The SUN - 24 November 2023

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 FRIDAY NOV 24, 2023 SCAN ME No. 8401 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Johor state assembly conveys best wishes to Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar on his election as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, expresses confidence in his leadership to head Malaysia. Four groups lose appeals over vernacular schools Three-member panel finds use of Mandarin, Tamil as medium of instruction not unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal has ruled against a challenge to the existence of vernacular schools. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN - Report on page 3 Report on — page 2 MACC freezes 41 Aman Palestin bank accounts More than RM15m seized after concerns raised by stakeholders on management of funds by NGO. Report on — page 6 Covid cases up by 28% Health Ministry records 2,300 infections for Nov 12-18 period. Report on — page 4 Congrats ongrats to Ruler

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 2 Johor assembly congratulates Sultan on election as 17th King ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor State Legislative Assembly yesterday congratulated the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar on his election as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said all members of the state assembly expressed confidence in His Majesty’s leadership to steer Malaysia as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. “The state assembly has great confidence in His Majesty, as the core of the constitutional monarchy in the country, to lead Malaysia forward in prosperity and unity,” he said on the first day of the fourth oState reps, MB express confidence in leadership of Ruler to steer country towards prosperity and unity ROYAL ATTENTION ... Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah watching blind student Hilman Shakir Mohammad Shahril read a book cover in braille after launching the Raja Tun Uda Library Foundation in Shah Alam yesterday. On the right is Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah. – BERNAMAPIC session of the 15th state legislative assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar here. In conveying his congratulations on His Majesty’s election as Malaysia’s head of state, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s advice and guidance in ensuring Johor achieve its Johor Maju 2030 goal. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who never ceases to motivate the state’s progress,” he said. Onn Hafiz (BN-Machap) also congratulated the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football team for winning the Charity Shield and FA Cup titles as well as clinching their 10th consecutive Super League title, Bernama reported. “Let us pray that JDT win the Malaysia Cup,” he said prior to tabling the 2024 Johor Budget. On Oct 27, Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said in a statement that the election of Sultan Ibrahim as Yang di-Pertuan Agong for five years was made at the 263rd (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara. Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who ends his reign on Jan 30 next year. Political stability draws foreign investments: PM SHAH ALAM: The political stability enjoyed under the unity government over the past year has attracted many global industrial giants to invest in Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said companies like Google, TikTok, Infineon Technologies AG, China’s automotive company Geely and Tesla have confidence in Malaysia’s capability because the country has clear policies. “I am grateful that Malaysia has gained attention again after lagging behind for some time,” he said at the launch of the Prime Minister’s Gold Hand Award and Skilled Person Award ceremony at the Shah Alam Convention Centre yesterday. Anwar said the government will be more aggressive and assertive to bring changes, not only to save the country but also to raise the dignity of the country in this region, by attracting more investors, managing the economy well, training the children and having good governance. “This country can no longer be known as a country that tolerates corruption and embezzlement, every fund must be used properly at all levels.” Anwar said the current political stability would also make it difficult for certain parties that were “harbouring” hopes of taking over the government. He also ticked off those who argued about the difference of religion and race but are not bothered about the future of children, including that of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates. Anwar wants the Industrial Training Institutes and related agencies to provide adequate skill training, following comments from investors on the need for workers’ skills in the country to be improved. Touching on his vocal support on the issue of Palestine, Anwar admitted that, although it is difficult, he will speak out on the issue on the international stage, representing all Malaysians. He also slammed the actions of a few parties in the country, which he labelled as discordant voices, who continue to attack him regarding the issue. Although he was vocal on the Palestinian issues at the 30th Economic Leaders’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in the United States recently, Anwar said it did not affect decisions of major corporations to continue investing in Malaysia. – Bernama Over 9,000 new teachers next year KUALA LUMPUR: Over 9,000 new teachers will begin service in schools nationwide for the January 2024 school term session, said Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said the ministry will always strive to ensure the number of teachers is increased based on the needs of schools after the issue of teacher shortage was identified as one of the causes of increased workload for existing teachers. “We have received the number of new teacher positions from Education Service Commission and they will report for duty early next year. “The most significant shortage of teachers is for subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, English, Islamic Studies and Design and Technology. “The ministry always strives to ensure the number of teachers is increased from time to time,” she said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. She was replying to a supplementary question from Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) as to whether the issue of teacher shortage, including that many teachers are retiring earlier, resulted in increased workload for existing teachers. In reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) regarding the welfare and infrastructure facilities for teachers in rural areas in view of a case of a school headmaster in Sabah having to live in a school storeroom, Lim said the ministry is taking action. “Follow-up action is being carried out to identify the cause of the incident and we will manage every issue as best possible,” she said. – Bernama RM9.6b spent on NCD treatments KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM9.65 billion was spent to treat non-communicable diseases (NCD), which was 16.8% of the country’s health expenditure. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the amount was an estimate based on the expenditure in 2017 and the report was published last year. For overall expenditure under NCD category, she said the total healthcare cost for diabetes was RM4.38 billion or 45.38% of the total spent on NCD treatments. “This is followed by cardiovascular disease with RM3.93 billion or 40.73%, and cancer with RM1.34 billion (13.89%),” she said. Zaliha was replying to Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. She said the costs included hospitalisations, primary care at health clinics, outpatient treatment at hospitals, medical check-ups and tests as well as medical funding. Zaliha said in 2017, NCD had a negative impact on the economy, with productivity losses estimated at RM12.88 billion. – Bernama Medical scheme benefits 300,000 KUALA LUMPUR: Over 300,000 individuals nationwide have benefited from the Madani Medical Scheme as of November, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said it involved 600,000 treatment procedures and health checks at 2,347 private health facilities across the country. “This scheme is one of the efforts to improve health services for the people. Other initiatives include the extension of operations of 52 government health clinics throughout the country after office hours and making online appointment through the MySejahtera app at 903 health clinics,” she said. Zaliha was replying to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) regarding efforts to improve facilities and amenities in health clinics. She said the ministry was confident that upgrading work of 1,200 dilapidated health facilities will be fully completed by 2025, thus meeting current needs. “A total of 436 facilities are being upgraded this year and we can add 75 more facilities. Next year, with an additional allocation of RM300 million, we will improve another 400 health facilities.” – Bernama

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 3 PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed appeals filed by four organisations which sought a declaration that the existence and establishment of vernacular schools and the use of Mandarin and Tamil languages in such schools are unconstitutional. The four organisations are the Islamic Education Development Council (Mappim), Confederation of Malaysian Writers Association (Gapena), Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) and Ikatan Guru-Guru Muslim Malaysia (I-Guru). The decision was delivered by a three-man panel comprising justices Datuk Supang Lian, Datuk M. Gunalan and Datuk Azizul Azmi Adnan, Bernama reported. Azizul said vernacular schools were not a public authority and as such, the use of Mandarin and Tamil languages as the medium of instruction were constitutional. On Dec 29, 2021, High Court Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali (now Court of Appeal judge) dismissed the lawsuits brought by the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS), Mappim, Gapena and Isma. GPMS did not file an appeal. On May 29, last year, Kota Bharu High Court judicial commissioner Abazafree Mohd Abbas (now High Court judge) also ruled that the existence of vernacular schools was constitutional and dismissed a suit filed by I-Guru. In the suit filed in December 2019, GPMS, Mappim, Gapena and Isma sued the government and educationist groups. Among them were two Chinese educationist groups – United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) and Jiao Zong – and two Tamil associations, Persatuan Thamizhar Malaysia and Persatuan Tamilar Thurunal (Perak). Meanwhile, I-Guru, sued the education minister and the government, seeking a declaration that Section 28 and Section 17 of the Education Act 1996 are inconsistent with Article 152 of the Federal Constitution and are therefore null and void. The Malaysian Chinese Language Council, the Malaysia Tamil Neri Kalagam Association, the Confederation of Former Tamil School Pupils, Dong Zong and political parties MIC, MCA, Gerakan and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia were interveners in the suit filed by I-Guru. Liew Horng Bin represented the government in the current appeal. Lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla appeared for Mappim and Gapena while Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz and Shahrudin Ali represented Isma and Ramesh N.P. Chandran represented I-Guru. More cooperative centres planned for Sabah, Sarawak KUALA LUMPUR: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry plans to add five more cooperative distribution centres in Sarawak and one in Sabah next year. Its minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the move is aimed at ensuring a consistent supply of goods to cooperatives shops like Coopmart as well as to help stabilise prices of daily necessities in rural areas and generate income for cooperatives. “The Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission with Federasi Koperasi Pemborongan and Peruncitan Malaysia Berhad plans to, among others, establish cooking oil packaging factories (in Sabah and Sarawak) and open more main distribution centres, including in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a supplementary question from Rodiyah Sapiee (GPSBatang Sadong) about the ministry’s plans to ensure Coopmart shops in Sarawak would get consistent and sufficient supply of daily necessities at reasonable prices. Ewon said at present, there are five cooperative distribution centres in Sabah and two in Sarawak. On another matter, he said details of a proposed initiative to help reduce transport costs of goods from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak are being coordinated and will be presented to the prime minister for consideration of allocations and further action. He said the initiative would also cover the mechanism to help stabilise the prices of necessities, which involves the cooperative movement through the provision of incentives to finance the costs of transportation. “Based on the ministry’s research and observation through the commission, the provision of transport subsidies for daily necessities from the Peninsular to Sabah and Sarawak through the cooperative movement would help stabilise the prices of necessities in rural and interior areas. “It will also directly be able to empower the cooperative movement by opening new opportunities for cooperatives to fill gaps in the supply chain, especially for the last delivery service link in rural areas,” he said. He was replying to the original question from Rodiyah, who wanted to know the extent of the study that was carried out to assess the effectiveness of subsidies in reducing the cost of transporting goods from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak. – Bernama Court axes appeals by groups over vernacular schools oThree-member panel finds use of Mandarin, Tamil as medium of instruction not unconstitutional Stiffer penalties for river polluters in the making KUALA LUMPUR: The country is still experiencing frequent water supply disruption due to pollution, which has inconvenienced thousands of consumers. Klang Valley residents in particular have been plagued by frequent water disruptions, especially unscheduled interruptions, forcing them to rely on water tank trucks. Last month, residents in Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor had to go through another episode of water cuts caused by odour pollution at the water treatment plant (WTP) in Sungai Selangor. In Negeri Sembilan early this month, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said stern action will be taken against those responsible for causing diesel-like odour pollution at the Sungai Linggi WTP in Port Dickson. He said irresponsible parties that released scheduled waste have caused a major disruption of water supply to most residents in the district. As a result, the WTP had to be temporarily shut down. The government is expected to table the Environment Quality Act (Amendments 2023) in the Dewan Rakyat during the first quarter next year. The Bill also includes amendments to 28 sections of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), among others, imposing heavier penalties with minimum fines of not less than RM5,000 and mandatory imprisonment of not more than five years as well as increasing the penalty to not more than RM10 million for offences such as water pollution and illegal disposal of scheduled waste. However, water quality and modelling specialist Dr Zaki Zainudin said raising penalties to address the pollution issue would be inadequate without effective monitoring. He said river pollution could also originate from small industrial premises such as workshops, agricultural and mining activities, adding that a river pollution case in Selangor previously was due to contaminants from a lorry workshop. “Pollution also originated from aquaculture or agriculture sources. One time in Johor, pollution from a chicken manure facility caused pollution to Sungai Johor resulting in the shutdown of WTPs,” he said. Universiti Putra Malaysia Environmental and Occupational Health Department senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman said while the proposal for heavier punishment is timely, the level of enforcement was still weak to the extent that environmental offenders were not afraid to repeat offences. “Environment enforcement agencies should be empowered to crack down on polluters to ensure the river ecosystem continues to be preserved.” Meanwhile, Environment Department Director-General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said apart from ensuring sustainable river ecosystems, harsher penalties should also be imposed on environmental offenders, considering the health implications on the people. “Pollution can result in increased pressure, reduce the immune system and affect the growth of aquatic life as contaminated water can potentially cause diseases to be transmitted among farmed aquaculture,” he said. According to the River Water Quality Monitoring Report 2022, 495 of 672 rivers recorded an index that were categorised as clean while 148 were moderately polluted and 29 others were polluted. – Bernama HEALTHY GOODNESS ... Influencers posing with Star Kombucha drinks during a ceremony at Starbucks Kiara Bay in Kepong to announce its entry into the Malaysian market. Brewed at a state-of-the-art facility using organic black and green teas, raw sugarcane, fresh fruits and FDA-certified symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the Jakim-certified drink rich in probiotics and antioxidants is now available at 7-Eleven and Starbucks outlets, and leading supermarkets and major convenience stores nationwide. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 4 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE Covid cases up by 28% KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,305 Covid-19 cases were reported during the 46th Epidemiology Week (ME46/2023) from Nov 12 to 18, the Health Ministry said yesterday. Its spokesperson said the number of cases increased by 28% during the period compared with 1,801 cases the previous week from Nov 5 to 11. “The admission rate of Covid-19 patients at health facilities, including those suspected of being infected, decreased to 2% per 100,000 population in ME46/2023 compared with previously. “The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed occupancy rate was 0.4%, while the percentage of non-critical Covid-19 bed occupancy was 0.7%. The Covid-19 situation in the country is under control.” The spokesperson also said in ME46/2023, a total of 21 new Omicron variants were reported. They consisted of 20 cases of Variant of Concern (VOC) and one case of Variant of Interest (VOI). She said to date, there were oHealth Ministry records 2,300 infections for Nov 12 to 18 period █ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Art exhibition to raise funds for Pengasih KUALA LUMPUR: A longtime volunteer with Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia (Pengasih) Datuk Kamisah Mohd Nor, 69, is holding a two-day charity art exhibition to raise funds for the drug treatment and rehabilitation centre. “I started volunteering at Pengasih after visiting a friend there. When I was given a tour, I saw most of the residents were young people and it opened my heart to help,” said the former restaurant owner. Kamisah, affectionately known as “Mama” among the residents, has been a volunteer at the centre for 12 years, preparing food, holding motivational workshops, counselling and hosting multiple charity events. Her latest endeavour is the charity art exhibition, that began on Tuesday at Rumah Damai in Jalan Syers, with the theme “Kemunculan” (Emergence). “I’m not a professional painter and only paint in my free time. I normally paint for my friends and I have never sold them. This exhibition is the first time I am selling my works, that are created with love,” she said, adding 50% of the sales of her 20 abstract paintings will go to Pengasih. Meanwhile, Pengasih president Hafizi Harun said the exhibition marks their relocation from Bukit Tunku to Kompleks Pengasih Cinta Manis, their new premises in Bentong, Pahang after more than 30 years operating from the capital, adding that the move will take place on Dec 14. He said Pengasih needs additional funds of between RM200,000 and RM300,000 to complete the facilities at the new complex, that can accommodate about 200 people. “We still need a multipurpose hall, clinic, furniture, kitchen equipment and utensils,” he said, adding that they also need financial help to cover the relocation and operation costs. Hafizi said Pengasih has been helping nearly 2,000 individuals since 1993, and expressed hope the move would enhance their services to benefit those in need. Those interested to know more about the charity event or the fundraiser may visit www.pengasih.asia or the Pengasih Instagram and Facebook pages. – Bernama currently 785 cumulative cases including circulating VOIs (XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5 and EG.5). Of this, 783 were local cases and two imported ones. Sarawak recorded 143 Covid-19 cases while Selangor had 136, Federal Territory had 119, Malacca recorded 117, Johor registered 59, Kedah saw 52, Penang had 37, Terengganu recorded 24, Sabah registered 23, Kelantan saw 21, Negeri Sembilan had 16, Perlis recorded 12, Pahang registered eight while Perak and Putrajayahad nine cases each. The spokesperson said until ME45/2023, the results of nationwide surveillance activities for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (Sari) for Covid-19 found that 61 ILI samples (7%) tested positive. “There were a total of 69 Sari samples with a positive rate of 3% in ME45/2023. “Based on data up to Oct 31, only 16,348,414 residents in the country, or 50.1%, received the first booster dose, while just 828,148 (2.5%) received the second booster,” she said. The spokesperson stressed that the risk of hospitalisation and severe symptoms can be reduced by taking the booster. She said the ministry expects a slight increase in Covid-19 cases following the movement and gathering of relatives and friends during celebrations and group activities. Hence, the ministry is advising the public to continue practising preventive measures such as frequently washing hands, using sanitisers and wearing face masks, especially when in closed, narrow and crowded places. “High-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, low immunity and expectant mothers are also encouraged to wear face masks.” The spokesperson also advised practising TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek) when symptoms are present. “We recommend those who are at high risk or have tested positive for Covid-19 to get the Paxlovid antiviral treatment. “This will reduce the risk of complications from serious infection. “Those who have not done so should also obtain a primary and booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of transmission of infection, morbidity and death.”

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 5 Kelantan tables RM1.6 billion 2024 budget KOTA BHARU: The state government yesterday tabled the Kelantan Budget 2024 amounting to RM1.61 billion, with an estimated deficit of RM178.49 million. Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said it still prioritises projects or programmes that stimulate the prosperity and well-being of the state and its people. “The state government proposes an estimated breakdown of operating expenditure at RM1.15 billion, or 70.98%, and development expenditure at RM468.36 million, or 29.02%.” He added that the budget focuses on five core areas, namely the empowerment of religion and education with an allocation of RM208.92 million, people’s well-being at RM375.61 million, progressive economy at RM349.7 million, environmental conservation at RM12.8 million and ihtirafi (professionalism in) governance at RM21.85 million. Mohd Nassuruddin said the estimated state revenue for 2024 is forecast to be RM967.25 million, including tax revenue of RM224.94 million, non-tax revenue of RM364.05 million and non-revenue receipts of RM378.26 million. According to him, the total amount indicates a decrease in revenue by RM15.89 million, compared with the RM983.14 million estimated revenue for 2023. “Land revenue is the largest contributor with RM377 million, accounting for 38.98% of the total revenue. This shows an increase of RM20.72 million compared with the 2023 estimate of RM356.28 million.” He said receipts from the federal government are estimated at RM331.7 million, a reduction of 15.1% compared with RM390.7 million for 2023, in the form of grants allocated to the State Treasury, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. – Bernama Need for PTA, schools to collaborate MALACCA: The implementation of various government initiatives, including a one-time allocation of RM70,000 for the upgrading and maintenance of school toilets, should not be the end of the cooperation between parent and teacher associations (PTA) and school authorities. SMK Bukit Baru PTA president Datuk Ronald Y.H. Gan said the matter should become a platform for PTA members to be more active to ease the financial burden of both parties. “The government has started the initiative (to upgrade toilets), so school authorities, students and parents must play their roles. This is because the government cannot afford to always give allocations so all of us, especially the students, must understand that the toilets are their responsibility.” He added that the initiatives to ease their financial burden included schools following the concept of “adopting a toilet”, cleanliness competitions and joint monitoring of maintenance at stipulated times. “The PTA will take the initiative to assist the school to spruce up the toilets here. Seeing that this school has many toilets, such initiatives must be ongoing. “Students must take care of the toilets as if they are their own rooms because we look at the toilet (conditions) to see if a school or its students are good. This process will also indirectly reduce vandalism, which surely will impact costs to the school.” SK Telok Mas PTA president Muhammad Al Amin Zainol said whether toilets function properly can be measured through the role of PTA, especially after a huge allocation has been given by the government for the comfort of students. “So, it’s up to us (PTA) to help the school ensure that they continue to function well by carrying out gotong-royong projects, periodical surveillance and instilling a sense of awareness in students about their role in the maintenance of school toilets.” – Bernama Klang council hyped up for Heritage Fiesta KLANG: The municipal council here is gearing up for a spectacular weekend as it prepares to host the much-anticipated Heritage Fiesta at the Kota Raja Stadium tomorrow and on Sunday. As part of Klang “Car-Free Day”, the event promises a blend of cultural exhibitions, traditional competitions and Malaysian delicacies. Council president Noraini Roslan said the event will foster strong community bonds and be a strategic promotional platform as Klang heads towards attaining city status. “The event provides a unique opportunity oTwo-day event to feature exhibitions, competitions and performances aimed at fostering unity, cultural appreciation █ BY RAVEEN AINGARAN [email protected] Two months’ salary assistance for Johor civil servants ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has announced a special financial assistance of two months’ salary for civil servants in the state. When tabling the Johor Budget 2024, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the payment will also be given to federal civil servants whose salaries were paid by the state government. “It is a surplus budget, indicating that state government revenue collection has reached its target. Therefore, in addition to helping the people, we would like to show our appreciation to civil servants,” he said at the state legislative assembly yesterday. Earlier, Onn Hafiz expressed gratitude to the federal government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the RM4.7 billion allocation for Johor’s development expenditures in the Fourth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan. He said the allocation would be used for the implementation of various projects, including 142 new ones. The projects include the construction of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital 2 in Johor Bahru, widening of the North-South Expressway from four to six lanes from Sedenak to Simpang Renggam, as well as the construction of the USIM Teaching Hospital Complex in Kota Tinggi. – Bernama Senior-friendly city plan for Penang GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has introduced an age-friendly city project, which is being implemented in phases to create a conducive environment for all levels of society, particularly senior citizens. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said a strategic and comprehensive plan will be formulated in December for implementation next year, by declaring Penang Island an age-friendly city in 2025. “The island has been chosen for the pilot project to conduct an in-depth study based on the World Health Organisation age-friendly cities framework. “I wish to stress that Seberang Perai has not been sidelined in any way. The Seberang Perai City Council plan for its age-friendly city will be started in 2024,” she said at the Penang legislative assembly yesterday. Lim added that the state government, supported by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation, will work closely with the council to ensure Seberang Perai also achieves age-friendly city status. – Bernama COLOURFUL CREATION ... Masrina Abdullah working on one of her designs yesterday during the Batik Explosion event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre held in conjunction with National Batik Day. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/ THESUN for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s diverse ethnic cultures. “It offers a platform for individuals to engage in various cultural experiences and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural traditions.” She added that there will be booths offering products from small and medium enterprises, alongside food stalls. “The event will unfold with an arts and tourism exhibition that showcases a diverse array of tourism hotspots, inviting attendees to explore and appreciate the myriad attractions Klang has to offer.” Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman and state Housing and Heritage Committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah are expected to attend the opening ceremony. The ceremony will feature the presentation of appreciation certificates to collaborators, a traditional food festival, cultural performances from various ethnic groups and appearances by guest artistes. “It’s a comprehensive celebration that embraces the richness of culture and collaboration,” Noraini said. On Sunday, the spotlight will focus on the Heritage Walk, Fun Ride and the Car-Free Day Walk, themed Warisan Klang Bahagia Berintegriti. The day’s highlight would revolve around the inauguration of the Klang Bahagia Berintegriti mural at the Park and Ride Komuter Klang station. “The council is always open regarding integrity matters. We are ready to partner Rasuah Busters to jointly drive awareness programmes to steer clear of corruption among council staff. “The mural marks the second collaboration between the NGO and the council.” She said all parties are now actively playing a role in promoting the anti-corruption movement in society, adding that the role of combating graft cannot be placed entirely on the shoulders of the authorities. “It requires the involvement of all parties, including the community, private sector and media.” The second day of the fiesta will encompass a variety of traditional games that showcase the country’s cultural diversity and involve ethnic groups in competitions. Noraini said the two-day event would be a memorable celebration of Klang’s heritage. “It will foster unity and appreciation for the cultural diversity that defines this royal town.”

