Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 WEDNESDAY JAN 24, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8443 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Vigorous exercise at night bad idea: Experts Cardiologist cautions fitness buffs against engaging in intense physical activity before bedtime as it poses potential risks to heart health and may disrupt sleep patterns. ‘Address Padu fears Padu fears’ Report on — page 4 Daim’s wife charged under MACC Act Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin’s spouse Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid pleads not guilty to charge of failing to declare assets. Report on — page 5 Parent Action Group for Education says schools must address lack of teaching during class time as it negatively impacts academic progress of students and overall study outcomes. Report on — page 3 The public can register with the Central Database Hub using smart phones or computers. But as of Jan 22, only 1,518,746 Malaysians, or 6.9% of those aged 18 and above, have done so. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Spotlight on teacher no-show Malaysian Employers Federation wants government to brief public on need to register with Central Database Hub and allay concerns over user data security. - Report on page 2
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 2 Allay concerns on database hub registration, govt urged oPublic should be briefed on necessity of move, considering data already present in several other official platforms: MEF PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on the government to address public concerns over registering with the national Central Database Hub (CDH). Its president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman told theSun that it is making the call due to the public’s slow progress in registering with the hub due to ongoing fears over user data security and other issues. “The public should be briefed on the rationale for establishing the CDH and have all their concerns addressed. “Among others, questions have been raised on the need to register with the CDH when their data is already available at the National Registration Department, the Inland Revenue Board, Social Security Organisation, Employees Provident Fund and even utility companies, among others.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the CDH on Jan 2 to register Malaysians aged 18 years and above. The database targets to register about 29.8 million Malaysians. However, as of Jan 22, only 1,518,746 Malaysians have registered with it. The figure accounts for 6.9% of those aged 18 and above. Syed Hussain said through the CDH registration, any institution which requires national data could obtain it from the Statistics Department, which is the lead agency managing the database. He stressed that the collected data is not on individuals but on aggregate national data, “so there is little to worry about individual privacy breaches as this is well protected under the Statistics Act and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010”. He said the Statistics Department also supports the government in making the right decisions for target groups that need help, and to design long-term strategies to address the issues being faced. He added that unless public concerns are promptly addressed, the people would continue to ignore the call to register with the CDH before the March 31 deadline. Syed Hussain said at a meeting between MEF and the Statistics Department led by chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin on Jan 22, he had invited Mohd Uzir to brief MEF members on the CDH through the federation’s regional meeting platforms. “We hope such briefings will help draw more private sector employees to register with the CDH, as MEF supports the need to do so for proper economic planning and to focus on core issues affecting the people.” Syed Hussain said the government must have comprehensive data to develop the correct and most effective strategies, which is why registering with the hub is a must. “As a nation, we urgently need to Work together to combat smuggling, PM tells security agencies PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed all security agencies to work together to combat smuggling activities, which have resulted in Malaysia losing tens of billions of ringgit. Describing the smuggling activities as becoming increasingly complicated, he said the Customs Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, police and other security agencies need to work together to eliminate the problem. “It is important to work together because we are dealing with greedy people, sophisticated smugglers. Loss of revenue due to smuggling of fuel, cooking oil, drugs, cigarettes and alcohol has amounted to tens of billions of ringgit.” Anwar, who is also finance minister, was speaking at the 42nd World Customs Day celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday. He said the Customs Department and police have proven their competence in combating drug smuggling with the arrests of syndicate members and confiscation of goods, Bernama reported. “We are witnessing an impressive record, including by the Customs Department, in efforts to combat drug smuggling involving huge amounts. The police have also arrested a kingpin in Sabah.” According to a recent media report, the department thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs weighing 6.13kg worth RM1.22 million, which was found hidden in a piece of luggage at Terminal 1 of the KL International Airport on Jan 9. Expressing appreciation for the contributions of the security forces, Anwar said the government would give priority to implementing housing projects for all the security agencies through special tenders. “Priority for housing has been given to the police, Armed Forces, Customs Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency this year. I ask that it be expedited and not follow the normal tender process, but through special tenders because when there is negotiation, usually 10% or 20% is leaked to others.” Anwar also reminded members of the security forces to carry out their duties sincerely and always emphasise good governance. Price watch after water tariff revision ALOR GAJAH: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has expressed hope that traders, especially those selling food, will not raise prices after the implementation of the new water tariff adjustment from Feb 1. He said the government would monitor the situation as the move to raise the water tariff follows a joint decision by the Cabinet and state governments as well as consensus at a meeting of the 5th National Water Council. He added that the ministry would keep tabs whether there are elements of profiteering. Armizan was speaking at the launch of an Ihsan Rahmah sales programme. On Jan 17, the National Water Services Commission said the tariff adjustment for domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, would see an average increase of 22 sen per cubic metre of water. – Bernama Anwar presenting the Tokoh Kastam award to former director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy at the event in Putrajaya yesterday. With them is Finance Minister 11 Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. – BERNAMAPIC King confers ‘Tan Sri’ title on army chief KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah conferred the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota award, which carries the title “Tan Sri”, on army chief Jen Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Muhammad Hafizuddeain headed the list of 321 recipients of federal awards, honours and medals at an investiture ceremony held at Istana Negara yesterday. The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was also present. Another recipient of the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota award was businessman Ong Hooi Lim. Al-Sultan Abdullah conferred the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara award, which carries the title “Datuk”, on International Islamic University Malaysia’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation dean Prof Dr Abdelaziz Berghout. The King also bestowed the Panglima Setia Diraja award, which carries the title “Datuk”, on Istana Negara’s Royal Household Comptroller Mej-Jen Datuk Zahari Mohamad Ariffin, Air Force aide-decamp to the King Mej-Jen Datuk Mohamed Zahari Yahya and Kraftangan Malaysia director-general Ainu Sham Ramli. Seven individuals received the Johan Mangku Negara award, including Universiti Teknologi Mara deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Prof Datin Dr Suzana Sulaiman and deputy auditor-general (finance) Patimah Ramuji. The King also conferred the Johan Setia Mahkota award on seven individuals, including Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali and Kuala Lumpur Royal Malaysia Police College Centre for Investigation and Prosecution Science Studies head SAC Datuk Suryani Sungit, Bernama reported. A total of 117 individuals received the Kesatria Mangku Negara award, one received the Kesatria Setia Diraja, 85 the Ahli Mangku Negara and 98 the Pingat Pangkuan Negara medal. █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] digitalise in line with the rest of the world. Speed and accurate execution of policies are the keys to success as they will help to even address national, regional and international issues with accurate data.” Syed Hussain allayed fears expressed by some MEF members by stressing that the CDH is not a political instrument “but an instrument for the people”. He said MEF has always supported the creation of the CDH under the Statistics Department, the national custodian of data. He added that data captured in the CDH would be the backbone of all national policies and would make the country more efficient. “Details extracted from such data will help the government to target and focus the execution of policies to address the various issues affecting the country. Data is power and a strategic asset.” Syed Hussain said successful countries use their data to drive economic, political and social growth, and in today’s world of information, the use of digitalisation has speeded up the process of analysis to arrive at more accurate decisions.
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 3 PETALING JAYA: The Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia has called out primary and secondary school teachers who are not teaching in class but using the time to attend sports events or competitions participated by the school. Its chairperson Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the situation leaves students without proper instructions and even causes them not to attend school altogether. “The teachers’ absence is an ongoing concern among students as it highlights the lack of teaching during class time. If this continues, the student’s academic progress and overall study outcomes will be negatively impacted. “Let me stress that this issue is not confined to specific periods but rather reflects a continuing challenge within various educational settings.” Noor Azimah said schools must address the matter through proactive measures, such as strong monitoring and feedback mechanisms from students and parents so that teachers attend class to teach and foster a conducive learning environment for students. She said it is noteworthy that disciplined students often adapt to the lack of teaching by becoming self-learners. But for many, lack of teaching in school leads to time wastage, disruptive behaviour, and even bullying. “Consequently, the private tuition business is growing, with students and even teachers who are parents, paying substantial fees for additional tutoring for their children. This highlights the broader implications of the issue in the educational landscape.” Noor Azimah said from an advocacy standpoint, parents play a crucial role in addressing concerns on the lack of teaching, adding that to effectively address the issue, parents should regularly engage with the school parent-teacher association (PTA) to confront the principal about the matter. “Additionally, raising resolutions during PTA meetings can provide a platform for discussion and action,” she said. National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said educators can employ several key strategies to effectively address concerns about the lack of teaching. He said open communication is paramount and creates platforms for students to express their dissatisfaction. It also fosters trust and collaboration within the learning environment. “By implementing a reflective and interactive approach, educators can assess teaching methods, instructional materials and lesson plans, and incorporate student feedback to make specific improvements. “Additionally, adopting interactive teaching methods such as discussions and group activities enhances efficiency and contributes to a more enriching and collaborative learning atmosphere.” Teh said teachers encounter numerous challenges in maximising teaching time, with a constant issue being to effectively manage students with diverse requirements. He added that accommodating different learning styles within a classroom requires educators to employ a range of approaches, such as visual aids and collaborative projects. “Addressing the differences in students’ knowledge involves pre-assessments to tailor lessons accordingly. “Another complexity is their attention spans, which can be improved by infusing interactive elements and engaging activities to maintain student focus. “Regular feedback mechanisms, through open communication with students, also enable timely adjustments to instructional methods and ensures teaching time is used more effectively.” Teh also said such multifaceted strategies collectively contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment, adding that student insights provide valuable perspectives on instructional methods, content clarity and overall engagement, and actively seeking and considering student feedback allows educators to understand the learning experience from their viewpoint. He said such feedback serves as a constructive tool for continuous improvement and helps teachers to identify patterns or recurring concerns so that adjustments can be made to their teaching methods. “Additionally, it contributes to a positive and open classroom culture, establishing trust and communication that positively influences the overall learning experience.” Concern over absence of teachers in class oPractice of attending school events instead of conducting lessons creates multiple issues, says group 1MDB task force mulls suit against foreign banks ERL concession extended by 30 years KUALA LUMPUR: The government has extended the concession of Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) to operate the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services from 2029 to 2059. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the 30-year extension will enable ERL to determine the fare based on the market rate. He said the government will also not be paying any charges or fees from the revenue of Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ERL. Currently, ERL is receiving PSC collection amounting to RM1 for each domestic flight passenger and RM5 for international flight passenger through KLIA. “The approach is seen as a win-win situation. Consumers will also benefit from better ERL services. The government is committed to encourage and value add the alternative services to KLIA, which will create healthy competition. “Therefore, it is ERL’s responsibility to always ensure the achievement of a balance between optimising revenue and offering the best service options to passengers. ERL needs to ensure that the services provided are always at an optimal level, in line with the fares charged,” Loke said at the signing ceremony for the concession extension agreement yesterday. He added that the extension, which was reached earlier, allows ERL to plan and implement investments to improve its facilities and services. He said ERL needs to work on improving its service quality to attract more passengers using both rail services that connect Kuala Lumpur city centre and KLIA. “KLIA and ERL are the ‘first impression’ that shape the image of Malaysia to visitors from all over the world. Therefore, ERL has an important responsibility as the operator of a very special train service in safeguarding the good name of the country,” he said. – Bernama RM33 internet for p-hailing workers KUALA LUMPUR: P-hailing drivers and riders can now enjoy internet services for as low as RM33 with a data plan of at least 40GB offered from yesterday until April 23. At the launch of the Rahmah p-hailing package at Angkasapuri, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the package is the result of a strategic collaboration involving telecommunications service providers CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM (Unifi Mobile), and YTL Communications (Yes 5G). He said the collaboration also involved 16 p-hailing platform providers in the country, including FoodPanda, Grab, Bungkusit, Shopee and Lalamove, to appreciate the services of p-hailing drivers and riders. “We established such a collaboration to provide affordable packages for the targeted category, involving approximately 200,000 p-hailing workers,” he said. On Monday, Fahmi was reported as saying the government was aware of complaints from p-hailing workers and hoped the government’s efforts would somewhat alleviate their difficulties and help them carry out their daily tasks. The Rahmah p-hailing package also aims to enhance the digital connectivity of such workers and enable them to access information while performing their tasks. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The 1MDB Asset Recovery Task Force is considering initiating legal proceedings against several foreign banks that facilitated fund transfers related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal without conducting proper “Know Your Client” processes. Its chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the task force is firmly committed to addressing the 1MDB matter transparently and holding all parties accountable. “The complexities of the settlement agreement require careful examination, and the task force is actively participating in the arbitration process to ensure a fair resolution in the best interests of the Malaysian people,” he said in a statement yesterday. Johari said it has been noted that the negotiators and lawyers representing the Malaysian government at the material time failed to secure a fair and adequate settlement from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. “Such lapses on the part of negotiators and lawyers in failing to negotiate a fair and clear settlement agreement have compromised the government of Malaysia’s position in the ongoing dispute.” Johari added that the settlement agreement signed in August 2020 between the government and Goldman Sachs required the company to pay US$2.5 billion in cash payment and provide the government with a US$1.4 billion asset recovery guarantee. He said the government had filed its reply on Nov 8, 2023 to Goldman Sachs’ arbitration request and the parties are currently in the process of agreeing on a procedural timetable. 1MDB paid unusually high advisory fees of US$606 million to Goldman Sachs for advising on the issuance of the three bonds totalling US$$6.5 billion. Goldman Sachs’ direct involvement in the 1MDB scandal has resulted in it being fined by various regulators, including the United States Department of Justice, a sum of US$2.9 billion. The amount paid by Goldman Sachs in fines exceeded the US$2.5 billion cash payment paid to the government, despite Malaysia suffering the greatest repercussions from the 1MDB scandal by having to pay US$6.5 billion (principal amount) plus interest of approximately US$3.2 billion over 10 years to service the 1MDB debt. The current dispute centres around Goldman Sachs’ attempt to offset the fine imposed on AMMB Holdings Bhd (RM2.8 billion) and the settlement agreement with the International Petroleum Investment Company (US$1.8 billion) against the US$1.4 billion asset recovery guarantee. Goldman Sachs contends that its obligations under the asset recovery guarantee have been discharged through this offset. However, the government disputes this and asserts that the fines imposed on AMMB and the settlement with International Petroleum Investment Company are not encompassed within the scope of the US$1.4 billion asset recovery guarantee. – Bernama Noor Azimah said the absence of teachers in class could lead to time wastage, disruptive behaviour and even bullying. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN █ BY RAVEEN AINGARAN [email protected]
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 4 RM2m rental arrears headache for Seremban council PETALING JAYA: Residents at two People Housing Programme apartment schemes managed by the Seremban City Council owe more than RM2 million in rent said mayor Datuk Masri Razali. He said the two apartment schemes are the Pangsapuri Rakyat Seri Perdana Paroi and the Lobak Low Cost Flats. “Paroi has 208 tenants who owe rental arrears amounting to RM1,122,951. One tenant there owes the highest amount of RM25,000, █ BYQALIF ZUHAIR [email protected] Avoid wastage during Thaipusam, devotees urged GEORGETOWN: Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah has advised devotees to be mindful of wastage during Thaipusam tomorrow, with processions starting today and ending on Friday. During Thaipusam, devotees often carry “Paal Kudam” (milk pots) on their heads or shoulders as an offering to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. The milk collected is then used in the “Abhishekam” ritual, in which it is used to bathe a representation of the deity, usually carried out by a temple priest. █ BYT.C. KHOR [email protected] Dark side of night exercises PETALING JAYA: A cardiologist has warned fitness enthusiasts not to engage in intense physical exercise at night, as it poses potential risks to heart health and may disrupt sleep patterns. Dr Hamat Hamdi from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Centre said: “Smokers, those suffering from hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and those above 40 must be aware of their exercise limits. “Those in these high-risk categories should have medical assessments, including stress tests done to ascertain their exercise boundaries.” He said although comprehensive studies on nighttime exercises are limited, recognising the importance of rest at night is essential, adding that cortisol, which is a hormone that helps maintain alertness and provides energy during the day, declines in the evening as part of the body’s natural preparation for sleep. “But performing intense late evening or nighttime physical activities leads to an increase in cortisol levels. This disrupts the Hamat said increased cortisol levels after nighttime exercises interferes with the body’s ability to transition to a restful state and impacts sleep quality. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN oPractice impacts sleep, circadian cycles and may have detrimental effects on heart health: Experts █ BY MUHAMMAD AMMAR JALAL [email protected] Programmes planned for Visit Kelantan Year KOTA BHARU: The state government here has outlined 254 programmes for Visit Kelantan Year 2024 (VKY2024), said State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md. Nor. He said the programmes, including 30 major ones, would be carried out to achieve the target of 10 million tourist arrivals in the state, with some of the programmes to be carried out in collaboration with several strategic partners such as Konsortium Mutiara Express and Nasken Coffee. “The theme for VKY2024 is 3F, which is Food, Family, Festival,” he told reporters at the “Sembang Santai” event in conjunction with VKY2024 yesterday. He said the programmes include the Kelantan Musical Heritage Festival, Malam Warisan Dikir Barat Nusantara, Kelantan International Kite Festival and the Kelantan International Bike Week. He added that the state government has allocated RM22.9 million for the development of tourism. “We know Kelantan has various unique features to attract tourists, such as the rebana ubi, silat dance, wayang kulit, kite, top-spinning and kertok kelapa, which cannot be found in other states.” – Bernama Seven schools closed due to floods KUALA TERENGGANU: Seven schools in two districts here were forced to close due to flooding caused by heavy rain since Monday night. Terengganu Education Department director Jelani Sulong said the districts affected were Kuala Terengganu and Hulu Terengganu. The schools impacted are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Abdul Malek, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Budiman, SK Gelugor, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Besar, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Chung Hwa Wei Sin, SK Kedai Buloh and SK Lubuk Periuk. “These schools are unable to operate and have been granted disaster leave due to the flooding of school premises or access routes. “For Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination candidates, the state education department has made the necessary preparations and is ready to activate Ops Payung if the situation worsens,” he said when contacted yesterday. A check in Kuala Terengganu city found several locations, including Jalan Sultan Omar, Jalan Pusara, Kuala Ibai and Cabang Tiga, have been inundated. However, no temporary relief centres have been opened yet. – Bernama which was accumulated over the past 14 years. “Lobak has 96 tenants who owe a total of RM931,207. The highest amount owed by a tenant there is RM30,000, and has been unpaid for over 17 years,” he said at Wisma MBS on Monday. “The rent is only RM150 per month, so they must make efforts to settle the arrears. If they do not pay up, it will become more difficult for them. We hope to overcome this problem, which is a major issue at these two housing projects,“ he said, adding that the council has implemented various options to facilitate rental payments. “These include paying at the council’s counters and self-service machines, as well as providing the convenience of online payments and auto-debit transactions. “Mobile collection counters have also been set up every two weeks at the two locations, as tenants receive their rental bills each month.” He also said the council issued arrears notices every three months and conducted sessions to address the issue with council members. “We even engaged in face-to-face interactions with tenants through door-to-door visits and contacted them via their mobile phones. “Arrears notices are prominently displayed at rental locations for their awareness. For those facing financial challenges, the council offered the option of paying the arrears in instalments to ease their burden.” He said the council’s Valuation and Property Management Department plans to meet the tenants to obtain feedback and discuss how they can resolve the issue. The matter was first raised by Lobak assemblyman Chew Seh Yong on Dec 31 last year, when he said 131 residents at the Lobak apartments had defaulted on their rent, totalling over RM1 million. “For instance, if there are extra and unopened packets of milk, donate them to the less fortunate. Milk is expensive and many underprivileged families cannot afford to buy it. “It would be such a waste to throw away all the milk when we can practise responsible and compassionate sharing. Thaipusam is not just a time for personal devotion but also an opportunity to express kindness and support to those in need,” he said. “By donating unopened packets of milk to underprivileged B40 families, orphanages, old folks homes and shelters, we reflect the spirit of charity and inclusivity, making the act of expressing gratitude and paying penance more meaningful for everyone involved. “Even when breaking coconuts, we should observe thrift and nonwastage. Rather than indulging in extravagance, we should adopt a mindful approach, using resources sparingly and avoiding unnecessary consumption,” said Murugiah. The Consumers Association of Penang and Malaysia Hindu Sangam Penang State Council also urged devotees to refrain from using plastics and polystyrene, and not to waste food and drinks. “Plastic takes a long time to (biodegarde) and becomes a burden to the environment, causing pollution. Paper plates and containers, as well as paper cups, reusable bags and even plates made from leaves, could be better options. Stainless steel cups, which can be washed and reused, are also good options,” he said. “We hope temple management and operators will do away with plastic and polystyrene food containers when serving food to devotees. We also urge those serving food to reduce the portion size when giving out free food,” said the association’s education officer N.V. Subbarow and the council’s vice-chairman A. Tharman in a joint statement. body’s circadian rhythm and interferes with the natural winding down process.” Circadian rhythm is the physical, mental and behavioural changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle. Light and dark have the biggest influence on circadian rhythms. But food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment and temperature also have an affect. Hamat said the increased cortisol level after nighttime exercises interferes with the body’s ability to transition to a restful state and impacts sleep quality. He advised fitness enthusiasts to limit strenuous physical activity before midnight. However, light exercises are generally acceptable. “While regular physical activity is crucial for overall well-being, gentler forms of exercise are recommended at night to promote healthy and sustainable fitness routines,” he said. In supporting Hamat’s views, senior public health specialist Prof Hematram Yadav said the impact of pre-bedtime exercises on sleep can vary among individuals. “Studies suggest that engaging in moderate exercises such as yoga, walking, stretching and aerobics at least 90 minutes before bedtime can promote sleep and enhance its quality, while strenuous exercises have the opposite effect.” Hematram said the keyword in nighttime exercises is “moderation”, and that late-night exercises and sleep patterns are also intricately connected to various lifestyle factors, including diet and stress levels. “Engaging in physical activity, particularly aerobic exercises like walking, increases breathing rates and facilitates the circulation of more oxygen throughout the body. “This dual effect has the potential to lower blood pressure and alleviate stress levels. The holistic impact of late-night exercise, when coupled with a well-balanced diet and effective stress management, can synergistically enhance overall sleep quality,” he said. Hematram emphasised that while individual responses to exercise may vary, it is generally advisable to schedule vigorous exercises earlier in the day. He said this would allow the body to align with its natural circadian rhythm and promote a smoother transition into restorative sleep at night.
