The STAR - 02 April 2026

BUILT in the shadow of an activevolcano, Naples is a city wherelife explodes into the streets.Locals banter in the boisterousNeapolitan dialect, mopeds zigzagthrough crowds and vendorssummon shoppers to standsheaped with Mediterraneanbounty.Announcing the clementines,artichokes and other goods onoffer are cheerful, hand-paintedsigns in sun-bright lettering.Quotidian but also quintessential, the signs have becomeemblems of Naples’ vibrancy. Yetlike so many traditions here, theyare at risk of vanishing, or ofbeing turned into tourist kitsch.Pasquale De Stefano is, by consensus, the last living numeraio –or number painter – in Naples.Two of his brothers practisedthe craft, as did their father andgrandfather, along with membersof several other Neapolitan families. Now, De Stefano, 77, isupholding the tradition on hisown.The numeraio’s trade emergedin the late 1800s, a time of massilliteracy, when most vegetablesellers struggled to write placardsadvertising their produce.Instead, they hired itinerantsign painters who invented anattention-grabbing style of primary colours and fat, serif letteringwith drop shadows.Carrying their brushes andpaints in baskets to markets, thepainters executed signs on thespot.“Even the most humbleNeapolitans – even the fruitvendors – refuse to forgo beauty,embracing ornament above merefunction,” said Marino Niola, acultural anthropologist.“Naples is, after all, a baroquecity.”De Stefano paints in the samebare-bones and now crumblingworkshop once used by his fatherand grandfather. It is a basso, oneof Naples’ ground-floor, windowless dwellings. As a child, he livedin the cramped space, sharing itwith his parents and six siblings.“People today don’t have thepatience (for) this kind of workdemands,” he said to a visitor, ashe sat hunched in a battered, lowslung office chair. Steadying awooden signboard on his drawnup knees without a table or easel,he pencilled in guidelines andwords, then painted swift, surehanded letters in rhythmicstrokes of blue paint, addingornaments, curlicues and vividcoloured borders.His message, written inNeapolitan dialect, said, WORKDOESN’T GET ENOUGH RESPECTHERE.Under the fluorescent tubelights, splattered paint andpigment-stained fingerprintscoated every surface, even hisown clothes.The workshop contained tributes, including a doll in the artist’slikeness and a note from actorJames Franco, who De Stefanosaid would stop by to share pizzawhile he was filming in the neighbourhood.“PASQUALE,” the actor wrote,“YOU ARE A GREAT ARTIST.”The rest of the space wasjammed with painted merchandise – placards still bearing pricesin Italian lire (a currency last usedin 2002), T-shirts emblazonedwith catchphrases, key chains,mugs, magnets, tambourines, calendars and perhaps hundreds ofsigns.Signs in Neapolitan; signs inItalian; signs quoting the city’scomic legend Toto, its folk-herosinger Pino Daniele and frustrated parents everywhere: WE’REEATING SO PUT DOWN YOURPHONE, said one in dialect. All ofit was lettered in De Stefano’srotund writing.It’s modest, poorly paid work,he said, but in recent years he hasgained unexpected recognition.A grandson created anInstagram account to showcasehis wares, at a moment whenappreciation has been growingfor Naples and its symbols.As visitors stream into the citytoday, tour groups flock to hisworkshop to watch him paint andbuy his knickknacks.“Everybody used to think wewere all thieves in Naples,” DeStefano said, outlining a paintedchile in marker.“Now they’ve understood thereare decent people here, and wetake pride in what we do.”As in many European cities,Naples’ attractions are a doubleedged sword. Having endured a500% increase in tourism in thepast decade, the locals are decrying the crowds, the proliferationof short-term rentals in residential areas and the city’s distillationinto shallow stereotypes packaged for visitors.Its main streets are overrunwith tourist-friendly pizza stands,spritz bars and souvenir shops,while long-standing workshopsthat make artisanal gloves,umbrellas and men’s ties aredisappearing.Yet tourism has also broughteconomic opportunities.“Today, there’s a much betteratmosphere for everyone,” DeStefano said.He is in the rare position ofbenefitting from the new worldorder while standing up forthe old one: a symbol of Naples’resistance to globalised homogenisation, as well as the producerof appealing mementos.De Stefano began painting ateight, seven decades on, he is stillgoing strong even after a stroke.“Work does a person good. Itkeeps you young,” he said, dipping a brush into a repurposedjar filled with tempera paint.“It’s too early to retire.”In 2018, two art school students, Alessandro Latela andGianluca Ciancaglini, publishedthe first formal study of DeStefano and the numeraiotradition.“Back then, the cultural fabricof Naples wasn’t getting muchattention, and the signs weren’tyet recognised for their aestheticvalue,” Latela said.Inspired by pop art’s elevationof everyday cultural symbols,the authors and a third designer,Emilio La Mura, created a standardised, computer-made fontnamed Pasquale in homage tothe numeraio – a gesture thatwas “misunderstood”, Latelasaid.De Stefano’s family contestedthe book and the font, fearingthat they would be mistaken forhis own work, and the projectswere pulled from distribution.The designers later developeda new font, Tonino, drawing onhistorical Neapolitan signs for thelettering on plates, menus andmore at the famed pizzeriaConcettina ai Tre Santi.For now, De Stefano’s rainbowhued placards remain as much apart of Naples’ streetscape as itsubiquitous corner-side saintshrines.Along Via Vergini in the Sanitaneighbourhood, market standssell vegetables and fruits, ornylon tracksuits and knockoff“Di(HEART)r” slippers, all labelledwith his signs.At Romeofruit, established in1940, Ciro Romeo said that he carries on the family practice of purchasing numeraio signs by thedozen from De Stefano, just as hisfather and grandfather did withprevious generations of signpainting artists.“To have someone’s craftsmanship here is important,” Romeosaid, winking at a customer as hehanded over artichokes.“Maybe it doesn’t matter tothe clients, but for us vendors,keeping these traditions alive ispart of doing our work properly.”The famed pizzerias lining Viadei Tribunali are plastered withDe Stefano’s jauntily paintedsigns: CUOPPO NAPOLETANO,LA MARGHERITA, FRIED PIZZAHERE – but many hang besidedigitally-printed modern banners.The popular street is alreadyshoulder-to-shoulder with visitors, yet tourists will continuemultiplying, while De Stefano islikely the last of his kind.And if Naples loses these colourful signs?“Everything will turn plasticand artificial,” he said. “Poetrylives in what’s made by hand.” –©2026 The New York TimesCompanySTARLIFESTYLE, Thursday 2 april 2026 Culture 7A symbolof resistanceis this man the last living number painterin Naples?By LAURA RYSMANde stefano, who began painting at eight, is following in the footsteps ofhis father and grandfather.The numeraios invented their trademark style in the late 1800s, usingprimary colours and fat, serif lettering to catch people’s attention.in Naples, de stefano’s handmade market signs are a dying breed of everyday beauty in a baroque city.photos: pONTus BErGhE /The New york TimesEven the mosthumbleNeapolitans –even the fruitvendors –refuse to forgobeauty,embracingornamentabove merefunction.Marino Niola

There is a corridor in thesprawling Gucci headquarters onthe outskirts of Milan that isunlike any other corridor in thewhite- and glass-walled space.It is a corridor that leads to theoffice of Gucci’s new creativedirector, Demna, the mononymicman charged with rescuing thefashion brand from the cliff overwhich its sales have recentlyplunged.And it isn’t really a corridor atall. It’s more like a black hole:black walls, black floor, blackceiling. To enter it is to be swallowed by the dark. But then, atits end, when Demna opens hisdoor: light.how’s that for a metaphor?“It’s a reminder this is a reset,”Demna said in January, withsome levity.even he knows the symbolismis a little obvious. But sometimesobvious is exactly what youneed.Demna had been busy remaking the space since he joinedGucci last March, after 10 yearsat Balenciaga in which he transformed that brand from a fashion darling beloved by the couture cognoscenti into a bona fidecultural phenomenon.Gucci itself had been a soaringsuccess story until 2022, when itssuperstar designer, AlessandroMichele, was replaced by SabatoDe Sarno, and an attempt at a“quiet luxury” pivot went badlywrong.From 2022 to 2025, revenuewent from about �10.5bil(approximately rM47.6bil) to�6bil (rM27bil).Demna was the brand’s hailMary.Yet the appointment was,despite Demna’s previous successes, a surprise to many whothought of him as a streetwearproselytiser and recoiled fromthe idea of oversize hoodies inthe realm of Jackie O’s Bamboobag.The day after the announcement, the share price of Kering,the group that owns Gucci andBalenciaga, fell.even Francois-henri Pinault,the chair of Kering, wasn’t initially convinced.Gucci, after all, has more than17,000 employees and representsabout 40% of the group’s revenue. They couldn’t get it wrongagain.But here’s the thing, saidFrancesca Bellettini, Gucci’s CeO,whose idea it was to approachDemna in the first place: Itwasn’t just Gucci that was readyfor a new look. Demna was, too.As he prepares for his showlast month, their attitude,Bellettini said, is: “OK. I’llshow you.”New DemnaWhen Demna was atVetements, the upstart brand heco-founded in 2014 and left in2019, and Balenciaga, he wouldnever appear at the end of hisshows for a bow.he hated revealing himself inpublic. When he had to be photographed, he wore a black jerseymask that covered his head. heeven wore it when he attendedthe Met Gala in 2021.he is planning to go to the MetGala again in May, but this time,he won’t be wearing a mask.The party used to make himalmost paralytically nervous, hesaid, but now, walking back someprevious critical comments, hesees it, he said, “as the only placein fashion that celebrates funand play”.“Fun” and “play” are not wordsoften associated with Demna; themore likely ones would be “tortured” and “angry”.his Vetements and Balenciagashows often seemed like screamsinto the void, with sets thatincluded a giant mud pit, a swirling snowstorm and an immersive end-of-days video.“I was convinced the only waythat I could be creative and haveideas was if I was in a dark place– if I was the victim, if I feltbetrayed,” Demna said.“I used to be this fashiondesigner who works late at night,parties, drinks, doesn’t take careof his health.”It went with his back story,growing up in Soviet Georgia,forced to flee as a teenager withhis family and resettle in europe.he thought his fury came froman inchoate desire to change thestatus quo. But now he has beenin therapy for more than 10years and thinks maybe it was “alot about me not being enoughfor myself” (he speaks the language of psychoanalysis as wellas Italian, French, english,russian and Georgian).Antonin Tron, the new creativedirector of Balmain, who hasknown Demna since they attended the royal Academy of FineArts in Antwerp, said he hadbeen struck by how much morecomfortable with himshad become.Gomez, a musician wworks under the nameand creates the soundtDemna’s shows, agree“he is the person I kworks the most on himGomez said. “Once youpeace with pain and trlearn you can be evencreative. But it takes ato realise the myth of tpoet is not necessarilyNew GucciWhen Demna got toGucci, the mood was “tle bit hopeless”, he saNot only had Guccibecome, almost overnight, a very public criical and commercialfailure, but it was dragging Kering down withit (the share price had43.7% between 2022 a2025).“We have a responsity to bring it back up amake it stay there,”Bellettini said.That’s the deal she sshe made with Luca DMeo, the newish KerinCeO, and Demna. If thdesigner can pull off hpart, he will haveachieved that rare featin fashion, transforming not one but twofashion houses.As a welcome gift,the staff gave him 17 notebooksfor inspiration: recreations ofGuccio Gucci’s original sketchesand jottings about bags and belts.Then Demna had two bigepiphanies.The first happened when hewent to the Uffizi Gallery inFlorence, Italy, and saw The BirthOf Venus.“It really moved me,” he said.“I had tears. Then, when wecame out, I saw Palazzo Gucci.And I realised there is Uffizi,there is Michelangelo, there isBotticelli and there is PalazzoGucci.”The second came from his16-year-old cousin, who told himGucci had become a Gen-Z slangterm.“Like she says, ‘I feel Guccitoday’ or ‘It’s too Gucci’,” Demnasaid. “That exploded my brain. Itmeans that this is more than abrand. It can also represent anemotion or be a state of mind.”Now, he said, “I’m using it a lotat work: ‘I feel Gucci today’.”For him, Gucci is, he said, “atthe centre of Italian culture butalso about having fun, not takingit too seriously”.“Not being naive, but notgiving too much space to thedrama,” he added.It has to be both classic andpush boundaries. So he is designing what he refers to as GucciCore, a set of basics that willalways be available, and Guccirunway.In the short film Demnaunveiled in September, he established a set of Gucci charactersall dressed in his idea of signature Gucci style (the Primadonnaand the Contessa among them)and the pre-collection unveiledin December plumbed TomFord’s Gucci, he has somethingelse planned for the next show.New show“What I want to bring to Gucciis cultural relevance, and culturalrelevance does not come frommainstream culture – ever,”Demna said.“It comes from lesser-knownor unknown talent. It comesfrom underground.”To that end, he is weighingwhether celebrity ambassadorsand a celebrity front row areworth the money.“It’s like an arranged marriage,” he said.“I hate the idea of having topay someone to wear yourclothes if they don’t want to wearthem. I hate the word ambassador in general. We tried to haveChatGPT come up with a different word, but it didn’t work.”Instead, he has targeted about20 artistes he discovered throughhis Spotify algorithm, includingBritish rappers Fakemink andesDeeKid (the rapper everyonethought for a while wasTimothee Chalamet in disguise),and invited them to the show.he is also exploring a newsystem of sizing, making it lessabout numbers (0, 2, 4) and moreabout body types: short andskinny, tall and skinny, short andpowerful.That’s harder than it mightsound, since it involves not merely upsizing or downsizing astandard, but making new (anddifferent) patterns for each piece.But, ideally, more body typesmean clothes that are more relevant to more consumers.he knows everyone is waitingfor the Gucci hoodie, but, he said,“That is exactly what I wouldn’tdo, obviously.”he’s thinking “body-conscious”.Feeling more physically confident, he has been designing anarrower silhouette. he’s tryingto engineer a new kind of mini8 Style STARLIFESTYLE, Thursday 2 april 2026as demna takes charge of Gucci, theonce-rebellious designer sets out torevive the struggling label with a morepersonal vision of cultural relevance,confidence and play.self Demnawhoe BFrNDtrack ford.know whomself,”u makerauma, youn morelong timethe sady true.”o“a litid.itghfallenandibiliandaidDenghehistto engineer a new kind of minimalism, eliminating seams, making everything lighter.“This show is how I would loveto dress,” Demna said, giggling (he really giggled).he was toying with includingsome men wearing jackets overbare chests. That’s one of hisgoals for himself. he’s not quitethere yet, he said. But he thinkssome “tightfitting jeans” wouldbe a good start. – ©2026The New York TimesCompanydemna with reproductions of Guccio Gucci’s notebooks that the Gucciteam gave him when he arrived in his new office at the brand’s headquarters in Milan.A boldresetBy VANESSA FRIEDMANThe Gucciappointmentwas, despitedemna’s previoussuccesses, a surprise tomany who thought of himas a streetwearproselytiser. photos:FEdEriCO BarBiEri/TheNew york Times

STARLIFESTYLE, Thursday 2 april 2026 Style 9Wool Skirts, a recent exhibition, featuredvintage skirts and new designs, somesourced from artist Mae Colburn’scollection of 632 inherited pieces.By KASIA PILATWhat do you do with 632 woolskirts? that was the questionMae Colburn, a New York-basedartist and weaver, tried toanswer with Wool Skirts, anexhibition at Sudestada in theGreenpoint neighbourhoodof Brooklyn, New York City, thatran until March 16.In the 1960s, Colburn’s grandmother audrey huset began tovisit thrift stores in her homestate of Minnesota to purchasewool skirts of varying shapes,sizes and colours.For 40 years, her near-weeklyoutings yielded a collection thatgrew well into the hundreds.“My mum remembers bags ofskirts starting to show up in aspare room,” Colburn said.at that time, she said, hergrandmother was most likelycollecting because she knew thewool was good-quality materialthat could be reused – manywere woven into rag rugs.Most, however, stayed instorage for 10 years.In the spring of 2024, Colburnworked with her parents, CarolColburn, a costume historian,and Richard Colburn, a photographer, to catalogue and photograph the pieces in the collection,adding informational tags toeach.“as a family, we’re very wellset up to do this,” she said.Gimena Garmendia, the cocurator of the exhibition andfounder of Sudestada, saw a talkthat Mae Colburn did for NewYork textile Month and reachedout in January 2025 to collaborate on what would becomeWool Skirts, an exhibition of 130skirts and 29 new pieces by artists and designers made using 47skirts from the collection.Each piece was available forpurchase. Releasing the skirts,Colburn said, is an integral partof the project.“She didn’t tell us what shewanted to do with them,”Colburn said of her grandmother. “I think she just kind of trusted that we would sort somethingout.”the collection of skirts, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s,reflects some of Colburn’s personal family history, but it alsoshows broader changes in societal expectations of women anddevelopments in clothing manufacturing.Wool Skirts takes the skirts as canvas and the collection as a forum for prototyping fashion’s vital renewal.photos: sudestada/instagramTartan is having a moment and this is one of the favouritepieces in the collection.The skirts can be worn in creative ways as seenhere.Fromthriftedfinds tofashiongraphed for the flyers promotingthe exhibition, and it was thefirst one to be purchased by avisitor.Pendleton rereleased theturnabout skirt in 2013, but afterso much time had passed, therewere “no records on the technique”, according to the brand’swebsite.“It’s constructed with carefulplanning and engineering by ourfabric design and manufacturingpersonnel.”Construction so complex theskirt has to be custom-made“this is a style that we lovethat simply is not made anymore,” Colburn said, referring tothe specific production methodsimilar to Pendleton’s turnaboutwhere the bands of grey, red andblue that appear on the exteriorpleats of the skirt give way toflashes of a bright, eye-catchingred pattern revealed on theinside folds when the skirtmoves.to make it requires bespokeproduction.“the fabric has been wovenspecifically to size to become thisvery specific skirt,” which wasmade in the United States in the1980s, she said.From protest sign to skirtFor his contribution to theWool Skirts exhibition, artistJason Rosenberg selected a longwhite wool skirt that he coulduse as a canvas to reference hisown family history.In a photograph from 1963,his mother holds a sign thatreads: “When a system startstelling people what to wear, thenit’s time for that system to bechanged.”the photograph is from awalkout that his mother organised at her school in the Bronx toprotest a long-standing dresscode requiring female studentsto wear skirts to school, “even inthe cold winter months”, hewrote in his artist statement.“the words painted on thisskirt are the same words shewrote on her protest sign thatday.”A workwear-inspired standouta heather-grey a-line skirt,dating to the 1970s, has a subtlerailroad-stripe pattern, belt loopsand practical side pockets. theplacement of its zipper makes itstand out.“It’s the only skirt in the collection that has a fly or a closure inthe front,” Colburn said.typically, the skirts haveclosures on the side or in theback. this skirt, she said “isreferring to workwear, to jeans,to men’s tailoring.”A classic 1990s silhouettethe 1960s and 1970s saw a risein union-made clothing, followedby an increase in offshore production in the 1980s and 1990s.One black and white straightskirt from the 1990s is one of themost recently produced skirts inthe collection, with a “pegged”silhouette, narrower at the hemthan the hips, and typical of thetime.Colburn’s grandmother died in2022, but she stopped makingher weekly thrift store visits atsome point in the 1990s.“I think both the availability ofhigh-quality wool and of skirtsstarted petering off,” Colburnsaid. “By the time fast fashioncame in, she stopped collecting.” – ©2026 the New Yorktimes CompanyA study in home sewing“We zoom out and use this as away to think about the clothingindustry over the second half ofthe 20th century,” Colburn said.“We start out with a lot ofhandmade skirts that are madefor an individual, by an individual.”One handmade miniskirt fromthe 1960s is, as its tag reads, “astudy in home sewing”.Constructed out of hefty,rust-coloured plaid wool, theskirt wraps around the body andbuttons neatly in the front, withmagenta thread finishing thebuttonholes and hem.Fitted for comfortan olive-green pencil skirt,ornamented with three pleats,tabs and buttons on its righthand side, dates to the 1950s.Colburn pointed out the economical design.“this is a style that doesn’trequire a great deal of fabric, it’squite fitted,” she said.In the 1950s, she said, “skirtfashions went from pencil likethat to large and voluminous”.this skirt in particular,Colburn added, “has this reallyinteresting asymmetrical featurethat gives it interest and life”.the design in the front alsoserves as a kick pleat, a necessityin fitted skirts to allow the wearer to walk comfortably.The one skirt the collectorwore“It’s important to point out thatmy grandma didn’t really wearmost of these skirts,” Colburnsaid.“She bought them in all sizes:miniskirts, maxi skirts, juniorsize skirts. So we have just oneskirt in the selection that wehave a photograph of her wearing in the 1980s.“this is a handmade skirt fromthe 1950s, but she wore it in thelate 1980s for a holiday.”The precise engineering of thePendleton Turnabouta skirt from the 1950s, labelleda Pendleton turnabout, is reversible – when worn, one of the patterns shows on the outside, whilea second pattern peeks throughfrom underneath the pleat folds.the turnabout debuted in1953, and it required such precise engineering that Pendletonpatented the design.this particular skirt was photo-

