Malaysian Paperwww.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPYRM1FRIDAYAPR 17, 2026SCAN MENo. 9124 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) MOMENTOUS MEETING ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a press conference yesterday with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, with whom he discussed strengthening bilateral ties and navigating energy security issues amid tensions in West Asia. – BERNAMAPICMB unveils RM130m stimulus initiative for Selangor residents Report on—page 4Join WFH move, firms urged Report on hpage 2Private sector companies should consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees: MinisterPlan designed to cushion escalating living costs, boost food supply chains and counter inflation impact.MB unveils RM130Death penalty for fatal drink-driving cases unlikely: Lawyer‘Move unaligned with shift away from use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion.’Report on—page 59 773141 086004 eISSN 3141-0863PN leaders in no hurry to decide on status of splinter group Report on—page 3‘No urgency to decide if faction led by former Bersatu deputy president may maintain ties with coalition.’
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20262Over 12,000 cases of children without valid documents resolvedKUALA LUMPUR: The government, under the Mekar Didik initiative, has processed 12,101 cases of students without complete identification documents, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the initiative, a collaboration between the Home Ministry and Education Ministry, focuses on children lacking birth certificates, MyKad or MyKid, which are vital for access to education and basic services. “All cases have been decided. Some are confirmed as Malaysian citizens while others are not. For those who qualify, we issued the relevant documents in accordance with the law,” he said at a document handover Saifuddin said the Mekar Didik initiative focuses on children lacking birth certificates, MyKad or MyKid, which are vital for access to education and basic services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUNŰ BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [email protected] Correction theSun’s news article published on April 16 titled “Supply secure through June: Petronas”, inaccurately identified the Economy minister as Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The correct name is Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The oversight is regretted.Private sector urged to implement WFHPETALING JAYA: The private sector has been urged to follow the government’s lead in embracing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements as Malaysia expands flexible working policies amid rising cost pressures and global energy concerns. According to a news report, Human Resources Minister Datuk oCompanies should consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees: MinisterŰ BY KIRTINEE RAMESH [email protected] R. Ramanan has said private companies should seriously consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees. “This also saves the government on subsidies, which can be channelled to other deserving causes,” he said at a dialogue sessiontitled “Work, Wages and Future”. Ramanan suggested that private sector firms consider allowing employees to work from home up to three days a week, excluding Mondays and Fridays which he described as key working days. His remarks came as the federal public sector began implementing its nationwide WFH policy on April 15. Under the policy, federal civil servants in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and state capitals, who live more than 8km from their workplaces, are eligible to work from home. However, essential services remain excluded, including security and defence agencies, healthcare personnel and education officers involved in school operations. The arrangement revives and refines earlier remote working measures first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. According to government circulars, WFH schedules vary by state based on weekly rest days, with each department responsible for determining essential roles and assigning remote work arrangements according to operational needs. Employees are required to register their home address in the Human Resource Management Information System. To ensure accountability, officers working remotely are required to use the Spot-Me system, which records attendance through electronic check-ins and geolocation tracking. Staff are also expected to provide regular updates on their tasks throughout the day. Ramanan said many banking institutions and multinational companies have already adopted similar flexible work models even before government implementation. He expressed hope that more private sector employers would follow suit. Concerns over productivity under WFH arrangements have been addressed through monitoring systems used by the public sector. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar previously stressed that working from home does not mean reduced accountability. He urged civil servants to maintain or exceed performance expectations under the policy. He said WFH must be implemented in line with established rules and KPIs, adding that productivity must be maintained at office-level standards or higher.ceremony yesterday, during which 31 children received their papers. Saifuddin said causes for lack of documents include unregistered marriages, parental incarceration or detention at rehabilitation centres. “These factors contribute to children being left without proper documentation.” The initiative builds on the National Registration Department outreach programme Mekar but specifically targets school-age children. He said 496 cases have been resolved in Kuala Lumpur alone. “Many government assistance programmes today require a MyKad. If we do not resolve this issue early, they will continue to be left behind.” He urged parents to register births within the stipulated timeframe – 60 days in Peninsular Malaysia and 40 days in Sabah and Sarawak. “Even if this period lapses, late registration is still allowed but it becomes a more complex process.” Late birth registrations remain significant, with 13,474 cases in 2023, 12,363 in 2024 and 10,527 in 2025. As of March 31 this year, 1,970 cases were recorded. Delays also occur in MyKad issuance at age 12, with thousands of late registrations annually. Saifuddin said in cases of unregistered marriages, parents must formalise their union before children’s documentation could be processed. He emphasised that the programme is being expanded to rural areas to close registration gaps. “The ultimate goal is clear – no child in Malaysia should be left without documentation or access to schooling.”Nation to continue pursuing balanced foreign policy, says PMPUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will pursue a balanced foreign policy by engaging all major powers while prioritising national interests and regional stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Stressing the need for peace and uninterrupted global trade flows, he said Malaysia maintains constructive relations with all major powers, including the United States, Russia and Iran. He also conveyed concerns from countries in the Gulf and the broader Arab world amid the ongoing tensions. “We have been engaging with more countries. My priority, the mandate that I have, is to protect the interests of the people in this country,” he said at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for freedom of navigation along key maritime routes such as the Straits of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz, while acknowledging security concerns arising from ongoing conflicts. “You cannot ignore the fact that when a country has been attacked and there is no assurance of security, those concerns must be addressed. “While supporting the position of freedom of navigation, we also want clear guarantees from all countries, including major powers, to end animosity, attacks and even sanctions against others.” Anwar said Malaysia prioritises peace and stability of global trade routes. “So, we look at it in a more comprehensive manner but ultimately, we are for peace and the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to the international community.” Albanese described Australia as a trusted and reliable trading partner, emphasising that freedom of navigation remains a key principle underpinning international trade. Responding to questions on a fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, he said Australia has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to bolster supply amid concerns over potential shortages. “This is the first of many expected shipments secured under the government’s new strategic reserve powers with the support of Export Finance Australia.” Albanese expressed relief that no workers were harmed during what he described as “very distressing scenes”, adding that the blaze had been extinguished, Bernama reported. He also thanked Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority for their swift response. He added that while a full damage assessment is still underway, the additional supply, equivalent to more than 570,000 barrels, would be directed to areas of greatest need, particularly to support the agricultural sector. “It’s a practical outcome of the engagement and the interventions that my government has had to deal with.” Media reports earlier said a major fire broke out at Viva Energy’s oil refinery in Geelong, one of Australia’s last two operational refineries, due to equipment failure. The blaze was contained to a section known as the transfer area, with no injuries reported. The refinery processes about 120,000 barrels per day, accounting for 50% of Victoria’s fuel needs and 10% per cent of national supply.See alsopage 7
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20263Use of artificial intelligencesurges across M’sian workplacesPETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders are under no pressure to vote on the status of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s faction within the coalition, as the group currently lacks recognition as a formal political party, said former Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan. The Tasek Gelugor MP said PN’s framework is built on party-based representation, meaning that any bid for coalition membership must come through a registered entity rather than a collection of individuals. “An unlikely scenario would be a vote on individuals. There must first be a registered party to formally apply to join PN,“ he said in a WhatsApp exchange with theSun.His remarks came in response to statements by Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was quoted by a newsportal saying that senior figures from Bersatu, Pas, Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People Party would collectively decide through a vote whether Hamzah and his supporters could maintain ties with PN following his expulsion from Bersatu. Hamzah, who previously held the post of Bersatu deputy president, was removed from the party alongside several close allies, throwing their political standing and future coalition alignment into question. Wan Saiful emphasised that no formal announcement had been made and there was no need for urgency on his camp’s part. “At this point, there is nothing to rush. No formal announcement has KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian workplaces are using artificial intelligence (AI) for far more than simple queries or drafting emails. New findings presented by TrendAI show that businesses and organisations are deploying AI across a wide range of functions – including customer service, recruitment, design, writing support and everyday office tasks – signalling that the technology is fast becoming embedded in routine operations rather than remaining a novelty. TrendAI’s Malaysia data showed 22.8% of web traffic in the country was going to AI services, while 24.1% of devices were using them. Malaysia also recorded 77 different AI services, making it one of the more varied AI markets among the four countries compared at the TrendAI data and technology research leader Ryan Flores said some of the clearest examples seen in Malaysia were in customer support and hiring. “The use cases we are seeing in Malaysia, such as AirAsia’s customer support chatbot and locally developed AI tools for HR and talent management, are relatively well matched to the current capabilities and safety tolerances of large language models,” Flores said. Flores said this during the Readiness vs. Reality: Why AI Adoption is Outpacing Security media briefing at their Malaysia branch office. He said AI was already useful in areas where the job was focused and clearly defined. “Using AI to support chat services is already a fairly stable use case at this stage. “Having AI review resumes and match them against job descriptions is also one of the more acceptable applications for organisations right now.” The briefing also pointed to a government angle. Flores said Malaysia appeared to be the only Southeast Asian country in the comparison showing notable use of AI to help automate routine work in government offices, with UiPath ranking among the country’s top three AI services. That suggests AI in Malaysia is no longer confined to chatbots and writing tools, but is also being used to help handle documents and streamline office workflows. Still, Flores said companies should not rush into using AI for everything at once. “Companies need to take this step by step. The use case must match the actual capability of the system, rather than expecting the technology to do everything at once.” The same briefing also found that many Malaysian organisations were feeling pressure to approve AI use despite security concerns, underlining how quickly AI is moving from curiosity to everyday workplace tool even as safeguards continue to catch up. The briefing also found 75% of Malaysian IT decision-makers and 70% of business leaders felt pressured to approve AI despite security concerns, while only 29% of business decision-makers felt very or extremely confident about legal frameworks. Flores said firms should not wait for regulations alone, but create internal rules early as adoption is moving faster than oversight in many organisations.PUTRAJAYA: A total of 299 pieces of fake content related to the global energy crisis have been taken down by social media platform providers so far, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the number was out of 450 pieces of fake content identified by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to be taken down from Mar 29 to 7am yesterday morning. “The take down rate is 66%. The rest are still in the process of being taken down by the platforms involved because taking down content takes some time at the platform level,” he told reporters after attending the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here yesterday. Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Detailing the matter, Fahmi said 147 pieces of content related to the Strait of Hormuz had been requested to be taken down, with 122 of them taken down this morning. “The platform that spread the most false information was Facebook with 180 pieces of content involving various issues, while the second most was TikTok with 134 pieces of content.” Fahmi also said 57 investigation papers have been opened so far regarding the dissemination of false content related to the global energy crisis. – BernamaFake content on energy crisis removed, says FahmiŰ BY FAIZ RUZMAN [email protected] briefing. ChatGPT was the most-used service, with a traffic score of 143. It was followed by Lovart AI (90), UiPath (64), Canva (44), ChatGLM (31), Dify (30), Grammarly (22), Botsonic (19) and AirAsia AI together with Microsoft Power Platform/AI Builder (17 each). The figures suggest that many workplaces are using AI for several simple and familiar purposes. Tools like ChatGPT and ChatGLM point to use in writing, summarising, research and general office work. Lovart AI, Canva and Grammarly suggest AI is being used for designing visuals, preparing presentation materials and improving written content. UiPath and Botsonic, meanwhile, point to the growing use in customer service and administration office processes. ‘No urgency to act on ex-Bersatu deputy president faction’oFrom hiring to customer service, companies embed AI into daily operations, with data showing 22.8% of web traffic expanding beyond chat-based interactionŰ BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE [email protected]: The Higher Education Ministry will obtain further details from Universiti Malaya (UM) over a scene from a theatre performance at the university that was widely circulated on social media, said its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. “I too saw it on social media. I will get more information from UM,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the University of Cyberjaya Digital Library Upgrading Ceremony yesterday. A theatre performance staged at UM allegedly had a scene with indecent elements, drawing mixed reactions from the public. UM, in a statement, issued an apology for the oversight and said it would not compromise on any violation of programme guidelines or regulations. It also said investigation found that the scene was not part of the original script and this constituted a clear violation of the competition rules, which stated that each performance must be free from negative elements, provocation or any content that could affect religious values, morals, ethics, culture and the university’s good name. – BernamaMinistry seeks further details from UM over theatre scene Hamzah’s (in blue) removal from Bersatu has cast uncertainty over his political standing and that of his close allies, as well as their future coalition alignment. – THESUN FILEPIC been made and there is no urgency for us to make a decision.” He further noted that for Hamzah’s faction to be formally considered for PN membership, they would likely need to either establish a new political party or align themselves with an existing registered one before submitting any application. Wan Saiful maintained that PN remains focused on its wider political goals and is not under any obligation to act quickly on the matter. “The process must follow proper channels. There is no necessity for PN leadership to convene or vote on this issue.” Reports suggest Hamzah is currently exploring a takeover of an existing political party as he maps out his next steps following the split from Bersatu. The move is seen as a strategic approach to preserve organisational continuity for his faction and pave the way for a potential return to coalition politics. The identity of the said party has not yet been revealed.
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20264/theSunMediaFOLLOW ON YOUTUBE/Malaysian PaperKUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to continue the identification of green and open spaces in the capital city on a monthly basis to ensure more public spaces are protected for the use of the people. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the measure was implemented through a fast-track approach by the Special Task Force on the Declaration of Open and Green Spaces, which was established to expedite the process. “There are still many areas – now the Kuala Lumpur City Hall is working hard with the Lands and Mines director to increase the identification every month. This is our focus and priority. “This will continue every month with more areas being identified for gazetting from time to time,” she said at a press conference regarding the addition of gazetted green and open spaces in Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, Federal Territory Lands and Mines director Datin Rahilah Rahmat, Federal Territory Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. Yeoh also announced the gazetting of 45 more green and open spaces covering 27.76 ha or 277,663.90 square metres, bringing the total number of protected areas to 539 locations so far. “These areas are now secured as public property. Gazetting them means that the areas can no longer be arbitrarily converted for other purposes and will remain as public spaces for community, family and future generations.” Yeoh said the move is also part of a long-term strategy to make Kuala Lumpur a more sustainable and resilient city, including adapting to the sponge city concept to address flooding issues and the city’s rising temperatures. The sponge city concept utilises nature-based solutions – such as green roofs, permeable pavements and wetlands to absorb, store, purify and reuse rainwater, acting like a natural sponge. The approach mitigates urban flooding, reduces water pollution and recharges groundwater. Yeoh said the public can check the full list of gazetted areas at www.ptgwp.gov.my/portal. – Bernama‘Brooke-era law gives Sarawak Chinese legal native status’PETALING JAYA: A historian has lent academic weight to a proposal by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng to grant Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakian Chinese, arguing that the idea is not a novel political demand but one grounded in the territory’s own legal history. Dr Jason Ng Sze Chieh pointed to the Land Regulations Order No. VIII of 1920, enacted under Brooke rule, which defined a native as a natural-born subject of the Rajah. Crucially, he noted that the definition is framed around nationality and place of birth rather than racial identity. “A Chinese born in Sarawak was, by the plain reading of that Order, a native of Sarawak,“ he said, adding that the claim has “a documented legal foundation that was quietly dismantled and never formally repealed”. Ng argued that the shift away from this birth-based definition began in the early 1930s, when the legal framework began aligning nativity with race instead. That race-based definition was subsequently reinforced under British colonial rule and carried into Malaysia’s constitutional architecture when Sarawak joined the federation in 1963, finding expression in Article 161A. He said there was no explicit legislative act that formally stripped Sarawakian Chinese of native status, rather they were “redefined out of it” through successive legal reframings. He added that restoring that recognition would not mark a departure from Sarawak’s traditions but “in the most precise historical sense, a return to it”. A parallel argument was raised during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in February 2022 by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, who reportedly cited the same 1920 land law and said he could find no subsequent legislation that formally annulled the native status it conferred on locally born Chinese and Indians. Under current law, however, nativity in Sarawak remains tied to indigenous racial identity rather than birthplace, as reflected in Article 161A and Sarawak’s Interpretation Ordinance. That being said, constitutional amendments passed in December 2021 removed the enumerated list of indigenous races from Article 161A and restored to Sarawak the authority to define “native” through state law, potentially reopening the question. Ng raised the proposal on April 3, arguing that third-generation communities across Sarawak have made substantial economic contributions and the state, despite contributing thirdhighest to Malaysia’s GDP and covering a land mass comparable to Peninsular Malaysia, accounts for only around 6.7% of the national population. Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the matter carries constitutional weight and should be examined by the Council for Native Customs and Traditions. He said any outcome must safeguard the rights of indigenous communities while remaining consistent with state and federal constitutional requirements.S’gor rolls out RM130 million stimulus to ease cost of livingPETALING JAYA: The Selangor government has rolled out a RM130.42 million stimulus package under the first phase of its Resilience Strengthening Package (RSP), with a strong focus on easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting vulnerable groups. At the centre of the initiative is the Baucar Kita Selangor programme, which will provide RM100 monthly for six months to 50,000 recipients, involving a total allocation of RM30 million. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the scheme is aimed at shielding lower-income and at-risk households from financial hardship, particularly those facing loss of income or employment. He described the programme as a key safeguard to prevent households from slipping into hardcore poverty amid rising living costs and inflationary pressures. Beyond direct cash assistance, the package includes targeted measures to reduce daily expenses and strengthen economic resilience. This includes a RM30 monthly public transport subsidy for 50,000 residents over six months, applicable to travel on demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans, buses, and trains. The allocation for this component stands at RM5.4 million, up from an earlier RM5 million provision, bringing the combined public transport assistance to RM10.4 million. The measure also aims to shift residents toward greater reliance on public transport in the longer term. Additionally, families with schoolgoing children will benefit from a free breakfast programme to be rolled out across all 873 schools in Selangor through the state’s 12 local authorities, beginning August. The programme is structured so that one school per local authority receives the assistance each day, with the dual aim of easing parental expenses and ensuring students are adequately nourished. Acknowledging the strain on those in agriculture and fisheries, Amirudin said the state has set aside RM25 million to assist farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders and padi growers hit by rising diesel and input costs. The aid is intended to sustain food production capacity and protect the livelihoods of those in these sectors. He noted that the package is financed through state savings generated by austerity measures, including the cancellation of official Hari Raya celebrations and cuts to overseas expenditure. He framed the broader initiative as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to economic stability and inclusive welfare. “These initiatives are part of our continued efforts to strengthen resilience among the rakyat and ensure that no one is left behind during this challenging economic period.” Amirudin said the state is also investing in food security through the development of a Selangor Food Warehouse and continued funding for the Jelajah Ehsan Rahmah programme, which provides essential goods to lower-income households. He said the package was formulated following a review of the state budget and cost-saving measures and is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic resilience, manage inflationary pressures and ensure inclusive support for those most in need. Looking further ahead, Amirudin highlighted plans to expand solar energy systems with battery storage across government buildings and to commission waste-to-energy plants in Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas. He also noted that a 5.1MW mini hydrogen plant developed by Worldwide Holdings in Kerling, Hulu Selangor, can now power approximately 12,900 homes. The menteri besar added that the state is exploring nuclear energy development with international partners, including efforts to cultivate local expertise at the university level. He stressed the need to diversify Selangor’s energy mix, accelerating the adoption of solar, hydrogen and potentially biodiesel.Yeoh (fifth from right) said once green and open spaces are gazzeted, they are secured as public spaces and cannot be converted for other purposes. – BERNAMAPICGovt committed to identifying green areas in KL oMB says initiative aimed at shielding lower-income, at-risk groups from financial hardship and those facing loss of income, employmentŰ BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE [email protected] TOWN: The Penang Health Department has ordered the immediate closure of a cafeteria at a private hospital here after an inspection found the premises to be dirty, with the presence of cockroaches. Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the action was taken following a public complaint received last Monday over concerns of possible food contamination at the premises. “The health department conducted an immediate inspection upon receiving the complaint and found the cafeteria’s cleanliness to be unsatisfactory. “So the closure order and compound were issued on the same day in accordance with standard operating procedures on food safety,” he said. Gooi said the cafeteria operator had been instructed to carry out thorough cleaning before being allowed to resume operations and that regular monitoring would be conducted to ensure all food handlers complied with the prescribed hygiene standards for consumer safety. Earlier, images of a cafeteria at a private hospital, reportedly in a dirty condition, was widely circulated on social media, prompting public concern over the level of cleanliness at the premises, including those in healthcare facilities. – BernamaHospital cafe closed due to poor hygieneŰ BY T.C KHOR [email protected]
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20265Police bust migrant smuggling ringIPOH: Police have crippled a syndicate involved in smuggling undocumented Indonesian migrants, with 40 individuals detained in raids conducted from Jalan Besar Segari to Batu Hilal near Segari on April 4. Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman said the operation followed intelligence gathering and public tip-offs on suspicious movements in the area. “Those detained comprised 40 Indonesians and a local woman believed to have acted as a transporter, bringing in and moving undocumented migrants to designated locations. “The case is being investigated under Sections 26A and 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement. Hasbullah said police later intensified followup operations to curb migrant entry through illegal routes, particularly along coastal areas. In an operation at 2.30am on Wednesday, carried out with the Kampung Acheh Marine Police, 10 more Indonesians were detained in Kampung Sungai Lombong near Lekir for failing to produce valid identification documents. “On the same day, another seven Indonesians were detained at a separate location, bringing the total arrests in the follow-up operations to 17,” he said. – BernamaMan held over alleged puppy abuse SHAH ALAM: Police have arrested a local man suspected of animal cruelty after allegedly submerging a puppy in a water tank at Section 32.Shah Alam district police chief ACP Ramsay Embol said the suspect, believed to be in his 20s, was detained at a construction site at 3.40pm after police received a report from the public who had seen a video of the incident circulating on TikTok at 2.14am the same day. “During the arrest, three dogs were also seized from the suspect with the assistance of the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services for further action. “The case is being investigated under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 428 of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement. Ramsay said those with information can contact the investigating officer Insp Laymand Rayne at 014-6907071. It was not immediately known whether the puppy had died. Earlier, a 22-second video widely shared online showed a man behaving violently by submerging a puppy in a tank filled with water. – BernamaSenior citizen loses over RM1m in scam KUCHING: A 64-year-old man in Miri has lost more than RM1.17 million after falling victim to a scam conducted via social media platforms. Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the victim initially received a message on TikTok before continuing communication through WhatsApp. Initial investigations found that the suspect posed as a foreign national, using photos of other individuals and edited personal documents to gain the victim’s trust. “The suspect claimed to be managing an approved exploration project but said he was facing issues with his bank account being blocked or hacked. “He then requested financial assistance from the victim for down payments and project-related costs, promising to repay the money in US dollars,” he said in a statement. Mohd Farhan said the victim, swayed by the suspect’s assurances, made 59 transactions to nine different third-party bank accounts, amounting to RM1,173,700. – BernamaPerak records 4,800 scam cases involving RM124mIPOH: A total of 4,848 online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM124.99 million were recorded in Perak last year, with a worrying rise in cases among students, the State Assembly was told yesterday. State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said data from the police showed online scams affected individuals across all segments of society in 2025, regardless of age, occupation or background, including students, civil servants, retirees and private sector workers. “It was also found that male and female victims are almost evenly split. While senior citizens remain the most vulnerable group, recent trends indicate a growing number of cases involving students,” he said. He was replying to Wong May Ing (PH–Pantai Remis) on the state government’s short- and long-term strategies to address the increasingly serious issue of online fraud. Mohd Azlan said the most common scams include telecommunications fraud, such as fake calls and phishing, followed by non-existent investment schemes, e-commerce scams, love scams and increasingly sophisticated fraud involving artificial intelligence. He added that alongside initiatives by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Safe Internet Campaign has been implemented in 906 schools across Perak over the past year, involving both primary and secondary students. “For 2026, the programme will be expanded to village, mukim and district levels to ensure that internet safety awareness, including fraud prevention and digital crime, reaches all segments of society in a more accessible and effective manner.” On long-term measures, Mohd Azlan said the government is focusing on strengthening digital literacy, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics for early detection, and enhancing legal frameworks to enable stricter action against scam syndicates and mule account holders. He added that efforts are also being intensified to strengthen the country’s financial security ecosystem through cross-agency collaboration, while targeted prevention programmes are being developed to better protect high-risk groups such as senior citizens, pensioners and students. “Emphasis is placed on digital literacy education, the use of AI technology and data analysis for early detection, as well as strengthening laws, including strict action against syndicates and mule account holders. “The financial security ecosystem is also strengthened through cooperation between relevant agencies.” – Bernama‘Death penalty unlikely for fatal drink-driving cases’PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s legal constraints in classifying fatal drinkdriving offences make the death penalty an unlikely option in such cases, said former Selangor Bar president Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo (pic).She said the country’s recent legal direction has moved towards limiting the use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion. This makes any move to extend the death penalty to fatal driving under the influence cases difficult both in principle and in law. “The Abolition of Mandatory Death Kokila said drink-driving-related deaths generally arise from recklessness or negligence rather than a clear intention to kill. – BERNAMAPICoLegal framework, lack of intent and recent reforms make capital punishment difficult to apply, says former S’gor Bar presidentŰ BY FAIZ RUZMAN [email protected] Act 2023 reflects a significant shift towards limiting the use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion to consider mitigating and aggravating factors. “From a human rights perspective, there is also no clear evidence that the death penalty serves as an effective deterrent, and the justice system should focus more on rehabilitation where it is appropriate. “This shows that the principle of proportionality remains relevant, where the punishment must correspond to the harm caused and the offender’s level of culpability,” she told theSun. Kokila said the position is reinforced by the statutory framework as drink-driving causing death is dealt with under the Road Transport Act 1987 rather than as a capital offence. She added that Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution protects the right to life and personal liberty although the protection is not absolute, where punishment is expressly provided by law. This means Parliament would first have to classify fatal drink-driving as an offence punishable by death before the courts could impose capital punishment, which current laws do not provide for. She said the biggest legal obstacle remains the issue of intent as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code requires proof of mens rea (criminal intent). She highlighted that drink-driving-related deaths generally arise from recklessness or negligence rather than a clear intention to kill. “In our opinion, intoxication is usually not enough because the prosecution has to prove that the accused has the intention to kill or knew it was virtually certain that his or her act can cause death. “This is hard to prove because generally, the person under the influence of alcohol is not aware of their conduct, which clearly shows no intention to kill,” she said. Kokila added that a more practical reform would be to strengthen compensation for victims’ families within criminal proceedings. She noted that Section 426(1A) of the Criminal Procedure Code allows the court to order compensation to a victim, while Section 426(1B) allows payment to a representative where the victim is deceased. Strengthening this route would be more workable than requiring families to pursue separate civil action.