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 6 MACC freezes accounts linked to Aman Palestin oMore than RM15 million seized after concerns raised by stakeholders on management of funds by NGO KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin Bhd and several other companies. In a statement, MACC said preliminary investigations revealed funds estimated at RM70 million had been channelled to purposes other than the objectives of the establishment of the NGO. “The bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin and several other companies were frozen on Wednesday, involving funds amounting to RM15,868,762. “Since the investigation began on Oct 17, MACC has recorded the statements of key witnesses, searched the NGO’s premises and obtained financial and operational management documents for the last five years.” MACC said the case was being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Last month, MACC revealed that the commission was conducting a probe into an NGO that collects donations for the Palestinian people, following doubts raised by many stakeholders on how the funds were spent. Following that, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, through a letter dated Aug 24, had instructed the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department not to permit the collection of funds by Aman Palestin in places of worship and relevant religious premises. Mohd Asri had expressed doubts about Aman Palestin’s collection and distribution of its funds and called for more transparency on the issue. As a result, the department suspended fund collections by Aman Palestin in Perlis pending the completion of an investigation. It was also reported that many stakeholders were unhappy with Aman Palestin’s handling of the monetary donations. Last month, federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf had advised the public to be cautious when making donations, especially funds for Palestinians caught in the Gaza conflict. Aman Palestin was set up in 2004 to channel humanitarian aid by collecting funds for Palestinians affected by the Israeli occupation. Soldiers moving a stroke patient from her flooded house in Kampung Gong Baru, Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC Ruling on Muhyiddin’s passport appeal on Nov 29 KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court yesterday fixed Nov 29 to decide on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s appeal for the permanent release of his passport. Judge Azura Alwi fixed the date after hearing submissions by his lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran as well as DPPs Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and Lim Wai Keong. Earlier, Kumaraendran submitted that it should not be an issue for the court to release the passport unconditionally, as his client has never failed to attend court proceedings. “My client also holds several important positions in this country ... he is Pagoh MP and Bersatu president. He also possesses assets in Malaysia. Thus, it shouldn’t be an issue for the court to release the passport permanently.” Wan Shaharuddin countered that the application should not be allowed as the accused is still facing three money laundering charges. On Oct 16, Muhyiddin filed a notice of application for the court to vary the bond imposed on him for an unconditional release of his international passport. In his affidavit of support, the MP said he needed the passport for a family holiday in London and a medical check-up in Singapore. Muhyiddin is facing two charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM195 million from Bukhary Equity, which was deposited into Bersatu’s bank account. The former prime minister was also charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13 this year with receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM5 million. – Bernama Director slapped with additional fraud charges KUANTAN: A managing director of two companies was charged a second time at the Sessions Court here yesterday with 14 counts of submitting false claims amounting to RM152,200 for the Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 incentive to Socso. M. Sentil Kumar, 38, pleaded not guilty to all charges of submitting workers verification forms for claims ranging from RM3,500 to RM31,600 for 21 individuals who were not on the payroll of Global Tech (S) Auto Supply and Global Green Soil Plantation. He was charged with allegedly committing the offences at Wisma Perkeso on May 27 and June 24, 2021, under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the false claim or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. He pleaded not guilty to 14 alternative charges of passing off the falsified documents as genuine, under Section 471 of the Penal Code which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment or fine, or both, upon conviction. Judge Datuk Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain set bail at RM55,000 with one surety and set Dec 22 for the next case mention. On Oct 24, the accused pleaded not guilty to four charges of submitting falsified claims under the Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 programme for the sum of RM59,560. – Bernama Drop in flood evacuee numbers KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu saw a drop in the number of flood evacuees yesterday while the situation in the flood-hit areas of Kelantan remained unchanged. In Terengganu, the situation in flood-hit areas improved, with the number of evacuees dropping to 3,581 yesterday morning compared with 3,619 on Wednesday night. The Terengganu State Disaster Management Committee secretariat said Kuala Nerus still had the highest number of evacuees at 1,598 from 430 families housed at 15 relief centres, while Kuala Terengganu was next with 956 people from 279 families at five centres. Meanwhile, the levels of rivers at two main stations namely Parit Utama in Padang Kemunting, Kuala Nerus and Sungai Tumpat in Kampung Baru Kemasik, Kemaman were at warning level while the level of Sungai Tebak at Tebak Bridge, Kemaman, was at alert point. In Kelantan, the number of flood evacuees remained unchanged from the 373 from 96 families on Wednesday night, with all of them being housed at six relief centres. – Bernama Rain warning for three states KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an alert-level continuous rain warning for Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang until tomorrow. In a statement yesterday, MetMalaysia said areas affected are Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai and Kuantan. In the statement, the department also ended the alert-level continuous rain warning for Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak. “It involves several areas, namely Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Yan, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu.” – Bernama 21,000 traffic summonses issued KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 21,200 traffic summonses, involving 135,193 heavy vehicles, were issued in Ops Perdagangan, which was implemented nationwide between Sept 20 and Nov 14, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said yesterday. He said 109 were detained for various traffic offences during the operation. “Among the offences were carrying excessive loads and unsatisfactory vehicle roadworthiness, which could contribute to road accidents.” Razarudin said police took a serious view of the fatal accident cases involving heavy vehicles, such as lorries and buses. “From January to October, the police conducted 1,078 operations on commercial vehicles, compared with 797 operations in the same period last year.” – Bernama

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 7 Asean to address climate change, sustainability KUALA LUMPUR: Asean countries need to work together to address climate change challenges and sustainability issues, said Singapore Water Association vicepresident (General Affairs) Charles Quek. Speaking to Bernama, Quek said as such issues have become global challenges, governments also need to work together. “So I think it is important for Asean countries to come together more often to collaborate and co - create solutions to address sustainability challenges in climate change issues, including rising sea levels, floods, extreme weather, food, and access to clean water,” he said on the sidelines of the inaugural Sustainability Environment Asia 2023 trade show. Quek, who is also HSL Constructor Pte Ltd chief executive officer, said with its 650 to 700 million population in Asean, the manner in which its member oImportant for countries to come together more often to collaborate and co-create solutions to overcome global challenges N. Korea beefs up border security after satellite launch SEOUL: North Korea said yesterday it would deploy new weapons and stronger armed forces to the border with the South, as Seoul’s spy agency said Pyongyang had received Russian help to successfully put a military spy satellite into orbit. The “Malligyong-1” was launched on Tuesday, Pyongyang’s third attempt at securing a military eye in the sky after two failures in May and August, with Kim Jong Un already reviewing images of US military bases in Guam, the North’s state media has reported. Seoul’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers the launch had been a success but cautioned it was too early to say the satellite was working as Pyongyang claimed, adding the North had been given “feedback” by Russia after Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. “After the summit with Putin, the North provided Moscow with the blueprint and data relevant to the first and second satellite launches. Russia in turn analysed those data and provided the North with feedback,” the agency told lawmakers, according to a briefing by MP Yoo Sang-bum. After the launch, Seoul partially suspended a five-year-old military accord and immediately deployed “surveillance and reconnaissance assets” to the border, in what defence chief Shin Won-sik said was an “essential measure” to defend against the nuclear-armed North’s growing threats. North Korea’s defence ministry yesterday called Seoul’s moves “reckless” and said it would also suspend the deal in full, claiming that Pyongyang “will never be bound” by the agreement again and would immediately beef up its own border security. The North would now “deploy more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware in the region along the Military Demarcation Line”, the ministry said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North also fired a ballistic missile early yesterday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that the launch had not been successful. The ballistic missile launch is a harbinger of things to come, said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies. “In order to show that their suspension of the agreement does not amount to just empty words, it is expected that there will be a demonstration of force by violating the maritime border, deploying coastal artillery, firing shots at leaflets and launching various missiles,” he said. “As a result, there will be increased possibility of accidental armed clashes along the Military Demarcation Line and an increase in the possibility of these accidental armed conflicts escalating into war.” The North’s defence ministry repeated that the satellite launch was part of its “right to self-defence” and dismissed the “extremely hysterical” response from the South in particular. Successfully putting a spy satellite into orbit would improve North Korea’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly over South Korea, and provide crucial data in any military conflict, experts say. The launch also appears to kick off a space race on the peninsula, experts said, with Seoul planning to launch its first spy satellite via a SpaceX rocket later this month. – AFP MILITARY DRILLS ... Servicemen demonstrate their combat skills at a military base in Taichung, Taiwan yesterday. – AFPPIC countries work together to address climate change challenges will be critical to how Asean is going to develop in the next 30 to 50 years. “I think if we don’t address this matter together, there will be tensions, whether social or political. This can also escalate into many other issues and create international tensions. “So Asean should be a good platform, and I think businesses in Asia or in Asean countries must come together,” he said. On Singapore’s participation in SEA 2023, Quek said 10 companies are here to showcase their expertise and experience in various sectors. “I’m actually representing the Singapore Water Association and this is the first time that the Singapore Water Association is managing the Singapore pavilion, and we bring a consortium group of companies, including HSL Constructor, Aquax Pte Ltd, Tigernix Pte Ltd, Pure Active Waterxx Pte Ltd and Novexx Pte Ltd.” He said these companies have built up great expertise in sustainability areas to share their experience and expertise in sustainability with the Malaysian and international business community. “Through this event, we are looking for collaboration with entities such as the Malaysia Water Association, SPAN, and Air Selangor. There were already some exchanges among us and we will deepen our discussions because there is interest in some of the technologies and the possibility of some adoption in Malaysia as well,” he said. He added that apart from showcasing their expertise they also organised a Singapore Business Forum to explore b u s i n e s s - t o - b u s i n e s s matchmaking and business partnerships. Quek said the SEA 2023 event is a great platform for business communities to move from competition to cooperation to collaboration as well as co-creation of solutions for the betterment of humanity. SEA 2023 is taking place from Nov 22 to 24 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and is colocated with E-Mobility Asia. Indonesian anti-graft agency chief in alleged extortion case JAKARTA: Indonesia’s police this week named the chief of the country’s anticorruption agency, Firli Bahuri, as a suspect for alleged extortion or receiving kickbacks, another setback in the onceprized government institution. Firli, a former police inspector general, is a suspect in alleged extortion of money from Syahrul Yasin Limpo, the exagriculture minister who was arrested after being named a suspect in a corruption case last month, authorities said. Ade Safri Simanjuntak, a Jakarta police official, told reporters late on Wednesday that there has been “sufficient evidence to name the KPK chief as a suspect in a corruption case in the form of extortion”. He said a state official extorted money at the agriculture ministry from 2020 to 2023. Authorities have confiscated exchange transaction documents from Singapore and US dollars worth 7.4 billion rupiah (RM2.24 million) from raids at two locations, Ade added. Firli did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He has not been arrested. He said in a press conference on Monday prior to being a named a suspect that he has “never extorted anyone, and never been involved in a bribery with anyone”. The Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. – Reuters B R I E F SOPPOSITION LEADER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE DAKAR: Imprisoned Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has ended the hunger strike he started mid-October, political allies who visited him have said. Sonko, who maintains that his longrunning legal battles are an attempt to block him from the 2024 presidential race, was hospitalised at the end of October after losing consciousness, according to his lawyers. He is now “in excellent shape” and good spirits, members of his opposition camp said. Sonko’s hunger strike is over “for the time being”, MP Guy Marius Sagna told AFP in a message. Habib Sy, a member of Sonko’s political coalition, also confirmed the end of the strike in a Facebook post. Senegal’s Supreme Court dealt a fresh blow to Sonko’s presidential ambitions last week, sending the question of whether the opposition figure can be included in the 2024 electoral rolls to a retrial. US INTERCEPTS MULTIPLE ATTACK DRONES BAGHDAD: A US warship patrolling the Red Sea intercepted multiple attack drones launched from Huthicontrolled areas in Yemen yesterday, the US Central Command said. “On the morning (Yemen time) of Nov 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple oneway attack drones launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen,” CentCom said on X. “The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury,” it added. The Huthis have declared themselves part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran’s allies and proxies and have launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. – AFP

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 8 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Fiery car crash at US-Canada border WASHINGTON: A speeding car crashed in flames on the bridge linking New York state and Ontario at Niagara Falls on Wednesday, killing two people in the vehicle and sparking a security scare that closed four US-Canadian border crossings and Buffalo International Airport. Hours later federal and state authorities said investigators had found no evidence of an act of terror, though circumstances surrounding the episode on the Rainbow Bridge remained murky, leaving it yet to be determined whether the crash was accidental or intentional. “At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters Wednesday evening. Her comments were echoed a short time later by federal law enforcement officials at a separate news conference. Video of the crash caught on security camera and posted to the social media platform X by the US Customs and Border Protection agency showed the car traveling at high speed, then hitting an object and flying into the air before it crashed to the ground and exploded in flames. The driver and a passenger perished in the wreck, and a CBP officer suffered minor injuries. He was treated at a nearby hospital and released, an agency official said later. The incident unfolded at a time of heightened security concerns around the world stemming from the conflict in the Middle East and at the peak of US holiday travel on the eve of Thanksgiving celebrations. The Rainbow Bridge and all three other border crossings along the Niagara River between western New York and southern Ontario – the Peace Bridge, the LewistonQueenston Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge – were shut down for several hours afterward as precaution. – Reuters B R I E F SLIBERIAN PRESIDENT-ELECT BOAKAI URGES UNITY MONROVIA: Liberia’s president-elect Joseph Boakai on Wednesday called for unity to rebuild the country as he delivered his first speech since a narrow victory at the polls. Boakai, a 78- year-old political veteran, defeated incumbent George Weah by a margin of just 20,567 ballots. Boakai captured 50.64% of the vote, compared with the 49.36% won by the former international football star Weah. “The elections are now over and we must unite as one people to rebuild our country,” Boakai said. “I implore all Liberians, regardless of ethnic origin, country, religion or political party affiliation, to join us on this journey to save our country,” he added. The president-elect promised to “extend development to the whole country”, in particular by building roads in the southeast, a region he said had been “neglected for years”. He also reiterated his campaign pledge that fighting corruption would be a priority and promised a “smooth and peaceful” transition. – AFP SURINAME DECLARES NATIONAL MOURNING PARAMARIBO: Suriname authorities declared two days of national mourning on Wednesday as the toll from an accident in an illegal gold mine climbed to 15. The collapse occurred Monday at a mine where people had been “looking for gold in a sort of improvised tunnel of considerable depth”, President Chan Santokhi told the National Assembly at the time. According to residents, 20 to 30 miners were working in a hole they had excavated themselves, located at the Rosebel Gold Mines which are operated by a subsidiary of the Chinese company Zijin Mining. The mine is in the Brokopond district, about 100km south of the capital Paramaribo. Suriname rescue teams are continuing their search for possible survivors but are encountering difficulties due to unstable terrain and fears of further collapses. The toll had previously stood at 14. – AFP Far-right party set for gains in Dutch elections AMSTERDAM: Dutch anti-EU far-right populist Geert Wilders, who has vowed to halt all immigration to the Netherlands, was set for a major victory in parliamentary elections on Wednesday, an exit poll showed. Beating all predictions, the exit poll put Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) at 35 out of 150 seats, 10 seats ahead of the closest rival, former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans’ Labour/Green Left combination. That margin was far more than expected and appeared to be too great for the outcome to change. Exit polls are generally reliable with a margin of error of roughly two seats. At a cafe in The Hague, Wilders fans erupted in cheers, hugged and threw their arms in the air. In a victory speech, Wilders vowed to bring an end to a “tsunami of asylum and immigration”. Wilders’ rode a wave of anti-immigration sentiment, blaming a housing shortage on flows of asylum seekers and drawing on widespread concerns about the cost of living and the overburdened healthcare system. Wilders upset victory came two months after the return to power of the equally anti-EU populist Robert Fico in Slovakia, who pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and cut immigration. Last year, Italy formed its most right-wing government since World War Two after the election victory of Giorgia Meloni. Wilders’ inflammatory views on Islam have prompted death threats and he has lived under heavy police protection for years. Islamic and Moroccan organisations expressed concerns about Wilders’ victory. “The distress and fear are enormous,” Habib el Kaddouri, who heads an organisation representing Dutch Moroccans, told Dutch news agency ANP. “We are afraid that he will portray us as second-class citizens.” A self-proclaimed fan of Hungary’s Victor Orban, Wilders is also explicitly anti-EU, urging the Netherlands to control borders, to significantly reduce its payments to the union and to block the entrance of any new members. He has also repeatedly said the Netherlands should stop providing arms to Ukraine, saying it needs the weapons to be able to defend itself. However, none of the parties he could potentially form a government with share these ideas. – Reuters Breakthrough near in Indian tunnel collapse SILKYARA: Ambulances were on standby yesterday as Indian rescuers dug through the final metres of debris separating them from 41 workers trapped in a collapsed road tunnel for nearly two weeks. The emergency vehicles, seen shortly before dawn by AFP journalists at the site, were preparing to transport men who authorities hope will soon be freed from the tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Engineers have been digging for days to An ambulance arriving at the tunnel where workers are trapped yesterday. – REUTERSPIC oEmergency vehicles on standby to transport men trapped in Uttarakhand cave-in since Nov 12 drive a steel pipe through some 57m of earth, concrete and rubble that has divided the rapped men from freedom since a portion of the under-construction tunnel caved in on Nov 12. After days of painfully slow progress, engineers with a powerful drilling machine made a sudden rapid advance on Wednesday, before being slowed with just 12m to go after metal rods blocked the route. Just before midnight, senior rescue team member Harpal Singh told reporters that engineers would enter the pipe to cut the rods, “following which we would use the (drilling) machine again”. Harpal suggested a breakthrough was possible, although the government also warned that any timelines were “subject to change due to technical glitches, the challenging Himalayan terrain, and unforeseen emergencies”. Inside the Silkyara tunnel entrance, an AFP journalist said the site was a flurry of activity. Worried relatives have gathered outside the site, where a Hindu shrine has been erected, with a priest holding prayers for the safe rescue of the trapped men. Rescue efforts have been hampered by falling debris as well as repeated breakdowns of crucial heavy-drilling machines. In case the route through the main tunnel entrance does not work, blasting and drilling have also begun from the far end of the unfinished tunnel, nearly 500m long. Preparations have also been made for a risky vertical shaft directly above. The workers were seen alive for the first time on Tuesday, peering into the lens of an endoscopic camera sent by rescuers down a thin pipe through which air, food, water and electricity are being delivered.

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 9 No Gaza hostage release before Friday: Israel, US oAnnouncement on the beginning of the truce could come soon: Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson JERUSALEM: The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israel’s national security adviser and the U.S. said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday. Israel and Hamas agreed early on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and free at least 50 hostages held by militants in the enclave in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari yesterday said an announcement on the beginning of the truce could come soon. Qatar has been mediating in the negotiations on the truce. “The negotiations on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly,” Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement released by the prime minister’s office. “The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday,” it said. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson said final logistical details for the release were being worked out. “That is on track and we are hopeful that implementation will begin on Friday morning (today),” Watson said. But there was no let-up in the fighting early yesterday, reports said. Palestinian media said Israeli aircraft and artillery struck Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis in at least two waves and 15 people were killed. Attacks were also reported in several other parts of Gaza, including the Jabalia and Nuseirat camps. Israel said its forces carried out aerial strikes on over 300 Hamas targets over the past day. Reuters was unable to independently verify the reports. In Israel, sirens warning of incoming rocket fire from Gaza blared in communities near the border with the enclave, the military said. There were no reports of damage or injuries. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, citing an unidentified Israeli official, reported there was a 24-hour delay in the truce because the agreement was not signed by Hamas and mediator Qatar. The official said they were optimistic the agreement would be carried out when it was signed. “No one said there would be a release tomorrow except the media. We had to make it clear that no release is planned before Friday, because of the uncertainty that hostages‘ families are facing,” Kan quoted a source in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as saying. Israeli media, citing anonymous officials, reported the pause in fighting with Hamas also would not start before Friday. Israel’s Ynet news website reported that Israel had not yet received the names of the hostages slated for release by Hamas. Israel has subjected Hamas-ruled Gaza to a siege and relentless bombardment. More than 14,000 Gazans have been killed, around 40% of them children, according to medical officials in the territory. – Reuters Smoke billowing after an Israeli strike as flares are also dropped over north Gaza yeseterday. – AFPPIC Son of senior MP among five dead in south Lebanon BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement said yesterday that five of its fighters, including the son of a senior lawmaker, had been killed, amid skirmishes at the Israel-Lebanon border since the Israel’s onslaught on Gaza began. Abbas Raad, son of the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc Mohammed Raad, was “martyred on the road to Jerusalem” the group said in a statement, the phrase it has been using to announce the death of its members due to Israeli fire since the onslaught started on Oct 7. It issued separate statements with the identities and photographs of four other fighters who were also killed. A source close to the family, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, told AFP that Abbas Raad “was killed with a number of other Hezbollah members” in an Israeli strike Wednesday on a house in south Lebanon’s Beit Yahun. Lebanon’s official national news agency said Wednesday that “an air strike launched by the Israeli enemy on a house in Beit Yahun killed four people”. It did not identify the victims. Since Oct 7, the frontier between Lebanon and Israel has seen escalating exchanges of fire mainly between Israel and Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah, but also Palestinian groups, raising fears of a broader conflagration. Israel’s army said in statements on Wednesday that it had struck a number of Hezbollah targets and sources of fire from Lebanon, including a Hezbollah “terrorist cell” and infrastructure. Since the cross-border exchanges began, 107 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, according to an AFP tally. At least 75 are Hezbollah fighters but the toll also included at least 14 civilians, three of them journalists. Seven Hezbollah fighters have also been killed in Syria. On the Israeli side, six soldiers and three civilians have been killed, according to authorities. The strike came just hours after a four-day truce in Gaza was announced between Israel and Hamas, a Hezbollah ally. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian, warned in an interview that if the Hamas-Israel ceasefire begins but “does not continue the conditions in the region will not remain the same as before the ceasefire and the scope of the war will expand”. ‘Most dangerous place in the world to be a child’ NEW YORK: The Gaza Strip is the “most dangerous place in the world to be a child,“ the head of the United Nations children’s agency Unicef said on Wednesday. Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell told the U.N. Security Council that more than 5,300 Palestinian children had reportedly been killed since Oct 7. Israel has focused its retaliation against Hamas in Gaza, a territory of 2.3 million people. “The true cost of this latest war in Palestine and Israel will be measured in children’s lives – those lost to the violence and those forever changed by it. Without an end to the fighting and full humanitarian access, the cost will continue to grow exponentially,” Russell, who last week visited Gaza, said at a council briefing on women and children there. Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air, imposed a siege and invaded with soldiers and tanks. “The Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child,” Russell said. “In Gaza, the effects of the violence perpetrated on children have been catastrophic, indiscriminate and disproportionate.” “Women in Gaza have told us that they pray for peace, but that if peace does not come, they pray for a quick death, in their sleep, with their children in their arms. It should shame us all that any mother, anywhere, has such a prayer,” UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous told the 15- member council. – Reuters B R I E F SIRAQ CONDEMNS STRIKES THAT KILLED FIGHTERS BAGHDAD: Iraq’s government condemned overnight US airstrikes south of Baghdad that killed eight members of Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah, saying they were a “dangerous escalation” not coordinated with authorities. The US has carried out two series of strikes in Iraq since Tuesday, in response to more than 60 attacks by Iran-aligned militias against forces in the region and destroyed a Kataib Hezbollah operations centre and a command and control node. Until this week, the US had been reluctant to retaliate in Iraq because of the delicate political situation in Baghdad, where they have sought closer cooperation, and in an effort to avoid regional spillover from the Gaza war. The US had previously undertaken three separate sets of strikes in Syria in response to the attacks. – Reuters VENEZUELA IN DIPLOMATIC ROW WITH PERU CARACAS: The government of Venezuela lambasted Peru on Wednesday following a controversial football match, at one point accusing Lima of kidnapping its national team by refusing to allow the aircraft bringing the players home to refuel. The diplomatic spat began following a 1- 1 draw between the two countries’ teams in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, after which Venezuelan players accused Peruvian police of beating them as they went to greet fans Tuesday night. Following a delay in the plane’s departure on Wednesday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Peru had carried out “another arbitrary act against the Venezuelans by preventing the plane bringing the team back from refueling”. – AFP