NADIA Garcia was showing avisiting friend around theneighbourhood one Saturdaywhen she paused in front of asmall shop on Melrose Avenue,Los Angeles.“We have to go in here,” Garciarecalled saying to her friend.They walked in and began to siftthrough a rack of women’s shortsand Lululemon leggings.At a time when secondhandshopping is on the rise – with theglobal market valued at aboutUS$210bil (RM824bil) andprojected to surpass US$320bil(RM1.25 trillion) by 2030 – oneLos Angeles consignment storehas carved out a niche bysourcing its inventory from theoverstuffed closets of SouthernCalifornia social mediainfluencers.Detoure, which opened inApril 2024, bills itself as an“influencer sourced thrift store”.Many of the store’s visitors areGen Zers like Garcia, who saidshe was captivated by the concept after seeing it on TikTok.“I knew it would be stuff thatwas geared towards my style andmy interest,” said Garcia, a26-year-old digital marketingmanager.Detoure’s name combines thewords “detour” and “couture,”and reflects the business’ goal ofproviding a “detour” aroundbuying new fast fashion, saidfounder Meghan Russell, 28.The store tries to solve twoproblems at once. People whocan’t afford to buy trendyclothes at full price turn tocheaper “dupes” that contributeto fast fashion waste, she said.Meanwhile, influencers, whorapidly cycle through clothes,receive so many brand-namegifts that they don’t have roomto keep it all.“We are taking clothes fromthe fashion inspo,” Russell said.Influencers who want tobecome Detoure clients shouldhave about 10,000 Instagramfollowers, Russell said.“What’s really interestingabout this concept is that it’s sorooted in influencers,” saidArizona State University fashionmer h di i f Ni lCralikeInDetit loThe Kardashian-Jenners in2019 launched KardashianKloset, an online resale platform selling designer clothesculled from the family’s extravagant closets. Websites likePoshmark and Ebay have alsoworked with influencers andl b i i C i idTaking away headacheDetoure has more than 250influencer clients who can dropoff their items or, if they live inLos Angeles or Orange County,have them picked up.Given how many clothes influencers receive – one said shereceives five packages per day –traditional resale options are notalways a feasible solution, influencers said.Detoure takes the “headacheaway”, said content creatorNicole Kramer.Kramer said she used to spendhours waiting in line at localresale shops for a worker to sortthrough her clothes. She alsotried selling garments onPoshmark and Mercari butfound it time-consuming.Content creator HannahDytrych mostly sends Detoureclothes gifted to her by brands.She said she hasn’t faced anypushback.“They know that we receive alot of items and there’s just notenough space to keepeverything,” Dytrych said.Russell estimates that thecompany has “saved” 100,000items from landfills since shebegan selling online in 2021.The company generated nearly US$600,000 (RM2.35mil) insales in 2025 and became profitble last summer, according tossell. The store employs sixople, including Russell, andmain expenses are labourd monthly rent, which costsout US$6,500 (RM25,528).Clothing prices are set atout 40% to 60% off retail,pending on condition, Russelld. Beauty products receiveger markdowns; for instance,re Beauty’s liquid blushrmally costs US$25 (RM98)sold for US$7 (RM28). There says it only acceptsopened products.nfluencers receive a cut of thees usually ranging from 25%lower-priced goods to 70%luxury items, Russell said.tems that don’t sell aftereral months are donated,urned to influencers byuest, or marked for clearance.Shoppers can occasionallypay US$5 (RM19) for twominutes to fill a bag withanything they want from alarge mound of clearanceitems collected on the floor.These quarterly “pile sales”are a customer favourite,Russell said.Longtime Detoure clientElizabeth Weber estimatesthat she earns betweenUS$600 (RM2,356) and US$1,500(RM5,891) in commissions permonth from the store.The money was especiallyhelpful when content creationwas her main job, as thatincome “ebbs and flows,” saidWeber, a past winner of the reality show Love Island USA. (Shenow works for a beauty mirrorstartup.)From an apartment toMelrose AvenueRaised near Modesto,California, Russell went toCornell University and graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’sdegree in global and publichealth.Halfway through college,Russell spent two months inTanzania assisting a nonprofitthat taught female abuse survivors how to make clothes to support themselves. The experienceshaped her interest in ethicalfashion.“I was like, ‘If I’m going towork in fashion, I want to makea difference, instead of just adding more and more,’” Russellsaid.Russell moved to SouthernCalifornia after college and eventually became a marketing internfor a green jean brand. It waswhile attending an event throughher job that Russell found herselflistening to influencers ventabout their “exploding” closets.A thought occurred to her:Would their online followers,many of whom follow them todress like them, be interested inbuying items from their wardrobes?“That was a lightbulbmoment,” she said.After surveying friends aboutwhat they didn’t enjoy about thethrifting experience, Russell coldemailed 100 influencers shefound on Instagram.Two replied, so she took theirunwanted clothes home and builta website to sell them.Detoure began hosting pop-upsin 2022, with the first takingplace in her friend’s Mar Vistabackyard. The pop-up went viral,according to Russell, so morefollowed, drawing long lines incities including Costa Mesa, SanDiego and New York City.A US$150,000 (RM589,125)investment from the venturecapital firm 500 Global’s accelerator programme allowed Russellto move operations out of herapartment and into a warehouse.It also paved the way for thephysical shop on MelroseAvenue.Russell is now working on aweb app for smaller UnitedStates-based influencers with atleast 5,000 followers to uploaditems in their closets and directlyship them to customers.The platform is modelled afterresale platforms like Depop, butbuilt for influencers to sharewith their followers.Repeat customer PatriciaRashidi, 31, said she drove toDetoure to buy a job interviewoutfit. Many other secondhandstores don’t carry larger sizes,she said, leaving with a blackdress.“Things easily catch my eyehere,” said college studentTahtiana Crawford, 19, who wasshopping for clothes thatmatched her Y2K-inspired style.“Then you check the price tagand it’s so cheap.” – Los AngelesTimes/Tribune News Service10 Living STARLIFESTYLE, Thursday 2 april 2026Sustainabledetouras Gen Z turns to thrifting, a los angelesshop finds success in influencers’overflowing closets.By IRIS KWOKrussell founded detoure, a secondhand shop on Melrose avenue that bills itself as an ‘influencer thrift store,’photos: MyuNG J. ChuN/los angeles Times/TNsat detoure,clothingprices areset atabout 40%to 60% offretail,dependingon condition.rchandising professor Nicoleaig. “I haven’t seen anythinge this in a physical store.”nfluencer resale predatestoure, according to Craig. Butooked slightly different.celebrities, Craig said.Some influencers go toDresscue, an Atwater Villageconsignment store, becausethey can rent empty racks tosell their clothes, Craig said,though the store was not specifically designed for them.ableRuspeoits mandaboCabodepsaidbiggRarnorbutstorunoInsaleforforItseveretureqpmtrussell’sexperiencein Tanzaniashaped herinterest inethical fashion.

STARLIFESTYLE, Thursday 2 april 2026 Comics 11KEE’S WORLD by C.W. KeeREDROvER by Brian BassetSHOE by Jeff MacnellygARFIELD by Jim davisAcross Down1 seductive summons(4,6)8 Work hard to processwaste (5)9 hidden danger thatmay trap miners (7)10 Boring commercialinterrupts fight (7)11 a sign that your car’snot working? (2,3)12 Jacket for a hippie? (6)14 Choke is left out (6)17 Ocean-tossed paddleboat (5)19 Told to go in a ship,agrees (7)21 The dentist won’t stopto do it (7)22 a record number ofrunners in the field (5)23 had authority yet prevented from skating?(4,6)2 perform in the theatre?(7)3 a minor player makesmore (5)4 i’m lacking lustre in runthrough (6)5 in great haste aftertesting the bathwater? (7)6 right sort of oven tocook the turkey? (5)7 Fly round with noregard to the rules, butperfectly (10)8 Took away bad cuttersfor resetting (10)13 Globe in orbit (7)15 in fact a wild enthusiast (7)16 seen in a colourful display of arms? (6)18 record score (5)20 it’s bound to be a bit ofa shock (5)CROSSWORD81012172121823313491619511202271 614 151. put numbers from 1 through 9 in each cell (no zeros.)2. a number in a cell divided by a diagonal line tells thesum of the numbers in the consecutive cells to its rightor downward.3. No number may appear more than once in consecutive cellsKAKuRO © NiKOli Co ltd, Japan> Solutions on page 12

TV GuideTV1 TV2 TV3 ntv7 8TV TV96.00am Negaraku6.02 Fikrah7.00 Berita Pagi Nasional8.00 Selamat Pagi Malaysia10.05 Desapreneur Muda12.05pm Orang UtanJungle School1.00 Berita Tengah Hari1.30 Ketika Masa Terhenti2.30 Kami Budak Flat3.05 Diari Rawat4.05 Redah4.30 Biz Malaysia5.00 Berita Wilayah6.00 Usrati Jannati6.45 Aku Pilih Bahagia7.44 Kanta 7448.00 Berita Perdana8.30 Malaysia Tonight9.00 Forum PerdanaEhwal Islam10.30 Cinta Nasi Ambang11.30 Voice From The RoofOf The WorldMidnight Berita Tengah Malam12.30am Ketika Masa Terhenti1.30 Desapreneur Muda2.00 Cita Nasi Ambang3.00 Bisikan DariKota Pusaka3.30 Aku Pilih Bahagia4.30 Kami Budak Flat5.45 Bacaan Ar Rahman6.00am Negaraku6.02 Tentang Hati7.00 Adi Genius7.30 Sumo Mouse8.00 CJ The DJ8.30 Buzz9.00 Aku Jatuh Cinta10.00 Cinta Yang Pulang11.00 Katakan Pada DiaNoon Berita Mandarin12.30pm World Today1.00 The Long Night2.00 Naam Series2.55 Palace ShadowsBetween Two Princes3.05 Capa RengatGulai Rawo5.00 Hercai6.00 Penginapan Unik6.30 Berita Mandarin7.00 Pret A Porter7.30 Berita Tamil8.00 Extraordinary You9.00 Be Someboody11.30 House12.30am Tentang Hati1.30 Ladang Pak Awang2.00 Manasum Manasum2.30 Nee Yaar3.00 Fire Of Justice4.00 CapaRengatGulai Rawo6.30am Bacaan Yasin6.50 Tanyalah Ustaz8.00 Adellea Sofea9.00 Wow Shop9.30 Buletin Pagi10.00 Malaysia Hari Ini11.00 Dino Trainers11.32 Jalan JalanCari MakanNoon Wanita Hari Ini1.00pm J.K.K1.30 Buletin 1302.00 Wow Shop3.00 Risik Pada Hati4.00 Dayaan Ka Mausam5.00 Animals Like Us6.00 Aku Bukan Ustazah7.00 Khianat Yang Terpilih8.00 Buletin Utama9.00 Melodi Raya10.00 Kerana CintaItu Dusta11.00 My Sweet MonsterMidnight Nightline12.30am Wow Shop1.30 Khianat Yang Terpilih2.30 Adella Sofea3.30 Bisik Asmara4.30 Kapsul Surah5.00 Bacaan Al-Quran5.30 Wow Shop7.00am Living Delight8.00 Go - Go - Go!8.30 Wow Shop9.45 Great Times10.35 Wow Shop12.30pm Mandarin News1.00 Big Biz Duel2.00 Women Walk TheLine3.00 Wow Shop3.30 Fight For Justice5.30 Living Delight6.30 8 E-News7.00 See Her Again8.00 Mandarin News9.00 Moonlit Reunion10.00 The Iron Lady11.00 The Princess Royal1.00am Eight [email protected] Cergas BersamaJurulatih SSM7.30 Sukan8.00 Sukses SPM9.00 Menengah Atas10.00 Menengah Rendah11.00 Tahap II11.30 Tahap INoon Prasekolah12.30pm Menengah Atas1.00 Buletin Didik1.30 Destinasi Kerjaya2.00 Sekolahku2.30 Prasekolah3.00 Tahap I3.30 Tahap II4.00 Menengah Rendah5.00 Menengah Atas6.30 Sukan7.00 Go Go Dino7.30 Dino Trainers8.00 Destinasi Kerjaya8.30 Sekolahku9.00 Sukses SPM10.00 Budak Magik11.00 #BudakIntern11.30 Jejak Rasul 2Midnight Hot FM @ ntv76.00am Bacaan Yasin6.50 Tanyalah Ustaz8.30 Wow Shop10.30 Nasi Lemak Kopi O11.30 Wow ShopNoon My #QuranTime 2.01.00pm Wow Shop2.00 Kelab Idola3.30 Boona & Boonie4.00 Bahagia BukanBidaan5.00 Cocomelon5.30 The Smurfs6.00 Oddbods6.30 Blippi Wonders7.00 Buletin TV97.50 30 Pesanan Suara8.40 Isteriku Zulaikha10.30 First Lady11.30 SeekersMidnight Wow Shop2.00am Kelab Idola3.30 [email protected] Boona & Boonie5.00 My #QuranTime 2.012 STARLIFESTYLE, THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2026solutionsE R T H H I M E C OF O O M X PL A L T F P I A T SWEA S F A R R UW T O O N W L BRADAL O E T TL E I F S T E R E F R ES A T Y AS N T ASSE O E CANL A H T B O TY T R E N T A C T R E XI A O L C DC E F I O F L D H E836254719921378546475961283162539874594782631783416952657193428349825167218647395DOODLISM by Sarah SalimIG:@sarahsalim.officialSuDOKu © NIKOLI Co Ltd, Japan3 2213 55 1 2 89 78 4571 49 5 1 67 9Fill up each 3x3 box, as well as each row and column, with all thenumbers 1 to 9.For tips and techniques for solving Sudoku puzzles, go to nikoli.co.jp/en/puzzles/sudoku.html.STARScOpEARIES (March 21-April 20): The FullMoon in Libra shines a spotlight onpartnership dynamics, revealing what is inharmony and what is ripe for adjustment. Youmay feel torn between independence andcooperation. Neither side wins alone. Aconversation could bring insight, or asimmering tension might finally demandresolution. Notice where you give too much oreven too little.TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Today’slunation means routines, work dynamicsand wellbeing habits come into focus.Something that has felt off balance now asksfor correction. You may realise where you havebeen over-giving, overworking or evenoverthinking. Adjust gently rather thandramatically. Harmony grows through small,thoughtful changes. Balance is yoursuperpower.GEMINI (May 22-June 21): With aFull Moon in play, the focus can be onromance, creativity and pure enjoyment.Something playful could reach a sweet climax,or a budding romance may reveal its truepotential. Notice where you have been givingapplause but not receiving it. A creative projectmight demand completion or celebration. Sayyes to beauty, music and good company.CANCER (June 22-July 23): Domesticmatters, family dynamics or livingarrangements may reach a turning point undertoday’s lunar phase. You could feel tornbetween keeping the peace and speaking yourtruth. Choose honesty and kindness. Beautyand balance matter deeply now, as a smallchange to your space can shift your mooddramatically. Discard clutter, soften lighting orclear the air.LEO (July 24-Aug 23): Something youhave been meaning to say requires atouch of diplomacy. A discussion could reach aturning point under today’s potent lunar vibes,especially with siblings or close contacts. Yourvoice can be persuasive, so use it wisely. Whenyou communicate with tact and confidence,misunderstandings dissolve, so work on yourmessage but be truthful too.VIRGO (Aug 24-Sep 23): Under today’sFull Moon, a financial matter may come toa head. Notice where you have undervaluedyour time or overextended your generosity.Having enough is not stinginess, it’s selfrespect. A conversation about pay, prices orpriorities could be necessary. This is less aboutnumbers and more about worth. Choose whatfeels right and your security strengthens.LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23): Today is yourFull Moon and you’ll notice it. Emotionsrise, truths surface and you stand illuminated inyour own light. Something personal reachesculmination. A decision, insight, realisation orturning point asks you to choose yourselfwithout apology. Harmony does not meanbending yourself into knots for others. It meansstanding wholly in your own values.SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): Today’sSun Moon clash glows behind the curtainof your inner world. Emotions you have neatlystored may now demand acknowledgement.See this not as public drama but a privatereckoning. Pay attention to dreams, instinctsand subtle realisations. Peace occurs when youforgive yourself for what you cannot control.Rest is powerful now and solitude clarifies.SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): Akey lunation lights up your social skies.Friendships, group plans and shared dreamspeak. You’ll see clearly who aligns with yourvalues and who just enjoys the party. Acollaboration could culminate or a goal mayshift shape. Listen as much as you speak, asyou do not have to agree with the crowd tobelong. Choose connections that feel equal andtruly inspiring.CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): Aprofessional situation may reach a climax,bringing recognition, resolution or a necessarycourse correction. Choose diplomacy withoutdiluting your authority, as someone is watchinghow you handle this matter. Grace underpressure enhances your reputation more thanforce could. Plus, a decision about direction orresponsibility could clarify your next chapter.AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): The FullMoon widens horizons and sharpens yourperspective. A belief, plan or long-term visionmay reach a turning point. You could feel calledto speak up, publish, travel or commit tolearning something that enhances your futurepath. A conversation may challenge yourassumptions in useful ways. You are refiningnot only what you think, but how you think.PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20): Today’slunar phase casts a luminous glow onshared finances and emotional agreements.Something hidden may surface gently butclearly. A conversation about trust, resources orcommitment could reach a tipping point. Youdo not need to absorb everyone else’s feelingsto keep the peace. Notice where give and takefeels uneven, as adjustment can bring relief.Isteriku Zulaikha(TV9)

THE STAR, THuRSdAy 2 ApRil 2026 Content: (03) 7967 1388 [email protected] Classified: (03) 7966 8200 [email protected] hospitalityJohor’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations attract multiracial crowds,preserve festive traditions and bring the public together. >2&3Seven hotspotsin PJ identifiedfor criticalflood mitigationworks>4Bird watchPainted storks a key attraction for locals atthis tranquil park in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn,Cheras, Selangor. — NG KOK LEONG/The StarStricter enforcementon sale, use ofbanned fireworksneeded for sakeof safety>550 muralsalong artlane inSerembandraw tourists>7

2 News STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026Channel 56.00AM: yu-Gi-Oh! duel Monsters6.30: Bakugan 3.1 7.00: superBOOMi 7.15: super BOOMi 7.30:Blippi Visits 7.45: Blippi Visits8.00: Ollie and Friends 5 8.30:pinkfong songs & stories 9.00:pocoyo 9.20: pocoyo 9.30: GoJetters 9.45: Go Jetters 10.00:super rover & Friends 10.30:lupin’s Tales s1 10.45: lupin’sTales s1 11.00: super BOOMi11.15: super BOOMi 11.30: Moka’sFabulous adventures NOON: yu-GiOh! duel Monsters 12.30PM:Bakugan 3.1 1.00: Miniforce superCop 1.30: Jade armor 2.00:Emerald 2.30: pokemon ultimateJourneys: The series 3.00: WheelOf Fortune 3.30: auntie lee’sdeadly delights 4.00: Kin 4.30:lion Mums 5.30: Just For laughs5.50: The Chase 6.50: Big hero 6(Movie) 9.00: News Tonight 9.30:hollywood squares 10.00:shanghai (Movie) MIDNIGHT:Escape From pretoria (Movie)2.15AM: Glastonbury 2024 3.15:The Chase 4.15: Just For laughs4.30: The Chefs’ line - series 15.00: lion Mums 6.00AM: seetomorrow’s scheduleChannel 86.00AM: Golden age Talentime2026 7.00: News Tonight 7.30:healing heroes 8.00: highway tosomewhere 9.00: Talk of The Town2026/2027 9.30: Big Biz duel10.00: The Wonder shop 10.14:The Wonder shop 10.16: TheWonder shop 10.30: Taste Of life11.30: Taste Of life 12.30PM: TheWonder shop 12.44: The Wondershop 1.00: News 8 at One2026/2027 1.30: lo & Behold2.00: lo & Behold 2.30: lo &Behold 3.00: The Wonder shop3.14: The Wonder shop 3.16: TheWonder shop 3.30: Take Two4.00: Take Two 4.30: Golden City5.30: Golden City 6.30: hellosingapore 2026/2027 7.30: Big Bizduel 8.00: hustle or Bustle 9.00:highway to somewhere 10.00:News Tonight 10.30: Focus2026/2027 11.00: legend of theFemale General MIDNIGHT: Joy oflife 1.00AM: Makan On Wheels2.00: home in Toa payoh 3.00:home in Toa payoh 4.00: GoldenCity 5.00: Golden City 6.00AM:see tomorrow’s scheduleSuria9.00AM: ultraman Omega 9.30:aroma puncak Borneo 10.00:Bunga salju 11.00: Wanita syurgaNOON: danny 1.00PM: Jalanampas 2.00: rahasia dan Cinta3.00: detik semasa 3.30: Kanvasharapan 4.00: remuk 5.00: paparicky 6.00: ultraman Omega6.30: aroma puncak Borneo 7.00:Bunga salju 8.00: Berita 2026/20278.30: From Kl to pl 9.30: remuk10.30: unexpectedly yours 11.30:Berita MIDNIGHT: pinjaman syurga2.00: pinjaman syurga 4.00:pinjaman syurga 6.00: pinjamansyurga 8.00: Tiang lampuVasantham9.00AM: udhayam season 5 9.30:abhiyum Naanum 10.00: OruManithanin Kathai 10.30: KannaeKaniamuthe 11.00: Ticketpottaachu 11.30: Ticket pottaachuNOON: Nijangal 12.30PM: Nijangal1.00: yaathumaagi 1.30:yaathumaagi 2.00: Ethiree 2.30:Ethiree 3.00: Netru indru Naalai4.00: Malai Malai (2009) (Movie)7.00: Ticket pottaachu 7.30: Ticketpottaachu 8.00: abhiyum Naanum8.30: seithi 9.00: Kannae Kaniamuthe 9.30: Binge Café with anuhasan season 5 10.00: dNa(Movie) 1.00AM: seithi 1.30AM:soorarai potru (Movie) 4.30:picasso (Movie)Singapore tvBy VENESA DEVIand UMESH [email protected] spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitriremains as vibrant as ever inJohor with thousands of peoplefrom all walks of life joining thestate’s top leaders at open housesduring the first two days of thecelebration.The tradition of hospitalitycontinues this year, reflecting aresilient community spirit.On the first day of Hari Raya,Johor Mentri Besar Datuk OnnHafiz Ghazi hosted an openhouse at his official residence,Saujana, in Johor Baru.The festivities on the secondday, at Istana Besar for the Johorroyal family’s open house, wasgraced by His Majesty SultanIbrahim, King of Malaysia, andHer Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah,Queen of Malaysia.Crowds at both events bravedthe hot, dry weather, with somearriving before the gates evenopened, to ensure a spot in thecelebration.For student S. Hayshvvan, 22,the events offered an opportunity to enjoy Malay cuisine andmeet new people.“We love Malay food, and it israre to get the opportunity to tryso many different dishes at thesame time.“It is only during such openhouses that we can enjoy something like this.“The portions are just right, aswe can try a variety of foodwithout wasting any,” he said.Hayshvvan said he and hisfamily had been attending theMentri Besar and Johor palace’sopen houses since he was little.“It has become a tradition forour family.“Every Raya, we make it apoint to attend, although someyears we had to skip it becauseof other plans.“The last time we attended theMentri Besar’s open house wasin 2023, and I am glad to be hereagain,” he said.Hayshvvan said he enjoyedgetting to know new people andchatting with them.“If those I am sharing tableswith are also sociable, we havevery good conversations,” hesaid when met at the MentriBesar’s open house.Nurse Nur Dini Rosli, 24, whowas attending the event for asecond year in a row, agreed thatthe open house allowed guests tomake new friends.“Normally, at these kinds ofevents, we just sit anywhere wecan so it is very likely we willshare tables with strangers.“It is only natural to talk to theperson sitting next to you, andyou get to know people from allsorts of backgrounds.“If you are lucky, these smalltalks may bloom into a friendship,” she said, adding that sheplanned to return next year forthe food and atmosphere.Even though she grew up inJohor Baru, Nur Dini said shenever attended the open houseuntil last year when she sawsome posts on the event online.For first-time visitor Angel Lee,24, the open house gave her aglimpse into the celebration ofHari Raya Aidilfitri.“I was shocked when I saw thecrowd.“There were so many peopleand it was such a beautiful sight,especially since many werewearing traditional attire,” saidthe recent graduate, who washerself in a baju kebaya.Lee, who is from Labis inSegamat, said it was an interesting experience and she hopes tovisit a festive open house everyyear.“I came with my friends thistime, but I plan to come backnext year with my family,” sheadded.Over at Istana Besar, civil servant Jamalludin Othman, 56,accompanied by his wife andtwo children, joined thousandsof others to celebrate with theroyal family.“My parents have passed awayand my siblings are far away.“Normally we would visit mycousin in Kluang, but this timewe decided to just be in JohorBaru and celebrate among ourselves.“We visited both the openhouses by the royal family andthe Mentri Besar, to enjoy thefestivities,” Jamalludin added.Also at the palace were factoryline operator R. Shanjeev Rao,22, and his family.“It was an exciting experiencefor us, as we had never attendedthis open house before.“For me this is a better way tospend the holiday, as we soak inthe festivities without having totravel far and spend a lot ofmoney,” he said.Student Heng Xi Ru, 18, saidshe decided to attend the openhouse at Istana Besar to embracethe Hari Raya spirit whilehayshvvan (left) with brother s. yuvann, 19, and their cousin s. poorna (right), 17, at the Johor MB’s raya do.Johor leaders, thousandsunite in festive spiritlocal traditions remain strong as crowdscelebrate hari raya aidilfitri at official eventsJOHORThe public enjoying themselves at the Johor Mentri Besar’s hari raya open house. — photos: Courtesy photos and VENEsa dEVi/The star

enjoying good food.She added that she really likedthe festive atmosphere wherepeople from different backgrounds came together to chatand dine.Among the top leaders attending both open houses was MCApresident Datuk Seri Dr Wee KaSiong, who described the celebration as a reflection ofMalaysia’s multiracial unity.“Thousands of guests fromvarious races attended, makingthe Aidilfitri open houses livelyand vibrant.“This is our strength as a multiracial society, where peoplefrom different backgrounds cancome together and celebrate,” hesaid in a Facebook post.Meanwhile, UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia (UTM) international students were treated toa feast sponsored by Her MajestyRaja Zarith Sofiah, who is alsothe university’s chancellor.UTM vice-chancellor Prof DrMohd Shafry Mohd Rahim saidthe celebration involved 400international students and washeld on the first day of Raya athis official residence.“This is not just a celebration,but a meeting of hearts fromacross the globe,” he said.“When I look around, I do notonly see different nationalities,but stories, journeys and dreamsthat have found a place at UTM,”he said.Prof Dr Mohd Shafry saidthat hosting the event at thevice-chancellor’s officialresidence symbolised theuniversity’s openness andcommitment to making studentsfeel welcomed.“This gathering reflects theuniversity’s care and commitment to ensuring students trulyfeel accepted and become part ofthe UTM family,” he added.STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026 News 3Cultural festivals drive state’s tourism growthJOHOR’S festive celebrationsduring Hari Raya Aidilfitri are apowerful tool to boost tourismand showcase the state’s uniquecultural identity, say industryplayers.Tourism Malaysia administrative division director AmirulAriffin Md Nasir said such festivities reflected Malaysia’sidentity as a country thatembraced diversity, with various cultural and religiousevents observed in a spiritedmanner.“This approach reflectsMalaysia as a nation thatcelebrates diversity, where eachcelebration across races andreligions is welcomed in avibrant way,” he said during anevent to welcome travellers atSenai International Airport inJohor Baru on the third day ofHari Raya.Beyond the festive tunes andtraditional dances, arriving visitors were treated to dodol – aclassic Malay delicacy.Amirul Ariffin said the initiative was in line with efforts toshowcase Malaysia’s warm hospitality to the world.“This is an aspiration underMadani government to showthat Malaysia always welcomestourists with smiles and joy.“Programmes like this willcontinue with other celebrations,” he said.Johor Tourist GuidesAssociation chairman JimmyLeong said festive celebrationscould enhance tourism, provided they were backed by robustpromotion and marketing.“Festivals can attract visitors,but their impact depends onhow they are organised, promoted and marketed,” he said.“With proper planning, theycan become tourism products.”Leong cited the annualChingay parade in Johor Baruas an example of how culturalcelebrations could draw largecrowds and gain internationalrecognition.“When visitors are greetedwith cultural performances andtraditional elements during festive seasons, it creates a welcoming atmosphere and a goodstart to their vacation,” he said.Malaysian Association ofHotels Johor Chapter chairmanIvan Teo echoed these sentiments, noting that festiveatmospheres created lastingimpressions.“Festive celebrations givetourists the opportunity to experience Malaysia’s multiculturalidentity first-hand, especiallywhen cultural performancesand traditional food are part ofthe welcome.“When tourists are greetedwith a lively, festive atmosphereupon arrival, it creates a warmand memorable first impression.“This can encourage themto stay longer and visit moreplaces in Johor,” he added. —By VENESA DEVIamirul ariffin (fourth from left) with leong (second from right) and Teo (left) ‘stirring’ a large wok of packed‘dodol’ during the event to welcome travellers at senai international airport. — VENEsa dEVi/The starlee hopes to visit the Johor MentriBesar’s open house yearly. international students selecting food from the buffet at the raya openhouse held at the uTM vice-chancellor’s official residence.Nur dini says open houses allowguests to make new friends.Onn hafiz (standing, right) and wife datin sharmin Fazlina Mohd shukor obligingguests for a wefie at saujana. Jamalludin (right) enjoying the open house at istana Besar with his family.