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20266Food trader beats odds to rake in RM150,000 monthlyKUANTAN: Starting modestly with a roadside business under a canopy, a local entrepreneur is now recording monthly sales of up to RM150,000. For Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran Enterprise owner Muhammad Hafizudin Muhammad Sarudin, 36, the success did not come easily, but was the result of a 15-year journey filled with challenges and sacrifices. The business, which he runs with his wife, was also selected for the Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme organised by Tourism Pahang, and has become a must-visit eateries for tourists Muhammad Hafizudin started the business with a bank loan of RM5,000 and operated under a canopy by the roadside. – PIC COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD HAFIZUDIN FACEBOOK PAGE oGrilled cuttlefish eatery recognised under Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme, named must-visit culinary spot for tourists Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrates Songkran BANGKOK: The Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrated Songkran with Malaysian and Thai staff as well as their family members, reflecting close-knit ties within the diplomatic community. Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the celebration provided an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and foster greater cultural understanding among staff in an informal setting. “This meaningful occasion is not only a time of joy and festivity but also one of reflection, renewal and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, our gracious host country.” He said Songkran, which symbolises renewal, gratitude and togetherness, is deeply rooted in Thai culture and serves as a meaningful occasion to appreciate local traditions. “It brings us together as one community, strengthens our bonds and promotes mutual respect and understanding among all members of the embassy.” Wan Zaidi said the embassy employs about 45 Thai staff who assist in its daily operations. The celebration featured a simple yet meaningful programme, including the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony in which staff and family members poured scented water over the hands of senior colleagues as a gesture of respect and to seek blessings for the new year. The event also included a symbolic water-splashing activity involving the children of staff members. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year observed from April 13 to 15, is marked by family reunions, the paying of respect to elders and ancestors as well as the cleansing of Buddha images. The Unesco-recognised festival is also a key highlight of Thailand’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to take part in the vibrant Songkran celebrations. – Bernamaheading to Maran. Muhammad Hafizudin revealed that in the early stages, he faced difficulties obtaining loans from financial institutions to start the business, and Agrobank was the first to place trust in him by extending a loan of RM5,000. “From that small amount, I built the business gradually. Today, the total financing is nearly RM150,000. If not for Agrobank I might not be where I am today,” he said after the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme Excellence Aspiration ceremony recently. Muhammad Hafizudin was selected as a recipient of the job creation category award. The father of three said his eatery now provides employment to about 15 permanent workers and between 20 and 25 part-time workers. Recounting the difficult times, he said the Covid-19 pandemic and floods were the biggest tests he faced, when he suffered losses of nearly RM300,000, forcing him to sell his food truck, Bernama reported. “At the time, I truly lost everything. I had to sell my first food truck and start again from scratch by operating under a canopy. During that challenging period, Agrobank once again stepped in to help with additional financing of RM20,000, along with moral support and guidance programmes.” On future plans, Muhammad Hafizudin said he hopes to expand the Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran brand to the Kuala Lumpur market within the next two years. Agrobank president and group CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the implementation of the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme in Pahang involved 23 local entrepreneurs. He said 19 companies had successfully recorded increased sales, with total cumulative sales for 2025 exceeding RM10 million, while seven companies secured additional financing amounting to RM434,000. “In terms of capacity development, six companies have expanded their business operations through the addition of new assets. In line with this progress, the companies involved have also made strategic investments in assets and modern technology to enhance operational efficiency.”
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20267Jakarta to tighten vape regulations in JulyJAKARTA: Indonesia will roll out stricter regulations on electronic cigarettes, or vapes, from July, aimed at boosting public health protection. Health Ministry Public Communication and Service Bureau head Aji Muhawarman said the measures, introduced under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, will align e-cigarette oversight with conventional tobacco products. “The regulation of e-cigarettes includes age restrictions, advertising controls, as well as product content standards,” he said, according to Antara News Agency yesterday. Aji said the regulation prohibits the use of e-cigarettes by individuals aged under 21 and restricts advertising, including on social media platforms. In addition, he said vape products must comply with maximum nicotine content standards and are not allowed to contain additives with adverse health effects. The regulation also mandates pictorial health warnings and prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas, he said. He said the ministry is preparing derivative regulations, including ministerial regulations and decrees, to serve as guidelines for implementation ahead of the rollout. In a separate development, Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has issued a new regulation detailing the procedures of carbon trading using emission offsets generated by the forestry sector, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The regulation is aimed at improving the credibility and governance of carbon trading in the forestry sector and refining the way the “carbon economy” is deployed, the ministry said. The regulation calls on the government to introduce a carbon trading road map, which includes targets to set aside at least 48.7 million hectares of forest for emission offsets and at least 3.5 million hectares of degraded land for carbon sequestration, the regulation document showed. The regulation also expands carbon market participants beyond companies to include indigenous communities, community-based organisations and carbon ecosystem service managers, among others. – ReutersNepal to probe assets of politiciansKATHMANDU: Nepal’s government, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, has set up a panel to investigate the property and assets of past and present politicians and officials, a move aimed at controlling corruption in the Himalayan nation. Shah, 35, became prime minister after the March 5 parliamentary election. In his three-year stint as mayor of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, Shah gained popularity for his fight against corruption and reformist credentials. The five-member panel would be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, said Cabinet spokesperson Sasmit Pokhrel. “An impartial investigation will be carried out on the basis of evidence based on legal standards. Its report and recommendations will be implemented by concerned agencies of the government,“ Pokhrel said after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, without mentioning the time frame given to the panel. The probe is expected to cover hundreds of politicians and officials who held public offices after the popular movement that led to the abolition of the 239-year-old monarchy in 2008, analysts said. – ReutersIndonesia suspends students over lewd chatJAKARTA: A leading Indonesian university suspended 16 law students yesterday after a sexually explicit group chat about their female peers was widely spread, sparking a debate on gender violence in the Muslim-majority country. Screenshots of a conversation between 16 male students at the University of Indonesia were posted on social media this week, eliciting shock and anger from female peers and a wider societal discussion. The university said yesterday it has suspended the men for two weeks pending an investigation. “This step was taken as part of the university’s commitment to maintaining a conducive academic environment,“ said spokesperson Erwin Agustian Panigoro. The men are accused of making vulgar and explicit sexual jokes about female peers and lecturers. One message read “silence means consent”, suggesting that women who do not verbally refuse a sexual advance are implicitly agreeing to sex. Days later, a group of women students at the university berated the men in a public forum. A video of the confrontation, in which the accused men stare at their feet as they are chewed out by women who said they were made to feel unsafe, was also widely spread. The university student body is demanding the men be brought before an ethics board and given strict sanctions. The incident has triggered a public debate about verbal sexual abuse and harassment, often brushed off as inconsequential in conservative Indonesia. More than a quarter of women in Indonesia reported having experienced gender-based violence, said the latest United Nations Development Programme survey. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network said it has recorded more than 200 cases of violence in education institutions in the past three months countrywide, nearly half involving sexual abuse. The NGO is demanding the government declare a state of emergency on violence in education and make it a national priority. The country passed a law on sexual violence in 2022 criminalising harassment, including online. In another development, Indonesia’s Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted yesterday morning, sending volcanic ash 1.6km into the sky, while Mount Semeru in East Java recorded multiple eruptions on the same day, signalling heightened volcanic activity across the archipelago. Mount Marapi erupted at 8.43am local time, sending a column of grey ash drifting towards the northeast, while authorities confirmed multiple eruptions at Mount Semeru earlier in the day. “The ash column was grey with moderate intensity,” said Marapi Volcano Observation Post officer Ilhamdi Saputra. Mount Marapi, which rises 2,891m above sea level and is located on the border of Agam and Tanah Datar regencies in West Sumatra, was at Alert Level II. Mount Semeru, the highest volcano on Java island at 3,676m, erupted at least five times between 5.11am and 7.32am local time. Semeru Observation Post officer Liswanto said the strongest eruption at 6.21am produced an ash column reaching 1,200m above the summit, with ash clouds drifting to the northeast. Subsequent eruptions sent ash columns ranging between 500m and 1,100m in height, with plumes moving in various directions, including northeast and north. Mount Semeru was at Alert Level III. – AFPDAINTY DRESSES ... Students wear festive clothing as they participate in a parade celebrating the Khmer New Year, known as Nokor Sankranta, in Phnom Penh on Wednesday. – AFPPICFire at Australia refinery heightens fuel supply fearsGEELONG: Columns of fire engulfed a crucial Australian oil refinery after a chain of explosions, authorities said yesterday as they warned of disruptions to domestic fuel supply. Flames as tall as 60m erupted on Wednesday after a gas leak caught fire at the Viva fuel plant in Victoria state, one of two working oil refineries in Australia, firefighters said. The refinery, about an hour’s drive southwest of state capital Melbourne, pumps out about 10% of Australia’s fuel, according to energy company Viva. oCitizens urged to ignore impulse to rush out and panic buy more oilFire Rescue Victoria yesterday said the blaze has been contained, but it could smoulder throughout the day. “The major impact at this point appears to be on petrol production,” said Energy Minister Chris Bowen. “It is not great. It is not great timing, is it?” he told national broadcaster ABC, as the nation’s fuel supplies are under pressure due to war in the Mideast. The refinery is capable of processing up to 120,000 barrels of oil each day, company figures stated. Analysts said, together with the Ampol refinery in Brisbane, it produces between 10% and 20% of Australia’s total fuel supply. The fire ripped through a section of the refinery responsible for the production of high-octane petrol, added Bowen. By triggering isolation valves, other parts of the plant producing jet fuel and diesel had been spared the worst of the blaze. Geographically isolated and with only two oil refineries, Australia is heavily exposed to disruptions in global fuel supply and imports most of its petrol. Bowen urged Australians to ignore the impulse to rush out and panic buy more fuel. “It is important that people buy as much fuel as they need. But no more, no less.” A “significant leak” of highly flammable gases and liquid hydrocarbons triggered the fire, said Incident controller Mark McGuinness.“It was quite ferocious. It went from a small fire through several explosions to a large, intense fire,” he told reporters. Images taken yesterday showed thick clouds of smoke billowing over the industrial complex. Viva Energy boss Scott Wyatt said it was a “very challenging incident”. “Production is not our primary priority today. It is getting the site safe.” Australia holds roughly 38 days’ worth of petrol in reserve, according to government figures, far below the 90-day minimum advocated by the International Energy Agency. While the government has resisted moves to ration fuel, it has urged drivers to conserve petrol where they can and use public transport if possible. Like most nations in Asia and the South Pacific, Australia is heavily reliant on oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which at one point carried one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Shipping traffic through the vital waterway has essentially ceased since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb 28. – AFP
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20268 READ OUR HERE/thesun Malaysian PaperTurkiye arrests 160 netizens after school shootingsKAHRAMANMARAS: Turkish authorities have detained more than 160 people on charges ranging from spreading misleading information to praising two school shootings this week online, said Justice Minister Akin Gurlek yesterday. He said 95 people have been taken into custody, 35 suspects are being sought, and access to 1,104 social media accounts have been blocked. He also said investigators have identified accounts that targeted schools and suggested potential attacks, adding that 67 users linked to such posts directed at 54 schools have been detained. A 14-year-old armed with five guns opened fire at a Turkish school on Wednesday, killing nine people, wounding 13 and sparking scenes of mayhem as students jumped out of windows to escape. Dozens of teacher unions members rallying outside the Education Ministry in the capital Ankara on Wednesday, carrying banners that said: “We will not surrender our schools to violence.” – AFPPICoSocial media accounts suggesting attacks identified, 67 users linked to such posts directed at 54 schools detained: MinisterTwo held over London synagogue arson attemptLONDON: Police in London arrested two individuals on Wednesday over an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in the north of the city, amid an upsurge in antisemitic incidents in Britain. The 47-year-old woman and 46-year-old man were detained in Watford, north of the capital, and are being held in custody, police said. An Islamist group with possible links to Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist activity. The attack shortly after midnight on Wednesday comes after an arson attack on ambulances run by a Jewish charity in London last month and a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester in October 2025. The latest incident, which police said is being treated as an “antisemitic hate crime”, is being investigated with support from counter-terrorism detectives. “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature,“ said detective chief superintendent Luke Williams. Describing the attack in an earlier statement, police said two individuals wearing dark clothing and balaclavas approached the synagogue in Finchley and “threw two bottles suspected to contain petrol”, which did not ignite, the Metropolitan Police Force said. Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack, SITE Intelligence Group reported. The Islamist group previously claimed similar attacks in Belgium, Britain and the Netherlands. Monitoring groups have reported an upsurge in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Britain, particularly since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 instances of anti-Jewish hate across the United Kingdom last year, a 4% rise from 2024, but down from 2023. Two men and a boy have been charged over the ambulance attack on March 23, in which four ambulances run by volunteer organisation Hatzola were destroyed. Hatzola provides free medical transport and emergency response to those living in north London. On Oct 2, 2025, during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, the attack on the synagogue in Manchester killed two people and seriously injured three, prompting increased anxiety among Jewish communities. In February, a court jailed two men for life after police foiled a separate plot to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a Jewish gathering in Manchester. Two Iranians also appeared in court in London in March, accused of spying on the Jewish community in London on behalf of Tehran. – AFPThree dead in drug boat strike by USWASHINGTON: The US military said on Wednesday it struck a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three individuals, in the Trump administration’s latest strikes that have been condemned by human rights advocates. The US Southern Command alleges that the vessel was operated by “designated terrorist organisations” that it did not identify. It added that no US military forces were harmed. It described those killed as “male narco-terrorists“, without offering details. “Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,“ the US Southern Command said. The strike comes a day after the US military said another of its strikes in the Eastern Pacific killed four people while a separate strike on Monday in the region killed two. President Donald Trump’s administration has been striking vessels that it accuses of transporting narcotics. The US military’s strikes on such vessels have killed more than 170 people since September. Experts and human rights advocates, both in the United States and globally, have questioned the legality of the strikes. – ReutersDominican Republic floods displace 30,000SANTO DOMINGO: Heavy rains and flooding in the Dominican Republic have killed seven people and displaced more than 30,000 since last week, officials told AFP on Wednesday. Powerful storms that began on April 7 have continued dumping rain on the Caribbean nation, where authorities are staying vigilant. “Five bodies have been recovered,“ Civil Defence director Juan Salas told AFP, adding to two deaths last week. Emergency officials said at least 30,500 people have been displaced and forced out of their homes, and at least 6,500 homes have been damaged and dozens of communities have been cut off. Rains are battering the entire island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, where at least 12 people have died since Saturday, according to officials there. – AFPThe attack in the southern province of Kahramanmaras was Turkiye’s second such incident in as many days, shocking a country where school shootings are rare. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed nine deaths, with 13 wounded and six in intensive care, three of them in a critical condition. “A student came to school with guns that we believe belonged to his father in his backpack. He entered two classrooms and opened fire randomly, causing injuries and deaths,” Kahramanmaras Governor Mukerrem Unluer told reporters. He said the attacker was the son of a former police officer, armed with five guns and seven magazines, adding that he died during the incident. “He shot himself. It is not yet clear whether this was suicide or happened amid the chaos.” Police detained the shooter’s father Ugur Mersinli and his mother, the official Anadolu news agency reported. Police said the teenager had referenced US mass killer Elliot Rodger in a photo on his WhatsApp profile. Rodger, a 22-year-old American, murdered six people and then killed himself in California in 2014, and had professed frustration over his virginity and women rejecting him. Footage released by Turkiye’s private news agency DHA showed a victim in a body bag, as well as parents of students rushing to the scene, some in tears. The Interior and Education ministers travelled to the city while Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said prosecutors have launched an investigation into the shooting. “My child witnessed the scene and said: ‘Dad, my friend got hurt.’ He did not see the other children. There was a lot of blood inside. Thank God, I managed to get my child out of there,” said Omer Erdag. “How am I going to bring my kids to this school again?” “My God, help us. It is terrible,” said local resident Zuleyha Bosca. “Do these violent video games cause psychological problems in children? What exactly is the issue? We do not know.” Dozens of teacher unions members rallied outside the Education Ministry in the capital Ankara on Wednesday, carrying banners that said: “We will not surrender our schools to violence.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “In this tragic attack, we unfortunately lost our bright young children and a devoted educator.” He said the incident would be “clarified in all its aspects”, adding that the pain from this attack should “not be politicised”. The shooting comes a day after an ex-student opened fire with a shotgun at his former high school in Siverek district of Sanliurfa province, in the southeast of the country. That gunman wounded 16 people before killing himself in a showdown with police. Ten students were among the injured. Police detained one suspect after Tuesday’s attack and suspended four officials from duty. The school was ordered closed for four days. Main opposition CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called for broader security measures. “It is evident that violence in schools can no longer be explained by isolated incidents. This issue has turned into a growing and deepening security vulnerability.” Measures such as ensuring full control at school entrances and exits, increasing the number of security personnel, strengthening camera systems, intensifying police patrols around schools and keeping emergency crisis plans ready are now essential, he added. “The security of schools is entrusted to our state. No negligence or deficiency in this regard can be excused anymore.” In May 2024, a former student killed a private high school principal in Istanbul with a firearm five months after he was expelled. – AFP
FRIDAY | APR 17, 20269Trump imposes new sanctionson Iranian oil networkKYIV: Overnight strikes have killed five people, including a boy in Ukraine and two children in Russia, officials from both countries said yesterday. Moscow has fired hundreds of drones on its neighbour almost nightly since the beginning of the four-year war, with Kyiv regularly carrying out strikes within Russia in response to its attacks. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said: “As a result of the enemy attack on the capital, two people died, namely a 12-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman.“ Another individual was killed in Ukraine’s central city of Dnipro, said regional administration head Oleksandr Ganzha. Around 10 people were wounded in the attack, with a 40-year-old woman hospitalised in “serious condition”, he said. It was not immediately clear if the hospitalised woman was the person reported dead. On the Russian side, two children were killed in the southern Krasnodar Krai region, its governor Veniamin Kondratyev said yesterday. “A terrorist drone attack on residential buildings in Tuapse has claimed the lives of two minors aged five and 14.“ Russia’s attack on Ukraine triggered a missile alert in the capital Kyiv, where its military administration head Tymur Tkachenko told residents to shelter until the warning was lifted. In Kyiv, rescuers pulled a child from the rubble of a residential building that collapsed in the Podilsky district, said Klitschko. The attack on the capital wounded at least 10 people, including several medics, he said. A blaze broke out at a building in the capital’s Obolonsky district, where missile debris fell and cars were on fire, he added. A drone strike on Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv also wounded a 77-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man, said regional military administration head Oleg Synegubov. Five people were wounded in an attack in the southern port city of Odesa, said the city’s military administration head Sergiy Lysak. – AFPUS President Donald Trump said on Tuesday fresh US-Iran talks “could be happening over next two days” in Pakistan. He also said earlier on Wednesday the US-Israeli war with Iran is “very close to being over”, without providing a clear timeline. In a separate matter, Iran arrested four suspected Israeli spies, state media reported yesterday. “The four agents linked to the Mossad were apprehended in Gilan governorate” in northern Iran, news agency IRNA said, citing a statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The Mossad is Israel’s foreign intelligence agency. “The arrestees had provided Mossad intelligence officers with images and locations of some sensitive and critical military and security sites via the internet.” The suspects have been handed to judicial authorities, the report added. – Bernama-AnadoluRussia, Ukraine exchange strikes, five killedA rescuer examining the site of apartment buildings damaged by a Russian missile and drone strike in Dnipro, Ukraine yesterday. – REUTERSPICWASHINGTON: The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil smuggling and financing networks, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Wednesday, Anadolu Ajansi reported. The Treasury Department said it has sanctioned more than two dozen individuals, companies and vessels connected to the network, as well as an alleged financier involved in exchanging Iranian oil for Venezuelan gold to benefit Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The State Department said in a separate statement the action aims to “decisively limit Iran’s ability to generate revenue” as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains highly disrupted. “The Treasury Department is moving aggressively with economic fury by targeting regime elites, such as the Shamkhani family that attempt to profit at the expense of the Iranian people,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “Financial institutions should be on notice that the department will leverage all tools and authorities, including secondary sanctions, against those that continue to support Tehran’s terrorist activities.” Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted amid the US-Israeli war against Iran since Feb 28 and a US naval blockade announced on Monday, after Washington said weekend talks had failed to yield a deal. The United States and Iran have been holding negotiations to extend a two-week ceasefire announced last week, which is set to expire on April 22. About 20% of global oil supply passes through the strait daily and heightened insecurity has driven up oil prices as well as shipping and insurance costs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday an extension of the current US ceasefire with Iran is “not true at this moment”. Leavitt said the Trump administration is optimistic that the continued negotiations could yield a deal to end the weeks-long war. “We feel good about the prospects of a deal.” Leavitt also did not confirm when talks with Iran would resume, but said if there were talks, they would continue to be held in Pakistan following stalled talks in Islamabad over the weekend. DAMASCUS: More than 277,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since early March amid escalating regional tensions and cross-border violence, straining already limited resources in the conflict-affected country, the United Nations (UN) refugee agency said on Wednesday, reported Xinhua. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, around 277,000 people entered Syria between March 2 and April 12. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic expressed concern over the impact on stability and human rights in the country, adding that many arrivals have been traumatised by years of war in Syria and recent shelling in Lebanon. The commission said it is continuing to investigate alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and will report its findings in due course. – Bernama-Xinhua Over 277,000 flee Lebanon to Syria: UNTEHRAN: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has sent 171 tonnes of relief goods to the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) involving a shipment of five truckloads, Mehr News Agency reported. According to ICRC in Tehran, the shipment was the first batch of ICRC assistance to Iran since the onset of US-Israeli aggression and also one of the first cross-border humanitarian shipments to the country in the past six weeks. In total, 14 trucks were despatched from the ICRC warehouse in Jordan, containing essential household items to meet the needs of nearly 25,000 people. The supplies include blankets, water containers, cooking utensils, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, solar lamps, buckets and mattresses. The first delivery of the assistance consisted of five truckloads handed to IRCS for distribution. The remaining nine truckloads will be delivered to IRCS by the end of the week. Additionally, 200 electricity generators and 100 water pumps, purchased from the local market in Iran, have been donated to IRCS. The committee is also preparing to send more medical supplies and other vital assistance, which it hopes will be delivered in the coming weeks as it scales up its support for IRCS humanitarian response. “At a time when humanitarian needs remain high across the country, we hope this shipment will bring some relief to communities enduring the devastating impact of the conflict,” said ICRC Iran delegation head Vincent Cassard. “We aim to expand our support in the coming weeks and continue backing the humanitarian efforts of IRCS. “Their response has been extraordinary, particularly given the challenging conditions in which they are operating.” – Bernama-MNARelief goods reach TehranoAction aims to decisively limit Tehran ability to generate revenue: State DeptISTANBUL: Senior Pentagon officials have held talks with top executives at major US automakers about converting their manufacturing lines to produce weapons and military supplies, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Officials asked whether the automakers could rapidly shift factory capacity towards tactical hardware, counter-drone technology and missiles to supplement traditional defence contractors. They also asked executives to identify barriers to taking on defence work, from contracting requirements to bidding process hurdles. Officials framed the expansion of domestic weapons production as a national security imperative. The talks took place amid reports that US military stockpiles were dwindling. Separately, the Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a funding request of more than US$200 billion (RM790 billion) to present to Congress to sustain the war in Iran, the Washington Post said.The request aims to ramp up the production of weapons used during the Iran war, three people familiar with the matter said.Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed reports of munitions shortages, claiming that the United States has a “nearly unlimited stockpile” of precision bombs. – Bernama-XinhuaUS to use car factories to produce weapons, military supplies