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 5 Two M’sians linked to Bali attacks may return home KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysians, who confessed to conspiring with an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the deadly bombing in Bali two decades ago, could return to Malaysia before the end of the year under a plea deal agreed last week. The New York Times reported a jury of military officers in Guantanamo Bay will be tasked with choosing a sentence of between 20 to 25 years. The plea bargain agreement, which helped avert a lengthy litigation, could see the duo returning to Malaysia. However, the report said a portion of the plea agreement that envisioned their return to Malaysia remained classified. It said the sentencing proceedings for Mohammed Farik Amin, 48, and Mohammed Nazir Lep, 47, are part of the US government strategy of trying to resolve Guantanamo’s national security cases through plea negotiations. Last week, both men, who are now detained at Guantanamo Bay, pleaded guilty to conspiring in two suicide bombings in Bali that killed 202 people on Oct 12, 2002. They have been charged alongside Indonesian Encep Nurjaman, also known as Hambali. Last October, The New York Times reported Mohammed Farik and Mohammed Nazir had reached an agreement with prosecutors at Guantanamo Bay to charges of being accessories to the terrorist attacks in Bali, thus separating them from Hambali’s case. Mohammed Farik and Mohammed Nazir, who spent years in secret Central Intelligence Agency prisons following their capture in 2003, agreed to testify against Hambali, the former leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah movement. The New York Times also reported as part of the plea agreement, both were questioned by prosecutors on Sunday and Monday. – Bernama 7 arrested over death of disabled woman KUALA LUMPUR: Seven members of a family were arrested to assist in investigations into the murder of an intellectuallychallenged woman, 20, at a house in Jalan Serdang Raya 1, Seri Kembangan, on Monday. All the suspects arrested are locals, comprising four men and three women aged between 25 and 79. Serdang police chief ACP A.A. Anbalagan said police were notified at 12.12pm by a woman that her 20-year-old sister had died in an assault at the house. He said the victim, who held a PwD card, had allegedly scolded and pinched two children (a two-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy) of a family member. In an ensuing altercation, the victim was beaten with a long stick and assaulted with a hot iron repeatedly on her body, resulting in fatal injuries. Anbalagan added that the victim was babysitting the two children and the cause of death is pending an autopsy report from the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang. “Four suspects were remanded for seven days starting from Monday until Sunday to assist in the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, while three suspects aged 25 to 79 years were released on police bail. “We are appealing to anyone who has information regarding the case to contact investigating officer ASP Rosnani at 018-2771 866.” – Bernama Woman loses RM6m in bogus gold scheme IPOH: A woman lost RM6.22 million in a non-existent gold investment scheme in October last year, which is the highest amount of losses due to scams in Perak. State police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the woman, 61, a trader from Taman Rasi Jaya, saw an investment blog on Facebook on Oct 14 last year. The victim clicked on a link, which redirected her to WhatsApp. She was then added on several chat groups for the purpose of investing in the gold market. “Since then, the woman deposited funds 32 times, totalling RM6.22 million, into 11 bank accounts.” Mohd Yusri said the woman realised she had been duped when she wanted to withdraw her investment money of RM2.2 million on Monday, but did not receive a reply to her message and the investment platform could not be accessed. He added that the woman lodged a police report and the case is being investigated under the Section 420 of the Penal Code. – Bernama Duo escape death by jumping out of car BALING: Two women took quick action to save themselves when they jumped out of their car, which suddenly caught fire on Monday. Sik Fire and Rescue station assistant operations chief Zulkhairi Mat Tanjil said in the incident at 6.45pm in Kampung Lubuk Tualang, a car driver in her 40s and her friend detected a strong smell coming from the car engine. “They decided to jump out of the vehicle to save themselves before the car caught fire. The blaze spread quickly, but both of them did not suffer any injuries.“ Zulkhairi added that an eight-member team from the Sik station took 10 minutes to douse the fire, while the cause and losses due to the fire were still under investigation. – Bernama Wife of ex-minister charged with failure to declare assets KUALA LUMPUR: Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin’s wife, Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid was charged in the Sessions Court yesterday with failure to declare her assets, which include Menara Ilham and several properties in the federal capital and Penang. Na’imah, 66, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read before Judge Azura Alwi. She was charged with not declaring her assets by deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of a notice, dated Nov 8, 2023, sent to her by a commissioner from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Nov 1, 2023. The properties are Menara Ilham, two companies (Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd), two luxury cars (Mercedes Benz), a house in Persiaran Bukit Tunku, four parcels of land in Bukit Tunku, one parcel in Penang and one in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Na’imah was charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 with committing the offence at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 13, 2023. She faces up to five years’ jail and a maximum fine of RM100,000, Bernama reported. The prosecution was conducted by DPP Ahmad Feisal Mohd Azmi, Mohd Fadhly Mohd Zamry and Maziah Mohaide, while Na’imah was represented by lawyers Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, M. Puravalen and Alex Tan. On Jan 10, Nai’mah and her two sons submitted their statements at the MACC headquarters on the commission’s probe against Daim, who is also a businessman. MACC Anti-Money Laundering Division director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed statements were taken from Daim’s wife and sons to assist investigations under the anti-money laundering Act. The investigation into Daim was based on information obtained from the Pandora Papers. Following that, the investigation papers for the case were opened in February last year. Azura allowed Na’imah bail of RM250,000 in one surety and also ordered Na’imah speaking to members of the media outside the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court after being charged yesterday. – AFPPIC oAction under MACC Act involves ownership of Menara Ilham, luxury cars, Bukit Tunku house and land her to surrender her passport to the court. She set March 22 for mention. Earlier, Ahmad Feisal requested the court to set bail of RM500,000 in one surety and for Na’imah to report to the MACC headquarters once a month, and also to surrender her passport to the court, but Mohd Yusof applied for a lower bail of RM250,000. The lawyer also objected to the prosecution’s request for his client to surrender her passport, saying she was not a flight risk. “Na’imah is not involved in any criminal case that makes her a flight risk and she lives just behind this court. She is not going anywhere and she is here to fight the case.”
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Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE Elderly care facility with a difference oIn addition to fitness events, Kampungku centre prioritises activities that foster racial unity KUALA LUMPUR: Come 2050, Malaysia will be an ageing nation, with 15% of its population above the age of 65, creating new challenges in elderly care. As such, care centres for seniors which provide services that support active and healthy ageing would augur well for the country. One such centre is Kampungku, which embraces the concept of healthy and active ageing. Driven by her aspiration to see senior citizens lead a healthy life, Gan Pooi Chan decided to set up a special recreational centre. “Before opening Kampungku in August last year, I worked for five years at Homage Home Care, which provides elderly care. As such, I am used to interacting with this group.” Gan said Kampungku provides various mentally and physically stimulating social activities for the elderly while helping to improve their emotional wellness. Her centres are located at three locations, namely in Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur) and two in Selangor (Bandar Pinggiran Subang and Klang), Bernama reported Among the popular activities conducted at the centres are Aqua Zumba, a fitness programme that incorporates dance moves in a swimming pool conducted by an experienced instructor. The activity has proven to enhance fitness among the elderly, who previously could not walk for five to 10 minutes in the house but can now do Aqua Zumba for an hour. Other activities include painting on canvas and flower arrangement to improve their ability to focus and cultivate creativity. At present, there are 50 certified and experienced trainers who conduct activities and provide elderly care at Kampungku. Gan said differences in race and religion are no obstacle for the centre to provide the best service. Most of the individuals who require care from the centre suffer from illnesses such as cancer, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. “I believe we can prevent such diseases if we are disciplined, have a balanced diet and exercises regularly as well as staying socially connected. “There are some who are sent by their children before going to work and would pick them up after work. We also fetch them from their house.” The centre, which opens daily from 8.30am, offers various activities for as low as RM50 per activity and is open to all senior citizens. Gan said Kampungku is poised to have its own complex at Section 12 in Petaling Jaya, which is expected to be ready this year, adding that Kampungku continuously plans various activities to strengthen ties among all races, including events involving festivals celebrated by the various communities. “For example, since Muslims will be observing Ramadan and celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri soon, we plan to organise activities such as buka puasa and ketupat making events. Passion makes perfect KUCHING: Kerikam embroidery, also known as keringkam, is synonymous with the Sarawak Malay community but unfortunately, the continuity of this heritage art form has encountered a setback as the intricate and labourious needlework involved is discouraging people from learning the skill. In kerikam embroidery, coarse metal threads, often gold or silver in colour, are used to create captivating motifs, with floral patterns being particularly prominent. Previously applied exclusively to shawls and veils, kerikam embroidery can now be found in traditional Malay attire such as baju kurung. Among Sarawak’s traditional arts activists passionate about preserving the kerikam art form is Danny Zulkifli, 44, a mathematics teacher at a primary school in Santubong here. Speaking recently at a heritage conservation event organised by the Brooke Trust and sponsored by Yayasan Hasanah, he lamented how hard it was for him to get more knowledge on kerikam. “I wanted to learn this heritage art to ensure its perpetuation. The art of kerikam embroidery is highly exclusive and I found myself having to seek guidance from elderly artisans who have the skills and experience,” said Kuchingborn Danny, who also owns a boutique called D’ Keringkam. In 2008, when he was posted to a remote school in Mukah in the central part of the state, he decided to learn more about kerikam and practise the needlework as he had a lot of free time during the weekends and school holidays. “I even created my own kerikam embroidery pieces,” said Danny, who has dyslexia, a learning disorder. “Being far away from my home (in Kuching), I didn’t miss my family so much as kerikam embroidery kept me busy. Not only did I find it therapeutic, but it also became a source of extra income for me.” Sharing how he picked up kerikam skills while in Mukah, Danny said since his school had no internet service then, he would venture out to the nearby villages during the weekends to talk to the elderly folk there who were wellversed in the art. “Within seven months, I managed to master the kerikam technique as well as embroidering motifs. I had no dedicated teacher. I learned by asking those who had the skills and by observing pictures (of the embroidered works).” Danny said it usually takes him about a month to complete a piece featuring a simple design but the more elaborate ones take three to four months to complete. – Bernama
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 7 Race to find dozens trapped in China landslide “Our main focus is on distributing supplies, cooking, and delivering food to those in need.” Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered “allout” rescue efforts. Landslides are common in Yunnan, a farflung and largely impoverished region of China where steep mountain ranges butt against the Himalayan plateau. Monday’s disaster occurred in a rural area surrounded by towering peaks dusted with snow, state media footage showed. There was no immediate official explanation for what may have caused the landslide. Efforts to establish what happened are underway, Xinhua reported. China has experienced a string of natural disasters in recent months, some following extreme weather events such as sudden, heavy downpours. Rainstorms last September in the southern region of Guangxi triggered a mountain landslide that killed at least seven people, according to media reports. In August, heavy rains sparked a similar disaster near the northern city of Xi’an, killing more than 20 people. – AFP Chinese military personnel searching for missing victims in southwestern China’s Yunnan province amid sub-zero temperatures. – AFPPIC oTotal of 200 rescue workers dispatched to area along with dozens of fire engines, equipment in sub-zero temperatures Abandoned Singapore mall becomes unlikely art haven SINGAPORE: In a place where graffiti is banned, young creatives have taken over an abandoned mall, spray painting colourful murals and holding art workshops to bring the space back to life. About half a century old, Peace Centre is scheduled to face the wrecking ball later this year, but fans say it has provided a rare space for self-expression. Permission from authorities is required for any kind of street art in the Southeast Asian country. In August last year, PlayPan, an initiative cofounded by entrepreneur Gary Hong, convinced developers to postpone the mall’s demolition. The answer the initiative’s backers received was that they could go ahead and use the space for “a social experiment to bring (the) community together”, Hong told AFP. They were given the space to host performances and workshops for several months, allowing artists, students, charities and small businesses to set up shop for free or at heavily discounted rates. The eclectic mix of pop-up stores, art tours and musical performances has transformed the once lacklustre mall into an unexpected art haven. At the end of January, however, the mall will close definitively, bringing an end to the art project. Peace Centre was once a popular mall but lost its shine to glitzier shopping centres that mushroomed over recent years. In the last two decades it was mostly known for its printing shops and seedy karaoke lounges. Since its revamp into an art space, young people have attended graffiti workshops, colouring shuttered shopfronts with spray cans while punters browsed through secondhand clothing stalls and exhibits. “It’s not something you do on a normal weekend, less so inside an indoor area, in a mall,” said Darryl Poh, a 29-year-old sales trader who took part in a spray-painting workshop. The bathroom walls and mirrors were splattered with graffiti, while a Rage Against the Machine song blared from one of the popup stores. Craft cocktails were served on the ground floor and nearby, death metal CDs and trinkets were on sale. Such spaces are uncommon in Singapore, a top financial hub in Asia. – AFP German president, business delegation visit Vietnam HANOI: A German business delegation, including top firms for tunnel machines, wind farms and industrial supplies, is joining President FrankWalter Steinmeier in a visit to Vietnam starting yesterday, as Berlin pushes its China de-risking strategy. German companies have invested over US$3 billion (RM14.2 billion) in the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub, with automotive giant Bosch being the main investor, according to the German chamber of commerce in Vietnam, which sees the country as an important partner to diversify some activities from China. During the visit, Steinmeier and German labour minister Hubertus Heil are expected to sign with their Vietnamese counterparts a memorandum of understanding on skilled labour mobility to facilitate transfers of Vietnamese workers to Germany. Among companies participating in the business mission is Herrenknecht, which dominates the global market for tunnel boring machines. It is already selling tools for the building of the metro in Ho Chi Minh City, amid Vietnam’s plans to expand its railway and metro systems. Wind farm developer PNE AG is also part of the delegation, possibly trying to tap into Vietnam’s planned expansion in the offshore wind sector, despite regulatory delays. Building materials multinational Knauf Gips KG and automotive sector’s supplier Tesa are among other participants. Both already have operations in Vietnam. – Reuters Philippines rejects cooperation over drug war probe MANILA: The Philippines will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into a brutal anti-narcotics campaign carried out under its former president, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said yesterday. Reiterating the international body has no jurisdiction, Marcos told reporters the government is monitoring the ICC investigators’ presence in the country and has ordered agencies not to assist their probe. “I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty. Therefore, the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts,” Marcos said. ICC investigators can come and visit “as ordinary people” but the government will not assist them, Marcos said. The Philippines withdrew from the international tribunal, effective in 2019, after then president Rodrigo Duterte questioned its authority to investigate the campaign against illegal drugs that killed thousands of people. Last year, the ICC rejected Manila’s appeal to stop its drug war probe and cleared the way for an investigation into the killings. – Reuters Russian gamblers nabbed in Phuket PHUKET: Five Russian gamblers were arrested for playing poker during a search at a luxurious villa in the centre of Phuket City. The police obtained a search warrant from the provincial court in Phuket and inspected the upscale villa in Rawai. The investigation revealed the presence of a group of foreigners clandestinely engaging in gambling activities, specifically poker. The confiscated items included two poker tables and eight chairs, two decks of cards, a substantial amount of chips exchangeable for cash, two ledgers of gamblers, two timekeeping watches, one CCTV surveillance camera, and Hookah tobacco. Charges were filed against the first suspect for purchasing or receiving any property known to be untaxed, restricted, prohibited or illegally entered into the kingdom without passing through customs properly according to the law. The second to fifth suspects were jointly charged for participating in illegal gambling (poker). They were detained with the seized items and handed over to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings. – Bernama BEIJING: Rescuers raced yesterday to find dozens of people still trapped after a landslide struck a remote and mountainous part of southwestern China, killing 11. The pre-dawn landslide buried 18 homes and sparked the evacuation of more than 200 people when it struck in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan province early Monday. More than 24 hours since the disaster, state news agency Xinhua said rescue workers are now in a “race against time” to find those still missing, after a night of sub-zero temperatures. “Search and rescue efforts persisted through the night,” said firefighter Li Shenglong. Wu Junyao, director of the natural resources and planning bureau of Zhaotong, told the agency that the disaster “resulted from a collapse in the steep cliff area atop the slope”. Two hundred rescue workers have been dispatched to the scene as well as dozens of fire engines and other equipment. The site is covered in thick snow and rescuers are “using all kinds of tools to search for survivors”. Wu told Xinhua the rescuers are digging through collapsed debris of “100m in width, 60m in height, with an average thickness of around 6m”. State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of rescue workers digging through twisted metal and concrete overnight in a bid to find survivors. Other CCTV footage showed locals huddling for warmth around a fire in a shelter, eating instant noodles. People from the surrounding area have chipped in to help with relief efforts, state media said. “Our village is nearby,” Hong Jie, 38, said.
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 8 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Up to 15,000 dead in war-plagued Darfur UNITED NATIONS: A single town in Sudan’s warravaged Darfur region has seen 10,000 to 15,000 people killed since April, with paramilitaries allied with Arab militias potentially committing crimes against humanity there, according to a UN report seen Monday by AFP. Fighting has raged since last spring between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s troops and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, emerging as the nucleus of the brutal violence. The conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives, according to a conservative estimate by the ACLED analysis group, on which the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs bases its assessment. Millions of people have been displaced. But “according to intelligence sources, between 10,000-15,000 people were killed in El Geneina alone”, according to a report by an expert panel mandated by the UN Security Council to monitor the enforcement of sanctions against Sudan. The document, sent to security council members but not yet officially published, provides no overall death toll but describes in detail the “ethnically motivated” violence in El Geneina, which fell under RSF control in June. “The attacks were planned, coordinated, and executed by RSF and their allied Arab militias”, who “deliberately targeted civilian neighbourhoods, (internally displaced persons) gathering sites and IDP camps, schools, mosques, and hospitals, while looting” homes, non-governmental organisations and UN compounds, the experts wrote. B R I E F SRUSSIAN NATIONAL BLAMED FOR CYBER ATTACK SYDNEY: Australia has identified the Russian mastermind behind a crippling cyber attack, unmasking the 33-year-old hacker for the first time on Tuesday and linking him to an international crime syndicate. Hackers infiltrated Australian private health insurer Medibank in November 2022, stealing sensitive medical records and leaking them on the dark web. Among the 9.7 million customers caught up in the high-profile cyber attack, one of the country’s worst data breaches, was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Australian intelligence agencies have long suspected Russian hackers were behind the breach, which has previously been tentatively linked to the REvil ransomware collective. Following an 18-month investigation, Australia has now taken the rare step of naming the individual believed responsible: Russian citizen Aleksandr Gennadievich Ermakov, who has also been hit with first-ever cyber sanctions. “This is the first time an Australian government has identified a cyber criminal and imposed cyber sanctions of this kind and it won’t be the last,” said Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil. – AFP DRUG LORD GETS 800-YEAR PRISON TERM OVER KILLINGS GUATEMALA CITY: A court in Guatemala sentenced an accused drug lord on Monday to 808 years in prison over the massacre of 15 Nicaraguans and one Dutch citizen in 2008, a judicial source said. The court handed down the sentence against Rigoberto Danilo Morales for taking part in the killings. In 2016 another alleged drug kingpin, Marvin Montiel Marin, was also sentenced to a long prison term over the massacre. The court said Morales got 50 years for each killing and another eight years for criminal association. Despite this long jail sentence, Guatemalan law stipulates that a prisoner can actually serve no more than 50 years in prison. Morales, 37, was arrested in 2022 after spending 13 years on the run. His trial started in September. – AFP Trump rallies supporters on eve of expected triumph MANCHESTER: Donald Trump held a final rally Monday in New Hampshire on the eve of the primary where polls show him likely to trounce the sole remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump spent the first part of the day in New York where he had been planning to attend his sexual assault defamation trial, part of a strategy of embracing the scandal swirling around him. However, with one juror reporting sickness, the trial was postponed to today. The New Hampshire primary is seen as the last, best chance for Haley to stop Trump. Despite being twice impeached as president and now facing four criminal cases, he has succeeded in imposing his hard-right brand on the entire Republican Party. Several of Trump’s former primary rivals campaigned with him at an intimate rally in the New Hampshire town of Laconia as the ex-president sought to present a united front against Haley in his last event before voting centers open. “Tomorrow we’re going to win New Hampshire and then we’re going to defeat crooked Joe Biden and we are going to make America great again,” he said to cheers from a small but raucous crowd, as he called Vivek Ramaswamy, Doug Burgum and Tim Scott on stage. The event came with a new poll showing Trump, 77, backed by 52% in New Hampshire to Haley’s 34%. Haley, a former South Carolina governor who at 52 is 25 years Trump’s junior, is the sole challenger after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out over the weekend. But unless she pulls off a political miracle, Trump is seen as likely to repeat his domination in the first contest in Iowa, then oPolls show former president backed by 52% support in New Hampshire compared with Haley’s 34% cruise through the remaining primaries to become the nominee to face President Joe Biden in November’s election. “Now we are down to two people, and I think one person will be gone probably tomorrow, and the other one will be gone in November,” Trump told the Laconia crowd. “But now is the time for the Republican Party to come together.” The plan to begin the day by attending the defamation trial and possibly taking the witness stand, highlighted Trump’s strategy of attempting to transform his legal morass into a political grandstand. That message resonates with Republican right-wingers, who are key to winning the party nomination. The postponed New York civil trial features E. Jean Carroll, a successful writer, seeking more than US$10 million (RM46.7 million) in damages for defamation by Trump, whom another New York civil jury found liable for sexual assault against her. Trump separately faces serious criminal prosecutions, including over his alleged attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election which he lost to Biden. – AFP Norwegian factory gears up to supply ammo to Ukraine RAUFOSS: Nordic countries have stepped up efforts to supply much needed ammunition to the Ukrainian war effort. With both sharing a border with Russia, Norway and Finland were spooked by the Russian 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Finland and Sweden also abandoned decades of military non-alignment and applied to join Nato though Sweden’s application still awaits ratification by Hungary and Turkiye. Norway was already a member. Largely controlled by the Norwegian and Finnish states, Nammo is – along with Germany’s Rheinmetall, France’s Nexter and the UK’s BAE Systems – one of the leading manufacturers of 155mm artillery shells in Europe. In Raufoss, about 100km north of Oslo, its factory is producing shell cases “non-stop”, which will then be filled with explosives elsewhere. “As long as we have the right machines and the right operators, there are no limits to the specifications we can meet,” process engineer Sigbjorn Overboe said. “Precision can be down to the micron (one millionth of a metre)”. But the process, which includes several stages of treating the metal, is relatively slow, and therefore struggles to keep up with the rate of consumption in Ukraine. To speed up production, Norway announced last week that it would invest two billion kroner (RM904 million) to boost its ammunition and missile production capacity. “It is absolutely necessary to increase European production,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told AFP. “We have had many years of reducing the European weapons industry. The war in Ukraine reminds us that this has to increase again,” he added. Half of the funds will go to purchasing a new press and new machining tools, so that Nammo can open an additional shell production line. “With that, we will quintuple our artillery production capacity,” Morten Brandtzaeg, CEO of Nammo said. “We prefer not to specify volumes, because there may be prying eyes, but we will soon be producing more.” Finland and Sweden have also dedicated funds to boost production at Nammo sites on their territory. But the needs are enormous, both to supply Ukraine and to replenish stocks of Western militaries. Ukraine fires around 200,000 shells a month, according to experts. – AFP MASSIVE HAUL ... Police and the army presenting the 22 tonnes of drugs seized in a mega military operation over the weekend in Quevedo, Ecuador. – AFPPIC
