The Sun - 29 May 2024

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 WEDNESDAY MAY 29, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8532 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association to act on behalf of those who experienced side effects, with its president saying individuals were forced to take vaccine with unproven safety and effectiveness records. VEP to be fully implemented beginning Oct 1 Call to address SPM dropout issue at source Report on hpage 4 Education group cites financial issues, disadvantaged background as main factors, while calling on govt to increase efforts to assist affected families to ensure children able to focus on studies. Strict enforcement of Vehicle Entry Permit at Malaysia-Singapore border aimed at ensuring compliance with traffic regulations by motorists driving foreign-registered vehicles. Report on hpage 5 Immigration clearance QR code system set for trial Report on hpage 2 Final decision on roll out at both CIQ complexes in Johor to be made after three-month test run beginning June 1 involving Malaysian citizens. Report on — page 3 Govt facing suitover vaccinations accinations SWEET ATTRACTION ... Visitors gather at a stall during the Perlis Showcase Expo that is being held until tomorrow at Medan Mara in Kuala Lumpur. The event features premium products from the northern state, including the popular Harumanis mangoes. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 2 M’sia condemns continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has issued a strong condemnation of the recent Israeli attacks on Palestinian territories, highlighting a severe escalation in violence that has resulted in significant civilian casualties. The ministry said Israeli forces have targeted several Palestinian encampments in Tal as-Sultan, Jabalia, Nuseirat and Gaza City over the past 24 hours, resulting in nearly 200 civilian deaths. In a statement, it emphasised the ongoing humanitarian crisis, noting that in the past 234 days, 35,984 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, with countless others wounded. The ministry said the Israeli regime’s relentless, merciless and deliberate genocidal actions against the Palestinian people violated a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 24, which demanded an immediate end to Israel’s military offensive in Rafah. “The continued defiance of Israel shows its blatant disrespect for the world’s highest judicial body and the principles it upholds. “The international community’s inaction towards these atrocities would severely exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and undermine global order, based on justice and international law.” It said Malaysia is urging the international community, including State Parties to the Genocide Convention, to take necessary measures to give effect to the ICJ ruling, abolish impunity and continue working towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, Bernama reported. “Only through a committed effort towards a comprehensive peace agreement can we hope to end this cycle of violence and build a future in which Palestinians can live with dignity, respect and security.” At least 40 civilians were killed and others injured, mostly children and women, in the Israeli bombardment of the tents of displaced people northwest of the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, Palestine News and Info Agency reported. Testing of immigration QR code system fromJune 1 Govt to introduce new dimension to sukuk issuance KUALA LUMPUR: The government is set to introduce a new dimension to its sukuk issuance through the wakalah bil-khadamat structure, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the investment ecosystem in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “We plan to finalise this sukuk by 2025 as we work to complete all required arrangements and preparations,“ he said during his keynote address at the Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance yesterday. Anwar, who is also finance minister, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to innovating sukuk structures, particularly to align with climate and energy transition goals, while emphasising sustainability. He also spoke on previous innovations such as SRI (socially responsible investing) sukuk ihsan structures and connections to waqf. Anwar said the Retirement Fund (Incorporated) would invest up to RM3 billion in syariah-compliant investments through Dana Pemacu. He added that this investment aims to bolster high-growth domestic Malaysian companies and stimulate the venture investment ecosystem. He also unveiled Malaysia’s first Social Exchange, to be established by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), providing a structured platform for private capital participation in projects with positive social outcomes. “This will benefit entities such as NGOs, social enterprises and state Islamic religious councils.” Anwar said the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre Islamic Digital Asset Centre initiative would digitally raise and invest funds using blockchain technology, introducing Islamic asset-backed tokens and an Islamic digital finance sandbox. He commended the Islamic banking industry for collectively pledging RM2.67 billion in secured financing facilities through the Halal Development Corporation Halal Integrated Platform to support Malaysia’s halal industry development. He said risk-sharing should define not only consumer products but also guide the creative efforts of industry players. “In these turbulent times, risk taking is necessary in order that we can surpass the achievements of the past and truly harness the potential ahead of us.” He encouraged institutions to invest, innovate, integrate and think big, offering solutions that conventional finance has yet to explore. “In particular, innovation in the halal sector should be a primary focus to enhance efficiency and transparency across the end-to-end supply chain.” Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, SC executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre Leadership Council chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar and Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. – Bernama Value of ringgit strengthening: PM KUALA LUMPUR: The value of the ringgit is currently at a good level following the encouraging GDP for the first quarter of 2024, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. At 9am yesterday, the ringgit continued to strengthen to 4.69/695 against the US dollar, up from 4.694/699. “(The ringgit at RM4.69 this morning) is okay, the figures are strengthening and generally good. “Our economy is thankfully good in the first quarter,” he said yesterday. Malaysia’s economy grew at 4.2% in the first quarter of 2024 compared with 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023, driven by stronger private spending and positive export growth. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The government will finalise the implementation of Quick Response (QR) codes for immigration clearance at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex in Johor after the conclusion of the first phase three-month trial period, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the first phase of the QR code system involving Malaysian citizens at both CIQ complexes for bus and motorcycle travel, would commence on Saturday. “The Proof of Concept will undergo a threemonth trial period, during which the effectiveness and benefits of all systems will be assessed, along with the identification of any weaknesses requiring improvement. “If it runs smoothly, then it can be implemented. Only then will the Home Ministry finalise which companies are successful and which concepts will be used,” he said after officiating at the National Conference on Stormwater Management yesterday. Fadillah, who also chairs the Special Committee on Addressing Johor Causeway Congestion, added that during the implementation of the first phase, three proposed systems would be tested for effectiveness. “Three proposed systems from several companies have been submitted to the Home Ministry. We will test these systems. Travelers only need to download the app, register, choose either Digital ID or MySejahtera and take a passport or individual photo for verification. “So, when they pass through immigration, there is no need to take out their passports. Just scan the QR code, and it will automatically be in the immigration system. This concept is expected to save travel time by an average of 50%.” He also said the outcome of the meeting of the Special Committee on Addressing Johor Causeway Congestion held on Monday would be presented to the Cabinet as soon as possible. Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the government would enhance the Manual for Environmentally Friendly Drainage (MEFD), as a crucial step to improve rainwater management to reduce floods. “It is a dynamic document, that is constantly updated according to current circumstances. “One thing we need to consider is how to introduce suitable technology to monitor forecasts on possible disasters. It may enable us to make earlier forecasts.” MEFD is a prerequisite for the approval of development plans involving drainage infrastructure, focusing primarily on addressing long-term flood issues and saving government expenditure on flood mitigation, Bernama reported. It also provides a solid foundation for designing drainage systems. oDecision on implementation to be made after benefits, weaknesses assessed during trial run, says DPM Fadillah viewing an Apache 4 unmanned surface vehicle at an exhibition held in conjunction with the National Conference on Stormwater Management in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 3 FT Dept to act on immigrant dumping issue LABUAN: The Federal Territories Department will focus on resolving the prolonged IMM13 issues on the duty-free island and the dumping of foreign immigrants in Kuala Lumpur. The IMM13 is a document issued to Filipino citizens with refugee status in Sabah and Labuan. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the issues were discussed during the Federal Territories state security working committee meeting No.1/2024 in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, marking the first such meeting since 2020. “The meeting primarily focused on various security and public order issues,” she said in a statement. Zaliha also highlighted the issue of illegal settlements by Rohingya people in Bandar Baru Sentul, which was widely shared online, and said the matter would be addressed immediately. She also announced the establishment of a special unit, the KL Strike Force, that would operate in an integrated manner with the involvement of police, the Immigration Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Customs Department. She said the unit would address security issues, including those involving street traders, hawkers, petty traders, beggars, homeless people and other matters threatening public safety and order in the Federal Territory. “This concerted enforcement will commence immediately in hotspot areas, including swift action on widely shared posts on social media,” Zaliha said. – Bernama Group to sue govt over vaccination side effects PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association is set to initiate a class action suit against the government on behalf of those who experienced side effects or died as a result of the Covid-19 vaccination. Its president Datuk Nadzim Johan said it is crucial to hold the authorities accountable and ensure justice for those adversely affected by the vaccines. “The association has been vocal about our concerns regarding the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines administered in the country. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck the world, Malaysians were forced to take a vaccine whose effectiveness and safety were unproven. “This happened because we bowed to Western pressure and followed their lead without validating test results conducted by our experts. Many Malaysians experienced side effects from the vaccines. “Medical experts, legal practitioners and the public have been dragged to court, sentenced, and even imprisoned for raising questions about the efficacy of the vaccine. The government must be held accountable for all this.” Nadzim also said the association received 496 complaints regarding vaccines and those discriminated against for not being vaccinated. “Some lost their jobs. Others were barred from entering mosques and denied licences. We have classified all these incidents under discrimination. “Some of the complainants also lodged police reports, and when they complained to us, we referred their cases to our lawyers, who advised the Health Ministry be sued,” he said. In 2021, the government approved financial assistance for local and foreign nationals who experienced adverse effects after being injected with the Covid-19 vaccine. Former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the Perikatan Nasional government would provide RM50,000 for each Parallel pathway issue to be promptly resolved: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: The government has given an assurance that the Specialisation Degree Training Programme or “Parallel Pathway” issue will be resolved promptly, and that a proposed solution framework has been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for evaluation. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said discussions with the health minister was held recently to find a solution regarding legal aspects, in addition to issues related to the recognition of medical programmes offered in universities. “The government is examining comprehensive solutions that also involve legal aspects such as a need for any amendments to the Medical Act 1971, in addition to matters related to the recognition of medical programmes offered at universities. “We have looked into it more deeply and identified that it needs to be resolved regarding matters within legal provisions,” he said after attending the investED training programme graduation ceremony organised by the Securities Commission on Monday. The Parallel Pathway issue gained attention when the Malaysian Medical Association requested Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to allow entry of non-Bumiputera medical officers, who wished to undergo specialised training in cardiothoracic fields, just like how the institution accepts international students. This comes after the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) rejected the applications of four cardiothoracic surgeons to be listed in the National Specialist Register due to their Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Cardiothoracic Surgery qualification not being recognised. Zambry said the issue should not only focus on the matter of admitting the four doctors to UiTM but also on why the MMC does not recognise their academic qualifications. “It is unfair if we accuse UiTM of being too rigid and not providing space, showing no compassion to urgent cases. “This involves the MMC. Although they (doctors) may be allowed to temporarily pass out if UiTM provides space, ultimately will the MMC accept them or not? This is the real question.” – Bernama Call to set up Islamic affairs state panel GEORGE TOWN: Penang State Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusof has proposed a special committee be set up under the state Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss internal issues on Islamic religious affairs in the state. He said the setting up of the special committee was crucial considering the sensitivities in addressing issues related to Malay and Islamic affairs. “The mechanism for appointing this special committee is through the PAC standing committee meeting. “The appointment of members of this special committee should be proposed and approved by the permanent members of the PAC committee,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak’s speech in the state assembly sitting on Monday. Muhammad Fauzi (PN-Sungai Dua) said the main function of the special committee will be to audit institutions related to Muslims, such as the Penang State Islamic Religious Council, the institutions of zakat, baitul mal and mosques. He said internal issues related to Islamic affairs should be discussed and dealt with by Muslims. – Bernama █ BYQIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [email protected] University signs training MoU with AGC KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) made history by becoming the first public institution of higher learning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). The MoU, signed by Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh and UUM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Bachelor of Law with Honours programme at UUM on Monday. The MoU entails the AGC offering attachment programmes to students from the UUM School of Law, providing them with valuable practical experience, and opportunities for sabbaticals or industrial training for UUM academic staff and legal officers. The MoU also serves as a platform for collaborative research, studies, and knowledge sharing in the legal field between UUM academic staff/legal officers and the AGC. In a statement, Ahmad Terrirudin said the AGC is committed to implementing the MoU for the advancement of the nation’s legal system, as demonstrated by the presence of several senior AGC officers at the event. – Bernama case of serious side effects that require prolonged hospitalisation. It would also provide up to RM500,000 each in the event of permanent disability or death following vaccination. Nadzim said the affected families were now demanding compensation as per the assurance, as it is their right to do so. “Since it is challenging for victims to receive compensation by pursuing the matter on their own, we shall represent them in a class action suit in the hope that the court will mete out justice through compensation for the families,” he said. “We are seeking compensation because none of the victims or their families can sue the vaccine manufacturers, according to World Health Organisation regulations. Purchase contracts with the vaccine manufacturers also state that they cannot be sued, so the government must bear the consequences.” The association became aware of the side effects and evidence through the complaints by the victims. Nadzim said any medication that has side effects should be immediately withdrawn from the market and subjected to a review. “Post-mortems should also have been conducted on the deceased but the government did not take such action.” He said the association has been filing civil lawsuits to defend the rights of Covid-19 victims since 2021, but the courts initially rejected their suits despite ample literature and reviews of the vaccines. “Over the past two years, numerous scientists from Thailand and the US have disclosed research findings indicating that the mRNA vaccine can lead to severe side effects, including heart attacks and blood clots. “These scientific findings and official admissions highlight the potential risks associated with the vaccine, which have affected many. “All the victims were healthy when taking the vaccine, but suffered sudden changes soon after. Some became paralysed, and many died needlessly.” Nadzim said the government has stated that it will provide wang ihsan (courtesy money) as financial relief for the victims. However, due to the economic issues in the country, it is still very difficult to obtain such assistance. The association claims it received 496 complaints regarding vaccines and individuals being discriminated against for not being vaccinated. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN oAssociation president says individuals were ‘forced to take vaccine whose safety and effectivess were unproven’

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 4 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Govt urged to address SPM dropout issue at source PETALING JAYA: With the Education Ministry saying on Monday that 10,000 Form Five students failed to take the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 examinations, the Parent Action Group for Education has urged state governments to step up efforts to aid their families. Its president Datin Noor Azima Abdul Rahim said: “State governments should provide more robust job programmes for parents and financial assistance for low-income families to ensure their children can focus on their studies.” She said it is sad that of the 395,870 candidates who sat for the national examination last year, 10,000 missed it for various reasons, mainly due to coming from disadvantaged backgrounds with financial issues. Noor Azima said this was the case despite the significant decrease in the number of students not taking the SPM examinations, which showed an improvement compared with 2022 when 30,000 students missed it. She said using technology may not be the answer for all students to achieve the national education goal. Instead, a more human and personalised approach through parental involvement and state government intervention is needed. “For instance, since its inception in 2009, Selangor’s People’s Tuition Programme (SPTP) has extended a helping hand to struggling SPM candidates in the state, with approximately 65,000 students set to benefit from free tuition in six subjects.” Launched as a RM6 million state initiative, SPTP provides coaching in Bahasa Melayu, English, History, Science and Mathematics, and from this year, Additional Mathematics as well. The programme has enlisted the expertise of 1,956 teachers to support students in their academic endeavours. The initiative involves more than 270 schools across Selangor, demonstrating the state’s commitment to enhancing educational Noor Azima said improving the school environment could create a more conducive learning setting to foster student success. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN oEducation group proposes more financial aid for low-income families to ensure children able to focus on studies █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] Perak to increase grain corn yield for livestock industry KAMPAR: A grain corn pilot project for the livestock industry in Perak is starting to show positive results, with an expected yield of about 60 tonnes. State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the production was the result of developing an 11ha area covering two districts under the National Agro-Food Policy 2.0. He said the pilot project, comprising a nine hectare area in Kampar and four hectares in Kuala Kangsar, commenced in February. The Kampar farm, that was harvested yesterday, is expected to yield 40.5 tonnes while the Kuala Kangsar site, which will be harvested soon, is expected to produce 18 tonnes. “The project, in collaboration with the state Agriculture Department, which is carried out by Syarikat Ikatan Masz in Kampung Redang Sawa near Kampar, is the first and largest project in the state to help cover the need for grain corn in the formulation of animal feed for local breeders. “Growers started planting in February, using the GWNG 5005 variety and received assistance from the state agriculture department under the provisions of the Food Security Project: Strengthening the Development of Grain Corn (Maize) Industry,” he said after visiting the project in Kampung Redang Sawa on Monday. According to Mohd Zolkafly, the state government is confident that the cultivation of grain corn would help the country reduce its dependence on imported corn as one of the main ingredients in the preparation of animal feed. “Now, we want to focus on the production of grain corn in the state through the cooperation of various agencies, so that we can expand the crop to all districts after the success of onion cultivation at Kampung Ladang Bikam in Sungkai. “This corn will then be sold in the local market to reduce dependence on imported animal feed, as well as to stabilise the market to achieve the Food Security agenda outlined in the Prosperous Perak Plan 2030.” – Bernama National journalists event concludes with new achievements KUCHING: The National Journalists’ Day (Hawana 2024) concluded another successful chapter with its fourth edition on Monday after an eventful three days. The largest gathering of Malaysian journalists, organised by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak government and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This year’s Hawana 2024 involved the participation of about 1,000 media practitioners from 11 countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Brunei, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, China, South Korea and Qatar. For the first time, this year’s edition featured the Jelajah Hawana bersama Siswa, with its inaugural event jointly organised by Bernama and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak at the Sarawak State Library on May 25. Over 250 students from several local institutions of higher learning participated in the tour. Another achievement at the event was Bernama and RTM having their morning talk shows Apa Khabar Malaysia and Selamat Pagi Malaysia jointly for the first time and broadcast live simultaneously. The last day of Hawana 2024 on Monday was the highlight of the celebration, with the presence of Anwar, who announced some good news. They include an allocation of RM1 million to the Bernama Centre of Excellence to organise courses and training related to artificial intelligence for media practitioners and an additional allocation of RM1 million to Tabung Kasih@Hawana next year. In addition, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said part-time media practitioners in the country will receive Social Security Organisation protection for one year starting July 1. He added that his ministry will also continue the Rahmah Rebate Incentive for Media Practitioners. – Bernama Increase in dengue cases, two deaths reported PUTRAJAYA: Reported dengue fever cases increased to 2,461 in the 20th Epidemiological Week (ME20), from May 12 to 18, compared with 2,338 cases reported in the previous week. Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said two deaths due to complications from dengue fever were also recorded during the period. He said the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported up to ME20 was 59,681 cases compared with 43,619 for the same period in 2023, while there were 42 deaths due to dengue fever complications reported compared with 28 deaths for the same period last year. “The number of hotspot localities reported in ME20 was 59 compared with 60 recorded in the previous week, with 44 localities in Selangor, four localities each in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Sarawak, three in Kedah, two in Perak and one each in Penang and Negeri Sembilan,” he said in a statement. – Bernama opportunities for its youths. However, Noor Azima pointed out that despite such initiatives, Selangor still had the highest number of dropouts. She stressed the need for the state government to continue implementing such programmes and maintaining public engagement to effectively address the dropout issue. “The severe impact of mental health and economic challenges on families also often forces students to prioritise work over education. “Students who lack basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills often face mental health issues. This further hampers their academic performance. “Mental health support should come from the community and state, with experts and counsellors visiting schools periodically to help alleviate the problem.” Noor Azima also called for policy changes, adding that while it is ideal to make secondary school education compulsory, support from the students’ homes needs to be secure first. “Some students may feel they will fail the SPM as they could not prepare well for it due to the various disadvantages they faced and therefore did not see any point in taking the examinations. “Hence, initiatives to enhance parental engagement through educational workshops and stronger Parent-Teacher Associations should be encouraged.” She said enhancing engagement through regular communication between parents and teachers and having parent education programmes can significantly improve and support the academic journey of students. She also said economic interventions such as scholarships, financial aid and subsidised transport could further reduce the financial burden on students. She added that improving the school environment with better facilities and teacher support could create a more conducive learning setting to foster student success. Additionally, public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of completing the SPM examinations and sharing the success stories of students could motivate others to stay the course. “Collaborative efforts between schools, government bodies and non-governmental organisations to ensure higher participation rates in the SPM exams are crucial. While the reduction in absenteeism is a positive step, more comprehensive efforts are required. “By implementing targeted interventions and support systems, the dropout rate for SPM exams can be further reduced, offering better future opportunities for students.”

