The Sun - 04 Oktober 2023

Shankaran said deciding which subsidies to reduce or eliminate should be based on factors such as sustainability, impact on desired outcomes, and effectiveness in achieving objectives. “Subsidies perceived as unsustainable or disproportionately benefiting higher-income groups may be prioritised for reduction. “Discouraging high-income groups from relying on subsidies can help ensure that they (subsidies) reach those who genuinely need them, thus reducing the risk of misallocation.” To ensure long-term economic sustainability, Shankaran said the government may need to reassess its subsidy programmes and explore alternative approaches to public spending. PETALING JAYA: The government should pay a little more attention to the middle-income group, or M40, to grow their disposable income, said Malaysian Institute of Economic Research senior research fellow Dr Shankaran Nambiar. He said it should also minimise subsidies to multinational corporations and T20 households for the short term instead of eliminating them, as such groups are also recovering from the impact of the pandemic. “The B40 is usually the focus of discussions, especially regarding subsidies and cash transfers to help them cope with the rising cost of living. “However, this priority should also be extended to growing the disposable income of people in the M40 group, who are just as hard pressed as they struggle to cope with rising costs as well as interest rates,” he said. The Finance Ministry reported that RM55 billion was allocated for subsidies in Budget 2023, compared with RM31 billion the year before. Subsidies for the B40 and M40 income groups were also raised in Budget 2023. Shankaran said the significant increase in subsidy spending this year could be due to economic factors such as rising commodity prices, inflation or increased demand for essential goods and services. “Political motivations, such as addressing social welfare concerns or providing economic stimulus, may also play a role.” However, he said while subsidies may not oExtend subsidies, aid to middle-income earners struggling to cope with rising living costs: Economist █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] M40 needs help too Turn to — page 3 TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2023 No. 8364 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Anwar shaking hands with residents attending the ceramah at Dataran Simpang Pelangai on Monday night. – BERNAMAPIC be ideal, they can assist vulnerable sectors of the population such as the B40 and M40. “If it is not targeted effectively, especially during the current slow growth period post-Covid, there is a risk that subsidies may disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals and exacerbate income inequality.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has mandated that the country’s high-income group would not receive electricity subsidies or financial assistance to perform the haj pilgrimage. “The wealthy in the T20 category are the only ones targeted by the reduction in electricity subsidies, and it will not impact the remaining 90% of the population,” Anwar said when announcing the decision. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the distribution of subsidies for eligible groups will be managed and coordinated using the main database known as Padu. Jealous quarters want to break up unity govt, says Anwar BENTONG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said some parties are uneasy and want to break up the unity government because they are jealous of the coalition’s strength. Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said this is because the cooperation involving PH with Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak is a solid coalition. “Why must they break us up? It’s because they are jealous, and how long has it been (in this country) that we haven’t had that kind of strength? So, there are efforts to break this coalition. “But the important thing is that this unity government is stable. For what? For us to raise the economy. For what? To bring in foreign investment. For what? For us to defend the fate of the people. Even investors have confidence in the unity government, so don’t destroy or damage it. If you want to create trouble, wait four more years.” Anwar was speaking at the Ceramah Mega Perpaduan Madani at Dataran Simpang Pelangai on Monday night, in conjunction with the Pelangai state by-election. He pointed out that the spirit of togetherness in the unity government not only succeeded in providing political stability but also produced a clear policy for the development of the country, Bernama reported. He also said the nine months of government brought benefits such as the Madani economic policy, National Energy Transition Roadmap, New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the tabling of the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Turn to — page 2 Dummy seat belt dangers page 5 Fundraiser held to aid animal shelter page 4 INSIDE

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Sultan Nazrin opens observatory TANJUNG MALIM: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah officially opened the National Land and Survey Institute Complex and Tan Sri Harussani Observatory here yesterday. The institute is committed to improving the quality and diversity of training modules as well as research activities through strategic cooperation with public universities and statutory bodies. The observatory was named after the late Tan Sri Dr Harussani Zakaria in recognition of his contributions as the 8th Perak mufti from 1985 to 2021. The Sultan was received on arrival at about 10am by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and other dignitaries. Also present were Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii and state executive councillors. – Bernama Improve teaching facilities, government urged KUALA LUMPUR: The government needs to focus on improving teaching facilities as well as infrastructure in schools to ensure that the education digitalisation agenda under the national education system can be fully achieved next year, said academicians. National Council of Professors Education and Human Capital Development Cluster secretary Dr Anuar Ahmad said the government has to provide special allocations under Budget 2024 to carry out the digitalisation of education. “Every school needs to have good internet access not only in urban but also in rural areas to ensure that the teaching process can be carried out more effectively. “The provision of suitable oGood infrastructure, internet access in schools, provision of suitable devices should be among priorities: Academicians devices should also be prioritised, in addition to expanding the device assistance scheme to ensure that more students from poor families benefit from it.” Anuar said teachers need to be equipped with pedagogical skills based on information technology. “For that, the government needs to provide special allocations for training programmes to improve pedagogical skills of teachers. In addition, funds for providing more digital content need to be allocated.” He added that the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training should be elevated to mainstream in the national education system and should no longer be a second choice, considering that the field today involves high technology aspects such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics, Bernama reported. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Education counselling and psychology lecturer Prof Dr Salleh Amat expressed hope that the infrastructure for the digitalisation of education, notably in rural areas, would be given prime attention to prevent students in such areas from dropping out. Salleh, who is also UKM Career Development Centre director, said allocations must not only be for technological facilities but also for basic amenities such as electricity supply. “The issue of electricity supply being cut off in schools is still being reported and it can disrupt the learning process. “Teachers, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak, said when the electricity supply is cut off, it causes schoolchildren to study under uncomfortable and hot conditions.” GREEN INITIATIVE ... Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof launching the first Petronas tanker that uses oil palm biodiesel B100 in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Rice hoarders to face stern action: PM BENTONG: Legal action will be taken against those found hoarding rice in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said he has given instructions to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to ensure that the ministry’s enforcement agencies monitor the matter and take action against offenders. “People are indeed complaining about rice (supply and cost), even in Indonesia. President Jokowi (Joko Widodo) said the price of rice has risen because 18 countries that supply rice have either blocked, stopped or reduced their rice exports, causing a demand and supply issue. “Then, there are those who hoard or withhold rice. If anyone dares to do this at a time when it is difficult for people to get supplies of rice, you better watch out. We will find you and issue summonses and take you to court.” Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, was speaking at the Madani Unity Mega ceramah held at Dataran Simpang Pelangai in conjunction with the Pelangai state seat by-election campaign on Monday. Also present were Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the BN candidate for the Pelangai seat, Datuk Amizar Abu Adam. Earlier, Mohamad said Anwar had approved four additional interventions to be implemented to resolve the issue of rice supply in the country, including the launching of a Special Integrated Enforcement Task Force for white rice. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government is constantly looking for avenues to resolve the issue of rice and needs some more time to do so. “We try, but can the issue be solved 100%? No, the issue of rice is a serious one. Therefore, I said give us a week to monitor the situation. If it is not resolved, we will continue discussions before tabling Budget 2024 on Oct 13. “That is why we are trying. For rice, we are going to increase the subsidy to the tune of RM400 million for a few months. The rice issue is not limited to the peninsular, but Sabah and Sarawak are also affected.” He was speaking at the Segalanya Felda Carnival at Dataran Niaga Felda Chemomoi on Monday. Anwar added that the government has decided to channel the subsidy of RM400 million to premises like army camps, police and school hostels for the use of imported rice so that there would be more local white rice available in the market. – Bernama MYJalan app widely used for road complaints KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a 10-fold increase in complaints of road damage received by the Works Ministry through the MYJalan app since it was launched in August, in line with the MYJalan campaign. Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it is a positive development and testament to the people’s concern for quality of life, and the government’s proactive efforts to ensure that the country’s road infrastructure is in good and safe condition. He said Malaysia’s experience with road safety and maintenance was among those shared at the 27th World Road Congress, being held by the Permanent Association of International Road Congresses (PIARC) in Prague, Czech Republic until Oct 6. “In the opening speech delivered by PIARC president Nazir Alli at the congress, he emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility, and this is certainly in line with the spirit raised through the MYJalan campaign. “This campaign aims to increase accountability and promote awareness among road users, industry players and government agencies that roads are a shared responsibility,” Nanta said in a statement yesterday. He added that the campaign is also in line with the Vision Zero Strategy introduced by Sweden and implemented by most countries, including Malaysia and the European Union, since 2019 to ensure future generations have the mindset that accidents can be prevented and every death in an accident is unacceptable. “This campaign also acts as a collective effort and advocacy platform in educating road users about road maintenance. “Road maintenance activities are important to control the rate of damage and ensure that road services are at their best.” – Bernama Plan to develop mineral industry PUTRAJAYA: The government is examining the potential for developing midstream and downstream industries for the mineral industry. Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this is to ensure that the economic potential of the industries could be fully realised without depending only on the export of raw minerals. “Quality investment commitment from state governments will ensure that the industries created have a positive impact on the national economy,” he said in a statement yesterday. The statement was issued in conjunction with the first meeting of the Mineral Industry Development Coordination Committee, which was held on Monday. Nik Nazmi said the committee is a forum to help speed up the decision-making process related to the mineral industry. – Bernama Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed confidence that BN would be able to defend the Pelangai seat. “Looking at the large turnout, I am confident BN can win easily. The state and federal governments are together, and the Pahang government has also taken good care of the state. So, we should vote for the BN candidate, which is a vote of confidence in Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy’s leadership in Pahang.” The Pelangai polls on Oct 7 will be a three-cornered clash among Amizar, Perikatan Nasional candidate Kasim Samat and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasni. From front page PM: BN can retain Pelangai seat

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 KOTA KINABALU: Consumer associations in Sabah said the federal government decision to provide a subsidy of RM950 per metric ton for imported white rice to Sabah and Sarawak from Oct 5 was the right step in addressing the issue of rice price and supply in the state. Persatuan Pengguna Bijaksana Pantai Barat Sabah president David Chan said it is also good news for consumers in the B40 group, as well as those in the food business as it would help to reduce their burden due to the rising cost of living. “Rice is a basic commodity for every household. The increase in the price of rice will also affect the overall cost of living. However, the public should not speculate on the shortage to avoid confusion,” he said yesterday. Earlier, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the subsidy would enable consumers to get imported white rice at a retail price of RM31 per 10kg, and that the action was taken because of the limited production of local white rice in Sabah and Sarawak. It is one of the four additional intervention measures approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address the issue of rice supply in the country, in addition to instructing the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority to increase the distribution of local white rice to rural areas, including in retail stores. Meanwhile, National Consumer Action Council Sabah secretary Anna Liew said the effort by the government to provide the subsidy is greatly appreciated, but expressed the need for monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of its implementation among traders and consumers. She said monitoring activities need to be increased to ensure traders or consumers do not take advantage of the subsidy, Bernama reported. Sabah consumers have welcomed the initiative and said it highlighted the government’s commitment in overcoming the rice issue, including ensuring supply is constantly available at a reasonable price. Mother of four Rositah Gambusaleh, 40, said the subsidy would reduce the price of imported rice and ease the burden on consumers due to the increasing cost of living. Rona Lo, 29, expressed hope for systematic coordination and monitoring by the relevant parties to ensure effective implementation of the subsidy, including ensuring that rice is sold according to the set price and that the supply is sufficient. ‘Subsidies could have negative effects’ Before establishing subsidies, Shankaran said the government should conduct comprehensive studies on the matter. “Monitoring and managing the effects of subsidies are necessary to mitigate its potential consequences, such as higher deficits, increased national debt and reduced long-term fiscal flexibility due to excessive subsidy spending,” he said. Shankaran emphasised that there should be alternative policies or measures to reduce the burden of subsidies while still supporting vulnerable populations or sectors. He said this could involve targeted support through cash transfer programmes, job training or infrastructure investments to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. He said policymakers should always consider the social and political implications when making decisions about subsidy reduction or elimination. While subsidies are intended to address social welfare concerns, he said they can also have negative consequences, such as creating dependency or distorting market dynamics. “Engaging with stakeholders, considering potential social impacts and transparently communicating reform plans can help address these implications. “Restructuring or redesigning the current subsidy system to better target support for vulnerable segments could involve means-testing or income-targeting approaches,” he added. oGroups hail move as good news for B40 while consumers happy with expected price reduction Malaysian wins coveted Mustafa Prize KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Fauzi Ismail has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Mustafa Prize, a biennial accolade celebrating the remarkable achievements of Muslim scholars and scientists since 2015. UTM said in a statement yesterday the milestone achievement holds historical significance as the award makes Ahmad Fauzi the first Malaysian and the second Southeast Asian recipient of the Mustafa Prize. He joins esteemed laureates who include Prof Samia J. Khoury from Lebanon and Prof Murat Uysal from Turkiye in the Islamic countries category. “Ahmad Fauzi’s recognition stems from his outstanding contributions to membrane technology research and its diverse applications. His impact extends globally through visiting appointments at prestigious institutions, including Imperial College London, Tokyo University and Kyoto University. “His pivotal role in establishing the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Center at UTM has positioned him as a leading figure in membrane science and technology worldwide.” The Mustafa Prize acknowledges Muslim scientists in four categories – information and communication science and technology, life and medical science and technology, nanoscience and nanotechnology and all areas of science and technology. The presentation ceremony held in Isfahan, Iran, was attended by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and 150 leading academicians and scientists from the Islamic world. In his acceptance speech, Ahmad Fauzi expressed gratitude to his family, UTM and various ministries in Malaysia for supporting his work and research over the years. “For me, research has always been more than just a career, it’s a deep-seated passion. It’s the thrill of discovery, the pursuit of knowledge and the relentless curiosity that keeps me inspired,” he said. At the heart of Ahmad Fauzi’s research lies the development of innovative polymeric, inorganic and mixed matrix membranes. The pioneering membranes have found critical applications in water desalination, wastewater treatment, gas separation processes, palm oil refining, as well as the creation of haemodialysis and polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cell applications. – Bernama Good response to Socso scheme KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 188,102 housewives nationwide have contributed to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Housewives’ Social Security Scheme as of Sept 24. Human Resources Deputy Minister Mustapha Sakmud said since the scheme was introduced in December 2022, a total of 476 cases have been processed by Socso involving domestic problems, disability and death, with total benefit payments of RM621,953. “This figure dismisses the view that housewives do not need protection coverage. From the number, on average of 47.6 cases are processed every month, or at least one case every day,” he said at the Madani Aspiration Carnival and Ayuh Daftar Suri@Perkeso campaign in Bandar Tun Razak yesterday. He called on housewives to contribute to the scheme for their safety and well-being, with a subscription of only RM120 per year. According to him, of the total of 188,102 contributors, 3,220 were in Kuala Lumpur. On another matter, Mustapha said the Active Labour Market Policy pioneered by Socso recorded 448,311 jobseekers who were able to be employed for the period January to Aug 31 last year. – Bernama Potential space venture with India KUALA LUMPUR: The space domain represents an exciting new area of potential collaboration between India and Malaysia, said Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy. “India’s proven expertise in the field, including in remote sensing, small satellite missions and geospatial applications has benefited more than 20 Malaysian space experts over the years,” he said in his article titled Paving the pathways for an Asian Century- India’s Chandrayaan-3 Success. “As of July 2023, India has successfully launched over 400 satellites for 34 countries and has formalised cooperative agreements with numerous nations to strengthen space partnerships,” Reddy said. India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on the moon’s southern polar region on Aug 23. – Bernama SUBSIDISED STAPLE ... Shoppers buying rice and other daily necessities during a Rahmah Sale at the Bandar Tun Razak Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN From front page Imported white rice subsidy lauded

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Contact theSun's Advertising & Marketing team to book your advertising space. 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Celebrate World Vegan Day with us! Discover the myriad benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, from improved health to a lighter environmental footprint. Explore how adopting a vegan diet not only supports personal well-being but also contributes to substantial financial savings in healthcare costs. Advertise with us on World Vegan Day on Nov 1, 2023 PUBLICATION DATE 1 NOVEMBER, 2023 (Wednesday) BOOKING DEADLINE 18 OCTOBER, 2023 (Wednesday) More measures against haze KUALA LUMPUR: The updating of the National Haze Action Plan is to accelerate measures that need to be taken by agencies involved in haze disaster management. Environment Department directorgeneral Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said one of the actions is to have the National Disaster Management Agency activate the disaster management committee at district, state or central levels when the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 150 for more than 24 hours. “All activities outside classrooms will also be stopped when the API reading goes beyond 100. Schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately when the API reading exceeds 200. Schools, kindergartens and nurseries are required to constantly monitor the API readings. “If the trend of API readings increases towards 200, preparations need to be implemented to close the relevant schools, kindergartens and nurseries. Cloud seeding operations will be carried out subject to the presence of clouds and suitable weather at an API reading above 150 for more than 24 hours,” he said in a statement yesterday. – Bernama Nilai records highest API reading KUALA LUMPUR: A total of seven regions recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 10am yesterday, with Nilai in Negeri Sembilan remaining the worst affected area with a reading of 157. According to the Environment Department Air Pollutant Index Management System website, Cheras in the federal capital registered a reading of 155. In Selangor, Banting recorded the highest API of 125, followed by Petaling Jaya at 117 and Shah Alam at 116. Other places with API exceeding 100 were Seremban at 149 and Port Dickson at 101. Fifty-eight areas are in the moderate range with readings of between 51 and 100, while three areas have good API levels below 50. An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, with 51 to 100 being moderate, while 101 to 200 is considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 classified as very unhealthy and a reading above 300 is hazardous. – Bernama Fundraiser held for animal shelter PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with World Vegetarian Day, which fell on Oct 1, a vegetarian restaurant here held a fundraiser recently for the Second Chance Animal Society (SCAS), which is based in Hulu Langat, Selangor. Tracy S.C. Wong, who founded the Loving Hut Malaysia vegan restaurant, said the event was also supported by the Malaysian Vegetarian Society (MVS). She said the inspiration for the fundraiser came from her deceased dog Happy. “Happy lived a healthy life for almost 14 years until her death on Aug 5. She was on a vegetarian diet, which challenged the common misconception that animals cannot thrive without meat.” Wong said SCAS dedicated itself to rescuing and caring for stray animals since its establishment in 2009. “When I visited SCAS, I noticed that the animals ran freely and were very friendly. Its commitment to providing shelter, medical care and love to abandoned animals is a testament to its compassion and dedication.” Wong said she opened a vegan restaurant and promoted a plant-based diet as she believes it could have a positive impact on the planet, health and the environment. “Our commitment is to provide food that’s tasty, healthy and acceptable to everyone. We are the only vegan restaurant that does not serve garlic, onion, dairy products or honey,” she said. Former health minister Tan Sri Liow Tong Lai, who was the guest-of-honour at the event, said many people should focus on a vegetarian lifestyle for the sake of the environment and SCAS honorary secretary Mei Leng with her dog Kenzo during the fundraiser. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN oRestaurant owner collaborates with vegetarian group to support sanctuary for strays █ BYQALIF ZUHAIR [email protected] achieving Sustainable Development Goals. “With global warming and the current world situation, going vegetarian is the only way to save the world. I can foresee that in the future, there will be more vegetarians as the number of vegetarian restaurants is growing.” Liow also said a vegetarian lifestyle promotes a healthy diet to combat non-communicable diseases, and expressed support for the MVS effort to encourage more Malaysians to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. “As a former health minister, I know we need to promote a healthy diet. Non-communicable diseases are largely caused by unhealthy diets. “Half of our population are overweight, and that is not even counting people who are obese. This is a major problem because overweight people are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, often in that order,” he said. Subang Jaya Zone 3 City councillor Jane Lee Jen Uyin, who also attended the event, said all stakeholders should work together to ensure people are aware of the benefits of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. “Local councils and the state government are working on urban farming, which would encourage people to start growing more vegetables. In the long run, we hope they will drop meat altogether.” MVS president Datuk Pishu Hassaram said the society promotes plant-based diets across diverse sectors, including education and corporate organisations. He said the positive impact of each individual adopting a plant-based diet will contribute to a more sustainable future for all. “Imagine, if a single person consumes vegetarian food for just a day a week for one year, we would save 170kg of our carbon footprint. “Each individual’s contribution will make a difference to society now and in the future,” he said.