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 9 GAZA: The US on Monday called for Israel to protect innocent people in hospitals, medical staff and patients as Israeli forces stormed one hospital and put another under siege as they advanced deep into western Khan Younis in Gaza. Residents said the bombardment from air, land and sea was the most intense in southern Gaza since the war began in October. Troops moved for the first time into AlMawasi district near the Mediterranean coast, west of Khan Younis, the main city in southern Gaza. There, they stormed Al-Khair hospital and arrested medical staff, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qidra told Reuters. There was no word from Israel on the situation at the hospital and the military spokesperson’s office had no comment. The military said later that three Israeli soldiers were killed on Monday in southern Gaza. Qidra said at least 50 people were killed on Sunday night in Khan Younis, while the sieges at medical facilities meant dozens of dead and wounded were beyond the reach of rescuers. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Monday said Israel had a right to defend itself but added: “We expect them to do so in accordance with international law and to protect innocent people in hospitals, medical staff and patients as well, as much as possible.” Israel said Hamas fighters operate in and around hospitals, which Hamas and medical staff deny. Israel launched an offensive last week to capture Khan Younis, which it now says is the principal headquarters of the Hamas militants. Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that rules Gaza and is sworn to Israel’s destruction. At least 25,295 Gazans have been killed since Oct 7, Gaza health authorities said in an update on Monday. International concern has mounted over the Palestinian death toll from Israel’s assault on the densely populated enclave and a humanitarian crisis afflicting hundreds of thousands of people. The US has urged Israel to reduce civilian harm in Gaza, called on it to stop violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and has said it still believes a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is possible. In Brussels on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz sidestepped discussion of a two-state solution at a meeting with European Union counterparts, opting to show them aspirational videos of future infrastructure projects. Israel has pushed back against calls for a Palestinian state, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed a hard line, saying any Palestinian state would pose “an existential danger” to Israel. Washington on Monday called for an investigation and accountability “as appropriate” following the West Bank death on Friday of a 17-year-old Palestinian American, who Palestinian health officials say was killed by Israeli security forces. Israel proposes pause in fighting as part of hostage deal WASHINGTON: Israel has proposed to Hamas via Qatari and Egyptian mediators a pause in fighting of up to two months as part of a deal to free all the hostages being held in Gaza, the US news site Axios reported Monday. The report, citing unnamed Israeli officials, said the deal would take place in multiple stages, the first of which would see the release of women, men over 60 and those in critical medical condition. Subsequent phases would involve the release of women soldiers, younger civilian men, male soldiers and the bodies of dead hostages. The officials said the deal would also see the release of an as yet undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel, but not all of them. The proposal does not include promises to end the war, but it would involve Israeli troops reducing their presence in major cities in Gaza and gradually allowing residents to return to the territory’s devastated north. The officials said the deal was expected to take around two months to implement. Israeli outlet Ynet also reported on the proposal, citing unnamed sources, and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had alluded to it in a meeting with hostages’ families on Monday. News of the proposal comes as US media said the White House’s coordinator for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, was due in the region for meetings in Egypt and Qatar aimed at securing a US calls for more protection new hostage exchange deal. – AFP of innocent victims oForces invading hospitals urged to exercise restraint when dealing with patients, medical staff New joint strikes launched on Yemen Huthis WASHINGTON: The US and Britain launched new strikes on Yemen’s Huthis Monday, saying their second round of joint military action against the Iran-backed rebels was in response to continued attacks on Red Sea shipping. American and British forces carried out a first wave of strikes against the rebel group earlier this month, and the United States launched further air raids against missiles that Washington said posed imminent threats to both civilian and military vessels. But the Huthis have vowed to continue their attacks, just one part of a growing crisis in the Middle East linked to the Israel-Hamas war, which has raised tensions across the region as well as fears of a broader war directly involving Iran. The latest US-UK strikes were against “eight Huthi targets in Yemen in response to the Huthis’ continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea”, Washington and London said in a joint statement with other countries that supported the military action. They “specifically targeted a Huthi underground storage site and locations associated with the Huthis’ missile and air surveillance capabilities”, the statement said. “These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Huthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners,” it said, adding that the rebel group had carried out “a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilising” actions since the previous joint US-UK air raids. A senior US military official said the strikes were carried out using a combination of precision-guided munitions from American and British aircraft, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. There were no concerns about civilian casualties at the sites that were hit, while Huthi losses are unknown at this time, the official told journalists. “The targeting was very specific and very deliberate to go after the capability that they are using to attack maritime vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden. They were not intentionally selected for casualties, they were going after weapons systems,” the official added. – AFP Palestinians fleeing Khan Younis due to the Israeli ground operation arriving in Rafah. – REUTERSPIC B R I E F SFIGHTING FLARES IN SOUTHERN GAZA GAZA STRIP: Combat raged in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday, against a backdrop of negotiations aimed at bringing about a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas in the absence of a long-term peace plan. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said early yesterday that Israeli forces had targeted its headquarters in Khan Yunis “with artillery shelling on the fourth floor, coinciding with intense gunfire from Israeli drones, resulting in injuries among internally displaced individuals who sought safety on our premises”. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported that “ground operations, fighting and attacks intensified” over the preceding day around the main southern city, with the Israeli army saying its forces had conducted multiple raids and taken control of Hamas command centres there. UN agencies and aid groups have sounded the alarm about the growing threat of disease and famine in Gaza, where 1.7 million people are estimated to have been displaced from their homes. – AFP IRAN EXECUTES MAN FOR KILLING COP TEHRAN: Iran executed a man yesterday who was convicted of killing a policeman and wounding others during nationwide protests in 2022, the judiciary said. “The death sentence of Mohammad Ghobadlou was carried out this morning after 487 days of legal proceedings,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said. Ghobadlou was found guilty of killing a policeman and wounding five others, Mizan said. The events took place during nationwide protests sparked by the September 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. Amini had been earlier arrested for allegedly breaking Iran’s strict dress code for women. Hundreds of people were killed, including dozens of security personnel, and thousands more arrested over what officials labelled as foreigninstigated “riots”. Ghobadlou was initially sentenced to death in November 2022 after being convicted of “corruption on Earth for attacking police in Tehran with a car, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to five others.” – AFP
10 WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Watch out for Houthis THE first time I went to remote Yemen, this wild and mountainous nation was just creeping into the 7th century AD. That was 45 years ago. There was only one hotel in the capital, Sanaa, and it was booked up with European businessmen trying to sell junk to the Yemenis. I had to sleep on a cot in the dining room and be up before breakfast. The ruler back in the day was a despot known to his less-than-loving subjects as “Ahmed the Devil”. He liked to nail subjects who displeased him to the palace door. One of Yemen’s frequent civil wars was raging around the walled medieval capital between royalists and Shia tribesmen. At dusk, a ram’s horn would be blown and the city gates barred. Adding to the exotic flavour of medieval Yemen, just about everyone was seriously stoned on the local, mildly narcotic, shrub qat. All activity would stop at lunch and everyone, from Ahmed the Devil to the lowliest tribesman, would start chewing qat and getting high. It was a wild and crazy place. Hardly anyone in Washington knows anything about Yemen except that it is in the southern tip of the remote Arabian Peninsula, at the southern end of the Red Sea where the Prophet Moses is said to have parted with the help of his God. Central casting in Washington ever in search of new “terrorists” hit on a barely known Shia religious movement known as Houthis as our new villain de jour. Apparently, the Houthis have the chutzpah to fire missiles at the Red Sea maritime traffic to protest Israel’s savage attacks on the woebegone Gaza Strip. Hardly any other Arab nations have had the guts to retaliate against the Israelis, never mind their American and British imperial mentors. No ships were sunk. However, what happened was that the anti-ship missile attacks caused a major ruckus in shipping circles and caused insurance rates to surge. Almost at once Europe and Asian states began demanding that Israel halt its Biblical destructions of the Gaza open-air prison in which 30,000 Palestinians, more than two-thirds women and children, have been killed so far by US-supplied weapons. Israel always knows it can get away with extreme violence before the US presidential elections. American megadonors are ensuring that the White House gets the message not to mess with Israel and give it carte blanche. The result is the pathetic sight of the US secretary of state and then president pleading with Israel, which receives untold billions in US money, diplomatic support and almost unlimited arms supplies, to stop the massacre and confect some sort of face-saving end to the current conflict. Israel’s ultra-rightwing Cabinet has so far refused to stop the bloodbath. Now, America’s pro-Israel partisans are demanding more intense military action against the far-off Houthis. Their anger will next focus on South Africa, Mexico and Chile, who have had the temerity to accuse Israel of genocide. Of course, it is genocide. The goal of Israel’s far-right settler movement and its extreme right-wing Zionist allies is to depopulate, or at least thin out, the Palestinian population so that Jews will remain the permanent majority between the Jordan River and the sea. For Israel’s zealots, each dead Palestinian means less to deal with in the future. Ever since the days of former Israeli leader David Ben-Gurion, born David Grun in Poland, expanding the Jewish state has been the religious/political goal of Zionists. There is even talk of expanding Zionism to Ukraine – in case Iran gets nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the Houthis are showing more guts than the rest of the Arab world. American “experts” scoff at the Houthis as mountain primitives. So they were, as I found, being caught in Houthi royalist fighting. The US and Britain have been bombing Houthi tribesmen for seven years. This has only made them angrier. We also dismissed Afghanistan’s “backward” mountain warrior Pathans (Pashtuns) and look what happened – they whipped us. President Joe Biden, who never served in the military, should keep this in mind. As Ben Franklin said, “No good war, no bad peace”. The writer is a syndicated columnist. Comments: [email protected] “Apparently, the Houthis have the chutzpah to fire missiles at the Red Sea maritime traffic as retaliation to Israel’s savage attacks on the woebegone Gaza Strip. █ BY ERIC S. MARGOLIS The anti-ship missile attacks by the Houthis are causing a major ruckus in shipping circles, leading to a surge in insurance rates. – REUTERSPIC
11 WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 Changing child marriage perceptions A HEART-BREAKING issue that still rears its head from Malaysia to California and from Mauritania to Armenia is child marriage. Although nuptials below the age of 18 are recognised by international agreements as a discriminatory global practice that hinders the development and well-being of hundreds of millions of girls, in many countries the practice continues unabated. In the US, only 10 states prohibit marriages of individuals under 18. Five states have no age limits while two states have set the limit at age 15. Thirty-four states have age limits of 16 or 17. Nearly 300,000 minors in the US were married between 2000 and 2018. Child bride Mandy Havlik of California told the press last August that when she resisted being pushed into marrying a preacher, she was rebuked for “ruining God’s will for my life” and had no legal recourse except to comply. April Kelley recounted how 12 years ago she was married off at age 15 in Missouri when her mother gave consent. Kelley’s husband would take her out of school during lunch breaks to have sex. She endured the torturous relationship for over a year before plucking up the courage to run away. If the current laws in the US disappoint you, be ready for a seismic shock at the number of child marriages across a wide swath of Africa and Asia, notably in Niger and Bangladesh. Most of the estimated 12 million underaged girls wed every year are either Asian or African. Last February, in the Indian state of Assam, which has a population of just 35 million people, police arrested more than 2,000 men, including Hindu priests and Muslim clerics, for involvement in illegal child marriages. Malaysia is also a laggard as only two states out of 13 have banned marriages below the age of 18. Six years ago, a furore was caused by the marriage of an 11-year-old Kelantanese girl to a 41-year-old man. A month later in Kelantan, a 15-year-old girl was married off to a 44-year-old man. Her parents, who have 13 children, explained that they wanted to give her a better life away from poverty. The year 2018 was a low point for Malaysia, with 1,856 children getting married, 90% of whom were girls. However, it was also a watershed year, as the Girl Guides Association took a leading role in pushing for the age of marriage to be raised to 18 from 16. Its campaign garnered widespread public attention, with a “Walk the Talk to End Child Marriage” rally. In family matters, the US is not a good role model for Malaysia. It is towards Indonesia that we must turn our heads. In 2019, the Indonesian Parliament passed a law to raise the minimum age for women to marry to 19. Lawmakers made the decisive move in light of a tragedy where an 11-year-old married girl and her newborn died while she was in labour. She was brought to the hospital by her mother, who was only in her 20s while the girl’s husband was nowhere around. Child marriages are usually defended on grounds of religious belief, and this is occurring across all ethnic groups and religions around the world. Some politicians in Malaysia have publicly voiced their support for child marriages, claiming that a ban would contravene religious teachings. It all depends on your way of interpreting the relevant passages in the scriptures. The absolute way is mostly favoured by conservative traditionalists because it saves them the effort of fresh thinking. All they need to do is assume that religious laws and practices once written down and have not been abrogated are valid for all time. This is the same perspective as the common notion that the laws of nature are the same for all time. It is not true. Every phenomenon of life and every law of nature is bound to its time context. Take the cosmological constant as an example. The cosmological constant is a homogeneous energy density that causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate. It is assigned a value. Scientists believe this value may change over time: the critical density changes with cosmological time and if it dissipates away, the universe will slow down its expansion. Many religious leaders often stand on the wrong side of time because they fail to understand that the correctness of any scriptural interpretation depends on the context. The farther removed we are from a scriptural era, the more likely it is that the context has changed. When the context changes, the standard practice may no longer be applicable. What was the context of child marriage? The main factor was lifespan. During the pre-industrial era from the invention of agriculture in 12,000 BCE (Before the Common Era) up to the year 1760, the average human lifespan in all farming, pastoral and urban societies around the world was only 35 years. Contributory factors to short lives included cramped living, unhygienic conditions, especially poor sanitation, infectious diseases, lack of medical care, child mortality (deaths before the age of 15), violence and excessive warfare. You had to belong to the privileged class to live until 70. If a girl was still single at age 18, she would be considered an old maid. If you held your wedding at 16, that is a late marriage. Today’s global life expectancy exceeds 70 years – double what it was 300 years ago. If you wed today at age 18, that is an early marriage. The second factor behind child marriages was female subjugation. With the dawn of civilisation in 5,000 BCE and the necessity for warfare to expand territorial control, men assumed total power and women were stripped of the equal status that they had enjoyed with men in hunter-gatherer times. Civilised societies made women the property of men, a gender abuse that persisted until the 20th century and is still a feature of traditional macho societies. Parents married off their children, and husbands could do as they pleased with these child brides. No religion disturbed this social structure because any sweeping revolutionary move would be rejected by almost all men who would then scuttle that religion. As only men held power, without their support a religion could not survive. A closely related development was the introduction of slavery as a crucial institution of civilised societies. Slaves acquired mainly through warfare provided free labour for dirty jobs and for rich households. The institution of slavery persisted in some African and West Asian countries until the 1980s, although the mechanisation of industry beginning in 1760 had made it unnecessary. Here again, no religion opposed slavery during the scriptural era because the purpose of religion was not to dismantle civilisation but to improve its moral condition while preserving its key features. The argument to maintain child marriage on grounds that it has not been outlawed in any scriptural text is the same justification used by some terrorist groups in West Asia to enslave women and children captured in raids. The third compelling factor in child marriage was poverty and illiteracy, with surplus labour chasing too few jobs. Before the Industrial Revolution that began in 1760, extreme poverty and illiteracy doomed the lives of 80% of civilised populations. Barely able to make ends meet, parents were eager to get their young daughters married off for cash in the form of a dowry. These young brides suffered childbirth complications, often resulting in the death of the mother and infant early in life. They were also likely to become victims of constant severe domestic violence at the hands of their husbands and in-laws. Scientific research has shown that there is a strong statistical link between female subjugation and violent instability in any country. Three women scholars – Valerie Hudson, Donna Bowen and Perpetua Nielsen – studied misogyny in 176 countries and in The First Political Order: How Sex Shapes Governance and National Security Worldwide, published in 2020, concluded: “It seems as if the surest way to curse one’s nation is to subordinate its women.” The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] Scientific research has shown that there is a strong statistical link between female subjugation and violent instability in any country. – REUTERSPIC Support and resources vital for MACC to combat corruption IT is commendable that the mass media, press and other electronic media are giving much prominence to the current work of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). An appropriate acknowledgement and appreciation of the MACC’s colossal role in combatting abuse of office and corruption is long overdue. Professor Kamal Salih stated more than six months ago that had the RM1.5 trillion mentioned in the Pandora papers not been frittered away by leakages, losses, loose controls and looting, Malaysia may have been closer to our Vision 2020 goal. Emir Research, on its part, had estimated that RM4.5 trillion had disappeared from our public domain in 26 years. These are startling and stupendous sums of money in a country where even RM1 million is unimaginable for almost 99% of our population. The MACC, the press and the media as well as the government must be supported in the work that is being done. Parliamentarians in particular must help speak out against corruption. The difficult and laborious work of the judiciary in providing fair trials to those accused of wrongdoing must be appreciated as well. The MACC and other enforcement agencies must be given sufficient protection, space and resources to carry out this momentous mammoth mission. M. Santhananaban Kajang LETTERS [email protected] “Child marriages are usually defended on grounds of religious belief, and this is occurring across all ethnic groups and religions around the world.
ESG ESG WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 12 PRI, CMM and IIC team up to develop sustainable investment talent KUALA LUMPUR: The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM) and the Institutional Investors Council Malaysia (IIC) have partnered to develop the sustainable investment talent landscape in Malaysia. This collaboration will support capacity building for 150 Malaysian investment professionals in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and responsible investment practice. It marks a global first for PRI’s new blended learning pilot programme, which combines in-person training, self-paced e-learning, and virtual classroom elements, to entrench the foundational principles of responsible investment and an understanding of ESG analysis and its practical application in day-to-day investment practices. The “Responsible Investment in Practice” programme is delivered and supported by the Sustainable Investment Platform (SIP), an initiative by CMM and the IIC established to support institutional investors and the fund management industry in building the depth of sustainable and responsible investment strategies which align financial returns with broader ESG priorities. “This partnership is testament to the shared commitment of PRI and SIP, to elevate the standards of ESG fluency across the region and ensure that responsible investment training is substantive, meaningful and practical,” said PRI director of investor education Anthony Roberts. “By leveraging a blend of traditional and cutting-edge learning methods, we are setting a new standard for professional development in the finance sector. The partnership underscores PRI’s commitment to fostering a global community of responsible investors, fluent in the language of ESG. Through collaborative, targeted initiatives like this, PRI continues to lead the way in shaping the future of responsible investment training.” The training programme will draw on the PRI’s deep expertise and vast collection of materials, insights, and data to address a range of critical topics, including understanding the key drivers of responsible investment, assessing the materiality of ESG issues, and integrating ESG factors across investment decision-making processes. PRI’s investor education division, PRI Academy, has extensive experience training financial markets and investment industry professionals, with over 23,000 courses completed to date by learners in 88 different countries, and a 98% satisfaction rate. “Our partnership with PRI Academy underscores our commitment to support Malaysia’s institutional investors and fund managers in developing breadth and depth of expertise in sustainable Better decisions with digital twins DIGITAL twins have the potential to optimise energy systems across diverse sectors. In transportation, they can be applied to optimise public transportation systems, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, decreased traffic congestion and improved urban air quality. Energy-intensive industries like steel, cement and chemicals can also benefit by using digital twins to optimise their energy-intensive processes, thereby reducing energy costs. The optimisation of public transportation systems through digital twins involves analysing data related to routes, schedules, and vehicle performance. By considering factors such as traffic patterns and passenger demand in real-time, digital twins can suggest optimal routes, leading to reduced fuel consumption and decreased traffic congestion. This not only enhances the efficiency of transportation systems but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering emissions. In energy-intensive industries, where processes like steel manufacturing, cement production The manufacturing sector can shift towards sustainability by leveraging real-time monitoring through digital twins. – UNSPLASHPIC oCompliance with energy efficiency regulations and sustainability targets is paramount concern for Malaysia and chemical processing demand substantial energy inputs, digital twins provide a holistic view of operations. By monitoring and optimising energy-intensive processes, industries can identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, reduce overall energy consumption, and consequently lower operational costs. This aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices and resource conservation. In addition, promoting human-machine collaboration through digital twins holds promising prospects in Malaysia. Energy managers in industries can collaborate with automated systems, making real-time decisions to optimise energy use and reduce operational costs. Similarly, building operators can work in tandem with digital twins in smart buildings, ensuring occupant comfort while minimising energy consumption. Energy managers in industries play a critical role in overseeing energy consumption and operational efficiency. By collaborating with digital twins, these managers can access real-time data and analytics, allowing them to make informed decisions to optimise energy usage. This collaborative approach enhances the agility of industries in responding to dynamic energy demands, contributing to cost savings and improved sustainability. In the context of smart buildings, where energy consumption is a significant factor, human-machine collaboration through digital twins ensures a balance between occupant comfort and energy efficiency. Building operators can utilise real-time data to adjust heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming elements to meet occupants’ needs while minimising energy consumption. This synergy between human decision-making and machine intelligence creates a more adaptive and efficient built environment. Moreover, given Malaysia’s energy efficiency regulations and sustainability targets, digital twins play a pivotal role in facilitating compliance reporting. They provide accurate and transparent data, ensuring adherence to energy efficiency and emissions reduction targets. Furthermore, digital twins aid industries and businesses in conducting energy audits more effectively, identifying areas for improvement and contributing to the overall sustainability agenda. Compliance with energy efficiency regulations and sustainability targets is a paramount concern for Malaysia. Digital twins serve as a reliable tool for industries and businesses to meet these regulatory requirements. By providing accurate and transparent data, digital twins streamline the compliance reporting process, offering a comprehensive overview of energy consumption patterns and emissions. This not only ensures adherence to regulatory standards but also facilitates the tracking of progress towards sustainability goals. Energy audits, a crucial aspect of regulatory compliance and continuous improvement, are made more effective through the utilisation of digital twins. These virtual replicas allow industries to conduct detailed assessments of energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and pinpoint areas for improvement. The insights gained from digital twin-based energy audits empower businesses to implement targeted measures, enhancing overall energy efficiency and contributing to a more sustainable operational model. Malaysia stands at the cusp of a transformative journey towards enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability, driven by the adoption of digital twins. The multifaceted applications of real-time monitoring, simulation, predictive maintenance, energy consumption forecasting, system optimisation, human-machine collaboration and regulatory compliance showcase the versatility and power of digital twins in shaping the nation’s energy landscape. The manufacturing sector, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic prowess, can undergo a paradigm shift towards sustainability by leveraging real-time monitoring through digital twins. This not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions Malaysia as a leader in responsible industrial practices. The integration of renewable energy sources is facilitated by digital twins’ ability to simulate scenarios, ensuring a seamless transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy grid. In vital sectors like oil and gas and power generation, the implementation of predictive maintenance through digital twins enhances operational reliability, reduces downtime and optimises resource utilisation. Energy consumption forecasting empowers the national grid operator to manage energy supply efficiently, mitigating the risks associated with peak demand. The optimisation of energy-intensive processes in industries and the enhancement of public transportation systems further contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable energy strategy. The collaboration between human decision-makers and digital twins in industries and smart buildings reflects a holistic approach to energy management. It not only improves operational efficiency but also prioritises occupant comfort and well-being. Finally, compliance reporting and energy audits facilitated by digital twins ensure that Malaysia remains on course to meet its energy efficiency and sustainability targets. This article is contributed by Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu, professor at College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional. investing practices,” said CMM general manager Navina Balasingam. IIC adviser Rejina Rahim said: “Institutional investors and fund managers have the ability to influence and affect real change in economies and societies. “To successfully champion the sustainable investment agenda, we need the investment industry as a whole, to understand, embrace and advocate for the agenda. “As such, it is imperative for investment professionals to be well-versed in sustainable investing in order to drive positive change in the industry. We believe this partnership will be a catalyst for broader adoption of responsible investment practices within our industry.”
WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] ‘Yes’ to foreign workers for plantations BANGI: The government has agreed to allow the hiring of foreign workers specifically for the plantation sector under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), said its minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He said he was informed of this by the Home Affairs minister, who decided that only the plantation sector is currently allowed to hire foreign workers. “The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources have agreed that foreign workers are no longer allowed to enter the country except for the plantation industry. This industry is open to take in foreign labour. “According to survey findings up to December 2023, we estimate that 40,000 workers are needed in the oGovt gives approval, sector the only one permitted to take in labour from overseas: Johari plantation sector. Hence, plantation companies will need to submit an application to hire foreign workers,” Johari told the media after the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Excellence Awards Ceremony 2023, here yesterday. He stressed that plantation companies wanting to apply for the recruitment of foreign workers must ensure the requirement for employment is in the plantation sector specifically and not in other sectors. “KPK will ensure companies provide conducive foreign workers’ accommodation and the welfare of this group is not neglected as to avoid any forced labour issues. “According to the Minister of Home Affairs, any company which brings in foreign workers into the country still has to pay wages to those workers despite there being no work. This is to avoid our country being accused of practising human trafficking or forced labour,” he added. Earlier, Johari witnessed the handing over of funds, specifically for the RM100 million palm oil replanting programme from MPOB to Agrobank. The funds allocated through the 2024 Budget consist of a grant component (50%) and financing (50%) to private smallholders. The disbursement of funds for both grant and financing components will be fully disbursed by Agrobank and the repayment by the applicant will only involve 50% (including 2% interest) of the total amount of disbursed funds. The value of the financing is as much as RM14,000 per hectare for smallholders in Peninsular Malaysia and RM18,000 per hectare for smallholders in Sabah and Sarawak. Applications have been open since Jan 15. – Bernama Singaporeans lead foreign demand for Johor property PETALING JAYA: Johor experiences the strongest property demand by foreigners and momentum is expected to continue, driven by increased interest from Singaporean buyers, according to DataSense real estate intelligence head Dr Lee Nai Jia. Based on its Property Market Outlook Report 2024, Iskandar Puteri in Johor witnessed the highest percentage of foreign demand, mainly from Singaporeans and its permanent residents. He pointed out that the announcement of the Special Economic Zone and the progressive completion of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) were factors which boosted demand from Singaporeans. Lee said Singaporean property prices are experiencing a historic high, which is driving property demand in Johor. He noted that most of the visitors were looking at properties that were priced below RM1 million. “We are seeing that (Singaporeans) are not looking at high-end homes priced above RM1 million … which ties in well with them (buying property in) Malaysia, attracted by the Malaysia My Second Home programme.” Lee said the first group that were interested in buying property in Johor were Singapore-based Malaysians who commute between both countries almost daily. The second group were potential buyers from Singapore who are encouraged by the government’s announcements in regard to economic development. Touching on spillover effects, Knight Frank Malaysia executive director Amy Wong pointed out that connectivity was an important factor to consider. “We are seeing it come in with the RTS because the existing Causeway and the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link is already at maximum capacity. However, with the RTS connectivity … it is an actual spillover. “(In terms of the Singaporean) residential price increase, it is also a spillover as the (Housing and Development Board) HDB rents are already at an all time high, coupled with the fact that the office sector in Singapore is very expensive and occupancy is also at a high,” said Wong, who also pointed out that Singaporean offices might not be able to expand due to limited space. █ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] Govt looking at increasing funding for MARiiCas PETALING JAYA: The government is considering increasing the budget for the Electric Motorcycle Use Promotion Scheme (MARiiCas), which offers a rebate to qualified buyers for the purchase of electric motorcycles, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. “Applications for MARiiCas have reached full capacity, but have not yet been fully utilised in terms of approval. If we look at the applications, indeed, if all are approved, it would be full. I have informed the Ministry of Finance that we need to allocate additional funds for MARiiCas,” he told reporters at the launch of a CelcomDigi Bhd-Yinson GreenTech partnership offering Malaysians a chance to own an electric vehicle (EV) through subscribing to a CelcomDigi postpaid account. Tengku Zafrul said he requested the Finance Ministry to review and consider it. “It seems that the Ministry of Finance has no objections, but we need to finalise and determine how much is needed.” On another issue, he said Malaysia’s target of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025 “may be quite aggressive” and there are a lot of issues the government needs to address, especially in terms of approval. “I, along with my Cabinet colleagues, will once again discuss with the EV Steering Committee about this target. Because many agencies are involved, such as the Energy Commission, and also related local authorities, and many others. We need to streamline the process. There are many complaints from companies that want to set up charging stations. Because the approval takes so much time. So my Cabinet colleagues and I will refine these challenges,” he said. Commenting on the partnership between CelcomDigi’s Innovation Centre and Yinson From left: Lim, Tengku Zafrul and Idham trying out the rydeEV e-bike at the launch of the CelcomDigi-Yinson partnership. █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] GreenTech where customers can lease-to-own a rydeEV e-bike simply by signing up for any of CelcomDigi’s postpaid 5G plans with the Easy360 instalment plan, Tengku Zafrul said the ministry welcomes cross-industry collaboration, and this is well reflected in policies such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, and the National Automotive Policy 2020. “Malaysia’s EV industry, for example, is growing on the back of a strong semiconductor industry and is expected to catalyse the growth of Malaysia’s manufacturing-based exports. Today, it is encouraging to again see a cross-industry and unique, first-of-its-kind collaboration between CelcomDigi and Yinson GreenTech to drive affordable access to EVs, particularly for Malaysians to benefit from Budget 2024’s Electric Motorcycle Usage Scheme, and contribute to Malaysia’s net zero target by 2050,” he added. Tengku Zafrul said major shifts in the transport landscape all point to EVs being the future, and they now have the opportunity to accelerate EV adoption in Malaysia. CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “Change can come fast if we think differently about cross-industry collaborations, which is why I am excited with our partnership with Yinson Greentech. Together, we can make EV more accessible to a large number of Malaysians at scale, quickly, in the most convenient and familiar way – now as easy as subscribing to a postpaid plan. We are contributing towards the future of transportation as well as driving environmental sustainability for Malaysia.” Yinson Group CEO Lim Chern Yuan said Yinson GreenTech offers a range of integrated green tech solutions in the transport electrification space and is looking forward to innovating partnerships with likeminded businesses across all industries to reduce their carbon footprint. Miti sets up independent, special committee for iron and steel industry KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) has set up an independent and special committee for Malaysia’s iron and steel industry to review and realign its direction towards achieving the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. In a statement, Miti said the committee will, among others, assess the short and mediumterm outlook for the iron and steel industry and address issues of overcapacity. The committee will also provide guidance on policy, particularly in green steel production and new product development, to substitute imports, promote exports, and evaluate industry matters linked to national security. Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said: “What is also important is for them to explore solutions to help the industry keep abreast of the latest green manufacturing technologies, to be in line with Malaysia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. “Execution is key, and timing is of the essence. I have requested the committee to present their comprehensive study on Malaysia’s iron and steel industry within six months,“ he said. – Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 14 KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), through subsidiary TNB Repair and Maintenance Sdn Bhd (TNB Remaco), is expanding its power plant maintenance business in Kuwait with a multiyear maintenance programme agreement for the Shuaiba North Power Generation and Water Distillation Plant in Al Ahmadi. TNB said in a statement yesterday that TNB Remaco has formed a joint venture (JV) with Kuwaiti-based Al Dhow Engineering and entered into a strategic collaboration with General Electric Global Services (GE Vernova). The utility company said TNB Remaco-Al Dhow JV has awarded GE Vernova with a longterm agreement to provide maintenance services for the gas turbines at the Shuaiba plant owned by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of Kuwait. TNB said the agreement is part of a broader effort by the ministry to modernise the power generation infrastructure in Kuwait, contributing to the global effort for a sustainable energy transition. TNB Remaco chairman Muhammad Nazri Pazil said the collaboration aligned with TNB’s commitment to pioneering advancements in the global energy landscape. “The two partners have their own strengths and expertise that will ensure the reliability of Kuwait’s power infrastructure and contribute to the broader goals of energy transition and sustainability. “The combination of TNB Remaco–Al Dhow joint venture and GE services with their digital capabilities will help support long-term maintenance and performance for Shuaiba North Power Generation and Water Distillation Plant and ensure the power plant operates at the highest levels of reliability,” he said. TNB said that under the five-year contract, the joint-venture partners will provide comprehensive planned and unplanned maintenance for the gas turbine and its auxiliaries at the 876MW Shuaiba North power generation and water distillation plant. Muhammad Nazri said TNB Remaco has four other ongoing maintenance service projects for various power plants in Kuwait. “Kuwait is one of our biggest international markets apart from TNB Remaco; other international footprints include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Cambodia and Vietnam,” he added. Muhammad Nazri said the collaboration will not only enhance Kuwait’s power infrastructure but also set a standard for sustainable practices globally. – Bernama TNB expands power plant maintenance ops in Kuwait oSubsidiary in joint venture to maintain gas turbines at government-owned plant Ni Hsin in deal with MYUS to promote, market EBIXON motorcycles PETALING JAYA: Ni Hsin EV Mobility Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ni Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd which in turn is fully owned by Main Market-listed Ni Hsin Group Bhd, yesterday signed a master dealer agreement (MDA) with MYUS Autotech Sdn Bhd to promote and market EBIXON motorcycles in Perlis and Langkawi. The MDA signing and exchange ceremony was held in conjunction with the launch of the “EV Motorcyle” programme which aims to promote a greener and more sustainable Perlis. As the master dealer, MYUS will not just be promoting the sale of EBIXON motorcycles but their rental as well. The rental operations will be based at the Kuala Perlis Jetty where there is a constant stream of visitors and tourists coming in and out of Langkawi. In conjunction with Visit Perlis 2024-2025, the opening of the EV motorcycle rental shop will promote and facilitate visitors and tourists to explore and enjoy the beauty of Kuala Perlis and its surroundings. Ni Hsin EV Mobility managing director Khoo Chee Kong said: “In line with the recognition of Perlis as a responsible geopark, the promotion of EBIXON motorcycles also helps to support the vision and mission to improve the geopark’s achievements. This will encourage more locals in Perlis and tourists to use EV motorcycles as a green alternative means of transport in the state of Perlis and Langkawi”. MSME remain resilient, optimistic: SME Bank survey Petronas awards 7 PSC under Malaysia Bid Round 2023 PETALING JAYA: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) yesterday awarded production sharing contracts (PSC) for six exploration blocks and one discovered resource opportunities (DRO) cluster marketed under Malaysia Bid Round 2023 (MBR 2023), expected to garner more than RM1.3 billion worth of capital investment to the country in the form of exploration work activities. The seven new PSC were awarded to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, E&P Malaysia Venture Sdn Bhd (EPMV), Petroleum Sarawak Exploration & Production Sdn Bhd (PSEP), SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd (SMJ Energy), INPEX Malaysia E&P, PT Pertamina Malaysia Eksplorasi Produksi, Jadestone Energy (PM) Inc, Sarawak Shell Bhd and E&P O&M Services Sdn Bhd (EPOMS). “This is a great start to 2024. The award of the seven PSCs from MBR 2023 is a testament to the investors’ confidence in Malaysia as a promising E&P investment destination,” said senior vice-president of Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) Datuk Bacho Pilong, who represented Petronas at the award ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur. “With these awards, all exploration blocks offshore Sarawak Basin and Northwest Sabah Basin have been fully licensed. Similarly in Peninsular Malaysia, we are pleased to see the ever-growing demand in its proven basins, which are supported by well-established and easily accessible infrastructure. “Collaborative efforts between Petronas and industry players have played a pivotal role in attracting investments and fostering economic growth in the country,” he added. The blocks under the PSC span three regions in offshore Malaysia, comprising two blocks in offshore Peninsular Malaysia, three blocks off the coast of Sarawak, as well as one exploration block and one DRO cluster situated off the coast of Sabah. Petronas also launched Malaysia Bid Round 2024 (MBR 2024), offering five exploration blocks and five clusters of DRO to potential investors. The five exploration blocks are located in Langkasuka Basin in the Straits of Malacca, Semporna and Sandakan Basins off the eastern coast of Sabah, where the newly acquired multi-client data improves the subsurface imaging and offers a fresh look at multiple geological plays with large potential. Additionally, the three DRO clusters offered are within shallow waters of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, and the two DRO clusters are within the deepwater realm of Sabah, located nearby existing facilities and enabled for quick monetisation. Mah Sing appoints Voon Tin Yow as CEO KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd has appointed Datuk Voon Tin Yow as its group CEO, effective Feb 2. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the group said Voon, 66, has 40 years of experience in the construction and property development industry, including three years in construction site management and 37 years in property development management. In a separate filing, the group said Datuk Ho Hon Sang will resign as group CEO with effect from Feb 1 and will remain as an executive director until March 31 to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition. In another filing with Bursa Malaysia, Mah Sing said it has appointed Lionel Leong Jihn Haur, 35, as deputy group CEO and executive director, effective Feb 2. Lionel Leong is the son of Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum and nephew of Datuk Seri Leong Yuet Mei, the group’s executive director. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: A positive trajectory is indicated for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) with the business landscape demonstrating resilience and sustained optimism, according to the SME Sentiment Survey for the second half of 2023 released by SME Bank Bhd yesterday. SME Bank group president/CEO Datuk Wira Aria Putera Ismail (pic) said the SME Sentiment Index showed a slight increase from 52.9 in the first half to 53.5 in the second half of the year, which signified that MSME continued to demonstrate positive viability and resilience. “It is encouraging to see that business owners are maintaining a positive outlook, showing resilience and adaptability as they navigate the challenging economic landscape. These findings further strengthen our belief in the potential and endurance of our business community. SME Bank remains committed to supporting and empowering MSMEs on their journey towards sustained growth and success,” he added. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) of Malaysia’s MSME has demonstrated robust growth of 11.6%, surpassing the overall national GDP growth of 8.7% in 2022, highlighting the significant contribution of MSME to economic expansion. SME Bank Group chief risk officer Mohammad Azam Ahmad said, “As MSMEs’ performance in 2022 exceeds prepandemic levels in 2019, we can see a substantial increase of MSMEs’ contribution to the GDP from 37.4% in 2021 to 38.4%, with the value-added soaring from RM520 billion in 2021 to RM580.4 billion.” He added that this is an opportune time to re-evaluate business strategies and risk management approaches. “In light of the positive trends in the SME Sentiment Index and recognising the ever-changing business landscape, we encourage business owners to proactively manage and mitigate risks to enhance resilience. Embracing a robust risk management strategy can help businesses navigate uncertainties and thrive in dynamic economic conditions.” Looking ahead, the secondhalf 2023 SME Sentiment Index reaffirms the enduring resilience of MSME amid economic uncertainties. The valuable insights derived from this index will serve as a strategic resource for businesses and stakeholders, empowering them to adeptly navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities within the evolving business landscape, SME Bank said. SME Bank graphic
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 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] Unitrade, Huawei, JJ-LAPP in smart PV systems tie-up oPartners aim to promote sustainability solutions across residential, commercial and industrial segments KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown building materials wholesalers and distributors, Unitrade Industries Bhd, through its wholly owned subsidiary Syarikat Logam Unitrade Sdn Bhd (SLUSB), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and JJ-LAPP (M) Sdn Bhd (JJ-LAPP) to explore business opportunities under Huawei’s cutting-edge Digital Power-Smart Photovoltaic (PV) solutions to foster sustainability practices across residential as well as commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. The Smart PV system integrates digital technologies into solar power systems for optimised energy generation and enhanced efficiency, as well as in facilitating remote monitoring and management of solar power systems. Under the MoU, Huawei Malaysia will act as the technology adviser for the Smart PV systems, complemented by JJ-LAPP as the authorised value-added partner to enhance the reach and impact of the solutions within the targeted segments. Meanwhile, leveraging Unitrade’s expertise as a wholesaler and distributor, the group will serve as the distribution partner in facilitating broader market access for the Smart PV systems. Unitrade managing director Nomis Sim Siang Leng said, “Our collaboration with Huawei Malaysia and JJ-LAPP marks our continued focus on environmentally responsible business ventures. This partnership underscores Unitrade’s commitment to seizing innovative opportunities within green technology, thereby expanding the group’s product portfolio to include PV modules.” By continuously implementing practices for zero pollution and reducing reliance on traditional power sources, he added they strive to foster eco-friendly practices within both residential and C&I sectors. At Unitrade, he said sustainability remains a key aspect of their business practice. “As part of our commitment, we have implemented solar PV systems in our industrial complex, as well as integrated electric vehicle forklifts into our operations. Upholding our sustainability values, we are steadfast in aligning with Malaysia’s Net Zero target by 2050, aiming to contribute to the nation’s green transition efforts,” he added. Huawei Malaysia digital power business vice-president Chong Chern Peng said, “In line with Malaysia’s commitment to energy transition agenda, we are cognisant of the importance of technological advancements in promoting green energy adoption. Building upon our technological expertise, we aim to facilitate wider LBS issues first tranche of Asean social SRI Sukuk Wakalah PETALING JAYA: Developer LBS Bina Group Bhd has issued its first tranche of Asean Social SRI Sukuk Wakalah of RM200 million in nominal value (first tranche) under its newly established RM750 million Sukuk Wakalah Programme. The Programme is rated AA-IS with stable outlook by MARC Ratings Bhd. The first tranche was priced at a yield of 5% with a periodic distribution rate of 5% per annum. It is secured and has a tenure of five years from the issue date, maturing on Jan 23, 2029. The final order book for the first tranche was approximately RM1.276 billion, representing an oversubscription rate of 6.38 times. LBS Group executive chairman Tan Sri (Dr) Lim Hock San said the successful issuance of this tranche of Asean Social SRI Sukuk Wakalah marks a positive milestone for LBS as they steer into the new year. “In line with our Sustainability Financing Framework, the Asean Social SRI Sukuk Wakalah will provide LBS with adequate war chest to continue undertaking social projects focusing on sustainability as a roadmap to success,” he added. He said LBS is the first real estate developer in Malaysia to issue an Asean Social SRI Sukuk Wakalah with its proceeds to be tagged to affordable housing. “Given the growing demand for affordable housing in Klang Valley and other parts of the country, LBS’ aspiration to expand the supply of affordable housing will facilitate and encourage home ownership, which will help bolster Malaysia’s real estate market. The construction of affordable residential housing will also increase the social value of LBS’ development projects, encourage social inclusion while acting as a catalyst for regeneration and community cohesion,” said Lim. LBS is shaping the landscape of Malaysia through its ever-growing development portfolio with residential, commercial, retails & leasing, hospitality and tourism. adoption of renewable energy (RE) by enhancing RE supply security and efficiency through our Smart PV solutions.” JJ-LAPP general manager Chang Chee Keong said that capitalising on the growing interest in RE adoption among the residential and C&I segments, their commitment extends to collaborative marketing initiatives in enhancing Huawei Digital Power’s Smart PV brand visibility in the RE space. “We are enthusiastic about the Smart PV solutions in providing reliable and efficient RE alternatives for homeowners and businesses, all while shaping a sustainable energy landscape in Malaysia,” he added. From left: Chang, Chong and Sim showing the signed MoUs. KOTA KINABALU: Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd (KPSB) a joint venture between Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) and NRG Consortium (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (NRG) has paid an interim dividend of RM16 million to NRG Consortium shareholders for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2023. NRG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB), which in turn is a unit of Yayasan Sabah. ICSB, which was incorporated in 1988 is an investment vehicle, management and holding company of Yayasan Sabah’s group of companies. KPSB chairman Abdul Aziz Othman handed over a replica cheque to Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya, witnessed by Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, during a ceremony held at Menara Kinabalu last Friday. KPSB is the operator of Kimanis Power Plant (KPP), one of the independent power producers in Sabah. Since the commencement of KPSB’s commercial venture in 2014, the company has successfully delivered consistent dividend returns to its shareholders. Kimanis Power pays RM16m dividend to NRG Consortium shareholders