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 5 PUTRAJAYA: The regulation for the vehicle entry permit (VEP) at the Malaysia-Singapore border will be fully enforced on Oct 1 to ensure compliance with road regulations in the country by motorists driving foreignregistered vehicles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said enforcement action will be taken against anyone driving a foreign motor vehicle without a VEP as required under Section 66H (7) Road Transport Act 1987, which provides a fine of not more than RM2,000 or up to six months’ jail. “The Road Transport Department has the authority to stop any foreign vehicle that does not have a VEP from entering Malaysia. “Enforcement of the VEP allows us to track foreign vehicles coming into and leaving Malaysia and if there are (traffic) summonses, it has to be settled before the vehicle leaves the country,” he told a press conference yesterday Loke said VEP registration has been implemented since April 2019 for foreign vehicles crossing at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Building in Johor but the regulation were not enforced. He said about 70,000 Singapore registered motor vehicles, from more than 200,000 registered, have activated the VEP tags. He urged foreign vehicle owners with expiring VEPs to renew the permit and those without it to register their vehicles, Bernama reported. “The ministry hopes foreign motor vehicle owners immediately register, instal and activate the VEP Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to avoid problems when entering and leaving Malaysia.” Loke said the VEP registration process has been simplified, with the VEP RFID tag sent to the applicants at their respective addresses, adding that the vehicle owner is charged RM10 for the tag, which is valid for five years. He also said the government intends to expand the regulation on road charge and VEP to the Malaysia-Thailand border. He requested interested and qualified parties to submit proposals to develop and operate the system on behalf of the Road Transport Department. He said no injection of government expenditure will be made to cover the cost of the development and operation of the system, adding that all costs will be fully borne by the parties concerned. Loke said those who are keen may submit their proposals to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ LSeJFw4wYF8kMHib96gytBkozNeHrn_KKgo G W f C B av- H 0 Z _ G e w / v i e w f o r m ? p l i = 1 and inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected]. Bus driver injured, 37 passengers escape unhurt in crash KUANTAN: A bus driver was injured while 37 passengers escaped unharmed after a crash involving the vehicle they were travelling in and a lorry at Km218.5 of the East Coast Highway 1 yesterday morning. State police chief ACP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the bus, driven by a 40-year-old man and accompanied by a 36-year-old second driver, was carrying 37 passengers from Nilai to Kuala Terengganu. He said at about 1am, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the rear of the lorry, which was transporting a consignment of clothes. “The driver suffered injuries to his hands, legs and head and was taken to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital. All 37 bus passengers and the co-driver did not suffer any injuries and continued their journey to Terengganu on a replacement bus,” he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, six vehicles parked on the roadside was damaged after being hit by an express bus that veered off the road near Maxim Residence in Alam Damai Cheras on Monday night. Kuala Lumpur Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department deputy chief Supt Suffian Abdullah said police received a call about the incident shortly before midnight. He said the bus, carrying 31 passengers, was en route from Penang to drop them off at The Residence Condominium in Cheras and veered off the road while descending a ramp on Jalan 3/144a. He also said none of the passengers were injured, adding that the bus driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol abuse. – Bernama VEP for foreign vehicles to be enforced on Oct 1 oPermits required for entry via both CIQ complexes in Johor, with violators liable to RM2,000 fine or six months’ jail Cop charged with soliciting, accepting bribes ALOR SETAR: A police inspector was charged in the Sessions Court yesterday with four counts of soliciting and accepting bribes as inducement to not report the arrest of an individual suspected of possessing drugs three years ago. Mohammad Kassim Mamas, 36, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to all charges before Judge M. Priscilla Hemamalini. On the first count, he was charged with soliciting a bribe of RM20,000 from Mohd Firdaus Ahmad Yudin, 33, in a car at about 10.15pm on June 21, 2021 in Kampung Kenangan, Bandar Baharu. The second count was for allegedly agreeing to accept RM15,000 from Mohd Firdaus in a car in Sungai Tengas, Bandar Baharu at about 10.30pm on the same day. On the third count, Mohammad Kassim is alleged to have obtained RM2,000 from Mohd Syahrul Hafiz Ahmad Yudin, 30, in a car in Kampung Sungai Tengas, Bandar Baharu at about 11am, also on the same day. He was also charged with agreeing to accept RM7,000 from Mohd Firdaus during a phone call at about 5.40pm on June 22, 2021 in Sungai Petani. Mohammad Kassim, who is with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Bandar Baharu police station, is alleged to have solicited the bribes as inducement to not report the arrest of Mohd Firdaus for a drugrelated offence. All charges were framed under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. The court allowed him bail of RM10,000 for all charges and set July 23 for mention. MACC DPP Mohd Zulfadli Azharudin appeared for the prosecution, while lawyers Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid and Muhammad Adam Burhanuddeen represented the accused. – Bernama Couple change plea in child neglect case CHUKAI: A couple who pleaded guilty to neglecting their seven-day-old baby changed their plea in the Sessions Court yesterday. Nur Aisyah Azila Zairul Akmal, 21, and Muhammad Alhafiz Mukminin Mohd Noor, 24, also claimed trial to the charge before Judge Wan Suhaila Mohd. She set July 31 for mention and submission of documents and results of a DNA test. Last Thursday, the couple pleaded guilty to a joint charge of neglect, which likely caused phyical injuries to the infant. The charge, framed under Section 31(1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or not more than 20 years’ jail, or both. The court allowed the couple bail of RM2,000 in one surety each. – Bernama Two Orang Asli airlifted to hospital GUA MUSANG: The Air Unit of the Fire and Rescue Department conducted a medical evacuation operation to transport two Orang Asli patients from Pos Balar and Pos Bihai to the Gua Musang Hospital for treatment. Its Subang Central Region public relations officer Assistant Fire Supt Mohd Rizzan Jefri said the two were transported on Monday using the same aircraft, which departed from Subang at 1.53pm. “The crew arrived at Pos Balar at 2.55pm to pick up Tiara Syakila Jamal, 11, who has been suffering from high fever, cough and fatigue for three days, before continuing the flight to Pos Bihai to pick up Empeng Peline Jon, 18, who suffered from stomachache, headache and fever for four days.” “The aircraft arrived at the station at 3.35pm.” – Bernama MIGHTY BLOW... A resident showing the roof of her apartment unit that was ripped off by strong winds during a storm. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 6 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Sabah harvest festival unites all ethnic groups KOTA KINABALU: The month-long Kaamatan festival is celebrated by 35 ethnic and 217 sub-ethnic groups in Sabah and culminates with various events tomorrow and Friday. It is also common for other Malaysian communities to join the festival activities. In Sabah, each ethnic group has its own harvest festival and Kaamatan was originally celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun. A Dusun from Ranau named Erbi Ganang said the festival eventually came to be celebrated by all the people of Sabah. “For the Kadazan Dusun people, the story of Kaamatan started with a great drought that caused famine and various types of difficulties to cure diseases. “(It is said that) the situation deeply moved their deity Kinoingan, his wife Suminundu and their daughter Huminodun. Unable to bear seeing their people suffering, Huminodun decided to sacrifice herself to end the disaster. “Kinoingan and his wife were reluctant but Huminodun was determined to help her people. After Huminodun sacrificed herself, her body was buried. From the ground where she was laid to rest, padi started to grow, becoming a source of food that ended the famine,” said Erbi, 67, as he chewed a betel leaf. According to the hunter and trader of forest produce, the Kadazan Dusun community went on to have celebrations to mark the padi harvesting season, in appreciation of Huminodun’s sacrifice. He said from this story emerged the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, which is held alongside the festival to commemorate Huminodun’s sacrifice, Bernama reported. “Over time, people from other ethnic groups (in Sabah) such as Rungus and Murut inhabited the same areas as the Kadazan Dusun and they harvested padi together. Although each ethnic group has its own legends, we celebrate the Kaamatan festival together after the harvests,” he said, adding that the word kaamatan means harvesting in the Kadazan Dusun language. Sharing how her community came to celebrate Kaamatan, a woman of Rungus descent living in Kudat named Limna Doradong, 65, said a story was passed on to them of a childless couple in a village. “One day, a dog came to their house. Feeling sorry for it, they took care of it and in return, the dog brought rice, corn, watermelon and cucumber seeds for them to grow. “The couple planted the seeds and the crops grew well. The couple then shared the seeds with others from their community. They celebrated their harvesting activities by observing the Magahau festival. “Over time, the Rungus shared the seeds with people from other ethnic groups so that everyone could enjoy the harvests,” said Limna, who makes beaded Pinakol accessories worn by Rungus men and women. She said the Rungus began to observe the Kaamatan festival as part of their own Magahau festival, which is celebrated every May. “The origins of our stories may be different but the ending is the same as we harvest our crops and enjoy our harvests together. This is the most valuable lesson for us in Sabah.” The Kaamatan festival became a celebration of unity after it was officially recognised by the state government in 1960, thanks to the efforts of state leaders, especially the first chief minister Tun Mohamad Fuad Stephens. He ensured the festival was not just celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun ethnic group but by all ethnicities in Sabah, thus encouraging its evolution into a celebration of unity. Participants dressed in traditional attire during the Borneo Native Festival in Kuala Lumpur, that was held in conjunction with Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak . – BERNAMAPIC Unique appeal of Batik Lenggong created by PwD artisans IPOH: As the traditional art of crafting batik typically involves using wax for design creation, Batik Lenggong stands out with its unique approach of utilising clay to form the background of its motifs. What makes the process even more intriguing is that it is carried out by four individuals with disabilities (PwD) from the Lenggong Community Rehabilitation Centre, consisting of three women and a man. Centre staff member Nor Aizah Abdul Hamid said Batik Lenggong is made by placing batik stencils on fabric and pressing clay onto them with a roller. “We have exhibited our creations at several craft exhibitions and festivals nationwide, achieving sales of up to RM20,000. Additionally, we have attracted customers from Sarawak who purchase our batik through online platforms. “Batik Lenggong has even been worn by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at several events,” she said at the One District One Industry exhibition for the northern region at Stadium Indera Mulia last week. She also said Batik Lenggong won the Craft Community Award and a RM10,000 prize at the National Craft Day event at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex. Batik Lenggong prices range from RM5 for accessories such as hair ties to variations of up to RM1,600, depending on fabric type. The exhibition was organised by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, in collaboration with the Perak government. Its main objective was to promote products from One District One Industry entrepreneurs across Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis and provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to market their products. With over 100 entrepreneurs participating, it showcased a diverse range of products, including food, crafts, homestays and health services, and distributed business financing checks totalling RM9.06 million to 117 eligible entrepreneurs. – Bernama oMultiple communities participate in celebrations together for a month after gathering crops, despite having different legends of origin for festivities

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 7 15 killed in India quarry collapse GUWAHATI: Torrential rains brought by cyclone Remal caused a collapse in a stone quarry in India’s state of Mizoram, killing at least15 people and trapping seven, while eight more died in landslides and other incidents elsewhere in the remote region, officials said. Remal caused a collapse in a stone quarry in India’s remote oHarsh weather hampers rescue of trapped workers Vandals poke holes in Mount Fuji barrier TOKYO: A Japanese town that mounted a huge barrier to deter unruly tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji said yesterday around 10 small holes have been poked in the mesh screen. The barrier was put up a week ago in a popular photo spot in Fujikawaguchiko town, where residents had complained about streams of mostly foreign visitors littering, trespassing and breaking traffic rules. A town official said the screen, made of black netting, had achieved its goal of dispersing crowds on a narrow pavement across the road from a convenience store. “Although a security guard is there during the day, the small holes appear to have been created in the morning or evening when no one was watching,” he said. “It’s about manners. It’s a shame,” he said of the holes, big enough to fit a finger through but perhaps too small to capture the Instagram friendly juxtaposition of the snow-capped volcano emerging from behind the store. “I tried to put a camera up to one of the holes. Did I take a good picture? In fact, I think the net came into the frame,” the official said. Since the netting, measuring 2.5m by 20m, was installed yesterday, “there have been some people who came to see the screen itself”, he said. “But we have achieved the purpose of discouraging people from staying there.” The town, beside a scenic volcanic lake, now plans to place QR codes on the barrier to introduce the area’s other tourist attractions, including alternative places to take photos of Mount Fuji. “When the spot in front of the convenience store becomes less popular online, then the town might take down the screen,” the official said. Record numbers of overseas tourists are coming to Japan, where monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time in March and then again in April. But as in other tourist hot spots, such as Venice which recently launched a trial of entry fees for day visitors, the influx has not been universally welcomed. In Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, locals have complained of tourists harassing the city’s famed geisha. Hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji this summer will be charged 2,000 yen (RM61) each. – AFP Taiwan president thanks pilots who scrambled against China drills HUALIEN: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thanked fighter pilots who scrambled against China last week during its war games around the island, as he was briefed on the events at a frontline air base yesterday. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, started two days of drills last Thursday in what it called “punishment” for Lai’s inauguration speech that week. Taiwan condemned the exercises. China says Lai is a “separatist” and has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future, and has repeatedly offered talks. Visiting the east coast air base of Hualien, which is home to Taiwan’s most advanced fighter jets, the F-16Vs, Lai had lunch with some of the pilots who scrambled during the drills. “I would like to thank all the brothers and sisters for sticking to their posts and protecting national security,” he said. “In recent days in response to the Chinese military exercises, everyone did a good job.” Lai said he received a detailed briefing on the pilots response and the abilities of the Taiwan fighters. “Everyone is on standby in 24- hour shifts to perform air patrol missions,” he said. “With firm Taiwanese soldiers demonstrate use of a 105mm Howitzer during Lai’s visit of a military base in Hualien. – REUTERSPIC B R I E F SSEVEN DEAD AFTER PHILIPPINES STORM MANILA: Philippine authorities said at least seven people had been killed by tropical storm Ewiniar, which hit the country on the weekend, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said yesterday search and rescue efforts would continue. Ewiniar brought strong winds and heavy rain in provinces south of the capital, shutting down airports and seaports and disrupting power supply. The storm was heading towards the east coast of Japan yesterday, with sustained winds of up to 130kph and gusts of up to 160kph. A 14-year-old girl was confirmed dead in southern Misamis Oriental province after a tree fell on a parked vehicle she was boarding. Another student was injured, the national disaster agency said. In Quezon province, east of the capital, six people were reported dead, police major Elizabeth Capistrano told DWPM radio station. Among the deceased were two men, aged 56 and 22, who drowned, and a 39-yearold man who was hit by a falling tree. – Reuters SEOUL SLAMS FAILED SPY SAT LAUNCH SEOUL: South Korea yesterday slammed Pyongyang’s failed attempt to put a second spy satellite in orbit, saying the abortive launch was a “provocative act” that threatened regional stability. North Korea said on Monday the rocket carrying its “Malligyong-1-1” reconnaissance satellite exploded minutes after launch due to a suspected engine problem. Pyongyang claimed to have put a spy satellite in orbit – long a top priority of Kim Jong Un’s regime – in November after two failed attempts earlier that year. Japanese broadcaster NHK yesterday ran dramatic footage showing what appeared to be a flaming projectile in the night sky that then exploded into a fireball, saying it had been filmed from northeast China at the time of the attempted launch. South Korea’s National Security Office said the launch was “a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions – regardless of outcome – and a provocative act”. – AFP northeastern state of Mizoram, while harsh weather was holding up rescue efforts in Melthum, the site of the quarry outside the state capital of Aizawl, a state disaster management official said yesterday. Weather authorities said the powerful cyclone had weakened into a depression after devastating regional coastlines the previous day, killing at least 16 and cutting power to millions in parts of eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh. “There have been incessant rains in the wake of cyclone Remal, which led to the quarry collapse,” said the official, who requested not to be identified. There were no immediate details on the number of workers trapped at the quarry. The heavy rain in Mizoram, which borders Bangladesh, also unleashed landslides in the region. Authorities in India’s eastern state of West Bengal were working to restore electricity lines in the worst affected areas, after Remal stripped power lines and uprooted trees. It is the first of the frequent storms expected to pound the lowlying coasts of the South Asian neighbours this year. Bangladeshi weather experts said the cyclone was one of the quickest forming and longest lasting they had experienced. “In terms of its land duration, it is one of the longest in the country’s history,” said Azizur Rahman, director of the state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department, adding it had battered the country for more than 36 hours. Slow-moving, and therefore longer lasting, storms bring greater destruction. Rahman said the cyclone triggered massive rains, with some cities receiving at least 200mm. He said the cyclone formed more quickly than almost all the cyclones they have monitored in recent decades. “It took three days for it to turn into a severe cyclone from low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. “I’ve never seen a cyclone form from a low pressure in such a quick time,” he said. “Usually, a cyclone is formed in the south and southwest of the Bay of Bengal, then takes seven to eight days to turn into a severe cyclone.” In Bangladesh, Remal killed at least 15 people. Some drowned while others were crushed when their houses collapsed or trees uprooted by the gales landed on them. – Reuters/AFP determination and excellent combat skills, you are making full use of air combat power and protecting our airspace.” Soldiers also demonstrated the loading and firing of Howitzers for Lai. Some hangars at the Hualien base are cut out of the side of a mountain to protect them from air attack. Taiwan has been converting 141 of its Lockheed Martin Corp F-16A/B jets to the F-16V type, and has also ordered 66 of the aircraft with new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighters. The F-16Vs can also carry Raytheon Technologies Corp advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Taiwan’s government said as the People’s Republic of China has never ruled the island, it has no right to claim it or decide its future. – Reuters

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 8 Papua New Guinea orders thousands to evacuate bodies have been recovered. The variance in the total number of possible deaths reflects the difficulty in getting an accurate population estimate. The mountainous nation’s last credible census was in 2000 and a 2022 voter roll does not include those under 18. Tsaka declined to specify the total death toll, saying he was not sure how many residents were in the area when the landslide occurred. “From preliminary estimates, we expect it to be a significant number in the hundreds and it could go beyond. But at this point, we’d like to be careful with the number.” It is now “very unlikely” that more victims will be found alive, said a UN official. “It is not a rescue mission, it is a recovery mission,” said Niels Kraaier, the Unicef representative in Papua New Guinea. “It is very unlikely they will have survived. The tragedy is still active,” Tsaka said. “This was an area heavily populated with homes, businesses, churches and schools. It has been completely wiped out. It is the surface of the moon ... it is just rocks.” UN Development Programme official Nicholas Booth said the immediate focus was the delivery of aid and clearing up the affected area. In the long term, geological surveys would be needed to determine how many people would need to be permanently relocated, Booth said. The isolated communities, with as many as 30,000 people, had enough supplies for the coming weeks but the situation could worsen in the coming months. – Reuters/AFP Rescuers digging at the site of the landslide in Mulitaka village, Enga Province. – AFPPIC oLandslide area unstable and active, warn authorities Peru president accused of bribery in ‘Rolexgate’ scandal LIMA: Peru’s attorney-general on Monday accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches, in the latest twist of a corruption scandal shaking her unpopular government. Attorney-General Juan Carlos Villena said that her receiving the luxury items from a governor amounted to accepting bribes. Villena “presented a constitutional complaint against Dina Boluarte as the suspected author of passive corruption,” his office said on X. The scandal erupted in March with the discovery of a trove of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewellery in the president’s possession. Boluarte told prosecutors last month the Rolex watches had been loaned by a friend, the regional governor of Ayacucho, Wilfredo Oscorima. She is being investigated on suspicion of “passive corruption” for receiving improper benefits from public officials. The attorney-general’s accusation, presented to Congress, does not amount to an indictment because the president has immunity while in power. Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen criticised the accusation as “persecution” of Boluarte. “This is nothing more than an example of the systematic persecution in fiscal matters that is carried out against the president in an improper, unconstitutional and illegal manner,” Adrianzen told television channel N. A congressional committee must now debate the accusation before the whole chamber does so. Ultimately, it would be up to the courts to decide whether to put her on trial after her term ends in July 2026. The president, who has an approval rating of 12% according to an Ipsos poll, does not have or lead a party in Congress, requiring her to secure backing from conservatives. Peru suffers from chronic political instability and has had six presidents in the past eight years. Boluarte took office in December 2022, replacing left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for unsuccessfully trying to dissolve Congress. She was his vice-president. In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of “genocide, homicide and serious injuries”, for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elections. – AFP ‘Luxury influencers’ vanish from Beijing social media SHANGHAI: Chinese social media censors have blocked multiple influencers known for showing off their lavish lifestyles after an official campaign to curb displays of ostentatious wealth online was announced. The Douyin account of Wang Hongquan, a content creator who amassed more than four million followers with videos showing off designer outfits, first-class flights and his jade jewellery collection, was no longer accessible yesterday. An error message displayed on the Chinese version of TikTok said Wang’s account had been blocked “due to violations of Douyin’s community guidelines”. China’s internet watchdog in April launched the “Clear and Bright” campaign to remove undesirable content from social media, vowing to crack down on influencers who created “ostentatious personas to cater to vulgar needs, and deliberately display extravagant lifestyles filled with money”. Media reported that Wang’s videos disappeared from Douyin earlier this month, along with the accounts of several other influencers. “Sister Abalone”, a woman who filmed her elaborately decorated mansion and was regularly seen dripping with diamond and pearl necklaces, also appeared to have been targeted. Her videos were no longer visible on the YouTube-like Bilibili site yesterday. “Young Master Bo”, an influencer who filmed himself test-driving Rolls Royces and splurging on rare Hermes Birkin bags, was also missing from Douyin yesterday, with his account showing an error message that said he had “violated relevant laws and regulations”. – AFP SYDNEY: Thousands were ordered by the government yesterday to evacuate from the path of a still-active landslide in Papua New Guinea, after parts of a mountain collapsed, burying an initial estimate of more than 2,000 people. Relief teams in the Pacific nation have been trickling into the difficult-to-access northern Enga region since Friday, although officials said the odds of finding survivors were slim. Residents said they have been using shovels and bare hands to search for survivors. “The landslide area is very unstable. When we’re up there, we’re regularly hearing big explosions where the mountain is and there are still rocks and debris coming down,” said Enga province disaster committee chairperson Sandis Tsaka. “The landslide is still active, as people are digging through the rocks, more is still coming down.” A state of emergency has been declared across the disaster zone and a neighbouring area, with a combined population of between 4,500 and 8,000, although not all have been ordered to evacuate yet. Military personnel have set up checkpoints and are helping move residents to evacuation centres. Heavy equipment and aid has been slow to arrive because of the remote location, treacherous terrain and tribal unrest in the area, forcing the military to escort the convoys of relief teams. More than 2,000 people were buried in the landslide that occurred early on Friday, according to the government. That is sharply higher than the initial estimates by the UN, which has put the possible deaths at more than 670. Former head of the local government Jiman Yandam estimated the dead at 162. Only five B R I E F SCHINA DISMISSES PHONE CHECK CLAIMS HONG KONG: Assertions that all arrivals in China will face mobile telephone checks from July 1 are false, authorities said yesterday, dismissing them as distortions of the truth made by “anti-China forces”. On April 26, the State Security Ministry issued documents it said broadened the reach of law enforcement regulations and helped combat illegal activities that risk national security. “However, some hostile overseas anti-China forces have seized the opportunity to distort the truth by making scandalous and false allegations,” the ministry said. It dismissed as “absolutely preposterous” a claim that all arrivals would undergo phone checks upon entry. The new rule drew positive feedback, it said. – Reuters FRANCE LIFTS NEW CALEDONIA EMERGENCY NOUMEA: France yesterday lifted a state of emergency in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia but is maintaining a curfew and sending hundreds of paramilitary reinforcements after two weeks of unrest, during which seven people died and hundreds were injured. The French presidency said restrictions had been eased to let the main pro-independence FLNKS party hold meetings and for local representatives to try to get road barricades removed. Paris enforced the state of emergency after riots erupted over French plans to reform voting rights in the territory. Several hundred police and military reinforcements have been sent to New Caledonia. Authorities said another 480 paramilitary gendarmes would leave France for the territory. A night curfew will remain. – AFP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN UNDER PROBE CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday convened panel to investigate a national crisis of violence against women and conduct a rapid review of how to prevent such violence in the country. “Violence against women is a national crisis and it needs to end,” he said in a joint statement with Women Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth. “This rapid review will bring together experts and provide practical advice to the government to help us end the scourge of domestic violence.” The panel has been charged with delivering a final report later this year. – Bernama

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 9 Swiss lawmakers demand harder line against spies GENEVA: Swiss lawmakers on Monday called on the government to take a harsher stance on spies operating in the country – a centre of international activity considered a hub for espionage. After a vote in the lower house of parliament last year, the upper house voted overwhelmingly on Monday for the systematic expulsion of spies deemed a threat to Switzerland’s national security or its diplomatic standing. Thirty-two members voted in favour of the move, with nine against and two abstentions. The vote targeted what is feared to be a growing number of Russian spies. Parliamentarians highlighted how spies often figure in the diplomatic corps, and can take advantage of diplomatic immunity. Switzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) warned last year that the country was among European nations with the highest number of Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover. FIS chief Christian Dussey suggested that around a third of the some 220 people accredited as diplomatic or other staff at the Russian mission in Geneva were intelligence service operatives. “Switzerland, as the seat of international organisations and a state in the middle of Europe, is an attractive location for intelligence services,” said Socialist party lawmaker Roth Franziska during the debate. – AFP Israeli forces press Rafah offensive despite global outcry CAIRO: Israel pounded Rafah with airstrikes and tank fire yesterday, pressing its offensive in Gaza’s southern city despite international condemnation of an attack that sparked a blaze in a tent camp for the displaced, killing at least 45 people. At least 16 Palestinians were killed in strikes overnight, officials in the enclave run by Hamas said. Israeli tanks pushed towards western neighbourhoods in one of the worst nights of bombardment reported by residents. Reacting to Sunday night’s strike and fire in a camp where thousands of families displaced from assaults elsewhere in the Gaza Strip had sought shelter, global leaders urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel’s assault. Before the latest advancement, Israeli tanks had probed around the edges of Rafah, near the crossing point from Gaza into Egypt, and entered some of its eastern districts, residents said, but have not yet entered the city in full force. Residents said tanks were stationed on and around the Zurub hilltop, a high ground overlooking western Rafah, having advanced from near the Egyptian border crossing where Israel launched an incursion three weeks ago. oImplement World Court order, leaders urge They said the Tel Al-Sultan area, the scene of Sunday’s deadly strike, was still being heavily bombarded. “Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel Al-Sultan. Many families have fled their houses in western Rafah under fire throughout the night,” one resident said over a chat app. Around one million people have fled the Israeli offensive in Rafah since early May, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported yesterday. Israel has kept up attacks despite a ruling by the top UN court on Friday ordering it to stop, arguing that the court’s ruling grants it some scope for military action. More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive, Gaza’s Health Ministry says. Israel Spain, Ireland and Norway recognise Palestinian state MADRID: Spain, Ireland and Norway are formally recognising a Palestinian state in a decision slammed by Israel as a “reward” for Hamas more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war. The three European countries believe their initiative has strong symbolic impact, which is likely to encourage others to follow suit. “Recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historic justice ... It is also an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez before meeting his Cabinet. The move, he said, was “not against anyone, least of all Israel”. “It is the only way to move towards the solution that we all recognise as the only possible way to achieve a peaceful future – that of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace.” Sanchez also said the decision reflected Spain’s “outright rejection of Hamas, which is against the twostate solution”. The plans were unveiled last week in a coordinated announcement by the prime ministers of the three countries. Both the Spanish and Irish Cabinets were meeting to formally approve the step, while Norway informed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa its recognition would also take effect the same day. Entering the Cabinet meeting, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was “an important moment”. He said it sent “a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope ... of a two-state solution alive”. The decision has provoked a furious response from Israel and further exacerbated diplomatic tensions, notably with Spain. Last week, Sanchez’s far-left deputy Yolanda Diaz hailed the move saying: “We cannot stop. Palestine will be free from the river to the sea”, which Israel’s Madrid envoy denounced as a “clear call for the elimination of Israel”. The slogan refers to the British mandate borders of Palestine, which stretched from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean before Israel was created in 1948. Recognising Palestinian statehood has provoked sharp disagreement within the 27-nation European Union. For decades, formal recognition of a Palestinian state has been seen as the endgame of a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Washington and most Western European nations have said they are willing to one day recognise Palestinian statehood, but not before agreement on thorny issues like the status of Jerusalem and final borders. The Gaza bloodshed has revived calls for Palestinians to be given their own state. Ever more European countries are expressing a desire to do so, although others remain reticent. France, for example, believes it is not the right time to do so, while Germany only envisages recognition following negotiations. Yesterday’s move will mean 145 of the UN’s 193 member states now recognise Palestinian statehood. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member to recognise a Palestinian state. It followed six other European countries that took the step before joining the bloc – Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania. – AFP Palestinians fleeing Rafah on foot along with their belongings yesterday. – REUTERSPIC launched the operation after gunmen attacked southern Israeli communities on Oct 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israel. Israel says it wants to root out gunmen holed up in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area. In Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, one of the largest of the enclave’s eight historic refugee camps, Israeli forces have been engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, residents said. Medics said yesterday an Israeli air strike killed and wounded several Palestinians in a house in the Falouja neighbourhood. Civil emergency teams said they believed many bodies were under the rubble of buildings where they can’t be reached. In New York, the UN Security Council was set to convene an emergency meeting over the recent attacks. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths pointed to the widespread warnings of civilian deaths that circulated ahead of Israel’s incursion into Rafah, saying in a statement: “We’ve seen the consequences.” In Baghdad, influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr renewed his calls to close the US embassy in Baghdad yesterday after an Israeli strike killed dozens of civilians. Sadr condemned the Israeli strike and Washington’s “shameless” support for the “genocide”. “I reiterate my demand to expel” the US ambassador and “close the embassy through diplomatic means without bloodshed,” he said in a statement on X. He said that would be a more effective deterrent than the use of force and would mean US officials “don’t have an excuse to destabilise Iraq”. – Reuters/AFP B R I E F SEU DISCUSSES TEL AVIV SANCTIONS ATHENS: The European Union (EU) is discussing to sanction Israel if it refuses to comply with a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering it to immediately halt its military campaign in Rafah. During a meeting of the European Political Community, EU foreign ministers for the first time discussed the prospect of sanctions against Israel if it continued to disregard the court’s order, said Ireland Foreign Minister Michael Martin. “If compliance isn’t forthcoming, then we have to consider all options,” he said, adding that Ireland would support such an approach. The ICJ ordered Israel on Friday to halt its military offensive in Rafah, open the Rafah crossing and allow access to factfinding missions. – Bernama DISSIDENT ROCKERS GET MOLDOVA CITIZENSHIP CHISINAU: Moldova has granted citizenship to several members of dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2. President Maia Sandu had signed a decree giving nationality to “certain members of Bi-2”, said her office chief Adrian Balutel. “Our country protects human dignity, freedom of expression and shows solidarity with those who are in danger.” Bi-2, formed in the 1980s in Belarus when it was part of the Soviet Union, left Russia in protest over the Ukraine war and has since toured countries with large Russian-speaking communities. A spokesperson for the group said nine people had been given Moldovan nationality. – AFP