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 MACC adopts new probe methods to widen reach PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has expanded its scope of investigations by implementing financial crime investigation methods to check any misconduct involving the country’s finances, said its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. He added that it is the latest method used to investigate high profile cases related to corruption and abuse of power involving large amounts of money. “This method is not only implemented and pioneered by MACC as we will join forces with agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board, police and Bank Negara Malaysia when investigations involve large-scale or syndicated financial-related cases.” Azam said the commission must use methods and strategies that are in line with the times to effectively combat corruption and abuse of power, adding that it managed to bust international investment fraud syndicates under “Op Tropicana” through cooperation with foreign agencies. MACC detained 10 individuals in February, including five Britons and two Filipinos, and exposed a syndicate involved in investment fraud, money laundering and corruption during several raids in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. He said during a recent interview the commission must continue to collaborate with local and foreign agencies, as they each have expertise in specific aspects that could assist in investigations from various angles. “We cannot work in a silo as it causes us to only focus on one thing or angle. When cooperating with other agencies, often referred to as task forces or joint teams, they can provide their expertise and legal knowledge while MACC leads the investigation.” Azam also said he aims to emphasise the effective execution of duties among his personnel, rather than only focusing on recruiting more staff. “That is how it goes with MACC. We start with the existing resources and budget, but focus on cases that benefit the country with the available personnel.” – Bernama Five acquitted of murdering teen GEORGE TOWN: The High Court yesterday acquitted and discharged five men over the death of T. Nhaveen, 18, who was allegedly killed in a violent bullying case in 2017. Judge Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid acquitted and discharged S. Gopinaath, 32, J. Ragesuthan, 24, S. Gokulan, 24, and two others, who were juveniles at the time of the incident, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case. He said there were conflicting versions in the witness statements, adding that the prosecution failed to call an important witness – the victim’s friend known as Preevin. “The prosecution was also unable to prove the accused’s intention to jointly kill or injure the victim, while the credibility of the witnesses called was highly doubted by the court. “The court has examined, considered and evaluated the case. Therefore, all five accused are acquitted and discharged.” They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murdering Nhaveen near the Karpal Singh Learning Centre in Jalan Kaki Bukit, Gelugor between 11pm and midnight on June 9, 2017. The five were also charged under Section 326 with voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous weapons on the victim. – Bernama Dummy seat belt dangers PETALING JAYA: Believe it or not, there are still motorists who stubbornly refuse to wear seat belts when travelling, despite their obvious role as a safety precaution during vehicle crashes. Automotive Accessories Traders Association of Malaysia president Cherrie Lim Bee Choo said some 3,000 dummy seat belt buckles are sold each year by her members. “Motorists use them to avoid the (seat belt) alarm system from going off if the seat belt is not fastened. “But there are safety issues when using dummy seat belt buckles. In case of a vehicle crash, if the seat belt is not fastened, the human body will collide with the rapidly inflating airbag. oIllegal car accessory defeats purpose of safety feature, heightens risk of injury in crash: Experts █ BY LEE KIAN SENG [email protected] Firm owner admits falsifying claim ALOR SETAR: A company owner pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to a charge of making a false claim totalling RM44,600 under the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 programme in 2021. Asyraf Omar Legacy proprietor Muhammad Asyraf Omar, 31, made the plea after an alternative charge was read to him before Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah. The court fixed Nov 7 for sentencing, while Muhammad Asyraf was allowed bail of RM15,000 in one surety. He was alleged to have dishonestly used documents, namely a verification form for the Hiring Incentive Programme under Penjana Kerjaya 2.0, for claims totalling RM44,600. The offence was committed at the Kedah Socso office on May 16, 2021. The charge was framed under Section 471 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 465, which carries a maximum sentence of two years’ jail, a fine, or both. – Bernama Man denies outraging modesty of female colleague PETALING JAYA: An assistant executive manager of a hotel pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to a charge of outraging the modesty of a female colleague, who is a former newsreader of a private television station. Mohd Faizal Hussain, 53, was charged with using criminal force against the 54-year-old woman with intent to outrage her modesty at a hotel in Damansara at 1pm on July 13. The charge, framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, carries imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping or any two of the punishments. Magistrate Zhafran Rahim Hamzah allowed Mohd Faizal, represented by Nur Afiqah Mohd Ashriee, bail of RM4,000 in one surety and also ordered him not to intimidate the woman and witnesses in the case. The court then set Nov 20 for mention. – Bernama “It will hit passengers with great force and cause serious injuries. The airbag then becomes a danger rather than a safety feature.” Lim said many accessory shops sell dummy seat belt buckles as demand for them is high. “These products have been in the market for at least 10 years, with most being imported from China. They are actively promoted on online shopping platforms. “It is crucial for consumers to exercise caution and make informed decisions. We have advised accessory shops to educate their customers on the importance of seat belts since a surprising number of individuals do not fully comprehend the downside to not using them.” Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon said since the seat belt alarm system was implemented in modern vehicles in 2012, people have come up with ways to bypass it, including purchasing dummy seat belt buckles. “Why anyone would do this is beyond (comprehension). Wearing seat belts is a safety measure.” Wong said a 2020 Miros survey of 326 motorists showed 39, or 12%, used dummy seat belt buckles. “While we have not conducted a follow-up survey on the current usage of (such products), we are noticing increased usage by motorists in the past three years. “Although it involves a small group of motorists, the matter is still worrying as it indicates they are ignoring safety measures.” He said one reason motorists gave for using such buckles is that they travelled short distances and found the alarm “annoying”. “Some also claimed they used it to stop the alarm as the seat belt was not functioning, but this is not a valid excuse.” Wong said although using dummy seat belt buckles is illegal in Malaysia, no enforcement is being carried out to curb the sale and use of such accessories. “Motorists can go to any hardware store or online shopping platforms to purchase them.” A motorist, who only wanted to be known as Lew, said he often sees his group of friends using it. “When my friends are in my car, they usually don’t use the seat belt. Dummy buckles remove the annoyance of the alarm. “My friends suggested I use the accessory because seat belts are uncomfortable to wear all the time and as long as I drive safely, there should not be any problem.” ILLEGAL RIDES ... Kedah Road Transport Department director Aman Shah Hashim (second from left) supervising an operation in Alor Setar yesterday to seize motorcycles used by foreigners who committed various violations. – BERNAMAPIC

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Indian police raid homes of journalists NEW DELHI: Indian police raided the homes of at least eight journalists and activists yesterday, local media reported, deepening concerns over a crackdown in a country where media freedom has nosedived. Those raided are reported to be connected to the English-language news website NewsClick, with Indian authorities filing a case in 2021 alleging the organisation was receiving foreign funding. The New York Times in August reported that NewsClick was financed by US millionaire Neville oReporters Without Borders warns ‘press freedom is in crisis’ Roy Singham, who it said “sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points” – claims Singham rejected. NewsClick journalist Aritry Das said police “barged into my home” at dawn, questioned her about her reporting and seized her laptop, phone and computer hard disks, she wrote on social media. Das also said the raid was linked to a case against NewsClick under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, a stringent anti-terror law which makes it virtually impossible to get bail. Thai premier launches committee to amend constitution BANGKOK: Thailand’s prime minister launched yesterday a committee to look at amending the military-drafted constitution, but ruled out any changes to contentious sections related to the monarchy. Srettha Thavisin’s government came into office in August after months of political wrangling, having promised constitutional reform in the run-up to May’s general election. The current charter was drafted in 2017 following a 2014 military coup, and heavily weighs power towards unelected officials and the armed forces. Srettha’s Pheu Thai party had pledged to hold a referendum on changing the constitution, telling voters it had been used to extend the rule of the then-junta. Srettha yesterday appointed a 35- member committee to conduct a feasibility study on holding a referendum to amend the constitution. “We have a timeframe of three to four months, or at least before the new year, for a conclusion on the referendum,” Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. The committee will contain representatives from the government and opposition, as well as academics, political activists and legal experts, he told a press conference. Phumtham said the process could take more than three years, but that it would be open to public discussion. He said the Cabinet will approve and submit the committee’s recommendations to the Election Commission before a referendum. The new charter will not change anything related to the monarchy. “We will not touch chapter I and chapter II including the royal prerogatives in other articles,” Phumtham said. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family are protected by some of the world’s toughest lese-majeste laws, with offences punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting next week. – AFP The Mumbai Press Club expressed its “deep concern” at the raids in a statement, reporting that “multiple journalists affiliated with NewsClick have been subjected to raids”. It demanded the police stop “what is perceived as a targeted harassment campaign against these journalists”. Also raided in connection to NewsClick was historian and activist Sohail Hashmi. “From the warrant that they reluctantly showed me, the raid at my residence was related to an investigation into NewsClick,” Hashmi told AFP. Hashmi had to hand over his laptop, phone and hard disks containing more than a decade of his writing, calling the raid a “combination of intimidation and a S’pore defends reputation as money laundering case widens SINGAPORE: Singapore defended its reputation as a global financial hub yesterday after a massive money laundering case crossed S$2.8 billion (RM9.6 billion) in seized and frozen assets, with a senior minister saying it was likely among the world’s biggest. The scale of the investigation has exposed potential loopholes in the city-state’s anti-money laundering laws that syndicates could exploit, prompting questions in Parliament on why it was not detected sooner. “This case is a reminder that even the most stringent preventive measures can be circumvented by determined criminals,” Second Home Affairs Minister Josephine Teo said in a speech to lawmakers. Authorities have seized and frozen assets now worth more than S$2.8 billion in a series of raids since August against the suspected international money laundering ring, said Teo. Police arrested 10 foreign nationals – from China, Turkiye, Cambodia, Cyprus and Vanuatu – accused of being members of the ring suspected of laundering proceeds from overseas criminal activity including scams and online gambling. All 10 are originally from China. More arrests and asset seizures are expected as police continue with their investigation, Teo said. Last month Singaporean police said they had seized and frozen more than S$2.4 billion worth of assets in sweeping raids but those have since grown by hundreds of millions. Teo said the latest trove included 152 properties, 62 vehicles, thousands of bottles of liquor and wine, cash, cryptocurrencies, gold bars, luxury bags and watches and expensive pieces of jewellery. She said police first received “disparate information” about suspicious transactions in 2021, and began conducting raids after they had collected much more evidence. It was not only one of the biggest anti-money laundering cases in Singapore but also “likely the world”, Teo told MPs. – AFP crackdown on freedom of press and speech”. There was no immediate response from the police, with raids carried out in New Delhi and Mumbai. “I don’t need to justify,” Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur told reporters asking about the raids. “If anyone has committed anything wrong, search agencies are free to carry out investigations,” broadcaster NDTV quoted him as saying. Press freedom in India has plummeted since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, rights activists and opposition lawmakers said. Reporters Without Borders warns “press freedom is in crisis” in India. Since 2014, India dropped from 140 to 161 on its rankings of media freedom, including 11 places since last year. Journalists critical of the government complain of increased harassment, including on social media – where Modi’s ruling party has a powerful presence. Those raided include founding editor Prabir Purkayastha, journalists Aunindyo Chakravarty, Bhasha Singh and Paranjoy Guha Thakurta as well as satirist Sanjay Rajoura.– AFP B R I E F SGUNMAN KILLS THREE AT THAI MALL BANGKOK: Police have arrested a suspected gunman after a shooting at a luxury mall in the Thai capital. Emergency services said at least three people were killed and three were injured in the incident at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon. The Central Investigation Bureau posted an image on its Facebook page of a man they said was the suspected gunman. Unverified videos shared on social media showed people, including children, running out of the doors of the mall while security guards ushered them out. One of the videos showed people taking cover in a darkened room inside a restaurant. – Reuters INDONESIA HUNTING NAKED FOREIGNER JAKARTA: Authorities on the Indonesian island of Bali said yesterday they are searching for a foreign national who was filmed in a viral video meditating naked at a Hindu shrine. The case gained widespread attention on the predominantly Hindu island after Balinese influencer Ni Luh Djelantik reposted the video multiple times between Saturday and Sunday, attracting hundreds of thousands of views. The foreigner has been identified by authorities but his name and nationality have not been publicly disclosed as the search goes on. – AFP FIERY BLAZE ... A chilli plantation owner trying to extinguish a peatland fire to protect his property in the Indonesian province of South Sumatra. – AFPPIC Vietnam developer accused of cheating 42,000 investors HANOI: A major property developer in Vietnam has cheated 42,000 investors in a bond scam worth US$1.2 billion (RM5.7 billion), the government said. Van Thinh Phat and its affiliates were accused of illegally issuing bonds from 2018 to 2020 to raise money from investors, according to a statement on the government’s website on Monday. “We request investors to come forward and help the investigation agencies complete records and documents,” said Nguyen Van Thanh, deputy head of department for investigation of corruption and economics crime, under Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. More than 42,000 victims will have their rights protected, he said. The announcement comes after the arrest of Van Thinh Phat group chairman Truong My Lan in October last year. Van Thinh Phat was founded in 1992, and its property portfolio includes high-end hotels, restaurants and luxury apartments. – AFP

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 Hardliner launches bid to oust US House speaker WASHINGTON: A far-right lawmaker launched a bid yesterday to oust US House speaker Kevin McCarthy from his post, triggering the most serious showdown yet within the Republican party as it battles to contain firebrand supporters of ex-president Donald Trump. Matt Gaetz, a congressman from Florida, entered his resolution from the House floor, later telling reporters McCarthy “doesn’t have my support anymore, and he doesn’t have the support of a requisite number of Republicans to continue as the Republican speaker”. “Bring it on,” McCarthy quickly responded on X, formerly known as Twitter. The resolution, a rare manoeuvre which requires a simple majority to pass, could force a vote within days and comes after McCarthy brokered a last-gasp budget deal with Democrats over the weekend, oResolution requires simple majority to pass Turkiye arrests dozens after Ankara attack ANKARA: Turkiye yesterday arrested dozens of suspected Kurdish militants and their supporters after an attack on the government district in the capital Ankara injured two policemen. The raids across a swathe of Turkiye’s predominantly Kurdish southeast came two days after a branch of the PKK – listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies – claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack. Turkish police shot dead one of the attackers while the other died in an apparent suicide blast outside the Interior Ministry. The attack came hours before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended an opening session of Parliament. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said security services had detained 67 “terrorist organisation members” across 16 provinces. Turkiye on Sunday also launched air strikes against suspected PKK rear bases in the mountains of northern Iraq. The PKK has been waging an insurgency since 1984 that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in Turkiye. A series of successive Turkish military operations has pushed the group back into neighbouring Iraq. The PKK attack coincided with the opening of a session of Parliament during which lawmakers will be asked to ratify Sweden’s membership of the Nato defence alliance. Turkiye’s ratification has been held up by anger over the refusal by the Swedish police to ban marches by the PKK and their supporters in Stockholm. Some analysts believe the PKK may be trying to block Turkiye’s ratification because it would herald an improvement in Ankara’s tense ties with Washington. Turkiye is also trying to get the United States to drop its support for Kurdish fighters from the YPG group in Syria – a policy shift Ankara may expect in return for its ratification. Washington relied on the YPG to fight Islamic State militants in the region. But Ankara views the YPG as a sister organisation of the PKK. – AFP temporarily avoiding a government shutdown. Gaetz has vowed retribution since the deal was struck. The Trump loyalist is a leading figure within the small group of far-right Republican legislators who ignited the shutdown crisis with their refusal to adopt fresh federal funding without deep spending cuts. The group also opposes sending additional support to Ukraine, saying the money would be better spent in the US on combatting illegal immigration. Republicans have such a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress, that the hardliners – though they are a small minority – hold a de facto veto over legislation there. “The American people are tired of Washington DC not having a budget, running US$2 trillion annual deficits sitting atop a US$33 trillion debt,” Gaetz told reporters on Monday after introducing his motion. “If this country’s going down, I’m going down fighting.” The resolution throws up fresh obstacles as lawmakers race to cut a new deal on funding for the federal government, with the stopgap agreement brokered by McCarthy over the weekend running out by mid-November. The last-ditch “continuing resolution” came as millions of public workers looked set to be sent home unpaid, upending government functions from military operations to food aid to federal policymaking. President Joe Biden has lambasted both McCarthy and the hardliners for failing to live up to an agreement forged around a debt crisis months ago that was meant to avoid a damaging shutdown fight – and for stripping out support for Ukraine. “Stop playing games, get this done,” Biden said during an address on Sunday, adding that he was “sick and tired of the brinksmanship, and so are the American people”. The timeline for next steps on Gaetz’s resolution is variable, and it is not yet clear if Democrats would come to McCarthy’s aid. – AFP UN okays Haiti force after year of pleas NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved a Kenyan-led mission aiming to bring stability to Haiti, a year after leaders in the violence-ravaged Caribbean nation first pleaded for help. The nation has been in turmoil, with armed gangs taking over parts of the country and unleashing brutal violence, and the economy and public health system also in tatters. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been calling since late 2022 for international support to back the police force, but much of the global community had been jaded by the failure of earlier interventions in Haiti. Monday’s resolution passed with 13 votes in favour, with China and Russia abstaining. Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus hailed it as bringing a “glimmer of hope for people who have been suffering the consequences of a difficult political, socio-economic, security and humanitarian situation for too long”. A breakthrough in plans for the force came in July, when Kenya volunteered to lead it and send 1,000 personnel. The East African nation said the resolution was “the beginning of a new chapter for the fathers, mothers and children of Haiti”. “This mandate is not only about peace and security, but also about the rebuilding of Haiti – its politics, its economic development, and social stability,” Foreign Minister Alfred N. Mutua said. The resolution calls for the deployment of a “multinational security support mission” – not officially a UN force – with a “lead country” coordinating with the Haitian government. The mission is initially approved for one year, with a review after nine months. The force aims to provide “operational support to the Haitian national police, including building its capacity through the planning and conduct of joint security support operations”, the resolution said. The mission will also aim to create conditions to hold elections, which have not taken place in Haiti since 2016. – AFP B R I E F S‘PUTIN MAY SOON ANNOUNCE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RUN’ MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin may soon indicate he will take part in a 2024 presidential election, Kommersant newspaper reported yesterday, paving the way for the Kremlin chief to stay in power until 2030. As part of a conference in November, officials suspect that Putin may announce he will take part in the election in March next year, Kommersant reported, citing unidentified sources close to the presidential administration. However, the newspaper, one of Russia’s most respected, said there were other scenarios for what Putin might do at the conference and the final decision rested with him. – Reuters NIGER SAYS 29 SOLDIERS KILLED NEAR MALI BORDER NIAMEY: At least 29 Niger soldiers were killed in an attack by insurgents near the country’s border with Mali, the Defence Ministry said in statement on Monday. “The provisional toll of the attack is as follows, 29 soldiers fell in battle and two were wounded,” the statement, read on Niger national television, said, adding that several dozen assailants were killed. The ministry did not say which group was responsible. The attack is one of the deadliest since soldiers seized power in Niger in a coup in July. Niger, like neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, is battling militants linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. – Reuters 40 missing, believed dead in Nigeria boat accident LAGOS: At least 40 people are missing and presumed to have drowned in northwest Nigeria’s Kebbi state after a passenger boat capsized in strong currents, a local official said yesterday. Boat accidents are frequent on Nigeria’s poorly regulated waterways due to overloaded boats, lack of maintenance and poor safety, particularly in the annual rainy season when rivers and lakes swell and flood. “We are still searching for 40 passengers with the help of local divers and believe they have drowned,” said Bala Mohammed, the administrator of Yauri district, where the accident happened on Monday. “It is a difficult search due to the high water level and strong currents as a result of the rainy season.” Last month, at least 24 bodies were recovered and 50 went missing when a boat ferrying more than 100 farmers across Niger River capsized. Two days earlier 10 people drowned while three went missing when a boat ferrying traders overturned in a lake in northeastern Adamawa state, according to emergency officials. – AFP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW ... A migrant climbing the border fence to cross into the US to request asylum at the Mexican municipality of Tijuana. – REUTERSPIC