10 FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 Contact theSun's Advertising & Marketing team to book your advertising space. 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my Christmas Christmas Special Advertise with us on Christmas Special on Dec 15, 2023 PUBLICATION DATE 15 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 1 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) When the time comes for you to once again put up the Christmas tree in your living room and go through the family festive recipe books, don't forget to check out our Christmas Special on where, when and how to get the best festive gifts, surprises and promotions for your loved ones, friends and associates. Sharing past in shaping child’s future Q: During my youth, I was quite adventurous. Now that my children are teenagers, they are curious about my past. I am uncertain whether I should fully disclose my regrets to them. What do you suggest? Focus on the Family Malaysia: This question arises frequently and holds significant importance. In most cases, the principle of “less is more” generally applies. However, it is crucial to consider what is in the best interest of your children. While honesty and openness are vital, the extent of any confession should depend on several factors. It is important to assess not only your children’s maturity but also their motivation. If your children are not specifically asking for detailed personal information, such as “Did you engage in drugs, theft or intimate relationships during your school years?”, there may be no need to volunteer specific details. If your children are seeking information about your past, it is essential to consider how they may use that information. A rebellious teenager may attempt to leverage it against authority figures in their life. If you suspect this, proceed with caution. Conversely, if your children are genuinely seeking empathy and guidance for a personal struggle, sharing some of your human weaknesses can be beneficial. This presents a unique teaching opportunity to impart valuable wisdom derived from real-life experiences. It is a moment to humbly admit, “I made mistakes in my youth, and here is why I do not want to see you make the same ones”. By openly acknowledging your past shortcomings, you demonstrate to a struggling teenager what it means to change course and learn from errors. This not only lends credibility to your warnings but also has the potential to positively influence your children’s future in ways you may not anticipate. Q: My wife and I have been married for only a few months, yet we find ourselves in constant arguments about household chores. Due to my inclination for cleanliness, I often end up doing most of the work. How do we resolve this? Focus on the Family Malaysia: You may be surprised but many newlyweds face a similar situation. Even seasoned married couples struggle with dividing household chores. This stems from differing definitions of “clean” and assumptions based on unique family backgrounds. As with any marital concern, the first step is open communication. Both partners should respectfully express their assumptions, expectations and personal preferences. The aim is to achieve unity, understanding and a commitment to shared responsibility as well as devising a fair and equitable plan. Create a comprehensive list of tasks and their time requirements, individually indicating responsibilities that suit each partner. Compare the results, aiming for agreement. If unclear, discuss and assign tasks based on each person’s suitability. Ensure the time allocation is reasonably fair, considering overall demands. Remember, it is a partnership, and flexibility is key, allowing adjustments based on changing circumstances. Lastly, focus on the rewards. Collaborating on chores lightens the load, providing more time for each other and leisure activities. Cooperation is the key to a balanced and harmonious household. The article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. For more information, visit family.org.my. Unlock the secrets to building a resilient and enduring marriage by joining the Journey to Us Marriage Conference on Nov 25, featuring Dr Greg and Erin Smalley from Focus on the Family US. Register at family.org.my/JTUMC. Comments: [email protected] Kudos to writer for clarity in mental health discourse I REFER to the article titled “Awakening of eco-conscious living” by Dr Praveena Rajendra in theSun on Nov 10. I commend her for the article’s eloquent expression, rhythmic cadences and felicitous style. The impassioned plea she makes to society, emphasising the importance of embracing and advocating for ecoconscious living, is noteworthy. She rightly suggests that such a lifestyle can have a profound impact on our psychological well-being by diminishing mental health issues through the therapeutic influence of nature. This, in turn, can reduce stress hormone production, and enhance feelings of happiness and vitality. Her advice is indeed sound and valuable. I have found a rewarding approach to promoting a satisfying lifestyle, which is aligned with the writer’s perspective that by caring for our planet, we are fundamentally nurturing ourselves. At 82 years old, I view age merely as a number. I do not adhere to conventional wisdom as it tends to limit or confine thought and creativity, although exercising reasonable discretion is necessary. Those adhering strictly to conventional wisdom may hold a dismissive or condescending attitude toward those who diverge from it, although such opinions hold little significance for the latter. Engaging in debates over the merits and drawbacks of conventional wisdom may not be fruitful as the saying goes, “each to his own”. I have taken deliberate measures to maintain my overall health. I adhere to a system that supports cognitive well-being, ensuring mental and physical wellness. Regular participation in demonstrative exercises brings me joy and satisfaction. These activities involve openly expressing emotions and affection, bringing out the best in oneself. Demonstrative exercises include activities such as poetry recitals, reading excerpts from plays and delivering renditions of historic and eloquent speeches by wellknown figures, such as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in August 1863 and Winston Churchill’s spirited and fiery Blood, Toil, Sweat and Tears speech in May 1940. My appreciation for nature stems from having read romantic poets, namely, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats. Additionally, my appreciation extends to the comedy and tragedy depicted in William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice and Macbeth, which I studied in my Sixth Form English Literature. During that time, we were fortunate to have skilled expatriate and missionary English Language teachers from the UK. However, in our current government schools, the presence of such exceptional educators is few and far between. Finally, to the writer, continue delivering exceptional and easily understandable articles in your capacity as a certified mental health and awareness practitioner. Your work brings to mind London-based Indian-British psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud, who was a consistent contributor of insightful articles on psychiatric issues and recommended treatments in the British daily The Times, where his pieces were eloquently expressed in Oxford English. Mervin S. Singhe Kuala Lumpur Eco-conscious living can have a profound impact on our psychological well-being. – REUTERSPIC Under One Roof LETTERS [email protected]

11 FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 these turtles. Tourists and locals actively participate in releasing the young turtles. Another critical strategy implemented for the preservation of green turtles at Pantai Mak Nik is public awareness. Educational programmes and campaigns are carried out to inform the public about green turtle conservation. These initiatives aim to educate visitors and the local community about the significance of protecting these endangered creatures and their nesting grounds. Furthermore, marine life, including green turtles, faces a substantial threat from plastic pollution. Conservation initiatives, including organising regular beach cleanup activities, are aimed at minimising plastic waste. A cleaner environment is advantageous for nesting and hatching turtles. In addition, numerous scientific research have been initiated to enhance our understanding of the green turtle population in the region. Researchers delve into their behaviour, migration patterns and health to inform on effective conservation strategies. The scientific data obtained is invaluable for making well-informed decisions. Lastly, the district officer has made significant efforts by urging companies, especially those in the oil and gas and commercial sectors, as well as nongovernmental organisations, to actively contribute to these initiative. Successful conservation endeavours often hinge on collaboration among local communities, government agencies, non-profit organisations and international conservation groups. This ensures a comprehensive approach to safeguarding green turtles and their habitats. Currently, the Kemaman District and Land Office are partnering with the All-Party Parliamentary Group, the secretariat for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), on an upcoming project aimed at promoting and preserving green turtles at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik. Preserving these turtles is crucial not only for the species but also for maintaining the ecological balance of the marine environment. Protecting these turtles and their nesting sites allows the local community and conservationists to contribute to the well-being of the ocean ecosystem. This ensures that future generations can continue to marvel at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Many campaigns, activities and awareness programmes are underway to sustain and guarantee the survival of green turtles. This article was contributed by APPGM-SDG, an independent body entrusted to deliver results for constituents while remaining focused on local issues and national priorities. Comments: [email protected] Safeguarding green turtles PRESERVING the endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik in Kemaman, Terengganu, is pivotal for the conservation of this species and the maintenance of the area’s natural beauty. District Officer Ahmad Abdul Wahab, based in Kemaman, plays a crucial role in the protection of green turtles at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik. His expertise is essential in addressing threats to wildlife, especially green turtles, in collaboration with the Fisheries and Tourism departments at district and state levels. Through these efforts, rangers work tirelessly to ensure the security of laid eggs, serving as essential liaisons to tourists and coastal communities. Their dedication not only safeguards the turtles but also ensures that Pantai Teluk Mak Nik remains a secure and protected sanctuary for all. Green turtles tend to inhabit coastal areas and islands, displaying a preference for bays and secure shorelines, especially those with seagrass beds. They are rarely seen in the open ocean. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, green turtles are classified as an endangered species, with a looming risk of extinction in the wild. Conservation efforts are honing in on safeguarding the nesting sites of green turtles at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik. The nesting season for these turtles occurs annually from March to September/October, with May and June emerging as the peak months for nesting activities. Green turtles, which is a type of sea turtle, usually lays around 100 eggs per nest, although they have been known to lay as many as 160. At Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, all eggs are collected for conservation purposes and transported to the Geliga hatchery, located approximately 2km away. After about 60 days, the hatchlings are released into the ocean. Collaboration between conservationists and local authorities is crucial for identifying and safeguarding these nesting areas. To minimise disruptions and shield nests from potential threats, conservationists employ fencing and monitoring measures. They closely observe the nesting activities of green turtles, gathering data on nest numbers, the number of eggs per nest and anticipated hatching dates. This data proves invaluable for comprehending population trends and steering conservation initiatives. One of the most heartwarming experiences involves the release of hatchlings. Conservationists frequently coordinate hatchling release programmes, allowing green turtle hatchlings to venture into the sea. These events serve not only as educational opportunities but also as awareness-raising initiatives for the importance of safeguarding According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, green turtles are classified as an endangered species, with a looming risk of extinction in the wild. Elevating safety standards within tourism industry WHILE tourists expect cleanliness, convenience and comfort, tourism operators must prioritise the health, safety and security of their customers. Unfortunately, many individuals lack safety awareness, leaving them unaware of visible hazards, and oblivious to concealed dangers. Therefore, the Safety and Security of Tourists module is a vital component in the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course, mandatory for tour operators seeking to renew their company’s operating licence with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. On Sept 4, a foreign tourist drowned and eight others were rescued when their boat capsized off Sabah’s east coast near Timba-Timba Island, not far from Semporna. Subsequently, four men were investigated under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence. In July, there was a separate drowning incident of a foreign tourist off Kudat, 580km north of Semporna by road. Sabah has recorded over 13 cases of road crashes involving tourists. To address safety concerns, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing convened a special meeting recently. Attendees included representatives from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah police, Sabah and Labuan Marine Department, Semporna District Office and Sabah Tourism Board. Government agencies are likely to intensify their efforts in enhancing tourist safety but the pivotal shift hinges on service providers. While many may assert a commitment to prioritising safety, it remains a mere claim without meticulous planning, effective implementation, operational execution, continuous monitoring and timely revisions – ultimately making safety the last consideration. A significant leap forward would occur when tourism operators are mandated to submit their standard operating procedures (SOPs) to relevant authorities. These SOPs should cover routine matters and contingency plans, which essentially serve as SOPs for managing emergencies and incidents. Drafting and adhering to SOPs can be challenging, and preparing contingency plans is even more demanding. Identifying potential issues that may arise should be a prerequisite before devising solutions to manage emergencies, accidents and incidents. Setting up a working committee comprising four to eight individuals is essential for brainstorming, and subsequently presenting their findings to top management for evaluation and guidance. This will entail multiple rounds of presentation and refinement before the contingency plans are deemed final. For small businesses, this process may span a few weeks, while larger organisations may require several months. Despite the demanding nature of this exercise, it will prove worthwhile as operators must diligently assess how their services can be delivered with a focus on safety and security. In addition to enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations, customers can opt for organisations equipped with contingency plans, indicating meticulous consideration of potential challenges and measures to prevent or mitigate them. Knowing that these organisations are prepared to address unforeseen circumstances, customers can feel confident that, in the event of an incident, the situation will be managed effectively to minimise damage or injury. While it may take a decade for the tourism industry to reach a point where submitting SOPs, including contingency plans, becomes mandatory for all operators, the crucial journey begins with a single step. For a start, participation can be voluntary, and those who choose to implement contingency plans can receive recognition through a star-rating safety system. Tourism operators can then promote on their websites that they have established contingency plans, along with the star rating bestowed by the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, enhancing their appeal as additional selling points. The writer is a master trainer for Asean tourism, Mesra Malaysia and the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course. He is also a tourism and transport industry consultant and writer. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by YS Chan UNSUNG HEROES IN LOCALISING SDGs by Dr Thanaraj Murudi “Successful conservation endeavours often hinge on collaboration among local communities, government agencies, non-profit organisations and international conservation groups. This ensures a comprehensive approach to safeguarding green turtles and their habitats.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY 12 FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 plant-based diets would cut emissions from food production by 28%. It is estimated that humans could cut methane emissions by 45% by shifting to a plant-based diet. About 68% of farmland in the world has been used for livestock rearing when it could be used to grow crops. Plant-based agriculture uses less land compared with animal farming, and additionally, planting a fifth of this with crops would produce the same amount of food as all the animals. An area 1.5 times the size of Russia could be turned into meadow or forest to improve biodiversity. As a result of that, 26 million sq km of land could be spared from grazing. The same amount of land can be used to produce more grains and vegetables, which in return creates more food to combat world hunger. Around 200 million land animals are killed for food every day. If we leave animals off our plate even for a day, animal cruelty would become less common. Not only animals that are killed for meat could be saved, but also those that are exploited within the egg and dairy industries where animals experience overcrowding, inhumane treatment, poor hygiene, disease and a lack of medical care. What if you stopped eating meat? There are so many health benefits that one can achieve from not eating meat. A shift away from animal products and towards vegan food is proven to help treat, prevent, or even reverse various conditions. Meat, cheese, and highly processed foods causes elevated levels of inflammation in your body. If people no longer ate animal-based foods, cholesterol and blood pressure could be brought down to safer levels, acne could become less frequent, people could experience better digestion and the rate of disease could decrease. The consumption of animal products has also been linked to type-2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancer forms including breast, colon, and rectal. Swapping out meat options for veggie options during the week helps you lower your calorie intake, increase your nutrient and vitamin intake and helps you slim down. The belief that you will get protein deficiency if you do not eat meat has very much been proven to be a myth. In fact, it is extremely easy to get adequate protein from a variety of plantbased sources. Legumes, nuts, tofu and green leafy vegetables such as spinach are packed with protein and fibre, making them filling and healthy options to include in your meals. Join the pledge If you have always thought of adopting a plantbased lifestyle but do not know where to start, the meatless day campaign can be a good starting point. If you need a reason to pledge, try thinking for the animals, environment, and your health. This year, we have many individuals and organisations joining us on this pledge to go meatless. A total of 160 residents and staff of the Silver Jubliee Home will pledge to go meatless once again. They will enjoy a delicious plate of vegetarian mee jawa in place of their usual lunch. Also joining us on this pledge are Sentral College Penang CEO Dr Chiang Geok Lian and her faculty members, Penang Green Council general manager Josephine Tan and members, Ramakrishna Orphanage, Child Protection Society, Kamdar Department Stores staff, and Penang state executive councillor Daniel Gooi. How are we celebrating this year? Join us for a flavourful feast on World Meatless Day with MVS. Dive into an All-Vegan Extravaganza for lunch at the Berjaya Cafe and enjoy a sumptuous spread perfect for the whole family. 0 Date: Saturday, Nov 25 0 Time: 12.30pm-3.30pm 0 Venue: Berjaya Cafe, Level 14 West, Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur PETALING JAYA: According to a survey conducted by a vegetarian resource group, 22% of the world population has stopped eating meat in 2023. These people have decided to abstain from eating meat for the rest of their life for a kinder and better world. The figures continue to rise as we see an increase in interest in plant-based diets. Nov 25 is “International Meatless Day”, it is a day where millions all over the world pledge to abstain from consuming all forms of meat, fish and fowl for an entire 24 hours. The campaign began in 1986 by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, with the purpose of promoting compassion, healthy living and environmental protection. This year is no different, this campaign has been organised by the Malaysian Meatless Day Campaign Committee in Malaysia over the past 27 years with the sole aim of getting as many individuals and organisations as possible to pledge to go meatless tomorrow. Malaysia is a well-known food paradise around the world, and no less of a vegetarian food paradise. On Wednesday, a new vegetarian restaurant by the name Sappadhutha Mukkiyam opened at 49 Bishop Street, Penang. All the efforts go to the Malaysian Vegetarian Society (MVS) and Malaysian Meatless Day Campaign Committee with various food festivals and awareness campaigns held throughout the years. MVS had various celebrities, from politicians to leaders of NGOs and members of the corporate world over the years. The campaign has brought an increased awareness among the public to include more vegetables and fruits in their daily diet. How did it start? Over the years, people around the world have started adopting a plant-based lifestyle. As such, we see new campaigns such as Meatless Mondays, Meatless Thursdays, Veganuary, 21 day-Vegan Challenges and so many more all around the world. MVS president Datuk Pishu Murli Hassaram took the opportunity to organise this campaign in Penang in 1996. A long-time advocate for vegetarianism in Malaysia, he actively built a campaign that started in Penang and spread to the rest of the country. His aim was to create an awareness among people of the main benefits of going meatless for animal welfare and our health. He and his team started by organising events and provided information to the public on the benefits of going meatless. With a strong will to see a greener world, he invited VIPs, personalities and even sportsmen to launch these events. During one of the events, he even got the former chief minister of Penang to be the guest of honour and pledge to go meatless for one day. Seeing his determination and the future of a compassionate world, many NGOs participated in the campaign. They even got their members to pledge to go meatless for one day. Various speakers from around the country also came to speak at the functions. To show that plant-based meals can be as delicious as meat-based meals, Pishu has invited gourmet chefs to conduct cooking demonstrations. With the invitation of the media, the increased publicity encouraged many people to participate and pledge to go meatless. Members of educational institutions, public hospitals, banks, hotels, departmental stores, newspapers, old folks homes and members of different ethnic groups pledged to go meatless. In many cases, staff canteens of hospitals and hotels offered only a vegetarian menu to their staff on International Meatless Day. What if everyone stopped eating meat? What would happen if the world stopped eating meat? It may not sound much, but big changes start from small steps a day. An estimated 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced. Food production is responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions due to cows burping methane. A cow produces an average of 100kg of methane gas per year. Methane is such a potent greenhouse gas that a global switch to Pledge to go meatless with MVS oPishu aims to create an awareness among people of the benefits of going vegetarian for animal welfare and our health More Malaysians are getting drawn to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as seen in the huge turnout at a plant-based event in Klang Valley. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN From left: Chiang, Pishu and Gooi. Chiang signs a pledge to go meatless on International Meatless Day.

INSIDE Explore Explore culinary ulinary creativity reativity Four lasagna our lasagna recipes for every ecipes for every palate - P16 & 17 alate - P16 & 17 WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influences FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] INSIDE p 14 INSIDE p Harmonising style and pet-friendly living 15 Death by laughter is a real possibility

LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 14 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Avoid low-hanging items that might tempt your pet to investigate. Framed photos of your pets can also be a delightful addition to your home decoration, adding a personal touch to your living space. Pet-safe plants Bringing a touch of nature indoors is a popular design choice, but it is essential to ensure that your plants are pet-safe. Some common houseplants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Opt for pet-friendly plants such as spider plants, ferns or air plants. Consider placing them on hanging planters or elevated shelves to keep them out of reach. Hidden litter boxes For cat owners, finding an elegant solution for the litter box is a common challenge. Explore furniture that cleverly conceals litter boxes or consider building a dedicated nook with a discreet entrance. This not only keeps the litter box out of sight but also provides your cat with a private and comfortable space. Paw-print accents Embrace your love for pets with subtle paw-print accents in your decorations. Look for throw pillows, wall art or decorative items that feature tasteful paw prints or pet-related motifs. This adds a playful and personal touch to your home while celebrating your love for animals. Regular grooming stations Integrating grooming stations into your home can make pet care more convenient. Designate an area with easy-to-clean surfaces for brushing and grooming. Incorporate storage for grooming tools, ensuring everything is within reach when needed. Creating a pet-friendly home does not mean sacrificing style. By making thoughtful choices in furniture, fabrics and decoration, you can design a home that reflects your taste while accommodating the needs of your beloved pets. With these tips, you can achieve a pawsitively stylish living space that both you and your furry friends will love. WHEN it comes to designing a home, pet owners often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between creating a stylish living space and accommodating the needs of their furry friends. The good news is that pet-friendly decorating does not mean sacrificing style. With a few thoughtful choices, you can have a home that is both chic and accommodating for your fourlegged companions. Pet-friendly fabrics One of the first considerations for pet-friendly home decorating is choosing the right fabrics. Opt for materials that are durable and easy to clean, such as microfibre leather or outdoor fabrics. These materials resist stains and pet hair, making them a practical choice for furniture and upholstery. Additionally, consider patterns or textures that can help camouflage any stray pet hairs between cleanings. Stylish and stain-resistant rugs Area rugs add warmth and style to a room, but they can also fall victim to spills and accidents. Choose rugs made from stain-resistant materials or those with patterns that can disguise any petrelated mishaps. Indoor or outdoor rugs are another excellent option, as they are often easy to clean and maintain. Pet-friendly furniture Investing in pet-friendly furniture is a key aspect of creating a harmonious living space. Look for furniture with removable and washable covers or choose slipcovers that can be easily cleaned or replaced. Consider furniture with built-in pet beds or nooks, providing your furry friends with their own cosy spaces without compromising on aesthetics. Elevated feeding stations Elevated feeding stations not only benefit your pet’s posture and digestion but can also be incorporated seamlessly into your home decor. Choose stylish feeding bowls that complement your kitchen or dining area. Consider incorporating a dedicated pet feeding zone with a small cabinet to store food and treats, keeping everything organised and within reach. Designated pet spaces Create designated spaces for your pets that blend seamlessly with your home’s design. Whether it is a cosy nook with a comfortable bed, a stylish cat tree or a built-in window seat for your pet to enjoy the view, integrating these elements into your overall design ensures that your pets have their own spaces without compromising the overall aesthetic. Pet-friendly art and decoration When it comes to wall art and decoration, consider your pet’s safety and curiosity. Opt for wall-mounted shelves for your cat to climb or choose art pieces that are securely anchored. Choose durable and washable fabrics for furniture and accessories. – PEXELS Create designated pet spaces with cosy beds and toys. – BETTER HOMES Use pet-friendly plants like spider plants or ferns to add greenery without harm. – FLOWER POWER █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Pet-friendly decorating tips oCreating pawsitively stylish home Always use pet-friendly flooring, such as hardwood or stain-resistant carpets. – THE HOME DEPOT

LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 15 are roughly three ginger male cats and one ginger female. This is because the ginger gene is found on the X chromosome, meaning female cats would require two copies of the gene to become ginger, while males only need one. 7. There is a planet mostly made of diamonds. Called 55 Cancrie, it is around twice the size of Earth and some 40 light-years away from us within the Cancer constellation. 8. Animals can be allergic to humans. Animals can be allergic to our dead skin cells’—dander. These allergic reactions can be just like ours, too, including breathing difficulties and skin irritation. 9. All mammals get goosebumps. When your hair stands on end, tiny muscles contract at each hair’s base, which distorts the skin to create goosebumps. This process is called piloerection and is present in all mammals. Hair or fur is used to trap an insulating air layer. 10. There is an island in Japan that is only inhabited by bunnies. And, yes, you can visit there if you want. 11. Dolly Parton once entered a Dolly Parton lookalike contest and lost. Even better, she lost to a drag queen. True to Dolly style, she tells the story often. 12. Over the course of an average lifetime, most people will spend an entire year sitting on the toilet. 13. Umbrellas were once only used by women. They have also been around in some form since 500 BC. 14. Like humans, cows can form deep bonds with other cows and develop friendships that can last their whole lives. Research has shown they can exhibit signs of stress when they are not near their friends. What a moo-ving fact. 15. Believe it or not, the first 3D film was released in 1920. The Power of Love was shown to an audience in Los Angeles, thanks to an invention by Robert F Elder. Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21 Sagittarius, this week brings heightened energy with the sun and Mars in your sign. It is a great time to set new personal goals, launch projects and receive increased attention. Reflect on your appearance, consider updating your style or scheduling a haircut. Enjoy downtime for hobbies as the moon moves through Aries and project confidence in romantic and social interactions. Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19 Capricorn, this week, under the influence of the sun and Mars in Sagittarius, you will feel the need to slow down and rest. Consider working on healing your mindset and freeing yourself from self-imposed limitations. Explore therapy or spiritual practices for emotional understanding. The Aries moon brings focus to home-related activities like connecting with family, visiting or organising your living space. Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 Aquarius, this week’s social energy, fueled by the sun and Mars in Sagittarius, will have you engaged in group activities, networking events or addressing tension with a friend. The Aries moon may lead to travel or day trips, sparking interest in reading, journaling and creative projects like writing, speaking or social media. Keep your mind active by picking up new information. Pisces Feb 19-March 20 Pisces, this week’s career boost, thanks to the sun and Mars in Sagittarius, may involve applying for new jobs, developing projects or gaining recognition. Manage frustration with co-workers by exploring independent work options. During the Aries moon, you might spend more on treating yourself or handling unexpected expenses like bills. Aries March 21-April 19 Aries, fueled by the sun and Mars in Sagittarius, embraces a week of learning and self-discovery. Dive into books, podcasts or classes reflecting your interests. Travel and cultural exploration may captivate you. The moon in your sign prompts selfreflection, shaping new personal goals. Be open to opportunities and increased attention coming your way. Taurus April 20-May 20 This week, in Taurus, introspection is key with the sun and Mars is in Sagittarius. Address relationship issues and work on improving your reactions to others. Financial matters may require attention, with a focus on spending, budgeting or saving for the future. During the moon’s transit in Aries, you might seek alone time or turn to spiritual practices like meditation for inner peace. Gemini May 21-June 21 This week, Gemini prioritises close relationships with the influence of the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Enjoy quality time with your partner or friend but be ready to address underlying issues or consider your commitment levels. The moon in Aries encourages connections with new people and group activities. Feel supported by others as you pursue your future dreams. Cancer June 22-July 22 This week, Cancer, expect increased work activity with the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Manage small tasks or kickstart new projects but seek better work-life balance. Motivation for exercise and selfcare may arise. The moon in Aries prompts strategic thinking about long-term career goals and potential public attention in various areas of your life. Leo July 23-Aug 22 This week, Leo, indulge in solo activities with the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Rediscover your inner child through creative hobbies or personal projects. Social and dating opportunities may arise. With the moon in Aries, focus on writing, teaching, research or explore new subjects. Reflect on broader themes, such as spiritual or political views. Virgo Aug 23-Sept 22 This week, Virgo, expect increased activity in your home and family with the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Plan a move, organise your living space or visit family. Be mindful of family dynamics or childhood memories. With the moon in Aries, address relationship issues or reflect on effective communication. Manage financial matters by paying off bills, handling debt or making significant purchases. Libra Sept 23-Oct 22 This week, Libra, stay mentally engaged with the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Teach yourself practical skills or embark on a communication project like a podcast or website. Explore your city or travel. With the moon in Aries, reconnect with friends, go on a date or strengthen your bond with your current partner. Navigate emotions in relationships and express your needs openly. Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 21 This week, Scorpio feels heightened work motivation with the sun and Mars in Sagittarius. Develop new projects, assert ideas, explore freelance opportunities or create a business plan. As the moon transits Aries, prioritise health, exercise and mindful eating to sustain energy for demanding work tasks. Your weekend horoscope 1. ANIMALS can experience time differently from humans. For smaller animals, the world around them moves more slowly compared to humans. Salamanders and lizards, for example, experience time more slowly than cats and dogs. This is because the perception of time depends on how quickly the brain can process incoming information. 2. Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5%. A study in 2018 found that wearing a necktie can reduce the blood flow to your brain by up to 7.5%, which can make you feel dizzy and nauseous and cause headaches. They can also increase the pressure in your eyes if they are too tight and are great at carrying germs. 3. You can actually die laughing. And a number of people have, typically due to intense laughter causing a heart attack or suffocation. Comedy shows should come with a warning. 4. Football teams wearing red kits play better. The colour of your clothes can affect how you are perceived by others and change how you feel. A review of football matches in the last 55 years, for example, showed that teams wearing a red kit consistently played better in home matches than teams in any other colour. 5. Deaf people are known to use sign language in their sleep. A case study of a 71- year-old man with rapid eye movement disorder and a severe hearing impairment showed him using fluent sign language in his sleep, with researchers able to get an idea of what he was d r e a m i n g about, thanks to those signs. 6. Most ginger cats are male. There Pets can be allergic to humans. Dolly Parton lost to her own looka-like contest to a drag queen. Cows have bestfriends, just like humans. 15 random facts you never knew

LYFE LYFE 16 FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 oFour easy lasagna reClassic beef and tomato lasagna. – MODERN HONEY STEP into the comforting embrace of tradition with classic beef and tomato lasagna. This timeless recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking, featuring perfectly cooked lasagna noodles layered with rich ground beef, velvety tomato sauce and a creamy bechamel sauce. Ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 onion finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic minced - 2 cups tomato sauce - 1 can crushed tomatoes - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated parmesan cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cups bechamel sauce Instructions 1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic. Drain excess fat 2. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes 3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 4. In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat for three layers 5. Top the final layer with bechamel sauce and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella 6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly 7. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving EMBARK on a lighter yet equally indulgent path with our vegetarian spinach and ricotta lasagna. Delicate layers of fresh spinach, velvety ricotta and melted mozzarella create a harmonious dance of flavours. This meatless marvel offers a healthier twist without compromising on the soul-soothing essence of a great lasagna. Ingredients - 9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente - 4 cups fresh spinach chopped - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 eggs, beaten Classic beef and tomato lasagna Vegetarian spinach and ricottaI N the vast realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke warmth and comfort quite like lasagna. Originating from the heart of Italy, this iconic layered pasta dish has woven itself into the fabric of global cuisine, captivating taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavours and textures. From its humble beginnings to the myriad of interpretations that adorn our tables today, lasagna stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients, carefully layered to create a symphony of taste that resonates with food enthusiasts across the globe. Here are four different simple recipes for lasagna you can make at home to enjoy with your loved one. █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Layered delight delight Lasagna is a classic Italian dish. – FREEPIK

LYFE LYFE 17 FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 ecipes Vegetarian spinach and ricotta lasagna. – SERIOUS EATS Seafood delight lasagna. – DELISH Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada lasagna. – JO COOKS - 3 cups of marinara sauce - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 2. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt and pepper 3. In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, followed by the spinach and cheese mixture. Repeat for three layers 4. Top with marinara sauce and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella 5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly 6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving EXPERIENCE a fusion of flavours with our Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada lasagna. Corn tortillas replace traditional noodles, while layers of seasoned chicken, spicy enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese create a celebration for your taste buds. This lasagna reimagines the Italian classic, bridging culinary traditions in a delicious symphony. Ingredients - 12 corn tortillas - 2 cups cooked chicken shredded - 2 cups tomato sauce - 1 can black beans drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels - 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 2. In a baking dish, layer corn tortillas, chicken, black beans, corn, tomato sauce and cheese. Repeat for three layers 3. Top with a final layer of tortillas, tomato sauce and cheese 4. Dollop sour cream over the top and sprinkle with cilantro 5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly 6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Lasagna proves to be a canvas for endless culinary creativity LET the coastal breeze guide you to our seafood delight lasagna. Succulent shrimp, tender spinach and layers of exquisite taste await. This seafood-infused masterpiece is a sophisticated twist on the classic, capturing the essence of the sea in every bite. Ingredients - 9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente - 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined - 4 cups fresh spinach chopped - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated parmesan cheese - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups Alfredo sauce Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 2. In a skillet, saute shrimp with garlic until cooked. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper and lemon zest 3. In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, shrimp and spinach mixture, ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat for three layers 4. Top with Alfredo sauce and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella 5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly 6. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving Seafood delight - shrimp and spinach lasagna lasagna Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada lasagna

SCAN ME powered by Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / [email protected] Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 E: [email protected] FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 Big, bold and ig, bold and efficient fficient WHAT do you get when you cross the comfort and spaciousness of a KIA Sorento with the athleticism of a Mazda CX-5? If you guessed the Honda CRV, you guessed right. Honda’s C-Segment SUV contender has always been the go-to model that offered all the right things at the right price. The CRV has been locally-assembled in Melaka since 2003 and it has been one of Honda Malaysia’s most successful model with close to 130,000 units sold. But while the fifth-generation model was big and spacious and had all the right reasons to continue attracting buyers, it was slowly becoming dated with an interior design that was getting tired and in need of an urgent update. The fifth-generation CRV was so complete as a family focused SUV, that Honda could have simply given it a new body, a refreshed interior and called it a day. But no, Honda went to town with it and came up with a new model that will give the competitors a run for their money for years to come. The new CRV is the biggest (in size) there has ever been, and it has all the right moves when the roads demand it. For a lack of better word, the new CRV has evolved into the perfect package. In terms of sizing, the new body is 10mm wider, 80mm longer with a 40mm longer wheelbase. It is difficult to explain how big it is in words, but you will notice the sheer size of the new CRV as soon as you see it. Honda did not try very hard to hide the bulk of the car but has embraced it instead. The size is most apparent from the side of the car where the shoulder line stretches across the length of the car. This immediately catches your eye and accentuates the length of the car. The front quarter of the car also seems longer, achieved by moving the A-pillar slightly back and giving it a steeper rake. This makes the bonnet look longer. The previous fifth-generation CRV had a short bonnet and an A-pillar that raised dramatically to meet the roof of the car. The front fascia mimics the new Honda Accord, which has sadly been discontinued in the Malaysian market, effectively making the CRV the new flagship Honda for the Malaysian market. The rear of the car is all new but there are hints of other marques. Some say that the vertical light panel looks like it came off a Volvo, perhaps they are forgetting that it has always been there, starting from the first generation CRV. The way the rear lights edge towards the centre though, now that looks like it has been inspired by BMW. But design is always subjective, though we all agree that the new CRV does not have an ugly panel to it. Step inside and this is where the sheer size of the car is most apparent. The interior acreage has increased, and it is not just on paper, you feel it as soon as you step inside. Whether you are seated at the front or at the back, the new CRV offers plenty of room, once again making it ideal for families. Just like before though, Malaysia is getting the five-seater variant rather than the seven-seater which is for the Thai and Indonesian markets. This is fine though because the third-row seats substantially sacrifice boot space, which is a pity because at 589 litres, it is a full 67L bigger than before. And if you are keen on an SUV, then boot space is important. And just for reference’s sake, the Mazda CX-5 has 445L of storage space while the Proton X70 has 512L. So it does not make sense to lose out on all that space. The second-row passengers will appreciate the additional leg and shoulder room. They also get two USB Type-C ports and their own airconditioning vents. On the topic of the vents, we feel that Honda missed an opportunity to also add vents onto the B-Pillars. This vent placement makes the most New Honda CRV 2.0 Hybrid set to take Malaysian by storm █ BY KESHY DHILLON SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder, DOHC Power: 184PS @ 5,000rpm Torque: 335Nm @ 2000rpm Gearbox: e-CVT Battery: Lithium-ion Suspension: Independent MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser Bar (Front) / Independent Multi-Link with Stabiliser Bar (Rear) Interior space, good looks, efficiency. Hard to fault, we love it! The blue Honda badge denotes a hybrid variant. The new CRV gets LED lights up front and behind as well.

MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 19 sense since it blows cool air directly to a passenger’s face rather than to the knees. But it is not a deal breaker. The real action though is up front where the dashboard is entirely new, and a mirror image of that in the Civic – though a little elongated in the CRV since it is 64mm wider. It is important to note that the CRV we drove recently was the Thai spec, so it may be a little different than the Malaysian models. The trimming for one may be different. The Turbo and Hybrid variants we drove both had wood-grain trimming which looked expensive and felt more authentic than the interior trimming of some continental cars. Malaysian’s will be getting two models – the 2.0 e:HEV, which is basically a hybrid variant, and a 1.5 Turbo. Both these powertrains are already in the market, the hybrid made its debut in the Civic while the 1.5 Turbo has been around for a while and was even powering the fifth generation CRV. So both powertrains have been tried and tested. In usual Honda Malaysia fashion, each of these will have their own sub-variants, perhaps three variants for the 1.5 Turbo including one with allwheel-drive, and one flagship hybrid variant with power sent to the front wheels exclusively. This article though will focus on the Hybrid variant and with a separate review of the Turbo variant to follow. During the drive in Thailand, there was little that distinguished both models from the outside. Both cars had the same body kit and had the same 18” wheels. But in Malaysia, the Hybrid variant will roll on 19” wheels, while the Turbo on 18”. You can also expect some other features to distinguish the flagship model from the others, but there is no telling what that will be, and we are not about to speculate. Having driven both the Hybrid and the Turbo models back-to-back, the former feels more polished and better to drive for several reasons. The Hybrid model utilises Honda’s e:HEV technology which includes twin motors up front – one to drive the wheels, and another that acts as a generator to power all of the onboard systems. Power is sent directly from the engine to the electric motor through Honda’s e-CVT transmission, which basically means the CRV makes do without a gearbox. So that means there are fewer moving parts in this model and there is no propellor shaft either to send power to the rear wheels. This then means there are fewer vibrations and random noises that intrude back into the cabin, making the car feel incredibly smooth, quiet and serene even. Power for the Hybrid variant is rated at 184PS and 335Nm of torque. This may seem quite decent, but the car does not seem to want to go anywhere in a hurry when you floor the accelerator pedal. At 1,743kg, the CRV e:HEV is not exactly light, but the powertrain is more than up to propelling the car up to speed. It just does not feel very urgent. But that should not be too surprising though since the hybrid model is designed for efficiency, and with an official fuel consumption rating of an impressive 20.8km/L, efficiency is quite surely the name of the game for this model. It achieves its impressive efficiency through a combination of technologies that go past the slick powertrain. The new Civic also has something called an Active Shutter Grille located at the bottom of the front bumper. This works by opening to let in air to cool the engine, and it shuts again so that air can flow around the car rather than through it, all in the name of aerodynamics and thus improved efficiency. There is much to like about the new Honda CRV, and we ended up preferring it over the Turbo model due to its smoothness and better noise and vibration levels. But it also has new and improved seats for the front passengers which is a much welcomed addition. The Malaysian model will also come with a 12- speaker Bose sound system, making it the first time that Honda Malaysia will offer a premium sound system for its locally-assembled model. Buyers will also appreciate that the new CRV also comes with a new 360-degree camera that makes driving the big SUV a simpler task. Then there is also the new Honda Sensing suite that includes a new wide-angle radar, camera and a sonar sensor for low speed braking control. The new CRV is going to be another sales success especially among those looking for something big and spacious. But don’t expect it to be cheap though, with price of good increasing globally and the value of the Ringgit dropping drastically for the past couple of years, the price of raw materials is surely going to increase production cost. But with top notch quality and comfort and safety levels that can match some of its European counterparts, the Honda CRV will find its way into the hearts of plenty. That is for sure. Boot space of the new CRV is over 60-litres bigger than the previous model. The overall layout of the new dashboard is similar to the Civic. The 9” infotainment screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.2” colour meter panel makes the CRV feel high tech. The seats of the new CRV have been updated, however Malaysians will not be getting a panoramic sunroof. You get 3 driving modes with the CRV eHEV - Sport, Normal and Eco. Electric seats with memory function will be available for Air-conditioning dials similar to the Civic. Malaysian buyers as well. Current generation Honda Civic owners will recognise the steering wheel.

MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 20 TOYOTA has taken the wraps off the 2025 Toyota Camry, marking the dawn of its ninth generation. This latest iteration, exclusively available as a hybrid, introduces diverse options, including front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, coupled with distinct trims – LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The FWD version combines a 2.5L fourcylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total output of 225hp. Opting for AWD introduces a third motor-generator on the rear axle, elevating the power to an impressive 232hp. Both setups feature an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and a lithium-ion battery, with specific details on the battery capacity set to be revealed closer to the launch. Built on the reliable TNGA-K platform, the 2025 Camry refines its suspension with new shocks and adjusted tuning, promising heightened responsiveness and agile handling. Maintaining its iconic silhouette, the design features a prominent lower front grille and sleek headlights. Standard LED headlamps, running lights, and taillights add a modern touch. New colour options include Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal, complementing the existing palette. The XSE model stands out with a body-colour lower fascia, trunk black trim, and distinctive 19-inch wheels. Internally, a 7.0” digital instrument cluster and an 8.0” infotainment screen (12.3” for XLE and XSE) promise a futuristic driving experience, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite takes centre stage, featuring a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Opting for XLE and XSE unlocks the Premium Plus Package, introducing advanced safety features and parking assistance. The 2025 Camry is expected to hit US markets in March 2024, with pricing details yet to be disclosed. The Malaysian launch remains undisclosed, leaving the fate of the Toyota Camry in Malaysia uncertain, particularly following the discontinuation of the Honda Accord in the region. Confirmation of the 2025 Camry’s entry into the Malaysian market is eagerly awaited. Back in March of this year, it was reported that by year’s end, Toyota would discontinue the Camry sedan’s 43-year run of sales in Japan. HONDA MALAYSIA has officially initiated bookings for its highly anticipated SUV, the 6th Generation allnew Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V). With plans to wrap up 2023 on a high note, the official launch of the CR-V is scheduled for December 2023. To provide customers with a firsthand experience, Honda Malaysia will arrange exclusive previews at selected dealerships. Bookings for the all-new CR-V can be made through the official website, HondaTouch application, or any authorised Honda dealership nationwide. █ BY TIMOTHY PRAKASH HYUNDAI has unveiled its all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N electrified sports car at a preshow event for AutoMobility LA, showcasing the N brand’s foray into electrification. The Ioniq 5 N is the first allelectric model for the Hyundai N brand, utilising the award-winning Hyundai EGMP platform for high-performance electric vehicles. Combining the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N motorsport technologies, the Ioniq 5 N aims to deliver a thrilling driving experience. It adheres to the three N performance pillars: “Corner Rascal”, “Racetrack Capability”, and “Everyday Sportscar”. The “Corner Rascal” capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N include structural enhancements to the body-in-white, reinforced motor and battery mounting, and front and rear subframe improvements for lateral rigidity. World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) are utilised, and the steering system is strengthened for improved rigidity. A unique feature is the N Pedal, designed to address the challenges of electric powertrain weight. This intelligent software function provides instant turn-in behaviour and enhanced throttle sensitivity, prioritising dynamic cornering over energy efficiency. The Ioniq 5 N’s electric propulsion system has been improved, featuring an estimated 641hp with N Grin Boost engaged. The thermal management system is designed to resist heat-induced power degradation, and the N Brake Regen enhances braking performance for endurance on the track. State-of-the-art technology, including N e-shift and N Active Sound+, delivers an engaging shift feeling and immersive driving experience. The exterior available colours are Performance Blue Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte (late availability), Atlas White, and Soultronic Orange Pearl. The Ioniq 5 N represents Hyundai’s commitment to providing electric performance vehicles, with future electrified N models anticipated to follow. The model aims to cater to performance enthusiasts seeking a blend of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating driving dynamics, and everyday usability. Toyota reveals 9th generation Camry HiPhi A: China’s electrifying high-performance EVs IN THE dynamic realm of electric vehicles (EVs), China’s automotive prowess takes centre stage with the unveiling of the HiPhi A. While brands like Rimac and Tesla have set the pace for high-performance EVs, the HiPhi A promises a spectacle that eclipses its counterparts. HiPhi A is definitely one of the best-looking EV supercars, besides the Rimac Nevera. Building upon the foundation laid by the HiPhi Z liftback sedan revealed by Human Horizons the previous year, the HiPhi A not only retains its predecessor’s structural essence but amplifies both power and visual impact. The HiPhi A, equipped with a single rear motor and dual fronts, achieves the 0 to 100kph sprint in just over 2 seconds. This not only positions the A as a formidable contender but also challenges the acceleration prowess of the Tesla Model S Plaid. While the Plaid boasts a higher top speed at 320kph compared to the A’s 300kph, such velocities are often beyond the reach of everyday driving scenarios. In collaboration with WESAIL New Energy Automotive, HiPhi elevates the A’s performance further with features like rearwheel steering, adaptive damping, and torque-vectoring capabilities. While details regarding pricing and the model’s potential availability remain undisclosed, prospective buyers can anticipate a premium cost comparable to that of the Porsche Taycan when the HiPhi A hits the market. The arrival of this electrifying powerhouse is sure to make waves and reshape expectations in the competitive landscape of highperformance electric vehicles. New CR-V open for booking Hyundai unleashes Ioniq 5 N

FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] February launch for National OGSE Sustainability Roadmap KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) will introduce the National OGSE Sustainability Roadmap (NOS-R) by early next year to guide oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) companies in adopting and reporting on sustainability practices. “We believe these National OGSE Sustainability documents mark the first of its kind tailored to the needs of the OGSE industry. We hope this will help simplify and provide clarity to OGSE companies which face resource constraints in adopting and disclosing sustainability practices,” said MPRC president/CEO Mohd Yazid Ja’afar in his welcoming speech at the National OGSE Sustainability Forum 2023 yesterday. The National OGSE Sustainability documents form the three-part OGSE sustainability agenda, namely National OGSE Sustainability Plans, introduced last year, NOSR and National OGSE Sustainability Framework Local brands gain amid boycott of selected products: Web Bytes CEO PETALING JAYA: Local brands are gaining an unexpected advantage due to the boycott of certain products resulting from the IsraelHamas conflict, according to Web Bytes CEO Ooi Bon Sheng. He said that based on available data sets, the boycott does have an impact on specific brands. “But in terms of spending, it’s not impacted in totality, meaning that if I don’t spend here, the spending still goes elsewhere. In other words, our local brands are able to gain an advantage,“ he told reporters at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Web Bytes Sdn Bhd and E3 Capital Sdn Bhd yesterday. Malaysia Retail Chain Association deputy president Datuk Ken Phua said Malaysia’s personal consumption is expected to remain resilient despite the external geopolitical issues. “Q4 is none other than a continuation of the recovery seen in the third quarter, which recorded a growth of 2.6%. For the overall projection this year, we aim for 3%, but the likelihood is that it will be around 2.7% in the retail sector. “We hope to settle these geopolitical issues. We will let the government take care of that, the foreign government emissaries, for a peaceful resolution, something that has now become a significant topic among world leaders,” he said. Web Bytes, a retail management software company, and E3 Capital Sdn Bhd, which operates E3Hubs, an entrepreneur community in Malaysia, aim to accelerate the digital transformation of E3Hubs food and beverage (F&B) entrepreneur members with scalable, cloud-based technology. E3Hubs has a community of 3,000 registered entrepreneur members, with almost half of them from the F&B sector which are mainly startups or single-store establishments. Web Bytes will fully subsidise its Xilnex Cloud POS on iPad and Xilnex F&B Go mobile POS to E3Hubs Effectuator F&B members for the first year, and up to 30% subsidised price for the second year. The features included in the Xilnex solutions are online-to-offline (020) loyalty integration, contactless QR ordering and DuitNow payment, and sales integration with third-party apps such as GrabFood, foodpanda and ShopeeFood. Assistance will also be provided to all E3Hubs’ registered F&B retailer members to apply for the Madani MSME Digital Grant if they subscribe to Xilnex POS solutions. (NOS-F). MPRC is in the midst of formulating NOS-R in a collaborative effort with OGSE ecosystem stakeholders to provide pathways for companies to transition towards sustainability exercises. The roadmap is expected to be completed by February 2024. By end of 2024, Mohd Yazid said, they hope to introduce NOS-F, a comprehensive guide for OGSE companies to implement NOS-R and report on sustainability practices effectively. MPRC is an agency under the Economy Ministry tasked with advancing OGSE sector and serves as custodian of the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030. Meanwhile, Economy Ministry deputy secretary-general (sectoral) Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman noted that OGSE companies, especially small and medium enterprises, face resource constraints in implementing sustainability practices, which are key to the energy transition. However, she pointed out that the OGSE industry must adapt due to stricter requirements from customers, regulators, investors and financial institutions. “Thus, to ease the OGSE industry’s pivot towards sustainability as announced by the Economy Minister recently, the ministry is currently collaborating with the financial sector to establish access to finance the energy transition to enable companies to take part in green projects,” she added. At the same time, Yatimah called upon the private sector to play its role in energy transition. Based on various climate reports, she said, the world is projected to miss its target to limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5°C by 2050, and instead is predicted to reach 2°C. “That said, there will likely be greater emphasis and pressure upon all energy-related companies, including OGSE, to contribute more towards the global effort,” Yatimah said, adding that it underlines the urgency for Malaysia to redouble its efforts in climate action as “time is running out” for the industry to build up the necessary capacity. “We hope that OGSE companies will heed the call on sustainability, not only to secure the future of our environment, but also to strengthen your business resilience and competitiveness,” she added. Themed ‘OGSE in Transition - Partnering to Accelerate Sustainability’, the forum underscored collaborative efforts within the OGSE industry to foster sustainable practices in line with Malaysia’s net-zero goals. PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan (pic) is to receive the prestigious award “2023 Malaysia Real Estate Personality of the Year’ tonight at the 10th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia with iProperty at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The award is being conferred on Tan for his remarkable achievements and contributions to the Malaysian real estate sector. Tan, a visionary entrepreneur, has been instrumental in transforming Berjaya Corporation into a diversified Malaysian conglomerate listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities. His entrepreneurial skills and leadership have been pivotal in the growth of the corporation, which now employs over 40,000 people worldwide and boasts revenue exceeding RM33.4 billion. His business acumen is evident in his success in bringing the McDonald’s franchise to Malaysia in the 1980s and introducing other international food and beverage franchises to the country. Tan’s diverse business empire spans property development and investment, hotels and resorts, gaming, financial services, and much more. Currently serving as the adviser of Berjaya Corporation, Tan holds various leadership positions across the group, contributing significantly to its ongoing success and innovation. Tan has a strong conviction in continuing to invest in Malaysian real estate because he believes in the potential and growth opportunities it offers. According to him, Malaysia has a thriving real estate market with a strong economy and a growing population. These factors, Tan remarked, make it an attractive investment destination. “With an increasing population, comes forth the demand for housing and affordable homes, especially from those who fall below the national median income level. As long as there is a need to provide shelter and security, I will continue to push through projects that will benefit the communities,” he said. From left: Mohd Yazid, Yatimah and MPRC chairman Datuk Dr Ahmad Suhaili Idrus at the forum’s opening ceremony. █ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] oIt will guide oil and gas services and equipment players in adopting and reporting on practices: MPRC Vincent Tan to receive ‘2023 Malaysia Real Estate Personality of the Year’ award █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] See also hpage 22

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 22 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Tune Protect composes set of impressive Q3 results PETALING JAYA: Tune Protect Group Bhd continued its turnaround with impressive financial results for the third quarter of the financial year 2023 (Q3’23) with a doubledigit growth of 22% year-on-year (y-o-y) in net written premiums (NWP) and a profitable bottom line driven by improvements in underwriting performance and investments. The group said its profit after tax increased by more than 100% in Q3’23 to RM4.8 million and to RM19.1 million for nine months 2023 (9M23). While the travel, motor and health segments led topline growth, the overall retention ratio in Q3’23 and 9M23 exceeded the group’s target of 70% by 4% and 6% respectively. CEO Rohit Nambiar said, “The group’s NWP across all the main pillars increased 22% y-o-y in Q3’23 and this growth has more than compensated for the absence of the Perlindungan Tenang (Tenang) scheme which was discontinued in FY23. Growth in the health pillar was led by the foreign worker segment, while growth in the lifestyle pillar was led by the motor segment (up 41.1% y-o-y) and travel segment (up 25.5% y-o-y). However, the SME segment fell marginally by 7.6% due to lower growth in the engineering segment, which was offset by growth in the SME Fire segment (up more than 100% y-o-y).” The group’s digital partnerships and ecommerce registered commendable thirdquarter NWP growth of 7.5% y-o-y. Though 9M23 NWP recorded a decline by 17.6% if Tenang was included, the NWP growth excluding Tenang was encouraging with a healthy 38.8% growth, signalling the trailing off of the dependency on Tenang. The number of digital partners increased from 65 in Q3’22 to 79 in Q3’23. Rohit explained that despite a 15.3% drop in insurance revenue y-o-y to RM106.9 million in Q3’23, the group’s quarterly profitability was underpinned by growth of the insurance service result, coupled with improved investment performance. “Insurance service result grew more than 100% y-o-y to RM6.7 million in Q3’23. Furthermore, lower allocation of reinsurance premium turned insurance service result from negative to positive translating to a lower combined ratio of 95.2% during the period. In Q3’23 and the first nine months of 2023 combined ratio was lower than 100%. These healthy indicators, coupled with rising investment performance with total investment income of RM6.8 million have led to the group’s profitability in the quarter,” Rohit said. The group has affirmed its investment strategy for its portfolio totalling RM714.5 million as at Sept 30. Rohit is confident that the group will deliver favourable investment returns. “Close to 80% of our portfolio is invested in money market funds and term deposits. Bank Negara Malaysia has again maintained the current overnight policy rate at 3% for the third successive meeting, reiterating its stance that the monetary policy remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of inflation and growth prospects. Our conservative asset allocation continues to shield us from recent market volatility. We will remain vigilant on developments in both global and local capital markets,” he said. Retailers seek dialogue with IRB on e-invoicing PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) said there is a need for ongoing dialogue, education and collaboration between retailers and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to address the complexities associated with the transformation towards the electronic invoicing system (e-invoicing). MRCA deputy president Datuk Ken Phua said it welcomes the government’s proposals on e-invoicing but noted the intricacies in the implementation of the system. “There are quite a number of substantial processes that we need to embark before we talk about e-invoicing. We’re going to meet this structure that is proposed, and we welcome all this proposal by the government, but the intricacies and all those things and the processes we need to dialogue with the implementer,” he told reporters at the signing of a memorandum of understanding signing between Web Bytes Sdn Bhd and E3 Capital Sdn Bhd yesterday. Phua highlighted the importance in educating retailers to shift from manual to digital processes. “E-invoicing is something that we have to educate all the retailers in the market on how we approach this so-called new way of how to digital transaction,” he said. According to IRB, an e-invoice is a digital representation of a transaction between a supplier and a buyer. E-invoice replaces paper or electronic documents. It contains the same essential information as traditional documents, for example, supplier’s and buyer’s details, item description, quantity, price and tax. E-invoicing will be implemented in three phases, from August 2024 to July 2025. – by Hayatun Razak Petronas among companies of 10 NETR flagship projects KUALA LUMPUR: The leading companies of the 10 energy transition “flagship” projects under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) include Prasarana, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Sime Darby Property, Malakoff and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the government has opened participation for the 10 flagship projects to the whole country for leading companies to submit energy transition projects that are being worked on because the government does not want them to involve public allocation and they must be private projects. “Out of those projects, after being screened by the government, there are 10 flagship projects including Prasarana, Khazanah Nasional, TNB, Sime Darby Property, Malakoff and Petronas. “The overall implementation and governance of the NETR policy and also the progress of the flagship projects will be monitored by the National Energy Council, which will be managed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,“ he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to an additional question from Datuk Wira Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) who wanted to know about NETR’s progress since it was launched in August and which ministry will be leading it and whether Petronas is also one of the first stakeholders in NETR. – Bernama ‘Malaysia can attract more semiconductor FDI’ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has an edge in attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) within the semiconductor supply chain, Eastspring Investments said in its market outlook for 2024. The investment management firm said the region’s growing share of global FDI suggests that member countries are benefiting from the semiconductor supply chain shifts. “A structural recalibrating of global supply chains away from China and towards other markets is taking place. The beneficiaries of this move are spread across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asean and India. “These countries possess cheap labour, have decent manufacturing bases and are producers of important commodities,” Eastspring said, adding that a fast-growing population and rising middle-income consumers add to Asean’s appeal. – Bernama oOnline insurer posts RM4.8m profit after tax, net written premiums grow 22% year-on-year as turnaround continues

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 23 CIMB sets 2030 sustainable targets for palm oil, power KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has taken a significant step within the global banking industry by formalising its 2030 climate target for its palm oil sector portfolio focusing on sustainable palm oil production. Concurrently, the group also continues to amplify its commitment to decarbonisation, establishing a target for its power portfolio, emphasising a transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. These commitments are an extension to last year’s milestone announcement of net zero targets for its thermal coal mining and cement portfolios in pursuit of achieving its overarching 2050 Net Zero commitments. In line with these initiatives, the group has also released a comprehensive whitepaper on its decarbonisation plans that meticulously outlines sector-specific pathways and immediate plans for the four key sectors that represent around half of the group’s current emissions. CIMB Group CEO Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad said, “We are pleased to present a comprehensive strategy on these sectors, the first in Malaysia, solidifying our commitment towards net zero by 2050. We firmly advocate for the sustainable production of palm oil and recognise the crucial role that businesses including the MSMEs play in advancing towards sustainable palm oil production. CIMB is also committed to support decarbonisation in the power sector, leveraging the rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies and supportive national schemes to accelerate the transition to a net zero economy.” To encourage the growth of sustainable palm oil, he added CIMB has set a goal to reduce emissions intensity of its entire palm oil portfolio by 16%, from 1.81 in 2022 to 1.52 tCO2e/tCPO by 2030 – equivalent to a 2% annual reduction on average. Meraque, Youth and Sports Ministry to propel M’sia to robotics excellence KUALA LUMPUR: Meraque Group, a Malaysian robotics solutions company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, marking a pivotal move towards empowering Malaysian youth with education and skills training in robotics and drone solutions. The MoU solidifies the partnership for the development of youth skills in drone training workshops and the utilisation of facilities across all branches of National Youth Skills Training Institute (ILKBN). Alongside the ministry, Meraque Academy is a joint initiative with the Malaysian Air Youth Club, Malaysian Youth Council, and Tenggara Parliament Coordinating Office. Meraque COO Suria Affandi (pix) said the MoU signing marks a significant milestone in Meraque’s as well as the government’s collective efforts to propel Malaysia towards becoming a regional hub for robotics by 2030. “This collaborative initiative exemplifies our commitment to uplifting the next generation of Malaysian youth through cutting-edge robotics education. “As a haven for Malaysian youth with an interest in robotics, regardless of their prior k n o w l e d g e , Meraque Academy will be a dynamic catalyst in the realisation of Malaysia’s drone industry goals. Our unique course syllabus has been meticulously designed not only to teach but to instill a profound appreciation for the field,” she added Suria said they aim to nurture the students into skilled professionals to contribute to Malaysia’s technological prowess. “Meraque Academy will cultivate a workforce aligned with our National Robotics Roadmap aspirations. Together, we are actively shaping a high-tech Malaysia, where robotics takes centre stage in services, agriculture and manufacturing, propelling us towards international recognition as a technological leader,” she added. Looking forward, Meraque Academy envisions global expansion, exploring emerging trends and professions such as autonomous vehicles and machine learning. The academy’s long-term vision aligns with providing cutting-edge robotics education internationally. Businesses more optimistic about prospects for Q4 PUTRAJAYA: Businesses anticipate better conditions in the fourth quarter of 2023, with a positive confidence indicator of 3.2%, up from 0.7% in the third quarter of 2023, said Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin when releasing the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) report on Business Tendency Statistics for the Fourth Quarter 2023. “Services, industry and construction are the three sectors that anticipate better business conditions in the fourth quarter of 2023. The business confidence for services sector remains on a positive trajectory, with the confidence indicator increasing to +6.3% as against +6.1% in the last quarter,” he added. The industry sector, he said continues to be optimistic about business performance, with a confidence indicator of +4% for the corresponding quarter as compared to +1.3% in the third quarter of 2023. Simultaneously, sentiments within construction sector upturn to a positive trajectory for the first time since the first quarter of 2018 by posting +1.7% as against −26.9% in the third quarter of 2023. However, he added that businesses within the wholesale and retail trade sector expect pessimistic business outlook, with a confidence indicator of −3.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023 as opposed to −1.5% in the last quarter. Looking ahead, Mohd Uzir said the business outlook for the period of October 2023 until March 2024 remain upbeat despite moderating, with a net balance of +9.8% as against +13.9% recorded previously, with all sectors register positively except the wholesale and retail trade. “Sentiments in services sector remain positive, with a net balance of +19%. For the next six months, all sub-sectors under services sector anticipate a positive business environment. Industry sector also foresees a brighter business outlook, with a net balance of +7.5% for the period of October 2023 until oServices, industry and construction main sectors that anticipate better conditions, says DoSM March 2024,” he added. After soaring to a positive trajectory for the second half of 2023, the construction sector keeps improving significantly, with a net balance of +27.6% for the upcoming six months. Wholesale & retail trade expects a challenging business outlook for the following six months with a net balance of −4.6%. This scenario is due to the pessimist sentiment from the wholesale trade sub-sector. Nevertheless, retail trade subsector rebounded to a positive trajectory by recording +3.0% for the expected 6 months ahead compared to −12.4% recorded previously. Matrix Concepts posts RM64m profit for Q2 SEREMBAN: Property developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (MCH) recorded a 26.6% surge in net profit to RM64 million for the second quarter ended Sept 30, 2023 (Q2’24), as the group continued to build on a positive momentum with issues relating to shortage in labour availability experienced in the same period last year now fully resolved. As the group benefitted from the normalisation of construction activities, revenue in Q2’24 rose by a commanding 61.6% from RM222.4 million in the corresponding quarter to RM359.4 million. This significant growth in revenue was driven by the robust performance of its property development division, which witnessed a substantial 65% increase in revenue contribution, totalling RM350.3 million. Sendayan Developments, the flagship development of MCH was pivotal in the encouraging performance of its property development division, contributing RM340.5 million in revenue, a noteworthy 86% increase compared to the previous year. MCH’s other township in Kluang, Johor, namely Bandar Seri Impian recorded RM8.1 million reflecting a 56% decrease in revenue contribution, while the group’s fully sold out maiden Klang Valley development The Chambers, delivered the remaining RM1.7 million for the group’s property development unit. As of Sept 30, 2023, the group’s unbilled sales stands at RM1.3 billion, set to be recognised over the next 15-18 months. In the first half ended Sept 30, 2023 (H1’24), the group’s net profit increased 31.8% to RM128.6 million from RM97.6 million previously, on 53% higher revenue of RM690.8 million in comparison to RM451.6 million in the same period last year.

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 24 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper China wealth manager Zhongzhi flags insolvency BEIJING: China’s Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, a leading wealth manager, told investors it is heavily insolvent with up to US$64 billion (RM299 billion) in liabilities, threatening to reignite concerns that the country’s property debt crisis is spilling over into the broader financial sector. The firm, which has sizable exposure to China’s real estate sector, apologised to its investors in a letter that said it had total liabilities of about 420 billion yuan (US$58 billion) to 460 billion yuan (US$64 billion). The liabilities compared to Zhongzhi’s estimated total assets of about 200 billion yuan, according to the letter, which was issued on Wednesday and was seen by Reuters. Beijing-based Zhongzhi did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The worsening woes at Zhongzhi, a major player in China’s US$3 trillion shadow banking sector – roughly the size of the French economy – is set to rekindle worries about contagion, though some analysts expected regulators to step in to stem a wider fallout. China’s highly indebted property sector has been reeling from a liquidity crunch since 2020. Defaults by developers since late 2021 have impeded economic growth and rattled global markets. Shadow banking-linked wealth managers in China typically operate outside many of the rules governing commercial banks and mainly channel the proceeds of wealth products sold to retail investors to real estate developers and other sectors. Signs of trouble at the Zhongzhi group first came to light in July when Zhongrong International Trust Co, a leading trust company controlled by Zhongzhi, missed payments on dozens of investment products. “The hole in its books is enormous,” said Xu, who is an investor in a Zhongrong trust product and gave only her surname due to the oFirm, which has up to US$64b in liabilities, is a major player in the country’s US$3 trillion shadow banking sector Thai economy in ‘crisis’ and needs major stimulus: PM BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yestersday the country’s economy was in “crisis”, stressing the need to forge ahead with his controversial 500 billion baht (RM66 billion) digital handouts policy. Speaking at a forum, Srettha said the economy was not in good shape with fewer foreign arrivals than targeted, and he would be prioritising attracting foreign investment and addressing household debt. “There needs to be big economic stimulus,“ said Srettha, who is also finance minister, adding a plan to tackle debt would be announced on Dec 12. His comments comes days after data from the state-planning agency showed lower-than expected growth of 1.5% in the July-September quarter from a year earlier, the slowest pace this year, on weak exports and government spending. Thailand recorded 23.85 million foreign tourists arriving from Jan 1 to Nov 19, spending 1 trillion baht. It is targeting 28 million arrivals versus a prepandemic record of nearly 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019 who spent 1.91 trillion baht. Srettha’s “digital wallet” policy, which entails handouts of 10,000 baht to 50 million Thais next year to spend in their localities, has come under criticism in recent months by economists and former central bankers over risks of it breaching financial discipline. In recent weeks, government officials have described the economy to be in a crisis, necessitating its signature plan. Srettha, a real estate tycoon and newcomer to politics, is targeting average growth of 5% annually over the next four years in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which grew an average 1.9% over the past decade, lagging regional peers. Speaking at the same forum, Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said the country’s fiscal and monetary policies required space to ensure the economy remains resilient as it grows. “Elements of resiliency include stability, strong balance sheets, fiscal and monetary policy with various options,“ he said. In September, the Bank of Thailand unexpectedly raised the key interest rate by a quarter point to 2.5%, the highest in a decade, saying growth and inflation should pick up next year. It will next review policy on Nov 29. – Reuters Binance sees US$956m outflows after chief quits to settle US probe NEW YORK: Investors pulled about US$956 million (RM4.5 billion) from crypto exchange Binance over the past 24 hours, market data showed, after its chief, Changpeng Zhao, stepped down and faced prison time after pleading guilty on Tuesday to settle a years-long US illicit finance probe. The deal, in which Binance will pay US$4.3 billion to US authorities, raises questions over the future of the world’s largest crypto exchange and marks another blow for an industry beset by scandals. Zhao has been replaced by Richard Teng, a senior Binance executive who joined in 2021, the company said. It remained unclear on Wednesday how much jail time, if any, Zhao would ultimately serve, and how much influence he – as Binance’s founder and major shareholder – could continue to exert on Binance under the terms of the settlement. Some analysts also noted that the deal was unlikely to end the exchange’s US legal woes, with Securities and Exchange Commission charges alleging Binance broke US securities laws still unresolved. Data from crypto analytics platform Nansen, which does not include bitcoin flows, signaled some investors had been rattled by the news, pulling US$956 million from the exchange. Still, the outflows were small relative to the more than US$65 billion of assets that remain on Binance, Nansen said. As it strived for market dominance, Binance shunned key checks Zhao believed would turn customers off, authorities said. It failed to report more than 100,000 suspicious transactions, including with organisations the US described as terrorist groups such as Palestinian militant group Hamas, and never reported transactions with websites dedicated to selling child sexual abuse materials. Zhao, who resides in the United Arab Emirates, entered his plea in a Seattle court on Tuesday. He faces a maximum prison sentence of 18 months under federal guidelines and has agreed not to appeal any sentence up to that length. – Reuters B R I E F SS’PORE OCTOBER CORE INFLATION PICKS UP TO 3.3% YEAR-ON-YEAR SINGAPORE: Singapore’s key consumer price gauge rose 3.3% in October on a yearly basis, higher than economists’ forecasts, official data showed yesterday. The core inflation rate – which does not involve private road transport and accommodation costs – was slightly above the 3% forecast by a Reuters poll of economists. It compared with 3% in September and a peak of 5.5% in January and February. The government said the pick-up in core inflation was due to higher prices for services and retail and other goods and an increase in electricity and gas costs. Gross domestic product rose 1.1% year-on-year, higher than the initial estimates of 0.7% released last month. – Reuters MIZUHO APPLIES TO SET UP SECURITIES COMPANY IN CHINA TOKYO: Japan’s Mizuho Financial Group has sought to establish a securities company in China, becoming the latest foreign firm to make inroads into China’s onshore securities market with a fullyowned entity. The China Securities Regulatory Commission has received the application from the securities arm of the third-largest Japanese banking group, according to a filing record issued on Wednesday from the regulator’s website. The application comes as Mizuho is hoping to tap China’s lucrative capital markets fee pool, the largest after the US and Europe. – Reuters INDONESIA CENTRAL BANK MAINTAINS RATES, AS EXPECTED JAKARTA: Indonesia’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged yesterday, as expected, despite renewed volatility in the rupiah exchange rate as investors speculate over the possibility of an end to US monetary tightening. Bank Indonesia (BI) left unchanged the benchmark 7-day reverse repurchase rate at 6%, as expected by a strong majority of economists polled by Reuters, following October’s surprise rate hike. Its two other policy rates were also kept steady. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo said the decision was consistent with maintaining the rupiah’s stability and mitigating against imported inflation. BI expects inflation to stay within the central bank’s target range this year and next, but is monitoring risks like high global energy prices and domestic food prices, as well as impact of rupiah exchange level on inflation, Warjiyo said. – Reuters BITCOIN RISES 5.7%, TOUCHES US$37,802 BENGALURU: Bitcoin rose 5.7 % to US$37,802 (RM176,628) at 2129 GMT on Wednesday, adding US$2,044 to its previous close. Bitcoin, the world’s biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, is up 42.5% from the year’s low of US$26,533 on Oct 11. Ether, the coin linked to the ethereum blockchain network, rose 7.94 % to US$2,087.9 on Wednesday, adding US$153.6 to its previous close. – Reuters sensitivity of the matter. “The firm has been in a mess.” Zhongzhi, whose business interests span from mining to wealth management, said in the letter that as the group’s assets were concentrated in long-term debt and equity investments it was difficult to liquidate them and book the returns. “Initial inspections show that the group is seriously insolvent and has significant continuing operational risks. The resources available for debt repayment in the short term are much lower than the group’s overall debt scale,” it said. The underlying assets of Zhongrong trust are largely property related, which have high default risks, said Xing Zhaopeng, senior China strategist at ANZ. “The company cannot get the money back amid the property woes. So there are big discounts to its assets.” Zhongzhi has been selling stakes in some listed companies it controlled over the past few years, and reducing the size of its business, after coming under pressure in the wake of China’s crackdown on shadow banking, and the property market downturn. – Reuters Binance failed to report more than 100,000 suspicious transactions, including with organisations the US described as terrorist groups, and never reported transactions with illicit websites. – UNSPLASH PIX

