The early teenage years are incredibly challenging as children undergo puberty and experience changes in their physical and emotional well-being. They are dealing with peer pressure and desperately want to fit in, and are seeking popularity while trying to navigate successful relationships with the opposite sex. Most teenagers feel self-conscious about their appearance, behaviour and how they are perceived by others. One effective way to combat self-consciousness is to reach out to others. Teenagers who engage in service projects often feel a tremendous sense of fulfilment. In the process of serving others, they gradually shift their focus away from themselves and develop increased confidence. An approach you can consider is to encourage your son to participate in community work or volunteer at a service-oriented non-profit organisation. School counsellors should be able to recommend some suitable opportunities, either within the school or in the community. For an even more beneficial experience, seek out youth groups that prioritise service while emphasising personal growth. Adolescent boys often find themselves awkward around popular girls. If your son is engaged in such groups, motivate him to cultivate non-romantic friendships, especially with girls whom he may not be romantically attracted to. With more regular interactions and a focus on building healthy relationships with the opposite sex, he will discover how girls think and relate, and develop some good character traits. This, in turn, will make him feel more comfortable and confident in his interactions with girls his age. Q: When should my husband and I stop showering with our toddler-aged children and changing clothes in their presence? Could you provide some guidelines for maintaining modesty within the home? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Modesty starts to develop in children at an early age, typically between 18 to 24 months. If you are a parent of a child from the opposite sex, it is advisable to discontinue shared showering or changing during this phase of a child’s development. However, if your child is the same gender as you, you can continue changing clothes in the same room as your child as they grow. What is most important is that you instil a healthy view on sexuality in your children from an early age. You can start by initiating ageappropriate discussions and using suitable language, especially during their toddler years. Interestingly, children also develop the capacity for empathy between the ages of 18 and 24 months. The development of modesty and empathy will aid a child in perceiving people and relationships through the perspective of respect and care. Children tend to develop a desire for privacy between the ages of three and five, which is a healthy and beneficial part of their development. Help them to learn effective ways to manage their need for privacy, especially when changing clothes. Encourage a child to respect their body by using accurate names for male and female genitalia when they ask questions while changing clothes. Provide positive and straightforward answers to the inevitable questions about where babies come from. You do not have to delve into a detailed description of human physiology. Embrace one of the significant privileges of parenting by introducing your child to the incredible design of the body and relationships from an early age, while also guiding and empowering them to understand boundaries in relationships with others. The article was contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: [email protected] With more regular interactions and a focus on building healthy relationships with the opposite sex, boys will discover how girls think and relate, and develop some good character traits. – REUTERSPIC Under One Roof “Teenagers who engage in service projects often feel a tremendous sense of fulfilment. In the process of serving others, they gradually shift their focus away from themselves and develop increased confidence
Green pleasures leasures Pandan’s role in Southeast andan’s role in Southeast Asian culinary traditions sian culinary traditions - P22 WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends FRIDAY | JAN 12, 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] INSIDEINSIDE p 12 Paws, parks and parties p 21 Stories from our readers INSIDE p 22 Strawberry sensations
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 12 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Practising good pet etiquette I N a world where our four-legged companions are not just pets but cherished members of the family, the significance of understanding and practicing good pet etiquette becomes even more profound. It plays a pivotal role in fostering harmonious interactions not only with fellow pet owners but also within the broader community. Whether you find yourself navigating the nuances of visiting friends, exploring the vast realms of the dog park or attending social events with your beloved pets, the journey requires a nuanced understanding of responsible pet ownership. In this extensive guide, we will delve deeper into each scenario, providing you with a comprehensive roadmap to ensure positive experiences and interactions. Nurturing bonds between humans and pets When contemplating bringing your furry friend along to a friend’s house, the art lies in cultivating an environment that is considerate and respectful to both your hosts and your beloved companion. The prelude to a successful visit involves open communication with your friends to ensure they are not only amenable but also comfortable with the idea of your pet’s presence. Let us explore the key considerations. Allergies and phobias Before setting foot in your friend’s abode, delicately inquire about any allergies or fears your friend may have concerning pets. Should there be any concerns, strategise activities or designate spaces where your pet and your friends can coexist without the shadow of discomfort. Well-behaved pets steal hearts Ensure your pet is not just a furry companion but also a well-behaved one. Pack essential items such as a leash, water bowl and waste bags to ensure your pet is comfortable in new surroundings. A well-behaved pet is not only a delight but is also more likely to be welcomed in various social settings. Where permission matters As you embark on your visit, always ask for permission before allowing your pet to explore specific areas of your friend’s home. Respect the boundaries set by your hosts and if certain spaces are deemed off-limits, diligently enforce those restrictions. Dog park etiquette Dog parks, often hailed as utopias Pet etiquette is crucial to ensure that your furry friends do not inconvenience others. – PICS BY PEXELS oDo’s and don’ts for your furry companions in social settings █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Proper pet etiquette helps maintain a safe environment for both pets and people. for canine socialisation and exercise, demand responsible practices to maintain a positive environment for all park-goers. The journey through dog park etiquette involves a delicate balance of vigilance, cleanliness, rule familiarity and addressing aggressive behaviour. Watchful guardian Within the dynamic landscape of a dog park, keep a watchful eye on your pet at all times. Recognise that not all dogs share the same temperament, making monitoring interactions crucial to preventing potential conflicts. Picking up after your pup Carry waste bags and make it a habit to promptly clean up after your pet. A clean and wellmaintained dog park is not only more enjoyable for everyone but also a testament to responsible pet ownership. Navigating the park landscape Before unleashing your furry friend into the dog park, acquaint yourself with the specific rules governing the space. Some parks may have designated areas for small and large dogs, while others may necessitate specific vaccinations. Ensuring safe play In the event your pet displays aggressive behaviour, swift intervention is paramount. This not only protects your pet but also contributes to creating a secure environment for all dogs and their owners. Social events with pets Attending social events with your pet adds a layer of delight, but it also demands heightened mindfulness of the setting and the preferences of other attendees. Here is a detailed guide for navigating social gatherings Practising good pet etiquette contributes to positive community relations. Being mindful of pet etiquette also involves cleaning up after your pet which is essential for the well-being of the community and the environment. seamlessly with your furry companion. RSVP with pet information When responding to event invitations, include comprehensive information about bringing your pet. This proactive step allows hosts to make necessary arrangements and informs other guests about the furry attendee. Behaviour expectations Ensure your pet is not just a guest but a well-trained one capable of behaving appropriately in social settings. Plan accordingly if your pet tends to be excitable or shy, taking measures to manage their comfort level. Catering to furry needs Before embarking on a social adventure, pack a bag with your pet’s essentials, including water, food, toys and a comfortable resting place. This not only minimises the impact on the host but also ensures your pet’s needs are met. Respect non-pet owners Recognise that not all attendees may share the same level of comfort around pets. Be mindful of their preferences and ensure your pet does not impose on their personal space. Incorporating good pet etiquette into your daily life goes beyond a set of rules - it becomes a commitment to enhancing the experience for both you and your furry friend. Whether you are visiting friends, enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of the dog park or immersing yourself in social events, practicing consideration, communication and responsibility ensures the creation of a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved. By diligently following these elaborate guidelines, you contribute not just to a community where pet owners and non-pet owners coexist harmoniously but also to a shared space where a profound love and appreciation for our four-legged companions thrive. Embracing the principles of responsible pet ownership not only elevates the overall well-being of our pets but also enriches the lives of those around us, weaving a tapestry of positive connections within our shared spaces. As guardians of our furry friends, we play a pivotal role in shaping a society where the bonds between humans and their pets are celebrated and respected.
Palm oil to remain key driver of economic growth: Johari KUALA LUMPUR: The palm oil industry is expected to remain a key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He said global demand for palm oil escalated with the reopening of borders and the recovery of economic sectors that boosted consumption in the importing countries, both for food and non-food based industries. “The Malaysian palm oil industry continues to exert significant influence on the global oils and fats market – which is becoming increasingly competitive,” he said in his keynote speech at the Palm Oil Economic Review and Outlook Seminar 2024 yesterday. Johari acknowledged the industry’s resilience amid substantial challenges, both domestically and globally, such as unpredictable weather conditions, environmental considerations and geopolitical unrest. On industry outlook, he said the palm oil market maintains an optimistic view for 2024. This positivity is fuelled by expectations of robust palm oil demand from key export destinations, such as India, China and the European Union (EU). “The demand is further supported by interests in replenishing stocks to ensure food security and the overall viability of business activities, making 2024 appear very promising,” he added. Johari said, the government is committed to ensuring the efficient management of foreign workers with the aim to address the critical labour situation in the plantation sector. He noted the persistent labour shortage in the palm oil sector has resulted in production losses and low yields which have restrained palm oil production from reaching its full potential in 2022 and 2023. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] “For instance, the freeze on the hiring of foreign workers resulted in a shortage of 55,000 workers in the palm oil sector in December 2022,” he said. Nonetheless, Johari said that despite facing obstacles, the labour situation gradually improved with the reopening of Malaysian borders resulting in the slight increase in crude palm oil production in the latter part of 2023. The government has proposed to expand the scope of automation tax incentives to include the plantation sector, in order to reduce labour Johari delivering his speech at the Palm Oil Economic Review and Outlook Seminar. dependence through mechanisation and automation, said the minister. “The transition towards automation and mechanisation is now a necessity given the high dependence on foreign workers,” he said. Johari believes that ongoing projects led by the Mechanisation and Automation Research Consortium of Oil Palm (Marcop) will make significant progress in increasing mechanisation and automation in the industry. “Marcop is poised to undertake programmes that include exploring “low hanging fruit” opportunities, such as adopting the latest technologies particularly for harvesting or spraying pesticides and spreading fertilisers,“ he said. He added that Malaysia must continue to position its palm oil industry as a global leader in sustainability especially considering the growing global emphasis on committing to sustainability goals. FRIDAY | JAN 12, 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] Malaysia will continue to woo global EV brands interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” aired yesterday. He told the business news channel that the goal is for EV makers to expand their presence in the country, pointing out that Tesla is already one of Malaysia’s major charging station providers, while some of the largest Malaysian companies are also Tesla’s suppliers. Last month, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia has seen exponential growth in EV sales yearly and the government is optimistic the positive momentum would continue strongly, with more than 100,000 registered electrified vehicles recorded. The minister said he believes that EVs would be the catalyst for the growth of Malaysia’s manufacturing industry exports. Elaborating further, he said electrical and electronics products (E&E) is a vital part in the EV supply chain. “Hence, there is a lot of potential in the new generation vehicles wherein more components, for example, semiconductor composites, chip components in a typical car today or even a hybrid car, (are needed at) around 1,500 chips in one car,” he said. The National Investment Council (MPN), at its meeting recently, decided to set up the National Semiconductor Strategic Task Force (NSSTF) to allow the country to move up the value chain in the chips industry. In a statement, Tengku Zafrul said the decision was arrived at in light of the importance of the semiconductor industry, which contributed 45.4% (or RM593.5 billion) to Malaysia’s manufacturing industry export revenue. “It is a platform specifically to develop the semiconductor ecosystem to attract strategic investments in the sector,” he said. NSSTF, to be chaired by Tengku Zafrul, is expected to strengthen the sector which currently contributes 13% to the assembly, testing and packaging activities of chips globally and 10% to the global semiconductor market. During the interview with CNBC, Tengku Zafrul also said that the task force highlights the importance of the country’s semiconductor sector – which accounts for 7% of the country’s gross domestic product and half of its exports. He said that the team will not only be looking at growing the semiconductor industry in Malaysia but will also seek to ensure there’s a “talent supply chain” in the country. “Malaysia needs 50,000 electrical and electronics engineers every year, of which we (have) a shortage,” he said. However, Malaysia is still in a good position to achieve the goal of growing its semiconductor industry, he added. – Bernama oEndgame is to have the likes of Tesla build their plants in the country, says Tengku Zafrul Malaysia, Singapore to explore initiatives for JS-SEZ JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia and Singapore are set to explore initiatives for the JohorSingapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). According to a joint statement by the Economy Ministry and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the initiatives include establishing a one-stop business/investment centre in Johor to facilitate application processes for approvals and licences necessary for Singapore businesses to set up in Johor. The parties said the JS-SEZ will ride on Johor’s strong growth and Singapore’s significant investments in the region. In 2022, Johor recorded RM70.6 billion worth of investments across various sectors, including electrical and electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing and data centres. Meanwhile, Singapore was Johor’s secondlargest foreign investor from January to June 2022, and accounted for around 70% of Johor’s total foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the JSSEZ presents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster the business ecosystem and enhance the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore. “I have full confidence that this initiative will herald the commencement of a transformative chapter in our bilateral economic relations, fostering unparalleled connectivity and prosperity for both our great nations,“ he added. – Bernama ‘MGO at KUB must proceed to ensure fairness to shareholders’ KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the ongoing corporate exercise (mandatory general offer) at KUB Malaysia Bhd, which he stressed was initiated before his ministerial appointment, must proceed to ensure fairness to shareholders. “That exercise (MGO) was done before I was appointed as minister. So this is just to complete it, we cannot cancel and withdraw. That’s it,” he told reporters at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Palm Oil Economic Review and Outlook Seminar 2024 yesterday. Addressing concerns about the ongoing MGO, Johari clarified that it is not driven by valuation concerns. “Actually, the corporate exercise that you see today was the exercise that I’ve already done it and announced it prior to my appointment as minister. So it involved a general offer. So you can’t abort, you have to be fair to the shareholders. They know that I’m going to embark on the general offer at that time, before my appointment. So I cannot abort it. So therefore we have to proceed. So that’s it. Nothing more than that. And I never do the GO, the company does the GO,” he explained. An MGO is a regulatory requirement in the financial markets to ensure fair treatment of all shareholders. When an entity crosses a specified ownership threshold, it must make a mandatory offer to acquire the remaining shares from other shareholders at a predetermined price. This is intended to provide an equal opportunity for all shareholders to exit their investment at a fair price. Johari is the shareholder of JAG Capital Holdings Bhd with a 98.75% stake. JAG on Jan 8 launched a voluntary takeover of KUB Malaysia Bhd, and on Tuesday triggered a MGO of the company. This was after JAG bought 1.79 million KUB shares, which raised its shareholding above the 33% threshold which triggered the MGO. However, JAG has conditions: if it gets 90% of KUB shares, it will not keep KUB listed; it will keep the listing if it is between 75% and 90%. – by Hayatun Razak KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, which has attracted leading American multinational Tesla to set up its regional headquarters here last year, plans to woo more companies such as the electric vehicle (EV) giant to set up assembly plants here. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the endgame is to have the likes of Tesla build their plants in the country. Currently, many EV makers are procuring components from Malaysia “in the billions”, he said, adding that Malaysia is doubling down on the semiconductor industry to tap the growing EV market. “They want to realign the supply chain to ensure that the security and resiliency of (their) supply chain is there, so they are coming closer to Malaysia, and we are inviting many EV makers to come,” he said during an exclusive
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 14 Manufacturing sales value slips in November oDown 2.6% year-on-year to RM155 billion: Statistics Department Lotus’s Malaysia launches Lotus’s Mart in Duyong, Malacca MALACCA: Following the opening of Lotus’s Kluang and Lotus’s Muar last October, Lotuss Stores Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Lotus’s Malaysia) yesterday launched its third store here. The single level, 1,000 square metre Lotus’s Mart Duyong is located within the residential area of Taman Desa Duyong. With the addition of Lotus’s Mart Duyong, the retailer now operates a total of 69 stores across Peninsular Malaysia. During a store walk, Lotus’s Malaysia Central 2 Region store director Jayakumar Govindan said, “Although Lotus’s Mart Duyong is smaller in size compared to the two existing hypermarkets in Malacca, we see its potential in creating an ecosystem that is beneficial, bringing convenience to both residents and businesses within and nearby this area”. “To give our Duyong customers the opportunity to enjoy the many promotions on offer, the store will extend its operating hours to 12am from yesterday until Jan 13, 2024. Following that, the store will operate as usual from 8am until 10pm”. Despite its smaller build-up, Lotus’s Mart Duyong offers customers and business owners a selection of up to 5,000 SKUs ranging from fresh produce, frozen, grocery, household products and bakery including many of its Lotus’s Own Brand favourites. At the opening, customers were quick to grab first day deals like watermelon and potatoes at 0.99 sen per kg. Until tomorrow, customers will be treated with a free breakfast, RM5 cash vouchers in the Lotus’s Malaysia App for newly registered My Lotus’s members and goodie bags worth more than RM10 with a minimum spend of RM50. In doing what is best for the community and the environment, Lotus’s introduces its #KitakanJiran A view of Lotus’s Mart Duyong. M’sia among top 10 travel spots for China Airbnb guests PETALING JAYA: Malaysia ranks among the top 10 travel destinations for Airbnb guests from China this winter, according to recent data from Airbnb. Based on the data, Malaysia ranked 6th in the top outbound search destinations for guests from China during the winter season, based on mainland China users’ search data from Jan 1, 2023 to Sept 30, 2023 for winter outbound stays with check-in dates between Dec 22, 2023 and Feb 29, 2024. Thailand is the top ranked country by Chinese guests on the platform this winter from December 2023 to February 2024, followed by Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the US. Notably, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur soared to the top 20 most searched cities and towns, coming in at 16th and 19th rank respectively. Airbnb Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan general manager Amanpreet Bajaj said Malaysia has long been a popular destination among Chinese guests on Airbnb. “We are thrilled by Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free travel policy announced by the Malaysian government last November, given its potential to further boost Malaysia’s enduring popularity among Chinese travellers. “We believe this initiative will unlock a surge in visitor numbers and significantly fuel Malaysia’s tourism resurgence postpandemic,” he said in a statement. SC appoints new chairman for Audit Oversight Board PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has appointed Tan Sri Abu Samah Nordin as the nonexecutive chairman of its Audit Oversight Board (AOB) effective Jan 5. Abu Samah succeeds Datuk Anantham Kasinather, who completed his three year term as the AOB’s nonexecutive chairman on Nov 30, 2023. Abu Samah brings with him more than 40 years of experience in various capacities in the government agencies and judicial services. PETALING JAYA: The sales value of the manufacturing sector slipped by 2.6% year-on-year to RM155 billion in November 2023, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “The sales value of the manufacturing sector slipped further by 2.6% in November 2023 from the 1.4% decline registered in the preceding month. The decrease was primarily due to the substantial drop in the petroleum, chemical, rubber & plastic products sub-sector by 10.8% (October 2023: -9.5%); and the electrical & electronics products sub-sector which fell by 5.3% (October 2023: -2.7%).” As compared to the preceding month, he added the sales value descended by 1.1% as against RM156.7 billion recorded in October 2023 (-0.7%). The sales value of export-oriented industries which accounted for more than two-thirds of total sales, posted a wider decline by 6.9% in November 2023 as compared to the negative 5.2% registered in October 2023. The decline was predominantly attributable to the decrease in the manufacture of coke & refined petroleum products at negative 10.0%, followed by the manufacture of computer, electronics & optical products (-6.6%); and manufacture of vegetable & animal oils & fats (- 3.8%). Nonetheless, the domesticoriented industries sustained the positive momentum by recording 8.8% in November 2023 (October 2023: 9.7%). The expansion was fueled primarily by the strong growth in the manufacture of food products by 11.4%; manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers & semitrailers (11.3%); and manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery & equipment (11.3%). On a month-on-month comparison, export-oriented industries dropped by 3.6% while domestic-oriented industries expanded by 5.3%. Commenting on the number of employees, Mohd Uzir said, “The manufacturing sector engaged 2.38 million persons in November 2023, an increase of 2.1% as compared to the 2.33 million persons registered in November 2022. The increment was mainly attributable to the rise in the number of employees in the food, beverages & tobacco (6.9%); non-metallic mineral products, basic metal & fabricated metal products (2.3%); and electrical & electronic products (0.7%) subsectors. On a month-on-month basis, the number of employees in the manufacturing sector declined slightly by 0.04%.” In tandem with the addition in the number of employees, the salaries & wages paid in the manufacturing sector rose by 3.3% year-on-year, totalling RM8.1 billion in November 2023. On a month-on-month comparison, the salaries & wages paid posted a marginal growth of 0.04% as against 0.1% registered in October 2023. Furthermore, the sales value per employee decreased by 4.7% to record RM65,193 while the average salaries & wages per employee in November 2023 was RM3,428 which rose by 1.1% year-on-year. Summarising the performance for the first 11 months of 2023, Mohd Uzir commented, “The sales value of the manufacturing sector attained RM1.65 trillion, grew marginally by 0.6% as compared to the same period in the preceding year (January – November 2022: 16.6%). During this period, the number of employees added by 2.1%, to record a total of 2.38 million persons while salaries & wages advanced by 3.6%, amounting to RM89.0 billion. Meanwhile, the sales value per employee declined by 1.8%, amounting to RM701,986.” food surplus programme into Duyong. With the help of its longtime charity partner, Kechara Soup Kitchen, all safe and edible but unsold food products like vegetables, fruits and bakery items will be redistributed to various vulnerable groups in Malacca. Lotus’s Malaysia’s food surplus programme to date has provided over 120,000 families with access to nutrition.