4 News STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026MBPJ to fix seven flood hotspotsBy SHEILA SRI [email protected] Jaya City Council(MBPJ) has identified seven hotspots for critical flood mitigationworks following several flashflood incidents in the city.Petaling Jaya mayor DatukMohamad Zahri Samingon saidthese locations were in tamanSri Manja, taman BuanaPerdana, taman Dato Harun,taman Medan Baru, Jalan PJS10/11e, gerai Jalan 223 and JalanSelangor (inai Merah Quarters).“Based on our records, thefloods that occurred on nov 17and Dec 30 last year were causedby a combination of extremeweather conditions, geographicalfeatures and a sudden rise in thewater level of Sungai Klangwhich reached 12.93m comparedto the normal level of 10.3m.“total rainfall reached 182mmwithin two hours – equivalent tothe average monthly rainfall.“High readings recorded onDec 17 (138mm) and Feb 25(113mm) clearly exceeded thedesign capacity of most existingurban drainage systems,” he saidduring the MBPJ full boardmeeting at its headquarters inJalan Yong Shook lin, PetalingJaya.Mohamad Zahri noted thatwhile the current drainagesystem was functioning well, itrequired additional support toaccelerate water outflow,especially for homes situated onlower ground.“From an infrastructure standpoint, MBPJ does not compromise on engineering standards,having constructed on-site detention (OSD) systems designed toaccommodate a high volume ofsurface runoff.“Between 2022 and 2024, thecity council allocated RM15mil togradually develop river overflowcontrol structures (Skalis) andOSD systems.“Of the seven main outlets toSungai Klang in the tamanMedan area, four strategic locations have been equipped withSkalis systems, whereby the flipgate mechanism has proveneffective in preventing backflowof river water into the publicdrainage system.“to address the issue of ‘staticwater’ during peak rainfall periods, MBPJ is now shiftingtowards mechanical solutions byinstalling high-powered pumpscapable of pushing water into theriver without waiting for riverlevels to subside naturally.”He said MBPJ has outlined apump installation schedulebased on priority, involvingimprovement Service Fund (iSF)allocations of RM1.2mil behindSri Manja Court and RM2mil atJalan PJS1/15 this year.the project will continue nextyear at Flat Medan 32 and JalanPJS3/56, with an estimated cost ofRM1.2mil per location.Mohamad Zahri said a site visitconducted on March 3 with strategic agencies such as MalaysianHighway authority (llM), newPantai expressway (nPe) and theDrainage and irrigationDepartment (DiD) resulted inseveral immediate actions.this included a study by nPeto raise the road level at theU-turn area and confirmationthat the developer had completed cleaning and expansion workson the retention pond in earlyFebruary.Mohamad Zahri said the damstructure at Jalan Sri Manjawould remain closed for tamanBuana Perdana residents’ safetywhile a proposal to raise the roadlevel at Jalan Sri Manja by 60mmto 900mm was under furtherreview.“as part of ongoingpreparedness measures, MBPJhas deployed mobile pumps andlorries at the taman Sri Manjacommunity hall, installed mobileCCtV systems and warningsirens for real-time water levelmonitoring,” the mayor added.personnel fromrelatedagenciesinspecting anon-sitedetention pondin TamanMedan,petaling Jaya.— FilepicMohamad Zahri: MBpJ hasinstalled mobile CCTV systemsand warning sirens for real-timewater level monitoring.drainage system requires additional supportto accelerate water outflow, says pJ mayorMPAJ ensuring automotive workshops comply with rulingsBy SHALINI [email protected] of automotiveworkshops in the ampang Jayamunicipality in Selangor is beingstepped up to ensure theyoperate in approved areas andcomply with licensingrequirements.ampang Jaya MunicipalCouncil (MPaJ) deputy presidentHasrolnizam Shaari said whilemost workshops were alreadylocated within designatedcommercial zones, action wouldbe taken against those operatingoutside permitted premises.this follows a statewide directive that automotive workshopsin residential areas relocate tolight industrial zones.the authorities are directingoperators in mixed residentialareas to relocate, in order to curbtraffic congestion as well as pollution caused by noise and oildischarged into drains.Hasrolnizam said therewere currently 355 automotiveworkshops, including caraccessory centres within MPaJ’sjurisdiction.“We introduced a requirementfor all such businesses to obtainlicences before Jan 1 this year.“those who fail to comply willface fines.“if they continue operatingwithout approval, we willproceed with seizure,” he saidafter chairing the MPaJ fullboard meeting at itsheadquarters in Pandan indah.He said MPaJ introduced apolicy last august requiring thesebusinesses to rent designatedparking bays.the rule requires vehicle workshops, carwash centres andmotor accessory shops to rentbetween two and three designated bays in front of their premises.“We have seen improvementsin traffic flow and parkingmanagement in these areas sincethis was introduced,” saidHasrolnizam.On Feb 21, StarMetro quotedSelangor local government andtourism committee chairmanDatuk ng Suee lim saying thatautomotive workshops mustvacate residential premises andrelocate to designated lightindustrial zones.the move, he said, was aimedat easing congestion, curbingpollution and stopping operatorsfrom occupying public parkingbays.this directive also sought tocentralise workshop servicesbesides enhancing the safety ofresidential neighbourhoods.MpaJ has introduced a policy requiring automotive businesses to rentdesignated parking bays outside their premises, like the one picturedabove. — FilepicAmpang Jaya council issues 107 compounds to unhygienic eateriesaMPang Jaya Municipal Council(MPaJ) inspected 109 eateriesup to March and issued 107compounds for various offences.they included not having foodhandler certification, failure togo for typhoid jabs as well as thepresence of pests within theirpremises.MPaJ issued a compound to afood shop operator in Pandanindah on March 26 for failing totake necessary measures toensure the premises was free ofrats, flies and other pests.During separate inspectionsin Pandan indah and tamanPermata on March 21, twocompounds were issued foroffences including disposing ofdirty liquid into public spaces, aswell as failing to maintain pestfree eateries.each compound carries a maximum penalty of RM1,000.the local council said enforcement action was taken under theFood establishment licensing(MPaJ) By-laws 2007 and FoodHandling By-laws (MPaJ) 2007.traders, particularly premisesowners and food handlers, werereminded to comply withhygiene requirements to ensurefood prepared was clean andsafe.MPaJ deputy presidentHasrolnizam Shaari said themunicipal council has beencarrying out regular “OpsKebersihan” at eateries to ensurehygiene standards were met.“if their activities do not comply, we issue reminders followedby notices so that improvementscan be made,” he said after chairing the MPaJ full board meetingat its headquarters in Pandanindah, Selangor.He further said that enforcement did not stop at issuingnotices, with follow-up checksconducted to ensure compliance.“the result is that operatorsare now clearer about theirresponsibilities.“We are also seeing fewernotices being issued, as manyhave started to comply on theirown.“When notices are issued, wefind that operators are able torectify the issues quickly,” headded.inspections cover not onlyoperating hours and use of internal spaces, but also cleanlinessstandards including the condition of toilets. — By SHALINIRAVINDRAN

STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026 Comment 5City planning failure a cause of NRW issuerising cases of fireworks-related mishaps in penang, Johordemand authorities to step up enforcement against illegal stallsI WRITE to express concern over Malaysia’s persistent non-revenue water (NRW)problem.Billions of ringgit are being spent onreplacing old pipes and installing smartsensors.While these efforts are necessary, simpler and cheaper solutions above groundare still being overlooked.Every time a local council plants a largetree near a water main without consultingthe water operator, it may also be plantingthe seeds of a future pipe failure.Tree-root intrusion is a well-knowncause of physical leaks, yet there is still nonational policy in Malaysia requiring coordination between water utility companiesand urban planners to prevent this.The problem does not stop at theroadside.In many housing areas, mango, coconutand rambutan trees can be seen growingdirectly above water lines, planted byhomeowners without regard for what liesbeneath.Others pour concrete for car porches orextend structures without realising theymay be covering access to critical pipes.This is not just a matter of ignorance.Under the Water Services Industry Act2006 (Act 655), planting deep-rooted treesor building structures over water mainswithout approval is an offence punishableby a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment, or both.Yet enforcement appears to be minimal.Two practical measures remain missingfrom the national response.First, root-free zones should be createdby law.Trees with aggressive root systemsshould not be planted near water mains,whether by local councils or residents.This is not an anti-tree move; it is a matter of common sense.Tree-root intrusion is a well-known cause of physical leaks, but there is no national policyrequiring coordination between authorities. — FilepicShallow-rooted plants and properroot barriers should be required inutility easements.That would cost far less than digging uproads to repair burst pipes later.Second, local councils and water operators must be required to coordinate.Water-asset maps should be shared withlocal authorities before landscaping ordevelopment approvals are given.At present, local councils may approveplanting or works without full knowledgeof where water infrastructure lies.A simple Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) sharing arrangement couldprevent years of avoidable damage.The National Water Services Commission and state water operators must lookbeyond the pipes themselves and addressthe planning decisions around them.They must also pay closer attention towhat happens within private property,where weak enforcement is allowing thenext generation of leaks to take root.The answer to NRW does not lie onlyunderground.It also lies in how we plan our cities andregulate what is built and planted abovevital infrastructure.PHILIP MRSerembanSTARmeTRomAilEMail [email protected] The Editor, Metro Mail,level 3a, Menara star, 15,Jalan 16/11, section 16,46350 petaling Jaya.letters must carry the sender’s full name,address, telephone number and signature.a pseudonym may be included. letters maybe edited for clarity, brevity and otherrequirements.Festive cheer marred bythose playing with fireRECENTlY I received pictures of injuriesof a man in his 30s from Segamat, Johor,who lost his leg while playing with fireworks during Chinese New Year.Another was the viral video of charredvehicles after a stall selling fireworks wentup in flames in Penang on the second dayof Hari Raya.These graphic images are a starkreminder of the dangers of playing withfireworks especially when the items areeasily available everywhere, includingnight markets, during festive seasons.During the recent festive period, someSingaporeans flocked to Johor stalls, notjust to purchase fireworks, but to get thestallowners to light them up for them towatch.This is because there has been a totalban of fireworks including “Pop Pop” inthe island republic since 1972.This year has been an exceptionallynoisy Chinese New Year and Hari Raya inmy area in Tebrau, which kept my wholefamily up until 2am.Why are super-loud, big fireworks –which we usually see during officialevents such as National Day – being soldopenly?Why aren’t there enforcement operations against such peddlers?How can a customer know whether thefireworks he is buying is allowed or prohibited?This year, police had said 45 types offireworks, including “Pop-Pop and HappyBoom” were allowed.Meanwhile, Fire and RescueDepartment director-general Datuk SeriNor Hisham Mohammad said there hasbeen a 495% increase in fires related tofireworks from just 19 cases in 2024 to 113cases last year.Seven cases were recorded in the firsttwo months of this year. Johor, Terengganu and Perak have been identified asthe states with the most number of cases.While I do not think we need to takedrastic action implementing a total ban,we need to beef up enforcement efforts toclamp down on the sale of bannedfireworks.The police and local councils need tocarry out more checks and raids. Thosefound selling such fireworks should becharged.The authorities must ensure that allpremises selling fireworks must have fireextinguishers and sellers must beprohibited from lighting fireworks neartheir premises for their Singaporeanclients.Those who are caught playing with suchfireworks also need to be punished withhefty fines or even community work.Festive periods are a time to be happyinstead of grieving or being in pain becauseof a fire or mishap caused by fireworks.12435678Fires caused byfireworks in MalaysiaSafety tips202419 cases2025113 cases2026 (Jan and Feb)7 casesDispose of burnt orspent fireworks bysoaking them inwater to completelyextinguish themPurchase fireworksonly fromauthorised sellersVendors must displayvalid permits and have afire extinguisher atvending locationSellers must not store oroverstock fireworks in small,confined spacesLight up fireworks in openspaces, far away from vehicles orflammable materialsParents should always supervisechildren playing with fireworksDo not modify or attempt tomake your own fireworksAvoid playing with fireworkswhen the weather is too dryor windySouthern [email protected] of an explosion at Nibong Tebal fireworks stall in penang last month which putproperties and vehicles in the vicinity at risk.

IN just over a decade, a Penang-basedproperty developer has helped put BatuKawan on the map as a vibrant and connected township.Aspen Vision City (AVC) is an emerginggrowth hub in the northern region whileMezon @ Park Enclave is its most ambitious residential offering to date.Located at the heart of the Batu KawanIndustrial Park (BKIP) and near theupcoming Bandar Cassia technology Park(BCtP), it is well-placed to meet the risingdemand for quality serviced residences inthe area.Appealing to both homeowners andinvestors, the development offers a balanced proposition of modern living andpromising rental potential.Drawing inspiration from japanese living philosophy, Mezon @ Park Enclavecomprises two 47-storey freehold towerswith just eight units per floor to offer asense of privacy and exclusivity across 301units in each tower.Retail lots on the ground floor will offerconvenience to residents.the development features a range offlexible layouts, including single-key,dual-key and tri-key configurations withbuilt-up areas ranging from 862sq ft to1,410sq ft.these options are tailored to suit different lifestyles while also presenting opportunities for multiple income streams.the show units of Mezon @ ParkEnclave were unveiled recently during amedia familiarisation and officiated byAspen executive deputy chairman Datukseri Nazir Ariff, group managing directorAnilarasu Amaranazan and chief financialofficer Lim soo Aun.“through strong partnerships and lifestyle-driven developments like Mezon @Park Enclave, we are shaping a dynamicdestination where communities can live,work and thrive,” said Anilarasu.Originally a swamp, Aspen had thevision to convert the 99.96ha area into anew township, said Nazir.“It is indeed amazing how we havedeveloped this township in the past 10years, at a time when we were establishing our presence in Penang,” he added.Built to the GreenRE Gold standard,Mezon @ Park Enclave has over 50 facilities including the state’s first onsen (hotspring) and indoor spring pool withhydrotherapy spa, an Olympic-length lappool, pickleball courts, Zen-inspired gardens and spaces featuring authenticjapanese tatami elements.the project which fronts the expansiveCentral Park, also offers residents a rarebalance of serenity, vitality andcommunity.It comprises four completed developments totalling 3,398 units, with two ongoing projects – Versa and Viluxe IICourtyard Collection, and another in thepipeline – reflecting sustained growth andinvestor confidence.Versa is a two-tower, mixed development project while Viluxe II CourtyardCollection comprises 61 limited-editionlanded homes.AWARENEss and early detection are considered the most effective ways to combatkidney disease.“Many people only discover the condition when it has progressed to a seriousstage,” said sibu Kidney Foundation (sKF)chairman temenggong Datuk VincentLau.“Early detection can make a significantdifference in protecting health.”speaking at sKF’s World Kidney Day celebration, he emphasised the event’s vitalrole in educating the public and encouraging regular health screenings.“World Kidney Day is an importantglobal initiative dedicated to raisingawareness about kidney health andencouraging preventive care,” said Lau.“this year’s theme of ‘Kidney Health forAll – Caring for People, Protecting thePlanet’ reminds us that kidney health isclosely connected not only to our personalwell-being, but also to the health of thecommunity and environment we live in.”Established in 1993, sKF is committed toraising awareness about kidney healthand providing affordable dialysis treatment.“For many years, sKF has remaineddedicated to serving kidney patientsthrough dialysis services, medical supportand public education,” said Lau.“Our mission has always been toimprove and extend lives through compassionate care and strong communitysupport.“However, our work cannot beaccomplished alone.“the continued support from thecommunity, sponsors, volunteers andhealthcare professionals has made itpossible for us to carry out this importantmission and continue serving those inneed,” he said.the event included free health screenings, special blood screening package, professional talks and medical consultation.Also present were health talk panellistsFlorence Nalina jothy, Dr tiong Kung ung,sKF manager April Wong and the event’sorganising chairman Bosco Wong.6 Events STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026Free health screenings, medicaltalks at Sibu’s World Kidney Daylau (second fromright) with (fromleft) Florence, drTiong, april andBosco at the launchof sKF’s WorldKidney daycelebration.By K. KASTURI [email protected](From left) anilarasu, Nazir and lim looking at a scale model of Mezon @ park Enclaveunveiled recently. — ZhaFaraN NasiB/The staraspen envisions a new township over a99.96ha area.SARAWAKBy ANDY [email protected] Kawan luxe condosoffer rental potentialFlexible layouts present opportunity for many income streamsKpENANg

SEREMBAN is on a path to revitalisation with its “Lorong Seni”combining visual art with socialactivity.People used to avoid this backlane between Jalan TuankuMunawir and Jalan Yam Tuanafter dark.Now, a slew of murals attractcrowds while a weekend fleamarket has brought the capitalof Negri Sembilan to life at night.The over 50 murals, mostly bylocal artists, have helped boosttourism, said Seremban mayorDatuk Masri Baharuddin.The development of LorongSeni began in 2019 at a cost ofRM2.5mil and was completed in2024.“It has become one of thestate’s main tourist attractions,”he said.The lane also received recognition from Malaysia Book ofRecords in 2025 as the longest artalley in Malaysia.Norazlina Hamid, 38, toldBernama, “I came with my children from Port Dickson becauseI often see posts about LorongSeni on Facebook.“It’s definitely different whenyou experience it in person.”Asmahani Ismail, 40, fromSelangor, said a family memberrecommended the flea marketbecause it had things onecouldn’t find elsewhere.She said the colourful muralsand activities made the placeattractive.Noradila Hanna Roslia, 34,who sells women’s accessoriesat the flea market, said herbusiness had grown alongsidethe increasing number ofvisitors, particularly during theschool holidays and festiveseason.“For the festive season, stallsoperated daily from 8pm tillmidnight. Usually it’s just Fridayto Sunday.”Seremban City Council (MBS)was also planning to create anew attraction out of anabandoned pond complete withdecorative fountains, Masrirevealed.“It was the site of the Conventschool,” he said.He added that improvementsto the city would be carried outin phases to stimulate the localeconomy.STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026 Events 7Developer continues outreach withessentials for S’ban underprivilegedA PROPERTY developer aims tomake a lasting difference in thelives of those in need, via an outreach initiative in Seremban,Negri Sembilan, providing essential food supplies and dailynecessities.Matrix Concepts HoldingsBhd’s Matrix Foodbank Drive 5.0,in collaboration with KecharaSoup Kitchen and the police, ishelping 167 families in severalresidential areas.During the launch at ArenaSquare, Matrix Concepts co-chiefexecutive officer (property development) Chai Keng Wai said theinitiative “demonstrates howeffective collaboration betweenthe public and private sectorscan create a meaningful and lasting impact”.Also present was state deputypolice chief SAC MohdNasharudin Mohd Shariff.Chai said the programmereceived huge support from thepolice with 92 personnel mobilised from various districts.“Their strong participationunderscores the depth of commitment and collaboration inensuring the success of this initiative,” he said.Aid was also delivered toseven former police personnel,reflecting a continued effort tohonour those who dedicatedtheir lives to protecting thenation.The initiative underscored thedeveloper’s commitment to environmental, social and governance principles, where community well-being remained a keypillar, said Chan.“Matrix Concepts remainscommitted to expanding suchinitiatives, reaching more communities and inspiring broaderparticipation across sectors.”(From second left) Chai and saC Mohd Nasharudin handing out aidunder Matrix Foodbank drive 5.0 in seremban.Art attack repels back alley gloomNegri boosting capital’s tourist outlook with murals, flea marketVisitors taking a wefie with murals dedicated to films (above), while another work in seremban’s mural art alley depicts local life. — photos: Bernamaabove: Murals and installations make a oncedilapidated back alley in seremban ‘perfect forthe Gram’.right: Flea market activities during weekends andfestive periods draw crowds looking for bargainsor just to enjoy the atmosphere of a vibrant areaof the city.