FRIDAY | APR 17, 202610True value of quality time with familyQ: Do you have any suggestions for affordable activities families can enjoy together during the school holidays? We don’t have a large budget but we would love to make the most of the time off to strengthen our relationships and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. What would you recommend? Focus on the Family Malaysia: “Holiday” does not have to mean a theme park visit or an overseas trip to somewhere like Japan. Such options are not feasible for every family, especially those with young children. Fortunately, there are many other ways to make the most of a week off from school. The main purpose of a holiday is to take a break from the usual routine for students and teachers. That does not mean filling every day with activities – doing so can be counterproductive. Sometimes the best holiday is one that allows everyone to slow down, relax and spend meaningful time together as a family. Here are a few ideas: 0 Plan a couple of stay-at-home movie nights or treat yourselves to a trip to the cinema. 0 Explore affordable local attractions such as Petrosains, museums or art galleries. 0 Weather permitting, spend time outdoors –have a picnic, play catch or football in the park, go for a leisurely drive or try a simple hike. 0 Make space to laugh, talk and dream together. Often, the most memorable family moments happen unexpectedly. So try to keep your schedule flexible, stay open and leave room to simply sit and listen to your children. Ask them what they would enjoy and how they would like to spend their time away from school – you may be pleasantly surprised by their answers. Q: Is it normal to sometimes wish you weren’t married to your spouse? We still care about each other but years of hardship and disappointment have taken a toll, overshadowing the hopes and dreams we once shared. Focus on the Family Malaysia: “Normal” is a relative concept – there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. While some relationships are especially troubled or dysfunctional than others, a degree of dissatisfaction or disillusionment is a common part of many marriages. This often reflects what might be called the “expectation gap”. Many couples begin marriage with visions of lasting happiness, shaped by hopes, assumptions and plans – both spoken and unspoken – formed during courtship. Not long after the honeymoon, however, those ideals can run into reality. One spouse may lose a job, another may be diagnosed with a chronic illness and habits that once seemed charming can start to grate. Tensions with in-laws may surface, a baby may arrive and financial pressures can build. As reality sets in, the dream can begin to fade. Strong marriages are shaped through everyday experiences. If you and your spouse can examine your expectations honestly –recognising what they are, where they come from and whether they are helpful or harmful –you will be better able to keep them in perspective and face life’s challenges as they are, here and now. Like most couples, you may benefit from some additional support in this area. An objective third party can offer insight into your situation that may be difficult to see on your own. Rather than concluding that your marriage is a failure or that you would be better off single, consider seeking professional counselling. You can begin by scheduling an appointment with our counsellors at family.org.my /counselling. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: [email protected] performance takes a back seatIN any high-performing health system, meritocracy is not merely an ideal – it is a non-negotiable foundation. Promotions should reflect competence, leadership and measurable contributions to public service delivery. Yet, within segments of Malaysia’s public health sector, a troubling perception is taking root: advancement depends less on performance and more on proximity to power. Whether fully accurate or not, this perception carries serious consequences for institutional trust and patient care. A recurring concern among healthcare staff is that career progression increasingly hinges on visibility to superiors rather than demonstrable outcomes. Those who are seen to align closely with leadership – or who reinforce existing hierarchies –appear to move ahead more swiftly. Meanwhile, clinicians and officers who consistently deliver results, innovate or drive improvements at operational and strategic levels often remain overlooked. Over time, this dynamic fosters a culture where signalling loyalty outweighs delivering impact. Such an environment unintentionally encourages risk-averse leadership. Supervisors may favour elevating individuals unlikely to challenge the status quo, rather than those with strong capabilities who may introduce new ideas or question outdated approaches. While this may offer short-term comfort, it profoundly undermines long-term institutional strength and resilience. Another dimension raising concern is the perception of performative fairness. In some instances, diversity in promotions appears visible on the surface –meeting demographic or bureaucratic quotas – but does not always align with genuine merit or contribution. This risks eroding trust further, especially among staff who feel that both performance and fairness are being selectively interpreted. The result is predictable: demotivation among high performers. When effort and excellence are consistently disconnected from opportunity, organisations risk losing their most capable people – not always through resignation but through quiet disengagement. Productivity declines, innovation stalls and a culture of minimal compliance gradually replaces one of clinical and administrative excellence. To be fair, promotion systems in large public institutions are inherently complex. They must balance seniority, service length, representation goals and leadership succession needs. However, complexity should never come at the expense of transparency and credibility. Reform does not require a complete overhaul. Several practical, actionable steps can significantly strengthen trust in the system: 0 Clearer performance metricsDefine and publicly communicate what constitutes measurable impact across different roles –clinical, administrative, research and community health. 0 Independent review mechanismsIntroduce cross-departmental or external evaluation panels to reduce individual bias and patronage influences. 0 360° feedbackIncorporate structured peer and subordinate input into promotion assessments, not just top-down evaluations. 0 Leadership accountabilityTie managerial performance indicators directly to how well leaders develop and advance talented staff under their supervision. 0 Transparent communicationProvide structured, constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates, explaining gaps and pathways for future improvement. Ultimately, Malaysia’s health sector depends on its people. A system that rewards visibility over value risks weakening the very foundation it relies on, especially as the nation faces growing demands on public healthcare. Restoring confidence in promotion practices is not just about fairness; it is about safeguarding the future effectiveness, morale and integrity of our public health institutions. If we desire a health system that delivers excellence, we must ensure it first recognises it. Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a senior consultant paediatrician at Damansara Specialist Hospital.Comments: [email protected] best holiday may just be an opportunity to chill out and spend some quality time as a family. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUNStaying ethical and productive while working from homeWORKING from home (WFH) has become a common mode of employment, offering flexibility, autonomy and the promise of better work-life balance. To truly benefit, however, it must be approached with a strong sense of ethics and productivity. Ethics in WFH begins with honesty and accountability. Employees are entrusted with responsibilities without direct supervision, making integrity essential. This means reporting working hours accurately, completing tasks diligently and avoiding distractions during work time. Pretending to be active while doing unrelated activities undermines credibility. Ethical remote workers meet deadlines, communicate honestly about progress and take ownership of their responsibilities. Professional communication is equally important. Since remote work depends heavily on digital tools – emails, messaging platforms and video calls –communication must be clear, respectful and timely. Ignoring messages, responding carelessly or missing meetings reflects poorly on one’s work ethic. Respecting confidentiality, especially when handling sensitive information from home, is also crucial.Productivity, meanwhile, requires discipline and effective time management. Without the structure of an office, remote workers must create their own routines. Setting a consistent schedule, prioritising tasks and minimising distractions are key. A dedicated workspace can improve focus by creating a clear boundary between personal and professional life. Using technology wisely will further support both ethics and productivity. Task managers, calendars and collaboration tools help maintain organisation and accountability. At the same time, company resources should be used appropriately, not for personal gain. Work-life balance remains essential. While WFH offers flexibility, it can blur boundaries. Taking breaks, avoiding burnout and ensuring personal matters do not interfere with work all contribute to sustained productivity and well-being. Finally, continuous selfimprovement is vital. Staying updated, learning new tools and developing skills demonstrate initiative and commitment. In conclusion, ethical and productive remote work requires integrity, discipline, clear communication and selfmanagement. By cultivating these habits, individuals can thrive while contributing meaningfully to their organisations. Liong Kam Chong SerembanCOMMENT by Dr Musa Mohd Nordin LETTERS [email protected] One Roof
Thrifty Euro-tripping Affordable scenic countries for wanderlusters on budget on budget – P12FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026EditorialT: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] AdvertisingT: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN MEp21 Songkran’s spirit shines through economic shifts p22 Greece to protect historical sites amid weather woes p23 NCT Taeyong serenades fans during KL concertWEEKLYFOCUSMONDAYTechnology and social mediaTUESDAYFamily and parentingWEDNESDAYFashion and beautyTHURSDAYHomeand livingFRIDAYTravel and leisureSATURDAYFood and beverage– 123RFPIC
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202612Budget-friendly Europeans travels oAffordable spots that offer rich experiences without high price tagŰ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI Bulgaria: Coastal escapes and heritage townsTravelling through Bulgaria offers a diverse mix of heritage architecture and seaside scenery. The capital, Sofia, blends Roman ruins with Orthodox landmarks such as the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, known for its gold-domed architecture and symmetrical interior designs that draw photography enthusiasts. The artistic city of Plovdiv charms visitors with colourful hillside homes, cobblestone streets and the Roman amphi-theatre overlooking the Old Town. The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre in Plovdiv, set against sweeping city views and surrounded by hillside homes. Its stone tiers and grand semicircular stage offer a striking glimpse into ancient architecture while remaining one of the city’s most photogenic landmarks. Hungary: Thermal baths and grand city viewsTravelling through Hungary feels refreshingly easy, thanks to its efficient public transport network and compact size that allows visitors to move comfortably between cities by train or car. Most travellers begin in Budapest, where grand landmarks such as the Parliament building, Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion offer sweeping views over the Danube and some of the city’s most photogenic corners. Beyond the capital, the Tokaj region invites travellers to explore vineyards known for sweet wines and rolling countryside landscapes. Wellness also plays a big role in Hungarian travel culture, with iconic bathhouses such as Szechenyi Thermal Bath and Gellert Baths offering a chance to soak in mineral-rich waters beneath ornate architecture. The best time to visit depends on what you seek – May, June and September bring mild weather ideal for city walks, July and August deliver peak summer energy, while winter transforms streets into festive Christmas markets.Georgia: Mountains and culture at walletfriendly pricesTravelling through Georgia feels like discovering a destination that quietly delivers cinematic landscapes without the Western European price tag. The capital, Tbilisi, charms visitors with pastel-coloured balconies draped over winding cobblestone streets, sulphur bath domes peeking through Old Town rooftops and hilltop viewpoints that glow during sunset. The walk up to Narikala Fortress rewards travellers with sweeping skyline views, making it one of the city’s most photographed vantage points. Beyond the capital, Kazbegi draws travellers chasing dramatic alpine scenery. The iconic Gergeti Trinity Church sits against the towering Caucasus Mountains, creating postcard-perfect backdrops that look especially striking when mist rolls across the peaks. Armenia: Ancient heritage and dramatic landscapesExploring Armenia offers travellers a blend of ancient spirituality, dramatic landscapes and stylish urban corners. The capital, Yerevan, often called the Pink City, glows with rose-hued architecture and lively squares where rooftop cafes frame Mount Ararat as a sunset backdrop that feels almost surreal. A short drive outside the city reveals one of Armenia’s most visually striking landmarks, the Garni Temple, a Greco-Roman structure perched above deep canyon cliffs. Nearby, the natural wonder known as the Symphony of Stones forms towering hexagonal basalt columns that resemble massive organ pipes. Travellers searching for alpine-style landscapes often head to Dilijan, frequently called the Switzerland of Armenia due to its misty mountain forests, wooden heritage homes and tranquil hiking trails. Romania: Fairytale towns and legendary castlesA trip through Romania feels like walking through folklore where medieval towns, mist-covered mountains and gothic castles create cinematic travel moments at relatively affordable costs. The town of Brasov enchants visitors with colourful Baroque houses lining Council Square, framed by the imposing Black Church and forested mountain backdrops that transform dramatically with changing light. Nearby, the legendary Bran Castle rises dramatically from hilltop terrain. While widely linked to Dracula folklore, its gothic architecture and scenic hill views provide strong visual appeal beyond the legends.The Czech Republic: Storybook charm beyond PragueVisiting The Czech Republic feels like entering a fairytale filled with gothic spires and riverside castles. The capital, Prague, captivates travellers with skyline views best experienced while crossing the historic Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset, when golden light reflects across the Vltava River and Prague Castle towers over the cityscape. St Vitus Cathedral stands out as one of the most striking examples of Gothic architecture in the Czech Republic, known for its soaring spires, intricate stone carvings and dramatic stained-glass windows. Located within Prague Castle, the cathedral’s towering arches and ornate details create a grand backdrop that draws travellers interested in history, architecture and classic European cityscapes. Travellers seeking quieter scenery often venture to Cesky Krumlov, where winding river bends, terracotta rooftops and castle viewpoints create postcard-perfect compositions at a slower, more relaxed pace. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF
FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026EditorialT: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] AdvertisingT: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] MEPETALING JAYA: Micron Technology is doubling down on Malaysia as a key node in the global artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor supply chain, positioning its operations in the country to capture the next wave of memorydriven growth as demand accelerates. Corporate vice-president for assembly and test NAND operations Amarjit Sandhu said Malaysia is moving beyond its traditional role to become a higher-value hub aligned with AI infrastructure needs. “Malaysia holds a uniquely strategic position in the global semiconductor and AI supply chain,” he said in an exclusive interview with SunBiz, pointing to the country’s mature ecosystem, reliable logistics and business environment that enable seamless integration into Micron’s global network. Micron, a US multinational semiconductor company, established its first Malaysian operation in Muar, Johor, in 2010. It has since expanded into Penang, where it is advancing next-generation manufacturing capabilities. Its Malaysian sites now assemble and test NAND, DRAM, SSDs and memory modules that feed directly into AI applications from data centres to edge devices. Sandhu stressed that Malaysia’s importance is rising in tandem with the growing complexity of AI workloads. “As large language models grow in scale and complexity, the demand for higher bandwidth, greater capacity and more power-efficient memory solutions intensifies,” he said. A key development is the emergence of new memory architectures such as SOCAMM2, which supports central processing units (CPU) in handling memory-intensive AI workloads. Within platforms such as Nvidia Vera Rubin, SOCAMM2 complements high-bandwidth memory used by GPUs (graphic processing units), enabling a more efficient division of tasks.“This tiered memory architecture allows GPUs to focus on extreme compute performance, while CPUs manage large memory footprints efficiently and at lower power,” Sandhu said. He added that advanced assembly and test capabilities are now critical in bridging chip design and real-world deployment at scale. “Assembly brings together the physical components into finished products, while rigorous testing validates performance and ensures reliability at scale,” he said, noting that Micron’s Malaysian operations are built to deliver the speed and cycle times required by AI customers. Regionally, Malaysia’s role is reinforced by Southeast Asia’s complementary semiconductor ecosystem. While Singapore leads in front-end manufacturing and research and development, Malaysia anchors the back-end assembly, test and packaging segment. “Together, these different market capabilities form an interlocking network that global customers depend on to bring products to market reliably and at scale,” Sandhu said. On the demand outlook, Micron sees the current AI investment cycle as structural rather than temporary, underpinned by hyperscaler expansion, enterprise adoption and increasingly data-heavy applications. “The surge in AI investment reflects a fundamental shift in how the world computes, stores and processes data,” he said. “Every AI model trained, every inference run depends on fast, reliable, high-capacity memory.” At the same time, the technical bar continues to rise. Advancing NAND, DRAM and SSD technologies requires balancing higher capacity, speed and power efficiency within tighter constraints. “For NAND, scaling layer counts introduces thermal stress and yield challenges, while for DRAM, smaller nodes must deliver higher density without compromising bandwidth,” Sandhu explained. “These are complex engineering trade-offs that must be solved simultaneously.” Malaysia is directly involved in addressing these challenges, including qualifying nextgeneration NAND and producing SSDs deployed in global data centres. Beyond technology, sustainability is becoming a decisive factor in investment decisions. Sandhu noted that hyperscalers are increasingly evaluating suppliers based on environmental performance alongside cost and capability. Through collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Micron’s Malaysian operations run fully on renewable electricity, avoiding about 170,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. “Sustainability has shifted from being a competitive advantage to an essential requirement,” Sandhu said, adding that Malaysia’s renewable energy pathways and policy support strengthen its appeal. Talent development remains a long-term priority, but Sandhu said progress is encouraging, supported by government initiatives and industry-academia collaboration.“Continuous upskilling and reskilling must be embedded as an ongoing practice,” he said. Looking ahead, Micron sees Malaysia’s trajectory aligning with its own growth strategy as AI reshapes the semiconductor landscape. “What excites us most is Malaysia’s forward momentum,” Sandhu said. “We see Malaysia growing into an increasingly high-capability hub for semiconductor innovation on the world stage.”Micron bets on Malaysia as AI semicon demand surgesoUS multinational positions operations to capture next wave of memory-driven growth Golden Destinations targets regional push, stronger Asia margins KUALA LUMPUR: Golden Destinations Group Bhd is gearing up for regional expansion and margin uplift by leveraging its ACE Market listing to scale its outbound travel business, with Singapore and East Malaysia forming the next phase of growth. Managing director Mita Lim said the listing serves as a springboard rather than a milestone, as the group looks to replicate its business-tobusiness (B2B) model beyond Malaysia. “Listing is not the landing. We actually have a strategy to move on,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Golden Destinations made its debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia yesterday, marking a milestone as the first travel B2B company listed on a stock exchange in Asean. Its share price opened at 49 sen, an 8.89% premium to the initial public offering price of 45 sen, with 15 million shares traded. However, the share closed at 40 sen, 5 sen or 11.11% below the offer price, on 93.55 million shares traded. On shareholder returns, Lim said the group intends to maintain a consistent dividend policy of at least 40% of its profit. Moving on, the group is targeting Singapore as its first overseas market, where outbound travel demand is significantly larger and dominated by smaller agencies. Lim said Golden Destinations is ready to roll out operations, supported by licensing approvals and incoming staff. “We are ready, with our licence secured, and we hope to achieve full operations this year.” Singapore’s outbound travel market, estimated at four times the size of Malaysia’s, offers a natural extension of the group’s B2B model, which aggregates travel products and distributes them through a wide network of agents. Domestically, the company is expanding its footprint in Sabah and Sarawak, with plans to localise travel products and enable direct departures from East Malaysian airports. Lim said this strategy aims to tap into rising affluence and distinct consumer preferences in the region. “We would like to curate and localise our products, allowing travellers to depart directly without transiting in Kuala Lumpur.” At the same time, Golden Destinations expects shifting travel patterns to support profitability, as demand pivots towards Asia, particularly East Asia and China, which typically command higher margins compared with other regions. The group noted that Asia already contributes more than 75% of its revenue, positioning it well amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting long-haul travel. Despite disruptions to Europe-bound travel due to transit issues in the Middle East, the impact remains limited, with affected customers given options to switch destinations or convert their bookings to credit. The group estimates that only a small portion of its total travel volume is impacted, with many customers opting to redirect their trips within Asia. On balance, the shift is expected to be margin accretive. “We see this as a very positive shift and expect an improvement in our profit margin this year,” the company said. Golden Destinations’ scale also provides a buffer against cost volatility. The group has secured more than 100,000 flight seats in advance through fixed agreements with airline partners, insulating it from fuel surcharge fluctuations and allowing it to maintain stable package pricing. This forward-booking strategy, combined with its B2B distribution network of over 800 travel agents nationwide, underpins the group’s resilience and ability to sustain demand even during periods of uncertainty. The company is also investing in IT enhancements and building a dedicated meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions team to capture corporate travel demand, which it sees as a significant growth segment alongside its core leisure offerings. Lim said Golden Destinations will continue to prioritise sustainable growth while rewarding shareholders, with a dividend policy of at least 40% of profits. “With our 35 years’ experience, strong brand and proven B2B model, we believe we can bring the industry to another higher level,” he said, adding that travel demand remains robust as consumers continue to prioritise experiences. –by DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAMŰ BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM [email protected]’s manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan, Penang. Inset: Sandhu.