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 SPEAK UP Unifying for better health I F your community has been able to maintain a lifestyle going back 70,000 years, will that not qualify you to be a champion of sustainable living? The hunter-gatherer Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia can be genetically traced back to a historic migration from East Africa to the rest of the planet 70 millennia ago. As their spiritual and religious traditions are based on the Book of Nature, these forest Orang Asli are Malaysia’s best role models of natural living. However, in addition to having knowledge of medicinal plants, they also possess the antidote to dissolve political mistrust between non-Asli Malaysians. Malays and other Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims can learn from the Orang Asli to share, collaborate, identify commonalities, seek conciliation rather than confrontation and live healthily in accordance with the rules of nature. Healthy living seems to be a dream as more than half of Malaysians are obese or overweight. Under Budget 2023, the Health Ministry was allocated RM36.3 billion but the money was spent largely on public hospitals, medicines and expenses to treat the sick. Public hospitals are overcrowded with high patient loads, and the queues are like traffic jams. Beds are running out in private hospitals, too. Economic losses from sickly lifestyles have been estimated at RM100.79 billion. With little expenditure or political will to enforce preventive healthcare, hospitals will certainly become the second home of most citizens. As it is, one in five persons in Malaysia has diabetes. The percentage among Malays is approximately equal to their percentage of the population, the percentage among Indians is twice as high while among the Chinese, it is about 15% less than their population percentage. However, many Chinese and Indians are stricken by alcoholrelated liver disease. Some politicians during the Oktoberfest month turn alcohol into a battle line. A week ago, one senior politician stated that some non-Muslim tourists in Langkawi had claimed that they were not allowed to drink alcohol. It is not clear what was the issue. Buddhism rejects intoxification completely as stated in the injunctions: “You shall drink no maddening drink” (Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta 62-6), and “Let the householder who approves of this dharma not give himself to intoxicating drinks” (Sutta-Nipata, Kulavagga, Dhamikasutta 23-24). Six dangers are listed: loss of wealth, increase in quarrels, susceptibility to disease, loss of good character, indecent exposure and impaired intelligence (Sigalavoda Suttanta 182:7). One Hindu scripture, Srimad Bhagavata, cautions: “In Soutramani Yaga, what is ordained is only smelling of liquor, not its drinking” (Vol 4, Skandha XI, Ch5 v13). The story of Jesus turning six pots of water into wine at a wedding banquet is often cited as evidence that Christianity permits drinking, but the use of water to make wine suggests dilution of the alcohol content. Some ancient wines had lower alcohol content than modern wines as wine was often mixed with water before consumption to dilute its strength. The overall biblical context suggests low-alcohol wine, for it is said: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). However, as a health tonic, the Bible recommends light drinking. “No longer drink only water but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (Timothy 5:23). If we want a healthier nation with healthier politics, we need to turn sore points that divide Muslims and nonMuslims into touchpoints that will unite them. Malaysians have fallen well behind the sparkling trend of de-alcoholising liquor because there is no political, business or religious drive to upgrade the health content of food and beverages. Germany, the land of the Oktoberfest beer festival, which is also popularly celebrated in Malaysia, is getting rid of the alcohol from beer. You can have as much cheer with non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic brews containing less than 0.5% alcohol. The main dietary role of alcohol in liquor is to provide aroma and flavour. With the latest techniques and technology, it has become doable to produce non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits with similar tastes, flavours and aromas as the alcoholic varieties. Sales of booze-free liquor are doubling in Germany and rising all over Western Europe and America. In addition to 0.0 Bitburger, Germany is also producing alcohol-free Riesling Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ wine – to name just two labels in a rising “no and low alcohol” movement – driven by greater concern for planetary and personal health. Malaysians stay out of this movement because of consumer attachment to the psychoactive effects of alcohol. That is to say, alcohol produces psychological and physiological effects that put you in a state of relaxation and euphoria. That is why alcoholic drinks are prominent at Chinese weddings. Regular liquor, with a moderate and high percentage of alcohol by volume, can make you intoxicated whereas “no or low alcohol” liquor does not. When you consume regular liquor daily or frequently, you are likely to get liver disease, heart disease, stroke, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, pneumonia, brain damage, cancer, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder. Of all regular liquors, wine is the only one with proven health benefits, especially when consumed at meals. A chemical known as resveratrol in red wine helps rejuvenate old cells, thus helping people to age better without degenerative problems. The Bible is wise in recommending “a little wine”. Regular liquor is also linked to sexual violence. It is time for the government to compel the liquor industry to push “no and low alcohol” varieties by giving manufacturers, importers and retailers no choice but to achieve sales targets. Set a target of 33% of overall sales for de-alcoholised spirits, such as whiskey, 25% for de-alcoholised beer and 10% for de-alcoholised wine, with incentives for achievement and punitive measures for failure. An interfaith forum held in Selangor on Malaysia Day was a missed opportunity. Instead of talking about the common aspiration for a more civil society, the panellists should have proposed a common platform to work for urgent improvements, such as upgrading the health of Malaysians, in line with scriptural teachings and the Orang Asli’s Book of Nature. Coming to obesity and diabetes, researchers have found that huntergatherer tribes, like the Orang Asli, are never overweight, and diabetes is unknown among them. While modern lifestyles are sedentary and our diets are heavy on meats, carbohydrates and sweet drinks, the forest people consume fewer calories, with their unprocessed diet and low meat intake. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] “If we want a healthier nation with healthier politics, we need to turn sore points that divide Muslims and non-Muslims into touchpoints that will unite them. Sales of booze-free liquor are doubling in Germany and rising all over Western Europe and America. – REUTERSPIC

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 THE recent unhealthy levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Malaysia brings back memories of the 2015 haze crisis, where the nation choked with weeks of smog, leading to school closures and flight cancellations. Research in 2016 revealed that this transboundary haze may have caused more than 100,000 deaths across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It appears that history is repeating itself as the air quality index has once again reached unhealthy levels, necessitating attention to the impact of air pollution on our health, especially that of our children. Having clean air is not a luxury but a fundamental right that every child deserves. Poor air quality, whether due to local sources or transboundary haze, has severe implications for children’s health and their future. Every child and youth in Malaysia has the right to breathe air that does not jeopardise their well-being. This silent yet profound threat to our children must be addressed. Scientific evidence confirms that polluted air infiltrates bodies, affecting lung development and potentially leading to chronic respiratory diseases while neurotoxic elements can impede cognitive growth. The escalating cases of respiratory ailments among our youths underscore the dire consequences of air pollution, with vulnerable children at even higher risks. These pernicious effects can irreversibly compromise their health, burdening our healthcare system. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 93% of the world’s children under the age of 15 (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is polluted every day, which puts their health and development at serious risk. Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) Malaysia also noted in an article that children are especially susceptible to the effects of air pollution because their lungs, brains, physical defences and immune systems are not fully developed. They breathe more rapidly than adults, thereby inhaling a relatively higher proportion of pollutants. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse health effects in children, including diminished lung function, respiratory infections, asthma and even premature death. Air pollution is a major, preventable and manageable threat to people’s health and well-being. Polluted air restricts children’s outdoor activities and hinders their access to quality education. This exacerbates existing societal inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities in our nation. A recent news article highlighted that Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore could face the worst haze crisis in five years due to the El Nino phenomenon, marked by elevated equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures that can result in warmer and drier weather in Southeast Asia, increasing the risk of fires and leading to severe transboundary haze. While it is important not to assign blame, the focus should be on proactive solutions. The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring clean air for our children and youth. Some of the ways it can make a difference include enhancing air quality standards and enforcing stricter regulations to curb emissions from various sources, such as industries, transportation and agriculture. Additionally, shifting towards renewable energy sources will not only reduce air pollution but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Malaysia. Government incentives and support for clean energy initiatives can pave the way toward a greener future. In addition, initiatives to educate the public about the importance of clean air and its impact on children’s health can garner greater support for clean air policies and encourage individual actions to reduce pollution. On the other hand, children and youths also have a vital role to play in driving change. They can collaborate with the government to create a cleaner environment by raising their voices through advocacy campaigns and community initiatives to educate their peers and mobilise support for clean air policies. Furthermore, they can adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, such as reducing energy consumption, practising waste reduction and advocating for sustainable transportation options, which can make a significant difference. It cannot be denied that young people have unique perspectives and creativity to develop innovative solutions. They can harness these skills to come up with technological solutions to address various environmental issues, including air pollution, for example air quality monitoring apps, green technology and community-based projects. In these uncertain times, it is advisable to regularly monitor air quality reports, especially during periods of haze. This will enable individuals, especially children and those with respiratory conditions, to make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Use air purifiers indoors and keep windows closed to maintain indoor air quality. Ensure that individuals, especially children and those with respiratory diseases or compromised immune systems, have access to necessary medications and medical care. The AQI is used to assess air quality. A good or healthy AQI ranges from 0 to 50, with air quality becoming less healthy as it goes above 50. Levels exceeding 150 are considered unhealthy. Let us stay informed, take action and hold our leaders accountable for ensuring clean air as a fundamental right. By working together, the government, youths and all Malaysians can pave the way for a sustainable and healthier tomorrow. We should act now so that our children can breathe easily, and lead our nation towards a cleaner and more prosperous future. The writer is a youth climate champions consultant, at Unicef Malaysia and a PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] Air pollution is a major, preventable and manageable threat to people’s health and well-being. – REUTERSPIC Wishlist for Budget 2024 THE Alliance for a Safe Community would like to present its thoughts and recommendations for the upcoming National Budget for the year 2024. Our proposals are aimed at enhancing safety and health, supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in complying with regulatory requirements, advocating for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and advancing road safety. We believe that these measures will contribute to a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for our nation. 1. Budget allocation for safety and health promotion in SMEs We call on the government to provide a substantial budget allocation to NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) actively involved in promoting workplace safety and health, especially within the SMEs sector. These funds can be utilised for training programmes in Occupational Safety and Health Competency courses, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control and other initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Act 2022. Investing in workplace safety education will enhance the well-being of workers and improve overall productivity. 2. Tax incentives for SMEs We propose offering tax incentives to SMEs that achieve full compliance with the provisions of the OSHA Amendment Act 2022 by the end of 2024. This measure will not only encourage SMEs to prioritise workplace safety but also contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for all employees. 3. Tax incentives for ESG compliance In line with global sustainability goals, we recommend providing tax incentives to SMEs that establish and implement ESG policies, roadmaps and Key Performance Indicators. This initiative will incentivise businesses to contribute to environmental protection, social responsibility and ethical governance. 4. Tax exemption for NGOs To encourage NGOs to actively participate in safety and health initiatives, we propose granting tax exemptions on revenue generated from safety and consultancy services. This exemption will bolster the financial sustainability of NGOs and facilitate their continued contributions to society. 5. HRDC waiver of service fees We request a waiver of the 4% service fees imposed by the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) for training providers offering courses related to safety and health. This will make such training more accessible and affordable, promoting a culture of safety in our workforce. 6. Allocation of grants for road safety campaigns Road safety, especially for motorcyclists, remains a pressing concern in our nation. We urge the government to allocate grants to NGOs involved in road safety campaigns. These funds can support awareness programmes, educational initiatives and infrastructure improvements to reduce accidents, and save lives. 7. Tax deductibility for fire detection/ fighting equipment To promote fire safety t the grassroots level, we recommend making expenses related to fire detection and fighting equipment tax-deductible for residents, up to RM1,000 per annum. This measure will encourage households to invest in life-saving equipment. 8. Tax incentives for tour and resort operators Cultural tourism plays a vital role in promoting unity and diversity, and preserving our rich heritage. We propose the introduction of tax incentives for tour operators and resort operators that actively promote cultural tourism experiences. These incentives can include tax breaks or deductions for expenditures related to cultural programmes, heritage conservation and activities that promote our cultural heritage. Encouraging such initiatives will not only boost tourism but also promote national unity and respect for our cultural diversity. 9. Allocation for upgrading and expanding motorcycle lanes Motorcycle crashes and fatalities continue to be a major concern, and one of the reasons for this is the perceived inadequacy of existing motorcycle lanes. Many riders choose not to use them due to the unacceptable standards. To address this issue, we urge the government to allocate funds not only for the construction of new motorcycle lanes but also for the comprehensive upgrade of the existing lanes. This upgrade should focus on improving safety, visibility and overall infrastructure quality to encourage motorcyclists to use dedicated lanes. 10. Import duty reduction for PPE and AED tools To encourage the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), especially among SMEs, we recommend a reduction in import duties on such equipment or rebates for employers to purchase such materials. This reduction will make PPE more affordable and accessible for businesses, thereby improving workplace safety. Additionally, we propose extending this reduction to Automated External Defibrillator (AED) tools to facilitate their widespread implementation, especially in public spaces and workplaces. Encouraging the use of AEDs can significantly improve the chances of saving lives in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. We understand the complexities of budget allocation and taxation policies, but firmly believe that these proposals are aligned with our collective vision for a safer, healthier and more sustainable nation. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Chin Yew Sin Alliance For A Safe Community LETTERS [email protected] “Having clean air is not a luxury but a fundamental right that every child deserves. Poor air quality, whether due to local sources or transboundary haze, has severe implications for children’s health and their future. CLIMATE VOICE BY MOGESH SABABATHY Air quality off the charts as haze returns

10 TRAVEL & LEISURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 All aboard for live music on Europe’s trains OVER the years, a host of musicians have performed in the underground corridors of Parisian subways. But far fewer have had the opportunity to do so aboard France’s SNCF mainline trains. The I Gemelli ensemble will soon be doing so as part of a partnership between SNCF Voyageurs, the Centre-Val de Loire Region and the Concerts d’automne festival. This musical group will give a surprise concert today aboard a Regio 2N train departing from Paris-Austerlitz and bound for Tours. The exact train number and departure time have not been disclosed, to better surprise SNCF commuters. Some 20 singers and instrumentalists will perform a selection of pieces from the 17thcentury Italian repertoire under the direction of Chilean-born conductor Emiliano Gonzalez Toro. Passengers will enjoy the sound of lutes, archlutes and violas da gamba as they make their way to their destination. This is the first time an event of this kind has been organised on a French train. But they are much more common on German trains, especially on board the Kulturzug. Every weekend, this “Culture Train” connects Berlin to the Polish city of Wrocław in four and a half hours. The journey may seem long to the impatient, but there are all kinds of entertainment to help passengers enjoy the ride, including electro DJ sets, tarotcard readings, artistic performances, readings, language lessons and more. In short, there is plenty to keep those aboard the Kulturzug entertained and, above all, to encourage them to take a trip across the border. The Kulturzug was created in 2016 to encourage more Berliners to visit Wrocław. At the time, the Polish city had been chosen to be one of the European Capitals of Culture, along with San Sebastian in Spain. The Culture Train was scheduled to run for six months Every weekend, the “Culture Train” connects Berlin with the Polish city of Wrocław in four and a half hours. oIt is now possible to hop on a train and enjoy a musical performance Must-see attraction or disappointing tourist trap? THE Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles has been ranked the world’s worst tourist attraction. According to a recent survey, the experience of walking along this star-studded walkway is the worst in the world, while the Great Wall of China and France’s Palace of Versailles were also found to be disappointing. They are regularly described as essential tourist sites, even must-sees. And when you are visiting a destination home to one of them, you just cannot pass them up. While we all know that these places are overrun by hordes of tourists, not taking them in, even if it requires something of a detour, would make you feel like you had missed something. But the truth is that these ultrafamous landmarks are not everyone’s cup of tea in reality - far from it. Is everyone a fan of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? How about the Empire State Building in New York? A unique study, conducted by Stasher, a network of luggage repositories, has sought to identify the world’s most disappointing tourist spots. The methodology of the ranking not only takes into account reviews published on Google but also the sites’ popularity on TikTok. Spotted by the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper, this analysis takes into account other parameters that help to explain the annoyances we may experience when travelling, such as the distance between the airport and the destination, which may mean a great deal of time and/or money to reach a site. The results also took into account scores relating to tourist safety in the country as well as the quality of local accommodation, based on reviews left on Booking.com. When all these aspects are analysed, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features plaques devoted to the greatest film and music stars on a wide Los Angeles sidewalk, comes in first as the tourist spot that most disappoints visitors. The study’s sponsors point out that it’s no surprise that this must-see on any trip to the West Coast is the most disappointing tourist attraction. The Walk of Fame received the same position in a similar ranking released in 2019. In the US, it is not the only disappointing site - there is also Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park in Florida and San Francisco’s Pier 39, where people flock to watch sea lions bask in the sun and see the Alcatraz prison in the distance. Elsewhere in the world, even such iconic buildings as India’s Taj Mahal, China’s Forbidden City and France’s Hollywood’s Walk of Fame has been ranked world’s most disappointing tourist attraction. Chateau de Versailles make the list of the world’s worst tourist attractions. There are some other surprising places on the list, such as London’s Tate Modern, Spain’s PortAventura theme park and Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. Elsewhere in the world, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong also feature in the ranking.- ETX STUDIO but never stopped travelling its route through Eastern Europe, except during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is said to have welcomed nearly 100,000 passengers on board since 2016, as Oliver Spatz, one of the project managers, told the Guardian. Now that the Kulturzug has made a name for itself, Kulturprojekte Berlin, the nonprofit organisation behind the project, is thinking of offering further train journeys of this kind between Germany and Poland - and maybe even other countries too. All of which could prove another reason for travellers to ditch air travel and take the train. - ETX STUDIO