8 Events STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026New park soon for Bukit Assek residentsChieng (in yellow shirt) at the groundbreaking ceremony for yMCa Community park in sibu.f B kit ASARAWAKTO PROMOTE healthy urbanliving, YMCA Sibu is introducinga community park along LorongTerap, within the Bukit Assekarea in Sibu, Sarawak.Costing RM350,000, the parkwill be funded though a RuralTransformation Programme(RTP) allocation.Bukit Assek assemblymanJoseph Chieng said developmentof the 1,297sqm park was thanksto collaboration between electedrepresentatives, Sibu MunicipalCouncil (SMC) and YMCA Sibu.“From the beginning, our goalwas not just to build a park,but to ensure that it is used,well-maintained and able to provide long-term benefits to residents,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony.Project discussions began asearly as 2023, he said.Supported by SMC, YMCA Sibuwill manage the green area,which will be called YMCACommunity Park.The park is expected to opento the public by the end of thisyear, making it the first community park to serve areas surrounding Brooke Drive and JalanTun Abang Haji Openg.Although a modest size, Chiengsaid the park would offer opportunity for recreation, exerciseand interaction, while encouraging people to spend time outdoors.It also aligned with UnitedNations SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs), hesaid.“With the YMCA facility located nearby, the park has thepotential to serve as a venue forvarious community programmesthrough collaboration with thelocal authorities.”Also present at the ceremonywere SMC chairman ClarenceTing and YMCA Sibu presidentSenator Robert Lau.Devotees honour deity on b’dayOfferings made to flower goddess to bless relationships, find loveON THE birthday of Hua Gu, thedeity of flowers, singletons andanxious parents head to the historical Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk)Temple in Penang to offerprayers not just for romance andmarriage, but also stronger ties.Her birthday falls on the 12thday of the second lunar month.Among devotees at the templein Lebuh King, George Town,were tour guide Chow Ah Keong,59, and wife Lee Chon Kim, 51,who came from Ipoh to pray thattheir eldest son would find a lifepartner.“We have three children, butthe younger two are alreadydating.“Only the eldest, who is 33 thisyear and works in Germany, isstill single.“He is an analyst for an insurance company and has been living there for about eight years,coming back only once everytwo years.“We hope he will find a specialsomeone soon to support himand start a family,” said Chow.Johnny Soo, 43, was visitingfor the first time after his mothersuggested he seek Hua Gu’sblessings.“Though my requirements arenot high, I have not managed tostart a relationship.“I just hope to meet someonewho is supportive and easy toget along with,” said the optician.Pet hotel manager ChuaKaven, 32, from Johor, said hervisit was more for gratitude.She came with her friendStone Oh, 33, to give thanks foranswered prayers.“We first came in 2023 to prayfor better relationships, not onlybetween ourselves, as we haveknown each other for more than10 years, but also with friendsand other people.“Things have improved sincethen, so we came back to expressour gratitude and hope the blessings will continue.”Temple chairman Foo YenChow said the annual celebration had grown into a culturalevent aimed at preserving traditional beliefs while drawingmore visitors to the heritage site.She said the temple had beenactively promoting the celebration since 2023, with thisyear’s edition introducing the“12 Flower Princesses” who eachrepresented a month in the yearin line with traditional Chineseflower deity culture.“What began as a religiousritual has today become a cultural occasion.”She said Hua Gu symbolisedrenewal, prosperity and the blossoming of all things.“Devotees do not come only topray for romance or marriage.“Many also seek harmoniousrelationships, family happinessand support from benefactors.“It is not just about finding apartner, but also about wishingfor better bonds with loved onessuch as friends and family.”To mark the celebration, thetemple prepared special offerings and gift packs featuringsymbolic elements such as plumblossoms, red string, floral waterand bamboo baskets.Established in 1810, Thai PakKoong (Ng Suk) Temple is dedicated to the deity of prosperity.In 2021, it received the UnescoAsia-Pacific Awards for CulturalHeritage Conservation, making itone of nine award-winning projects selected from six countries,the others being Bangladesh,China, India, Thailand and Japan.Kicking off with documentation work in 2015, the RM3milrestoration and conservationproject started in 2017 and took32 months to complete, with thework recognised for excellencein understanding of place, technical achievement, sustainabilityand impact.above: Chow and lee praying to hua Gu to bless their son with a life partner.right: Mily Zhang, 24 (left) and angell Teoh, 27, making offerings at Thai pakKoong (Ng suk) Temple in George Town. — photos: KT GOh/The stardpENANgBy LO TERN [email protected]

STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026 Pixel 9Rites of respectful remembranceEarly birds fulfil annual dutiesat cemeteries for Qing MingFamilies across malaysia havebegun their annual pilgrimage tocemeteries and columbaria tohonour their ancestors, markingthe start of Qing ming.While the actual day of thefestival falls on april 5, thetraditional 10-day window beforeand after the date has seen asteady stream of people fulfillingtheir filial duties.The observance has beenbolstered by the recent schoolholidays, allowing parents tobring their children along toparticipate in the age-old rites of“tomb-sweeping”.Despite the emergence ofmodern paper offerings shapedlike smartphones, a majority ofdevotees are sticking to theclassics.stalls report steady demand fortraditional joss paper, “hellmoney,” and paper clothing –items believed to providecomfort to the departed in theafterlife.To beat the inevitable congestion, many have opted to perform their prayers ahead of theactual date.For most, the festival remains avital pillar of cultural identity,serving as a time for familyreunions and the passing ofvalues from one generation tothe next.Familiespreparingfood for theirancestors aspart of theQing Mingritual.Families and friends carrying boxes containing paper effigies at Kwong Tong Cemetery in Qing Ming observers burning paper effigies for their departed loved ones.Kuala lumpur.people offering prayers with joss sticks at the Kwong Tong Cemeterypagoda in Kuala lumpur.Families gathering at a hokkien cemetery along Jalan sungai Besi in Kuala lumpur for tomb-sweeping aheadof Qing Ming. — photos: lOW BOON TaT/The star

10 Food STARMETRO, Thursday 2 april 2026Gentler approach to making wineManual harvests, gravity transfers and special soilamong factors setting apart spanish winery’s produceStory and photos by GRACE [email protected] a wine-and-food pairingevent, guests learned how a156-year-old Spanish winery pursues a gentler way of makingwine.Instead of mechanical pumps,gravity is used to move thegrapes along the entire process,said Familia Torres Asia-Pacificregional export manager GilSerra Arnau.“The winery is built on different levels with the crushing process happening above the ageingcellars.“When the wine needs to betransferred from one tank toanother, a crane is used to lift thetank so that the wine can flowinto the receiving tank below,”said Serra.Known as gravity vinification,this method preserves the wine’saromas.It safeguards the purity of thegrapes by avoiding shaking,bruising and later on, the wineitself from mechanical turbulence, thus protecting its textureand flavours.The Familia Torres (FT) brand,which recently appointed LuenHeng F&B Sdn Bhd as its exclusive importer and distributor,has been in Malaysia for the past20 years.Spanning five generations, thefamily-run winery has an annualturnover of 250 million eurosand 2,000ha of vineyards inSpain, Chile and US’ California.Torres Vina Esmeralda Denomination of Origin (DO), Catalunya 2024 was chosen to pairwith two starters, a honeydew-and-mango-prawn cocktailand a soup of fish maw anddried scallops during the eightcourse meal by Chinese PalaceRestaurant in Kuala Lumpur.As the waves on its label suggests, this white Muscat de Alejandria wine is best paired withseafood.Fragrant with the floralaromas of cherry blossoms andorange flowers, this slightlysweet Spanish wine had hints ofpineapples and lychee.During the starter, we discovered a side dish of pickled carrotsand radish topped with a spicyfermented bean sauce, whichunlocked the wine’s silky textureto give off hints of apple andlemon.Served with the steamed spotted coral grouper with superiorsoy sauce was a Miguel TorresSanta Digna Reserva SauvignonBlanc 2024.From Chile, this SauvignonBlanc has a citrusy note similarto grapefruit and has hints ofgreen peppers and asparagus.Combined with the soy sauceand sprigs of fresh coriander, thewine released very faint notes ofripe mangosteen and was silkyon the palate.The fourth main course,prawns in extra old brandy saucepaired with the sangre de ToroOriginal 2023.EATING OUTprawns in extra old brandysauce, found its soulmate in theTorres Sangre de Toro Original2023.This is one of FT’s top performers, with one bottle sold everyfive seconds around the world.In Malaysia, it retails at RM80 perbottle at premium supermarkets.Fragrant with the aroma ofstrawberries, hints of blackpepper can be found in thisfull-bodied Spanish red, whichhas an earthy, honey taste.Oven-baked Iberico pork ribswas paired with the TorresCeleste Crianza DO, Ribera delDuero, 2022.Originating from the banks ofthe Duero River, this Spanish redis from a region where the vineyards are located 895m abovesea level. The vineyards hereappear to touch the sky and atnight, the stars. This explains thelabel design, which features theUrsa Minor constellation.Wine aficionados havedescribed its flavours as deepand concentrated, likening itsaromas to that of blackberry jam.Paired with the ribs, Celesterevealed hints of black pepper,cloves, caramel and a tinge of liquorice. The more sensitivepalates detected traces of agedblack salted beans and anenhanced bacon flavour.We also had Miguel TorresAndica Gran Reserva Carmenère2024, an organic wine pairedwith wok-fried French beanswith minced pork and blackolives.The Chilean medium-bodiedred gave off gentle whiffs ofvanilla and had notes of toastedcoconut with whispers of anise,cardamom and coffee.A 2020 Altos Ibericos ReservaDenominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCA, the highest qualityclassification for Spanish wine)accompanied the fried rice withdried taro and Chinese sausage.Interestingly, the wineaccentuated the flavours of therice wine, an ingredient used inthe making of Chinese sausage,to bring forth a flowery aromawithin the palate.The best was kept for the last.Torres Salmos Denominaciod’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)Priorat 2021, accompanied thefinal course, a five-head abalonewith black truffle.Tasting notes described it ascoming across like chocolatemilk, with an elegant profile.Serra said that Priorat being asmall region in Catalonia, Spain,which is less than 2,000ha, itsyield was very low.“The main varieties of grapesgrown in this region are Garnacha and Carinena and are 100%harvested by hand.“This is because the vineyardsare located on very hilly terrainwhere the use of harvestingmachines is not possible.“The soil is also very special.Called llicorella, it is composed ofreddish-black slate and micaquartz. Slate soils bring a lot ofminerality, so the wine has astrong mineral character.“This slate soil is excellent atretaining the sun’s heat duringthe day and radiating it back tothe vines at night.”He noted this constant warmthkept the vines warm, accelerating the ripening process and producing very high sugar levels inthe grapes.He said it explained why thewines from Priorat usually hashigh alcohol content at 14%,sometimes even 15%.“In terms of production,depending on the vintage, wemake around 10,000 to 20,000bottles worldwide. In Malaysia,the allocation is only 300 bottles.”Serra said allocation was basedon a five-year forecast matchedagainst current demand, andadjustments were made by discussing distribution by country.Chinese Palace Restaurant, No.1,Jalan Maharajalela, KampungAttap, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 016-8336228) Business hours: Monday toSaturday, 11am to 2.30pm and6pm to 10pm. Opens at 10am onSunday. Non-halal.This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsementby StarMetro.a selection of Familia Torres wines including Torres Vina Esmeraldadenomination of Origin Catalunya 2024 (left) and Torres salmosdenominacio d’Origen Qualificada (right).serra says sangre de Toro is Familia Torres’ top performer with onebottle sold every five seconds worldwide.Torres salmos denominaciod’Origen Qualificada priorat 2021,accompanied the five-headabalone with black truffle.

THE STAR Thursday April 2 2026 11Housesfor saleDAMANSARA JAYA 2 storeyhouse 22x90 (large built-up).Quiet location & renovated.Close proximity to Atria Mall.Price RM1.6M ono. Lee 019-3503123 (REN12017) E(3)0211GASING INDAH Sec5 d/s link endlot 4r3b facing NE price RM950k(neg). Call Ruby 012-2390448 /79551111 (REN01399) E(1)1879KEPONG DAMAI Puri 2.5sty hsef/hold, l/a 20x75 b/u 2500sf 5r4breno gated guarded RM1.1M neg.Lim 017-3157388 VE(3)0357KL TAMAN Tun Dr Ismail MustSell! Aminuddin Baki 2sty link f/hBelow Market! Call now 013-4407268 Proprima EstatesE(3)1943KLANG TMN Melawis, s/stybungalow, 4r2b, serene location,f/h, l/a 8,000sf, RM835k ono 012-2032553 REN03745 E(3)1637PJ JALAN Carey Sec1A doublestorey terrace, 4r2b, 24×70,RM468k ono. Urgent REN03745012-2032553 E(3)1637SUBANG USJ3 d/s link 20x604r3b basic & w/kept price RM650kand above. Ruby 012-2390448 /79551111 (REN01399) E(1)1879TROPICANA TOWNHOUSEupper unit reno & well kept 4r3bRM850k neg. Ruby 012-2390448/ 79551111 (REN01399) E(1)1879TROPICANATR9 d/s s/d 40x1004+1r+5b reno & well kept ask priceRM2.78M neg. Ruby 0122390448/ 79551111 (REN01399) E(1)1879U-THANT FREEHOLD largeland 27,443sq.ft. Existing bungalow, move-in ready. Privatepool. Prime residential enclave011 2222 1112 E2954 E(3)2051USJ1 SUBANG Jaya, 2 storey link20x60, l/h, 4r3b, basic. Well keptRM560k ono. Kris 012-2032553REN03745 E(3)1637USJ3, SUBANG Jaya doublestorey link, 4r3b freehold 20×60RM599k ono REN03745 012-2032553 E(3)1637HouseFor Sale/To LetOUG GREAT invest semi-d 4styroof garden 10r7b b/u 4800sf l/a3k+sf RM2.3M. 2sty semi-d, eachflr 3r2b, reno, allow pets RM1,400& 1,300.WhatsApp 010-2421046ApartmentsFor SaleBANGSAR MENARA Bangsarreno unit 1650sf 3+1 rooms. Mustsell. RM1.45M neg. WhatsApp012-2021509 (E0440) E(3)2031CASCADIUM BEST buy RM980kowner migrating. Must sell. Viewcity. WhatsApp 012-2021509(E0440) E(3)2031KLCC BINJAI On The ParkExclusive park view. 2,228sqft.Best value. 011 2222 1112E2954 E(3)2051THE CAPSQUARE 2100sf 4r5bRM1.2M Sam 012-2058237REN08369 E(1)1525ApartmentsTo LetBANGSAR CASCADIUM 2rooms 2 baths reno. Fully furnished. RM2,800. WhatsApp 012-2021509 (E0440) E(3)2031ONE KL units to let, high floor,partly furnished. RM18k. Call 03-2302997ST REGIS KL units to let. Highfloor, partly furnished, 1668sf,2408sf, 4253sf. Call 03-2276980VISTA KOMANWEL A, Bkt JalilKL, 1,422sf 25th floor, 4r 3b, 1carpark, fully furnish magnificentcity view. Mr. G 012-2877 480PropertiesWantedKL & SELANGOR PropertiesWanted! Commercial, Industrial,Residential&Land for Sale/ Rent.Ready Buyers/Tenants. CallNow! 013-4407268 E(3)1943OfficesTo LetSOLARIS MONT Kiara, 3rd floor,24x75, timber flooring, main road,lift, good visibility, security, clean,ample carparks. 010-840 2969ShopsFor SalePJ 3STY corner tenanted 5.3%ROI Sale RM2.45M busy areanear Mr DIY, KK Mart, 7-11. 017-3995092 REN07021 E(2)1064RIMBAYU, GAMUDA Kota Kemuning 2sty corner 35x70 tenanted 5% ROI sale RM2. 98M facing main road below market price017-3995092 Ren07021E(2)1064ShopsTo LetSS2 (BUSINESS Centre), 3 storey shop (En-bloc). Busy mainroad frontage. Suitable for F&BRental : RM23.5k neg Lee 019-350 3123 (REN12017) E(3)0211LandFor SaleBERJAYA HILLS Resort nr Genting Highlands 24ksf. Exclusivebungalow site f/h near top.Agentswelcomed 012-3299 733/731/741.CHERAS LAND 5.3-16.39acs, flatterrain f/h, zoned residential suitfor high rise easy access to h’waysJeff 012-6956 888 VE(3)0357MELAWATI LAND 9.6 acresFreehold. Category: Bangunan.Density 100. Contact :011-22221112 E2954 E(3)2051LandFor SalePORT KLANG land 11.85acs f/h,zoned industrial mainroad, easyaccess to ports and highway. Lim017-3157388 VE(3)0357PORT KLANG land 3.3acs next toPetronas f/h suit for petrol stn mainroad easy access to ports & h’wayLim 017-3157388 VE(3)0357VehiclesWantedALL OLD cars wanted.3-35 yrs allmodels & also any year's motorcycles. Pls call 03-41316899 (O)012-3301689 / 03-41316899 (Hse)BusinessServicesCOMPANY REGISTRATION,CIDB, MOF, Trademark, Visa &other licenses. Call 03-2693 9425/ 03-2691 1415VacanciesAUDIT/CLERK WANTED at Section 19, Petaling Jaya. Pleaseemail resume [email protected] TEACHER neededby Persatuan Buddhist Hilir Perak.Interested please contactBrother Chuah at 017-486 1128.SECURITY OFFICER & Guardsat Cheras (Chinese), Subang,Damansara, PJ & Kajang. Interested, please call 019-2199 059TOUR VAN or Car Driver wantedin Seri Kembangan. Contact:012-7271909 (Mr. Steven)CourtNoticesDALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRETDI KULAIDALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TA‘ZIMWRIT NO. JF-A72NCC-7-01/2026ANTARAPUWEI HARDWARE TRADING SDN. BHD.(NO. SYARIKAT: 200501022175 / 704305-U) ...PLAINTIFDANCHUNG PIK WAN(NO. K/P: 730122-08-5212)Sebagai Pemilik Tunggal Yang Berniaga Di BawahNama Dan Gaya “E & Z ALUMINIUM GLASS ENTERPRISE”(No. Pendaftaran Perniagaan: 202403122181 / JM1005915-T)...DEFENDANNOTIS IKLANKepada:CHUNG PIK WAN yang beralamat di(NO. K/P: 730122-08-5212) No. 538, Jalan Gemilang 13Taman Gemilang81000 Kulai, JohorDan/AtauNo. 479, Jalan Gemilang 6Taman Gemilang81000 Kulai, JohorAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadapkamu, Defendan, di Mahkamah Majistret Kulai, Johor, dalam GuamanNo. JF-A72NCC-7-01/2026 oleh PUWEI HARDWARE TRADING SDN. BHD.sebagai Plaintif, di mana tuntutan Plaintif adalah untuk, antara lain,Defendan dikehendaki membayar kepada Plaintif jumlahsebanyak RM7,205.40, dengan serta merta, faedah pra penghakimanpada kadar 8% setahun dikira dari 17.10.2025 sehingga tarikhpenghakiman ini, dan faedah penghakiman pada kadar 5% setahunatas jumlah penghakiman dikira dari tarikh penghakiman sehinggapenyelesaian penuh jumlah penghakiman.DAN ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN DI SINI BAHAWA Writ Saman danPernyataan Tuntutan yang kedua-duanya bertarikh 12.01.2026(kolektifnya dirujukkan sebagai “Writ Saman tersebut”) terhadap kamu,Defendan dalam tindakan ini dilaksanakan secara penyampaian gantidengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman tersebut pada pintuhadapan premis Defendan di alamat yang diketahui iaitu No. 538,Jalan Gemilang 13, Taman Gemilang, 81000 Kulai, Johor, dan/atau No.479, Jalan Gemilang 6, Taman Gemilang, 81000 Kulai, Johor, DAN ADALAHDIPERINTAHKAN SELANJUTNYA dengan menampalkan sesalinan WritSaman tersebut pada papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret di Kulai DANADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman tersebut dilaksanakansecara penyampaian ganti dengan melalui suatu notis iklan yangdisiarkan dalam surat khabar berbahasa Inggeris iaitu “The Star” edisiselatan DAN ADALAH JUGA DIPERINTAHKAN BAHAWA penampalan danpengiklanan tersebut adalah dianggap penyampaian yang cukup dansempurna selepas tujuh (7) hari dari penampalan atau tersebut mengikut mana-mana yang lebih lewat.Jika kamu, Defendan berhasrat untuk membela tindakkan tersebut,kamu, Defendan mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari daritarikh penyampaian melalui penampalan dan/atau pengiklanantersebut menjadi sempurna, memasukkan kehadiran di pejabatpendaftaran mahkamah. Sekiranya ingkar, maka penghakiman bolehdibuat terhadap kamu, Defendan.Bertarikh pada 1 April 2026t.t ………………………………Tetuan Yong Law OfficePeguamcara PlaintifNotis Iklan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Yong Law Office yangberalamat di No. 8B, Jalan Suria 19, Taman Putera, 81100Johor Bahru, Johor, peguamcara Plaintif.Tel No. 07-336 5833E-Mel: [email protected] No. Ruj : PWHTSB-234/2025DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI GEORGETOWNGUAMAN SIVIL NO: PA-A72NCvC-4-01/2026ANTARATENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD (199001009294) ...PLAINTIFDANMD ARSHAD BIN HASSAN ...DEFENDAN(NO K/P: 550111-07-5459)NOTISKEPADA:MD ARSHAD BIN HASSANBHMP, PTN 477-BJALAN SULTAN AZLAN SHAH11700 GELUGORPULAU PINANGMD ARSHAD BIN HASSAN468 MK 13, BATU UBAN11700 GELUGORPULAU PINANGAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadapkamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang dalamGuaman Sivil No: PA-A72NCvC-4-01/2026 oleh TENAGA NASIONALBERHAD (199001009294) yang beralamat di No. 129 Jalan Bangsar,59200 Kuala Lumpur bertarikh 06.01.2026 dimana tuntutan Plaintifadalah untuk jumlah terhutang sebanyak RM8,408.75 dan faedah atasjumlah RM8,408.75 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh luput tempohNotis Tuntutan Plaintif iaitu pada 31.10.2024 sehingga tarikh pemfailantindakan ini dan faedah atas jumlah RM8,408.75 pada kadar 5%setahun dari tarikh pemfailan tindakan ini sehingga tarikhpenyelesaian penuh dan secara alternatif, restitusi bagi jumlahsebanyak RM8,408.75 bagi jumlah kehilangan hasil termasuk kosoperasi dan cukai berkaitan berkenaan pemeriksaan pepasanganmeter/meter yang dijalankan di Premis tersebut pada 10.05.2024 dansecara alternatif, gantirugi untuk ditaksirkan dan faedah atas jumlah(d) atau (e) diatas pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakimansehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan bahawa telahdiperintahkan yang penyampaian Writ Saman dan PernyataanTuntutan kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklahdilaksanakan dengan penampalan satu salinan Writ Saman danPernyataan Tuntutan berserta satu salinan Perintah di papankenyataan Mahkamah Majistret di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang,penampalan di alamat terakhir Defendan yang diketahui di hadapanpremis, bahagian yang mudah dilihat di BHMP, PTN 477-B, JalanSultan Azlan Shah, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan di 468 MK 13,Batu Uban, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan juga mengiklankan satunotis sekali di dalam satu keluaran akhbar tempatan berbahasaInggeris iaitu “The Star” untuk satu terbitan dan juga bahawapenampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian hendaklah dianggappenyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup akan Writ Saman tersebut keatas kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh terakhir penyampaian tersebut.Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut kamu mestilahmemfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran di Mahkamah Majistret diGeorgetown, Tingkat 6, Bangunan Sri Pinang, Jalan Tun Syed ShehBarakbah, 10200 Pulau Pinang, dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepastarikh pengiklanan ini dan jika kamu gagal membuat demikian satuPenghakiman Ingkar Kehadiran akan dimasukkan terhadap kamu.Bertarikh pada 02 Mac 2026.t.t......................................................PEGUAMCARA PLAINTIFTETUAN IDRIS & ASSOCIATESNOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Idris & Associates, Peguamcara bagiPlaintif yang beralamat penyampaian di Tingkat 1, Wisma Cheong, No28 Lebuh China, 10200 Pulau Pinang. [No Tel: 04-263 3210/Fax: 04-2632948] - (IA/TNB-MAH/164/25)CourtNoticesCourtNoticesDALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOHDALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUANSAMAN PEMULA NO.: AA-24FC-28-01/2026Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No. 47037/2003terhadap hartanah di bawah pegangan Pajakan Negeri No. 47526, No.Lot 17390, Mukim Durian Sebatang, Daerah Hilir Perak, Negeri PerakDarul Ridzuan.DanDalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256, Kanun Tanah Negara (Akta828).DanDalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-kaedah Mahkamah 2012.ANTARAMALAYAN BANKING BERHAD[NO. SYARIKAT :196001000142 (3813-K)][Aset-aset dan Liabiliti-liabiliti Mayban Finance Berhad (3905-T)di serahak kepada Malayan Banking Berhad Menurut perintahMahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur bertarikh 17.8.2004 dalamkes Saman Pemula No: D4-24-231-2004 yang berkuatkuasapada 1.10.2004] ...PLAINTIFDAN1.VELAUTHAM A/L SUPPIAH(NO. K/P : 590317-08-5843 / 5689553)2.CHANDRA A/P SUPRAMANIAM(NO. K/P : 611003-08-5744 / 6293952) ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDANPENYAMPAIAN GANTI- BENTUK IKLANDalam perkara mengenai Saman Pemula bertarikh 16.01.2026 danPerintah bertarikh 27.02.2026.Kepada:1.VELAUTHAM A/L SUPPIAH2.CHANDRA A/P SUPRAMANIAMNO. 14, LORONG PAHLAWAN M4/1TAMAN CICELY JAYA36000 TELUK INTANPERAK DARUL RIDZUANDAN/ATAU1. VELAUTHAM A/L SUPPIAH2.CHANDRA A/P SUPRAMANIAMNO. 35A BATU 3 1/2JALAN CHANGKAT JONG36000 TELUK INTANPERAK DARUL RIDZUANAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadapkamu di Mahkamah Tinggi di Ipoh, Perak dalam Saman Pemula No:AA-24FC-28-01/2026 oleh Malayan Banking Berhad untukmendapatkan Perintah Jualan bagi hartanah Defendan-defendan diPajakan Negeri No. 47526, No. Lot 17390, Mukim Durian Sebatang,Daerah Hilir Perak, Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan, sebagai sekuriti untukPinjaman Perumahan dibawah no. akaun 408065305878 dimanajumlah keseluruhan terhutang adalah sebanyak RM81,671.33 setakat16.01.2026 berserta faedah kontraktual ke atasnya pada kadar 0%setahun + Kadar Pinjaman Asas (kini pada kadar 6.4% setahun)dengan kiraan bulanan dari 17 Mac 2026 berserta faedah pada kadar1.00% setahun atau kadar minima RM5.00 keatas pembayaran lewatdari tarikh kemungkiran hingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya dansegala pengeluaran atau perbelanjaan yang dialami berkenaandengan Gadaian tersebut atau dalam apa jua cara pun, sehinggapenyelesaian jualan tersebut.Dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa penyampaian SamanPemula dalam tindakan ini hendaklah disampaikan kepada kamusecara penyampaian ganti ke alamat-alamat terakhir kamu di atas, diPapan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh dan melalui iklan di ‘TheStar satu keluaran. Jika kamu ingin membela dalam tindakan ini, kamumestilah secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu memasukkanAfidavit di Pejabat Pendaftaran, Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh dalam tempoh14 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini. Jika ingkar, Plaintif akanmemohon Perintah Jualan bagi mendapatkan kembali jumlahterhutang tersebut.Bertarikh 27 Februari 2026t.t............................................TIMBALAN PENDAFTARMAHKAMAH TINGGIIPOHNOTIS IKLAN ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Mad Diah Faizal Ima Shafini.,beralamat di No. 6-A1, Jalan Meru Bestari D1, Kompleks PerdaganganDWJ @ Meru, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020 Ipoh, Perak [MBB/AQM-25 (HL51) O.S 3/26]DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN MALAYA DI SHAH ALAMDALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIAGUAMAN SIVIL NO. BA-A52NCC-3-01/2026ANTARAOKA CONCRETE INDUSTRIES SDN BHD[No. Syarikat: 198101001525 (Baru) 67634-M (Lama)]No. 6 Lebuhraya ChateauOff Persiaran Kampar30250 Ipoh, Perak PLAINTIFDAN1. USAHA MZ SDN BHD[No. Syarikat: 201301014647 (Baru) 1044486-V (Lama)]6-21, Kenwingston Square Garden,Persiaran Bestari, Cyber 9,63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsandan/atau di:-Lot 27A, Tingkat 1, Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah B 9/B,40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan2. MOHD ZULAIMI BIN MD ZUBER [No. K.P. 800303-05-5363]No. 68 Jalan Bengkong 10/9,Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam,Selangor Darul Ehsan DEFENDAN-DEFENDANNOTIS(Dalam perkara mengenai Writ Saman bertarikh 05 Januari 2026)Kepada:MOHD ZULAIMI BIN MD ZUBER [No. K.P. 800303-05-5363]No. 68 Jalan Bengkong 10/9,Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam,Selangor Darul EhsanAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadapkamu dalam Mahkamah Sesyen dalam Guaman No. BA-A52NCC-3-01/2026 oleh OKA Concrete Industries yang beralamat di No. 6Lebuhraya Chateau, Off Persiaran Kampar, 30250 Ipoh, Perak dalammana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk menuntut sebanyak RM215,692.48setakat 31.12.2025 dengan faedah selanjutnya yang dituntut dalampengindorsan pada writ itu.Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Writ itu dalamtindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini.Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamumestilah dalam masa 14 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasukhari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat PendaftaranMahkamah Sesyen Shah Alam. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yangdemikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu.Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa kos permohonan ini adalahdibayar oleh Defendan Kedua kepada Plaintif.Bertarikh pada 19 Mac, 2026t.t............................................Tetuan Asbir, Hira Singh & Co.Peguamcara bagi pihak PlaintifNotis ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Asbir, Hira Singh & Co. Peguambela danPeguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang mempunyai alamatpenyampaiannya di No. 6, Jalan Dato Maharajalela, 30000 Ipoh. [Ruj:9445/NKR/niz]CourtNotices