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202614/thesuntelegramFOLLOW ON TELEGRAMmRAM/Malaysian PaperPMB Investment declares income distributions for two fundsPETALING JAYA: PMB Investment Bhd, an Islamic fund management company operating under Pelaburan Mara Bhd, has announced income distributions for the PMB Shariah Dividend Fund and the PMB Shariah Index Fund for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The PMB Shariah Dividend Fund declared an income distribution of 2.39 sen per unit, representing a total gross distribution of RM1,344,141.09. Prior to the distribution, the fund’s net asset value (NAV) stood at RM0.2706 per unit, settling at RM0.2467 post-distribution. Based on the closing NAV as of March 31, this translates to a distribution yield of 10.03%, with the fund recording a total return of 11.54% over the same period. With a double-digit yield and a strong overall return, the PMB Shariah Dividend Fund continues to distinguish itself as a compelling income-generating option, offering a meaningful alternative to conventional savings instruments and fixed deposits for investors. The PMB Shariah Dividend Fund is structured to generate consistent income, allocating between 70% and 99.5% of its NAV to syariah-compliant equities and equity-related securities. The remaining portion is invested in Islamic money market instruments, sukuk, Islamic deposits, and other syariah-aligned assets with a longterm objective of outperforming traditional fixed-income products. Meanwhile, the PMB Shariah Index Fund recorded a distribution of 2.50 sen per unit, amounting to a total of RM1,155,844.50. The NAV per unit was RM0.5585 before the distribution, adjusting to RM0.5335 thereafter, reflecting a distribution yield of 4.89% for the financial year, with a total return of 9.17% over the same period. Designed for investors seeking broad, passive exposure to Malaysia’s syariah-compliant equity market, the PMB Shariah Index Fund mirrors the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Shariah Index. Its benchmark-aligned strategy continues to deliver diversified, riskbalanced returns, marking yet another solid year of performance. Both distributions were credited on March 31, with the reinvestment date on April 1. PMB Investment chairman Datuk Mohd Idzwan Izuddin Ab Rahman said the company sees its role as more than a fund manager. “We are partners in our investors’ financial journey. Our Islamic investment framework ensures every decision is grounded in both ethical integrity and sound financial judgment. PMB Investment CEO Hang Tuah Amin Tajudin said the company’s investment strategy is anchored in discipline, transparency, and unwavering syariah compliance. “These results speak to the resilience and consistency of our approach across varying market conditions,“ he said.Kenanga IB sees Malaysian job market remaining stable in near termPETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s labour market should remain stable in the near term despite heightened external uncertainties, mainly supported by resilient domestic demand and targeted policy measures. Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) said that domestic fiscal support will sustain household spending, while the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign should support hiring in the services sector, particularly tourism related segments. The manufacturing sector, led by electrical and electronics, along with public sector hiring, including 20,000 contract teachers under the Ministry of Education, will continue to support labour demand, the investment bank noted. It said the domestic unemployment rate held steady at 2.9% in February, unchanged from January, extending its four-month streak and remaining at the lowest level since November 2014. The number of unemployed fell by 0.6% month-on-month, reversing the slight increase seen in January. This brought total unemployment down to 506,800 from 509,600 previously. The number of actively unemployed – those available for work and actively seeking jobs – eased to 404,700 from 406,900. Their share of total unemployment edged slightly higher to 79.9% from 79.8%, Kenanga IB said. Employment continued to expand, increasing 0.12% monthon-month, supported by ongoing hiring activity across several sectors. By sector, the Department of Statistics Malaysia reported that employment growth was led by services, particularly wholesale and retail trade, alongside gains in accommodation and food and in information and communications. Hiring also picked up in agriculture, manufacturing and construction, while the mining and quarrying sector posted a decline. Across employment categories, Kenanga IB said, all segments posted monthly gains. The number of employees rose 0.1%, while own-account workers increased by 0.3%. Employers grew by 0.4%. Labour force participation remained unchanged at 70.9%. DBKL, CIMB collaborate to liven up KL’s street economy KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is partnering with CIMB Bank Bhd in a three-year initiative to drive activity through event-led commerce, with monthly programmes starting in May, in a bid to stimulate street-level economic activity in Kuala Lumpur. Under the Moving KL Forward – Kita Bagi Jadi Bersama DBKL x CIMBinitiative, CIMB is committing RM5 million over three years to support programmes that leverage public spaces and large-scale events as platforms for economic activity, particularly for MSMEs and the creative sector. From left: Fadlun, Yeoh, Syed Zaid and Novan at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of collaboration between CIMB and DBKL.oThree-year initiative will leverage event-led programmes to stimulate activity and demand for MSMEs and other businessesŰ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] or participate in every programme, but these initiatives are about creating options and improving the city over time.” Fadlun said the collaboration brings together both parties to create economic opportunities at the community level. “This collaboration will help provide opportunities for local talents and entrepreneurs to grow while creating a more vibrant and economically inclusive city.” The programme includes events such as the Festival Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, Ambang Merdeka Concert, Rockestra Legenda and KUL Design Festival, which are expected to attract over 100,000 attendees annually. The approach builds on CIMB’s earlier OCTO Fest activations during Chinese New Year and Ramadan, where 360 vendors generated about RM17 million in sales, showing how concentrated footfall can translate into income for small businesses.Novan said the partnership reflects the bank’s role in facilitating transactions and supporting broader economic activity. “As a bank deeply rooted in Malaysia, we enable businesses to grow, facilitate transactions and support the development of local ecosystems for sustainable economic participation. Through this collaboration with DBKL, we aim to unlock opportunities for businesses and elevate local creative talent,” he said. The collaboration will focus on two main areas: enabling MSMEs to adopt digital tools such as OCTO and OCTOBiz through cashback and rebate incentives, and activating the creative economy through events, festivals and public art initiatives. Beyond this collaboration, CIMB said it continues to support economic participation nationwide through targeted programmes. The bank has pledged RM3.6 million to support 9,000 residents across Projek Perumahan Rakyatunder the Santuni Madani initiative, alongside programmes such as iTEKAD and Komuniti Tukang Jahit aimed at improving income generation and financial resilience.Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said the collaboration will combine events, cultural programmes and digital payment incentives to drive demand for small businesses while encouraging digital adoption. “Under the initiative, DBKL will coordinate programmes across key pillars including culture, wellness, civic-mindedness and commerce, with flagship events such as the Festival Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, Ambang Merdeka Concert and KUL Design Festival expected to draw significant crowds and generate spending,” she said at the signing of a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) between DBKL and CIMB yesterday. The MoC was signed by CIMB Group CEO Novan Amirudin and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, and witnessed by Yeoh and CIMB Group chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar. Yeoh said the collaboration is part of a broader push by the government to work with private sector players to address urban challenges and stimulate economic activity through targeted initiatives. “As long as people attend the programmes and enjoy themselves, we believe we are achieving our objective of making Kuala Lumpur more vibrant. The outcomes will depend on participation levels and the ability of SMEs to convert eventdriven demand into sustained income.” The initiative currently has no defined performance targets, with success instead gauged by participation and public response. Yeoh pointed to other programmes including partnerships with other companies such as ZUS Coffee and Carsome, as examples of how different players are contributing to city-level improvements. “As the government, we acknowledge that financial resources are limited. We cannot do everything on our own, which is why partnerships with the private sector are critical,” she said. Yeoh said these programmes should be seen as part of a wider ecosystem of experimentation, where different programmes cater to different segments of the public. “It is better to move forward, even if imperfectly, than to do nothing. Different groups have different needs, not everyone will attend
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202615thesun.myContact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising.03-7784 6688 [email protected] retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.TM Nxera marks topping-out of data centre in Johor ISKANDAR PUTERI: TM Nxera, the joint venture between Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Nxera, Singtel Digital InfraCo’s regional data centre arm, celebrated the toppingout of its AI-ready, hyperconnected data centre in Iskandar Puteri, Johor – a development set to power Malaysia’s next phase of AI-driven growth that will strengthen its role as a regional digital hub. The ceremony signifies the completion of the first building’s structural framework, a decisive step forward in the construction and systems integration phase. Since the groundbreaking in July 2024 and securing a multi-year electricity supply agreement with Tenaga Nasional Bhd for 280MW of power earlier this year, the data centre is now entering the customer onboarding and commercial operations stage. TM Nxera CEO Mahathir Said said the topping-out ceremony reflects the company’s strong execution as it moves towards delivering the first building of the campus, with scalability up to 200MW, making it one of the largest AI-ready campuses in Malaysia. “Aiming for Power Usage Effectiveness of Ů1.30 at full load, advanced liquid cooling technologies and renewable energy integration, the data centre is optimised for demanding high compute and ultraFrom left: TM group CFO Ahmad Fairus Rahim, Nxera CEO & executive director Bill Chang, TM group CEO Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM Nxera chief commercial officer Aiguo Han, and TM group general counsel Nik Azli Abu Zahar at the topping out ceremony.oSignifies structural completion of AI-ready, hyperconnected facility in Iskandar PuteriZetrix AI, CAICT launch blockchain-based AI agent identity platformKUALA LUMPUR: Zetrix AI Bhd, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Bhd, has teamed up with the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) to roll out a blockchain-based platform to provide artificial intelligence (AI) agents with verified identities.The platform, called Avatar, was introduced at the World Internet Conference Asia Pacific in Hong Kong. It allows individuals and companies to create AI “digital twins” trained on their own data — including preferences, knowledge and communication style — to carry out tasks on their behalf. Unlike conventional chatbots, these agents are designed to interact with other systems, users and even other AI agents, with a layer that verifies who they represent and what they are allowed to do.The launch comes as the industry shifts towards more autonomous systems capable of handling workflows, coordinating tasks and conducting transactions. Avatar’s role is to provide a framework that ensures these actions are tied to verified identities and supported by legitimate credentials or digital assets. The platform is built on a hybrid framework and integrates with Astron and Zetrix blockchains. It allows AI agents to access verifiable credentials such as identity records, professional qualifications and digital assets. Zetrix AI said the system will also include a CAICT-certified security framework and an open marketplace where developers can publish specialised AI agents. CAICT Astron vice-president You Xiao Yu said trust will be critical as AI systems begin acting on behalf of individuals and organisations. “As agents take on more responsibilities, ensuring secure and trustworthy execution becomes essential,” he said. Zetrix AI group managing director TS Wong said the platform is designed to support a new type of digital interaction in which AI agents represent users or companies in transactions.“This requires knowing who you are dealing with and having access to verified credentials or assets needed to complete the task,” he said. During the presentation, chief AI officer CZ Wong outlined several potential use cases. For businesses, AI agents could handle onboarding, respond to queries and retain institutional knowledge. Public figures could use them to manage large-scale engagement, while creators may monetise their expertise through personalised services. Companies could also deploy such agents as an alternative to traditional websites, enabling direct interaction with customers. For individuals, Zetrix AI said the technology could act as a personalised digital assistant, and over time, evolve into a form of digital legacy. A key feature is the ability for AI agents to interact with one another. In such cases, agents could negotiate, exchange information and complete transactions independently, with blockchain providing the underlying layer for identity and verification. The platform will also include an “agent store”, allowing third-party developers to offer specialised agents, with options to obtain CAICT security certification to support enterprise use. The initiative reflects broader efforts to address concerns around identity, permissions and reliability in open AI systems. Zetrix AI is positioning Avatar as part of the infrastructure needed for a more automated digital economy, where trust remains a central issue.low latency AI workloads, enabling enterprises to deploy AI at scale. “Backed by TM and Singtel’s extensive cross-border terrestrial fibre and subsea connectivity, the campus is engineered to support hyperscalers, AI innovators and enterprises seeking resilient, high-performance and sustainable data centre solutions. “Having already received strong interest and demand from hyperscalers and enterprises, we are focused on building scalable, futureready digital infrastructure that contributes to digital transformation across industries and fosters a thriving digital ecosystem,” he added. With structural works now completed, TM Nxera will proceed with mechanical and electrical installations, systems integration and commissioning. The campus remains on track to begin its first phase of commercial operations by the second half of 2026.
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202616‘Tremendous opportunity’ for yuan-backed stablecoin: Circle CEOHONG KONG: Circle Internet Group sees “tremendous opportunity” for yuan-backed stablecoin as digital money becomes increasingly integrated into global trade and finance, said the chief of the world’s largest regulated stablecoin issuer. China wants to expand the yuan’s role in the global financial system, and stablecoins have emerged as a way to “export” a currency by making it easier for global payments, Jeremy Allaire, co-founder and CEO of Circle, told Reuters. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value and are usually pegged to a fiat currency such as the US dollar. “There’s a tremendous opportunity for a yuan stablecoin,“ Allaire said in an interview in Hong Kong. “If there’s currency competition, you want your currency to have the best features possible. This is becoming a technological competition.” He said China could roll out a yuan-backed stablecoin in the next three to five years. Reuters reported last August, citing sources with knowledge of the matter, that the country was considering yuan-backed stablecoin to boost adoption of its currency globally. Such a move, if realised, would mark a major shift in China’s approach towards digital assets. The country banned cryptocurrency trading and mining in 2021 due to concerns about the stability of the financial system. China’s central bank reaffirmed its tough stance on virtual currencies in November amid a market frenzy over digital assets. Use of stablecoins, which offer faster and cheaper transactions, has surged globally in recent years. Circle’s USDC, which is backed by the US dollar and is the world’s second most-held stablecoin, grew 72% year-on-year in circulation to US$75.3 billion by the end of 2025, according to its quarterly results. Allaire said Circle recorded “several billion dollars” in USDC transaction growth following the outbreak of the US-Iran war as heightened geopolitical risks boosted demand for portable digital dollars. Hong Kong is a hub for cross-border payments and settlement, Allaire said, adding that Circle saw significant opportunities to work with Hong Kong dollar stablecoins to integrate them into global platforms. – ReutersChina’s economy beats forecastsBEIJING: China’s economy expanded more than expected in the first three months of the year, with official data yesterday indicating resilience in the face of a Middle East crisis that threatens to hit global growth.The figures came despite a surge in world energy prices caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, which has stymied shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas passes. Analysts say China’s diversified energy supply shields it from oDiversified energy supply shields it from immediate shocks immediate shocks, though a potential global downturn caused by the war could weaken demand for its exports, which have been propping up the country’s economy. Gross domestic product in the world’s second-largest economy expanded 5% year-on-year in January-March, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The reading was slightly higher than an AFP forecast of 4.8% based on a survey of economists. During the first quarter, China’s economy “achieved a strong start to the year, further demonstrating its resilience and vitality”, the statistics bureau said in a statement announcing the data. The reading came days after the International Monetary Fund cut its 2026 global growth projection, warning that the world economy could be “thrown off course” by the Middle East war. It also reduced its forecast for China to 4.4% growth, from a previous estimate of 4.5%. “The global economy is facing this next test of resilience as signs of unevenness lie beneath the surface,” it said, noting that China’s “domestic activity – especially in the housing sector – lags behind exports”. Beijing has set a 2026 target of 4.5%-5% growth – the lowest in decades. A years-long crisis in the property sector and a persistent slump in domestic spending have left leaders reliant on exports to meet growth targets. Outbound shipments have boomed, exemplified by the country’s whopping US$1.2 trillion trade surplus last year. But data this week showed export growth slowed sharply in March, indicating that war in the Middle East was already taking a toll. Yesterday’s NBS data also showed retail sales grew 1.7% on-year in March, well short of a Bloomberg forecast of 2.4%. Industrial production rose 5.7%, the NBS said, beating a Bloomberg estimate of 5.3% but well down from the 6.3% seen in January and February combined. The first-quarter acceleration in growth was fuelled by exports, Zichun Huang of Capital Economics wrote in a note. “We think growth will soften a bit over the rest of the year,” she said. “While the Chinese economy is holding up well, it is becoming ever more dependent on external demand,” she said, noting that the Iran war “is likely to add to this trend”. A major international trade fair kicked off this week in Guangzhou – a metropolis in China’s southern manufacturing heartland – where attendees told AFP the war is impacting their business. Chinese exporters and Middle Eastern buyers at the opening day of the Canton Fair on Wednesday gloomily told AFP the Iran war had pummelled orders and led to price hikes. Wang Jun, the deputy head of China’s customs administration, this week acknowledged “many uncertainties and instabilities in the external environment”. “The impact of international geopolitical conflicts on global industrial and supply chains is still evolving in a complex manner,” he said. – AFPAI demand drives TSMC’s net profit to fresh recordTAIPEI: Taiwanese chip maker TSMC said yesterday its net profit surged to a fresh record in the first quarter, fuelled by the global artificial intelligence race despite the war in the Middle East. Massive demand for AI hardware means business is booming for TSMC – the biggest contract maker of microchips used in everything from Apple phones to Nvidia processors. Chief financial officer Wendell Huang said the company did not expect the war to impact its supply of key chipmaking materials such as helium and hydrogen in the near term. “We source from multiple suppliers in different regions, and we have prepared safety stock inventory on hand,“ Huang told an earnings call, adding that energy supplies were also sufficient to continue operations as normal for now. TSMC said net profit for the first three months of the year jumped 58.3% year-on-year to NT$572.5 billion (RM71 billion), trouncing analyst estimates of NT$540.20 billion. Governments and tech giants are pouring huge sums into building data centres that can train and run AI tools such as chatbots, image generators and agents that can execute tasks. “The recent situation in the Middle East ... brings further macroeconomic uncertainties, as such we are being prudent in our business planning,”“ TSMC chairman CC Wei said. “Having said that, AI-related demand continues to be extremely robust,“ he added. “We maintain strong confidence for our full-year 2026 revenue to now grow by above 30 percent in US dollar terms.” Last month, Jensen Huang, head of top US chip designer Nvidia, said everyone in the tech world felt they could develop their AI and grow revenue “if they could just get more capacity”. Ahead of yesterday’s earnings announcement, Ian Lyall at Proactive Investors said it appeared TSMC is “so deeply embedded in the AI supply chain that macro headwinds are struggling to leave a mark”. “The bleeding-edge manufacturing that only TSMC can reliably deliver at scale is running at capacity,“ he noted. A weaker Taiwanese dollar had also boosted the firm’s revenues from overseas sales. It said yesterday quarterly net revenue rose 35.1 percent year-on-year to NT$1.13 trillion. A note from UBS analysts had predicted strong quarterly results for TSMC but warned that consumer demand was weakening as a result of higher prices caused by a global memory chip shortage that is a side-effect of the AI boom. “Cloud AI demand continues to strengthen, but we think supply constraints will limit meaningful upside for TSMC this year,“ the UBS team said. “Middle East tensions add a layer of macro uncertainty, but AI spend should stay insulated, barring a protracted conflict.” The UBS analysts predicted “limited disruption from tight helium supply on TSMC’s production”. Helium gas is a key material in the chip supply chain, and Qatar – one of the countries affected by the war in the Middle East – is one of its few large-scale producers. – AFPThe company logo is displayed outside of TSMC Museum of Innovation in Hsinchu, Taiwan. – REUTERSPIC
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202617Threat of grounded planes nearsPARIS: Could planes soon be stuck on the ground due to a lack of fuel? The risk of jet fuel shortages is growing each day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, although it is not certain when exactly supplies will run out. The risk of shortages is greatest in Asia, and to a lesser extent Europe, as they both rely on oil from the Gulf and its refineries for their supplies. “The situation can, within the next three, four weeks, become systemic,” Rystad Energy economist Claudio Galimberti said on US financial news channel CNBC on Tuesday about jet fuel shortages. “So you can have severe cuts of flights in Europe, already starting in May and June,” he warned. Galimberti said flights had already been cancelled due to fuel IMF chief warns of ‘tough times’ if oil prices stay highWASHINGTON: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned on Wednesday of difficult times ahead for the global economy if war in the Middle East is unresolved and oil prices stay high, adding that inflation risks could seep into food prices. “We must brace for tough times ahead” if the conflict persists, she told reporters at a press briefing during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s spring meetings in Washington. The gathering brings government and financial leaders to the US capital this week, with policymakers looking to limit economic fallout from the war. US-Israeli strikes launched against Iran on Feb 28 sparked Tehran’s retaliation, virtually closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and fertilisers. Energy prices have since surged, squeezing countries – especially vulnerable economies and those dependent on oil imports from the region. “We are concerned about risks for inflation moving into food prices should the delivery of fertilisers at a reasonable price (not be) restarted soon,“ Georgieva said. But as countries move to limit price shocks on their citizens, Georgieva urged central banks to “wait and see” before adjusting interest rates if they can do so. She said this was particularly the case where the public has a “well-anchored” expectation of inflation being kept under control. “If we are to move faster out of the war, it may not be necessary to take action,“ she said. But she conceded that countries where central banks lack such credibility might need to send stronger signals. For now, “we are still at a time when a faster resolution of hostilities is possible“, she said. Noting that fallout is “highly asymmetric,“ Georgieva urged IMF members to come forward to the Washington-based lender if they need financial assistance during the conflict. Low-income countries spend around 36% of their consumption on food, while emerging markets spend about 20%, said the IMF’s director of strategy Christian Mumssen. Advanced economies spend about 9%, he added. The IMF estimates for now that near-term demand for new fund financing would be in the range of US$20 billion to US$50 billion. “Currently, we have 39 programmes, and prospective demand for new programs from at least a dozen countries, a number of them in sub-Saharan Africa,“ Georgieva said of the fund’s financial aid. “The sooner we act, the more we would protect the economy and the people,“ she added. She stressed the need to protect fiscal sustainability as countries move to help their populations, cautioning that “untargeted measures, export controls or broad-based tax cuts” could serve to “prolong the pain of high prices.” – AFP11 nations urge ‘coordinated’ economic support amid Mideast warLONDON: The finance ministers of 11 countries including Britain and Japan called on Wednesday for “coordinated emergency support” to help countries hit by disruptions from the war in the Middle East. “We call on the IMF and World Bank to provide a coordinated emergency support offer for countries in need, tailored to country circumstances and drawing on the full range and flexibility of their toolkits,“ the ministers said in a joint statement issued by the UK government. “Renewed hostilities, a widening of the conflict or continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would pose serious additional risks to global energy security, supply chains, and economic and financial stability,“ said the statement. “Even with a durable resolution of the conflict, impacts on growth, inflation and markets will persist.” “We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine and our determination to maintain economic pressure on Russia,“ it said. “Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to negatively impact the global economy. “Russia must not benefit from this conflict, and as market conditions allow to avoid exacerbating disruptions to supply chains and energy prices, we will continue collaborating on ways to increase pressure.” The countries that signed the statement were Australia, Finland, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. Britain’s finance minister Rachel Reeves, who was attending the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s spring meetings in Washington, reaffirmed her country’s willingness to play its part to ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “My Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the French President Emmanuel Macron are hosting talks in Paris on Friday this week about how we can, when there is a ceasefire, a proper ceasefire, how we can help that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,“ she said at a forum organised by CNBC television. – AFPshortages, but the European Commission on the same day said there was no lack of fuel as yet. “There is no evidence for fuel shortages in the European Union at present,” said spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen. However she acknowledged that “supply issues could occur in the near future in particular for jet fuels”. Last week, the Airports Council International Europe wrote to the European Commission saying shortages of jet fuel could begin in three weeks – at the beginning of May, if tankers do not begin sailing through the Strait of Hormuz before then. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transited before the war – has been almost completely blocked since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on Feb 28. The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, also warned that Europe could face shortages of jet fuel “maybe beginning of May”. In its latest monthly report on the oil market, released on Tuesday, the IEA advanced a later date. “If the global jet fuel market tightens further and European markets are unable to secure more than 50% of their lost Middle East volumes, then stocks will hit the crucial 23-day level in June,” it warned. It is hard to make sweeping generalisations about the situation. Japan is heavily dependant upon imports but has built up considerable reserves. The situation also varies considerably with Europe. Austria, Bulgaria and Poland have comfortable stocks. For Britain, Iceland and the Netherlands it is the opposite. France is somewhere in the middle. And the impact won’t be the same for all airports and airlines. “Smaller, inland located, airports will be in a weaker position than the main hubs,” ING Bank economist Rico Luman told AFP. “It won’t be a matter of full halt, but part cancellation at some airlines and airports,” he added. Airlines have little visibility to plan their flight schedules. Airlines for Europe (A4E), a trade association that includes Air France-KLM, Lufthansa and Ryanair, has been urging the European Union to begin providing real time information on jet fuel stocks at airports. The data would have to come from fuel suppliers, who are not enthusiastic about turning over sensitive commercial data to their major clients. TotalEnergies has warned that if Attendees of the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings watch a Muay Thai fight demonstration in Washington. – AFPPICoil supplies from the Gulf remain blocked in June it won’t be able to supply all of its customers. “If this war and this blockade last more than three months, we’ll begin to face some serious supply issues in some products like jet fuel,” the company’s chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said . Airlines for Europe has also suggested that the European Commission exceptionally authorise the import of United States jet fuel, which is produced to a slightly different standard than in the rest of the world. Regulary, political and logisitical issues mean there is little chance this could happen in the near future. – AFPo Risk of jet fuel shortages growing each day Strait of Hormuz remains closed