KLCI 1,420.01 1.25 STI 3,192.35 HANG SENG 17,331.22 SCI NIKKEI 31,237.94 521.94 TSEC 16,454.34 KOSPI CLOSED S&P/ASX200 6,943.40 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES October 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) KNM 249,783,700 15.0 +1.0 EMCC 139,234,700 45.5 +4.0 HSI-CRT 133,695,200 9.0 +0.5 WIDAD 64,149,800 52.0 +1.0 ARMADA 59,410,800 54.5 -1.5 EXCHANGERATES OCTOBER 3, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7875 4.6545 4.6445 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0620 2.9410 2.9250 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4850 3.3850 3.3770 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4970 3.4050 3.3930 1 EURO 5.0230 4.8620 4.8420 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8560 2.7520 2.7360 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4850 3.3850 3.3770 1 STERLING POUND 5.7950 5.6160 5.5960 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1980 5.0800 5.0650 100 UAE DIRHAM 131.9700 125.1800 124.9800 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4280 4.1400 3.9400 100 CHINESE RENMINBI N/A N/A N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 61.8300 58.7800 58.5800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.8500 5.4900 5.2900 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0319 0.0289 0.0239 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2030 3.1020 3.0920 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6900 1.5800 1.3800 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5600 8.0700 7.8700 100 QATAR RIYAL 132.9300 126.1900 125.9900 100 SAUDI RIYAL 129.1900 122.6400 122.4400 100 THAI BAHT 13.5100 11.9800 11.5800 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY October 3, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,535.37 -3.53 FBMKLCI 1,420.01 +1.25 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 550.56 -1.89 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.08 -0.35 CONSTRUCTION 183.21 -0.07 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,905.22 +29.11 ENERGY 871.72 -16.86 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 577.37 -0.32 HEALTH CARE 1,689.48 +8.56 TRANSPORTATION 920.04 -0.20 PROPERTY 858.75 -4.53 PLANTATION 6,859.92 +6.78 FBMSHA 10,823.50 +0.36 FBMACE 5,162.25 +16.14 TECHNOLOGY 62.21 -0.20 TURNOVER VALUE 3.224 BIL RM2.209 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS October 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 160,100 127.50 +0.50 HAPSENG 3,409,400 4.67 +0.23 F&N 265,400 25.50 +0.22 RAPID 191,700 25.38 +0.18 BIPORT 100 5.18 +0.15 5 TOP LOSERS October 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PETDAG 578,500 22.30 -0.34 CARLSBG 180,700 19.76 -0.30 MPI 25,900 26.82 -0.18 PANAMY 24,700 18.74 -0.18 KOTRA 19,400 5.21 -0.16 BNM says inflation will continue to trend lower as pace of price rises slows KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects the country’s inflation rate to continue to trend lower in line with slowing momentum of price increases. According to governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, core inflation has continued to ease to 2.5% in August this year, in line with lower global commodity prices and improving supply and demand conditions. “We will continue to monitor potential risks to its outlook, arising mainly from changes to domestic policy on fuel subsidies,” he said at the International Conference on Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) 2023 yesterday. He added that the Malaysian economy remains resilient, anchored by domesticoriented activities. “Labour market conditions, particularly employment and wages, continue to improve. This is an important factor that █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] Asean is the new China: Tengku Zafrul KUALA LUMPUR: Asean is the new China and the region is set to become not just the world’s factory but also a consumer base, said the Minister Of Investment, Trade And Industry (Miti) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. He said the government is tapping into opportunities arising from the shifting global supply chains. “The 10 nations that make up Asean are already home to more than 678 million people, with a combined GDP (gross domestic product) of about US$3.7 trillion (RM17.4 trillion) in 2022. As a bloc, Asean is the fifth-largest economy in the world. It also had a middle class of roughly 350 million in 2022, representing US$300 billion of disposable income,” he told reporters at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Second Chance Financing Scheme for SMEs between Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) and Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) yesterday. He said the country’s SMEs’ survival in local supply chains could help them to capitalise on not only Asean’s growing middle class, but also shifting supply chains to and FDI flowing into the region. “It is important to support SMEs, in the context of global supply chains that are shifting to Southeast Asia. This regional economic integration is also a goal that is also espoused by the Madani Economy From left: MIDF CEO Azizi Mustafa, chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Tengku Zafrul, Malaysian Building Society Bhd CEO Mohamed Rafe Mohamed Haneef and AKPK CEO Azaddin Ngah Tasir at the MoU signing. o‘Region set to become not just world’s factory but also consumer base’ █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] CLOSED 16.51 478.44 102.97 89.80 framework,” said Tengku Zafrul. The government has announced RM60 million in second chance financing opportunities for SMEs in the 12th Malaysia Plan. MIDF and AKPK will provide small and medium enterprises that are facing challenges and financial difficulties with financial assistance, advisory services and business guidance. The MIDF Second Chance Financing Scheme offers financing of up to RM5 million for assets or working capital financing at a rate of 3% per annum. The aim is to enable SMEs to overcome challenges, fuel growth and contribute to the overall economic development of the country. Tengku Zafrul said sudden shifts in market conditions, unforeseen disruptions, or internal struggles can push promising companies to the brink of failure and can have far-reaching consequences for a production’s entire supply chain, encompassing suppliers, customers, employees and possibly the surrounding communities. “Therefore, providing these companies with a financial lifeline which supports their business recovery is crucial in ensuring that supply chains remain intact which in turn, is crucial to the nation’s socio-economic development. To that end, the MIDF-AKPK collaboration is an important, holistic ‘recovery ecosystem’ in terms of supporting troubled companies, particularly the SMEs,” he said. support households’ ability to spend. Meanwhile, investment by both the private and public sector remains forthcoming. “These factors will continue to support the Malaysian economy in 2024. In addition, the economy would also benefit from a gradual recovery in the tech cycle and rebound in external demand,” said Ghaffour. BNM, he added, is assessing a number of additional policy enhancements on the handling of financial scams. Ghaffour said they include strengthening the requirements for financial institutions to undertake more robust investigations, adopt stronger preventive controls, and review the effectiveness of these mechanisms. “We plan to clarify the responsibilities of customers in protecting themselves and their rights if they fall victim to fraud. The bank will engage the industry in the next few months before we finalise these policies,” he said. Meanwhile, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) information security committee chairman Derek Fernandez said it has the power to stop, remove content and to block sites suspected of being used for scams or to commit a criminal act. The MCMC will liaise with government agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in carrying out measures after receiving requests from them, he said during a media briefing on the launch of #JanganKenaScam, a national scam awareness campaign. On efforts from the commission, he said that 2.4 billion suspicious calls were blocked from 2018 to Aug 31, 2023 while, 4,051 phishing websites were blocked from 2020 to Aug 31, 2023. In addition, 581 million unsolicited SMS were blocked from 2021 to Aug 31, 2023 and 237,999 lines including mobile and fixed lines that are affiliated with suspicious SMS were terminated from 2021 to Aug 31 2023. From 2020 until Aug 31, 2023, 29 websites were blocked based on request from the PDRM. Participation 26.0 45.0 29.0 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 578.5 1009.4 621.3 2209.2 Sold RM m 568.2 980.4 660.6 2209.2 Net RM m 10.3 29.0 -39.3 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) 3/10/2023

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME M’sia improves to 18th spot in Global Financial Inclusion Index PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is the 18th most financially inclusive market out of 42 markets analysed globally, according to the 2023 Global Financial Inclusion Index. This year’s ranking is an improvement of two places over 2022’s 20th spot. Malaysia improved in two of the three pillars of financial inclusion, ranking 22nd (up two places from 24th) for government support, 17th for financial system support (up six places from 23rd), and maintaining its fifth place ranking for employer support. Significant improvements in Malaysia’s digital economy also contributed to its improved overall financial inclusion position, improved rankings for the ‘volume of real-time transactions’ (up 13 places to 14th) and ‘online connectivity’ (up three places to 24th) indicators. “It’s encouraging to see Malaysia oClimbs two places from previous ranking , aided by significant progress in digital economy MADCash secures RM5m in funding to empower women entrepreneurs PETALING JAYA: MADCash Sdn Bhd, a fintech startup focused on providing zero-interest microfunds to women entrepreneurs, has completed its pre-series A funding round, securing RM5 million investment led by Artem Ventures with support from MSW Ventures and ScaleUp Founders Fund. These funds will be used to enhance the company’s online platform using AI technology, cover operational and marketing expenses, and explore expansion opportunities within the Southeast Asia region. MADCash (Multiply, Assist, Donate Cash) funds and grows unbanked and underbanked women entrepreneurs, aiming to create an alternative credit scoring to increase their future bankability. Managing director Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin (pic) said they are happy to have new partners onboard at this critical juncture when they have so much in the work pipeline including launching MADCash Academy soon. With the support from Artem, MSW, and ScaleUp, she added, they can now make a bigger impact on society. Artem Ventures principal Tunku Omar Asraf said, “By offering financial inclusion and capacity building to these groups of women entrepreneurs, MADCash is a platform that helps underserved entrepreneurs to build their credit scoring and sharpen their entrepreneurship skills. MADCash recognises the importance of financial inclusion for closing the gap of poverty and gender inequality, which can lead to better economic growth in the SEA region.” MSW Ventures’ Jeffrey Seah said that supporting the unbanked and underbanked has been a digital economy problem looking for a sustainable s o l u t i o n , especially in t h e developm e n t economy of microfinanced entrepreneurship. He added that Nuraizah has demonstrated a strong grasp of the complex and ever-changing agendas amongst the institutional and strategic stakeholders, forging a programme-based business model that can serve to realise the potential of women entrepreneurs, providing them with a level of selfsufficiency beyond sustenance. “This is my second cheque in support of Nuraizah’s MADCash, she epitomises the characteristics of an Asia Fund X founder,” said Seah. Meanwhile ScaleUp Malaysia senior partner Renuka Sena said when Nuraizah joined their accelerator programme in 2022 MADCash had only supported 83 women with just US$20,000 as microfunds. “Since then, her team has focused on raising more funds under management to US$700,000 and improving their processes to deploy funds to more deserving women. MADCash demonstrates the quality of founders that we at ScaleUp aim to support all the way,” she added. By the end of this year, MADCash is set to have extended its support to more than 800 women. not only rise in the rankings, but to also see an increase in the number of people who feel financially included in this country,” said Principal Malaysia country head and CEO Munirah Khairuddin in a statement yesterday. “The continued focus on digitisation and other initiatives that eliminate barriers to people’s ability to save and invest will further improve financial inclusion across the country,” she added. The annual research was conducted by global financial company Principal Financial Group in partnership with independent consultancy, the Centre for Economics and Business Research. The index ranks 42 markets on three pillars of financial inclusion — government, financial system, and employer support – using data points across public and surveybased sources. These pillars represent the key stakeholders responsible for promoting financial inclusion across the population. According to the World Bank, financial inclusion is defined as “individuals and businesses having access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs – transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance – delivered in a responsible and sustainable way”. As in 2022, Singapore is rated as the most financially inclusive market, ranking first, second, and third in the government, employer, and financial system support pillars, respectively. Hong Kong is ranked second and Switzerland third. Last year’s second-place market, the US, dropped to fourth place. The bottom 10 countries are located in Latin America and subSaharan Africa, despite evidence of improvement in both regions. The bottom six countries have remained identical year over year (Argentina, Ghana, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, and Italy). Progress in financial inclusion is strongly and positively correlated to progress in other metrics of social and economic development, such as lower levels of corruption and greater economic freedom, resilience, and productivity. Reservoir Link subsidiary FGL considers listing on Nasdaq PETALING JAYA: Reservoir Link Energy Bhd, an energy-related services provider, reported that its 51%-owned subsidiary, Founder Group Limited (FGL), is considering to list on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York. FGL is one of the leading engineering, procurement and construction players which specialises in solar power systems as well as other engineering works involving civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering nationwide. The proposed listing of the subsidiary, which represents a strategic step for FGL, will offer enhanced financial flexibility through a new fundraising platform to accelerate the expansion and growth trajectory of its solar renewable business. By leveraging on the Nasdaq stock exchange, FGL will be able to improve its corporate image and visibility to penetrate into a wider market thereby broadening both the existing client and investor base. In addition, the exercise will serve as a platform to strategically review the business and explore new potential avenues to grow the solar renewable energy segment. Reservoir Link executive director Thien Chiet Chai said, “The proposed listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange perfectly aligns with the growth strategy of FGL. It presents us with a unique opportunity to further exercise our growth in the solar renewable energy segment by elevating our market visibility allowing us to potentially penetrate into new markets, unlocking immense value for our stakeholders which was previously unattainable. “Taking into account the expected global demand for solar, we expect remarkable growth ahead. Demand will be anchored by supporting factors like the growing adoption of net zero initiatives which have seen overwhelming support from government policies and incentives. Thus, we believe we are well positioned to capture additional market share upon completing the proposed listing.” Trading in Boustead Plantations, KLK halted pending announcement KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Securities approved Boustead Plantations Bhd’s request for suspension in the trading of the company’s ordinary shares with effect yesterday. “Bursa Securities has approved the company’s request for suspension in the trading of the ordinary shares in Boustead with effect from 9am to 5pm on Oct 3, pending the release of a material announcement,” Boustead Plantations said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. On Monday, Bursa Malaysia suspended the short selling of Boustead Plantations’ securities for the rest of the day under the intraday short selling scheme. The suspension was made after the last transaction price of the group’s approved securities dropped more than 15% from the reference price. Meanwhile, in a separate filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) said trading in its securities was suspended with effect from 9.02am pending an announcement by Boustead Plantations. “Accordingly, trading in structured warrants relating to KLK has also been suspended at the same time,” it said. KLK’s shares last closed at RM21.48 on Monday. Boustead Plantation shares last traded at RM21.48. In August, KLK proposed to acquire 739.2 million or 33% and one share of B o u s t e a d Plantations from B o u s t e a d Holdings Bhd for RM1.15 billion. – Bernama Palm biodiesel continues to face headwinds due to US, EU rules: MBA PUTRAJAYA: Palm biodiesel continues to face headwinds in terms of the ban on palm biodiesel under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) said yesterday. MBA president UR Unnithan said RED III and US EPA guidelines still single out biodiesel fuel as an unsustainable source for production. “This is unfair and I would like to use this platform to urge all of us, including the Malaysian government and those around the world, to build a global consensus around the big elephant in the room, which is the indirect land-use change (ILUC). “ILUC is one reason that palm oil has been singled out and banned for export. “Therefore, I urge all of us to work in a global consensus and use the metrics to prove that we do not cause deforestation and are truly a sustainable source,” he said in his speech at the Fourth Palm Biodiesel Conference here yesterday. More than 100 delegates are attending the MBA-hosted conference themed “Balancing Carbon Neutrality, Energy Security and Social Impact”. The two-and-a-half-day event ends today. – Bernama Cagamas issues bonds, sukuk for HLB green housing loans, financing KUALA LUMPUR: National Mortgage Corporation of Malaysia, Cagamas Bhd, has issued Malaysia’s first corporate bond and sukuk relating to green housing loans and financing. Cagamas issued a one-year, RM210 million Asean Green Bond and a oneyear, RM90 million Asean Green SRI Sukuk under Cagamas’ RM60 billion Conventional/Islamic Medium Term Notes programme (MTN programme) and the proceeds from the bonds and sukuk were used to purchase RM300 million in loans and financing facilities for green housing assets from the books of Hong Leong Bank (HLB) and its wholly owned subsidiary Hong Leong Islamic Bank, Cagamas and HLB said in a joint statement yesterday. The green housing assets comprise green residential properties and buildings utilising GreenRE and Green Building Index certifications as their qualifying eligibility criteria. To date, Cagamas has issued some RM2.9 billion worth of sustainabilityrelated bonds and sukuk under its RM60 billion conventional/Islamic MTN programme.

13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 i-ESG timely to help SMEs navigate ESG requirements: Samenta KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of the National Industry Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) Framework or i-ESG was timely as it provides the muchneeded direction for small and medium enterprises (SME) in navigating ESG requirements. Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) national president Datuk William Ng said the country now has a national framework that will serve as a guideline and “proof of compliance” required by many destination markets. The i-ESG was launched by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) on Monday. “Samenta views the ‘Just Transition’ approach positively as we were concerned that the framework will be overly prohibitive. “Miti’s tiered approach is supportive in nature and the ministry has clearly taken the feedback from the industry seriously in preparing the framework, thus we urge all manufacturing SMEs to adopt the iESG as soon as possible,” he said in a statement yesterday. Ng said exporting SMEs have been saddled with new ESG requirements set by clients in developed economies, and have been overwhelmed with the myriad of standards and frameworks with insufficient resources to meet all of them. “Failure to meet these new requirements would mean our SMEs will be excluded from the global supply chain,” he said. Hence, the association is also looking forward to more support from the government in the form of lowinterest loans to cover plant redesign and upgrade, new equipment, consultancy services and training for ESG. “Miti is right in not mandating full compliance to any standard at this point in time, given that many of our SMEs are not fully prepared for ESG and that many of the requirements set by customers and importers can differ quite significantly from one another,” he said. Ng added that Samenta was among the first associations to establish a Sustainability and Circular Economy Working Group three years ago, and is prepared to work with Miti and other agencies to assist SMEs in the manufacturing and services sectors to transition into the low carbon economy. – Bernama SC: Islamic finance, sustainability not mutually exclusive but complementary KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic finance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but complementary aspects of Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, said Securities Commission (SC) Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin. He called for efforts to capitalise on the close alignment between Shariah principles and sustainability as both offered cross-leveraging opportunities to benefit from each other’s strengths to better address global sustainability issues, Awang Adek said in his keynote speech at the fifth Islamic Sustainable Finance and Investment Asia Forum yesterday. “Over the past few years, the SC introduced various key initiatives with Sustainable and Responsible Investment as a main focus. For example, the SC’s Waqf-Featured Fund Framework aims to channel waqf funds into investments that have a positive impact on society.” To address funding gaps in sustainable investments, he proposed that there should be increased awareness on the role of finance in addressing climate issues, with Islamic Capital Markets (ICM) offering a win-win solution; promote innovation and leverage more on social finance tools to meet the ‘S’ under the ESG, as reflected by waqf initiatives, and broaden the ICM ecosystem to support the transition to net-zero for micro, small and medium enterprises. He also outlined three measures taken by the SC to nurture Islamic finance and sustainability, namely establishing a board committee on sustainability; working on guiding principles focused on Maqasid al-Shariah, which will encompass social finance, impact investing, SRI, Islamic funds and wealth management; and establishing an Islamic social exchange, to further integrate Islamic finance into sustainable development and social finance. TA Comet Fund investors to get 1.7 sen per unit KUALA LUMPUR: TA Investment Management Bhd (TAIM) has declared gross income distribution of 1.7 sen per unit for TA Comet Fund (TACF) to the registered unitholders of the funds as at Sept 29. TA Comet Fund aims to provide a channel for investors to invest in low-priced securities offering good value with great upside potential with a view of diversifying towards mediumpriced securities and blue chips as the market moves higher over the medium to long-term. Since its inception in 1999, TACF has achieved a remarkable return of 345.34%. In a statement yesterday, it said, Malaysian investors’ sentiments have improved after the recent state election, as it has provided a sense of political stability. More importantly, the unity government has subsequently introduced and implemented various policies and plans aimed at stimulating and advancing economy and market. It added several themes including renewable energy, electric mobility (electric vehicles EV), and the Johor economic/financial zone have emerged, which has triggered a rally in selected stocks and sectors. Petronas Chemicals’ AireBlue available at selected Kedai Mesra outlets KUALA LUMPURL: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PCG) has introduced AireBlue™, its high-quality diesel exhaust fluid at selected Kedai Mesra outlets for the first time. This was accomplished in collaboration between PCG’s wholly owned subsidiary Petronas Chemicals Marketing (Labuan) Ltd (PCML) and Petronas Lubricants Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (PLMMSB). First introduced in 2019, AireBlue™ is now available at several Kedai Mesra outlets across Johor, starting with Gelang Patah (Selatan), Bayu Senibong, and R&R Skudai Arah Utara region. Due to its strategic location next to Singapore, PCG will also be able to expand its reach to its Singaporean customers as well. “Air pollution is one of the major pollutants globally, and diesel exhaust is a significant contributor through its nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The introduction of AireBlue™ to Kedai Mesra outlets means drivers will have access to a better alternative on diesel exhaust fluids and will be able to play a role in reducing their vehicle’s impact to the environment,” said PCG chief commercial officer Shakeel Ahmad Khan. “Moving forward, PCG plans to make AireBlue™ readily available at Kedai Mesra outlets nationwide for customer AireBlue is a high-quality DEF made up of high purity urea-based reagent that converts NOx into nitrogen and water. MAG accelerates digital transformation journey PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), in a strategic move towards advancing its digital transformation journey, is expanding its work on the Microsoft platform in Malaysia to enhance the group’s suite of offerings, enrich user experiences, and fortify its technology platforms through the utilisation of Microsoft’s technologies. MAG will innovate in the areas of autonomous vehicle products, services, and solutions to enhance the overall user experience and journey. Additionally, the parties will anchor technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, augmented reality (AR), robotics and security in formulating robust tools for seamless digital integration. Appointing Microsoft as its preferred cloud provider, MAG now hosts 98% of its infrastructure on Microsoft Azure, resulting in a 30% savings in IT infrastructure cost and carbon emission savings of more than 84% since moving to cloud. By leveraging Microsoft platforms including Microsoft Power Apps and Power BI among others, MAG has effectively transitioned manual processes into streamlined digital formats, while simultaneously upskilling its workforce to thrive in the digital era. Raman (second from left) and Lee at the MoU signing ceremony. Looking on are Microsoft Asia Pacific president Andrea Della Mattea (left), and MAG Group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail. oMalaysia Aviation Group to enhance tech integration with expansion of its work on the Microsoft platform MAG Group chief digital and IT officer Clarence Lee said, “At MAG, ‘Digital is Our Universe’ is one of our six core beliefs – which pushes us to create innovative solutions that enhance the overall user experience. As we digitalise our way of working, this strategic alliance with Microsoft underscores our unwavering commitment to this belief, serving as a catalyst for our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 that consists of strategic directions and projects in the capacity of technology and resource investments. By leveraging our collective resources and technologies, we can advance global empowerment by addressing inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.” Meanwhile, Microsoft Malaysia managing director K Raman said that Microsoft has been a tech partner to MAG for more than 15 years now and have been part of MAG’s digital journey, from their cloud transformation to enhancing workforce productivity and efficiency. He added they are happy to further this collaboration to support MAG in delivering a modern customer experience whilst also enhancing the efficiency of MAG’s services. In tandem, MAG also hosted its first Digital & IT Innovation Day powered by Microsoft, which featured a showcase of cutting-edge technologies that are currently available in the market. The event included demo sessions on Microsoft’s AI innovations including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure OpenAI Services, tailored for the wider MAG community. convenience,” he added. AireBlue™, an AdBlue® product, is a highquality diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) made up of high purity urea-based reagent that converts NOx emitted by diesel vehicles into nitrogen and water. AireBlue™ was developed by PCG as a superior choice for vehicle users. It is certified by the German Association of the Automotive Industry as a high-quality DEF, meeting the stringent product requirements based on ISO Standards 22241-1.