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Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. 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 Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper only per copy 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free *Special ofier for June 2024 only Protecting and empowering consumers in BNPL schemes BUY Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes have grown rapidly in Malaysia, often severely impacting consumers negatively. According to the Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB) website, there are about 2.9 million active BNPL users. From January to September 2023, there were about 52 million transactions, totalling RM4.3 billion. The volume of transactions is growing at an average rate of 21% every quarter. The negative impact on consumers is worrisome. As at the end of September 2023, 4% of BNPL payments were overdue, and 1.3% of users had missed payments for over three months. The outstanding balance for unpaid BNPL transactions stood at RM0.9 billion. The relative ease of BNPL, without a buyer’s credit assessment, and the relatively low monthly payments often give buyers a false sense of purchasing power. This can lead them to spend more than they can afford, often resulting in a debt trap. The Finance Ministry is currently developing a Consumer Credit Act (CCA). The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) fully supports the CCA, which aims to protect consumers’ interests by regulating the credit services, ensuring responsible lending practices by BNPL companies, and promoting a fair, efficient and transparent credit industry. Similarly, in many other jurisdictions, governments are seeking to regulate the BNPL industry are youths and consumers from lowincome communities. It has been reported that of the 2.9 million BNPL users, 47% are between the ages of 31 and 45. Additionally, in the Financial Stability Review for the second half of 2022, BNM reported that more than 80% of BNPL users earn less than RM3,000 per month, making them more susceptible to financial stress. The central bank indicated that the relatively easy access to BNPL may place users at higher risks of spending beyond their means without considering their ability to promptly pay their scheduled amounts. Thus, financial empowerment programmes are crucial. Financial literacy must begin at a young age in schools to form the right values and habits to ensure financial well-being in the current market environment. Additionally, some form of assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness is crucial to ensure that individuals can truly fulfil their financial obligations. While easy credit can result in overspending, the seller must carry some responsibility towards ensuring consumers can fulfil their credit obligations before credit is extended to them. Credit assessment may not be a popular move for consumers, but considering the severe negative impact of BNPL on consumers not only in Malaysia but also worldwide, this step to assess consumer capacity to fulfil credit obligations is being considered by regulators in many jurisdictions to ensure consumers do not fall into severe debt issues. In regulating the industry, all charges should be made clear and transparent, especially late charges, administrative charges and any other charges. Equally important is ensuring that the consequences of late or nonpayment are clear to consumers at the time of purchase. The easy access to BNPL services is having a serious negative impact on consumers. While Fomca fully supports the CCA, financial empowerment must also be given priority. Consumers need to be empowered with the right knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to adopt the proper behaviour to minimise personal financial risks as well as build towards greater financial well-being. The writer is the deputy president of Fomca. Comments: [email protected] “Financial empowerment programmes are crucial. Financial literacy must begin at a young age in schools to form the right values and habits to ensure financial well-being in the current market environment. COMMENT by Dr Paul Selva Raj to protect consumers due to its severe negative impact. The proactive action by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to protect consumers in BNPL schemes is lauded. Consumers International has also called for greater regulation of BNPL schemes at the global level. While the regulatory framework to regulate credit is crucial for protecting consumers, it is also important to be aware of the market economy that promotes consumption through aggressive marketing strategies. These strategies are increasingly targeting children, who are vulnerable and often more susceptible to such marketing. The habits, preferences and desires formed at an early stage often become ingrained in adult life. Thus, marketing to children should be regulated and limited to ensure they develop healthy consumption habits. Furthermore, youths and adults being exposed to aggressive marketing strategies have low financial literacy. Combined with the easy access to credit provided by BNPL schemes, they can easily become victims of these schemes, leading to severe financial problems and even bankruptcy. More often, the victims of BNPL

11 WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 S CIENCE in the 21st century is presenting all religious teachers with two options: confine adherents to a parochial exclusivist vision of their faiths with every centre of religious learning focused on the defence and propagation of one faith only or begin introducing a multifaith curriculum that instructs adherents to appreciate the value of religious diversity and collaboration. Scientists know that humanity can achieve more when there is a global endeavour transcending differences of nationality, ethnicity, culture or religion. Last June, scientists across the world announced they had made a breakthrough discovery. Hundreds of scientists using radio telescopes in America, Europe, China, India and Australia found strong evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves that roll through space like background noise. These waves could be the sum of all the supermassive black hole binary systems whirling around each other at the cores of galaxies everywhere in the universe. Have you noticed that America and China are on the list? Two political enemies collaborating in scientific research. As collaboration benefits everyone, there is growing fear that the nationalistic rivalry between them may lead to the detrimental scrapping of their science cooperation pact called the Science and Technology Agreement. Do you spot a lesson here for Malaysia’s religious leaders? They should be finding common ground for all religions to be partners in formulating new ethics for restraining identity politics shattering national unity, abuse of religious issues for narrow political gain, threats to our health from big industries, beating of war drums around the world, biodiversity loss and climate change. The new pathway for every religion is collaboration with all other faiths to help build a better future. Is there a threat of one’s religious purity being contaminated by proximity to another faith’s rituals? Let us just examine one famous ritual – the Hindu “Om” chant that has been adopted by Buddhists as well. Is it a prayer to some deity that may lure you away if you hear the chant? Surprising as it may be, this 4,000- year-old mantra is meant to represent the vibrational sound of the cosmos. Recited in a low pitch (ohmm-mmmm), “Om” mimics the rumbling cosmic hum produced by the merger of two neutron stars – a stunning event that was first discovered in 2017. As the wavelength of the gravitational waves set off by this merger is about the same as the wavelength of sound that the human ear can detect, researchers can convert these waves into a sound wave that we can hear. The inner purpose of “Om” chanting is to create humming vibrations in your body that calm your emotions, maintain internal health and stabilise your mind. This is just one example to demonstrate the need for Malaysians to shed their fears of one another’s faith rituals and learn instead to appreciate their values. There are also moral lessons with life-touching implications that we have to learn from science. Abortion is the most heart-jerking issue. In Malaysia, anti-abortionists exercise a stranglehold, and the Penal Code forbids abortion under any circumstances, including rape and incest. Exemption is granted only where continuance of the pregnancy involves risk to the life of the pregnant woman or injury to her mental or physical health. The Penal Code does not appear to recognise rape trauma as a sign of mental health injury. In America, the issue has become a sharp focal point of acrimonious wrangling that divides the nation into two – “us versus them” halves, with 13 states imposing total bans on abortion from the time of conception, nine states making exceptions for rape and incest victims up to between six and 18 weeks and the rest allowing abortion or remaining undecided. While anti-abortionists claim that they are defending the sanctity of life enshrined in religion, the socio-medical context is that in scriptural times, human birth was hazardous and infant mortality rates were very high. Adults too died young because of unsanitary town conditions and warfare. Keeping all foetuses alive until birth was essential to maintain a population balance. In modern times, some nations, such as Pakistan, forcefully maintain high birth rates as the national goal is to have a population as big as that of its arch-rival India. Many biblical scholars believe the idea that abortion is the murder of an unborn child contradicts the stand taken in one scripture, the Torah (known to Americans as the Old Testament). Although the Torah lays down this commandment: “If someone hits another and death results, the penalty is death”, it does not apply to the foetus. The Torah does not grant personhood status to the foetus, considering it to be valuable but less than fully human as this verse clearly shows: “When there is a fight, and in the fight a pregnant woman is hit so that she miscarries but is not otherwise hurt, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands, and the court allows.” This is a fight resulting in miscarriage, and the penalty is only a fine, so long as the woman suffers no other injury. Time for all religions to be partners In America, the issue of abortion has become a sharp focal point of acrimonious wrangling that is dividing the nation. – REUTERSPIC “Religious leaders should find a common ground for all religions to be partners in formulating new ethics for restraining identity politics shattering national unity, abuse of religious issues for narrow political gain, threats to our health from big industries, beating of war drums around the world, biodiversity loss and climate change. Clearly in the Torah, an existing life outside the womb takes precedence over a life that is only potential inside the womb. It follows that the mental and physical well-being of an already-born takes precedence over a potential life. If we insist that human life begins at conception, then we should issue conception certificates and not birth certificates. Should we also grant human status to every sperm and ovum? This contest between abortion and no abortion is not a battle of good versus evil: that such a divisive contest exists represents society’s fixation on moral absolutes that lean completely to one side of the argument and the failure to find higher ground in a larger moral whole. In nature, all dualities are complementary and transitory. This is shown by the wave-particle duality at the quantum level wherein a particle comes into existence only when there is a collapse of the wave function, and the two are interchangeable. A wave can turn into a particle, and so can a particle turn into a wave. Neither are permanent states of existence, and there is a larger whole that in Taoism is called Tai Chi (grand energy). What is the larger moral whole in the case of human births? It is that living beings seek happiness, and for humans as for all higher animals, this requires a bond of love between mother and baby. There is good reason for prioritising love because of an abundance of situations where the denial of abortion causes great moral harm to society. In June last year, four newborns in Malaysia were found abandoned by their mothers within days of each other. One was found covered in ants and bundled into a box at a bus stop in Taiping. An infant was found abandoned underneath a house in Sabah’s Papar district, a newborn with its umbilical cord still attached was found floating in a water village near Tanjung Aru Lama, and in Lahad Datu district, a newborn was found on top of a chicken coop. In 2022, a 15-year-old rape victim in Terengganu was charged with murdering her newborn child. That same year, a 10-year-old rape victim in the American state of Ohio was denied an abortion. She crossed state lines and got an abortion in the neighbouring state of Indiana. However, a 14-year-old rape victim in Jambi, Indonesia, was not so fortunate. Abortion is illegal throughout Indonesia as in Malaysia. The girl aborted her eight-month-old foetus and was jailed for six months. South American nations routinely deny abortions to rape victims as young as 10. Why do rape victims seek abortion? You must ask: How can a rape victim forced to have a child she does not want ever be happy raising it? If she cannot abort, she will abandon the newborn. There is no happiness for the newborn either. Not only does it carry the stigma of having no acknowledged father but it stays unloved throughout its childhood, and this denial of love will also ruin its chances for happiness. In 1992, a young Englishman courageously told a newspaper that he was born to a 15-year-old rape victim. Given the circumstances, “I should never have been born,” he said. Here is an excerpt from the British newspaper report: “From the moment I was born in a London hospital, my mother never wanted to see me. Seeing me brought back the rape again. She wanted an abortion at the time and she was right. I agree it is the right of a baby to be born but only to parents who love each other.” In all disputes, the lesson of nature is to find conciliation by seeking higher ground. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected]

ESG ESG WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 12 HLB fully subscribes to Asean Green Bond KUALA LUMPUR: In a significant move towards sustainable development and increasing its green financing portfolio, Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) has recently announced its full subscription to a RM350 million Asean Green Bond. The green bond, issued by Exio Logistics Sdn Bhd and advised by Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB), aims to fund the development of Exio Logistics’ new transformative, green building-certified logistics hub in City of Elmina, Shah Alam, making it the first green bond in Malaysia designed for the financing of green warehousing. Exio Logistics, a joint venture between IJM RE Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhad (IJM), and FMM Elmina Sdn Bhd, whose shareholders are Tan Sri Teo Chiang Hong, Mettiz Capital Sdn Bhd and Minlon Sdn Bhd, is developing a state-of-theart logistics hub designed to set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency. The facility incorporates Automatic Storage Retrieval Systems (ASRS) technology, providing tenants and operators with the dual benefits of achieving operational efficiency and excellence while working towards their sustainability goals. Upon completion, Storio Sdn Bhd will be the operator of the entire logistics hub. HLB Group managing director and CEO Kevin Lam shared the importance of green investments to the overall growth of the industry, and highlighted HLB’s commitment to further supporting the industry through green financing and ESG advisory. “ESG financing is a key growth area, not just for our organisation, but for the wider economy in general. As shown through this green bond issuance and other green financing initiatives, we are committed to being a partner for businesses to strike a balance between being environmentally-conscious while still being economically competitive. In fact, we have approved over RM3.2 billion on renewable energy financing and RM3.97 billion in green building / township financing in FY2023, proving our commitment to capitalising on climate-related opportunities and supporting the growth of green projects in Malaysia and beyond.” In this green bond issuance, HLIB acts as the principal adviser, lead arranger, lead manager, lodgement party, and facility agent, highlighting its continuous commitment towards green financing and investments in the larger economic landscape, specifically in logistics and real estate. Its group managing director and CEO Lee Jim Leng said: “Malaysia accounts for 27% of the total issuance of Asean Green, Social and InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging bays at its premises. oESG financing is key growth area, says CEO Solar panels and EV bays at InterContinental KL KUALA LUMPUR: InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s leading business luxury hotel, engages sustainable energy with the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) parking bays in line with its 10-year “Journey to Tomorrow” pledge, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to sustainability and ecological responsibility within the hospitality industry. With the hotel sector accounting for around 1% of global carbon emissions, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur acknowledges the importance of playing its part in protecting our planet for the future. “We set out to capture one of Kuala Lumpur’s most abundant natural resources, sunlight, to supplement a portion of the hotel’s energy consumption. This initiative also supports IHG Hotels and Resorts’ ‘Journey To Tomorrow’, in terms of reducing our energy use and carbon emissions in line with climate science,” said general manager Matthew Everson. Being one of the first luxury 5- star hotels in the Kuala Lumpur city area to implement renewable energy, the hotel is committed to powering up various areas of the hotel via solar initiatives, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the impact of climate change, in an era where environmental consciousness is crucial. The installation of state-of-theart solar panels atop the port cochere in November 2023 marks a groundbreaking step for the hotel towards harnessing renewable energy for a greener future. The hotel’s chief engineer Najibul Hilmi, also a certified energy manager and registered electrical energy manager, heads this initiative by overseeing the installation of the 90 photovoltaic (PV) panels spanning 431 sq meters of area space. Hotel manager Gavin Rupert said: “Upon commissioning of the panels, which have been installed for six months now, the hotel has successfully reduced 7.8 tonnes of carbon emission, equivalent to planting 200 trees, and has generated enough power to power up 6 houses for a year.” By harnessing solar energy and providing electric vehicle charging facilities, the hotel is taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of clean energy. The hotel’s 10-year “Journey to Tomorrow” action plan is a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental and social governance in the hospitality industry. Etiqa delivers on commitment to sustainability KUALA LUMPUR: Following Etiqa’s pioneering role as the first and sole Malaysian insurer to sign up to the United Nations’ Principle for Sustainable Insurance (UN PSI) under the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) in 2023, Etiqa has published its sustainability progress report for achievements in 2023. Etiqa’s achievements in 2023 can be grouped under 4 areas - To not underwrite any Greenfield Coal Power Generation Plant and meet the internal ESG Requirements for Equity Investments by 2025: Improve the lives of 900,000 households by 2025; Achieve Carbon Neutral status for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and Net Zero Carbon Equivalent position by 2050 and To achieve 80,000 hours per annum on engagements and activities related to sustainability Etiqa Insurance and Takaful Group CEO Kamaludin Ahmad said, “As the first insurance and takaful company in Malaysia to become a signatory of the United Nations’ Principle for Sustainable Insurance (UN PSI) in 2023, I am proud to disclose the achievements that Etiqa has made on its four Sustainability Ambitions. These milestones are testament of Etiqa’s transparency and how seriously we take our role as a signatory of the UN PSI, and the impact that Etiqa wants to make in the area of sustainability.” While Etiqa began its Sustainability journey back as 2019, he added the momentum has grown steadily over the years, where they have integrated ESG principles into their business strategy and operations wherever they can. Since Etiqa is a regional player, he said they have even started to export their sustainability practices to other Asean countries, thus extending their sustainability footprint and driving positive change across borders, in line with their vision of “Making the Word a Better Place”. Over 86 million trees planted since launch of 100m tree-planting campaign KANGAR: A total of 86.99 million trees, comprising 1,823 species, have been planted nationwide since the launch of the 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign in 2021. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo a/l Kim said his ministry consistently supports and encourages any interested parties in realising the Greening Malaysia Agenda through the campaign, in line with efforts to instill awareness and a love for the natural resources heritage in the country. “Perlis is also actively involved in the success of this campaign. “I have been informed that to date, Perlis has successfully recorded the planting of nearly one million trees (as of May 14, a total of 940,421 trees planted), which is a very commendable achievement,“ he said. Ching Thoo said this in his speech at the Nakawan Rainforest Festival in conjunction with the Perlis state-level International Day of Forests 2024 celebration at Dataran Pejabat Hutan Daerah Perlis Selatan, Sungai Batu Pahat Ecotourism Area, here on Sunday. Ching Thoo added that Malaysia remains committed to preserving and rehabilitating forested areas throughout the country and is committed to maintaining at least 50% of the nation’s land area covered by trees and forested areas, in line with the country’s commitment during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. “At present, the country’s forested area covers 18 million hectares or 54.58% of the nation’s land area. “At the federal level, the government has updated and introduced the National Biological Diversity Policy 2022-2030 and the Malaysian Forestry Policy to strengthen efforts in forest conservation and biodiversity conservation in the states. “In addition, the Fourth National Physical Plan also targets a total of 50% forested areas in Peninsular Malaysia by the year 2040,” he said. – Bernama Sustainability bonds and sukuk, a strong testament to the market’s growing interest in sustainability projects. This has led to an uptick in the popularity of green investments in Malaysia, as more developers and organisations incorporate ESG considerations into their offerings. As we move ahead with our shared sustainability agenda, we have a responsibility as a financial institution to promote green, lowcarbon projects. We see our commitment to this green bond issuance leading to further green developments, not just on the product front but also implemented throughout the production, logistics, and distribution process, as we collectively build towards carbon neutrality.” Exio Logistics representative Lee Chun Fai, who is also the Group CEO & managing director of IJM also commented on the increasing appeal of green financing and the flexibility it approves developers in pursuing sustainable projects. “Leveraging green bonds to finance our development is a win-win approach, providing us with the flexibility to fundraise for our projects, while ensuring that sustainability considerations are integrated. This marks a significant milestone for Exio Logistics as we lead the way in developing environmentally conscious infrastructure. Our commitment to green financing underscores our goal of advancing industry standards and moving towards achieving global carbon neutrality. We are enthusiastic about this collaboration with Hong Leong and look forward to pursuing more green-focused projects in the future.”

WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expected to become a semiconductor hub in Asia given its significant role in the country’s economy, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He said semiconductor exports currently account for 40% of the country’s total exports. “This makes Malaysia the sixth largest exporter in this sector,” he disclosed during the launch of Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday. Nearly 500 exhibitor companies are featuring their products in more than 1,000 exhibition booths at the three-day event. Tengku Zafrul said global demand for semiconductors is expected to reach US$1 trillion (RM4.69 trillion) by 2030 with continuous growth projected. “Malaysia aims to leverage its 50-year presence in this industry and advance to the next level of value by capitalising on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and everyday applications.” According to him, Malaysia has a proud history and a strong track record in the semiconductor sector. “For more than five decades, our country has built a strong legacy as a key player in the Asean semiconductor circuit, while playing an important role in the global electronics supply chain,” he said. Tengku Zafrul said this strategic arrangement has provided the country’s electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, especially the semiconductor sector, with access to a global market of over four billion people. He stated that Malaysia is increasingly seen as an important Southeast Asian nation in helping to secure the global supply chain for the industry and ensuring the continued growth of the strategic importance of the semiconductor sector. “The increasing global dependency on semiconductors has stimulated research and manufacturing in Southeast Asia,” he remarked. He said this also makes the components more crucial in modern electronics and advanced research that can address or exacerbate global issues. Meanwhile, SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha said Southeast Asia is well-positioned to help accelerate the semiconductor industry’s unprecedented growth driven in part by the game-changing innovations such as GenAl. “Events like Semicon Southeast Asia play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, partnership, and innovation. The growth in participation this year reflects the growing relevance of this event and the collective commitment to advancing the semiconductor ecosystem to Southeast Asia and beyond,” said Ajit. Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment and Development Authority CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said, “We are steadfast in our commitment to position Malaysia as a premier investment destination, particularly in the thriving E&E industry. With our investor-friendly policies, wellestablished infrastructure, and highly skilled talent pool, Malaysia offers an ideal environment for businesses seeking to establish and broaden their presence in Asia. We are prepared to facilitate and accommodate advanced technologies brought by our investors.” Invest Selangor Bhd CEO Datuk Hasan Azhari said that they are happy to partner with SEMI Southeast Asia and showcase Selangor’s attractiveness as an investment destination through industrial park visits to Elmina Business Park and Eco World Business Park V, and they aim to demonstrate the conducive business environment and abundant opportunities available in Selangor. ‘Malaysia set to become Asia semiconductor hub’ oCountry aims to leverage its 50-year presence in the industry and advance to the next level of value: Tengku Zafrul KWAP: RM6b for investment under Dana Pemacu KUALA LUMPUR: Retirement Fund (Incorporated) – KWAP – has allocated RM6 billion for private capital investment under Dana Pemacu. KWAP will allocate RM3 billion for syariahcompliant investments, making up 50% of Dana Pemacu’s total capital commitment of RM6 billion. Dana Pemacu will be a Malaysia-focused private equity investment strategy, targeting key economic sectors including food security, education, silver economy and healthcare, energy transition, digital economy, financial inclusion, and other impact-related critical themes under the Economy Madani framework. Dana Pemacu will be executed through Separately Managed Account (SMA) funds in partnership between local talents and top international investment managers across three different asset classes – private equity, infrastructure and real estate. Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who launched Dana Pemacu, said it is in line with the broader reform by the government to optimise government-linked investment company institutional funds to spur investments into high-growth Malaysian companies, contributing to initiatives which raise the ceiling under the Economy Madani framework. “Dana Pemacu’s approach of partnership with domestic and international investment managers will help strengthen Malaysia’s private markets ecosystem,” he explained. The RM6 billion capital commitment will be invested via conventional and syariahcompliant SMAs, with 50% to be syariahfocused, unlocking the potential of Islamic equity capital in creating a greater impact in syariah-compliant investment and enhancing the overall private markets, as well as offering unique opportunities for ethical and socially responsible investing. KWAP CEO Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed said the fund believes Dana Pemacu is instrumental in the growth and progress of the nation. She also said that the plan is to deploy this investment through the creation of partnership models between local talents and international fund managers, which will serve to catalyse the private market investment ecosystem in Malaysia. “Furthermore, this initiative will bring global best practices and expertise to the local market as well as driving knowledge-transfer and industry network – enhancing local talents,” she added. Nik Amlizan said KWAP aspires to support more local companies to scale domestically and internationally through both conventional and syariah-compliant channels through this newly launched capital investment, ultimately strengthening financial markets and enhancing local talent development in Malaysia. “Through Dana Pemacu we aim to support Malaysia’s pursuit of transforming the country’s industrial sector to be more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 of the Madani Economy, through financing projects related to private equity, infrastructure, and real estate sectors,” she added. With Dana Pemacu as an investment strategy, KWAP said it continues to strive for optimal returns for the fund to assist the government in financing its pension liabilities. █ BYAIMIE SHAZRIE [email protected] █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] Tengku Zafrul says Malaysia has a proud history and a strong track record in the semiconductor sector. ‘Need to improve regulations to widen use of syariah financial contracts’ KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour yesterday stressed on the need to improve regulatory frameworks to facilitate the use of a more diverse range of syariahcompliant financial contracts. He also advocated closer collaborations with multilateral institutions and investors to drive the initiative forward. “We look forward to the efforts that will support these propositions. This includes closer engagements with multilateral institutions and investors, as well as initiatives to enhance the regulatory environment to facilitate the application of a more diverse range of syariah contracts,” he said at the Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance with the theme “Shaping a Resilient Global Islamic Economy through Values-based Reforms” yesterday. According to the central bank governor, there are three propositions for consideration – first, embodying Maqasid al-Shariah in economic and sustainable structural reforms; second, advancing innovation in tijari (trade) and waqf as catalysts to reinforce an inclusive and resilient socio-economic model, where Islamic finance plays a greater role in delivering value-based solutions; and, third, strengthening global integration to propel mutual economic development and shared prosperity among Islamic nations, including through increased intratrade within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. – BY HAYATUN RAZAK Berjaya Land posts higher revenue, profit after tax for Q3 PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Land (BLand) registered revenue of RM1.95 billion and profit after tax of RM70.72 million in the third quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to revenue of RM1.94 billion and profit after tax of RM18 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter. The higher group revenue was recorded through income from hotels and resorts business segment due to higher overall average room rate and higher overall occupancy rate during the current quarter under review with the rise in tourist arrivals. H.R. Owen Plc reported higher after-sales revenue due to favourable foreign exchange effect, when converted into ringgit. In addition, a stronger profit margin earned was also reported from new car sales as well as profit improvement from full resumption of its aftersales operations. Higher revenue reported by STM Lottery Sdn Bhd also contributed to the improved group revenue. The gain on deemed disposal of partial equity interest in an associated company amounted to RM42.50 million and the resultant gain on remeasurement of retained equity interest in a former associate company amounted to RM56.89 million in this current quarter. The group said it will monitor the prevailing global and local political development in the countries where the group has business operations. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, directors are cautiously optimistic that business operations of the group for the remaining quarter of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, will be satisfactory.