12 Thursday April22026 THE STARCourtNoticesDALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI SHAH ALAMDALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSANGUAMAN SIVIL NO:BA-B52CY-1-01/2026ANTARAWANG LIAN NGAH(NO. K/P: 540315-11-5134) …PLAINTIFDANSOH SIOW WEE …DEFENDANKepada : SOH SIOW WEENO. 22A, JALAN KASAWARI 5,BANDAR PUCHONG JAYA,47100, PUCHONG, SELANGOR DARUL EHSANAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Writ Saman yang bertarikh26.01.2026 dan Penyata Tuntutan yang bertarikh 22.01.2026 telahdifailkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Sesyen Shah Alam di bawahSaman No. BA-B52CY-1-01/2026 oleh WANG LIAN NGAH, di manatuntutan Plaintif terhadap kamu adalah untuk:(a) Defendan hendaklah dengan serta-merta menarik balik,menghapus dan/atau memadamkan semua terbitan dan/atauhantaran dan/atau komen dan/atau kenyataan dalam apa juabentuk yang secara langsung dan/atau tidak langsung yangberkaitan dengan Plaintif dari semua jenis platform, termasukmedia sosial;(b) Defendan hendaklah berhenti dan/atau tidak meneruskan, samaada melalui diri sendiri dan/atau pekerja-pekerja dan/atau ejenejen dan/atau nomini-nomini, wakil-wakil dan/atau sesiapa sahajabagi pihak Defendan daripada menerbitkan dan/atau menyebabkan penerbitan dalam sebarang bentuk hantaran, gambar, videodan/atau kenyataan dalam apa jua bentuk yang secara langsungdan/atau tidak langsung berkaitan dengan Plaintif di semua jenisplatform, termasuk tetapi tidak terhad kepada media sosial;(c) Defendan hendaklah membayar kepada Plaintif sejumlahRM500,000.00 sebagai ganti rugi atas kerugian, kerosakan,kesakitan dan penderitaan yang dialami oleh Plaintif akibatkenyataan fitnah tersebut; dan(d) Defendan hendaklah menerbitkan dan/atau menyebabkan diterbitkan, pada platform social media Facebook dengan menggunakanakaun yang sama yang telah digunakan oleh Defendan untukmenerbitkan kenyataan fitnah terhadap Plaintif, suatu kenyataanyang diluluskan oleh Plaintif yang mengakui liabiliti Defendandalam menerbitkan kenyataan fitnah tersebut terhadap Plaintifserta memohon maaf kepada Plaintif dan memastikan bahawakenyataan tersebut kekal boleh diakses oleh umum selamasekurang-kurangnya 30 hari dari tarikh penerbitan;(e) Faedah pada kadar 5% setahun keatas jumlah penghakiman daritarikh pemfailan Writ sehingga ke tarikh Penghakiman;(f) Faedah pada kadar 5% setahun keatas jumlah penghakiman daritarikh Penghakiman sehingga ke tarikh penyelesaian penuh;(g) Kos atas dasar peguamcara-klien; dan(h) Apa-apa relif dan perintah lanjut yang dianggap sesuai dan patutoleh Mahkamah yang Mulia ini.Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa penyampaian Writ Samanyang bertarikh 26.01.2026 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 22.01.2026terhadap kamu hendaklah dilaksanakan penyampaian Ganti denganmenampalkan Writ Saman bertarikh 26.01.2026 dan Penyata Tuntutanbertarikh 22.01.2026 bersama dengan Perintah yang bertarikh13.03.2026 di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui dan di PapanKenyataan Mahkamah Sesyen Shah Alam serta mengiklankan sekalidalam dalam satu akhbar tempatan The Star dan diperintahkanbahawa penyampaian sedemikian adalah disifatkan cukup dansempurna bagi ke atas kamu Tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhirpenempalan dan/atau pengiklanan tersebut.Bertarikh pada 02.04.2026t.t.…………………………………….Tetuan Chong & Seelah MohamadPeguamcara PlaintifNOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Chong & Seelah Mohamad,peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas, yang beralamat diyang beralamat di B8-10, Block B, Jalan Persiaran Serdang Perdana,Taman Serdang Perdana, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor DarulEhsan.Alamat E-mel: [email protected] [email protected]. Tel: 03-89438988; No. Faks: 03-89430988No. Rujukan: AC/KAY/DEFAMATION/L348-25/09DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPURDALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA(BAHAGIAN DAGANG)PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: WA-28NCC-274-03/2026DALAM PERKARA GOLDENLUBRICHEM SDN BHD (NO.PENDAFTARAN:202101024138 (1424438-W))DANDALAM PERKARASEKSYEN 465(1)(e) DAN466(1)(a) AKTA SYARIKAT2016DANDALAM PERKARA KAEDAH8(1) DAN 22KAEDAH-KAEDAH(PENGGULUNGAN)SYARIKAT 1972ANTARADIMENSI EMAS SDN BHD …PEMPETISYEN(No. Pendaftaran: 202301032839 (1526762-U))DANGOLDEN LUBRICHEM SDN BHD(No. Pendaftaran: 202101024138 (1424438-W)) …RESPONDENIKLAN PETISYENNOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untukpenggulungan syarikat GOLDEN LUBRICHEM SDN BHD yang dinamakan di atas (“Syarikat tersebut”) oleh Mahkamah Tinggi Malayadi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 6 Mac 2026 dikemukakan oleh DIMENSIEMAS SDN BHD.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan diMahkamah Tinggi Insolvensi 2 (Dagang 11), Aras 4 Sayap Kanan,Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuala Lumpur pada hari Isnin, 13 Julai2026, jam 9:00 pagi.DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebutyang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikutPetisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi ataumelalui peguamcaranya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyentersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah inikepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebutyang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan.Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 1st Floor, Lot 4692, UnijayaCommercial Centre, Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan,Sarawak.Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co., Peguambela& Peguamcara, di No. 1-1, 1st Floor, Jalan Ramin 5, Bandar Botanic,41200 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.Bertarikh pada 25 haribulan Mac, 2026………………………………………………..t.t.Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co.Peguamcara bagi PempetisyenPERINGATAN: Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyentersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan poskepada Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co. yang dinamakan di atas suatu notisbertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakannama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, namadan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firmaberkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan diatas sebelum pukul 12:00 tengah hari pada 12 Julai 2026.IKLAN PETISYEN ini difailkan oleh Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co., Peguamcarabagi Pempetisyen yang beralamat penyampaian di No. 1-1, 1st Floor,Jalan Ramin 5, Bandar Botanic, 41200 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.[Tel: 03-3318 8826; Faks: 03-3318 8875;E-mel: [email protected]][Ruj.: 25158.L(WU).DESB-GLSB(KC)]CourtNoticesCourtNoticesIN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPURIN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA(COMMERCIAL DIVISION)COMPANIES WINDING UP NO : WA-28NCC-302-03/2026In the matter of Sections 464, Sections 465 and 466(1) of the Companies Act, 2016;AndIn the matter of INFRALEAD PROGRESS SDNBHD (Registration No : 201201006980 (980500-W));BETWEENRHB ISLAMIC BANK BERHAD(Registration No. : 200501003283 (680329-V)) ..PETITIONERANDINFRALEAD PROGRESS SDN BHD ..RESPONDENT(Registration No. : 201201006980 (980500-W))ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was, on the 16/3/2026 presentedby RHB Islamic Bank Berhad of Central SME Collections/Recoveryand Strategy Planning, 2nd Floor, No. 75, Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, 50000Kuala Lumpur.And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Courtsitting at Kuala Lumpur High Court at (Insolvency Court 2 (D11) Level4, Right Wing, Kompleks Mahkamah Kuala Lumpur, Jalan TuankuAbdul Halim (Jalan Duta), 50592 Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 a.m. in themorning, on the 15/7/2026 and any creditor or contributory of the saidCompany desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on thesaid Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or hisCounsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnishedto any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the sameby the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same.The Petitioner's address is at Central SME Collections/Recovery andStrategy Planning, 2nd Floor, No. 75, Jalan Tun H. S. Lee, 50000 KualaLumpur.The Petitioner's Solicitors are M/s. Che Mokhtar & Ling, of Level 21,Main Block, Menara Takaful Malaysia, No. 4, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman,50000 Kuala Lumpur (Tel No. : 03-22740413 / Fax No. : 03-22748191).Dated this 30 March 2026……………………………………… -signedPetitioner's SolicitorsNote:Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petitionmust serve on or sent by post to the abovenamed Che Mokhtar & Ling,notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state thename and address of the person, or if a firm the name and address ofthe firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or theirSolicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by postin sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o'clocknoon of the 14/7/2026.[Ref No. : CML-08A/RHB2(A)/IP/53753/25 (2)]DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOHDALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN , MALAYSIADALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. : AA-29NCC-550-09/2025BERKENAAN: HOI MUN CHUN(NO. K/P : 820630-08-5357) PENGHUTANG PENGHAKIMANEXPARTE: MALAYAN BANKING BERHADNO.SYARIKAT : 196001000142/ 3813-K PEMIUTANG PENGHAKIMANNOTIS(Dalam perkara mengenai Petisyen Pemiutang dimeteraibertarikh 13 Januari 2026)Kepada:HOI MUN CHUNNO.8 LALUAN BERCHAM SELATAN 7TAMAN LINDUNGAN BERCHAM JAYA31400 IPOH, PERAK DARUL RIDZUANAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Pemiutang telah dikeluarkanterhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh oleh Malayan BankingBerhad yang beralamat di AQM Region Perak, Tingkat 2, No.211-1,213 & 213-1, Jalan Pasir Putih, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, danMahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Petisyen Pemiutangdimeterai bertarikh 13 Januari 2026 tersebut disampaikan ke ataskamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan cara menampalkan PetisyenPemiutang berserta Perintah Penyampaian Ganti di tempat yangketara di alamat terakhir kamu di No.8 Laluan Bercham Selatan 7,Taman Lindungan Bercham Jaya, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuandan di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh dan denganmengiklankan Notis ini sekali dalam akhbar ‘THE STAR’.Setelah tamatnya empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh pelaksanaanterakhir tindakan penampalan dan pengiklanan dokumen tersebutmaka penyampaian ganti sedemikian hendaklah menjadipenyampaian yang baik dan sempurna terhadap PenghutangPenghakiman.AMBIL PERHATIAN SELANJUTNYA bahawa Petisyen tersebut akandidengar di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh pada 30 April 2026 pada pukul08.30 pagi di mana kamu dikehendaki hadir dan sekiranya kamu tidakhadir, Mahkamah akan menjatuhkan Perintah Kebankrapan terhadapkamu.Petisyen Pemiutang ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohonkepada Mahkamah ini.Bertarikh pada 10 Mac 2026t.t............................................................PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTARMAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYAIPOHNOTIS ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Mad Diah Faizal Ima Shafini,Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 6-A1, Jalan MeruBestari D1, Kompleks Perdagangan DWJ@ Meru, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. [MBB/SN-2025[HP 25] vir BK 8 /2025]DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPURDALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIAGUAMAN NO: WA-22NCC-672-10/2025ANTARATAN CHOON NAN(NO. K/P: 790701-02-5593) ...PLAINTIFDAN1. YEE ZHUO SHEN(NO. K/P: 941230-06-5067)2. CATHERINE CHAI WUNG YUNG(NO. K/P: 940131-01-6046) ...DEFENDAN DEFENDANNOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTIKepada:-1. YEE ZHUO SHENE-842 Kg Baru25000 KuantanPahang Darul Makmur2. CATHERINE CHAI WUNG YUNG25, Jalan EJ 3/13Taman Ehsan Jaya811000 Johor BahruJohor Darul TakzimAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Tindakan telah dimulakan diMahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman WA-22NCC-672-10/2025 oleh Tan Choon Nan (NO. K/P: 790701-02-5593) terhadapkamu Yee Zhuo Shen (No. K/P: 941230-06-5067) dan Catherine ChaiWung Yung (No.K/P: 940131-01-6046) dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebutbersama-sama dengan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti disampaikan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dibuat secara penampalan di alamat kamu, di Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpurdan mengiklankan notis dalam akhbar harian tempatan “TheStar” danbahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut dianggappenyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup selepas empat belas (14)hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan.DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakantersebutkamu mestilah dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari selepaspengiklanan ini kepada kamu, termasuk hari pengiklanan itu,menyebabkan satu kehadiran dimasukkan untuk diri kamu.Jika kamutidak berbuat demikian, suatu Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikanterhadap kamu.Bertarikh pada 12 Mac 2026……………t.t……………..Tetuan Afiq Naim & CoPeguamcara bagi PlaintifNOTIS IKLAN ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Afiq Naim & Co,peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiandi 23-3A & 23-3A-1, Binjai 8 Premium Soho, 2, Lorong Binjai, 50450Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.Emel: [email protected] / [email protected] THE HIGH COURT OF SABAH AND SARAWAK AT LABUANIN THE STATE OF SABAH, MALAYSIABANKRUPTCY MATTER NO. LBN-29NCC-10-1/2026 (HC)RE :BAXTER VINCE LINGGAM(NRIC NO. 911120-12-5041), A JUDGMENT DEBTOREX-PARTE :BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD(COMPANY NO. 198301002944(98127-X)), A JUDGMENT CREDITORSUBSTITUTED SERVICE OF BANKRUPTCY NOTICEIn the matter of Bankruptcy Notice issued on 20th day of January 2026and an Order granted by this honourable Court on 9th day of March,2026.To BAXTER VINCE LINGGAMPetronas Chemicals Methanol Sdn. Bhd.Rancha-Rancha Industrial Estate,P.O. Box 80079, 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan.AND/ORBAXTER VINCE LINGGAMPekan Tenghilan, 89260 Tamparuli, Sabah.TAKE NOTICE that a Bankruptcy Notice has been issued against you inthe High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Labuan, Sabah by BANKISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD c/o WV & Partners, Advocates &Solicitors of TB16331, 1st Floor, Lot No. 34, Perdanajaya CommercialCentre, Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia and theHonourable Court has on 9th day of March, 2026 ordered that the saidBankruptcy Notice to be served on you by publishing the particularsthereof in “The Star” newspaper in English language for one (1) dayonly, by affixing the Bankruptcy Notice on the notice board of the HighCourt of Sabah and Sarawak at Labuan and at your lastknown addresses at Petronas Chemicals Methanol Sdn. Bhd.Rancha-Rancha Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 80079, 87000 WilayahPersekutuan Labuan and Pekan Tenghilan, 89260 Tamparuli, Sabahand such posting and/or affixation and/or publication shall be deemedgood and sufficient service of the Bankruptcy Notice herein to you.AND TAKE NOTICE that within 7 (seven) days of the posting and/oraffixation and/or publication of this notice, excluding the day ofpublication, you must pay to BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD ortheir advocates the sum of RM195,255.25 as at 19th day of January, 2026claimed by them as being the amount due on a Judgment obtained bythem against you in the Honourable Sessions Court at Labuan on18th day of April 2023 in Suit No. LBN-A52M-4/3-2023(SC) andexecution has not been stayed, or you must secure or compound forthe said sum to BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD’s satisfaction orthe satisfaction of the Court; or you must satisfy the Court that youhave a counter-claim, set off, or cross demand against the saidBANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD which equals to or exceeds thesum claimed by the said BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD andwhich you could not set up in the action in which the Judgment wasobtained.PARTICULARS OF AMOUNT CLAIMED(1) The judgment sum as per Judgment (in Default : RM185,865.07of Appearance) dated 18th day of August 2023(2) The ta’widh (as at 19th day of January 2026) : RM9,390.18Total Outstanding Amount as at : RM195,255.2519th day of January 2026Dated this 2nd day of April, 2026.The Bankruptcy Notice can be inspected by you on application to theHigh Court of Sabah and Sarawak at LabuanBy Order ofSenior Assistant/Deputy Registrar,High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Labuan, SabahThis Notice is inserted by Messrs. WV & Partners solicitors for theabovenamed Judgment Creditor whose address for service is atTB16331, 1st Floor, Lot No. 34, Perdanajaya Commercial Centre,Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia(Ref. No. T26/L018/BIMB/GW)IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA IN KUALA LUMPURIN THE FEDERAL TERRITORIES OF KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIACOMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO. WA-28NCC-151-02/2026In the matter of Section 465 & 466of the Companies Act 2016ANDIn the matter of Companies(Winding-Up) Rules 1972ANDIn the matter of MED UNIVERSALSDN BHD [Company No.:201401034091 (1110189-K]BETWEENHITTI ALUMINIUM SDN. BHD.[Company No.: 200301034989] …PETITIONERANDMED UNIVERSAL SDN. BHD.[Company No. 201401034091 (1110189-K)] …RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court dated 6 February 2026 presentedby the said Hitti Aluminium Sdn. Bhd., the abovesaid petition is directedto be heard before the Court sitting at High Court of Malaya in KualaLumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the morning on the 13th day of April 2026;and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring tosupport or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition mayappear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purposeand a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor orcontributory of the said Company requiring the same by theundersigned on payment of the regulated charge of the same.The Petitioner’s address is No. 34, Jalan Permai 4, Taman PuchongPermai, Batu 13, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan.The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs. Choo De Wei., of E-17-3, MenaraSuezcap 2, KL Gateway, No.2 Jalan Kerinchi, Gerbang KerinchiLestari 59200 Kuala Lumpur.Dated 25 March 2026.………………………t.t………………………Messrs. Choo Dee WeiSolicitors for and on behalf of the PetitionerNote- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the saidPetition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitorsfor the Petitioner, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The noticemust state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the nameand address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, orhis or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must besent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later thantwelve o’clock noon of the day 12th day of April 2026.[Ref: CDW22002826/MYJ]Advertise with us today!HQ:[email protected]:[email protected] MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPURDALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIAGUAMAN NO: WA-A73KJ-1554-07/2025ANTARAMUHAMMAD DANISH HAIQAL BIN JAMIL(NO. K/P: 031218-14-0287) …PLAINTIFDANMUHAMMAD IQBAL BIN ZAINUDDIN(NO. K/P: 000314-10-1999) …DEFENDANDAN1. MUHAMMAD FIRAZ AL WAIZ BIN ABDUL HAMER(NO. K/P: 050201-10-1429) …PIHAK KETIGA PERTAMA2. MUHAMMAD FIKRI ALWASIF BIN ABDUL HAMER(NO. K/P: 980529-10-7497) …PIHAK KETIGA KEDUANOTIS IKLAN UNTUK PENYAMPAIAN GANTIDalam perkara mengenai Notis Pihak Ketiga bersama PernyataanTuntutan Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketiga bertarikh15/12/2025, Writ Saman bertarikh 21/07/2025, Penyataan Tuntutanbertarikh 21/07/2025, Pernyataan Pembelaan Defendan bertarikh07/10/2025 dan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 25/02/2026.Kepada:Pihak Ketiga MUHAMMAD FIRAZ AL WAIZ BIN ABDUL HAMERPertama (No. K/P: 050201-10-1429)No 204 Blok, A10 Seksyen 4,Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala LumpurPihak Ketiga MUHAMMAD FIKRI ALWASIF BIN ABDUL HAMERKedua (No. K/P: 980529-10-7497)No 204 Blok, A10 Seksyen 4,Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala LumpurAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Notis Pihak Ketiga dan danPernyataan Tuntutan Defendan-Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga -Pihak Ketiga bertarikh 15/12/2025 telah dikeluarkan terhadap anda didalam Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman No. WAA73KJ-1554-07/2025 oleh Tetuan V. P. Nathan & Partners beralamat diUnit 3, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Floor, PJ 21 Commercial Centre, JalanSS 3/39, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor dan diperintahkan bahawaNotis Pihak Ketiga dan dan Pernyataan Tuntutan Defendan-DefendanTerhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketiga tersebut disampaikan kepadaanda secara penyampaian ganti dengan melalui penampalan NotisPihak Ketiga dan dan Pernyataan Tuntutan Defendan-DefendanTerhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketiga bertarikh 15/12/2025 danPerintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 25/02/2026 di alamat premisPihak Ketiga Pertama dan Kedua iaitu kedua-duanya di No 204 Blok,A10 Seksyen 4, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur dan melaluipenampalan Notis Pihak Ketiga dan dan Pernyataan TuntutanDefendan-Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketiga bertarikh15/12/2025 dan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti di Papan Notis MahkamahMajistret Kuala Lumpur serta melalui satu pengiklanan di akhbar “TheStar” untuk sekali siaran dan yang mana penampalan danpengiklanan sedemikian adalah dianggap sebagai penyampaian yangsempurna dan cukup akan Notis Pihak Ketiga dan dan PernyataanTuntutan Defendan-Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketigabertarikh 15/12/2025 tersebut ke atas Pihak Ketiga Pertama danKedua atas penamatan Tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan danpengiklanan.SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Notis Pihak Ketiga dan dan PernyataanTuntutan Defendan-Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketigatersebut telah ditetapkan untuk pengurusan kes pada 01/04/2026, 9.00pagi (secara E-review) di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur. Permohonanuntuk menyemak Notis Pihak Ketiga dan dan Pernyataan TuntutanDefendan-Defendan Terhadap Pihak Ketiga - Pihak Ketiga tersebutboleh dibuat oleh anda kepada Mahkamah.Bertarikh pada 30/03/2026t.t. ……………………………………..Penolong PendaftarMahkamah MajistretKuala LumpurNOTIS IKLAN UNTUK PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini telah dikeluarkan olehTetuan V. P. Nathan & Partners, peguam bagi pihak Defendan yangberalamat di Unit 3, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Floor, PJ 21 CommercialCentre, Jalan SS 3/39, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.(Tel: 03-78651460 & Fax: 03-78651821) (Ruj:VPN/LZ/MH/32925-ST)IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAMIN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIACOMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO.BA-28NCC-184-03/2026In the matter of S.466(1)(a) Of theCompanies Act, 2016AndIn the matter of S.464 and S.465(1)(e) ofthe Companies Act 2016AndIn the matter of UDARAN SDN. BHD.(Company No. 634941-A)BETWEENVIVOCOM ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD.(Company No. 1007013-X) ...PETITIONERANDUDARAN SDN. BHD.(Company No. 634941-A) ...RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNotice is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Respondent Company by the High Court, was on the 11th dayof March 2026 presented by VIVOCOM ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD.(Company No.1007013-X) of No. 4, Jalan Seri Utara 1, Off Jalan Ipoh,68100 Kuala Lumpur. And that the said Petition is directed to be heardbefore the High Court sitting at Shah Alam, Selangor, at 9.30 o’clockin the morning, on the 22nd day of June 2026; and any creditor orcontributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose themaking of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time ofhearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of thesaid Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the saidCompany requiring the same by the under-signed on payment ofregulated charge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is No. 4, Jalan Seri Utara 1, Off Jalan Ipoh,68100 Kuala Lumpur.The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Sekhar Savin & Partners, ofSuite 2.2, Level 2, Block L, Jalan Solaris 2, Solaris Mont' Kiara, 50480Kuala Lumpur.Ref: SK1204-25 Tel: 03-62015200 Faks: 03-62015400Sgd: Sekhar Savin & Partners,Solicitors for the PetitionerNOTE- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the saidPetition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed SekharSavin & Partners, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The Noticemust state the name and address of the person, or if a firm the nameand address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm, ortheir Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sentby post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later thantwelve o’clock noon of the 21st day of June 2026. [SK1204-25]