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 SUNBIZ /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Trading in Evergrande resumes, shares rise HONG KONG: Shares in Chinese property giant Evergrande rose as trading resumed yesterday, following a suspension last week when the heavily indebted firm announced its boss was under criminal investigation. The firm has become a symbol of China’s ballooning property-sector crisis, which has seen several highprofile firms engulfed in a sea of debt, fuelling fears about the country’s wider economy and a possible global spillover. oCounter closes 28% higher after volatile session on Hong Kong exchange Last Thursday, Evergrande said its founder and chairman Xu Jiayin was suspected of “illegal crimes” after reports he was being held by police. The same day, the firm’s stocks were suspended in Hong Kong. When trading resumed yesterday, its share price initially jumped more than 60% before dropping to 10% and then rising again. The shares eventally closed up more than 28%. Prices had initially jumped more than 60% before S’pore seen holding monetary policy in balancing act SINGAPORE: Singapore is likely to leave monetary policy unchanged this month, as the city-state grapples with a weak economic outlook and persistent price pressures. All 15 analysts polled by Reuters expect the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to hold off making changes to its policy in the scheduled review. “Keeping all three policy parameters unchanged would enable the MAS to balance between being vigilant on upside inflation risks and soft economic growth,” said analysts at DBS. This month’s MAS decision comes as major central banks elsewhere debate how much more policy tightening might be needed to bring inflation under control amid some signs price pressures have been moderating. Instead of using interest rates, the MAS manages monetary policy by letting the local dollar rise or fall against the currencies of its main trading partners within an undisclosed band, known as the Singapore dollar Nominal Effective Exchange Rate, or S$NEER. It adjusts its policy via three levers: the slope, mid-point and width of the policy band. According to DBS’ model, current MAS policy means the S$NEER is appreciating 3% a year. Maintaining the current slope would mean the MAS keeps monetary policy tight for longer, they added. Meanwhile, HSBC analysts don’t expect the MAS to loosen monetary policy until April 2024. “While inflation has been consistently cooling, it still takes a long time for core to fall back to the MAS’ comfort zone,” analysts at HSBC said. Alex Holmes, a lead economist at Oxford Economics, expects the MAS to slightly reduce the slope of the policy band in an out-of-cycle move in January 2024. The central bank is expected to release its next semi-annual monetary policy statement no later than Oct 13. Singapore has seen inflation ease in recent months, though it still remains above the pre-pandemic average, official data showed. Headline and core inflation ranges are officially projected to average 4.5% to 5.5% and 3.5% to 4.5% in 2023, respectively. Meanwhile, the trade-reliant nation’s industrial output and nonoil exports have contracted for an 11th consecutive month, as global demand falters. Singapore is often seen as a bellwether for global growth as its international trade dwarfs its domestic economy. The MAS left monetary policy unchanged in April this year, reflecting growth concerns, having tightened policy at five consecutive reviews prior to that. It typically holds two policy reviews each year though conducted two additional out-of-cycle decisions last year as consumer prices surged. - Reuters dropping to 10% and then rising again over a day of volatility for the troubled company’s stock. “Looks like the gains are driven by speculative money,” Willer Chen, a senior research analyst at Forsyth Barr Asia Ltd, told Bloomberg. “With this volatility, I really don’t know if there’s any chance for any proper investor to make money on this name.” Evergrande estimated it had debts of US$328 billion (RM1.5 trillion) at the end of June. And the company warned last month it was unable to issue new debt because its subsidiary, Hengda Real Estate Group, was being investigated. Key meetings planned for debt restructuring were shelved. Banks behind 70% jump in greenwashing incidents: Report LONDON: The number of instances of greenwashing by banks and financial services companies around the world rose 70% in the past 12 months from the previous 12 months, a report showed yesterday. European financial institutions accounted for most instances and much of the greenwashing involved claims about fossil fuels. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) data firm RepRisk recorded 148 cases from the banking and financial services industry globally in the 12 months to the end of September 2023, up from 86 during the previous 12 months. Of the 148 cases, 106 were by European financial institutions. Greenwashing involves an organisation making misleading sustainability related claims to investors or consumers, usually to boost its reputation and bottom line. “Over 50% of these climatespecific greenwashing risk incidents either mentioned fossil fuels or linked a financial institution to an oil and gas company. These incidents are not happening in isolation and regulators are increasingly aware of the scale of the problem,” RepRisk said. European Union watchdogs said in June that banks, insurers and investment firms across the bloc had made “misleading claims” about their sustainability credentials to investors. The banking and financial services industry is second only to oil and gas for the number of greenwashing incidents, RepRisk said. The data firm found that greenwashing more broadly was on the rise. One in every four climate-related ESG risk incidents was linked to greenwashing, an increase from one in five last year, it said, while it also found that one in three companies tied to greenwashing was also embroiled in so-called “social washing”. It defined social washing as companies presenting themselves positively by “obscuring an underlying social issue” – such as human rights abuses and corporate complicity, or impacts on communities – to protect their reputation and financial performance. – Reuters The firm said it was “necessary to reassess the terms” of the plan in order to suit the “objective situation and the demand of the creditors”. Its property arm missed a key bond payment last week, and Chinese financial website Caixin reported that former executives had been detained. Given the changing status of the Evergrande crisis and the property market contributing to one-third of the country’s economic activity, SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes said he could not “see China sitting back and watching the real estate market crumble”. China’s property sector has long been a pillar of growth – along with construction it accounts for about a quarter of GDP – and it experienced a dazzling boom in recent decades. However, the massive debt accrued by its biggest players has been seen by Beijing as an unacceptable risk for China’s financial system and overall economic health. Authorities have gradually tightened developers’ access to credit since 2020, and a wave of defaults has followed – notably that of Evergrande. – AFP B R I E F SUK PM: NO DECISION YET ON HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY PROJECT MANCHESTER: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused yesterday to end speculation about the future of Britain’s HS2 highspeed railway project, saying he was still considering whether to scrap or delay construction of the northern leg of the train line. HS2, or High Speed 2, was originally expected to link London with cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, but has already been scaled back. Rail industry leaders say that every delay means the project gets more expensive. Scrapping the link to Manchester would reduce HS2 to a line between London and Birmingham. Work on this initial phase is already advanced and the government has already spent £2.3 billion (RM13 billion) on the northern part of the trainline. – Reuters VISA LAUNCHES US$100M VENTURE FUND FOR GENERATIVE AI STARTUPS B E N G A L U R U : P a y m e n t s processor Visa on Monday launched a US$100 million (RM471 million) venture fund for generative artificial intelligence (AI) startups, joining a list of investors who have flocked to the sector this year. Several highprofile names such as Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google have backed the AI space, a buzzword in technology circles this year, after chatbot ChatGPT’s popularity. Generative AI is a technology that creates brand new content based on what it has learnt from past data. – Reuters BOEING SETS RECORD 737 PRODUCTION GOAL FOR JULY 2025 WASHINGTON: Boeing plans to push production of its best selling 737 narrowbody jet to a record of at least 57 per month by July 2025, reflecting rising orders and the company’s recovery after the 737 MAX crisis, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. The goal would hit the planemaker’s unmet target from several years ago, which was scuttled in 2019 when the MAX was grounded globally following two deadly plane crashes. The schedule targets 737 production to reach 42 jets a month by December 2023, affirming statements made by Boeing Commercial Airplanes head Stan Deal to Bloomberg TV in June. From there, monthly 737 production is set to grow to 47.2 jets in June 2024 and 52.5 jets in December 2024 before hitting a steady rate of 57.7 aircraft per month in July 2025. – Reuters RBA PAUSES FOR FOURTH MONTH SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank held interest rates steady yesterday for a fourth month and showed no urgency to hike again, although it repeated a warning that further tightening might be needed to bring inflation to heel in a “reasonable timeframe”. Wrapping up its October policy meeting, the first chaired by Governor Michele Bullock, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held rates at 4.1%, and said recent data were consistent with inflation returning to its 2-3% target over time with output and employment still growing. – Reuters Singapore has seen inflation ease in recent months, though it still remains above the pre-pandemic average. – PEXELS PIX

4 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y Crowning the Crowning the fairest of them all fairest of them all DeAge Titanium Beauty like no other page 17 The True Detectives takes Mr Wrong unmasked over night country page 16 page 19 page 18 Ivory Coast’s lekes all the rage

16 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 AI is transforming the fashion world, but the fastgrowing technology will never be a replacement for designers’ “original creativity”, according to the head of a pioneering project. Fashion innovator Calvin Wong has developed the Interactive Design Assistant for fashion (AiDA), the world’s first designer-led AI system. It uses image-recognition technology to speed up the time it takes for a design to go from a first sketch to the catwalk. “Designers have their fabric prints, patterns, colour tones, and initial sketches and they upload the images,” Wong told AFP. “Then our AI system can recognise those design elements and come up with more proposals for designers to refine and modify their original design.” Wong said AiDA’s particular strength was its ability to present “all the possible combinations” for a designer to consider, something he said was impossible in the current design process. An exhibition at Hong Kong’s M+ Museum in December featured collections by 14 designers developed using the tool. But Wong stressed it was about “facilitating designer inspiration” not “using AI to take over a designer’s job, to take over their creativity”. “We must treasure the designer’s original creativity,” he added. Wong heads up the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AidLab), a collaboration between Britain’s Royal College of Art (RCA) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he is a professor of fashion. RCA vice chancellor Naren Barfield predicted the impact of AI on the fashion industry would be “transformational”. “The impact is going to be huge from the ideation and conception stage through to prototyping, right the way through to manufacture, distribution and then ultimately recycling,” he said. So-called personalisation is already being used to improve the customer experience with better product recommendations and more effective searches, helping shoppers find what they want quickly and easily. But as the technology evolves, so too does the range of highly specialised tools being developed. AiDA was just one of the AidLab projects being showcased in the British capital ahead of London Fashion Week, which started on Friday. Others included the Neo Couture project, which aims to use advanced technologies to digitally preserve the specialised skills and techniques used by couturiers. With the UK fashion industry facing a skills shortage, it is creating an AI-assisted training system to help teach couture skills. Another project aims to increase sustainability by reducing the estimated 92 million metric tonnes of clothing that end up in landfills each year. One potential use of the AI Loupe project is to help designers overcome the problems of using so-called dead stock fabric. Designers can photograph leftover fabric and then use the tool to get the missing details to assess its suitability for their designs. “It uses the camera as your index - the material is the QR code that brings the information,” said project researcher Chipp Jansen. The future of AI in fashion design, however, is not clear-cut. New York brand Collina Strada’s founder, Hillary Taymour, admitted this week that she and her team used AI image generator Midjourney to create the collection they showed at New York Fashion Week. Although Taymour only used images of the brand’s own past looks to help generate its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, looming legal issues could keep AI-generated clothes off the catwalks for now. “In terms of fashion designed by AI, I would expect to hear from designers that there are questions of intellectual property rights,” said Rebecca Lewin, a senior curator at London’s Design Museum. “Because whatever comes back will have been scraped from published images and to get that regulated will need a lot of work.” The RCA’s Barfield said the area would be tricky, but he expected it to be resolved through test cases and legislation. “I don’t know how fast AI will be transformational, but if it gives companies a competitive advantage, I think they’ll invest and take it up quickly,” he said. The only thing currently holding companies back was the “massive investment” in infrastructure required, he said. “But once they’ve done that, they can take the plunge, and then they will be making savings on material waste and productivity,” he added. As for designers’ fears that it might become a substitute for the human creative process, he said the key was who controlled the decision-making. Using a “genetic algorithm,” where you started with one design and used the software to generate successive ones, the computer could produce 1,000 varying looks, something that might take weeks to draw, he said. On the other hand, if the designer retained control, AI could offer huge benefits by hugely speeding up the process “without necessarily making the decisions for them”, he added. - ETX STUDIO I N Abidjan, the rainy season is drawing to a close, yet the ubiquitous “leke” remains a staple of Ivorian culture, defying the changing weather. These affordable, waterproof plastic sandals have evolved into an emblem of Ivorian identity, transcending age and social boundaries. Rokia Daniogo, a 33-year-old shopkeeper, shared her perspective as she sat on a bustling street corner within the vibrant Treichville market. “Everyone has worn leke,” she observed, emphasising that even babies and children proudly don these sandals for various activities like playing and going to school. Her own children have embraced leke since they took their first steps. A short distance away, Ousmane Kaba, both a seller and a daily wearer of leke, attested to their popularity, particularly among those aged 18 to 35, especially during the rainy season from May to September. Mounir Ben, another shopkeeper, traced the origins of leke to postWorld War II France, the former colonial ruler of Ivory Coast. Despite the global prevalence of flip-flops, lekes remain a symbol of Ivorian identity, even though they are less common in neighbouring countries like Senegal and Mali. Leke comes in various models, including plain, transparent, or patterned designs, often featuring the national colours of orange, white, and green. Some bear the names of famous footballers, adding a touch of sports enthusiasm to their appeal. Affordability is a key factor in their popularity, with prices typically around 1,000 CFA francs, roughly equivalent to US$1.6 (RM7.56). Emmanuelle Keita, an Ivorian fashion critic, traces the rise of leke back to the 1980s when they were primarily worn by individuals with limited financial means, including those associated with zouglou music, which emphasised the challenges of student life. Today, leke has evolved into an AI ‘no substitute’ for fashion designers’ creativity oInexpensive plastic sandals have become a symbol of Ivorian cultural identity Ivory Coast’s ‘leke’ sandals become fashion statement Leke sandals remain an iconic symbol of Ivorian identity for decades. The future of AI in fashion design is not clear cut. essential fashion accessory, bridging the gap between street style and luxury fashion. Luxury brands like Gucci and Prada have joined the leke trend, offering their own versions at significantly higher prices. Regardless of financial status, these sandals now epitomise both humility and coolness, transcending socio-economic boundaries in Ivorian fashion. - ETX STUDIO