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202618BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobsLONDON: The BBC said on Wednesday that the British broadcasting corporation is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs amid a challenging media landscape. BBC’s interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said in a statement to staff that “while we still have to work through the detail, we anticipate the overall number of jobs will fall by 1,800-2,000”. The BBC reported the cuts on Wednesday afternoon, saying they amount to “almost one in 10” jobs, since it has about 21,500 employees. The acting director-general said in a message to staff, sent to AFP, that this was because the BBC faces “significant financial pressures, which we need to respond to at pace”. “Put simply, the gap between our costs and our income is growing,” said Talfan Davies, who has taken on the role temporarily. “Inevitably, these plans will also mean reducing the number of jobs oActing director-general says broadcaster faces ‘significant financial pressures’Merz praises Lufthansa on centenary as strikes ruin partyFRANKFURT: Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday praised “the strategic importance” of Lufthansa as the German airline giant marked its centenary, but the celebrations were marred by a wave of recent strikes. “Lufthansa provides technical and logistical support for the German government fleet,“ Merz said at Frankfurt Airport. “It also modifies and maintains the armed forces’ transport, reconnaissance and refueling aircraft. The civilian know-how of your company strengthens our country’s ability to defend itself”. The hundredth anniversary of Europe’s biggest aviation group – which also operates Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines and has acquired a stake in Italy’s ITA – comes as thousands of flights have been cancelled in a wave of strikes this year. Both pilots and cabin crew have repeatedly walked out due to disputes over pay and pensions. The first strike of the year began in February, with almost 800 flights cancelled on a single day affecting about 100,000 passengers as pilots and cabin crew walked out. Pilots from the main airline as well as some subsidiaries are set to strike again later this week, having already stopped work earlier in the week. An AFP photographer saw hundreds of people dressed in yellow vests that carry the logos of the cabin crew and pilot unions protesting outside the event. Unions accuse Lufthansa of refusing to put good revised offers on the table, while the group has accused the unions of “absurd” behaviour. Opening the celebrations with a speech, the head of Lufthansa’s supervisory board Karl-Ludwig Kley called on Merz to make it harder for workers to go on strike. If the government did not take action to tighten laws on walkouts, the situation could “develop into an even bigger competitive disadvantage for our country,“ he warned. Citing a letter to employees, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Wednesday that Lufthansa had warned of the need to cut costs and was limiting hiring in response to the Middle East war. – AFPLufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr (third from left) and Merz pose for pictures during celebrations marking Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary in Frankfurt. – REUTERSPICTrump says will fire Fed chair if he stays beyond mandateWASHINGTON: President Donald Trump renewed pressure on Wednesday on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, with the US leader threatening to fire the central bank chief if he stays beyond his mandate. Powell’s term at the helm of the Fed expires on May 15, although he can remain in his role as chairman if no successor has been confirmed. The central banker also said last month that he would not leave his post as a Fed governor as long as a Justice Department investigation involving him is “well and truly over, with transparency and finality”. It is rare for a former Fed chair to remain on its board after their term as chief expires. Powell’s Fed governor term expires in 2028. “I’ll have to fire him,“ Trump told Fox Business, if Powell “is not leaving on time.” The president added: “I’ve wanted to fire him.” Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Powell over the past year for not cutting interest rates more aggressively. The Trump administration has taken aim at the independent Fed on several levels, initiating an investigation into Powell over renovation cost overruns at the bank and seeking to oust another Fed governor, Lisa Cook. On whether he would drop the Department of Justice probe involving Powell, Trump said: “I’m not playing. I have to find out.” Trump has named former central banker Kevin Warsh to succeed Powell, but he must be confirmed by the US Senate before taking up the role. Warsh has a confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee next Tuesday. But he faces an uphill battle with some lawmakers criticising the DOJ probe as political pressure on the central bank. Senator Thom Tillis – a member of Trump’s Republican party who sits on the Senate Banking Committee – has vowed to hold up the nomination as long as the investigation remains unresolved. “I hope that everyone will work to have (Warsh) there on May 16,“ US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a CNBC event on Wednesday, referring to the day after Powell’s term as chairman expires. On the impasse, Trump’s top economics adviser Kevin Hassett told an Axios event: “They’ll work something out. I have high confidence that that will happen.“ “It’s very hard to figure out what rational motive President Trump can have for prolonging this investigation of Jay Powell if it’s going to delay the confirmation of Kevin Warsh,“ said David Wessel, a senior fellow at Washington think tank the Brookings Institution. Wessel added that if Trump got US attorney Jeanine Pirro “to back off,“ which observers believe he has the power to do, that would clear the way for Powell’s departure and Warsh’s confirmation. – AFPin the BBC,” he added in a message that he said followed an all-staff call. The BBC has to cut £500 million from its operating costs of £5 billion “over the next two years”, the director-general said. The BBC had previously said it has to find ways to shave 10% off its costs over the next three years. The job cuts will be the biggest round of redundancies at the broadcasting corporation in almost 15 years, ITV News and The Press Association (PA) news agency reported. In 2011, the BBC announced it would cut 2,000 jobs over the next five years and relocate some staff away from London. Talfan Davies told BBC radio “there are going to be some big and some difficult choices”. The head of the Bectu union for media workers, Philippa Childs, said “cuts of this magnitude will be devastating for the workforce and to the BBC as a whole”. The general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Laura Davison, condemned the cuts, which she said were “wrong, damaging and will cause uncertainty and distress for workers at the BBC”. The job losses come as the BBC faces a turbulent media landscape, affected by AI and changing consumer habits. The BBC is funded by the public paying for a licence to view live content. It says 94% of UK adults use its services every month. In a report in March the BBC said its income from the licence fee had fallen 24% in real terms since 2017. “We must reduce our total cost base by a further 10% by March 2029 due to licence fee headwinds and other pressures,” the report said, warning “tough choices may require cuts to content and services”. US President Donald Trump has filed a US$10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster over a documentary that edited his 2021 speech ahead of the US Capitol riot, making it appear he explicitly urged supporters to attack the seat of Congress. The BBC’s former director-general, Tim Davie, resigned over the case and left at the start of April. A new director-general, former Google executive Matt Brittin, is due to take over at the BBC next month, with his appointment announced as leading the corporation “through transformation”. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202619STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) KLK 21.080 -0.420 2,405 PPB 11.540 -0.180 4,692 GASMSIA 5.380 -0.140 8,960 HSI-PWPW 0.665 -0.130 28,550 WCT-C51 0.020 -0.130 7,500 HSI-PWNF 0.385 -0.125 1,100 YINSON-C60 0.025 -0.125 4,500 AJI 12.540 -0.120 159 NATGATE-C9 0.035 -0.115 1,000 HSI-PWPR 0.195 -0.110 35,770 HSI-PWRD 1.280 -0.110 16,040 KLCC 8.990 -0.110 12,038 DUFU-C12 0.045 -0.105 55,822 HSTECH-H47 0.085 -0.100 11,400 NSOP 5.750 -0.100 105 ECOSHOP-C6 0.055 -0.095 20 HSI-PWRO 0.625 -0.095 20,000 SUNMED-CM 0.055 -0.095 100 AMBANK-C54 0.040 -0.090 65 ATECH-CS 0.060 -0.090 2,500STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME (’00)BORNOIL 0.005 - - 1,823,398 ZETRIX 0.825 +0.035 +4.43 1,416,613 GDGROUP 0.400 -0.050 -11.11 935,517 MMAG 0.035 - - 831,432 VS 0.195 - - 673,961 VELESTO 0.340 +0.010 +3.03 626,423 INARI 1.650 +0.120 +7.84 580,019 HSI-PWP6 0.170 -0.050 -22.73 515,610 5ER 0.260 -0.010 -3.70 440,993 AAX 1.250 +0.010 +0.81 430,502 ASTRO 0.065 -0.005 -7.14 424,120 TOPGLOV 0.750 -0.010 -1.32 359,445 TANCO 1.670 +0.010 +0.60 355,623 CAPITALA 0.455 +0.005 +1.11 348,915 HSI-PWPS 0.090 -0.030 -25.00 345,178 NATGATE 0.760 -0.010 -1.30 340,382 MEGAFB 1.240 +0.020 +1.64 311,799 PBBANK 4.660 +0.060 +1.30 309,796 SUNMED 1.830 -0.020 -1.08 304,970 HSI-CWOK 0.165 +0.050 +43.48 292,273SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format.MARKET ROUND-UP: APR 16[ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information.Top 20 ActivesTop 20 Losers (By RM)Bursa IndicesINDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%)DJIA (US) 48,463.72 -72.27 -0.15 S&P 500 (US) 7,022.95 55.57 0.8 NASDAQ (US) 24,016.02 376.94 1.59 NYSE (US) 22,955.57 -60.81 -0.26 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 5,952.44 12.1 0.2 FTSE 100 (UK) 10,569.37 9.79 0.09 DAX (GER) 24,112.18 45.48 0.19 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 59,518.34 1,384.10 2.38 TOPIX (JPN) 3,814.46 44.13 1.17 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 26,394.26 446.94 1.72 CSI 300 (CHN) 4,736.61 51.36 1.1 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 248.45 1.95 0.79 SH SE COM (CHN) 4,055.55 28.34 0.7 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 6,226.05 134.66 2.21 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 77,924.00 -187.24 -0.24 ASX 200 (AUS) 8,955.02 -23.67 -0.26 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 9,173.58 -7.5 -0.08 FBM KLCI 1,689.71 6.29 0.37 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 5,007.85 -13.35 -0.27 WTI (US$/BBL.) 92.42 1.13 1.24 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 96.32 1.39 1.46 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 4,831.70 8.1 0.17 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 79.86 0.23 0.29 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 2,134.35 20.6 0.97 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 615.2 0.7 0.11 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 13,247.50 -37 -0.28 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 460.5 0 0 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 608.25 6.5 1.08 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 67.89 0.58 0.86 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 3,527.00 -36 -1.01 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 202.9 -0.1 -0.05World Stocks/CommoditiesAs at 6pm, Apr 16.STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) WCT-C51 0.020 -86.67 7,500 YINSON-C60 0.025 -83.33 4,500 HSI-CWOT 0.005 -80.00 660 NATGATE-C9 0.035 -76.67 1,000 HSI-PWPT 0.005 -75.00 3,810 MNC-PA 0.010 -75.00 6 YINSON-C51 0.005 -75.00 37,018 DUFU-C12 0.045 -70.00 55,822 AMBANK-C54 0.040 -69.23 65 DPS-WC 0.005 -66.67 461 SUPERMX-C5H 0.005 -66.67 3,456 WONG-WA 0.005 -66.67 22 ECOSHOP-C6 0.055 -63.33 20 SUNMED-CM 0.055 -63.33 100 ABMB-C26 0.010 -60.00 12,500 ATECH-CS 0.060 -60.00 2,500 SIMEPROP-C59 0.060 -60.00 200 HSTECH-H47 0.085 -54.05 11,400 BCMALL 0.005 -50.00 5,301 CWG-WA 0.005 -50.00 982Top 20 Losers (By %)STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) MPI 33.980 +0.980 3,934 F&N 30.680 +0.580 1,184 UTDPLT 33.560 +0.560 2,466 UMSINT 5.900 +0.400 111 LWSABAH 1.480 +0.340 118,226 KESM 3.350 +0.280 3,764 SAM 3.700 +0.250 7,825 FRONTKN 4.400 +0.210 161,647 LYSAGHT 2.450 +0.210 20 PENTA 3.770 +0.210 57,877 DLADY 32.200 +0.200 95 HLBANK 22.200 +0.200 17,706 KGB 5.630 +0.190 56,577 KGB-WB 4.200 +0.190 19,265 MCEMENT 7.100 +0.190 10,809 BKAWAN 21.200 +0.180 5 GAMUDA 4.310 +0.180 217,426 99SMART 3.570 +0.160 71,318 DUFU 1.560 +0.160 247,976 SUNCON 7.050 +0.160 58,717Top 20 Gainers (By RM)STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) KPJ-C24 0.030 +500.00 201 DUFU-C4 0.020 +300.00 1,610 LWSABAH-CA 0.115 +228.57 89,953 INARI-C4K 0.045 +200.00 4,435 INARI-C4I 0.040 +166.67 23,060 MI-C36 0.090 +125.00 110 99SMART-C31 0.020 +100.00 17,464 AXIATA-C1P 0.010 +100.00 3,380 DUFU-C2 0.030 +100.00 15,869 DUFU-C7 0.030 +100.00 26,600 DUFU-C8 0.030 +100.00 52,938 FRONTKN-C51 0.010 +100.00 8,690 HONGSENG 0.010 +100.00 1,702 HSI-CWMI 0.010 +100.00 700 IJM-C1R 0.010 +100.00 2 INARI-C3Y 0.020 +100.00 300 LCTITAN-C2 0.010 +100.00 1,762 MASTEEL-WB 0.010 +100.00 2,000 MOBILIA-WB 0.010 +100.00 179 PHB 0.010 +100.00 3,050Top 20 Gainers (By %)INDEX CHANGEFBMEMAS 12,471.60 +62.36 FBMKLCI 1,689.71 +6.29 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 512.92 +5.18 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 188.10 +0.51 CONSTRUCTION 281.92 +7.43 FINANCIAL SERVICES 19,715.80 +67.47 ENERGY 817.22 -6.79 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 423.90 +1.34 HEALTH CARE 1,599.72 -1.39 TRANSPORTATION 998.92 +3.11 PROPERTY 1,170.40 +13.45 PLANTATION 8,899.67 -2.96 FBMSHA 12,406.80 +74.77 FBMACE 4,546.28 +36.29 TECHNOLOGY 58.64 +1.63 TURNOVER: 3.771 bil VALUE: RM3.457 bilBursa rallies to end higher, lifted by improved sentimentBURSA Malaysia rebounded from early losses to close higher yesterday supported by a more stable global backdrop amid rising hopes of an easing in US-Iran tensions following renewed talks. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI rose 6.29 points, or 0.37%, to 1,689.71 from Wednesday’s close of 1,683.42. The benchmark index opened 1.44 points higher at 1,684.86 and moved between 1,682.81 and 1,690.83 throughout the day. In the broader market, gainers outpaced losers 753 to 486, while 531 counters were unchanged, 961 untraded and 23 suspended. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the FBM KLCI ended higher, supported by improving sentiment as hopes rose for an easing of US-Iran tensions through renewed talks. Among heavyweights, Maybank and IHH Healthcare remained unchanged at RM11.06 and RM8.70 respectively, Public Bank gained six sen to RM4.66 and Tenaga Nasional rose eight sen to RM14.22, while CIMB was five sen lower at RM7.45. On the most active list, Borneo Oil, MMAG and VS Industry were all flat at half a sen, 3.5 sen and 19.5 sen respectively, Zetrix AI gained 3.5 sen to 82.5 sen, while ACE Market debutant Golden Destinations shed five sen to 40 sen. Among top gainers, Malaysian Pacific Industries climbed 98 sen to RM33.98, Fraser and Neave gained 58 sen to RM30.68, United Plantations rose 56 sen to RM33.56, UMS Integration surged 40 sen to RM5.90 and Lifewater jumped 34 sen to RM1.48. As for the top losers, Kuala Lumpur Kepong fell 42 sen to RM21.08, PPB Group slipped 18 sen to RM11.54, Gas Malaysia shed 14 sen to RM5.38, Ajinomoto dropped 12 sen to RM12.54 and Negeri Sembilan Oil Palms was down 10 sen to RM5.75. – Bernama1,689.71 pts Apr 16, 202616-Apr-2026-144.12-87.52+231.64Retail 27.79%Local InstitutionForeign Institution46.10%26.11%
BIZ & FINANCEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202620SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors.THE ringgit rebounded to close higher against the US dollar yesterday ahead of the release of Malaysia’s advance GDP estimates for the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26) due today. At 6pm yesterday, the local currency rose to 3.9520/9560 versus the greenback from 3.9550/9600 at Wednesday’s close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the Malaysian economy is likely to record respectable growth with a consensus estimate of 5.5% for Q1’26. Meanwhile, IPPFA Sdn Bhd investment strategy director and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said the higher ringgit is also supported by firm global risk sentiment that has begun to weigh on the greenback. At the close, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened versus the British pound to 5.3506/3560 from 5.3614/3682 at Wednesday’s close, it gained vis-a-vis the euro to 4.6551/6598 from 4.6594/6653 on Wednesday, and increased against the Japanese yen to 2.4848/4874 from 2.4890/4923 previously. The local currency traded mixed against its Asean peers. It climbed versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1069/1103 from 3.1095/1139 on Wednesday and inched up against the Indonesian rupiah to 230.5/230.9 from 230.7/231.0. However, the ringgit weakened against the Thai baht to 12.3473/3664 from 12.3098/3330 on Wednesday and edged down vis-a-vis the Philippine peso to 6.59/6.60 from 6.58/6.59 previously. – BernamaRinggit gains against dollar ahead of Q1 GDP estimates[Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information.FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.0225 3.8765 3.8665 1 Australian Dollar 2.8930 2.7760 2.7600 1 Brunei Dollar 3.1580 3.0580 3.0500 1 Canadian Dollar 2.9190 2.8380 2.8260 1 Euro 4.7400 4.5860 4.5660 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.3800 2.2920 2.2760 1 Singapore Dollar 3.1580 3.0580 3.0500 1 Sterling Pound 5.4500 5.2750 5.2550 1 Swiss Franc 5.1670 4.9460 4.9310 100 UAE Dirham 110.4400 104.7000 104.5000 100 Bangladesh Taka 3.3270 3.0990 2.8990 100 Chinese Renminbi 59.2100 56.6900 N/A 100 Danish Krone 65.0200 59.8200 59.6200 100 Hongkong Dollar 51.7500 49.1500 48.9500 100 Indian Rupee 4.3900 4.0700 3.8700 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0245 0.0216 0.0166 100 Japanese Yen 2.5470 2.4290 2.4190 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 43.8500 40.3100 40.1100 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.5000 1.3400 1.1400 100 Philippine Peso 6.7800 6.3800 6.1800 100 Qatar Riyal 111.2400 105.6000 105.4000 100 Saudi Riyal 108.0500 102.5700 102.3700 100 South Africa Rand 25.4000 22.9400 22.7400 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.3400 1.1700 0.9700 100 Swedish Krona 45.2000 41.1500 40.9500 100 Thai Baht 13.0900 11.6000 11.2000Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/BernamaITMAX wins RM603.5m JB deal for AI-driven surveillance systemsKUALA LUMPUR: ITMAX System Bhd, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered integrated digital infrastructure service provider, announced that its subsidiary Southmax Sdn Bhd has been awarded a RM603.5 million variation order (VO) from Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB). Under this VO, ITMAX will undertake the deployment of additional AI-driven surveillance systems across Johor Bahru with 15 artificial intelligence features. The VO will span 240 months. ITMAX System managing director and CEO William Tan Wei Lun said the group is pleased to have secured this VO from MBJB, marking a significant step towards further strengthening its long-term partnership. “This award reinforces ITMAX’s capability in delivering reliable, AI-powered smart city solutions at scale. The expansion of CCTV deployment, enhanced with 15 advanced AI features, will further improve real-time intelligence, operational efficiency, and public safety across Johor Bahru. “In addition, our collaboration with MBJB on the development of a digital twin solution is expected to enhance urban planning capabilities and enable more data-driven decision-making. “This includes leveraging our in-house developed traffic and city simulation engine, which allows authorities to model, predict, and optimise traffic flow and urban planning scenarios in a virtual environment. “We remain committed to supporting Johor’s smart city transformation and delivering long-term value through our integrated digital infrastructure solutions,“ he said.MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS UZMA, via its wholly owned subsidiary Setegap Ventures Petroleum Sdn Bhd (SVP), has secured three Coiled Tubing Unit (CTU) contracts from Petronas Carigali SB, covering operations across Sabah, Sarawak and completion packages. The contracts, spanning five years from February 2026 to February 2031, encompass a broad scope of well intervention, completion, idle well reactivation and production enhancement services within development and production phases. While contract values were not disclosed given the call-out nature of the work, we estimate a potential cumulative value of RM500–700 million over the contract duration, benchmarked against similar CTU awards secured in November 2020 and December 2022. CTU is a key equipment in well intervention operations, supporting production enhancement and well maintenance activities. It enables the delivery of fluids and chemicals directly to the bottom of the well, allowing operations such as circulation, chemical washing and nitrogen lifting to be carried out without requiring a full workover rig. CTU services span a range of applications including well cleanouts, milling and acidising, as well as selected stimulation activities, providing a cost-effective solution due to lower mobilisation requirements and the ability to operate on live wells.Post-award, we estimate Uzma’s orderbook to increase to RM4.3–4.5 billion, translating into earnings visibility of up to five years. The contract reinforces Uzma’s position as a key well services provider to Petronas Carigali, backed by its assets, operational readiness and capability to execute complex high-pressure, high-temperature interventions.Outperform with RM0.56 TP. – PublicInvest Research, April 16LBS holds 1,136 acres of land in Johor (29% of total landbank), and has begun selectively disposing some of these assets. The proceeds of RrM110 million from the recent sale of its prime land in Johor Bahru will be redeployed into other projects, primarily Kwasa. This reflects a shift toward capital recycling, prioritising developments with higher GDV density and stronger demand visibility in the Klang Valley – given its established track record and experience in this area. Management also indicated that it remains open to further land disposals in Johor, should a similar opportunity arise at attractive valuations.Kwasa is expected to be a key medium-term catalyst for LBS. Land and infrastructure cost of RM1.2 billion, against a GDV of .RM8.3 billion, implies an attractive land cost-to-GDV ratio of 14%. More importantly, infrastructure obligations are largely handled by the master developer, allowing LBS to utilise a higher proportion of land (almost 90% efficiency vs a typical 50%) for development purposes. Management also sees this parcel as potentially being one of the last residential pieces in Kwasa, which could support the project’s scarcity value and stronger long-term marketability.LBS has raised its dividend payout ratio to 40% from 30%, starting from FY25, in a move to better align with peers. We are positive on this, as it boosts the stock’s dividend yield and signals strong capital management discipline. At a 40% payout ratio, our DPS forecast of 3.7 sen for FY26 makes for an attractive yield of 8%.Management is targeting RrM1.6 billion sales in FY26, which we believe is achievable, given bookings in hand worth RM274 million as at end-March, as well as RM2.3 billion in new launches planned for this year. BUY with RM0.54 TP. – RHB Research, April 16MGB has secured its second main contract in Saudi Arabia, awarded directly by ROSHN Group Company for the Marafy Al Arous Development project in Jeddah. The contract is valued at approximately SAR32.98 million (RM34.76 million) and involves construction and engineering works for 75 villa units, scheduled to commence from April 2026 and complete in eight months. This follows MGB’s first main contract in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (SAR400 million) from Beetah Real Estate Company in Nov 2025, and several other contracts, bringing its total contract secured value in the Kingdom to SAR613.3 million. This award, in our view, will further strengthen MGB track record in the Middle East and expand its presence under Saudi Vision 2030. We understand that ROSHN Group Company is KSA’s leading national real estate developer, is a wholly owned entity of the Public Investment Fund, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with assets exceeding US$700 billion. Accounting for this new job win, the group’s outstanding orderbook rose by 1.8% to RM1.31 billion. Our projections show that this job would contribute about 2.9% for FY26 earnings, assuming a mid-single-digit pre-tax margins. Despite ongoing geopolitical tension in parts of the Middle East, business operations and development activities in key cities across Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Medina remain stable and continue to progress as planned. MGB is also the developer of the Kertih Terengganu Industrial Park, a prime industrial site spanning approximately 1,007 acres, strategically located on the east coast of Terengganu with excellent surrounding infrastructure. Outperform with RM0.78 TP. – PublicInvest Research, April 16MGB Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM0.78Uzma Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM0.56Source: PublicInvest Research Source: Bloomberg Source: PublicInvest ResearchLBS Bina Group Bhd Buy. Target price: RM0.54April16, 2026: RM0.48April16, 2026: RM0.41 April16, 2026: RM0.435
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202621FOREIGN tourists coming to Japan hit a new record in March despite another huge drop in Chinese visitors, as well as a fall in those from the Middle East, official data showed this week. The number of international visitors was 3.6 million, up 3.5% yearon-year, a new record for the month, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). Chinese visitors dropped 56% to 291,600 – Beijing warned people from visiting last year – while those from the Middle East fell 30% to 16,700 because of the Iran war. The JNTO said the total number of tourists was boosted by “the start of the cherry blossom season around late March, and school holidays coinciding with Easter in April”. Japanese locals and tourists enjoy the famed cherry blossom season, which is often in full swing in late March and early April. The tiny white and pink petals of cherry flowers, known as sakura, herald the start of spring in Japan, and full bloom ushers in a brief period of boisterous outdoor parties held by residents. Previously, Chinese travellers were the biggest source of tourists to Japan, but the figure sharply dropped after Beijing warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan.Japan-China ties have deteriorated since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November Japan might intervene militarily in any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan.China, which regards the democratic island as part of its territory and has not ruled out force to annex it, was furious over the comments.The number of Chinese visitors to Japan already tumbled 45% in December, nose-dived 61% in January and dropped 45% in March. South Korea has become the largest contingent since January. The latest data from JNTO shows the overall number of visitors from Mexico soared 70% while those from the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Vietnam jumped nearly 45%, respectively. – AFPJapan tourism hits record high in March despite China spat, Iran warForeign tourists walk through Asakusa area of Tokyo this week. A record number of tourists visited Japan in March, the official tourism board said, despite a sharp drop in Chinese visitors after the relationship between Beijing and Tokyo have soured. – PICS FROM AFPTHAILAND’S Songkran celebrations are drawing millions of locals and tourists alike, defying soaring fuel prices and rising travel costs. Major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are hosting large-scale water-splashing events and cultural activities, reinforcing Songkran’s status as a key tourism driver even as higher living and transportation costs weigh on travellers. Suweewiraya Wannasing, 38, who has been working in Bangkok for the past 15 years, has opted to remain in the capital city this year for the celebration to avoid the expense and hassle of travelling back to her hometown in Surin province.“After prayers, I will call my parents to pay my respects and seek their blessings for my future,” she told Bernama when met earlier this week.She said she would join friends later for watersplashing festivities and concerts, reflecting how many residents are balancing tradition with celebration despite rising costs. Songkran, observed annually from April 13 to 15, is marked by family reunions, paying respect to elders and ancestors and the ceremonial cleansing of Buddha images. Recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival is also a highlight of Thailand’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its vibrant celebrations and rich cultural traditions. However, this year’s festivities come against the backdrop of a global energy crisis linked to geopolitical tensions, which has driven up fuel prices and increased transportation costs. The Thai government has urged the public to adopt energy-saving measures and has introduced steps, such as maintaining public transport fares and ensuring adequate fuel supply, to ease the burden on travellers during the festive period. Meanwhile, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the Despite the ongoing energy crisis, Thais seem determined to celebrate Songkran with the same level of enthusiasm shown in previous years.Songkran festival brings together the best of Thai culture and contemporary celebration, reinforcing its standing as a truly global event.“With Unesco’s recognition of Songkran in Thailand as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we are proud to present an experience that is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing modernity, further establishing Thailand as a world-class festival destination,” she said. Songkran, one of Thailand’s most important and lucrative festivals, continues to play a vital role in driving economic activity, with businesses and local communities benefiting from the influx of visitors.As water splashes fill the streets and traditional rituals continue, the enduring appeal of Songkran highlights Thailand’s ability to celebrate its cultural heritage even amid global economic challenges. – BernamaThailand’s Songkran in full swing despite energy costsoThais refuse to let ongoing geopolitical turmoil dampen Siamese New YearSongkran Queen 2026 Jauwadee Bun Chea draws attention as she is paraded around during the national-level Songkran Festival 2026.A vibrant and colourful atmosphere envelops Wat Machimmaram as crowds throng the national-level Songkran Festival 2026, marking the New Year celebration of the Siamese community steeped in customs and tradition. – PICS FROM BERNAMA
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202622WORSENING wildfires, soaring heatwaves and rising water levels have prompted Greek officials to take a closer look at protecting priceless archaeological sites that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The monuments, scattered across the country, earn Greece millions of dollars in tourism revenue. But many of the sites are in rural areas and officials believe better planning is needed in case large crowds of tourists need to be evacuated in an emergency. After a three-year study by some of the country’s leading scientific institutions, the Greek culture ministry has earmarked 19 monuments that most urgently need protection against natural threats, with several more to be bolstered by 2030. The ministry said it is the first time a nationwide evaluation of this scope has been attempted. The sites under scrutiny include Olympia, habitually threatened by forest fires, the ancient theatre of Delphi, where rockslides are a concern, and the sanctuary of Dion, which is prone to flooding. Olympia Mayor Aristides Panagiotopoulos told AFP that protecting the birthplace of the Olympics, which houses the ancient stadium, a sprawling sanctuary and two museums, requires “constant vigilance”. “Our concern remains acute, as the area of ancient Olympia is extensive, with a large expanse of greenery and dense, often unregulated, spontaneous vegetation. “Despite the significant interventions that have been carried out, it is clear that they are not sufficient on their own to cover all needs,” Panagiotopoulos said in an email. In 2007, wildfires in Olympia decimated the natural environment around the archaeological site and left over 40 dead in the broader region of Elis. Panagiotis Lattas, the head forester for the region of Elis, said more recently, major fires have broken out in the area in 2021, 2022 and 2024. Lattas noted that significant rainfall this year generated additional vegetation that must be cleared in urban and agricultural areas before wildfire season. “This year, after a very large amount of rainfall – about 40% above the annual average – and with the hot and dry conditions expected during the dry season, vegetation will be particularly abundant,” he said. Long-term plan Greece has already reduced visiting hours at its most popular archaeological site, the Acropolis in Athens, to shield visitors from heatwaves during the warmest hours of the day. But the increasing frequency of extreme events calls for something more extensive. From 2022 to 2025, scientists at the National University of Athens and the National Research Foundation examined past and present climate and geological conditions at the 19 sites, looking at prior damage to help determine future vulnerability to extreme events. Exposure to fire, floods, heatwaves and rising sea levels were studied by a team of climatologists, geologists, engineers, conservators, architects and building material experts. In addition to Olympia, Delphi and Dion, they scrutinised Brauron near Athens, Philippi in the north, Mycenae, Messene, Mystras and the temple of Apollo Epicurius in the Peloponnese, Minoan palaces including Knossos in Crete, the ancient city of Rhodes, and Delos and the Heraion in Samos, which face coastal erosion. The National Observatory /thesundailyFOLLOW ON FACEBOOK/Malaysian PaperAncient Greece faces climate threatsoPriceless archaeological sites at risk from fires, floods, heatwaves, rising sea levelsPeople visiting Delphi, a Unesco World Heritage site. The Parthenon temple, an enduring icon of ancient Greece, at the top of the Acropolis hill in Athens. – ALL PICS FROM AFPA part of an ancient column in the archeological site of Olympia stands in front of the charred ancient hill of Kronos. re in ruralesy“Thisyear after a very large amount ofof Athens and the capital’s Demokritos research centre also contributed research on weather, wildfires and building resilience to the project, which was budgeted at over €20 million (RM93.2 million) in EU and national funding. The plan is to cover a network of 40 sites by 2030, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni told a conference in Athens last month. ‘Exposed’ landscape “Our homeland has a uniquely high density and wide geographical distribution of outdoor monuments, inextricably tied to the landscape, which are exposed to fluctuations in temperature, increased humidity, heavy rainfall and wind. “Climate change does not necessarily create entirely new risks from scratch. It usually intensifies existing ones, increasing the frequency and severity of such phenomena,” Mendoni told the conference. According to the culture ministry, new fire sensors at 21 sites are to be delivered this year, and fire protection plans drawn up for over 60 archaeological sites, the ministry said. According to official statistics, Ancient Olympia in 2024 drew over 300,000 visitors. Knossos had over a million and Delphi over 290,000. Delphi Mayor Panagiotis Tagalis said rockfalls on the AmfissaLivadeia road in November 2024 caused “serious problems for access to the archaeological site and museum of Delphi, as well as for the residents, employees, businesses and visitors of the wider area”. The culture ministry installed wire mesh to the side of cliffs overlooking the archaeological site, and the municipality said it had cleared a nearby rural road as a backup emergency route for small vehicles. “Twenty years ago, it was absolutely forbidden to create firebreaks... in protected areas. “Fortunately, the mentality has changed,” Mendoni said.A woman visits an archaeological site in ancient Olympia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Olympics.