THE STAR Thursday April 2 2026 13CourtNoticesIN THE HIGH COURT OF SABAH AND SARAWAK AT LABUANIN THE STATE OF SABAH, MALAYSIABANKRUPTCY MATTER NO. LBN-29NCC-13-1/2026 (HC)RE : KENNEDY ANAK PENGHULU(NRIC NO. 790318-13-5431), A JUDGMENT DEBTOREX-PARTE :BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD(COMPANY NO. 198301002944(98127-X)), A JUDGMENT CREDITORSUBSTITUTED SERVICE OF BANKRUPTCY NOTICEIn the matter of Bankruptcy Notice issued on 20th day of January 2026and an Order granted by this honourable Court on 13th day of March,2026.To KENNEDY ANAK PENGHULUNo. K3, Simpang 23/Kasturi, Jalan Bukit Kuda,87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan.AND/ORKENNEDY ANAK PENGHULURumah Penghulu, Lepong Menuan,P.O. Box 583, 96800 Kapit, Sarawak.TAKE NOTICE that a Bankruptcy Notice has been issued against you inthe High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Labuan, Sabah byBANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD c/o WV & Partners, Advocates &Solicitors of TB16331, 1st Floor, Lot No. 34, Perdanajaya CommercialCentre, Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia and theHonourable Court has on 13th day of March, 2026 ordered that thesaid Bankruptcy Notice to be served on you by publishing this noticein “The Star” newspaper in English for one (1) day only; by affixing theBankruptcy Notice on the notice board of the High Court of Sabah andSarawak at Labuan and the Session Court at Kapit, Sarawak and byaffixing the Bankruptcy Notice at No. K3, Simpang 23/Kasturi,Jalan Bukit Kuda, 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan and such posting and/or affixation and/or publication shall be deemed good andsufficient service of the Bankruptcy Notice herein to you.AND TAKE NOTICE that within 7 (seven) days of the posting and/oraffixation and/or publication of this notice, excluding the day ofpublication, you must pay to BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD ortheir advocates the sum of RM144,612.10 as at 16th day of January, 2026claimed by them as being the amount due on a Judgment obtained bythem against you in the Honourable Sessions Court at Labuan on 9thday of August 2023 in Suit No. LBN-A52M-15-7/2023 and executionhas not been stayed, or you must secure or compound for the saidsum to BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD’s satisfaction or thesatisfaction of the Court; or you must satisfy the Court that you have acounter-claim, set off, or cross demand against the said BANK ISLAMMALAYSIA BERHAD which equals to or exceeds the sum claimed bythe said BANK ISLAM MALAYSIA BERHAD and which you could notset up in the action in which the Judgment was obtained.PARTICULARS OF AMOUNT CLAIMED(1) The judgment sum as per Judgment (in Default : RM143,425.06of Appearance) dated 9th day of August 2023(2) The costs : RM2,096.00(3) The ta’widh (as at 16th day of January 2026) : RM7,591.04Total Outstanding Amount as at : RM144,612.1016th day of January 2026Dated this 2nd day of April, 2026.The Bankruptcy Notice can be inspected by you on application to theHigh Court of Sabah and Sarawak at LabuanBy Order ofSenior Assistant/Deputy Registrar,High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Labuan, SabahThis Notice is inserted by Messrs. WV & Partners solicitors for theabovenamed Judgment Creditor whose address for service is atTB16331, 1st Floor, Lot No. 34, Perdanajaya Commercial Centre,Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia(Ref. No. T26/L019/BIMB/GW)IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPURIN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIACOMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO.: WA-28NCC-139-01/2026In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) ofthe Companies Act 2016AndIn the matter of Restoran K.R. Sri DeviSdn BhdBETWEEN1MK RETAIL SDN. BHD.(Company Registration No.: 201001021928(905698-K)) ... PETITIONERANDRESTORAN K.R.SRI DEVI SDN BHD(Company Registration No.: 198801009925 (177282-W)) ... RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on 30.01.2026, presented by1MK RETAIL SDN BHD (Company Registration No.: 201001021928 (905698-K)) of 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No.5, Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim,Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. And that thesaid petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at HighCourt Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on 09.04.2026;and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring tosupport or oppose the making of an order on the said petition mayappear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for thatpurpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor orcontributory of the said company requiring the same by theundersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No.5, JalanProf. Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, SelangorDarul Ehsan.The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs Han & Partners of Unit No. 23-8,Menara Oval Damansara, No. 685, Jalan Damansara, 60000 KualaLumpur.MESSRS HAN & PARTNERSSolicitors for the PetitionerNOTE – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the saidpetition must serve on or send by post to the above-named MessrsHan & Partners, notice in writing of his attention so to do. The noticemust state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the nameand address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, orhis or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must besent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later thantwelve o’clock noon of 08.04.2026.[Our Ref: LKH/20787/LIT/PS/JW]ProclamationCourtNoticesProclamationCourtNoticesDALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOHDALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN, MALAYSIAPENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: AA-28NCC-29-03/2026DALAM PERKARANATURAL GREENCARECORPORATION SDN BHD(NO. PENDAFTARAN:200101030443 (566202-U))DANDALAM PERKARASEKSYEN 465(1)(e) DAN466(1)(a) AKTA SYARIKAT2016DANDALAM PERKARA KAEDAH8(1) DAN 22KAEDAH-KAEDAH(PENGGULUNGAN)SYARIKAT 1972ANTARAIKHLAS AL DAIN SDN BHD …PEMPETISYEN(No. Pendaftaran: 201001018379 (902085-X))DANNATURAL GREENCARE CORPORATION SDN BHD(No. Pendaftaran: 200101030443 (566202-U)) …RESPONDENIKLAN PETISYENNOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan syarikat NATURAL GREENCARE CORPORATION SDNBHD yang dinamakan di atas (“Syarikat tersebut”) oleh MahkamahTinggi Malaya di Ipoh telah pada 6 Mac 2026 dikemukakan olehIKHLAS AL DAIN SDN BHD.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan diMahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh pada hari Isnin, 15 Jun 2026, jam 9:00pagi.DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebutyang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikutPetisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi ataumelalui peguamcaranya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyentersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah inikepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebutyang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan.Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 6-2 & 6-3, Jalan 25/70A, Desa SriHartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co., Peguambela& Peguamcara, di No. 1-1, 1st Floor, Jalan Ramin 5, Bandar Botanic,41200 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.Bertarikh pada 25 haribulan Mac, 2026………………………………………………..t.t.Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co.Peguamcara bagi PempetisyenPERINGATAN: Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyentersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan poskepada Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co. yang dinamakan di atas suatu notisbertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakannama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, namadan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firmaberkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan diatas sebelum pukul 12:00 tengah hari pada 14 Jun 2026.IKLAN PETISYEN ini difailkan oleh Tetuan W. M. Ang & Co., Peguamcarabagi Pempetisyen yang beralamat penyampaian di No. 1-1, 1st Floor,Jalan Ramin 5, Bandar Botanic, 41200 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.[Tel: 03-3318 8826; Faks: 03-3318 8875;E-mel: [email protected]][Ruj.: 25156.L(WU).IKHLAS-NGCSB(KC)]IN THE HIGH COURT IN MALAYA OF KUALA LUMPURIN THE STATE OF THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR(COMMERCIAL DIVISION)COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. WA-28NCC-276-03/2026In the matter of Sections 464(1)(a) and465(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016;AndIn the matter of GOC AUTOMOTIVEMALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (CompanyRegistration No.: 202401044150(1589996-M)).GOC AUTOMOTIVE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.(Company Registration No.: 202401044150 (1589996-M)) …PETITIONERADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNotice is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Petitioner Company by the High Court, was on the 9th day ofMarch 2026, presented by GOC Automotive Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., atLevel 22, Axiata Tower, No. 9, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala LumpurSentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and that the said Petition isdirected to be heard before the High Court of Malaya at the FederalTerritory of Kuala Lumpur, at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 13thday of July 2026; and any creditor or contributory of the said PetitionerCompany desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on thesaid Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or hisCounsel for that purpose; and a copy of the said Petition will befurnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Petitioner Companyrequiring the same by the under-signed on payment of regulatedcharge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is Level 22, Axiata Tower, No. 9, Jalan StesenSentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs Lim Chee Wee Partnership of 12-1,Lorong Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.………………………………………….Messrs Lim Chee Wee PartnershipSolicitors for the PetitionerNOTE:-Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petitionmust serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Lim CheeWee Partnership, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The Noticemust state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the nameand address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, orhis or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must besent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later thantwelve o’clock noon of the 12th day of July 2026.ProclamationCourtNoticesProclamationCourtNoticesIN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPURCOMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO.: WA-28NCC-230-02/2026In the matter of ALAM FASHION (M)SDN BHD (COMPANY NO.:1081162-W)AndIn the matter of Section 464, 465 (1)(e)and 466 of the Companies Act 2016AndIn the matter of Sections 47(2),50(2)(c)(v) and 57(a) of the Bills ofExchange Act 1949AndIn the matter of the Companies(Winding-Up) Rules 1972BETWEENMD HANIF MD WASHAK(PASSPORT NO.: A07735327) …PETITIONERANDALAM FASHION (M) SDN BHD(COMPANY NO.: 1081162-W) …RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 25th February 2026presented by Md Hanif Md Washak (Passport No.: A07735327) andthat the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting atKuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon on Tuesday, the 7th dayof July 2026 and any creditor or contributory of the said Companydesiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the saidPetition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel forthat purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to anycreditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by theundersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is at Unit B-35-6, Setia Sky Residences, 76Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Jalan Tun Razak, 50300 Kuala Lumpur,Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Kumar Partnership, Suite 12.01– 12.02, 12th Floor Wisma E & C, No. 2 Lorong Dungun Kiri,Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.Dated this 25th March 2026__________________ SGD ______Messrs Kumar PartnershipSolicitors for thePetitioner abovenamedNote:-Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the saidPetition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed MessrsKumar Partnership notice in writing of his intention to do so.The noticemust state the name and address of the firm and must be signed bythe person or firm or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be servedor if posted must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on Monday, the 6th day of July2026.[Ref: 01.2.8586.2025.HANIF (WINDING-UP)]IN THE HIGH COURT OF IPOHIN THE STATE OF PERAK DARUL RIDZUANCOMPANIES WINDING UP NO. AA-28NCC-27-03/2026In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) and Section466 (1) of the Companies Act 2016AndIn the matter of PINTARAN TIMUR (M) SDN.BHD. [Company No: 199101001024(211334-W)]BETWEENSMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISEDEVELOPMENT BANK MALAYSIA BERHAD[197901005290 (49572-H)] …PETITIONERANDPINTARAN TIMUR (M) SDN. BHD.[Company No: 199101001024 (211334-W)] …RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court dated 2nd March 2026 presentedby SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT BANKMALAYSIA BERHAD [197901005290 (49572-H)], the above saidPetitioning Company and that the said Petition is directed to be heardbefore the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Ipoh at 9.00 inthe morning, on the 8th June 2026; and any creditor or contributory ofthe said company desiring to support or oppose the making of anorder on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himselfor his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will befurnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Companyrequiring the same by the undersigned on payment to the regulatedcharge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is at Level 13, Menara SME Bank, JalanSultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Sidek Teoh Wong & Dennis address is at Level 16, Menara Aras Raya, 11 Jalan Raja Laut, 50350Kuala Lumpur.…………………T.T.……………………Messrs Sidek Teoh Wong & DennisSolicitors for the PetitionerNOTE:Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petitionmust serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitors for thePetitioner notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice muststate the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name andaddress of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm, or his ortheir Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sentby post in sufficient time to reach the above named not later thantwelve o’ clock noon of the 5th June 2026 (the day before the dayappointed for the hearing of the Petition).ADVERTISMENT OF PETITION is filed by Messrs. Sidek Teoh Wong &Dennis, solicitors for the Petitioner of Level 16, Menara Aras Raya, 11Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.Tel:03-26923000 Fax: 03-26930300E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected][Our ref: E410.08800104522JCS/SF/FSF]nadt]ProclamationCourtNoticesProclamationProclamation Proclamation

14 Thursday April22026 THE STARProclamationAdvertise with us today!HQ: [email protected]: [email protected] Proclamation Proclamation Proclamation Proclamation Proclamation Proclamation

THE STAR Thursday April 2 2026 15ProclamationPERISYTIHARAN JUALANDALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANGPERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-1727-11/2025Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara,1965DanDalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No:0799SC2013027202 (bertarikh 07/08/2013) ke atas semua bahagiantanah yang dipegang di bawah Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik Geran61846/M3/2/330, Lot No. 4200, Bandar Tanjong Bungah, Daerah Timor Laut,Pulau PinangDanDalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah,2012ANTARAUNITED OVERSEAS BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD(NO. SYARIKAT : 199301017069) (271809-K) ...PLAINTIFDANTAN BENG KOON (NO. K/P : 680701075956) .…DEFENDANMenurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenaiPerintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 3 September 2024 dan 31Disember 2025, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa TimbalanPendaftar / Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong diKuantanAKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAMPada Hari Khamis, 9 April 2026, Pada Jam 11.00 pagi,SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASIe-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMURNOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmiliksecara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan,bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebutsebelum jualan lelongan dijalankan.Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderwebBUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK:No. Hakmilik : Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik Geran61846/M3/2/330No. Lot : Lot No. 4200Mukim/Daerah/Negeri: Bandar Tanjong Bungah / Timor Laut /Pulau PinangPegangan : Hakmilik KekalNo.Petak/No.Tingkat/No.Bangunan : 330 / 2 / M3Keluasan Tanah : 1087 kaki persegi, 101 meter persegiPemilik Berdaftar : Tan Beng KoonSyarat Nyata : Petak ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuanpangsapuri sahajaSekatan Kepentingan: TiadaBebanan/Lain-Lain :Kawasan Rizab :Kaveat :LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH:Hartanah tersebut adalah an apartment yang beralamat pos di Unit No.1C-1-02, Leader Garden, Jalan Chee Seng 13, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, PulauPinang.HARGA RIZAB:Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertaklukkepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM261,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA :DUA RATUS ENAM PULUH SATU RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syaratjualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklahmendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf diatas nama UNITED OVERSEAS BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJAsebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar olehpembida yang berjaya kepada UNITED OVERSEAS BANK (MALAYSIA)BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan.Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:-Firma Guaman : HOE & MOIRAAlamat : SUITE 123-P (UPPER), 5TH FLOOR,WISMA LISTER GARDEN,MACALISTER ROAD, 10400, PG, MYNo. Telefon : 04-2266220No. Fax : 04-2286220No. Rujukan : H&M/MT/V/CB117/21Proclamation Proclamation Proclamation GeneralNoticeForTenderGeneralNoticeForTenderGeneralNoticeForTenderGeneralNoticeSayWhat?What doyou getfrom apamperedcow?Spoiledmilk.

16 Thursday April22026 THE STARGeneralNoticeForTenderGeneralNoticeForTenderGeneralNoticeForTenderAGM / EGM /FinancialNoticeAdvertise with us today!HQ: 03 - 7966 8200 /[email protected]: 04 - 269 8000 /[email protected] / EGM /FinancialNoticeAGM / EGM /FinancialNoticeAGM / EGM /FinancialNoticeAGM / EGM /FinancialNotice

THE STAR, THuRSdAy 2 ApRil 2026MINI Paul SmithEdition gets astyling twist2Blending ruggednessand daily usabilitywith Jetour T23Next generationBMW i3 makesglobal debut8Jaecoo’s J8 arrives big, well-equipped and pricedagainst familiar rivals, with enough substance toback up most of the showroom appeal. 4&5

2 Launch StarCarSifu, Thursday 2 april 2026New leadership boost BYD Malaysia has appointedJacob Ma as its new managingdirector, taking over from EagleZhao who assumes full focus onhis role as president director ofPT BYD Motor Indonesia.Ma oversees both the BYD andDenza brands locally.In his new position, Ma bringswith him extensive global experience from BYD headquarters inShenzhen.Prior to this appointment, Maserved as head of training at BYDHQ for five years and later asvice-president of BYD Indonesiafor two years, where he wasinstrumental in developing international market readiness programmes, strengthening retailexcellence standards, and leading capability-building initiativesacross multiple regions.Earlier in his career, Ma alsoworked as a consultant andgained experience in the aviationindustry, where he was involvedin technology transfer initiatives,providing him with a strongfoundation in cross-industry collaboration and operational transformation.Ma said Malaysia remained astrategic market for the BYDgroup.“We are committed to delivering innovative products andcomprehensive ownership experiences to our customers. Ourfocus will be on reinforcing operational excellence, elevating customer experience, and ensuringsustainable growth for both BYDand Denza,” he said.The company said Zhao playeda pivotal role in establishingBYD’s strong market presence,successfully leading the brand todeliver over 30,000 BYD andDenza vehicles nationwide.“Malaysia has been an incredibly important chapter in myjourney with BYD,” said Zhao.“Together with our dedicatedpartners and team, we have builta strong foundation for both BYDand Denza. I am confident thatthe momentum we have createdwill continue to propel thebrands forward.”Ma will focus on innovativeproducts and customer experienceto expand Byd and denza reach inMalaysia.THE new all-electric MINI PaulSmith Edition marks the latestchapter in a successful collaboration between MINI and legendary British designer Paul Smith.Available in limited numbers,this special edition brings PaulSmith’s iconic “Icon with a Twist”design language to the all-electricMINI Cooper SE.The recommended retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) for the new MINI PaulSmith Edition is RM222,222.The price tag will beRM228,522 with MINI Serviceand Repair Inclusive (consists ofthe four-year extended warrantyand service package).With the Easy Drive Financingfrom BMW Group FinancialServices Malaysia, the Paul SmithEdition’s monthly instalmentplan starts from RM2,367 (basedon 75% loan on a five-year tenure).BMW Group Malaysia managing director Benjamin Nagelshared, “Through Big Love, MINIhas always stood for individualiThe paul smithsignature isseen at thetailgate.The paulsmith Editiongets NottinghamGreen on the roof,side mirrors andgrille.The Nightshade Blue JCWsports seats come withVescin upholstery.The styling touches oflegendary British designer paulsmith makes the MiNi editionbearing his name a moredaring and eye-catchingchoice.ty, creativity and playfulness, values that are mirrored perfectly inPaul Smith’s ‘Icon with a Twist’design philosophy.“What makes this edition sosignificant is that for the firsttime, this celebrated collaboration is available on a broaderproduction scale, bringing PaulSmith’s unmistakable creativevision to more customers thanever before,” he said.The Paul Smith Edition isadorned with Nottingham Greenaccents on key exterior elements,such as the side mirrors, theoctagonal radiator grille, and thehub caps.These unique touches are complemented by the roof, whichcomes in Nottingham Green colour accompanied by the PaulSmith Signature Stripe featureacross the roof edge between theB- and C-pillars.Fitted with 18-inch Slide Spokealloy wheels in Dark Steel accentcolour, which are also finished inNottingham Green and featurethe Paul Smith logo, this editionstands out with its bold design.Before entry, the exclusive mirror projection of a friendly“hello” in Paul Smith’s handwriting welcomes the driver and passenger.Additional details like the MINIBlack Band and the MINI logo inBlack Blue, as well as theAnthracite Grey “Paul Smith” lettering on the tailgate, furtherhighlight the exclusivity.The interior is enriched withNightshade Blue JCW Sports seatsin Vescin upholstery.The seats feature a ShadowStripe knit section on the shoulder and headrest areas.Another standout featureinside is the Shadow Stripeupholstery that stretches acrossthe full width of the instrumentpanel.The upholstery material has aconsistent colour throughout, butalternating finishing directionscreate a special stripe designinspired by Paul Smith’sSignature Stripe.Meanwhile, the door sill coverstrip greets with the upliftingmessage “Every day is a newbeginning!” in Paul Smith’s handwriting, while his familiar handdrawn rabbit motif embroideredinto the floor mat adds anothersignature style.On the steering wheel – whichtakes on a traditional three-spokedesign – a textile band with theiconic Paul Smith SignatureStripe provides a lively splash ofcolour, offset by the Paul Smithbrand logo.Additionally, the MINIInteraction Unit offers threeexclusive backgrounds designedby Paul Smith for Personal Mode,with the colourful SignatureStripe subtly integrated at theupper edge of the display, creating a unique and personal experience.The MINI Paul Smith Editiondelivers 218hp and 330Nm oftorque, and acceleration from 0to 100kph is in 6.7 seconds, witha top speed of 170kph.Its 54.2kWh battery provides azero-emissions range of 387 to402km, with DC charging at up to95kW, bringing the battery from10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes.The Paul Smith Edition is withintroductory colours of InspiredWhite and Statement Grey, whichare developed exclusively for thisedition.The two-tone colour scheme makes a boldstatement. Based on the all-electric Cooper sE, the paulsmith edition has a driving range up tp 402km.