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 25 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) RAPID 27.400 -0.500 3,282 BKAWAN 20.200 -0.300 89 COASTAL 1.750 -0.190 26,853 CHINHIN 3.830 -0.150 1,800 PERTAMA 3.100 -0.150 97,308 KLK 21.380 -0.140 7,841 MUDA 1.510 -0.130 3,995 PENTA 4.660 -0.130 8,766 KESM 6.880 -0.120 65 NVIDIA-C1 1.730 -0.120 380 GREATEC 4.760 -0.110 1,911 UNISEM 3.290 -0.110 9,288 DLADY 22.480 -0.100 460 INARI 2.900 -0.100 136,027 HAPSENG 4.630 -0.090 22,678 MERCURY 0.920 -0.090 163 PCHEM 7.160 -0.090 13,878 HSI-HPX 0.685 -0.080 2,860 KSENG 4.610 -0.080 289 MPI 26.940 -0.080 906 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) ALLIANZ-PA 18.200 +0.740 18 ALLIANZ 17.880 +0.280 335 F&N 27.280 +0.280 735 NESTLE 121.600 +0.200 895 HUMEIND-LA 2.700 +0.150 57 SAM 4.350 +0.140 5,611 HARTA 2.620 +0.130 173,895 HARISON 8.740 +0.100 169 HEXTECH 23.600 +0.100 124 HSI-HPN 0.710 +0.100 16 CHINAETF-MYR 4.930 +0.100 35 KHIND 2.690 +0.090 80 TEOSENG 1.740 +0.090 83,182 PINEAPP 0.980 +0.080 1,500 ABMB 3.440 +0.070 18,615 AMBANK 4.000 +0.060 84,984 KGB 1.580 +0.060 21,648 KOSSAN 1.750 +0.060 116,148 MCEMENT 3.940 +0.060 37,697 UWC 3.700 +0.060 12,902 STOCKS VOLUME (’00) CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) +/- (%) HONGSENG 5,855,703 +0.025 -0.005 -16.67 TOPGLOV 1,678,514 +0.885 +0.045 +5.36 LEFORM 832,346 +0.285 +0.010 +3.64 HSI-HN6 782,974 +0.020 -0.020 -50.00 HSI-CR5 683,971 +0.325 +0.030 +10.17 HSI-CRZ 672,646 +0.245 +0.015 +6.52 WIDAD 553,453 +0.470 +0.005 +1.08 SCIB 528,006 +0.660 +0.005 +0.76 HSI-HPK 445,901 +0.160 -0.025 -13.51 SUPERMX 439,448 +1.040 +0.045 +4.52 EITA-WA 429,896 +0.075 +0.015 +25.00 BAHVEST-WA 385,215 +0.100 +0.005 +5.26 CAREPLS 376,878 +0.320 +0.025 +8.47 CLASSITA 350,516 +0.055 -0.005 -8.33 TANCO-WC 348,039 +0.265 -0.010 -3.64 HSI-HPD 337,203 +0.020 -0.005 -20.00 FITTERS 333,496 +0.050 +0.005 +11.11 KANGER 325,257 +0.075 +0.010 +15.38 MYEG 324,808 +0.805 -0.015 -1.83 KEYASIC 300,649 +0.085 - - SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: NOVEMBER 23 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,773.10 -22.30 FBMKLCI 1,453.29 -2.60 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 558.41 -0.36 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 173.34 -0.71 CONSTRUCTION 186.53 +0.67 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,383.20 -13.20 ENERGY 845.67 -13.70 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 563.37 -3.01 HEALTH CARE 1,867.02 +34.31 TRANSPORTATION 935.9 -8.09 PROPERTY 859.64 -1.15 PLANTATION 6,947.47 -13.20 FBMSHA 10,964.60 -28.30 FBMACE 5,202.16 -0.17 TECHNOLOGY 62.89 -0.92 TURNOVER: 3.707 bil VALUE: RM2.084 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) HSI-CRJ 0.010 +100.00 5,613 KAB-WA 0.010 +100.00 38,138 MTRONIC-WB 0.010 +100.00 8 SCIB-WB 0.010 +100.00 1,959 SUPERMX-C3S 0.025 +66.67 6,305 HARTA-C1P 0.040 +60.00 15,555 HARTA-C1O 0.110 +57.14 14,300 TOPGLOV-C3S 0.055 +57.14 10,700 HARTA-C1T 0.140 +55.56 5,330 BSLCORP-WA 0.015 +50.00 9,135 KGB-CC 0.050 +42.86 2,800 TOPGLOV-C3K 0.050 +42.86 71,475 GOCEAN-WB 0.020 +33.33 1,000 HARTA-C1R 0.060 +33.33 3,000 HSI-CO4 0.020 +33.33 250 PUC-WA 0.020 +33.33 5 SUPERMX-C3P 0.040 +33.33 15,520 TOPGLOV-C3J 0.020 +33.33 500 TOPGLOV-C3T 0.105 +31.25 16,220 HARTA-C1N 0.170 +30.77 13,666 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) VS-C76 0.020 -75.00 4,100 HSI-CO5 0.005 -66.67 2,252 MSC-CM 0.005 -66.67 2,001 VITROX-C3 0.025 -58.33 2,000 ARMADA-C78 0.005 -50.00 2,840 AWC-WA 0.005 -50.00 14,667 HSI-HN2 0.030 -50.00 250,737 HSI-HN6 0.020 -50.00 782,974 HSI-HPF 0.005 -50.00 65,287 INARI-C2B 0.015 -50.00 4,900 MLAB 0.005 -50.00 5,543 MRCB-C86 0.010 -50.00 2,001 PHB 0.005 -50.00 3,600 KLK-C29 0.040 -46.67 500 HSI-CRP 0.025 -44.44 500 TOPGLOV-C3P 0.020 -42.86 400 DNEX-C20 0.015 -40.00 1,000 HSI-CRE 0.015 -40.00 500 MFLOUR-WC 0.035 -36.36 99,813 ALIBABA-C29 0.010 -33.33 300 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 35,273.03 +184.74 +0.53 S&P 500 (US) 4,556.62 +18.43 +0.41 NASDAQ (US) 14,265.86 +65.88 +0.46 NYSE (US) 15,907.89 +46.32 +0.29 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4,356.50 +4.48 +0.10 FTSE 100 (UK) 7,490.92 +21.41 +0.29 DAX (GER) 15,972.86 +15.04 +0.09 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 33,451.83 +97.69 +0.29 TOPIX (JPN) 2,378.19 +10.40 +0.44 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 17,910.84 +176.24 +0.99 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,561.52 +17.10 +0.48 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,061.86 +18.25 +0.60 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,514.96 +3.26 +0.13 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 161.51 -0.94 -0.58 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,029.18 -44.19 -0.62 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7,234.17 -43.64 -0.60 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 66,047.38 +24.14 +0.04 FBM KLCI 1,453.29 -2.60 -0.18 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,111.75 -3.17 -0.10 WTI (US$/BBL.) 76.53 -0.57 -0.74 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 81.31 -0.65 -0.79 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,015.20 +2.00 +0.10 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 24.06 +0.02 +0.09 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 925.20 -0.84 -0.09 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 383.35 +2.50 +0.66 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8,353.50 -95.50 -1.13 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 487.75 -1.25 -0.26 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 584.50 +1.75 +0.30 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 52.71 -0.72 -1.35 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 4,084.00 -34.00 -0.83 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 150.10 +0.70 +0.47 World Stocks/Commodities Participation 29.3 44.3 26.4 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 606.0 892.4 587.0 2085.4 Sold RM m 614.4 958.0 513.0 2085.4 Net RM m -8.4 -65.6 -74.0 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 23/11/2023 Bursa ends marginally lower amid mixed global cues KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia extended Wednesday’s losses to close lower yesterday, amid mixed global cues and the fall in crude oil prices, dealers said. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 2.60 points to 1,453.29 from Wednesday’s closing of 1,455.89. The index opened 0.79 of-a-point better at 1,456.68 and thereafter moved between 1,451.35 and 1,456.68 throughout the trading session. Market breadth was negative, with decliners outpacing gainers 532 to 417, while 423 counters were unchanged, 1,002 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover increased to 3.71 billion units valued at RM2.08 billion against 2.97 billion units valued at RM2.04 billion on Wednesday. SPI Asset Management managing director Stephen Innes said, despite a broad-based rally in US stocks overnight, Asia markets put in a mixed performance with the FBM KLCI trading lower on an extension of Wednesday’s profit-taking mode. “Today’s (yesterday) negative catalyst was the fall in US jobless claims that suggests the Federal Reserve will not be so eager to cut rates at anytime soon as the market thinks. Locally, there was a dearth of macro inputs to encourage any favourable momentum,“ he told Bernama. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong said the FBM KLCI remained within a consolidation band with oil and gas as well as plantation giants retreating following the weaker commodity prices. “Going forward, we expect the downward bias consolidation tone to extend in view of the absence of fresh domestic leads. Meanwhile, investors will continue to keep a close watch on the ongoing barrage of corporate earnings releases,” he added. 1453.29pts Nov 23, 2023 as at 5pm, Nov 23

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 26 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shalll not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. HIBISCUS PETROLEUM Bhd’s 1QFY24 core net profit of RM154.3m (+64% QoQ, +14% YoY) was within expectations at 31%/36% of ours/consensus FY24E respectively. The QoQ strength was mainly due to: i) higher average realised crude oil prices of US$97/bbl (vs. US$86/bbl in 4QFY23); and ii) higher offtake volumes of 2m boe (vs. 1.8m boe in 4QFY23). From yesterday’s (Tuesday) results briefing, Hibiscus guided that its offtake volume in 2QFY24 will be slightly lower at 1.9m boe. Coupled with likely lower average crude oil prices over OctDec 2023 (QTD: US$86/bbl), the group will rake in slightly weaker profits in 2QFY24. However, on a full-year basis, we are looking at an EPS growth of 7% YoY in FY24E based on a in-house crude oil price assumption of US$80/bbl for 2024E. Hibiscus aims to achieve first oil from: i) its SF30 Water Flood Phase 2 in early-FY25 (+1.5k bpd); and ii) its Teal West field in 2HFY25 (+4.5k boepd). Also, as the industry is now in a severely under-invested phase vs. expectations for record-high oil demand in 2024E, Hibiscus will continue to be a beneficiary of a higher crude oil price environment in the medium term. We cut FY24-25E EPS by 11%-19% to account for lower inhouse average crude oil price assumption of US$80/bbl in 2024E and US$75/bbl in 2025E (from US$100/bbl). We also revise our TP to RM2.99 based on DCF (from RM4.75, based on US$11/boe EV/2P reserves valuation previously). Maintain BUY. - (Nov 22, 2023) INARI AMETRON Bhd’s (Inari) 1QFY24 results met expectations. YoY, Inari’s 1QFY24 revenue saw a modest increase of 1.8% on robust demand for its radio frequency (RF) filters, which constituted c.59% of revenue. Inari’s 1QFY24 core net profit of RM85.8m was in line with expectations at 22% each of our full-year forecast and the full-year consensus estimate. However, net profit experienced a 14.6% YoY decline due to higher electricity tariffs that took effect in early 2023. Despite this, Inari has better managed rising operating costs compared to peers, maintaining net profit margin above the 20% mark, while peers are in the single digits. As the year-end shopping season draws near, we anticipate sustained interest in the new US flagship smartphone, from order forecasts from its direct client, Customer B, particularly for RF filters. Moreover, Inari is making strides in its recent business ventures, including power module packages, memory chips, optical transceivers, and the building of a new factory in China. Many of these products are currently in advanced qualification and sampling stages, poised to make a positive impact in FY24 and FY25. We also keep our TP of RM4.17 based on an unchanged FY25F PER of 32x. Our valuation reflects a 10% premium on peer’s forward mean, justified by the company’s potential for a quicker recovery compared to its peers. Additionally, its ability to preserve a net margin of >20% while continuing to grow its large revenue base of >RM1.5b further underlines its capability, especially in the face of rising labour and utility costs. Our TP imputes a 5% premium to reflect its 4-star ESG rating. Maintain OUTPERFORM. - (Nov 23, 2023) KUALA LUMPUR Kepong Bhd’s (KLK) FY23 core profit of RM1.1b (-51.9%yoy) came in within our expectations, however below street estimates, at 96% and 78% respectively. The plantation and manufacturing subsegment operating profit remain unstable and were down by -45.6%yoy and -63.9%yoy following lower CPO price effects compounded by weaker Oleo-based products demand. Inline with higher CPO and PK sales volume it recorded, profit tripled to RM417.5m (3QFY23: RM125.3m), however this was offset by the provision for impairment of plasma receivables amounting to RM60.5m and lower ASP of CPO and PK prices realised at RM3,476/mt (vs: 4QFY22: RM3,815/mt) and RM1,743/mt (vs: 4QFY22: RM2,082/mt) As a result, the margin shrunk from 53.7% in the 4QFY22 to 45.9% (-7.8ppt) in the quarter. Although revenue for manufacturing contribution was 5x higher than plantation, but profit wise, remains unsubstantial with a loss of -RM76.7m. The negative refining margin behind the Oleo operation remained due to i) slower Oleo-based products demand, ii) compounded by high input cost owing to the high base price from old stocks and iii) a one-time restructuring cost of RM70.6m incurred by the Europe operations. Similarly, property profit was marginally lower by RM13.6m (-4.8%yoy) in recognition of development profits from phases with lower gross margin. We maintain our BUY Call with TP of RM24.60 based on our PER of 32.0x on FY24F EPS of 76.9sen. KLK’s upstream division remained intact, post-discontinued Boustead Plantations acquisition. Its profit possesses a mixture of downstream segment circa 20-25% that can possibly withstand any downside risk in CPO volatility. - (Nov 23, 2023) FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.758 4.625 4.615 1 Australian Dollar 3.126 3.002 2.986 1 Brunei Dollar 3.540 3.436 3.428 1 Canadian Dollar 3.467 3.374 3.362 1 Euro 5.182 5.013 4.993 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.874 2.768 2.752 1 Papua N Guinea Kina N/A N/A N/A 1 Singapore Dollar 3.540 3.436 3.428 1 Sterling Pound 5.957 5.770 5.750 1 Swiss Franc 5.375 5.251 5.236 100 UAE Dirham 130.900 124.080 123.880 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.372 4.085 3.885 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.500 64.000 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.250 65.550 65.350 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.600 58.520 58.320 100 Indian Rupee 5.800 5.440 5.240 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.032 0.029 0.024 100 Japanese Yen 3.196 3.095 3.085 100 New Taiwan Dollar 16.100 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 45.360 41.710 41.510 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.700 1.590 1.390 100 Philippine Peso 8.680 8.180 7.980 100 Qatar Riyal 131.850 125.170 124.970 100 Saudi Riyal 128.090 121.600 121.400 100 South Africa Rand 26.100 23.560 23.360 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.490 1.370 1.170 100 Thai Baht 14.090 12.490 12.090 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit slips against dollar on lack of catalysts KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit traded marginally lower against the US dollar at the close yesterday due to a lack of catalysts, said an analyst. At 6pm, the ringgit eased to 4.6775/6830 against the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 4.6735/6805. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the market remained guarded as to how the US dollar would evolve given the mixed data points from the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index and US Jobless Claims. “On one hand, the weak data points mean that the Federal Reserve (Fed) could change its course next year. “However, a stubborn inflation rate which may take a while to hit the 2% may prevent the Fed from loosening their monetary stance prematurely,” he told Bernama. At the close, the ringgit was traded lower versus a basket of major currencies. It weakened against the euro at 5.1092/1152 from 5.0946/1022 on Wednesday, dropped versus the Japanese yen to 3.1342/1381 from 3.1338/1387 and slid vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.8740/8809 from 5.8550/8637. The local note also traded mixed against other Asean currencies. It was flat vis-a-vis the Indonesian rupiah at 300.6/301.2 from 300.0/300.6, fell versus the Singapore dollar to 3.4922/4969 from 3.4838/4893 and down against the Philippine peso at 8.44/8.46 from 8.42/8.44 previously. However, the local note rose versus the Thai baht to 13.2601/2813 from 13.2702/2957. RHB to boost allocation for sustainable financing PETALING JAYA: RHB Banking Group is planning a higher allocation for sustainable financial services after its aim to mobilise RM20 billion for the segment by 2026 reached a 99% target. Group managing director and group CEO Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the current commitment, made in 2022, will hit 100% by this year, and the group is now assessing its next target beyond 2024. “Internally, we have deliberated and discussed. We will be sharing with the public our next target by next year,” he told reporters yesterday at its inaugural nationwide engagement sessions themed “Empowering Change: Charting a Sustainable Energy Future for Business Growth” in partnership with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). Mohd Rashid said the commitment was realised via RHB Sustainable Financing Programme, which offered a range of sustainable financial services for SMEs investing in green and energy-efficient solutions. “Recognising SMEs’ distinct needs and challenges, we continuously engage with them to provide advisory support, promote awareness and understanding to manage sustainability and climate risks,” he said. RHB and TNB will expand the engagement sessions nationwide with SMEs to benefit from TNB’s technical expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, as well as access RHB’s suite of green financing solutions, Mohd Rashid said. Meanwhile, TNB chief operating officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan said it has curated a roadmap to success, tailored specifically for SMEs. “We are offering a suite of green solutions designed to meet ESG requirements and a cost-saving opportunity,” he said. - Bernama Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd Buy. Target price: RM24.60 Inari Ametron Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM4.17 Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd Buy. Target price: RM2.99 Source: Maybank IBG Research Source: Kenanga Research Source: MIDF Research Nov 23, 2023:RM2.63 Nov 23, 2023: RM21.38 Nov 23, 2023: RM2.90