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Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. 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 KUALA LUMPUR: SME Bank aims to approve RM2.5 billion in financing for over 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) this year. Group president and CEO Datuk Wira Aria Putera Ismail said yesterday the bank had approved RM2.7 billion in financing last year, with around 90% directed towards SMEs. “For the current year, RM2.5 billion is designated for SMEs with the remaining funds directed towards commercial financing. “Our primary focus is on SMEs encountering challenges in securing financing from traditional banks,” he said during a visit by Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan to SME Bank’s headquarters here. Aria identified key sectors for targeted financing, including technology, healthcare, construction and services sectors recognised by the government for their high-growth potential. Additionally, SME Bank aims to prioritise entrepreneurial empowerment programmes. “In every interaction with SMEs in the market, our approach encompasses various facets. “Firstly, financing. Secondly, capacity building. “Furthermore, for ventures into export markets, we emphasise facilitating market access.” Meanwhile, Ramanan said the total approved growth target for this year is expected to be around RM3.5 to RM4 billion. “RM3.5 billion to RM4 billion worth of growth approval will be issued from SME Bank. “From that amount, RM2.5 billion is for SMEs and the remaining RM1.5 billion is for commercial financing including environmental, social, and corporate governance development. “There will be also an allocation for SMEs to penetrate international markets and cross-border programmes.” He applauded the bank for its collaborative efforts to enhance the number of registered social enterprises in Malaysia through a strategic partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn Bhd (Cedar). “Cedar has been initiated from 2021 to 2023, and SME Bank, in collaboration with our department, has appointed 2,400 entrepreneurs in stages, including three tiers. “This development could potentially serve as inspiration for other business owners to actively partake in similar initiatives. “SME Bank, in turn, is strategically targeting a surge in participant numbers compared to previous instances.” – Bernama UEM Sunrise cautiously optimistic on property demand KUALA LUMPUR: UEM Sunrise Bhd is cautiously optimistic about property demand this year, underpinned by continued interest for mid-range market products and residential units in the Klang Valley. UEM Sunrise CEO Sufian Abdullah said yesterday the developer is aware and cautious of the challenges and does not expect a full rebound in demand towards the pre-pandemic level. “We are still positive and have been cognisant of the overall property market demand but not being over excited as we are just being aware of the challenges and trying to navigate around it while being cautious on the possible shortcomings,” he told the media after the launch of upgraded mobile app hUb Prop here. While being cautious of the global challenges, he noted that the company is in the midst of a transformation programme that involved the type and range of products to be launched. “Some of the numbers are being refined at the moment and we are also waiting for the fourth quarter results before we can share it.” To date, UEM Sunrise has a total land bank of 3,237.49ha. “For this year, we plan to selectively target land banks that would allow us to facilitate our expansion in the Klang Valley,” Sufian said. On the hUb Prop app, he said it serves as a self-service channel for users to obtain information about UEM Sunrise. The app also offers a wide range of services designed to enhance the home buying journey as well as access to rewards through the UEM Sunrise customer loyalty programme Trésor. – Bernama SME Bank aims to approve RM4b in financing oRM2.5b designated for 1,000 small and medium businesses this year Mitsubishi Motors opens first 3S centre in Nilai KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorised dealer Ban Lee Heng Motor (Nilai) Sdn Bhd opened the first Mitsubishi Motors 3S (sales, service and spare parts) Centre in Nilai recently. This increases the Mitsubishi Motors dealer network to 59 showrooms nationwide. “In line with Mitsubishi Motors’ business plan and as we progressively work towards introducing new Mitsubishi Motors models in Malaysia, we are continuing to advance our dealer’s network expansion to enhance our customers’ touch points,” said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO Shinya Ikeda. “Through this strategic move, we aim to cover untapped locations and extend our sales and services to meet the growing demand for the Mitsubishi brand.” He added that Ban Lee Heng Motor is confident that the new showroom will improve the visibility of Mitsubishi Motors in Nilai and deliver an ownership experience that goes beyond expectations.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 16 Fujitsu in firing line over UK Post Office scandal oGovt plans to exonerate all victims, warns company will be ‘held to account’ LONDON: A Japanese technology giant is in the crosshairs of British lawmakers for building the faulty accounting software that led to what has been called the country’s biggest ever miscarriage of justice. Fujitsu created the Horizon IT system that resulted in some 700 local post office managers being wrongly convicted for theft and false accounting between 1999 and 2005. The UK government, which plans to exonerate all victims, has warned the company will be “held to account” if a public inquiry finds it guilty of wrongdoing. MPs are calling for billions of dollars of government contracts with Fujitsu to be re-examined amid public outrage over the scandal, ignited by a hit TV drama aired last week. Lawmakers are due to grill Fujitsu bosses next week when they are hauled in front of the UK Parliament select committee that scrutinises the spending of the government’s business department. “We’re determined to uncover whether Fujitsu put profit before people,” said committee chairman and Labour MP Liam Byrne. “Someone must have known things were not right while innocent lives were being ruined by evidence that was simply unsafe.” A spokesman for Fujitsu told AFP the company is “fully committed to supporting the inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it”. They added that Fujitsu “has apologised for its role” in the subpostmasters’ suffering. The state-owned Post Office began installing Horizon IT in the late 1990s but flaws in its programming showed that money had gone missing from the subpostmasters’ branch accounts when it had not. Postal service executives, refusing to acknowledge problems with the software, forced workers to repay the shortfalls. The false accusations resulted in some managers being jailed, going bankrupt, losing their homes and their health. Four people took their own lives and dozens of those since exonerated died without seeing their names cleared. The High Court of England and Wales in 2019 ruled that it had been computer errors, not criminality, that had been behind the missing money. The UK government announced on Wednesday that it would unilaterally quash all convictions and offer £600,000 (RM3.5 million) per head in upfront compensation. The government has already in recent years paid almost £150 million to over 2,500 total victims embroiled in the scandal. An independent public inquiry established in 2021 has yet to conclude who at the Post Office, or Fujitsu, knew what and when. UK ministers have suggested that Fujitsu should cover some of the payouts if it is found culpable. “We strongly believe that individuals, that businesses, will be held to account for one of the biggest miscarriages of justice this country has ever seen,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman said on Wednesday. “We will not resile from that. But it is right that we allow an independent inquiry to get the facts, to set them out and then we can act.” Fujitsu – which has headquarters in Tokyo – is one of the world’s largest IT services providers. It provides IT services to multiple UK government departments including the Interior, Foreign and Environment Ministries. Conservative MP Mark Francois told Parliament the government should review all of its contracts with Fujitsu and “should consider suspending” them if the company “won’t do the right thing”. “Those are conversations we should have when we’ve identified exactly who is responsible,” replied Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake. “We won’t be able to do that for some months yet but we’re keen to do it as soon as we possibly can.” – AFP Britain unveils plans for nuclear power expansion LONDON: The UK government yesterday announced plans for what it said was the country’s “biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years” to bolster its energy independence and meet carbon emission targets. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap includes exploring the construction of a major new power station, £300 million (RM1.8 billion) of investment to produce an advanced uranium fuel and “smarter regulation”. Taken together, the measures would quadruple UK nuclear power by 2050 to 24 gigawatts, enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs. “Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “It’s green, cheaper in the long-term and will ensure the UK’s energy security. “This is the right long-term decision and is the next step in our commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way.” The government said it is committed to the 2050 net zero target but has come under fire after announcing last summer it will issue “hundreds” of new oil and gas licences in the North Sea. It is also grappling with a cost-of-living crisis partly caused by the spike in oil and gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Energy Minister Claire Coutinho said the plans would mean the UK would “never again be held to ransom over energy by tyrants like Vladimir Putin”. The government said the proposals represented “the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years”, adding it would “reduce electricity bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security”. The most eye-catching proposal is the possible construction of another power station as big as Sizewell in east England, construction on which is due to begin this year. The UK currently has nine operational nuclear reactors on five sites but many are nearing the end of their operating lives. – AFP India eyes import duty cuts on mobile phone parts NEW DELHI: India is considering import duty cuts on components key to producing high-end mobile phones, two government officials said, which would potentially be a boost for companies like Apple and the country’s exports. Companies in the sector have been pushing for cuts on nearly a dozen components to reduce the cost of making smartphones in India and level up the playing field with regional competitors such as China and Vietnam. India’s Electronics and Information Technology Ministry is firming up the proposal, including the size of the duty cuts, and hopes it can be included in the federal budget on Feb 1, one official said. It was not clear how many components are included in the ministry’s proposal. A decision on the cuts will be taken by the Finance Ministry when it finalises the budget, the two people said. The sources declined to be identified given the details of the proposal, which has not been previously reported, are not public. Components such as camera parts for high-end phones feature in the proposal, the second person said. Import duties on the mobile phone components, such as camera modules and chargers, where the industry is seeking cuts, currently range from 2.5% to 20%, according to the industry body India Cellular and Electronics Association. It said India’s levies are the highest among six comparable manufacturing nations including China, Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand. Those exports doubled to US$11.1 billion (RM52 billion) in the last fiscal year 2022/23 compared with the year before, according to industry figures, helped by government incentives to support local manufacturing. Mobile phone exporters in India, other than Apple, include South Korea’s Samsung and China-based Xiaomi. – Reuters Saudi says value of mineral resources has nearly doubled RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday the estimated value of its mineral resources had nearly doubled to US$2.5 trillion (RM11.6 trillion), highlighting a sector it hopes will help diversify its oil-reliant economy. “I am delighted to announce that our estimation for the kingdom’s untapped mineral potential has increased from US$1.3 trillion to US$2.5 trillion, an increase of 90%,” Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef told a conference in the Saudi capital. “This is based on new discoveries in the form of rare earth elements and a combination of the increase of volumes of phosphate, gold, zinc and copper, as well as the revaluation of these minerals.” The earlier valuation of US$1.3 trillion had been cited by officials, including Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, since at least 2017. Under Prince Mohammed, the world’s biggest crude oil exporter hopes to diversify away from fossil fuels, and the government is eyeing the mining sector as a potential source of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment each year. Risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft wrote last year that the focus on mining was “among the more feasible parts” of Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, aided by existing mines, plants and infrastructure including railways. – AFP The Fujitsu logo on the top of the UK head office building in Bracknell, west of London. – AFPPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 17 China REITs hit record lows amid economic woes SHANGHAI: China’s real estate investment products are tumbling, extending last year’s slump as investors lose hope for a recovery in the economy and property assets such as industrial parks and logistics hubs. Chinese real estate investment trusts (REIT), which issue shares to investors against a portfolio of real estate holdings, have hit successive lows in the first few days of 2024. After tumbling 28% in 2023, the CSI REITs Index has dropped another 6.4% this year through a rare, seven-day losing streak driven by one REIT manager’s disclosure of cuts in warehouse rental prices and broader fears of falling yields. The selloff reflects tumbling confidence in an economy where a deepening property crisis, weakening consumption and sputtering business activities have sapped demand for office buildings, warehouses and shopping malls. It also complicates Beijing’s efforts to lure investors into a nascent REIT market designed to channel badly needed cash to indebted local governments and property developers. “In an economic downtrend, it’s getting harder and harder for REITs to make money,“ said Xia Chun, chief economist at Forthright Holdings Co. Although REIT derive yields from relatively stable fee or rental incomes generated by underlying assets such as office towers or warehouses, Xia said REITs trade more like stocks than bonds, with big ups and downs, particularly in China. After some initial excitement after its 2020 launch, China’s REIT market has witnessed an eye-watering bubble burst. The REITs index has nearly halved from its early 2022 peak. Most of China’s 29 listed REIT are backed by infrastructure assets such as industrial parks, tollways and sewage treatment plants. Other REITs backed by shopping malls and supermarkets will be launched this month. In the latest bout of relentless selling, REIT backed by logistics properties were among the biggest casualties. – Reuters Nikkei breaks 35,000 for first time since 1990 TOKYO: Tokyo’s Nikkei index closed above 35,000 for the first time in nearly 34 years yesterday, buoyed by hopes for a perkier economy after decades of deflation. US tech rallies also lifted share prices, analysts said, following days of highs unseen since Japan’s asset price bubble burst more than three decades ago. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 1.77%, or 608.14 points, to 35,049.86 – the first time the index has closed above 35,000 since February 1990. The broader Topix index added 1.57 percent, or 38.39 points, to 2,482.87. oJapanese stocks are soaring to highs not seen for decades The pace of recent gains “deserves a speeding fine”, joked senior strategist Ryuta Otsuka of Toyo Securities. “The biggest factor behind the rally is most likely hopes that the Japanese economy will finally get back to normal after years of deflation,” he told AFP. Speculation is rife that the Bank of Japan could tighten its longstanding monetary easing policies as soon as April, Otsuka said. Gains in US tech shares, led by chip giant Nvidia, are also supporting the Japanese market, he added. The Nikkei’s all-time high was 38,915 on Dec 29, 1989, during Japan’s boom years from around 1986 to 1990. Following the 1985 Plaza Accord, aimed at weakening the dollar to reduce America’s trade deficit, Japanese authorities brought in easing measures to cushion the shock of a sharp rise in the yen against the dollar. That led to a massive flow of cash into real estate and stocks. But the stock market plunged in 1990 as the central bank continued to tighten its policies and the government strengthened regulation of the real estate market – leading to Japan’s “lost decades” of economic stagnation. Recent rises in Japanese shares are also partly due to the introduction of a revamped tax-free government stocks programme for individuals, known as NISA. Yesterday, the dollar stood firm at 145.40 yen, against 145.77 yen in New York. Among major shares, Sony Group jumped 3.54% to 14,340 yen, Toyota climbed 3.61% to ¥2,844, and SoftBank Group rose 1.92% to ¥6,431. Mini-car specialist Suzuki advanced 3.86% to ¥6,370 after announcing a US$4.2 billion (RM19 billion) investment to construct a new plant in India. – AFP Alaska, United cancel more flights as Boeing probes ‘quality’ issue WASHINGTON: Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday it would cancel all flights on 737 MAX 9 jets through Saturday as it continues to wait for regulatory approvals to resume flying after a cabin panel blowout Boeing suggested was caused by a “quality” issue. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Saturday grounded 171 Boeing jets installed with the same panel after the emergency landing, including Alaska Airlines’ 65 MAX 9s. The move has forced the cancellation of about 20% of the Seattle-based airline’s daily schedule for five consecutive days and 150 flights yesterday. United Airlines, the other US 737 MAX 9 operator with 79 of the planes in its fleet, said it had cancelled 167 flights on Wednesday and expected “significant” cancellations yesterday as well. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg declined to say on Wednesday when the FAA may allow the planes to resume flights but said it would only be when safe. “The only consideration on the timeline is safety,“ Buttigieg told reporters. “Until it is ready, it is not ready. Nobody can or should be rushed in that process.” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told CNBC on Wednesday that a “quality escape” was at issue in the MAX 9 cabin blowout that left a gaping hole in the plane that had been in service for just eight weeks, but added key questions remained. “What broke down in our gauntlet of inspections? What broke down in the original work that allowed for that escape to happen?” Calhoun said. A quality escape was “a description of what people are finding in their inspections... anything that could potentially contribute to an accident,“ he added. Boeing on Tuesday told staff the findings were being treated as a “quality control issue” and checks were under way at Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems, Reuters reported previously. Calhoun said he had spoken to Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to ensure there was no repeat of the cabin panel blowout on any MAX 9 after Friday’s incident. The grounding has rekindled frustration among airlines over the planemaker’s struggle to contain a series of safety and supply crises, industry officials and experts said. Alaska Airlines and United said on Monday they had found loose parts on multiple Alaska Airlines and United said they had found loose parts on multiple grounded aircraft, raising new concerns among industry experts about how Boeing’s best-selling jet family is manufactured. - AFPPIX grounded aircraft, raising new concerns among industry experts about how Boeing’s best-selling jet family is manufactured. The carriers still need revised inspection and maintenance instructions from Boeing that must be approved by the FAA before they can begin flying the planes again. “We will only return these aircraft to service when all findings have been fully resolved and meet all FAA and Alaska’s stringent standards,“ Alaska Airlines said. The International Association of Machinists (IAM), a union representing workers at fuselage maker Spirit and at Boeing’s factory in Renton, Washington that produces the 737, has been appointed a party to the US National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation, an IAM spokesman said on Wednesday evening. The spokesman did not provide further details. The NTSB confirmed the IAM’s involvement. Spirit’s interim CEO Patrick Shanahan was in Seattle over the weekend at Boeing’s invitation in a crisis room “listening to all of what we are trying to collect in the production process, taken it back to his team, interrogating their processes, alongside of our people,“ Calhoun said. Spirit said on Wednesday a company team was now supporting the NTSB’s investigation directly, adding it remained “focused on the quality of each aircraft structure that leaves our facilities.” The NTSB is focusing in part on whether the recovered cabin panel that blew off had been properly attached. Buttigieg said he told Calhoun how important it was for Boeing to address the issue in the MAX 9 and to ensure every plane it delivered was “100% safe.” Buttigieg said the FAA “will continue with a very, very strict level of oversight” to ensure that. The transportation secretary said he had also spoken to the United and Alaska Airlines CEOs and they agreed to take care of passengers whose flights have been cancelled because of the grounding. Buttigieg said the dramatic photos of the gaping hole led him to think what he would have done in that circumstance, which NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy described as “terrifying”. “I was on a plane a day or two later, with my two-year-old son sitting in the window seat next to me,“ Buttigieg said. “No passengers should go through what those passengers went through.” – Reuters Morgan Stanley promotes 155 to managing directors NEW YORK: China’s real estate investment products are tumbling, extending last year’s slump as investors lose hope for a recovery in the economy and property assets such as industrial parks and logistics hubs. Morgan Stanley promoted 155 employees to become managing directors this year, fewer than its 2023 cohort of 184, said a person familiar with the situation who declined to be identified discussing personnel matters. Out of the total employees being promoted, 37% of them are women. Of the US-based managing directors, 29% are ethnically diverse. The bank joins other Wall Street giants in elevating fewer bankers this year. Bank of America promoted 334 employees to become managing directors, 8% fewer than the previous year, while Goldman Sachs, which announces managing director promotions every two years, appointed 608 managing directors, down from the 643 it named two years ago. Investment banks including Morgan Stanley had a tough 2023 as deal-making activities slumped due to uncertainty in the global market. Mergers and acquisitions activity fell to its lowest level in 10 years globally in 2023. The bank also elevated Ted Pick, a threedecade bank veteran to take over the reigns of the bank as its new CEO from this month. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 18 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM WASHINGTON: The US securities regulator on Wednesday approved the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETFs) to track bitcoin, in a watershed for the world’s largest cryptocurrency and the broader crypto industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission said it approved 11 applications including from BlackRock, Ark Investments/21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco and VanEck, despite warnings from some officials and investor advocates that the products carried risks. Most of the products are expected to begin trading yesterday, issuers said, kicking off a fierce competition for market share. A decade in the making, the ETFs are a gamechanger for bitcoin, offering investors exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency without directly holding it. They provide a major boost for a crypto industry beset by scandals. “It’s a huge positive for the institutionalisation of bitcoin as an asset class,” said Andrew Bond, managing director and senior fintech analyst at Rosenblatt Securities. Standard Chartered analysts this week said the ETFs could draw US$50 billion (RM232 billion) to US$100 billion this year alone. Other analysts have said inflows will be closer to US$55 billion over five years. The market capitalisation of bitcoin stood at more than US$913 billion as of Wednesday, according to CoinGecko. As of December 2022, total net assets of US ETFs stood at US$6.5 trillion, according to the Investment Company Institute. Bitcoin was last up 3% at US$47,300. The cryptocurrency has soared more than 70% in recent months in anticipation of an ETF, and hit its highest level since March 2022 this week. Success in the battle for inflows will mostly depend on fees and liquidity, analysts say. Some issuers slashed their proposed fees in new filings this week, including BlackRock and Ark/21Shares. Those fees range from 0.2% to 1.5%, with many firms offering to waive fees entirely for a certain period of time. For short-term speculators looking to buy in and out of the products, liquidity could be more important. Companies expect a flurry of online advertising and other marketing. Some issuers, including Bitwise and VanEck, have already released ads touting bitcoin as an investment. “It is pretty unprecedented, so we’ll see how it works. I’ve never been in a situation where 10 of the same ETF was launched on the same day,” said Steven McClurg, chief investment officer at Valkyrie, whose ETF was among those approved on Wednesday. The approvals come a day after an unauthorised person published a fake post on the SEC’s account on social media platform X, saying the agency had approved the products for trading. The agency quickly disavowed and deleted the post. On Wednesday it said it is coordinating with law enforcement and the SEC’s own internal watchdog to investigate the incident. That incident, and a confused announcement on Wednesday afternoon in which the SEC appeared to publish the formal regulatory approval and then remove it from its website, did not dampen the crypto industry celebrations. “We believed that bitcoin could change the world, and we were and remain excited at the prospect of democratising access to this asset,” said Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein. Douglas Yones, head of exchange traded products at the New York Stock Exchange, where some products will be listed, said the approval was also a “milestone” for the ETF industry. Cynthia Lo Bessette, head of digital asset management at Fidelity, said the new products should provide “increased choice for investors who want to engage with” crypto. Some regulatory experts believe the bitcoin ETFs could also pave the way for other innovative crypto products. Several issuers, for example, have filed for ETFs tracking either, the second-largest cryptocurrency. “Once the dam has been breached, it’s going to be really hard for the SEC to continue its ‘just say no to crypto’ approach,” said Jim Angel, associate professor at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. Cryptocurrencies were created as an alternative to fiat currencies – currencies established by and backed by a government such as the US dollar and the euro – but cryptocurrencies are largely used as speculative investments due to their volatility. The green light marks a U-turn for the SEC, which had rejected bitcoin ETFs due to worries they could be easily manipulated. Hopes the SEC would finally approve bitcoin ETFs surged last year after a federal appeals court ruled that the agency was wrong to reject an application from Grayscale Investments to convert its existing Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF. – Reuters Bitcoin holds firm after US regulator’s move SINGAPORE: Bitcoin held steady yesterday after regulators approved the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETFs) to track the world’s largest cryptocurrency, seen as a landmark move that could broaden its appeal to investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Wednesday it approved 11 applications, including from BlackRock , Ark Investments/21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco and VanEck, with most of the products expected to begin trading later yesterday. Bitcoin was little changed in Asian hours and was last at US$46,337 (RM215,133). It had surged to its firmest in 21 months at US$47,897 earlier in the week in anticipation of the SEC approval, after those expectations contributed to an impressive 156% gain in bitcoin last year. Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, rose 0.2% to US$2,590.20, after having peaked at US$2,644 on Wednesday, its strongest since May 2022. “The approval of these spot bitcoin ETFs is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the cryptocurrency market,“ said Brett Tejpaul, head of Coinbase Institutional. “With major asset managers bringing the world of digital assets to millions through this regulated product, these ETFs are set to catalyse industry growth, unlocking trillions in new capital.” – Reuters US SEC approves bitcoin ETFs in watershed for crypto market oApproval could prove to be a landmark event in the adoption of cryptocurrency by mainstream finance Google slashes jobs at Voice Assistant, hardware units BENGALURU: Alphabet’s Google said on Wednesday it is laying off hundreds of employees across multiple teams, with Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman also leaving the company, as the tech giant continues to cut costs. Google said it will lay off hundreds at its Voice Assistant unit, while a few hundred roles are being eliminated in the hardware team responsible for Pixel, Nest and Fitbit, with the majority of people in the augmented reality (AR) team being let go. Hundreds of roles in the search giant’s central engineering team are also being impacted, the company said. Google bought health and fitness tracking company Fitbit for US$2.1 billion (RM97 billion) in 2021 but has continued to roll out new versions of its Pixel Watch, a product that competes with some of Fitbit’s devices and also the Apple Watch. “Throughout second-half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities. Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organisational changes, which include some role eliminations globally,“ a spokesman for Google told Reuters in a statement. The spokesman did not specify the number of roles being impacted. It is not immediately clear how many people are part of the Google Assistant software and other teams. The reorganisation of certain teams comes at a time when companies like Microsoft and Google are betting on the rising adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology following the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Last year, Google announced plans to add generative AI capabilities to its virtual assistant. AI would allow the assistant to do things like help people plan a trip or catch up on emails and then ask follow-up questions. In January 2023, Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, equivalent to 6% of its global workforce. As of September 2023, Alphabet had 182,381 employees globally. – Reuters Global electric car sales up 31% in 2023 LONDON: Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) rose 31% in 2023, down from 60% growth in 2022, according to market research firm Rho Motion. “The pace of growth is slowing, but that’s what’s expected in growing markets like this,“ Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester told Reuters. “You can’t double every year.” Lester said global EV sales last year were largely in line with the 30% growth Rho Motion had forecast. For 2024, the firm forecasts global EV sales growth of between 25% and 30%. Sales in December hit a monthly record of 1.5 million units, Rho Motion said. Fully electric or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 9.5 million out of the 13.6 million EVs sold around the world in 2023, with PHEVs accounting for the rest. After years of accelerating growth, some automakers fear electric car sales in Europe and elsewhere could be heading for slowing demand as drivers wait for better, smaller and cheaper models that are two to three years down the road. BEV sales jumped 50% in the US and Canada, and grew 27% and 15% in Europe and China respectively. Sales in Europe in 2024 could be affected by Germany’s abrupt decision last year to drop EV subsidies, Lester said. Rho Motion said only 8% of Europe’s BEV sales were in the smaller car segment, though that should start to change with the arrival of smaller models like the Citroen eC3 from Stellantis that is due to go on sale this year. – Reuters The reorganization of certain teams comes at a time when companies like Microsoft and Google are betting on the rising adoption of generative AI technology following the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. – AFPPIX
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) RAPID 11.5 -4.88 4524 YNHPROP 2.72 -0.95 28272 IMASPRO 1.99 -0.51 30578 METFSID 0.807 -0.243 77 NESTLE 119.8 -0.2 1047 GENTING 4.68 -0.19 152824 GENM 2.68 -0.17 451859 PCHEM 6.88 -0.12 40837 HUMEIND-LA 3.51 -0.11 19 LYSAGHT 2.39 -0.11 100 BOXPAK 0.79 -0.105 1,601 HSTECH-HU 0.51 -0.1 130 HARNLEN-WB 0.3 -0.095 92 CARLSBG 19.18 -0.08 962 KGB 2.26 -0.08 19139 PMETAL 4.82 -0.08 73757 SCABLE 0.305 -0.08 526771 CRESNDO 2.66 -0.07 2461 SHANG 2.18 -0.07 22730 UNIMECH 1.8 -0.07 340 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) BLDPLNT 10.98 0.98 404 HEIM 24.2 0.48 2258 GENP 6.3 0.29 58138 FRONTKN 3.58 0.27 100887 MAGNA 0.76 0.26 41034 DLADY 23.88 0.18 152 F&N 28.64 0.14 1041 KLK 22.4 0.12 8496 BIPORT 5.6 0.11 47 SBAGAN 4.41 0.11 1194 TAANN 3.61 0.11 8438 ALLIANZ-PA 19.4 0.1 399 MPI 28.1 0.1 1042 PPB 14.7 0.1 5139 HSI-HPI 0.285 0.09 130 ALLIANZ 19.28 0.08 1095 MERSEC 0.845 0.08 269367 APB 2.54 0.07 2504 DAYANG 1.82 0.07 56225 E&O 0.75 0.07 513206 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME HONGSENG +0.020 - - 3,050,775 TWL +0.040 -0.010 -20.00 1,396,555 MINETEC +0.220 -0.005 -2.22 1,100,024 SCIB +1.120 +0.040 +3.70 862,616 WIDAD +0.490 - - 822,082 VELESTO +0.255 +0.010 +4.08 762,983 SMTRACK +0.055 - - 722,714 HSI-CTD +0.030 +0.005 +20.00 644,794 IWCITY +0.875 -0.055 -5.91 624,543 HSI-CR8 +0.150 +0.015 +11.11 619,716 EKOVEST +0.545 -0.020 -3.54 616,892 CAPITALA +0.735 -0.055 -6.96 610,214 LEFORM +0.485 - - 570,743 HSI-CTE +0.200 +0.030 +17.65 537,081 SCABLE +0.305 -0.080 -20.78 526,771 UEMS +0.950 -0.020 -2.06 516,597 E&O +0.750 +0.070 +10.29 513,206 GENM +2.680 -0.170 -5.96 451,859 HSI-HSO +0.025 -0.010 -28.57 446,252 YTLPOWR +3.370 -0.010 -0.30 397,482 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: JANUARY 11 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 11,083.10 -14.60 FBMKLCI 1,483.00 -3.86 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 560.94 -3.46 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.03 -1.43 CONSTRUCTION 206.36 +0.47 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,536.60 -11.10 ENERGY 862.62 +12.44 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 577.19 -2.96 HEALTH CARE 1,979.03 +6.46 TRANSPORTATION 954.71 +0.88 PROPERTY 888.14 -8.28 PLANTATION 7,130.62 +63.11 FBMSHA 11,237.30 +2.39 FBMACE 5,414.62 -18.20 TECHNOLOGY 64.21 +0.38 TURNOVER: 4.64 bil VALUE: RM3 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) PHB 0.01 100 3000 FRONTKN-C27 0.105 90.91 5,000 MAGNA 0.76 52 41034 AXIATA-C95 0.015 50.00 6,470 BIOHLDG-PA 0.015 50.00 1,069 COMPUGT 0.015 50.00 2,645 EDUSPEC-WB 0.015 50.00 87 MEITUAN-C26 0.03 50.00 1,501 PDZ-WC 0.015 50 20,277 HSI-HPI 0.285 46.15 130 HIBISCS-C55 0.02 33.33 1,000 HSI-CTW 0.02 33.33 502 MEITUAN-C25 0.04 33.33 300 MERIDIAN-WC 0.02 33.33 1,200 TAANN-CY 0.08 33.33 1150 TAWIN-PA 0.02 33.33 350 FRONTKN-C31 0.085 70 10,775 DSONIC-C57 0.025 25 920 FFB-CV 0.05 25 7,277 KANGER-WB 0.025 25 10,304 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) FITTERS-WC 0.005 -50 9317 HSI-CR5 0.005 -50 92129 MTRONIC-WB 0.005 -50 3884 TWL-WD 0.005 -50 10000 ZENTECH-WB 0.005 -50 300 NDX-HB 0.03 -40 8530 GENM-C2L 0.055 -38.89 30500 ASTRO-C57 0.01 -33.33 31333 FINTEC 0.01 -33.33 32,350 KAREX-C14 0.03 -33.33 200 MRCB-C95 0.02 -33.33 500 NIO-C7 0.3 -33.33 50 PCHEM-C91 0.02 -33.33 10700 TOPGLOV-C3P 0.010 -33.33 220 RAPID 11.5 -29.79 4524 CME 0.025 -28.57 348023 GENM-C2N 0.1 -28.57 53460 HSI-HSO 0.025 -28.57 446,252 TENCENT-H1A 0.065 -27.78 1,189 HSI-HP1 0.095 -26.92 33012 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 37,695.73 170.57 0.45% S&P 500 (US) 4,783.45 26.95 0.57% NASDAQ (US) 14,969.65 111.94 0.75% NYSE (US) 16,818.88 45.81 0.27% EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4,509.34 40.36 0.90% FTSE 100 (UK) 7,691.56 39.8 0.52% DAX (GER) 16,831.60 141.79 0.85% NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 35,049.86 608.14 1.77% TOPIX (JPN) 2,482.87 38.39 1.57% HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 16,302.04 204.76 1.27% CSI 300 (CHN) 3,295.67 18.54 0.57% SH SE COM (CHN) 2,886.65 8.95 0.31% KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,540.27 -1.71 -0.07% MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 165.04 -0.23 -0.00 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,506.03 37.57 0.50% ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7,736.79 34.09 0.44% SENSEX INDEX (IND) 71,625.31 -32.4 -0.05% FBM KLCI 1,483.00 -3.86 -0.19% STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,197.71 17.75 0.56% WTI (US$/BBL.) 71.41 0.04 0.06% BRENT (US$/BBL.) 76.9 0.1 0.13% GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,036.20 8.4 0.41% SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 23.16 0.09 0.41% PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 926.69 4.08 0.44% COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 380.75 2.65 0.70% COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8,370.50 1 0.01% CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 461 1.5 0.33% WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 613.25 2.5 0.41% SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 48.7 0.45 0.93% COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 4,206.00 44 1.06% RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 151.6 2.2 1.47% World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, Jan 11 Bursa takes a breather, closes at intraday low KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia took a breather to end at its intraday low yesterday, dragged down mainly by the consumer products and services as well as industrial products and services sectors, ahead of the release of the United States (US) consumer price index (CPI) data later in the day. Genting Malaysia lost 17 sen to RM2.68, Petronas Chemicals slid 12 sen to RM6.88, Genting Bhd eased 19 sen to RM4.68, and Press Metal Aluminium was eight sen lower at RM4.82. These stocks pulled down the composite index by a combined 5.53 points. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) edged down by 3.86 points to 1,483.00 from Wednesday’s close of 1,486.86. The benchmark index opened 0.29 of-a-point better at 1,487.15 and thereafter moved to its highest level of 1,492.44 in the early morning session. On the broader market, decliners beat gainers 568 to 406, while 447 counters were unchanged, 797 untraded and 29 others suspended. Turnover declined to 4.64 billion units worth RM3 billion from 4.97 billion units worth RM2.84 billion on Wednesday. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said benign US inflation outcomes had indeed played a significant role in shaping global expectations for interest rate cuts. “Ahead of the US CPI release, assets perceived as riskier, such as the local bourse, are taking a breather and leaning towards profittaking. This cautious approach is in anticipation of the muchawaited US CPI report later today,“ he told Bernama. He said global investors will use the US CPI data to gauge the potential timing of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts. — Bernama 1,483.00pts Jan 11, 2024 Participation 28.1 43.4 28.5 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 861.2 1306.2 837.1 3004.5 Sold RM m 824.8 1301.7 878.0 3004.5 Net RM m 36.4 4.5 -40.9 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 11/1/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 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. AS A prominent contractor and toll highway concessionaire, Ekovest Bhd is set for profitability by FY25, benefiting from Johor’s vibrant property and construction sectors plus potential gains from the monetisation of DUKE highways and improvements across its business segments. Rakuten Trade Research views Ekovest’s plan to monetise DUKE Phase 1 and Phase 2 aligns with the resurgence of traffic to pre-pandemic levels as a profitable move. “This move could be a significant re-rating catalyst, as the total asset value may surpass the company’s market capitalisation by 2X,” it said in its report. The research house has a BUY call on Ekovest with a TP of RM1.16 based on its sum-of-parts valuation. Ekovest had successfully completed the Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE), formerly Duke Phase 3, in Nov 2023. With a 53- year concession, SPE is nicely poised to be in the black albeit initial operational losses. “We believe the ongoing Rapid Transit System Link project is expected to boost Ekovest’s future construction revenue amid an expanding order book driven by the RM1.2 billion rapid transit system project and potential projects such as DUKE Phase 2A Istana Link and initiatives in Johor,” it said. Though the company’s current net gearing of 2.26x is deemed high, the research house said, “This is easily addressed from the potential disposal of DUKE Phase 1 and Phase 2 that would further strengthen Ekovest’s underlying financial status for new projects going forward.” (Jan 11, 2024) GENTING Malaysia Bhd is planning to subscribe for additional US$100 million (RM464.05 million) preference shares in Empire Resorts Inc, a US gaming joint venture (JV) with the Genting’s founding Lim family. Kenanga Research said despite the sensitivity of a related-party transaction, the proposal aims to bolster Empire’s balance sheet. The research house has downgraded its OUTPERFORM call to MARKET PERFORM on the stock, imputing 5% discount to its previous Sum-of-Parts (SOP)-driven target price (TP) of RM3.07 to arrive at a new TP of RM2.90 while maintaining its forecasts. It has also downgraded Genting Malaysia’s ESG ratings from a neutral 3-star to 2-star rating. “We keep our FY23-24F earnings intact as Genting Malaysia is essentially using its balance sheet to bolster an investment with 89.6% economic interest. “More importantly, we expect Empire’s operations to gradually normalise with profits to show over the next two-three years,” it said in its