StarCarSifu, Thursday 2 april 2026 first Drive 3Family-friendly packagea short run with theJetour T2 shows thatthe new C-segmentadventure-orientedsuV can becomfortable andpleasant.By NiCHOLaS [email protected] were prior estimates but no oneanticipated that Jetour Malaysia’s thirdmodel would come in at such an aggressive price of RM156,800.The on-the-road without insurance pricefor the new T2 includes a seven-year or150,000km warranty as well as a 10-yearor 1,000,000km engine warranty and fivefree services.For it you get an off-roader lifestyle SUVwith a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine paired to a seven-speeddual-clutch transmission.The powertrain of the rugged machinedelivers 245PS at 5,500rpm and 375Nm oftorque from 1,750 to 4,000rpm.Early adopters (first 3,000 registrations)also get a cash rebate of RM2,000 whichbrings the price down to RM154,800.While C-segment SUV options are aplenty many of them cater to those looking fora more family-oriented and executiveexperience.Adventure lifestyle-centric ones on theother hand are pretty much non-existentat this price.Save for iCaur’s 03 and V23 which areall-electric (EV), and the closely priced2+2-seater Suzuki Jimny which is targetedtowards a very niche audience.That leaves us with the better equippedGWM Tank 300 that costs RM90,000 more.More than just a pretty face, the T2 alsocomes with an Intelligent XWD all-wheeldrive (AWD) system to scratch that offroad itch.The system features a 7+X drive modethat allows the driver to adapt the T2’storque distribution according to terrainand driving conditions through a numberof driving modes – Normal, Eco, Sport,Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock and an intelligentX-Mode.Additionally there’s also Crawl ControlMode, Auto-Start-Stop functionality,remote engine start, and a welcome mode.Drivers get the option of three steeringmodes of Light, Comfort and Sport tochoose from too.Throw in paddle-shifters for that touchof sporty engagement.Unfortunately we couldn’t put to testmost of these attributes during our shorthands-on with the T2.Instead of an off-road obstacle course,Jetour Malaysia had us rush the SUV upand down Resorts World Awana inGenting Highlands, Pahang.It was more of a sprint as we only hadaround two to three hours of window ifwe wanted to beat the evening traffic onour way back to Bamboo Hills, KualaLumpur.Odd choice for an off-road capablemodel or perhaps saving the best foranother time. Either way the drive wasmade a lot more interesting with the presence of rain.If anything the drive brought out theless obvious element of the T2 which is theSUV’s ride comfort.Space is in the cabin is adequate forcomfort as with a very stable and smoothdrive performance.With a 2,800mm wheelbase, the T2 is4,785mm long, 2006mm wide and1,870mm tall.It has 580 litres of boot space that canbe expanded to 1,494 litres with the seatsdown.The SUV’s Noise, Vibration andHarshness (NVH) control is commendableat least up until the 130-140kph speedwhich was also the fastest some of us darepushed the vehicle under the rain.Its 19-inch Giti 4x4 tires were alsoanother factor that had us rather cautiouson wet roads, while double-glazed windows possibly aided in reducing externalnoise intrusion.Regardless, if comfort and premium feelis what you seek, then the T2 delivers.Cabin is packed with a 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen that providesBluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay andAndroid Auto connectivity, a 12-speakerpremium audio system from Sony, autoBamboo hillswas the startingpoint of the shortdrive.Centre 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen is compatible with wireless android auto andapple Carplay connectivity.seven selectable drive modes from theonset.rear auxiliary box adds to the rugged image.matic dual-zone climate control, multi-colour ambient lighting system, and panoramic sunroof.Front seats are ventilated and powered– 10-way adjustments with memory andwelcome function for the driver and fourway for the passenger.Ensuring the drive remains smooth andcomfortable is a host of safety equipmentincluding a number of Level 2.0 advanceddriver assistance system (ADAS) features.Out to terminate the competition, themost refined Jetour model of the currentlot is not only capable but also packed tothe brim with offerings at such an appealing price.

4 Review StaRCaRSifu, ThurBy GEORGE WONGThe instrument panel features hi-res graphics.JAECOO wants you to think flagship.The J8 is long, square-shouldered andwide enough to fill mirrors quickly.It is the sort of SUV that wants attention.In 2WD five-seat form at RM178,800, it isalso probably the pick of the range.Skip the AWD premium variant, keep thebig cabin and the kit, and get on with it.Sizing it upThe J8 has plenty of road presence.The bluff nose, upright stance and dominant grille look expensive at a glance, andthe spec backs that up: LED headlights withDRLs, hidden electric door handles, a panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels.Ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and a hands-free powered tailgate arethe sort of items that actually matter indaily use rather than in a two-minuteshowroom walk-around.It looks the part.That is where the real question starts.Twin 12.3-inch displays, a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, and a 12-speaker Sony audio systemadd up to equipment that looks generousfor the money.There are two catches.The screens can wash out in harshMalaysian sun, not a deal-breaker, butnoticeable next to the better systems inclass.More frustrating is phone pairing: ourAndroid handset refused to cooperate withAndroid Auto, wired or wireless.That is the sort of annoyance you remember, and it is worth testing with your ownphone before signing anything.Space is good.The rear bench reclines, the 60:40 splitfold is practical, and the cabin feels openand relaxed as a five-seater.The one persistent annoyance is rearward visibility.The three rear headrests block a substantial chunk of the view through the backwindow even when set low.Boot space needs a qualifier.Jaecoo quotes 738 litres of storage.How’s inside?The cabin punches above its price.Soft-touch surfaces, a suede-like upperdash, stitched panels and faux leather seatsgive it an interior that does not feel cheap.J q gThat sounds class-leading until you noticeit is measured to the roofline – a practicethat deviates from the common industrypractice of sizing up to window line.In everyday terms, the usable space feelscloser to about 600 litres.The J8’s 2.0-litreturbocharged blockcranks out 245hp and385Nm of torque.

sday 2 a pril 2026 Review 5spECiFiCaTiONsJaecoo J8 2WDEngine: 1,998cc, 16-valve dOhC with directfuel injection, inline-4, turbocharged petrolMaximum power: 245hp at 5,500rpmMaximum torque: 385Nm at 1,750rpmTransmission: Eight-speed automaticFeatures: Front-wheel drive, six airbags, threedrive modes (Eco, Normal, sport), auto start/stop, keyless ignition, electric power steering,full-size spare tyre, powered seats for firstrow, wireless charger, 20-inch alloy wheels,tyre pressure monitoring system, 540-degreehd surround view, sony audio system with12 speakers, panoramic sunroof, lEd headlights with drls, NFC card accessibility, fauxleather seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, head-updisplay, wireless apple Carplay and androidauto, level 2.5 adas (includes autonomousemergency braking, front collision warning,adaptive cruise control, integrated cruiseassist, lane change assist, emergency lanekeeping, blind spot detection, door openingwarning, rear collision warning, rear crosstraffic alert & rear cross traffic braking)Suspension: Front Macpherson struts; rearmulti-linkacceleration (0-100kph): 8.8sTop speed: 200kphFuel consumption: 7.8l/100km (official)Kerb weight: 1,792kgBoot: 738 litres, expandable to 2,021 litresPrice: rM178,800 (OTr without insurance)Our RatingsOverall score 7.4Styling 7Comfort 8Performance 7Safety 8Value 7(ratings from 0 to 10, with 10 being exceptional)The J8 can still do lightoff-roading with its front-wheeldrive system.ects a premium feel.(above) The enginebay is closed up butcan be accessed byopening two panels.The rear seatscome with acentre armrest.That is still competitive enough againstrivals. Just do not cite the 738L figure in anargument without the small print.Go driveA 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol enginedrives the front wheels through an eightspeed automatic, producing 245hp and385Nm of torque.Jaecoo claims the J8 can do the 0-100kphsprint in 8.8 seconds.Off the line it can feel a touch sleepy.There is a bit of turbo lag before it properly gathers itself, and the same hesitationappears mid-corner when you ask for aquick overtake.You learn to anticipate rather than react,and the car rewards a bit of patience.It is a big family sports utility vehicle(SUV), not a performance machine, and itbehaves like one.The ride is one area where the J8 doeswell.The suspension deals well with patchedtarmac and uneven joints, and the J8 settlesinto an easy, relaxed gait on the highway.Body roll is present in corners but stayscontrolled and predictable.Brakes are reassuring with a progressivefeel.The gearbox is mostly smooth, though anoccasional low-rev upshift lands with aslight thud, infrequent but noticeable.Fuel use needs a bit more honesty.The official figure looks optimistic; mixedrunning brought us closer to the low-11litres per 100km range.The 65-litre tank softens the blow, butyou will see the needle move if you push it.Ground checkJaecoo also likes to talk up its “offroadluxury SUV” positioning, but the argumentstarts to look shaky in real life.In 2WD form, the J8 is plainly a road-biased family SUV with tough-looking stylingrather than something for anyone seriouslyconsidering trail work.Even the RM199K AWD six-seater, withits extra terrain modes and added traction,still sits much closer to soft-roader territorythan to proper off-road hardware.And if the conversation turns to realoff-roading, diesel pick-up trucks remainfar better suited to the job.A Hilux, Ranger, Triton or D-Max bringsthe kind of low-rpm shove, clearance andworkhorse toughness that genuinely difficult terrain demands.The J8 AWD may be more capable thanthe average crossover, but it makes farmore sense as a well-equipped family hauler than as a serious trail tool.Where it landsBut we digress. The J8 2WD lands in atricky spot.It costs considerably more than theProton X90 and undercuts the Mazda CX-8on price, yet offers only five seats in a segment where many buyers still expect threerow flexibility.Jaecoo’s proposition rests on specificationrichness and a 7-year warranty rather thanoutright practicality, a reasonable strategy,but one that narrows the target buyers.Get past the boot space number-fudging,the occasional Android Auto stubbornnessand those obstructive headrests, and the J8still comes together fairly well.The cabin feels a class above what theprice suggests, the kit is strong, and it is anunfussy car to live with day-to-day.For buyers who want size, presence anda well-stocked interior without paying forAWD or a premium badge, the J8 2WDdelivers.Just go in knowing what you are getting,and what you are not.Twin 12.3-inch displays proje

6 News StarCarSifu, Thursday 2 april 2026Set forsuccessproton banks on the popular X50 suV topower the national car maker’s growthstrategy.THE Proton X50 has recordedmore than 161,000 units soldacross Malaysia and exportmarkets, since its debut onOct 27, 2020.The national automaker saidthe X50 has been recognised asthe best-selling B-segment sportsutility vehicle (SUV) for five consecutive years.Meanwhile, the 2025 X50facelift has sold more than 20,000units and in the first two monthsof 2026, a total of 4,271 unitswere delivered.The X50 has also contributedsignificantly to Proton’s exportambitions.Since its launch, more than5,000 units have been exported,making it the second most popular export vehicle in recent years.The model is expected toremain a key driver of Proton’sgrowth strategy in the yearsahead.Proton Edar CEO Datuk AbdulRashid Musa said the success ofthe X50 has helped strengthenProton’s brand perception bothin Malaysia and internationally.“It has attracted a younger generation of buyers while demonstrating that vehicles assembledin Malaysia can compete with thebest in terms of technology,design and driving experience,”he said.Proton says when interviewed,owners have returned a rating of89% for usage satisfaction, indicating a positive opinion regarding factors such as performance,design, comfort and technology.Over 70% of buyers citeddesign and performance as theirmain purchase decision factors.Further survey shows 68% ofbuyers are aged between 25–35,reinforcing the X50’s strongappeal among young professionals who are either single or married with young children.Importantly, a large proportionof these buyers are new to theProton brand, indicating growingconfidence from customers whopreviously owned vehicles fromother manufacturers.“The X50 represents the evolution of Proton into a moderntechnology-driven automotivebrand.“It offers Malaysian customersa combination of performance,connectivity and safety that waspreviously difficult to find in thissegment, which is why it continues to resonate strongly withbuyers,” said Abdul Rashid.updates to the 2025 X50 include a more powerful engine and a new grille with revised front bumper.Good reception for off-road capable EVsWITH strong demand for theiCaur 03 and V23, there are now1,800 vehicles from the off-roadnew energy vehicle (NEV)marque in the country.iCaur Malaysia senior directorFrancis Chin said reaching 1,800vehicles on the road is a meaningful moment for iCaurMalaysia.“It reflects the connectionwe are building with driversacross the country who appreciate distinctive design, performance and an ownership experience that feels expressive,” hesaid.The milestone was marked atthe recent 1,800 HandoverSession, where iCaur ownersgathered and welcomed thebrand’s 1,800th owner.The event also saw the launchof iCaur Malaysia Owners Club,the marque’s first official ownersclub.“Our customers embrace theBorn to Play spirit as a reflectionof how they want to drive andlive. With iCaur Malaysia OwnersClub, we are creating moreopportunities for owners to connect, share experiences, andshape the journey ahead together,” added iCaur Malaysia marketing director Daniel Lai.The club is built around twopillars, namely the“Customisation Journey”,which gives owners a platformto showcase their personalisedvehicles, and exchange ideaswith fellow enthusiasts; and“Community Building”, whichfocuses on bringing peopletogether through gatherings,networking opportunities andshared activities.Launched in September lastyear, the 03 is a fully electric,off-road-capable C-segmentsports utility vehicle (SUV),helping pioneer the adventurebattery electric vehicle (BEV)category.The lineup expanded in a fewmonths later in November withthe introduction of the V23,which brought styling inspiredby classic 4×4 icons.The V23 Retro Edition followed, debuting the taglineClassic Never Fades and highlighting the marque’s playfultake on retro-inspired design.In February, the V23 rankedthird among EV brands inMalaysia with 179 vehicle registrations, while the 03 ranked seventh.This builds on a strong 2025,when the 03 became the 14thbest-selling EV model in Malaysiawith 836 units registered in itsfirst four months on sale.iCaur owners and iCaur Malaysia management at the launch of the owners’ club.The 03.The V23.

MOST of us don’t think twperformance of a vehicle’sring electric vehicles or EVaffect our driving experienWhich explains our curisodium-ion car batteries.Touted as superior overard lead-acid batteries,anof us got to experience it fihand thanks to Aeson Powas part of their initial stratgy to promote their waresand brand.The technology itselfisn’t exactly brand newbut their use has beenlimited until recentthrough renewed attention and improvements.At a consumer levelthe hurdle is probablycost related with sodium-ion options positionedslightly pricier – not fixedcan balloon anywhere betwan extra RM100 to almost doubleard battery’s priceg on the size andompatibility.ically there will bealities that are stillto objectively quanonly had the batmonth at the time ofit is inferred that allteries perform atheir supposed optimal when new. Sowe’re trusting thescience that sodium-ion batteriesdo have threetimes the life cycleof traditionallead-acid batteriesand experienceminimal degradation at high temperatures.That said there were immediate noticeable differences such as the batteriesbeing vastly lighter – mine weighed onlyaround a kilogramme and a half or so.My car did start much faster with onlytwo cranks compared to the usual threeor four.Electronics in my car did felt like itfunctioned more consistently if that madeany sense.Its hard to tell if the latter was aplacebo effect or an actual supposedclaim that a sodium-ion’s more stableand superior voltage delivery.Same goes for minor drive performances that, much like the electronics, feltmore consistent and spirited possiblywith the electronic control unit (ECU) nowworking more efficiently.There’s a lot of faith and guessworkat play but I find the investment for asodium-ion battery well worth it.This is based on the notion that thebattery did actually improve the car’sperformance however minor, and itsupposedly having almost double thelifespan over lead-acid batteries.TQ Wuling’s locally assembled Bingo EV(electric vehicle) now comes standardwith key Advanced Driver AssistanceSystem (ADAS) features across both variants.The ADAS suite includes Blind SpotWarning, Lane Change Assist, Rear CrossTraffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, LowSpeed Pedestrian Warning, Door OpeningWarning, Tyre Pressure MonitoringSystem, rain-sensing auto wipers, walkaway auto lock and unlock, andimpact-sensing automatic door unlock.In addition, the Bingo EV is built withhigh-tensile steel for enhanced structuralstrength and is equipped with six airbags,with Malaysia being the first market toreceive this enhanced airbag configuration.“Safety should not be a premium-onlyfeature. By making ADAS standard in theBingo EV, we are ensuring that moreMalaysians can benefit from intelligentprotection in their daily drives,” said TQManufacturing Sdn Bhd head of businessWan Wei Sun.Also, the first batch of locally assembledTQ Wuling Bingo electric vehicles (EVs)was recently delivered to customers.“I was drawn to the retro-moderndesign of the TQ Wuling Bingo EV fromthe start. After the test drive, I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive andeasy it is to drive in the city,” said Intan,an early Bingo EV owner.Christine, another Bingo EV owner, saidthe vehicle was very drivable, surprisinglyspacious inside while its air-conditioningis perfect for the local hot weather.StarCarSifu, Thursday 2 april 2026 News 7Putting sodium-ionbatteries to the testBy NiCHOLaS [email protected] brand’sbatteryseries aredesigned tobe compatible withmore than95% of vehicles on themarket.wice how thes battery (barVs) couldnce.iosity withyour standnumberirstwerted asbut itweenan extra RM1your standadependingvehicle coRealistisome quatoo early ttify as wetery for a mwriting.Also ibattthmyaeson powerMalaysia managingdirector Jin Chan.Cute andsafeaside from its loveable looks andaffordable pricing, the TQ WulingBingo EV also comes with a suite ofadvanced safety features as standard.The first batchof locally assembledTQ Wuling BingoEV buyers receivingtheir cars.“What impressed us most was theaffordability and how easily it manoeuvres through traffic congestion,” she said.Assembled at Tan Chong Group’s manufacturing facility in Segambut, the BingoEV offers 15 storage compartments and aflexible boot capacity of up to 1,240litres with the rear seats folded.Inside, a distinctive floating-islandcentre console integrates dual10.25-inch digital displays withAndroid Auto andApple Carplay functionality, while youthfulexterior colours –Milky White, Neon Blue and LavenderPurple with a contrasting black roof –reinforce its contemporary appeal.The Bingo Pro variant offers a drivingrange of up to 333km (CLTC), while theBingo Max delivers up to 410km (CLTC) ona single charge.Powering the Bingo EV is SGMWuling’s proprietary Magic EV Battery,engineered under an ultra-high-standardbattery safety system.Extensively tested under extremeconditions — including impact, compression, fire exposure, water immersionand thermal stress — the battery isdesigned for durability and long-termreliability.It carries an IP68 rating for dust andwater resistance and is backed by a global track record of zero fire or explosionincidents across more than three million Wuling EVs sold worldwide.Early customers of the Bingo EV canstill enjoy the “Bingo EV Fabulous 5”ownership package.The package includes:> RM5,000 cash rebate, bringingon-the-road prices to RM62,800 (BingoPro) and RM67,800 (Bingo Max)> Warranty covering the EV battery(eight-year/120,000km) and drive motor(eight-year/160,000km)> Monthly instalments from RM625 permonth (selected financing institutions)> Free 7kW home charger and portablethree-pin charger> Free TQ premium solar tinting package, and insurance with 17 EV-specificbenefitslocal productiongives the BingoEV a pricing edgeover importedrivals.

8 News StarCarSifu, Thursday 2 april 2026ImpressiveBMW’s iconic 3 seriessedan is redesigned forlonger range, fasterrecharging and improveddynamics.THE new BMW i3 can cover up to 900km(WLTP test cycle) on a single charge.It features sixth-generation BMW eDrivetechnology with 800-volt architecture and400kW rapid charging (up to 400km in 10minutes).The i3 launches with the 50 xDrivemodel variant, which is powered by twoelectric motors which drive the front andrear axle to develop a combined systemoutput of 469hp and 645Nm of torque.The new i3 also offers class-leading driving dynamics elevated by a new “superbrain” digital architecture and the Heartof Joy driving dynamics system.Highlights include a driver-orientedcockpit featuring BMW Panoramic iDriveand BMW Operating System X.The new i3 is built at the home of BMWGroup, Plant Munich which has undergone a significant expansion for the NeueKlasse.Production will start in August.Handling is precise thanks to the Heartof Joy superbrain – responsible for alldriving functions.It combines with three additionalhigh-performance computers – coveringautomated driving, infotainment and comfort-enhancing functions – culminating ina new digital nervous system, developedcompletely in-house by BMW.These superbrains offer up to 20 timesmore processing power than those utilisedby previous BMW models.The new i3 offers a modern interpretation of hallmark BMW saloon design withits new 2.5-box silhouette.The front-end is sculpted in a sportyshark-nose design and centred around areimagined horizontal kidney grille.The side profile features pronouncedThe dashboard gets the BMW panoramic Vision dis- plenty of leg and knee room for rear passengers. Folding down the rear seats increases the trunk space.play and the driver-oriented Central display.rebootSporty and contemporary, the cockpit isoptimised around the driver.Positioned front and centre is the BMWPanoramic iDrive, which consists of fourkey components: the BMW PanoramicVision display, the optional BMW 3D HeadUp Display, the driver-oriented CentralDisplay and the new multi-function steering wheel.Stylish and sustainable materials areused for the upholstery, including Econeerseat covers, which consist of a recyclabletextile composite made from 100% recycled polyester.The new i3 is equipped with a portfolioof driver and parking assistance systems,including Soft-Stop which offers thesmoothest stopping process in BMW history.With Soft-Stop, the electric motors’ precise control ensures the new i3 deceleratessmoothly without any jerks or brakingnoise.In everyday driving, the recuperationbrake takes over almost all braking operations in the i3.The friction brakes are only utilised during sporty driving or when emergencybraking is required.Meanwhile, Driving Assistant Plus takesthe strain out of steering and braking.If desired, it controls the speed and distance from the vehicle in front and helpsthe driver to keep the vehicle comfortablyin the lane.The system can automatically detect recognised speed limits and adjust the speedbefore bends, roundabouts and turns.p pwheel arches, retractable flush door handles that extend automatically, and boldlines that flow to the rear.Here, sweeping horizontal taillights inan L-shaped design flank the refreshedBMW roundel and extend far into theshoulder area to emphasise the vehicle’swide stance.11 exterior paint finishes are availablefrom launch, including new M Le CastelletBlue – exclusive to the new i3.The front seats come with plenty of side The long slim lights and broad shoulders exude a planted stance.support.The new i3 cancover up to 900kmon a single charge.