17 FASHION & BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 Thong, Datuk Lim Hong Tat and Datuk Jason Tan. Their presence elevated the event to the level of a truly distinguished occasion. The evening goes on with some lively performances from renowned singer Cris Angel and award-winning violinist Joanne Yeoh. Their artistry captivated the audience, making the night truly memorable. Angel was then recognised with a special award for his exceptional contributions. The award highlighted his remarkable achievements and influence in the local entertainment industry. All the contestants received welldeserved prizes and were met with enthusiastic cheers and wide smiles as they graced the stage throughout the delightful evening. Among the impressive lineup of 13 contestants, a notable seven emerged as winners of special IN a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered the missing piece of the puzzle behind the formation of pink diamonds, some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive gems. While more than 90% of pink diamonds come from Australia’s Argyle mine, the reasons for this abundance have remained a mystery. In a recent study published in Nature Communications, Australian researchers discovered that these rare pink diamonds surfaced due to the breakup of Earth’s first supercontinent around 1.3 billion years ago. The key ingredients for pink diamond formation include carbon located below 150km deep within the Earth and just the right amount of pressure to alter the diamonds’ clarity. However, what was missing was the volcanic event that propelled these diamonds to the Earth’s surface. Previous estimates suggested that Argyle diamonds emerged 1.2 billion years ago, but this study found a more accurate timeline, placing them at 1.3 billion years old. This aligns with the breakup of the supercontinent known as Nuna or Columbia, where immense pressure altered the diamonds’ colours during collisions between western and northern Australia 1.8 billion years ago. When Nuna began to break apart 500 million years later, it reactivated the “scar” from that event, causing a volcanic explosion that shot diamonds to the surface at nearsupersonic speeds. This discovery could revolutionise diamond prospecting by shifting the focus to old mountain belts near the edges of continents, potentially creating new sources for pink diamonds in locations like Canada, Russia, southern Africa and Australia. However, experts caution that pink diamonds seem to be unique to the Argyle mine, even though other diamond-rich regions have ties to Nuna’s breakup. With the Argyle mine’s closure in 2020, the rarity of pink diamonds may continue to drive up their value as their supply diminishes. - ETX STUDIO Scientists find ‘missing ingredient’ for pink diamonds More than 90% of all pink diamonds ever were unearthed at the recently closed Argyle mine in Australia’s far northwest. DeAge Titanium Beauty Contest crowns winners LEADING beauty brand, DeAge Titanium Beauty, recently wrapped up its first beauty pageant competition with a lavish banquet and enthralling performance night hosted at The RuMa Hotel and Residences in Kuala Lumpur. The “Ratu DeAge Titanium Beauty Contest” concluded flawlessly on Sept 20, with all 13 contestants showcasing their unique beauty and grace throughout the evening. Jacqlyne Chin, the founder of DeAge Titanium Beauty, highlighted during the prestigious event that the Ratu DeAge beauty contest provides an excellent platform for women to step onto the stage, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. “The objective of this event is to promote goodwill and empower women by engaging in charitable community initiatives. It is open to individuals of all races and religions, welcoming those who aspire to improve their fitness, energy levels, physical appearance and overall well-being through our beauty products and services,” she said. She also mentioned, “Being a mother is the most significant role. It’s the most important job, but unfortunately, it often gets neglected, especially for single mothers out there. We talk a lot about women’s empowerment, so why not start by empowering our mothers, sisters and friends?” This occasion marks a significant milestone for DeAge Titanium Beauty, as it orchestrated a prestigious and meaningful gathering to celebrate women. The choice of an exquisite venue added an extra layer of magic to this remarkable occasion, marking a significant milestone for the brand in honouring and cherishing the essence of womanhood. The event also saw the presence of notable individuals such as YM Tengku Datuk Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi bin YAM Tengku Azman Shah Alhaj, Datuk Sri Steven Lim, Datin Dr Winnie Loo, Datuk Teoh Beng The contestants. – PICS BY AMIRUL SYAFIQ / THESUN oThe inaugural beauty pageant ends with grand celebration in Kuala Lumpur █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Chin’s advanced birthday celebration with Hishammuddin during the event. awards, adding to the triumphant atmosphere of the event. Alda Adeela Stannis Kasun was crowned the prestigious DeAge Queen for her remarkable talent, earning the revered title of Miss Best Talent. Standing tall in the spotlight, Angela Tay graces the stage as the epitome of beauty, securing the title of DeAge Queen of Miss Body Beautiful. Melissa Kew captivates hearts and souls, embodying elegance and sophistication, and is rightfully named the DeAge Queen of Miss Elegance. Then, Goh Sue Gin, a shining example of dazzling beauty, is honoured as the Queen of Miss Beautiful Skin, epitomising the essence of healthy and flawless skin. The lens adores Joanne Lam, perfectly capturing her essence and crowning her Miss Photogenic DeAge Queen. Meanwhile, Ruby Khoo, shining with a captivating personality, is recognised and celebrated as the DeAge Queen for Miss Best Personality. Lastly, but significantly, Seetha Devi embodies the spirit of friendship and camaraderie, earning the prestigious title of DeAge Queen for Miss Friendship. Each of these queens represents the essence of DeAge Titanium Beauty, showcasing unique qualities that deserve honour and recognition. Additionally, Chin, who also celebrated her birthday in advance there, added, “A great success to the DeAge first Ratu DeAge beauty contest 2023. On that auspicious evening, I stood in front of many wonderful people who are the backbone of my life.” “I am thankful and I count my blessings in life, be grateful, for there are many more good things to come. DeAge Titanium Beauty’s mission is to produce more high-quality products and services for everyone at very reasonable prices so that everyone can benefit from DeAge Titanium Beauty. Support Buatan Malaysia ”

18 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME M Lil Tay back from the dead AKING a surprising return to the limelight, Lil Tay unveils a new music video. Approximately a month after her family’s peculiar announcement of her death on Instagram (which was promptly removed), the young rapper, better known as Claire Hope, introduced her latest track, Sucker 4 Green, through a visually striking music video. In this video, the 14-year-old artist sported a coordinated yellow ensemble while confidently strutting in front of an array of luxury cars. This imagery harked back to her viral TikTok videos, in which she flaunted her ostentatious purchases of high-end vehicles at such a tender age. Notably, her mother, Angela Tian and her older brother, Jason Tian, made cameo appearances in the video, sharing the frame with her in one of the luxury cars. In a press release issued by Lil Tay’s representatives, it was announced that she was not only making a return to social media but also launching a significant single and music video. She interacted with her fans through an Instagram live video, where she expressed her eagerness to return, promising to reveal undisclosed aspects of her journey. Lil Tay’s representatives also made Instagram sensation Lil Tay. – INSTAGRAM oShe returns to social media with a new album █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Pattinson’s deepest fear he described as effective for weight loss. However, he acknowledged that he had never been consistent with his approach to maintaining his physique. Furthermore, Pattinson expressed reluctance to discuss his workout routines for movie roles, citing the potential embarrassment of always being compared to individuals in better shape. This highlights the unique challenges and pressures that actors like him face in an industry that demands both excellence and conformity to often unrealistic standards. Pattinson’s candid conversation with Jordan Firstman offers a glimpse into the actor’s profound fear of humiliation, the anxieties that come with being a Hollywood actor and the extreme measures he has taken to meet industry expectations. It sheds light on the complex and demanding nature of the entertainment business and the personal toll it can take on individuals striving for success. Pattinson in The Batman. - PIC BY WARNER BROS/MOVIESTORE/SHUTTERSTOCK █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Frosty mysteries PREPARE for a chilling journey as HBO presents True Detective: Night Country, a riveting original drama series that boasts six episodes. Mark your calendars for its premiere on Jan 15, 2024, available on HBO (Astro Ch 411) and HBO GO. This gripping series showcases the talents of Academy Award winner and Emmy nominated Jodie Foster and the risingstar Kali Reis. Notably, Issa López serves as the show’s showrunner, writer, and director, ensuring a cohesive and captivating narrative. True Detective: Night Country unveils a mysterious and enigmatic story in the frozen landscapes of Ennis, Alaska. When the long winter night descends, eight men operating the Tsalal Arctic Research Station inexplicably vanish. Detectives Liz Danvers (played by Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (played by Reis) must confront their inner demons and delve into the haunting secrets concealed beneath the eternal ice to crack the perplexing case. The stellar cast includes not only Jodie Foster and Kali Reis but also Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw, Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star LaBlanc and John Hawkes. The series also features guest stars like Anna Lambe, Aka Niviana, June Thiele, Diane Benson, and Joel D. Montgrand, adding depth to the intrigue. Behind the scenes, the show’s creative force is led by Issa Lopez, who assumes multiple roles as showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer. Jodie Foster also joins as an executive producer. The list of executive producers includes Mari Jo Winkler, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak for Pastel, Chris Mundy, Alan Page Arriaga, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Cary Joji Fukunaga, and Nic Pizzolatto. Moreover, Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Cathy Tagnak Rexford and Sam Breckman contribute as producers. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the gripping world of True Detective: Night Country. Tune in starting Jan 15, exclusively on HBO (Astro Ch 411) and HBO GO. HBO’s True Detective: Night Country is set to send shivers down spines in January 2024. – HBO █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN RECENTLY, Robert Pattinson has opened up about one of his most profound and darkest fears humiliation. The 37-year-old actor, known for his role as Batman, recently discussed his aversion to taking on projects he’s not genuinely passionate about, primarily to avoid appearing inadequate. In a conversation with writer and comedian Jordan Firstman, Pattinson revealed that he has a profound dread of humiliation. He emphasised that he understands that the ultimate responsibility falls on him, regardless of external factors like a subpar script or a difficult director. He recognises that people would not care about the reasons behind a perceived failure, and it is he who will bear the brunt of criticism, being labelled “lame” even when he has given his best effort. Pattinson’s journey in the film industry, which began when he made his debut in Vanity Fair at 17, has also shaped his perspective on his place in society. He humorously mused about the constant fear of unemployment, desperation, and the sense of failure that plagues actors in Hollywood. While some individuals in show business find contentment, Pattinson expressed uncertainty about falling into that category. He described the immense stress of being employed for short periods during film shoots often leaving actors in a state of constant uncertainty. Pattinson also shed light on the pressure faced by actors to conform to certain physical standards in Hollywood. He admitted to going to extreme lengths to achieve the ideal look, including trying various fad diets, such as a twoweek potato-only cleanse, which it clear that this music video and song offered mere glimpses into the world she has been constructing. In her own words, the song’s title encapsulated her essence, and she urged her followers to embrace it or move aside. During her hiatus from social media, she claimed to have honed her skills, including writing, singing, playing multiple instruments and dancing. She re-entered the scene with an Instagram post, jubilantly proclaiming her comeback and promoting her new release, Sucker 4 Green. Interestingly, her TikTok account seemed to have undergone a purge, leaving only two videos showcasing scenes from her latest music video. Lil Tay’s ascent to fame began in 2018 when she was just nine years old, captivating audiences with sensationalised Instagram content featuring her rapping, using colourful language and exhibiting her extravagant lifestyle. However, her rapid rise was followed by an abrupt disappearance from the online sphere, with her deleting her Instagram account and going silent on her millions of followers.

19 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 The serial flirt You are on a date with a guy, and he is charming, funny, and the centre of attention. But wait, he is like this with every girl he meets. If you find yourself in the company of a serial flirt, it is time to recognise that he may just be collecting hearts like they are Pokémon cards. The real question is, do you want to be one of them? The jealous jester Ladies, meet the Jealous Jester. He seems sweet at first, but it does not take long for his jealousy to rear its u g l y h e a d . H e is the guy who q u e s t i o n s your every move, your every friend and the very air you breathe. Remember, trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship and a relationship with a jealous jester is like building a castle on quicksand. The mystery man Ever feel like you are dating Sherlock Holmes, except without the charm and charisma? The mystery man is all cloak and dagger, keeping his life shrouded in secrecy. He is a closed book and you are not even sure which chapter you are in. A relationship should be an open book where both parties share and grow together, not a mystery novel you cannot decipher. The selfie king Prepare for a barrage of selfies, ladies. The selfie king believes the world revolves around his image and he will do whatever it takes to get that perfect shot. While confidence is appealing, an obsession with oneself can be a sign of narcissism. Remember, you want a partner, not a paparazzi subject. The emotional rollercoaster Our final red flag is a wild one — the emotional rollercoaster. This guy is a whirlwind of emotions, swinging from ecstatic highs to soul-crushing lows in a matter of minutes. While it is natural to experience emotions, a rollercoaster relationship can leave you feeling dizzy and emotionally drained. You deserve stability and happiness, not a perpetual loop of drama. So, there you have it, our intrepid adventurers. Seven red flags to spot in a guy. Remember, it is essential to trust your instincts and set your standards high. Do not settle for less than you deserve. Happy dating and may you find your Mr Right amidst the sea of Mr Wrongs. LADIES and gentlemen, gather ‘round. We are about to go on a thrilling journey through the enigmatic world of dating, where we will decode the perplexing mysteries of Mr Wrong. We will be your trusty detectives, unveiling the seven red flags that should set off your dating alarm bells. So, grab your magnifying glass and read on to learn more. The phantom texter Ever met a guy who’s as elusive as the Loch Ness monster? He vanishes into thin air for days, only to resurface with a vague text like, “Hey, what’s up?” Ladies, if you are dealing with a Phantom Texter, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One day, he is Mr Charming and the next, he is Casper the unfriendly ghost. The commitment-shoebe Ah, the commitment phoebe, a species as rare as a unicorn that does not want to be ridden. This guy is allergic to words like “relationship” and “future.” He will dodge any talk of commitment with masterful skill, leaving you wondering if you are dating a Peter Pan who never grew up. Beware - a healthy relationship needs commitment to flourish. Unmasking Mr Wrong A pattern of dishonesty can erode trust and signal deeper issues in the relationship. – CENTS PURPOSE Frequent and unexplained anger issues can be warning signs of potential emotional or physical harm. – FREEPIK Consistent disrespect is a major red flag in a guy as it may indicate a lack of empathy and respect in the relationship. – FREEPIK █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN oCase of the seven red flags I N today’s fast-paced professional world, many individuals find themselves trapped in toxic work environments. Toxicity can manifest in various forms, such as bullying, harassment, micromanagement, or a culture of negativity. Surviving and thriving in such an environment can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. This feature explores strategies and insights to help you not only endure but also grow in the face of adversity. Self-reflection Before tackling the external factors of a toxic workplace, it is crucial to begin with selfreflection. Take time to evaluate your own feelings, reactions and contributions to the environment. Are you inadvertently contributing to the toxicity by engaging in negative behaviours or reacting emotionally to situations? Understanding your role is the first step towards resilience. Seek support One of the most significant challenges in a toxic work environment is feeling isolated. Reach out to colleagues who may be experiencing similar issues. Sharing your experiences can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone in your struggles. Additionally, consider seeking support from friends, family or a therapist to maintain your mental and emotional well-being outside of work. Set boundaries Toxic work environments often blur the line between personal and professional life. Establish clear boundaries to protect your mental and physical health. This may involve setting limits on how much overtime you are willing to work, refusing to engage in gossip, or standing up to bullies. Communicate your boundaries assertively but respectfully to colleagues and supervisors. Document incidents In a toxic work environment, it is crucial to keep a record of any problematic incidents, including dates, times and descriptions of what occurred. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to escalate the situation to HR or legal authorities. Having concrete evidence can make a significant difference when seeking resolution. Seek guidance from HR If the toxicity persists, consult your HR department. Be prepared to present your documented evidence and explain how the toxic environment is affecting your work and wellbeing. HR may be able to intervene and facilitate a resolution. However, keep in mind that HR’s primary loyalty is often to the company, so outcomes can vary. Develop coping strategies In a toxic work environment, it is essential to develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Consider mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises. Engaging in regular physical activity can also help release built-up tension and stress. Maintain a positive network Surround yourself with a positive network of friends and mentors outside of your workplace. These individuals can offer perspective, encouragement, and advice. They can also serve as a reminder that there are healthier work environments out there if you decide to move on. Explore new opportunities While it’s essential to persevere and try to improve your current situation, do not be afraid to explore new career opportunities. Update your resume, connect with professional networks and actively seek job openings. Knowing you have options can provide a sense of empowerment and motivation to change your circumstances. Practice resilience Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Develop this skill by focusing on your strengths, staying adaptable and learning from your experiences. A toxic work environment can be a challenging test of your resilience, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth. Seek professional help If the toxicity takes a severe toll on your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide strategies to cope with stress, anxiety and depression and help you build resilience. Surviving a toxic work environment is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies, support and mindset, it is possible. Remember that your well-being should always be a top priority. Whether you choose to stay and work towards positive change or seek a new opportunity, these strategies can help you navigate the toxic labyrinth and emerge stronger on the other side. – BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN A toxic work environment is a workplace culture that normalises harmful behaviours. – WORKPLACE WELLNESS Navigating the toxic labyrinth

20 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 Light up the sky FOLLOWING an impressive display of Cartier’s exclusive “Into the Wild” global campaign in Kuala Lumpur in September, the Creative Industry 33.3 (referred to as ‘the Agency’) secured a remarkable accomplishment by clinching the gold award at the fourteenth annual Agency of the Year Awards, fondly recognised as the Markies Awards. The agency was a standout in two of the industry’s most prestigious categories - “Most Effective Use (Events)” and “Most Effective Use (Experiential)”. 33.3’s co-founder, Edwin Raj, explained, “This win hits differently because it is a solid indicator that we are more than what the industry, especially our prospects and stakeholders, perceive us to be.” “In an industry that relies heavily on creativity and innovation, we take pride in delivering exceptional levels of undertaking with every brief, be it music videos or a straightforward activation request to elevate the brand experience,” he added. Established in 2019, Raj, together with Lau Hoe Yin (also known as Blink) and Zulamran Hilmi, formed the agency 33.3 with a shared mission to challenge communication boundaries and craft impactful forms of storytelling. 33.3 has gained a notable reputation within the Asian creative industry for creating cutting-edge music videos, particularly for Malaysia’s globally recognised pop R&B artist, Yuna, and the eminent figure in Malaysian hip hop, Joe Flizzow. The recent event at KLCC Twin Towers was a showcase of a significant project, marking a notable milestone in the post-pandemic period. The exclusive authorization granted to the Malaysian agency 33.3 to host a drone light show in the park underscored their proficiency and capability in organising innovative displays of this magnitude. Also, the collaboration with Skymagic, a well-known drone solutions company based in the UK, played a crucial role in realising this visionary event. Zulamran, a passionate enthusiast of design, culture, and art and also a co-founder of this exceptional local agency, expressed, “Collaborating closely with a prestigious luxury brand like Cartier and the international agency Auditore was an Thrilling drone light show by 33.3. –PICS BY 33.3.CO oCreative Agency 33.3’s amazing drone performances won two gold █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL (From left) Raj, Lau (aka Blink) and Zulamran. enriching experience, providing valuable insights into processes, workflows, and meticulous adherence to protocols without any margin for error.” “The planning and execution process alone spanned a meticulous 90-day period, involving intricate work in design, animation, synchronisation, permit applications and securing relevant approvals.” “This is also the first time KLCC has allowed for such a feat, as the location has been previously gazetted as a no-fly zone. Though challenged by the storm, we are grateful for the assistance from the Meteorological Department of Malaysia, who skillfully calculated a window of opportunity to fulfil our mission,” he added. Hoe Yin, often hailed as the Malaysian superstar DJ, naturally became an influencer, positioning 33.3 as a formidable entity. However, Hoe Yin, preferring a more laid-back approach, attributes 33.3’s success to exceptional teamwork. “We may come from different backgrounds, be it our upbringing or professional life, but it is our mutual respect towards each other that is the heart of this agency. In a short span of four years, 33.3 has managed to work on defining projects with renowned global brands such as Cartier, Disney, Marvel, PRADA, Tourism Malaysia, Johor Darul Takzim FC, Bulan Bintang, DefJam, Netflix and many more.” “Speaking for both my partners in arms, Edwin and Zul, I believe that the best has yet to come and until then, we will continue to fill up the skies with drones and of course, produce amazing music videos”, said Blink. In line with this victory and the continuous growth and demand in the content, digital media, and activation industries, 33.3 has experienced an increase in revenue. Notably, 33.3 holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian company to successfully execute six highly technical drone light show productions, achieving two Malaysia Book of Records entries for the highest number of drones utilised in a light show, with a staggering count of up to 350 drones for a particular project. Edwin said: “The Cartier drone light show held the record for a good five months before it was surpassed by a local company that showcased a moon and stars theme, also executed by 33.3”, adding, “Perhaps that’s a tale for another occasion.” Patta team up with FC Barcelona FASHION brand Patta has just released the first image of its upcoming collaboration with football giants FC Barcelona, displaying the limited-edition pre-match jersey in all its glory. Barca and Patta recently released a video on Instagram, initially puzzling fans with a pulsating heart on screen. However, the purpose became clear upon the upcoming release. The latest release, named “Culers de Mon” kit, is a tribute to the passion and love uniting football enthusiasts globally, especially those devoted to FC Barcelona. The design centers around the heartbeat motif and club crest, symbolising the “Barça blood” shared by fans worldwide. The jersey’s base carries the club’s colors, and the Nike Swoosh, in white, complements the abstract design. There are two versions of the release—one featuring the Patta logo as the main shirt sponsor and the other with the current club sponsor, Spotify. Back in August, a Nike x Patta x Barcelona Air Max Plus design was The latest pre-match jersey collaboration. – PIC BY PATTA █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL unveiled without a release date, but having been spotted on the feet of Catalonian legend Carlos Puyol earlier this week, it seems the coveted silhouette is officially a part of the “Culers de Mon” capsule. The Air Max Plus, in collaboration with Barcelona and Patta, proudly displays Barcelona’s iconic blue and garnet red colors in the classic gradient design. The upper is adorned with the well-known swirly ripples. These distinctive hues of the football club also feature on the double mini Swooshes and subtly on the shoe’s sole, which includes Air units. To signify the collaboration, a Patta badge is stamped on the tongue, while FC Barcelona’s unmistakable crest is positioned where the laces meet, and Nike TN branding appears in other areas of the shoe. The Barcelona x Patta “Culers del Mon” collection will be exclusively available on the Patta website beginning on Oct 13 at noon. The collection will also be available in the stores of Patta in Amsterdam, London, and Milan.