notes. The research house said that Resorts World Genting is believed to be the key earnings driver, benefitting from the normalisation of domestic and regional travel. It said in Nov 2019, Genting Malaysia acquired 49% of Empire from the Lim family private vehicle, Kien Huat, for US$160m (RM661m) before proceeding to take Empire private. Since then, Kien Huat has invested US$524 million (RM2.431 billion) in Empire. Genting Malaysia has invested US$624 million (RM2.895 billion) into common and preference shares to support Empire’s operations, expansion and refinancing. (Jan 11,2024) LAGENDA Properties Bhd’s (Lagenda) wholly-owned Opti Vega entered into a development rights agreement (DRA) with Intact Corporate Approach Sdn Bhd to develop a Kota Tinggi project in Johor for RM85 million. The estimated gross development value (GDV) of Kota Tinggi land is RM576 million. Lagenda plans to launch 50% of the GDV for the new project in the middle of FY24, with the remaining 50% scheduled for launch after the launch of the first phase. AmInvestment Bank deems the land to be reasonably priced, despite a 20% premium compared to Crescendo’s acquisition of agricultural land in Kota Tinggi last year. “Assuming the cost for development right to be the land cost, the land price translates to RM17.50 psf and implies a land cost-toGDV ratio of 15%, which is within the industry’s average land costto-GDV ratio of 15%-20%,” it said. The payment of DRA would be mainly funded by cash (70%) with the remainder in borrowings (30%). “Following the completion of payment for development rights, we expect the group’s FY24F net gearing ratio to increase to 0.11x from 0.06x.” The research house maintains BUY on Lagenda with a higher fair value FV of RM1.85/share from RM1.79/share previously after accounting for contribution from the new Kota Tinggi project into its RNAV calculation. “Our FV is based on an unchanged discount rate of 30% to our RNAV and a 3% premium to reflect its 4-star ESG rating. The FV implies a FY24F PE of 8x, at parity to the current average of smaller cap property stocks,” it added. The stock now trades at a 24F PE of 5.6x vs. the industry average of 11x, while dividend yields are at 5.5%. (Jan 11, 2024) FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7090 4.5750 4.5650 1 Australian Dollar 3.1770 3.0520 3.0360 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5380 3.4360 3.4280 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5180 3.4250 3.4130 1 Euro 5.1780 5.0120 4.9920 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9490 2.8400 2.8240 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5380 3.4360 3.4280 1 Sterling Pound 6.0140 5.8250 5.8050 1 Swiss Franc 5.5250 5.3980 5.3830 100 UAE Dirham 129.7900 123.0800 122.8800 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.3740 4.0890 3.8890 100 Chinese Renminbi 65.7000 63.2000 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.1800 65.5100 65.3100 100 Hongkong Dollar 60.9000 57.8800 57.6800 100 Indian Rupee 5.7700 5.4200 5.2200 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0313 0.0283 0.0233 100 Japanese Yen 3.2400 3.1370 3.1270 100 New Taiwan Dollar 16.2000 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.7900 43.0300 42.8300 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7100 1.6000 1.4000 100 Philippine Peso 8.5000 8.0100 7.8100 100 Qatar Riyal 130.7100 124.0900 123.8900 100 Saudi Riyal 127.0400 120.6000 120.4000 100 South Africa Rand 26.1500 23.6200 23.4200 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.5000 1.3800 1.1800 100 Swedish Krona 47.5800 43.3300 43.1300 100 Thai Baht 14.0500 12.4600 12.0600 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit ends slightly lower against US dollar KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit retreated from recent gains to close slightly lower against the US dollar yesterday as concerns over the US consumer price index (CPI) data to be released later shifted investor appetite to safe haven currencies, including the greenback, dealers said. At 6pm, the ringgit depreciated to 4.6425/6455 versus the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 4.6400/6440. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid told Bernama that the USD/MYR hovered around RM4.64 to RM4.65 yesterday as the market awaited the US CPI data that will be released later last night. “The US CPI tonight (last night) is quite critical in determining the timing of the US interest rate cut. Should the CPI turn out to be higher than expected, it could result in the US dollar appreciating,” he said. Another dealer pointed out that Federal Reserve Bank of New York president John Williams on Wednesday said that it is still too early to call for any rate cuts as the central bank still has some distance to go on getting inflation back to its 2.0 per cent target. Meanwhile, at the close, the ringgit was traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. It weakened versus the euro to 5.0896/0929 from 5.0789/0833 yesterday, depreciated vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.9141/9179 from 5.9044/9095 on Wednesday but increased against the Japanese yen to 3.1896/1919 from 3.2018/2047 previously. The ringgit also traded mostly lower against Asean currencies. It fell against the Singapore dollar to 3.4901/4926 from 3.4851/4883 at Wednesday’s close and declined vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 8.29/8.30 from 8.24/8.25. – Bernama Oil prices to stay buoyant amid volatility: Maybank IB AS THE Energy Information Administration (EIA) has forecast a record-high demand for oil in 2024-2025, Maybank Investment (Maybank IB) anticipates that the elevated crude oil price environment will be here to stay in the medium term. It expects Brent oil price to remain elevated in 2024 with much volatility in sight. It said factors that would continue to induce volatility in the oil markets are: i) an improvement in demand ; ii) supply tightness due to structural under-investments; and iii) potential geopolitical risks, trade wars or embargoes. EIA also forecast a record-high crude oil demand of 102.34 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2024, with expectations that the supply/demand gap to be harshly narrow at an average of 0.15 mbpd (supply deficit) throughout the year. With the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and its allies’ efforts to continue curtailing production in 2024, the research house expects oil supply to remain tight in the foreseeable future. Going forward, it expects further output cuts from Opec+ if prices do not hold above US$75 (RM348.11)/barrel (bbl). Opec contributes to more than 30% of global oil production. “Despite a higher average Brent crude oil price expectation of US$85 (RM394.53)/bbl (Petronas’ forecast), we see the possibility of Petronas’ capex being sizable, with most subsegments seeing increased investment in 2024E, in our view,” it added. The research house maintains its POSITIVE stance on the sector with an in-house Brent oil average selling price assumption of US$80 (RM371.32)/bbl for 2024 with top sector BUYs being Yinson, Icon Offshore, Velesto and Wasco. (Jan 11, 2024) Lagenda Properties Bhd BUY. TARGET PRICE: RM1.85 Genting Malaysia Bhd MARKET PERFORM. TARGET PRICE: RM2.90 Ekovest Bhd BUY. TARGET PRICE: RM1.16 Source: Rakuten Trade Research Source: Kenanga Research Jan 11, 2024: RM2.68 Source: AmInvestment Bank Jan 11, 2024: RM0.54 Jan 11, 2024: RM1.36
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 21 Send us your stories to [email protected] W E got many emails about people having trouble with their New Year’s resolutions. Do not worry – there is still time to make things better. Here are some emails we got recently. Trying to be a better reader To be a good example for my kids, who often face my scoldings for not reading enough, we went on a family shopping trip late last year. Excitedly, we came back with lots of books, thinking we had enough to keep us busy for weeks. Unfortunately, while my children are making time for reading, I am caught up in work emails and household chores. It is tough to admit that I am struggling to match my actions with my goals. With the new year, I made a serious resolution to become a more dedicated reader and finish the books we got together. But the harsh reality is that I’ve only made a small dent in Wuthering Heights and the rest of our books are still neatly packed in the store’s plastic bags. I feel ashamed as my children give disapproving looks to the bookmark stuck on chapter one. Honestly, I have to admit that my actions don’t match my words, falling into the trap of the Malaysian saying, cakap tak serupa bikin (speaking differently than one acts). Despite these setbacks, I won’t give up. With strong determination, I’ve promised to make up for it this year. In the spirit of renewal, I’m working to turn my reading goals into real achievements, closing the gap between what I intend to do and what I actually do. - Azlyn Adam, 32 The challenge of changing my diet In the vast world of Malaysian food, like many others, I love eating out. Exploring new places to eat, whether it’s humble street stalls or old coffee shops, is something I enjoy without the need for extravagance. But, after a recent health checkup, I got some not-so-great results. The doctor advised me to cut down on sugar and salt to restore my inner balance. Faced with this advice, I had to decide whether to change my eating habits. With determination, I told my family about my plan for a new way of eating. I wanted to cook more at home, focusing on vegetables and ending meals with fruits for dessert. It felt like a vision of health and well-being, almost like a New Year’s resolution. However, my family, in their wisdom, laughed at my optimism. They knew about my cooking weaknesses and sadly, they were right. My attempt to eat healthier failed, and I ended up ordering takeout, revealing my limited cooking skills. Work didn’t make things easier. Instead of choosing healthy sandwiches, I gave in to invitations from colleagues, indulging in rich banana leaf meals and greasy, fried foods from nearby stalls. The thought of facing my doctor and the expected disappointment in the readings made me avoid the follow-up appointment. The promise I made during the checkup lingered as an unfulfilled commitment, bothering my conscience. This year, with its festive abundance and food celebrations, the temptation to feast is strong. The enticing dishes threaten to break down the weak walls of my resolution. Food, once a source of joy, has become my weakness, challenging my efforts to improve myself. The declaration to change my diet, born from new year optimism, now feels tarnished and incomplete. Yet, within this story of setbacks, there is a spark of resilience — a flicker that calls for future efforts to conquer the challenges of eating healthier. - Goh Mei Ling, 48 My shoe obsession I have a confession to make — I absolutely love clothes and I don’t hide it. The idea of wearing stylish outfits excites me, much like the iconic Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. But my weakness is not in clothes — it is in shoes. To be straightforward, I own a lot of pairs and my colleagues often joke that spotting me in the same shoes twice in a week is like finding a needle in a haystack. My personal motto is to keep my wardrobe fresh and up-todate. However, this love for fashion comes at a cost. At one point, I realised I needed to cut down on my extravagant spending on shoes. I acknowledged the overflowing state of my shoe storage and the impracticality of fitting another shoe cupboard into my small apartment. Despite this resolution, towards the end of the year, I found myself on a trip to the Causeway. Against my better judgement, I couldn’t resist buying almost a dozen new pairs of shoes. The irony peaked when even the immigration officer, amused by my growing footwear collection, jokingly asked, Bukak kedai kasut ke? (Did you open a shoe store?) Confronted with the undeniable truth of my insatiable desire for the latest footwear trends, I stand at a crossroads, unsure of the steps to correct this behaviour. While the need for a solution is evident, the exact remedy remains elusive. For now, I’m faced with the practical challenge of figuring out where to store my recent shoe acquisitions. The limited space in my living quarters requires a thoughtful solution to accommodate these new additions. Thus, the ongoing saga of my fashion fixation continues — a tale of love and excess that demands a resolution, even though it’s yet to be discovered. - Wendy Lee, 30 SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 21 You control your response to life’s uncertainties. Logic prevails as the sun harmonises with Uranus. Mars connecting with Saturn aids progress towards creative goals. The new moon in your communication house brings fresh discussions and potential projects. Mars harmonising with Jupiter boosts relationships, fostering hope for positive developments. SAGITTARIUS Nov 22-Dec 21 Embrace open-ended perspectives amid changing impressions. Mercury’s clash with Neptune makes precise assessments challenging, potentially leading to self-questioning or shifts in beliefs. The new moon in your personal resources house initiates a fresh start in finances, ideal for sorting out budgets and setting financial goals for the year. Mars harmonising with Jupiter adds extra motivation for work and chores. CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 19 The sun harmonises with Uranus, offering a modern self-understanding. Mars connecting with Saturn propels you forward, fulfilling your promises to yourself. The new moon in your sign sparks fresh beginnings in self-perception and relationships. Mars harmonising with Jupiter brings extra enjoyment to friendships and passions, while Mercury re-entering your sign adds self-assurance and confirmation. AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 Capricorn season emphasises your need for solitude, leading to brilliant discoveries as the sun harmonises with inventive Uranus. Working towards self-support is in focus as Mars connects with your ruler, Saturn, possibly opening avenues for passive income. The new moon aids in prioritising mental health and uncovering hidden aspects. Mars harmonising with Jupiter adds motivation to enhance your private and interior lives with extra mileage. PISCES Feb 19-March 20 Post-Mercury retrograde, you are advancing with fresh insights, yet communication hurdles surface with Mercury clashing with Neptune. The new moon sparks radical possibilities for future dreams, friendships or group connections. Supercharged social energy arrives as Mars harmonises with Jupiter, offering extra mileage for connecting and chatting with friends. ARIES March 20-April 19 Innovative financial strategies emerge as the sun aligns with Uranus. Mars and Saturn collaboration fuels progress, overcoming challenges. The new moon signals a career refresh, evolving your identity through modernisation and technology. Mars harmonising with Jupiter boosts confidence in reaching new heights. GEMINI May 21-June 20 Interpersonal confusion persists as Mercury clashes with Neptune, complicating communication. This recurring issue, observed twice since late November, prompts a need for clarity amid emotional and cultural challenges. The transformative new moon emphasises sensitivity to needs and discussions on intimacy, trust and boundaries gain clarity as Mercury re-enters Capricorn. TAURUS April 20-May 20 Express your radical ideas worldwide as the sun aligns with rebellious Uranus. Leverage your unique experiences to teach and develop your life philosophy. During the new moon, explore what you do not know and where to find answers. Your wisdom expands effortlessly as Mars aligns with Jupiter, providing boundless energy for your pursuit of knowledge. CANCER June 21-July 22 Exciting potential emerges in relationships as the sun harmonises with Uranus. The new moon in your relationship house signals new dynamics. Network with diverse individuals online or at unconventional events. Your success attracts attention as Mars harmonises with Jupiter. Mercury’s re-entry finalises ongoing conversations since November. LEO July 23-Aug 22 Defying norms, you embody limitless potential with the sun harmonising with Uranus. Resilience and determination empower you through life’s challenges. The new moon in your work and routine house signals a fresh start. Dedicate yourself to small habits for long-term success. With staying power, this Capricorn new moon offers extra mileage for work and potential greatness as Mars harmonises with Jupiter. VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Post-Mercury retrograde, questions linger as Mercury clashes with dreamy Neptune, sparking emotional and philosophical discussions in relationships. The new moon in your leisure house initiates a fresh start in your creative and social pursuits, potentially leading to new friends, dates or hobbies. Mercury reenters your social sector, prompting reflections on missed connections and rekindling with friends or acquaintances you intended to spend time with. LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 Find peace with others’ quirks as the sun harmonises with Uranus. Your inner calm can bring order to their lives or establish firm boundaries against absurdity or anxiety. The new moon in your home and family house initiates a fresh start, motivating positive transformations in life and relationships. Mars harmonising with Jupiter boosts faith in positive outcomes. Resolving conversations from early December, Mercury re-enters your domestic sector. Reader’s eader’s personal ersonal chronicle hronicle Your weekly horoscope
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 22 PANDAN with its sweet and aromatic essence, is a cherished ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, adding a unique flavour profile to both sweet and savoury dishes. In this culinary exploration, we invite you to discover the delightful world of pandan through four diverse recipes that showcase its versatility. Pandan coconut rice Elevate your dining experience with the tantalising aroma of pandan coconut rice. The gentle infusion of pandan imparts a subtle sweetness, transforming an everyday staple into a culinary masterpiece. 0 Ingredients - 1 cup of jasmine rice - 1 cup of coconut milk - 1 cup of water - 1 pandan leaf, washed and tied into a knot - 1/2 teaspoon salt 0 Instructions Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In a rice cooker or saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaf and salt. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker instructions or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pandan leaf before serving. Pandan chicken Enjoy savoury indulgence with the perennial Nyonya favourite - pandan chicken. This is a dish that truly encapsulates the essence of Southeast Asian flavours with its masterful blend of aromatics, topped off by the pandan leaf, which takes centre stage. █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN 0 Ingredients - 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons pandan juice (blend pandan leaves with water and strain) - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon of soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of fish sauce - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon of sugar - Skewers for grilling 0 Instructions In a bowl, mix pandan juice, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic and sugar to create the marinade. Marinate the chicken pieces in the mixture for at least two hours. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill or bake until the chicken is cooked through. Pandan coconut jelly Cool, refreshing and visually stunning, pandan coconut jelly is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of pandan juice with the creamy richness of coconut milk. This dessert is a testament to how pandan effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into an exquisite culinary creation, perfect for a sweet conclusion to any meal. 0 Ingredients - 1 cup of pandan juice - 1 cup of coconut milk - 1/2 cup sugar - 3 tablespoons agar-agar powder 0 Instructions In a saucepan, mix pandan juice, coconut milk, sugar and agar-agar powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and agar-agar powder dissolve. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for two to three minutes. Pour the mixture into moulds and let it cool. Once set, refrigerate until firm. Pandan chiffon cake Indulge in the light and airy goodness of pandan chiffon cake, where pandan juice and extract come together to create a vibrant greenhued confection. This cake is a symphony of textures and flavours, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. The subtle sweetness of pandan infuses every slice, making it an irresistible dessert or teatime treat. 0 Ingredients - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups sugar - 1 tablespoon of baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 7 large egg yolks - 1 cup of pandan juice - 1 teaspoon of pandan extract - 7 large egg whites - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 0 Instructions Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, egg yolks, pandan juice and pandan extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. In another bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan and bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Invert the pan and let it cool completely before removing the cake. In the world of culinary delights, pandan stands as a beacon of unique and aromatic possibilities. Each dish showcased above is a testament to the versatility and magic that pandan imparts to our cooking expeditions. So, as you embark on your own culinary exploration, may the fragrance of pandan continue to waft through your kitchen, creating memorable and delicious moments for you and your loved ones. Sweet to savoury oFour unique recipes featuring the aromatic pandan Pandan coconut jelly. Pandan coconut rice. Pandan chicken. Pandan chiffon cake.