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 16 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Hong Kong leads most Asian bourses higher economy, policy efficacy, and reduced allocation to China by global and Asian equity funds persists,” he said in a commentary. “Bargain hunters remain on the sidelines, and technical rebounds might face selling pressure until more information emerges from the Third Plenum potentially in February and the ‘two sessions’ meetings in March, shedding light on the trajectory of the Chinese economy.” Most of Asia’s other markets also rose, with Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei and Manila in the green. But Tokyo edged down on profit-taking after a surge in recent weeks. Singapore and Jakarta also dipped. London, Paris and Frankfurt rose at the open. Investors were given a healthy lead from New York, where the S&P 500 clocked a second successive record and the Dow also hit a new high. That comes on the back of a renewed belief in the US economy, which continues to show resilience in the face of two-decade-high interest rates, with consumer confidence rising and inflation expectations falling. “The story is changing for bulls,” said David Donabedian at CIBC Private Wealth US. “Investor optimism had been driven by the belief there would be aggressive rate cuts by the Fed. Now investor belief has pivoted to view the economy as bullet-proof. No matter how high interest rates go, the economy will continue to glide right through.” – AFP People walking past screens displaying the Hang Seng stock index and stock prices outside the Exchange Square in Hong Kong yesterday. – REUTERSPIC oTraders cheered by reports that Beijing is considering blockbuster boost to equities Indian stock market becomes world’s fourth largest NEW DELHI: India’s stock market has edged out Hong Kong to become the world’s fourth-largest, a milestone that underscores growing global investor optimism about New Delhi’s economic prospects, Bloomberg said yesterday. The total value of shares listed on Indian exchanges hit US$4.3 trillion (RM20 trillion) on Monday, higher than Hong Kong’s US$4.29 trillion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The shift in the global pecking order reflects the standout market year that India has had in 2023, as higher retail investor participation, strong economic growth and increased liquidity boosted the combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges. The Indian stock rally comes as Hong Kong’s market grappled with its fourth consecutive year of losses, with money managers moving billions out over worries of China’s economic downturn. In the last two years, there has also been increasing political pressure on US investors to cut their exposure to Chinese companies. India’s Nifty 50 index jumped 20% in 2023, its eighth straight year of gains. On the other hand, Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng index, which includes shares of top China companies, ended last year 14% lower. “We think India is among the most attractive long-term opportunities. India offers meaningful pro-growth policy support, unique demographic tailwinds (and) superior economic and earnings growth potential,” JP Morgan Private Bank portfolio manager Rashmi Gupta said in a recent note. Meanwhile, Zee Entertainment’s shares plunged as much as 30% yesterday, set for their worst day ever, as investors piled out of the Indian broadcaster after its failed US$10 billion merger with Sony’s local unit fanned worries about its survival in a competitive industry. At least six brokerages also said investors should sell Zee’s stock, according to LSEG data. The merger could have helped Zee and Sony compete against the soon-to-be-united Indian media businesses of Disney and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance. The collapse of the two-year-long talks on Monday creates more uncertainty for Zee, which has already seen declines in profit, advertising revenues and cash reserves. The stock was last trading down 28% at 166.25 rupees. – Agencies China regulator removes draft gaming rules from website HONG KONG: China’s gaming regulator has removed from its website rules it proposed last month aimed at curbing spending and rewards that encourage playing video games, checks by Reuters yesterday showed, in a move that boosted gaming company shares. The link to the draft rules on the National Press and Publication Administration’s (NPPA) website was inaccessible as of yesterday morning, after having worked on Monday. The consultation period on the rules, which sparked market turmoil when they were first announced, expired on Monday. The removal was described by analysts as unusual, with some saying a revision could be in store. Haitong Securities analyst Xiaoyue Hu said in a note to clients that the removal of the announcement could signal “there might be further changes in the new measures”. Hu said previous regulatory measures seeking opinions had a track record of staying on the government’s websites even after the consultation period ended. Shares in Tencent Holdings and its closest rival, NetEase, rose as much as 6% and 7% in morning trading respectively. The draft rules, which proposed setting spending limits for online games, had sparked panic among investors, wiping off nearly US$80 billion in market value from China’s two biggest gaming companies when they were announced. Analysts also at the time said the plans brought the risk of potential regulatory change back to the fore in the minds of investors, hurting confidence at a time when the government has been trying to boost private-sector investment to spur a slowing economy. But five days later, the NPPA struck a more conciliatory tone, saying it would improve them by “earnestly studying” public views. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that China removed a gaming regulatory official from his post, in a move linked to the rules. Charlie Chai, a Shanghai-based analyst at 86Research, said regulators have been working to contain the fallout of the proposed rules. “It seems (government) officials were caught off guard by the overwhelming negative reaction from investors, businesses, and the public,“ he said, adding the government has since “moderated its stance (and labelled) the proposal as ‘negotiable’.” – Reuters Singapore asset manager closes hedge fund after bets turn sour SINGAPORE: Asia Genesis Asset Management is liquidating its hedge fund after a “significant and unprecedented drawdown” following missteps in Chinese and Japanese bets. The Asia Genesis Macro Fund lost 18.8% in the first weeks of January, chief investment officer Chua Soon Hock said in a letter to investors. Chua said he decided to close the fund to prevent further loss and return money. The fund, which the hedge fund veteran launched in 2020, manages about US$300 million (RM1.4 billion). Singapore-based Asia Genesis did not respond to a request for comment but a person close to the matter confirmed the decision. The closure comes amid an unprecedented stock rout in China and sustained rally in Japan. “We made big mistakes in the recent sharp Nikkei and Hong Kong moves which went in opposite directions,” said Chua in the letter. “I have reached the stage whereby my confidence as a trader is lost.” The fund increased long positions in Hong Kong and China and was short in Japan, based on the prediction that China would outperform Japan this year after being sold off for the past three years, whereas Japan would be muted after a 30% rally last year. The fund’s predicament was exacerbated by the absence of major economic stimulus in China including interest rate cuts, Chua said. China maintained rates on Monday. Chua said he was disappointed by the “inconsistency of China policy makers not fighting against deflation, leading to continued loss of market confidence and prolonged bear market”. The Asia Genesis Macro Fund generated positive returns in 2020, 2021 and 2022. It gained 6.5% in 2023 up to November, said a person familiar with the performance. – Reuters BEIJING: Hong Kong led a rally across most Asian markets yesterday as traders were cheered by reports that Chinese authorities were considering a blockbuster boost to equities after a painful start to the year. The surge came after another record day on Wall Street where optimism about the outlook for the US economy has taken the place of expectations for a string of interest rate cuts starting in March. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong piled on more than 3% in the morning session and Shanghai also pushed higher after it emerged that Premier Li Qiang had called for more “forceful” measures to support China’s battered stocks, giving a shot in the arm to investor confidence. Hong Kong has lost around 10% since the turn of the year and Shanghai more than 7% on worries that officials were not doing enough to help the economy, which grew last year at its slowest pace since 1990, outside the pandemic years. Authorities are looking at a raft of initiatives, Bloomberg reported, adding that policymakers were seeking to mobilise nearly US$280 billion (RM1.3 trillion), mainly from the offshore accounts of state-owned enterprises. “It sounds like something had been readied in response to the recent equity rout,” Neo Wang, at Evercore ISI, said. “The market was poor enough to warrant such elevated attention. “China cannot afford to see A-shares sinking toward the Lunar New Year holidays.” Saxo Markets strategist Redmond Wong added that investors were hoping for more measures at key upcoming meetings. “Prevailing pessimism regarding the
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 17 BANGKOK: Thailand’s current policy rate is broadly neutral and the slower-than-expected economic growth forecast for this year did not constitute a crisis, its central bank chief told Reuters in an interview yesterday. Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said he had no concern about negative inflation and the country’s economic problems were due to structural issues and would not be solved by quick stimulus measures being pursued by the government. The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, has described the country’s sluggish economy as being in “crisis”, and aims to give it a jumpstart with his signature 500 billion baht (RM66 billion) digital handout scheme to boost consumption. “What we’re seeing is a recovery that is there, but is slower than expected. That’s not the same thing as a crisis,” Sethaput said. “If you want to raise the long-term potential growth rate, you’ve got to do the structural stuff. You’ve got to get productivity up. But the way to get there is not just by engaging in short-term stimulus type measures.” Earlier yesterday, the Finance Ministry sharply downgraded its 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection to 2.8% from 3.2% and cut its estimate for 2023 to 1.8% from 2.7%, bolstering the government’s case for stimulus to revive the economy. Srettha last week said his government would move ahead with its flagship handout scheme, which would transfer 10,000 baht (RM1,328) each to 50 million Thais via a mobile app to spend within six months, though it may be delayed. His deputy said there was no back-up plan if it could not be implemented. The central bank left its policy rate unchanged at a decade high of 2.50% in November, having raised it by 200 basis points since August 2022 to curb inflation. It will next review policy on Feb 7. Srettha has openly disagreed with the central bank’s current policy stance, saying it is hurting the economy. Earlier this month he met the central bank chief to urge him to cut interest rates, the second such meeting. Sethaput said the recent meeting with Srettha was “cordial” and it was part of his job to withstand criticism, adding it was important to maintain central bank independence. The governor said he expects negative inflation in January, February and possibly March, adding the economic growth path had been softer than expected, while justifying the current interest rate position. “There are only two countries in the world that have lower policy rates than us. And that’s the Japanese and the Swiss.” – Reuters Thai economy not in crisis, says central bank chief oFinance Ministry lowers 2024 GDP growth projection to 2.8% Australia set for big harvest CANBERRA: Australia is poised to produce much more wheat and other crops this year than previously thought after rainfall confounded expectations that an El Nino weather pattern would maintain dry and hot conditions, analysts and industry associations said. Australia is one of the world’s biggest agricultural exporters, shipping goods from wheat and barley to cotton and beef. The scale of the weather turnaround has been striking, with the driest three-month period on record between August and October giving way to what some landowners say is their greenest summer in memory. While rain has caused some flooding and crop destruction, higher overall production should lift the value of Australian farm output. At current prices, the extra wheat, barley, canola, sorghum and cotton that analysts think is likely to be harvested thanks to the rain is worth roughly A$3.8 billion (RM12 billion), Reuters calculations show. A larger wheat harvest would add to a global surplus. Some in the farm sector, especially in livestock, are angry at the country’s weather bureau, saying they made decisions based on predictions for a dry El Nino period that turned out to be wrong. Livestock agent Mat Larkings said he had sold cattle in a collapsing market for a farmer who worried his animals would not have enough grass, only to see rain turn pastures green and prices rebound. “A lot of people rely on what they are reading from these weather forecasts.“ The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said its forecasts include many factors and carry an inherent uncertainty, and there was no evidence that they had had a significant effect on livestock prices. The rain, which mainly fell across eastern and southern regions, has transformed the outlook for many Australian crops. “Everything is heading for amazing,” said Ole Houe at IKON Commodities in Sydney. He expected a roughly 30 million metric ton wheat harvest instead of around 25 million tons if the weather had remained dry. The upcoming barley crop could be two million tons larger than if the rain had not fallen and around 200,000 more tons of canola could be brought in, according to consultants Episode 3. – Reuters Sri Lanka keeps interest rates steady COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s central bank kept interest rates steady yesterday, in line with market expectations, forgoing a rate cut as a new tax threatened upward pressure on expenses and fuelled concerns about inflation. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) maintained the Standing Deposit Facility Rate at 9% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate at 10%, as predicted in a Reuters poll. The central bank said the decision was aimed at maintaining inflation at the targeted level of 5% over the medium term, while enabling the economy to reach its potential. “The board took note of the effects of recent developments in taxation and supply-side factors that are likely to pose upside pressures on inflation in the near term,“ it said in a statement, adding any such uptick in prices was expected to be short-lived. At the start of this year, the island nation raised its value added tax (VAT) to 18% from 15% to meet revenue targets. That could spark a renewed rise in the key inflation rate, which had eased to 4% at the end of 2023 from a high of 70% in September 2022. Sri Lanka could see inflation spike to “just under 7% in January” due to tax and shortterm vegetable price increases, said CBSL govenor Nandalal Weerasinghe. – Reuters Bank of Japan maintains ultra-easy monetary policy TOKYO: The Bank of Japan (BOJ) maintained ultra-easy monetary settings yesterday in a widely expected move, as policymakers allow more time to determine whether wage increases will broaden enough to keep inflation sustainably at its 2% target. However, underlining its growing conviction that conditions for phasing out its massive stimulus was falling into place, the central bank said the likelihood of the economy achieving durable 2% inflation continued to “gradually rise”. Traders are focusing on any clues by governor Kazuo Ueda on how soon the BOJ will pull short-term rates out of negative territory, which is seen as the next move Ueda will take in dismantling his predecessor’s radical stimulus programme. Many market players expect the BOJ to end negative rates sometime this year with a recent Reuters poll showing April as the most likely timing for this to occur. “The BOJ decided to stand pat probably because it wanted more evidence a virtuous cycle of wage growth and prices will take hold,” said Totan Research chief economist Izuru Kato, adding that he expects the bank to end negative rates in April. At the two-day meeting that concluded yesterday, the BOJ left unchanged its short-term rate target at -0.1% and that for the 10-year bond yield around 0%. The central bank has maintained negative interest rates since 2016. The yen fell broadly after the announcement, last trading at 148.39 per US dollar. In a quarterly report on the outlook, the BOJ cut its core consumer inflation forecast for the fiscal year beginning in April to 2.4% from 2.8% projected in October. It slightly revised up its forecast for fiscal 2025 to 1.8% from 1.7%. The BOJ board left unchanged its forecast that an index gauging trend inflation will hit 1.9% in 2024 and 2025, underscoring policymakers’ view the economy is on track for sustainably meeting 2% inflation. “Consumer inflation is likely to increase gradually toward the BOJ’s target as the output gap turns positive, and as medium- to long-term inflation expectations and wage growth heighten. “The likelihood of realising this outlook has continued to gradually rise, although there remain high uncertainties over future developments,” the BOJ outlook report said in a newly added phrase on prospects for hitting its price target. – Reuters Ueda (centre) and other BOJ board members meeting at the central bank headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. – AFPPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 18 UK industry fears disruption from border checks oSmaller EU firms may stop exporting to Britain, leading to price pressure: Official LONDON: British businesses are warning of a new wave of post-Brexit trade disruption because European Union (EU) exporters are not ready for UK customs changes which start this month, and Britain’s port infrastructure might be unprepared too. Britain left the EU’s single market in January 2021 but it has repeatedly delayed imposing checks on imports from the union. By contrast, the EU immediately enforced its rules, leading to port delays in 2021 and prompting some British exporters – such as cheese makers and beef farmers – to give up on selling to the bloc, at least initially. Make UK, representing manufacturers, said last month that 90% of firms it surveyed still faced problems doing business with the EU with customs and clearance the biggest barrier. The Institute of Export & International Trade, representing UK importers, said large EU firms would probably cope with Britain’s new rules but smaller ones – such as specialist food exporters – might struggle. Some of them might decide it has become too complicated to trade with the UK and stop exporting, said its director-general Marco Forgione. “That then leads to price pressure and the possibility of scarcity.” Britain has postponed full implementation of its post-Brexit border controls on food and fresh products five times due to worries about port disruption and the cost-of-living crisis. But its new Border Target Operating Model comes into force on Jan 31 and will be introduced in three phases. Initially, EU exporters of animal and plant products, such as eggs, dairy, meat and berries, will be required to present Export Health Certificates (EHCs) to UK authorities. But physical checks on shipments will only start on April 30 followed by a requirement for safety and security certificates from Oct 31. “We remain committed to delivering the most advanced border in the world,” said a government spokesman. British Chambers of Commerce trade policy head William Bain said there was a risk of congestion and delays when the checks start in April. Britain imports up to 70% of its fresh food from the EU in the winter months, falling to about 30% in warmer months, with as many as 1,000 trucks daily arriving at its ports. “Will the government enforce by preventing material which doesn’t have an electronic EHC from entering the GB border? Or does it let stuff in and then simply enforce through contact with the companies involved afterwards?” Bain said. “The government’s not telling us what they’re going to do.” The British Retail Consortium and the Fresh Produce Consortium have also expressed concern. The British Meat Processors Association is worried that a lack of veterinary capacity in the EU might slow health certification. Horticultural Trades Association chairman James Barnes said there was a risk that the UK’s new border infrastructure, processes and IT systems would not be ready for April, the biggest month for plant shipments. “It’s unfortunate it’s happening when we think things aren’t ready and at the busiest time of year.” The government said all infrastructure and systems were ready or on track to be ready by April and it would implement checks carefully with a view to avoiding delays. The Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products called for a delay in the UK border checks until 2025. That plea fell on deaf ears, but with a British national election expected in 2024, businesses hope the government might adopt a light touch to avoid delays and shortages. “They’ve got the powers to dial up or dial down the mode of enforcement that they want to use, so it’s entirely in their hands to wave stuff through,” said Bain. – Reuters Canada to cap international student permits OTTAWA: Canada will temporarily cap new international student permits by one-third this year compared to 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday. The measure is aimed in part at easing soaring demand for housing and social services, with the number of international students set to triple from a decade ago. Under the cap, approximately 364,000 international students are expected to receive study permits this year, or a 35% net decrease from 2023. The 2025 limit will be assessed at the end of the year. The cap is meant to “improve programme integrity, set international students up for success (and) to maintain a sustainable level of temporary residence in Canada,” Miller told a news conference in Montreal. “It would be a disserve to welcome international students in Canada knowing not all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed and having them return home disillusioned and disappointed in Canada’s education system.” The cap will not apply to master’s and doctoral students, nor pupils in elementary and secondary schools. Miller said the government will also restrict foreign students’ eligibility to receive work permits and crack down on private colleges and sham institutions that charge international students high tuition fees but provide poor or no education at all. This practice, he said, “is unacceptable”. “It is not the intention of this programme to have sham commerce degrees and business degrees” that allow people to come into the country “and drive an Uber”, he said. Speaking more broadly about Canada’s study permit system, Miller said “it’s a bit of a mess, and it’s time to rein it in.” – AFP Riot Games to slash 530 jobs LOS ANGELES: League of Legends maker Riot Games said on Monday it will cut around 530 jobs worldwide, describing the layoffs as “a necessity”. The layoffs at Riot – owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent – follow a turbulent year for the gaming industry, with job cuts at major firms including Electronic Arts and Ubisoft. Riot has developed global hits including League of Legends and Valorant, but said it had launched too many projects in recent years. “Today, we’re a company without a sharp enough focus, and simply put, we have too many things underway,” Riot CEO Dylan Jadeja said in an e-mail to staff. “Some of the significant investments we’ve made aren’t paying off the way we expected them to. Our costs have grown to the point where they’re unsustainable.” Jadeja said around 530 jobs, or 11% of staff, would be cut globally, without providing a breakdown by location. In addition to its headquarters in Los Angeles, Riot’s website lists offices in 20 locations, including Berlin, Sao Paulo, Seoul and Sydney. Thousands of people have lost their jobs in the tech sector over the past 18 months, including at some of the world’s biggest gaming companies. Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and streaming platform Twitch have all announced layoffs in this period. Riot’s League of Legends has rapidly grown into one of the most-watched esports in the world, with tens of millions tuning in to livestreams from competitions every year. The final of its world championship is widely considered the esports Super Bowl. In its statement about the layoffs on Monday, Riot said it would prioritise the teams behind League of Legends and other live games. – AFP Amazon trailer trucks at Cherbourg Harbour in France. Brexit delays and customs checks have led to a surge in demand to ship goods in and out of Ireland direct to European ports like Cherbourg. – REUTERSPIC Apple settles hefty Russian fine MOSCOW: Apple paid a fine of 1.2 billion roubles (RM64 million) to the Russian government over Moscow’s claims it abused its dominant position in the mobile app market, the competition watchdog said on Monday. The US iPhone maker suspended product sales and disabled Apple Pay in Russia shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. It has also removed the apps of several Russian news outlets and social media platforms from its global App Store. Russia’s federal anti-monopoly service (FAS) fined Apple 1.2 billion roubles in July 2022, saying the company had banned apps from informing customers about the option to make purchases outside its App Store. Following a years-long legal battle in the United States, Apple said last week it will begin allowing iPhone app developers to use alternative payment systems, and EU legislation due to come in force will also require Apple to allow payments outside of its ecosystem. A Russian court last year rejected an appeal by Apple over the fine. “On Jan 19, Apple paid the fine. The funds were transferred to the Russian Federation’s budget,” FAS said in a statement on Monday. Moscow has issued dozens of fines against Western tech companies since it sent troops into Ukraine – usually over platforms’ refusal to delete content that Russia says violates its laws against spreading “false information” or “discrediting the armed forces”. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) IDEAL 3.13 -0.34 21 PBA 2.26 -0.17 32,289 HSI-HPJ 0.655 -0.155 2,296 ALLIANZ-PA 20 -0.152 9 CITAGLB-PA 1.31 -0.15 257 AJI 16.2 -0.14 174 LYSAGHT 2.26 -0.14 23 HSI-HP1 0.225 -0.125 117,037 HSI-HPR 0.56 -0.125 30,653 HSI-HP2 0.57 -0.105 41,083 HSI-HSY 0.77 -0.1 2,950 KHIND 2.58 -0.1 246 NESTLE 119.3 -0.1 161 HSI-HSW 0.495 -0.09 3,360 NIKKEI-C8 1.19 -0.09 90 HSTECH-HV 0.435 -0.085 220 PADINI 3.51 -0.08 6,109 PETRONM 4.55 -0.08 555 SAM 3.68 -0.08 4,228 HSI-HPL 0.105 -0.075 64,921 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) MPI 29.3 +0.300 3,770 JSB 0.835 +0.290 492,201 HSI-HSB 0.565 +0.235 600 JSB-WB 0.57 +0.230 21,248 ALLIANZ 19.78 +0.190 841 HEIM 24.08 +0.180 417 DLADY 23.98 +0.160 138 PETDAG 21.2 +0.120 5,216 RCECAP 3.36 +0.120 8,414 CHINAETF-MYR 4.15 +0.110 384 GESHEN 1.48 +0.100 1,345 HLBANK 19.12 +0.100 8,076 RCECAP-CE 0.68 +0.095 120 IJM-C69 0.69 +0.090 1,111 MISC 7.34 +0.090 31,742 HSI-CVC 0.465 +0.080 450 MAYBANK 9.09 +0.080 89,654 PCHEM 6.79 +0.080 23,665 SHL 2.2 +0.080 59 HSI-CVG 0.28 +0.075 1,875 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME WIDAD 0.185 +0.050 +37.04 6,456,347 SCIB 0.435 - - 3,084,051 YNHPROP 0.61 +0.055 +9.91 3,002,427 LEFORM 0.195 +0.015 +8.33 2,299,781 RAPID 1.95 - - 1,228,793 MINETEC 0.155 - - 1,159,222 ARTRONIQ 0.36 +0.035 +10.77 904,576 SCABLE 0.255 +0.035 +15.91 769,448 TANCO 0.51 +0.020 +4.08 733,166 HSI-CVB 0.16 +0.035 +28.00 698,464 HSI-CVE 0.195 +0.045 +30.00 647,407 BPURI 0.085 +0.005 +6.25 580,506 ARTRONIQ-WA 0.12 +0.025 +26.32 559,118 MRCB 0.535 +0.005 +0.94 532,260 JSB 0.835 +0.290 +53.21 492,201 MERSEC 0.48 +0.010 +2.13 479,176 KAB 0.4 +0.010 +2.56 440,193 SRIDGE 0.435 +0.050 +12.99 438,278 VELESTO 0.26 - - 404,731 INSAS-WC 0.42 +0.005 +1.20 392,457 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: JANUARY 23 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 11,144.10 +21.96 FBMKLCI 1,496.11 +4.92 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 559.04 +1.02 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 173.75 +0.32 CONSTRUCTION 207.89 -1.19 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,701.40 +79.61 ENERGY 858.16 +3.81 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 595.18 -0.37 HEALTH CARE 1,933.43 -13.59 TRANSPORTATION 952.65 +6.36 PROPERTY 903.14 -2.46 PLANTATION 7,155.80 +5.07 FBMSHA 11,238.80 +6.15 FBMACE 4,853.88 +20.08 TECHNOLOGY 63.76 -0.10 TURNOVER: 5.159 bil VALUE: RM3.334 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Gainers (By RM) Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) HSI-CTH 0.06 +500.00 15,001 MSC-CL 0.02 +300.00 200 HSI-CRW 0.01 +100.00 10 TANCO-CC 0.02 +100.00 13,843 TWL-WD 0.01 +100.00 7,525 XL-WA 0.01 +100.00 2,036 HSI-CTF 0.035 +75.00 40,000 HSI-HSB 0.565 +71.21 600 JSB-WB 0.57 +67.65 21,248 HSI-CT3 0.025 +66.67 64,861 HSI-CTV 0.025 +66.67 6,060 MERIDIAN-WC 0.025 +66.67 1 JSB 0.835 +53.21 492,201 APPASIA-WB 0.015 +50.00 102 HSI-CTB 0.015 +50.00 740 HSI-CTQ 0.075 +50.00 270,788 MAYBANKC1F 0.03 +50.00 2,000 SCBUILD 0.015 +50.00 13,653 HSTECH-CX 0.115 +43.75 6,390 HSI-CR6 0.035 +40.00 3,960 Top 20 Gainers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) BYD-C24 0.005 -66.67 5 MAGNUM-C8 0.005 -66.67 1,124 JDCOM-C20 0.015 -62.50 200 HSI-HSF 0.035 -58.82 27,526 ANCOMNY-CF 0.005 -50.00 11,700 EAH 0.005 -50.00 15,923 FBMKLCI-HML 0.005 -50.00 6,000 FINTEC-PA 0.005 -50.00 1,300 HSI-CR9 0.005 -50.00 7,088 KGROUP 0.005 -50.00 395 MTRONIC-WB 0.005 -50.00 801 PMBTECH-CF 0.005 -50.00 9,400 TOPGLOV-C3M 0.005 -50.00 1,675 FBMKLCI-HMP 0.02 -42.86 400 HSI-HPL 0.105 -41.67 64,921 HSI-HSO 0.035 -41.67 144,960 HSI-HP1 0.225 -35.71 117,037 CLASSITA-WC 0.01 -33.33 935 MOBILIA-WA 0.01 -33.33 8,633 PERMAJU-WA 0.01 -33.33 1,000 Top 20 Losers (By %) INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 38001.81 +138.01 +0.36 S&P 500 (US) 4850.43 +10.62 +0.22 NASDAQ (US) 15360.29 +49.32 +0.32 NYSE (US) 16779.49 +49.94 +0.30 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4466.40 -13.92 -0.31 FTSE 100 (UK) 7483.16 -4.55 -0.06 DAX (GER) 16663.05 -20.31 -0.12 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 36517.57 -29.38 -0.08 TOPIX INDEX (JPN) 2542.07 -2.85 -0.11 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 15353.98 +392.80 +2.63 CSI 300 (CHN) 3231.93 +13.03 +0.40 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 164.08 +0.30 +0.18 SHANGHAI SE COM (CHN) 2770.98 +14.64 +0.53 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2478.61 +14.26 +0.58 ASX 200 (AUS) 7514.94 +38.38 +0.51 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7742.08 +39.77 +0.52 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 70376.00 -1047.65 -1.47 FBM KLCI 1496.11 +4.92 +0.33 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3135.25 -13.87 -0.44 WTI (US$/BBL.) 74.53 -0.23 -0.31 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 79.80 -0.26 -0.32 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2050.70 +9.10 +0.45 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2029.30 +7.60 +0.38 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 905.71 +8.80 +0.98 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 378.80 +2.45 +0.65 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8345.50 -5.50 -0.07 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 447.00 +1.25 +0.28 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 598.25 +1.75 +0.29 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 47.98 -0.18 -0.37 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 4565.00 -18.00 -0.39 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 153.20 +0.50 +0.33 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, Jan 23 Bursa up, buying support for banks ahead of OPR decision KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed higher for the third consecutive day yesterday, buoyed by continuous buying support in the heavyweight counters, especially banking-related stocks, ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) overnight policy rate (OPR) decision. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI rose 4.92 points to 1,496.11 from Monday’s close of 1,491.19. The barometer index, which opened 1.37 points better at 1,492.56 yesterday morning, moved between 1,490.2 and 1,500.39 throughout the day. Mild profit-taking emerged early in the morning session, but the key index retested the 1,500-level at mid-morning and maintained its positive momentum thereafter. The broader market saw advancers outpacing losers 511 to 470, while 465 counters were unchanged, 826 untraded and 13 others suspended. Turnover increased to 5.16 billion units valued at RM3.33 billion from 4.79 billion units worth RM3.12 billion on Monday. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the FBM KLCI was fueled by buying in banking-related stocks ahead of BNM’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision today. He said most economists are predicting that the MPC will keep the OPR steady at 3%. “Given that the real rate of interest which is currently at 1.5%, BNM’s monetary policy stance can be deemed tight as the average real rate of interest since 2004 stood at 0.6%. “Given that inflation rate has trended down to 1.5% and the gross domestic product growth stabilising at 3.4%, perhaps it is best to maintain the OPR at the current rate,” he told Bernama. 1,496.11pts Jan 23, 2024 Participation 24.4 46.7 28.9 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 835.6 1567.7 931.2 3334.5 Sold RM m 790.0 1546.7 997.8 3334.5 Net RM m 45.6 21.0 -66.6 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 23/1/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shalll not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. ATREND is emerging where clients (end-users of FPSO assets) opt to own the FPSOs, securing contractors’ services solely for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phase of the project. In both 2022 and 2023, a total of 11 contracts followed this structure, with clients taking ownership of the assets. Traditional banks are increasingly reluctant to provide debt financing to FPSO contractors due to growing (ESG) concerns. This reluctance raises entry barriers for new players aiming to enter the FPSO market, given the substantial capex required for such projects. Established FPSO players with proven track records are exploring alternative financing avenues, such as project bond instruments, private equity funding, and prepayments by clients on their leases and this has led to limited FPSO players bidding for new FPSO jobs unless the IRR is attractive enough. The FPSO market is anticipated to remain tight in 2024, as indicated by EMA’s survey, revealing record-high industry confidence. About 93% of clients express confidence in their companies’ outlook, a notable increase in 2024 from 77% in 2023. We continue to favour Yinson due to: (i) a strong FPSO order book pipeline with multiple major FPSO jobs under the conversion stage which provides significant earnings growth in coming years, (ii) its strong project execution track record which positions the company to benefit from strong structural demand for FPSO contractors anticipated in the coming years, and (iii) it being one of the first local oil & gas company invest in green technology companies (solar, e-mobility, etc) which in our view would help with the company’s long-term energy transition agenda. Maintain OUTPERFORM. FOR Q4’23, we expect sales (RM167.5 million in Q3’23) to remain flattish QoQ. Positively, we expect profit to improve to RM16-18 million compared to RM9 million in Q3’23, driven mainly by investment tax allowance. We remain sanguine on Duopharma’s 2024 growth prospects as we believe the consumer healthcare segment has bottomed and sales to the government sector will increase. Management anticipates that CHC sales will begin to pick up gradually owing to the low base effect in 2023 and launch of new products. From FY21 to FY23, the government sector accounted for 43% to 45% of the group’s revenue. For this year, we note that the healthcare sector would receive a substantial allocation of RM41.2 billion, reflecting an increase of 13.5% compared to the RM36.3 billion allocation in 2023. As such, we expect the government sector contribution to increase and bring about 2 key benefits to the group. On the expansion front, management reaffirmed the progress of transfer of product to its new K3 plant in Klang, Malaysia is on track. To recap, the new K3 plant (+50% more capacity vs. K1) has received the certificate of completion and compliance in 4Q23. We gather that Duopharma is in the midst of transferring all K1 products to K3, which is expected to be running at 40-50% utilisation (vs. K1 utilisation of 80%), once fully transferred by Q4’24. We remain optimistic on Duopharma’s growth prospects with catalysts from: i) recovery of consumer healthcare segment, ii) increase in contribution from the government sector and iii) higher healthcare budget allocation in 2024. We reiterate our BUY recommendation on Duopharma with an unchanged TP of RM1.47 based on a PE multiple of 16.0x CY24 EPS. WHOLE milk powder (WMP) ASPs have corrected to US$3,300/MT (RM15,600) from a peak of US$4,700/MT in Mar 2022 (-30%). With this, FFB is expected to benefit from lower WMP costs from 3QFY24 onwards, given that it has fully utilised its high cost WMP inventory in 1H’24. WMP ASPs are also expected to trend rangebound (US$3,300/MT to US$3,500/MT) in the near term. FFB has bought forward its WMP requirement at a price range of between US$3,000/MT to US$3,300/MT for deliveries until Jun 2024. To capture further sales momentum for FFB’s existing liquid milk and dairy products, and growing demand for new product launches, additional lines for processing and portion packing will be installed at its Muadzam Shah, Larkin and Taiping facilities. FFB’s new manufacturing hub in Bandar Enstek is also targeted to complete construction by Q4’24. With this, FFB’s total finished goods annual production capacity (excl. ice-creams) could increase by 17% to 200.7m litres once its pre-planned capacity expansion plans are completed est. end-FY25. FFB is preparing to launch its first consumer packaged ice cream product in April 2024. That said, until its Bandar Enstek manufacturing hub is operational (est. Q4’24), the roll-out of ice cream variants will be gradual due to capacity limitations at its facility in Ara Damansara. We believe that FFB is on track to post better QoQ Q3’24 earnings on expectations for a step down in whole milk powder costs and resilient product demand. Maintain earnings forecasts, and BUY with an unchanged TP of MYR1.65, based on 24x CY25E PER. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7980 4.6630 4.6530 1 Australian Dollar 3.1730 3.0480 3.0320 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5760 3.4720 3.4640 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5590 3.4640 3.4520 1 Euro 5.2320 5.0620 5.0420 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9300 2.8220 2.8060 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5760 3.4720 3.4640 1 Sterling Pound 6.1110 5.9180 5.8980 1 Swiss Franc 5.5100 5.3810 5.3660 100 UAE Dirham 132.2600 125.4200 125.2200 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.4580 4.1670 3.9670 100 Chinese Renminbi 67.2100 64.3700 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.9000 66.1600 65.9600 100 Hongkong Dollar 62.0800 58.9900 58.7900 100 Indian Rupee 5.8700 5.5200 5.3200 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0318 0.0288 0.0238 100 Japanese Yen 3.2450 3.1420 3.1320 100 New Taiwan Dollar 16.4000 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.8700 43.0800 42.8800 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7500 1.6400 1.4400 100 Philippine Peso 8.6500 8.1500 7.9500 100 Qatar Riyal 133.2200 126.4700 126.2700 100 Saudi Riyal 129.4500 122.8900 122.6900 100 South Africa Rand 25.9300 23.4100 23.2100 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.5400 1.4200 1.2200 100 Swedish Krona 47.3200 43.0900 42.8900 100 Thai Baht 14.0800 12.4800 12.0800 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit rises against dollar on China funds injection reports KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit ended slightly higher against the US dollar yesterday, tracking the higher Southeast Asian peers’ currencies following reports that China is seeking to inject funds to bolster markets and investor sentiments. At 6pm, the ringgit improved to 4.7265/7290 against the greenback compared with Monday’s close of 4.7280/7335. SPI Asset Management managing director Stephen Innes said there were media reports that China was poised to inject US$279 billion in fiscal support to lift its markets, hence making the Chinese yuan leading in the foreign exchange (FX) market against the greenback. “There is an anticipation that the ringgit may catch up to the Asean basket if the proposed Chinese stimulus measure materialises,” Innes told Bernama. Nonetheless, he said the biggest impediment for the ringgit would be the repricing of the US Federal Reserve’s March interest rate cut expectation, which led the local FX markets to remain cautious. Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that the ringgit would likely stay in a narrow range in the immediate term as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is likely to maintain its monetary policy rate at 3% in its upcoming first Monetary Policy Statement for the year. “BNM’s latest assessment of the state of the country’s economy will be closely monitored, especially taking into consideration events such as in the Red Sea and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” he said. The ringgit was traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. Matrade to step up support for mid-tier companies KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will intensify its effort to groom Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) in Malaysia as global champions through their signature Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP). MTCDP has played a pivotal role in empowering and guiding 323 MTCs across diverse sectors, providing tailored interventions to enhance export productivity. This is shown through the joint ceremony hosted yesterday, to celebrate the accomplishment of 48 MTCs from the eighth and ninth wave of MTCDP and welcoming 25 new MTCs to new cohort, Wave 10 in 2024. Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said, “For the third consecutive year, Malaysia’s trade has surpassed RM2 trillion, reaching RM2.64 trillion with total exports recorded RM1.43 trillion. These MTCs have also successfully achieved significant export growth and based on the Impact Tracking Report of MTCDP, in 2022, the cumulative annual revenue recorded RM33.9 billion, with 61% or RM20.9 billion generated through exports. Out of this achievement, bumiputra status MTCs has recorded RM5.52 billion of cumulative annual revenue, with nearly 10% or RM0.54 billon contributed by export activities.” “This year, MTCDP will reach its tenth year of implementation and for the first time, this new cohort will not only have participants among the MTCs, but also prioritisation is given to the High Performing Medium Enterprises that are actively involved in exports. This demonstrates that Matrade is committed in grooming these enterprises in strengthening their global footprints and becoming MTCs and align alongside with the Malaysia Madani agenda as well as new National Industrial Masterplan 2030,” he added. Farm Fresh Bhd Buy. Target price: RM1.65 Source: Kenanga Research Source: Maybank Investment Bank Jan 23, 2024: RM2.59 Jan 23, 2024: RM1.43 Yinson Holdings Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM3.39 Source: Bloomberg, TA Securities Jan 23, 2024: RM1.24 Duopharma Biotech Bhd Buy. Target price: RM1.47
Shineon Healthy hair habits ealthy hair habits - 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 | JAN 24, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2624/5 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 F: 03-7784 4424 SCAN ME E: [email protected] INSIDE p 23 The world of pyjama couture p 24 Hollywood’s night of style p 25 Neve Campbell’s ghostly return p 26 Armpunk Syndicate’s anthem
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 22 Oiling stimulates blood circulation and feeds the roots. – PICS BY PEXELS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Y Strand perfection OUR hair is more than just a fashion statement. It is a reflection of your overall health and well-being. To maintain vibrant, luscious locks, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive haircare routine. From proper washing techniques to nourishing treatments, here are nine expert tips to help you achieve and maintain a healthy head of hair. 0 Choose the right shampoo and conditioner Start your haircare journey by selecting the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. If you have oily hair, opt for a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil. For dry or damaged hair, choose a hydrating, sulphate-free shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment. The conditioner should be applied mainly to the ends to prevent weighing down the roots. 0 Mindful washing techniques Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Aim to wash your hair two to three times a week, adjusting based on your hair type and lifestyle. When washing, focus on massaging your scalp gently with your fingertips to stimulate blood flow and distribute natural oils. 0 The right water temperature Avoid using extremely hot water to wash your hair, as it can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Opt for lukewarm water instead. Finish with a cold water rinse to seal the hair cuticles and add shine. 0 Regular trims for healthy ends Split ends can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Schedule regular trims every six to eight weeks to prevent split ends and promote healthy hair growth. This will also maintain your hairstyle’s shape and keep your locks looking fresh. 0 Protect your hair from heat Styling tools like flat irons, curling o12 expert tips for a healthy scalp █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Over-washing causes an overly dry scalp. irons and blow dryers can cause heat damage to your hair. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry. When using styling tools, apply a heatprotectant spray to shield your strands from damage. Additionally, use the lowest heat setting that achieves your desired style. 0 Nourish from within Beautiful hair starts with a healthy diet. Ensure you are getting enough nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with biotin and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to strong, shiny hair. Include foods like fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables in your diet and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 0 Avoid tight hairstyles Constantly pulling your hair into tight ponytails or braids can lead to breakage and hair loss. Opt for looser styles that do not put excessive strain on your hair follicles. If you enjoy wearing your hair up, consider rotating styles and giving your hair breaks in between. 0 Pamper your hair with treatments Treat your hair to nourishing masks and treatments regularly. Coconut oil, argan oil and honey can be excellent natural ingredients to add moisture and shine to your hair. Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your locks hydrated and healthy. 0 Protect your hair from the sun Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using products that contain UV filters. This is particularly important if you spend a lot of time outdoors. 0 Gentle towel drying After washing your hair, resist the temptation to vigorously rub it with a towel. Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage and rough towel-drying can lead to frizz and damage. Instead, gently pat your hair with a micro-fibre towel or an old T-shirt to absorb excess water. This method helps minimise friction and reduces the risk of split ends. 0 Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and create friction, leading to tangles and breakage. Upgrade to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction, allowing your hair to glide smoothly as you sleep. This simple switch can help maintain your hairstyle, reduce frizz and contribute to overall hair health. 0 Regular scalp massage Stimulating your scalp through regular massages promotes blood circulation, which, in turn, encourages hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp in gentle, circular motions for a few minutes each day. You can enhance the experience by adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary to nourish the scalp and relax your senses. A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong and beautiful hair. Achieving and maintaining healthy, beautiful hair requires a combination of proper care, nourishment and protection. By following these nine expert tips, you will be well on your way to radiant, luscious locks that showcase not only your style but also your commitment to overall hair health. Treat your hair with the love and attention it deserves and watch as it transforms into your crowning glory. Taking proper care of the hair and scalp can help prevent hair loss. Avoid tight braids or ponytails, which can tug on the hair at the root and cause excessive shedding.
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 23 Dreamy threads Bamboo fabric pyjamas – EBAY oNight time wear need not be drab and can be elevated to high fashion █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Polka dot prints – BLOOMINGDALE’S Mismatch pjyama fashion – PINTEREST Pjyama with pockets – PINTEREST Seasonal prints – PINTEREST Recycled fabric set– PINTEREST Matching pjyama set – PINTEREST Lace pyjama set – PINTEREST ENTER a realm where comfort effortlessly intertwines with couture and bedsheets transform into ethereal runways. Pyjama fashion, transcending the boundaries of conventional sleepwear, now weaves a dreamy style revolution, curated for the enchanting dreamer within. Each night unfolds as a poetic journey, inviting you to step into bedtime chic — an intricate dance of elegance and comfort. As you traverse this celestial landscape, reimagine sleepwear with the whimsy of soft fabrics, dreamlike prints and tailored silhouettes. Let your nighttime threads become a manifestation of bedtime reveries, as the allure of comfort blends perfectly with the enchanting world of your dreams. Luxurious fabrics The essence of exceptional pyjama fashion lies in the touch and it all begins with the fabric. Luxuriate in the embrace of the finest materials, from the opulent smoothness of satin to the cosy warmth of flannel. Immerse yourself in a world of premium cotton, bamboo or silk, ensuring not just a good night’s sleep but a tactile indulgence like never before. Chic prints and patterns Bid farewell to the monotony of traditional sleepwear and welcome a burst of personality with chic prints and patterns. Whether it is the timeless allure of classic stripes, the playful charm of polka dots or the whimsy of intricate illustrations, your pyjamas become a canvas for creative expression. Make a statement even in slumber with bold designs or opt for timeless motifs that suit your individual taste. Tailored fit Ditch the oversized, shapeless pyjamas of yesteryear and embrace a tailored fit that harmonises comfort with style. Modern pyjama sets are designed to flatter your unique silhouette, offering options like wide-leg trousers or tapered joggers. Experience the joy of looking effortlessly chic, even in your downtime. Versatility Pyjamas have liberated themselves from the confines of the bedroom, transcending their nocturnal origins to become versatile day-to-night essentials. Mix and match your pyjama separates with other wardrobe staples, making the leap from couch comfort to casual elegance. Your sleepwear becomes a style statement that effortlessly adapts to any occasion. Smart details Elevate your bedtime routine with thoughtful details that not only add style but also enhance functionality. Delicate lace trims, contrasting piping and unique embellishments make a profound impact. Seek out pyjamas with added conveniences like pockets or adjustable waistbands, ensuring your sleepwear is as practical as it is fashionable. Seasonal sensibility Pyjamas, like fashion, should adapt to the changing seasons. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics for balmy nights and indulge in plush, cosy options for chilly evenings. Seasonal prints and colour palettes ensure your sleepwear wardrobe is always in sync with the weather outside, providing comfort and style regardless of the temperature. Eco-friendly sleepwear As sustainability takes centre stage in the fashion industry, pyjamas have embraced the eco-conscious movement. Look for brands committed to using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. Bamboo, organic cotton and recycled fabrics not only minimise your environmental footprint but also envelop you in a cocoon of guiltSlim fit pjyama – NANCHENG free comfort. Matching sets for every mood Elevate your bedtime aesthetic with the charm of matching pyjama sets. Coordinated tops and bottoms effortlessly blend style and uniformity, giving you a polished look even when you are winding down for the night. Explore mixing and matching different sets to suit your mood, creating a versatile sleepwear wardrobe that caters to your everchanging aesthetic. Luxe embellishments Add a touch of glamour to your slumber with luxe embellishments. Think intricate embroidery, sequined accents or delicate lace inserts that elevate your pyjamas from sleepwear to a fashion statement. Embrace the notion that bedtime is not just for rest but an opportunity to showcase your unique style. With pyjama fashion, comfort and style intertwine, creating an aesthetic that is pleasing and comforting. Embrace the bedtime revolution, allowing your pyjamas to tell a unique story as captivating as your dreams. Your sleepwear becomes a powerful expression of individuality. Sweet dreams, in style.
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 24 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM THE glitz and glamour of television’s elite were on full display at the Emmys held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Jan 15. The red carpet witnessed a parade of fashion-forward looks that not only reflected the individual styles of the stars but also encapsulated the hottest trends of the awards season. Ravishing in red The red carpet was ablaze with the fiery hue and leading the charge was Succession star Sarah Snook. The best drama actress awardee dazzled in a red draped Vivienne Westwood ball gown, the plunging neckline adding a touch of sensuality to the ensemble. Janelle James of Abbott Elementary fame followed suit in a crimson Rodarte gown with a lingerie-inspired vibe, while Camila Morrone from Daisy Jones and the Six sizzled in a red Versace gown with an elegant train. Katherine Heigl, part of the Grey’s Anatomy reunion, brought old Hollywood glamour to the forefront in a strapless red Reem Acra gown, accentuated by a brooch — the musthave accessory of the season. Timeless elegance in black Black proved to be the go-to choice for many nominees, turning the silver carpet into a showcase of timeless elegance. Ayo Edebiri, winner of a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, opted for a sculptural strapless black leather Louis Vuitton gown, making it a triumphant three-peat at the Emmys. Jennifer Coolidge, honoured for her role in The White Lotus, graced the red carpet in a gauzy black pleated gown with sheer sleeves, exuding an air of mystery. Tyler James Williams of Abbott Elementary chose to bring swagger to the occasion in a leather Dolce and Gabbana tux, sans shirt. Regal purple reigns Purple, the colour of royalty, took centre stage at the Emmys, echoing the resurgence brought on by the new version of The Color Purple. Rachel Brosnahan, an Emmy winner for The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, showcased her warrior Hensen reigns in purple at the Emmys. - VOGUE/GETTY Pharrell headlines Paris Fashion Week THE fashion season hits its stride on Jan 16 with menswear week in Paris, with musician-turned-designer Pharrell Williams the headline act in the increasingly celebrity-dominated industry. Trends move at lightning speed in the age of TikTok, but brands will be hoping some concepts garner as much attention as “quiet luxury” or “noughties nostalgia” did in 2023. Louis Vuitton has bet on raw celebrity wattage to stay on top, becoming the first brand to hit 20 billion euros in revenue last year as it welcomed Pharrell as its new creative director. The hip-hop star makes his second outing at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday following his debut last summer when he took over the entire Pont Neuf bridge, painted it gold and packed it with A-listers, including JayZ, who performed after the show. Such events, guaranteed to flood social media with brand-building imagery, are in many ways more important than the clothes for the top-end labels. This time, his show will be among the fairground rides of the Jardin d’Acclimatation in western Paris, likely featuring the brand’s latest celebrity ambassador, basketballer LeBron James. Other brands are racing to keep up, with several big-name designers booted out recently in the cut-throat race for profits. Givenchy parted ways with menswear boss Matthew Williams this month – his replacement has yet to be announced. Gucci, Chloe and Alexander McQueen all saw new creative directors last year. There are few major changes in this week’s line-up, though Balmain is returning to menswear shows for the first time in several years. Some labels have chosen to stay out of the official calendar, notably Saint Laurent, Celine and Jacquemus, with the latter holding its show in Provence on Jan 29. But 42 brands will be holding runway shows during the menswear week and another 32 will be organising presentations of their new collections. The pace is relentless. After menswear comes haute couture week for the most luxurious and bespoke outfits. Having already been through Milan, the fashion caravan then decamps for Miami, Copenhagen, New York, London and then back to Milan and Paris for womenswear shows in February. The French capital “remains the stronghold of fashion“, said Vanity Fair fashion expert Pierre Groppo, with big names such as Chanel, Dior and Hermes still dominating global trends, as well as the presence of slightly more affordable but high-quality labels like AMI and Officine Generale. The big brands have managed to go beyond just making clothing, he added. Their shows are “transmitters of cultural messages; they are entertainment broadcasters” at the Luois Vitton fashion designer Pharrel acknowledges the audience at the Paris Fashion Week. - ETX STUDIO Dress to impress oEmmy Awards’ most striking fashion moments princess spirit in a purple Versace corset gown with a daring high slit. Taraji P Henson stunned in a sultry sleeveless purple gown featuring a bodice cutout and a revealing leg display. Elizabeth Debicki, nominated for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown, exuded regality in a Dior burgundy velvet column gown, revealing a breathtaking back. Daniel Radcliffe, nominated for his unconventional role as Weird Al Yankovic, opted for a purple tuxedo with black lapels, injecting a dose of boldness into the purple trend. Jewel-adorned gentlemen Brooches emerged as the standout accessory of the season, especially adorning the lapels of Hollywood’s leading men. Emmys host Anthony Anderson dazzled with a sparkly dragonfly pin, Colman Domingo opted for a sophisticated pearl brooch and nominee Joel Kim Booster showcased a bejeweled bird brooch on his brown tuxedo, proving that jewels are not limited to the ladies. In the grand tapestry of Emmy fashion, the stars not only celebrated their achievements but also made bold statements with their sartorial choices. The red carpet was not merely a showcase of glamorous outfits – it was a testament to the evolving trends and individualistic styles that define Hollywood’s fashion landscape. The Emmys proved once again that television’s finest know how to steal the spotlight both on and off the screen.