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202623NCT’s Taeyong confesses ‘Aku rindu kamu’ at KL showoK-pop star makes glorious return to stage after military serviceTaeyong treating fans to his hit songs.Taeyong telling fans, in Malay, how much he misses them.Taeyong wants to explore Malaysia more, should he get the chance in the future.With crown and sash, Taeyong performs his popular hits for the sea of fans gathered before him.Taeyong performing for his Malaysian fans for the first time since completing military service in South Korea. NCT leader Taeyong (Lee Taeyong) made a powerful return to the stage following his military discharge, delivering an unforgettable performance at 2026 Taeyong Concert (TY Track – Remastered) in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday at Idea Live Arena.As the final stop of the tour, the Kuala Lumpur concert marked not only a peak moment in his post-military career, but also his first solo show in Malaysia since 2017. Facing fans he had not seen for nearly a decade, Taeyong became visibly emotional on stage. He frequently interacted with the crowd, and even expressed his feelings in fluent Malay, shouting: “Aku rindu kamu!” (I miss you!). Missing Malaysia“It’s been such a long time since I came to Malaysia. Your passion hasn’t changed at all. I really missed you and I promise I will come back more often to meet everyone,” he shared. Taeyong also revealed his personal wish to explore Malaysia more. “Every time I come here, the schedule is very tight. I’ve always wanted to visit Batu Caves, but I never had the chance. Hopefully next time, I’ll definitely go,” he said. Despite missing out on sightseeing, he delighted fans by sharing that he had tried local cuisine during this visit. “I had satay and it was really delicious,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience. Night to never forgetAs his first solo Asia tour since completing his service, Taeyong showcased a more refined musical depth and commanding stage presence, captivating thousands of fans in attendance, and creating an intense and emotional night. Opening the concert with high-energy tracks Locked and Loaded and Skiii, followed by Ape, Taeyong immediately ignited the atmosphere with his explosive performance. He later showcased his versatility with emotional tracks, such as Ruby and the addictive hit Tap. At one electrifying moment, he removed his jacket mid-performance, revealing his well-defined arm muscles, sending fans into deafening screams and pushing the concert to its first major climax.‘Saya sayang kamu’Taeyong also treated fans to a special performance of his new song Am I In Love Or Not, creating a sweet and intimate atmosphere. He further surprised the audience by announcing his upcoming new album is currently in preparation, marking a major highlight of the night. During the encore, he returned to the stage with the upbeat Love Theory, interacting playfully with fans and even tossing small gifts into the crowd, adding to the excitement.As the concert drew to a close, Taeyong once again showcased his Malay skills, asking the audience, “Korang enjoy tak?” (Did you enjoy it?), receiving thunderous cheers in response. He ended the night with a heartfelt “Saya sayang kamu” (I love you), bringing a perfect close to a long-awaited reunion that spanned nine years.
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202624@thesundailyFOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM@tMalaysian PaperBringing sunshine: Lenka begins brand new era with warmth, reflectionACCOMPANYING the announcement of her upcoming album Good Days, Aussie singer-songwriter Lenka has returned with a new single Sunshine Girl, a pop song that marks her new creative chapter shaped by motherhood, reflection and a renewed sense of optimism.“I started writing these lyrics when I was on a walk with my kids. As usual I had been trying to sugarcoat some terrible news from the world, keeping a sunny disposition whilst feeling down-hearted. Truth be told I am a moody person, but with a life-long attempt at projecting and manifesting optimism. The musical style for this song was somewhat influenced by 60s French chanteuses and Serge Gainsbourg,” said Lenka. Recorded in Sydney and set to be released on May 29, Good Days will deliver an atmospheric, soul-tinged pop sound with plenty of horns, strings and layered vocals. It marks a return to an old-fashioned simplicity, where musicianship and songwriting lead the way and authenticity shines through. Across the album, Lenka leans further into her identity as a whimsical indie pop storyteller that blends theatricality, warmth and introspection, while sending out a message of hope and love in an uncertain world. Good Days is poised to be her most vibrant and emotionally resonant music to date, embracing both lightness and vulnerability in equal measure. Recorded with minimal edits and effects, the album captures a sense of immediacy and human connection, offering a touch of comfort amid an increasingly chaotic world. Lenka’s unique blend of emotive, finely-crafted indie pop has long resonated with audiences across Asia and even Malaysia, where her music found a devoted following well before the age of TikTok virality. Her nostalgia-tinged sound and heartfelt songwriting have in recent years brought her back to the region for multiple headline runs, including sold-out and fan-favourite shows across Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, reaffirming that Lenka is no stranger to Southeast Asian audiences, both Lenka’s latest song is meant to cheer people up. – old and new. PIC BY DAVE JENKINS JRAlicia DC drops single IDM as debut album approachesSINGAPOREAN dance music artiste Alicia DC (Alicia Diva Chandra) has dropped the second single of her upcoming album named IDM, a song dedicated to introverts everywhere. It is part of her debut album Wanna Kiss, which is expected to arrive in late May.The single is a story about an introvert slowly opening up to the support system around her, which is made up of her closest friends and colleagues. The song was conceived one day when Alicia DC was at the studio with her peers. When they asked her to join them for lunch, she replied: “I guess, I, maybe, I don’t mind.” With an upbeat song like IDM, Alicia DC hopes that listeners will feel the urge to dance and strut along, and enjoy a light-hearted moment after a long day. From her debut EP Maybe (2022) to her most recent single Circles (2024), Alicia DC has displayed her versatility and range as a producer, from acoustic ballads to trap pop. She has also collaborated with various artistes such as Gabba, Ceratone and June Pan. Most recently, she performed at the 2025 Axean Festival alongside other rising acts from across Southeast Asia.Alicia DC is a singer-songwriter and producer whose music treads a thin line between a conventional pop music sound and blunt, authentic lyrics.Singer Shi Shi releases fresh track Falling in LoveGOLDEN Melody Award Best Female Singer Shi Shi is releasing a new English-Korean-Mandarin single Falling in Love, a nod to her Korean roots and a show of her intention to make more international music in 2026. The single marks her first time working with a whole Korean production team, a collaboration with production company Salpot Music Group. The R&B track conveys good feelings inspired by the dramas Shi Shi has been watching, and the emotions of gradually falling in love. “When I was writing the lyrics and recording the song, I found myself thinking of those male leads and smiling the whole time!” Shi Shi shared. Choosing to incorporate three languages, including Korean, English and Mandarin, in the single, Shi Shi also hopes to express the different emotions as accurately as possible within the local context of each language, allowing different listeners to relate to the same sentiment. “Whether or not you have a love interest, I hope oAward-winner’s latest trilingual R&B banger inspired by TV dramasCover art for the new single Falling in Love.everyone can feel the touching emotions and happiness when listening to this song,” she said. Falling in Love is produced by Korean producer Parkhyeon, who previously worked on Misamo’s Hmm and I-dle member Miyeon’s Petal Shower. The song was written during a spark of inspiration while Shi Shi was in South Korea recording demos and quickly completed within two hours alongside lyricist Erika Liu online. With this latest single Falling in Love, Shi Shi highlights her ambitions to continue making music for an international audience, paving the way for the next era of her music. Shi Shi is a third-generation South Korean-Chinese singer-songwriter who is based in Taiwan. Her artistry has been recognised in Taiwan at the highest level, having been crowned with the Best Female Singer and Best Album awards at the Golden Melody Awards. In 2020, Shi Shi also gained popularity with her title track Someday or One Day for the hit Taiwanese series Someday or One Day, one of the most popular dramas in recent years. In 2024, she also released a collaborative single Goodbye Spring with South Korean jazz artiste Lee Jin-ah, gaining attention in both Taiwan and Korea. Shi Shi highlights her ambitions with this new single to continue making music for audiences worldwide.
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202625Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa Date: May 8–10, 14–27Time: 8.30 pm (May 8–10), 3pm (May 14–27)Venue: Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC)Entry fee: RM60–RM75 Moka Mocha Ink returns to the stage with its latest science fiction production, written and directed by Ridhwan Saidi – blending literary narrative with digital technology and visual arts. The play unfolds in a future where humanity has vanished, leaving androids to inherit the debris of memory, love and time. Two androids Y-002 and Z-001 attempt to simulate the human experience and as they navigate longing, their physical separation grows vast – one descending toward the primordial gravity of the Bima Sakti’s core, while the other embarks on a pilgrimage from a dying Earth towards a new sanctuary.Rain Rave Water Music FestivalDate: April 30–May 2Time: TBAVenue: Bukit Bintang, Kuala LumpurEntry fee: TBA In celebration of World Labour Day, the music festival welcomes visitors from across the region and beyond to be part of a shared, cross-cultural experience in Malaysia –integrating entertainment with Malaysian multicultural elements, local creative talent and curated lifestyle experiences. Coorganised by Tourism Malaysia and The Fame as part of the broader Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism ecosystem, the festival uses the theme “Rave Rain” to reflect the strength of Malaysia’s creative industry ecosystem – reflecting traditional and modern creativity – while appealing to domestic and international audiences. Visitors can expect immersive environments inspired by rain, a diverse line-up of international and regional DJs alongside Malaysian acts, as well as curated local market experiences featuring Malaysian food, culture and creative expressions.Kota Baca 2026 Date: April 23–26Time: 7am–10pmVenue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala LumpurEntry fee: Free In conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, a national literacy programme will be held as part of a national effort to strengthen reading culture among Malaysians – to institutionalise reading as a social norm, in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration and the National Reading Decade (2021–2030). Here, the Malaysia Reading Map dashboard will be introduced, presenting nationwide reading and book purchase data. The event will feature a wide range of literacy, community, industry and private sector engagement activities – including a special Friday sermon on the importance of reading across Federal Territories mosques, BukaBuku by Keretapi Sarong, the Pidato Negarawan and 5km Book Character Run. C Spinning money on and on ELINE Dion’s fans are not the only ones excited about the megastar’s new tour in Paris. Hotels, restaurants and shops are hoping for a multimillion-euro boost from concertgoers in the French capital. The 58-year-old Canadian singer announced last month that she was returning to the stage for 16 concerts in the French capital in September and October, after a lengthy break prompted by a rare health condition. She could prove the latest in a series of stars to bring with them significant economic uplift from music fans, following Taylor Swift’s recordbreaking Eras Tour and as the South Korean mega-group BTS embarks on its tour. The Eiffel Tower was lit up to honour the return of Dion – who sings in French and English – and with the city covered in billboards and posters, Parisian businesses are hoping the tour will prove a major money spinner. Dion’s tour could bring an additional €300–500 million (RM1.4 –2.3 billion) into the city, said Alexandra Dublanche, president of Choose Paris Region, the organisation that promotes the wider Paris area. This includes ticket sales, hotel and restaurant bookings, retail spending and more, she told AFP, adding that international visitors tend to spend more than domestic travellers. When Swift held four concerts in Paris in 2024, the city saw an economic boost of around €150–180 million, Dublanche said. Dion has said she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder, and was forced to cancel her last tour dates due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ill health. The latest tickets for Dion’s shows went on sale on Friday, with an estimated half a million fans to attend the concerts, a third from overseas, according to Dublanche. Others have put the figure higher. MKG Consulting estimated the potential economic impact at more than €1 billion, including a The Eiffel Tower lights up to mark the announcement of concert dates and ticket sales for Dion’s upcoming 10 concerts in September and October. – PICS FROM REUTERSoCeline Dion concerts could bring massive windfall to ParisPeople walk past a billboard displaying a poster with the title of the song My Heart Will Go On by Dion on a street in Paris. Henry Butcher Art Auction Date: April 26Time: 1pm–4pmVenue: Level M, Menara Ken TTDIEntry fee: Free Presenting collectors with the opportunity to acquire outstanding works by renowned Malaysian artists, Henry Butcher will hold an auction featuring a selection of works by Malaysia’s modern masters Abdul Latiff Mohidin, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal and Datuk Ibrahim Hussein. In the earlier January 2026 auction, works by Latiff and Ibrahim achieved strong prices, successfully establishing new auction records and paving the way for the upcoming April auction. A viewing of the artworks auctioned will be available from April 18 to 25, from 10am to 6pm daily.EVENTS LISTING€180 million-euro boost for the Parisian hotel industry. MKG analyst Vanguelis Panayotis said the economic benefits could reach €1.2 billion if taking into account transportation, and all the associated expenses and logistics of Dion’s support team as well as fans. ‘Driver of travel’Swift’s Eras tour became the highest-grossing musical tour in history, with ticket revenues estimated at more than US$2 billion and hundreds of millions of dollars in extra economic activity in cities where she performed. “Major musical events are a driver of travel,” said Vanessa Heydorff, managing director for France at Booking.com. The hotel reservation site said that searches for Paris around the dates of Dion’s concerts increased by 49%. The Adagio chain, which has 10 hotels in the city’s La Defense district where the concerts will be held, saw a 400% increase in bookings. “This will be good for Paris because the capital is currently experiencing a drop in hotel occupancy rates” due to the unstable international situation, said Didier Arino, chief executive at the consulting firm Protourisme. Arthur Lemoine, CEO of the high-end Galeries Lafayette department stores, said they saw a boost in shoppers during Swift’s concerts, not only during the days when she was performing in Paris but also around the timing of gigs in the city of Lyon. “Dion’s presence in Paris for a month and a half should definitely benefit business on Boulevard Haussmann,” he said, referring to the high-end street that is home to Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store. After South Korea’s BTS announced two forthcoming concert dates in Paris, searches for hotels in the French capital soared by 590%, according to the Hotels.com website. “This phenomenon is part of a broader trend called ‘gig-tripping’, where the concert becomes the starting point but not the sole reason for booking a trip,” said Heydorff.
LYFEFRIDAY | APR 17, 202626breathe. It is not stuck in one lane. She Knows Too Much with Mac Miller lands for a different reason. Hearing Miller again feels surreal in a good way. It does not sound like a posthumous patch job. He still sounds present, still sounds relevant. For a moment, it is easy to forget he sadly passed in 2018. The chemistry carries the track. It feels like two friends picking up where they left off. Lots of funk, maybe too much The rest of the album leans hard into funk. Maybe too hard. Track after track sits in a similar pocket. Mid-tempo grooves, falsetto vocals, the same elastic bass tone. It sounds great at first, but over time, it becomes almost homogeneous. You @thesundailyFOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian PaperFunk overload on Thundercat’s DistractedThe album blends funk, hip-hop and R&B across a 46-minute runtime. – ALL PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @THUNDERCATMUSIC oAlbum offers some good highs but struggles with varietyŰ BY AMEEN HAZIZIThundercat is known for his high-pitched falsetto vocal style and his mastery of the bass guitar.notice the playing, but the songs themselves start to blend together. Even the Flying Lotuscollaboration, which brings faster, more chaotic production, still sits within that same overall feel. It is funky, just in a slightly different way. That consistency is part of the identity, but it also limits the range. Thundercat (right) continues his long-running creative relationship with Miller (left) through this release.ALBUM REVIEWNerd references, but it worksThere are a lot of references scattered throughout, especially to Star Wars.Anakin Learns His Fate stands out, and it is hard not to read it alongside Thundercat’s cameo in The Book of Boba Fett, where he showed up as a cyborg surgeon. It is not subtle, but it does not need to be. Another bassist, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, also crossed into Star Wars through the Kenobi series, which makes the connection even more amusing. These kinds of details could feel forced with someone else. Here, they just feel natural. This is what he is into. Underneath all that, it is a breakup album. For all the funk and humour, this is basically a heartbreak record. The early stretch deals with messy relationships and tension between friends. Later on, it turns inward. Anxiety, insecurity, the feeling of not quite having things together. By the end, there is a sense of acceptance, even if it is not clean or resolved. That emotional thread is what holds the album together when the sound starts to repeat. Hard to top the last oneComparisons to It Is What It Is are unavoidable. That album felt sharper and more varied. Distracted feels more locked into one sound. It is cohesive, but also narrower. There is a sense that while the album is focused, too many tracks sit in the same mid-tempo space. Final takeDistracted is a good Thundercat album, just not one of his best. The highs are genuinely strong. The collaborations land. The personality is still there. But over a full listen, the lack of variation starts to show. Still, if you like Thundercat, this gives you exactly what you came for – just in a slightly more concentrated form.STEPHEN Bruner, better known as Thundercat, has returned with Distracted, an album that delivers exactly what you expect from him – for better and for worse. This is a pure funk and hip-hop album built around his bass. Everything bends around it. The grooves are tight, the tone is warm and he still plays like someone operating on a different level. That part is easy to like. It is why he has always been such a reliable feature artiste, whether it is Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, A$ap Rocky or Bruno Mars. He adds funk and colour without crowding the track. But when an entire album leans this heavily into one sound, it starts to blur. Cool factor still intact Part of why Thundercat works is simple – he is just cool. The hair, the clothes, the way he plays, the way he sings. Even the way he moves between collaborators, from hip-hop to pop to something like Yo Gabba Gabba!, without it feeling out of place. There is a layer of confidence in everything he does, including when he is clearly messing around. If that was all there was, it might get tiring. But he balances it with something else. There is always a slightly awkward, romantic side underneath it. Someone who is still figuring things out. Distracted leans into that more than it first lets on. Highs hit hardThe standout tracks are the ones that stretch the formula. No More Lies with Tame Impala starts as a Thundercat track before flipping into something closer to a Currents or The Slow Rush-style groove. That shift gives it space to
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Pembida yangberminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Drafdi atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam.Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANKBERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butirbutir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:-Firma Guaman : WONG & LOHAlamat : NO. 44, CANTONMENT ROAD, 10350, PG, MYNo. Telefon : 04-2286989No. Fax : 04-2287989No. Rujukan : GT/LYK/PH/VN/AT/PBB/L/2025/039322 NoticesDALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALAKUBU BHARUDALAM NEGERISELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIAGUAMAN SIVIL NO. :BF-A72NCvC-342-12/2025ANTARAMAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAHHULU SELANGOR)... PLAINTIFDANLEE KIM CHOOI/SYAZMIQLEE BIN ABDULLAH (NO. 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DAN BAHAWA penyampaiansecara penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebutakan dianggap sempurna dan sah ke ataskamu selepas tamatnya tempoh tujuh (7)hari daripada tarikh akhir penampalan dan/atau pengiklanan yang mana lebih lewat.Dan Selanjutnya bahawa selepas tamatnyatempoh tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh akhirpenampalan atau pengiklanan tersebut, yangmana lebih lewat,sekiranya kamu gagal untukmemasukkan memorandum Kehadiran dalamtempoh tersebut, Plaintif diberi kebenaranuntuk memasukkan suatu PenghakimanIngkar Kehadiran terhadap kamu. Jika kamuberhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut,kamu mestilah hadir samada secara sendiriatau melalui peguambela kamu di hadapanMAJISTRET, MAHKAMAH MAJISTRETKUALA KUBU BHARU, 44000 KUALA KUBUBHARU, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN PADA21.04.2026 PADA PUKUL 9.00 PAGI. Jikakamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakimanboleh diberikan terhadap kamu.Notis boleh diperiksa oleh kamu denganmemohon kepada Mahkamah ini.Bertarikh pada 17 April, 2026.................................t.t...............................Tetuan Zainal Ithnin & PartnersPeguamcara bagi pihak PlaintifNOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh TetuanZainal Ithnin & Partners, peguamcara bagipihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas yangberalamat di No 7-2-1, Tingkat 2, Jalan MedanPB4A, Pusat Bandar Seksyen 9, 43650 BandarBaru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan.(Tel : 03-89250234/0244/0264Faks : 03-89250269)[Ruj : ZLT/MPHS/CTF3/LKC/212/19(NAR]DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALAKUBU BHARUDALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN,MALAYSIAGUAMAN SIVIL NO. : BF-A72NCvC-340-12/2025ANTARAMAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAHHULUSELANGOR)... PLAINTIFDANABDUL JALIL BIN BAHARI (NO. K/P : 530818-08-5943) …DEFENDANNOTIS(Dalam perkara Writ Saman No. : BFA72NCvC-340-12/2025 dan PernyataanTuntutan yang kedua-duanya bertarikh19.12.2025)Kepada : -ABDUL JALIL BIN BAHARINo. 25, Jalan 24Desa Jaya, Kepong52100 Kuala LumpurWP Kuala LumpurDan/atauABDUL JALIL BIN BAHARINo. 15, Jalan Seroja 5D/2Seksyen BS6, Bukit Sentosa48300 RawangSelangorAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Writ Samandan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang kedua-duanyabertarikh 19.12.2025 (selepas ini dirujuksebagai “Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutantersebut”) telah dimulakan terhadap kamu diMahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalamGuaman Sivil No. : BF-A72NCvC-340-12/2025ini oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULUSELANGOR yang beralamat di Jalan BukitKerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, SelangorDarul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telahmemerintahkan supaya Writ Saman danPernyataan Tuntutan tersebut di sampaikankepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti iaitudengan menampalkan satu salinan Writ Samandan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut beserta satusalinan Perintah bertarikh 26.02.2026 (selepasini dirujuk sebagai “Perintah tersebut’) dipapan notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala KubuBharu dan dengan menampal satu salinanWrit Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebutdan Perintah tersebut di alamat-alamatterakhir kamu yang diketahui di No. 25, Jalan24, Desa Jaya, Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dan/ataudi No. 15, Jalan Seroja 5D/2, Seksyen BS6,Bukit Sentosa, 48300 Rawang, Selangor; dandengan mengiklankan satu Notis PenyampaianGanti mengenai tindakan ini sekali dalammana-mana satu keluaran surat khabar “THESUN”. DAN BAHAWA penyampaian secara penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut akandianggap sempurna dan sah ke atas kamuselepas tamatnya tempoh tujuh (7) haridaripada tarikh akhir penampalan dan/ataupengiklanan yang mana lebih lewat. DanSelanjutnya bahawa selepas tamatnya tempohtujuh (7) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalanatau pengiklanan tersebut, yang manalebih lewat, sekiranya kamu gagal untukmemasukkan memorandum Kehadiran dalamtempoh tersebut, Plaintif diberi kebenaranuntuk memasukkan suatu PenghakimanIngkar Kehadiran terhadap kamu. Jika kamuberhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut,kamu mestilah hadir samada secara sendiriatau melalui peguambela kamu di hadapanMAJISTRET, MAHKAMAH MAJISTRETKUALA KUBU BHARU, 44000 KUALA KUBUBHARU, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN PADA22.04.2026 PADA PUKUL 9.00 PAGI. Jikakamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakimanboleh diberikan terhadap kamu.Notis boleh diperiksa oleh kamu denganmemohon kepada Mahkamah ini.Bertarikh pada 17 April, 2026.................................t.t...............................Tetuan Zainal Ithnin & PartnersPeguamcara bagi pihak PlaintifNOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh TetuanZainal Ithnin & Partners, peguamcara bagipihak Plaintif yang dinamakan di atas yangberalamat di No 7-2-1, Tingkat 2, Jalan MedanPB4A, Pusat Bandar Seksyen 9, 43650 BandarBaru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan.(Tel : 03-89250234/0244/0264 Faks : 03-89250269)[Ruj : ZLT/MPHS/CTF3/AJB/227/19(NAR]322 Notices 322 NoticesIN THE MATTER OF THECOMPANIES ACT, 2016andIN THE MATTER OFHILLCREST REALTY SDN. BHD.Registration No. 200201031856 (599521-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up)NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the contributories of the abovenamed Company will be held at the Liquidator’s office at Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on Tuesday, 19th day of May, 2026 at 9.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1.To lay before the meeting the Liquidator’s statement of account and to give explanations thereof.2.To decide under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company may be destroyed.Dated this 17th day of April, 2026.Lam Lee San (f)Lee Yee Ching (f)LiquidatorsNOTE: A contributory entitled to attend and vote at the abovementioned meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy who need not be a member of the Company to attend and vote in his stead. The instrument appointing a proxy must be duly deposited at the Liquidator’soffice, not less than 48 hours before the time of the meeting.Item Reg No Jenis & Model TahunAM1 CDY9018 FORD RANGER DCAB WILDTRAK 3.2 2017AM2 TBX1710 PERODUA MYVI 1.3 2018AM3 CDE460 MITSUBISHI TRITON 2012AM4 VDA8410 PROTON SAGA 1.3 2019FOCAL PARK SDN BHD (358698-H) NOTIS LELONG AWAM KENDERAAN UNTUK DILELONG SEPERTI SEDIA ADATEMPAT & TARIKH LELONG : East Coast Region (Kota Bharu, Kuantan & Temerloh) 22-04-2026 (Rabu) Pukul 11:00pagiTARIKH MELIHAT : SEBELUM TIGA HARI LELONG (Pukul 9:00pagi - 4:00petang)PERTANYAAN (Tel): Kota Bharu 07-7747972, Kuantan 017-4973133, Temerloh 012-428 7538FPAC - PELELONG BERLESEN : a) En Mohd Fawzi Bin Ibrahim (33155) & Mr Mazenan Bin Haji Mohamed (11/2025)Alamat : Lot 5198,Petak 41 Jalan 20,Kawasan Perindustrian Pengkalan Chepa,Fasa 2,Pengkalan Chepa,16100 Kota Bahru.: Lot 10869, Lot 10870 & Lot 10871 Jln Tanah Putih, Tanah Putih 25100 Kuantan: PT5101 & 5102, Kampung Megat Segama, 28000 TemerlohSILA LAYARI LAMAN WEB KAMI : http://www.focalpark.com.my(Perhatian: Kenderaan-kenderaan diatas yang tidak dibida dalam perlelongan akan dilelong semula pada 06-05-2026)Job Descriptiont#VJMEJOHBOETVTUBJOJOHTUSPOHXPSLJOHSFMBUJPOTIJQXJUIBEWFSUJTJOHBHFODJFTBOEDMJFOUTt/FXCVTJOFTTEFWFMPQNFOUBOECVTJOFTTSFUFOUJPOt$PODFQUVBMJTFQMBOBOEFYFDVUFDSFBUJWFBOEJOOPWBUJWFNBSLFUJOHDBNQBJHOTUPFOIBODFCSBOEWJTJCJMJUZBOEFOHBHFNFOUt$SFBUFEFWFMPQBOEDPOUJOVPVTMZJNQSPWFNBSLFUJOHNBUFSJBMQSFTFOUBUJPOTBOEQSPQPTBMTUIBUTIPXDBTFPVSQSPEVDUTTFSWJDFTFGGFDUJWFMZRequirementst41.MFWFMXJUIBUMFBTUUXPZFBSTPGFYQFSJFODFt%JQMPNBPS#BDIFMPSTEFHSFFJOCVTJOFTTNBSLFUJOHPSPUIFSSFMBUFEGJFMETt'SFTIHSBEVBUFTBSFFODPVSBHFEUPBQQMZUSBJOJOHXJMMCFQSPWJEFEt(PPEDPNNVOJDBUJPOQSFTFOUBUJPOQSPCMFNTPMWJOHBOEPSHBOJTBUJPOBMTLJMMTt1BTTJPOBUFJODMJFOUTFSWJDJOHt1PTTFTTPXOUSBOTQPSUBOEXJMMJOHUPUSBWFMt\"CMFUPTUBSUXPSLJNNFEJBUFMZOfficebased in Petaling Jaya(Five-day week)MEDIA SALES - SpecialistSend in your CV with your photo via email to : [email protected] SALES -Representative/Agent (Freelance)Requirementt.JOJNVNPOFZFBSTBMFTFYQFSJFODFJODMBTTJGJFEBEQSJOUBOEEJHJUBMBEWFSUJTJOHt5IPTFXJUIPVUTBMFTFYQFSJFODFCVUXJUINFEJBBEWFSUJTJOHLOPXMFEHFNBZBMTPBQQMZt\"UUSBDUJWFDPNNJTTJPOQBDLBHFBOEJODFOUJWFTt\"CMFUPTUBSUJNNFEJBUFMZt$FOUSBM/PSUIFSO4PVUIFSO&BTU$PBTUBOE4BCBI4BSBXBL302 Jobs 322 Notices 322 NoticesCALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADSKLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAHPERAK | PERLIS PAHANG |KELANTANTERENGGANUMS. Shoba /MS. BalqishTEL: 03-7784 8888WHATSAPP: 018 261 6626 MALACCA | SEREMBANMR. RajahTEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051JOHOR BAHRUMS. Anne LimTEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549 Virat shines as RCB go top of IPLVIRAT KOHLI was introduced as an impact substitute for the first time in the IPL and his 49 led defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comprehensive five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants yesterday. The 37-year-old Virat was only able to play as a batter due to an injury suffered in Bengaluru’s previous win over Mumbai Indians. After sitting out of the first innings, he got his team off to a strong start in a modest chase of 147 after opening partner Phil Salt departed for seven in the second over. Bengaluru raced to their fourth win in five matches with 29 balls to spare to move level on points with Rajasthan Royals, but top of the 10-team table on net run-rate. “I’m still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days now,” Virat said. “I started off well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off.” Virat, who made 50 in the previous match, hit six fours off new-ball bowlers Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav before he crunched his only six off spinner Digvesh Rathi. Virat looked in control but missed out on his fifty after being caught in the deep off Avesh Khan. Virat is the leading run-scorer this season with 228, including two half-centuries in five matches, but he is hungry for more. “The game has certainly changed,” he said. “I’m trying my best. I think I’ve done okay so far in adapting. “Early on, last two games, as I said, I haven’t been at my best, but yeah, I’m always looking to push the bar.” – AFP