21 SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. (Registration No.: 202101037307 (1437607-T)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Meeting of the Company held at No. 7, Solok Stadium 3, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak on 29th September, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “That PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. be wound up voluntarily and that Ms. Choong Mun Phin of B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding-up the Company.” TIW CHI YANG Director Ipoh Dated: 4th October, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. (Registration No.: 202101037307 (1437607-T)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 3rd November, 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. CHOONG MUN PHIN Liquidator B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2 Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan 31400 Ipoh, Perak Dated: 4th October, 2023 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO: WA-28NCC-535-06/2023 In the matter of Section 466 of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) BETWEEN PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD (Company No. 199101010745 [221057-V]) PETITIONER AND AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the 12th day of June 2023 presented by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad of Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur, at 9.00 o’clock in the morning, on the 5th day of Oktober, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs Ghazi & Lim of 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Ghazi & Lim Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Messrs Ghazi & Lim, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve (12.00) o’clock noon of the 4th day of October, 2023. This Notice is filed by Messrs. Ghazi & Lim, Advocates for and behalf of the Petitioner whose address for service is at 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. (Ref: P13/23/MRG/NSN) IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of TANGKAS MINDA SDN. BHD. (199601039574 (411927-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PUNCAK TERATAI SDN. BHD. (199301011169 (265906-M)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PADAT MESTIKA SDN. BHD. (199601036415 (408768-A)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of MASYHUR KLASIK SDN. BHD. (200401029940 (668448-X)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Norhayati Binti Ibrahim Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN. BHD. (199401041100 (326787-X)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO. BA-A72NCC-344-07/2023 ANTARA LBS CAPITAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199501019781 / 348984-W) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHAMMAD KHAIRUL HANEE BIN MOHD KHAIRUL ANWAR (No. K/P: 960216-14-6657) …DEFENDAN NOTIS KEPADA : DEFENDAN MOHAMMAD KHAIRUL HANEE BIN MOHD KHAIRUL ANWAR (No. K/P: 960216-14-6657) No. 36, Jalan Bersatu 13 Taman Bersatu 48000 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam dalam perkara Guaman No. BAA72NCC-344-07/2023 oleh LBS CAPITAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199501019781 / 348984-W) yang beralamat di L3A-21, Plaza Seri Setia, Level 4, No. 1 Jalan SS9/2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Plaintif diberi kebebasan dan/ atau kebenaran untuk menyampaikan satu salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 kepada kamu dengan cara penyampaian ganti, yakni dengan menampalkan satu salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 serta satu salinan bermeterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 15 September 2023 di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam dan pada suatu tempat yang mudah dilihat di alamat Defendan di No. 36, Jalan Bersatu 13, Taman Bersatu, 48000 Rawang, Selangor dan menyebabkan suatu Notis diiklankan dalam akhbar harian “The Sun Daily” untuk sekali dalam Bahasa Malaysia dan penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup akan Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 ke atas kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalanpenampalan dan pengiklanan dibuat. Kos permohonan ini adalah dijadikan kos dalam kausa. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam tempoh dua puluh satu (21) hari selepas penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, kamu hendaklah menyebabkan suatu kehadiran dimasukkan untuk diri kamu dalam kausa atas guaman dengan mencatatkan kehadiran samada sendiri atau melalui peguam di Pejabat Pendaftaran Majistret Shah Alam dan ambil perhatian, bahawa dalam keingkaran kamu berbuat demikian Plaintif boleh meneruskan untuk mendapatkan penghakiman ingkar terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 September 2023. DITANDATANGANI OLEH TETUAN FYIONA, LAI & DENNIS THONG ........................ PEGUAMCARA BAGI PLAINTIF NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Fyiona, Lai & Dennis Thong, peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di No. 13A-3, Menara 1 Mont Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-6211 1128 / 017-666 2721 Fax: 03-6211 9393 Emel: [email protected] [Ruj: YF.FL.MLA.798.23.LBS(Khairul)] NOTICE TAKE NOTICE that MahWengKwai & Associates would like to seek information regarding the following: 1. The biological parents of a male child who was born and abandoned at Klinik Bersalin Sunway, Petaling Jaya on 27.6.2006. 2. An individual by the name of Yeo Ah Gek who was present at the time the said male child was abandoned by the biological parents. Any party with relevant information is requested to contact Ms Rachel at 03- 78872702. NOTICE IN THE SESSION COURT AT JOHOR BAHRU SUMMON NO: JA-B52NCC-170-08/2023 Notice is hereby given to LIM KEE WEI (I/C No.: 780322-01-6081) to appear in the Johor Bahru Session Court at 9.00 a.m. on 10-10-2023, Tuesday or contact Messrs. S.K. SONG before the above date for the hearing of the above summon. Location of the Court is at Johor Bahru Session Court, Level 23A, Menara MSC Cyberport, No.5, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor. In the event, if you failed to appear, the court may grant any order that the Court deems fit. This notice is filed by Messrs. S.K. SONG, Advocates & Solicitors, whose address for service is at No.75A, Jalan Mutiara 1/9, Taman Mutiara Mas, 81300 Skudai, Johor. [Ref: SKS/L 9299/23/LIM] TEL NO.: 07-556 8187 FAX NO.:07-556 8188 COURT BOX NO.: 95 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of INFO MASYHUR SDN. BHD. (200401024229 (662735-U)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Hasnol Hadi Bin Md Khaidzir Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of IDAMAN KENCANA SDN. BHD. (199301007295 (262032-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of ENIGMA KREATIF SDN. BHD. (200401027045 (665553-K)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Arsad Bin Mat Jali Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN. BHD. (197901000873 (45127-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. (Registration No.: 202101037307 (1437607-T)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Meeting of the Company held at No. 7, Solok Stadium 3, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak on 29th September, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “That PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. be wound up voluntarily and that Ms. Choong Mun Phin of B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of winding-up the Company.” TIW CHI YANG Director Ipoh Dated: 4th October, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PRESTIGE HOME BUILDER SDN. BHD. (Registration No.: 202101037307 (1437607-T)) (IN LIQUIDATION) (MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 3rd November, 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. CHOONG MUN PHIN Liquidator B-2-13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business Centre 2 Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan 31400 Ipoh, Perak Dated: 4th October, 2023 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO: WA-28NCC-535-06/2023 In the matter of Section 466 of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) BETWEEN PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD (Company No. 199101010745 [221057-V]) PETITIONER AND AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the 12th day of June 2023 presented by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad of Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur, at 9.00 o’clock in the morning, on the 5th day of Oktober, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs Ghazi & Lim of 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Ghazi & Lim Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Messrs Ghazi & Lim, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve (12.00) o’clock noon of the 4th day of October, 2023. This Notice is filed by Messrs. Ghazi & Lim, Advocates for and behalf of the Petitioner whose address for service is at 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. (Ref: P13/23/MRG/NSN) IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of TANGKAS MINDA SDN. BHD. (199601039574 (411927-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator TANGKAS MINDA SDN BHD (199601039574 (411927-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PUNCAK TERATAI SDN. BHD. (199301011169 (265906-M)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PUNCAK TERATAI SDN BHD (199301011169 (265906-M)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PADAT MESTIKA SDN. BHD. (199601036415 (408768-A)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PADAT MESTIKA SDN BHD (199601036415 (408768-A)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of MASYHUR KLASIK SDN. BHD. (200401029940 (668448-X)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Norhayati Binti Ibrahim Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator MASYHUR KLASIK SDN BHD (200401029940 (668448-X)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN. BHD. (199401041100 (326787-X)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator LINDUNGAN SINAR SDN BHD (199401041100 (326787-X)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO. BA-A72NCC-344-07/2023 ANTARA LBS CAPITAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199501019781 / 348984-W) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHAMMAD KHAIRUL HANEE BIN MOHD KHAIRUL ANWAR (No. K/P: 960216-14-6657) …DEFENDAN NOTIS KEPADA : DEFENDAN MOHAMMAD KHAIRUL HANEE BIN MOHD KHAIRUL ANWAR (No. K/P: 960216-14-6657) No. 36, Jalan Bersatu 13 Taman Bersatu 48000 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam dalam perkara Guaman No. BAA72NCC-344-07/2023 oleh LBS CAPITAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199501019781 / 348984-W) yang beralamat di L3A-21, Plaza Seri Setia, Level 4, No. 1 Jalan SS9/2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Plaintif diberi kebebasan dan/ atau kebenaran untuk menyampaikan satu salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 kepada kamu dengan cara penyampaian ganti, yakni dengan menampalkan satu salinan bermeterai Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 serta satu salinan bermeterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 15 September 2023 di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam dan pada suatu tempat yang mudah dilihat di alamat Defendan di No. 36, Jalan Bersatu 13, Taman Bersatu, 48000 Rawang, Selangor dan menyebabkan suatu Notis diiklankan dalam akhbar harian “The Sun Daily” untuk sekali dalam Bahasa Malaysia dan penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup akan Writ bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 21 Julai 2023 ke atas kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalanpenampalan dan pengiklanan dibuat. Kos permohonan ini adalah dijadikan kos dalam kausa. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam tempoh dua puluh satu (21) hari selepas penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, kamu hendaklah menyebabkan suatu kehadiran dimasukkan untuk diri kamu dalam kausa atas guaman dengan mencatatkan kehadiran samada sendiri atau melalui peguam di Pejabat Pendaftaran Majistret Shah Alam dan ambil perhatian, bahawa dalam keingkaran kamu berbuat demikian Plaintif boleh meneruskan untuk mendapatkan penghakiman ingkar terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 September 2023. DITANDATANGANI OLEH TETUAN FYIONA, LAI & DENNIS THONG ........................ PEGUAMCARA BAGI PLAINTIF NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Fyiona, Lai & Dennis Thong, peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di No. 13A-3, Menara 1 Mont Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-6211 1128 / 017-666 2721 Fax: 03-6211 9393 Emel: [email protected] [Ruj: YF.FL.MLA.798.23.LBS(Khairul)] NOTICE TAKE NOTICE that MahWengKwai & Associates would like to seek information regarding the following: 1. The biological parents of a male child who was born and abandoned at Klinik Bersalin Sunway, Petaling Jaya on 27.6.2006. 2. An individual by the name of Yeo Ah Gek who was present at the time the said male child was abandoned by the biological parents. Any party with relevant information is requested to contact Ms Rachel at 03- 78872702. NOTICE IN THE SESSION COURT AT JOHOR BAHRU SUMMON NO: JA-B52NCC-170-08/2023 Notice is hereby given to LIM KEE WEI (I/C No.: 780322-01-6081) to appear in the Johor Bahru Session Court at 9.00 a.m. on 10-10-2023, Tuesday or contact Messrs. S.K. SONG before the above date for the hearing of the above summon. Location of the Court is at Johor Bahru Session Court, Level 23A, Menara MSC Cyberport, No.5, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor. In the event, if you failed to appear, the court may grant any order that the Court deems fit. This notice is filed by Messrs. S.K. SONG, Advocates & Solicitors, whose address for service is at No.75A, Jalan Mutiara 1/9, Taman Mutiara Mas, 81300 Skudai, Johor. [Ref: SKS/L 9299/23/LIM] TEL NO.: 07-556 8187 FAX NO.:07-556 8188 COURT BOX NO.: 95 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of INFO MASYHUR SDN. BHD. (200401024229 (662735-U)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Hasnol Hadi Bin Md Khaidzir Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator INFO MASYHUR SDN BHD (200401024229 (662735-U)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of IDAMAN KENCANA SDN. BHD. (199301007295 (262032-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator IDAMAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301007295 (262032-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of ENIGMA KREATIF SDN. BHD. (200401027045 (665553-K)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Arsad Bin Mat Jali Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator ENIGMA KREATIF SDN BHD (200401027045 (665553-K)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN. BHD. (197901000873 (45127-D)) on 26 September 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 4 October 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 4 November 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator UNI-AGRO PLANTATION SDN BHD (197901000873 (45127-D)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 4 October 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DEFENDING champions England take on New Zealand in tomorrow’s opening match of the World Cup in a rematch of their epic showdown in the 2019 final at Lord’s. Jos Buttler’s men come into the 10-team tournament with the depth to live up to their billing as one of the title favourites. They will also benefit from the return of star all-rounder Ben Stokes when their campaign begins at the world’s biggest cricket arena, the 130,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes England are comfortably placed to become the first back-to-back champions since Australia claimed three-in-a-row in 2007. “Because of the kind of talent that they have at the top of the order… they have got two or three world-class all-rounders who can change the game with both bat and ball,” Gavaskar told Indian broadcaster Star Sports. Perennial underdogs New Zealand will be without skipper Kane Williamson in the opening match due to the batsman’s troubled knee. Williamson was included in the team despite concerns over the injury he picked up in this year’s Indian Premier League. But he fired on his return with a matchwinning 54 in a warm-up win against Pakistan. “Pakistan are an outstanding side. It is an exercise and nice to compete and do all those things,” said Williamson, who was named player of the tournament after the 2019 World Cup loss to England. “There are always things to work on.” Tom Latham led New Zealand in Williamson’s place for the warm-up matches which also saw the Kiwis edge out South Africa in their second game on Monday. “You are going up against the best teams in the world and you are looking for that final prize but I guess it’s trying to enjoy the couple of months in India,” Latham said. – AFP England face New Zealand in World Cup opener

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 SPORTS Johnson faces firing squad US captain returns home to criticism after Ryder Cup flop US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson may have had support from his players but he returned home under attack from almost every other corner after his team were humbled by Europe. In sport there is always plenty of second guessing from fans but Johnson’s decision-making was under intense scrutiny long before the first ball was struck at Rome’s Marco Simone Golf Club and continued to build throughout the competition. Johnson has been criticised by golf pundits and roasted on social media as the worst US Ryder Cup captain ever. For three decades Europe have been unbeatable on home soil and Johnson is just the latest to fail to return home with the coveted gold trophy after the US lost 16-1/2 to 11-1/2. But the manner of defeat left many American fans fuming. “So four years from now we’ll learn from it and hopefully we can implement a better process, certainly, than I did,” offered a contrite Johnson yesterday. “I love playing in front of our fans. I know these guys would probably say the same thing. But there’s something special about coming over here and having to fight because it’s hard, and I like the fight. So I wouldn’t change anything.” But changes are expected before the next Ryder Cup in 2025 that the Americans will host at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York before they get an opportunity in 2027 to end their European frustrations when The Golf Course at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland stages the biennial event. Johnson’s leadership and decisions were questioned from the moment he made his captain’s selections and how he prepared the US for golf’s most prestigious team competition, with many of his players taking a five weeks off. The rumblings of concern exploded after day one when his men were swept in the morning foursomes session on Friday after sitting down some of his big guns and major winners Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Trailing 6-1/2 to 1-1/2 after the first day, the knives were out for Johnson as the US were put in a hole they could not climb out of. “We’re going to learn from this,” assured Johnson. “That’s what Team USA does. We reflect, diagnose and try to figure out what we can do better to make it more efficient. It’s not anything other than that. “There’s no perfect formula to it. The formula this week is they got off to a great start, and that momentum led them into a pretty nice lead going into today (Sunday). “Our boys fought like madmen and made it interesting, you know, made them earn it.” – Reuters All Blacks wary of lapses into ill-discipline NEW ZEALAND were understandably buoyant after a brilliant display in their 96-17 victory over Italy at the Rugby World Cup last week but one 10-minute patch of play has been the subject of some concern in the camp. The All Blacks had reached half-time 49-3 ahead but Italy came out firing after the break to score a try with the All Blacks not helping their own cause by conceding a rash of penalties. Normal service was resumed soon afterwards as the three-time world champions ran in 14 tries to put one foot into the quarterfinals ahead of their final Pool A match against Uruguay. “It’s just great to see an All Black machine go out and do its business,” scrum coach Greg Feek told reporters yesterday. “(But) you would have noticed, just after half-time, we got a bit sloppy. We thought our discipline was really good in that first half and then just for a little part there, we kind of slipped off. “We probably weren’t up to our standards so that’s been a bit of a focus for us.” New Zealand have good reason for being a little nervous about discipline after a rash of penalties and yellow cards in their three games preceding the Italy clash, including in their 71-3 pummelling of Namibia in their second pool game. “We strive to find ways to get better and so four penalties in 10 minutes probably isn’t good enough from us. We want to limit errors,” Feek added. “If you’re going to keep building your performances, and that’s what it’s about, we are more focused on performance than on the 14 tries or the big win.” With so many players hitting top form against Italy and a fully fit squad, Feek said team selectors would have a job choosing a side to face Uruguay in Lyon on Friday (3am Malaysian time). – Reuters WORLD NO. 2 Rory McIlroy admits he feels so much responsibility when it comes to the Ryder Cup he starts thinking about it a year out. The Northern Irishman won four points from five matches – the best haul of his career in his seventh event – to spearhead Europe’s regaining of the trophy. His appearance on the first tee for Sunday’s singles received the biggest cheer and he duly responded with a 3&1 victory over Sam Burns to put his team within touching distance of regaining the trophy. “I know my place in the team and I know guys look to me. But I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” he said. “It is something that I have to have a lot of respect for and I have to think about it carefully. “I want to do all right things and set a good example for the guys coming into the team.” Europe’s captain Luke Donald only assumed the position a year ago after Henrik Stenson’s defection to LIV Golf and subsequent resignation of his European Tour membership made him ineligible. That was when McIlroy’s thoughts started turning to how to win at Marco Simone. “It was probably when Luke got the captaincy and things were certain again, when we had certainty who the captain was and we knew who the six or seven players that were locked in (were),” he added. “Maybe about a year ago I really started to think about it and think about how we and could go about getting the Ryder Cup back – which thankfully we did. “We want to try to enjoy this for the next couple of years and then get ready for New York (at Bethpage) and try to do something that is very seldom done in golf (win the Ryder Cup overseas).” McIlroy has won four majors – albeit none since 2014 – and three big-money FedEx Cups but admits the buzz he gets from being in a Ryder Cup team is something different. “It’s amazing. The atmosphere we played in I don’t think can be replicated in any other golf event in the world.” – The Independent McIlroy’s quest for victory started a year ago Squash set for medal windfall NATIONAL squash players are set to add more medal glitter in the ongoing Asian Games, after securing three semifinal spots in three different categories at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court. In the men’s singles, Ng Eain Yow secured first spot in the last four stage, after beating Kuwait’s Abdullah Almezayen 14-12, 11-6, 11-1 in the quarterfinals yesterday. The top seed will be facing Qatar’s Abdulla AlTamimi, who ousted another Malaysian, Muhammad Addeen Idrakie Bahtiar 11-2, 11-7, 11-2. In the women’s singles, reigning silver medalist S. Sivasangari advanced to the semifinals after trouncing Heo Mingyeong of South Korea 11-4, 11- 2, 11-8. Sivasangari set up the semifinal clash against top seed Satomi Watanabe of Japan, who defeated Tanvi Khanna of India 11-5, 11-6, 14-12. In the newly included mixed doubles event, Mohammad Syafiq Kamal-Aifa Azman conquered Yoo Jaejin-Eum Hwayeong of South Korea 11-5, 11- 6 to advance to the semifinals. Zii Jia to face world champ Vitidsarn FORMER All England champion Lee Zii Jia easily cleared his second round obstacle in the Asian Games individual badminton competition to set up a mouth-watering clash against reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the quarterfinals today. After eliminating Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong in the first round yesterday, the world No. 19, outclassed Mourinho Zefi Costa Gusmao De Jesus of Timur Leste 21-0, 21-7 in just 17 minutes at the Binjiang Gymnasium yesterday. However, Zii Jia is set to face an acid test against Vitidsarn in the round of 16, since the Thai shuttler had a bye in the first round. “It is a tough challenge for me, especially with my inconsistent performance,” said Zii Jia. “He is a defensive player, rally player, so tomorrow my main priority will be patience. He will be very confident after winning the world championship,” Zii Jia told reporters after the match. Former junior world champion, Goh Jin Wei also advanced to the round of 16 after beating Vu Thi Anh Thu of Vietnam 21-10, 21-13. The 23-year-old is set to face fifth seed Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia, who ousted Ashmita Chaliha of India 21-17, 21-16. Mohd Juwaidi’s hopes over EXPERIENCED national archer Mohd Juwaidi Mazuki blamed his equipment after he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the men’s individual compound event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games yesterday. Mohd Juwaidi, who was aiming for a medal in the event, lost to Joo Jaehoon from South Korea 135-148. Making his third consecutive appearance at the Asian Games, the compound archer said his defeat was due to a technical problem which hampered his release of the arrow. “I have no problems dealing with him (Joo) as you could say he is only a junior archer. What happened today was the equipment seemed not to be in tip-top condition, affecting the release of the arrow. “When the mechanical release or thumb release gave problems with time running out, there was nothing much I could do. “So I had to let it go; what a waste because I was targeting (a medal) this event,” he said. Women’s hockey team thrashed AFTER the national men’s hockey squad’s debacle, it was the turn of the women’s team to meet their match and were thrashed 5-0 by South Korea in the last Group A match of the 2022 Asian Games today. The defeat puts the national squad in the group’s third place, trailing India and South Korea in first and second spots respectively. “South Korea are a strong team. In the first quarter our player Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli was injured which made it difficult for us to give fierce opposition to Korea and a little mistake gave South Korea the space to score goals,” he said. ASIAN GAMES Team USA captain Zach Johnson. – REUTERSPIX McIlroy