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 14 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Total trade for April hits RM221.7b, Penang top exporter PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s total trade for April 2024 amounted to RM221.7 billion with exports and imports of RM114.7 billion and RM107.0 billion, respectively, said Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin. “Exports was valued at RM114.7 billion in April 2024, increased RM9.5 billion (+9.1%) as compared to the same month of the previous year. The increase in exports was attributed to the higher exports in most states such as Selangor (+RM3.0 billion), Sarawak (+RM2.1 billion), Penang (+RM1.4 billion), WP Kuala Lumpur (+RM1.0 billion), Perak (+RM894.4 million), Terengganu (+RM826.4 million), Sabah (+RM669.2 million), Johor (+RM534.0 million), Kelantan (+RM164.9 million) and W.P. Labuan (+RM7.2 million),” he said. However, exports decreased in Kedah by RM669.7 million, Pahang (-RM377.0 million), Negeri Sembilan (-RM125.6 million), Perlis (- RM26.7 million) and Malacca (-RM25.6 million). Penang remained as the top exporter with 30.1% share, followed by Johor (20.4%), Selangor (18.5%), Sarawak (8.2%) and Kuala Lumpur (4.7%). Looking at the performance of imports by state, Mohd Uzir said imports in April this year increased RM14.5 billion (+15.6%) as compared to the same month in 2023. The increase in imports was attributed by the higher imports in most states such as Selangor (+RM4 billion), Penang (+RM3.6 billion), Johor (+RM1.6 billion), Malacca (+RM1.3 billion) and Kedah (+RM1.2 billion). However, imports decreased in Labuan by RM41.1 million and Kelantan (-RM19.3 million). Selangor dominates Malaysia’s imports with a share of 27.2%, followed by Johor (21.6%). PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures the price changes of goods at the producer level, edged up by 1.9% in April 2024 from a 1.6% increase recorded in the previous month. Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that similar to the previous month, all sectors registered an increase in April. “The mining sector continued to surge by 10% (March: 8.3%), contributed by the increases in extraction of crude petroleum (12.3%) and extraction of natural gas (3.5%) indices. The agriculture, forestry & fishing sector also increased by 5.4% (March: 5.5%), with the index of growing of perennial crops and animal production going up by 9.2% and 2.9%, respectively,” he added. At the same time, the manufacturing sector recorded a marginal increase of 0.8% (March: 0.6%) due to the manufacture of computer, electronic & optical products index (8.9%). For the utility sector, the electricity & gas supply index went up by 1%, while the water supply index recorded an increase of 7.2%. oApril reading higher by 1.9%, all sectors post increases He explained, “On a monthly basis, PPI local production went up by 0.5% as compared to 1.6% in March 2024. The mining sector rose by 2.1% (March: 2.3%) contributed by extraction of crude petroleum (2.7%) and extraction of natural gas (0.4%) indices. The agriculture, forestry & fishing sector increased at a slower pace of 0.7% from 4.3% recorded in the previous month, supported by the growing of perennial crops (1.3%) index. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector went up marginally by 0.3% (March 2024: 1.3%) due to manufacture of computer, electronic & optical products (1.4%) and manufacture of food products (1.6%). Electricity & gas supply and water supply indices rose by 0.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Commenting on PPI local production by stage of processing, Mohd Uzir said, “The crude materials for further processing index increased by 7.4% in April 2024, similar to the previous month due to the non-food materials index (9%). “The finished goods index went up by 2.4% (March: 1.9%), attributed to the increase in capital equipment (4.8%) index. “However, the intermediate materials, supplies & components index decreased by negative 0.1% (March: -0.4%), affected by processed fuel & lubricants (- 9.6%) index.” On a monthly basis, all indices increased. The crude materials for further processing rose by 0.7%, while intermediate materials, supplies & components and finished goods indices increased by 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. SD Plantation brand change to ‘SD Guthrie’ approved PETALING JAYA: The new brand “SD Guthrie” has been approved by shareholders of Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (SD Plantation) at an extraordinary general meeting held yesterday. About 80% of SD Plantation is owned by major Malaysian institutions, including Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), Employees Provident Fund, Retirement Fund (Incorporated), Lembaga Tabung Haji and Social Security Organisation. “Today’s resounding endorsement echoes the trust and confidence our shareholders have in us,” said SD Plantation chairman Tan Sri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani (pic). “The SD Guthrie brand carries much significance for us as an organisation, and I am delighted that we will embark on the next chapter of our 200- year history with this storied brand.” The proposed new brand has been submitted to the Companies Commission of Malaysia for approval. The SD Guthrie brand pays homage to two great brands in the Malaysian plantation industry – Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd and Sime Darby Plantation Bhd. The Guthrie name is synonymous with one of the most audacious and successful moves made by PNB. In 1981, PNB executed a dawn raid on the London Stock Exchange, and in four hours was able to wrest control of Guthrie, bringing one of the giants of the industry under Malaysian control. In 2007, the Guthrie and Sime Darby groups merged with Golden Hope Plantations Bhd, creating a much-enlarged Sime Darby Group. The largest division of the Sime Darby Group was SD Plantation. SD Plantation was listed as a standalone company on Bursa Malaysia on Nov 30, 2017. This 2017 demerger of the Sime Darby group resulted in three listed “Sime Darby” companies, namely, Sime Darby Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd and Sime Darby Plantation. This situation often created confusion in the market as all three companies shared the same brand and logo. Another consideration was the fact that the “Sime Darby” brand is owned and controlled by Sime Darby Bhd. SD Plantation was a licensee under a brand and trademark licensing agreement, paying an annual fee for the right to use the brand. As a licensee, SD Plantation was required to seek Sime Darby Bhd’s permission and approval as the brand owner, on the uses and applications of the brand. “As SD Guthrie, we will continue to drive long-term value for our stakeholders. We are exploring exciting new growth opportunities in adjacent sectors, in line with our values and purpose,” said SD Plantation Group managing director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha. On May 7, 2024, SD Plantation announced its plans to co-develop the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park in Perak, in collaboration with PNB, the federal government and Perak. The plan also involves the establishment of 660 acres of solar farms as the principal green energy source for the area. The SD Guthrie logo will be unveiled soon. The company will trade on the Malaysian bourse as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd until the registration and approval of the application of the new name are concluded through the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Fraud bureau says con syndicates the largest threat to bank credit operations PETALING JAYA: National fraud bureau CTOS IDGuard’s latest statistics showed that 44% of all flagged credit applications from member banks are attributed to syndicates and fraud rings. The data released is captured from 9.44 million applications over the past 45 months, with a total of RM519 million in potentially fraudulent applications being flagged by the system to alert banking consortium members since September 2020. This is a 62% increase compared to the RM319 million from the 36-month result published nine months ago. CTOS IDGuard is part of CTOS’ suite of fraud and identification services which leverage CTOS’ unique and extensive database, such as CTOS eKYC, CTOS Multi-face ID and CTOS Digital Footprint. To date, CTOS IDGuard covers over 65% of Malaysia’s banking assets. “Over the past year, we have been using machine learning to increase the efficiency of the CTOS IDGuard Fraud Bureau. The latest figures have shown that this has improved detection rates by over 6% and is likely to be an important tool in the fight against known fraudsters and syndicates,” stated CTOS Digital Group CEO Erick Hamburger. “These latest improvements are vital for the sector and our economy as digital finance continues to grow,” he said. GBG, the provider of CTOS IDGuard’s fraud and financial crime prevention engine, who have worked hand-in-hand with CTOS since IDGuard’s inception, also concurred. “Criminal networks continue to become more organised and sophisticated, making it challenging for financial institutions to detect fraudulent activities,” said APAC at GBG general manager Carol Chris. “Together with CTOS, we are dedicated to safeguarding member banks by giving them data intelligence to make the best decisions about their customers, when it matters most,” she said. Malaysia’s Producer Price Index edges up Loke: All Perodua, Toyota models in Malaysia meet UN safety standards PUTRAJAYA: All Perodua and Toyota models in Malaysia fully comply with United Nations safety standards under the current Vehicle Type Approval procedures, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. He said the confirmation is based on a review and examination by the Road Transport Department (RTD) of data and retest results for six Perodua models and three Toyota models. The retesting was conducted last March by Technical Services, which is recognised by the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations under the UN Type Approval framework. The RTD reviewed and examined each data point and retest result, confirming that all these vehicle models comply with UN safety standards, he told a press conference here yesterday. The Ministry of Transport had earlier ordered retesting of Perodua and Toyota models following incidents involving irregularities in vehicle safety testing procedures by Daihatsu Motor Corp, Japan. Loke said the retesting of Perodua and Toyota vehicles related to DMC involved compliance with six UN regulations, including brake systems and frontal impact. – Bernama

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 15 Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Takaful Malaysia revenue up 40% year-on-year in Q1 KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd, the first takaful operator in Malaysia, posted a 40% increase in revenue of RM892.2 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, a substantial increase of RM256.9 million compared to RM635.3 million registered in the same period of the previous year. The revenue growth was mainly driven by higher contribution recognised from the general takaful business and an increase in takaful coverage for the family takaful business. Takaful Malaysia group CEO Nor Azman Zainal (pix) said, “We delivered resilient financial results and commendable performance in the first quarter of the year. We recorded a profit before zakat and tax of RM150.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, higher by 16% compared to the same period of the previous year of RM129.6 million, mainly attributable to higher profit contributed by the general takaful oGrowth driven by higher contributions from general takaful and increased family takaful coverage A strong 2024 for Ekuinas driven by active dealmaking KUALA LUMPUR: Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) is seeing its strategic investment and divestment efforts set in motion during a challenging 2023 come to fruition in H1’24. Mizou Holdings Sdn Bhd (Mizou) marks the second investment from the RM100 million Dana Asas Fund launched in March 2023 aimed at catalysing the growth of mid-market, high-growth bumiputra companies. In announcing its financial results for the financial year 2023, Ekuinas CEO Datuk Syed Yasir Arafat Syed Abd Kadir said, “2023 was a trying year due to the geopolitical and macroeconomic impact which left its mark on local and global economies. We divested 50.2% of our stake in Icon Offshore Bhd in March, deployed capital from our Tranche IV Fund with an 80% acquisition in Symbiotica in April and committed 52% of the capital for Dana Asas, with our second investment from the fund in Mizou earlier this month.” For the year ending Dec 31, 2023, Ekuinas’ Cumulative Committed Direct Investment reached RM4.1 billion. The overall year-on-year revenue growth for the portfolio companies was 7%. Exabytes and Medispec achieved impressive revenue growth of 22.5% and 15.4%, respectively. Although the overall ebitda for portfolio companies contracted by 7%, Orkim recorded an ebitda growth of 8.9%, and Ekuinas’ Education Group saw a remarkable 65.3% increase in ebitda. The company continues to meet its bumiputra equity target, achieving 1.6 times capital invested totalling RM6.4 billion, with an increase in total shareholders’ value to RM8.1 billion, with 2.1 times the capital invested. “It has been a good start for the year for Ekuinas and to intensify this momentum, we plan to enhance our support for more high-growth, mid-market bumiputra companies through Dana Asas II, adding a further commitment of RM100 million into the new fund. This marks the second tranche following the launch of Dana Asas with a RM100 million fund in March 2023 and aims to expand the investment activity into Private Credit with an allocation of RM800 million, which will complement Ekuinas’ existing PE investment programme,” he said. E&O FY24 net profit soars to RM141m KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) recorded a 124% increase in net profit for its financial results for the fourth quarter (Q4’24) against the preceding year’s corresponding quarter, to RM37.6 million and on the back of an 86% growth in revenue to RM121.3 million. Incorporation of the solid fourth quarter performance, E&O reported a 172% increase in net profit for FY24 to RM141.1 million while revenue rose by 33% to RM422.8 million from RM318.1 million in the same period. The properties segment reported a hefty 41% increase in revenue to RM312.1 million for FY24. The increase was largely contributed by progressive revenue recognition from the ongoing projects The Meg and Arica at Andaman Island. The hospitality segment revenue increase was attributed to both higher average room rate and occupancy rate in FY24. Included in the net profit for FY24, E&O also registered an unrealised forex gain of RM52.4 million in contrast to a loss of RM7.6 million in FY23, due to the stronger sterling pound in FY24. E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said, “As we move forward, we expect more interest in Andaman Island when the Gurney Bridge connecting Gurney Drive to Andaman Island is completed next year improving accessibility significantly.” MRCB expects no impact from diesel subsidy rationalisation KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) anticipates that the rationalisation of diesel fuel subsidies will not affect its operational efficiency, project timelines, service delivery, or cost base. In a statement yesterday, the property developer acknowledged that the policy change announcement has prompted queries among stakeholders about the potential impact on the group’s business operations and operating costs going forward. “MRCB has consistently utilised diesel fuel at commercial rates for all its development and construction projects, including those managed by subcontractors. “The removal of the diesel subsidy will therefore not affect our operational efficiency, project timelines, service delivery, or cost base,“ it said. The group assured all stakeholders that MRCB remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services at competitive prices. – Bernama business and higher recognition of profit from contractual service margin during the period under review. In a strategic move to strengthen our leadership in the insurance and takaful industry, we continue to focus on leveraging our strong foothold in the bancatakaful, treasury, employee benefits and general takaful businesses, and diversifying our business portfolio into the retail market to sustain our growth trajectory.” Takaful Malaysia’s profit after zakat and tax increased by 9% for the quarter under review to RM102.3 million from RM93.9 million in the same quarter last year. “Our family takaful business generated takaful revenue of RM449.6 million for the quarter under review, which rose 57% compared to RM286.5 million in the same period last year, mainly attributable to higher takaful revenue earned for takaful services provided. Our general takaful arm, Takaful Malaysia Am, recorded takaful revenue of RM350.4 million for the first quarter of 2024, 20% higher compared to RM291.4 million registered in the same period last year. The higher takaful revenue was mainly due to higher contribution recognised for our general takaful business,” said Nor Azman. Regarding net investment income, the group registered RM158.7 million, which increased by RM36.8 million from RM121.9 million recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. This was mainly due to the increase in profit income from fixedincome investments resulting from an increased investment portfolio and higher fair value gains on investments. At the group’s 39th AGM held on May 23, Nor Azman highlighted that, in addition to maintaining the group’s core businesses in bancatakaful, treasury, employee benefits and general takaful, Takaful Malaysia will also emphasise its key focus areas of investing further in technology and digital innovation and tactically expand the general takaful business beyond the motor segment as part of its growth strategy. Furthermore, he said that Takaful Malaysia will reinforce its sustainability agenda, striving for sustainable growth through its product offerings and services, while investing in employee development to attract, develop, and retain quality talent.

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 16 New Petrobras CEO pushes offshore oil prospect The offshore basin is seen as a potential bonanza because it shares geology with nearby Guyana, where ExxonMobil is developing huge fields. Chambriard said discussions on whether or not to explore the area should not be left to one single government body, without specifying whether she meant Ibama, the environment ministry or some other organisation. “I think that every time we restrict a discussion to a single institution, and do not expand this discussion to national interests, we lose,” Chambriard said. The discussion on exploring the region must take into account the potential benefits to Brazilian society, she said. Chambriard noted that the president would be the one to sign off on any deliberation by the CNPE. “Every deliberation of the National Council of Energy Policy is signed by the president.” Tasked by Lula to speed up the firm’s US$102 billion (RM479.4 billion) investment plan for 2024 to 2028, Chambriard said Petrobras would follow governance and compliance rules but hoped to surmount roadblocks by talking to independent bodies that have oversight over the firm such as Brazil’s federal audit court. Chambriard also said Petrobras would maintain its current pricing policies for gasoline and diesel sales, stressing that the company had to be profitable while also meeting shareholder needs. Petrobras implemented last year a more market-based fuel pricing policy for petrol and diesel sales to favour greater flexibility while avoiding drastic price swings. – Reuters Chambriard gestures during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. She says replenishing oil reserves is a priority for Petrobras. – AFPPIC oBasin in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, seen as country’s most promising frontier for exploration, a ‘matter of national interest’ Adani Enterprises to raise funds via securities issue BENGALURU: India’s Adani Enterprises said yesterday its board has approved raising of up to 166 billion rupees (RM9.36 billion). The flagship firm of the Adani Group will raise funds via an issue of shares or other securities by way of qualified institutional placements or any other permissible mode, it said in an exchange filing. The company did not specify the reason for the fundraising or the price at which the securities will be issued. The fundraise comes a day after Adani Energy Solutions said it would raise up to 125 billion rupees via qualified institutional placement or through any other permissible modes. Earlier this week, business news website Moneycontrol reported the two companies are set to collectively approve a fundraising plan of between US$3.5 billion and US$4 billion. Adani Enterprises earlier reported a nearly 38% fall in profit due to weak performance in its roads segment and higher expenses. Shares of Adani Enterprises rose by 0.12% on Tuesday and have gained 16% year-to-date. In another development, the Financial Times reported yesterday that Adani Group has been considering an application for a licence to operate on the country’s public digital payments network and is in talks with banks to finalise plans for a co-branded credit card, The plans to dial up consumer businesses came as billionaire Gautam Adani’s ports-topower conglomerate mulled spending US$84 billion in infrastructure over the next decade. If approved, the group will enter India’s burgeoning digital payments market and compete with incumbents Google Pay and Walmart-backed PhonePe. The Adani Group did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. The group is also in talks to offer online shopping through India’s government-backed public e-commerce platform, Open Network for Digital Commerce, the report said. If finalised, the services will be available through Adani’s consumer app Adani One, which was launched in December 2022, the report added. – Reuters Foreigners boost purchases of Indian rupee corporate debt MUMBAI: Foreign investors are increasingly being drawn to the traditionally overlooked rupeedenominated corporate debt market in India as they gear up for the inclusion of domestic government securities to a global bond index next month, recent data showed. While current investments remain modest, four bankers and fund managers said they anticipate an uptick as more investors familiarise themselves with Indian debt instruments. “We have seen increased interest in Indian corporate bonds from global fixed-income investors as they get more engaged in Indian markets,” Siddharth Bachhawat, head of markets at Barclays India said. Foreigners have typically preferred to remain largely invested in government bonds so far. Indian government bonds are set to be included in the JPMorgan Emerging Market local currency debt index from June 28, with market participants anticipating passive inflows of around US$25 billion (RM117.5 billion) as a result. Foreign investors have bought a net of 80 billion rupees (RM4.5 billion) in rupeedenominated corporate bonds since the start of 2024 after remaining net sellers for six consecutive years through 2023, with an aggregate sale of 1.06 trillion rupees, depository data showed. Buying activity has picked up in shorterduration bonds issued by state-run entities such as REC and PFC, traders said, with some experts foreseeing better liquidity as well. Though currently there is no liquidity in the high-yield Indian corporate bond market, index inclusion would encourage more flows, said Hui Sien Koay, lead index, fixed income strategist for Apac at BlackRock. This increasing interest is also making some overseas fund managers consider launching exchange-traded funds focused on Indian corporate debt. UK-based Tabula Investment Management, which currently provides government bond exchange-traded fund, has said they are mulling a possible launch of corporate bond ETFs. “We have been talking to investors about Indian corporate bonds and maybe this would be the next fund in our India series. We might be looking at an Indian corporate bond fund potentially, depending upon the success of the IGB fund,” Jason Smith, CIO at Tabula told Reuters, without giving other details. Apart from rupee bonds, investor demand has also stayed robust for dollar bonds of Indian companies since the start of 2024, with companies having to shell out lower coupons than their initial guidance. – Reuters Shopee’s Indonesia unit accused of antitrust behaviour: Website report JAKARTA: Indonesia’s antitrust agency yesterday accused e-commerce platform Shopee’s local unit of violating anticompetition rules by directing customers to use certain delivery services, news website Bisnis.com reported. The agency, known as KPPU, has found that Shopee from March 2021 stopped listing several delivery service providers it had previously used, leaving customers with two companies as options – one of which has a Shopee Indonesia executive on its board of directors, the news outlet said, citing investigators. A hearing on the matter was held yesterday, it added. KPPU said this week it was investigating the local units of Shopee, owned by Southeast Asian technology firm Sea Ltd and PT Ecart Webportal Indonesia, which operates Lazada, the Southeast Asian arm of Alibaba, but did not elaborate. A KPPU representative was not immediately available for comment on the Bisnis report. A Shopee representative said the company had complied with a request from the KPPU to attend a hearing but did not directly comment on the accusations. The company is committed to complying with Indonesia’s laws, she added. Shopee, the market leader in Indonesia’s fast-growing e-commerce sector, is scheduled to deliver its defence in the hearing next month. Lazada has not responded to a Reuters request for comment. – Reuters Seoul govt finds high levels of toxic chemicals in Shein products SEOUL: Children’s products sold by the Chinese-founded online shopping giant Shein contained toxic substances in amounts hundreds of times above acceptable levels, the government of South Korea’s capital Seoul said yesterday. Shein, headquartered in Singapore, has skyrocketed in popularity around the world in recent years, offering a vast selection of trendy clothes and accessories at stunningly low prices. This explosive growth has also led to increased scrutiny of its business practices and safety standards, including South Korea. In the latest round, they selected eight products sold by Shein, including children’s shoes, leather bags and a belt and found several to contain high amounts of phthalates – chemicals used to soften plastics. One pair of shoes contained 428 times the permitted levels of phthalates – the highest observed so far during the Seoul inspections – and three bags had amounts as high as 153 times the limit, the city government said. Phthalates are widely used to soften plastic and are found in thousands of products including containers, beauty products and toys. However, they have been known for decades to cause hormone disruptions and have been linked to obesity, heart disease, some cancers and fertility problems. AFP has reached out to Shein for comment. – AFP RIO DE JANEIRO: Petrobras’ new chief executive said a basin in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, an environmentally sensitive offshore prospect seen as the country’s most promising frontier for oil exploration, was a matter of “national interest”. Magda Chambriard, who took over as the state-controlled oil company’s chief executive after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva fired its former CEO this month, said on Monday she wanted to escalate talks about the region near Guyana to the National Council of Energy Policy (CNPE), which advises the president. In her first public comments since taking the company’s helm on Friday, Chambriard said replenishing oil reserves was a priority for Petrobras, and that exploring the Equatorial Margin was part of that effort. Petrobras has been waiting for about a year for Brazil’s environmental agency Ibama to rule on an appeal after the agency denied it the licence to drill in the area, which is about 175km off the coast of the state of Amapa, in the Amazon region. Ibama’s initial ruling cited the project’s potential impact on the environment and Indigenous peoples.