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 25 Amid Scream 7 turbulence AFTER walking away from Scream VI, Neve Campbell is contemplating a possible return to the franchise. During the recent BAFTA Tea Party, Campbell addressed the swirling conversation over her potential return following the series of controversies that have thrown the seventh Scream film’s Campbell’s return to the popular Scream franchise could revive its fortunes following the departure of two stars and its director. - DIMENSION FILMS oCampbell ponders a resurgence in the franchise █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR development into a mess. In November, one of the franchise’s two new leads, Melissa Barrera, was fired from the upcoming film due to a series of social media messages that voiced support for the liberation of Palestine. One day later, news broke that the franchise’s other leading actress, Jenna Ortega, had also left the project. While she is also known for her outspoken support for Palestine, the reason cited for her departure was scheduling conflicts with the filming of Netflix’s Wednesday’s second season. After losing the two talented actresses that revitalised the franchise, Scream 7 lost its director, Christopher Landon, late last month. According to Landon’s statement on social media, it was due to how the “dream job turned into a nightmare”. As for Campbell, she will not be surprised if the Spyglass Media Group gives her a call to return for the film. The actress also brought up the main reason she had exited the franchise with Scream VI, which was due to a salary dispute. “I made a strong statement a few years ago. I did not believe that the way that I was treated would’ve happened if I had been a male and that I deserve a certain thing for having carried this franchise for as long as I have.” Scream VI was the first time Campbell did not appear in a film within the franchise’s 27-year history and her potential return in the next film is completely up in the air. Friends’ script saga THE discarded scripts from the iconic NBC sitcom Friends have proven the adage “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Over 25 years since the show’s season four finale, titled The One with Ross’s Wedding, two scripts featuring the UK-set plot of Ross marrying Emily were discovered in a trash bin at Fountain Studios in Wembley. Remarkably, these scripts, which included the memorable moment of Ross mistakenly saying “I take thee, Rachel” instead of Emily’s name at the altar, fetched a staggering US$28,000 (RM132,000) at auction. The successful bidder, described as an “international” buyer, remains anonymous. Amanda Butler, head of operations at the auction house, expressed astonishment at the enthusiasm surrounding the bidding, stating, “Bidders went crazy for these scripts.” The London episodes also marked the beginning of the love story between Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing and Courteney Cox’s Monica Geller. The sale of the scripts coincides with the mourning period following Perry’s untimely death on Oct 28 at the age of 54. The remaining cast members, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, reunited at Perry’s funeral in early November. In a joint statement, they conveyed their profound grief and emphasised the familial bond they shared. Aniston, speaking at the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards, encouraged fans to honour Perry’s legacy by continuing to celebrate his contributions. Despite the sombre circumstances, the enduring popularity of Friends persists, with the entire series available for streaming on Max. The unexpected discovery and subsequent auction of these discarded scripts have added a unique chapter to the show’s storied history. - BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Behind-the-scenes of the Friends wedding that never was. - PIC BY OLIVER UPTON/NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVER SAL Savage pursuit DIVE into the heart-pounding quest for survival in the aftermath of a cataclysmic earthquake with Badland Hunters, an electrifying feature set in a postapocalyptic world. Set in a dystopian landscape where chaos reigns, this cinematic spectacle is guaranteed to enthral audiences with its mesmerising visual effects and a relentless, fast-paced narrative. At the core of this high-octane adventure is the globally acclaimed Korean action star, Don Lee, renowned for his roles in blockbuster hits like Train to Busan and Marvel’s Eternals. Making his Netflix debut, Lee takes on the character of Nam-san, a valiant huntsman on a perilous mission to rescue a teenager from a deranged doctor. This role not only solidifies Lee’s standing in the international film arena but also showcases his remarkable versatility as an actor. The film’s dynamic ensemble includes Lee Hee-jun as the mysterious doctor, Yang Gi-su and Lee Junyoung as Choi Ji-wan, Nam-san’s unwavering ally. Their intricately crafted backstories and motivations contribute depth to the film’s high-stakes narrative. The film is spearheaded by action virtuoso Heo Myeong-haeng, who is famed for top-class action choreography. Catch the exclusive premiere on Netflix on Jan 26. - BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The hunt for survival begins.— NETFLIX
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 26 THE Highlander reboot that has long been stewing is finally moving forward. First revealed to have begun development in 2016, the actionfantasy film will star Henry Cavill and it will reimagine the 1986 film that starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown. A new deal struck between Chad Stahelski and Lionsgate will give the action filmmaker oversight over the Highlander and John Wick franchises across television and film. After decades spent as a stuntman, Stahelski made his directorial debut with the first John Wick and directed the film’s three sequels. Through the Keanu Reeves-Lead franchise, Stahelski and his 87Eleven production company have etched a prolific name for themselves for reinventing modern action filmmaking. The latest film, John Wick: Chapter 4, was recently nominated for a SAG Award in the stunt ensemble category. While there is a fifth John Wick being discussed, Stahelski is focusing on the Highlander film next. In the original film, Lambert, Connery and Brown starred as immortals who battled each other across different centuries to gain more power. Cavill will portray the lead role in Stahelski’s film, while co-stars have yet to be named. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR John Wick director to reboot Highlander Lipa opens up about heartbreak IT seems like Dua Lipa opened up about the emotional toll a specific meme had on her in a recent Rolling Stone cover story. The “Go Girl, Give Us Nothing” meme, which circulated in 2018, depicted Lipa appearing detached while performing on stage. In the interview, Lipa shared how she found the meme hurtful, expressing her frustration at feeling criticised despite finally doing something she loved. The demanding schedule and constant pressure took a toll on Lipa, leaving her with little time for perfection. She acknowledged the negativity on social media and the ease with which one can get caught up in a negative spiral. Lipa stressed the importance of taking criticism with a grain of salt, recognising that people on social media often judge without truly knowing the person. Addressing comments about her post-tour vacations, Lipa defended herself, explaining that her busy schedule and the short attention span of social media contributed to the perception of her taking time off. Looking forward, Lipa, a threetime Grammy winner, is set to perform at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Feb 4 alongside Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. She has received nominations for Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media for Dance the Night from the Barbie soundtrack. BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ Stahelski is expected to bring his radical action filmmaking vision into Highlander. - LIONSGATE Lipa on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. – PIC BY MICHAEL BAILEY-GATES “We picked these four cities for the first part of our tour. The second phase will be after Ramadan. So, my thought is, let’s start where we’ve played before — places we’re familiar with, where some folks already know us. Hopefully, in the second leg, we’ll venture into cities we’ve never been to before.” Hold on to your seats because this is not just about Armpunk Syndicate — it is about a musical revolution. The tour will not only feature the headlining act but will also spotlight the talent of local bands from each area, turning each performance into an unforgettable spectacle. Collaborating with Radio Rakita, the tour has secured unwavering support from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, various health organisations such as Impact Malaysia and a lineup of NGOs. And here is the kicker — proceeds from ticket sales will be channeled into NGOs involved in the treatment and counseling of the mentally ill, making this tour a rallying cry for positive change. GET ready for an electrifying journey as the powerhouse punk rock sensation Armpunk Syndicate gears up for a ground-shaking tour, aptly named “Anarchy of the Psyche”. This is not just another tour — it is a fullthrottle mission to thrust the crucial issue of mental health into the limelight and it is about to take the nation by storm. Riding the waves of its previous release, the mental health-themed single SeteruMu, dropped a year ago, Armpunk Syndicate is now cranking up the advocacy metre with a brand-new promotional tour that promises to be nothing short of revolutionary. This is not your average band hitting the road — it is a dynamic force on a mission. The tour goes beyond the beats and melodies, delving into the core of mental health concerns through enlightening lectures and the captivating world of the creative arts. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as the tour unfolds, featuring a mesmerising poetry recitation session and an awe-inspiring exhibition showcasing artworks crafted by individuals undergoing rehabilitation and treatment for mental health conditions. Armpunk Syndicate’s lineup is a powerhouse in itself, featuring Zed on vocals, Elby on drums, Miely on guitar and the maestro Akmal Hakim, also known as HK, on four-string duties. But this tour is not just about music — it is about stories of triumph and resilience. Speaking at the tour’s press conference at BE.KL Cheras, HK, the bassist shared his personal journey of overcoming mental challenges faced during his studies in the US a few years ago. The passion in his voice echoed through the room as he emphasised — “Despite Armpunk Syndicate presenting music in the punk rock genre, our songs carry positive messages and advocate for better access to treatment and rehabilitation for mental patients.” The excitement does not stop there. The tour is all set to kick off on Jan 20 at Insider Satellite Ipoh, unleashing an explosive energy that will then move through Johore on Feb 10, Penang on Feb 17 and culminate in an unforgettable crescendo in Kuala Lumpur on March 2. Why these cities? Elby, the mastermind behind the drums, spilled the beans, saying Breaking the stigma o Armpunk Syndicate launches ‘Anarchy of the Psyche’ tour for mental health advocacy Armpunk Syndicate’s “Anarchy of the Psyche” tour unveils mental health liberation. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL
Pawnbrokers’ forfeited pledges under Section 23 of the Pawnbrokers’ Act 1972 Pawnbrokers’ (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2004 The above will be sold by public auction during the first week of February 2024 at no. 71, Bishop Street, Penang for articles pawned in April 2023 and earlier commencing from the date and time stated below:- Date Time 06.02.2024 9:30 A.M (Tuesday) Note: Interested bidders are to register with the licensed auctioneer 7 working days before the auction date. *Term and conditions apply. A.Dennys & Co Sdn Bhd Licensed Auctioneers 71, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Penang Tel no’s: 04-2611551/2 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-938-12/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2021003546 (bertarikh : 07/01/2021) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah HSD 46291, PT 43, Mukim 1, Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN KHO HUI PING (No. Kad Pengenalan : 930709075028) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 21 Mac 2023 dan 11 Januari 2024, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Khamis, 22 Februari 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : HSD 46291 No. Lot : PT 43 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 1 / Seberang Perai Tengah / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Pajakan No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 1530.0000000000 kaki persegi 142.1370000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Kho Hui Ping Syarat Nyata : The land hereby alienated shall be used solely for residential purposes Sekatan Kepentingan : The land hereby alienated shall not be sub-divided Bebanan / Lain-Lain : 1. A private caveat lodged by Public Bank Berhad registered on 27th October 2020 vide Presentation No. 0799B2020008983. 2. The subject property is presently charged to Public Bank Berhad vide Presentation No. 0799SC2021003546 registered on 15th February 2021 Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : No. Pers 0799B2020008983 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh Public Bank Berhad No. Syarikat: 6463-H No. 6862-6864, Jalan Bagan Jermal, Bagan Ajam, 13000 Pulau Pinang didaftarkan pada 27 Oktober 2020 Suratkuasa Wakil : 0799SW2005000304 jil 106 Fol 69 No. Mahkamah: 54939/05 LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah An intermediate single storey terraced house yang beralamat pos di No. 80, Lorong Siakap 2, Seberang Jaya, 13700, Perai, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 342,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: TIGA RATUS EMPAT PULUH DUA RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST & 2ND FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000, PG, MY No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-383/KHP(RS/j) IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 (Pursuant to Section 459) AND IN THE MATTER OF BAKAT ASTANA SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 201301010401 (1040243-U)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016 that the Final Meeting of the members of the abovenamed Company will be held at 50-1, 52-1 & 54-1, Jalan BPM 2, Taman Bukit Piatu Mutiara,75150 Melaka on Thursday, 29 February 2024 at 11.00 a.m. for the purposes of receiving an account from the liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the liquidator and also of passing resolution determining the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the liquidator shall be disposed of. LIM LI FANG Liquidator Date: 24 January 2024 Notes: (a) A member of the Company is entitled to appoint another person as his proxy to exercise all or any of his rights to attend, participate, speak and vote at the Meeting. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the registered office of the Company not less than 48 hours before the time set for holding the Meeting. (b) The accounts of the Company since winding up has been made up and may be inspected at 50-1, 52-1 & 54- 1, Jalan BPM 2, Taman Bukit Piatu Mutiara, 75150 Melaka during office hours from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CHEF & COOK (M) SDN. BHD. Registration No. 200801035520 (836861-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 the FINAL MEETING of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at 9, Jalan SS 13/3C, Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to receive any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed off after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the Final Meeting. LEE CHEE KANG Liquidator Selangor Dated: 24 January 2024 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 (PURSUANT TO SECTION 439(2)(b)) AND IN THE MATTER OF A-MARK APPAREL (M) SDN. BHD. (CO. NO. 199001008475 (200046-V)) (Incorporated in Malaysia) At an Meeting of Members of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held at No. 141-02, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor on 16th January, 2024 the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed:- 1) RESOLVED THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Mr. YONG NGAM HIN of No. 141-02, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, be and is hereby appointed as liquidator for the purpose of such winding up. 2) RESOLVED THAT the said liquidator be authorized in their absolute discretion to distribute in specie amongst the Members of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interest therein all or any part of the assets of the Company. 3) RESOLVED THAT the said liquidator be indemnified by the Company from and against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in the execution and discharge of his duties in relation thereto. YONG NGAM HIN DIRECTOR Dated : 24th January, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER A-MARK APPAREL (M) SDN. BHD. (CO. NO. 199001008475 (200046-V)) (Incorporated in Malaysia) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 25th February, 2024 to send in their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator or by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove the said debts at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice and in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proved. YONG NGAM HIN LIQUIDATOR No. 141-02, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Dated : 24th January, 2024 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO: BA-28NCC-15-01/2024 In the matter of Section 465(1)e and 466(1)a of the Companies Act 2016 AND In the matter of MESA ENGINEERING SDN BHD (Company No. 200101029358/565116-V) BETWEEN ACTIVE VIEW TRADING SDN BHD (Company No. 563584-T) ... PETITIONER AND MESA ENGINEERING SDN BHD (Company No. 200101029358/565116-V) ...RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Shah Alam was on the 10 January 2024 presented to the said Court by Active View Trading Sdn Bhd and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9.00 o’clock in the morning on the 13th May 2024 and any Creditor or Contributory of said company desirous to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or Contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 28-3, 3rd floor, Jalan 3/109C, Taman Abadi Indah, Off Jalan Kelang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs T.F. Wong & Tee, No.37-1, 1st Floor, Jalan Batai Laut 3, Taman Intan, 43100 Klang, Selangor. (Ref : WW/LT/1242/20) ................................................ Solicitors for the Petitioner T.F.WONG & TEE Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs T.F. Wong & Tee notice in writing of his intentions to do so. The Notice must state the name and address by the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 12 May 2024. 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 NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF E & O DEVELOPERS SDN. BHD. Company Registration No: 199101011744 (222056-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, the Final Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at Wisma Laxton, 9-3 Jalan Desa, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 26th February 2024 at 09.00 a.m. for the following purposes: 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Account showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted, the property of the Company has been disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator shall be disposed off. Dated this 24th January 2024 Wong Heng Boon Liquidator Kuala Lumpur Note: A member entitled to attend and vote in this meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his stead. The instrument appointing such a proxy must be deposited at the office of the Liquidator, Wisma Laxton, 9-3 Jalan Desa, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting. PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-851-11/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2011011649 (bertarikh : 24/01/2011) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Geran No. Hakmilik 75512, Lot 2373, Mukim 15, Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN PRAKASEN A/L RAMAN (No. Kad Pengenalan : 840418086633) REVATHY A/P RAMAN (No. Kad Pengenalan : 880625025418) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 27 September 2023 dan 11 Disember 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Selasa, 6 Februari 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Geran No. Hakmilik 75512 No. lot : Lot 2373 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 15 / Seberang Perai Selatan / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 1345.0000000000 kaki persegi 125.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : PRAKASEN A/L RAMAN, REVATHY A/P RAMAN Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The Land comprised in this title: (a) shall not be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on the exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation of a Land Adminitrator’s right of way; and (b) subject to the implied condition that land is liable to be re-entered if it is abandoned for more than three years shall revert to the State only if the proprietor for the time being dies without heirs; and the title shall confer the absolute right to all forest produce and to all oil, mineral and other natural deposits on or below the surface of the land (including the right to work and extract any such produce or deposit and remove it beyond the boundaries of the land) Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah Rumah Teres yang beralamat pos di No. 23, Lorong Puteri Gunung 32, Taman Puteri Gunung, 14120, Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 250,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: DUA RATUS LIMA PULUH RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : TOH THEAM HOCK & CO. Alamat : NO. 155, 1ST FLOOR MEDAN KIKIK SATU TAMAN INDERAWASIH, 13600, PG, MY No. Telefon : 04-3981917 No. Fax : 04-3981921 No. Rujukan : TTH/PBB/HL-194/2023/OSY/DURA 302 Jobs SCAN ME WEDNESDAY JAN 24, 2024
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 28 LEGACY automakers playing catch-up with EV leaders like Tesla are leaning on their Formula E electric racing teams for innovations to build better massproduction EVs with greater range and efficiency, or a lower price tag. Formula E has struggled to win over many motorsports enthusiasts, with Formula One still attracting significantly bigger audiences because electric cars lack the sustained power and noise of the internal combustion engine. But legacy automakers with electric teams say the race to maximise or regenerate power – Formula E cars start each race with only 60% of the battery capacity they need and have to generate the rest through braking – helps them develop more efficient motors and invertors, and software to enhance performance and range. In the shift to electric, more powerful and efficient sports cars, or more affordable massmarket models are likely to win their respective races. Tata Motors unit Jaguar Land Rover, which is investing US$19 billion (RM88b) to catch up with EV production, will use silicon carbide inverter technology developed for its Formula E cars to boost efficiency in its next-generation premium-model EVs. Nissan is also playing catch-up with EVs, planning 19 fully electric models by 2026. Nissan Formula E team principal Tommaso Volpe said its racing car’s software was initially based on the Nissan Leaf’s. Porsche Formula E is not just taking technology from its team to develop luxury EVs, but also talent. The automaker has reassigned two Formula E programme top engineers to road models in the last year. Others have taken a different road. BMW left Formula E in 2021, saying it had “exhausted the opportunities” for technology transfer. Mercedes also pulled out of Formula E and uses its F1 team to help design more efficient EVs instead. Ford is returning to F1 racing in 2026, partly as a platform for EV development. “The manufacturers that stay with us definitely see… Formula E as a laboratory to test technologies,” said Formula E founder Alejandro Agag, who cited fast charging as a key area where teams have made progress. The latest advances in motorsports have usually bled through to mass-market models eventually. But Stellantis, which is pushing to roll out electric models – especially affordable ones – is taking findings from its upscale DS brand Formula E team and passing them on to its other 13 brands to accelerate EV development, DS Performance director Eugenio Franzetti said. “What is happening in the electric revolution is the technology transfer will be super-fast,” Franzetti said. – Reuters IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF HC FOODS SDN. BHD. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TKB FOODS SDN. BHD.) Registration No. 200301022767 (625187-P) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016 the FINAL MEETING of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at 9, Jalan SS 13/3C, Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 at 11.30 a.m. for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to receive any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed off after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the Final Meeting. LEE CHEE KANG Liquidator Selangor Dated: 24 January 2024 322 Notices EV catch-up race Legacy automakers hitch a lift with Formula E to produce better cars Jordan ‘no longer trusts’ Hamilton to deliver LEWIS HAMILTON’S 2024 F1 title aspirations have been brutally dismissed by Eddie Jordan. The former team owner has declared he “no longer trusts” the seven-time world champion to be able to sustain a challenge amid the dominance of Max Verstappen last season. The Red Bull driver finished a mammoth 290 points clear of teammate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ standings, with Hamilton a further 51 points back in third place. It meant a third successive world crown for the Dutchman, with the current gap between his team and Mercedes leaving the Silver Arrows with a mountain to climb in order to restore parity this year. And ex-pundit Jordan, 75, believes there is only one driver on the grid who can potentially threaten Verstappen’s current dominance. And it isn’t the iconic Brit, who this year signed a two-year contract extension that runs to the end of the 2025 campaign. “This is Charles Leclerc,” he told Sport1. “Ferrari has to succeed in building a car this year that is on par with the Red Bull. Otherwise, I’m not sure what the excitement will be like. “If I had a top team now and didn’t get Max, there would only be one driver pairing that would be able to take on the fight with Verstappen: Charles Leclerc and, as a teammate, Lando Norris. “Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, well-deserved champions indeed, I simply no longer trust that they can keep up with Verstappen because of their advanced age.” The Irishman also believes that Verstappen possesses similar qualities to the great Michael Schumacher “For me, Verstappen is the mixture of Senna and Schumacher,” he said. “It was already clear to Michael after the first test drives at Silverstone: he would be Ayrton Senna’s challenger. He was so fast straight away that we thought the stopwatch was crazy.” – Express Newspapers ENGLAND’S “Bazball” style of attacking cricket faces its biggest challenge yet when they play an India side who have not lost a home Test series in more than a decade. The five-Test series begins tomorrow in Hyderabad, and although India will be without Virat Kohli for the first two matches because of personal reasons, they start as clear favourites. But it was England who were the last team to beat India on home turf, when Alastair Cook’s team won a four-match series 2-1. Monty Panesar, who was part of that team, said the tourists had nothing to fear in a series where spin is expected to play a huge part. “England have got every chance of winning Test matches out there,” the former England spinner told talkSPORT. “They’ve got to have a positive mindset. Ben Stokes himself, he’s got to think, ‘Can I make Bazball successful on turning pitches?’ That’s obviously going to be his biggest challenge.” Skipper Stokes and England prepared in Abu Dhabi instead of playing a tour match in India, which drew criticism in some quarters at home and raised fears England could be “undercooked”. Underlining the scale of the task facing England, Panesar added: “If he wins in India he will probably be known as one of the greatest captains ever to captain England, and one of the greatest captains ever in Test cricket.” Jimmy Anderson will lead England’s bowling after the retirement of pace partner Stuart Broad following the Ashes, which were retained by Australia. Jack Leach will be crucial to the tourists as their frontline spinner in a department that otherwise has two uncapped players including Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir. Despite his advancing years, Root stands tall in a batting department that also boasts Jonny Bairstow, Stokes and Ollie Pope. With spin expected to be so important, India are banking on the experience of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. They have a combined Test wicket tally of 765. On the batting front, Virat Kohli’s absence for the first two matches will hurt India, but he is expected to return for the third Test. The series will be an opportunity for up-andcoming players including Yashasvi Jaiswal and w i c k e t k e e p e r - batsman K.S. Bharat to prove their mettle in the longer format. – AFP ‘Bazball’ faces toughest task in India Amateur Dunlap mulls future after win RISING amateur star Nick Dunlap withdrew from this week’s PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines in California yesterday, saying he needs time to mull his future following his breakthrough professional victory at the weekend. Dunlap became the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since 1991 on Sunday when he clinched the American Express tournament in La Quinta, California. The 20-year-old University of Alabama student said after the win he was uncertain if he would continue his amateur career or immediately jump to the PGA Tour. “After a life-changing last 24 hours, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open,” Dunlap said yesterday. “I plan to return home to Alabama to be with family, friends and teammates. Asked about the possibility of turning professional following his one-shot win at the American Express, Dunlap said he was undecided. “I don’t know,” Dunlap said. “I have to take a second to let what just happened sink in a little bit. That’s a decision that’s not just about me. “It affects a lot of people.” Maxwell under investigation GLENN MAXWELL is being investigated by Cricket Australia, a spokesperson said yesterday, after the star allrounder was reportedly hospitalised following a night out. The governing body wants to quiz the 35-year-old about a recent incident in Adelaide. According to Australian media outlets, Maxwell was taken to hospital, after attending a concert last Friday of the band Six & Out, made up of former cricket greats including Brett Lee. “Cricket Australia is aware of an incident involving Glenn Maxwell in Adelaide at the weekend and is seeking further information,” said a spokesperson. Maxwell has been stood down for the upcoming 50- overs series against the West Indies early next month, but Cricket Australia insist the decision is not linked to the incident in Adelaide. The Adelaide incident is the latest mishap to befall Maxwell, who missed a World Cup match in India after he was injured falling off a golf cart. Maxwell also broke his leg in November 2022 when he slipped at a friend’s birthday party. Visa issues delay England bowler Bashir ENGLAND bowler Shoaib Bashir’s arrival in India for the five-match Test series has been delayed by visa issues, head coach Brendon McCullum said yesterday. Bashir, who is of Pakistani heritage, is one of three uncapped players named in the England squad for the upcoming series, which kicks off in Hyderabad tomorrow. “He’s got a couple of issues with his visa coming through… we’re confident on the back of the help from the (Indian cricket board) and the Indian government that it will sort itself out pretty quickly as well,” McCullum told reporters. McCullum said he hoped the 20-year-old spinner would join the rest of the team on Tuesday. “We’re hoping the news will come through today that his visa has been approved, then we’ll get him to sink his teeth into this series,” he added. SHORTS Hamilton. – REUTERSPIX Anderson