SPORTSFRIDAY | APR 17, 202628LIV GOLF yesterday moved to reassure players and staff that it remains fully funded, as reports circulated that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing. The Saudi-backed tour has bitterly divided the world of golf since its 2022 launch, when several of the sport’s biggest names were lured to defect from the traditional PGA and DP World tours with huge-money deals. Rumours have mounted in recent days that LIV Golf’s deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project, which has reportedly cost them over US$5 billion (RM21b) so far. And multiple outlets including the Financial Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the near-US$1-trillion (RM4.2t) Saudi sovereign wealth fund’s withdrawal was imminent, all citing anonymous sources. “I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil wrote in an email to staff, including players, obtained by AFP. O’Neil’s missive came as players assembled in Mexico City ahead of this week’s LIV event, where tour organisers were presenting a business-as-usual front. The tour posted first-round tee times as usual, and even poked fun at the rumours on social media. “Slow news day? We are on,” said one post, alongside an image with the words “Breaking news. Tune in tomorrow” and the Mexico City tournament’s starting times. “LIV Golf funding and operations are continuing as planned,” sources familiar with the tour’s workings told AFP, pointing to a doubling in tour revenue from 2024 to 2025, and recent record attendances in Australia and South Africa. But Britain’s Telegraph newspaper reported that LIV Golf executives had been called into a meeting in New York to discuss the potential fallout from a withdrawal of Saudi funding. The speculation comes as the Saudi fund on Wednesday unveiled a new five-year strategy that will reorganise its investments – an announcement that came against the backdrop of war in the Middle East. Cracks have appeared in LIV Golf’s player roster, as five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Patrick Reed have recently ditched LIV for returns to the PGA Tour. If the LIV Golf tour were to cease operations, it is not clear how it would affect its remaining players. LIV star Sergio Garcia told a press conference in Mexico City that players “haven’t heard anything” since the start of the year, when wealth fund’s leader Yasir alRumayyan told golfers “that he’s behind us, that they have a long-term project.” – AFPIN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA ATSHAH ALAMIN THE STATE OFSELANGOR DARUL EHSAN(COMMERCIAL DIVISION)COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.:BA-28NCC-258-04/2026In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) and (h)and Section 466(1)(a) of the CompaniesAct, 2016AndIn the matter of Nature EnvironmentProducts Sdn Bhd (Registration No.:200001005146)AndIn the matter of Companies (Winding-Up)Rules 1972BetweenUNITED OVERSEAS BANK (MALAYSIA)BHD(REGISTRATION NO.: 199301017069)…PETITIONERAndNATURE ENVIRONMENTPRODUCTS SDN BHD(REGISTRATION NO.: 200001005146)…RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a petitionfor the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Courtwas, on the 8th day of April, 2026presented by UNITED OVERSEAS BANK(MALAYSIA) BHD (REGISTRATION NO.:199301017069). And that the saidpetition is directed to be heard before theCourt sitting at Shah Alam at 9.30 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 6th day of July, 2026; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to supportor oppose the making of an order on thesaid Petition may appear at the time ofhearing by himself or his counsel for thatpurpose; and a copy of the petition will befurnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the sameby the undersigned on payment of theregulated charge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is at Level 22,UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, No. 7, JalanRaja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs.Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468-11E(2),2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan SultanAzlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200Kuala Lumpur.sgd.................................................Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & HueySolicitors for the PetitionerNote:Any person who intends to appear onthe hearing of the said Petition mustserve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of hisintention so to do. The notice must statethe name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of thefirm, and must be signed by the personor firm, or his or their solicitors (if any)and must be served, or, if posted, mustbe sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelveo’clock noon on the 5th day of July, 2026(the day before the day appointed for thehearing of the Petition).(Tel: 03-92122688)(Fax No: 03-40440448)(Email: [email protected])(Ref: ASX/LKS/GL05/UOBNEPSB/250097)IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA ATSHAH ALAMIN THE STATE OFSELANGOR DARUL EHSAN(COMMERCIAL DIVISION)COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.:BA-28NCC-259-04/2026In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) and (h)and Section 466(1)(a) of the CompaniesAct, 2016AndIn the matter of Arissto (Malaysia) SdnBhd (Registration No.: 200501000217)AndIn the matter of Companies (Winding-Up)Rules 1972BetweenUNITED OVERSEAS BANK(MALAYSIA) BHD(REGISTRATION NO.: 199301017069)…PETITIONERAndARISSTO (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD(REGISTRATION NO.: 200501000217)…RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a petitionfor the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Courtwas, on the 8th day of April, 2026presented by UNITED OVERSEAS BANK(MALAYSIA) BHD (REGISTRATION NO.:199301017069). And that the saidpetition is directed to be heard before theCourt sitting at Shah Alam at 9.30 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 6th day of July, 2026; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to supportor oppose the making of an order on thesaid Petition may appear at the time ofhearing by himself or his counsel for thatpurpose; and a copy of the petition will befurnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the sameby the undersigned on payment of theregulated charge for the same.The Petitioner’s address is at Level 22,UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, No. 7, JalanRaja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs.Kee Sern, Siu & Huey of No. 468-11E(2),2nd Floor, Block C, Rivercity, Jalan SultanAzlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), 51200Kuala Lumpur.sgd.................................................Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & HueySolicitors for the PetitionerNote:Any person who intends to appear onthe hearing of the said Petition mustserve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of hisintention so to do. The notice must statethe name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of thefirm, and must be signed by the personor firm, or his or their solicitors (if any)and must be served, or, if posted, mustbe sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelveo’clock noon on the 5th day of July, 2026(the day before the day appointed for thehearing of the Petition).(Tel: 03-92122688)(Fax No: 03-40440448)(Email: [email protected])(Ref: ASX/LKS/GL05/UOB-ASB/250098)IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA ATSHAH ALAMIN THE STATE OF SELANGOR,MALAYSIACOMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITIONNO. BA-28NCC-204-03/2026In the matter of the Companies Act2016ANDIn the matter of Section 465 andSection 466 of the Companies Act2016ANDIn the matter of Bina Puri SdnBhd [Company Registration No.197501001598 (23296-X)]BETWEENLYSAGHT CORRUGATED PIPE SDNBHD[Company Registration No.197201001314 (12941-P)]… PETITIONERANDBINA PURI SDN BHD[Company Registration No.197501001598 (23296-X)]… RESPONDENTADVERTISEMENT OF PETITIONNOTICE is hereby given that a Petitionfor the Winding-Up of the abovenamedCompany, BINA PURI SDN BHDby the High Court was, on the 24thMarch 2026, presented by LYSAGHTCORRUGATED PIPE SDN BHD, andthat the said Petition is directed to beheard before the Court sitting at theHigh Court of Malaya at Shah Alamat 9.30 am, on the 22nd June 2026;and any creditor or contributory of thesaid Company desiring to support oroppose the making of an Order on thesaid Petition may appear at the time ofhearing by himself or his Counsel forthat purpose; and a copy of the Petitionwill be furnished to any creditor orcontributory of the said Companyrequiring the same by the undersignedon payment of the regulated charge forthe same. The Petitioner’s registered addressis at No. W11-21 11th Floor, AmpcorpBusiness Suite, Menara Melawangi,No. 18, Jalan Persiaran Barat, 46050Petaling Jaya, Selangor.The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs.Ming & Partners of S-7-12,Wisma YNH,Kiara 163, No. 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont’Kiara 50480 Kuala Lumpur.MESSRS. MING & PARTNERSSolicitors for the PetitionerNote:Any person who intends to appearon the hearing of the said Petitionmust serve on or send by post tothe abovenamed Solicitors for thePetitioner, notice in writing of hisintention so to do. The notice must statethe name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of thefirm, and must be signed by the personor firm, or his or their Solicitors (if any)and must be served, or, if posted, mustbe sent by post in sufficient time toreach the abovenamed not later thantwelve o’clock noon of the day 21stJune 2026.Tel No.: 03-6411 9388Fax: 03-6411 9389Ref: KMW- 20230073Email: [email protected] MAHKAMAHMAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAMDALAM NEGERI SELANGORDARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIAGUAMAN NO.BA-A72NCC-82-02/2026ANTARATIANG CHIN KIONG[No. K/P: 850731-13-5891…PLAINTIFDANLIM SIEW SENG[No. K/P: 820416-10-5791]…DEFENDANPENYAMPAIANGANTI - BENTUK IKLANKepada :LIM SIEW SENGNo. 23, Jalan Setia DamaiU13/15M, Setia Alam40170 Shah AlamSelangor Darul EhsanAMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakanterhadap kamu di MahkamahMajistret di Shah Alam GuamanBA-A72NCC-82-02/2026 olehTiang Chin Kiong beralamat di No. 3F, Lorong Teku, 16A, 96000 Sibu,Sarawak untuk jumlah RM46,500-00 setakat 10/02/2026 denganfaedah pada kadar 5% setahunke atas jumlah RM46,500-00 daritarikh 11/02/2026 sehingga ketarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnyadan kos tindakan ini.Dan adalah diperintahkanbahawa penyampaian writ dalamtindakan ini kepada kamu kenadilaksanakan melalui iklan ini.Jika kamu berhasrat untukmembela tindakan ini kamuhendaklah dalam tempoh (21) haridari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini,tidak termasuk hari pengiklanan,memasukkan kehadiran diPendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamuingkar memasukkan kehadiran,penghakiman boleh diberikanterhadap kamu.Bertarikh pada 14 April 2026.Tandatangan................................................WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINAPeguam cara bagi pihak PlaintifPenyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklanini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagipihak Plaintif yang dinamakandi atas dan mempunyai alamatpenyampaiannya di No. 21-6,Block B, The Boulevard, Mid ValleyCity, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200Kuala Lumpur.[Tel No.: (03) 22018378][Rujukan Fail: L3 16403][[email protected]|[email protected]|[email protected]]322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAHTINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKAPENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.MA - 28NCC – 12 – 03 / 2026DALAM PERKARA SEKSYEN 465 (1) (e) AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016DANDALAM PERKARA MAC PLANTATIONSDN. BHD.(NO. SYARIKAT : 201101030006[958141-X])ANTARARHB BANK BERHAD(NO. SYARIKAT : 196501000373[6171-M])… PEMPETISYENDANMAC PLANTATION SDN. BHD.(NO. SYARIKAT : 201101030006[958141-X])… RESPONDENIKLAN PETISYENNOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERIbahawa suatu Petisyen untukpenggulungan Syarikat yangdinamakan di atas oleh MahkamahTinggi telah, pada 10 Mac 2026,dikemukakan oleh RHB BANKBERHAD.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebutdiarahkan supaya dibicarakan dihadapan Mahkamah yang bersidangdi Melaka pada pukul 9.00 pagi pada18 Mei 2026.DAN mana-mana pihak Pemiutangatau penyumbang Syarikattersebut yang ingin menyokongatau menentang sesuatu Perintahmengikut Petisyen tersebutboleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanyapada masa perbicaraan. SalinanPetisyen tersebut akan dibekalkanoleh pihak yang bertandatangandi bawah kepada mana-manapemiutang atau penyumbangSyarikat tersebut yang memintanyadengan membuat bayaran yangditetapkan.Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyenadalah di Level 10, Tower One, RHBCentre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 KualaLumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialahTetuan Taye & Co. yang beralamat diNo. 23F, Taman Harta Pertama, BukitBaru, 75150 Melaka.t.t.__________________________TETUAN TAYE & COMPANYPeguamcara bagi PempetisyenPERINGATAN :Sesiapa yang ingin hadir padaperbicaraan Petisyen tersebuthendaklah menyampaikan ataumenghantar dengan pos kepadaPeguamcara Pempetisyen tersebutdi atas suatu notis bertulis tentangniatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebutmestilah menyatakan nama danalamat pihak berkenaan, atau jikaia sebuah firma, nama dan alamatfirma, dan mestilah ditandatanganioleh pihak atau firma berkenaanatau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notishendaklah disampaikan, atau jikadihantar dengan pos, hendaklahdihantar dalam jangkamasamencukupi, supaya sampai kepadapihak yang dinamakan di atassebelum pukul 12.00 tengahari pada15 Mei 2026.(Ruj : ALT/MR/350/2023(1)) DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAHTINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKAPENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.MA - 28NCC – 13 – 03 / 2026DALAM PERKARA SEKSYEN 465 (1) (e) AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016DANDALAM PERKARA PANDAN PELANGISDN. BHD.(NO. SYARIKAT : 200401014324[652827-M])ANTARARHB BANK BERHAD(NO. SYARIKAT : 196501000373[6171-M])… PEMPETISYENDANPANDAN PELANGI SDN. BHD.(NO. SYARIKAT : 200401014324[652827-M])… RESPONDENIKLAN PETISYENNOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERIbahawa suatu Petisyen untukpenggulungan Syarikat yangdinamakan di atas oleh MahkamahTinggi telah, pada 10 Mac 2026,dikemukakan oleh RHB BANKBERHAD.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebutdiarahkan supaya dibicarakan dihadapan Mahkamah yang bersidangdi Melaka pada pukul 9.00 pagi pada14 Mei 2026.DAN mana-mana pihak Pemiutangatau penyumbang Syarikattersebut yang ingin menyokongatau menentang sesuatu Perintahmengikut Petisyen tersebut bolehhadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanyapada masa perbicaraan. SalinanPetisyen tersebut akan dibekalkanoleh pihak yang bertandatangandi bawah kepada mana-manapemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikattersebut yang memintanya denganmembuat bayaran yang ditetapkan.Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyenadalah di Level 10, Tower One, RHBCentre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 KualaLumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialahTetuan Taye & Co. yang beralamat diNo. 23F, Taman Harta Pertama, BukitBaru, 75150 Melaka.t.t.__________________TETUAN TAYE & COMPANYPeguamcara bagi PempetisyenPERINGATAN :Sesiapa yang ingin hadir padaperbicaraan Petisyen tersebuthendaklah menyampaikan ataumenghantar dengan pos kepadaPeguamcara Pempetisyen tersebutdi atas suatu notis bertulis tentangniatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebutmestilah menyatakan nama danalamat pihak berkenaan, atau jikaia sebuah firma, nama dan alamatfirma, dan mestilah ditandatanganioleh pihak atau firma berkenaanatau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notishendaklah disampaikan, atau jikadihantar dengan pos, hendaklahdihantar dalam jangkamasamencukupi, supaya sampai kepadapihak yang dinamakan di atassebelum pukul 12.00 tengahari pada13 Mei 2026.(Ruj : ALT/MR/193/2022(1))DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYADI SHAH ALAMDALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSANPENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.:BA-28NCC-228-03/2026Dalam perkara di bawah Akta Syarikat, 2016DanDalam perkara di bawah Seksyen 465 (1) (e), Seksyen 465 (1) (h) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta Syarikat, 2016DanDalam perkara di bawah Kaedahkaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972ANTARACS Panel Sdn Bhd [No Syarikat : 201201036111 (1020593-D)]... PempetisyenDANOSS Refrigeration Sdn. Bhd.[No. Syarikat: 202101018562 (1418862-H)]... RespondenIKLAN PETISYENNotis adalah dengan ini diberikan bahawa satu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat oleh Mahkamah Tinggi, telah pada 30/03/2026dikemukakan oleh CS Panel Sdn Bhd [No Syarikat : 201201036111 (1020593-D)] yang beralamat di Lot 5775, Jalan Seladang, Alma, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Shah Alam, Selangor pada 29/06/2026 jam 9.30 pagi.DAN mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang berniat untuk menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa bicaraan dan sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan.Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di Lot 5775, Jalan Seladang, Alma, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang.Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah WongChooi & Mohd. Nor, Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 27, 1st Floor, Jalan Maju Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.t.t_____________________Peguamcara PempetisyenPERINGATAN - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada WongChooi & Mohd. Nor yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum jam 12.00 tengahari pada28/06/2026.[RUJUKAN NO.: WCMN(BM)/CPSB/2025-590/ORSB (LC/sk)]DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYADI JOHOR BAHRUDALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIAPENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: JA-28NCC-60-03/2026Dalam perkara di bawah Akta Syarikat, 2016DanDalam perkara di bawah Seksyen 465 (1) (e), Seksyen 465 (1) (h) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta Syarikat, 2016DanDalam perkara di bawah Kaedahkaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972ANTARAMFORCE BIKE HOLDINGS SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT : 751410-H)... PempetisyenDANSML MOTORCYCLE SDN. BHD. [NO. SYARIKAT : 201301029865 (1059695-K)]... RespondenIKLAN PETISYENNotis adalah dengan ini diberikan bahawa satu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat oleh Mahkamah Tinggi, telah pada 30/03/2026dikemukakan oleh Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 751410-H) yang beralamat di No. 1485, Jalan Seruling, Kawasan Perindustrian Valdor, 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang.DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru pada 26/05/2026 jam 9.00pagi.DAN mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang berniat untuk menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa bicaraan dan sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan.Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 1485, Jalan Seruling, Kawasan Perindustrian Valdor, 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang.Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah WongChooi & Mohd. Nor, Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 27, 1st Floor, Jalan Maju Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.t.t_____________________Peguamcara PempetisyenPERINGATAN - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada WongChooi & Mohd. Nor yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum jam 12.00 tengahari pada 25/05/2026.[RUJUKAN NO.: WCMN(BM)/MBHSB/2025-546/SMSB (LC/sk)]LIV Golf reassures playersPours cold water on withdrawal rumoursIGA SWIATEK cruised to a straight-sets victory over Laura Siegemund yesterday in Stuttgart in her opening match of the clay-court season and first under new coach Francisco Roig. The former world No. 1, whose previous outing was a surprise early exit at the hands of compatriot Magda Linette at the Miami Open last month, saw off home hope Siegemund 6-2, 6-3 in the last 16. Swiatek parted ways with Wim Fissette following her second-round loss in Miami before linking up with Roig, who was part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team for many years. The six-time Grand Slam champion has struggled for form so far this season, failing to reach a semifinal. But Swiatek looked at home back on clay, the surface on which she has won 10 WTA titles including four French Open trophies, easily swatting aside Siegemund. The Pole, who received a first-round bye as the third seed, broke serve five times in total as Siegemund never threatened an upset. Swiatek will face either Alycia Parks or Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. Earlier, fifth seed Jasmine Paolini collapsed to a first-round 6-2, 6-2 defeat against world No. 79 Zeynep Sonmez. – AFPIga Swiatek defeats Laura Siegemund (not pictured) in the 2026 Boss Open yesterday. – REUTERSPICSwiatek returns with dominant win
SPORTSFRIDAY | APR 17, 202629Bad move! Carragher blasts Slot for benching Mohamed Salah against PSGJAMIE CARRAGHER has blasted Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah for a “nowhere near fit” Alexander Isak as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Paris SaintGermain. Liverpool required another famous Anfield comeback to flip their quarterfinal tie on its head after a dismal first leg in Paris but failed to come close in that regard, instead losing 2-0 on the night to PSG and 4-0 on aggregate. Slot opted to start the game with Isak, making his first start after four months injured, leading the line while Hugo Ekitike was on the right, chosen ahead of Salah, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Ekitike suffered a seasonending injury on the halfhour mark which meant Salah did get onto the pitch earlier than expected, while Isak was replaced at halftime after an ineffective 45 minutes. Carragher was not under the impression that Slot’s decision to drop Salah related to any grudge he might hold after the tirade the Egyptian went on earlier in the season, but was still left baffled by the tactical choice. “The manager will have his reasons, but Isak is nowhere near fit,” Carragher told CBS Sports Golazo. “Mohamed Salah didn’t play the first leg so he’s not like some of the players who played last week and then played at the weekend in the Premier League. “He played in the Premier League and scored a goal. He’s still one of Liverpool’s best goalscorers. He’s used to this system. Isak’s never even played with Ekitike before. “I don’t think Arne Slot is the type of manager who would be thinking ‘I remember what you did to me a few months ago, calling me out publicly’. “Certain managers in the past, maybe Alex Ferguson, might think something like that. I don’t think Arne Slot would. “Is it because he’s already announced he’s leaving? It’s something like ‘I’m going with the players who are going to be here next year.’ “That’s the only thing I can think of. Even that doesn’t make sense. It’s about the here and now. I’m flabbergasted.” The former Liverpool defender also lamented £100 million (RM520m) man Florian Wirtz’s regression in form, failing to stamp his mark on yet another game for the Reds. Wirtz seemed to have found his feet after a slow start at Anfield, scoring six and assisting five across the months of January and February, but he has failed to inspire since returning from a back injury. “He hasn’t delivered so far,” Carragher admitted. “The best way you’d describe him is that he’s neat and tidy. There’s no real punch at the end of it. “He looks nice between boxes, he’s a lovely footballer as you’d expect for that price tag. But, when you’re talking about the players he is up against in Vitinha and Neves, he couldn’t lay a glove on them in the first game. When you think of what Liverpool spent, they basically got nothing. We know he’s signed a five year deal, he’s here for a long term. “It’s only the second time he’s started with Ekitike and Isak. The other was the 5-1 win against Frankfurt. That bodes well, but it has been very underwhelming.” – The IndependentMan Utd’s Maguire out of Chelsea match after extra one-game banHARRY MAGUIRE will miss Manchester United’s Premier League game away to Chelsea on Sunday (3am Malaysian time) after being handed an additional one-match ban for his reaction to being sent off at Bournemouth. The 33-year-old was shown a straight red card at the Vitality Stadium last month for a foul on Evanilson, with Junior Kroupi scoring from the ensuing penalty as the Cherries secured a 2-2 draw. Maguire also missed Monday’s 2-1 home defeat by bitter rivals Leeds. England’s Football Association said fourth official Matthew Donohue submitted a report, saying Maguire insulted the officials as he left the pitch. Maguire claimed the offensive comments were not targeted at anyone. But the FA yesterday said Maguire had been hit with the extended ban and a £30,000 (RM156,000) fine. “It was alleged that Harry Maguire acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. The defender subsequently admitted the charge,” a statement read. Maguire’s absence adds to United’s defensive woes, with fellow centrebacks Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez also sidelined. Dutchman De Ligt has not featured since November due to a back problem, while Argentina international Martinez begins a three-match ban this weekend after his sending off against Leeds. The 28-year-old saw red for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair after a VAR review. United caretaker boss Michael Carrick was angered by a decision he called “one of the worst I’ve seen” and the club are understood to have appealed against the suspension. Teenager Ayden Heaven could line up alongside 20-year-old Leny Yoro at the back against Chelsea. United are third in the Premier League, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea. – AFP“SMALL island, big dreams” reads a poster for the football team of the Caribbean island of Curacao – the smallest country ever, by population, to qualify for football’s World Cup. Since Curacao clinched qualification with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in November, the 160,000 inhabitants of the Dutch island famed for its eponymous sapphire liqueur are riding the crest of the Blue Wave, as the national side is dubbed. The qualification is expected to give tourism on the paradisical island of white sand beaches, which received 1.5 million visitors last year, a boost. Visitor numbers were already up 13% in the first three months of the year. “Football is putting us on the global map,” Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, himself a former footballer, told AFP in an interview, predicting a visitor influx. Far from the luxury seafront hotels and Caribbean cruise ships that dock in the port of the capital Willemstad, a group of teenagers kick a ball around a dirt pitch in the low-income neighborhood of Fuik. The players are from a foundation for young people from underprivileged backgrounds set up by former DutchCuracaoan manager Remko Bicentini, who played professional football in the Netherlands and later coached Curacao. Neveron Alberto, one of Bicentini’s young disciples, dreams of being called up for the national team, but the road to selection is littered with obstacles for local players. The island owes its World Cup berth entirely to its Dutch-based diaspora, the president of Curacao’s football federation, Gilbert Martina, admitted. “All the players on the national team play in foreign leagues,” he said. The only team member born on in Curacao, Tahith Chong, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13. The most famous Curacaoan is perhaps former Ajax and Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert, who was born to a Surinamese father who played for the South American country and a mother from Curacao. The former striker told AFP he was “very happy” about Curacao’s qualification. “It’s fantastic that the island is in the World Cup,” he said. “In my day, (football) was not that big on the island but the players have given Curacao visibility. “It’s important for the future, for the next generation,” added Kluivert, who coached the Curacaoan side between 2015 and 2016. Curacao has been drawn alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast and four-time World Cup winner Germany in Group E, one of the toughest of the tournament. The optimism sweeping the island has infected the official fan store, where locals and tourists jostle for Curacao blue jerseys, caps and scarves. As he rings up sales Rovien Petronilia, the 21-year-old cashier, believes football’s greats will be humbled by lowly Curacao. “We will beat Germany!” he predicted. – AFPCuracao, tiny island with big dreams Ű BY WILL CASTLEEkitike to miss WC: Deschamps LIVERPOOL and France forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in his club’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his national team coach Didier Deschamps said yesterday. The 23-year-old crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg defeat to European champions PSG on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike’s) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” Deschamps said in a statement released by the French football federation. “This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team. I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.” Ekitike has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield for a fee of £79 million (RM410m) last year. Since winning his first France cap in a World Cup qualifier in September last year, Ekitike has been a regular in Les Bleus’ set-up, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his eight caps. “It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after Wednesday’s match. Injuries have been a major factor in a disastrous season for Liverpool as they sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign without silverware. “Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season,“ added Slot. – AFPInfantino confirms Iran’s World Cup participation FIFA PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino said yesterday that Iran will “for sure” participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the Middle East war. “Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” Infantino told broadcaster CNBC. “But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said of the team’s upcoming matches scheduled in the United States in June. Infantino had made similar comments in March, when he attended an Iran-Costa Rica friendly in Antalya, Turkey, even though US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that Iranian players might not be “safe” in the United States. Iran is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States – two in Los Angeles, one in Seattle – with their base for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Iran’s participation in the global tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico had been thrown into doubt by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on Feb 28. “Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said yesterday. “If there’s nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job,” he said. The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11. –AFPMohamed Salah reacts after Liverpool’s defeat to Paris SG at Anfield on Wednesday. – REUTERSPIC
SPORTSFRIDAY | APR 17, 202630REAL MADRID manager Alvaro Arbeloa was left incensed over a red card shown to Eduardo Camavinga in the late stages of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Bayern Munich. A thrilling first half saw five goals shared by both teams as Real took a 3-2 lead into the break at the Allianz Arena and had cut the one-goal deficit from the first leg. The aggregate score was level at 3-3 when Camavinga was shown a second yellow card for time-wasting following a tackle he made on Bayern striker Harry Kane. Following the adjudged foul, Camavinga picked up the ball and threw it away forcing the referee to book him. It was the midfielder’s second offence in the match and sent Real down to 10-men. Bayern subsequently scored two more goals to win 4-3 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate as the Spanish side were eliminated from the competition. Arbeloa reacted negatively after the final whistle and, despite calling the clash a “great match” he believed the decision to award a red card to Camavinga was decisive and “unfair”. To make matters worse, Arda Guler was also shown a red card in the aftermath of the final whistle. “That was a great match, this second leg,” Arbeloa told TNT Sports. “We put players like (Eder) Militao, (Jude) Bellingham, (Ferland) Mendy that couldn’t play the first leg, and we did a great match here. “We scored three goals, had chances to score more, but with the red card everything was over. “It’s unbelievable to send off a player for this action. It’s not possible in a player like that, match like that. We feel really upset, really angry, really disappointed. We feel all of this is a bit unfair.” Former Real winger Steve McManaman claimed that Real’s gameplan was “excellent” but they were hurt by moments in the clash in Munich. McManaman said: “Real Madrid are going to finish without a trophy again this season. History has always suggested that they will change the manager when that happens. “You feel for Arbeloa – his game plan was excellent, but a couple of moments cost Real Madrid.” Meanwhile, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise believes that the result would have been the same in spite of the red card. “The red card was late. We had built momentum before that, the game was going our way. Maybe it helped a bit but the game was still going how it was going.” Kane added: “There were decisions that went against us the whole game and the rules are the rules. It was a clear yellow card. “I’ve had a couple of those in my career that have affected me. The referee has to make a decision there and it went our way today.” Bayern Munich will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals with the first leg taking place at the end of April. –The IndependentRice doesn’t care about critics after Gunners reach Champions League semisDECLAN RICE was “delighted” with how Arsenal reached a second Champions League semifinal in as many years despite a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium against Sporting CP. Rice, who is being backed to drive Arsenal to silverware, spoke to TNT Sports after Arsenal’s aggregate win and addressed the growing “noise” around the club. Addressing the next steps of Arsenal’s European campaign, Rice said: “Delighted, so, so happy. It was a really tough test over two games but to go backto-back semifinals is an amazing achievement for this group and we want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final. “We’ve played Atletico already this year, it was a really good game and we know what to expect so bring on these last couple of weeks.” Rice was then asked if there was any frustration with the performance as the Gunners weren’t able to break down Sporting and guarantee a win at home. “Frustrating? Nah, we’ve just got to a semifinal,” he replied. “No frustration, positivity all the way. “Who cares what people think? All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks and we’re in another semifinal. I’m delighted. “You want to be able to score goals. Most teams that come here, we play against 5-4-1 every time so there’s a bit of perspective with that. “Every time we’ve played this season changes from a four to a five to defend against us so the spaces aren’t there as much. “It’s on us to find ways to score and break it down but we’re playing against top players every week. We’ll keep going, keep playing well, keep getting over the line. Bring it on.” The recent defeats have also raised concerns about Arsenal’s ability to close out the season with silverware and Rice admitted that the noise comes all the time when playing for a club like Arsenal. “There’s noise with everything, this is Arsenal football club,” he said. “There’s noise with every game, there’s scrutiny. “We don’t play well, we play good, take it with a pinch of salt. It’s a rollercoaster, no-one’s going to hand you anything in this game so we keep going and what will be will be. “Yeah, of course, you have to win every game. We want to win every game in the Premier League. Our record this year has been amazing, that’s why we play the game. “We’ll be ready for it (Sunday’s clash with Man City), we’ll be ready to go so how much do you want it?” – The IndependentŰ BY MICHAEL JONESŰ BY MICHAEL JONESKane lauds Diaz ‘moment of magic’ HARRY KANE praised Luis Diaz’s late “moment of magic” which delivered the killer blow as Bayern Munich eliminated Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semifinals yesterday. Holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage, Bayern fell behind three times on the night in the first half as record 15-time champions Real produced a familiarly strong performance on the European stage. The tie was level at 4-4 on aggregate when Diaz struck in the 89th minute to put Bayern in front, before Michael Olise added another in stoppage time. “I think even in the last 20 minutes of the game I felt like we were the team trying to make something happen,” Kane told reporters. “They started to tire a little bit, and it just sometimes takes a moment, a moment of magic, an unbelievable finish, or an unbelievable pass. “In this case it was two great finishes by Lucho (Diaz) and Michael (Olise), to finish the game off for us, and that’s what the Champions League is about. “Sometimes, you can be the dominant team and lose, so it’s nice to get through and win this one.” The England captain credited his side’s patience for helping them overcome Madrid. “The highs and lows throughout the first half especially was pretty unique,” Kane said. “We stayed in the game, we stayed patient, especially in the second half, we knew as the game would go on we would become stronger. “Physically this season we’ve been really strong in the last 10-15 minutes, and that’s kind of what happened today. We took our chances when we needed to at the end.” Kane’s first half strike made him the first English player in a top-five European league since 1930-31 to score 50 goals in all competitions in a season. “It’s a reward for a lot of the hard work that we put in, not just me, but the team,” Kane told TNT. “It wouldn’t be possible without the players around me and for me it’s just about keeping it going. “We’ve still got six weeks left in a Bayern shirt, we (England) have a World Cup in the summer and I just want to stay physically fit and sharp and just be out there to help the team.” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said his side were ready to take on PSG. “We believe in ourselves more than ever,” Kompany said. “We believed until the very end, never giving up after two tough battles against a great Real Madrid.” – AFPBayern Munich’s Luis Diaz (left) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the equaliser during the Champions League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match against Real Madrid in Munich yesterday. – AFPPICArbeloa fumes over Camavinga red card in thrilling defeat to Bayern Real anger, disappointmentReal Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga (left) is shown a red card by referee Slavko Vincic during the match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal yesterday. – AFPPIC
SPORTSFRIDAY | APR 17, 202631Pearly blow for MalaysiaBack injury forces women's doubles ace to witdraw from Uber Cup teamMALAYSIA have suffered a huge blow ahead of the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, following the withdrawal of women’s doubles ace Pearly Tan with a recurring back injury. In a statement posted on her Facebook page, Pearly expressed deep regret over her withdrawal, apologising to teammates, stakeholders and fans for being unable to represent the country in the prestigious team event. “I sincerely apologise for letting everyone down. I recently suffered a back injury during my last tournament, and I’m truly disappointed about it. “There’s nothing I wanted more than to be on court, fighting for every point and standing with my team. But this time, my body is telling me to stop, and I have to listen,” she said, adding that it “breaks my heart” to miss the competition. The 24-year-old revealed that the injury is not new, saying a similar condition three years ago nearly derailed her career. Pearly also shared that the past few days had been mentally challenging, as she struggled to come to terms with missing the Finals while balancing her commitment to the team and her longterm health. “It hurts so much not being able to stand beside my teammates and go through this journey together. Please know that my heart is always with the team, and I’ll be cheering for every single one of you,” she said. Meanwhile, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) also confirmed that Pearly will not be part of the squad for the 2026 Uber Cup Finals. National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the decision was made following a late assessment of her condition. “Pearly is not in a position to compete at the required level. We had to make a decision to ensure the team is fully prepared,” he said. With Pearly’s absence, Malaysia will be without their top women’s doubles pair, and her partner, M. Thinaah, is expected to be paired with another player for the campaign. Before Pearly’s anouncement, Thinaah had told Bernama that every opportunity to represent the country at the Uber Cup was a privilege rather than a burden despite the constant heavy expectations. “I think to play for Malaysia and to be on court is something really that we have to appreciate and be grateful for,” she told reporters. “I think we don’t want to put pressure on anyone. The main thing is to enjoy and just give your best in the games. And as for teammates, we are there to support each other,” she said. Commenting on the team’s early departure to Denmark to have a centralised training camp, Thinaah said the strategic move by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) would help strengthen the bond between the players. She noted that building team spirit is essential for a team event like the Thomas and Uber Cup and the eight-day training camp would provide the perfect platform for that. How well Thinaah copes without her regular partner will surely be a test in the coming days. The other women’s doubles combinations bound for the Uber Cup Finals are youngsters Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah. Malaysia’s women’s singles lineup will comprise K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Goh Jin Wei. The women’s team have been drawn in Group B of the Uber Cup Finals with Japan, Turkiye and South Africa. – BernamaKBS to develop comprehensive esports guidelinesTHE Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is formulating comprehensive guidelines to ensure that Malaysia’s esports scene develops within a safe environment. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (above) said a special committee comprising representatives from the ministry, its agency Esports Integrated, as well as the Ministry of Education has been established to draft the guidelines to ensure a healthier esports ecosystem in Malaysia. “If we do not provide a safe platform for young people to engage in esports, they will still play. We cannot stop them. “What is important is that we provide a platform and guide them towards healthier and more positive esports participation,” he said. He added that the committee also includes several experts, including medical doctors and psychiatrists. “Experts (medical doctors and psychiatrists) involved will provide guidance to young people on how many hours they should play, how many hours they should rest, as well as recommendations for engaging in physical activities,” he said. Malaysia previously won a gold medal in esports at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines in the Hearthstone category through Dr Yew Weng Keng, while the latest achievement was at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand through the women’s team category of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Elaborating further, Mohammed Taufiq said providing a safe esports platform would also ensure the welfare of existing athletes while helping to nurture current talents. He said talent development is not only aimed at participation in competitions, but also at ensuring national athletes can achieve greater success, including winning gold medals and bringing glory to Malaysia on the international stage. On the vast potential of the esports industry, he said Malaysia must be proactive in seizing opportunities in the rapidly growing sector to avoid being left behind in the tide of global modernisation. He added that the expanding esports landscape is also attracting foreign investors, requiring the country to remain competitive and adapt to an increasingly advanced era. – BernamaMALAYSIA is not taking lightly the challenge of its main rival, Thailand, which is expected to show a comeback at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup at Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur from May 16 to 23. National head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun said based on the initial squad list for the World Cup, Thailand appears to have retained almost 70% of its old players with the remaining list expected to be finalised by the end of this month. He said the White Elephant squad was also expected to seek a comeback to restore its tarnished reputation after its failure at the SEA Games on home soil last year. “I believe the Thai team will definitely want to create a surprise in Kuala Lumpur after losing in the last SEA Games. “We are always focusing on this tournament so that we can continue the momentum of success (in the SEA Games) to the World Cup this time,” he said when met at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup Tournament Draw at the Malaysia Sepak Takraw Academy Complexin Kuala Lumpur. At the draw, Malaysia and Thailand were not drawn in the same group for the Premier Division regu, team regu and quadrant events, thus there is a possibility of meeting in the final stage if each wins the group competition. Malaysia is currently seen as the favourite team in this World Cup, especially after winning the gold medal in the team regu by defeating Thailand and the regu event by defeating Vietnam at the last SEA Games. Meanwhile, commenting on the preparations, Ahmad Jais said the national squad is now focusing on analysing the opponent’s performance to assess their strengths and weaknesses before determining the best player combination. He is also confident that the advantage of playing at home and the support of local fans can help the national team maintain momentum and achieve success. “I believe that the support from all sepak takraw fans in the country in particular, will give the national team a little advantage in improving their performance and also achieving success,” he said. At the 2024 World Cup which was also held here, Malaysia emerged as Premier Division double and regu event champions while Thailand won the Premier Division team regu championship. – BernamaThailand out to regain lost glory: Takraw coachCHAMPIONS LEAGUE(Quarterfinals, 2nd leg): Bayern Munich 4 (Pavlovic 6, Kane 38, Diaz 89, Olise 90+4) Real Madrid 3 (Guler 1, 29, Mbappe 42) – Bayern win 6-4 on agg, Arsenal 0 Sporting Lisbon 0 – Arsenal win 1-0 on agg. RESULTSTerengganu not ruling out Semi Pro leagueTERENGGANU FC (TFC) have not ruled out the possibility of playing in the A1 Semi Pro League next season. Terengganu State Football Association (PBSNT) president Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the club’s management is currently looking into the matter, which requires in-depth research and discussion before a final decision is made. He said internal factors, especially financial constraints, are among the main problems that have always plagued the team. “This matter has not been finalised yet. We are studying the matter if we intend to bring TFC to play in the A1 Semi Pro League next season. The matter is not as easy as planning on paper. “We are currently conducting training on the matter. Internal factors, namely financial and so on, are the main things that have always plagued the team. It can be likened to diabetes that is always bleeding and never heals,” he said when contacted yesterday. Hishamuddin said that if TFC decides to play in the Division Two league, the focus will definitely be more on the football development programme, in addition to resolving various internal issues within the club that seem to be endless. TFC have previously been banned from registering players several times by the International Football Federation (Fifa) due to player payment arrears. Meanwhile, when asked about the team’s current performance, Hishamuddin said the Turtles are still on track to achieve their target of finishing the Super League in fifth place. “TFC are still on track to achieve the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of fifth place this season,” he said. TFC are currently fifth in the Super League with 32 points from 20 matches, with four matches remaining against Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC), Kuching City FC, Imigresen FC and Sabah FC. – BernamaSepak takraw squad head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun at a press conference recently. – BERNAMAPIC
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN MEMalaysian PaperRead iPaper at Malaysian Paperor download from appthe App Store or Google PlayTM.Malaysian PaperSCAN ME FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026Bullish GunnersMIKEL ARTETA said Arsenal’s progression to the Champions League semifinals can act as a massive boost for his side’s pivotal top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Manchester City. Arsenal made sure of their second successive last-four spot on Europe’s grandest stage for the first time in their history with a 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates, a week after Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time opening-leg winner in Portugal. They will now face Atletico Madrid over two legs for a place in this season’s final. Arsenal, who lost against Bournemouth last Saturday, were not at their best – and Sporting’s Geny Catamo struck David Raya’s post in the first half. But the goalless draw will serve Arteta’s side with renewed hope that they will not end the season empty handed ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (11.30pm Malaysian time). “One hundred per cent,” said Arteta when asked if the result can serve as springboard for their meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side. “This is a massive push to win the semifinal of the Champions League. It’s extremely tough and we know what we’ve done. We deserve it, fully deserve it as well, and we’re going to enjoy it because we deserve it. “My message (to the players) was gratitude to them. I know the effort and the commitment that they have put in. “There’s a lot of work behind it. We’ve done something that has never been done in the history of our club in 140 years, so that tells you the difficulty of that, and we had to do it in a very special way, missing a lot of important players.” Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole claimed that Sunday match between Arsenal and City will be decided by “mistakes” and “moments”, with Guardiola’s side “absolutely the favourites” to win. While City have found form in recent weeks, with big wins over Liverpool and Chelsea, Arsenal have stumbled domestically, exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton and losing in the league last weekend to Bournemouth. And though the Gunners secured a place in the Champions League semifinals, Cole was quick to “encourage perspective”, explaining that Arteta’s side “are not playing well” at the moment. Cole explained that “there wasn’t much between the teams” during City’s 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final, adding that he expected it to be the same this weekend. “I still think in this one-off it’ll be moments within the game, it’ll be mistakes (that decide the game). It’ll be edgy, blocked off,” he added. “Absolutely City are favourites. I don’t think it bothers them. He’s (Pep Guardiola) playing mind games with everyone else,” explained Cole, though he insisted that “if Arsenal can avoid defeat, I think they will win the League”. The Gunners have just six games left in the League as they look to land a first Premier League title since 2004, while City have seven matches to go, with the date for their game in hand against Crystal Palace not yet set. Arteta continued to be without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber through injury. Noni Madueke will also be a doubt for the match at City after he limped off with a knee problem in the second half. Arsenal headed into yesterday’s fixture facing criticism for their shock 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth which followed a Carabao Cup final loss against City and a dismal FA Cup exit to Southampton. But for the second season in a row, Arsenal are the only Premier League team left standing in the last four of the Champions League. And Arteta added: “There is a reason why we are the only English team in the competition, because this League and this schedule takes the hell out of you. “We are not perfect, we need to improve things, that’s for sure and we recognise that. But there’s value in what these players have done.” Sporting head coach Rui Borges felt his side earned enough chances to force extratime. He said: “The word ‘proud’ is the right word for all the players for what they have done for these two games. “I thought we deserved more and potentially extra-time. The character and the personality to fight one of the best teams in Europe was amazing. “We had the best opportunities and Arsenal didn’t create that much in our penalty area, here and in Lisbon.” – The IndependentArteta wants Arsenal to use Sporting win as boost for Man City showdownVirat shines as RCB go top of IPL -Story -on page 28shines CB goof IPL Story on page 27LIV Golf reassures players -Story on page 29Bad move!Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus (left) in action with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande during their Champions League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. – REUTERSPIC-Story on page 30Story on page 30Real anger, disappointment