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 17 Thai Cabinet approves plan for 2024 budget boost to fund handout BANGKOK: Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a plan to boost the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht (RM15.6 billion), to help finance its delayed household stimulus scheme, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said. The plan would bring the new budget to 3.6 trillion baht, up 13% from the previous year, with the deficit rising to 805 billion baht, officials have said. The move comes as the government plans to launch the 500 billion baht handout scheme, the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s key platform in the 2023 election, in the fourth quarter, delayed from its earlier target due to a lack of funding and concerns about the impact on public debt. The government earlier said it would finance the policy from the 2024 and 2025 budgets and use capital from the state-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. Economists and two former central bank governors have said the programme, which will give 10,000 baht each to 50 million Thais to spend in their communities, is fiscally irresponsible. The government rejects the criticism and says it is necessary to jumpstart the economy, which has lagged peers as it confronts high household debt and borrowing costs, plus weak exports amid an uneven recovery in top trading partner China. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday the economy could grow more than 2.5% this year as the government would speed up 2024 budget disbursements. “The budget has not been used yet and there will be an acceleration in disbursements,” he told a press conference. The 2024 budget was passed last month, delayed from the original start date of Oct 1, 2023 due to prolonged political gridlock following a May election. Srettha said the Cabinet also approved the 2025 fiscal budget of 3.75 trillion baht. – Reuters B R I E F SSHANGHAI LIFTS CURBS ON HOME-BUYING TO BOOST PROPERTY SECTOR SHANGHAI: Shanghai has relaxed rules on buying property in the city, as local governments across China aim to ease an agonising real estate crisis that is dragging on the economy. On Monday, economic powerhouse Shanghai – China’s largest and richest city – said it would reduce the number of years that people were required to live there before they could buy property. Purchasers only have to reside in the city three years, instead of five. The megacity also said it would reduce the minimum down payment for commercial housing mortgages to 20%, as well as permit families with two or more children to buy an additional home. The announcement followed similar moves in major Chinese cities such as Hangzhou and Xi’an this month, reducing purchase restrictions for first-time buyers. – AFP EUROZONE CONSUMERS CUT INFLATION EXPECTATIONS FRANKFURT: Eurozone consumers lowered their inflation expectations last month, a fresh European Central Bank (ECB) survey showed yesterday, just as the bank was making plans to start rolling back a record string of interest rate hikes. Expectations for inflation in the next 12 months eased to 2.9% from 3.0% a month earlier to hit their lowest level since September 2021. Meanwhile expectations for inflation three years out slipped to 2.4% from 2.5%, still far above the ECB’s 2% target. Inflation has come down quickly in the past year to hit 2.4% last month but the ECB now sees it oscillating around its current level for the rest of the year before disinflation kicks in again and the target is reached in 2025. – Reuters Uncertainty over timing of BOJ’s next rate cut grows TOKYO: The Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) key measurements of underlying inflation in April all fell below its 2% target for the first time since August 2022, data showed yesterday, heightening uncertainty on the timing of its next interest rate hike. The weighted median inflation rate, among the three indicators closely watched as a gauge on whether price rises are broadening, rose 1.1% in April from a year earlier after a 1.3% gain in March, the data showed. The trimmed mean index, which excludes the upper and lower tails of the price change distribution, rose 1.8% in April from a year earlier, slowing from the previous month’s 2.2%, the data showed. A third index that measures the inflation rate with the highest density in the distribution also rose 1.6% in April, slowing from the previous month’s 1.9% gain, it oJapanese central bank’s underlying inflation measures in April all fall below 2% Sri Lanka holds rates to manage inflation COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s central bank held interest rates steady yesterday to ensure inflation pressures remain in check as authorities look to foster economic stability and lift growth following the South Asian nation’s worst financial crisis in decades. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) kept the Standing Deposit Facility Rate at 8.50% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate at 9.50%, it said in a statement. The decision surprised some in the market as eight out of 15 economists and analysts polled by Reuters had projected rates to be cut by 50 basis points. Sri Lanka’s key annual inflation rate was at 1.5% in April, down from 6.4% at the start of the year, and prices appear well anchored, the central bank said in a statement. “Incoming data suggests that headline inflation is likely to be below the targeted level of 5% in the upcoming months due to the combined impact of the administered price adjustments and eased food prices, although some upside risks remain,” the central bank said. CBSL reduced rates by 50 bps in March as it continued an easing cycle that has seen rates drop by 700 bps since June, partially reversing the 1,050 bps in increases made since April 2022 when the economy plunged into crisis. Space remains for market lending interest rates to decline further given the prevailing accommodative monetary policy stance, CBSL chief P. Weerasinghe told reporters at a postpolicy press conference. The governor reiterated the need for lenders to pass on the benefits of lower rates to borrowers without further delay and support the pick up of private sector credit to boost overall growth. “There could be space for rates to be adjusted lower later on when the economy has stabilised more but we will make those decisions based on data,” Weerasinghe said. Economists say private sector credit growth remains key to shoring up the economy. “The weighted average lending rate need to adjust more. That is what will assist people to borrow. It’s clear the central bank wants private sector credit to expand to boost growth,” said Udeeshan Jonas, chief strategist at equity research firm CAL Group. Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to grow 3% in 2024 after Colombo secured a US$2.9 billion (RM13.6 billion) lending programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last March. The island’s economy shrank 7.3% in 2022 and 2.3% last year after a record shortfall of dollar reserves and huge debt sparked a severe financial crisis. – Reuters Pickers pluck tea leaves at a plantation in the morning in Norwood, Central Province, Sri Lanka. The country’s economy is expected to grow 3% in 2024 after Colombo secured a US$2.9 billion lending programme from the International Monetary Fund last March. – REUTERSPIC showed. The BOJ ended eight years of negative interest rates and other remnants of its radical monetary stimulus in March on the view that sustained achievement of its 2% inflation target has come into sight. BOJ governor Kazuo Ueda has said the central bank will raise interest rates from current near-zero levels if underlying inflation accelerates toward 2% as it currently projects. The data cast doubt on the BOJ’s view that price rises are broadening beyond those driven by rising raw material costs, and likely to be sustained backed by robust domestic demand. Meanwhile, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said yesterday he was concerned more about the negative aspects of the current weakness in the yen right now, reiterating Japan’s warnings against excessive currency moves. “The weak yen boosts exporters’ profits but also increases burdens on companies and consumers as it pushes up import prices,” Suzuki told a parliament committee. “As our policy goal has been to achieve wage increases that exceed the rise in prices, we are concerned more about the negative impact of the yen’s weakness at this point,” he said. Suzuki also reiterated that Japanese authorities would continue to monitor the impact of the currency on the economy and households and would respond appropriately. The yen has languished near the 157 per dollar level . In another development, Japanese corporate services prices in April rose at their fastest pace since early 2015, Bank of Japan data showed on Tuesday, boosted by labour costs in the services sector in a positive signal for policymakers looking for wages-led cycle of demand growth. The Corporate Services Price Index rose 2.8% year-on-year in April, following a 2.4% increase in the previous month. For the month, the service prices rose 0.7% from March, slowing from the prior month’s 0.9%. The annual gains reflect rising labour costs in labour-intensive service businesses such as machine repair and industrial facility renovation. The index is closely watched by policymakers as they look for solid wages to spark durable demand-led inflation, which is a prerequisite for further Bank of Japan rate hikes after its landmark decision in March to end negative rates. – Reuters

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 18 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Amazon in talks with Italy to invest billions of euros in cloud plan MILAN: Amazon’s computing unit AWS is in talks with Italy to invest billions of euros in the expansion of its data centre business in the country as part of the tech giant’s effort to boost its cloud offer in Europe, four people familiar with the matter said. Discussions between parties over the size and the location of the investment are ongoing, according to the sources, with one of them saying Amazon Web Service (AWS) is considering expanding its current site in Milan or building a new one. Both AWS and a spokesman for the cabinet’s office digital transition department declined to comment. A spokesman for Italy’s industry ministry was not immediately available to comment. AWS launched its first cloud region in Italy in 2020 as part of a plan to invest €2 billion (RM10 billion) by 2029. It counts luxury carmaker Ferrari and insurer Assicurazioni Generali among its customers in the country, its website showed. AWS has recently unveiled a €15.7 billion investment in data centres in Spain’s northeastern Aragon region, replacing a previous 10-year plan announced in 2021, when the company earmarked €2.5 billion for the country. According to one of the sources, AWS’ investment in Italy would be in the billions but it might not reach the scale of its plans for Spain. – Reuters Airfares peaking as travellers in Europe, Asia seek savings LONDON: Airfares in Europe and Asia are starting to plateau or fall in a sign that a prolonged post-Covid travel boom is waning, delivering a setback for airlines struggling with higher costs and limited aircraft availability. A global imbalance between the supply of flights and pent-up demand as air travel opened up after the pandemic drove up ticket prices and passenger yields – a measure of average fare paid per mile by each passenger. But industry executives, investors and analysts said that the “travel at all costs” trend is balancing out, with some customers becoming more sensitive to pricing as they grapple with inflation that has driven up living costs. Budget carrier Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary this month warned ticket prices would grow less than expected, sending European airline shares down. “It is a bit surprising that pricing hasn’t been stronger and we’re not quite sure whether that’s just consumer sentiment or recessionary feel around Europe,“ O’Leary said. Fares were flat across the bloc in the first months of this year compared with 2023, data from travel research group ForwardKeys shows. The picture is starker in AsiaPacific where fares have dropped the o‘Travel at all costs’ trend easing as inflation makes customers more price-sensitive, say experts most, down around 16% in the JanApril period year-on-year, the data shows. Singapore Airlines last week posted a record annual profit, but net profit growth fell in the last three quarters. The benchmark Asian carrier said it expects passenger yields to further moderate as airlines expand capacity. Asia has been slower than other regions to lift restrictions and ramp up flights to overseas destinations. “We believe supply and demand will rebalance itself ... airfares would continue to normalise throughout 2024,“ Ronald Lam, CEO of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, said in March. Travel to markets like Europe, America and Australia from China has not recovered. China’s economy is sluggish and international flights remain around 70% of pre-pandemic levels – just 16.5% on US-China routes. Flight Centre Travel Group said Toyota unveils multi-fuel compact engines TOKYO: Toyota Motor yesterday showcased next-generation engines that can be used in cars as varied as hybrids and those running on biofuel, as it targets tougher emissions standards and doubles down on its strategy of selling more than just EVs. At a media event with peers Subaru and Mazda Motor, the world’s biggest automaker by volume displayed in-development 1.5 litre and 2-litre engines with significantly reduced volume and height versus current engines. “With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimise integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units,“ they said in a joint statement. Toyota owns about a fifth of Subaru and roughly 5% of Mazda. The three said their efforts will help decarbonise internal combustion engines by making them compatible with alternative fuel sources such as e-fuels and biofuels. They also hope more compact engines will revamp vehicle design by allowing for lower hoods. Toyota was widely considered an EV laggard but a slowdown in EV growth has seen it benefit from an uptake of petrol-electric hybrids. Refreshing its traditional engine technology against that backdrop mirrors a similar move at MercedesBenz, while BYD is set to unveil new hybrid technology with lower fuel consumption later on Tuesday. The automaker said its new 1.5- litre engine will achieve volume and weight reduction of 10% of its existing 1.5-litre engines, which it uses in cars such as its Yaris compact. The new 2-litre turbo engine will have similar gains versus existing 2.4- litre turbo engines used in bigger models such as three-row seating sport utility vehicles. Chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima declined to say when Toyota will launch models equipped with the engines. Automakers face tougher emissions standards in markets such the EU where policymakers are working toward emissions rules known as Euro 7 for cars and vans from 2030, before banning sales of new CO2-emitting cars from 2035. While electric vehicles have become more prominent in recent years, Toyota has been following a “multi-pathway” approach to carbon neutrality with vehicles offering a range of powertrains. It sold about 2.4 million vehicles in January-March of which nearly twofifths were petrol-electric hybrids. Plug-in hybrid, fuel-cell and allbattery electric vehicles together accounted for just 2.9%. – Reuters Travel from China to Europe, US, and Australia remains low due to a sluggish economy and international flights at 70% of pre-pandemic levels. – UNSPLASH PIX Australia retail sales grow at a snail’s pace in April SYDNEY: Australian retail sales crept higher in April as shoppers stayed frugal in the face of high borrowing costs and rising rents, another sign household spending will add little to economic growth this quarter. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) yesterday showed retail sales rose 0.1% in April from March, when they fell 0.4%. Analysts had looked for a rise of 0.2%. “Since the start of 2024, trend retail turnover has been flat as cautious consumers reduce their discretionary spending,“ said Ben Dorber, ABS head of retail statistics. “Looking across the past two months, we see weak underlying spending in most parts of the retail industry.” April’s sales of A$35.7 billion (RM112 billion) were up a sluggish 1.3% from a year earlier. That growth is particularly miserly given Australia’s population is expanding by more than 2% a year. Sales volumes per capita have fallen for seven straight quarters, the type of weakness usually only seen in recessions. This is partly due to higher mortgage rates and rising rents, which are eating into spending power. Costs for services not covered by the retail data have also been rising much faster than goods prices, including everything from insurance to education, health and electricity. – Reuters international airfares sold in Australia fell 12.8% year-on-year in the first three months of the year. Still, prices in Asia-Pacific are up more than 7% compared with 2019, with fares 70% higher in 2021 compared with 2019. Economists and investors are not yet pessimistic. Travel is still a spending priority for most consumers, especially in Europe and the US, economists said. But economists and analysts said flatter European airfares point to lower earnings and savings rates across the continent, leading consumers to seek cheaper options, especially as hotels and car hire become more expensive. “Even though consumers are still interested in travel, European consumers in particular are very price sensitive,“ said Natalia Lechmanova of Mastercard. Cheaper destinations like Turkey, Romania and the Balkans are surging in popularity among European travellers looking for alternatives to France or Italy, she said. Data from the European Travel Commission showed consumers were set to spend €742.8 billion (RM3.8 trillion) on the continent this year, up 14.3% from last year. But that could largely be driven by wealthier, American tourists, industry experts said. As Europeans look to save, US consumer spending is holding up, with demand particularly strong for premium travel. Around 16 million Americans travelled abroad in the first quarter of 2024, setting a new record and surpassing pre-pandemic volumes, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute. Economists said a strong labour market in the US is helping consumers to maintain higher spending despite reduced household savings. Average travel spending per US household fell just 1.5% year-on-year in the first five months of the year, but it was 13% higher compared with 2019, Bank of America credit and debit card data shows. – Reuters

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) CARLSBG 19.48 -2.11 3400 PETDAG 19.56 -2 6588 ALLIANZ 22.46 -1.56 217 SBAGAN 6.53 -3.69 438 RANHILL 1.35 -14.01 706,693 KLUANG 6.3 -2.78 240 ULICORP 1.71 -8.56 48,450 GREATEC 5.26 -2.77 13,425 HEIM 24.16 -0.58 1,590 AEONCR 7.26 -1.76 5,058 HARISON 9.73 -1.22 96 ANEKA 0.195 -36.07 810,521 FRONTKN 4.29 -2.5 55,295 ADB 1.02 -8.93 46,936 AIRPORT 9.92 -1 38425 SCIENTX 4.28 -2.28 15,097 VITROX 7.78 -1.27 1,858 AYER 7.31 -1.22 50 GESHEN 3.5 -2.51 1,551 IHH 6.2 -1.43 37,780 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME AHB 0.15 -0.05 -25 1,198,739 GHLSYS 1.05 0.04 3.96 1,178,419 ANEKA 0.195 -0.11 -36.07 810,521 SMART 0.46 0.06 15 740,729 RANHILL 1.35 -0.22 -14.01 706,693 JCY 0.495 -0.02 -3.88 556,511 DNEX 0.46 -0.01 -2.13 500,005 PDZ 0.045 0.005 12.5 473,650 SINKUNG 0.14 - - 467,390 SEALINK 0.225 - - 449,716 MYEG 1.03 -0.02 -1.9 428,436 HHRG 0.235 0.005 2.17 410,439 SNS 0.625 -0.025 -3.85 386,578 REVENUE 0.235 0.015 6.82 385,731 SIMEPROP 1.25 0.01 0.81 346,952 TOPGLOV 1.09 -0.01 -0.91 336,349 SENDAI 0.745 0.005 0.68 315,426 MBSB 0.9 -0.01 -1.1 314,661 KPJ 1.94 -0.06 -3 306,884 PBBANK 4.12 -0.01 -0.24 293,101 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: MAY 28 [ 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 12,311.00 -36.10 FBMKLCI 1,615.82 -2.45 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 605.69 +0.74 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 195.72 -0.77 CONSTRUCTION 241.81 -1.29 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,631.90 -26.40 ENERGY 992.45 -6.96 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 604.54 -7.20 HEALTH CARE 2,135.09 -19.34 TRANSPORTATION 1,105.22 -4.27 PROPERTY 1,096.51 -8.40 PLANTATION 7,245.66 -12.42 FBMSHA 12,569.50 -56.44 FBMACE 5,489.56 -60.36 TECHNOLOGY 73.55 -0.71 TURNOVER: 4.865 bil VALUE: RM3.795 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 39,069.59 +4.33 +0.01 S&P 500 (US) 5,304.72 +36.88 +0.70 NASDAQ (US) 16,920.79 +184.76 +1.10 NYSE (US) 18,110.60 +82.13 +0.46 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 5,067.54 +8.34 +0.16 FTSE 100 (UK) 8,308.65 -8.94 -0.11 DAX (GER) 18,842.87 +68.16 +0.36 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 38,855.37 -44.65 -0.00 TOPIX (JPN) 2,768.50 +2.14 +0.08 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 18,821.16 -6.19 -0.03 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,609.17 -26.54 -0.73 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,109.57 -14.47 -0.46 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,722.85 -0.14 -0.01 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 179.39 -1.41 -0.78 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,766.71 -21.59 -0.28 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 8,034.87 -23.70 -0.29 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 75,279.63 -110.87 -0.15 FBM KLCI 1,615.82 -2.45 -0.15 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,329.49 +11.04 +0.33 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.87 +1.15 +1.48 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 83.21 +0.11 +0.13 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,367.10 +10.20 +0.43 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 31.65 +1.15 +3.76 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 1,050.01 -7.07 -0.67 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 480.30 +4.95 +1.04 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 2,662.00 40.50 1.54 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 467.25 +2.50 +0.54 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 708.75 +11.50 +1.65 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 45.21 +0.26 +0.58 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 8,158.00 -136.00 -1.64 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 178.00 +2.60 +1.48 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, May 28 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) CLOUD 0.015 -62.5 5,000 ANEKA 0.195 -36.07 810,521 HONGSENG 0.01 -33.33 18,745 XOX 0.01 -33.33 15,988 XOX-PA 0.01 -33.33 100 AHB 0.15 -25 1,198,739 COMPUGT 0.015 -25 1,000 ALAM 0.025 -16.67 21,512 MJPERAK 0.25 -16.67 576 SAUDEE 0.025 -16.67 27,559 ALRICH 0.03 -14.29 6,851 XOXNET 0.03 -14.29 501 RANHILL 1.35 -14.01 706,693 AGES-PA 0.035 -12.5 3,329 BARAKAH 0.035 -12.5 1,000 HUBLINE 0.04 -11.11 70343 ITRONIC 0.045 -10 43017 KAMDAR 0.27 -10 200 MINETEC-PA 0.045 -10 18,651 KTC 0.23 -9.8 45,790 Top 20 Losers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) DLADY 35.42 1.66 975 NESTLE 127.9 0.5 797 GCB 4.35 0.49 247,319 PIE 6.25 0.35 15589 MPI 38.88 0.32 4,042 PARAGON 3.46 0.32 4,918 CCK 1.62 0.12 128,799 OCB 0.865 0.105 4,936 AAX 1.65 0.09 117090 KOBAY 2.13 0.09 34,956 TAANN 3.99 0.09 6,641 SAM 6.04 0.08 2,280 GENTING 4.84 0.07 119007 LGMS 1.55 0.07 23,070 PLENITU 1.71 0.07 4,304 SMRT 1 0.07 62,022 HLFG 17.54 0.06 336 MPHBCAP 1.63 0.06 26,354 NHFATT 4.5 0.06 836 SMART 0.46 0.06 740,729 Top 20 Gainers (By RM) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) BORNOIL 0.01 100 47,790 MTRONIC 0.02 33.33 4,020 ZENTECH 0 33.33 6251 TWL 0 20 136,344 CATCHA 0.375 17.19 61,658 SMART 0 15 740,729 OCB 1 13.82 4936 EURO 0 13.33 126572 GCB 4 12.69 247,319 PDZ 0 12.5 473,650 PERMAJU 0 12.5 617 PARAGON 3 10.19 4918 JOHAN 0 10 1,120 SMETRIC 0 9.3 58,537 XOXTECH 0 9.09 921 LYC 0 8.7 9,351 LFECORP 0 8.51 75600 IVORY 0.065 8.33 850 PNEPCB 0 8.33 6396 TDEX 0 8.33 194 Top 20 Gainers (By %) Bursa gives up early gains to end lower on lack of catalysts BURSA Malaysia gave up earlier gains to close lower yesterday on a lack of catalysts amidst the downbeat performance in regional markets, said an analyst. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI slid 2.45 points, or 0.15%, to 1,615.82 from Monday’s close of 1,618.27. The benchmark index, which opened 2.38 points higher at 1,620.65, fluctuated between 1,612.96 and 1,622.93 throughout the trading session. On the broader market, decliners outnumbered gainers 824 to 352, with 518 counters unchanged, 730 untraded and 33 others suspended. Turnover declined to 4.86 billion units worth RM3.79 billion from Monday’s 5.64 billion units worth RM3.92 billion. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong said the FBM KLCI formed another bearish candle as the key index retreated for the third straight session, sans fresh catalysts while profit-taking was evident in more than half of the key index constituents. The market weakness was also in line with the negative performance across the regional markets, he added. Among the heavyweights, Public Bank shed one sen to RM4.12, IHH Healthcare slipped nine sen to RM6.20, Maybank was flat at RM9.99, while Tenaga Nasional gained four sen to RM13.26, and CIMB added one sen to RM6.91. Among the actives, ACE Market debutante Smart Asia Chemical climbed six sen to 46 sen, GHL Systems gained four sen to RM1.05, JCY International was down two sen to 49.5 sen, Dagang NeXchange declined one sen to 46 sen, and AHB Holdings fell five sen to 15 sen. – Bernama 1,615.82pts May 28, 2024 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) 28/5/2024 ANEKA-WA AHB GHLSYS ANEKA AHB-WC 137.294 119.874 117.842 81.052 78.801 9.61 17.98 123.73 15.81 3.15 Most active traded Vol (m') Value (m')

BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. WE came away from GASMSIA’s post-Q1’24 results briefing feeling positive about its earnings outlook. GASMSIA guided for gas sales volume growth of 4% to 5% in FY24 (vs. our assumption of 4%), driven largely by strong demand from rubber gloves, consumer products and F&B sectors. More specifically, it guided for gas sales volume growth of 5% to the rubber glove sector in FY24. It shared that an 8% YoY rise in Q1’24 core net profit was largely due to RM9 million in reversal of gas cost accrual, despite a 23% plunge in it top line due to a 29% decline in Malaysia Reference Price (MRP). While its overall gas sales volume fell slightly by 1.3% QoQ, its gas sales volume to the rubber glove industry rose 7.5% to 8.1 million GJ in Q1’24 from 7.5 million GJ in Q4’23, a third conservative quarterly growth in the sector, having bottomed at 6.9 million GJ in Q2’23. GASMSIA has budgeted RM320 million CAPEX in FY24, out of which RM50 million is earmarked for a new 190km gas pipeline. We like GASMSIA for its: (i) strong market position, being a key natural gas retailer in Malaysia, (ii) strong earnings visibility underpinned by its ability to retain customers, typically, via 3-year contract, and (iii) strong free cash flow generation, anchoring a dividend yield of >6%. However, its valuations are fair at the current level. We fine-tune up our FY24-25 net profit forecasts by 1% each, tweak our TP up to RM3.59 (from RM3.55) but maintain our MARKET PERFORM call. KIMLUN has secured a building contract worth RM143 million from Melia Spring Sdn Bhd for building works for a serviced apartment in Johor Bahru. The construction work is expected to be completed in Q4’26. We estimate the contract will fetch a gross profit margin of 7% to 9%. We are positive on this third key contract win for KIMLUN in FY24, bringing its YTD contract wins to RM426.6 million (vs. our FY24 job wins assumption of RM750 million) and its current construction outstanding order book to RM2.32 billion, which is quite close to the peak of RM2.4 billion during the last up-cycle in FY17. We expect a brighter outlook for KIMLUN in FY24 backed by the roll-out of public infrastructure projects. We understand that KIMLUN is eyeing work packages and pre-cast concrete product orders from: (i) Pan Borneo phase 2, (ii) flood mitigation projects, (iii) Singapore Cross Island Line, (iv) semiconductor factories, and (v) MRT3. We upgrade our FY24-25 net profit forecasts by 34% and 51%, respectively, as: (i) we raise our job win assumptions to RM900 million for both years (from RM800 million and RM850 million, respectively) to align ourselves with KIMLUN’s guidance for RM900 million annually, and (ii) we lift our gross margin assumption to 7% and 8% from 5% previously. We like KIMLUN as (i) it is a beneficiary of the rollout of public infrastructure projects, (ii) it capitalises on the stable public infrastructure sector in Singapore with its precast concrete products manufactured in Johor, and (iii) its strong earnings visibility is backed by a construction outstanding order book of RM2.32 billion which will keep it busy for the next 2-3 years. We lift our TP by 50% to RM1.47 (from RM0.98) but keep our MARKET PERFORM call. MBMR’s Q1’24 core net profit met our expectation at 28% of full-year forecast, but beat market expectations at 32% of the full-year consensus estimate. YoY, its Q1’24 revenue rose 11% driven by strong sales from vehicle distribution (+14%) due to robust demand for Perodua, Volvo and Volkswagen vehicles, as well as Daihatsu commercial vehicles on the introduction of new models, partially negated by auto parts manufacturing division (-4%). However, it’s core net profit was flattish due to higher operating expenses from staff annual increments and performance bonuses. Similarly, despite a strong sales volume at 23%-owned Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (+9% to 85,896 units), its contribution was flattish, similarly, due to staff annual increments and performance bonuses. QoQ, MBMR’s Q1’24 revenue eased 12% due to the low season as well as the closure of auto parts manufacturing plant on extended festive holidays. Its core net profit fell by a steeper 18% driven by a lower share on lower associate contributions (-20%) on a weaker sales volume at 23%-owned Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (-12%), similarly, due to plant closure during festive holidays. We continue to like MBMR for (i) its strong earnings visibility backed by an order backlog of Perodua vehicles of over 100k units (almost half of its CY24 target sales of 340k units), (ii) being a good proxy to the mass-market Perodua brand given that it is the largest dealer of Perodua vehicles in Malaysia, as well as its 23% stake in Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd, the producer of Perodua vehicles, and (iii) its attractive dividend yield of about 8%. We maintain our forecasts, TP of RM5.80 and OUTPERFORM call. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7590 4.6230 4.6130 1 Australian Dollar 3.1860 3.0600 3.0440 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5300 3.4270 3.4190 1 Canadian Dollar 3.4900 3.3970 3.3850 1 Euro 5.1800 5.0110 4.9910 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9420 2.8340 2.8180 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5300 3.4270 3.4190 1 Sterling Pound 6.0890 5.8970 5.8770 1 Swiss Franc 5.2010 5.0790 5.0640 100 UAE Dirham 131.1700 124.3400 124.1400 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.1430 3.8560 3.6560 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.1800 63.3700 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.1600 65.4700 65.2700 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.6500 58.5800 58.3800 100 Indian Rupee 5.8200 5.4700 5.2700 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0307 0.0278 0.0228 100 Japanese Yen 3.0420 2.9440 2.9340 100 New Taiwan Dollar 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.6200 42.8800 42.6800 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7400 1.6300 1.4300 100 Philippine Peso 8.3200 7.8400 7.6400 100 Qatar Riyal 132.0800 125.3900 125.1900 100 Saudi Riyal 128.3700 121.8600 121.6600 100 South Africa Rand 26.8400 24.2400 24.0400 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.6300 1.5000 1.3000 100 Swedish Krona 46.3000 42.1500 41.9500 100 Thai Baht 13.5900 12.0600 11.6600 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit firmer against US dollar at the close THE ringgit closed higher against the US dollar yesterday as investors remained wary of the global economic outlook ahead of key US inflation data to be released later in the week, an analyst said. At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.6890/6910 versus the greenback compared to yesterday’s close of 4.6940/6990. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ringgit held steady yesterday while the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.09% to 104.505 points. He said market players’ focus has shifted towards the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred inflation gauge – the core personal consumption expenditure price index data due Friday. “Hence it explains the cautious stance among market participants as Fed officials have been adamant in maintaining their stance to keep interest rate steady to bring down inflation towards the 2% target zone,” he told Bernama. At the close, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. The local unit appreciated against the Japanese yen to 2.9876/9890 from Monday’s close of 2.9919/9953 and edged up vis-a-vis the euro to 5.1002/1024 from 5.1005/1059 previously. The ringgit also performed better against most of its Asean peers. The local currency strengthened against the Singapore dollar to 3.4785/4802 from 3.4799/4838 at Monday’s close, firmed vis-a-vis the Thai baht to 12.7975/8089 from 12.8132/8321 yesterday and rose versus the Indonesian rupiah to 291.3/291.6 from 292.0/292.5. However, it slipped against the Philippine peso to 8.09/8.10 from 8.08/8.09 yesterday. – Bernama INSP starts at Semicon Southeat Asia in Mitec KUALA LUMPUR: The three-day International Sourcing Programme (INSP) organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is being held at Semicon Southeast Asia (SEA) in Mitec until tomorrow. Past events have been hailed as an effective avenue to foster business collaboration between Malaysian firms and foreign buyers. A total of 25 foreign companies from Taiwan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany, Lebanon, Hong Kong and South Africa registered in this year’s edition, including nine of them joining virtually. In total, 110 business meetings have been arranged between Malaysian companies and foreign counterparts, opening up export opportunities around the world. For Semicon SEA 2024, Matrade partners with industry associations abroad such as the China Semiconductor Industry Association and Taiwan Electronic Equipment Industry Association to bring in their member companies for business matching programmes. Matrade also leads the Malaysia Sourcing Pavilion which entails a number of high-impact programmes namely round table discussions with Brazil and Bangladesh on semiconductor collaboration as well as the vendor development programme by Intel in partnership with Malaysian Investment Development Authority, essential to facilitate integration of Malaysian companies into Intel’s local supply chain. In addition, sourcing talks by the Taiwan Electronic Equipment Industry Association, and the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies, pocket talks on environmental, social, and governance, networking sessions, as well as Malaysia’s tech showcase coordinated by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation have also been arranged. MBM Resources Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM5.80 Kimlun Corporation Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM1.47 Gas Malaysia Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM3.59 Source: Kenanga Research Source: Kenanga Research Source: Kenanga Research May 28, 2024; RM5.05 May 28, 2024; May 28, 2024; RM1.40 RM3.60

Perfect Perfect pout Lipstick ipstick application pplication technique echnique revealed evealed –P22 WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME INSIDE p 23 Latest beauty products – 123RFPIC INSIDE p 24 Healing heartbreaks INSIDE p 25 Godzilla Minus One reviewed NSIDE p 26 Epic showdown in Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 22 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Amber Chia sets national record for Malaysia’s highest altitude fashion runway INTERNATIONAL supermodel Amber Chia has set a record by walking on Malaysia’s highest altitude fashion runway! Fearlessly taking on the challenge on the top of KL Tower, which is ranked as the seventh tallest tower in the world, Chia showcased the beauty of Hanfu during a recent photo shoot. In the video, Chia is seen walking around the top of the tower with no safety railings. On top of overcoming her fear of heights, the supermodel also had to adapt to the strong winds at the top of the tower, making it an incredibly risky endeavour. One of the challenges that the production team had to go through was the strict and rigorous approval processes with various units of the KL Tower management. Due to the risks and challenges, as well as the Chia looking resplendent in red traditional Hanfu. Smearing it right HOW do you apply your lipstick? It is a simple question, but it is one that could call your daily makeup routine into question. Who has not accidentally got lipstick in the wrong place when applying their makeup? It is a common mistake, and it is one that is all the more problematic when made with a matte transfer-proof lipstick, since you have to remove the lot and start over. To avoid this inconvenience – and this waste of time – try following the invaluable advice of a professional makeup artist called Katie Jane Hughes, followed by almost 300,000 people on TikTok (and over 900,000 on Instagram). She recommends changing the way you apply lipstick to guarantee a perfect lip line and avoid getting product in the wrong place. Have you ever wondered why lipsticks are shaped they way they are, with one side flat and the other more pointed? Without even needing to look back at the history of the Perfect lipstick application techniques is a well-searched online query. – 123RFPIC o A British makeup artist recently went viral with an application trick to achieve precise, smudge-free contours Chia stopping traffic with her elaborate costume. shooting area that has never been open to the public, Chia was required to sign a waiver letter before stepping onto the relevant floor. Chia transformed herself with multiple AI costumes in the video, showcasing the beauty of oriental Hanfu from different dynasties. Chia recently collaborated with mobile game Moonlight Blade M to promote the ancient oriental culture, which has a history of thousands of years. Donning an intricately detailed red Hanfu while striding along Bukit Bintang street in Kuala Lumpur, she stuns passersby of al walks of life, eliciting many admiring glances. Adapted from the legendary martial arts masterpiece The Magic Blade by Gu Long, Moonlight Blade M has sparked a gaming craze in multiple countries, including China and Korea since its launch. It has dominated numerous download charts and even expanded the exquisite beauty of oriental culture into various fields, including fashion, music, and tourism. As the masterpiece celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Chia’s product, you would probably assume that it is to optimise its application. This is what Hughes explains to her followers in a tutorial viewed by more than 20,000 people, aimed (as with many videos on the platform) at improving the beauty routines of millions of social media users worldwide. “I have a slightly different lipstick application hack for you this morning,” the makeup expert says as she begins the video. “We are not going to apply our lipstick with that part of the bullet (shows the flat side)... When you apply with that part of the bullet, you have like a reduced visibility on the actual lip line, however when you flip the bullet around, that angle lets you see everything a little bit better.” The makeup artist explains that this method of application gives her more control, and allows her to achieve a precise, neat lip line. To recap, the idea is simply not to use the flat surface of the lipstick, as is customary, but rather the pointed part. Not only does this provide greater visibility, but it also helps you create a better-defined lip line without the risk of overshooting. However, you might want to turn the lipstick back round the other way and use the flat surface to colour the lower lip. While this tip may not seem groundbreaking, and is actually quite logical, it is still likely that most people do not (necessarily) do this on a daily basis. In response, users have made comments such as: “I’ve tried it! Best trick in the world,” “I’ve always applied lipstick this way! My friends would poke fun! ... It makes more sense this way,” or “I just tried it... and it’s my new favourite trick.” This is not the first time a lipstick application method has gone viral on the Chinese social network. In 2021, a technique involving placing a cotton bud between the lips before applying lipstick scored several million views, showing just how keen social media users are to find tricks to help them get their lipstick right first time. – ETX record-breaking Hanfu runway at the KL Tower also marks another milestone for this renowned work of literature. Previously, the highest fashion show in Malaysia was held at the public observation deck (Skydeck) of the KL Tower earlier this year. As for Chia’s fashion runway, it was located at least two floors higher than the tourist spot at the telecommunications tower, making it even more of an extravaganza! Published by Southeast Asia’s game publisher VNGGames and developed by Tencent Aurora Studio, the mobile version of Moonlight Blade M is now available for free download on mobile phones in Singapore and Malaysia.

LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 23 addressing issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation and rough skin texture. Omno Singaporean wellness and beauty brand Omno combines luxury with sustainability in its new, eco-friendly and natural deodorant line. Omno’s deodorants are available in three options. The delicate Pureform is for individuals of all ages and those with sensitive skin, as it is unscented. For scented options, try the earthy Moonatic, designed to invoke the sense of a moonlit forest with its blend of petitgrain, cypress oil, and sage and the invigorating Revival, which has a harmonious blend of citrus zest and floral elegance infused with orange, jasmine and cedarwood. Omno’s offerings work by neutralising odour-causing bacteria and absorbing moisture through plant-based ingredients like triethyl citrate and polyglyceryl-2 caprate. With Omno, customers can choose the perfect deodorant size for their lifestyle, available in 50ml (RM59), 120ml (RM119), and for added convenience, a pocket-sized 5ml version. Pola Pola’s latest innovation, the B.A 6th Generation, represents an advancement in skincare, tapping into genetic science to unlock skin’s true potential. The B.A Light Selector is a formulation that utilises sunlight and red light to enhance skin health. Featuring the Firming Veil with Light Formulation, this cream intensifies firming effects upon UV exposure and provides a protective shield against UV rays, near-infrared rays, micro-dust and blue light. Pola has discoved “epigenome”, an intercellular network of DNA cells that can be activated through formulated skincare. The new B.A Cleansing Cream and B.A Wash adopt a pre-epi-volume formulation that cleanses while preserving moisture, trapping makeup dirt and oil efficiently. Following your skincare routine with the B.A lotion/milk/cream, which contains epi-volume capsules, restores skin’s ion balance and regulates the water and oil layer for plump and firming results. MTM Labo With a legacy dating back to 1990 and successful ventures in Hong Kong, China and Singapore, MTM Labo brings the custo m-blended skincare solution to Malaysia, delivering personalised skincare solutions tailored to individual needs. MTM Labo uses natural ingredients, ensuring the purity and effectiveness of its skincare products. It sets the tone for a transformative journey into personalised skincare, where nature’s finest elements converge to nurture and enhance the skin’s natural beauty. The brand recognises individual uniqueness. Inspired by oriental botanical applications, it selects plant extracts and consolidate them into MTM Labo’s library of extracts for custom-blended skincare. It strives to formulate the best botanical extracts that address individual needs; and yield a richer c u s t o m i s e d combination when complemented by other suitable skincare products and treatments. Look around, as the beauty i n d u s t r y continues to evolve, there is almost always something to cater to individual needs and preferences. There is a reason why it is a multi-billion ringgit industry. CONTINUING our journey through the latest beauty innovations, we hop into new products where these new launches not only redefine skincare and beauty standards but also cater to diverse needs and preferences. From advanced genetic skincare to retinol breakthroughs, luminous blushes, and affordable yet effective skincare solutions, these products are designed to step up your beauty routine. Elizabeth Arden Elizabeth Arden has introduced its latest formulations – the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid SkinRenewing Water Cream and Capsules Rapid Skin-Renewing Serum. Designed for both seasoned retinol users and newcomers, these products offer potent yet gentle solutions to transform your skin without the typical retinol reaction. The Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream (RM460) is a lightweight cream that visibly reduces wrinkles, dark spots and pores. Its formula includes skin-firming peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing bisabolol and ginger root. The Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin-Renewing Serum is available in 30 capsules (RM332) and 60 capsules (RM619) and delivers a precise dose of potent retinol, accelerating cellular renewal and firming your skin without irritation. Rare Beauty Rare Beauty, inspired by TikTok trends, has launched the Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush (RM136). This new blush eliminates the need for dotting, allowing you to swipe on an instant glow. Selena Gomez, the brand’s founder, loves this blush because it combines Soft Pinch’s weightless colour and Positive Light’s glassy sheen in a single step. The blush is an easy-touse hybrid of two award-winning bestsellers: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter. Its highly pigmented base is packed with multifaceted pearls for natural-looking dimension without flaking, caking or fall out. Available in shades like Cheer, Hope, Happy, Joy, Truth and Love, this blush is transfer-proof, smudgeproof and water-resistant, keeping you blushing all day. Azarine With a track record of reliability and quality, Indonesia’s Azarine Cosmetic offers diverse skincare solutions tailored to various skin concerns. Established in 2002, Azarine uses high-quality natural ingredients and modern innovations to effectively address skin issues while maintaining long-term skin health. With over 30 products, including cleansers, toners, serums, sunscreens and moisturisers, Azarine aims to contribute to collective wellness. With product prices ranging between RM15 to RM25, Azarine democratises access to premium skincare. Its Sunscreen Series and Brightening Series offer lightweight formulas with maximum anti-blue light and high SPF protection, Beauty obsession Elizabeth Arden’s new skincare collection offers gentle solutions that visibly reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and pores. █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Rare Beauty’s powder blush combines weightless colour and a glassy sheen for an instant, all-day glow. Azarine Cosmetic provides affordable, high-quality skincare solutions, making premium skincare accessible to all. Omno’s eco-friendly deodorants use natural ingredients to neutralise odour and maintain skin health. Pola’s skincare line integrates advanced genetic science to unlock and enhance the skin’s natural beauty potential. MTM Labo’s Synergy Boost is a personalised formulation targeting skin issues and can be used individually as a serum or blended into its skincare products. oCheck out the latest products to make your skin radiate

LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 24 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Beyond heartbreak I N the aftermath of heartbreak, life feels drained of its vibrancy. Each moment is shadowed by memories of what once was, the pain of loss casting a pall over every heartbeat. Like a tempest, heartbreak leaves us disoriented and vulnerable, grasping for stability in the wake of emotional upheaval. Yet, within this turmoil, there exists an opportunity for profound growth and a fresh perspective on life’s twists and turns. Acknowledging the pain One of the first steps towards healing is acknowledging the pain. Denying or suppressing our emotions only prolongs the healing process. Instead, we must allow ourselves to grieve fully to feel the depth of our emotions without judgement or reservation. It is okay to cry, to scream, to vent the anguish that weighs heavy on our hearts. In accepting our pain, we reclaim power over our narrative, refusing to let heartbreak define us. Practicing self-compassion Healing is not a linear path but more of a a series of peaks and valleys, each offering lessons to be learned and wisdom to be gained. Amid the turmoil, it is crucial to practice self-compassion. We must treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer to a dear friend in need. Self-care becomes our lifeline, nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits as we navigate the turbulent waters of healing. Rediscovering ourselves As we journey through the labyrinth of healing, we gradually begin to rediscover ourselves. We unearth forgotten passions, reconnect with old hobbies, and forge new friendships. In these moments of self-discovery, we find solace in the realisation that we are not defined by our relationships or our past heartaches. We are multifaceted beings, capable of growth beyond measure. Accepting forgiveness Forgiveness emerges as a cornerstone of healing, not only towards those who have hurt us Heartbreak hurts deeply, shaking us to our emotional core. – ALL PICS BY PEXELS oJourney of healing and renewal █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Pitt stop the high-speed sport. When asked about Pitt’s driving speeds, Bruckheimer joked: “I can’t tell you. The insurance company will kill me.” Set to debut in cinemas in June 2025 before streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, the film stars Pitt as a retired racing driver making a comeback to mentor a novice, played by Damson Idris. The story focuses on their mentor-student relationship and their quest for success on the racetrack, promising an emotional and adrenaline-pumping experience. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his acclaimed work on Top Gun: Maverick, which grossed nearly US$1.5 billion (RM7 billion), the upcoming film aims to deliver a similarly spectacular cinematic experience. Kosinski’s success with Maverick sets high expectations for this new project. However, capturing the realism of Formula 1 presents unique challenges, and the film’s budget has soared to over US$300 million. Formula 1 is a financially demanding sport, where teams with the deepest pockets often dominate. Similarly, this film, poised to become one of the most expensive movies ever produced, aims to outspend the competition to achieve box office success. With the combined efforts of Pitt, Kosinski and Bruckheimer, nothing is being left to chance. The film will feature Pitt driving a real Formula 1 racing car. – AFPPIC – by HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Acknowledging heartbreak is crucial for healing. AMERICAN actor Brad Pitt is preparing for his role as a veteran Formula 1 driver in an upcoming, still-untitled film. Filming began at last year’s British Grand Prix, with Pitt driving a real racing car for added authenticity. According to media reports, producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently praised Pitt’s driving skills and preparation for the role. “He trained for four or five months. He’s an amazing driver,” Bruckheimer said at the Los Angeles premiere of Young Woman and the Sea. “Some of the F1 drivers said he’s a natural athlete. He really is. He’s amazing in that car.” Pitt will portray veteran F1 driver Sonny Hayes. Additionally, seventime world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton is consulting on the film and assisting Pitt with training for but also towards ourselves. We release the burdens of resentment and bitterness, freeing ourselves from the shackles of the past. Forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others but about reclaiming our power and embracing the present moment with an open heart. Finding beauty in the present In the midst of heartbreak, it is easy to lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us. Yet, even in our darkest moments, the world continues to offer moments of wonder and grace. We find peace in nature’s embrace, in the gentle caress of the wind and the soothing rhythm of the ocean. We revel in the simple pleasures of laughter, music and art, allowing them to uplift our spirits and ignite our passion for life once more. Ultimately, moving on from heartbreak is a journey marked by courage and vulnerability. Through the pain, we discover our strength and through the tears, we find our strength. And as we emerge from the shadows of heartbreak, we are reborn, ready to embrace the dawn of a new beginning. Heartbreaks are but threads woven into the fabric of our existence. They shape us, mould us and ultimately, propel us towards greater depths of understanding and compassion. As we journey through the process of healing, may we embrace the sunrise with open arms, knowing that with each new day comes the promise of renewal, growth and the infinite capacity to love once more.

LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 25 Atomic might and fury THERE is a clear line drawn in the sand between Toho and Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla films. Although they share the same genetic strain, they could not be further apart, like twin children separated at birth and fostered by two different families from starkly different socioeconomic backgrounds. This has never been clearer than Godzilla Minus One. For Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla is the hero. In the recent Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the giant lizard teams up with his oversized monkey friend to save Earth. On the other hand, Toho’s Godzilla Minus One features Godzilla as how Ishiro Honda conceived the creature in 1954’s Godzilla: an allegory for the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan, coalesced into a force of nature that will kill everyone and destroy everything in its ravenous path. A towering shadow Towards the end of World War II, the Empire of Japan’s soldiers are waiting for their inevitable defeat. Absconding from his duty, kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) escapes to a Japanese base on Odo Island. The night that he arrives, Godzilla emerges from the ocean, attacks and slaughters the engineers at the base, leaving only Shikishima and lead engineer Tachibana alive. The latter blames Shikishima for the deaths, as he had failed to use his plane’s machine guns to shoot the monster. Returning to his home, Shikishima finds out that his parents died during the Tokyo bombing. Another orphan, Noriko Oishi (Minami Hamabe) and an orphaned baby, Akiko, form an “unofficial family” with Shikishima. In order to support their little family, Shikishima takes up a risky but well-paying job aboard a boat, with the crewmen tasked to destroy the thousands of mines dropped in the ocean during the war. Sometime in 1946, the US’ Operation Crossroads nuclear tests causes Godzilla to mutate, growing to an alarming size and displaying heightened aggression. A year later, Shikishima once again encounters the monster while at sea, with Japan then suffering catastrophic damage and Currently, the only way to watch Godzilla Minus One is to get the Japanese Blu-Ray. – ALL PICS BY TOHO oGodzilla Minus One deserves its Academy Award win █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The film’s emotional heft is carried by Kamiki and the rest of the cast. A third of the film’s budget was spent on visual effects. loss of life. Elevated by good writing More often than not, for a lot of these Godzilla films, the parts of the story that focus on the humans are terrible. The recent American films are the biggest culprits of this. However, Toho has never had this problem and they have always weaved human drama into the film’s fabric in interesting ways. In 2016’s Shin Godzilla by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi had humans playing an integral role in displaying the ineffectiveness of politicians, bureaucracies and governmental red tapes during national catastrophes. In Godzilla Minus One post-war Japan, writer-director Takashi Yamazaki weaves survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder into the tapestry of what drives the human aspect of the film. There is also a rather leftist, slightly anarchist element with how the film focuses on civilians rising up to face a national problem due to government unreliability and inaction. This period of Japan’s history is one that is full of existential crises and Yamazaki excavates that gem-filled mine for some great storytelling, and the cast does a wonderful job bringing everything together. Limited release Anyone still expecting local cinema operators to get the distribution rights to Godzilla Minus One to be played in Malaysian cinemas should probably give up at this point. This extends to every Southeast and East Asian country. For some unknown reason, Toho’s limited release decision to screen the film only in Europe, America and Japan remains unchanged. The film entered the Japanese home media market at the start of May, and eventually, Toho’s latest Godzilla film will have a wider international release on Blu-Ray, DVD and streaming. It is a shame, as the film needs to be watched on a big screen to be fully appreciated. Sequences such as Godzilla’s Jawsesque pursuit of Shikishima’s minesweeper boat would be better experienced on an Imax screen. Then there are the sequences like Godzilla’s attack on Ginza city. A show-stopping moment that would be great in a cinema hall is when it uses its atomic breath, drowning out the sound, before it rushes back in, crushing the audience with excellent sound engineering and design, as their mouths are agape from the sheer destruction and instantaneous death of thousands they witnessed before going deaf.

LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 26 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper and adrenaline, making it an ideal transition from anime to the big screen. However, some viewers might feel the match is rushed, too short, and lacking in context, which could affect the overall experience. The movie frequently revisits scenes from previous seasons, almost every minute, which could be for two reasons: to help longtime fans recall specific moments and details, and to bring newcomers up to speed with the story. While these flashbacks might be helpful, their abundance in a short span can be distracting and may disrupt the overall enjoyment of the movie. The metaphorical use of crows and cats effectively captures the rivalry and highlights each team’s strengths and weaknesses. Conclusion Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle delivers enough volleyball excitement to satisfy long-time fans who have eagerly awaited Karasuno’s return. However, the decision to condense a significant part of the story into an 85-minute film, adapting 33 manga chapters compared to the anime’s usual five chapters per episode, results in a narrative that feels rushed. Unlike series such as Attack on Titan, which stretched its final arc over several years, Haikyuu!! compresses this crucial moment, potentially leaving fans wanting more. Due to its fast pacing and dense storyline, the film is not recommended for newcomers. But for devoted followers, Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle is a nostalgic revisit to a cherished story, blending new and familiar elements seamlessly. The show picks up exactly where it left off, providing a satisfying, if brisk, continuation for fans who have waited years for this moment. The movie is now screening in cinema nationwide. FOLLOWING a four-year hiatus, the beloved sports anime Haikyuu!! makes a triumphant return with Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle, a feature film that delivers high-stakes showdown between Karasuno and Nekoma, capturing the essence of Haruichi Furudate’s acclaimed manga series. Directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and produced by Production I.G., the film stays true to its source material, focusing on a single, pivotal match: Karasuno High School’s third match in the Spring Nationals against their longtime rivals, Nekoma High School. Following their thrilling victory over Inarizaki High School in the preliminary rounds, Karasuno faces an even greater challenge in this climactic battle. The movie becomes the epicentre of a clash of ideals and personalities as Karasuno faces Nekoma High School in their first official match after many practice games over the past year. It is a game with considerable stakes, as whoever loses is cut from the national tournament. They carry their team’s long standing rivalry of being the battle between the crows and the wildcats – hence the dumpster battle name. A clash of ideals and styles Both teams have distinct styles and tactics of play, Karasuno is known for its aggressive offense, while Nekoma prides itself on a defensive strategy. With their current team members, they finally meet in their first official match on the grand stage of the national tournament, promising an intense and heated showdown. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle digs deep into the relationships that drive the story, particularly the bond between protagonist Shoyo Hinata (voiced by Ayumu Murase) and Kenma Kozume (voiced by Yuki Kaji). Their friendship, established in Season 1, evolves as Hinata becomes a source of inspiration for Kozume, who initially views volleyball with indifference. For Hinata, the match is not just a step toward victory; it is a mission to help Kozume find joy in volleyball, leading to numerous emotional moments. Their dynamic is refreshingly devoid of typical drama, with both characters constantly challenging and uplifting each other. Hinata’s goal is to ignite a competitive spirit in Kozume, transforming his usual apathy into genuine excitement. Adrenaline pumping action The film broadens its scope beyond Hinata, offering a deeper look at other key characters. Kozume’s backstory, including his journey into volleyball with the help of his childhood friend Tetsurou Kuroo, provides valuable insight into his evolution. Similarly, Kei Tsukishima’s growth is highlighted as his perspective on volleyball shifts, showcasing his development since the series began. The core themes of Haikyuu!! is obviously love for the sport, acceptance of new experiences, and the discovery of passion – are vividly portrayed. While the spotlight is on Karasuno’s players, Kozume stands out with flashbacks that detail his volleyball journey. The volleyball match in Dumpster Battle transforms the cinema into a lively sports arena, filled with cheers, chants, and playful insults to the referee. The film blends humour, suspense, Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle: Epic clash hits big screen oLatest instalment of popular anime feature captures essence of Haruichi Furudate’s beloved manga series The Dumpster Battle looks into the relationships between protagonist Kozume (left) and Hinata (right). The Dumpster Battle is definitely a thrilling new chapter. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle is showing in cinemas now. █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL 0Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yuki Kaji, and Yuichi Nakamura 0Director: Susumu Mitsunaka E-VALUE 7 ACTING 8 PLOT 8 The movie feels like a return to a beloved story, combining both new and familiar elements.

SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 27 INSIDE EDGE Bangladesh calls for better wickets BANGLADESH can only hope to improve their lacklustre T20 World Cup record once they get better pitches at home, new captain Najmul Hossain Shanto told AFP ahead of the showpiece tournament. The South Asian nation is one of nine countries to have played all T20 World Cups since the tournament began in 2007 but is alone in never having made it to the knockout stage. Najmul, appointed all-format captain in February aged just 25 to replace newly minted politician Shakib Al Hasan, blamed their failures on home pitches ill-suited to the typical run feasts seen elsewhere in the 20- over format. “First of all, we have to play on good wickets,” he told AFP. “Some people can take it as an excuse, but it is really a fact that we play very few matches on a good wicket. It is difficult to change things in six months. If we continue on a good wicket for one or two years, then these strike rates will improve,” said Najmul. Bangladesh face an uphill battle in their group with formidable opponents in South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with Nepal and the Netherlands. Pakistan aim for ‘third time lucky’ PAKISTAN skipper Babar Azam is hoping it is third time lucky for his side at the Twenty20 World Cup after finishing losing semifinalists in 2021 and runners-up a year later. Pakistan’s build-up to the tournament, which takes place in West Indies and the USA, has been chaotic, with Babar replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain barely three months before it gets underway. The men in green have shown they still have the capacity to be the best outfit one day and the worst the next, making them the most unpredictable side in the 20-team event which kicks off on June 1 but Babar is confident his side can be lucky this time. “Semifinal and then final, so it’s our turn to win the trophy this time,” he said. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spinner Imad Wasim were brought out of retirement to bolster the bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen and fast-rising Naseem Shah. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan supplement Imad in slow bowling. “This is the best team with every base covered, so we can win and there should be no excuse," said Shaheen. DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72M-6017-03/2024 ANTARA YAYASAN DEWAN PERNIAGAAN MELAYU PERLIS BERHAD (No Syarikat: 199201018259 [249763-U]) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN SHAHBUDDIN (No. KP.: 910711-13-5219) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) Kepada: - 1) MOHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN SHAHBUDDIN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, dalam Guaman No. WAA72M-6017-03/2024 oleh Yayasan Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Perlis Berhad (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di Tingkat 20, Menara Teo Chew, No. 1, Jalan Lumut, 50400 Kuala Lumpur di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk membayar semula pinjaman, faedah dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 22.03.2024 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 22.03.2024 diserahkan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu melalui penampalan pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif dan pengiklankan sekali di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’, dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan dianggap sebagai penyerahan lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam masa tujuh hari (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 17 haribulan Mei 2024 ……………t.t…………… TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) ini telah difailkan oleh TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY, peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di C-10-28, Block C, Lobby 2, Centum Oasis Corporate Park, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel No. : +603 2714 5456 E-mel : [email protected] Faks No.: +603 2714 5457 Ruj Kami : GMT/YYP(RCE)/00978/2024 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72M-6020-03/2024 ANTARA YAYASAN IHSAN RAKYAT (No Syarikat: 201201017719 [1003231-A]) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHD FAIZAL BIN MAZLAMI (No. KP.: 911210-09-5077) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) Kepada: - 1) MOHD FAIZAL BIN MAZLAMI SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, dalam Guaman No. WAA72M-6020-03/2024 oleh Yayasan Ihsan Rakyat (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di Tingkat 20, Menara Teo Chew, No. 1, Jalan Lumut, 50400 Kuala Lumpur di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk membayar semula pinjaman, faedah dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 22.03.2024 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 22.03.2024 diserahkan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu melalui penampalan pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif dan pengiklankan sekali di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’, dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan dianggap sebagai penyerahan lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam masa tujuh hari (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 haribulan Mei 2024 ……………t.t…………… TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) ini telah difailkan oleh TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY, peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di C-10-28, Block C, Lobby 2, Centum Oasis Corporate Park, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel No. : +603 2714 5456 E-mel : [email protected] Faks No.: +603 2714 5457 Ruj Kami : GMT/YIR(RCE)/00981/2024 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72-52-04/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN KOMPLEKS WILAYAH [BRN : 1330] ... PLAINTIF DAN VASDEV A/L EISHWARDES [sebagai pentadbir harta pusaka EISHWARDAS A/L KRISHNA, si mati] (No. K/P (Lama) : 2998697) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : Mr. VASDEV A/L EISHWARDES [Sebagai pentadbir harta pusaka EISHWARDAS A/L KRISHNA, Deceased] t/a Krishna Silk Stores Block A 05-06, Royal Palm Court Jalan Berhala, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WA-A72-52- 04/2024 oleh Perbadanan Pengurusan Kompleks Wilayah yang beralamat penyampaian di Lot LG 13, Lower Ground Floor, Kompleks Wilayah No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 50100 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM24,930-23 setakat 21/03/2024, dengan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun dikenakan ke atas jumlah RM23,495-35 dari tarikh 22/03/2024 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. 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, tidak termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran,penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 27 Mei 2024. Tandatangan …………………………….. WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Rujukan Fail: L3 16195] [Emel: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BA-A72-16-03/2024 ANTARA LIM SIN KOOI (No. K/P: 691212-10-6065) …PLAINTIF DAN PARAMESWARY A/P SIVANANDAN (No. K/P: 891122-14-6174) …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- PARAMESWARY A/P SIVANANDAN (No. K/P: 891122-14-6174) Unit No. 11-06, Residensi The Edge, Persiaran Subang Indah, USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. BA-A72-16- 03/2024 oleh LIM SIN KOOI (No. K/P: 691212-10-6065) dalam mana tuntutan plaintif untuk perintah milikan kosong ke atas apartment yang dipegang bawah hakmilik strata Pajakan Negeri 57894/M1/11/62, No. Lot 64686, Pekan Penaga, Daerah Petaling, Negeri Selangor bersama Petak Aksesori A645 dengan alamat pos di No. 11-06, Residensi The Edge, Persiaran Subang Indah, USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor diberikan kepada Plaintif. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 24 Mei, 2024. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, Peguamcara Plaintif beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 03-8600 2162, Faks: 03-8600 2163; Emel: [email protected] (Ruj kami:LIT/KWPA/4124/LSK/ PARAMES/h) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MFY PROPERTIES SDN. BHD. 198001008279 (62063-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 a Final Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at 1A-3, Plaza Mayang, Jalan SS26/9, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on 1 July 2024 at 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of: 1. having an account laid before the members, showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the final meeting. Dated this 29th May 2024 CHAI YAH KANG Liquidator 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [email protected] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72M-6017-03/2024 ANTARA YAYASAN DEWAN PERNIAGAAN MELAYU PERLIS BERHAD (No Syarikat: 199201018259 [249763-U]) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN SHAHBUDDIN (No. KP.: 910711-13-5219) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) Kepada: - 1) MOHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN SHAHBUDDIN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, dalam Guaman No. WAA72M-6017-03/2024 oleh Yayasan Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Perlis Berhad (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di Tingkat 20, Menara Teo Chew, No. 1, Jalan Lumut, 50400 Kuala Lumpur di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk membayar semula pinjaman, faedah dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 22.03.2024 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 22.03.2024 diserahkan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu melalui penampalan pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif dan pengiklankan sekali di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’, dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan dianggap sebagai penyerahan lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam masa tujuh hari (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 17 haribulan Mei 2024 ……………t.t…………… TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) ini telah difailkan oleh TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY, peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di C-10-28, Block C, Lobby 2, Centum Oasis Corporate Park, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel No. : +603 2714 5456 E-mel : [email protected] Faks No.: +603 2714 5457 Ruj Kami : GMT/YYP(RCE)/00978/2024 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72M-6020-03/2024 ANTARA YAYASAN IHSAN RAKYAT (No Syarikat: 201201017719 [1003231-A]) …PLAINTIF DAN MOHD FAIZAL BIN MAZLAMI (No. KP.: 911210-09-5077) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) Kepada: - 1) MOHD FAIZAL BIN MAZLAMI SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, dalam Guaman No. WAA72M-6020-03/2024 oleh Yayasan Ihsan Rakyat (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di Tingkat 20, Menara Teo Chew, No. 1, Jalan Lumut, 50400 Kuala Lumpur di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk membayar semula pinjaman, faedah dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 22.03.2024 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 22.03.2024 diserahkan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu melalui penampalan pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif dan pengiklankan sekali di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’, dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan dianggap sebagai penyerahan lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam masa tujuh hari (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 haribulan Mei 2024 ……………t.t…………… TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) ini telah difailkan oleh TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY, peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di C-10-28, Block C, Lobby 2, Centum Oasis Corporate Park, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel No. : +603 2714 5456 E-mel : [email protected] Faks No.: +603 2714 5457 Ruj Kami : GMT/YIR(RCE)/00981/2024 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72-52-04/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN KOMPLEKS WILAYAH [BRN : 1330] ... PLAINTIF DAN VASDEV A/L EISHWARDES [sebagai pentadbir harta pusaka EISHWARDAS A/L KRISHNA, si mati] (No. K/P (Lama) : 2998697) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : Mr. VASDEV A/L EISHWARDES [Sebagai pentadbir harta pusaka EISHWARDAS A/L KRISHNA, Deceased] t/a Krishna Silk Stores Block A 05-06, Royal Palm Court Jalan Berhala, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WA-A72-52- 04/2024 oleh Perbadanan Pengurusan Kompleks Wilayah yang beralamat penyampaian di Lot LG 13, Lower Ground Floor, Kompleks Wilayah No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 50100 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM24,930-23 setakat 21/03/2024, dengan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun dikenakan ke atas jumlah RM23,495-35 dari tarikh 22/03/2024 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. 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, tidak termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran,penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 27 Mei 2024. Tandatangan …………………………….. WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Rujukan Fail: L3 16195] [Emel: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BA-A72-16-03/2024 ANTARA LIM SIN KOOI (No. K/P: 691212-10-6065) …PLAINTIF DAN PARAMESWARY A/P SIVANANDAN (No. K/P: 891122-14-6174) …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- PARAMESWARY A/P SIVANANDAN (No. K/P: 891122-14-6174) Unit No. 11-06, Residensi The Edge, Persiaran Subang Indah, USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. BA-A72-16- 03/2024 oleh LIM SIN KOOI (No. K/P: 691212-10-6065) dalam mana tuntutan plaintif untuk perintah milikan kosong ke atas apartment yang dipegang bawah hakmilik strata Pajakan Negeri 57894/M1/11/62, No. Lot 64686, Pekan Penaga, Daerah Petaling, Negeri Selangor bersama Petak Aksesori A645 dengan alamat pos di No. 11-06, Residensi The Edge, Persiaran Subang Indah, USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor diberikan kepada Plaintif. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 24 Mei, 2024. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, Peguamcara Plaintif beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 03-8600 2162, Faks: 03-8600 2163; Emel: [email protected] (Ruj kami:LIT/KWPA/4124/LSK/ PARAMES/h) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MFY PROPERTIES SDN. BHD. 198001008279 (62063-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 a Final Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at 1A-3, Plaza Mayang, Jalan SS26/9, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on 1 July 2024 at 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of: 1. having an account laid before the members, showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the final meeting. Dated this 29th May 2024 CHAI YAH KANG Liquidator 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [email protected] T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 SCAN ME E: [email protected] WEDNESDAY MAY 29, 2024 India look to end title drought T20 World Cup last chance saloon for Rohit, Virat S KIPPER Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will look to end India’s global title drought as the star duo step out for what is likely to be their final World Cup appearance. Rohit, 37, and Virat, 35, have long been the twin torchbearers for the hopes of their cricket-mad nation, which last saw a major title triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy. India made the final of last year’s ODI World Cup at home but lost to Australia in front of a crestfallen packed house at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. The T20 World Cup, starting June 1 in the West Indies and United States, may be the last chance both men have to hoist a trophy from one of the showpiece white-ball tournaments. “Rohit Sharma knows he isn’t going to play for too long now. Just two to three years more. Same with Virat Kohli,” former India batsman Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports. “So this is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken and fans were devastated.” The next T20 World Cup will be in two years’ time followed by the 50-over tournament in 2027. The veterans will combine for India after a contrasting IPL season where Virat dominated as a one-man run machine and Rohit’s team floundered. Virat topped the batting charts with 741 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, forming a thrilling opening partnership with the skipper Faf du Plessis. Former India batsman Ajay Jadeja said Virat had made his case to open for his side at the World Cup. “For me, Virat Kohli opens,” Jadeja told Jio Cinema. “If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him. He’s the best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in.” In this year’s T20 World Cup India face Pakistan, Canada, the United States and Ireland in the group phase of the tournament, with Kaif saying the team had a clear run to the knockout matches. “India hardly have competition in the group stage. There are only two main matches – the semi-final and the final,” he said. “Are you ready for those two days? That’s the biggest test for Rohit Sharma.” – AFP Virat Kohli. – AFPPIX

SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 28 Nadal defeated in likely French Open farewell RAFAEL NADAL’S record-breaking French Open career came to its likely end yesterday when the 14-time champion slumped to a demoralising first round defeat against Alexander Zverev before he admitted: “I really hope to see you again – but I don’t know.” Nadal, who turns 38 on June 3, went down 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 to world No. 4 Zverev, suffering only his fourth loss in 116 matches at Roland Garros since his 2005 title-winning debut. It was the first time he had been defeated in Paris in the opening round and will again lead to questions over his long-term future in the sport. “It is difficult for me to talk, I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll be here in front of all of you,” he said. “Honestly, I am not sure. If it is, then you have been amazing. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most. He added: “It’s hard to say about the future. I am travelling with my family and I am having fun. The body is feeling better than it did two months ago. “Maybe in two months I say it’s enough. That is something I don’t feel yet.” Nadal may not return for the 2025 French Open but he still plans to play the Olympics in the city in July. “I hope to be back here for the Olympics, that motivates me. I really hope to be well prepared,” he said to loud cheers. “The amount of feelings I had on this court throughout my career, I didn’t think I would be here almost 38 with all of the success. It has been a very beautiful process,” said Nadal before he left to a standing ovation. Plagued by injuries, which had limited him to just four events since January last year, former world No. 1 Nadal is now 275 in the rankings and was unseeded in Paris. However, he insisted on the eve of the tournament that he was “100% keeping the door open” on his future in a sport which has brought him 22 Grand Slam titles. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It is such a great honour,” said Zverev. “I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood and I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. Today is not my moment, it is Rafa’s moment.” In a repeat of the 2022 semifinal, which Nadal won when Zverev quit with ankle ligament damage, the Spaniard had his chances. He was a break of serve up in the second and third sets, only to be pinned back on both occasions by his in-form 27-year-old opponent. However, a relentless Zverev broke six times from 18 opportunities and fired 44 winners to Nadal’s 34. – AFP Gauff outclasses qualifier Avdeeva as Swiatek strolls COCO GAUFF made a strong start in her bid to win a maiden French Open title as she eased past German world No. 208 Julia Avdeeva 6-1, 6-1 in the first round on a rainy Monday evening at Roland Garros for her 50th Grand Slam match victory. The 20-year-old Gauff, who won the US Open last year to break her Grand Slam duck after losing the 2022 final in Paris, needed less than an hour to advance, even though the match was briefly halted after Avdeeva accidentally bumped her head against the umpire’s when she was contesting a point. “Today was kind of a straightforward match. I didn’t have to do much. I wouldn’t say I played amazing. I just had to play solid today. That’s what I did,” Gauff told reporters. Adveeda was making her Grand Slam debut in Paris and Gauff said she sensed her opponent’s stress on the second showcourt. “I do think she was a little bit nervous with the bigger court, but I played well too,” Gauff said. In the second round, world No. 3 American Gauff will take on Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek who had reached the semifinals in the French Open in 2021 and beat Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 on Sunday. In an erlier match, Iga Swiatek began her French Open title defence with a trademark 61-minute dismantling of qualifier Leolia Jeanjean. The world No. 1 is aiming to become the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win three French Open titles in a row. And the Pole got off to a strong start, cruising to a 6-1, 6-2 win on the second day of play at Roland Garros. It sets up an intriguing meeting with fellow four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, who is continuing her return from maternity leave. “It feels like home here,” Swiatek told the Paris crowd. “Hopefully I’m going to be here as long as possible.” – AFP/Agencies FROM Australia, China and the United States, Rafael Nadal fans descended on a chilly and damp Roland Garros yesterday, hoping to inspire their “superhero” to victory at the French Open. In the end, however, many were reduced to tears as the 14-time champion slumped to a straight-sets defeat to Alexander Zverev in the first round, likely signalling the end of the 38-year-old’s Grand Slam adventure in Paris. “Personally, I’m very sad, he’s Rafa, a legend,” Mateo Castro, a 41-year-old French fan, told AFP with tears in his eyes. “It’s hard to see him go.” Michael Lundell, another Nadal fan who had travelled from Genoa to Paris to watch the match, was also in tears. “I was crying, because I don’t think there has ever been another role model like him before in sports,” said the 43-year-old. “It was a great match, I saw Rafael Nadal with an exceptional level again,” said Gregory Dubus, a 50-year-old French fan. “I’ve been following Nadal since 2005, his first victory here at Roland Garros, and to see him here, maybe in his last match was exciting.” Like many fans at Roland Garros yesterday, there was a feeling that they were witnessing the end of an era. “A player like Rafa, you never want him to retire, he’s a humble player, with an exceptional attitude on the court and in life, nobody wants him to stop,” added Dubus. Before the start of the match, fans had hailed a player dubbed a “superhero”. “You always have to keep the faith in Rafa, he will win,” Hazel, a 28-year-old fan who had flown in from China for a second straight year after being left disappointed when Nadal withdrew in 2023, told AFP. “The most important thing is that he stays healthy,” she said, as she proudly showed the banners she had made with the colours of Spain, Nadal’s face and the message “Welcome back my super hero”. – AFP Tears flow as ‘legend’ bows out Rybakina eases past Minnen into second round WORLD NO. 4 Elena Rybakina recovered from a rocky start to comfortably beat Belgian Greet Minnen 6-2 6-3 in the French Open first round yesterday, showing a full recovery from her recent illness. Rybakina was unable to defend her Italian Open title and after losing serve in the opening game at Roland Garros and going 2-0 down, it looked like the Kazakh could be in trouble. Rybakina withdrew from the French Open last year before her third-round match. “Last year I missed this tournament and it was really hard but really happy to be back and compete here,” Rybakina said. “I’m really happy, thank you so much for coming guys, it’s been an amazing atmosphere.” After Minnen’s fast start, fourth seed Rybakina settled down to take the next six games and win the first set and the Kazakh began the second in the same fashion as she cruised into a 4-0 lead. Minnen rallied and broke serve, and when Rybakina broke for a third time in the second set and served for the match, the Belgian broke again. But it only delayed the inevitable as the Kazakh held her next service game to win the match. The roof was in use again on Court Suzanne Lenglen, as the rain fell on Roland Garros, but Rybakina was untroubled by the conditions. “Of course, the ball is a little bit heavier and you need to move better and it’s different, but that’s tennis and you need to adjust with this rainy weather,” she said. Rybakina is the only player to beat Iga Swiatek on clay this year, defeating the world No. 1 and three-times French Open winner on her way to the Stuttgart title in April. The 24-year-old will now have a couple of days rest before facing either Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands or Germany’s Angelique Kerber. – Reuters No escaping the fading light Rafael Nadal reacts as he plays against Alexander Zverev (not pictured) during their men’s singles match on day two of The French Open. – AFPPIX Elena Rybakina in action during her first round match against Greet Minnen (not pictured). – REUTERSPIX

SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 29 Slot’s Kloppian traits Reasons why Liverpool’s hierarchy chose impressive Dutchman J URGEN KLOPP is giving it up but he declared managing Liverpool is “the best job in the world”. And if he is unashamedly biased, one interpretation is that there are times when Klopp made it seem so. Yet when it came to replacing him, the candidates on the shortlist boasted lesser achievements than in 2015, when Liverpool were 10th, a few months after they had lost 6-1 at Stoke, when they had not played a Champions League knockout tie for six years. Instead of the coronation of Xabi Alonso many wanted to see, Arne Slot emerged by stealth to become the German’s successor. There are superficial similarities with Klopp – each an undistinguished player and overachieving manager in his homeland – but a comparison does not flatter the Dutchman. He has won one Eredivisie title with Feyenoord to Klopp’s two in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund; the European final he has reached is the Conference League, not the Champions League. And yet Liverpool’s job interviews were never likely to simply consist of asking candidates to put their medals on the table. Certainly Slot can tick plenty of boxes. Feyenoord offers a comparison with Dortmund and, indeed, Liverpool: it offered experience of the pressure of managing big clubs in working-class cities, but with little recent experience of winning the league title. Like Klopp in Germany, Slot punched through a glass ceiling and triumphed on a budget. Indeed, he will leave Feyenoord with a sizeable transfermarket profit and, with Champions League football again next season, that sort of revenue stream that is imperative for Liverpool. His recruitment policy in the Netherlands tallied with Liverpool’s preferences: to buy players on the up, rather than proven winners, and rely on a manager with a capacity to improve players. Slot, stripped of his best players in first 2022 and then 2023 and showing his expertise at annual rebuilds, is unlikely to have to sell as often but Liverpool’s self-sustaining model means they can be outspent, whether in terms of fees or wages. They have looked to coaching and cleverness to bridge the financial gap. Slot did that in his homeland: Feyenoord beat Ajax 6-0 last month but the Amsterdam club spent more last summer than he did in four years in Rotterdam. There are obvious parallels with Erik ten Hag, who took Ajax to a Champions League semifinal and has had decidedly mixed fortunes in England but Slot never paid more than £8 m i l l i o n (RM48m) for a player; he worked with lesser resources at Feyenoord. He has often cited Pep Guardiola as an influence, more than Klopp. Yet the reality is that no one plays exactly like Klopp; equally, Liverpool required someone with many similar beliefs. Slot has used inverted fullbacks, which could point to a future for Trent AlexanderArnold. His preference for 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 offered continuity; Sporting’s manager Ruben Amorim was considered, but his fondness for 3-4-3 risked leaving some Liverpool players redundant under a new regime. Feyenoord figure prominently in pressing charts, winning possession back more in the final third than any team in Europe’s top five leagues over the past three seasons; that approach is not merely confined to the Eredivisie, but in Europe, where they can be underdogs. And it is undeniable that Liverpool’s squad represents a jump up for Slot: more gifted, more illustrious, more expensive. Part of his challenge will be proving he can operate at a more elevated level. A manager who turned down Tottenham last summer has long had the sense he would gravitate to a grander stage; Liverpool eschewed the more established and ignored ostensibly bigger names to pick on potential, just as they do for players. It is, though, only a few weeks since Klopp described Alonso as the standout manager of the next generation. Slot may want to prove him wrong. – The Independent LIVERPOOL’S Dutch contingent are looking forward to the arrival of compatriot Arne Slot at the club as manager next season with club captain Virgil van Dijk committed to staying at Anfield. Van Dijk said he had already spoken to Slot and that he was eagerly awaiting the next campaign and working under the former Feyenoord coach, who takes over from Jurgen Klopp. “I still have a year left on my contract. I am club captain and I have made it clear I am there for the new coach and enthusiastic over the next season,” Van Dijk said yesterday as the Netherlands began their training camp for the E u r o p e a n Championship. “Obviously, there will be a lot of changes but I am confident we will make a big success of it. “I congratulated him of course and I’m really pleased for him and his family. We spoke about the team and the future but now my focus is fully on the national team,” he told Dutch television. Ryan Gravenberch said Slot had proven his worth at Feyenoord, where he won the Dutch league last season and the cup this term. “I think he can be good for my career, it’s a coach who wants to play good football,” said the 22-yearold midfielder, who signed from Bayern Munich last August. Slot was named Liverpool manager last week as Klopp departed after a nine-year managerial reign. – Reuters UNDER-PRESSURE Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hit out at incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Ten Hag managed in the Eredivisie at the same time as Slot, but the Dutchman hinted his compatriot has been over-hyped. Slot is set to take over from the departing Jurgen Klopp this summer, with questions about his suitability for the role raised by Ten Hag. The 54-year-old suggested that Peter Bosz had a more impressive season, having led PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title. Speaking about Slot’s move to Liverpool, Ten Hag told The Daily Mirror: “People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord. “Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. “In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it. “Bosz and his staff did that top notch, but the rest of the club is also well put together. “PSV Eindhoven were better than the rest by such a long distance, even so much better than Feyenoord.” PSV ended the campaign a whopping seven points clear of Feyenoord, who failed to beat the league winners in either of their Eredivisie meetings this season. What’s more, PSV led the league for both goals scored and goals conceded, with the Eindhoven-based outfit also making it to the last-16 of the Champions League, where they were beaten by eventual finalists Borussia Dortmund. Regardless, Ten Hag believes Slot is joining Liverpool with their squad in a stronger place than United were when he took over the Red Devils in 2022. On Liverpool’s current position, Ten Hag told Voetbal International: He (Slot) comes into a better position than I did at the time when I went to Manchester United from the Netherlands. “In terms of structure at the club, in terms of balance in the selection. “Last year they [Liverpool] had a transition in the team. Then guys like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left. “Last season at Liverpool, they also had a bit of the year we had now, with a lot of injuries.” The United manager has been linked with a move away from United, despite guiding the club to their first FA Cup triumph since 2016. United defied the odds over the weekend to lift the FA Cup, having edged a 2-1 encounter with rivals Manchester City. – Express Newspapers Ten Hag takes jabs at former Feyenoord boss █ BY RICHARD JOLLY Ronaldo breaks Saudi scoring record CRISTIANO RONALDO broke the record for the most goals in a Saudi Pro League season when he struck for the 34th and 35th time in Al Nassr’s final game of the campaign. “I don’t follow the records, the records follow me,” the 39-year-old Portuguese forward tweeted afterwards. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star struck in first-half stoppage time and again in the 69th minute with a header as Al Nassr defeated Al Ittihad 4- 2 at home yesterday. The previous record for most goals in a single season was the 34 scored by the Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah in 2018-19. Al Nassr were already assured of a second-placed finish, coming a distant 14 points behind champions Al Hilal. Ronaldo, who led Portugal to victory at the 2016 Euros, has been selected for the squad for this year’s edition in Germany next month – his 11th international tournament. He is the most capped player in men’s international football with 206 appearances and has scored a record 128 goals. Germany training camp draws 15,000 fans WITH the smell of bratwurst floating through the air, Germany kicked off their Euro 2024 training camp under blue skies in front of 15,000 fans in the central town of Jena. Germany are based in Thuringia, part of the former East, for their pre-Euros training camp. England will be based at the same venue during the tournament itself, while Germany will head south to Herzogenaurach – the small Bavarian village where clothing giant Adidas is headquartered. “It gives the team a great feeling that the country is behind us and everyone supports us,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said yesterday. Germany sporting director Rudi Voller said the hosts were “burning hot” for the tournament. “It’s a great opportunity to show ourselves and be approachable. That’s very important.” Tickets to the training session sold out in minutes. “We would have liked to go to an even bigger stadium. The demand was unbelievable,” Voller said. Bochum secure top-flight status BOCHUM will play first-division football again next season after coming from three goals down and beating second-division Fortuna Dusseldorf away via a penalty shoot-out in yesterday’s relegation playoff second leg. Trailing 3-0 after the first leg at home, Bochum had little hope but were dragged back into the tie thanks to a superb performance from outof-contract midfielder Kevin Stoeger, who laid on two goals before winning and converting a penalty. Bochum led 3-0 at full-time and the match went to penalties after a goalless extra period. Andreas Luthe saved Dusseldorf’s first spotkick but Florian Kastenmeier then saved one of Bochum’s to keep the hosts in the shoot-out. Players from both sides then converted spotkicks until Takashi Uchino blasted his side’s seventh over the bar, meaning Bochum stay in the top flight for a fourth straight season. “Incredible, that topped it all off as far as the season is concerned. I’m incredibly proud of the boys,” said Bochum coach Patrick Fabian. SIDENETTING Reds’ Dutch players look forward to arrival of new manager Gakpo

SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 30 5807/2024 28/05/2024 (TUE) 8403 1063 2012 1570 9098 9581 1992 3422 7763 0190 9349 5501 9896 6928 7004 9089 8196 4944 2867 8772 8115 9097 7673 2,606,520.97 8403 8403 8403 2012 2012 1063 2012 2012 1063 1063 8403 1063 278,992.26 8403 1063 2012 RABBIT 01871 45011 5011 011 48993 1 1 5 3 386153 86153 6153 153 38615 3861 386 3 8 11,566,706.15 1,679,498.78 132 25 30 36 55 100,000.00 106 12 14 27 54 28 33 36 44 47 50 10 11,874,708.00 RM10,627,969 Toto 4D Jackpot 1 won on 26/05/2024 ! 192 009 + RAT 945 453 + SNAKE 663 075 + RAT Draw Date: 28/05/24 (Tue) Draw No: 5754/24 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 2009 5453 3075 5256 + 2183 4339 + 6130 8501 + 6743 9734 + 7016 7556 + 2581 8724 + 3135 3209 + 2287 8322 + 8001 3533 + 5884 5984 + 0873 RM7,589,324.80 2009 + 5453 5453 + 2009 2009 + 3075 3075 + 2009 5453 + 3075 3075 + 5453 RM224,664.60 RM740,833.30 RM483,333.30 RM746,188.40 135 256 742 183 164 339 466 130 708 501 766 743 299 734 097 016 027 556 422 581 208 724 343 135 063 209 842 287 048 322 178 001 933 533 165 884 965 984 530 873 009 453 075 RM1,674,847.70 009 + 453 + 075 453 + 075 + 009 009 + 075 + 453 075 + 009 + 453 453 + 009 + 075 075 + 453 + 009 Sign­up as member on dmcGO app now! Wishful thinking? Evans hopes United do not sack Ten Hag after FA Cup glory J ONNY EVANS hopes Manchester United do not sack Erik ten Hag as the club consider the manager’s future following Saturday’s shock FA Cup final win against Manchester City. A poor, injury-hit second season in the hot seat has heaped pressure on the Dutchman and a report on the eve of the game claimed the club had decided to fire him regardless of the result at Wembley. But there was no sign of distraction under the arch as Ten Hag’s side shocked neighbours City, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring in a 2-1 win that sealed FA Cup glory. It is United’s second trophy in as many seasons under the former Ajax boss, yet his future remains in serious doubt as ambitious Ineos heads into its first summer in control of football operations. Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Kieran McKenna are among those to be linked with a job that veteran defender Evans believes Ten Hag should remain in. Asked how everyone would feel if the United manager left, the 36-yearold defender said: “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask everyone that. “I think, on a personal level, he’s been amazing for me. I can only thank him for that. I have a good relationship with him, so I hope he stays. “Since I came back in the summer he’s had no problems putting me in and trusting in me. “You want that from the manager, to show that trust and belief in you. He did that. Like I said, I’ve had 30 games now, so I’m buzzing.” A free agent last summer after being relegated at Leicester, Evans made a return to United that was just as surprising as the impact he managed to have in the team. “It’s amazing,” Evans said. “I think maybe last pre-season, I didn’t know where it was going to be at, but that’s my 30th appearance this season, so I can’t complain. “Obviously, the League position wasn’t great, but to be able to win the FA Cup is incredible.” Asked how the FA Cup win ranked among his career achievements, Evans said: “Incredible. I think the further on your career you get, you realise you cherish it a lot more. “Certainly, I enjoyed that out there today, coming on and seeing out the game and obviously the celebrations afterwards.” It could prove a triumphant final United appearance for Evans, who is out of contract this summer. The defender does not know what lies in store, saying “we’ll see over the next couple of weeks, see what the club says”. – The Independent Maresca frontrunner for Chelsea job ENZO MARESCA is in advanced talks with Chelsea with the Leicester manager poised to replace the sacked Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. Kieran McKenna, who was also a candidate to take over at Chelsea, is now considering staying at Ipswich after their promotion to the Premier League. The Northern Irishman also attracted attention from Brighton and Manchester United, who are impressed with the work he has done at Portman Road but who are conducting an end-ofseason review and who might decide to stick with Erik ten Hag after he won the FA Cup. Maresca, who won the Championship in his first season with Leicester, is expected to cost around £10 million (RM60m) in compensation if he decides to leave the Foxes for Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have turned to the 44-yearold Italian after considering other candidates, including former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank. Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager during Manchester City’s treble-winning season of 2022-23, with his two spells at the Etihad Stadium interrupted by his first taste of management, a 14-game stint at Parma. But he proved more successful at Leicester, earning 97 points to secure the Foxes an immediate return to the Premier League and forging a reputation for playing passing football and improving young players. Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent last week after a solitary season in charge, despite winning his last five games and taking them into Europe. The Argentinian had also reached the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup semifinals. If Maresca joins Chelsea, he will become the fourth permanent manager of Clearlake Capital’s two-year reign, after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Pochettino. Emery commits to Villans UNAI EMERY (pix) has agreed a five-year contract with Aston Villa after guiding them into the European Cup for the first time in 42 years. Villa believe the Spaniard can achieve “something special” with them after he committed his long-term future to the Midlands club. The 52-year-old, who took over a relegation-threatened team in 2022, steered Villa to fourth place – their highest finish for 28 years – in his first full season in charge, as well as reaching the semifinals of the Europa Conference League. Now the quadruple Europa League winner has agreed a deal to make his time at Villa the longest stay of his 20- year managerial career. “There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa. We found always the best environment and structure to develop a project with the highest ambition,” Emery said. “All the football structure and the owners, we share the same vision and same goals. We are really excited to continue this journey with no limits to our dreams.” █ BY SIMON PEACH SHORTS Jonny Evans. – AFPPIX

SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 31 DESPITE being beset by a series of injuries to key players, Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan Gon remains optimistic about fielding a quality lineup for the remaining two matches of Group D in the second round of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan next month. Pan Gon said that he does not want to overly dwell on the injuries but instead prefers to focus on selecting other players capable of taking on the challenge of advancing the national team to the next stage of the competition. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) previously announced a list of 23 players for the centralised training camp starting today, noting that key players like wingers Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim, as well as forward Romel Morales, have been sidelined due to injuries. “Its a tough situation with Faisal Halim’s case, Arif Aiman’s injury, Morales’ ankle injury. Our attacking power has got problems and this is what we have at the moment but we still have other manpower. “I still believe all the other players have equal quality, maybe they have more motivation and this their time to prove it. However we will try to find the best fit and composition to prepare for the matches,” the South Korean coach said when met at the centralised training camp at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya on Monday. Star winger Faisal Halim was injured in an attack attack at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya earlier this month and sufferred fourth-degree burns and another key player, Syafiq Ahmad, had to be dropped from the squad due to injury, as informed by FAM. Pan Gon, however, called up Kuala Lumpur City FC player Zhafri Yahya to fill the vacancy left by the Kedah Darul Aman FC player. After four matches, Malaysia, who are in third place in Group D with six points, will face Kyrgyzstan at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek, on June 6, before meeting Taiwan in the final match at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, here on June 11. Kyrgyzstan currently lead Group D, followed by Oman in second place, both with nine points a piece but the former with a superior goal difference. Both teams will meet in the final group match on June 11, while Taiwan are at the bottom without any points. – Bernama Malaysian shuttlers advance to second round of Singapore Open NATIONAL men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao and two national doubles pairs, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and the mixed doubles team of Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, advanced to the second round of the 2024 Singapore Open yesterday. In the first-round match played at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin needed only 46 minutes to overcome Taiwan’s Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han with scores of 21-18 and 21-13. It was their third win against the worldranked 25 pair, following previous triumphs at the 2017 Malaysia Masters and the 2019 Macau Open. Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin will next face China’s Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi, the eighth seed of the tournament tomorrow. Meanwhile, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei defeated compatriots Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin, 21-15 and 21-17, and will meet Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Boje of Denmark in the second round. Ranked ninth in the world, Tang Jie and Ee Wei have previously defeated Mathias and Alexandra at the 2023 Sudirman Cup. In the men’s singles, Jun Hao easily defeated Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan, 21-13 and 21-16. He will next face either compatriot Lee Zii Jia or the tournament’s seventh seed, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia, who will play their first-round match today. Jun Hao is expected to face a tough challenge against either opponent. His last match against Anthony Sinisuka ended in a 15-21, 17-21 defeat at the 2024 Indonesia Masters, and he had to withdraw while trailing 7-11 in the deciding set of the 2023 Arctic Open against Zii Jia. – Bernama THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is committed to ensuring the operation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Malaysian League (Liga-M) consistently aligns with the protocols established by world football governing body FIFA. FAM Deputy President and Chairman of the FAM Referee Committee Datuk S. Sivasundaram said the committee reviewed the current implementation of VAR technology in the Malaysia League (M-League), focusing on the Super League competition for the 2024/25 season. He said after three weeks of Super League matches, the VAR implementation has been smooth, with referees adhering to FIFA’s established protocols. “FAM places great importance on referee performance and strict compliance with the FIFA VAR Protocol and its Laws of the Game 2024/2025. “Therefore, every action and decision is made according to the guidelines specified in the VAR Protocol and the Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP). “The FAM Referee Committee will continue to monitor referee performance in the M-League, especially in matches using VAR, and has taken various proactive measures to ensure referee performance remains at an optimal level,” he said in a statement on Monday. The statement outlined five proactive measures: VAR Match Data Analysis, the FAM VAR Familiarisation Programme, the second batch of VAR Training, VAR implementation in Sabah, and Pre and Post-Match Analysis. On VAR Match Data Analysis, Sivasundaram said the FAM Referee Unit has analysed the performance of 15 matches using VAR since the first week, resulting in 11 On-Field Reviews (OFR) with an average of 0.73 OFR per match. “This figure reflects the current understanding of VAR protocols among referees in the M-League,” he said. For the second batch of VAR Training, Sivasundaram said FAM has begun training to increase the number of VAR referees, with the training phase scheduled from August to December. “A total of 15 referees, 15 assistant referees, and 10 replay operators will be trained as VAR officials,” he said Regarding VAR implementation in Sabah, Sivasundaram said FAM will conduct a training phase from June 6 to 10 using VAR Goal Sport technology to enable its use at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu. – Bernama BRIEFS FAM to adhere to VAR FIFA protocols in M-League Putrajaya to host NX113 Asean Open Water Swimming Championship PUTRAJAYA LAKE will play host to the Nx113 Asean Festival Open Water Swimming Championship 2024, at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex (KOSA) this Sunday. The championship, sanctioned by the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Swimming Association and supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), will feature three events each for men and women: 400m, 1.5km and 5km. Organised by Hammersmith (M) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with ASEANHUB Sdn Bhd, the event has attracted participation from several countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. “We are excited to host the Nx113 Asean Festival Open Water Swimming Championship for the first time. The main purpose of this championship is to promote open water swimming to the public, featuring short and medium-distance events such as the 400m and 1.5km,” he said. “The public, especially first-time participants, can enjoy the races in a safe environment. Safety is our top priority. We have taken all measures to ensure the highest level of safety,” Hammersmith (M) Sdn Bhd chairman Barry Lee said yesterday. Malaysia’s challenge will be led by open water swimming champion Chelsea Ning, who made history as Malaysia’s first woman to complete a 33km ultra-marathon swim in France, finishing sixth with a time of seven hours, 26 minutes and 48 seconds in June last year. MGA confident of Malaysian golfers at Paris 2024 NATIONAL professional golf players, Gavin Kyle Green and Ashley Lau remain the Malaysian Golf Association’s (MGA) best bet to shoulder the country’s challenge at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in July. MGA president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor expressed confidence in their prospects after noting their consistent presence within the top 60 rankings, with just under a month remaining before the qualification window closes. Gavin maintains a strong position in his Olympic journey, currently ranked 52nd among male players, while Ashley holds the 50th spot among female contenders, as per the latest rankings. “I’m optimistic that both of them will secure their spots, considering there’s still time until June (June 17 for men, June 24 for women) for qualification. There are still many tournaments to participate in, so they need to maintain consistency and ensure that their rankings don’t drop,” he told Bernama after the launch of the Poh Kong Women’s Golf Series yesterday. Malaysia had previously pinned hopes on Natasha Andrea Oon, another professional female golfer ranked 59th, to represent the nation at the prestigious global sports event. In the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Malaysia fielded two representatives, Gavin, and Kelly Tan in the women’s category. All jackpot amounts stated above are for this Draw. Subject to T&Cs of the Scheme. Please visit to www.magnum4d.my for more info. THE BIGGER PLAY IS TO PLAY RESPONSIBLY 044/24 28/05/2024 8890 1339 1863 6269 6527 7010 5769 9976 2032 0794 4461 3278 7945 8548 8700 4033 1551 9114 1443 7421 2031 3010 6226 RM19,479,098.57 RM507,271.55 8890 + 1339 1339 + 8890 1863 + 8890 8890 + 1863 1339 + 1863 1863 + 1339 12 14 15 21 25 27 34 35 7 10 RM6,551,206.29 RM153,115.87 9 0 3 9 6 3 9 0 3 9 6 0 3 9 6 3 9 0 3 9 3 9 6 3 9 0 3 9 6 3 9 0 6 3 3 9 1 8 Pan Gon not panicking anicking Harimau Malaya head coach not pressing panic button over crock list

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] CARLO ANCELOTTI insists his Real Madrid men “ooze confidence” ahead of their Champions League final but admits he still gets pre-match jitters despite his own unparalleled success in the tournament. Los Blancos meet Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (Sun 3am Malaysian time) at Wembley, where Ancelotti could add to his four Champions League trophies as a coach, already more than any other boss in the history of the competition. Though he is now 40 years removed from his first European Cup final appearance with Roma in 1984, the 64- year-old feels little has changed when it comes to his personal experience of the build-up. He said: “The days leading up to the final are always the same. Plenty of excitement, because it’s the biggest game of the season for everyone involved. “We’re happy to be a part of this final, and there are goosebumps, like my first time. “Three as a player, sixth final as a manager. Happy to be here, the worries will come later on, and maybe that fear, but until then I’m going to enjoy the moment. “Saturday afternoon, that’s when the fear arrives. Of course I’ve got experience, being here before. “I look at my team and they ooze confidence. I can see them totally focused on this final. It gives you peace of mind.” Ancelotti downplayed the suggestion that his side, looking to extend their record eight Champions League final wins, will be the favourites on Saturday. He has also largely resisted the temptation to grill information out of England international Jude Bellingham, who joined the LaLiga champions from BVB last summer. Ancelotti explained: “No, no. Of course he’s a forme r Dortmund player, but there’s no need to ask too much about his ex club because there’s a lot of information out there. We’ve seen all their games. We’ve studied our opponents well.” For now it’s business as usual in training, as Ancelotti looks forward to a preferred pre-final meal of “Broccoli, salmon and pasta. A siesta, for now, if I can sleep, that is, and then just focusing on the game. “I have a good week to prepare. The instructions need to be very clear so they know exactly what needs to be done. “I think that’s the best way to eliminate any stress or tension, because (it’s something) you can control. “We’re going to have to fight hard, get stuck in, it’s not going to be easy. (On the day) the heart starts beating faster, starts racing, but when the game starts you kind of relax again.” After beating the likes of Newcastle, Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to get to the final, Borussia Dortmund are eyeing a second Champions League title on Saturday. Key to the Bundesliga side’s success has been their inspirational coach Edin Terzic, who grew up a Dortmund supporter and is now hopeful of living every fan’s biggest dream by lifting the famous Champions League trophy. “We’ve performed really well and have earned our way to this final,” Terzic told uefa.com. “We’re up against an extremely strong team who have had this experience frequently, but we know that anything is possible in one match. “If we played against Real Madrid 10 times, it would probably be a stretch (to win overall), but in one match, in 90 minutes, or in 120 minutes plus penalties, we’re capable of beating any opponents in the world.” “We’ve only managed it (winning the Champions League) once in the club’s history, which also just shows how special this chance is for us. “It’s not getting easier for us to be successful, and that’s why I think it would be a very special story to win. “If you do it together, stick together, all think in the same direction, stay positive, show resilience and a lot of bravery, then we can celebrate in the end.” – The Independent/Agencies SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | MAY 29, 2024 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper No escaping the fading light -Story - on page 30 Story on page 28 Wishful thinking? Calm before Real Madrid Champions League focus gives Ancelotti ‘peace of mind’ the storm -Story on page 31 Pan Gon not panicking BORUSSIA DORTMUND REAL VS MADRID SUNDAY @ 3am (Malaysian time) FINAL Terzic Ancelotti