SCAN ME FRIDAY NOV 24, 2023 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that YOU & ME WEALTH ADVISORY PLT (LLP Registration No. 201504000616 (LLP0004394- LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to Section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. Dated this 24 November 2023 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197701000350 (31415-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD which is being voluntarily wound-up, are required on or before 24th December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in 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. Dated this 24 November 2023 Yet Kiong Siang & Aric Wong Fong Chin (Joint Liquidators) Selangor. NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197701000350 (31415-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at 82F, Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor on the 22nd day of November 2023, the following resolution was duly passed. “That the Company be wound-up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Aric Wong Fong Chin of No.78-80, Lebuh Beringin, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor and Mr. Yet Kiong Siang of Messrs. Khoo Teng Keat & Co., No. 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of winding up the Company with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 24 November 2023 Lim Tee Leong Director Selangor IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELUXE SQUARE SDN. BHD. [Company Registration No. 199401031042 (316724-P)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the members of the company on the 20th November 2023: “That the Company be wound up voluntarily by way of a members’ voluntary liquidation and that SHARIFAH FAUZIAH BT S. MD AMIN ALJEFFRI (NRIC NO. 800316-71-5076) of 2-1-1, 1st Floor, Menara KLH, Jalan Kasipillay, Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” NUR ANIS BINTI JAMALUDIN Director Kuala Lumpur 24th November 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELUXE SQUARE SDN. BHD. [Company Registration No. 199401031042 (316724-P)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above named company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 24th December, 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, the creditors are to be represented 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 are proven. Kuala Lumpur 24 November, 2023 SHARIFAH FAUZIAH BT S. MD AMIN ALJEFFRI Liquidator 2-1-1, 1st Floor, Menara KLH, Jalan Kasipillay, Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY WINDING UP BY MEMBERS OF SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at the Members’ Meeting SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) held on 22nd November 2023, the following Special Resolution was duly passed :- RESOLVED THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily, AND THAT Mr. Koh Kheng Hwa (MIA 20499) of No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up. AND THAT the Liquidator be empowered to distribute to the members in specie any part of the assets of the Company. By Order of the Board, Mak Kai Kay Chairman of Meeting Dated : 22nd November 2023 In the Matter of the Companies Act, 2016 and In the Matter of SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) (In 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 the 22nd day of December 2023, being the day for that purpose fixed by Mr. Koh Kheng Hwa of No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, the Liquidator appointed on 22nd November, 2023 by the said Company, to send their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitor, if any, to the undersigned, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, by their solicitors to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notices, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. Dated this : 22nd November 2023 Koh Kheng Hwa Liquidator No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka. NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TETRA SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197801004107 (41109-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of TETRA SDN. BERHAD which is being voluntarily woundup, are required on or before 24th December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in 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. Dated this 24 November 2023 Yet Kiong Siang & Aric Wong Fong Chin (Joint Liquidators) Selangor NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TETRA SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197801004107 (41109-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at 82F, Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor on the 22nd day of November 2023, the following resolution was duly passed. “That the Company be wound-up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Aric Wong Fong Chin of No.78-80, Lebuh Beringin, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor and Mr. Yet Kiong Siang of Messrs. Khoo Teng Keat & Co., No. 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of winding up the Company with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 24 November 2023 Lim Tee Leong Director Selangor 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that FAS LIGHT ELECTRICAL PLT (20150400021 7 (LLP0003994-LGN)) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice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ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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YLDHPDLOWRKU#WKHVXQGDLO\FRP <RXFDQFDOOXVDWflflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 302 Jobs Pawnbrokers’ forfeited pledges under Section 23 of the Pawnbrokers’ Act 1972 Pawnbrokers’ (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2004 The above will be sold by public auction during the first week of December 2023 at no. 71, Bishop Street, Penang for articles pawned in February 2023 and earlier commencing from the date and time stated below:- Date Time 06.12.2023 9:00 A.M (Wednesday) Note: Interested bidders are to register with the licensed auctioneer 7 working days before the auction date. *Term and conditions apply. A.Dennys & Co Sdn Bhd Licensed Auctioneers 71, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Penang Tel no’s: 04-2611551/2 3 STY. SUPERLINK FOR SALE : 012-813 8660 (E(3)2059) * Terms & Conditions apply. Walking Distance to Paramount LRT(PJ). Brand New/22’ x 116’/ 5Beds+4baths. Built-in with Quality Finishes, CCTV plus Alarm System & etc. … Special Sale Offer* Show unit for viewing. X X X X X IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UMW TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. [Company No. 201401045376 (1121560-H)] (Incorporated in Malaysia) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Unit 7-03, Wisma Conlay, 1, Jalan USJ 10/1, Taipan Business Centre, 47620 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan on 26th day of December, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to hear any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the liquidator thereof, may be destroyed. Dated this 24th day of November, 2023 Lam Suk Kham Liquidator 168 Houses for Sale 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANJUNG GARDEN SDN. BHD. [201701021737 (1235903-X)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) At Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of Tanjung Garden Sdn. Bhd. held on 15 November 2023, the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 AND THAT Mr. Soo Tong Hui of No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” SEO HONG HONG Director 24 November 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANJUNG GARDEN SDN. BHD. [201701021737 (1235903-X)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 23 December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said, are 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 are proven. Soo Tong Hui Liquidator No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur Dated this 24 November 2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR GUAMAN SIVIL NO. WA-A52NCC-4210-10/2023 ANTARA RONG MAH (KL) SDN. BHD. [No. Syarikat: 199401026095 (311776-V)] …PLAINTIF DAN KHAIRIL AZWAN BIN MOHD ZAMILY [No. K/P: 840604-06-5211] …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : KHAIRIL AZWAN BIN MOHD ZAMILY No. 15, Taman UDA KM 7 Jalan Gambang 25150 Kuantan Pahang Darul Makmur AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Sesyen di Kuala Lumpur Guaman WAA52NCC-4210-10/2023 oleh Rong Mah (KL) Sdn Bhd beralamat di No. 19, Jalan SS 4C/5, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan untuk jumlah RM118,425-65 setakat 31/05/2022 dengan faedah pada kadar 18% setahun ke atas jumlah RM96,674-00 tersebut dari tarikh 01/06/2022 sehingga ke tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh (21) hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 November 2023. tandatangan ………………………....... WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di No. 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel No.: (03) 22018378 | [Rujukan Fail: L3 15770] [[email protected] | [email protected]] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. 199201018186 (249690-M) (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 the 24th day of December 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally required to write in 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. Kuala Lumpur Dated this 24th day of November 2023 Yap Siew Cheng Liquidator Note: This notice is purely formal. All known creditors have been or will be paid in full. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. 199201018186 (249690-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur on the 15th day of November 2023 the following special resolutions were duly passed:- That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company. That the said Liquidator be authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributors of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. That the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Yap Tee Chuang Director NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VISIONROLA SDN. BHD (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) (Company No. 199501027206 (356411-U)) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Resolutions set out below were deemed passed on 16th November 2023 at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd. deemed convened at Suite 1707, Level 17, Menara Landmark, 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Bahru. VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT Mr. V. Venkatachalam a/l M.V. Venkatachalam Chettiar of AG Management Advisory, Approved Liquidator/Receiver & Manager of Suite 1707, Level 17, Menara Landmark, 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Bahru be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up and FURTHER THAT he be empowered to exercise all the powers as provided under Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016. NOTICE OF SUBMISSION OF FORMAL PROOF OF DEBT OR CLAIM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT creditors of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd., whose debts or claims outstanding as at 16 November 2023 have not already been admitted or settled, are required not later than 5.00 p.m., 16 December 2023, to prove their debts or claims they may have by delivering by hand or sending by post to the Liquidator a formal PROOF OF DEBT OR CLAIM in accordance with the Proof of Debt General Form (Form 77) or Employees’ Group Form (Form 78). Any outstanding debts or claims are to be made up to 16 November 2023, enclosing all relevant supporting documents such as statements, invoices, delivery orders, contracts, etc., to be submitted to the Liquidator. If you do not prove your debt by 16 December 2023, you will be excluded from any distributions. Dated this 24th day of November, 2023 V. Venkatachalam A/L M. V. Venkatachalam Chettiar Liquidator of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd. c/o AG Management Advisory Approved Liquidator/Receiver & Manager Suite 1707, Level 17 Menara Landmark 12 Jalan Ngee Heng 80000 Johor Bahru 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that YOU & ME WEALTH ADVISORY PLT (LLP Registration No. 201504000616 (LLP0004394- LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to Section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. Dated this 24 November 2023 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197701000350 (31415-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD which is being voluntarily wound-up, are required on or before 24th December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in 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. Dated this 24 November 2023 Yet Kiong Siang & Aric Wong Fong Chin (Joint Liquidators) Selangor. NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AQ TIMBER EXPORT SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197701000350 (31415-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at 82F, Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor on the 22nd day of November 2023, the following resolution was duly passed. “That the Company be wound-up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Aric Wong Fong Chin of No.78-80, Lebuh Beringin, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor and Mr. Yet Kiong Siang of Messrs. Khoo Teng Keat & Co., No. 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of winding up the Company with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 24 November 2023 Lim Tee Leong Director Selangor IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELUXE SQUARE SDN. BHD. [Company Registration No. 199401031042 (316724-P)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the members of the company on the 20th November 2023: “That the Company be wound up voluntarily by way of a members’ voluntary liquidation and that SHARIFAH FAUZIAH BT S. MD AMIN ALJEFFRI (NRIC NO. 800316-71-5076) of 2-1-1, 1st Floor, Menara KLH, Jalan Kasipillay, Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” NUR ANIS BINTI JAMALUDIN Director Kuala Lumpur 24th November 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELUXE SQUARE SDN. BHD. [Company Registration No. 199401031042 (316724-P)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above named company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 24th December, 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, the creditors are to be represented 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 are proven. Kuala Lumpur 24 November, 2023 SHARIFAH FAUZIAH BT S. MD AMIN ALJEFFRI Liquidator 2-1-1, 1st Floor, Menara KLH, Jalan Kasipillay, Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY WINDING UP BY MEMBERS OF SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at the Members’ Meeting SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) held on 22nd November 2023, the following Special Resolution was duly passed :- RESOLVED THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily, AND THAT Mr. Koh Kheng Hwa (MIA 20499) of No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up. AND THAT the Liquidator be empowered to distribute to the members in specie any part of the assets of the Company. By Order of the Board, Mak Kai Kay Chairman of Meeting Dated : 22nd November 2023 In the Matter of the Companies Act, 2016 and In the Matter of SEKARANG SENDIRIAN BERHAD 198301002855 (105234-M) (In 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 the 22nd day of December 2023, being the day for that purpose fixed by Mr. Koh Kheng Hwa of No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, the Liquidator appointed on 22nd November, 2023 by the said Company, to send their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitor, if any, to the undersigned, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, by their solicitors to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notices, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. Dated this : 22nd November 2023 Koh Kheng Hwa Liquidator No. 30-A, Jalan Melaka Raya 25, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka. NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TETRA SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197801004107 (41109-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of TETRA SDN. BERHAD which is being voluntarily woundup, are required on or before 24th December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of the solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor, and if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally required to come in 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. Dated this 24 November 2023 Yet Kiong Siang & Aric Wong Fong Chin (Joint Liquidators) Selangor NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TETRA SDN. BERHAD (Company No: 197801004107 (41109-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held at 82F, Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor on the 22nd day of November 2023, the following resolution was duly passed. “That the Company be wound-up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Aric Wong Fong Chin of No.78-80, Lebuh Beringin, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor and Mr. Yet Kiong Siang of Messrs. Khoo Teng Keat & Co., No. 82-F (1st Floor), Jalan Pulasan, 41000 Klang, Selangor be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of winding up the Company with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 24 November 2023 Lim Tee Leong Director Selangor 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that FAS LIGHT ELECTRICAL PLT (20150400021 7 (LLP0003994-LGN)) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice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ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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YLDHPDLOWRKU#WKHVXQGDLO\FRP <RXFDQFDOOXVDWflflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 302 Jobs Pawnbrokers’ forfeited pledges under Section 23 of the Pawnbrokers’ Act 1972 Pawnbrokers’ (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2004 The above will be sold by public auction during the first week of December 2023 at no. 71, Bishop Street, Penang for articles pawned in February 2023 and earlier commencing from the date and time stated below:- Date Time 06.12.2023 9:00 A.M (Wednesday) Note: Interested bidders are to register with the licensed auctioneer 7 working days before the auction date. *Term and conditions apply. A.Dennys & Co Sdn Bhd Licensed Auctioneers 71, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Penang Tel no’s: 04-2611551/2 3 STY. SUPERLINK FOR SALE : 012-813 8660 (E(3)2059) * Terms & Conditions apply. Walking Distance to Paramount LRT(PJ). Brand New/22’ x 116’/ 5Beds+4baths. Built-in with Quality Finishes, CCTV plus Alarm System & etc. … Special Sale Offer* Show unit for viewing. X X X X X IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UMW TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. [Company No. 201401045376 (1121560-H)] (Incorporated in Malaysia) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Unit 7-03, Wisma Conlay, 1, Jalan USJ 10/1, Taipan Business Centre, 47620 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan on 26th day of December, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to hear any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the liquidator thereof, may be destroyed. Dated this 24th day of November, 2023 Lam Suk Kham Liquidator 168 Houses for Sale 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANJUNG GARDEN SDN. BHD. [201701021737 (1235903-X)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) At Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of Tanjung Garden Sdn. Bhd. held on 15 November 2023, the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 AND THAT Mr. Soo Tong Hui of No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.” SEO HONG HONG Director 24 November 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANJUNG GARDEN SDN. BHD. [201701021737 (1235903-X)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 23 December 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said, are 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 are proven. Soo Tong Hui Liquidator No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur Dated this 24 November 2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR GUAMAN SIVIL NO. WA-A52NCC-4210-10/2023 ANTARA RONG MAH (KL) SDN. BHD. [No. Syarikat: 199401026095 (311776-V)] …PLAINTIF DAN KHAIRIL AZWAN BIN MOHD ZAMILY [No. K/P: 840604-06-5211] …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : KHAIRIL AZWAN BIN MOHD ZAMILY No. 15, Taman UDA KM 7 Jalan Gambang 25150 Kuantan Pahang Darul Makmur AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Sesyen di Kuala Lumpur Guaman WAA52NCC-4210-10/2023 oleh Rong Mah (KL) Sdn Bhd beralamat di No. 19, Jalan SS 4C/5, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan untuk jumlah RM118,425-65 setakat 31/05/2022 dengan faedah pada kadar 18% setahun ke atas jumlah RM96,674-00 tersebut dari tarikh 01/06/2022 sehingga ke tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh (21) hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 November 2023. tandatangan ………………………....... WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas dan mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di No. 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel No.: (03) 22018378 | [Rujukan Fail: L3 15770] [[email protected] | [email protected]] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. 199201018186 (249690-M) (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 the 24th day of December 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally required to write in 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. Kuala Lumpur Dated this 24th day of November 2023 Yap Siew Cheng Liquidator Note: This notice is purely formal. All known creditors have been or will be paid in full. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. 199201018186 (249690-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of REKA ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur on the 15th day of November 2023 the following special resolutions were duly passed:- That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company. That the said Liquidator be authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributors of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. That the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Yap Tee Chuang Director NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VISIONROLA SDN. BHD (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) (Company No. 199501027206 (356411-U)) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Resolutions set out below were deemed passed on 16th November 2023 at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd. deemed convened at Suite 1707, Level 17, Menara Landmark, 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Bahru. VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily. APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT Mr. V. Venkatachalam a/l M.V. Venkatachalam Chettiar of AG Management Advisory, Approved Liquidator/Receiver & Manager of Suite 1707, Level 17, Menara Landmark, 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Bahru be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up and FURTHER THAT he be empowered to exercise all the powers as provided under Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016. NOTICE OF SUBMISSION OF FORMAL PROOF OF DEBT OR CLAIM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT creditors of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd., whose debts or claims outstanding as at 16 November 2023 have not already been admitted or settled, are required not later than 5.00 p.m., 16 December 2023, to prove their debts or claims they may have by delivering by hand or sending by post to the Liquidator a formal PROOF OF DEBT OR CLAIM in accordance with the Proof of Debt General Form (Form 77) or Employees’ Group Form (Form 78). Any outstanding debts or claims are to be made up to 16 November 2023, enclosing all relevant supporting documents such as statements, invoices, delivery orders, contracts, etc., to be submitted to the Liquidator. If you do not prove your debt by 16 December 2023, you will be excluded from any distributions. Dated this 24th day of November, 2023 V. Venkatachalam A/L M. V. Venkatachalam Chettiar Liquidator of Visionrola Sdn. Bhd. c/o AG Management Advisory Approved Liquidator/Receiver & Manager Suite 1707, Level 17 Menara Landmark 12 Jalan Ngee Heng 80000 Johor Bahru 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424

SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 28 Red Bull’s rivals still have something to play for in Abu Dhabi MAX VERSTAPPEN and Red Bull can wrap up Formula One’s most one-sided season with a final record-extending flourish in Abu Dhabi this weekend as Mercedes and Ferrari battle to be best of the rest. The 22nd round of the season – the equal longest until next year’s 24 – ends at floodlit Yas Marina on Sunday after an American leg that culminated in a gruelling Las Vegas spectacular last weekend. There will be some farewells, although fewer than usual, and plenty of looking forward with hope to a more competitive future after a year in which Red Bull have won everywhere bar Singapore. Verstappen, who secured his third championship with six grands prix to spare, will be hoping to check out with an unprecedented 19th win of the season and Red Bull’s 21st of the campaign. That would leave the Dutch 26-year-old, who has won in Abu Dhabi for the past three years and is on a roll of six successive victories, solo third in the all-time list of winners with a career 54. Only Lewis Hamilton (103) and Michael Schumacher (91) have won more. Red Bull retained their constructors’ crown long ago and are also sure of a onetwo finish in the drivers’ standings for the first time after Sergio Perez finished third in Las Vegas last weekend. That leaves the spotlight on the battle for second place between Mercedes and Ferrari, separated by just four points, and McLaren’s fight to stay fourth with Aston Martin only 11 points behind. “We have a good understanding of our car and we know it won’t be as competitive in Abu Dhabi as it was in Las Vegas,” said Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who had Charles Leclerc finish second from pole position in Nevada. For Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff, it is a critical race weekend. “Ferrari have closed the gap in the constructors’ to just four points and we’re ready to give it our all in Abu Dhabi to come out on top,” he said, having noted that his team’s inconsistency and bad luck with incidents undid them in Las Vegas. “They have shown good form recently, but we know we haven’t maximised our performance in the past few races. “It will be a close fight and hopefully we can finish the season with a strong performance and on the front foot.” Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, for Ferrari and Aston Martin, are level on 200 points with the former fourth thanks to his win in Singapore. McLaren’s Lando Norris is only five points adrift and hoping to end his season a career high fourth overall. At the bottom, only 16 points separate last-placed Haas from Williams in seventh. The latter are just seven clear of AlphaTauri while Haas are four behind Alfa Romeo. Farewells will be said to Alfa Romeo, the title sponsor of Swiss-based Sauber who are due to become the Audi works team from 2026, and to AlphaTauri’s long-serving team principal Franz Tost. “Franz Tost has been the only F1 team boss I’ve worked with. I feel I’ve been fighting for him this year, and I really want to beat Williams for him in his last race as team principal. I appreciate what he has done,” said Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. The only driver yet to be confirmed for 2024 is Williams’ Logan Sargeant, who will be equally determined to end the year on a high. – Reuters/AFP Lewis, Max dynamics wouldn’t be right: Horner LEWIS HAMILTON held talks with both Red Bull and Ferrari over a sensational switch to Mercedes’ F1 rivals before penning a new £100 million (RM588 million) deal. But Christian Horner, who confirmed the talks happened as soon as May this year, explained why a move would have never happened. Hamilton’s Mercedes contract was due to run out at the end of this season and, despite insisting his future was always with Toto Wolff’s team, it appears he had been gauging the interest of other teams. “We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining,” the Red Bull team principal told the Daily Mail. “They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest. “He met John Elkann (Ferrari chairman), too. I think there were serious talks. It was around Monaco (in May). There were definitely c o n v e r s a t i o n s , perhaps with (Ferrari Team Principal Frederic) Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann.” But if there was any notion of Hamilton and Max Verstappen teaming up, Horner put that theory to bed right away. He added: “But I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t be right. We are 100% happy with what we have.” – Express Newspapers THREE-TIME Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert has called out Mercedes for reneging on their promise to provide Lewis Hamilton with a competitive car this season. The Brit has committed his F1 future to the Silver Arrows despite their struggle to close the gap on Red Bull at the top of the Constructors’ Championship. Since the “ground effect” design regulations were introduced in 2022, Mercedes have lagged a long way behind Red Bull in the race for F1 supremacy. Hamilton has racked up an unmatched 103 Grand Prix victories over the course of his glittering career, but the Silver Arrows’ collective issues have sparked the seven-time world champion’s longest-ever drought. If he fails to win in Abu Dhabi this weekend, his wait to stand atop the podium will bleed into next season and extend beyond two years. The 38-year-old has little left to prove in terms of his ability to compete, and Herbert has pointed the finger at Mercedes for failing to deliver on their important commitment. “I do remember them saying at the end of last year, they promised that they would have a better car, and they didn’t do that,“ he told Express Sport. “It’s shown glimpses of it, but it’s just glimpses. “That goes back to Max (Verstappen) delivering every time he gets in the car, because he’s got the car to help him do that. Can Lewis do that if he’s given the car? Yes he can. “Words are easy, but I’ve heard it before and they haven’t been able to achieve it this year. It’s down to them to give Lewis and George (Russell) the chance of attacking the Red Bulls. “The car hasn’t been able to deliver what he needs, to deliver what we know Lewis can,“ Herbert added. “I don’t think he’s damaged his reputation by staying. His performances have been good when the car has allowed it. “He was pushed by George but he’s turned that around, and now he’s the dominant force within that team. I suppose the question is: Can they give him a car capable of winning the title?” – Express Newspapers F1 hero calls out Mercedes for breaking Hamilton Formula One stat attack STATISTICS for Formula One’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina on Sunday. LAP DISTANCE: 5.281km. Total distance: 306.183km (58 laps) 2022 POLE POSITION: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 2022 WINNER: Verstappen RACE LAP RECORD: Verstappen ABU DHABI Sunday will be the 15th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and 12th season-ender at Yas Marina’s anti-clockwise track. Three current drivers have won there, with five-times winner Lewis Hamilton (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019) the most successful. Verstappen won in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and Valtteri Bottas in 2017. Hamilton has been on pole five times. Only once has the winner not started on the front row: Kimi Raikkonen from fourth in 2012 with Lotus. CHAMPIONSHIP Red Bull and Verstappen have won both championships already, Verstappen his third and Red Bull their sixth. The team are also assured of first and second place in the drivers’ standings for the first time thanks to Sergio Perez. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is sure of third place overall but is facing his second successive season without a win. WINS Verstappen has won a record 18 of 21 races, ensuring a record win percentage for a season, and has 53 wins from 183 starts, putting him third equal with Sebastian Vettel on the all-time list. Red Bull have won a record 20 races, one more than Mercedes in 2016, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz winning in Singapore. Red Bull have also had a team record six one-two finishes in 2023. Hamilton has a record 103 victories from 331 starts but has not won since Saudi Arabia in December 2021. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has 32 wins, most recently in Spain in 2013 with Ferrari, from a record 376 starts. POLE POSITION Hamilton has a record 104 poles. Red Bull have been on pole 13 times this season. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took the top slot in Azerbaijan, Belgium, Austin, Mexico and Las Vegas, Hamilton in Hungary and Sainz in Italy and Singapore. Verstappen has 11 poles for 2023 and has converted all of them into wins. Leclerc is one pole short of equalling Rene Arnoux’s 1979-82 record of 13 successive poles without winning any of them. PODIUM Six teams and 11 drivers have made a podium appearance this season: Red Bull, Alpine, Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari. Verstappen has been off the podium only once since Brazil last November. Verstappen holds the record for most podiums in a season – 20 this year. Michael Schumacher remains the only driver to have stood on the podium in every race of a season (2002). POINTS Verstappen leads team mate Sergio Perez by 276 points and is set to end the season with a record margin as well as a record haul, although scoring systems have changed over the years. The gap between Verstappen and Perez is greater than the amount of points Perez has scored (273). The previous record margin was 155 between Vettel and Fernando Alonso in 2013. MILESTONE Verstappen’s win in Las Vegas made him the first driver to win three races in one country in a single season. The Red Bull driver has now led a record 75.06% of all laps in the season and is sure to finish the season beating the previous record of 71.47% set by Jim Clark in 1963. – Reuters Spotlight on potlight on secondspot Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (left) and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. – REUTERSPIX

SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 29 PHIL MICKELSON has been telling people that Jon Rahm signing with LIV Golf is a “done deal,” according to the Fire Pit Collective’s Alan Shipnuck. Shipnuck’s tweet yesterday followed rumours that Rahm is set to leave the PGA Tour for a US$600 million (RM2.8b) offer from its Saudi-backed rival. “In recent days Phil has been telling folks that Rahm signing with LIV is a done deal. (They share the same agent.),” Shipnuck tweeted. “But we all know Mickelson is a relentless salesman/bulls*** artist, so take that for what it’s worth.” Rahm has repeatedly said that LIV’s 54- hole, team-based format does not interest him and that he’s more interested in legacy than money. However, he recently withdrew from the virtual TGL backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy before the league was forced to postpone its debut to 2025 after the facility’s roof collapsed. Rahm is also good friends with fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Mickelson, whose brother, Tim, was Rahm’s coach at Arizona State and agent when he first turned pro. Rahm is not playing in Wood’s Hero World Challenge next week, and he has not addressed rumors that he may bolt for LIV. McIlroy said earlier this month that he would “be surprised” if the world’s No. 3 player joined LIV. “I spoke to Jon a couple days ago and would be very, very surprised if that were to happen,” McIlroy said Nov. 6. “I’m pretty confident Jon is a PGA Tour player.” Rahm is a two-time major winner and is exempt into each of the four majors for the next five years courtesy of his victory at the 2023 Masters. The inability to play in majors has been seen as one of the significant drawbacks for players joining LIV. Rahm was also highly critical of the exclusion of LIV players from the Ryder Cup, specifically saying “it would be really stupid of anybody not to lean on Sergio Garcia’s experience.” Mickelson said in October that he knew more players would be signing with LIV, “Do I think that? No, I know that’s going to happen,” he said. That’s despite the league’s future being murky as the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund continue to work on details of their framework agreement in conjunction with the DP World Tour. LIV released its 2024 schedule yesterday, with one of the 14 events scheduled to be held in July in Andalucia, Spain. While several marquee players have been strong in their criticism of LIV, Rahm has supported the decision of players to do what is in their best interests. He also said at last year’s Hero World Challenge that PGA players have benefited greatly from the challenge that LIV presented. “I think on this side of things we should be thankful that LIV happened,” Rahm said last December. “I don’t know if those changes would have happened if LIV wasn’t in the picture. So to an extent, yeah, we should be thankful.” – Field Level Media Rahm rumours Spaniard joining LIV a done deal, says Mickelson Raducanu gets valuable Australian Open comeback advice ANDY RODDICK has offered Emma Raducanu some important advice as she prepares to make her return after having three different surgeries. The former world No. 10 was set to play an exhibition event next month but was forced to pull out when she suffered a setback with her recovery. It remains to be seen when she decides to make a comeback but Roddick believes that she must play a warm-up tournament instead of heading straight to the Australian Open. Raducanu has been out of action since she underwent operations on both of her wrists and one ankle in May. While the 2021 US Open champion hasn’t announced an official comeback date, she recently confirmed that she wanted to be back at the start of the 2024 season – indicating a potential return in Australia. Former world No 1 Roddick has urged the Brit to play a warm-up event instead of heading straight into the Australian Open. “It’s tough because we don’t know if it’s a recurrence of the same two injuries that she has or if it’s a fitness issue or maybe the training is going so well they don’t want to interrupt a really cohesive training block with a trip to Macau in December,” the American said, discussing her withdrawal from the MGM Macau Tennis Masters next month. “I know one thing that has to happen if she’s going to go start playing a Slam in Australia, she’s going to have to play s o m e t h i n g before. “I would even like to see her play two events in the l e a d - u p , b e c a u s e there’s just n o t h i n g guaranteed. You want t h o s e matches.” – E x p r e s s Newspapers AUSTRALIAN OPEN chief Craig Tiley said he remained confident Rafa Nadal would be at Melbourne Park in January despite the 37-yearold’s struggles with injuries over the last couple of years. Nadal, who won two of his 22 major singles titles in Melbourne, has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of this year’s edition of the Grand Slam when hampered by a hip flexor problem. “Rafa has been training, I follow him c l o s e l y , p r o b a b l y every day, because he’s a massive d r a w c a r d for us,” Tiley told reporters in Melbourne yesterday. “He wants to play, he’s obviously planning on playing. It all depends on how he pulls up. “Hopefully in the next week or the next two weeks, we get some specific confirmation of that. I’m certain Rafa will be here because he’s not going to want to miss the opportunity to repeat what he did a couple of years ago.” Nadal has expressed a desire to play one more French Open and represent Spain at the P a r i s O l y m p i c s next year b e f o r e retiring at the end of his 23rd season on the tour. His team have yet to reveal any plans for his return to the court, however, and Nadal said last week in Barcelona that he was unsure about the timeline. “I have been able to train a little bit more, the progress seems pretty good,” he said. “I don’t know when I will be back playing, for sure it is closer than the last time I spoke to the media. If you want me to tell you when I’m returning, I’m not going to do it because I don’t know when it is going to be.” Tiley was less bullish than he has been in the past about the prospect of local drawcard Nick Kyrgios taking part in his home Grand Slam. “We have spoken to Nick, and he obviously wants to do the best he possibly can to give him the best chance to play in January,” Tiley said of the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. “Whether he’s playing, whether he’s doing something else, Nick will be here in January and to get him to play will be great. “But we’ve got to take it as it comes and he’s got to make sure he takes care of his health.” – Reuters SHORTS Tiger and son to play in parent-child event TIGER WOODS, set to make his return to competition next week following ankle surgery in April, said yesterday he will partner with son Charlie in a parent-child tournament next month. Woods will make his comeback at the Hero World Challenge invitational event he hosts in the Bahamas on Nov. 30-Dec. 3, then pair with 14-year-old Charlie at the PNC Championship on Dec 16-17 at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. “It’s an amazing gift to be able to share my love of golf with Charlie and we genuinely do look forward to playing in the PNC Championship all year,” Woods said. “Competing together against a field of so many golfing greats and their families is so special.” Woods caddied for his son at a junior event earlier this month and Charlie’s high school team won a Florida state title earlier this month. Tiger and Charlie Woods, who finished second in 2021, are among 20 pairs who will compete in a scramble format handicapped by tees based on age. McIlroy wins Impact Programme RORY MCILROY is the winner of the PGA Tour’s 2023 Player Impact Programme, which comes with a US$15 million (RM69m) payday. The results were released to players yesterday in a memo from PGA Tour executive vice president and chief player officer Jason Gore, a copy of which was published via social media. McIlroy, 34, had two worldwide wins in 2023 and scored a teambest four points for the Europeans en route to victory at the Ryder Cup. The PIP is a bonus pool that was instituted in 2021 to reward players who boosted engagement and publicity for the tour. Ostensibly a response to some of the lucrative deals rumoured to be coming from the then-Premier Golf League, the inaugural programme somewhat backfired; five of the 10 winners in 2021 – Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bubba Watson – ultimately left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Tiley confident of Nadal Down Under Emma Raducanu. – REUTERSPIX Nadal. – REUTERSPIX

SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 30 Double-header lesson Still room for improvement, says Southgate after England end Euro qualifiers GARETH SOUTHGATE has been pleased by England’s progress during an unbeaten 2023 but knows there is work to do as the team tries to win the European Championship. The Euro 2020 runners-up are among the favourites to win in Germany next summer but seemed to lose their edge after sealing qualification with two matches to spare. Friday’s uninspiring 2-0 Wembley win against minnows Malta was followed three days later by an underwhelming 1-1 draw in North Macedonia as the curtain came down on an undefeated year. November’s double-header will not live long in the memory but Southgate has “learned a lot” from the fixtures, with attention now intensifying on his fourth – and possibly final – major tournament in the dugout. “We wanted to look at a few different things as well, so we’ve managed to learn from the game as well as the result,” the England boss. “I have to be pleased with the progress of the team. You know, if you’d said at the start of the campaign that we would be eight wins, two draws at the end of the year, it’s a pretty good record given the fixtures that we’ve had. “(North Macedonia) was always a game where we knew if you’d needed to come here for that point to qualify would be a very difficult place to come. They took the draw from Italy as well, so credit to North Macedonia for that. “We can now start to look forward. We’ve got these two exciting games in March to look forward to and prepare for. “So, yeah, I think we’ve done a lot of things well, but there’s always room for improvement.” March’s home friendlies against Brazil and Belgium will provide much-needed challenges in the final meet-up before Southgate selects his 23-man squad for Germany. Two further preparation games will follow before the Euros get under way, with the Dec 2 draw in Hamburg providing clarity on next summer’s opposition, base camp and potential route to the final. England’s draw against Macedonia rubberstamped their place among the top seeds for the Euro 2024 draw and Southgate said: “In the calendar year we’re eight wins and two draws from a particularly tough qualifying group and certainly a friendly in Scotland that was always going to be challenging. “Of course, you’d like 10 wins out of 10 but not many teams do that. “I’m really pleased with what the players have given – not just the players that are here tonight, but the players that have represented us through this year because they’ve been excellent.” – The Independent SON HEUNG-MIN revealed Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has made him feel like a child again since his arrival at the north London club. It has not been the most straightforward year for Tottenham, with the ongoing trophy drought and the departure of talisman Harry Kane in the summer, but Postecoglou has inspired a rebuild. The Argentinian has earned the support of the fans, as led Spurs to just two points behind Manchester City in the table after the first 12 matches. “It’s crazy actually the way he (Ange) speaks… the way he talks is fantastic as a human being, as a coach, it’s nothing more than that,” Son told Men in Blazers. “It’s amazing. I’m 31 years old, I learned many things before and I felt as a human I felt that I had enough but then since he arrived I feel like ‘wow! I’m still a child’. “The way he speaks, I feel like my heart is bouncing. I just want to go out and play for him and play for the club. It feels like he’s just part of my family.” Son also revealed he believes there is more to come from Tottenham, despite their alreadyimpressive start to the season. “I think you still haven’t seen our best. We don’t want to be the best, we want to be special. “To be special you have to work hard and be a competitor. “You can always dream for yourself, but we are living in the present, looking day by day, game by game and then we’ll see where we are at the end of the season. “I don’t like to talk about the past or the future. There are so many better teams in the Premier League, we have to work harder than them.” – The Independent THE GLAZER family’s search for new investors in Manchester United reached the one-year mark yesterday, with boyhood fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe still poised to take a 25% stake in the club in the coming days. The United owners announced on Nov. 22 last year – during the Premier League’s World Cup recess – that they were “exploring strategic options” including a full sale of the club. One year on, Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of chemicals company Ineos, is understood to be on the verge of a £1.25 billion (RM7.25b) deal to secure a 25% stake in United, but sources have indicated that an announcement may not come now until next week. Ratcliffe is set to acquire significant control of football operations at United as part of his investment when it is ultimately confirmed, while it has also been reported that he would provide an additional £245 million (RM1.4b) to upgrade club infrastructure. A takeover had been on the cards at one stage, with Ratcliffe and Qatari b u s i n e s s m a n Sheikh Jassim the two publicly announced figures in contention to complete a buyout of the Glazers. Sheikh Jassim’s interest was f i r s t confirmed in February, but he withdrew from the process last month. The Sheikh Jassim bid was understood to have eventually reached around double the US3.2 billion (RM15b) market valuation of the Premier League club as it stood in October. The Qatari was believed to have also been prepared to pledge an additional US1.7 billion (RM8b) for infrastructure projects. The Glazers took over at United with a £790 million (RM4.6b) leveraged buy-out in 2005, but throughout their tenure have faced significant opposition from supporters, which has only grown in recent years at a club that have not won the Premier League since 2013. Tensions rose noticeably in 2021 when the owners were heavily involved in plans to launch a European Super League, which were swiftly abandoned amid fan protests and opposition from football’s domestic and international governing bodies. United announced last week that Richard Arnold was stepping down as chief executive after less than two years in the job. Sources close to Ineos indicated they were not involved in Arnold’s departure, but it seems likely that further changes would be afoot once the deal is signed. – The Independent Manchester United takeover reaches one-year mark SIDENETTING Devils handed Shaw boost MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a major boost ahead of Sunday’s (Mon 12.30am) trip to Everton after Luke Shaw returned to training following a period of three months on the sidelines. The England international left-back has not played since United’s second match of the season, a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in August, with what the club described as a “muscle issue”. United’s poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag has not been helped by a major injury crisis at the club. United have also been without Shaw’s back-up, Tyrell Malacia, since pre-season and the club were forced to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham to provide extra cover. Sofyan Amrabat, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof have also had to fill in at left-back this season while Shaw has been unavailable. After visiting Goodison Park on Sunday, United travel to Galatasaray in the Champions League – where defeat would see them eliminated from the group stages. Messi slams treatment of Argentina fans LIONEL MESSI says Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana will be “marked by repression of Argentinians” after the game was delayed by crowd trouble. Kickoff was put back by half-an-hour in Rio de Janeiro as rival fans clashed with police, with both sets of players trying to calm the situation down before eventually returning to the dressing rooms before the game could get under way. The loss condemned the hosts to their third straight defeat in World Cup qualifying and their first ever on home soil. Messi said the “great victory” could have ended in “tragedy”. Quoted on the BBC, he said: “We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, it could have ended in tragedy.” The Ballon d’Or winner added on Instagram: “Great victory in the Maracana, although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians in Brazil. This can’t be tolerated, it’s insane and it needs to end now!” ... as Scaloni condemns ‘very ugly’ scenes LIONEL SCALONI condemned crowd trouble that marred Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier win over Brazil at the Maracana Stadium. “It was very ugly for that to happen, whether you’re Argentinian or Brazilian, it’s very ugly, very ugly, and some [players] had family members near there,” coach Scaloni said. “Playing a match in those conditions is difficult.” Heavy workload behind injuries FRANCE’S players union (UNFP) has called for an overhaul of the football calendar after a host of players suffered serious injuries. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga suffered a knee ligament injury in training with France while club teammate Aurelien Tchouameni went down with a stress fracture to his left foot during their win over Barcelona last month. Paris St. Germain midfielder Warren ZaireEmery is out for the rest of the year after the 17-year-old picked up an ankle injury making his debut for the Les Bleus. “We were right. We knew it. We said it. Repeatedly. And said it again,” UNFP said in a statement yesterday. “But while senior executives are obliged to listen to us, it’s rare that they actually listen to us, especially when the interests at stake go beyond the boundaries of the field.” UNFP said it was “high time to undertake a thorough reform of the calendar”. Son reveals how Postecoglou has inspired Spurs

SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 31 HARIMAU MALAYA defensive defensive stalwart Junior Edlstal intends to take up a course in sports psychology to help his fellow footballers overcome mental stress when they retire. With footballers these days always facing criticisms and abuses after less than stellar performances, the 32- year-old right-back said that mental strength is extremely crucial to ensuring players can continue their careers by improving their performances to rise from any situation. J u n i o r , whose real name is Putera N a d h e r A m a r h a n , admitted to b e i n g m e n t a l l y stressed when he retired temporarily in October 2018, before lacing up again to play for M e t r o p o l i t a n Police in England a few months later. The Malaysian-Swedish mixed heritage player and Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan Gon were both criticised when the player was called up to join the national training camp in August, mostly due to Junior’s lack of minutes as well as his age and injury records. “Previously, I retired because I was mentally exhausted, went back to the United Kingdom to be with my family. “So, I am thinking of getting a degree in sports psychology so that I can help young players and those midway through their careers because in football, it’s not all about p h y s i c a l attributes, you must be mentally strong also. “Take Harry Maguire, for example, he is hammered by all the media but, week in and week out he continues to show great determination to turn out for Manchester United and England. “It’s not easy to have such a strong mentality after reading all that (criticisms),” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after arriving from Taiwan where Malaysia clinch a 1-0 win in the Group D match of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. Commenting on his performance, Junior said he will always give his best in every match to repay the trust coach Pan Gon has in him. Junior, who now plays for Dewa United in Indonesia’s League 1, explained that he is now more mature and wiser in reading the game, thanks to his vast experience, having played in the Malaysia League and Thailand, among others. “I want to continue to play consistently and focus on playing better for the country. Pan Gon’s trust in me has boosted my confidence. “I will work harder because, after this, we have the Asian Cup (in Qatar next January) and four more matches in the qualifiers to create more history. “There is a good chance for us to qualify for the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers, especially if we can get at least a draw against Oman next March. “We need the wholehearted support of our die-hard supporters in Bukit Jalil (at the National Stadium) when we play Oman so that they will think they are playing against 12 men,” he said. – Bernama Thirteen clubs secure national licence THE Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that 10 clubs have successfully secured the National Licence without being fined to play in the Super League for the 2024-2025 season while Kelantan’s predicament looks bleak. The 10 teams are this season’s Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Perak, Sri Pahang, Selangor, Terengganu, Penang, Kuching City, Kedah Darul Aman, Negeri Sembilan and PDRM. Three more clubs, namely Kuala Lumpur (KL) City, Kelantan United and Sabah were given the National Licence along with a fine of RM20,000 for the offence of making false declarations while the granting of the licence to Kelantan was postponed until next month. First Instance Body (FIB) chairman Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif said the decision against Kelantan was due to its failure to settle salary arrears or submit an agreement with the players and officials on the set date. “As of the deadline of Nov 15, the FIB did not receive any proof of payment or mutual agreement between players and officials except for an extension of time appeal. “The FIB has given Kelantan until Nov 30 to submit proof of settled salary arrears until Aug 31 or an agreement with the players and club officials,” he said at a press conference at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya yesterday. League to discuss mandatory participation THE Malaysian Football League (MFL) plans to hold discussions with all Super League clubs regarding the decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to mandate their participation in the President’s Cup and Youth Cup starting in 2024. MFL chief executive officer, Datuk Stuart Ramalingam stated that the purpose is to assess the clubs’ ability to implement this decision and their understanding that it is for the player development process. “It is a decision that I feel is good for development, but it is a discussion that I also need to have with all the CEOs of the clubs to ensure that what FAM has announced can be implemented at the club level. “MFL also wants to see the clubs’ understanding of the decision made by FAM the other day, which is a development-based decision needed from the professional clubs in the Malaysian League (MLeague),” he said when met recently. The President’s Cup is an U-20 age group tournament, while the Youth Cup is for the U-18 age group. Marikh on right trajectory THE Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) team Marikh should have no problems defending the Eveline Trophy in the 2023 Raja Muda of Selangor International Regatta thanks to their solid teamwork. Skipper Jamil Ahmad Urayah, armed with 15 years of experience, said the five-man crew refused to focus too much on the obstacles faced during the Class 6 race and, instead, focused on the real reason they were contesting. “We have the same crew as when we were champions last year, so we more than understand the strategies and plans. So, now we want to work closely together to retain the momentum because, otherwise, we will fail. “Not easy, though, with the rainy weather… and at times there is no wind. So, it is crucial for us to plan to find which way the wind is blowing from,” he told Bernama. Earlier, Marikh won two races, namely the first stage from Port Klang to Pulau Pangkor and the second stage from Pulau Pangkor to Penang to be placed in second position for the Penang Harbour race. They are currently in first position in Class 6 with five points, followed by Penarik in second spot with eight points, Tofan third (11 points) and Eveline (16 points) with four more races to go in the championships, which ends tomorrow. ‘It’s all in the head’ Junior wants to study sports psychology to help fellow players MATCH-BY-MATCH facts and stats ahead of the next round of English Premier League fixtures (all in Malaysian time/11pm unless stated): TOMORROW Man City vs Liverpool (8.30pm) – DRAW Liverpool are one of the only two clubs City striker Erling Haaland has not scored against in the top flight. City's Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez and Mateo Kovacic will likely remain on the sidelines due to injuries. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson and Norway’s Haaland, who missed games on international duty, are expected to feature in the top-of-the-table clash. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has netted seven times in 12 League appearances against City, who have won their last 23 home games across all competitions. Sheffield Utd vs Bournemouth – AWAY Sheffield United have been in poor form at home, losing four, winning one and drawing one. The promoted side sit 18th after collecting five points from 12 matches. Dominic Solanke scored a double to help Bournemouth move out of the bottom three with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. They are 16th in the standings. The Blades and The Cherries are among the three teams who have conceded the most goals, with Paul Heckingbottom’s team top of the list with 31 and Andoni Iraola's third on 27. Newcastle vs Chelsea – HOME Chelsea will look to carry on their momentum after victories over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and drawing with City when they take on seventh-placed Newcastle, who lost their last two games in all competitions. Callum Wilson, Newcastle’s leading scorer for the past three seasons, joined a long list of injuries at St. James’ Park. Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson and Matt Targett were already on the sidelines. The Blues, 10th, received a boost with the return of captain Reece James, while Frenchman Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia edge closer to making their debuts for the Stamford Bridge side following injury setbacks. Luton vs Crystal Palace – AWAY Luton, 17th, are on a six-match winless streak, with their last victory coming against Everton. Mads Andersen, Dan Potts, Reece Burke and Albert Lokonga are among those injured at Kenilworth Road. Palace are sweating on the fitness of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, James Tomkins and Dean Henderson. They are 13th in the standings. Nottm Forest vs Brighton – AWAY Brighton could see Kaoru Mitoma miss out through injury after the winger withdrew from Japan’s squad. The South Coast side were already without captain Lewis Dunk, Danny Welbeck, Julio Enciso, Solly March, James Milner. Taiwo Awoniyi is Forest's top scorer with four goals. Eighth-placed Brighton are winless in five League matches, their longest such run since Roberto De Zerbi's first five games in charge in October last year. Burnley vs West Ham – AWAY Promoted Burnley have scored the least goals (nine) in the League this season. West Ham’s Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus suffered injuries during the international break. Bowen is the League’s third-highest scorer this season. Midfielder James Ward-Prowse could again be the key for The Hammers, having provided five assists this season. SUNDAY Brentford vs Arsenal (1.30am) – AWAY This will be Mikel Arteta’s 200th match in charge of Arsenal in all competitions (W115, D34, L50). Brentford are winless in their last three games against Arsenal (D1 L2). Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira will miss the game after picking up a straight red card in their 3-1 win over Burnley. Tottenham vs Aston Villa (10pm) – HOME Spurs started the season with eight wins from 10 matches but have dropped to fourth after defeats by Chelsea and Wolves. Micky van de Ven and James Maddison have picked up long-term injuries, while Richarlison underwent groin surgery that will rule him out of action for a few weeks. Villa will hope to take their fine home form to Spurs. Villa have opened a season in the top division with six successive home wins for the first time since 1932-33. MONDAY Everton vs Man United (12.30am) – AWAY Everton became the first Premier League club to be deducted points for breaching profitability and sustainability rules last week, when the League docked the Merseyside club 10 points. They dropped to second-from-bottom from 14th. Keeper Andre Onana and Denmark duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund have added to United’s injury problems over the international break, with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Casemiro among long-term absentees. United have lost nine of their opening 17 matches of a season in all competitions for the first time since 1973-74, when they were relegated. TUESDAY Fulham vs Wolves (4am) – AWAY Fulham have only picked up one point in their last four League matches. Wolves are unbeaten in their last six games against The Cottagers. Fifteenth-placed Fulham and Wolves, 12th, are separated by just three points. Reuters BRIEFS PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS Junior Edlstal. – @JuniorEdlstal X

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] SCAN ME FRIDAY | NOV 24, 2023 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Spotlight on second spot -Story - on page 30 Story on page 28 Doubleheader lesson AS MANY as 15 players could leave Manchester United in the next two windows with Erik ten Hag planning a major squad clear out. The Dutchman has been a busy bee in the transfer market since arriving at Old Trafford, spending just shy of £400 million (RM2.3b) on new arrivals in an attempt to turn United back into a European powerhouse. And there’s little sign he’ll be taking his foot of the gas either, particularly with the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In order to make room for new additions, much of the squad will need to be gutted. Jadon Sancho is expected to be the first departure following his heated bust-up with Ten Hag earlier in the season, but he isn’t the only senior star on the chopping block. Reports of Raphael Varane making a shock summer exit emerged this week, with United keen to get the injury-prone Frenchman, who earns a whopping £340,000 (RM1.97m) a week, off their books. Ratcliffe is reportedly eager to revamp United’s transfer policy following a series of expensive, ageing arrivals in the past few years, and Varane could be the first of a number of senior departures in the coming windows. Antony, who has been at the club for less than a season-and-a-half, could also be axed. The Brazilian has barely lived up to his gigantic price tag and the club are considering cutting their losses with a summer sale. Mason Greenwood, who is currently on loan at La Liga side Getafe, is expected to move on, with United admitting he wouldn’t play for the club again back in August. Fringe players like Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Tom Heaton are also set to be scrapped, while Jonny Evans isn’t expected to be handed an extension on the one-year deal he signed in June. There are also no plans to retain the services of either Sofyan Amrabat or Sergio Reguilon, both of whom are currently on loan at Old Trafford, despite the fact United have an option-to-buy clause on Amrabat. The Moroccan international hasn’t been performing well enough to warrant renewed interest, while Reguilon is likely to lose his spot to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia once they return from injury. Several youth players are expected to be sold too with United looking to raise as much money as possible to fund yet another summer splurge. Brandon Williams, who is on loan at Ipswich, is nailed on to leave in the summer, and the likes of Alvaro Fernandez, Shola Shoretire, Will Fish and Joe Hugill could follow him out the door. Fans will want all areas of the pitch reinforced given the torrid start to the season United have made, but the focus is expected to be on defence and attack. Varane’s departure will mean a new centreback is needed, while a couple of forwards will be necessary should both Sancho and Antony leave the club. – E x p r e s s Newspapers -Story on page 31 ‘It’s all in the head’ Man Utd players facing the axe as Ten Hag plans mammoth clear out Hammer to fall FROM LEFT: Anthony Martial, Antony, Rafael Varane and Jadon Sancho.