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 23 FEW fruits command the attention and admiration that strawberries do. Their vibrant colour, sweet taste and versatility make them a favourite ingredient in a wide range of dishes. From desserts to salads, beverages to main courses, strawberries have found their way into the hearts and stomachs of food enthusiasts around the globe. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore the top food combinations that showcase the unparalleled magic of strawberries. Strawberry shortcake With each forkful, transport yourself to a world where culinary simplicity meets sublime indulgence. Strawberry shortcake — a masterpiece composed of layers of delicate sponge cake generously adorned with plump, sun-kissed strawberries and crowned with clouds of velvety whipped cream. This timeless dessert effortlessly captures the essence of summer, creating a symphony of flavours and textures that transcends the boundaries of o r d i n a r y sweetness. A mainstay at picnics, family g a t h e r i n g s and joyous celebrations. Strawberry salad Elevate your salad experience with the addition of strawberries. The strawberry salad symphony brings together a medley of fresh greens, succulent strawberries, crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury, creating a refreshing dish that tantalises the taste buds. Strawberry smoothie Kickstart your day with a burst of energy and flavour by blending strawberries into a delicious smoothie. Combine these ruby-red gems with yoghurt, banana and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing concoction that not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a nutritious boost to your morning routine. Chocolate-covered strawberries When strawberries meet chocolate, magic happens. Indulge your sweet tooth with chocolatecovered strawberries — a simple yet decadent treat. The luscious combination of juicy strawberries enrobed in rich, melted chocolate creates a symphony of flavours that is nothing short of heavenly. Strawberry yoghurt parfait For a delightful and healthy dessert or snack, indulge in a strawberry yoghurt parfait. Layer Greek yoghurt with granola and fresh strawberries to create a parfait that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides a satisfying crunch and creaminess in every spoonful. Strawberry jam Transform the humble strawberry into a spreadable delight with homemade strawberry jam. Whether slathered on warm toast, paired with scones or used as a topping for pancakes and waffles, strawberry jam adds a burst of sweetness to your breakfast or afternoon tea. Strawberry salsa Take your taste buds on a flavourful journey with strawberry salsa. Diced strawberries mingle with red onion, cilantro, lime juice and a hint of jalapeno to create a vibrant salsa that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, grilled chicken or fish. It is a refreshing twist on the traditional salsa, adding a fruity kick to your palate. Strawberry and spinach salad Elevate your salad game with the strawberry and spinach salad. The marriage of fresh strawberries, baby spinach, creamy goat cheese and candied nuts results in a sophisticated and satisfying dish. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and tastes that leaves you craving more. Strawberry ice cream Cool down on a warm day with the timeless delight of strawberry ice cream. Whether enjoyed in a cone, cup or as part of a sundae, the velvety smoothness of strawberry ice cream is a comforting and indulgent treat that captivates ice cream lovers of all ages. Strawberry lemonade Quench your thirst with the refreshing combination of strawberries and lemonade. The sweet and tangy flavours come together to create a drink that is not only v i s u a l l y a p p e a l i n g but also a p e r f e c t c o m p a n i o n for lazy a f t e r n o o n s , picnics or o u t d o o r gatherings. Strawberries stand as a versatile and beloved ingredient, capable of transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a penchant for savoury delights, there is a strawberry-infused dish waiting to captivate your palate. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colour lend themselves to a myriad of culinary possibilities, inspiring chefs and food enthusiasts to create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Embrace the magic of strawberries and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless charm of this beloved fruit, making every meal a delightful experience for the senses. █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Chocolate-covered strawberries Strawberry salsa Strawberry and spinach salad. Strawberry lemonade Berry bliss oTop delectable strawberry combinations Strawberry smoothie Strawberry salad
SCAN ME powered by Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / [email protected] Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 E: [email protected] FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 Easyto love to love THE Proton X90 created quite a storm when it was introduced last year. Not only was it Proton’s first D-segment SUV, but it was also its first seven-seater. There were lots of expectations, especially in terms of price, and truth be told, we were quite surprised when Proton announced the price of the X90. Not because it was expensive, but because it was surprisingly affordable. The starting price for the X90 is just RM123,800, which is the exact same price as the flagship X70. There is an overlap in pricing there, but it makes perfect sense for those seeking more space and a bigger car. But is it worth it? After being loaned one for a week, attending a wedding with it with eight people in the car and all the accompanying ceremonies throughout the course of a few days, we are surprised that we don’t see more X90’s on the road. The X90 sits in the same segment as the Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Hyundai Santa Fe, among others of course. It does everything that the others can do, and it is a lot cheaper as well. The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (also known as the Okavango in some markets) but it is not a simple re-badge job. Proton updated the design particularly around the bumpers and the grille to keep it in line with the overall Proton design language. Besides the re-styling, Proton said that it also updated the suspension of the X90 to ensure that it is better suited to Malaysian roads. During the launch of the X90, Proton said that its engineers tested the multi-link suspension over Proton X90 flagship has everything at a surprising price █ BY KESHY DHILLON Boss switch on the front passenger seat lets second row passengers adjust position of the front seat. The X90 Flagship is perfect for a family of four or six. EMS stands for Electric Motor Synergy. The 1.5L, turbo engine is backed up by a mild-hybrid system that makes it more powerful yet more efficient.
MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 25 a course of a million kilometers on various roads in Malaysia. You can be forgiven if you think that the suspension is a little bit on the softer side, but drive it for a few days and you will notice that it actually does really well at soaking up all the horrible things that Malaysian roads tend to have; pot holes, sudden inundations, overly aggressive speed bumps, etc. In terms of design, the X90 is a big, long SUV that from certain angles has the proportions and even the silhouette of an MPV. In fact, there have been some fiery debates online about what the X90 actually is. But Proton refers to it as an SUV so that should end that unnecessary argument. Inside, the X90 is mighty impressive. Quality is surprisingly good, in fact, we will go so far as to say that quality of the X90 is the best amongst any Protons, past and present. We drove the flagship variant, which is one of four variants on offer. The standard is priced at RM123,800, the Executive at RM130,800, the Premium has a RM144,800 price tag while the topof-the-line variant featured here is priced at RM152,800. Just for reference, the cheapest Kia Sorento is priced at just under RM212,000 while the entrylevel Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880. In fact, the only competitor that remotely gets close to the X90 in terms of pricing is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro that costs RM159,800. The X90 flagship model is also the only model that comes as a six-seater, the rest are sevenseaters. It offers two individual seats in the second row, which some call “captain” seats, and just about everything is wrapped in fine Nappa leather. Now depending on how many people you ferry around or even if you like being driven around, the six-seater variant is not a bad deal despite lacking sitting space. As we found out, children appreciate their individual space as much as older people. And if you don’t have too many people to ferry, this is a great way to go around. There is also a full panoramic roof that adds to the sense of occasion as well as separate climate control for the second-row passengers. This is great but quite normal, what is not normal though is that the air-conditioning vents are located on the roof of the car rather than at the bottom of the centre console. This is ingenious as it blows cool air directly to your face rather than to your knee. If that still does not cut it, the X90 even offers ventilated seats for the first and second row seats. Several car makers, who charge a lot more for their cars, should take a cue from the X90. The third-row passengers too will appreciate having their own vents as well as their own USB ports and cup holders, making the X90 perfectly suited for family escapades. There is plenty of tech too. For starters, the X90 runs on a mild-hybrid powertrain. The core is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine that is similar to the X50 Flagship as well as the new X70 models. It is mated to Proton’s regular seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. But that’s not all, being a “mild-hybrid”, there is a battery and a converter that works to provide more power while improving overall efficiency. It does this by utilising six components that form the entire hybrid system – a DC-DC converter, a beltstarter generator (BSG), a lithium-ion battery, a battery management system, energy recovering braking system and a hybrid module control system. Working in unison with the standard powertrain, the X90 offers 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Just for reference, that is 13PS and 45Nm more than other cars that run on the same powertrain but without the hybrid system. Aside from more power, the X90 also has 10% better acceleration and 13% lower emissions. The X90 may be comfortable to drive or to be driven in, but when it is fully loaded, it does tend to feel a little underpowered. Despite it being up on power as compared to its siblings with the same engine, it is also heavier and sits more people, so when all seats are occupied, it feels like it needs about 20PS and 50Nm more. The trick though is to use one of the three driving modes (Sport, Normal and Comfort), particularly Sport mode. This is when the SUV feels more nippy and eager to downshift, giving you quicker access to power when you need it the most. Despite that, the powertrain is undoubtedly smooth, but we have a gripe, not with the engine nor the gearbox or the hybrid system, but the gear selector. In regular selectors, you either move the lever once to move from P to D or vice versa. However, in the X90, you have to pull the lever down twice. First to move from P to N and then again to D, which is quite weird. But to select P, you only have to press the P button. This is not something that will put buyers off, but it is quite awkward. Continuing with the topic of tech, the meter panel is fully digitalised with a 10-inch LCD panel offering all the essentials such as speed, rpm and gear position. At the centre of the rather large dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that gives you access to music and navigation. However, we still loathe the fact that the X90 does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Great news though, some Protons executives have said that the carmaker will soon be offering those two systems, and even existing owners will be able to access it through a hardware update. It also offers a host of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent high beam control, 360° camera and one system that we were particularly impressed by – the door opening warning system. This lets you know when there is a cyclist or a motorcyclist that is approaching the car and warns you so you don’t accidentally open the door. The downside to this is it also works in traffic, and in Malaysia where motorcyclists are incessantly zooming past a car, the system is constantly beeping. And that can be annoying. But then again, tech is not always perfect but the Proton X90 still has a lot to offer, such as impressive refinement, quality and tech that can put more expensive cars to shame. And at its price, there is simply no arguing against it. Third row seats have their own USB ports and air-con vents. ‘Captain’ chairs are exclusive to the Flagship variant only. Fine Nappa leather feels plush. The 12.3” infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10” digital meter panel is clear and crips while the steering wheel feels expensive. The full panoramic roof makes the already spacious interior feel bigger. Electronic gear selector can be a little awkward to use. Driver gets a 6-way electronically adjustable seat while passenger a 2-way. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 1.5L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, mild-hybrid Power: 190PS @ 5500rpm Torque: 255Nm @ 1500rpm Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch with manual mode Suspension: MacPherson Strut (Front) / Multi-link with Stabiliser (Rear) Price: RM152,800 (as tested) Refin ement, quality, price. Safety systems can be intrusive.
MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 26 NISSAN is ushering in the new year with sophistication as it unveils the enhanced Nissan Almera KURO (Black) Edition. Boasting elevated aesthetics that radiate sporty poise, the 2024 model introduces the trendy Glacier Grey exterior body colour. The Nissan Almera KURO (Black) Edition sets the stage with factory-fitted styling enhancements, featuring gloss black front grille cladding and black alloy rims as standard equipment across all three Almera variants. Elevating the stealthy theme, customers can opt for either the KURO Package or the KURO GT Package, both significantly enhancing the vehicle’s appearance. The KURO Package builds on the Almera Turbo’s aerokit developed exclusively by TOMEI Japan, incorporating elements such as a Gloss Black Front Bumper Spoiler, Gloss Black Rear Bumper Spoilers, Gloss Black Side Skirts, and Gloss Black Boot Lid Spoiler. The package also includes practical accessories like ICE Cool Tinting Film, Sport Pedals, Kicking Plate, Door Handle Protector, and Door Visor. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate styling, the KURO GT Package takes it up a notch by adding the distinctive TOMEI GT Wing and 16” IMPUL Racing alloy rims, providing a complete stealth treatment. Achieving an impressive fuel economy rating of 18.4km per litre, the Almera Turbo boasts a turbocharged engine using Mirror Bore Coating technology from the iconic R35 Nissan GT-R. Paired with the ultra-efficient XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission with D-Step Logic and Sport Mode, the Almera Turbo delivers exceptional performance. The new Nissan Almera KURO (Black) Edition starts at RM83,888, with a launch promotion offering RM1,000 for the KURO Package and RM1,500 for the limited edition KURO GT Package (limited to 300 vehicle sets). Additionally, low monthly instalments starting from RM658 are available. The Almera KURO (Black) Edition is now available for viewing and test drives at all Nissan showrooms nationwide. DEPENDING on your age, you may or may not have heard of the MG brand. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic automotive brands and has been around since the 1920s. The British marque, arguably as iconic as Jaguar, was once known for its lightweight open-top two-wheel sports cars, and is one of a must have brand for any self-respecting classic car collector. MG may be a classic brand and was in Malaysia for many years, even before independence, but these days the brand is no longer the same as what we know it. MG is now owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), a Chinese state owned company, and has a strong presence in many markets. However, despite its popularity in markets such as Thailand, it has been absent from Malaysia. Not for long though. There have been spyshots of some EV models testing in Malaysia, and there are growing rumours that the brand is making a strong comeback into our market, and soon! However, we have heard that the MG brand will start off as an EV brand only at first, perhaps to capitalise on the incentives that our government is giving to encourage EV adoption. There is no word yet on when the iconic brand will be launched but judging by the models it has on offer, it will be interesting to see how well the brand is received. The MG4 hatchback has been spotted undergoing tests in Malaysia and the Csegment model promises to be quite a good alternative to the current Chinese offerings. At this point, it is anybody’s guess as to which trim will be offered in Malaysia, but our friend’s up north in Thailand get two variants – the D and the flagship X. As for prices, the D is priced at RM112,000 in Thailand where else the X is priced at RM125,000. You can expect the Malaysian prices to be somewhat the same. Naughty supermoto MALAYSIAN BIKERS, rejoice! KTM Motorcycles Malaysia has officially introduced the KTM 890 SMT, widely regarded as one of the naughtiest bikes on the planet. The SMT continues on the legacy of the 990 SMT from 15 years ago, and is in essence an adventure bike in design but a supermoto at heart. This is the bike for supermoto riders who want to go on an adventure. Powering the 890 SMT is the same engine as the 890 Duke R – the 899cc LC8c parallel-twin mill engine putting out 105hp at 8000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 6500rpm. The 890 Duke R and 890 Adventure also run on the same engine, though with a different state of tune putting out 119hp and 99Nm of torque. In true supermoto spirit, the 890 SMT is a big, tall bike, with a set height that sits 860mm off the ground, with a ground clearance of 227mm. Suspension duties are managed by WP Apex suspension all around with 43mm forks providing 180mm of travel with adjustable rebound and compression. The rear monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound. KTM says the 890 SMT was developed for sharp handling and this is partially achieved with trick suspension and also a high strength tubular chromoly steel frame with the engine acting as a stressed member to reduce weight and size. The smaller frame also allows for a longer swingers that is said to improve traction and handling. As for the subframe, KTM says it is fully loaded to attack the street. The steel trellis subframe was developed to be compact, lightweight and strong enough to carry load. As for electronics, the new SMT comes with three riding modes – Sport, Rain and Street, a 5” TFT display, a standard quickshifter, heated grips and a slipper clutch. Traction Control is managed by a 6D Intertial Measurement Unit. Also standard is Cornering ABS, but being a supermoto at heart, it also has Supermoto ABS that allows the rider to lock the rear wheels when the going gets fun. Braking duties are managed by J.Juan that grip 17-inch wheels using twin 320mm discs up front with 4-piston radially mounted callipers. At the rear, a 260mm disc is also gripped by a double-piston floating calliper supplied by J.Juan. The 890 SMT is ultimately built for adventure and as such its 15.8L fuel tank offers a range of more than 300km. It is no wonder then that the new SMT is being hailed as the perfect cross between an adventure bike and a street fighter. The KTM 890 SMT is now in Malaysia for RM101,800. █ BY KESHY DHILLON Jaecoo J8 launch expected in October 2024 JAECOO MALAYSIA showcased the Jaecoo J8 alongside the Jaecoo J7. The J8 was revealed in Doha, Qatar, in October last year in both two- and three-row seating configurations, depending on the market. This SUV measures at 4,820mm in length, 1,699mm in height, and 1,930 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2 , 8 2 0 m m , making it s l i g h t l y larger than the J7. U n d e r the hood, the J8 packs a 2.0L turbocharged i n l i n e - f o u r petrol engine producing 245hp and 385Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While the previewed unit was a left-hand drive and not indicative of the model for the Malaysian market, it still showcased several features. Notable elements include 20” alloy wheels, LED headlamps, dual 12.3” displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and controls, along with a head-up display. The interior revealed leather u p h o l s t e r y , p o w e r - adjustable front seats, a 14-speaker S o n y s o u n d system, airc o o l e d w i r e l e s s charging, a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, and a powered tailgate. While the previewed unit was configured for five seats, the J8 is available with six or seven seats. However, the J8 will be launched much later this year as we still await the official launch of the J7 which is expected to be sometime in March. Return of the iconic MG brand Nissan unveils 2024 Almera KURO (Black) edition
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 27 PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-852-11/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2018034811 (bertarikh : 26/11/2018) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 154037, Lot 31393, Mukim 14, Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN LEE KAI LOON (No. Kad Pengenalan : 781023025265) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 10 November 2022 dan 11 Disember 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Isnin, 5 Februari 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 154037 No. lot : Lot 31393 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 14 / Seberang Perai Tengah / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 5446.0000000000 kaki persegi 506.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Lee Kai Loon Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The land comprised in this title: (a) shall not be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on the exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation of a Collector’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : (i)No Pers 0799B2018010297 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh PUBLIC BANK BERHAD didaftarkan pada 10/10/2018 (ii) No Pers 0799B2021007824 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh YAYASAN EKONOMI KEWANGAN ANTARABANGSA didaftarkan pada 25/10/2021 LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah A double-storey corner unit bungalow link yang beralamat pos di No. 2, Lorong Santuari 12, Taman Santuari, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 1,134,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: SATU JUTA SATU RATUS TIGA PULUH EMPAT RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-298/LKL(RS/j) 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YNG METAL INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001032945 (916868-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of YNG Metal Industry Sdn. Bhd., duly convened and held at 18, First Floor, Jalan Sungai Tiram 3, Taman Tunas Damai, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang on 4th day of January, 2024, the special resolutions set out below was duly passed. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Neoh Chin Wah of Insol-i Corporate Recovery PLT, 3rd Floor, Acctax Corporate Centre, No. 2, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of the winding-up. Dated this 12th January 2024 Yew Joo Aun Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YNG METAL INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001032945 (916868-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company are required on or before 12th February 2024 to prove their debts or claims and to establish any title they may have to priority by delivering or sending through the post to the Liquidator at the undermentioned address and affidavit verifying their respective debts or claims. In default they will be excluded from the benefit of priority, if any, and from objecting to any such distribution. Form of proof may be obtained from the Liquidator at the address shown below. Dated this 12th January 2024 Neoh Chin Wah, Liquidator c/o Insol-i Corporate Recovery PLT 3rd Floor Acctax Corporate Centre No. 2, Jalan Bawasah 10050 Georgetown Penang DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KAJANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO.: BH-A52NCC-45-10/2023 ANTARA B2B FINPAL SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 1192385-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN 1) GREENHUB ECO PRODUCTS SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT:201701026272/1240438-W) 2) LOOI QI YUAN (NO. K/P: 961224-08-6193) 3) TEOH CHIA WEN (NO. K/P: 950613-07-5224) ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Kepada: GREENHUB ECO PRODUCTS SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 201701026272/1240438-W) F-5-15, 5TH Floor, Block Latitude, Jalan C180/1, Dataran C180, 43200, Cheras, Selangor DAN LOOI QI YUAN (NO. K/P: 961224-08-6193) No.26, Jalan 3, Taman Sungai mas, 34000, Taiping, Perak. DAN TEOH CHIA WEN (NO. K/P:950613-07-5224) E-1701 Riana Green Condo, Jalan PJU 3/1C, Tropicana Golf Country Resort Malaysia, 47410, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah Sesyen Di Kuala Lumpur dalam Writ No: BHA52NCC-45-10/2023 oleh B2B Finpal Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat:1192385-H) yang mempunyai alamat di Unit T2 -L9, Level 9, Tower 2, PJ33 (Jaya 33), Jalan Prof Khoo Kay Kim (Jalan Semangat), 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor yang mana Plaintif menuntut daripada Defendan-Defendan seperti berikut :- a) Jumlah prinsipal Issued Note sebanyak RM100,000.00; b) Faedah pada kadar 14.50% setahun mengikut pengiraan faedah harian, ke atas jumlah principal Issued Note dari tarikh pinjaman diberi kepada Penerbit (“Issuer”) (“Disbursement Date”) sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; c) Faedah penalti lewat pada kadar 8% setahun ke atas setiap Issued Note dari tarikh matang setiap Issued Note sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; d) kos; dan e) Relif-relif yang yang dianggap sesuai dan berpatutan oleh Mahkamah yang Mulia ini. DAN MAHKAMAH TELAH MEMERINTAHKAN BAHAWA penyampaian Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut dalam Tindakan tersebut disampaikan kepada kamu melalui penampalan Salinan Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut di atas berserta dengan Salinan perintah untuk penyampaian ganti bertarikh 03 Januari 2024 Dengan menampalkan sesalinan serupa di Papan Notis Mahkamah Sesyen di Kajang serta mengiklankan penyampaian dalam bentuk notis di dalam surat khabar tempatan “The Sun” untuk satu terbitan dan bahawa segala penampalan dan pengiklanan setelah tamat tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang sempurna dan mencukupi bagi Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut ke atas kamu. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela diri dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan atau perintah dibuat terhadap atau berhubungan dengan dirinya sebagaimana yang difikirkan adil dan suaimanfaat oleh Mahkamah Bertarikh pada 3 Januari 2024 ………………t.t ………………… Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif NOTIS ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai beralamat di 12, 1st Floor, Jalan BK1/17, Bandar Kinrara Industrial Park, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas ((Tel. No: 03 -5887 3839 / Faks No:03-5887 4143). (Ruj: MG/349/(GEPSB)/23) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. MA-29NCC-270-11/2023 Per:: AHMAD FAUZI BIN MOHAMED (No. K/P: 550829-10-6277) … Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: : SEABRIGHT SDN. BHD. [No. Syarikat: 197601003939 (30204-K)] … Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS Kepada: AHMAD FAUZI BIN MOHAMED Infiniti No. 3, Jalan Gangsa Impian 2 Taman Gangsa Impian Durian Tunggal 76100 Melaka AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah ini oleh Seabright Sdn. Bhd. yang mempunyai alamat berdaftar di di Lot 1035, Block 4, MCLD, Piasau Industrial Area, 98000 Miri, Sarawak dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu dengan cara menampalkan salinan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut bersama-sama dengan sesalinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Melaka dan di suatu bahagian yang nyata di alamat Infiniti No. 3, Jalan Gangsa Impian 2, Taman Gangsa Impian, Durian Tunggal, 76100 Melaka iaitu alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui dan pengiklanan Notis ini dalam satu keluaran akhbar harian tempatan dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini dianggap penyampaian sempurna dan cukup Notis Kebankrapan terhadap kamu, selepas penamatan, empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan. Notis Kebankrapan ini bolehlah diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon dari Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 4 Januari 2024. Ditandatangani …...…….………… Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Melaka Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Telefon: 03-22018378 Emel: [email protected] Rujukan Fail: L3 16145 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KOTA BHARU DALAM NEGERI KELANTAN DARUL NAIM, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: DA-28NCC-43-12/2023 Dalam Perkara Seksyen 466 Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara NUSAJAZA TYRE CENTRE SDN. BHD. [No. Pendaftaran: 200801023311 (824634-X)] ANTARA PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD (No. Pendaftaran : 199101010745 [221057-V]) PEMPETISYEN DAN NUSAJAZA TYRE CENTRE SDN. BHD, (No. Pendaftaran : 200801023311 (824634-X)) RESPONDEN NOTIS PENGIKLANAN NOTIS DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk Penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas pada 4 haribulan Disember, 2023 dikemukakan oleh PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD yang beralamat di Tingkat 10, Blok 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut telah diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kota Bharu pada jam 9.00 pagi, pada 31 haribulan Januari, 2024. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang dan penyumbang syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang satu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui Peguamcaranya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen di alamat di PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD, Tingkat 10, Blok 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Ghazi & Lim, Peguambela & Peguamcara, Tingkat 12, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Bertarikh pada 3 haribulan Januari 2024. .......................................... Peguamcara Pempetisyen Peringatan :- Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan diatas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak atau firma berkenaan atau alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau Peguamcaranya sekiranya ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangka masa mencukupi supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengah hari pada 30 haribulan Januari, 2024. [Ruj: P5/22/MRG/NSN] Tel: 03-2145 0177 Faks: 03- 2713 1882] 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 SCAN ME FRIDAY JAN 12, 2024 PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-852-11/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2018034811 (bertarikh : 26/11/2018) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 154037, Lot 31393, Mukim 14, Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN LEE KAI LOON (No. Kad Pengenalan : 781023025265) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 10 November 2022 dan 11 Disember 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Isnin, 5 Februari 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 154037 No. lot : Lot 31393 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 14 / Seberang Perai Tengah / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 5446.0000000000 kaki persegi 506.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Lee Kai Loon Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The land comprised in this title: (a) shall not be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on the exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation of a Collector’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : (i)No Pers 0799B2018010297 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh PUBLIC BANK BERHAD didaftarkan pada 10/10/2018 (ii) No Pers 0799B2021007824 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh YAYASAN EKONOMI KEWANGAN ANTARABANGSA didaftarkan pada 25/10/2021 LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah A double-storey corner unit bungalow link yang beralamat pos di No. 2, Lorong Santuari 12, Taman Santuari, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 1,134,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: SATU JUTA SATU RATUS TIGA PULUH EMPAT RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-298/LKL(RS/j) 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YNG METAL INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001032945 (916868-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of YNG Metal Industry Sdn. Bhd., duly convened and held at 18, First Floor, Jalan Sungai Tiram 3, Taman Tunas Damai, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang on 4th day of January, 2024, the special resolutions set out below was duly passed. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Neoh Chin Wah of Insol-i Corporate Recovery PLT, 3rd Floor, Acctax Corporate Centre, No. 2, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of the winding-up. Dated this 12th January 2024 Yew Joo Aun Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YNG METAL INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001032945 (916868-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company are required on or before 12th February 2024 to prove their debts or claims and to establish any title they may have to priority by delivering or sending through the post to the Liquidator at the undermentioned address and affidavit verifying their respective debts or claims. In default they will be excluded from the benefit of priority, if any, and from objecting to any such distribution. Form of proof may be obtained from the Liquidator at the address shown below. Dated this 12th January 2024 Neoh Chin Wah, Liquidator c/o Insol-i Corporate Recovery PLT 3rd Floor Acctax Corporate Centre No. 2, Jalan Bawasah 10050 Georgetown Penang DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KAJANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO.: BH-A52NCC-45-10/2023 ANTARA B2B FINPAL SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 1192385-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN 1) GREENHUB ECO PRODUCTS SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT:201701026272/1240438-W) 2) LOOI QI YUAN (NO. K/P: 961224-08-6193) 3) TEOH CHIA WEN (NO. K/P: 950613-07-5224) ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Kepada: GREENHUB ECO PRODUCTS SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 201701026272/1240438-W) F-5-15, 5TH Floor, Block Latitude, Jalan C180/1, Dataran C180, 43200, Cheras, Selangor DAN LOOI QI YUAN (NO. K/P: 961224-08-6193) No.26, Jalan 3, Taman Sungai mas, 34000, Taiping, Perak. DAN TEOH CHIA WEN (NO. K/P:950613-07-5224) E-1701 Riana Green Condo, Jalan PJU 3/1C, Tropicana Golf Country Resort Malaysia, 47410, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah Sesyen Di Kuala Lumpur dalam Writ No: BHA52NCC-45-10/2023 oleh B2B Finpal Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat:1192385-H) yang mempunyai alamat di Unit T2 -L9, Level 9, Tower 2, PJ33 (Jaya 33), Jalan Prof Khoo Kay Kim (Jalan Semangat), 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor yang mana Plaintif menuntut daripada Defendan-Defendan seperti berikut :- a) Jumlah prinsipal Issued Note sebanyak RM100,000.00; b) Faedah pada kadar 14.50% setahun mengikut pengiraan faedah harian, ke atas jumlah principal Issued Note dari tarikh pinjaman diberi kepada Penerbit (“Issuer”) (“Disbursement Date”) sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; c) Faedah penalti lewat pada kadar 8% setahun ke atas setiap Issued Note dari tarikh matang setiap Issued Note sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan muktamad; d) kos; dan e) Relif-relif yang yang dianggap sesuai dan berpatutan oleh Mahkamah yang Mulia ini. DAN MAHKAMAH TELAH MEMERINTAHKAN BAHAWA penyampaian Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut dalam Tindakan tersebut disampaikan kepada kamu melalui penampalan Salinan Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut di atas berserta dengan Salinan perintah untuk penyampaian ganti bertarikh 03 Januari 2024 Dengan menampalkan sesalinan serupa di Papan Notis Mahkamah Sesyen di Kajang serta mengiklankan penyampaian dalam bentuk notis di dalam surat khabar tempatan “The Sun” untuk satu terbitan dan bahawa segala penampalan dan pengiklanan setelah tamat tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang sempurna dan mencukupi bagi Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut ke atas kamu. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela diri dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan atau perintah dibuat terhadap atau berhubungan dengan dirinya sebagaimana yang difikirkan adil dan suaimanfaat oleh Mahkamah Bertarikh pada 3 Januari 2024 ………………t.t ………………… Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif NOTIS ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Maylee Gan & Tai beralamat di 12, 1st Floor, Jalan BK1/17, Bandar Kinrara Industrial Park, 47180 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas ((Tel. No: 03 -5887 3839 / Faks No:03-5887 4143). (Ruj: MG/349/(GEPSB)/23) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. MA-29NCC-270-11/2023 Per:: AHMAD FAUZI BIN MOHAMED (No. K/P: 550829-10-6277) … Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: : SEABRIGHT SDN. BHD. [No. Syarikat: 197601003939 (30204-K)] … Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS Kepada: AHMAD FAUZI BIN MOHAMED Infiniti No. 3, Jalan Gangsa Impian 2 Taman Gangsa Impian Durian Tunggal 76100 Melaka AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah ini oleh Seabright Sdn. Bhd. yang mempunyai alamat berdaftar di di Lot 1035, Block 4, MCLD, Piasau Industrial Area, 98000 Miri, Sarawak dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu dengan cara menampalkan salinan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut bersama-sama dengan sesalinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Melaka dan di suatu bahagian yang nyata di alamat Infiniti No. 3, Jalan Gangsa Impian 2, Taman Gangsa Impian, Durian Tunggal, 76100 Melaka iaitu alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui dan pengiklanan Notis ini dalam satu keluaran akhbar harian tempatan dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini dianggap penyampaian sempurna dan cukup Notis Kebankrapan terhadap kamu, selepas penamatan, empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan. Notis Kebankrapan ini bolehlah diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon dari Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 4 Januari 2024. Ditandatangani …...…….………… Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Melaka Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Telefon: 03-22018378 Emel: [email protected] Rujukan Fail: L3 16145 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KOTA BHARU DALAM NEGERI KELANTAN DARUL NAIM, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: DA-28NCC-43-12/2023 Dalam Perkara Seksyen 466 Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara NUSAJAZA TYRE CENTRE SDN. BHD. [No. Pendaftaran: 200801023311 (824634-X)] ANTARA PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD (No. Pendaftaran : 199101010745 [221057-V]) PEMPETISYEN DAN NUSAJAZA TYRE CENTRE SDN. 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BALQISH T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Haas axe Steiner, bring in Komatsu FORMULA ONE outfit Haas yesterday parted ways with colourful team principal Guenther Steiner with the struggling American stable appointing Ayao Komatsu in his place. Steiner, 58, had been in charge of the team since it entered F1 in 2016 and has attracted much attention for his lively outbursts on the successful Netflix show Drive to Survive. “It’s disappointing and sad not being a part of the team going forward, but I wish the team all the best for the future. If any team deserves success, it’s them. I will always root for Haas,” said Steiner on X. Team owner Gene Haas said: “I’d like to start by extending my thanks to Guenther Steiner for all his hard work over the past decade and I wish him well for the future.” But he added: “Moving forward as an organisation it was clear we need to improve our ontrack performances.” Since joining F1, Haas has never succeeded in making the podium, Romain Grosjean’s fourth place in Austria in 2018 proving to be their best finish. Last season Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen collected 12 points between them as Haas finished 10th and last in the constructors’ championship. Komatsu, 47, takes over having previously filled the role of trackside engineering director. “In appointing Ayao Komatsu as team principal we fundamentally have engineering at the heart of our management,” said Gene Haas. Komatsu takes over responsibility for the team’s overall strategy and on-track performance, with a brief to maximise the team’s potential. “Having been with the team since its track debut back in 2016 I’m obviously passionately invested in its success in Formula One,” said Komatsu. “I’m looking forward to leading our programme and the various competitive operations internally to ensure we can build a structure that produces improved on-track performances.” – AFP
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 28 THREE contenders for the men’s singles title at the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday: Alexander Zverev (Germany) Ranking: 6 There was little optimism around Alexander Zverev at the start of last season, with the German miles off the pace when he arrived at the Australian Open after undergoing ankle surgery and suffering from a bone edema. This time around, though, the Olympic champion appears close to his best after working his way back to full fitness and making deep runs at the French and US Opens, while also picking up trophies in Chengdu and Hamburg. Zverev impressed with Germany at the United Cup, winning singles matches against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Hubert Hurkacz, Lorenzo Sonego, Adrian Mannarino and Alex de Minaur to power his side to victory at the team tournament. Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) Ranking: 7 Tsitsipas began 2023 by reaching the Australian Open final but failed to build on that earlyseason promise, suffering a four th-round defeat at Wi m b l e d o n and exiting the US Open in the s e c o n d round after losing to a q u a l i f i e r. With his only trophy of a disappointing year coming at Los Cabos, Tsitsipas has spoken about his need for a mental reset and the Australian Open is the perfect opportunity to do just that. The 25-yearold has reached the semifinals in four of his last five appearances at Melbourne Park, and his all-court game and massive serve, coupled with vocal support from the city’s Greek community, could help him take the next step and become the first Grand Slam champion from his country. Holger Rune (Denmark) Ranking: 8 After a barnstorming end to 2022 in which he dispatched five top-10 players to win the Paris Masters, Rune reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2023, while also making it to two ATP 1000 finals at Rome and Monte Carlo. With six-times major winner Boris Becker and Severin Luthi, a longtime mentor to Swiss great Roger Federer, now part of his coaching set-up, Rune looks primed for a storming 2024. The Dane’s season began on a positive note with the 20-year-old reaching the Brisbane International final and he clearly has confidence in his abilities. “I believe I can be a multiple Grand Slam champion,” he told reporters in the build-up to the A u s t r a l i a n Open. “I know it’s going to take a lot of work and I’ve been doing my work in the pre-season so far, and been really, really willing to improve.” – Reuters No walk in the Park for Novak Wounded Djokovic faces fire from young guns at Australian Open NOVAK DJOKOVIC will bring his simmering rivalry with two young guns of the men’s game to the Australian Open where his hunt for a record-extending 11th title and 25th Grand Slam crown overall carries an air of inevitability despite an early loss in 2024. The 36-year-old defied the odds to raise the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup last year as he overcame a ruptured hamstring and a distracting political row involving his father to win, before going past Rafa Nadal’s tally of 22 majors at the French Open. He claimed a third Grand Slam trophy late last season at the US Open but not before being denied the Wimbledon title by the 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster five-set final, a result which was briefly heralded as the dawn of a new era. Jannik Sinner, 22, emerged as another contender to carry the torch by defeating Djokovic three times in 11 days at the ATP Finals and Davis Cup, and the young duo will sniff an opportunity to dethrone the world number one at his fortress. Djokovic, who missed the 2022 Australian Open due to being deported over his Covid vaccine stance, was hampered by a right wrist injury at the United Cup last week and saw his 43-match winning streak in Australia finally snapped by Alex de Minaur. It was only his second defeat in the country since a fourth-round loss to South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the 2018 Australian Open, where the Serb was plagued by an elbow issue. With an 89-8 record at the year’s first Grand Slam, Djokovic will still be the firm favourite to claim a fifth title in six years and go past Australian Margaret Court’s haul of 24 major singles trophies. Boris Becker, who previously coached Djokovic, believes the current crop of youngsters will test him more frequently. “I still expect Djokovic to win a Grand Slam or two. But I also believe Alcaraz and Co. will more often throw a spanner in the works,” said Becker, who now coaches young Dane Holger Rune, Djokovic’s conqueror in the 2022 Paris Masters final. “I hope this rivalry between the most successful player of all time and the rest of the tennis world continues for a long time, because we fans and amateur players benefit from it.” While the future of the game is in good hands, one of Djokovic’s fiercest rivals over the years will not return to major tennis as planned in Australia with Nadal pulling out due to a small muscle tear sustained during his defeat in Brisbane. The Spaniard, who won his second Australian Open title in the Serb’s absence in 2022, was on the comeback trail following hip surgery and now faces fresh doubts about his ability to compete at the elite level again having already said he expects to finish his career in 2024. Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev was among the most consistent hardcourt players last year and the Russian will eye another run to the final, hoping to banish memories of back-to-back defeats by Djokovic (2021) and Nadal (2022). Other challengers include last year’s runnerup Stfanos Tsitsipas, the rejuvenated Alexander Zverev and a rising brigade of Americans led by Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. – Reuters McIlroy calls for ‘guarantees’ as golf debates future RORY MCILROY feels that the days of golfers being independent contractors are changing as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue to negotiate a merger that could reshape the future of the sport. The former world No. 1, speaking yesterday on the eve of making his 2024 season debut at the Dubai Invitational, said that while he may not have changed his views on LIV Golf completely, he could see some of the positives that have come out of it. The Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed League has been able to put together a global schedule and guarantee the presence of stars in all their events. “When you look at different sports and the media landscape and how much these media companies are paying for sporting events, I think you have to be able to guarantee them the product they are paying for,” said the four-time major champion, now ranked second in the world. “In my opinion, I would say that people would have to be contracted and sign up to a certain number of events every year; that the sponsors and media partners know that the guys they want to be there are going to be in their events. “You can’t ask these media rights partners, or the sponsors, for as much money as they’re being asked for, if they are unable to guarantee them the product that they want. “It can’t happen unless you want to regress and go back to playing for the money we played for 10 years ago. “If the guys want to do that and stay independent contractors, that’s fine. But the sponsors that are either pulling out of the PGA Tour or are considering it because of the numbers that they are having to put up. They’re not seeing all the stuff that I’ve said.” McIlroy argued that the viewing numbers are growing, but people are focused mostly on TV numbers. “You can say that the viewing figures aren’t growing at the rate the purses are growing. The two are sort of not congruent with each other. “If you look at every sports league, the viewership isn’t trending with the amount of money that the media rights partners are paying,” said the 34-year-old. “If you look at NBA, or even NFL, the viewing numbers are huge, but they’re still gone from what they once were. The thing is, sports aren’t just competing with other sports, you’re competing with TikTok, Instagram, social media companies, YouTube. “It’s a very old-school way of thinking to just think viewership numbers are about people watching on TV and not on iPads or laptops or streaming. “But, I still think if the media rights partners and the sponsors aren’t seeing the value in putting these sort of figures up, then we need to do something about it.” – AFP Men’s contenders to look out for Rune Zverev Tsitsipas
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 29 ONE of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff look most likely to add to their Grand Slam collection at this year’s Australian Open but a clutch of returning champion mums spearheaded by Naomi Osaka could make things interesting. Last year, Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin were the only former women’s champions in the draw at Melbourne Park but there will be six when the 2024 tournament kicks off on Sunday as Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki all return. The returning trio and Azarenka will be accompanied by their children as they look to match the feat achieved by Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1977 and Kim Clijsters in 2011 by holding aloft the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup as mothers. Although Wozniacki and Kerber have looked competitive since their respective returns, Osaka appears the most likely to be challenging at the business end of the year’s first Grand Slam despite more than a year on the sidelines. Osaka is the youngest of the returning champions and the 26-year-old showed at the Brisbane International she still has the weapons that earned her the 2019 and 2021 Melbourne titles. More importantly, perhaps, she looked happy to be back in the game, even in defeat, and determined to build on a career which has already earned her four Grand Slam titles. The bookmakers clearly feel it is too early for Osaka, though, and strongly favour the players who have made a case to be considered a new “Big Four” of women’s tennis since Serena Williams and Ash Barty retired in 2022. The sixth former champion in the draw is last year’s winner Sabalenka, who claimed her first major prize by beating Rybakina in the final on Rod Laver Arena. Four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek has only once been past the fourth round at Melbourne Park, when she lost in the semifinals to Danielle Collins in 2022 but proved she can win big prizes on hard courts with her US Open triumph the same year. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina will be one to avoid as she knocked out Swiatek in the fourth round last year and also ousted her from the semifinals at Indian Wells. Gauff first made her mark at Melbourne Park as a 15-year-old when she beat Venus Williams and defending champion Osaka on her way to the fourth round in 2020, a stage she also reached last year. She has not taken her foot off the pedal since winning her first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year and showed strong form to retain her title in Auckland as she tuned up for her final major as a teenager. Fellow American Jessica Pegula has reached the quarterfinals for the last three years and leads a chasing pack also featuring Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who has played three Grand Slam finals but never been past the last eight in Melbourne. Azarenka, the last back-to-back women’s champion in 2012 and 2013, always starts the season well and made the semifinals last year before losing in straight sets to Rybakina. Another player returning to Grand Slam action after a lengthy absence is Emma Raducanu but the 2021 US Open champion would consider it a triumph to get to the second week after eight months on the sidelines with wrist and ankle issues. – Reuters Former champion mothers add depth to AO women’s field Dogged De Minaur leads local charge Down Under WHILE injured Nick Kyrgios will be a vocal presence on the sidelines of the Australian Open, it will be the home nation’s quiet achiever Alex de Minaur carrying the main weight of fans’ expectations on court. De Minaur has spent much of his career toiling in Kyrgios’s shadow, making incremental gains each year while his flashier compatriot hogged the headlines. Now, with Kyrgios restricted to TV duties and an ambassadorial role while his body recovers, De Minaur heads to Melbourne Park as Australia’s No. 1 after putting together his most encouraging season. The man nicknamed “Demon” captured his first ATP 500 title at the Mexico Open in Acapulco last March, reached a career-high world ranking of 11 and finished the year by guiding Australia into a second successive Davis Cup final. The feats have been all the more remarkable given the 24-year-old’s limited arsenal. In a men’s game dominated by muscular brutes and fierce forehands, the lightly-built De Minaur is an outlier, lacking in killer weapons. Not unlike mentor Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s former world No. 1 and Davis Cup captain, De Minaur has to work hard for his wins, relying on leg speed, fitness and heart instead of raw power and a thumping serve. Those qualities have served him well in a stilldeveloping career but his limitations tend to be exposed against the game’s very best, as shown by his fourth round demolition by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in last year’s Australian Open. De Minaur got a measure of revenge when he started the new year by handing world No. 1 Djokovic his first defeat in Australia for six years at the United Cup in Perth. Australia has been hoping for a new force in women’s tennis to emerge since Ash Barty’s retirement but Ajla Tomljanovic has been unable to answer the call due to battles with injury. The Croatian-born 30-year-old estimated before Christmas that she was 15% off her best. That might be enough to be the host nation’s best chance in the women’s singles, given none of her compatriots are ranked inside the top 100. – Reuters Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) Ranking: 3 Wimbledon champion in 2022, Rybakina is aiming for a second Grand Slam title in Australia after coming up just short against Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Melbourne Park final. Russia-born Rybakina lifted two WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells and Rome but the 24-year-old struggled to stay fit, retiring in Dubai, Roland Garros and Cincinnati before withdrawing from the Tokyo Open due to health reasons. The big-serving Kazakh seems back on track, however, opening her 2024 season at the Brisbane International where she beat Sabalenka to lift her first trophy of the season. Jessica Pegula (United States) Ranking: 5 Pegula closed her 2023 season as runner-up at the WTA Finals, losing only to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek after a perfect group stage and a straight sets semifinal win over US Open champion Coco Gauff. The 29-yearold American has yet to make much of an impression at the Grand Slams, however, falling at the quarterfinal stage six times since 2021 – including the last three Melbourne Park majors. That has not stopped her believing success will come. “It’s better to at least keep reaching quarterfinals than not putting myself in those positions,” she had said after her last Grand Slam quarterfinal exit at Wimbledon. “I just have to keep telling myself to put myself in good positions, keep getting better and working on things.” Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic) Ranking: 7 Vondrousova clinched her maiden Grand Slam at Wimbledon to become the first unseeded player to win the women’s title and the first Czech woman since Petra Kvitova in 2014. Vondrousova, the 2020 Olympic silver medallist, also made it to the Roland Garros final as an unseeded player in 2019, where she lost to Ash Barty. After recording her best performance at the US Open, where she reached the quarterfinals, the 24- year-old lefthander will now look to improve her record at Melbourne Park, where she has never progressed past the fourth round. – Reuters List of Australian Open Women’s contenders to look out for champions (last 10 years) MEN 2023: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 2022: Rafa Nadal (Spain) 2021: Djokovic 2020: Djokovic 2019: Djokovic 2018: Roger Federer (Switzerland) 2017: Federer 2016: Djokovic 2015: Djokovic 2014: Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) 2013: Djokovic WOMEN 2023: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) 2022: Ash Barty (Australia) 2021: Naomi Osaka (Japan) 2020: Sofia Kenin (US) 2019: Naomi Osaka (Japan) 2018: Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 2017: Serena Williams (US) 2016: Angelique Kerber (Germany) 2015: Serena Williams (US) 2014: Li Na (China) 2013: Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) Zalatoris, Woodland in comeback mode A pair of comeback stories highlight the first full-field event of the new PGA Tour season as the Sony Open in Hawaii begins overnight at Honolulu. Former top-10 player Will Zalatoris and major champion Gary Woodland are at Waialae Country Club, ready to make their first official starts after time away to address health issues. Zalatoris had to withdraw ahead of the Masters last April and undergo microdiscectomy surgery to address a herniated disk. Now pain-free, questions turn to his golf game. At the unofficial Hero World Challenge last month, he opened with an 81 and finished a distant last place. “It was really good to get one competitive rep under my belt,” Zalatoris said. “Spent a month at home, worked on my game a little bit with my coaches and got a lot of intel, if you will, that week. “Looking at the macro instead of the micro has given me a lot better perspective,” Zalatoris said. “I’ve had my favorite thing on earth taken from me for eight months.” Woodland had surgery to remove a benign lesion from his brain in September. It was resting on the part of the brain that controlled fear and anxiety, he said, and he became fearful of death “every day” and experienced partial seizures that woke him up at night. He played through the symptoms for months before it became clear that medication alone wouldn’t suffice. “That was the hardest part for me, is I wasn’t myself,” Woodland said. “That was the hardest part for my family as well.” Woodland has four PGA Tour wins to his name but none since the 2019 US Open, which propelled him to a career-high No. 12 in the world rankings at the time. “I plan on being competitive very quickly,” Woodland said. “Like I said, physically I can hit any shot I want. That’s not going to be the problem. I am looking forward to being back and where I’m at and expecting to be ready very soon.” – Field Level Media Mums the word Pegula Naomi Osaka. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 30 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper It’s in our DNA: Ancelotti Real Madrid edge Atletico 5-3 in extra-time to reach Super Cup final REAL MADRID defeated Atletico Madrid 5-3 after extra-time in a pulsating battle in Saudi Arabia to reach the Spanish Super Cup final yesterday. Mario Hermoso and Antonio Rudiger exchanged early headed goals before Ferland Mendy sent Madrid ahead at the Al-Awwal Park stadium in Riyadh. Antoine Griezmann levelled with a milestone goal for Atletico to become their all-time leading scorer and Rudiger’s own goal sent the Rojilbancos ahead, but Dani Carvajal smashed Madrid level and forced extratime. Griezmann hit a brace in December against Getafe in La Liga to level the late Luis Aragones as the club’s top scorer on 173 strikes. The striker, whom Atletico bought back from Barcelona in 2022, has played 368 times for the club across two spells and has scored 17 goals in 27 matches this season for Atletico. With the game heading towards penalties, Stefan Savic’s own goal under pressure from Joselu nudged Madrid ahead and substitute Brahim Diaz wrapped up the win on the counterattack with Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak stranded out of position. “Atletico played very well and so did we, it was a spectacular game,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told Movistar. “We won because we had more energy in the final stages… (the substitutes) all delivered.” Asked about the comeback, Ancelotti said, “it’s nothing new, it’s pure Real Madrid DNA. Let it be a good learning experience for the youngsters: this team never gives up. You can lose, but never give up. “Atleti today played very well, they made us suffer with our high pressing, because they had great players and they came out. “They controlled possession well and that makes them dangerous. They are organised… they have everything. These matches are always very difficult. “(The substitutes) give me a lot of confidence, because those who came on won us the game. Joselu, Brahim, (Dani) Ceballos… it gives a coach a lot of confidence that the whole squad is motivated. That’s the only way to win this type of match.” Looking forward to the final, the Italian added: “There are four days left, but the wear and tear has been terrible. It was very hard. “The match was back and forth, very competitive, with two teams fighting a lot.” Atletico face Real Madrid three times in under a month, with their next clash quickly arriving in the Copa del Rey next Friday. “We have a (chance for) revenge and we need our fans behind us in our stadium,” Atletico’s Koke told Movistar. H o w e v e r coach Diego S i m e o n e disagreed with the midfielder. “It’s not revenge, in football there is no revenge,” said Simeone. “It’s a new knock-out game that will be different to today.” AFP/Agencies Three sent off as Lazio dump Roma out LAZIO reached the semifinals of the Italian Cup yesterday after coming out on top of a fiery derby with Roma 1-0, a match which finished with three red cards. Mattia Zaccagni’s penalty five minutes after the break set up a two-legged semifinal clash with either Juventus or Frosinone, who play overnight, in April. “We’re proud of the result because we think that our performance deserved it,” said Lazio owner Claudio Lotito to Mediaset. “Today the team showed itself to be a united and determined group, that’s what a football team needs to be.” Zaccagni’s spot-kick decided a match which featured plenty of tension but little in the way of goalmouth action. Rival fans launched flares at each other before and during the match while Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove was hit on the neck by a beer bottle after being substituted for Stephan El Shaarawy in the 76th minute. On the pitch Matias Vecino forced a save from Rui Patricio shortly before Zaccagni’s decisive spot-kick, which was given for a foul by Dean Huijsen on Valentin Castellanos. And Vecino twice went close afterwards as Roma struggled to create chances despite having star attackers Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku on the pitch. Dybala had to leave the field at half-time and his replacement Lorenzo Pellegrini couldn’t add any attacking inspiration for the hosts. The best Jose Mourinho’s men could muster was Andrea Belotti’s 86th-minute halfvolley which was well saved by Christos Mandas, who then did brilliantly to stop Lorenzo Pellegrini poking in on the rebound. Lazio forward Pedro and his Roma counterpart Sardar Azmoun were both sent off in stoppage time as tempers flared, while Roma defender Gianluca Mancini was also dismissed for dissent after the final whistle. “It’s always painful to lose, doubly so in the derby,” said Mourinho to Mediaset. “It’s a modern football penalty, the sort that wouldn’t have been given before VAR. The referee didn’t give it when he was three metres away but with VAR he then gives it.” – AFP TEUN KOOPMEINERS scored twice as Atalanta came back from a goal down to beat AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro in their Coppa Italia quarterfinal yesterday. Rafael Leao broke the deadlock for Milan just before halftime with an elegant first-time finish from Theo Hernandez’s pass, but three minutes later an unmarked Koopmeiners received a ball from Emil Holm before guiding a shot into the far corner. Koopmeiners completed the comeback for Atalanta in the 59th minute when he converted a penalty after Alex Jimenez fouled Aleksei Miranchuk. “We should’ve defended much better on the equaliser, but the truth is that the game changed with a non-existent penalty,” Milan manager Stefano Pioli told Mediaset. “After that, we lost our heads, lost our shape and our control of the game. We struggled to take back that balance and control we had in the first half. “We could’ve reacted better. I do understand the frustration of the players going 2-1 down like that after doing well, but there was still plenty of time to get back into it and we didn’t take those chances that we created.” Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was sent off late in the first half after a heated conversation with the referee that persisted despite an initial warning. Under Gasperini, Atalanta have reached the Coppa semifinals four times. “It’s true we do not have any silverware, and while the Champions League or Scudetto are not really on our level, we did reach the Coppa Italia final a few times and we do still want to go all the way eventually,” Gasperini said. The closing minutes intensified as a desperate Milan threw everything forward, but Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi stopped attempts from Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. In the dying seconds, Milan’s hopes were raised as an alleged handball by Miranchuk inside the box underwent a VAR-check but it was dismissed. Milan’s back-up goalkeeper Antonio Mirante received a direct red card from the bench for dissent following his protest against the decision. Atalanta will play Fiorentina in a twolegged semifinal in April following Vincenzo Italiano’s side’s win over Bologna on penalties on Tuesday. – Reuters Koopmeiners leads Atalanta past Milan Bonus squabble ends before flight grounded THE Gambia football team yesterday took off for the Ivory Coast ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations after boycotting their last training session at home over a qualification bonus dispute. The team’s plane, however, turned around just nine minutes into the flight due to a technical problem and returned to Gambian capital Banjul. The players had skipped training while demanding a bonus payment for qualifying for the tournament, local media reported, but the decision angered supporters who vandalised parts of the Independence Stadium in Bakau. Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie then explained to journalists that the players were seeking 38 million dalasis (RM2.6 million). The players had already received €5,000 (RM25,000) each for taking part in a training camp in Saudi Arabia in early January, the minister said. Gambia captain Omar Colley confirmed to local media yesterday that the 38 million dalasis had been paid. Onana delays travel to play for Devils GOALKEEPER Andre Onana will miss Cameroon’s opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea on Monday having elected to play for Manchester United in their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur the day before, Reuters understands. United and the Cameroon Football Federation have been in discussions over an arrival date in the Ivory Coast for Onana, who had already delayed his travel once to play in the 2-0 FA Cup third round win over Wigan Athletic on Monday. He will skip Cameroon’s Group C clash with Guinea, but is expected to travel for the Indomitable Lions’ games against Senegal (Jan 19) and Gambia (Jan 23). Attack-minded Egypt have renewed confidence EGYPT hope a new attacking approach will bear fruit as they launch a fresh bid to win a recordextending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title in the Ivory Coast, putting behind them the disappointment of two recent near misses. They kick off their campaign against Mozambique in Abidjan on Sunday (Mon 1am Malaysian time), having had to settle for silver medals in 2017 and 2021, with a shock round of 16 loss to South Africa on home soil in 2019. Egypt will largely count on flair this time around with current coach Rui Vitoria drastically altering tactics after taking over in 2022. He set about improving Egypt’s efficiency in the final third, striking a better balance between attack and defence that had been the hallmark of a hattrick of Afcon triumphs between 2006 and 2010. “My vision for the game is attacking, yes, but it remains balanced,” the 53-year-old told beIN Sports. Brazil turn to Doriva to get back on track DORIVAL JUNIOR, a Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Cup winner as manager of Flamengo, has been named as Brazil coach, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said yesterday. The 61-year-old will take the reins of the five-times world champions after a turbulent period following their 2022 World Cup exit following a penalty shootout loss to Croatia, which led to the sacking of coach Tite. Brazil were led by U-20 coach Ramon Menezes before the appointment on an interim basis of Fernando Diniz last year. Diniz was sacked on Friday, a day after Ednaldo Rodrigues was reinstated as head of the CBF following his dismissal in early December by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice. Rodrigues’ intention was to hire Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, but after negotiations failed and he opted to extend his contract with Real Madrid, Dorival was the main candidate. Restoring Brazil to their former glory will be no easy task. Dorival takes the reins of a struggling side, who have made a poor start to South American World Cup qualifying, and sit sixth in the standings with two wins from six games and three defeats. SIDENETTING Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger (right) celebrates with Jude Bellingham after scoring his team’s first goal against Atletico Madrid during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | JAN 12, 2024 31 National women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei in action against Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung at the 2024 Malaysian Open at Axiata Arena yesterday. Gregoria beat Jin Wei 21-15, 24-22. – BERNAMAPIX Joy and despair Yew Sin-Ee Yi stun top Danish pair to enter quarterfinals, heartbreak for Tang Jie-Ee Wei I NDEPENDENT men’s doubles pair, Ong Yew Sin-Yeo Ee Yi treated the local badminton fans at the Axiata Arena with a sizzling performance to upset world No. 5 Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen 21-10, 11-21, 24-22 yesterday. “We controlled the first game, but the Danes started to play a fine game after that, we could hardly control, and kept lifting. We then tried to change a little bit of our game play, and it worked. “We will keep trying to qualify for the Olympics until the end of the Olympics qualifications (on April 28), no matter what the outcome, we will keep trying (to qualify),” Yew Sin told reporters after the match. In the quaterfinals tomorrow, they will face the winner between 2022 edition champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan and Alexander Dunn-Adam Hall of Scotland. The Academy Badminton Malaysia’s (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky feels two critical elements resulted in the country’s No. 1 mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei losing to Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa-Natsu Saito, 22- 24, 14-21, in the second round of the 2024 Malaysia Open yesterday. Rexy said their failure to control their emotions and panicking at crucial moments was key to the defeat. He added that Tang Jie-Ee Wei were also too eager to win points from their opponents during the match. “Tang Jie for example, could not provide the killer smash, the smash was not lethal enough and more importantly they panicked and could not control their emotion. “On a number of ocassions, their judgement at the back of the court was poor, they allowed the ball to drop, hoping to be called out and claim easy points. “But at this level, there is no room for errors and cannot depend on judgements,” he told reporters yesterday. The result today meant, the Malaysian pair, ranked No. 9 in the world, failed to match last year’s result of making it to the quarterfinals. The loss was the second for Tang Jie-Ee Wei against the Japanese pair, ranked 13th in the world, from their three meetings and the last time they managed to beat Hiroki-Saito was at the Bangladesh International Championships in 2022. Meanwhile, men’s singles coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock said Ng Tze Yong who had to retire due to an injury while trailing 8-12 to Koki Watanabe of Japan in the first round on Wednesday, will undergo a medical checkup at the National Sports Institute today. “After the game the doctor had checked him but was not able to give a comprehensive detail of the injury. “We need to make an appointment tomorrow for a further check up,” he said. Meanwhile, professional mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie saw their campaign cut short, losing to sixth seeds, Dechapol PuavaranukrohSapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand, 15-21, 12-21. Independent women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei’s hopes were dashed as she went down to Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 15-21, 22-24. – Bernama Perak FC eye new import players for 2024 season SEVERAL imported players are on the radar of Perak FC in an effort to strengthen the team for this season’s Super League. Interim Perak FC chief executive officer Bobie Farid Shamsudin confirmed that “The Bos Gaurus” (TBG) squad has identified new import players to be absorbed into the team managed by Yusri Che Lah. “What I can confirm, is that acquiring the services of new import players is something we have been planning because we need to strengthen the team and fix some weak departments. “We now have five import players and fans are questioning the performance of Seo Seonung whose performance declined after suffering a nose injury, as well as Luka Milunovic, so there will be new imports for the new season,” he said during the Gaurus Chat: New Year Session 2024 which was broadcast live on TBG TV’s Facebook page on Wednesday night. Bobie Farid said the services of the new import players are to boost the forward and midfield which are seen as necessary to ensure Perak FC emerge as one of the contenders in the 2024/2025 Super League campaign. “It is still too early for us to announce which players we will hire because we have a long time until May, so we will wait for the right time. Besides that, we will also bring in two new goalkeepers this season,” he said. Meanwhile, Bobie Farid dismissed rumours that Perak FC will bring back some former players who helped the team win the 2018 Malaysia Cup. “We take into account all factors of age, consistency and most importantly the salary factor which is the measure, it is interesting if they return but we need to be realistic on our financial ability which is the most important,” he said. In the meantime, he said his side did not rule out the possibility of listing only 25 players for the first team instead of 38 players like last season. – Bernama FORMER national striker Safee Sali advises the Harimau Malaya squad to stay focused and not be disturbed by netizen provocations on social media as they embark on the 2023 Asian Cup campaign, set to kick off in Doha, Qatar, tomorrow. On a personal note, he believes that the social media spotlight from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), often showcasing Malaysia’s squad, especially young star Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, should serve as a morale booster for the national players. “With the highlights (media coverage) given, I hope it can be a morale booster for the team and players to be more confident in their abilities. I hope they will go far and not be disturbed by any provocations from social media. “He (Arif Aiman) is a young player who will shine in this campaign. I admit that. I hope we can go far,” he said during the eFootball 2024 media session yesterday. Commenting on the first match of the Kim Pan Gon-coached squad against Jordan on Tuesday, Safee expressed his hope that the Harimau Malaya could maintain their focus throughout the 90 minutes of the match. “Let’s hope we stay focused game after game, starting with the first match against Jordan. “We have to give our best because will be playing only one game and it is not reciprocal, so in each game, we have to do our best in the 90 minutes (match time) to collect the points, maximum points,” he said. He also hoped that the national squad (ranked 130th) could start well in their first match, especially after recording a 2-2 draw against 91st-ranked team Syria in a friendly match on Tuesday. – Bernama Harimau Malaya must stay focused: Safee Sali CARABAO CUP (Semifinal, 1st leg): Liverpool 2 (Jones 68, Gakpo 71) Fulham 1 (Willian 19). SPANISH SUPER CUP (Semifinal): Real Madrid 5 (Rudiger 20, Mendy 29, Carvajal 85, Savic og 116, Diaz 120+2) Atletico Madrid 3 (Hermoso 6, Griezmann 37, Rudiger og 78). ITALIAN CUP (Quarterfinals): Lazio 1 (Zaccagni 51-pen) Roma 0, AC Milan 1 (Leao 45) Atalanta 2 (Koopmeiners 45+2, 59-pen). RESULTS SHORTS Confident boost for Yu Qi BEATING Viktor Axelsen in the recent World Tour Finals group stage, was a major confidence boost for China’s Shi Yu Qi 2024 season which began with the Malaysia Open this week. In the season finale held from Dec 13-17, Yu Qi, 27, managed to stun the world No. 1 Danish shuttler 21-19, 21-19 in the group stage at Hangzhou, but could not repeat his feat in the final to claim the title after going down 11-21, 12-21 before his home crowd. However, the 2018 World Tour Finals champion said the victory in the group stage was only his second in 11 encounters with the Dane so far,and it was crucial in elevating his morale to face the Paris 2024 Olympics in July, apart from progressing far in the Malaysia Open. “In every match played against Axelsen, I want to challenge my mindset, win or lose. He is the world’s top player and it is not easy to beat him. Not only against Axelsen but also against any player as we can learn a lot,” he told Bernama. Earlier, Yu Qi cleared his Malaysia Open second round hurdle after beating Frenchman Toma Junior Popov 21-13, 21-5. “I prepared well for this tournament, so it made me win with big margin in the second set, as I knew he could play well in both singles and doubles. I hope to do better in Malaysia Open this time (finals), but would take one step at a time,” said Yu Qi. – Bernama Japan right on track FOUR-TIME champions Japan are on the right track to make history and ease their disappointing run in the last five years in their 2023 Asian Cup campaign in Qatar starting tomorrow. Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, who saw his team lost 1-3 to Qatar in the final of the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has casted the past aside and is determined to lead the Blue Samurai in their charge for the fifth title this time. The 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Coach of the Year helped Japan to win the Asian Cup for the first time in 1992 as a player while guiding the team to win their last 10 games in a row en route to Doha. Nine of them have seen Japan scored four goals and more including thrashing four-time World Cup champions Germany 4-1 in an international friendly last September, besides their recent 5-0 wins over Myanmar, Syria and Thailand respectively. Japan also gave an early warning to their challengers including Iran, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar when they defeated Jordan 6-1 in a warm-up match held behind closed doors on Tuesday. – 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] SCAN ME FRIDAY | JAN 12, 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 No walk in the Park for Novak -Story - on page 30 Story on page 28 It’s in our DNA, says Ancelotti Super subs strike uper subs strike again Klopp hails ‘outstanding’ Nunez for impact in Liverpool comeback LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp insists his belief is endless in his forwards whether they score or not after Darwin Nunez had an impactful but not ultimately decisive role in the 2-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Fulham. After coming off the bench in the 56th minute, the Uruguay international provided the assist for Curtis Jones’ deflected equaliser and then the cross from which fellow substitute Cody Gakpo swept home the winner. On another day Nunez, who has scored just once in the last 16 matches, could have had a late hattrick after being denied by goalkeeper Bernd Leno which would have virtually put Liverpool in the final ahead of the second leg in a fortnight. “He plays outstanding, I have to say it. There are so many things I love about his game,” said Klopp. “The first year was a year to adapt and he scored here and there but now he contributes in all games. “The boys don’t start because they score or not score. My belief and trust in them, as long as they behave properly, is endless. They deserve it because of the effort they put in. “I don’t know how to explain the Darwin situation. I’m so happy about Darwin’s reaction and how he takes it but you cannot be more unlucky in these finishing situations, that’s not possible. “He does absolutely everything right, yet ball not in. And then he still sets up the other goal. I think that is really special to do that again.” Liverpool’s substitutes have contributed 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, 12 better than any other Premier League team, and Nunez has been responsible for three goals and four assists. His contribution was crucial as Klopp had no other options as the six other outfield substitutes were all academy graduates, the oldest of whom was 21-year-old leftback Owen Beck, recalled from a loan spell with Dundee. The players currently absent, either with injury or international duty, are Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas and Stefan Bajcetic. “We have more players available usually but the boys who came on have real quality, obviously, already,” added Klopp. “That we can bring Cody and Darwin from the bench, that is a proper change. On top of that, we changed the system and the formation and the set-up.” Reflecting on the match, the German told Sky Sport via BBC: “It was super tough. First half we caused ourselves some problems. They were really compact defending and we had to change at half-time and the boys did really well. “It was always too slow and we had to change it. It was then a good game and the crowd were there all the time for us, we just didn’t give them a lot to cheer about. But in the second half it was a proper, proper Liverpool performance. “We want to go to the final and if we do a really good game against Fulham and a good result we will… if not, congratulations to Fulham and they go to the final.” Fulham boss Marco Silva was grateful to still have a chance in the second leg after they failed to capitalise on Willian’s 19th-minute opener. “Two different halves. It wasn’t our best performance, even so first half we had a plan. We were ruthless from the first moment and really good from Willian when we scored,” he said. “The second half was different, we struggled a bit more. We should manage them in a different way. “They were a bit lucky the first goal, a deflection that changed completely the game, and the only thing that is disappointing is the way we managed the next 10 minutes. “In a competition where we are playing two legs we cannot concede a fast attack like that. Liverpool had one or two chances to score the third and the reality is that Leno kept us in the game.” – The Independent/Agencies -Story on page 31 Heartbreak Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno (left) saves from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez (centre) during the Carabao Cup semifinal, first leg match at Anfield yesterday. – REUTERSPIX