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 29 Djoker blows out Fritz fire ut Fritz fire Serb downs American 12th seed to make Melbourne last four NOVAK DJOKOVIC continued his dominance over Taylor Fritz but not before a big test as he sealed a 7- 6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over the 12thseeded American on a steamy Tuesday at the Australian Open to move into a recordextending 48th Grand Slam semifinal. The 36-year-old defending champion had beaten Fritz in all eight of their previous meetings, including a five-sets win at Melbourne Park in 2021 and a crushing victory at the US Open last year but he was pushed to the limit on Rod Laver Arena. “I suffered a lot first couple of sets, also due to his high quality tennis. He was serving well, he was staying close to the line and suffocating me from the back of the court,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios. “I was on my back foot for most of the rallies. It was difficult to find the right timing. It was extremely hot while the sun was still out there. Physically very draining, emotionally as well.” Djokovic has taken his time to get going at this year’s tournament as he seeks an 11th title and 25th major to surpass Margaret Court’s haul, and the top-seeded Serb was unable to break in a marathon first game that had nine deuces. Fritz saved eight break points and went toe to toe with his opponent in energy sapping conditions before setting up two set points but Djokovic saved them both to force a tiebreak, where he took his level up a few notches. The Serb cupped his ear as the crowd roared when he fired a superb cross-court winner to earn five set points and bagged the early lead in the contest after 84 minutes. Fritz broke early in the next set and bailed himself out of trouble several times with stinging backhand winners as Djokovic looked to respond, but the 26-year-old American held firm and drew level at one set all with a comfortable hold. Djokovic cooled off by placing ice packs on his head in the third set but he was only comfortable after finally breaking his opponent on his 16th attempt en route to a 2- 0 lead, which gave him the platform to push on and win the set. “The conversion of the break points was really poor but at the end of the day, I managed to break him when it mattered in the third and the fourth,” Djokovic said. “I think I upped my game probably midway through the third set to the end. I served extremely well, I probably had more aces than he did (20-16) which is a surprise stat.” Fritz appeared to struggle with his movement at times in the fourth set and Djokovic moved in for the kill to break in the sixth game before fending off a comeback attempt from Fritz to go through. – Reuters Sabalenka demolishes Krejcikova to set up Gauff clash ARYNA SABALENKA overpowered Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-3 in a brutally swift quarterfinal yesterday to keep her Australian Open title defence firmly on course and set up a showdown with US Open champion Coco Gauff. After the first two quarterfinals on Rod Laver Arena had run for a combined seven hours, Sabalenka came out firing as if to ensure that the court schedule would be back on track before the final clash of the day. The Belarusian blew the former French Open champion off the court at times and extended her winning streak at Melbourne Park to 12 matches as she reached the last four having conceded only 16 games. “I think it was a really great match today. I played really great tennis and I really hope I can just keep playing that way or even better as I always say,” she said. “I’ve been working so hard the last year and this pre-season. I think it’s all about hard work. Give it all in the practice court so you can be ready for the matches as good as you can.” The second seed hammered her serves and groundstrokes over the net accompanied by her trademark yelps, breaking the ninth seeded Czech three times to only the one hiccup herself and clinching the first set after little more than 30 minutes. Sabalenka rattled through her first service game of the second set to love on the back of a couple of piledriver forehands and was soon feasting on the Czech’s second serve to break her opponent again. The atmosphere on the main showcourt was subdued as the one-sided contest continued with almost everything Krejcikova tried to do to change the course of the match meeting with a howitzer of a response from the other side of the net. With all but one of the seeds in the top half of the draw, the meeting between Sabalenka and Gauff could go a long way to deciding who takes home the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy. – Reuters US OPEN champion Coco Gauff gave herself only a “C” rating for an error-strewn performance that put her into a first Australian Open semifinal yesterday, but said she hoped it was a one-off. The American world No. 4 needed three hours and eight minutes to wear down Ukraine’s unseeded Marta Kostyuk in stifling conditions on Rod Laver Arena 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (3- 7), 6-2. After showing ominous form to race into the last eight, Gauff admitted she had an off-day – she struggled on serve and fluffed countless opportunities, hitting just 17 winners. “I think today was definitely a ‘C’ game, so didn’t play my best tennis but really proud that I was able to get through today’s match,” said the 19-year-old, who had never been past the fourth round at Melbourne Park in four previous attempts. “Hopefully got the bad match out of the way and I can play even better.” Both players were responsible for the lowquality contest, with an incredible 16 service breaks throughout the match, and the pair racked up 107 unforced errors between them. Kostyuk will rue missing her chances, letting slip a 5-1 lead and squandering two set points in the first set. Gauff credited what she had learned in winning the US Open last year with helping her “problem solve” in key moments. “It was really important. Today was frustrating because I knew how I needed to play, I just couldn’t execute,” said Gauff, who is yet to meet a seed after a string of top names were knocked out early. “But, yeah, problem-solving is tennis. You know, you could play someone today and maybe a week later they’ll play you completely different. “It’s a part of it. At the end of the day you’re given a scouting report but you have to go with feeling and try your best to win. That’s what I did today.” The win extended Gauff’s unbeaten streak this year to 10 matches after she won at Auckland in the lead-up. – AFP Coco gives herself ‘C’ rating after making semis SHORTS Marta breaks down after exit MARTA KOSTYUK has claimed it is “very exhausting to live in this state” as the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches a second anniversary. And the world No. 37 hopes her “fighting spirit” to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals has brought “joy and happiness” to her embattled homeland. Speaking about texts from friends back in Kiev, Kostyuk revealed: ‘They said: ‘We were looking between your score and where the missiles are flying’.” Kostyuk, 21, lost a marathon last eight clash with world No. 4 Coco Gauff yesterday but after going out, she opened up on the ongoing war in Ukraine – and how she wanted to raise morale back home. “Time goes by, and things happen. Yeah, it’s very exhausting to live in this state. Sport has always brought a lot of joy and happiness for people regardless of times. I don’t think it changed. I think it’s the same. “I got a lot of messages, a lot of support from people who have been telling me what a fight, what fighting spirit, you know, was so good to watch, like, we enjoy it so much. “Obviously it’s good for people to look at something different rather missile shellings. “So hopefully, I really hope that Ukrainian sport will grow even in these circumstances.” Daniil has crowd in stitches DANIIL MEDVEDEV dazzled the Australian Open crowd with another entertaining interview alongside Jim Courier on Monday as he booked his spot in the quarterfinal. After his last match, the world No. 3 had fans in stitches with his anecdotes about sleeping. This time around, he gave a masterclass on his deep return position while admitting that Carlos Alcaraz had cracked the code to beating him – something that his opponents were now trying to replicate against him. Medvedev defeated Nuno Borges 6-4, 7- 6(4), 5-7, 6-1 to return to the last eight at the Australian Open. The world No. 3 noticed that one of Borges’ strong points was inspired by Alcaraz, as the 26-year-old hit several “unbelievable” drop shots that caught Medvedev off guard. “How in the world do you get back up for a drop shot from here? This is like a 25-metre sprint,” Courier asked Medvedev. “Well that’s a problem,” Medvedev smiled. “I remember Alcaraz in Indian Wells… he made like 10 winner drop shots against me so (now) everyone is doing drop shots against me.” Yastremska put pressure aside in order to progress DAYANA YASTREMSKA reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal with Monday’s win over Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open, and the Ukrainian qualifier has learned to put aside the pressure of representing a country at war in order to do so. Yastremska is ranked 93 in the world, and her 7-6(6), 6-4 win over 18th seed Azarenka is not her first shock result in Melbourne having beaten Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round. It’s almost two years since the war in Ukraine began, and in that time Yastremska has failed, until now, to make it past the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament. “I was putting a lot of pressure on myself in different ways,” Yastremska said. “In the way that it’s the war and I have to show better results, you know, for Ukraine, and I wasn’t playing just for myself in the beginning. “But now I decided that from this year no more pressure, no more high expectations for myself. Just be the way you are, and we will see how it’s going to go.” Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning a point in a tiebreak game against Taylor Fritz (not pictured) during their Australian Open quarterfinal match. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 30 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Frustrated rustratedSeagulls Seagulls ROBERTO DE ZERBI admitted depleted Brighton are dropping too many Premier League points following a frustrating goalless stalemate with Wolves. Albion dominated possession at the Amex Stadium as they stretched their unbeaten home run to a club-record nine top-flight fixtures to climb to seventh, above Manchester United on goal difference. But the Seagulls, who lacked a cutting edge yester, have drawn five of those fixtures and a League-high eight matches overall. Brighton boss De Zerbi feels a lengthy injury list and European commitments are impacting his side’s League results. “We have to understand the situation of injuries, we have to understand how much energy we spent in the Europa League, in FA Cup, we have to analyse if we will be lucky or unlucky,” said the Italian, whose side drew 0-0 with West Ham in their previous game. “In the last two games in the Premier League we have been unlucky because two points after two games with good quality to win the game, we are losing too many points. “We have been unlucky because five draws (at home), for example Sheffield United, Burnley, Fulham and Wolverhampton, we deserved to win all of the games. “We didn’t play the best game in my time (tonight) but we created a condition to win the game. “Yes, we made some mistakes in the crucial part of the pitch and for it we didn’t win.” Brighton controlled the play against Wolves but rarely threatened. Facundo Buonanotte saw an early diving header cleared off the line by Tommy Doyle, while Wanderers captain Maximilian Kilman hit the frame of his own goal. De Zerbi remains without the creative talents of Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra, Ansu Fati, Solly March and Julio Enciso but dismissed talk of recruiting reinforcements this month. “No, transfer market is not my business,” he said. “I have to be focused on my work and my work is to give organisation, to give a style, to try the condition to play well and make points. “We are seventh place on the table and if you consider how many problems we had in the first part of the season we have to be proud because we are playing better than the situation we are enduring.” Wolves boss Gary O’Neil was impressed with the impact of Portugal forward Pedro Neto but hopes to bolster his striking options during the transfer window. “Pedro was good, probably played a little bit longer than we would have liked ideally,” said O’Neil. “I just felt there was still a goal in him so tried to push him a little bit more than was ideal but pleased that he got through it. “Hopefully over the next few days we can do something in the window that can help us in that area. “Until then we work hard to try and maximise what we have… we stuck together and when it got tough in certain situations we looked like we could cope and always had that threat.” – The Independent Morata strike sends Atletico into La Liga top four ALVARO MORATA’S second-half winner secured Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory at Granada yesterday, taking Diego Simeone’s men into the La Liga top four. The capital club took advantage of Athletic Bilbao’s 1-0 loss at Valencia on Saturday to move above the Basque team into fourth on goals scored, with a game in hand. Atletico are a distant 11 points adrift of surprise league leaders Girona. Visitors Atletico made a slow start against their second-bottom opponents, but Rodrigo Riquelme forced Granada goalkeeper Augusto Batalla into a good save in the 31st minute, seconds before Antoine Griezmann rattled the crossbar. Morata broke the deadlock, though, in the 55th minute with a header, from a Griezmann cross, which survived a VAR check for offside. Samuel Lino then struck the bar, before Saul Niguez’s effort was ruled out by VAR for offside. Granada’s frustration peaked with a late penalty appeal for a handball from Jose Maria Gimenez, causing a heated controversy. Goalkeeper Batalla expressed his disbelief, stating, “Everyone saw it, why was it not a penalty?” Granada’s manager Alexander Medina argued that Morata’s goal should have been disallowed and insisted their penalty “could have been given.” Simeone acknowledged the pressure on referees and defended the role of VAR, stating, “I still believe that VAR helps, although on some occasions that has not been proven. “There is a lot of pressure; you have to show solidarity with the referees because it is not an easy moment for them.” – AFP/Agencies LAUTARO MARTINEZ shot Inter Milan to a third straight Italian Super Cup after netting in the final moments of yesterday’s 1-0 win over furious Napoli in Riyadh. Argentina striker Martinez swept home Benjamin Pavard’s low cross in the first minute of stoppage time at Al-Awwal Park, seeing off Napoli who played the final half-hour with 10 men after Giovanni Simeone was sent off for two bookable offences. The 26-year-old’s winner was his 21st goal in all competitions this season for Inter, who lost their Serie A lead to Juventus while in Saudi Arabia for the four-team tournament. And he whipped his shirt off in celebration after drawing level with Christian Vieri at ninth place in Inter’s all-time goalscoring charts, with 123 strikes since arriving in 2018. “The emotion took over and I couldn’t think,” Martinez told Mediaset. “It was a unique moment, I scored my 100th goal in the Italian Cup Final and my 123rd goal in the Super Cup, allowing me to match a legend like Christian Vieri.” Yesterday’s victory made Inter the second team to complete the hat-trick after local rivals AC Milan’s string of three victories between 1992 and 1994. Inter captain Martinez and the rest of the team took the trophy to the stands where a group fans had travelled from Italy, handing it to supporters as they cheered in victory. However Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri played no part in the trophy ceremony as he was livid at the sending off of striker Simeone, who is deputising for Victor Osimhen while he represents Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations. Simeone was dismissed by Gianluca Rocchi in the 60th minute after stepping on Francesco Acerbi’s foot moments after picking up his first booking for clattering into Hakan Calhanoglu. Mazzarri screamed “disgrace, disgrace” at officials before storming off down the tunnel and refusing to speak to media. “The poor quality of referees this season... is there for all to see. I sat with Rocchi before the game and wondered what huge embarrassment he would have to deal with next,” said Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. – AFP █ BY ED ELLIOT SHORTS Egypt looking for improvement EGYPT are aware that they will have to improve their performance radically if they want to progress further in the Africa Cup of Nations after they reached the last 16 by drawing all three of their Group B games, stand-in captain Ahmed Hegazy said Egypt came from behind to take a 2-1 lead over already-qualified Cape Verde yesterday but conceded a last-gasp goal that left them with only three points from three 2-2 draws. They still went through after Mozambique netted two late goals to earn a 2-2 draw with Ghana, with both sides finishing on two points in Group B. However, for a team of Egypt’s pedigree, such a run raises serious doubts over their ability to clinch a record-extending eighth Nations Cup title. “We are very unhappy with our results in the group stage. We need to fix aspects of our game,” Hegazy told beIN Sports. “We have to improve. Our team boast highprofile players who should carry out their responsibilities better. In the coming games, we will not have a chance to make up (for any slipup),” he added. While Egypt coach Rui Vitoria agreed with Hegazy that some improvements were needed, he played down the significance of the Pharaohs’ below-par displays. “It’s not important in this situation; what matters is that we qualify. We are an attacking team… so it’s only natural that we concede at times,” the Portuguese said. Ghana coach Hughton back in firing line GHANA coach Chris Hughton was again in the firing line yesternday after their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations looked to be at an end after a third group game without a win. Ghana were on course for a top two finish in Group B with a 2-0 lead over Mozambique in their last match at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium but conceded two goals in stoppage time to draw 2-2 and finish third. But with only two points from their matches Ghana are unlikely to take one of the berths in the last 16. “Things are very raw right now,” he said after the match as Ghana reporters demanded to know whether he would be fired or resign. “There is a commotion outside. It’s an angry place at the moment,” he added as the Ghana players walked through a gauntlet of abuse in the media mixed zone. “But when you are unable to see game through, it becomes very difficult. Our performances have not been good. We played three games, conceded two goals in each game and have ourselves in a difficult situation. “Anything past this moment is not for me to talk about,” he added when asked whether he thought he might be fired. Host Ivory Coast out of Afcon EQUATORIAL GUINEA pulled off one of the most stunning results in Africa Cup of Nations history yesterday by thrashing hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 to win Group A and secure a last-16 place. Ranked 39 places lower than their rivals in the world, Equatorial Guinea ripped the Ivorian defence apart in the second half after leading 1-0 at halftime. Emilio Nsue took his goals tally to five with a brace and Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla also netted for a nation which often boxes above its weight in the tournament, first held in 1957. “We knew that our opponents were under pressure and we took that into account when putting our strategy in place,” said Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha. “With humility, we are making an effort to reach as far as possible. We are working to reach the level of the big guys. “Regarding Ivory Coast, I am hurt because it is the organising country, but it is football. We must forget this match and plan for the rest of the competition.” Brighton dropping too many points after Wolves draw: De Zerbi admits Martinez fires Inter to Super Cup glory Wolves keeper Jose Sa and defender Nelson Semedo in action with Brighton’s Danny Welbeck (left). – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 2024 31 HARIMAU MALAYA midfielder Mohamed Syamer Kutty Abba wants his teammates to take their final Group E match of the 2023 Asian Cup against South Korea seriously despite being out of the running for a place in the last 16. With the door to the knockout stages slammed shut after two defeats, he wants Malaysia to go into their final group match against two-time champions South Korea tomorrow (7.30pm Malaysian time) with one objective – salvage national pride. And the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player has called on his national teammates to go into the match with a never-say-die attitude. “Although many look at it (match against South Korea) as completing our group fixture, we will troop onto the field ready to run and fight for every ball. I always approach every match as if it’s my final game. “So, I will give it my best because the country’s pride is at stake. So, there’s no such thing as completing the fixture, we will give it our everything against South Korea,” said the 27- year-old yesterday in Qatar. Malaysia will take on South Korea at the Al Janoub Stadium, which was where Harimau Malaya suffered a 4-0 pasting by Jordan in their opening Group E match on Jan 15. Coach Kim Pan Gon’s men then suffered a 1- 0 loss to Bahrain in their second group match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. Mohamed Syamer, who started against Bahrain before being replaced by Natxo Insa after the break, is grateful to have been selected for the Asian Cup despite his lack of game time following a series of injuries and described playing in Asia’s major football tournament as an invaluable experience. “The Asian Cup level is very high. We admit that we still have a lot to learn and several more steps to take before we can reach the pinnacle. “We look at the intensity and approach of the other teams here and they are so different to what we experienced before,” he said. Mohamed Syamer still harbours hopes of continuing to play for Harimau Malaya in the 2027 edition of the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. – Bernama ANGRY Chinese fans rounded on their football team yesterday after a “disastrous” defeat to hosts Qatar on Monday, left them needing a miracle to qualify for the knockout stages of the Asian Cup. A sensational volley by Hassan Al-Haydos sealed a 1-0 win for the holders on Monday to leave China winless and goalless after three games, and relying on an unlikely series of results elsewhere to progress. Coach Aleksandar Jankovic lamented a string of missed chances but found little sympathy from fans weary of years of underachievement. President Xi Jinping once said he wanted his country to win the World Cup. Fans at the stadium in Doha shouted “You should be ashamed of yourselves” and ironically chanted “Happy New Year” towards the players at the end, the game coming ahead of China’s biggest holiday. “To reconstruct after this disaster, we must act quickly to change the coach, get the basics right and stop the rot,” wrote sports pundit Wang Jianxiang on social media platform Weibo. Another pundit, Ji Yuyang, said: “The Asian Cup has made us see clearly how many countries in Asia are improving their level of football. China isn’t just standing still – we’re fully regressing. “Is this rock bottom? Are you sure we’re even there yet?” he wrote on Weibo. Sports pundit Zhao Yu was quoted as saying in local media: “It’s shameful that, even in a group like this, we have gone three games without a goal or a win.” The defeat to Qatar quickly trended on Weibo, where a popular hashtag had racked up 180 million views in the hours following the defeat. An air of resignation hung over some fans following what they saw as an all-too-predictable outcome. Some pointed the finger at revelations of deep-seated corruption in the domestic game. “After so many years of corruption, it’s no wonder we’ve got no talent left on the pitch,” wrote one social media user. – AFP AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023 GROUP STAGE Note: All in Malaysian time GROUP A TIME SCORE JAN 13 Qatar vs Lebanon 12.01am JAN 13 China vs Tajikistan 10.30pm JAN 17 Lebanon vs China 7.30pm JAN 17 Tajikistan vs Qatar 10.30pm JAN 22 Qatar vs China 11.00pm JAN 22 Tajikistan vs Lebanon 11.00pm P W D L F A PTS RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Brighton 0 Wolves 0. P W D L F A Pts Liverpool 21 14 6 1 47 18 48 Man City 20 13 4 3 48 23 43 Arsenal 21 13 4 4 42 20 43 Aston Villa 21 13 4 4 43 27 43 Tottenham 21 12 4 5 44 31 40 West Ham 21 10 5 6 35 32 35 Brighton 21 8 8 5 38 33 32 Man Utd 21 10 2 9 24 29 32 Chelsea 21 9 4 8 35 31 31 Newcastle 21 9 2 10 41 32 29 Wolves 21 8 5 8 30 31 29 Bournemouth 20 7 4 9 28 39 25 Fulham 21 7 3 11 28 36 24 Brentford 20 6 4 10 29 33 22 Crystal Palace 21 5 6 10 22 34 21 Nottm Forest 21 5 5 11 26 38 20 Everton 21 8 3 10 24 28 17 Luton 20 4 4 12 24 38 16 Burnley 21 3 3 15 21 42 12 Sheff Utd 21 2 4 15 17 51 10 CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester 1 Ipswich 1. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Leicester 28 21 3 4 56 22 66 Ipswich 28 17 8 3 51 35 59 Southampton 28 17 7 4 53 32 58 Leeds 28 16 6 6 50 26 54 West Brom 28 13 6 9 40 27 45 Coventry 28 11 10 7 43 30 43 LA LIGA: Granada 0 Atletico Madrid 1 (Morata 55). TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Girona 21 16 4 1 51 25 52 Real Madrid 20 16 3 1 43 13 51 Barcelona 20 13 5 2 40 24 44 Atletico 20 13 2 5 40 23 41 Bilbao 21 12 5 4 38 21 41 Sociedad 21 9 8 4 32 21 35 ITALIAN SUPER CUP (Final): Napoli 0 Inter Milan 1 (Martinez 90+1). AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Group A: Equatorial Guinea 4 Ivory Coast 0, Guinea-Bissau 0 Nigeria 1. P W D L F A Pts E. Guinea 3 2 1 0 9 3 7 Nigeria 3 2 1 0 3 1 7 Ivory Coast 3 1 0 2 2 5 3 G. Bissau 3 0 0 3 2 7 0 Group B: Mozambique 2 Ghana 2, Cape Verde 2 Egypt 2. P W D L F A Pts Cape Verde 3 2 1 0 7 3 7 Egypt 3 0 3 0 6 6 3 Ghana 3 0 2 1 5 6 2 Mozambique 3 0 2 1 4 7 2 Qatar 3 3 0 0 5 0 9 Tajikistan 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 China 3 0 2 1 0 1 2 Lebanon 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 Qualified Qualified Speedy Tigers head coach leaves fate to MHC THE head coach of the national men’s hockey squad, A. Arul Selvaraj, is ready to face any decision made by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) regarding his position after the team failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. He said that he would, however, have a meeting with the president of MHC Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, to discuss whether he still has the mandate to lead the Speedy Tigers, or not. “My contract was supposed to end on Dec 31 last year but was extended until the qualification (for the Paris Olympics). After this, I will have to discuss it with Subahan,” Arul said. “If we can continue to collaborate, I’m okay with it. If not, I will move on. Subahan has a lot of support from the team, so I leave it to him to make the decision,” he said upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday, along with the Speedy Tigers squad. The national team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics slated for July 26 to Aug 11 after finishing at the bottom of Group A with only one point, behind Great Britain, the group champions with nine points, Pakistan with four points, and China with three points, in the qualification round in Muscat, Oman. Meanwhile, Arul said that he already has his own plans for the national team if the national hockey governing body continues to allow him to coach the Speedy Tigers. “If I don’t continue with the national team, I will return to Dublin, Ireland. I have an academy there but I am not thinking about all that right now; my focus is to discuss with Subahan and tell him about my plan. There are still unfinished tasks,” he said. – Bernama A FANTASTIC goal worthy of winning any title, scored by substitute Hassan Al Haydos against China yesterday, gave host nation Qatar their third victory in the 2023 Asian Cup Group A match and ensured their spot in the round of 16. The 1-0 win over gave the Qatar squad under Tintin Marques nine points to top Group A after their group matches ended at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. China who were in second place in the group before kickoff missed several chances in the first half. The loss also saw China failing to make the cut for the round of 16. In the other group A match, Tajikistan rallied from behind to defeat Lebanon 2-1 and book a spot in the knockout stage in the tournamant. The jubilant scenes after the final whistle saw Tajikistan boss Petar Segrt lose his spectacles. “It was a fantastic game, a tough game. Don’t forget, two times we had our goals cancelled and it was the right decision, but mentally it can be draining. So I’m very proud of my players, they showed great fight,” Segrt told a post-match press conference. “Lebanon played well, but I thought we would get chances, we could see them tiring, so we just needed to keep attacking. “This kind of game you play for your life. I believe in these boys, they have great characters. “Tajikistan people are fighters and will fight until the end.”. Segrt who led Tajikistan to a 2023 Merdeka Tournament title in October said he had a talk with former Germany coach Joachim Low before the match, expressing his admiration for the fantastic tournament. “For us, this was a big dream to qualify for this tournament and the dream turned to qualifying for the knockout stage. Now we dream again,” he added. Disappointed Lebanon head coach Miodrag Radulovic said after the match: “It’s very difficult to talk after this game because we had everything in our hands. “We played a good game, perfect until 56 minutes and then after one lapse of concentration we got a red card. In such a tough game, it’s difficult to play so long with one man less. “But I’m proud of my team’s performance and fight. Even with one man less we still created chances to score, this team has a great future,” Radulovic said. The defeat extended Lebanon’s wait for a knockout stage appearance while Tajikistan continues to live the dream as they will lock horns with the Group C runners-up on Sunday. – Bernama/AFP Qatar, Tajikistan reach last 16 atar, Tajikistan reach last 16 Chinese fans slam team after Asian Cup ‘disaster’ Pride at stake Let's play for the badge on our chest, says Mohamed Syamer Tajikistan’s Nuriddin Khamrokulov celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Asian Cup Group A match yesterday. – AFPPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] DIOGO JOTA is confident Premier League leaders Liverpool can sustain their quest for silverware in the absence of a host of star names following his second-half brace at Bournemouth. The Reds set aside being without Mohamed Salah, who is due to scheduled to Merseyside overnight for treatment on a muscle injury suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, to move five points clear at the top thanks to a thumping 4-0 win. Manager Jurgen Klopp was also missing defenders Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip and midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara and Wataru Endo at Vitality Stadium. Jota, whose quickfire strikes on the south coast were sandwiched between Darwin Nunez’s double, told Sky Sports: “It’s part of the job, we know we have a few injuries, players going away for national teams. It’s hard. “We survived December; January is coming thick and fast from now on and we all need to be ready. I think we have the players and the quality to keep winning games. “Of course we have world-class players – when we have them it’s easier… but when we don’t have them, that’s why we are Liverpool. “We have good players and we kind of replace them and try to give our best and share the cost of the games between us and keep going.” Salah’s hamstring injury is worse than was initially thought and could keep him out for four weeks, according to his agent. Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations is probably over unless Egypt can survive without their captain until the final on Feb 11 and he makes a swift recovery. But Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Mohammed’s injury is more serious than first thought and he will be out for 21-28 days, and not two games. “His best chance at participating in the current Afcon is by undergoing intensive rehabilitation in the UK and rejoining the team as soon as he is fit.” Liverpool boss Klopp said on Sunday that Salah could potentially go back to Africa if he recovered and Egypt progressed. “However long he’s out, probably everybody sees it like this, it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people. “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes (he would go back to play). Why not? That’s clear.” Liverpool initially struggled to create chances in their first League game this season without top scorer Salah before Nunez’s 49th-minute finish paved the way to fully capitalise on a weekend off for second-placed Manchester City. The Reds move on to their Carabao Cup semifinal second leg at Fulham on tomorrow (4am Malaysian time) holding a 2-1 lead before completing the month by hosting Norwich in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the League. While goal-scorers Nunez and Jota grabbed the headlines in Dorset, Alexis Mac Allister played an instrumental role. The Argentina World Cup winner was singled out for his contribution by his manager. “Absolutely exceptional performance, I have to say,” Klopp said of former Brighton midfielder Mac Allister. B o u r n e m o u t h’s defeat was a second in succession after taking 19 points from the previous 21 available on the back of a 6-1 drubbing at M a n c h e s t e r City. The 12thp l a c e d Cherries t u r n t h e i r attention to Friday’s (3.45am) FA Cup clash against Swansea, with head coach Andoni Iraola seeking a reaction from his players. “We’ll see – we have another game, a different competition,” said the Spaniard. “We know against this top, top level of opposition we have to be at our best and then have moments of some inspiration to finish things to make the final play and we didn’t find it.” – The Independent SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | JAN 24, 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 Djokovic blows out Fritz fire -Story - on page 231 Story on page 29 Qatar, Tajikistan reach last 16 █ BY ED ELLIOT & RICHARD JOLLY ‘We are Liverpool’ Jota confident Reds can sustain trophy challenge without absent stars Diogo Jota