THE STAR, THuRSdAy 2 ApRil 2026 EduCATiON GuidE

2 Education Guide THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026Passport to global medicineMEDICINE today is increasingly borderless.Doctors are no longer defined solely bywhere they trained, but by how widely theirqualifications are recognised. Those whocan move confidently between healthcaresystems are better equipped to respond toglobal demand.With an international-standardcurriculum, Newcastle University MedicineMalaysia (NUMed) equips its Bachelor ofMedicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)graduates with distinctive pathways topractise medicine in Malaysia, the UnitedKingdom (UK) and beyond.One key advantage lies in the flexibility ofhousemanship training. Graduates maycomplete their housemanship in accreditedMalaysian hospitals and obtain certificationfrom the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).For those with global ambitions, adual-recognition route provides a powerfulspringboard. Graduates can complete training in Malaysia-based hospitals that areapproved by the General Medical Council(GMC), enabling them to obtain both MMCand GMC certification. Recognised institutions include Hospital Sultan Ismail,Hospital Sultanah Aminah and HospitalEnche Besar Hajjah Khalsom in Johor;Universiti Malaya Medical Centre in KualaLumpur; Penang General Hospital; QueenElizabeth Hospital in Sabah and SarawakGeneral Hospital and Hospital Sibu inSarawak.Alternatively, graduates may choose tocomplete their housemanship or FoundationYear training in the UK. This immersiveexperience further enhances their globalmobility and professional standing.With multiple recognised pathways,NUMed graduates are uniquely positionedto cross borders with confidence. Discoverhow you can be part of this borderlesshealthcare ecosystem at its Open Day onApril 4.n Find out more at http://www.newcastle.edu.my, email [email protected], call 07-555 3800, or WhatsApp 011-1231NuMed offers its MBBs graduates distinctive pathways to global medical careers. 5411/012-784 9456.Exploring pathwaysto prestigious degreesARE you ready to take the nextstep towards a prestigious education right here in Malaysia?Here is your opportunity.The Universiti Malaya (UM)Pre-U Open Day takes place onApril 4 to 5 at Dewan TunkuCanselor.UM invites you to explorefoundation and diplomapathways, preparing you forsuccess in undergraduatestudies both locally andinternationally.UM, consistently rankedamong the top universities inthe world, offers foundationand diploma programmesdesigned to equip studentswith the knowledge and softskills needed to excel in competitive degree programmes.Whether you are interestedin foundation or diploma studies, this event gives you thechance to discover which routebest aligns with your strengths,interests and career aspirations.During the Open Day, youwill have the opportunity tomeet academic representativesfrom faculties, programmeadvisors and current studentvolunteers for direct consultation and hear about their experiences studying at UM.You can also receive personalised guidance on selectingthe right programmes, meetingadmission requirements andplanning your foundation ordiploma journey.You may explore the iconicDewan Tunku Canselor bydriving or strolling aroundand experience the vibrantcampus. Imagine yourselfstudying at a prestigious,globally recognised university,with complete facilities and adynamic academic communitythat fosters innovation, leadership and excellence.Come and meet UM’s education experts, explore foundation and diploma pathwaysand secure your place withdirect consultation.Take this rare opportunityto study locally at a globallyrecognised university, allowingyou to stay close to your familywhile pursuing a prestigiouseducation without needing togo overseas.n For more details, visitstudy.um.edu.my or [email protected] vibrantcampusenvironmentplays a crucialrole infosteringinnovation,leadershipand academicexcellence.

THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026 Education Guide 3Mastering skills in culinary artsCULINARY arts is the art ofpreparing, cooking, presentingand serving food in a moreprofessional manner. Those in thisfield are responsible for preparingdelicious food and creating edibleartwork.MSU College’s School ofHospitality, Education andBusiness Studies (SHB) offers aDiploma in Culinary Arts, enablingstudents to transform their loveand passion for cooking into professional skills that will lead theminto the rewarding and excitingworld of food preparation.The programme not onlyexposes students to a variety ofculinary arts disciplines, but alsoprovides a strong blend of culinaryknowledge, practical competency,industry know-how and management skills.This includes patisserie and localcuisine, visually appealing foodpresentation and essential cookingand food processing techniques.For entry requirement, studentsmust obtain a minimum of threecredits in any subjects in the SijilPelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or itsequivalent.Graduates of the diploma caneither enter the workforceimmediately or further studies atthe Management and ScienceUniversity (MSU) through theSchool of Hospitality and CreativeArts (SHCA).They may perform credit transfer into the second year of aBachelor’s degree in the same fieldor other related programmes.In line with MSU College’s aim toproduce balanced, holistic andwell-rounded graduates, variouscomponents are integrated intothe learning experience to furtherenhance students’ soft skills andensure they are job-market ready.With the knowledge and entrepreneurial exposure and soft skillsgained, graduates may pursuecareers in hotels, start their ownrestaurants or cafes, or operatecatering businesses.Apart from this programme,students may also choose otherprogrammes such as TourismManagement, Hotel Managementand Food Service and RestaurantManagement.MSU College is also an MSUAPEL Centre, allowing potentialcandidates to take the APELAptitude Test as a non-conventional pre-qualification for entry intohigher studies. MSU currentlyoffers APEL A and APEL C at T-3(certificate), T-4 (diploma), T-6(bachelor’s degree) and T-7(master’s degree) levels. n For more information on theprogrammes offered, call the college’s team at 03-5521 6787 oremail [email protected] orvisit www.msucollege.edu.myTurn yourpassionfor cookinginto aprofessionalcareer withMsuCollege’sdiploma inCulinaryarts.Shaping the future offood with innovationHAVE you ever wondered whocreates healthier snacks, ensuresthe safety of the food we eat ordevelops sustainable packaging toprotect our planet?Behind every safe, nutritiousand innovative food product is ateam of food scientists working toshape the future of what we eat.As global concerns about nutrition, food safety and sustainabilitycontinue to grow, the role of foodscientists has become increasinglyimportant.Recognising this growing need,IMU University has introduced theBachelor of Science (Honours) inFood Science Innovation, anundergraduate programmedesigned to prepare futureprofessionals to address challengesin modern food systems.Developed in close collaborationwith industry partners, the programme reflects the evolvingdemands of the global food industry and equips students with theknowledge and practical skillsneeded to create safe, nutritiousand sustainable food solutions.Under the tagline “RethinkHealth, Redefine Food”, theprogramme integrates foodscience with innovation, sustainability and consumer insights.Education meets industryA distinctive feature of theprogramme is its 2U1i (two yearsin university and one year inindustry) work-based learningmodel, which combines academicstudy with industry immersion.The first two years at the university will build a strong foundationin areas such as food science, foodprocessing technology, nutrition,consumer studies and regulatorystandards.In their final year, students willundertake a year-long placementin the food industry, allowing themto gain valuable real-world experience and professional exposure.This work-based learningapproach enables students toapply their knowledge in practicalsettings while buildingprofessional networks that cansupport future careers.The curriculum has also beendesigned with input from local andinternational industry partners toensure graduates are equippedwith relevant skills, aligned withcurrent industry needs.Students also participate inindustrial field trips, such as visitsto Nestlé Manufacturing (Malaysia)Sdn Bhd, where they observe thecompany’s sustainability practices,learn about eco-friendly production processes and understandhow major food manufacturersimplement environmentallyresponsible operations.Such experiences provideinvaluable insights into real-worldchallenges and solutions withinthe food industry.Preparing graduates for thefutureThe programme is guidedby IMU’s S.I.H.A.T. values –Sustainable, Innovative, Healthy,Affordable and Tasty – encouraging students to design food solutions that benefit both people andthe planet.Graduates will be well positionedto pursue careers across the foodand beverage industry, agri-foodsector, regulatory bodies andresearch organisations.Potential career pathwaysinclude food product development,food safety and compliance, sensory science, sustainability consulting and food entrepreneurship.At IMU, students can completethe entire programme locally ortransfer to the University of Leedsin the UK to complete their degree.This international partnershipreflects the strong alignmentbetween IMU’s innovative education and global academic standards, which provides students withvaluable international exposure.The Bachelor of Science(Honours) in Food ScienceInnovation offers two intakes eachyear: April and September.Students enrolling in the programme for the 2026 intakes areeligible for a RM15,000 GlobalLeadership Scholarship, with anadditional RM10,000 offered onlyto students joining the programmein April.The university also offers theIMU-Merit Scholarship and IMUNeed Scholarship to eligible students. All scholarships are awarded at the University’s discretion.Terms and conditions apply.Applications are now open forthis year’s April intake. Interestedstudents can apply online throughthe IMU’s website. n For details, visit www.imu.edu.my, email [email protected] orcall IMU at 03-2731 7272.students also participate in industrial field trips, such as visits to NestléManufacturing (Malaysia) sdn Bhd, where they observe the company’ssustainability practices and learn about eco-friendly production processes.

4 Education Guide THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026AT the Rookies World UniversityRankings, the nation’s leading art anddesign institution, The One Academyhas taken the global spotlight, once againputting Malaysia on the world map. Thisprestigious platform celebrates creativityacross fields such as games, animation,visual effects, immersive media, graphicdesign, motion graphics and architecturalvisualisation and is recognised as the ultimate benchmark for creative excellenceworldwide.The Rookies World University Rankingsis an annual ranking judged solely on howwell a school prepares its students to produce a world-class portfolio, with no influence from application numbers or advertising revenue.It serves as the definitive measure ofcreative excellence, recognising universities and colleges worldwide that consistently produce top-tier talent acrossdiverse creative disciplines.This year’s edition received 6,577 entriesfrom 486 schools across 104 countries,reviewed by 132 renowned creative professionals.In the 2025 Rookies World UniversityRankings, The One Academy achievedoutstanding placements across multiplecategories, outshining creative powerhouses from the United States, Spain andGermany.Placed prominently among the ‘TopGlobal Creative Schools’, it ranked No.1for Graphic Design, Immersive Media, aswell as Web and App Design; Top 2 forConcept Art; Top 3 for Product andIndustrial Design; Top 5 for MotionGraphics; Top 7 for 2D Animation and Top9 for Architectural Visualisation.To ensure the legitimacy of theseprestigious titles, the institution’s overallstanding is also determined by calculatingthe median student score.Top-ranked creative schoolBonus points are granted to studentsdesignated as finalists, highly commended,runners-up, or winners in each category.Students of The One Academy tookcentre stage with several individual awardwins for their incredible projects.The Rookie of the Year title for Web andApp Design was awarded to Tan Ning.Angelina Vivian Kay won the People’sChoice Award for Immersive Media,while Yap Li Wen and Gavin Gan Zi Yangearned Runner-Up titles in Web and AppDesign as well as in Immersive Media,respectively.“One key reminder from my lecturerwas to ‘do good projects’. This mindsetpushed me to focus on real problemsinstead of simply designing somethingthat looks nice, helping me better considerthe people I am designing for,” said TanNing, reflecting on her achievement.Meanwhile, in the Concept Art category,the Career Opportunities Award (sponsored by PlaySide Studios) went to TanMei Shan. This special award goes beyondcreative excellence, it recognises onetalented participant who can effectivelyposition themselves in a real-world careersetting. As part of the award, Mei Shanwill be given a four-week paid onsiteinternship with PlaySide Studios, anAustralian video game developer andpublisher.“This award has given me more confidence to keep creating. It feels like a signthat I’m on the right path and I hope tocarry this motivation forward,” Mei Shanshared.It takes confidence to submit students’creative artworks internationally to beevaluated. The One Academy’s achievements in the Rookies World UniversityRankings and its recognition as the topcreative education institution highlights itscommitment to student success.By taking part in competitions like this,it not only solidifies the college’s positionamong industry giants but gives their students the confidence and reassurance theydeserve for their exceptional skills.The One Academy is committed to providing the best art education programmesand continues to nurture its students passionately through its “Masters TrainMasters” coaching philosophy, which hasbeen practised for over 35 years.The institution offers diploma anddegree courses in Graphic Design:Advertising and Branding, DigitalAnimation, Digital Media Design, InteriorArchitecture and Design, Illustration, FineArts, as well as Paris Fashion Design andPattern Making.n For more information, visit www.toa.edu.my or call 03-7875 5510 or e-mail yourenquiries to [email protected] One academy was ranked the world’sNo.1 Creative school at the 2024 rookiesWorld university rankings.

THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026 Education Guide 5Rising through the ranksMANAGEMENT and ScienceUniversity (MSU) continues itsstrong performance in theQuacquarelli Symonds (QS)World University Rankings(WUR) by Subject 2026, maintaining a significant presence acrossmultiple academic disciplines.In this latest edition, MSU’ssubjects are ranked under fourmajor areas: Arts andHumanities, Social Sciences andManagement, Engineering andTechnology, and Life Sciencesand Medicine, reinforcing theuniversity’s academic strengthand employability-driven learning ecosystem.Five MSU subjects are featuredthis year, reflecting continuousgrowth in teaching quality,research excellence, and industryrelevance across its faculties.The broad area of SocialSciences and Management placesMSU within the World Top 325,highlighting its strong globalstanding.A notable achievement comesfrom Business and ManagementStudies, which climbs an impressive 89 positions to secure a placein the World Top 112.Meanwhile, Arts and Design isranked within the World Top201–300, and Computer Scienceand Information Systems rises by350 places to break into theWorld Top 351–400 band.Life Sciences and Medicinealso earns recognition within theWorld Top 701–850.Making its debut this year,Accounting and Finance entersthe rankings strongly in theWorld Top 251–300 band.Beyond subject rankings, MSUcontinues to excel across globalleague tables. In the QS WorldUniversity Rankings 2026, MSU ispositioned within the Top 597universities worldwide, strengthening its identity as a leadingcentre of higher learning.The university also retainsits place among the Top 50Universities Under 50, underscoring its impressive growth trajectory since its establishment.Regionally, MSU shines in theQS Asia University Rankings,where it is placed 125th in Asiaand 30th in South-East Asia,reflecting its significant contribution to regional academicadvancement and researchdevelopment.MSU’s dedication to producingindustry-ready graduates is further affirmed by its 301+ rankingin the QS Graduate EmployabilityRankings, demonstrating itseffectiveness in preparing students for global career success.MSU was also awarded withthe QS 5-Stars Overall on themetrics of Teaching; Facilities;Employability, Good Governance;Social Impact; AcademicDevelopment; GlobalEngagement; Hospitality andLeisure Management; andDiversity Equity and Inclusion.Supported by experienced academic staff and international visiting professors, MSU adopts aholistic educational frameworkthat integrates Technical andVocational Education andTraining (TVET) with academically rigorous programmes.Students engage in industryinternships, community projects,creative entrepreneurship, andglobal mobility experiences, cultivating the well-rounded qualitieshighly sought after by employers.Through collaborations withover 3,000 industry partners viathe University-Industry AdvisoryPanel (UIAP), MSU ensures itsprogrammes remain alignedwith current and emergingindustry needs.Complementing this, the university’s Graduate EmployabilitySkills (GEmS) and PersonalEnrichment Competencies (PEC)programmes help students buildstrong soft skills and workplacecompetencies.MSU also fosters global readiness through partnerships withmore than 500 institutions inover 40 countries, offering extensive opportunities for international study, cultural immersion,and overseas internships.The university’s diverse academic ecosystem spans multiplefaculties and schools, includingthe Faculty of Health and LifeSciences, Faculty of BusinessManagement and ProfessionalStudies, Faculty of InformationSciences and Engineering,International Medical School,School of Pharmacy, School ofDentistry, School of VeterinaryMedicine, School of Educationand Social Sciences, School ofHospitality and Creative Arts,School of Graduate Studies,Graduate School of Management,and Centre for FundamentalStudies.As an applied, enterprise-driven, holistic, and internationaluniversity, MSU offers a widerange of foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and flexiblelearning pathways.Msu made strong gains in the Qs subject rankings 2026.WhereservicemeetsleadershipHOSPITALITY is more than service; it is the art of making people feel welcomed, cared for, andremembered.At Tunku Abdul RahmanUniversity of Management andTechnology (TAR UMT), this craftis cultivated step by step – beginning at The Roots, a training restaurant run by Diploma in HotelManagement students, and progressing to The Place, whereBachelor in Hospitality Management students take the lead inmanaging full restaurant operations.These two learning environments represent more than justphysical spaces; they guide students from foundational practical skills to advanced managerialcompetencies.For Yip Hui Ciing, a Diploma inHotel Management student, thejourney began with a love forhands-on learning.“I chose TAR UMT because thelearning facilities are comprehensive. There is a well equippedtraining kitchen, the Fern House– a hotel setup for housekeepingtraining and The Roots restaurant. As I prefer learning bydoing, having access to theseworks well for me.”> TuRn To pAGE 6

6 Education Guide THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026> fRom pAGE 5At The Roots, Yip learned theessentials of hospitality operations: handling customers, maintaining cleanliness, working thecashier counter, and coordinatingservice flow all formed part ofher daily routine.The experience also gave her aclearer understanding of whatit’s really like to work in the hospitality industry.“I realised that serving peopleis not just about completingtasks. It’s about creating a goodexperience for them.“We have to think ahead andunderstand what they need. Atthe same time, we also need tocultivate a positive and resilientmindset as the challenges mayvary and will demand a lot ofpatience,” she highlighted.Chan Ruey Nie, a Bachelor inHospitality Management (Hons)student, said The Place represents the next stage, a transitionfrom “doing” to “leading”.Students no longer simplyexecute tasks; they also design,plan, and manage them.According to TAR UMTHospitality Management programme leader Dr MuhamadAizuddin Ibrahim, the progression from The Roots to The Placeis intentional and transformative.“At the diploma level, studentsbuild a strong foundation inoperational skills throughhands-on practice. They learndiscipline, service flow andcustomer interaction.“When they advance to theirdegree, the emphasis shiftstowards leadership, strategicthinking and management.”n To find out more, join TARUMT’s Open Day every weekendin April 2026, from 10am to 5pmor visit www.tarc.edu.myAlternatively. contact TARUMT’s Faculty of Social Scienceand Humanities (FSSH) at 011-1078 5990/011-1059 7135 or emailthem at [email protected] students areencouraged to apply online atwww.tarc.edu.my. Various financial aid are also available forqualified students.yip carefully plating a vegetableroulade during her culinarypractical session at The roots.Learning the essentials of hospitality operationsPreparing for an AI-driven futureARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) isno longer a concept confined toscience fiction. From personalised recommendations onstreaming platforms to medicaldiagnostics and smart city systems, AI is increasingly shapingindustries and transforming howpeople live and work.For students consideringAI-related fields, it is importantto recognise that AI is inherentlyinterdisciplinary.At Universiti Tunku AbdulRahman (UTAR), several programmes incorporate AI-relatedknowledge while equipping students with strong technical foundations.Students interested in AI andrelated technologies may exploreprogrammes offered by UTAR’sFaculty of Information andCommunication Technology(FICT).Among them is the Bachelor ofComputer Science (Hons), whichincludes an AI specialisation covering areas such as machinelearning and intelligent systems.UTAR also offers the Bachelor ofInformation Technology (Hons)in Industrial Intelligent Systems,which focuses on intelligenttechnologies and industrialdigitalisation, as well as theBachelor of Information Systems(Hons) in Digital EconomyTechnology, which examinesdigital technologies and their rolein the digital economy.Engineering programmesalso expose students to AIapplications. For instance, UTAR’sBachelor of TelecommunicationsEngineering with Hons introduces technologies associated withthe Fourth Industrial Revolution,including AI-enabled communication systems and emerging digital infrastructures.At UTAR, initiatives such as theAlibaba Cloud Academy SkillsCenter provide students withopportunities to gain hands-onexperience in cloud computingtechnologies closely linked to AIdevelopment.The centre offers trainingand facilities that allow studentsto explore advanced technologiesand obtain industry-recognisedcertifications during theirstudies.n Visit UTAR Open Day on April4 to 5 and 25 to 26, May 2 to 3, 16to 17 and May 23 and 24 (9am to4.30pm) at the Kampar andSungai Long campuses.For more information, go towww.utar.edu.my or call 05-4688888 (Kampar Campus), 03-90860288 (Sungai Long Campus).hands-onexperience andcollaborativelearning areessentialcomponents ofmastering complexdigital systems.

THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026 Education Guide 7Pick a university that proves its worthFOR school-leavers and theirfamilies, one question tends tocut through the noise of opendays and brochure promises inthe weeks following SPM results:Will this education programmelead to a good job?With the rising cost of tertiaryeducation and an increasinglycompetitive job market that’sevolving faster than ever thanksto advances in digitalisation andartificial intelligence, parentsand students alike are morediscerning when it comes totheir education programmeselection.They want to know not justwhat a university offers, butwhat it delivers, and they wantproof.This shift has placed graduateemployability firmly at thecentre of how universities areevaluated today.Accreditations, rankings andfacilities still matter, but familiesare increasingly asking a sharperquestion: does this institutionhave a verifiable track recordof producing graduates thatemployers actually want to hire?What families are looking forWhen weighing up a tertiaryinstitution, families considerseveral things: whether programmes are aligned with wherethe industry is headed; whetherstudents get meaningful realworld exposure through clinicalplacements, industry projectsand professional networks; andwhether qualifications carryweight beyond the local market.Most importantly – where are thealumni today?These are the concerns of ageneration that understands adegree is an investment, and thatthe return on that investment ismeasured in outcomes.Institutions that can answerthese questions with evidence,not just aspiration, are the onesearning genuine confidence.University of Cyberjaya (UoC) isone such institution.Employer validationTwo of UoC’s programmes –Animation and Physiotherapy –were each awarded theTalentbank 6-Star EmployerChoice in the TalentbankGraduate Employability Index2026, one of Malaysia’s most rigorous frameworks for measuringgraduate employability throughdirect employer validation.Both programmes placed within the Top 5 in their respectivecategories among private universities in Malaysia.What makes this particularlysignificant is the breadth ofdisciplines involved.Animation and Physiotherapysit at opposite ends of the academic spectrum – one rooted increative technology, the other inclinical healthcare.Both achieved top-tier employer validation in the same year,which signals something beyondindividual programme success; itpoints to an institutional culturewhere employability is a coreoutcome, not an afterthought.“When employers consistentlychoose our graduates acrossdifferent fields, it tells us thatwhat we are doing inside theclassroom is translating meaningfully outside of it,” says UoCIndustry and InternationalEngagement senior managerNalena Balachandran.“These recognitions reflect therelationships we have built withindustry partners over the years,and the deliberate way we havestructured our programmes tomeet their evolving needs.”Global benchmark forcreative educationComplementing this is UoC’srecognition in the QS WorldUniversity Rankings by Subject2026, for Art & Design (ranked101–150 band globally) – a meaningful achievement for a privateMalaysian university competingalongside established institutionsfrom across Asia, Europe andbeyond.For students consideringAnimation or design-related disciplines, it offers an important reassurance: UoC’s creative educationis not only producing locallyemployable graduates, it is beingmeasured against global peers.Choosing an outcomeFor students and their parentspondering the next step, the decision they face is more thancourse selection; it’s a choiceabout the kind of future beinginvested in. UoC’s graduates aresought after by employers, itsprogrammes are recognised globally, and its commitment to turning academic potential into professional preparedness is producing results that speak for themselves.n Find out more at UoC’s OpenDay on April 11 and 12, throughworkshops, hands-on experiences, education counselling andcampus tours.For details and to register, visitwww.cyberjaya.edu.myuniversity of Cyberjaya’s physiotherapy programme has been awarded a6-star Employer Choice rating in the Talentbank Graduate Employabilityindex 2026.university of Cyberjaya has embedded a deliberate approach to education across its programmes, ensuring that industry-integrated curricula expose students to current professionalpractices, not just theoretical frameworks.university of Cyberjaya’s Creative arts and design programmes have been recognised in the Qs Worlduniversity rankings by subject 2026, placing in the 101–150 band globally for art and design.

8 THE STAR, Thursday 2 april 2026