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 4, 2023 Porto test for Barcelona Chance for Catalans to prove progress in Xavi’s 100th game AFTER consecutive premature and humiliating Champions League exits, Barcelona visit Porto tomorrow (3am Malaysian time) aiming to make a statement in their trickiest group stage fixture. Xavi Hernandez’s side, five-time winners of the competition, have set their sights on returning to Europe’s elite, with that goal informing their transfer strategy last summer. President Joan Laporta sold off various parts of the club and a percentage of future television rights to fund a spending spree but the Catalans were left with egg on their faces after failing to make it past the group stage. This summer the spending was far more restrained by necessity but Barcelona still managed to bring in Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on loan, as well as Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to round out an impressive squad. Xavi has a group of players which should be strong enough to battle with the continent’s top sides, at least on paper. The coach said Barcelona were concentrating on making it into the knockout rounds for the first time in three years, before setting any loftier goals. After two consecutive tough group stage draws, this season Barcelona had more fortune. They waltzed past Belgian champions Royal Antwerp with a 5-0 triumph in their opener but Xavi was quick to acknowledge it means little in terms of their overall chances, given they also thrashed Viktoria Plzen 5-1 in their first match last year. “It’s too soon (to say we can win it), last year we were in the same situation and it didn’t go well, we have to be cautious,” Xavi told reporters. “We have to continue like this, we’re on a good path… next up we have the most complicated match of the group, in Porto. “We have the capacity, the confidence, but in the next game we have what I would say is the hardest game.” The clash at the Estadio Do Dragao against Porto, who did make it through the group in both of the last two seasons, will be a useful barometer of whether Barcelona are close to the level they want to be. The clash in the north of Portugal will be Xavi’s 100th game as Barcelona’s coach, during which time he has won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, but come up short in Europe. Even dropping down to the Europa League did not prove fruitful in either of the last two seasons, with defeats by Frankfurt and Manchester United adding insult to injury. “I have more experience and more peace of mind, I approach matches with more calm,” he told Spanish newspaper Sport, discussing the milestone. After last season’s transfer splurge on Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and others, Barcelona now have to lean on their youth academy talents to supplement Xavi’s options. “It’s a pleasure, it makes me proud (to have) players so young from here, who are performing and making the difference in games,” said Xavi after Barcelona beat Sevilla last week. “Normally the responsibility falls on those who are 24, 25… these players have to do it at 18, 16. “It’s the circumstances of how the club is too, we have to turn to the youth academy and it always delivers. They are doing things well there.” – AFP Carragher believes VAR at ‘crisis point’ in Premier League JAMIE CARRAGHER believes that VAR is at a “crisis point” after the shocking error that occurred in the game between Liverpool and Tottenham on Saturday. Liverpool have made a formal request for the audio recording between officials, and PGMOL were forced to issue an apology for a “significant human error” after Luis Diaz scored in the first half only to see the offside flag raised to rule out the goal. “I don’t think the feeling around VAR has ever been lower. I really feel like this is almost a crisis point for VAR in this country,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. The Liverpool situation was even more chaotic when it was revealed VAR official Darren England drew lines to check for offside and determined Diaz was on side, but failed to realise the on-field referee Simon Hooper and his assistant officials had initially ruled the goal out for offside. The “check complete” decision then instead of awarding the goal, gave the go-ahead for a restart with a Tottenham free-kick, ruling out Liverpool’s legitimate lead. “I don’t want to pile on an official – or Howard Webb because I imagine they feel absolutely awful the last couple of days,” Carragher continued. “We’ve all been there and made mistakes, so we all feel for them but it was a horrendous mistake that isn’t unprecedented and you can’t quite believe the explanation that’s being given. “The bit on this that I’m really struggling with is… the mistake has been made and then play restarts.” – The Independent A summer of change has left Paris Saint-Germain with a radically revamped squad, shorn of some of its biggest stars, and for now they remain a work in progress in what could be Kylian Mbappe’s final season in the French capital. They face Newcastle United in the Champions League tomorrow (3am) in a tie that captures the imagination beyond its significance as the first meeting of the clubs backed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia respectively. PSG already have the upper hand in a tough Group F after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 a fortnight ago while Newcastle drew 0-0 with AC Milan. Avoid defeat at St. James’ Park and Luis Enrique’s team will be well on course to qualify for the knockout stages. Yet PSG’s revenue, far greater than that of their group rivals, means they shouldn’t be struggling to reach the last 16 and getting beyond this stage has never been the problem anyway in recent years. The problem has been after that, with the Parisians losing in the last 16 five times in seven seasons. Appointed in July, Luis Enrique won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 and his remit is to at least take PSG back into the latter stages while continuing their domestic dominance. However, winning the competition “is not something we are obsessed with at all, that’s finished,“ insisted president Nasser al-Khelaifi recently. “We are in the middle of building a new identity, our own style and way of playing, and a new culture. That is what we wanted to do, and results will follow.” Luis Enrique has set his side up in a 4-3-3, putting the focus on dominating the ball and aggressive counterpressing. Results so far have been mixed, with Saturday’s 0- 0 draw at Clermont meaning they have won only four of eight games in all and leaving them fifth in Ligue 1. But the former Spain boss is optimistic about his new team’s Champions League chances. “We are one of the favourites in the fight for the title,” he insisted. “In terms of potential I honestly don’t think any team is better than ours.” – AFP New-look PSG have point to prove Celtic out to end 10-year drough ONCE feared as a fortress of European football, Celtic are aiming to end a 10-year wait for a Champions League win at home when Lazio visit Parkhead tomorrow (3am). Brendan Rodgers wasted no time on his return as the Hoops’ manager in revealing his ambition is to finally make a mark on the Champions League. The reality facing Rodgers was laid bare in a 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord two weeks ago. But he still believes Celtic are capable of far more than they have shown in recent times in European football. “We want to see if we can make an impact in Europe,” added Rodgers. “It’s always a challenge at the really highest level but we want to go in there and see if we can progress and show our good side.” City legend Lee dies MANCHESTER CITY legend Francis Lee has died at the age of 79, the club has confirmed. Lee is widely regarded as one of City’s greatest players of all time, having scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club in a trophy-laden eight-year spell between 1967 and 1974 that saw them claim one First Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Charity Shields. He also earned 27 caps for England, scoring 10 goals, and enjoyed further trophy success at Derby County after leaving City, helping the Rams to the league title in 1975. Ratcliffe mulls Utd minority stake BRITISH BILLIONAIRE Jim Ratcliffe is considering changing his bid and offering to buy a minority stake in Manchester United, according to reports yesterday. Ratcliffe, founder of chemicals giant INEOS, emerged as one of two leading candidates to purchase the 20-time English champions, along with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. A lengthy takeover saga has followed, with numerous bids entered by both boyhood fan Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim, but no progress has been made over any potential change of ownership from the Glazer family, who announced in November they were open to selling the club. Sky News said Ratcliffe could seek a stake of about 25% as part of a proposal to try to bring the drawn-out sale process to an end, having initially wanted to complete a majority takeover. If the Glazers accepted this new reported offer, the American family would retain majority control of the club they bought in 2005. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Fulham 0 Chelsea 2 (Mudryk 18, Broja 19). P W D L F A Pts Man City 7 6 0 1 17 5 18 Tottenham 7 5 2 0 17 8 17 Arsenal 7 5 2 0 15 6 17 Liverpool 7 5 1 1 16 7 16 Aston Villa 7 5 0 2 18 11 15 Brighton 7 5 0 2 19 14 15 West Ham 7 4 1 2 13 10 13 Newcastle 7 4 0 3 18 7 12 Crystal Palace 7 3 2 2 7 7 11 Man Utd 7 3 0 4 7 11 9 Chelsea 7 2 2 3 7 6 8 Forest 7 2 2 3 8 10 8 Fulham 7 2 2 3 5 12 8 Brentford 7 1 4 2 10 10 7 Wolves 7 2 1 4 8 13 7 Everton 7 1 1 5 6 12 4 Luton 6 1 1 4 5 12 4 Bournemouth 7 0 3 4 5 15 3 Burnley 6 0 1 5 4 15 1 Sheff Utd 7 0 1 6 5 19 1 LA LIGA: Las Palmas 2 (Viera 84-pen, Cardona 90+7) Celta Vigo 1 (Douvikas 67). Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 8 7 0 1 16 6 21 Barcelona 8 6 2 0 19 8 20 Girona 8 6 1 1 18 11 19 Atletico 7 5 1 1 18 7 16 Real Sociedad 8 4 3 1 16 10 15 SERIE A: Torino 0 Hellas Verona 0, Sassuolo 0 Monza 1, Fiorentina 3 Cagliari 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 7 6 0 1 19 3 18 AC Milan 7 6 0 1 15 8 18 Napoli 7 4 2 1 16 6 14 Juventus 7 4 2 1 12 6 14 Fiorentina 7 4 2 1 15 10 14 RESULTS & STANDINGS SIDENETTING Sources: UEFA, Gracenote Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS MATCHDAY 2: OCT 5 Head-to-head GROUP E GROUP F GROUP G GROUP H UEFA Champions League 2023-24 3 1 1 0 3 1 1 0 3 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 0 -2 2 0 0 -2 2 2 -2 -2 5 2 -2 -5 Standings PtsGD W D L Atlético ESP Feyenoord NED Celtic SCO Lazio ITA Feyenoord Atlético Lazio Celtic Dortmund GER AC Milan ITA Newcastle ENG PSG FRA PSG Newcastle Milan Dortmund Red Star SRB Young Boys SUI RB Leipzig GER Man City ENG Leipzig Man City Red Star Young Boys Porto POR Barcelona ESP Antwerp BEL Shakhtar UKR Barcelona Porto Shakhtar Antwerp 2 0 0 3 0 5 2 1 3 2 1 3 First meeting First meeting First meeting 2 1 3 1 3 0 1 1 2 UEFA Champions League group stage: Most goals 62 56 73 Messi Ronaldo Lewandowski (above) Benzema Matches: 86 98 69 83 Barcelona / PSG Man Utd / Real / Juventus Dortmund / Bayern / Barcelona Lyon / Real Madrid 80 ACID TEST: Barcelona travel to Porto, jostling for group supremacy to rejuvenate European ambitions after recent struggles 2023 2022 2021 2020 Group stage Group stage Last 16 Q-final PSG FRA Bayern Munich GER 2-5 2-8 Barcelona: UEFA Champions League history

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] MAURICIO POCHETTINO promised Chelsea will continue to show belief in their young stars after Mykhailo Mudryk scored his first goal for the club in their 2-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Armando Broja, making his first start since injuring his ACL in December, also netted as the visitors gave their most convincing performance yet of the manager’s reign and ended a run of three Premier League games without a goal. Chelsea took the lead after 18 minutes when Mudryk chested down Levi Colwill’s expertly-flighted cross and nudged the ball past Bernd Leno as the Fulham goalkeeper advanced. And within a minute it was two, Cole Palmer dispossessing Tim Ream who was careless with the ball at his feet and feeding Broja, who deflected the ball home off Ream’s attempted clearance. It was a dominant first half from Chelsea with Palmer, making his first Premier League start for the club after impressing in the EFL Cup win against Brighton last week, making a critical difference coming deep to collect the ball and starting the visitors’ attacks. Ian Maatsen, on at half-time in place of Mudryk, struck the post after the break as Pochettino’s side threatened a third, and it was not until 14 minutes from time that a lacklustre Fulham threatened a response when Robert Sanchez blocked Sasa Lukic’s close-range shot. Pochettino pointed to the patience the club have shown in waiting for their expensively assembled but young side to come good, particularly Mudryk who finally broke his scoring duck nine months after jointing from Shakhtar Donetsk for £88 million (RM510m). “The difference (tonight) is the result,” said the manager. “The performance was really good. First half I think we played really well, second half we controlled the game. “I’m pleased for Mudryk, and for Armando. For Misha because he has scored his first goal in the Premier League and then for Armando, after a long period out he’s scored again. The competition is really good for the team. “It’s about maturity, adaptation. We need to understand that young people need time, need to settle. Massive change for him when he arrived here. “I think when you arrive in a team, it’s not easy to settle because there were too many young players that arrived in a team (that) was not solid. “They need to add something to the team, to build something important. Always it’s difficult, but it’s about time and to have patience, to trust these guys and these young, talented players, and to build their confidence. “It’s a massive job. It’s step by step. Sometimes people have not the patience, but for us it’s about being patient. “Even when we were losing and when we didn’t win from the beginning of the season, we were calm and kept the belief. “Now that we’ve won two games in a few days it’s (still) important to stay calm.” It was the fourth game in a row in which Mudryk had started, having not been in the starting XI for any of Pochettino’s first five matches in charge. He was withdrawn at half-time with what the manager said was an issue with his quad, but he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to face Burnley. Fulham boss Marco Silva reflected on a game in which he felt his team lacked the required aggression as they fell to a third league defeat of the season. “Disappointing result for us,” he said. “At certain moments, performance-wise as well. “They started intense from the first moment, winning some individual challenges that gave the boost they needed. “Our first half was not aggressive enough on and off the ball. We were sloppy in some moments. “We did not bring the dynamic that we should. Even our first pressure didn’t work very well.” – The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 4, 2023 Pochettino vows to continue belief in Chelsea’s young stars WOLVES defender Max Kilman summed up Erling Haaland perfectly after managing the rare achievement of keeping him under lock and key last weekend. The “problem” with Haaland, he said, is that he is very patient. “If he doesn’t get the ball for 20 or 30 minutes – he doesn’t mind.” If that was good news for Wolves, who got through the 90 with him making barely a significant contribution to Manchester City’s cause, it is almost certainly bad news for RB Leipzig tomorrow (3am Malaysian time). Because throughout his meteoric rise to the very top of the game, Haaland has rarely stitched one anonymous performance to another. When questions begin to be asked about how many touches he has in the game (he had 15 versus Wolves), about his goal threat, he usually answers them. And emphatically too. Haaland’s longest run without a goal last season was five games and that included a Champions League semifinal second leg against Real Madrid and a tight final against Inter in Istanbul. It is worth pointing out that run came at the end of a very long season in which he had already contributed 52 goals in 48 appearances. Aside from that dry patch, his longest spell without a goal numbered three matches, twice, and in both he missed over 45 minutes of one of the matches. In short, Haaland’s dips do not last long. Leipzig will need no reminding of that given they managed to keep him quiet in Germany in the last 16 first leg last season but three weeks later at the Etihad when his form was being questioned he rattled five past them in 35 minutes. Haaland’s tally this season stands at eight from his nine games in all competitions. He already has a hattrick in the bag from the Fulham game so it is hardly panic stations. Rumblings Julian Alvarez might be given a spin up top ignore the fact that the Argentine is playing well in the withdrawn striker role behind Haaland. And they also ignore the fact that the Norwegian’s numbers are not exactly heading south. Against Wolves he was average because he was closely and robustly marked by Kilman, Toti and Matthew Dawson who all did a superb job to match him for pace and presence. Probably more significant was the fact that in playing deeper than they might have normally, Haaland was denied any space to run into. That, more than anything, forces him to play out of his comfort zone and on the toes of those in behind. There can be no doubt that Kevin De Bruyne’s absence is having an impact on the way City play and the way Haaland is found, too, with it noticeable that the creativity through the middle is lacking without him in the side. Haaland struck up a superb partnership with the Belgian last season with De Bruyne providing the assist on 13 of his 52 goals. But talk of a dip in form, that he is some flattrack bully, should be treated with the scorn it deserves. They certainly will be aware of Haaland’s threat at the Red Bull Arena, where they will be battening down the hatches ahead of the Champions League Group G game. City’s 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Saturday followed a midweek defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup was the first time they have lost two in a row since January. But they remain top of the Premier League and are a force to be reckoned with. “We’ll try and do better than we did in Manchester a few months ago, but I have complete trust in the boys that they’re up for it,” said Leipzig coach Marco Rose. – Express Newspapers Man City’s Haaland ready to respond after ‘flat-track bully’ label █ ROBERT OCONNOR Blues come good Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (left) in action with Fulham’s Harry Wilson during their Premier League match. – REUTERSPIX